The Indo Daily

30 years ago, Veronica Guerin was shot dead on the outskirts of Dublin. Only days later, she was due to speak at a conference entitled Dying to tell a Story: Journalists at Risk. Her murder still remains one of the defining moments in modern Irish history. Over the next 3 days on The Indo Daily, we present: Veronica – Murdered in search of the truth. Host Kevin Doyle speaks to her family and former colleagues to examine the life she lived, the reporting that made her a target, and the criminal world she exposed. In episode 1, as Veronica Guerin makes her name at the Sunday Independent, a new breed of organised crime is taking hold in Ireland. The rise of ‘Factory' John Gilligan sets the stage for a story that will end in tragedy. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thirty years after the murder of Veronica Guerin, Kevin Doyle retraces her final years, speaking to those who knew her best and examining the criminal underworld that made her a target. Episode 1, out Wednesday June 24th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It started with what looked like a routine query from a politician to a council office. In 2019, staff at Wexford County Council believed they were dealing with a standard request made by then councillor Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin on behalf of a constituent, and so they responded as normal. But alarm bells went off four years later when a woman contacted the council asking why her confidential records had been released without her knowledge or consent. The man who received the files is a Sinn Féin activist and the brother of a Provisional IRA bomber. After conducting an investigation, the council admitted there was a breach of personal data and formally apologised to the woman in question. Ó Súilleabháin, now a Sinn Féin TD, is now facing a legal battle following the data breach, with party leader Mary Lou McDonald appearing to stand by him. On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Katie Byrne is joined by Irish Independent Ireland Editor Fionnán Sheahan who details his exclusive investigation. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has been found guilty of 18 historical sex offences against two women when they were children. ­ A jury at Newry Crown Court convicted him of one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault and four counts of gross indecency. His wife Eleanor Donaldson has been found to have committed the acts relating to offences of aiding and abetting following a trial of the facts. Jeffrey Donaldson (63) had pleaded not guilty to the alleged offences, which spanned a period between 1985 and 2008. ­ Complainants A and B both gave evidence at the trial, alleging they were abused as children. This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast The BelTel, as Ciaran Dunbar is joined by, Allison Morris, Sam McBride and Suzanne Breen. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another British Prime Minister is heading for the exit. Just days after insisting he would stay and fight, Keir Starmer has announced his resignation, bringing a sorry end to a premiership that lasted just two years. With his only serious rival out of the running, Andy Burnham now appears to have a clear path to Downing Street. Enda Brady joins Fionnan Sheahan to discuss how Burnham could approach the Irish relationship, handling Trump and defeating Nigel Farrage's reform? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Graham Norton is best known for conjuring up a warm and convivial vibe as he welcomes a parade of A-list talent to his BBC chat show. ­ Lately, however, the acclaimed entertainer has confessed to feelings of “very significant alarm, distress and anxiety”. ­ The source of his anguish? A social media account seemingly dedicated to spreading false information about him, one that Norton is currently seeking to uncover. Following a recent victory against Meta in a Californian court, Norton can now proceed with his investigation, though it's unlikely to be an easy task. ­ His is not the only well-known face being used as an avatar for disinformation, especially as artificial intelligence continues to evolve by the second. ­ Just last week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin issued a warning to the public about an AI-generated video of him purporting to promote a financial scam. ­ So, can we trust what we see online anymore? Or is the ‘fake news' genie out of the bottle? ­ On this episode, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Irish Independent technology editor Adrian Weckler, and by Irish Independent senior business journalist John Mulligan, to look at Graham Norton's case and an increasingly deceptive digital landscape. ­ The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week one of the states most notorious sex offenders Bill Kenneally died in prison. Back in March 2024, The Indo Daily published an episode speaking to Colin Power, a survivor of Kenneally's abuse. He described to Fionnán Sheahan how one of Ireland's most infamous paedophiles refused to accept he ruined the lives of his victims. The following