Lorna produces and presents the successful show: ‘The Genealogy Radio show’ aired each Thursday at 4p.m. from beautiful Kilkee, Co. Clare at Raidio Corcabaiscinn and Podcasts are available weekly.
Lorna has delivered conference papers at Oxford; Lincoln College: Exploration of the Medieval Gaelic Diet: (2012); seminar papers at the Moore Institute in NUI Galway, ‘The Gaelic Lordships in Thomond, c. 1400-c.1500’ and papers at Irish Conference of Medievalists on themes of Brian Boru and landscape of East Clare. Lorna has published on medieval themes and on maritime subjects. Her research areas are the MacNamaras and O’Briens of Thomond.
Lorna received her Certificate for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG) in Dallas in March 2015.
Clans and Surnames Website
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Older Peoples Council – Age Friendly Alliance, who are hosting the Health and Wellbeing Expo on the 2nd October at The West County Hotel, Ennis.
With the Rural Rejig event approaching on October 11th celebrating the 10 year anniversary, William Hederman provides updates on all the latest happenings around the ClarePPN .
Anne Finnucane takes time to run through some of the October events coming up at the Cultúrlann Sweeney including Art exhibitions, Stage productions, Workshops, and the return of the Wednesday evening Film Club on 8th October at 7:30pm, more details on the Website and Facebook page. Cultúrlann Sweeney
Audrey has the latest happenings in West Clare with the Community Diary.
With Teresa Jackson, Lily De Sylva, Audrey Spendlove , and Jame Flannagan.
Breis is €300 milliún bronnta ar nach mór 5,000 tionscadal
Tá Coimisiún na Meán ag ceiliúradh 20 bliain den scéim um maoiniú craolacháin, Fuaim & Fís. Tá an Scéim, a seoladh den chéad uair in 2005, i ndiaidh ról ríthábhachtach a bheith aici i munlú thírdhreach meán na hÉireann trí thacú le hábhar éagsúil, ábhartha ó thaobh an chultúir de, agus nuálaíoch a chruthú do luchtanna féachana teilifíse agus luchtanna éisteachta raidió in Éirinn.
Le fiche bliain anuas, tairgeadh maoiniú de bheagán os cionn €300 milliún do nach mór 5,000 tionscadal chun cláir a dhéanamh in Éirinn, do luchtanna féachana Éireannacha. Áirítear an méid seo a leanas leis sin: 659 tionscadal drámaíochta, 94 tionscadal beochana, breis is 3,200 clár faisnéise, 268 tionscadal oideachasúla, agus 445 tionscadal siamsaíochta, chomh maith le babhtaí spriocdhírithe maoinithe chun tacú le hearnálacha na meán tráchtála agus pobail. Is foinse ríthábhachtach mhaoinithe fós í Fuaim & Fís chun ábhar Gaeilge a léiriú agus tá os cionn 800 de na tionscadail a maoiníodh rangaithe mar thionscadail Ghaeilge/dhátheangacha.
Ag smaoineamh siar dó ar 20 bliain den scéim Fuaim & Fís, dúirt Coimisinéir Forbartha na Meán de chuid Choimisiún na Meán, Rónán Ó Domhnaill: ‘Tá ríméad orainn ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar fhiche bliain den Scéim iontach seo, a chabhraigh linn na mílte agus na mílte uair an chloig de chultúr na hÉireann a chur ar an aer. An tseachtain seo, tá seans maith ann go bhfaca tú nó gur éist tú le clár a mhaoinigh Fuaim & Fís. Ó chlasaicí scannáin amhail Hunger, Garage, An Cailín Ciúin, agus Brooklyn, go cláir shuimiúla raidió amhail Building a Ballet agus Mí Cheoil na hÉireann, cláir cheannródaíocha faisnéise amhail Birdsong, Katie agus The Forgotten Irish, agus cláir fhíorspéisiúla teilifíse amhail Aifric, Crá, The Dry agus Shooting the Darkness, tá Fuaim & Fís i ndiaidh dul ó neart go neart le 20 bliain anuas.
