The Indo Daily

t’s a paradise that millionaires can only dream of. Canouan, a small island in the Caribbean, is where the world’s billionaires go to escape lowly millionaires, who seem to be ten a penny these days. Tucked away from prying eyes, the little-known sanctuary is famous for its emerald-green hills, azure waters and unspoilt beaches – as well as just about every expensive excess one could desire. But all has not been well in paradise. Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guests: Niamh Horan and Liam Collins See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Jeff Bezos to Elon Musk, are billionaire joyrides helping science or just feeding egos? Today’s Indo Daily comes from our sister podcast the Big Tech Show, where Adrian Weckler is joined by space guru Leo Enright to unpack the hype and headlines, and ask whether anyone’s actually doing research up there. Host: Adrian Weckler Guest: Leo EnrightSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How text messages and emails from the tax-defaulting landlord, Christian Carter, became evidence in the court case where he attempted to silence the journalist who sought to tell the truth about his past. Host: Fionnán Sheahan                             Guests: Amy Molloy & Kevin Doyle ­ You can read more about this story in the below articles Playing the victim: the WhatsApps, emails and lies that put a landlord back on the front page after he tried to gag a journalist How rogue landlord tried to use anti-stalking legislation to gag the media Landlord Christian Carter tops tax defaulters list with €1m settlement You can listen to our previous podcast on ‘Behind Closed Doors’ and Amy Molloy’s original podcast investigation into Christian Carter’s business affairs. Behind Closed Doors | Ep 1: The disgraced landlord Christian Carter and the newspaper gagging order The Indo Daily: ‘Two showers for 70 people’ – how rogue landlord Christian Carter exploited the housing crisisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outed for failing to pay taxes, Christian Carter didn’t issue a public apology. He didn’t offer an explanation. Instead, he turned his sights on the journalist who reported the truth. Host: Fionnán Sheahan                             Guests: Amy Molloy & Kevin Doyle ­ You can read more about this story in the below articles Playing the victim: the WhatsApps, emails and lies that put a landlord back on the front page after he tried to gag a journalist How rogue landlord tried to use anti-stalking legislation to gag the media Landlord Christian Carter tops tax defaulters list with €1m settlement You can listen to our previous podcast into Amy Molloy’s investigation into Christian Carter’s role as a landlord The Indo Daily: ‘Two showers for 70 people’ – how rogue landlord Christian Carter exploited the housing crisisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sallins train robbery was one of the most daring and lucrative heists in the history of the Irish State. And for Osgur Breatnach, a journalist and activist, it was the beginning of an ordeal that haunts him to this day. He was arrested that morning in 1976, as one of six accused of carrying out the robbery. One week before Christmas of the same year, he and his co-accused were brought into the Special Criminal Court and charged with the crime. It would become one of the most dramatic and longest-running criminal trials in the history of the State. In the final episode of this two-part Indo Daily documentary special, Kevin Doyle revisits the Sallins Train Robbery, speaking to Osgur Breathnach about the trial of the ‘sleeping Judge’, living with PTSD, and why he feels a public inquiry is justified for he and his co-accused. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the night of March 30th, 1976, a gang of armed men held a family hostage in rural County Kildare and derailed a mail train carrying the equivalent of over €1 million in cash and valuables. It was one of the most audacious robberies in the history of the Irish state—but today, it is remembered for very different reasons. What followed was one of the longest and most controversial trials in the history of the Irish state—one that would see Osgur’s conviction overturned, but not before spending 17 months in Portlaoise prison. The IRA would later claim responsibility for the Sallins robbery, and nearly five decades on, Osgur is still seeking justice for his treatment in the Bridewell Garda station and wrongful conviction. Host; Kevin Doyle. Guest; Osgur Breathnach See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pope Francis has died following a period of poor health. It comes one day after his last official duties, including an appearance at the Easter Sunday blessing in the Vatican, and a brief meeting with US Vice President JD Vance. We look back at his trip to Ireland in 2018, examine his legacy and also ask what happens next as the Catholic Church searches for a new pontiff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever landed on Shrewsbury Road on the Monopoly board, you’ll know it costs a pretty penny. Real life is no different, so what does the leafy, affluent area of Dublin tell us about price tags, property deals and prosperity in Ireland today? Host: Ellen Coyne Guest: John Burns See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They were the broadcasting behemoths who helped Sky Sports and Premier League football change the media landscape forever. The wisecracking duo of Richard Keys and Andy Gray were arguably as famous as the footballers they provided the commentary track for, but at the peak of their punditry prowess, a series of scandals changed the pair’s fortunes forever. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Dave Hanratty This episode was first released in June 2024 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On an otherwise quiet Wednesday in the village of Abbeylara, County Longford, in April 2000, a man by the name of John Carthy was agitated, pacing his childhood home. Shouting through the window, his cries were barely audible at times over increasing howls of wind. He was armed with a double-barrelled shotgun, which had already been discharged numerous times in the direction of the Gardaí who surrounded the house. By the time Holy Thursday evening arrived, John Carthy would be dead. Mr Carthy, who suffered from bipolar depression and had spent several periods in psychiatric care, fired 30 shots from his home as negotiators tried to mediate with him. The Abbeylara siege, which lasted 25 hours, resulted in Gardai from the ERU discharging four bullets by two separate officers. A judicial inquiry chaired by Mr Justice Robert Barr published a damning report on the Abbeylara siege in 2006. It criticised major shortcomings in the Garda operation, stating that scene commanders had "little training" and "no practical experience" of an armed siege situation. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Ralph Riegel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Description: In recent weeks, China has remained resolutely defiant in the face of Donald Trump's "on again, off again" tariff policy. As the trade war between two global superpowers rumbles on, is it possible that America's traditional trade partners are rethinking old alliances? And who is Xi Jingping, the Chinese president hoping to trump his US counterpart? Host: Ellen Coyne | Guests: Kerry Brown and Erin HaleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jackie Healy-Rae Jr has landed himself a role as special adviser to junior minister Michael Healy-Rae, who, yes, just so happens to be his father. Jackie also holds the distinction of being the first such special adviser with a criminal record. Should the conviction have blocked his path? And what does the Taoiseach think? Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Fionnán Sheahan and Sinead Kelleher See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In April 2005, 43-year-old Irene White was found dead at her home in Dundalk, in what is now regarded as one of the most violent and frenzied killings in Irish history. The mother of three had been stabbed 34 times. The subsequent investigation would last for over a decade, eventually leading to the conviction of two men: Anthony Lamb and Niall Power—both of whom claimed they were acting under orders. Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Retired Detective Sergeant Pat Marry See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in the late ‘90s when David Gray put pen to paper on the song Babylon, he probably didn’t intend for the lines ‘Let go your heart / Let go your head’ to be taken quite as literally as many modern-day revelers now seem to. Indeed, such was the overly rowdy atmosphere at Gray’s recent Dublin show that the musician felt the need to take to social media to politely scold them. He told followers “I don't think I've ever heard the audience as, as rowdy as that, and bit outta control in a way”. Today on this episode of The Indo Daily, two “culture snobs” chat with Tabitha Monahan about declining public standards at concerts, the cinema, the theatre - just about anywhere. Host: Tabitha Monahan, Guests; Dave Hanratty and John MeagherSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump’s return to the White House has created rolling news stories since he retook the presidential oath back in January. But for a brief period in October 2024, it was his wife who was generating the headlines. Melania Trump's debut memoir has been described by reviewers as "deeply weird", "truly bad" and "a brazen whitewash of a presidency". Despite the reviews, the book has delivered surprising revelations about her political views and her life with Donald Trump. *This podcast was first released in October 2024* Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guests: Sheila Flynn and Gina London See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The combination of a record cocaine bust, rogue fruit importers, corrupt officials and minor royalty might sound like the plot of a blockbuster movie but for Spanish police investigating the country's largest ever cocaine seizure - they were all part of a complex web of drug smuggling and money movement. Host: Fionnán Sheahan | Guest: John Mulligan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Donald Trump’s ultra-aggressive tariff plan now in place, the world’s markets are in meltdown and the global economy has become a bloodsport. But what effect will the high-stakes and fast-changing news have on you and your wallet? And how will Ireland’s economy react to a looming pharma tariff?  Host; Kevin Doyle; Guests; Donal O’Donovan and Jeff Mason See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A spy trail of secret messages, codewords and a phone smashed with an axe in an extraordinary tale of alleged corporate espionage is unfolding in front of the High Court. The story of Dublin man Keith O’Brien made international headlines when his employer, a major US HR services firm, set a “trap” to identify how confidential information was being leaked – and the saga is not over yet. His 13-page confession was read to the High Court last week, where he told how he spied on his multinational employer for a rival for a fee of over €5,000 month. That is, until he was caught. Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guests: Maeve Sheehan and Shane Phelan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The last recorded sighting of Kerry farmer Mike Gaine was at a Centra store in Kenmare on March 20. After that, he disappeared. Despite an extensive search, the mystery of what happened to the 56-year-old sheep farmer remains unresolved. ­ Host: Fionnán Sheahan                             Guest: Catherine Fegan ­ You can read more about this podcast in Catherine Fegan’s article on the Irish Independent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Meagher tells the story of “Clara” from Co Cork, who found out that the “boringly normal” man she was planning to marry had been using the image of a black man he had found on a dating app to form online relationships with multiple women. ­ Host: Ellen Coyne                                        Guest: John Meagher ­ You can read more about this podcast in John Meagher’s article on the Irish Independent ­ Listen to John Meagher's previous Indo Daily podcast about how his identity was stolen and used that on a number of dating apps to Catfish multiple women ­See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the breaking news on Friday afternoon that Russell Brand has been formally charged with rape and sexual assault by UK authorities, we speak with TRT World presenter Enda Brady in London, to detail the charges and look to what comes next. Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Enda BradySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian and actor Willa White reflects on an incredible life story that saw him beat the odds to survive drug addiction, and why his time in prison played such an important part. Willa brings his play The Examination to the Ambassador Theatre in Dublin this month. Host: Dave Hanratty Guest: Willa White See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been teased, it's been hyped, and now we know what Donald Trump meant when he talked about Liberation Day. In a sprawling speech that trapezed across the globe, Trump singled out the countries and regions he claims have wronged America—delivering blow after blow at their economies. So, how has Ireland fared on a day that businesses and government leaders have dreaded for months? Okay for now, is the short answer, as Irish pharma companies are spared from the tariff list. But is this dodged bullet just a stay of execution? ­ Host; Kevin Doyle, Guest: John BurnsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former TD and junior minister Finian McGrath has revealed that Michael Lowry wasn’t Barry Heneghan’s first choice to be leader of the Regional Independent Group. He assesses the damage to Verona Murphy following the vote of confidence in the Ceann Comhairle, and outlines why he has despaired at the recent scenes insider Leinster House. Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Finian McGrath See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For 14 years, Marine Le Pen has led the French far-right, but after being found guilty of embezzling EU funds, her political career could be over. Standing behind her is a potential successor in Jordan Bardella, the 29-year-old National Rally president has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top of the party, with his looks, charisma, a carefully crafted public image and more than 2.1 million followers on TikTok, is he an abundance of style without any substance? And where does it leave the European fair right movement, who will be reeling from the political loss of one of their most prominent figures this week. Host; Fionan Sheahan, Guests; Catherine Feild and Peter Conradi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘Liberation Day’ is upon us and Donald Trump's tariffs are about to hit hard. How will this affect Ireland, what sectors are in trouble and how many jobs could be on the line? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guests: John Burns & Lorcan NyhanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Verona Murphy currently occupies the hottest seat in Dáil Éireann, despite the ongoing efforts of opposition leaders to oust her. The last time a Ceann Comhairle was left with no choice but to tender their resignation was quite the scandal, with limousines and government jets, all ultimately accounted for.  On todays podcast we dive in some of Irish politic’s most notable expenses-themed controversies to have rocked the Dail.    Host; Ellen Coyne, Guests Senan Molony and Gabija Gataveckaite This podcast and associated article was updated on 26 June 2025 to correct certain details of expenses incurred by Mr John O’Donoghue and the salary he received as Ceann Comhairle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One year ago, on March 29, a political earthquake shook Northern Ireland. DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson had resigned and had been suspended from the party after being charged with historical sexual offences. How did that day play out and what impact has the scandal had on Northern Ireland? Today’s Indo Daily comes from our sister podcast The BelTel. Host: Ciarán Dunbar Guest: Suzanne BreenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The illegal drugs trade is a constantly evolving landscape dictated by the rise and fall of its major players. With the notorious Kinahan cartel under intense pressure from law enforcement in recent years, a gap was created in the drugs market for a new kingpin. The top spot is never empty for long. Step forward ‘The Family’ - Ireland’s largest drug-trafficking network after the Kinahans effectively ceased its activities here. How has ‘The Family’ managed to rise up through the criminal underworld? And how do gardaí plan to take them down? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In December 2022, a convoy rolled through the dark roads of south Lebanon. It should have been a routine journey, but for Private Sean Rooney, a young Irish peacekeeper, it was his last. His killing sent shockwaves through the UN mission. Yet beyond the headlines, many questions remain unanswered. Pte Rooney’s family is still wondering if they will ever get justice. Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Declan Power and Conor Feehan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following chaotic scenes of shouting, interruptions and allegations of misogyny on Tuesday, the Dáil reconvened the following morning – with Verona Murphy finding herself in the spotlight. The Ceann Comhairle is under increasing pressure to resign as the row over speaking rights shows no sign of being solved. We get the latest developments from Leinster House. ­ Host: Fionnán Sheahan                                                           Guest: Tabitha MonahanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bertie Ahern, Linda Martin and Conor McGregor - just a few names mooted as the possible next Irish President. What might their chances be of getting on the ballot paper and could there be a surprise entrant into the race to the Áras that nobody saw coming? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Gabija Gataveckaite See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was dubbed "The War of the Comans" - a feud involving a prosperous Irish family so fractured by in-fighting and division that a fierce court battle could barely settle their dispute. But why did the Coman clan, responsible for a multi-million euro pub and bottling business, come to such ruthless and public blows? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Niamh HoranSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Conor McGregor to Andrew Tate, why are fans and prominent figures in the MMA and sports-combat world embracing extreme politics? Are teenage boys in the sights of the far right? And what threat does the manosphere pose to society? ­ Host: Ellen Coyne                         Guest: Dave Hanratty Read Dave Hanratty's article in the Irish Independent here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Dublin secondary school has been embroiled in controversy after it was claimed online that one of its teachers is the notorious GAA catfish. County Armagh woman Niamh Farrell denies being the catfish who deceived at least 40 people, including multiple Ulster GAA players. The Portadown woman has now secured a court injunction stopping Coláiste Éanna from continuing with a disciplinary process – which could have resulted in her losing her job. She insists she is not the infamous catfish but an investigation at the school found that she confided in its principal that she was. Ms. Farrell disputes that. ­ Host; Ciaran Dunbar, Guest; Ellen CoyneSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The multi-million euro legal battle between the Web Summit co-founders, Paddy Cosgrave, Daire Hickey and David Kelly, has been described as a bitter divorce, with no prospect of an amicable resolution. The clash between three of Ireland’s most prominent tech high-flyers has begun, and the first shots in anger have been very acrimonious indeed. Allegations of blackmail, sexual harassment and even kompromat have emerged this week as the trio embarked on a nine-week trial in the High Court. With the Web Summit now valued at €200m-€300m, the stakes are huge for everyone involved. Host: Dave Hanratty. Guest: Mark Tighe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when agitation, defiance and digital strategy collide? Enter Ireland’s most controversial evangelical family. A new investigation by the Sunday Independent has revealed just how much the Burkes have spent on social media ads, ensuring their confrontations spread far and wide to screens across the globe. ­ Back in Ireland, the courts are tightening their grip on family talisman Enoch Burke. A receiver has been appointed to collect the salary of the former Willson’s Hospital schoolteacher, to meet around €80,000 in fines for contempt of court. ­ Host: Kevin Doyle, Guests; Shane Phelan and Maeve SheehanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Donald Trump welcomed Conor McGregor to the White House for St Patrick’s Day, we look at 12 key events that Americans might not be aware of in the once undefeated MMA fighter’s career. Host: Fionnán Sheahan                                            Guest: Kevin DoyleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Irish farmers were becoming “easy targets”. So went the rhetoric from one ­prolific Reddit account, which was making its many and detailed arguments about the sanctity and safety of the Irish farm around one high-profile court case: the Diarmuid Rossa Phelan murder trial. The Irish Independent’s Ellen Coyne has uncovered details of an anonymous online account engaging in heated commentary around the trial, and an influence operation designed to push a sympathetic agenda towards Diarmuid Phelan. There is no evidence or suggestion that Mr Phelan was aware of this online activity or approved of it. Host; Tabitha Monahan, Guest; Ellen Coyne See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Timothy O’Reilly, also known as Elijah Gavin, Timothy Kelly and Elijah Thomas, was arrested in New York