Clare FM - Podcasts

On Atlantic Tales this week we continue our series ‘Music Makers' - musicians who also make musical instruments. Pat Flynn meets Pete Spelman whose journey to making musical instruments differs somewhat from our previous guests. He began making instruments after retiring. That's Atlantic Tales, Sundays at 6.00pm or catch the Replay on Wednesdays at 6.00pm.

A Garda investigation is underway following an aggravated burglary at a domestic residence in Sixmilebridge. The alarm was raised at around 11.45 last night, following an incident at a home in Cappa Lodge. It's understood a number of individuals entered the property armed with implements, threatened the female occupant and made their escape in the occupant's car. There are no reports of injuries. Sixmilebridge-based Local Community Safety Partnership Chair PJ Ryan, has described the incident as "disturbing" and is encouraging people in the local community to ensure their doors are locked.

The Industrial Development Authority has requested a meeting with the CEO of Daktronics to 'ascertain if anything can be done' to secure the future of the Ennistymon site. In response to a parliamentary question from Clare TD Cathal Crowe, Enterprise Minister Peter Burke confirmed the inward investment agency is seeking cooperation with Daktronics management on the matter. The American multinational entered redundancy talks earlier this month, putting up to 150 jobs at risk in north Clare. Meelick Deputy Cathal Crowe has been telling Clare FM's Darragh O'Grady that a u-turn looks unlikely and that work is underway to provide clarity to workers before Christmas.

Music Network is celebrating 40 years of bringing high-quality live music to audiences across Ireland, with a special anniversary concert at glór in Ennis this Saturday.  The concert will bring together some of Ireland's leading traditional, folk, jazz and classical musicians.  Alan Morrissey was joined by Deirdre Moynihan, Head of Programmes at Music Network, and Clare musician Niall McCabe, who will be performing as part of this special celebration. Photo (c) Music Network via Glór

On Wednesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tommy Corbett from Carey Corbett Financial Solutions. This week, Tommy discussed what could be included in this year's Budget. If you want to send in any questions for Tommy contact 0861800964 or email focus@clare.fm Photo (c) Tommy Corbett

The Climate Change Advisory Council is warning that Ireland is not preparing quickly enough for more frequent and severe weather extremes, with many flood-relief schemes still years from completion.     Here in Clare, the report also highlights significant flood-insurance gaps and the need for greater community resilience.    Alan Morrissey was joined by Dr Sinead Sheehan, Futureproof Clare spokesperson, and Bridget Ginnity, Ennis Environmental Action Group member, to discuss climate adaptation, flood protection and practical steps communities can take to become more resilient. Photo (c) bauhaus1000 from Getty Images Signature via Canva

Women's Health Week 2026 is running this week, with a packed programme of events taking place across Clare until October 4th.   This year's theme is “Strong at Every Age – Strong Bones, Strong Hearts, Strong Minds”, with activities focusing on physical health, mental wellbeing, nutrition, exercise and healthy ageing.   Alan Morrissey was joined by Aideen Coates-Farrell, Physiotherapist from Youtheirapies, and Rachel Akers, World Masters Champion in Hammer Throw. Photo (c) Clare FM

This Saturday (3rd October), Spanish Point Golf Club will host the Irish Blind Golf Classic, bringing golfers together for a special fundraiser in support of Irish Blind Golf.   The event will also help raise awareness of the opportunities available to visually impaired golfers, with players including visually impaired Clare golfer Paddy Morgan taking part.   For more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Paddy Morgan, and Captain of Spanish Point Golf Club, Thomas Hehir. Image (c) Irish Blind Golf Golf Classic

The ESRI is warning that Irish households have yet to feel the full impact of recent energy price rises, with higher food prices expected in the coming months.  Inflation is forecast to remain above 3% next year, while concerns are also growing over Government spending, housing supply and Ireland's reliance on multinational tax revenues.    Alan Morrissey was joined by Micheál Collins, Ennis Economist and Associate Professor of Social Policy at UCD, to look at what these latest warnings mean for households and for the wider Irish economy. Photo (c) pixelshot via Canva

Calls have been made for urgent action on a long-standing road safety issue in West Clare. Ennistymon Fine Gael Councillor Bill Slattery has renewed his call for the installation of a roundabout at the junction of The Square in Miltown Malbay. The issue was raised during the previous council term and dates back to 2015, with the West Clare Municipal District stating that any works on the route are subject to TII approval. Councillor Slattery says no progress has been made in a decade and the project is in danger of being forgotten about.

