Podcasts about Kilrush

One of West Clare's most vibrant cultural events is just around the corner — the Kilrush Traditional Festival returns from Thursday, July 31st to Bank Holiday Monday, August 4th. With music, dance, song, and storytelling across five packed days, it's a celebration of all things trad, right in the heart of Kilrush. To find out more, Derrick Lynch was joined by Vincent O'Halloran and Anne Hayes.

A new exhibition launching soon in Kilkee that captures the beauty, mood, and memory of West Clare through a uniquely reflective process. To speak more on this, Derrick Lynch was joined by Pauline Dunleavy, a much-loved artist, art teacher, and community advocate from Kilrush. Her new exhibition, titled Painting Through The Lens, opens August 4th at the Cultúrlann Sweeney Gallery, with an official opening evening on August 8th.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 24ú lá de mí Iúil, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1987 tháinig comhairle amach chuig na daoine óga gan morgáiste a fháil go dtí go mbeidís ábalta a airgead a bhainistiú go maith, de bharr gur tháinig suirbhé amach go raibh daoine óga I bhfiacha de bharr gur thóg siad morgáiste amach. I 1990 tuairiscithe gur chaill Aer Lingus 10 milliún punt de bharr gur ardaigh a ola I gcomparáid le haerlíne eile. I 1987 bhí cúpla céad páiste chun a bheith ag Campa Oibre do dhaoine óga I gCill Rois. I 1990 bhí ceithre pháiste in iomaíoch sna Cluichí Oilimpeacha Speisialta san Albain agus nuair a tháinig siad abhaile bhí fáiltiú mór ann in Inis. Sin NSYNC le It's Gonna Be Me – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 2000. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1976 fuair Elton John a chéad uimhir a haon sa Bhreatain lena hamhrán Don't Go Breaking My Heart le Kiki Dee. I 2019 shroich fís Bohemian Rhapsody ó Queen 1 billiún duine ar YouTube agus bhí sé an fhís a d'fhéach daoine air den chuid is mó ón bhanna cheoil. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh aisteoir Rose Byrne san Astráil I 1979 agus rugadh amhránaí Jennifer Lopez I Meiriceá ar an lá seo I 1969 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 24th of July, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1987: Young adults were advised not to take mortgages until theycould manage their money properly as a survey showed many young people encountered debt once taking a mortgage. 1990: It was reported Aer Lingus lost £10m due to rise in fuel costs and other airline competition. 1987: Several hundreds of children were expected to attend a Labour Youth Camp in Kilrush. 1990: 4 young Clare athletes competing at the special Olympics in Scotland received a massive welcome home in Ennis. That was NSYNC with It's Gonna Be Me – the biggest song on this day in 2000 Onto music news on this day In 1976 Elton John scored his first UK number 1 single with ‘Don't Go Breaking My Heart' a duet with Kiki Dee. 2019 Queen's iconic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody' video reached one billion views on YouTube, a new record for one of the band's videos. And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – actress Rose Byrne was born in Australia in 1979 and singer Jennifer Lopez was born in America on this day in 1969 and this is one of her songs. I'll be back with you tomorrow with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

Lauretta O' Dea is preparing for the launch of her new poetry book. The launch of “Never Give Up” is a special one for Lauretta, as it is her debut effort. The launch will take place at Kilrush Library on Saturday, the 26th of July. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Dermot Hayes and Lauretta O' Dea, Author from Kilrush.

Clare has been allocated over €14m to upgrade group water schemes. It represents roughly 19% of the funding dished out nationwide, with approximately 31 installations to benefit in this county. The Coolmeen-Kildysart Scheme alone will receive over €2.7m, with over €1m also ringfenced for schemes in Cree, Miltown Malbay, Loop Head, Moyasta and Kilrush. Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that it will secure the future of many communities.

