Podcast appearances and mentions of dion fanning

On Thursday's World Cup Daily, Phil Egan brings you all the latest from the World Cup and beyond.Ireland discover their playoff opponents as Carla Ward's side continue their bid to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.England kick off their World Cup campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia in Dallas.Harry Kane scores twice as Thomas Tuchel's England make a winning start.Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also find the net in a thrilling Group L encounter.Tuchel reflects on England's attacking display and the areas he still wants to improve.Kane reveals how Tuchel's half-time team talk inspired England's strong second-half performance.Ghana leave it late to beat Panama thanks to Caleb Yirinkyi's dramatic 95th-minute winner.Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup goal drought continues as Portugal are held by DR Congo.Colombia secure victory over World Cup debutants Uzbekistan with goals from Daniel Muñoz and Luis Díaz.A look ahead to Thursday's fixtures, including Czechia v South Africa, Mexico v South Korea, Switzerland v Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Canada v Qatar.Lionel Messi steals the headlines with a sensational hat-trick for Argentina at the age of 38.Dion Fanning, Michael McCarthy and John Brewin discuss Messi's enduring brilliance and the atmosphere surrounding the tournament in the United States.The Football Show revisits one of Irish football's most memorable moments from Italia '90.Liverpool close in on Spanish winger Victor Muñoz as Andoni Iraola prepares for his first signing at Anfield.Rangers appoint Derek McInnes as manager, while Real Madrid confirm the signing of former Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté.World Cup Daily on Off The Ball, brought to you by Lynx, “A Proud Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026“. Smell Your Best When You Look Your WorstBecome a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Michael McCarthy, Eve Conway, Dion Fanning & Arthur O'Dea are on hand for Wednesday's Newsround with Portugal taking on DR Congo in Houston simultaneously in Group K of the World Cup.The Newsround on Off The Ball - Weekdays: 7PMViagra Connect 50mg film-coated tablets. Contains sildenafil. For adult men with erectile dysfunction. Subject to suitability. Maximum dosage one 50mg tablet per day. Always read the label.

On Friday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings news from the World Cup, Ireland and the League of Ireland. FAI confirms Ireland's Nations League matches against Israel will be played at a neutral venue behind closed doors following UEFA approval.Growing pressure from pro-Palestine groups and recent protests influenced debate around hosting Israel in Dublin.Damien Duff returns to frontline coaching after being appointed Brentford assistant manager under Keith Andrews.Duff reunites with Andrews after their previous spell together in Stephen Kenny's Republic of Ireland coaching setup.Brentford move marks Duff's first role since stepping down as Shelbourne manager last year.Reflection on Duff's remarkable managerial journey, culminating in Shelbourne's first league title in 18 years.South Korea come from behind to defeat Czechia 2-1 in their opening FIFA World Cup match.Mexico make a winning start on home soil with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Azteca Stadium.Opening World Cup fixtures feature red cards, standout goals and an impressive tournament launch ceremony.Newsround contributors debate their earliest World Cup memories and the tournaments that defined generations.Dion Fanning revisits Euro 2016's “Battle of Marseille” and the chaos surrounding England and Russia supporters.Discussion on whether Ireland could have prospered in Group A had they qualified for the World Cup.League of Ireland action returns with leaders Shamrock Rovers travelling to champions Shelbourne in a major Friday night clash.Cape Verde international Pico Lopes speaks about representing both Ireland and Cape Verde ahead of a high-profile friendly against Spain.Legendary commentator George Hamilton shares insights into the power of silence and timing during sport's biggest moments.World Cup Daily on Off The Ball, brought to you by Lynx, “A Proud Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026“. Smell Your Best When You Look Your WorstBecome a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Eoin Sheahan, Dion Fanning, Ben Symes and Eve Conway are live for Thursday's Newsround, with the World Cup getting underway today as co-hosts Mexico are mere moments away from kicking off for the opening game against South Africa!Viagra Connect 50mg film-coated tablets. Contains sildenafil. For adult men with erectile dysfunction. Subject to suitability. Maximum dosage one 50mg tablet per day. Always read the label.

