Podcasts about ennistymon

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 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

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.

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.

The Courthouse Gallery in Ennistymon is the venue for next Monday's latest talk presented by the North Clare Historical Society on the 24th November at 8pm. The talk, titled Stories in Stone: Exploring Doolin's Ancient Landscape, will be given by Kate Lavender-Duncan. Alan Morrissey spoke to Kate on Friday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) The Burren College of Art

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. 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Joe Queally, an author and local historian from Fanore, is launching his new book in Ennistymon in the 21st of November. The North Clare launch of ‘Tragedies of Clare' will take place at the Courthouse Gallery from 8pm. To tell us more, Joe and Tom Scales joined Alan on Thursday's Morning Focus.

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 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 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.