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A drastic reduction is expected to the number of Clare hotels and B&Bs providing accommodation to Ukrainian Refugees and International Protection Applicants in the coming months. There are currently 629 Ukrainians residing across 16 accommodation centres in this county, with the final withdrawal of these state contracts expected by next March. The 11 properties hosting International Protection Applicants, meanwhile, is expected to be reduced to three in the near future. Speaking following a presentation from Clare County Council's Integration Team, Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Hayes says it's vital the transition process is smooth.

It's claimed Shannon Airport could benefit in the short term after Europe's top court upheld the Dublin Airport passenger cap. The EU Court of Justice's ruling means some airlines could lose flight slots they previously held at Dublin. It does, however, allow for the Government to remove the cap in the future. Chair of the Shannon Airport Oireachtas Group, Meelick Fianna Fáíl TD, Cathal Crowe, says the ruling presents great opportunities for Shannon in 2027.

Clare FM brings you our latest feature, Clare FM’s Road Safety Initiative. In this episode, Clare FM’s Lily Collins is joined by Superintendent in the Clare/Tipperary Garda Division, Eddie Golden. Eddie shares road safety advice for motorbike users and for those sharing the road with motorbikes. Funded by the Coimisiún na Meán’s news reporting scheme.

A Clare County Councillor at the centre of an rental dispute has confirmed she's repaid her tenant in full following an RTB determination, but has called for a review of the tribunal process. The Residential Tenancies Board ordered Councillor Rita McInerney to repay tenant Bartosz Milinski the sum of €5,100 in overpaid rent after it was found a rent review served in March last year, raising the rent from €650 monthly which had been the rate since 2019 to €1,500 was invalid. In a statement to Clare FM, Cllr McInerney says she was dissapointed the RTB that the nearest three-bedroom property Doonbeg, going for €1,750 per month, was not used as the comparison in the case, but rather a two-bed apartment in Kilkee at €1,200 per month was cited. She says the system needs to be fair to tenants, landlords and all parties involved.

On this week’s episode of ‘The Future of Disability Services’, we focus on Healthcare & Support Services Pat Flynn visits Kilbane in East Clare to meet Madge O’Callaghan. This feature, 'The Future of Disability Services' is funded by the News Reporting Scheme.

There's a great night of live folk and traditional music coming up at Kenny's Bar in Lahinch, and joining Alan Morrissey was a trio whose sound brings together the best of Irish and American folk traditions. Saltaire features singer and cellist Kaitlin Cullen-Verhauz, guitarist Ian Kinsella, and bodhrán and bouzouki player Conor Lyons. With their haunting melodies, beautiful musicianship and rich storytelling, they've been making quite an impression on the contemporary Irish folk scene, following the release of their acclaimed debut EP, Only Moonlight. They've performed with some of the best-known names in Irish traditional music, and their own music is now taking them to audiences across Europe, Australia and the United States. Photo (c) Saltaire

Tulla Pipe Band is celebrating a very special milestone this year — 90 years of music, tradition and community spirit. And as part of that celebration, the band is looking to the future by inviting new members to come along and discover the world of piping and drumming. Whether you're a teenager or an adult, an experienced musician or a complete beginner, Tulla Pipe Band wants to hear from you. The recruitment open night takes place tomorrow evening, Friday, 16 October, at 8pm at the Band Hall in Tulla. Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more were Daragh Leamy, PRO of Tulla Pipe Band, and Fintan Leamy, Chairman of the band. Image (c) Tulla Pipe Band

The Burren’s unique landscape and centuries-old farming traditions will take centre stage this weekend as the annual Winterage Weekend returns from the 23rd to the 25th of October. The highlight will be the traditional cattle drives in Fanore, as local farmers move their cattle onto the limestone uplands for the winter. The weekend also features local food, music, walks and conservation events, celebrating the special relationship between farming, nature and community. Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more were Burren farmer Michael Davoren, Carol Gleeson of the Burren Geopark, and Brian Nally of the Burrenbeo Trust. Photo (c) Clare FM

