The Indo Daily

The Irish killer, the Budapest murder, the spy camera and the 1,000-woman tally 17.07.2026 24min

In early November 2024, Dublin man Lorcan Tadgh Murphy was in a bar in downtown Budapest, scanning the room. He was alone, supposedly in the city on business, but something of a more personal nature else caught his eye. Among the patrons in the bar that evening was a 31-year-old American nurse by the name of Mackenzie Michalski. She was enjoying her last night out as her trip around Europe came to an end. Across the room, Michalski and Murphy made eye contact and a flirtation began. The pair later moved to a nightclub before heading back together to Murphy’s nearby apartment. Hours later, Mackenzie Michalski was dead, and a panicked Murphy was frantically trying to get his story straight. But the life of Lorcan Murphy, now serving a lengthy prison sentence in Hungary, has since been revealed to be far more sinister than anyone first realised, as details emerged of covert recordings and an expressed ambition to sleep with 1,000 women. On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Katie Byrne is joined by Sunday Independent senior correspondent Maeve Sheehan to discuss a shocking murder in the Hungarian capital, and why the killer was named in Ireland despite reporting restrictions abroad. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Am I going to jail?" – disbelief in court as Chawke siblings imprisoned over brutal assault 16.07.2026 21min

As Bill and Alison Chawke waited outside courtroom number three in Limerick Circuit Court on Tuesday morning, their mood appeared upbeat. However, a short time later, as Judge Fiona O’Sullivan started to talk about prison time, the reality of their situation dawned on them, and shock quickly became visible on their faces. The son and daughter of prominent publican Charlie Chawke were in court for a vicious assault they launched on two men at the Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare, Co Limerick, in November 2023. Both victims were left with physical and mental injuries. The Chawkes own some of the country’s best-known pubs, with Bill and Alison heavily involved in the family business, and seemingly highly respected in their industry. And yet today, mother-of-three Alison and recent newlywed Bill find themselves behind bars. So, what does it all mean for the Chawke empire? On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Kevin Doyle is joined by Catherine Fegan, special correspondent with the Irish Independent, and by senior journalist at the Irish Independent, Sean Pollock to discuss the trial and the fallout that now awaits one of Ireland’s most successful families. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ann Widdecombe killed in ‘targeted attack’, say counter-terrorism police 14.07.2026 29min

The murder of firebrand politician Ann Widdecombe has sent shockwaves through the British establishment, prompting fresh debate around the safety of public figures.   An unapologetic straight-talking stateswoman, Widdecombe served as an MP for 23 years, and was famed for controversial outspoken views on abortion, gay rights and women’s issues.   Despite her divisive nature, Widdecombe managed to win fans away from the political arena thanks to a memorable run on Strictly Come Dancing and other unlikely forays into reality TV.  Now, as the investigation into her murder evolves into a terrorism probe, serious questions are being asked of the authorities in Britain, not least by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who called attention to the need for more money to be spent on security for public figures just days before Widdecombe’s death.   On Tuesday evening, counter-terrorism police in the UK stated that the murder of Ann Widdecombe is officially recognised as a “targeted attack” while noting that it has “not been declared as a terrorist incident”.  On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by TRT World presenter Enda Brady to discuss the latest on the investigation, and to look at the sometimes contradictory life of Ann Widdecombe and an increasingly threatening climate for politicians.  The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can view our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamey Carney murder: Boyfriend of American mother-of-one detained in Jordan 13.07.2026 15min

