The Agenda

After 69 years of waiting, Louth are back in an All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final, and excitement across the Wee County has reached fever pitch. This morning on The Agenda, we heard from Louth GAA Chair Sean McClean ahead of the biggest game in a generation, while passionate supporters share what a place in the final would mean. Plus, avid fans Hess Matthews and Jim McQuillan tell us about their new anthem, "These Men Are Boys No More," written to celebrate the team's remarkable journey.An absolutely stunning song performed by Rapscallion in Drogheda.

Fear is growing in Duleek as masked scrambler bike riders continue to wreak havoc in housing estates and public spaces. Residents say they're fed up with the intimidation, reckless behaviour and damage, with many families now afraid to use local parks. This morning on The Agenda, we heard about why calls are growing for tougher action to restore safety and peace of mind in the community.

This morning on The Agenda, we spoke to a disable woman living in Louth named Karen, who opened up about the shocking conditions she says she has endured for years in her council home. She claims the property has been overrun by rats, plagued by damp and mould, and left with poor insulation despite repeated pleas for help.Karen says she has killed more than 100 rats and spent thousands of euro of her own money trying to make the house safe for her family, including her autistic son. Now, after years of frustration, she's speaking out publicly in the hope that her story will finally lead to action.

This morning on The Agenda, we heard about mounting concerns ahead of next weekend’s concerts in Slane, with rural residents raising questions over access to homes, farms and businesses during planned road closures. A local farmer (and Aontu rep) says carers, livestock owners and people who rely on the roads every day are worried about how they’ll get through during the busy weekend.We heard the concerns being raised from those living and working in the area, and what they say needs to happen to ensure local residents aren’t left cut off.

This morning on The Agenda we discussed the mounting pressure over Ireland's alumina exports to Russia as fresh questions are raised following a vote in the European Parliament and an ongoing investigation into exports linked to Russia's war industry. We spoke to Minister of State for European Affairs and Meath East Fianna Fáil TD, Thomas Byrne, about Ireland's position, the growing scrutiny, and what could happen next.

The FAI says it has no regrets after a clear majority of delegates backed its decision to proceed with the Republic of Ireland's Nations League fixtures against Israel at an Extraordinary General Meeting.Almost 68 per cent voted in support of the Association's position, with FAI officials insisting they had no alternative but to move the home fixture to a neutral venue in Serbia, behind closed doors, amid concerns that protests in Dublin could have led to the match being abandoned and serious sanctions for Irish football.Despite the vote, the Stop the Game campaign says its opposition will continue, arguing the fixtures should not go ahead.Joining us on The Agenda this morning to discuss the outcome of the vote and what it means for Irish football was sports reporter Cathal Dervan.We also spoke to Sinn Féin TD for Louth & spokesperson on sport, Joanna Byrne, who has been a vocal supporter of the Stop the Game campaign.

Police have been urged to intervene after a replica of a mosque was placed on top of a loyalist bonfire pyre in Co Tyrone.The model was visible on top of the pyre in Moygashel this morning.Signs saying "Secure our borders" and "End the threat of radical Islam" have also been placed on the fire which is made up of pallets and is due to be set alight tomorrow night.Amnesty International described it as a "vile display" and a "blatant attempt to stir up anti-Muslim hatred and intimidate local families".We heard more about this on The Agenda this morning.

The Dáil has voted overwhelmingly against legislation that would have banned hare coursing, with the proposed bill defeated by 125 votes to 24.The People Before Profit bill, which was backed by the Social Democrats, Labour and the Green Party, sought to outlaw the practice, arguing that it causes unnecessary suffering to hares, despite greyhounds being muzzled. Supporters of the ban also point out that hares are a protected species under Irish law and that Ireland remains one of the few countries in the European Union where hare coursing is still legal.However, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin voted against the bill, meaning the practice will continue.People Before Profit Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger, who has been one of the most outspoken advocates for banning hare coursing, joined us on The Agenda this morning to give us her reaction to this.

The Courts Service has said 55 solicitors have resigned from the criminal legal aid panel after the Government introduced a flat fee for those representing clients in criminal cases in district courts. Hundreds of solicitors have withdrawn their services from the free legal aid scheme in recent weeks in protest at the new payment system.Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan introduced a new flat rate of €520 for solicitors for representing a legal aid client in a criminal case, which came into effect on July 1.The Law Society has warned the move could have a devastating impact on access to justice, with concerns that defendants could face delays in securing legal representation and that court proceedings will continue to be disrupted.To discuss the ongoing dispute, what it means for solicitors, and the potential impact on the justice system, we were joined in-studio on The Agenda this morning by Drogheda criminal solicitor Paddy Goodwin.