Two dogs have been returned to their owner after escaping during a break-in at a property in Ennis over the weekend. Gardaí were called to the scene of the incident at a house where a man was minding the two small dogs for a friend. The dogs escaped during the break-in and were later found by a neighbour, who kept them safe until they could be reunited with their owner. County Dog Warden Frankie Coote says it was a stressful experience for the man involved.

County Clare's oral history is proving to be far richer and more extensive than previously known, with more than 50 significant collections of recordings already identified as part of a county-wide audit.   From recordings dating back to the 1920s and '30s to interviews held privately in homes, the project is uncovering voices and stories from across Clare and beyond.   Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more were Tomás Mac Conmara, oral historian, and Dr Críostóir Mac Carthaigh. Photo (c) John Taran from Pexels via Canva

Teachers across the country are preparing for industrial action over pay, with both the INTO and ASTI backing action and a work-to-rule due to begin next Monday (5th October).  The INTO has voted 99.5% in favour, while 95% of ASTI members who voted backed industrial action.  Meanwhile, over 98% of members of the Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) have voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking industrial action, up to and including strike action, over what the union described as the Government's failure to pay an agreed salary increase.  With a potential nationwide strike on October 14, Alan Morrissey was joined by INTO President Brendan Horan and Geraldine O'Brien, ASTI representative and teacher at St Joseph's Community College in Kilkee, to discuss the dispute, the impact on schools and what it will take to get both sides back around the negotiating table. Image (c) Richard Villalonundefined undefined from Getty Images via Canva

On this week's History in Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by local historian and author, Colm Liddy to chat about the impact emigration had on Clare during the Famine, and how people made their ways to the Americas. If you have any stories you would like to share with Colm about your townland you can contact him at colmliddy@eircom.net or Clare FM at focus@clare.fm. Image (c) Clare FM

Acclaimed photographer, author and environmentalist Carsten Krieger has spent almost three decades documenting the landscapes and wildlife of County Clare.   His latest book, Clare: Wild Shores, Rugged Landscapes, celebrates both the iconic and hidden corners of the county.   Carsten joined Alan Morrissey to talk about his love of Clare, his photography and the importance of protecting the landscapes he captures. Photo (c) Clare FM

Women's Health Week 2026 is running this week, with a packed programme of events taking place across Clare until October 4th.   This year's theme is “Strong at Every Age – Strong Bones, Strong Hearts, Strong Minds”, with activities focusing on physical health, mental wellbeing, nutrition, exercise and healthy ageing.  Alan Morrissey has been speaking with Consultant Cardiologist, Dr Neasa Starr, about women's heart health, cardiovascular risk and the positive actions women can take to protect their heart throughout life. Photo (c) studioroman via Canva

Clare is preparing to celebrate its title as European Volunteering Capital 2027, recognising the thousands of people across the county who give their time to support their communities.   Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss the importance of volunteering was Terence Mangan from the Ennis Lions Club. Founded in 1976, the Ennis Lions Club welcomed Terence in the late 1980s, when he sought both a social outlet and a chance to contribute to causes with global reach. Over the years, he has attended conventions across Ireland and abroad, forging friendships and partnerships that have inspired his work at home. Locally, Terence has played a key role in initiatives including the Breakfast Club at Scoil Chríost Rí, which ensures children start the day nourished; Annual Food Appeals for families in need; and the Wood Chopping & Bagging Service providing winter fuel to vulnerable households. He has championed the Remembrance Tree project for Cahercalla Hospice, the Message in a Bottle programme supplying vital medical information to first responders and Recycle for Sight, which delivers used eyewear to people in developing countries who would otherwise go without vision correction. Terence motivates his fellow members, offering encouragement and practical support even when not leading a project. His detailed reportage, whether calculating the euro value of a food appeal or tracing the journey of a pair of glasses to a child in South America, keeps members focused on the real-world impact of their work. His commitment reaches beyond County Clare. In 2018, Terence travelled to Lebanon to witness the conditions faced by women and children displaced by the Syrian war, an experience he calls life-changing. “I have seen how an individual action in a small town like Ennis can have real impact beyond our county boundaries,” he reflects. Whether restoring sight to someone in the developing world or offering hope to refugees facing fear, hunger and war, Terence's work with Ennis Lions proves that compassion and service know no borders. Photo (c) Clare FM

Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty is calling for a fresh public consultation on the proposed Ennistymon/Lahinch wastewater treatment plant.   The call comes amid concerns about the proposed capacity of the Cregg-Calluragh plant and its implications for Lahinch's Blue Flag status.   Cllr Talty joined Alan Morrissey to explain why he believes further consultation is needed. Photo (c) antikainen from Getty Images via Canva

Alan Morrissey was joined on Tuesday's Morning Focus by Dr Susan Leahy from the School of Law at the University of Limerick, who is leading a research project looking at the experiences of victim-survivors during sexual offence trials in Ireland.  The project, titled Lived Realities, aims to better understand what people experience as they go through the criminal justice process, and how that experience might be improved through changes to law and policy.  Dr Leahy is also currently seeking people who have been through the trial process to take part in the research. Photo (c) Ivan S from Pexels via Canva

With Budget 2027 now just a week away, the cost of living, fuel prices and household energy bills are among the key issues facing Government.   The Taoiseach has promised a range of measures to ease pressure on families.   Clare FM's Éabha Brennan took to the streets of Ennis to hear local people's views on the upcoming Budget. Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare Aontú representative June Dillon to hear what she would like to see delivered in next week's Budget. Photo (c) Parradee Kietsirikul from Getty Images via Canva

It's claimed more can be done to generate economic activity from Clare's tourist numbers. Calls have been made for the establishment of a strategic workshop on the future economic development of North and West Clare, bringing together relevant stakeholders and local councillors. It's hoped the workshop would identify key investments, policy interventions and planning priorities to secure the long-term sustainability, resilience and prosperity of North and West Clare. Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy says the region can leverage its tourism numbers to attract further international investment.

A Clare Government TD is calling for the eligibility criteria for the Fuel Allowance Scheme to be widened, given the increase in the cost of home heating oil. For the next 28 weeks, households can avail of a weekly payment of €38, or instead receive two instalments of €532 each. The payment is available to approximately 12,400 households in the county. Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe says people are currently living in fear of their monthly energy bills.

Lots to look back on over the last few days, with hurling, ladies football and soccer all on the menu over the next hour or so

It's claimed Clare is bucking the national trend, as house prices in the county are edging increasingly closer to €400,000. The latest report from Daft.ie found the price of a newly built home in Clare has risen by almost 6% to €395,000. Average prices across most of Ireland have either stalled or fallen since 2025, while prices in Clare are almost 80% higher than they were a decade ago. Author of the report and economist, Ronan Lyons, has been telling Clare FM's Darragh O'Grady that the cost of living appears to have filtered into the housing market in other commuter counties.

Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch to review the weekend's sporting fixtures. ~ T.U.S. Clare Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Finals ~  Kilmaley v Scariff (Saturday, Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosoig) Éire Óg v Inagh Kilnamona (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosoig) ~ Clare Ladies SFC Semi-Finals ~ Banner Ladies v Fergus Rovers (Sunday, Kilrush) Kilmurry Ibrickane and Liscannor (Sunday, Kilrush) Image (c) Clare FM

