The Southern Star Podcast

Toe Head Productions pilot episode

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 09:00:03 GMT

What happens when a financial consultant specialising in corporate finance and funding meets with a young man with Autism and ADHD and an abiding interest in politics?

Dan Kelleher interviews Max O’Mahony, who is well known locally and lives in Castletownshend, in a wide-ranging 10-minute podcast that has been shared with The Southern Star.

It is the first in what is likely to be a series of podcasts by Toe Head Productions.

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How West Cork's community is driving the local film industry

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:00:50 GMT

WITH the recent arrival of a Hallmark production into the region, West Cork Film Studios landed one of its first major coups.

It was the first major production to be based at the WCFS, which is located at Baltimore Road in Skibbereen, and has given the studios the perfect opportunity to roll out, and develop, film infrastructure in West Cork.

For The Big Story, Mary McCarthy spoke with directors Édáin O'Donnell and Steve Park about the growing industry and why West Cork's unique community is buying into film in the region.

The Big Story is a digital, subscriber-only series by the Southern Star. Each part will bring subscribers closer to the stories that matter in West Cork. Browse previous Big Stories here.

Produced by Mary McCarthy and Tony O'Shaughnessy. Written and presented by Mary McCarthy. Editing by Dylan Mangan.

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An oral history of past Christmases in West Cork

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 06:30:03 GMT

CHRISTMAS, like many other parts of life, has constantly changed with the times. From stockings at the foot of your bed to above the mantlepiece, or from sending turkeys to England in the post to Amazon Prime delivery, Christmas has become a different beast in recent years.

Gerald O'Brien of Skibbereen Historical Society shares his memories of what Christmas was like for him, growing up in West Cork in the 40s and 50s, and how some traditions have changed while others remain the same.

The Big Story is a digital, subscriber-only series by The Southern Star. Each part will bring subscribers closer to the stories that matter in West Cork. Browse previous Big Stories here.

Produced by Mary McCarthy and Tony O'Shaughnessy. Written and presented by Mary McCarthy. Editing by Dylan Mangan.

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The SSPX Resistance in West Cork: Pious priests or danger on our doorstep?

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 06:30:01 GMT

As the general election results fade into the distance, and there has been a widespread sigh of relief that no far right candidates were successful, there are some political observers who believe it’s only a matter of time before the hate-filled messages of some agitators start to resonate with elements of the electorate, as they have in other countries across Europe.

In November, a Jewish student was attacked by three men in a nightclub in Dublin, in a suspected anti-Semitic assault. Gardaí are investigating it as a potential hate crime.

In this special podcast documentary, the Southern Star’s editor Siobhán Cronin investigates a secretive community which has established a base in the centre of West Cork and has some very unsavoury connections around the world.

Thanks to Father Tom Hayes, Harry Shuckman and Fiona O'Leary for their time and input.

Thank you for listening to this special big story podcast by The Southern Star. If you’ve been affected by any of the topics discussed in this episode, or have further information relating to the SSPX resistance in West Cork or beyond, please contact us on editor@southernstar.ie.

This episode was written and presented by Southern Star editor Siobhan Cronin, with additional reporting by Star journalist Jackie Keogh and editing by Dylan Mangan.

Additional audio clips from:

Virgin Media News

AP Press

New Zealand Herald

53sig, pprzes01, We Love Tradition on YouTube

Thanks for listening, and don’t forget that you can find more trusted, local journalism like this inside The Southern Star, which is in shops and online every single Thursday.

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Bere Island Community Radio interview with Star reporter Jackie Keogh on the General Election

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 16:54:23 GMT

Bere Island Community Radio invited Southern Star reporter Jackie Keogh on the air recently to speak about the General Election which is taking place on Friday, November 29th.

We will be running a live blog with updates on the count, from early Friday morning, on southernstar.ie so don’t forget to have it bookmarked on your laptop, phone or whatever device you have that day – and see who will be representing you in the 34th Dáil.

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The 34th Dáil: Predicting the outcome in West Cork

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 09:27:38 GMT

Welcome to this special Election edition of the In the News podcast where we are taking a look at the election in West Cork – with just over two weeks to election day on Nov 29th.

Southern Star editor, Siobhán Cronin was joined by reporters Jackie Keogh and Kieran O’Mahony and deputy editor Martin Claffey on today's episode.

Jackie Keogh gives us a quick rundown of who is running and how it’s looking so far.

Kieran O’Mahony delves into Cork North West – a constituency that a lot of other media don’t realise encompasses a fair bit of West Cork.

Martin Claffey, who lives on the edge of the city but has come to be familiar with West Cork politics in recent years, tells us how he thinks the constituencies will pan out.

There are just two weeks left in this race and anything could happen throughout the campaign, and most certainly, at the count centre which looks like it will be in Mallow, on November 30th.

On that day we will be running a live blog with updates on the count, from early Saturday morning, on southernstar.ie so don’t forget to have it bookmarked on your laptop, phone or whatever device you have that day – and see who will be representing you in the 34th Dáil

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Three West Cork artists on their inspiration ahead of new show in Baltimore

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 14:26:01 GMT

A SPECIAL summer open door event showcasing the works and talents of three West Cork artists will take place at The Yellow Door in Baltimore village from July 27th to the end of August.

Sherkin Island based painter Majella O’Neill Collins, and artists Paula Marten and Aisling Roche have teamed up for a unique showcase, offering art enthusiasts a special opportunity to experience the creativity and passion of their work with scheduled and unscheduled talks throughout the summer.

The three women joined Star digital manager Dylan Mangan for a conversation about their art, where they find inspiration, teaching and the unique draw West Cork has for artists.

Listen below, or search 'Southern Star In The News' wherever you get your podcasts.

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Francis Humphrys on almost 30 years of the West Cork Chamber Music Festival

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 12:57:52 GMT

FRANCIS Humphrys has been involved with the West Cork Music Chamber Festival for 29 years since it’s first edition in 1996. He is now festival director and West Cork Music chief executive.

This year’s festival kicks off on Friday, June 28th and runs for 10 days. While the buildup to opening night is always hectic, this year is more so than usual with so many musicians set to fly into Ireland, and the Aer Lingus pilots’ strike threatening to damage months of careful planning.

You can read more about the strike and the festival in this week’s Southern Star, but for now Star deputy editor Martin Claffey caught up with Humphrys ahead of the opening to chat about the festival, the strike, how the festival organisers need to be able to pivot at a moment’s notice and even Taylor Swift.

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From A to Sea with journalist & author Kathy Donaghy

Wed, 03 May 2023 09:16:36 GMT

ON this week's podcast, Southern Star editor Siobhán Cronin is joined by journalist & author Kathy Donaghy to talk about depression, miscarriage and how swimming has helped heal her.

Donaghy's book, Finding My Wild: How a Move to the Edge Brought Me Home, tells her story of moving home from Dublin to the Inishowen peninsula with her young family.

It is ode to the extraordinary healing powers of immersing yourself in the natural world, especially the sea, and she joins the podcast to talk about why she made the move.

This is the second episode in our latest series focusing on sea swimming. Listen back to the first episode with total immersion swim coach Melissa Duncan here.