The life and times of a local councillor will be remembered in Kilrush later this month. Kilrush Town Hall in Market Square will be the location on Saturday, 26th July for a celebration of the life and times of Councillor Cissie Roughan (1916-1992). Kilrush and District Historical Society will gather with the Roughan family to recall Cissie, and to unveil a plaque in her honour. To tell us more Cissie's Son, Morgan Roughan and Kilrush and District Historical Society PRO, Paddy Waldron joined Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus. PHOTO CREDIT: Dr Paul O'Brien via X

A fundraiser for Milford Hospice will take place in Kilrush later this month. The Coffee & Dip Fundraiser in Kappa is scheduled for Sunday the 27th of July (10am – 2pm). For more on what will be happening, the organiser, Alan Morrissey was joined by Organiser, Imelda Bourke.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 17ú lá de mí Iúil, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1981 cuireadh cúpla sheirbhísí bhus ar ceall I gcúpla áit de bharr go raibh easaontas ag dul ar aghaidh I CIE. I 1987 tháinig an nuacht amach go mbeadh 1,400 oifig an phoist chun seirbhísí bainc a cur ar fáil. I 1971 d'oscail eastát tithíochta nua I gCill Rois agus bhí gach duine a bhí ina chónaí ann sásta faoi. I 1981 fuair cúig dhuine bás I dtimpiste an tseachtain roimhe sa chontae, agus bhí ceithre nduine, daoine óga. Sin The Specials le Ghost Town – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1981. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1975 chan Bob Marley agus The Wailers a chéad oíche sa Lyceum I Londain agus rinne siad thaifead ar don albam beo agus bhí an t-amhrán No Woman No Cry air. I 1995 d'fhág Robbie Williams Take That. Nuair a bhí sé sa bhanna ceoil fuair siad 6 uimhir a haon agus dhá albam a shroich uimhir a haon. Chuaigh Robbie Williams ar aghaidh agus fuair sé seacht n-uimhir a haon sa Bhreatain agus shroich sé uimhir a haon le gach albam seachas ceann amháin. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh aisteoir David Hasselhoff I Meiriceá I 1952 agus rugadh amhránaí Tom Fletcher sa Bhreatain ar an lá seo I 1985 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 17th of July, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1981: bus services in provinces were cancelled in CIE dispute. 1987: 1,400 post offices were to offer banking services. 1971: New housing estates were welcomed in Kilrush. 1981: five people died in clare accident last week, 4 of them being young. That was The Specials with Ghost Town – the biggest song on this day in 1981. Onto music news on this day In 1975 Bob Marley and the Wailers played the first of two nights at The Lyceum, London, and both nights were recorded for the November released 'live' album, featuring the single 'No Woman No Cry.' 1995 Robbie Williams left British Boy Band Take That. The group had scored six UK No.1 singles and two No.1 albums with Robbie in the group. As a solo artist Williams went on to score seven UK No. 1 singles, and all but one of his 14 studio albums reached No. 1 in the UK. And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – actor David Hasselhoff was born in America in 1952 and singer Tom Fletcher was born in the UK on this day in 1985 and this is one of his songs. I'll be back with you tomorrow with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

Funding is being demanded for a West Clare national secondary road labelled a "danger to life". Independent Councillor Ian Lynch is calling on Transport Infrastructure Ireland to provide "immediate" funding for "urgent repairs" to the N68 between Ennis and Kilrush. A three-year rolling plan outlining intended maintenance on the route is also being requested. Councillor Lynch believes it's a matter of time before serious loss of life is seen.

Clare's County Dog Warden is urging dog owners to control their pets following a violent incident in Kilrush this week. It's understood a labrador-greygound cross attacked and killed a smaller dog while biting a woman who attempted to rescue her pet. The attacking dog has since been destroyed and Gardaí are believed to be investigating the incident. Frankie Coote insists the only ways to exercise control over a dog are to keep it at home or to have it on a lead.

Primary and secondary school students are looking at plenty of disruption, with over 2,000 secretaries and caretakers preparing for an indefinite strike once the summer break is over. Fórsa, which represents more than 2,300 school secretaries working in primary and secondary schools, as well as 500 school caretakers, told the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth the mandate for indefinite strike action comes after the union's efforts to secure access for school secretaries to the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. Fórsa's Head of Education Andy Pike said school secretaries and caretakers remain excluded from the scheme, despite being on the Department of Education's centralized payroll since 2023. There are concerns that the strike, which is due to get underway on the 28th of August, could affect schools' opening hours. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Bernie Dillon, Secretary at St Senan's Primary School in Kilrush and Rena McGrath, Vice-chairperson and Treasurer of Fórsa School Secretaries Branch on the Clare/Galway border.

