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Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 20ú lá de mí na Samhna, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1986 labhair Ronald Reagan ar an teilifís faoin scannal a bhí ann maidir le h-airm a dhíol siad. Bhí a lán conspóid ann faoi sin – de bharr gur dhíol siad airm chuig Iran. I 2008 bhaineadh cor coise as na húdaráis Francaigh don chás den dúnmharú Sophie Toscan du Plantier I 1996. Ní bhfuair siad aon fhianaise nua. Bhí frustrachas ar na póilíní ón Fhrainc mar ní raibh na nGardaí ag comhroinnt na gcomhad a bhí acu. I 1974 cháil Bridget O'Reilly ó Inis don bhean an tí den bhliain. Bhuaigh sí dearbhán de 25 punt. Bhí an ceannas I mBaile Átha Cliath agus bhí cúig iomaitheoir ann. Fuair an buaiteoir dearbhán do 100 punt ag an deireadh. I 1986 nach mór bháig ceithre fhear ó Parteen nuair a d'iompaigh a bhád nuair a bhí siad ag féachaint do Chiarán O'Sullivan. Tharrtháil iad timpeall an tSionainn ón mbriogáid dóiteáin ó Luimneach. Sin Berlin le Take My Breath away – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1986. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1984 fuair Michael Jackson réalt ar an Hollywood Walk of Fame os comhair amharclann Mann's Chinese I Los Angeles. Bhí Michael Jackson an 1,793 duine a fuair réalt ag an am. I 2004 gearradh fíneáil 40,000 punt ar Liam Gallagher tar éis a bhí sé I dtroid in óstán sa Ghearmáin. Gabhadh Liam Gallagher chomh maith le Alan White agus triúir fhear eile ón bhanna ceol. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo, rugadh Robert F Kennedy ar an lá seo I 1925 agus rugadh amhránaí Michael Clifford san Astráil I 1995 agus seo chuid de a amhrán. Beidh mé ar ais libh amárach le heagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo.

An event historic in its significance took place in Ennis yesterday as a commemoration to mark 1,000 days of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine was held at the 1916 Rising Memorial on Club Bridge. The event was attended by Ukrainian refugees from various different embattled areas of the country and now different areas of County Clare, who expressed their hopes for the future and told of the horrors they faced before arriving here. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan was in attendance at the event, where he spoke to Milona Lori, who fled Kyiv; Ana Pulovic, who's hoping to use her qualification as a doctor here and is from Mykolaiv, the site of Russia's first major defeat in the war; Katarena Raikova from Kharkiv, who's now living and working in Lisdoonvarna; and the Ukrainian woman whose grandchild was born in a bomb shelter. The event also featured a rare extended edition of Amhrán Na Bhfiann, an anti-war anthem from Metallica, and firstly the English version of Ukraine's national anthem. Photo (c): Clare FM

Ronan Collins is hitting the road again! The renowned musician, singer and broadcaster is in the midst of a nationwide tour with his new show, ‘Showbands Hits and Stories’. With his knowledge of the showbands, stars and songs of that golden era, Ronan will sing the hits and tell the stories from an amazing time in Irish life. The tour will visit Glór in Ennis at the end of the month. Photo (c): Dave Cooley

A legal team representing the family of Caitríona Lucas has given the government two weeks to pay legal costs the family must meet following the inquest into her death. The 41-year-old mother of two and Coast Guard volunteer died after the Kilkee Coast Guard Delta rigid inflatable boat (RIB) she was on capsized while searching for a man who was missing in September 2016. Catríona was the first Irish Coast Guard volunteer to die on duty. Her family’s legal team has called the state’s delay in covering these costs “inordinate and unacceptable.” To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Marine Expert acting on behalf of the Lucas family, Michael Kingston. Photo: © Pat Flynn

The co-founder of the Midwest Hospital Campaign says the re-opening of Ennis's A&E would be a "top priority" of hers if in Government, but it wouldn't be a red line issue. The Social Democrats have published their General Election manifesto entitled 'For the Future' which includes a pledge to provide a Model 3 hospital in the Midwest with an emergency department. A recent study conducted by Ennis native Dr Sinéad Madden recommends a new 350-bed hospital in Ennis with an ED in order to serve the growing needs of this county's population. The Social Democrats have confirmed they're willing to go into Government with any party, and Ennis-based General Election Election candidate for the party, Hilary Tonge, says Midwest healthcare must be central to any discussion.

Residents of a south-east Clare village are said to be "held captive in their own houses" due to the speed at which traffic passes by their homes. As of this month, speed limits on national secondary roads have been reduced from 100 km/h to 80 km/h, while on rural roads they're down from 80 km/h to 60 km/h. Reductions have also been seen in built up areas like housing estates from 50 km/h to 30 km/h, but Cratloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat O'Gorman is arguing that as his village has no housing estates, its roads aren't seeing any road safety improvements. He says the traffic on Cratloe's satellite roads is akin to a funeral procession at peak times.

Secondary School teachers across Clare are urging the Minister for Education to address the inherent unfairness of a newly proposed assessment model for leaving cert students. Under the plans, additional components assessment or non-exam work could potentially account for up to 40% of a students grade. In protest of the new system, teachers will sacrifice their lunch breaks today and take to the picket lines outside their respective schools. ASTI Rep and Science and Physics Teacher at St. Flannan's College John Conneely has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan the idea would undermine classroom teaching and widen the gap for students from disadvantaged areas.

Clare County Council is encouraging people with vacant accommodation in Clare to play their part in preventing homelessness. Since the Homeless Action Team came into force five years ago, a number of family hubs have come on stream in this county including Laurel Lodge, Cusack Lodge and Westbrook. The local authority is now seeking more short-term emergency accommodation, however, for people moving between properties, such as those who have been forced to leave their home and awaiting local authority housing. Figures contained in the Council's latest monthly management report show 23 families, 99 adults and 53 children are availing of emergency accommodation from just 13 providers in Clare. Acting Senior Housing and Integration Executive with Clare County Council, Padraig McCormaic says they're seeking expressions of interest from B&B's, Hotels or home owners with offerings of one or two rooms, particularly in the North of the county.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 19ú lá de mí na Samhna, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1972 ghabhadh Seán MacStiofáin I mBaile Átha Cliath tar éis a agallamh conspóideach a rinne sé ar RTÉ. Cuireadh sa phríosún é ar feadh sé mhí de bharr a bhallraíocht den IRA. I 1985 d'éirigh Mary Robinson ón bPáirtí an Lucht Oibre de bharr nach raibh sí ábalta tacaíocht a thabhairt chuig an Chomhaontú Angla-Éireannach. I 1972 chuaigh níos mó ná 600 duine ón chontae chuig an 15ú dinnéar agus damhsa bliantúil den chumann Clár I Londain. I 2007 níos mó ná bliain tar éis, bhí an dealbh Icarus fós sa chlós comhairle. Bhí daoine ag déanamh cinneadh an raibh siad chun é a cur ar ais san áit chéanna nó cur é in áit difriúil. Mhol Brian Meaney chun é a cur ar timpeallán nua mar shainchomhartha nua. Sin Leona Lewis le Bleeding Love - an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 2007. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1964 – bhí an banna cheol The Supremes an chéad bhanna ceoil lán de mhná a raibh amhrán a chuaigh chuig uimhir a haon le Baby Love. Chuaigh an t-amhrán chuig uimhir a haon I Meiriceá chomh maith. I 2016 dhíol litir a scríobh John Lennon chuig Paul McCartney díreach tar éis a scair The Beatles. Dhíol an litir I gcóir 30 míle dollars chuig duine I Dallas. Bhí an litir dhá leathanach, lámhscrite ag John Lennon. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo, rugadh Calvin Klein I Nua Eabhrac I 1942 agus rugadh aisteoir Adam Driver I gCalifornia I 1983 agus seo chuid de a rudaí a rinne sé. Beidh mé ar ais libh amárach le heagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo.

