This weeks Community Unity is presented and produced by Chris Behan, with Mairead O’Higgins Finnegan.
Mairead speaks to Clarecastle author Siobhan Purcell has just published her first book in a series ‘The Quay Road Mysteries Book 1’released at Christmas , is based in the West of Ireland and draws ‘inspiration from the charm and intrigue of small-town life, weaving stories that blend vivid landscapes, memorable characters, and a touch of suspense.’Padriag has this weeks Community Announcements for the area.
With 20 years in community radio experience and currently CRAOL project Coordinator, Diedre Hunt is on the line to speak about what CRAOL is all about.

Today on Community Unity, Mary Redmond from Halla Eoin is on the line with news of a new course starting on the 11th of February – ‘EASY COOKING ON A BUDGET’ cookery demonstration see the link to register interest.

Teresa visits the Cultúrlann Sweeney library, where Ann Finucane guides Teresa through a live setup of the free ‘Borrow Box’ library service app, Clare ‘Borrow Box’ service has many e-books and Audio books to download and borrow, the website link above included links to various Phones and devices in the Google and Apple stores.

Cliffs of Moher are celebrating St. Brigide’s day both at the Cliffs and at Vandeleur Garden’s with drop in craft workshops, Sharon Malone is on line with more information , see link above for details.

Diedre Keating, Local Enterprise Officer at the local enterprise office Clareis on the line with information on the new round of courses and training session with have information and help on current grant promotions available to SME’s aimed at growing local enterprise.

Teresa visits Roisin Horgan at the Kilrush Citizen’s Information Centre who can advise on , and help for dealing with storm damage using the assistance scheme which is an initiative only available during a limited period after the storm event.

Bob Vernon is in the studio to speak about how meditation can help to ease anxiety and has information on the upcoming course on meditation relaxation and mindfullness which Bob himself is leading at the Kilrush Banner Books Shop. For more information see Bob Vernon
It’s that time of the year again and the West Clare Cancer Centre are taking registrations now for the West Clare Mini Marathon starting from the Kilkee Community Centre on Sunday 2nd of February. Donna McGrath is in the studio with the full low down.

On today’s Community Unity with Teresa and Padraig , Teresa speaks to James Considine about the 7 night Mostar Medjugorje Pilgrimage in Bosnia and Herzegovina which he is involved in organising for the 27th August this year. More information from Kilrush Parish website
Padraig has the Community Diary of events for the area.

Paul Williams is in the studio on the 75th Anniversary of Williams Hardware in Kilkee founded by his grandparents in 1950, Paul speaks on the history and some of the in’s and out’s of running the Kilkee hardware retail store.

Teresa was out and about over the weekend at the Querrin School House Christmas Tractor Run fundraiser for the School house conversion work and meets Mrs Klaus.

Mairead Padraig and Sadhbh head over to Ennis to meet some of the stallholders at the recent CLDC Social Enterprise Expo at The Inn at Dromoland speaking to Siobhan Boyd, from Mna le cheile, Women’s Shed Group, Jason from Fruit Tree food plant nursery , and Grainne Mulryan from Kilkee Golf Club ,and Grainne Flynn from Thriobetes an organisation which provides diabetes peer support.

James Fennelly, peer co-ordinator with The Light house Mental Health Asociation was in the studio birnging with him some encouragement over the winter season for people who are more sensitive to the darker winter months, generally known as Seasonal affective disorder(SAD) . James has motivational and well being advice for those affected with advice on how to form good habits to help soften the affects.

Teresa speaks to Claire Flynn from Mental Health Ireland about the Womens Health and Wellbeing event including various exhibitors on Tuesday 10th December 10am-2pm at Kilrush Community Centre run by West Clare Womens Shed. For more information on the event contact Claire Flynn at or 085 8768522.
Chris Behan Hosts.

Robbie Brown is in the studio with news of the Christmas Gathering on 8th December in Querrin including the Christmas Lights illuminated Tractor Run on.

Mairead chats to Aisling Deklerk from CLDC about the upcoming Social Enterprise Expo at The Inn at Dromoland on 28th November, and Marcella Casey from Employability Clare. speaks about the processes and services offered in order to help anyone with a disability back into employment.

Lily De Silva reaches out across Dingle penninsula to speak to Felicity Hayes McCoy after the October publication of her novel ‘The Booksellers Gift’ Felicity will be in Ennistymon on Wednesday 20th of November for tea , cake and book signing at Banner Books Ennistymon.
Padriag has the Community Diary of events covering most the region.
James Fennelly, peer co-ordinator with The Light house Mental Health Asociation is in the studio with encouragement over the winter season for people who are more sensitive to the darker winter months, generally known as Seasonal affective disorder(SAD), James has motivational and well being advice to help soften the landing.
With Teresa , Chris and Padraig.

Sharon Meaney from The Clare Volunteer Centre keeps us up to date with the happenings around the Volunteer centre Community Events and Training Calendar.
Dermot joins us from St. Senan’s Kilkee highlighting the Club 400 draw on the 15th December which is limited to 400 tickets only with many great prizes. Tickets are available through the website.

