The Indo Daily

Beloved for his sharp sense of humour and seemingly endless energy, veteran Irish comedian Sylvester ‘Sil’ Fox has been making crowds laugh for decades. But things took a decidedly more serious turn for the entertainer in December 2018 when he was accused of sexual assault in a Dublin pub. Fox maintained his innocence and was later cleared of all wrongdoing, but the case still haunts him today. As he prepares to turn 91, Fox is still fighting for his name as he races against time in taking on Ireland’s justice system. Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guest: Paul Williams See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Davy Tweed was a popular, successful man in public, but he was also a violent domestic abuser and paedophile who preyed on his relatives. His stepdaughter Amanda Brown, who was abused by Tweed from the ages of eight to 15, has written a book, 'No Peace Until He’s Dead', explaining what the former Irish rugby player did to her and her family. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first of May 1981, Ireland was sent into shock when an Aer Lingus flight was hijacked on its short trip from Dublin to London. The story made international headlines as a former Australian monk, Lawrence 'Larry' Downey, held the Irish plane hostage for almost eight hours. So, what were his intentions? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the early hours of Friday morning, shock news broke, that Siún Ní Raghallaigh, chair of the RTÉ board had resigned, having lost confidence from Media Minister Catherine Martin over her involvement in the golden handshake deals that are engulfing the broadcaster in scandal. But Ní Raghallaigh’s resignation statement has brought the controversy directly to the government's doorstep, having claimed that she had in fact given Catherine Martin's office, knowledge of the controversial exit deals. Host: Kevin Doyle, Guest Fionnán Sheehan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The word ‘shocking’ gets bandied about loosely these days, but videos and photographs that have circulated after an X-rated Valentine's weekend event in Belfast have caused anger, scandal and even fury in some communities across Northern Ireland. Host: Fionnán Sheehan, Guests; Niamh Campbell, Kirsty Blake Knox and John Woodward, manager of the controversial Pleasure Boys See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny made headlines across the world, yet his demise was a cruel inevitability given the physical plight he was forced to suffer having already been poisoned. On Friday, February 16, Vladimir Putin’s most prominent political opponent died in mysterious circumstances, inside a Russian penal colony located near the Arctic Circle. With another “enemy of the state” now dead, what is next for Russia and its tyrannic leader? Host: Fionnán Sheehan. Guest: Jason Corcoran – Russia Analyst See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A €33m crystal meth seizure linked to the Sinaloa cartel has served as a dramatic wake-up call for Ireland. What read like an RTÉ adaptation of ‘Breaking Bad’ had many people wondering why on earth is the infamous Mexican cartel doing business in Ireland? Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guests: Ralph Riegel and Jude Webber. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Struck-off ex-solicitor and property developer Michael Lynn has today been sentenced to five and a half years in prison for stealing €18m from six financial institutions. Lynn obtained multiple mortgages on the same properties in a situation where banks were unaware that other institutions were also providing finance. Host; Ellen Coyne, Guests; Shane Phelan and Rory Tevlin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heir to the brewing and banking fortune, Jennifer Guinness lived a quiet life, residing in a luxury Howth mansion. In April 1986, however, a traumatic incident catapulted her into the headlines and resulted in one of the biggest manhunts in the history of the State. Paul Williams speaks to the Indo Daily about the dramatic kidnapping and the snowball effect it would have on the Irish crime scene for decades to come. Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guest: Paul Williams See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pearl Gamble was 19 years old when she was murdered in January 1961. She worked as a shop assistant and had been dropped at the top of the lane close to her home, after a dance at an orange hall just outside Newry. She was brutally murdered in a nearby field in the early hours of that morning. On this week’s episode of the Indo Daily, the Belfast Telegraph’s Ciarán Dunbar investigates the crime, the murderer and last hanging in Northern Ireland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like so many people in Gaza right now, Isam Hamad finds himself stuck in a living nightmare. His distressing situation is further complicated by the need to care for those around him, including his son Hamza, an Irish citizen who has cerebral palsy and cannot leave Rafah without the support of his family. Isam tells the heartbreaking story of being trapped in a warzone with nowhere to go. Host: Fionnán Sheehan. Guests: Isam Hamad, Ellen Coyne and John Downing See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was another display of frustration, annoyance, and bewilderment as TDs and Senators gathered yesterday, St Valentine's Day, to hear the latest instalment of the RTE scandal. Kevin Bakhurst revealed that RTÉ chief financial officer Breda O'Keeffe was paid €450,000 when she left the organisation. The Indo Daily hears about the latest fallout. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin ‘The Viper’ Foley has long been established as one of Ireland's career criminals. The Dubliner has even survived five assassination attempts. Now aged in his 70s, he has been given a highly unusual punishment: a year-long barring order from Wexford town. The Indo Daily finds out more about 'The Viper' self-described "ordinary decent criminal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RTÉ chiefs past and present are preparing to grace the halls of Leinster House to appear before the Oireachtas Media Committee as the public broadcaster’s crisis rumbles on. Former RTÉ chair Moya Doherty has said the board did sign off on ‘Toy Show The Musical’, which ended up losing €2.3m, while other board members say the musical was presented as a “fait accompli” and that it was never formally approved. As big questions still loom large over former chief financial officer Breda O'Keeffe's redundancy package, will RTÉ ever break free of the scandal that has engulfed the organisation? Host: Tabitha Monihan. Guest: Fionnán Sheehan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Convicted UK sex trafficker David Archer arrived in Ireland to start a new life after serving six years of a 13-year prison sentence for operating a multimillion-euro vice ring in the UK in 2017. The Glaswegian, convicted of sexually assaulting women he trafficked as prostitutes has been described as a “serious threat to women.” Archer went underground since summer until resurfacing as a bogus tradesman in Dublin. But where is he now and why are gardaí searching for him? Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guest: Paul Williams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“I certainly could find nothing that led me to believe in Ian Bailey’s guilt.” That’s according to a retired UK senior forensic officer who has investigated the murder case of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. Bridget Chappuis was in communication with Bailey right up to the day before he died, not with the aim of proving his innocence, but with the hope of finding the truth about one of Ireland’s most notorious unsolved murder mysteries. Host: Kevin Doyle , Guest: Bridget ChappuisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

41 years ago this week, Shergar, the world’s most famous horse was stolen and thus began one of the biggest Gardai investigations in Irish history – Who kidnapped Shergar the wonder horse? HOST: Fionnan Sheahan GUEST: Senan Molony See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2008, Declan Ganley, an English-born businessman who had moved to Ireland as a teenager, inserted himself directly into the Irish political landscape seemingly out of nowhere. For a brief period, Ganley seemed to hold as much political swing as anyone in the country. But how did he get to that point, and what happened next? Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guests: John Downing and John Burns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Kinahan cartel lieutenant Graham ‘The Wig’ Whelan and mob money-launderer Thomas Rooney are the latest organised crime figures to be caught up in a crackdown on rogue companies by Irish authorities Host: Ellen Coyne Guest: Niall DonaldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland has found itself as a European outlier in its broad public support for Palestine throughout the ongoing war in Gaza. But how do these acts of solidarity impact the conflict people are outraged by? Host; Tabitha Monahan; Guests; Ellen Coyne & Hugh O'Connell 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. Host: Ellen Coyne. Guest: Jenn Gannon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He changed the celebrity public relations game, but Max Clifford was ultimately as infamous as his numerous clients were famous. In 2014, Clifford was found guilty of eight counts of indecent assault against four victims. He died in prison three years later. Host: Kevin Doyle. Guest: Sarah Caden See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

West Belfast rap crew Kneecap have been in the headlines from day one, but their Sundance award-winning film has caused angered in some unionist circles because of its £1.6m funding from Northern Ireland Screen and BFI. Today’s episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast, The BelTel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wayne Rooney, John Terry, Ryan Giggs and Kyle Walker. What do they all have in common? Apart from being millionaire footballers who’ve scored big for club and country, they’ve all played away from home in their respective relationships. Walker, the Manchester City defender, has had major success on the pitch for his club but has been a steadier fixture on the gossip pages rather than sporting ones of late. This week he made a tearful public apology after fathering a second child with reality TV star Lauryn Goodman, behind his wife’s back. Today on the Indo Daily Fionnán Sheehan is joined by Gemma Abbott, contributor to the UK Independent, and by Daniel McDonnell, football correspondent for the Irish Independent, to ask why do we treat Kyle Walker and other "bad boy" footballers like gods when, as Gemma says it, they’re just "inadequate men"? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, the name Vince McMahon was synonymous with one thing – wrestling. That changed overnight with allegations of sexual abuse and trafficking from former WWE employee Janel Grant. What next for the entertainment billionaire? Host: Denise Calnan. Guest: Dave Hanratty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Abbey Theatre has been the subject of growing acrimony for years, from an open letter complaining about the direction of the theatre, to bullying and harassment allegations against a co-director that culminated in an investigation with its own controversies. Mark Tighe discusses how these allegations have led to soaring legal costs for Ireland’s national theatre. Host; Tabitha Monahan, Guest; Mark Tighe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carlow man Thomas Carroll ran a multimillion-euro prostitution network with his wife and daughter. It involved trafficking Nigerian women into Ireland and subjecting them to abuse, intimidation and even voodoo rituals to trap them into a life of sex slavery. We look at why he wants his crimes to be forgotten. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Shane Phelan & Tabitha Monahan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Graham Linehan rose to prominence in the 90’s as one of the brains behind arguably Ireland’s greatest-ever TV export, Father Ted. In recent years though, he has become more notable for his divisive opinions around transgender issues, campaigning publicly online and in the media. Host; Ellen Coyne, Guest; John Meagher See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On June 21 1991, Margaret Perry - a 26-year-old civil servant from Portadown - vanished. A year later her body was discovered in a shallow grave in Mullaghmore, Co Sligo. What unfolds is a mysterious investigation into informers, British agents, the IRA and the infamous ‘Nutting Squad’. Today’s episode of the Indo Daily comes from our sister podcast The BelTel where Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Allison Morris security correspondent with the Belfast Telegraph. Host: Cianán Dunbar, Guest: Allison Morris See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As polarising a figure as Ireland has ever seen, Roy Keane has had somewhat of a rebrand in recent years. The hot head from Cork has traded much of his abrasive side for a more mild-mannered and TV-friendly demeanour. Have decades of feuding ruled him out of the question for the vacant Republic of Ireland manager's job? Host: Fionnán Sheehan. Guests: Daniel McDonnell and Dave Hanratty See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest Grant Thornton report into mismanagement at RTÉ, has found more money was wasted on their failed Christmas stage show production. The Indo Daily explains the latest revelations. Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Fionnán Sheahan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former superintendent John ‘Spud’ Murphy came from garda royalty. It shocked everyone when he was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in jail for the possession of €260,000 worth of cannabis at his Dublin home. But why is he back in the news now? Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Maeve Sheehan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Any politician will tell you that immigration has joined housing as the topic that dominates political discussions on doorsteps, at pub counters and in kitchens. Where does Mary Lou McDonald and her party stand on the issue of the moment, and are they likely to make a move to the right? Host; Tabitha Monahan, Guests; Gabija Gataveckaite & John Downing See 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. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Senan Molony & Ralph Riegel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many will remember the shocking case of Josef Fritzl and his “house of horrors”. Austrian sex offender locked his daughter in a cellar for 24 years, fathering seven children with her. Now 88 and suffering from dementia, the depraved rapist is up for parole and may be moved to a care home as a psychiatric expert said he no longer poses a risk. Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guest: Ellen Coyne. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ruthless godfather John Gilligan is credited with ushering in a new era of organised crime and the modern narcotics trade in Ireland. The Indo Daily looks at the life and lies of Ireland’s most notorious criminal boss. First broadcast September 2023. