The Mick Clifford Podcast
The Mick Clifford Podcast, hosted by Irish Examiner journalist Mick Clifford, delves into current affairs, crime, and social issues in Ireland. Each episode features in-depth interviews and analysis, offering a unique perspective on stories that matter. The podcast aims to uncover the truth behind the headlines, often focusing on investigative journalism and human interest stories.
Episodes
A NATION LIKE NO OTHER: Paul Howard
What would a united Ireland look like? Could we come up with imaginative solutions that would only cheese off everybody equally? Paul Howard, the creator of Ross O’Carroll Kelly has written a satirical novel set in a government department charged with planning for a united Ireland. The results are not what you might expect. Mick interviewed Paul before a live audience in Waterstone’s Cork for
FUEL FOR THOUGHT: Elaine Loughlin
The Dail has been recalled to delay the restoration of excise taxes in order to keep down the price of fuel. But is he government acting simply out of fear of a repeat of the fuel protests earlier this year? And what will happen if the USA’s war in Iraq continue through the winter and the price keeps rising? Are the government making it all up on the hoof? Irish Examiner political editor Elaine Lo
YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND: Catherine Heaney
Democracy is under threat right across the world, certainly in the liberal form that persisted since the end of the Second world war. Donald Trump is leading the charge for a new form of populism and his administration is now providing funds for like minded organisations in Europe. Here, in contrast, a new body has been established to promote democracy and fight mis and dis information. Caradem wa
THE TREATY MAYOR: John Moran
It hasn’t been a smooth ride since John Moran was elected Mayor of Limerick, the first such office to be created in a city in the state. He has clashed on a number of occasions with councillors and most recently there has been conflict with traders in the city centre. But there has also been progress in establishing a new form of local government and injecting, as he would have it, new ideas on ho
GOVERNING FOR INSTANT GRATIFICATION: Elaine Loughlin
The coalition government, awash with cash and bereft of a core political compass, appears to be governing by the path of least resistance. The Irish Examiner’s Political Editor Elaine Loughlin recently outlined in a column how the government is now content to sort out those who shout loudest irrespective of the damage that might do to the country’s long term health. Elaine is this week’s gues
POWER OR PROCESS? Tadgh McNally
The Government says Ireland needs to build faster. To do that it is preparing legislation that could allow major infrastructure projects to bypass parts of the planning system. At the same time, a major review of local democracy wants to hand more power to councillors and reduce the dominance of unelected council executives.So are politicians taking back control, or are they concentrating power in
THE MORALITY OF KILLING: John Ware
The running of agents in the North by the British state was a moral maze. Those who were in charge of the agents often had to decide whether or not to allow a murder go ahead in order to protect an agent’s cover. But where is the morality in such decisions? Did a point arrive where the state ceded the moral high ground to groups like the IRA which were killing at will?Veteran reporter John Ware’s
FOOTBALL FEAST OR SPORTS WASHING: Colin Sheridan
As the World Cup comes to a conclusion we look back on a month of football to celebrate the best of it but also to ask where exactly the game is going and whether it is irredeemable corrupt. And beyond that, do we care if we keep watching it which is exactly what everybody did. Joining Mick to discuss all this is Irish Examiner columnist Colin Sheridan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m
INDEFENSIBLE DEFENCE FORCE: Neil Michael.
