Podcasts about ennistymon

The first Clare County Council meeting of the new term has been adjourned in memory of a late former elected representative. Cooraclare's Bill Chambers served on the local authority from 1985 until his retirement in 2023, before he passed away peacefully last month. Proposed adjournments in honour of the late Ennistymon firefighter Joe Crosse and Margaret Burke; mother of Whitegate Fine Gael Councillor Pat Burke were also carried. Chair of the Fianna Fáil Group in Clare County Council, Councillor Pat Hayes says Bill was an example to everyone.

It's hoped the Public Expenditure Minister's visit to the MidWest Region's main hospital will bring positive change for service users. Jack Chambers visited University Hospital Limerick yesterday and met with HSE Mid-West Regional Clinical Director, Dr Catherine Peters, in a week where the facility has averaged 117 patients on trolleys every day so far. In addition to HIQA's review to determine if another emergency department is needed in the region, Budget 2026 is also on track to be published in the coming weeks. Ennistymon based MidWest Hospital Campaign Spokesperson Marie McMahon says the direction of both should be clear.

Clare Women in Business, explores the challenges and successes experienced by women in business and leadership roles. We hope that our conversation with our guests will see them share personal stories, insights, and strategies that can inspire listeners to pursue their goals without being limited by gender. For more on this, on Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Bridget Haren, of Bridget Haren Hair and Beauty in Ennis Nuala Mulqueeney, Managing Director of the Burren Ailwee Experience and Sinéad Ní Gháirbhith, owner of the Cheese Press in Ennistymon.

A Clare disability rights activist had dismissed a new Government strategy for providing better accessibility for disabled people as a "glossy document" and a "distraction". The National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People, which is a five-year strategy providing a policy framework for the Government's approach to disability issues, has officially been launched. The strategy contains 23 commitments which are under the pillars of learning and education, employment, independent living and active participation in society, wellbeing and health, and transport and mobility. Ennistymon-based disability rights activist Ann Marie Flanagan has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons she believes the plan lacks the required legal framework for it to have any impact.

A new chapter in education began in North Clare last Friday, 29th August, with the official opening of Ennistymon National School. The new purpose build has already welcomed pupils and their families into a modern, inspiring learning environment. To find out more, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined by Principal, Noreen Murphy.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service claims it's playing "catch-up" to meet demand as it urges people in North Clare to give blood this week. A blood donation clinic is being held in the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon today and tomorrow from 4:50pm to 8:10pm. The service says it requires 3,000 blood donations each week and while all blood types are needed, O negative and B negative are particularly in demand. Broadford-based Irish Blood Transfusion Service Donor Recruitment Executive Alex O'Connor has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons the summer hot spell has led to an unfortunate drop-off in donations.

The Falls Hotel & Spa in Ennistymon has reached a significant milestone in its sustainability journey, having generated over 5 million kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity through its on-site hydro-electric turbine. Installed seven years ago, the system was designed to power the hotel's operations in an environmentally responsible way. To date, the energy produced is equivalent to powering more than 1,200 Irish homes for a year, marking a substantial reduction in the hotel's carbon footprint and positioning it as a leader in green tourism in the region. To tell us more, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined by Michelle McManus, Sales & Marketing Manager at The Falls Hotel.

The Clare Association Dublin will honour its award recipients for 2025 in early September. Mary Considine will receive the award for Clare Person of the Year for 2025. The Lissycasey native announced her departure from the Shannon Airport Group after over 30 years working at the Clare base earlier this month. She is due to become the Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann later this year. Meanwhile, Professor Michael Kerin, from Kilnamona, and Chair of Surgery at the University of Galway, Clinical Director of the Saolta Cancer Academic Network, and Vice-President of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. They will be honoured at Clare Association Dublin's Annual Awards Dinner at the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon on the 6th of September (Saturday). To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ciarán O'Connell, Chairperson of the Clare Association Dublin.

