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Concerns have been raised over the ongoing issue of dog fouling in Clare's public parks and play areas. It follows a large volume of complaints relating to pet owners violating bye-laws at Lee's Road in Ennis. Of particular concern is unleased dogs fouling on the skate parks and the all weather playing pitches. Clare County Dog Warden Frankie Coote says its a serious issue.

Stephen Fletcher leads our Sunday Prayer on today the 10th August 2025, the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time and the 8th Sunday after Trinity. The Gosoel is read by Sean Dunleavy and the singer is Anne Brady

Sulk Hogan is an emerging indie band based in Galway. Inspired by the CMAT and the Cranberries, and their respective country and dreampop genres, Sulk Hogan's songs have been described as full of wit and humour, which focus on queer joy and growing up in Catholic Ireland. They recently had a headlining gig in Massimos in Galway's West End to celebrate the launch of their single.

Villages in west and north Clare are said to be "suffering" with no means of retaining their young population. An action plan is being sought following the publication of new data revealing two of the county's five local electoral areas aren't experiencing population growth. In the Ennistymon LEA, 176 births and 173 deaths were recorded in 2022, giving it an almost neutral increase rate of 0.2. The region is often purported to be at the coalface of construction constraints, with the lack of adequate wastewater infrastructure as well as prohibitive planning legislation creating obstacles to development in many settlements. Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty claims it's especially difficult to build one-off homes along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 8ú lá de mí Lúnasa, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1986 bhí plean ag na dochtúirí chun stailc a dhéanamh ach ar deireadh níor tharla sé mar go raibh idirghabháil ón Chúirt Oibre. I 1991 tháinig sé amach go raibh an costas chun páiste a chuir tríd bunscoil agus meánscoil timpeall 8 míle punt. I 1975 d'oscail an Aire Gaeltacht scoil nua mar go raibh siad ag iarradh níos mó cuairteoirí agus chun na daoine ón chontae chun labhair níos mó Ghaeilge. I 1991 tháinig sé amach go raibh an seomra in Inis chun dialann a fhoilsiú le caitheamh aimsire, imeachtaí agus spórt in Inis. Sin Typically Tropical le Barbados – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1975. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1987 fuair U2 a dara huimhir a haon I Meiriceá lena hamhrán I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For óna albam Joshua Tree. I 2010 bhí parúl Mark David Chapman, dúnmharfóir John Lennon, curtha siar go dtí mí Mheán Fómhair de bharr go raibh siad ag iarradh níos mó eolas a fháil ar an chás. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh aisteoir Dustin Hoffman I Meiriceá I 1937 agus rugadh amhránaí Shawn Mendes I gCeanada ar an lá seo I 1998 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 8th of August, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1986: Strike planned by doctors were averted following intervention by the Labour Court. 1991: It was reported that to educate one child from the beginning r primary school to the end of secondary level it would cost £8,000. 1975: The Minister of the Gaeltacht opened a new school in hopes to interest visitors and urge Clare people to return to Irish Heritage. 1991: It was reported that Junior Chamber Ennis would publish a social diary featuring all social activities, events and sports in Ennis That was Typically Tropical with Barbados – the biggest song on this day in 1975 Onto music news on this day In 1987 U2 scored their second US No.1 single from their Joshua Tree album with 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For'. 2010 John Lennon's killer, Mark David Chapman, had his parole hearing delayed until early September so that officials could gather additional information. And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – actor Dustin Hoffman was born in America in 1937 and singer Shawn Mendes was born in Canada on this day in 1998 and this is one of his songs. I'll be back with you next week with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

To preview the sporting fixtures, Peter O'Connell was joined on Monday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Derek Dormer.

Now to a truly inspiring journey unfolding across Clare and beyond this week — it's the annual Step by Step Walk to Knock, raising funds and awareness for the incredible work of Mary's Meals. The walk began on August 7th and will continue right through to the 15th, with walkers making their way step by step across the country — passing through places like Clonlara, Killaloe, Feakle, and now heading toward Scarriff and Tuamgraney. To learn more about the walk, how to support it, and the impact of Mary's Meals Peter O'Connell was joined by walker and organiser Ger Silke. Photo Credit: Ger Sike

A major new healthcare study has recommended that a Model 4 hospital be developed in Ennis, County Clare, as part of efforts to ease ongoing pressure at University Hospital Limerick (UHL). The study was unveiled this summer at the prestigious International System Dynamics Conference (ISDC) in Boston, where it was recognised as a vital contribution to global healthcare planning. Led by Irish researcher Sinéad Madden, the work uses advanced simulation to examine future demand for emergency and hospital care across the Mid-West (MW) region. The model, called MIDCARE (Midwest Integrated Demand and Capacity Analysis for Regional Emergency-care), is the first of its kind in Ireland. It uses real-world data to simulate hospital needs over time, considering population growth, demand for emergency services, and workforce shortages. Peter O'Connell spoke with Sinéad Madden, and she began by explaining what the MIDCARE study is all about.

