A Clare member of the HSE Regional Health Forum West claims children are being left in "constant, nagging pain" while on waiting lists. The latest figures from the National Treatment Purchase Fund show over 33,000 people were waiting on appointments at Ennis Hospital and University Hospital Limerick last month. A whole 67 children were on waiting lists in Ennis in June with eight of these waiting over a year for outpatient paediatric services. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Antoinette Baker-Bashua, who's a member of the HSE Regional Health Forum West, has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons these children are being denied access to early intervention.

To review the sporting fixtures, Alan morrissey was joined on Monday’s Morning Focus by Clare FM’s Kieran Madigan and Derrick Lynch.

Games Reviewed:

Clare SFC Round 1:

Friday 18th July

Cratloe 0-11 Eire Og 2-23 (Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosog)

Kildysart 1-12 Doora Barefield 1-12 (Clarecastle)

Ennistymon 2-9 Doonbeg 0-14 (Miltown)

Saturday 19th July

Kilmihil 0-21 Lissycasey (Quilty) 0-6

St Breckans 0-13 Wolfe Tones 0-5 (Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosog)

Kilmurry Ibrickane 2-15 Miltown 1-13 (Cooraclare)

Clare IFC Round 1:

Friday 18th July

Clondegad 3-17 Coolmeen 1-10 (Kilmihil)

Saturday 19th July

Naomh Eoin 2-12 Corofin 1-18 (Lissycasey)

Sunday 20th July

Shannon Gaels 1-17 O’Currys 3-11 (Kilrush)

Liscannor 0-9 Cooraclare 0-12 (Quilty)

Ennistymon 1-10 Michael Cusacks 0-13 (Corofin)

Kilrush Shamrocks 1-15 Banner 1-14 (Kilmihill)

On Monday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tom Stewart from Keane’s Garden Centre in Kilcolgan.

This week, Tom gave listeners advice on growing canna lilies for a beautiful tropical display

If you have a question for Tom, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964.

Last week, we announced that Radio Bingo, in association with Sláinte an Chláir, will be coming to an end.

It has been a much-loved feature on Clare FM for many years, and we’ve truly enjoyed bringing you the numbers each day.

Alan Morrissey was joined by the Honorary Chairperson of Sláinte an Chláir Teresa Murrihy and John Martin, Managing Director of Play Print.

The Irish Road Haulage Association has accused the Road Safety Authority of massaging the driver testing figures by moving testers from articulated truck, bus and truck testing to car testing in order to reduce wait times for car driving tests – whilst waiting times for commercial driving tests increase exponentially.

According to hauliers, this has caused the waiting lists for driving tests for a car to fall by 10% between April and June 2025, but has led to a significant increase in the wait times for truck (42%) and articulated truck (40%) between April and June this year.

It has also caused a backlog in the testing of bus drivers.

Hauliers describe it as a crisis in the making for the commercial driving industry.

For more on this, Alan Morrissey as joined by Sophie Howard, Quin native, Clare’s Youngest Female Haulier and Eugene Drennan, Former President of the Irish Road Hauliage Association, Ennis haulier.

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 the Banner County.

This week, Siobhán told us about Ailish Malone in Kilkee, Tulla Music Festival , Riches of Clare Concerts and much more.

The countdown is on to a thrilling challenge set against one of Ireland’s most iconic natural backdrops.

On Sunday the 27th of July, MS Ireland will host a cliff abseiling challenge in the Burren National Park in Co. Clare.

The event aims to raise funds for vital services for people living with Multiple Sclerosis.

So what’s involved, who can take part, and where do the funds go?

For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Melanie Cunningham, Fundraising Manager at MS Ireland.

PHOTO CREDIT: Multiple Sclerosis Ireland

Cocaine treatment jumped from 1.5 to 93.2 per 100,000 people between 2020 and 2023.

That's just one of the startling findings from new research by the Heath Research Board.

It describes the use of the drug as a 'perfect storm' with higher availability, purity and affordability.

Addiction Specialist Dr Garrett McGovern says despite work being done to prevent cocaine being sold here, the statistics continue to worsen.

To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Michael Guerin, Addiction Counsellor.

PHOTO CREDIT: majo1122331 from Getty Images Pro via Canva

Authorities have promised a quick and effective response if the upcoming pedestrianisation trial of the old Killaloe Bridge leads to traffic congestion. From July 28th to October 17th, the 18th century crossing between Killaloe and Ballina will be closed to vehicular traffic. Clare County Council says that while it doesn't anticipate significant congestion, it will liaise with An Garda Siochána and the emergency services to remedy the situation if unforeseen traffic delays occur. Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien says it's vital a contingency plan is in place.

Residents of Miltown Malbay are said to be concerned about the activities of casual traders in the area during the Willie Clancy Week. Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty has raised a motion at this week's West Clare Municipal District meeting seeking a review of casual trading byelaws. It's understood that locals have complained about the way in which food trucks and stalls are conducting their business. Councillor Talty says the proximity of traders to people's homes and their impact on road safety are among the issues being raised.