The Group Chat: Recent Episodes
Virgin Media News
An all new podcast from Virgin Media News featuring Gavan Reilly, Zara King and Richard Chambers. Each week, join the gang as they discuss the latest and breaking news. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts.
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Richard, Gavan and Zara discuss the impact of Aer Lingus pilot's industrial action on the company and holidaymakers.
Eamon Ryan stepping down as Green Party leader has created a tight race between Roderic O'Gorman and Pippa Hackett.
And "Bí Cineálta": Norma Foley's new scheme to tackle bullying in schools.
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Richard and Zara join Gavan to discuss the ongoing counts for MEPs in the Ireland South and Midlands-Northwest constituencies.
They also analyse the results of the local elections and what they mean for the major parties.
And Gavan speaks with Will Dalton from Virgin Media Sport for his perspective on Irish athletics and the recent results in the European Championships.
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Richard, Gavan and Zara discuss the upcoming local and European elections and what the newest exit polls may suggest.
Nigel Farage is making an ambitious 8th try for a position in the UK parliament in the July election.
And Gail Platt is leaving Coronation Street; the group reflects on the character over the years.
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Richard, Gavan and Zara speak with Dr Jilan Abdalmajid, Palestine's Ambassador to Ireland, for her first in-studio interview after Ireland's recognition of Palestinian statehood and discuss the most recent tragedy in Rafah.
RTÉ 2FM is facing significant challenges following a series of departures by its top talent.
And do you trust Temu? The group discusses the online retail giant.
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Richard, Gavan and Zara discuss Ireland's recognition of Palestine as a state and what it means for future relations with Israel.
A report by the Housing Commission and the lack of politicians knocking on doors could have impacts on the upcoming election.
And did OpenAI steal Scarlett Johansson's voice?
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Richard and Zara discuss the drama surrounding the New York Portal and its recent closure.
They talk with journalists Jen Hogan and Patrick Freyne about how teenagers are reacting to what they see on TikTok.
And Piers Morgan enters the discourse around Baby Reindeer.
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Richard, Gavan and Zara speak with Khalid el-Astal about his struggle to get his family out of Gaza.
Three new reports have a recommended a number of changes in RTE.
And can Bambie Thug win the Eurovison for Ireland for the first time in almost 30 years?
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Richard, Gavan and Zara discuss the Mount Street migration and the rising tensions between Ireland and the UK over immigration policy.
The results of the Aoife Johnston Inquest has put University Hospital Limerick under pressure.
And a new report commissioned by the French government has recommended that children be banned from having a smartphone until 13 and social media until 18.
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Gavan and Zara speak with Selina and Louise McDermott for their reactions to the findings of the Stardust Inquest and the subsequent state apology.
Richard reports from the inquest into the death of teenager Aoife Johnston at University Hospital Limerick.
And they also discuss the difficulties facing the new recycling scheme and the demise of DVDs.
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Richard, Gavan and Zara discuss the conflict between Israel and Iran and speculation that it could lead to a world war.
The group speaks to one Kerry farmer, who is spending €3,000 a month on fodder because of the recent spell of bad weather.
And "Scoop" throws the group for a loop.
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Zara, Richard and Gavan look at the housing promises being made by new Taoiseach Simon Harris.
They're also joined by James Kavanagh to hear about his own house hunting experience with his partner on "The Great Inspo Home Adventure" and how the Taoiseach's promises don't fill him with confidence.
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Richard, Gavan and Zara discuss the attack on an aid convoy in Gaza.
A new study has highlighted the struggles of those with autism.
And 'Gourmet Gangster': Christy Kinahan's Google Reviews.
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Richard, Gavan and Zara discuss the communication skills of incoming Taoiseach Simon Harris.
They look at how Paris is revitalizing its city centre.
And does the Britain's Royal press team have questions to answer over the Kate Middleton drama?
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Leo Varadkar has announced his decision to step down as Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader. Gavan and Zara take the podcast to Leinster House to discuss a massive day in Irish politics.
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Richard and Zara speak to ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship about Kate Middleton's now infamous Mother's Day photo.
They discuss the career of Charlie Bird, who passed away this week.
And Cillian Murphy makes Oscar history by being the first Irish-born star to win Best Actor.
