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SECTARIAN

The father of a Derry man left in a persistent vegetative state after a sectarian attack spoke movingly about how he and his family have coped. Paul McCauley was 32 when a gang of men attacked him and stamped on his head. His father, Jim, said he wanted people to understand the real impact of a physical assault.

"AWAY WITH THE FAIRIES"

Farmers across Northern ireland queued at Government offices through the night for a chance to get new grants from the Department of Agriculture. One of those who refused was sheep farmer, Patrick McNicholl.

GET CONNECTED

The global recession could bring cities to their knees - unless they learn from those who've been most successful in surviving and recreating themselves - among them, Belfast. Ann Power, the author of the book, "A Tale of Seven Cities", also had a few suggestions for Derry.

TURKEY PLUCKER

For thirty years, the record set by Cavan man, Vincent Pilkington, has stood in Guinness World Records. But now the fastest turkey plucker in the world says he's plucked his last bird. He spoke to Paul McFadden.

LEST WE FORGET

Almost a century after her grand-uncle was injured at the Battle of Passchendaele, musician Tracey McCrory performed at the Remembrance Ceremony at the Menin Gate. She chose a piece she composed herself about a 30 year old Derryman, who was shot for cowardice in 1916, but won a posthumous pardon nearly 90 years later.

Remembrance...»

CLERIC IN ACTION

Presbyterian Minister, Dr David Latimer, spoke to Paul after surviving four months facing life and death in Afghanistan.

More from David Latimer ...»

"ILLUSTRISSIMUS" PROF

A world renowned cancer specialist, Professor Paddy Johnston, has returned to his alma mater - St Columb's College - to receive the "Alumnus Illustrissimus" award. Other winners have been Martin O'Neill, Phil Coulter, John Hume, Brian Friel, and Seamus Heaney. Paul suggested to Prof Johnston that he was in good company.

DEAD SHEEP

A listener's seven year old daughter spotted a dead sheep in the Foyle. Paul Gosling spoke to Paul McFadden from the riverbank.

AILING AMBULANCE

Thomas heard something unusual in an ageing ambulance.

TERRORISED

Residents of Rosemount say they're being terrorised by large groups of teenagers hanging around the streets. And they say they're prepared to take to the streets to challenge them.

BURN YOUR CARDS

Derry priest, Father Michael Canny, doesn't have a store card. And his advice to the rest of us? Burn them.

ADORATION OF SAM

Ballymagroarty Parish Priest, Sean McKenna, was one of thousands on their way to indulge in a spot of adoration at the hallowed ground of Croke Park. Paul McFadden spoke to him, along with Aidan Harkin of Strabane Sigersons, and also Mickey Harte himself.

The Road to Sam...»

HELP FOR MEN

What help is out there for men - young or old - who're notorious for not opening up, for not confiding, for not seeking help? The pub is often the only option. So is there a need for some kind of facility, an alcohol-free one, whether they can gather and find a supportive environment? Paul spoke to Paul O'Donnell of the Men's Action Network, and, first, Barrister John Thompson.

Discuss...»

TOAST OF EGLINTON

The former principal of Eglinton sprinter, Jason Smyth, says he's the talk of the classrooms after winning gold in the Paralympics. Dr Sam McGuinness spoke to Paul after Jason's record-breaking win in the 100 metres.

More about Jason...»

MISSING SMOKY PUBS

South Derry singer, Brendan Quinn, suggested to Paul that pubs had lost something special when cigarettes were banned. And explained how he'd become a grandfather with his voice intact.

IS THERE A DOCTOR ON BOARD?

A Ryanair flight from Dublin to Budapest had to be diverted after a "soup-like substance" leaked from an overhead locker onto a passenger. It turned out the passenger was allergic to mushrooms. Paul asked Dr Nicola Herron to explain what happened - and about her own in-flight experiences.

Living with an allergy...»

TARGETTING "JOYRIDERS"

Why do the police seem to target people for speeding on their way to work, when so-called joyriders are tearing through estates where people live. Just one of the questions listeners put to the PSNI Inspector, on the Paul McFadden show. He was speaking after one man, Joe Gallagher, stood up to car criminals and got a broken leg for his trouble. Paul also asked a listener who was a if he had any sympathy for the young people who get involved in car crime.

See also:

Sarah Brett talks to Joe Gallagher...»

Have your say...»

