The Nine O'Clock Show

Mayo man David McIntyre came up with an idea that would make the school day easier for countless children, including his own children. Cubbie is a self-contained hub which is adapted for the sensory needs of each user.

Jackie Lynam turned 50 at the end of last year. Her 50 at 50 list sees her making it a year to remember, with a nod to the significant milestone, whether it's a walk at the Blessington Basin or theatre visit with friends. "Traces" is Jackie's essay and poetry collection.

Rowena Riley's family research brought her to the nineteenth century and the Joseph Sprott shipwreck off the West Cork coast.

On this week's show, Shay Byrne was joined by a Limerick woman who found her dream job as a screenwriter, Mark Wogan, the former chef and now broadcaster talks about his foodie podcast "Spooning" and a woman who discovered that her family history connected her to a nineteenth century shipwreck off the coast of Cork.

Niteline is a confidential student support line. The student-led service provides a listening service to many universities and colleges on issues from mental health to loneliness. Further information available from niteline.ie

As the son of a famous broadcaster, Mark Wogan initially shied away from broadcasting. Now the former chef has made a foodie podcast. "Spooning" challenges guests food likes and dislikes in novel ways.

The "Hometown Architect" puts the spotlight on local towns and villages having their own architect. Mark Ruddy's project was granted €10,000 for his hometown of Belmullett. Further details from reimagineplace.ie/open-call/

Robyn Byrne led the Irish Women's team to victory at the the World Darts Federation World Cup in October. The darts captain tells us what to expect from Luke Littler ahead of the World Championship final at the Ally Pally tonight.

Randel Hodkinson is a third-generation ecclesiastical decorator. His great great grandfather James Hodkinson set up the business in 1852. Meticulous archiving of his restoration designs have ensured the tradition lives on to this day with Randel and his sons.

Sinéad Collopy found her dream job. She swapped a career as a social worker for screenwriting. Hidden Assets and Smother are amongst her writing credits. While "Every Five Miles" looks at trafficking and is available on the RTÉ player.

Jacqui Smith is the National Fostering Lead for Tusla. She talks to Brendan about how to become a foster carer. Further information from Tusla.ie or call 1800 226 771.

Brendan is feeling the Christmas cheer as he tests Matthew and Laura on their Christmas knowledge to win €100 of Just Eat vouchers.

Brendan Courtney was joined by Paddy O’Brien who helps the homeless, harpist Marina Cassidy and music therapy, Fiona O'Regan on helping others at Christmas time, pilot Laura Russell became the first Irish female to take part in the World Advanced Aerobatic Championships and Jacqui Smith of Tusla talks about how to become a foster carer.

Alfie shares his mother's letter to his aunt, dated 6th of November 1948. He chats to Brendan about bygone times when turkeys, geese and bacon were posted to family living abroad.

Jamie Farrell is the owner of Costcutter in Tyrellspass and a staff nurse in Jame's Hospital. Despite a busy workload, he will deliver free cooked Christmas dinners to 221 families in Westmeath and Offally this Christmas.

Laura Russell became the first Irish female to take part in the World Advanced Aerobatic Championships last month in Las Vegas.

On Monday's show Brendan spoke to Paddy O'Brien in Cork about older people and loneliness. Fiona O'Regan was inspired to get in touch with her local nursing home ahead of the Christmas period.

"The Art of the Stitch" exhibition honours Maude Kearney, one of the driving forces behind Limerick lace. Grania McElligott has now donated hundreds of her grandmother's pieces to Limerick Museum. The exhibition runs until 31st January 2024.

Sara tells Brendan about her family's Christmas tradition. The "Pineapple Sweepstake" is a Christmas Day tradition passed down from generation to generation.

Marina Cassidy is a renowned Irish harpist, a vocalist and music therapist. Her lifelong love of music led to helping patients through the profound effect of music therapy.

Founded in 1892, Jackie Leonard and Sons is one of the country's oldest fruit and veg wholesalers. Justin Leonard is the fourth generation of the family to run the business and he joined Brendan to talk about produce, the old markets and the best way to prepare sprouts.

Paddy O'Brien has been advocating for the elderly for over 60 years. He spoke to Brendan about this work and how everyone can help their neighbours this Christmas.

On this week's show: A Facebook group designed to keep women safe while dating in New York; Dearbháil Lawless on the role education has played in her life; Ali Wheeler told us how her knicker designs ended up in a Jean Paul Gaultier ad; Oscar longlisted short film director Lochlainn McKenna and Dr Marion McGarry on Christmas traditions and customs.

Valerie called in to to celebrate her recently retired postman Michael

Dr Marion McGarry, a lecturer at the Atlantic Technological University in Galway and author of “Irish Customs and Rituals”, explains the Irish traditions we turn to in the dark winter months.