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Gavan, Richard and Zara discuss the Taoiseach's upcoming trip to Washington for St. Patrick's Day.
Is Cillian Murphy on the home-stretch for an Oscar this weekend?
And Ireland goes to the polls; we answer your referendum questions.
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Gavan, Richard and Zara discuss the latest cost of living survey by Barnardos.
Calls for so-called "coffin drug" to be made a controlled substance.
And the house were Saltburn was filmed is under siege.
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Richard and Gavan speak to Ibrahim Alagha and his son Sami about how they're adjusting to life back in Ireland since they fled Gaza.
Dublin's long awaited Metrolink is back on track
And the group discuses the latest financial controversy to hit RTÉ
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Ireland and Spain have written to the President of the EU Commission asking for sanctions against Israel, but will it make a difference?
Zara, Gavan and Richard look at the rising cost of the new National Children's Hospital.
And questions about Joe Biden's age continue, a new poll says most Americans think he's too old for the White House
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Richard, Zara and Gavan talk to ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship about the recent cancer diagnosis for King Charles and what it means for Britain's royal family.
Why the conflict in the Middle East has hit the sales of McDonald's.
And more than three decades after it was first released, Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" has become a viral sensation.
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Gavan, Zara and Richard discus the new deal to restore the government in Northern Ireland and the recent slide in support for Sinn Féin
And the group also looks at the fallout from the publication of explicit AI generated deepfakes of Taylor Swift
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The International Court of Justice has today issued orders to Israel about the conduct of its war in Gaza - saying it was clear that the threshold for preventative measures had been met.
But, in practice, what does that mean? Is Israel likely to comply with this ruling? What change will it make for the people of Gaza? And is a point coming where other countries like Ireland could get involved?
Alanna O'Malley, an associate professor from the University of Leiten and an expert in the history of international organisations, joined the group to explain what happened today – and what comes next
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Richard, Gavan and Zara discuss media literacy around the conflict in Gaza
The upcoming referendums, what you need to know
Reverse vending machines, how will they work?
And the buzz around the Oscars from Irish hopefuls to Barbie snubs
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Protests continue over plans to house International Protection applicants in Roscrea in Tipperary.
"Cuckoo funds" that are buying up properties are back on the political agenda.
And Zara, Richard and Gavan have watched "Saltburn" and they have thoughts.
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As hospitals see their traditional January surge in demand, we speak to one doctor on the frontline.
South Africa is taking Israel to the International Court of Justice.
And everyone is talking about Barry Keoghan and Saltburn.
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Peter McGann & Fionnuala Jay join to recap on the most significant news stories of 2023.
They talk Ryan Tubridy & the RTE scandal, the downfall of Phillip & Holly, live TV slip ups and a huge year for Taylor Swift.
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Zelensky's approval ratings have slumped down to around 32% in Ukraine. What does their head of armed forces have to do with it?
A deal has been struck at COP28 but it's difficult not to be cynical. Big updates in the procurement of facial recognition for Gardaí.
Clothing brand Zara is under fire following an insensitive & tasteless ad campaign.
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In the wake of the vote of surviving her vote no confidence does, Minister Helen McEntee stand a chance at regaining law and order?
Is it finally time for something new? We chat about why the same Christmas songs stay on the charts every holiday season.
From Rizz to Artificial intelligence We discuss the most used words from this year!
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Following violence in the capital last week, are more riots in Dublin City inevitable?
Is it time to retire Twitter (X) as a source of trustworthy news? Richard explains why he is stepping back from the platform.
Katie Taylor is now a two-weight undisputed champion of the world & how has it been over 20 years since Girls Aloud started?
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Thirty-four people have been arrested following violent riots in Dublin City Centre last night.
Commissioner Drew Harris said eleven Garda vehicles were damaged or destroyed while thirteen shops were damaged or looted.
Rioters also set fire to a LUAS tram and buses.
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With a ceasefire and hostage deal being agreed what will it mean for the Israel-Hamas conflict?
Argentina's new dog-loving, firebrand president is promising radical change but will his bite match his bark?
Is Princess Diana's ghost in the series The Crown worth a watch?
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With cost saving measures being announced at RTÉ with plans to downsize but will it be enough?
Will David Cameron's return to politics be enough to save the Tories?
