Brendan O'Connor “I have no fear of death” - Manchán Magan
Sep 13, 2025
Manchán Magan, an author and broadcaster known for his dedication to Irish language and culture, opens up about his battle with cancer and his unique philosophical outlook on life and death. He shares fascinating experiences like drinking his own urine in the Himalayas and communicating with bees, emphasizing a profound connection to nature. The conversation dives into the cultural richness of weather-related terms in Irish and explores the resurgence of interest in language and folklore among the youth in Ireland.
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Diagnosis And Spread
- Manchán Magan describes widespread prostate cancer that has metastasised to lungs, brain and liver.
- He frames it as 'only prostate cancer' but notes a rare aggressive form that's devouring him.
Treatment Aims And Priorities
- Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are offered mainly to slow disease and control pain rather than cure at this stage.
- Manchán focuses on creative projects as meaningful priorities while confined to a hospital bed.
Home, Bees And Woodland
- He bought land in Westmeath 27 years ago and planted an oak woodland and built a simple one-room eco-house.
- He tends bees, a stream with eels and was preparing to pass the land to a native woodland charity.
