The Indo Daily

Once a promising Limerick minor football player, Ciaran Ryan forged ties in his local community that felt like lifelong bonds. A misunderstanding between Ciaran and Cian and Daragh Hayes – brothers of five-time All-Ireland champion hurler Kyle Hayes – would lead to a violent betrayal and leave Ciaran with extensive injuries.  ­ Host: Fionnán Sheahan          Guest: Patrick O’ConnellSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senator Martin Conway finds himself at the centre of two major controversies. The first, an inappropriate behaviour row, dates back to 2018. The other one happened as recently as last month, when he was arrested on Dublin’s O’Connell Street in an “intoxicated state”. Why was this story so complicated to report on? And where does it go from here? Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Fionnán Sheahan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gino D’Acampo is known for his extrovert personality and on-screen innuendos. The Italian celebrity chef has become a regular on UK television with his cheeky chappy persona, appearing on major shows such as ITV’s This Morning, Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Road Trip and Family Fortunes. However, an investigation by ITV News found the star has been accused of sexually inappropriate behaviour spanning 12 years, allegations D’Acampo has firmly denied. Was enough done to protect junior staff on set, and are D’Acampo’s days as a regular television fixture now over? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The family of Elizabeth Plunkett, who was brutally murdered nearly 50 years ago, are calling on the Garda Commissioner to reopen the investigation into her death after learning that two men who admitted to killing her were never convicted. We go behind the story of Ireland’s first recognised serial killers. Host: Ellen Coyne Guests: Amy Molloy & Conor FeehanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Aga Khan, known for his triumphs in horse racing, dazzling wealth and development work around the world, has died this week in Lisbon at the age of 88.  The 49th hereditary imam or spiritual leader of the world's 15 million Ismaili Muslims, his name also became synonymous with success as a racehorse owner, with the thoroughbred Shergar among his most famous.   Shergar won the Epsom Derby, the Irish Derby and the King George, before being kidnapped in February 1983 from Ireland's Ballymany stud farm.  On todays Indo Daily Revisited we look back at one of the world's greatest sporting mystery's: Who kidnapped Shergar?   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Still less than a month into his second term, US President Donald Trump has wasted no time whatsoever in avalanching all before him with a dizzying blitz of enough policies and initiatives to make your head spin. But then, that’s the point. Flood the zone, cause panic and confusion, and hope that some policies do in fact land. With an international outcry on his hands surrounding his comments on Gaza, threats of trade-wars and Elon Musks ‘hostile takeover’, can the president hold firm on his increasingly bold and alarming strategy? Host; Fionnán Sheahan, Guests; Lorcan Nyhan and Scott Lucas See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Verona Murphy may have had a rocky start to her new role as Ireland’s first ever female Ceann Comhairle, but one look at her past suggests she is a woman who is unafraid to fight her corner. Host: Kevin Doyle                                         Guest: Gabija GataveckaiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Boyzone, to Westlife, to The X Factor and beyond, Louis Walsh is undoubtedly one of Irelands most successful music moguls of all time. In a career spanning nearly 50 years, the Mayo native had an ear for talent and an eye for a story, helping him shape pop music history—one headline at a time. But Walsh was no stranger to bending the rules to get his acts noticed and has come under renewed flack after his appearance on a new docuseries ‘Boyzone: No Matter What’ chronicling the rise of one of Irelands greatest pop exports, and for better or worse, his hand in their success. Walsh also seemed to be a master at drumming up publicity: in the documentary, he reveals that he fed stories about Boyzone to tabloids to keep them in the public eye – including rumours, such as one that Baby Spice and Stephen Gately were dating. If they “got the front page,” he said, he was happy. "Most of the time Louis said 'write what you want', there were times when he said 'don't write certain stuff' but 99% of the time he said 'do what you want',” former journalist Rav Singh added. "He needed stories, I needed press, it worked for both of us,” Walsh said. “He would call me up and I would give him things on the group, we kept the band in the papers basically." Was his puppeteering of the press a necessary evil, or can the highs and lows of Boyzone act as a cautionary tale to a music industry still under scrutiny for how it treats its young stars. Today on the Indo Daily Fionnán Sheahan is joined by journalist Ann Marie Hourihane and culture writer Louise Bruton, to discuss how a small-town manager built a global sensation, and ask: would it have worked any other way? *This article was updated at 12.50pm on July 28th 2025 . A previous version included: "“In the documentary, [Mr Walsh] reveals that he used to sell stories about Boyzone to tabloids to keep them in the public eye, including ­rumours, such as one that Baby Spice and Stephen Gately were dating. If they “got the front page”, he said, he was happy.” The Irish Independent is happy to confirm that Mr Walsh did not seek payment from journalists for these stories, but was instead seeking to persuade the journalists to publish his stories in the interests of his clients. The Irish Independent apologies for any confusion caused.*See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It all began in December, when an ex-girlfriend of Irish independent journalist John Meagher sent him screenshots of a fake dating-app profile using a photo of him. This would lead him on an extraordinary journey to find out who his catfish was – the answer to which would shock everyone involved. ­ Host: Ellen Coyne.  