Malcolm Gladwell“The benefits of being trusting are so large, that we can pay the occasional price of being deceived.”

As heard on Today with Sean O'Rourke

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How do some conversations start politely and end in tragedy? Malcolm Gladwell has studied some famous encounters that ended really badly in his new book Talking to Strangers. The writer, journalist and podcaster told Seán O’Rourke this morning that our ‘instincts’ about people we don’t know aren’t always right. Gladwell says this is especially true when it comes to policing. …

Femicide Report“It is absolutely without doubt that where women are at risk of violent death, it is predominantly in their own home.”

As heard on Today with Sean O'Rourke

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Seán O’Rourke spoke to Sarah Benson, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, on the release of their annual Femicide Report. The survey has been putting together statistics on domestic abuse and on the violent deaths of women since 1996. One of the findings of the report is a connection between domestic violence and murder of women by their partners. The Women’s …

Mary Kennedy“I was born, bred and buttered in Clondalkin.”

As heard on Today with Sean O'Rourke

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For a woman who’s known for showcasing rural Ireland three times a week on Nationwide, Mary Kennedy is very proud of her Dublin roots, as she told Seán O’Rourke on Monday morning: “I was born, bred and buttered in Clondalkin. It’s very central to my being.” As well as presenting Nationwide for the past 15 years, Mary Kennedy’s face and voice are also …

The Murder of Mr. Moonlight, Catherine Fegan

Catherine Fegan‘The Murder of Mr. Moonlight’

As heard on Today with Sean O'Rourke

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Father of two, truck driver and part-time DJ Bobby Ryan, also known as ‘Mr Moonlight’ disappeared on the 3rd of June 2011 never to be seen alive again. The discovery of his body by Patrick Quirke 22 months later in a tank on Mary Lowry’s farm in Tipperary, led to the longest-running murder trial in Irish criminal history. In May 2019, …

Irish Myths“Irish has more fluent speakers than the majority of the world’s languages.”

As heard on Today with Sean O'Rourke

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Irish mythology is wildly popular beyond our shores, but myths about the Irish language are causing concern to a few people close to home.  Colm Ó Broin is one such person keen to bust what he sees as damaging myths around the Irish language. Colm is an Irish speaker and member of Conradh na Gaeilge and he spoke to Seán …

Caitríona Perry

Caitríona Perry“They felt part of something bigger than themselves.”

As heard on Today with Sean O'Rourke

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From the Kennedys to the Clintons and plenty more besides, Irish-America has a special relationship with US Politics. The picture has shifted somewhat in recent years, and RTÉ’s former Washington Correspondent Caitríona Perry explores the changing paradigm in her latest book ‘The Tribe: The Inside Story of Irish Power and Influence in US Politics’. She joined Seán O’Rourke to discuss …

Naomi Klein“Shopping didn’t used to be the primary pastime for our culture.”

As heard on Today with Sean O'Rourke

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Climate activism isn’t just about fitting solar panels, it’s about a “vision for the next economy”.  That’s the view of Naomi Klein, who spoke to Seán O’Rourke this morning about her new book On Fire: The Burning Case for a Green New Deal. He asked her straight away about how much time she thinks is left to prevent irreversible climate change. Klein said …

Michelin Stars“Look, you’re trying to make it better every day and every week and improve dishes as part of your everyday work.”

As heard on Today with Sean O'Rourke

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Monday was a good day for the restaurant industry in Ireland, with the 2020 Michelin Guide awarded a veritable galaxy of new stars to Irish eateries. Just ask Jordan Bailey, Head Chef at Aimsir Restaurant in Kildare. Jordan, speaking to Seán O’Rourke the morning after the night before, said that winning two Michelin stars for the restaurant he and his …