Podcasts about ennistymon

There has been strong anger and concern in Ennistymon following Clare County Council's decision to proceed with the removal of mature, decades-old trees in the town square as part of ongoing public realm regeneration works.     The felling of the first tree last week prompted immediate reaction from local residents, who are now urging the council to pause the works and reconsider the layout to preserve the remaining trees.    Campaigners say they are not opposed to the regeneration of the square but believe the existing trees could be retained with only minor design adjustments.     The move has also drawn attention in the context of recent national and EU-level warnings on biodiversity loss, with locals questioning why established trees are now being removed despite no previous concerns about their condition.    For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Maeve Stone, a concerned local. Photo (c) Phil Evenden from Pexels via Canva

Volunteers are being sought for a popular meals on wheels service expanding into North Clare. Obair has announced that its Inagh route is being extended into Ennistymon in response to demand. Established in Newmarket-on-Fergus over 20 years ago, the Obair Meals on Wheels service also has bases in Kilrush and Lisdoonvarna, and is planning to move into East Clare this summer. Service Coordinator with Obair, Eimear Murphy, says the more volunteers they have on their roster, the better the service can function.

A major redevelopment of a North Clare primary school is expected to be transformative for pupils and teachers alike. Clare County Council has approved the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board's plans for the construction of a new two-storey school building for Mol an Óige Community National School in Ennistymon. The new building will include eight classrooms, a two-classroom special needs facility, a general purpose hall, a library, and resource and learning rooms. LCETB Director of School Donncha Ó Treasaigh says it'll significantly enhance what the school has to offer.

A number of criticial water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Clare are a step closer to coming to fruition. The Commission for Regulator of Utilities' has made a determination which provides for €13.6 million in in capital investment and operational expenditure for Uisce Éireann. It means several Clare projects will be progressed, including those already underway such as the new wastewater treatment plant in Ballyvaughan and the upgrade to the plant in Newmarket-on-Fergus, along with planned developments in Kilkee, Lahinch and Ennistymon. Uisce Éireann Director of Asset Management Sean Laffey says it ensures capacity for growth within communities while also protecting the environment.

Calls are continuing across Clare for an increase in the amount of Gardai deployed for duty in the county. It follows on from Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan visiting here last week, where he heard of safety concerns from local business owners, retailers, and elected representatives. This included in Ennistymon where issues around growing anti-social behaviour problems were raised, along with a recent spate of local car thefts In Ennis, a deputation of town centre retailers and business owners detailed ongoing challenges to Minister O'Callaghan, including persistent anti-social behaviour, the intimidation of customers, and rising retail theft. Meelick Fianna Fail TD Cathal Crowe is calling for increased Garda personnel for Clare, while Fianna Fail councillor Shane Talty was among those who met with the Minister in Ennistymon last week. To discuss this further, Cathal Crowe and Sahne Talty joined Derrick Lynch on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) An Garda Siochana

We're going to discuss the big questions around nature restoration in Ireland — who has the power to make change happen, what's slowing progress down, and whether Ireland is moving fast enough to meet its environmental obligations. The conversation comes ahead of the Changing Landscapes Conference taking place at the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon, organised by Hometree. The event will bring together Government representatives, landowners, investors, NGOs and community leaders to examine how Ireland can deliver restoration at the scale now required under the EU Nature Restoration Regulation. Alan Morrissey was joined by Ray Ó Foghlú, Engagement and Education Officer with Hometree, and Christopher O'Sullivan, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Image © Hometree

Colm Liddy, local author and historian was back in-studio on Tuesday's Morning Focus for our regular history in focus slot. This week Colm told us the fascinating history of Ennistymon town. Image © Clare FM