There's a very strong Clare connection to an international rugby story unfolding thousands of miles away in Santiago, Chile. Thomas Ironside Wickham, whose mother is from Spanish Point, is captain of the Belgian U20 rugby team, and he and his teammates have produced a superb run of performances to reach the final of the World Rugby U20 Challenger. Belgium defeated Portugal in their opening match, followed that with a remarkable 41–12 victory over Canada, and then overcame Namibia to book their place in Saturday's final against the host nation, Chile. Thomas is also studying at the University of Limerick and plays All-Ireland League rugby with Garryowen, so he has strong links with the Irish rugby scene as well as his Belgian international career. Thomas joined Alan Morrissey from Santiago ahead of what could be the biggest match of his young career. Photo (c) Pablo Hsm from Pexels via Canva

Before most of her classmates get to college, Hayley Skehan has already been in the parlour. Hayley is a student who is pursuing her degree, while also helping out on her family's 80-cow dairy farm in Kilbane. To find out how she manages to juggle it all, Hayley Skehan, Kilbane based student, joined Alan Morrissey. Photo (c) Clare FM

Thursday's Morning Focus spoke about a very different kind of calendar — one that brings together Clare's rich musical talent, a little bit of fun and a very important cause. The ‘Barely Trad’ Clare Musicians for Alzheimer’s 2027 Calendar is the brainchild of Siobhán O’Sullivan. Featuring 12 groups of Clare musicians in some wonderfully quirky photographs, the project aims to raise awareness of dementia and highlight the importance of local services for people living with the condition and their families. The campaign is endorsed by Ennis man Mike Hanrahan, Clare Ambassador for Age Friendly Ireland and Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health, and it is supported by a series of free musical events around the county. Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more were Siobhán O’Sullivan, Mary McGuane of Kilmaley Daycare Centre, and Linda Murphy of An Cuan in Cahercalla to share their perspectives on the importance of dementia care and community support. Photo (c) Clare FM

A proposed liquefied natural gas terminal in Co. Clare is at the centre of renewed debate about Ireland’s energy security, climate commitments and future energy policy. Futureproof Clare is among the groups and individuals who have signed an open letter to Minister Darragh O’Brien, calling on the Government to abandon its plans for LNG infrastructure and instead accelerate the transition to renewable energy. The campaign raises concerns about greenhouse gas emissions, the cost to taxpayers, potential public-health impacts associated with fracked gas, safety risks and the planning process. But the Government’s stated objective is to strengthen Ireland’s energy security, raising an important question: how can the country guarantee a reliable energy supply while moving away from fossil fuels? To discuss the concerns raised in the letter and the alternatives being proposed, Alan Morrissey was joined by Sinéad Sheehan, of Futureproof Clare, and James Hiatt, one of the visitors, from Louisiana near a LNG export…

Halloween is just around the corner, and if you're clearing out the wardrobe or wondering what to do with last year's costume, Ennis Jr. Tidy Towns has a great suggestion: give it a second life! The group is organising a Halloween Costume Swap and Donation Event, encouraging people to donate good-quality, pre-loved Halloween costumes and Christmas jumpers. It's an initiative that aims to reduce waste, help families and promote sharing and sustainability in our community. Joining Alan Morrissey was Ennis Fine Gael Councillor and Ennis Tidy Towns member Mary Howard to tell us more about the initiative and how people can get involved. Image (c) Ennis Tidy Towns

A wonderful local collaboration will take place, bringing together Soroptimist International Ennis & District and Samaritans Ennis & Clare with a shared goal of raising €15,000 towards the purchase of an Outreach Van. The van would help Samaritans volunteers bring their message of support and connection into communities across Clare, reaching people who may be experiencing loneliness or isolation and those who might not otherwise think of contacting the service. Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more were Brigid Barron, President of Soroptimist Ennis & District, and Jennifer Vickers, Deputy Director for Fundraising and Publicity with Samaritans Ennis & Clare. Tickets on sale through this link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-IE/ticketing/soroptimist-nollaig-na-mban-fundraiser Photo (c) Clare FM