For the last month a defence forces tribunal, that was over two decades in the making, has been hearing shocking evidence about how some officers conducted themselves. Allegations of sexual, physical and psychological abuse have called to mind the kind of army life that might have existed in a colonial force from the nineteenth century. The Irish Examiner’s Neil Michael has been reporting on the e
STILL HOME OF THE BRAVE AT 250? Marion McKeone
As America celebrates 250 years in existence as a nation, Marion McKeone looks at a country that is currently going through major upheaval with Donald Trump as president. Is America as we have known it coming to an end, or just going through another transition. Journalist Marion McKeone is this week’s guest on the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
ANDY, WE HARDLY KNOW YA: Fergus Finlay
With Andy Burnham all but certain to be the next British prime minister in the coming days, we talk to Fergus Finlay about what he can expect and what he should try to do. Fergus, who was an advisor to two governments talks about how all leaders should focus on one big idea and explains exactly how this should be done. Irish Examiner columnist Fergus Finlay is this week’s guest. Hosted on Acast. S
Brexit Blues: Ian Cooper
Exactly ten years ago this week the UK voted to leave the EU and Brexit was born. At the time there were predictions that this could spell economic disaster for this country but that didn’t come to pass. The UK itself has not fared as well. In fact, the UK is in a bit of a mess, but exactly how much is all of that down to Brexit?Joining us this week to discuss how it happened and what the fall out
HEALTHY PURSUIT: Niamh Griffin
After the recent row between the Minister for Health and the Rotunda Hospital over consultants doing private work, a question arises as to how soon we will have a single tier health service. The move in that direction has been ongoing now for a number of years and while there might be progress it is not always obvious. Joining us this week to discuss the pursuit of a first class health system for
MORALITY AND WARS: Colin Sheridan
The Occupied Territories Bill and the triple lock are going to be landing hot and heavy in the public square in the coming months. Both issues elicit deeply felt emotions and questions over what is this state’s role in the wider world, and what should be done about it. Irish Examiner columnist Colin Sheridan regularly touches on these matters and he is this week’s guest on the podcast.
THE HEALY RAE SPLIT
Michael Healy Rae’s revelation that he believes his brother Danny cost him and Kerry a ministry has rocked the most fabled political dynasty in Irish politics. Is this the end or just a new beginning. Mick Clifford, Deirdre O’Shaughnessy and Louise Burne discuss and dissect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
POLITICAL PITSTOP: Elaine Loughlin
The recent by-elections in Dublinand Galway took the temperature in politics right now and delivered victories to the Social Democrats and Fine Gael. But what did the elections say about the political pecking order right now and will there by any implications for Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail, who both performed badly? Also where now for the Occupied Territories Bill. This week’s guest on the podcast
THE RISE OF KNEECAP: Dean Van Nguyen
The Belfast rap trio Kneecap bring second record Fenian and their incendiary mix of Irish-language hip-hop and politics to Cork with two 'intimate' album launch shows at the Savoy Theatre ahead of a show Live at the Marquee on July 6. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the group’s journey - from their early days in Belfast to becoming one of the most talked-about acts in Irish music. Along
BY ELECTION SPECIAL: Louise Burne
Two constituencies go to the polls next Friday in byelections created by the resignations from the Dail of Pascal Donohue and Catherine Connolly, who both went on to greater things. Dublin Central and Galway West will vote for their replacements in the first by-elections since the current government assumed office after the 2024 general election. So who’s up and who’s down, what matters what
SOLDIERING TOWARDS DESTINY: Gary Murphy
Fianna Fail is a century old this year and the party is celebrating the occasion this weekend with its Ard Fheis. But where stands a party that was in the twentieth century one of the most successful vote getters in the developed world. Has the new Ireland bypassed a party whose name translates as the Soldiers of Destiny? Or does it have the capacity to change and thrive with the times. Professor
NEVER NEVER LAND: Children and that hospital.
The Irish Examiner’s Louise Burne has memories of spending time in Temple Street hospital in Dublin as a child to treat a condition with which she was born. The staff were great, the environment and facilities far less so. Recently, she wrote about the children of tomorrow who will have a brand new hospital to cater for their needs. But, at the rate of progress in building the national children’s