The Clare Poetry Collective will be performing in Ennis this coming weekend. Their poetry readings and open mic event will take place in the foyer of Glór on Saturday afternoon. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Amanda Shannon and Ben MacCaoilte, who are both poets. Photo (c): Clare FM

A calf health workshop is coming to Ennistymon this week. The information evening at the Falls Hotel will take place on Wednesday, the 20th of November. The workshop will help farmers to recognise serious conditions that affect the health of newborn calves and provide advice on how these conditions can be prevented next spring. To discuss this further, on Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by John Underhill of Burren Vets in Ennistymon & Miltown Malbay. Photo (c): Clare FM

For the past few years, Kathleen Austin has tried to bring an incredible amount of food and household items to families in need in the Ennis and Clare area. The Drive, which sees Ozone joining forces with a group of local volunteers, including Kathleen, does so much to help those in need at Christmas time. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by the General Manager of Ozone Health, Mike Hogan and Kathleen Austin. Photo (c): Clare FM

Congrats to our 12 talented TY students who've just completed Clare FM's TY Media Week at Clare FM with Colum McGrath. They planned, produced and recorded their own show - TY Talks! TY Media Week is funded by Coimisiún na Meán through the Sound and Vision Fund and has been devised by Learning Waves in partnership with Clare FM!

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by John Burns, Retired Deputy Principal and Educational Consultant. This week, John answered a variety of questions from parents and students, which included a question on leaving school to pursue a job, bullying and advice on Christmas exams preparation. If you have any questions for this, email focus@clare.fm Photo (c): Clare FM

We’re firmly into the second week of campaigning for the General Election. The Clare electorate will cast their votes on the 29th of November, when they will choose the four TDs to represent the county in the 34th Dáil. Let’s get a flavour of what has been happening on the campaign trail. Both government parties and Sinn Féin were accused of insulting the electorate in last night’s televised election debate. During the debate, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil accused Sinn Féin of being unfit to govern - while the main opposition party highlighted the government’s failure to address the housing crisis or spending overruns. The government’s record on overspending came to the fore during last night’s debate, along with the housing crisis, immigration, and climate. The government parties were also criticised for not passing the Occupied Territories Bill by People Before Profit’s Richard Boyd Barrett and Ivana Bacik of Labour. Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman confirmed he would be willing to re-form a government with Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. To discuss all of this and more, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by Fianna Fáil Candidate, Rita McInerney, Independent Candidate, Kevin Hassett, Irish Freedom Party Candidate, Michael Leahy, and Rabharta Candidate, Barry O'Donovon. Photo (c): pixelshot via Canva

Truagh Clonlara Joint Captains Ellen Horgan And Laura Foley After Munster Club Camogie Final Win

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.

A revolutionary Clare priest is being remembered as a man who made a positive difference in the lives of thousands of young people. Tributes have been pouring in for former Inagh-Kilnamona Parish Priest, former teacher at Ennis Vocational School and founder of Clare Youth Service in 1969, Fr Seán Sexton, who passed away peacefully over the weekend. Today, the service has outlets in Lisdoonvarna, Killaloe, Kilkee, Ennis and Shannon and provides an array of learning supports and full-time education courses to over 3,000 adolescents every year. Clare Youth Service CEO Margaret Slattery says he was a truly inspirational figure who was far ahead of his time.

It's feared Clare's homegrown athletes will flee to countries better equipped to support them if the right facilities aren't in place here. It comes as local opposition is growing to Clare County Council plans to cover the existing cinder running track in the Fair Green with tarmac, which it's claimed would the risk of injury to those who use it. In a statement to Clare FM, the local authority says the project has been "paused following concerns raised by local clubs" and that "Active Ennis will consider options to address the condition of the track, while also improving accessibility". Public Relations Officer to the Clare County Athletics Board Victor O'Loughlin says Clare is at a crossroads when it comes to retaining its athletic talent and insists the proper training amenities must be accessible.

Plans for a first ever Daniel O'Connell festival in Ennis are being considered by the local authority. The event would take place next August to mark the 250th anniversary of 'The Liberators' birth in 1775. O'Connell led the Catholic Emancipation movement in Ireland during a repressive period of British rule governed by penal laws, and became the first Irish Catholic to sit in parliament in over 140 years after winning his seat in the Clare constituency in 1828. Clare County Council Memorial Committee member Cllr Mary Howard believes the celebration would bring major benefits.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 18ú lá de mí na Samhna, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1984, thóg siad na mílte Mars Bars ó gach siopa sa Bhreatain de bharr gur mhaígh gníomhaite go raibh nimh francach ann. Fuair na póilíní na barra seacláide le rudaí isteach ann, ach ní raibh aon truailliú ann. I 2006 bhí daoine cáiliúla sa Róimh do phósadh Tom Cruise agus Katie Holmes. Bhí daoine cáiliúla ann cosúil le David Beckham, Jim Carey agus Jennifer Lopez. Fuair an cúpla pósta I gcaisleán meánaoiseacha. I 1971 bhí contae Luimnigh ag iarradh an teoirainn a mhéadú. Dhiúltaigh Contae an Chláir é de bharr rátaí réadmhaoin áitiúla. I 2006 chuir údar Marian Keyes rud suas ar a shuíomh gréasáin. Dúirt sí go raibh Kenny's I Leath Inse a teach tábhairne is fearr sa domhain. Sin chaka Kahn le I Feel For You an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1984. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo – I 2007 sháraigh buaiteoir X Factor Leona Lewis curraíocht sa Bhreatain don albam a dhíol is tapúla, darbh ainm Spirit. I 2017 fuair giotáraí Malcom Young bás ag aois 64. Bhí sé ina bhall bunaidh de ACDC. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo, rugadh Ant McPartlin sa Bhreatain I 1975 agus is láithreoir é ar an teilifís. Agus rugadh aisteoir Owen Wilson I Texas I 1968 agus seo chuid de a rudaí a rinne sé. Beidh mé ar ais libh amárach le heagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo.

On Monday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tom Stewart from Keane’s Garden Centre in Kilcolgan. This week, Tom gave listeners some advice on how to make the most of caring for the birds this winter - picking the right feed & feeders for your favorite song birds. If you have a question for Tom, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964.