The boyfriend of murdered American mother-of-one Jamey Carney has been detained in Jordan, the Irish Independent understands. Ahmad al-Saqar is a person of interest to the garda investigation into the murder of Ms Carney. The dramatic development came as gardai have made rapid progress in their murder probe with significant forensic, CCTV and witness evidence obtained. Sources indicated that the 28 year old man has been detained in Jordan over the past 48 hours. Ireland does not have an extradition treaty with Jordan and no Irish arrest warrant has been issued in respect of the Killarney murder as yet. The detention was made by Jordan’s Public Security Directorate. The whereabouts of Ahmad Al-Samar, had been unknown. He is “a person of interest” for gardaí as he spent time with Ms Carney between July 4-6. Gardai now believe the Jordanian was with Ms Carney on Monday evening, the night she was fatally assaulted. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is RTÉ a sinking ship? Boycotts, 'bailouts' and bygone eras 13.07.2026 25min

RTÉ look to be further floundering in their finances. Director General Kevin Bakhurst appeared before the Public Accounts Committee last week looking for extra funding from Government. The reason? “Volatility” in TV licence-fee revenue. Over one in five households now do not own a TV, which means the broadcaster needs an extra €54.79m this year from the exchequer, up from €41.3m last year. But as the number of households without a television continues to grow, is the licence fee becoming a relic of a bygone era? And in a world of streaming services, social media and endless digital content, can RTÉ survive today's media landscape? On today’s The Indo Daily, Tessa Fleming is joined by Irish Independent Technology Editor, Adrian Weckler, Entertainment correspondent for the Irish Independent, Melanie Finn and political reporter at the Irish Independent, Aisling Moloney to examine the future of the TV licence, and whether the broadcaster is facing yet another financial reckoning. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism correspondent for the Irish Independent, Melanie Finn and political reporter at the Irish Independent, Aisling Moloney to examine the future of the TV licence, and whether the broadcaster is facing yet another financial reckoning. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maybe it’s time to ban e-scooters in Ireland 12.07.2026 25min

Electric scooters were once seen as the future of urban transport, but growing safety concerns are changing the conversation. Todays episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast The Big Tech Show, as Adrian Weckler is joined by former Fine Gael TD Noel Rock to discuss whether electric scooters have become too dangerous for Irish roads. They examine rising injury numbers, gaps in enforcement, why existing rules are failing, and whether tighter regulation is enough or if Ireland should consider banning them altogether. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conor McGregor: Why does America keep giving the disgraced fighter a platform? 10.07.2026 20min

It’s fight week, and Conor McGregor has come out swinging. ‘The Notorious’ finally steps back into a UFC octagon this weekend for a main event match-up, and while some are questioning his physical prowess, his microphone game remains as brash as ever. Sat in front of the media once more, McGregor espoused his divine beliefs, proclaimed his innocence and once again weighed in on Ireland’s immigration debate. This weekend’s event will have plenty of eyes on it, but should Conor McGregor be allowed fight at all? Or granted a platform of this size to spread his views, for that matter? And why are American fans and fixtures so happy to assist in his rehabilitation tour? On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Dave Hanratty is joined by sports and entertainment journalist Andy McCarroll to look at a much-criticised return to the octagon. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Extra - Jamey Carney murder: Suspect flew from Ireland to Turkey within hours of her death 09.07.2026 12min

The chief suspect in the murder of American mother-of-one Jamey Carney (43) flew from Ireland to Turkey within hours of her death. It has now emerged that the 28-year-old man got a bus from Killarney to Dublin within three hours of the death of the New York native. He then booked a last-minute flight from Dublin Airport to Istanbul in Turkey on Tuesday morning - and is now believed to be working with contacts to cross from Turkey to either Syria or Jordan. The man is understood to have extensive contacts in the region. Today on this Indo Daily Extra, Tessa Fleming is joined by Irish Independent southern correspondent Ralph Riegel, to hear the latest developments. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeffrey Donaldson: ‘Disturbing’ Snapchat filters and new allegations 09.07.2026 24min

