The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show

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Welcome to today, this is your captain speaking. With Iano at the helm, the Breakfast Show brings you up to speed on everything. News, sport, guests, giveaways, listener interaction and music - not to mention the legendary Gift Grub - all add to the mix of this 2-hour radio rollercoaster. Buckle up and come and have your breakfast.

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    • Apr 1, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 4m AVG DURATION
    • 1,343 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show

    Gift Grub: Darcy, Kenny & Tubs Go Full Curmudgeon

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2026 4:26


    Gift Grub rolls out a reboot of a beloved BBC classic — but this time it's set in the Irish countryside, with three familiar broadcast “curmudgeons” doing what they do best: giving out about everything.Introducing “Last of the Summer Whine”!

    Gift Grub: Tommy Tiernan on Ireland's Dodgy Box Craze

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2026 3:51


    Primetime goes full investigative mode as the nation's latest scourge comes under the spotlight: dodgy boxes. With “over 400,000 homes” at it, can anything be done!?

    Gift Grub: “House Private, Flowers Only” for the Match

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2026 2:38


    After the heartbreak of last Thursday, Ireland are back in action in a “friendly” against North Macedonia — but is anyone actually in the mood?Ian chats to Eamon Dunphy & Robbie Keane ahead of the match in the Aviva.

    Gift Grub: Daniel O'Donnell Joins the Donegal Party

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2026 2:28


    Donegal have done it — a stunning National League final win over Kerry, and Gift Grub goes live to the scene of the carnage in Croke Park.Marty Morrissey, Pat Spillane and Daniel O'Donnell all chime in. Hit play now to hear the episode in full.

    Gift Grub: Post-Prague Penalty Pain and Political Chaos

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2026 2:57


    Well, it's the morning after the night before, and the nation is nursing a broken heart. On this morning's Gift Grub, Ian was joined by the self-appointed Minister for Football, Simon Harris, who had some ideas on how we could improve. Hit play now to hear the episode in full.

    Gift Grub: Radio Roy LIVE from Prague

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2026 5:59


    It's match day in Prague, and on this morning's Gift Grub, Ian crossed live to Czechia for a very special episode of Radio Roy. Hit play now to hear the episode in full.

    Gift Grub: The Boys in Green Get a Holy Send-Off

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2026 3:55


    The big match is almost here, and on this morning's Gift Grub, Ian Dempsey crossed live to a very special 'World Cup Qualifier Mass' that was about to begin. Hit play now to hear the episode in full.

    Gift Grub: Louis Theroux Steps Inside The 'Taoiseach-Sphere'

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2026 5:06


    Louis Theroux is back… and this time, he's going inside an Irish 'male-dominated leadership group' - the Taoiseach-sphere. Is it leadership… or a full-blown scam? Hit play now to hear the episode in full.

    Gift Grub: Eamon Dunphy Thinks Hallgrímsson Has Us In The Dentist Chair

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2026 2:46


    Well, it's official - Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson has been locked into a new contract. All going well, he'll be with the team for the next few years, and Ian reckons that sounds like good news. However, on this morning's Gift Grub, Eamon Dunphy poured cold water on the whole thing. Hit play now to hear the episode in full.

    Gift Grub: Government Tips to Survive Skyrocketing Bills

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2026 4:12


    Fuel prices are going through the roof, and on this morning's Gift Grub, Ian had one question -what exactly is the Government going to do about it? Micheál Martin and Simon Harris joined him to roll out their 'measures' for soaring petrol and heating bills. Hit play now to hear the episode in full.

    Gift Grub: How Is Michael O'Leary Spending His 65th Birthday?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 2:33


    It's Michael O'Leary's birthday, and on this morning's Gift Grub, Ian wanted to find out exactly how the Ryanair boss was celebrating the big 6-5. Hit play now to hear this morning's Gift Grub in full.

    Gift Grub: Christy Moore Goes Coupon Crazy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 4:56


    Christy Moore is very concerned about the cost of living, with oil flying up and the price of a weekly shop. But there's hope yet. Christy has embraced the Dunnes vouchers, the Tesco Clubcard, and every other reward scheme out there. Hit play now to hear this morning's Gift Grub episode in full.

    Gift Grub: Today FM Takes Over Copperface Jacks

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2026 5:46


    Today FM is taking over Copperface Jacks next Thursday night for a massive night of football, as the Republic of Ireland face Czechia in a crucial World Cup qualifier. Before kick-off, Ian and Mario will hit the stage and they'll be joined by some of the Gift Grub gang! Mick McCarthy is already talking cocktails, and Brian Kerr is angling for a DJ set. Hit play now to hear the episode in full.

    Dermot Bannon Talks Architecture Advice (And Builder's Tea)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2026 9:24


    The lovely Dermot Bannon dropped in this morning to tell Ian all about RIAI Simon Open Door, which he has been involved with for years now. It's a brilliant initiative that offers a one-hour consultation with a registered architect, in return for a donation to the Simon Communities of Ireland. Hit play now to hear the full chat.

