Best Sean Conroy Podcasts (2025)

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The Making of a Brewery (with Ned Guinness) 30:28

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6d ago30:28

30:28

The story of Guinness is one of great success, yes, but also turbulence. Together with historian Antonia Hart, Ned Guinness has produced a family history that doesn't shy away from the challenges faced, while shining a spotlight on some of the key figures in the ultimate success of the brand. Our story passes through events like 1798 and 1916, but …

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Lord Leitrim, John Twiss and the songs of our year (with Michael Steen) 30:06

26d ago30:06

30:06

Lord Leitrim, John Twiss and the songs of our year (with Michael Steen) This edition of the podcast is dedicated to the memory of Manchán Magan. Singer Michael Steen (a member of the An Góilín Traditional Singers Club) has developed an intriguing calendar of the year, which creates a journey of song through the seasons. Some of these songs are tied…

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Castle Island Colossus: Remembering Con (With Roy Curtis and Brendan Conroy) 57:36

2M ago57:36

57:36

At a packed Oak Room in the Mansion House, a celebration of the life of the journalist Con Houlihan last Saturday brought the audience on a journey into the work and passions of one of Ireland's most beloved scribes. Born in Castle Island (two words, he insisted) in 1925, Con became the heart of the Evening Press newspaper on Dublin's Burgh Quay. H…

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Grainne Shaffrey in Conversation: On Cities, Towns and Our Built Environment 1:00:56

2M ago1:00:56

1:00:56

Shaffrey Architects was established in 1967 by Patrick and Maura Shaffrey. Based on Ormond Quay,the practice has made a real and meaningful contribution to Dublin and beyond, with projects including 14 Henrietta Street and Wicklow Head Lighthouse. Fifty years on from Patrick Shaffrey producing The Irish Town: An Approach to Survival, Grainne Shaffr…

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Brian Kerr in Conversation: Drimnagh, Libya and Beyond 55:29

3M ago55:29

55:29

Brian Kerr's voice is instantly familiar as a broadcaster, and his contribution to Irish football is extraordinary. Born in 1953, his first coaching role came while barely a teenager. In the 1980s he would come to manage the team he had supported since his childhood, St Patrick's Athletic, before going on to historic victories with Ireland's youth …

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Famine Soup: Alexis Soyer, Trevelyan and The Great Hunger in Dublin 34:58

3M ago34:58

34:58

Padraic X. Scanlan is the author of Rot: A History of the Irish Famine. Framing the crisis in Ireland within the broader picture of Empire, this book brings much to how we understood the events that reshaped Ireland. While the crisis recalls rural Ireland, Dublin was central to the story, as the location of the Castle Administration and a bustling …

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#20.01: The Long Shot Live from Dynasty Typewriter 1:20:43

3M ago1:20:43

1:20:43

Sean, Amber, Jamie, and Eddie reunite at Dynasty Typewriter for 1 Night Only (?)!Recorded in front of a live audience on 7/7/25. Shot by the good folks at Dynasty Typewriter and slightly sweetened by Aaron Brungardt.

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Fighting the Flames: Captain James Robert Ingram 33:16

3M ago33:16

33:16

In 1860, a blaze in the Kildare Street Club led to the death of three workers and the destruction of an institution. Together with other fires of the era, this provided the imperative for a municipal fire service. While Captain James Robert Ingram's name is associated with the 'Whiskey Fire' of 1875, there were many other significant fires, includi…

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Tipperary So Far Away: Remembering Seán Treacy on Talbot Street 29:22

4M ago29:22

29:22

Niamh Hassett and Sean Nugent join me in this special edition of the podcast, exploring a wonderful Tipperary tradition on Dublin's Talbot Street. When the Premier County reach an All Ireland Final, hundreds gather to remember Seán Treacy on the morning of the game. What began this tradition, and why is it growing in popularity?…

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Mohair Suits in the National Ballroom: The Showband Era 31:33

4M ago31:33

31:33

This month brings the fiftieth anniversary of the tragic murders of members of The Miami Showband. This band, drawing its members from both sides of the border, was a defining part of the showband scene that withstood the changing musical tastes of the country from one decade into the next. Where did the Showband Scene come from, and what were its …

