Clare FM - Podcasts

This weekend, North Clare will come alive with the Rekindle Festival of Lost Skills, a three-day celebration of traditional crafts, music, storytelling, community and heritage.   Now in its fourth year, the festival takes place across Ennistymon, Common Knowledge and Lisdoonvarna, with hands-on workshops, demonstrations, talks, traditional music and a community céilí — and it's all free.  Joining Alan Morrissey earlier to tell us more were Aoife Hammond from Common Knowledge, weaver Jean Moran, and Conor Mahon from Clare Sport. Photo (c) Clare FM

It's our monthly look at what's happening across Clare Libraries, and this month there are two very different topics to explore.  Emer Bowen joined Alan Morrissey to talk about Home Energy Savings Kits and radon monitors that people can borrow, while Archivist Ciara Fahy highlighted the fascinating Glynn Collection, which offers a unique insight into more than 150 years of life and business in West Clare.  Alan heard from both of them about what's available and how the public can get involved. Photo (c) Clare FM

It's feared Clare's disabled drivers will be left worse off under a new vehicle adaption scheme due to be rolled out.   The Government is currently progressing a grant programme which will cover minor adaptations to cars for people with mobility needs.   The coalition is also reviewing the existing disabled drivers and passengers scheme which offers VAT and VRT reliefs, sparking concerns from industry leaders that it may be phased out.   Clare Aontú Representative June Dillon has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that clarity is urgently needed. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Desmond Lillis, a disabled driver. Photo (c) YAROVA from YAROVA via Canva

Claire O'Meara is getting ready to bring the joy of line dancing to communities across Clare, with four new classes starting in September in Kilrush, Ennis, Clarecastle and Cratloe.   But for Claire, it's about much more than learning dance steps — it's about getting active, meeting people, building friendships and supporting mental wellbeing.   She recently brought 25 dancers to Áras an Uachtaráin, where they met President Catherine Connolly.  Claire joined Alan Morrissey to tell us more about the classes and the community behind the dancing.  Photo (c) Claire O'Meara via Facebook

Time for another Taste of the Week, on Thursday's Morning Focus Alan Morrissey was joined by Danny Lynch, Chef from Le Cheile in Barefield. Danny let Alan test a potential new addition to the Le Cheile menu. Image (c) Clare FM

As families get ready for the new school year, there's one area of children's health that can sometimes be overlooked, their hearing.  Good hearing is essential for children in the classroom, helping them to follow instructions, take part in discussions, communicate with classmates and build confidence.  Even mild or undiagnosed hearing difficulties can sometimes affect a child's learning and development, and the signs aren't always obvious to parents or teachers.  Monica Araujo, audiologist with Audiology Medical Services, joined Alan Morrissey to talk about the importance of children's hearing, the signs parents should look out for, and why getting any concerns checked early can make such a difference. Image (c) kentarus from Getty Images Signature via Canva

He's no stranger to extreme challenges, but Seanie Clifford has taken on perhaps his most remarkable one yet.   He's running every one of Dublin's 4,400 streets — covering up to 2,500 kilometres — while sleeping rough every night.  The challenge is raising awareness and funds for people experiencing homelessness, with support going to Focus Ireland, Liberty Soup Run and Dublin Homeless Awareness.   Seanie joined Alan Morrissey to tell us how it's going. Photo (c): Seanie Runner Clifford via Facebook

Eight Clare food and drink producers have made it through to the finals of Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards 2026, from more than 3,000 entries nationwide.   Among them are East Clare Apiaries and Lúnasa Farm, with the awards taking place in Dingle this October.  Alan Morrissey was joined by Michael Curran of East Clare Apiaries, and farmer and nutritionist Cass McCarthy of Lúnasa Farm and Butchery to hear what the recognition means for Clare's food producers. Photo (c) Clare County Council

