iRadio's Groupchat

Valerie McHugh is joined by Donal Casey from Leitrim as The Traitors Ireland heads into its big finale. Donal chats about what made him sign up in the first place – a split-second “why not?” moment while recovering from an injury – and why the castle was way more intense than he ever expected.

He opens up about that emotional final roundtable, the pressure of being watched, and why seeing men cry on TV can actually be a really positive thing.

Plus, Donal talks life in the spotlight as a teacher, how it helped (and sometimes hindered) his read on people, and what it’s like watching it all back at home as the end approaches.

In this week’s iRadio Groupchat, Valerie McHugh chats with Tony about the life-changing support of Croí – and why he’s determined to give something back.

Tony shares how he first discovered Croí when his daughter Aofaoine was in intensive care, and how the nearby apartment gave their family a place to rest, wash and breathe during an incredibly dark time.

He also opens up about his own heart health journey, doing the Croí rehab programme after having a stent put in, and why community fundraising really matters.

Sign up for the Croí Night run at croinightrun.ie

Valerie McHugh chats to Liz from Rosscahill/Connemara, who lives locally and teaches fitness classes – and who’s helping bring the Croí Night Run back for another year.

Liz explains how the event started during COVID as a small meet-up at the pier, before growing into a bigger community night with Croí’s support. This year, the route moves from the pitch to laps around the harbour, with the same brilliant post-walk tradition: teas, coffees, chats and plenty of cakes.

It’s a 5K for all abilities – walk, jog, run, buggies welcome. Sign up at croinightrun.ie

Today we're talking about something every parent, young person, carer, teacher and anyone working with children should know about - “Think Type 1 Diabetes. Think Test.”  

Type 1 diabetes can develop in children and young people, sometimes surprisingly quickly. And because some of the early symptoms - like being really thirsty, going to the toilet a lot or feeling completely wiped out - can seem like everyday things, they can be easy to brush off.  

But recognising those signs early and getting a simple test can make a really important difference.  

So, what should we actually be looking out for? And when is it time to get a child checked?  

We're joined now by Professor Edna Roche, Principal Investigator and Lead of the Irish Childhood Diabetes National Register.  

For more, you can visit the Diabetes Ireland website.

On iRecommend, we are chatting all things 'The Traitors Ireland' with a fan-favourite.

Sam Omukoro from Westmeath became one of the standout characters of this year's series, navigating suspicion, alliances, friendships and the constant pressure of trying to work out who you could trust.  

His departure was an emotional one, particularly for Pete, who described Sam as being “like a son” to him - a reflection of just how deep some of those relationships became during the game. 

Sam joined Valerie on iRadio's Groupchat to reflect on his journey, give his predictions and weigh in on the actions of the current traitors in the game.

September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month, and in this episode we’re shining a light on ovarian cancer - what it is, who it can affect, and why knowing your “normal” matters.

Valerie is joined by Michelle Lonergan, Cancer Awareness Nurse with the Irish Cancer Society, who explains why ovarian cancer symptoms can be vague and easily dismissed, and shares the key warning signs to look out for - including the BEAT symptoms (bloating, eating, appetite, tiredness), plus bowel and urinary changes.

They also discuss diagnosis and treatment options, fertility questions for younger women, and the supports available through the Irish Cancer Society, including the free Support Line on 1800 200 700.

Long queues can ruin a great night out - and Daniel Cohen knows that pain first-hand after spending nearly an hour waiting for a drink at a festival and missing acts he came to see.

In this Business Spotlight, Daniel (founder and CEO of Skippio) chats about how that frustration turned into a tech solution designed to help fans order drinks faster, and what it really took to go from idea to live events - including early pivots, New Frontiers support, and doing the hard research before going all-in.

He also shares the “baptism of fire” first big test, lessons from scaling, and Scipio’s big global ambitions.

This conversation includes discussion of mental health and suicide, listener discretion is advised.  

OCD is often talked about in terms of intrusive thoughts and compulsions – but not enough about the toll it can take on someone’s mental health, and why suicide prevention has to be part of the conversation too.

Valerie is joined by Lucy, OCD advocate behind Your OCD Sister, who opens up about developing OCD suddenly, the years of panic and fear that followed, and how recovery can be possible – even when you feel deep in the trenches.

Plus, Lucy shares details of an upcoming OCD community weekend event in Cork this November with OCD Ireland and OCD Game Changers.

If the words investing, pensions, and financial planning make your eyes glaze over, this episode is for you.

Valerie is joined by Caoimhe (the Irish Numbers Girl), a qualified accountant and accounting lecturer who’s built a following by making money talk feel a lot less intimidating. They break down why investing can seem so complicated in Ireland , and what you actually need in place first — like an emergency fund and clearing expensive debt.

Forget the dating apps for a minute - because love might be waiting in the fields at the National Ploughing Championships.

Valerie is joined by matchmaker Mairead Lockman from Love HQ, who’s bringing her “The Farmer Wants a Wife” matchmaking service to the ploughing, welcoming everyone from male and female farmers to gay farmers, and anyone curious about rural life.

They chat about what actually makes people compatible (lifestyle, mindset, animals, outdoors), what Mairead asks clients when they’re serious about finding long-term love, and how careers, long hours and the cost of living can shape dating in Ireland.