The West County Hotel in Ennis will host an extraordinary celebration later this week. On the 23rd of November, the "People with Passion" group will mark its fifth anniversary with what is described as a "spectacular" event filled with art, music, dance and more. With performances from musicians, dancers, and filmmakers, alongside art exhibitions and even a fashion show, the event promises something for everyone. To tell us more about it, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by founder of People with Passion, Katarzyna Dąbrowska. Photo (c): Clare FM

The Ennis Players are gearing up to present their Supper Theatre later this month. The drama group will perform two one-act plays at the Old Ground Hotel from the 25th to the 29th of November. This much-loved event promises plenty of humor, charm, and top-notch performances. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by PRO, Bernie Harten, Conor Lynch, who plays the hapless love-struck Pat and Edel Halliday, who plays the diva who cannot remember her lines. Photo (c): Clare FM

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 Banner County. This week, Siobhán told us about the Kilfenora Roadshow, Ennis Eccentric Music Society, Line Dancing in Kilmihil and much more. Photo (c): Clare FM

Ennistymon will welcome an acclaimed author for a book signing event later this week. On Wednesday, Felicity Hayes-McCoy will pay a visit to Banner Books. She is promoting her latest novel, The Bookseller's Gift. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Felicity Hayes-McCoy.

The long-awaited opening of the new De Valera Library and Cultural Centre in Ennis finally arrived on Friday. The 2,221 square metre facility consists of a over 73,00 books for all ages, in excess of 2,700 CDs, DVDs and audio books, sensory resources, an 80 square metre gallery space as well as an accessible bathroom and various IT services. Coming in at a total cost of €17 million, the project has been funded through a variety of Government streams as well as €12 million of Clare County Council's own resources. Taoiseach Simon Harris was present to officially open the new building, and Clare FM's Seán Lyons made the short trip over to cover the event. Photo (c): Clare County Council

There's been growing discussion around proposals to cover the Fair Green track in tarmac, but concerns have arisen regarding the suitability of the surface for athletic use. Clare County Council said the project to resurface the Tim Smyth Park running track has been paused following concerns raised by local clubs. Victor O'Loughlin from Clare Athletics believes tarmac may not be the ideal choice for a running track. To talk more about this, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by Public Relations Officer to the Clare County Athletics Board, Victor O’Loughlin. Photo (c): Clare FM

Campaigning is continuing for General Election 2024. The people of Clare will go to the polls on the 29th of November, when they will choose the four TDs to represent the county in the 34th Dáil. Let’s get a flavour of what has been happening on the campaign trail. Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said there is a real problem with Fine Gael election candidate John McGahon remaining on the party's ticket after the Sunday Times published pictures of the damage inflicted to farmer Breen White during an incident outside a pub in 2018. Fine Gael has been accused of trying to "bribe" parents with giveaways in the lead-up to the election, promising to lodge at least 1 thousand euro into a savings account for every baby born over the lifetime of the next government. A multi-billion euro disability plan is being put forward by the Social Democrats today. If it gets into government, the party would spend 1.1 billion euro a year between 2026 and 2030 to help people with disabilities. To discuss all of this and more, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by Independent Candidate, Matthew Moroney and Fine Gael Candidate, Dr. Tom Nolan. Photo (c): pixelshot via Canva

Clare County Council has expressed confidence Ennis now has a library that's the envy of other counties. The highly anticipated new De Valera Library and Súil Gallery on the Causeway Link in the county town have been officially opened by Taoiseach Simon Harris. Coming in at a total cost of €17 million, the facility contains over 73,000 books in addition to CDs, DVDs, audio books and other materials, and boasts an 80 square metre gallery space along with a variety of other amenities. Outgoing Clare County Council Chief Executive Officer Pat Dowling says in a year of great success for the county, the library's opening ranks highly.

A Clare Fianna Fáil candidate has admitted the Government needs to cut the red tape in order for small businesses to survive. It follows industry criticism over the €4,000 power up grant introduced in the Budget, which only applied to firms who received the Increased Cost of Business payment , distributed in October. So far this year, over 760 retail firms and restaurants have closed nationwide, and in its manifesto, Fianna Fáil has pledged to develop a new cost of business advisory forum to oversee new supports for the sector. Doonbeg General Election Candidate Councillor Rita McInerney insists the groundwork is already in place to tackle issues.

Fr Gerry Kenny presents this Beyond Belief and talks to Chris McElhinney from Trocaire about their work in the trouble spots of the world and hears about their Christmas Appeal

On this week’s Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn meets singer, musician and teacher Edel Vaughan. As a solo artist, Edel has performed with many musicians and composers and was lead vocalist with the world famous Kilfenora Céilí Band for a number of years.

A new strategy is set to enhance infrastructure in one of Clare's fastest growing settlements when it comes to fruition. It comes as the Killaloe Municipal District is considering a funding application to provide a mobility plan for Crusheen , which would involve new footpaths, pedestrian crossings, cycle lanes and bus shelters near the future railway station. According to Census 2022, over 650 people are living in the village, which has an average age of 33 years old, making it the second youngest in the county. Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Hayes says investment is urgently needed.

Each councillor in the Shannon Municipal District has been granted €49,000 to put towards community initiatives. It comes as the region's seven elected members have approved a collective General Municipal Allocation (GMA) of €343,000 for the coming year. The funds are distributed at the discretion of each elected member for projects of their choice and predominantly support small scale traffic-calming measures, sports clubs, schools, charities and other organisations. Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD, Cratloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat O'Gorman says it can pave the way for crucial local developments, that otherwise wouldn't see the light of day.

Fr Gerry leads our Sunday Prayer on Sunday 17th November 2024, the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Taoiseach expects there to be a "road map" for a new emergency department in the Midwest in the new year. The findings of a HIQA report examining the viability of a second ED in this region aren't due until June of this year, but it's now been revealed an interim report will be published in early 2025. Earlier this year, the Taoiseach told Clare FM if such a facility is recommended, he'll work "day and night" to deliver it. Speaking on a visit to Ennis, Simon Harris says while he'd prefer if action could be taken on Midwest healthcare earlier, the next step must be guided by clinical advice.

An Ennis Councillor is urging the next government to call a halt to the current motor tax system amid claims it punishes struggling families. Under the existing structure, road users are charged more based on the age and emissions of their car, and those who pay in quarterly instalments rather than up front will fork out between 10% and 13% more for the same product. In the case of a 2litre vehicle registered in 2011 for example, the premium comes to €270, but it will cost a motorist paying in stages another €34. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Antoinette Baker Bashua says the model needs to go.

A Shannon creche is set to benefit from the installation of a piece of potentially life saving equipment. Owner of KidzHaven, Siobhán Mulderrig, has confirmed that the creche has recently purchased a defibrillator to be used on site. All staff at the centre are trained first aid responders and the acquisition of the defibrillator is claimed to be very poignant as one of the kids in the service has a heart condition. Siobhán says government funding should be in place for equipment such as this, especially given the underlying condition of one of the kids in her care.

