Podcasts about Belfast Telegraph

It was pandemonium in London on Wednesday morning as Kneecap's Mo Chara appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court. Hundreds turned out to support the rapper, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, as he entered court – having arrived in a mocked up RUC landover. The west Belfast rapper is charged with a terror offence over the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at a concert in London last year. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph's crime correspondent Allison Morris who was in court and BelTel assistant producer Olivia Peden. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was pandemonium in London on Wednesday morning as Kneecap's Mo Chara appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court. Hundreds turned out to support the rapper, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, as he entered court – having arrived in a mocked up RUC landover. The west Belfast rapper is charged with a terror offence over the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at a concert in London last year. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph's crime correspondent Allison Morris who was in court and BelTel assistant producer Olivia Peden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Larne leisure centre has been extensively damaged after being attacked by youths. Onlookers cheered and laughed while attacking the building after it was used as an emergency centre by those affected by the riots. Trouble has continued in Ballymena, with petrol bombs thrown at police, a water cannon deployed and multiple houses attacked. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph's Gabrielle Swan and Kevin Scott, who were at the scene. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Ken Bloomfield has died at the age of 94. He wasn't a politician or a political activist – but he was a key figure in the political life of Northern Ireland. He was at the heart of the old Stormont Government in the years before it collapsed in 1972, being described by a former British Prime Minister as the “brains of the operation”. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph's Northern Ireland editor, Sam McBride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After two nights of public disorder and riots on the streets of Ballymena in County Antrim, things have calmed down. Petrol bombs and bricks were thrown at police while others had their homes destroyed. Alison Morris, Crime and Security Correspondent with the Belfast Telegraph brings us the latest.

Nolan talks to Belfast Telegraph photographer Kevin Scott and TUV MP Jim Allister.

In the early 2000s, Peter and Iris Robinson were seen as Northern Ireland's political power couple. Iris, known for her strong Christian values, secretly had an affair with 19-year-old Kirk McCambley, whose late father had entrusted her with his care. In 2008, she helped McCambley secure over £50,000 to open a café, allegedly taking £5,000 for herself—money she failed to declare as required in her role as a councillor. The affair and financial misconduct, once exposed, caused a political and media storm, shocking the public. Olivia Peden revisits this explosive scandal with The Belfast Telegraph's Suzanne Breen and Sam McBride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison Morris, Crime Correspondent with Belfast Telegraph, discusses her experiences with death threats as a Northern Irish crime journalist.

Belfast Telegraph's Sam McBride, UUP MLA Doug Beattie and author Dr Aaron Edwards react.

