Lough Carra Catchment Association Podcast

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Yvonne McDermott, Lecturer in History and Geography at ATU Mayo, to discuss the archaeology of Lough Carra. We start from the earliest traces of human life around the lake, the Bronze and Iron Age features still visible today, and finish with Medieval landmarks that shape the area — including Castle Carra, Castle Burke, Ballintubber Abbey, Church Island, and Burri...

In this episode, the guests are local environmental conservation legends Chris and Lynda Huxley to talk about their life and their decision to settle at Lough Carra, where they immediately began documenting the lake's rich wildlife and changing environment. We talk about their pivotal role in founding the Lough Carra Catchment Association, highlighting how they united scientists, local authorities...

The guest of this episode is Michael Kingdon, who is a naturalist and conservationist who has spent decades living on the shores of Lough Carra. We discuss the work of the Clogher Environmental Group, including the creation of Sand Martin walls and community ponds, as well as the best spots to witness the famous Starling murmurations at Moore Hall. Michael is a keen angler and a regular columnist...

The guest for this episode is John Horan,farmer from Ballintuber who is enrolled in the agri-environmental scheme for the Lough Carra LIFE Project. John provides a practical perspective on modern farmingand the implementation of measures that protect the lake’s water quality.

Dr. Elaine McGoff is Head of Advocacy with An Taisce, one of Ireland's oldest and largest environmental organisations. She works on a broad range of topics including land use, climate, biodiversity and water quality, with a particular focus on planning, policy and compliance with environmental legislation. She advocates widely for environmental protection and legal compliance throughout planning a...

The guest in this episode is Brian Hughes, a National Parks and Wildlife Service Ranger responsible for South East Mayo region, including Lough Carra and its entire catchment area.

This episode’s guest is John Thornton, the new chair of the Lough Carra Catchment Association, taking over from Tom Byrne. John grew up on the shores of Lough Carra, and his love for the lake, its history, and the local community really shines through during the interview.

This episode’s guest is Peter Comer, a Teagasc ASSAP Advisor. Peter works with farmers, providing guidance on practices that help to prevent nutrients, sediment, and pesticides from entering local water bodies.

The guest of this episode is Dr. Ken Irvine, Emeritus Professor of Aquatic Ecosystems at the Institute for Water Education in Netherlands, and one of the world's leading experts on lake ecosystems. He has worked on a a range of lakes and catchments across Europe and Africa, including Lough Carra

In this episode, my guests represent the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark, which includes Lough Carra. Joining me are Micheal Hegarty, the Geopark Manager, and Dr. Benjamin Thébaudeau, the Geopark Geologist. Guest message to the listeners: "The JCWL Geopark team would like to highlight the fact that there was a fourth member of staff during the RRDF project years of 2020-2021 with Amrine Du...

In this episode, the guest is Al McDonnell, a long-serving councillor with Mayo County Council, a businessman, a farmer, and a native of Lough Carra. He is also a dedicated supporter of the Lough Carra Catchment Association.

The guest of this episode is Dr. Fiona White – lecturer at Atlantic Technological University and historian specializing in the history Moore Hall and Moore family. Moore Hall: Moore Hall, the house and estate of George Henry Moore and family, is situated to the south of the village Carnacon in the barony of Carra, County Mayo, Ireland in a karst limestone landscape. Named for the Irish landed gent...

In this episode, my guest is Ann Marie Meaney – Surface Water Officer of The Lough Carra Life Projects, tasked with monitoring the current quality of the water in Lough Carra and the catchment. ANN MARIE MEANEY BIO: Ann Marie is a native of County Tipperary, living in Westport, and is an experienced Environmental Scientist, with a strong background in regulatory, enforcement and compliance. She gr...

The guest of this episode is Samirah Blaauw, a PHD candidate at SETU, studying genetic diversity of Otter, and at Lough Carra, as part of the Lough Carra LIFE project. RESEARCH INFORMATION: Native Otter vs Invasive Mink: The Lough Carra LIFE Programme aims to preserve and restore biodiversity at the Lough Carra Catchment. This includes monitoring native European otter as well as the invasive (intr...

In this episode, our guest is Deirdre Walsh, a renowned painter whose unique style beautifully captures the essence of the lake. Deirdre Walsh lives and paints in Mayo where she is continually inspired by an elusive light. After graduating from University in Galway she spent six years in New York where she studied painting at Parsons School of Design and The Art Students League. During that time s...

In this episode, I am speaking with Dr. Cilian Roden, also known as The Snorkeling Scientist, who studies the biology of Lough Carra. Cilian is an expert on aquatic plants, with decades of experience in monitoring and securing Irish aquatic ecosystems. He is the author of "The Naturalist View" and multiple scientific publications on the subject of aquatic biology. This is also the last e...

In this episode, Padraig Kelly, the Lough Carra LIFE Groundwater Officer, discusses his role within the LIFE project and provides some preliminary results from the groundwater study of the catchment. Padraig is from Ballintubber, Co Mayo, within the Lough Carra catchment area. Therefore, apart from being an expert in his field, he grew up close to the lake.

In this episode, Kieran Flynn, the Lough Carra LIFE Project Manager, discusses his role, the day-to-day operations of the LIFE Project, achievements, goals, and plans for the future. The LCCA were instrumental in the establishment of the Lough Carra LIFE Project. They remain a key partner in the project, and will be central to Project’s AfterLIFE plan. Hosted by: Jarek Majkusiak

In this episode, Tom Byrne and Chris Huxley, both founding members and directors of LCCA, discuss the history of the association, its current projects, and future ambitions. Tom and Chris provide an honest assessment of the current state of Lough Carra, along with potential solutions for the lake's future. Hosted by: Jarek Majkusiak

Chris Huxley is a founding member and director of Lough Carra Catchment Association (LCCA). In this episode, Chris talks about the importance of the lake on an international and national scale, and the current state of the ecology of Lough Carra and its catchment area. Hosted by: Jarek Majkusiak