John O'Shea, Freelance Journalist Profile

Articles

First events for Cork on a Fork announced as festival countdown begins

4 days ago | echolive.ie | John O'Shea

The first events have been announced for the Cork on a Fork Fest 2025 programme, celebrating the unique food culture of Cork. The five-day food festival will run from August 13 to August 17 at various venues around the city. This celebration of food by Cork City Council will showcase the people, produce, and passion behind the food scene in Cork.
Cork businesses and individuals urged to 'stay informed' about latest cyber threats

4 days ago | echolive.ie | John O'Shea

Detecting and defending against developing cyber threats is a constant challenge faced by businesses and individuals across Cork. This is underscored by recent research from insurance broker and risk management company Gallagher, that revealed 40% of Irish businesses have been targeted by at least one cyber attack over the last five years — with 88% of these suffering some level of financial loss as a result.
'Unique connection': Hopes for his return after it emerges Pope Leo spent time in Cork

5 days ago | echolive.ie | John O'Shea

The Lord Mayor of Cork is among the political representatives from Leeside that have given their seal of approval to the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, who spent a brief period in Cork in 2007 as part of a visit to Ireland. Pope Leo XIV spent time in Cork on a visit to friend and Irish priest Fr Tony Finn in 2007.
Northern Ireland Opera production coming to Cork's Everyman

6 days ago | echolive.ie | John O'Shea

The Northern Ireland Opera production of Francis Poulenc’s La Voix Humaine is coming to The Everyman in Cork for one performance at 8pm on Thursday, June 5. The one act, one woman opera is based on a play of the same name written by Jean Cocteau, who also directed the first production of the opera in 1959. Directed by Cameron Menzies, Northern Ireland Opera’s artistic director, the performance will feature soprano Mary McCabe accompanied by pianist David Quigley.
'It has a huge impact': Cork woman raising awareness of functional neurological disorder

1 week ago | echolive.ie | John O'Shea

COBH woman Jackie Baumann is raising awareness of functional neurological disorder (FND) and how seizures significantly impact her daily life. FND can present with a wide range of neurological symptoms. The condition can affect movement, while also causing sensory issues, cognitive issues, and seizures. Ms Baumann has seizures almost daily and has been out of work for 17 months as a result.
Work begins to improve water in Macroom area

1 week ago | echolive.ie | John O'Shea

Uisce Éireann has started work on a €6.5m upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant in Macroom. The project is being carried out by Glanua on behalf of Uisce Éireann and works are due to be completed by the summer of 2026.
Darkness into Light events taking place across Cork city and county on Saturday

1 week ago | echolive.ie | John O'Shea

As dawn breaks over Cork next Saturday morning, people across Cork will be taking part in the annual Darkness into Light fundraiser at various locations across the city and county. The annual event, which will get underway at 4.15am raises vital funds for Pieta, the charity that offers free and confidential advice to people in suicidal distress or self harm, and those bereaved by suicide.
Public meeting to discuss concerns around proposed Bandon arcade

1 week ago | echolive.ie | John O'Shea

Concern has been expressed over the potential development of a new gaming and amusement arcade in Bandon, with a public meeting to discuss this due to take place this evening. Leeside Leisure Centre Ltd is seeking planning permission for the development at the site of the former Stables Bar on 1 Oliver Plunkett St, Cloghmacsimon, Bandon. The proposed development consists of the change of use of the public house at ground floor level to “a gaming and amusement arcade complex”.
Cork Dragons ‘blown away’ by award nomination

1 week ago | echolive.ie | John O'Shea

Cork Dragons are among the nominees in the recreation, sport, health and wellbeing category in the Lord Mayor’s Community and Voluntary Awards. A dragon boat team based in Cork city, it was founded to support those impacted by cancer, particularly breast cancer survivors and their families. The group provides a community of resilience and support through dragon boating on the river Lee. The club meets at least twice weekly for training sessions.
'It means a lot to be nominated': Ballyphehane group in line for award

1 week ago | echolive.ie | John O'Shea

Ballyphehane Horticultural Course and Community Garden are one of the groups looking to take home the Lord Mayor's Community and Voluntary Award in the Community Development & Lifelong Learning category. It acts as a vibrant hub of learning and growth for people of all ages. Speaking to The Echo, Arthur Needham of the Ballyphehane Horticultural Course and Community Garden said:“The biggest thing is that we are offering a service that people are enjoying and other people are getting great use of.