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Clare Minor Coach Damien O'Halloran After All Ireland Final

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 30ú lá de mí an Mheithimh, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1999 thit an luach den stocmhargadh Éireannach de níos mó ná 4 billiúin punt agus de bharr sin bhí infheisteoirí ag iarradh scair a cheannach I Telecom Éireann. I 2006 chuaigh dhá spásaire suas chuig spás chun turgnamh a dhéanamh faoi phatrún codladh agus rinne dhá thaighdeoirí é ó Ollscoil Luimnigh. I 1989 thóg Gardaí sa chontae an tóirse de na Cluichí Oilimpeacha Speisialta I gCreatalach dá thréimhse de 700 míle. I 1999 droch nuacht d'Aerfort na Sionainne de bharr gur chuir siad deireadh le ion-AE siopadóireacht shaor ó dhleacht. Sin Nelly Furtado le Maneater – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 2006. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 2007 chan R.E.M cúig cheolchoirm san Olympia I mBaile Átha Cliath. Bhí sé mar cleachtadh don bhanna ceoil agus chan siad a lán amhrán ón albam a raibh chun teacht amach darbh ainm Accelerate agus bhí cúpla amhráin fós idir lámha. I 2009 thosaigh U2 a turas 360 le seó I Barcelona. Rinne siad 109 seó agus tháinig deireadh leis an turas agus rinne siad 735 milliúin dollar. Roimhe sin bhí The Rolling Stones an bhanna ceoil a rinne an méid is mó airgead le 558 milliúin dollar sa turas A Bigger Bang. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh Mike Tyson I Meirieá I 1966 agus rugadh amhránaí Cheryl Cole sa Bhreatain ar an lá seo I 1983 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 30th of June, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1999: The Irish Stock Market had fallen in value by £4.24bn as investors prepared to buy shares in Telecom Eireann. 2006: An Irish experiment into astronaut sleep patterns by 2 University of Limerick researchers was launched into space. 1989: Clare Gardaí took the Special olympics Torch at Setrights Cross Cratloe for their stint of the 700mile Garda Run for the Special Olympics. 1999: Shannon Airport took a major hit as it saw intra-EU duty free shopping abolished. That was Nelly Furtado with Maneater – the biggest song on this day in 2006 Onto music news on this day In 2007 R.E.M. played a five-night series of shows at Dublin's Olympia Theatre. Dubbed ‘working rehearsals' by the band, many songs from their forthcoming album ‘Accelerate' were debuted, with many of them still as works in progress. 2009 U2 kicked off their 360 tour with a show in Barcelona, Spain. 109 shows later, the tour finished with $735 million in earnings, blowing away the $558 million record set by The Rolling Stones on their 2005-2007 A Bigger Bang tour And finally celebrity birthdays on this day –boxer Mike Tyson was born in America in 1966 and singer Cheryl Cole was born in the UK on this day in 1983 and this is one of her songs. I'll be back with you tomorrow with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

To review the sporting fixtures, Alan morrissey was joined on Monday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Tommy Guilfoyle and Derek Dormer. Games Reviewed: All-Ireland Minor Hurling Final: Clare 0-10 Waterford 1-18 Cusack Cup Final: Eire Óg 3-19 Doora Barefield 0-14. Garry Cup Final: Kilrush Shamrocks 1-20 St. Breckan's 0-17 (Cooraclare) LGFA TG4 All-Ireland intermediate ladies football QF: Championship Clare 1-8 Monaghan 1-14 Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship - Group 1 - Round 5: Tipperary 4-17 Clare 0-10.

On Monday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tom Stewart from Keane's Garden Centre in Kilcolgan. This week, Tom gave listeners advice on ornamental grasses for containers and beds. If you have a question for Tom, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964.