The ongoing public sector pay dispute will be debated in the Dáil today, following yesterday's nationwide strike involving more than 300 thousand workers. A Labour motion is calling on the Government to negotiate in good faith with unions and deliver pay increases that at least match inflation. The leaders of Fórsa, SIPTU, the INMO and the INTO are due to meet today to discuss 'next steps'. Labour's Finance spokesperson, Ged Nash, warns that unless there's a substantial new pay offer, workers will be back on the picket lines next Wednesday. Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss the issue was Timmy Dooley, Tulla-based Fianna Fáil Minister of State. Photo (c) shotbydave from Getty Images Signature via Canva

There's hopes of new industry being attracted to a North Clare factory on the cusp of closure. It's understand the Industrial Development Authority is in early negotiations with an interested company about moving into the Daktronics factory in Ennistymon. Daktronics is currently progressing through a redundancy process with its 100 staff from the facility, where it will be exiting its operations over the next year. Quilty Fianna Fáil Councillor Michael Shannon says while it will be a long process, there's a glimmer of hope some jobs can be saved.

Plans to decrease the number of crew members at Shannon Fire Station have been deferred. Councillors had been due to approve the county's Fire & Emergency Operations Plan at this month's meeting of the county's elected representatives. Under the proposal, it's understood, the number of crew at the base would be capped at 14, with retained firefighters previously warning of serious risks if 16 crew members were not employed in Shannon. Shannon Sinn Féin TD, Donna McGettigan, is hopeful public pressure will lead to the proposal being scrapped.

The Chair of the Safer Clare committee is urging motorists to slow down on a section of the main artery connecting Ennis and Kilrush. It follows another multi-vehicle collision at Darragh on the N68 last week, where motorists were fortunate to escape injury. The stretch is currently the subject of a speed limit review, which could see it reduced to 80km/h. Clare Local Safety Community Partnership Member June Dillon says motorists should treat it as a reduced zone.

On this week's Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn visits Kilrush to meet videographer and film-maker David Kelly. He runs Lukewarm Volcano and is particularly drawn to community-focused projects, documentaries and Irish history most of all. David is also an accredited National Tour Guide.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service says it's working hard to prevent hospital cancellations in the MidWest. It comes as the Organisation has issued a pre-amber alert, meaning many facilities have less than 3 days of blood supplies in stock. Clinics will be taking place at Treacy's West County Hotel in Ennis this evening and tomorrow from 4.50pm until 8.10pm, where all blood types are being sought. Broadford based IBTS Donor Recruitment Executive Alex O'Connor says they need as much as they can get.

What do Daniel O’Donnell, Nadine Coyle’s missing passport, Fat Frog ice cream, iodine tablets, Housewife of the Year and the television programme Alive-O have in common? They’re all part of the wonderfully strange story of modern Ireland. Alan Morrissey was joined by Páraic Kerrigan, bestselling author, researcher and Assistant Professor at UCD, whose new book, Pop Culchie: The Irish Popular Culture That Made Us, was published last week. Part cultural history, part memoir and part affectionate trip down memory lane, the book revisits the television shows, pop stars, scandals, fads and national obsessions that have shaped Irish life over the past half-century. From forgotten pop groups and reality television to moral panics and unlikely national icons, Páraic argues that the things we watched, listened to and talked about tell us far more about Ireland than we might imagine. He’s also a former Traitor from the second season of The Traitors Ireland, and someone who believes that Fade Street and Dublin Wives…

On Wednesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tommy Corbett from Carey Corbett Financial Solutions. This week, Tommy gave us advice to prepare for your 2025 tax return. If you want to send in any questions for Tommy contact 0861800964 or email focus@clare.fm Photo (c) Tommy Corbett

The Construction Industry Federation has launched its latest construction safety campaign, urging employers and workers to refocus on the fundamentals of health and safety on construction sites. The two-week campaign, running from October 12th to 23rd, carries the theme “Back to Basics” and comes against a concerning backdrop. According to the latest figures from the Health and Safety Authority, eight construction-related fatalities have been recorded in Ireland so far in 2026, accounting for 40% of all recorded workplace fatalities this year. The CIF says the campaign is about more than rules and regulations. It’s about leadership, planning, risk assessment, training and, crucially, having open conversations with workers about the dangers they face every day. Joanne Treacy is the Construction Industry Federation’s Southern Regional Director, covering Clare and the wider region, and she joined Alan Morrissey to discuss the campaign, the figures and what needs to happen to make construction sites safer. Photo…

Clare FM brings you our latest feature, Clare FM’s Road Safety Initiative. In this episode, Clare FM’s Lily Collins is joined by Stephen McKenna, Head of Claims at Campion Insurance. Stephen discusses the dangers associated with driving at night, and provides advice to travel safely in the dark. Funded by the Coimisiún na Meán’s news reporting scheme.

On Wednesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was chatting about an exciting new addition to the cultural calendar in West Clare — Samhain Sessions, a brand-new grassroots traditional music festival taking place in Doonbeg over the October bank holiday weekend, from the 23rd to the 25th of October. The festival celebrates the wealth of local musicians, singers, dancers, storytellers and teachers in the area, bringing people of all ages together for a weekend of music, culture, community and plenty of craic. Organised entirely by volunteers, the festival grew out of conversations around kitchen tables and a shared desire to celebrate West Clare’s rich musical heritage at home. Joining Alan to tell us more were Niamh Casey and her husband, Stephen Considine. Photo (c) PhotoCosma via Canva

A new proposal has been submitted for the extension of the Abbey Street Car Park. The issue of parking was a hot topic at this month's meeting of Ennis Municipal district, with Mayor of Ennis Tommy Guilfoyle proposing the addition of an upper-level, open-plan carpark to the Abbey Street Car Park in the county town. In response to a separate motion from Clareabbey Councillor Tom O'Callaghan, the executive confirmed a review will be carried out into the town's parking bye laws in order to implement short-term parking incentives, which would support local businesses. After the meeting Cllr Guilfoyle told Clare FM's Darragh O'Grady about the benefits Ennis would see from the expansion of the Abbey Street Car Park. Photo (c) Clare County Council

The biggest public service strike in more than 15 years will bring widespread disruption across the country today. Schools are closed and hospital appointments cancelled as thousands of public sector workers take to picket lines. From hospitals and classrooms - to government offices and the courts, today's strike is affecting almost every area of public life. Emergency medical care will continue, but routine appointments and procedures are being cancelled. Many council and government services are shut, with picket lines outside Leinster House - but public transport is expected to run normally. At the heart of the dispute is pay, with unions demanding an inflation-beating increase after the last public service agreement expired in June. Photo (c) shotbydave from Getty Images Signature via Canva

A Clare teachers representative claims the recruitment and retention crisis in the sector will worsen without an adequate pay deal. It comes as the biggest public service strike in more than 15 years will bring widespread disruption across the country today. From hospitals and classrooms, to government offices and the courts, today's strike is affecting almost every area of public life, as over 300,000 public sector workers take to picket lines. Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers committed €1.2 billion to public sector pay rises in the budget, with unions stating this is not enough to cover earnings lost due to inflation. TUI Assistant General Secretary for Clare and Limerick, Anthony Dowling, says pay rate for public sector workers isn't a priority for Government.

