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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
To preview the sporting fixtures, Peter O'Connell was joined on Monday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Derek Dormer.
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
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.
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.
To review the sporting fixtures, Derrick Lynch was joined on Monday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Kieran Madigan.
On 'Ours To Protect', we take a closer look at biodiversity, sustainability and the broader issue of Climate Change as it relates to Clare. This week, Pat Flynn finds out more about electric vehicles and how they are playing a central role in Ireland's Climate Action Plan. Ours to Protect brought to you by Clare FM, the IBI and funded by Coimisiún na Meán, with the Television Licence Fee.
Gardaí are imploring motorists in Clare to slow down this Bank Holiday weekend amid concerns over a rising number of road traffic incidents. So far this year, Gardaí have responded to 592 crashes in this county alone. Additionally, 94 people have been caught drink driving in Clare, an increase of 45% from this time last year. Clare Community Engagement Functional Area Superintendent John Ryan has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan there'll be extra patrols and checkpoints in the coming days and that it's not worth taking a risk.
Kilmurry Ibrickane and St.Breckan's do battle this evening for control over Group 3 in the TUS Clare Senior Football Championship. The top two meet in the tie of the round in Miltown after recording opening round wins a fortnight ago. Kilmurry's young players came to the fore last time out with Cathal Talty nailing five points while Caoilfhionn O'Dea added 1-2 for David Egan's men. Clare FM analyst Kieran Madigan says in the absence of big names they've found a wider range of scoring threats.
A model four hospital for Clare has been recommended in a pre-budget submission. It will be presented to both the Finance and Public Expenditure Ministers, and claims a new acute hospital with an emergency department is the only solution to chronic overcrowding in the region. The document, published by Friends of Ennis Hospital highlights that the MidWest has the oldest population, highest level of multimorbidity and lowest amount of consultants of any health region in the country. Chairperson Angela Coll has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that the findings are clear.
Doonbeg will be hoping to keep their 2025 TUS Clare Senior Football Championship campaign alive this weekend. They face off against Lissycasey in Miltown on Saturday evening, knowing a defeat will likely see them knocked out of the championship. Lissycasey kicked 21 points in a comfortable victory over Kilmihil last time out, while Doonbeg suffered a one point defeat to Ennistymon in Round 1. Clare FM analyst, Joe Garry, says the close-fought nature of that defeat may just give Doonbeg an edge this weekend.
Ballyea manager Robbie Hogan says his side will have to dust themselves down and take the positives from their performance in the first game of the TUS Clare Senior Hurling Championship. His side fell to a one point defeat to Kilmaley leaving them on the back foot in Group 4 ahead of their crucial second round clash with Scariff. The 2022 county champions had looked set to open their account with a win as they held an 11 point lead at half time, after Tony Kelly netted twice in first half. Hogan's been telling Clare FM's Derek Dormer that their inability to get on breaking ball in the second period let them down. Meanwhile, Clooney Quin Boss Fergal Lynch is lauding his sides staying power as they kicked off their campaign with a win. A late surge saw them claim a three point victory over Broadford to sit second in Group 2, with leaders Inagh-Kilnamona providing the opposition in the next round. Lynch says his players have finished strong in every game they've played this year.
A Clare MEP believes uncertainty for the pharmaceutical sector in the Midwest will continue as a result of the framework trade agreement signed by the EU and US. The deal signed yesterday imposes a 15% import tariff on the majority of EU goods including pharmaceuticals which it was hoped would be exempted. The outcome of talks has been welcomed across the Government with the Taoiseach claiming it will bring "clarity and predictability" to the trading relationship. Scariff Independent MEP Michael McNamara has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons the US President appears to have got what we came for and may come back for more.
