Best Irish Spark Podcasts (2025)

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Season Two: An Even Gooder Game with Big Citrus 44:37

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1h ago44:37

44:37

Welcome to Season Two of Good Game with Sarah Spain! To celebrate the start of a sequel that's sure to be even better than the original, Sarah catches you up on all the news you need to know and Big Citrus dives into all of the WNBA drama that unfolded during our summer break. Plus, there aren't as many "mebounds" as you think and we welcome softba…

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The Salt Path: How a blockbuster memoir strayed from the truth 35:15

7h ago35:15

35:15

The Salt Path, a memoir published in 2018, told an inspirational story; how Raynor Winn and her husband Moth lost their home following an unwise investment while the couple were dealing with Moth’s diagnosis of a rare terminal illness. It was how they dealt with these blows that was so uplifting: they embarked on a 1,000km coastal walk and a journe…

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Self Aid: How Ireland tried to sing its way out of unemployment 24:38

9h ago24:38

24:38

In 1986, Ireland staged its own answer to Live Aid – but this time, the crisis was at home. With U2, Van Morrison and Thin Lizzy on stage, Self Aid aimed to tackle mass unemployment with music, but did it inspire change or just create headlines and high notes? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Tony O’Brien and Tony Boland See omnystudio.com/listener fo…

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Colm O’Regan: “I did a gig where I got a jumper as payment” 52:08

18m ago52:08

52:08

This Sunday’s Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast Money Talks, a podcast from the Irish Independent hosted by Katie Byrne, focused on our relationship with money - from the first time we discovered it right up to how we spend it today. This week celebrated writer, broadcaster and stand-up comedian Colm O’Regan goes under the monetary…

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Peter McGann: “Irish comedy has come a long way since bad jokes about the drunk Irishman.” 35:29

2d ago35:29

35:29

Today’s Indo Daily comes from one of our sister podcasts, Under The Grill. The actor and viral comedian Peter McGann joins Kevin Dundon and Caoimhe Young in the Under the Grill kitchen to chat about his favourite dish of all time, pre-show nerves and his part in Sky Atlantic’s Small Town, Big Story, which was written and directed by Chris O’Dowd. W…

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Good Game with Sarah Spain: Season Two 3:39

17h ago3:39

3:39

Good Game is back for season two as your one-stop shop for the biggest stories in women’s sports. Every day, host Sarah Spain gives you the stories, stakes, stars, and stats to keep up with your favorite teams, leagues, and athletes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

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‘It was like a scene from an action movie’: How Ireland’s biggest drug bust unfolded 28:31

3d ago28:31

28:31

The seizure of the MV Matthew, with its massive consignment of drugs, off the Irish coast in September 2023 was as daring as it was skilful. After days of a cat and mouse chase in challenging weather between the Naval Service and the Matthew, members of the elite Army Ranger Wing descended from a helicopter on to the deck of the cargo ship. The cre…

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Bringing back the bedsit? Housing Minister James Browne’s ‘radical’ new apartment plan 23:48

3d ago23:48

23:48

Housing — it's the defining issue of a generation. Now, the Housing Minister has unveiled what’s being billed as a radical plan to ‘revolutionise’ the housing sector. Critics have already taken aim at key aspects of the plan such as smaller apartments and fewer windows, but is this exactly the kind of radical shift needed to finally boost supply? H…

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Walk this way: Is Dublin’s car-free plan working? 22:31

4d ago22:31

22:31

Parliament Street, the short, wide road that has Dublin’s quays at one end and City Hall at the other was, up to last week, clogged with traffic. Not any more. In the latest phase of the Dublin City Centre Transport Plan it has now been closed off to motorised vehicles. It is not fully pedestrianised – cyclists can still use it. That’s another car-…

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40 years of low fares and high drama: How Ryanair changed Europe one controversy at a time 26:13

4d ago26:13

26:13

40 years ago this week, at 8.30am on July 8, 1985, a 15-seater aircraft with a full complement of passengers took off from Waterford airport to London Gatwick on the inaugural flight of a new Irish airline called Ryanair. Air travel, and in some ways Ireland itself, would never be the same again. Fast forward four decades and you’d be hard-pressed …