BURIED SECRET: Barry Cummins
Tina Satchwell was murdered by her husband and her body hid in the family home where he continued to live for six years before it was discovered in a cold case Garda search. The case was shocking and tragic and journalist Barry Cummins, who has written and broadcast extensively on Ireland’s missing women covered it closely. Now he has written a book that tells the full story. Buried Secrets – The
WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT ROY: Dave Hannigan
Roy Keane is a towering figure in Irish sport and even culture. From one of the greatest footballers to ever emerge from the country, to the man who divided Ireland over Saipan to the pundit everybody wants to see. But where did he come from, what relationship does he have to his home place and what effect has he had on the country, as it changed, as he changed. We Need To Talk About Roy – th
Taoiseach on the brink: Louise Burne
Pressure is coming on Taoiseach Micheal Martin in the wake of the fuel protests and following the resignation as junior minister of Michael Healy Rae. We examine whether his leadership is now in peril, whether he can hang on for now and, beyond that, long enough to host the presidency of the EU in the second half of this year. Or is he destined to fulfil the maxim of all political lives ending in
ORBAN ON THE BRINK: Shona Murray
On Sunday Hungary goes to the polls in an election that should be of huge interests to all Europeans and beyond. The authoritarian leader of the last sixteen years is vehemently supported by both Vladamir Putin and Donald Trump, but is deeply unpopular among EU states. This week JD Vance landed in Budapest to campaign for him in an unprecedented move. On this week’s podcast Euronews Europe Corresp
THE INFORMER AND HIS HANDLER: JP O’Sullivan
In March 1985, IRA man John Corcoran’s body was found outside Cork city. He had been shot as an informer. In the intervening years there has long been speculation that Corcoran’s murder could have been avoided and that he was sacrificed to protect another informer for An Garda Siochana, Sean O’Callaghan. The special branch detective who was John Corcoran’s handler, JP O’Sullivan, has now written a
A FUGITIVE AND A PATRIOT: Rory Carroll
A new book by Guardian Ireland correspondent Rory Carroll examines the hunt by British intelligence to capture Roger Casement and his role in assisting to foment, and ultimately attempting to call off, the 1916 Rising. The book is a unique take on the life of not just Casement but other figures who were central to the Rising and the British intelligence chief who was engaged in fighting a war agai
GETTING OUT INTACT: Micheal Martin
In the week that was, the question that arose was – will he make it out of there intact? The subject of course was Taoiseach Micheal Martin and the quandary was his Oval Office meeting with Donald Trump at a time of living dangerously for politicians who interact with the US president. Joining us to run the rule over the occasion and what else is brewing in politics is Irish Examiner political rep
HOW IT WILL ALL END: Scott Lucas
The war in Iran is continuing and Israel is using the opportunity to pummel those it considers the enemy in Lebanon. Add to that the fact that the world economy is shivering, what is the way out of this morass? On hand to give us some clues as to where we might go from here is an old friend of the podcast, UCD's Clinton Institute professor of international relations Scott Lucas.Scott talks ab
The Mick Clifford Podcast - By-elections are looming
After the Presidential election last year saw Catherine Connolly elected President and Paschal Donohoe left Irish politics for a job at the World Bank, political parties will have two by-elections to contest in May.What are the issues, who are the runners and riders and who can claim the seats?Joining Acting Political Editor Paul Hosford to run the rule over Dublin Central and Galway West are Poli
FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS: Peadar Tobin
We are frequently being told that there is a constituency out there that is not being served by the mainstream political parties. Peadar Tobin believes that his Aontu party would be an ideal home for such voters. He and Mick discussed how politics is and argued over who represents what in today’s fractured firmament. Peadar Tobin is this week’s guest on the podcast. Hosted on Acast
ADOPTING TO LIFE: Paul Cullen
Adoption was a big business in the Ireland of the middle decades of the last century, in a country where birth outside of marriage was considered a stain. That was the country into which Paul Cullen was born and ultimately adopted. He has written a page turning account of his life as an adoptee, Outsider – Survival, Family Secrets and the Search To Belong. Paul is this week’s guest on the podcast.