On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey and the team were live from the College of FET Ennistymon Campus where we had a busy day speaking to the learners and staff about the different courses on offer. Alan Morrissey was first joined by the Campus Coordinator Imelda Cahalan, who gave us an overview of the courses on offer within the college, as well as a sneak peek into what's to come. Imelda was joined by Jacinta Davenport, the Information and Guidance Counsellor, who explained exactly what she does and how she can help people who are unsure about courses. We then heard from Martina Crowley Hayes, Core Skills and ESOL, who works with English for speakers of other languages. She told us about some of the impacts these courses can have in people's lives. We also spoke to Tríona lynch, the ALO or Adult Literacy Organiser. She told us about the supports she can offer to learners. They were joined by Mike Ryan VESD Coordinator about career opportunities upon completing a course. Later, we welcomed Maeve Collins, an L5 + L6 Art teacher alongside her student, Deirdre Larkin. They told us about the different pathways and focus' of the art course. Dermott Petty, Tutor of Drama, informed us on the pioneer LCETB course and the types of skills to be gained through the course. To round off the show, Alan Morrissey sat down with Music Gen Tutor, Nora Casey and Learner, Thomas Quinlan. They spoke on the benefits of having these types of courses and how diverse the courses can be. And to send us off, Nora gave us a tune on the Harp, demonstrating just a small bit of talent held in the College of FET Ennistymon. Image © Clare FM

From the 8th-10th of May, a weekend seminar titled The Art of Living & Working Together will take place in Ennistymon, bringing together local residents, initiative-takers, and anyone interested in exploring new ways of organising community, work, and daily life. The seminar, facilitated by Dutch educator and social innovator Jac Hielema, offers an open and experiential space to reflect on a simple but far-reaching question: how can we live and work together in a way that is truly free, equal, and connected? To find out more, Jac spoke with Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus. Event Eircode: V95 NDH4 For more information visit www.economytransformers.nl Photo (c) Smaranda Dragan's Images via Canva

A new contemporary art exhibition in Ennistymon is inviting visitors to slow down and look a little closer at the world around them. Territories, the latest work by artist Niamh Clarke, explores memory, landscape and the subtle space between what's seen and what's felt. Now showing at the Courthouse Gallery & Studios, the exhibition brings together drawing, watercolour, prose and film to create a series of quiet, thought-provoking narratives. Niamh joined Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) The Courthouse Gallery & Studios Ennistymon

A special milestone is approaching for one North Clare community, as Clouna Church prepares to celebrate 180 years at the heart of parish life this June. But alongside the celebrations, there's also a major effort underway to restore and preserve the building for future generations. To tell us more, Alan Morrissey was joined on the line by Fr. Robert McNamara, parish priest of Ennistymon, Lahinch and Clouna, along with Patricia Vaughan, Principal of Furglan National School on Friday's Morning Focus. You can donate via the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/clouna-church-restoration-fund Photo (c) www.gofundme. com

Atheist Ireland says children's rights not to attend religious education in school are not being observed. The group says families and children's constitutional rights are not being applied in the real world. Atheist Ireland appeared before the Oireachtas Committee on Public Petitions yesterday. Jane Donnelly, from Atheist Ireland, says some schools are ignoring students' right not to attend religious classes To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Fr Ignatius McCormack, Former Principal of St. Flannan's College Ennis and Robert Bennett, Ennistymon native and member of Midwest Humanists, former board member of the national parents council for education. Photo (c) ibreakstock Getty Images Signature via Canva

A special night of art and celebration is set for Ennistymon this Friday, as Foust Gallery reopens its doors to mark 10 years in business. Artist and gallery owner Sara Foust will launch her brand new exhibition Rogue Wave, a powerful collection of paintings inspired by the ever-changing Atlantic Ocean. The opening reception gets underway at 7pm, with an artist talk and even a special musical guest lined up for the evening. To fill us in, Sara joined Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus.

A major earthquake off Japan was detected almost 10,000 kilometres away in Clare this week. The 7.7 magnitude quake which struck off the north-east coast of the Asian island nation on Monday morning was recorded by the seismometer in the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark office in Ennistymon. Thousands have fled coastal areas to move to higher ground as Japan's meteorological agency warns that quakes "causing even stronger shaking" could be felt in the next week. Geologist for the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, Dr Eamon Doyle, says studying events of this nature allows us to gain a better understanding of "how the earth works".

