Podcasts about Lahinch

Domestic tourism numbers in Clare have reached a ten-year high. New CSO figures, which don't include daytrips show that 810,000 Irish visitors stayed overnight in this county last year. It marks a 20% increase on the 674,000 visitors that stayed overnight in Clare in 2023, with only counties Galway, Cork, Kerry, Wexford, Dublin and Donegal recording greater domestic tourism numbers last year. Clare Tourism Advisory Forum Chair Sean Lally says while it's extremely positive news, the cost of doing business needs to be tackled to harness the full benefits.... To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Michael Vaughan of Vaughan's Lodge Hotel in Lahinch and Liam O'Brien of The Doolin Ferry Company.

HSE MidWest's Patient Advocate says he's shocked and concerned over the continued lack of access to cancer medicines here. A new report from the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association shows that just 25% of new cancer medicines are available in Ireland, the second-lowest rate in Europe. Of the 56 oncology medicines licensed by the European Medicines Agency since 2020, just 14 are available here. Lahinch-based Healthcare Campaigner John Wall who's living with Prostate Cancer and has been forced to travelled abroad for treatment has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that patient outcomes are suffering as a result.

A Lahinch business has won its battle to save what's been described as a vital social space for the town. A complaint was made to Clare County Council at the beginning of the month relating to the presence of a public bench outside the Coffee Hatch premises on the promenade, which has been in place since 2020. The Coffee Hatch then applied for a permit to retain the bench, which was backed by a petition with over 700 signatures. Owner Carmel Connaire says it's a huge boost for the community.

Máire, who hails from Lahinch, is preparing for a big trip to India. She will be working in a disability centre in Bangalore. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by Máire Donohue, from Lahinch. https://www.gofundme.com/f/maires-volunteer-trip-to-india

It's hoped a new shuttle bus service connecting towns and villages in West and North Clare will deliver for the local economy. The free of charge Burren and Cliffs Explorer is expected to run for the next three months and significantly ease traffic congestion in the region. Operated by C&C Executive Travel, the service offers seven busses on seven different routes servicing areas including Miltown Malbay, Lahinch, Liscannor, Kilfenora, Lisdoonvarna, Doolin, Ballyvaughan, Poulnabhrone, Corofin and Carron. Chair of Clare's Strategic Tourism Policy Committee, Cllr Shane Talty, who's also a member of the Cliffs Of Moher 2040 Board, says it's a positive day for the region.

Today, we were joined by Madeleine Shinnick — a devoted grandmother who raised her children in the coastal village of Doonbeg before moving to Galway in 2011. What was meant to be a joyful family outing turned into a heart-stopping moment of fear along the shores of Lahinch — a place as beautiful as it is dangerous when the tide rolls in. Her 11-year-old grandson Michael was swept into the sea by a sudden riptide — a terrifying force that catches even the strongest swimmers off guard. For a few long seconds, he vanished from view. But thanks to the quick, selfless actions of four complete strangers, Michael was pulled from the waves and brought safely back to shore. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by grandmother, Madeleine Shinnick. Photo(C): Madeleine Shinnick.

A North Clare primary school is set to provide a specialist therapeutic programme for its pupils for just the second year ever, on foot of community donations. Play therapy is designed to help children overcome trauma, anxiety and other issues through a blend of creative arts and recreational activities. Furglan National School in Lahinch is a DEIS facility, but as it's the smallest school in Clare, it relies on fundraising to fulfil extracurricular services and local Café, Anna and Co has now come on board to sponsor play therapy sessions. Principal Patricia Vaughyn says it's a gamechanger.

Fans of The Smiths would do well to make their way to Lahinch later this month! That's because These Charming Men – a tribute to the legendary 80s English indie group - will be playing Kenny's Bar on the 24th of April (8pm). These Charming Men are as one of the premier Smiths and Morrissey tribute acts around. Gavin Murphy is guitarist in These Charming Men, as well as a singer-songwriter in his own right. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Gavin Murphy. Photo(C): https://www.facebook.com/thesecharmingmen/posts/pfbid0SUHT33BmWrdNGqwLVerCuDPw5WqNix5j9CR4i4GWTXJzUWMk5ziiKAXFPAyPWm3wl

