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

In this final live show of 2024, Niall invites listeners to reflect on the year’s news stories that had the greatest impact—those that sparked anger, brought laughter, or even moved them to tears. From major global events to local dramas, callers share their personal highs and lows, revealing which headlines stuck with them most and why. As we close out another year, join us in looking back at the...

In this episode, Niall examines a contentious development in Athlone, where local representatives mounted a successful High Court challenge against a Ministerial Order aimed at rapidly expanding refugee accommodations. The State conceded, declaring the project an “unauthorised development.” This case raises a fundamental question: If local communities say "not in our area," who decides where refug...

In this episode, Niall examines the debate surrounding Ireland’s first medically supervised injection center for drug users. Set to open shortly in Dublin and operated by Merchants Quay Ireland as a pilot project, this facility represents a significant shift in the country’s approach to drug use. Based on models seen in countries like Switzerland and Canada, these centers aim to provide a safe, st...

In this episode, Niall tackles a divisive topic: Does the number of past sexual partners—often called “body count”—really matter when it comes to choosing a long-term partner? The conversation stems from a listener’s email detailing tension with his girlfriend after learning about her sexual history. He admits feeling shocked and “appalled,” and wonders if he’s too old-fashioned or justified in hi...

In this episode, Niall tackles a sensitive family matter: Is a husband being selfish for refusing to let his ailing mother-in-law move into their home? A listener wrote in, explaining that her 76-year-old mother lives alone and is beginning to struggle with her health. The daughter suggested having her mother move in so they can provide care, but her husband is adamant that his mother-in-law shoul...

In this episode, Niall asks a pressing question: When the war in Ukraine ends, should the refugees who’ve made Ireland their home be allowed to stay, or should they return to their homeland? As predictions suggest the conflict may soon end, the conversation turns to what happens next for those who sought refuge here. Some callers argue that Ukrainian refugees have already begun building new lives...

In this episode, Niall speaks with Cllr. Paul Hogan about the heated controversy surrounding the new temporary accommodation center at Lissywollen, Athlone. The government plans to house up to 1,000 single adult males in tents and modular units on an 11-acre site, but the decision has drawn significant criticism from local residents and elected officials, who feel blindsided by the lack of consult...

In this episode, Niall asks if parents are going overboard with Christmas spending on their children. A listener contacted the show, saying her sister plans to spend over €1,300 on an iPhone for her 13-year-old daughter—a move she finds wasteful and spoiling. Is this an example of excessive gifting, or is it just a sign of changing times? Some callers argue that parents today spend far too much, w...

In this episode, Niall confronts a harrowing personal encounter with a drunk driver who wreaked havoc on the motorway, nearly causing multiple fatalities. The incident raises a critical question: should drink driving lead to an automatic lifetime ban, or even jail time? As the conversation unfolds, some callers argue that drunk driving is too dangerous to treat lightly and believe a lifetime ban,...

In this episode, Niall asks, Should employers be legally obliged to pay a Christmas bonus? With the festive season and cost of living pressures in full swing, the debate centers on whether bonuses should be a mandatory show of appreciation or remain at the discretion of employers. Some callers argue that Christmas bonuses should be a legal requirement, as they represent more than just money—they a...

In this episode, Niall addresses a listener’s heartbreaking dilemma: What would you do if your spouse stole money to fund your children’s Christmas gifts? With the cost of living crisis weighing heavily on families, one husband resorted to theft, leaving his wife torn between protecting her family’s integrity or risking their Christmas joy. Some callers argue that theft is theft, no matter the int...

In this episode, Niall explores the challenges of living with a gambling addict, asking, Can a gambler be trusted again? The conversation is inspired by an emotional email from a listener whose husband relapsed into gambling and lost their Christmas savings. With three young children and a history of broken promises, she wonders whether to give him another chance or end the marriage for the sake o...

In this episode, Niall examines the controversial topic of euthanasia, asking, Is it a slippery slope, or do people have the right to die? Following the UK Parliament's recent vote to legalize euthanasia through the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, the discussion turns to whether Ireland should consider similar legislation. Some callers support legalizing euthanasia, arguing that it allow...

