The Explainer

It has been 24 long, long years since the Republic of Ireland men's team last played in a World Cup, but suddenly, the dream is alive again. This week, Ireland faces Czechia in a high-stakes qualifier, as the nation holds its breath. How did we get here after years of disappointment? We're joined by David Sneyd, Senior Sportswriter at The 42. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For generations of teenagers, it was the go-to high street spot for ear piercings and fashion jewellery., but now, the iconic retailer Claire's Accessories is rapidly closing its doors across Ireland, leaving staff furious and suddenly out of pocket. It follows a failed rescue attempt by an investment firm last year, which cited legacy debt, inflation, and weak consumer confidence. How did a high street staple fall so far? We're joined by our reporter Eoghan Dalton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every March, our news feeds are flooded with pictures of the Taoiseach, the US President, and a very famous bowl of shamrock. It’s a massive day for Ireland on the world stage, but we usually only get to see the polished, posed moments. What is it actually like to have a front-row seat to the entire day, and to be in the Oval Office for that chaotic press scrum? We’re joined by our own Political Editor and White House visit veteran Christina Finn.
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The price of oil has surged again. The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed to shipping. Major Middle Eastern production hubs have declared force majeure. Is Ireland looking at a repeat of the economic shocks of the 1970s, or is there still a chance for the damage to be more short-term? We’re joined by Dr Emma Howard, an economist at TU Dublin

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Trump promised no more forever wars, but that didn't stop him wading into an intense bombing campaign against Iran - a conflict most Americans oppose and, crucially, one Congress wasn't consulted on. It has brought the War Powers Act back into the spotlight: what checks and balances exist, if any, to restrain a president? Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at the University of Galway and political columnist with The Journal, talks us through the legal and political mess, from the constitutional questions in Washington to the growing splits inside MAGA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.