Thursday's Morning Focus broadcasted live from the Ennistymon Digital Hub in the heart of North Clare, as part of Clare FM's Summer Tour. Eoin Troy, Senior Executive Officer and North Clare MD Coordinator spoke about the latest infrastructure developments and community plans across the district. Derrick Lynch was joined by Councillor Pat Hayes to discuss the future of the Western Rail Corridor, defending its importance as a key piece of transport infrastructure while highlighting Iarnród Éireann's ambitions for rail expansion and innovation. Local artist and gallery owner, Sara Foust gave a colourful preview of her upcoming “Ask the Artist” event and shared stories from her life in the creative world. Rising music star Séamus Harty joined Derrick ahead of his final Irish tour stop at Pot Duggans, reflecting on his recent single The Butterfly House and his journey so far. PJ Carmody, Senior Executive Technician, West Clare Municipal District, Clare County Council and Dr. Eamon Doyle of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark shared updates on recent fossil finds, youth science initiatives Ennistymon street cleaning, and upcoming cultural collaborations, including Daithí Ó Drónaí's Common Threads project. Ennistymon-based actress Jacinta Sheerin and Furglan NS Principal Patricia Vaughan discussed the filming of the award-winning short film The Parting at the local school. Spella Zupanihle of Lisdoonvarna Fáilte highlighted an urgent community effort to raise funds for vital repairs to the town's only playground, while Niall O'Keeffe, Chair of Hurling Club and Councillor Shane Talty reflected on the local pride surrounding Ennistymon GAA. Martin O'Sullivan, Captain of Lahinch Golf Club, celebrated the success of the 2025 Palmer Cup and spoke about preparations for the Walker Cup and the potential hosting of the Irish Open in 2026. Later in the show, Derrick met local business owners including Ray Foudy of Foodies Korner and Michelle McManus from The Falls Hotel, who each shared their stories of entrepreneurship in Ennistymon. Pat Flynn brought us another episode of Clare Women in Business, meeting Ballyvaughan's Katie Naughton, who runs two thriving ventures on the coast. To finish out the show, Brendan Keane from the Ennistymon Choral Society spoke about the group's work and introduced a musical piece.

It's hoped the planning process for the first stage of the West Clare Greenway will get underway next year. 1.3 million euro in funding was granted by Transport Infrastructure Ireland earlier this year towards progressing the Kilkee to Kilrush section, as well as stage two of the greenway from Ennis to Ennistymon. Clare County Council says the design of the Kilkee to Kilrush route is being finalised and landowner agreements are currently ongoing. Senior Executive Officer and West Clare Municipal District Co-ordinator/Manager, John O'Malley says once completed it will be of huge value to the area.

To review the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch and Kieran Madigan. Games Reviewed: TUS Clare SFC: Group 1: Éire Óg v Kildysart Cratloe v St. Joseph's Doora Barefield Group 2: Ennistymon v Lissycasey Doonbeg v Kilmihill Group 3: Kilmurry-Ibrickane v Wolfe Tones St. Joseph's Miltown Malbay v St. Breckans

National Heritage Week will run this year from the 16th to 24th August. As we heard on Wednesday's Morning Focus, a major programme of events is taking place in Clare next week to celebrate this county's unique culture. Part of that programme includes two Heritage Week events that are being hosted by the Restore Ballymacraven River Association. Both events will take place in Ennistymon. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ruairí Ó Conchúir, Senior Community Water officer with Local Authority Waters Programme for the South West region and volunteer with Restore Ballymacraven River Association.

The Rekindle Festival of Lost Skills will make its return later this week. The festival, which will take place at the Common Knowledge Center in Kilfenora and in Ennistymon on Friday and Saturday (15th & 16th August), will involve two days of living heritage, community action and cultural celebration as part of National Heritage Week. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Aoife Hammond, Organiser, Mo McRae, Hide tanner and Aoife Kelly, traditional Irish musician and concertina teacher, as well as an illustrator, website and graphic designer.

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.