Belfast Telegraph's Sam McBride gives analysis

The latest Belfast Telegraph Lucid Talk polling shows sharp divisions on some touchstone societal issues. Among the issues surveyed in the latest poll were whether rap band Kneecap should be banned from performing at Belfast Vital, assisted dying and the Supreme Court's ruling on gender and defining what a woman is. In terms of party political support, the poll reveals the DUP are still in a rut and that power in Stormont is taking the shine off Sinn Féin. Ciarán Dunbar joined by the Belfast Telegraph's political editor Suzanne Breen. If you enjoy The BelTel, please leave us a review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, May 22: Lots of reactions from the South African press after Donald Trump "ambushes" South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during a meeting at the White House. The New York Times looks at Brazil's herculean efforts to dismantle a deep-rooted network of Russian spies. And, a diplomatic match made in heaven: Taiwan nominates a heavy metal singer as envoy to Finland – the world's capital for heavy metal music bands! Reactions from the South African press after President Cyril Ramaphosa's meeting with Donald Trump in the White House. South African daily Mail & Guardian recalls how the meeting started off cordial enough – Ramaphosa even brought along two South African golf stars as a nod to Trump's favourite sport. But things veered off course after a journalist asked Trump what it would take to see there isn't a genocide in South Africa. To this, Ramaphosa said, it would take listening to South Africans. And then: Trump showed him a video he claimed was proof of calls for a white genocide in South Africa – clips of South African politician Julius Malema chanting an anti-farmer song. Video clips also showed what Trump purported were the burial sites of over 1000 white farmers. In reality, it was a memorial procession from September 2020.Ambush is really the word that defines a lot of the South African front pages today. Daily News saying as much on its front page after that calamitous meeting between Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump. The Sowetan saysRamaphosa "survived the ambush". The paper impressed that he staged "a pushback against lies of a white genocide in South Africa". In its analysis, the New York Times says Trump cast himself as a protector of persecuted white people. He publicly dressed down the South African president based on a fringe conspiracy theory.The US daily also reports that Brazil is trying to dismantle a network of Russian spies in the country. This fascinating investigative report looks at how Russia used Brazil as a sort of assembly line for producing Russian spies. The goal was not to spy on Brazil but for its spies to become Brazilian with passports. Brazil's painstaking investigative work, which began after the war in Ukraine, involved dismantling the network, piece by piece. It dealt a devastating blow to Putin's spy program. Times takes us through Operation East which was led by the same counterintelligence agents who investigated former president Jair Bolsonaro. They combed through millions of Brazilian identity records in search of patterns. It began in 2022 with the arrest of Victor Muller Ferreira aka Sergey Cherkasov. Authorities discovered his real birth Brazilian certificate citing a deceased Brazilian woman as his mother. Yet, upon further investigation – they discovered she never had children. Consequently, this network of ghosts began to unravel.In Ireland, a controversial rapper has been charged with a terror offence. The Belfast Telegraph reports that Mo Chara, rapper of the Irish language rap group Kneecap, was charged with a terror offence. It dates back to last November when the group displayed a flag in support of Hezbollah during a concert. Videos also emerged of the band allegedly calling for deaths of MPs. They later denied support for the groups and apologized. In the UK, Hezbollah and Hamas are declared terrorist organisations, which means it's illegal to express support for them. Irish news site Breaking News reports that it's not the group's first run-in with the law. Last month at Coachella, Kneecap ended their set with three messages on a screen accusing Israel of genocide and war crimes which sparked outrage in the US. They also commissioned a mural in Belfast of a burning Land Rover, the vehicle used in policing in Northern Ireland, which some say glorified terrorism.Finally, Taiwan has a new rock star envoy to Finland. Freddy Lim founded the Taiwanese heavy metal band Chthonic which is known as the Black Sabbath of Asia. He has now been named envoy to Finland. And his nomination is apt – the band is well known in Finland having recorded four albums with a Finnish label. As the Brooklyn based website Metal Injection notes, Finland has the most metal bands per capita – 80 for every 100k citizens. So where better than Finland to appoint a heavy metal singing ambassador!You can catch our press review every morning on France 24 at 7:20am and 9:20am (Paris time), from Monday to Friday.