As the government considers a proposal to raise personal injury award guidelines by nearly 17%, concern is mounting among small business owners, community groups, and local sports clubs. Does the move hand even more power to insurance companies, potentially driving up premiums and putting added pressure on already struggling sectors? Flora Crowe, owner of Crowe's Gala in Sixmilebridge and Vice President of the CSNA, is among those voicing serious concerns about the impact on everyday retailers and the communities they serve. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Flora Crowe, Crowe's Gala Sixmilebridge and Vice President of CSNA (Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association). Photo(C): rattanakun via canva

There was excitement on June 25th as dolphins were spotted swimming at Clarecastle Quay, a rare and joyful sight for locals. Jean Ryan of the Clarecastle/Ballyea Heritage & Wildlife Group captured the moment on video, showing the dolphins gliding close to the quay wall. Their appearance has sparked plenty of interest: just how common is it for dolphins to venture this far upriver? To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Mags Daly who runs the Shannon Dolphin Project on behalf of the IWDG and Jean Ryan from Clarecastle/Ballyea Heritage & Wildlife Group. Photo(C): Jean Ryan

Police are reviewing footage from Glastonbury Festival to determine whether any criminal offences were committed during performances by Bob Vylan and Kneecap. During their set on the West Holts Stage, Bobby Vylan — one half of the rap-punk duo Bob Vylan — led the crowd in chants including “Free, free Palestine” and “Death, death to the IDF.” Separately, a member of Irish rap group Kneecap appeared to encourage fans to “start a riot” in connection with an upcoming court appearance involving one of the band members. To discuss thisfurther, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM's Colum McGrath. Photo(C): https://www.facebook.com/itvnews/posts/glastonbury-police-assessing-comments-made-during-kneecap-and-bob-vylan-setshttp/1125177016311639/

The number of registered taxi drivers in Clare increased by 10 last year to 419, marking a 2.5% annual rise. Since 2019's high of having 430 taxis, Clare last 11 taxis, meaning this county has the sixth best retention rate in Ireland for the timeframe. However has Clare's taxi issue improved and are people still facing challenges on nights out and getting to work ? To address the nighttime element at least, Clare FM's Daragh Dolan has been speaking to Clarecastle Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle, who's also a member of the Ennis Purple Flag Committee which is charged with ensuring Ennis has a vibrant, safe and accessible night time offering. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined Charlie O'Meara, Chair of Clare branch of VFI. Photo(C): GoodLifeStudio from Getty Images Signature via canva

The West Clare Horse Show is taking place on Saturday, July 5th. This much-anticipated Family Fun Day offers something for everyone. To find out what's in store, Alan Morrissey was joined by Nicki Johnson, involved in organising. PHOTO CREDIT: West Clare Horse Show via Facebook

Eight-year-old Cliodhna O'Brien from Mullagh has achieved national acclaim after winning first place at the Irish Dancing National Championships. Competing in the Under-8 category at the INEC in Killarney this month, Cliodhna triumphed over 31 other talented dancers from across Ireland. For more on this Alan Morrissey was joined by Cliodhna O'Brien, the eight-year-old 1st place winner at the Irish Dancing National Championships and Aoife Gavin, Cliodhna's mom.

HSE Mid West is welcoming the publication of national healthcare performance data by the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, which highlights the work being delivered across Outpatient and Inpatient services at University Hospital Limerick and throughout the Midwest region. The data points to real improvements in outpatient and inpatient services, waiting list reductions, and efficient patient care. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by, Sandra Broderick, Regional Executive Officer, HSE Mid West.

The first ever Mayor of Clare from Clarecastle says enhancing wastewater infrastructure will be among the main goals of his term in office. Fine Gael Councillor Paul Murphy has been elected Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council from the 2025 to 2026 term, with Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Clare-Colleran Molloy to serve as deputy. There are currently 26 towns and villages in Clare without extensive public access to sewerage facilities, while a further 25 have no connection at all. Cathaoirleach Murphy says there's a clear focus for the year ahead.

A landmark visitor attraction officially opens today in East Clare following a €4.3m refurbishment of a historic building. Described as the region's "most ambitious tourism project to date", the Old Rectory in Mountshannon, which has been standing since 1905 has been transformed to house the Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience. The centre offers panoramic views of Lough Derg, a first floor café, with a modern exhibition space showcasing stories about Holy Island and East Clare's heritage. Clare County Council Tourism Director Siobhán McNulty says it's an exciting new venture.