The Jeffrey Donaldson scandal has taken another turn, with the former DUP leader now set to face a fresh investigation. New allegations have emerged of a sexual assault involving a woman at the party's Westminster offices. More details have also come to light about Donaldson's conduct throughout his years in politics as former colleagues speak out about his inappropriate behaviour. Is it open season on Jeffrey Donaldson where every rumour is fair game? And why has it taken until now for people to break their silence? On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Kevin Doyle is joined by Sam McBride, Northern Ireland editor of the Belfast Telegraph, to discuss a seemingly ever-expanding list of accusations. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nigel Farage gives “two fingers” and resigns... kind of – a strange day in UK politics 07.07.2026 24min

Reeling from an investigation into his finances, Nigel Farage has gone on the offensive. In a public address on Tuesday afternoon, the Reform UK leader announced his intention to resign as an MP in order to trigger a by-election that he intends to contest. “This will be a people versus the establishment by-election,” Farage said. “It's a chance to stick two fingers up to the entire establishment, to frankly tell them where to go,” he added, noting that he will “fight to win” and “continue the political revolution that Reform has started” in the UK. The move has been heavily criticised by opponents, with outgoing prime minister Keir Starmer labelling it a “desperate stunt” and stating that Farage is “up to his neck in sleaze”. So, can Farage managed to turn the accusations against him into a conspiracy and turn the raging tide to his advantage? And who is ‘Posh George’, the man whose association with Farage has caused such media scrutiny and public pressure? On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Kevin Doyle is joined by TRT World presenter Enda Brady to ask if Farage is redefining the idea of politics being a risky business. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project.  You can view our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fast cars, fake fortunes: Infamous 'Ferrari Fugitives' brothers' Irish network 07.07.2026 21min

They flaunted Ferraris, private jets and a billionaire lifestyle. The Cartu brothers are accused of running one of the world's largest alleged investment frauds while projecting a glamorous lifestyle online. But the story doesn't end in the US. Katie Byrne and Eamon Dillon trace the companies, assets and investigations that connect Ireland to the case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Extra: Former swimming coach George Gibney convicted of sexually abusing four girls more than 50 years ago 06.07.2026 13min

For more than 30 years, the name George Gibney has haunted Irish swimming. The former national swimming coach left Ireland in the 1990s after a prosecution against him was halted, leaving many of those who said they were abused by him without the day in court they had waited for. Today, after decades of investigations, legal battles, failed hopes and unanswered questions, Gibney has been convicted of sexually abusing young girls more than 50 years ago. This afternoon, a Central Criminal Court jury found the 77-year-old guilty of multiple counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. He had already pleaded guilty to five further counts of indecent assault at the outset of the trial. He will be sentenced later this month. Host: Kevin Doyle, Guest: Chalkie White We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The brutal unsolved murder of Charles Self and its impact on Ireland’s gay community 06.07.2026 26min

Creative and hard-working, Charles Self moved to Ireland in the late 1970s when he was poached from the BBC for an enviable role at RTÉ. As the lead set designer on the then-thriving Late Late Show, Self was able to mould the flagship programme to his creative vision. Popular with his colleagues and in line for a pay rise, Self was flying high, until his life was tragically cut short in 1982 following a violent and frenzied attack that had major implications for Ireland’s gay community. On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Katie Byrne is joined by Sunday Independent journalist Liam Collins to look back at the brutal, still unsolved murder of Charles Self. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can view our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The curious case of Mark Zuckerberg 05.07.2026 27min

Who is Mark Zuckerberg really? Is he the awkward, robotic tech billionaire seen in public, or something very different behind closed doors? Todays Indo Daily is brought to you by The Big Tech Show, as Sheera Frenkel, Pulitzer Prize winning New York Times journalist and co-author of the bestselling An Ugly Truth: Inside Facebook's Battle for Domination, joins Adrian to examine the Meta chief's personality, upbringing and leadership style. From his privileged childhood and early coding obsession to Facebook's move fast culture, Zuckerberg's rise is a story of relentless ambition, fierce control and extraordinary resilience. Why you can trust the Irish Independent: learn about our editorial guidelines and AI useSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gay saunas and projectile vomiting: Jeffrey Donaldson’s alleged double life 03.07.2026 25min