Ireland beat Israel 3-nil in the Nations League after the game  - played in Hungary  - went ahead despite calls for a boycott because of Israel's war in Gaza.  Ireland struck three times in the first half to cruise to the win.   The Irish squad did not shake hands with Israel.  Ireland chose to go ahead with the game after a player vote - coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has praised their attitude.  Alan Morrissey has been speaking with John Fallon, the Irish Examiner's soccer correspondent, who was in Debrecen, Hungary for the game. Photo (c) somkku from Getty Images via Canva

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre, Ennis was back on Monday's Morning Focus to answer all your gardening queries. This week, Judy gave us some tips and tricks for growing autumnal aromatics. If you have any questions for Judy, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964. Image (c) Clonroad Garden Centre

Dr. Marilyn Glenville is one of the UK's leading nutritionists, specialising in women's health.  Dr. Glenville will be returning to Ennis in association with The Health Connection for a special seminar on Dementia and Diabetes Prevention.  The seminar will take place on Tuesday, October 6th at The Old Ground Hotel in Ennis.  For more on the upcoming seminar and the importance of nutrition and lifestyle in supporting brain health and helping to prevent dementia and diabetes, Alan Morrissey was joined by Dr. Marilyn Glenville. Photo (c) Liliia Bila from Getty Images via Canva

As Ennis continues to change with new developments and improvements to its streets, the experience of navigating the town can be very different for people with visual impairments.   Claire Cassidy, who is visually impaired, says the changes have brought many positives, particularly around O'Connell Street, but have also meant learning new routes and adapting to unfamiliar obstacles.   As part of the Clear Our Paths campaign, running from today until Friday (28th September to 2nd October), Claire speaks about the challenges she has encountered, from new layouts and bicycle lanes to finding bus stops and why accessibility needs to remain part of the conversation as the town evolves. Photo (c) Clare FM

 Dog Advocacy Ireland founder John O'Callaghan is raising concerns about dog breeding and animal welfare, including questions about the licensing and registration of dog breeding establishments in Clare.     The discussion comes as Dog Advocacy Ireland highlights wider concerns about puppy farming in Ireland.  In a statement from Clare County Council, a spokesperson stated "There are no dog breeding establishments currently registered in Co. Clare."   Meanwhile Hill Top Sanctuary is also seeking financial support for veterinary treatment for a donkey suffering from COPD. Photo (c) Tanor from Getty Images via Canva

Women's Health Week 2026 gets underway next week, with a packed programme of events taking place across Clare from September 28th to October 4th.     This year's theme is “Strong at Every Age – Strong Bones, Strong Hearts, Strong Minds”, with activities focusing on physical health, mental wellbeing, nutrition, exercise and healthy ageing.    Alan Morrissey was joined by Women's Health Week Ambassador Rosie Foley, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Cllr Joe Killeen, and Healthy Ireland Coordinator with Clare County Council Joan Tarmey to discuss the week and why prioritising women's health at every stage of life matters. Photo (c) Clare FM

Women aged 50-65 are leaving the workforce earlier than men, according to new research from Balance for Better Business.     The report points to a range of factors, from caregiving and menopause to burnout, ageism and barriers to career progression.    To discuss what this means for women in business and the wider role of women in Ireland's workforce today, Alan Morrissey was joined by Helen Downes, Shannon Chamber President. Photo (c) Barbara Olsen from Pexels via Canva

Irish Funds is launching the next phase of its Transition Year Financial Literacy Programme at St Flannan's College in Ennis.   The initiative gives students practical lessons on budgeting, saving, investing, digital finance and long-term financial wellbeing. More than 800 students across 30 schools took part last year.   Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss the programme and why financial confidence is so important for young people was Pat Lardner, CEO of Irish Funds. Photo (c) Clare FM

Kilmurry Fianna Fáil Councillor Alan O'Callaghan has called for the historic site to receive greater promotion through Visit Clare and other tourism channels.    Clare County Council says it recognises the importance of Quin Abbey and is supportive of promoting it, while responsibility for the site itself rests with the OPW.    Cllr O'Callaghan joined Alan Morrissey to discuss what he wants to see happen and how greater promotion of Quin Abbey could benefit the local area. Photo (c) Office of Public Works