Why is Diplomacy such a key aspect when it comes to helping citizens stuck in a conflict?
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Deborah Naylor joins to analyse the outcome of Aishling Murphy's trial aswell as Jozef Puska's sentencing.
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Hostage negotiator Oliver McTernan reacts to the Israel - Gaza situation and Tom Hand's plea to Hamas.
Martin Wall of The Irish Times explains the details of the sentencing hearing for Tom Martens and his daughter Molly following the death of Limerick man Jason Corbett in 2015.
The Department of Education proposes a new policy to deter smartphone use in children & The Beatles comeback single raises questions about AI in the music industry.
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8 year old Emily Hand was thought to have died in the attacks in Israel on October 7th.
Her father Tom made headlines around the world when he told CNN that it was relief that his daughter had died and was not kidnapped.
DNA testing has now led officials to conclude that Emily is alive and being held captive.
Speaking from Israel Tom says he has the imagined the worst for Emily and hopes her captors will look after her. Emily will turn 9 on November 17th and he thinks she won't even know its her birthday.
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Deborah Naylor joins to give an update on the trial surrounding the murder of Ashling Murphy and what the jury has heard so far.
Leo Varadkar says that Ireland will consider any funding request by the International Criminal Court to investigate potential war crimes in the Middle East.
Why is there talk of the pension age in Ireland increasing to 75? Zara gives her thoughts on Britney Spears' book The Woman in Me
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Is the rise in misinformation about the Middle East conflict being actively encouraged by social media sites?
Intense flooding in Midleton, Co. Cork has raised the question of what is being done to defend against the effects of climate change.
An online scam has caused a stampede of holiday-makers to a house in Kinnegad.
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Irish citizen Ibrahim Alagha reveals the horrifying realities of war as he and his family try and survive the middle east conflict.
With the HSE finding itself in a financial crisis, is our healthcare system fit for purpose?
Why are Fermoy residents furious at comments made on the Graham Norton show?
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Journalist Colette Fitzpatrick talks about her time reporting in Israel as well as the harsh realities for Palestinians.
With the Budget 2024 being revealed this week, did it live up to expectations? Is it time to rethink the way the budget is delivered?
How confident do we feel that Ireland make it to the Rugby World Cup Final?
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With Budget 2024 looming, will the government be able to keep its promises?
There's a culture in Ireland around going to Turkey for cosmetic surgery but is it really worth the risk?
Why are Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce bringing in record numbers for the NFL?
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Actress Natalie Britton talks about her struggle to find a place to call home as a result of the housing market.
With the Irish special forces seizing its largest cocaine haul in the history of the state, what will this mean for the drug trade?
With Irish fans coming under fire for singing along to Zombie, have we gone too far when it comes to song lyrics?
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With the Taoiseach gone to the UN while the Dáil returns is there an obligation to prioritize domestic matters?
Paul Quinn is live from the Ploughing Championships giving us all the details on what makes it so monumental!
Richard and Gavan reminisce on the Roman Empire.
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With Patrick Kielty set to start his first Late Late show, how will he fare? What will it take for RTÉ to get a bailout from the government?
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Dublin City reveals its community warden initiative but will it help with street crime?
Fianna Fáil have their think-in with plans surrounding housing and budgeting.
Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher apologise for their character reference of Danny Masterson & why rules around this are changing in Ireland.
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Richard, Gavan & Zara are at Electric Picnic for a special live podcast!
The trio explain what is changing ahead of the 2024 Irish election & what it's like behind the curtain during a Biden or Trump visit.
Surprising statistics on medical tourism in Turkey & looking back on the RTE scandal; what is next for Ryan Tubridy?
Ryan Tubridy's appearance before the Oireachtas Committee explained.
From a late-arriving 39 page document to Tubridy's prospects in the UK, is he actually cancelled?
Has the Oireachtas Committee meeting raised more questions than answers on the RTE pay scandal and the broadcaster's culture?
What's next for Russian mercenaries, the Wagner Group, after a failed coup in Russia fell flat, and has it damaged Putin's regime?
And we look back on the highlights of this season as we wrap up for the summer.
Aisling Maher explains the disparity between men and women that play Gaelic games.
She details pitches filled with rabbit holes, lack of team medical support & having to pay for their own jerseys.
