Cian McCormack
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Articles by Cian McCormack
Fears in west Limerick over future of alumina refinery
The Department of Enterprise is investigating whether Russian-owned Aughinish Alumina, which is an alumina refinery, is making products which is ending up in Russian military equipment. There are around about 1,000 workers in the company's supply chain and about 900 more in the wider economy. The Government's investigation into Aughinish Alumina is causing fear and uncertainty across west Limerick, writes Cian McCormack There is fear in west Limerick, fuelled by the uncertainty of the unknown.
Female players need more support to have families - report
Elite intercounty female players need better support to have families because only 3% of them have children, the Gaelic Players Association has warned. The GPA is calling for coordinated supports for female inter-county athletes who wish to start families while continuing their sporting careers. The call comes on the back of research that shows 3% of female players currently have children, compared to approximately 7% in Britain's Women's Super League (WSL).
Unravelling Shane MacGowan's Tipperary Roots
I'm sitting on a giant boulder at Finnoe Cross, between Borrisokane and Carney in north Tipperary. Carved into the stone are words familiar to generations of Pogues fans: The Broad Majestic Shannon. It reads: "I sat for a while at the Cross of Finnoe. Where the young lovers would meet when the flowers were in bloom." Beside me, a group of Dutch musicians who make up the band Riverflow strike up the song and fill the quiet countryside with the sound of one of Shane MacGowan’s most beloved ballads.
Minister complained to media watchdog over RTÉ's 'lack of balance'
Minister for Communications Patrick O'Donovan complained to Ireland's media watchdog about a lack of balance in RTÉ's coverage of fuel protests after they happened in April. The minister cited examples illustrating RTÉ's "lack of balance" ranging from guest selection on an RTÉ radio programme to the questioning of a junior minister on Prime Time.
Tourist operators say parking issues are discouraging Béal na Bláth visitor stops
Tourists are bypassing one of Ireland's most important historical sites because there is not enough safe parking places for coaches, tourism operators have warned. They are calling on Cork County Council to make more parking available at Béal na Bláth, the ambush site where Michael Collins was shot dead on 22 August 1922. Tim Crowley, of the Michael Collins Centre and Museum at Castleview Hill, Ballinoroher outside Clonakilty, wants to see more tourists stopping at Béal na Bláth.
'Extreme frustration' over impact of Mallow parking issue
Parking is a triggering, hot-button issue all over the country. Sometimes it is about cost. However, in Mallow, it is about availability. There are fears in the north Cork town the lack of parking could impact business life, the high street and economic heartbeat of the centre of the town. Councillors have said the problem is population is rising fast, but parking is not matching it. Business owners said more parking is needed fast to keep the centre of the town alive.
'There's always a way back' - GAA stars not immune to struggle of drug addiction
There is cocaine use in "every village and every town in Ireland", according to Cuan Mhuire addiction treatment services. Meanwhile, one in five male inter-county players surveyed by the Gaelic Players Association say they know a teammate struggling with drug misuse. Cian McCormack has been looking at the issue. A recent survey of more than 3,600 inter-county players found that 20% of men and 4% of women knew team-mates struggling with drug misuse.
'There's always a way back' - GAA stars not immune to struggle of drug addiction
There is "cocaine in every parish in Ireland", according to Cuan Mhuire addiction treatment services. Meanwhile, one in five male inter-county players surveyed by the Gaelic Players Association say they know a teammate struggling with drug misuse. Cian McCormack has been looking at the issue, where players say drugs are not the norm, but a wider societal issue. A recent survey of more than 3,600 inter-county players found that 20% of men and 4% of women knew team-mates struggling with drug misuse.
Selfies and TikToks - protecting Howth's summit walk
Howth Summit walk is fast becoming one of Dublin's busiest tourist hotspots attracting half a million people last year. Officials say the walk’s increasing popularity is driven by social media. But while the rise in numbers is good for local business there is growing pressure on the fragile coastal environment. Cian McCormack visited Howth to find about the two sides to becoming a popular tourist destination. "Can you smell it," asks Shane O’Doherty. As he places his nose to the yellow gorse.
