Down To Business

This week, Down to Business was coming to you live from the River Court Hotel in Kilkenny as part of Newstalk’s 2026 Summer Tour, all with thanks to ESB - Ireland’s largest EV charging network. There, we heard from local band Lincoln Skins as well as Anthony Smith, General Manager at the Kilkenny River Court Hotel to chat about how the hotel is faring in 2026, tourism numbers, and more.

Joining Bobby to chat about the health of local tourism in Kilkenny as part of Newstalk’s 2026 Summer Tour is Sheena Dignam, founder and owner of Kilkenny and Galway Food Tours; Colin Ahern, GM on the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel and co Chair of Kilkenny DEDP (Destination Experience Development Plan); and Anthony Morrison, owner of Christy's Bar and former chair of the Vinters Federation of Kilkenny.

This week, Down to Business was coming to you live from the River Court Hotel in Kilkenny as part of Newstalk’s 2026 Summer Tour, all with thanks to ESB - Ireland’s largest EV charging network. There, he had the chance to chat with Kilkenny hurling legend, T.J.Reid.

Bobby continues his chat with some of Kilkenny’s movers and shakers in the business world as part of Newstalk’s 2026 Summer Tour with Peter McCreery, Managing Director at Sherry Fitzgerald McCreery; Edward Hayden, Chef and owner of Edward Hayden School of Cookery; and Naoise Nunn, festival creator, producer, and co-director at Schweppe Curtis Nunn.

Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair this week is Paul Young, CEO of Cartoon Saloon.

Joining Bobby to go through the main stories from the Saturday papers is Eimear Ní Bhraonain, author of ‘The Dodger: DJ Carey and the Great Betrayal’ and owner of communications firm Eimear.ie & Claire McInerney Brown, President of Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce  and export development consultant at Suas Mane consulting.

Bobby was out & about again this week at Druid Padel in Kimmage to find out why padel has become the fastest-growing sport in the world, and why it’s taking off in Ireland.

Next Tuesday marks 10 years since the UK voted to leave the EU. Bobby is joined by award-winning journalist and author of A History of Brexit in 256 Disasters, Jonty Bloom, to look back at the morning after the result, the immediate shock in markets, and why he wasn’t surprised by the vote.

Rising costs, higher interest rates, and continued uncertainty are putting fresh pressure on Irish farming - but what does the outlook really look like in 2026?Bobby is joined by Eoin Lowry, Head of Agri at Bank of Ireland to discuss.

This week’s Industry Review on Down to Business, Bobby digs into the world of the garden centre - the, "one-stop shops" behind one of the nation’s favourite pastimes.Oliver Schurmann, Owner of Mount Venus Nursery LtdBarry Doyle, CEO of ArboretumPaul Harvey, of Windyridge Garden Centre

Joining Bobby to go through some of the main business stories from the week is Bob Hoffman Managing Partner Vista Executive Search & Gina London Sunday Independent Columnist and Communications expert.

Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair this week is Stephen O'Malley, CEO & Co Founder of Civic.

Joining Bobby to go through the main business stories from the Saturday papers is Linda Daly, business reporter with the Sunday Times, and Stephen O'Leary, founder of Olytico.

Bobby was joined by Conor Galvin, CEO of Ornua, in the Executive Chair this week.

For this weeks' Industry Review, Bobby will be taking a look at the EV market.With Ireland having set the ambitious goal of 845,000 EVs on the road by 2030, the question remains, is this possible?Joining Bobby was Conor Faughnan, Independent Motoring Expert with Carzone, Derek Reilly, General Manager at Nevo.ie, and Brian Cooke, Director General of SIMI.

The founder of Hildun Beauty and winner of Arnott's Pitch 2025 competition, Suzy Griffin Dunne, joins Bobby to discuss her business.

With the business world changing quickly, we talk to Mike Soutar, one of Lord Sugar's trusted advisors on The Apprentice, on his new book 'Next Gen CEO'.

The European Central Bank has raised its interest rates for the first time in almost three years.To find out more Bobby's joined by economist Jim Power.

