Clare FM - Podcasts

Former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin has been officially selected as Fianna Fáil's candidate in the presidential election defeating MEP Billy Kelleher in a secret ballot of parliamentary party members. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Timmy Dooley, Tulla-based Fianna Fáil Minister of State. Photo (c) Pat Flynn

Owen O'Brien, who hails from Quin. A hugely important fundraiser has been launched recently for Owen's son, Cillian. The 12-year-old suffered a traumatic brain injury last February. Alan Morrissey was joined by Owen in studio for our chat was his close friend, Rory O'Connor, who organised the online fundraiser for Cillian. €300,000 fundraising appeal for donations to help provide medical care and a new house extension. You can help by donating here: https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/cillianobrien Photo (c) idonate Cillian O Brien Fund

A prominent Clare hotelier says the Government seems to be doing everything in its power to back out of reducing the hospitality vat rate. It's after Tánaiste Simon Harris stated the rate cut could be delayed until next year and that hotel rooms won't be included. The Department of Finance claims dropping the rate to 9% would cost €810m, and that doing so in Budget 2026 would leave little room for other tax cuts, despite a promise in the programme for Government to change it in the budget process. Hotel Woodstock Co-Owner and Clare Tourism Advisory Forum Chair Sean Lally believes the coalition isn't listening.

It's being suggested a number of businesses on the outskirts of Ennis will be brought into a "viability issue" if proposed infrastructural changes go ahead. A joint motion has been tabled at an Ennis Municipal District meeting by Fianna Fáil councillors Tom O'Callaghan and Pat Daly, and Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle, for references to changes to the Gort Road Highfield Park junction to be removed from the Ennis Draft Local Transport Plan. The document outlines proposals to reconfigure the roundabout into a three-arm signalised junction with removal of access to the McDonald's arm, with access to be maintained via the entrance to Centra on the Gort Road. Councillor O'Callaghan believes regardless of the outcome of public consultation, the proposal should be scrapped.

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch Speaking With Clare Camogie Chair Fergal O'Brien

Clooney-Quin's Peter Duggan After TUS Clare SHC Quarter Final Win Over Feakle

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 9ú lá de mí Mheán Fómhair, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1977 chan na haltraí ó ospidéal I mBaile Átha Cliath ag Aifreann in Eaglais Carmelite chun ceiliúradh a dhéanamh do Our Lady. I 1993 bhuaigh Éire I gcoinne an Liotuáin le dhá chúl sa Chorn Domhanda. I 1989 bhí na Gardaí ó Inis Díomáin ag fiosrú cúpla briseadh isteach I Ballyvaughan agus Quilty. I 1993 tháinig sé amach go raibh sé an chéad chuimhneachán den tionscadal dúchas I nDroicheadh Abhann Ó gCearnaigh. Sin Elvis Presley le Way Down – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1977. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1992 leag Krist Novoselic ó Nirvana amach é féin I rith na Gradaim MTV tar éis a bhuail sé é féin lena giotár nuair a chaith sé suas san aer é. I 2007 tháinig Taylor Swift amach lena tríú singil Our Song óna chéad albam. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh amhránaí Otis Redding I Meiriceá I 1941 agus rugadh aisteoir Adam Sandler I Meiriceá ar an lá seo I 1966 agus seo chuid de na rudaí a rinne sé. Beidh mé ar ais libh amárach le heagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo. Welcome back to another edition of Ar An Lá Seo on the 9th of September, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1977: Nurses from Dublin hospitals sang at a concelebrated mass in Carmelite Church to mark the feast day of our lady in Dublin. 1993: Ireland beat Lithuania 2-0 in their world cup match. 1989: Ennistymon Gardai were investigating break-ins in Ballyvaughan and Qulty. 1993: The first anniversary of the sixmilebridge heritage project That was Elvis Presley with Way Down – the biggest song on this day in 1977 Onto music news on this day In 1992 Nirvana's Krist Novoselic knocked himself unconscious during the MTV music and video awards after being hit on the head with his guitar after throwing it 'up in the air'. 2007 Taylor Swift released 'Our Song' the third single from her self-titled debut studio album. And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – singer Otis Redding was born in America in 1941 and actor Adam Sandler was born in America on this day in 1966 and this is some of the stuff he has done. I'll be back with you tomorrow with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke to Fergal O'Keefe, host of the Travel Tales with Fergal podcast. This week, Fergal discussed his trip to Croatia and provided listeners with tips and useful information.