SHOUTING STOP IN IVERAGH: Joseph McCrohan
Rural depopulation and its impact on large tracts of the country was writ large late last year when the GAA published a report on the dangers of clubs disappearing. One of the areas that has been repeatedly referenced in terms of depopulation is the peninsula of Iveragh in South Kerry. Now Iveragh is fighting back in a manner that will resonate across rural Ireland. Joseph McCrohan, Development Of
LOUISE BURNE: Politics today
The failure to prepare for the floods has left communities devastated along parts of the east coast, but whose fault is it? Also, has there been any whisper in Leinster House about the fate of George Mitchel’s legacy in the wake of his presence in the Epstein papers. And then there is the fate of the Taoiseach, Michael Martin. What dangers lurk for him, as they did for a predecessor Cork Taoi
JUSTICE DELAYED IN LIMERICK: Mick Clifford
In this week’s podcast, Mick swaps chairs and is interviewed by Deirdre O’Shaughnessy – on loan from he own Irish Examiner podcast – about the not guilty verdicts against four serving and one retired garda in Limerick this week. All were charged with 39 counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice and found not guilty on all counts. Major questions remain as to why they were prosecuted, w
WATCHING THE WEIGHT LOSS: Aimee Donnellan
The drug Ozempic has become a phenomenon across the world since its impact on weight loss was discovered as a side effect to its main function, the treatment of type 2 diabetes. A new book looks at how the drug came to be developed, what effect it is having on society and where will it go from here. Off The Scales – The Inside Story of Ozempic and the Race to Cure Obesity is written by journalist
ROUND THE HOUSES: Paul Hosford
The Dail reconvened this week after the Christmas break, but already the Irish Examiner’s Paul Hosford has been to China and back trailing the Taoiseach and getting a handle on where the new world order is heading. He has also run the rule over new immigration laws and whether the government is here to stay or on the road to nowhere. Paul is this week’s guest on the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See a
A ROAD LESS TRAVELLED: Tommy Cahill
In November 2024, young Tommy Cahill found himself like many of his generation living the life abroad. He was in Dubai working as a teacher when he was faced with a dilemma. His father had just been elected a TD and would be leaving his council seat in Co Kerry. What more could a young man want than to return home from the sun in the dregs of winter to take up an often thankless role in a rur
TERRY PRONE: The Political Years
Political communication was brought to a fine art by Terry Prone, her late husband Tom Savage and their mentor Bunny Carr. Their work was done and felt behind the scenes of successive governments and among numerous politicians. Now Terry is telling all in her memoir from the political years, which includes a whole raft of narratives about how some major figures in Irish politics coped at times of
THE €32m crystal meth Kerry connection: Liz Dunphy
Tralee-based businessman Nathan McDonnell was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in a transglobal drug smuggling operation involving a notorious Mexican drug cartel. How did it ever come to this and what exactly is the connection in Kerry that saw the drugs being stored in a premises outside Tralee, en route from South America to Australia? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for
THE WAY HOUSING WAS: Eoin Ó Broin
A new coffee table book, written by Eoin Ó Broin and illustrated with the photographs of Mal McCann, looks at the public housing schemes designed by acclaimed architect Herbert Sims in the early decades of the state and the people who now live in them. Flats And Cottages – Herbert Sims and the Housing of Dublin’s Working Class 1932-48 works as both a history of architecture and a social history of
POLITICS THEN AND NOW: Paul Hosford and Louise Burne.
The start of the year, as in then, dawned full of hope and vim for a new government after the election in November 2024. Now, at the end of the year, we examine where the hope and plans ended up. The last twelve months hasn’t progressed like that and some might say that in general things have regressed a bit. But what has the political year really been like. Joining the podcast to discuss the
THE DUNNES DYNASTY: Matt Cooper
Dunnes Stores is one of the most famous brands in the country with one in every five shopping euros spent in one of their outlets. But what of the family behind the brand? Many people would have been familiar with the late Ben Dunne, a larger than life character, but what lay behind the character and what of the other big personalities in the family, from Ben Snr down. Matt Cooper has written
TALKING IMMIGRATION: Ciara Smyth
This week the government introduced new rules in relation to immigration, principally directed at asylum seekers. Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said he is responding to a scenario in which this country has had a rapid increase in population. But is that the case, and is any such rise down to the number of people seeing asylum? Professor Ciara Symth, an expert in immigration law in UCG explo
THE YOUNG AND THE DAMNED: Eoin O’Malley
Comments by billionaire Denis O’Brien that some young people now feel entitled and that there is a decline in work ethic among the young have received much negative reaction. However, one voice that says O’Brien was talking sense is political scientist Eoin O’Malley, who is an associate professor in DCU. O’Malley, through his work has experience of the problems and foibles of young people emerging
CATHERINE CONNOLLY BECOMES IRELAND'S 10TH PRESIDENT
This week, after 14 years in office, Michael D Higgins left Áras an Uachtaran for the last time and Catherine Connolly was sworn in as the 10th President of Ireland. In her inauguration speech, she said that the president should be “a unifying presence—a steady hand, but also a catalyst for change”. Irish Examiner deputy political editor Paul Hosford joins the podcast to give us the deta
PROGRESSING IRELAND: Sean Keyes
Progress Ireland is a relatively unknown think tank from what might be described as the centre right of Irish politics. Among its backers are the billionaire brother Patrick and John Collison from Limerick. The think tank describes itself as “on a mission to connect Ireland to proven policy solutions around the world”. But what do they stand for specifically and is their message resonating in the
DJ’s LONG FALL: Eimear Ni Bhraonain.
