Clare FM - Podcasts

There will be no reduction in the number of special needs assistants next year. An extra €19 million euro has been agreed to fund SNAs. It follows a meeting with several ministers last night, over a public backlash to planned SNA cuts in almost 200 schools around the country. Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe, who's Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth says it will be a huge relief to pupils and parents.

An Post says it's confident of retaining its services in a prominent East Clare town. The National Postal Service is in the process of recruiting a new operator for Killaloe, with the current Postmistress understood to be retiring in May. An Post is accepting applications for the vacancy until Wednesday and, has told Clare FM that it's expecting a healthy level of interest in the contract. Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien is hopeful of a positive outcome.

A Clare Hotelier says the Government must take steps to reduce operating costs to ensure the industry can remain viable. The Irish Hotel's Federation is holding its 88th annual conference in Kilarney today, where members across the country are meeting to dicuss challenges facing the sector. A recent IHF survey shows that while room occupancy improved last year, 92% of hoteliers are concerned about the outlook for the global economy. Chair of the Shannon IHF Branch and Co-Owner of the Temple Gate and Shannon Springs Hotels Dermot Kelly has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that policies need to be introduced to reduce costs.

A Clare Hotelier says the Government must take steps to reduce operating costs to ensure the industry can remain viable. The Irish Hotel's Federation is holding its 88th annual conference in Kilarney today, where members across the country are meeting to discuss challenges facing the sector. A recent IHF survey shows that while room occupancy improved last year, 92% of hoteliers are concerned about the outlook for the global economy. Chair of the Shannon IHF Branch and Co-Owner of the Temple Gate and Shannon Springs Hotels Dermot Kelly has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that policies need to be introduced to reduce costs.

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch, Tommy Guilfoyle and Derek Dormer all joined Alan Morrissey on Monday's Mornings Focus to look back on a busy weekend of sports. Games Reviewed: National Hurling League Division 1B, Round 4: Kildare 3-14 Clare 0-27 (Saturday, St. Conleth's Park Newbridge) National Football League: Clare 0-24 Laois 2-15 (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg) Centra Camogie League Division 1B: Clare 0-16 Wexford 0-7 (Saturday, Clareabbey) LGFA National Football League Division 3: Clare 4-7 Laois 2-11 (Sunday, Clarecastle Astro)

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre was back with some of her great advice on all things gardening. This week on Monday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey, Judy spoke about Raspberries.

The Government has launched a public consultation on a new permanent disability support payment, aimed at addressing the extra, everyday costs faced by disabled people. It follows years of debate — from the 2021 Indecon report which estimated additional annual disability-related costs of up to €12,000, to the scrapping of the controversial Green Paper reforms in 2024 after widespread backlash. Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary says this consultation will ensure disabled people's voices are central to shaping the new payment, with submissions open until April 7th. But against a backdrop of rising living costs and fresh protests over recent payment cuts — with some households said to be €1,400 worse off — questions remain about what meaningful support will actually look like. Alan Morrissey was speaking about this with Michael Meere of Clare Leader Forum on Monday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) thodonal from Getty Images via Canva.com

Lynda Duffy, Licensed RTT Practitioner, joined Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus to highlight Eating Disorder Awareness Week, which begins today, 23rd February. With just three public specialist beds for adults currently available nationwide, Lynda says early intervention is more important than ever. Having recovered from an eating disorder herself, she's passionate about raising awareness and offering practical advice. Photo (c) Pedrosala Getty Images vai Canva

A small detail on an official document has sparked a wider question about identity and geography in the Mid-West. Pádraig Langsch from Shannon took to social media after his mother's renewed driver's licence listed her address as “Tullyvarraga, Shannon, Limerick.” Now, we've all noticed over the years the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa listed as being in “Limerick,” despite actually being located in Clare. Meanwhile, parts of UL straddle the border, and even Shannon Airport has incorrectly been referred to as being in the Limerick. Pádraig joined Alan Morrissey to discuss this further.

