Clare FM - Podcasts

Clare's fast growing town is set to benefit from a new special education class. It follows a government announcement to sanction an additional 40 classes nationwide. Among them will be a new specialist Autism and Autistic Spectrum class at Sixmilebridge National School. Principal Gareth Heagney says it's a major boost for the community.

There's a call for action on an Ennis billboard said to be "lagging behind" the rest of the town. Clarecastle Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle has asked Ennis Municipal District to enter into a partnership with the owner of the building in O'Connell Square behind the O'Connell monument bearing a disused sign on its side wall. Ennis MD has committed to reviewing the matter with the property owner and examining the options for the space. Councillor Guilfoyle believes upgrading it to an LED billboard would serve both the owner and Clare County Council.

Three new defibrillators have been rolled out in South-East Clare. The new appliances have been installed at Spar in Ardnarcusha, the Church in Shannon Banks and Applegreen in Westbury. Community First Responder training is expected to ger underway in the near future. Shannonbanks Sinn Féin Councillor James Ryan says it's a huge boost for the region.

Fr Brendan Quinlivan leads our Sunday Prayer for today 19th April 2026 the 3rd Sunday of Easter.

Stephen Fletcher presents this Sunday's Beyond Belief which features an interview with Colm Flynn after he leaves the Vatican and just before he and Paola head to Washinton. Stephen also talks over coffee with Fr Gerry Kenny. There is a reflection for the 3rd Sunday of Easter from the laate Sr Ann Crowley.

Residents of Ennis and Barefield are said to be "very anxious" to see investment in the "jewel of the crown" of the area. Fianna Fáil Councillor Daly has requested an updated on proposed enhancement works at Ballyalla Lake on the outskirts of the county town. Ennis Municipal District says improvements being considered include the upgrade of toilet facilities, improved accessibility and a review of transport access as well as the provision of a changing area, a licensed water sports provider and lifeguard facilities. Councillor Daly says the area has great potential but is being neglected.

It's hoped the revised Local Area Hackney Scheme will help to alleviate nightime transport concerns in parts of rural Clare. It comes as the National Transport Authority has opened the scheme for new applicants in the county. Under the scheme, the number of Local Area Hackney drivers available in community will increase from one to five, with the length of the license also extended by two years. Bodyke Fine Gael TD, Joe Cooney, says the scheme will plug the gaps missed by local transport services.

Clare now has the third-highest rate of solar panel installation nationwide. A new report from EnergyEfficiency.ie shows there was 3,338 panels erected here in the last five years. The growth is being attributed to relaxations of VAT and planning permission requirements for roof-mounted systems. Editor of EnergyEfficiency.ie Briain Kelly says further progress is expected.

On this evening's show; we preview Clare's Munster senior hurling championship opener against Waterford, look ahead to this weeks local soccer action and we have the latest episode of More Than A Club

Megan Burke is a Dublin-based artist whose sound blends R&B, Soul, Disco and Pop into a groove driven, modern hybrid. Raised on soul music, her style has evolved into a polished yet raw fusion that balances emotional storytelling with dance floor energy. Megan has independently built a digital following of over 155k fans across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, with multiple videos reaching millions of views. Her online momentum has translated into mainstream recognition, including appearances on some of Ireland's biggest television shows, national radio play, and performances at iconic venues such as The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and The 3Arena. Collaborating with producer Denis Horgan (Kneecap, Aaron Rowe), Megan's debut release from their partnership reached No.1 on the iTunes chart, marking a major milestone in her independent career. She has just launched a new artist project with her live band, focusing on raw storytelling, high energy performance, and groove led production, designed to move both hearts and dancefloors.

his weekend, the National Museum of Ireland will unveil a remarkable piece of history as the famous Catalpa Flag goes on public display to mark the 150th anniversary of the daring Fenian rescue mission. The flag, the largest in the national collection, played a pivotal role in one of the most dramatic prison breaks of the 19th century—an event with strong Clare connections. Alan Morrissey chatted about this with Brenda Malone, Curator of Military History at the National Museum of Ireland on Friday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) National Museum of Ireland Facebook

A unique community event is taking place in O'Briensbridge this weekend, inviting people to declutter their homes while supporting a meaningful local project. The Spring Clear-out promises everything from vintage finds to upcycled pieces, along with plenty of community spirit—all in aid of transforming the old school in Montpelier into a new community centre. For more details on this, Alan Morrissey was delighted to be joined by Catriona O'Donoghue, Committee PRO and Ciara Breen, who is the chairperson of the Shannon Paddlers on Friday's Morning Focus. Photos (c) Lisnagry FC Facebook

