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 moments that defined 2024, celebrating the good, acknowledging the bad, and learning from it all.

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 refugees live?

Niall speaks to Cllr. Paul Hogan to get an update on the situation and to understand what the court’s decision means for the community and the refugees involved. With these new legal developments in mind, we ask whether the voices of local residents should dictate who settles in their area.

Some callers argue that the concerns of local residents should be taken seriously. They stress that communities understand their own limitations—whether it’s housing availability, schools, healthcare services, or general infrastructure. For them, it’s not about opposing refugees; it’s about ensuring adequate support and resources for everyone.

Others believe that turning refugees away, especially after they have fled conflict or hardship, is not acceptable. They insist that every community should do its part and that compassion should guide policy. If each area refuses to host newcomers, where can vulnerable individuals go? The government and local authorities need to find a balance that respects local concerns without abandoning people in need.

Niall closes by reflecting on the complexities of balancing local input, resource allocation, and moral obligations, leaving listeners to decide where fairness and responsibility truly lie.

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, sterile environment with trained medical staff on hand to prevent overdoses, reduce the spread of disease, and potentially guide users toward treatment.

Some callers support the idea, arguing that medically supervised injection centers save lives. They believe providing a controlled environment prevents users from injecting in unsafe conditions, reduces the risk of fatal overdoses, and offers a bridge to addiction treatment programs. In their view, this approach is about harm reduction, not encouraging drug use.

Others strongly oppose the concept, insisting it enables illegal drug use rather than discouraging it. They worry these centers send the wrong message by giving addicts a state-sanctioned place to break the law. Instead of focusing on safer injection facilities, these callers believe resources should be directed toward prevention, education, and rehabilitation initiatives that help users get clean rather than continue their habit.

Niall wraps up the episode by acknowledging the complex ethical and practical concerns, leaving listeners to consider whether these facilities represent compassionate harm reduction or a step too far in normalizing drug use.

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 his reaction.

Some callers argue that a high body count signals potential issues with commitment or stability, suggesting that everyone has the right to set their own standards in a relationship. For them, knowing a partner’s sexual past is relevant to their comfort and sense of security going forward.

Others reject the idea that body count should matter at all, insisting that past experiences shouldn’t define a person’s worth. They emphasize that what matters most is honesty, respect, and who a person is today, not how many partners they had in the past. Judging someone based solely on their sexual history, they say, is outdated and unfair.

Niall concludes by examining the complexity of personal preference, societal expectations, and the double standards that often influence how we judge others’ pasts.

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 should go to a nursing home instead.

Some callers believe the husband is being selfish. They argue that when parents become vulnerable, family members should step in. For them, bringing the mother-in-law into the family home is a compassionate choice that ensures she receives the support and care she needs. It’s about honoring a parent’s role and repaying the love and care given throughout a lifetime.

Other callers feel the husband’s stance might be more practical than selfish. They point out that caring for an elderly parent can place significant emotional, financial, and physical strain on a household. Some families simply don’t have the capacity to provide the care an elderly person requires, and a nursing home—while difficult to consider—may offer the professional support and resources needed.

Niall wraps up by reflecting on the complexity of family obligations, the burdens of caregiving, and what it truly means to look after loved ones as they age.

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 Ireland, integrating into local communities, finding employment, and contributing to society. For them, sending people back right after the war ends could be both traumatic and counterproductive, especially if stability in Ukraine takes time to return. Allowing those who’ve settled here to remain would demonstrate compassion and recognize the value they bring.

Others, however, believe that refugee status should remain temporary. Once the danger is over, they say, Ukrainians should return home to rebuild their country. These callers emphasize that Ireland’s resources are limited and that permanent residency should not be granted automatically. Instead, the focus should be on helping them safely return and encouraging the restoration of their own nation.

Niall concludes by acknowledging the complexities surrounding humanitarian principles, resource allocation, and the meaning of temporary refuge, leaving listeners to consider how best to balance compassion, fairness, and long-term planning.

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 consultation and concerned about the strain on already stretched resources.

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, worrying that expensive gadgets create unrealistic expectations and overshadow the true spirit of the holidays. For them, Christmas should be about family time, not flashy presents.

Others see nothing wrong with splurging if parents can afford it. They believe that it’s each family’s personal choice how to celebrate and that expensive gifts might simply reflect the world kids are growing up in.

Niall wraps up by acknowledging the tension between tradition and modernity, as listeners grapple with how much is too much when it comes to decking the halls with pricey gifts.