The Indo Daily

Dominic Cummings was British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's right-hand man until his resignation in November 2020. The Indo Daily finds out why he continues to rattle Boris Johnson, and his wife Carrie. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guests: Sarah Caden, Sunday Independent Columnist; John Downing, Irish Independent Writer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After two years of Covid-19 disruption and false starts, fans are making a welcome return to stadiums. The GAA’s national leagues have begun, the Six Nations rugby starts this weekend, and the League of Ireland football is just weeks away. Host Fionnán Sheahan talks to Ger Keville and Sinead Kissane about fans' delight and the financial impact of the last two years on sport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

37 years ago today, 15-year-old Ann Lovett died after giving birth at a grotto in Granard, Co Longford. The Indo Daily hears her tragic story. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guest: Emily O'Reilly, European Ombudsman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who needs a holiday? The Indo Daily finds out everything you need to know about travelling in 2022, with some tips and trends thrown in to help you on your way. Host: Denise Calnan. Guest: Pól Ó Conghaile, Travel editor at the Irish Independent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest twist to the Partygate scandal it is alleged that the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had a birthday bash during the first lockdown in 2020. Can Boris “Houdini” Johnson escape again? Or is it game over this time? Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guests: Irish Independent Political Correspondent John Downing and Sky News Correspondent Enda BradySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Indo Daily finds out why tensions are rising between Ukraine and Russia, and what it means for the rest of us. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guests: Declan Power, Security and Defence Analyst; Ronan Goggin, former employee for the European Advisory Mission Ukraine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On 30 January 1972, British soldiers opened fire on civilians in Derry killing 14 people. The Indo Daily remembers the horrors of Bloody Sunday. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guest: Martina Devlin, writer and Irish Independent columnist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The story of Patrick and Elizabeth Larkin is one of two people who lived life to the full, travelling the world, and enjoying their partnership. But their death was also of their own choosing. Journalist David Orr, who wrote about his cousin and friend Patrick Larkin, and his wife, Elizabeth, in the Sunday Independent’s Life magazine late last year, shares their story with the Indo Daily.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s official. Taoiseach Michéal Martin has addressed the nation and told us what we’ve longed to hear, an end to almost all restrictions. But we know that Covid-19 is unpredictable, and new variants can’t be ruled out. Nevertheless, there is an appetite to learn to live with the virus, and for society to properly start healing again. The Indo Daily brings you an extra episode on the day of these announcements as Siobhán Maguire is joined by Professor Jack Lambert, Professor of Infectious Diseases at the UCD School of Medicine, and Tanya Sweeney, Irish Independent Columnist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What in the world is Wordle? The Indo Daily finds out. Host: Denise Calnan. Guests: Stefanie Preissner, Writer and Columnist, and Ronan Price, Games Critic at the Irish Independent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland’s nine billionaires have increased their wealth by 58% since the start of the pandemic, according to a recent report. Today on the Indo Daily, we look at the Irishmen (and it's all men) making it big in the Billionaire’s Club. Host: Kevin Doyle. Guests: Samantha McCaughren, Business Editor at the Sunday Independent; and John Ihle, Deputy Business Editor at the Irish Independent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister Simon Coveney is under increased pressure to explain the events surrounding a champagne lockdown party at the Department of Foreign Affairs in June 2020. The Indo Daily finds out more. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guests: Irish Independent’s Fionnan Sheahan and Philip Ryan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jim Mansfield Jr has been found not guilty of conspiring to falsely imprison - and guilty of perverting the course of justice It’s the latest chapter in the remarkable saga of the Mansfield family, who once built a property empire worth €1.6bn. Host Fionnán Sheahan talks to Sunday Independent writer Niamh Horan and Irish Independent Journalist Robin Schiller about glamourous lifestyles, hotels and court cases. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his recent memoir, ‘A Life in Trauma’, Dr Chris Luke takes us on a rollercoaster journey from his early years growing up in an orphanage to becoming one of the country’s leading physicians and tells the Indo Daily about his incredible medical career. The Indo Daily hears his story. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guest: Dr Chris Luke.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland is in mourning over the death of Ashling Murphy, the 23-year-old teacher violently killed in Tullamore, Co Offaly, last Wednesday. The Indo Daily pays tribute to Ashling, and asks what must change in Ireland for women to finally feel safe? Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guests: Conor Feehan, News Correspondent at the Irish Independent, and Liz Kearney, Features Editor at the Irish Independent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The annual hype that surrounds ‘Blue Monday’ can be expected on the 17th of January, the mythical most miserable day of the year. But the January Blues are very real, and impact so many of us at this time of the year. The Indo Daily finds out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prince Andrew's lavish lifestyle, dodgy ethics and questionable friendships have seen him step back from public duties. As the Duke of York's bid to have a sexual assault case dismissed in the United States is rejected, the Indo Daily looks at the controversy that has courted him. Host: Kevin Doyle. Guest: Sunday Independent writer Sarah Caden. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unvaccinated Novak Djokovic might have won his appeal against the Australian government’s decision to cancel his visa on Covid-19 vaccination grounds, but the case has once more fired up the debate over elite athletes who choose not to be jabbed. The Indo Daily finds out more. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guest: Vincent Hogan, Sports Journalist at the Irish Independent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Staff shortages are the latest in a long list of problem the pandemic must answer for. So, what is the state of play and how much longer can it continue? Host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Anne Marie Walsh, Industrial Relations Correspondent at the Irish Independent and Christine Loscher, Professor of Immunology at DCU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, the popular RTE weight-loss show, Operation Transformation, returned to our small screens, but not everyone was pleased about its return. The Indo Daily examines some of the backlash to the show, asks if it is justified, and examines changing perceptions to diet culture as a whole. Presenter: Siobhán Maguire. Guests: Killian Byrne, former Operation Transformation leader; Donal O’Shea, HSE lead on Obesity; and Tanya Sweeney, Irish Independent Columnist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The third season of the hit HBO drama, Succession, was one of 2021’s favourite shows. But why have we fallen back in love with TV and what do our viewing habits say about us? Host Siobhán Maguire. Guests: Chris Wasser, Irish Independent columnist, Jennifer Gannon, journalist, and Leisha McGrath, psychologist. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The brutal murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier captured the public imagination in 2021 with two documentaries on the crime. Host Fionnán Sheahan talks to Irish Independent journalist Senan Moloney, and Sunday Independent journalist Ali Bracken. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last October, notorious criminal John Traynor died. The drug trafficker was a key player in organized crime for over forty years and along with John Gilligan, Traynor was involved in the murder of Veronica Guerin. Paul Williams tells the story of the two criminals who shaped modern gangland. Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guest: Paul Williams, Irish Independent special correspondent and author of Gilligan: The Mob Boss Who Changed the Face of Organized Crime. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sean Quinn was once Ireland’s richest man. Last November, members of the former billionaire’s family used a privacy law to erase from Google much of their past, including lavish spending and court battles over the collapse of the Quinn empire. Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guests: Shane Phelan, Legal Affairs Editor of the Irish Independent and Adrian Weckler, Technology Editor of the Irish and Sunday Independent. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elaine O'Hara was murdered in August 2012 by Graham Dwyer. Irish Independent Special Correspondent Paul Williams tells the story of the victim at the heart of one of Ireland’s most notorious murders. Host: Fionnán Sheahan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kinahan gang is one of the biggest drug cartels in the world. But how did Daniel Kinahan make his way from the streets of Dublin to become a narco? Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guest: Nicola Tallant, host of the award-winning Crime World podcast, and author of Clash of the Clans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In October, gardaí began a major search operation to locate the remains of Deirdre Jacob on the Wicklow-Kildare border. Deirdre is one of several women, including Jo Jo Dullard, who went missing over a five-year period in the 1990s in an area that became known as the vanishing triangle. It is a major development in a mystery that has haunted society for more than 20 years. Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Catherine Fegan: the Irish Independent Special Correspondent See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The third and final episode of Tainted Gold: The Michelle Smith Story looks at the legacy and impact of that first week of the 1996 Olympics and the ramifications of her doping violation. Guests: Olympic silver medalists, Allison Wagner and Marianne Limpert. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The second episode of Tainted Gold: To trace Michelle Smith’s journey to the 1996 Olympics you have to go back to the previous Games in Barcelona where she first met Erik de Bruin in the main dining hall in the athletes' village. It was a meeting that would change the course of their personal and sporting lives. Featuring Paul Kimmage, Vincent Hogan, Paul Howard, Eamon Dunphy and silver medallists, Allison Wagner and Marianne Limpert. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a three-part podcast special we retell the story of Michelle Smith 25 years on from her unprecedented medal haul at the Atlanta Olympics. Featuring Paul Kimmage, Vincent Hogan, Paul Howard, Eamon Dunphy and silver medallists, Allison Wagner and Marianne Limpert. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Christmas Eve, so what better way to ease into tomorrow’s festivities than a trip down festive memory lane to brush up on our Xmas traditions and trends. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guests: Eithne Massey, author of the The Turning of the Year: Lore and Legends of the Irish Seasons, and Damian O’Reilly, TU Dublin academic and retail analyst.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Remember all those Irish gold medals at the Olympics and Paralympics? Or Wally the Walrus, giving us all travel envy? Don’t worry, we’ll bring you up to speed on all of these and more in our good news review of the year. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guests: Presenters of The Indo Daily, Irish Independent’s Kevin Doyle and Fionnán Sheahan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s that time of the year when we take a breath and look back at some of the biggest news stories of the year. Whether it was abroad in the US Capital Riots or closer to home with Merriongate, the Indo Daily takes you on a journey back through 2021. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guests: Presenters of The Indo Daily, Kevin Doyle and Fionnán Sheahan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been a bit of a mad year for Irish politics. From lunch in The Piglet to Shergar winning Squid Games and everything in between. Host Kevin Doyle takes an irreverent look back on moments that got us talking, as Philip Ryan and Gabija Gataveckaite hand out their political awards of 2021. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A quarter of a century on from the unsolved killing of French filmmaker Sophie Toscan du Plantier, The Indo Daily takes a look at the key figures in the investigation and where they are now. Irish Independent Southern Correspondent Ralph Riegel examines a crime that has put West Cork on the tourism map for all the wrong reasons. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Ralph Riegel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why have so many Christmas number one’s become a firm fixture in our festive celebrations? And why are so few of our favourites new? The Indo Daily cranks up the jingles on the jukebox to find out. Host: Denise Calnan. Guests: Irish Independent reporters: John Meagher, Feature writer and music critic, and Melanie Finn, Entertainment correspondent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year marks the 10 year anniversary since Michael D Higgins was first elected president of Ireland. So, today the Indo Daily takes a look at some of his most memorable moments. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guests: Andrea Smith, Irish Independent Feature writer, and Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, the Indo Daily hears the incredible story of the syndicate who outwitted the Lotto jackpot. One of the group, Paddy Kehoe, tells how they beat the system to win the Irish lottery in 1992. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guests: Paddy Kehoe, and Kim Bielenberg, feature writer at the Irish Independent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A series of scandals have left British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in quite the bind. The latest scandal around a Downing Street Christmas party has resulted in investigations, resignations, and recriminations. Is this the final straw for BoJo? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Writer and Broadcaster Gavin Esler and Irish Independent political correspondent John Downing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee has recommended that Covid-19 vaccinations be offered to children aged five to 11 years. The Indo Daily speaks with the experts to find out what every parent needs to know. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guests: Philip Ryan, Political Editor at the Irish Independent, Christine Loscher, Professor of Immunology at DCU, and Dr Tadhg Crowley, Associate Professor in General Practice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost two decades after Sex and the City series ended, a TV sequel ‘And Just Like That’ is finally here. But what impact did the iconic show have on us? We couldn’t help but wonder....Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guests: Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor, and Tanya Sweeney, Irish Independent columnist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was the Bertie Bowl, Las Vegas Tipperary-style, cable cars along the Liffey and even Chinatown in Athlone. We are never short of big ideas in this country....as Dublin pulls the plug on its white-water rafting plan, we look back at other crazy ideas that never took off. Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Irish Independent and Sunday Independent Political Correspondent Hugh O'ConnellSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s not just the weather that is stormy this week, but NPHET and government relations after it was decided as a matter of protocol that the former must seek permission before doing media interviews. So, has NPHET been silenced? The Indo Daily finds out. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guests: The Irish Independent’s Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor, and Philip Ryan, Political Editor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alec Baldwin has admitted his acting career “could be” over after the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust. The 63-year-old actor denies pulling the trigger on the gun that killed Hutchins and wounded the movie’s director Joel Souza in October. But who is Alec Baldwin, and what do we know about his career, colourful personal life, and that fatal shooting? The Indo Daily finds out. Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guests: Sarah Caden, Sunday Independent Columnist, and Paul Whitington, Irish Independent Film Critic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The common cold and winter flu are back, and meaner than ever. To find out what’s going on and avoid catching any bugs, the Indo Daily calls on the experts. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guests: Kathy Maher, a pharmacist, and Anthony Staines, Head of Health Systems at Dublin City University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-thirds of referees quit within two years due to abuse they receive. The Indo Daily finds out why. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guests: Aidan Fitzmaurice, Sports Journalist in the Irish Independent, Dr Olivia Hurley, Assistant Professor of Sport Psychology at IADT and Accredited Sport Psychologist with Sport Ireland, and Harry McCann, student journalist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Web Summit is one of Ireland’s most successful tech exports – but one of its co-founders Paddy Cosgrave is increasingly finding himself at the centre of controversy. There have been nasty social media spats, political rows and pandemic apologies. And now a court battle. Today on the Indo Daily we profile the self-confessed ‘crony, insider’ Paddy Cosgrave. Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Journalist Siobhán Maguire and Legal Affairs Editor Shane Phelan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The criminal sex abuse trial of Ghislaine Maxwell is underway in New York where the 59-year-old British socialite is accused of recruiting and grooming underage girls for disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Maxwell vehemently denies all charges. But who is she and what might unfold in the coming weeks? Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guest: Sarah Caden, Sunday Independent Columnist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new Omicron variant has sent us into a frenzy, but do we need to panic? Today on the Indo Daily we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the strain and advice on how to ensure you’re not overwhelmed by Covid anxiety. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Aoife McLysaght, Professor in Genetics in TCD and member of the Independent Scientific Advocacy Group, and Vincent McDarby, Psychologist and President elect of the Psychological Society of Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Description: Primary schools are the focus once more in the ongoing battle with Covid. From today, antigen tests can be used in primary schools, and recommendations for masks and vaccines are on the way. So, what do you need to know about these newly revised guidelines? Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guests: Christine Loscher, Professor of Immunology, Sheena McGinley, Irish Independent Columnist, and Rob White, Principal of Kilmead National School in Athy, Co Kildare. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.