The Indo Daily

Lee McDonnell began what would become a prolific and fearsome career in crime when he was just a teenager. McDonnell’s violent and reckless actions characterised him as a different breed of Irish criminal – one that stood sharply apart from his peers. He was fond of boosting his own notoriety and didn’t seem to fear any reprisal, going so far as to publicly mock the prison system during his many stints behind bars. He even managed a high-profile escape that resulted in a nationwide manhunt. In total, McDonnell built up over 140 convictions and was suspected of numerous other crimes, including two unsolved murders and a recent high-profile stabbing. Last weekend, his lust for chaos came to an end when he died suddenly at the age of 34 after being found unresponsive in a Garda holding cell. On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Irish Independent news and security correspondent Robin Schiller to profile the life and crimes of the late Lee McDonnell. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can view our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism

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A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a serious incident in north Belfast on Monday night.  Video posted to social media appears to show a man stabbing another man several times in the head with a knife. One man can be heard saying in the video: ‘He’s trying to cut his head off.’ The Belfast Telegraph understands police recovered a knife at the scene.

The PSNI said this afternoon that the suspect’s nationality is Sudanese and “not Somalian as initially believed”.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called the attack “sickening”, while DUP leader Gavin Robinson told the BBC Nolan Show the incident was “barbaric” and “medieval”.

This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast The BelTel.

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His killing shocked the nation, cast a shadow over the peace process, and left a family searching for justice. On today's Indo Daily, Fionnán Sheahan and John Downing look back at the killing of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe, the political fallout, and why the case remains open three decades later.

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The Jeffrey Donaldson trial has now entered its third week. Allison Morris, Crime Correspondent with The Belfast Telegraph joins Fionnán Sheahan to discuss the secret recordings, letters of 'repent' and WhatsApp's at centre of the high-profile trial.

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Jeffrey Donaldson, former leader of The DUP, faces historic rape and indecency charges. Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to a total of 18 alleged offences. The charges span a time period between 1985 and 2008 and involve two alleged victims.

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Eleanor Donaldson, from Dublinhill Road, Dromore, Co Down, denies several charges of aiding and abetting her husband’s alleged offending. She is subject to a trial of the facts after being ruled unfit to stand trial due to mental health issues. 

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It was supposed to replace workers at speed. Instead, some of the world’s biggest companies are finding costly problems, poor results and frustrated customers. 

This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast The Big Tech Show, as Adrian Weckler and JJ Clarke examine why firms such as Starbucks, Pizza Hut and Klarna are scaling back AI projects.

They also discuss the warning from Pope Leo, who has criticised AI for threatening human dignity, work and genuine human judgement, as companies race to cut costs and automate jobs before the technology is truly ready.

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In 2016, the Healy-Rae brothers sailed to a sensational electoral victory in Kerry.

Between them, Michael and Danny secured a remarkable 38pc of the Kingdom’s vote, cementing the Healy-Rae brand as one of the most formidable forces in Irish politics.

Their winning formula quickly became the stuff of legend: divide the county, direct voters to back each brother with No 1 and No 2, and waste no Healy-Rae vote.

And it was a stunning success. Since then, the pair have been a constant presence in Irish political life.

But now, tensions are surfacing and their differences over entering Government have spilled out into the open.

So, is this the beginning of the end of the Healy-Rae dynasty?

And is their kingdom now divided?

On today’s Indo Daily, Tessa Fleming is joined by John Downing, political correspondent at the Irish Independent, and Jerry O’Sullivan, broadcaster with Radio Kerry, to unpack the fallout from one of Ireland’s most headline-grabbing political dynasties.

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Summer is here, and thus so is Love Island.

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The sun-kissed and famously amorous reality show has technically been around since 2005, but its revival in the last 11 years has made it a true household name – whether your household actually tunes in or not.

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This year, Irish tongues are wagging thanks to the inclusion of a strapping young Galway man who has left both his teaching post and his county behind in search of fame, fortune, and, presumably somewhere in there, love.

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Bleach blond Seán ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald has caused quite the stir, with some arguing that teachers are supposed to be role models and thus appearing on a raunchy entertainment extravaganza is very much not the message to hand down to young and impressionable souls.

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For others, it’s just a bit of fun and a possible pathway to celebrity and endorsement deals.

So, what should we make of Love Island in 2026? And indeed its associated controversies and tragedies to date?

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On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Kevin Doyle is joined by Irish Independent multimedia reporter Deirdre Barry, and by broadcaster and content creator Fionnuala Jones, to examine if Love Island’s newest Irish star can make the grade and to look at the problematic pipeline that may await.

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Stephen McCullagh will do at least 31 years of jail time before he is even considered for release. 

32-year-old Natalie McNally had been 15 weeks pregnant when she was subjected to a violent attack and murdered at her home in Lurgan in December 2022. 

The judge, Mr Justice Kinney, told McCullagh that he committed a “brutal senseless murder and planned it in remorseless detail.” 

“The killing was cold blooded and calculated.” 

McCullagh tried to pin the murder on Lewis Jones, Natalie’s ex-partner, after having set up a false alibi.  

But the jury rejected that and found McCullagh guilty of the murder at Belfast Crown Court earlier this year. 

Kurtis Reid was in court for the tariff hearing.  

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Pressure is mounting and the volume is only getting louder regarding the upcoming Uefa Nations League fixture between the Republic of Ireland and Israel. With the first of two games against Israel scheduled for late September, the Football Association of Ireland is running out of time to carry out the administrative duties required should they decide to bow out and accept the consequences. Recent days have brought on-field protests from fans and eloquent soundbites from pundits and players – perhaps most notably Seamus Coleman, who spoke of the difficulty that he and his colleagues find themselves in as the questions keep on coming. So, is playing this highly contentious match the only option? If it is, where will it take place and how will it unfold? And what are the repercussions if Ireland does indeed decide to abstain? On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Irish Independent senior sports correspondent Conor McKeon to examine a national discussion that has reached boiling point.

