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Today's Headlines: Melania Trump made a surprise White House appearance — her first in weeks or possibly months — to announce a foster care initiative, opening with "I heard you missed me, here I am," which nobody would have thought twice about if it hadn't come directly after Jon Ossoff's comment that Trump wants to "travel with Natalie." The timing really did the heavy lifting there. Walmart posted its weakest growth since 2020, the FDA upgraded its frozen berry recall to its highest risk level over e.coli contamination, sourdough bread in Seattle was recalled for metal shards, and 65,000 people in Gary, Indiana have been without power for nine days with no restoration until at least next Tuesday. In other unpleasant news, the FBI raided Eric Swalwell's home and took his phone and computer as part of an investigation into his relationship with suspected Chinese spy Christine Fang, because some people really do make it too easy. The USS Abraham Lincoln was finally relieved of its nine-month deployment and is heading back to San Diego — a direct result of its crew publicly threatening to take their own lives. The publisher of Stars and Stripes announced his retirement citing "fundamental differences" with Hegseth's Pentagon, one week after the publication broke the Abraham Lincoln story, so do what you will with that information. Meanwhile, North Korea fired ballistic missiles hours after Kim Jong Un's sister dismissed Trump's requests for a diplomatic meeting and denied they'd even been in contact, which is a remarkable response to throwing South Korea under the bus for nothing. Russia flew a naval drone into Romanian airspace, which Romanian jets destroyed, and the EU Commission president called it hybrid warfare without naming Russia, which is the diplomatic equivalent of a strongly worded letter. And Trump is fighting to build a ballroom at his golf course in the Irish village of Doonbeg, where his only obstacle is a local hermit with no phone or social media who has blocked thousands of development projects across Ireland purely for sport. Resources/Articles mentioned: The Guardian: Michael Cohen, ex-fixer for Trump who once testified against him, hosts president on his radio show – US politics live WaPo: Walmart posts weakest growth in years, a worrying sign of inflation-weary Americans WaPo: FDA upgrades recall of frozen berries to highest-risk warning FDA: Updated – Grand Central Bakery Seattle Recalls Potato Sourdough Bread Due to Possible Foreign Object CBS Chicago: Gary, Indiana residents must wait until Tuesday for power, more than a week after severe storms The Hill: FBI raided Swalwell's home, seized devices as part of Chinese spy probe WaPo: Trump increasingly lashing out at allies as victory in Iran war proves elusive NYT: U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln Leaves Middle East After Months at Sea in Operation Against Iran FT: North Korea launches missile barrage after dismissing Donald Trump's overture The Guardian: EU's von der Leyen warns of ‘escalating campaign of threats' as Romania destroys naval drone – as it happened | Ukraine WaPo: Trump wants a ballroom in Ireland. One man is having a ball fighting it. Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Resurfacing works are underway on one of West Clare's busiest roads ahead of next month's Amgen Irish Open. Clare County Council will be working on the N67 from Doonbeg to Glascloon until August 28th. The road will be closed for the duration of the works, while diversions are in place. Doonbeg Councillor Rita McInerney is hopeful improvements will follow for the rest of the route in the near future.
