The Indo Daily

It's easy to spend hours mindlessly scrolling through social media, but have we had enough of the carefully curated photos, endless arguments and targeted advertising? The latest studies suggest as much. So how did social media go from everyday essential to existential exodus? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guests: John Meagher and Chloe McPolin See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a bruising presidential campaign, Micheál Martin is facing perhaps the biggest challenge of his political life, after 14 years at the top is he finally running out of road? And how will we remember the 2025 Aras race? Host: Fionnán Sheehan Guest: John Downing See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MTV burst onto our screens in the 1980s as a vivid blast of loud, animated excess – all music, all the time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Fast forward to 2025 and it is a shadow of its former self, with more channels under the MTV umbrella set to shut down at the end of the year. Is MTV dead? And just how much of a mark on pop culture did it make in its heyday? Host: Tessa Fleming, Guest: Dave Hanratty See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conversation around a united Ireland is an increasingly noisy one, with passionate arguments found on both sides of the debate. Now, two journalists – Sam McBride of the Belfast Telegraph and Fintan O'Toole of the Irish Times – have come together for a new book entitled For and Against a United Ireland. On this episode of The Indo Daily brought to you by our sister podcast The BelTel, both men engage in a lengthy discussion on the pros and cons of unification. Host: Ciarán Dunbar, Guests: Sam McBride and Fintan O'Toole See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's official - Catherine Connolly is Ireland's next President. The signs were there for weeks, but nobody thought the Fine Gael collapse would be this brutal. Is it a protest vote? A power shift? Or the first cracks in Ireland's old political order? Host: Fionnan Sheahan, Guests: Tabitha Monahan and Cónal ThomasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Catherine Connolly going to score a landslide victory? As ballot boxes open across the country, all eyes turn to Dublin Castle to see who will become Ireland's next  president. We break down the early tallies, the spoiled votes and the political fallout behind the race for the Áras. Host: Kevin Doyle           Guests: Mary Regan, Maeve Sheehan, Ralph Riegel and Conor FeehanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is 40 years since one parish priest in the west of Ireland saw his dreams come true. It wasn't a visit of the Pope, which had already happened years before, but the construction of an airport - Knock Airport. So, how did it all take flight? Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Terry Reilly See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the presidential election that feels more like a coronation. Catherine Connolly looks set to sweep to victory, but how did a campaign with so many debates end up feeling so flat? Tabitha Monahan and Mary Regan look back a contest defined by deflection, missteps, and one 'attack ad' that might've backfired. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The release of Virginia Giuffre's posthumous memoir Nobody's Girl has reignited scrutiny of Prince Andrew's alleged role in her abuse. Despite his repeated denials, new details and police inquiries continue to deepen the scandal, now pulling his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, into the spotlight over her own financial ties to Epstein. Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Jennie Bond & Sinéad Ryan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When violence erupted at the Citywest Hotel that is being used to house asylum-seekers on Tuesday night, gardaí were met with fireworks, flames and fury. It was an alarming assault on both officers and Ireland's asylum infrastructure. But what turned a planned peaceful protest into an all-out attack? And what does the incident tell us about Ireland's deepening tensions over immigration and law enforcement? Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Darragh NolanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How would you feel if you were impersonated as part of a business relationship that ultimately went sour? That's the situation one man found himself in, when a South Dublin house owner was left bewildered when he discovered an Englishman named “Steve” had posed as the owner of his property, without his knowledge. The incident was later traced back to a well-known estate agency which said it had been part of a “mystery shopping” exercise designed to assess competitors' valuations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can Catherine Connoly hold her lead or will Heather Humphreys make a late burst for home? Some election predictions as we enter the final stage of the race to the Áras. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Tabitha Monahan and John Downing See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of Northern Ireland's most powerful drug barons - ‘The Chocolate' - can finally be unmasked. 