Lough Carra Catchment Association Podcast

Episode 20 - Dr Yvonne McDermott, Archeology of Lough Carra

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Yvonne McDermott, Lecturer in History and Geography at ATU Mayo, to discuss the archaeology of Lough Carra. We start from the earliest traces of human life around the lake, the Bronze and Iron Age features still visible today, and finish with Medieval landmarks that shape the area — including Castle Carra, Castle Burke, Ballintubber Abbey, Church Island, and Burriscarra Friary. Dr McDermott also shares her thoughts on the future of LoughCarra’s heritage and what could be done to better protect these remarkablesites.

Episode 19 - Lynda and Chris Huxley, LCCA founders

In this episode, the guests are local environmental conservation legends Chris and Lynda Huxley to talk about their life and their decision to settle at Lough Carra, where they immediately began documenting the lake's rich wildlife and changing environment. We talk about their pivotal role in founding the Lough Carra Catchment Association, highlighting how they united scientists, local authorities, and the community to fight for the lake's unique flora and fauna. Finally, we look to the future and discuss the association's new land acquisition and what it would take to fully restore the catchment

Episode 18 - Michael Kingdon - Clogher Environmental Group

The guest of this episode is Michael Kingdon, who is a naturalist and conservationist who has spent decades living on the shores of Lough Carra. We discuss the work of the Clogher Environmental Group, including the creation of Sand Martin walls and community ponds, as well as the best spots to witness the famous Starling murmurations at Moore Hall. Michael is a keen angler and a regular columnist for the Connaught Telegraph and Mayo News.

Episode 17 - John Horan - agri-environmental scheme farmer

The guest for this episode is John Horan,farmer from Ballintuber who is enrolled in the agri-environmental scheme for the Lough Carra LIFE Project. John provides a practical perspective on modern farmingand the implementation of measures that protect the lake’s water quality.

Episode 16 - Dr. Elaine McGoff, Head of Advocacy with An Taisce

Dr. Elaine McGoff is Head of Advocacy with An Taisce, one of Ireland's oldest and largest environmental organisations. She works on a broad range of topics including land use, climate, biodiversity and water quality, with a particular focus on planning, policy and compliance with environmental legislation. She advocates widely for environmental protection and legal compliance throughout planning and licencing applications, and in Government policy. Elaine has a PhD in Freshwater Ecology from Trinity College Dublin, and an Advanced Diploma in Planning and Environmental Law from Kings Inns.  She is Vice Chair of the Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) and Steering Committee member of the Environmental Pillar.