Luke “Ming” Flannigan and his father Luke Flannigan are on the show together. The intro to the interview is very good as it gives us the background information that we would need to understand the men and why they are being interviewed. For the sake of understanding easier, I will refer to the son as Ming.
We learn from the introduction that they are both from Roscommon, they are father and son, Luke was a carpenter and is now retired. Ming is an independent TD for Roscommon in South Leitrim who won a seat in the Dáil in last year’s election. This interview was pre recorded.
They first began talking about Ming’s 40th birthday on the following Sunday and about when he was born. They also spoke about his family and how he got his name. they spoke about what Ming as a child. I quickly realised this was going to be a very personal interview. It felt as though I was listening in on a family personal conversation and not listening to an interview on the radio.
Ming wanted to talk about his idol, John Kinneely and how he was an incredible teacher to not just Ming but also to every student that came through his door. Ming revealed that he dedicated a speech he made to Dáil to John. It was John that would have the radio on in class to hear election results and they would discuss it in class so it was John that got Ming really interested in politics at just the age of 9.
Miriam tries to then move onto talking about Father Michael Flannigan who was involved with Sinn Fein, however Luke didn’t remember him. Ming spoke about what he knew about him but you could tell he was saying a story he was told about but did personally remember it. Miriam clearly just brought this up for the sake of people knowing the family history but has nothing to do to do with Ming as a TD.
They went on to tell about Luke cutting turf as well as being a carpenter which brought about memories of Ming’s mother. Luke spoke a bit of him going to England to work as a carpenter and then Miriam brought up about how Luke and his wife met and the love Ming has for football. This brings about Ming speaking about his love of running and this led to him revealing he began running for his mental health.
They return to recollecting their family memories. Ming then dedicates a song to Michael Fitzmorris who is the chairperson of turf cutters and contractors association.
Ming tells how he met his wife and how she got his address to send him a Valentines Day card. He then sucks up to the family as he goes on about his ‘amazing’ in-laws.
Luke and Ming spoke about fatherhood and how the times are different now a day. Ming tells that he was a terror as a teen and how he looks back at it now and how he was charged with cannabis. They speak quite openly about his drug use and having it all in the newspaper. He was eventually put in prison for his use.
Ming wrote a poem for his mother’s funeral which he read out on air. They speak of their relationship with each other which is quite positive. Miriam wanted to know about Luke’s life growing up. He spoke so beautifully about it. They finally spoke about Ming’s political career and how he got to that position. Miriam was also curious about whether he has changed since he became a TD. Luke then gives his son some advice for his birthday and then they end with a song.
I found this interview to be very different to a normal interview. Most interviews that I would listen to would be on a certain topic and have a main focus; however this interview was very broad and very personal. I was shocked at how open they pair were about their lives and drug use even. Both men spoke passionately about everything they said and that kept us engaged and you could tell by they way they spoke to each on air that they have a great relationship which I found quite comforting. Overall, I enjoyed this interview and would now recognise the names if I heard them in the media. You can listen to the interview yourself on the link below.
for a chat and a cupa1 