TOWER MUSEUM

Paul took a tour of the Tower Museum with guide Gerry Lynn - one of the many things to do in Derry when it's wet - and learned why Shipquay Street in the city used to be known as Silver Street...

CROCODILE DUNREE

There are unusual jobs and there are unusual jobs. Gerald Roarty will be well known to people in Letterkenny, where he practises as a vet. But are they aware that the managing partner of the Donegal Animal Hospital has another string to his bow, thanks to an interest he developed while studying in London? His interest led him to work at the Kariba Crocodile Farm near the Victoria Falls, between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Gerald and his son Cathal visit Paul in the studio to talk about their time spent in Africa.

FIRST SOLDIER SHOT IN THE TROUBLES

Peter Booth has been back to Derry as a tourist. Nothing strange, you might think. But when you consider he was the first British soldier shot during the Troubles in the city, that he harbours no feelings of bitterness and that he'd quite like to meet the person who shot him, that man has a story to tell.

JANET COLEMAN

Born Again : Janet Coleman says she celebrates two "birthdays" every year- the anniversary of the day she was born and the anniversary of the date she got her new kidney. Janet tells how - thanks to her donor - she went from a seriously ill teenager ( weighing less than five stone) to world class swimmer.

AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

On American Independence Day, Paul talks to Ross McGill and Sarah Cook, two Americans now living in Derry, about what this day now means to them. They reflect on the changing attitudes towards America, and the bond between America and Ireland.

SMART GIRLS

Lifelong friends, Eileen Curran and Colette McKenna from Belfast, have abandoned spouses to put their Translink 65+ Smartpasses to the test. They're hoping to visit six Irish cities in 72 hours - travelling only by bus and train - and all for nothing. Paul McFadden asked Colette how they'd wound up in this position...

DEATH ROW

Sunny Jacobs lived on death row, after being wrongly convicted of murdering two policemen in California over 32 years ago. It took her 17 years to win her freedom, during which time she lost her partner and co-accused Jesse Tafero, who despite his innocence WAS executed for the murder of the two police officers. Since regaining her freedom, Sunny has moved to Ireland to live and married Peter Pringle who had also been sentenced to death, again for a crime he didn't commit. Here they tell Paul their story.

IRIS LAMENT

Simon and Garfunkle mightn't approve, but - after the recent controversy - we've the first 'outing' for "Here's To You, Iris Robinson".

UNCHAINED

Outgoing mayor, Drew Thompson, escapes from the chain gang after a 12 month sentence. He talks about his year in office, the economy, Protestant alienation…..and bingo-calling. His partner, Linda Watson, says she loved every minute of it, but can't wait to catch up on 'the soaps'.

SEX AND THE CITY

Martin Bradley's verdict on "Sex and the City" - was it worthy of the effort the audience made to be there?

GOOD IMPRESSION

Doctor Ian Paisley's stepping down as First Minister and DUP leader. His party colleague, Gregory Campbell, gave Paul his impressions of 'the big man' - literally.

DAVID CANNING

Teachers and Principals are being distracted from their real job by the flurry of initiatives being introduced into education. That's the view of David Canning, the Principal of Strabane Primary School, who spoke to Paul McFadden. He was speaking just before taking on the role of Northern Ireland's President of the National Association of Head Teachers - at a conference also attended by Education Minister, Catriona Ruane.

WHIPPING BOY

Some of the critics have been scathing about the new Indiana Jones movie, but Martin Bradley loved it. "It does exactly what it says on the tin"

DON O'DOHERTY

He was one of Derry's best loved radio personalities - famous for his charity work. Don O'Doherty - a former presenter on Radio Foyle - passed away at the weekend after a short illness. His friend, Bishop Edward Daly, spoke to Paul Moore on the Paul McFadden Show.

REBECCA

84 year old Rebecca from Galliagh told Paul McFadden she's considering marching to Stormont to protest against the impending closure of Good Morning North West. The project - which supports pensioners in one of Derry's poorest areas with a morning phone call. The North West Development Office - which took the decision - says the project was warned two years ago that funding would end. Paul asked if she was angry about the proposed closure.

PATRICK MCNICHOLL

With food prices soaring, it must be a great time to be a farmer. Or is it? Sheep farmer, Patrick McNicholl, told Paul how difficult it is to make money out of farming.

SORRY FOR SELECTION?

