The Southern Star Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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