Today is a significant day for parents in and around Newmarket-on-Fergus who are seeking a childcare service.

Nicole’s Kidz Klub, a new school age childcare service, is due to open in Newmarket-on-Fergus from 10am this morning.

To find out more about it, Alan Morrissey was joined by the owner of Nicole’s Kidz Klub, Nicole Kelly.

Photo (c) Wragg from Getty Images Signature via canva.com

A public meeting to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will be held in Ennis this weekend on February 23rd.

The Sunday’s event will take place at Áras Contae an Chláir on New Road.

To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Maria Dedenko, Mariya Nikishanova, and Sergey Portnoy.

Photo (c): Believe_In_Me from Getty Images via canva.com

The St. Senan was once a familiar sight on the Shannon Estuary.

Built in the 1990s, the ferry once carried passengers to Scattery Island for many years.

However, St. Senan’s story eventually took a sad turn, as she ended up abandoned, neglected and forgotten.

That could have remained the case, only for Irene Griffin, the owner of Scattery Island Tours laying her eyes upon her and deciding to give her a new lease of life.

To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by the owner of Scattery Island Tours, Irene Griffin.

Photo (c): https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1057252336447306&set=pb.100064876473461.-2207520000&type=3

Shenanygans are a four-piece indie band from Solothurn, Switzerland with a Clare connection.

They were founded in early 2023 by Kaylem Hannon-Barry, who grew up in Shannon, Daniel Barry, who grew up in Limerick, Lukas Hellmann, and Tom Brunner.

Shenanygans are hitting the road for a 15 date European tour this April.

Fans can expect a high-energy set packed with songs from the Shenanygans debut EP, and brand-new tracks from their upcoming album, Lullabies and Lucid Dreams.

To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by band members, Kaylem Hannon-Barry, Daniel Hannon-Barry, and Lukas Hellman.

Photo (c): https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=9222767877806798&set=a.2445600098856977&__cft__[0]=AZVr1F-LQYzcPgU5SHGs_EcIM2cYaoJoxL89Qc5Al3ozTgCmbYw6VcDC8vu_MwTvc7ssMXpuSFHjdLqxi8FMesR4a8YFZcGHYuUc8wORrGBI3V9jExbnJczzXtJ-uI073tNIELsP9TaHtD6-JKea_hTENSUb8lyfIYdl_5bhzR6iPb7ysBvaUp0nwzpajzkCpRcAssS7-bAZIBuh_aPv1PBZJJrgEbNkJjWZjBpMH5o6q5ni-Yr2AKwVu23ngFLJV9s&__tn__=EH-y-R

Fr Brendan Quinlivan presents Beyond Belief for 23rd February 2025 a few days after the death of Bishop Emeritus Willie Walsh the former Bishop of Killaloe.

Fr Brendan has delved into the archives and used edits of a lengthy interview that he did with Bishop Willie at the end of lockdown - it also includes some pieces from an interview that was done after the death of Pope Benedict and for a little levity Fr Brendan includes the “thought” he did on Clare FM  for the Friday before the All Ireland in ‘95

It is time for the eighth episode of our second season of The Village Tour.

With The Village Tour, we here at Morning Focus are aiming to highlight the smaller villages and townlands around the county.

By doing this, we hope to showcase their unique character, while also bringing their diversity and individuality to life for you, the listener.

During each episode of The Village Tour, Alan Morrissey chats with various people from a particular village or townland in Clare: from locals and business owners to those involved with local sports clubs, community representatives and many more.

In our latest episode of The Village Tour, Alan paid a visit to Feakle.

On this week’s Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn visited Ballyvaughan to meet contemporary mosaic artist Brenda Kennelly.

Brenda worked in the Funds Industry for over 30 years and had little time to express her creativity. However, since leaving corporate life behind, time has become her greatest gift.

The CEO of Irish Rail believes the reopening of the Crusheen Rail Stop will happen "in the medium term". The national railway network operator has this week announced plans for capacity enhancements on the Limerick to Galway line which includes Ennis and Sixmilebridge. It comes as the Crusheen railway station has been put forward for consideration for the Rural Regeneration and Development fund. Cooraclare native and Iarnród Éireann CEO Jim Meade says his organisation is fully supportive of the project pending funding approval.

Coming up on the show, we look ahead to a jam packed weekend of National League action with all four of Clare's flagship sides in action across Saturday and Sunday afternoon, while Ennistymon Community School are looking for their place in the All Ireland Senior C Colleges Football Final.

On a sad week for the county, we also pay tribute to the giant that was Bishop Emeritus Willie Walsh following his passing in his 90th year.

A new five-year tourism development plan for West Clare and North Kerry will aim to make Loop Head an internationally iconic attraction. Fáilte Ireland's strategy has also set goals of creating visitor adventure hubs in Kilrush, Kilkee, Cappagh and Carrigaholt and creating a world-class Wild Atlantic Way coastal walk. The Cliff Coast Destination and Experience Development Plan's main objective is to extend the tourism season and spread the economic benefits to all towns and villages. Fáilte Ireland Regional Tourism Director Paul Keeley says they want to provide a complete offering.