Over 700 signatures have been gathered on a petition to save what's been described as a "vital" social space in Lahinch. It follows a public complaint to Clare County Council relating to the presence of a public bench outside The Coffee Hatch premises on the Promenade. An off-street furniture licence for four benches was granted to neighbouring bar and restaurant 'The Edge', during the Pandemic - The Coffee Hatch is now utilising the only remaining bench and has applied for a permit to retain it. Owner Carmel Connaire says it's an integral part of the town.

 talking about the 2nd Lahinch trad Festival taking place the weekend of 12th to 14 April 2025. https://lahinchtradfestival.ie/ Originally broadcast Live from the trading Post Tuamgraney for Tuamgraney Harp Festival as part of Saturday Chronicle 5th April 2025 hosted by Pat O'Brien and Anthony Lenihan.  https://www.facebook.com/eastclaretradingpost  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 North Clare business owner who's due to take over the running of his town's post office says he felt it was his duty to save a vital community service. In October, Councillor Shane Talty tendered his resignation as Postmaster of Lahinch Post Office, citing the expected financial challenges of An Post's decision to transfer mail and sorting services to Ennis. The office on Main Street will soon close and will relocate to Kennedy's Spar in the coming weeks, once the store completes the necessary refurbishments. Owner Robert Kennedy has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan he believes government policy is not protecting the interests of rural Ireland.

North Clare's businesses are hailing the booming footfall boost of the good weather spell. Today is Ireland's hottest day of the year so far and with temperatures expected to exceed 20 degrees in the county today, the crowds have been pouring in. The glorious sunshine and waves are attracting crowds from all over the world to Lahinch today. Sarah and Grace from Long Island are first time visitors to Clare , they didn't expect the weather to be the standout attraction. But it's not just the hottest day of the year so far that's driving footfall in Lahinch - the town's annual trad fest gets underway tomorrow, while the Irish Junior Tour Surfing Competition is also making landfall. Ben Bennett from Ben's Surf Clinic says it feels like the tourist season has finally kicked off. Father and son duo, Niall and Patrick are down from Carlow for the weekend and are keen to take in the sights of some of the country's best surfers in action. They've also been enjoying the hospitality in nearby towns and villages. Some visitors to North Clare have fallen in love at first sight with what the region has to offer. Kate Fennell and her dog Realtín who're originally from Connemara say community spirit is unrivalled.

Sadly, Lisdoon Crafts announced the need to vacate their current premises by the end of September. Without a new location, they may be forced to shut down for good. Now, this is where our incredible community can step in. If you or someone you know has access to a premises — ideally around 60 square metres with an additional 20 for storage — in Lisdoonvarna, Doolin, or Lahinch, please get in touch on LisdoonCrafts@outlook.com To find out more, Peter O'Connell was joined by Mariusz Bujnowski, of Lisdoon Crafts. Photo(C): ClareFM

To preview the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Friday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch. Games Previewed: Division 1B National Camogie League Final: Clare v Antrim (Saturday, Abbotstown, 2pm) Soccer: Ennis Carpets Clare Cup Semi-Finals The last remaining spots in the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup semi finals will be filled this weekend. · The standout tie sees defending champions Avenue United make the trip to take on Newmarket Celtic in a repeat of last years final. · The Lees Road Astro hosts the meeting of Fairgreen Celtic and Shannon Olympic, while Moher Celtic have home advantage against Bridge United in Lahinch. · Clare FM analyst Jim Madden feels the Bridge will have enough to come through a tricky test against the North Clare side.

Clare County Council is facing calls to take ownership of the busiest playground in Munster ahead of the tourist season. Last August, Lahinch Playground had a grant of €165K approved under the Community Recognition Fund for redevelopment works. The funding will expire if not spent by the end of the year. Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty says it must be brought up to standard.

Kevin Griffin, Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality Management at TU Dublin // Michael Vaughan, Owner of Vaughan's Lodge Hotel, Lahinch

A Clare GP is urging the Government to accelerate recruitment measures amid a surge in local patient numbers. It follows a new report from the Journal, which shows that on average the population of every catchment area in the country has grown by 100 people. It also shows that Clare has one GP for every 1,470 people living here, which is the seventh lowest ratio nationwide. Lahinch-based IMO GP Committee Member Dr Michael Kelleher has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that special incentives are needed for rural areas.

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!

