Newstalk Documentaries

New radio documentary ‘Tainted Blood’ lays bare the devastating impact of infected blood products on the Irish Haemophilia Community In 1982 the first case of HIV was recorded in Ireland. By 1985 all people with haemophilia were being tested for the disease. More than one third of them were found to be HIV positive having contracted the disease through infected blood products that were made up of pooled plasma from thousands of donors, much of which had been imported. Colm Walsh, who has haemophilia, features on the documentary. As a child Colm and his older brother Brendan were treated with the same blood products and, by some cruel twist of fate, Brendan contracted HIV and eventually died of AIDs. Colm did not, but sadly did contract Hepatitis C, another disease which ravaged the haemophilia community in the late 80s as a result of infected blood products. Colm shares his remarkable story on the documentary, he said, “Despite the fact this happened over 40 years ago some of us are still living with this

Clonmany is a small village in rural Donegal. On the edge of the village is a long, narrow single-story building with a tin roof. This plain building is home to World Champions. This is the home of Clonmany Tug of War club, who train here in the autumn and winter nights, pulling together for another tilt at European and World glory. They build them big, and they dream big, in Clonmany. The World indoor championships are held every two years and will take place at the Aura Leisure Centre in Letterkenny in February 2020. The championships will attract up to 1,000 competitors and spectators from around the World to Letterkenny. But in the weeks leading up to the championships there is growing unease about a strange virus from the east, Covid. Would Big Danny’s dream be scuppered? ‘Pulling Together’ was produced and edited by Jim Doherty with the aid of funding from the BAI’s Sound and Vision scheme.

Documentary On Newstalk presents "‘The Irish Divorce” an original radio series by Jonathan Farrelly. "The Irish Divorce - ‘When you and your spouse over time start leading completely separate lives and sleeping in different rooms, but don't divorce because you're Irish Catholics.” Told from the perspective of a Therapist and a couple that has gone through ‘an Irish Divorce’ and came out the other side, this series looks to uncover and go deep within the psychology of ‘The Irish Divorce’. Our therapist, Debra Armstrong will take us on a journey from the outside in, while our couple, ‘Wil-ly and Breda’* will take us on their journey, from the inside out. *Please note, due to the sensitivity of the topic and our couples wish to rename anonymous, their names have been changed and their testimonies have been recorded by actors.

During a recent period of unrest in the troubled Palestinian territories producer Brian Kenny travelled to meet those Palestinian women who are suffering both under the Israeli occupation and in a deeply patriarchal society. In the Hebron hills, we hear from a community denied access to their lands, education, and in some cases electricity. We hear how one strong woman rose up against all the odds facing down the IDF and illegal settlers to build a school ensuring the education of future generations. In the Gaza strip, described by one resident as an open prison, the community workers tell us about the daily struggles facing its inhabitants but primarily how it is the women that suffer the most, be it through a lack of access to education and rule over their own lives, or living in daily fear of Israeli attacks. "Fighting on Two Fronts" showcases the struggles and triumphs of these women, highlighting their determination to fight for their rights and make a difference in their communities. From organizing

Across Ireland, people are doing exciting and important science, even though they didn’t train as scientists. They are documenting sightings of birds and insects, of lizards and newts. They are playing games that improve our understanding of the human mind, mapping meteors across our solar system, and testing the water in our rivers and streams. They are even helping unearth our history at archaeological dig sites. In this programme, we explore the field of ‘citizen science’, we find out about the projects people are contributing to, and we discover how it is improving our understanding of science. Citizen Science, was produced by Shaun & Maurice (aka science communicator Shaun O'Boyle and artist Maurice Kelliher) and was funded by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television Licence Fee. ‘Citizen Science’ features: ● Jonathan Mackey from DIAS Dunsink Observatory ● Susan Hegarty from the DCU Water Institute ● Claire Gillen from Neureka ● Kieran Flood from The Irish Wildlife T

