Behind the Story

RTÉ News

Tune in for insightful and informed conversation as Fran McNulty, Paul Cunningham and some of RTÉ's top journalists digest the news stories of the day. Expect deep dives, analysis, interesting guests, and maybe even some laughs along the way.

Email: behindthestory@rte.ie

New episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

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Friday · 32 min
Lake 'America' - Canada goes 'Elbows Up'!
At the stroke of a pen, Lake Ontario became Lake 'America' according to US President Donald Trump. This move was in retaliation for Canada announcing it would impose tariffs on the United States following the collapse of trade talks between the two countries. Justin Ling, columnist with the Toronto Sar joins Eamon Horan to talk lakes, trade and the ever-changing relationship between the US and Canada. Meanwhile in Laois, Electric Picnic kicks off with Irish acts dominating the lineup and fans looking forward to a weekend of music and entertainment. RTÉ's Evelyn O’Rourke chats Fontaines DC, CMAT and 'the Green and Red of Mayo' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wednesday · 32 min
Remembering Dolly
Fran is joined by Grammy award winning musician Rhiannon Giddens and by Tennessee native and Communications specialist Amy Seigenthaler to reflect on the extraordinary career of music legend Dolly Parton who passed away on Tuesday night. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monday · 24 min
New rules on repairs and 'Economic Fury'!
New EU rules come into force today to encourage people to repair rather than replace broken appliances. Work and Technology correspondent, Brian O'Donovan joins host Karen Creed to explain how the new rules work and the types of devices that are covered under the new system. Later, as the US threatens Iran with more sanctions, DCU Associate Professor Michael Breen discusses the so called 'Economic Fury' that the administration is planning to unleash. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 21 · 31 min
'Reverse Megxit' - Harry and Meghan's return to the UK
Harry and Meghan's surprise announcement that they are moving back to the UK in the coming weeks caught most people by surprise [including the Palace]. Aengus Cox is joined by historian Prof Kate Williams to unravel the complex family relationships that this relocation is going to create. How will William and Kate respond to the move? Later, brand expert with marketing company Core, Ruth Gleeson discusses Harry and Meghan's brand and whether £12 strawberry jam will sell on this side of the Atlantic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 19 · 32 min
Synthetic drugs, vapes and a closer look at the Healy-Rae row
New psychoactive substances are being discovered in vape products sold in Ireland. The HSE says 'agile' legislation is needed to deal with this trend. Prof Matthew Sadlier joins Juilette Gash to discuss the concerns around HHC and synthetic drugs or so called 'spice'. Later, documentary maker Jerry Kennelly discusses his new TV doc on the Healy-Raes and how one interview in particular got quite heated! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 17 · 23 min
The fatal M9 crash and social media 'likes'.
Five teenagers dead, four people from the same family in a serious condition in hospital. The teens were driving a stolen BMW on the wrongside of the motorway when they hit the other car. There have been several other similar incidents over the past few months of teens driving dangerously and posting on social media. Presenter Karen Creed is joined by Robin Schiller of the Irish Independent to get the latest on the crash. Later Professor Niamh Hourigan of MI and UCD Researcher Donal O'Hare discuss the role social media plays in driver behaviour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 14 · 21 min
Who killed Mayo GAA fan Joe Deacy?
How did a 21-year-old London Irish man who loved his ancestral home of Mayo come to meet a violent death in the place he adored ? Mystery still surrounds how Joe Deacy ended up on the driveway of a rural house in the early hours, with serious injuries nine years ago. Barry Lenihan speaks to Fran and explains the complex and tragic story of what happened to Joe and how the family are desperate for help to find justice for their son. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 12 · 37 min
Trump's Great 'Catering Truck' Escape!
President Trump was secretly moved off Air Force One and put on another plane owing to a credible threat from Iran on July 8th. But how did the plan come together? Fran is joined by former US Secret Service agent, Bobby McDonald who reveals the thinking behind some of these decisions. Later, journalist and entrepreneur Mark Little, who travelled on Air Force One when working as RTÉ's Washington correspondent, discusses the elaborate plan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 10 · 25 min
Farming in hot weather and Nigel Farage v Count Binface
The continuing dry spells and increasing temperatures are proving a challenging environment for farmers. Host Aengus Cox speaks to Tom Curran of Teagasc to hear how farming may have to adapt to warmer summers in the future. Later, Lucy Fisher, Whitehall editor with the Financial Times, discusses the forthcoming Clacton by election where Count Binface is mounting a charge against Nigel Farage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 7 · 35 min
Meta glasses: cool tech or pervert specs? and what's happening with Hamas?
