

The Group Chat
Virgin Media News
A weekly news podcast from Virgin Media Television featuring correspondents Gavan Reilly, Zara King and Richard Chambers. Join the gang every Thursday as they discuss the latest and breaking news from Ireland and around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 4, 2025 • 44min
We’re Back! Áras Race Stumbles On
The Group Chat is back with a brand-new season! Zara King, Richard Chambers and Gavan Reilly cut through the noise of the week’s headlines — from the crawling Race for the Áras, to the tough road ahead for new Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly, and the squeeze of rising grocery prices on households across Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 1, 2025 • 13min
Live at Electric Picnic: Irish Artists Making Noise for Gaza
🎪 The Group Chat live at Electric Picnic!Taken from a segment of The Group Chat's live podcast at EP, the team discuss Fontaines D.C, Kneecap, CMAT and Sally Rooney using their platform to speak on Gaza and why Ireland’s biggest cultural voices aren’t just shaping art - they’re shaping politics too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 26, 2025 • 46min
Bombs and F-Bombs: Welcome to Trump’s World
Is Donald Trump now the Daddy of NATO? And have New York Democrats found the formula to beat a candidate picked by a Trump administration? Plus, we share some surprising and memorable moments with retiring RTÉ legend Joe Duffy as he signs off from Liveline. All that and more in the final episode of season 7 of The Group Chat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 19, 2025 • 46min
How Bibi Ran Rings Around Trump on Iran
On this episode of The Group Chat, Professor Fawaz Gerges of the London School of Economics joins us to explain how the Iran-Israel conflict escalated so fast — and what could happen next. We also explore what government insiders are really saying about the housing crisis, and ask if €250 million is just too much for one Euromillions winner in Cork. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 12, 2025 • 44min
The Government's Rent Gamble
On this episode of The Group Chat, the government faces growing scrutiny over its plans to expand Rent Pressure Zones nationwide ahead of the Dáil's summer break. We also discuss mounting questions for An Garda Síochána following their handling of several high-profile cases—from the shooting in Carlow to developments in the Tina Satchwell and Michael Gaine investigations. Plus, what’s next for Gaza after the interception of the Madleen aid flotilla? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 5, 2025 • 46min
Genocide in 4K: Liam Cunningham on Gaza
This week on The Group Chat, we are joined in studio by actor Liam Cunningham to discuss the Gaza flotilla.We take an in-depth look back at the trial of Richard Satchwell with Virgin Media News courts correspondent Deborah Nayor. Plus, we examine the online fallout from the shooting incident in Carlow last weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 29, 2025 • 45min
What does Ireland have to do with Israeli war bonds?
On this episode of The Group Chat, Stephen Breen from The Irish Sun joins the panel to discuss the first extradition of a member of the Kinahan crime gang. We examine what exactly is Ireland’s role in fundraising for Israel’s war campaign in Gaza, and whether RTÉ should be spending money on outside agencies for its own internal ads. All that and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 22, 2025 • 46min
Gaza at Tipping Point
This week on The Group Chat, we discuss whether we are now at a tipping point in Gaza?Also on the show, we look at the latest developments in the Michael Gaine investigation.Plus, we go behind the gates in the Secret Life of Leinster House. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 15, 2025 • 45min
Will There Ever Be Lasting Peace in Ukraine?
Vladimir Putin skips peace talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy — we hear from Ukrainians in Ireland who fear a sustained peace may never come. One year into the job, is Simon Harris facing internal pressure in Fine Gael? And a new report on the €336,000 Leinster House bike shed scandal reveals no value-for-money checks and no accountability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 8, 2025 • 46min
White Smoke Watch, Flat Pack Houses & 'The Tax Mirage'
This week on The Group Chat, Richard is reporting live from Vatican City, where all eyes are fixed on the iconic chimney above the Sistine Chapel as the world awaits the white smoke.Zara checks in from Sweden, where 'flat-pack homes' are transforming housing – though Gavan remains unconvinced the model could take root in Ireland.Also on the show, Killian Woods from the Sunday Business Post joins to unpack Ireland’s staggering $967 billion ‘tax mirage’ – what it means and why has it increased so quickly.Plus, a broadcasting era ends as Joe Duffy hangs up the mic at Liveline. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.