Clare FM - Podcasts

As teenagers head back to school, getting back into a healthy sleep routine can be a challenge — particularly for those dealing with the stress of schoolwork and exams.   A recent survey found that 92% of parents with very stressed teenagers say that school or exam stress is affecting their child's sleep.  So, how can parents help their teenagers reset their routines?    Sleep expert Tom Coleman joined Alan Morrissey to share some practical advice. Photo (c) Sadeugra from Getty Images Signature via Canva

The new Midwest Health Planning Board is being tasked with tackling the region's growing healthcare pressures, including capacity at University Hospital Limerick and future hospital development at Raheen.  But Friends of Ennis Hospital says the focus must not be solely on Limerick — and that Ennis needs investment in beds, theatres and services now, alongside a longer-term plan for an acute hospital in Clare.  Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more was Angela Coll, Chair of Friends of Ennis Hospital. Photo (c) Alan Place

Clare is preparing to celebrate its title as European Volunteering Capital 2027, recognising the thousands of people across the county who give their time to support their communities.   One of those volunteers is Tina Boyle. Originally from Buckinghamshire in Southeast England, Tina moved to Corofin in 2007 to take up a role as Supervising Pharmacist with Rochford's Pharmacy. Having no previous ties to Ireland, other than an interest through genealogy, she gave herself six months to see if life in North Clare would suit her. Rochford's Pharmacy is at the heart of the community in Corofin and supports events held by the school and other organisations in the village. Through her employment Tina soon found herself building community connections. When the inaugural meeting of Corofin Tourism and Traders association was held in 2012, Tina attended and became involved with promoting Corofin as a tourist destination before becoming part of the Festival of Finn committee. This annual celebration of Irish culture and heritage, named after the legendary warrior Fionn Mac Cumhaill takes place over the May Bank Holiday weekend and brings the village together through music, talks, walks and family fun events. Volunteering has helped Tina grow as a person, sparking her creativity and nudging her beyond her comfort zone – from dressing up as Fionn Mac Cumhaill to visit local schools to coordinating the much-loved Lark on the Lake with help from other committee members. Through her role as treasurer, she has gained experience in new areas such as writing grant applications. Over time, she has become deeply woven into the fabric of village life, building lasting friendships and developing a true love for the place she now calls home. For Tina, volunteering isn't just about giving back, it's about belonging and being part of something bigger – her community. The Festival of Finn is a long-running annual celebration held in Corofin, County Clare, honouring the legendary Irish hero Fionn Mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool). Rooted in local folklore and community pride, the festival takes place over a weekend in early summer and features a lively mix of music, dance, parades, family fun, sports competitions and heritage events. Organised by a team of dedicated local volunteers, the Festival of Finn brings the whole community together and attracts visitors from across Clare and beyond. It highlights Corofin's strong tradition of hospitality, creativity and local involvement, while also supporting local businesses and cultural groups. Photo (c) Clare FM

Fianna Fáil TDs and senators are gathering in Tullamore for the party's annual think-in, setting out priorities for the new Dáil term, including the Budget, housing, the cost of living and infrastructure.  But with Fianna Fáil continuing to trail in the polls, and questions still being raised about Micheál Martin's leadership, there will be plenty for the party to reflect on.  Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more was Cathal Crowe, Meelick Fianna Fáil TD. Photo (c) Oireachtas.ie

Alan Morrissey was delighted to welcome Joanie Madden to Morning Focus on Tuesday.  Joanie is a renowned flute and whistle player, composer and leader of the internationally acclaimed group Cherish the Ladies.  Founded in 1985, the Grammy-nominated group has spent more than four decades bringing Irish traditional music to audiences around the world.   Now, Cherish the Ladies has been named TG4 Gradam Ceoil Group of the Year 2026, with the awards taking place in Limerick on September 13th. Photo (c) Clare FM

Alan Morrissey was joined by Ennis man Peter Dooley, lead singer with indie rock band The Buzzmonkeys.     Peter's life changed dramatically in September 2020 when he suffered a major stroke.     Since then, he has worked incredibly hard on his recovery and is now using his experience to raise awareness about stroke prevention and life after stroke.  This Culture Night, Peter is launching a new song as part of the EEMS show at Lucas's Bar, with all proceeds from downloads going to St Camillus's Community Hospital in Limerick, which played an important role in his recovery. Photo (c) Clare FM

It's hoped a major infrastructure project in Ennis can progress quickly following the appointment of a design team for the Ashline Link Road. Clare County Council has confirmed Punch Consulting Engineers have been appointed as Civil and Structural Engineering Consultants, while Rogerson Reddan & Associates Ltd have been appointed as Quantity Surveyors for the project. It's hoped that, upon completion, the road will provide access to almost nine hectares of zoned land at Ashline, with the potential for approximately 300 new homes. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly says the project should progress quickly, given the importance of the route.

