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Reeling in the Year: Ireland’s Top News Stories of 2024, with Reporter Sheila Naughton
In this special end-of-year episode, I’m joined by RTÉ reporter and broadcaster Sheila Naughton as we reflect on Ireland’s most impactful news stories of 2024. From moments of pride like Cillian Murphy’s Oscar win to pivotal societal shifts such as the Stardust inquest and Ireland’s legal actions against the UK’s Legacy Act, this episode dives deep into the events that shaped Irish culture and society this year. Sheila brings her expert insights as we discuss justice and accountability, political changes, and the resilience of Irish people in the face of challenges. Whether it’s the constitutional referendums, gender-based violence protests, or Ireland’s victories at the Olympics, we explore the themes that defined 2024. We discuss: Justice and accountability: The Stardust fire inquest, abuse revelations in schools, and Ireland’s stance on the UK’s Legacy Act. Political shifts: Leo Varadkar’s resignation, Simon Harris becoming Taoiseach, and the surprising themes emerging from a year stacked with elections and votes. Cultural pride: Ireland’s Eurovision success, Cillian Murphy’s Oscar speech, and our athletes shining at the Olympics. Societal tensions: The Coolock protests, debates on gender-based violence, and a year of change for the Green Party. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this year-end reflection! Did we miss any key stories or angles? Share your perspective in the comments or on Instagram. This marks the final episode of How to be Irish for 2024, as I take a break for the festive season. I’ll be back in early 2025 with a special interview featuring an Irish food and drink influencer. Plus, we’ll celebrate 100 days of How to be Irish on December 29th. Nollaig Shona daoibh agus Athbhliain Faoi Mhaise Daoibh! Follow How to be Irish on Instagram and YouTube. Please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon to help me bring more episodes to you in the new year. If you cannot contribute via Patreon, please share the podcast with a friend or in a group chat, and leave a five-star rating. Irish news 2024, Top Irish news stories 2024, Ireland news highlights, Major events in Ireland 2024, Biggest Irish news stories, Irish culture 2024, How to be Irish podcast, Stardust inquest Ireland, Legacy Act Ireland, Simon Harris Taoiseach 2024, Cillian Murphy Oscar win, Irish political changes 2024, Ireland constitutional referendum 2024, Ireland deposit return scheme, Impactful Irish news stories of 2024, Justice and accountability in Ireland 2024, Irish political shifts 2024, Gender-based violence protests Ireland, Top cultural moments in Ireland 2024, How did Ireland perform in the Olympics 2024?, Ireland Eurovision 2024 results, What shaped Irish society in 2024?, Ireland’s most talked-about news stories 2024, RTÉ news highlights of 2024, Reflecting on Ireland’s year in news, Cultural and political shifts in Ireland 2024, Ireland’s response to the Legacy Act 2024, Irish news in Dublin 2024, Ireland Wicklow news stories 2024, Local news Ireland 2024, Reeling in the year with Irish news, Top Irish events to remember in 2024, How Irish culture evolved in 2024, What it means to be Irish in 2024, Irish culture podcast, Top Irish podcasts 2024, How to be Irish with Sheila Naughton, Year-end podcast episodes Ireland
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53:20
Has modern life disconnected us from nature in Ireland? Rewilding our Irish identity with Soil Boy
Why is Ireland’s biodiversity in such a dire state? Are we projecting an incorrect image of our green nation? What would happen if we re-introduced bears or wolves? Why should we stop hiking and start exploring? In this episode of How to be Irish, I sit down with Soil Boy to explore Ireland’s deep but often fraught connection to nature. From the biodiversity crisis to the cultural significance of hedgerows, we delve into how Ireland’s green image contrasts sharply with the reality of our low forest cover and declining native lands. Soil Boy’s journey as a nature educator and his work on the Feet on the Soil podcast have been guided by a love for the outdoors, cultivated in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains. Together, we discuss how Irish folklore, seasonal rituals, and a renewed connection to the land can help us address the environmental challenges we face today. If you’ve ever wondered why biodiversity matters, how to forage for elderberries, or what it means to truly be part of nature, this episode is for you. Bain taitneamh as! Topics covered The loss of native forestry: Why did Ireland’s native tree cover reduce to 1%? The truth behind Ireland’s "green" image: A reality check on biodiversity. How understanding Irish folklore can help us reconnect with the land. Foraging in Ireland: Elderberries, hazelnuts, and how to use foraged ingredients. Hedgerows: Their ecological and cultural importance, and their role in fighting climate change. Living with the seasons: How to align your life with nature. Ireland’s native species: badgers, pine martens, deer. The implications of introducing an apex predator back to Ireland: wolf, bear or lynx? How barefoot running became a means of exploring nature. Resources Follow Soil Boy on Instagram, and TikTok ,and listen to his podcast Feet on the Soil. Learn more about foraging in Ireland at Forager.ie. Try the Merlin Bird ID app for identifying birds in your area. Follow How to be Irish on Instagram. Don’t forget to rate, review, and share the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon to help us bring more stories like this to life. Share this episode with a friend who loves nature or wants to reconnect with their Irish roots. What does it mean to be Irish? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Beir bua, Úna xx
