The Indo Daily

Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch has confirmed his intentions to run for public office once again following a remarkably close effort in the 2024 general election. Would a successful bid in the upcoming Dublin Central by-election represent the political heist of the century? What exactly does Gerry Hutch stand for? And does he genuinely want to be a politician? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Mary Regan and John DowningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of The Indo Daily comes from our sister podcast The BelTel. Lauren Bradford-Clarke grew up believing her mother Lesley had taken her own life before finding out the truth – her father was a murderer. She was told her mum Lesley took her own life, eventually being told it was part of an apparent ‘suicide’ pact with a man, Trevor Buchanan – the husband of the woman who would eventually become a mother-like figure to her. That woman was Hazel Stewart, how had been having an affair with Lauren’s father, Colin Howell. Then 18-years after the deaths, Colin Howell walked into a police station and confessed to murdering them, implicating Stewart as his partner in crime. Dr Lauren Bradford-Clarke, now a criminologist, spoke with the Belfast Telegraph’s Claire Williamson. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has pushed through major rent reforms, softened its Airbnb crackdown and appointed a brand new housing supremo... all in one week. On this episode of Indo Politics, Tabitha Monahan and Conal Thomas unpack what the rent reset really means for tenants, why some towns are dodging the Airbnb squeeze, and whether the new housing tsar can actually speed up supply, or if it’s just another layer of bureaucracy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ten years on from the Regency Hotel shooting, a one-man play about Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch is returning to the stage in the Ambassador Theatre after last year’s sold-out run. Written and performed by Rex Ryan, son of the late broadcaster Gerry Ryan, the show charts the life of one of Ireland’s most infamous and divisive figures. The Monk’s name is etched into the public consciousness through an unprecedented gangland feud that reshaped the country’s criminal landscape. So, does putting his story onstage risk humanising, even glamorising, a violent chapter in recent Irish history? ­ Host: Tessa Fleming, Guest: Rex RyanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fallout from the latest batch of Epstein files continues apace, with major developments in the entertainment industry and beyond. US pop sensation Chappell Roan has cut ties with her talent agency – an agency that boasts a wealth of Irish star names – after its boss was named in the files, while exiled royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor faces renewed pressure regarding his relationship with Epstein. ­ Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Dave Hanratty and Enda BradySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three years ago, Ryan Tubridy walked away from RTÉ at the centre of a scandal that shook Irish broadcasting to its core. Now, after a stint in London and a period out of the spotlight, Ryan Tubridy is back on Irish screens and back talking. So, is this really the start of a redemption arc, or just a carefully managed comeback? ­ Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Melanie FinnSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former justice minister Alan Shatter said he has been the target of a vicious and antisemitic smear campaign since Social Democrats justice spokesman Gary Gannon put up a social media post that linked him with Jeffrey Epstein. Mr Shatter, who was Fine Gael’s justice minister from 2011 to 2014, said he has twice written to Mr Gannon and Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns in the last week seeking the withdrawal of false claims that he met Epstein while in office. It is understood Mr Shatter is considering taking defamation action against Dublin Central TD Mr ­Gannon. Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns declined to comment on the issue on Sunday. Asked whether Mr Shatter will be receiving an apology from she or Mr Gannon, she told RTÉ's The Week in Politics: "This is potentially a legal matter so I can't comment on this." Mr Gannon was also contacted for comment Today on this Indo Daily Extra, Tabitha Monahan is joined by The Sunday Independent’s Mark Tighe, to look at how a misinterpreted document, could now turn into a political and possible legal controversySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been a rough week for UK prime minister Keir Starmer. First, he offered a direct apology to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking network while declaring that “none of us knew the depth and darkness” of the relationship between Epstein and former British ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson. Then came the resignations of Morgan McSweeney and Tim Allan. Can Mr Starmer hold onto his job? Meanwhile, the latest tranche of Epstein files contained references of a distinctly Irish nature – what are they, and what conclusions can we draw from them? ­ Host: Tabitha Monahan Guests: Enda Brady and Kim BielenbergSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland’s high street – or main street if you prefer – has seen quite the evolution over the past hundred-odd years. Today, it is an arena of mixed fortunes. On one hand, the recent liquidation announcement of EuroGiant has thrown a popular discount chain’s future into question. On the other, Dunnes Stores is just edging out Tesco as Ireland’s most popular shopping store. Who gets the credit for such success? And what does it all mean for you, the valued consumer? Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guests: Donal O’Donovan and John MeagherSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did weight-loss drugs move from medical niche to global phenomenon Aimee Donnellan, Reuters columnist and author of Off the Scales: The Inside Story of Ozempic and the Race to Cure Obesity, joins Karl Henry on this week’s episode of The Real Health podcast. This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast, Real Health with Karl Henry See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whilst heavy rain and winds battered parts of the East coast this week, temperatures rose inside Leinster House. As Bord Bia chairman Larry Murrin appeared before the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee. The government continued to push through regulations on the ban on scramblers, and we now have a date for the upcoming by-elections in Galway West and Dublin Central. So how is the field shaping up? Mary Regan joins Tabitha Monahan to discuss the runners and riders in the upcoming by-elections. Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Mary Regan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 30th anniversary of Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance spectacle threatens to be overshadowed by turmoil behind the scenes.  Those with tickets for the show in Dublin’s 3Arena have likely had just one question on their minds this week - is this thing going ahead?  Flatley has been locked in a spiky legal battle with Switzer, the events company contracted to run the multi-million-pound stage show.  The drama peaked earlier this week when Switzer issued a statement cancelling the show with immediate effect – a move Flatley succeeded in overturning within hours.  So, how did we get here? And is the show actually going ahead?   Host: Tessa Fleming. Guests: Shane Phelan and Melanie FinnSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ten years ago today, a gun attack at the Regency Hotel sent shockwaves through Ireland and marked a turning point in modern gangland history. In broad daylight, heavily armed men disguised as gardaí stormed a boxing weigh-in, killing David Byrne and triggering a violent feud that would leave Dublin gripped by fear for years to come. ­ Former senior garda Michael O’Sullivan looks back on the day that reshaped Irish organised crime, and its lasting consequences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claire Byrne kicked off her new mid-morning broadcast gig this week, signalling a new chapter in Ireland’s radio wars as Newstalk and RTÉ square up. In the space of just a few months, big names have switched sides and fresh schedules have been dreamed up. What’s driving these moves? Who has the upper hand? And will audiences get a better product in the end? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Declan Lynch and John MeagherSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amazon stumped up $75m for a Melania Trump documentary that opened to dismal reviews and even worse box-office returns. So, why invest in such a precarious project? Who is the previously exiled director at the helm? And, in a bid to answer the “is it any good?” question, we went along to a sparse opening-day screening to deliver our review. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Dave HanrattySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anne O’Brien saw her son leave for a holiday on a Greek island, only to return home in a coffin. For more than four years, the family of Niall O’Brien (21) have sought justice. Joseph Patrick Connolly (24), from Rostrevor, Co Down, was found guilty of fatal bodily harm when he punched Niall in the early hours of August 30, 2021. Connolly was found guilty after a court hearing in Ermoupoli, on the island of Syros. He received a six-year sentence, but was released on bail pending an appeal. “My son went to Ios to have the holiday of a lifetime and he came home to me in a coffin,” Mrs O’Brien told the court. Host; Ciaran Dunbar, Guest; Mark Tighe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We Irish have always talked about the weather. It’s our great shared obsession - the small talk, the punchline and the meme that does the rounds when the rain refuses to stop.  However, as increasingly violent storms batter our shores and flood our towns, for many across the country, what was once a national pastime has become a source of real anxiety.  So, what does climate change actually look like on the ground in Irish communities?  And can we keep up with a crisis that’s moving faster than ever? Host: Tessa Fleming Guest: Alan Caulfield, assistant news editor with the Irish Independent This podcast was produced with funding from Coimisiún na Meán’s Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a busy week in Irish politics. As the country reels from Storm Chandra, government ministers have accused Met Éireann of withholding information about the extent of the storm. The death of Grace Lynch has placed the Government's inability to police scramblers at the heart of political debate. Cónal Thomas joins Tabitha Monahan to discuss the Government's next steps in the wake of the tragedy, and to look ahead to ministers’ St Patrick’s Day assignments, but what will await the Taoiseach in Washington? Today's podcast comes from our sister podcast Indo Politics, where you can find new episodes every Friday. Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Cónal Thomas See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Oireachtas hearing descends into controversy as the CEO of Rowing Ireland fails to appear, fuelling fresh outrage over athlete welfare and accountability. Paul Kimmage joins Kevin Doyle to further unpack allegations of silence and a toxic high-performance culture at the heart of Irish rowing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retail royalty Brown Thomas and Arnotts have stood as big-ticket landmarks for shoppers on both sides of the River Liffey for generations, encountering new owners, fires, floods and even the War of Independence along the way. This week, however, they faced the wrath of a consumer watchdog and a date in Dublin District Court. How did a Black Friday misstep land them in trouble? And why did it only cost €1,000?   Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Adrian Weckler and James HanbySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota has sparked deadly violence, mass protests and a fierce White House response. Is this law and order, or a dangerous slide towards authoritarian rule?  Host: Fionnán Sheahan  Guests: Scott Lucas and David SmithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week marks 15 years of Micheál Martin as leader of Fianna Fáil. Having taken up the reins in the wake of the economic crash, he and the party clung on following a challenging general election. The 15 years that followed have been characterised by highs, lows and incredible endurance. So, how did Micheál Martin become the great political survivor? What comes next? And how he will he fare when an increasingly combative Donald Trump welcomes him back to the Oval Office?   Host: Tabitha Monahan Guests: Fionnán Sheahan and John DowningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel stands accused of numerous violations of the Gaza ceasefire that was implemented in October 2025, with reports of over 100 children dying in the region during the first 100 days of the suspension of hostilities. What is the reality on the ground? What is the status of Donald Trump’s much-mooted peace plan? And why are so many people still dying? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Tess Ingram and Noga Tarnopolsky See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At 8.30am on July 8, 1985, a 15-seater aircraft with a full complement of passengers took off from Waterford airport to London Gatwick on the inaugural flight of a new Irish airline called Ryanair. Air travel, and in some ways Ireland itself, would never be the same again. Fast forward four decades and you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t travelled with Ryanair and, let's be honest, complained about them. But, despite the extra charges, minimal leg room and marketing stunts, we just keep coming back for more. Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: John Mulligan *This podcast was first released in July 2025* See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The right-wing dating site Whitedate.net, dubbed the ‘Nazi Tinder’, has dozens of members across Ireland. But only one of them mentions love as a motivation, many mention the need to “breed” for the “white race”. The site’s thousands of profiles were leaked online after a hack. A lonely Belfast man said he was looking for a “lady who has never been soiled by other races” and “a bride willing to have children, in order to stop the destruction of our people.” Olivia Peden is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Kurtis Reid. *This podcast was first published by our sister podcast The BelTel on Mon Jan 19th 2026.* See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He’s the college dropout-turned-multi-millionaire entrepreneur, Dragons’ Den staple, and culture-dominating podcast host, but who is the real Steven Bartlett? And why is the Diary of a CEO supremo currently facing a heated backlash? Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Fred Kelly and Esme HewittSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Serious questions are once again being asked of the State’s child and family agency, with fresh concerns over Tusla’s compliance with court orders. These details have emerged days after the sentencing of a woman for the murder of four-year-old Mason O’Connell Conway. What do these disturbing cases tell us about the state agency? Host: Fionnán Sheahan | Guests: Shane Phelan and Wayne O'Connor See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday evening, WhatsApp groups across the globe were alight, sending links and screen shots of one man’s profile.  Brooklyn Beckham didn’t just post, he detonated. After weeks of whispers, the 26-year-old decided to go nuclear on his parents, with seemingly no room for reconciliation. Breaking his silence on the matter for the first time, the aspiring chef and photographer said: “My parents have been trying endlessly to ruin my relationship since before my wedding, and it hasn’t stopped.” So, what does it all mean for Posh and Becks, and the Beckham clans’ once squeaky-clean brand? ­ Host: Kevin Doyle ; Guest: Maddie MussenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wilson’s Hospital School in Westmeath has gained notoriety, both in Ireland and abroad, thanks to its association with teacher Enoch Burke. But what is it like when you find yourself working, learning and even living at a school that is so often the centre of a media maelstrom? Host: Tabitha Monahan | Guest: Mark TigheSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, Ireland has enjoyed the best of Boston and Berlin, acting as an economic bridge between the world’s two most successful free trade areas. But as the MAGA administration eyes up Greenland, that role is under threat. A trade war between the world’s biggest economic players now looks all but inevitable. Host: Dave Hanratty Guest: Donal O’Donovan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On New Year’s Eve, journalism student Amanda Uwase was relaxing at home when a petrol bomb came through her window, setting her house alight and shattering her peaceful family life. The 23-year-old acted fast, and her decision saved lives. The incident is under investigation, with gardái suspecting a case of mistaken identity. On this episode, Amanda tells the story of that night, while Irish Independent news and security correspondent Robin Schiller examines the recent spate of firebomb attacks across Ireland. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Amanda Uwase and Robin SchillerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by The Big Tech Show, who’s fantastic Masters of the Tech Universe series explores what makes some of the most influential people tick? Jeff Bezos: Is he a generational talent who will take us to the stars? Or billionaire tech bro living the high life? Christian Davenport, journalist who spent twenty-five years at the Washington Post and the author of the recently published book, Rocket Dreams: Musk, Bezos, and the Inside Story of the New, Trillion-Dollar Space Race. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indo Politics is back for 2026. The Dáil is back and so is Indo Politics for the first time in 2026. If you like what you hear, you can now follow Indo Politics on its own podcast feed — and get each episode a day early. Just search Indo Politics wherever you get your podcasts. The controversy around AI tool Grok dominated proceedings. Elsewhere the Mercosur trade deal sparked outrage. And government overspending was once more on the agenda this week at the Public Accounts Committee. Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Mary Regan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

News reports about the murder of four-year-old Mason O’Connell-Conway by his stepmother Tegan McGhee have made for disturbing reading.  McGhee (32) was handed a mandatory life sentence on Wednesday for killing Mason, who was found critically injured on his bedroom floor and died in hospital three days later.  Catherine Fegan and Eoin Reynolds join Fionnán Sheahan to discuss the tragic story of Mason O'Connell-Conway and ask what this case tells us about protecting children who cannot protect themselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All is not well in the kingdom of Posh and Becks. Eldest son Brooklyn has cut ties with his parents, insisting that communication be done exclusively through lawyers from now on. How did the seemingly picture-perfect family fall apart? Where does Brooklyn’s wife Nicola fit in? And what does it all mean for the lucrative and squeaky-clean Beckham brand? ­ Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Maddy MussenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barely two weeks into 2026 and already it seems clear that this is going to be a historic year. That's as Donald Trump, emboldened by recent events in Venezuela, ramps up his rhetoric on Greenland and on Iran. What might this mean for long-standing alliances like Nato, for Ireland and the world as we know it? Host: Fionnán Sheahan | Guests: John O’Brennan + Gregg CarlstromSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From high-stakes cold-case appeals to sprawling commercial disputes, 2026 is shaping up to be yet another busy and complex year for the Irish courts. We have cases years in the making, familiar names returning to the dock, old rows reignited, and new trials that could reshape lives overnight. Host: Dave Hanratty, Guest; Shane PhelanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On St Patrick’s Day 2024, while families across the country celebrated, gardaí made a grim discovery, the body of a young woman in a canal just outside Monaghan town. She was 23-year-old Kelly Marie Lynch. Today a former PSNI detective who has investigated a number of prominent murders, including the 2020 killing of Katie Simpson by Jonathan Creswell, tells us why he believes Kelly Lynch’s case should be upgraded to a murder investigation. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Catherine Fegan & James BranniganSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s Indo Daily comes from our sister podcast the Big Tech Show With Grok AI now being used to undress people online, what do we do? Should government ministers stay off X? And is Ireland about to require digital ID? TJ McIntyre, associate Professor of the Sutherland School of Law in UCD and Head of Digital Rights Ireland joins Adrian on this week’s episode of The Big Tech Show. This podcast was first published on Thursday January 8th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are in a new era of global superpowers, and while Ireland has always sat comfortably with America, this week the Taoiseach has been enjoying the company of Chinese president Xi Jinping rather than Donald Trump. It’s an interesting place for Micheál Martin to be, caught in the middle of the battle for the new world order. But why did China roll out the red carpet for Ireland? And from our perspective, is it all about money? Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Alexander Dukalskis and Cónal ThomasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Magnier remains one of Ireland’s most intriguing and elusive figures. His recent high-profile defeat in court over the ‘Battle for Barne’ dragged him into a difficult public spotlight, but what do the bloodstock billionaire’s early days and business dealings tell us about how he constructed his enviable empire?  ­ Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Liam CollinsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As global leaders scramble to respond to the unprecedented events unfolding in Venezuela and subsequently New York, members of Donald Trump's administration are making increasingly bold statements on their designs for Greenland. So, what does this mean for international security, for Nato and the delicate balance of historical alliances? Hosts: Kevin Doyle and Dave Hanratty | Guests: Molly Crane-Newman, Cody Weddle and Nikki McCann RamirezSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As countries around the world celebrated the arrival of 2026, the Trump administration took the opportunity of a new year to herald in historic levels of chaos in diplomatic quarters. And as the events unfolding in Venezuela have shown, the US is clearly not averse to meddling in the politics of smaller nations. Meanwhile, a former trusted adviser of the US president, Steve Bannon, gave an interview to Politico, where he claimed that we are "going to have an Irish MAGA, and we’re going to have an Irish Trump”. Making it clear that some elements of the alt-right movement have set their sights on Ireland. Bannon’s statement begs a number of questions, such as how exactly would he and other MAGA influencers pull this off? Tabitha Monahan is joined by Declan Lynch (Sunday Independent columnist) and Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc (author of Burn Them Out! A History of Fascism and the Far Right in Ireland) to ask how has this kind of nationalism fared with Irish voters in the past, what could MAGA influence look like, and how vulnerable are we to outside influence in the social media age?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest batch of Ireland’s State Papers have been released, lifting the lid on confidential files from years gone by. One standout piece of information concerns arguably the greatest crisis ever faced by the British royal family – the abdication of King Edward VIII in December 1936. But what role did Ireland and Éamon de Valera play in the fallout of that monumental event? And why did the UK government want it kept secret for 90 years? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Ralph Riegel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on The Indo Daily we're bringing you an episode from our sister podcast Money Talks, all about facing into the new year and the financial changes you may be looking to make. It’s that time of year again, in that it’s time for a brand-new year and all the guaranteed positive life changes that will definitely come with it. Even if you don’t believe in the concept of calendar-bound resolutions, it’s human nature to try and get our house in order. So, what does that mean for your bank balance? When is the best time to start properly looking at your finances? And are fewer takeaway coffees really the answer? Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Cian Carolan The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any investment product See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave Rupert is at least six and half foot tall, he was a middle-aged trucker from Chicago and had no Irish links.Incredibly, Rupert was also recruited as an FBI spy at the very heart of dissident republicanism. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘A Deadly American Marriage’ is the #1 Netflix show that details the death of Irish man Jason Corbett. His daughter Sarah talks openly about what she believes happens the night her father was killed by her ex-stepmother Molly Martens and why she believes the event was recorded on a listening device. Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Sarah Corbett *This podcast was first released in May 2025 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DJ Carey said he was fighting for his life, but the truth was far more shocking. We ask how one of hurling’s greatest heroes went from legend to scandal, and what the courts would say as the law eventually caught up with him. Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Noel Tynan, Amy Molloy, Niamh Horan and Colm Keys *This podcast was first released in November 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When DJ Carey told people he had cancer, few questioned him — after all, he was a national treasure. But was DJ really sick, or spinning a story for sympathy and money? One man tells of his story of how he was duped by DJ Carey. Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Noel Tynan and Amy Molloy *This podcast was first released in Nov 2025 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He conquered the hurling field, but off it DJ Carey was playing a far darker game. This is the story of a national icon who fooled everyone — until the truth caught up with him. In this special series from the Indo Daily, we trace the rise of a sporting icon whose lies, deception and downfall proved even heroes can crumble. Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Colm Keys, Amy Molloy and Niamh Horan *This podcast was first released in November 2025. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.