Clare FM - Podcasts

A Clare Addiction Treatment Centre believes failures to tackle drug crime, poverty and social inequality are the biggest contributors to re-offending. Facilitator of Bushypark's Dual Diagnosis Group Michael Lacey says the broader issues enabling substance use need to be tackled.

Figures showing that more than 6,300 people in Ireland have been receiving Jobseeker's Allowance for over 10 years have prompted calls from Aontú for a review of how long-term unemployment is addressed.     The party says social welfare must remain a safety net while also ensuring that people who can work are supported and encouraged to return to employment.     Alan Morrissey has been speaking with Clare Aontú representative June Dillon about the figures, how long-term claims should be assessed, and what changes she believes are needed. Photo (c) kamitana from Kamitana_studio via Canva

The former De Valera Library in Ennis could become the centrepiece of a new cultural quarter under plans now being explored by Clare County Council.     The proposal follows a motion from Clarecastle Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom O'Callaghan, who called for unused council-owned buildings to be repurposed as creative workshop spaces for artists and makers.     The council says it's developing preliminary plans for the site, with artist studios among the options being considered.     Councillor Tom O'Callaghan joined Alan Morrissey to discuss his vision for the project and what it could mean for Ennis' cultural future. Photo (c) National Inventory of Architectural Heritage

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre, Ennis was back on Monday's Morning Focus to answer all your gardening queries. This week, Judy revealed the secrets to preventing weed growth in your garden. 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

This Saturday, July 25th, marks 75 years of the North Clare Agricultural Show in Corofin. From animals to jiving, it's promised to be a fun day out for all the family. Alan Morrissey was joined by Carmel Burke, Treasurer of the North Clare Agricultural Show, and Maureen Roche, Chief Steward over the event hall, to learn more about what the show has to offer. Photo (c) Clare FM

After more than 30 years as a fixture in the local sporting calendar, the Sonny Murphy Memorial Road Race is returning to Kilnaboy this week.   The event honours one of Clare's great sporting figures, Sonny Murphy, a native of Ballycasheen, Kilnaboy, who represented Ireland at the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.   Now revived by the Sonny Murphy Committee with the support of Kilnaboy AC, the event will take place as a 5K race and community walk this Thursday evening.   Alan Morrissey was joined by committee members Sean Roche and Francis Whelan to talk about Sonny's legacy and the return of this special community event. Photo (c) Clare FM

Episode 1 - Finding Clare with Yana by Clare FM

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

New figures from the Central Statistics Office show that Clare recorded the highest rate of re-offending in the country last year.     Of the 49 people with a Clare address who were released from prison in 2023, 31 committed a new offence within a year, giving the county a re-offending rate of 63%, compared to the national average of 41%.     To discuss what these figures tell us, Alan Morrissey was joined by Saoirse Brady, Executive Director of the Irish Penal Reform Trust. Photo (c)  Dick Luria from Photo Images via Canva

A fundraising effort has been launched to support Jeffrey Kavanagh and his family as they face the challenges of a serious cancer diagnosis.     Jeffrey, who has called Clare home for the past 20 years, is known as a devoted father, partner, friend and member of the community.     The JK Fundraising Committee has organised a number of events, including a table quiz in Fogarty's Bar, which is already fully booked, along with an exclusive raffle featuring a major GAA prize.     Catriona Hayes from the committee joined Alan Morrissey to tell us more about Jeffrey's story and how people can show their support.  You can donate to their fundraiser here: Fundraiser for Jeffrey Kavanagh by Matthew Curran : Help Jeffrey Kavanagh Fight Stage 4 Cancer & Support His Fam Photo (c) Jeffery Kavanagh via Matthew Curran's GoFundMe

A Scariff couple's journey to Palestine in 2022 has become the inspiration for a powerful documentary exploring the concept of Sumud – the steadfast resilience that shapes everyday life for many Palestinians.   The Art of Resistance: The Art of Sumud has already been screened in venues across Ireland and in Chicago, and it will now be shown as part of the Scariff Harbour Festival, followed by a discussion featuring the filmmakers and former Gaza school principal Fatma Abuawwad, who has rebuilt her life in Ireland after being displaced by war.   Alan Morrissey was joined by the film's creators, Bonnie Boyle and PJ McNamara.  Photo (c) Clare FM