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57:19
What does it mean to belong in Ireland? with Social Psychologist and Social Entrepreneur Mamobo Ogoro
Belonging is a fundamental human need—but how does this concept play out in the context of Irish society? In this episode, I’m joined by social psychologist, social entrepreneur, and founder of⁠ Gorm Media⁠, Mamobo Ogoro, to explore the nuances of identity, cultural belonging, and diversity in modern Ireland. Mamobo shares insights from her research and work in intercultural consultancy, unpacking the linguistic and social dynamics that shape perceptions of inclusion and exclusion in Ireland today. We discuss: Why Ireland is a “peach culture” rather than a “coconut culture” (and what that means!) First impressions of Irish people from a migrant’s perspective How we can foster greater belonging and intercultural competence in a rapidly diversifying Ireland The role of language and discourse in creating (or breaking) connections in society Mamobo also talks about her groundbreaking work with Gorm Media, an award-winning social enterprise that uses creative media and intercultural training to advance belonging and unity across differences. If you’re curious about the intersection of psychology, cultural identity, and social entrepreneurship, this conversation is a must-listen. Where to Find Gorm Media: ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ Want More of Mamobo? Catch her hosting⁠ Younified⁠ on Newstalk, where she shines a light on diverse voices and stories that reflect the reality of life in Ireland today. Join the conversation How to be Irish is on ⁠Spotify⁠, ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ and ⁠YouTube⁠. Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠ for short clips from each episode. ⁠Become a patron⁠ of the podcast (donate €2 a month). Beir bua, Úna xx
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49:30
What do the young people of Ireland want? General Election special with Jenny Maguire
What is important to our young people as we head to the polls for the General Election? Jenny Maguire is the President of Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union, a union which represents nearly 20,000 students. This episode discusses the power of political movements, transgender healthcare, how the Irish language is high on the list of priorities for students, and leveraging your Irishness for comedic effect. Jenny shares her experiences as a trans woman in Dublin attending an all-boys school, why transgender healthcare in Ireland is one of the worst in the EU, and why Irish people shouldn’t take themselves too seriously. Keep up to date with Jenny on Instagram , and the work of TCDSU. How to be Irish is on Instagram, and you can follow me, Úna, on TikTok. Please consider supporting this podcast by becoming a patron on Patreon. Your generosity helps me to cover the costs of running this podcast such as my editing and design software. If you are a small Irish business and you are interested in sponsoring this podcast, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. I’d love to chat! Beir bua, Úna xx
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42:26
Faeries, Druids, Tombs and Stone Circles: The Magic of Ireland with Bobbo the Bard
What does an interaction with an Irish fairy look and feel like? How do we connect with Ireland’s Neolithic and sacred sites? Were our ancestors supernatural beings? We’re ten episodes in and this one will definitely get you thinking! Bobbo the Bard is a musician, poet, and author who travels around Ireland, connecting with ancient sacred sites. Through these experiences, he has had multiple interactions with the otherworld. Bobbo chats to me about how he connects to our Neolithic tombs, cairns and stone circles through sound healing, meditation and following his path of alignment. We also speak about Irish mythology and how they remain connected to our world today through these magical sites. If you’re interested in ancient Ireland and the spirituality associated with it, then you will love this episode! Bobbo is very mindful when describing his experiences. I genuinely felt goosebumps and shivers up my spine while listening to him recall his stories. We cover all the different types of fairies: Banshees, Púcas, and Changelings as well as the Tuatha Dé Dhanann and the connection between them. He tells me about the story of Balor of the Evil Eye, Lú and Cú Chulainn. If you enjoyed this episode, you’ll love Bobbo’s podcast The Creative Space and his TikTok and Instagram. If you’re based in Ireland, you can message him to get a copy of his brand new book ‘My Poetic Awakening’ or it is available to purchase on Amazon. Did you get shivers listening to Bobbo share his stories? How to be Irish is on Instagram, and you can follow me, Úna, on TikTok. Please consider supporting this podcast by becoming a patron on Patreon. Your generosity helps me to cover the costs of running this podcast such as my editing and design software. If you are a small Irish business and you are interested in sponsoring this podcast, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. I’d love to chat! Beir bua, Úna xx
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About How to be Irish

Examining Irish society and culture to understand how our history, psychology, and politics have shaped what it means to be Irish today. Join me as I host conversations with Irish people who are experts in different facets of Irish culture, including nature, language, healing, folklore, mythology, music, poetry, mental health, entrepreneurism, activism, identity, social issues and current affairs. I also ask every guest what it means to be Irish. Their answers may surprise you.

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