The Claire Byrne Show
Claire Byrne explores the big stories through the lens of real life. This podcast brings context, consequences and clarity to the issues shaping Ireland today. Covering politics and current affairs alongside the human stories behind them, Claire asks the questions people are thinking, but don’t always hear answered. From housing and health to work, family life, well-being and culture, you’ll hear smart, engaging discussion and moments of light relief - connecting the dots between what’s happening and what it means for you.
Episodes
George Hamilton's World Cup reflections
Many of us will be glued to our screens from this evening as the World Cup kicks off in North America starting with Mexico versus South Africa in Mexico City. Legendary commentator George Hamilton joined Claire to give a preview of the upcoming World Cup and to look back on some golden World Cup memories of our own.
Bill Gates before the U.S. Congress over interaction with Jefferey Epstein
In the US, Billionaire Bill Gates has told the House Oversight Committee that Jeffrey Epstein tried to blackmail him by threatening to expose his affairs.Simon Marks, Chief Correspondent with Feature Story News joined Claire with the latest.
Going Green: What happens to your rubbish after it’s collected?
Have you ever thought about what happens to your rubbish once it leaves your house?Conor Walsh, Secretary of the Irish Waste Management Association, joins Claire to discuss what happens to our household rubbish.
Latest on U.S. and Iran hostilities
Three Indian sailors have been killed after the US military struck a tanker in the Gulf of Oman.They had been reported missing after their ship came under attack yesterday.The US military accused the boat of not complying "with directions from American forces". Middle East-based journalist Sally Lockwood Joined Claire to discuss
The Cost of the EU Presidency
Ireland will hold Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July 1st to December 31st this year, and we are seeing the costs of it.100 luxury vehicles have been procured at a cost of over €6 million, and that is just the tip of the iceberg.So, how much will our EU Presidency cost the state?Joining Claire to discuss is Emma McEvoy, Assistant Professor in Law at Dublin City University.
Noctourism – Should you do as the locals do on your holidays ?
With high temperatures across Europe and potential heatwaves on the way, is Noctourism the way to get the most out of your holiday this summer?Noctourism is where you head out once the sun has set, along with the rest of the locals, to see what your destination has to offer.Travel Journalist, Nicola Brady, joins Claire to discuss.
Ask the Expert: John Belton on working out
Thinking of getting fitter, stronger or simply moving more ? John Belton, Personal trainer joined Claire to answer your fitness questions.
Should age verification be required to access online porn ?
In the near future, people in Ireland may need to prove they are over 18 to access porn and other adult content online.Similar to UK laws around age verification, Irish people would need a digital Government ID to visit porn websites, with the aim of protecting u18s from viewing harmful videos and images.So is this a positive step? And would it be effective? To discuss all of this, Claire was join
Riad Bouchaker's trial continues.
The trial continues today of Riad Bouchaker, who is alleged to have been involved in the Parnell Square attack. Newstalks courts correspondent Frank Greaney is at the Central Criminal Court and joined Claire with the latest.
Should there be a cull on grey squirrels?
Would you like to see a cull of grey squirrels?Members of the public are being asked for their views on the future of grey squirrels as a way of managing the invasive species across the region.The cull would be focused around Dublin and Wicklow.Joining Claire to discuss was Dr Emma Sheehy, who is leading the study...
Belfast riots continue for second night - latest updates
Petrol bombs and bricks were thrown at police on the outskirts of Belfast overnight, as violence in the North continued for a second night. Newstalk's Chief Reporter, Barry Whyte, joined Claire from the city to give us the latest on events happening.Also joining Claire was Dr Peter Walsh, Senior Researcher and expert on asylum and border issues at the Migration Observatory, and Matthew O’Toole, SD
What has been trending online this week?
In our fast, ever-moving world, there are definitely things you have missed recently...So, what has been trending online this week?Entertainment Journalist and podcaster Dee Reddy joins Claire to discuss!