Ó Hollywood i gContae Chill Mhantáin go Hollywood, California, táimid bródúil gur ainmníodh sé cinn de léiriúcháin Fuaim & Fís do Ghradam Oscar – Brooklyn, The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea, Wolfwalkers, The Breadwinner agus An Cailín Ciúin. Scéim ar leith í seo in Éirinn a chuireann maoiniú ar fáil do léiriúcháin nach ndéanfaí murach an maoiniú seo, i nGaeilge agus i mBéarla araon, lena gcraoladh ar bhonn saorchraolta ar theilifís agus ar raidió na hÉireann.
An bhliain seo chugainn, táimid ag súil leis an gcéad leagan eile den Scéim a fhorbairt le léiriú a thabhairt ar a ról méadaithe mar chuid den Chiste Meán níos leithne agus leanfaimid orainn ag tacú le cláir ar ardchaighdeán a léiríonn cultúr, teanga, agus oidhreacht na hÉireann, ag cur sceitimíní ar luchtanna féachana ar fud na hÉireann sna blianta amach romhainn.”
Tá Scéim Fuaim & Fís ina croílár anois den léiriúchán meán in Éirinn agus tá ró-éileamh uirthi faoi láthair. Ó cuireadh tús le Fuaim & Fís in 2005, rinneadh os cionn 9,300 iarratas a mheasúnú faoin Scéim lenar lorgaíodh tuairim is €656 milliún. Anuraidh, chuaigh 90% den mhaoiniú a chuir Fuaim & Fís ar fáil chuig an earnáil léiriúcháin neamhspleách in Éirinn.
Trína próiseas neamhspleách measúnaithe, déanann an Scéim léiriúcháin a chur chun cinn ina nglacann mná príomhróil chruthaitheacha. Sa bhliain 2024, ba mhná iad 80% de léiritheoirí, 52% de scríbhneoirí, 48% de stiúrthóirí, 30% de stiúrthóirí fótagrafaíochta agus 60% d’eagarthóirí sna tograí teilifíse nó scannánaíochta a maoiníodh faoin Scéim, Ba mhór an tábhacht a bhain le tacaíocht Fuaim & Fís freisin ó thaobh clársceadalaithe a chruthú inar léiríodh guthanna imeallaithe i sochaí na hÉireann, agus tugadh maoiniú faoin Scéim do léiriúcháin amhail Sanctuary, atá suite i ndomhan daoine atá faoi mhíchumas intleachtúil, In Our Own Words a dhíríonn ar throid mhná na hÉireann ar son an chomhionannais, Dating Amber, ar scannán é faoi theacht amach in Éirinn sna 1990idí, agus Pablo, ar sraith bheochana é faoi bhuachaill cúig bliana d’aois a bhfuil uathachas air. Trína chomhpháirtíocht nuálaíoch Cine4 le TG4 agus Fís Éireann, arb é an aidhm atá léi léiriúcháin de phríomhscannáin úrnua Ghaeilge a mhaoiniú, tá Fuaim & Fís i ndiaidh roinnt príomhdhrámaí Gaeilge ar ardchaighdeán a mhaoiniú, amhail Arracht, Báite, agus Fréamhacha/Fréwaka.
I measc mórléiriúcháin eile Fuaim & Fís bhí Kneecap, a bhain roinnt gradam amach agus a thaitin go mór le luchtanna féachana in Éirinn agus ar fud na hÉireann. Tá an Scéim i ndiaidh cláir raidió a mhaoiniú i ngach contae in Éirinn freisin, amhail End of the Line do Radio Kerry, The Rising Sisters do Community Radio Youghal, The Cot Fisher Kings do KCLR FM, Left Behind do Shannonside 104FM, Voices from the River City do Limerick Live 95FM agus Ciarraí Amach de chuid Spin South West. Tá roinnt tionscadail raidió a fuair maoiniú faoin scéim Fuaim & Fís a bhain gradaim amach freisin, amhail The Kinder Letters agus Citizen Lockout 1913 de chuid Newstalk, William Melville and the Barber’s Spies de chuid Radio Kerry agus Francisco de chuid Ocean FM, a ghnóthaigh an duais mór le rá Prix Europa. Tacaíonn an Scéim freisin le Seachtain na Méan san Idirbhliain (IB) i gcomhar le Leaving Waves, ag déanamh meantóireachta ar scoláirí agus ag taispeáint dóibh conas taighde, léiriú agus tuairisciú raidió a dhéanamh.