There has been a push by locals for development of The Point in Shannon — a scenic spot on the Shannon Estuary that many locals feel deserves more recognition. A Shannon resident has suggested turning it into a much-loved walking and cycling link from Shannon Airport to Bunratty Bridge, something that could rival the Greenways seen around Ireland and help open up this beautiful part of Clare to residents and visitors alike. Alan Morrissey spoke with Blaise Phelan, who sparked the conversation, and Cllr Tony Mulcahy, Shannon Fine Gael councillor to discuss the idea. Image © Vic O via TripAdvisor

On March 4th, 2025, one man set off from Istanbul, Turkey with an extraordinary goal — to walk more than 6,000 kilometres all the way home to Claremorris in County Mayo… completely barefoot. Eamonn Keaveney has already smashed the existing world record for the longest barefoot journey and is now making his way across Ireland, raising funds for Jigsaw and Friends of the Earth along the way. Alan Morrissey was delighted to speak with Eamonn about this incredible journey and what it has meant to him. Image © Eamonn Keaveney

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) has confirmed that the Kilrush-based research vessel Celtic Mist will be retired at the end of the 2026 season. For more than a decade, the 17-metre yacht has played a vital role in surveying Ireland's inshore and offshore waters, contributing over 100,000 kilometres of marine research in support of whale and dolphin conservation. Alan Morrissey spoke with Mags Daly the Shannon Dolphin Project Officer to discuss what changes this might mean for the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group research. Image © Eoghan Quinn Via IWDG.ie

A Clare developer who's been fighting for 20 years to get planning permission for a development on the site of a former pub says no one will "put a gun" to his head and stop him from achieving his aim. Noel O'Loughlin has withdrawn an application for a mixed-use development, including assisted living houses, on the site of Purcell's Lounge Bar in Ruan due to wastewater connectivity issues. It's the fifth time the Corofin native has attempted to get approval for a redevelopment of the building which was subject to an act of vandalism earlier this month. He says he intends to keep moving forward until the project is realised.

The construction of Ireland's first ever strategic gas reserve to be located off Clare's coast could get underway within two years. Gas Networks Ireland is holding information events in Kildysart Community Hall from 6pm to 9pm on Wednesday and Thursday regarding the proposed Cahercon development. The project is expected to create up to 450 jobs and will involve the installation of a deep water jetty storing liquefied natural gas in the Shannon Estuary that would be only be used in the event of an energy supply emergency. Gas Networks Ireland Chief Operating Officer Bobby Gleeson says there's still a long road ahead.

Businesses and residents in Ennis' Architectural Conservation area are being urged to apply for an upkeep grant before the deadline closes this week. The Ennis Paint Scheme will see up to €1,000 made available to businesses and homeowners in the town centre and its environs to upgrade their buildings. The scheme has a total fund of €424,000 and applications can be submitted to the local authority up to Friday. Mayor of Ennis Mary Howard is hopeful it will benefit local firms.

On this week's Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn meets a jewellery designer from Spanish Point before visiting Lisdoonvarna to chat with a wedding photographer. Aisling Walsh left her job to pursue her love of jewellery making while Yvonne Vaughan started her career as a photo journalist but is now one of the county's known wedding photographers.

It's claimed survivors of sexual assault in Clare and across the MidWest have less supports available to them than the rest of the country. It comes amid calls for a sexual assault trauma unit to be established in the region, which would allow forensically collected evidence to be stored for up to a year. Rape Crisis MidWest, meanwhile, currently has 80 people on its waiting list for counselling support. Sinn Féin TD Maurice Quinlivan says the need for such a service is urgent.

Light has been shed on plans for street lighting in a currently unlit part of Clare's county town. At this month's meeting of Ennis's local elected representatives, Mayor of Clare, Fine Gael Councillor Paul Murphy, has called for additional lighting on the footpath from the Lee's Road Drumcliff Road junction to the main entrance of John O'Sullivan Park. Ennis Municipal District has revealed that the proposed LIHAF road between the Claureen Roundabout to Drumcliff Road includes the provision of new lighting terminating within 60 metres of the entrance. Ennis MD has also pledged explore options for covering the remaining 60 metres, and Councillor Murphy believes it would be hugely beneficial.

Fr Brendan Quinlivan presents Beyond Belief for this Sunday. The programme tonight includes a reflection on Lent and the inclusion of the Pledge in Confirmation from Bishop Fintan. Peggy McInerney from Tulla Pioneers on the 25th Anniversary of the Matt Talbot Novena in Tulla and an invitation to consider sponsoring a sick/assisted pilgrim on the Killaloe pilgrimage.

Stephen Fletcher leads our Sunday Prayer for Sunday 22nd February 2026, the first Sunday in Lent. The Reader is Susan Rice and the music is provided by the Gloucester Cathedral Choir, the Sheffield Cathedral Choir and the Choir of Christ Church Lisburn.

A Clare organisation which delivers meals to homes across the county is hopeful a funding boost will mitigate its soaring food costs. After first floating the measure in Budget 2026, the Government has announced a €2 million increase in the HSE funding allocation for Meals on Wheels organisations nationwide. Obair in Newmarket-on-Fergus brings meals to roughly 300 service users each day and has 12 vans traversing the length and breadth of the county. Eimear Murphy, who works with Obair, says it's getting more difficult to cover food bills.

