Best Joanne Close Podcasts (2025)

1
Appeal For Blood Donors To Replenish MidWest Hospital Supplies 3:28

20m ago3:28

3:28

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service is appealing to all donors to attend its clinic in Clare this weekend, to relieve pressure on the blood supply.At present, there are just over three days worth of O negative blood in stock, two and a half days of AB negative supply, while there is enough supply of B negative blood to cater for four days demand.A …

1
What The Hack: Nature in NYC

1h ago

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New York may be known as a concrete jungle, but it's also a fish spawning ground, a migratory bird rest stop, and home to all kinds of life, including flora, fauna and whatever category “dog vomit slime mold” fits into. In their new book Wild NYC: Experience the Amazing Nature in and Around New York City, naturalist and science writer Ryan Mandelba…

1
Clare FM Sideline View Friday April 25th 52:28

43m ago52:28

52:28

Coming up on the show, we look ahead to a massive weekend in Clare soccer with both semi final ties down for decision in the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup.There's also a big few days ahead for Clare's hurlers across the minor, senior and U20 grades, with the focus on Sunday's trip to Walsh Park for round two of the Munster championship.…

1
Ennis Hospital Appointment Cancellations Surge By Almost 75% 5:24

11m ago5:24

5:24

Appointment cancellations at Ennis Hospital rose by almost 75% last year.Figures released to Aontú show there were 281,996 appointments cancelled at hospitals around the country in 2024 which was up by more than 5% on the previous year.University Hospital Limerick saw 5,038 cancellations which was down 47% on 2023 while Ennis Hospital experienced a…

1
Ar An Lá Seo - 25-04-2025 2:34

17m ago2:34

2:34

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 25ú lá de mí Aibreán, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1986 tháinig giall Michelle Hanlon ar ais lena thuismitheoirí tar éis a tharla troid gránghunna I gContae na Mí an oíche roimhe. I 1997 tháinig sé amach go ndúirt daoine go raibh an rialtas ag smaoineamh ar cháin a chur ar morgáiste nua chun sto…

1
Sporting Fixtures Preview – April 25th 8:04

7m ago8:04

8:04

To preview the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Friday’s Morning Focus by Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch.Games Previewed:Munster SHC Round-Robin Series: Waterford v Clare (Sunday, Walsh Park, 2pm) Munster MHC Round-Robin Series: Limerick v Clare (Friday, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 7pm) Ennis Carpets Clare Cup Semi-Final: Newmarket Celtic v Fairgr…

1
Village Tour: Season 2, Episode 17: Ogonnelloe 36:45

5m ago36:45

36:45

It is time for the seventeenth episode of our second season of The Village Tour. With The Village Tour, we here at Morning Focus are aiming to highlight the smaller villages and townlands around the county. By doing this, we hope to showcase their unique character, while also bringing their diversity and individuality to life for you, the listener.…

1
Upcoming Dawn Chorus Walks 6:33

16m ago6:33

6:33

The Dawn chorus walk is set to take place tomorrow, on the 26th of April, with Ennis Tidy towns.Another will take place in the Burren on the 11th of May. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ennis Fine Gael Councillor, Cllr Mary Howard and Tom Lynch, from Bird Watch Ireland.Photo(C): ClareFM…

1
Travel Extra Owner Responds to Cathal Crowe Over Shannon Stopover Disagreement 13:13

29m ago13:13

13:13

On Wednesday’s Morning Focus, we were joined by Cathal Crowe. The Meelick Fianna Fáil TD was refuting reports he called for the reinstatement of Shannon Airport Stopover Rule. The rule, which compelled transatlantic flights to the Republic of Ireland to stop at the Clare airport, was ended in 2008, following the EU-US ‘Open Skies’ agreement. Accord…