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch was with Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus for our sports preview slot, where they looked ahead to what will be a busy weekend of sporting action as well as recapping on some games that happened during the week. Games discussed: Munster SHC Round Robin, Round 1: Clare v Waterford (Sunday, Ennis, 2pm) Munster U20 Football Championship Result: Clare v Waterford (Thursday, Quilty)

The construction sector is warning of mounting pressure as the ongoing fuel crisis continues to drive up costs for materials and machinery, with potential knock-on effects for building projects here in Clare and beyond. The Construction Industry Federation is now calling for further government supports to help ease the strain. Alan Morrissey was speaking about the situation with Joanne Tracey, Head of Services for the Southern Region. Photo (c) ljubaphoto Getty Images Signature via Cnava

A special community event is taking place this evening along the Flaggy Shore, as locals come together for a 6K fun run and walk in support of New Quay National School. The fundraiser also marks a major milestone, celebrating 50 years of the school at the heart of the community. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Brian Farrell from the board of management. Photo (c) New Quay Community Development

On Friday's edition of Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke with a mother from that part of West Clare. Alison Clancy was on the line, to tell us about a terrifying ordeal after her six-month-old baby suffered a severe allergic reaction, only to be told the nearest ambulance was over an hour away. Her story is the latest to add to growing concerns about ambulance cover in rural areas. Photo © Pat Flynn

A new set of figures has revealed a sharp rise in the number of children waiting years for vital speech and language therapy services, with some delays now stretching beyond two years. The growing backlog is raising serious concerns about the impact on children's development and the pressure on families and frontline staff. To discuss what's behind these delays and what it means in practice, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ann Norton, Clare Crusaders and Claire O'Loughlin, of Clare Speech Therapy on Friday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) RealPeopleGroup Getty Images Signature via Canva

Some Fianna Fail TDs are still calling for an urgent meeting of the party over the Government's handling of last week's fuel protests. It comes after Micheál Martin says he doesn't feel his leadership is under threat. That's despite growing criticism and dissent among three Fianna Fail backbenchers. For more on this, Alan Morrissey spoke with Chair of the Clare branch of Fianna Fáil, Mary Crawford and Meelick TD, Cathal Crowe on Friday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Fianna Fáil

A notorious fishing spot in West Clare, which was the site of another tragedy in March will be officially assessed for enhanced safety measures. Tajuddin and Salahuddin Safi lost their lives at Doonbeg's Bluepool last month after being carried out to sea by a rogue wave. It's understood at least 40 people have died at the location since the 1980s, and now the local authority is due to collaborate with Inland Fisheries Ireland to see if additional signage and ring buoys can be installed. Local Councillor Rita McInerney says its urgently needed.

An almost €100,000 funding award is expected to allow a North Clare church to become a "living" building. St Fachnan's Cathedral in Kilfenora has secured €92,271 euro under the 2026 round of the Department of Housing's Community Monuments Fund. The allocation will enable conservation works which will prevent dampness from building up in the structure's walls. Conservation Architect Karol O'Mahony, who's overseeing the works, says it'll make the church more comfortable and enhance its appeal.

A Clare auctioneer says housing stock falling to "critical levels" has led to a historic drop-off in the number of property transactions. The latest data from the Central Statistics Office shows the volume of sales in Clare fell by 20% to 37 in the month of the February which was the lowest figure for any single month in the county since May 2012. The average price of a home meanwhile surged by 20% to €326,000 when compared to the same month last year. Diarmuid McMahon of Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon in Ennis has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons it's difficult to see the situation resolving itself for at last a few years.

There's growing debate around the Government's proposed ban on commercial sunbeds, with public health experts pointing to rising skin cancer rates, while industry representatives warn the move could shut down compliant businesses and drive tanning underground. The Sunbed Association has also raised concerns about a lack of transparency in the process, claiming key consultation findings have yet to be published. To discuss this, Joe McGlinchey, Vice Chair of the Sunbed Association spoke with Alan Morrissey on Thursday's edition of Morning Focus. Photo (c) Silentstock 639 from Alamy via Canva

On this week's episode of The Future of Work, Pat Flynn chats with Brendan Lally, a careers advisor in the Co-operative Education and Careers Division at the University of Limerick. This feature, 'The Future of Work' is funded by the News Reporting Scheme.