The FIFA World Cup kicks off on Thursday with co-hosts Mexico facing South Africa.There'll be a staggering 104 matches across the tournament, with a record 48 teams involved.Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer with The Independent and Dion Fanning, co-host of the Free State podcast, preview the competition on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

This week there was a very public falling out between Kerry's political sibling duo Michael and Danny Healy Rae after Michael went on radio to suggest that his brother cost him his junior ministry.Michelle Obama told young people who don't like their jobs that they need to develop greater 'resilience'.And what is doom spending?Edel Coffey and Dion Fanning join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Liverpool close in on appointing Andoni Iraola as Arne Slot's successor after reaching a verbal agreement on a two-year deal.Sporting director Richard Hughes leads negotiations as Liverpool target a swift appointment before the end of the week.Iraola aims to bring key Bournemouth staff members Pablo de la Torre, Tommy Elphick, Shaun Cooper and Tom Webber to Anfield.The Basque coach leaves Bournemouth after guiding the club to Premier League progress and historic Europa League qualification.Liverpool legend John Barnes urges supporters to show patience and give Iraola time to implement his vision.The Football Show panel examines the toxic atmosphere surrounding Arne Slot's final weeks at Liverpool and his fractured relationship with supporters.Celtic intensify their search for a new manager with Robbie Keane and Martin O'Neill emerging as the leading candidates.Majority shareholder Dermot Desmond holds talks with Keane while further discussions with O'Neill are expected.Keane's candidacy sparks backlash from sections of the Celtic support due to his previous spell managing Maccabi Tel Aviv.Celtic Fans For The Liberation Of Palestine publicly oppose Keane's potential appointment, describing it as divisive.Manchester United agree a deal worth up to €45 million to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson ahead of the summer transfer window.The Brazilian is set to sign until 2030 as United move quickly to strengthen their midfield options.Dion Fanning labels Arsenal “a bureaucracy pretending to be a football team” in a provocative Football Show debate.Scotland continue World Cup preparations in Florida as John McGinn praises lifelong friend Andy Robertson ahead of the tournament.Ryan Christie warns Scotland against underestimating Haiti in their opening World Cup group match.Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Henderson and Ollie Watkins share England's growing confidence and challenges ahead of the World Cup in North America.Ghana striker Brandon Thomas-Asante believes his side can cause an upset against England during the group stage.Carla Ward's Republic of Ireland squad prepare for a crucial World Cup qualifier against the Netherlands, with Aoibheann Clancy highlighting the strength of the League of Ireland.Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Eoin Sheahan is joined in studio by Arthur O'Dea, Stephen Doyle and Dion Fanning for Tuesday's Newsround as they bring you all the news from across the world of sportThe Newsround on Off The Ball - Weekdays: 7PMViagra Connect 50mg film-coated tablets. Contains sildenafil. For adult men with erectile dysfunction. Subject to suitability. Maximum dosage one 50mg tablet per day. Always read the label.

Eoin Sheahan is joined in studio by Will O'Callaghan and Dion Fanning to bring you through all the news from the Sporting world on a Thursday evening before one of the busiest weekends of the year.The Newsround on Off The Ball - Weekdays: 7PMViagra Connect 50mg film-coated tablets. Contains sildenafil. For adult men with erectile dysfunction. Subject to suitability. Maximum dosage one 50mg tablet per day. Always read the label.