Topics covered : Anorexia, grief, shame, perfectionism, recovery, gratitude, the inner critic, CBT, social media, filters, boxing, meditation, femininity, spirituality, letting go.In this episode I speak to one of the most impressive people I've ever met, boxer Mary Kate Slattery.Originally from Dublin, Mary Kate spent parts of her childhood in Lahinch in Co. Clare.She's the eldest of three girls, a law graduate from Trinity College Dublin and when she was only 9 she developed anorexia. She spent time in and out of Crumlin children's hospital in Dublin and eventually had to go to London to receive treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children.In this conversation we speak about her battle with anorexia, perfectionism, therapy, meditation, femininity, letting go and her love of boxing.It's such an inspiring yet challenging conversation in parts, so please be aware before you listen.Also as you can hear in this episode, Mary Kate is very thankful to her psychiatrist Fiona McNicholas for helping her recover from anorexia and if you're worried about yourself or someone you love, you can reach out for help here...Bodywhys | The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There has been an increase in the distance between homes and places of employment, resulting in longer commutes for people, due to the attraction of living in small rural villages. This finding comes from a new research study involving the participation of 1,000 people from seven small towns across Ireland – including Ennistymon and Lahinch in Co. Clare – as well as two towns in Maryland in the United States. The study was carried out using a combination of an online survey of residents and a series of interviews with commuters, community leaders and other local stakeholders. To find out more Alan Morrissey was joined by Dr. Brendan O'Keeffe, who led on the Ennistymon-Lahinch case study, Ben Bennet from Surf School & Surf Shop in Lahinch, and Sean Lenihan, Director of Service for Economic Development at Clare County Council. Photo (C): Hans from pixabay via Canva

A new shuttle bus service to the Cliffs Of Moher to be rolled out later this year will come with free entry to the landmark. The complementary service by Clare County Council will be ran as a pilot through the peak tourist months of June, July and August both this year and in 2026 and will be extended to May and September depending on demand. There will be multiple pre-determined routes with stops at Miltown Malbay, Lahinch, Liscannor, Kilfenora, Lisdoonvarna, Liscannor and Doolin. Local Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy is hopeful it will be a success.

This week, Randy Lewis prepared Valentine's Day tapas. To get an insight into the recipe, Alan Morrissey was joined by Randy Lewis, Randaddy's Restaurant, Lahinch. Image (c): Mizina from Getty Images via Canva & Aesthetic squiggle line by Sandi Dwi Prasetyo from Sandidwipr via Canva

This week, Randy Lewis prepared a baked cannelloni! To get an insight into the recipe, Alan Morrissey was joined by Randy Lewis, Randaddy's Restaurant, Lahinch. Photo (C):by goir from Getty Images Pro via Canva

The ESB is aiming to restore power in large pockets of East, West and North Clare today as the county continues to grapple with the fallout of Storm Éyowen. Over 44,000 homes and businesses were without electricity here at the peak of the storm, but this was reduced to just 9,700 last night. Today the utility is aiming to return power to parts of Ballyvaughan, Doolin, Lisdoonvarna, Moy, Lahinch, Drumindoora, Feakle, Mountshannon and Tulla. Clare Area Technical Manager Michael Sammin has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that some households will be without electricity until early next week and that due to repairs, some recurring outages are possible.

Power has been restored to a further 6,000 premises across the Banner County, as just over 16,000 households and businesses brace for a fourth day without power. Supply was restored to properties in the Kilkee, Whitegate, Feakle, Tulla and Kilnamona areas yesterday evening, taking the total number of restorations seen in Clare to over 28,000 ESB crews have been working to restore power to homes and businesses in Sixmilebridge, Moveen, Lahinch, Quilty, Broadford, and Carigaholt across last night and this morning. The ESB has described Storm Éowyn as "by far the worst storm" it's ever experienced in terms of customers losing supply and the scale of damage to the network. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by ESB Technical Manager, Michael Sammin. Despite recent power outages across the county, communities have come together, showcasing remarkable support and resilience. For more on this, Alan was joined by the Manager at Armada Hotel, Bernard Cahill and Principal of St Joseph's Secondary School in Tulla, Juliet Coman. Photo (c): ESB Powerchecker

Power has been restored to a further 6,000 premises across the Banner county, as just over 16,000 households and businesses brace for a fourth day without power. Supply was restored to properties in the Kilkee, Whitegate, Feakle, Tulla and Kilnamona areas yesterday evening, taking the total number of restorations seen in Clare to over 28,000. ESB crews have been working, meanwhile, to restore power to homes and businesses in Sixmilebridge, Moveen, Lahinch, Quilty, Broadford and Carigaholt across last night and this morning. The ESB has described Storm Éowyn as "by far the worst storm" it's ever experienced in terms of customers losing supply and the scale of damage to the network. ESB Technical Manager, Michael Sammin, says crews are still experiencing new faults and damages in Clare and there's still 'a week's work' in fully restoring power countywide.

