Moncrieff
Episodes
Japanese scientists invent onion that doesn't make you cry!
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Japanese scientists have created a new breed of onion, known as the ‘smile ball’, which does not make the eyes water when it is chopped.Renowned C...
The Jim Carey clone conspiracy
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
When the Canadian actor Jim Carey recently accepted an honorary prize at the prestigious César Awards in France, the internet was aghast at his look ...
Why are parents choosing more gender neutral names for their kids?
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The results from the latest CSO baby names report shows a grá for gender neutral names, but why?Joining Seán to discuss this is Darach Ó Séaghdha,...
School’s aquaponics project supplies Michelin star restaurant
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A Dublin school’s aquaponics project has been such a success that it now supplies its produce to a Michelin-starred restaurant.Joining Seán to disc...
Thousands of protected animals dying in tangle nets
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Thousands of protected marine animals including grey seals, dolphins, angel sharks and flapper skates are drowning in tangle nets set for crayfish off...
Will new drivers from South Africa alleviate ‘ghost buses’?
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Commuters across Dublin are growing increasingly frustrated with so called ‘ghost buses’ services that appear on real-time displays, but then vani...
Survivor of historical sex abuse shares her story
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There’s always a difficulty in the investigation of cases of rape and sexual assault, often being the word of one person against another, with no wi...
The extraordinary story behind the assassination of Trotsky
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The ice axe that was used to assassinate Leon Trotsky is perhaps one of the most famous murder weapons in history, currently on display at the Interna...
Should Ireland adopt the Welsh methods of language revival?
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Seán’s guest is recently back from Wales, where he was exploring how the native language of that country is thriving and looking at whether or not ...
Why people are ditching the plane to get to their holiday
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
More and more people are choosing to travel to their holiday destination via land and water rather than using air travel, perhaps to reduce their carb...
Is it time for a spring clean? - Henry McKean Reports
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It’s now early March: is it time for a spring clean and a declutter? Does it clear the mind?Henry McKean met people spring cleaning at a recycling c...
Aisling Brennan on suffering a cardiac arrest at 27
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Just days after Christmas, 27-year-old Offaly camogie player Aisling Brennan collapsed suddenly while at a friend’s house. With no warning signs and...
Can books fight loneliness?
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Reading is good for you for many reasons - one being a way to combat loneliness, which repeated studies have been discovering.Louisa Earls, Manager of...
Trump allowed Doonbeg expansion - if he protects the snails
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Clare County Council has given the green light for a new 320-capacity ballroom at Trump International Golf Links and Hotel Doonbeg, but there’s a sm...
Are we in a sex recession?
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If it feels like we’re in a romantic recession, you’re not wrong. From Dublin to New York, young people are reportedly having less sex and more sc...
Colm O’Regan on the importance of libraries
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Despite an apparent decline in reading and funding problems, the Irish library network very much still exists - and should still be used!Joining Seán...
Are pub crawls still a thing?
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Seán’s guest today has probably visited more pubs than most people and is a big believer in reclaiming and celebrating the original idea of a good ...
The mystery of the HMS Saldanha
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Shifting sands have revealed what may be a part of the starboard bow of the HMS Saldanha, a navy frigate that was wrecked off the coast of Donegal in ...
Chef Gaz Smith on the power of chicken feet
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Now, before you wrinkle your nose, yes, we’re talking about chicken feet. They may not win any beauty contests, but when it comes to making rich, no...
How much bias is in a coin flip?
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A new poll of 2,000 adults has found that people still commonly use a coin toss to make decisions about things, but is there any bias involved in flip...
Why ‘shelf cleavage’ is making a comeback
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Corsets are back - “shelf cleavage” is having a moment, and apparently, we’re all meant to look like we’ve stepped out of Bridgerton or at lea...
When does spring actually start?
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you have young kids in primary school, you may have heard them discussing how we are currently in spring, as this is what is taught in the current ...
What is ‘hygiene poverty’?
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Poverty can affect people in many ways, including hygiene poverty. When money is running low, hygiene items like soap, shampoo, deodorant and more can...
Why does the Cork accent sound close to a Jamaican one?
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Jamaicans are claiming a Cork TD as one of their own after a video of Thomas Gould speaking in the Dáil went viral.People on social media say that hi...
The need for more support for male abuse survivors
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The resources available for people subject to domestic abuse are stretched thin enough - even more so for men. There is a Men’s Aid, but their help ...
