Podcasts about Doonbeg

Welcome back! A few weeks between pods, but we are back in action! It was great to chat with Mitch recently to unpack my recent golf-trip to the Nelson region, and to discuss Mitch's recent trip overseas where he played courses such as Ballyliffin, Doonbeg, Ganton and more! We also touched on the historic Ryder Cup that concluded earlier this week. Enjoy!

Back in early August, we spoke about the upcoming Doonbeg Charity Truck and Tractor Run, with Chair of the organising committee Martin Kelly sharing what was planned for this year's event. Since it began in 2019, the Doonbeg Charity Truck and Tractor Run has raised thousands of euro for a range of local and national charities. This year, the chosen beneficiaries were West Clare Cancer Support, Happy Feet Happy Minds, and Down Syndrome Clare. Martin Kelly rejoined Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus to reflect on the success of this year's run and to talk about the upcoming cheque presentation night. Picture (c) Doonbeg tractor and truck run via Facebook

Clare County Council is asking the Department of Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland for "increased focus and funding" for West Clare's roads ahead of the Irish Open 2026. Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney has this week called for "critical improvements" to be carried out on the region's roads network in advance of the competition, with a particular emphasis an Kilmihil through Cree to Doonbeg. In response, the West Clare Municipal District says it's currently working on "plans for improvements" and is liaising with the Department as well as TII in relation to the works involved along with a request for "increased focus and funding on these routes". Councillor McInerney says there's an appetite for the maintenance programme and the allocation of funding from Government to be fast-tracked.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will face the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park on 28 September, marking the first regular-season NFL game to be played in Ireland. On this week's show, Sinéad and Gavin ask why there has been so little public debate as to whether hosting America's Game in Dublin is a good idea. They discuss what the NFL is, and explain its close ties to the US military. As America continues to support Israel's genocide in Gaza, why are we willing to pay State money to host this game? Or is the hosting of this game just another part of Ireland's pragmatic and lucrative embrace of America?They also discuss the awarding of the 2026 Irish Open to President Trump's course in Doonbeg. Are we doing this to favour or placate the American president? And if we need to do this, what does this actually say about our sovereignty? Are we actually free at all?Get in touch - sinead@thejournal.ie and gavincooney@the42.ie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Thursday's show, we focused on the big news: the confirmation that Trump International Golf Links Hotel in Doonbeg will host the 2026 Amgen Irish Open. The tournament is scheduled to take place from September 10th to 13th and will feature some of the world's top golfers competing on one of Ireland's most renowned courses. On Friday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Joe Russell, General Manager Trump International Golf Links Hotel Doonbeg who gave his views on the news which was announced this week. Photo (c) Clare FM

The Association of Catholic Priests are calling for golfers not to take part in next year's Irish Open, which will be held at Trump International in Doonbeg, saying it is “shameful” and “another example of appeasing Donald Trump”.Joining Kieran to discuss is one of the association's Co-Founders, Father Tony Flannery.

Donald Trump's Doonbeg Golf Club will host next year's Amgen Irish Open.This is the first time the Co. Clare course will host the tournament, with Taoiseah Micheál Martin saying that President Trump would be "welcome" to visit Ireland.Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at University of Galway & Political Columnist with TheJournal.ie and Lawrence Donegan, Founder & Editor of McKellar Magazine spoke to Matt on Wednesday.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the chat.

Doonbeg Golf Club in County Clare, owned by US President Donald Trump, will host next year's Irish Open. The tournament will take place from September 10th to the 13th 2026. Sources at Trump International in Doonbeg say it is unlikely the US President would attend the event next year. However, Taoiseach Michael Martin says Donald Trump would be more than welcome. On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by David Tubridy, Local businessman and Tommy Commerford, Community activist promoting Doonbeg, Secretary for Doonbeg Boatmen's group and Paul Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council. Photo (c) Pat Flynn

Speculation is mounting that West Clare will be hosting the 2026 Irish Open. It follows reports that Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg will be confirmed as the venue later today. The Taoiseach says he'd welcome a meeting with Donald Trump if he attends the Irish Open next year. Meanwhile Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that it's vital road infrastructure is upgraded in time for the event that should have long lasting economic impacts.

