Newstalk Breakfast Weekends

International Women’s Day - The Women of South Sudan

March 08, 2020 09:12 - 13 minutes - 817 Bytes

To mark International Women's Day we hear about women who still don't have some the basic rights that other's take for granted. Refugee girls and women in South Sudan are fighting for the right to an education - to learn to read and right - in the hope of making their lives better. Newstalk Presenter and Producer Sue Cahill volunteered with the Jesuit Refugee Service on Doro Refugee Camp in Maban in where she met some truly incredible women.

Sunday's Newspaper Front Page Panel

March 08, 2020 08:47 - 15 minutes - 15 Bytes

Susan Keogh is joined by Political Correspondent with the Irish Independent Hugh O'Connell and Consultant with The Communications Clinic Sarah Geraghy to discuss this Sunday's front page newspaper stories. [audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2020/03/08083636/0803-POD-BK-Newspapers-.mp3"][/audio]

Family Carers Ireland's National Respite Weekend

March 07, 2020 14:52 - 12 minutes - 749 Bytes

Family Carers Ireland is this weekend hosting its annual National Respite Weekend in Cork. Carers are calling on the next Government – whatever form that might take – to acknowledge the vital contribution they make to society. One of those carers - Sinead Tighe – joined Susan in studio

Liam Cunningham Interview

March 07, 2020 14:40 - 10 minutes - 647 Bytes

Last night actor Liam Cunnigham was honoured with a Lifetime Contribution Award from the Irish Council of Civil Liberties for Human Rights. He is the first ever recipient of the award which honours a person who uses their platform to advocate for a better world for everyone. Liam joined Susan in studio

Sunday's Front Page Panel

March 01, 2020 10:13 - 18 minutes - 1.08 KB

On today's front page panel, Susan was joined by Communications Consultant with Carr Communications Sinead O’Donnell and Political Correspondent at TheJournal.Ie Christina Finn to discuss top stories like the first Corona virus case in Ireland, B&A poll for the Sunday Times showing Sinn Fein ahead of all other parties, Boris Johnson & Carrie Symonds and more.

First Case of Coronavirus in the Republic of Ireland Confirmed

March 01, 2020 10:01 - 6 minutes - 374 Bytes

We had the confirmation of the first case of COVID-19 in the republic - a man from the eastern part of the country - who travelled on a flight from an affected area of northern Italy - is receiving medical care. Susan was joined by Professor Sam McConkey, Head of the Department of International Health and Tropical Medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons to discuss how to contain the virus.

Should Ireland legalise euthanasia?

March 01, 2020 09:25 - 15 minutes - 947 Bytes

Earlier this week the highest court in Germany ruled that a 2015 law banning professional assisted suicide was unconstitutional, as it robbed terminally ill patients of the right to a self determined death. Portugal is also one step closer to legalising euthanasia after lawmakers there approved a number of bills which opens the door to the next phase. Currently both euthanasia and assisted suicide are illegal under Irish law but a poll carried out late last year showed the majority of peopl...

Could Graham Dwyer's Supreme Court Appeal Verdict Overturn His Murder Conviction?

February 23, 2020 09:08 - 9 minutes - 564 Bytes

All eyes will be on Waterford Monday for a sitting of the Supreme Court where it will give its decision in the State’s appeal over a key phone data ruling. The result could assist Graham Dwyer in seeking to overturn his conviction for the murder of childcare worker Elaine O’Hara whose body was found in the Dublin Mountains in 2013. It could also have implications extending beyond Dwyer’s case, so to talk us through it all Susan was joined by assistant lecturer in the Law School in NUI Maynoo...

Event in Dundalk to Support Innocent Families Caught Up in Gang Violence

February 23, 2020 07:59 - 5 minutes - 324 Bytes

Gardai are still questioning two men in connection with the investigation into the murder of 17 year old Keane Mulready Woods in Drogheda in Co Louth in January. The guards believe his murder is related to the ongoing feud between two Drogheda drug gangs. On Monday an event is taking place in Dundalk to highlight the plight of innocent families caught up in gang violence and that's why Susan was joined by Jackie McKenna, project coordinator with the Family Addiction Support Network to talk a...

Does Sinn Féin Have Ties to the IRA?