As part of Heritage Week, a fascinating free guided bus tour is taking place this Saturday, exploring the stained-glass heritage of West Clare. Researcher and photographer John Glynn has spent the past five years documenting stained-glass windows at more than 140 locations across the county. He joined Alan Morrissey to tell us about Clare's remarkable stained-glass heritage and the special tour taking in Kilrush, Doonbeg and Monmore. Pic (c) Clare County Council
US President Donald Trump is expected to visit Clare next month for the Irish Open at his Doonbeg golf resort, with a trip to Dublin also expected during his stay. While the visit is being welcomed by some for the economic boost it could bring, it's also expected to attract protests. Among those planning demonstrations is People of Clare Against Genocide, which has announced a peaceful picnic at Doughmore Beach and a protest at Shannon Airport. Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss this were the Clare-based Chair of Sadaka, the Ireland Palestine Alliance, Eamon Meehan, and Tulla-based Fianna Fáil Minister of State, Timmy Dooley. Photo (c) geralt via Pixabay, Donald Trump
Art has the power to inspire, uplift and connect us with the world around us, and a new exhibition opening in Kilkee celebrates exactly that. The Wild Cure, by Doonbeg-based artist Gene Clohessy, brings together a vibrant collection of colourful and expressive works that reflect her passion for creativity and the natural world. Gene is a self-taught artist, educator and creative facilitator whose work spans everything from painting and mosaics to photography and textile art. Her fifth solo exhibition is now on display at Cultúrlann Sweeney Gallery and has now been extended until Sunday, 9th August. Earlier, Alan Morrissey spoke with Gene to learn more. Photo (c) Gene Clohessy via Clare County Council
Security is expected to be tight in Doonbeg where our reporter Peter O'Connell has been talking to locals about the visit.
Donald Trump is expected to visit Ireland next month, with stops in Dublin and at his Doonbeg resort in Clare for the Irish Open. The visit is set to include security preparations, possible protests, and meetings with senior Irish leaders. We get reaction to the visit with Paul Murphy, People Before Profit TD.
U.S. President Donald Trump has planned a visit to Ireland in September which will likely include engagements in Dublin, as well as attending the Irish Open golf tournament at his resort in Doonbeg, Clare.While The Government has been making preparations for the visit, not everyone is as welcoming.Aodhán Ó Ríordáin is Labour MEP for Dublin and says President Trump "..is not welcome in Dublin both for his domestic and international policy agenda".He joins guest host Seán Defoe to discuss.
Donald Trump is expected to visit Ireland next month, with stops in Dublin and at his Doonbeg resort in Clare for the Irish Open. The visit is set to include security preparations, possible protests, and meetings with senior Irish leaders. We get reaction to the visit with Paul Murphy, People Before Profit TD.
Coming up on the show, we will be looking back on a dramatic Cusack Cup final where Lissycasey just edged out Miltown in Doonbeg, along with reflecting on the Garry Cup final also. We will be looking back on the year that was for the Clare camogie squad, looking ahead to the All Ireland U16 C Ladies Football final for Clare, and the famed Kilrush Shamrocks are the latest guests on our More Than A Club series
From painting the walls of his family home as a child in Germany to creating eye-catching public murals here in west Clare, artist Marcus Vallboehmer has turned a lifelong passion for colour into a successful career. Now living in Farrihy, near Doonbeg, Marcus is the artist behind the striking new mural of Charlotte Brontë on the White Walls in Kilkee, celebrating the famous novelist's connection to the seaside town. Marcus joined Alan Morrissey to talk about his journey from Germany to Clare, his unique artistic style, and the inspiration behind his latest work. Photo (c) Marcus Vallböhmer via Facebook
Doonbeg and West Clare are eagerly awaiting the Amgen Irish Open, which is set to tee off at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel this September. Around 70,000 spectators are expected, the world's top golfers are confirmed to compete, and now there's growing speculation that US President Donald Trump could also attend after saying he "thinks" he'll travel to Ireland for the tournament. To discuss preparations, the excitement surrounding the event and what a potential presidential visit would mean, Alan Morrissey was joined on Monday's show by Doonbeg Fianna Fáil councillor, Rita McInerney, and Tommy Comerford from Doonbeg Community Development. For more on a potential visit by President Trump to Doonbeg, Alan Morrissey was joined by the General Manager of Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, Joe Russell. Photo (c) geralt via Pixabay, Donald Trump
