Limerick Summer Proms Returns for a Spectacular Three-Day Summer Solstice Celebration

Limerick Summer Proms Returns for a Spectacular Three-Day Summer Solstice Celebration

University Concert Hall is set to welcome audiences to the return of the Limerick Summer Proms from 19th to 21st June 2026, for a spectacular three-day celebration marking the Summer Solstice.   Sponsored by Ei Electronics, the much-loved festival brings together world-class performers including the Irish Chamber Orchestra, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and the Military Pipes and Bands of the Defence Forces, offering an unforgettable programme of classical, contemporary and celebratory music at one of the highlights of Limerick’s cultural calendar.  Alan Morrissey was joined earlier by soprano Claudia Boyle ahead of her performance.  Photo (c) University Concert Hall

Three North Clare Pubs & Restaurants Reopen In Spring Revival

A welcome boost for North Clare’s hospitality scene has seen three long-closed pubs and restaurants reopen during April and May.     Cassidy’s in Carran, Kilshanny House—now trading as The Hedgerow—and Bofey Quinn’s have all returned to business after extended closures, bringing renewed activity to their local communities.    Cassidy’s has been reopened as a bar and restaurant by Robbie Cassidy, while Kilshanny House has relaunched under its new name The Hedgerow. Bofey Quinn’s has also resumed trading under its established ownership.    The owners Kieran O’Halloran of Bofey’s in Quin, Sarah Hanrahan of The Hedgerow, and Robbie Cassidy of Cassidy’s in Carran joined Alan Morrissey earlier to discuss. Photo (c) Clare FM

Iran-US Peace Deal

Iran and the United States have reached a peace deal, with an official signing due to take place in Switzerland on Friday.   US President Donald Trump says it will "bring peace and security to the whole region" - while Tehran claims it "forced" the US to accept its terms.   The agreement was announced last night by Pakistan's prime minister, who has been acting as a mediator.  Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee has welcomed the announcement that an agreement has been reached.   She says she hopes there can now be full engagement from all parties to implement the terms, to "achieve a just and lasting peace across the region", including in Lebanon.  Minister McEntee says she'll discuss the latest developments with her EU counterparts when they meet in Luxembourg today.  To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Hassan Famaraz, an Iranian living in Ennis, and Professor of Comparative Politics at the University of Limerick, Neil Robinson.   Image (c) Niphon subsri via Canva

In The Garden: Long Flowering Summer Perennials

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 the benefits of long flowering summer perennials. If you have any questions for Judy, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964. Image (c) Clonroad Garden Centre

Clare Musicians And Organisers Launch Appeal To Support South African Orphanage

A Clare-based group of musicians and fundraisers is appealing for public support for Babies in the Bush orphanage in South Africa, with a fundraising target of €1,500 to help provide new beds for the facility.  Breda McNamara, Gearóid McNamara and colleagues, working alongside organiser Lorraine Keenan, have been involved with the project since 2019 and say they remain closely connected to its work.   Following a recent return visit, they are encouraging donations and shares of the appeal, saying even small contributions will make a real difference. Breda McNamara, the trip's organiser and chairperson of Cnoc Na Gaoithe Cultural Centre in Tulla, and Gearóid McNamara, Tulla Musician, joined Alan Morrissey to discuss the fundraiser. Photo (c) Lorraine Keenan via BackABuddy