On Thursday's Morning Focus we heard from a Clare mother about a deeply worrying experience that has raised fresh concerns about emergency response times in the region. Molly Kelly's seven-year-old daughter, who is autistic and non-verbal, became gravely ill over the weekend—but the family then faced a two-hour wait for an ambulance to take her from Shannondoc to University Hospital Limerick. As questions grow around ambulance availability, rural healthcare access, and ongoing pressures in the system, Alan Morrissey spoke with Molly, to hear her story. Clare Fm reached out to the HSE for a statement on this issue: "The HSE National Ambulance Service (NAS) regrets that any service user should have a negative experience. However, the HSE cannot discuss individual case details when doing so might reveal information relating to identifiable individuals, thereby breaching our ethical duty of confidentiality. The NAS works to deliver the highest standard of care for people using NAS services. All 999/112 calls received for emergency medical assistance are prioritised using an internationally recognised system that triages calls based on clinical priority, which range from life-threatening- cardiac or respiratory arrest to minor illness or injury. This means that during particularly busy periods, lower-acuity calls may wait longer for an ambulance. Ambulance bases have additional vehicles on site. These are in reserve for breakdowns and servicing. It also means crews coming on duty have a vehicle immediately available if the earlier crew and ambulance are attending another incident. This ensures continuity of service. The NAS is undergoing a significant transformation programme to enhance service delivery, optimise resources, and expand its role in providing alternative and community-based care. Since 2022, additional investment has seen the NAS base budget increase by 41% (an additional €83 million) to €285 million in 2025. Over the same period, staffing levels have increased by 28%, with an additional 588 whole-time equivalent staff, bringing total NAS staffing to 2,655 WTE. Capital investment of €126 million has also been made in fleet replacement and expansion to support these developments. Plans for 2026 include significant investment in the NAS: an additional 263 whole-time equivalents and €20 million in new funding, including additional resources in each of Kilrush, Ennis, and Ennistymon. This investment plan will deliver 21 additional crewed ambulances nationally, operating at peak demand, as well as four more Intermediate Care Vehicles, and continued development of the Clinical Hub and alternative care pathways. " Image © Alan Place

This week Ennistymon Choral Society celebrates its 50th anniversary with a show that will see them head back in time. Ennistymon Community Centre is the venue for Disco Inferno, which will evoke memories of the 70s. To find out more about it Alan Morrissey spoke to Brendan Kean, the Ennistymon Choral Society Treasurer and Principal Cast Member. Image © Ennistymon Choral Society

With the May Bank Holiday just around the corner, an exciting three-day celebration of nature, community and conservation is coming to Ennistymon. The Ennistymon Rivers Festival 2026 will bring together locals, environmental experts and visitors to explore and celebrate the vital role of our rivers. To tell us more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Rachel Dowling, Project Officer with the Restore Ballymacraven River Association and Ruairí Ó Conchúir, volunteer with the association and an officer with the Local Authorities Water Programme.

Once again, it was time for Alan Morrissey to be joined in studio by Siobhán Mulcahy to discuss the upcoming art events and workshops across the banner county. There will be a wide array of activities and workshops for people to attend over the next few days. Some upcoming activities include; Seaweed Stories in Ennistymon, a showing of The Kitchen Brigade in Kilkee and a Straw Mobile workshop in the Clare Museum. Image © Clare Fm

All regions of Clare with the exception of Ennis will have additional funds for roads maintenance in the coming year. Clare County Council has unveiled a €48 million funding package for municipal district works in 2026. €9 million has been set aside for the Kilrush region, indicating a 6% increase on last year. The Ennistymon area has been allocated €6.5 million, up 20% on 2025, while Killaloe's is seeing a 3% boost to just shy of €7.4 million. Shannon's share of funding has shot up by 14% to €3.3 million while Ennis is the only municipal district seeing its funding drop this year, with just €2.98 million given to the county town, showing a decrease of 12%. The funding package was unveiled to Ennis's local elected representatives at a special meeting at Áras Contae an Chláir this week. Clare FM's Seán Lyons went along and spoke to a number of elected reps, including Clarecastle Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom O'Callaghan, about their thoughts. Image © Geograph.ie