The countdown is on to one of the biggest sporting events ever to come to West Clare. Around 70,000 spectators are expected to attend the Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg this September, and now US President Donald Trump has said he is thinking of travelling to Clare to attend the tournament and watch the world's top golfers, including Rory McIlroy. What could that mean for the local community in Doonbeg, for tourism, and for the village itself? To discuss it, Alan Morrissey was joined by Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor, Rita McInerney, and Tommy Comerford, Doonbeg community activist. Photo (c) geralt via Pixabay, Donald Trump
Irish folk-rock band All Folk'd Up are set to headline the closing day entertainment at this year's Amgen Irish Open in Doonbeg, bringing their high-energy live show to the mainstage in the Championship Village. The Clare event will combine world-class golf with live music and entertainment, with the band performing as spectators celebrate the end of a major week for Irish sport. Joining Alan Morrissey to chat about the upcoming performance, the band's music and what it means to be part of the event was Ryan Kelly from All Folk'd Up. Photo (c) All Folk'd Up
Residents of Doonbeg are being invited to help shape the future of their community through a new public consultation aimed at developing an ambitious five-year plan for the village. The survey is seeking ideas on social, economic and environmental initiatives that could make Doonbeg an even better place to live, work and socialise. To discuss the project and what it could mean for the area, Alan Morrissey joined by Fianna Fáil councillor Rita McInerney and Doonbeg resident Jennie Drysdale. Photo (c) Eddylandzaat via Wikipedia
Clare's beach bye-laws have come back into effect for the Summer season. As part of the measures, pet owners are prohibited from brining dogs onto the beach between 11am and 6pm. Doughmore Beach in Doonbeg is the only excpetion to the rule, but pets must be leashed or owners can face an on the spot fine of €75. County Dog Warden Frankie Coote says it's an option they're being forced to take.
Ahead of their Irish, UK and European Tour, Irish band Keywest will perform at the Amgen Irish Open in Doonbeg, this September. Defending champion Rory McIlroy will headline the on-course action, while off the course, five-piece rock and pop band Keywest will take centre stage on Saturday, 12 September, in the Championship Village at Trump International Golf Links Ireland. To find out more, Daragh Dolan was joined by the lead singer, Andrew Kavanagh. Image (c) Keywest
The Government insists Clare's policing needs will be "fully attended to" during the upcoming the golf tournaments being hosted here. The Walker Cup 2026 will take place in Lahinch from the 5th to the 6th of September, with the Amgen Irish Open being held in Doonbeg a week later. Approximately 80,000 attended last year's Irish Open in Kildare while roughly 4,000 each day went to the 2025 edition of the Walker Cup in California. Responding to a parliamentary question from Bodyke Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney, Fianna Fáil Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Niall Collins, says policing in other parts of this county won't suffer during these events.
For this week's Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher says that we're now entering into higher growth rates and reproductive stage of the perennial ryegrass plant:· Pre grazing yield must target 1300 - 1400 kg DM/ha on all farms· This will enable the animals to graze and clean out the sward to 4 cm· Grass should be green leaf from top to bottom For fertiliser, when spreading on dry stock farms it is important to include P (if allowance available), K and S, especially on paddocks that may have been damaged on the first rotation. Meanwhile, the featured farmer is Danny Bermingham, from Doonbeg, Co. Clare. Read more from this week's Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-28thApril For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com
Coming up on the show We look ahead to Clare's Munster football semi final showdown with Kerry, and look back on a busy week of U20 action We will preview the action for Clare's handballers this weekend, look ahead to a busy weekend of local soccer, hear about the Mick Egan road race in Doonbeg and Alan Troy will have Greyhound Focus
Friends of the Irish Environment claims its opposition to a new ballroom at the US President's West Clare resort has "nothing to do with the owner". The environmental group is threatening to go to the High Court over plans for a single-storey ballroom and other enhancements at Trump International Golf Links and Hotel Doonbeg. The development was given the green light by Clare County Council in February but Friends of the Irish Environment are raising concerns around drainage plans as well as the presence of the Vertigo Angustior snail which is said to be in "terminal decline". FIE Director Tony Lowes insists their sole focus is on promises made on environmental measures that haven't been kept.