Do most people have no hope for future finances?
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A new Credit Union survey has found Irish people’s outlook on everything from personal finance to the price of consumer goods tends to be negative. ...
New study finds that T-Rex went on tip toes instead of stomping
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In Jurassic Park, the T-Rex stomps around the place with an earth-shattering rumble, but a new study in the States has discovered that it actually mov...
What happens to regular people on the rugby bulking diet?
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The rugby bulking diet involves the consumption of vast quantities of calories over a short period of time in order to put size on quickly. But what h...
Limerick locals suffer from poitín withdrawls
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Locals in Adare, County Limerick were left without poitín after its producer was caught by the Gardaí - and the lack of the drink was giving them wi...
Lettuce hair is taking over - but why?
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Jacob Elordi has one, and so does Connor Storrie from ‘Heated Rivalry’, but what exactly is the lettuce haircut? Is it basically a mullet?Phil Dom...
Tortoise island in danger of extinction due to lack of males
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On the tiny island of Golem Grad in North Macedonia, a population of Hermann’s tortoise is heading for extinction, not because of predators or habit...
Why is there more poverty in the LGBTQ+ community?
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A major new study has found that members of the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland face far greater levels of poverty than the general population, but why is...
Would you rent a goat?
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Seán’s guest operates a unique business - he rents out his herd of goats for urban and rural projects, including to Tidy Towns committees and to he...
Should you write a will in your 20s?
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Only one in three adults in Ireland have a will, and most people don’t make one until much later in life. But, with major milestones like home owner...
Why have we ditched estate cars for SUVs?
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Why do we love the SUV so much, and why have a majority of people picked it over the humble estate car?Paddy Comyn, Head of Automotive Content and Com...
Should Ireland have a National Women's Museum?
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
With JP McManus offering the site of the now-shuttered Rugby Experience Museum to the State as a gift, the Minister for the Arts is today bringing to ...
What’s behind the boom in Bible sales?
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In a country once dominated by the Church and later known for turning away from it, a surprising trend is emerging. Booksellers across Ireland sa...
Ireland has more stillborn babies than road deaths every year
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ireland has one of the highest stillborn rates in Europe: 4 in 1,000, compared to an average of 0.8. It’s a small figure, but that is little comfort...
Should the Government ramp up land purchases?
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The state currently owns about 100,000 hectares of land, but should the Government ramp this up?Joining Seán to discuss is Christopher O’Sullivan, ...
Irish living in London - Henry McKean Reports
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Over 150,000 Irish-born people live in London, and another 1 million have some sort of Irish heritage. Many young Irish are flocking to London, includ...
Why is there opposition to a suspension bridge to Sicily?
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni hopes to get her plans for the world’s longest suspension bridge, linking the Italian mainland with Sicily, o...
Guy Winch on how to deal with work burn out
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A new book is attempting to help people deal with stress and work burnout, taking readers through the days of the week and how each day exerts differe...
Papparazo’s perspective on viral new Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor photo
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested yesterday for suspicion of misconduct in public office - which is where paparazzi were able...
What causes shark attacks?
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The International Shark Attack File, which monitors shark bites across the globe, has released its latest figures, showing an increase on the previous...
How damaging can headphones be?
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Should you be worried about ‘forever chemicals’ contained inside headphones? New research has found that many can contain cancer-causing chemicals...
Why did Oscar Wilde’s deathbed photograph sell for 100 times the asking price?
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A photograph of Oscar Wilde, taken just minutes after he died in November 1900, has fetched 100 times its guide price at auction in London this week. ...
How feasible are ‘Doer Uppers’?
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As the housing crisis continues apace, some people might be considering a ‘doer upper’, but how feasible is it to renovate a dwelling that is in a...
Why have nicotine pouches risen in popularity?
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The new kid on the block when it comes to nicotine is snus, little nicotine pouches. But how does it work and why are researchers concerned about the ...
How do you properly ask for a pay rise?
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
New research has shown that sought-after workers are being offered salary increases of up to 8%, but employers are holding off on increments for most ...
Comedian Claire Parker on her work at 32
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Comedian Claire Parker has built a devoted, largely female audience with her sharp, pragmatic take on modern womanhood.Blending stand-up with candid p...
Is there still a stigma around therapy? - Henry McKean Asks
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Issues around anxiety are fueling sick days and a ‘worklessness’ crisis. Is it time we tried to get over any stigma around asking and seeking help...