Kilmihil boss Mickey Doran says his side had full belief they'd get a result against Ennistymon after they had been written off ahead of their TUS Clare Senior Football Championship tie. Following a heavy opening round defeat, Doran's charges responded with a three point win over Ennistymon leaving Group 2 with all to play for headed into Round 3. Ciarán Downes lead the charge landing multiple first half two-pointers and finishing with 12 points in total. Doran says his forwards have the potential to hurt teams if primary possession can be secured. Meanwhile, Kilmurry Ibrickane captain Dermot Coughlan is hailing the impact they got from their bench as they picked up their second win of the campaign. David Egan's side are in pole position in Group 3 after their 0-18 0-15 win over St.Breckan's and face Wolfe Tones in the final round of the group stage. Man of the Match Coughlan says the subs dragged them over the line in a close fought affair.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 1ú lá de mí Lúnasa, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1991 bhuaigh duine 22 míle punt as geall amháin ag na Rásaí I nGaillimh nuair a chuir siad gheall ar Firions Law, a bhí an capall is fearr chun an rás a buachaint. I 2003 tháinig nuacht amach go mbeadh monarcha a chosain 50 milliún punt chun oscail I gContae Lú agus go mbeadh 500 post nua ann. I 1991 tháinig sé amach go raibh an daonra sa chontae tar éis dul síos don chéad uair I 25 bhliain. I 2003 dhiúltaigh An Bord Pleanála plean d'ionad siopadóireacht nua in Inis Díomáin leis an chostas de 3 milliún euro. Sin Chris De Burgh le The Lady In Red – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1986. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1970 tháinig an scannán Performace le Mick Jagger ann amach I Londain agus bhí sé seo a chéad ról aisteoireacht. I 1998 tháinig The Spice Girls amach lena amhrán Viva Forever agus fuair siad a seachtú huimhir a haon sa Bhreatain leis. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh aisteoir Jason Momoa I Meiriceá I 1979 agus rugadh amhránaí Coolio I Meiriceá ar an lá seo I 1963 agus seo chuid de amhrán. Beidh mé ar ais libh an tseachtain seo chugainn le heagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo. Welcome back to another edition of Ar An Lá Seo on the 1st of August, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1991: Someone one £22,100 off one bet at the Galway Races after betting on Firions Law who was far from the favourite to win the race. 2003: A £50m poultry factory was announced to open in Co. Louth and was projected to create 500 jobs. 1991: It was reported that for the first time in 25 years that Clare had seen a decline in Population 2003: Plans for a €3 million shoping centre in Ennistymon was denied by An Bord Pleanala. That was Chris De Burgh with The Lady In Red – the biggest song on this day in 1986 Onto music news on this day In 1970 The film Performance featuring Mick Jagger in his acting debut, had its UK premiere in London. 1998 The Spice Girls scored their seventh UK No.1 single with 'Viva Forever'. And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – actor Jason Momoa was born in America in 1979 and rapper Coolio was born in America on this day in 1963 and this is one of his songs. I'll be back with you next week with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

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.

With schools closed and holiday season in full swing, balancing work and family can be a challenge, especially if you're working remotely. But in County Clare, local DigiHubs are offering a practical solution. Operated by Clare County Council, these Connected Hubs provide quiet, professional workspaces across the county. From Kilkee to Ennistymon, making it easier for working parents and holidaymakers to stay connected while enjoying summer with the family. To tell us more, Derrick Lynch was joined by Jackie Dermody, IS Analyst Developer at Digiclare with Clare County Council.

One of the biggest earthquakes in modern history has been picked up in North Clare. A magnitude 8.8 event struck the Kamchatka peninsula on Russia's Pacific coast last night, prompting evacuation orders in a nearby port town as well as in Japan where two million were advised to vacate to higher ground. The quake, which is the largest since 2004's magnitude 9.1 event near Indonesia's Sumatra Island which prompted a tsunami that killed roughly 220,000 people, was captured by the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark's seismometer in Ennistymon. Geologist with the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, Dr Eamon Doyle says while it's early days, it doesn't seem to have caused serious damage so far.

Tributes are being paid to a man who died in a workplace accident in Ennistymon last Thursday (24th). Joe Crosse is understood to have suffered life-threatening injuries following a fall. The 46-year-old was a plasterer and retained firefighter in Ennistymon. He was active within the community there, where he managed the U9s at Ennistymon GAA Club. Joe also raised thousands of euros for a number of different charities. Indeed, back in December 2021, Joe appeared on Morning Focus to talk about running 52 marathons in a year to raise money for charity. Joe is survived by his wife Brid, children Teagan and Odhran, and extended family and friends. His funeral mass will take place at Clouna Church, Ennistymon today (Monday, 28th July) at 12 noon. For more on this, Derrick Lynch was joined by Shane Talty, Ennistymon GAA Chair.

A North Clare firefighter, GAA Coach, Tradesman and Charity fundraiser extraordinaire who passed away following a tragic accident last week has been described as "the salt of the earth at his funeral mass". Clouna Church in Ennistymon was packed to capacity today to say goodbye to their own Joe Crosse.

