Clare FM - Podcasts

Stephen Fletcher presents this Sunday's Beyond Belief and takes a look behind the scenes at St Mary's Catherdral in Limerick.

Stephen Fletcher leads our Sunday Prayer on today, Sunday 23rd November 2025 the Feast of Christ the King

On this weeks show We look ahead to another busy weekend of action with two Clare sides looking to reach Munster football finals, Clooney-Quin bidding for Munster camogie glory, while the U21A football champions will also be crowned. We will previews Clare Oscar Traynor Munster semi final, hear from St Flannan's mentor Brendan Bugler and Alan Troy will be along with Greyhound Focus too

Kyle Duffy is a singer songwriter from Wicklow who released his debut single, “Sunset Lover”. It's a folk/country track that reflects on the feeling of chasing a moment you don't want to end — inspired by finding that final love the one we all look for, fading light, and the people who make it all mean something.

To look ahead to a busy weekend of GAA fixtures - Clare FM's Derrick Lynch was live in-studio on Friday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey. Games Previewed: Munster SFC Club Championship Semi Final: St. Finbarr's v Éire Óg (Sunday, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 3:30pm) Munster IFC Club Championship Semi Final: Corofin v An Ghaeltacht (Sunday, Corofin, 1pm) Munster Junior Club Camogie Final: Clooney-Quin v Patrickswell (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chíosóg, 1pm) Oscar Traynor Cup: Clare v Limerick (Saturday, Frank Healy Park, 5:30pm)

It's feared ongoing industrial action coupled with a lack of forward planning would leave Clare in serious disarray in a sudden or extreme weather event. It follows accusations from elected representatives that this county has shown no signs of learning lessons from Storm Éowyn.

It's time for another episode of our newest feature on Morning Focus, Traditional Greats. Traditional Greats is presented and produced by Therese McInerney. This captivating 26-part series celebrates the enduring legacy of traditional Irish music in our county. Each episode pays tribute to a legendary Clare musician who has passed on, but whose influence continues to inspire generations. Therese speaks with musicians from across the county, exploring how these iconic figures shaped their musical journeys and contributed to Clare's unique cultural heritage. Throughout the series, the timeless sounds of these greats are brought vividly to life, weaving their legacy into the very fabric of Clare's musical identity. Listeners will enjoy a rich and heartfelt journey through the melodies, stories, and traditions that define our county's proud musical history. In the latest episode of Traditional Greats, Therese pays tribute to East Clare Greats, with assistance from Mary McNamara.

Clare Youth Service will join Youth Work Ireland and youth services nationwide in celebrating Oíche na hÓige today (November 21st). This new initiative by the Department of Education and Youth is a night to recognise the transformative impact of youth work in Ireland and honour the creativity, connection, and confidence that youth work brings to young people and communities across Ireland. On Friday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke with Margaret Slattery, CEO Clare Youth Service Photo (c) Hub Na nÓg

It's feared Clare's response plan would fall victim to a number of critical errors if an extreme weather event struck again. Councillors have warned the local authority this week that communities are none the wiser since Storm Éowyn. The storm which brought winds of 180km/h down on the county, left over 44,000 people here without power. It's since emerged that Clare has been denied funding to enhance facilities at community response hubs, while concerns have also been raised that emergency council crews wouldn't be readily available to fell trees or clear debris due to ongoing industrial action. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan has been getting the mood of North and West Clare Councillors, beginning with Lisdoonvarna's Joe Garrihy. Photo (c) Clare FM

The Courthouse Gallery in Ennistymon is the venue for next Monday's latest talk presented by the North Clare Historical Society on the 24th November at 8pm. The talk, titled Stories in Stone: Exploring Doolin's Ancient Landscape, will be given by Kate Lavender-Duncan. Alan Morrissey spoke to Kate on Friday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) The Burren College of Art

Luca Luigi Aschieri, a resident of Ballyvaughan, has created a project called ‘Stories for Peace'. The project to give a voice to the children and youth who have fled war and are living in a refugee camp in Uganda. To find out more, Luca joined Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus.

