The Indo Daily

In a wide-ranging interview Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan speaks to Political Editor Mary Regan and Political Correspondent Cónal Thomas about migration, Bertie Ahern's controversial comments on migrants and the long wait to become Fianna Fáil leader. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In March 2009, mechanic Liam ‘Blackie’ Murray was found dead in his bed, having been shot four times. Murray was keenly aware of threats on his life, yet his murder has left Gardaí puzzled for the past 17 years. This week, new searches took place in Dublin as investigators tried to finally crack the case. ­ Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Ken Foy ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Within publican circles few names carry the same weight or shine as the Chawkes. Led by pub mogul and family patriarch Charlie, the family have amassed a catalogue of some of Ireland's biggest public houses. But now a late-night incident in a hotel bar involving two of his children has put the Chawke name into the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guests: David Raleigh and John Mulligan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Fianna Fáil turns the ripe old age of 100. But is the house that Éamon de Valera built in disarray? Irish Independent political correspondent John Downing reckons “they’re a very pale, poor shadow of what they were”. So, how did Dev shape the party in the first place? How did Seán Lemass modernise Ireland? Why did Charles Haughey command such loyalty?  What made Bertie Ahern the “ultimate pragmatist”?  And where does Micheál Martin stand among the leaders who have gone before him? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: John DowningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rose of Tralee can mean many things to many people – proud symbol of Irish culture, outdated "lovely girls" competition, or a bit of craic to throw on the TV once a year. For others, it can hold incredibly strong sentimental attachment. Such was the case for US businessman Dick Henggeler, who significantly invested in Kerry following the death of his daughter Dorothy, who competed in the 2011 festival. Henggeler would later find himself involved in a bitter legal battle that has now left a sour taste. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Shane Phelan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deepfake pornography is emerging as one of the most urgent challenges in the ever-evolving environment of artificial intelligence. ­ Now, the European Union’s landmark AI Act aims to tackle harmful AI-generated content. But, as ever, there are wider tensions around regulating the tech industry. Can this new initiative possibly stem the tide of highly problematic X-rated content? Host: Adrian Weckler Guest: Aoife White ­ This episode is brought to you by our sister podcast The Big Tech Show ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been strongly indicated that fuel supports will be a major factor in this year’s Budget, while we’ve recently learnt that Ireland’s electricity costs are way above the European average. Elsewhere, by-election buzz is building as polls mark the way, and Gerry Hutch stands accused of evoking Donald Trump as he finally outlines his policies. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Conál ThomasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The murder of 14‑year‑old Ana Kriegel remains one of the most disturbing crimes in Irish history. In May 2018, Ana was lured from her home by a local boy. Three days later, her body was found in a derelict house – naked and violently assaulted. Two boys, just 13 years old at the time of the killing, were the youngest in the State to be tried, and convicted, of murder. Eight years on, Irish Independent court reporter Eimear Cotter reflects on the horrific murder of Ana Kriegel and the public outrage that followed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Katie Simpson died in 2020 at the age of 21, her death was initially treated as suicide. Showjumping trainer Jonathan Creswell was later charged with her murder, though he took his own life in 2024 as his trial got underway. Now, a review into how Ms Simpson’s death was handled by the Police Service of Northern Ireland has found numerous investigative faults and has detailed “institutional misogyny” within the PSNI. Belfast Telegraph crime correspondent Allison Morris takes us through “page after page after page of failings”. Host: Ciarán Dunbar Guest: Allison Morris This episode is brought to you by our sister podcast, The BelTel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been 35 days since luxury cruise liner MV Hondius set sail from Argentina, taking passengers on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition. For those on board, there’s no end in sight to quarantine conditions following a hantavirus outbreak. But what is hantavirus, what are the public health concerns, and what happens when a cruise liner has fatalities at sea? Host: Fionnán Sheahan | Guests: Laura Lynott and Dr Brian HigginsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To begin to understand the machinations and methods of the Hennessy organised crime outfit, you turn to a grim and unforgettable image: that of Barry Moore, who was lured to a house, brutally tortured, and branded with the word ‘rat’. That incident was the result of a series of violent events that created an atmosphere of intense paranoia within the Hennessy gang. With key members now in prison, do their surprisingly light sentences mean a temporary solution to an alarming long-term problem? Host: Dave Hanratty Guest: Nicola Tallant For more on this story, listeners can check out Blood Brothers, a new five-part podcast series hosted by Nicola Tallant and Niall Donald, exclusively for subscribers and available now at CrimeWorld.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Proud sons of Tipperary Johnny B and Johnny Smacks are a bona fide comedy phenomenon, boasting 750,000 listeners a week – not to mention numerous other strings to their lucrative bow. Speaking of, the pair are going private, putting their considerable finances behind closed doors. So, how did they climb to the top of the mountain? Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Darragh Nolan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A purposely audacious speed-read, The Shortest History of Ireland attempts to condense the story of this country into just 250 pages. Not only that, author James Hawes has set out to challenge the recorded history of Ireland and debunk some popular myths along the way. Was there more to the murderous Oliver Cromwell than we think? Did Éamon de Valera really sign a book of condolences for Adolf Hitler? And why was Catholic Maynooth loyal to Protestant London? Host: Dave Hanratty Guest: James Hawes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Tyrone-born woman who reinvented herself with dozens of identities to con victims out of huge sums of money. From small-town beginnings to a life of deception in Texas, her web of scams spanned continents. Todays Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast The BelTel, as Ciaran Dunbae explores the mysterious life,and death, of Julia Holmes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confusion at cabinet, delays to short-term letting rules, and mounting pressure from fuel protests are exposing cracks in government strategy. With key by-elections looming, are political tensions rising. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sean McGovern, long regarded as Daniel Kinahan’s second‑in‑command, faces sentencing at the Special Criminal Court. This week’s court proceedings have exposed the brutal reality of life inside the Kinahan organisation since the 2016 Regency Hotel shooting, with encrypted messaging revealing chilling details about the cartel’s modus operandi. So, what do we now know about the activities and the downfall of one of the Kinahan gang’s most senior lieutenants? And what does his fall mean for others still at the very top of the cartel? Host: Tessa Fleming. Guest: Robin Schiller See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a difficult production, the estate-approved Michael Jackson biopic is finally in cinemas and smashing box office records. Some fans are even dancing in the aisles, audience etiquette be damned. Bad reviews and decades of troubling allegations don’t seem to have had an impact, but should the life of Michael Jackson be as celebrated and unchallenged as this? Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Chris Wasser See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By now, most will have seen the extraordinary scenes from Washington D.C., where a suspected gunman sparked chaos at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, in what is now the third attempt on Donald Trump’s life in just 2 years. If the heart of Washington can nearly be breached, how prepared is the US to secure the World Cup? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘A Deadly American Marriage’ is the #1 Netflix show that details the death of Irish man Jason Corbett. His daughter Sarah talks openly about what she believes happens the night her father was killed by her ex-stepmother Molly Martens and why she believes the event was recorded on a listening device. Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Sarah Corbett *This podcast was first released in May 2025 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When DJ Carey told people he had cancer, few questioned him — after all, he was a national treasure. But was DJ really sick, or spinning a story for sympathy and money? One man tells of his story of how he was duped by DJ Carey. Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Noel Tynan and Amy Molloy *This podcast was first released in Nov 2025 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the BBC aired journalist Michael Buerk's harrowing reports of Ethiopian famine in 1984, few could have imagined the enduring legacy they would inspire. Among those watching was Irish musician Bob Geldof, who became determined to help in the only way he knew how. So, how did Band Aid's iconic Christmas single come about and why is it still causing controversy today? Host: Ellen Coyne | Guest: John Meagher *This podcast was first released in December 2024. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Indo Daily we are looking back at some of our best investigative episodes from 2025 so far. Today’s episode was first released on April 4th 2025; John Meagher tells the story of “Clara” from Co Cork, who found out that the “boringly normal” man she was planning to marry had been using the image of a black man he had found on a dating app to form online relationships with multiple women. Host: Ellen Coyne Guest: John Meagher See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Indo Daily, we are revisiting some of our favourite mini-series we produced in 2025 so far. Today we begin episode 2 of Justice Derailed – The Sallins Train Robbery, which was first released on April 22nd; The Sallins train robbery was one of the most daring and lucrative heists in the history of the Irish State. And for Osgur Breatnach, a journalist and activist, it was the beginning of an ordeal that haunts him to this day. He was arrested that morning in 1976, as one of six accused of carrying out the robbery. One week before Christmas of the same year, he and his co-accused were brought into the Special Criminal Court and charged with the crime. It would become one of the most dramatic and longest-running criminal trials in the history of the State. In the final episode of this two-part Indo Daily documentary special, Kevin Doyle revisits the Sallins Train Robbery, speaking to Osgur Breathnach about the trial of the ‘sleeping Judge’, living with PTSD, and why he feels a public inquiry is justified for he and his co-accused. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland’s housing crisis continues apace, and while many people are struggling to put a roof over their heads, there are those who have exploited the situation for hefty profits. In the case of rogue landlord Christian Carter, an Irish Independent investigation into his operation exposed some shocking stories. This episode was first published in June 2024. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Amy MolloySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multiple female footballers have claimed they were subjected to unwanted or inappropriate sexual advances from FAI coaches in the 1990s. A number of women have spoken to a joint investigation by the Sunday Independent and RTÉ Investigates to outline a series of harrowing allegations. This second episode looks at the personal stories of these women. This episode was first published in July 2024. Presenter: Ellen Coyne Guests: Mark Tighe and Marie Crowe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multiple female footballers have claimed they were subjected to unwanted or inappropriate sexual advances from FAI coaches in the 1990s. A number of women have spoken to a joint investigation by the Sunday Independent and RTÉ Investigates to outline a series of harrowing allegations. This episode was first published in July 2024. Host: Ellen Coyne Guests: Mark Tighe and Marie Crowe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The University of Limerick (UL) is engulfed in a scandal arising from a €5m overspend on student housing 3km from the college campus. UL wrote to gardaí last month to notify authorities of a possible fraud. The matter is currently the subject of ongoing assessment by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau to see if a criminal investigation is warranted. This episode was first published in May 2024. Host: Ellen Coyne. Guest: Wayne O’ConnorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The death of Ian Bailey leaves many unanswered questions in the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. Irish Independent journalists Senan Molony and Ralph Riegel share their meetings and stories with Ian Bailey over the past 27 years. This episode was first published in January 2024. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Senan Molony & Ralph Riegel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He’s the king of renovation-themed television, but Dermot Bannon is under fire as the RTÉ star opted to build first and ask later in the latest episode of Room to Improve. Is the system to blame? And where does Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien fit into this puzzle? This episode was first published in January 2024. Host: Ellen Coyne. Guests: Fionnán Sheahan & Amy Molloy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She’s the new queen of London’s right-wing social scene, counting Nigel Farage and Donald Trump among her friends. Having traded Neighbours and Ramsay Street for a brief crack at Hollywood and pop stardom, Holly Valance has found a new calling – cheering for the radical right. But does she have political ambitions of her own? This episode was first published in June 2024. Host: Tabitha Monahan Guests: Enda Brady and Dave Hanratty See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1988 an unknown German duo called Milli Vanilli released their first song Girl You Know It’s True. Two years later they had sold over 40 million records, had millions of fans and even won a Grammy. However, they were hiding behind one of the biggest lies in the history of pop music. This episode was first published in October 2024. Host: Dave Hanratty Guest: John Meagher See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One-time prince of pop Justin Timberlake appeared at a Long Island court on Tuesday after being arrested for driving while intoxicated. Now he’s bringing scandal back, with police describing him as having "bloodshot and glassy" eyes as well as smelling of alcohol. Journalist Louise Bruton discusses the controversial personal life of the Cry Me A River and SexyBack singer. This episode was first published in June 2024. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the height of his fame, Pete Doherty personified rock'n'roll excess. Though he wished to be taken seriously as an artist, it was the many personal controversies of the Libertines frontman that provoked public scrutiny. From his relationship with Kate Moss, to his descent into drug addiction, to his link to a tragic death that still poses unanswered questions, we look at the many headlines of Pete Doherty. This episode was first published in March 2024. Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guest: Craig Fitzpatrick See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin ‘Marlo’ Hyland's short-lived reign of terror showed just how unstable life can be at the top of the Irish underworld. Once again, the betrayal of a former friend created a new opportunity for those seeking power. Eamon ‘The Don’ Dunne was a different calibre of gang boss to Marlo Hyland and PJ Judge. He was possibly more vicious and deranged than anyone who had come before him.?This episode was originally published in March 2024. Host: Ellen Coyne Guest: Paul Williams See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With PJ Judge taken out, Martin ‘Marlo’ Hyland quickly established himself as the new face of gangland in Ireland. He planned on doing things differently, with a more considered approach to drug trafficking. He drew in other criminals to work as a team. This was a tactic straight out of the Sicilian Mafia's playbook. The cash was rolling in, but the murder of a young Dublin mother would bring too much heat on Hyland.?This episode was originally broadcast in March 2024. Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Paul Williams See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gangland, like the world of business or politics, is often based on a succession of personnel. This mini-series looks at three of Ireland’s original godfathers of crime, and how their interwoven stories of money, drugs and murder shaped organised crime in the State for years to come. Episode one looks at the terrifying actions of “The Psycho” PJ Judge. This podcast was originally published in March 2024. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Paul Williams See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the height of his fame, John Leslie was one of the most recognisable faces on UK television. All that changed in an instant when Leslie was linked to a shocking rape allegation. Despite never being charged or found guilty of any crime, John Leslie would not make a return to our screens. What exactly happened to TV’s golden boy? This episode was originally published in December 2023. Host: Kevin Doyle, Guest: Sarah Caden See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Biden's son Hunter has been rocked by a litany of personal and professional scandals, including an affair with his late brother's wife. X-rated videos, gun charges and drug addiction makes Hunter easy prey for Trump supporters. The Indo Daily profiles the Oval Office problem child. Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Gina London Fist published August 9, 2023. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1972, 37-year-old widow, Jean McConville was dragged from her West Belfast flat by the IRA. She was shot and buried. Her children have never stopping seeking justice for Jean. Today's Indo Daily hears more about the mystery of what happened to Jean McConville. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guest: Catherine Fegan. First Published: 26th July 2023. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rhasidat Adeleke will turn 21 later this month but her performance at the World Athletics Championships already has everybody talking about her as a generational talent. Adeleke has been making a habit out of breaking national records in the 200m and the 400m. Has she the potential to become a medallist for Ireland in the 400m at next year's Paris Olympics? We went to the University of Texas at Austin - where Adeleke is on scholarship - to get the inside track on her sensational rise. Host: Sinéad Kissane. Guests: Rhasidat Adeleke and her coach Edrick Floreal. First published on April 22, 2023.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of the Indo Daily was released on the 18th of April 2023, before Gerry Hutch was acquitted of the murder of David Byrne at Dublin’s Regency Hotel in 2016. The verdict is in, but former Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan Dowdall is still serving his sentence for facilitating the murder of David Byrne in the Regency shootings. In today's episode, we look at the rise and fall of the state's star witness, and ask if the country's most popular party, Sinn Féin can shake off his association? Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guest: Fionnán Sheahan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of the Indo Daily was released on the 17th of April 2023, before Gerry Hutch was acquitted of the murder of David Byrne at Dublin’s Regency Hotel in 2016. The brazen Regency attack in February 2016 marked the beginning of a gangland war on a scale never before seen on the streets of Dublin, with a death toll that would eventually reach 18. While much has been said about that fateful day, there's one journalist who is uniquely qualified to speak about it - because he was there. Irish Independent News Correspondent Robin Schiller shares his first-hand account of the attack and its aftermath. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of the Indo Daily was released on the 14th of April 2023, before Gerry Hutch was acquitted of the murder of David Byrne at Dublin’s Regency Hotel in 2016. Stealing lemonade at the age of 9, being locked up in Mountjoy prison at the age of 15, to masterminding some of the country’s biggest heists in his twenty’s – we look at the life and crimes of Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Paul Williams. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1985, when local priest Fr Niall Molloy was found dead in the master bedroom at the home of Richard and Theresa Flynn in Co. Offaly, the scandal captured the imagination of the country. Almost four decades later and Fr Molloy's killing remains an open and unsolved case. The Indo Daily takes a look back at the infamous story. Presenter: Fionnan Sheahan. Guest: Sharon Lawless. First published on October 14, 2022See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indo Daily revisited: In 1907, a theft at Dublin Castle ended up becoming a global story when the precious Irish Crown Jewels went missing. The Indo Daily hears more about the theft that even used Scotland Yard, psychics and the author of Sherlock Holmes to try and locate the precious stones. Host: Siobhan Maguire. Guest: Sarah Caden. First published on June 12, 2023. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indo Daily revisited: The Dublin Monaghan bombings on May 17th 49 years ago killed 34 people, including an unborn baby, and injured almost 300. Almost half a century on, no one has been convicted in connection with the bombings. The Indo Daily recalls the deadliest attacks of the Troubles. Host: Siobhan Maguire. Guest: John Downing. First published on the June 2, 2023. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indo Daily revisited: Grace Livingstone was brutally murdered in her own home in December 1992. To this day, there is no known motive for her murder, and her killer has never been found. The Indo Daily finds out more. Host: Kevin Doyle. Guest: Sarah Caden. First published on February 10, 2023. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indo Daily revisited: Philip Cairns, a 13-year-old Dublin schoolboy disappeared one afternoon in October 1986, while making the short journey from his home to school one lunchtime. His disappearance remains unsolved. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guest: Maeve Sheehan. First published on October 26, 2022. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On New Year's Day in 2008, 15-year-old Dubliner, Amy Fitzpatrick left the home of a friend in Spain where she lived. She was never seen again and her whereabouts remain a mystery. The Indo Daily looks back on the case of the missing teenager. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guests: Christine Kenny and Sarah Caden. First published on Wednesday 25 January, 2023. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jennifer Poole was murdered by her ex-partner Gavin Murphy in 2021. Jennifer who was 24 when she died, didn't know Murphy had previous convictions for assaulting a former partner. Since Jennifer’s death, her family have campaigned for a domestic violence register to be created. However, this week documents were released under the Freedom of Information Act that show officials in the Department of Justice have concerns over such a proposal. In this episode of the Indo Daily, first released in January, Jennifer's brother Jason joins presenter Fionnan Sheahan to tell Jennifer's story and why he believes the law needs to change. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.