The number of discarded vapes ending up in household bins and littering our streets has become a growing environmental and fire safety concern.     At this month's meeting of Clare County Council, Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney secured support for examining a pilot scheme for dedicated vape disposal bins across the county.     She's also calling on the Government to introduce a national deposit-return or reward scheme for vaping devices, similar to the successful bottle and can return scheme.     Councillor Rita McInerney joined Alan Morrissey to discuss the proposal. Photo (c) Изображения пользователя Tatiana Kutina via Canva

Gardaí say they want to "eradicate" public day drinking from Ennis's town centre. An initiative introduced in recent months to combat a rise in anti-social behaviour on O'Connell Street and adjacent routes has resulted in court orders being served to three different individuals. These will effectively prohibit perpetrators from being present on these streets for a period of one year. Ennis-based Community Policing Sergeant Dominic Regan says they want everyone to feel safe and comfortable in the area.

Discussions are ongoing to establish a solution to end legacy flooding on a notorious section of the Ennis to Limerick rail line. It comes as the Government has confirmed that it's reconvened the Ballycar Steering Group. It's understood the Transport Minister, Clare County Council, Iarnród Éireann and the Office of Public Works have met in recent weeks with a view to moving forward with the €16.7m project. Newmarket-On-Fergus Fianna Fáil Councillor David Griffin says it's a step in the right direction, but they need to see real progress.

A Clare Government TD says he hopes the Housing Minister takes more of a role in the delivery of a vital Clare wastewater infrastructure project going forward. It comes as the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has revealed it's progressing an interim upgrade project to address capacity constraints at the Clareabbey Wastewater Treatment Plant. It's also revealed the planned long-term upgrade of the facility won't be delivered until after 2029. Correspondence from the department to Ennis Municipal District this week said the minister has "no function in relation to operational matters" of Uisce Éireann, but Bodyke Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney believes he should take more interest.

A Clare MEP says it "beggars belief" that Ireland's health service is still largely reliant on paper records. A 2024 EU Commission study found that this county has the lowest level of access to electronic health records of any member state. The HSE One Health Record, which will be a single, integrated digital health system, is due to be operational in 2032. Addressing Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill in the European Parliament, Scariff Independent MEP Michael McNamara says we're lagging behind our neighbours.

Fr Brendan Quinlivan leads our Sunday Prayer for today the 19th July 2026, the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

The Dáil has heard that the work of a Clare artist was treated by an AI system as a "resource to be harvested". Sinn Féin has this week tabled a motion aimed at protecting the copyright of Irish artists in the era of artificial intelligence. The bill has received vocal support from the likes of the International Federation of Actors, Danny O'Donoghue of The Script, and former arts minister Catherine Martin. Speaking in the Dáil, Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan says the use of the Clare artist's work in this way "reflected the priorities of an algorithm".

Stephen Fletcher presents Beyond Belief which this week features an extended conversation with Colm Flynn, the former Vatican correspondent for EWTN, now International correspondent for EWTN based in Washington DC. Colm and his wife Paola moved to Washinton DC earlier this year and he talks about the move and the work he carries out for different broadcasting organisations. Stephen also catches up over coffee with Fr Gerry Kenny to talk about what is happening around our dioceses.

Coming Up... Another action packed show as always as we'll have an extensive preview of the All Ireland senior Hurling Final between Limerick and Galway. The John Hynes Cup finals take place on Saturday evening in Cusack Park, we'll recap Clare's u16 ladies football All Ireland success and Alan troy will join us for Greyhounds in Focus.

Genevieve is an Irish musician and vocalist who grew up in Killeeshil, County Tyrone, creating music rooted in family, harmony, and a shared love of storytelling through sound. Working closely with her dad and brother, Genevieve blends warm vocals with rich musical arrangements to craft songs that feel both timeless and deeply personal. Their music is shaped by years of playing together, drawing inspiration from Irish traditions while weaving in modern influences and heartfelt lyricism. At its heart, Genevieve's music is about connection: family, feeling, and the simple joy of creating something meaningful together. With recent releases "My Little One", "It Won't Be Long" and "The Child We Knew", “A Walk in Your Shoes” and "Hand in Hand (The Marriage)" , this is just the beginning, with more music to follow soon and Genevieve's album "While You're Away" only months away.