Plans to build a sewerage treatment plant on a scenic tourist attraction in Kilkee are being met with opposition. Uisce Eireann is proposing to build the plant just 100 metres from the Kilkee Cliff Walk, which research last year revealed was the most-loved Irish tourist spot by users of Tripadvisor. Local residents are taking a judicial review against the utility's plans. To find out more, Alan Morrissey spoke with local resident and member the of Save Kilkee Cliff Walk Group, Joanne Dillon. Image (c) Visit Clare

The authority responsible for the Limerick to Scariff Greenway has pledged to bring all East Clare residents with it as it progresses the project. The 43-kilometre greenway, which will be carried out in five stages, is being delivered by Waterways Ireland in partnership with Clare County Council and Limerick City and County Council. Public consultation on the first section, which spans from Blackbridge to Errina Bridge, is set to take place in the first half of next year. Speaking after a presentation to Killaloe Municipal District, Waterways Ireland Western Regional Manager Brian Treacy says locals will have the opportunity to make contributions before any section goes to planning.

Clare Gardaí are warning road users to take all necessary precautions amid "challenging and dangerous" road conditions. Temperatures fell below zero across the county overnight resulting in widespread frost and icy stretches on the roads network. While no weather warning is currently in place in Clare, Superintendent with the Clare-Tipperary Garda Division Eddie Golden is warning motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to exercise caution when embarking on journeys. He's been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons that colder weather coupled with an increased number of vehicles on the road makes for treacherous conditions.

It's time for another episode of our newest feature on Morning Focus, Traditional Greats. Traditional Greats is presented and produced by Therese McInerney. This captivating 26-part series celebrates the enduring legacy of traditional Irish music in our county. Each episode pays tribute to a legendary Clare musician who has passed on, but whose influence continues to inspire generations. Therese speaks with musicians from across the county, exploring how these iconic figures shaped their musical journeys and contributed to Clare's unique cultural heritage. Throughout the series, the timeless sounds of these greats are brought vividly to life, weaving their legacy into the very fabric of Clare's musical identity. Listeners will enjoy a rich and heartfelt journey through the melodies, stories, and traditions that define our county's proud musical history. In the latest episode of Traditional Greats, Therese pays tribute to Tony McMahon, with the help of Jack Talty.

Danny Lynch, Chef at Le Cheile, Barefield was back again with Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus. This week, Danny treats us to delicious pork belly with a lemon & lime cheesecake for desert.

On Tuesday's Morning Focus, the County Arts Officer Siobhan Mulcahy highlighted some of the numerous Christmas markets that will be taking place around County Clare. A Christmas market will take place in Tulla. To find out more about what we can expect from it, Fran Torpey was live in-studio on Thursday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey. Tickets are available at the Silver branch wine bar and christmas fair in Tulla.

Joe Queally, an author and local historian from Fanore, is launching his new book in Ennistymon in the 21st of November. The North Clare launch of ‘Tragedies of Clare' will take place at the Courthouse Gallery from 8pm. To tell us more, Joe and Tom Scales joined Alan on Thursday's Morning Focus.

Glór will host the Cantare Christmas Choir next month. The concert on the 19th of December will be in aid of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and in memory of Olivia Tuohy, who passed away in Edinburgh last May. Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by Kieran Tuohy, father of Olivia Tuohy, Carmel Honan of Cantare Choir, Musical Director Michael Hennessy & Soprano Helen Catherine Ball.

On this week's episode of Clare Women In Business, Pat Flynn chats with Sharon Barrington, General Manager of IFF Plastics based near Cree in West Clare. Clare Women in Business is funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the television licence fee.

The Government wants to find a balance to ensure remote working suits employers and their employees. The right to request a remote working arrangement was introduced as part of last year's Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act. The Department of Enterprise has now launched a public consultation to monitor if the arrangement is working for all parties. Employer groups and high profile business owners have come out against remote working but Minister of State Alan Dillon says everyone's voice has to be heard. Director and Founder of Careerwise Recruitment, Joe Robbins joined Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Marek Levak from Pexels via canva

Gill Moses joined Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus to talk about a very interesting event she will be holding in Ennis next month. Chapel Lane Community Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre will be the venue for the Death Café on Sunday, 14th of December.

