Podcasts about Killaloe

Emergency medical response charity CRITICAL has established a new Community First Responder (CFR) group in Ennis, County Clare. A dedicated team of nine volunteers are now responding to life-threatening emergencies in the town and its surrounding areas. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by David Tighe, Killaloe-based Chief Executive of CRITICAL. Photo Credit: Photo (c) Critical - Emergency Medical Response via Facebook

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 28ú lá de mí Lúnasa, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1988 scaoileadh urchar ar Gharda nuair a bhí sé I gcoinne triúir robálaí a bhí faoi airm ag tí I gCill Dara. I 1997 dúirt an IRFU leis na chlub go gcaithfidh gach duine a bheith cláraithe chuig an árachas saoil agus árachas gortú, ionas go mbeidís ábalta imirt. I 1988 sheas Nancy Kelly ó Lissycasey as a bpost mar altra de bharr go raibh sí mar Clare's Darlin Girl. I 2005 bhí a lán tacaíocht ó ghrúpaí slatiascaireacht, oibreoir báid agus seirbhísí cuardaigh agus tarrthála don mhuiríne leis an chostas de 3 milliúin euro. Sin Oasis le The Importance Of Being Idle – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 2005. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1968 chuaigh The Beach Boys chuig uimhir a haon sa Bhreatain lena hamhrán Do It Again. I 1972 chuaigh Alice Cooper chuig uimhir a haon sa Bhreatain lena hamhrán School's Out. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh aisteoir Jack Black I Meiriceá I 1969 agus rugadh amhránaí Shania Twain I gCeanada ar an lá seo I 1965 agus seo chuid de amhrán. Beidh mé ar ais libh amárach le heagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo. Welcome back to another edition of Ar An Lá Seo on the 28th of August, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1997: The IRFU told rugby clubs every one of their junior and senior players needed to be registered to life and injury insurance to play. 1988: A Garda was shot after a confrontation with 3 heavily armed raiders outside a house in Kildare. 1988: 22 year old Nancy Kelly from Lissycasey stepped out of her career as a nurse to be selected as Clare's Darlin Girl. 2005: the provision of a €3 million marina 2 km south of Killaloe had immense backing by boat operators, angling groups and search and rescue units. That was Oasis with The Importance Of Being Idle – the biggest song on this day in 2005 Onto music news on this day In 1968 The Beach Boys were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Do It Again'. 1972 Alice Cooper was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'School's Out'. And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – actor Jack Black was born in America in 1969 and singer Shania Twain was born in Canada on this day in 1965 and this is one of her songs. I'll be back with you tomorrow with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

