Podcasts about ennistymon

Felicity Hayes-McCoy will be joining forces with her fellow best-selling author, Roisín Meaney, for an event in the Banner bookshop in Ennistymon on the 11th of November. Felicity is the woman who penned the bestselling Finfarran series of novels, which feature a local librarian and are set in a fictional county in Ireland. They have been translated into nine languages. Her latest book, called Once A Year, has just been published. Indeed, the book has a connection to Ennistymon. Alan Morrissey had a chat with Felicity on Friday's Morning Focus. Image (c) Felicity Hayes-McCoy via Facebook

A Clare woman who was detained by Israeli forces while travelling to Gaza as part of the Sumud Flotilla says she would do it "a hundred times over" until a lasting peace is achieved in the region. A public meeting will take place this evening in Cloughleigh in Ennis at 8:15pm. Fanore activist Maureen Almai (Al-my), Head of the Clare Participation Network, Sarah Clancy and Ennistymon native Leigh Brosnan, who is a member of Lawyers for Palestine will all be in attendance for the round table discussion. Maureen says it's disappointing that the international focus on Israel during the flotilla's campaign has waned in the weeks after.

A verdict of unlawful killing has been returned at the inquest into the death of Emer O'Loughlin, the Clare woman who body was discovered in a burnt-out mobile home two decades ago. The remains of the Ennistymon native were found in a caravan on lands at Ballybornagh near Tubber on the 8th of April, 2005. The jury returned the verdict at the inquest at the Coroner's Court sitting in Kilrush on Wednesday. Alan Morrissey was joined live on Morning Focus by Emer's sister, Pam O'Loughlin. Picture (c) Justice For Emer O'Loughlin via Facebook

IBÍLÈ will be hosting its first West Clare pop-up tasting experience this weekend. IBÍLÈ is a contemporary pop-up dining restaurant dedicated to showcasing the vibrant flavours of West African cuisine. They will have a tasting menu at Pot Duggans in Ennistymon on the 7th & 8th of November. The menu is inspired by Nigerian roots, paired with music, storytelling, and cocktails crafted African wine pairings with Irish spirits. To find out more, Alan Morrissey spoke with the founder of IBÍLÈ, Tolu Asemento. Photo (c) via Pot Duggans Facebook

We spotted a comment left on Facebook recently, which caught our eye. The post was in relation to what, in the poster's view, was the high cancer rates in Ennistymon. The most recent figures from the CSO for 2021 revealed that the Ennistymon region had the highest rate of neoplasm-related deaths of any area in the country. Neoplasms are abnormal masses of tissue that can be cancerous, accounted for more deaths than any other factor countywide in that year, with the exception of Kilrush. To explore this further, Alan Morrissey was joined live on the line by Dr Michael Kelleher.

When Amro Mrabiye arrived in Ireland as a young boy fleeing the conflict in Syria, he never imagined that a decade later he'd be building a life and a brand, inspired by the very place that gave him peace. Now 20 and based in Ennistymon, Amro has channelled his journey of resilience and renewal into Amarè, a rising clothing brand that celebrates comfort, creativity, and connection. Amro Mrabiye spoke with Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus. Image (c) Amarè Clothing via Instagram

North Clare Historical Society continues its lecture series next week. The Falls Hotel in Ennistymon is the venue for next Tuesday's, the 28th of October at 8pm talk, entitled The Decline of the Big House in Ireland: Some Further Perspectives. Terence Dooley will be delivering the lecture. Terence is Head of History Department in Maynooth University where he is also Director of the Centre for the Study of Historic Irish Houses and Estates. Photo (c) Maynooth University

The Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District believes an outer relief road will be needed in Ennistymon within the next decade. It comes as the High Court has dismissed an application for leave to bring a judicial review challenge against the Compulsory Purchase Order for an inner relief road in the North Clare town. The project has been in the works since 2010 and is intended to alleviate long-standing traffic congestion at Blake's Corner. Fine Gael Councillor Bill Slattery previously lobbied for an outer relief road to be constructed and he believes it could still be required.