The folks at Clare Comhairle na nÓg must be in good spirits, following their great performance at the recent IPB Pride of Place Awards. They were named runner-up in the Community Youth Initiative category in recognition of the leadership shown by their young members as agents of change on issues such as mental health, discrimination and inclusion. The group developed a creative project on discrimination, which led to the introduction of the ‘Free Period Products' initiative. On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Isabel Gurare, member of Clare Comhairle na nÓg and Brian McManus, Clare Comhairle na nÓg Coordinator. Photo (c) Clare Youth Service Facebook

Health insurance costs are set to go up again in April of next year. The Government levy on health insurance premiums that supports the community rating system is set to increase by around 10 per cent. That allows people to buy policies regardless of their age, health status and other risk factors at the same price. The Health Insurance Authority says the stamp duty levy for adults will increase by 48 euro from next April, while it will increase by 16 euro for children. It will affect advanced plans which account for more than 90 per cent of the private health insurance market. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Kay Murphy, Former Active Retirement Ireland President and Shannon resident and Larry Hally, Vice Chair of the Clare Older People's Council on Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Pixabay

A Clare Airbnb host says she feels unfairly scapegoated for the wider housing crisis. Miltown Malbay mother-of-hour Lorna Cahill has spoken of her experience as a small-scale host in the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. The committee is currently reviewing the Short-Term Letting and Tourism Bill which was approved by the Government in April and requires hosts to register their property with Fáilte Ireland if they are letting it for 21 nights or less. Lorna says her property isn't suitable as a long-term residence.

Clare County Council has been asked to "step up to the plate" and acquire lands for a new car park in the east of the county "as a matter of urgency". At this week's meeting of East Clare's local elected representatives, Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien requested an update on the purchase of land known locally as Dean's Field for the provision of a new car park in Killaloe. Killaloe Municipal District responded saying legal issues have resulted in acquisition process taking longer than anticipated. Councillor O'Brien says the local authority needs to move more quickly.

The Kilfenora Ceilí Band are getting into the Christmas spirit! The legendary group have just released their first ever Christmas song 'A Boston Christmas'! Tim Collins, who wrote the song and John Lynch, band leader were in-studio with Alan Morrissey on Wednesday's Morning Focus.

Tommy Corbett, from Carey Corbett Financial Solutions was back on Wednesday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey to talk on how to look after your Christmas budget.

A South-East Clare community is expressing shock and dismay over the sudden postponement of a hearing that could decide the future of a contentious windfarm development. An Coimisúin Pleanála was due to hear from seven speakers at Treacy's Oakwood Hotel tomorrow regarding aviation safety concerns over Ballycar Green Energy's plans to construct 12 turbines of up 150 metres in height near Meelick. The meeting was suddenly cancelled last night , with ACP stating the developer and AirNav Ireland would be entering into further negotiations, and that the case would be refixed for a date in January. Ardnacrusha Fianna Fáil Councillor Rachel Hartigan has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that it's not good enough for local residents.

It's time for another episode of our newest feature on Morning Focus, Traditional Greats. Traditional Greats is presented and produced by Therese McInerney. This captivating 26-part series celebrates the enduring legacy of traditional Irish music in our county. Each episode pays tribute to a legendary Clare musician who has passed on, but whose influence continues to inspire generations. Therese speaks with musicians from across the county, exploring how these iconic figures shaped their musical journeys and contributed to Clare's unique cultural heritage. Throughout the series, the timeless sounds of these greats are brought vividly to life, weaving their legacy into the very fabric of Clare's musical identity. Listeners will enjoy a rich and heartfelt journey through the melodies, stories, and traditions that define our county's proud musical history. In the latest episode of Traditional Greats, Therese pays tribute to Tom Carey, with help from Josephine Marsh.

Antibiotics won't help if you have a cold or flu. Tuesday was European Antibiotic Awareness Day, and the Irish Pharmacy Union marked the occasion by urging us not to use them for viral infections, as they can cause more harm than good. It can mean they're less effective when you do need them, and can cause side effects like skin rashes, nausea, or diarrhoea. Alan Morrissey has been speaking about this with Feidhlim Hillery of Hillery's Pharmacy in Shannon town. Photo (c) Towfiqu Barbhuiya via Canva

An information evening on Human Trafficking will be held in Ennis on Thursday, the 20th of November. The Templegate Hotel is the venue for the event hosted by Ennis & District Soroptimists. Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by Mary Hanley, President of Soroptimists Ennis & District Club to find out more.