What’s it like being a nude life model?
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Seán’s guest is a student and decided to become a life model to help fund his art lessons. So, what is being a nude life model like?Johnny Murray j...
Are you entitled to some of the €33 million held by the HSE?
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
€33m belonging to dead or missing patients is being held unclaimed in accounts managed by the HSE. So, how do you find out if you are entitled to an...
How ‘What a Fat Girl Eats in a Day’ bucks online pressures
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
‘What I Eat in A Day’ videos have become commonplace across social media platforms like Tik Tok and Instagram but recently, the irreverent ‘What...
Why the corsage is making a comeback
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Once a symbol of old-school romance and prom-night nostalgia, the corsage is making an unapologetically modern comeback. Championed in the 1990s by Ca...
How do you write a book?
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
They say everyone has a book in them - the tricky part is getting it out, and then onto a shelf. As author Richard Fitzpatrick releases his third...
Parts for Russian drones used in Ukraine war are being shipped from Ireland
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Parts for deadly drones, and made by companies headquartered in Ireland, have made their way to Russia despite EU bans on such activity, thanks to dow...
What does it take to be a competitive window cleaner?
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As spring approaches, more and more people will be thinking about cleaning their windows, but did you know that there is a competitive window cleaning...
Thousands of Irish passports reported lost or stolen
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
According to figures released to the Social Democrats, 150,000 passports have been lost by Irish people over the last 5 years. A further 15,000 were s...
What’s the right way to stack a dishwasher?
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you think politics divides households, you’ve never witnessed a dishwasher debate.Knives up or down? Rinse or don’t rinse? And is rinse aid a m...
Should we be doing everything more slowly?
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Turns out, slow and steady really does win the race!New research suggests older adults may be better at everyday tasks that require focus, not because...
Amazon van gets stuck in water after following GPS
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
An Amazon delivery driver has driven his van onto a tidal path in the UK and got stuck in the water after following his GPS instructions. This isn’t...
What is the psychology of Lent?
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Tomorrow is the start of Lent - where those who lean towards religion may give up things in their lives for a period of time. However, people without ...
Will Kim Jong Un’s daughter be his successor?
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Late last week, the intelligence service of South Korea stated that it believed Kim Jong Un has “entered the stage of nominating [his daughter, who ...
Can brushing your teeth fight dementia?
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A science conference has been told that taking better care of your teeth and gums can cut the risk of developing more than 50 conditions and diseases,...
Four trees in Rathmines could save native elm species
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Four elm trees in a quiet square in Rathmines could help bring back Ireland’s native elm.Experts believe the trees in Kenilworth Square may be resis...
What does Ramadan look like day-to-day?
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
With Ramadan kicking off tomorrow for Ireland’s Muslim community, the next 30 days are a major challenge, both physically and mentally. There is a l...
Do we need more bus shelters? - Henry McKean Reports
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Just 3 bus stops were built last year in Dublin, the year before it was 37. With 6 months of rain falling in 6 days, commuters are getting wet like ne...
Is the traditional community dying out?
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
While Community Employment schemes are available to sports clubs and organisations, some argue those resources should be more focused on essential com...
Friday 13th and Superstitions
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Today is Friday the 13th a date that, for many, carries an uneasy sense of bad luck and looming misfortune. From religious folklore linking the number...
Can you find love via video games?
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Church launches marriage-themed computer game for Valentine’s Day aimed at enticing more couples to the altar – What other video games try to enco...
Catherine Fulvio on teaching the basics of cooking to the TikTok generation
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Chef Catherine Fulvio has launched a new Online cookery course for transition year students. The course aims to equip gen z with basic cooking s...
Closing for “holy hour”...The Strange pub rules of years gone by
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There was a time when pubs would close for “holy hour” on Sundays. However, that was abolished in 2000, but what are the other strange things pubs...
The Irish tricolour is older than we have been led to believe
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
New research has discovered that the tricolour is older than previously thought. Joining was joined by John Crotty, Historian and author of ‘T...
Copper Face Jacks turns 30, Henry McKean pays a visit
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Copper Face Jacks opened its doors 30 years ago this week. The landmark nightclub has had its moments. From 2011 All Ireland Football Champions - Dubl...
Why doesn’t Galway have any gay bars left?
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Despite having had many in the past, Galway city now has no gays bars left. While some are saddened by this situation, Galway native Francis Con...
