April 13, 2026
heritage
Historic printing press returns to Strokestown after 30 years
The Strokestown Development Heritage Group has successfully brought home a historic printing press that operated the Strokestown Democrat newspaper from 1907 to 1948. The machine had been sent to Bunratty Folk Museum in the 1980s but has now been retrieved and returned to Strokestown, where it will be preserved as an important piece of local heritage.
Declan Cabana, Rory Doyle, Paddy Moran
The Albion printing press, made between 1830-1850, comprises 50 pieces and weighs 6 tonnes. Currently located in Sim Pop Rogan's yard. Turner Press (Longford) and the National Print Museum (Dublin) will provide restoration assistance.
"A piece of local history comes home: the printing press that published the Strokestown Democrat is back where it belongs after 30 years."
community
Carrick-on-Shannon wins Tidy Towns competition, launches national campaign
Carrick-on-Shannon was celebrated today as the 2025 Tidy Towns winner, with Minister Dara Callery launching the national competition in Leitrim. The town's success reflects months of work by over 30 volunteers who maintain the area daily. The win puts Carrick-on-Shannon in the national spotlight for the next 12 months as a model for community engagement and volunteerism.
Dara Callery, Martin Kenny, John Gaffey
Competition launched today; Carrick-on-Shannon will be focal point for Tidy Towns activity over next 12 months
"Local pride moment: small Irish town wins national award, celebrates community volunteers keeping their home beautiful"
human_interest
Ukrainian volunteer finds community through Carrick-on-Shannon Tidy Towns work
Arena Jats, from Ukraine, has been volunteering with Carrick-on-Shannon's Tidy Towns committee for three to four years and credits the group with helping her integrate into the local community. What began as a CV-building exercise has become genuine community involvement, with Arena volunteering every Sunday and most Tuesday evenings during summer.
Arena Jats
Volunteers every Sunday and Tuesday evenings during summer
"Heartwarming story of Ukrainian immigrant finding home and community through volunteering in Irish small town"
heritage
Historic printing press returns home to Strokestown after 30 years
The Strokestown Development Heritage Group has successfully brought home a historic printing press that was used to publish the Strokestown Democrat newspaper from 1907 to 1948. The machine had been donated to Bunratty Folk Museum in the 1990s but has now been recovered and returned to Strokestown. The press, made between 1830-1850, weighs six tonnes and requires significant restoration work to preserve this important piece of local heritage.
Declan Cabana, Rory Doyle, Paddy Moran
Printing press currently located in Sim Pop Rogan's yard in Strokestown. Requires restoration work. Turner Press (Longford) and National Print Museum (Dublin) offering assistance with preservation.
"Local history enthusiasts and heritage groups will love this story of a community reclaiming an important piece of their past after three decades away."
community
Carrick-on-Shannon wins national Tidy Towns competition
Carrick-on-Shannon has won the 2025 national Tidy Towns competition, with Minister Dáire Cahill launching this year's competition in Leitrim. The win recognises the collaborative effort of local volunteers and community members who have worked to keep the town clean and tidy. The title brings investment opportunities and tourism potential to the town over the next 12 months.
Dáire Cahill, Martin Kenny, John Gaffey
Competition launch attended by Minister Dáire Cahill; volunteers meet every Sunday morning and Tuesday evenings in summer; TV campaign launching in May
"A Ukrainian volunteer's journey from wanting CV experience to becoming part of a close-knit community in rural Ireland."
business
Australian café culture comes to Carrick-on-Shannon with Morning Glory success
An Irish emigrant returned from Australia with a vision to bring café culture home, opening Morning Glory Café in Carrick-on-Shannon two and a half years ago. Initially skeptical locals have become regulars, with the café becoming a community hub. The owner credits his Australian experience of early opening hours and evening freedom for inspiring the business model.
Unknown owner
Café opened approximately 2.5 years before this interview (roughly April 2023). Located in Carrick-on-Shannon. Serves roughly 600 people in the region.
"Feel-good story about an Irish emigrant proving skeptics wrong and bringing success back to a small Irish town"
business
Morning Glory Café wins Connock Twitter Best Newcomer Award for 2023
Morning Glory Café in Carrick-on-Shannon was nominated and won the Connock Twitter Best Newcomer Award in 2023. The owner was surprised to win, attending the awards ceremony in Westport. The public nomination came as validation that the café concept was resonating with the community.
Unknown owner
Award ceremony held in Westport. Owner also nominated for Best Café in subsequent year.
"Local café wins prestigious newcomer award, proving the concept was spot-on from the start"
business
Açai bowls become unexpected hit at Morning Glory Café in Carrick-on-Shannon
What started as a fad has become a runaway success: açai bowls are now sold in high volumes at Morning Glory Café. The owner sources them through a Galway-based supplier called Allen (contact: Jard Alexander). The bowls feature Brazilian açai berries mixed with various toppings like granola, blueberries, banana, peanut butter, and Nutella.
Jard Alexander
Sourced from Allen in Galway. Introduced approximately one year into café operations. Available with various toppings including granola, blueberries, banana, peanut butter, and Nutella.