Charity says animal garda crime unit needed in Ireland
Horses are suffering neglect, cruelty and abandonment across Ireland, My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue says. Official figures show no equine welfare prosecutions were taken last year by the Department of Agriculture. The charity, which took in 68 equines in 2025, says the scale of the crisis needs stronger enforcement. Morning Ireland reporter Cian McCormack went with the charity on a callout to find an injured foal and witnessed the heartbreaking reality facing frontline welfare volunteers.
'I thought my world was going to end'
A young Irish man who is stranded in Doha along with this twin brother has said he thought his "world was going to end" as waves of missiles exploded over Qatari capital. Christian Walsh, 19, said he and his brother Cillian are still in Doha after their connecting flight to Dublin from Thailand was cancelled on Saturday. The twins were returning from a family holiday. Their parents are still in Thailand. The brothers have been stranded in a Doha hotel since Saturday.
57 Defence Forces personnel convicted or before courts
Fifty-seven serving members of the Defence Forces have criminal convictions or are currently before civil and military courts on alleged offences, according to figures seen by RTÉ News. The figures, which take in the period from July 2024 to October 2025, were released in response to a written parliamentary question (PQ) submitted by Labour TD Duncan Smith. Mr Smith submitted the query in October but only got his response and figures in the past week.
Ballygunner fans nervous and confident as final nears
Flapping black and red flags caught my eye driving past a grey bungalow perched on elevated ground at Knockboy in Waterford. "I have to do it," I repeated in my mind. Curiosity had got the better of me. "I need to turn this car around ... go back and find out who lives there? Who decorated that house? Is that the abode of a Ballygunner superfan?" I said to myself. You see, a curious mind comes at a cost. Another planned interview would have to wait a little longer. This stop at Knockboy felt unavoidable.
Gaza now resembles 'Mad Max movie', says Irish surgeon
Gaza resembles "something out of a Mad Max movie", with lawlessness on the streets and amputations carried out on children daily, an Irish surgeon who left Palestinian territory this week has said. Dr Morgan McMonagle, a University Hospital Waterford consultant vascular and trauma surgeon, spent the past three weeks working at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. He worked in the enclave on two previous occasions.
Irish Imam verbally abused on plane
An Irish Imam has called for tougher hate speech laws after he was verbally attacked on a Ryanair flight when a man shouted in his face. Chief Imam of the Islamic Centre of Ireland Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri said the attack occurred as passengers were boarding a flight from Poland to Dublin. "I was in the plane, just one of the first passengers to settle in the seats. As I was sitting in my seat, somebody just pushed me on my shoulder and started shouting at me. He said: "You're a paedophile.
Three Irish citizens arrive home after Israeli detention
Three of 15 Irish citizens held by Israel after it intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla returned to Dublin Airport before midnight. Thomas McCune, Sarah Clancy and Donna Schwartz were welcomed at the airport by family, friends and supporters. They were given a change of clothes, rehydration packs, water and essential medications when they arrived. The 15 Irish left Tel Aviv for Athens in Greece yesterday.
Film premiere of Irish folklore stories told by children
A brand-new film of ghost stories, piseógs and superstitions told by Limerick schoolchildren will premiere at the Belltable tonight at 6.30pm as part of the Bualadh Bos Children's Festival. 'Revisiting the Banshee’, the latest project by folklorists and artists Aileen Lambert and Michael Fortune, returns to the classrooms of St Mary’s National School on King’s Island and Thomond Primary School in Moyross, where the pair first collected stories 21 years ago.
Tipperary cllr who backed Sheridan criticises FG HQ
Tipperary Fine Gael Councillor Mary Hanna Hourigan has criticised party chiefs after backing Independent hopeful Gareth Sheridan for a presidential nomination.