Danny Lynch, Chef at Le Chéile in Barefield was back in-studio on Thursday's Morning Focus for Taste of the Week. Danny chatted with Alan Morrissey and brought in a couple of nice dishes; one which was a pork chowder with German beer, paprika salt and lemon and ginger.

This April marks Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, and this year it comes with an important development—the expansion of BowelScreen to include people aged 50 to 54, giving thousands more the chance to detect bowel cancer early. It's a simple at-home test, but one that could make a life-saving difference. To talk about the importance of screening, early detection, and their own personal experiences, Alan Morrissey spoke with Seán Lally, Co-owner of Hotel Woodstock, who had bowel cancer. Photo (c) 9dreamstudio from Getty Images via Canva

In 2025 alone, RNLI lifeboats launched 967 times, with volunteer crews bringing 912 people to safety. A powerful reminder of how quickly situations can turn dangerous on the water. Joining Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus was Dr. Eleanor Hooker, Lifeboat Press Officer, Lough Derg RNLI. She discussed what's behind these numbers, the challenges faced by volunteer crews, and why public support is more important than ever, especially as the charity puts out its own Mayday call through its national fundraising campaign. Photo (c) Lough Derg RNLI

The Burren and Cliffs Explorer shuttle bus service is set to return for the 2026 season, aiming to connect towns and villages across north and west Clare with some of the region's most popular attractions, including the Cliffs of Moher Experience and Burren National Park. With public consultation now underway to help shape its future, Alan Morrissey was joined by Siobhán McNulty, Director of Service with Clare County Council on Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) cliffsofmoher.ie

A hidden housing crisis is continuing to affect hundreds of households here in Clare, with many people in their 60s and 70s still struggling with mortgage arrears dating back to the financial crash. For some, the fear of losing their home has become a constant reality stretching over more than a decade. New figures suggest around 440 households in the county are in long-term arrears, with many cases now edging toward legal action. But behind those numbers are deeply personal stories, often marked by silence, stress, and families only discovering the scale of the problem years later. To discuss this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Stephen Curtis, CEO of Irish Homes. Image © jordan_rusev from Getty via Canva

A fascinating new book tracing generations of family history, migration, and identity is set to launch next month as part of the South Australian History Festival. Paving the Way: Pioneer Ancestors from England, Ireland, Prussia and Bavaria to South Australia and New Zealand explores stories of early settlers, personal discovery, and the complex legacy of the past. Alan Morrissey was joined live from Australia by its author, Dr Samantha Battams. Image © Samantha Battams via Facebook

A brand-new music series is coming to our screens later this month, celebrating collaboration, culture, and the evolving sound of modern Ireland. Cara sa Cheol will bring together artists from different backgrounds to create something truly unique — and leading the very first episode is Shannon rapper GodKnows. To find out more about the new docu-series, GodKnows joined Alan Morrissey live in-studio. Image © Clare Fm

It's been a hugely significant time for Cratloe GAA Club, with the official opening of new facilities including an expanded ball wall, resurfaced astroturf, and the Jackie O'Gorman Stand — alongside a deeply meaningful commemoration marking the 25th anniversary of the passing of Michael Murphy. It's been a period that's brought together pride, progress, and reflection within the community. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Chairman of Cratloe GAA Club, Kevin Browne. Image © Cratloe GAA via Facebook

On Thursday's Morning Focus we heard from a Clare mother about a deeply worrying experience that has raised fresh concerns about emergency response times in the region. Molly Kelly's seven-year-old daughter, who is autistic and non-verbal, became gravely ill over the weekend—but the family then faced a two-hour wait for an ambulance to take her from Shannondoc to University Hospital Limerick. As questions grow around ambulance availability, rural healthcare access, and ongoing pressures in the system, Alan Morrissey spoke with Molly, to hear her story. Clare Fm reached out to the HSE for a statement on this issue: "The HSE National Ambulance Service (NAS) regrets that any service user should have a negative experience. However, the HSE cannot discuss individual case details when doing so might reveal information relating to identifiable individuals, thereby breaching our ethical duty of confidentiality. The NAS works to deliver the highest standard of care for people using NAS services. All 999/112 calls received for emergency medical assistance are prioritised using an internationally recognised system that triages calls based on clinical priority, which range from life-threatening- cardiac or respiratory arrest to minor illness or injury. This means that during particularly busy periods, lower-acuity calls may wait longer for an ambulance. Ambulance bases have additional vehicles on site. These are in reserve for breakdowns and servicing. It also means crews coming on duty have a vehicle immediately available if the earlier crew and ambulance are attending another incident. This ensures continuity of service. The NAS is undergoing a significant transformation programme to enhance service delivery, optimise resources, and expand its role in providing alternative and community-based care. Since 2022, additional investment has seen the NAS base budget increase by 41% (an additional €83 million) to €285 million in 2025. Over the same period, staffing levels have increased by 28%, with an additional 588 whole-time equivalent staff, bringing total NAS staffing to 2,655 WTE. Capital investment of €126 million has also been made in fleet replacement and expansion to support these developments. Plans for 2026 include significant investment in the NAS: an additional 263 whole-time equivalents and €20 million in new funding, including additional resources in each of Kilrush, Ennis, and Ennistymon. This investment plan will deliver 21 additional crewed ambulances nationally, operating at peak demand, as well as four more Intermediate Care Vehicles, and continued development of the Clinical Hub and alternative care pathways. " Image © Alan Place