Fuel prices, carbon tax and the wider cost-of-living crisis were to the fore at a public meeting in Moate last night, attended by people from across the country, including farmers, hauliers and business owners.   The meeting was organised by those involved in April's fuel protests, with organisers warning that people could return to the roads if the Government doesn't act.    Cathal O'Donoghue, of C&C Executive Travel in Clare, was at last night's meeting and was also involved in the April protests.  We're going to speak to Cathal very shortly, but let's first hear from the Taoiseach, who was in Ennis on Sunday for the annual De Valera commemoration.     When questioned on the possibility of further fuel protests, Micháel Martin reassured that a wide range of measures aimed at alleviating pressure on families will be announced in Budget 2027.    Speaking in Ennis, Taoiseach Micháel Martin says the Government acknowledges the impact the fuel crisis has had on families. Alan Morrissey spoke with Cathal O'Donoghue to learn more. Photo (c) amanalang from Getty Images via Canva

The Taoiseach says while the Government is constantly reviewing health services, no guarantees can be made about provision in the Midwest. Micheál Martin's comments come after it was revealed at the HSE's Regional Health Forum Midwest meeting that, of all the Midwest counties, Clare patients accounted for the majority of admissions to University Hospital Limerick. He says modern emergency departments need a full multidisciplinary team of clinical professionals in place, and decisions relating to hospital infrastructure must be guided by clinical best practice and advice. Speaking in Ennis, the Taoiseach said the final decision on the location of the new hospital has been made, with the focus now on creating a state-of-the-art modern medical facility in Limerick.

Concern has been raised over a continued lack of investment in Clare eating disorder services. HSE MidWest has confirmed that while recruitment is ongoing to further develop a team for children and young adults, it has not received funding to put together an adult service. Currently, adults suffering from eating disorders in the region are referred to community mental health teams, which the HSE says provides evidence based interventions. Shannonbanks Sinn Féin Councillor and HSE Regional Health Forum MidWest member James Ryan says it's not acceptable.

Fr Gerry Kenny presents this week's Beyond Belief for Sunday 27th September 2026. Fr. Gerry visits the Vincent's charity shop in Ennis and chats with it's manager, Nyomi Curry,on how the operation assists the work of the SVP. As we enter the final week of the Season of Creation we hear from Dr Ciara Murphy about some of the key water-related challenges facing communities in Ireland and around the world

There's been an uptick in the number of Clare people surrendering their pets due to homelessness. Clare's Dog Warden has noted a growing caseload in which people have given up their dogs due to eviction notices. Clare's Dog Shelter follows a policy of rehoming all pets where possible, but re-unification with the original owners is generally not possible. County Dog Warden Frankie Coote says it can cause very difficult situations.

The Taoiseach is reassuring that a wide range of measures aimed at alleviating pressure on families will be announced in Budget 2027. Micháel Martin is visiting Clare today for the annual De Valera Day Commemoration. In comes as fuel protestors are meeting in Westmeath today to discuss the possibility of further protests. Speaking in Ennis, Taoiseach Micháel Martin says the Government acknowledges the impact the fuel crisis has had on families.

Fr Gerry Kenny leads our Sunday Prayer for today the 27th September 2026, the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

It's claimed the deployment of additional ambulance staff across Clare is 'moving in the right direction'. It follows a question posed at the most recent Regional Health Forum Midwest meeting which requested an update on the additional ambulance resources announced for the region in March. 27 additional staff were pledged to this county, with HSE Midwest confirming that it's progressing with filling these posts on a phased basis due to recruitment challenges. Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor, Rita McInerney, says the outlook is positive despite recruitment not being fully completed yet.

Over two tonnes of litter was removed from Clare's beaches during this year's Big Beach Clean. The event marks the end of the bathing season, with 370 volunteers collecting 2.2 tonnes of waste in this county alone. Nationwide, 500 clean-ups took place which consisted of close to 9,700 volunteers removing 58 tonnes from Ireland's coasts. An Taisce Clean Coasts Manager, Bronagh Moore, says it's vital to keep the county's beaches pristine due to their value to the tourism industry.

