A play-based initiative is creating safe, inclusive spaces for children to learn and thrive.

Maia Purposeful Play offers child-led workshops designed to support sensory needs, spark imagination, and encourage meaningful engagement through creative, hands-on activities.

With a mix of sensory play, imaginative exploration and calm connection, these sessions are tailored to meet children where they are — helping them build confidence, communication, and joy through purposeful play.

To share more about the workshops in Clare and the thinking behind Maia, Derrick Lynch was joined by Shannan Mulrooney, owner of Maia purposeful play.

Celebrating over thirty years of creative work, Clare-based artist Carmel Madigan will be showcasing more than 40 artworks, with a special preview on Saturday the 9th of August and an opening event on Sunday the 10th of August.

For more about the inspiration behind her work and what visitors can look forward to Derrick Lynch was joined by Artist, Carmel Madigan.

A US tourist visiting West Clare is appealing for help after her dog went missing following a road traffic accident in the Kilmurry McMahon area.

The woman was taken to University Hospital Limerick for treatment and, in the confusion at the scene, her black Boston Terrier ran from the car and hasn’t been seen since.

Understandably, she’s devastated and now hopes the local community might be able to help reunite her with her beloved pet.

To discuss this further, Derrick Lynch was joined by Ciara Madden, patient advocacy and liaison service at UHL helping with the search.

Image (c) Clare Dog Shelter

One of Ireland’s most inspiring charity events, Tour de Munster, celebrates a major milestone this year, its 25th anniversary.

Since 2001, the four-day cycle through the towns and villages of Munster has raised over €5 million for Down Syndrome Ireland, supporting children and adults across the province.

The Tour returns from the 7th - 10th of August, covering more than 600km across six counties.

To talk about what makes this event so powerful and why it’s still going strong a quarter of a century later, Derrick Lynch was joined by Sean Mc Killen, Committee member.

Local businessman Martin Kelly is the Chairman of the Doonbeg Tractor and Truck Run — a community-led fundraiser that first took place in 2019.

After a break during COVID, the event made its return in 2023 and is now preparing for its third outing on August 10th.

To date, the run has raised an impressive sum for several local and national charities — and this year, a new cause has been added to the list.

The day itself has become a real highlight in the area, bringing people together for more than just the convoy — with events, challenges, and a lively auction later in the evening.

For more on this, Derrick Lynch was Joined by Chairman, Martin Kelly.

The Department of Education's circular on affordable uniforms isn't being enforced according to Barnardos.

The charity has released its Back To School survey with over 1 in 2 parents saying they're worried about how to pay for the school year ahead.

It found the average cost of a uniform for a student in primary school is 125 euro, rising to almost 200 euro for a secondary school pupil.

For more on this, Derrick Lynch was joined by Ruth Culligan, Co-ordinator Barnardos Clare Young Parent Support Programme.

It's hoped a new development at Ennis General Hospital is a stepping stone to a new facility in the region.

The HSE has been given approval to carry out a "comprehensive refurbishment and reconfiguration" of the facility's Pathology Laboratory which it states is currently "completely inadequate and cannot cope with any further expansion".

An estimated 12 million tests take place in the department each year with sample numbers having increased by roughly 50% in the last decade.

Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor and Regional Health Forum West member Antoinette Baker-Bashua says population growth in the region means a new hospital is a no brainer.

It's hoped people in south-east Clare won't have to be inconvenienced by flooding in the future.

It comes as Minister of State Kevin "Boxer" Moran has proposed establishing designated centres at key locations nationwide where food, generators and other vital equipment can be distributed.

A number of flood relief schemes are at various stages in Clare at present including the Springfield Flood Relief Scheme in Clonlara which it's understood is on the verge of completion.

Clonlara Independent Councillor Michael Begley says anything that improves flood preparedness is to be welcomed.

Scariff and Ballyea will be hoping to bounce back from opening round defeats when they face off in Round 2 of the TUS Clare Senior Hurling Championship.

The sides meet in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg on Sunday afternoon, knowing defeat will put their championship campaign in serious jeopardy.

Ballyea surrendered an eleven point half time lead as they lost by a point to Kilmaley, while Scariff were edged out by Cratloe by three points first time out.

Clare FM analyst, Tommy Guilfoyle, says both teams will be looking to finish the game stronger this time around.

Throw on Sunday is at 5pm with commentary on Clare FM with NC Paint and Décor, Ashline, Kilrush Rd, Ennis

Kilmurry Ibrickane begin the defence of their Clare Senior Ladies Football title this weekend.

The reigning champions take on Burren Gaels in Quilty on Sunday afternoon with that game set for a 2pm throw in.

Games against Fergus Rovers and Éire Óg will round off the campaign for Kilmurry in Group A.

Brick's Ciara McCarthy says they can't afford to take any team in the group for granted.