Coming up on the show, we will be looking ahead to a huge weekend for Clare club in Munster action with Feakle, Wolfe Tones and the Banner all hoping to reach provincial finals. It's a case of seconds out, round two for Truagh-Clonlara and Gailtir in the Munster club camogie final as they go at it again, seven days after a dramatic draw in their initial showdown. We will also be hearing from Kilmihil's own Eimear Considine after her decision to retire from rugby and a few more bits also

The Clare branch of the Irish Red Cross is holding a table quiz this weekend. It will be held in support of the Clare Community Support Services. The fundraising event will take place this Saturday. To tell us more about it, Alan Morrissey was joined by Irish Red Cross Clare Honorary Treasurer & Clare Community Officer, James Lafferty. Photo (c): https://www.facebook.com/irishredcrossclare/

A mass demonstration at Shannon Airport this weekend will hear calls for the Government to escalate its stance against Israel's actions in Palestine. Solidarity groups for Palestine from Clare, Galway, Cork, Limerick, Dublin and Kerry will be descending on the Clare base on Sunday from 1pm to protest the US military's use of the facility. The Government announced its intention last week to introduce "significant new powers" to allow secret flash raids of US aircraft suspected of carrying weapons or machinery that could be used in warzones. Speaking outside the new De Valera Library in Ennis today where Taoiseach Simon Harris will be arriving shortly, Mélina Sharp of the People of Clare Against Genocide has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons the State has had years to take action and has failed to do so.

A Clare-based haulier insists education at both ends of the age spectrum must be a pivotal part of the solution when it comes to road safety. New RSA data indicates a quarter of drivers involved in fatal road collisions over the past five years were driving for work. Heavy goods vehicles made up 11% of vehicles involved in deadly crashes and in most cases, either the driver of the other vehicle or a pedestrian was killed. Ennis-based Irish Road Haulage Association spokesperson Eugene Drennan believes older people should be offered refreshers courses on the rules of the road.

A Clare woman is hoping to revolutionise the care of the homeless in Ennis with a new service. The local authority has given the green light for a state of-the-art mobile shower and changing tent to be erected at Friar's Walk Bus Park , which will be able to withstand winds of 60km per hour. The service will not be accessible to anyone under the influence of drugs or alocohol and opening hours will be based on demand. Co-Ordinator Fiona Faulkes who spent five years sleeping rough on the streets of London says it will be a massive boost to the well-being of those who need it most.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 15ú lá de mí na Samhna, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1983 bhuaigh Sheila Rohan ó chontae Ciarraí bean an tí den bhliain agus bhuaigh sí 1,000 punt dá pearsantacht agus a scileanna cócaireachta. I 2004 thacaigh le Taoiseach Bertie Ahern do chearta daoine aeracha le cáin agus oidhreacht. I 1977 bhí tuirlingt éigeandála ag Aerfort na Sionainne ar Air India Boeing 747 le 189 paisinéir tar éis bagairt buama. Bhí an t-eitleán ag eitilt ó Nua-Eabhrac go Londain. Nuair a tháinig sé chuig Aerfort na Sionainne chuardaigh an fhoireann slándála an t-eitleán ach ní raibh aon bhuama ann. I 1983 bhí bleachtaire agus feirmeoir ceangailte le teip ar fhuascail ar capall darbh ainm Shergar. Rinne na nGardaí fhiosrú den ngadaíocht agus fuair siad 80,000 punt ó charr sa chontae. Sin U2 le Vertigo, an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 2004. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht ceoil ón lá seo – I 2007 chuaigh Jay-Z chuig uimhir a haon lena albam 'American Gangster'. Ag an am bhí an méid céanna albam a chuaigh go dtí uimhir a haon ag Jay-Z agus Elvis Presley. Ag an am bhí The Beatles an banna cheoil leis an méid is mó albam a chuaigh go dtí uimhir a haon. I 1980 fuair Blondie a cúigiú singil a chuaigh chuig uimhir a haon agus a tríú singil an bhliain sin le 'The Tide Is High'. Scríobh John Holt an t-amhrán a raibh uimhir a haon I Meiriceá chomh maith. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla inniu, rugadh aisteoir Shailene Woodley I 1991 I gCalifornia agus rugadh amhránaí ó Nickelback Chad Kroeger I gCeanada I 1979, agus seo chuid de a hamhráin. Beidh mé ar ais libh an tseachtain seo chugainn le eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo.

The Luke Kelly Tribute Concert will take place in Doolin this weekend. It’s the fourth year of the tribute to the legendary Dubliners’ singer. Sunday’s show promises a fantastic line-up! To find out more, Peter O'Connell was joined in-studio by Katie Theasby. Photo (c): Clare FM

A businessman from Kirkham in Lancashire will carry 45 kilos on his back from the Cliffs of Moher to Liverpool, all for a number of good causes. Bill Hodgson will carry the heavy load - branded as the magic of Christmas – for this year’s Santa’s Slog Survival. To discuss this further, Peter O'Connell was joined by Bill Hodgson and organiser, Andy Johnson. You can donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/santas-slog-survival-2024 Photo (c): https://www.facebook.com/SantasSlog/

The Shannon Springs Hotel will be the place to be tomorrow evening. That’s when the late, great Johnny Fean will be remembered in his hometown of Shannon. The “Johnny Fean Stage” will be officially opened to honour the life of the guitarist with legendary 70’s Irish rock outfit, Horslips.. To talk about the event, Peter O'Connell was joined by Damian O'Rourke of Cuppa Tea TV and Ray Fean. Photo (c): Clare FM

Campaigning is continuing for General Election 2024. The people of Clare will go to the polls on the 29th of November, when they will choose the four TDs to represent the county in the 34th Dáil. Let’s get a flavour of what has been happening on the campaign trail. Sinn Féin says its sceptical about promises by the Health Minister to reduce the waiting list for children with scoliosis. Price caps on food and energy, and a four-day working week, feature as part of People Before Profit's election manifesto. Fine Gael remains the most popular political party in the country after the latest opinion poll. To discuss all of this and more, Peter O'Connell was joined in-studio by Independent Candidate, Violet Anne Wynne, Independent Ireland Candidate, Eddie Punch and Independent Candidate, Amanda Major. Photo (c): pixelshot via Canva

A Clare General Election candidate believes communities should have more of a say in the placement of asylum centres but doesn't think anyone should have a veto. Sinn Féin has published its migration policy document entitled 'Fixing A Broken System' which it claims will address what it describes as the Government's "chaotic mismanagement of international protection". Among its priorities is to ensure all new IPAS centres are put in what it deems to be "more affluent areas which have the capacity and services to support them". Shannon Sinn Féin Councillor Donna McGettigan says however plenty of consultation will be needed as it's difficult to assess the level of affluence in an area.

