Creating Space: The Education of a Broadcaster by Andy O’Mahony

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This autobiography is not your usual run of the mill. Whilst out of necessity the author talks about himself, much of this thoroughly fascinating read is given to his opinions on a wide range of topics – religion, the arts, ideas, people and more. Life for O’Mahony began as a newsreader (he of the golden voice) with RTÉ in 1960, followed by his popular book programme. But he wanted more from himself and cut his workload in order to engage in intellectual pursuits. Thereafter he divided his life between Dublin, London and Cambridge, Massachusetts. He studied philosophy, economics, and logic. Harvard was enjoyable, but he found London the most rewarding as here he was able to indulge in the theatre, concerts, operas and the arts. We hear of the many people he has met - a jaw-dropping roster of mainly famous names. His views on such disparate personalities as Charlie Haughey, Eamon Dunphy, Vincent Browne and Gay Byrne make for thought-provoking reading. Even his quotes are a pleasure – philosopher Paul Ricocur maintains the two most difficult things for us to accept are the fact we’re going to die and that not everybody loves us. As autobiographies go, this is a delight.