The Agenda

Despite the outcome of the civil case brought by Nikita Hand against Conor McGregor, his continued presence in the public eye and the support he continues to receive has sparked renewed debate.For survivors of domestic and sexual violence, seeing a high-profile figure remain celebrated and maintain a public platform has been deeply upsetting, raising questions about accountability and the messages sent to those who come forward.Priscilla Grainger and her daughter, Ainie, know the impact of domestic abuse all too well. After escaping a situation of abuse and violence, Priscilla and Ainie went on to establish Stop Domestic Violence Ireland, using their own experiences to support and advocate for victims and survivors. They supported Nikita Hand throughout her civil case and continue to stand by her today.Priscilla spoke out on The Agenda this morning about the reaction to McGregor’s return to the spotlight, saying “shame on you” to those who continue to support him, and questioning what that support says to survivors of domestic abuse.

In a tradition dating back more than 300 years, towering pyres have been lit every July in Northern Ireland to mark the Battle of the Boyne, which effectively cemented Protestant rule.They’re held in loyalist neighborhoods – communities that strongly support the union with the United Kingdom – and often carry a political message, with effigies of the pope, the Republic of Ireland’s flag and other symbols of Catholicism and Irish nationalism being burned in the past.But this year, in the village of Moygashel, County Tyrone, the flames found a new target.A replica mosque, with a figure holding what appeared to be an ISIS flag and banners on the tower reading “Secure our borders” and “End the threat of radical Islam,” was burned on Thursday nightSinn Féin Senator Conor Murphy says it's deeply disappointing that these controversies continue to arise year after year and believes they need to be addressed.Senator Murphy joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this.

Fifteen-year-old disability rights campaigner Cara Darmody is preparing to spend 50 hours protesting outside the gates of Leinster House in a renewed effort to force action on the country's Assessment of Needs system. Beginning on Tuesday, Cara plans to sleep in a tent outside the Dáil for two nights, calling on the Government to introduce legally binding timelines to tackle growing delays.The protest comes as the latest figures show that more than 21,700 children are waiting beyond the statutory six-month deadline for an Assessment of Needs. Cara, whose campaigning previously helped secure the creation of "Cara's Fund" with more than €30 million in Government funding, says more urgent action is now needed.Cara Darmody joined us on The Agenda this morning to tell us why she's returning to Leinster House and what she hopes this latest protest will achieve.

Yesterday marked the Twelfth of July, traditionally one of the biggest celebrations in the unionist and loyalist calendar. But this year, the occasion came against the backdrop of one of the most difficult periods political unionism has faced in recent memory.Following a turbulent couple of years, culminating in last month's conviction of former DUP leader Geoffrey Donaldson on serious sexual offences, some are questioning the state of unionism and whether there was much to celebrate. The scandal has prompted renewed debate about leadership, public trust and the future direction of political unionism.Professor Deirdre Heenan, Professor of Social Policy at Ulster University and political commentator, believes political unionism is facing an existential crisis, with many voters feeling increasingly alienated and disillusioned.Professor Deirdre Heenan joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this.

The prolonged spell of hot, dry weather is putting growing pressure on water supplies across the country, with Uisce Éireann introducing night-time restrictions on 25 water supplies as a precaution.Here in the Greater Dublin Area region, including Meath and Louth, the utility is warning that demand for treated drinking water is exceptionally high, and it is appealing to households to reduce their usage where possible.We found out more about all of this on The Agenda this morning.

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.