Clare people are being encouraged to bring the festive cheer to the county town's business community this Christmas season. Anticipation is building for the switching on of the Christmas lights in Ennis which will take place on evening of Thursday November 28th, with All-Ireland winning Clare hurling captain Tony Kelly and manager Brian Lohan in attendance as special guests, along with Liam McCarthy himself. The event will be MC'd by Clare FM's own Colum McGrath, with entertainment provided by various local acts including the Circus Ponies and Vocal Ponies as well as local Comhaltas musicians. It's also been confirmed that public realm works in the town will be suspended from November 27th to January 6th, and Mayor of Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Clare Colleran-Molloy says it's an ideal opportunity to support local businesses.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 14ú lá de mí na Samhna, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1982 rinne Fidel Castro caife Éireannach ag aerfort na Sionainne, moladh a thabhairt chuig uisce beatha Éireannach. Labhair sé faoi éachtaí Cúba, agus léirigh sé a meas d' Éire nuair a throid siad dá neamhspleáchas. I 2000 sheol Liam Neeson ceant do charthanacht lena lightsaber ó Star Wars chun troid I gcoinne AIDS san Aifric. Bhí an t-imeacht ann chun airgid a bhailiú do dhrugaí chun coisc a dhéanamh ar traschur HIV idir mná agus leanbh, leis an airgead ag dul chuig UNICEF. I 1979 bhí a lán imní faoin cuir siar ar an phlean forbairt don ospidéal sa chontae. Bhí ach sé leaba bhreise curtha iseach san ospidéal ón lá a d'oscail sé. Bhí an chomhairle contae ag iarradh níos mó spás do leaba bhreise. I 2000 bhí an plean ceadaithe ag Comhairle Contae an Chláir d'fheirm ghaoithe. Bhí sé tuirbín gaoithe cóngarach d'Inis Díomáin. Chosain sé 7 milliúin punt agus bhí sé in ainm a bheith ábalta níos mó ná 10,000 tí a rop. Sin Eddy Grant le I Don't Wanna Dance, an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1982. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht ceoil ón lá seo – I 1987 chuaigh George Michael díreach go uimhir a haon sna cairteacha lena chéad albam aonair 'Faith'. Scríobh sé an t-albam ar fad ar a aonair. Bhí grá ag na criticeoirí don albam nua agus bhuaigh sé Gradam Grammy d'Albam den bhliain. I 2006 chuaigh Led Zeppelin isteach sa Dámhachtain na Laochra ó Roger Taylor ó Queen. Ghlac Jimmy Page an gradam ós comhair 3,000 duine I rith an searmanas a bhí ar siúil ag Alexandra Palace I Londain. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla inniu, rugadh King Charles I Londain I 1948 agus rugadh Travis Barker, amhránaí Blink 182, I gCalifornia I 1975, agus seo chuid de a amhrán. Beidh mé ar ais libh amárach le eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo.

It is time for another wonderful tale from the one and only Eddie Lenihan, which means it is time for Seanchaí Corner. Every fortnight on Morning Focus, Seanchaí Corner sees Eddie, the renowned author, storyteller, lecturer, and broadcaster regaling us with a memorable story from his extensive collection of old Irish tales and fables. This week, Eddie told us the strange tale of Daniel O’Connell and the Poor Man’s Ears.

Former St. Flannan’s College President, Teacher and Guidance Counsellor Fr Joe McMahon will be laid to rest today. There is undoubtedly deep sadness within the community of St Flannan’s College, following his passing. Joe was President, teacher and guidance counsellor during his time at St. Flannan’s. To remember Fr. Joe McMahon, Alan Morrissey was joined by Fr Ignatius McCormack, Principal of St. Flannan’s.

On Thursday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by, Martyn Whyte, chef at Glas Restaurant, Hotel Doolin. This week Martyn shared a delicious recipe for braised venison shank, creamy mash, and sauce from braising liquid. Ingredients you will need: 2 venison shanks 2 large carrots 2 celery sticks 1 large onion 1L of stock 200ml red wine 20g Thyme 20g rosemary 1 bulb of garlic Method: 1. Season the venison shank with salt and pepper. 2. Brown the shank in a casserole pot on a medium heat. 3. Once brown on all sides, take out and set aside. 4. Add vegetables and brown, once colored deglaze with red wine. 5. Add the shank along with the herbs and garlic back into the pot and cover with the stock. 6. Cover with a lid and cook for 12 hours at 100 degrees Celsius in an oven. 7. Once cooked, remove the shank and begin to reduce the liquid. Use this as the sauce to finish the dish. 8. Serve with either mash or baby potatoes. 9. Garnish with chopped herbs. Photo (c): Clare FM

A play described as a “heartfelt, hilarious and irreverent story of an activist and a celebration of love, friendship and the enduring pursuit of freedom” will make its way to Ennis next week. On Tuesday November 19th, Glór will host No Magic Pill. No Magic Pill is the heartfelt, hilarious and irreverent story of an activist and a celebration of love, friendship and the enduring pursuit of freedom. The play, written by Christian O’Reilly and directed by Raymond Keane, leads the way in Irish theatre in its casting of disabled actors. To speak more about this, Alan Morrissey was joined by playwright, Christian O'Reilly and actor, Eric Fitzgerald. Photo (c): www.facebook.com/glorennis

Bunratty will host the country’s largest Christmas parade later this month. On the 28th of November, 400 parade participants – including Christmas characters, the Tulla Pipe Band and many more - will wind their way through the village to the courtyard of Bunratty Castle, where the annual switching on of the Folk Park’s Christmas lights will take place. The parade marks the beginning of ‘Christmas at Bunratty 2024’. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by General Manager of Clare Tourism East, Stephen Hanley. Photo (c): Clare FM

Today is World Diabetes Day. Diabetes and well-being is the theme for World Diabetes Day. This evening, an event for those with Type 1 diabetes will be held in Ennis from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. To discuss her experience and more, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by Co-founder of Thriveabetes, Gráinne Flynn who is also a volunteer with Diabetes Ireland. Photo (c): Clare FM

The Netwatch Clare Family Carer of the Year has been announced. Cora Nix from Meelick is the latest recipient of the prestigious prize. Cora received the award from Family Carers Ireland, now in their 17th year, for dedicating her life to the care of Damien. To tell us more, Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by Netwatch Clare Family Carer of the Year, Cora Nix. Photo (c): Clare FM

Janet Buell’s latest exhibition will come to Clare next week. ‘Works in Pastel’ will be hosted in Cultúrlann Sweeney Library Gallery, Kilkee, from November 19th to December 20th. Janet paints almost exclusively with pastels. She finds the highly pigmented personalities of each stick very engaging. For more on this, Janet Buell joined Alan Morrissey in studio on Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo (c): Clare FM

The various parties and independents are continuing their canvassing and campaigning for General Election 2024. The Clare electorate will cast their votes on the 29th of November, when they will choose the four TD's to represent the county in the 34th Dáil. Let’s get a flavour of what has been happening on the campaign trail. The Housing Minister says he can’t speculate on when house prices will moderate. The Social Democrats would introduce a three-year rent freeze if elected to government. Meanwhile, Fine Gael is promising to cap childcare costs at 600 euros per month for every family. To discuss all of this and more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Fianna Fáil candidate Timmy Dooley, Social Democrats candidate Hilary Tonge, and Independent candidate Paddy Murphy. Photo (c): pixelshot via Canva

An East Clare councillor says he's 'certain' the renewal of a walking trail in Mountshannon will attract more visitors to the locality. In a motion at this weeks Killaloe Municipal District, the local authority was called on to engage with Coillte to set in motion the process of renewing Woodpark Forest Park in Mountshannon. Criticisms have been made of Ireland’s semi-state forestry company, Coillte, for not continuously maintaining the park. However, a funding application has been sent, with an update expected in early 2025. Whitegate Fine Gael Councillor, Pat Burke, claims that in tandem with the Inis Cealtra Visitor Centre, a renovated Woodpark Forest would bring increased footfall to the locality.