The latest Le Chéile Pub Choir Choral Workshop will take place this Saturday (12th July, 12pm-2pm). The Vandeleur Gardens in Kilrush is the venue for the workshop, which will also include a singalong with Sarah Corcoran from the Sarah Corcoran School of Singing. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by, Veronica Keating. PHOTO CREDIT: Le Chéile Pub Choir via Facebook

The Government is being told it must stick to its promise to reinstate the 9% reduced VAT rate for food-led hospitality businesses or face the consequences of further closures, job losses and long-term damage to Ireland's tourism economy. The warning is coming from the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI), which has launched its Pre-Budget Submission, outlining urgent policy measures needed to safeguard thousands of restaurants, cafés and gastropubs across the country. The RAI's submission highlights the specific risks faced by counties like Clare, where restaurants, cafés and gastropubs are key employers and vital to rural life and economic survival. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joiend by Frank Landy of Sweet N Green in Ennis, Rony Barobhuiya, Co-owner of Henry's Bistro in Ennis and Andrew Flood from Clonlara who runs An Beag Café on Henry Street, Kilrush.

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.

Enhancing economic opportunities in Kilrush and Lahinch, securing a fair deal for Cliffs of Moher landowners and improving the road network have been listed as the top priorities for the West Clare Municipal District's new Cathaoirleach. Lahinch Fine Gael Councillor Bill Slattery succeeds Doonbeg Councillor Rita McInerney in the role and will wear the chains of office for the second time in his career. The first ever councillor from Quilty, Fianna Fáil's Michael Shannon will serve as Leas Cathaoirleach. Cathaoirleach Slattery says he's hoping to achieve a lot in the year ahead.

Joe Riley, is an 84-year-old author originally from Pound Street in Kilrush, now living in Southport, UK. Joe has dedicated his later years to preserving and reimagining the stories of his hometown through a series of powerful books. His latest release, The Quiet Man from Scattery Island, is a gripping, action-packed thriller that blends military suspense with heartfelt Irish storytelling. Set along the beautiful Shannon Estuary and West Clare, it's a tale of redemption, justice, and home. Joe has written four books about Kilrush, from vivid memoirs of life in the 1940s and ‘50s to ghost stories, and now this compelling fictional thriller. Time is precious for Joe, who's been told he has just months to live. To discuss this further Alan Morrissey was joined by, Joe Riley, author from Kilrush.

A new housing development in West Clare is expected to breathe life into the area while providing accessible options. Custy Construction Limited has been appointed as contractor for the construction of 16 social housing units at Moore Street in Kilrush. Construction is set to get underway in July and the project is scheduled for completion in 2027. Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney says the homes are in line with the local authority's policy of allowing those with reduced mobility to access more convenient housing.

The Government is being urged to expedite water repair works in West Clare as local communities are said to be "up in arms". Uisce Eireann is today commencing upgrade works on an 800 metre section of mains on the R483 at Alva, Creegh, which will aim to prevent future leaks and bursts. The utility is also on track to complete 6km of mains replacement in Miltown Malbay by the end of this month, but renewed calls have been made for a new line to serve Doolough to Kilrush. Creegh Independent Councillor Dinny Gould says persistent outages will continue if its not dealt with.

The Vandeleur Festival will make its eagerly awaited return to Kilrush later this month. The festival returns for its third year, taking place from Thursday, the 26th, to Sunday, the 29th of June. This year's Vandeluer Festival will feature an outstanding headline line-up, including internationally renowned Irish American supergroup Cherish The Ladies; award-winning folk trio Socks in the Frying Pan; country music sensation Gerry Guthrie; and beloved Kerry comedian Bernard Casey. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Head of Operations at Vandeleur Walled Gardens, Brian Markham. Photo(C): Clare FM

An open letter has been written by businesses and individuals in both Kilrush and the greater West Clare region to Eir, to express their serious concern over what they describe as the “vulnerability of broadband infrastructure” serving their communities. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Chris Koble, Borrow a Geek. Photo(C): Proxima Studio via canva

Futureproofing measures are being sought to ensure no part of Clare finds itself without internet unexpectedly. Over 3,000 homes and businesses in West Clare found themselves without internet on Thursday following accidental damage to telecommunications infrastructure caused by a road traffic accident in Kilrush. In a statement to Clare FM, telecommunications service provider eir says "repair teams were deployed immediately" and "full service was successfully restored before lunchtime" on Friday. Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney believes companies should have a contingency plan for such events.