A Clare TD expects a fresh expansion of the county's ambulance services to represent a "massive improvement". The National Ambulance Service has told a meeting of the Midwest's TDs and senators that five new ambulances will be added to the this county's fleet by the end of the year. It's also confirmed that Kilrush and Ennistymon will each have six whole-time equivalent positions added, with eight more yet to be assigned to a location, while six WTE intermediate car posts are to be created in Ennis. Bodyke Fine Gael Deputy Joe Cooney says it'll improve wait times which he acknowledges aren't good enough in certain parts of the county.

A Clare disability rights activist is calling on the Government to alter the means test for housing adaptation grants, claiming applicants are unfairly being denied the full amount available. The Department of Housing has announced that Clare is set to receive €4.1 million for the delivery of the grants in 2026. The allocation for 2026 represents an increase of approximately €1 million from last years figure, with €3.5 million provided in exchequer funding, and €600,000 contributed by Clare County Council. Ennistymon-based Clare Leader Forum co-founder, Anne-Marie Flanagan, says in many cases the person applying for the grant is not the person subject to the means test.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland's reasoning for not providing funding to upgrade a major section of Clare's N85 has been labelled as shocking by a local representative. In a written correspondence to Clare County Council, TII has stated that it's not possible to progress a larger scheme on the main route from Ennis to Ennistymon due to "the many competing demands for resources" along with issues arising from surplus material, flooding and waste. The N85 realignment project would've seen bends removed on roughly 10km of the route from Ennis to Inagh. Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty says the response is unacceptable.

This Sunday, the 8th of March marks a special occasion in Ennistymon as the Restore Ballymacraven River Association hosts its final tree planting day of 2026 along the Glen Walk. The event will celebrate International Women's Day and the beginning of National Tree Week, with native saplings gifted to women attending. For more on this, Alan Morrissey spoke with Project Officer, Rachel Dowling. Image © Ruairí Ó Conchúir

Steve Wall — musician, singer, songwriter and actor — this week shared a deeply distressing experience on social media after a near-miss on the Ennis to Ennistymon road, close to where his three-year-old niece Estlin was killed in a crash nine years ago. Steve has spoken powerfully about dangerous overtaking, road safety, and what he believes is a lack of action to prevent further tragedy. He joined Alan live in studio to talk about what happened, the lasting impact on his family, and why he feels urgent change is needed. Image © Pate Flynn

Clare is set to benefit from the addition of three special education classes. The schools to receive additional resources in this county are Scoil Mhainchín, Ennistymon, Ennistymon Community School and Scoil Mhuire, Meelick. It means there will be a total of nine new special education classes opening in Clare from September. Tulla based Minister of State Timmy Dooley insists funding will be forthcoming for all schools in need.

Clare disability campaigners are set to join a national protest next week following severe payment cuts. According to the Disability Federation of Ireland, many disability households in Clare are up to €1,400 worse off than they were last year, following cuts to "one-off" supports in Budget 2026. The national protest, taking place on Saturday February 28th, demands an Emergency Winter Payment for people with disabilities, despite the government's previous refusal of the €400 payment earlier this month. Ennistymon-based disability rights activist Ann Marie Flanagan says people are being forced to looks elsewhere.

Poetic Keys An Ode to County Clare - The Day I Settled in Ennistymon [Wells] by Clare FM

It's claimed the people of west and north Clare are suffering due to a lack of access to emergency ambulance care The local authority has called on the National Ambulance Service to provide additional rapid response vehicles to remote parts of the county. In a correspondence issued to Clare TD Joe Cooney this week, the HSE has confirmed that additional 12 hour ambulance shifts will be rolled out in Ennistymon and Kilrush, while new Emergency Medical Technicians are set to be recruited in Ennis. Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy says greater accessibility is key.