1
Funeral of Pope Francis to be Held Saturday Morning 22:17

31m ago22:17

22:17

A huge security operation is underway in Vatican City today ahead of Pope Francis’s funeral tomorrow. At least 200,000 people are expected to attend Saturday’s outdoor service at St Peter's Square. It will draw heads of state and government from around the world, including US President Donald Trump, while President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Mich…

1
MEP Denies Invitation to EU Commission President To Come To Clare Is PR Exercise 9:31

37m ago9:31

9:31

An MEP for this region is denying that an invitation sent to the President of the European Commission to come to Clare is a PR exercise.Ireland South Fianna Fáil MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has written to Ursula von der Leyen inviting her to this county next month to tour the local pharmaceutical and medical technology sector.The aim of the tour, accord…

1
New Scheme To Provide Certainty To Clare SNAs And Students 3:56

28m ago3:56

3:56

A Clare special needs assistant is calling for assessments of needs for children to be expedited.Education Minister Helen McEntee has announced that as of September of this year, SNAs will be redeployed to schools where vacancies exist instead of being made redundant in the event that the number of roles allocated to their school changes.The Fórsa …

1
Village Tour: Season 2, Episode 16: Liscannor 43:36

19h ago43:36

43:36

For the sixteenth episode of the village tour, Alan Morrissey paid a visit to Liscannor.With The Village Tour, we here at Morning Focus are aiming to highlight the smaller villages and townlands around the county. By doing this, we hope to showcase their unique character, while also bringing their diversity and individuality to life for you, the li…

1
36. Testable VS Nontestable Wines - Wines That May Appear on the WSET Level 3 Tasting Exam 7:50

2d ago7:50

7:50

Resources & Links Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: Newsletter Signup | Wine Educate Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course: Launchpad: WSET Level 3 Prep - Zoom Course - May 11th | Wine Educate Episode Summary In this episode, Joanne Close addresses a common concern among WSET Level 3 students: the difference between testable and non-testable wines.…

1
Clare Women In Business - Ruth O'Neill - Episode 1 15:32

12m ago15:32

15:32

Ruth O’Neill is originally from just outside Waterford City but in her teens, moved with her family to South Kilkenny.After finishing secondary school she worked in Germany as an au pair and learned to speak the language fluently while on her return to Ireland, she studied marketing and languages in Dublin.It wasn’t long however before Ruth was bac…

1
Corofin Drama Society Qualify For All-Ireland Drama Festival Finals 11:52

20m ago11:52

11:52

The gang at Corofin Dramatic Society are no doubt cock-a-hoop after qualifying for the All-Ireland Drama Festival Finals! The finals take place in Athlone on the 11th of May. They will be preparing for the big occasion with a performance of Catch The Weir in Corofin on this weekend.To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by the…

1
Clare Garden Festival 2025 15:01

31m ago15:01

15:01

The Clare Garden Festival is coming this weekend! It takes place on Sunday, April 27th from 11am-5pm at Ennis Showgrounds. Over 75 Garden, Plant, Craft & Food stalls from all over Ireland join the popular festival every year on the last Sunday in April with stallholders coming from all over Ireland. The festival offers a great series of Garden Expe…

1
B. Molloy Master Butchers Receive 5-Star Award In Easter Lamb Display Competition 2025 4:12

18m ago4:12

4:12

B. Molloy Master Butchers has received a 5-Star Award in this year’s Easter Lamb Display Competition.It’s great recognition for the Roslevan-based butchers.For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by Derek Molloy, of B. Molloy Master Butchers.By Clare FM

1
Consairtín 2025 - Annual Celebration Of The Concertina In The World Of Traditional Irish Music 6:57

21m ago6:57

6:57

Ennis is the place to be from today, when Consairtín 2025 gets underway from April 24th to 27th.The annual celebration of the concertina in the world of traditional Irish music attracts hundreds of visitors to the town to attend classes, workshops, lectures, recitals, concerts and informal sessions. To learn more about this, Alan Morrissey was join…