Thursday's Morning Focus broadcasted live from the Killaloe library as part of Clare FM's Summer Tour. Alan Morrissey kicked off the show with his first guest, Brian McCarthy, Senior Planner and Coordinator with the Killaloe Municipal District. Brian provided an overview of the district, explaining how the Killaloe MD operates. Fresh doubt has been cast on the project as the Friends of the Irish Environment launched a new High Court challenge over the wastewater connection granted by Uisce Éireann. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly shared his view that the challenge should be dismissed, while environmental activist Tony Lowes, one of the directors of the Friends of the Irish Environment, joined Alan Morrissey for a further discussion. Local heritage was celebrated with Arlene White, Chair of the Killaloe-Ballina Local History Society. Alan highlighted tourism in the area with Margaret O'Donnell from the Killaloe Tourist Office. A meeting took place between the Midwest couple Melanie and Barry Cleary and the Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, six years after the tragic death of their daughter, Eve. Melanie Cleary spoke with Alan about the meeting. Jessica O'Keeffe from Clare Sports Partnership outlined the upcoming Clare Outdoor Recreation Plan and opportunities for local clubs, trails, and water-based activities. While, Aldo Andreucetti from Clare County Council spoke about the Fáilte Ireland Platforms for Growth sports activity facility in Ballycuggaran.  Paddy Collins from Ballina Riverside Pool also joined the show. Local business voices included Cathal Quin of Flanagan's on the Lake, Ballina and Catriona Devereux, owner of Mother Goose Creche, with Margaret Coleman, in-house chef. Alan also welcomed traditional Irish singer Deirdre Scanlan, who performed live and shared stories from her career as an All-Ireland champion and international performer. The Clare Women in Business segment featured Pat Flynn visiting Tubber to meet Niamh Baker, co-owner of the Burren Inn, discussing her entrepreneurial journey.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 7ú lá de mí Lúnasa, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1970 bhí pléasc mhór in áit scoite I gCorcaigh an mhaidin sin. Dúradh go raibh sé feiste phléascadh a rinne cúpla daoine óga sa bhaile. I 1981 bhí na príosúnaigh timpeall an tír ar stailc ocrais mar go raibh siad ag iarradh rudaí níos fearr sa phríosúin. I 1998 cuireadh deich ríomhaire ar bun sa halla pobail I Glengoole le níos mó ná 50 duine ag fáil traenáil ríomhaire. Bhí na daoine a raibh ina chónaí I Glengoole ag iarradh foghlaim faoi conas an ríomhaire a úsáid agus eolais a fháil faoi theicneolaíocht. I 2010 ghabh na Gardaí I gCill Dalua bád a bhí ag déanamh ionramhálacha dainséarach ar Lough Derg I rith an deireadh seachtain. Bhí ceithre dhuine ar an mbád agus ghabh na Gardaí é timpeall Béal an Átha mar bhí tuairisc ann gur nach mór bhuail sé bád eile ar an loch. Sin Snap le Rhythm Is A Dancer – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1992. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1971 shroich The Bee Gees uimhir a haon I Meiriceá lena hamhrán How Can You Mend A Broken Heart agus d'fhan siad ann ar feadh ceithre seachtain. I 2008 dhíol culaith aonphíosa péacóg Elvis Presley do 300 míle dollar ag ceant. Ag an am bhí sé an t-earra cuimhneacháin is costasach ó Elvis a dhíol ag ceant riamh. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh aisteoir Charlize Theron san Aifric Theas I 1975 agus rugadh aisteoir Maggie Wheeler I Meiriceá ar an lá seo I 1961 agus seo chuid de na rudaí a rinne sí. Beidh mé ar ais libh amárach le heagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo. Welcome back to another edition of Ar An Lá Seo on the 7th of August, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1970: A loud explosion was set off in a secluded area in the early hours of the morning in Cork. it was reported that the homemade explosive device was set off by local youths. 1981: Prisoners carried out a hunger strike in pursuit of numerous demands. 1998 - Ten computers were set up at Glengoole Community Hall with over fifty participants benefiting from computer training. The people of Glengoole and surrounding parishes were busy tapping on the keyboard, playing with the mouse and getting to grips with the jargon which surrounds the world of information technology.  2010 - GARDAI m Killaloe seized a cruise boat which had been reported to be engaging in dangerous manoeuvres on Lough Derg over the weekend. The boat, which had four people on board, was seized after it berthed in Ballina following a report that it almost swamped another boat that was on the lake.  That was Snap with Rhythm Is A Dancer – the biggest song on this day in 1992 Onto music news on this day In 1971 The Bee Gees started a four-week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'How Can You Mend A Broken Heart'. 2008 Elvis Presley's peacock jumpsuit, was sold at auction for $300,000, making it the most expensive piece of Elvis memorabilia ever sold at an auction. And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – actress Charlize Theron was born in South Africa in 1975 and actress Maggie Wheeler was born in America on this day in 1961 and this is some of the stuff she has done. I'll be back with you tomorrow with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

Recently elected Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District, the Whitegate Native spoke on the new Iniscealtra centre, the new Killaloe bridge as well as other east Clare matters of interest. Originally broadcast as part of  Saturday Chronicle 19th July 2025  hosted by John S Kelly and Jim Collins. Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com

A local electoral area in Clare is among 15 nationwide which had more deaths than births in 2022. A new analysis of data by the Central Statistics Office shows the Kilrush local electoral area experienced the fifth-largest natural decrease rate in the country in the year in question. The Kilrush LEA recorded 190 births and 213 deaths in 2022, giving it a natural decrease of 23, translating to a natural decrease rate per 1,000 of population of -1. This makes the area one of just 15 in Ireland where there were more deaths than births in 2022. The Ennistymon LEA's natural increase was close to neutral, with 176 births and 173 deaths occurring, resulting in a natural increase rate of 0.2. The Ennis, Shannon and Killaloe areas all recorded natural increases with Ennis having the highest at 3.5. The findings are in contrast to those of 2021 when each of the five LEAs in Clare experienced natural increases.