A plan to repair a damaged section of a wall in a West Clare town has finally been agreed to. Part of the Vandeleur Woods boundary wall in Kilrush has been in collapsed state for a number of years which has created a trip hazard while representing an eyesore and occasionally resulting in loose stones ending up on the public road. After engagement with local Independent Councillor Ian Lynch, Coillte and West Clare Municipal District are understood to have agreed a joint approach to repairing the wall, with works to proceed to procurement stage soon. Councillor Lynch says it'll allow locals to have a "sense of pride" in the area once again.

It's hoped day care services at Regina House will open on a full time basis, once the service recommences. The HSE has confirmed plans are in place to resume day care services at the Kilrush facility by the end of 2025. The day care centre was closed following the onset of the coronavirus lockdown, having previously operated five days a week. Bodyke Fine Gael TD, Joe Cooney, is hopeful the centre will be restored to level it was pre-covid.

A strategic marine alliance is coming together in County Clare. The Kilrush-headquartered Irish Whale and Dolphin Group and the newly formed Banner Gleo have joined forces, with support from the Local Biodiversity Action Fund (National Parks and Wildlife Service) and Clare County Council, to build knowledge and share experiences of Liscannor Bay. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Dr Simon Berrow, Chief Executive Officer, Irish Whale and Dolphin Group in Kilrush. Image (c) Basking Shraks in Liscannor Bay by James Organ

When Morning Focus listener Michelle Coughlan joined us early last month, she was in a predicament. After eight years living in Kilrush, Michelle had been served with a notice to quit by her landlord, having fallen €2,500 into rental arrears. Michelle claimed she stopped paying rent in the last year due to her apartment's persistent damp conditions. When Michelle was last in studio, she outlined how she was left with little option but to sleep on the streets once her tenancy came to an end on the 15th of May, due to a lack of options. Since then, she has been living in a tent. Michelle called in to studio to update us on her situation... Photo(C): Leila Melhado from Getty Images

Clare is expected to reap the social and cultural benefits of four new flexible outdoor structures that have been rolled out throughout the county. The structures which are demountable and transportable involve both a seating and bandstand function and are currently located in Kilfenora, Newmarket-On-Fergus, Kilrush and Lees Road in Ennis. Funded by the Outdoor Public Space Scheme, the project aims to promote new ways to of experiencing arts, performance and social activities. Clarecastle Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom O'Callaghan believes it will enhance the festival season.

A meeting has heard that all of West Clare's elected representatives must act as ambassadors to attract industry into the struggling part of the county. Quilty Fianna Fáil Councillor Michael Shannon is calling for an assessment to be carried out of vacant commercial property in the Kilrush local electoral area. The latest Geodirectory report has found that Kilrush has with a whole 24.% of its units vacant, Kilrush has the ninth-highest commercial vacancy rate in the country. Councillor Shannon says once the figures are known, work can begin to attract businesses into existing premises.

Michelle, who lives in Kilrush, is facing a predicament that is fast coming down the tracks. Michelle claims there are issues with her apartment, including dampness, that she feels have not been adequately addressed. She has fallen into arrears on her rent payments, and the situation has come to a head, with Michelle facing eviction later this week. This Friday (16th of May), she will be homeless. Alan Morrissey was joined by Michelle Coughlan to find out more.

