The Indo Daily

The Jim Gavin report has landed, but does it really explain how Fianna Fáil handled repeated warnings about a serious tenant dispute? Or does it reveal a party too willing to accept reassurances, too slow to ask hard questions, and too determined to protect a chosen candidate? Fionnán Sheahan outlines the reporting behind the story, the weeks of verification, and the moment the party’s bluff was called. Irish Independent Political Editor Mary Regan assesses the damage, the unanswered questions around Michael Martin’s role, and why Fianna Fáil remains deeply divided. Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Fionnán Sheehan & Mary Regan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billionaire stud owner John Magnier has been dealt a devastating legal blow; a €6m costs order and a High Court judge declaring his evidence amounted to “lying.” Now, as he looks to push ahead with an appeal, the battle over Barne Estate unpacks questions about power, privilege and the lengths one man will go to win. Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guests; Paul Kimmage and Mark Tighe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A violent torture attack that saw a man branded “RAT” has exposed the long-running reign of terror carried out by the Hennessy brothers in west Dublin. As the trio await sentencing, we explore their rise through gangland ranks and ask whether this marks the beginning of their downfall. Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest Eoin Reynolds & Robin Schiller See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard Quirke turned flashing slot machines into a €54m fortune, but his legacy is far from simple. Behind the will lies a family saga of beauty queens, comedians and the drama of Dublin’s casino king. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: John MeagherSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From vintage cameras to anti‑phone gadgets, this Christmas brings tech gifts with a twist. We explore whether to go high‑end or budget, and the devices Gen Z and phone‑weary adults really want under the tree. Today’s Indo Daily comes from our sister podcast The Big Tech Show. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism Host: Adrian Weckler Guest: JJ ClarkeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Step inside the stunning Vatican chapel where Dee Devlin arrived for her intimate wedding to Conor McGregor. From thousands of white roses to heightened security - Ireland’s most talked about couple have now tied the knot after over 15 years together. After a tumultuous year of court cases and controversy, could married life now be part of the overall public-facing McGregor Rebrand? ­ Host; Dave Hanratty. Guest; Eugene MastersonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A week ago, millions of us across the nation were glued to one of our most beloved annual traditions, the Late Late Toy Show. But a week is a long time in RTÉ politics. The festive glow in Montrose can fade fast, and this week the broadcaster has found itself navigating a fresh set of challenges, both internal and external. So, what kind of Christmas is RTÉ in for? And will 2026 bring with it a prosperous new year? Host: Tessa Fleming, Guests: Dave Hanratty, Tabitha Monahan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From rogue drones over Dublin to Russian vessels in our seas, is Ireland Europe’s weakest link in a world of cyber attacks and global rivalries? And why are our international allies not impressed? ­ Host: Fionnán Sheahan              Guests:  Jude Webber and Darragh NolanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The long-awaited report on the activities of double agent Freddie ‘Stakeknife’ Scappaticci has been released. The investigation, which cost close to £48m and took eight years, has revealed new details, despite not naming Scappaticci as Stakeknife. Host: Ciarán Dunbar Guest: Allison Morris and Kurtis Reid See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27 years ago, in the early hours of December 6, Siobhán Hynes was raped and murdered at Tismeain beach near Leitir Mór in Conamara. Now, the man convicted of her killing has launched a fresh bid for freedom, claiming that his conviction was a miscarriage of justice.  Host: Tabitha Monahan  Guest: Catherine Fegan   This podcast feature discussions surrounding rape and murder and won’t be suitable for all listeners. If you have been effected by anything in today’s podcast you can find a list of resources in the Irish Independent helpline page.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gardaí have issued a nationwide alert for a getaway vehicle used by the gang suspected of firebombing a family home in Offaly on Saturday evening. The attack resulted in the deaths of four-year-old Tadhg Farrell and his 60-year-old grandaunt Mary Holt. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has condemned the “savage and callous” incident as “an attack on society”. On this Extra episode of The Indo Daily, Irish Independent senior journalist Robin Schiller details everything we know so far. Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Robin SchillerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s just over a year since a High Court jury determined in a civil case that Nikita Hand had been raped by Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel in December 2018. McGregor hasn’t fought inside the Octagon or appeared in any more Hollywood blockbusters during this time, but he’s managed to remain in the spotlight, nonetheless. On this episode of The Indo Daily, we break down the many headlines and clashes of Conor McGregor’s 2025. ­ Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Shane Phelan and Philip O’Connor ­ ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to your weekly dish of Indo Politics from The Indo Daily. On this episode: the everlasting presidential postmortem, the emergence of ‘Sensible Simon’, the star power of Volodymyr  Zelensky - and will Ireland’s Golden Goose ever stop laying eggs? ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism ­ Host: Fionnán Sheahan                             Guest: Mary ReganSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s official, Ireland will not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, nor will RTÉ broadcast the event. Eurovision bosses deny the competition is in crisis, but the increasing fractures are making international headlines. How did RTÉ come to its decision to boycott, and what comes next?  Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Kirsty Blake Knox See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last August 4, Carlow-born Martha Nolan met with her business investor aboard his boat in an exclusive yacht club in New York. Hours later she was dead. Several months on, why are there still more questions than answers?    Host: Tessa Fleming Guest: Catherine Fegan and Jen Wieczner  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two leading anti-immigration influencers are generating considerable personal income by selling merchandise, memberships and seeking donations to fund and grow their ideologies. ­ Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Ali BrackenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A row over Rathgar’s Herzog Park in south Dublin has snowballed into a global reckoning with Ireland’s colonial past. From suburban greens to street signs, we explore how the politics of renaming is reshaping the map of modern Ireland. As of Tuesday December 3rd, Dublin city councillors have decided to withdraw their proposal to “de-name” Herzog Park. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Daithí Doolan and John DowningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Metrolink was first proposed in 2001. Nearly a quarter of a century later, the diggers still haven’t moved. Now, a fresh legal challenge from residents of Dartmouth Square has left the multibillion-euro project with potentially significant delays. Are their concerns justified, or is this a classic case of NIMBYism? Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guest: Conor Feehan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 29, 1975, is not often quoted as a day of significance in Irish history. But at 1.20pm that afternoon, Dublin Airport became the site of a bomb attack. The tragedy has been largely forgotten by the wider public over the last five decades. However, for those who still seek answers it is as pressing as ever. Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Brendan Hayes We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s Indo Daily is a collaboration between two of our sister podcasts, Money Talks and Crime World. SundayWorld.com is getting a new look by rebranding to CrimeWorld.com - your inside track on Ireland’s criminal underworld. To mark the occasion, acclaimed journalist and broadcaster Nicola Tallant visits the Money Talks studio to talk through her relationship with money while also shining the spotlight on the high-wire finances of crime – from lavish spends to deep regrets to incredible danger. ­ Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Nicola Tallant ­ The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or recommendation of any investment product. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Indo Politics, Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher speaks candidly about the party’s bruising presidential selection saga, the pressures applied behind the scenes, and what he calls a “tragic drama” for all involved.  Host: Mary Regan, Guest: Billy Kelleher  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US health secretary, and prominent member of the Kennedy dynasty, Robert F Kennedy Jr has found himself, once again, thrust into the headlines. It’s alleged he penned a series of explicit poems to his supposed lover, journalist Olivia Nuzzi, who is around 40 years his junior. The salacious verses, which include toe-curling allusions to oral sex, were revealed by Nuzzi’s jilted former fiancé, journalist Ryan Lizza, in an article on his website. What’s happening in the fallout of this scandal? And how good is the poetry? Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guest: Nikki McCann Ramirez See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the height of the Celtic Tiger, property investor Breifne O’Brien was the definition of upper middle class. It seemed he had it all, until everything came crashing down around as his 15-year-long ponzi scheme was exposed, and his victims - who included his closest friends - learned the horrible, costly truth. O’Brien ultimately swapped the high life for a prison cell, but now he’s back in gainful employment.  ­ Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Maeve SheehanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Des Vere Hunt, of Fethard, Co Tipperary, died in September 2021, leaving behind an estate worth over €3m. He also left four different wills, made in years leading up to his death. Now, a three-way High Court battle between a friend, his stepdaughter and his niece looms to determine which of the multiple wills is valid. Host: Fionnán Sheahan | Guest: Mark TigheSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could the resignation of Paschal Donohoe as finance minister last week have more long-term implications for the Irish Government than just a cabinet reshuffle? As Donohue departs for the World Bank, will his absence clear the way for Gerry Hutch to pull off the ultimate political heist? Host: Tabitha Monahan | Guests: Ali Bracken and Mary ReganSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In November 1995, Ireland changed forever, but only just. By a margin of 0.6%, the Irish public voted to legalise divorce, ending a constitutional ban that had stood since 1937. Some still say a wet day in the west and a dry day in Dublin made all the difference. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to your weekly dish of Indo Politics from The Indo Daily. On this episode, can anyone fill Paschal Donohoe’s shoes, Ivan Yates pleads his case and what do emotional-support peacocks have to do with it all? We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Cónal Thomas See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Enoch Burke and his family have been a recurring fixture in Irish media for the past three years. What began as a workplace dispute over his objection to transgenderism, has spiralled into a protracted and costly legal saga, one that has already seen him spend more than 500 days in jail for contempt of court. Now, he is set to return to Mountjoy once again - his fourth stint behind bars. It’s starting to feel like a never-ending story. So, how might this saga ultimately conclude? And who is financing the Burkes’ evangelical campaign? Host: Tessa Fleming. Guests: Shane Phelan and Cónal Thomas See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Republic of Ireland football team have surpassed all expectations and made it to the World Cup play-offs, but what are our chances of beating Czechia and getting to the World Cup finals? And how can you get a ticket to next March’s game? We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Will Slattery See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The vote has taken place and the Epstein files will now be made public. After months of delay, political pressure and partisan division, Congress has backed the release of thousands of pages of material gathered during federal investigations into Jeffrey Epstein. What exactly will be unsealed in the coming weeks? How extensive is the material gathered by federal investigators and crucially, could the publication of these files create political difficulties for Donald Trump and the MAGA movement. ­ Host: Fionnán Sheehan Guest: Terry Sheridan and Gina London ­ This episode of The Indo Daily contains references to sexual assault, so please take care while listening. ­ ­ ­See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paschal Donohoe is gone and Fine Gael now faces its most precarious reshuffle in years. With a by-election looming and Sinn Féin circling, we ask: who takes control and who loses everything? We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Kevin DoyleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did one of Ireland’s most recognisable Olympians end up feeling shut out of the system he helped elevate?   In part two of Troubled Waters - an Indo Daily special, we follow Gary O’Donovan’s effort to return to the High Performance programme, and the confusion, clashes and emotional strain that marked his final years in Irish rowing. Sunday Independent Journalist Paul Kimmage unpacks the emails,  communications and competing accounts that raise difficult questions about how elite athletes are supported.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part one of our special investigation, we examine the concerns raised about the culture inside Irish rowing’s High Performance Unit. Sunday Independent Journalist Paul Kimmage explains how early warnings and internal tensions first came to light. Irish rowing has delivered some of the country’s greatest sporting moments. But behind the medals and headlines, troubling questions have emerged about the environment within the High Performance Unit. Host; Kevin Doyle, Guest; Paul KimmageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to your weekly dish of Indo Politics from The Indo Daily. On this episode, a government housing policy with no annual targets, Fianna Fáil’s presidential “perma-crisis”, the Taoiseach’s rebels and their “clusterbleep”, what to expect from President Catherine Connolly and finally, CMAT. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism ­ Host: Tabitha Monahan                              Guest: Cónal ThomasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One billion dollars. It’s not a line from Dr Evil in an Austin Powers movie, but the jaw-dropping sum US president Donald Trump is threatening to sue the BBC for in an unprecedented lawsuit. In a week from hell for the BBC, director general Tim Davie and BBC News CEO Deborah Turness have resigned, leaving the corporation reeling and rudderless. How exactly did it get to this? And could RTÉ boss Kevin Bakhurst be parachuted in to take control? We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jonathan Walton describes himself as a ‘con-hunter’ but that’s not what he set out to be. The tv producer turned vigilante after he was scammed by con artist Marianne Smyth, the so-called ‘Queen of Con’. But Walton was not her first victim. His lengthy investigations revealed she had scammed scores of people since childhood. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A chilling Irish true-crime story that spans 10 years of deception, violence and pursuit. How did two men vanish and how was Ruth Lawrence finally brought to justice? ­ Read more about why you can trust the Irish Independent at Independent.ie/ourjournalism ­ Host: Tessa Fleming                     Guests: Eamon Dillon and Jamie PyattSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the IRA member he unknowingly trained, to the gangland figure he later exposed as a prolific sexual predator, Paul Williams has spent decades events that make headlines, and others that never see the light of day. On todays Indo Daily, the veteran crime correspondent brings us inside two of the most captivating and lesser known stories of his career, as told in his new book Crooks 2. The following podcast contains discussion on child sexual assault, so please take care while listening. If you have been effected by anything in today's podcast, you can find a list of resources by searching independent.ie/helplines See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He’s conquered cars, space and social media but Elon Musk’s next move could reshape everything. We go inside the mega billionaire’s mind, his new project “Grokipedia”, and what it means for the rest of us. ­ ­ ­ Read more about why you can trust the Irish Independent at Independent.ie/ourjournalism Host: Fionnán Sheahan                              Guests: Sönke Iwersen and Adrian WecklerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Fidel Castro’s funeral to fiery speeches on inequality, we chart the standout moments from President Michael D Higgins’s time in the Áras. And what happens now as Catherine Connolly prepares to take residency? ­ Read more about why you can Trust the Irish Independent at Independent.ie/ourjournalism ­ Host: Tabitha Monahan                              Guests: Kevin Doyle and Fionnán SheahanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind closed doors, Ireland’s swingers’ scene is bigger, and bolder than you might think. Jennifer Zamparelli meets Graham, a proud member of the community, who lifts the lid on what really happens at a swingers’ party, how jealousy can turn into joy, and why “ethical non-monogamy” isn’t just about sex. Today’s Indo Daily comes from the new Irish Independent podcast ‘Just Between Us’. Hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli it looks at sex, life and relationships - with new episodes every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts from. Read more about why you can Trust the Irish Independent at Independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turn The Volume Up. The defiant battle cry of Zohran Mamdani; mayor-elect of New York City and self-described “worst nightmare” of Donald Trump. His victory was decisive, and his subsequent proclamations as radical as the platform he ran on. So, how will Donald Trump respond to his fiery new challenger? And does his rise signal a cutting-edge shift on how politicians play the PR game? Host: Tabitha Monaghan Guest: Terry Sheridan & Lorcan Nyhan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ivan Yates, once the golden boy of Fine Gael, now finds himself in the eye of a media storm. Has his failure to declare political work put him, and the Coalition, in an awkward position? ­ Read more about why you can Trust the Irish Independent at Independent.ie/ourjournalism ­ Host: Kevin Doyle                Guest: Fionnán SheahanSee 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 Listen to the rest of the series here: ­ Ep1 - The Sports Star Ep2 - The Cancer LiesSee 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 ­ Listen to the rest of the series here: ­ Ep1 - The Sports Star Ep3 - The Con Collapses 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 ­ Listen to the rest of the series here: ­ Ep2 - The Cancer Lies Ep3 - The Con Collapses See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Found guilty this year of the murder of his wife, Richard Satchwell remains a subject of major interest, not least because he is currently appealing against his conviction. Now, a new book details the campaign of coercive control waged against the late Tina Satchwell, and the deep extent of his manipulation. Host: Fionnán Sheehan Guest: Ralph Riegel and Paul Byrne See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could dodgy box users finally face fines? And why is Ireland looking to copy Italy as it tries to tackle illegal streaming activity? Today’s Indo Daily comes from our sister podcast The Big Tech Show with Adrian Weckler. ­ Host: Adrian Weckler                   Guest: Darragh NolanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, who’s really making all the money at RTÉ? Traditionally, it’s been the on-air talent leading the earnings table. This year, however, there’s been a shake-up:  the executives/suits are now outpacing the stars on the payscale. But with Newstalk snapping up big-name presenters, could RTÉ’s pay cuts signal the start of a slide? And as fresh revelations emerge about unorthodox payments, is another storm brewing over the national broadcaster’s headquarters? ­ This podcast has been amended on 31 October 2025 to remove the incorrect statement that the 725m three-year Government funding plan for RTE is in addition to TV license fee revenueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s easy to spend hours mindlessly scrolling through social media, but have we had enough of the carefully curated photos, endless arguments and targeted advertising? The latest studies suggest as much. So how did social media go from everyday essential to existential exodus? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guests: John Meagher and Chloe McPolin See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.