Ennis Municipal District and the Gardaí are being urged to put safety measures in place at a Clare service station following a recent road traffic collision. A meeting of Ennis's local elected representatives has heard that ad-hoc parking of vehicles on the road and footpath beside the garage on the Kildysart Road in Clarecastle is putting pedestrians and motorists alike in danger. The issue was brought to ahead by a collision in which a driver sustained injuries at the site last month. Mayor of Clare, Clarecastle Fine Gael Councillor Paul Murphy, is calling for action.

A request has been made for ambulances to be stationed at Clare's fire houses. It follows an €8m funding announcement for the refurbishment of Ennis Fire Station, which may include a full rebuild. The operating model is currently functioning in the Capital, where ambulances are deployed from Dublin fire station bases. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Antoinette Baker Bashua believes a similar model is needed here to address unacceptable delays.

Pat Flynn visits Caherconnell in the heart of the Burren where the Davorens operate their family farm and Clare's only sheepdog demonstrations. On the farm is a remarkably well preserved Caherconnell Fort is over 1,000 years old and of enormous archaeological importance.

A multi-award-winning singer-songwriter and one of the most respected voices in folk music, Steve Knightley is bringing his solo tour to Killaloe this evening for a special fundraising concert at St Flannan's Cathedral. Best known as co-founder of Show of Hands, his music is celebrated for its storytelling, sense of place, and deep connection with audiences. For more on this, Steve Knightley and The Very Rev'd Dr Richard Marsh, Dean of Killaloe joined Alan Morrissey on Wednesday's Morning Focus.

Tommy Corbett from Carey Corbett Financial Solutions was live in-studio on Wednesday's edition of Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey. This week, Tommy focused on people who are in their 20s, 30s, 40s and what financial priorities they should be thinking about.

Two brothers who had made their home in Limerick, Tajuddin and Salahuddin Safi, have been remembered as kind, hardworking men with strong ties to their community, after they tragically lost their lives while fishing off the Clare coast at the end of last month. In the days since, there has been an outpouring of support, with a fundraiser launched to help repatriate them to Afghanistan — and to support their grieving families. Joining Alan Morrissey on Wednesday's Morning Focus was Ahmedzea Jaan, the organiser of the GoFundMe which successfully raised funds to bring the brothers home. Photo (c) Ahmedzea Jaan via GoFundMe.

Around 2,000 ambulance personnel — including paramedics, EMTs and specialist paramedics — are set to take strike action next month in a long-running dispute over pay and working conditions. The action, organised by SIPTU, will begin with a 24-hour stoppage on May 12th, with further escalations planned later in the month and into June. The union says its members have seen significant changes in their roles and responsibilities over the past two decades, without those changes being properly reflected in pay. To find out more Alan Morrissey was joined by John McCamley, SIPTU Health Organiser. Image © Pat Flynn

Renewed fears are being expressed that the Ennis 2040 DAC won't be able to pay off its €10 million loan. The loan in question was approved by elected members of Clare County Council in June of 2021 by a margin of 23 to five. At this week's meeting of Ennis Municipal District, Clarecastle Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom O'Callaghan has requested a report on the total costs incurred by or on behalf of the company since its establishment. Repayments on the loan are interest free for the first three years, with repayments beginning this year. Clare FM's Seán Lyons has been speaking to Clarecastle Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle who spoke in support of the motion, but first caught up with Councillor O'Callaghan about why he brought it forward. Image © Ennis 2040 DAC