Clare Manager Ger O'Connell After All Ireland MHC Final

Eire Og's Mark McInerney After Cusack Cup Win

On this week's Atlantic Tales Pat Flynn visits Design Bank located in the former Bank of Ireland in Miltown Malbay. After lying vacant for several of years, the building has been transformed into a craft shop with a number of work areas for artists as well as a retail space to sell their work.

Clare's progress in the All Ireland Ladies Football Intermediate Championship has been halted at the quarter final stage Monaghan have advanced to the last four after their 1-14 to 1-8 win over Graham Shine's side in Quilty this afternoon. The Banner trailed by two points at the break but could only manage three second half points as Monaghan kicked a further seven. Clare FM Analyst Niall Hickey says the slow start to the second half was costly.

Enhancing economic opportunities in Kilrush and Lahinch, securing a fair deal for Cliffs of Moher landowners and improving the road network have been listed as the top priorities for the West Clare Municipal District's new Cathaoirleach. Lahinch Fine Gael Councillor Bill Slattery succeeds Doonbeg Councillor Rita McInerney in the role and will wear the chains of office for the second time in his career. The first ever councillor from Quilty, Fianna Fáil's Michael Shannon will serve as Leas Cathaoirleach. Cathaoirleach Slattery says he's hoping to achieve a lot in the year ahead.

The number of children in Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary awaiting an assessment of need has decreased by 2% since the end of last year. The Department of Health's data shows almost 15,300 assessment of need applications were overdue at the end of March which was up 8% on December 2024. The number for the Midwest region is 434 which indicates a reduction of 1.8% since December. Responding to Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan in the Dáil, Fine Gael Minister of State Jerry Buttimer says it's a step in the right direction.

Fr Brendan Quinlivan presents Beyond Beleif this week's programmewhich features the Apostolic Work Society which celebrated the 70th Anniversary of its foundation in the Diocese at the weekend. Contributors to the programme include Bishop Fintan, Frances Keane Doonbeg, Archbishop Eugene Nugent - Apostolic Nuncio to Kuwait, Fr. John Bane. Sr. Catherine Grady - Medical Missionary in Tanzania working on combatting Human Trafficking. Fr Jimmy Kennedy - returned missionary from South Sudan and South Africa, Mary O'Connor from Armagh - National President of the Apostolic Work Society.

Fr Gerry Kenny leads our Sunday Prayer for today Sunday 29th June 2025, the Feast of Corpus Christi.

The newly elected Cathaoirleach of Killaoe Municipal District says tackling housing shortages and rural depopulation will be the key aims of his tenure. Whitegate Fine Gael councillor Pat Burke was appointed at the Annual General Meeting of Killaloe MD this week, with Killaoe Fianna Fáil councillor Tony O'Brien selected as Leas-Cathaoirleach. Advancement of progress on the R352 and the delivery of the Crusheen rail stop were highlighted as goals for the coming year. However, councillor Burke claims vacancy, dereliction and wastewater capacity were the most pressing issues indicated in the district's Socio-Economc Plan.

The number of patients treated at Ennis' Local Injury Unit has increased for the second consecutive year. New HSE figures show 16,037 people attended the county town's LIU in 2024. It's a marginal 5% rise on the numbers seen there the previous year, with over 1,300 patients now coming through the Ennis Local Injury Unit each month. HSE Regional Health Forum West member Councillor Rita McInerney says it clearly illustrates the need for an Emergency Department in the town.

The All Ireland minor hurling final, the All Ireland ladies intermediate football quarter final and the conclusion of the club football leagues are the chief focus on this weeks show