What Made Me: Monica Loughman Ballet Dancer and Teacher
Claire was joined in studio the first western prima ballerina to perform with the Perm State Ballet in Russia Ballet Dancer and Teacher, Monica Loughman.
The latest on the war in the Middle East
The U.S. struck Iran yesterday in retaliation for the downing of a U.S. helicopter gunship near the Strait of Hormuz, which Trump blamed on Iran. Iran’s foreign minister said that his country would “leave no attack or threat unanswered.” To tell me more is US Journalist Sara Firth..
Health advice in advance of Men’s Health Week
Men's Health Week starts on Monday 15th June with a push this year to get men discussing their health and to stop ignoring symptoms of illness. To discuss this and more was Consultant Urologist at St Vincent’s University Hospital and the Mater, Mr David Galvin.
Family settles action against HSE over daughter’s death by suicide
The family of a 25-year-old student who died by suicide has settled a High Court action brought against the HSE over her death. Maxine Maguire, from Newbridge, Co Kildare, died in February 2017. Her mother Kathy joined Claire to talk about Maxine and about her fight for justice.
Pearse Doherty, Sinn Fein Deputy Leader in studio
Claire was joined in studio by Pearse Doherty, Sinn Fein deputy leader, Finance Spokesperson and TD for Donegal. Up for discussion was last night unrest in Belfast, bye elections, finance and housing.
Why we love being scared at the movies!
Two horror movies are making waves in cinemas around the world, taking Hollywood by surprise as the box-office hits of the summer Obsession and Backrooms, are two movies made on a shoestring budget in comparison to the massive blockbusters that they’ve blown away so far this year. So why is this? Do we enjoy being scared? Or do we just crave new storie
Irish Rail warns ‘further major delays inevitable
Irish rail is in front of the transport committee this morning over delays to a signalling upgrade. The project has already cost 150million with Irish rail writing off 50 million.Claire gets reaction to this with Shane Moynihan is a Fianna Fail TD and Deputy Chair of the Transport Committee.
The great wealth transfer no one is talking about!
We’re about to have the biggest ever transfer of wealth in history. A report out in April said that while retired people make up 16 per cent of the population, they hold 27 per cent of net wealth in the country. To explain how this could impact you is Managing Director of Rockwell Financial Robert Whelan.
Protests outside the Dáil for Friedrich’s Ataxia drug
There was a protest outside the Dáil last night by people living with Friedreich’s Ataxia. They want the drug Skyclary’s to be included in the HSE Drugs Group meeting. Emily Felix was one of those protesting and Emily spoke to Claire this morning.
A night of unrest in Belfast
Police and political leaders in Northern Ireland have appealed for calm after disorder erupted in a number of areas last night. Unrest in the city last night was in response to a stabbing attack on Monday. Speaking to Claire with more on this was Alison Morris, Crime correspondent with the Belfast Telegraph and MP for Foyle and SDLP leader and MLA Claire Hanna.
Making summer cordials and lemonades
Summer is coming, and who doesn’t like a lovely cold drink on a summer’s day? Orla Drumgoole is the author of ‘Irish Mammy Cooks’ is here to give us some tips on how to make the best ones possible.
Amazon upgrade plans with aid of AI-powered robots
Amazon has unveiled its plans to upgrade the operations within its warehouses, with the aid of AI-powered robots. This is part of a €10 billion investment in its European fulfilment centres. Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly brought us the details.
Could medicine soon be made available for those suffering from Friedrich’s Ataxia?
Craig Coady the father of teenager Paudie, who is living with the illness is urging Government to do what it takes to get the necessary medication available. He met with the Taoiseach yesterday afternoon, and he joined Claire with an update.
Ireland's home game with Israel could be at a neutral venue
The Republic of Ireland's home game against with Israel is likely to be moved to a neutral venue but is this the right call? Sinn Féin and the Social Democrats have tabled Dáil motions this week calling for Government to stop the games from taking place at all Speaking to Claire was Maurice Cohen, Chair of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland.