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Despite an endless number of problems at home and overseas, Donald Trump and his United States of America are in a celebratory mood.

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The occasion? Trump’s imminent 80th birthday, for one.

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There’s also the small matter of the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence, or “Freedom 250”, if you’re so inclined.

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Though the actual anniversary isn’t until July 4, the White House – or more specifically, its south lawn – will play host to the Ultimate Fighting Championship on June 14 with a card that isn’t quite what Trump promised some time ago.

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Still, there will be plenty of morbid curiosity, if nothing else.

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The event is estimated to cost the UFC around $60m (€52m), and it’s not expected to turn a profit. No big deal, the organisation and its CEO Dana White already have plenty of riches, and though White swears he isn’t political, he enjoys both a long-running friendship and professionally beneficial relationship with the leader of the free world.

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But why is Trump so enamoured by the UFC, and the significantly more choreographed WWE, for that matter?

And has he deliberately moulded himself in the image of an entertainment-focused modern-day gladiator?

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On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by freelance combat sports journalist Philip O’Connor and by the Irish Independent’sDave Hanratty, to look ahead to the big brawl at the White House.

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If you’ve ever wondered whether your sex life is “normal”, this episode is for you. This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast Just Between Us with Jennifer Zamparelli. In this special listener Q&A episode, Jen is joined by sex educator and intimacy coach Grace Alice O’Shea to answer the questions people are often too embarrassed to ask out loud. From awkward body reactions to feeling undesired in a relationship, no topic is off limits. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism

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Daniela Klette is one of three members of the “third generation” of the notorious urban guerrilla Red Army Faction (RAF) who had been in hiding since the 1990s. We look at the terror campaign by Germany's Baader-Meinhof gang, whose members killed more than 30 people in the 1970s and 80s and ask if the organisation is having a resurgence?

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Note: This podcast was originally published in March 2024. This week a German court sentenced Daniela Klette to 13 years in prison for her actions as part of the RAF. The podcast does not contain reference to this new update.

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Host: Fionnán Sheehan. Guest: James Jackson.

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The Occupied Territories Bill is finally heading to the Oireachtas, but the government's decision to exclude services has sparked fierce criticism from opposition parties. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats are celebrating major by-election victories, raising fresh questions about Sinn Féin's position on the left and Holly Cairns' growing appeal. You can listen to Indo Politics a day early by searching Indo Politics wherever you get your podcasts. Host; Mary Regan, Guest; Maeve McTaggart We want to earn your trust and are members of The Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism

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It’s been well over a month since April 8, when Donald Trump announced a ceasefire in Iran, but now that truce appears to be under real strain.

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This week, tensions between the US and the Middle Eastern country have escalated, with both sides exchanging strikes just as a possible breakthrough in peace talks seemed imminent.

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So, how realistic is the prospect of a peace deal at this point? And, as the situation deteriorates, how has one political figure edged ever closer to the centre of power?

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US secretary of state Marco Rubio has increasingly rowed in behind his president’s foreign-policy agenda, but who exactly is the political hawk turned Trump cheerleader? And how did he climb the Mar-a-Lago ladder to join Trump’s inner circle?

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On today’s The Indo Daily, host Tessa Fleming is joined by Scott Lucas, professor of international politics at the Clinton Institute in UCD, to discuss the latest on Iran and the rise of Marco Rubio.

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Every time June 3 comes around, Michelle Ryan marks the anniversary of her father’s death in her own private way. She stays away from his grave.

For Michelle, her dad simply isn’t there.

On that summer morning in 2011, 52-year-old Bobby Ryan, a quarry worker and part-time DJ known by the stage name ‘Mr Moonlight’, vanished from rural Tipperary without a trace.

Almost two years later, his body was discovered in an underground run-off tank near the farmhouse where he was last seen.

The trial that followed was one of the longest in the history of the Irish State. By its conclusion, a love rivalry would be publicly exposed, a man would be jailed, and another man long buried.

In May 2019, Patrick Quirke (then 50) was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. He continues to deny any involvement in Mr Ryan’s death.

On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Tessa Fleming is joined by Irish Independent special correspondent Catherine Fegan to review the case, and by Michelle Ryan, daughter of Bobby Ryan, who speaks about the experience of losing her father and her vow to contest any potential release of his killer.

We want to earn your trust and are members of The Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies atindependent.ie/ourjournalism

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­Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson apologised to one of his alleged victims at a church retreat in the mid-1990s, a court heard today. Jurors were also told second complainant wrote letter to two defendants about the secret ‘she had to keep’ The prosecution delivered its opening address in the Donaldson trial on Wednesday. The former DUP leader is on trial at Newry Crown Court for alleged historical sexual offences. The 63 year-old has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences.

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This Indo Daily Extra is brought to you by our sister podcast The BelTel where Allison Morris was in court and speaks to Ciaran Dunbar.

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Tommy Fleming has for decades been a star of international acclaim. The Sligo singer has played to sold out crowds, toured with Phil Coulter, and enjoyed much of his success with his wife Tina by his side.

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Tommy called Tina the “most decent and loving” person he knew, while Tina said her relationship with him was “special and fulfilling”. But last year, the cracks in their life together started to show.

Details of their separation, of Tommy’s affairs and drug use, of his “living a lie”, have been aired in a leaked phone call recording and explosive interviews from both Tommy and Tina.

Today on The Indo Daily, Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Darragh Nolan, multimedia reporter with the Irish Independent, to look at the full story of Tommy Fleming.

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Carrie Jade Williams. Sadie Harris. Lucy Fitzwilliams. Jade Cookes. Samantha Black. Rebecca Fitzgerald.

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These are just some of the fabricated identities used by serial con artist Samantha Cookes.

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In 2024, her Walter Mitty-style life finally collapsed as online communities, journalists and a WhatsApp group of victims cross-referenced the inconsistencies in her story, joining the dots that authorities had missed.

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In March 2025, Samantha Cookes was jailed for three years for deception and theft.

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Yet her story keeps getting fresh chapters.

