

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

Jan 8, 2026 • 45min
Will Ireland Face Down Elon Musk?
This week on The Group Chat: Gavan joins us from China where he's covering the Taoiseach's official visit. We examine another extraordinary week of Donald Trump on the world stage.Plus, will the government here face down Elon Musk and his Grok AI tool? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 18, 2025 • 45min
Season Finale: Can We Stop Talking About Jim Gavin Now?
This week on The Group Chat: Can Micheál Martin move on from the Jim Gavin fiasco? And, one woman's experience of emergency accomodation and calling a hotel a home. Plus, we look back at some of the stories we've enjoyed covering over the past year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 11, 2025 • 45min
Taking Shelter from Bullets in Warzones, with Alex Crawford
This week on The Group Chat: Sky News Special Correspondent Alex Crawford tells us about reporting from the battle frontlines. And, Ireland’s media minister talks tough about online safety.Plus, world Excel champion Diarmuid Early finds that winning formula. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 4, 2025 • 46min
Pipes & Pylons: Can This Plan Fix Ireland?
This week on The Group Chat: A major new plan to cut red tape and speed up infrastructure.A wartime leader pays a historic visit to Ireland. Plus, what's the story behind those cringe videos that politicians keep posting online? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 27, 2025 • 46min
Russia, Roblox & Rustling
This week on The Group Chat:Is Donald Trump being played by Russia in the latest bid to end the war in Ukraine? TikTok coming under more pressure to protect young users from harmful content on the platform. Plus, the Cork farmer who's vowed to track down the cattle rustlers who stole some of his prized herd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 20, 2025 • 46min
The Government's Paschal Problem
This week on The Group Chat:Paschal Donohoe's departure prompts a partial reshuffle, but how big of a blow is it for the Government?Ivan Yates defends giving training and commentary on the presidential election. Plus, following the play-off draw that sees the Republic of Ireland away to Czechia, is it too soon to dream? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 13, 2025 • 45min
Will The Housing Plan Get You A Home?
This week on The Group Chat:Is it fair to describe the Government's new housing plan as more of the same? The Catherine Connolly presidency has officially started, so what can we expect? And, just over one month on what's happening with the Gaza ceasefire? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 6, 2025 • 45min
We Need To Talk About How We Talk About Immigration
This week on The Group Chat, the tensions flare in the Dáil over the debate around asylum seekers and immigration.And, new battle lines are drawn as New York elects a socialist mayor.Plus, the race for the Áras and the fallout over media training. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 30, 2025 • 44min
Unpacking Ireland’s Political Earthquake
This week on The Group Chat, we unpack the fallout from Ireland’s presidential election. Catherine Connolly will be inaugurated as our tenth Head of State next month after a resounding victory, but what does her win mean for Fianna Fáil and Michael Martin? We also explore whether the left’s newfound unity behind Connolly can last until the next general election. Tune in for insight, analysis, and debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 23, 2025 • 45min
Inside the Citywest Riots
On The Group Chat, we unpack two nights of unrest in Citywest, a day of high emotion as five members of Josef Puska’s family are jailed, and the story of 14 families from the same estate all facing eviction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