Cusack Park is set to once again set to play host to this year's John Hynes Cup Finals tomorrow evening. This year sees the third iteration of the tournament since its rebirth in 2024 and is held in memory of John Hynes who was one of the founding members of Ennistymon Hurling Club. They'll be hoping to get their hands on the cup for the first time when they take on Clonbony at 7pm, while Kilkee/Bealaha and Inagh-Kilnamona face off in the shield final from 5pm. Treasurer and PRO of Ennistymon Hurling Club, Kieran Harvey, says it's a great opportunity to promote the game in the west of the county.

Clare's Minister of State claims ramping up wastewater infrastructure towards the end of this year will move the Government closer to its housing targets. With the Dáil summer recess now underway, attention is turning to the successes and failures of the Government since last September.

A former Clare Senior Hurler who passed away tragically in the United States has been remebered as a natural leader and the life of the party everywhere he went. 40 Year-Old Anthony 'Sconey' Kilmartin died following a fall in New York last Sunday, where he'd been living for over a decade. A revered member of Newmarket-On-Fergus GAA Club, Sconey as he was affectionately known stood out from an early age. A versatile operator who could play in almost any position, Anthony won underage hurling titles at all levels with Newmarket, played for the Clare Seniors in 2007 and even won a Féile football title with the Blues. He was loved and respected even more though for his presence off the field, where he was known as a constant source of positivity, fresh ideas and motivation. Former Coach Bob Enright says every time you left Sconey, you always looked forward to the next encounter. Having lived and worked in New York for over a decade , Sconey came on board with the Clare New York Hurling Club as a manager this year. Clare New York Chairperson Seanie Dilger says he was a fantastic individual who will be deeply missed by everyone.

Morning Focus was broadcasting live from Bunratty Castle for stop three of Alan Morrissey's Summer Tour. Firstly, Alan spoke to Suzie Clifford, Senior Executive Officer, and Caimin Dillion, Acting Senior Executive Engineer, from Shannon Municipal District about what the MD does and how it benefits residents. Fianna Fáil's Timmy Dooley and Sinn Féin's Donna McGettigan discussed how the Dáil has done so far this year ahead of their summer recess, and what needs to be the main priorities when they return. Alan was then joined by John Strand, Executive Engineer, Pat Kearney, Senior General Services Supervisor, and Taryn de Vere, Creative Places Coordinator, about the improvements to Shannon MD that people have been enjoying, including the popular new Shannon Dog Park. Aidan Acheson, Technician, Patricia O'Neill, Staff Officer, and Michael Keane, Supervisor, continued telling Alan about the developments in Shannon MD, and how community groups could get their ideas made reality. Kevin O'Connor, Chairman of the Bunratty Economic Development Association, and Mike Rohan, Vice Chairman of the Bunratty Economic Development Association, spoke to Alan about the Bunratty Economic Development Association, and how they're continuing to develop Bunratty's famous tourism trade. Alan, Mark O'Shaughnessy, Head of Operations at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, and Erin Malone, Assistant Sales and Marketing Manager at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park discussed what makes the area's historical sites so special. Alan remembered the life and legacy of the late Anthony "Sconey" Kilmartin with Bob Enright, Anthony's former coach, and Seanie Dilger, Chairman of New York Clare Hurling Club. Our Friday Panel (Mike Glynn and Maurice Walsh) discussed the Government's performance so far, the new Sex For Rent legislation, the unusally warm weather you might have noticed, and should we stop automatically supporting every team who plays against England. Finally, to take us into the weekend, Alan learnt about a Clare submission to the Galway Film Fleadh from Douglas Reddan, Movement Artist, Choreographer, and Director from Quin. Image (c) Clare FM

The Dáil has risen for its summer recess, bringing to a close a politically eventful first half of the year.     From the ongoing housing crisis and rising living costs to renewed controversy over the National Children's Hospital, fuel protests and heated exchanges across the floor of the Dáil, the Government and Opposition remain sharply divided on the country's direction.     So, at the halfway point of this Government's term, is Ireland seeing real progress, or are the biggest challenges still unresolved?     Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss the Government's report card and what's in store when the Dáil returns in September were Minister of State Timmy Dooley of Fianna Fáil and Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan. Photo © Oireachtas.ie

A leading Irish charity has described progressing legislation that would enable the construction of an LNG terminal in Clare as "nonsensical and morally indefensible". Trócaire is arguing the passage of the bill that would facilitate the development of a strategic emergency gas reserve in Cahiracon near Kildyart is at odds with Ireland's climate obligations. A 2024 study found that liquefied natural gas, would is intended to be the fuel of the reserve, emits 33% more greenhouse gases than coal in terms of its 20-year global warming potential. Trócaire Climate Justice Policy and Advocacy Advisor, Sinéad Loughran, believes Ireland needs to take its climate obligations more seriously.