It's claimed a 'landmark' redevelopment of a Clare luxury hotel will benefit the entire county, not just the local area. Plans have been announced for a €55m redevelopment of Dromoland Castle, the largest such project in the hotel's 63 year history. As part of the project an additional 29 guestrooms will be delivered, increasing the maximum capacity to 121 bedrooms. Dromoland Castle General Manager, Mark McSorley, says the development will secure the next fifty years of the hotel's future.

Coming up on the show, we will reflect on the draws for the 2026 senior and intermediate football quarter finals, review a dramatic weekend of ladies football action, begin our build up to the Amgen Irish Open and we will head to Scariff for the latest stop in our More Than A Club series

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch joined Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus to review the weekend's sporting action. ~ TUS Clare Senior Football Championship ~  -Corofin v St. Joseph's Doora Barefield (Friday, Clarecastle)  -Eire Og and Doora Barefield will go head to head in the last eight of the 2026 TUS Clare senior football championship.  -It's a repeat of their final clash from 12 months ago, with the Townies coming out on top of a tight encounter to seal a historic double of hurling and football crowns   -Doora Barefield booked their last eight spot with a dramatic two point win over Corofin after extra time in their playoff tie.  -They led by five points at half time   -In what is a derby filled quarter final draw, Kilmurry Ibrickane take on Doonbeg, Miltown go up against Ennistymon and Lissycasey face Ennistymon  -All those games are set to be played in two weeks time ~ Clare Ladies Senior Football Championship ~  -Kilmihill v Fergus Rovers   -Liscannor v St. Joseph's Doora Barefield   -Kilmurry Ibrickane and Banner each topped their respective groups and progress directly to the semi-finals   ~ Clare Ladies Intermediate Football Championship ~ -Cuil Gaels v Crusheen -St. Joseph's Miltown Malbay v Kilrush -Cooraclare and Doonbeg each topped their respective groups and progress directly to the semi-finals ~ Clare Credit Unions Senior Camogie Championship ~  -Defending champions Inagh-Kilnamona v Clarecastle-Ballyea in Fr McNamara Park. -Kilmaley would join them in the semi finals if they can overcome Newmarket, who need to win to keep their progression hopes alive, and they meet in Clareabbey. -In Group Two, Tulla face Truagh Clonlara in Feakle while St Joseph's meet Scariff Ogonnelloe Image (c) Clare FM

There's been plenty of excitement around Clare band The Awning since they burst onto the music scene in late 2024.  After selling out their debut headline show and appearing at festivals including All Together Now, Ireland Music Week and Other Voices, the band are continuing their rapid rise.  Their latest single, ‘Home' is a deeply personal song exploring childhood, family and the devastating impact of addiction.  Alan Morrissey was joined by Evan Flaherty and Darragh Purcell from The Awning to chat about the new track, their journey so far, and what's next for the band. Photo (c) Clare FM

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre, Ennis was back on Monday's Morning Focus to answer all your gardening queries. This week, Judy told us about all the amazing fruits you can grow as the days get shorter. If you have any questions for Judy, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964. Image (c) Clonroad Garden Centre

It's a big week for golf in County Clare, with the Amgen Irish Open taking place at Doonbeg and the Walker Cup heading to Lahinch. And the excitement is being felt right across the county, including at East Clare Golf Club, where membership and visitor numbers have been on the rise.  The club has also seen a huge surge in junior membership, with numbers now reaching 175, while its greens have been receiving glowing reviews from golfers both at home and abroad.    Alan Morrissey was joined by East Clare Golf Club representative Nick Ryan to learn more. Photo (c) Clare FM

