The Niall Boylan Podcast (They Told Me To Shut Up)

Ireland defeated Israel 3–0 at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, Hungary, but the result on the pitch has done little to end the controversy surrounding the fixture.
In this episode, Niall is joined by journalist Brenda Power, social commentator Karl Deeter and callers from across the country to debate whether Ireland should play Israel in the return game next Sunday, October 4th, at the TSC Arena in Bačka Topola, Serbia.
Protesters are continuing to demand an Irish boycott, arguing that taking part in the fixture helps normalise Israel at a time when innocent Palestinians are being killed in Gaza. The Social Democrats have called for the FAI Board and senior management to resign, while Sinn Féin has said the FAI leadership should seriously reflect on whether they should remain in their positions.
Others argue that the players should never have been placed in the middle of an international political dispute, that football is football, and that sport should not become another battleground for political pressure.
Niall, Brenda and Karl examine where the line should be drawn, whether sporting boycotts actually achieve anything, and whether Ireland should refuse to play Israel next Sunday.
Should Ireland boycott the game, or should politics be kept out of football?
Hear the arguments, the disagreements and the views of callers on both sides of one of the most controversial sporting debates in Ireland right now.

A playground in Darndale Park in north Dublin has been destroyed by fire, sparking anger over yet another attack on a community facility.
Local TD Barry Heneghan described it as more than an attack on a playground, saying it was an attack on the entire community.
And this is far from an isolated incident.
Crumlin GAA grounds were targeted twice in two days in July. A children’s park in Artane was set on fire in May. Oscar Traynor Park in Coolock was badly damaged by arson last November, while repairs following a fire at Diamond Park were estimated at around €300,000.
In this episode, Niall speaks to callers about the growing problem of vandalism and anti social behaviour in communities around Dublin.
We are constantly told that young people get into trouble because there is “nothing for them to do.” But councils spend millions providing playgrounds, sports facilities and public spaces, only for some of them to be vandalised, wrecked or burned down.
And why does this appear to happen more often in some areas than others?
There are playgrounds and community facilities in places like Malahide and Dalkey too, but we rarely hear about them being destroyed in the same way.
So where does responsibility lie?
Should councils be doing more to protect these facilities? Are Gardaí failing to monitor problem areas? Or does the responsibility ultimately come back to parents who should know where their children are and what they are doing?
Niall hears from callers with very different views on who should take responsibility when the very facilities provided for a community are destroyed by people living within it.

Would A United Ireland Referendum Create More Problems Than It Solves?
Niall talks to election candidate Eddie Punch about the growing debate over whether the time has come for a referendum on a united Ireland.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has insisted he is “very aware of every word in the Good Friday Agreement” and says he will abide by it “100%”. His comments follow criticism over remarks made during a visit to Belfast, when he suggested that a referendum on Irish unity was currently “off the table”.
But is he right to believe that now is simply not the time?
Niall and Eddie examine the enormous political, economic and practical questions that would come with reunification. Who would fund Northern Ireland’s public services and healthcare system? What happens to the financial support currently provided by Westminster? What would become of thousands of people employed directly or indirectly by the British state? Would Ireland adopt one currency across the island immediately, and what happens to politically sensitive issues such as the national flag and anthem?
There is also the question of consent. Whatever the result of a referendum, a significant section of the population could feel alienated or betrayed, with concerns that an increasingly heated constitutional debate could inflame community tensions.
So, should the people of Northern Ireland be given the opportunity to vote on their constitutional future, or could holding a border poll now create far more problems than it solves?
Niall discusses it with election candidate Eddie Punch.

Would You Let Your Seven Year Old Daughter Take Up Boxing?
Niall talks to Karl Deeter about a family disagreement sparked by the influence of Katie Taylor.
Around 80,000 fans are expected at Croke Park this Saturday night to watch Taylor take on undefeated French fighter Flora Pili, but one listener says Katie’s success has caused a row at home.
His seven year old daughter is a huge Katie Taylor fan and now wants to join her local boxing club. Her dad thinks it would be fantastic for her confidence, discipline, fitness and ability to defend herself. His wife completely disagrees.
She worries that what starts as a childhood hobby could turn into a serious passion, with their daughter continuing to box into her teenage years and potentially exposing herself to serious injury. In her view, boxing is simply too dangerous and “barbaric” to encourage in a young child.
So is she right to put her foot down, or is she preventing her daughter from discovering a sport she might genuinely love?
We celebrate Katie Taylor as one of Ireland’s greatest sporting heroes, but would you actually be comfortable watching your own son or daughter step into a boxing ring?
Niall discusses the dilemma with Karl Deeter.

Should Drivers Be Forced Off the Road at 80?
Niall talks to podcaster and restaurateur Paul Treyvaud about a listener’s difficult dilemma involving his 85 year old father, who still insists on driving despite growing concerns about whether he is mentally sharp enough to be safe behind the wheel.
The listener says he has repeatedly tried to persuade his father to give up driving, but he refuses to hand over the keys. He now believes there should be a firm legal cut off, once you turn 80, your driving days should be over.
But would that be fair?
For many older people, driving represents independence, freedom and the ability to live life on their own terms. Should someone lose that simply because they reach a particular birthday, even if they remain perfectly capable behind the wheel?
Or should older drivers face regular medical and practical assessments to prove they are still fit to drive?
Niall and Paul discuss where the balance should lie between personal freedom and public safety, and ask what families can realistically do when an elderly parent refuses to accept that it may be time to stop driving.
Have you ever had to persuade an elderly parent or relative to give up the car, and what happens when they simply refuse?