One of the PSNI's first Catholic recruits, told the Belfast Telegraph he had faced sectarianism, including references to “Fenian b******s”. Despite Chief Constable Jon Boutcher saying the allegations will not be investigated by a court or by the PSNI. ‘Sean's' solicitor says he's standing by everything he's alleged but has dropped threatened legal action. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph's Northern Ireland Editor Sam McBride who broke the story, and former senior PSNI Officer Jon Burrows, who strongly disputes the claims. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Loyalist Jamie Bryson, former Sinn Fein MLA Daithi McKay and party member Thomas O'Hara will be standing trial at Belfast Crown Court charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office. All three deny the offences. The charges relate to a meeting of the Stormont Finance Committee in September 2015, which Mr Bryson gave evidence to, during a review of the sale of the Nama property loan portfolio in Northern Ireland. Belfast Telegraph's Crime Correspondent Allison Morris joined Ciarán Dunbar me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Camogie players have criticised the sport's association for kit rules deemed as ‘archaic'. Traditionally, camogie players have worn skorts in their kit, but players are now asking for the choice to wear shorts. Following widespread disruption over the issue, a vote is due to take place next week. Are camogie skorts sexist, or just a harmless tradition? Olivia Peden is joined by the Belfast Telegraph reporters Niamh Campbell and Jessica Rice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did supposed peacemaker David Ervine threaten to “bomb the **** out of Dublin”, why did the British Government allow the UDA to be a legal organisation for so long, and what does Gerry Kelly think of claims that he was put in charge of restructuring the IRA? The Belfast Telegraph's Sam McBride found the answer to those questions in secret files at the Kew Archives in London; He joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Co Down man charged with raping and falsely imprisoning a woman has been on the run for almost two years after refusing to attend his trial, claiming to be a freeman of the land. It's “false philosophy that is all too frequently before the court,” is the view of Newry judge Eamonn King about the so-called ‘freeman' defence. What is this all about? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph crime correspondent, Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rap band Kneecap maintain they have "faced a coordinated smear campaign" in recent days over their pro-Palestinian stance. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch wants the band banned and almost all MPs want Glastonbury to ditch them. Anti-terror police are investigating them. Where and when will these controversies end? Belfast Telegraph reporter Kurtis Reid joins Ciarán Dunbar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Wear an Easter LillyI did not think Easter is almost upon us. It has crept up on me. For Irish republicans Easter holds a special significance. It is synonymous with the 1916 Easter Rising and the heroism over a century ago of those who rose up against the British Empire and declared for a Republic. It is also a time when we remember all of those women and men – over countless generations – who gave their lives in pursuit of Irish sovereignty and independence.In the course of my activism I have travelled widely. I have visited many countries. Time and again I have been struck by the determination of nations to honour the patriots and freedom fighters who gave meaning to their desire for freedom and self-determination.Across the world there are countless memorials to those who fought in wars against colonialism. National ceremonies of remembrance are held. Buildings or lands and even prisons associated with struggles for freedom are protected and used as aids to teach young people the value of citizenship and the importance of freedom and democracy.Across this island and beyond there are many such monuments to Irish patriots. Next Sunday tens of thousands of people in towns, villages and cities, at country crossroads and at lonely hillside graveyards across the country, will gather for commemorations. They will gather also in Britain, Australia, Canada, the USA and many other places.Most will wear an Easter Lily. This is a symbol of our enduring commitment to the ideals of 1916 and of the Proclamation of the Republic and is a mark of respect for all those, from every generation, who paid with their lives in the cause of Irish freedom.  Micheál Martin and Moore St.Micheál Martin visited 14-17 Moore St. last week. Number 16 is where the leaders of the Rising held their last meeting before their execution. Numbers 14-17 are the planned location for a National Monument to those who fought in the 1916 Easter Rising and who evacuated to that street as the GPO was in flames. Martin's visit comes 12 years after he called for the "protection and enhancement" of Moore Street. It comes 19 years after the Fianna Fáil government of Bertie Ahern designated 14-17 Moore St. as a National Monument. During that time the buildings lay derelict and have fallen into a dangerous state of disrepairNow almost two decades later Martin takes an interest, on the cusp of Easter, in a site that his government has starved of funding. Moreover, Martin has backed the plan by the London based developer Hammerson to obliterate the Moore St. Battlefield site, including historic buildings that are part of that period.The rumour was that he was to make a public statement about this. Representatives of the Moore Street Preservation Trust were there to respond, including the grandson of James Connolly, James Connolly Heron. James presented An Taoiseach with the Trusts plan for a 1916 historic and Cultural Quarter. This encompasses the preservation, restoration and management of the Moore Street Battlefield Area, as designated by the High Court in 2016 “the lands, buildings, streets and lanes within an area including Moore Street, Henry Place, O'Rahilly Parade and Moore Lane, in which the 1916 Rising Volunteers travelled after evacuating the GPO”.  Two different Voices on UnitySpeaking of Micheál Martin, the Fianna Fáil leader was interviewed for the Belfast Telegraph last week. I was disappointed but not surprised by his assertion that he wasn't even thinking of a ‘border poll'. When pushed about the constitutional future of Ireland in 50 years-time he couldn't even bring himself to utter the words ‘united Ireland.' In the 15 years he has been leader of Fianna Fáil Martin has engaged in a deliberate strategy of obfuscation when it comes to unity. His current excuse for not pursu

