Big News Coming Soon Podcast

In this episode, I sit down for a chat with two inspiring and hardworking young men from Tipperary, Conor Bourke and Conor O’Brien, who took the leap and set up their own carpentry business, Bourke O’Brien Woodcraft. What started out as two young lads with a passion for their trade has grown into a successful business, now employing two additional people. It’s fantastic to see young people with the drive, ambition and work ethic to go out on their own, build something from the ground up and create employment along the way. Conor and Conor are a real inspiration and a great example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination and a bit of belief in yourself. It’s also brilliant to see the carpentry industry thriving and young tradesmen making a name for themselves through quality craftsmanship and dedication to their work.A great chat with two down-to-earth lads who have a bright future ahead of them. Fair play to them both, and I wish them every success as their business continues to grow! Please sign up to my Patreon for weekly bonus episodes: www.patreon.com/BigNewsComingSoon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A brother’s fight for answers, justice and a public inquiry.In this powerful and deeply personal episode, I am joined in studio by Dermot Horkan, brother of the late Detective Garda Colm Horkan, who was tragically murdered while on duty in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, in June 2020.Colm’s murder shocked the nation, devastated his family and left a lasting impact on An Garda Síochána and communities across Ireland.But for his brother Dermot, the story is far from over.In this emotional and thought-provoking conversation, Dermot opens up about the devastating loss of his brother, the impact Colm’s death has had on their family, and his ongoing campaign for a public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Colm’s murder.Dermot explains why he believes important questions remain unanswered, what he hopes a public inquiry would uncover, and why he is determined to continue fighting for answers.This is more than a conversation about a horrific crime. It is a story about family, grief, unanswered questions and a brother’s determination to ensure that Colm’s life, service and sacrifice are never forgotten.Why is Dermot calling for a public inquiry, and what answers is he still seeking?An important, heartfelt interview that deserves to be heard.Rest in Peace, Detective Garda Colm Horkan.Please sign up to my Patreon for weekly bonus episodes: www.patreon.com/BigNewsComingSoon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Brenda Dennehy for a catch-up about life and a chat about her powerful new book. Brenda opens up about her journey through addiction, rehab, heartbreak and loss, and how she found the strength to turn her life around. We talk about resilience, second chances, the people who never gave up on her, and why it’s never too late to make a comeback. An honest, inspiring and heartfelt conversation you won’t want to miss. Get the book here: https://mayobooks.ie/product/the-comeback/Please sign up to my Patreon for weekly bonus episodes: www.patreon.com/BigNewsComingSoon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NEVER STOP DREAMING – MAYO’S STORY OF ALL-IRELAND GLORY For 75 long years, Mayo dreamed of lifting Sam Maguire once again. In 2026, that dream finally became a reality! This week, I’m joined by author Edwin McGreal, co-author of Never Stop Dreaming: Mayo’s Story of All-Ireland Glory. We chat about the inspiration behind the book, the incredible journey Mayo supporters have been on, and why this is the perfect souvenir of a season that will live forever in the hearts of Mayo fans. Never Stop Dreaming tells the compelling story of the year Mayo finally went all the way. From the low expectations at the beginning of 2026, through the twists, turns and drama of the championship, to that unforgettable All-Ireland final victory over Kerry. It’s a story of belief, resilience, passion and a county that never gave up on its dream. After 75 years of waiting, Sam was finally coming home! Tune in for a brilliant conversation about the book, the memories and a historic year for Mayo football.Please sign up to my Patreon for weekly bonus episodes: www.patreon.com/BigNewsComingSoon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore the extraordinary life of Kevin McDonald, author of A Life Less Ordinary. From serving in Ireland’s elite Army Ranger Wing to spending over 40 years on military and UN missions in some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones, Kevin shares remarkable stories of courage, survival and the harsh realities of war.Beyond his military career, we discover his passion for mountaineering and archaeology.An incredible story of adventure, resilience and a life truly less ordinary.Please sign up to my Patreon for weekly bonus episodes: www.patreon.com/BigNewsComingSoon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Castlebar to Building Media Empires | Niall