A demonstration aimed at preventing the demolition of six houses on Francis Street in Ennis has been planned for next week.

The houses in the county town are set to be knocked to make way for a temporary four year car park under the Ennis 2040 plan.

A newly formed group known as The Francis Street Alliance will be taking to the streets on April 15th at 1pm to highlight their concerns over the demolition of the homes, particularly in light of the housing crisis.

Spokesperson Tommy Guilfoyle believes the houses can still serve as valuable amenities.

A new intiative aiming to tackle abuse levelled at match officals has been launched in Clare.

The Season of Respect Campaign has been backed by a wide spectrum of sporting organisations in the Banner county including Clare GAA, Clare LGFA , Clare Camogie and the Clare District Soccer League.

It follows the recent publication of a national survey, which found that 94% of gaelic games referees experienced verbal abuse while officiating in 2022, with 23% reporting physical abuse during the course of their duties.

Sport Ireland CEO, Dr Una May believes a zero tolerance approach must be adopted in all sporting codes to combat the issue.

On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan took a trip to the Brú Na Sionna estate which is located in the heart of Shannon Town. Alan spoke to residents of the housing estate who vented their frustration and anger regarding the ongoing anti-social behaviour that is taking place on a regular occurrence. The residents described when the issue began and made reference to the various acts of vandalism and intimidating behaviour that groups of youths are partaking in locally. They highlighted the fact that they are now living in fear in their own homes and seek action in order to curb the issue.

Alan was also joined live in studio by Sergeant Seamus Mulligan who is a member of Shannon Gardaí. Seamus discussed the issue of anti-social behaviour in the Brú Na Sionna estate in Shannon and mentioned that this issue is one that has escalated quite quickly. He complimented the majority of young people residing in the town but insisted that the small minority of people engaging in anti-social activity are ruining it for everyone. He also made reference to the repercussions in place for anyone who may be involved in suspicious activities. Seamus made reference to the recent meeting between Shannon Gardaí and residents of the Brú Na Sionna estate where a plan was put in place to put an end to anti-social behaviour in the area.

On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined live in studio by Deirdre Cusack who is the organizer of the Quakerstown Point to Point Festival, Ger Hannon who is a horsing commentator along with Derek O'Connor who is a local jockey. The trio discussed the upcoming Quakerstown Point to Point and Easter Festival which is set to take place this Easter Sunday, 9th of April. Deirdre previewed the festival in it's entirety and discussed the various events and competitions that will be taking place throughout the day. Ger made reference to the large number of horse entries that the festival had this year and highlighted the event as a chance to get to see potential Cheltenham winning horses up close. He mentioned the array of horses that will be on display on the day. Derek looked ahead to the event which he described as an event which many horses target. He also gave some tips for horses racing on the day.

The cost of admission to the event is €10 for adults, with children going free.

On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined live in studio by Rachel Akers who is a member of Ennis Track and is a teacher in St Patrick's Comprehensive School in Shannon. Rachel discussed her own success along with Clare man Eugene Moynihan who recently represented Ireland at the 9th World Masters Championship in Poland last week. She described their incredible achievement of bringing a combined number of three World Gold medals home to the banner county. She discussed the events that she took part in throughout the week and made reference to the new national record she set. Rachel spoke about her experience in athletics and the way in which it was instilled in her as her main passion from an early age. She made reference to her preparation in the lead up to the competition and announced her pride in what she has achieved.

On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined by Andy Irvine who is a singer and songwriter. Andy discussed his music career to date along with mentioning his work as an actor before changing to music for good. He spoke about some of his childhood idols who inspired him from a very young age. He made reference to the various bands that he has been involved with over the years and stated that he was a keen student of music. He also described the autobiography he is currently in the process of writing and what it will consist of. Andy previewed his upcoming solo gig which is set to take place at Cultúrlann Sweeney, in Kilkee on Saturday 8th of April.

If you wish to purchase tickets for the event, you can do so online via https://culturlannsweeney.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows

Some Readings and Reflections for Holy Saturday.

On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined by Tommy Guilfoyle who is Sinn Féin's Ennis Cumann. Tommy discussed the upcoming protest against the demolition of six houses on Francis Street in Ennis which is due to take place on Saturday the 15th of April. He spoke about the Ennis Sinn Féin Cumann meeting where the 'Save The France Street House From Demolition' protest originated. He highlighted the need for the houses in question to be kept amidst the current housing crisis situation. He also made reference to the high cost involved in demolishing the houses. Tommy urged anyone who is interested to attend the protest which is set to take place on Saturday 15th of April.

For more information visit @savefrancisstreet Facebook page.

On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined live in studio by Sergeant Seamus Mulligan who is a member of Shannon Gardaí. Seamus discussed the issue of anti-social behaviour in the Brú Na Sionna estate in Shannon and mentioned that this issue is one that has escalated quite quickly. He complimented the majority of the residents residing in the town but insisted that the small minority of people engaging in anti-social activity are ruining it for everyone. He also made reference to the repercussions in place for anyone who may be involved in suspicious activities. Seamus made reference to the recent meeting between Shannon Gardaí and residents of the Brú Na Sionna estate where a plan was put in place to put an end to anti-social behaviour in the area.

On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan took a trip to the Brú Na Sionna estate which is located in the heart of Shannon Town. Alan spoke to residents of the housing estate who vented their frustration and anger regarding the ongoing anti-social behaviour that is taking place on a regular occurrence. The residents described when the issue began and made reference to the various acts of vandalism and mischief that groups of youths are partaking in locally. They highlighted the fact that they are now living in fear in their own homes and seek action in order to curb the issue.