Swimming became a lifeline for many during the pandemic, and so many have kept it going, which has left Ireland with a really strong and wonderful community.

Over the next few months, we will feature interviews with prominent figures in the swimming scene, from both West Cork and beyond.

This episode was produced and presented by Siobhán Cronin, with editing by Dylan Mangan.

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Thanks for listening to The Southern Star's In The News Podcast. Please be sure to like, share and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Listen to our previous episodes by clicking here.

For stories like this and more, pick up a copy of this week's Southern Star or subscribe online via www.southernstar.ie/epaper.

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From A to Sea with total immersion swimming coach Melissa Duncan

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 08:24:27 GMT

ON this week's podcast, Southern Star editor Siobhán Cronin speaks to Melissa Duncan – a 'total immersion' expert and fellow sea swimming fanatic – about a shared love of the sea, building her own swimming pool, and some well-known West Cork names she has coached along the way.

Swimming became a lifeline for many during the pandemic, and so many have kept it going, which has left Ireland with a really strong and wonderful community.

Over the next few months, we will feature interviews with prominent figures in the swimming scene, from both West Cork and beyond.

Total immersion is a technique that involves running through swim strokes in a similar fashion to yoga, with the aim being to move through the water more efficiently. Melissa Duncan has been one of the biggest proponents of the technique in Ireland and joins the podcast to chat about the benefits of adapting to it.

Duncan runs The Swim Studio – Ireland's first total immersion swim coaching studio to be located in Ireland.

Follow along with Siobhán's latest blog post, where she writes about getting ready for those organised summer swims, by clicking here.

This episode was produced and presented by Siobhán Cronin, with editing by Dylan Mangan.

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Thanks for listening to The Southern Star's In The News Podcast. Please be sure to like, share and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Listen to our previous episodes by clicking here.

For more on this story pick up a copy of this week's Southern Star or subscribe online via www.southernstar.ie/epaper.

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The rise of West Cork's film industry

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 07:30:51 GMT

WEST Cork's film industry is on the rise.

On the latest episode of The Southern Star's In The News podcast, Dylan Mangan focuses on how the film industry is developing in West Cork

The region has some of the best locations in the country and more and more production companies are deciding to shoot their next projects here.

We hear from Star reporter Kieran O'Mahony, who has been reporting on the film scene for the newspaper, along with two of West Cork Film Studio's directors, Édaín O'Donnell and Steve Park. We also chat to producer Gráinne Dwyer, who has been shooting a short film on the Beara peninsula in recent weeks.

Produced and presented by Dylan Mangan.

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Listen to the previous episode: Does West Cork's fishing industry have a future?

Thanks for listening to The Southern Star's In The News Podcast. Please be sure to like, share and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

For more on this story pick up a copy of this week's Southern Star or subscribe online via www.southernstar.ie/epaper.

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Does West Cork's fishing industry have a future?

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 09:29:55 GMT

FOR A country with 29% of EU fishing waters, Ireland still doesn't have a viable fishing industry.

EU membership, Brexit, and now the decommissioning scheme have all taken their toll, and the demise of the industry has been likened to death by a thousand cuts.

With the deadline for the Government's decommissioning scheme looming ever-closer, Southern Star reporter Jackie Keogh travelled to Castletownbere, where an estimated fifteen boats are due to be decommissioned, to find out if West Cork's fishing industry has a future.

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West Cork's hospitality industry fights on

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 14:55:50 GMT

IT has been a difficult few years for the hospitality industry, first with Covid-19 shutting restaurants and bars down for months, followed by some astronomical energy bills which have seen numerous closures across West Cork and beyond.

The news of the closure of Pilgrim's in Rosscarbery and Cru Wine Bar & Bistro in Kinsale was met with shock, and on the latest edition of the In The News Podcast we chat to Michelin star chef Ahmet Dede about how he has managed during this difficult period and about the restaurant industry as a whole.

We also hear from Star reporter Kieran O'Mahony, who joins us to talk about the trend of recent closures and how some establishments are coming up with novel ways to improve business.

Presented by Dylan Mangan with reporting by Kieran O'Mahony.

Listen to our previous episode: The Holocaust deniers on our doorstep.

Thanks for listening to The Southern Star's In The News Podcast. Please be sure to like, share and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

For more on this story pick up a copy of this week's Southern Star or subscribe online via www.southernstar.ie/epaper.

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The Holocaust deniers on our doorstep

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 08:00:52 GMT

IN RECENT weeks we have seen some anti-aslyum seeker protests take place across the country, with far-right groups and beliefs seeming to take a more mainstream place in Irish culture in recent times.

On today’s podcast we’ll focus on how some beliefs associated with far-right thinking may be closer to home in West Cork than you would imagine, and have been for some time now.

The Southern Star's editor, Siobhán Cronin, joins us to speak about her visit to Auschwitz and a recent court case involving a human rights activist and the SSPX Resistance - a fringe religious group which broke away from mainstream Catholicism over its belief that the modern Church has become too liberal.

Thanks for watching and listening to The Southern Star's In The News podcast. Please be sure to like, share and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Catch up with our previous episode, focusing on the rise and decline of fishing on Cape Clear, here.

This podcast was produced and presented by Dylan Mangan and Siobhán Cronin.

For more on this story pick up a copy of this week's Southern Star or subscribe online via www.southernstar.ie/epaper.

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Island life - the rise and decline of Cape Clear fishing

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 08:00:04 GMT

FISHING was, for a long time, an important part of island life across Ireland, and remains so, but fortunes have changed for those fishing out of Cape Clear, a West Cork island which finds itself relying more on tourists than marine life for its livelihood.

On the latest edition of our In The News podcast, reporter Jackie Keogh went to Cape Clear to speak with islanders about the iconic location's history and the rise and decline of fishing on the island.

In today’s podcast we’ll hear from Mary O’Driscoll, an islander who has been cataloguing Cape Clear’s fishing history, and Kieran Cotter, a former RNLI coxswain and fisherman.

You can watch the report above, or listen on the go via our audio version.

Thanks for watching and listening to The Southern Star's In The News podcast. Please be sure to like, share and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Catch up with our previous episode, focusing on the future of farming in West Cork by clicking here.

Video produced and presented by Jackie Keogh.

For more on this story pick up a copy of this week's Southern Star or subscribe online via www.southernstar.ie/epaper.

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West Cork's 2022 review

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 09:53:24 GMT

IT HAS been yet another eventful year in a long line of eventful years, not only for the world in general but for West Cork people and communities too.

Today on the In The News podcast, we're joined by the Southern Star's editor Siobhán Cronin, and sports editor Kieran McCarthy to take a look back at the year gone by and to delve into some of the stories that made the headlines this year.

This year saw West Cork fishermen standing up to Russia, Michael Collins' centenary commemorations, rows about bank closures and a windfarm in Gougane Barra, along with much more. We talk about why local media is important and why West Cork is so full of stories each and every week.

2022 was a huge year for West Cork sportspeople as well, who continued to break glass ceilings both locally and nationally, so tune in for The Southern Star's review of the year gone by.

This podcast was produced and presented by Dylan Mangan.