Now to a truly inspiring journey unfolding across Clare and beyond this week — it's the annual Step by Step Walk to Knock, raising funds and awareness for the incredible work of Mary's Meals. The walk began on August 7th and will continue right through to the 15th, with walkers making their way step by step across the country — passing through places like Clonlara, Killaloe, Feakle, and now heading toward Scarriff and Tuamgraney. To learn more about the walk, how to support it, and the impact of Mary's Meals Peter O'Connell was joined by walker and organiser Ger Silke. Photo Credit: Ger Sike

A protest is set to take place this Friday, August 1st at 7:20pm in Killaloe, as locals voice their frustration over changes to the use of the historic 18th-century bridge. The walking protest will cross the new Brian Ború Bridge and return, aiming to highlight the lack of consultation with local businesses and communities. For more on this, Derrick Lynch was joined by Eddie O'Gorman, organiser,

Born and raised in Portugal, Luiana Mendes quickly recognized the significance of hard work, dedication, and commitment after her parents immigrated to Canada and found success in their careers. Inspired by their drive and passion, Luiana began networking and building relationships in the culinary world, embracing the "fake it till you make it" mentality. This perseverance led her to pursue her dreams at the International Culinary Centre in New York, a renowned culinary school.After a brief return to Portugal for her grandfather's funeral, the tragedy of 9/11 struck, preventing her from returning to New York as planned. Instead, she moved back to Canada, settling in Killaloe. There, she reconnected with Sigrid Geddes of Sigrid Naturals, who took her under her wing and introduced her to the world of entrepreneurship. Luiana quickly integrated into the local business community, securing a position as the Mess Manager at Garrison Petawawa's Mess Hall.Now, she is thrilled to announce the opening of her new restaurant, SOPA, which will feature a diverse menu of Portuguese and Angolan cuisine, along with catering services in downtown Pembroke. Luiana is excited to become an active member of the Pembroke business community!

 owner of B14 cafe which has recently opened in Killaloe having relocated from O'Briens Bridge.   Originally broadcast as part of Saturday Chronicle 12th July 2025 hosted by Patricia Anne Moore and Tom Hanley. as broadcast from the Killaloe Ballina Family Resource Centre, the Green, Killaloe, https://kbfrc.ie/  Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com

traditional musician and singer songwriter hailing from Ballina popped over to drop in to PA and Tom for a chat. https://deirdrescanlan.com/ Originally broadcast as part of Saturday Chronicle 12th July 2025 hosted by Patricia Anne Moore and Tom Hanley. as broadcast from the Killaloe Ballina Family Resource Centre, the Green, Killaloe, https://kbfrc.ie/  Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com

 talking about activities at Smith O'Briens GAA and Camogie club as well as giving an update on the trial closure of the Bridge in Killaloe and planned activities around same.   Originally broadcast as part of Saturday Chronicle 12th July 2025 hosted by Patricia Anne Moore and Tom Hanley. as broadcast from the Killaloe Ballina Family Resource Centre, the Green, Killaloe, https://kbfrc.ie/  Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com

Youth Worker,Clare Youth Service based in the resource centre Killaloe talks about services available to the young people of Killaloe and east Clare.  Originally broadcast as part of Saturday Chronicle 12th July 2025 hosted by Patricia Anne Moore and Tom Hanley. as broadcast from the Killaloe Ballina Family Resource Centre, the Green, Killaloe, https://kbfrc.ie/  Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com

Authorities have promised a quick and effective response if the upcoming pedestrianisation trial of the old Killaloe Bridge leads to traffic congestion. From July 28th to October 17th, the 18th century crossing between Killaloe and Ballina will be closed to vehicular traffic. Clare County Council says that while it doesn't anticipate significant congestion, it will liaise with An Garda Siochána and the emergency services to remedy the situation if unforeseen traffic delays occur. Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien says it's vital a contingency plan is in place.

