About this season
The Meaning of Life is an Irish television programme, the first series of which was broadcast on RTÉ One in 2009. It is presented by the veteran broadcaster Gay Byrne. Each episode involves Byrne interviewing a well-known public figure. The series is broadcast each Sunday night at 22:20. In 2010 The Meaning of Life returned for both a second and, later, a third series. Interviews with former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and actors Gabriel Byrne and Brenda Fricker during the second series attracted media attention when they spoke of their religious habits and child sexual abuse respectively. Gay Byrne appeared on The Late Late Show on 18 December 2009 to discuss the programme. A fourth series soon followed. Then a fifth series from January 2012. And a sixth in October 2012. And a seventh in January 2013.
Episodes (6)
1. Andrea Corr
Aired 8 January 2012 • 27 min
Gay interviews singer and actress Andrea Corr, who discusses the challenges she has faced in developing a career as a solo performer, her happy childhood in Dundalk filled with music and starting The Corrs when she was 15.
2. Paddy Moloney
Aired 15 January 2012 • 27 min
The Chieftains’ frontman, Paddy Moloney, bares his soul to Gay Byrne.
3. Fr. Shay Cullen
Aired 22 January 2012 • 27 min
Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Fr Shay Cullen speaks his mind to Gay Byrne about the faith that motivates him to keep going in the face of evil.
4. Richard Branson
Aired 29 January 2012 • 27 min
Gay Byrne talks to non-believer, entrepreneur and adventurer Richard Branson.
5. Bob Geldof
Aired 5 February 2012 • 31 min
Bob Geldof reveals all to Gay Byrne about the people, things and ideas which have given his life meaning.
6. Mary Byrne
Aired 12 February 2012 • 29 min
Mary Byrne gives her “hero” Gay Byrne an access-all-areas interview about the loves, faith and experiences which have given her life meaning.