Legend @ronnieo147 talks to @StephenNolan about life away from snooker
Snooker's UK Championship got underway this week, with one notable absentee. The reigning champion Ronnie O'Sullivan stunned the sport by deciding not to return to defend his title and go for the £150,000 prize on offer. The 39-year-old has won it five times before and been crowned World Champion by the same number. And the Rocket himself, Ronnie O'Sullivan, joined Stephen this morning
8m Nov 27, 2015
8m
Reporter @nweir1 met shoppers on the hunt for Black Friday deals #BBCNolan
Last year there were stampedes, fights broke out and websites crashed. All because people were trying to grab a bargain on what has been called Black Friday. The sale day which sees shops open early offering large discounts has been dubbed as the start of the Christmas shopping season. It originally came from America as it's the day after Thanksgiving and is a national holiday there. Shoppers h...
5m Nov 27, 2015
5m
'A star amongst men' – friend’s tribute to Australian tragedy victim #BBCNolan
Two communities have been plunged into mourning after the tragic deaths of two young men in Australia. Joe McDermott from Omagh was 24, and Gerry Bradley from Macosquin, just outside Coleraine, was 27. They had been working on a building site in Perth when a concrete slab fell on them on Wednesday morning. Stephen spoke to Gerry's friend Leigh
3m Nov 27, 2015
3m
‘They’re untouchable’ – hammer attack victim hits out at paramilitary thugs #BBCNolan
A rally was held in Bangor to support a community worker beaten with a hammer by masked men in his home. A faction of the UDA is being blamed for attacking Aaron McMahon in front of his family. He's a community volunteer, and believes he was targeted for leading a campaign against UDA activity in the Clandeboye area of the town. Mr McMahon has criticised police and politicians for not doing eno...
25m Nov 27, 2015
25m
Yet more waiting list misery – two ex-Health Ministers discuss the growing problem #BBCNolan
Waiting lists for first outpatient appointments have risen almost 50% in a year. The latest figures from the Department of Health yesterday showed the number of patients waiting nine weeks and 18 weeks for their appointment had also risen. Health Minister Simon Hamilton said he's confident that last week's funding announcement will kickstart getting waiting times back to an acceptable position....
19m Nov 27, 2015
19m
Police Federation blames dissidents for murder bid on officers #BBCNolan
Police say they are treating a gun attack on officers in west Belfast, in which up to eight shots were fired, as attempted murder. A number of shots struck the passenger side of a police car parked at Rossnareen Avenue on Thursday evening. Two officers who were in the car were not injured but were said to have been badly shaken. Police described it as a "mindless, reckless attempt to kill offic...
4m Nov 27, 2015
4m
"Kids would be horrified if they knew Rudolph's friends were killed”. Animal rights group hit out at 'Smoked Cured Reindeer Steak'
An animal rights group have hit out at Lidl for selling 'Smoked Cured Reindeer Steak'. ARAN - Animal Rights Action Network is urging parents to avoid bringing their children to the stores in the run up to Christmas. What do you think - is eating reindeer any different to eating any other meat? We got in touch with Lidl and were told they will NOT be selling reindeer in Northern ireland But they...
12m Nov 26, 2015
12m
Tax credit cuts scrapped. Where should the millions earmarked to help people affected go now?
Well a bit of a different show this morning. You might think an autumn statement by a Chancellor of the Exchequer is a bit dull. But bear with us. This is vital stuff. The big news is that George Osborne has dropped plans to cut tax credits. The cuts would have meant 121,000 Northern Ireland households losing an average of £918 a year. Stormont had lined up £240m over four years for people faci...
24m Nov 26, 2015
24m
'Fresh Start deal already unravelling' - UUP leader Mike Nesbitt #BBCNolan
'Fresh Start deal already unravelling' - UUP leader Mike Nesbitt
9m Nov 26, 2015
9m
Where does tax credit u-turn leave Stormont welfare deal? #BBCNolan
Well a bit of a different show this morning. You might think an autumn statement by a Chancellor of the Exchequer is a bit dull. But bear with us. This is vital stuff. The big news is that George Osborne has dropped plans to cut tax credits. The cuts would have meant 121,000 Northern Ireland households losing an average of £918 a year. Stormont had lined up £240m over four years for people faci...
26m Nov 26, 2015
26m
Mental health day care services under threat - @nweir1 reports #BBCNolan
We put mental health under the spotlight a couple of weeks ago... The Belfast Health Trust is currently carrying out a public consultation on day care services at Everton, Ravenhill and Whiterock centres in the city. And the Nolan Show was contacted by patients who use Ravenhill as part of their recovery claming they'd been asked to leave the centre with no viable or immediate alternative on th...