Clergy and diocesan staff from across North Clare gathered in the county recently to talk about radical new approaches to parish life, as standalone parishes become a thing of the past and priests and lay people work more closely together across wider areas. One priest already living this reality is Fr. Rob McNamara, who now serves both Lisdoonvarna and Ennistymon, covering seven churches across a large and diverse area. With Bishop Duignan responsible for the wider North Clare grouping of parishes, Fr. Rob's experience on the ground offers a real insight into the challenges – and opportunities – of this new model of ministry. He joined Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Lisdoonvarna Fáilte CLG - North Clare Sports & Amenity Park's Facebook

A Transition Year team from Ennistymon Community School has achieved national success, winning the ThinkLanguages final against competition from over 240 schools. To tell us more, Alan Morrissey was joined by TY Student & Team captain, Ava Singleton and JCSP Coordinator at Ennistymon Community School, Hanna Kobyliakova. Photo (c) Languages Connect

With the 54th Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy set to take place in Miltown Malbay from the 4th to the 12th of July this year, planning is already well underway. A recent meeting at Miltown Malbay Town Hall focused on traffic arrangements for Willie Clancy Week, including possible changes to traffic flow and even the suggestion of extending arrangements over two weeks. To discuss this further Alan Morrissey was joined by two councillors who attended that meeting — Fianna Fáil councillor Shane Talty from Ennistymon, and Fine Gael councillor Joe Garrihy from Lisdoonvarna. Image (c) Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy

Restore Ballymacraven River Association is set to host a series of free river and wetland events in Ennistymon. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Lexi Keating, founder of the West Coast of Ireland Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation Europe & representative on the Mal Bay Catchment Forum, and Cía McElveen Walsh, Community Engagement Officer with the Restore Ballymacraven River Association.

The Clare Leader Forum says disabled people here feel "angry", "upset" and "let down" after the Government voted against the introduction of a winter payment. A motion tabled by the Social Democrats this week sought to bring in a once-off €400 payment to assist people with disabilities in covering costs associated with the winter months. The motion was defeated by 81 to 66 votes. Ennistymon-based Clare Leader Forum co-founder Anne-Marie Flanagan believes it shows a disregard for people in desperate need of support.

Ennistymon is getting ready to welcome the return of spring with the Imbolg Festival, a celebration of St Brigid, community, and tradition, running from January 31st to February 2nd. To tell us more about what's planned, Daragh Dolan was joined by Aoibheann Boyle and Louise O'Connor on Friday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Visit Clare Facebook

A planning application is expected to be submitted for the first section of the West Clare Railway Greenway this year. According to the Department of Transport, Clare County Council will seek permission to construct the Kilrush to Kilkee section of the route after June. The overall 115km route will also connect Ennis, Miltown Malbay, Lahinch and Ennistymon. Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that following many false dawns, progress is needed as soon as possible.

A local historian has made a major breakthrough in a family mystery that's followed his recent appearance on Morning Focus. Anthony Dargan is back with a final update on his search for Agnes Hynes of Ennistymon — a woman who seemed to disappear from the records. What began as a local enquiry became a cross-county story, linking Clare and Waterford, and thanks to a listener's tip, the missing piece has now been found. Recorded under a different name, Agnes Hynes has finally been traced, leading to the restoration of family connections lost for more than sixty years. Anthony joined Alan Morrissey with the final chapter in the Hynes genealogy search. Photo (c) Aflo Images via Canva

Urgent clarity is being sought on plans for a primary care centre in North Clare. The HSE first signalled its intentions to deliver a facility in Ennistymon back in 2021, but remained in the planning stages for four years. A tender process to construct the centre was announced last January, however no updates have been provided since. Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty says local residents can't be left in the dark.