A Catholic priest has called on his church to repent for the part it's played in selective education. Father Paul Farren from Derry told Paul McFadden all children should be taught together.

JIMMY MAGEE

Veteran RTE commentator Jimmy Magee was Paul's guest. He has covered 11 World Cups and talked to Paul about one of the most memorable finals.

JUST CHAMPION

World middleweight contender John Duddy talks about his latest win, his next fight, his hopes for a world title shot - and his breakfast!

More from John Duddy...»

FROM BAD TO VERSE

Listener Pat McClements was so moved by a chance meeting with two Danish tourists that she penned a poem about her beloved city. As we find out, a rose by any other name CAN smell as sweet.

THE BATTLE WITH REPUBLICANISM

Following recent attacks on the PSNI by the Real IRA, Sinn Fein MLA - and former hunger striker - Raymond McCartney goes head to head with 32-County Sovereignty member Gary Donnelly over the legitimacy of armed struggle.

DR. NICOLA DUFFY

As Derry off-licence owners reject a priest and doctors' appeal to close for Hallowe'en, a woman GP explains that fears of a fatality mean she won't be offering her services during the city's biggest festival.

NUALA O'LOAN

Nuala O'Loan steps down in November after seven years as Police Ombudsman. She tells Paul McFadden that she's been challenged, frightened and her three sons have been attacked - but she's never considered quitting.

DONEGAL FATHER

There are two sides to every story. As the parents of two Derry girls get the go-ahead to challenge a school's decision to turn them away, a Donegal father explains why he feels justified in using a false address to have his children educated in Northern Ireland.

JOHN COLE

The ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳'s former Political Editor, John Cole, was as famous for his tweed coat and his Northern Ireland accent as for his shrewd political observations and analysis. This year, he spent his summer holidays in Portsetwart and talked to Paul McFadden about life - in retirement - outside the poltical arena.

ALCOHOLISM

New figures published by the Department of Health here show that more teenagers than ever before are being treated for drink and drugs abuse. Is it a result of bad parenting? One Derry mother says that's not necessarily so - and talks about how alcoholism crept up on her family

KEN BELSHAW

Home Truths: we've no campaigns for ages and then two come along at the same time! The head of Grafton Recruitment, Ken Belshaw, launches one - planned - campaign, to bring ex-pats back to Northern Ireland, but winds up starting another, 'on the hoof', to make Derry the 'Dubrovnik of Northern Europe

JOHN ROBERTSON

John Robertson - the new man in the Brandywell hotseat - drops in while he's on the crest of a wave, with two wins from two. He sets the cat among the pigeons with an appeal for the Candystripes to join forces with Derry's gaelic football team to improve the forunes of both.

HARD TO SWALLOW

A distinguished food 'bible' - the Bridgestone guide - says Derry's best viewed through the rear view window of a car, as far as food goes. Is it the pits?

LIZ MARTIN - STILL STANDING

Friday 15th June is Irish Aids Day, and the occasion is being marked this year with the publication of a new book - a brave and remarkable account by a woman who's been HIV positive for at least 16 years. 'Still Standing: An Irishwoman's Story of HIV and Hope' is written by Liz Martin, who was born in Dublin's Liberties, but now lives in Galway.

GLENN BARR IN MESSINES

Scores of people from the North West made their way to Belgium for the 90th anniversary of one of the key battles of the First World War. The Battle of Messines saw the 16th Irish and the 36th Ulster divisions - men from north and south - fighting together for the first time. Glenn Barr, the chief executive of the International Peace School at Messines, believes they provide an example to today's generation.

BRIAN HANRATTY

2nd Lieutenant Patrick Hanratty, from Drogheda, fought in the Great War. His son, Brian, is keen to track down relatives of a former comrade of his father's, who was killed in the battle for Messines Ridge, and who's mentioned in correspondence from 'the front'.

HANNAH SHIELDS

She's come down from the mountain, but are her feet back on the ground, yet? Hannah Shields - Everest's conqueror - talks about the thrill of dangling from a rope, three miles from the ground.

CITY OF DERRY AIRPORT

City of Derry Airport is firmly on the map, now, but for all the wrong reasons. It hasn't escaped - or surprised - Anita Robinson.