"Wordsmith – Part 2" explores the life and work of one of the greatest literary voices of our time, Edna O'Brien. Produced by Clare FM's Programme Director & Head of Operations, Padraic Flaherty. Email: pf@clare.fm

Gordon took up the post as Chief Executive of the local authority in May, having been officially ratified the previous month. To find out how he has been getting on in the role, Alan Morrissey was joined by Gordon Daly, CEO, Clare County Council.

A Clare charity has been making a huge difference thousands of miles from home. The Ray of Sunshine Foundation has transformed the lives of disadvantaged children in Kenya through schools, rescue centres, and health projects — all powered by Irish volunteers and generosity. This week, our own Colum McGrath is in Africa for the very first time to see that work up close. You can support the Ray of Sunshine charity here: www.gofundme.com/f/building-hope-…-ray-of-sunshine. Photo (c) Ray of Sunshine Foundation

Today is International FASD, or Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day. The annual awareness day aims to raise awareness of the condition and to support those trying to conceive or already pregnant The ninth day of the ninth month of the year was chosen for the annual awareness day, to represent the 9 months of pregnancy. FASD Ireland, who are headquartered in Ennis, are holding an awareness event in the Buttermarket today. They are also marking the day by publishing their year-long research with the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tristan Casson Rennie, CEO of Ennis-based FASD Ireland.

This year's Blacksmith and Craft Festival is looming large on the horizon. The event will take place at the Market Place in Ennis, from Saturday 13th to Sunday 14th. To find out more Alan Morrissey was joined by Guy Urbin, organiser of the Blacksmith and Craft Festival La Petite Galerie in Ennis.

Both parties' TDs gathered yesterday to discuss their main priorities ahead of the start of the new Dáil term on the 17th of September. Fine Gael is meeting in Mullingar, where budget priorities and the strategy for the Presidential election will be up for discussion. Tánaiste and party leader Simon Harris arrives to his party's meeting under the cloud of a further threat against his family - with his home having been thoroughly searched by gardaí. Meanwhile, Sinn Féin has come together in Dun Laoghaire. Party leader Mary Lou McDonald has as described it as the final chance for her parliamentary party to have a say on their Presidential plans, although she has ruled herself out of the race for the Áras. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Joe Cooney, Bodyke Fine Gael TD and Donna McGettigan, Shannon Sinn Féin TD. ©Oireachtas.ie