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The Hidden Goal Behind the Gaza Ceasefire: and Assault on Iran & BRICS w/ Elina Xenophontos 1:11:53

5d ago1:11:53

1:11:53

Hello and Welcome to Colonial Outcasts, the anti-imperialist podcast that doesn’t pay wall that doesn’t Paywall it’s primary content… unlike Reuters, who this week decided to introduce a 1 dollar a week paywall for the first time ever, and get ready for that to go up next fiscal year. We are gathered here today with our regular geopolitical contrib…

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Living Beyond Parenthood with Allyson Felix 31:53

3d ago31:53

31:53

Allyson Felix—retired track star and mother-of-two—speaks with Sarah about her legendary career and the joys and challenges of juggling parenthood and multiple business endeavors. They discuss her new management company Always Alpha, her new documentary "She Runs The World," and her longtime advocacy on behalf of women and mothers, from calling out…

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How the Texas floods sparked a political blame game 21:07

5d ago21:07

21:07

Last week, a catastrophic flood tore through central Texas, killing more than a hundred people, including over two dozen children attending a Christian girls’ summer camp. An entire summer’s worth of rain water was dumped on the region within hours, leaving total devastation in its wake. Now, as the search and rescue efforts continue, the political…

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The crucifix, the marriage cert and the National Ploughing Championship: The Joseph Grogan inquest 23:12

5d ago23:12

23:12

When Offaly farmer Joseph Grogan died hours after marrying his partner, the inquest that followed was anything but simple. Now the circumstances around his death are being investigated, with an inquest that heard about the consummation of the marriage, the embalming of the body and religious beliefs. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Catherine Fegan …

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Operation Excalibur: ICE Militarization and How The Next Forever War Will Happen in America 1:15:06

6d ago1:15:06

1:15:06

Welcome to Colonial Outcasts, the unapologetically anti-imperialist podcast where we break down how Operation Excalibur — an ICE/National Guard raid on LA’s MacArthur Park — connects to Netanyahu's "voluntary migration" speech at the White House. Governments learn from each other — and this week, we're watching that play out in real-time.📄 We exami…

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Thomas Hal Robson-Kanu: ‘How to Run a Business & Play in the Premier League' (Ep76) 1:13:09

4d ago1:13:09

1:13:09

This week, we’re delighted to welcome Thomas Robson-Kanu to the show, known to many of you I’m sure as Hal. The different names he has gone by is the perfect demonstration as to why this is such a unique story. A footballer with over nearly 500 competitive games under his belt and a businessman with revenues in the tens of millions, Thomas is the e…

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What really happens on a Leaving Cert holiday? 23:22

6d ago23:22

23:22

The 2025 Leaving Cert exams are finally a thing of the past and 18-year-olds have begun their annual pilgrimage to party hotspots across southern Europe to blow off steam after a year of study. And while these trips are regarded as a rite of passage for some students, it can also be a worrying time for parents, with some tracking their children for…

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The bankrupt Dublin Jeweller, the fake gems and the missing diamonds 20:02

5d ago20:02

20:02

In recent weeks, The Sunday Independent revealed that a customer took legal action against Empress Fine Jewels, which was ordered to pay her nearly €35,000, after diamond rings she entrusted to the store were reported stolen while being taken by a pensioner to another location to be cleaned. She received a call the next day from the jeweller, telli…

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The Summer Squeeze with Big Citrus 30:06

5d ago30:06

30:06

Big Citrus presents: The Summer Squeeze! Books, music, movie and getaway recs as the days heat up and your office summer Friday policy kicks in. Plus, a look back at Season One of the show, nobody knows where the Ozarks are, and it might be summer break but we’ve still got a little homework for you Slices to do… Check out Joey Maldonado's calendar …

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The Occupied Territories Bill: Why it became a major political challenge for Government 24:29

7d ago24:29

24:29

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The €550,000 man - but is Sean Sweeney our MetroLink messiah or future fall guy? 26:39

