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Luke O'Connell

Covering the crossroads of politics, culture, and power with sharp insight.

My Articles

Irish Independent •

‘Irish farming will be like the fishing industry in two or three years’ – why this West Kerry community is against Mercosur

This suckler farming family fears their way of life is at risk if their ‘unique’ grass-fed beef is ‘diluted by inferior product’
Fourteen seats lay empty in a kitchen on a dark and blustery January night in West Kerry. Kathleen Moore tells me she just fed this number of student-teachers before their last night in the Gaeltacht ends.While offering tea and coffee she calls for her husband to join us. “Ed!” She gently requests. After a while, he joins and as he comes in, he too offers tea and coffe...
Irish Examiner •

Pobalscoil days helped form Dingle and Gaeltacht's class acts

Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne principal Éamonn Fitzmaurice is immensely proud of the part his past and present pupils have played in Dingle and An Ghaeltacht reaching the Senior and Intermediate All-Ireland finals.

Equally, the former Kerry boss and history teacher, who has piloted the Dingle institution since 2018, says it was the seamless collaboration between the school and all the West Kerry clubs that played a vital part in Pobalscoil's six Munster titles and two All-Irelands.
Luke’s Substack •

U.S. Munitions Flights Through Shannon Renew Debate on Irish Neutrality

In the first two months of 2025 the Irish government has granted 36 flights carrying munitions of war to land at Shannon airport. With an ongoing debate on Irish neutrality, Shannon airport has become the centre of continued controversy.The airport, a civilian transport hub on the west coast, has allowed for thousands of US troops to pass through Ireland since the first Gulf War. There was huge protests at the airport during the second Gulf war with now President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins sa...
Luke’s Substack •

Irish neutrality in crisis: Europe's "weak link"

Decisions decisions decisions: Inside Leinster House where discussions on Ireland’s neutrality pursue. Luke O’Connell"We’re a weak link in the European security chain. The Americans know it, the British know it and the Russians know it and now they’re testing us." That blunt warning, issued by Professor John O’Brennan of Maynooth University, encapsulates a growing unease about Ireland’s geopolitical posture.Once hailed as a principled holdout, Ireland’s military neutrality is now being interroga...
Islington Now •

The Bill Murray club wins top award

Popular comedy club in Angel, The Bill Murray, has won Best Venue in London, cementing its status as a powerhouse in the capital’s comedy scene.  


The audience-voted Chortle award emphasises its unique role in allowing for both rising and established talent. 


“We’re run by comedians, for comedians,” said co-founder Barry Ferns. “The fact that it’s an audience-voted award means a huge amount. It’s not just industry insiders—it’s people who genuinely love comedy.” 

Angel Comedy Club was fo...
Islington Now •

A novice’s guide to Guinness in Islington  - Islington Now

Got a taste for the black stuff over the St Patrick’s festivities?  


Still recovering from a headache from all the Guinness drank over St. Patrick’s Day? Our stout specialists JP and Luke look for the best pint in Islington, so you get the best cream from the crop.  


Score: 3/5 


Best for: Schtick  


Sat on top of Highgate Hill, Brendan the Navigator is the pub of a thousand welcomes. This is the despite the fact that it is ironically located across the road from Cromwell Avenue....
Islington Now •

Campaigners call on council to tackle shortage of accessible toilets   - Islington Now

A campaign group has called on Islington Council to tackle the shortage of accessible public toilets in the borough.  


Councillors heard from Loos4Islington’s Cornelius McAfee, who addressed the council in a passionate plea for a strategy on the issue. 


His organisation had asked for more engagement with disabled residents and local businesses to develop a public toilet accessibility strategy, after sending a petition signed by 2,000 people on 12 December 2024.  


Mr McAfee, 71, said: “I...
Islington Now •

Teaching the council a lesson: Outrage over decision to close two schools - Islington Now

Striking teachers have accused the council of “destroying the futures” of children by closing two local schools.


A retro double-decker bus filled with striking teachers, angry parents, and children drove to protest outside Islington town hall on Wednesday after months of battling the council over proposals to close Highbury Quadrant and St Jude & St Paul’s (SJSP) Church of England Primary schools.  


Phoebe Oakley, a year 5 teacher at Highbury Quadrant, said: “Children are supposed to go t...

What I Do

I’m a freelance journalist from Dingle, Co Kerry, with an MA in Newspaper Journalism from City St George's, University of London. I report on politics, global affairs, and how policy shapes lives, covering Irish and UK politics, international security, and human rights. I’ve worked in political communications, including on Catherine Connolly’s presidential campaign, and contribute to The Irish Examiner and TheJournal.ie. I have experience in data journalism, multimedia, and investigative reporting.


About Me

Irish journalist covering what matters.

How I Work

Fact-driven, story obsessed.

My Ethos

Global issues, local voices.

Get in Touch

lukey2399@gmail.com

Watch My Video

Are Palestine and climate change linked? Watch this video to find out! I spoke to protestors and organisers at the recent demonstration, and many say the two issues are deeply connected. 

Listen on Spotify

Listen to me and my colleague Stan De Feyter interviewing Dr Isaac Scarborough on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.