In The News

In this intriguing discussion, guest Conor Lally, Irish Times crime and security editor, dives into a shocking alleged terrorist plot targeting Galway Mosque by an extreme right-wing group. Lally reveals the details of the arrests, including the possession of explosive components and a video showcasing the group's intentions. He shares insights into the group's motivations, their anti-immigration rhetoric, and the ongoing Garda inquiry into their membership. Lally's expertise sheds light on the serious implications of this case and the potential for more charges.

In this discussion, Caroline O'Doherty, Climate and Science Correspondent for the Irish Times, reports from the heart of Belém, dissecting the aims of COP30. She highlights Brazil's push for concrete climate actions over promises and the importance of the Amazon in global climate negotiations. The absence of a US delegation raises questions about leadership, while China and the EU are positioned to take the reins. Caroline also examines how global conflicts hinder progress and the cautious optimism surrounding new pledges from major emitters. Tune in for insights on whether this will mark a turning point!

Ciarán Mulqueen, the mind behind the Crazy House Prices social media account, dives into the chaotic Irish housing market and critiques its outdated buying system. He highlights the frustrating bidding wars fueled by underpricing by estate agents and discusses innovative models from Scotland and France that could streamline the process. Ciarán proposes binding contracts to stop casual pull-outs and suggests e-conveyancing to expedite transactions. Plus, he sheds light on the concerning impacts of rising rents and eviction crises, blending insights with a touch of hope for reform.

Corinna Hardgrave, an esteemed Irish Times restaurant reviewer, is joined by food writer Joanne Cronin. They dive into Ireland's dynamic dining scene, spotlighting the annual Top 100 restaurants list and the significance of local ingredients. The discussion touches on the impact of social media influencers versus traditional critiques, the booming popularity of casual eateries, and the rising trend of tasting menus. Also highlighted are regional food gems and the anticipation of Michelin stars in Dublin, stirring excitement for the culinary future.

In this conversation, Keith Duggan, Washington correspondent for the Irish Times, unpacks the historic victory of socialist Zohran Mamdani as New York’s first Muslim and youngest mayor. He highlights Mamdani’s grassroots campaign that skyrocketed from 1% in the polls to success. The discussion delves into Trump’s fierce criticism of Mamdani, revealing how it reflects broader Republican fears. With Mamdani’s policies resonating with young voters, Keith explores the implications for national politics and the possible shifts in Democratic strategy as they approach the midterms.

On Saturday, the story broke that broadcaster and former Fine Gael politician Ivan Yates had provided interview and debate coaching to Fianna Fáil presidential candidate Jim Gavin before he dropped out of the race.This was at a time when he was co-presenting the political podcast Path to Power and doing stand in shifts on Newstalk radio.The story gained momentum in the days that followed as news emerged that senior Fianna Fáil politicians, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin, also received media training from Mr Yates.How has this steady trickle of revelations played out in Leinster House? What does this controversy tell us about the entanglement of Ireland’s media and political elites?And how does the Irish media handle commercial and political conflicts of interest?Today, on In The News, how Ivan Yates’ links to Fianna Fáil have landed him, and the party, in hot water.Irish Times media columnist and host of Inside Politics podcast Hugh Linehan discusses the political fallout from this controversy and how it might impact public trust in the media.Presented by Sorcha Pollak. Produced by Andrew McNair and Suzanne Brennan.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Monday afternoon, in a packed courtroom at Dublin’s Circuit Criminal Court, former Kilkenny hurler DJ Carey was sentenced to five and a half years in prison for fraud. In July, the disgraced sportsman pleaded guilty to ten counts of deception involving thirteen individuals. It’s a stunning fall from grace for the Kilkenny man, who was once the most celebrated hurler in the country. For years, Carey spun a web of lies, convincing friends, acquaintances, and even strangers that he was battling terminal cancer and needed large sums of money for life-saving treatment. At times, his stories were meticulously crafted, rich in detail. Sometimes they were just spur of the moment pleas for cash.   In today's episode journalist and author of The Dodger, Eimear Ní Bhraonáin maps out Carey’s decade long deception and explains how he got away with his crimes for so long.The Dodger: DJ Carey and the Great Betrayal published by Merrion Press is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are many things An Garda Síochána know about the woman whose skeletal remains were found in 2021 during the construction of a greenway in Co Cork.They believe the woman was 70 years or older when she died, that she was 157cm tall and had a large frame. They think she wore dentures made in the 1960s while she also suffered from arthritis. Carbon dating suggests she died between 1985 and 1987.What they don’t know is her name.They commissioned Prof Michelle Vitali, a director of the Institute of Forensic Sciences at Pennsylvania Western University and a specialist in forensic illustration, to draw an image of the dead woman. She works pro bono for police forces in the US and provided her services free in the Cork case.Vitali explains to In the News the process she used to create an image from the woman’s skull which might help jog memories. It is not, she stresses, a portrait of the dead woman, rather a way to illustrate her features. But could it really identify the dead woman and has it worked in the past?Irish Times southern correspondent Barry Roche gives the background to this sad case.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon and Andrew McNair.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saipan: it’s the one word that can, even 23 years later, cause a row and Irish football fans still divide into two camps.When it comes to events in Saipan where the Irish team were acclimatising before heading to Japan for their first game in the 2002 World Cup, everyone has an opinion. You’re either Team Roy or Team Mick.A new movie that captures the simmering tension and eventual blow up between Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy and team captain Roy Keane will hit our screens on January 1st. But already Saipan has been seen on the international film festival circuit, garnering glowing reviews.Keane is played by Éanna Hardwicke and McCarthy by Steve Coogan – a challenge given how familiar both men are in the public mind. Does it work? And does it capture the tension and the shock waves that Keane’s decision to walk out on the team caused.Irish Times consumer correspondent Conor Pope got a preview and says that going in to the cinema he knew he’d be traumatised by Saipan – and he was.Pope tells In the News why the film will open old wounds for many people and how he left the cinema “feeling shaken and sad and weighed down by what might have been”.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey and Andrew McNair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the early 1970s Mary ‘May’ and Seamus ‘Shay’ McGee were parents to four young children. On her second and third pregnancies, May had experienced complications so severe that her doctor advised that her life would be in danger if she had any more children.The GP prescribed a diaphragm and spermicidal jelly to help prevent pregnancy. These had to be imported and were seized by customs with the couple told that if they attempted to import contraceptive devices again, they could be prosecuted.The couple went to the High Court in 1972 in an attempt to overturn a 1935 ban on the importation of contraceptives.It was struck out and amid a tide of publicity, the couple appealed to the Supreme Court.In 1973 they won, with the judge overturning the 1935 Act which prohibited the importation of contraceptives, with the ruling paving the way for vastly improved reproductive choice for women.The case has been seen as a turning point in society’s perception of the separation of the roles of church and State.May McGee, was 81 when she died peacefully at Beaumont Hospital in Tuesday surrounded by her family. Shay died in January 2024.Irish Times journalist Ellen Coyne explains the impact of the couple’s brave decision to take on the State in a very different Ireland.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan. This podcast was edited to amend a reference to Seán MacBride. He was a member of the IRA, not the Provisional IRA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.