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 9)
Majella O'Donnell (Episode 1)
Air date: 2014-05-04
Runtime: 29 min
Overview: Majella O'Donnell talks about her battle with cancer, her upbringing and faith, as well as her marriage to famous singer Daniel.
Rory O'Neill (Episode 2)
Air date: 2014-05-11
Runtime: 27 min
Overview: 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.
Sean O'Sullivan (Episode 3)
Air date: 2014-06-01
Runtime: 27 min
Overview: Entrepreneur, inventor, investor and former Dragon Sean O'Sullivan talks to Gay Byrne about being more interested in values than profits.
Eamon Dunphy (Episode 4)
Air date: 2014-06-08
Runtime: 27 min
Overview: Eamon Dunphy tells Gay Byrne about the people, events and beliefs that have shaped his life and values.
David Puttnam (Episode 5)
Air date: 2014-06-15
Runtime: 27 min
Overview: Oscar-winning movie producer, Lord David Puttnam, talks to Gay Byrne in his adopted home in Skibbereen, West Cork.
Enda Kenny (Episode 6)
Air date: 2014-06-22
Runtime: 39 min
Overview: Enda Kenny talks to Gay Byrne about the people, events, ideas and beliefs that give his life meaning.