To review the sporting fixtures, Derrick Lynch was joined on Monday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Derek Dormer and Kevin Sheehan Games Reviewed: TUS Clare SHC: Friday: Group 1: Clonlara v Sixmilebridge (Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosog) Group 3: Newmarket-on-Fergus v Éire Óg (Clarecastle) Saturday: Group 2: Clooney Quin v Broadford (Shannon) Group 4: Kilmaley v Ballyea (Sixmilebridge) Group 1: Crusheen v St. Joseph's Doora Barefield (Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosog) Group 3: Feakle v Wolfe Tones Shannon (Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosog) Group 4: Cratloe v Scariff (Broadford) Group 2: Inagh-Kilnamona v Corofin (Gurteen) Premier IHC: Friday: Group 1: Killanena v O'Callaghan's Mill (Scariff) Saturday: Group 2: Clarecastle v Whitegate (Bodyke) Sunday: Ruan v Sixmilebridge (Cratloe) TUS IHC: Sunday: Group 1: O'Callaghan's Mills v Broadford (Clonlara) Inagh-Kilnamona v Scariff (Clooney) Group 2: St. Joseph's Doora Barefield v Smith O'Briens (Broadford) Newmarket-on-Fergus v Kilmaley (Ballyea) All Ireland Minor B LGFA Final: Clare v Sligo (Saturday, Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence, Bekan)
Clare FM's Derrick Lynch is joined by former Clare LGFA manager & owner of iGaelic Coach Evan Talty for commentary on Clare's All Ireland Minor B LGFA final win over Sligo
Clare's minor ladies footballers have been crowned All Ireland champions. Barry Donnelly's side secured a 1-8 to 0-7 win over reigning champions Sligo in the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence in Bekan, Co Mayo this afternoon. The crucial score, a goal off the boot of Aoibheann Ryan, came just before the half time whistle to give Clare a 1-3 to 0-4 lead as the sides headed for the dressing room. Clare FM analyst Evan Talty says Clare showed immense resilience to grind out the result in the closing stages.
Ahead of Saturday's All Ireland Minor B LGFA final, Clare FM's Derrick Lynch spoke with Clare manager Barry Donnelly, captain Aisling Crowe, along with vice captains Rea Meaney and Aisling Kelly to look ahead to their clash with Sligo in the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence.
To preview the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Monday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch. TUS Clare SHC: Friday: Group 1: Clonlara v Sixmilebridge (Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosog, 7pm) - LIVE Group 3: Newmarket-on-Fergus v Éire Óg (Clarecastle, 7pm) Saturday: Group 2: Clooney Quin v Broadford (Shannon, 1:30pm) Group 4: Kilmaley v Ballyea (Sixmilebridge, 3:30pm) Group 1: Crusheen v St. Joseph's Doora Barefield (Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosog, 4pm) Group 3: Feakle v Wolfe Tones Shannon (Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosog, 6pm) - LIVE Group 4: Cratloe v Scariff (Broadford, 6pm) Group 2: Inagh-Kilnamona v Corofin (Gurteen, 7pm) Premier IHC: Friday: Group 1: Killanena v O'Callaghan's Mill (Scariff, 7pm) Saturday: Group 2: Clarecastle v Whitegate (Bodyke, 6pm) Sunday: Ruan v Sixmilebridge (Cratloe, 1pm) TUS IHC: Sunday: Group 1: O'Callaghan's Mills v Broadford (Clonlara, 1pm) Inagh-Kilnamona v Scariff (Clooney, 1pm) Group 2: St. Joseph's Doora Barefield v Smith O'Briens (Broadford, 1pm) Newmarket-on-Fergus v Kilmaley (Ballyea, 1pm) All Ireland Minor B LGFA Final: Clare v Sligo (Saturday, Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence, Bekan, 2:30pm)
A prominent and much-loved North Clare business is set to close its physical shop due to what it has described as a seriously challenging environment. Having been in business since 2010, Airmid Natural Irish Skincare has been trading on Ennistymon's Main Street since 2021 but will be reverting to an online only model at the end of September. The family firm will be the latest in a number of Artisan makers to leave the market town in recent months and has pointed to the 23% VAT rate, a dramatic drop in tourist footfall and soaring operating costs. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan has been to Ennistymon to find out more and spoke to the town's newest business, but began by asking Airmid Co-Owner Kevin Lynch about their recent decision.
A North Clare drinking water supply has failed to comply with E.Coli standards for the second year in a row. According to the Environmental Protection Agency's latest annual report Monreagh-Tubber was among the 3% of private schemes nationwide to test positive for the bacteria, which can lead to serious gastrointestinal illness. It's understood the Monreagh-Tubber supply has been operating under a boil water notice for the last year and that it will be connected to the public mains in the coming months. EPA Wastewater and Drinking Water Inspector, Michelle Roche has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan however that the outlook for Clare is positive.