On Wednesdays Morning Focus we were discussing the political fallout from the Government's narrow escape in the Dáil confidence vote, held in the wake of last week's fuel protests. While the coalition held on, the shock resignation of Michael Healy-Rae has raised serious questions about unity in Government and growing frustration, particularly in rural Ireland. To unpack what this all means, Alan Morrissey was joined by former Clare Minister Tony Killeen and former Clare TD Madeline Taylor-Quinn. Image © Oireachtas.ie

Calls have been made for a full review of planning permission guidelines along Clare's national secondary routes. In August 2023, the Department of Housing removed a special exemption from Clare's county development plan that allowed one-off homes on the N67,N68 and N85. The controversial decision was made due to road safety concerns, but this could now be reversed due to the ongoing speed limit review of national secondary routes. Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch believes developments should be assessed on a case by case basis.

Cancellations of hospital appointments are feared due to critically low blood stocks ahead of a donation clinic in Clare this week. The Irish Blood Transfusion Service is holding a clinic at Treacy's Oakwood Hotel in Shannon on Wednesday the 15th and Thursday the 16th of April from 4pm to 7:20pm. Appointments can be made by calling 1800 222 111 and former UK residents have recently been made eligible to donate. The IBTS needs 500 donors a week by May to ensure stocks remain at a safe level, and Donor Recruitment Executive Alex O'Connor says elective procedures may have to be called off if sufficient donations aren't seen.

There was heated debate in Clare County Council this week, with some councillors clashing over the Government's and in some cases the Gardai's response to last week's fuel protests. Although all elected members unanimously supported an emergency motion seeking enhanced cost of living supports, there were divided opinions over the coalitions response to the oil shock, with Fine Gael Councillor Pat Burke coming out in favour of government efforts. Calls were also made for further cuts to Green Diesel and for more transparency surrounding prices charged at filling stations. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan was in attendance and first spoke to Quilty Fianna Fáil Councillor Michael Shannon. Photo (c) Clare County Council

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, there's a great opportunity to rediscover what's right on your doorstep. “Be a Tourist in Your Own County Clare” is back for its fourth year, offering locals the chance to explore some of the county's best attractions, often at discounted rates or even for free. Joining Alan Morrissey on Tuesday's Morning Focus to tell us more was Karen Fennessy, Administrative Officer in Tourism from Clare County Council.

Colm Liddy, local author and historian was live in-studio on Tuesday's Morning Focus for History In Focus. This week, Colm brought us back in time to the 1840s to discuss how people coped during that period. If you have any historical questions for Colm, text or WhatsApp 0861800964. Photo (c) Colm Liddy

Foróige is a national youth organisation that supports young people to learn and grow, socially and personally. Now more than ever, supporting Clare's youth is vital, and Foróige is seeking mentoring volunteers. Clare FM's Lily Collins has been speaking with Hazel Deegan, Mentoring Programme Officer with Foróige, about the Big Brother Big Sister programme and how volunteers in Clare can make a difference in a young persons life. Photo (c) Scariff Foróige Youth Club Facebook

This week Ennistymon Choral Society celebrates its 50th anniversary with a show that will see them head back in time. Ennistymon Community Centre is the venue for Disco Inferno, which will evoke memories of the 70s. To find out more about it Alan Morrissey spoke to Brendan Kean, the Ennistymon Choral Society Treasurer and Principal Cast Member. Image © Ennistymon Choral Society

On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by John Burns, retired Deputy Principal at Rice College and Educational Consultant. This week, John discussed the importance of discipline and gave advice on how to make the most of the final weeks before the state examinations. Image © Clare Fm

As part of this year's Bealtaine Festival celebrations, a special art exhibition is taking place this week in Ennis, showcasing the creativity and talent of older people from across County Clare. The Bealtaine Art Expo will feature work from clients of several local day care centres and community units, with the event happening at the Temple Gate Hotel. For more on this, Alan Morrissey spoke with Age Friendly Programme Manager, Shanelle Warring and Manager of Clarecastle Day Care Centre, Mary Moloney. Image © Clare Fm

From today, Ireland's newborn heel prick test is expanding to include screening for two additional rare but serious conditions—Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Severe Combined Immunodeficiency. Health experts say early detection can be life-changing for affected babies and their families. To explain what this means in practice, Alan Morrissey was joined by GP Dr Máire Finn of Ennis Medical. Image © anyaberkut from Getty Images Pro via Canva