On Tuesday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you up to date with everything in the world of football.Spurs held 1-1 by Leeds after surrendering an early lead in a tense Premier League relegation battle.Mathys Tel scores at one end before conceding the penalty that changes the game in north London.Dominic Calvert-Lewin converts from the spot as Leeds secure a valuable away point.Antonin Kinsky produces a stunning late save to deny Sean Longstaff a dramatic Leeds winner.Roberto De Zerbi backs Tel despite his costly mistake and insists Spurs can take positives.Daniel Farke praises Leeds' performance after confirming their Premier League survival.Tottenham now prepare for a huge clash away to Chelsea before finishing the season against Everton.Hull City keep their promotion dream alive with a 2-0 win over Millwall in the Championship play-offs.Republic of Ireland defender John Egan plays the full 90 minutes as Hull move one step closer to Wembley.Sergej Jakirovic hails Hull's display while Alex Neil insists the tie was closer than the scoreline suggestsMiddlesbrough and Southampton meet in a decisive second leg surrounded by alleged spying controversy.Boro captain Hayden Hackney ruled out as Kim Hellberg calls on fans to become his side's “weapon”.Southampton chief executive Phil Parsons responds after EFL charges over alleged training-ground spying.Darren O'Dea joins Off The Ball Breakfast to discuss the pressures and expectations of playing for Celtic.Dion Fanning and Philippe Auclair debate VAR, bureaucracy and Arsenal's title credentials on The Football Show.Chelsea reportedly consider Xabi Alonso as manager while Marcus Rashford hints at extending his Barcelona stay.Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Phil Egan, Dion Fanning and Aidan Delaney are here to bring you Sunday's Newsround where they'll be discussing the provincial football finals taking place today, the upcoming Premier League action and much, much more.

Eoin Sheahan, Dion Fanning, Daniel Pitcher and Tommy Rooney are here to bring you Tuesday night's Newsround where they'll be discussing Heimir Hallgrimsson's squad, TD Niall Collins' thoughts on Ryder Cup ticket prices and much, much more. Viagra Connect 50mg film-coated tablets. Contains sildenafil. For adult men with erectile dysfunction. Subject to suitability. Maximum dosage one 50mg tablet per day. Always read the label.

A packed studio for tonight's Newsround, as Eoin Sheahan, David Seagrave, Dion Fanning, and Gerry Thornley bring you the sports headlines.Viagra Connect 50mg film-coated tablets. Contains sildenafil. For adult men with erectile dysfunction. Subject to suitability. Maximum dosage one 50mg tablet per day. Always read the label.

Dion Fanning, Arthur O'Dea, Ben Symes and Stephen Doyle will bring you through tonight's Extended Newsround, which will look at all the biggest sporting news from the past weekend. Man City triumph over Arsenal, Westmeath stun Meath, and the Irish women's rugby team put in a powerful performance against Italy Viagra Connect 50mg film-coated tablets. Contains sildenafil. For adult men with erectile dysfunction. Subject to suitability. Maximum dosage one 50mg tablet per day. Always read the label.

Eoin Sheahan is joined by Dion Fanning and Arthur O'Dea for Wednesday's Newsround, for a look at all the top sports stories as the second leg of the Champions League quarter final draws to a close tonight.Munster have also appointed a new attack coach for next season as Eddie Hearn is set to meet with Croke Park officials about Katie Taylor's farewell fight!Viagra Connect 50mg film-coated tablets. Contains sildenafil. For adult men with erectile dysfunction. Subject to suitability. Maximum dosage one 50mg tablet per day. Always read the label.

On Thursday's Football Daily, Phil Egan previews the day's stories, including Ireland's striker search, Euro 2028 ambitions, and controversy involving Katie McCabe.The FAI continue efforts to convince Liam Delap to switch allegiance, with assistant coach John O'Shea in contact over a potential senior call-up.Heimir Hallgrímsson looks ahead to building for Euro 2028, including a May training camp in Spain and friendlies against Grenada and another opponent.Selection constraints mean Ireland will rely heavily on Championship and League One players, with prospects like Jack Moylan and Jaden Umeh under consideration.Football writer Dion Fanning highlights growing optimism around Ireland's future and discusses shifting public mood.Former Ireland midfielder Andy Reid outlines plans to support youth development and collaborate with League of Ireland clubs.League of Ireland focus returns as Drogheda United face Bohemians, while discussion continues on the shortage of goal-scoring midfielders in the domestic game.Spain winger Lamine Yamal condemns Islamophobic chanting during a friendly with Egypt, prompting investigation and possible FIFA action.Championship and League One updates include promotion pushes for Frank Lampard's Coventry and Michael Skubala's Lincoln, plus Jermain Defoe aiming to make history as a manager.Women's Champions League controversy as Katie McCabe escapes punishment for a hair-pull incident, drawing anger from Sonia Bompastor, while Renée Slegers defends her player.Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Heartbreak for the Boys in Green after loss to Czechia in penalties brings Ireland's world cup dreams to an end. Pop star Chappell Roan faces significant online backlash following accusations that a security guard berated a young fan. And Barry Keoghan opens up about the impact of online abuse targeting his appearance.Dion Fanning, host of The Free State podcast, and broadcaster Fionnuala Jones join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the play button on this page!

