New employment rights coming into force next week will give many workers the option of remaining in their jobs beyond their contractual retirement age if that age is below the State pension age of 66.  

The Government says the changes will provide greater flexibility and help prevent workers from being forced to retire before they can access the State pension.  

But what will the new legislation mean in practice for older workers, employers and retirement planning?  

To discuss this, Alan Morrisey was joined by Kay Murphy, former President of Active Retirement Ireland, and Maurice Harvey, former Chair of the Clare Older People's Council. 

Photo (c) roberthyrons from Getty Images via Canva

A Cratloe native is making waves in Ireland's fashion industry with the launch of what is being described as the country's first occasionwear label designed exclusively for the rental market.  

Rhoda McDonagh, founder of Designer Room, has spent almost a decade building one of Ireland's leading luxury fashion rental businesses and is now launching her own collection, SÓ by Rhoda.  

The new label aims to combine luxury, sustainability and accessibility, offering high-end designer pieces created specifically to be rented rather than bought.  

Rhoda joined Alan Morrissey to tell us more about the journey from Cratloe to becoming a pioneer in Ireland's circular fashion industry.

Photo (c) Clare FM

Ireland is set for a significant spell of hot weather this week, with temperatures forecast to climb into the high 20s and potentially exceed 30 degrees in some areas. 

Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow High Temperature Warning for the entire country, warning of heat stress, uncomfortable sleeping conditions and water safety concerns. 

 

While many people will welcome the sunshine, health experts are urging caution, particularly for older people, young children and those with underlying health conditions.  

To discuss what we can expect from the weather and how people can stay safe, Alan Morrissey was joined by meteorologist Michelle Dillon and Lahinch GP Dr Michael Kelleher, who is also a member of the IMO's GP Committee.

Image (c) Africa images via Canva

New figures from Eurostat show Ireland is now the most expensive country in the European Union for housing, health costs, alcohol and electricity, while overall prices here are 36% above the EU average.  

The figures have reignited debate about the cost of living, government policy, housing, healthcare and energy costs, with opposition parties accusing the Government of failing to tackle affordability, while coalition parties point to record investment and external factors driving inflation.  

Joining Alan Morrissey earlier to discuss the findings were Meelick Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe and Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan.

Image (c) pixelshot via Canva

There's a push for a CCTV pilot project to be rolled out in Ennis to combat anti-social behaviour. The latest meeting of Clare's Local Community Safety Partnership has heard a discussion around the potential for such a scheme in the county town. Members concluded that the LCSP will "play a key role in progressing the initiative through research, coordination, and interagency facilitation to support collaborative delivery". Sixmilebridge-based LCSP Chairperson PJ Ryan believes it would assist gardaí in catching criminals.

It's claimed a proliferation of potholes and poorly surfaced roads in a South-East Clare community is causing severely dangerous situations. Meelick residents have expressed concerns over sections of the Knockalisheen Road, which weren't enhanced as part of the Limerick Northern Distributor Road project. The local authority is being called upon to make emergency funding available for the route. Ardnacrusha Fianna Fáil Councillor Rachel Hartigan says motorists are taking risks due to the dire condition of the road.

Coming up on the show, we will look back on Clare's win over Dublin in the All Ireland hurling quarter final and begin the look ahead to the showdown with Limerick in Croke Park.

We also reflect on Clare's loss to Kilkenny in the All Ireland camogie championship and assess their chances of possibly making it a Banner double header in HQ on July 5th

Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch joined Alan Morrissey on Monday’s Morning Focus to review the weekend’s sporting action.

Games Reviewed:

All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Quarter-Final:

Clare 0-29 Dublin 0-16 (Saturday, FBD Semple Stadium)

All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship:

Kilkenny 4-14 Clare 1-8 (Saturday, UPMC Nowlan Park)

Saoirse Daly from Barefield is taking a major step towards her dream of training at the London School of Musical Theatre (LSMT), as friends, family, and local supporters come together for a special concert fundraiser in her honour.

The event, titled Barefield To Broadway, will showcase a night of music, performance, and community spirit, all aimed at helping Saoirse secure a place on the highly competitive musical theatre course.

Saoirse joined Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus.

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre, Ennis was back on Monday’s Morning Focus to answer all your gardening queries.

This week, Judy told Alan Morrissey about best plants for the month of June.

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