A new report has found the water quality at all of Clare's bathing water sites to be "excellent". The Environmental Protection Agency's Bathing Water Quality Report for 2024 has deemed 81% of bathing waters nationwide to be of "excellent quality" which is the highest rate since 2014 when the classification was introduced. All 14 of Clare's bathing waters have received the top grade which indicates an improvement on last year when the quality of the water at Cappagh Pier in Kilrush was only found to be "good". Programme Manager with the EPA's Office of Evidence and Assessment, Jenny Deakin, has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons "continued ongoing sustained investment" will allow this trend to continue

150 restaurants, cafés, gastropubs and food businesses shut their doors in the first three months of the year. That's according to a survey by the Restaurants Association of Ireland, which says it offers a sobering snapshot of an industry grappling with rising costs and shrinking margins. Four in five restaurants expect they'll cut staff hours, while 70 per cent expect to reduce overall staff numbers. CEO of the Restaurants Assocation of Ireland, Adrian Cummins says there's been a slowdown in closures, down from around 300 during the same time last year.. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by John O'Brien, An Teach Bia Maith in Kilrush and Tony Cogan, from Cogan's Bar and Restaurant in Miltown Malbay. Photo(C): https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=823830546412506&set=a.768920478570180

A Community and Volunteer Expo will take place in Kilrush over the Bank Holiday weekend. The expo is being organised by Kilrush Town Team. It will be held in Kilrush Community Centre this Saturday. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Chairperson of the Kilrush Town Team, Hilary Gleeson and Sharon Meaney, of Clare Volunteer Centre. Photo(C): https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1131387112364091&set=pb.100064784377139.-2207520000

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.

Grave concern has been expressed for the future of the West Clare Railway Greenway. It's after Transport Infrastructure Ireland rejected a funding application from Clare County Council to progress the Ennistymon to Moyasta section of the route. TII has granted over €1.3m in funding to advance works along the Kilkee to Kilrush and Ennis to Ennistymon sections this year, and says it will give "consideration" to funding the route to Moyasta in 2026. Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney says local businesses are depending on the project to be delivered on time.

A West Clare town has the third-lowest average household income nationwide. New data published by the Central Statistics Office has revealed that Kilrush has the highest proportion of people in the county making less than €20,000 a year. Meanwhile, the town at the top of Clare's household income table is Sixmilebridge, where residents make €53,666 on average. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Mary O'Donoghue of West Clare Family Resource Centre and Alan O'Callaghan as Mayor of Clare to give a regional imbalance overview and Sixmilebridge angle as local councillor. Photo(C): Visit Clare Facebook

Kilrush RNLI is advising people to return to basics if considering going out on the water this Easter Bank Holiday Weekend. This weekend is traditionally considered the first time large numbers will take their vessels out of storage following the winter period. An emergency action plan should be in place with everyone onboard aware of the details, while further information can be gathered from the 'Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft'. Kilrush RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Charlie Glynn, says basic checks should also be carried out on the vessel prior to heading out.

The Kilrush Choral Society will bring The Addams Family to the stage later this month. Their musical take on the hit TV series and film will be performed at Kilrush Community School from the 22nd to the 26th of April. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by producer with the society, Ger Rush, and show conductor, Toni Rose. Photo (c): https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=698626832695977&set=gm.1827797534701323

Moneypoint slashed its emissions by 24% last year. It comes as the Kilrush facility has commenced the process of converting from a coal fired to a heavy-fuel oil plant. Moneypoint is due to operate as a back-up electricity supplier to the national grid until 2029, before its transition to a green renewable energy hub thereafter. Futureproof Clare Spokesperson Dr Sinéad Sheehan says the emissions cuts are hugely beneficial for the locality.

On Monday's Morning Focus, it was time again for our Arts Slot with County Art's Officer Siobhán Mulcahy. Siobhán provided our listeners with all the details of this week's live events for entertainment lovers in the Banner County. This week, Siobhán told us about Easter Camp in Ennis, Creative Writing in Kilrush and much more…

The lack of progress on major projects aimed at reviving West Clare's capital has been criticised by a local councillor. The local authority has been requested to provide details on the development of the Kilrush Maritime Training Centre, public realm enhancements for Frances Street and the town square, and the refurbishment of the Old Mars Cinema. A state commissioned taskforce has set a target of developing a maritime centre of excellence in Kilrush this year, while public consultation on future plans for the Mars Cinema concluded last June. Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch says it time for action.