Kirk murder and Harris threats show 'no country immune'
The murder of US activist Charlie Kirk and threats to Tánaiste Simon Harris show no country is immune to political attacks, US Congressman Brendan Boyle has warned. Speaking in an exclusive interview to RTÉ's News at One, Congressman Boyle said Mr Kirk’s killing is the latest in a string of violent political attacks in the US and he blamed social media for "spreading conspiracies and inflaming people".
Breaking down the cost of a soup and sandwich for €17.50
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Deportation of 35 Nigerian asylum seekers cost €500,000
New figures show the cost of deporting 35 Nigerian asylum seekers earlier this month was half-a-million euro, when prison detention costs are added. When 35 Nigerian asylum seekers - 21 adult men, 9 adult women and 5 children - were deported on 4 June last the Ministers at the Department of Justice said the operation cost €324,714. That figure was for the provision of the operation's flights. When prison costs are taken into account, the bill rises to over half-a-million euro.
Buncrana deaths a 'heartbreaking disaster', say locals
Locals in the town of Buncrana in Co Donegal have expressed shock and sadness following the deaths of 16-year-old Emmanuel Familola, and 18-year-old Matt Sibanda, saying that the "heartbreaking disaster" could have happened to anybody's child. The two teenagers, originally from Nigeria and Zimbabwe respectively, died after getting into difficulty while swimming to retrieve a football in Lough Swilly at the weekend.
Irish at conclave on what they want to see in new pope
The election of a new pope starts today, with cardinals from around the world set to begin the process of voting. And, while no one knows when white smoke will emerge, or even who will be the next head of the Roman Catholic Church, there is much anticipation. Many people are coming here in anticipation of the election of a new pope - and some of those people are Irish. Ann-Marie O'Doherty from Co Donegal said it was on her bucket list to come to witness the conclave after the death of Pope Francis.
Calls for investigation into axed golden visa scheme
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Rising costs: Trips to GP and dentist more expensive
Prices of goods have risen by 1.8%, according to CSO figures. Last week, Cian McCormack showed his weekly trolley of groceries jumped 36% in cost, when 2021 and 2025 receipts were compared. With that in mind, this week he has looked at how everyday medical costs are getting more expensive for people. It's clear, just like groceries, everyday medical expenses - like going to the doctor or dentist - are getting more expensive. Right across the board, there are increases.
Medical expenses: a look at an increase in fees
Prices of goods have risen by 1.8%, according to CSO figures. Last week Cian McCormack showed his weekly trolley of groceries jumped 36% in cost, when 2021 and 2025 receipts were compared. With that in mind, Cian has looked this week at how everyday medical costs are getting more expensive for people. It's clear, just like groceries, everyday medical expenses - like going to the doctor or dentist - are getting more expensive. Right across the board, there are increases.
'Grocery prices have soared'
Figures from the Central Statistics Office show the Consumer Price Index - that's overall change in the prices of goods - rose 1.8% between February of this year and last year. And a recent study by research company Kantar showed that grocery costs have increased by 3% in the past year. With this in mind, Cian McCormack took his shopping list from 2021 and compared what he paid for it then to what it costs today.
Cliffs of Moher trail to be largely closed for 2025
A key county Clare visitor attraction is set to be closed, or at least partially closed, for the 2025 tourist season. Last year, the Cliffs of Moher attracted almost 1.5 million visitors, but now the coastal walking trail beside it, which brings a big economic spin off for nearby rural areas, is out of action because it is not safe. The grade 5 walking route, which is on a par with Carrauntoohill, shut last year after a Sport Ireland inspection.
Cousin of hostage blames Israeli govt over death
An Israeli man whose cousin was executed in Gaza after being held captive for 11 months partly blames the Israeli government for her death because it failed to agree previous ceasefire and hostage release deals. Gil Dickmann's comments come after three hostages were freed yesterday as part of the first phase of a deal between Hamas and Israel.