February 23, 2020 07:05 - 11 minutes - 712 Bytes

Garda Commissioner Drew Harrris said on Friday that the Gardai “does not differ” from the assessment of the PSNI that the Provisional Army Council still oversees both Sinn Féin and the IRA. On the other hand, Mary Lou McDonald has said the 'IRA' has gone away and dismissed Harris' comments. Susan was joined by Sunday Times journalist John Mooney to discuss this.

New TDs On The First 33rd Dail Meeting

February 16, 2020 09:11 - 16 minutes - 967 Bytes

On Thursday, February 20th, the 33rd Dail will meet for the first time – and among the 160 TDs are plenty of new faces - 48 of them will be entering Leinster House for the first time after being elected in General Election 2020. Susan was joined by three of the newcomers: Patrick Costello, Green TD for Dublin South Central, Jennifer Whitmore, Social Democrats TD for Wicklow & Duncan Smith, Labour TD for Dublin Fingal.

Sinn Fein TD Louise O'Reilly: Another Election "Is A Very Real Possibility"

February 15, 2020 11:21 - 10 minutes - 639 Bytes

This time last week polling stations were opened around the country and people were voting in General Election 2020 but a week on we are still no clearer on how the next Government is going to be formed. Susan spoke with Sinn Fein TD Louise O’Reilly who is part of Sinn Fein’s negotiating team for the Government formation talks

Man City Banned From European Football

February 15, 2020 11:03 - 6 minutes - 399 Bytes

Manchester City have been banned for two years from the Champions League for breaching UEFA’s financial rules. The club say they’re not surprised - they’ve described the decision by football’s governing body as flawed and they say they will be appealing it Martin Lipton is Chief sports reporter at the Sun

Election 2020 First Reaction

February 09, 2020 10:10 - 43 minutes - 2.53 KB

In this 'Ireland Decides: Election Special' Susan Keogh gets the first reaction from political figures in what could turn out to be one of the most hotly contested elections in years. Susan is joined in-studio by Colette Browne, columnist and barrister & Eoghan Tomás McDermott, Managing Director at the Communications Clinic to get their take on the initial exit polls that were out last night. Joining Susan to get the latest political reaction is: Eoin Ó Broin, outgoing Sinn Fein TD in Dublin...

How Are Ireland’s Mental Health Services Doing?

February 02, 2020 09:00 - 15 minutes - 956 Bytes

Clinical psychologist and CEO of St. Patrick’s Mental Health Service Paul Gilligan joined Susan to discuss Ireland’s mental health record and what to expect from the services going forward.

Sunday's Front Page Panel

February 02, 2020 08:28 - 13 minutes - 828 Bytes

On today's front page panel, Susan was joined by Newstalk reporter Stephen Murphy and Ronan Duffy, reporter with the TheJournal.ie to discuss front page stories including the latest Business Post/Red C poll results showing Sinn Fein's rise above Fine Gael, Coronavirus, Ivan Yates' election results predictions and more. Susan was also joined on the line by political editor of the Business Post Michael Brennan to comment on the Business Post/Red C poll results just less than one week away from ...

Peter Hitchens on Brexit

February 01, 2020 14:13 - 12 minutes - 720 Bytes

It is the morning after the night before – the UK’s 47 year membership of the EU has come to an end. A geopolitical shift that has been three and a half years in the making has now happened - and we now turn our attention to an 11 month transition period. Author and writer with the Mail on Sunday, Peter Hitchens has been a long-standing critic of the EU and the UK’s place in it but did not agree with putting the issue to a referendum. We asked him for his thoughts on this day.

Young Fine Gael Member Expelled From Party

January 26, 2020 09:25 - 7 minutes - 457 Bytes

Fine Gael has defended its decision to expel a leading member of its youth organisation after the party claimed he publicly supported his father - an Independent candidate in the General Election. Jude Perry, son of former Fine Gael minister of state John Perry and is currently studying in Washington DC, joined Susan to explain what happened.