Gareth O'Hanlon Ennis Kilrush Women's RFC after AIL Promotion Playoff Win

Clare is set to be allocated more community paramedics to deal with low acuity ambulance calls. It follows a recent incident in Doonbeg in which a woman waited over three hours for an ambulance following a road traffic collision. Construction is expected to begin on a new ambulance base in Kilrush this year, but the Dáil has now heard calls for another ambulance base to be built here, to bring the county's total to six. Responding to Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe, Junior Health Minister Mary Butler says there are plans to improve services.

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.

It's hoped construction will begin on a new ambulance base in Kilrush by the end of this year. The National Ambulance Service has confirmed to Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney, that a capital submission will be made to the HSE for the construction of a new ambulance base in the west of the county. The current base, located at Kilrush Nursing Home, has been deemed unfit for use as there is capacity for just one ambulance on site. Bodyke Deputy Cooney, says although these processes can often be drawn out, he's optimistic work will begin before the start of next year.

Rising costs and changes to both working and consumer spending habits have been identified as the main factors behind Clare's unoccupied business premises. It comes as the latest Geodirectory report into vacant commercial buildings has found Shannon and Kilrush to have the highest rates of vacancies in the province. Ennis was also deemed to be the town in Munster with the ninth highest rate of commercial vacancies, while Clare as a whole has 15.8% of its business premises out of use. Geodirectory CEO, Dara Keogh has been telling Clare FM's Darragh O'Grady that greater imagination is needed to repurpose buildings and bring properties back into use.