This Sunday, 16th August, the Mullagh Agri Show and Family Day returns for its 31st year, celebrating the best of agriculture, food and community in West Clare.   There'll be plenty for all ages, with children's activities, entertainment and access to the Autism Friendly Playground — and importantly, all children's activities are free.  As the show looks to the future and encourages a new generation of volunteers to get involved, Alan Morrissey was joined by joint secretaries Michael McMahon and Melissa Duggan to tell us more. Photo (c) Clare FM

Crovraghan residents have been raising serious concerns about speeding on their road for years.  Cars are regularly passing homes at dangerously high speeds, there's nowhere safe to cross, and the community has seen heartbreaking loss of both people and animals.   Despite repeated calls for action, residents say they're still being fobbed off.   Earlier, Alan Morrissey spoke with local resident, Caterina Baker about the situation and why people are calling for urgent action. Photo (c) ooyoo from Getty Images Signature via Canva

The latest figures from the Commission for Regulation of Utilities make for stark reading. More than 328,000 households are behind on their electricity bills, with almost 189,000 in gas arrears. Hundreds of households are also being disconnected for failing to pay.  With energy prices remaining high and further increases on the way, what should Government be doing when the Dáil returns from its summer break?  Joining Alan Morrissey earlier to discuss the growing pressure on families were Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan, and Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe / Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney. Photo (c) AndreyPopov from Getty Images via Canva

An increase in car parking revenue generated at University Hospital Limerick has been described as “blatant profiteering off people in tragic situations”. HSE figures show revenue from parking charges at the hospital increased from €446,000 in 2021 to €1.44 million last year, representing an increase of more than 200%. The increase comes despite a commitment in the Programme for Government to reduce car parking costs at hospitals. HSE Regional Health Forum Midwest member and Shannonbanks Sinn Féin Councillor James Ryan has described the situation as “disturbing and wrong”.

It's feared Clare's disabled drivers will be left worse off under a new vehicle adaption scheme due to be rolled out. The Government is currently progressing a grant programme which will cover minor adaptations to cars for people with mobility needs. The coalition is also reviewing the existing disabled drivers and passengers scheme which offers VAT and VRT reliefs, sparking concerns from industry leaders that it may be phased out. Clare Aontú Representative June Dillon says clarity is urgently needed.

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch speaks with Ann Marie McGann to preview the 2026 Clare Credit Unions Senior Camogie Championship while Derek Dormer speaks with all 10 clubs involved in the race for the McMahon Cup

County Clare has been named European Volunteering Capital for 2027 — a prestigious European title awarded to just one location each year in recognition of outstanding, sustainable and community-led volunteering.     The programme, delivered in partnership with Clare County Council and eleven partner organisations, will officially launch on January 31st next year, with events, European study visits, a Volunteer Festival Weekend and a major focus on recognising the thousands of people who give their time across the county.     Alan Morrissey was joined by Sharon Meaney, Manager of Clare Volunteer Centre, to hear what the title means for Clare and what's being planned for 2027. Photo (c) Clare County Council

As part of Heritage Week, a fascinating free guided bus tour is taking place this Saturday, exploring the stained-glass heritage of West Clare. Researcher and photographer John Glynn has spent the past five years documenting stained-glass windows at more than 140 locations across the county.    He joined Alan Morrissey to tell us about Clare's remarkable stained-glass heritage and the special tour taking in Kilrush, Doonbeg and Monmore. Pic (c) Clare County Council

Fuel prices have risen sharply over the past month, with diesel up by around 19 cent a litre and petrol by about 9 cents.   With the cost of living already putting pressure on households and the Government due to begin phasing out its temporary fuel excise cuts next month, Alan Morrissey was joined by Sixmilebridge fuel merchant PJ Ryan to hear what he's seeing at the pumps and what customers are telling him, and Eugene Drennan, Ennis-based Irish Road Haulage Association Deputy Vice President. Photo (c) amanalang from Getty Images via Canva