Clare County Council says it's "actively examining" the possibility of having a full-time caretaker at an Ennis sports and leisure complex. Clarecastle Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle has called for the provision of a full-time operative at the Fair Green, also known as Tim Smyth Park, in the interest of allowing it to remain open for longer and enhancing security. The local authority claims "work is progressing" to create such a role which it says would ensure " enhanced day-to-day maintenance, improved accessibility and user experience, and greater security and oversight within the complex". Councillor Guilfoyle says it would improve the park's offering while making it a safer place for all.

Coming up on the show we will look ahead to what is a very busy weekend of action with Clare's four flagship sides out in National League action, we will hear about how Kilmaley GAA club are looking for the Toughest Tribe, and Alan Troy will be along with Greyhound Focus too

Dónal Martin is an Indie pop songwriter, singer and producer. His influences span from commercial pop and soft rock, to folk singer songwriter music and explores themes of love, loss, and personal struggles through his music, wrapping honest emotion in melodic, catchy production. Off the back of a run of recent releases that have been picking up strong reactions online, Dublin-based songwriter Dónal Martin returns with his new single, ‘January Blues'. Drawing influence from artists like Gavin James, Harry Styles, and The 1975, his music feels both intimate and accessible. ‘January Blues' captures the quiet heaviness that lingers when routines return, days feel shorter, and emotions sit a little closer to the surface in the first part of the new year. ‘January Blues' sees Donal Martin continue to showcase his gift for turning everyday feelings into heartfelt, resonant songs that linger in your head.

East Clare's landscape has long inspired stories of magic, mystery and quiet wonder — and one local author is bringing that spirit to life for a new generation of readers. Eric McNamara is the author of the Erica's Light series, and he has just released his second book, Erica's Light: The Ancient Scroll Awaits. Blending adventure with themes of kindness, community and curiosity, the series is deeply rooted in the beauty and heritage of East Clare — from Wood Park Woods in Mountshannon to the mystery of Inis Cealtra, Holy Island. Eric joined Alan Morrissey in studio on Friday's Morning Focus to talk about the inspiration behind the series, his own personal journey back to storytelling, and why the Clare landscape continues to spark imagination.

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch was back to chat with Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus to look ahead to some sporting games that will be happening over the weekend. Games Previewed: National Hurling League Division 1B, Round 4: Kildare v Clare (Saturday, St. Conleth's Park Newbridge, 6.30pm) National Football League: Clare v Laois (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, 2pm) Centra Camogie League Division 1B: Clare v Wexford (Saturday, Clareabbey, 2pm) LGFA National Football League Division 3: Clare v Laois (Sunday, Clarecastle Astro, 1pm)

One of the world's biggest bands has surprised fans with a powerful and politically charged new release. U2 have dropped a six-track EP titled Days of Ash, described as an immediate response to current global events and released ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The EP tackles themes of war, democracy, protest and human rights, and even features collaborations with Ed Sheeran and Ukrainian artist Taras Topolia. To unpack the music, the message, and what it tells us about where U2 are creatively right now, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM's Brian Flynn.

Hedgehog numbers are falling sharply across Europe, with dramatic declines recorded in recent decades and now a new Irish initiative is aiming to turn that around. Four researchers and hedgehog advocates have come together to launch Hedgehog Conservation Ireland, encouraging communities to take simple steps to help protect one of our most loved garden visitors. For more on this, Elaine O'Riordan from Hedgehog Rescue and the University of Galway School of Natural Sciences, joined Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Sebastian Moldoveanu via Canva

Poetic Keys An Ode to County Clare - The Prelude [Wordsworth] by Clare FM

This Saturday, Kilmaley GAA Club is set to host what promises to be one of the standout community events of the year, ToughestTribe26. It's all about bringing people together for a big physical challenge, plenty of team spirit, and a great day out in support of the club. To tell us more about what's in store and how preparations are going, Alan Morrissey was joined by Kilmaley's Senior Hurling Manager Brian Culbert. Photo (c) Kilmaley GAA

We are celebrating some brilliant young minds from CBS Primary Ennis who have put Ennis firmly on the national science map! Three 5th class students; Francisco “Frankie” Giudici, Sam O'Neill and Aidan Hehir have just been crowned overall winners of the Intel Mini Scientist Competition, beating more than 5,000 students from 75 schools across the country. Their award-winning project explored how a catapult works, diving into the science of kinetic and potential energy and impressing judges at the Grand Final in Dublin. Alan Morrissey was delighted to chat with them on Friday's Morning Focus.