After nine years at the heart of food, conversation and community in Ennistymon, Sinéad Ní Ghairbhith is stepping away from The Cheese Press. What began with Irish farmhouse cheese at local markets — and a life-changing moment stranded on the roof of her car during a flood — grew into a much-loved shop where people came as much for the chat as for the cheese. Sinéad spoke with Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus to reflect on the journey, the values behind the business, and what happens next as The Cheese Press moves into new hands. Photo (c) cheesepressennistymon.com

A local historian has made a significant breakthrough in his efforts to solve a family mystery, following his appearance on Morning Focus last month. Anthony Dargan is back with a compelling update on the Hynes family of Ennistymon. What began as a local search has evolved into a cross-county mystery, successfully bridging the gap between the rugged coast of Clare and the streets of Waterford City. Following a chat with Anthony on the 15th of December last, several significant puzzle pieces have fallen into place. Thanks to a listener's tip, the search has moved from dusty archives to living memory, bringing forward a descendant who remembers the family's summer days in Lahinch. Photo (c) Synthetic - Exposition from Getty Images via Canva

A beloved nature spot in North Clare where a major fish kill was discovered two years ago will be the site of two tree planting events next month. The Restore Ballymacraven River Association is hosting the events on January 1st at 12pm and on January 31st at 11am. The group was founded following a fish kill which took place in May of 2023 on the Ballymacraven River in Ennistymon and is believed to have wiped out over 2,000 fish. Restore Ballymacraven River Association Communications Officer Cía McElveen Walsh says the incident was the catalyst for their mission to improve the health of the water body.

A scheme intended to be the solution to long-standing traffic congestion in North Clare has been branded a "waste of taxpayers' money". Judicial review proceedings in relation to the Ennistymon Inner Relief Road have reached a conclusion in the High Court, paving the way for the progression of the scheme. The project involves the construction of a new bridge in Ennistymon across the Cullenagh River, approximately 80 metres upstream of the existing Michael Conway Bridge. In September 2022, An Bórd Pleanála approved Clare County Council's Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire lands and buildings necessary for the construction of the bridge. The plans hit a stumbling block in November of that year, however, as a judicial review was sought and this effectively brought the project to a standstill. Almost three years later, in October of this year, the High Court dismissed the application for leave to bring a judicial review against the CPO. With the proceedings now having concluded with the mutual consent of all parties, the development can finally go ahead. Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty says those affected by construction will be contacted by the local authority in the near future. The conversation around a solution to traffic congestion at Blake's Corner has spanned several decades and has often been contentious. A campaign has been led in recent years by a group named 'Save Ennistymon Heritage' to prevent any damage being caused to the listed buildings of Blake's and Linnane's. Donogh O'Loghlin, who runs a drapers on Lahinch's main street, believes the proposed scheme will create more bottlenecks.

A roadblock in the delivery of a solution to traffic congestion in a North Clare town has been removed following a lengthy legal challenge. Judical review proceedings regarding the proposed Ennistymon Inner Relief Road have concluded in the High Court with the mutual consent of all parties involved. It means the long-awaited scheme involving the construction of a new bridge 80 metres upstream from the existing Michael Conway Bridge can now proceed. Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty says progress on the project will soon be seen for the first time in a long time.

Welcoming, creative and community-focused, a new café has opened its doors in the heart of Ennistymon. Box & Bean has joined the town's growing business community, offering quality coffee, local art and light bites to enjoy on the go. To tell us more about the vision behind the café and the warm welcome they've received so far, Alan Morrissey was joined by Senan Byrne, Co-owner of Box & Bean in Ennistymon. Photo (c) Box & Bean

Clare County Council is set to explore interventions to improve the national secondary road network. It comes amid persistent calls for upgrades to be carried out on the N68 connecting Ennis to Kilrush, and for the completion of the realignment project on the N85 which connects Ennis to Ennistymon. In a statement to Clare FM, the local authority has confirmed that the proposed works which include alterations to the N67 have all undergone various environmental and design assessments. Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney says a major investment is needed.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service is warning time critical operations could be at risk in the MidWest over the Christmas period. The IBTS is hosting blood donation clinics at the Fall's Hotel in Ennistymon both tonight and tomorrow Tuesday from 4.50pm until 8.10pm. Roughly two-thirds of all donations will be used for cancer treatment, with the remainder to emergency surgeries and general operations. Broadford based IBTS Donor Recruitment Executive Alex O'Connor has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that they need to build up as much supplies as possible.