Cassidy's bar and restaurant in Carron, a landmark that dates all the way back to 1796, is now under new management, giving fresh hope to locals and visitors alike that this historic spot will thrive once again. With deep roots going back to the Cassidy family, who have run the pub since 1830, this venue has seen centuries of change — from a Royal Irish Constabulary Barracks to one of Clare's most famous watering holes. To tell us more about its future, Peter O'Connell was joined by the new owner Kiril Marinoff.

Women and girls across County Clare are being invited to step outside, try something new, and embrace all the outdoors has to offer, as HER Outdoors Week returns for its fifth year. Running from August 11th to 17th, the national initiative aims to boost female participation in outdoor sports and recreation. In Clare, there's a packed schedule of events to get involved in, from surfing and snorkelling to hiking and cycling. To talk more about what's happening locally and why this campaign continues to grow in impact each year, Peter O'Connell was joined by by Jessica O'Keeffe, Outdoor Recreation Officer with Clare Sports Partnership.

A brand-new chapter begins for families in the Shannonbanks and Westbury area this week, as the Seanchoill Playground is officially opened to the public this Friday afternoon. Located within the Seanchoill Sports Complex, the playground has been a much-anticipated addition for local children and families across Parteen, Ardnacrusha, Clonlara and beyond. The opening will be marked with a community celebration. To hear more about how the project came together, Peter O'Connell was joined by James Ryan, Westbury Sinn Fein Councillor and Tom Buckley, from Seanchoill Sports.

A local electoral area in Clare is among 15 nationwide which had more deaths than births in 2022. A new analysis of data by the Central Statistics Office shows the Kilrush local electoral area experienced the fifth-largest natural decrease rate in the country in the year in question. The Kilrush LEA recorded 190 births and 213 deaths in 2022, giving it a natural decrease of 23, translating to a natural decrease rate per 1,000 of population of -1. This makes the area one of just 15 in Ireland where there were more deaths than births in 2022. The Ennistymon LEA's natural increase was close to neutral, with 176 births and 173 deaths occurring, resulting in a natural increase rate of 0.2. The Ennis, Shannon and Killaloe areas all recorded natural increases with Ennis having the highest at 3.5. The findings are in contrast to those of 2021 when each of the five LEAs in Clare experienced natural increases.

A vacant building in the heart of Shannon Town Centre is to get a new lease of life as a student accommodation complex. UGP Shannon SC Limited has been given the green light to convert Phoenix House - formerly the Shannon Development building - to student accommodation. The development will consist of 95 bedspaces as well as common rooms, laundry facilities, toilet facilities, waste storage and a proposed 96 bike parking spaces. Shannon TD and Sinn Féin Further and Higher Education spokesperson Donna McGettigan says it'll be music to the ears of those attending Shannon College of Hotal Management.

Inagh Kilnamona and Clooney Quin will be looking to put one foot into the quarter finals of the TUS Clare Senior Hurling Championship when they face off this weekend. The top two in Group 2 meet in the first of a double header in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg on Sunday afternoon. The Combo racked up 31 points in their opening round success over Corofin, while Clooney/Quin shook off the challenge of Broadford late on to register their win. Clare FM analyst Kevin Sheehan, says while Inagh/Kilnamona will have been happy to get minutes under the belts of returning players, the game represents a step up in competitiveness. Throw in on Sunday is at 3pm, with commentary on Clare FM with The Body Hub online recovery and wellness store, and weight loss coaching expert

Doora Barefield's Amy Lenihan says the squad are hoping use their league title as a stepping stone going into the championship. The Parish begin their tricky Group B campaign on Sunday afternoon as they face Miltown in Gurteen from 3.30pm. Doora Barefield were defeated by Kilmurry Ibrickane in last year's decider, but exorcised the demons of that defeat by claiming league honours over the same opposition earlier this year. Lenihan says the group is motivated to go one better this time around.