Aindrias de Staic joined Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus. The Ennistymon-based musician, actor and storyteller spoke about his time living in a caravan without any electricity — and how it had been the happiest time of his life. Aindrias also mentioned that he had some live shows coming up, including in Clare.

The Government is being urged to sanction Israel after 15 Irish citizens were detained as part of the Gaza aid flotilla. Those detainees are making their way home after being deported from Israel yesterday. Global Movement to Gaza Éire, the group supporting the flotilla here, say the participants will be reunited with their families and supported when they land. For more on this story, Alan Morrissey was joined on Tuesday's Morning Focus by Ennistymon native Leigh Brosnan, a member of Lawyers for Palestine. Pic (c) globalsumudflotilla on Instagram

A Gaza-bound Clare poet is among at least nine Irish citizens detained by Israeli forces. Sarah Clancy, who's Head of the Clare Public Participation Network and lived in Ballyvaughan for over a decade, was on board ‘The Spectre', one of 21 aid flotilla boats intercepted overnight. To get the very latest on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ennistymon native and Barrister Leigh Brosnan, who is a member of Lawyers for Palestine on Thursday's Morning Focus. Pictured Sarah Clancy (c) Clare FM

Harrison is an author, eco-builder, broadcaster and the co-founder of Common Knowledge, the non-profit social enterprise based near Ennistymon. The Australian native is a busy bee at the moment. He is back on our TV screens from Wednesday the 1st of October, with a new season of Build Your Own Home. Harrison also has an upcoming event at the Old Ground Hotel here in Ennis on the 16th of October, called When Did Housing Become an Act of Rebellion?, during which he will launch his new book, Our Homes: Other Ways to Solve the Housing Crisis. For more on this, Harrison Gardner joined Alan Morrissey in-studio.

Next month, will be a hive of activity at Pot Duggans who are holding live shows. The Ennistymon venue has a great lineup in store for Cois Abhann 2025. To find out more about it, Jack Daly, venue Manager of Pot Duggans had a chat with Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) via Pot Duggans Facebook

Clare County Council is being accused of taking "too long" to address infrastructural issues impacting on access to emergency care in the north of the county. The Midwest Hospital Campaign is highlighting the journey time between the Cliffs of Moher and University Hospital Limerick's emergency department which it says is one hour and 15 minutes at a minimum, and is often hampered by delays at the likes of Blake's Corner in Ennistymon. It calls comes as emergency services had to attend to two separate incidents at the North Clare attraction in one day this week. Ennis resident and Midwest Hospital Campaign spokesperson Hilary Tonge says in addition to a Model 4 hospital in the county town, the roads require urgent attention.

The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) is inviting members of the public, and in particular community groups and individuals, with an interest in water quality, to a community information meeting this evening (Wednesday, 17th September 2025 at 7.30pm) in the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon. The meeting on water quality in North and West Clare will also discuss the establishment of a Community Catchment Forum for the Mal Bay Catchment of North and West of the County. Ruairí Ó Conchúir, from the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) spoke with Alan Morrissey on Wednesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) The Clare Herald

Last week, we were joined on the show by Sarah Clancy to talk about the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is on its way to Gaza. The Clare poet is among a group of hundreds of activists from 44 countries aboard the GSF, which is attempting to break the Israeli naval blockade to deliver humanitarian aid to the famine stricken Palestinian territory. Sailing alongside the flotilla is an independent legal support boat. On board that boat is the lawyer and Ennistymon native, Leigh Brosnan. I spoke with Leigh earlier, and started by asking her what motivated her personally and professionally to join the Global Sumud Flotilla and the legal support boat. To find out more, Alan Morrissey spoke with Leigh Brosnan Gaza Flotilla on Tuesdays Morning Focus.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.