In The News

Last week, the parents of five children in Munster were jailed for a combined 24 years after being found guilty of abusing, exploiting and wilfully neglecting their five children between 2014 and 2016. The children’s father and mother, two of their uncles and an aunt were found guilty of all but one of the 78 charges against them. Today we hear the story of the Munster child abuse case from the reporter who covered it, and ask: what does the future hold for these children who were abused and neglected for so long?Guests: Court reporter Isabel Hayes and social worker Tara KeoghProduced by Suzanne Brennan and Declan Conlon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just 30 kilometres north of Dublin, lies a hidden oasis in Meath called Dunsany Castle. Home to Ireland’s biggest rewilding project, it’s run by Lord Randal Plunkett, a heavy metal-loving filmmaker and producer. In this episode, Sorcha Pollak travels out to Dunsany to discover how rewilding has changed the landscape and contributes to the fight against climate change. However, not everyone is happy with Randal’s unconventional approach to the land and new national transport plans could threaten everything he’s created so far. See more about Dunsany Nature Reserve here. https://www.instagram.com/dunsanynaturereserve/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With case numbers continuing to fall, the easing of Covid restrictions could begin as early as next week. Today, Conor Pope speaks to The Irish Times public affairs editor Simon Carswell and Professor of Immunology at DCU, Christine Loscher, about passing the peak of the Omicron wave and why leaders remain “cautiously hopeful”.Presenter: Conor PopeProducers: Suzanne Brennan and Jennifer Ryanwww.irishtimes.com/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last Wednesday afternoon, 23-year-old Ashling Murphy went for a run along the canal pathway just outside the town of Tullamore in Co Offaly. At around 4pm, the primary school teacher was attacked and killed.Her death led to an outpouring of grief and anger across the nation with calls for men to stand up and call out the abuse and harassment of women.Irish Times journalists Jennifer O’Connell and Malachy Clerkin talk about why it’s time for a change of mindset to help end male violence against women.Presenter: Sorcha PollakProduced by Jennifer Ryan and Suzanne Brennanwww.irishtimes.com/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UK prime minister Boris Johnson has never been under more pressure after revelations emerged that he attended a party during Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. The news came a month after accusations about breaches of Covid rules at Downing Street first emerged, embarrassing the Conservatives. Johnson may hang on, but "the magic is gone" says London editor Denis Staunton - and it may not be long until Tory backbenchers decide it is in their best interests to find a new leader.If Johnson goes, who will replace him, what will it mean for Brexit, and how will his time as PM be remembered? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Novak Djokovic is on the cusp of becoming the best men’s tennis player in the history of the sport. In less than a week, he should be attempting to land a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam men's singles victory at the Australian Open. But the Australian immigration minister has the power to revoke the Serbian’s visa due to his refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19.  Sorcha Pollak talks to Irish Times sports writer Johnny Watterson and Laura Slattery, Irish Times business journalist and tennis fan, about a very strange week in the world of tennis.Produced by Jennifer Ryan, Declan Conlon and Suzanne Brennan.www.irishtimes.com/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

English national John Shaw has been in custody in Ireland since September 1976 when both he and another English man, Geoffrey Evans, were arrested for the abduction, rape, torture and murder of Elizabeth Plunkett and Mary Duffy. After more than 45 years behind bars, Shaw is now looking to secure temporary release, but should he get the chance to step back into the outside world? Irish Times security and crime editor Conor Lally speaks to Sorcha Pollak. Warning: This episode includes references to sexual assault and violence. Produced by Declan Conlon, Jennifer Ryan and Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two years into the pandemic, it’s still not clear how, when, or if it will end. With health systems across the world in a permanent state of crisis mode, other pressing health and societal problems that require urgent attention remain sidelined. Tim Colbourn, professor of global health systems, epidemiology and evaluation at University College London, says we must accept that eradicating Covid-19 is impossible and learn to live with the virus.He talks to producer Jennifer Ryan about how Covid-19 should be viewed long term and why vaccines and new drugs will lessen the burden of the virus year-on-year.Produced by: Declan Conlon, Jennifer Ryan and Suzanne BrennanOpening music by Hugh Rodgerswww.irishtimes.com/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When rioters smashed their way into the US Capitol one year ago this week, it was seen as both a disaster for US democracy but also a potential turning point after the divisiveness of the Trump years. One year on, those hopes have faded and the polarisation of America is worse than ever, says our new Washington correspondent Martin Wall. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you watched Squid Game yet? Since its release, the South Korean drama has become a global sensation, making it Netflix’s biggest series launch to date. Sorcha Pollak speaks to Irish Times Features writer Patrick Freyne about the phenomenal success of the series and what's behind its global appeal, while Dr Kevin Cawley, Senior Lecturer in Korean Studies at UCC gives an insight into the socio-economic inequality at the heart of the story, reflected in the lives of the 456 contestants.Just a warning before you listen: there are some tiny spoilers mentioned in this episode- we don't think it ruins the show but if you're very anti-spoiler you might not want to listen.Produced by: Declan Conlon, Jennifer Ryan and Suzanne BrennanOpening music by Hugh Rodgers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.