It's claimed the local authority has taken it's "eye off the ball" regarding the use of a prominent Ennis amenity. It comes as Ennis Municipal District has committed to a proposal raised at its latest meeting "to focus all efforts" on rejuvenating the Market area of the town, following the closure of its post office last month. In response, the MD confirmed it will shortly be seeking expressions of interests to repurpose or enhance the use of the Market building, which has been widely dubbed a "White Elephant" since opening at a cost of €1.75m in 2016. Clarecastle Fianna Fail Councillor Tom O'Callaghan, says responsibility needs to be taken for past mistakes and the length of time for change to come about, but insists the building still has great potential.

Concern has emerged that a failure to prioritise rental housing stock in the new programme for Government will compound the rental market crisis in Clare and elsewhere. The latest quarterly report from Daft.ie, published today, has shown the cost of renting a home on the open market in this county has risen by 9% in the past twelve months to 1,400 euro, which is above the national average. Supply remains a major concern across the region, with just 350 homes available to rent in Munster at the end of September, representing a reduction of 13% in the last year. Author of the report, Economist Ronan Lyons has been telling Clare FM's Fiona Cahill that despite all the promises on housing by political parties and none in the run up to the election, there's a gap in the conversation about rental stock, which he believes could have dire consequences.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 13ú lá de mí na Samhna, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1992 bhí Mary Robinson ar scairdeitleán agus bhí orthu stop a chur leis an tuirlingt I Marseilles. Bhí an scairdeitleán ar an mbealach ón Aifric go dtí Meiriceá agus níor dhúsaigh Mary Robinson suas I rith an eachtra. I 2003 bhí imreoir sacair Éireannach Paul McGrath I gcúirt. Cúisíodh é as an tsíocháin a bhriseadh. Gabhadh é taobh amuigh teach a chéad bhean chéile ach phléadáil sé neamhchiontach. I 1978 d'oinigh Donal E.J. MacNamara, lena thuismitheoirí ón Fhiacail agus Leath Inse, ón United Jewis Appeal de bharr gur thug sé comhairle do phóilíní agus phríosún in Iosrael. I 1992 bhris tine amach I bhfoirgneamh ar sráid Parnell in Inis de bharr tocht a chuaigh trí thine. Tháinig dhá inneall dóiteáin chun an foirgneamh agus mhúchadh an tine. Bhí a lán damáiste deatach sna foirgnimh timpeall air. Ní raibh an trácht ábalta bogadh ar feadh uair a chloig I rith an eachtra. Sin Boyz II Men le End of the Road – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1992. Agus ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ón lá seo, I 1999 dúradh go raibh na Spice Girls an banna ceoil a thuill an chuid is mó I rith na 90's lena chéad albam 'Spice'. Dhíol siad níos mó ná 20 milliúin chóipeanna. I 2015 rinneadh ionsaí I bPáras I rith ceolchoirm Eagles of Death Metal. Bhí an banna ceoil sábháilte ach maraíodh 89 duine ar an oíche. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla inniu ná aisteoir Gerard Butler a rugadh in Albain I 1969 agus aisteoir Whoppi Goldberg a rugadh I Nua-Eabhrac I 1955 agus seo chuid de a obair a rinne sí. Beidh mé ar ais libh amárach le eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo.

Double social welfare payments are welcome but they're getting wiped out almost immediately by existing bills. Saint Vincent de Paul officials say they want to see a more sustained increase to weekly social welfare payments from the next Government. Thousands received cost of living bonuses last week while the Christmas Bonus Double Payment will be paid on the week starting December 2nd. Ahead of it's annual Christmas Appeal, SVP National President Rose McGowan says these kinds of once off measures don't go too far To get a Clare Perspective, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare SVP President, Denis Carty. Photo (c): Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Those who died in both World Wars from County Clare will be remembered this coming weekend. The Services of Remembrance for those who lost their lives in World War I, World War II and all international conflicts will take place at the Clare World War memorials at Causeway Link here in Ennis. To get more details on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Chairperson of Clare Peace Park Initiative, Dr. Keir McNamara and Head Chaplin of the Irish Defence Forces, Fr. Paschal Hanrahan. Photo (c) Keir McNamara

On Wednesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tommy Corbett from Carey Corbett Financial Solutions. This week, Tommy provided Alan and our Morning Focus listeners with advice on low risk investing.

Can We Speak Whale? is the title of an upcoming talk from the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group. It is an in-person talk aimed at young people as part of Science Week. Friday’s event at Cultúrlann Sweeney Theatre in Kilkee is being held as part of Science Week. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Education and Outreach Officer with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group in Kilrush, Claire Kelly. Photo (c): artvizual from pixabay via Canva

The first full week of campaigning for General Election 2024 continues. The election will take place on the 29th of November, when the people of Clare will cast their ballots for which four TDs will represent them in the 34th Dáil. Let’s get a flavour of what has been happening on the campaign trail. The Fianna Fáil leader admits house prices are unlikely to moderate until 2027 or ‘28. Fine Gael will promise this morning to make a double child benefit payment to parents every August if re-elected. Elsewhere, the Green Party is pledging to lower the voting age to 16.The party launched its manifesto this morning, which seeks to spend 7 billion euro of the Apple tax money on public transport Meanwhile, Aontú has launched its immigration policy ahead of the general election. To discuss all of this and more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Aontú Candidate, June Dillon, Green Party Candidate, Roisín Garvey and Fine Gael Candidate, Joe Cooney. Photo (c): pixelshot via Canva

It's hoped an abandoned 16-acre site in the heart of Ennis can be a silver bullet for the county town's housing woes, after being acquired by new owners. Clare County Council has confirmed that the grounds and property of the former Our Lady's Hospital on the Gort Road have changed hands once again. The former Psychiatric Hospital first opened as an Asylum in 1868 and closed in 2002 and has remained derelict since, however a third party is now understood to be in discussions with the local authority regarding a potential development. Clarecastle Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle believes it's an ideal location for affordable homes.

The West Clare Municipal District has been awarded €441,000 worth of funding which can be used as 'the final piece of the jigsaw' for projects in the area. The funding comes under the General Municipal Allocation and represents the same amount the West Clare MD received for the GMA in 2024. This means that each of the nine councillors will receive roughly €49,000 each to use towards projects of their own discretion. The same amount will apply to the seven councillors in Ennis, with a collective €343,000 also approved for the district this week. Ennistymon Fianna Fail Councillor, Shane Talty, says that with some large scale projects working out to cost more than initially expected, the GMA helps to seem them over the line.

Policymakers are being urged to prioritise the survival of Clare's existing towns following the collapse of an ambitious plan for growth in the South-East of the County. It comes as the University of Limerick has withdrawn an application to designate lands to the North of its campus as an economic Strategic Development Zone. one community group is welcoming the news and believes a shift in focus is required to tackle housing shortages, business closures, vacancy and dereliction in Clare's existing towns. Síle Ginnane from Better Ennis believes the SDZ would have led to further urban sprawl and that policy makers need to icentivise measures to get people living above shops and starting small businesses in the likes of Ennis, Kilkee, Kilrush and Ennistymon before they become ghost towns. She says balanced regional development must be prioritised.