On Monday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey shone a spotlight on female entrepreneurship in Clare and a programme helping women turn business ideas into reality.   ACORNS is now inviting applications for its 12th cycle, supporting women in rural Ireland who are in the early stages of starting their own businesses.  Joining Alan were two Clare entrepreneurs who know the programme firsthand — Breige Grogan of Little Rock Digital and Carina Roseingrave of Burren View Farm.   We heard about their experiences and why they're encouraging other women to take that next step. Photo (c) Vlada Karpovich from Pexels via Canva

On Monday's Morning Focus, it was time again for our Arts Slot with County Art's Officer Siobhán Mulcahy. Siobhán provided our listeners with all the details of this week's live events for entertainment lovers in Banner County. Photo (c) Clare FM

The countdown is well underway to the Amgen Irish Open, which gets underway at Trump International Golf Links later this week.   With the major golfing event set to bring plenty of activity to the area, there was a huge turnout at Doonbeg Community Hall for an information meeting.   Alan Morrissey was joined by Willie Hanrahan, Chairperson of Doonbeg Community Development, and Rita McInerney, Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Cllr. Photo (c) Doonbeg Community Development via Facebook

Norma Cahill certainly wasn't leaving much gold for anyone else!   She came away from the European Masters Swimming Championships with an incredible five gold medals, winning across both the pool and open-water events.   To hear about her remarkable achievement, the races, and what keeps her at the top of her game, Norma joined Alan Morrissey in-studio. Photo (c) Clare FM

Monday's Morning Focus covered an important community event taking place in Clare this month — the Alzheimer's Memory Walk, supported by Aviva.   The Clare walk takes place at Lee's Road Park in Ennis on Sunday, September 20th, ahead of World Alzheimer's Day.  Joining Alan Morrissey were Clare's Local Champions, Linda Murphy and Mellissa Kenny, to tell us more about the event, why it matters, and how people across the county can get involved. Photo (c) Clare FM

The number of people treated for drug addiction in Clare last year was the highest ever recorded. New data from the Health Research Board shows there was an over 50% increase in cases in this county last year. In total, there were 258 cases of people treated for drug addiction in Clare in 2025, marking an annual increase of 53%. Cocaine was the main problem drug in Clare , with 129 cases of people receiving treatment for addiction, up 87% on last year and by far the highest figure on record. The number of cases involving treatment for benzodiazepine addiction hit record levels in this county too, more than doubling from 24 to 55. There was also record levels of opioid addiction, with eleven cases of treatment. There were 42 cases of treatment for Cannabis addiction, which was the highest amount recorded in six years , while the 14 cases of heroin addiction was a minor drop on last year. 109 individuals receiving drug addiction treatment in Clare, were treated for the very first time, which is up 36% on last year. There were also 131 cases of people treated for alcohol addiction in Clare last year, with 67 people receiving first time treatment. The data further noted that 200 of those treated for addiction in the county were unemployed, 127 were in regular employment, 28 were retired and at least 12 were students. Photo (c) Devonyu from Getty Images via Canva

Large crowds are expected to gather in Doonbeg to protest the visit of US President Donald Trump. It's understood several activist groups will be involved in staging 'The Great Irish Unwelcome' demonstration across Saturday September 12th and Sunday the 13th. There's currently no fixed location for the protest, but organisers say they are liaising with Gardaí. Clare based Activist Sarah Clancy believes the actions of the Trump administration need to be publicly challenged.

There was a net increase of 21 new doctors and four General Practitioners in Clare last year. That's according to the latest Medical Workforce Intelligence Report. The Medical Council says there are now 180 doctors and 103 GPs operating here. Research & Regulatory Data Insights Manager Dr Rachael Kelly says the proportion of doctors in this county has seen little change.

Fr Gerry Kenny presents Beyond Belief as it returns from its August break. In tis week's programme Fr Gerry has a report on the annual Scattery Island Mass which was taken by Bishop Fintan, and also interiews Fr Francis Xavier who was recently appointed Co PP in the Kilrush parishes. Fr Francis talks of arriving in Shannon 9 years ago on a cold November evening, leaving behind the 30deg climate of his native Kerala in the South West of India, and how he was given a Clare Jersey by his first congregation and told he was a Clareman now!