On Thursday's Morning Focus, we heard about the imminent closure of Airmid Natural Irish Skincare in Ennistymon. Today, our attention turns to Corofin, where the owners of The Morning Dew Café + Giftshop have announced their decision to close its doors. To find out more about the reasons behind their decision, Alan morrissey was joined by Nadaa Hyder, co-owner of Morning Dew Cafe + Giftshop. PHOTO CREDIT: The Morning Dew Café + Giftshop via Facebook

A prominent and much-loved North Clare business is set to close its physical shop due to what it has described as a seriously challenging environment. Having been in business since 2010, Airmid Natural Irish Skincare has been trading on Ennistymon's Main Street since 2021 but will be reverting to an online only model at the end of September. The family firm will be the latest in a number of Artisan makers to leave the market town in recent months and has pointed to the 23% VAT rate, a dramatic drop in tourist footfall and soaring operating costs. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan has been to Ennistymon to find out more and spoke to the town's newest business, but began by asking Airmid Co-Owner Kevin Lynch about their recent decision.

Clare's senator has spoken in the Seanad for the first time since his resignation from Fine Gael's Parliamentary Party five months ago. Senator Martin Conway left Fine Gael in February of this year after being arrested in Dublin in January for public intoxication which prompted an ongoing disciplinary process within the party. The Ennistymon native has received over €5,200 in Parliamentary Standard Allowance payments since February according to Oireachtas data despite not having spoken in the Houses of the Oireachtas since November of last year. Senator Conway broke his silence on the second-last day of the Seanad term before the summer recess by addressing the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan, on the subject of inclusivity in sport.

To preview the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Friday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Sports Editor, Derek Lynch. Games Covered: Clare SFC Round 1: Friday 18th July Cratloe v Eire Og (Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosog, 7pm) Kildysart v Doora Barefield (Clarecastle, 7pm) Ennistymon v Doonbeg (Miltown, 7pm) Saturday 19th July Kilmihil v Lissycasey (Quilty, 4pm) St Breckans v Wolfe Tones (Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosog, 5pm) Kilmurry Ibrickane v Miltown (Cooraclare, 7pm) Clare IFC Round 1: Friday 18th July Clondegad v Coolmeen (Kilmihil, 7pm) Saturday 19th July Naomh Eoin v Corofin (Lissycasey, 1:30pm) Sunday 20th July Shannon Gaels v O'Currys (Kilrush, 12pm) Liscannor v Cooraclare (Quilty, 1pm) Ennistymon v Michael Cusacks (Corofin, 1pm) Kilrush Shamrocks v Banner (Kilmihill, 1pm)

The Davies Brothers are getting ready for their first hometown show of the year. The brothers – twins Eoin and Brian – will play an intimate show at Pot Duggan's in Ennistymon this Friday (11th July). The show comes after the release of their new single, 'Children of the forest' and before a busy summer of playing festivals and gigs around the country.

A new amenity in a North Clare town is expected to usher in a new era of economic prosperity while alleviating traffic congestion and enhancing the experience of visitors. A long-awaited 48-space car park which will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, has been unveiled at Monastery Lane in Ennistymon. It comes after years of delays owing to the presence of bats in a derelict building on the site which has since been demolished following the relocation of the creatures. Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty says it'll be particularly welcome for local traders.

A contingency broadband supply is being demanded in West and North Clare following a second major outage in weeks. Extensive accidental damage was caused to the network between Ennistymon and Corofin last night, leaving over 3,500 customers without internet and phone coverage, following an incident involving agricutural machinery. It comes just three weeks after a road traffic collision in Kilrush resulted in the disconnection of services for over 4,000 homes and businesses. West Clare Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan the current system is not equipped to meet modern lifestyle demands.

An exhibition by a Ennistymon-based artist – inspired by events in the Banner County – will take place in Galway this Saturday. Mary Fahy's solo exhibition – entitled Well – is part of her Brigid's Well series that explores collective grief practices at Brigid's holy well in Liscannor. The OPW Portumna Castle Gallery in Galway will host the exhibition. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Mary Fahy, Ennistymon-based artist. PHOTO CREDIT: Aleksandra Skibniewska

The Courthouse Gallery in Ennistymon is preparing for its Summer Open Exhibition. The exhibition gets underway from Friday (4th July). The show, which will be curated by Gabhann Dunne, will feature an exciting mix of paintings, sculpture and multimedia works by selected artists. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Éanna Burt, Director and curator Courthouse Gallery & Studios. PHOTO CREDIT: The Courthouse Gallery & Studios, Ennistymon via Facebook

The Booktown Festival returns to Ennistymon this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday (5th & 6th July), booksellers from across Ireland will fill every available space with books to suit everyone, from the general reader in search of a bargain to the avid collector in search of that rarity to complete their collection. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Jon Heddon, organising committee member and Vinny Browne, from Charlie Byrne's Booshop in Galway. PHOTO CREDIT: Ennistymon Booktown Festival via Facebook

Artists in Clare are said to be at risk of deprivation unless a Government initiative is extended indefinitely. The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport has announced a six-month extension to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme, with proposals for a successor scheme to be included in Budget 2026. The scheme currently provides income support of €325 a week to 53 Clare-based artists. Ennistymon-based artist and member of the National Campaign for the Arts Steering Committee, Maeve Stone, says those currently in receipt of the scheme would struggle to cover the basic if it's discontinued.