The first Clare County Council meeting of the new term has been adjourned in memory of a late former elected representative. Cooraclare's Bill Chambers served on the local authority from 1985 until his retirement in 2023, before he passed away peacefully last month. Proposed adjournments in honour of the late Ennistymon firefighter Joe Crosse and Margaret Burke; mother of Whitegate Fine Gael Councillor Pat Burke were also carried. Chair of the Fianna Fáil Group in Clare County Council, Councillor Pat Hayes says Bill was an example to everyone.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 8ú lá de mí Mheán Fómhair, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1976 bhí na Gardaí ag fiosrú tine sa halla pobail I gCorcaigh le níos mó ná 50 míle punt de dhamáiste déanta. I 1983 bhí 12 stáisiúin gin ESB chun dúnadh timpeall an tír.. I 1983 dúradh gur shiúil Garda nach raibh ar dualgas isteach chuig áit agus beir madra air agus níor scaoil sé leis. Chuaigh sé chuig an úinéir agus dúirt an t-úinéir gur ardaigh sé a cos chuig an madra. I 1997 bhí Dúlainn níos fearr agus bhí níos mó daoine ag dul ann nuair a tharla rásaíocht chapall sa bhaile. Sin ABBA le Dancing Queen – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1976. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1957 tháinig Reet Petite ó Jackie Wilson amach don chéad uair ach chuaigh sé chuig uimhir a haon sa Bhreatain 29 bhliain tar éis. I 1973 chuaigh Marvin Gaye chuig uimhir a haon lena hamhrán Lets Get It On agus d'fhan sé ann ar feadh dhá seachtain. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh aisteoir Martin Freeman sa Bhreatain I 1971 agus rugadh amhránaí Avicii sa tSualainn ar an lá seo I 1989 agus seo chuid de amhráin. Beidh mé ar ais libh amárach le heagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo. Welcome back to another edition of Ar An Lá Seo on the 8th of September, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1976: Gardaí were investigating fires which caused more than £50,000 in damages to a community hall in Cork. 1983: 12 of the country's ESB generating stations were threatened with closure. 1983: An off duty Garda claimed that he entered a premises and a terrier caught him by the shoe and wouldn't let go. When he brought this to the attention of the owner the owner said that the Garda must have raised his foot to the dog. 1997: A new dimension was added to the Doolin scene when horse racing took place in the parish. That was ABBA with Dancing Queen – the biggest song on this day in 1976 Onto music news on this day In 1957 Reet Petite' by Jackie Wilson was released for the first time, it became a UK No. 1, 29 years later. In 1973 Marvin Gaye went to number one with his track Lets Get It On and stayed there for 2 weeks. And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – actor Martin Freeman was born in the UK in 1971 and musician Avicii was born in Sweden on this day in 1989 and this is one of his songs. I'll be back with you tomorrow with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

10% of pupils in Clare primary schools are in oversized classes. New figures published by the Department of Education show average class sizes in schools have hit their lowest level in more than 25 years, with the average class size now 22.2 pupils, down from 22.5 in the 2023/2024 school year. The biggest class size in this county is at Gaelschoil Michil Ciosóg in Ennis, which had 37 pupils in one classroom, while Parteen and Tulla National Schools each have 96 children learning in classes of over 30 pupils. The reduction in numbers nationally is a result of almost 18 thousand fewer children in first level education and Chair of the Oireachtas Education and Youth Committee, Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that the way in which transient pupils such as travellers and refugees are counted is posing complications.

Kilrush RNLI is hailing the outcome of a search operation in the Shannon Estuary as an "outstanding result". The West Clare lifeboat station was one of a number of agencies involved in the search yesterday which commenced shortly after 9am when a person was reported "overboard" from the Killimer to Tarbert ferry. After being spotted by the crew of the Rescue 117 helicopter shortly before 11am, the man was brought to University Hospital Limerick where he's being treated for "severe hypothermia" and is understood to be recovering well. Kilrush RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Charlie Glynn has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons it was an extremely successful operation and credit is due to all bodies involved.

"Wordsmith – Part 1" explores the life and work of one of the greatest literary voices of our time, Edna O'Brien. Produced by Clare FM's Programme Director & Head of Operations, Padraic Flaherty. Email: pf@clare.fm

To review the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrisey was joined on Monday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch and Tommy Guilfoyle. Games reviewed: TUS Clare SHC Quarter-Finals: Ballyea 2-13 Clonlara 0-16 (Saturday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg) Kilmaley 1-21 Sixmilebridge 1-8 (Saturday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg) Clooney Quin 1-20 Feakle 1-11 (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg) Éire Óg 3-21 Inagh-Kilnamona 1-17 (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg) TUS Clare SHC Relegation Semi-Final: Newmarket-on-Fergus 1-19 St. Joseph's Doora Barefield 2-15 (Saturday, Tulla) Corofin 0-13 Scariff 3-20 (Sunday, Tulla)

The sister of Clare rugby legend Anthony Foley will be among the speakers at an upcoming event for families affected by a sudden cardiac death or living with an inherited cardiac condition. The Friends of CRY is taking place in Barberstown Castle Hotel, Straffan, Co Kildare this Saturday (13th September from 9.30am to 3.30pm). The free event is organised by CRY – which stands for Cardiac Risk in the Young – Ireland the national charity supporting patients and families who have lost someone to sudden cardiac death. Orla Foley, creator of the charity initiative ‘Orla's Wild Ways' that celebrates the life and legacy of her late-brother, Munster rugby great Anthony Foley, will speak at the event. To discuss this further Alan Morrissey was joined by Orla Foley, sister of Clare rugby legend Anthony Foley. Photo (c) CRY Ireland via Facebook

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.