What does a Sherpa do?
There was a miraculous story recently about a Sherpa guide who went missing for a week but then managed to make his way back to the Mount Everest base camp. Chatting to Claire this morning was the last person to see Dawa Sherpa before he went missing climber and YouTuber Chris Thrall.Also in studio was Climber and Founder of Earth’s Edge James McManus.
Professor Sean Daly is Master of the Rotunda
The Board of the Rotunda Hospital decided overnight to bring the hospital in line with Government’s policy on the terms of public-only consultant contracts. A threat from the Health Minister to withdraw funding means consultants on public-only contracts will now not be allowed to treat private patients. Speaking to Claire this morning was Professor Sean Daly is Master of the Ro
Pride isn’t easy for everyone
June is Pride month and for a lot of people it’s a source of huge celebration. But not everyone finds it as easy to be comfortable in their own skin. With Claire to tell his story was Off the Ball’s Daniel Pitcher.
What exactly is emotional neglect?
You can share a home, a bed, and your life with someone and still feel alone. That's often the hidden reality of emotional neglect. What exactly is emotional neglect? To discuss further Claire spoke to Michelle Flynn, Psychotherapist and Founder of An Croí Beag.
Should the Triple Lock be scrapped?
Cabinet will today discuss whether to unpick Ireland’s Triple Lock. As Minister for Defence Helen McEntee brings her amendments to the Defence Bill to her colleagues this morning. Is this a good idea? Claire asked Niall Collins Minister of State for Agriculture, and Fianna Fáil TD for Limerick County and Sinead Gibney, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Rathdown.
The rise in schoolchildren getting exemptions from Irish
The rise in schoolchildren getting exemptions from Irish is denying them part of their identity. That is according to a new report out today called ' From Exemption to Inclusion '.Claire discusses this further with Pádraig Ó Duibhir, Professor Emeritus at Dublin City University wrote the report and also Rosie Bissett, CEO of Dyslexia Ireland.
A Cat the most destructive, invasive predators in the natural world
Did you know that your adorable pet cat, is also considered one of the most destructive, invasive predators in the natural world? Do we know what they get up to when they leave the house? Speaking to Claire was Senior Project Manager of Breeding Waders EIP, Owen Murphy.
The pressure is on for life-changing medicine for Friedrich’s Ataxia to be available.
Craig Coady is due to meet Taoiseach Micheál Martin today, as he continues to plead for life-changing medicine for Friedrich’s Ataxia, that has already taken the life of one of his sons, and threatens the life of the other. After losing his son Rory last October, his other son Paudie also has the condition, and it is starting to deteriorate. Speaking to Claire this morning was
Singer and soap royalty Claire Sweeney
Claire was joined in studio this morning Actress, singer and Soap Royalty Claire Sweeney!
What is 'holiday Phobia'?
Do you, or does anyone in your family, struggle with ‘holiday phobia’? Here to explain, and help us deal with it, is Dr Harry Barry...
A look back on a packed weekend of sport
Mick McCarthy of Off The Ball looks back on a packed weekend of sport.
The effect of the lack of outdoor areas for kids to play on?
We all know those “Keep Off The Grass” and “No Ball Games” signs that we see when out and about, but did you know they can have a negative impact on the mental health of children? New research says that a lack of outdoor areas for kids to play in can lead to emotional problems down the line. Claire spoke to the author of the study, Professor Helen Dodd of University of Exe
Do we need to do more to incentivise people to pick up their litter?