 talking about the upcoming 32nd South East Clare show taking care at Bridgetown on Sunday 27th July 2025. https://www.southeastclareshow.com/  Originally broadcast as part of Saturday Chronicle 12th July 2025 hosted by Patricia Anne Moore and Tom Hanley. as broadcast from the Killaloe Ballina Family Resource Centre, the Green, Killaloe, https://kbfrc.ie/  Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com

with Sgt Declan O'Keefe Scariff,  as broadcast on Saturday Chronicle 12th July 2025 - live from the Killaloe Ballina Family Resource Centre, the Green, Killaloe, https://kbfrc.ie/  hosted by Tom Hanley and Patricia Anne Moore. Saturday Chronicle is kindly sponsored by James M Nash and Co and Derg Kitchen Design   http://dergkitchendesign.ie. Saturday Chronicle is kindly sponsored by James M Nash and Co and Derg Kitchen Design   http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com 

A Clare centenarian, one of Ireland's oldest men, has passed away. Michael Hannon, late of Main Street, Killaloe died last Sunday at the age of 104. He would have been 105 years-old next February. Michael, who was pre-deceased by his wife Nancy and daughter Geraldine (Purcell), is survived by his daughter Anne, son John, and extended family and friends. Michael will be buried following funeral mass around now (11am, Wednesday) in St. Flannan's Church, Killaloe. To remember Michael and his remarkably long life, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tony O'Brien, Killaloe Fianna Fail Councillor.

Three pubs in East Clare are currently up for sale. Reddan's Bar in Killaloe; Nuala's Bar and Restaurant, Tuamgraney; and Stritch's Pub, Clonlara are all trading and being sold as going concerns. To find out more about the reasons behind the impending sale of of Nuala's bar and restaurant in Tuamgraney, I am Alan Morrissey was joined by Nuala O'Brien, of Nuala's bar and restaurant, Tuamgraney. PHOTO CREDIT: Nualas.ie

Féile Brian Ború is underway! The annual festival in Killaloe and Ballina is running from the 2nd to the 6th of July, with a packed programme of events for all ages – from music and culture to family fun and historical re-enactments. The festival has grown steadily since it began in 1993, becoming a much-loved fixture on the summer calendar for locals and visitors alike. To discuss this year's celebrations, Alan Morrissey was joined by Arlene White, one of the organisers behind Féile Brian Ború. PHOTO CREDIT: Féile Brian Ború

On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Derek Spaight. Derek, who lives in Ballina-Killaloe, lives with cerebral palsy and is a wheelchair user. To truly regain his independence and unlock his potential, Derek urgently needs a fit-for-purpose wheelchair accessible van. However, the cost for a suitable vehicle is approximately €35,000, which is why Derek has kickstarted a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe. Alan caught up with Derek to find out more, he first outlined his day-to-day-life, and what mobility looks like for him at the moment. You can help Derek by donating here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-derek-get-his-wheelchair-and-van

The newly elected Cathaoirleach of Killaoe Municipal District says tackling housing shortages and rural depopulation will be the key aims of his tenure. Whitegate Fine Gael councillor Pat Burke was appointed at the Annual General Meeting of Killaloe MD this week, with Killaoe Fianna Fáil councillor Tony O'Brien selected as Leas-Cathaoirleach. Advancement of progress on the R352 and the delivery of the Crusheen rail stop were highlighted as goals for the coming year. However, councillor Burke claims vacancy, dereliction and wastewater capacity were the most pressing issues indicated in the district's Socio-Economc Plan.

The old Killaloe Bridge will undergo a pedestrianisation trial next month. From July 28th until early October, the 18th Century bridge connecting Killaloe and Ballina will be closed to vehicular traffic to assess the demand this will place on the new Shannon Bridge Crossing. It's understood that since the €88m Brian Boru bridge opened in May, that over 4,500 vehicles are still traversing the old bridge each week. Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien believes the trial will conclusively prove that both bridges need to serve vehicular traffic.

The Irish Senior Women's Dragon Boat Team is preparing to represent Ireland on the world stage this July at the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Germany. A self-funded team of twelve athletes from across the country, they are training hard and fundraising to make their dream a reality. To discuss the journey and the growing sport of dragon boating in Ireland, Alan Morrissey was joined by Emily Walsh, team member from Killaloe. You can support the Irish Women's Dragon Boat Team and learn more about them in the links below: https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/DragonBoatIreland https://www.shannondragons.ie/ https://www.dragonboat.ie/

It's time for some summer vibes! The weather here in Killaloe (where the show is taking place today) is stunning and the summer feels in full swing.Henry McKean has been chatting to locals and visitors and asking: is Killaloe paradise?