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'A Perfect Prodigy of Moral Horrors' - The Donnybrook Fair 35:11

5M ago35:11

35:11

The Donnybrook Fair is recalled in ballad and memoir as a notorious and chaotic annual event, but what really went on there? Over centuries, the annual fair drew revellers from near and far to Donnybrook, but a combination of social reformers successfully brought about its demise in the 1850s. In this story, we meet characters as diverse as prize f…

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Porter Wars: Patriotism and Pints (with Christina Wade) 34:11

5M ago34:11

34:11

Christina Wade's new history of Irish beer is a masterclass in social and economic history. In the context of Dublin, it tells us a lot, especially about the challenges that faced breweries in turbulent times. In this episode, we look at her chapter 'Porter Wars', and how unfair trade laws and domestic and international politics all shaped the prod…

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From 'Peelers' to Gardaí: How the Dublin Metropolitan Police and An Garda Síochána merged (with Paul Maher) 52:39

6M ago52:39

52:39

The first ever Kilkenny Law Fest took place last weekend. On its bill, a discussion with Superintendent Paul Maher of the Garda Historical Society. Paul did so much in the Decade of Centenaries to involve the force, and it was great to talk to him about the 1925 merging of the Dublin Metropolitan Police and AGS. This discussion takes in early Irish…

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Essential Tips for Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls for Seniors at Home 31:32

6M ago31:32

31:32

In this episode of Caring Conversations, Melissa Therrien and Shanna Hakala discuss the critical environmental risks faced by seniors, focusing on slips, trips, falls, air quality, chemical safety, fire risks, temperature regulation, and the role of smart technology in enhancing home safety. They provide practical tips for families to help their lo…

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The Animal Gangs: An Irish Peaky Blinders? 37:02

7M ago37:02

37:02

A nice mention for the podcast recently on Crime World inspired me to go back to the subject of the Animal Gang. Seperating fact from folklore, just who made up the so-called Animal Gang of 1930s and 1940s Dublin. Was there one gang, or does the term mean something much broader? What was the relationship between the Animal Gang and the turbulent po…

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Streets Broad and Narrow: Tony Gregory and Molly Malone 32:11

7M ago32:11

32:11

Tony Gregory remains one of the most beloved TD's in the history of the city. Lately, talk of the Molly Malone monument has reminded me of the story of Gregory's activism on behalf of Dublin's largely female street traders, and his comments on the statue of Molly in the late 1980s. Is it time to move her to a more fitting location, where Jeanne Ryn…

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Answering Your Top Home Care Questions 40:42

8M ago40:42

40:42

In this episode of Caring Conversations, Melissa Therrien and Liz Lewington discuss Ohana Care, a home care service that emphasizes personalized, relationship-based care. They explore the various services offered, the importance of caregiver-client relationships, and the unique approach to care management. The conversation also covers how families …

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Blueshirt Bluster? The March on Dublin 32:37

8M ago32:37

32:37

Historian Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc has just produced Burn Them Out, a history of the Irish far-right. One of its most intriguing chapters studies the Blueshirt movement, tracing its development from an association of veterans into something much broader. Studying intelligence files and reports, Ó Ruairc demonstrates the surprising level of violence asso…

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Leo Burdock and Ivan Beshoff: Fish, Chips and Revolution 23:00

8M ago23:00

23:00

Both Patrick Leo Burdock and Ivan Beshoff were revolutionaries, though in very different circumstances. These two names remain stalwarts of the Dublin chipper landscape, but did you know a branch of Leo Burdock's was raided in 1941, or that Ivan Beshoff lived to be over 100? From the Battleship Potemkin to a tramway strike in Dublin, this is the st…

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Aging Well: Preventing Falls and Promoting Independence for Seniors 29:00

8M ago29:00

29:00

In this conversation, Liz Lewington and Melissa Therrien discuss the importance of aging well through preventative care. They cover various aspects of senior care, including home safety, fall prevention, medication management, nutrition, staying active, mental health, and accessing support resources. The discussion emphasizes the need for a holisti…