Despite litter issues improving around the country, there is still a persistent issue with plastic bottles and cans. IBAL said it was hoped that the Deposit return scheme would see this litter completely disappear from our streets, but it hasn’t happened. Do we need to do more to incentivise people to pick up their litter? Claire askedChairperson Of Dun Laoghaire Tidy Towns, C
Israel and Tehran trade attacks
Israel and Iran have traded strikes for the first time since a ceasefire was agreed in April. Iran's Revolutionary Guard has said the attack was "the beginning of a full week of continuous strikes" Is this the end of any ceasefire agreement? Claire discusses this and more with Matt Frei, Channel 4 Presenter.
Travel With Ed: Gran Canaria's wine route
Our travel expert Ed Finn is touring vineyards, sampling local produce and discovering a side of Gran Canaria that most Irish holidaymakers never get to see.
What does the term ‘hidden hunger’ mean?
Have you heard of the term ‘hidden hunger’? In simple terms it’s when we’re eating plenty of food, but not getting the nutrients our bodies need, and some experts warn that ultra-processed foods are a major culprit in this regard.Speaking to Claire with more on this was Dr Amalia Scannell, Microbiologist at the UCD Institute of Food and Health.
Has leadership race in Fianna Fáil effectively begun?
Jim O’Callaghan and Dara Calleary have been mooted as possible candidates for any leadership race in Fianna Fáil. Has leadership race in Fianna Fáil effectively begun? Claire discusses this and more with Public Affairs Consultant and Former Senior Political Adviser Gerard Howlin.
Rotunda Hospital to provide list of public-only consultants giving private care
The Rotunda Hospital must provide the HSE with a list of all the private work being carried out by consultants at the hospital who are on public-only contracts by today .The "public-only consultant contract" was introduced across the health service as part of Sláintecare in 2023. To discuss further Claire was joined by Padraig Rice TD, Social Democrats Health Spokesperson.
Claire Byrne Recommends: Never Have I Ever
Here’s the first episode of my new series, Never Have I Ever, the podcast in which I admit to the thing I’ve never done. My first guest was the brilliant Katriona O’Sullivan, whose story featured on the English Leaving Cert exam during the week. Search for ‘Never Have I Ever’ wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget to follow or subscribe, so you never miss an episode. New podcasts drop e
The Debrief
Welcome to The Debrief, where we look back on some of the biggest stories of the week. On the panel today with Claire was Professor of Politics at DCU, Gary Murphy, Editor of the Journal Investigates, Maria Delaney and Columnist and also of the Communications Clinic, Lorcan Nyhan.
Will Putin meet with Zelenskyy?
Volodomyr Zelenskyy wants a face-to-face meeting with Vladimir Putin. Will this meeting happen? For more on this Claire spoke to Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent with Euronews.
The man whose mother fell for a romance scammer
We are often given scam warnings, but the truth is that it can happen to anyone. My next guest went into the criminal world after his mother fell for a romance scammer, by going to Nigeria to track him down. Reporter and Researcher for the New York Times, and Author of the upcoming book, The Yahoo Boys: Real Life with the Love Scammers o
A look ahead to a busy weekend of sport
We take a look ahead to all the weekend sporting action with Sports Journalist Daniel Hussey.
‘Extremely intelligent’ Japanese bear still at large
Police and hunters in Fukushima, Japan were searching for an “extremely intelligent” bear that apparently evaded capture by unlocking a window from the inside. For more on this story we heard from Jay Allen, Publisher with Unseen Japan.
A landmark breakthrough in ovarian cancer treatment
There’s been a landmark breakthrough in ovarian cancer treatment.The NHS has approved the treatment, with hundreds of women set to benefit over in the UK. How significant is this news? Claire asked Janice Walsh is consultant medical oncologist in St Vincent’s University Hospital.
AI needs to be slowed down warns Anthropic co-founder
There are concerns that Artificial Intelligence could escape human control. The Co-Founder of the AI safety and research company Anthropic has said that we shouldn’t let AI systems get too far.Claire gets reaction to this with Alan Smeaton, Professor of Computing at DCU.
Where is there still no lip filler regulation?