DJ Carey has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison for defrauding at least ten people out of various sums on money on the false premise that he was suffering from cancer. Carey was hurling’s first superstar whose exploits on the pitch thrilled the whole country. How did it all go wrong? What prompted him to head down the dark alley that led to imprisonment for the most grievous kind of
MORE THAN A GAME: Michael Moynihan
The GAA has deep roots right across Irish society, culture and the economy. On one level it has never been as popular but often threats lurk at the time when the sun is shining. The Irish Examiner’s Michael Moynihan has spent much of his career tracking progress in the GAA and now he has produced a book that looks at the future, the hopes, the dreams and the threats that are being posed. Michael i
TRUMP’S PEACE OF THE ACTION: Scott Lucas
Against the odds, Donald Trump has managed, at least temporarily, to stop the bombing and slaughter in Gaza. He has brokered a twenty point peace plan that could potentially ensure both peace and justice in an area that has been devastated. But will it work? And does Trump have the patience and political interest in ensuring that the long hard slog is as successful as the photo opportunities he av
A WEEK AND A HALF: BUDGET BLUES AND GAVIN GONE
Irish Examiner Political Editor Paul Hosford joins Mick to talk over the shock departure of Jim Gavin from the presidential campaign and what now for the race for the Aras. On Tuesday the government introduced its first budget to the sound of groans from the general public and sirens sounding from economists. It was by any standards a week and a half. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva
DEBATING A PRESIDENT: Gary Murphy.
The presidential election campaign is underway but so far no fireworks are to be seen. But, Gary Murphy reckons, there are a number of subplots that may well liven up the race and there are questions to ask about the sour reaction of the supporters of candidates who failed to get nominated. Gary Murphy, Professor of Politics in DCU, is this week’s guest on the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.c
BATTLE FOR JUSTICE: Alan Kearney on his three year legal ordeal
In 2021, Alan Kearney was heading towards the pinnacle of his career. He was due to be promoted to commandant in the defence forces and was in line for a prestigious deployment to Leinster House. Then it all fell apart and he found himself the focus of a long running investigation and criminal charges. It took over three years before he was vindicated but by then the whole case had taken a huge to
THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE RIVALRY: Eoin O’Malley
Charlie Haughey and Garrett Fitzgerald dominated politics in this country in the 1980s, and according to academic Eoin O’Malley, their rivalry shaped modern Ireland. O’Malley’s new book Charlie Vs Garrett examines the rivalry and the times the pair lived through when they were vying to run the country. It is a study of character, class and country. Eoin O’Malley is this week’s guest on the podcast
GET UP THE ARAS: Louise Burne
The presidential race is up and running now, with Fianna Fail the latest party to select a candidate this week. Elsewhere, a whole host of independents are attempting to get nominated by appealed to county councils and Oireachtas members. Irish Examiner Political Correspondent Louise Burne takes a look at the runners and riders and who exactly might represent a value bet. Hosted on Acast. See acas
THESE DIVIDED ISLES: Philip Stephens
Ireland’s history has been tied up with that of Britain for eight hundred years through strife, colonialism, emigration and at times friendship. But where do we go from here? Philip Stephens is a long standing commentator with the Financial Times who had an Irish mother so he has a unique take on the ancient issue. His most recent book is These Divided Isles – Britain and Ireland Past And Future.
