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.***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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.***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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 CorkThe 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.***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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! -- 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.-- 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. --- 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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?---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 MediaThe series editor is Siobhan Cronin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.