Guest: John MeagherSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1980 the former Baroness de Rothschild, Jeannette Bishop May, disappeared without a trace in Italy. Then 14 months later, her and her secretary’s bodies were discovered on an isolated mountain range. Why are their deaths now the centre of a new Italian murder investigation? ­ Host: Kevin Doyle                                         Guest: Josephine McKennaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of The Indo Daily is coming from our sister podcast The Big Tech Show with Adrian Weckler. What is DeepSeek AI? How did it wipe over a trillion dollars off the US NASDAQ Index? And why are experts urging users to be cautious? Founder and CEO of Galvia AI, John Clancy, joins Adrian on this week’s episode of The Big Tech Show to discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘We are so back’ are the words presumably muttered by RTE 2FM higher ups, as they launched their baby-faced, influencer clad new presenting line up in recent days. But hold on a minute... Influencers on the radio, have we not had this debate before? Well despite industry and public concern and comment, RTE have held firm on their long-term strategy for our national youth broadcaster. But how important is RTE 2FM as a cultural institution, and do the youth audience they so heavily crave even care about what goes out on our radio waves? Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guests; Melanie Finn and Cassie Delaney See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Dáil disruption Sinn Féin’s key tactic as it looks ahead to five more years in opposition? And does Mary Lou have an eye on the Áras? ­ Host: Kevin Doyle                                         Guests: Louise O’Reilly and Gabija GataveckaiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In recent months a new force has emerged in the online world. Meet the 'Guinfluencer’ - Fans of the stout who review pints, comment on ‘domage’ and ‘shtick’ among other characteristics the black beverage holds. With stout shortages over Christmas causing chaos in the UK, and ‘G’s being split like they are going out of fashion, it feels like what was once the everyman's stout has reached peak public hysteria. But now, whispers are growing louder that Diageo, the global drinks giant and owner of ‘The Black Stuff’, might be looking to sell off the legendary stout. Why now, and what does that mean for the future of the company and its St James’s Gate brewery? Host; Fionnán Sheahan, Guests; Donal O’Donovan and Turtle Bunbury See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is driving the escalating feud between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni? Where will it end, and what role does social media play in the case that has grabbed the attention of Hollywood and the world? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Aoife BarrySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s 20 years since Ray Burke swapped the corridors of power for Arbour Hill prison. So how did the former justice minister end up on the wrong side of the law? We explore one of the biggest political scandals in the history of the state. Host: Fionnán Sheahan | Guest: John Dowling See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy 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? Host: Ciarán Dunbar Guests: Niamh Campbell & Kurtis ReidSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

715,000 homes without power, record-breaking gusts of 183kmh and widespread serious damage to homes and property across the country – Storm Éowyn has landed in Ireland. How long will the clean-up take? ­ Host: Dave Hanratty                                    Guests: Alan O’Reilly & Mark MadiganSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prince Harry is set to receive a reported 8 figure sum as part of a settlement with Rupert Murdoch's tabloid empire. This agreement also included a formal apology from News Group – but was it worth it and will the press leave the couple alone once and for all? Host: Fionnán Sheehan Guest: Sophie PeachySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A “subversion of the Irish Constitution” is how new Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the chaotic scenes in the Dáil on Wednesday. What caused the embarrassing behaviour? Who was to blame? And is this a taste of what we can expect for the next five years in Irish politics? ­ Host: Kevin Doyle                          Guests: Tabitha Monahan & Eoin O’MalleySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's only been 48 hours but Donald Trump's second presidency is already taking on a very different hue to his first. So how will life in the US change under the returning president and what effect will his "golden age of America" have on Ireland and the world?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arise, Minister Michael Healy-Rae, who can also be proud of his brother Danny as he somehow technically finds himself on both sides of the new government. The sons of the late Jackie Healy-Rae are poised for a big political year, but how have they managed to endure so strongly? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Mark Tighe and Jerry O’Sullivan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conor McGregor boarded his private jet to Washington in time for the second inauguration of US president Donald Trump, with new legal concerns casting a shadow. With more legal writs than professional fights in his recent history, what does the future hold for the MMA fighter? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guests: Catherine Fegan, Shane Phelan and Luke Thomas See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When a 53-year-old French woman got scammed by a digital suitor claiming to be Brad Pitt, the consequences were as dramatic as a Hollywood film. The woman, known as ‘Anne’, lost her life savings and ended up the subject of public mockery and abuse. So how did she fall for the imposter and what are the growing risks in looking for love online? Host: Ellen Coyne Guests: Catherine Field & Saoirse Hanley See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