Documentary On Newstalk presents "Undocumented", independent producer Bairbre Flood brings us the stories of those who have been living in Ireland, Undocumented, and the impact the groundbreaking regularisation scheme has had.  Last year saw the start of a groundbreaking regularisation scheme for thousands of people who’ve been living and working in Ireland for many years without papers. It came after ten years of campaigning by migrant communities working with the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) in the ‘Justice for Undocumented’ campaign. Albert Bello, Irene Jagoba, Neil Bruton and Claudiane Lima share their experiences of working on the campaign and why it’s so important to continue and broaden the scheme. Bello and Jagoba share how it has affected their lives and they explain why it’s vital that this scheme continues for new arrivals. For them, and all the people who’ve been living in a state of limbo for so long, this has been a life-changing scheme. And for those who missed out and for those stil

The fascinating stories of five religious Irish women who worked in the missions abroad; why these women chose the life that they did and the challenges they faced not only on their missionary posting but also the difficulties encountered on return home to Ireland. CREDITS: ‘Mission Possible’ was produced, recorded and edited by Grainne McPolin. Assistant Producer: Kelly Crichton Music: composed and arranged by JJO’Shea Music: ‘African Percussion’ Pollypony Studio facilities Thanks to Kerry College, Monavalley Campus, Tralee, Co Kerry Special thanks go to: Missionary Sisters of St Columban Missionary Sisters of The Holy Rosary Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul Dr Carmen Mangion Historian Birkbeck University of London Dr Yvonne McKenna Sociologist and Author of ‘Made Holy: Irish Women Religious at Home and Abroad Sr Kathleen McGarvey OLA Mr David Rose Secretary General AMRI Sr Susanna Choi Congregational Leader Missionary Sisters of St Col

The Fixer, a Newstalk exclusive documentary about Sean Moncrieff’s week in Ukraine. Presented by Sean Moncrieff, produced by Aisling Moore, with additional audio production by Lochlainn Harte.

To coincide with International Roma Day on April 8th 2023, Newstalk present a new radio documentary. Produced by independent radio producer Susan Dennehy, ‘A Roma Girl in Dublin’ reveals the personal experiences of four women from the Roma community living in Ireland. The stories of four women feature in the documentary ; Gabi Muntean, Vanessa Paszkowska, Sylvia Covaci and Marioara Rostas. ‘A Roma Girl in Dublin' was produced and narrated by Susan Dennehy. Research by Sean Harper. Sound Mix by Moynihan Russell Studios. The programme was Funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee.

Documentary on Newstalk, presents a new documentary by producers Shaun O’Boyle and Maurice Kelliher. In 'Looking Up' we meet the astronomers working in an historic observatory in Castleknock Co Dublin. DIAS Dunsink Observatory is a beautiful building, located in Castleknock in Dublin, and filled with centuries of space-related history, telescopes, stories, artefacts, diaries, and equipment. We take a tour of the observatory with astronomers who work in this historic building. We explore the site's history, and we discover what kind of scientific research happens there today - from studying solar flares to space weather, nearby planets to distant galaxies. Looking Up is a Shaun and Maurice production, produced by Maurice Kelliher and Shaun O’Boyle, and was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the sound and vision scheme.

Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie travels to Somalia with Trócaire to see the impact the worst drought in over 40 years is having on the country. He met with those who are providing supports on the ground and also with the families who have been affected as part of Trócaire's Lent Appeal.

Documentary on Newstalk presents - a new three part series, produced and narrated by Patricia Baker. Each documentary charts the life and work of one extraordinary woman who broke the ground for the next generation of women. Ground Breakers: Dervilla Donnelly is an insight into the life and work of Emeritus Professor of Organic Chemistry at University College Dublin, Dervilla Donnelly. The documentary traces the role she played in Ireland’s’ scientific success, not just with her own scientific research, but with her influence on science policy and as a mentor for some of Ireland’s leading scientist. Ground Breakers is a Curious Broadcast production funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television Licence Fee.