The Chinese Ambassador to Ireland has confirmed he'll be exploring investment opportunities at the Roche site in Clarecastle. Zhao Xiyaun (Jow Shee-wen) visited Clare for the first time yesterday where he took in the former pharmaceutical plant, Clarecastle GAA Club, Áras Chontae An Chláir and the Cliffs of Moher on his trip. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan was in attendance for the visit at Clarecastle GAA Club where he spoke to Shannon resident and member of the Chinese Association of Ireland Sang Man and Mayor of Clare Paul Murphy, but first asked his excellency Ambassador Zhao about the purpose of his visit.

A special meeting of Killaloe Municipal District has been held to review and approve the DRAFT Inis Cealtra (Holy Island) and Knockaphort Pier Bye-Laws prior to public consultation. There will be a focus on preventing illegal overnight parking and illegal camping. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey spoke with Cllr Pat Burke, Whitegate Fine Gael Councillor and Cllr Alan O'Callaghan, Sixmilebridge Fianna Fáil Councillor on Friday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Clare County Council

The Cliffs of Moher is continuing to see a marginal growth in visitor numbers. A new report from the Cliffs of Moher Experience shows just over 1.5 million people visited the tourist attraction last year, with nearly half of the figure hailing from the United States. According to data from the University of Limerick, 29% of visitors stayed at least one night in the county with only 10% staying for at least two. Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor and Clare Tourism Strategic Policy Committee member Joe Garrihy says improvements have to be made.

It's hoped Clare's camogie side will stake an early claim for promotion from Division 1B this weekend. Eugene Foudy's side welcome fellow promotion hopefuls Wexford to Clareabbey on Saturday afternoon following a battling draw against Dublin in their opening round game. The visitors recorded an emphatic 2-14 to 0-8 win over Offaly last week and will be bolstered by the return of key player Anais Curran this weekend. The Banner came out on top of two close encounters when the sides met last year and Clare FM analyst Anne Marie McGann expects there to be nothing between the teams again.

This week on Parenthood In Focus with Petrina O'Halloran, she spoke with Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus about traveling with children. Petrina is the founder of Mama's Boobie Box, mum blogger and writer for online magazine Boobingit.com. Photo (c) Mamas Boobie Box

Irish business confidence has fallen to its lowest level since the pandemic, according to a new Grant Thornton survey, with mid-market firms citing global volatility, rising labour and energy costs, and political uncertainty as major challenges for the year ahead. Here in Clare, businesses are feeling the impact, but they're also taking steps to remain competitive and invest in technology and productivity. To discuss how local businesses are navigating these challenges, Alan Morrissey was joined by Margaret O'Brien, CEO of Ennis Chamber, and Patrick Burke, representing businesses in Kilrush and Ennis. Photo (c) Pop Andreea's Images via Canva

On this week's episode of Clare Women In Business, Pat Flynn chats with Kilrush-based artist and designer Ailish Malone. Clare Women in Business is funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the television licence fee.

Poetic Keys An Ode to County Clare - Cul An Ti [O Riordain] by Clare FM

This year's Ennis Book Club Festival celebrates its 20th edition, bringing together readers and writers from across the country. One of the highlights this Saturday at glór is the debut authors session, featuring Elaine Garvey, Claire Gleeson, and Shane Tivenan in conversation with Eoin Devereux. Elaine's novel The Wardrobe Department explores belonging and the colourful world of theatre, Claire's Show Me Where It Hurts delicately examines family and loss, and Shane's short story collection To Avenge a Dead Glacier offers poignant and witty glimpses into the lives of outsiders. On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Elaine Garvey and Claire Gleeson to discuss their work, and what it's like to appear as debut authors at this year's festival. Photo (c) Ennis Bookclub Festival

The debate over Special Needs Assistant allocations has been back in the spotlight after the Government paused its review following widespread concern from parents, teachers, and unions. Many schools had been told they could see reductions in SNA support next September, leaving families and staff anxious about what this could mean for children who rely on these vital supports. Joining Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus was Renee Hayes, a primary school teacher with twenty years' experience across mainstream and special education settings, a former SNA tutor, and a parent of a child with complex needs. Photo (c) Sebastian Moldoveanu Images via Canva