Maoiníonn 7% d’fháltais ghlana Tháille an Cheadúnais Teilifíse, tríd an gCiste Craolacháin, an scéim Fuaim & Fís. Maoineofar an chéad leagan eile den Scéim tríd an gCiste Meán nua le tacaíocht leantach Tháille an Cheadúnais Teilifíse agus tá Coimisiún na Meán i dteagmháil leis an Roinn Cultúir, Cumarsáide agus Spóirt faoi láthair chun maoiniú ilbhlianta a chinntiú don Chiste Meán amach anseo.
Over €300 million awarded to almost 5,000 projects
Coimisiún na Meán is celebrating 20 years of the broadcasting funding scheme, Sound & Vision. The Scheme, which was first launched in 2005, has played a crucial role in shaping the Irish media landscape by supporting the creation of diverse, culturally relevant, and innovative content for Irish TV and radio audiences.
Over the last two decades, nearly 5,000 projects have been offered funding of just over €300 million to make programming in Ireland, for Irish audiences. These include: 659 drama projects, 94 animation projects, just over 3,200 documentaries, 268 educational projects and 445 entertainment projects, as well as targeted funding rounds to support the commercial and community media sectors. Sound & Vision remains a vital source of funding for producing Irish language content with over 800 hundred of the projects funded classified as Irish/bilingual.
Reflecting on 20 years of Sound & Vision, Coimisiún na Meán Media Development Commissioner, Rónán Ó Domhnaill said: ‘We are delighted to celebrate two decades of this extraordinary Scheme, which has helped put tens of thousands of hours of Irish culture on-air. There is a good chance that in the past week, you have either watched or listened to a programme that was funded by Sound & Vision. From film classics like Hunger, Garage, An Cailín Ciúin, and Brooklyn, engaging radio like Building a Ballet and Irish Music Month, landmark documentaries like Birdsong, Katie and the Forgotten Irish and captivating TV like Aifric, Crá, The Dry and Shooting the Darkness, Sound & Vision has gone from strength to strength over the last 20 years.
From Hollywood in County Wicklow, to Hollywood in California, we are proud that six Sound & Vision productions have been Oscar nominated – Brooklyn, The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea, Wolfwalkers, The Breadwinner and An Cailín Ciúin. The Scheme is unique in Ireland, funding productions which may not otherwise get made, in both the Irish and English languages, for broadcast free-to-air on Irish TV and radio.
Next year, we look forward to developing the next iteration of the Scheme to reflect its expanded role as part of the broader Media Fund and will continue to support high-quality programming that speaks to Irish culture, language and heritage, thrilling audiences across Ireland for decades to come.’’
Sound & Vision has become a pillar of media production in Ireland, and the Scheme is currently over-subscribed. Since the beginning of Sound & Vision in 2005, the Scheme has assessed over 9,300 applications seeking funding of approximately €656 million. Last year, over 90% of the funding provided by Sound & Vision went to the independent production sector in Ireland.
The Scheme encourages, through its independent assessment process, productions with women in a lead creative role. In 2024, for TV or film projects funded under the Scheme, 80% of producers, 52% of writers, 48% of directors, 30% of directors of photography, and 60% of editors were women. Sound & Vision support has also been instrumental in the creation of programming that features marginalised voices in Irish society and productions like Sanctuary which is set in the world of people with intellectual disabilities, In Our Own Words which focuses on the story of Irish women’s struggle for equality, Dating Amber a film about coming out in Ireland in the 1990s, and Pablo an animation series about a 5 year old boy with autisim were all funded through the Scheme. Through its innovative Cine4 partnership with TG4 and Fís Éireann, which seeks to fund original feature film productions in the Irish language, Sound & Vision has funded several high-quality Irish language feature dramas, such as Arracht, Báite, and Fréamhacha/Fréwaka.