Aisling also opens up about the LGBTQ+ community in GAA & how it can progress further.
The Ryan Tubridy pay scandal explained, Director General of RTE suspended & reacting to Tubridy's latest statements in real time.
We hear the stories of women who have been discriminated against in work for going on maternity leave.
The Titan submersible has gone missing while exploring the wreckage of the Titanic & Andrew Tate has been charged in Romanian Court.
Why is there such disparity between men and women in Gaelic games & how to be an ally this Pride.
Tracy Carroll explains the lack of special needs supports for her and her 6 year daughter Willow.
She opens up about having to accompany Willow to school everyday and her constant fight for her child to get an education.
Trump's legal problems explained and why his indictment is set to boost his chances of re-election.
The nation remembers Christy Dignam & why Aslan were so loved in Ireland.
Dublin's rubbish problem & will Simon Harris take over for Leo Varadkar?
Is the end in sight for the Kinahan cartel? What led to Liam Byrne's arrest & how does Spanish law enforcement differ from in Ireland?
PGA-LIV golf merger explained and a live reaction to Rory McIlroy's response.
Prince Harry's trial broken down, WhatsApp woes & why the Green Party has never been so unpopular.
Eamonn Holmes speaks out against Phillip Schofield. Who will be held accountable?
Record number of homeless figures and the reality of children living in emergency accommodation.
Voluntary contributions in schools, AI news & a giant ice cream cone thief in Donegal!
Patrick Kielty announced as the new Late Late host. What changes can we expect?
Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby end their presenting partnership. Will This Morning ever recover?
Alcohol warning labels, Zara goes to a Leinster Match and will Katie Taylor retire?
Protests causing Tensions to rise in County Clare. How can this be solved?
The Irish Times caught up in AI deception. What does it say about pre-publication procedures?
Harry and Meghan chased in a 2 hour pursuit. When will the Royal Family obsession end?
GAAGO controversy explained. Where is the backlash coming from?
Ireland has been knocked out of the Eurovision. What are we doing wrong?
The Government addresses supermarket price gouging and is Gen Z moving away from monogamous relationships?
Michael Fry opens up about online backlash & what he took away from a conversation with Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien.
Donald Trump's visit to Ireland explained. Is there an agenda behind his visit?
What will the WGA writers strike mean for our favourite TV shows & what's different about Prince Charles' coronation?
"Our gang is bigger than their gang" & should Gardaí have access to facial recognition technology?
An inquest to investigate the Stardust fire is set to open. Louise & Selina McDermott open up about losing three of their siblings that night.
The Niall Collins situation explained, Tucker Carlson is gone & should Biden be running in 2024?
Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch was found not guilty & Deborah Naylor breaks down the case.
Ireland is estimated to have a €10 billion budget surplus. How should it be spent?
Fox News ratings are tipping down & Gavan delivers the first swear in Group Chat history.
Joe Biden is in town and Richard & Zara share all the details from behind the scenes.
Gavan and Richard spoil Succession for Richard's camera person & here's why Zara intentionally spoils movies for herself before watching them.
Killian Woods joins to talk housing and the reason why Dublin is so expensive.
A tense interview with artist Spicebag and Fionnan Sheahan has caused huge online debate around his Garda artwork.
Gavan explains the lack of supports for children with autism and how long it can take for a child to be assessed. Are these problems unfixable?
Trump has been arrested and the trio explain why things are about to get a lot more complicated for him...
Gavan, Richard and Zara talk Ireland’s misleading housing promises & some out of touch comments made by a government TD that had Zara in shock.
The Irish Defence Forces’ abuse against women has been detailed in a report raising the question, “will things ever change?"
An image of the pope wearing a stylish winter coat turned out to be completely AI generated. Will AI change society to a point where "seeing is no longer believing?"
Gwyneth Paltrow is in court for 'ski-gate', Succession is back and "the vibes in Irish sport have never been as positive as right now"
On The Group Chat, Richard, Gavan and Zara are back in the same room once again to talk the end of the eviction ban and the reality of the housing crisis. Richard takes a look at what you could get on Daft.ie today and for what price...
The future of TikTok is uncertain as concerns rise around their access to user data and how easily accessible it is by the Chinese government.