As part of a series of three programs, Producer Patricia Baker looks at the life and work of three women, who broke ground for future generations. In this episode, a former Supreme Court Judge and member of the Council of State of Ireland, who has been involved in some of the most important children’s and women’s rights and child protection changes in Ireland. Ground Breakers: Catherine McGuinness, is a Curious Broadcast production funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television Licence Fee. Produced and narrated by Patricia Baker, final mix Domhnaill Corrigan, at Contact Studio. Choral music courtesy of the Culwick Choral Society. Original music score by Gerry Horan. For more on the series visit www.newstalk.com

Documentary On Newstalk presents "The Good Samaritans" - Produced by Bairbre Flood, made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, Sound and Vision Scheme. What motivates us to help others, and why should we help others? What does the latest psychological research show us about our brains on altruism? And are there ways we can be more effective altruists - especially for those from other countries or future generations? Psychologist, Dr. Dean McDonnell tells us about the latest research into what’s really going on in our brains when we’re a good samaritan - and how we can encourage this in our children. We hear from Shaza Aldawamneh, a Syrian student in Cork who teaches coding online to refugees; long-time humanitarian Mary Coffey, missionary nun Sr Majella McCarron; MSF coordinator Sarah Leahy, and founder of ‘The Free Humanitarians’ Sean Binder. We’ll also have a look at how we can be more effective altruists with William MacAskill, author of ‘How To Good Better’ and ‘What We Owe The Fut

The beauty, power and wonder of the sea as told by ex-fishermen, marine ecologists and environmental activists. Producer Bairbre Flood takes to the sea with Colin Barnes, Cork Whale Watch, on an ethical whale and wildlife tour, and meets with volunteers with the Bantry Bay Protect Our Native Kelp Forest campaign, lobster fisherman Kieran O’Shea, and marine biologist Shazia Waheed. Niall MacAllistar of Sea Kayaking With The Seals brings us out to explore Adrigole Harbour and Padraic Fogarty (Whittled Away: Ireland’s Vanishing Nature) of the Irish Wildlife Trust explains what can be done to help protect the seas. Produced by Bairbre Flood with funding from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland Sound and Vision Scheme from the television license fee.

In ‘The Southern Cross – The Irish Argentine Connection’, radio producer Ciarán Ryan travels to Buenos Aires, Argentina to find out more about The Southern Cross, a newspaper that was launched in 1875 by an Irish priest. The Southern Cross has had a lively and fascinating existence since, and this is unpacked in this one-off documentary. A newspaper with a Catholic ethos at its core, The Southern Cross has been a significant part of the Argentine-Irish community for almost 150 years. In a pre-internet era, we will hear that it was very much a part of every Irish household in Buenos Aires and beyond. The project was supported by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the Sound and Vision Scheme.

‘A Man From Cork’ tells the fascinating true story of Dermot Fenton who made national headlines in 1998 following a rare heart and lung transplant operation which involved a race against the clock and a ‘mercy dash’ to London on the Irish Government Jet. Narrated by his brother Pio, this documentary details the medical challenges Dermot faced with Cystic Fibrosis, his enduring spirit and sense of humour in the face of challenges, and the life altering impact his transplant would have for two other families that fateful night in 1998. Narrated by Pio Fenton. Produced by Daniel Cahill. Archive News clips courtesy of Virgin Media Television. This is a story about transformative nature of organ donation and the importance of living life to fullest.

In ‘Black and Irish, Navigating Racism In Ireland’, Producer Caroline Mudingo Dipanda examines institutional racism in Ireland within the Irish industrial care system and the education system. We talk to Bukky Adebowale, born in Ireland, President of the student life at Maynooth University, Sandrine Ndahiro, PhD student in African Literature originally from Kenya and Cameroon-born artist Alicia Raye who spent her teenage years in Direct Provision centers. They share personal stories to explain how racism and discrimination is prevalent in their daily interactions in colleges and universities. We meet Black Irish teacher Alex Mbowua, activist Myriam Poizat (YARI), Adult learner advocate and Africa-Ireland Network's founder Joy-Tendai Kangere and Patricia Munatsi, the Policy Officer for the Irish Network Against Racism: overview of the education system and the national policies. 'Black and Irish, Navigating Racism In Ireland’ was supported by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the

“Eoin Hand, A Life in Football and More”. Former Republic of Ireland Senior Soccer Manager, Eoin Hand, reflects on a career at the top of Irish soccer, as a player and as a manager in the international limelight. Produced by by Peter Grogan and supported by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the Sound And Vision Scheme.

From quiet full-moon swims to high energy races, cups of tea on the beach to glasses of prosecco by the Liffey, The Sea Is My Sky captures the community, competition, and joy of sea swimming on Ireland’s east coast. The Sea Is My Sky – was produced by Maurice Kelliher and Shaun O’Boyle, and was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the Sound and Vision Scheme.