Clare FM Preview Of 2025 TUS Clare SHC by Clare FM
Clare SFC Manager Reaction - St Breckans And Lissycasey by Clare FM
Clare has been allocated over €14m to upgrade group water schemes. It represents roughly 19% of the funding dished out nationwide, with approximately 31 installations to benefit in this county. The Coolmeen-Kildysart Scheme alone will receive over €2.7m, with over €1m also ringfenced for schemes in Cree, Miltown Malbay, Loop Head, Moyasta and Kilrush. Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that it will secure the future of many communities.
Clare FM's Derrick Lynch speaks with Eire Óg manager Shane Daniels, Lissycasey boss Aidan Moloney & Kilmurry Ibrickane manager David Egan after their opening round wins in the TUS Clare SFC
Last week, we announced that Radio Bingo, in association with Sláinte an Chláir, will be coming to an end. It has been a much-loved feature on Clare FM for many years, and we've truly enjoyed bringing you the numbers each day. Alan Morrissey was joined by the Honorary Chairperson of Sláinte an Chláir Teresa Murrihy and John Martin, Managing Director of Play Print.
To review the sporting fixtures, Alan morrissey was joined on Monday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Kieran Madigan and Derrick Lynch. Games Reviewed: Clare SFC Round 1: Friday 18th July Cratloe 0-11 Eire Og 2-23 (Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosog) Kildysart 1-12 Doora Barefield 1-12 (Clarecastle) Ennistymon 2-9 Doonbeg 0-14 (Miltown) Saturday 19th July Kilmihil 0-21 Lissycasey (Quilty) 0-6 St Breckans 0-13 Wolfe Tones 0-5 (Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosog) Kilmurry Ibrickane 2-15 Miltown 1-13 (Cooraclare) Clare IFC Round 1: Friday 18th July Clondegad 3-17 Coolmeen 1-10 (Kilmihil) Saturday 19th July Naomh Eoin 2-12 Corofin 1-18 (Lissycasey) Sunday 20th July Shannon Gaels 1-17 O'Currys 3-11 (Kilrush) Liscannor 0-9 Cooraclare 0-12 (Quilty) Ennistymon 1-10 Michael Cusacks 0-13 (Corofin) Kilrush Shamrocks 1-15 Banner 1-14 (Kilmihill)
A Clare member of the HSE Regional Health Forum West claims children are being left in "constant, nagging pain" while on waiting lists. The latest figures from the National Treatment Purchase Fund show over 33,000 people were waiting on appointments at Ennis Hospital and University Hospital Limerick last month. A whole 67 children were on waiting lists in Ennis in June with eight of these waiting over a year for outpatient paediatric services. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Antoinette Baker-Bashua, who's a member of the HSE Regional Health Forum West, has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons these children are being denied access to early intervention.
The cost of living was the big topic on the final day of the Dáil before the summer break. TDs won't be back in Leinster House for another nine weeks as this Dáil term ends. Leaders' Questions was dominated by the cost of living and the significant increases in the number of families who are in energy arrears. Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty says it's disgraceful electricity credits are being scrapped in the budget. Clare FM's Sean Lyons has been speaking with Clare SVP President, Denis Carty about the cost of living, energy arrears and electricity credits.
To preview the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Friday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Sports Editor, Derek Lynch. Games Covered: Clare SFC Round 1: Friday 18th July Cratloe v Eire Og (Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosog, 7pm) Kildysart v Doora Barefield (Clarecastle, 7pm) Ennistymon v Doonbeg (Miltown, 7pm) Saturday 19th July Kilmihil v Lissycasey (Quilty, 4pm) St Breckans v Wolfe Tones (Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosog, 5pm) Kilmurry Ibrickane v Miltown (Cooraclare, 7pm) Clare IFC Round 1: Friday 18th July Clondegad v Coolmeen (Kilmihil, 7pm) Saturday 19th July Naomh Eoin v Corofin (Lissycasey, 1:30pm) Sunday 20th July Shannon Gaels v O'Currys (Kilrush, 12pm) Liscannor v Cooraclare (Quilty, 1pm) Ennistymon v Michael Cusacks (Corofin, 1pm) Kilrush Shamrocks v Banner (Kilmihill, 1pm)
Midwest Simon is calling for the Ukrainian Offer a Home scheme to be extended to all citizens in Ireland. The Simon Community's latest Locked Out of the Market report has found there are just 32 properties available across 16 study areas nationwide within the limits of the Housing Assistance Payment. In Ennis, there are just two properties available to rent, neither of which is within HAP limits. CEO of Midwest Simon Niall Garvey has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons the Government isn't treating the housing situation as a crisis.