Dion Fanning joins Eoin Sheahan and Stephen Doyle in studio for Thursday's Newsround to look at all of the day's top sporting stories. Tottenham Hotspur face Crystal Palace in a crucial clash in their relegation battle, while Irish captain Caelan Doris has the final say before Wales on Friday night.

Eoin Sheahan, Cameron Hill. and Dion Fanning bring you Thursday night's newsround, as both the Ireland men's rugby and football teams are withoutn key men going into March.SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

Dion Fanning and Cameron Hill join Eoin Sheahan in studio for Thursday's Newsround, as Arsenal's Bukayo Saka has signed a new contract until 2030, Andy Farrell has named a changed side for Twickenham, and Stephen Bradley has spoken out about Ireland's Nations League draw with Israel.

It's Monday again, and it's time for an extended Newsround! Join Eoin Sheahan, Mick McCarthy, Stephen Doyle and Dion Fanning as they bring you through the biggest sports news of the past couple days

On Thursday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you the latest from the Czech camp ahead of next month's playoff with Ireland, plus Manchester City secure their spot in the EFL Cup final with a dominant 5–1 aggregate victory over Newcastle, setting up a Wembley showdown with Arsenal.Omar Marmoush's first-half brace and a Tijani Reijnders goal put City firmly in control in the second leg, despite a late Anthony Elanga consolation for Newcastle.Pep Guardiola praises his side's performance and questions why new January signing Marc Guehi is currently ineligible for the final.Newcastle's trophy defence ends, with Eddie Howe admitting missed chances proved costly but insisting there's still plenty to fight for this season.Liverpool boss Arne Slot highlights the signing of France U21 defender Jeremy Jacquet as part of the club's long-term recruitment model.The League of Ireland returns, headlined by champions Shamrock Rovers hosting Dundalk with live commentary on Newstalk and GoLoud.The LOI Pod returns for the new season, debating Shamrock Rovers' defensive depth ahead of the campaign.Dion Fanning discusses Czechia boss Miroslav Koubek's “island team” comments about Ireland ahead of their World Cup playoff.Rangers continue their strong run with a 5–1 win over Kilmarnock, closing the gap on Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts.Rangers manager Danny Rohl reflects on the club's momentum since his arrival and their surge up the table.Newell's Old Boys confirm plans to try to bring Lionel Messi back to his boyhood club in 2027 amid uncertainty over his long-term future.Former Chelsea and Everton midfielder Pat Nevin joins Off The Ball Breakfast to reflect on football nostalgia and how the modern game compares to the past.Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Dion Fanning joins Cameron Hill and Eoin Sheahan in studio for Wednesday's Newsround as the second Carabao Cup semi-final is about to get underway, while Caelan Doris speaks a day before Ireland get their Six Nations campaign underway in Paris.

William O'Callaghan, Cameron Hill and Dion Fanning are here to bring you Thursday's Newsround where they will be discussing Tadgh Furlong's availability, Team Ireland at the Winter Olympics, tonight's Europa League action and all the biggest sports stories of the day.