As the show is in Killaloe today, it would be a missed opportunity not speaking to this woman: she's a marathon swimmer, an Ireland and Munster rugby legend and a local.Rosie Foley joins Seán for a chat!

The Brian Boru Triathlon and Try-a-Tri are fast approaching! They will be taking place in Killaloe this Saturday, the 7th of June. Race Director, Martin Pearl joined Alan Morrissey for the details. Image (c) https://www.borutriclub.ie/brian-boru-triathlon-2025/

Last Thursday was a hugely significant day for the twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina, as the long-awaited Brian Boru Bridge was unveiled. The €88 million project connects the twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina while also providing a new 6.2 kilometre Killaloe Bypass as well as regional road enhancements. However, what should have been a day of joy for locals seems to have instead been a day of anger and frustration. That's because locals say they were “locked out of history” - claiming politicians and local representatives were invited to the unveiling of the Brian Boru Bridge...but they weren't allowed to attend its opening. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Deirdre Scanlan, from Ballina.

The Minister of Transport has hailed a new bridge in East Clare as "transformative" for the region. Fianna Fáil Minister Darragh O'Brien attended the unveiling of the long-awaited Brian Boru Bridge on Thursday afternoon. The €88 million project connects the twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina while also providing a new 6.2 kilometre Killaloe Bypass as well as regional road enhancements. Clare FM's Seán Lyons headed to the Clare/Tipperary border to cover the event where the Minister was subject to some early accusations.

Presented by Petula Martyn, coming from the twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina ahead of the opening of the Brian Boru Bridge today.

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth with special responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion, Michael Moynihan paid a visit to Clare last Friday. During his trip, Minister Moynihan visited schools in Killaloe, Shannon and Ennis. As part of the stop in St. Anne's in the county town, an extensive meeting was held between the minister, the school's administration and this county's TDs. Principal, Rose Marie Flanagan outlined the reason behind the visit and the details of the meeting to Clare FM's Darragh O'Grady.

The Minister for Transport will officially open a long-awaited bridge in East Clare in the coming week. Minister Darragh O'Brien is set to unveil the Brian Boru Bridge connecting Killaloe and Ballina next Thursday at 3pm. The major infrastructural project crosses the River Shannon one kilometre south of the existing Killaloe Bridge and will connect the Killaloe Bypass with the R494. Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien says it's a gamechanger.

Traders on Ennis's main street are crediting pedestrianisation with allowing them to harness the economic opportunities presented by this week's hot spell. With temperatures hitting the mid-twenties across the county today, businesses are pulling out all the stops to ensure they see the benefit. It's expected to be the hottest day of 2025 so far and Met Éireann says it's keeping a "close watch" to see if it'll be the warmest April day in Ireland on record. The top temperature identified anywhere in the county in April is 25.8 degrees, which was experienced in Glenties in County Donegal in 1984. Shannon and Ennis is expected to see highs of 24 degrees this afternoon, while it'll be 23 degrees in Kilrush, Ennistymon, Killaloe and Scariff. The town's main thoroughfare, O'Connell Street, is now fully-pedestrianised, and Head Gelato Maker at Gino's, Sam Toth says in his experience, the resulting atmosphere is "flawless". The Ennis Public Realm Regeneration project is still ongoing but is expected to be wrapped up by the end of this year. The appointed contractor, Shareridge, claims the O'Connell Square phase will conclude by the end of June while works in the Cathedral Zone will be completed by the end of September. Construction in the vicinity of Bank Place, Abbey Street and Barrack Street, meanwhile, are forecast to be finalised by the business end of December. Mark Kelly of the Diamond Bar is one business owner who's embraced the newly-pedestrianised O'Connell Street with outdoor seating and he says he fully welcomes the change. Some business in Ennis haven't known life without construction taking place outside the door and the dual ventures of entrepreneur Aoibhín Garrihy, Beo and The Well, are one example. Brand Manager Katie Hands claims the works have had little impact on the business's viability. She says on a balmy day like today, there's no better place to be.