Allison Morris, Political Commentator and Columnist with the Belfast Telegraph and Deirdre Heenan, Professor of Social Policy at Ulster University

On Sunday night at Augusta National, Rory McIlroy defeated Justin Rose in a heart-stopping playoff to win the Masters for the first time in his career. The Holywood man has become the sixth person to complete a career grand slam. In a special edition of the BelTel, Keith Bailie is joined by the Belfast Telegraph's Chief Sportswriter Steven Beacom and Chief Audience Editor Gareth Hanna. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Lynskey, one of the Disappeared, was murdered by his IRA colleagues in 1972 and his body secretly buried. Remains recently found in a County Monaghan grave were hoped to belong to him, but the DNA says no. The finding leaves a new mystery - who was the extra body in the plot, and if it wasn't Joe Lynskey - then whose remains are they? What are republican sources saying about the prospects of finding him now? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph's security correspondent, Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A few months ago, one of Stormont's most senior civil servants vanished. Mark Browne was the top official in Stormont's Department of Education. But sources have now told the Belfast Telegraph that Mr Browne and the Education Minister Paul Givan clashed over how to tackle what is now a multi-faceted crisis in Northern Ireland's education system. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is naming and shaming benefits cheats 'a distraction' from wider issues around poverty or a necessary policy to clamp down on £160m of fraud? Niamh Campbell from the Belfast Telegraph spoke to Frank as the first people convicted have been named Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Catholic Bishop of Derry has warned of “illicit” masses being held in the city by clergy not recongnised by the hierarchy. Bishop Dónal Mac Keown claims these services are being carried out by an ultra-conservative splinter group of the Society of Pius the Tenth known as SSPX Resistance. SSPX Resistance are certainly uncompromising traditionalists, but the splinter group has been accused of antisemitism and having ties with the far right. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter, Liam Tunney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The owner of a controversial Ballymena based ‘brand building' company has announced its closure. FBA Brand Builder was run by 34-year-Darren Campbell – he charged clients for his guidance on selling products to the US Market on Amazon. The Belfast Telegraph has revealed some questionable practices, including encouraging clients to lie on credit card applications and facilitating paid amazon reviews. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph's Liam Tunney, who broke the story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The assassination of US President JFK in November 1963 shocked the world and has inspired conspiracy theories for over 60 years. President Trump has ordered the release of classified files from the period, which have revealed that the CIA kept files on both Ireland and the UK's military intelligence services, despite being close allies. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Abdullah Sabri and Ulster University lecturer in international history Dr Robert McNamara. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Captain Robert Nairac was meeting an informer when he was abducted and murdered, secret military documents indicate. Those files, discovered by the Belfast Telegraph's Sam McBride, also show that the Ministery of Defence was desperate that that fact would not be revealed, so desperate that it would rather his killers walked free from court than answer questions about what he was up to. Robert Nairac was murdered and secretly buried by the IRA in 1977. Since his disappearance, he has become a mythical figure shrouded in secrecy and rumour. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride to reveal some of what he has found in London's Kew archives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was £54,000 too much to pay for Stormont leaders to visit Washington? Why did it take a year to find the figures? The Belfast Telegraph revealed the cost of the four day trip. Frank got the thoughts of Prof Jon Tonge Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary wants a two-drink airport limit as his airline threatens a clampdown as it tries to recover losses against disruptive passengers. Many of us simply love ‘airport pints' but alcohol is a major source of trouble on planes. There have been a plethora of incidents involving air rage and disruptive passengers in recent years, some resulting in criminal convictions and even emergency landings. Belfast Telegraph reporter Kurtis Reid and Belfast Telegraph columnist Fionola Meredith join Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gerard Conway was last seen in Cookstown in 2007. The 32-year-old father-of-one was recorded on CCTV at a bank in the town on the 25th of January. He was officially reported missing by his family on 13th of February. Despite searches, he has never been seen since. What happened to Gerard remains a mystery, but the coroner is satisfied he is dead. An inquest has heard from family, friends and witnesses. Several of them, believed that there is a possibility that he had been murdered. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Kurtis Reid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The tragic and highly unusual nature of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe's death in 2020, along with criticism of the police search for him, had led to substantial public concern and anger. Two years ago, investigative journalist Donal MacIntyre began investigating the disappearance and the circumstances around it. A source has now told the Belfast Telegraph that as MacIntyre started his work, the PSNI moved to put him under significant online surveillance. He says he is “disappointed but not shocked” at allegations that the PSNI spied on him. ­ Host: Ciarán Dunbar Guest: Sam McBrideSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tragic and highly unusual nature of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe's death in 2020, along with criticism of the police search for him, had led to substantial public concern, speculation, and anger. Two years ago, investigative journalist Donal MacIntyre began investigating the disappearance and the circumstances around it. A source has now told the Belfast Telegraph that as Mr MacIntyre began his work, the PSNI moved to put him under significant online surveillance. He says he is “disappointed but not shocked” at the PSNI allegedly spying on him. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride, who broke the story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suzanne Breen joins Ciarán Dunbar to go through the Belfast Telegraph's latest LucidTalk polling, including the narrowing gap between support for the union and a united Ireland, Sinn Féin's decision to decline this year's White House visit, and potential pay rises for MLAs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

