Irish Time

Kevin brings a varied mix of stories from Ireland, including Oscar Wilde’s library card being reissued 130 years after its revocation, ongoing disturbances at Dublin’s Citywest accommodation centre, and Ireland’s presidential election featuring candidate Catherine Connolly. He reports on Paddy Power closing dozens of betting shops across Ireland and the UK, the postponement of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson’s trial, and Lonely Planet naming Tipperary one of the world’s top destinations for 2026. Kevin also covers the new “Ireland’s Changing Land” galleries at Dublin’s National Museum—featuring Rory Gallagher’s guitar and other historic objects—the arrival of a new Irish Air Corps aircraft, a Westminster debate on Irish unity, and a new video‑game retelling of the 1711 Islandmagee witch trials. Additional stories include the delay to Ireland’s alcohol cancer‑warning labels, Ireland’s high ranking for generosity, expanded free‑travel companion passes for over‑70s, and a travel piece exploring Mayo and Achill Island along the Wild Atlantic Way.

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

Kevin covers a wide mix of stories from Ireland, including new research showing dog owners struggling with food and vet costs, findings from Ireland’s first national dog census, and the rise in rescue‑dog surrenders. He reports on Rory Gallagher’s 1961 Stratocaster being placed on display at the National Museum, the arrival of a new cargo aircraft for the Irish Air Corps, and an upcoming Westminster debate on the implications of a united Ireland. Kevin also highlights a new video‑game adaptation of the 1711 Islandmagee witch trials, details the delay to Ireland’s world‑first alcohol cancer‑warning labels after industry lobbying, and shares data showing Ireland leading in charitable giving. Additional stories include young Irish adults staying longer in the family home due to housing pressures, the economic boost from the NFL game in Dublin, Angela Lansbury’s deep Irish connections, tributes following the death of Joan Kennedy, and the expansion of free public‑transport companion passes for people over 70.

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

Kevin takes listeners through a wide range of stories from Ireland. He highlights the new high‑tech security scanners at Dublin Airport that eliminate liquid restrictions for carry‑on bags, Belfast City Council’s adoption of an Irish‑language policy, and the dismissal of a terrorism‑related charge against Kneecap member Mo Chara. Kevin also covers Barack Obama receiving the Freedom of Dublin, Ireland’s invitation to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for a state visit, and financial boosts from the NFL game held in Dublin. Other stories include the life and Irish roots of Angela Lansbury, the death of Joan Kennedy, new public‑transport companion passes for over‑70s, continuing legal action involving Kneecap, Ireland’s ranking as one of the world’s most generous nations, and insights from Northern Irish fashion designer Jonathan Anderson. Kevin closes the programme with a look at housing pressures affecting young people and a tragic family incident in County Louth.

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

Kevin shares a broad mix of stories from across Ireland. He covers Dublin Airport’s removal of liquid restrictions thanks to new CT‑style scanners, Belfast City Council’s vote to adopt a new Irish‑language policy, and the court dismissal of the terrorism‑related charge against Kneecap member Mo Chara. Kevin also reports on Barack Obama receiving the Freedom of Dublin, Ireland’s invitation to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for a state visit, and new EU data showing Irish young adults are moving out later due to housing pressures. Additional updates include major investment announcements from Bank of America, changes to Ireland’s minimum wage, and National Ploughing Championships preparations, along with a tragic triple‑fatality incident in County Louth and several human‑interest stories.

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

Kevin covers news from across Ireland, including violence against healthcare staff and the rollout of body‑worn cameras in Northern Ireland hospitals, Bushmills launching its 12‑year‑old whiskey in Ireland for the first time, Bank of America planning up to 1,000 jobs in Belfast, and the Irish government’s proposed minimum‑wage rise. He also reports on Sinn Féin backing Catherine Connolly for president, a therapy dog removed from prison after a threat, the farming tradition of the “lucky penny,” and other updates from around the island.

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

Kevin covers the return of Ireland’s National Ploughing Championships, the restoration of Dublin’s historic fruit and vegetable market, and concerns from Irish drinks companies over potential US tariffs. He also highlights new research on child poverty, an Irishman’s world‑record barefoot walk, Ireland’s new National AI Office, and major affordable‑housing developments planned for North Dublin.

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

On this week’s Irish Time, Kevin Reilly brings a mix of stories from Ireland and beyond. He opens with news about Ireland’s first satellite, EIRSAT‑1, designed and built by University College Dublin students, which has now completed its Earth‑orbit mission. Kevin also covers the ongoing case involving Irish-language rap group Kneecap, their new single and music video, and the legal proceedings surrounding band member Mo Chara.

Other stories include the seizure of over £1 million worth of cannabis by the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and early discussions around Bob Geldof as a potential candidate for the Irish presidency. Kevin updates listeners on Northern Ireland’s recent sectarian threats toward a young family, and a new initiative that expands free public transport to all children under nine.

He also highlights the newly announced storm‑name list for the coming season, featuring Irish names submitted by the public.

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

Kevin opens with news of a major social‑media ticket scam involving fake Electric Picnic festival tickets, where many buyers paid for passes that never arrived. Kevin then highlights early details from Netflix’s upcoming series The House of Guinness, which explores the 19th‑century Guinness family dynasty.

The episode also looks at a feature on civil liberties in the UK, outlining how protest rights and counter‑terrorism laws have shifted from the 1970s to the present. Kevin finishes with an A‑to‑Z tour of Belfast, sharing notable sites, landmarks, and historical points—from black‑taxi tours and Crumlin Road Jail to Milltown Cemetery, Queen’s University, and well‑known pubs, restaurants, and cultural venues.

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

Kevin Reilly brings a warm and lively hour of Irish news, culture, and commentary, weaving together stories from home and abroad with his trademark conversational style. He covers everything from Christy Moore’s surprise fundraiser for women’s centers, to proposed changes to education law in Ireland, to developments around political activism in the UK, along with lighter pieces such as dog‑poo DNA proposals and the revival of historic brewing sites. Kevin also highlights the centenary of the Connemara Pony Show and wraps things up with humour, insight, and a friendly reminder to be kind.

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

A half-hour of news from Ireland and good craic with Kevin Reilly, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.