Public focus on cost of living, housing on campaign trail
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'Terrified every second of the day' - mother in Lebanon
There's a drone flying overhead when Nour Shawaf answers her phone in Beirut. The sound is omnipresent. She said the buzzing is always there, endlessly humming above in the sky, whether it’s when she is at work or at home consoling her four-year-old son. She said the drone means nighttime is always spent sleeping next to her son. "I cannot let go of him knowing that any minute this drone could lead to an airstrike," she told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland.
Irish citizen in Lebanon says Nasrallah death 'a shock'
"It is a shock … people went hysterical on the streets …. regardless of whether you were a friend or a foe" … Hassan Nasrallah "was a national figure ... with him gone now the whole country is exposed". These words are that of an Irish citizen in Lebanon on the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Wissam Abdel Samad moved back to Lebanon in 2019 after living in Ireland for 12 years in Cork and Dublin, where he worked as a teacher.
Heartbroken families forced to flee in Lebanon
Their belongings, their lives, their homes, their dead and their memories. That is what tens of thousands of internally displaced people have left behind as they flee their homes in southern Lebanon. Mother-of-three Sara - whose second name is not being published because she is afraid she may be identified - fled the town of Tebnine after it was bombarded last Monday. Tebnine is where Irish soldiers are stationed at Camp Shamrock.
Israel ground offensive in Lebanon would be 'devastating'
A leading humanitarian coordinator in Beirut has warned that the possible ground offensive by Israeli troops into Lebanon would deliver a further devastating blow to the already traumatised displaced people there. More than 90,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon since Monday, the UN said. Dr Luna Hammad, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Medical Coordinator in Lebanon, told RTÉ's Morning Ireland that Beirut is already struggling to cope with an influx of displaced people.
Take us from here: Irish family in appeal from Lebanon
An Irish family stranded in Lebanon has called on the Government to help them leave after Israel launched airstrikes against Hezbollah targets yesterday. Authorities in Lebanon said 492 people were killed and tens of thousands are fleeing for safety. The Zabad family from Kilkenny made the appeal after their flights from Beirut were cancelled last night. "We came to Lebanon and we are stuck in a war zone. As an Irish citizen I am asking my Government to see how they can manage to take us from here.
Family of Israeli hostage urges ceasefire deal for Gaza
An Israeli family fearful for the life of a loved one held captive in Gaza has called on the international community to press the Israeli government and Hamas for a deal to free hostages. The call follows protests in Israel and Tel Aviv over the killing of six hostages at the weekend. Speaking to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, the family of Keith Siegel called on international governments to press for a ceasefire so the remaining hostages can be freed alive.
Russia prisoner swap 'not an even trade'
A US Congressman has warned that the deal to secure the release of a number of people held in prison in Russia has a "downside" despite being the "right deal". That downside is that "Russian prisoners. Truly bad people. Convicted of serious crimes" were released back to Russia, Brendan Boyle said.
Families hope for return of hostages as attack continues
Israeli families have said waiting for their kidnapped dead to be returned home so they can bury them is like "being in limbo". Uri Goren’s cousin Tal Haimi, a 41-year-old father of three and resident of Kibbutz Nir Yikzhak, was killed on 7 October and his body brought back to Gaza. Mr Goren told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that a funeral service was carried out for his cousin but because there was an empty coffin it was like burying dust.
Families hope for return of hostages as attack continues
Israeli families have said waiting for their kidnapped dead to be returned home so they can bury them is like "being in limbo". Udi Goren’s cousin Tal Haimi, a 41-year-old father of three and resident of Kibbutz Nir Yikzhak, was killed on 7 October and his body brought back to Gaza. Mr Goren told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that a funeral service was carried out for his cousin but because there was an empty coffin it was like burying dust.
Families speak of impact over cancer care cancellations
Parents of child cancer patients have described their "upsetting and frustrating" experiences of delayed medical appointments. Speaking to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, one mother said that when her son’s cancer treatment failed to proceed as planned on his first birthday, "it was like someone punched me". Earlier this week, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald told the Dáil that 800 chemotherapy appointments for children were cancelled last year. This was later disputed by Children's Health Ireland.