Three years ago, the Health Products Regulatory Authority recommended a ban on advertising lip fillers to under 18s. This advice has fallen on deaf ears and has yet to be heeded by the government. We get reaction to this with Patricia Molloy, Medical Aesthetic Practitioner.
The exchequer reliance on corporate tax
For the first time, US Companies have revealed the billions in tax that they pay to the Irish Exchequer. The figures show just how much the government relies on the income from the tech and pharma industries based here. For further details Claire spoke to Chief Economist with the Bank of Ireland, Conall MacCoille.
CEO of Re-turn Ciaran Foley
It’s been more than two years since we all started paying extra for our cans and drink bottles and then getting it back at the Re-turn machines. Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn spoke to Claire this morning.
Going Green: How to measure your carbon impact
Do you consider the climate when booking a holiday, purchasing a car and renovating your home? Would you even know where to start? To tell us how was Climate and Environmental Researcher Sadhbh O’Neill.Going Green is with thank to Repak.
Polymarkets and why are people being seduced by them?
People are placing huge wagers on prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket. On issues ranging from ‘when the war in Iran will end?’ to ‘who will win the French Open this week’ and everything in between. What are Polymarkets and why are people being seduced by them? To explain to Claire was , Senior Business Journalist Mitch Labiak.
An insight into Jill Biden's new memoir
Jill Biden has released her memoir in which she recalls the immense pressure that Joe Biden faced in the aftermath of his disastrous 2024 debate performance. Hilary McGann Journalist with the Instagram page newsbyhil has just finished the book and she give her insight to Claire about it.
Author Sinead Moriarty on her new book 'Saving Grace'
Author Sinead Moriarty author has in the last few years, been writing for children and young adults to huge acclaim. Her latest book deals with the complications that arise when a sixth-class girl has to deal with the aftermath of a life-changing injury. The book is called Saving Grace and Sinead chatted to Claire in studio today.
Dealing with a bad boss!
Michelle Obama has said Gen Z needs to learn to endure bad bosses. But, if you are dealing with a bad boss day-in, day-out how do you deal with it? To give us some advice on this Claire spoke to the CEO of HR Consultancy Firm HR Buddy, Damien McCarthy.
A dream career looks set for a dream ending
A dream career looks set for a dream ending, as Katie Taylor nears an announcement for her farewell fight to be held in Croke Park. The details will be revealed tomorrow at a press event in the stadium, as the Olympic and Boxing Champion will finally get the long-sought send-off on home turf. We get details from Sports Writer, Kieran Cunningham.
My Nazi grandfather sent Tomi Reichental to Bergen-Belsen death camp
Holocaust survivor Tomi Reichental, who moved to Ireland in 1959, died on Sunday at the age of 90. He dedicated much of his life to giving talks in schools, colleges and across Ireland on the Holocaust, teaching younger generations about the horror of it. In the Irish Times this week, Alexandra Sen-fft wrote a piece about how it was her Nazi grandfather who&
My son has Friedreich's Ataxia and something needs to change
Recently Claire spoke to Craig Coady about 16 year old son Paudie, who is living with Friedreich's Ataxia. Craig lost his 13 year old Rory Coady last September to the condition and is calling for action on access to new medicines. He also spoke about medicine like Skyclarys not being available to the Irish public. Speaking to Claire was Mother Elaine Pollard who's son
Ireland's largest ticketing company collapses
An Irish music festival could lose €135,000 because the online platform Tickets.ie is entering liquidation. Tickets.ie is Ireland’s largest independent ticketing company. Claire spoke to Cowboys and Heroes Festival Organiser Simon Power who has been effected.
EU accused of creating ICE-style immigration enforcement system
The EU has promised to increase deportations of undocumented migrants, under a new law that critics say mimics elements of the Trump ICE style immigration crackdown. For more on this Claire was joined by Regina Doherty, Fine Gael MEP and Aodhan O’Riordan, Labour MEP.