Uisce Éireann says it expects to see "gains" over the weekend in Clare and that it doesn't foresee further water restrictions here. Overnight restrictions came into effect in Ennistymon, Lahinch, Liscannor, Doolin, Lisdoonvarna, Fanore, Ballyvaughan, Kilfenora and Kilshanny last night at 10pm and lapsed at 8am this morning. The restrictions will be in place during the same hours each night until Sunday, with the water utility due to make a decision potential further measures on Monday. Uisce Éireann Operations Manager in Clare, Darragh Conneely, claims it's unlikely they'll ask customers to restrict water beyond this point.

Singer-songwriter Siobhán O'Brien is back with a beautiful and deeply personal new single, The Banks of the Abbey.   Following the success of Sometimes It Takes A Dutchman, this latest release is a heartfelt tribute to her late father, Brian O'Brien—a man remembered not only for his remarkable contribution to Irish rugby, but also for his love of Athlunkard Street in Limerick city, the Abbey River, nature and storytelling.   The song celebrates his life and the place that shaped him, while preserving memories of a Limerick that lives on through music.  Siobhán joined Alan Morrissey to talk about the new single. Photo (c) Siobhan O'Brien via Facebook

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, the beautiful surroundings of the Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre in Kilrush will be hosting Land, Sea & Soul, an exhibition showcasing the work of three talented local artists.  Running from Friday to Sunday (17th – 19th July), the exhibition brings together the unique styles of West Clare artists Ailish Malone and Hazel Murray, along with Kilrush-based artist Delaney Davis.  Through landscapes, seascapes and contemporary works, each artist offers their own interpretation of the places and people that inspire them.   Alan Morrissey was delighted to be joined by two artists now; Ailish Malone and Delaney Davis. Image (c) Vandeleur Walled Gardens

Clare's first over public dog park has officially opened.  The Shannon Municipal District took the lead on the initiative, opening a 2,650m2 facility in Ilaunmanagh.   The facility includes obstacles, tunnels, drinking water stations, a public bench and forestry to keep dogs and their owners cool.  It's a pilot project and the Shannon MD has confirmed its intention to roll out more public dog parks in the MD.  Clare FM's Daragh Dolan attended the opening yesterday and before hearing from Cathaoirleach Micheal Begley's opening address, Chuck the Terrier from O'Callaghan's Mills took his opportunity to get on the airwaves. Photo (c) Eamon Ward

Time for another Taste of the Week, on Thursday's Morning Focus Alan Morrissey was joined by Danny Lynch, Chef from Le Cheile in Barefield. Danny brought some bbq classics and tropical burgers for a summery taste to enjoy in this hot weather. Image (c) Clare FM

A 12-year-old Shannon girl is preparing to take on another extraordinary mountain challenge, this time with a mission to support Ireland's volunteer rescuers.   Kaya Wisniewska, who recently became the youngest participant ever to complete the demanding Galtee Mountain Challenge, is now heading to Poland with her father Wojtek for a 21-day hiking expedition.   Together, they aim to complete one million steps through the Polish mountains while raising funds for Mountain Rescue Ireland.   Kaya and Wojtek joined Alan Morrissey to talk about the challenge, the preparation involved, and why they want to give back to those who help others in the mountains. Photo (c) Clare FM

A Limerick-based charity that helps save lives in communities across Ireland has been recognised on the national stage.  CRITICAL, the emergency medical response charity, has been shortlisted in three categories at the inaugural Ireland Blue Light Awards 2026, including Voluntary Service of the Year.   Two of its dedicated volunteer doctors have also been recognised for their outstanding commitment to emergency care.   Alan Morrissey has been speaking with the CEO of CRITICAL, David Tighe. Photo (c) Critical - Emergency Medical Response via Facebook

