Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning

How close are we to a United Ireland?The unionist voices that said ‘no terrorists in government’ and no Sinn Fein First Minister have been marginalised. How will they respond to what is coming next?Joe recalls his own encounters with Jamie Bryson and explains why he would be a good convert to Catholicism. The boys also suggest another career path for Bryson now that politics isn’t working out.Joe and Dion disagree about the media in the south’s response to Michelle O’Neill’s election, while Dion wonders if Joe is spending too much time looking at Fine Gael Twitter accounts.Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michelle O’Neill’s election as First Minister of Northern Ireland made worldwide headlines.On today’s Free State, Joe reflects on the importance of O’Neill’s election and considers what it means for the nationalist community. Joe and Dion look at the generous speeches of O’Neill and the deputy first minister Emma Little-Pengelly and consider their journeys to this point. It is a moment of real significance where history may now become just that - history. It is a moment where Ulster finally said Yes.Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Northern Ireland prepares for a Sinn Fein First Minister, but why has it taken so long?On today’s Free State, Joe and Dion look at how culture was used as a tool of oppression in the north. As Kneecap the movie demonstrates the Irish language is now part of a vibrant culture among young nationalists. The language has more power because of how it was so recently suppressed.Dion also finds a strong reason called Conor Bradley for a border poll. And things get heated when the lads discuss Israel and Gaza.Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anarchy is always a threat to the establishment. Joyous anarchy unsettles them even more.Kneecap are annoying many of the right people as they aim for world domination. Their film has angered the Daily Mail and the DUP and also won the audience award at Sundance which has angered them even more.On today’s Free State, Joe and Dion consider the rise of Kneecap and what it tells us about a community in the north that is confident, daring and not afraid of winding up the humourless.They also look at Jurgen Klopp, why he was never afraid to take risks and the price that is paid for obsession. Joe feels there are plenty of Gaelic football managers who could learn from him while Dion has some observations from a trip to Croke Park and what it tells us about Ireland.Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you can’t spot the sucker at the poker table it’s you.Today’s 'Free State' tells the story of how the GAA surrendered to corporations and how people became products.Dion and Joe consider the new RTÉ uniforms which could be part of any sponsorship deal.Joe reveals he has been beside himself with worry over the health of King Charles.The boys also discuss the proposal that a future United Ireland should join His Majesty’s commonwealth. Fasten your seatbelts…Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The GAA occupies a special place in Irish life. But that special place is what makes it so attractive to sponsors.Today Joe and Dion look at the plan to sell the naming rights of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and rename it SuperValu Park. Dion vaguely recalls his only visit to the new Páirc Uí Chaoimh. And, in a world where everything is for sale, how does the GAA protect what is precious?Joe also describes his day at the All Ireland club finals, his meeting with President Higgins and the president’s answer to Joe’s question: Will you endorse me as your successor?Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sportswashing works. From the English Premier League to the World Cup to golf, sport is being transformed by countries whose main interest is transforming their image. On Free State today, Dion and Joe ask what is the real cost of sportswashing and is it an inevitable consequence of a broader issue?Society is divided and while inequality grows people have been persuaded that the problem is the refugee child looking for shelter in a Roscrea hotel. The real problem lies elsewhere and sport is being used to conceal the truth.Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When JP McManus donated €32 million to the GAA last month, people were falling over themselves to hail his generosity.JP didn’t need to do this, they said. What a gesture from a man who truly loves the GAA. Put the envy to one side and celebrate these millions which will make a difference to every club in Ireland.Only begrudgers, the petty and socialists could complain.On Free State today, Dion and Joe discuss JP McManus, false philanthropy and wonder if he wouldn’t be better off simply paying his taxes in Ireland. What could be done with the money if those who are non domicile were resident in the country? Is his gesture something that should be celebrated? After all, when did someone last pat you on the back for paying your taxes?Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s Free State, Dion and Joe are joined by Sally Hayden, a remarkable journalist covering the story of our time.Sally’s book My Fourth Time, We Drowned exposed the incompetence and corruption in the EU’s treatment of the most vulnerable in society, desperate families crossing the Mediterranean and leaving poverty and war in African countries.Sally reports from some of the most dangerous places in the world yet seems oblivious to danger. From Ballinrobe to Rosslare, hearts are hardening and human beings are brutalised and dehumanised. Sally talks about what she has witnessed, the mass death that has been normalised and gives an insight into what drives a remarkable and relentless young reporter.Sally Hayden's book "A magnificent, engagé investigative report… [an] act of witness...It is clear from [Hayden’s book] that the current politics of immigration have turned & twisted human nature against itself and our own kind and are fostering unimaginable maltreatment of those who wish only to survive and live a better life… [It] strongly convey[s] the urgency of fundamentally rethinking immigration policy… It is already late to act, but that is a poor reason for inaction.” - The New York Review of BooksSally Hayden: Winner ‘journalist of the year’, Irish Journalism Awards 2023Winner best ‘foreign coverage’, Irish Journalism Awards 2023Finalist in the 2023 BookTube PrizeNominated for the Jan Michalski Prize for Literature 2023Finalist for the New York Public Library’s Helen Bernstein Book Award for Excellence in Journalism 2023Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Littler was magnificent as he reached the world darts championship final. On today’s Free State, Dion and Joe look at a special kind of sporting talent. They ask what Littler has in common with David Clifford, Wayne Rooney and Jesus Christ. Does it matter if Littler now fulfils his potential or is the beauty of sport about the joy he brought this winter?Joe is also intrigued by cheating in chess and wonders about the various uses for anal beads.Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.