"What the café owner initially dismissed as a fad has become their bestselling item"
community
Women in business barriers discussed at Leitrim County Council event
A Leitrim County Council-organised event in Carrick-on-Shannon a few weeks prior to this interview featured speakers discussing the challenges women face entering and running businesses. Topics included balancing family responsibilities with business success, and the obstacles specific to women entrepreneurs at local level.
Event held a couple of weeks before this interview
news
School bus driver shortage: Age limit increase falls short of demand
The government has increased the maximum age for small school bus drivers (up to 8 passengers) from 70 to 72 years, effective September. However, experienced drivers in their mid-70s and older remain excluded from driving larger buses (55+ seats), leaving rural areas vulnerable to service disruptions when drivers fall sick. This patchwork solution fails to address the core recruitment crisis affecting schoolchildren across the region.
Paddy Galoglie, Kiela Nellis
Age limit increase to 72 years effective September. Only applies to vehicles with 8 or fewer passengers.
"Experienced 70+ drivers ready to work but banned by rules that leave schoolchildren stranded—absurd bureaucracy costing rural families real hardship."
health
FND Awareness Month: Local Stories of Functional Neurological Disorder
Aemann McPartland, founder of FND Ireland from Manorhamilton, and 16-year-old Molly from Kiltum discuss living with functional neurological disorder (FND), a condition affecting how the brain and body communicate neurological symptoms. Both speakers share their diagnosis journeys and highlight the lack of treatment services outside Dublin, with Molly having to travel to Temple Street Children's Hospital and losing access to care at age 16 due to catchment restrictions.
Aemann McPartland, Molly
FND Ireland runs peer support meetings around the country with local meetings in Carrick-on-Shannon. Temple Street Children's Hospital provides multidisciplinary treatment (psychology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy). New clinic opened at St James's Hospital Dublin this year. Molly received treatment at Temple Street from December through June before being discharged at age 16.
"Local teenager's battle with rare neurological condition highlights shocking gap in Irish healthcare services for young adults"
human_interest
Former TD and GP Dr. Rory Hanlon discusses medical career and St Patrick's Day plans
Dr. Rory Hanlon, a former TD and government minister, reflects on his early career as a GP working in the dispensary system, including a six-month posting in Carrick-on-Shannon. He discusses balancing his medical practice with his political career for 10 years before becoming a minister in 1987, and praises Carrick-on-Shannon as one of Ireland's most improved towns.
Dr. Rory Hanlon, Jack Lynch
St Patrick's Day parade in Carrick-on-Shannon at 3 o'clock
"Local legend reflects on transforming Carrick-on-Shannon and working as GP while serving as TD"
sport
Longford Smashers volleyball club eyes division one promotion
Longford Smashers volleyball club, based at St. Mary's Community Centre in Edgeworthstown, is on the brink of promotion to division one after six years of competing. The women's team currently sits first in division two with one game remaining before playoff matches after Easter. The club, founded in 2019, has grown to include players from multiple nationalities and has already produced two international players for Ireland.
Agnes Rodomska
Training: Every Thursday at 8pm, St. Mary's Community Centre, Edgeworthstown. Contact via Facebook/Instagram: 'Longford Smashers volleyball club'. Women's team playoff matches scheduled after Easter.
"Local volleyball club on verge of historic promotion to division one after six years—and they've already produced international players"
business
Leitrim County Council hosts women in business event in Carrick-on-Shannon
Leitrim County Council recently held a women in business event in Carrick-on-Shannon attended by the interviewer, where speakers including Norreys presented stories about the challenges women face when entering business. The event highlighted issues such as balancing family responsibilities with business success and the barriers women encounter at local level.
Norreys
Event held a couple of weeks prior to the interview (transcript dated around 2020)
"Local council supports women entrepreneurs with inspiring business event"
health
FND Awareness Month: Local stories of functional neurological disorder
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) Awareness Month is being marked with interviews from two local people affected by the condition. Aemann McPartland, founder and chairman of FND Ireland from Manorhamilton, and 16-year-old Molly from Kiltum discuss how FND—a condition affecting how the brain and body communicate neurological symptoms—impacts their daily lives. Both have experienced seizures, mobility issues, tremors, and fatigue, with significant gaps in Irish healthcare provision for treatment.
Aemann McPartland, Molly, Owen
FND Awareness Month; peer support meetings run by FND Ireland in Carrick-on-Shannon; new multidisciplinary clinic opened at St James's Hospital Dublin in 2024; Temple Street clinic serves Dublin postcode only; no adult FND services in Ireland outside Dublin
"Two courageous local people sharing their real experience of a little-known neurological condition that affects movement, speech, and daily life—raises awareness of healthcare gaps in Ireland."
human_interest
Former minister Dr. Rory Hanlon reflects on GP career and political life
Dr. Rory Hanlon, a former TD and government minister, discusses his unique dual career as both a GP and politician for 10 years before becoming a minister in 1987. He worked as a dispensary doctor in Carrick-on-Shannon and later in the South modern area of East Cavan, operating on a 24/7 basis with minimal time off at the discretion of the county manager.