The community of Clonlara is said to be in deep shock following the tragic death of a teen. 16-year-old Bryan Lowe, who was riding an e-bike, was killed in a hit and run on Friday night. Bryan was found unresponsive at Cottage Cross near Clonlara shortly after 11 o'clock and was pronounced dead at the scene. Gardaí are continuing to investigate the incident and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward. Clonlara Councillor Michael Begley offers his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and friends. Anyone with information is urged to contact Henry Garda Station on (061) 212400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

A Clare Green Party Rep has raised concerns around the potential fare costs for the Ennis Town Bus Service. It comes as the National Transport Authority announced fare increases across buses, trams and trains earlier this week, with adult tickets increasing by an average of 15 per cent, The NTA and Taoiseach Michael Martin have defended the move, both claiming additional funds raised would be reinvested back into the services. Ennis Green Party rep, Bridgit Ginnity, says fare increases could be detrimental to the take up of the town bus.

FRr Gerry Kenny leads our Sunday Prayer for today, Sunday 6th September 2026 the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Shannon Chamber says the return of a non-stop flight between Shannon and Canada will open new doors to investment for businesses in Clare. It follows the announcement that from June next year, Air Canada will run three flights a week to Toronto Pearson International Airport from the Clare base. It's the first time direct connectivity between Shannon and Canada will be available since 2018. Shannon Chamber CEO, Helen Downes, says the connection will also help strenghten Ireland's relationship with Canada.

There was an over 20% annual increase in the number of electric vehicle sales in Clare in August. The latest data from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry show 42 new electric cars were registered in the county last month. Petrol/electric hybrids remain the most popular new car in the county with 735 transactions recorded so far this year, 15% more than the same stage in 2025. SIMI Director General, Brian Cooke, says the government must support the growing shift towards electric vehicles.

Ahead of this weekends Walker Cup, Clare FM's Derrick Lynch spoke to Lahinch Golf Club members Valerie Hassett and Jonathan Keane to get a flavour of what the event will bring

Coming up on the show, we will be looking ahead to this evenings crucial TUS senior football quarter final playoff, preview the Clare senior ladies football quarter finals and St Joseph's Miltown are the focus of this weeks More Than A Club series

Coming up on the show, we will be looking ahead to this evenings crucial TUS senior football quarter final playoff, preview the Clare senior ladies football quarter finals and St Joseph's Miltown are the focus of this weeks More Than A Club series

Mayo singer-songwriter Liam Foody returns with his most uplifting release to date as he unveils new single This Life. Inspired by the idea of living in the moment rather than waiting for the “perfect time,” the track blends infectious indie-pop energy with heartfelt songwriting, marking an exciting new chapter for one of Ireland's rising independent artists. Hailing from County Mayo, Liam Foody is an emerging Irish singer-songwriter carving out his own space in the indie-pop landscape through honest songwriting, infectious melodies and uplifting guitar-driven music. Since releasing his debut music in 2024, Liam has steadily built momentum, earning support from Hot Press, The Beat, Pure M Zine, The Daily Music Report and a growing number of Irish music outlets. He was also recognized with a New Local Hero nomination, highlighting him as one of Ireland's promising new talents. A graduate of BIMM Dublin's Songwriting programme, Liam first discovered his passion for songwriting through Music Generation before moving to Dublin to refine his craft. During his studies, he performed at some of Ireland's best-known live venues, including Whelan's and The Workman's Club, developing a reputation for energetic live performances and authentic songwriting. Influenced by artists including Fontaines D.C., Amble, Inhaler and The Academic, Liam creates music that blends heartfelt storytelling with anthemic indie production. His latest single, This Life, showcases his evolution as both a songwriter and performer, delivering his most confident and uplifting release yet. With ambitions to continue touring across Ireland and perform at festivals including Sea Sessions, All Together Now, Electric Picnic and Other Voices, Liam is establishing himself as one of the country's exciting new independent voices. As his audience continues to grow, his commitment to authentic songwriting and memorable melodies remains at the heart of everything he creates.

