The Tommy Marren Show On Midwest Radio

On Tuesday morning, the Tommy Marren Show investigated loneliness and isolation within the farming community. We spoke to a number of contributors to try and identify why farmers are so impacted by loneliness and isolation.Our guests included local farmers Martin Peyton and Mark Devane, full time beef farmer and former VP of Macra as well as Farm Safety Champion with Irish Rural Link, Mona O'Donoghue Concannon who is Interim chair of Women in Agriculture Stakeholder Group and member of the ICSA and students from St Mary's College in Ballysadare Hannah Milanzie and Izabella Lehany McGoldrick. Over the last few months and alongside their teacher Siobhan Brennan, they have been working hard the past few months on a project which helps to tackle isolation amongst farmers.Listen to the full interview here. On Friday morning, we will be continuing the discussion as the Tommy Marren Show broadcasts live from the Teagasc Office in Ballina. We will hear from farmers and a panel of experts on the day.Listen back here. Have your say.Funded by the News Reporting Scheme.

Tommy speaks to Sean Kelly and Mary Gaughan, who are members of the Foróige Mentoring Staff, about Foróige Mentoring's Big Brother Big Sister Programme.The programme connects young people with a trusted adult volunteer over the age of 18, for an hour a week over the period of one year. The aim of the programme is to provide support to young people from the ages of 10-18, from various backgrounds. For anyone interested in the programme, please get in touch via telephone. The contact number is 086 0471420.

Tommy Marren was joined on air this morning by Chief Executive Officer of Parkinson's Ireland Shane O'Brien and Parkinson's nurse specialist Laura Niepage. Parkinson's Ireland are introducing an in person Parkinson’s nurse service to support people living with Parkinson’s in the region, which has been identified as an area with limited access to specialist care.There are currently over 18,000 people living with Parkinson’s in Ireland, and this service aims to bridge a significant gap in local support by offering expert clinical care, education and guidance closer to home.You can contact the clinic in Ballina on 1800 359 359 or by emailing nurse@parkinsons.ieYou can listen to the full interview here.

Today marks the beginning of Fostering Awareness Week 2026. At Fostering First Ireland they are always trying to keep up with the demand for more foster carers. There are currently over 6,000 children in care in Ireland. This morning local Foster Carer Rosaleen Dunne and her social worker Lisa Clarke joined us in studio to discuss life as a foster carer and why others who are in position to do so should begin their fostering journey.Anyone who may be interested in fostering or would like some more information, they can contact Jessica on 01 417 1944 or visit www.fosteringfirstireland.ieYou can hear the full interview here.

Tommy speaks to 30 year old Eric Fitzgerald who suffers from a rare progressive neurodegenerative condition called Friedeichs Ataxia. It affects 200 people in Ireland and has no cure. Currently, the people in Ireland with the disease cannot access the first approved drug for this condition called Skyclary, due to cost effective issues.

Tommy Marren spoke to Imelda Towey, the owner of Towey's grocery and Newsagents in Ballaghaderreen. Imelda is closing the much-loved shop after 80 years in business.

Tommy Marren speaks to Lynda Duffy about Eating Disorder's Awareness Week. Lynda speaks about her own personal struggles and about her help for others.

Earlier this month (February 2026) Tommy Marren spoke to James Sexton about Inheritance Tax discrimination against childless couples and families.