Thank you to Siobhán Cronin and Kieran McCarthy for their input.

Thanks for listening to The Southern Star's In The News Podcast. Please be sure to like, share and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

For more stories like these, pick up a copy of this week's Southern Star or subscribe online via www.southernstar.ie/epaper.

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What next for farmers? Big challenges ahead

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 16:19:16 GMT

THE agricultural sector has to make emissions cuts of 25% by 2030.

Radical policy changes are coming down the tracks from as early as January which will massively change how farmers, especially those involved in dairy, can operate.

In simple terms, for many in West Cork it will mean stocking less cows or acquiring more land.

The Southern Star's deputy editor Emma Connolly has been speaking to farmers and farming interest groups about the year ahead in 2023, as the new emissions targets spell uncertainty for many.

By Emma Connolly & Dylan Mangan.

Thanks for watching and listening to The Southern Star's In The News podcast.

Please be sure to like, share and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

For more on this story pick up a copy of this week's Southern Star or subscribe online via www.southernstar.ie/epaper.

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West Cork islands in crisis

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 12:01:54 GMT

A RECENT report from UCC said that West Cork's seven islands face being abandoned like the Blaskets were in the 50s.

Residents on the islands face numerous issues, with one of the main problems highlighted in the report being a lack of housing. People say that they are concerned for the future of younger generations and that many people will have to move to the mainland if changes aren't made.

Emma Connolly, deputy editor of The Southern Star has been reporting on this issue since the publishing of the report, and joins us on the podcast today to go into more detail on its findings.

In our previous episode we focused on how the housing crisis is affecting older people in West Cork, and this episode shows again that the issues affect all parts of society, with residents on the islands facing huge challenges going forward.

Presented and produced by Dylan Mangan with reporting by Emma Connolly.

Thanks for listening to The Southern Star's In The News Podcast. Please be sure to like, share and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

For more on this story pick up a copy of this week's Southern Star or subscribe online via www.southernstar.ie/epaper.

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The Housing Crisis in West Cork

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 10:55:02 GMT

The housing crisis is an ongoing issue across the country, with high rent and house prices affecting many and some of the highest homeless figures ever seen.

While much of the focus is on younger people and city problems, West Cork is no stranger to the same concerns.

The Southern Star reported last week that the number of elderly people facing eviction and other struggles is on the rise - and this week we speak with Jackie Keogh about some of the people who have been affected and what the council are doing to solve the problem.

Presented and produced by Dylan Mangan with reporting by Jackie Keogh

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The Death of Michael Collins

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 10:31:47 GMT

100 years ago this month, General Michael Collins was killed in an ambush at Beál na Bláth, not far from his hometown of Clonakilty.

As we approach the centenary of the passing of this charismatic and sometimes ruthless revolutionary leader, we’re delving into the final journey of the man affectionately known as ‘The Big Fella’.

On this edition of the In The News podcast The Southern Star's Dylan Mangan speaks to Jamie Murphy, the General Manager of the Michael Collins House Museum in Clonakilty about the death of General Collins.

The death of Michael Collins is written and produced by Dylan Mangan and Jack McCarron.

There's a FREE 24-page Michael Collins supplement is inside this week's Southern Star which is in shops and online via our digital edition now!

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Lifesavers: the people keeping West Cork's coastlines safe

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 06:00:00 GMT

Good weather and great beaches - West Cork is a haven for swimmers and holidaymakers, but the sea can pose problems for anyone who enters it.

On this week's In The News Podcast, Dylan Mangan speaks to Cork County Council lifeguards who spend the summer months looking after beachgoers in more ways than one. We learn about rip currents, jellyfish stings, and the best ways to stay safe in the sea.

Dylan also chats to Thomas Neville, a member of the Inchydoney Inshore Lifeboat Association, who provide support to the lifeguards at the beach - and help prevent any tragedies in two dangerous channels either side of the beach.

Lifesavers: the people keeping West Cork's coastlines safe is written, edited and presented by Dylan Mangan.

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Whiddy - the West Cork island without water

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 10:38:12 GMT

For months it was a case of water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink for the 25 residents of Whiddy Island.

There has been a problem with the island’s water supply since Irish Water issued a ‘do not consume’ notice last September.

It is understood that the problem arose following a dry spell when the water table reached very low levels at the intake point.

This meant that the water entering the island’s treatment plant was coloured, cloudy and unfit for consumption.

Our reporter Jackie Keogh went to the island to speak to residents about the problem.

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Four formidable women: Tackling sexual violence in West Cork

Mon, 30 May 2022 10:27:50 GMT

West Cork Women Against Violence is a formidable organisation. And the woman who runs it is a formidable woman.

Marie Mulholland – Belfast woman, life-long campaigner & women’s rights activist … and now the chief executive of West Cork’s only domestic violence service. An agency which has seen its workload grow massively in the last two decades.

On this week's In The News Podcast, Siobhán Cronin speaks to Marie about the challenges faced by her agency and providing services of this nature in a rural environment.

Siobhán also chats to West Cork-based academic Dr Caroline Crowley who conducted research by speaking to nearly 30 survivors of sexual violence and their supporters about issues facing West Cork, Sandra Byrne, who was recently appointed as a development worker on the sexual violence project, and Margo Noonan who runs an outreach service in Bantry.

Thanks for listening to The Southern Star's In The News Podcast. Please be sure to like, share and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

For more on this story pick up a copy of this week's Southern Star or subscribe online via www.southernstar.ie/epaper.

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Sea Swimming: Here come the Dryrobes

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 21:43:06 GMT

Irish people taking to the sea in their droves has become a bit of a cliché during the pandemic. But the truth is, for some of us, it was never a fad – it was just a part of life. Whether it’s used as a tool for socialising, exercising or reasons related to the reported mental health benefits - open water swimming has fast become a pastime for everyone - not just the endurance athletes training to swim the channel!

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Here come the Dryrobes is the sixth episode of a digital first series from The Southern Star. The Big Story, which is exclusive to The Southern Star’s digital platforms, brings readers closer to West Cork’s most important topics. Episode six is written and produced by Southern Star editor Siobhan Cronin and Southern Star digital manager Jack McCarron. The Big Read to accompany this piece, written by Siobhan Cronin is available here: . The Big Story is available on southernstar.ie, Youtube and all the major podcasting platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

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Rory Gallagher - the Lee Delta Bluesman

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 06:00:00 GMT

Though born in Ballyshannon in Donegal, it was the rebel county of Cork where legendary Irish musician William Rory Gallagher grew up and first made his name.

Throughout the 1960s, 70s and 80s, this soft spoken, perfectionist, rock star dominated the Irish music scene thanks to his generational musical ability and unwavering dedication to his craft.

But what was it about Rory that drove him to become the guitarist & musician he eventually became? What made Rory Gallagher so special?

Music clips courtesy of Strange Music Ltd.

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Rory Gallagher - the Lee Delta Bluesman is the fifth episode of a new digital series from The Southern Star.

The Big Story, which is exclusive to The Southern Star’s digital platforms, brings readers closer to West Cork’s most important topics.