podcast does not reference Kenneally's death this week. *A warning, today's episode contains details of child sexual abuse which listeners may find upsetting* We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Activist Ali Hewson is among several Killiney residents objecting to plans for a new luxury apartment complex near her home. ­ The wife of U2's Bono says the development “goes against the natural character” of the affluent south Dublin suburb. ­ But Hewson is far from the first high-profile figure to weigh in on what gets built nearby. ­ From celebrities to senior politicians, planning objections can quickly become contentious. ­ So where do we draw the line between legitimate local concerns and the urgent need for housing? ­ On today's The Indo Daily, Tessa Fleming is joined by Irish Independent multimedia reporter Darragh Nolan to examine the planning battles that made headlines and who gets a say in what is built.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Kinahan cartel lieutenant Sean McGovern was led away from the Special Criminal Court last week to begin a 24-year prison sentence, he took the time to wink in the direction of his watching relatives. An act of defiance in the face of a crushing defeat, or a simple personal gesture? In any event, the drugs empire that McGovern worked for is falling down, one foundation at a time. At the top of this decaying tower sits Daniel Kinahan, currently in police custody in Dubai. The clock has been ticking for quite some time, but finally it seems like a day of reckoning is now dawning. But what of those left behind in the sunshine of Dubai and the shadow of Daniel Kinahan – particularly the wives and girlfriends? And what kind of conditions should Kinahan expect to experience should he wind up serving a lengthy prison sentence in Ireland? On this episode of The Indo Daily, Tessa Fleming is joined by Sunday Independent senior journalist Maeve Sheehan, Financial Times investigative reporter Miles Johnson and former prison officer David McDonald as they look to the future of a notorious outfit that may soon be consigned to the past. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics polices at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Simpson was a talented showjumper whose short adult life centred around the equine industry she'd grown up in. So, when first responders collected her, unconscious and not breathing, from the care of Jonathan Creswell, who would eventually be charged with her murder, police initially believed his claim that he'd found her hanging at home. ­ Creswell died by suicide in the early days of his trial. Since then, Ms Simpson's story has been covered at length in documentaries, podcasts, a Police Ombudsman's report, an independent case review, and a book by Nicola Tallant. ­ Although a tragic death among the showjumping set is far from her regular Crime World beat, Tallant believes Simpson's is a dark story with more yet to be told. ­ This episode contains material that may be distressing. Please take care while listening. ­ Host: Fionnán Sheehan | Guest: Nicola Tallant (author of Groomed: Coercion, Control and a Cold-blooded Murder, and investigations editor at the Sunday World) The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last weekend was a busy one for the US. On the sporting side alone, you had the kick-off of the 2026 Fifa World Cup, the decades-ending wait for a New York Knicks championship victory, and the small matter of MMA fighters bruising up the White House lawn. On the geopolitical front, there was the much-welcomed agreement of a peace deal between the US and Iran, three-and-a-half months after that conflict began. At the centre of it all, in one way or another, stood president Donald J Trump. Trump had his own personal milestone to celebrate on Sunday as he turned 80 years old. Performing any high-pressure job at the age of 80 is challenging enough, but Trump is the leader of the free world. Recent on-camera sightings might suggest that Trump is visibly withering, despite fiery pushback from his spokespeople and glowing medical reports from his medical team. We're only midway through Trump 2.0, but is he still up to the job? And for those looking to travel to the US for short- or long-term stays, are Irish visitors still as welcome as Trump's travel tsar so enthusiastically insists we are? The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After months of conflict, threats of escalation and fears of a wider war, there is now a breakthrough in the Middle East. The US and Iran say they've agreed a peace deal, but what's actually on the table, what happens next - and will it bring some relief for Irish consumers hit by ever-rising prices? Today on this Indo Daily Extra, Kevin Doyle is joined by The Economist's Middle East correspondent Gregg Carlstrom, to discuss who has won the war and can the peace last? The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can view our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2014, it looked like a picture-perfect dynasty. Hotelier and multimillionaire Noel O'Callaghan stood beside his sons, Paul and Charles, at