To review the sporting fixtures, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined on Monday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch and Kieran Madigan. Games Covered: TUS Clare SFC Preliminary Quarter-Final: Miltown Malbay 1-12 v Doonbeg 0-11 (Saturday, Kilmihill) TUS Clare SFC Relegation Semi-Final: Kilmihil 2-10 v Kildysart 1-14 (Friday, Cooraclare) Clare IFC Relegation Semi-Final: Ennistymon 1-07 v Liscannor 0-11 (Saturday, Quilty) IHC & PIHC Action Women's Rugby - Interprovincial Series: Leinster v Munster

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 26ú lá de mí Lúnasa, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1981 tháinig clann le dhá pháiste saor ó thine a tharla ina tí. I 1998 bhí plean ann chun 150 bus nua a bheith ann agus córas dairt níos fearr leis an chostas de 150 milliúin punt. Bhí an plean ann chun an trácht a laghdú I mBaile Átha Cliath. I 1976 tháinig sé amach go raibh aefort na sionainne lán de dhaoine do seachtain iomlán. I 1998 bhí imní ag comhairle contae an chláir faoi na plean a bhí ann don chúrsa gailf I nDún Beag leis an chostas 12.5 milliúin punt agus de bharr sin chur siad stop leis ar feadh tamall. Sin Beyoncé le Crazy In Love – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 2003. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1965 chuaigh Sonny & Cher chuig uimhir a haon sa Bhreatain lena hamhrán I Got You Babe agus bhí sé seo a t-aon uimhir a haon sa Bhreatain riamh. I 1970 tharla cóisir I Nua Eabhrac chun ceiliúradh a dhéanamh den oscailt den stiúideo Electric Ladyland. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh aisteoir Melissa McCarthy I Meiriceá I 1970 agus rugadh aisteoir Macaulay Culkin I Meiriceá ar an lá seo I 1980 agus seo chuid de na rudaí a rinne sé. Beidh mé ar ais libh amárach le heagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo. Welcome back to another edition of Ar An Lá Seo on the 26th of August, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1981: A young Dublin couple and their 2 children had a naroow escape as fire swept through their home 1998: an extra 150 busses and a better dart system were part of a £150m plan to tackle dublins traffic problem. 1976: it was reported shannon airport recieved a 7 day boom. 1998: PLans fo rthe proposed £12.5 million Doonbeg gold course recieved a set back following clare county councils conerns oveer the project. That was Beyonce with Crazy In Love – the biggest song on this day in 2003 Onto music news on this day In 1965 Sonny & Cher were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'I Got You Babe', the duo's only UK No.1. 1970 A party was held to celebrate the official opening of 'Electric Ladyland' studios in New York City, New York. And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – actress Melissa McCarthey was born in America in 1970 and actor Macaulay Culkin was born in America on this day in 1980 and this is some of the stuff he has done. I'll be back with you tomorrow with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

International diplomacy has always seemed very much behind-the-scenes work but in recent times it seems more front and centre. Former Irish Ambassador to the United States, Dan Mulhall demystifies the job and explains some of the tricks of the diplomacy trade, including how to woo Donald Trump.