Among other Sound & Vision highlights has been the multi-award-winning Kneecap, which has thrilled audiences in Ireland and around the world. The Scheme has also funded radio programming in every county across Ireland, with examples including End of the Line for Radio Kerry, The Rising Sisters for Community Radio Youghal, The Cot Fisher Kings for KCLR FM, Left Behind for Shannonside 104FM, Voices from the River City for Limerick Live 95FM and Spin South West’s Ciarraí Amach. There have also been several award-winning Sound & Vision radio projects such as Newstalk’s The Kinder Letters and Citizen Lockout 1913, Radio Kerry’s William Melville and the Barber’s Spies and Ocean FM’s Francisco’ which scooped the prestigious Prix Europa. The Scheme also supports Transition Year (TY) Media Week in collaboration with Learning Waves, mentoring students on how to research, produce and report for radio.
Sound & Vision is funded by 7% of the net receipts of the TV Licence Fee, through the Broadcasting Fund. The next iteration of the Scheme will be funded through the new Media Fund with the continued support of the TV Licence Fee, with Coimisiún na Meán currently engaged with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport to secure multi-year funding for the Media Fund in the future.
🎤 Club Focus Interviews :
In this week’s club focus, Adrian chats With Michelle Downes, West Clare Gaels Coach and their upcoming Ladies Intermediate Championship Football County Final this Sunday in Doonbeg, 12.45pm.
🏑 Football Updates:
Adrian and Seamus look at this weekends Intermediate semi finals & Senior Hurling Championship Final between Eire Óg Ennis and Clooney/Quin this Sunday in Cusack Park Ennis, Throw-in 3.30pm. Who will bring home the Canon Hamilton Cup?
📻 Don’t miss this packed show local pride, local teams & serious passion.
📡 Listen on RCB Radio here on the podcast– Your Home for Local Sport!
Official RCB page
Community activists from across Clare will gather in Ennis on Saturday 11th October for ‘Rural Rejigs’, a day of celebration, discussion, networking, guest speakers, live music, dance and free food.
The free event, to which all are welcome, will be a 10th birthday celebration for Clare Public Participation Network (PPN), a network of over 450 community groups from every corner of the Banner County.
Attendees will hear stories of inspiring grassroots projects and will ask: How can we all work together to create a future of thriving communities across Clare?
Mary O’Donoghue of Clare PPN said: “This will be a big thank you to the scores of community activists who have freely given their time, energy and skills over the past 10 years to represent the voice of community groups at local government.”
“Clare PPN is not one group, it is hundreds. Join us in celebrating 10 years of Clare PPN -– and tell us what you want from your PPN in the next 10 years.”
“Nothing about us, without us,” said Damon Matthew Wise Âû of Clare PPN. “For 10 years the PPN has ensured that grassroots groups have an equal say at committees of Clare County Council and other policy-making bodies.”
A panel on ‘Communities doing it for themselves’ will feature inspiring stories from community co-ops and social enterprises.
Live entertainment will feature traditional Irish and international Clare-based artists Brian Fleming, Floriane Blanche and Quentin Cooper, while Seán Nós dancer Louise O’Connor and Mohamed Alloh will lead a Céilí and Palestinian Dabke dance.
Rural Rejigs take place from 10am to 5pm at the Maria Assumpta Hall, Station Road, Ennis and will include free lunch, tea, coffee and birthday cake.
Admission is free but registration is essential to secure your place. Book your free ticket here:
https://buytickets.at/clareppn/1877202
The booking link is also available via the Clare PPN homepage: www.clareppn.ie
Clare PPN is an independent network of more than 450 not-for-profit organisations throughout the county. Its mission is to ensure community groups have the opportunity to bring their expertise and opinions to bear on the County Council’s policies, plans and activities. The PPN also offers training and other supports to member groups, and opportunities for groups to collaborate and network.
Check out your local library on Saturday, September 27th and ‘Take a Closer Look’ at what’s on offer.
On Saturday, September 27th, we are celebrating the valuable work of Public Libraries in Ireland and inviting you to ‘Take a Closer Look’ at your local library. On this day, libraries will be demonstrating some of the wonderful events and services that they offer and everyone is welcome to come in and get involved.