Clare FM Preview Of 2025 TUS Club Football Championships
In April 2021, Jennifer Poole's life was tragically and violently taken from her by a man she once trusted, someone whose long history of violence remained hidden from her, and from a system that should have protected her. This tragedy compelled her brother, Jason Poole, to stand up, not only for Jennifer, but also for every woman in Ireland who lives in fear behind closed doors. Her death triggered the launch of a national campaign for “Jennie's Law”, which represents a powerful call for systemic and fundamental change to Ireland's approach to domestic violence. Jennie's Law would essentially establish a Domestic Violence Register if it becomes legislation and is modelled of Claire's Law which already exists in the UK since 2014. A motion calling for the legislation to be published has passed at the latest meeting of Clare County Council this week. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan was there for the historic moment and spoke to Mayor of Ennis Cllr Mary Howard who represents Rape Crisis MidWest on the Clare Local Area Network, but firstly Newmarket-On-Fergus Cllr David Griffin who raised the motion and has been engaging with the Justice Minister on the matter.
Managers Views - 2025 Clare SFC Round One Clare FM Commentary Games Eire Óg v Cratloe; Kilmihil v Lissycasey; KIB v Miltown
A heavy goods vehicle driver in Clare has to replace his mirrors at least twice a year due to obstructions from overgrown vegetation. Kilmurry Fianna Fáil Councillor and Owner of O'Callaghan Fuels, Alan O'Callaghan has called for roadside hedges to be exempt from the wildlife act in order to combat a serious road safety hazard. Clare County Council will now write to the Department of the Environment to see what can be done. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan was speaking with Councillor O'Callaghan. Meanwhile, councillors, farmers and hauliers across the county have voiced their discontent over the restrictions of the wildlife act and the window for hedge cutting on road safety. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Pat Burke, Whitegate Fine Gael Councillor and Joe Killeen, Corofin Fianna Fail Councillor.
In this week's History in Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by local historian and author, Colm Liddy to focus on Lisdoonvarna And County Clare 150 Years Ago If you have any stories you would like to share with Colm about your town, you can contact him at colmliddy@eircom.net or Clare FM at focus@clare.fm.
The more than 100 pub closures in Clare in the past two decades are being attributed to changing attitudes to nightlife and socialising. A new report from the Drinks Industry Group has revealed that 108 pubs have ceased trading here in the last 20 years, accounting for almost 30% of the number operating in the county in 2005. Clare has the 10th highest closure rate nationwide according to the figures, and the Drinks Industry Group is forecasting a further 1,000 closures nationwide within the next decade. Martin Baker of the Burren Inn in Tubber has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons there's no evidence the Government is genuinely listening to the asks of publicans.
Clare FM's Therese McInerney took a trip to Miltown Malbay to the Willie Clancy Summer School. The Willie Clancy Summer School is a week-long summer school in traditional music and set dance held annually at Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare.
Clare's Chief Fire Officer is urging people not to light fire under any circumstances this week. The Banner County will be under a status yellow high temperature warning from 12pm on Saturday until 6am on Sunday, with temperatures of above 27 degrees expected. Met Éireann is warning of potential water safety issues, forest fires, uncomfortable sleeping conditions and heat stress. Clare County Fire and Rescue Service's Chief Fire Officer Adrian Kelly has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons once a fire starts, particularly near vegetation, it's very difficult to stop it.
Welcome to this week's episode of Clare Women in Business on Clare FM. This week, Pat Flynn chats with Fiona Brennan, a Business Success Coach and Project Management Consultant
Clare FM's Therese McInerney took a trip to Miltown Malbay to the Willie Clancy Summer School. The Willie Clancy Summer School is a week-long summer school in traditional music and set dance held annually at Miltown Malbay.
An Ireland South MEP has defended her decision to vote against what she's called a "fascist" censure vote of the European Commission President. Ursula von der Leyen has survived the motion tabled today after it failed to secure the required two-thirds majority. The motion was brought forward by a Romanian far-right MEP after von der Leyen's refusal to release text messages exchanged with the Chief Executive of Pfizer during the pandemic. Ireland South MEP Fianna Fáil Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons creating a power vacuum in Europe would only serve to destabilise Ireland and jeopardise its interests.