Visitors to West Clare are being warned not to enter the water at one of the county's beaches this weekend. With temperatures set to reach 26 degrees here, large crowds are expected to descend on local waterways. Swimming is prohibited at Doughmore in Doonbeg at all times however, given the prevelance of rip currents, but despite this it's understood there's been a number of rescues already this year. Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney says it's vital people prioritise safety.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 13ú lá de mí Lúnasa, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1976 tháinig sé amach go raibh na praghsanna ag ardú dhá oiread is tapúla I gcomparáid leis an Bhreatain. I 1993 tháinig an Roinn Oideachais amach ag rá go raibh an rabhadh I gcoinne scrúdaithe chun dul isteach chuig scoil ag bogadh chuig scoileanna a raibh daoine ag íoc chun freastail ar. I 1976 d'oscail séipéal nua I nDún Beag leis an ainm Our Lady Assumed into Heaven. I 1993 bhí bean aois 21 an chéad bhean ón chontae chun a bheith mar ghunnadóir san airtléire. Sin Anastacia le I'm Outta Love – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 2000. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1992 chan Neil Diamond a chéad oíche ó 6 I Madison Square Garden I Nua Eabhrac. I 2007 tharraing Amy Winehouse amach as dhá cheolchoirm de The Rolling Stones sa Ghearmáin de bharr cloíteacht. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh Alfred Hitchcock sa Bhreatain I 1899 agus rugadh aisteoir Sebastian Stan sa Rómáin ar an lá seo I 1982 agus seo chuid de na rudaí a rinne sé. Beidh mé ar ais libh amárach le heagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo. Welcome back to another edition of Ar An Lá Seo on the 13th of August, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1976: It was reported that prices in Ireland were rising roughly twice as fast as in Britain. 1993: The Department of Education revealed last night that the move against entrance tests will extend to fee paying schools 1976: Doonbeg's new church of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven was opened. 1993: 21 year old Clare woman became the first female gunner to join the artillery corps. That was Anastacia with I'm Outta Love – the biggest song on this day in 2000 Onto music news on this day In 1992 Neil Diamond played the first of six sold-out nights at Madison Square Garden in New York. 2007 Amy Winehouse pulled out of two Rolling Stones gigs in Hamburg Germany citing exhaustion And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – Alfred Hitchcock was born in the UK in 1899 and actor Sebastian Stan was born in Romania on this day in 1982 and this is some of the stuff he has done. I'll be back with you tomorrow with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

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

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.

Éire Óg boss Shane Daniels says his side still 'have loads to work on' despite booking their spot in the quarter finals of the TUS Clare Senior Football Championship. Colm Walsh O'Loghlen netted twice as the reigning county champions raised four green flags in their ten point defeat of Doora Barefield. The win sees The Townies through to last eight with a game against Kildysart still to be played. Daniels says with the club competing in both codes, getting through to the quarters as early as possible was crucial. Meanwhile, Doonbeg manager Brian Shanahan says they were rewarded for their determination as they kept their championship campaign alive. His side rescued a point against Lisscasey after Tadhg Lillis found the net with the last play of the game to force a 1-12 to 15 points draw. The result means Doonbeg will still have to beat Kilmihil in their final group game to progress to the next round. Shanahan says he's pleased his players have something to show for their perseverance in both championship matches this year.

Send us a textIn Your Nature returns with a heartening new episode exploring the Return to Nature Clare Church Biodiversity Project, a community-driven initiative transforming churchyards into havens for wildlife and reflection. Ricky is joined by Barry O'Loughlin, Biodiversity Officer with Clare County Council, to discuss the origins of the project, its progress to date, and the vital role of community involvement in its success. Together, they reflect on how with the bishops blessing, these sacred spaces are being reimagined as biodiversity hotspots, blending heritage with habitat.Later in the episode we meet Jennie Drysdale and Anne McLaughlan, two local champions of the project. On location in Doonbeg, they share their experiences of embracing the initiative, the positive changes already visible in their community, and their hopes for the future. Their story is a testament to the power of grassroots action and the beauty that emerges when people and nature reconnect.The Hedgehog is the featured species of the week, chosen by special request from Jennie. These charming nocturnal mammals are increasingly reliant on connected green spaces like churchyards for foraging and shelter. Their presence is a hopeful sign of a healthier, more hospitable landscape for all wildlife.In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council, and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland, and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Heritage Council.For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.

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.

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.

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.

The All Ireland Currach Regatta is coming up next week in Doonbeg. Hosted by the West Clare Currach Club, the event takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, 4th of August, with races starting at 11am from Doonbeg Pier. It's a great day out for the whole family and a fantastic celebration of maritime heritage on the West Clare coast. To discuss this further, Derrick Lynch was joined by Shaunie Honan, Chairman of West Clare Currach Club. PHOTO CREDIT: Doonbeg Currach Club. via Facebook

It's hoped West Clare will be benefitting from the immense economic boost of the Irish Open in 2026. It's understood the DP World Tour is currently in discussions with Trump International Golf Links and Hotel Doonbeg, with a view to holding the event at the world renowned course next year. The Irish Open was previously held at Lahinch in 2019 and is believed to have injected over €10m in the local economy over the course of a week. Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney says it would be a gamechanger.