Bobby was out & about in Dún Laoghaire, discussing a sport near and dear to his heart, sailing.

The quest for love seems to be an eternal one, but the business of helping others find it is more contemporary.As disillusionment in dating apps, speed dating, and social media rises and AI poses new challenges, matchmaking is ready to become mainstream again.Joining Emmet Oliver to discuss the industry’s rebirth was Feargal Harrington, MD & Co-Founder of Intro Matchmaking, Sharon Kenny and The Matchmaker, Jennifer Haskins, Two's Company Dating Agency

Emmet, in for Bobby, was  joined in the Executive Chair this week by Zoe Kavanagh, Repak CEO.

We take our connected lifestyle for granted these days. The shiny bells and whistles websites may look easy to navigate, but how accessible are they if you have any form of disability?My next guest has personal experience of living with a disability. He is also the founder and CEO of a company that offers clients solutions to make their websites accessible to over one billion potential customers worldwide who have a disability.Kyran Mahoney is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Nexus Inclusion, and he joined Emmet Oliver to discuss his company.

We have spoken about what makes a great workplace many times here on Down to Business.My next guest believes a happy and safe workplace is crucial for recruiting, nourishing and retaining employees. It will also help with your bottom line.Dr Audrey Tang Chartered Psychologist joined Emmet Oliver to discuss

Ireland's tax revenues continue to surge, driven largely by a small number of US tech and pharmaceutical giants.But with Brussels warning about over-reliance on multinational corporation tax, unemployment beginning to tick upwards, and growing uncertainty around US trade and tax policy, questions are being asked about how resilient Ireland's economic model really is. Emmet Oliver was joined by Cliff Taylor, Managing Editor of the Irish Times, to discuss

Joining Emmet Oliver in for Bobby to go through the main business stories from the Saturday papers, Louisa Meehan of Woodview HRM and Declan Ralph of BWG Foods

Now, for this week’s Industry Review, we’re talking about one of Ireland’s most iconic food traditions - the chipper.So, how are operators adapting to changing tastes, rising costs, and major staffing challenges?To discuss Bobby was joined byNuisin Jalilvand, Manager at Hooked in GalwayRoberto Macari, Operations Manager with Romayo's Diner GroupJohn Beshoff, Co-owner of Beshoff' Bros

Bobby is joined in the Executive Chair this week by Seamus Hunt, Managing Director of Huntoffice.ie

Now, a couple of weeks ago as part of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Annual CEO Retreat, Bobby had the opportunity to speak with Bill Gifford, who is a bestselling author and keynote speaker on the subject of health & longevity. As part of their conversation, Bobby and Bill explored some of the cutting edge thinking when it comes to diagnostic technologies and preventative measures we can all take to improve health and help us live longer.

Joining Bobby to go through the main business stories from the Saturday papers is Caroline Reidy of the HR Suite and Doug Keatinge, Communications specialist.  

It’s the dream of every business leader. Doing more in less time and with far less stress. Can it be done and how easy might it be?Bobby was joined by e Barry Cryan of DoMoreBetter to the show to discuss how we might be able to be more efficient in the way we work so we can all work less be less stressed.

Bobby was joined by  one of the few Irish entertainers whose stage is the globe. He has the title of being one of the best Magicians to perform in Vegas, and he is also ready to hack our brains.  He joined Bobby to discuss his career and what a working week looks like for him.

Bobby was out & about in Stradbally, County Laois checking out ‘Riding for the Disabled Association Ireland’ and seeing how horse-riding can help people with disabilities.

Joining Bobby to go through the main business stories from the Saturday papers is journalist and author Valerie Cox & Robert Whelan of Rockwell Finance.

Last week, Down to Business brought you the show from Canada for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year annual CEO Retreat. One of the people Bobby met there was David Walmsley who is the Editor in chief of the Globe and Mail, Canada’s best-known newspaper.

