12 months, 12 unforgettable moments and nearly 50 million views across all social platforms!
From the the NFL in Croke Park to the harbours of Glandore, and featuring familiar faces like Caoimhin Kelleher and Fintan McCarthy, our digital feed was a whirlwind of local drama, community strength, and viral success this year.
In an era where news travels instantly, these are the stories that resonated most deeply with you, our readers, achieving thousands of shares and hundreds of thousands of views across social media. They show the incredible heart, talent, and sometimes the challenging reality, of life here in West Cork.
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Join us as we recount the biggest trending topics of 2025, starting with a January visit that went global...
January - Caoimhin Kelleher visits Rosscarbery - Over 190k views
Republic of Ireland and Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher, whose late father Ray Kelleher hailed from Dunmanway, with Séamus Lane, Denis Nolan, Ronan Hayes, and Darragh Calnan at Nolan’s Bar, Rosscarbery over the new year period. Click here to view post.
February - Louise O’Neill credits her stalwart dad - Over 70k views
Clonakilty writer Louise O’Neill credits her GAA stalwart dad with helping her become ‘unstuck’, find herself again and land a six-figure book deal. Click here to see the post.
March - Glengarriff Food truck given one week to go - Over 70k views
Traders at the outdoor food court in Glengarriff have been given notice to pack up and leave by this Sunday. Click here to see the post.
April - 12-year-old Clonakilty boy poisoned by HHC vape - Over 40k views
Two West Cork parents are warning others to be extremely vigilant about vapes containing cannabinoid substances. Click here to view the post.
May - Dolphins in Glandore - Over 36k views
A Large pod of dolphins in Glandore Harbour caught by Liam Thompson from Leap. Click here to watch the full video.
June - Fintan McCarthy & Konan Pazzaia celebrate - Over 42k views
Thumbs up if you're taking the step up to heavyweight in your stride.
Fintan McCarthy & Konan Pazzaia celebrate after winning bronze in the men's double scull A final at the World Rowing Cup in Lucerne. That's two medals in a row for the lads. Click here to see the full post.
July - Cork hurlers turn dream into a nightmare... - Over 112k views
As a dream turned into a nightmare, we ask why did Cork hurlers collapse? And what happens now? Click to see the post.
August - Mick Hanly from Clonakilty wants to help pet owners across the country - Over 150k views
Mick Hanly from Clonakilty wants to help pet owners across the country with the launch of his website. Click here to see the full post.
September - Bandon soccer star Evan Deasy has a new fan in Lionel Messi - Over 105k views
Bandon soccer star Evan Deasy has a new fan in Lionel Messi after the West Cork teen (18) won Lionel Messi's Mas+ competition in Miami that crowned the world's best 1v1 footballer. Click here to see the entire post.
October - Brave Beara teen Féile O'Sullivan is out of intensive care - Over 190k views
Brave Beara teenager Féile O'Sullivan is out of intensive care and continuing her recovery in hospital, her mother has revealed. Click here to see the full post.
November - Footage from Madore straight in Caheragh with fields and roads flooded - Over 120k views
December - Deer video outside Skibbereen - Over 211k views
A video showing a herd of deer crossing the road at Ardralla, outside of Skibbereen. Click here to see the full post.
What West Cork story do you want to see go viral in 2026? Let us know, or better yet, share your story with The Southern Star today!