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)

The Manager of the Clare Minor Ladies Footballers is hailing his sides character following last night's dramatic All-Ireland Semi Final Win. The Banner overcame Monaghan after extra-time in goalfest in Tarmonbarry on a full time score of 5-3 to 3-7 and will face Sligo in the decider in the coming weeks. Doonbeg's Aoibheann Ryan was the star of the show scoring 4-1, while Liscannor's Shannon Cagney disptached a penalty. Clare Boss Barry Donnelly says every member of the squad showed incredible resilience.

Volunteers are urgently being sought to train the next generation of Clare's open water lifesavers. The Clare branch of Water Safety Ireland is currently seeking instructors and swim teachers to provide lessons across Miltown Malbay, Mountshannon, Doonbeg, Cappa, Ballyvaughan, Kilkee, Labasheeda, Flagmount and Carrigaholt. Open water safety classes in Clare are among the longest running in Ireland, with the tradition now in its 80th year. Clarecastle based Chair of Water Safety Ireland Claire McGrath says it's vital new personnel are trained to keep our recreational water hotspots safe.

Today, we were joined by Madeleine Shinnick — a devoted grandmother who raised her children in the coastal village of Doonbeg before moving to Galway in 2011. What was meant to be a joyful family outing turned into a heart-stopping moment of fear along the shores of Lahinch — a place as beautiful as it is dangerous when the tide rolls in. Her 11-year-old grandson Michael was swept into the sea by a sudden riptide — a terrifying force that catches even the strongest swimmers off guard. For a few long seconds, he vanished from view. But thanks to the quick, selfless actions of four complete strangers, Michael was pulled from the waves and brought safely back to shore. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by grandmother, Madeleine Shinnick. Photo(C): Madeleine Shinnick.

Clare County Council is calling for a dedicated Oireachtas committee to scrutinise ambulance response problems here. The local authority is seeking a full investigation into an incident which resulted in a woman waiting three hours by the roadside following a single vehicle crash in Doonbeg. It's also requesting a probe into the awarding of the new Coast Guard Search and Rescue Aviation contract to Bristow Ireland, amid concerns over training, which it's understood has restricted operating hours to between 8am and 8pm. Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch says hard questions need to be answered.

Although its planning application remains live, and its latest objector is the great Tommy Tiernan(!), Fuinneamh Sceirde Teoranta's plans for a 450mw offshore windfarm off the coast of Clare and Galway is not going ahead. Corio, the company behind the development have halted the €1.4bn plans citing environmental challenges that and site investigations indicating the location meant the windfarm would not be resilient enough during an extreme weather event. The 30 proposed turbines were due to a have maximum tip height of 325m and were predicted to generate enough power for 350,000 homes along with a community benefit fund of €70m over the next 20 years. Specifically to Clare, works included grid connection cables at Doonbeg and an electrical compensation compound near Killimer. Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch has been reacting to the news, and he's been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan he's worried about the connotations this could have for other projects in Clare in the near future... To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Donnbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor, Rita McInerney. Picture (c) thebroker via Canva

Concerns Over Child Accessing Highly Dangerous Doonbeg Playground Construction Site Concerns are being expressed over children gaining access to what is described as a highly dangerous playground construction site in Doonbeg. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Colm Killeen, PRO of Doonbeg Playground Committee.

The Tánaiste says he will be demanding answers from the HSE's CEO as to how a Clare woman waited over 3 hours by the roadside for an ambulance following a crash. The incident took place in Doonbeg last Monday after a woman was involved in a single vehicle collision, and required a unit of Kilkee Fire Brigade to remain at the scene until an ambulance arrived. The Government has since signalled it will be rolling out additional community paramedics here to deal with low acuity calls. Speaking during a visit to Ennis, Tánaiste Simon Harris says it was an unacceptable episode.