Royal Ascot. They were dressed in top hats and morning suits, celebrating a major win for their filly Anthem Alexander. It was a moment that seemed to capture everything: wealth, success and a powerful family empire decades in the making. But 12 years later, that image has been replaced by High Court filings, allegations of betrayal and a bitter row over control of a family fortune. Noel O'Callaghan says he handed over an empire worth more than €400m to his sons out of love and trust. Now, he claims he has been frozen out of the business he created, claims strongly disputed by his sons. On today's Indo Daily, Tessa Fleming is joined by Irish Independent legal affairs editor Shane Phelan to look at how a family succession plan became one of Ireland's most bitter corporate feuds. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We make financial decisions day in, day out. The items we buy, the money we save, the goals we set... It can be easy to forget, however, that some of the biggest life-changing money decisions might be hiding in plain sight. But what are they? And how do you make clear-eyed choices while listening to your head and your heart? This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast Money Talks, as Kel Galavan joins host Katie Byrne to unpack all this and more. Host: Katie Byrne | Guest: Kel Galavan (Author and expert) The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any investment product. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once a merciless target for the MAGA movement, Hunter Biden has decided to put himself in the spotlight once again. ­ Now aged 56 and celebrating seven years of sobriety, Biden has recently become a social media sensation, taking to X with a renewed sense of purpose. ­ While some are speculating that he's lining up a political run of his own, others are preaching caution that he may look to cynically monetise his newfound audience. The controversial son of former US president Joe Biden has spent most of the last few weeks conversing with those who wish him well and those who continue to hurl abuse his way. He even popped up on conservative commentator Candace Owens' podcast, stunning people on both sides of America's political divide by burying the hatchet. ­ Biden says he simply wants to start a conversation – but to what end? ­ On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Matt Viser, staff writer with The Atlantic, to dive into a most unlikely comeback and to ask whether Hunter Biden really is “the MAGA whisperer”. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can view our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the afternoon of November 23, 2023, in Dublin's Parnell Square, three children were seriously injured following a stabbing attack in broad daylight. Riad Bouchaker (52) was arrested and charged in connection with the incident, and now, two-and-a-half years on, his trial is under way at the Central Criminal Court. Day one of proceedings saw the prosecution lay out its case against Mr Bouchaker, as well as hearing testimony from the mother of one of the children who was injured. She told the jury that her child is now in a wheelchair, is non-verbal and only able to answer yes or no questions by blinking. ­ On this Extra episode of The Indo Daily, host Tessa Fleming is joined by Irish Independent special correspondent Catherine Fegan, who takes listeners inside the courtroom. ­ The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can view our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Northern Ireland has seen serious race riots for the third year in a row. Masked men staged violent protests in number of areas, but the trouble was concentrated in the greater Belfast area, with homes set alight off the Crumlin Road and in east Belfast. A Glider bus was set alight on the Newtownards Road and a police car was burned in Portadown. The disorder followed an attempted murder involving a knife in north Belfast on Monday night. A 30-year-old Sudanese man has been charged. Today's episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast The BelTel. Ciaran Dunbar is joined by The Belfast Telegraph's Visuals Editor Kevin Scott who was on the ground and Liam Tunney who was in court. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee McDonnell began what would become a prolific and fearsome career in crime when he was just a teenager. McDonnell's violent and reckless actions characterised him as a different breed of Irish criminal – one that stood sharply apart from his peers. He was fond of boosting his own notoriety and didn't seem to fear any reprisal, going so far as to publicly mock the prison system during his many stints behind bars. He even managed a high-profile escape that resulted in a nationwide manhunt. In total, McDonnell built up over 140 convictions and was suspected of numerous other crimes, including two unsolved murders and a recent high-profile stabbing. Last weekend, his lust for chaos came to an end when he died suddenly at the age of 34 after being found unresponsive in a Garda holding cell. On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Irish Independent news and security correspondent Robin Schiller to profile the life and crimes of the late Lee McDonnell. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can view our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a serious incident in north Belfast on Monday night. Video posted to social media appears to show a man stabbing another man several times in the head with a knife. One man can be heard saying in the video: ‘He's trying to cut his head off.' The Belfast Telegraph understands police recovered a knife at the scene. The PSNI said this afternoon that the suspect's nationality is Sudanese and “not Somalian as initially believed”. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called the attack “sickening”, while DUP leader Gavin Robinson told the BBC Nolan Show the incident was “barbaric” and “medieval”. This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast The BelTel. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

His killing shocked the nation, cast a shadow over the peace process, and left a family searching for justice. On today's Indo Daily, Fionnán Sheahan and John Downing look back at the killing of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe, the political fallout, and why the case remains open three decades later.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Jeffrey Donaldson trial has now entered its third week. Allison Morris, Crime Correspondent with The Belfast Telegraph joins Fionnán Sheahan to discuss the secret recordings, letters of 'repent' and WhatsApp's at centre of the high-profile trial. ­ Jeffrey Donaldson, former leader of The DUP, faces historic rape and indecency charges. Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to a total of 18 alleged offences. The charges span a time period between 1985 and 2008 and involve two alleged victims. ­ Eleanor Donaldson, from Dublinhill Road, Dromore, Co Down, denies several charges of aiding and abetting her husband's alleged offending. She is subject to a trial of the facts after being ruled unfit to stand trial due to mental health issues. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was supposed to replace workers at speed. Instead, some of the world's biggest companies are finding costly problems, poor results and frustrated customers. This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast The Big Tech Show, as Adrian Weckler and JJ Clarke examine why firms such as Starbucks, Pizza Hut and Klarna are scaling back AI projects. They also discuss the warning from Pope Leo, who has criticised AI for threatening human dignity, work and genuine human judgement, as companies race to cut costs and automate jobs before the technology is truly ready. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2016, the Healy-Rae brothers sailed to a sensational electoral victory in Kerry. Between them, Michael and Danny secured a remarkable 38pc of the Kingdom's vote, cementing the Healy-Rae brand as one of the most formidable forces in Irish politics. Their winning formula quickly became the stuff of legend: divide the county, direct voters to back each brother with No 1 and No 2, and waste no Healy-Rae vote. And it was a stunning success. Since then, the pair have been a constant presence in Irish political life. But now, tensions are surfacing and their differences over entering Government have spilled out into the open. So, is this the beginning of the end of the Healy-Rae dynasty? And is their kingdom now divided? On today's Indo Daily, Tessa Fleming is joined by John Downing, political correspondent at the Irish Independent, and Jerry O'Sullivan, broadcaster with Radio Kerry, to unpack the fallout from one of Ireland's most headline-grabbing political dynasties.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summer is here, and thus so is Love Island. ­ The sun-kissed and famously amorous reality show has technically been around since 2005, but its revival in the last 11 years has made it a true household name – whether your household actually tunes in or not. ­ This year, Irish tongues are wagging thanks to the inclusion of a strapping young Galway man who has left both his teaching post and his county behind in search of fame, fortune, and, presumably somewhere in there, love. ­ Bleach blond Seán ‘Fitzy' Fitzgerald has caused quite the stir, with some arguing that teachers are supposed to be role models and thus appearing on a raunchy entertainment extravaganza is very much not the message to hand down to young and impressionable souls. ­ For others, it's just a bit of fun and a possible pathway to celebrity and endorsement deals. So, what should we make of Love Island in 2026? And indeed its associated controversies and tragedies to date? ­ On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Kevin Doyle is joined by Irish Independent multimedia reporter Deirdre Barry, and by broadcaster and content creator Fionnuala Jones, to examine if Love Island's newest Irish star can make the grade and to look at the problematic pipeline that may await. ­ The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can view our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen McCullagh will do at least 31 years of jail time before he is even considered for release. 