Kevin reports on Catherine Connolly’s landslide win to become Ireland’s 10th president, the largest first‑preference vote in the country’s history, and the reactions from political leaders across Ireland and Northern Ireland. He shares a story from West Belfast about therapy animals helping students with mental‑health stress, and another about Ed Sheeran’s surprise invitation‑only concert in Dublin for top Spotify listeners. Other stories include a racist assault on tourists in Belfast, the jailing of a Dublin man for pig‑stabbing as part of anti–asylum‑seeker protests, and the resolution of a “big cat” scare in County Clare that turned out to be a shaved Newfoundland dog named Mouse. Kevin also covers economic warnings about Ireland’s ageing population, a feature on Limerick’s long history and landmarks, and the long Irish roots of Halloween.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.