Clare is set to be allocated more community paramedics to deal with low acuity ambulance calls. It follows a recent incident in Doonbeg in which a woman waited over three hours for an ambulance following a road traffic collision. Construction is expected to begin on a new ambulance base in Kilrush this year, but the Dáil has now heard calls for another ambulance base to be built here, to bring the county's total to six. Responding to Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe, Junior Health Minister Mary Butler says there are plans to improve services.

A woman's three-hour roadside wait for an ambulance following a road traffic collision in West Clare has been slammed as outrageous by a government TD. The National Ambulance Service was alerted to a single vehicle incident in Doonbeg at roughly half 11 yesterday morning, but had no resource available to respond to the scene. The Cork based air ambulance was eventually dispatched, and then stood down when a road ambulance became available - by the time the woman reached hospital, it was an almost four-hour ordeal. Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe insists he'll be raising the incident with the Health Minister.

One of the people behind a protest at Trump Doonbeg in recent days says their main motivation was to remind locals that the site's owner is a felon. A vigil was held at the entrance to Trump International Golf Links and Hotel Doonbeg this week, where signs displaying the slogans "genocide supported here", "stop genocide" and "Trump is a felon" could be read. The demonstration came just five days after an incident of criminal damage at the property in which two greens were dug up and Palestinian flags were mounted. Eileen Thomas from The People of Clare Against Genocide says the US President's criminal history and unequivocal support for Israel are no secrets.

It is time for the twelfth 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 chats 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 paid a visit to Doonbeg...

PJ hears from Eoin who wrote a song about Conor McGregor's White House appearance and Karen Dempsey a humanist celebrant who says she will no longer accept bookings at Doonbeg which is (or was at least!) a popular sport for humanist ceremonies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Patrick's Day diplomacy, a shifting global order, and Trump whispering in Micheál Martin's ear; he's nursing more than a hangover with his front-row seat to the chaos economy of Trump's America. This week, we break down the Irish leader's White House shindig, the Doonbeg-ification of Irish diplomacy, and why Trump sees Ireland as a useful pawn in his battle with Europe. Meanwhile, Brexit is floundering, Germany is rearming, and Britain is quietly edging back toward the EU. Could Keir Starmer be the man to undo Brexit? And why does Trump's economic vision for America sound suspiciously like Ireland in the 1970s; low-wage, low-productivity, and stuck making three-in-one stereos? From the horse whisperer to the Trump whisperer, from NATO to Naas Road manufacturing, this one has it all. Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A West Clare councillor has condemned an incident of criminal damage at Trump International Golf Links and Hotel Doonbeg as an "attack on private property". Believed to have taken place between 5pm and midnight on Wednesday, the incident is understood to have involved holes being dugs and Palestinian flags being mounted on the site's golf course. Gardaí are currently appealing for witnesses and have asked for video footage including dash-cam to be made available to them. Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney insists there's a better way people can express their political convictions.

Water, sand dunes, roads that aren't up to scratch...these are among the issues affecting Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by General Manager of Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, Doonbeg, Joe Russell. Photo(C): https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=8475460599176985&set=a.326012564121870

Peter O'Connell visits Doonbeg in Co. Clare where US President Donald Trump owns a golf resort and Rita McInerney, Fianna Fáil Councillor in Co Clare, reacts to her name being mentioned in The White House yesterday.

To review the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Monday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch, Tommy Guilfoyle and Syl O'Connor. Games Reviewed: National Hurling League Division 1A: Limerick 0-21 Clare 1-21 (Sunday, TUS Gaelic Grounds) National Camogie League Division 1B: Down 0-11 Clare 1-10 (Saturday) National Football League Division Three: Clare 2-12 Kildare 1-16 (Sunday, Cusack Park) National Ladies Football League Division Three: Clare 1-9 Monaghan 4-11 (Sunday, Doonbeg)

To preview the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Friday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch. Games Previewed: National Hurling League Division 1A: Clare v Cork (Sunday, Cusack Park, 3:15pm) National Football League Division Three: Sligo v Clare (Sunday, Markievicz Park, 1:30pm), All Ireland PPS Senior C Football Final: Ennistymon Community School v St Clare's Comprehensive Manorhamilton (Saturday, Tuam Stadium, 1pm) Munster U20 Football Championship: Clare v Waterford (Saturday, Doonbeg, 2pm).