A Clare charity has been making a huge difference thousands of miles from home. The Ray of Sunshine Foundation has transformed the lives of disadvantaged children in Kenya through schools, rescue centres, and health projects — all powered by Irish volunteers and generosity. This week, our own Colum McGrath is in Africa for the very first time to see that work up close. You can support the Ray of Sunshine charity here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-hope-clare-to-kenya-with-ray-of-sunshine. Photo (c) Ray of Sunshine

The Mid-West Simon Community's Annual Fundraising Ball will take on Saturday, the 11th of October. Limerick Strand Hotel will be the venue for the event. For the second year in a row, the Ball will focus on raising funds for the Mid West Simon Social Grocery, a pioneering project designed to combat food poverty in Limerick City. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined on Monday's Morning Focus by the CEO Mid-West Simon Community, Niall Garvey.

Alan Morrissey was joined on Monday's Morning Focus by Margarita Urdenko. Margarita, who hails from Ukraine, has swapped international tankers for Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way, where she now helps passengers sail to the Aran Islands and cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher as a deck officer with Doolin Ferry. The Odessa native is the only female crew member at Doolin Ferry, and she's carving out her own unique path in Ireland's maritime world. As Ireland's school leavers consider their next steps, one woman on the Wild Atlantic Way is showing that the sea holds more opportunities than many might imagine.

Schools across the country will today try and tackle the backlog of work that built up as a result of the strike action by school secretaries and caretakers that lasted for over a week. The striking workers had been picketing schools, demanding access to public sector pensions and other entitlements. The Minister for Education Helen McEntee welcomed Forsa's agreement to suspend strike action last Friday night, to allow for talks at the Workplace relations commission. The Union representing school secretaries and caretakers says the key element of the agreement is a Government commitment to negotiate comparable pension entitlements for their members. Alan Morrissey was joined by Rena McGrath, Vice-Chair of Fórsa School Secretaries Branch on the Clare/Galway border and Bernie Dillon, who's been Secretary at St Senan's Primary School in Kilrush for over twenty years.

Clare County Council will aim to deliver 9,850 social homes over the next decade. It follows a review of the National Planning Framework, which has identified the need for 985 new units to be delivered here annually until 2035. As it stands over 2,800 households are on this county's approved social housing list. Clonlara Independent Councillor and Planning Consultant Michael Begley says the plans will hinge on the availability of serviced sites.

A new report suggests Ennis has had the worst air quality in the country so far this year. Data from the Environmental Protection Agency shows the daily limit for particulate matter in the air has been breached on seven occasions in the county town this year which is more than anywhere else nationwide. Particulate matter is made up of solid particles and liquid droplets which are harmful to human health and largely created by the burning of solid fuel. Mayor of Ennis, Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard, is calling for a clampdown on the selling of smoky coal.

It's claimed Clare's contractors and landowners have been the subject of harassment for cutting dangerous hedgerows outside the official season. It comes as the Department of Nature, Heritage, and Biodiversity has responded to Clare County Council's request for roadside hedges to be exempted from the Wildlife Act. Minister Christoper O'Sullivan's office stated that while this would require a legislation change, there are lawful exemptions under both the wildlife and road safety acts where hedgerows can be trimmed on public health or safety grounds. Kilmurry Fianna Fáil Councillor Alan O'Callaghan says it's a vital provision.

On this week's Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn visits Shandrum, Mullagh to meet the singing farmer, PJ Murrihy. PJ has worked on the family farm all his life and rears a breed of Japanese cattle for their world famous Wagyu beef. When he's not farming, PJ is usually performing or writing songs, not just for himself, but also for some of Ireland's best known artists.

