Thursday's Morning Focus broadcasted live from Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience in Mountshannon as part of Clare FM’s Summer Tour.

Alan Morrissey spoke with community leaders, local business owners, and residents about the village’s cultural vibrancy, tourism potential, and ongoing environmental and development projects.

To discuss digital infrastructure and public works in East Clare, Alan was joined by Jackie Dermody, Analyst Developer at DigiClare and Declan Flanagan, Senior Executive Engineer with Killaloe Municipal District.

Tourism came under the spotlight in a discussion with Maurice Walsh, Vice Chair of the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum. Maurice shared his concerns about visitor numbers and the need for increased investment in the sector.

Mountshannon Community Council’s Paul Bugler and Inis Housing Association CEO Emer Watson discussed local housing and community development.

Siobhán Mulcahy, County Arts Officer, spoke about creative spaces and upcoming arts events in the region, while Frank Bouchier and Danú O'Callaghan gave insight into the weekly Mountshannon Market.

Alan also explored a new biodiversity initiative tackling invasive plant species in East Clare, with input from Ruth Bennett Coady, Catchment Ecologist, and Ross O’Donoghue from Waters of LIFE.

The Mountshannon Arts Festival was featured in conversation with committee member Shulagh Colleran, celebrating the village’s strong creative identity and growing festival attendance.

The food and hospitality scene was well represented, with Brett Cox of That’s My Brew, Clíona Coyne of The Berry Tree, and Laurence Martineau of The Snug discussing local flavours, sustainability, and community engagement through food and drink.

Live music performances came from loclas; Alan McMahon, Hugo Zyderlaan, Froukje Powell, Peggy Boyle, Graham Roe, Roxanne Leonard and Rita Noeske, adding to the lively atmosphere on site.

The programme concluded with another instalment of Clare Women in Business, as Pat Flynn visited Creegh to speak with Sarah Gould, owner of Riverside Hair & Beauty.