A new law has come into effect making the offering of sex in exchange for rent a criminal offence in Ireland.  Campaigners have welcomed the legislation as a major step forward in protecting vulnerable people, particularly women who may be at risk of exploitation while searching for accommodation.   However, many say the work doesn't end there, with calls for greater public awareness, Garda training and stronger enforcement of the new law.   To discuss what this legislation means and why it's so significant, Alan Morrissey was joined by Bridget Barron, President of Ennis & District Soroptimists, and Aisling Nolan, National Communications Officer with Soroptimist Ireland. Image (c) erndndr from Getty Images Signature via Canva

family in Ennis is coming together to remember their son Harry and to support other families facing the heartbreak of baby loss.    Louise Ryan and her family are organising a coffee morning in memory of Harry, who was sadly stillborn in August 2025, with all proceeds going to Féileacáin, Ireland's stillbirth and neonatal death support charity.     The event takes place on Saturday, 1st August, at Éire Óg Clubhouse in Ennis, and Louise and Nina Doyle, Regional Coordinator for Féileacáin, joined Alan Morrissey to talk about Harry's memory, the support her family received, and the importance of helping others through difficult times.  You can find out more about the event here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591431703911 You can donate to Féileacáin here: https://linklock.titanhq.com/analyse?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.idonate.ie%2Ffundraiser%2Frememberingharry&data=eJw8zL1OwzAUQOGnuR6QHLm2A_Xgoa0IDAxIkQodHf8kFnGc3iSywtMjGFjOcqTPankMTjBTU1bXikrrBe2Oh0cqDqyT8kkEpxRx-oEkDeJyOZ2Hu7Vf1L0K2pr2rXcl77a9hWupyzp_3z5tMMDPH_eXGCJdru-ugGTJxLHq_2pzAvFMFj3mLS4edzOpgwLJ_jdBPWN2m_UIktnRoK9CIpse1nVeQJyAN8CbUkoVXZ7M6qvogTdhmxyaXxN4gz751HmMUz8YxP0nAAD__0TvTQI Photo (c) Clare FM

The Minister for Local Government claims he doesn't have a role in the delivery of an upgrade to the Clareabbey Treatment Plant.    At present, no new planning permissions can be granted for developments in Clarecastle or on the southside of Ennis as the treatment plant is at full capacity.    In written correspondence to Ennis Municipal District, Fianna Fáil Minister James Browne has said the upgrade of the facility is the responsibility of Uisce Éireann.    The correspondence was the subject of a discussion at this week's meeting of Ennis Municipal District.    Clare FM's Seán Lyons was at the meeting and spoke to Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly who's previously called for an upgrade of the treatment plant.

For many working parents, the summer holidays can bring a difficult balancing act between spending time with family and keeping on top of work commitments.   But remote working hubs are giving families a new option—allowing them to extend their stays while still having access to professional workspaces and reliable broadband.   In Clare, the Kilkee Hub has seen a major increase in demand during the summer months, helping visitors and local workers enjoy more flexibility while also supporting the local tourism economy.   Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss how these hubs are changing the way people work and holiday were Jackie Dermody, Broadband Officer with Clare County Council, and Bryn, a remote working parent who has experienced the benefits first-hand. Photo (c) via Inis Communications

In July 2023, Trish Blake was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer, and was told she had just 15 to 18 months to live.   As she approaches three years since that diagnosis, she's sharing her remarkable story of resilience, hope and living life to the fullest.   Trish joined to talk about the challenges she's faced, the importance of support, and why she believes a prognosis should never become a deadline in your mind.  Photo (c) Clare FM

Atlantic Tales - Loop Head Rowing Club Heritage Keepers - Episode 257 by Clare FM

On this week's Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn visits Carrigaholt to meet a local rowing club which is doing much more than just putting boats on water. Loop Head Rowing Club has also undertaken a Heritage Keepers project to celebrate and preserve the rich heritage of Carrigaholt and the wider Loop Head Peninsula.

A new initiative aimed at making Irish a more visible and natural part of everyday life in Ennis is taking another step forward this week.  Inis Dom, a partnership between An Clár as Gaeilge and Clare County Council, is encouraging businesses and the wider community to embrace the Irish language through simple, practical changes—from greetings and signage to menus and social media.   The project's official launch takes place tomorrow evening at the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis, and joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more were Ruairí Henchy, Irish Language Development Officer with Clare County Council, and Leah Ní Thailtigh, a representative from An Clár as Gaeilge. Photo (c) Clare FM

A Shannon man living in Australia is combining a personal challenge with a heartfelt cause.     Jack Lynch will take on the Melbourne Half Marathon this month to raise funds for St Teresa's Dementia Unit at Carrigoran Nursing Home in County Clare, inspired by the care his grandmother has received since being diagnosed with dementia.     Jack hopes his fundraiser will give something back to the staff who support residents every day with compassion, dignity and respect.     He joined Alan Morrissey from Melbourne to tell us more. You can donate to Jack's fundraiser here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fundraiser-for-st-teresas-ward-for-dementia-and-alzheimers?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3 Photo (c) Jack Lynch via GoFundMe