Nearly €800,000 has been added to Clare's funding allocation for rural road and laneway upgrade works this year. The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht has announced a further €14 million will go to local authorites nationwide under the Local Improvement Scheme for 2025. Clare has been given an extra €788,498, bringing its allocation for this year to €1.7 million, while the total budget nationwide is now €30 million. Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons the county has been playing "catch-up" when it comes to roads funding in recent years.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 7ú lá de mí Lúnasa, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1970 bhí pléasc mhór in áit scoite I gCorcaigh an mhaidin sin. Dúradh go raibh sé feiste phléascadh a rinne cúpla daoine óga sa bhaile. I 1981 bhí na príosúnaigh timpeall an tír ar stailc ocrais mar go raibh siad ag iarradh rudaí níos fearr sa phríosúin. I 1981 ghoid duine an taisceadán in eaglais I gCill Mhichíl I rith an Fleadh Ceol. I 1992 nuacht iontach do na daoine a raibh ina chónaí I Lahinch mar go raibh plean ann chun forbairt a dhéanamh timpeall an bhaile leis an chostas 2.5 milliúin punt. Sin Snap le Rhythm Is A Dancer – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1992. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1971 shroich The Bee Gees uimhir a haon I Meiriceá lena hamhrán How Can You Mend A Broken Heart agus d'fhan siad ann ar feadh ceithre seachtain. I 2008 dhíol culaith aonphíosa péacóg Elvis Presley do 300 míle dollar ag ceant. Ag an am bhí sé an t-earra cuimhneacháin is costasach ó Elvis a dhíol ag ceant riamh. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh aisteoir Charlize Theron san Aifric Theas I 1975 agus rugadh aisteoir Maggie Wheeler I Meiriceá ar an lá seo I 1961 agus seo chuid de na rudaí a rinne sí. 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 7th of August, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1970: A loud explosion was set off in a secluded area in the early hours of the morning in Cork. it was reported that the homemade explosive device was set off by local youths. 1981: Prisoners carried out a hunger strike in pursuit of numerous demands. 1981: A church safe was stolen in Kilmihil during the Fleadh Ceol. 3. 1992: Lahinch saw the announcement of plans for a major development of the areas costing £2.5m. That was Snap with Rhythm Is A Dancer – the biggest song on this day in 1992 Onto music news on this day In 1971 The Bee Gees started a four-week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'How Can You Mend A Broken Heart'. 2008 Elvis Presley's peacock jumpsuit, was sold at auction for $300,000, making it the most expensive piece of Elvis memorabilia ever sold at an auction. And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – actress Charlize Theron was born in South Africa in 1975 and actress Maggie Wheeler was born in America on this day in 1961 and this is some of the stuff she has done. I'll be back with you tomorrow with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

Now to a very special national tour that shines a spotlight on the remarkable legacy of Traveller musicians in Irish traditional music. The Long Grazing Acre returns this year with an expanded focus — celebrating the music, history, and cultural contributions of Ireland's Traveller community through live performances, exhibitions, talks, and traditional craft demonstrations. The tour visits Glenties in Donegal, Ennis in Clare, and Ravensdale in Louth between August 23rd and September 28th. To find out more about the tour and of course the outstanding lineup of musicians, Derrick Lycnh was joined by Blackie O'Connell, Ennis uilleann piper.

On this week's episode of Clare Women In Business, Pat Flynn chats with founder and owner of ‘Sew Irish – Wild Ireland Haberdashery', Brigid Rynne.

A Clare representative for Aontú is calling for urgent reform to Ireland's inheritance tax laws, saying they unfairly penalise people without children. June Dillon says she's been contacted by single people — both young and old — who feel the current system puts them at a significant disadvantage when passing on property or assets to extended family. The issue was also raised in the Seanad by Aontú Senator Sarah O'Reilly, who pointed out the stark difference between tax-free thresholds for children versus nieces, nephews, or other relatives. To discuss the issue and what changes she'd like to see, Derrick Lynch was joined by June Dillon, Aontu Clare representative.

