Episode Playlist
Irish Time 13-05-2026( 0:26:0)
Episode Information
On this episode, Kevin shares stories from Ireland and Northern Ireland—including an 86-year-old dancer returning to the stage, Irish activists joining a Gaza aid flotilla, a taxi driver fined for refusing a blind couple with a guide dog, an update on the Geoffrey Donaldson case, and a discussion challenging “Northern Ireland as a burden” narratives in the united Ireland debate. Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 13/05/2026 6:00:00 p.m.
06-05-2026( 0:25:7)
Episode Information
On this Irish Time episode, Kevin marks May Day with a quick roundup of stories from Ireland and Northern Ireland—spotlighting an Enniskillen-born co-founder of Procter & Gamble (and the origin of the term “soap opera”), the 50th anniversary of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and the call for puppy-raising volunteers, a renewed push to ban fox hunting in Northern Ireland, and an interview snippet on a Northern Irish actor’s latest cult-themed drama. Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 6/05/2026 6:00:00 p.m.
Irish Time 29-04-2026( 0:25:55)
Episode Information
On this episode of Irish Time, Kevin shares a lively Friday roundup—from the UK’s proposed smoking ban for those born after 2008, to calls for expanded remote work in Ireland amid fuel pressures, to artists debating a Eurovision boycott. He also discusses distressing sulky racing footage and calls for stronger animal-welfare policing, highlights a marathon act of sportsmanship, and closes with an ANZAC weekend reflection.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 29/04/2026 6:00:00 p.m.
22-04-2026( 0:23:18)
Episode Information
Kevin Reilly brings news and reflections from Ireland and Northern Ireland. This episode covers nationwide fuel protests and blockades in the Republic of Ireland, government responses to rising costs, job losses at Ulster University, animal welfare concerns, and the cultural legacy of Ireland’s showband era. Kevin also reflects on the Miami Showband massacre, the Irish diaspora’s influence on global music, and the passing of Clannad’s Máire Brennan, weaving current affairs with personal insight and historical context.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 22/04/2026 6:00:00 p.m.
15-04-2026( 0:23:54)
Episode Information
This episode covers emergency services rescuing livestock, the reappearance of blue‑green algae in Lough Neagh, commemorations marking the Easter Rising, ongoing political tensions around dissident republican activity, debates over memorials such as the Bobby Sands statue, and Ireland’s growing role in the global AI data‑centre boom. Alongside news, Kevin offers personal reflections on environmental concerns, peace, and social responsibility.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 15/04/2026 6:00:00 p.m.
08-04-2026( 0:28:4)
Episode Information
In this episode, Kevin reflects on violence against healthcare workers, attacks on search-and-rescue volunteers, rising violence against women, economic pressures driven by global conflict and energy costs, and historical figures such as labour activist Mother Jones. The programme blends news, personal opinion, social justice concerns, and historical reflection, encouraging listeners to think critically about compassion, responsibility, and the direction of society.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 8/04/2026 6:00:00 p.m.
01-04-2026( 0:26:10)
Episode Information
Kevin Reilly shares stories from Ireland and beyond, including conservation success on Rathlin Island, the legacy of Father Edward Flanagan and Boys Town, developments in Irish politics and justice, fuel price pressures, and wider social issues affecting communities. The programme blends news, history, and commentary with a focus on humanity, kindness, and social responsibility.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 1/04/2026 6:00:00 p.m.
25-03-2026( 0:26:15)
Episode Information
Kevin Reilly shares a range of current stories from Ireland, including the dispute involving Drogheda United co‑chair Joanne Byrne, tributes to folk singer Dolores Keane, and government plans to expand data centres. He also discusses rising fuel pressures linked to global conflict, a troubling incident involving livestock deaths, and community service initiatives aimed at reducing re‑offending.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 25/03/2026 6:00:00 p.m.
18-03-2026( 0:26:37)
Episode Information
Kevin Reilly shares a round‑up of current stories from Ireland, including government‑chartered flights returning stranded citizens from the Middle East, legal action involving Gerry Adams over historic IRA bombings, strong economic growth figures, and warnings of severe weather across the country. He also reflects on wider political tensions and their impact on everyday life.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 18/03/2026 6:00:00 p.m.
11-03-2026( 0:27:36)
Episode Information
Kevin Reilly shares a mix of news and stories from Ireland, including a new music wall at Dublin Airport, major investment in weight‑loss drug manufacturing, and the challenges facing Irish citizens in the Middle East. He also looks at political debate around the Belfast Stories project, ongoing calls for justice over the 1981 Stardust fire, and continued concerns about paramilitary extortion and rising rental pressures.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 11/03/2026 6:00:00 p.m.
04-03-2026( 0:26:8)
Episode Information
Kevin Reilly shares a selection of Irish news and stories, including the history and symbolism of the Irish flag, reflections on Reverend Jesse Jackson’s legacy, ongoing concerns about Dublin’s cultural spaces, and the remarkable life of 102‑year‑old football figure Charlie O’Leary.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 4/03/2026 6:00:00 p.m.
25-02-2026( 0:26:26)
Episode Information
Kevin Reilly shares another week of Irish news, stories, and commentary—covering U2’s new politically charged EP, Ireland’s pioneering basic income scheme for artists, record travel numbers through Dublin Airport, concerns over Catholic representation in policing, and shifting political responses to St Patrick’s Day events in the US. Kevin also highlights ongoing animal‑welfare issues in Ireland and rounds out the programme with traditional music and reflections on current events.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 25/02/2026 6:00:00 p.m.