Last May, we heard about incorrect disposal of waste at the recycling centre in Tulla. The issue appears to have reared its head in that part of East Clare once again. To find out more, Alan Morrissey spoke to Tulla Tidy Towns representative Tim Humphries and Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor, Pat Hayes. Image (c) Clare County Council

Transport Infrastructure Ireland recorded 25 road traffic collisions on the Clare stretch of the M18/N18 motorway between September and October. TII has commenced an investigation into the cause of the incidents and has stated that the 16 crashes recorded in September alone is "far above the monthly average" for the route. A Clare TD, meanwhile, is set to meet with Clare Chief Superintendent Aileen Magner to request a greater Garda presence on the network. Meelick Fianna Fáil Deputy Cathal Crowe says it's a miracle no lives were lost.

There's a call for pressure to be kept on the HSE to re-establish a full-time GP practice on the main street of a Clare village. Newmarket-on-Fergus has been without a permanent general practitioner since the resignation of the previous occupier of the office in May of 2019. Saffron and Blue Medical Centre in Clarecastle currently operates a temporary practice at Carrigoran House which serves a medical card list of in excess of 800 people. Newmarket-on-Fergus Fianna Fáil Councillor David Griffin claims a "void" is felt by locals.

It's time for another episode of our newest feature on Morning Focus, Traditional Greats. Traditional Greats is presented and produced by Therese McInerney. This captivating 26-part series celebrates the enduring legacy of traditional Irish music in our county. Each episode pays tribute to a legendary Clare musician who has passed on, but whose influence continues to inspire generations. Therese speaks with musicians from across the county, exploring how these iconic figures shaped their musical journeys and contributed to Clare's unique cultural heritage. Throughout the series, the timeless sounds of these greats are brought vividly to life, weaving their legacy into the very fabric of Clare's musical identity. Listeners will enjoy a rich and heartfelt journey through the melodies, stories, and traditions that define our county's proud musical history. In the latest episode of Traditional Greats, Therese pays tribute to Seamus Mac Mathúna, with the help of Garry Shannon.

On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined once again in-studio by local historian and author Colm Liddy. This week, Colm brought us the story about Bishop James O'Shaughnessy. Photo (c) Colm Liddy

William Cahir, from Cahir & Co. Solicitors was on Tuesday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey for our legal advice slot. This week, William spoke various government housing grants in light of housing policy review last week. Photo (c) Cahir & Co. Solicitors

Parents should take care to keep their kids safe with their Christmas gift choices. This advice is coming from CyberSafeKids, Ireland's online safety charity. They have released their new ‘Gadget Gift Guide'. Many children will be looking for smart devices, the guide can help parents make safer and more informed decisions when purchasing these devices for their children. Pat Clarke Browne, Owner of Shannon-based Munster Business spoke with Alan Morrissey on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) by bankkgraphy from Getty Images via Canva

A cattery in Co. Clare has been recognised at this year's Local Pet Awards. Colin's Garden Cattery in Connolly won the Registered Cat Breeder of the Year award! To tell us more, Alan Morrissey was joined by the owner, Beata Raszka.

Ennis Tidy Towns are running a free "Crafternoon" this Saturday the 22nd of November. To tell us more about this free initiative, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ennis Tidy Towns members, Shayla Hilpert and Mary Howard.

With requests for help set to exceed 250,000 this year, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) has launched its Annual Appeal, urging public support for families under pressure. This year's theme, ‘The Wonder of Christmas', reflects the rising calls from people ‘wondering' how they will put food on the table, keep homes warm, and afford toys this December. Alan Morrissey was joined by Denis Carty, Clare SVP President on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) SVP

Residents of a West Clare community say they continue to live in fear on a daily basis due to a treacherous stretch of road. It comes as Transport Infrastructure Ireland has been requested to carry out a speed limit review and erect warning signage on the N68 between Darragh and McNamee's Cross following a spate of road traffic collisions. Since 2007, four people have been killed along the route, with a further eleven hospitalised. Local Resident Collette Gavin who previously lost a loved one on the road has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that action is urgently needed. We also hear from June Dillon, Clare's Aontú rep who has been raising her own concerns following the incident involving a truck last week. Photo (c) Google Maps

Residents of a West Clare community say they live in fear on a daily basis due to a treacherous stretch of road. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has been requested to carry out a speed limit review and erect warning signage on the N68 between Darragh and McNamee's Cross following a spate of recent road traffic collisions. Since 2007, four people have been killed along the route, with a further eleven hospitalised. Local resident Colette Gavin, who previously lost a loved one on the road says action is urgently needed.