A notorious fishing spot in West Clare, which was the site of another tragedy in March will be officially assessed for enhanced safety measures. Tajuddin and Salahuddin Safi lost their lives at Doonbeg's Bluepool last month after being carried out to sea by a rogue wave. It's understood at least 40 people have died at the location since the 1980s, and now the local authority is due to collaborate with Inland Fisheries Ireland to see if additional signage and ring buoys can be installed. Local Councillor Rita McInerney says its urgently needed.
Rita McInerney, Fianna Fáil Councillor on the death of two anglers near Doonbeg, Co. Clare.
John Draper, Divisional Controller at Valentia Coast Guard Marine Rescue Coordination Centre, on the death of two anglers near Doonbeg, Co. Clare.
Brothers Tajuddin and Salahuddin Safi drowned while fishing off rocks near Doonbeg in County Clare yesterday. We hear from John Lannon, CEO of Limerick based migrant support group, Doras and Cllr Abul Kalam Azad Talukder, Fianna Fail Limerick City West. Our Midwest Corresspondent, Petula Martyn has the latest.
Doonbeg has been accepted by the National Ambulance Service to establish a Community First Responder (CFR) Scheme for our community. A Community First Responder scheme is made up of trained local volunteers who work alongside the National Ambulance Service to provide immediate, life-saving assistance - such as CPR and the use of an AED (defibrillator) while an ambulance is on the way. Volunteers are notified of emergencies like cardiac arrests or stroke incidents, and those who respond often arrive within minutes and significantly improve survival outcomes. To provide more information, the National Ambulance Service will host an Information Night in Doonbeg Community Hall on Wednesday, 8th April at 8pm. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Caroline O'Brien. Image © Pat Flynn
A vigil is taking place this afternoon in memory of two brothers who bodies were found off the west coast of Clare on Tuesday. The two victims, who were fishing in Pulleen Bay at an area known as the Blue Pool between Kilkee and Doonbeg, have been named locally as Tajuddin Safi, aged in his 30s, and Salahuddin Safi, who was in his 20s. The brothers are understood to have been from Afghanistan and lived in Limerick for the past decade. The alarm was raised at 2:15pm on Tuesday after both men were swept off the rocks and emergency services located the bodies at around 4pm. Post-mortem examinations are to be carried out at University Hospital Limerick. West Clare Councillor Rita McInerney is calling for more warning signage in the area.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin sat down with US president Donald Trump for the traditional St Patrick's Day summit, with Mr Trump in typically boisterous form. How did the Taoiseach get on, though, with Iran, Keir Starmer, and a potential Doonbeg visit all on the agenda? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guests: Mary Regan and Cónal ThomasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Councillor Rita McInerney discusses why she agrees with a new ballroom for Doonbeg Trump Resort.
Last week, we brought you the details of what will be happening for the St. Patrick's Day parades in both Ennis and Doonbeg. Now, it is time to find out what is on the cards for some of the other parades that are due to be held around the county with Daragh Dolan on Morning Focus. Image © Doolin.ie
Over 60% of Clare's hotel rooms have already been contacted to provide accommodation by the Ryder Cup's official travel services. Up to 200,000 fans are expected to descend on the MidWest for the biennial golf competition between Team Europe and the United States next September. Clare's Tourism stakeholders, meanwhile, held a major networking event at the Rine Hotel last night, which will also aim to harness the benefits of the Irish Open in Doonbeg and Walker Cup in Lahinch later this year. Clare Tourism Advisory Forum Chair and Hotel Woodstock Co-Owner Seán Lally says it's a "pinch me" moment for the county.