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On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Katie Byrne is joined by Alan Bradley, documentary filmmaker and author of new book Unmasking Samantha Cookes: The Many Lives of a Serial Fraudster, to discuss the breadth and the impact of an incredible deception.

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A woman in her 50s, who has been arrested by gardaí investigating the disappearance and murder of Kyran Durnin, was known to the young boy and has had multiple previous interactions with gardaí about his disappearance.

Gardaí said in a statement that the woman was arrested on Monday morning and a new search was underway at a house in Drogheda.

She is the third suspect to be arrested in the case of the young boy who would have celebrated his 10th birthday earlier this month.

Today on this Indo Daily Extra, Kevin Doyle is joined by Irish Independent News and Security Correspondent Robin Schiller for the latest.

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Irish woman Annalouise Spence stands accused of fraud that resulted in an incredible spending spree to the tune of $1.6m. Ms Spence previously worked as a private secretary for Australian billionaire philanthropist Judith Neilson. Spence is currently behind bars, charged with 68 counts of dishonestly obtaining property by deception, with premium concert tickets, opulent hotel bookings and high-fashion luxury items listed among the court documents. So, how did such an extraordinary deception come to pass? On this episode of The Indo Daily, Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Kate McClymont, investigative reporter with The Sydney Morning Herald, who first broke this story, to hear the many twists and turns it has taken thus far. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Kate McClymont We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/our journalism

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This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast Indo Politics.

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A “just delighted” Daniel Ennis of the Social Democrats is racing ahead in the Dublin Central by-election, leaving rival candidates from heavyweight parties in the dust.

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A historic day for the Social Democrats proved to be a difficult one for both Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil as Mary Lou McDonald and Micheál Martin lost momentum.

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Meanwhile, events in Galway West have been considerably tighter, with a final result not expected until lunchtime on Sunday.

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As it stands - at least at the time of recording this podcast - Noel Thomas of Independent Ireland is leading the charge, with Fine Gael’s Seán Kyne trailing slightly behind.

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So, what does it all mean?

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Micheál Martin may be putting on a brave face, but he faces a tricky forecast.

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Mary Lou McDonald says there’s no threat to her leadership, but how damaging is this latest election loss under her watch?

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Did the novelty of Gerry Hutch wear off in the end?

And are the Greens back in business?

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It's all up for discussion on this edition of Indo Politics as host Cónal Thomas hears from Irish Independent political editor Mary Regan in Galway, and from Irish Independent political reporter Aisling Moloney in Dublin.

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We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies atindependent.ie/ourjournalism 

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On a cold winter night in December 2000 Sandra Collins went missing from a small fishing village in Mayo. Five days later, her fleece was found on a local pier, but despite extensive searches, no other trace of Sandra has ever been found. There have been arrests, trials, and even a reclassification to murder, yet the case endures as one of Ireland’s most tragic and unsolved mysteries. Crime World’sNicola Tallant and Jenny Friel discuss their latest nine-part podcast series, Ghost, which digs deep into the life and the enduring questions that surround Sandra Collins’ disappearance.

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Host: Tessa Fleming, Guests: Nicola Tallant, Jenny Friel

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How many encores can one scandal have? There were more fireworks as RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst and his executives found themselves brought before yet another tense Oireachtas Media Committee. Emotions were high as the payment status of late Arena presenter Seán Rocks and the perilous situation of his family were brought to light and challenged. Elsewhere, similar question marks were applied to Oliver Callan, Tommy Tiernan, Derek Mooney, George Lee and Kevin Bakhurst himself. So, where does this saga go from here? And how is the future of Patrick Kielty as the host of The Late Late Show tied in? On this Extra episode of The Indo Daily, host Kevin Doyle is joined by Irish Independent Ireland Editor Fionnán Sheahan to break down the latest revelations and rancour.

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In May 2018, the body of 18-year-old Cameron Reilly was found by a dog walker in a field in County Louth. Local teenager Aaron Connolly was eventually convicted of murder four years later. This week, his conviction was quashed and a retrial could be granted. On this episode of The Indo Daily, senior journalist with the Irish Independent Conor Feehan joins host Kevin Doyle to review the case and the latest developments.  

Host: Kevin Doyle 

Guest: Conor Feehan  

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Somehow, the Brexit Wars have returned. As a defiant Keir Starmer barely clings on to his throne at 10 Downing Street, former health secretary Wes Streeting has thrown the cat among the pigeons by calling Brexit a “catastrophic mistake” and implying that Britain should indeed rejoin the EU. The resurrected debate is obviously of interest to us here on this side of the Irish Sea. But, 10 years on, has Brexit been positive or negative for Ireland? And, if a return vote were to pass, should we welcome Britain back into the fold? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Enda Brady and John Burns

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Just a heads-up: This episode contains references to suicide and suicidal ideation, so please take care when listening.

In December of 2019, the body of Moira Killeen was discovered in her apartment in the Belair distract of Luxembourg. Her death quickly became a matter of dispute.

On one side, the medical examiner cited Ms Killeen's death as “violent and suspicious”. On the other, the prosecutor ruled that Ms Killeen's died by suicide and declined to carry out a post-mortem examination. Moira Killeen was later cremated.

Her family has consistently rejected the conclusion of suicide and continue to fight for answers seven years later.

Host: Fionnán Sheahan

Guests: Robin Schiller and Brian Killeen

If you’ve been affected by any of the issues raised on this episode, there’s a list of helplines available – just search ‘someone to talk to’ on the Irish Independent.

We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies atindependent.ie/ourjournalism

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Tattle Life is a self-described “commentary website”.  Supporters of the site say it’s free speech, protects consumers, and that influencers are fair game, with the website saying it has a zero-tolerance policy to any abusive, hateful or harmful content. But critics claim users have published private documents, that the site facilitates vile and cruel trolling – even stalking. 

Last year, it was revealed County Antrim couple Neil and Donna Sands seemed to have taken the so-called ‘king of the trolls’, alleged owner of the site, Sebastian Bond, down. But now court has ruled he didn’t even know his crown was being seized – and the couple have to pay back £300,000 in damages.    