A prominent Clare developer claims government plans to reduce studio apartment sizes will not stimulate housing growth. It comes as Planning Minister John Cummins and Housing Minister James Browne have published new guidelines that would lower the minimum apartment size from 37 to 32 square metres. The coalition claims the plans would increase delivery without compromising disability, fire safety, or environmental requirements. However, Ciarán Breen of Ciarán Breen Construction in Ennis believes the new measure offers no incentives to builders.
As you've been hearing in our news bulletins, there's been an accusation that democracy hasn't been upheld at a meeting of Ennis's elected representatives. Tense exchanges took place during this week's Ennis Municipal District meeting where residents and business owners flooded the public viewing gallery to observe a discussion about the Draft Ennis Local Transport Plan. After a motion tabled by Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom O'Callaghan calling for the removal of proposals to reduce two-lane access to Carmody Street, Mill Road, Clare Road, Clonroad, Lifford Road and Highfield Park received unanimous support, the Clarecastle representative asked for a vote on the matter. This request was denied by Mayor of Ennis, Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard, however, who stated that it couldn't go to a vote as public consultation is ongoing. This was met with fierce opposition from Councillor O'Callaghan as well as Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle and members of the public in the gallery. Clare FM's Seán Lyons was at the meeting and spoke to local businessman Michael Barry who was one of those in attendance. Meanwhile, a local community group is lending its support to the Ennis Local Transport Plan, saying “Ennis Can't Stay Stuck in the Past”. Better Ennis, which advocates for healthier town centres, and active and public transport for all ages and abilities has robustly defended many of the proposed interventions that they believe will make the town a much healthier and attractive place to live and work. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Gearóid Mahon and Síle Ginanne from Better Ennis.
Clare FM's Therese McInerney took a trip to Miltown Malbay to the Willie Clancy Summer School. The Willie Clancy Summer School is a week-long summer school in traditional music and set dance held annually at Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare.
There were widespread celebrations in Clare's capital amid the official opening of a new social housing development. The €3.65m age friendly An tArd complex has finally been unveiled to the public, trigger scenes of joy and relief among those in attendance. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan began by speaking to one of the new residents, Sinéad Clancy
Clare FM's Therese McInerney took a trip to Miltown Malbay to the Willie Clancy Summer School. The Willie Clancy Summer School is a week-long summer school in traditional music and set dance held annually at Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare.
To review the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Monday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Derek Dormer. Games Reviewed: All Ireland Senior Camogie Quarter-Final: Clare v Waterford (Saturday, Croke Park) WillWeGo.com Clare Cup Final: Clonlara v Inagh-Kilnamona (Sunday, Dr. Daly Park)
It's claimed that the plateauing of house prices in Clare is the result of the market levelling out, rather than "bucking the trend" of rising house prices. The latest quarterly report from MyHome.ie shows the median cost of a home in Clare is €295,000, the same as in quarter one, but up €20,000 on 2024 figures. However, the cost of a 3-bed-semi-detached house in the county now costs €26,000 more than it did this time last year, despite an over €7,500 price dip since March. Managing Director of Myhome.ie Joanne Geary has been telling Clare FM's Darragh O'Grady that constrained supply is resulting in the long term continued rise in house prices in Clare.
Clare FM's Therese McInerney took a trip to Miltown Malbay to the Willie Clancy Summer School. The Willie Clancy Summer School is a week-long summer school in traditional music and set dance held annually at Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare.
The community group, Retailers of Ennis, imposed a blockade on the delivery entrance to Dunnes Stores on Friday in response to the retail giant's erection of an electronic barrier. The barrier came into operation on Thursday and is preventing delivery trucks from accessing businesses on O'Connell Street and Cook's Lane, as they have been doing since the arrival of Dunnes in Ennis in the early 1990s. Clare County Council says "the barrier was not sanctioned or erected by the Local Authority", while "pedestrian access is still being maintained at this location", and "any issues in respect of vehicle rights of way or access are considered to be civil matters". Clare FM's Seán Lyons was at Friday's demonstration and caught up with John O'Connor of Custys Music Shop.