Irish Time

Kevin Reilly shares a mix of news and stories from Ireland, including a new music wall at Dublin Airport, major investment in weight‑loss drug manufacturing, and the challenges facing Irish citizens in the Middle East. He also looks at political debate around the Belfast Stories project, ongoing calls for justice over the 1981 Stardust fire, and continued concerns about paramilitary extortion and rising rental pressures. Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.

Kevin Reilly shares a selection of Irish news and stories, including the history and symbolism of the Irish flag, reflections on Reverend Jesse Jackson’s legacy, ongoing concerns about Dublin’s cultural spaces, and the remarkable life of 102‑year‑old football figure Charlie O’Leary. Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.

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.

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.