William Hampton was a nomadic millionaire famously described by Leo Varadkar “a vagabond who lived in a caravan”. Hampton left most of his fortune to Sinn Fein. Unsurprisingly – the party were happy to take the money, and equally unsurprisingly their rivals were quick to criticise that, especially given that the money went north. Now Sinn Féin is set to take in over £80k after a derelict cottage in County Carlow was found to belong to Hampton. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph's Andrew Madden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are fears of further bloodshed after an attempt on the life of a dissident republican in west Belfast. Taxi driver Sean O'Reilly was shot in the shoulder in Poleglass on Sunday. The shooting comes amid an escalating feud between factions of Óglaigh na hÉireann, better known as ONH. So far, the tensions have played out with graffiti and accusations on social media. But this shooting has sparked fears of retaliation. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph security correspondent - Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Methodist College Belfast's insurers have been stung for £50,000 after a Carryduff boy sued over hazing at rugby camp. The boy was allegedly forced to strip naked and have his head shaved. Gabriel McConkey also claims he also witnessed other boys perform acts on a sex toy. He was also filmed in what the family say were “degrading” videos which left him “traumatised”. The school has apologised and has reviewed how such trips are supervised. What is hazing and does rugby have a particular problem with it? Belfast Telegraph sports reporter Adam McKendry joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Declan Morgan was formerly Northern Ireland's most senior judge. The Londonderry man now heads the Legacy Commission. He describes the role not only as one of helping families get the truth about how relatives died but also about revealing the reality of political violence and the Troubles. Sir Declan tells the Belfast Telegraph's Northern Ireland Editor Sam McBride he won't flinch from naming those behind the atrocities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A woman dubbed ‘The GAA catfish' is now the subject of an official police probe after the PSNI received a complaint alleging harassment. The infamous catfish, who is believed to be from Armagh, is believed to have deceived up to 40 people including a number of Ulster GAA players. Who is the GAA catfish, how did she trick so many county players, and why did they fall for it? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph's Niamh Campbell and Kurtis Reid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twenty-four days after John George was reported missing in Spain, a body was found. The father-of-two from west Belfast had travelled to Alicante in mid-December for a holiday, but worried family when he failed to return home for Christmas. The Belfast Telegraph can now reveal that Mr George's return flight was booked in the days following his death. Allison Morris, who was investigating the disappearance, joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unionist unity is an idea often proposed but has never seemed to progress. But now, The Belfast Telegraph can reveal secret DUP-UUP unity talks were held 18 months ago. Why did these talks take place, who was there, and could the idea of unionist unity come to fruition? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by The Belfast Telegraph Northern Ireland editor Sam McBride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison Morris, Crime Correspondent for the Belfast Telegraph, gives an update following the discovery of a body during a murder investigation in Spain, launched after the disappearance of Belfast man John George.