There's "good news" and "bad news" for the planet as the EU demands more ambitious climate targets. But why is Ireland lowering its targets?
On The Group Chat, Tubridy is leaving The Late Late Show, Joe Biden is coming to Ireland and Zara spent nearly 2 entire days travelling back from The Oscars due to flight disruptions.
The trio talk Leo Varadkar's Washington visit and the many gaffes of The Ireland Funds dinner over the years.
Later, Richard and Zara talk St Patrick's Day and the iconic staples of a local St Patrick's Day parade.
Zara, Richard and Gavan talk the Oscars as Zara joins from Los Angeles.
Has the 'Will Smith slap' reignited an 'Oscars buzz'? Zara explains why a Paul Mescal win might be unlikely.
The evictions ban has been ended, it's snowing in March and Eamon Ryan says free public transport will lead to unnecessary journeys.
Drones affect Dublin Airport for the 6th time in six months. Once again the front door of the country is off its hinges.
Richard, Gavan & Zara talk about the possible return of Bertie Ahern, past Irish presidential controversies and Rishi Sunak's description of Northern Ireland: Is Brexit done and dusted?
The trio reminisce on meeting their idols as Paul Mescal addresses fan concerns. Is selfie culture getting out of hand?
Holly Cairns is the leader of the Social Democrats, COVID enquiry and do we need a younger president?
It’s a show with a difference after a dramatic week at VMTV
Richard, Gavan and Zara talk Simpsons parallels, a new cost of living package and the Portugal housing model. Would it work in Ireland?
The best petrol stations in Ireland, accident in the Dáil and the viral story of the world’s worst spy
Fruit and vegetable shortage explained, trouble in Venice and another side to Joe Biden’s visit to Ukraine
Richard, Gavan & Zara are joined by Alex Crawford to talk about the earthquake in Turkey and Syria and how politics in Syria are interfering with the relief effort.
Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O'Gorman joins to talk racism in Ireland and the logistics of housing refugees.
Later, the trio discuss the alleged Chinese spy balloon that was shot down over the US and the Too Into You campaign by Women's Aid.
Gavan & Zara lead a Richard-less Group Chat this week. Host of the podcast, I'm Not A Monster, Josh Baker joins to explain the divisive story of Shamima Begum, the British-born student who left the UK at age 15 to join ISIS.
Eva Hinds of UNICEF talks us through the devastating effects of the earthquake in Turkey & Syria and the reality for relief workers helping in the area.
Following the Manchester City controversy, Will Dalton of Virgin Media Sport explains the situation and how it is affecting fan morale.
Gavan and Zara are joined by Nicole Gernon to explain the Enoch Burke situation and why he now owes over €3000 in fines.
Matt Kennedy joins to discuss his experience being young and trans in Ireland and Dr. Robert Ross of TUD explains ChatGPT and what makes it different from other AI.
Later, Gavan and Zara ask ChatGPT to write a letter from Michael D. Higgins to Santa Claus and Gavan explains St Brigid's bathwater as well as the almighty bank holiday Monday.
Emer O’Neill joins The Group Chat to talk about racism in Ireland & the abuse she has received online for speaking out against a racist joke. She explains the importance of education & being aware of unconscious bias.
Jim Sheridan joins to discuss Ireland's Oscar success with films like Colm Bairéad’s An Cailín Ciúin & Martin McDonagh’s The Banshees of Inisherin receiving nominations. He describes his experiences at the Oscars and how the industry has changed over the years.
Later, Zara, Richard & Gavan explain why Paschal Donohoe finds himself in hot water in The Dáil.
In the first Group Chat of Season 3, Zara, Richard & Gavan sit down with Aoife Gallagher to discuss Ireland's far right rise and the effect that figures like Andrew Tate can have on Irish men.
Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns joins to explain the shocking abuse she faces as a woman in the public eye & why she was hesitant to address it.
Later, the trio discuss Prince Harry's book Spare and some of the viral soundbites surrounding it.
On the last Group Chat of 2022, Gavan, Richard & Zara are ranking the most iconic news moments of the year featuring some hits from the likes of Liz Truss, Eamon Ryan, Micheál Martin & Leo Varadkar.