7d ago26:39

26:39

Sean Sweeney has been handed €550k and a ticking clock – now the future of MetroLink rests on his shoulders. Can the straight-talking CEO break through over 20 years of delays, or is Dublin's long-awaited transport project doomed again? Host: Dave Hanratty Guest: Niamh Horan and Gabija Gataveckaite See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio…

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How the left can reach the right - a conservative’s guide 1:58:13

8d ago1:58:13

1:58:13

Link to Manny's guidebook: https://www.patreon.com/posts/comprehensive-to-133496236?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link Before you ask: https://colonialoutcasts.bigcartel.com/products for the merch. Thanks for being patient! With that out of the way - Can we match up to Fred Hampton's l…

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Jenny Claffey: “Affording something doesn’t mean you have the money in your bank account” 44:30

8d ago44:30

44:30

Sunday’s Indo Daily is brought to you by one of our sister podcasts; Money Talks, a podcast from the Irish Independent hosted by Katie Byrne, focused on our relationship with money - from the first time we discovered it right up to how we spend it today. Each week, you’ll hear anecdotes, advice, and eyebrow-raising admissions from Katie's guests …

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Nicola Tallant – “The Monk dined on a haloumi burger on our first real face to face’ 43:19

9d ago43:19

43:19

Today's Indo Daily is brought to you by one of our sister podcasts Under the Grill. Podcaster Nicola Tallant joins Kevin Dundon and Caoimhe Young in the Under the Grill kitchen to chat about her dad’s roast chicken dinner, breaking bread with criminals and why we are fascinated by crime. “I mean there was no coddle or any of this sort of stuff ev…

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How Gaza became the most dangerous place in the world for journalists 21:06

9d ago21:06

21:06

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How Japan fell in love with Irish culture 17:56

10d ago17:56

17:56

Taoiseach Micheál Martin wraps up his four-day visit to Japan today with a visit to Hiroshima where he will lay a wreath at the cenotaph commemorating those who died after the United States dropped an atomic bomb on the city in 1945. It’s been a hectic few days with an itinerary that included the opening of Ireland House in Tokyo, which at more tha…

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How George Gibney has run from child abuse allegations for over 30 years 27:09

10d ago27:09

27:09

For 30 years disgraced former Irish swim coach George Gibney (77) has avoided child abuse allegations, relocating around the United States and refusing to answer questions about his past. On Tuesday he was detained by US marshals on foot of the extradition request, and Gibney now sits in a Florida jail as officials attempt to extradite him to Irela…

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George Gibney: why did it take decades for the alleged sexual abuser to face new charges? 19:02

11d ago19:02

19:02

George Gibney was arrested on Tuesday in Florida after a Garda request was made to the US State Department to extradite him to Ireland to face charges relating to alleged historical child sex abuse. The 77-year-old former swim coach, who avoided trial on sexual abuse charges in 1994 after successfully challenging his prosecution in the High Court, …

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Alligator Alcatraz and the Rise of the Secret Police: What YOU Can Do About It 1:34:20

12d ago1:34:20

1:34:20

In this episode of Colonial Outcasts, we dive deep into the shocking realities of Florida’s controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” migrant detention center and its ties to the growing influence of fascism and authoritarianism in the U.S. From the Florida GOP’s for-profit detention grift to the dangerous precedent set by Trump’s "Big Beautiful Bill," we…

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Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, ‘Alligator Alcatraz’, Rushmore ambitions and a new Irish envoy 26:24

12d ago26:24

26:24

US president Donald Trump wants his name on a bill, his face on a mountain and gators guarding the border. And what does the new US ambassador to Ireland have to do with it? Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Gina London and Scott Lucas See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Irish Independent

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Extra: DJ Carey pleads guilty - Kilkenny hurler admits to falsely claiming he had cancer 15:25

12d ago15:25

15:25

Hurling star DJ Carey has admitted falsely claiming he had cancer and defrauding people into paying him for treatment. The former Kilkenny player (54) pleaded guilty to 10 deception charges when he appeared in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today. He had been due to stand trial but entered the plea when he was formally arraigned before the court thi…