THE LONG FELLOW: Colum Kenny
Fifty years to the week after the death of Eamonn de Valera, we talk to his biographer Colum Kenny about the makings of the man who dominated the Irish state for the first half of its existence so far. Revered by some, hated by others, he has his rule has been subjected to much revision since his death.Revolutionary, statesman, leader, yet also considered conniving and dishonest in his role in cre
LEAVING CERT AND BEYOND: Jess Casey
The Leaving cert results are out and those who sat the exam are digesting how they did at a time when grade inflation is being reined in. But what does it all mean in today’s world? Will disappointment today just be a staging post to a career that is not at all dependant on the results and how far away is reform. Jess Casey is this week’s guest on the podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
RACISM’S UGLY TURN: Arpita Chowdhury
Following a spate of racist attacks on Indian people in this country the question arises as to whether something new and ugly is going on in Irish society. Arpita Chowdhury is a journalist born in India but living now in Ireland. She has observed changes, both in real life and online in how racism is showing itsef. Arpita is this week’s guest on the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pri
LOST GAELS: Peadar Thompson
The GAA in the north went through a torrid time during the Troubles, with members targeted and even murdered simply because of their membership. There were also members of the association who were in the IRA and ended up dead primarily because they were themselves involved in violence.Peadar Thompson has written a book commemorating all the GAA members who died violently. In particular he spoke to
ONLINE SAFETY CODE: Wild West era of social media is over
For the first time, new regulations aimed at protecting Irish children online have been enacted – the ‘wild West’ era of social media is over. At least, that’s according to the Government, which this week announced the beginning of the Online Safety Code.It’s taken the law over 20 years to catch up with social media – and in the meantime, a whole generation of children has been exposed to violence
THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW: low on detail, high on promises
The National Development Plan review was launched earlier this week to an underwhelmed response. An update of the previous plan, the review takes into account the Apple Tax escrow fund the Government was so keen not to claim, and promises a focus on providing the infrastructure key to housing delivery.Along with the Summer Economic Statement, both announcements this week make a statement abou
THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL: Cormac Moore
James Craig, the leader of unionist Ireland in the 1920s coined the phrase the root of all evil about the boundary commission, the body set up in 1922 to determine where exactly the border should lie between south and north on this island. But what was it all about? Could it have been any different? Did the border actually beget evil? Cormac Moore has written a fascinating account of the border co
SHE WHO WOULD BE PRESIDENT: Elaine Loughlin
There has been some rustling in the political bushes of late concerning the forthcoming presidential election. Suddenly, a field might be beginning to take shape. Meetings, conventions, nomination processes, all are getting underway as the Summer break looms and the boys and girls in Leinster House break out their buckets and spades. But who is in and who will win? Irish Examiner Political Editor
SEE THEM IN COURT: Sean Murray
This week there was some dramatic cases that came for hearing in the courts. Former Kilkenny hurler DJ Carey pleaded guilty to a series of charges of deception involving receiving money over false claims that he had cancer. In the Court of Appeal, Conor McGregor withdrew dramatic evidence which alleged the woman whom a High Court jury determined he had assaulted, Nikita Hand, had been assaulted by
THE BOYS AND GIRLS OF SUMMER: Michael Moynihan
This is the time of year when the pulse quickens, the blood rises as county teams up and down the country do battle in the hurling and football championships. Meanwhile, RTE is currently broadcasting a five part series on the history of Gaelic football. Irish Examiner senior journalist Michael Moynihan knows all about championship summers and was a consultant on the documentary. He is this week’s
HEALTH OF THE NATION: Niamh Griffin and Irene Feighan
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Irish Examiner’s Feelgood supplement a major survey of women’s health in Ireland was undertaken by the newspaper. Some of the results were surprising, some worrying and a couple were quite shocking. To run their eyes over the results we were joined this week by Feelgood Editor Irene Feighan and Irish Examiner Health Correspondent, Niamh Griffin. Hosted
THE FORGOTTEN PEOPLE: Fintan Drury.