2020 Grammy Awards Predictions

January 26, 2020 09:12 - 11 minutes - 718 Bytes

The Grammy Awards ceremony takes place on Sunday, January 26th in Los Angeles. Alicia Keys will host the ceremony and there are 84 awards up for grabs - so Susan was joined by Newstalk's own John Fardy, presenter of Screentime and Aoife Barry, assistant news editor at TheJournal.ie

The Life and Legacy of Seamus Mallon

January 25, 2020 12:30 - 12 minutes - 759 Bytes

Yesterday evening saw the death of one of the most influential and admired politicians on this island Seamus Mallon who passed away at the age of 83 had been ill since last year. Andy Pollock was a friend and co-author of Seamus Mallon’s book ‘A Shared Home Place.’ He joined Susan to give us his memories of the man

Women For Election Slam Main Parties on Gender Balance

January 19, 2020 10:31 - 12 minutes - 757 Bytes

Despite the fact that more women live in Ireland than men - less than a quarter of our elected politicians are women. To discuss the current state of play and what more can be done, Susan was joined by Ciarin de Buis, CEO of Women for Election.

Is a Career in Politics a Turn Off for Women?

January 19, 2020 09:01 - 12 minutes - 757 Bytes

Despite the fact that more women live in Ireland than men - less than a quarter of our elected politicians are women. To discuss the current state of play and what more can be done, Susan was joined by Ciarin de Buis, CEO of Women for Election.

Top garda warns recreational drug use use fuelling gangland murders

January 18, 2020 14:15 - 14 minutes - 881 Bytes

The Garda leading the investigation into the murder of Keane Mulready-Woods says anyone taking recreational drugs is fuelling gangland murder. The 17-year-old was murdered as part of the ongoing gang feud in Drogheda, Co Louth. On Newstalk Breakfast with Susan Keogh this morning, Garda Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan told said the brutal murder should be a reality check for everyone. He said that if you go out and buy €100 worth of cocaine on a Saturday night, you are "providing profits f...

How Do We Steer Young People Away From Gangs?

January 18, 2020 12:54 - 14 minutes - 895 Bytes

In the wake of this week's events a lot of people have been asking how and why does a 17 year old like Keane Mulready Woods end up living the life he was. Just when do drugs, violence and crime become a better option for young people starting out in life. Fearghall Connolly is manager at Donore Community Drug and Alcohol team and Pearce Stafford is an outreach worker in the Targeted Responses at Youth Project. TRY as it's known uses the Intensive Outreach and Bridging Model to try to move y...

Dublin's Lord Mayor slams Taoiseach's response to homeless incident

January 18, 2020 12:39 - 7 minutes - 433 Bytes

The Lord Mayor of Dublin has said he refuses to turn an incident that left a homeless man with serious injuries in Dublin into a political football. On Newstalk Breakfast with Susan Keogh this morning, Paul McAuliffe accused the Taoiseach of using the incident for “political purposes.” It is believed the man was sleeping in a tent at Wilton Place on the Grand Canal when workers attempted to move it with a utility vehicle. He remains at St Vincent's Hospital in Dublin where his injuries have b...

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Step Back From Royal Duties

January 12, 2020 09:35 - 9 minutes - 591 Bytes

The news that Harry and Meghan are stepping back from royal life is probably going to be the royal story of the decade, despite the fact that we’re just over a week into 2020. They want to scale back their royal duties, give up their royal income and focus more on their charity work - but it’s far from a simple situation. To discuss what might happen next, Susan was joined by Jennie Bond, former BBC Royal Correspondent.

21-year-old from Kerry Joins Firefighters in Australia

January 12, 2020 09:18 - 7 minutes - 451 Bytes

A firefighter in Australia has died while trying to tackle wildfires which have been raging across the country for months. He was killed in Victoria, as authorities warn that bushfires are continuing to spread - despite forecasts of cooler weather. One young Irish man, Connor Nourse, has travelled from Tralee in Co Kerry to join firefighters in Australia. His mother, Catherine, joined Susan to share the story.

Sinéad O’Leary Calls for Parole Changes

January 05, 2020 09:11 - 16 minutes - 960 Bytes

Back in 2002, Sinéad O’Leary survived a knife attack in Cork that killed her best friend, Nichola Sweeney. Peter Whelan, from Rochestown, pleaded guilty to the savage murder of Nichola and the attempted murder of Sinéad, but he has now been granted parole in Cork. Sinéad O’Leary joined Susan to talk about how parole changes are so badly needed in Ireland.

Mary McAleese on Marian Finucane

January 04, 2020 12:05 - 11 minutes - 670 Bytes

People have been signing books of condolence at RTE and the offices of Kildare County Council in Naas for the veteran RTE broadcaster Marian Finucane. The 69 year old – who passed away suddenly at her home on Thursday – had been due back on air this morning, January 4th, after her Christmas break. Last night the Late Late show featured a special tribute to her with contributions from a variety of different people - some of Marian’s friends and her colleagues from over the years. Former Pre...