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Paul WilliamsSee 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 in to this puzzle? Host: Ellen Coyne. Guests: Fionnán Sheahan & Amy MolloySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s that time of year again when billionaires, prostitutes and world leaders converge on the isolated, snowy Swiss town of Davos. We go behind the scenes of the World Economic Forum and ask who Ireland’s wealthiest billionaires are. Host: Kevin Doyle, Guest: Adrian Weckler See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In January 2023 the Doomsday Clock, a symbolic representation of global peril, plummeted to a mere 90 seconds from midnight. As the 2024 unveiling approaches next week, have we slipped even closer to global annihilation? Host; Tabitha Monahan, Guest; SJ Beard. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Born in England into immense wealth and luxury, Rose Dugdale turned her back on riches to become a bombmaker, a thief and a terrorist. But why did she abandon her life of privilege for the IRA? Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guest: Liam Collins See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Son of legendary footballer George, Calum Best is known for making headlines, but it’s been a long time since we have seen the celebrity socialite’s name in the news. In recent days that changed, as the reality TV star faced a grilling in a Spanish court over sexual assault charges stemming from an alleged incident in 2022. Host: Ellen Coyne, Guest: Jenn Gannon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Described as one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in UK history, between 1999 and 2015 over 700 postmasters and postmistresses were wrongly accused of stealing money from their branches. Some were bankrupted, losing their houses, livelihoods and life savings, and others served prison sentences. It was later revealed the missing money was due to a fault in a computer program. Today’s episode of The Indo Daily comes courtesy of our sister podcast the BelTel. This was originally published on January 10th 2024. Host: Ciarán Dunbar Guest: Kurtis Reid See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arson attacks, inner party revolt and a lucky escape for 14 migrants in Rosslare. Almost every day now we are seeing the immigration crisis from a different angle. As the issue continues to occupy the headlines and political debate, we look at its potential to shape this year's upcoming elections. Host; Kevin Doyle, Guest; Phillip Ryan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Royalty, presidents, and Hollywood stars have been named in previously sealed documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein and his alleged abuse of young girls. Who was mentioned and what does this mean for them and the investigation into the former financier? Host: Denise Calnan Guest: Darragh Nolan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the fallout from the Christmas Eve shootings in Blanchardstown continue, this week, Jason Hennessy Snr’s funeral will take place with a heightened Garda presence. We look at the possible repercussions and the origins of the ever-growing Corduff feud. Host; Tabitha Monahan, Guest; Robin Schiller See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the story of three long-lost siblings, all abandoned in mysterious circumstances in different Irish towns who unbelievably found their way back to each other many years later. But there could be a fourth ‘foundling’ and they need your help to find them… Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Catherine Fegan, Helen Ward & David McBride See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dee Dee Blanchard was the doting mother to her seriously ill daughter, Gypsy Rose. But behind the smiles and laughter there was a terrifying secret, one that would shock a family and the world, and leave someone horrifically murdered. But what was it? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Darragh Nolan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicknamed the Blade Runner, Oscar Pistorius, the South African athlete was lauded for his sporting achievements the world over. But he would soon become a fallen hero following the killing of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day in 2013. After being released from prison on parole this week, The Indo Daily looks back on where it all went wrong for one of the world’s biggest athletic stars. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guest: John Carlin This podcast was originally published on September 4th 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In February 2005, 25-year-old Lisa Dorrian went missing from a caravan park in Co Down and has never been seen again. Almost two decades on, her family and the PSNI are still searching for her body in the hope for answers and justice. They have only one suspect in mind as to who killed Lisa, and her sister Joanne reveals she has even spoken to him. This episode of the Indo Daily comes from our sister podcast The BelTel and was first published on Aug. 23, 2022. Host: Niamh Campbell Guest: Joanne Dorrian and Ciaran Barnes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1972, 37-year-old widow, Jean McConville was dragged from her West Belfast flat by the IRA. She was shot and buried. Her children have never stopping seeking justice for Jean. Today's Indo Daily hears more about the mystery of what happened to Jean McConville. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guest: Catherine Fegan. First Published: 26th July 2023. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.