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.
The Meaning of Life (Season 8)
Colm Wilkinson (Episode 1)
Air date: 2013-10-06
Overview: Colm Wilkinson reveals why an absence of faith never stopped him singing his most famous song - the prayer, Bring Him Home from Les Miserables, which was written for him - with total conviction.
Emily O'Reilly (Episode 2)
Air date: 2013-10-13
Overview: Gay talks to Emily O'Reilly shortly after she was appointed the new European Ombudsman.
Fr Peter McVerry (Episode 3)
Air date: 2013-10-20
Overview: Fr Peter McVerry tells Gay Byrne how work and the homeless inspire, motivate and fulfil him, and why the Church has much to learn from the poor about the real point of Christianity.
Celine Byrne (Episode 4)
Air date: 2013-10-27
Imelda May (Episode 5)
Air date: 2013-11-03
Overview: Now balancing music with marriage and motherhood, Imelda May tells Gaybo about the things, people, events and beliefs that give her life meaning.