1
Cathal Crowe Criticises Donna McGettigan’s ‘Misleading Commentary’ Over Water Charges 18:07

19m ago18:07

18:07

Clare Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe has strongly shut down suggestions that the Government is seeking to introduce water charges and has hit-out at ‘disingenuous’ social media comments relating to water charges from Shannon Sinn Fein TD, Donna McGettigan. A Sinn Féin Bill on Water Services was debated in the Dáil earlier and was defeated following a…

1
Shannon Airport To Support Little Blue Heroes And Clare Crusaders Throughout 2025 11:04

40m ago11:04

11:04

The Shannon Airport Group has revealed details of the two remarkable charities it will fundraise for in 2025. The charities, selected by The Shannon Airport Group employees, are Clare Crusaders and Little Blue Heroes. Alan Morrissey was speaking about this with Vanessa McTigue, who is chair of the Shannon Airport Group Charity Committee & head of B…

1
The Windbreaker: Why Farts Make the World Go Round

1d ago

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Farts. Trouser trumpets. Sulfur squeaks. Or toots, as Lulu insists on calling them. Smelly bubbles of air we don’t like to talk about. But Songbud Alan and Producerbud Ana are not ones to shy away from the stinky sidelines of science. First, they take us to a concert hall to meet a FARTchestra and and hear how behind some of the world’s greatest wo…

1
Investigating Cat Behavior Through Genetics

3h ago

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With the help of cat owners, a new project investigates cats’ biology and aims to link some of their behaviors to their genes. Calling all cat people: This one’s for you. Despite humans’ long history of welcoming felines into their homes and delis, research on cats lags far behind research on dogs. Now, scientists behind the project Darwin’s Ark ar…

1
Three Colaiste Muire Students To Represent Clare At National Student Enterprise Awards 8:27

9m ago8:27

8:27

Three students from Colaiste Muire in Ennis will represent Clare at the National Student Enterprise Awards. The awards will take place on the 8th of May.To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by Amy Killeen, Aoife Keane and Roisin Hogan from Colaiste Muire. Photo (c): Clare FMBy Clare FM

1
Three North Clare Medical Practices To Amalgamate 7:33

24m ago7:33

7:33

There are plans for a new medical centre which will see three North Clare medical practices amalgamate have been given a clean bill of health. The project, which will involve the redevelopment of an existing guest and dwelling house on the Lahinch Road in Ennistymon, will enable more complex procedures, treatments, and more besides. It's claimed 10…

1
Claims Councillors Trust Shattered Following €8M Cliffs Land Purchase 10:04

18m ago10:04

10:04

It's claimed the trust between Clare County Council and its elected members has been shattered following the purchase of two "special interest sites" at the Cliffs of Moher for over €8m. The purchase was made by the local authority in 2023, however most councillors only found about the deal this week after it was published in a government audit of …

1
Sean Shannon Music Foundation 7:34

30m ago7:34

7:34

Sean Shannon was a prodigiously gifted young pianist from Co. Clare. The 18-year-old from Ennis was self-taught and his numerous renowned recitals had led to him earning a place as Glór’s youngest ever associate. Sean had recently graduated from Ennis Community College and was studying for a Bachelors degree in Music Performance, when he sadly pass…

1
INTO Vote To Take Communion And Confirmation Preparation Out Of Classroom 17:34

43m ago17:34

17:34

The majority of primary school teachers believe preparation for Confirmation or Communion shouldn't take place in the classroom. The findings were unveiled at the Irish National Teachers Organisation’s national conference in Galway. Just over one thousand teachers reponsded to this questionnaire by the INMO. Just 4 per cent believe the responsibili…

1
Clare County Council Built Just 40 New Social Homes In 2024 8:09

5h ago8:09

8:09

It's claimed Clare "lost the run of itself" when it comes to the house size.Figures published by the Department of Housing show just 302 social housing units were delivered in this county in 2024.Of these, 40 were local authority new builds which is the fifth-lowest figure nationwide.Clonlara planning consultant and Independent Councillor Michael B…