The Health Minister is being called on to urgently publish a winter safety plan for the Midwest, amid concerns over increasing levels of attendances at University Hospital Limerick. Attendances at the region's main hospital look set to exceed 100,000 this year, before a seasonal increase is accounted for. The latest HSE figures show yearly attendances are up 8% on the figure for 2025, with 77,443 patients presenting at the Dooradoyle facility so far this year. Friends of Ennis Hospital Chair, Angela Coll, says a specific strategy must be put in place due to the impact flu will have on the Midwest in the coming months.

It's hoped an increase in the number of properties coming onto the housing market will ease house price pressures in Clare in the near future. The latest report from MyHome.ie found the average price paid in this county in the third quarter of 2026 was €295,000, a 3% increase on 2025. Between July and September, 14,600 properties were available to buy nationwide, up more than 10% in the space of a year, with asking price inflation also falling to the lowest rate since 2023. MyHome.ie Managing Director, Joanne Geary, says the figures bode well for first time buyers in Clare.

Tributes have been paid to the founder of one of Clare's longest running animal rescue services. Frances Murphy founded Second Chance Animal Rescue over 30 years ago and invested tens of thousands of her euros and hours in ensuring dogs, cats, horses and more grew up in a nurturing environment and found forever homes. The Kildysart native passed away this week following a battle with illness, and will be remembered tomorrow at her funeral mass in Newmarket-On-Fergus at 1pm. Friend and Clare County Dog Warden Frankie Coote says Frances devoted just as much time and effort to people who were down on their luck.

Climate action doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A free, family-friendly event at Ennis Scout Hall on Saturday, October 17th, is inviting people to discover practical ways to save money, reduce waste, grow their own food and help the planet. Organised by Clare Local Development Company as part of Climate Action Week, the day will bring together local community groups, growers and organisations, with demonstrations and activities for all ages. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Hannah Griffey, CLDC Just Transition Officer. Photo (c) Clare FM

An appeal has been issued for the public’s help to bring home Make-A-Wish's much-loved giant teddy bear, who went missing from the charity’s tent at this year’s Irish Open in Doonbeg. For around 15 years, Hope has been a familiar face at Make-A-Wish events across Ireland, welcoming children and families, offering furry hugs and helping the charity bring hope, strength and happiness to children living with critical medical conditions. Her latest outing was to the Amgen Irish Open held last month at US President Donald Trump's Doonbeg golf resort in Co Clare, where Make-A-Wish Ireland was the official charity partner. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Susan O’Dwyer, CEO of Make-A-Wish Ireland. Image (c) Clare FM

On this week’s History in Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by local historian and author, Colm Liddy to chat about the birth of the Irish Tenant League. If you have any stories you would like to share with Colm about your townland you can contact him at colmliddy@eircom.net or Clare FM at focus@clare.fm. Image (c) Clare FM

What stories is the landscape telling us? That’s the question at the heart of Dinnseanch as, an eco-arts project from nature restoration charity Hometree, which is coming to Ennis from October 15th to 18th. Combining art, poetry, film and community participation, the project explores our relationship with the land and how we can imagine a different future for our landscapes and rural communities. Alan Morrissey was joined by Glór Director Marie O’Byrne, poet and activist Grace Wells, and Hometree ecologist Jess Beresford to hear more about the project, its connection to Clare, and how art and ecology can come together to tell the stories of the places we call home. Image (c) Hometree

Clare is preparing to celebrate its title as European Volunteering Capital 2027, recognising the thousands of people across the county who give their time to support their communities. Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss the importance of volunteering was Stevie Hayes from the Clare Civil Defence. Clare Civil Defence is part of the national Civil Defence network in Ireland, a volunteer-based organisation that supports emergency services and communities across the country. Established in 1950 under the Department of Defence, Civil Defence was originally formed to provide aid and protection to civilians in the event of wartime emergencies. Over time, its focus evolved to address peacetime challenges such as natural disasters, severe weather events and major public incidents. The volunteers’ dedication reflects a strong community spirit and commitment to public service that has been at the heart of Civil Defence since its foundation. Through ongoing training and national support, Clare Civil Defence continues to…

