The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, has generally avoided trouble and scandal during his political career. However, amid ongoing controversy over his election posters, he has had to do a bit of explaining. And if this morning's Gift Grub is anything to go by, it looks like he'll have a bit more to do because somehow, he has ended up at a singsong in Fagan's with Bertie Ahern....

Irish film 'An Cailín Ciúin' has been a huge success, it was the highest-grossing Irish-language film of all time, taking over €1 million at the Ireland & UK Box office. The Guardian also named it No.2 in the Best Films of 2022. In even more exciting news, the movie has been shortlisted for this year’s Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars and the nominees will be announced on 24th of January. Director Colm Bairead joined Ian to tell him all about the movie and the Oscar campaign trail.

President Michael D Higgins is a popular man at the best of times but he's about to be promoted to top dog by the children of Ireland. In a bold move, he has called for homework to be banned, to allow young people to engage in more creative pursuits outside of school hours. On this morning's Gift Grub, he joined Ian on the line to voice his opinions on the topic.

On this morning's Gift Grub, 'Dancing With The Stars' judges, Arthur Gourounlian and Brian Redmond, joined Ian to give a full rundown on last night's escapades.

In this morning's Gift Grub, former Republic of Ireland football manager Mick McCarthy joined Ian on the line on this to talk about his new gig in Blackpool.

The big news this week was that iconic Dublin landmark, the Clerys' Clock has been restored to its former glory. The clock was once known as 'the' meeting spot for friends and lovers alike and this morning on Gift Grub, Christy Moore was standing underneath it, waiting for someone. Unfortunately, his friend was late but he met a few more characters...

Our Taoiseach Leo Varadkar turned 44 yesterday and the Gift Grub crew hit the town to celebrate. Panti Bar was rocking and the dancefloor was jammed, as the 'Who's Who' of Irish politics let their hair down. Happy Birthday Leo!

It seems that Paschal Donohoe is in a spot of bother for not declaring election expenses and he's very worried. So, he's taken this matter to the confession booth to see what the big man thinks of it.

Mairéad Ronan and Jenny Kelly, who long time listeners of Today FM will be *very* familiar with, are launching a brand new podcast, 'Jenny and Mairéad Now'. They joined Ian this morning to tell him all about it and what listeners can expect.

January has often been described as cruel and relentless but today we heard that it's actually criminal. On this morning's Gift Grub, Frank Greaney brought us some shocking and harrowing details about the month.