On Thursday's Morning Focus, Derrick Lynch was joined by Danny Lynch, chef at Le Chéile, Barefield. This week, Danny shared a delicious recipe for Beef & Guiness Stew and Homemade Brown Soda Guiness & Walnut Bread

After running every mountain in Ireland last year, endurance athlete Seán is back with an even bigger challenge, this time he's taking on the entire Wild Atlantic Way on foot. He set off this morning with the goal of running the full 2,500km coastal route in just 27 days, that's over 100 kilometres a day. He'll be passing through Clare, including the Cliffs of Moher, in the days ahead — and you can follow his journey on Instagram at @runseanierun. To find out more about the run and how it's going so far, Derrick Lynch was joined by ultra runner, Sean Clifford.

A play-based initiative is creating safe, inclusive spaces for children to learn and thrive. Maia Purposeful Play offers child-led workshops designed to support sensory needs, spark imagination, and encourage meaningful engagement through creative, hands-on activities. With a mix of sensory play, imaginative exploration and calm connection, these sessions are tailored to meet children where they are — helping them build confidence, communication, and joy through purposeful play. To share more about the workshops in Clare and the thinking behind Maia, Derrick Lynch was joined by Shannan Mulrooney, owner of Maia purposeful play.

Celebrating over thirty years of creative work, Clare-based artist Carmel Madigan will be showcasing more than 40 artworks, with a special preview on Saturday the 9th of August and an opening event on Sunday the 10th of August. For more about the inspiration behind her work and what visitors can look forward to Derrick Lynch was joined by Artist, Carmel Madigan.

A US tourist visiting West Clare is appealing for help after her dog went missing following a road traffic accident in the Kilmurry McMahon area. The woman was taken to University Hospital Limerick for treatment and, in the confusion at the scene, her black Boston Terrier ran from the car and hasn't been seen since. Understandably, she's devastated and now hopes the local community might be able to help reunite her with her beloved pet. To discuss this further, Derrick Lynch was joined by Ciara Madden, patient advocacy and liaison service at UHL helping with the search. Image (c) Clare Dog Shelter

One of Ireland's most inspiring charity events, Tour de Munster, celebrates a major milestone this year, its 25th anniversary. Since 2001, the four-day cycle through the towns and villages of Munster has raised over €5 million for Down Syndrome Ireland, supporting children and adults across the province. The Tour returns from the 7th - 10th of August, covering more than 600km across six counties. To talk about what makes this event so powerful and why it's still going strong a quarter of a century later, Derrick Lynch was joined by Sean Mc Killen, Committee member.

Local businessman Martin Kelly is the Chairman of the Doonbeg Tractor and Truck Run — a community-led fundraiser that first took place in 2019. After a break during COVID, the event made its return in 2023 and is now preparing for its third outing on August 10th. To date, the run has raised an impressive sum for several local and national charities — and this year, a new cause has been added to the list. The day itself has become a real highlight in the area, bringing people together for more than just the convoy — with events, challenges, and a lively auction later in the evening. For more on this, Derrick Lynch was Joined by Chairman, Martin Kelly.

The Department of Education's circular on affordable uniforms isn't being enforced according to Barnardos. The charity has released its Back To School survey with over 1 in 2 parents saying they're worried about how to pay for the school year ahead. It found the average cost of a uniform for a student in primary school is 125 euro, rising to almost 200 euro for a secondary school pupil. For more on this, Derrick Lynch was joined by Ruth Culligan, Co-ordinator Barnardos Clare Young Parent Support Programme.

It's hoped a new development at Ennis General Hospital is a stepping stone to a new facility in the region. The HSE has been given approval to carry out a "comprehensive refurbishment and reconfiguration" of the facility's Pathology Laboratory which it states is currently "completely inadequate and cannot cope with any further expansion". An estimated 12 million tests take place in the department each year with sample numbers having increased by roughly 50% in the last decade. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor and Regional Health Forum West member Antoinette Baker-Bashua says population growth in the region means a new hospital is a no brainer.

It's hoped people in south-east Clare won't have to be inconvenienced by flooding in the future. It comes as Minister of State Kevin "Boxer" Moran has proposed establishing designated centres at key locations nationwide where food, generators and other vital equipment can be distributed. A number of flood relief schemes are at various stages in Clare at present including the Springfield Flood Relief Scheme in Clonlara which it's understood is on the verge of completion. Clonlara Independent Councillor Michael Begley says anything that improves flood preparedness is to be welcomed.