On the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast #702 . Subscribe now! Nathan Gourley, The Friel Sisters, The Langer's Ball, Austral, Hounds of Finn, Juha Rossi, Charlie O'Brien, Kilrush, Blackwillow Starling, Wicked Tinkers, Celtic Conundrum, Carbon Leaf, CaliCeltic, Jiggy, Katie Jane 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 for 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 just three weeks to vote this year. 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 0:06 - Nathan Gourley, Joey Abarta, and Owen Marshall "Gleanntán Frolics / The Ceanngulla / The Hare in the Corn" from Copley Street 2 3:46 - WELCOME 5:52 - The Friel Sisters "Born for Sport/The Fairy Jig/Kissing & Drinking (Jigs)" from Northern Sky 9:40 - The Langer's Ball "I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day" from Drinking Song Sing - A - Long 12:15 - Austral "Bok Choy" from Thylacine 16:46 - Hounds of Finn "Wild Mountain Thyme" from Gravity Pulls 20:25 - FEEDBACK 24:44 - Juha Rossi "Carolan's Draught" from O'Carolan Tunes on Mandolin 27:38 - Charlie O'Brien "Hibernia" from The Trackless Wild, Irish Song of the Pampa 32:37 - Kilrush "Toss the Jam" from Kilrush 36:50 - Blackwillow Starling "All Around My Hat" from Blackwillow Starling 40:57 - THANKS 43:02 - Wicked Tinkers "The Dean Set" from Rant 46:25 - Celtic Conundrum "Ballad of Ellen Berkery” from Lore 50:46 - Carbon Leaf "7 Brides For 7 Sinners" from 5 Alive! 53:33 - CaliCeltic "Aoife and Her Reefer" from Paddy Paradise 57:39 - Jiggy "Púca (Shadow Step Mix)" from Single 1:04:40 - CLOSING 1:05:38 - Katie Jane Band "Twa Corbies" from Wild One 1:09:18 - CREDITS 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—our planet's future is in our hands. The overwhelming evidence shows that human activity is driving climate change, from record  -  breaking heat waves to rising sea levels. But the good news? We have the power to fix it. Every choice we make—reducing waste, conserving energy, supporting clean energy—moves us toward a more stable climate. If you're skeptical, ask yourself: What if you're wrong? What if taking action means cleaner air, a stronger economy, and a safer world—no matter what? Isn't that worth considering? Start a conversation today. The facts are out there, and the future is ours to shape. Promote Celtic culture through music at http://celticmusicpodcast.com/. WELCOME THE IRISH & CELTIC MUSIC PODCAST * Helping you celebrate Celtic culture through music. I am Marc Gunn. I'm a Celtic musician and also host Folk Songs & Stories. This podcast is for fans of Celtic music. We are here to build a diverse Celtic community and help the incredible artists who so generously share their music with you. If you hear music you love, please email artists to let them know you heard them on the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast. Musicians depend on your generosity to release new music. So please find a way to support them. Buy a CD, Album Pin, Shirt, Digital Download, or join their community on Patreon. You can find a link to all of the artists in the shownotes, along with show times, when you visit our website at celticmusicpodcast.com. Email follow@bestcelticmusic to learn how to subscribe to the podcast and you will get a free music - only episode. You'll also learn how to get your band played on the podcast. Bands don't need to send in music, and You will get a free eBook called Celtic Musicians Guide to Digital Music. It's 100% free. Again email follow@bestcelticmusic THANK YOU PATRONS OF THE PODCAST! You Make the Music Happen! I'm in awe of your generosity. You're the heartbeat of this podcast—the reason I bring you fresh Celtic tunes every week. Your kindness fuels everything. It covers our brilliant engineer, our talented designer, and the Celtic Music Magazineeditor. It spreads this music far and wide. It even lets me buy the music you love and gives me the time to craft each episode just for you. And as a patron, you're more than a supporter—you're part of the music! You get exclusive, ad - free episodes, music - only episodes, free downloads, and the power to shape the Celtic Top 20. All this for as little as $4 a month—less than a cup of coffee, yet enough to keep the music alive and thriving. Join us today. Let's make this music last forever. A special thanks to our new and continued Patrons of the Podcast: Christopher Fennell, Paul Gorily, AlexanderJohn Murray, Peggy Dirks HERE IS YOUR THREE STEP PLAN TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST Go to our Patreon page. Decide how much you want to pledge every month. Keep listening to the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast to celebrate Celtic culture through music. You can become a generous Patron of the Podcast on Patreon at SongHenge.com. TRAVEL WITH CELTIC INVASION VACATIONS Every year, I take a small group of Celtic music fans on the relaxing adventure of a lifetime. We don't see everything. Instead, we stay in one area. We get to know the region through its culture, history, and legends. You can join us with an auditory and visual adventure through podcasts and videos. In 2026, we're traveling to the Celtic nation of Galicia in Spain. We'll dive deep into the history and legends of the Galician Celts, uncovering their connections to Ireland, Scotland, and beyond. We'll walk the same lands where Celtic warriors once roamed, hear the myths passed down through generations, and experience the magic of authentic Galician Celtic music, alive with passion and history. This isn't just a trip—it's a journey into the heart of a Celtic culture unlike any other. Will you join us? Learn more about the invasion at http://celticinvasion.com/ #celticmusic #irishmusic #celticmusicpodcast I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK What are you doing today while listening to the podcast? Is there a new Celtic CD or Celtic band that you heard of or saw? I'd love to see a  picture of what you're doing while listening. Email me at follow@bestcelticmusic. Xavier emailed: “Hi ! Thank you for your podcast. I discovered Celtic music in the 1990s in France with a french band that has since disappeared, Tonynara. I could be wrong but I don't think I've ever heard it on your podcast. This group remains a reference for me and I can only advise you to play one or two songs at the next opportunity. Thanks !” Caleb Cotter sent a photo: "Hi Marc, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for featuring the Irish Lassies' music this year. You've introduced me to so many incredible artists, and I truly appreciate that! I've also been really enjoying your Dancing with Hobbits album—it's fantastic! You definitely nailed it with that project, and you should be incredibly proud of it. You've always encouraged us to send over recommendations, so I wanted to share one with you: My friend's band, The Mad Ferret from Edinburgh, UK. They're amazing, and I think you'd really enjoy their music. Here's one of my favorite tracks that I think you'll love. Also, the Lassies would like to send you something in the mail as a thank you. Could you please share an address where we can send it? Wishing you a wonderful New Year and thank you again for everything you do for the Celtic music community!” Patrick Rieger emailed photos: "Hi Marc, Some more celtic musicians from the family's renaissance festival season, this time the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival. Pittsburgh is a small faire, but the musicians are still great. We could only spend one day there, so we didn't see them all. We did get to see The Reelin' Rogues, The Craic Show, Sarah the Harpist (Sarah Marie Mullen), and just as we were leaving at the end of the day, Magnus and Maggie. Despite the musicians and us seeing each other one or two times a year, we still get to be friends. Big smiles. Daniel from the Craic Show wanting to clink glasses at the Pirates Pub. Sarah and my wife Gayle got into a conversation about environmental issues.”  