Car sales in Clare were below 2024 levels for the second month in a row in August. New statistics from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry have revealed that 143 vehicles were sold in the county last month which was down 7% from the 154 sales recorded in the same month in 2023. Electric vehicles appear to be making a comeback in Clare however as sales are up almost 61% to 344 units so far in 2025. Director of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, Brian Cooke, says after a disappointing year last year, EV sales are back to where they were in 2023.

Stephen Fletcher presents the first Beyond Belief after our August break. His special guest is the former RTÉ journalist who talks about growing up in a small Church of Ireland community in Dublin, getting an early taste for radio while still at school, becoming a Pirate radio presenter before coming legitimate by joining the BBCin Ulster then moving on to RTÉ where he advanced through different journalist positions becoming their main News Anchor until his retirement in 2024. Bryan also talks about his family and his faith and illustrates his journey with his choices of music.

Fr Gerry leads our Sunday Prater for today Sunday 7th September 2025, the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dog owners in Clare are being urged to control their pets during hedge cutting season in order to avoid accidents. Heavy good vehicles have been visible on the county's rural roads in recent days with the arrival of hedge cutting season which begins on September 1st and concludes at the end of February. Due to the high likelihood of dogs being startled by such machinery, Clare's County Dog Warden is issuing an advisory to dog owners to protect their pets from any potential injuries. Frankie Coote insists keeping them on a short lead is the best way to guard against unwanted incidents while ensuring hedge cutting operations aren't disrupted.

A new piece of public artwork is expected to enhance the appeal of a North Clare village for both locals and tourists while celebrating one of the region's most iconic figures. Kilfenora Tidy Towns has secured planning permission to erect a mural of 17th century aristocrat Máire Rua O'Brien on the east-facing wall of the Burren Sonas Steiner Kindergarten which is located on the village's main street. Liscannor-based artist will paint the mural which is expected to be in place before the end of the year. Edel Barry of Kilfenora Tidy Towns expects the impact it will have on the village to be significant.

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch previews the weekends TUS Clare SHC quarter finals and relegation playoffs with Tommy Guilfoyle & Kevin Sheehan

The Ultras a new Irish Indie Rock Band. Built around loud guitars, louder drums, and an unshakable urge to swap instruments mid-set the band features Jay O'Donoghue shouting beautifully at the front, Bernard McDonnell hitting drums, playing guitar and backing vocals, not all at once lol, Jack Kelly doing the absolute most on strings or sticks, Luke Whearity slicing through the noise on lead guitar, and brand new bassist Matthew Gaffney figuring it all out in real time. They've already played a packed out Workman's cellar in May and the main room in June like they owed them money and now they're back live, with their debut single, ‘'With the Sound'.

