On this week’s Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn visits Killoo Church near Clarecastle, stepping back in time to see how life looked in medieval Ireland. The fascinating story of Killoo Church began long before the construction of the church building we see today, as far back as circa 500AD. https://killoochurch.ie/

While there was plenty to celebrate following Clare’s big win over Waterford in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship at Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg last Sunday, not every supporter went home happy. Concerns have been raised about facilities at the ground—particularly around access to toilets in the North Stand during the match, with some fans describing the situation as simply not good enough for a venue hosting major championship games. On Wednesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined on the show by Derek Clune to talk about his experience. Photo (c) lightfiction Getty Images Signature via Canva

The Clare Garden Festival is returning to the Ennis Showgrounds this Sunday—and it promises to be a fantastic day out for gardeners, food lovers, and families alike. With more than 75 stalls from across the country, expert gardening talks, pop-up display gardens, and plenty of activities for children, it’s become a real highlight in the Clare events calendar. From edible planting and organic gardening to live music and artisan food, there’s something for everyone. Joining Alan Morrissey on Wednesday's Morning Focus was Joe Lillis, Chairman of the Clare Agricultural Show Society, Jason McCormack of Food Tree Nursery, and festival manager and founder Carmen Cronin.

It’s claimed the return of Ennis’ mobile shower for rough sleepers is restoring dignity for the local homeless community. The twice-weekly service located in Friar’s Walk Bus Park has officially resumed for 2026, after first launching last August and will operate each Monday and Friday. The service ran by Fiona Faulkes, currently has seven regular users, but this uptake is also expected to grow significantly as the year progresses. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan visited the setup yesterday and began by speaking to former service user, now turned volunteer. Photo (c) Clare FM

The Garda Representative Association is holding its annual conference in Westport this week – yesterday and today, with delegates from across the country highlighting what they describe as growing pressures on rank-and-file gardaí. From concerns around staffing and retention, to rising threats against members, discipline policies, and calls for better training and equipment, a wide range of issues are up for debate at what’s being described as a crucial moment for the force. Alan Morrissey spoke with Clare’s GRA representative, Garda Paul Crowley. Image © Pat Flynn

New figures from the Clare and Tipperary Garda division show a worrying 22.7% rise in the number of unaccompanied learner drivers caught on our roads—up from 322 cases in 2024 to 395 in 2025. The increase has sparked fresh concerns about road safety, enforcement, and awareness among both young drivers and their families. Alan Morrissey spoke with Ireland South MEP and road safety advocate, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú to find out more. Image © Pate Flynn

Today we’re looking at the Government’s Spring Economic Statement and asking a simple question: has the “rainy day” already arrived—and if so, is enough being done for the so-called squeezed middle? Ministers, led by Simon Harris and Jack Chambers, are warning of global uncertainty, rising energy costs linked to conflict in the Middle East, and even the risk of stagflation. Yet at the same time, the message from Government is that the economy will keep growing—and that budget surpluses remain essential to protect Ireland’s finances. But with households and businesses already feeling the pressure, is that the right balance? To discuss this more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Bodyke Fine Gael Td Joe Cooney and Sinn Féin Cllr. Tommy Guilfoyle. Image © Money in a glass jar by Felicia Manolache's Images via Canva

Work has begun on the installation of bus stops for the Ennis Town Bus Service while its commencement date has been pushed back yet again. Clare County Council has confirmed that preparatory works are underway for the erection of bus stop infrastructure for the service which will run from the Tulla Road to the Shanaway Road and from the Gort Road to Clarecastle, via the town centre. The service was initially tipped to get underway in early 2025 and the local authority claimed last December that this had been postponed to summer 2026 but it's now understood buses won't be on the roads before this autumn. Mayor of Ennis, Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard, says it'll be hugely beneficial to the town once in place.

It’s been 20 years since one of the most iconic matches in Irish rugby history—the 2006 Heineken Cup semi-final where Munster Rugby defeated Leinster Rugby and helped spark a rivalry that’s since become one of the biggest in world rugby. To mark the occasion, The Sunday Times is hosting a special live event looking back on that moment and the legacy it created. On Tuesday's edition of Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke with rugby correspondent with the Sunday Times, Peter O’Reilly. Photo (c) eventbrite.ie

This May Bank Holiday weekend, something very special is coming to the home of traditional Irish music in West Clare. A brand-new festival in Miltown Malbay, hosted by one of the most celebrated names in Irish music, Joanie Madden, promises a fantastic mix of concerts, sessions, workshops and dancing, bringing together local talent and international performers. Joanie joined Alan Morrissey live in-studio on Tuesday's Morning Focus.

Alan Morrissey was joined by Fergal O’Keeffe to chat about his recent Grand Prix win at the Golden Pen Media Awards and his unforgettable trip exploring the beauty of North Croatia. Photo (c) Fergal O'Keeffe