Episode 979: The Bureau - a thrilling tale of murder-suicide and dodgy dealings on the border
28 April 2025 - 54 minsThe extraordinary murder of border drug dealer Paddy Farrell by his young lover Lorraine Farrell in Drogheda in 1997 lies at the heart of a new book written by award-winning Irish author Eoin McNamee.
Farrell - who was believed to have been shot during a sex game by Lorraine, who then turned the gun on herself - was a close friend of McNamee’s colourful father Brendan who ran a bureau de change on the border in the 1980s and 1990s.
Nicola speaks with Eoin McNamee about his new book The Bureau and the intriguing stories of people from his world who form part of it.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Donaldson Trial: Evidence “not sufficiently reliable” to convict, court hears
Jeffrey Donaldson’s trial is nearing its end. The court has now heard the closing arguments – all that remains is for the judge to give directions to the jury. On Wednesday, Donaldson’s barrister told the jury the complainants were “not sufficiently reliable enough to drive you to a sure conclusion that he is guilty”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8 mins
17 June Finished
The life and death of 'incompetent' Kinahan hitman Glen Clarke
Kinahan hitman Glen Clarke who took his own life accidentally on the way to kill Cartel target Noel ‘Duck Egg’ Kirwan was the killer nicknamed 'Teeth' during the Sean McGovern hearing. The court heard that McGovern wanted an associate to give ‘Teeth’ the chance to ‘murder Duck’ after a series of botched hits had left three innocent people dead. Nicola and Niall Donald recount the shocking details of the life and death of Glen Clarke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
19 mins
17 June Finished
Jonathan Gill refused bail in the High Court now awaits decision around extradition to the North
Murder accused Jonathan Gill has been refused bail in the High Court and now awaits a decision around his extradition to Northern Ireland where he is wanted for the murder of Robbie Lawlor. Nicola talks to Niall Donald about Gill and his extradition challenge the Encrochat evidence that the PSNI say they have against him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
28 mins
17 June Finished
Donaldson Trial: ‘It is their word against his word’, defence tells jury
A prosecution barrister has told a jury that the two complainants in the case against Jeffrey Donaldson had ‘No reason to lie’. But Jeffrey Donaldson’s barrister has told the jury to look at evidence ‘dispassionately’, and that “When all is said and done, it is their word against his word”. Rosemary Walsh KC, for the prosecution, told the jury in Newry Crown Court that Jeffrey Donaldson’s wife Eleanor “was aware her husband had a sexual interest in pre-pubescent girls”. The former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson is accused of rape and several counts of gross indecency and of indecent assault. The 63 year old has pleaded not guilty to the 18 alleged offences. Eleanor Donaldson, from Dublinhill Road, Dromore, Co Down, denies several charges of aiding and abetting her husband’s alleged offending. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
14 mins
16 June Finished
Rival gang members in Daniels and Lyons feud separated in Spanish prison
Two rival expat criminals who were due to end up in the same Spanish jail are being separated to prisons more than 10 hours apart for their own security. Gang boss Steven Lyons from Scotland and the man accused of his brother Eddie's murder will not be housed together after authorities moved Liverpudlian Michael Riley to the north of the country. Nicola talks with Niall Donald about the prison move. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
14 mins
16 June Finished
Notorious Gucci Gang leader Mark Salmon jailed for 10 years
A Gucci Gang leader who threatened a woman that he would have her son raped if they didn’t pay up an alleged debt has been jailed for 10 years. Mark Salmon rose to prominence in the notorious north Dublin mob after a number of high profile members were shot dead or imprisoned. Nicola talks with Eamon Dillon about the ordinary working dad who secretly operated as a monstrous criminal thug. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
16 mins
16 June Finished