Brendan O'Connor

RTÉ

Brendan O'Connor has all you need for the weekend with time to pause and reflect on the week just gone. Featuring a selection of human interest, consumer and lifestyle stories, as well as keeping you up to date on the news stories that matter. Listen live Saturday and Sunday at 11am - 1pm on RTÉ Radio 1.

  • 12 minutes 15 seconds
    The Watchlist
    Brendan previews the best TV shows and films coming to a screen near you with Michael Doherty, RTÉ Guide Movies Editor and Fionnuala Jones, Podcaster and Presenter.
    8 February 2026, 11:00 am
  • 26 minutes 36 seconds
    “The first 2 years of my life were a gap – where was I for those years?” - Paul Cullen
    Former Irish Times journalist Paul Cullen is adopted and has written a memoir, ‘Outsider’, about meeting his birth mother, finding his birth father through DNA and only recently being able to piece together his first two and a half years of foster care using old records.
    8 February 2026, 11:00 am
  • 10 minutes 5 seconds
    Old songs having TikTok revivals
    Broadcaster Aifric O’Connell explains why certain older songs such as New Radicals’ ‘Get What You Give’, Aphex Twin’s ‘QKThr’ and Enya’s ‘Orinoco Flow’ are resonating with Gen Z and Gen Alpha and having a renaissance on TikTok.
    8 February 2026, 11:00 am
  • 54 minutes 42 seconds
    The Newspaper Panel
    Joining Brendan to talk through the Sunday Newspapers are Mick Clifford, Irish Examiner Special Correspondent; Mary Hanafin, barrister and former Fianna Fáil government minister; Jennifer Bray, Sunday Times Political Editor; and Graham Finlay. Assistant Professor of Politics and International Relations, UCD.
    8 February 2026, 11:00 am
  • 6 minutes 57 seconds
    “Fakeaways don’t need to be too fancy”
    Chef Maggie Roche from the Little Acorn Cafe talks Brendan through making takeaway food at home. She has delicious recipes for homemade loaded fries and fish tacos.
    7 February 2026, 11:00 am
  • 32 minutes 8 seconds
    Pat McCabe “Joy is the most beautiful emotion, it can come upon you unexpectedly”
    ‘The Butcher Boy’ author, Pat McCabe, has just been announced as the 2026 IPUT Writer-in-Residence. He talks Brendan through his early Monaghan days, his writing career and the joy of being a grandfather through the prism of five songs from Brian Coll to Skid Row to Gilbert O’Sullivan.
    7 February 2026, 11:00 am
  • 7 minutes 38 seconds
    “‘Memento Mori’ reminds us to live”
    Neuroscientist Brian Pennie once had a near death experience as a heroin addict. He now has a countdown calendar in his kitchen where he marks off the weeks he has left on this earth. He explains why reflecting on the motto, ‘Memento Mori’/’Remember That You Will Die’ helps you live life more intentionally.
    7 February 2026, 11:00 am
  • 40 minutes 14 seconds
    Mairéad McGuinness: “It was either my health or the race”
    Six months after she dramatically quit the race for the Irish Presidency, former EU Commissioner and Fine Gael MEP, Mairéad McGuinness, tells Brendan about the severe post viral syndrome that forced her to withdraw. She also opens up about bereavement, menopause, and gave analysis of global political events.
    7 February 2026, 11:00 am
  • 12 minutes 45 seconds
    The Watchlist
    Brendan previews the best films and TV shows coming to a screen near you, with Business Post film critic, John Maguire and freelance culture journalist, Zara Hedderman. Their choices include 'These Sacred Vows' and 'Is This Thing On?'
    1 February 2026, 11:00 am
  • 6 minutes 37 seconds
    Six Nations Preview
    Ahead of Ireland's opening Six Nations match against reigning champions France this Thursday, Brendan is joined by sports reporter Jacqui Hurley. She talks through the injury concerns, squad depth, and the relative experience of the two teams and which nation is best poised to win the overall tournament in 2026.
    1 February 2026, 11:00 am
  • 30 minutes 58 seconds
    "Watching my mother die was an arduous privilege" - 'Pretty in Pink' star Andrew McCarthy
    Star of 'Weekend at Bernie's' and 'Pretty in Pink', Andrew McCarthy talks to Brendan about his career as a Brat Pack star, and TV director. He also discusses the death of his parents, meeting his Irish wife, his long relationship with Ireland, and his first theatre role in 20 years, in Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible' at The Gaiety.
    1 February 2026, 11:00 am
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