HMS Maidstone, an ex-Royal Navy Ship, was used in the early 1970s to hold internees. In January 1972, a group of IRA prisoners swam 270 meters through an ice-cold Belfast Lough in a bid to escape, greasing themselves in butter to squeeze out of the ship’s portholes. They then hijacked a double-decker bus before slipping across the border, humiliating the authorities.  Today’s Indo Daily comes from our sister podcast ‘The BelTel’. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by James Durney, author of ‘Jailbreak: Great Irish Republican escapes’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Depending on who you ask, Trump's impending inauguration is either a win for freedom or a threat to democracy itself. As the US president-elect gears up for his second turn in the Oval Office, we ask: what does it mean for Ireland and the world at large? Host: Tabitha Monahan | Guests: Richard Curran and Larry Donnelly See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can the proposed ceasefire in Gaza actually last? What are the obstacles still in place that could derail the attempts to bring peace to the region? And just how long might it take to rebuild Gaza? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: John DowningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As white smoke appears over Leinster House this week - who will be the ministers in the incoming government and what role might controversial Independent TD Michael Lowry have had in its formation? Host: Kevin Doyle | Host: Fionnán SheahanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In December 2005, the O'Brien family set out for what was supposed to be a wonderful holiday to Florida. However, tragedy struck when 15-year-old Lynsey O'Brien fell from the ship's balcony. Her death would shatter the family's life as they knew it. ­ Host: Fionnán Sheahan                           Guest: Imelda O’BrienSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fierce clash between GAA president Jarlath Burns and former Derry manager Rory Gallagher has led to the threat of legal action and a split in public opinion. Was Burns right to raise his concerns about Gallagher’s potential appointment to a new gig? Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Colm Keys, Fionnán Sheahan, and Tessa Fleming See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Robert Holohan went missing in January 2005, the investigation into his disappearance became one of the largest in the history of the state. Volunteers travelled from across the country to help find the 11-year-old boy from Middleton but the truth behind his disappearance lay closer to home. Yesterday marked the 20th anniversary of the grim conclusion of that search and the beginning of a tragic story that would divide and devastate a community. Host: Ellen Coyne | Guest: Ralph RiegelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are bringing Indo Daily listeners an episode from The Sunday World's excellent new food and lifestyle podcast 'Under the Grill' this weekend. In each episode Kevin Dundon and Caoimhe Young sit around the kitchen table with some of Ireland’s best loved personalities. Today Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh joins the team in the kitchen in this week’s episode, in association with Philadelphia. The singer is a born entertainer and not only when it comes to music – making dinner for 20 to 30 people wouldn’t knock a sparkle off her. The Dubliner chose bread & butter pudding for childhood dish on the already popular podcast series. Hosts: Kevin Dundon & Caoimhe Young Guest: Niamh KavanaghSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barely a fortnight into 2025 and we're already seeing what must surely be one of the most unlikely showdowns of the year, as Claudine Keane goes head to head with Sinn Féin. She claims that prominent party figures are inciting online “hatred” towards her family, as they attempt to reignite controversy around husband Robbie's short-lived stint at Maccabi Tel Aviv. Host: Kevin Doyle | Guest: Mark Tighe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When veteran Irish criminal John Gilligan rang in the new year from a Spanish jail, the charges were a far cry from his heyday on Dublin's gangland scene. ?So how does a once-powerful gangster end up implicated in "street level" dealing, why hasn't he been able to pay his bail and, after a life of crime, what's the retirement plan? Host: Kevin Doyle, Guest: Nicola TallantSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

X boss and Donald Trump confidante Elon Musk has started the new year in venomous fashion, accusing UK prime minister Keir Starmer of being complicit in “the rape of Britain”, while turning his back on Nigel Farage. Why is he setting his sights on the UK? And will he attempt to further influence Irish politics while he’s at it? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Enda Brady and John Meagher See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Doyle of the Irish Independent spent the days before Christmas in Temple Street hospital, looking after his five-month-old daughter Carla. His experience – and those of the other struggling parents and children present – has led him to question the protocols in place and declare the still-unopened National Children’s Hospital “too big to fail”. Host: Tabitha Monahan | Guest: Kevin DoyleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The General Post Office on O’Connell Street is undoubtedly one of Ireland’s most significant buildings; as the headquarters of the 1916 rising, the bustling epicenter of 20th century communication and even the point by which the distance to towns and cities across the country were measured. This year, the Dublin landmark faces a milestone of its own - with a new purpose for the building set to be revealed. So could a reimagined GPO help breathe life into the city centre and how do we preserve our history while developing a living, breathing city? Host: Dave Hanratty | Guest: Donal Fallon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland’s housing crisis continues apace, and while many people are struggling to put a roof over their heads, there are those who have exploited the situation for hefty profits. In the case of rogue landlord Christian Carter, an Irish Independent investigation into his operation exposed some shocking stories. This episode was first published in June 2024. