Kathleen O'Sullivan

Kathleen O

News Journalist

Kathleen has recently graduated from University of Limerick with a degree in Journalism with Law, ending her studies with a nomination for Journalist of the Year in the National Student Media Awards 2020. She has done stints with the Independent and the Kerryman newspaper. Kathleen comes from a farming background, growing up on a beef farm in Co. Kerry.

CAO numbers reveal drop in interest in agricultural courses

Rural Life

CAO numbers reveal drop in interest in agricultural courses

The Central Applications Office (CAO) has revealed the number of applications received for third-level agricultural and veterinary courses in Ireland....
‘Farmers deserve better than all the avoidance of issues in their sector’ – McGrath

Rural Life

‘Farmers deserve better than all the avoidance of issues in their sector’ – McGrath

Independent TD Mattie McGrath has said that “farmers deserve better than all the avoidance of issues in their sector”. Deputy...
Cheap meat: At what true cost?

Rural Life

Cheap meat: At what true cost?

“Meat is too cheap” is a stark comment made by the German Agriculture Minister. In an interview with Reuters, Julia Kloeckner...
Green Party leadership battle begins this week

Agri Politics

Green Party leadership battle begins this week

The format in which the hustings for Green Party leadership take place this week may be different to times gone...
‘Outstanding young leader’ appointed as Arla CFO

Dairy

‘Outstanding young leader’ appointed as Arla CFO

Arla Foods has appointed its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Torben Dahl Nyholm, who is described as an “outstanding young...
Healy-Rae to request government funding for aquariums in Ireland

Rural Life

Healy-Rae to request government funding for aquariums in Ireland

Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae will be requesting the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Barry Cowen, to provide funding for...
New graduates predicted to meet vet demands in rural areas

Rural Life

New graduates predicted to meet vet demands in rural areas

It is predicted that the demands for large animal vets in rural areas will be met by graduates, as the...
Can seaweed tackle the ‘chaos’ around cattle and the climate?

Environment

Can seaweed tackle the ‘chaos’ around cattle and the climate?

Sealac has said it is “glad to contribute positively” to the climate and cattle “chaos” by providing products that are...
‘Small businesses can survive difficult times’: Mill celebrates 100 years in business

Rural Life

‘Small businesses can survive difficult times’: Mill celebrates 100 years in business

Farming 100 years ago definitely had its differences compared to now. Yet, while many things have changed, some things have...
Healy-Rae: ‘Farmers need an income – not gossip’

Agri Politics

Healy-Rae: ‘Farmers need an income – not gossip’

Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae said he feels that we are in a “critical time in Ireland where farmers need an...
Insurance costs post-Covid a factor in pet farm closure

Rural Life

Insurance costs post-Covid a factor in pet farm closure

Insurance costs are a major factor in Stonebrook Pet Farm remaining closed post-Covid, according to the owner Jackie Ronaldson. The...
Hackett ‘delighted’ to support sustainable farming initiatives

Environment

Hackett ‘delighted’ to support sustainable farming initiatives

Minister of State Pippa Hackett has said she is “delighted to be providing financial services” to Irish sustainable farming initiatives....
Veganism, environment and agriculture: Engagement online is ‘explosive’

Environment

Veganism, environment and agriculture: Engagement online is ‘explosive’

Whether you perceive it is as informative or just noisy, there is absolutely no avoiding the seismic food debate online....
Fears of slurry causing algae in Lough Corrib are ‘without proof’

Rural Life

Fears of slurry causing algae in Lough Corrib are ‘without proof’

A Galway county councillor has said that the causes of algae bloom in Lough Corrib are probably not as suspicious...
‘Average’ dairy herd climbs from 64 to 80 cows in a decade

Dairy

‘Average’ dairy herd climbs from 64 to 80 cows in a decade

Dairy herd numbers (on a cows-per-farm basis) have increased by 25% over the last decade. Figures from the 2019 National...
Farming still under scrutiny, despite wider reduction in emissions during pandemic

Environment

Farming still under scrutiny, despite wider reduction in emissions during pandemic

Major disruption to food supply chains and trade has significantly contributed to a decrease in emissions in Ireland over the...
Response to rural broadband ‘unsatisfactory’, as farms and businesses suffer

Rural Life

Response to rural broadband ‘unsatisfactory’, as farms and businesses suffer

The government’s response to rural broadband issues has been “unsatisfactory” as farms, households and businesses continue to suffer, according to...
Claremorris community lighting the way towards increased solar use

Environment

Claremorris community lighting the way towards increased solar use

A community in Claremorris is “lighting the way” towards an increase in the use of renewable energy with approval being...