Clare County Council could potentially roll out training for elected representatives on how to deal with misinformation, disinformation and malinformation.   It follows a cross-party motion put forward on the matter at yesterday's meeting of the local authority.   Councillors say the issue is damaging community cohesion and public discourse and causing unnecessary fear and anxiety locally.   Clare FM's Daragh Dolan spoke to Shannonbanks Sinn Féin Cllr James Ryan on the matter, but first Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Cllr Joe Garrihy. Photo (c) Clare County Council

A student from Kilrush is preparing to represent Ireland on the world stage after winning one of the country's top Chinese language competitions.   Martha Leone, a second-year Electrical Engineering student at the Technological University of the Shannon, claimed first place in the university category of the prestigious Chinese Bridge competition and will travel to China this August for the World Chinese Language Championships.   It's not her first taste of international success either, having finished third in the world in the competition last year.   Martha joined Alan Morrissey to talk about her remarkable achievement, her passion for Mandarin and Chinese culture, and what's ahead at this year's World Championships.  Photo (c) Technological University of the Shannon

One of the highest honours in search and rescue has been awarded to a member of the Rescue 115 crew based at Shannon Airport. Winch paramedic Jim O'Neill has been named the 2026 recipient of the Billy Deacon Award, recognising his exceptional bravery during the rescue of all 14 crew members from a fishing vessel that ran aground in treacherous conditions at the entrance to Dingle Harbour last December. Jim was presented with the award at a ceremony in the Houses of Parliament in London, and he joined Alan Morrissey to talk about that dramatic rescue and what the recognition means to him. Photo (c) Clare FM

As families enjoy the summer holidays, many parents are already looking ahead to the cost of getting their children back to school.   New research from the Irish League of Credit Unions shows that secondary school parents face average costs of more than €2,100 this year, with almost six in ten describing those costs as a financial burden.   More than one in four expect to borrow money to cover the expense, while concerns remain over the rising cost of uniforms, technology and other school-related charges.   To discuss the findings and what they mean for families here in Clare, Alan Morrissey was joined by Louis Faye of St Francis Credit Union in Ennis and Shirley Conway Ryan, a parent from Tulla. Photo (c) pixelshot via Canva

The Health Minister is being accused of leaving Clare "at a standstill" ahead of the Dáil recess on Thursday. More than four months on from the announcement that the HSE has purchased a 44-acre site in Raheen in Limerick for the purpose of developing a new hospital campus, the hospital development board has yet to be established. As well as making decisions relating to the Raheen facility, the board will oversee the expansion of services at Ennis, Nenagh and St John's. Friends of Ennis Hospital spokesperson Angela Coll says nothing can be progressed at the Midwest's smaller hospitals until the board is assembled.

A blood donation clinic is being held in Clare today to ease the strain placed on stocks by the ongoing heatwave. The Irish Blood Transfusion Service is running the clinic in Kilrush Community School from 4:50pm to 8:10pm. The service is inviting its regular donors to make an appointment to donate by calling 1800 222 111. IBTS Donor Recruitment Executive Alex O'Connor says it's a challenging period.

Gardaí in Clare are reminding people that everyone has a role to play in keeping animals, land and communities safe during the heatwave. People are being urged to stay hydrated, avoid the hottest part of the day between 11am and 3pm, and never leave children, older people or pets in parked cars. Animal owners are advised to provide plenty of fresh water and shade and not to transport animals during the hottest part of the day, while motorists are also being reminded not to block access for emergency services at beaches and lakes. Sergeant Edel Bourke is also reminding people that, with an Orange Fire Risk Warning in place, they should avoid lighting fires or barbecues in high-risk areas.

After a break of several years, the Loophead Gathering Festival is making a welcome return to West Clare this summer.     The festival, which celebrates the rich musical traditions and community spirit of the Loop Head Peninsula, will bring together musicians, dancers, families and visitors for a weekend of traditional music, workshops, sessions and local events from the 17th to the 19th of July.     Joining Alan Morrissey earlier to tell us more about the revival of the festival was committee member Margaret Considine. Image (c) Loophead Gathering Festival