Two local paddlers, living in County Clare, have achieved an extraordinary feat on the international stage. Paul Austin, from O'Briensbridge, and Killaloe man Barry Walsh, representing Shannon Paddlers Kayaking Club, successfully completed the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race over the Easter weekend. The 125-mile endurance race is widely regarded as the toughest non-stop kayak/canoe event in the world. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Barry Walsh, from Killaloe and Paul Austin, from O'Briensbridge, who completed the world's longest non-stop canoe race. Photo(C): Clare FM

Cherish The Ladies are coming to Clare! The US female supergroup will play Killaloe Hotel and Spa this Friday, the 2nd of May at 8:30pm. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by Irish-American musician, Joanie Madden. Photo(C): https://www.facebook.com/cherishtheladies/photos/killaloe-county-clarefriday-may-2nd-hi-folkswe-are-delighted-to-be-heading-back-/1231174415037470/

This weekend is, of course, the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. A host of events across the Catholic Church and Church of Ireland will be taking place over the coming days. For example, Holy Thursday will have the Mass of the Lord's Supper, which is a commemoration of the first Eucharist. It finishes with a special Eucharistic procession to the altar of repose. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan, and Church of Ireland Bishop of Tuam, Limerick, and Killaloe, Michael Burrows. Picture (c) Sydney Faith Woodward from Getty Images via Canva.com

Plans to transform Killaloe Courthouse into a cultural and musical venue have taken a significant step forward after Clare County Council applied for funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF). To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Traditional Irish Singer, Deirdre Scanlan, and Cllr Pat Hayes

Ennis's local representatives have described a cut to the area's roads funding for this year as "unacceptable". Both the county town and Shannon will have less money to put towards roads maintenance in 2025, while the county's other municipal districts have seen their level of funding increase. Clare County Council has revealed that its total roads maintenance budget this year is €27.44 million which is up 12% on 2024. The budget is supplemented by various Government funding streams, while a total of €3.21 million comes from the local authority's own resources. The increased funding is welcome given that newly-released figures show the county's roads maintenance works have gone over budget by €2.42 million in the last three years, with 2024's works alone going €1.48 million over budget. While the Killaloe, Kilrush and Ennistymon municipal districts have each had their funding boosted this year, Ennis and Shannon's allocation's have been cut by 12% and 7%, respectively. Clarecastle Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle insists the Government should be giving local authorities' more resources to bring their roads up to an acceptable standard.

The Mayor of Ennis claims roads maintenance isn't being given priority by the Government. Both the county town and Shannon will have less money to put towards roads maintenance in 2025, while the county's other municipal districts have seen their level of funding increase. Clare County Council has revealed that its total roads maintenance budget this year is €27.44 million which is up 12% on 2024. The budget is supplemented by various Government funding streams, while a total of €3.21 million comes from the local authority's own resources. The increased funding is welcome given that newly-released figures show the county's roads maintenance works have gone over budget by €2.42 million in the last three years, with 2024's works alone going €1.48 million over budget. While the Killaloe, Kilrush and Ennistymon municipal districts have each had their funding boosted this year, Ennis and Shannon's allocation's have been cut by 12% and 7%, respectively. A special meeting of Ennis Municipal District this week has heard Senior Engineer Cyril Feeney claim that due to construction inflation, the €3 million of the council's own money put towards roads maintenance should in fact be closer to €6 million "to get the same buying power it had 10 years ago". Mayor of Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Clare Colleran-Molloy believes the level of funding the county town has been apportioned isn't good enough and claims the "bread and butter issues" mustn't fall by the wayside.

Clare County Council has submitted a funding application under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) for the delivery of significant new public realm regeneration and enhancement projects in Crusheen and Killaloe-Ballina. The proposed multi-million-euro schemes include the reopening of Crusheen Railway Station and the development of a multi-purpose community enterprise hub and crèche in the village, as well as revitalising the public realm in Killaloe-Ballina town centres and transforming the vacant Killaloe Courthouse into a cultural and musical venue. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Senior Planner and Killaloe MD Coordinator for Clare County Council, Brian McCarthy. Photo(C): https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1281922090415310&set=pb.100057925933323.-2207520000

Today is the day when a light is shone on Cerebral Palsy Awareness. Go Green for Cerebral Palsy Awareness sees communities and landmark buildings turning green, in solidarity with those living with Cerebral Palsy in Ireland. Jonathan, who lives with Cerebral Palsy, is a paralympian swimmer who hails from Killaloe. Alan Morrissey was joined by Jonathan McGrath to discuss this further.