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The End of Monto: A Century On 1:23:39

8M ago1:23:39

1:23:39

This edition of the podcast contains adult language and themes and is not suitable for younger listeners. This special live edition of the podcast was part of Abair, an annual programme within the Saint Patrick's Festival. Joining me is Caroline West (author of a recent best selling history about Monto and a sex educator and columnist), Terry Fagan…

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MedTech Innovation & Global Strategy with Sean Fenske 23:04

9M ago23:04

23:04

In the second episode of Business Beyond Borders, host Brian Conroy sits down with Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief of Medical Product Outsourcing and Orthopedic Design & Technology, to dive into the evolving landscape of the MedTech industry. They discuss the latest advancements driving innovation, the impact of AI and automation, and the challenges p…

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The Dawning of the Day: Last Orders at the Early House 32:05

9M ago32:05

32:05

In Dublin, just a handful of public houses now open at seven o'clock in the morning. Where did these early houses come from, and what has influenced their decline? On this journey across the city, we visit a pub financed by the Beamish & Crawford Brewery, as well as the historic fruit and vegetable market. Thanks to Brand New Retro for scanning SLA…

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How In-Home Care Supports Post-Surgery Recovery 36:57

9M ago36:57

36:57

In this episode of Caring Conversations, Melissa Therrien and Liz Lewington discuss the critical role of home care in supporting post-operative recovery, particularly after hip and knee surgeries. They explore the importance of preparation for surgery, effective pain management, and the need for professional support during recovery. The conversatio…

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How to Start Your Career as a Caregiver: Tips from a Recruiter 42:35

10M ago42:35

42:35

In this episode of Caring Conversations, hosts Liz Lewington and Melissa Therrien discuss the intricacies of starting a career in caregiving with HR manager Heather Connors from Ohana Care. They explore the various roles within caregiving, the hiring process, the importance of company support, and the balance between work and personal life. The con…

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A Complete Unknown? When Dylan came to Dublin 28:38

10M ago28:38

28:38

Bob Dylan's 1966 visit to the Adelphi Cinema is a concert on which there is very little agreement. Torn apart by one Dublin reviewer, many who were there describe the gig in different terms entirely. For many in attendance, it was an extraordinary experience. Visiting Dublin in a year when The Clancy Brothers were putting Dublin's story on the inte…

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Palliative Care: Compassionate Support at the End of Life 48:15

10M ago48:15

48:15

In this episode of Caring Conversations, Melissa Therrien and Liz Lewington delve into the sensitive topic of palliative care, discussing its importance, misconceptions, and the emotional aspects surrounding end-of-life care. They explore the differences between palliative care and hospice care, share personal experiences, and emphasize the need fo…

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The Role of Companionship in Mental & Emotional Wellbeing for those with Dementia 46:10

10M ago46:10

46:10

In this episode of Caring Conversations, Melissa Therrien and Liz Lewington discuss the vital role of companionship in the mental and emotional well-being of individuals with dementia. Joined by caregiver Jamie McGurgin, they explore the importance of personalized care, the impact of touch, and effective de-escalation techniques in caregiving. The …

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Traditional Singing from Dublin (with Macdara Yeates) 30:58

10M ago30:58

30:58

Described by The Irish Times as 'raucous, bawdy, reflective and wistful in turn', Traditional Singing from Dublin is more than just an album of songs. Inspired by figures as diverse as Liam Weldon and Seosamh Ó hÉanaí, this work has a strong sense of history throughout. Macdara Yeates joins me. You can stream Traditional Singing from Dublin now. Ti…

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From The Nation to Shane MacGowan: Finding James Clarence Mangan (with Bridget Hourican and Warren Farrell) 35:17

11M ago35:17

35:17

In Glasnevin Cemetery, James Clarence Mangan's grave lists him as 'Ireland's National Poet.' Today, he is a curiously overlooked character. His influence on figures as diverse as Philip Lynott and Shane MacGowan is explored in this podcast, where Mangan's biographer Bridget Hourican explores his life, and historian Warren Farrell discusses his rest…