It's hoped Clare's golf tourism industry will reap the rewards of a 'generational' opportunity presented by the hosting of the Walker Cup. Preparations are being finalised in Lahinch Golf Club for the 51st edition of the tournament, which gets underway this weekend. The opening ceremony, marking the official beginning of the tournament, takes place at 5pm this evening. Weather permitting, festivities will be held on the first tee, alongside the clubhouse, with a backup plan in place to move the occasion into the golf village. Lahinch Golf Cub Captain, John Gleeson, says the challenging conditions will make for an incredible spectacle. The action gets underway tomorrow with the morning foresomes, while 8,000 spectators will be in attendance on both days of the competition. Over 60 greenkeepers will be on hand over the weekend, with 45 drafted in as volunteers from around the world, to keep the course in top shape. Both American and British television crews are in place, with the Walker Cup to be broadcast live for 10 hours each day in the United States. Walker Cup Committee Chairman, Padraig Slattery, says the entire county will benefit from the spotlight being placed on Clare.

Confidence is being expressed that Clare's housing supply will increase this year. New figures from the Residential Tenancies Board shows the average rent for new tenancies in this county was €1,333 in the first quarter of 2026, a 19% annual increase and the highest jump anywhere in the country. So far this year, construction has commenced on 373 new homes in Clare, more than double the activity for the same juncture of 2025. Douglas Hurley from DNG O'Sullivan Hurley in Ennis has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan it's unclear how this will affect the rental market.

Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch to chat about the weekend's sporting fixtures. ~ TUS Clare Senior Football Championship ~ - Corofin v St. Joseph's Doora Barefield (Friday, Clarecastle, 7:30pm)  - The last remaining spot in the quarter finals of the TUS senior football championship will be filled this evening. - Last year's beaten finalists Doora Barefield go up against the 2025 intermediate champions Corofin in Clarecastle. - The Parish come into the game off the back of victory over Kilmihil last weekend, while Corofin were narrow losers against Kilmurry Ibrickane.  ~ Clare Ladies Senior Football Championship ~ - Kilmihill v Fergus Rovers - Liscannor v St. Joseph's Doora Barefield - Kilmurry Ibrickane and Banner each topped their respective groups and progress directly to the semi-finals ~ Clare Ladies Intermediate Football Championship ~ - Cuil Gaels v Crusheen - St. Joseph's Miltown Malbay v Kilrush   - Cooraclare and Doonbeg each topped their respective groups and progress directly to the semi-finals - Kilmihil will be hoping to continue the defence of their Clare senior ladies football title this weekend.  - Timmy Ryan's outfit host neighbours Fergus Rovers in a quarter final tie at St Michael's Park on Sunday afternoon.  - Their last outing saw them miss out on a straight semi final spot after defeat to Kilmurry Ibrickane.  ~ Clare Credit Unions Senior Camogie Championship ~  - Defending champions Inagh-Kilnamona can book their last four spot with victory over Clarecastle-Ballyea in Fr McNamara Park.  - Kilmaley would join them in the semi finals if they can overcome Newmarket, who need to win to keep their progression hopes alive, and they meet in Clareabbey.  - In Group Two, Tulla face Truagh Clonlara in Feakle while St Joseph's meet Scariff Ogonnelloe, with all those games underway from 6.30pm  Image (c) Clare FM

The Walker Cup is expected to attract around 8,000 fans to Lahinch each day this weekend, with Gardaí warning motorists to expect significant traffic and delays.    Temporary traffic stops and holds will be in place on the Liscannor Road, while additional parking arrangements have been put in place around the town.     Alan Morrissey was joined by Ennis-based Community Policing Sergeant Dominic Regan with advice for motorists, residents and spectators. Photo (c) RiverNorthPhotography from Getty Images Signature via Canva

Music, culture and grassroots venues are at the heart of a new programme of live events coming to Pot Duggans in Ennistymon this autumn.  Cois Abhann 2026 will feature nine nights of live bands, trad, folk, songwriting and electronic music from October 2nd to November 14th, with artists from Clare and across the country.   To tell us more about this year's line-up, and the importance of supporting live music in rural communities, Alan Morrissey was joined by Jack Daly, Venue Manager at Pot Duggans. Photo (c) Pot Duggans

