Cork's 96fm Opinion Line

#The cost of living - in a wealthy country why are things so tough for ordinary people....A romantic relationship with Chat GPT - are people really that lonely...Cork Rose Nancy is the bookies favourite to win in Tralee & lots more 

PJ Coogan catches up with 2025 Cork Rose Nancy Lehane ahead of the Rose of Tralee Festival. From growing up in Ireland’s highest village to becoming the bookies’ favourite, Nancy shares her whirlwind journey, the excitement of the pre-festival tour, and the support pouring in from her hometown.

A recent survey revealed that 1 in 10 Irish adults have formed a romantic connection with an AI chatbot.PJ Coogan speaks with Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me, about what’s driving this growing trend, the role loneliness plays, and the risks of replacing real human relationships with digital companionship.

Newly qualified teachers in Ireland are facing a paradox a well-publicised shortage of staff, yet no clear path to full-time, permanent work.PJ speaks with Triona, a teacher who’s seen both sides of the job hunt, and Michael Gillespie, General Secretary of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland.

When tragedy strikes, why do some people’s first instincts lead them to hit “record” instead of offering help? Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae speaks to PJ about disturbing cases of people filming accidents, disasters, and even crime scenes and posting them online for clicks.

With just 54 days to Budget Day 2025, Cork voices reveal the harsh reality of the cost-of-living crisis.Reporter Paul Byrne hears from families, workers, and pensioners, while St. Vincent de Paul’s Cormac O’Sullivan explains why calls for help are rising and why many seeking assistance never thought they’d need it.

Cork is on alert after the discovery of the Asian hornet a predator that threatens honeybees, wild insects, and local biodiversity.PJ speaks with Pat Deasy, CEO of the Irish Bee Conservation Project, about the hornet’s hunting habits, the urgent search for its nest, and what residents need to know to stay safe.

We’re sick of it - shopowners in Cork call on the courts to toughen up their sentencing..Heatwaves across Europe - but climate change isn’t stopping families heading for sunshine...A laugh - and maybe a tear with Imelda May & lots more

Live in studio with PJ, Imelda May talks about her critically acclaimed one-woman show Mother of All the Behans, returning to The Everyman in August 2025 after last summer’s sold-out run.