    Gift Grub: Micheál Martin's Dance Of Diplomacy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2026 4:16


    On this morning's Gift Grub, Ian caught up with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who was still in Washington, trying to manage Donald Trump! Hit play now to hear the episode in full.

    Gift Grub: ROG Roars for England… and Regrets It

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2026 2:28


    Well, Saturday's Six Nations game kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last second. Ian caught up with some of the Gift Grub crew to get their reactions on it all. Hit play for the post-match chaos.

    Gift Grub: Dancing With The Stars Comes To An End

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2026 3:03


    Dancing With The Stars is over for another season, and on this morning's Gift Grub, Ian caught up with judges Brian, Karen, and Arthur for one last run-down! Hit play now to hear the episode in full.

    Gift Grub: To Cheer Or Not To Cheer For England

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2026 3:55


    It's a Six Nations decider on “Radio Rog” as Rog and Donal break down the mad permutations for Ireland, France and Scotland — calculators out, bonus points everywhere, and the nightmare scenario of Irish fans cheering England in the pub.

    Gift Grub: Cheltenham's “Greatest Irish Songs” Chase

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2026 2:16


    On this morning's Gift Grub, Ray goes live to the Cheltenham track where Des Scahill is calling the first race of the day — only it's not horses thundering up the straight, it's Ireland's greatest songs in a full-blown musical steeplechase.Christy Moore, Damien Rice, Bagatelle, U2, Snow Patrol, The Cranberries, Thin Lizzy, Pat Shortt, Ronan Keating and even the Wolf Tones all charge for the line.

    Gift Grub: Micheál's White House Tightrope Act

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 4:10


    With a Trump meeting looming next week, Micheál is in bits — so who better to coach him than Willie O'Dea? Willie puts the Taoiseach through a crash course in talking nonstop without saying anything with a trip to Duffy's Circus thrown in for good measure. Going forward, it's pure Gift Grub chaos.

    Gift Grub: Bookies Go Mad For Ireland's Greatest Songs

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 3:48


    The Today FM countdown of the 100 Greatest Irish Songs is heating up.On this morning's Gift Grub, Louis Walsh drops in with classic chaos while former bookie Ivan Yates joins with the latest “odds” as the Cranberries surge, U2 hover… and the bookies panic over a massive Wolf Tones bet that stops everything.

    Gift Grub: Karen Byrne Wants Ray & JP On DWTS Next Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 2:43


    It's the second-last Dancing with the Stars and Ray is absolutely glued to it.Arthur Gourounlian has a wildly steamy vision of Ray and JP on the dancefloor next year, before Karen Byrne happily piles on with even more awkward detail.A simple DWTS chat turns into pure, unfiltered Gift Grub chaos.

    Gift Grub: Rugby Drop Kicks The Late Late Off Friday Night

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 3:14


    The Late Late Show is off this Friday, and on this morning's Gift Grub, that news sends Ian and Daniel into a proper spin.Daniel is absolutely flipping furious — not because he loves it… but because he needs it. How are people meant to “hate watch” it on socials if it's not even on? And all because there's a rugby match on another channel, hours earlier.

    Gift Grub: Paddle, Lent… Or Just Ozempic?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 4:24


    Remote work means you barely see your colleagues anymore… so when everyone finally rocks back into the office, it's all “Howya! You're looking well!” On this morning's Gift Grub, the compliments are flying as Gerry, Alan, Sheila, Marcus and the gang reveal their “secrets” — giving up biscuits, “extreme Lent”, paddle (three times a day!) and even Tai Chi. But when the weight loss stories start getting a bit too perfect, the truth comes out in classic Gift Grub style… and it ends with a full-blown musical confession. Hit play now to hear the episode in full.

    Gift Grub: Radio ROG Looks Ahead To Ireland V Wales

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2026 4:04


    On this morning's Gift Grub, Ian crossed live to Radio Rog, ahead of Friday night's clash with Wales. Hit play now to hear the episode in full.

    Gift Grub: Rejoice For Ireland's First Dry Day of 2026!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2026 4:42


    Ireland is (apparently) waking up to a miracle: the first day of 2026 with no rain. On this morning's Gift Grub, Ian took a whistle-stop tour around the country to see how the country is reacting to the sunshine. Hit play now to hear the episode in full.

    Gift Grub: All The Headlines from Orchestra Night At Dancing With The Stars

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 2:07


    Dancing With The Stars is flying towards the semi-final, and on this morning's Gift Grub, Ian got the low down on Orchestra Week from all judges Brian, Arthur, and Karen. Hit play now to hear the episode in full.

    Gift Grub: The 'Some Weather We've Been Havin' Wha?' Handicap Hurdle

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 3:09


    On this morning's Gift Grub, Ian crossed live to the voice of horse-racing, Des Scahill, for 'The 'Some Weather We've Been Havin' Wha?' Handicap Hurdle'. Click play now to hear the full episode!