This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast the BelTel, as Olivia Peden is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Kurtis Reid. 

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In the wake of a new payments scandal, RTÉ Director-General Kevin Bakhurst has defended the broadcaster's decision to reclassify presenter Derek Mooney as a producer back in 2020 and said the move was not a side deal. How big of an embarrassment is this development for RTÉ? How resilient will it be moving forward? And is it losing the hotly-contested radio war? 

Host: Dave Hanratty 

Guest: Fionnán Sheahan 

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Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern has stood by comments he made in a viral clip of him saying “there are too many” immigrants coming into Ireland.

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In an exclusive interview with The Indo Daily, he told Kevin Doyle he believed he was “speaking privately” while the clip was being recorded, and he was being recorded without his knowledge. Mr Ahern told The Indo Daily he rejects racism “in all its forms”, and he should not have singled out any one nationality or group of people in his comments.

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In a wide-ranging interview Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan speaks to Political Editor Mary Regan and Political Correspondent Cónal Thomas about migration, Bertie Ahern's controversial comments on migrants and the long wait to become Fianna Fáil leader.

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In March 2009, mechanic Liam ‘Blackie’ Murray was found dead in his bed, having been shot four times. Murray was keenly aware of threats on his life, yet his murder has left Gardaí puzzled for the past 17 years. This week, new searches took place in Dublin as investigators tried to finally crack the case.

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Host: Kevin Doyle

Guest: Ken Foy

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We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies atindependent.ie/ourjournalism

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Within publican circles few names carry the same weight or shine as the Chawkes. Led by pub mogul and family patriarch Charlie, the family have amassed a catalogue of some of Ireland's biggest public houses. But now a late-night incident in a hotel bar involving two of his children has put the Chawke name into the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guests: David Raleigh and John Mulligan

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This week, Fianna Fáil turns the ripe old age of 100. But is the house that Éamon de Valera built in disarray? Irish Independent political correspondent John Downing reckons “they’re a very pale, poor shadow of what they were”. So, how did Dev shape the party in the first place? How did Seán Lemass modernise Ireland? Why did Charles Haughey command such loyalty?  What made Bertie Ahern the “ultimate pragmatist”?  And where does Micheál Martin stand among the leaders who have gone before him?

Host: Fionnán Sheahan

Guest: John Downing

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The Rose of Tralee can mean many things to many people – proud symbol of Irish culture, outdated "lovely girls" competition, or a bit of craic to throw on the TV once a year. For others, it can hold incredibly strong sentimental attachment. Such was the case for US businessman Dick Henggeler, who significantly invested in Kerry following the death of his daughter Dorothy, who competed in the 2011 festival. Henggeler would later find himself involved in a bitter legal battle that has now left a sour taste. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Shane Phelan

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Deepfake pornography is emerging as one of the most urgent challenges in the ever-evolving environment of artificial intelligence.

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Now, the European Union’s landmark AI Act aims to tackle harmful AI-generated content.

But, as ever, there are wider tensions around regulating the tech industry. Can this new initiative possibly stem the tide of highly problematic X-rated content?

Host: Adrian Weckler

Guest: Aoife White

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This episode is brought to you by our sister podcast The Big Tech Show

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We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism

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It has been strongly indicated that fuel supports will be a major factor in this year’s Budget, while we’ve recently learnt that Ireland’s electricity costs are way above the European average. Elsewhere, by-election buzz is building as polls mark the way, and Gerry Hutch stands accused of evoking Donald Trump as he finally outlines his policies.

Host: Fionnán Sheahan

Guest: Conál Thomas

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The murder of 14‑year‑old Ana Kriegel remains one of the most disturbing crimes in Irish history. In May 2018, Ana was lured from her home by a local boy. Three days later, her body was found in a derelict house – naked and violently assaulted. Two boys, just 13 years old at the time of the killing, were the youngest in the State to be tried, and convicted, of murder. Eight years on, Irish Independent court reporter Eimear Cotter reflects on the horrific murder of Ana Kriegel and the public outrage that followed.

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When Katie Simpson died in 2020 at the age of 21, her death was initially treated as suicide. Showjumping trainer Jonathan Creswell was later charged with her murder, though he took his own life in 2024 as his trial got underway. Now, a review into how Ms Simpson’s death was handled by the Police Service of Northern Ireland has found numerous investigative faults and has detailed “institutional misogyny” within the PSNI. Belfast Telegraph crime correspondent Allison Morris takes us through “page after page after page of failings”. Host: Ciarán Dunbar Guest: Allison Morris This episode is brought to you by our sister podcast, The BelTel

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It has been 35 days since luxury cruise liner MV Hondius set sail from Argentina, taking passengers on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition. For those on board, there’s no end in sight to quarantine conditions following a hantavirus outbreak. But what is hantavirus, what are the public health concerns, and what happens when a cruise liner has fatalities at sea?

Host: Fionnán Sheahan | Guests:Laura Lynott and Dr Brian Higgins

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To begin to understand the machinations and methods of the Hennessy organised crime outfit, you turn to a grim and unforgettable image: that of Barry Moore, who was lured to a house, brutally tortured, and branded with the word ‘rat’. That incident was the result of a series of violent events that created an atmosphere of intense paranoia within the Hennessy gang. With key members now in prison, do their surprisingly light sentences mean a temporary solution to an alarming long-term problem? Host: Dave Hanratty Guest: Nicola Tallant For more on this story, listeners can check out Blood Brothers, a new five-part podcast series hosted by Nicola Tallant and Niall Donald, exclusively for subscribers and available now at CrimeWorld.com

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Proud sons of Tipperary Johnny B and Johnny Smacks are a bona fide comedy phenomenon, boasting 750,000 listeners a week – not to mention numerous other strings to their lucrative bow. Speaking of, the pair are going private, putting their considerable finances behind closed doors. So, how did they climb to the top of the mountain? Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Darragh Nolan

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A purposely audacious speed-read, The Shortest History of Ireland attempts to condense the story of this country into just 250 pages. Not only that, author James Hawes has set out to challenge the recorded history of Ireland and debunk some popular myths along the way. Was there more to the murderous Oliver Cromwell than we think? Did Éamon de Valera really sign a book of condolences for Adolf Hitler? And why was Catholic Maynooth loyal to Protestant London? Host: Dave Hanratty Guest: James Hawes

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A Tyrone-born woman who reinvented herself with dozens of identities to con victims out of huge sums of money. From small-town beginnings to a life of deception in Texas, her web of scams spanned continents. Todays Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast The BelTel, as Ciaran Dunbae explores the mysterious life,and death, of Julia Holmes.

