

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

Nov 30, 2023 • 47min
Riot Aftermath, Emily Is Free & Katie Taylor Triumph
Following violence in the capital last week, are more riots in Dublin City inevitable? Is it time to retire Twitter (X) as a source of trustworthy news? Richard explains why he is stepping back from the platform.Katie Taylor is now a two-weight undisputed champion of the world & how has it been over 20 years since Girls Aloud started? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 24, 2023 • 25min
Riots in Dublin: Hatred on the streets
Thirty-four people have been arrested following violent riots in Dublin City Centre last night.Commissioner Drew Harris said eleven Garda vehicles were damaged or destroyed while thirteen shops were damaged or looted. Rioters also set fire to a LUAS tram and buses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 22, 2023 • 46min
Hostages, 'El Loco' & Ghost Diana
With a ceasefire and hostage deal being agreed what will it mean for the Israel-Hamas conflict?Argentina's new dog-loving, firebrand president is promising radical change but will his bite match his bark? Is Princess Diana's ghost in the series The Crown worth a watch? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 16, 2023 • 46min
Downsizing RTÉ, Fleeing Gaza & Cabinet Creche
With cost saving measures being announced at RTÉ with plans to downsize but will it be enough?Will David Cameron's return to politics be enough to save the Tories?Why is Diplomacy such a key aspect when it comes to helping citizens stuck in a conflict? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 9, 2023 • 20min
GUILTY: Justice for Ashling Murphy
Deborah Naylor joins to analyse the outcome of Aishling Murphy's trial aswell as Jozef Puska's sentencing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 9, 2023 • 44min
How do you negotiate the release of hostages?
Hostage negotiator Oliver McTernan reacts to the Israel - Gaza situation and Tom Hand's plea to Hamas.Martin Wall of The Irish Times explains the details of the sentencing hearing for Tom Martens and his daughter Molly following the death of Limerick man Jason Corbett in 2015.The Department of Education proposes a new policy to deter smartphone use in children & The Beatles comeback single raises questions about AI in the music industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 6, 2023 • 24min
BONUS: 'I just want my daughter back': Tom Hand's plea to Hamas
8 year old Emily Hand was thought to have died in the attacks in Israel on October 7th. Her father Tom made headlines around the world when he told CNN that it was relief that his daughter had died and was not kidnapped.DNA testing has now led officials to conclude that Emily is alive and being held captive.Speaking from Israel Tom says he has the imagined the worst for Emily and hopes her captors will look after her. Emily will turn 9 on November 17th and he thinks she won't even know its her birthday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 2, 2023 • 47min
The Murder of Ashling Murphy: Trial Update
Deborah Naylor joins to give an update on the trial surrounding the murder of Ashling Murphy and what the jury has heard so far.Leo Varadkar says that Ireland will consider any funding request by the International Criminal Court to investigate potential war crimes in the Middle East.Why is there talk of the pension age in Ireland increasing to 75? Zara gives her thoughts on Britney Spears' book The Woman in Me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 25, 2023 • 46min
Fake Hotel, Floods & The War Online
Is the rise in misinformation about the Middle East conflict being actively encouraged by social media sites?Intense flooding in Midleton, Co. Cork has raised the question of what is being done to defend against the effects of climate change.An online scam has caused a stampede of holiday-makers to a house in Kinnegad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 18, 2023 • 46min
"Are we going to die?" Irish family trapped in a warzone
Irish citizen Ibrahim Alagha reveals the horrifying realities of war as he and his family try and survive the middle east conflict.With the HSE finding itself in a financial crisis, is our healthcare system fit for purpose? Why are Fermoy residents furious at comments made on the Graham Norton show? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.