"People Don't Realise Other People That Suffer Over a Murder"

December 22, 2019 09:20 - 16 minutes - 989 Bytes

On the 40th anniversary of the murder of 23 year old Phyllis Murphy from Kildare town, Susan heard from Phyllis' sister Barbara Turner, who shared her story. Phyllis Murphy's naked body was discovered 28 days after she went missing while making her way home from a day Christmas shopping. For almost 20 years it looked like the mystery of who murdered Phyllis would never be solved until a development in DNA technology lead to a breakthrough. Susan went to visit Phyllis’s sister Barbara at her...

Grainne Kealy on Living with Life Changing Injuries

December 21, 2019 09:55 - 14 minutes - 857 Bytes

She was a passenger in a Jeep with her feet up on the dashboard when it skidded on ice and crashed in December 2006. Grainne Kealy has been living with her life changing injuries ever since and hopes others will never do what she did. She joined Susan to share her story.

Blessing Dada on Mental Health

December 15, 2019 09:37 - 10 minutes - 615 Bytes

Afro-Irish mental health advocate Blessing Dada joined Susan to talk about the Headline Special Recognition Award she received this year, how mental health doesn't discriminate and the importance of having friends.

What is it like to be an Irishman in London after the Tories' win?

December 14, 2019 09:40 - 11 minutes - 704 Bytes

Boris Johnson has secured a resounding victory in the General Election - they’re still in party mode as he’s traveled to the north of England today to meet and congratulate newly-elected Conservative MPs. But not everyone is celebrating - demonstrators marched through London last night, passing Downing Street - chanted "Boris Johnson - not my Prime Minister". So, to discuss how the developments are going down in London, Susan was joined on the line by Jarlath Regan.

175 years of The Saint Vincent de Paul

December 08, 2019 09:11 - 5 minutes - 347 Bytes

The Saint Vincent de Paul will today unveil a plaque in Dublin at the site of the first meeting of the society 175 years ago. Larry Tuomey joins Susan Keogh to discuss

Is there a "compo culture"?

December 07, 2019 09:52 - 10 minutes - 621 Bytes

Is there a "compo culture" - where insurance companies hike up their prices and people find it normal to simply settle for compensation claims? Payouts for whiplash claims are over four times higher in Ireland than in the UK, and medical professionals may be helping fuel the so called "compo culture". To discuss this further, Ciara was joined by Public Affairs Correspondent at the Irish Independent Amy Molloy, who has conducted an investigation into the issue.

World’s Big Sleep Out

December 07, 2019 09:39 - 6 minutes - 409 Bytes

The Big Sleep Out is taking place in 52 locations across the globe this weekend to combat global homelessness. People are being encouraged to join sleep out events in their local cities or organise their own, all with the aim of raising €45,000,000 for the homeless around the world. Ciara Doherty was joined by David Carroll, Chief Executive of cross-border charity Depaul to discuss the initiative further.

Eamon Ryan, Green Party Leader

December 01, 2019 09:49 - 9 minutes - 568 Bytes

The Green Party has won its first ever Dáil byelection as Joe O’Brien emerged as the comfortable victor in Dublin Fingal on November 30th. Green Party leader Eamon Ryan joined Susan in studio to discuss the victory, the 'Green Wave' across the country and the perspectives for the upcoming General Elections.

Aoibheann’s Lighthouse Project

November 30, 2019 09:44 - 11 minutes - 678 Bytes

The Aoibheann’s Lighthouse Project is being launched on November 30, and it's a service for families with a child who has cancer. Susan was joined in studio by Jimmy Norman, the founder of the Aoibhean’s Pink Tie charity and the Aoibheann’s Lighthouse Project in Drimnagh, Dublin, to talk about the new initiative.

Direct Provision: The Conditions for Asylum Seekers

November 30, 2019 09:43 - 9 minutes - 591 Bytes

All this week on Newstalk we’ve been looking at the reality of Direct Provision. Newstalk reporter Barry Whyte has been to numerous centres around the country, seeing for himself what conditions are like, and speaking to those who live within the system. He joined Susan in studio to share what he's seen and learned as the series comes to an end.