Allison Morris, Crime Correspondent for the Belfast Telegraph, outlines the murder investigation launched by Spanish police following the disappearance of Belfast man John George over two weeks ago.

On the 3rd of July 1970 the British Army sealed off the lower Falls. A ‘curfew' is announced. Troops go in, searching for IRA weapons. But the use of CS gas, houses being wrecked, looted even, turns the population against them. Four people died. The Official IRA decided to fight what they called ‘The Battle of the Falls'. The army seized weapons but their standing in west Belfast had been completely changed. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by historian Brian Hanley, and by Belfast Telegraph columnist and author Malachi O'Doherty. This episode was originally published in July 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The infamous Northern Bank heist shook the peace process to its core with suspicion immediately falling on the Provisional IRA. The Northern Bank was forced to replace millions of pounds of notes soon after the huge crime but most of the money was never found. It was far from the ‘victimless' crime some portrayed it as it left innocent people deeply traumatised. Why did the IRA emerge from the shadows to carry out this robbery and why did they do it? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph editor Sam McBride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison Morris, Crime Correspondent, Belfast Telegraph

'Say nothing' focuses on the lives of IRA members Marian and Dolours Price, Brendan ‘The Dark' Hughes, and their interactions with future Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams. Each episode features a denial from Adams that he had any involvement with the IRA. The murder of Jean McConville is a major part of the series - along with the disappearances of Kevin McKee, Seamus Wright, and Joe Lynskey. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Kurtis Reid, who has reviewed the show, and Allison Morris, who features in the final episode, to talk about her real-life encounter with Dolours Price. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you remember the #butnotmaternity campaign during the Covid-19 pandemic you'll recall that women were sometimes left to give birth without their partners. Those restrictions for maternity care were left in place far too long affecting the mental health of mothers and staff. That's according to evidence given to the Covid-19 inquiry which this week is looking at the subject in detail. The inquiry has been listening to the impact on women from 13 pregnancy, baby and parent organisations. We hear from our correspondent who has been following it, Jim Reid, and from Jenny Ward, the CEO of the Lullaby Trust, who gave evidence on behalf of all the organisations. And we talk to Daisie Lane who tells us of her own experience and her book chronicling 150 other women's experiences.Bestselling author Sophie Kinsella, known for the hugely popular Shopaholic series and many other bestsellers, has sold over 45 million books which have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her latest novel, What Does It Feel Like?, is her most autobiographical yet. It tells the story of a novelist who wakes up in a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there and learns she's had surgery to remove a large tumour growing in her brain. She must re-learn how to walk, talk, and write again. Six months ago, Sophie shared with her readers on social media that in 2022, she had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, a type of aggressive brain cancer. It's known for its poor prognosis with only 25% of people surviving more than one year, and only 5% survive more than five years.A murder investigation has been launched after the body of a 22-year-old woman was found in south Belfast. Mary Ward is the fourth woman to be murdered in the space of six weeks in Northern Ireland. The Police Service of Northern Ireland - or PSNI - have referred the case to the office of the Police Ombudsman. Earlier this year, the PSNI released figures showing that in the five years between 2019 and 2024, 30 women and girls across Northern Ireland were killed by men. To put that into context, the population of Northern Ireland is around 1.9 million. We hear from Alison Morris - the Crime Reporter for the Belfast Telegraph.Woman's Hour is joined by the winner of the BBC Green Sport Award, the rower Imogen Grant. Campaigning for cleaner rivers, being vegan and buying fewer clothes are all things Imogen does to protect the environment. She also talks about winning gold at Paris 2024.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Allison Morris, crime correspondent with the Belfast Telegraph

Allison Morris, Crime Correspondent with the Belfast Telegraph, looks at the number of requests made to the ICRIR to investigate incidents which led to death or serious injury during the Troubles.