The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show
Today FM
Welcome to today, this is your captain speaking. With Iano at the helm, the Breakfast Show brings you up to speed on everything. News, sport, guests, giveaways, listener interaction and music - not to mention the legendary Gift Grub - all add to the mix of this 2-hour radio rollercoaster. Buckle up and come and have your breakfast.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 26, 2026 • 4min
Gift Grub: Irish Rugby Fans Get Serious Withdrawals
We have a week off from all the Six Nations action, and it leaves rugby fans with a serious problem. Big withdrawal symptoms! Can we manage without it? Hit play now to hear this morning's Gift Grub.
Feb 25, 2026 • 5min
Gift Grub: RTÉ Blow The Budget On A New Jingle Package
On this morning’s Gift Grub, we headed over to the Ideas Department in Montrose to see what’s been cooking lately. Hit play now to hear the episode in full.
Feb 24, 2026 • 4min
Gift Grub: Primetime Tackles Ireland’s No.1 Song
On this morning’s Gift Grub, Ian headed across to the Prime Time studio for a very special episode. As the country faces the 'biggest vote in decades', Miram grilled the nation's leaders on their picks and checks in with count centres across the country to see what will be chosen as Ireland’s number one song of all time. Hit play now to hear the episode in full.
Feb 23, 2026 • 3min
Gift Grub: 'Dancing With The Stars' Celebrates 100 Shows!
Last night marked a big night on Dancing With The Stars, as the series hit its 100th episode. On this morning's Gift Grub, Ian caught up with judges Brian Redmond and Karen Byrne to find out how the show went! Hit play now to hear the full episode.
Feb 23, 2026 • 5min
Gift Grub: Donal Lenihan Is Still On A High After Ireland's Win
On this morning’s Gift Grub, Ian relived Ireland's record-breaking win against England on Saturday and caught up with commentator Donal Lenihan, who was still stuck in full-on “commentary mode”. Hit play now to hear the episode in full.
Feb 20, 2026 • 8min
Dáithí Ó Sé Gives 5 BRILLIANT Options For The 100 Greatest Irish Songs
Dáithí Ó Sé joined Iano this morning to go through his picks for the Top 100 Greatest Irish Songs. Talk about belters?!! Hit play now to hear the chat in full. Remember, you can vote now on todayfm.com/irish
Feb 20, 2026 • 4min
Gift Grub: Bertie Reviews The Monk's Stage Debut
On this morning's Gift Grub, Bertie called in to chat to Ian. He wanted to talk about the new Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch play, and he has some thoughts! Hit play now to hear the episode in full.
Feb 19, 2026 • 4min
Gift Grub: The FOGS Are Back with 'Balacoune Outside'
The Ireland v England match is looming on Saturday, and the FOGS are back, with a brand new pre-match anthem to lift the mood. After a shaky start to the campaign, The FOGS are all about the optimism, revealing Ireland's secret weapon, Robert Baloucoune. Hit play now to hear the episode in full.
Feb 19, 2026 • 9min
Dermot Bannon’s Top 5 Irish Songs Revealed
The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show is gearing up for next month’s countdown of the 100 greatest Irish songs, voted for by you. If you haven’t had your say yet, head to todayfm.com/Irish.This time, Ian gets a Top 5 from Dermot Bannon, who’s always loved music and admits picking just five is nearly impossible.From childhood memories with The Dubliners, to college days with Something Happens on repeat, Dermot’s list also features Bell X1, Sinéad O’Connor and a beautifully late-night No.1 from The Pogues.
Feb 19, 2026 • 7min
Mairead Ronan Picks Her Top 5 Irish Songs
Today FM is getting ready for St. Patrick’s Day with a huge countdown: the 100 greatest Irish songs of all time, voted by you.After Dustin the Turkey’s top five earlier in the week, Iano gets another brilliant list — this time from Mairead Ronan, who’s dodged the school run and is ready to argue the case for some absolute classics.Get voting at todayfm.com/Irish.
