Modern Ireland has become so interconnected and technologically advanced that it’s easy to forget that not so long ago, ours was a largely agricultural society with a two-year waiting list just to get a landline phone installed.

Connecting a Nation is a new book from author Deryck Fay examining the story of Ireland’s extraordinary development in telecommunications, from the arrival of the first telegraph in the mid nineteenth century to the world of data centres and mobile phones we live in today.

Connecting A Nation

The daily dose of madness and intrigue from Sean Moncrieff and his rebel radio crew

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It’s National Poetry Day, and although most of us think that we’ve not interested in poetry or never consume it, you might be wrong...   To discuss the world of poetry and its popularity, Seán is joined by Newstalk Producer Seán Reidy.

Do people still read poetry?

Newstalk is partnering with Make-A-Wish Ireland to celebrate Wish Week. Join us all week as we talk to some incredible children and their courageous families, and hear how Make-A-Wish Ireland have been beacons of light for children facing the toughest battles of their lives.  Make-A-Wish Ireland is dependent on the generosity of the public. You can donate online at makeawish.ie/donate.  Evelyn O’Byrne has Juvenile Baton disease - she was diagnosed when she was 6. She was able to go to Disney Land through Make-A-Wish and loved the experience. Joining Seán to talk about her daughter’s illness and how they are doing is Evelyn’s mother, Jolene.

Make-A-Wish Story: Evelyn O’Byrne

Despite Ireland seeing an increase in solo travellers year on year, the lack of single occupancy rooms is a massive problem, with hotels generally charging double room rates across the board.  Joining Seán to share her experience as a solo traveller is Travel Blogger Janet Newenham.

The increasing cost of solo travel in Ireland

Celebrity baby names have always stirred headlines for their often off-the-wall nature. From Gwenyth Paltrow’s daughter Apple, to Cheryl Cole’s son Bear, it seems no parameters apply in the land of fame! Singer Anne-Marie has recently named her daughter Seven.  Mum of seven (children!) and journalist, Jen Hogan joins Seán to discuss. 

Why are celebrity baby names so weird?

Limerick is leading a national experiment as the campaign for Ireland's first directly elected mayor is now in full swing. The directly elected mayor model aims to give real power in local government back to those elected by the people. Joining Seán to run everybody up to speed on the campaign and the 13 candidates currently running is News Reporter for Limerick’s Live 95, Nigel Dugdale. 

Connecting A Nation

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