New weather sensors will be installed on roads in North and West Clare in a bid to better prepare the council's response to extreme condition events. It follows discontent in the region over the omission of the main Lahinch to Doolin, Lisdoonvarna to Cliffs of Moher roads and the R486 and the R487 roads into Kilrush from the Winter Maintenance Plan. The council has since confirmed that it will have new sensors to monitor conditions on the regional road from Loop Head and on the access road to the Cliffs of Moher. Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch says it's a positive step.

Graeme McQueen, Head of Media Relations, DAA // Barry Kenny, Corporate Communications Manager with Irish Rail // Tadgh Daly, Chief Executive of Nursing Homes Ireland // Michael Vaughan, Vaughan Lodge Hotel, Lahinch in Clare // Maura Fay, RTÉ Reporter

It only takes a few simple ingredients to make cauliflower soup! To get an insight into the recipe, Peter O'Connell was joined by Canadian chef and owner of Randaddy's in Lahinch, Randy Lewis. Image (c): Mizina from Getty Images via Canva & Aesthetic squiggle line by Sandi Dwi Prasetyo from Sandidwipr via Canva

An interim report on HIQA's review examining the case for a second emergency department in the Midwest is expected within the next three to four weeks. Public consultation opened last month on the independent statutory review for which the ultimate findings are due this summer. It comes as overcrowding has spiralled once again at University Hospital Limerick with 138 waiting for a bed at the facility this morning according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. Lahinch-based Patient Advocate on HSE Midwest's Programme Improvement Board John Wall has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons he believes when it comes to the prospect of a second ED in this region, it's a question of when, not if.

A longstanding Clare business owner has raised concern over the impact commercial rates are having on local business. Donogh O'Loughlin, who owns a clothing store in Lahinch says the commercial rates rebate introduced through the Increased Cost of Business Scheme, did not go far enough, and claims the situation is detrimental for small firms operating in the town. He wants to see the council take a more proactive approach. To find out more about this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Donogh O'Loughlin. Photo (c) jordan_rusev from Getty via Canva.com

A solidarity action event for Palestine will be taking place at Lahinch Beach today at 1pm. The aim is to spread a message of peace and solidarity for the people of Palestine. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by activist and lawyer, Leigh Brosnan. Photo (c): https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=9295686257150107&set=gm.9038329356255282&idorvanity=693785410709760&__cft__[0]=AZX_eAq6c0xRw36WUGtx7m27VX-aFweo6MWNYErOTPXdTfR_7ilq8-CtNnrLYIcoSqUttYYoXBJZrPkaNaW8kKlB2MZKzN7S63qlB_qgwWivgzUpXlyBV6o2lDT-VglQpt0TkHwQ-s9-wyDcjh4_tFm909ixPwThfu9_esH3L1RRgIdpbzkNTUx8Os7H3WJIsGJiWKJSmpbAC3R-wJLVxEWJ&__tn__=EH-R

A Clare based activisit has again raised concerns regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, stating that the rules of international law are 'unravelling'. It comes as an event will take place on Lahinch beach this afternoon to renew the people of Clare's solidarity with Palestine to start the new year. As part of the event, a peace symbol along with the word 'Palestine' will be etched into the sand on the beach, with a drone flying overhead to capture images of the message. Activist and lawyer, Leigh Brosnan, claims its vital to continue highlighting the perceived inequality of the international legal system.

On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Canadian chef and owner of Randaddy's in Lahinch, Randy Lewis. This week, Randy treated us to a mouthwatering recipe for his meatballs with carrot tagliatelle. He reminded us that a seemingly bare fridge can still hold the key to a fantastic meal—with a dash of creativity and just a few simple ingredients, culinary magic is always within reach. Photo (c): Clare FM

