Sligo’s John Murphy has joined the race to become the next President of the GAA. The Tubbercurry man explains the rationale behind his bid.

European Gold medallists in their respective sports, Gearoid McDaid, Paddy Reape and Cian McMunn, are honoured by Sligo County Council.

We  hear from all three.

Fermanagh gaelic footballer Darragh McGurn shares what life is like under new manager Declan Bonner.

Plus - Four Sligo students have raised more than €10,000 for the MS North West Therapy Centre in Sligo, thanks to their 'Coldvember' extravaganza in the sea!

Local butchers say they're continuing to trade strongly in the run up to Christmas.

This is despite the fears around bird flu in the area with outbreaks recorded around the country.

Concerns remain also around the Mercosur deal for suppliers and butchers in the region.

Peter Wynne, owner of For Pete's Steak Butchers believes it will always be tough for standalone butchers to compete with their supermarket counterparts:

The December meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District of Leitrim heard calls for an updated progress report on the Safe Routes to School scheme for St Clare's National School, Manorhamilton.

The calls were made as the Department of Transport expanded a scheme which encourages parents to ditch the car for the school run.

The Safe Routes to School Programme accepted 105 more schools in Round 4, schools in Ransboro, Ballisodare, Drumshanbo and Glenties were added to the scheme.

Under the scheme schools can apply for infrastructure improvements such as colourful road markings, upgraded footpaths, and enhanced pedestrian crossings.

Meanwhile ongoing safety concerns at St Claire's remain unresolved.

Local Councillor James Gilmartin says it frustrating with funding having been allocated

Farmers from the North West are on their way to join their peers from across Europe at a protest in Brussels today.

It's expected that at today demonstration they will raise concerns over the CAP budget, trade deals including Mercosur and excessive regulation around the cost of doing business.

The IFA Chairman in Sligo is in Belgium for today’s event.

He says farmers intend to highlight a number of issues that are threating the very future of the agriculture sector:

Sligo's Caredoc won't be impacted in today's strike action.

INMO and SIPTU members are in dispute over an unpaid eight per cent pay increase agreed in 2023.

The action which begins at 8am and will last until 8am tomorrow is set to focus on centres in the south east of the country. 

Caredoc, warns the stoppage will severely impact services over the Christmas period, with up to ten thousand hours of care at risk.

Speaking to Ocean FM news, SIPTU representative and Caredoc employee Nicola Doyle says while Sligo is not included as of now, that may change if there is no resolution:

Business owners across Sligo town will be incentivised to live above their premises.

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is being renewed with an added "Vacant Above the Shop" Grant.

It aims to tackle dereliction by allowing people to use "above shop" space as homes.

Finbarr Filan of Sligo BID says the new grant will improve the scheme in town centres:

With the Christmas season in full swing, schools across the North West are preparing for their festive celebrations.

Ransboro National School is one of the many schools hosting Christmas carols this winter.

Jack Duignan has this report:

A Sligo/Leitrim TD has expressed reservations about the potential ban on foxhunting.

Sinn Fein TD Martin Kenny is opposed to the motion put forward by People Before Profit TD Ruth Coppinger.

The ban is being debated today in the Dail, with a vote on the bill expected this evening.

Deputy Kenny said the practice is different from how it was historically portrayed:

Christmas has arrived at Ozanam House in Bundoran, where residents and staff are celebrating the festive season together.

The St Vincent de Paul–run centre supports older people who wish to maintain their independence in a safe and welcoming environment.

Ocean FM reporter Dervla Carr paid a visit to Ozanam House to meet the residents and find out how Ozanam house makes them feel at home this Christmas.

It now seems likely that the Taoiseach has survived a heated meeting with his TDs and Senators over the fallout from the Presidential election.

Micheal Martin was heavily criticised during a Fianna Fail parliamentary party meeting in Leinster House last night.

A review of the selection process showed Jim Gavin was asked five times about a reference to a dispute with a tenant.

It didn't answer when the party leader became aware of the issue.

Sligo Leitrim Deputy, Eamon Scanlon was a member of the review team.

He’s been telling Ocean FM news that the meeting was robust last night.

Deputy Scanlon says lessons must be learned from the campaign.

It’s understood that the financial cost to the party has yet to be established.