County Clare Show 2026 Returns

Kilkee Brontë Festival Returns This July

The Kilkee Brontë Festival returns later this month, celebrating the unique connection between one of the world's most famous literary families and the West Clare seaside town where Charlotte Brontë spent part of her honeymoon.   This year's festival, running from the 17th to the 19th of July, features talks from leading Brontë experts, along with art, local history and guided tours.   Joining Alan Morrissey were the Festival Director, Jenny Bassett, Principal Curator of the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Yorkshire, Ann Dinsdale, and award-winning writer and journalist Sharon Wright, who has co-authored a new book on the Brontë family with Ann, called Let Me In: The Brontë's in Bricks and Mortar. Portrait (c) Branwell Brontë via Wikipedia

SVP Pre-Budget Submission Prioritises Child Poverty

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is urging the Government to make tackling child poverty and the rising cost of living its top priority in Budget 2027.   In its pre-Budget submission, the charity is calling for higher social welfare payments, greater supports for families, more affordable childcare and measures to ease the burden of housing and energy costs.   Gerardine Power is President of Clare SVP and joined Alan Morrissey earlier.  Image (c) SVP - Society of St. Vincent de Paul Ireland via Facebook

County Clare Show 2026 Returns

This year’s County Clare Show is looming large on the horizon.  The show, which has played an important part in the agricultural heritage of the Banner County for well over a century, will take place at the Ennis Showgrounds on Sunday, 12th July.  Joining Alan Morrissey to fill us in on what we can expect from this year’s show was Joe Lilis, Chairman of the County Clare Show. Image (c) Co. Clare Agricultural Show Society

Suicide Forum Facilitating Deaths Of Vulnerable People In Ireland

If you have been affected by this story, or need support, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123, Call Pieta’s 24-hour Crisis Helpline on Free Phone 1800 247 247, or Text 'HELP' to 51444, or you can visit Your Mental Health for information on mental health services in Ireland. An investigation by The Journal has uncovered that a suicide forum, which has been restricted in the UK, remains freely accessible in Ireland and has been linked to the deaths of at least two Irish people.   The investigation raises serious questions about online safety, regulation and the protection of vulnerable people, with campaigners now calling for the site to be blocked here. Patricia Devlin is the investigative journalist behind the story, and she joined Alan Morrissey earlier. Photo (c) EVG Kowalievska from Pexels via Canva

Fuel Excise Cuts Set To Be Extended Until 1st September

The Government has agreed to extend the current reductions in excise duty on petrol and diesel until the beginning of September, with the tax relief then set to be phased out gradually over the following months.     While Ministers say the move will avoid a sudden jump in fuel costs and help keep inflation down, farming organisations have consistently warned that high energy prices continue to place huge pressure on the sector.    Joining Alan Morrissey earlier was the Clare IFA Chair and Feakle farmer, Stephen Walsh. Photo (c) Engin Akyurt from Pexels via Canva