18-02-2026( 0:30:33)
Episode Information
Kevin shares stories from across Ireland, beginning with the shocking case of two Dublin taxi drivers fined for refusing to take a visually‑impaired couple with their guide dog. He highlights an upcoming Westminster debate featuring Sinn Féin, the SNP and Welsh nationalists on whether the United Kingdom is still functioning for its member nations. Kevin also reports on Ryanair’s placement among the world’s worst‑rated airlines, strong polling support in Ireland for a ban on fox hunting, and growing frustration over severe pothole damage across the country. Other stories include widespread support for a Limerick bus driver sacked after confronting a thief, criticism of Donald Trump by the Ancient Order of Hibernians over a racist social‑media post, and reflections on Irish‑American prejudice. Kevin closes with commentary on Ireland’s stormy weather, changing global politics, and a note about an Irish concert he recently enjoyed.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.
Published: 18/02/2026 6:00:00 p.m.
04-02-2026( 0:26:5)
Episode Information
Kevin opens the new year with stories from across Ireland, beginning with severe weather warnings as storms bring heavy rain, flooding and widespread school closures north and south. He pays tribute to Belfast‑born guitar legend Gary Moore, reflecting on his early days, Thin Lizzy years, solo career and upcoming statue in his hometown. Kevin then looks at new research showing the Republic outperforming Northern Ireland in disposable income, employment and life expectancy, and highlights population trends shaping both jurisdictions. Other stories include a winter travel shutdown across the UK and Ireland, Golden Globe success for Irish actor Jessie Buckley, a lifetime‑achievement award for Belfast’s Ciarán Hinds, and a legal battle involving dancer Michael Flatley over rights to Lord of the Dance. Kevin also explores the rich history and folklore of Carlingford, and closes with a look at Burns Night traditions shared between Scotland and Northern Ireland before offering New Year wishes to listeners.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.
Published: 4/02/2026 6:00:00 p.m.
17-12-2025( 0:25:52)
Episode Information
Kevin shares stories from across Ireland, beginning with Storm Bram’s impact on the north‑west and then turning to a tribute to legendary Belfast‑born guitarist Gary Moore, whose career, collaborations and upcoming memorial statue are explored through press coverage and personal reflections. He highlights new economic comparisons showing the Republic outperforming Northern Ireland in disposable income, population growth and life expectancy, and touches on shifting labour‑force trends across the island. Other stories include ongoing winter disruption across Northern Ireland and Scotland, and commentary on the shifting global balance of economic influence. Kevin closes the programme with Christmas and New Year wishes for listeners ahead of the holiday season.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.
Published: 17/12/2025 6:00:00 p.m.
10-12-2025( 0:26:31)
Episode Information
Kevin reports on Ireland’s upcoming alcohol‑warning labels and the heated debate around their effectiveness, delay, and public attitudes toward drinking. He also covers the ongoing issues of shoplifting and violence toward retail workers in Belfast, alongside the PSNI’s seasonal safety operation. Other stories include a proposed renaming of Dublin Airport after former Taoiseach Seán Lemass, the death of fashion designer Paul Costelloe, and a tribute to Donegal‑born All Black Dave Gallaher. Kevin highlights a new cross‑border university partnership between Queen’s University Belfast and Dundalk Institute, HP’s global job cuts linked to AI, and a Sycamore Gap sapling planted in Strabane. He also discusses the political row over flying the Palestinian flag at Belfast City Hall, Dublin’s separate dispute over renaming Herzog Park, and a shocking petrol attack on a woman in Clondalkin.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.
Published: 10/12/2025 6:00:00 p.m.
03-12-2025( 0:27:53)
Episode Information
Kevin covers a range of stories from Ireland, beginning with a proposed bill to rename Dublin Airport after former Taoiseach Seán Lemass, and the mixed political reaction to the idea. He reports on the death of noted Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe, remembered for his long collaboration with Princess Diana, and reflects on the remarkable life of Donegal‑born Dave Gallaher, early All Blacks captain, honoured in his hometown. Other stories include a new cross‑border university partnership between Queen’s University Belfast and Dundalk Institute of Technology, HP’s announcement of thousands of global job cuts due to AI restructuring, and a memorial planting of a Sycamore Gap sapling in Strabane. Kevin also highlights a disturbing arson attack on a woman in Dublin, the rollout of body‑worn cameras for hospital staff in Derry amid rising violence, and the debate over removing or re‑imagining paramilitary murals on Housing Executive property. Finally, he notes Belfast’s upcoming role in the Euro 2028 qualifying draw and winter weather warnings across Ireland.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.
Published: 3/12/2025 6:00:00 p.m.
26-11-2025( 0:26:13)
Episode Information
Kevin reports on the rollout of body‑worn cameras for hospital staff in Derry as part of efforts to reduce rising violence and abuse toward healthcare workers. He looks at the ongoing debate over paramilitary murals on Northern Ireland Housing Executive property, the political calls for audits and potential re‑imaging, and the cultural significance these artworks hold within communities. Kevin also shares the story of Norman Irwin, a 107‑year‑old World War II veteran celebrating his birthday, and covers Belfast’s confirmation as host of the Euro 2028 qualifying draw. Additional stories include severe winter weather warnings across Ireland, the departure of influential Irish minister Paschal Donohoe for a World Bank role, clashes in the Dáil over energy credits, Irish councillors backing jailed Palestine Action activists, and a detailed update on the Bunratty Christmas parade and Eurovision‑related announcements.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.
Published: 26/11/2025 6:00:00 p.m.