On Monday's Morning Focus Peter O'Connell was joined by Dr Anne Casey, author & poet from Miltown Malbay. Dr Anne Casey is launching her latest book in Ennistymon later this month, the 21st of June. Originally from Miltown Malbay, Anne is a Sydney-based, internationally award-winning poet, writer and author of five poetry collections. Anne has worked for 30 years as a journalist, magazine editor, media communications director and legal author, holding senior positions in government and the private sector. Anne's latest book of poetry, called Seang (Hungering), is based on her research into Irish famine children in Australia. PHOTO CREDIT: Dr Anne Casey

Clare County Council has committed to developing a plan to roll out modular wastewater treatment plants to boost housing in unsewered areas. There are currently 50 towns and villages in Clare without a sewerage connection, while plants in Clareabbey, Miltown Malbay, Ennistymon, Kilkee. Kildysart and Kilmihil are all at capacity. Following a proposal passed this week, the local authority has now pledged to engage with the Department of Housing with a view to expediting developer led systems as an interim solution. Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy says it's urgently needed.

Three Clare music venues are among the beneficiaries of a €500,000 Government funding pot. The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan, has announced the 33 recipients of the Grassroots Music Venues Support Scheme. Kenny's Bar Lahinch, Pot Duggan's in Ennistymon and the Attic in Doolin will all receive up to €15,000 under the scheme which has been devised to support smaller venues showcasing emerging artists. Kenneth Kenny of Kenny's Bar Lahinch says it's a welcome helping hand at a time when businesses like his are facing additional challenges.

LOR-KEY, known to his friends and family as Lorcan O'Garvey, will be performing in the Cheese Press in Ennistymon on Thursday (12th June) The gig will act as a listening party for his debut EP, I AM THE KEY... To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Irish-French reggae artist, Lorcan O'Garvey. Photo(C): https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2141712233013015&set=pb.100015227772643.-2207520000

Is there a smell in Ennistymon? That certainly seems to be the case, at least judging by comments on social media. A number of locals have taken to Facebook to highlight what they describe as a strong smell in various locations in the West Clare town. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor, Shane Talty.

Ger Wolfe is coming to Clare! The Cork singer-songwriter will be making his way to Ennistymon for what promises to be a special show tomorrow, the 5th June from 8pm. Ger tenth album, ‘Songs from Freeman's Ballyvourney Collection' was released last April. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by singer-songwriter, Ger Wolfe. Photo(C): https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1248631550595728&set=a.227183699407190

Éanna Rouine has been remembered as a man with endless enthusiasm that couldn't be contained. The Lahinch student passed away on Tuesday at St James Hospital in Dublin at just 20 years of age. His funeral was celebrated today at the at the Church of the Immaculate Conception Lahinch. Éanna was a multi-talented sportsman, having lined out for Ennistymon, UL and Clare throughout a glittering career. He was also an accomplished musician and a beach lifeguard for Clare County Council. His brother Dara says his many accomplishments are a testament to the fullness of his life.

The funeral takes place this weekend of 20-year-old Éanna Rouine, who passed away on Tuesday. The Ennistymon GAA clubman was a talented athlete who played for Clare and University of Limerick teams as well as his local club. He was also an accomplished musician and beach lifeguard. Books of condolence have opened at the West Clare Municipal District Office on the Ennis Road in Ennistymon and Áras Contae an Chláir on New Road in Ennis and members of the public have been invited to sign it. Éanna will be laid to rest on Sunday following funeral mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Lahinch. He is survived by his parents John and Caitríona, brothers Eoin and Dara and sister Bríd-Áine. To remember Éanna, Alan Morrissey was joined by Chair of Ennistymon GAA Club, Shane Talty and Des Forde, Lahinch Parish Priest Rev.

