New Documentary Explores Ryanair’s Legacy Through Kilkenny Lens

A new documentary on the origins and legacy of Ryanair features insights from Kilkenny-based Jenny Graham, the daughter of co-founder Christy Ryan. Set to air on RTÉ One on March 16, 2024, the program delves into the airline’s formation, its marketing strategies, and the pivotal role of CEO Michael O’Leary in reshaping air travel in Ireland and across Europe.

The documentary presents personal accounts and expert commentary, highlighting the airline’s bold, irreverent approach to business. Jenny and her brother share their memories of the airline’s inception, including the launch of its first flight from Waterford in 1985 and their father’s visionary plans for the company.

Another significant Kilkenny connection to Ryanair is former senior pilot George O’Hara. O’Hara, who retired in early 2025 after a distinguished career spanning four decades, grew up in St Francis Terrace in Kilkenny City. In an interview with Kilkenny Live, he reflected on the challenges faced by the Ryan family during the airline’s early days.

He recounted a pivotal moment when they were asked to prepare for a possible flight to Toronto: “One day we got a call asking if we’d go to Toronto on Monday. This was a Thursday at the time,” he said. O’Hara explained that Tony Ryan, the airline’s founder, considered investing in aircraft to start operations in Bremen but ultimately decided against it.

O’Hara’s experiences, while not directly featured in the documentary, provide context to the transformative era of Ryanair. His stories illustrate the entrepreneurial spirit that characterized the airline’s formative years.

The first episode of the documentary will be available on RTÉ Player on the night of March 16, with a second episode airing on March 23 at 21:35. Audiences can expect a detailed exploration of Ryanair’s history and the individuals who shaped its journey, revealing the complexities behind its rise to prominence in the aviation industry.

As the documentary approaches its premiere, it builds anticipation for a closer look at the airline that has become synonymous with low-cost travel across Europe.