Morning Mix with Alan Corcoran

Sinn Féin MEP Kathleen Funchion is in Wexford today, with stops including Bunscoil in New Ross and the local Women’s Refuge. She joins me in studio to talk about the issues raised during her visit, her priorities around education and women's services, and what she’s hearing from communities on the ground.

Today marks 65 Roses Day, the national fundraising and awareness campaign for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. Joining us is Claire Merrigan from Gorey, whose young son Mason lives with CF. Claire shares what this day means to their family, the challenges they face, and the importance of community support. We also reflect on the origin of the campaign’s name — a touching mispronunciation that has come to symbolise hope and resilience.

With local GPs and dental practices stretched to their limits, Gorey residents are finding it increasingly difficult to access essential healthcare. The long-promised Primary Care Centre remains unrealised, sparking frustration and concern in the community. Councillor Joe Sullivan joins us to discuss the urgency of the situation and what action is needed to finally move things forward.

Alfie O’Sullivan — owner of Creative Grounds coffee shop in Enniscorthy — shares his thoughts on similar racial challenges experienced closer to home. He joins us to talk about fostering inclusivity, supporting those affected, and how we as a community can stand together against hate.

What was meant to be a joyful Mother’s Day afternoon in Wexford town took a dark turn when Caitlin Kavanagh, performing for the first time in the Bullring, faced shocking racist abuse and threats. Joined by her mother Alice, Caitlin opens up about the painful incident, sharing their story and the impact it has had on them.

Following a recent question posed to the Taoiseach in the Dáil regarding the ongoing situation at BNY Mellon, Labour TD George Lawlor joins us now to provide the latest updates and shed light on where things currently stand.

The stage is set for an unforgettable night as the grand finale of Ability’s Got Talent which takes place this Friday, April 11th, at White’s Hotel from 7 to 10pm. Hosted by Paul Walsh and judged by a stellar panel including Dean Walsh, Michelle O’Neill, Sharon Colgon, and Andrew Berry, the event celebrates the diverse and inspiring talents within our community. Joining me in studio are organiser Caroline Flanagan and one of the talented finalists, Carina Browne, to give us a preview of what to expect.

The Wexford Youth Film Project coordinator Therese Dalton will be on her way to the big smoke later for Grand Final of Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards. Two of their standout films—Spread Your Wings and Fall and Our Voices Heard—have earned nominations, putting young Wexford talent in the national spotlight. Therese shares the journey behind the films and what this recognition means for the budding filmmakers.

Let’s rewind to 1990, when rock legend Meat Loaf was set to blow the roof off Whites Hotel in Wexford. Though a throat issue delayed the gig by a day, the show went on—and became the stuff of local legend. Joining us now is Avril Reilly, the filmmaker behind When Meat Loaf Came to Town, a new documentary capturing the excitement, chaos, and cultural buzz of that unforgettable night on the iconic tour.

Deputy Brian Brennan joins us to discuss a major boost in health funding for Wexford. With €15 million allocated to Wexford General Hospital, €2.5 million set aside for a new MRI unit, and significant upgrades planned for Gorey, this investment promises to greatly improve healthcare access and services for local communities. Deputy Brennan shares what this means for patients, staff, and the region’s long-term healthcare landscape.