Behind the Story

Moore St, GPO, James Weir building, RTÉ campus: just some of the many listed buildings that are part of Ireland's heritage, but are restrictions on their use and climate obligations holding up future development of these buildings? UCD Assistant Professor of Architecture Orla Hegarty joins Fran for a chat about why buildings are protected and what can be done with some of the ones lying idle. 

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As more football associations express opposition to Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell off part of the FIFA World Cup, Infantino himself is coming under pressure. Fran and Eamon are joined by Sky's Rob Harris who broke the story that a senior FIFA advisor resigned today over the plans. Rob shares his insights into the pressure coming on the FIFA President now. 

Later, Jim Clarken of Oxfam discusses the $71 billion price tag to rebuild Gaza. 

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Singer-songwriter Glen Hansard died in a motorcycle crash today. His sudden death has shocked fans and the music world at home and abroad. Music journalist, John Meagher of the Irish Independent joins Tommy Meskill to reflect on his legacy. 

Later, Tommy speaks to reporter Kate Varley who is in Bordeaux about the wildfires and the battle to contain them. 

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Mayo banished decades of losses and a rumoured curse to lift the Sam Maguire trophy and become All Ireland Football Champions after a wait of seventy five years. Host Brian O'Donovan speaks to reporter Damian Lawlor who was pitchside for the historic win. 

Later, sports psychologist to the Mayo team, Dr Rachel Sheehan talks to Brian about the win and how she worked with the players and manager Andy Moran. 

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Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly has described as "extremely significant" the discovery of a bomb in car that was stopped while being driven across the border. Robin Schiller of the Irish Indo joins Fran to outline what it's known so far about the investigation. 

Later, fashion historian Laura Fitzachary explains why the news of Jonathan Anderson deciding to show the Autumn-Winter collection of Dior in Trinity College Dublin is global news. 

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OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT said one of it's models had gone rogue during security testing and hacked another company, calling it an 'unprecedented cyber incident'. Professor Barry O'Sullivan of UCC Computer Science joins host Brian O'Donovan to explain the cyber hack but also whether or not, it's as big a deal as being protrayed. 

Later, Chief Economist with Deloitte, Kate English discusses her favourite July activity - the Summer Economic Statement! 

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Andy Burnham became Britain's 7th prime minister in a decade. He gave his first speech outside Downing Street and RTÉ's Fiona Mitchell joins Evelyn and Brian to discuss the day's events and what Burnham's premiership might mean for Ireland. 

Evelyn and Brian also discuss the significant changes to the laws around E scooter use, including banning their use for under 18s and mandatory requirement to wear hi-viz jacket and helmet from August. 

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The government plans to roll out a new digital wallet which could contain a person's driving license and other important identity documents. Tech Editor with the Irish Independent, Adrian Weckler explains how the wallet might work. 

And with a massive weekend of sport ahead, Fran and Eamon chat to a man who works behind the scenes at Croke Park and hear what happens on match days! 

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On Tuesday, Bill and Alison Chawke were given a custodial sentence for assaulting two men in a hotel in 2023. Limerick Leader senior reporter, Sandra Quinn was in the circuit court as the sentence was handed down and joins Paul to explain the case and how the brother and sister reacted to the jail sentence. 

Later, as the Dáil rises for summer, Political correspondent Mícheál Lehane runs through some of the highs and lows of the term. 

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Intel announced a €5billion investment in it's facility in Kildare and is promising hundreds of new jobs. The turnaround in the company's fortunes is significant. RTÉ's Brian O'Donovan joins Evelyn to chat about the announcement and how the US government played a role in the renewed success of the chip maker. 

Later, Entertainment journalist, Brian Lloyd remembers Sam Neill, the Irish-NZ actor who died recently and had a hugely successful career. 

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