A new report that collects and analyses the experiences of recipients of the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) has been published. The contributions of more than 50 artists and creative arts workers feature in the report, which has been commissioned by the Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan. They were interviewed by a sociologist to talk about the changes that the Basic Income for the Arts has brought to their lives. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ennistymon-based artist, Maeve Stone and Jack Talty, from Lissycasey, musician, lecturer and record producer. Photo(C): Yusuke Ide from Getty Images via canva

An urgent appeal has been issued to people in Clare this week, as life saving blood supplies dip to under three days of stock. Given the lesser number of clinics held across the county due to the May and June bank holidays some blood stocks have reached the two day mark, including those of the universal O Negative supply. Donation clinics will be taking place in the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon this evening from 4:50pm-8:10pm and in Scariff GAA Hall at the same time on Thursday. Broadford native & IBTS Recruitment & Retention Executive, Alex O'Connor says more than half of all supply goes to ongoing cancer services before exterior events such as road traffic collisions are factored in.

Today is not just the 15th of May: it's also Hello, How Are You Day. This mental health initiative is inviting everyone across Clare and the rest of the country – and beyond – to take a moment to say hello and really check in with the people around them. There will be events taking place in Clare, including a coffee morning for Hello, How Are You? Day in the North West Clare Family Resource Centre in Ennistymon later this morning (10am-11:30am). Alan has been speaking about all of this with Cillian Keane, Development Officer with Mental Health Ireland, based in Ennis... Photo(C): https://www.facebook.com/hellohowareyoumhi/

Clare has been awarded over €3 million in funding for housing adaptation grants. Just under €2.7 million of this has been provided to this county through exchequer funding while a further 476,000 is estimated to be contributed by the local authority. It forms part of a national total of €117 million, with an increase of €10,000 in the maximum grant available under the Housing Adaption Grant for Disabled People also announced. Ennistymon-based disability rights activist, Ann Marie Flanagan, says the funding is welcome but is hopeful in time the full cost of works will be covered under the grant.

The number of people leaving University Hospital Limerick without completing tretament is said to be "deeply concerning". Of the 87,195 people who attended the emergency department in 2024, 6,062 left before fully receiving treatment. Midwest Hospital Campaign spokesperson Marie McMahon says the high volumes of attendees with no other option for care is contributing to the number of walk-outs. The Ennistymon native says an assessment of the hours at the Local Injury Unit and Medical Assessment Unit is needed to relieve pressure on the emergency department.

The Falls Hotel in Ennistymon is the venue once again for the Changing Landscapes conference. This is the second year of the event, hosted by Clare-based nature restoration charity Hometree. The theme for this year's conference is Beyond Good Intentions: Turning Rhetoric to Impact. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Development Lead Hometree, Ray Ó'Foghlú.

The number of people claiming unemployment benefit in Clare has dropped by 12.5% in the last year. At the end of April, 3,827 people were on the live register in this county, 550 fewer than this time twelve months ago. The Ennistymon electoral area saw the greatest drop with the unemployment rate reducing from over 1,000 last year to 643. Managing Director of the Ailwee Burren Experience and ISME Council Rep Nuala Mulqueeney says they've seen a modest spike in business.

A former Clare senator is urging the county's elected representatives fight for funding which she insists is "absolutely mandatory". It comes as the Ennistymon to Moyasta section of the West Clare Railway Greenway project has been denied funding by Transport Infrastructrure Ireland. In response to a parliamentary question from Bodyke Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney, TII says it will "give consideration to funding the progression of the Ennistymon to Miltown Malbay and Miltown Malbay to Moyasta Greenway sections in 2026 taking cognisance of the limited funding available to TII generally and the many competing demands for such funding". Inagh-based Green Party Deputy Leader Róisín Garvey says it will be a waste of money and hard work if the project doesn't come to fruition.

Ennistymon will host a cultural event this Bank Holiday weekend. The free event will be held in the town centre on Monday (5th May). To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by Chairman, Frank McNamara and Vice-Chairman, Maurice Harvey. Photo(C): Frank McNamara

Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) has announced the first in a series of free ‘Citizen Science Water and Land training programmes'. The series will get underway on Saturday, 10th of May in Flagmount and Ennistymon. Building on previous biodiversity training offered by CLDC, these new, hands-on, immersive courses will focus on increasing community awareness and understanding of the rich biodiversity in the waters and on the land of County Clare. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Development Officer LEADER Programme, Deirdre Morrissey and Co-founder of Cork Nature Network, Gill Weyman. Photo(C): ClareFM