Natalie Moran is a Dublin based Singer-Songwriter, who since her debut, has held attention on the scene with an ongoing release of singles and an EP that gained recognition. Grateful to the music scene, Natalie has engaged with audiences in renowned music venues, festivals and Headline Shows. Natalie's music and voice is distinctive and flexible, meshing between powerhouse and sweet tones. With experimental openness to pop creation, she peaks interest with crossing genres and styles, adding a flare of electro synth and soul to her music. The thrill continues as Natalie Moran releases the newest track to her catalogue, ‘A Chance'. The song features a disco drum, synth atmosphere and a punchy sax line, bound to make you want to move to it. The uplifting groovy beat of this track backs the message of facing your reflection to allow yourself the freedom to take chances. The song tells us that it is time to say 'NO' to holding yourself back and 'YES' to stepping into your power.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 27ú lá de mí an Mheithimh, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1986 bhí an Taoiseach ag iarradh olltoghchán I 1987, agus dúirt sé is cuma faoin toradh den reifreann colscaradh. I 1997 thosaigh Bertie Ahern mar Thaoiseach an oíche roimhe I gcóir cúpla bhliain. I 1975 chuir daoine cheist ar na daoine sa chontae chun uisce a chaomhnú mar go raibh foinse uisce ag éirí gann. I 1986 bhí iarracht dheireanach chun dúnadh iomlán a sheachain ag Aerfort na Sionainne an tseachtain sin agus dúradh go mbeadh sé chun é a dhéanamh. Sin Wham! Le Edge Of Heaven – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1986. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1981 fuair Michael Jackson a chéad uimhir a haon aonair sa Bhreatain le One Day In Your Life. Thaifead sé é dá albam a tháinig amach I 1975 darbh ainm Forever, Michael. I 1987 bhí Whitney Houston an chéad bhean I Meiriceá chun sroich uimhir a haon sna cairteacha lena halbam darbh ainm Whitney. Bhí sí an chéad bhean chun sroich uimhir a haon ceithre huaire nuair a tháinig I Wanna Dance With Somebody amach. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh Khloé Kardashian I Meiriceá I 1984 agus rugadh aisteoir Matthew Lewis sa Bhreatain ar an lá seo I 1989 agus seo chuid de na rudaí a rinne sé. 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 27th of June, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1986: the taoiseach was targeting a general election for a year from now, no matter what the outcome of the divorce referendum. 1997: bertie ahern settled in last night for a long spell as taoiseach. 1975: water supply caretakers throughout the county were directed to ask the public to conserve water, as water sources were running low. 1986: a last ditch attempt to avoid a total shutdown of shannon airport on thursday morning appeared likely to succeed. That was Wham with Edge Of Heaven – the biggest song on this day in 1986 Onto music news on this day In 1981 Michael Jackson had his first solo UK No.1 with 'One Day In Your Life' a song recorded by Jackson for his 1975 album, Forever, Michael. 1987 Whitney Houston became the first women in US history to enter the album chart at No.1 with 'Whitney' she also became the first woman to top the singles chart with four consecutive releases when 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' hit No.1. And finally celebrity birthdays on this day –Khloé Kardashian was born in America in 1984 and actor Matthew Lewis was born in the UK on this day in 1989 and this is some of the stuff he has done. I'll be back with you next week with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

Clare's Minister of State insists the Government's decision to join a €150bn EU Defence Programme will protect the country against growing threats into the future. Tánaiste and Defence Minister Simon Harris is expected to confirm Ireland's entry into 'Security Action for Europe' today, which will allow the state to acquire military equipment faster and at a lower cost. The SAFE deal only covers specific items such as air defence systems, artillery, ammunition, drones and anti-drone weapons. Tulla based Fianna Fáil Minister Timmy Dooley has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that Ireland's cyber and security weaknesses have already been exposed by bad international actors.

To preview the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Monday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Sports Analyst Derrick Lynch. All-Ireland Minor Hurling Final: Clare v Waterford Camogie - All Ireland Round Robin Series Clare v Tipperary Cusack& Garry Cup Finals: Clare v Monaghan LGFA

It is time for the last episode of our second season of The Village Tour. With The Village Tour, we here at Morning Focus are aiming to highlight the smaller villages and townlands around the county. By doing this, we hope to showcase their unique character, while also bringing their diversity and individuality to life for you, the listener. During each episode of The Village Tour, Alan Morrissey chats chat with various people from a particular village or townland in Clare: from locals and business owners to those involved with local sports clubs, community representatives and many more. In our latest episode of The Village Tour, Alan Morrissey paid a visit to O'Callaghan Mills.