Preparations are continuing around Clare for this year's St. Patrick's Day parades. To check in to see what lies in store for a host of the parades, Alan Morrissey was joined by multiple guests: Rita McInerney from Doonbeg, Arlene White from Ballina/Killaloe John Saunders from Kilkee Sharon Donnelly from Lisdoonvarna Micheál Healy from Miltown Malbay Anne Pilkington from Fanore Patsy McDermot from Doolin Rebecca Brew from Kilrush Johnny Richardson from Ennistymon Kate O'Sullivan from Scarriff/Tuamgraney Claire Coughlan from Newmarket On Fergus. Deirdre Duff from Tulla Photo(C): levers2007 getty images via Canva

To review the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Monday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch, Syl O'Connor, and Kieran Madigan. Games Reviewed: National Hurling League Division 1A: Limerick 0-21 Clare 1-21 (Sunday, TUS Gaelic Grounds) National Camogie League Division 1B: Down 0-11 Clare 1-10 (Saturday) National Football League Division Three: Clare 2-12 Kildare 1-16 (Sunday, Cusack Park) National Ladies Football League Division Three: Clare 1-9 Monaghan 4-11 (Sunday, Doonbeg)

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 the Banner County. This week, Siobhán told us about The Outrun in Kilkee, Beauty Queen of Leenane in Doonbeg and much more. Photo (C): Clare FM

To discuss what is coming up in the sporting calendar, Alan Morrissey was joined on Friday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch. Games previewed: National Hurling League Division 1A: Limerick v Clare (Sunday, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 3:45pm) National Football League Division Three: Clare v Kildare (Sunday, Cusack Park, 2pm) National Camogie League Division 1B: Down v Clare (Saturday) National Ladies Football League Division Three: Clare v Monaghan (Sunday, Doonbeg)

The West Clare Drama Festival is making its eagerly awaited return. The 2025 edition of the festival will run for nine days, from this Saturday, the 1st of March, to Sunday, the 9th of March. Nine unforgettable nights of dramatic excellence, featuring top-tier performances from drama groups across Ireland is promised across the entirety of the West Clare Drama Festival. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by the Chairperson of the Festival Committee, Andrew Killeen. Photo (C): West Clare Drama Festival Doonbeg Facebook

A West Clare business owner and local representative claims the Government has failed to adequately support businesses that have been affected by Storm Éowyn. Homeowners who've suffered financial losses as a result of the recent extreme weather are eligible for the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme which is operated by the Department of Social Protection. The scheme doesn't commercial, agricultural or business losses however, and Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney is calling for a suite of measures including a rates refund, direct grants, low-interest loans, and temporary tax relief. Councillor McInerney, who's also the proprietor of McInerney's XL in Doonbeg, says local businesses have held communities together in recent weeks and believes the State is giving them little thanks.

On Ireland's west coast, far from the noise and fury of US partisan politics, presidential contender Donald Trump has been bested by a fearsome foe: a tiny snail no larger than a pin prick. Naomi and Tim dig into the curious links between the Republican candidate and this windswept corner of Ireland, most notably the village of Doonbeg, where the development of a Trump golf course transformed local fortunes. We speak to journalist Kate Demolder about her experience reporting in the town and the local tensions she discovered between economic dependence on Trump, and deep reservations about his politics. Finally, Naomi and Tim consider what's at stake for Ireland in the coming US election and whether the relationship between Trump and Doonbeg is a microcosm of Ireland's policy towards the US. Naomi recalls her experience reporting on Trump in Scotland in 2016 and the red flags that were evident then in our bonus debrief episode over on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/112180566/