A local historian from Ennis, Anthony Dargan, is reaching out to anyone with connections to a particular family from Ennistymon. He's asking anyone with any information to get in touch. Anthony joined Alan Morrissey to explain what he hopes to discover on Monday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Synthetic - Exposition from Getty Images via Canva.

Following the untimely passing of firefighter Joe Crosse, a group of friends and colleagues has set up the Joe Crosse Benevolent Fund to support his family, particularly his children's future education. Inspired by the generosity of the community and guidance from Deirdre Foran — who faced a similar loss — the fund aims to provide long-term support for Joe's family, with donations invested to grow over time. So far, the initiative has received strong backing from local businesses, contractors, and individuals wishing to honour Joe's legacy of goodwill. On Friday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke with Brian McMahon, firefighter based in Ennistymon fire station and was a friend and colleague of the late Joe Crosse and Deirdre Foran, who lost her late husband, Ollie due to a sudden death, almost 21 years ago. Photo (c) Clare FM

Ennistymon Community School has just completed a vibrant and ambitious ThinkLanguages Week. It was packed with cultural workshops, primary-school outreach, local business partnerships, university engagement, and the launch of two new Erasmus+ projects. The celebration, led by Transition Year students, showcased the many languages and cultures within the school while highlighting the growing opportunities for students who continue with language learning. To tell us more about the week's success, Alan Morrissey was joined by Joanne Hession, German, Spanish and Media teacher. Photo (c) Languages Connect

Transport Infrastructure Ireland is facing pressure to install warning signage on a notorious North Clare bend. It follows a series of incidents at Drumnagown Hill on the N67 near Ennistymon. The collisions have largely been single vehicle crashes, which have knocked out local power and telecoms lines. Local Councillor Shane Talty says action is needed.

