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
Feb 12, 2026 • 7min
The behind-the-scenes Olympics drama
Ireland haven’t featured heavily in the Winter Olympics but that hasn’t stopped it being interesting. Because it’s the drama behind the scenes that has really peaked our interest.Off the Ball’s Colm Boohig is here to tell us more
Feb 12, 2026 • 12min
Calls for a counter-drone security coordinator
Ireland must act now to appoint a counter-drone security coordinator, so says Fianna Fail MEP Barry Andrews. The call comes as the EU has announced a major new action plan to deal with the growing issue of drone security. All to discuss with Fianna Fail MEP Barry Andrews and Kevin Byrne, Retired Lieutenant Colonel & Airport Safety & Security auditor.
Feb 12, 2026 • 14min
Dozens of women travelling to Spain to get treatment for incontinence
A dispute over how best to treat women suffering with incontinence has led to dozens of women travelling to Spain for surgery performed by an Irish doctor. Incontinence is an issue that affects up to one in every two women during their lifetime. Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Cork University Maternity Hospital, and Sub-Specialist in Uro-Gynaecology. Barry O’Reilly heads to Spain periodically to perform these procedures. Barry joined Claire to discuss this situation further.
Feb 12, 2026 • 3min
Temperatures are set to drop to -4C
Met Éireann has issued a nationwide ice warning as temperature are set to drop to -4C. We get an update on the weather with Andrew Doran-Sherlock from Met Eireann.
Feb 12, 2026 • 11min
Sports jerseys and kits sell at an eye watering price!
The FAI revealed their 2026 jerseys to much delight among fans when it came to their design, but shock at the price. Kits for GAA and rugby are also reaching eye watering price tags putting parents in particular under pressure. So, why does loyalty come with such a heavy cost these days and what other industries are developing out of it? Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports:
Feb 12, 2026 • 11min
Gerry Hutch plans to contest the upcoming Dublin Central by-election
Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch plans to throw his name into the hat to contest the upcoming Dublin Central by-election, for the seat vacated by Paschal Donohoe. Craig Hughes is Political Editor with the Irish Daily Mail, and he joins me now, as does Nicola Tallant, the host of the Crime World podcast.
Feb 12, 2026 • 14min
Reaction to James Ratcliffe immigration comments
British Prime Minister Kier Starmer says the Manchester United co-owner James Ratcliffe should apologise after explosive comments he made in a Sky News interview. For reaction to these comments Claire spoke to UK-based journalist, Vincent McAvinney, and Consumer Affairs Correspondent and Manchester United Fan Conor Pope.
Feb 11, 2026 • 9min
The significance of wearing red!
It’s Valentines this week – so you may have already thought about chocolates, or flowers. But have you given any thought on what you’d like to wear? And are you brave enough to break out the RED and wear your heart on your sleeve? Aoife Dunican, also known as The Style Bob tell us more.
Feb 11, 2026 • 12min
Could we get a train line to England?
How handy would it be just to hop on a train to England? So if you wanted to spend a weekend in Manchester no need to fly, just get the train there. A top architect has unveiled an ambitious proposal for a raised high-speed rail network that would link Dublin with nine cities across northern Britain. He’s called it ‘The Loop’ and President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Chris Williamson told Claire all about it.
Feb 11, 2026 • 7min
The latest on the search for Nancy Guthrie
Police have released a man hours after they detained him in connection to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of US news anchor Savannah Guthrie, CBS News. We get the latest on this with Simon Mark, Chief Correspondent, Feature Story News.