Eoin Sheahan is joined in studio by Cameron Hill and Dion Fanning as they bring you all the news from the Sporting World on the evening of the penultimate round of the UEFA Europa League. The Newsround: Weekdays 7PM

Wednesday night's Newsround is with Dion Fanning, Eoin Sheahan, and Cameron Hill. Bringing you all the biggest sporting stories across Ireland and beyond. Grab a cuppa, sit back & be sure to enjoy!

Eoin Sheahan, Cameron Hill and Dion Fanning are in studio to bring you all the news from across the Sporting world on a day where Premier League leaders take on patchy Liverpool as the Gunners bid to extend their lead at the top following draws for 2nd place City and 3rd place Villa last night. There has also been some seismic transfers in the League of Ireland and some positive news from an Irish Athletic great... The Newsround on Off The Ball - Weekdays 7PM SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

Eoin Sheahan, Cameron Hill and Dion Fanning are here to bring you Thursday's Newsround where they will be discussing Josh Honohan's move to Lincoln, David Munyua's shock win over De Decker, the Sports Personality of the Year Awards and all the biggest sports stories of the day.

The Department of Housing this week deleted a video that offered advice for adults who find themselves moving back in with their parents; a second Irish swimmer has joined the Enhanced Games; and the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has claimed that Calibri font is 'woke'.All of these stories and more are up for discussion on The Last Word's Week Trending with Dion Fanning, co-host of The Irish Free State podcast, and Edel Coffey, author and columnist.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Eoin Sheehan is joined in studio by Cameron Hill and Dion Fanning to bring you all the news from today as the Republic of Ireland MNT found out their Play-Off Semi-Final opponents in Czechia as well as their potential final opponents should they win and Andy Farrell made 4 changes to last weeks line-up for the last November International this Saturday against the Springboks.

Mick McCarthy is joined by Dion Fanning in studio to revel in the post-World Cup Qualifier win over Portugal afterglow.

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack On the 30th of January 1972 a young Tony Doherty was playing marbles on the Bogside in Derry when word reached him that his father, Paddy had been shot. In the hours, weeks, months and years ahead the families of those who were murdered and injured on that day marched, campaigned and dragged the British State into apologising for what became known around the world as Bloody Sunday. Yesterday that journey (seemingly) ended when the mass murderer called Soldier F was found not guilty. Tony joins me to talk about the trial, the outcome, the Irish presidential campaign and much more. Dion Fanning podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-142188516 MEP Lynn Boylan podcast is out now here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-142349510

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this belter of an Echo pod we combine for the first time ever Mr irishelectionprojections.com's Harry McEvansoneya and thegist.ie's Simon McGarr and is was even more fun than I'd hoped. We talk about the main 3 stories arising out of Catherine Connolly's historic victory and the reasons much of legacy media seem to want to focus on the least important one. We talk winners, losers and the disconnect that this campaign has exposed between politics, media and the public. The Dion Fanning podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-142188516

On Tuesday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you the latest from the Republic of Ireland camp as they take on Armenia in the World Cup Qualifiers in Dublin tonight.Heimir Hallgrimsson wants intensity, but intensity within a structure.Nathan Collins hates losing, and wants the run to stop.Dion Fanning on the lack of a sports psychologist.Northern Ireland suffer a World Cup blow.Pico Lopes is on his way to the World Cup.And Megan Campbell calls time on an historic career.Become a member and subscribe at offtheball.com/joinFootball Daily with thanks to #Toyota #BigBrotherBigSister

A man suspected of shooting dead the conservative activist Charlie Kirk is in police custody in the US; a new Banksy mural is removed from the Royal Courts of Justice in London; and a EuroDreams player in Ireland has won €20,000 every month for 30 years.Elaine Burke, host of the 'For Tech's Sake' podcast, and Dion Fanning, co-host of the 'Free State' podcast, join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

