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

Student Rampage in Limerick: Should Those Responsible Be Expelled from College?
In this episode, Niall speaks to schoolteacher Eric Nelligan about the shocking destruction of a house in College Court, Castletroy, Limerick, after videos emerged showing young people tearing apart a property during an overnight gathering.
The footage, which has circulated widely on social media, shows furniture being thrown through windows, walls being smashed, ceilings ripped down and bathroom fixtures destroyed, while others laugh, cheer and record the destruction.
Gardaí have launched an investigation into suspected burglary and criminal damage following the incident in the early hours of October 7. The University of Limerick has condemned the behaviour and confirmed that its student code of conduct provides for disciplinary action, although it has not been established whether those involved are university students.
Niall asks Eric whether anyone found responsible should face immediate expulsion from college, criminal prosecution and financial liability for the damage.
Some argue that young adults who behave like this should face serious consequences, regardless of how it affects their education or future careers. Others believe that expulsion could ruin a young person's future over one reckless incident and that alternative punishments should be considered.
But is this simply youthful stupidity taken to the extreme, or have we become far too tolerant of destructive and antisocial behaviour?
Should every student found responsible be expelled, prosecuted and forced to pay for the destruction, or does everybody deserve a second chance?
Have your say on 085 100 22 55.

Mental Health in Ireland: Are We Really Listening to Those Who Are Struggling?
In this episode, Niall speaks to Dr Mary Honan, researcher, broadcaster and mental health advocate, about World Mental Health Day on October 10 and an event she is involved in to raise awareness of mental health, emotional wellbeing and the importance of reaching out for support.
Dr Honan has previously been involved in organising mental health and wellbeing conferences in Shannon, bringing together speakers, professionals and members of the community to discuss depression, suicide prevention, isolation and the importance of hope for those experiencing mental health difficulties.
But despite years of awareness campaigns encouraging people to talk about their mental health, are we actually doing enough in Ireland?
Niall and Mary explore why so many people continue to suffer in silence, whether men find it more difficult than women to open up about their emotions, and why admitting you're struggling can still be seen as a sign of weakness.
They also question whether Ireland's mental health services are adequately equipped to help people in crisis. Are waiting lists, the cost of counselling and difficulties accessing professional support leaving vulnerable people without the help they desperately need?
And while we're constantly encouraged to talk, is there always someone available to listen?
Have you ever experienced depression, anxiety or other mental health difficulties? Did you feel comfortable talking about it, and when you reached out for help, was that help actually available?

In this episode, Niall speaks to Jana Lunden from the Natural Women’s Council about an upcoming Education and Family Forum taking place on October 17, which aims to raise awareness among parents and grandparents about what children are being taught in Irish schools.
Jana believes many parents are unaware of some of the materials and resources being used in classrooms, particularly when textbooks and teaching materials are not brought home. She argues that certain lessons covering sexuality, gender identity and relationships are inappropriate for young children and questions whether such subjects should be included in the school curriculum.
But where should the line be drawn between educating children about modern society and protecting their innocence? Should schools have the freedom to teach these subjects, or should parents have greater control over what their children are exposed to?
Niall asks whether parents are being kept sufficiently informed, whether age-appropriate education is being confused with inappropriate content, and who should ultimately decide what children learn about sex, gender and relationships.
Do you really know what your child is being taught in school, and should parents have the final say?

Niall is joined by Eric Nelligan to break down Budget 2027, looking at the winners, the losers and whether the Government has actually done enough to tackle the rising cost of living.
They examine the changes to income tax, welfare, childcare, housing supports and energy costs, and ask whether the measures announced will make a noticeable difference to households once rising everyday expenses are taken into account.
But there is one group that has once again been hit particularly hard: smokers.
Budget 2027 increased the price of a packet of 20 cigarettes by another €1, bringing a typical packet to around €20.15, with almost 80% of the retail price now accounted for by tax. Duty on e-liquid products has also increased by 20 cent per millilitre. The Government says higher prices discourage smoking and particularly help prevent younger people from taking up the habit.
But Niall asks whether smokers have simply become an easy target at Budget time.
Plenty of products and habits can damage our health, yet smokers appear to face substantial tax increases year after year. Alcohol excise, for example, was left unchanged in this Budget.
And while increasing the price may encourage some people to quit, what about heavily addicted smokers on lower incomes who simply continue buying cigarettes? Are they giving up food, heating or other household spending instead?
Is tobacco taxation really about public health, or has the Government discovered a politically convenient group it can repeatedly tax without much opposition?
Niall discusses Budget 2027 with Eric Nelligan and asks: when does encouraging somebody to quit smoking become financially punishing them for an addiction?

Niall is joined by Karl Deeter to discuss two very different stories that have sparked plenty of reaction.
First, they look at the controversy surrounding the naked Donald Trump statue displayed at the euopean parliment and ask whether political protest and satire have now crossed into cheap provocation.
Then the conversation turns to a growing debate about animals in public spaces.
The National Transport Authority has proposed a more consistent policy allowing pets on Transport for Ireland services. Under the proposals, small dogs, cats and other small animals could travel in suitable carriers, while larger dogs could travel on a lead and muzzled. More than 2,500 people responded to the consultation, with the vast majority supporting greater access for pets, although concerns were also raised about hygiene, allergies, safety and passenger comfort.
But should that approach extend beyond buses, trains and the Luas?
Should dogs and other pets be welcomed into cafés, shops and supermarkets, or are there some places where animals simply do not belong?
Supporters say Ireland needs to become more pet friendly and that responsible owners should not be excluded from everyday life. Critics argue that public spaces have to work for everyone, including people with allergies, fears of dogs and concerns about hygiene.
Niall and Karl ask where the line should be drawn between being pet friendly and respecting everyone else sharing the same space.