Preparations are underway in West Clare for the annual Doonbeg St. Patrick's Day Parade, which will take place on Sunday March 15th at 3.30pm. This year's celebrations promise a colourful and family-friendly event for the community, with marching bands, a vintage tractor and car rally, and plenty of entertainment for all ages. The theme for 2026 is “Legends”, encouraging groups and participants to celebrate local heroes, sporting greats and figures from folklore. To tell us more, Alan Morrissey spoke with Rita McInerney, councillor and PRO of the Doonbeg St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, and this year's Grand Marshal, Joe Russell, General Manager of Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg. Photo (c) Doonbeg Community Development Post
The curtain rises this Saturday on the 2026 West Clare Drama Festival, as nine nights of outstanding amateur theatre get underway in Doonbeg. With groups travelling from across Ireland to compete under the auspices of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland, and a programme promising everything from comedy to high drama, it's set to be a fantastic week for theatre lovers. Alan Morrissey was joined by Chairman of the West Clare Drama Festival, Andrew Killeen.
Clare County Council has given the green light for a new 320-capacity ballroom at Trump International Golf Links and Hotel Doonbeg, but there's a small catch.Before construction begins, the resort must put a protection plan in place for a tiny, 2mm rare snail, Vertigo angustior, which is safeguarded under EU environmental law.The council says the measure is to ensure compliance with the EU Habitats Directive, even though reports submitted with the application concluded the development would have no impact on the species.Joining Seán to discuss this is John Gibbons, Environmental Journalist.
Oliver's monologue on a Wednesday.
Marie Collins of Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg discusses how the team at this spectacular coastal property is preparing to host the Irish Open in September. Collins outlines enhancements to the links layout designed to challenge the world's best players while preserving the course's natural character, and she describes how the Village of Doonbeg is embracing the opportunity — with local businesses, accommodations, and residents preparing to welcome an international audience for this highly anticipated championship.
If you've recently moved to the Doonbeg area — or even if you've lived there all your life — there's a special event happening this Saturday aimed at bringing the whole community together. Doonbeg Community Development is hosting a “Community Connect” evening in the Community Hall from 5 to 8pm, giving people the chance to meet local groups, learn about services in the area, and make new connections. Alan Morrissey was joined by Tommy Comerford from Doonbeg Community Development to tell us more. Image © Doonbeg Community Development via Facebook
Paul and Mick discuss the continued saga of Enoch Burke, an incident at Trump's Doonbeg hotel, drone incursions and more in a weekend edition of Shattered Lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
US President Donald Trump's son Eric is visiting Clare this week, Tuesday 20th Jan and Wednesday 21st Jan, as plans move forward for a major new ballroom development at the Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg. The proposed project, which is currently before Clare County Council, is being billed by the Trump Organisation as a significant economic boost for West Clare. Public submissions on the proposal close on the 2nd of February. To discuss what this visit means for Doonbeg and what locals hope will come from it, Alan Morrissey was joined by Doonbeg Fianna Fáil councillor Rita McInerney and local resident Willie Hanrahan. Photo (c) Pat Flynn
As the Irish Open is set to take place in The Trump Hotel in Doonbeg later this year, many people will flock to West Clare to see the sport in action.Donald Trump however has caused a lot of tension over recent years with many people strongly disagreeing with some of his actions.Can we put our personal feelings for Trump aside in the name of sport?Joining Andrea to discuss is Fionn Davenport, Journalist and presenter of the ‘Golf Weekly' podcast, Professional Golfer Damien McGrane and listeners.