Stuart and William, your co-hosts, are  that friendly voice in your ear.  They guarantee they will be here every week, with a new release every Sunday, at 10am, plus extra material outside of this schedule too. There are no scripts, just genuine conversation between middle aged men. In today's episode, the last for 2024, Stuart and William mull over two questions sent in by listeners, with the first coming from Anne in Turlock, California, USA - “When making your podcast, how aware are you that someone will always say you are offensive if they don't agree with you?” The discussion off the back of this question begins with William's assertion that both he and Stuart are aware that they could be offensive with every episode they record together. Stuart comes at it from a different angle though, noting the difference between being offensive and someone taking offence. A person taking offence doesn't mean he and William are being offensive. William brings up that often offense is felt when a person has an opposing opinion to you. Stuart follows on from this saying that he always tries to be respectful, but he gets frustrated not hearing certain topics being openly and honestly talked about, which he feels is the contribution that this podcast tries to make. William goes on to talk about how the conversations Stuart and he have on this podcast is like a stream of consciousness, but he always has in his mind the potential impact of his words, and the motive behind them too. He concludes by giving you an action: Where in your life are you easily offended and why? They next move onto the second question for this episode which comes from listener Dusan in Lahinch, Ireland - “Do we need to have a strong faith to give a damn and have a sense of identity?” From this question, both Stuart and William assume that when Dusan refers to faith, they are talking about God, and for William he is categorical that we don't need faith to have a sense of identity. He states that you are your physical being, nothing more, nothing less. Stuart pulls him up on this statement. He goes on to talk about how during workshops he leads, he gets participants around a campfire to write down sixteen things about them. He gets them to cross off anything to do with work, anything to do with their physical body, anything to do with their hobbies, and then generally what you're left with is values. He sees that as being their identity. Stuart and William then go onto discuss whether you need faith to have an identity? William feels that faith can bring structure to your life. He cites a close friend who is an evangelical Christian, and he sees how important their faith is to them, and how big a part it is of their identity.  Stuart's conclusion: he thinks some people do need a faith to give a damn, but he also thinks it's worth exploring giving a damn without a faith too. What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/p/improve-the-oxfordshire-countryside-accessibility-for-all-disabilities-and-abilities Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheels We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we're not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice.  Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friendspodfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast , support our work through Patreonpatreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link:linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside

People in Clare are being urged to make informed decisions around what gets poured down the sink in the process of cooking Christmas dinner. Ahead of the big day, Clean Coasts and Uisce Eireann are appealing to people not to pour fats, oils, and greases from cooking down the sink as they can cause blockages and buildups called fatbergs. The 'Think Before You Pour' campaign is instead urging all prospective chefs to let all cooking oils too cool before binning and to scrape all greases off pans before washing them. Lahinch native and Clean Coasts', Think Before You Pour Campaign Officer, Patrick Cross, says although the amount of oil poured down drains has reduced, its still a major issue around Christmas.

Barry Fennelly is the Manager of the Paddy Harrington Scholarship in Maynooth University. He sat down with Jonny for a discussion around the growth of the Scholarship, it's mandate to produce Tour Professional golfers and Co-Captaining the International Side for the Arnold Palmer Cup in Lahinch this year. Barry and I went into great detail on the R&A Student Series and how important that pathway is for his own player, but European amateur golf as a whole and why he only sees it growing and improving and becoming a legitimately viable alternative to golf in America for athletes looking to pursue a career as professional golfers. The Bogey Men golf podcast is supported by AIG, dedicated supporters of amateur golf in Ireland. This series will showcase some of the incredible Amateur golf across Ireland this year. Go visit AIG.ie for a range of golf exclusive discounts and benefits on their products. Golf Ireland members can save an additional 10% on their car insurance, and you can enjoy some exclusive benefits when you choose AIG Insurance. Check out other episodes and more on our youtube channel & podcast platforms. If you liked this episode, please leave a review and share the show with your friends.

A wastewater treatment plant in North Clare was flooded one in every three days in the first eight months of 2024. An Environmental Protection Agency audit found that Uisce Éireann's sewerage treatment plant in Lahinch was not providing adequate or appropriate treatment. Between January 1st and August 14th this year, Lahinch's Wastewater Treatment Plant flooded on 76 dates out of 227, or 33% of days it was operating. The EPA also noted a significant number of emissions breaches at the plant. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Fianna Fáil Councillor from Lahinch, Shane Talty and water quality activist, Liam Grant. Statement from Uisce Éireann: In relation to wastewater treatment in Lahinch, a feasibility study has been completed to look at the requirements and potential options to upgrade both the Lahinch Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and Ennistymon WWTP. A new treatment plant to serve both the Lahinch and Ennistymon catchment is the preferred option. The project is currently at detailed design stage and will require several assessments (e.g. environmental, route and site selection, marine survey and modelling) as well as statutory approvals (planning, foreshore licence, EPA Licence review, wayleaves) and as such will take some time to complete. As with any significant infrastructure project, construction timelines and completion dates will be subject to a range of external factors. For this reason a commencement/completion date for the upgraded wastewater treatment plant at Lahinch/Ennistymon cannot be provided at this stage. It is expected that the initial scoping and design works for the upgraded plant at Lahinch/Ennistymon will be progressed through the current investment plan as a matter of priority, with the project to be progressed further in the subsequent investment periods subject to approvals. Photo (c) EPA