Kilmurry based Fianna Fáil Councillor Alan O'Callaghan's term as Mayor of Clare comes to an end today (Friday). The Mayoral chains are set to be handed over to Clarecastle Fine Gael Cllr Paul Murphy, who'll become the first Magpie to hold the office. For Cllr O'Callaghan it was a year that started with a bang, with one of his first official functions welcoming home the All-Ireland Champions, all going well Cllr Murphy will get to do the same for Clare's Minor side after this weekend. However, Alan O'Callaghan also witnessed the opening of the historic Shannon Bridge Crossing, hosted a number of civic receptions and as per tradition represented Clare in New York for St.Patrick's Day. For more on this, Peter O'Connell was joined by Alan O'Callaghan, Kilmurry based Fianna Fáil Councillor.

Clare Greyhound Sanctuary is in crisis. After months of rising costs and falling donations, they've had to stop taking in new dogs, simply because they can't afford to care for them. With vet bills mounting and urgent repairs needed, the team has launched a GoFundMe, hoping to raise €5,000 to keep going. To discuss this issue further Peter O'Connell was joined by Petra Meyer who runs the Clare Greyhound Sanctuary. PHOTO CREDIT: Clare Greyhound Sanctuary

Next we move our attention to an upcoming protest called the ‘Silent Protest Under The Blue & Yellow Flag.' It's not your typical protest — no chants, no speeches — just silence. But behind that silence is a powerful message of solidarity with the people of Ukraine. To find out more, Peter O'Connell was joined by one of the organisers, Kateryna Raikova.

There appears to be dissatisfaction over grass cutting in Shannon. Locals have pointed to Tullyglass Court as a particular area of concern, with one resident describing the quality of grass cutting there as “absolutely disgraceful.” However, it's not just Tullyglass Court that is raising the hackles of locals, with the whole town of Shannon being described as looking “so run down and unkempt.” For more on this, Peter O'Connell was joined by Pat Slattery.

The old Killaloe Bridge will undergo a pedestrianisation trial next month. From July 28th until early October, the 18th Century bridge connecting Killaloe and Ballina will be closed to vehicular traffic to assess the demand this will place on the new Shannon Bridge Crossing. It's understood that since the €88m Brian Boru bridge opened in May, that over 4,500 vehicles are still traversing the old bridge each week. Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien believes the trial will conclusively prove that both bridges need to serve vehicular traffic.

The incoming Mayor of Ennis claims her father would've got a "great kick" out of her career choice. Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard has been elected Cathaoirleach of Ennis Municipal District for the 2025 to 2026 term, with Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly to serve as Leas-Cathaoirleach. Councillor Howard's father, Lisdoonvarna native Michael Howard, was a member of Clare County Council from 1974 to 1991, and served in Seanad Éireann from 1977 to 1997. Now entering her 17th year as a councillor, she says politics was never part of the plan.

Clare Manager Ger O'Connell Ahead Of All Ireland MHC Final

Clare's Ellie Hanrahan Ahead Of All Ireland LGFA IFC Quarter Final v Monaghan

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 26ú lá de mí an Mheithimh, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1992 chosain sé an IDA timpeall 13,950 míle punt chun post nua a chruthú an bhliain roimhe. I 2009 tháinig sé amach go mbeadh dianteannadh mór chun a bheith ann do drong coireacht eagratihe I gcúpla seachtain. I 1981 bhí an amharclann puipéad Eugene Lambert chun ceist a chur do 60 míle punt chun ionad pobail a fhorbairt ag An Mullach. I 1992 rinne Aire Bertie Ahern ard a tharraing ar an chlár dílárú a bhí ag an rialtas. Sin David Guetta agus Kelly Rowland le When Love Takes Over – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 2009. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 2000 tháinig sé amach go mbeadh Kentwood – áit chónaithe Britney Spears chun músaem a oscailt agus go mbeadh rudaí ann cosúil le post ó leantóir, ceirnín platanaim agus éadaí ón amhránaí. I 2005 dúradh go mbeadh na ticéid do cheolchoirm Rolling Stones sa Hollywood Bowl an-chostasach. Bhí na ticéid timpeall 249 punt – sin 2 punt gach nóiméad don cheolchoirm. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh aisteoir Chris O'Donnell I Meiriceá I 1970 agus rugadh amhránaí Ariana Grande I Meiriceá ar an lá seo I 1993 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 26th of June, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1992: it cost the IDA an average of £13,950 to create a new job last year. 2009: the biggest every garda clampdown on organised crime gangs was set to be unleashed within weeks. 1981: the eugene lambert puppet theatre was to pull the purse strings for a £60,000 commmunity centre development project at mullagh next week. 1992: the success of the governments decentralization programme was being highlighted by the finance minister, bertie ahern. That was David Guetta and Kelly Rowland with When Love Takes Over – the biggest song on this day in 2009 Onto music news on this day In 2000 Britney Spears hometown of Kentwood, Louisiana announced that a new museum, due to open early next year, would include a section including fan mail, platinum records and genuine items of the singers clothing. 2005 Tickets for a forthcoming Rolling Stones gig at the Hollywood Bowl were set to become the most expensive in rock 'n' roll history. Fans would have to pay up to £249 for a seat - £2 per minute to watch the Stones. And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – actor Chris O'Donnell was born in America in 1970 and singer Ariana Grande was born in America on this day in 1993 and this is one of her songs. I'll be back with you tomorrow with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

