Max O’Keeffe, who hails from Ennis, has spastic diplegia cerebral palsy.

This would normally be a major stumbling block to any sporting ambitions.

However, the ten-year-old is on the cusp of realising his sporting dreams, thanks to his golden retriever, Nicky.

To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by Max O'Keeffe and his Mother, Niamh O'Keeffe.

Photo (C): Clare FM

Residents of a North Clare village have expressed anger over proposed changes to their bus service.

Under new plans by the National Transport Authority , route 350 from Ennis to Galway, would operate between every 90 minutes and 2 hours.

At present this includes a stop in Fanore, but under the new proposals this would be removed and residents would instead be accommodated on the new 350C route, which is essentially a shuttle service between Lisdoonvarna and Ballyvaughan.

Local Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy was among those who attended a public meeting at Fanore Church on the matter yesterday, and he gave his reaction to Clare FM's Daragh Dolan...

To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Anne Pinlkington, who chaired the meeting.

Photo(C): Igor Vershinsky via Canva.com

It's being argued that safety is the number one reason more people in Ennis aren't walking or cycling. The January meeting of Ennis's local elected representatives has heard a claim from Councillor Antoinette Baker-Bashua that the county town's roundabouts "lack clearly defined pedestrian crossings". This, it's been suggested, leaves pedestrians "without priority" which she says creates "unsafe conditions" for vulnerable road users like children and older people. Ciaran Tiernan of community group Better Ennis insists Clare County Council needs to look at how difficult junctions are managed abroad in order to come up with the best solution to Ennis's road safety woes.

The findings of a damning audit into living conditions at Knockalisheen Direct Provision Centre in Meelick have been slammed as unacceptable by a MidWest Migrants Rights Group. A HIQA inspection in October found that mould, algae and insects were widespread throughout the facility. On the day in question, 90 residents were living in tented accommodation, which some described as "unsuitable for people to live in ", while others said they often felt "unsafe". Doras CEO John Lannon says it's a shocking indictment of the state.

Avenue United Captain Ronan Kerin After FAI Junior Cup Win Over Cockhill Celtic

Louis Griffin is bringing a national boxing title back to Clare.

The young fighter from Kilfenora won the U18 national boxing title at the National Stadium in Dublin.

To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Louis Griffin on Tuesday's Morning Focus.

Photo (c): Kilfenora Boxing Club via Facebook

Donald Trump has declared the "golden age" of the US starts now, as he's sworn in as President for the second time.

He became the 47th President of the United States at a ceremony in the Capitol building's Rotunda on Monday.

Mr. Trump has vowed his legacy will be that of a "peacemaker and a unifier."

In his inauguration speech, the US President said his journey back to the White House was not an easy one.

Donald Trump signed around 100 executive orders last night, ranging from climate to issuing pardons for 1,500 people involved in the riots of January 6th, 2021.

News has already filtered through to some serving prison sentences for involvement in the Capitol Hill riots.

To discuss Trump’s inauguration, and how his second term in the White House might go, Alan Morrissey was joined by law lecturer at NUI Galway, Larry Donnelly.

Photo (c): geralt via Pixabay, Donald Trump

The next government is being accused of continuing to compound the hurt and distress of survivors by excluding any provision for the reversal of the six-month rule in the draft Programme for Government.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have reached an agreement with the Regional Independent Group, paving the way for the formation of the next government.

Fianna Fáil members voted overwhelmingly in favour of the draft programme for government on Sunday, while Fine Gael votes are to be counted on Monday

Their respective ratification processes are now completed in time for the Dáil meeting scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday).

However, Sinn Féin Ireland South MEP Kathleen Funchion has expressed her alarm at the number of Independent TDs who have entered into government, despite, in her words, “vehemently condemning” the government’s Mother and Baby Homes Institutions Payment Scheme during the last Dáil.

To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by West Clare survivor of a Mother and Baby Home, Anthony Morrissey.

Photo (C): Canva kieferpix from Getty Images

Residents in Tulla are up in arms over ongoing anti-social behaviour in their community.

They say youths have been involved in a number of incidents since Halloween, including vandalism, jumping on cars, setting off fireworks and petty theft.

A community page has been since been set up on social media to share issues affecting the community and one local resident says many people, particularly the elderly are living in fear following the recent incidents.

Tulla resident Shirley Conway Ryan has told Clare FM's Alan Morrissey that while there is a Garda presence in the area, they can't be there all the time and she believes the establishment of a local community centre could have a big impact.

Photo (c) Clare County Council

The deadline for regular CAO applications is fast approaching.

The closing date for normal applications to the CAO for entry to all first-year undergraduate courses is this Saturday, February 1st at 5pm.

People applying for restricted application courses must list any such course on their application by this date.

To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by the manager at Career Focus and career guidance counsellor at Ennis Community College, Mary Tyrell.

Picture (c) Charlotte May from Pexels via Canva.com