6m Nov 25, 2015
6m
Remembering George Best - one of our finest sons, or not a role model? #BBCNolan
Is it time that Belfast had a statue to George Best, or is it wrong to honour someone who was addicted to booze? It is 10 years since Bestie lost his battle with the bottle, sparking fresh calls for a life-size sculpture to remember him. Stephen was joined by Daily Mail journalist and commentator Angela Epstein, and John Laverty from the Belfast Telegraph
19m Nov 25, 2015
19m
'My mum moved in to home 8 weeks ago - now it’s going to close' - caller Ruth
'My mum moved in to home 8 weeks ago - now it’s going to close' - caller Ruth
2m Nov 25, 2015
2m
'It'll be horrendous for her' - caller Ryan worried about grandmother in closing care home
'It'll be horrendous for her' - caller Ryan worried about grandmother in closing care home
6m Nov 25, 2015
6m
Care home crisis - families left in limbo as seven homes shut their doors #BBCNolan
A huge shock for residents and staff at privately run care homes across Northern Ireland. Four Seasons Health Care says it is closing seven of its facilities. The closures will affect 254 patients and 393 staff. Four Seasons says it was closing them because they are "operating at a loss". It has prompted Health Minister Simon Hamilton to halt the possible closure of a number of state run care h...
28m Nov 25, 2015
28m
Is the Nolan Show a force for good or not? #BBCNolan
"Nolan Show not the best tonic for a still divided society". That was the heading yesterday on a column in the Irish News It was written by regular columnist Tom Kelly. Stephen considers himself fair game for criticism. People will say he dishes it out, so he should take it too. In the interests of transparency and debate, we've invited Tom Kelly into the studioStephen was also joined on the li...
21m Nov 24, 2015
21m
The new Stormont deal - you can't always get what you want? #BBCNolan
Here's another chance to hear our Stormont deal montage. There was of course a fair amount of compromise involved in the Fresh Start agreement announced last week. Sinn Fein was accused of rolling over on welfare cuts and its past pledge that everybody receiving benefits under Assembly control would be protected. The DUP meanwhile is no longer demanding Sinn Fein be kicked out of the Executive,...
4m Nov 24, 2015
4m
MPs give green light to benefit cuts - @StevenAgnew hits out #BBCNolan
MPs have given the green light to controversial welfare cuts in Northern Ireland. After years of stalemate at Stormont, the House of Commons passed a bill giving David Cameron's government the power to introduce its UK-wide benefit reforms here. The move flows from the "Fresh Start" agreement announced last week by the DUP and Sinn Fein. A newspaper in Sinn Fein's West belfast heartland has cri...
5m Nov 24, 2015
5m
NI accent one of the sexiest in the world, it's claimed. Do you agree? #BBCNolan
The prominence of celebrities from Northern Ireland, including Liam Neeson, Jamie Dornan and Rory McIlroy, may have helped to ensure the popularity of the accent, according to a recent poll. But just what is about our dulcet tones that it seems everyone loves?
9m Nov 24, 2015
9m
Is 'safety in the sun' message sexist? #BBCNolan
A Northern Ireland public health agency (and joint Cancer Focus) website image has come under criticism on twitter. It focuses on a very important health issue - safety in the sun. But it has caused some to accuse the public health agency of sexism. It features a woman naked from the shoulders up, a man in a builders uniform and a child on the beach. The woman is presumably sunbathing while the...
8m Nov 24, 2015
8m
Would you want nuclear submarines in NI's loughs and ports if it meant jobs? #BBCNolan
Would you want nuclear submarines parked in Northern Ireland's loughs and ports if it meant hundreds of new jobs and investment? Well the DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson told David Cameron last night in the Commons Northern Ireland could take the trident system if needed. Stephen gets the views of Frank Shivers from the Northern Ireland Conservatives and Carmel Gates, President of NIPSA, N Ireland's b...
11m Nov 24, 2015
11m
City Hall row over honouring football heros #BBCNolan
Unionists have cried foul over a plan to honour the Republic of Ireland football team alongside the Northern Ireland squad at Belfast City Hall.The SDLP's Declan Boyle says his proposal is "a genuine and long-overdue attempt at inclusiveness and reconciliation". Both teams have qualified for next year's European Championship finals, with Northern Ireland making it there for the first time. But ...
