WTS 340: Philip O'Connor

The dust has settled on the Ireland v Israel footballing fiasco, but there’s plenty to unpack. Football journalist David Sneyd takes us inside the media pen, where reporting on the facts, the football and the fans was anything but straightforward. From back pages becoming front-page news to yet another round of questions over the FAI, we look at how the story played out, the reaction from Israeli media and supporters, and what it was like trying to make sense of the madness when the football was only part of the story.

Aaron joined us to talk about the fight for disability rights — and why, in Ireland, getting the basics right still seems to be such a struggle. From changing facilities that are built but never opened, to major stadiums without the toilets people need, inaccessible public spaces and a government that struggles to follow through on its own legislation, Aaron explains what these barriers actually mean for disabled people and their families. Drawing on his own experience as a father and disability rights advocate, Aaron makes the case for more than box-ticking and good intentions. He wants proper facilities, real accountability and an Ireland where disabled people can get out, take part and enjoy the same things as everyone else. To learn more please visit changingplaces.ie

Petesy Carroll is back on WTSpod and there’s plenty to catch up on. Petesy talks us through Katie Taylor’s incredible night at Croke Park, why she might be the greatest unifying force Irish sport has ever produced, and what it was actually like being there as she walked out in front of a packed stadium. He also gets into the changing world of MMA in Ireland, combat sports tribalism, and why covering Irish sport for an international audience can be a dangerous business. Plus England and the World Cup, 1916 Rising, Danny hates religion, parenting and a few other rabbit holes along the way.

Actress Ruth Codd joins Danny & Mero to chat about wheelchair basketball, horse riding, cooking three-day Christmas dinners, and the joys of trying to navigate a world that still isn’t built with disabled people in mind. Ruth gets properly candid about her two amputations, accessibility on film sets, travelling in a wheelchair, influencers and festival frustrations, and why she’s finally stopped being afraid to speak up when something isn’t right.We talk a bit about The Traitors, Ruth's TV experience and there's a lot of talk about doughnuts.

The lads chat summer gigs, the rise of Irish pop phenomenon CMAT, concert etiquette, and why some people seem determined to spend half a show queuing for pints instead of watching the band. Then the conversation drifts towards the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup — and whether either of them can muster much enthusiasm for it. From memories of USA '94 and Roberto Baggio, to modern football politics, FIFA, ticket prices, and the influence of figures like Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump, it's a wide-ranging discussion on how sport feels very different in 2026. Along the way there are detours into Bruce Springsteen, Christy Moore, Roy Keane, World Cup nostalgia retro football jerseys, and the kind of random tangents you've come to expect from a guest-free episode.