It's claimed Clare is well-placed to experience a housing boom and with it an attractive buyer's market, provided infrastructure and planning hurdles can be jumped. It follows a new ESRI survey which has found house prices nationwide are overvalued by as much as 10%. The ESRI analysis, which has focused on prices, disposable incomes, interest rates and the supply of housing for those aged 25-44, has found property prices are now 14% above the Celtic-Tiger peak. In Clare alone, the average price of a home is now more than €266,000, which is up 11% in the last year. In addition, a 2023 High Court challenge was brought against the largest ever housing scheme proposed for Ennis, which plans for 289 units for the Lahinch road. 50 towns and villages in this county, meanwhile, remain without connection to wastewater infrastructure. Diarmuid McMahon of Sherry-Fitzgerald McMahon Real Estate Agents in Ennis says that compared to other counties, Clare's connectivity is unmatched and believes if infrastructure and planning obstacles can be overcome, the local market will benefit. The Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers, meanwhile, says the best way to tackle price increases is to ramp up supply. It's calling on the new Government to act upon the Housing Commission's recommendations, to set up a decision-making body to tackle blockages to housing delivery.

Irish farmers, including Fergal Smith from Clare, have joined forces for a new book combining scientific research with local knowledge that gives farmers and others practical tips on how to create a more sustainable future while protecting land and nature. At a time of great challenge and uncertainty for farm families, The Farming For Nature Handbook is described as a “practical guide to protecting and restoring nature.” To talk more about this, Alan Morrissey was joined by a mixed stock farmer from Lahinch, Fergal Smith. Photo (c): https://www.farmingfornature.ie/product/farming-for-nature-handbook/

On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Canadian chef and owner of Randaddy's in Lahinch, Randy Lewis. This week, Randy shared a delicious recipe for his Crusted Cauliflower Bake. Photo (c): Clare FM

The 2024 Irish Amateur golf season has come to an end and Ronan MacNamara from Irish Golfer joins us in studio to recap the season. From the impressive performances in Ireland and abroad, to international events coming to Irish shores including the Men's and Women's Amateur Championships as well as the Arnold Palmer Cup at Lahinch it has been a busy year for golf on the island of Ireland. Ronan also makes a prediction for who will capture their first Major Amateur Championship title in 2025. The Bogey Men golf podcast is supported by AIG, dedicated supporters of amateur golf in Ireland. This series will showcase some of the incredible Amateur golf across Ireland this year. Go visit AIG.ie for a range of golf exclusive discounts and benefits on their products. Golf Ireland members can save an additional 10% on their car insurance, and you can enjoy some exclusive benefits when you choose AIG Insurance. Check out other episodes and more on our youtube channel & podcast platforms. If you liked this episode, please leave a review and share the show with your friends.

It's feared a new hospital in the Midwest could have "brand new wards with nobody to staff them" if accommodation and recruitment issues aren't addressed. It comes as a new CSO report has revealed that only 31% of individuals in Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary have a medical card while just 11% possess a GP visit card. The newly-published data also shows that at 8%, women aged 40 to 44 make up the largest proportion of people in the region. Lahinch-based Patient Advocate for the Programme Improvement Board of HSE Midwest, John Wall, says there's no point talking about building new facilities if there's nowhere for staff to live.