The Clare Association Dublin is celebrating 45 years of its annual awards, recognising Clare people who have made an outstanding contribution in their professions, communities and beyond.   This year's recipients include Dr John Hillery, Tony Griffin and the inaugural Clare Young Person of the Year, Mark Sheedy, while two special posthumous Legacy Awards will honour Joe Vaughan and Dermot Hayes.   Alan Morrissey was joined earlier by the award recipients and Clare Association Dublin Chairperson Ciarán O'Connell to hear more about this year's celebrations. Photo (c) via Clare Association Dublin

Ennis Taekwon-Do has been part of the local community for 37 years, helping generations of children and adults build confidence, discipline and resilience.   The club has also benefited from the Tesco Community Fund, which has helped members with competition costs and fundraising for international events.    Joining Alan Morrissey was Ennis Taekwon-Do's Aodha Marrinan, a 5th Degree Black Belt and Patterns European Champion, to tell us about her journey and the impact the club has had on her life. Photo (c) Naoise Culhane via Tesco Community Fund

Brazilian beef imports into the EU have been suspended after concerns over compliance with European rules on antibiotics in livestock.     Irish farm leaders are welcoming the move, saying it could protect consumers while creating an important opportunity for Irish beef farmers.    Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss what it means for the sector were former ICSA General Secretary and Cratloe farmer Eddie Punch, and Clare County Chair of the ICMSA, Micheál O'Dwyer. Photo (c) Michael Fischer from Pexels via Canva

Lindsey Power, from Ennis, has been left facing homelessness after a no-fault eviction.     With emergency accommodation at capacity, Lindsey turned to the public for help raising funds for a campervan to provide a safe place to stay while she waits for permanent accommodation.     After an extraordinary response, she has now found a van.    Alan Morrissey caught up with Lindsey earlier, to tell us about her experience and the wider housing crisis.  You can donate to her fundraiser here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-for-a-safe-home-67pxu Photo (c) Vyacheslav Dumchev from Getty Images via Canva

Shannon Airport says the return of direct connectivity with Canda will provide a huge business and tourism boost to the Midwest region. Between June 10th and October 3rd next year, Air Canda will run three non-stop flights a week between Shannon and Toronto Pearson International Airport. The service will be operated through their newest aircraft model, the Airbus A321XLR, and will be the first direct flight connecting Shannon and Canda since 2018. Airport Director, Niall Kearns, says bringing an airline such as Air Canda on board represents a huge statement of intent for Shannon.

A North Clare family business is embracing the unique and rare opportunity of hosting both teams competing in a prestigious international golf tournament this weekend. Vaughan's Lodge Hotel in Lahinch is accommodating both Team USA and Team Great Britain and Ireland for the 51st Walker Cup. Up to 16,000 people are expected to flock to the seaside town between now and Sunday to witness the world's premier amateur golfers in action. Co-Owner of Vaughan's Lodge Michael Vaughan says it's their finest hour.

Direct connectivity between Shannon and Toronto is being restored for the first time in eight years, following the announcement of a new seasonal service. Air Canada will operate three direct flights a week from June next year, providing the only non-stop service from Shannon Airport to Canada. From Toronto, passengers can then connect to more than 150 destinations across Canada, the US, Mexico and beyond. In a statement to Clare FM, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, Ray O'Driscoll has said that when an airline the scale of Air Canada chooses Shannon, it sends a powerful signal about the strength of the West of Ireland market and its international potential. Welcoming the announcement, Tulla-based Fianna Fail Minister of state Timmy Dooley says it will provide an important new transatlantic connection for Clare and the wider region.

Poetry and music come together this Saturday as the Clare Poetry Collective, in association with Poetry Ireland and Clare County Council, hosts its latest lunchtime Guest Readings and Open Mic event.  The event will feature guest poet Jessie Lendennie, poet and Managing Director of Salmon Publishing, and a founding member of Galway's Cúirt International Literature Festival. There'll also be music from Cairo Rocho and Tony Sozza, along with an opportunity for local poets to take part in the open mic.  Jessie joined Alan Morrissey to talk about poetry, publishing, her involvement with Cúirt, and what audiences can look forward to on Saturday. Photo (c) Clare FM

