The Claire Byrne Show
Newstalk
Claire Byrne explores the big stories through the lens of real life.This podcast brings context, consequences and clarity to the issues shaping Ireland today.Covering politics and current affairs alongside the human stories behind them, Claire asks the questions people are thinking, but don’t always hear answered.From housing and health to work, family life, well-being and culture, you’ll hear smart, engaging discussion and moments of light relief - connecting the dots between what’s happening and what it means for you.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 9, 2026 • 8min
Plans are under way for farm pigs to use their organs in humans
Up to 600 people are waiting for an organ transplant in Ireland. Internationally, the lists are growing too, with 100,000 Americans waiting for an organ. To meet the demand, plans are under way to farm pigs to use their organs in humans. Speaking to Claire was Dr Robert Montgomery carried out the first gene-edited pig-to-human transplant in 2021.
Mar 9, 2026 • 14min
Ireland’s biggest Irish dancing talent Niall Holly
From dancing at the crossroads to Riverdance, traditional Irish dancing has always enjoyed worldwide acclaim and popularity. Thousands of people dance competitively in Ireland and beyond every week and at the top end of the spectrum, competitors need to train like elite athletes. Claire was joined by one of Ireland’s biggest talents in the field, Niall Holly.
Mar 9, 2026 • 9min
Our first Book Club review!
Today it is our first 'Book Club' review. Last month we chose Buckeye by Patrick Ryan as our first book. Joining Claire to discuss it now by Sinéad Cuddihy from the Tired Mammy Book Club. Also we got a review from a book club in Cork member Sheila O’Sullivan.Do read along for our next 'Book Club' and the new book is 'Love Forms' by Claire Adam.
Mar 9, 2026 • 11min
Should we bring back “the human touch” in stores?
A UK fast‑food chain is swapping its digital screens and bringing back what it calls “the human touch” to some of their stores. It’s a bold move at a time when self‑service kiosks have become the norm, letting us dodge human interaction whether we’re doing the weekly shop or grabbing a Saturday night takeaway. All to chat about with Lorcan Nyhan, of the Communications Clinic.
Mar 9, 2026 • 10min
Six Nations excitement, FA Cup upsets and chaos in the Old Firm
Six Nations excitement, FA Cup upsets and chaos in the Old Firm. Off The Ball's Eoin Sheahan looks back on the weekend of sport with Claire.
Mar 9, 2026 • 8min
World Disasters Report findings
In recent years, humanitarian workers have been accused of spreading disease, diverting aid to migrants and distributing poisoned food. The increase in misinformation has led to aid organisations fearing for the safety of their workers, saying that trust and truth is as essential as food and shelter in an emergency. Speaking to Claire this morning was Charlotte Lindsey, Editor and Author of the World Disasters Report.
Mar 9, 2026 • 6min
Gerry Adams has arrived in the High Court in London
Former Sinn Fein leader, Gerry Adams has arrived in the High Court in London this morning ahead of a case in relation to damages for victims of IRA bomb attacks. To discuss the details around this, Claire was joined by Belfast based journalist, Amanda Ferguson.
Mar 9, 2026 • 7min
Rain and cold temperatures on the way!
Just when you thought the mornings were getting brighter and things were looking up. We have some bad weather news. Claire spoke to Meteorologist at Ireland’s Weather Channel Cathal Nolan.
Mar 9, 2026 • 12min
Excise Duty should it be cut?
For the first time since 2002, crude oil is over $100 a barrel, and it’s hitting the consumer. Claire discusses this further with Kevin McPartland is CEO for Fuels for Ireland, and Gary Marshall is Public Relations Officer for the Dublin Commuter Coalition.
Mar 9, 2026 • 9min
Travel: A stylish european city break for under €200
Award-winning travel journalist Ed Finn from edfinntravels has been looking at how you can enjoy a stylish European city break for under €200, and he’s not talking about slumming it either.