Episode five is written and produced by Southern Star creative manager Niall O'Driscoll and Southern Star digital manager Jack McCarron.

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Wellness in West Cork

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 06:59:16 GMT

West Cork has always taken wellness seriously.

Long before there were Tibetan temples, sanctuaries, and luxurious spas, West Cork was the destination of choice for people who had the urge to head west for a day, a season, or a reason.

It was always a place where they could breathe fresh air, rest in its remoteness, and simply be.

In this episode of The Big Story, The Southern Star takes you behind the scenes at Dzogchen Beara, tells the history of wellness in West Cork and asks what is it that makes the 'energy' here so alluring.

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Inside Ireland's greatest rowing club

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 06:00:00 GMT

Skibbereen Rowing Club will send seven members to the Tokyo Olympic Games. Olympic Silver medallist from Rio, Paul O’Donovan, will look to go one better when he teams up with fellow Skibb oarsman Fintan McCarthy in the lightweight double.

Paul and Fintan were in the boat together when claiming World Gold in 2019. Paul’s brother Gary, also a Rio silver medallist, will be held in reserve.

Emily Hegarty takes her seat in the women's four while Aoife Casey goes in the double. Aoife’s dad Dominic is on the Irish coaching ticket and reserve Lydia Heaphey makes up the magnificent Skibbereen seven.

Inside Ireland's greatest rowing club takes you behind the scenes at Skibbereen Rowing Club and attempts to answer just what makes the club so special.

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Inside Ireland's greatest rowing club is the third episode of The Big Story from The Southern Star. It is written and produced by Southern Star sports editor Kieran McCarthy and Southern Star digital manager Jack McCarron. It was edited by Jack McCarron with reporting also from, Kieran McCarthy. Video production was from Séamus Ó Súilleabháin. The series editor is Siobhan Cronin.

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Episode 48: West Cork: Bringing back the tourists

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 06:00:00 GMT

West Cork, West Cork, West Cork

Home of the Fastnet lighthouse, Bank Holiday tailbacks on the N71 and General Michael Collins.

In 2018 more than 2.7 million people came to Cork from outside the county with a large percentage of those likely venturing West of the Kinsale Road Roundabout.

For a region so dependent on welcoming visitors to our towns, villages and islands, the last 24 months have been particularly difficult.

But with the pandemic years almost behind us, what does the future hold for tourism in West Cork?

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Bringing back the tourists is the second episode of a new digital series from The Southern Star.

It is written and produced by Southern Star editor Siobhan Cronin and Southern Star digital manager Jack McCarron.

It was edited by Jack McCarron with reporting also from, Siobhan Cronin.

Audio and video production was from Jack & Cian Desmond of Desmond Bros Media

The series editor is Siobhan Cronin.

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Macroom: Choked by traffic

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 07:34:47 GMT

Situated around halfway between Cork city and Kilarney, the historic town of Macroom is famous for its castle, the iconic Mountain Dew festival and being one of the two biggest supply points in the Danone network.

During the middle ages, the town was invaded by a succession of warring clans.

But in more recent years, Macroom has been under siege from much noisier invaders.

For a town that according to the 2016 census has a population of less than 5,000 people, the amount of heavy duty traffic that passes through Macroom is way out of kilter with the demographics at the area.

As we enter the busy summer season, the tourist friendly town should be choked by curious visitors.

Instead, for the last 40 years, it’s been choked by traffic.

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This is episode one of The Big Story from The Southern Star.

It's written and produced by Jack McCarron and Kieran O'Mahony.

Reporting is by Kieran O'Mahony with editing by Jack McCarron.

Patrick Tangney is on sound.

The series editor is Siobhan Cronin.

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Episode 38: The best of the #Coronavirus Podcast 2020

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 12:01:39 GMT

Since the start of April we have been hosting our weekly Coronavirus podcast from West Cork.

We kicked off with an interview with Skibbereen woman Emer Downing, a primary school teacher who spoke to us from her home in Bergamo in Italy, which back then was the epicentre of the pandemic.

In the following nine months our news editor Siobhan Cronin, and her colleagues Emma Connolly and Niall O’Driscoll, interviewed everyone from Oscar-winning film producer David Puttnam, to RTÉ’s US Correspondent Brian O’Donovan, author Louise O'Neill and even actress Carol Drinkwater.

This week's podcast features some of the highlights from the series.

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Episode 37: Christmas Special: The Best Book I Read This Year

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 06:00:00 GMT

This week we have a books special, called The Best Book I Read This Year.

Now, with Christmas coming, what better gift is there than a book.
There really is a book out there for everybody in your life. As has often been said, if you think you don’t like books, you just haven’t met the right one yet.

If reading isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other books you can get lost in – from comic novels, to art books, to cookery, gardening, puzzle books, and so much more.

The same rules apply when buying a book as a gift. Don’t think if your friend or relative likes books or not, find out what they do like, and find a book to cover that interest.

In this week’s podcast, we have decided to give you some of our own favourite recommendations from this year’s crop of books. But we also have some very special guests – all were previous guests on this podcast – who have popped in to tell us what was the best book they read this year.

We’ve given them a broad spectrum to choose from – any book,
published any year, but read and enjoyed during this most unusual year of 2020.

We also have some well known booksellers from around West Cork giving us their own particular recommendations.

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Episode 36: Sunday Times political correspondent and columnist Justine McCarthy

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 06:00:00 GMT

This week’s podcast is an interview with Bandon native and Sunday Times political correspondent and columnist Justine McCarthy.

Justine, a highly respected campaigning journalist, talks about growing up in West Cork, starting her journalism career in The Southern Star and some of the incredible stories she has covered in her wide-ranging and very impressive career.

This week's music is from Clare singer Susan O’Neill and acclaimed singer-songwriter Mick Flannery – a previous guest on this podcast.

They won ‘Best Original Folk Track of The Year’ for their duet, ‘Baby Talk’, at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards last week.

Also involved in this fabulous success was Skibbereen musician and producer Christian Best.

Here is a version of the beautiful song recorded earlier this year in Cork Opera House, featuring The Cork Opera House Orchestra and mixed by Christian Best.

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Former Minister Shane Ross on his new book 'In Bed with the Blueshirts' and his relationship with Michael Collins TD

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 06:00:00 GMT

This week’s podcast is an interview with well-known politician, journalist and author Shane Ross.

Shane’s father was from Cork, and he has devoted a large portion of his book ‘In Bed with the Blueshirts’, to his relationship with Cork South West TD Michael Collins, which started out very amicably, but ended with Collins apologising for a ‘scumbag’ remark made the day Ross lost his seat after last February’s general election.

We also have a musical treat.

Aine O’Gorman is a singer songwriter based in Ballinadee. She has just released a song with Victoria Keating who is based in Bandon.

The song, 'The Poor Ground', was recorded with Martin Leahy and was written about the Tuam babies. Christy Moore described the song as ‘a tour de force’.

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Broadcaster, hotelier, wellness coach and author Bibi Baskin on life in India, her broadcasting career & finding contentment in Cork

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 07:00:00 GMT

This week’s podcast is an interview with well-known broadcaster, and one-time Indian hotelier, Bibi Baskin.