It's hoped the best possible outcomes can be secured for employees of Daktronics in Ennistymon. It comes as the American multinational has entered redundancy talks with its workforce at the North Clare plant. Founded by John Neville in 1979, Data Display employed up to 150 people in the Deerpark Industrial Estate at its peak. When the business was acquired by Daktronics in 2014, a condition of the sale was that the original sales, service, manufacturing and engineering teams would be retained. Some of the staff now entering the redundancy consultation process have been with the company for over 45 years. Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty says the importance of the business to the wider region cannot be understated. Daktronics has long been a global leader in the production of digital scoreboards, billboards, road signage and public transport displays. It's even landed lucrative contracts over the years servicing the London Underground, New York Subway, the Paris Metro and the DART. In a statement to Clare FM, however, the company says it is now considering a proposal to exit its "highly customised international transportation business". As part of this process, Daktronics says it has notified its Ennistymon employees that "their roles are at risk". It's understood the employees are not affiliated with any trade union and have been asked to nominate representatives for discussions with senior management, who have flown in today from South Dakota. Lahinch Fine Gael Councillor Bill Slattery says it's crucial workers get the professional support they need to secure the best possible outcomes for their futures.

University Concert Hall in Limerick has launched a new campaign called Open Doors, with a very simple but important aim – to ensure that every child across Limerick and the wider Mid-West has the opportunity to experience the magic of live performance.  The initiative will help tackle some of the barriers that can prevent children from attending the theatre, including financial hardship, transport, and accessibility.   Support from the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal has helped get the campaign underway, and UCH is now hoping to raise a further €10,000 to make Open Doors a permanent part of its community programme.  Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more about the campaign and why making the arts accessible to every child matters was Sinead Hope, Director of University Concert Hall. Photo (c) University Concert Hall, Limerick

New research has highlighted the continuing decline in the number of pubs across Ireland, with one in four having closed their doors since 2005.     Here in Clare, the county has lost seven pubs in the past year alone, and there are now around 30% fewer pubs than there were two decades ago.  The report points to rising costs, high excise duties and changing consumer habits among the challenges facing the sector, while the industry warns that many more closures could follow.  To discuss what these figures mean for Clare's pubs, businesses and communities, I'm joined by Clare VFI Chair and owner of O'Dea's, Charlie O'Meara, and Maurice Walsh, Manager of Moroney's Pub in Ennis and Vice Chair of the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum. Photo (c) Monster Ztudio via Canva

If the thought of speaking in public makes you nervous, or you'd simply like to become a more confident communicator, Ennis Toastmasters could be worth a look.  The club is about to begin its 53rd season, with the first meeting taking place next Tuesday evening (September 8th, at 7.30pm) in the Maria Assumpta Parish Hall on Station Road. There's a new meeting time this season, but the same welcoming venue.  Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more about Toastmasters, what happens at the meetings and how people can get involved were Club President Bríd Brady and Vice President of Public Relations, Declan Joyce. Photo (c) Clare FM

Music lovers in East Clare are in for a special evening this Saturday, as acclaimed pianist, vocalist and composer Maja Elliott joins Italian flautist and multi-instrumentalist Marco Giaccaria for a unique house concert in Tuamgraney.  The performance at Karima's House Concert will blend classical music, jazz, improvisation, world music and original compositions, with special guests including vocalist Miriam O'Shea and guitarist Tom Portman.  Maja, Miriam and Tom joined Alan Morrissey to tell us more about the concert, their musical journeys, and what audiences can expect on Saturday night. Image (c) Maja Elliott

If you've been thinking about going back to education, learning a new skill, changing career or taking the next step towards a degree, there are plenty of opportunities available locally this autumn.  The College of FET Ennis Campus is currently enrolling for a wide range of full-time and part-time courses, with QQI qualifications from Level 3 to Level 6 across areas including nursing, childcare, business, art, social studies, tourism, hair and beauty.   And, importantly, there are no course or registration fees, with financial supports also available to eligible students.  Marie O'Callaghan is Full-Time Programmes Coordinator at the College of FET Ennis Campus, and she joined Alan Morrissey to tell us more about the courses and opportunities available. Photo (c) Clare FM

It's our monthly look at what's happening across Clare Libraries, and this month there are two very different topics to explore.  Niamh O'Donovan spoke about the little library bags, while Emer chatted about National Public Libraries Open Day on 26 September – ‘Take a Closer Look'. Alan heard from both of them about what's available and how the public can get involved. Photo (c) Clare FM