Newstalk Weekend

Joining Anton to review the main stories in the Sunday papers is John Cunningham, Relationship Director with Morgan McKinley and former chair of the Immigrant Council of Ireland; former RTE correspondent, David Davin Power; and Elaine Geraghty, Managing Director of Ardmore and Troy Studios.Anton also speaks to Newstalk's Shane Coleman about current party standings as seen in the latest political opinion poll. 

Anton is joined by Roz Purcell, broadcaster and creator of ‘The Hike Life’ to discuss the best hikes to do despite the weather we get this time of year.

Joining Anton for this week's instalment of Ask the Expert is Dietitian Sarah Keogh.

With the abrupt departure of RTÉ’s Siún Ní Raghallaigh, one has to be worried about the broadcasters stability. To talk about what’s been happening, Anton is joined by CEO of ShinAwiL, Larry Bass and Secretary of the National Union of Journalists, Seamus Dooley.

For many the first day of Spring is the first day of February, for others it is the first day in March. And for a select few, it’s when the first daffodils poke their heads out of the ground… so which is it? Éanna Ní Lamhna, biologist, environmentalist, broadcaster and author joins Anton to figure this out.

Joining Anton to go through the main stories from Saturday’s papers is writer and broadcaster Stephanie Preissner and Adrienne Sweeney, Director of Powerscourt Springs Health Farm and news reader at Newstalk.

Anton is joined by John Sweeney, former investigative journalist at the BBC and author of ‘Killer In The Kremlin’ as well as Tom McEnaney, Media consultant and Founder of EffectiveAidUkraine.org to discuss the current state of the conflict.

Karl Spain is a comedy legend known for his work on the Republic of Telly, his time on Operation Transformation, and his stand-up performances. His upcoming tour is called ‘Well, What Did You Expect?’ He joins Anton to discuss.

The 77th BAFTAs takes place tonight in London, hosted by David Tennant. Cillian Murphy, Barry Keoghan, and Paul Mescal are the big names flying the flag for Ireland among several others - Anton is joined by Newstalk's Henry McKean to look ahead to tonight's event.

Ozempic, a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, has experienced a rise in popularity after being praised for its efficacy in helping patients lose weight. Joining Anton to discuss Ozempic's uses and the issue of obesity in Ireland is Professor Donal O’Shea, HSE clinical lead for Obesity.

In the latest revelation regarding RTE’s payments to departing senior executives, it was revealed that an exit payment of up to €200,000 was made to RTÉ's former Director of Strategy, Rory Coveney after he tendered his resignation last year.Brian Stanley, Sinn Fein TD and Chairperson of the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee joins Anton to discuss.

Joining Anton to review the main stories in the Sunday papers is Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at the University of Galway; Gabija Gataveckaite, Political Reporter with Irish Independent; and Gavin Duffy, businessman & broadcaster.Anton also took a call from Pat Davitt, Chief Executive of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers (Ipav) to discuss the latest reports that residential property prices are predicted to rise by another 5pc in 2024.

J.F. Murray is one of Ireland’s most popular 'BookTokers' whose book ‘Hitched’ has just been optioned by Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company. He joins Anton to discuss the success of the book and its adaptation to the small screen.

Joining Anton for this week's installment of Ask The Expert is Dr Mary O'Kane, Lecturer in Psychology and Early Childhood Education.

Anton is joined in studio by Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee.Together they discuss, 'Cuan', the new statutory agency that sets out to tackle and reduce domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV); the decision by the Garda Representative Association (GRA) to not invite Commissioner Drew Harris to its delegate conference this year; as well as tackling issues around immigration & opposition to asylum seekers being moved into certain community.

Comedy legend Kevin McAleer has announced that he is going to step back from doing stand-up after 40 years on the comedy circuit. He joins Anton to reflect on his career.

Joining Anton to go through the main stories from the Saturday papers is Mark Hennessy, Ireland and Britain Editor of the Irish Times & journalist and author, Valerie Cox.

