The Niall Boylan Podcast (They Told Me To Shut Up)

Host Niall dives into one of the most controversial questions facing communities today: Should the public be informed if a convicted sex offender or paedophile moves into their area after release from prison? Inspired by laws like Megan’s Law in the United States, the phone lines light up with passionate callers eager to share their opinions. Some listeners argue that transparency is a matter of s...

In this episode, Niall tackles a controversial question: Should parents be fined when their children commit crimes? It comes as new figures show the number of children referred to the Irish Probation Service in 2024 hit its highest level in ten years — with 609 cases involving 12 to 17-year-olds, a 10% jump from the previous year. The rise is part of a wider trend of increasing youth crime, sparki...

On this episode, Niall dives into a question that’s dividing opinion: Has Ireland’s public transport gotten so bad that we now need a dedicated police force to patrol it? It follows news from Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien that recruitment for a new uniformed Transport Security Unit could start by the end of next year. The force would be separate from the gardaí but have powers of arrest, dete...

In this powerful episode, Niall sits down with Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín to discuss the tragic case of nine-year-old Harvey Morrison Sherratt, who died at the end of July after waiting years for a scoliosis operation. Peadar outlines the failures in Ireland’s healthcare system that left Harvey without the care he desperately needed and explains why he is calling for then–Health Minister Simon Har...

In this episode, Niall opens the lines to discuss a hot-button issue: Child Benefit. Currently set at €140 a month per child and paid universally—regardless of income—this payment also increases for twins, triplets, and other multiple births. But should wealthier families earning over €100,000 a year still receive it? Or should that money be redirected to boost payments for low-income families ins...

In this episode, Niall puts the question to listeners — and to guest Karl Deeter — whether more investment in the Irish language is money well spent. The conversation kicks off with Deputy Ryan O’Meara’s proposal for a mandatory Gaeltacht course for all Leaving Cert students, aimed at boosting fluency and transforming attitudes towards Irish. Callers weigh in with a range of views: One argues that...

When a distressed parent emails Niall about her 20-year-old daughter joining OnlyFans, the phone lines light up. In the studio, Niall is joined by Samaria — an OnlyFans creator and performer — to unpack the controversy. Callers share raw, unfiltered views: Some say it’s empowering for women to control their image, set their own prices, and earn financial independence without traditional job constr...

In this thought-provoking episode, Niall speaks with the author of a recent article that questions the direction of Ireland’s education system—and, more broadly, our national identity. The discussion focuses on the updated early years curriculum Aistear, which curiously credits babies as participants in its development, and introduces the idea of raising “agentic global citizens.” Are we losing si...

In this heated and often hilarious episode, Niall opens the phone lines to listeners with one thing in common—they’ve all been clamped. Whether caught overstaying in a private car park or parking illegally on city streets, they share their stories of frustration, fury, and, in some cases, acceptance. Some callers vent about predatory private clamping companies, sky-high release fees, and the feeli...

In this episode of the show, Niall dives into one of Ireland's most controversial legislative proposals — the Occupied Territories Bill. The bill would ban trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, a move hailed by some as a powerful stand for human rights — and criticised by others as a dangerous gamble with Ireland’s economy and international trade. Is this a bold a...

In today’s thought-provoking episode, Niall opens the phone lines and asks a big question: Are zoos still relevant in the 21st century — or is it time we phased them out? As the debate heats up, callers from across the country weigh in with passionate and diverse opinions. 📞 One caller defends zoos, saying they play a vital role in conservation and education — giving children a chance to connect...

On today's show, Niall opens the phone lines to discuss a heated dilemma from a listener that's got families divided. After a tough year and tight finances, a husband surprises his wife with a fully paid two-week holiday to Alicante. Sounds perfect… until she realizes it’s just for the two of them — no kids. Now she's furious, calling it selfish and saying she’d never leave her children behind for...

In this thought-provoking episode, Niall sits down with barrister Dominic Wilkinson to unpack the current status of hate speech laws in Ireland and the growing pressure from the European Union to implement legislation that many see as controversial and deeply unpopular. Ireland has taken a step back from enacting full hate speech laws, opting instead to split the legislation from hate crime provis...