The Government is said to be at risk of "wiping out" post offices in Clare unless it moves towards a sustainable operating model for the postal service. The contracts for both Shannon and Carrigaholt's post offices have gone to tender following the resignation of their postmasters. In a statement to Clare FM, An Post says it has "two opportunities to partner with An Post in providing post office and financial services to the people of Shannon and Carrigaholt". The vacancies, it says, "arise out of the resignation of the current Postmasters", and its hopes to "attract suitable candidates for both contracts". It's not the first time the threat of a post office closure has loomed for a Clare community this year. Five months ago, doubt was cast over the future of Lahinch Post Office until local business owner Robert Kennedy stepped in to take the postmaster's reins. With Shannon and Carrigaholt now in a similar position, concerns have been raised that if the two facilities closed, it could result in job losses and contribute to rural isolation. Sixmilebridge Fine Gael Councillor John Crowe insists it can't be allowed to happen.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 5ú lá de mí Mheán Fómhair, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1986 bhí buachaill aois 14 ar bannaí an oíche roimhe de bharr gur rinne sé mórdhíobháil choirp do chailín aois 7. I 1999 bhí na daoine a raibh ag déanamh an Ardteistiméireacht arís chun pionós a ghearradh orthu faoi mholadh nua. I 1980 tháinig comhairle spórt clarecastle amach le plean nua chun áis comhaimseartha nua a bheith acu sa bhaile. I 1999 dúradh go mbeadh an costas chun glantachán a dhéanamh san Abhainn na Sionainne níos mó ná 80 milliúin punt. Sin Lou Bega le Mambo No5 – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1999. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1968 chuaigh The Doors chuig an Bhreatain don chéad uair agus chuaigh siad ar Top Of The Pops agus chan siad Hello I Love You. I 1981 chuaigh Stevie Nicks chuig uimhir a haon lena halbam Bella Donna le hamhráin air cosúil le Stop Draggin My Heart Around, Leather and Lace, Edge of Seventeen agus After the Glitter Fades. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh aisteoir Michael Keaton I Meiriceá I 1951 agus rugadh amhránaí Freddie Mercury I Zanzibar ar an lá seo I 1946 agus seo chuid de amhrán. Beidh mé ar ais libh an tseachtain seo chugainn le heagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo. Welcome back to another edition of Ar An Lá Seo on the 5th of September, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1986: A 14 year old boy was remanded on bail last night to Trim District Court charged with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to 7year old Dinah Walsh. 1999: Repeat Leaving Certificate students would be penalized under radical new proposals put forward by the points commission. 1980: Clarecastle Community Sports Council announced plans for the development of modern sporting amenities in Clarecastle. 1999: It was said that it would take over £80 million to kick start a clean up of the Shannon River. That was Lou Bega with Mambo No5 – the biggest song on this day in 1999 Onto music news on this day In 1968 On their first ever visit to the UK The Doors appeared on Top Of The Pops performing 'Hello I Love You' live on the TV show. 1981 Stevie Nicks went to No.1 on the US album with Bella Donna, featuring the tracks ‘Stop Draggin' My Heart Around' (the Tom Petty duet), ‘Leather and Lace' (with Don Henley), ‘Edge of Seventeen' and ‘After the Glitter Fades.' And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – actor Michael Keaton was born in America in 1951 and singer Freddie Mercury was born in Zanzibar on this day in 1946 and this is one of his songs. I'll be back with you next week with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

A Clare Economist is warning we shouldn't expect any "giveaway budget" this year. Ahead of Budget 2026 next month, the Government has already ruled out one off supports such as electricity credits, social welfare and child benefit lump sums. The latest exchequer returns, meanwhile, show while income tax and VAT receipts increased, corporate tax takings fell by 43% last month. Ennis Economist and Assistant Professor of Social Policy at UCD Micheál Collins says it's likely the government will be preparing for a rainy day.

It's hoped the addition of a new world leading technology firm to Shannon will be the catalyst for hundreds of jobs in the near future. Galway firm Mybryonics has confirmed it's lease of Block R in the Shannon Airport Industrial Estate, which will be used as an advanced manufacturing plant. The company will also be creating 125 jobs at a new manufacturing facility in Galway which will have initial capacity to produce 500 units of its flagship proudcut 'starcom' each year, it's envisaged Shannon's plant will have capacity for 5,000. Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat O'Gorman says its a huge vote of confidence for the region.

To preview the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Friday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch. Games Previewed: TUS Clare SHC Quarter-Finals: Ballyea v Clonlara (Saturday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, 3pm) Kilmaley v Sixmilebridge (Saturday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, 5pm) Clooney Quin v Feakle (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg 3pm) Éire Óg v Inagh-Kilnamona (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, 5pm) TUS Clare SHC Relegation Semi-Final: Newmarket-on-Fergus v St. Joseph's Doora Barefield (Saturday, Tulla, 1pm) Corofin v Scariff (Sunday, Tulla, 1pm)

There's some great acts lined up to perform at Kenny's Bar in Lahinch over the coming weeks. Alan Morrissey was joined by our very own Sean Lyons and Eoghan Neff. The two lads will both be performing next Tuesday (9th September). Photo (c) Kenny's Bar

Calls are being made for the installation of bus stops in what is described as a busy part of Shannon. Shannon resident Lynsey Casey Prenderville is among those criticising the perceived lack of bus stops in the town. Lynsey Casey Prenderville, Shannon resident joined Alan Morrissey.