Scariff and Ballyea will be hoping to bounce back from opening round defeats when they face off in Round 2 of the TUS Clare Senior Hurling Championship. The sides meet in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg on Sunday afternoon, knowing defeat will put their championship campaign in serious jeopardy. Ballyea surrendered an eleven point half time lead as they lost by a point to Kilmaley, while Scariff were edged out by Cratloe by three points first time out. Clare FM analyst, Tommy Guilfoyle, says both teams will be looking to finish the game stronger this time around. Throw on Sunday is at 5pm with commentary on Clare FM with NC Paint and Décor, Ashline, Kilrush Rd, Ennis

Kilmurry Ibrickane begin the defence of their Clare Senior Ladies Football title this weekend. The reigning champions take on Burren Gaels in Quilty on Sunday afternoon with that game set for a 2pm throw in. Games against Fergus Rovers and Éire Óg will round off the campaign for Kilmurry in Group A. Brick's Ciara McCarthy says they can't afford to take any team in the group for granted.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 6ú lá de mí Lúnasa, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1982 rinne bean cheiliúradh ó Cheatharlach a 100ú breithlá agus bhí Aifreann speisialta eagraithe ón ospidéal ceantair sa chontae agus bhí cóisir lena cairde agus clann tar éis. I 2000 bhí dochtúirí ábalta cúig ladhar a chuir ar ais ar cos páiste óg tar éis eachtra ar chlós súgartha. I 1978 gearradh príosúnacht 3 mhí chuig fear ón chontae a raibh 20 bhliain d'aois tar éis dhá eachtra sa tSionainn. I 1982 bhí marcach idirnáisiúnta ó Éirinn ag an seó talmhaíochta in Inis. Sin Dexy's Midnight Runners le Come On Eileen – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1982. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1965 tháinig The Beatles amach lena cúigiú h-albam agus an fuaimrian de a dara scannán Help. I 2001 tháinig sé amach go raibh Whitney Houston an t-amhránaí leis an méid is mó airgid sa domhain nuair a shínigh sí margadh le Arista Records agus dúradh go raibh sé nach mór 100 milliúin dollar. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh amhránaí Geri Halliwell sa Bhreatain I 1972 agus rugadh aisteoir agus amhránaí Leslie Odom Jr I Meiriceá ar an lá seo I 1981 agus seo chuid de amhrán. 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 6th of August, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1982: Co.Carlow woman celebrated her 100th birthday with a special mass organized by the District Hospital Carlow and had a party with friends and family afterwards. 2000: Doctors successfully reattached all five toes of a 4 year old boy after a playground incident. 1978: 20 year old man was sentenced to 3 months detention on 2 accounts arising from incidents at the Shannon town centre. 1982: Most of Ireland's top international riders entered for the Clare Agricultural Show in Ennis. That was Dexy's Midnight Runners with Come On Eileen – the biggest song on this day in 1982 Onto music news on this day In 1965 The Beatles released their fifth album and soundtrack to their second film Help! 2001 Whitney Houston became one of the highest-paid musicians in the world after signing a new deal with Arista records, said to be worth more than $100m. And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – singer Geri Halliwell was born in the UK in 1972 and singer Leslie Odom Jr was born in America on this day in 1981 and this is one of his songs. I'll be back with you tomorrow with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

Lissycasey manager Aidan Moloney says his side were made to rue missed chances as Doonbeg salvaged a draw late in their TUS Clare Senior Football Championship encounter. A Tadhg Lillis goal deep into injury time saw Brian Shanahan's side come away from Miltown with a point to keep in touch in Group 2. Heading into the final round of games Lissycasey sit atop the standings and will face Ennistymon in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg to finish off the group campaign. Moloney has been telling Clare FM's Derrick Lynch that they had plenty of opportunities to put the game to bed. Meanwhile, Doora Barefield boss Donagh Vaughan says they were the architects of their own downfall against reigning champions Éire Óg. The Parish shipped four goals in their 10 point defeat, leaving them rooted to the bottom of Group 1 ahead of their final game. Vaughan says his players are disappointed in the manner the goals were conceded.

Susan O'Neill brings her critically acclaimed live show to The Attic at Hotel Doolin, on August 9th Known for her soulful blend of folk, blues, and indie, and described as “equal parts balm and blowtorch” — Susan has wowed audiences across Europe and North America, and her latest solo album Now in a Minute debuted at No. 1 on the Independent Album Charts. To discuss this further Derrick Lynch was joined by, Susan O'Neill, singer-songwriter from Ennis.