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Confusion at cabinet, delays to short-term letting rules, and mounting pressure from fuel protests are exposing cracks in government strategy. With key by-elections looming, are political tensions rising.

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Sean McGovern, long regarded as Daniel Kinahan’s second‑in‑command, faces sentencing at the Special Criminal Court. This week’s court proceedings have exposed the brutal reality of life inside the Kinahan organisation since the 2016 Regency Hotel shooting, with encrypted messaging revealing chilling details about the cartel’s modus operandi. So, what do we now know about the activities and the downfall of one of the Kinahan gang’s most senior lieutenants? And what does his fall mean for others still at the very top of the cartel? Host: Tessa Fleming. Guest: Robin Schiller

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Following a difficult production, the estate-approved Michael Jackson biopic is finally in cinemas and smashing box office records. Some fans are even dancing in the aisles, audience etiquette be damned. Bad reviews and decades of troubling allegations don’t seem to have had an impact, but should the life of Michael Jackson be as celebrated and unchallenged as this? Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Chris Wasser

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By now, most will have seen the extraordinary scenes from Washington D.C., where a suspected gunman sparked chaos at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, in what is now the third attempt on Donald Trump’s life in just 2 years. If the heart of Washington can nearly be breached, how prepared is the US to secure the World Cup?

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Beaming down a Zoom call line from sunny Spain, Gerry Hutch told the Irish Independent that he intends to return to Ireland soon to formally kickstart his by-election campaign. He also had some pointed words for Daniel Kinahan following his dramatic arrest in Dubai. But what does Hutch’s upcoming campaign really look like, especially as he refuses to make any promises to the electorate? Does ‘The Monk’ have a realistic shot at rubbing shoulders in Dáil Éireann?

Host: Fionnán Sheahan

Guests: Aisling Moloney and John Downing

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On Sunday Jim Glennon, who served as a Fianna Fáil TD in the Dublin North constituency from 2002 to 2007, confirmed that he had offered a character reference for convicted sex offender Daniel Ramamoorthy. In a statement, Edelman Ireland announced that Jim Glennon’s tenure as non-executive chairman had ended before they were aware he wrote the character reference. The PR firm told the Irish Independent that his tenure ended in March, but an external announcement had not been made to the media. This was, “in line with our protocol, and it had been communicated to relevant contacts internally,” Edelman Ireland said in response to queries. On the question of who had been notified internally and when, the company said it would not be commenting further. Today on this Indo Daily Extra, Kevin Doyle is joined by Irish Independent Special Correspondent Catherine Fegan, to discuss the fallout from the revelations, and look at her pursuit for answers to the controversy as it unfolded.

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Leo Varadkar may have climbed down and apologised after pitting urban and rural Ireland against each other, but he certainly sparked a spirited debate. Did he have a point, though? Were his comments actually an uncomfortable truth? And how do we even define what makes someone “urban” or “rural”, anyway? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: John Burns and Ciaran Moran

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Daniel Kinahan’s recent arrest marked a significant turning point in the long-running pursuit of one of Ireland’s most influential organised crime figures.

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Throughout this period of elusiveness, however, his presence in boxing was altogether more overt, with Kinahan routinely and openly name-checked by fighters and power brokers as one of the sport’s foremost figures.

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This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast Indo Sport. In an episode first published on Wednesday April 22nd, Crimeworld’s Nicola Tallant and journalist Kieran Cunningham join Joe to discuss Kinahan’s dual existence, his rise and fall within boxing circles, and how things are likely to play out from here.

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It’s a scandal that has already ended careers inside Downing Street, and now Peter Mandelson is once again at the centre of political turmoil. Prime minister Keir Starmer’s decision to appoint him as UK ambassador to the United States has ignited fresh unrest in Westminster after it emerged Mandelson failed security vetting before taking up the post, but was appointed anyway. As the controversy deepens, the pressure mounts on the prime minister. Are Keir Starmer’s days numbered? And with voters drifting away from Labour, could Green Party leader Zack Polanski emerge as the next disruptive force in UK politics?

Host: Tessa Fleming: Guest: Enda Brady

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After much speculation, a judge has refused to identify the former TD who provided a character reference for convicted child sex offender Daniel Ramamoorthy, who previously worked as an adviser for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Taoiseach has said it is “not acceptable” for public representatives to give such references. So, why has the politician in question not been named?

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Host: Kevin Doyle

Guest: Catherine Fegan

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Daniel Kinahan is now in a Dubai jail awaiting possible extradition to face trial. With allegations including murder plots against rivals like Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch, the case could see the cartel boss spend life behind bars. Today on Indo Daily, we uncover Kinahan’s suspected secret alias and what lies ahead for one of Ireland’s most notorious crime figures.

Host: Fionnán Sheahan

Guests: Robin Schiller, Connor Plunkett

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The Strait of Hormuz is once more the centre of the Middle East crisis, despite Donald Trump’s previous hasty proclamations of peace and quiet. Iran has accused the US of an “act of piracy” as peace talks hang in the balance. Meanwhile, the spotlight is intensifying on the man leading Trump’s combat operations – the highly-contentious secretary of war, Pete Hegseth.   

Host: Dave Hanratty   

Guests: Scott Lucas and Nikki McCann Ramirez

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Nigel Farage is back in the headlines, and this time it’s not Brexit or boats, but bitcoin. As the Reform UK leader dabbles in a new cryptocurrency venture, his political stock is rising too, with polls suggesting his path to power is no longer entirely far-fetched. So, what’s really happening in British politics?  And why is Farage interested in us here in Ireland?