32-year-old Natalie McNally had been 15 weeks pregnant when she was subjected to a violent attack and murdered at her home in Lurgan in December 2022. The judge, Mr Justice Kinney, told McCullagh that he committed a “brutal senseless murder and planned it in remorseless detail.” “The killing was cold blooded and calculated.” McCullagh tried to pin the murder on Lewis Jones, Natalie's ex-partner, after having set up a false alibi. But the jury rejected that and found McCullagh guilty of the murder at Belfast Crown Court earlier this year. Kurtis Reid was in court for the tariff hearing. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pressure is mounting and the volume is only getting louder regarding the upcoming Uefa Nations League fixture between the Republic of Ireland and Israel. With the first of two games against Israel scheduled for late September, the Football Association of Ireland is running out of time to carry out the administrative duties required should they decide to bow out and accept the consequences. Recent days have brought on-field protests from fans and eloquent soundbites from pundits and players – perhaps most notably Seamus Coleman, who spoke of the difficulty that he and his colleagues find themselves in as the questions keep on coming. So, is playing this highly contentious match the only option? If it is, where will it take place and how will it unfold? And what are the repercussions if Ireland does indeed decide to abstain? On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Irish Independent senior sports correspondent Conor McKeon to examine a national discussion that has reached boiling point. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite an endless number of problems at home and overseas, Donald Trump and his United States of America are in a celebratory mood. ­ The occasion? Trump's imminent 80th birthday, for one. ­ There's also the small matter of the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence, or “Freedom 250”, if you're so inclined. ­ Though the actual anniversary isn't until July 4, the White House – or more specifically, its south lawn – will play host to the Ultimate Fighting Championship on June 14 with a card that isn't quite what Trump promised some time ago. ­ Still, there will be plenty of morbid curiosity, if nothing else. ­ The event is estimated to cost the UFC around $60m (€52m), and it's not expected to turn a profit. No big deal, the organisation and its CEO Dana White already have plenty of riches, and though White swears he isn't political, he enjoys both a long-running friendship and professionally beneficial relationship with the leader of the free world. ­ But why is Trump so enamoured by the UFC, and the significantly more choreographed WWE, for that matter? And has he deliberately moulded himself in the image of an entertainment-focused modern-day gladiator? ­ On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by freelance combat sports journalist Philip O'Connor and by the Irish Independent's Dave Hanratty, to look ahead to the big brawl at the White House. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've ever wondered whether your sex life is “normal”, this episode is for you. This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast Just Between Us with Jennifer Zamparelli. In this special listener Q&A episode, Jen is joined by sex educator and intimacy coach Grace Alice O'Shea to answer the questions people are often too embarrassed to ask out loud. From awkward body reactions to feeling undesired in a relationship, no topic is off limits. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniela Klette is one of three members of the “third generation” of the notorious urban guerrilla Red Army Faction (RAF) who had been in hiding since the 1990s. We look at the terror campaign by Germany's Baader-Meinhof gang, whose members killed more than 30 people in the 1970s and 80s and ask if the organisation is having a resurgence? ­ Note: This podcast was originally published in March 2024. This week a German court sentenced Daniela Klette to 13 years in prison for her actions as part of the RAF. The podcast does not contain reference to this new update. ­ Host: Fionnán Sheehan. Guest: James Jackson. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Occupied Territories Bill is finally heading to the Oireachtas, but the government's decision to exclude services has sparked fierce criticism from opposition parties. