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In part two of our interview with Bishop Emeritus of Derry, Donal McKeown, he speaks about a potential merger of the diocese of Derry with that of Raphoe and what retirement looks like for him.

Last month, Bishop Donal McKeown retired as Bishop of Derry, saying his final Mass as head of the diocese in St Eugene’s Cathedral.    Bishop McKeown was in the role for 12 years during which time he led his flock through the Covid pandemic, as well as celebrating the funeral Masses of John Hume and Seamus Heaney.    As he now looks forward to a life without the responsibilities of diocesan Bishop, he spoke to Lydia O’Kane about some of the highlights of his time in Derry.  He also reflects on the challenges of secular society today and the current Drumcree Parade dispute.

Today, we’re reflecting on a really powerful passage from Philippians 2:1–11, where Paul reminds us that our Christian faith isn’t just about what we believe—it’s also about how we live and, importantly, how we treat one another. There’s a beautiful challenge in the passage to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” And then Paul points us towards the example of Jesus, encouraging us to have the same attitude and mindset that Christ had. But how do we take words like humility, selflessness and putting others first and actually live them out in the middle of everyday life? Joining us to explore that is Brother Ronan Sharpley.

Imagine spending more than five years in prison simply because of your work making the Bible available to others. That’s the story of Fu Xuanjuan, a Christian in China sentenced to six years after working for a company selling audio Bible players. Church in Chains has now learned that she was released on parole in September 2025, after serious health problems. In her own words, Fu spoke of the hardship she endured, but also of the prayers and support of Christians around the world. She said, “I was not alone, because I had all of you.” She also described opportunities to share her faith in prison, including with a prison officer who began reading the Bible. Joining us now is David Turner, Director of Church in Chains, to tell us more about Fu’s story and the situation facing Christians in China.

Singer/Songwriter Niamh Armstrong joined Kieran in studio today. Many listeners will remember Niamh from The Voice of Ireland, where she made quite an impression with her powerful vocals.  But there’s much more to Niamh’s musical journey, and today we’re going to hear about the person behind the voice, her songwriting, and what’s inspiring her musically at the moment.

We’re living in a time when there’s more interest than ever in longevity. We’re being told about biological-age tests, supplements and new ways to slow down the ageing process. But how much of this is actually backed by science? And what really makes the difference when it comes to staying healthy, independent and active as we get older? Professor Rose Anne Kenny has spent decades studying ageing and is the founding Principal Investigator of TILDA, the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. TILDA has now been following people for 20 years, giving us a unique insight into why some people age better than others.

Dr Margaret Kennedy is a disability rights activist and co-founder of Cothrom.  She says she spent the last Budget Day in tears, and she’s now calling for personal assistance to be put on a statutory footing.  Margaret has also made a pre-Budget submission setting out why she believes this needs to happen.    “I spent last years budget day in tears, I cried all day long as I would defy any adult to have to sit in wet incontinence pads while listening to platitudes about disabled people from government ministers”

Journalist and correspondent Colm Flynn, has been in St. Louis covering the beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen.  Sheen was one of the great pioneers of religious broadcasting, reaching millions through radio and television, and now, following that historic ceremony, he is Blessed Fulton Sheen.

Mary McCarthy has seen this issue from both sides — as a journalist, but also as a parent.  In her latest column, she describes sitting on a Brussels tram with her 17-year-old son, surrounded by schoolchildren scrolling on their phones, and asks whether the EU’s new approach to online safety could finally give parents some control back.  She’s cautiously optimistic about the proposed EU Kids Act — but there are some big questions about how it will work in practice.

Ahead of March for Jesus tomorrow, Wendy was joined in studio by Gianpaolo Valero