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Shuttle That Cock on Outta Here with Big Citrus 34:11

12d ago34:11

34:11

It’s a Big Citrus summer hang! Sarah, Alex, and Mish get together to discuss the storylines they’re watching in the WNBA, question the worth of exhibition games during the NWSL hiatus, and share their favorite summer sports traditions (badminton and archery, anyone?). Plus, what season is the citrus season? Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or s…

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Fire Up Your Confidence: Everything You Need to Know for Your First BBQ Adventure 36:09

12d ago36:09

36:09

We'd love to hear from you, drop us a text! Thinking about firing up the barbecue but feeling a bit intimidated? You're not alone. In this practical, no-nonsense guide to barbecue basics, Dan and Owen demystify the essentials that every beginner needs to know before approaching the grill. The cornerstone of successful barbecuing isn't expensive equ…

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Carlow shooting: could Evan Fitzgerald's death have been avoided? 24:17

12d ago24:17

24:17

Last month, a 22-year-old man named Evan Fitzgerald walked into the busy Fairgreen shopping centre in Carlow and opened fire. He then turned his weapon on himself and ended his own life. Following the incident, details quickly emerged about the young man’s fascination with guns and his previous run-in with gardaí. And this week, it emerged Fitzgera…

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Claim Nikita Hand was assaulted by ex-partner dramatically dropped by Conor McGregor 20:26

13d ago20:26

20:26

Lawyers for Conor McGregor dramatically withdrew a bid to introduce new evidence in his civil rape case appeal. Evidence included allegations made by Samantha O'Reilly and Steven Cummins – former neighbours of Ms Nikita Hand. Ms Hand’s counsel John Gordon said his side was in ‘shock’ at the late withdrawal of the fresh evidence application. In her …

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Jeff Shi, Wolves Chairman: ‘How to Succeed in the Premier League & Be Financially Sustainable’ 1:27:32

11d ago1:27:32

1:27:32

This week, we’re delighted to welcome Wolves Chairman Jeff Shi to the show. Having been at the club since 2016, he has been a key part of the club’s rise from Championship survival to top half Premier League finishes and European quarter finals. Currently enjoying their longest run of Premier League football, there is a lot to be proud of. Jeff has…

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The project to recover 'seven centuries of Irish history' 24:57

13d ago24:57

24:57

On June 30th 1922, a massive explosion ripped through Dublin’s Four Courts, after the Irish Free state national army opened fire on anti-treaty republicans occupying the building. Inside the building, the old, dry files housed in the Public Record Office quickly caught fire. The blast sent a dramatic pillar of black smoke hundreds of metres into th…

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Revisiting Grace Livingstone’s murder, as husband who sued Gardaí over probe into killing dies 23:22

13d ago23:22

23:22

James Livingstone, who sued An Garda Síochána for branding him a suspect in the murder of his wife Grace Livingstone at their Co Dublin home in 1992, was laid to rest last week. The murder was one of the most high-profile cases of the time because no motive could be found. Today on the Indo Daily, Kevin Doyle speaks to Conor Feehan, News Correspo…

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Summer Break: Sarah on The Bright Side 42:41

14d ago42:41

42:41

Look on the bright side, y’all! On this episode, Sarah joins Simone Boyce on Hello Sunshine’s “The Bright Side” podcast, and talks about why being pushed out of your “dream job” isn’t the end, what it means to be a woman who contains multitudes in a world that wants you to shrink, chasing big dreams, creating lasting change in women's sports and th…

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Could you really go to jail for watching a ‘dodgy box’? 18:07

14d ago18:07

18:07

Two court cases this month will have signalled to those supplying so-called ‘dodgy boxes’ that there is a high penalty to be paid. A man who appeared before Trim District Court charged with selling the boxes was jailed for 3½ years, while in the High Court Sky Ireland alleged that another man may have earned up to €450,000 a year from operating a d…

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Exposed: How workers are getting sick certs for €25 without seeing a doctor 24:39