It's claimed survivors of sexual assault and rape in Clare are facing barriers to justice due to a lack of adequate healthcare facilities. There are currently six Sexual Assault Treatment Units nationwide, but none serving the MidWest. Although Limerick does have a Forensic Medical Examination Unit, this can only be accessed via Garda referral. Ennis Fine Gael Councillor and Clare Local Area Network member Mary Howard has been speaking to Clare FM's Daragh Dolan on the matter. Alan Morrissey was joined by Ardnacrusha Fianna Fáil Councillor Rachel Hartigan to hear more. Photo (c) Clare County Council

Two exciting new works by acclaimed musicians and composers Aoife Ní Bhriain and Colm Ó Foghlú are heading on a nationwide tour this October. Bóthar na Smaointe and An Uile Bhealach Abhaile, commissioned and produced by Stiúideo Cuan, bring together a world-class ensemble to celebrate the richness and creativity of Irish music. The tour visits Galway, Ennis, Belfast and Dublin, and honours the legacy of the late Charlie Lennon. Alan Morrissey was delighted to be joined by Aoife and Colm to chat about the inspiration behind these works, the creative process, and bringing this music to audiences around the country. Photo (c) Bóthar Na Smaointe

A new documentary is set to explore the legend of a Clare village said to have been swallowed by the Atlantic. Cill Stuifín follows folklorist Aindrias de Staic as he investigates the story of the lost village off the coast of West Clare, following in the footsteps of his late father, folklorist Eddie Stack. Cill Stuifín wil air on TG4 today, Tuesday, October 13 at 9.30pm. To tell us more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Aindrias de Staic, folklorist and musician. Photo (c) TG4 Cill Stuifín

The Public Expenditure Minister is due to brief his Cabinet colleagues today on the efforts made to engage with unions ahead of tomorrow's strike by public sector workers. It's after unions rejected Jack Chambers' invitation to meet at the Workplace Relations Commission today. More than 300 thousand workers including teachers, healthcare staff and civil servants will take part in a 24 hour work stoppage. Minister Chambers will tell Ministers of the “substantial efforts” to engage in talks with public sector unions, including officials meeting with ICTU on twelve occasions this year, with two meetings taking place since the expiry of the last pay deal in June. Ministers will hear he wrote to unions twice in the past two weeks including on Monday, where it was reiterated all issues raised by unions could be discussed including prioritising pay. Yesterday, Fórsa's General Secretary, Kevin Callinan, said unions had rejected the Minister's invitation to meet in the Workplace Relations Commission today, and said…

Hopes have been expressed that the construction of a 200-megawatt data centre in Ennis will attract significant international investment to Clare. The Supreme Court has upheld a decision by the then An Bord Pleanála to grant planning permission for the development. The project is a key part of the Ennis 2040 plan, with applicant Art Data Centres describing it as the only centre “of this scale that will be built in the next decade”. Ennis Chamber CEO Margaret O’Brien says the development represents a major opportunity for Clare.

We are celebrating county champions as Inagh-Kilnamona take control of the Canon Hamilton for the first time while Kilmurry Ibrickane have captured a second Clare ladies senior football crown.

Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch took us through the weekend’s sporting fixtures. ~ T.U.S. Clare Senior Hurling Championship Final ~ Inagh-Kilnamona v Kilmaley (Sunday, Ennis) ~ Clare Senior LGFA Final ~ Kilmurry Ibrickane v Fergus Rovers (Sunday, St Michaels Park Kilmihil) Image (c) Clare FM