A new cross-community artwork has been officially unveiled near The Mill Wheel in Ennis, following a joyful launch, including members of The Men's Shed, Clare County Council, Ennis Tidy Towns, and the IPAS Centre. This creative collaboration brought together people across cultures, generations, and communities, resulting in a stunning permanent piece that lights up at night with solar-powered stars. For many of the thirty individuals who donated waste jewellery and coins to the project, seeing how their contributions were transformed has been a moment of real pride. To discuss htis further, Derrick Lynch was joined by Evelyn Sorohan, creative and environmental director and Paddy Tiernan, senior engineer whom facilitated the project.

The Canada Ireland Foundation (CIF) is pleased to announce that Helen Downes has been elected to the Foundation's Board of Directors, effective immediately. Helen serves as Chief Executive of Shannon Chamber in Shannon, County Clare, Ireland. She has been instrumental in transforming the Chamber into a dynamic force for regional and economic development and business advocacy. Under her leadership, the Chamber has launched a series of strategic initiatives that foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, both nationally and internationally, significantly expanding its membership and influence. To discuss this further, Derrick Lynch was joined by Helen Downes, Shannon Chamber CEO.

Now in its third year, Common Threads returns to the wild beauty of North Clare from October 10th to 12th, inviting audiences on a three-day journey of music, art, and cultural discovery through the breath-taking Burren landscape. Curated by Clare native Daithí Ó Dronaí and Peter Kelly, the 2025 programme features a rich mix of tradition and innovation. To find out more about this year's vision for the festival, Derrick Lynch was joined by Daithí O Dronaí, co-curator of Common Threads festival.

Clare's Alex O'Neill won gold on day two of the NationalTrack and Field Championships. The Quin woman crossed the line in a time of 2 minutes 4.53 seconds to win the Senior Women's 800m event in Santry. O'Neill finished ahead of Irish Olympian Sarah Healy and Doheny Athletic's Maeve O'Neill in the podium places to claim her first national senior title. To discuss this further, Derrick Lynch was joined by Alex O'Neill.

Well-known former Clare All-Star hurler Tony Griffin has set out on a 200km walk from his home in Ballymore-Eustace, Co. Kildare, to his native Ballyea, Co. Clare - a deeply personal act of solidarity with the people of Palestine. A writer and co-founder of the youth charity Soar, Griffin is undertaking the journey to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to call for urgent action on the ongoing starvation, displacement, and occupation of the Palestinian people. For more on this, Derrick Lynch was joined by Tony Griffin, Former Clare All-Star hurler. You can support Tony here: https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/TonyGriffin

A Clare MEP is pushing for the incentivisation of glass bottles as a means of cutting down on single-use plastics. The European Commission has commenced negotiations on the Global Plastics Treaty with the aim of clamping down on plastic pollution. The discussions will run until August 14th and follow the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on the Global Plastics Treaty which concluded in December of last year without an agreement. Scariff Independent MEP Michael McNamara says more needs to be done to encourage people to stop using plastic.

Kilmihil boss Mickey Doran says his side had full belief they'd get a result against Ennistymon after they had been written off ahead of their TUS Clare Senior Football Championship tie. Following a heavy opening round defeat, Doran's charges responded with a three point win over Ennistymon leaving Group 2 with all to play for headed into Round 3. Ciarán Downes lead the charge landing multiple first half two-pointers and finishing with 12 points in total. Doran says his forwards have the potential to hurt teams if primary possession can be secured. Meanwhile, Kilmurry Ibrickane captain Dermot Coughlan is hailing the impact they got from their bench as they picked up their second win of the campaign. David Egan's side are in pole position in Group 3 after their 0-18 0-15 win over St.Breckan's and face Wolfe Tones in the final round of the group stage. Man of the Match Coughlan says the subs dragged them over the line in a close fought affair.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 5ú lá de mí Lúnasa, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1973 tharrtháil triúir buachaillí óga tar éis a síobadh a bháid innill ó thalamh agus mhúch an t- inneall den bhád. I 1988 d'fhostaigh na hospidéil sa tír 2 mhíle altraí sealadach. I 1988 chuaigh cúpla daoine ón chontae a sheinm cheol chuig an Eastóin sa U.S.S.R. I 1994 bhí feachtas tiomsú airgid mór ann chun forbairt a dhéanamh do Sea World I Lahinch. Sin Los Del Rio le Macarena – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1996. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1984 chan Bruce Springsteen cheolchoirm 1 amach as 10 ag The Meadowlands I New Jersey chun an teacht abhaile den turas Born In The USA a mharcáil. I 2007 rinne 12 duine tástáil DNA mar go raibh siad ag rá go raibh amhránaí James Brown a athair agus tháinig sé amach go raibh ar a laghad beirt acu ag insint na fírinne. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh Louis Walsh in Éirinn I 1952 agus rugadh asiteoir Jesse Williams I Meiriceá ar an lá seo I 1981 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 5th of August, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1973: 3 young boys were rescues and brought back to safety after their motorboat drifted away from land when their engine cut out. 1988: Irish hospitals employed 2,000 temporary nurses. 1988: Clare was set to be represented by Irish musicians on their tour to Estonia in the U.S.S.R. 1994: A major fundraising campaign was launched in efforts to raise needed funded to develop Lahinch Sea World. That was Los Del Rio with Macarena – the biggest song on this day in 1996 Onto music news on this day In 1984 Bruce Springsteen played the first of ten nights at the Meadowlands in New Jersey to mark the homecoming of the Born in the USA Tour. 2007 DNA testing on about a dozen people who claimed late soul star James Brown was their father revealed that at least two of them were telling the truth. And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – Louis Walsh was born in Ireland in 1952 and actor Jesse Williams was born in America on this day in 1981 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.