Although a Donegal native, Bibi now lives in Crosshaven, from where she runs her life coaching business and recently published her second wellness pocket guide, called The Happy Book, volume II.

She spoke to me earlier about her move from Ireland to India and back again, her successful career, and how she has found contentment in her Co Cork home.

We also have a classical musical treat for you this week.

Classical pianist David Syme has been in the news recently after admitting that he may need to sell his beloved Steinway because he hasn't been able to earn a living since Covid hit his international touring schedule.

Based in Castletownbere, he is a bit of a local hero there having, for years, opened his living room to neighbours for classical concerts. He recently performed a concert for Cork County Council's West Cork Living Room Concerts series, a portion of which is featured on this week's podcast.

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Abi O'Callaghan Platt - the West Cork woman taking plastic out of your period

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 07:00:00 GMT

This week’s podcast interview is with a West Cork environmentalist who is leading a national campaign to curb the single use plastic pollution that's generated from disposable period products.

And Abi O'Callaghan Platt, from Courtmacsherry, also shares some tips on how to make your Christmas a green one. She chats to Southern Star Life & Community Editor Emma Connolly.

PLUS News editor, Siobhan Cronin takes a brief look at this week’s newspaper and we also have a new video from local pianist Rachael O’Donovan.

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Chief Supt Con Cadogan on policing during Covid, a drop in burglaries but a rise in domestic violence crimes & the huge increase in drug detections

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 07:00:00 GMT

This week’s podcast is a wide-ranging interview with the Chief Supt of the Cork West garda division, Caheragh native Con Cadogan.

We talk about policing during Covid, a drop in burglaries but a rise in domestic violence crimes, the new technology that the division is piloting, the huge increase in drug detections, and the big plans for the division coming down the tracks.

We also have music from the Southern Star Sessions archive by Greenshine.

Comprising Noel Shine, Mary Greene and their daughter Ellie – Greenshone popped into the Southern Star Studio, as part of our Southern Star Sessions, a few years ago, to record a song which has since become a major staple of their repertoire, called The Girl in the Lavender Dress.

For more on Greenshine, see Greenshinemusic.com

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Gerry Leonard AKA Spooky Ghost on working with David Bowie, Suzanne Vega, Roger Waters and much more

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 06:00:00 GMT

On this week's podcast, Niall O'Driscoll talks to Dublin-born, New York City-based guitarist Gerry Leonard about his work with David Bowie, Suzanne Vega, Roger Waters, Laurie Anderson, and more.

Gerry is no stranger to West Cork, and some of his music, released under the moniker 'Spooky Ghost', has recently been used as part of a meditation project hosted by the mental health services at Skibbereen's No 49 North Street.

And our musical treat this week is also from Gerry, so watch out for that at the end of this podcast!

Plus news editor Siobhan Cronin review's this week's Southern Star

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The importance of shopping local & new music from Luunah

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 06:00:00 GMT

This week’s podcast is a special on supporting local businesses.

As we settle into Level 5, many businesses face an uncertain future.

But organisations across West Cork have launched initiatives to help the public engage with their local shopkeepers and companies, in a bid to keep sales ticking over, either online or by phone.

Today we chat to the chairpersons of two of these organisations to see exactly what’s on offer and how our towns are coping with these unusual times.

News editor Siobhan Cronin is joined by Bantry Business Association chairman Diarmaid Murphy and by Hilary O’Farrell of the Bandon Business Association.

This coming Friday Cork band Luunah will release their debut album, the self-titled Luunah.

Despite delays due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the band are grateful for more time given to refine their work.

Lead singer Sarah-Beth wrote the songs during her final years of college and this is the first single, Take Me Dancing.

It was produced in West Cork, by Brian Casey. For more see Luunah Music on Facebook

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MEP Deirdre Clune on taking the 'Brexit' seat, visits from John Hume and her life in politics

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 07:00:00 GMT

This week’s interview is with Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune.

Deirdre was first elected to Europe for the Ireland South constituency, in 2014, after a political career which had already spanned stints in both Dail and Seanad Eireann.

After last year’s European Elections, and a long count in Cork city, she got the fifth and final seat.

What’s more, this seat was known as the ‘Brexit’ seat because it only became available when the UK left Europe.

So, in January of this year, Deirdre began her second term in the European Parliament.

Deirdre, the daughter of former Tanaiste Peter Barry, is also a member of the family which founded and owns the iconic Cork brand, Barry’s Tea. She spoke about this, and much more, in our recent interview.

This week's music is from singer songwriter Billy Kennedy. Billy has released a new single 'Sea Creatures' this week which was written with Silé O'Leary, and has been dedicated to their friends and neighbours from Church Bay and Crosshaven who turned up to support Billy's Saturday night concerts.

The song is available to buy exclusively on islandofmusic.ie. You can also find out more about Billy at Billykennedy.ie

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Breaking Out director Michael McCormack on documenting the life of legendary West Cork singer/songwriter Fergus O'Farrell

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 06:00:00 GMT

On this week's podcast we're joined by director Michael McCormack whose new film about the life of West Cork singer/songwriter Fergus O'Farrell hits cinemas in November.

From Schull, Fergus was the charismatic voice of Interference, one of the most compelling and influential bands to emerge from the Irish music scene in the 1990s.

Despite being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at a young age, Fergus had to keep singing. His unique talent and love for life is credited with inspiring a generation of songwriters.

Michael chats to The Southern Star's Emma Connolly about the journey of documenting Fergus' life for much of his last 15 years.

News editor Siobhan Cronin also reviews this week's Southern Star plus we have music from our Southern Star Sessions archive.

This week's song choice is Take It Away by Glengarriff's Cian Elliott.

For more from Cian you can follow him on Facebook and Spotify.

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Singer and producer Iarla Ó Lionáird of Afro Celt Sound System & The Gloaming on growing up in Cúil Aodha, his varied career and making music during the pandemic

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 06:00:00 GMT

Cúil Aodha singer and producer Iarla Ó Lionáird is this week's guest.

Ó Lionáird is a former member of the hugely successful Afro Celt Sound System while in more recent years he has been a member of the traditional/folk supergroup The Gloaming.

He spoke at length to Southern Star Creative Manager Niall O'Driscoll about growing up in Cúil Aodha, his varied career and making music from his home near Inistioge in Co Kilkenny during the pandemic.

News Editor Siobhan Cronin also reviews this week's Southern Star which features a dramatic photo of the convent fire in Skibbereen on its front page.

This week's music is from composer Linda Buckley's brand new album 'From Ocean's Floor' – which features our guest Iarla Ó Lionáird and the Crash Ensemble.

Linda is from Kinsale originally and comes from a very musical family of nine. She is currently based in Glasgow, where she lectures in music. This piece is called Gealach agus Grian – the sun and moon.

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Save Our Skibbereen campaigner Brendan McCarthy on the plastics factory that never was, environmental plans for the town, and how Covid has impacted on West Cork’s schools and the festival circuit

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 06:00:00 GMT

This week’s interview is with Skibbereen man Brendan McCarthy.

It is now a year since SOS, the ‘Save Our Skibbereen’ group, was successful in its bid to halt the construction of a plastics factory in the town.

