The Indo Daily

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.

Deepfake pornography is emerging as one of the most urgent challenges in the ever-evolving environment of artificial intelligence. Now, the European Union's landmark AI Act aims to tackle harmful AI-generated content. But, as ever, there are wider tensions around regulating the tech industry. Can this new initiative possibly stem the tide of highly problematic X-rated content? Host: Adrian Weckler Guest: Aoife White This episode is brought to you by our sister podcast The Big Tech Show 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 has been strongly indicated that fuel supports will be a major factor in this year's Budget, while we've recently learnt that Ireland's electricity costs are way above the European average. Elsewhere, by-election buzz is building as polls mark the way, and Gerry Hutch stands accused of evoking Donald Trump as he finally outlines his policies. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Conál ThomasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The murder of 14‑year‑old Ana Kriegel remains one of the most disturbing crimes in Irish history. In May 2018, Ana was lured from her home by a local boy. Three days later, her body was found in a derelict house – naked and violently assaulted. Two boys, just 13 years old at the time of the killing, were the youngest in the State to be tried, and convicted, of murder. Eight years on, Irish Independent court reporter Eimear Cotter reflects on the horrific murder of Ana Kriegel and the public outrage that followed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Katie Simpson died in 2020 at the age of 21, her death was initially treated as suicide. Showjumping trainer Jonathan Creswell was later charged with her murder, though he took his own life in 2024 as his trial got underway. Now, a review into how Ms Simpson's death was handled by the Police Service of Northern Ireland has found numerous investigative faults and has detailed “institutional misogyny” within the PSNI. Belfast Telegraph crime correspondent Allison Morris takes us through “page after page after page of failings”. Host: Ciarán Dunbar Guest: Allison Morris This episode is brought to you by our sister podcast, The BelTel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been 35 days since luxury cruise liner MV Hondius set sail from Argentina, taking passengers on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition. For those on board, there's no end in sight to quarantine conditions following a hantavirus outbreak. But what is hantavirus, what are the public health concerns, and what happens when a cruise liner has fatalities at sea? Host: Fionnán Sheahan | Guests: Laura Lynott and Dr Brian HigginsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To begin to understand the machinations and methods of the Hennessy organised crime outfit, you turn to a grim and unforgettable image: that of Barry Moore, who was lured to a house, brutally tortured, and branded with the word ‘rat'. That incident was the result of a series of violent events that created an atmosphere of intense paranoia within the Hennessy gang. With key members now in prison, do their surprisingly light sentences mean a temporary solution to an alarming long-term problem? Host: Dave Hanratty Guest: Nicola Tallant For more on this story, listeners can check out Blood Brothers, a new five-part podcast series hosted by Nicola Tallant and Niall Donald, exclusively for subscribers and available now at CrimeWorld.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Proud sons of Tipperary Johnny B and Johnny Smacks are a bona fide comedy phenomenon, boasting 750,000 listeners a week – not to mention numerous other strings to their lucrative bow. Speaking of, the pair are going private, putting their considerable finances behind closed doors. So, how did they climb to the top of the mountain? Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Darragh Nolan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A purposely audacious speed-read, The Shortest History of Ireland attempts to condense the story of this country into just 250 pages. Not only that, author James Hawes has set out to challenge the recorded history of Ireland and debunk some popular myths along the way. Was there more to the murderous Oliver Cromwell than we think? Did Éamon de Valera really sign a book of condolences for Adolf Hitler? And why was Catholic Maynooth loyal to Protestant London? Host: Dave Hanratty Guest: James Hawes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Tyrone-born woman who reinvented herself with dozens of identities to con victims out of huge sums of money. From small-town beginnings to a life of deception in Texas, her web of scams spanned continents. Todays Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast The BelTel, as Ciaran Dunbae explores the mysterious life,and death, of Julia Holmes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confusion at cabinet, delays to short-term letting rules, and mounting pressure from fuel protests are exposing cracks in government strategy. With key by-elections looming, are political tensions rising. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sean McGovern, long regarded as Daniel Kinahan's second‑in‑command, faces sentencing at the Special Criminal Court. This week's court proceedings have exposed the brutal reality of life inside the Kinahan organisation since the 2016 Regency Hotel shooting, with encrypted messaging revealing chilling details about the cartel's modus operandi. So, what do we now know about the activities and the downfall of one of the Kinahan gang's most senior lieutenants? And what does his fall mean for others still at the very top of the cartel? Host: Tessa Fleming. Guest: Robin Schiller See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a difficult production, the estate-approved Michael Jackson biopic is finally in cinemas and smashing box office records. Some fans are even dancing in the aisles, audience etiquette be damned. Bad reviews and decades of troubling allegations don't seem to have had an impact, but should the life of Michael Jackson be as celebrated and unchallenged as this? Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Chris Wasser See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By now, most will have seen the extraordinary scenes from Washington D.C., where a suspected gunman sparked chaos at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, in what is now the third attempt on Donald Trump's life in just 2 years. If the heart of Washington can nearly be breached, how prepared is the US to secure the World Cup? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beaming down a Zoom call line from sunny Spain, Gerry Hutch told the Irish Independent that he intends to return to Ireland soon to formally kickstart his by-election campaign. He also had some pointed words for Daniel Kinahan following his dramatic arrest in Dubai. But what does Hutch's upcoming campaign really look like, especially as he refuses to make any promises to the electorate? Does ‘The Monk' have a realistic shot at rubbing shoulders in Dáil Éireann? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Aisling Moloney and John DowningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Sunday Jim Glennon, who served as a Fianna Fáil TD in the Dublin North constituency from 2002 to 2007, confirmed that he had offered a character reference for convicted sex offender Daniel Ramamoorthy. In a statement, Edelman Ireland announced that Jim Glennon's tenure as non-executive chairman had ended before they were aware he wrote the character reference. The PR firm told the Irish Independent that his tenure ended in March, but an external announcement had not been made to the media. This was, “in line with our protocol, and it had been communicated to relevant contacts internally,” Edelman Ireland said in response to queries. On the question of who had been notified internally and when, the company said it would not be commenting further. Today on this Indo Daily Extra, Kevin Doyle is joined by Irish Independent Special Correspondent Catherine Fegan, to discuss the fallout from the revelations, and look at her pursuit for answers to the controversy as it unfolded. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leo Varadkar may have climbed down and apologised after pitting urban and rural Ireland against each other, but he certainly sparked a spirited debate. Did he have a point, though? Were his comments actually an uncomfortable truth? And how do we even define what makes someone “urban” or “rural”, anyway? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: John Burns and Ciaran Moran See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel Kinahan's recent arrest marked a significant turning point in the long-running pursuit of one of Ireland's most influential organised crime figures. ­ Throughout this period of elusiveness, however, his presence in boxing was altogether more overt, with Kinahan routinely and openly name-checked by fighters and power brokers as one of the sport's foremost figures. ­ This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast Indo Sport. In an episode first published on Wednesday April 22nd, Crimeworld's Nicola Tallant and journalist Kieran Cunningham join Joe to discuss Kinahan's dual existence, his rise and fall within boxing circles, and how things are likely to play out from here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a scandal that has already ended careers inside Downing Street, and now Peter Mandelson is once again at the centre of political turmoil. Prime minister Keir Starmer's decision to appoint him as UK ambassador to the United States has ignited fresh unrest in Westminster after it emerged Mandelson failed security vetting before taking up the post, but was appointed anyway. As the controversy deepens, the pressure mounts on the prime minister. Are Keir Starmer's days numbered? And with voters drifting away from Labour, could Green Party leader Zack Polanski emerge as the next disruptive force in UK politics? Host: Tessa Fleming: Guest: Enda BradySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After much speculation, a judge has refused to identify the former TD who provided a character reference for convicted child sex offender Daniel Ramamoorthy, who previously worked as an adviser for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Taoiseach has said it is “not acceptable” for public representatives to give such references. So, why has the politician in question not been named? ­ Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Catherine FeganSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel Kinahan is now in a Dubai jail awaiting possible extradition to face trial. With allegations including murder plots against rivals like Gerry ‘The Monk' Hutch, the case could see the cartel boss spend life behind bars. Today on Indo Daily, we uncover Kinahan's suspected secret alias and what lies ahead for one of Ireland's most notorious crime figures. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Robin Schiller, Connor PlunkettSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Description/Copy Can you really hear the difference between AI and human music anymore? and does it even matter? On this week's episode of The Big Tech Show, Adrian Weckler speaks to John Corley, chief executive of Spanish Point Technologies, about the rapid rise of AI generated music. With research from Deezer suggesting most listeners cannot tell the difference, the conversation explores copyright, ownership and whether AI is creating or simply remixing human work, and what that means for artists trying to earn a living. You can listen to the full episode here or wherever you get your podcasts. 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 Strait of Hormuz is once more the centre of the Middle East crisis, despite Donald Trump's previous hasty proclamations of peace and quiet. Iran has accused the US of an “act of piracy” as peace talks hang in the balance. Meanwhile, the spotlight is intensifying on the man leading Trump's combat operations – the highly-contentious secretary of war, Pete Hegseth. Host: Dave Hanratty Guests: Scott Lucas and Nikki McCann RamirezSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nigel Farage is back in the headlines, and this time it's not Brexit or boats, but bitcoin. As the Reform UK leader dabbles in a new cryptocurrency venture, his political stock is rising too, with polls suggesting his path to power is no longer entirely far-fetched. So, what's really happening in British politics? And why is Farage interested in us here in Ireland? ­ Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guest: Enda BradySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Silicon Valley supremo Peter Thiel has quite the CV, including co-founding PayPal, backing Facebook in its early days, links to Tesla, and co-founding Palantir Technologies. Lately, however, the billionaire has turned his attention to more apocalyptic fare as he delivers lectures around the world in which he warns that the Antichrist is among us. Why has Thiel gone down this route? And where do the likes of Greta Thunberg and Bill Gates fit in? Host: Adrian Weckler Guest: Massimo Faggioli This episode comes from our sister podcast The Big Tech ShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel Kinahan has been arrested in Dubai. It represents a potential turning point in the pursuit of one of Ireland's most powerful and elusive organised crime figures. For