Today, Fiona O’Malley speaks about the live online internet counceling services offered by Turn2me.
Chris brings back some good news from the 2024 CRAOL awards ceremony in Dundalk.
Padraig has the Community Diary of events for the area, and Teresa is out and about to visit Mary Keane at Halla Eoin for the low down on upcoming events , with news of a passing sleigh stop around Christmas, on the 8th November Limerick Astronomy Club will be at the centre.

Sharon Meaney from The Clare Volunteer Centre outlines the services offered to volunteers and organistaions alike, the centre acts as a volunteer hub for registered users to connect volunteers with a relevant organisaton appropriate to the registrant.

Jill O’Connor from Loop Head Rowing Club is in the studio following the completion of the “Five Pilots” , a community boat build project.The St. Ayles Skiff was officially launch last week in Carrigaholt. The Loop Rowing Club is currently open to new members see link for details.
Teresa attended the Connect Cafe in Milltown Malbay at the Collette from Money Advice and Budgeting Service , a free service which can advise on personal budgeting and planning advice to keep yourself out of arrears, and financialy in good health. Clare Office: 0818072470 9-8pm Mon-Fri. Outreach every second Wednesday at the Family Resource Centre in Kilrush, Please contact before hand.
Padraig has the Community Diary of events for the area.
Padraig Sarah Clancy co-ordinator of Clare PPN and poet and is performing at the Banner Books open mic, reads some of her poetry.

Coming up today, Edel speaks to Teresa about the Curtains Farm walk and breakfast meet up this Thursday (10th Oct) 11am at the farm in Leckan, Kilmihil v15 E197 (Maps) , with guest speakers from the IFA.
Padraig has the Community Diary of events and happenings for the region.

Lily De Sylva speaks to Author Leanard Skinner about his sailing trip and book following a 5 year long family sailing trip around the world , Leanard is set to appear at Banner Books on Sunday 13th October.

Mark Philips (info) decided to walk from the UK to Loop Head and raise some money for three charities:Men Walking and Talking , The West Clare Cancer Centre , Liberty Soup Run

Teresa chats to Lara Grufferty during the setting up for the Autism Family Day last Saturday at the Kilkee Astroturf.
Marcella Casey from employabilityclare.ie speaks to Teresa about the upcoming ‘Connect Cafe’ happening on both sides of the county and coming to Milltown Mallbay to the FET Campus on Ballard Road on Wednesday 09th October from 10:30 – 1:30pm to include ‘Value of Volunteering’, and then ‘Creative Writing Workshop’, with refreshment break . Arlene is happy to take any queries, please telephone Arlene on 0868350733 for information and for availability.

Padraig speaks to Carole Head Clare Older People Council
Padraig has the Community Diary of Events for the region.

Padriag speaks to Carol Head from Clare Older People’s Council who are hosting the Health And Wellbeing Expo at the Teacy’s West County Hotel on the 3rd October 11-4pm, with 50 stall holders attending and events include ,Cookery demo’s, guest speakers , Tech Support help, Chair Aerobics, the Irish heart Foundation will be giving free health checks through the day and Treacy’s are offering discounted meals for attendees. It’s open entry, no booking required.
With Teresa , James and Padraig.

Teresa speaks to Melissa Fennel, an ex Kilkee native, a mother and the organiser of this Saturday’s Autism Family Day in Kilkee.
Padraig has the Community Diary of events.
Robby Brown is in the studio to speak about the many upcoming Querrin town renewal fundraising activities around the ongoing Querrin School refurbishment.
With focus on tonights (24th Sept) public meeting in the Community centre, Martin Busher updates us on the proposed Irish Water treatment and filtration plant along Dunlicky Road (Trip Advisor) in Kilkee.

Author Marianne Purcell speaks to Padraig about writing and her new crime novel ‘Finding Hannah’.
Kim Titichi is holding the Ocean Inspiration Art Workshop at the Elliot Centre this Saturday 21st at 11:30am, just one of the many events taking place over the Cruinniu Na Mara festival in Kilkee this weekend, Friday 20st to Sunday 22nd. Booking details for this and other workshops here.
Annabel McMahon has the results of the recent Kilkee Photo Competition, some of the winning photos can be seen on the website.
Padraig has this weeks Community Events Diary. With Teresa Jackson, Chris Behan and Padraig Griffin.

Today on Community Unity , studio guest Yvonne McGann brings us up to date with the Charlotte Brontë themed Arts Festival with 9 events spanning Friday evening/ Saturday from 11 a.m/ Sunday around the Culturlann Sweeney , John Williams rounds off the Kilkee Civic Trust festival weekend on Sunday at 12:00p.m with the heritage tour of Kilkee, ‘Walking in the Footsteps of Charlotte and Arthur’.
Padraig Griffin has the Diary of Events for the area, and then Teresa heads over to Kilbaha to Halle Eion and chats to Mary about upcoming activities at the centre.The contact number for Halla Eoin bookings is: 087 7534916, email:

Teresa speaks to Dr Werd Al-Najim following an obesity report speaks about weight loss, particularly about weight loss in terms of health benefit rather than a numerical scale on a weighing scale, and newer treatments available.
Padraig has the Community Diary of events.
Fred O’Brien well travelled, reads from his book on his early working life in London prior to moving to the Yukon , which he hopes to publish.