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 Future’. Produced by Bairbre Flood with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, Sound and Vision Scheme. With thanks to The Kabin Studio Cork for their music, ‘Teach Love, Harsh Winter’.

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. Assistant Professor of Black Studies Dr Philomena will give an in-depth look at her childhood in the Irish industrial school system to depict race relations in the 1960's and 1970s and how they affected the construction of Mixed- race women's identity. We also discuss the recent introduction of Black Studies in the curriculum. We delve into the impact of encounters with racism. Aisling O'Neill shares a searing testimony about the trauma inherent to racism and its impact on her daughter, Mia O'Neill, who took her own life in 2019. She reflects on the role of the education system to foster a better understanding of race and racism." 'Black and Irish, Navigating Racism In Ireland’ was supported by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the Sound And Vision Scheme.

“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.

Producer Alan Meaney explores the disparity between male and female and female identifying musicians in Ireland in ‘Equalization’. The programme features music and interviews with Karan Casey, Pauline Scanlon, Ellll, LOLZ, Renn, Ódú and Aoife from Alien She. It is narrated by the singer and actor Tracy Bruen. The contributors are Karan Casey and Pauline Scanlon (Fair Plé), Karen Miano (DIAXDEM Collective), Sally Ó Dúnlaing and Aoife Nic Dhonnacha (Girls Rock Dublin), Ellen King and Laura O’Connell (Gash Collective). The programme was supported by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the Sound And Vision Scheme

Producer Jonathan Farrelly talks to some famous sporting sisters about what it's like to play on the same teams in football and camogie. In episode two, we meet with Mary and Mena Sheridan, who lined out for both club and country in Ladies Football in Meath. We look at the family connections in ladies football and how they’ve played an important part in growing the sport.

Producer Jonathan Farrelly talks to some famous sporting sisters about what it's like to play on the same teams in football and camogie. In episode one we meet camogie greats, past and present; Kate, Niamh and Joanne O’Gorman in Clare and the infamous Downey Twins, Ann and Angela in Kilkenny.

As part of Documentary on Newstalk producer J.J. O`Shea looks at the ways in which the Irish in America were able to assist the flood of Jewish immigrants escaping the pogroms of Eastern Europe and Russia in the nineteenth century and were in a position to help them overcome problems of prejudice, poverty and outsider status in “The Shamrock and the Star.” The Shamrock and the Star features excerpts from an interview with the late Mick Moloney. Doctor Moloney was a leading authority on the role of the Irish in nineteenth century American Music and Song and we are very grateful for his contribution here.

Reporter Laura Donnelly travels to Kenya to document how the communities and aid workers are responding to the worst drought in 40 years. "When Rain Fails" is presented by Laura Donnelly and edited by Lochlainn Harte. The programme was made with thanks to Concern.

This weekend, Documentary on Newstalk airs the premiere of TRINITY, in which IMRO-nominated producer Brian Gallagher looks at the lives of the many people who live, work study, and play in Trinity College. Using a lively mix of interviews, location recordings, sound effects and music, TRINITY  explores the stories behind Ireland’s oldest university.

Documentary On Newstalk presents "Extraordinary Éire" a fast paced dash through the history books. A two-part documentary series focusing on the discoveries, inventions and successes attributed to Irish people throughout history, many of which are largely forgotten by today’s society. Episode Two, Up In The Éire, looks to the skies, and tells the stories of Irish aviation and the heroes of Irish flight, those who have emigrated and Irish products which have been sent to the four corners of the earth, chemists who furthered our understanding of gases, revolutionary astronomers and the first witch trials in Western Europe. Written and narrated by Donncha O’Dea. Produced and edited by Amy O’Dwyer. Various voices by Aisling Breen, Anthony Kinahan, Margaret McAuliffe, Ste Murray, Ciaran O’Grady, David O’Meara and Deborah Wiseman. The programme is funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, with the Television Licence Fee.

Documentary On Newstalk presents "Extraordinary Éire" a fast paced dash through the history books. A two-part documentary series focusing on the discoveries, inventions and successes attributed to Irish people throughout history, many of which are largely forgotten by today’s society. From perforated stamps to CGI animation, from Milk of Magnesia to Cream Crackers, an Irish person has had a hand in inventing and discovering some of the most commonly used things in everyday life. And as for amazing accomplishments and fascinating feats, Irish people throughout history have created societal changes which helped shape the world in which we live. The first episode, Our Land, deals with the Irish affinity with the Irish sod, and tells stories of seismologists and farming revolutionaries, navigators who have discovered new lands, Irish sport and dance stars, and Irish men and women who have made a name for themselves in new lands. Episode Two, Up In The Éire, looks to the skies, and tells the stories of Irish aviation and the heroes of Irish flight, those who have emigrated and Irish products which have been sent to the four corners of the earth, chemists who furthered our understanding of gases, revolutionary astronomers and the first witch trials in Western Europe. Episode 2 – Up In The Éire – will air on Newstalk on Sunday June 5th at 7am (repeated on Saturday June 11th) Both episodes will be available as a podcast on GoLoud and all major platforms. CREDITS: Written and narrated by Donncha O’Dea. Produced and edited by Amy O’Dwyer. Various voices by Aisling Breen, Anthony Kinahan, Margaret McAuliffe, Ste Murray, Ciaran O’Grady, David O’Meara and Deborah Wiseman. The programme is funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, with the Television Licence Fee.

‘Kila: Suas Síos - In and Out of Lockdown’ tells the story of how trad/indie band Kila traversed almost two full years of COVID-19 restrictions within the live music sector. The life blood of Kila is playing live; and while in the middle of a European tour during March 2020, COVID-19 hit. CREDITS - Producer was Noel Sweeney. The programme was presented by Ellie O’Byrne. Editor was Noel Sweeney. Assistant Producer was Ellie O’Byrne. All interviews were recorded by Noel Sweeney while all Live performances were recorded by Tom Skerritt.    This documentary was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland Sound and Vision Scheme through the television license fee.

Documentary On Newstalk presents 'Rebel Prisoner', the story of Seamus Cavanagh, a British army soldier turned Irish Volunteer who was interned in multiple prisons and camps between 1916-24 including Wormwood Scrubs, Frongoch internment camp and the prison ship Argenta. Contributors: Colm Toland, Dr Adrian Grant, Michael Gallagher. Sound Recordist: Gerry Tracey, Mix and additional editing: Rory Donaghy at Blast Furnace. Voice actor was Aoife Schlindwein with traditional singing by Grace Toland. Rebel Prisoner is a Raw Nerve production, produced and presented by Otto Schlindwein and funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television Licence Fee.   Image courtesy of Colm Toland - Seamus Cavanagh and Sara with children circa 1916