St Francis Credit Union has launched a new Green Loan at a rate of 6.5%, aimed at helping members make their homes more energy-efficient and switch to greener forms of transport. The loan can be used for projects including solar panels, heat pumps, home insulation, upgraded windows and doors, and electric or other energy-efficient cars. The credit union is also hosting a free online Green Living Information Seminar on October 22nd, where members can learn more about grants, financial supports, and the benefits of making greener choices. Joining Derrick Lynch was Louis Faye, CEO of St Francis Credit Union, to explain how the new loan works, who might benefit from it and what members should consider before investing in energy upgrades. Photo (c) simpson33 from Getty Images via Canva

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre, Ennis was back on Monday’s Morning Focus to answer all your gardening queries. This week, Judy gave listed the top 5 shrubs to plant this time of year. If you have any questions for Judy, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964. Image (c) Clare FM

Clare Climate Action Week is back for its second year, with a programme of events, workshops and community initiatives taking place across the county from today until Sunday, October 18th. The week aims to highlight local climate action and give people practical information on everything from home energy upgrades and sustainable transport to reducing waste and supporting greener communities. Meanwhile, residents and businesses in Shannon are being invited to have their say on the town’s energy future, with a public meeting on Wednesday evening exploring the development of an Energy Master Plan. Joining Derrick Lynch were Dara Dever, Climate Action Officer with Clare County Council, and Denise O'Brien from the Clare Local Development Company. Photo (c) Clare FM

A Clare business is celebrating national recognition for an initiative that is making a real difference to older people in our communities. Rock the Rails Family Store in Kilrush has won the Age Friendly Business Innovation Award at the 2026 National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards, announced in Limerick on Thursday night. The business brings clothing directly to older people in community and residential settings through a mobile shopping service, helping customers maintain their independence, choice and social connections, even when mobility makes visiting a traditional shop difficult. The judges praised the initiative for removing practical barriers while supporting dignity, confidence, and social engagement. Joining Derrick Lynch was Maggie Cronin from Rock the Rails Family Store to tell us more about the award, the inspiration behind the store, and what this recognition means for the business and its customers. Photo (c) Age Friendly Ireland

Irish Book Week returns this Saturday for its ninth year, celebrating Irish writers, publishers, illustrators, poets and, of course, the independent bookshops that help bring their work to readers. Running from October 17th to 24th, the nationwide campaign encourages us all to shop local, shop Irish and rediscover the pleasure of browsing a bookshop, finding a new favourite author or attending a local literary event. This year's ambassadors include a wonderful mix of Irish literary talent, among them Cork-born author, journalist and playwright Carina McNally, who joined Derrick Lynch to talk about her role in the campaign, the importance of supporting Irish books and bookshops, and why reading and storytelling matter more than ever. Photo (c) vtmila from Getty Images via Canva

Wetter winters and heavier rainfall are putting increasing pressure on sports clubs across Clare, with training sessions and fixtures regularly disrupted by unplayable grass pitches. Now, Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael councillor Joe Garrihy has submitted a motion to the October meeting of Clare County Council calling for a countywide All-Weather Sports Facilities Strategy, developed in partnership with Clare Sports Partnership, the GAA, the FAI and other sporting bodies. The proposal is not seeking immediate capital expenditure. Instead, it would assess demand and identify regional hubs where clubs, schools and community organisations could share modern facilities. But how would such a strategy work, where should these facilities be located, and how can Clare make sure grassroots sport has reliable pitches throughout the year? Joining Derrick Lynch were Joe Garrihy and Donal Magee, Chairman of the Clare District Soccer League. Photo (c) Erik Mclean from Pexels via Canva

The new Ennis Town Bus Service is being hailed as a momentous boost for the entire county. The service which officially comes into public use this Sunday, went on a test run for media and elected representatives on Friday. The two half hourly routes, one running from Clarecastle to Ballymaley and the other connecting the Lahinch and Tulla Roads will operate daily from 6am to midnight. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan went along for the inaugural journey where he began by speaking to Mayor of Ennis Tommy Guilfoyle. Photo (c) Eamon Ward