Mick Heaney

Contributor

Mick Heaney is a radio columnist for The Irish Times and a regular contributor of Culture articles

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Derek Mooney pay controversy compounds image of dysfunction and distrust at RTÉ

Wildlife presenter’s sudden inclusion among top 10 earners is the latest blow to the embattled network

Fri May 15 2026 - 20:00

A spirit-sapping encounter between Shane Coleman and Graham Linehan

Radio: Shane Coleman and Ciara Kelly are cruising comfortably even when they deal with controversial matters

Fri May 15 2026 - 05:15

Doireann Garrihy has many strengths. Byelection analysis is not one of them

The RTÉ music station’s makeover features returning hosts and bright spots, but familiar issues remain

Fri May 08 2026 - 05:15

Kieran Cuddihy’s Liveline reveals ominous shifts in Ireland’s public mood

Radio: Gambling bodies adopt altruistic airs in Lottery row, while removal of Ukrainian supports draws ominous note of discontent

Fri May 01 2026 - 05:15

Is it too early to say that Claire Byrne is slaying it on Newstalk?

Radio: The presenter is showing a refreshing new side to her on-air persona

Fri Apr 24 2026 - 05:15

David McCullagh is a drawler whose sensitivity training needs a tweak, but it works

Radio: Oliver Callan indicates listeners are not the only ones discombobulated by the sonic makeover at RTÉ Radio 1

Fri Apr 17 2026 - 05:15

Michael Healy-Rae, the Minister who sympathises with protesters, has his cake and eats it

Radio: John Cooke keeps the peace amid an on-air cacophony while, on The Hard Shoulder, Shane Coleman warns of anarchy

Fri Apr 10 2026 - 05:15

Spending a penny has become very expensive indeed: Drivetime investigates €6m loos

Radio: Newstalk host Andrea Gilligan discusses a topic rarely aired in public, which is surely illuminating for male listeners

Fri Apr 03 2026 - 05:15

Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman have lost the morning crankiness and found a zippy chemistry

Radio: Unexpected side effects of the war in Iran add to Newstalk’s commendable drivetime energy, while Oliver Callan’s show has a distinctive twang

Fri Mar 27 2026 - 06:00

When it comes to the Jeffrey Epstein parade controversy, Kieran Cuddihy spreads it on thick

Radio: Liveline discussion of vehicle favours outrage over insight, while Claire Byrne hears relief over White House shamrock ceremony

Fri Mar 20 2026 - 05:15

Whether grilling guests or praising fried food, David McCullagh’s delivery is proper order

RTÉ Radio 1 host brings droll authority to his daily show, while Pat Kenny effortlessly moves to weekends

Fri Mar 13 2026 - 05:15

Ray D’Arcy will need to do more than ponder aimlessly to draw listeners to his daily podcast

The former RTÉ Radio 1 host is excited to begin his new show, but so far it sounds ill suited to the online sphere

Tue Mar 10 2026 - 14:29

Claire Byrne is relaxed as she settles in to Newstalk, while Shane Coleman gets mad as hell at drivetime

Radio: Newstalk host is an ideal, unflustered presence when the you-know-what hits the fan

Fri Mar 06 2026 - 05:15

Radio review: Oliver Callan has a solution to the longer airtime problem: doom radio

The Radio 1 host pads out his show in counterintuitive style

Fri Feb 27 2026 - 06:00

Anton Savage is incredulous as political peace breaks out

Radio: Newstalk Breakfast host displays sharp instincts, while a passionate denunciation of racism lights up Inside Sport

Fri Feb 20 2026 - 05:20