Jack Horgan-Jones and Ellen Coyne join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· The long-anticipated EU-Mercosur trade deal was provisionally approved on Friday, despite the opposition of Ireland, France and three other countries. The deal has been immensely unpopular in Irish political life for a long time, thanks largely to efforts by the farming lobby. But there is now a sense that some figures in the European Commission are disappointed the Government did not make the case for the economic upsides of the deal. · Taoiseach Micheál Martin was in China this week on a four-day visit. Trade was also high on the agenda there, with China eager to import more high-quality food from Ireland. Human rights were mentioned in passing, and there was condemnation by the Taoiseach of Nicolás Maduro's authoritarian regime in Venezuela, the irony seemingly lost on the Fianna Fáil leader given the country he was visiting.· And the Taoiseach's party colleague, Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless, wants to ditch the one-bed en suites as the Government looks to move towards a co-living model involving communal space for university accommodation. A bathroom of one's own is a luxury students can go without. Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· The Saipan film reopens old wounds for Kevin Kilbane, Seán Moncrieff can't throw away all those old electronic cables, and boycotting Doonbeg is the least we can do to oppose Donald Trump's appetite for war.Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Environmental Group, Friends of the Irish Environment, is warning that a protected rare snail at Doonbeg in County Clare is now in what experts describe as “terminal decline”. The charity says this has serious implications for further development at the Trump-owned golf resort, including the proposed Irish Ballroom, and argues that existing court orders are not being complied with. Director of Friends of the Irish Environment, Tony Lowes spoke with Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus to explain what the law requires, why this tiny snail matters, and what could happen next. Photo (c) Pat Flynn
Leonardo La Pietra is the founder of Leo at Home, a small artisan food business based in Doonbeg. This is where he prepares authentic Italian dishes to finish at home, bakes fresh bread and focaccia, and crafts a selection of traditional desserts. This year, Leonardo's work earned national recognition when he won Gold at Blas na hÉireann for his handcrafted panettone in the Christmas Cake category. He's also the first person to produce artisanal panettone in the west of Ireland, and one of only a handful making it entirely by hand nationwide. With panettone now one of the most beloved Christmas desserts around the world, Leonardo is proud to share this tradition with the community in West Clare. Leonardo joined Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus.
Doonbeg is set for a big day of festive community spirit this Sunday at Doonbeg Hall all in aid of Clare Haven. To find out what to expect, Alan Morrissey spoke with the organiser Karen McInerney. Photo (c) Karen McInerney
The One Act Drama Festival is coming to Doonbeg this weekend. The event, part of the West Clare Drama Festival, will take place from Saturday to Monday, the 8th to the 10th of November. Nine different plays will be performed over three nights. For more on this, Chairperson of the West Clare Drama Festival, Andrew Killeen joined Alan Morrissey on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (C) West Clare Drama Festival Doonbeg Facebook
The Doonbeg Drama Group is taking to the stage this weekend with its new one-act play, “Willow”, written by Catherine McKiernan. The performance takes place on Saturday, October 18th at 8pm in Doonbeg Community Hall, with all donations on the night going towards the Doonbeg Christmas Lights Fund. To tell us more, the director, Mary Egan had a chat with Alan Morrissey on Thursday's edition of Morning Focus. Photo (c) Doonbeg Drama Group Facebook
The Killeen dairy farming family from Doonbeg, Co Clare have been shortlisted in the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards. Andrew and Bernadette Killeen, along with their son James, run the farm, proudly supplying Kerry Dairy Ireland. Recognised as Ireland's leading dairy farming awards initiative, the annual NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards honours Ireland's leading dairy producers who continue to work to enhance standards of excellence in dairy farming and milk production in Ireland. Alan Morrissey spoke to Andrew Killeen on Wednesday's Morning Focus. Image (c) The National Dairy Council (NDC) Ireland
John Keane is the new Chairman of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland. The Doonbeg man was appointed at the group's AGM in recent days. To find out more, John spoke with Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Amateur Drama Council Ireland Facebook
Welcome along to The Football Pod as we meet up in Tubridy's Bar in Doonbeg to wrap up the mens intercounty season with a round of golf - we're picking our stars of the season and bring you inside Kerry's All-Ireland win with their kitman, Colm Whelan - who took down Tommy in Croke Park earlier in the summer...(they're friends now!)(00:00) - Welcome to Tubridy's in Doonbeg(10:00) - The Secret War behind Sam Maguire(30:00) - The Football Pod Stars(50:00) - Kerry kitman Colm WhelanThe Football Pod is brought to you every week with thanks to AIB GAA.