The trio are also reminiscing on moments such as the end of lockdown restrictions in Ireland, the Irish team qualifying for theFIFA Women's World Cup & the Wagatha Christie trial.
Rosanna Davison joins to discuss the changes being made to International Surrogacy laws in Ireland & what it means for her family & Richard explains the major breakthroughs in the world of nuclear fusion.
On The Group Chat, a Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) survey shows two thirds of recent graduates are considering emigration. Career breaks for teachers could be cancelled & what should parents be wary of with Strep A circulating in schools according to the CMO.
What is the Patient Safety Bill & will Stephen Donnelly see it complete after 4 years? New Airbnb legislation could see 12,000 houses freed up.
Miguel Delaney explains the "invisible" workers in Qatar responsible for The World Cup functioning & Iranian Morality Police have gotten worse?
Later, the trio discuss the Netflix Documentary set to expose the Royal Family; Harry & Meghan & what did Roy Keane say to become an enemy of Brazil?
Richard, Zara & Gavan reflect on the Raise The Roof protest & are young people becoming deflated by the housing crisis? The trio share their Spotify Wrapped and chat about the logistics of a 4-day work week.
Leo's return to Taoiseach is set to shake up the Dáil & The Group Chat is joined by Trina O'Connor to talk about human trafficking & the importance of supporting victims.
On The Group Chat, the trio hear from Irish people abroad who give their reactions to the housing crisis and Leo Varadkar's "the grass is greener" statement. Why does FIFA object to armbands and have they no control over The World Cup in Qatar?
Gabriel Scally issues his report on the CervicalCheck recommendations and explains the progress made and need for open disclosure.
Richard, Zara & Gavan are joined by Aida Younesi to discuss the situation in Iran as she explains everything from the Iranian morality police to the tragic death of Mahsa Amini.
On The Group Chat, Richard, Zara & Gavan are joined by Stephen Teap to remember Vicky Phelan. They reflect on the CervicalCheck scandal and the Dáil's response to Vicky's passing.
The guys also talk about The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 & the numerous problems with Qatar and their treatment of human rights. Donald Trump announces his White House bid for 2024 & could there be a turkey shortage this Christmas?
Richard brings The Group Chat outside the United States Capitol building and shares his run ins with conspiracy theorists, Trump fans & Sean Spicer. Twitter & Meta lay-offs are in the news and will HSE wait times only get worse? Tara Shine joins from COP27 to share a taste of the conference and some causes for climate optimism.
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On The Group Chat, Richard is stateside following the Mid-term election trail. Also on the agenda, Elon Musk has ideas for Twitter, and some people are not happy, former UK Secretary of State for Health Matt Hancock is heading to the I'm a Celeb jungle and the Taoiseach weighs in on Mansion House's live animal Christmas crib.
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Alina Kalmykova joins The Group Chat to discuss on her experience of fleeing war and Ireland's accommodation shortage for Ukrainian refugees. Also on the agenda, a new era of pub opening times, abortion in Ireland and why are people throwing food at art?
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Lewis Goodall of The News Agents joins The Group Chat to try and breakdown what is happening with the British government. Also on the agenda, reaction to the new eviction ban, Leo Varadkar's meal prep triggers the internet's ire and James Corden is trending for the wrong reasons.
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On the Group Chat this week, the guys are joined by VM Sport Bernard O'Toole to discuss a historic night for Republic of Ireland women's soccer team as Vera Pauw's side secured their World Cup qualification. Zara is Donegal as Creeslough begins the grieving process following last week's tragedy. Also on the agenda is the recent escalation in the Ukraine war and the latest on fiasco surrounding a Shane Ross interview.
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Zara, Gavan and Richard are joined by investigative journalist Nicola Tallant to go through the history and workings of Ireland's witness protection programme. Also on the agenda, Wagatha Christie returns, Fianna Fáil's identity crisis and Liz Truss faces the music.
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Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe joins The Group Chat to discuss Budget 2023 and answers some of our listeners questions. Plus, Gavan, Zara and Richard discuss the biggest controversy in the world of chess and what is going on with our neighbours next door?
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On The Group Chat this week, Zara joins the guys all the way from the United Nations General Assembly in New York. What is the story with garda drivers for Cabinet ministers? Gavan has the latest. Richard dishes on the behind the scenes of the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London. Also on the agenda is the situation in Russia after Putin has ordered a partial military mobilisation for Ukraine.