News editor Siobhan Cronin chats to Brendan, a campaigner, a teacher and chair of the local arts festival, about the SOS campaign, some interesting environmental plans for the town, and how Covid has impacted on West Cork’s schools and the festival circuit.

We're also dipping into our Southern Star Sessions vault for this week's musical treat.

Star Creative manager Niall O’Driscoll has chosen a track from singer-songwriter Eve Clague. Eve is from Clonakilty and comes from a very musical background as both her father Les and her brother Sam are accomplished musicians and composers in their own right.

This song is taken from her 2019 EP Young Naive Me

This song was recorded in our Skibbereen studio just over a year ago, in August 2019. It’s her EP’s title track, Young Naive Me. For more see Eve Clague Music on Facebook.

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RTÉ broadcaster Jacqui Hurley on her new book, the importance of sport & family life during lockdown

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 08:00:00 GMT

This week’s podcast interview is with Ballinhassing woman and sports broadcaster, RTÉ’s Jacqui Hurley.

Jacqui has just published her first book aimed at children, and teaching them about the importance of equality in Sport.

It’s called Girls Play Too and she speaks to Emma Connolly about writing, family life during lockdown and her passion for all things sporty.

They also touch on her career beginnings at Limerick's Live95 and her love of coming home to Cork.

News editor Siobhan Cronin also reviews this week's Southern Star plus we have music from Ballinascarthy-based composer/performer Emily Magner Hurley.

Emily is an accomplished musician and a former composer in residence at the International Choral Festival.

For more subscribe to Emily Magner Hurley Music on YouTube.

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Clonakilty author Louise O'Neill on her new book After The Silence & spending lockdown in West Cork

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 09:41:05 GMT

On today's podcast news editor Siobhan Cronin is joined by Clonakilty writer Louise O'Neill.

The award-winning author of Asking For It chats about her decision to base herself at home, the plot of her new novel After The Silence, which is based on a murder on a fictional West Cork island, and how she has been spending her time in Clonakilty during the worst days of Covid.

Siobhan also reviews this week's Southern Star plus we have music from Paul Tiernan.

Paul is no stranger to music and has been in the business for many years and we really enjoyed this recording in the Star studio in April 2017 of a song called A Mother’s Sin.

For more from Paul see paultiernan.com

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Former Fine Gael TD Jim Daly on leaving politics, #GolfGate, the future of the major parties and enjoying more family time PLUS music from John Blek

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 10:47:51 GMT

This week our featured interview is with former Fine Gael TD Jim Daly.
A former schoolteacher, publican and politician, Mr Daly has recently taken up a new role as an advocate for the homecare sector.

He speaks to news editor Siobhan Cronin about political life, #GolfGate, the future for the major parties and enjoying more family time.

This week's music is the choice of our digitial manager and podcast editor Jack McCarron.

Jack has chosen John Blek’s song The Blackwater.

The Blackwater was taken from John's fourth album Thistle & Thorn, which was recorded between Clonakilty and Louisville, Kentucky during the early part of 2018.

John's latest album 'The Embers' was released in February and is available to purchase from his website
www.johnblek.com

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Independent Cllr Paul Hayes on quitting the booze and leaving Sinn Féin + music from Fintan McKahey

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 08:19:21 GMT

This week our featured interview is with former Sinn Féin Cllr, since independent, Paul Hayes.

It's been quite the year for the Courtmacsherry native.

Not only did he leave Sinn Fein after being a member of the party for nearly 25 years, but like so many others, he lost his job in the pandemic.

Volunteering at a funeral home at the height of the Covid crisis gave him a new perspective on life as he told Emma Connolly when she caught up with him this week.

We will also have new music from local singer songwriter Fintan McKahey who has just released a gorgeous new single, recorded here in West Cork.

For more check out www.FintanMcKahey.com

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Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation CEO, Patrick Murphy on fears for the industry.

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 17:18:56 GMT

This week’s interview is with Skibbereen man Patrick Murphy, the outspoken chief executive of the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation.

This is a very challenging time for the industry, dealing with Covid, Brexit coming fast down the tracks, and general fears for the future of the industry.

News editor Siobhan Cronin spoke to Patrick to hear his ‘take’ on these issues and why he believes a no-deal Brexit could mean ‘Game Over’ for an industry that account for 84% of Beara’s economy – with similar figures in other coastal areas of West Cork.

Local singer songwriter Brian Casey is our musical treat and Siobhan also reviews this week's Star.

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World-renowned fiddle player and artistic director of the Masters of Tradition Festival, Martin Hayes

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 06:00:00 GMT

On this week's podcast we're joined by a giant of Irish traditional music, Martin Hayes.

Martin is a world-renowned fiddle player and artistic director of the Masters of Tradition Festival in Bantry and he chats to Niall O'Driscoll about new plans for this year's festival on the back of the coronavirus pandemic.

He also treats us to a very special rendition of Finbarr Dwyer's classic 'Beare Island Reel'.

PLUS news editor Siobhan Cronin reviews this week's Southern Star.

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Ludgate's new CEO Grainne O'Keeffe on the of future remote working and living in West Cork

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 11:05:47 GMT

Percy Ludgate, a Skibbereen man born in 1883, is believed to have invented one of the world’s first computers. And in his honour, three years ago, the Ludgate digital hub was born at the former Field’s bakery in Skibbereen. This 1GB hub of activity is supported by Vodafone and SIRO in a joint venture and local woman Grainne O’Keeffe is the hub’s newly- appointed CEO. She spoke to Siobhan Cronin about the hub, her love of West Cork and why now, more than ever, the ability to work remotely in places like West Cork, is so important.

We also have music from the incredible Jeff Scroggins & Colorado while Niall O'Driscoll joins Siobhan to review this week's Southern Star.

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Seven Oceans swimming legend Steve Redmond on his 40km swim from Baltimore to the Fastnet Rock

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 09:56:50 GMT

On this week's podcast Siobhan Cronin chats to sea swimmer Steve Remond who was the first person to complete the Seven Oceans challenge and just over a week ago he became the first person to swim to the Fastnet and back. Although he always praises his backroom team and family for encouraging him, there is no doubt he is one of the world’s most determined and successful sea swimmers. He chats to us about his passion for the ocean, his training regime and shares some of his technique tips, too.

This week we will also have some new music from Ardfield singer songwriter Alan Tobin, who records under the name ADT.

Plus Siobhan and Jack McCarron review this week's Southern Star.

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Climate special with sustainability expert Dr Tara Shine and activist Alicia Joy O'Sullivan

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 07:44:57 GMT

On this week's podcast news editor Siobhan Cronin is chatting to Kinsale-based Dr Tara Shine and Skibbereen's Alicia Joy O'Sullivan.

Dr Shine is a sustainability expert, activist, author, speaker, and so much more. She also 20 years’ experience of international and national policy making and has worked with the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice.

Alicia is a climate change activist and one of this year’s Leaving Cert students. She campaigns on a wide range of issues including young people’s mental health, LGBT matters, the reform of sexual education and, of course, climate change. In 2019 she was named a Lions Club Youth Ambassador for Ireland and last year spoke at the first UN Youth Climate Summit in New York.

