John O'Shea, Freelance Journalist Profile

Articles

Cork students ‘have the work done’ as they start their exams

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

After many months of study, students in schools across Cork will finally start their Leaving and Junior Certificate examinations this morning. There are 7,007 students sitting the Leaving Certificate exams and 369 Leaving Certificate Applied candidates in Cork, with a further 8,376 students sitting the Junior Certificate exams.
Tánaiste confirms Cork passport office to relocate to larger premises next year

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

Tánaiste Simon Harris has confirmed that the passport office in Cork is to relocate to a larger facility next year to meet increasing demand. Speaking in the Dáil last week in response to a question from Cork East Fine Gael TD Noel McCarthy, Mr Harris confirmed the plans for the Cork office, saying a new building will accommodate further expansion and allow for an increase in staff. At present, the passport office is operating at its full capacity with a total of 117 staff members.
Cork Airport launch new service to Turkey

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

A new flight service from Cork Airport to Izmir in Turkey has been launched which is being operated by SunExpress, a joint venture of Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines. SunExpress is the newest airline to commence operations at Cork Airport, which is reporting that their year to date passenger traffic at the airport is up 14% compared with the same period (January — May) last year.
Cork photographers asked to ‘Reach for the Stars’

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

Cork Photographers are being encouraged to submit their entries for the Irish astrophotography competition ‘Reach for the Stars’, with the deadline for submissions at 5pm on June 4. Organised by the School of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS), the competition aims to find the best astro photographs taken in Ireland between April 26 2024 last year and June 2 2025, while photographs can be entered across five different categories.
Bluebird Care sponsors training of 'Blue' for autism charity

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

Cork-based charity Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI) are collaborating with homecare providers Bluebird Care for sponsorship of a future service dog. Blue, an eight-month-old Labrador Retriever, is currently being fostered by AADI’s senior training team as he begins his journey to become a fully-qualified autism assistance dog. Bluebird Care is sponsoring the two-year training process as part of its commitment to empowering families living with additional needs.
Age-appropriate housing scheme unveiled in Schull

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

A new age friendly housing development in Schull aimed specifically at elderly residents has been officially opened. Ard Na Mara provides 12 single-storey homes for older persons, comprising four, one bedroom, and eight, two bedroom houses. Built by Droumleigh Construction, the new homes also are adjacent to Mizen Primary Care Centre and are a short walk from the main village in Schull.
'I just love this race': Marathon brings thousands to Leeside

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

As it does annually, the 2025 Cork City Marathon brought Leeside to life on this June Bank Holiday Sunday. The Cork City Marathon showcases all that is good about the people of Leeside. Volunteers were hard at work from first thing in the morning, including having 80,000 bottles of water and energy drinks and 4000 bananas at the ready for the marathon participants There were over 10,000 runners, joggers and walkers who participated in the event this year.
Campaign to help Cork teen achieve his sailing ambition

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

A fundraising campaign has commenced to help a 14-year-old boy from West Cork to achieve his dream of competing on the global stage in the sport of sailing. Oliver Sugars will represent Ireland in the Sailing Topper World Championships in Medemblik, Netherlands, and in August 2025 he will compete in the British Nationals in Largs, Scotland. Training with the Royal Cork Yacht Club (RCYC) twice a week, he also sails with the Schull Harbour Yacht Club and is a member of the Bantry Bay Sailing Club.
Comedian Bernard O’Shea to perform at the Briery Gap

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

Comedian Bernard O’Shea will be bringing his 'Desperate House Husband,' show to the Briery Gap in Macroom on November 14 commencing at 8pm. Also a writer and broadcaster, Mr O’Shea co-hosted Breakfast Republic on RTÉ 2FM and IRadio Breakfast, before becoming a regular contributor to The Ray D’Arcy Show and RTÉ Radio 1. He also writes a weekly column for the Irish Examiner, sharing his unique take on life with readers.
Recruitment drive for new city centre wardens as applications close tomorrow

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

Cork City Council have partnered with the Cork Business Association and An Garda Síochána to launch a recruitment campaign for City Centre Wardens as part of a new Community Safety Warden Scheme pilot programme. The wardens will serve as a welcoming and visible presence on city streets, engaging with the public and visitors, supporting businesses, and helping to maintain a clean, safe and inviting environment for all who live, work, or visit Cork City.