In this episode, Niall sits down with Chris O’Reilly from the Liberty Soup Run, a grassroots group that has been serving Dublin’s homeless community for the past 7 years. With 30 volunteers and two vans operating five nights a week, Liberty Soup Run provides not only food but a vital lifeline to people living rough on the streets. Chris shares powerful insights into the day-to-day work of the team...

In this thought-provoking episode, Niall sits down with outspoken journalist Ian O'Doherty to unpack the controversial crackdown on so-called "dodgy boxes" — devices that allow illegal streaming of sports, movies, and premium TV content. With the Data Protection Commission now engaging with Sky over the company's use of personal data to pursue illegal streamers, questions are swirling. Is this a l...

In this powerful and emotional episode of The Open Line with Niall, we ask the question: Are age gaps in relationships a real concern—or just social bias? Niall reads a gripping email from a distressed mother whose 19-year-old son—fresh into college—has fallen head over heels for a woman twice his age. Julie, 39 (or so she claims), is divorced with two children and has asked him to move in. The mo...

In this explosive episode of The Open Line with Niall, we dive deep into the reaction to Niall’s viral tweet from the day before: "I’ve reached the point where I’m done worrying about young people leaving this country. In fact, I’d urge them to get out while they still can because if they stay, they’ll end up homeless, broke, and stuck in a system that offers them nothing. No hope, no future, just...

In this emotionally charged episode, Niall dives into one of the most talked-about travel debates: Should plus-size passengers be required to book an extra seat on flights? Inspired by viral content from plus-size travel influencer Kirsty Leanne, who unapologetically refuses to pay for more space—even when it upsets fellow passengers—Niall opens the lines and gives listeners the mic. With passiona...

In this fiery episode, Niall opens the phone lines to callers across the country to weigh in on the government’s decision not to raise the Jobseeker’s Allowance in Budget 2026. While pensioners look set for an increase, the unemployed have been left out – and people have a lot to say about it. With contributions from concerned citizens, former jobseekers, employers, and advocacy groups, we explore...

In this heated and thought-provoking episode, Niall opens the phone lines to tackle one of the most controversial questions facing parents, educators, and lawmakers today: Should young children between the ages of 8 and 16 receive sex and relationship education in school? As society changes and kids are exposed to more information — and misinformation — at younger ages, the debate intensifies: Sho...

In this thought-provoking episode, Niall asks a powerful and controversial question: Should we still listen to the music of artists accused or convicted of serious crimes — especially against children? From R. Kelly to Gary Glitter, Michael Jackson to others, their work has left an undeniable mark on pop culture — but should their songs still be played on the radio? And what about movie stars accu...

On todays episode with Niall, we’re diving into one of Ireland’s most contentious and emotionally charged questions: Has the Catholic Church, despite its well-documented failures, actually done more good than bad? Niall is joined in studio by journalist Jason Osborne to unpack a provocative column written by Laura Perrins, published in Gript. In her piece, Perrins argues that it has become too eas...

In this emotionally charged episode of Late Lines with Niall, we hear from a heartbroken single mother who discovered drugs in her teenage son’s bedroom. After confronting him, he admitted to selling them at school — not to use them — but to make money and ease the financial pressure on their struggling household. The twist? The drugs didn’t belong to him… and now, the dealer wants them back — or...

In this episode, Niall dives into one of the most heated discussions in Ireland today: Should the Constitution be changed to guarantee every citizen the right to housing? Broadcasting live, Niall opens the lines to callers from across the country—and the opinions couldn't be more divided. Some callers strongly support the idea: “Housing should be a basic right, not a privilege,” says Mary from Gal...

In this gripping episode, Niall reads out a real email from a listener caught between loyalty and legality. The listener's brother—already sitting on 9 penalty points—was caught speeding again and is now begging him to take the fall by accepting the penalty points on his own licence. “He says he was only doing 135 km/h on the M1 and can’t afford to lose his licence with work being so far away,” th...