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Amy MolloySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multiple female footballers have claimed they were subjected to unwanted or inappropriate sexual advances from FAI coaches in the 1990s. A number of women have spoken to a joint investigation by the Sunday Independent and RTÉ Investigates to outline a series of harrowing allegations. This second episode looks at the personal stories of these women. This episode was first published in July 2024. Presenter: Ellen Coyne Guests: Mark Tighe and Marie Crowe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multiple female footballers have claimed they were subjected to unwanted or inappropriate sexual advances from FAI coaches in the 1990s. A number of women have spoken to a joint investigation by the Sunday Independent and RTÉ Investigates to outline a series of harrowing allegations. This episode was first published in July 2024. Host: Ellen Coyne Guests: Mark Tighe and Marie Crowe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The University of Limerick (UL) is engulfed in a scandal arising from a €5m overspend on student housing 3km from the college campus. UL wrote to gardaí last month to notify authorities of a possible fraud. The matter is currently the subject of ongoing assessment by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau to see if a criminal investigation is warranted. This episode was first published in May 2024. Host: Ellen Coyne. Guest: Wayne O’ConnorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The death of Ian Bailey leaves many unanswered questions in the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. Irish Independent journalists Senan Molony and Ralph Riegel share their meetings and stories with Ian Bailey over the past 27 years. This episode was first published in January 2024. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Senan Molony & Ralph Riegel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He’s the king of renovation-themed television, but Dermot Bannon is under fire as the RTÉ star opted to build first and ask later in the latest episode of Room to Improve. Is the system to blame? And where does Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien fit into this puzzle? This episode was first published in January 2024. Host: Ellen Coyne. Guests: Fionnán Sheahan & Amy Molloy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She’s the new queen of London’s right-wing social scene, counting Nigel Farage and Donald Trump among her friends. Having traded Neighbours and Ramsay Street for a brief crack at Hollywood and pop stardom, Holly Valance has found a new calling – cheering for the radical right. But does she have political ambitions of her own? This episode was first published in June 2024. Host: Tabitha Monahan Guests: Enda Brady and Dave Hanratty See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1988 an unknown German duo called Milli Vanilli released their first song Girl You Know It’s True. Two years later they had sold over 40 million records, had millions of fans and even won a Grammy. However, they were hiding behind one of the biggest lies in the history of pop music. This episode was first published in October 2024. Host: Dave Hanratty Guest: John Meagher See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One-time prince of pop Justin Timberlake appeared at a Long Island court on Tuesday after being arrested for driving while intoxicated. Now he’s bringing scandal back, with police describing him as having "bloodshot and glassy" eyes as well as smelling of alcohol. Journalist Louise Bruton discusses the controversial personal life of the Cry Me A River and SexyBack singer. This episode was first published in June 2024. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Within 48 hours of inserting Songs of Innocence into the folders of half-a-billion Apple users, the tech giant’s deal to give away U2's new album came under attack from music fans and iPhone owners across the globe. Described on some corners of the internet as “the U2 virus”, the album deal became one of the band’s and Apple’s biggest ever PR gaffs. Ten years on from the incident, was it all just a bit of an overreaction? This episode was first published in October 2024. Host: Tabitha Monahan. Guest; Dave Hanratty See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the height of his fame, Pete Doherty personified rock'n'roll excess. Though he wished to be taken seriously as an artist, it was the many personal controversies of the Libertines frontman that provoked public scrutiny. From his relationship with Kate Moss, to his descent into drug addiction, to his link to a tragic death that still poses unanswered questions, we look at the many headlines of Pete Doherty. This episode was first published in March 2024. Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guest: Craig Fitzpatrick See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conspiracy theories are nothing new. The latest one doing the rounds is that pop princess Taylor Swift - who just won 'Album of the Year' at the Grammy's - is a Pentagon “psyop plant” who will rig both the upcoming Super Bowl and US presidential election. This has led to clashes between “Swifties” and the far right. The Indo Daily explains all. This episode was originally published in February 2024. Host: Ellen Coyne. Guest: Jenn Gannon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elf, Love Actually and Die Hard – some of the movies we discuss as we look for the best and worst Christmas movies of all time? What are yours? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Dave Hanratty and Dee MolumbySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.