Hello, I'm Dorothy Clarke

Today’s podcast is a collection of short, real-life Irish anecdotes.  These stories blend everyday mishaps with moments of pure chaos and unexpected drama.  Through a cast of colourful characters, neighbours, clergy and quick responding doctors, they turn near disasters into funny memories.  It closes with a glimpse of life on stage again, where timing, mischief and real-life interruptions collide in the most unexpected ways. Enjoy.

Growing up in Dublin in the late 1950's and 60s, life was never dull.After a brief and fun time at UCD and a complicated relationship with honours maths, the pull of the fashion world proved stronger than academia.  Modelling led to fashion shows and one evening in the Central Hotel produced an unexpected surprise.  A solo trip to London at barely 20, armed with five suitcases of First Communion dresses and sheer determination, turned into an early taste of business.Travelling the country representing the family's bridal and evening wear brought its own adventures.  Through it all, a busy social life, a love of drama,  a very devoted young man named Noel kept everything anchored. 

In the early 1970s, Dorothy’s rise through Ireland’s theatre scene takes a dramatic turn, from winning the Best Actress award while secretly pregnant, to stepping into the professional stage.But what follows is far from ordinary.Cast in The Shadow of a Gunman by Sean O’Casey, she finds herself performing in Dún Laoghaire during one of the most tense moments in Irish history- the Dublin and Monaghan bombings.After a bombing devastates the city, the production is shaken again by chilling threats. Phone calls warn that the theatre will be blown up if the show continues.The cast must make a choice: walk away, or step onto the stage not knowing what might happen next.Dorothy goes on.With her family sitting in the front row.

This episode offers a vivid, personal glimpse into old Dublin life, especially around the Liberties and Thomas Street, seen through the eyes of a shopkeeper’s daughter. It introduces a cast of memorable Dublin characters, from resilient street traders and quick-witted locals to colourful figures like a charming con man and a bus-stop entertainer, while quietly revealing the harsh realities of tenement living.

A chance move to Spain in the 1990's turns into an unexpected adventure, embracing expat life, discovering a vibrant local theatre scene and building a creative second chapter filled with performances, friendships and memorable moments.  From amateur dramatics to a surprising step into film, the journey blends humour, heart and behind-the-scenes glimpses of life on and off the stage, ultimately reflecting on purpose, connection and the joy of saying yes to new experiences.  

A vivid and charming recollection of a childhood adventure 80 years ago, this episode follows a young girl’s first journey from Ireland to France just after the war. From the excitement of boarding a grand ocean liner to discovering new foods, cultures, and unexpected moments along the way, it’s a heartfelt glimpse into travel, family, and innocence in a very different time. Warm, nostalgic, and full of personality, this story captures the magic of seeing the world through young eyes.

A last-minute miracle: securing tickets to the Ireland v Italy Six Nations clash at the Aviva on February 14th, 2026. In this episode, I relive the excitement, the atmosphere, and the unforgettable moments from a thrilling day of rugby in Dublin.Not a bad way to spend Valentine’s Day.

In this episode, I talk about my spontaneous trip to South Africa to watch my grandson Eoghan Clarke play rugby for Munster. From unexpected travel disruptions to meeting Munster supporters and well-known rugby figures, the journey was full of memorable moments.

This podcast talks about some of my acting experiences, from my earliest memories to working with the legendary Director Leo Hart and fundraising for Children's Hospitals with Cathal Ryan's Theatre Group, Stackumnley (AKA Stack of Money!) Players :) 

This week I talk a bit more about the WW2 bombing in Dublin, my early school days and first real romantic encounter at a 'hop' (dance) at Sandycove Tennis Club. 

My Irish Life: 89 Years (& counting) Wonderful stories of a life well lived in Ireland.