A Clare student has been named as the Knorr Professional Student Chef of the Year 2025. 19-year-old Yeshuah O'Brien Bayer, from Killaloe, claimed the prize at the TUS Athlone Campus. Yeshuah is a second-year student of Culinary Entrepreneurship at TUS' Moylish campus. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Yeshuah O'Brien Bayer

Could the late, sadly missed Bishop Emeritus of Killaloe, Willie Walsh become a saint? That's certainly the hope for Flan Garvey. Bishop Willie passed away in late February, at the age of 90. If Flan, an author from Inagh, who is also a former Fianna Fáil member of Clare County Council, has anything to do with it, we could be talking about Saint Willie Walsh at some stage in the future. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Inagh author & Former Fianna Fáil member of Clare County Council, Flan Garvey. Photo (C): Clare FM

The Bishop of Killaloe insists every road user must play their part to keep the county's roads network safe this weekend. The number of road deaths across the country so far this year stands at 33. Of these, 17 were drivers, eight were pedestrians, four were motorcyclists, three were passengers and one was a cyclist. With the St Patrick's Day Bank Holiday weekend now well underway, Bishop Fintan Monahan says choices can be made by each individual to reduce the likelihood of road traffic collisions.

The new Shannon Bridge Crossing in Killaloe has been lit up for the very first time. The new bridge is expected to fully open to traffic in the coming months. There are hopes locally, that it could become a night-time tourist attraction with its scenic views. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor, Tony O'Brien. Photo(c): Tony O'Brien via Facebook

Lent began on Wednesday (5th March) and will run until the 17th of April. Dioceses around the country will observe the annual 'Day of Prayer for Survivors of Abuse' today, coinciding with the first Friday of Lent. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by the Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan about the Day of Prayer for Survivors of Abuse and Lent itself... Photo(C): Frederica aban getty images via canva

Stephen Fletcher presents this Sunday's Beyond Belief for 9th March 2025 the First Sunday in Lent. He talks to the Archdeacon of Tuam and Killaloe the Venerable John Godfrey and hears how he gave up a successful career in marketing and sales and trained to be a priest in the Church of Ireland. Stephen also has his usual conversation over coffee with Fr Gerry Kenny about how the churches are celebrating Lent in different ways. Sr Ann Crowley from Kilkee gives us a reflection for the first Sunday in Lent.

St. Anne's Community College in Killaloe are preparing their version of a legendary musical, which can be seen next week. They will perform The Sound of Music from the 12th-15th of March. To learn more about this, Alan Morrissey was joined by cast members, Leah Walsh and Seamus Quinn. Photo (c): https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1167847658677626&set=pb.100063572081598.-2207520000&type=3

It's hoped the upcoming pedestrianisation trial of Killaloe Bridge will determine the best future for the town. The trial will start a number of weeks after the opening of the new Shannon Bridge Crossing, which is nearing completion. Before this, both bridges will remain open to vehicular traffic to collate data on their usage and demand which will inform future decisions. Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien says it's the right approach.

Over 1,000 mourners attended Ennis Cathedral yesterday to bid a found farewell to former President of Clare GAA and Bishop Emeritus of Killaloe, Dr. Willie Walsh. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan had this report...

The funeral of the Bishop Emeritus of Killaloe, Willie Walsh will take place later today. The former Bishop of Killaloe, teacher at St. Flannan's College and incumbent President of Clare GAA passed away peacefully last Wednesday, at the age of 90. Bishop Willie's Requiem Mass will take place in SS Peter and Paul Cathedral, Ennis, Co. Clare today at 1pm, with burial afterwards in the church grounds. On last Thursday's Morning Focus, we were joined by the Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan, who paid tribute to Willie Walsh, while so many of you sent in such kind messages and lovely memories of the man. To pay further tribute to Bishop Willie, Alan Morrissey was joined by parish priest in the Diocese of Killaloe, Brendan Quinlivan and Sociologist, Author and former Manager of Clare Senior Hurlers, Fr Harry Bohan. Photo (C): Clare FM