Futureproof Clare claims that the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP, has become a farce, citing that global emissions only having increased since its inception in 1995. The annual climate summit got underway this week with politicians, business leaders and campaigners from around the world gathering in the Azerbaijani capital Baku. The perceived hypocrisy of Baku's hosting of the conference has also been raised, with oil and gas exports accounting for almost half of Azerbaijan's state budget, with similar concerns raised when the UAE played host in 2023. Scariff-based Futureproof Clare spokesperson, Sinead Sheehan, believes that climate action groups have lost faith in COP's ability to tackle the climate crisis.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 12ú lá de mí na Samhna, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1969 fógraíodh gur chríochnaigh an stailc ag calafort Baile Átha Cliath. Chuaigh gach duine ar ais chuig an obair. Ghlac na píolótaí moladh nua agus de bharr sin tháinig stad leis na bpicéad agus tháinig 41 fear ar ais ag obair. I 2002 d'éirigh capall Alex Ferguson, Rock of Gibralter, as rásaíocht capall agus bhí sé chun a lán airgead a fháil de bharr. Bhí an capall 3 bhliain a d'aois agus bhí sé chun a bheith ina chónaí ag Coolmore Stud I gcontae Tiobraid Árann. I 1973 d'fhoilsigh plaic á gcomóradh Séan Lemass ag Aerfort na Sionainne. Déanta as cré-umha, in ómós do thaispeánadh Lemass, spreag sé sin forbraíocht an t-aerfort. I 2002 bhí madraí ag rith timpeall reilig I Sionainn. Dúirt Tony Mulcahy go raibh damáiste déanta don reilig. Cháin sé na húinéirí mífhreagrach mar bhí comhartha ann ag rá níl cead peataí sa reilig. Dúirt sé go raibh sé chun dlí a thabhairt isteach chun cosc a chur ar na madraí. Sin Westlife le Unbreakable – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 2002. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ón lá seo – I 2001 bhuail Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney agus George Harrison ag óstán I Nua-Eabhrac. Bhí sé sin a uair dheireanach a bhuail an triúir acu le chéile mar fuair George Harrison bás de bharr ailse dhá sheachtain tar éis. I 2016 fuair Robbie Williams curiarracht dhomhanda a bhí ag David Bowie don mhéid is mó albam a chuaigh chuig uimhir a haon d'amhránaí aonair Briotanach. Tháinig sé amach leis an albam nua The Heavy Entertainment Show. Agus ar deireadh, breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo, rugadh aisteoir Ryan Gosling I 1980 I gCeanada agus rugadh amhránaí Neil Young I 1945 I gCeanada chomh maith agus seo chuid de a hamhrán. Beidh mé ar ais libh amárach le eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo.

A Clare woman is among 23 individuals from across the country who have been recognised for their acts of bravery. They were all recipients of National Bravery Awards for risking their own lives to aid others in peril. Mary Noonan received her award for her selfless actions on a July afternoon five years ago. Mary saved the life of a young boy who was drowning. To discuss this further, Mary Noonan joined Alan Morrissey in-studio. Photo (c): Clare FM

In this week’s History in Focus, Alan Morrissey is joined by local historian and author, Colm Liddy to focus on the scenes of absolute desolation after Cromwell. If you have any stories you would like to share with Colm about your town, you can contact him at colmliddy@eircom.net or Clare FM at focus@clare.fm.

To discuss the latest in the entertainment world, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM’s Colum McGrath, on Tuesday's Morning Focus. This week, Colum discussed the I'm A Celebrity 2024 lineup and the MTV EMA's.

Killaloe Male Voice Choir are no doubt celebrating, following their recent success on the European stage. They claimed bronze medals at the recent Praga Cantat International Music Festival in Prague. To talk about this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Alan Williamson and Jerome Chambers who are members of the Killaloe Male Voice Choir. Photo (c): Clare FM

A Clare man has managed to pull off an impressive feat, completing both a full and a half marathon in the Arctic. Not only that, but Corofin’s Ciarán O’Connell did both in Greenland’s Arctic Circle in just 36 hours! To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ciaran O’Connell. Photo (c): Ciarán O’Connell via Facebook

We are into the second day of the first full week of campaigning for General Election 2024. The election will take place on the 29th of November, when the people of Clare will cast their ballots for which four TDs will represent them in the 34th Dáil. Monday saw political parties publishing a range of policy papers, while independent candidates outlined their policies to the electorate. The Fine Gael leader believes it's 'unusual' for some parties to say they want to take over certain government departments. Fianna Fáil is committing to creating a new Department of Domestic Affairs if re-elected. Sinn Féin has pledged to start tackling Universal Social Charge rates in the party’s first 100 days in government if it wins the election. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Fianna Fáil candidate Cathal Crowe, Fine Gael Candidate Leonora Carey, and Sinn Féin Candidate Donna McGettigan. Picture (c) pixelshot via Canva

Ambitious plans for the creation of a new town and over 3,500 jobs in South-East Clare have been dealt a major blow. It comes as the University of Limerick as lead agency has officially withdrawn its joint application with Clare County Council for an economic Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) on lands to the North of its campus. It was envisaged the site would become a European Centre of Excellence in Dual Education and would contribute over €1.7bn to the economy annually. In a written correspondence to the local authority, Acting University of Limerick President Professor Shane Kilcommons stated the reasons for withdrawal included UL's current governance situation, a lack of progress on the Northern Distributor Road and imminent changes to planning legislation. Clonlara Independent Councillor Michael Begley is confident a revised version of the project is still possible despite the setback.

A Clare MEP has raised concerns that the political procedures in place in the European Parliament could lead to the Mercosur trade deal coming to fruition. Scarriff Independent, Michael McNamara, has this week penned a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen requesting an end to the negotiations of the trade deal. Previous trade deals have required ratification from national parliaments prior to being put before the European Commission, however moves have been made in recent years for deals to only need EU parliament approval. McNamara says he is fearful that if the deal only requires ratification at an EU level, the chances of it coming into place are 'substantially higher'.

There are fresh calls to end United States' usage of Shannon Airport as a 'war port' following the cessation of the 33rd Dáil without passing the Occupied Territories Bill. Concerns have been raised over the transport of United States military personnel and supplies, with claims of the complicity of the Irish Government in genocide in Gaza as a result. The Department of Foreign Affairs has said, however, that all foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly or land in the State are required, without exception, to obtain diplomatic clearance, with one of the stipulations being that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives. Kilmaley People Before Profit general election candidate, Caitríóna Ní Chatháin is hopeful that Shannon Airport staff can take a stand to force the new government stop the facilitation of United States 'imperialism'.