On this weeks show, we look ahead to the TUS SHC semi finals along with the relegation final; Ann Marie Callinan joins us to preview the Clare LGFA semi finals, Kilmaley are the focus of More Than A Club and Alan Troy has Greyhound Focus

Diversity and inclusion are an important part of life in our communities, bringing together people from different backgrounds, cultures and traditions. Clare FM's Ewelina Szybinska took to the streets of Clare to find out what diversity and inclusion means to local people, and how meeting people from different backgrounds has enriched their lives. Image (c) Clare FM

Tonight in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Professor Gary Murphy's new book Brian Cowen: Anatomy of a Taoiseach will be officially launched. The book examines the life and political career of the former Taoiseach, including his 1,036 days in office during one of the most turbulent periods in modern Irish history — the financial crash, the banking crisis and Ireland's entry into the EU-IMF programme. Professor Gary Murphy joined Alan Morrisey to discuss Brian Cowen, the man behind the political headlines, and the decisions that shaped his legacy. Image (c) Brian Cowen: Anatomy of a Taoiseach

Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch to preview the weekend's sporting fixtures. TUS Clare SHC Semi-Finals: Kilmaley v Scariff (Saturday, Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosoig, 4:30pm) Éire Óg v Inagh Kilnamona (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosoig, 3:30pm) Clare Ladies SFC Semi-Finals: Banner Ladies v Fergus Rovers (Sunday, Kilrush, 12:30pm) Kilmurry Ibrickane and Liscannor (Sunday, Kilrush, 3.30pm) Image (c) Clare FM

A disability parking space on Bindon Lane in Ennis has been removed, with faded markings still visible and double yellow lines now painted over the area. This created confusion for a disabled driver and, in this case, resulted in significant inconvenience, as finding alternative parking further away made it more difficult for one driver to access his destination. Desmond Lillis, a disabled driver who experienced this first-hand while visiting the Citizens Information office, joined Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus. In a statement to Clare FM, the local authority says that "where disabled spaces are in operation in Ennis, the Council clearly delineates disabled parking spaces with regulatory road markings and upright signage. In this instance, while it is noted that there are historic faded markings, it does not constitute an active disabled parking bay, and the freshly marked double yellow lines indicate no parking is allowed." Image (c) Clare FM

One Clare man is turning a 15-year-old promise into reality this month. Musician Damien Gormley is taking on the Dublin City Marathon, with a very personal reason for doing so. He wants to raise funds for Bushypark Addiction Treatment Centre, where he was a resident back in 2011. Damien Gormley and Mags Nash, Managing Bushypark Addiction Treatment Service, joined Alan Morrissey to talk about his recovery journey, the marathon challenge, and giving back to the place that played such an important role in his life. You can donate here: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/damiengormley?fbclid=IwY2xjawUjVAxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBWJyaWQRMExyQUYzd0hjOWlHQ0F0bGNzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe8YdoTofT2tYx2o8Eyil8ZB2nte8HvaJ0lxWERqb-84GVBflS3SR1om06_m8_aem_I9CfxbVThxeCb36nMZNmIw Image (c) Clare FM

It's claimed over dependency on agency staff is contributing to a high level of cancellations at Ennis Hospital. Almost 20,000 medical procedures have been cancelled there in the past two and a half years. While roughly 850 were postponed for reasons linked to overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick, over 10,500 were cancelled by patients. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor and HSE Regional Health Forum MidWest forum member Antoinette Baker Bashua has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan all avenues need to be explored to ensure consultant and patient time is managed effectively.

Rank-and-file Gardaí are set to take industrial action on five dates in October, following a decision by the Garda Representative Association to escalate its dispute with Garda management and Government. The GRA says its members have concerns around pay agreements, allowances, collective bargaining rights and what it describes as the treatment of Garda representatives. Dominic Curtin, Clare GRA Representative joined Alan Morrissey to discuss the planned action and what it could mean for Gardaí and policing in Clare. Image (c) Pat Flynn