A New York state judge has ordered Donald Trump to pay $354.9m as part of a civil fraud trial against him and his company. It deals a further significant financial blow to the former president just weeks after being ordered to pay $83.3 million to E. Jean Carroll. Joining Anton to discuss the ruling is David Smith, Washington Bureau Chief with Guardian News and Media.

Joining Anton was Maia Dunphy to discuss the face up to cancer campaign along with parenting and Dublin bus frustrations. You can see more details on the campaign at https://faceuptocancer.ie

Joining Anton with his list of the best rom coms ahead of Valentine's Day was Brian Lloyd, Movies Editor at Entertainment.ie.Brian's top 10 list: Some Like It Hot (1959)When Harry Met Sally (1989)Groundhog Day (1993)Pretty Woman (1990)WALL-E (2008)The Wedding Singer (1998)Say Anything (1989)Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)Crazy Stupid Love (2011)Pretty In Pink (1986)

Anton was joined by Minister Eamon Ryan to discuss the traffic ban in Dublin City along with his position as Co-Chair of International Energy Agency.

Joining Anton to review the main stories in the Sunday papers is Pat Rabbitte, Chairperson of Tusla & former Leader of the Labour Party, Aideen Finnegan, Audio Producer with The Irish Times, Hugh O’Connell, Deputy Political Editor at the Irish Independent

Following the passing of former Taoiseach John Bruton, Anton was joined by Pat Rabbitte to share his memories of the former Fine Gael leader.

It is almost that time of year again when we dust off the non-stick crepe pans and whip out the lemons and sugar. Pancake Tuesday is just around the corner and joining Anton to give him a refresher on how to make them is Chef, Gary O’Halloran

Joining Anton for this week's installment of Ask the Expert is Pete the Vet.

Anton was joined in studio by Simon Harris TD, Minister for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science & Justice.Together they discuss the introduction of new higher education courses for students with intellectual disabilities, the issue of ongoing demographic changes and the impact on school places, as well as reform of the CAO points system.

Mark Wogan no doubt thought twice about following in the footsteps of his late great father Terry, but if he did, he clearly disregarded any misgivings he may have had and forged on regardless. Having spent years in the food industry Mark launched his podcast ‘Spooning With Mark Wogan’ in December of last year - he joins Anton to discuss.

Joining Anton to go through the main issues being covered in the morning papers is Brenda Power, columnist with the Sunday Times and the Irish Daily Mail & broadcaster and writer, Barbara Scully.

As the funeral of former Taoiseach, John Bruton takes place this morning, Newstalk reporter, Sheila Naughton, and broadcaster Ivan Yates join Anton to discuss the events that will be taking place this morning and to reflect on the legacy of the former Taoiseach.

When comedian, Jason Byrne isn’t busy writing a new book or memoir you can generally find him on your TV screens on LOL: Last One Laughing Ireland or performing on stage. He joins Anton to discuss the inspiration behind his latest live show Paddy Lama - Shed Talks.

Anton is joined by Kenny Jacobs, CEO of Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) & Green MEP, Ciarán Cuffe.Together they discuss whether or not Dublin Airport should have a passenger cap lifted, potentially raising the passenger limit going through the airport to 40m people in the coming years.

Joining Anton to review the main stories in the Sunday papers is Conor Lenihan, Former Minister for Science, Technology & Innovation; Dublin MEP, Frances FitzGerald; and Business Strategist, Miriam Simon.Anton also speaks to journalist, Amanda Ferguson about Michelle O'Neill becoming Northern Ireland’s First Minister and the state of politics in the North in general.

Film producer, James Gay-Rees, has managed to do what some would have thought impossible - he has managed to get not just six separate teams, but six separate countries and their rugby football unions to agree to allow him to make a behind-the-scenes documentary of the Six Nations competition. It is called Six Nations: Full Contact available on Netflix - James joins Anton to discuss.

Joining Anton for this week's installment of Ask the Expert is Sonia McEntee, Principal Solicitor at Sonia McEntee Solicitors and chair of the Law Society PR Committee.

After a deal was struck to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland following two long years of negotiation by the UK government and the DUP, “a day of hope and optimism" is how Sinn Féin described the developments. Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance and TD for Donegal, Pearse Doherty joins Anton to discuss.