The number of claims made by motorists to Clare County Council for pothole damage has reached a seven year high. New data shows there were 780 complaints made to the local authority last year, resulting in 49 claims, all of which were settled. Just over €7,400 was paid out in compensation to Clare motorists last year, while in the same timeframe the council spent over €37m on road maintenance. Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Hayes has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan however that the funding is not enough and the council is not sufficiently resourced to tackle the problem.

A new medical facility in Ennis is being welcomed as a vote of confidence in the town which will drastically cut journey times for patients. Fresenius Medical Care Limited, which is the operator of the Limerick Dialysis Centre on the Dock Road, has secured planning permission for a renal dialysis facility in the Clare Technology Park. It's understood the unit will be operational between April and June of next year and will feature 20 stations capable of catering for up to 20 patients at any one time. Chairperson Irish Kidney Association's Clare branch, Dermot Hayes, has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons it's a gamechanger for many in the county.

On this week's episode of Clare Women In Business, Pat Flynn chats with Bronagh O'Rourke, co-founder of Burren Farm Experience in Boston, Tubber.

Michael D. Walsh must surely have the market cornered when it comes to the subject matter for his new book. Michael's latest book focuses on bathtubs! ‘Wild Bathtubs: Tracking the Wild Bathtubs of North Clare', is described as “an extraordinary exploration of the humble bathtub and its surprising journey through time.” For more on this, Peter O'Connell was joined by Author, Michael D. Walsh.

A Morning Focus listener contacted us to highlight her concern over an out of action streetlight in Ennis that, if not repaired, she believes could lead to a serious incident. Statement from Clare County Council: “Clare County Council is engaged with its public lighting maintenance contractor to resolve lighting units which are currently in fault on the R352 Tulla Rd. between Fitzpatrick's Shop and the access to Castle Rock Housing Estate. Following initial inspections, the lights were restored but faulted immediately after and following subsequent inspections a defective cable has been identified and shall require replacement and additional infrastructure works to restore power to the affected lights. These works have been listed as a priority and it is planned to commence necessary civils works in the immediate future.”

This July, a new online Parent Support Group led by Michelle Nelligan is launching — created specifically for parents who want to share their experiences in a safe, non-judgmental space. Michelle, an autistic woman and mum to three autistic daughters, will guide the group with empathy, insight, and lived experience. To discuss this further, Peter O'Connell was joined by organiser Michelle Nelligan.

On Thursday's Morning Focus, Peter O'Connell was joined by Tommy Hayes. Tommy is a man of many talents. The renowned musician/percussionist has made his mark on the musical landscape, having played with Stockton's Wing, Altan, and Riverdance amongst others. He has been to the forefront of traditional Irish music for over 40 years, performing on more than 400 albums. Tommy also has an impressive array of film appearances on hsi CV, including Titanic, The Devil's Own, Rob Roy, In the Name of the Father, and The Field. Tommy's latest project, 'The Garden Where The Praties Grow' is described as “a cinematic story of the potato and its lasting impact on Irish culture told through traditional Irish music, song and dance.” The premiere of the film is taking place on July 1st, with further screenings scheduled – including at Glór in Ennis on the 15th of July 15th. PHOTO CREDIT: The Garden Where The Praties Grow via Youtube

