iRadio's Groupchat

Today on Trade Secrets, we’re talking about choosing apprenticeships over university - and why more young people are rethinking the traditional route. 

Our guest today is John Hartley, John originally planned to study business, but halfway through his Leaving Cert maths exam he realised university wasn’t the path for him. Instead, he began an apprenticeship with Suir Engineering - and that decision took him from qualifying as an electrician to working on major projects across Ireland and the UK. 

Now, he’s Regional Director of Ireland for Suir Engineering, one of the country’s largest engineering companies. 

Most of the time we are so focused on work deadlines, stress from school or so caught up in our careers to focus on the little things in life. Often, it’s hard to find the joy in little things like going for a walk, grabbing a coffee with a friend, or even playing music in the car.    

Today on iRecommend Valerie is joined by Rachel from the Happy Days Podcast to chat all about positivity and how we can all appreciate the little things in life!  

Are you a musician? Or someone who is brilliant at organising an event.  

 Well - Help us, Make Some Noise, for Focus Ireland, and raise vital funds to end child homelessness. 

 A staggering statistic , there are currently over 5,000 children in Ireland without a home and we want YOU to make a difference. 

 If you’re a musician, in a band, a DJ, or fantastic event organiser, you can get involved & organise your own gig on Friday, May 1st. 

 The goal is to Raise your voice, Raise some money & Help give every child a place to call home. 

 Sign up today at iRadio.ie/Focus 

Mícheal Kearney has been chatting to Mary Jameson she's the North West Services Manager for Focus Ireland

Children’s Hospice Week just around the corner, we’re turning our attention to a cause that’s making a real difference to families across Ireland.   

LauraLynn Children’s Hospice provides vital care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families and this year, they’re going bigger than ever with their brand new 24-Hour Challenge fundraiser.   

Taking place on May 21st and 22nd, the event invites people to get moving whether that’s running, walking, cycling, or rowing all in aid of an incredibly important cause.   

Cathy White, 24-Hour Challenge Organiser and Fundraising Manager from LauraLynn joins Valerie on iRadio's Groupchat

A trend this is making a storm this year is simply just Irishness. Irish brands are becoming increasingly popular with brands being seen on celebrities like CMAT and Nicola Coughlan!   

  Today I’m catching up with Megan Nolan from Irish fashion brand MNW Design. Megan has shaken up Irish fashion with handcrafted pieces that blends heritage and with club energy.

Have you ever been in a relationship and caught yourself thinking, what if I was single again? Maybe it’s imagining total freedom, meeting new people, or just having space to focus on yourself. It’s a surprisingly common thought - but it can also feel confusing or even guilt-inducing when you’re with someone you care about.   

 So when is it just harmless curiosity, and when could it be a sign that something deeper is going on? Today on Between the sheets I’m joined by sex therapist Audrey Casey to unpack why people fantasise about being single while in a relationship - and whether those thoughts actually mean a break-up could be on the horizon.   

Everyone wants to capture moments - whether it’s a football match, a festival, or just time spent with friends. But turning those moments into something cinematic is a real skill. Videographer Ronan O’Donnell knows exactly how to do that.   

 From filming at Electric Picnic to Hyrox events, Ronan is the creative eye behind the camera, capturing content that stands out. Today, we’re catching up with him to talk all things videography, creativity, and how he built his career.   

The Irish surfing scene is well and truly alive, and for iRecommend this week, we are diving into a whole new potential hobby for you. Today Valerie is joined by Surfála founder Emily Gibbon to chat all things surf trips, surf inspired clothing and spending time in the sea. 

This month marks Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, and today on iRadio’s Groupchat, we’re joined by someone whose life changed in an instant. At just 32 years old, Claire Fagan  was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer.  

In the space of a moment, her world was turned completely upside down. Since then, Claire has been navigating the realities of diagnosis, treatment, and learning how to live with cancer. She’s here to share her story and raise awareness.  

One thing a lot of people have in common has to be the love of chocolate. It’s a sweet treat nearly everyone enjoys and with Easter coming up, it’s all over the shelves, and our own cupboards too as we wait to dig into a sweet treat ourselves or gift it to someone else.  

 If you’re a fan of Easter Eggs I’m catching up with the founder of Grá Chocolates and pastry chef Grainne Mullins right now on the business spotlight to talk all about chocolate, easter eggs, and most importantly how she turned her ideas into a successful business!