Irish Time

Kevin Reilly shares another week of Irish news, stories, and commentary—covering U2’s new politically charged EP, Ireland’s pioneering basic income scheme for artists, record travel numbers through Dublin Airport, concerns over Catholic representation in policing, and shifting political responses to St Patrick’s Day events in the US. Kevin also highlights ongoing animal‑welfare issues in Ireland and rounds out the programme with traditional music and reflections on current events.

Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.

Kevin shares stories from across Ireland, beginning with the shocking case of two Dublin taxi drivers fined for refusing to take a visually‑impaired couple with their guide dog. He highlights an upcoming Westminster debate featuring Sinn Féin, the SNP and Welsh nationalists on whether the United Kingdom is still functioning for its member nations. Kevin also reports on Ryanair’s placement among the world’s worst‑rated airlines, strong polling support in Ireland for a ban on fox hunting, and growing frustration over severe pothole damage across the country. Other stories include widespread support for a Limerick bus driver sacked after confronting a thief, criticism of Donald Trump by the Ancient Order of Hibernians over a racist social‑media post, and reflections on Irish‑American prejudice. Kevin closes with commentary on Ireland’s stormy weather, changing global politics, and a note about an Irish concert he recently enjoyed.

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

Kevin opens the new year with stories from across Ireland, beginning with severe weather warnings as storms bring heavy rain, flooding and widespread school closures north and south. He pays tribute to Belfast‑born guitar legend Gary Moore, reflecting on his early days, Thin Lizzy years, solo career and upcoming statue in his hometown. Kevin then looks at new research showing the Republic outperforming Northern Ireland in disposable income, employment and life expectancy, and highlights population trends shaping both jurisdictions. Other stories include a winter travel shutdown across the UK and Ireland, Golden Globe success for Irish actor Jessie Buckley, a lifetime‑achievement award for Belfast’s Ciarán Hinds, and a legal battle involving dancer Michael Flatley over rights to Lord of the Dance. Kevin also explores the rich history and folklore of Carlingford, and closes with a look at Burns Night traditions shared between Scotland and Northern Ireland before offering New Year wishes to listeners.

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

Kevin shares stories from across Ireland, beginning with Storm Bram’s impact on the north‑west and then turning to a tribute to legendary Belfast‑born guitarist Gary Moore, whose career, collaborations and upcoming memorial statue are explored through press coverage and personal reflections. He highlights new economic comparisons showing the Republic outperforming Northern Ireland in disposable income, population growth and life expectancy, and touches on shifting labour‑force trends across the island. Other stories include ongoing winter disruption across Northern Ireland and Scotland, and commentary on the shifting global balance of economic influence. Kevin closes the programme with Christmas and New Year wishes for listeners ahead of the holiday season.

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

Kevin reports on Ireland’s upcoming alcohol‑warning labels and the heated debate around their effectiveness, delay, and public attitudes toward drinking. He also covers the ongoing issues of shoplifting and violence toward retail workers in Belfast, alongside the PSNI’s seasonal safety operation. Other stories include a proposed renaming of Dublin Airport after former Taoiseach Seán Lemass, the death of fashion designer Paul Costelloe, and a tribute to Donegal‑born All Black Dave Gallaher. Kevin highlights a new cross‑border university partnership between Queen’s University Belfast and Dundalk Institute, HP’s global job cuts linked to AI, and a Sycamore Gap sapling planted in Strabane. He also discusses the political row over flying the Palestinian flag at Belfast City Hall, Dublin’s separate dispute over renaming Herzog Park, and a shocking petrol attack on a woman in Clondalkin.

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

Kevin covers a range of stories from Ireland, beginning with a proposed bill to rename Dublin Airport after former Taoiseach Seán Lemass, and the mixed political reaction to the idea. He reports on the death of noted Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe, remembered for his long collaboration with Princess Diana, and reflects on the remarkable life of Donegal‑born Dave Gallaher, early All Blacks captain, honoured in his hometown. Other stories include a new cross‑border university partnership between Queen’s University Belfast and Dundalk Institute of Technology, HP’s announcement of thousands of global job cuts due to AI restructuring, and a memorial planting of a Sycamore Gap sapling in Strabane. Kevin also highlights a disturbing arson attack on a woman in Dublin, the rollout of body‑worn cameras for hospital staff in Derry amid rising violence, and the debate over removing or re‑imagining paramilitary murals on Housing Executive property. Finally, he notes Belfast’s upcoming role in the Euro 2028 qualifying draw and winter weather warnings across Ireland.

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

Kevin reports on the rollout of body‑worn cameras for hospital staff in Derry as part of efforts to reduce rising violence and abuse toward healthcare workers. He looks at the ongoing debate over paramilitary murals on Northern Ireland Housing Executive property, the political calls for audits and potential re‑imaging, and the cultural significance these artworks hold within communities. Kevin also shares the story of Norman Irwin, a 107‑year‑old World War II veteran celebrating his birthday, and covers Belfast’s confirmation as host of the Euro 2028 qualifying draw. Additional stories include severe winter weather warnings across Ireland, the departure of influential Irish minister Paschal Donohoe for a World Bank role, clashes in the Dáil over energy credits, Irish councillors backing jailed Palestine Action activists, and a detailed update on the Bunratty Christmas parade and Eurovision‑related announcements.

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

Kevin covers funding boosts for cross‑border fire and rescue services, plans for Ireland’s largest Christmas parade in Bunratty, and Dublin’s hosting role in the 2028 UEFA European Championships. He looks at new government measures to bring vacant properties back into use, and a UK‑first training programme that teaches Queen’s University nursing students how to identify signs of domestic abuse. Kevin also reports on Catherine Connolly’s inauguration as President of Ireland, the DUP’s decision not to attend, and the continuing political sensitivities involved. Other stories include a mental‑health initiative using therapy animals at St Mary’s University College, Ed Sheeran’s surprise concert in Dublin, a racist assault on tourists in Belfast, the jailing of a man involved in pig‑stabbing during anti‑asylum‑seeker protests, a mistaken “big cat” sighting that turned out to be a shaved Newfoundland dog, and a feature on Limerick’s long history and landmarks.

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

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.

Kevin covers Catherine Connolly’s landslide election as President of Ireland, Heather Humphreys’ concession, and what the presidency means in practice. He shares a story about Scoopy, a therapy dog transforming life at a Northern Ireland primary school, and looks at the Irish roots of Halloween and how the tradition developed over centuries. Other stories include a warning about blue‑green algae at Portrush Strand, new figures showing a rise in Ireland’s ultra‑wealthy, a political debate over a possible wealth tax, the postponement of Jeffrey Donaldson’s trial, and Lonely Planet naming Tipperary one of 2026’s top destinations. Kevin also touches on right‑wing unrest in Dublin, Oscar Wilde’s library card being reissued 130 years after its revocation, and a travel piece exploring Westport, Achill Island, and the Wild Atlantic Way.

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