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Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guest: Enda Brady

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Silicon Valley supremo Peter Thiel has quite the CV, including co-founding PayPal, backing Facebook in its early days, links to Tesla, and co-founding Palantir Technologies. Lately, however, the billionaire has turned his attention to more apocalyptic fare as he delivers lectures around the world in which he warns that the Antichrist is among us. Why has Thiel gone down this route? And where do the likes of Greta Thunberg and Bill Gates fit in?

Host: Adrian Weckler

Guest: Massimo Faggioli

This episode comes from our sister podcast The Big Tech Show

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Daniel Kinahan has been arrested in Dubai. It represents a potential turning point in the pursuit of one of Ireland’s most powerful and elusive organised crime figures. For more than a decade, Kinahan appeared beyond the reach of Irish law enforcement, operating internationally while linked by gardaí to murders, large‑scale drug trafficking and money laundering. Today on this extra episode of The Indo Daily , Kevin Doyle is joined by Crime World’s Eimear Rabbitte to discuss this major development for Irish gangland.

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It has been a busy first week back in the Dail, as the effects nationwide fuel protests continue to be felt within the coalition government. With Micheál Martin’s leadership of Fianna Fáil facing renewed threats, with a group of TDs approaching senior ministers to discuss a change at the top. While it is understood the disgruntled backbenchers are not close to having the numbers for a successful no-confidence motion. They are trying to build support. And are in search of a leader to lead a heave.

Host:  Mary Regan     Guest: Aisling Moloney

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Once recognised as the embodiment of Ireland’s economic boom and bust, Johnny Ronan is back and may be facing legal action over a contentious property development. We look at that dispute and chronicle his previously turbulent life and times.

Host: Kevin Doyle

Guests: Wayne O’Connor and Donal O’Donovan

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Jonathan Gill looked like he hadn’t a care in the world when he turned up at Temple Street Children’s Hospital last December to deliver presents to sick children. But at the same time, the self-proffessed professional mediator, was being investigated for killing of mobster Robbie Lawlor. Now authorities in the North want to prosecute the 44-year-old, from Malahide Road on the capital’s northside for Lawlor’s assassination in Belfast on April 4, 2020. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Eamonn

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The protests may be over but the government isn't in the clear yet. In dramatic fashion Michael Healy-Rae has announced that he will be tendering his resignation as a Minister of State, as he prepares to vote with the opposition in a motion of no confidence against the Government.  But will he be the only defector?

Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Fionnán Sheahan

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Another week begins, and with it another breakdown in talks as the Iran War rolls on. The US is enacting a fresh blockade of Iranian ports, while Donald Trump has hit out at a fresh opponent – Pope Leo XIV. Meanwhile, back on Irish soil, the fallout from last week’s fuel protests continues apace. Is the Government’s €505m fuel package enough to calm things down? And just how big a scar will the shutdown leave? 

Host: Fionnán Sheahan 

Guests: Mary Regan, John Downing and Bel Trew

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The Late Late Show is a true national institution, one that has provided plenty of water-cooler moments over the decades, but has its day in the sun reached an end? The status of current host Patrick Kielty is under scrutiny as his contract draws to a close and RTÉ bosses remain tight-lipped about his future. Is it time to turn out the lights in Studio 4?

Host: Fionnán Sheahan

Guests: Kirsty Blake Knox and Melanie Finn

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The capital's roads are now reopening and oil is leaving depots in Cork and Galway but it will take days for the country to get back to normal as commuters try to find petrol stations with full tanks. A deeper question now arises: Is this actually the end of the fuel protest or is it the start of something much bigger? Host: Kevin Doyle. Guests: Mark Condren, Ralph Riegel and Maeve McTaggart

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Fifty years on from its creation, what were Apple’s hits? Misses? And is AI use a no-go for journalists? Todays Indo Daily is brought to you by The Big Tech Show, as Adrian Weckler is joined by Darragh Nolan to mark 50 years of Apple, from the Macintosh to the iPod and iPhone, and what still drives its success today. They explore Apple’s design first philosophy, its resilience in the AI era. Also, the pair and debate the growing use of artificial intelligence in journalism.

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Following the dramatic US military raid on Venezuela in January, the Trump administration has turned its attention to Cuba. The objective?  To topple the island’s communist leadership. By cutting off vital oil shipments that once flowed from Venezuela, Washington has pushed Cuba into a deepening energy crisis.  So, what fate awaits this Caribbean island of 10 million people, and its crumbling economy?

Host: Tessa Fleming. Guests: Ruaridh Nicoll, Helen Yaffe

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Today we are coming to you from O’Connell Street in a gridlocked Dublin city centre. For the past few days, this has been the hub of a nationwide protest by hauliers, farmers and contractors in the face of rising fuel costs. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has described the action as “national sabotage”, while insisting that “a gun won’t be put” to the head of the Government. As talk of Defence Forces deployment mounts, how much longer will this protest last?

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Host: Fionnán Sheahan

Guests: Ciaran Moran and Michael Farrelly

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At the start of the week, the London-based Wireless Festival was the hot-button ticket of the summer, thanks to three-night headliner Kanye West. Protests, debates and drama put the booking on the UK government’s priority list. Now West is banned from the country and the festival is cancelled entirely. How did this controversy unfold? Was the right call made?  And can Kanye West ever truly be forgiven?

Host: Dave Hanratty 

Guest: Jenn Gannon  

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After days of rising tension and a looming US deadline, a last-minute ceasefire between the US and Iran has been brokered. But while the headlines signal calm, the reality behind the scenes may be far more fragile. What does this ceasefire really mean, and is it likely to hold? Host: Tessa Fleming Guest: Gregg Carlstrom

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Once again Holly Cairns remains on top of the party leader approval ratings, but the Soc Dems still trail in the polls. As Sinn Fein and Labour fight to hold ground, the question is, can anyone actually unite the left? Today on the Indo Daily, Kevin Doyle is joined by Political Correspondent Cónal Thomas and Political Reporter Aisling Moloney, as they look at the battle for the leadership of Irelands somewhat united left.