As Dion celebrates a personal milestone, on Free State today Joe and Dion look at how to live without drink.They consider how dark it can get for those on the other side and what helps people become free.Joe reflects on those he has seen struggle with alcohol and those he has seen create a new and rewarding life for themselves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you still talking about Rory McIlroy? Joe has reflected on his comments on Tuesday's episode and Dion believes his views have changed. Have they? Joe also looks at the uniformity of the celebration and what it tells us about society. Dion sees similarities with Italia 90 but Joe thinks there are echoes of Princess Diana's death. They look at why all sport requires a suspension of rational thought. There is also more anonymous correspondence about Joe's remarks.Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rory McIlrory ended his quest for the Masters on Sunday night. It was sporting drama which gripped the nation. Well, nearly all the nation. On Free State today Joe wonders if golf really can produce profound sporting drama given that it is ultimately a game of golf. Dion isn't prepared to defend golf but argues that McIlroy transcends the game because of his inability to wear the mask that the modern sportsman is supposed to wear. And Joe suspects he knows the identity of the anonymous emailer who takes issue with Joe's comments about the GAA and soccer.Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Edna O'Brien's early novels shocked Ireland which plotted its revenge. Her first novel The Country Girls was banned and she had to withstand the whispering of the establishment that she didn't write her own novels.Her career would be a rebuttal to the cynics and the priests, but her life had its share of trauma and despair. In the 1970s she began an affair with a renowned and married British politician whose identity has never been revealed. She was consumed by the relationship, unable to work or think of anything else. A new documentary Blue Road tells the remarkable story of Edna O'Brien. On Free State today, Blue Road's director Sinead O'Shea talks about the Edna O'Brien she got to know at the end of her life and why she remained so fiercely independent. She looks at O'Brien's life ridiculed and castigated by the establishment, firstly for writing about sex and then for writing about Gerry Adams. Sinead also tells the story of the acid trip that altered Edna O'Brien's life forever when she had to be rescued by James Bond.Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Donald Trump paused tariffs for 90 days after a week of chaos, once again the world tried to interpret his actions. When people tell you who they are believe them and Trump has told us plenty of times. These were not the actions of a man playing 4D chess but of an infant trying not to choke on the pieces. Trump is the idiot wind blowing through America bringing anarchy and misery across the world. On Free State today, Joe and Dion look at the man behind the actions and those who have decided to support him. They identify the grift in the middle of the pandemonium and wonder if the bully who wants the world to grovel will be undone by the chaos he can't control.Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the world sinks deeper into madness, Joe and Dion remember the time of wonder that was the Kerry team under Mick O'Dwyer. What was it that drove O'Dwyer on? Joe recalls his own encounters with Mick O'Dwyer. Dion tells of when his father lined up alongside O'Dwyer in a Kerry team in 1960. They look at what drove Mick O'Dwyer and that Kerry team to greatness and why certain myths had to be rejected. Joe also reveals some non sheep nuts related news about his sex life that absolutely nobody will be interested in.Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I thought I came here to talk about books.” John Banville is one of Ireland's great writers. He won the Booker Prize for his novel The Sea and he has remained one of the foremost figures in Ireland since. John Banville will turn 80 this year. In an extraordinary interview on Free State today, he talks about life, death and why we live too long. He has lived a complicated life and he discusses those complications, the hurt he caused his wife and the other women in his life. He speaks about his hatred of the Catholic Church, how his mother was cheated by the clergy and why he feels the church has never really gone away. He explains why he wants to be cancelled and what will be left when he is gone. “The work will be forgotten and my sins will be remembered.”Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1984, the British government banned Martin Galvin from entering Northern Ireland. Galvin was a key figure in Noraid, the American organisation raising funds for Republican prisoners. In an explosive appearance on today's Free State, Martin Galvin tells the story of his journey in the republican movement. Ahead of a brilliant new RTÉ documentary he describes the events of that summer in 1984. Galvin was smuggled into the North and made an appearance at a rally where one man was killed by the RUC as they tried to arrest Galvin Joe and Galvin clash with Dion over the events of that day. They also discuss his work to get Gerry Adams a visa in America and how Sinn Fein went in another direction when they decided it was a time for pragmatists.Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe spent a weekend at funerals and reflects on two extraordinary lives, his aunt Susan and Duncan O'Neill. He also considers how what we hear about people in churches is an insipid version of those actual extraordinary lives. He tells the tragic story of his in laws and the daughter he and his ex wife raised as their own. Having defended Bono and Michael Healy Rae, Dion now jumps to the defence of Jesus. Joe wonders if he - Jesus, not Dion - really suffered as much as the Christian churches have made out for the past two thousand years.Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rosie Schaap grew up leading the archetypal New Yorker lifestyle. Her mother was impossibly glamorous and her father was a sportswriter who befriended a young boxer on the way to the Rome Olympics and stayed friends with him all his life. That boxer was Muhammad Ali. Among Rosie's most cherished possessions is a picture taken by the legendary photographer Carl Fischer with Ali in a safari suit tenderly looking down at her. The picture is now in her Antrim home. On Free State today Rosie Schaap tells the story of how a New York girl ended up in Glenarm following the death of her first husband from a rare form of cancer. Rosie was just 39. She talks about how she found in Ireland a way of talking about death she hadn't experienced in New York. She explains how a fascination with Roger Casement led her to Antrim and then to Glenarm where she made a new life and found love again. Rosie also provides some startling revelations about Joe's Harry Potter life at St Pat's Armagh.Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Lowry giving Paul Murphy - and everybody else - the fingers has become the defining image of the controversy over speaking time in the Dail. Lowry said it was ‘an errant gesture under provocation'. It captured the headlines but it was meaningless. On Free State today, Joe and Dion look at the real power Michael Lowry now holds and what it means. They ask why Lowry has this power and why was it so important to give him what he wants? Joe explains why the circus in the Dail only distracts from the real intent of the government. And there is news from the Dungiven WhatsApp who are surprised by something they've learned about Dion.Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