Siobhan is also joined by Southern Star lifestyle and community editor Emma Connolly to review this week's paper.

We also have music from Kinsale-based singer songwriter Klaus Harvey. Klaus performs with a band called the Four Maldehydes in the Kinsale area and has opened for the likes of Tracy Chapman and Michelle Shocked. check out his Youtube channel here.

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Author & actress Carol Drinkwater on sexual abuse in Hollywood, missing West Cork and life in France after lockdown

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 15:57:38 GMT

On this week's podcast news editor Siobhan Cronin chats to actress and author Carol Drinkwater. Most recognisable as Helen Herriott in that iconic TV series All Creatures Great and Small, these days Carol is a best-selling author and lives in the south of France.

Carol is visitor to Bantry for the West Cork Literary Festival and she chats to us about her fantastic career, sexual abuse in Hollywood and life in France after lockdown.

We also have music from teacher Rachel O'Donovan from Glandore who has been making a name for herself with her lockdown piano versions of dance and pop music favourites, including everyone from Shakira to Harry Styles and Avicii to Nirvana.

This week Rachael set herself a new challenge and has recorded a super version of the classic theme to All Creatures Great and Small. To hear more from Rachael, follow her on Twitter @RachaelODonovan.

Plus Siobhan is joined by Niall O'Driscoll to review this week's Southern Star.

You can add The Southern Star's Coronavirus Podcast to your podcast player of choice by copying this URL - https://southernstar-election2020.podomatic.com/rss2.xml - and using the "Add a podcast by URL/RSS" option.

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Independent TD Michael Collins on life in politics, abortion, separation & priests marrying

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 10:28:31 GMT

On this week's podcast we're joined by Mizen’s Independent TD Michael Collins, who was first elected to the Dáil in 2016. A very consistent contributor in Leinster House, he is also involved in the high profile buses to Northern Ireland which bring people from Cork and Kerry to Belfast for cataract operations.

We also have some new music from three members of a Ballydehob family who cover a wonderful John Prine song, in tribute to the late American singer songwriter, who had strong links with Ireland.

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Cork Airport Managing Director Niall MacCarthy on the challenges facing the aviation industry

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 15:32:27 GMT

On this week’s podcast, news editor Siobhan Cronin is talking to Niall MacCarthy and Kevin Cullinane of Cork Airport about how the airport has re-opened to flights and the procedures they have put in place to cope with Covid-19 restrictions.

Siobhan & Kieran O'Mahony review this week's Southern Star and we have music from the Covid Collective.

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Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns on her first year in politics

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 07:00:00 GMT

Holly Cairns is a Social Democrat TD for Cork South West, who was elected to the Dáil in February. Prior to that, she was a member of Cork County Council, having secured her seat, by just one vote, in a nail-biting recount in May 2019.

On this week's podcast Southern Star news editor Siobhan Cronin catches up with Holly to reflect on her first year in politics

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Singer/songwriter Mick Flannery on life in lockdown & his new album 'Alive - Cork Opera House 2019'

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 08:14:43 GMT

On this week's podcast, Niall O'Driscoll chats to Blarney singer/songwriter Mick Flannery, who is doing a very generous deed with the proceeds of his new album 'Alive - Cork Opera House 2019' to help his band and crew who have been off work due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

Mick also talks to us about his own experiences of life in lockdown and performs a new track for us called Minnesota.

Southern Star editor Con Downing joins Niall to review this week's Southern Star.

Mick Flannery’s seventh album ‘Alive - Cork Opera House 2019’ comes out 24th July 2020. Pre-order now at: https://shor.by/aSPR

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Bord Bia CEO Tara McCarthy on the challenges facing the food sector PLUS music from the Justin Grounds’ Lockdown Choir.

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 17:27:58 GMT

In this week’s podcast, Emma Connolly talks to CEO of Bord Bia Tara McCarthy about the challenges facing the food sector during the pandemic and how she can't wait to get back to her native Clonakilty and walk the beach at Inchydoney.

Con Downing & Jack McCarron review this week's Southern Star PLUS we have a musical treat for you – the latest instalment from Clonakilty-based musician and composer Justin Grounds’ Lockdown Choir.

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Academy Award winner David Puttnam on the Leaving Cert, working from home in West Cork and Netflix

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 08:09:10 GMT

On this week's Southern Star News Editor Siobhan Cronin chats to to David Puttnam, Oscar-winning film producer and educator, about the decision to use a grading system for this year’s Leaving Cert, how he finds working from Skibbereen and virtual House of Lords sittings, and he even gives us his top Netflix viewing recommendations.

Tieing in nicely with that, we will have a lovely end-of-year song from this year’s Leaving Cert class at Coláiste na Toirbhirte in Bandon.

Southern Star Editor Con Downing joins Siobhan to review this week's paper

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The Southern Star | Coronavirus | Guitarist, producer and composer Bill Shanley on the state of the music industry

Thu, 28 May 2020 15:58:10 GMT

On this week's podcast we're chatting to Clonakilty's Bill Shanley – a renowned session guitarist, producer and composer for over 30 years who has performed all over the world with the likes of Mary Black, Paul Brady, Ray Davies and Gilbert O'Sullivan. Bill gives us his views on the state of the music industry now and what it might be like after Covid-19.

This week's music is from Mary Black, featuring this week's guest Bill Shanley and bassist Nicky Scott. The song is 'Better Times Will Come' and it was recorded (remotely) for a charity project organised by singer/songwriter Janis Ian in which she asked musical friends from all over the world to record their version of the song. Donations can be made by going to www.womensaid.ie.

PLUS Siobhan Cronin and Niall O'Driscoll review this week's Southern Star.

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The Southern Star | Coronavirus | West Cork Women Against Violence face challenges during pandemic

Fri, 22 May 2020 08:55:50 GMT

On this week's podcast we're chatting to Marie Mulholland, co-ordinator of the West Cork Women Against Violence project about the challenges for the project at a time which can be very frightening for women caught in an abusive relationship.

News Editor Siobhan Cronin is joined by Jack McCarron to review this week's paper and we have some new music from Kilmurry-based alternative pop group Lunnah with a preview of their new album which launches this week.

Listen to Luunah on Spotify now: https://open.spotify.com/album/3wY8LeaMIkMbdcJECRZTkM?si=kGg0ypisSGGsFouajA9kSw

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The Southern Star | Coronavirus | How Covid-19 affects farming & music from group of Beara musicians

Thu, 14 May 2020 16:16:44 GMT

On this week's podcast Ardfield beef farmer Tommy Moyles and Upton dairy farmer Vanessa Kiely O'Connor talk to Emma Connolly about the challenges facing the agri sector post Covid-19 and how poor rural broadband connections have made their lockdowns more difficult.

Siobhan Cronin & Niall O'Driscoll review this week's Southern Star and we also have some lovely music from a group of musicians in Beara who have come together to record a song which is very appropriate for our times.