48-year-old Newry man John McGivern has been forced to confess to a raft of drug charges, including dealing cocaine. How was he brought down? And who fills the vacuum? Host: Niamh Campbell Guests: Ciaran Barnes and Allison Morris See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to your weekly dish of Indo Politics from The Indo Daily. On this episode; Catherine Connolly surges ahead in the polls – can Heather Humphreys recover? And what does the future hold for the united left? ­ Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Cónal ThomasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A year ago, Fine Gael minister Heather Humphreys shocked many with her decision to retire from political life. Now she is looking to become Ireland's next president. Today we tackled some of her controversial decisions as a minister in government. Host: Fionnán Sheehan Guest: Heather Humphreys See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It began as a charity event that brought together some well-known faces, including a government minister. That same fundraiser is now part of a garda inquiry into how it was organised and where the money raised went. Heather Humphreys has revealed she was the minister in question. Although the Fine Gael presidential candidate is not accused of wrongdoing, the controversy risks casting a shadow over her campaign for the Áras. Host: Tessa Fleming    Guest: Fionnán Sheehan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Shane Ryan turned his back on Olympic ideals to join the Enhanced Games, it sent shockwaves through Irish sport. Now we ask who and what are really driving the world's most controversial new competition. Host: Kevin Doyle                          Guests: Jacob Whitehead and Ciarán LennonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He was once a Sinn Féin councillor and Hutch gang associate, now Jonathan Dowdall is about to vanish. As his release from prison approaches, he and his family are set to enter Ireland's version of the witness protection programme. Host; Fionnán Sheahan, Guests; Ali Bracken and Paul Williams See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With ten days to go until Ireland votes for its next president, the race for the Áras is wide open. Catherine Connolly is ahead in the polls, but can Heather Humphreys close the gap in time? Today on The Indo Daily, Fionnán Sheahan is joined by former government press secretary Mandy Johnston and communications strategist Lorcan Nyhan to weigh up the spin, strategy, and last-minute scrambles for momentum. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They're one of Ireland's most powerful dynasties; brewers, aristocrats and philanthropists. But behind the black stuff lies a darker legacy. From mysterious deaths and tragic accidents to a fascination that endures centuries on, the Guinness family has long been said to be cursed. Today on The Indo Daily, Tessa Fleming is joined by Sunday Independent journalist and author Emily Hourican to separate fact from folklore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to your weekly dish of Indo Politics from The Indo Daily. In this episode: a Taoiseach's apology, a leadership debate, a presidential road race and one of the biggest budgets in Irish history – but are people happy? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Cónal ThomasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a dramatic few days in Ireland's biggest radio stations, RTÉ and Newstalk. On Thursday afternoon, it was announced Ray D'Arcy was gone from RTÉ Radio 1 after 11 years, without saying goodbye to his listeners. In a statement he said he was “hugely disappointed” in how management handled his departure. Just hours later, across the city, Newstalk staff were told host of the Hard Shoulder Kieran Cuddihy was leaving the station for RTE. And now we know after months of speculation that he will pick up the live line mantle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the first time in two years, there's a glimmer of hope of peace in Gaza. After relentless fighting, ceasefire collapses and failed talks, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a historic 'phase 1' of a peace plan. The breakthrough comes just a day after the second anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, which triggered the devastating assault on Gaza. But what has changed to make peace possible now? How long before politics, or violence, tests the deal? And like him or loathe him, has Donald Trump pulled of a historic diplomatic victory? Host: Tessa Fleming, Guests: Gregg Carlstrom and Bel TrewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do a TD, a former GAA manager and a TV personality have in common? They're all profiting from the Government's scramble to house asylum-seekers. How has a national emergency become a local goldmine for some? ­ Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Maeve SheehanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast Crime World. It's the biggest story of the presidential election as former football manager Jim Gavin stands down and the fate of Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin hangs in the balance. While political fallouts are not our normal beat on Crime World, today co-host Niall Donald tells Nicola Tallant how he ended up in the eye of the storm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Controversy and the race for the Áras, have long gone hand in hand. We've had sackings and ‘smear campaigns', live TV moments and very costly tweets, and even one controversy that played out in the Indo Daily's own studio, as Peter Casey joined our own Kevin Doyle for a dramatic podcast interview. In short, very few Irish presidential races have escaped a scandal or two, See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's that time of year again – the Budget has landed. What does it mean for you and your bank balance? With last year's ‘giveaway' Budget firmly consigned to the history books, it's time to tighten our belts. On this Extra episode brought to you by our sister podcast Money Talks, the Irish Independent business team break down the winners, the losers, and the main headlines from this year's balance sheet. ­ Host: Katie Byrne Guests: Charlie Weston and Sinéad RyanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Fianna Fáil in turmoil” – what exactly happened over the last 48 hours that saw Jim Gavin quit the Irish presidential race? And more importantly, who is to blame for this within Fianna Fáil? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guests: John Downing and Fionnán Sheahan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Burgers, burritos and doughnuts - these are hardly exotic menu items for the average Irish family nowadays. But anyone who witnessed the hours-long queues for Ireland's first Taco Bell would be forgiven for thinking otherwise. The US franchise's triumphant launch is in stark contrast to the many homegrown businesses recently forced to close. What will Budget 2026 bring for Irish hospitality, and is our hunger for American fast-food starving local businesses? ­ Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: John Meagher and John Mulligan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to your weekly dish of Indo Politics on The Indo Daily. Jim Gavin's campaign has been stung by drone and army photo gaffes, Catherine Connolly has been criticised over the hiring of a former Éirígí member in the Oireachtas, and Heather Humphreys' debate rustiness has been called into question. And are we in store for a budget bonanza next week? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Mary ReganSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the age of 23, Elizabeth Plunkett was raped and murdered by John Shaw and Geoffrey Evans at Brittas Bay. Today, Emma Nolan, Elizabeth Plunkett's niece describes the traumatic effect of the killing on her family and their continued fight for justice. Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Emma NolanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

50 years ago, a pair of desperate Provisional IRA members etched their names in history as a crime driven by personal passion went astray. Their victim however would be a much shrewder hostage than they expected, Dutch industrialist turned adopted Irish son; Dr Tiede Herrema. Presenter: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Ralph RiegelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 1990s were undoubtedly a heyday for Irish football, but for many fans those memories are a stark contrast to the playing field today. In the intervening decades the FAI has lurched from controversy to scandal and Oireachtas Committees. Can the beleaguered organisation recover from yet another own-goal?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel Aruebose lived and died without his grandparents knowing he ever existed. Today we learn how one knock at the door changed the lives of his family forever. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Catherine Fegan and Ali Bracken You can read more of Catherine Fegan's coverage of this story How a knock at the door uncovered tragedy of a grandchild that Daniel Aruebose's grandmother never knew existed You can read more of Ali Bracken's coverage of this story Post-mortem on child remains found in Donabate fails to establish cause of deathSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Graham Whelan is a character full of contradictions. A self-professed family man whose children's home was recently raided by gardaí. The career criminal with over 30 convictions is probably better known for his personal relationship with the McGregors. So who is the man with such a memorable nickname, who claims he wants to forget his criminal past? Host: Tessa Fleming | Guest: Niall Donald See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a paradise that millionaires can only dream of. Canouan, a small island in the Caribbean, is where the world's billionaires go to escape lowly millionaires, who seem to be ten a penny these days. Tucked away from prying eyes, the little-known sanctuary is famous for its emerald-green hills, azure waters and unspoilt beaches – as well as just about every expensive excess one could desire. But all has not been well in paradise. This podcast was originally published on April 2025. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Niamh Horan and Liam Collins See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Indo Politics on The Indo Daily. It's a weekly recap, and look forward, as polling day approaches in the race for the Áras. ­ Conservative campaigner Maria Steen has said she was "humbled by the outpouring of support" for her campaign as she fell just two nominations short of making it onto the presidential ballot paper. With Steen and other would-be nominee Garreth Sheridan now out for the count, it's off to the races we go.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The terrorism case against Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh has been thrown out. The magistrate dismissed the case over a technical error. Ó hAnnaidh said the case “was always about Gaza”. The 27-year-old, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was accused of displaying a flag in support of proscribed terror organisation Hezbollah in November last year. Belfast Telegraph reporter Niamh Campbell was in court. This episode of The Indo Daily, was brought to you by our sister podcast The BelTel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The King of the Lad Mags, Playboy Magazine. We all know it, and we all know who its target market was. But for such a massive brand, it's hard to believe that only three decades ago, it was on the list of banned publications. Officially deemed too explicit for Catholic Ireland, for years it was outlawed. But all that changed when the ban was lifted in 1995, with Hugh Heifner's Playboy hitting Irish shops the following January. How did that go down in this new modern Ireland and how popular did it prove to be? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: John MeagherSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A presidential hopeful, a political storm, and the question of who really speaks for Gaza... Catherine Connolly's claim that Hamas is part of the “fabric” of Palestinian society has Ireland's left-wing parties scrambling. But it raises an interesting question, who decides the future of Gaza? Meanwhile at the UN, dozens of world leaders gathered yesterday to embrace a Palestinian state, a landmark diplomatic shift that faces fierce resistance from Israel and its close ally the United States. But Donald Trump made sure MAGA's support for Israel was loud and clear on a global stage. Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Tabitha Monahan and Bel TrewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Judge Max Barrett threw out billionaire John Magnier's High Court case against the Thomson-Moore family, it was a rare defeat for a man who had built an empire on backing the winning horse. We look at the latest twists in the battle for the Barne Estate, and ask what it tells us about Magnier's empire and the future of farming in Ireland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whispers, denials and dirty tricks - as the fight for the Irish presidency gets brutal, we bring you sharp, fearless analysis of the Áras race as the clock ticks down. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Mary Regan and Kevin DoyleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The funeral of 65-year-old Mark Lenaghan in Co Down last week attracted a large crowd and plenty of well-wishes for the beloved local reverend, but not everyone present knew about his former life as an IRA gunman who specialised in remorseless violence. How did Lenaghan find faith and leave his troubled past behind? ­ Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Hugh JordanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Briggs was once celebrated as a brilliant scientist – but behind the acclaim lay deception. He had fabricated parts of his academic record and falsified some of his important research. Now, his daughter Joanne has confronted that legacy in her book The Scientist Who Wasn't There. She joined Ciarán Dunbar to share her remarkable story and to grapple with the question: who was her father, really? Today's Indo Daily comes from our sister podcast The BelTel. Host: Ciarán Dunbar Guest: Joanne BriggsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He called himself Terry Birles, an aristocrat who dazzled Cork's elite and the Royal Cork Yacht Club. Now he faces trial in France, accused of an alleged €4.5m fraud involving a French movie star, luxury yachts and Interpol. Host: Niamh Horan Guest: Catherine FieldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As expected, this week's National Ploughing Championships provided a perfect pitch for hopefuls Connolly, Gavin and Humphreys to field questions and showcase potential presidential prowess. However, this year the event has been held on disputed land, as the family of late farmer Joe Grogan continue their legal battle with his widow over the future of the estate. Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Catherine Fegan and Tabitha Monahan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gardaí believe they have found the remains of the missing boy from Donabate, Co Dublin. This afternoon authorities named the child as Daniel Aruebose, who was aged two-and-a-half when he was last known to be alive. Conor Feehan joins us live from the excavation site.  Host: Fionnán Sheahan                                            Guest: Conor Feehan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former taoiseach Leo Varadkar is baring it all in his new autobiography Speaking My Mind, from private dinners with President Michael D Higgins, to first dates with his partner Matt. And what is his assessment of Jim Gavin, Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphries' chances of becoming Ireland's next president? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Leo Varadkar See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In January 2021, workers clearing the abandoned railroad between Midleton and Youghal made a startling discovery. Along the track lay the skeletal remains of a woman left undiscovered for many years. Many questioned whether they had anything to do with the ongoing Tina Satchwell investigation. Despite a five-year investigation and a comparison of the skeleton's DNA against the national DNA database, detectives have not been able to confirm her identity. Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Ralph Riegel, Southern Correspondent with the Irish independent, to explore the strange case of the mysterious railway line remains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marianne Smyth claimed to be on the IRA's Army Council, a satanic priestess and to be Jennifer Aniston. The American was convicted of swindling more than £115,000 (€132,936) from four victims, including Derry GAA star Dermot McNicholl. Today's Indo Daily comes from our sister podcast The BelTel. Host: Olivia Peden Guest: Kurtis ReidSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian and actor Willa White reflects on an incredible life story that saw him beat the odds to survive drug addiction, and why his time in prison played such an important part. This podcast was originally published in April 2025. Host: Dave Hanratty Guest: Willa White See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.