in January on charges of conning over $800,000 from a 78-year-old woman. He was on the run since 2022 after failing to return to Magilligan Prison in Northern Ireland after a temporary compassionate release. At the time, he was facing charges over an attempt to con another elderly woman out of £40,000. So, who is Timothy O’Reilly and what allegations have been made against him? And what, exactly, is the ‘Travelling Conmen’ group? Today’s episode of the Indo Daily comes from our sister podcast The BelTel. Host: Ciarán Dunbar Guest: Eamon DillonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From St Patrick himself to a global music star, a Times Square Olympian and a Mexican army battalion, historian Donal Fallon discusses the Patricks, Patricias, Pádraigs, Páraics and Pats who have all become part of Ireland’s national story. This podcast was originally published on March 17th 2024. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Donal Fallon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Belfast hotel mogul Paddy McKillen Sr has found himself in hot water. The 70-year-old was convicted in a French court on Wednesday over an attack on a female bailiff. It’s alleged she was acting in relation to the alleged non-payment of a loan to the Qatari-linked Quintet private bank. But for the once firm friends, where did it all go wrong between billionaire McKillen and the Qataris? Host: Fionnán Sheehan Guests: John Burns and Peter Allen See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For almost a decade the issue of water charges incited mass anger and protests in Ireland. Should the mention of “excessive usage” charges for water be a cause for concern for households? We look back at the issue that sunk political careers, plagued governments, and led to mass protests on a scale never witnessed before. ­ Host: Kevin Doyle                          Guests: Caroline O’Doherty & John DowningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shamrocks, handshakes, and diplomatic high stakes; It was all to play for this afternoon as Michael Martin met Donald Trump during a historic visit to The White House. From Ukraine to Gaza, big topics were on the table, yet it was EU Tariffs that took centre stage, as Trump laid out a stark warning for the future of Irelands Tech and Pharma industries. Was it a tough day at The Oval Office for Micheál Martin, or did the Taoiseach hold his own in very difficult circumstances? Host; Fionnán Sheahan, Guest Gabija GataveckaiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Viper, Martin Foley, has hit the headlines once again. Bitten by a seven-figure tax bill, the notorious criminal finds himself in a race against time to pay off his hefty debt and rescue his Dublin home in the process. Waiting in the wings to take the keys off his hands? None other than Ireland’s most persistent of crime cash converters, The Criminal Assets Bureau. Host; Fionnán Sheahan, Guests; Conor Feehan and Paul Williams See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Ashley St Clair recently revealing on X that she gave birth to Elon Musk’s 13th child, and Canadian singer Grimes taking to the social media platform in a bid to get medical help for one of their three children, what does Musk’s dysfunctional relationships with women tell us about his outlook on life? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guests: Adrian Weckler and Tanya SweeneySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nestled in between O’Connell Street and Connolly station lies an unassuming Dublin neighbourhood that holds a hidden history — it was once the site of Monto, a red-light district from the 1860s to 1925. Tens of thousands of women passed through its brothels, with some leaving after a short amount of time, and others going on to become the most ruthless madams any red-light district has ever seen. *This podcast features discussion of a sexual nature and might not be suitable for all ages* Host: Kevin Doyle, Guest; Dr Caroline WestSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many people, their first in-depth introduction to US vice-president JD Vance came last week with his now infamous exchange of words with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. Coming from humble beginnings, he is a self-professed “Scots-Irish hillbilly” whose name is now known worldwide. So how exactly did JD Vance go from the poverty in the “rust belt” to the power of the White house? This podcast was originally published in November 2024. Host: Ciarán Dunbar Guest: Liam KennedySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

YouTube has just turned 20 years old. From eyebrow-raising origins to societal dominance, the video platform has proved a genuine game-changer – though not without major controversy along the way. Has it made our lives better or worse? ­ Host: Fionnán Sheahan          Guest: Mark BergenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tragic and highly unusual nature of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe’s death in 2020, along with criticism of the police search for him, had led to substantial public concern and anger. Two years ago, investigative journalist Donal MacIntyre began investigating the disappearance and the circumstances around it. A source has now told the Belfast Telegraph that as MacIntyre started his work, the PSNI moved to put him under significant online surveillance. He says he is “disappointed but not shocked” at allegations that the PSNI spied on him. ­ Host: Ciarán Dunbar                                   Guest: Sam McBrideSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.