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats are celebrating major by-election victories, raising fresh questions about Sinn Féin's position on the left and Holly Cairns' growing appeal. You can listen to Indo Politics a day early by searching Indo Politics wherever you get your podcasts. Host; Mary Regan, Guest; Maeve McTaggart We want to earn your trust and are members of The Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been well over a month since April 8, when Donald Trump announced a ceasefire in Iran, but now that truce appears to be under real strain. ­ This week, tensions between the US and the Middle Eastern country have escalated, with both sides exchanging strikes just as a possible breakthrough in peace talks seemed imminent. ­ So, how realistic is the prospect of a peace deal at this point? And, as the situation deteriorates, how has one political figure edged ever closer to the centre of power? ­ US secretary of state Marco Rubio has increasingly rowed in behind his president's foreign-policy agenda, but who exactly is the political hawk turned Trump cheerleader? And how did he climb the Mar-a-Lago ladder to join Trump's inner circle? ­ On today's The Indo Daily, host Tessa Fleming is joined by Scott Lucas, professor of international politics at the Clinton Institute in UCD, to discuss the latest on Iran and the rise of Marco Rubio. ­ ­We want to earn your trust and are members of The Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every time June 3 comes around, Michelle Ryan marks the anniversary of her father's death in her own private way. She stays away from his grave. For Michelle, her dad simply isn't there. On that summer morning in 2011, 52-year-old Bobby Ryan, a quarry worker and part-time DJ known by the stage name ‘Mr Moonlight', vanished from rural Tipperary without a trace. Almost two years later, his body was discovered in an underground run-off tank near the farmhouse where he was last seen. The trial that followed was one of the longest in the history of the Irish State. By its conclusion, a love rivalry would be publicly exposed, a man would be jailed, and another man long buried. In May 2019, Patrick Quirke (then 50) was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. He continues to deny any involvement in Mr Ryan's death. On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Tessa Fleming is joined by Irish Independent special correspondent Catherine Fegan to review the case, and by Michelle Ryan, daughter of Bobby Ryan, who speaks about the experience of losing her father and her vow to contest any potential release of his killer. We want to earn your trust and are members of The Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

­Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson apologised to one of his alleged victims at a church retreat in the mid-1990s, a court heard today. Jurors were also told second complainant wrote letter to two defendants about the secret ‘she had to keep' The prosecution delivered its opening address in the Donaldson trial on Wednesday. The former DUP leader is on trial at Newry Crown Court for alleged historical sexual offences. The 63 year-old has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences. ­ This Indo Daily Extra is brought to you by our sister podcast The BelTel where Allison Morris was in court and speaks to Ciaran Dunbar. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tommy Fleming has for decades been a star of international acclaim. The Sligo singer has played to sold out crowds, toured with Phil Coulter, and enjoyed much of his success with his wife Tina by his side. ­ Tommy called Tina the “most decent and loving” person he knew, while Tina said her relationship with him was “special and fulfilling”. But last year, the cracks in their life together started to show. Details of their separation, of Tommy's affairs and drug use, of his “living a lie”, have been aired in a leaked phone call recording and explosive interviews from both Tommy and Tina. Today on The Indo Daily, Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Darragh Nolan, multimedia reporter with the Irish Independent, to look at the full story of Tommy Fleming. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carrie Jade Williams. Sadie Harris. Lucy Fitzwilliams. Jade Cookes. Samantha Black. Rebecca Fitzgerald. ­ These are just some of the fabricated identities used by serial con artist Samantha Cookes. ­ In 2024, her Walter Mitty-style life finally collapsed as online communities, journalists and a WhatsApp group of victims cross-referenced the inconsistencies in her story, joining the dots that authorities had missed. ­ In March 2025, Samantha Cookes was jailed for three years for deception and theft. ­ Yet her story keeps getting fresh chapters. ­ On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Katie Byrne is joined by Alan Bradley, documentary filmmaker and author of new book Unmasking Samantha Cookes: The Many Lives of a Serial Fraudster, to discuss the breadth and the impact of an incredible deception. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A woman in her 50s, who has been arrested by gardaí investigating the disappearance and murder of Kyran Durnin, was known to the young boy and has had multiple previous interactions with gardaí about his disappearance. Gardaí said in a statement that the woman was arrested on Monday morning and a new search was underway at a house in Drogheda. She is the third suspect to be arrested in the case of the young boy who would have celebrated his 10th birthday earlier this month. Today on this Indo Daily Extra, Kevin Doyle is joined by Irish Independent News and Security Correspondent Robin Schiller for the latest. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Irish woman Annalouise Spence stands accused of fraud that resulted in an incredible spending spree to the tune of $1.6m. Ms Spence previously worked as a private secretary for Australian billionaire philanthropist Judith Neilson. Spence is currently behind bars, charged with 68 counts of dishonestly obtaining property by deception, with premium concert tickets, opulent hotel bookings and high-fashion luxury items listed among the court documents. So, how did such an extraordinary deception come to pass? On this episode of The Indo Daily, Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Kate McClymont, investigative reporter with The Sydney Morning Herald, who first broke this story, to hear the many twists and turns it has taken thus far. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Kate McClymont We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/our journalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast Indo Politics. ­ A “just delighted” Daniel Ennis of the Social Democrats is racing ahead in the Dublin Central by-election, leaving rival candidates from heavyweight parties in the dust. ­ A historic day for the Social Democrats proved to be a difficult one for both Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil as Mary Lou McDonald and Micheál Martin lost momentum. ­ Meanwhile, events in Galway West have been considerably tighter, with a final result not expected until lunchtime on Sunday. ­ As it stands - at least at the time of recording this podcast - Noel Thomas of Independent Ireland is leading the charge, with Fine Gael's Seán Kyne trailing slightly behind. ­ So, what does it all mean? ­ Micheál Martin may be putting on a brave face, but he faces a tricky forecast. ­ Mary Lou McDonald says there's no threat to her leadership, but how damaging is this latest election loss under her watch? ­ Did the novelty of Gerry Hutch wear off in the end? And are the Greens back in business? ­ It's all up for discussion on this edition of Indo Politics as host Cónal Thomas hears from Irish Independent political editor Mary Regan in Galway, and from Irish Independent political reporter Aisling Moloney in Dublin. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism ­ ­See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On a cold winter night in December 2000 Sandra Collins went missing from a small fishing village in Mayo. Five days later, her fleece was found on a local pier, but despite extensive searches, no other trace of Sandra has ever been found. There have been arrests, trials, and even a reclassification to murder, yet the case endures as one of Ireland's most tragic and unsolved mysteries. Crime World's Nicola Tallant and Jenny Friel discuss their latest nine-part podcast series, Ghost, which digs deep into the life and the enduring questions that surround Sandra Collins' disappearance. Host: Tessa Fleming, Guests: Nicola Tallant, Jenny Friel We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How many encores can one scandal have? There were more fireworks as RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst and his executives found themselves brought before yet another tense Oireachtas Media Committee. Emotions were high as the payment status of late Arena presenter Seán Rocks and the perilous situation of his family were brought to light and challenged. Elsewhere, similar question marks were applied to Oliver Callan, Tommy Tiernan, Derek Mooney, George Lee and Kevin Bakhurst himself. So, where does this saga go from here? And how is the future of Patrick Kielty as the host of The Late Late Show tied in? On this Extra episode of The Indo Daily, host Kevin Doyle is joined by Irish Independent Ireland Editor Fionnán Sheahan to break down the latest revelations and rancour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In May 2018, the body of 18-year-old Cameron Reilly was found by a dog walker in a field in County Louth. Local teenager Aaron Connolly was eventually convicted of murder four years later. This week, his conviction was quashed and a retrial could be granted. On this episode of The Indo Daily, senior journalist with the Irish Independent Conor Feehan joins host Kevin Doyle to review the case and the latest developments. Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Conor Feehan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Somehow, the Brexit Wars have returned. As a defiant Keir Starmer barely clings on to his throne at 10 Downing Street, former health secretary Wes Streeting has thrown the cat among the pigeons by calling Brexit a “catastrophic mistake” and implying that Britain should indeed rejoin the EU.  The resurrected debate is obviously of interest to us here on this side of the Irish Sea. But, 10 years on, has Brexit been positive or negative for Ireland? And, if a return vote were to pass, should we welcome Britain back into the fold? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Enda Brady and John Burns See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just a heads-up: This episode contains references to suicide and suicidal ideation, so please take care when listening. In December of 2019, the body of Moira Killeen was discovered in her apartment in the Belair distract of Luxembourg. Her death quickly became a matter of dispute. On one side, the medical examiner cited Ms Killeen's death as “violent and suspicious”. On the other, the prosecutor ruled that Ms Killeen's died by suicide and declined to carry out a post-mortem examination. Moira Killeen was later cremated. Her family has consistently rejected the conclusion of suicide and continue to fight for answers seven years later. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Robin Schiller and Brian Killeen If you've been affected by any of the issues raised on this episode, there's a list of helplines available – just search ‘someone to talk to' on the Irish Independent. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tattle Life is a self-described “commentary website”. Supporters of the site say it's free speech, protects consumers, and that influencers are fair game, with the website saying it has a zero-tolerance policy to any abusive, hateful or harmful content. But critics claim users have published private documents, that the site facilitates vile and cruel trolling – even stalking. Last year, it was revealed County Antrim couple Neil and Donna Sands seemed to have taken the so-called ‘king of the trolls', alleged owner of the site, Sebastian Bond, down. But now court has ruled he didn't even know his crown was being seized – and the couple have to pay back £300,000 in damages. This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast the BelTel, as Olivia Peden is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Kurtis Reid. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of a new payments scandal, RTÉ Director-General Kevin Bakhurst has defended the broadcaster's decision to reclassify presenter Derek Mooney as a producer back in 2020 and said the move was not a side deal. How big of an embarrassment is this development for RTÉ? How resilient will it be moving forward? And is it losing the hotly-contested radio war? Host: Dave Hanratty Guest: Fionnán Sheahan We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern has stood by comments he made in a viral clip of him saying “there are too many” immigrants coming into Ireland. ­ In an exclusive interview with The Indo Daily, he told Kevin Doyle he believed he was “speaking privately” while the clip was being recorded, and he was being recorded without his knowledge. Mr Ahern told The Indo Daily he rejects racism “in all its forms”, and he should not have singled out any one nationality or group of people in his comments. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a wide-ranging interview Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan speaks to Political Editor Mary Regan and Political Correspondent Cónal Thomas about migration, Bertie Ahern's controversial comments on migrants and the long wait to become Fianna Fáil leader. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In March 2009, mechanic Liam ‘Blackie' Murray was found dead in his bed, having been shot four times. Murray was keenly aware of threats on his life, yet his murder has left Gardaí puzzled for the past 17 years. This week, new searches took place in Dublin as investigators tried to finally crack the case. ­ Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Ken Foy ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Within publican circles few names carry the same weight or shine as the Chawkes. Led by pub mogul and family patriarch Charlie, the family have amassed a catalogue of some of Ireland's biggest public houses. But now a late-night incident in a hotel bar involving two of his children has put the Chawke name into the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guests: David Raleigh and John Mulligan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Fianna Fáil turns the ripe old age of 100. But is the house that Éamon de Valera built in disarray? Irish Independent political correspondent John Downing reckons “they're a very pale, poor shadow of what they were”. So, how did Dev shape the party in the first place? How did Seán Lemass modernise Ireland? Why did Charles Haughey command such loyalty? What made Bertie Ahern the “ultimate pragmatist”? And where does Micheál Martin stand among the leaders who have gone before him? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: John DowningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rose of Tralee can mean many things to many people – proud symbol of Irish culture, outdated "lovely girls" competition, or a bit of craic to throw on the TV once a year. For others, it can hold incredibly strong sentimental attachment. Such was the case for US businessman Dick Henggeler, who significantly invested in Kerry following the death of his daughter Dorothy, who competed in the 2011 festival. Henggeler would later find himself involved in a bitter legal battle that has now left a sour taste. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Shane Phelan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.