1
Shannon Airport Group Announces Charity Partners For 2025 7:26

23m ago7:26

7:26

Shannon Airport Group has announced which charities it will be supporting this year as part of its annual fundraising initiative. Clare Crusaders who provide free therapy to kids with special needs has been selected alongside Little Blue Heroes who support the families of children with serious illnesses while offering kids the chance to become Hono…

1
204. “Haunted House” - The Case of Rhonda “Chantay” Blankinship - Brownwood, Texas 46:34

2d ago46:34

46:34

An evening walk, a phenotype report, and a public confession. On May 13th, 2016, 25-year-old Chantay Blankinship, went for a walk around her North Lake neighborhood as she did all the time. But this time Chantay didn’t make it back home. Two days later, she was found murdered at an abandoned farmhouse. Despite the fact that the killer had left behi…

1
Calls For Stiffer Penalties For Clare's Illegal Dumpers 4:44

1h ago4:44

4:44

It's been suggested that illegal dumping is on the rise in Clare because "the consequences of prosecution are minimal".It comes as new data from Clare County Council shows waste and litter complaints in this county in the first three months of the year were up 28% on the same period in 2024.In March alone, 113 such complaints were made while just e…

1
Faure Requiem By Cantare Choir In Support Of Clare Crusaders 7:28

5m ago7:28

7:28

Cantare Choir are bringing a concert to Ennis Cathedral later this week. The Choir will perform Faure Requiem on Friday (25th April). To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by Andrea Sheehan and Grace Russell both who sang a duet accompanied by Michael Hennessy on keyboard and Trióna Marren O'Grady and Des Ryan from the commit…

1
History Of Clare: Episode 38 – The Development Of Politics & Charles Lucas 14:50

16m ago14:50

14:50

In this week’s History in Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by local historian and author, Colm Liddy to focus on the development of politics & Charles Lucas.If you have any stories you would like to share with Colm about your town, you can contact him at [email protected] or Clare FM at [email protected].…

1
19-Year-Old Clare Haulier Calls for Supports for Young Truckers 11:40

29m ago11:40

11:40

The Irish government needs to introduce measures to tackle the lack of truck drivers, according to Clare's youngest female articulated lorry driver. Sophie Howard is a truck driver from Quin. The 19-year-old is putting the current driver shortage in Ireland down to the lack of young people taking up truck driving as they don't find it appealing, wi…

1
3 Peaks For Mental Health – In Memory of Michael Byrne 6:15

1h ago6:15

6:15

Michael Byrne was 36, a former professional jockey with over 100 winners, including at Cheltenham and Aintree. He rode in the 2014 Grand National and worked in racing until his passing. Saturday, May 3rd, will mark the first anniversary of Michael Byrne’s passing with a mountain challenge in his memory — climbing Galtee Mór, Slievenamon, and the De…

1
10th Anniversary Of Banner GAA Charity Cycle 11:00

2d ago11:00

11:00

The Banner GAA Charity Cycle 2025 takes place this May Bank Holiday weekend – and it marks the tenth year of the club’s charity efforts, which began back in 2015. This year’s 250km cycle, in aid of Bushypark Addiction Centre, will see 19 cyclists aged 40 to 70 take on a two-day journey from Athlone to Dublin via the Old Rail Trail and Royal Canal G…

1
Clare TD Refutes Reports He Called for Reinstatement Of Shannon Airport Stopover Rule 18:27

2h ago18:27

18:27

A Clare TD is refuting reports he called for the reinstatement of the “stopover” rule at Shannon Airport. In 2008, the Government put an end to the rule, which compelled transatlantic flights to the Republic of Ireland to stop at the Clare airport. According to a trade publication, the Meelick Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe had recently called for le…