ARCHBISHOP ALAN HARPER

The Church of Ireland Primate of All-Ireland, Archbishop Alan Harper, is in Derry over the next few days - with his hierarchy - for their annual meeting. Normally these gatherings of the House of Bishops take place in Dublin, but the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe has invited his colleagues to come north for a change. Some of his colleagues may have had problems finding their way here, but NOT the primate. First of all he was an accomplished map curator, and secondly he ministered in the north west for six years, in the early eighties, in Moville and at Christ Church. Here he talks to Paul.

GOLDEN EAGLES IN DONEGAL

A wild Golden Eagle chick has hatched in Donegal for the first time in 100 years. Actually, two hatched, in Glenveagh National park, but one died after five days. So there'll be a nervous wait to see if the remaining chick makes it through the summer. Lorcan O'Toole, from the Golden Eagle Trust, has been working for six years for this moment.

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JOHN DUDDY

World middleweight champion John Duddy - unbeaten after 20 fights as a pro - is back in his hometown after three and a half years in New York. John explains why he's a Galliagh man and proud of it!

COUNTRY ROADS

Walking enthusiasts are in for a treat with the release of a new, updated edition of Sam Mitchell's hugely popular book, 'Country Roads'. This labour of love had been out of print until Sam - a retired geography teacher - was approached by the University of the Third Age, and urged to take up his pen again. Here he revisits his favourite walks round Inishowen and the Lough Foyle basin. And he's joined by U3A colleague Pat Deery, who's produced an eBook (CD) version.

Related links:

HANNAH FROM HEAVEN

Hannah Shields says her conquest of Mount Everest was exhausting but amazing. The Kilrea dentist, scaled the world's highest peak at the second time of asking, having been forced to abandon her first attempt four years ago. Hannah said what she was looking forward to most, now, was a 'sit-down' toilet!

NORTHERN DRIVERS

A road safety campaigner from the Republic says she's too frightened of Northern drivers to spend her holidays north of the border. Wicklow woman Ann Fogarty - whose husband was killed in a road accident - wrote to today's Irish Independent, to urge the governments to work together to make the roads safer north and south.

MADELEINE MCCANN

The disappearance of 4 year old Madeleine McCann, while holidaying with her family in Portugal, has either touched the nation's heart or whipped up a frenzy. Certainly there's unprecedented interest in her fate. But why? Why now? Why Maddy and not the scores of other youngsters who disappear? Anita Robinson reflects on what the reaction - some would say "over-reaction" - says about us?

COGNITIVE THERAPY

Psychologists believe they've made a significant breakthrough in the treatment of people suffering from post traumatic stress disorder here. The NI Centre for Trauma and Transformation's tested its cognitive therapy technique over a two year period and says the results have been encouraging. Michael Duffy, who jointly led the treatment team, believes there could be enormous benefits for hundreds - maybe even thousands of people, who've been traumatised by the Troubles.

GAY PRIDE

The Gay Pride Festival is returning to Derry in August for the first time in 5 years, and here Cathy Falconer and Eileen Greene talk to Paul about what it is like to be the mother of a gay child.

Cathy Falconer's book "Good As You Get" about a mother's reaction to her son announcing he was gay, available from Guildhall Press and Easons -

WILLIAM HAY MLA

The Foyle MLA hotly tipped to become the first elected Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly talks to Paul McFadden. William Hay, of the DUP, tells Paul about his Donegal roots, his quest for a British passport and his plans to put manners on unruly MLAs - and gets on-air advice on how to do so from Former House of Commons Speaker, Lady Boothroyd.

HOMAGE TO THE CIGGIE

Visitors to these shores often comment on the warmth of the welcome they receive. So how come it's suddenly become a very cold house - for smokers? 'Poetry Chick' Jenny Doherty becomes a drag artiste with this homage to the cigarette.

MARTINA ANDERSON

Sinn Fein MLA, Martina Anderson, talks about her journey from IRA prisoner to member of the Policing Board.

BRIAN McGILLOWAY

Could Inspector Benedict Devlin do for Lifford what Morse has done for Oxford? Derry author, Brian McGilloway - who's been signed by MacMillan New Writing for a five-book deal - discusses his first novel, 'Borderlands,' which is set in Donegal.

BOXTY CAKE RECIPE

With the influx of migrant workers swelling demand, the humble spud's not so humble any more. Here, chef Raymond Moran - from the Beechill Hotel - introduces us to 'posh potato' with his boxty cake recipe. Get the recipe...»