If you've recently moved to the Doonbeg area — or even if you've lived there all your life — there's a special event happening this Saturday aimed at bringing the whole community together. Doonbeg Community Development is hosting a “Community Connect” evening in the Community Hall from 5 to 8pm, giving people the chance to meet local groups, learn about services in the area, and make new connections. Alan Morrissey was joined by Tommy Comerford from Doonbeg Community Development to tell us more. Image © Doonbeg Community Development via Facebook

The Government is planning to put forward new laws to ban under-16s from having online accounts, with age verification tools. Cabinet ministers are understood to be prioritising the proposed legislation ahead of Ireland's EU Presidency in June. Last December, Australia became the first country to restrict teenagers from social media, with others planning similar bans. However, Fianna Fail TD Malcom Byrne, who's chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence, thinks the Government should wait to see what impact Australia's ban is having. To unpack what this could mean in practice — from technology and enforcement to privacy and business impact — Alan Morrissey spoke with Pat Clarke Browne, Technology Expert with Munster Business and Garrett Greene, Lecturer in Law at the Technological University of the Shannon. Image © Getty Images via istockphoto.com

With electricity bills still a major concern for households across Clare, help is at hand in Inagh tonight. An Electricity Switch Event is taking place at 7:30pm in the local hall, where people can learn how to compare suppliers, switch if it makes sense, and potentially save €200 or more a year, simply by bringing along a copy of their latest bill. The initiative involves the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, Clare Community Energy Agency and Inagh Development. Alan Morrissey was joined live in studio by Colm Garvey from the Clare Community Energy Agency. Image (c) Inagh via Facebook

Earlier this week, we spoke to Ennis resident Ann Marie Broomhead about the ongoing damp and mould issues affecting her home in Clancy Park — a situation she says has been impacting her family's health and wellbeing for the past two years. Today, we're turning our focus to solutions. Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by Leonard Shanahan of Shanahan Paints. Leonard recently shared a video online offering practical advice, which has been viewed more than 100,000 times. Image (c) Clare FM

Waterways Ireland has come under fire from local representatives at Clare's Tourism Strategic Policy Committee this week. Waterways Ireland is responsible for the restoration, develop and promotion of 1,100km worth of inland waters nationwide. However, it's been accused of dereliction of its duty in the south-east of the county for allegedly failing to consult with locals on plans for the Shannon Greenway and for failing to maintain Shannon Banks. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan attended the Tourism Strategic Policy Committee yesterday and spoke to Shannon Banks Sinn Féin Cllr James Ryan and firstly Parteen farmer and former Clare IFA Chair Tom Lane who says farmers are severely frustrated over the Greenway proposals. Image (c) Waterways Ireland via Public Service Data Catalogue

Clare disability campaigners are set to join a national protest next week following severe payment cuts. According to the Disability Federation of Ireland, many disability households in Clare are up to €1,400 worse off than they were last year, following cuts to "one-off" supports in Budget 2026. The national protest, taking place on Saturday February 28th, demands an Emergency Winter Payment for people with disabilities, despite the government's previous refusal of the €400 payment earlier this month. Ennistymon-based disability rights activist Ann Marie Flanagan says people are being forced to looks elsewhere.

A former Clare hurling captain is warning that Clare must ensure their attitude is right against Kildare in the National Hurling League this weekend. Clare make the trip to St Conleth's Park in Newbridge to face last year's Joe McDonagh Cup winners on Saturday evening. Brian Lohan's men sit top of the Division 1B staNdings with a 100% record in the league to this point. Clare FM analyst Tommy Guilfoyle says they will have to be at their best to keep that record intact.

In October we spoke to Colorado native Mary Timby, who travelled all the way to Lisdoonvarna after hearing about the matchmaking festival on Schitt's Creek. What started as a leap of faith turned into a real-life love story. To tell us more, on Wednesday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined by both Mary and her partner, Jay Mangan. Photo (c) Visit Clare

The Chairperson of the Clare branch of the Irish Farmers Association claims there's a "complete disconnect" between his sector and the Government on the controversy around the head of Bord Bia. The organisation is continuing its rolling protest outside the agency's headquarters in Dublin today as they seek the resignation of Larry Murrin over his firm's use of Brazilian beef in its produce. A Sinn Féin motion calling for Murrin to step down was defeated by 89 votes to 61 last week. Chairperson of the Clare branch of the IFA Stephen Walsh, who's participating in today's demonstration in Dublin, has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons, they're "here to stay".

Tommy Corbett, from Carey Corbett Financial Solutions was live in studio with Alan Morrissey on Wednesday's Morning Focus. This week, Tommy spoke about key considerations when applying for a mortgage on a residential investment property.