14d ago24:39

24:39

Need a medical certificate to take sick leave from work? It used to be that the only way to get one was an in-person visit to your GP. But in the post-pandemic world, a remote alternative is growing in popularity. But what are the risks? And is it too easily exploited? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Amy Molloy, Darragh Nolan and Maeve McTaggart Se…

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Rob Lipsett: ‘You can spend €20,000 on a bottle of champagne but it’s also easy to live the normal Spanish life’ 42:18

14d ago42:18

42:18

We are bringing Indo Daily listeners an episode from the Irish Independent’s new lifestyle podcast Money Talks, a show that explores our relationship with money and the impact it has on our lives. On this episode, host Katie Byrne is joined by fitness entrepreneur and influencer Rob Lipsett, who discusses early jobs, the importance of committing to…

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What you need to know about new rules for renters - and landlords 23:18

16d ago23:18

23:18

Renters and landlords alike are confused about exactly how the forthcoming changes to rules governing tenancies will affect them. In what circumstances can rent be raised? In what circumstances can a landlord legally ask a tenant to move out? Consumer Affairs Correspondent Conor Pope sets out to answer their questions, as submitted to The Irish Tim…

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Sex therapist Grace Alice O'Se – How sex in Ireland has lost the ‘shame factor’. 46:46

15d ago46:46

46:46

Today’s Indo Daily comes from one of our sister podcasts; Under the Grill. The author and sex educator Grace Alice O'Se joins Kevin Dundon and Caoimhe Young to chat about Traffic Light Brownies, her favourite childhood dessert, completed with drizzled chocolate and M&Ms. Grace Alice talks about the relationship between sex and food and how the conv…

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You Get the Gist with Ellen Hyslop and Jacie deHoop 47:48

17d ago47:48

47:48

Jacie deHoop and Ellen Hyslop, co-founders of the popular sports media company The GIST, join Sarah to discuss their company’s origin story, reaching one million subscribers, and how they’ve handled managing an ever-expanding brand in a changing industry. Plus, a court in a 'port, a friend of the show goes way up, and team Good Game goes on summer …

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Iran-US relations: What is behind the hostility between the two countries? 17:37

17d ago17:37

17:37

A new chapter in the fractious relationship between Iran and the US began this week with America’s bombing of three Iranian nuclear-development sites; Iran’s retaliatory strike on a US military base in Qatar, and the tentative ceasefire in the Israel-Iran war announced by President Donald Trump. The two countries have history: Key dates include 195…

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Talk to Joe: Liveline’s most jaw-dropping moments 22:57

16d ago22:57

22:57

This Friday, the nation has one last chance to talk to Joe. After almost three decades, Joe Duffy is set to hang up the iconic Liveline microphone. From fiery on-air clashes, to moving personal stories, the RTÉ radio show often sparked conversations that led to real societal change. But who will replace the iconic presenter? And what are Liveline’s…

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Won't You Be My Neighbor? with Pamela Grundy & Susan Shackelford 43:10

18d ago43:10

43:10

Pamela Grundy and Susan Shackelford, co-authors of “Shattering the Glass: The Remarkable History of Women’s Basketball,” join Sarah to talk about trying to fit the history of women’s basketball into one book, the interesting way they became friends and co-authors, and their recent trip to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Plus, a high profile br…

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Why Ireland football legend Damien Duff walked out on his team 28:00

18d ago28:00

28:00

Last weekend, former Ireland international and premier league star Damien Duff sent shock waves through Irish football when he announced he was resigning as manager of Shelbourne FC. In a statement, the Tolka Park club said it was “regretfully” announcing Duff’s departure. “While all at Shelbourne FC are deeply saddened by Damien’s decision, we ful…

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Why the IRFU is buying swathes of luxury D4 property 19:11

17d ago19:11

19:11

Why is the IRFU playing landlord in Dublin’s most expensive postcode? Despite recently calling time on its rugby sevens team, it appears that Ireland's rugby union has been snapping up luxury Dublin houses to some dismay of local residents, who fear they are trying to grow the footprint of the Aviva stadium. So what exactly is the IFU doing? Host: …