Clare County Fire Service is appealing to landowners to be on the lookout for illegal activity or any behaviour that could lead to the spread of fire on land. It comes as local authority crews from Kilrush and Kilkee have been dealing with a number of blazes in the Moanmore/Shragh areas of West Clare in recent days. A Status Orange High Forrest Fire Risk Warning remains in place across the country until noon on Friday, which means there's a high risk of fires spreading in areas where there's hazardous fuels such as dead grasses, or shrubs like heather and gorse. Clare's Chief County Fire Officer, Adrian Kelly has been telling Clare FM's Fiona Cahill that household rubbish scattered in the Moanmore/Shragh areas, which appears to have been dumped there, may have contributed to the spread of fire.

Teresa is a local musician based in Kilrush. It's a busy time for Teresa, who is fresh from launching her new single, “Cry Me A River” To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by Kilrush singer-songwriter, Teresa Carrig.

Construction will commence next month on a brand new age friendly housing estate in West Clare. The project which will see twelve new homes delivered at Back Road, Kilrush is expected to be complete by 2026. Custy Construction will deliver the scheme after putting pen to paper with Clare County Council this week. Chair of Clare's Strategic Housing Committee Councillor John Crowe says it will be a gamechanger for the region.

Happy St Patrick's Day! We got carried with our 3 hour special. Instead you get 50 Celtic songs and tunes for you to enjoy for St Patrick's Day on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast #701. Subscribe now! 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 for 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 just three weeks to vote this year. 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 0:15 - The Friel Sisters "My Love is in America/The Yellow Tinker/Old Cuffe Street (Reels)" from Northern Sky 3:35 - WELCOME THE IRISH & CELTIC MUSIC PODCAST * Helping you celebrate Celtic culture through music. I am Marc Gunn. I'm a Celtic musician and host of Folk Songs & Stories. This podcast is for fans of Celtic music. We are here to build a diverse Celtic community and help the incredible artists who so generously share their music with you. If you hear music you love, please email artists to let them know you heard them on the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast. Musicians depend on your generosity to release new music. So please find a way to support them. Buy a CD, Album Pin, Shirt, Digital Download, or join their community on Patreon. You can find a link to all of the artists in the shownotes, along with show times, when you visit our website at celticmusicpodcast.com. Email follow@bestcelticmusic to learn how to subscribe to the podcast and you will get a free music - only episode. If you are a Celtic musician and want your music featured on the show, please submit your band to be played on the podcast. You don't have to send in music or an EPK, and You will get a free eBook called Celtic Musicians Guide to Digital Music. It's 100% free. Just email follow@bestcelticmusic 5:32 - Nathan Gourley, Joey Abarta, and Owen Marshall "A Tailor I Am / The Shoemaker's Fancy / Donncha Ó Loinsigh's" from Copley Street 2 9:36 - Fialla "Dúlamán" from A Rare Thing 13:41 - W. Ed Harris "Arran Boat Song" from Family, Friends, Choices, & Memories 17:50 - Goitse "Green Fields of Canada" from Rosc 22:39 - Clay Babies "Dick Gossips / Dinky's Reel / Miss McLoud's" from Speechless Vol. 1: Sloppy Session in the Sticks 27:11 - The Irish Rovers "Drunken Sailor" from Drunken Sailor 30:04 - WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR ST PATRICK'S DAY THIS YEAR? Ellen MacIsaac: Probably gigging. Lots of work for musicians at that time. Patrick Rieger: That's a Monday. I'll listen to some music at home. My favorite pub will be a madhouse so I will be avoiding the place. Jordan Reeder: Guinness and the Irish and Celtic music podcast for sure!