McGarry From growing up in Castlebar, County Mayo, to founding one of Ireland’s most recognisable digital media brands, JOE.ie, Niall McGarry’s journey is one of ambition, entrepreneurship and backing yourself. In this episode, I sit down with Niall to discuss his story from the very beginning. We chat about his early days growing up in Castlebar, his college years, the experiences that shaped him, and how he went on to make his mark on the Irish media industry. Niall takes us behind the scenes of building JOE.ie, the highs and lows of life in business, and his journey with Fabric Social, including the recent sale of the company. It’s a fascinating conversation about taking risks, spotting opportunities, overcoming challenges and what it really takes to build a successful business from the ground up. From a lad in Mayo with big ambitions to a hugely successful entrepreneur, this is a story well worth hearing. Enjoy the episode! Please sign up to my Patreon for weekly bonus episodes: www.patreon.com/BigNewsComingSoon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m delighted to be joined by Irish singer Brendan Murray.Originally from Tuam, County Galway, Brendan first rose to fame as a member of Irish boyband Hometown, achieving chart success and a number one single. In 2017, he went on to represent Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest with his song Dying to Try.In this episode, Brendan sits down for a frank and honest conversation about his journey through the music industry. We chat about the incredible highs of finding success at a young age, life as part of a chart topping boyband, and the experience of representing Ireland on one of the world’s biggest stages.Brendan also opens up about the tougher moments, including the disappointment of not qualifying for the Eurovision final, and reflects on the lessons, setbacks and experiences that have shaped both his career and the person he is today.A candid conversation about success, disappointment, resilience and life behind the music.Please sign up to my Patreon for weekly bonus episodes: www.patreon.com/BigNewsComingSoon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m delighted to be joined by Peter Finn, better known as Pete the Builder, a familiar face from our TV screens over the years.Pete and I had a brilliant, relaxed chat about his early life, how he found his way into the television industry, and his experiences working in the construction sector.I really enjoyed this conversation, and I feel like we only scratched the surface on a lot of topics. Hopefully, we’ll have Pete back on the podcast soon to take a deeper dive into construction, the industry, and everything that comes with it.For now, sit back and enjoy my conversation with Pete the Builder.Please sign up to my Patreon for weekly bonus episodes: www.patreon.com/BigNewsComingSoon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sean Fox is a retired Eircom technician and lifelong farmer who has found an unexpected new audience on TikTok, thanks to his daughter Laura. Her wholesome videos capturing everyday life on the family farm have struck a chord with viewers around the world, who now tune in regularly to catch up with Sean and his wife, Gertie.In this episode, Sean reflects on his years working with Eircom, adjusting to retirement and the realities of farming in Ireland today. He shares stories from a life spent balancing work and the farm, and talks about the challenges, changes and characters he has encountered along the way.Please sign up to my Patreon for weekly bonus episodes: www.patreon.com/BigNewsComingSoon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Murphy is a proud, born and bred Castlebar man with an inspiring story of ambition, resilience and taking a chance when life doesn’t go to plan.Growing up on the Green in Castlebar, Tom had a simple ambition: to get a car, get out on the road and become a salesman. He achieved that goal and went on to build his career in sales, becoming incredibly loyal to one company and dedicating years of his working life to it.Then came the news he never expected. He was being let go.With no job and little choice but to sign on the dole, Tom found himself at a crossroads. Rather than allowing the setback to define him, he decided to back himself and go out on his own.That decision led to the creation of Pamex, which has grown into a hugely successful Irish business promoting, selling and distributing health, beauty and personal care products throughout Ireland.In this episode, Tom talks about growing up in Castlebar, his early days on the road, the lessons he learned in sales, the shock of losing his job and the determination it took to build a business from the ground up.It’s a story about loyalty, setbacks, hard work and having the courage to start again. And a reminder that sometimes the worst day in your career can become the beginning of something much bigger.Please sign up to my Patreon for weekly bonus episodes: www.patreon.com/BigNewsComingSoon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.