The University Of Galway insists that altering the name of the Shannon College of Hotel Management has never been considered, due to its reputation within the hospitality sector at home and abroad.

It comes after Councillors this week expressed strong opposition at this month's meeting of the local authority towards the re-branding of the college and removal of it's logo.

In a statment to Clare FM, the University says the motion put forward suggests confusion among prospective students, but notes that the number of applicants to Shannon College has increased since their rebrand.

It's reassuring that works will begin in the coming weeks to install new signage including the University logo and name, alongside the name of Shannon College of Hotel Management.

The motion was put forward by Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat O'Gorman, who was contacted by hoteliers over the matter and he says as long as the name remains on the signage on the front of the building, all parties will be satisfied.

Independent Councillor PJ Ryan and Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat O'Gorman have been speaking to Clare FM's Morning Focus.

Clare's Green Senator insists that now is not the time for a fourth electricity credit.

It comes as senior Ministers are meeting today to discuss extending some cost of living supports, which are due to finish at the of the month.

Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway and Inagh Green Senator Roisin Garvey have been speaking to Clare FM's Morning Focus.

On Thursday’s Morning Focus, ‘Taste of the Week’ returned with Paul Knapps. Paul has been a firefighter for 35 years while he also enjoys a love of cooking which has resulted in him being known as ‘The Firefighting Chef.

This week, Paul joined Alan to discuss his latest recipe for waffles with hot chocolate sauce which provides quite the tasty treat to sweeten up your day.

The CEO of a north Clare technology firm is aiming to reach a company valuation of 64 million euro within four years.

Lahinch-based company HRLocker today announced plans to hire 50 new staff members over the next two years.

It comes on the heels of a recent €2m fundraise and will see the digital HR platform double its workforce by 2025.

CEO Adam Coleman has been telling Clare FM's Rebecca O'Sullivan that the world of technology is ever-evolving, but that HRLocker intends to keep up.

The widow of a Clare man killed in a preventable plane crash four years ago says she's floored by a court decision not to reopen a plea deal.

Lahinch native Michéal (Mick) Ryan was travelling from Addis Ababa to Nairobi on March 10th, 2019, when the Boeing 737 Max Aircraft crashed minutes after take-off, killing all 157 people on-board.

In a Texan court this week, Judge Reed O'Connor, described Boeing's actions as potentially 'the deadliest corporate crime in US history', but stated that he didn't have the power to challenge the deal which gives the company immunity from prosecution.

Wife of the late Mick, Naoise Ryan, says everything prior to Judge Reed's ruling had indicated the decision would go in favour of the victims families.

On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined by Sheila Campbell who is the CEO of charity Heart Children and Christina O'Connor who is the mother of five year old Aoibhín who has a congenital heart condition. Christina described the condition her daughter was born with which is known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Sheila Campbell spoke about the main challenges associated with heart disease. She also highlighted 'The Beat Goes On' conference which is set to take place this Saturday for young people aged 16-20 in order to mark Global Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Month.

On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined by Aoibheann Boyle who is an Executive Assistant and Training Officer at the Tourism Space. Aoibheann discussed the upcoming night of music, poetry and hair donations that will take place in support of Women's Aid and the Rapunzel Foundation. Chop n' tunes will take place in the Attic Hotel in Doolin this Friday 17th of February beginning at 7:30pm. She spoke about the significance of the night for the two charities who will be supported from the money and hair raised on the night. Aoibheann described her hair growth for the last 5 years which she will cut and donate on the night to the Rapunzel foundation. She also spoke about the night being a ticketless event and that cash donations will be taken on the door of the event.

On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined by Ellen Ryan who is the Author of 'Girls Who Slay Monsters'. Ellen discussed her interest in writing which began when she initiated an interest in Irish mythology. She spoke about the feeling of injustice she felt there was towards Irish mythology and wished to write a book on the topic. She described the four year long journey it took to both research and write her book and mentioned the various sources and places she visited in the process. Sarah highlighted her delight with her book winning children's book of the year at the An Post Irish Book Awards 2022 while also being nominated for the 2023 KPMG Children's Book Awards. She also mentioned the various events she will feature in at the upcoming Ennis Book Club Festival.

On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined by Grainne Woulfe who is a Sexual Health Project Worker. Grainne discussed the ongoing free training days which are being provided by the Gender Orientation Sexual Health HIV charity (GOSHH). She spoke about the upcoming talk that they will host in Hotel Woodstock on Tuesday the 28th of February between 9am and 4:30pm. She described the training days which provide knowledge in the areas of sexual health and HIV for professionals working with young people in the Mid-West.

Spaces are limited for the training day, so if you wish a spot you should do immediately by visiting www.GOSHH.ie.

A Clare Independent TD is calling on the Taoiseach to include Ennis Hospital in his itinerary for a planned visit to the region's main hospital this week.

Scariff-based Independent TD Michael McNamara has written to the Taoiseach calling for him to witness in person how the hospital is underutilised.