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On the latest episode, Richard, Zara and Gavan hear some of the reasons why young people are looking to leave Ireland. Plus, they look at the return of the Dáil and the week that has been in the wake of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
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Zara and Gavin are joined by Ireland AM's Muireann O'Connell on this week's Group Chat to discuss the hottest story in Hollywood - Spitgate. There is a new Prime Minister in the UK but what does that mean for us? Budget 2022 is on the horizon, but could a renter's tax credit be included? Plus, we pay tribute to the young people who lost their lives in Ireland recently.
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The Group Chat is back for season 2 as Zara, Gavan and Richard discuss the stories making the headlines!
This week, they look at how the cost of living is affecting the lives of listeners, the energy emergency that faces Ireland, the fallout from Robert Troy's controversy and are you pro-spider?
The podcast can also be found airing Thursdays on Virgin Media Two from 11pm.
As the climate crisis begins to affect Europe in more and more extreme ways, governments around the world still aren't doing nearly enough to address a situation which involves the survival of the human species. In Ireland, emissions have gone up, even during the pandemic and the government are still trying to decide where best to tackle the issue whilst Joe Biden in the USA refuses to declare a climate emergency. Sex education in Irish schools - or the distinct lack of for many generations - is discussed too and ways to move forward with a new curriculum that properly includes an area students are in desperate need of education in, and there's very exciting news about Electric Picnic!
Richard Chambers and Zara King are in studio whilst Gavan Reilly joins from Tokyo for the season finale but fear not, The Group Chat will be returning bigger and better on September 1.
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The race for new leadership of the Conservative party in Britain is hotting up as Tory politicians make their plays to replace Boris Johnson as Prime Minister. Richard Chambers, Gavan Reilly and Zara King discuss this week's news including the end of Dáil term and a motion of confidence for the Irish government. The Green Party and personal responsibility in the climate crisis is discussed whilst Nasa's Webb telescope is also on the menu. And, of course, the weekly Love Island round-up.
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Boris Johnson is coming under increasing pressure as the resignations pile up in the Conservative party and friends and colleagues show up at 10 Downing Street. Michael Gove is the latest to depart the Tories as Gavan Reilly and Richard Chambers and Zara King discuss the fall of the British government and how the Chris Pincher controversy accelerated it all. In a busy news week, the Metrolink from Dublin airport to the capital city is back on the menu for Ireland but the proposed budget could already provide a stick to beat the progress with. The Irish government coalition now has a minority as the Mica fallout continues and new social trend Gentleminions is on the menu.
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Gardaí have said they will review the cold case of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. The murder in West Cork in 1996 still remains unsolved. Ian Bailey has been convicted in French courts but authorities in Ireland will revisit the case which has been told in True Crime series from podcasts to Netflix over recent years. Ralph Riegel joins Zara, Richard and Gavan to discuss.
Dublin Airport are set to enlist the help of the Irish army as security checks continue to cause havoc with those travelling abroad and visiting the country.
In other news, Paul Reid is set to depart the HSE and Donald Trump and his January 6 testimony has put him the former US president in legal peril.
Zara joins from Stockholm this week and brings some sobering cost of living comparisons between Sweden and Dublin. Richard and Gavan are in studio and the price of everything from hotels, pints and sliced pans are on the menu. If 2022 is the year of sportswashing, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are making major moves in the sporting world. A look at what they're doing and why. Finally, Zara is hit with some Love Island spoilers after missing the last three nights.
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On this week's Group Chat, Gavan, Zara and Richard look at the President's comments on housing with Ciarán Mulqueen of Crazy House Prices. They discuss Eamon Ryan's interview about contacting your social welfare office about support for fuel prices. Plus, the Northern Ireland protocol and the latest on Love Island.
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Dr Cara Augustenborg joins Zara, Richard and Gavan to talk about Ireland's climate action plan and how the country is falling short of its targets despite the current government's progressive stance on the matter. Also on the show, a 170% increase in the number of people being treated for cocaine use over the last nine years has been reported as the country tries to deal with this issue. And Boris Johnson survives the Conservative vote of confidence.