As Jeffrey Donaldson was found guilty last week of 18 child sex offences including rape, the carefully constructed image of a clean-living, evangelical Presbyterian was finally fully shattered after two years of horrifying revelations. As he awaits sentencing, Donaldson’s double life has been further exposed, with fresh damaging allegations and testimonies emerging at pace. Meanwhile, serious questions are being asked – what did people know, and why are some only now breaking their silence? On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Tessa Fleming is joined by Belfast Telegraph crime correspondent Allison Morris to discuss Jeffrey Donaldson’s life of deception and contradiction. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can view our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riad Bouchaker Guilty: How Parnell Square stabbing sparked riots, reshaped policing and fuelled the far-right 01.07.2026 22min

Riad Bouchaker has been found guilty of all eight counts against him, including the attempted murder of three children on Parnell Square East in 2023. The attacks sparked riots across Dublin city and left one girl with a devastating, life-long brain injury. The jury spent about five hours over two days considering their verdicts, which were unanimous in relation to each count. Bouchaker, of no fixed address, had denied the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, and assault causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn, at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23rd, 2023.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘Irish orphan’ Nicholas Rossi – his fake death, his real death and his web of lies 01.07.2026 25min

Last week, 38-year-old convicted rapist Nicholas Rossi died in a Utah hospital while under police custody. Rossi (born Nicholas Alahverdian) operated under several aliases, including Arthur Knight, purportedly an orphan from Ireland. He was first reported dead six years ago, with a Boston Globe obituary among the write-ups. But he wasn’t actually deceased. He was alive and very much aware that he was on the FBI’s radar. Having fled to Scotland, Rossi became the subject of an Interpol Red Notice and increased media attention, with interviews and identities colliding as his web of lies was exposed. “Nicholas Rossi was clever, but then he was very stupid in other ways,” says investigative journalist and podcaster Jane MacSorley, who has worked on the story since the beginning of 2022. On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by MacSorley, who details her own encounter with Nicholas Rossi and explores the numerous complications and contradictions of his life. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drones, cyber-attacks and Putin's war: Is Micheál Martin's EU Presidency a poisoned chalice? 30.06.2026 21min

Putin's war. Drones in Irish skies. The threat of cyber-attacks. As Ireland takes the helm of the EU, Micheál Martin faces six months of added pressure. Is this moment a golden opportunity, or a poisoned chalice? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dialog: Inside Peter Thiel's secret Irish gathering 29.06.2026 26min

What do you get when you gather tech billionaires, political insiders and some of the world's most powerful people behind closed doors? The answer is Dialog,  an invitation-only network so secretive that, if you've never heard of it, that's probably by design. Co-founded by billionaire investor Peter Thiel, the man behind PayPal and the controversial data company Palantir, Dialog is bringing its annual gathering to a plush Wicklow resort in August. The agenda includes preparing for World War III, building a cult, and a session simply titled, "How's Your Sex Life?" So what exactly is Dialog, who is Peter Thiel, and why has this event caused so much controversy? Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guests: Darragh Nolan and Kim Bielenberg We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeffrey Donaldson: Allison Morris on what we couldn’t report while trial was ongoing 28.06.2026 44min

Jeffrey Donaldson has begun his new life in Maghaberry Prison. Donaldson and his wife, Eleanor, are set to be stripped of their honours. The former MP and DUP leader, Jeffrey Donaldson was found guilty of 18 child sex offences on Monday - including one count of rape. The 63-year-old had pleaded not guilty, but the jury of seven men and five considered its verdicts for ten hours over three days, believing his victims. His wife Eleanor Donaldson was found to have committed the acts relating to offences of aiding and abetting following a trial of the facts. This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast The BelTel, as Allison Morris joined Ciarán Dunbar to talk about what she couldn’t report while the trial was ongoing. This podcast was originally published on Tuesday July 23rd 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.