Cratloe manager Colm Collins says his side's goal came at the perfect time as they got their first points on the board in the TUS Clare Senior Football Championship. Jamie Moylan fisted to the net as the south-east Clare side finished with a flurry of scores to claim a last gasp win over Kildysart. It means they now sit second in Group 1 ahead of a clash with Doora Barefield in the final round of the group stages. Collins says it was important to bounce back after a tough first outing. Meanwhile, St.Breckan's boss Pa O'Neill says his side weren't clinical enough as they fell to a three point defeat to Kilmurry Ibrickane in their Group 3 encounter. They now face Miltown in a couple weeks to determine who will be guaranteed a spot in the quarter final, with both sides sitting on two points after Round 2. O'Neill says they didn't make the most of the periods of the game where they were on top.

To review the sporting fixtures, Derrick Lynch was joined on Monday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Kieran Madigan.

John Carmody has announced he is stepping away from his role as the manager of the Clare Senior Camogie side. Clare claimed Munster Junior honours in his first year involved as a joint manager of the Junior and Senior sides in 2022 and oversaw an All Ireland Junior title in his first season in the managers role. This year saw The Banner's senior side compete in Croke Park for the first time where they were defeated by Waterford in the All Ireland Quarter Final, having pushed Munster champions Cork to the pin of their collar in their group stage clash. Carmody says he hopes a fresh voice in the dressing room can help take the group to the next level.

On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Derrick Lynch was joined by Tom Stewart from Keane's Garden Centre in Kilcolgan. This week, Tom gave listeners advice on salads to plant now for Autumn & Winter harvest. If you have a question for Tom, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964.

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.

It's World Breastfeeding Week, running from the 1st to the 7th of August. This year's theme is ‘Invest in Breastfeeding, Invest in the Future'. The week aims to raise awareness of the vital support mums need—at home, in healthcare, and at work—to start and continue breastfeeding for as long as they choose. For more on this, Derrick Lynch was joined by Petrina O'Halloran, founder of Mama's Boobie Box, mum blogger and writer for online magazine Boobingit.com.

On Tuesday's Morning Focus, retired Deputy Principal of Rice College and Educational Consultant, John Burns, gave his advice on concerns in relation to returning to school. If you have any questions for John, please email focus@clare.fm.

The chairperson of the Policing and Community Safety Authority has described as "shocking" a report which shows that a substantial number of gardaí assigned to Roads Policing are not doing their jobs and have no interest in doing them. The Garda Commissioner has promised to publish the Crowe Report which also shows that gardaí who were not carrying out their duties did not care that they were being monitored, and that their managers were not dealing with the problem. Drew Harris called their actions "brazen and contemptuous" and the report's conclusions "sobering". The disturbing details in the report emerged on the day that the gardaí launched another of its road safety campaigns. An independent review of roads policing was launched after a garda whistleblower informed garda headquarters that a substantial number of the gardaí tasked with policing the roads were not doing their jobs. For more on this, Derrick Lynch was joined by Fianna Fáil Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy's who's brother was killed in an accident and Helga Himmelsbach, Ballyvaughan resident, whose husband Jeremiah O'Connor lost his life when his motorcycle collided with the car of a French tourist in July of last year.