1
Clare Teacher's Rep Says New Grading Bands Will Make Junior Cert Fairer 5:33

1h ago5:33

5:33

A Clare teachers' representative claims the changes to Junior Cert announced by Education Minister Helen McEntee make for a fairer and more equitable grading process.From this June, the top four grading bands will be separated by 15% with the top grade, a distinction, now being awarded at a score of 85% down from the previous 90%.This moves the mod…

1
Sites Identified For Over 300 New Social And Affordable Clare Homes 9:07

2h ago9:07

9:07

A member of Clare's Social Development Strategic Policy Committee has warned that land identified by the Department of Housing won't come close to meeting the demand for affordable housing.Figures released to Bodyke Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney in response to a parlimentary question, show seven sites have been identified by the department for the delive…

1
Joanne Polk returns to the exquisite music of Cécile Chaminade 32:52

3h ago32:52

32:52

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks’ with host Julie Amacher, pianist Joanne Polk releases the second volume of her recordings featuring the music of French composer and pianist Cécile Chaminade. Listen now!By American Public Media

1
Closing Stages Clare FM Commentary Clare v Cork 10:14

16h ago10:14

10:14

It was mad; it was mental; it was brilliant. Listen back to the closing stages of Clare's remarkable comeback against Cork in the Munster SHCBy Clare FM

1
35. Top 5 Mistakes Students Make in the WSET Level 3 Theory Exam 11:21

4d ago11:21

11:21

Resources & Links Sign up for the newsletter Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course: Email Joanne: [email protected] Episode 35 – The Top 5 Mistakes on the WSET Level 3 Theory Exam In this episode, I’ll walk you through the top five mistakes I regularly see students make on the theory portion of the WSET Level 3 exam—and how you can avoid them. Becaus…

1
Concerns Raised After Squatter With 10 Dogs Moved Into Clare Holiday Home 7:05

20h ago7:05

7:05

Concerns have been raised after multiple incidents of squatters moving into holiday homes with dogs, horses and other animals in Clare.One such incident saw a residence in the north of the county being "trashed" after 10 dogs were brought into the premises along with the owner.The individual involved has since been removed and eight of the puppies …

1
Sporting Fixtures Review – April 22nd 26:51

21h ago26:51

26:51

To review the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Monday’s Morning Focus by Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch, Syl O'Connor, hurling analyst, Tommy Guilfoyle and football analyst, Joe Garry.Games Reviewed:Munster SHC: Clare 3-21 Cork 2-24 (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosiog) Munster Senior Camogie Championship Semi-Final: Clare 0-10 Cork 2-22 …

1
In The Garden - Planting A Hanging Basket To Last All Summer 22:18

21h ago22:18

22:18

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tom Stewart from Keane’s Garden Centre in Kilcolgan.This week, Tom gave advice on planting a hanging basket to last all summer.If you have a question for Tom, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964.By Clare FM

1
Legal Advice With Joanne Mitchell : Discharge Of Wardship 8:21

21h ago8:21

8:21

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Joanne Mitchell from Cahir & Co. Solicitors to discuss Discharge of WardshipBy Clare FM

1
Educational Advice: Special Educational Needs At Secondary School Level 19:37

21h ago19:37

19:37

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, retired Deputy Principal of Rice College and Educational Consultant, John Burns, tackled pressing concerns from parents and students about Special Educational Needs at Secondary School Level.John discussed Anorexia Nervosa (Anorexia) , Asperger’s syndrome and Down syndrome.Photo(C): ClareFM…

1
Plans for protected building - Hastings Farmhouse in Shannon 8:13

22h ago8:13

8:13

Plans are in the pipeline for Hastings Farmhouse in Shannon. A planning application has been lodged with Clare County Council to re-designate the protected building for educational and community use. To find out more about this, Alan Morrissey was joined by John O’Brien, Chairperson of Dúchas na Sionna CONF Ron Kirwan, communications role on the co…

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