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. Majella O'Donnell
Aired 4 May 2014 • 29 min
Majella O'Donnell talks about her battle with cancer, her upbringing and faith, as well as her marriage to famous singer Daniel.
2. Rory O'Neill
Aired 11 May 2014 • 27 min
Drag queen Rory O'Neill, better known as Panti Bliss, talks about his life, faith, spirituality, and willingness to defend his critics' freedom of speech.
3. Sean O'Sullivan
Aired 1 June 2014 • 27 min
Entrepreneur, inventor, investor and former Dragon Sean O'Sullivan talks to Gay Byrne about being more interested in values than profits.
4. Eamon Dunphy
Aired 8 June 2014 • 27 min
Eamon Dunphy tells Gay Byrne about the people, events and beliefs that have shaped his life and values.
5. David Puttnam
Aired 15 June 2014 • 27 min
Oscar-winning movie producer, Lord David Puttnam, talks to Gay Byrne in his adopted home in Skibbereen, West Cork.
6. Enda Kenny
Aired 22 June 2014 • 39 min
Enda Kenny talks to Gay Byrne about the people, events, ideas and beliefs that give his life meaning.