George Foreman's death robbed the world of one of the great sporting figures. It was also a reminder of a time when boxing ruled the world. On Free State today, Joe and Dion look back on the time when Muhammad Ali and Foreman were kings. And Joe remembers his aunt Susan who died this week and who lived an extraordinary life.Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Martin Dillon knew Rosemary Nelson. He says he has only met a few people like her in his life. He describes her as someone with "overarching respect for human life". Nelson was a solicitor and in March 1999, she was blown up when a car bomb exploded as she drove to work. On Free State today, the legendary journalist Martin Dillon joins us to talk about the women whose lives were destroyed and lost during the Troubles. In his new book The Sorrow and the Loss, Dillon looks at the shadow cast by the Troubles on so many lives. He returns to the case of Rosemary Nelson and the collusion that was involved in her murder. He talks about the killing of Caroline Moreland and who knows what about her murder. He talks too about Stakeknife. The world knows Stakeknife as Freddie Scappaticci but Dillon says he believes more than one man was Stakeknife.Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The former England football manager Gareth Southgate warned this week that “callous, manipulative and toxic influencers” are having a dangerous effect on the lives of young men. The Netflix drama series Adolescence has captured the public's imagination because of what it says about the dangers of social media and the corrupting influence of certain figures who warp the brains of young people. Donald Trump, meanwhile, invites them to the White House. On Free State today, Joe and Dion explain why nobody should have been surprised by Conor McGregor's visit on St Patrick Day. They look at how an army are being mobilised to hate and fear while the real corruption takes place elsewhere. In a time of alarm and fear around the world, Joe takes heart from the beauty of sport and the importance of community.Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Conor McGregor's appearance in the White House for St Patrick's Day was another insight into Trumpworld. McGregor was claiming to speak for Ireland while the Burkes went to Washington but were left to shout and roar outside. McGregor may seem to have no chance of running for president but Ireland would need to take heed of the forces that have brought Trump to the White House. On Free State today Joe and Dion look at the dark money that has bolstered the elites in Britain and the US. They detail how these movements designed to stop regulation and higher taxes for the richest were repurposed as phoney populist movements. The Burkes have paid Facebook €45,000 over the past six years for advertising but where has that money come from? Is Ireland immune to these movements or should we be more alert to the dangers of a McGregor presidency?Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.