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Irish Independent restaurant critic Katy McGuinness has a wealth of experience when it comes to her professional relationship with food, but having recently turned to weight-loss drugs, it was inevitable that her day job would be hugely affected. She tells the Indo Daily about her experience, while also examining the effect Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy are having on the bar and restaurant trade. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Katy McGuinness

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By the early 1980s, Odessa, Texas was regarded as the murder capital of the United States. And so, the discovery of a body, bound and beaten, in a blood-soaked room at the Sand and Sage wasn’t all that shocking to the local authorities. Except... there was one piece that didn’t quite fit. The victim.

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It was supposed to be an oral record of the Troubles, made by the paramilitaries, and initially the ‘Boston Tapes’ project seemed like a really good idea, albeit one which would include descriptions of violence and terror. But it became clear that the scheme was flawed and that the recordings were not as secret as participants assumed. Host: Ciaran Dunbar, Guest; Andrew Madden

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This week, three Limerick-based gardaí accused of perverting the course of justice walked free from court after a total of 33 charges were withdrawn against them. Having endured a “six-year hell”, the gardaí now intend to commence legal action against the State. The saga has prompted fresh questions about discipline in the gardaí. Is the level of scrutiny on the guards affecting their performance and creating an atmosphere of fear and paranoia? And has the battle to weed out ‘bad eggs’ gone too far?  

Host: Kevin Doyle 

Guests: David Raleigh and Paul Williams  

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Tiger Woods will forever be recognised as a sporting icon, but somewhere along the way, the headlines took on a much different, more alarming tone. Highly-publicised affairs, PR-prompted apologies and a string of car crashes have become as associated with Woods as his many triumphs on the links. As the detritus piles up around him, we examine the cause and effect of a most difficult downfall. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Jack Rathborn and Paul Kimmage

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A new chapter could be unfolding in the aftermath of Conor McGregor’s civil rape case, with a Garda investigation into Nikita Hands one-time neighbours, now approaching its conclusion. Also in recent weeks, it has been announced that the public will soon get a behind the scenes account of the 2024 civil judgement, from Nikita Hand herself in a forthcoming book. Elsewhere in an unrelated case, Conor McGregor’s sister’s business has also come before Dublin courts. Aoife McGregor has been ordered to make a charity donation after her salon admitted selling a sunbed session to an underage girl. Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guests; Ali Bracken and Andrew Phelan

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A chilling student film and a bizarre fake journalist phone call are among the details the jury never got to hear in Stephen McCullagh’s trial. Years before murdering Natalie McNally, he had already hinted at violent fantasies in a short film he made as a media student. Now, fresh revelations are giving a deeper look at what he did and how he tried to cover his tracks. Host; Ciaran Dunbar, Guest; Angela Davison

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Who really owns the Lord of the Dance live spectacular? That’s the crux of the ongoing and quite spiky legal battle between Michael Flatley and the Northern Irish company contracted to run the show. Now, a pair of helpful billionaires have come to Flatley’s financial rescue. Who are these generous benefactors, and why are they stepping up?

Host: Fionnán Sheahan

Guests: Shane Phelan and Donal O’Donovan

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Dodgy-box end users face legal action from Sky for the first time, the broadcaster has told the High Court. Sky has obtained the names, addresses and bank details of 304 dodgy-box subscribers from a court case against a distributor of the services. It says that it intends to use the information “to take legal actions against the resellers and some of the end users”. Legal proceedings have already started against two of the 12 resellers, Sky says. This Sunday’s episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast The Big Tech show, as JJ Clarke, joins Adrian to discuss the story.

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US president Donald Trump’s America First agenda was the cornerstone of his election victory. But has all that pre‑election rhetoric now come back to haunt him? As the US deploys thousands of troops to the Middle East, the conflict is looking less like a brief flare‑up and more like the start of a long, grinding war. Despite Mr Trump's insistence that Washington is in talks with senior Iranian figures to strike a deal, Tehran denies any negotiations are taking place. So, who exactly is talking to whom? And as suspicion swirls about insider trading in the oil markets, who is cashing in on the chaos in the Strait of Hormuz? 

Host: Tessa Fleming; Guests: David Smith, Scott Lucas 

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30 years on from the violent killing of publican Tom Nevin, part two of this Indo Daily special looks at how Nevin's wife, Catherine Nevin, emerged as the prime suspect; the murder trial and media blitz that followed; and why Ireland’s ‘Black Widow’ still fascinates us to this day.  

Host: Fionnán Sheahan  

Guest: Mary Wilson  

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Thirty years ago, publican Tom Nevin was shot dead as he counted the takings following a busy day at Jack White’s Inn. Initially, the incident appeared to be a robbery gone wrong, but grieving wife Catherine Nevin would eventually emerge as the prime suspect and later come to be known as ‘The Black Widow’. On the first of a two-part Indo Daily special, we look back at how one of Ireland’s most famous criminals came into the spotlight.

Host: Fionnán Sheahan

Guest: Mary Wilson

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There were cries of relief from the family of Natalie McNally yesterday, as the jury convicted Stephen McCullagh of killing his 32-year-old partner in her Lurgan home in December 2022. During the four-week trial, the prosecution claimed that McCullagh murdered Ms McNally after setting up a “false alibi” that he was livestreaming a video gaming session on YouTube. Host: Ciaran Dunbar Guest: Allison Morris

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A surprise announcement from Donald Trump has raised hopes of a breakthrough in the Middle East conflict, with a five day pause in strikes on energy infrastructure now in place. What will this mean back at home in Ireland, as Tánaiste Simon Harris is expected to introduce cuts at the petrol pumps this week. Host; Kevin Doyle, Guest; Senan Molony

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You may have noticed there’s a very important football match this week. It’s also the week that marks the 40th anniversary of when Jack Charlton first took the reins as Republic of Ireland manager. One of our most beloved honorary Irishmen, Big Jack boasts an unrivalled legacy. On this episode, we look at how he transformed not just our football team, but how Ireland itself was dragged out of the mire under his watch.