19m Nov 24, 2015
19m
Row over Lord's Prayer ban at the cinema #BBCNolan
Row over Lord's Prayer ban at the cinema #BBCNolan
27m Nov 23, 2015
27m
Could you keep your home free from Facebook and Twitter? #BBCNolan
Could you keep your home free from Facebook and Twitter? #BBCNolan
7m Nov 23, 2015
7m
Maghaberry prison officer claims jail in chaos and ‘awash with drugs’ #bbcnolan
Maghaberry prison officer claims jail in chaos and ‘awash with drugs’ #bbcnolan
20m Nov 23, 2015
20m
Who hugged Peter Robinson but wanted him out – Edwin Poots says he’s no idea #BBCNolan
#BBCNolan
30m Nov 23, 2015
30m
Do we give our politicians too hard a time? Malachi O’Doherty and @alexkane221b discuss #bbcnolan
Now here's an interesting question. Do our politicians get too hard a time? Peter Robinson has just stepped down as leader of the DUP. He's been one of the biggest beasts of local politics for many years. But even he has conceded that it can be a tough and brutal business. And Mr Robinson had some words of advice for his successor. So, "you will become a target. The cross hairs will be on you...
12m Nov 20, 2015
12m
Frail pensioner targeted by thugs again - @nweir1 reports #BBCNolan
That was the voice of pensioner Josie, speaking on this show 4 years ago after she had been burgled in her own home. The west Belfast pensioner, who is 88 years old was burgled again this week. This time she was beaten and had her hair ripped out after a gang broke into her home in the Shankill area and stole her handbag containing savings and her bank cards. Josie is still in hospital but our ...
16m Nov 20, 2015
16m
The new Stormont deal - you can't always get what you want? #BBCNolan
Well the Stomont deal is done.It's been hailed as securing a fresh start in politics and government here.And of course there was a fair deal of compromise involved.Sinn Fein was accused of rolling over on welfare cuts and its past pledge that anyone receiving benefits under Assembly control would be protected.The DUP meanwhile is no longer demanding Sinn Fein be kicked out of the Executive.As t...
4m Nov 20, 2015
4m
Union warning on Stormont deal cutbacks fall-out #BBCNolan
Well it's been a big week in politics. Peter Robinson announcing his retirement and of course the DUP-Sinn Fein agreement reached after 10 weeks of talks to save the Assembly.The deal called A Fresh Start has been welcomed by church leaders, business people and even the Obama administration.But there have been strong words of criticism from trade unions.Carmel Gates, President of NIPSA, N Irela...
26m Nov 20, 2015
26m
Peter Robinson was the peace process navigator in unionism – Peter Hain @BBCNolan
The big story this morning - Peter Robinson is standing down as First Minister and DUP leader.He has made his dramatic announcement in an interview with the Belfast Telegraph today.It will mark the end of an era when he steps aside within weeks after seven years in the high pressure job.He will also quit politics and not stand in next year's Assembly elections.But the 66-year-old denied his hea...
17m Nov 19, 2015
17m
Martin McGuinness pays tribute to “friend” Peter Robinson #BBCNolan
The big story this morning - Peter Robinson is standing down as First Minister and DUP leader.He has made his dramatic announcement in an interview with the Belfast Telegraph today.It will mark the end of an era when he steps aside within weeks after seven years in the high pressure job.He will also quit politics and not stand in next year's Assembly elections.But the 66-year-old denied his hea...
8m Nov 19, 2015
8m
‘Are these people not humans too?’ Musician @jobyfox calls for more support for Syrian refugees.
Local musician Joby Fox is getting together a team of volunteers to go to the Greek island of Lesbos to help Syrian refugees. Joby spent some time there recently where he witnessed some horrific sights of human suffering and tragedy. He came into the studio to see me after yesterday's show to tell me about his voluntary work. Nolan asked him what he has experienced out there and what he has ...
12m Nov 19, 2015
12m
Peter Robinson standing down as first minister – reaction from @markdevenport @liamclarkecj @alexkane221b
The big story this morning - Peter Robinson is standing down as First Minister and DUP leader.He has made his dramatic announcement in an interview with the Belfast Telegraph today.It will mark the end of an era when he steps aside within weeks after seven years in the high pressure job.He will also quit politics and not stand in next year's Assembly elections.But the 66-year-old denied his hea...
30m Nov 19, 2015
30m
'DUP & SF humiliated and smaller parties growling like attack dogs' - @malodoherty
'DUP & SF humiliated and smaller parties growling like attack dogs' - @malodoherty
6m Nov 18, 2015
6m
Stormont talks leave stalemate on past - analysis from @brianprowan
Stormont talks leave stalemate on past - analysis from @brianprowan
5m Nov 18, 2015
5m
Victims' group on Stormont deal - 'failure' #bbcnolan
Not everyone is pleased by the deal agreed at Stormont yesterday as we know.In particular victims have spoken out against it, including the WAVE Trauma Centre, the largest cross community victims and survivors support group in Northern Ireland.They have said those it works with will feel 'abandoned and betrayed' by being excluded from the so called 'Fresh Start' Agreement. Alan McBride, the hu...