Ireland is a ‘cautionary tale’ on data centres
Data centres here are using the same amount of energy as all of our urban homes combined.A UN report has cited Ireland as a cautionary tale on the environmental impact of data centres. Speaking to Claire this morning with more on this was Caroline O’Doherty the Climate and Science Correspondent with the Irish Times and Rosi Leonard is Data Centre Campaign Lead at Friends
How trees can spruce up your garden!
If you are looking to spruce up the garden for the summer so could a tree be the key? Gardener Marie Staunton joined Claire to give gardening tips and advice.
World Cup Games to be kept safe with no drone zones
Organisers of the World Cup in the US have put together what they describe as ‘unprecedented plan’, to combat hostile drone threats. For more on this Claire spoke to Nick Doyle, is head of Enterprise Security Risk Management practice for Kroll’s Risk Advisory Service.
Dublin’s newest TD Daniel Ennis
After only three years in politics, Daniel Ennis won the Dublin Central seat in the recent by-election, which was previously held by a former Minister for Finance. Daniel Ennis of the Social Democrats and Dublin’s newest TD chatted to Claire on the show.
U.S. proposes fresh tariffs on 60 economies
The U.S. has proposed tariffs of up to 12.5% on imports from 60 economies. The move marks a major step in Trump’s push to reinstate his country-specific tariffs that were mostly struck down. We get the details on this with Daniel McConnell, editor with the Business Post.
Health problems that can crop up at summer
Claire was joined by GP Eleanor Galvin to talk about some of the health problems that can crop up at this time of year.
A busy 24 hours for Irish sport stars
It’s been a busy 24 hours for Irish sport stars, with big moves being made in the worlds of snooker, soccer, and hurling. To give us the latest on all Claire spoke to Senior Sportswriter with The 42, Gavan Casey.
Returning to the old fashioned staycations of yore?
Drizzling rain, creaky camp beds and ice cream dripping down your fingers These are just some of the memories many of us have of Irish holidays of times gone by. Is there a hankering for a return to the old fashioned staycations of yore? Newstalk Reporter Sarah Madden has been looking into this.
A father plea for drug for rare disease
Craig Coady lost a son last year to Friedrich’s Ataxia, and does not want to lose a second. 13 year old Rory Coady died last September, and 16-year old Paudie, who begins his Junior Cert today, has Friedrich’s Ataxia too. Paudie’s Dad, Craig wants action on access to new medicines. Craig Coady spoke to Claire this morning.
Paul O’Donovan Double Olympic Champion Rower
We are two years out from the LA Olympics in 2028 and preparations are well underway to optimise Ireland's medal chances. One man who knows all about what it takes to win, is Ireland’s most successful Olympian the double gold medal-winning rower, Paul O’Donovan.
Good news for savers but not for mortgages!
Interest rates are expected to rise this year. That’s good news if you’re a saver, but not such good news for your mortgage or variable loan. To explain more is Wealth Management Advisor with Jigsaw Finance Lorraine Cooke.
Violent protests in Southampton
Up to a thousand protestors marched outside Southampton police station last night with some throwing chairs, bottles, wheelie bins and flares at police. The unrest came after Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called on people to react with “pure cold rage” to the treatment of murdered 18-year-old Henry Nowak. For the latest on this Claire spoke to London Correspondent for the Irish Times Ma
Why injuries spike during the school holidays?
The upcoming summer holidays mean many children will be heading off to summer camps. They’ll be starting GAA camps, soccer tournaments, athletics and summer programmes. Chartered Physiotherapist Lowry O'Mahony joined Claire to talk about why injuries spike during the school holidays and what we can do about it.
What is on the agenda in Cabinet today?
The cabinet is meeting this morning and Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Sean Defoe runs through what’s expected.
Shane Smith, Chef and Author of ‘Loaf Tin Bakes’
Shane Smith, Chef and Author of ‘Loaf Tin Bakes’ joined Claire to chat about his new cook book.
