Moncrieff

In Ireland and in many other countries around the world, birth rates are dropping. Singapore, which has one of the lowest rates, is throwing grants and increased parental leave in an attempt to boost this. But, what is the right answer here? Joining Seán to discuss is Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times.

For the first time in 40 years, the Annals of Inisfallen will go on display in UCC. At nearly a thousand years old, it is an account of the history of Ireland. Pádraig Ó Macháin, Professor of Modern Irish at UCC, joins Seán to discuss. Image: University College Cork

We’re looking back on the weekend and looking forward to the week ahead through the lens of these four questions: What delighted you over the weekend? What annoyed you over the weekend? What did you learn over the weekend? What are you looking forward to this week? Joining Seán to discuss is Maia Dunphy and Donal O'Donoghue!

US President Donald Trump will be arriving in Ireland next Saturday. He will have a meeting with President Catherine Connolly and the Taoiseach, before spending time in his golf course in Doonbeg for the Irish Open. Of course there will be protests, but what should our Government do about his visit? Should self interest take place over principal? Joining Seán to discuss is former Irish Ambassador...

Occasionally, you might hear about people who are super fit, but develop an illness normally associated with someone who is overweight. What is this ‘skinny fat’ phenomenon? Personal Trainer John Belton joins Seán to discuss.

The UN general assembly is due to vote on changing the world to move away from the traditional Mercator map, which shrinks the size of Africa and exaggerates northern landmasses, for a design that more accurately reflects the true size of countries. Joining Seán to discuss William Durkan booked, Lecturer in Geography and GIS at UCC.

If you’re painting or repainting your home, how should you choose your colours? Is it based simply off your favourites, or do certain colours suit a room better? Róisín Murphy, Architect and Artist, joins Seán to discuss!

A recent study found that half of Irish parents said it was a “challenge” to find “appropriate and enjoyable” books for their children and nearly a quarter of parents feel that reading with their child is a “chore”. Joining Seán to discuss how to get your child to want to read is author of ‘Milly McCarthy and the Doggy Daycare Drama’, Leona Forde…

It’s just been revealed that earlier this year the National Parks and Wildlife Service captured and destroyed seven skunks in Kildare, with the potential of there being more… Patricia Devlin, Investigative Reporter with The Journal Investigates, joins Seán to discuss.

Ireland’s first-ever solar-powered racing car has been unveiled by a team of engineering and technology students from DCU! Joining Seán to discuss the achievement and how the car works is Rían Gill, Team Manager at DCU Solar Racing. Image: @dcusolarracing on Instagram

Are the Irish friendly, or is there a deep rooted guarded side to us? Why are the Irish secretive when it comes to emotions and family matters? Are friendship circles closed to outsiders with indirect masking? And, is this based on our dark history or British Rule and the Catholic church? Henry McKean has been out asking these questions to the public, and joins Seán to share what he has heard…

Having a difficult-to-spell name, unless you legally change it, is a reminder to parents to choose carefully when picking a name for their child. Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh has been writing about this, and joins Seán to discuss.

Many of you will be aware of the pressure put on mental services in the country, but in six locations in Ireland, an additional service is offered: a solace café. Ciara Glynn is Operations Manager of the Aware Solace Café in Dublin, and joins Seán to discuss how it works. Helplines: Samaritans 116 123 Pieta House 24-Hour Crisis Helpline:1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444

According to a recently published scientific study, the blackbird has the sweetest birdsong, but is that really true? And why do we like the sounds birds make? Niall Hatch, Head of communications and development with Birdwatch Ireland, joins Seán to discuss.

It’s been widely reported by the daughter of French First Lady Brigitte Macron, who is 42, has a new boyfriend 20 years younger than her. This follows the pattern of her mother, who is 25 years older than Emmanuel Macron. It begs the question: do these relationships last? How much of a factor is age, and when does it become an issue? Joining Seán to discuss is Mairead Loughman, Matchmaker with Lov...

There is something strange happening in the world of professional tennis, and it’s nothing to do with the game. Increasingly, players are showing up to matches wearing elaborate outfits, jewellery and representing brands… So, why is this happening, and why are players doing it? Sonia Twigg, Women's Sports Reporter with the Telegraph, joins Seán to discuss.

Every Wednesday, Seán will be joined by someone to hear unusual stories on heinous crimes… This week, Cassie Delaney joins to discuss cases involving dodgy doctors!

Foreigners who want to become Irish citizens will face language proficiency tests under proposed new rules. Is this something that is needed? Joining Seán to discuss is Neil Bruton, Director of the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland.

Not only can you have gravy on your dinner, you can wrestle in it too! The World Gravy Championships have been taking place for nearly 20 years in the UK, with this year’s event finishing up yesterday. Kay, AKA ‘Granny Granules’, has been competing for six years, and joins Seán to discuss how it works!

If you are a regular cook - what is your favourite type of hob? Gas seems to be the choice of the professionals, but apparently, induction is becoming the new norm… Joning Seán to discuss is JP McMahon, Chef, Restaurateur and author.

A British warship and a helicopter designed to hunt submarines have been deployed off the coast of Co Wicklow as part of a security operation surrounding the meeting of EU Defence Ministers in Druids Glen… Joining Seán to discuss this is Conor Gallagher, Crime Correspondent with the Irish Times.

Today is World Letter Writing Day, and to mark the occasion, Seán is joined by Liz Maguire, creator and curator of FleatmarketLoveLetters.com , to discuss the joys of writing letters!

Judy Garland, one of the most celebrated performers of Hollywood’s Golden Age and star of the iconic Wizard of Oz, is the subject of a brand-new play, detailing a life cut tragically short. Conor Hanratty, Director of ‘End of the Rainbow’, joins Seán to discuss.

Most people might not be aware, but Ireland did revel in the Roaring Twenties. We had burgeoning dance halls, a thriving jazz scene and yes, we even had Irish flappers! Joining Tom Dunne to discuss is Louise Ryan, Professor of Sociology at the University of Greenwich and Co-Editor, with Dr Eileen Hogan of UCC, of ‘Flappers and the Jazz Age: Women and Leisure in Ireland in the 1920s-30s’.

A 70-year-old Irish sailor is preparing to embark on one of the loneliest and most dangerous challenges in world sport. A grandfather from West Kerry, is aiming to complete the 2026 Golden Globe Race, which starts in France on Saturday… Pat Lawless joins to discuss!