Living with an embarrassing laugh
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sean was joiend by an Jane Howard an arts writer based in Adelaide who happens to have a particularly loud guffaw, which can sometimes even land...
The man who bought an abandoned Spanish village
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A US couple is set to buy an abandoned Spanish village, complete with a church, school and bar for €310,000. It’s part of a growing trend across S...
Why are Italians so against putting pineapple on pizza?
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Luca Di Marzio, owner of Rosa Madre restaurant in Dublin. Earlier this week, a BBC reporter went viral after going around Milan, the host city of the ...
Parenting with Joanna Fortune
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joanna Fortune joins Sean to discuss listeners' parenting queries...
Getting a breast explant
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
My next guest wanted to go public with her story so that other women who have undergone plastic surgery might feel empowered to undergo a cosmetic rev...
What to do about the mouse-infested and worsening state of the Palace of Westminster?
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Palace of Westminster, which houses Big Ben and the House of Commons, is falling apart. With parts of the rodent-infested building complex over a ...
You have heard of Dyslexia but what is Dysgraphia?
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Donald Ewing, Head of Education and Policy with Dyslexia Ireland. Donal is an educational psychologist and does assessments with people with dyslexia,...
What happens to your digital profile when you pass ? And should you make it part of your remembrance ?
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Where do people start when they need/want to preserve their digital legacy? Who can access your saved songs, your digtial notes, your blog/website, em...
Government plans to introduce a three-year ban on family reunification for recognised refugees. Why is this being done, and is it justified?
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Government plans to introduce a three-year ban on family reunification for recognised refugees, along with new financial requirements. Ministers s...
Irishman honoured with plaque for coining the term ‘United States of America’
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
An Irishman who travelled to America in the late 18th century has been honoured in Cork with a plaque for coining the term ‘United States of America...
New study finds monkeys can engage in make-believe
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A new study has found that bonobo monkeys can engage in make-believe in a very similar way to children. Joining Sean was Amalia Bastos, Lecturer in Co...
Around the World
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Jonathan DeBurca Butler joins Seán Moncrieff to take listeners through the week's international stories.
Government to introduce a ‘Child Maintenance Calculator’
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Keith Walsh, Family law solicitor at Keith Walsh Solicitors, joined Sean off the back of the announcement from the Justice Minister that the governmen...
Winter Olympic officials to investigate why medals keep breaking
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A perhaps unexpected situation has arisen at the Milan Cortina Olympics this week with a number of successful athletes disappointed to discover that t...
Freestanding kitchens are making a comeback
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Once a staple in homes around the world, free-standing kitchens are making a stylish comeback. After years of sleek built-in cabinetry dominating inte...
The Irish man taking a Middle-Aged Gap Year by cycling around the world
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Can a midlife break spent criss-crossing the globe bring renewed meaning to life? This is what Ellie and Mark decided to do. They left their jobs and ...
Winner of the Microsoft Excel World Championships
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Spreadsheeting is now a competitive problem solving e-sport, attracting huge audiences in the States. Joining Sean was Irishman Diarmuid Early, the mo...
TV on the Radio: These Sacred Vows, Glitter & Gold and Memory of a Killer
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
James Dempsey joins Moncrieff with his picks for what to stream. On the list this week:RTE comedy Drama series These Sacred Vows, Netflix documentary ...
Report finds 43 per cent higher rate of recorded sexual violence compared to any other EU countries. What explains this shocking number ?
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ireland has a 43 per cent higher rate of recorded sexual violence. These are incidents reported to the gardaí and officially entered into the crimina...
How much should you spend on a wedding present ?
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Wedding costs are at all-time high in Ireland, and that's not just for the happy couple. Surveys show it has never been more expensive to host a weddi...
How dangerous is Household mould to your health, and is there anything you can do to prevent it?
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mould in the home is more than just an eyesore, it can be a serious health risk, especially for young children, older adults, and people with breathin...
AI tech is being piloted in Cork to detect traffic violations
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
New artificial intelligence technology is currently being trialled on buses by the National Transport Authority. Similar cameras are used in US cities...
Are we making our pets fat and not realising? Henry McKean reports
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Are we making our pets fat and not realising ? The Irish Blue Cross, the veterinary charity, is warning there is a hidden obesity crisis that ma...
Should novelists embrace Reality TV to market their work ?
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
When the thriller writer Harriet Tyce appeared on The Traitors, her book sales skyrocketed by over 500%...So, could novelists be marketed in this way ...