Concern has emerged that the digital health records of most Clare patients won't be available for at least another five years. It follows confirmation from the HSE's Chief Technology Officer that the Dublin North East Region will be the first to go live under the Digital for Care Plan 2030, and will not be operational until around 2029. At present, electronic health records are available in the MidWest for maternity, neonatology, and gynaecology services. Clare Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan says much more progress is needed.

Ryanair is expressing confidence that it'll see a further expansion of its operations in Shannon in the future following a jobs boost today. The budget airline is holding a recruitment event at the Park Inn by Radisson at Shannon Airport on November 29th to fill 25 new cabin crew jobs at its Clare base. The announcement of the posts comes in a year when the airline has added a fourth-based aircraft as well as 180,000 extra seats through routes to Rome, Madrid, Warsaw and Poznan to its Shannon activities. Ryanair's Director of Communications Jade Kirwan has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons the new roles boast an "industry-leading" salary and don't require prior cabin crew experience.

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch and Tommy Guilfoyle joined Alan Morrissey to review the weekend's sporting fixtures. Games reviewed: Munster Club SHC Semi-Final: Éire Óg 2-20 Loughmore-Castleiney 1-16 (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg) Munster Club IHC Semi-Final: Tallow (Waterford) 1-21 O'Callaghan's Mills 1-23 (Sunday, Mallow) Clare U21 A Football Championship Semi-Finals: Ennistymon v Kilmurry Ibrickane (Saturday, Cooraclare) Clondegad v Cooraclare (Sunday, Ennistymon) Clare U21 B Football Championship Semi-Finals: Cratloe v Banner (Saturday, Clarecastle) Eire Óg v Corofin (Monday evening) Munster Junior Cup Fourth Round (Sunday): Bridge United v Grattan United Newmarket Celtic v Abbeyfeale United (McDonough Park) Fairgreen Celtic and BT Harps (Lees Road)

The hugely popular Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre was back on Monday's Morning Focus to answer all your gardening questions. This week Judy spoke about apple trees and how to look after them.

The Devil's in the Dance Hall is coming to Mullagh this Saturday, 22nd of November. A brand-new interactive dance-theatre experience by Edwina Guckian, exploring the wild, controversial, rebellious history of Ireland's dance halls—where waltzes were “degenerate,” the Church warned of “sin,” and the people danced anyway. To tell us more, Alan Morrissey was joined by the creator of the project and recipient of the 2023 Markievicz Award, Edwina Guckian. Image (c) edwinaguckian.com

It's time for another episode of our newest feature on Morning Focus, Traditional Greats. Traditional Greats is presented and produced by Therese McInerney. This captivating 26-part series celebrates the enduring legacy of traditional Irish music in our county. Each episode pays tribute to a legendary Clare musician who has passed on, but whose influence continues to inspire generations. Therese speaks with musicians from across the county, exploring how these iconic figures shaped their musical journeys and contributed to Clare's unique cultural heritage. Throughout the series, the timeless sounds of these greats are brought vividly to life, weaving their legacy into the very fabric of Clare's musical identity. Listeners will enjoy a rich and heartfelt journey through the melodies, stories, and traditions that define our county's proud musical history. In the latest episode of Traditional Greats, Therese pays tribute to Sonny Murray, with the help of Gerladine Cotter.

With over 25 years of experience in home energy upgrades, Ashgrove Renewables invites you to the Radisson Blu Hotel on Monday, 24th November at 6:30pm to learn about vacant and derelict house grants, additional SEAI upgrade grants, the application process and real-life success stories. Homeowners are showing huge interest in bringing empty or run-down properties back to life, and this event could help you do just that. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Shane Murphy, Sales and Technical Director at Ashgrove Renewables. Image (c) Ashgrove Renewables via Instagram