The Midwest will become the centre of the golfing world in 2027, when the Ryder Cup comes to the region. The 2027 Ryder Cup – the showpiece golfing matchup between Europe and the United States, will take place at Adare Manor in County Limerick, from September 13th-19th, 2027. The event in 2027 will be the centenary staging of the biennial contest. It will also see the Ryder Cup return to Irish shores for the first time since the K Club in Kildare back in 2006. How will Clare benefit from this massive event? To discuss this further, Peter O'Connell was joined by Sean Lally, Chair of Clare's Tourism Advisory Forum, Ennis Hotelier. PHOTO CREDIT: Ryder Cup

A Co. Clare salon has picked up prizes at a prestigious salon of the year awards. The Skin & Make Up Studio in Ennis was named as ‘Best Independent Salon Ireland' at the 2025 IIAA Salon of the Year Awards. They also claimed the ‘Community Champion' award at the ceremony in London, which saw skincare and makeup professionals from Ireland and the UK gather to celebrate their successes across categories that recognised achievements in client results as well as business growth. For more on this, Peter O'Connell was joined in-studio by Maureen Considine, owner of Skin & Make Up Studio in Ennis. PHOTO CREDIT: Maureen Considine

Tributes are being paid to a humanitarian from County Clare who passed away last weekend. Mike McDonagh, late of Miltown Malbay and formerly of Ennis, died last Saturday. Mike was a former United Nations official who also worked for Concern for more than 20 years, including serving as country director in Laos, Somalia, Angola, Rwanda, North Korea, and Zimbabwe, amongst numerous locations. Mike is survived by his wife Sarah McNiece, daughters Saoirse and Molly, and extended family and friends. His funeral mass will take place in St Joseph's Church, Miltown Malbay on Friday (from 5pm – 7pm). To Discuss this further, Peter O'Connell was joined by David McMahon of the United Nations and Paul Heslop, who knew Mike in Angola (1994), they shared a house together in Khartoum (2004-2006) and also from Libya and Oman CONF

A young man is putting one foot in front of the other, all the way from the South-East of England to the West Coast of Ireland to raise awareness and funds for mental health. Frazer Last, from East Sussex in England, is walking over 800 kilometres across two countries, with the final stretch of the epic journey bringing him to Labasheeda. To find out more, Frazer Last joined Peter O'Connnell in studio.

There's only one day left to make submissions on the Ennis Transport Plan. Over 50 residents living near the Old Mill Road in Ennis attended a protest yesterday over council plans to create a one-way traffic system with a cycle lane on a prominent thoroughfare in the town. Under the Draft Ennis Local Transport Plan , its proposed to make the southbound lane of Mill Road stretching from Carmody Street to Harvey Quay's a one way street, to facilitate a footpath, which can't be built at present as a protected structure which cannot be knocked protrudes onto the roadway. It's proposed in this case that Northbound traffic will be re-routed through a residential and commercial area of Cloughleigh. Clare FM's Darragh Dolan was at the protest yesterday and he first spoke to Cloughleigh resident Mary McNamara. A traffic survey by local Garage Owner Pat Foudy has indicated that the new plans will bring up to 5,990 additional vehicles a day up Old Mill Road, and that just 0.2% of traffic analysed on the proposed one-way street at Mill Road was either a pedestrian or a cyclist. The community are now raising concerns over potential congestion as well as road safety issues, particularly in relation to HGVs, while the owner of the protected building at the centre of the controversey claims he was not consulted by the local authority about any potential solution. For more on this, Peter O'Connell was joined by Bridget Ginnity of the Ennis Green Party.

The Child and Family Agency has confirmed it will be doubling its number of social workers in Clare. There are currently just 3 TUSLA staff working on the Clare children's care team, who are responsible for 43 children between them. A further 77 children in this county are on a waiting list for social care and TUSLA has now indicated its intention to bring its social worker staffing complement up to 6 in the coming weeks. Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney says it's desperately needed.