If you can’t make it into the library on the day, consider joining your local library service online—membership is free for anyone living in Ireland and gives you access to a wide range of resources and services.
Dublin City FM is totally unique on the Irish radio landscape, with a weekly audience of 390,000 adults.
We are now seeking a dedicated and highly organised Operations Manager to join our team. This is a key role, working closely with the CEO, Business Development and Programming Managers and other staff to ensure the smooth running of the station’s day-to-day operations.
Key Responsibilities
The Operations Manager will oversee a broad range of operational and administrative functions, including:
Financial Administration – supporting budgeting, invoicing, payroll and financial record-keeping.
Grants – managing applications, reporting and compliance.
Systems & Technology – overseeing IT systems, software and supporting studio, transmitter and technical operations.
HR & Recruitment – coordinating recruitment, interviews, interns, training, HR processes, and Health & Safety policies.
Compliance & Governance – ensuring compliance with licences, contracts, insurance, governance obligations, and communication with Irelands media regulator Coimisiún na Meán, Comreg and other regulatory bodies.
Stakeholder Relationships – managing relationships with landlord, suppliers and community partners.
General Operations – ensuring the station runs efficiently and effectively on a daily basis.
About You
We’re looking for someone who is:
Highly organised, detail-oriented and adaptable.
Experienced in operations, administration, or management (media background a plus but not essential).
Comfortable working across finance, HR, compliance and technology.
A strong communicator who can work well with a diverse team of staff, volunteers and stakeholders.
Proactive, problem-solving and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
What We Offer
The opportunity to play a central role in one of Dublin’s most established local radio stations.
A supportive and collaborative working environment.
Salary commensurate with experience
Dublin City FM is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from under-represented groups in the media sector.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role to by 5pm, Friday 3rd October
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: €40,000.00-€45,000.00 per year
Work authorisation:
Ireland (required)
Work Location: In person
Job details
Pay €40,000–€45,000 a year
Job type: Full-time
Location:DUBLIN 7, County Dublin
Application deadline: 02/10/2025
Reference ID: Operations Manager
Expected start date: 21/10/2025
https://ie.indeed.com/job/operations-manager-f35376f886d327ab
Rita McCarthy, about her new book, ‘Forgotten Lives’. The book tells the story of the Kilrush mother and baby home known as The County Nursery, which was in operation from 1922 to 1932, and is published by Banner Books. Listen to the Banner BookCast audio here
Who are we looking for?
The Clare LCSP is looking for community volunteers to be members, one from each of these Municipal Districts: Ennis, Killaloe, Shannon, and West Clare.
Clare PPN has been asked to find these people. We are especially keen to hear from groups who are often left out of these conversations and who will represent the safety concerns of people living in your area.
Any PPN member group/organisation registered in West Clare Municipal District is entitled to nominate a candidate for the West Clare Municipal District representative role.
What would I have to do?
This is a voluntary role (you will not be paid, but your contribution is valued).
The term is for up to 3 years.
You must attend meetings (at least 6 per year) and training sessions.
You will speak up for your municipal district, not for yourself.
You might be asked to join a smaller committee on a specific issue.
How do I apply?
You can apply at the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/Z7qMWe6JZ3
The deadline to apply is: 4 pm, Monday, October 13th
If more nominations are received than roles available, an election process will take place within the Municipal District/Social Inclusion Pillar which will conclude on Monday, 20th October
Why is this important?
This is a real chance to have your voice heard. You can help make sure that community safety plans actually address the issues that matter most to you and your community.
More information:
A more detailed explanation of the LCSP background can be found here: 
Community Rep Nominees LCSP
Frequently Asked Questions can be found here: FAQ LCSP final
Pride Event Set Up- Ennis
Quare Clare will host their march on Saturday, September 20th 2025, The march will start at 12.30pm, followed by a family friendly day in the foyer of Glór. This will include music, and a selection of stalls.
They are looking for volunteers to support then during the morning to decorate Glór for the Event.
Volunteers will be required from 10am to 12pm to prepare for the event.
Putting up balloons.
Setting up refreshments area
Putting up bunting and flags.
Once the march is over all volunteers are welcome to join the group in Glor to enjoy the event.