After a deal was struck to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland following two long years of negotiation by the UK government and the DUP, “a day of hope and optimism" is how Sinn Féin described the developments. Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance and TD for Donegal, Pearse Doherty joins Anton to discuss.

The Grammys will take place tomorrow night in what promises to be the biggest night in music in 2024. The awards will be helmed by Trevor Noah and will feature performances by Billie Eilish, Joni Mitchell, SZA, and more. Joining Anton to preview the event is Justin Curto who covers music, TV, and celebrity news for New York Magazine’s Vulture.

Joining Anton to go through the top stories from the morning papers is Daniel Murray, Political Correspondent with the Business Post & Stefanie Preissner, author and broadcaster.

A clinical Ireland team defeated France with a record win in the opening game of the 2024 Six Nations last night. Joining Anton to discuss the victory is Aisling O’Reilly from Off The Ball & Alan Quinlan, former Munster and Ireland rugby player.

Next weekend will see the biggest tennis event take place in Ireland for over a decade as Ireland faces Austria in the Davis Cup in front of a sell-out crowd at UL. Conor Niland is captain of the Irish team - he joins Anton to discuss.

Joining Anton to discuss this week's Grant Thornton report on Toy Show the Musical as well as the delayed report on RTÉ's voluntary exit package that is expected to be released in the coming days is Seamus Dooley, National Union of Journalists.

You can tell from the reaction in the media that Irish people are only too happy to bask in the reflected glow of our homegrown stars of screen and stage, and the announcement of Cillian Murphy’s Oscar nomination this week was no different.But novelist, poet, and short story writer, William Wall is one man who can actually claim some credit for the Cork actor’s success as he is the man who advised him to give acting a go in the first place - William joins Anton to discuss.

Businesses have been facing a lot of challenges in recent weeks as evidenced by the spate of restaurant and small business closures across the country. Joining Anton to discuss the issues is Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment, Simon Coveney.

Joining Anton to review the main stories in the Sunday papers is Children's Rights Alliance Chief Executive, Tanya Ward; Paul Hayes, CEO of Beachhut PR; and public affairs consultant & Irish Times contributor, Gerard Howlin.Anton also spoke to Daniel Murray, Political Correspondent with the Business Post about support for Sinn Fein slipping in the latest opinion polls as well as Niamh Smyth, Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan Monaghan, who has accused RTÉ of ‘cooking their books’ with regard to the funding of 'Toy Show the Musical'.

Ed Guiney and Element Pictures celebrated an incredible 11 Oscar nominations for the film 'Poor Things' recently, making it the highest number of nominations a film with Irish connections has ever had. Ed joins Anton to reflect on his success.

A federal jury ruled on Friday that former US President, Donald Trump, must pay a total of $83.3 million in damages for defamatory statements made denying he sexually assaulted E. Jean Carroll. Joining Anton to reflect on the loss for Trump and the impact this may have on his bid for a second term as US President is Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at the University of Galway.

In March the country will go to the polls to decide on two amendments to the Irish Constitution, one relating to the provision of care and one relating to the definition of family. Joining Anton to discuss the issues involved are conservative commentator and former barrister, Laura Perrins, & Karen Kiernan, CEO of One Family.

Last night six musical acts battled it out on The Late Late Show's Eurosong special to represent Ireland at this year’s song Eurovision Song contest in Sweden - but is this finally our year to reclaim Eurovision glory? Broadcaster, Máiread Ronan joins Anton to discuss.

Mark Hennessy, Ireland and Britain Editor with the Irish Times & journalist, Lise Hand join Anton to run through some of the top stories from the Saturday papers.Anton also speaks with Barry Roche, Southern Corr with the Irish Times to discuss Gardai in Bantry searching the flat where Ian Bailey had been living.

While organising a wedding is no small feat at the best of times, what about the logistical and sometimes linguistic barriers to planning a wedding abroad? Joining Anton to discuss is Ireland’s first-ever wedding planner, Tara Fay, who’s been helping couples on their big day for nearly 30 years.