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The Southern Star | Coronavirus | The future of tourism in West Cork - three stakeholders discuss what lies ahead & music from the Ilen Vibe Choir

Fri, 08 May 2020 08:34:47 GMT

As West Cork grapples with the idea of a ‘new normal’ which will no doubt have a massive impact on its tourism industry, news editor Siobhan Cronin is joined by three people who all have ‘skin in the game’, – Helen Collins, of the Taste of West Cork food festival; Neil Grant, manager of the Celtic Ross Hotel in Rosscarbery and recently elected TD for Fianna Fáil, Christopher O’Sullivan, is in Clonakilty.

Siobhan also reviews this week's paper with Southern Star editor Con Downing.

PLUS we have music from The Ilen Vibes choir. Watch their performance in full here: https://youtu.be/A0F-nWMLhn8

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The Southern Star | Coronavirus | Nutritionist Majella O'Neill on safeguarding our health and well-being during the pandemic & music from Alan Tobin

Fri, 01 May 2020 09:05:25 GMT

On this week's Podcast News Editor Siobhan Cronin is joined by Life & Community Editor Emma Connolly to review this week's Southern Star.

In Part two Emma chats to Skibbereen nutritionist Majella O'Neill who gives us some great advice on how to safeguard our health and well-being during the pandemic.

PLUS Ardfield singer-songwriter Alan Tobin, part of the band LOWMountain, launches his debut single this weekend, and we get a taster of the song, Even the Sun Don't Shine on Lonely Hearts in Shadow.

Listen to the track on Spotify now: https://spoti.fi/3cXxrNw

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The Southern Star | Coronavirus | Tadhg Daly of Nursing Homes Ireland & music from the Covid Collective

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 08:55:05 GMT

In this week’s podcast we talk to West Cork native, Tadhg Daly of Nursing Homes Ireland, a man who is rarely out of the news these days as he navigates the most difficult time in his organisation’s history.

Tadhg is originally from Drimoleague and has held some very high profile jobs in his career. He is a past president of the Union of Students of Ireland and has also held roles with the ISPCC. In 2005 he joined the Irish Nursing Homes Organisation which became Nursing Homes Ireland in 2008, where he is now its chief executive.

Siobhan Cronin & Kieran O'Mahony review this week's Southern Star and there is music from the Covid Collective.

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The Southern Star | Coronavirus | Priests embrace video technology & music from Justin Grounds

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 13:58:25 GMT

On this week’s podcast we talk to Drimoleague native Fr Tom Hayes, who has been embracing video technology to help keep the priests of the Diocese connected with their communities, and each other.

We also have music from Clonakilty music producer, composer and violinist Justin Grounds who has set up a virtual choir project called the ‘The Lockdown Choir.

Siobhan Cronin and Niall O'Driscoll also review this weeks Southern Star

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The Southern Star | Coronavirus | RTÉ's Washington correspondent Brian O'Donovan on Trump and covering Covid-19

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 08:04:51 GMT

In this week’s podcast we talk to Farran native Brian O’Donovan – RTÉ’s Washington correspondent. He tells us about life in the US for him and his family – and how he’s covering the Covid-19 crisis in the lead-up to the presidential election.

News Editor Siobhan Cronin also reviews this week's Southern Star with Niall O'Driscoll

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The Southern Star | Coronavirus | Emer Downing in Bergamo

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 13:39:38 GMT

Welcome to The Southern Star’s Coronavirus podcast.

Every week, we will be talking to people at the centre of this crisis in West Cork, and beyond. We will also be taking a look at that week’s Southern Star and how our reporters across the region are covering the pandemic.

In this week’s podcast we talk to Skibbereen native Emer Downing, who has been living in Bergamo in northern Italy for the past eight years. She has been in lockdown for several weeks and tells us what life is like for her.

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The Southern Star | Election 2020 | Cork's Deputy Returning Officer Jerome O'Sullivan

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 10:42:30 GMT

In this episode, our last before Saturday's General Election, Southern Star news editor Siobhan Cronin is joined by Cork's Deputy Returning Officer Jerome O'Sullivan.

In this in-depth chat Jerome tells us about the logistical complications involved in running a count centre and why the PR system makes Irish elections such a fascinating bloodsport.

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The Southern Star | Election 2020 | Cllr Alan Coleman, the IFA's Harold Kingston and Bantry Vox-Pop

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 09:22:20 GMT

With only days remaining until we go to the polls for the 2020 General Election, news editor Siobhan Cronin is joined by independent candidate Cllr Alan Coleman.

In part two Emma Connolly chats to the IFA's Munster representative Harold Kingston to discuss what outcome the farming community will be hoping for on Saturday.

Finally reporter Jackie Keogh speaks to voters in Bantry.

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The Southern Star | Election 2020 | Tim Lombard, Paul Hayes & Clonakilty vox pop

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 10:54:52 GMT

On the latest Election 2020 Podcast Southern Star news editor Siobhan Cronin is joined by Fine Gael's Senator Tim Lombard to discuss everything from the future of farming to The Stunning.

In part two Sinn Féin's Cllr Paul Hayes stops by to give us an update on his campaign as he bids for a seat in the Dáil for a second time.

Finally reporter Jackie Keogh is in Clonakilty speaking to voters about their main election concerns.

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The Southern Star | Election 2020 | Michael Collins, Christopher O'Sullivan and Alicia O'Sullivan

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 09:10:21 GMT

As the 2020 General Election draws closer, we're joined in studio by Goleen TD Michael Collins who is bidding to win his second term in office. He joins Siobhan Cronin to chat through his list of election promises.

Our reporter Kieran O'Mahony catches up with County Mayor Christopher O'Sullivan as he enters the race for the Dáil for the first time.

Later in the podcast we hear from youth activist Alicia O'Sullivan and find out what young voters are after.

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The Southern Star | Election 2020 | Jim Daly interview, Skibbereen Vox-Pop and first-time voter David Giles

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 09:16:17 GMT

We're joined this week on our Election 2020 Podcast by outgoing Junior Health Minister Jim Daly who discusses his career and the ongoing uncertainty with Bantry Hospital.

Reporter Jackie Keogh is also out and about in Skibbereen speaking to voters while first-time voter David Giles chats to news editor Siobhan Cronin.

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The Southern Star | Election 2020 | Saturday February 8 is the date

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 13:22:36 GMT

In the first breaking news podcast of this election cycle we bring you the news that An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has set February 8 as the date for the upcoming General Election.

Southern Star news editor Siobhan Cronin is joined by editor Con Downing to dissect what this means for the Cork South West constituency and the candidates.

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The Southern Star | Election 2020 | Holly Cairns & Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 09:10:02 GMT

It's the first episode of our brand new Election 2020 podcast and joining Southern Star News Editor Siobhan Cronin in the studio this week are Social Democrat candidate Cllr Holly Cairns and Fianna Fáil's TD Margaret Murphy O'Mahony.

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The Southern Star | Election 2020 | Trailer

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 09:20:03 GMT

Thanks for listening to the Southern Star Election 2020 podcast.

Don’t forget to pick up this week’s Southern Star for all the latest Election news, including interviews with candidates, analysis and comment.

Available every Thursday in shops across West Cork and online from anywhere in the world via www.southernstar.ie.

The Southern Star - your go to destination for Election 2020

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