If you have availability on Saturday 20th Sept from 10am to 12pm in Ennis town please email
Youth Bus Assistant – Helium Clare Branch
Helium is a national children’s arts and health charity, providing free, inclusive, creativity-based programmes for children and young people living with long term physical health conditions.
They are looking for volunteers to take on the role of Youth Bus Assistant. This would be working alongside a qualified Special Needs Assistant. The volunteer would support children as they board and exit the bus safely. The children would be aged from 8 – 13 years. to go to and from their community workshop. All necessary training would be provided.
The role involves travelling with the group to the workshop or camp, remaining on-site while it takes place, and returning with the group afterwards.
The first event starts on Wed 29th Oct to Friday 31st Oct for their Halloween Camp.
This will be followed by other camps / workshops.
Parents/guardians will bring their child to the bus for departure and meet them again at drop-off. Handovers and travel logistics are handled by families and staff, not the volunteer.
This is a pilot programme and it is hope that a number of volunteers will then be part of a panel to provide support for other events
If you have an interest in working with children with additional needs and have availability at the end of Oct please contact
Listening volunteers – The Samaritans
The Samaritans offer a free confidential helpline for people who are upset, troubled or feeling suicidal.
They are currently looking for volunteers to join their Team which is based at their Centre in Ennis. The recruitment for the Autumn intake will start in the next few weeks with training to commence in October 2025. The Samaritans will be carrying out their bespoke training over 6 consecutive Wednesday nights at a venue in Ennis town .
They are looking to meet with volunteers beforehand to outline the requirement and discuss the suitability for the role. All volunteers must be fluent in English and be available to take part in the full training.
Following the training and screening this role is for 3 hours a week on a rota basis and full training and mentoring is provided. Once a volunteer is trained it is hoped that they may be able to commit to 2 years.
If you are interested in please contact Dolores on 065 68 45517 or email for further details and to be referred.
Supportive Social Companion – Kilrush
The Brothers of Charity who as a person centred organisation that recognises each person as unique, are looking for a volunteer to accompany an individual to whom they provide supports, on outings any evening or weekend. This person has a range of interests and is looking for a volunteer to accompany her on walks in West Clare, go for a coffee or to a planned music event.
The role will take place on any evening or Saturday and will offer the right person an opportunity to work with an young woman with an intellectual disability and be supported by the organisation. It will help the her to develop more relationships and become more confident.
If you have 2 hours a week to spare please contact Dolores on 065 68 45517 or email
Failte Isteach – Scariff
Fáilte Isteach is an organisation that provides opportunities for people to contribute to their communities and engage actively in society. Fáilte Isteach involves volunteers welcoming migrants to the community through conversational English classes.
The group set up in Scariff are looking for volunteers on a Friday morning from 11am to 12.30pm
The aim of the volunteer tutor is to assist people that are new to the community to improve their spoken English. Failte Isteach offers bespoke training and provide resources and all materials to include books. All training is done in person or on Zoom and once trained they can carry out the role either face to face or online. All volunteers must be over 18years of age and have good WIFI coverage at home if they wish to tutor online.
Failte Isteach – Kilkee
The English support groups based in Kilkee has resulted in many great friendships and the sharing of skills along with plenty of walks out and some very good food.
They are looking for additional volunteers to support the groups. The classes take place on a Wednesday morning from 11am to 1pm. The classes include plenty of chat & games to encourage all participants to use the language. There is plenty of tea/coffee on site at all times and along with a great welcome.
Please note that you do not have to have a teaching background to assist in this role but must have good people skills and the ability to keep conversation flowing.
If you are interested in either of these locations please contact Dolores on 065 68 45517 on
We join Robbie Brown who lead a captivating Heritage Week walk to Kilnagallaigh Graveyard, the site of an ancient abbey, and the sacred place where St Senan passed away.
With Teresa Jackson, Chris Behan, Audrey Spendlove.
Kilkee-Bealaha Hurling Club
Corofin GAA Club
Banner GAA Ennis 
EnnistymonGaa
Kilrush Shamrocks Football Club 
O’Currys GAA 
Naomh Eoin GAA
Doonbeg Football Club
Kilmihil GAA Club
TippGAA