Cork's 96fm Opinion Line

PJ Coogan catches up with 2025 Cork Rose Nancy Lehane ahead of the Rose of Tralee Festival. From growing up in Ireland’s highest village to becoming the bookies’ favourite, Nancy shares her whirlwind journey, the excitement of the pre-festival tour, and the support pouring in from her hometown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A recent survey revealed that 1 in 10 Irish adults have formed a romantic connection with an AI chatbot. PJ Coogan speaks with Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me, about what’s driving this growing trend, the role loneliness plays, and the risks of replacing real human relationships with digital companionship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newly qualified teachers in Ireland are facing a paradox a well-publicised shortage of staff, yet no clear path to full-time, permanent work. PJ speaks with Triona, a teacher who’s seen both sides of the job hunt, and Michael Gillespie, General Secretary of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When tragedy strikes, why do some people’s first instincts lead them to hit “record” instead of offering help? Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae speaks to PJ about disturbing cases of people filming accidents, disasters, and even crime scenes and posting them online for clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With just 54 days to Budget Day 2025, Cork voices reveal the harsh reality of the cost-of-living crisis. Reporter Paul Byrne hears from families, workers, and pensioners, while St. Vincent de Paul’s Cormac O’Sullivan explains why calls for help are rising and why many seeking assistance never thought they’d need it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cork is on alert after the discovery of the Asian hornet a predator that threatens honeybees, wild insects, and local biodiversity. PJ speaks with Pat Deasy, CEO of the Irish Bee Conservation Project, about the hornet’s hunting habits, the urgent search for its nest, and what residents need to know to stay safe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re sick of it - shopowners in Cork call on the courts to toughen up their sentencing..Heatwaves across Europe - but climate change isn’t stopping families heading for sunshine...A laugh - and maybe a tear with Imelda May & lots more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live in studio with PJ, Imelda May talks about her critically acclaimed one-woman show Mother of All the Behans , returning to The Everyman in August 2025 after last summer’s sold-out run. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PJ chats with dog behaviour expert Nancy Creedon about the hidden dangers summer heat poses for our four-legged friends. From the deadly risk of heatstroke to burnt paws on hot pavements, Nancy shares practical, compassionate tips for keeping dogs safe, cool, and comfortable during scorching days. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pj speaks to Neil McDonnell of ISME and retailer Willie O’Brien about the survey showing two-thirds of businesses escape crimebut those on the front lines face repeat offenses, legal frustrations, and rising security costs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An alarming fish kill on an 8km stretch of the River Blackwater near Mallow has left over a thousand trout dead. Sean Long, Southwest Director of Inland Fisheries Ireland, joins PJ to discuss possible causes, from rising water temperatures to natural infections, and the urgent investigations now underway. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What starts as a simple sore shoulder leads Megan Rafferty into a life-changing diagnosis of acute leukemia. Speaking to PJ Coogan Megan recounts her unexpected path through misdiagnosis, gruelling chemotherapy, sepsis, a bone marrow transplant, and the emotional rollercoaster of living with blood cancer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A gorse fire offshore - how to get a fire crew there in a hurry? 4 generations , 2 shops , there has to be a book in the story of McSweeneys, those strange dreams we get - what do they mean? And much more  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Passenger trains haven’t run to Youghal since 1987, but a growing local movement says it’s time to put them back on track. PJ Coogan spoke with Michael Beecher, chair of the East Cork Railway Alliance, about the group’s rapid growth, thousands-strong petitions, and the mounting frustration over gridlocked roads on the N25. Campaigners believe the return of the Cork–Youghal line could transform tra...

For over seventy years, McSweeney’s Corner Shop in Gardiners Hill has been more than a place to pick up the essentials, it’s been the beating heart of the neighbourhood. PJ spoke to fourth-generation family member Clíona who shares stories of her great-grandmother “Mrs. Mac,” the legendary “Mrs. Lovely,” and the shop’s award-winning Chester cake (or donkey’s gudge to locals). Hosted on Acast. See...

When a gorse blaze broke out on remote Heir Island, West Cork’s lifeboat crew raced against time to ferry firefighters to the scene. PJ spoke to Baltimore RNLI’s Aidan Bush and Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan about the tense operation, the unique challenges of fighting fires in isolated communities, and the environmental impact on this Special Area of Conserva...

Mohammed says he’s not a hero - but he certainly is - others would have started taking a video...Exciting times at Cork Airport - the future is as bright as it gets.. The Corkwoman who dreams about driving in Formula 1 & lots more   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Change is in store and PJ finds out what to expect from Cathal Nolan of Ireland's Weather Channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danielle tells PJ how  Ireland’s most inclusive matchmaking revolution, complete with man auctions, queer garden parties, and a real-life Cilla Black showdown could be the ticket to your forever friend Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cork’s coffee king Brock Lewin spills the beans on the Irish AeroPress Championships to PJ Coogan – where underdogs, mad science, and explosive flavors collide in the most chaotic (and delicious) coffee battle you’ve never heard of and even reveals where the name Badger & Dodo came from. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From karting champion to F1000 trailblazer, Kayleigh "Kayls" Cole is defying expectations in motorsport PJ finds out where she is inspiring a new generation of girls to chase the checkered flag. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Francis McEveney saw a gap in girls’ sports—and turned a simple idea into a celebration of ladies football, community, and inclusion. PJ found out how the Passage West man pulled off a monumental event Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Denis worried about the tariff trade war and says Ireland should cut its own deals because the EU clearly isn't good at it Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PJ speaks to Noreen Ring who explains how support has been growing. For more info see this Facebook page here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PJ gets tips from Kel Galavan on surviving the back to school costs including intriguing advice to "pay yourself first" See more Kel at Mrs Smart Money Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.