    Gift Grub: Is Katie Taylor's Croke Park Send Off A Goer?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 3:12


    Earlier this week, Katie Taylor announced that she would be retiring soon, after one final match. The question is, can we make the big Croke Park bout happen? On this morning's Gift Grub, Alison Curtis got the details! Hit play now to hear the episode in full.

    Gift Grub: Irish Rugby Fans Get Serious Withdrawals

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 3:37


    We have a week off from all the Six Nations action, and it leaves rugby fans with a serious problem. Big withdrawal symptoms! Can we manage without it? Hit play now to hear this morning's Gift Grub.

    Gift Grub: RTÉ Blow The Budget On A New Jingle Package

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2026 4:56


    On this morning's Gift Grub, we headed over to the Ideas Department in Montrose to see what's been cooking lately. Hit play now to hear the episode in full.

    Gift Grub: Primetime Tackles Ireland's No.1 Song

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 4:24


    On this morning's Gift Grub, Ian headed across to the Prime Time studio for a very special episode. As the country faces the 'biggest vote in decades', Miram grilled the nation's leaders on their picks and checks in with count centres across the country to see what will be chosen as Ireland's number one song of all time. Hit play now to hear the episode in full.

    Gift Grub: 'Dancing With The Stars' Celebrates 100 Shows!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 2:57


    Last night marked a big night on Dancing With The Stars, as the series hit its 100th episode. On this morning's Gift Grub, Ian caught up with judges Brian Redmond and Karen Byrne to find out how the show went! Hit play now to hear the full episode.

    Gift Grub: Donal Lenihan Is Still On A High After Ireland's Win

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 4:37


    On this morning's Gift Grub, Ian relived Ireland's record-breaking win against England on Saturday and caught up with commentator Donal Lenihan, who was still stuck in full-on “commentary mode”. Hit play now to hear the episode in full.

    Dáithí Ó Sé Gives 5 BRILLIANT Options For The 100 Greatest Irish Songs

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 7:49


    Dáithí Ó Sé joined Iano this morning to go through his picks for the Top 100 Greatest Irish Songs. Talk about belters?!! Hit play now to hear the chat in full. Remember, you can vote now on todayfm.com/irish

    Gift Grub: Bertie Reviews The Monk's Stage Debut

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 3:41


    On this morning's Gift Grub, Bertie called in to chat to Ian. He wanted to talk about the new Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch play, and he has some thoughts! Hit play now to hear the episode in full.

    Gift Grub: The FOGS Are Back with 'Balacoune Outside'

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 3:48


    The Ireland v England match is looming on Saturday, and the FOGS are back, with a brand new pre-match anthem to lift the mood. After a shaky start to the campaign, The FOGS are all about the optimism, revealing Ireland's secret weapon, Robert Baloucoune. Hit play now to hear the episode in full.

    Dermot Bannon's Top 5 Irish Songs Revealed

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 8:36


    The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show is gearing up for next month's countdown of the 100 greatest Irish songs, voted for by you. If you haven't had your say yet, head to todayfm.com/Irish.This time, Ian gets a Top 5 from Dermot Bannon, who's always loved music and admits picking just five is nearly impossible.From childhood memories with The Dubliners, to college days with Something Happens on repeat, Dermot's list also features Bell X1, Sinéad O'Connor and a beautifully late-night No.1 from The Pogues.

    Mairead Ronan Picks Her Top 5 Irish Songs

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 6:42


    Today FM is getting ready for St. Patrick's Day with a huge countdown: the 100 greatest Irish songs of all time, voted by you.After Dustin the Turkey's top five earlier in the week, Iano gets another brilliant list — this time from Mairead Ronan, who's dodged the school run and is ready to argue the case for some absolute classics.Get voting at todayfm.com/Irish.

    Gift Grub: Stars Of Irish Music Go Hard Campaigning

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026 4:37


    Today FM is counting down the 100 greatest Irish songs of all time, and a full-on canvassing war has broken out, with the biggest names in Irish music going door-to-door looking for your number one. Hit play now to hear the episode in full.

    Gift Grub: Simon Harris Appointed Pancake Czar

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 5:11


    Pancake Tuesday hits Marconi House, and Ian's taking Gift Grub upstairs to the shiny new kitchen for a very special “cooking” segment with Matt Cooper. “Pancake Czar” Simon Harris launches a full-blown Pancake Action Plan, Katie Taylor brings a bit of bite to the batter and Garron Noone unveils a truly unhinged creation that definitely isn't about Cork.

    Gift Grub: Donal Lenihan Slams Virgin Rugby Panel

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2026 3:15


    Ireland may have “got out of jail” against Italy, but in Gift Grub, it's the punditry that really takes the hit.Ian chats to RTÉ's Donal Lenihan and Virgin Media's Peter O'Mahony to break down the match...and the analysis.

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