more than a decade, Kinahan appeared beyond the reach of Irish law enforcement, operating internationally while linked by gardaí to murders, large‑scale drug trafficking and money laundering. Today on this extra episode of The Indo Daily , Kevin Doyle is joined by Crime World's Eimear Rabbitte to discuss this major development for Irish gangland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been a busy first week back in the Dail, as the effects nationwide fuel protests continue to be felt within the coalition government. With Micheál Martin's leadership of Fianna Fáil facing renewed threats, with a group of TDs approaching senior ministers to discuss a change at the top. While it is understood the disgruntled backbenchers are not close to having the numbers for a successful no-confidence motion. They are trying to build support. And are in search of a leader to lead a heave. Host: Mary Regan Guest: Aisling MoloneySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once recognised as the embodiment of Ireland's economic boom and bust, Johnny Ronan is back and may be facing legal action over a contentious property development. We look at that dispute and chronicle his previously turbulent life and times. Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Wayne O'Connor and Donal O'DonovanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jonathan Gill looked like he hadn't a care in the world when he turned up at Temple Street Children's Hospital last December to deliver presents to sick children. But at the same time, the self-proffessed professional mediator, was being investigated for killing of mobster Robbie Lawlor. Now authorities in the North want to prosecute the 44-year-old, from Malahide Road on the capital's northside for Lawlor's assassination in Belfast on April 4, 2020. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Eamonn See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The protests may be over but the government isn't in the clear yet. In dramatic fashion Michael Healy-Rae has announced that he will be tendering his resignation as a Minister of State, as he prepares to vote with the opposition in a motion of no confidence against the Government. But will he be the only defector? Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Fionnán SheahanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another week begins, and with it another breakdown in talks as the Iran War rolls on. The US is enacting a fresh blockade of Iranian ports, while Donald Trump has hit out at a fresh opponent – Pope Leo XIV. Meanwhile, back on Irish soil, the fallout from last week's fuel protests continues apace. Is the Government's €505m fuel package enough to calm things down? And just how big a scar will the shutdown leave? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Mary Regan, John Downing and Bel TrewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Late Late Show is a true national institution, one that has provided plenty of water-cooler moments over the decades, but has its day in the sun reached an end? The status of current host Patrick Kielty is under scrutiny as his contract draws to a close and RTÉ bosses remain tight-lipped about his future. Is it time to turn out the lights in Studio 4? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Kirsty Blake Knox and Melanie FinnSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The capital's roads are now reopening and oil is leaving depots in Cork and Galway but it will take days for the country to get back to normal as commuters try to find petrol stations with full tanks. A deeper question now arises: Is this actually the end of the fuel protest or is it the start of something much bigger? Host: Kevin Doyle. Guests: Mark Condren, Ralph Riegel and Maeve McTaggart See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fifty years on from its creation, what were Apple's hits? Misses? And is AI use a no-go for journalists? Todays Indo Daily is brought to you by The Big Tech Show, as Adrian Weckler is joined by Darragh Nolan to mark 50 years of Apple, from the Macintosh to the iPod and iPhone, and what still drives its success today. They explore Apple's design first philosophy, its resilience in the AI era. Also, the pair and debate the growing use of artificial intelligence in journalism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the dramatic US military raid on Venezuela in January, the Trump administration has turned its attention to Cuba. The objective? To topple the island's communist leadership. By cutting off vital oil shipments that once flowed from Venezuela, Washington has pushed Cuba into a deepening energy crisis. So, what fate awaits this Caribbean island of 10 million people, and its crumbling economy? Host: Tessa Fleming. Guests: Ruaridh Nicoll, Helen YaffeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we are coming to you from O'Connell Street in a gridlocked Dublin city centre. For the past few days, this has been the hub of a nationwide protest by hauliers, farmers and contractors in the face of rising fuel costs. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has described the action as “national sabotage”, while insisting that “a gun won't be put” to the head of the Government. As talk of Defence Forces deployment mounts, how much longer will this protest last? ­ Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Ciaran Moran and Michael FarrellySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the start of the week, the London-based Wireless Festival was the hot-button ticket of the summer, thanks to three-night headliner Kanye West. Protests, debates and drama put the booking on the UK government's priority list. Now West is banned from the country and the festival is cancelled entirely. How did this controversy unfold? Was the right call made? And can Kanye West ever truly be forgiven? Host: Dave Hanratty Guest: Jenn Gannon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After days of rising tension and a looming US deadline, a last-minute ceasefire between the US and Iran has been brokered. But while the headlines signal calm, the reality behind the scenes may be far more fragile. What does this ceasefire really mean, and is it likely to hold? Host: Tessa Fleming Guest: Gregg CarlstromSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once again Holly Cairns remains on top of the party leader approval ratings, but the Soc Dems still trail in the polls. As Sinn Fein and Labour fight to hold ground, the question is, can anyone actually unite the left? Today on the Indo Daily, Kevin Doyle is joined by Political Correspondent Cónal Thomas and Political Reporter Aisling Moloney, as they look at the battle for the leadership of Irelands somewhat united left.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.