This week, we travel from Ireland to Canada to California. Hear Gerry O'Connor, The Gothard Sisters, The Irish Rovers, and new music from May Will Bloom. Discover heartfelt songs and driving reels that keep Celtic traditions alive, on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast  #735  -  -  Subscribe now! Gerry O'Connor, Eloise & Co., The Gothard Sisters, Elizabeth Sutherland, The Irish Rovers, May Will Bloom, The McDades, Celia Farran, Faoileán, Piskey Led, Larkin & Moran Brothers, Derina Harvey Band, Caliceltic, Callán, Ashley Davis Band GET CELTIC MUSIC NEWS IN YOUR INBOX The Celtic Music Magazine is a quick and easy way to plug yourself into more great Celtic culture. Enjoy seven weekly news items with what's happening with Celtic music and culture online. Subscribe now and get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free. VOTE IN THE CELTIC TOP 20 FOR 2025 This is our way of finding the best songs and artists each year. You can vote for as many songs and tunes that inspire you in each episode. Your vote helps me create this year's Best Celtic music of 2025 episode. You have until December 4 to vote for this episode. Vote Now! You can follow our playlist on YouTube to listen to those top voted tracks as they are added every 2 - 3 weeks. THIS WEEK IN CELTIC MUSIC 6:45 - Gerry O'Connor "O'Connor4 (Reels)" from Last Night's Joy 5:01 - WELCOME 6:40 - Eloise & Co. "Janet's/Angel Rocks" from avec Elodie 10:22 - The Gothard Sisters "Golden Secrets" from Moment in Time 13:55 - Elizabeth Sutherland "Evening Reflection" from Forest Dreams 17:16 - May Will Bloom "Star of the County Down" from Single 21:11 - FEEDBACK 26:25 - The Irish Rovers "Oh Dear Me" from No End in Sight 29:49 - The McDades "November 8th" from The Empress 33:36 - Celia Farran "California Ireland" from The Bard of Armagh:  A Tribute to Tommy Makem 36:44 - Faoileán "Far Hills of Canada" from Far Hills 42:36 - Piskey Led "Blackbird of Mullaghmore" from Piskey Led 47:27 - THANKS 49:37 - Caliceltic "Stumbling Distance" from Paddy Paradise 52:09 - Larkin & Moran Brothers "Muirsheen Durkin" from Éistigí 54:12 - Derina Harvey Band "The Fallen Man's Daughter" from Waves of Home 58:30 - Callán "Road From Donegal" from Bloody Callán 1:03:31 - CLOSING 1:04:38 - Ashley Davis Band "Not Today (feat. Mick McAuley)" from When the Stars Went Out 1:08:15 - CREDITS Support for this program comes from International speaker, Joseph Dumond, teaching the ancient roots of the Gaelic people. Learn more about their origins at Sightedmoon.com Support for this program comes from Cascadia Cross Border Law Group, Creating Transparent Borders for more than twenty five years, serving Alaska and the world. Find out more at   www.CascadiaLawAlaska.com Support for this program comes from Hank Woodward. Support for this program comes from Dr. Annie Lorkowski of Centennial Animal Hospital in Corona, California. The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast was produced by Marc Gunn, The Celtfather and our Patrons on Patreon. The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with Graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs. Visit our website to follow the show. You'll find links to all of the artists played in this episode. Todd Wiley is the editor of the Celtic Music Magazine. Subscribe to get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free. Plus, you'll get 7 weekly news items about what's happening with Celtic music and culture online. Best of all, you will connect with your Celtic heritage. Please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor. Finally, remember. Clean energy isn't just good for the planet, it's good for your wallet. Solar and wind are now the cheapest power sources in history. But too many politicians would rather protect billionaires than help working families save on their bills. Real change starts when we stop allowing the ultra - rich to write our energy policy and run our government. Let's choose affordable, renewable power. Clean energy means lower costs, more freedom, and a planet that can actually breathe. Promote Celtic culture through music at http://celticmusicpodcast.com/. WELCOME THE IRISH & CELTIC MUSIC PODCAST * Helping you celebrate Celtic culture through music. I am Marc Gunn. I'm a Celtic musician and also host of Pub Songs & Stories. Every song has a story, every episode is a toast to Celtic and folk songwriters. Discover the stories behind the songs from the heart of the Celtic pub scene. This podcast is for fans of all kinds of Celtic music. We are here to build a diverse Celtic community and help the incredible artists who so generously share their music with you. If you hear music you love, please email artists to let them know you heard them on the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast. Musicians depend on your generosity to release new music. So please find a way to support them. Buy a CD, Album Pin, Shirt, Digital Download, or join their community on Patreon. You can find a link to all of the artists in the shownotes, along with show times, when you visit our website at celticmusicpodcast.com. Or email follow@bestcelticmusic to learn how to subscribe to the podcast. I will send you a free music - only episode. If you're in a Celtic band, you will also learn how to get your music played on the podcast and get a free eBook called Celtic Musicians Guide to Digital Music. It's 100% free. Again email follow@bestcelticmusic FOLLOW OUR KICKSTARTER PRE - LAUNCH PAGE I just setup a pre - launch page for our next Kickstarter in January. Once again, this will be for funding a Best of 2025 compilation album on CD or Album Pin or even as a Shirt. Follow the link in the shownotes, so you can be the first to get a copy of our next compilation. Only 100 CDs and 100 album pins will be made. Follow the Kickstarter. HAVE YOU HEARD OF ALBUM PINS? Just like this podcast, they are changing the way we hear Celtic music. There were several folks who showed at the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast booth at IrishFest Atlanta. Several people were confused about the album pins I talk about on this show. So I thought I'd share details. An album pin is a lapel pin. Each pin is themed to a particular album I've released. You get a digital download of the album. And then you can wear your help. It's fashion and music combined as one. My pins are beautifully designed and wood burned locally. This makes them better for the environment. If you want to learn more about Album Pins, you can read more about them on my celtfather.Substack.com or just buy one at magerecords.com THANK YOU PATRONS OF THE PODCAST! Your support makes the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast possible, nearly every week of the year. You're not just funding a show. You're fueling a movement that shares the magic of Celtic music with thousands around the world. Your generosity covers everything from audio engineering and artwork to the Celtic Music Magazine, show promotion, and buying music from independent Celtic artists. If you're not a patron yet? You're missing out! You get ✨ Early access to episodes