5m Nov 18, 2015
5m
'A spectacular mutual climbdown' – TUV’s Jim Allister on DUP-SF deal
'A spectacular mutual climbdown' – TUV’s Jim Allister on DUP-SF deal
4m Nov 18, 2015
4m
SDLP has ‘major issues’ with new Stormont deal – deputy leader Fearghal McKinney
SDLP has ‘major issues’ with new Stormont deal – deputy leader Fearghal McKinney
10m Nov 18, 2015
10m
Simon Hamilton denies DUP going soft on paramilitarism #bbcnolan
Simon Hamilton denies DUP going soft on paramilitarism
16m Nov 18, 2015
16m
Sinn Fein's Conor Murphy denies benefit cuts roll-over
It's a deal.The DUP, Sinn Fein and the British and Irish governments have struck an agreement to save the Assembly.The deal covers a way forward on parmilitarism and welfare reform. But there's no agreement on dealing with Northern Ireland's troubled past.Here's how the deal was announced yesterday by Secretary of State Theresa Vilier and Irish Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan, First Minister ...
18m Nov 18, 2015
18m
Prescription charges shelved - NI Tory Frank Shivers and SDLP's Ferghal McKinney clash
Plans to bring back prescription charges have been put back on the shelf. The Health Minister - Simon Hamilton has said that he doesn't think 'there will be any...re-introduction of prescription charges, certainly in my time as minister.' But he said there would be consequences of that - less cash to 'pay for some of those very expensive new drugs and treatments that are out there'.But would y...
11m Nov 17, 2015
11m
Martin O'Neill's boys are heading to France! #EURO2016
Last night the Republic of Ireland booked their place in France for next years European Championships with a 2-0 win at home to Bosnia-Herzegovina. 2 goals from Jon Walters secured a 3-1 aggregate victory, which lead to celebrations at the final whistle They will join Northern Ireland in next months draw, along with England and Wales. Its will be the first time that both teams have qualified t...
4m Nov 17, 2015
4m
Stormont deal on the cards? BBC NI Political Editor @markdevenport has the latest #BBCNOLAN
Speculation that a deal will finally be agreed at Stormont later today.
4m Nov 17, 2015
4m
#BBCNOLAN callers react to interview with gay priest
#BBCNOLAN callers react to interview with gay priest
28m Nov 17, 2015
28m
'Sheer hell' - gay Catholic priest talks about agony of keeping his sexuality a secret - VOICED BY ACTOR.
A priest from Northern Ireland has contacted the Nolan show to say he is actively thinking of killing himself because of his sexuality , the churches attitude towards it, society's attitude to it and the personal anguish he is living through. I spoke to the Priest last week and - to protect his identity, we have had an actor voice up his interview - I started by asking him when he knew he was g...
23m Nov 17, 2015
23m
Is the IRA comparable to IS? @RuthDE and @colmdore clash
A newspaper columnist has been getting denounced on social media for likening Islamic State terrorists to the IRA.Ruth Dudley Edwards is standing by her comparison, made in an article for the Irish Independent.She claims the IRA were "driven by the same fanaticism and nihilistic hatred and absence of human feeling as the Islamist gunmen in Paris on Friday".But her critics claim she's making cra...
19m Nov 16, 2015
19m
How should governments respond to Paris attacks? #bbcnolan
Mass murder on the streets of Paris has brought home the very real threat that Islamic State continues to pose.And it has added fuel to the debates on the war on terror, immigration and border controls.French President Francois Hollande called the attacks an "act of war" and vowed to be "merciless" in reply.But just how should the UK government respond?The Greek authorities say at least one of ...
20m Nov 16, 2015
20m
A massacre survivor gives first hand account of the rock concert carnage #ParisAttacks
132 innocent people were slaughtered in the horrific terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday night. The worst of the atrocities was the massacre of 89 music fans at a rock gig in the Bataclan theatre. The venue was packed with gig goers watching US band The Eagles of Death Metal when gunmen started shooting. Stephen has been talking to one man who was there and escaped the bloody carnage with his ...
25m Nov 16, 2015
25m
‘I think about the life I took' - army captain turned politician @BeattieDoug #BBCNolan
"I know about battle scars - I bayoneted a man to death" that was the headline in this week's Newsletter from Ulster Unionist councillor Doug Beattie. The former captain in the Royal Irish Regiment was highlighting the effects of combat stress in a column he wrote for Armistice day. Doug joined Stephen this morning
19m Nov 13, 2015
19m