As the destruction of Gaza by Israeli defence forces continues, bigger questions about how the world got to this point have gone unanswered. The plight of the Palestinian people has long been the issue that much of the west simply doesn’t want to know about. Businessman, author and migration activist Fintan Drury has written a book that melds history with polemic into a compelling narrative. Catas
MURDER SUICIDE REVIEW: Jacqueline Connolly
In 2016 Alan Hawe murdered his wife Clodagh and their three children. The subsequent garda investigation was found to be deficient in a number of respects. Clodagh’s sister Jacqueline and their mother Mary pushed for a proper investigation. That was conducted but never published. Jacqueline, who wrote her memoir Deadly Silence on the case, believes it should be published in order to prevent any si
THE UNFINISHED HEIST: Glenn Patterson
The robbery of the Northern Bank in Belfast in December 2004 was both a criminal act and, most observors believe, a political act as it as carried out by the Provisional IRA at a time when Sinn Fein was negotiating on the basis that violent and criminal acts by the Provos were at an end. Acclaimed writer Glenn Patterson was in the city centre on the night it happened. His latest book The Northern
THE WAR ON DRUGS: Ann Murphy
New mood-altering drugs are becoming available all the time but right now one in particular is eliciting huge concern among health professionals. Hexahydrocannabinol, or HHC as it is known, is widely available to buy over the counter in vape shops. Since it emerged as a serious drug a few years ago, doctors and addiction counsellors have been encountering major problems with its effects. Irish Exa
REDEMPTION SONG: Eamonn Sweeney
Sportswriter Eamonn Sweeney set out to write a book about the GAA championship but succeeded in tackling a condition that had dogged him for nearly two decades, and largely confined him to his west Cork home. He talks about his struggles, his love of the GAA and why he felt compelled on various match days to check out the Orthodox religions and dine on exotic foods. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/
FIGHTING DISASTER: John Whyte
It’s a long way from the disadvantaged enclave of Rialto in Dublin’s inner city to the rubble and humanitarian devastation of Gaza but John Whyte has seen both. Before joining the UNRWA refugee agency, John oversaw the regeneration of Fatima Mansions that is considered a template of how to tackle disadvantage in this country. Today, as senior deputy director of UNRWA his brief is to alleviate the
Fit for Purpose: Cliona Fole
With health and fitness now a central part of modern life, a question arises as to whether gyms are suitably welcoming to women. Journalist and former PE teacher Cliona Foley has written in the Irish Examiner about her own experience and some disturbing research into the whole area that suggests society has a way to go yet. Cliona is this week’s guest on the podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/
100 DAYS AND COUNTING: Scott Lucas
Next Wednesday marks the 100th day in office for President Donald Trump, in this his second term. It differs greatly from his first, but more than that he has rushed to reshape the world, both within and without US borders. So how is he doing, will he succeed and is there any interest in stopping him bringing the US, and by extension the world, into a new reality. Scott Lucas, professor of US
BUILD BACK BETTER: Jude Sherry and Frank O’Connor
In the midst of a housing crisis this state also has a large cohort of derelict or unused buildings. Some enlightened thinking and political willpower could use this resource to hugely positive effect but despite this there is still a way to go, particularly at official level. Judge Sherry and Frank O’Connor who run their design consulancy Anois have tracked this problem for four years and are now
JUSTICE FOR MY FATHER: Austin Stack
In 1983, Brian Stack, the chief officer in Portlaoise Prison, was shot and fatally wounded after leaving an event in Dublin. The Provisional IRA were long suspected of this attack but for many years, the organization denied any responsibility. Austin Stack was a young boy when his family’s life was changed forever and in adulthood he and his brothers began a long journey to get justice for their f
STUMPED BY TRUMP: Elaine Loughlin
Donald Trump has introduced the centrepiece of his electoral platform, global tariffs. On what he described as Liberation Day he produced a typical showbusiness background to the announcements that may well upend the whole nature of global trading. So what will it mean for this country, how we have been governed and how the country has developed over the last thirty years. Joining the podcast is I
The Forgotten War: Niamh Griffin
Over 12 million people have been displaced from a civil war in Sudan that started in 2023 and continues. Around 1 million of those displaced are now refugees in neighbouring South Sudan, living in extremely difficult conditions, including without clean water and attempting to survive in one of the poorest corners of the world where climate change is now having a devastating impact. The Irish Exami
PRACTICING BUT NOT PREACHING: Ian Kilroy
Ian Kilroy is a journalist and lecturer in his day job but he is also a Zen Buddhist priest who has written a book that is already proving highly popular. Do Not Try To Become A Buddha examines zen teachings and practice but is main narrative is rooted in Ian’s own personal journey. He talks to the podcast about what brought him from a Galway childhood to Buddhism and from there onto a point where
Taoiseach plays his Trump card: Elaine Loughlin
The country heaved a sigh of relief this week when Micheal Martin’s meeting with Donald Trump went off without a hitch. The potential for a disaster or two was nervously discussed before the meeting but the wily Corkman survived. That’s one view. Another is that he just kept the head down and dodged what some might have considered his duty to discuss with current incumbent in the White House. So h