On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Canadian chef and owner of Randaddy's in Lahinch, Randy Lewis. This week, Randy shared a delicious recipe for his Canadian Butter Tartlets. This is real comfort food at it's best. At this time of the year, in fact starting from Canada Day in mid-October, Canadians start to enjoy this delightful and traditional Canadian sweet treat. With a medley of eggs, butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and a touch of vanilla, these delectable custardy treats are crowned with the rich goodness of pecans. And if you really want to make things easy for yourself, you can buy ready-made pastry from the supermarket. So, let the weather be as it may, for these Canadian Butter Tarts are here to warm our hearts and satisfy our sweet treat cravings. Ingredients: 2 eggs, 225 grams unsalted butter, 1 teaspoons vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons of good quality maple syrup, 250 grams brown sugar, 50 grams crushed pecans and 1 roll puff pastry. Method: 1. Preheat oven to 180°. On a low heat over saucepan melt butter. 2. Add brown sugar once the butter is melted and stir in. 3. Add pecans (leaving back a few to sprinkle on top when serving), vanilla and maple syrup and stir in and heat until smooth consistency. 3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. 4. Add to beaten eggs to the mixture stirring until smooth consistency. 5. Line your muffin tin with puff pastry and scoop in your custard mix until level. 6. Place in preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 to 35 minutes or until puffy and cooked through. (May be less depending on size of tartlets so keep an eye after 20 minutes if making mini tartlets). 7. Remove from the oven, take out of the casing and let cool on a wire rack. Sprinkle with end of crushed pecans for decoration. Photo (c): Clare FM

It's claimed Government "brainfreeze" is leading to an unregulated short-term let market in Clare and consequently forcing young people out of Ireland. The Short-Term Tourist Letting Bill drafted during the summer would require providers on platforms like AirBnB to have a valid registration number with Fáilte Ireland for their short-term lets. For the week beginning on November 25th, there are 799 available properties on AirBnB in Clare. Lahinch-based businessman and Independent General Election candidate Paddy Murphy says it's "disgraceful" that young people are competing with prospective short-term let providers for homes.

The starter gun has been fired! Following months of speculation, the campaign for the 2024 General Election is underway, with the first full week of campaigning beginning this morning. On November 29th, people in this county will be going to the polls for the second time this year to decide which four TDs they'd like to be their representatives in the Dáil for the next five years. With the discussion solely focused on the date of the election for so long, it now moves to the main issues of the campaign. To discuss these issues, Alan Morrissey was joined by Lahinch-based GP, Dr Michael Kelleher, Owner of Durty Nelly's, Maurice Walsh and Diarmuid McMahon of Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon. Photo (c): denizbayram from Getty Images via Canva

Further uncertainty over plans for a newly proposed wastewater treatment plant for North Clare have been described as extremely frustrating. Uisce Eireann is planning to build a new treatment plant to serve both Ennistymon and Lahinch,and although an initial completion date was set for 2029, the utillity has confirmed to Clare FM that this can no longer be garaunteed. The project is currently at the preliminary design phase and will require several environmental, site , modelling and marine surveys before progressing to the next stage. Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty says the situation is frightening.

Lahinch Post Office's existence now has an expiration date on it. Shane Talty has announced that he has tendered his resignation of contract to An Post for the Post Office. The Ennistymon Fianna Fáil councillor is due to finish as Postmaster in Lahinch Post Office in April of next year. To find out more about this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Postmaster of Lahinch Post Office, Shane Talty. Photo (c): An Post

A North Clare healthcare campaigner has lambasted TDs for their "farcical" decision to vote against noting the final Oireachtas report on assisted dying. The Dáil has agreed to note the final report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying which seeks to legalise assisted dying in restricted circumstances, with 73 deputies voted in favour and 59 against. The note won't have any material effect on Irish law as a bill would have to be passed by the Oireachtas and signed by the President to make its way into legislation. Lahinch-based Patient Advocate for the Programme Improvement Board of HSE Midwest, John Wall, says given that noting the report doesn't immediately impact legislation, voting against it is a cynical move.

Andy and Brendan are back after a long holiday weekend, and this is truly a rambling show about nothing. But there are some BIG questions asked, like, say, who will win more Tour events from now on -- Davis Thompson, Michael Thorbjornsen, or Jordan Spieth? They discuss the youth at the top of the Deere leaderboard and how it's become a course with literally zero hard holes and nothing but wedges. There's a lengthy chat on Spieth's momentary flirtation with 59 on Saturday and what went wrong from there, and his future prospects. There are some other odds and ends from Deere Run like JT not playing ZJ's charity outing this year, an IBF comp to Scottie Scheffler, and an amusing Tosti Tale on his pro-am, his caddie, and his rental car antipathy. Michael Rubin gets thirstbucket of the week for his little white party. The Euro Tour event is discussed momentarily, but mostly with some testimony from the ground about the power lines. They close with a few thoughts on the Palmer Cup at Lahinch and consensus that it is the creepiest trophy in golf.