Joining Bobby, from Toronto, as part of this year’s EY Entrepreneur of the Year CEO Retreat was Frank O’Keeffe, EY UK & Ireland Managing Partner.

As part of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year CEO Retreat in Toronto, Bobby had the chance to chat with former Ireland soccer international, Kevin Kilbane, to talk life in Canada, the forthcoming FIFA World Cup, and more.

As part of this year's EY Entrepreneur of the Year CEO retreat to Toronto, Bobby spoke with three people who have all been first movers and innovators in their field: - Laura McCarthy of Drink Botanicals Ireland - Bobby Healy of Manna Air Delivery - Jennifer Rock of Skingredients.

This week, Bobby and the team were broadcasting from Toronto as part of this year’s EY Entrepreneur of the Year CEO Retreat. Here, Bobby speaks to some of Ireland's most promising entrepreneurs and gets a sense of the business landscape from some of Canada’s most distinguished business minds.

Colonel Chris Hadfield is an astronaut, business leader, hi-tech entrepreneur, five-time bestselling author, and global speaker on leadership, change, and managing life. Having commanded the International Space Station and directed companies, he has deep experience with best practices and tactics on guiding teams through extreme circumstances of complexity and change. As part of this year's EY Entrepreneur of the Year CEO retreat to Toronto, Bobby spoke with Chris about his flying career, becoming a viral sensation, and more.

As part of this year's EY Entrepreneur of the Year CEO retreat, Bobby had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser. Hayley is considered one of the best female hockey players of all time. Canada’s all-time leading scorer, she has won seven world championships, made six Olympic appearances, and won five Olympic medals, four of them Gold.

This week, Bobby and the team were broadcasting from Japan as part of this year’s EY Entrepreneur of the Year CEO Retreat. You’ll hear from the likes of Colonel Chris Hadfield, Ontario resident and Irish footballing legend, Kevin Kilbane, Laura McCarthy of Drink Botanicals Ireland, Bobby Healy of Manna Air Delivery, and Jennifer Rock of Skingredients.

As part of this year's EY Entrepreneur of the Year CEO retreat to Toronto, Bobby spoke with fellow Canadian "Dragon", from CBC's Dragons’ Den, General Partner at District Ventures Capital & Bestselling Author, Arlene Dickinson.

As part of this year's EY Entrepreneur of the Year CEO retreat, Bobby had the opportunity to speak with some of this year's finalists involved in the medical and personalised care space: - Brian Shields of Neurent Medical - Dr Harriet Treacy of Beyondbmi - Danny Buckley of ADHD NOW.

As part of this year's EY Entrepreneur of the Year CEO retreat, Bobby had the opportunity to speak with Goldy Hyder, President & CEO of the Business Council of Canada, about his role representing Canadian business leaders across the country and around the world.

Jay Klein is the Founder & CEO of The PUR Company Inc., where he leads a global brand committed to making simple, better-for-you substitutions – without compromising taste or quality. As part of this year's EY Entrepreneur of the Year CEO retreat to Toronto, Bobby had the opportunity to speak with him about the success of the business and more.

Outwest is an outdoor apparel brand born and bred in Dingle, Co. Kerry, but they have just opened their second store in the heart of Greystones. Bobby took a trip out there to find out more.

Joining Bobby to go through the main business stories from the Saturday papers is digitisation consultant, Joan Mulvihill & DC Cahalane of Sure Valley Ventures.

Business is all about confidence, knowing what you are doing and giving off an air of confidence to those around you. Doubt has no place in this kind of world. Or has it? Jenny Williams, author of ‘Harnessing Uncertainty to Lead with Impact’, thinks that nagging feeling is completely misunderstood. She joins Bobby to discuss.

The wonders of weight loss drugs have only been with us for over two years, but they seem to have profoundly changed the way we look at food, drink, exercise and all points in between. But what impact do these drugs have on the wider economy? Conor Pope, Consumer Affairs Correspondent of The Irish Times, joins Bobby to discuss.

Bobby is joined in the Executive Chair this week by Jean O’Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer, Bus Éireann.