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Host: Fionnán Sheahan

Guests: John Meagher and Tony Considine

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Today’s episode of The Indo Daily is brought to us by our sister podcast, Just Between Us with Jennifer Zamparelli. Most will be familiar with the term narcissism. We’ve all heard it, ‘My ex was such a narcissist’, but how much of that is internet language, and how much of it points to something far more serious? This week on Just Between Us, Jennifer is joined by family psychotherapist Richard Hogan to unpack the difference between someone being selfish and someone being truly narcissistic. From love bombing and manipulation to family estrangement and the struggle to leave, it’s a clear, sobering conversation about the patterns that can quietly pull people under.

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For decades, Gerry Adams has denied being a member of the Provisional IRA. Now, for the first time, that claim is being challenged in an English courtroom. Three men, all victims of separate IRA bombings, have taken civil action against the former Sinn Féin leader for the symbolic sum of £1 in damages. But after his resounding libel victory over the BBC last year, how will he fare under this new and very different legal scrutiny? And what could the consequences be if the judge rules in favour of the victims? 

Host: Tessa Fleming, Guests: Kurtis Reid, John Downing. 

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Twenty-six years ago, young Irish woman Kelly-Ann Corcoran fell to her death from the balcony of a five-star hotel in Spain. Her husband Dermot McArdle was later convicted of manslaughter. Now, footage has emerged of a confrontation between McArdle and Ms Corcoran’s relatives, in which he literally laughed off the altercation. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Patrick O’Connell

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Taoiseach Micheál Martin sat down with US president Donald Trump for the traditional St Patrick’s Day summit, with Mr Trump in typically boisterous form. How did the Taoiseach get on, though, with Iran, Keir Starmer, and a potential Doonbeg visit all on the agenda?  

Host: Tabitha Monahan 

Guests: Mary Regan and Cónal Thomas

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As Jessie Buckley closed out her victorious Oscar speech with a cúpla focal, one might wonder if the majority of Hollywood stars looking on knew what she was saying. But that’s hardly the point – it sounded cool. Being Irish is cool. The Irish language is cool. Irish culture is cool. Has it always been, though? And if there has been a spirited revival in recent times, who led the charge and where does it go from here?

Host: Dave Hanratty

Guests: Hugh Carr and Laura Pakenham

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The term ‘looksmaxxing’ has been around for longer than you may think, but it has become a daily go-to for a new generation of people seeking to maximise their physical attractiveness by any means necessary. How did the movement explode in recent times? Why is it mostly associated with men? And why is the Trump administration adopting it in a time of war? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Nikki McCann Ramirez

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Who is Sam Altman and why does he matter so much to artificial intelligence? What do we really know about his views on risk, control and power in the AI race?

Todays episode of the Indo Daily comes from our sister podcast The Big Tech Show, as Ellen Huet, features writer with Bloomberg News and host of the Foundering podcast, joins Adrian Weckler.

Altman, CEO of OpenAI, runs the company behind ChatGPT. The episode explores his rise, his warnings about AI dangers and the controversies surrounding OpenAI. 

This podcast was first published on Wednesday March 11th 2026.

We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies atindependent.ie/ourjournalism

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On 18 December 2022, 32-year-old Natalie McNally was found dead in her Lurgan home.

According to her autopsy, she suffered multiple stab wounds, strangulation and several heavy blows to the head. She was also 15 weeks pregnant at the time.

Her partner, Stephen McCullagh, is now on trial for her murder in one of the highest-profile cases Northern Ireland’s courts have seen in years.

Central to the trial is a gaming livestream which the prosecution allege was staged to create an alibi for the accused.

Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guest; Allison Morris

We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism

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This time last year, Taoiseach Micheál Martin was grasping an American-flag emblazoned short straw, playing second fiddle to Conor McGregor as our disgraced UFC representative took the St Patrick’s Day podium. Now that the Taoiseach has been restored to March 17 parity, he has one hell of a job on his hands. What kind of reception awaits him in Donald Trump’s Oval Office next week?

Host: Kevin Doyle, Guest: Mary Regan

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Petrol prices are flashing past €2 a litre as conflict in the Middle East rattles global energy markets. From food bills to mortgage rates, the shockwaves could hit far beyond the forecourt. So are we facing a return to 1970s-style energy chaos, and how bad could it get?  Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guests: Kim Bielenberg and Charlie Weston 

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The enduring saga of Enoch Burke and his family has a fresh chapter, with Martina and Ammi Burke set for a stint behind bars. Last week, Justice Brian Cregan handed down an imprisonment order as he called for “a halt to this family circus”. Initial attempts to arrest Martina and Ammi Burke proved unsuccessful. So, what can they expect in prison? And what does the timeline of the entire Burke story look like? 

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Host: Tabitha Monahan

Guest: Shane Phelan

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International war probably wasn’t the expectation when the Kinahan Cartel decamped to Dubai in a bid to escape the authorities, but it has arrived on their opulent doorstep, nonetheless. So, what does the joint US-Israel offensive on Iran mean for Daniel Kinahan and company? What are their connections to Hezbollah, and will they ever be extradited? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Miles Johnson

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In June 2025, when 78-year-old Sonia ‘Sunny’ Jacobs, along with her carer Kevin Kelly (31) died in a house fire at the Connemara home she called her “sanctuary", it seemed like a tragically ironic end for a celebrated activist. But Jacobs was no stranger to life's juxtapositions. The well-liked and peaceful woman spent five years on death row in the US before her conviction over the murder of two police officers in Florida in 1976 was overturned after procedural errors were identified. Now, as a Florida inmate speaks out about the circumstances leading to her incarceration, we ask who was the real Sunny Jacobs?

Host: Kevin Doyle, Guest: Eavan Murray

This podcast was first published in June 2025.

We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies atindependent.ie/ourjournalism

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