The realities of direct provision

November 24, 2019 09:45 - 10 minutes - 619 Bytes

As part of a week long series on Newstalk on the issue of direct provision, reporter Barry Whyte joins Susan Keogh to discuss.

"I'm heartbroken" - mother of Danny McGee, who was killed in 2018

November 23, 2019 10:20 - 7 minutes - 479 Bytes

A remembrance mass is being held in New York today for a 21 year old Irish man who died in Queens just over a year ago. This week a 26 year old Dublin man Steven O’Brien pleaded guilty to assaulting Danny McGee - he will serve six months in prison. Danny’s family traveled to New York for the court case and will attend today’s remembrance mass - and his mother Colleen joined Susan to remember her son.

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

November 17, 2019 09:19 - 11 minutes - 661 Bytes

Today is World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Susan Keogh is joined by Liz O'Donnell, Chairperson of the Road Safety Authority to discuss.

Is Ireland still a welcoming nation?

November 10, 2019 09:00 - 12 minutes - 771 Bytes

A lot has been said and written about recently in terms of whether Ireland is still the land of a thousand welcomes. Opposition to a number of different direct provision centres in various parts of the country has led some to question whether we are a welcoming nation anymore – or not. Una Minh Kavanagh, author and journalist from Kerry, joined Susan to discuss this.

Commuter Hell - Noel Rock/Marc MacSharry Head To Head

November 09, 2019 09:24 - 14 minutes - 871 Bytes

The average person spends over two hours a day and 22 days a year commuting. That’s according to research carried out here on Newstalk this week as part of our Commuter Hell series. 1,230 people across the country people took part in the survey which also highlighted problems with the frequency of public transport and overcrowding and the amount of traffic on the roads. So we know we have a problem - what can be done about it? Noel Rock is Fine Gael TD for Dublin North West and Marc MacSh...

What’s next for unionism in Northern Ireland?

November 03, 2019 09:00 - 13 minutes - 838 Bytes

With the UK General Elections on December 12 and the DUP saying it will step aside for the UUP in Fermanagh South Tyrone, what can we expect from unionism in the North? Mike Nesbitt, MLA for Strangford and former Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party joined Susan to give his analysis of the situation going forward.

Sunday’s Front Page Panel

November 03, 2019 08:39 - 15 minutes - 938 Bytes

On today's panel were Ellen Gunning, Director of the Irish Academy of Public Relations, and Philip Ryan, Independent Newspapers Deputy Political Editor. They discussed the violence in the border region, immigration and asylum seekers and Fine Gael's decision on general election ticket.

Irish woman took part in all 40 of the Dublin marathons

October 26, 2019 09:59 - 12 minutes - 779 Bytes

Sunday, October 27, marks the culmination of months of hard work and training for more than 22 thousand people - a record number - who are taking part in this year’s KBC Dublin Marathon. It’s the 40th year this event has been running and it goes without saying completing it once is an achievement. But imagine taking part in all 40 of them. Well that is exactly what Mary Nolan Hickey from Arklow in Wicklow has done. She is the only woman to have run every single one of those Dublin marathons...

Dominique Meehan: "I'm fighting all the time to just be normal"

October 26, 2019 09:47 - 15 minutes - 927 Bytes

Four years ago, Dominique Meehan was raped at a gaming conference in Blanchardstown in Dublin. In 2017 Keith Hearne with an address in Tallaght received a 12 year sentence for rape and false imprisonment. Dominique joined Susan to tell her story, talk about the dark days and how she’s determined not to give up.

Ireland V New Zealand Preview

October 19, 2019 09:40 - 7 minutes - 428 Bytes

Eoin Sheahan joins Susan on the line from Japan to preview the big Quarter Final clash between Joe Schmidt's men and the reigning World Champions Newstalk supporting the Irish Team in Japan with thanks to Euronext Dublin - the new home of the Irish Stock Exchange

National Women's Enterprise Day 2019

October 13, 2019 09:41 - 9 minutes - 578 Bytes

Now, this coming Thursday, October 17th is National Women's Enterprise Day. On behalf of the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Dublin Network, Fingal LEO are organising the biggest women’s networking event in the country, a fast-moving, exciting and intensive morning for Dublin’s women in business. To discuss all things women-in-business, Susan was joined by Louella Morton, co-founder and Executive Director of 'Test Reach'

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