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On The Group Chat this week, Zara, Gavan and Richard discuss the chaotic queues at Dublin Airport which have dominated the headlines, the difficulty of getting a taxi in Dublin and whether or not Love Island is on their watchlists.
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On The Group Chat this week, Zara, Gavan and Richard take a look at 'Partygate' as Sue Gray publishes her report on breaches of coronavirus rules in 10 Downing Street and Westminster. Cillian de Gascun answers your questions around the Monkeypox virus. And following the latest mass shooting event in Texas, what is the American government doing to prevent it happening again in the future?
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On this week's podcast, Zara King, Gavan Reilly and Richard discuss the latest in the Rebekah Vardy v Coleen Rooney case, Wayne Rooney's apparent knowledge of events and how there are no winners, whoever wins. The curious case of Turkish Twitter accounts endorsing National Maternity Hospital updates is discussed as well as the Medical Lab scientists' strike before the show wraps with a Eurovision discussion and the hosting of it in 2023.
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On the podcast this week, Richard, Zara and Gavan look at Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy's 'Wagatha Christie' Trial, the continuing controversy surrounding the ownership of the National Maternity Hospital and Ireland's Eurovision Chances.
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On the podcast this week, the ownership of the National Maternity Hospital comes under scrutiny, Tony Holohan and Robert Watt face the Oireachtas Joint Committee and what does Russian state TV's nuclear simulation actually mean for Ireland?
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On the podcast this week, Zara, Richard and Gavan discuss rising Irish rents, the investigation into Leo Varadkar and what Elon Musk's Twitter buyout could mean for free speech.
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On this week's episode, the gang look at the closure MTK Global, Elon Musk's plan to buy Twitter and how Netflix's share price has taken a hit. Plus they take a question from the audience on staying professional whilst covering emotionally challenging news stories.
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Crime and Defence Correspondent Mick O'Toole joins Richard, Zara and Gavan to discuss how the Irish, American and British law enforcement have launched a major joint action against the Kinahan cartel, and how this landmark decision has changed gangland crime in Dublin forever. Mick also found himself banned from the press event announcing the action as we get a feel for reporting on crime stories.
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On the podcast this week, Gavan, Richard and Zara discuss the Ukrainian President’s address to the Dáil taking a closer look at Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s appeal to the Irish Government, what it means, and what’s likely to happen next.
New York Times’ Pulitzer Prize winner Malachy Browne becomes the first official guest to join The Group Chat. He’ll be telling the trio about breaking down misinformation in a war zone and the science behind verifying video footage
Also on the pod: How one Dublin TD befriended Bella Hadid one of the world’s most famous supermodels and if you’re heading on holiday this Easter, will Dublin Airport have the security queues under control?
The Group Chat is a weekly video and audio offering where Zara, Richard and Gavan will bring viewers and listeners behind the scenes of the week’s biggest news stories, with a host of special guests also joining the conversation.
In the second episode Richard, Gavan and Zara discuss the latest in the war on Ukraine - with Richard in London on the trail of the oligarchs who are now having assets frozen and superyachts seized around the world.
Richard speaks to a man named as Vladimir Putin's number one enemy - and the widow of a man who paid the ultimate price for getting on the wrong side of the Russian president.
Back at home, Gavan has the latest on why four Russian diplomats have been sent home and the Government's latest efforts to find housing for thousands of Ukrainians fleeing to our shores. While Zara gives the inside track on last week's royal visit, and the latest twist in the hunt for Michaela McAreavey's murderers.
The group also discusses their thoughts on the overhaul of the Leaving Cert, that moment at the Oscars, and plans for a new 'latté levy'.
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In the first episode Richard, Gavan and Zara will lift the lid on the chaos and drama behind the scenes on the Taoiseach's St Patrick's Day trip to Washington DC and why the Government is saying no to new restrictions despite a surge in Covid-19 cases.
The trio will also discuss how the Irish public will be feeling the impact of the war in Ukraine for many months to come and with a royal visit underway to Ireland, the group will discuss what it’s like cover the visit of foreign dignitaries in wake of the protests that have greeted William and Kate in Jamaica.
The Group Chat - an all new podcast from Virgin Media News featuring Gavan Reilly, Zara King and Richard Chambers. Each week, join the gang as they discuss the latest and breaking news. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts.
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