As some pubs and venues in the UK move to ban Meta glasses, Fran is joined by tech reporter, Kelly Earley to chat about the growing demand for smart specs, the use of Kylie Jenner in Meta's branding and why concerns loom large over features like secret recording. Later, Dr Julie Norman, Middle East Fellow with Chatham House speaks to Fran about Hamas and how Northern Ireland's decommissioning process is featuring in the talks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 5 · 28 min
A hot July and oil companies make billions in profit
New figures from Met Éireann show July was one of the hottest, driest and sunniest months on record. But will Irish society have to adjust to cope with the changing climate? And what does it mean for food production? Also, some of the world's largest oil companies announced huge profits despite the US-Iran war. Oisin Coghlan, policy advisor to the Irish Environmental Network joins Fran and Juilette to discuss the changing climate and what it means for government policy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 3 · 28 min
Are listed buildings holding up development?
Moore St, GPO, James Weir building, RTÉ campus: just some of the many listed buildings that are part of Ireland's heritage, but are restrictions on their use and climate obligations holding up future development of these buildings? UCD Assistant Professor of Architecture Orla Hegarty joins Fran for a chat about why buildings are protected and what can be done with some of the ones lying idle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 31 · 33 min
FIFA row, Infantino under pressure and rebuilding Gaza
As more football associations express opposition to Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell off part of the FIFA World Cup, Infantino himself is coming under pressure. Fran and Eamon are joined by Sky's Rob Harris who broke the story that a senior FIFA advisor resigned today over the plans. Rob shares his insights into the pressure coming on the FIFA President now. Later, Jim Clarken of Oxfam discusses the $71 billion price tag to rebuild Gaza. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 29 · 25 min
The sudden death of Oscar-winning musician Glen Hansard
Singer-songwriter Glen Hansard died in a motorcycle crash today. His sudden death has shocked fans and the music world at home and abroad. Music journalist, John Meagher of the Irish Independent joins Tommy Meskill to reflect on his legacy. Later, Tommy speaks to reporter Kate Varley who is in Bordeaux about the wildfires and the battle to contain them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 27 · 37 min
Mayo magic and the psychologist behind the team!
Mayo banished decades of losses and a rumoured curse to lift the Sam Maguire trophy and become All Ireland Football Champions after a wait of seventy five years. Host Brian O'Donovan speaks to reporter Damian Lawlor who was pitchside for the historic win. Later, sports psychologist to the Mayo team, Dr Rachel Sheehan talks to Brian about the win and how she worked with the players and manager Andy Moran. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 24 · 34 min
Bomb found in car near border and Dior comes to Dublin
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly has described as "extremely significant" the discovery of a bomb in car that was stopped while being driven across the border. Robin Schiller of the Irish Indo joins Fran to outline what it's known so far about the investigation. Later, fashion historian Laura Fitzachary explains why the news of Jonathan Anderson deciding to show the Autumn-Winter collection of Dior in Trinity College Dublin is global news. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 22 · 34 min
Open AI: rogue hack or hype?
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT said one of it's models had gone rogue during security testing and hacked another company, calling it an 'unprecedented cyber incident'. Professor Barry O'Sullivan of UCC Computer Science joins host Brian O'Donovan to explain the cyber hack but also whether or not, it's as big a deal as being protrayed. Later, Chief Economist with Deloitte, Kate English discusses her favourite July activity - the Summer Economic Statement! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 20 · 30 min
Britain's new PM and changes to law around E scooters use
Andy Burnham became Britain's 7th prime minister in a decade. He gave his first speech outside Downing Street and RTÉ's Fiona Mitchell joins Evelyn and Brian to discuss the day's events and what Burnham's premiership might mean for Ireland. Evelyn and Brian also discuss the significant changes to the laws around E scooter use, including banning their use for under 18s and mandatory requirement to wear hi-viz jacket and helmet from August. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 17 · 38 min
Secrets of Croke Park on All Ireland Final day!
The government plans to roll out a new digital wallet which could contain a person's driving license and other important identity documents. Tech Editor with the Irish Independent, Adrian Weckler explains how the wallet might work. And with a massive weekend of sport ahead, Fran and Eamon chat to a man who works behind the scenes at Croke Park and hear what happens on match days! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 15 · 28 min
Chawke siblings jailed for unprovoked assault
On Tuesday, Bill and Alison Chawke were given a custodial sentence for assaulting two men in a hotel in 2023. Limerick Leader senior reporter, Sandra Quinn was in the circuit court as the sentence was handed down and joins Paul to explain the case and how the brother and sister reacted to the jail sentence. Later, as the Dáil rises for summer, Political correspondent Mícheál Lehane runs through some of the highs and lows of the term. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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