A Clare teaching representative claims the country's educational aspirations can't be realised without input from teachers at a government level. It follows remarks from Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary, who's claimed there are too many former teachers and not enough diversity of professions in government. Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary is doubling down on comments he made about teachers becoming TDs. Speaking at a campaign event for Fine Gael's Peter Burke, he criticised the number of teachers working in the Dáil, and said he wouldn't employ them "to go out and get things done". Michael O'Leary says the comment he made was "perfectly correct" in the context of a growing population. His comments have received backlash from teachers unions and politicians, while Taoiseach, Simon Harris has described his comments as 'crass and ill-informed'. The Fine Gael Leader says he doesn't agree with them, and they don't reflect his party: Clare's INTO Representative believes the enactment of the necessary changes to the Irish education system requires the involvement of teachers in government. Currently Ireland ranks above the EU average for class sizes with over 250,000 students in overcrowded classrooms of 25 or more pupils. Clare INTO Rep, Brendan Horan, says those from a teaching background are best places to enact the right changes to ensure Ireland will have the greatest education system in the EU.

Gladiator II, which is due to hit cinema screens soon, stars Paul Mescal, in what is the Irish actor’s biggest role to date. However, if the Kildare star isn’t available for Gladiator III, then they could do worse than get in touch with Jack Wall O’Reilly! Jack, who hails from Ennis, was named the winner of a Paul Mescal Lookalike competition held in Dublin recently. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Jack Wall O'Reilly. Photo (c): Max Kane

On Monday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tom Stewart from Keane’s Garden Centre in Kilcolgan. This week, Tom gave listeners some advice on the benefits, planting and care of bare root hedging plants If you have a question for Tom, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964.

Glór will play host to a powerful play next week. Fishamble: The New Play Company will present Deirdre Kinahan’s Outrage on Friday, the 15th of November at 8pm. The play centres around two sisters during Ireland’s revolutionary period. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by one of the cast members, Catriona Ennis. Picture (c): by Monica Silvestre from Pexels via Canva

On Monday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke to Sharon Cahir of Cahir & Co Solicitors, Ennis in our weekly legal slot. This week, Sharon spoke about the fair deal scheme. If you have a legal question for Cahir & Co. Solicitors, email us on focus@clare.fm

Are you struggling with low mood? If so, then it’s no surprise, given the time of year. Last week, Smaranda Maier, the owner and founder of Authentic Health spoke to us about Seasonal Affective Disorder and ways in which to deal with it. Alan Morrissey followed on from that discussion by speaking about low mood with Lynda Duffy. Lynda is a Rapid Transformational Therapist and Mindset Coach – as well as being a former Miss Ireland. Photo (c): Stefanut Sava's Images via Canva

What is described as a 'major step forward' has occurred in efforts to help people living in Ireland with a horrific skin condition. Ring-fenced funding has been secured to help the 300 people living in this country with the condition, known as epidermolysis bullosa (EB). National charity Debra said it will be a ‘major step forward’ for those battling the cruel and incurable genetic condition. Alan Morrissey spoke with Liz O'Donoghue, who is only too aware of epidermolysis bullosa. Element: towfiqu barbhuiya via Canva

This year’s Declan Ryan Memorial Tractor Run is coming up later this month. The annual fundraiser in aid of Milford Hospice will take place on Sunday week, the 17th of November in Quin. Warm soup and refreshments will be served in the Village Inn after the run, followed by music from Fionn Hayes and a big raffle. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Proprietor of village Inn in Quin, Anne Porter and PRO for the tractor run Committee, Anne Leamhy. Photo (c): Clare FM

The OurKidsCode initiative is a nationwide programme aimed at bringing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) activities to families in rural Ireland. In partnership with Clare County Council, OurKidsCode is activating local Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) and community venues as educational hubs. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Refugee Matching and Relationship Manager in the Ukrainian Service Department, Anna Kramarenko, Our Kids Code Programme Manager, Louise Caldwell and Jackie Dermody of DigiClare. Photo (c): Clare FM

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

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 11ú lá de mí na Samhna, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1987 bhí Éire ag ceiliúradh a bhua I gcoinne Albain an lá roimh ar cháiligh siad don Chraobhchomórtas Sacair na hEorpa don chéad uair de bharr gur scóráil Gary Mackay cúl. I 2015 shínigh reachtaíocht a thug cead do lánúin chomhghnéis pósadh tar éis reifreann comhionannas pósta a tharla I mí na Bealtaine an bhliain sin. I 1976 fógraíodh Joe Bolan go raibh trealamh próiseáil sonraí Comhairle Contae an Clár as dáta agus bhí sé ag iarradh ríomhaire a úsáid go práinneach. I 1987 léirigh Comhairle Contae an Clár a fuath leis an bhuamáil a tharla in Inis Ceithleann a tharla an deireadh seachtain roimhe. Maraíodh an IRA 11 duine. Sin Adele le Hello – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 2015. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht ceoil ón lá seo – I 1999 bhuaigh Britney Spears ceithre ghradam MTV. An t-amhránaí baineann is fearr, an t-amhránaí popcheol is fearr, an t-amhrán is fearr le Baby One More Time agus an t-amhránaí fhionnachtain is fearr. I 2004 tharla an chéad ghradam Dámhachtain na Laochra sa Ríocht Aontaithe le Robbie Williams, The Rolling Stones, Queen, Michael Jackson agus Cliff Richard mar ionduchtaí insealbhú. Chuir siad cheist ar an lucht leanúna chun vóta a chaitheamh cé a bhí mar ionadaí maith ó chúig deicheanna roimhe. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla inniu ná Demi Moore – aisteoir a rugadh I Meiriceá I 1962 agus Leonardo DiCaprio – aisteoir a rugadh I Meiriceá I 1974 agus seo chuid de a rudaí a rinne sé. Beidh mé ar ais libh amárach le eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo.

It’s hoped the newly revamped headquarters of Clare GAA will benefit scores of playing generations to come. The refurbished Clareabbbey facility has now been equipped with two new spacious state of-the-art player and referee dressing rooms, first-aid room, office space and a wheelchair accessible lift. The crown jewel however is the new 75 person capacity boardroom, Amharclann Breandán Ó’Beachaín, named in honour of the Cumman na mBunscoil founder and revolutionary former Clare GAA President. At the official opening of the state of-the-art facility, Clare FM's Daragh Dolan spoke to members of the Ó'Beacháin family, but firstly to Clare GAA Chief Operating Officer Deirdre Murphy

A West Clare farmer is hoping to be the "Podge Collins" of keeping jobs in the county. Kilkee native Kevin Hassett will be putting his name on the ballot in Clare in the upcoming General Election, having received 448 first preference votes when running for Independent Ireland in the recent Local Elections. Having long been West Clare's main employment hub, Moneypoint Power Station will soon begin its transition from burning coal to oil, with this process expected to create between 90 and 100 jobs. Hassett, who's now standing as an Independent candidate, fears if swift action isn't taken, the region's jobs could soon be lost to nearby counties.

Clare residents are being reminded that they can register to vote in the time it takes to boil the kettle. All eyes are now on November 29th and the deadline to register and update your details for in-person voting for the General Election is tomorrow November 12th. At the time of the local elections, just shy of 99,000 people were eligible to vote in County Clare. You can register to vote on checktheregister.ie, and Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission Art O'Leary says it couldn't be more straight forward.

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