Morning Mix with Alan Corcoran

CAO offers have just been released, leaving thousands of students weighing up their choices and future paths. To help make sense of the options and ease the pressure, Mary Hickey and Seamus Whitney from Whitney Career Guidance join us with practical advice for both students and parents.

Remote and hybrid work isn’t just a trend anymore — it’s reshaping Ireland’s economy and communities. A new Grow Remote study reveals that 36% of the Irish workforce is now working remotely or in hybrid roles, with almost all new jobs created in late 2024 falling into these categories. Joining us is Dónal Kearney from Grow Remote to discuss what this shift means for employees, employers, and the f...

The presidential election campaign is gathering pace, with the main contenders stepping up their efforts and new twists emerging by the day. Bauer Media’s Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe, joins us to break down the key players, strategies, and what’s likely to shape the race in the weeks ahead.

Nigel Conway, creator of The Mindful Schoolhouse , joins us to talk about his innovative YouTube channel designed to support mindfulness, emotional wellbeing, and focus for children. Starting with ages 4–7 and expanding across all primary and secondary levels, Nigel shares how the channel helps kids pause, breathe, and develop tools for calm in both the classroom and at home.

On International Dog Day, we shared the story of Stout, a brave pup whose short life sparked a campaign for animal welfare reform. Today, Tara O’Connor, Stout’s foster carer, joins us to share his journey, the impact he had on those around him, and the movement now known as Stout’s Law. Discover how one dog’s story is inspiring change and raising awareness for the protection of vulnerable animals.

Join us as Eileen Dunne, Chair of the Kennedy Summer School, and Eamonn Hore, Director, share insights into this year’s exciting programme. From thought-provoking talks to a special business event on Wednesday evening, they discuss how the Summer School enriches local culture, supports the economy, and continues to be a cornerstone of ideas and community in the region.

Today, Stephen Bowen, Executive Director of Amnesty International, joins us to discuss the alarming news from Banda Aceh, where two men were publicly flogged for consensual same-sex relations. He explains why Amnesty International condemns this as a cruel violation of fundamental human rights and what it reveals about the ongoing struggle for equality and justice around the world.

Join us as Glenn Carr, Director of Commercial Business Units at Iarnród Éireann, shares the inside story of Rosslare Europort’s biggest-ever maritime development. Discover how this major project will strengthen Ireland’s renewable energy sector, create new opportunities for the local economy, and transform the port into a hub for innovation and growth.

Sgt Niall Maher from Wexford Gardaí joins the show to discuss recent policing updates in the county. Topics include drink and drug driving arrests, accommodation fraud, vehicle thefts, distracted driving, and safety tips for the darker evenings. Sgt Maher also shares advice on parking near schools and how residents can help keep their communities safe.

Former Irish Army officer and TD Cathal Berry joins the show to discuss the escalating conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. He provides insight into what role the Irish Army may need to play, the implications for Irish foreign policy and the challenges facing the region’s stability.

Frances Byrne, Director of Policy with Early Childhood Ireland, joins the show to discuss the rising Early Years waiting lists in Wexford. She outlines the challenges families face, the need for government investment in the Early Years workforce, and why improving pay and conditions for educators is key to expanding access for children.

Conor Horgan from IBAL joins the show ahead of the Big Beach Clean Up from 19th to 21st September. He discusses the findings of this year’s coastal litter survey, how Ireland’s beaches are faring, and practical ways the public can help protect and maintain our coastline.

Sinn Féin enterprise spokesperson Rose Conway-Walsh joins the show to discuss urgent action on tariffs affecting Irish businesses, the ongoing housing crisis and the challenges facing young people and workers. She also touches on her party’s approach to the presidency and constitutional change, offering insights into her priorities and vision for Ireland’s future.

Sheena Groome, Communications Officer for the Adult Education Teachers’ Organisation, joins us to discuss the ongoing dispute affecting adult education in Ireland and the planned protest happening tomorrow, 27th August. She explains the issues at stake for educators and learners, and why action is being taken now.

We’re joined by 21-year-old singer-songwriter Alex Szwarc from Wexford Town. Currently studying music at the University of Limerick, Alex is making a name for himself with his original songs and performs live on the show, sharing his passion and talent with listeners.

Vicky Barron, principal at CBS, joins us to discuss the ongoing strike action by school secretaries and caretakers across Ireland. She explains the issues behind the industrial action, including government guidance that seems to contradict the established rules for union members, and the impact on schools and students.

James O’Keeffe, Chair of the Adult Education Teachers Organisation, joins us to discuss the upcoming protest march on 27th August. He explains the concerns around job security and the new Adult Educator contract, and what the teachers hope to achieve through their demonstration.

In this episode, we speak with Professor Ronan Lyons from Trinity College Dublin, author of Daft.ie ’s rental reports. Ronan breaks down the latest figures on Ireland’s rental market, explaining the factors driving rent increases and what it means for tenants and the housing market overall.

Writer and storyteller Alison Ní Mháirtín joins us to share Lá ar an Trá , her new bilingual audio story inspired by the favourite Irish words of Wexford children. She also chats about her summer workshops, where drama, writing, and storytelling blended together to spark creativity and fun.

Wexford’s own Niamh O’Dowd joins us fresh off the news that she’s been named in Ireland’s squad for the Women’s Rugby World Cup. She shares her journey from taking up rugby “for the craic” at UCD to becoming Ireland’s loosehead prop, her dramatic switch from the back row to the front row, and the pride she feels representing her home community on the world stage.

Former Business Matters host Karl Fitzpatrick returns to South East Radio, this time as CEO and President of Chevron College — Ireland’s largest private provider of further and higher education. He shares his journey from broadcaster to entrepreneur, the growth of Chevron College, and what it means to be named an EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist.

Senator Cathal Byrne, Secretary of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party, joins us in studio to discuss the upcoming presidential race, progress on the IDA’s advance factory in Enniscorthy, new ARAS grants investing in Wexford’s outdoor trails, and Minister Burke’s visit to officially open the state-of-the-art water sports facility in Curracloe.

Wexford musician Andrew Balfe joins us in studio to talk about his brand-new, independently produced track, Roots Down . He shares the inspiration behind the song, his creative journey, and why making music on his own terms has been so important.

As the new school year approaches, many parents are feeling the squeeze of soaring education costs. Ian Gaughran, CEO of Olive for Education, joins us to discuss the financial pressures facing families, what’s driving these increases, and how parents are adapting. From uniforms to tech, we explore the true cost of sending a child to school in Ireland today.

In this one-on-one conversation, former TD Ivan Yates joins us to tackle the big issues at home and abroad. From Budget expectations and the race for Áras an Uachtaráin, to Trump’s trade manoeuvres, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and why the Fleadh could be a major win for Wexford — Ivan brings his trademark candour, insight, and a touch of wit to a jam-packed discussion.