Legendary broadcaster Ronan Collins reveals his favourite things – including the best place in Ireland and the TV show he could watch again and again
Ronan Collins
Movie
Goodfellas – the best example of an Italian/American opera without music. A wonderful ensemble cast and the superb direction of one of the greatest film makers ever, Martin Scorsese. What’s not to like?
Singer
Tom Jones has stood the test of time and is still well able to belt out the songs in his eighties – he did have some ropey songs in his time but then, who didn’t. May I mention Linda Ronstadt to keep things balanced, just listen to her sing anything and you’ll understand!
TV Show
The Sopranos is still running on Sky Atlantic and I’m still stopped in my tracks when I see it even though I’ve seen whatever episode appears many times before…. same with Breaking Bad.
Food
I’ve been a red meat man for years (I’m allergic to fish) so I’ve consumed a fair few steaks through the years. I’ve developed a great fondness for Italian style chicken and recently meatballs but not so much tomato sauce.
Drink
Sorry for the short answer but I don’t and never have drunk alcohol. So, all I ever drink is milk, water and occasionally a Sprite or 7UP. I’m always the designated driver but at least that means I decide when it’s time to leave!
App
Lately, it’s been Ryanair, Aer Lingus and Emirates- since I finished on daily radio, I’ve been able to travel a lot more. (and I’ve a son in Dubai so direct flights with Emirates have been utilised.)
Place in Ireland
Connemara comes to mind immediately. Wilderness, weather and wind with occasional bursts of sunshine and golf and enjoyable restaurants and good company. My brother has a house there and he invites us down frequently and it really is a great place to be!
Travel destination
I had a love affair with the USA for years. I’ve been there over sixty times over the years and this year will be the first time in nearly thirty five years that I won’t be visiting the states – I just couldn’t be bothered going there with the way the place has been allowed to go. Now it’s sunny Portugal for me, and it’s closer!
Childhood memory
Being in kindergarten school and time spent with my friend Cathal; we’re still friends to this day. My memories of those days are so clear and I cherish them to this day. Maybe it’s because primary school was alright and secondary was and is forgettable. It just proves I may have grown older but I’ve never grown up!
Best Thing About Me
I’ve been blessed with a great memory and I just hope that never deteriorates. It’s more than just facts and figures but I enjoy remembering people’s names and events through the years. Christy Moore said my memory is so good that I can remember things that never happened!
Following its resounding success , ‘REMEMBERING BURT BACHARACH’ returns for the 5 th Annual Celebration Concert to the National Concert Hall on Friday, 27 th March 2026. An evening of non-stop hits with Special Guests RONAN COLLINS and REBECCA STORM. Also featuring Eugene McCarthy Big Band, The Runaways, Karen Black and The Sugarcubes, and Melanie McCabe.
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