The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show

The man of the moment has landed in Dublin and Garth Brooks fever has taken hold! On Gift Grub today, Micheál O'Muircheartaigh was there to set the scene and then Garth himself gave us an exclusive preview of a new song.

Ahead of the release of his latest album 'XXV' and his date in Dublin's 3Arena, Robbie Williams caught up with Ian for a chat. Robbie spoke about the magic of an Irish audience, and the relief he felt when he was so well received playing Slane just after leaving Take That. Robbie also made a surprise phone call to listener Lauren who shares a particular resentment with him from a long time ago!

The energy crisis is causing concern as winter approaches, and there are reports of temperature caps and lights being switched off in State buildings. This morning on Gift Grub, these plans are severely disrupting Michael D. Higgins' evening, as well as Government meetings.

This weekend there's a celebration of the career of Irish Rugby legend Rob Kearney, and the man himself stopped by for a chat with Ian. The event is raising money for CHF Crumlin, where Rob has been an ambassador for over a decade now, and the aim is to get them some much needed ultrasound machines. Rob also told Ian how he's staying busy these days, from branching out to playing other sports, to visiting world leaders!

On Gift Grub this morning, The Last Word's court's correspondent Frank Greaney brought Matt Cooper the latest on a court case detailing an the perpetration of an atrocity on the people of Ireland. The man at the centre of the case of one Michael Ryan Flatley, and he gave the atrocity a name - Blackbird.

With the Irish Ladies Football Team taking on Slovakia tomorrow, there's a lot of head scratching around the permutations of the play-offs for next year's World Cup. Thankfully Keith Duffy is here with a simple and succinct explainer on what it all means.

Ian was joined by the writer, director, producer and star of the much-talked about film 'Blackbird', Michael Flatley. The Lord of the Dance told Ian how he was inspired by his "dear old Irish mother" to get into movies, and that he created Riverdance in the same building as the Today FM studios!

Lots of people are making their way home from Electric Picnic today, and that includes a very tender Paschal Donohoe. Miriam O'Callaghan also gave her thoughts after being interviewed by our very own Matt Cooper at the festival, and where they ran into some difficulties.

It seems everyone and their mother is heading to Electric Picnic this weekend. Eamon Dunphy joined The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show this morning with some pre-festival analysis. He was most excited for Casa Bacardi with John Giles.

All eyes will be on Stradbally this weekend as Electric Picnic gets underway for the first time in 3 years! Music guru Dave Fanning joined The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show this morning live from the Picnic to give the lowdown on some of the acts to look out for. Who knew so many politicians were gigging this year?