Ryanair has expanded its underseat bag allowance by 5cm for travellers this summer. Starting Thursday, September 4, the new maximum size will be 40 x 30 x 20cm, compared to the previous 40 x 20 x 25cm. The update follows an EU ruling that requires airlines to provide a minimum free luggage allowance of 40 x 30 x 15cm. In response, Ryanair has increased the height by 10cm while slightly reducing the depth by 5cm. The move has been welcomed by passengers, as Ryanair previously offered the smallest underseat bag dimensions of any major airline flying from Cork, Dublin, and Shannon airports. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Gearoid Mannion, Ennis based travel counsellor. Photo (c) Shannon Group

Clare Outdoor Club is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year. The Club, founded in 1985, now has over 100 members who hike across Clare, Tipperary, Connemara and Kerry, as well as taking part in cycling, climbing, kayaking and overseas trips. To mark the anniversary, members will come together for a special hike and BBQ on September 6th. New memberships for the 2025/2026 season will open on National Walking Day, September 28th. To tell us more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Andrew Killeen, Clare Outdoor Club Chairman. Photo (C) Clare Outdoor Club

St. Joseph's Secondary School in Tulla is preparing to celebrate a very significant milestone. On this day week (Friday, 12th September), the school will mark its 75th anniversary. To fill us in on the school's history, and just how its 75th will be marked, Alan Morrissey was joined by Juliet Coman, Principal of St Joseph's in Tulla.

There's big news from two of County Clare's post offices. The contracts for the local post offices in both Shannon and Carrigaholt are up for tender. This situation has arisen, due to the resignation of the current Postmasters. This will be concerning for locals in both Shannon and Carrigaholt, particularly those who rely on the post and financial services provided by their local post office. To discuss this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Councillor Tom O'Callaghan, Chairperson, Independent Postmasters of Ireland, Clarecastle Fianna Fáil Councillor. An Post Statement: “We have two opportunities to partner with An Post in providing post office and financial services to the people of Shannon and Carrigaholt. The vacancies arise out of the resignation of the current Postmasters, and we would hope to attract suitable candidate for both contracts.”

It's hoped the Public Expenditure Minister's visit to the MidWest Region's main hospital will bring positive change for service users. Jack Chambers visited University Hospital Limerick yesterday and met with HSE Mid-West Regional Clinical Director, Dr Catherine Peters, in a week where the facility has averaged 117 patients on trolleys every day so far. In addition to HIQA's review to determine if another emergency department is needed in the region, Budget 2026 is also on track to be published in the coming weeks. Ennistymon based MidWest Hospital Campaign Spokesperson Marie McMahon says the direction of both should be clear.

A Clare artist claims her sector is "at a crossroads" and is calling for an extension of the Basic Income for the Arts scheme. The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport has published a report based on two years of data which reveals the experience of the 2,000 recipients of the pilot scheme launched in 2022. Among the findings are that recipients were able to spend more time on their arts practice, reported higher financial investment in their arts practice and were able to produce more pieces of work than the control group. A total of 54 people currently in receipt of the weekly payment are living in Clare, and Lahinch-based artist Maeve Stone, who's a member of the National Campaign for the Arts Steering Committee, says a decision must be made on its future ahead of Budget 2026.

A Clare disability rights activist had dismissed a new Government strategy for providing better accessibility for disabled people as a "glossy document" and a "distraction". The National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People, which is a five-year strategy providing a policy framework for the Government's approach to disability issues, has officially been launched. The strategy contains 23 commitments which are under the pillars of learning and education, employment, independent living and active participation in society, wellbeing and health, and transport and mobility. Ennistymon-based disability rights activist Ann Marie Flanagan has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons she believes the plan lacks the required legal framework for it to have any impact.