In this episode, Niall examines the complexities of forgiveness and blame in relationships, asking, If your partner cheated, would you forgive them, or is betrayal always unforgivable? Inspired by Dee Devlin’s public support of Conor McGregor after his High Court verdict, the discussion also questions whether it’s fair to blame "the other woman" in such situations. Some callers commend Dee for her...

In this episode, Meet The Candidates, with the general election just two days away, we invited a diverse group of candidates to share their visions and make their case for your vote. From Independents to party leaders, hear from those seeking to represent constituencies across Ireland. 1. Linda De Courcy Independent Ireland 2. Peadar Tóibín Td Leader Of Aontú 3. Peter Dooley Independent Dublin Bay...

In this episode, Niall dives into the public reaction to Conor McGregor’s latest legal troubles. A High Court jury recently awarded €248,603 in damages to a woman who claimed she was assaulted by McGregor in a Dublin hotel in 2018. McGregor denied the allegations, asserting that their encounter was consensual, but the case has sparked intense debate about his behavior and reputation. Some callers...

On today’s show, Niall spoke with several candidates running in the upcoming election. According to The Irish Times, support for Fine Gael has plummeted just days before the general election. The latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A opinion poll reveals that Fine Gael’s share of the vote has dropped by six points in less than two weeks, following a campaign marked by missteps. The party now trails bot...

In this episode, Niall tackles a divisive question: was a woman right to involve the Garda after noticing an elderly man sitting in a park and watching children? The debate stems from a listener’s email, sharing his conflicted feelings about his wife's decision and the assumptions behind it. The email describes how the woman, feeling uneasy about the man’s presence, reported him to the authorities...

In this powerful episode, Niall addresses a difficult question: Would You Report Your Own Child for Selling Drugs? The discussion arises from a recent story of a mother’s agonizing decision to alert the Gardaí about her son's significant cannabis stash. Senior counsel Tom Creed calls for leniency, highlighting the young man’s efforts to reform, while Judge Dara Hayes commends the mother’s crucial...

In this episode, Niall addresses the divisive question of whether a compulsory national DNA database should be established. Drawing on recent reports and expert opinions, he presents both sides of the argument surrounding this potential database. Referring to a report from the oversight body for the DNA database, led by Judge Catherine A Murphy, Niall emphasizes the database’s importance to the cr...

In this episode, Niall addresses a sensitive and complex topic that raises questions about the boundaries of love, care, and vulnerability. A mother reached out, expressing concerns about her teenage daughter’s situation. The mother describes her daughter, nearly 18, who lives with moderate to severe autism. Her daughter’s condition includes unique challenges, such as intermittent meltdowns and un...

In this episode, Niall examines a divisive issue: whether society is overly lenient with prisoners. The discussion stems from a report in The Journal about Minister Simon Harris's plans to introduce training programs for individuals convicted of minor crimes, with the goal of reducing re-offending and aiding their reintegration into society upon release. As callers share their views, contrasting o...

In this episode, Niall addresses a challenging and controversial question: Should people have the right to know if a sex offender lives in their neighborhood? This topic comes from a listener’s email and raises important points about the Gardaí’s role in sharing information about sex offenders in Ireland, especially when there’s a potential risk to the public. Niall explains the legal scope for th...

In this gripping episode, Niall tackles the controversial question: Should animal cruelty lead to prison sentences? Prompted by a recent court case, he explores the shocking story of a family found guilty of severe animal neglect under Ireland’s Animal Health and Welfare Act (AHWA) 2013. Three members of the Reilly family — Michael (27), Martin Snr (43), and Katherine (71) — received combined sent...

Niall is joined by Erika Lust, a trailblazer in the world of ethical adult cinema, who is on a mission to revolutionize how we perceive sex on screen. Known for creating films that respect agency and realism, Erika isn’t just focused on breaking stereotypes—she's out to prove that adult cinema can be both artistic and commercially successful. "Sex sells," she explains, "but it doesn’t have to sell...