Dr. Rory Hanlon, Jack Lynch
"Local pride in former government minister who worked as GP in the region—inspiring story of public service."
whats_on
St. Patrick's Day parade planned for Carrick-on-Shannon tomorrow
Dr. Rory Hanlon mentions attending the St. Patrick's Day parade in Carrick-on-Shannon tomorrow at 3 o'clock. Weather is expected to be mixed with some sunshine between showers.
Dr. Rory Hanlon
St. Patrick's Day parade in Carrick-on-Shannon tomorrow at 3 p.m. Weather: mixed conditions with sunshine between showers.
sport
Longford Smashers eye promotion to volleyball division one
The Longford Smashers volleyball club, based at St. Mary's Community Centre in Edgeworthstown, are on the verge of promotion to division one after their women's team topped division two with one game remaining. The club, founded in 2019, has grown to include players from multiple nationalities, predominantly Polish, and has produced two international players for Ireland.
Agnes Rodomska
Training: Every Thursday at 8pm, St. Mary's Community Centre, Edgeworthstown. Contact via Facebook or Instagram page 'Longford Smashers Volleyball Club' for more information. Playoff after Easter pending final match result.
"Local volleyball club on brink of historic promotion with international players in their ranks – a David vs Goliath sports story in the Midlands."
April 12, 2026
community
Carrick-on-Shannon wins National Tidy Towns award, launches 2025 competition
Carrick-on-Shannon was presented with its National Tidy Towns award by Minister Dara Calleary at a launch event celebrating the town's success. The award recognizes the collaborative efforts of over 30 volunteers who work year-round to maintain the town's cleanliness and appearance. The win puts the spotlight on Carrick-on-Shannon as a model for volunteer engagement and community development across Ireland.
Dara Calleary, John Gaffey, Irina Yats
Award presentation took place in Carrick-on-Shannon; 2025 competition now open nationally; TV campaign to air in May
"Local pride in a small Irish town winning a national award through community effort—heartwarming volunteer story with an international angle"
business
Australian-trained barista opens thriving cafe in Carrick-on-Shannon
An Irish emigrant who worked in Australian cafes has successfully opened Morning Glory Cafe in Carrick-on-Shannon, defying initial skepticism from locals. The cafe, which opened approximately two and a half years ago, has become a community hub and won the Best New Comer award. The owner credits Australian coffee culture and support from the local community, including GAA teams and schools, for the business success.
Owner (name not provided in transcript), Jared Alexander
Morning Glory Cafe, Carrick-on-Shannon. Cafe opened approximately April 2023. Winner of Best New Comer award (year before last mentioned in interview). Open early morning (from approximately 5:30-6:00 AM). Serves coffee, acai bowls, and other cafe fare.
"Local entrepreneur defies naysayers to build thriving cafe business — inspiring 'only in Ireland' comeback story"
business
Acai bowls surge in popularity across Shannonside FM region cafes
Acai bowls, a Brazilian berry-based breakfast dish, have rapidly become popular across cafes in the region. Morning Glory Cafe owner introduced them about a year into operation after connecting with supplier Jared Alexander in Galway. The trend has spread widely, with most cafes in the region now offering the product.
Jared Alexander
Acai bowls made with Brazilian acai berries, topped with granola, blueberries, strawberries, banana, peanut butter and other toppings. Now available at most cafes across the region.
"How a Brazilian superfood trend conquered Irish cafes in just a few years"
news
School bus driver age limit increased to 72, but restrictions remain
The government has announced that the maximum age for school transport drivers will increase from 70 to 72 years old, effective next September. However, the change only applies to vehicles carrying up to 8 passengers, leaving drivers over 72 ineligible for larger buses. Experienced drivers in their mid-70s say the partial measure doesn't go far enough to address ongoing service reliability issues in rural areas.
Kelen Ellis, Paddy Gallogley
Change takes effect September; currently applies only to vehicles with up to 8 passenger capacity
"Rural communities frustrated by half-measures on driver age limits while school transport remains unreliable"
news
Former Minister Dr. Rory O'Hanlon reflects on GP career and healthcare
In a radio interview, former TD, government minister, and Fianna Fáil member Dr. Rory O'Hanlon discusses his early career as a GP in Carrick-on-Shannon and East Cavan, where he worked under the old dispensary system. He reflects on balancing medical practice with political life for 10 years before becoming minister in 1987, and comments on how modern healthcare differs from the vocational approach of past decades.
Dr. Rory O'Hanlon, Jack Lynch
"Nostalgic look at how Irish healthcare and medical practice has changed over 50 years — will resonate with older listeners and healthcare workers."
whats_on
St. Patrick's Day parade planned for Carrick-on-Shannon at 3pm
Dr. Rory O'Hanlon is planning to attend the St. Patrick's Bank holiday parade in Carrick-on-Shannon, with the event scheduled for 3pm. The forecast suggests mixed weather with sunshine between showers.
Dr. Rory O'Hanlon
Time: 3pm (St. Patrick's Bank holiday weekend); Venue: Carrick-on-Shannon; Weather: Mixed with some sunshine between showers