Plan to alleviate UHL overcrowding facing challenges
Solving overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announced measures to do that when he visited UHL yesterday. One of those measures is to use a new state-of-the-art 50-bed nursing home in Nenagh, Co Tipperary for a year as a privately operated step-down facility taking overflow from UHL. Speaking at UHL yesterday, Mr Donnelly said the continued problem of overcrowding is "not acceptable" to him as minister.
Call for firms to address online abuse of politicians
Social media companies and platforms need to take more responsibility for the abuse suffered by politicians online, a government minister has said. Fianna Fáil TD for Limerick County Niall Collins, who is also a Minister for State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, said that platforms "have to do a little bit better to try and control and moderate" the abuse of politicians.
Two Govt TDs voted No in Family, Care referendums
Two government TDs have admitted to casting No votes in last Friday referendums on Family and Care. It comes after Fianna Fáil Senator Lisa Chambers confirmed that she also voted No last Friday, despite canvassing for a Yes vote in Dublin city centre last month. The Care referendum was defeated with a 73.9% No vote, while the Family referendum lost with a 67.7% No vote.
Children in Gaza eat animal feed amid food shortages
The first words two-and-a-half year old Samir said this morning were: "Mama, I'd like to eat a red apple". He won't get one, his mother says. There is little fresh food in Gaza. "The first thing he told me in the morning is that he needs to eat an apple," his mother, Kholoud Jwefil says recounting an earlier exchange with her young son. She explains Samir has not had an apple, not to mind fresh fruit and vegetables, for a few weeks. Fresh food is in short supply.
Children in Gaza eat animal feed amid food shortages
The first words two-and-a-half year old Samir said this morning were: "Mama, I'd like to eat a red apple". He won't get one, his mother says. There is little fresh food in Gaza. "The first thing he told me in the morning is that he needs to eat an apple," his mother, Kholoud Jwefil says recounting an earlier exchange with her young son. She explains Samir has not had an apple, not to mind fresh fruit and vegetables, for a few weeks. Fresh food is in short supply.
Irish surgeon in Gaza reunited with family in Dublin
Eight-year-old Sahar El Mokhallalati knows the destruction of war. Like many Gazan children she witnessed the horror it brings firsthand. Bombing, death, collapsed buildings, dusty escapes, food shortages, family separation, forced displacement from her own country. Sahar, a young child, has lived through all this in a few short months of her eight-year-old life. Sahar is determined to give her view on the war. She sits comfortably on a grey couch in her aunt's sitting room in the Dublin area.
From Kharkiv to Ballybunion - Lera and Masha's journey
Sisters Lera and Masha Kostorna are wrapped in a yellow blanket. Paint is peeling off a damp wall behind them. The sisters are minding each other, holding and hugging tight, sitting on a cold floor, in a bomb shelter in Kharkiv in northern Ukraine. They are singing loudly over music blaring from a small speaker on a phone because they want to drown out the noise of the shelling and bombing outside.
Negotiation needed for hostages release, says relative
An Israeli man whose cousin is being held hostage for the last 130 days in Gaza has said that the key to the safe release of hostages by Hamas is negotiation. Gil Dickmann's comments followed the rescue of two hostages from Rafah by Israeli defence forces yesterday morning. The same operation cost the lives of 67 Palestinians. "We were very surprised and actually happy to hear of the two hostages who were rescued. We still believe that most hostages will be released by negotiation.
Dublin Bus looks to recruit more women drivers
Dublin Bus is seeking to double the number of women drivers it employs. Currently, only 6% of its drivers are female. This comes as the semi-state company launched a recruitment drive for women called the 'More Mná' Recruitment Drive. "We are so proud to have achieved our previous goal of doubling the number of female drivers at Dublin Bus since our female recruitment drive in 2019, but we want to double it again," said Dublin Bus Talent Development and Diversity Manager Vivienne Kavanagh.
Dublin Bus looks to recruit more women drivers
Dublin Bus is seeking to double the number of women drivers it employs. Currently, only 6% of its drivers are female.
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