Alan Morrissey was joined by Prof Catriona Jackman from DIAS Dunsink Observatory, to talk us through a very special celestial event taking place this evening.   Ireland is set to experience its deepest solar eclipse since 1999, with up to 97% of the Sun obscured in parts of the west.   Alan found out what people in Ennis and across Clare can expect to see, where to get the best view, and, most importantly, how to watch it safely. Photo (c) ofc pictures from Getty Images via Canva

Alan Morrissey was joined earlier by Joanna Doohan, the 2026 Rose of Clare.     She was crowned at the event in Cooraclare last Friday night.    Joanna, from Kilmurry Ibrickane, is also captain of the Clare ladies football team, so she's no stranger to representing her county.     It's been a very exciting few days for her, and she joined Alan to talk about winning the title, the support from her community, and what lies ahead. Photo (c) Clare FM

You may have heard about the recent and extraordinary midwinter rescue mission that took place in Antarctica.  Flying into temperatures of -43°C and complete darkness, the Australian aviation crew behind the rescue landed at McMurdo Station to carry out an urgent medical evacuation of a US expedition member from the station.  And there's a lovely Clare connection too, through Captain Louise Robertson, who was part of the crew behind the rescue mission.  Louise is connected to the Banner County through her grandparents, Paddy Duggan from Ballina/Killaloe and Bridget Quinn from Ruane/Tubber, who both hailed from County Clare.  Alan Morrissey was delighted to be joined by Captain Louise Robertson to learn more. Photo (c) James Moore from Getty Images Pro via Canva

Clare has ranked as one of the top three counties in Ireland for online shopping. New research shows 19% of all retail activity in this county is now carried out online. Ennis Chamber President Margaret O'Brien claims the figures are a reflection of the efforts from businesses across Clare to put greater emphasis into their online offering. She says the figures don't necessarily represent the phasing out of high-street shopping.

Outrage has been expressed over an increased spate of illegal dumping at a popular Clare nature trail. It's after a large volume of discarded household and electrical waste was found at Mooghaun Woods in Newmarket-On-Fergus this week. The rubbish was found on a popular walking route, known locally as the Long Sweep. Newmarket-On-Fergus Fianna Fáil Councillor David Griffin says it's completely inexcusable.

Resurfacing works are underway on one of West Clare's busiest roads ahead of next month's Amgen Irish Open. Clare County Council will be working on the N67 from Doonbeg to Glascloon until August 28th. The road will be closed for the duration of the works, while diversions are in place. Doonbeg Councillor Rita McInerney is hopeful improvements will follow for the rest of the route in the near future.

A Garda investigation is underway after a number of people were attacked and injured by a dog at a property on the Clare border. Clare's County Dog Warden was alerted on Saturday last after the sheepdog, which had been chained up at a property in O'Briensbridge, escaped and attacked a woman, who suffered serious injuries. It's understood the dog also attacked members of An Garda Síochána, as well as a young boy, who was taken to hospital for treatment. The dog has since been apprehended, but Clare County Dog Warden Frankie Coote says it's not just dogs of certain breeds that people need to be careful around.

Lissycasey's Máirtín Óg Ó Maonaigh won the Under 12 Lilting Competition in the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 at only 9 years old. 5,000 musicians and dancers participated in the All-Ireland Fleadh competitions this year, with 22 countries taking part. He joined Alan Morrissey with his mam, Mairéad Considine, to talk about the experience. Photo

As part of National Heritage Week, the Kilkee Currach Regatta will celebrate one of Ireland's oldest maritime traditions, while highlighting the work being done in West Clare to keep currach building and rowing alive.  With traditional boats, demonstrations, talks and a 1957 fishing currach returning to the water, it's a celebration of both the past and the future of our coastal heritage.  Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more was Richard Collins of the West Clare Currach Club. Photo (c) Thomas Mason via ouririshheritage.org

Colm Liddy, local author and historian was back in-studio on Tuesday's Morning Focus for our regular history in focus slot. This week Colm took us through the life and legacy of William Smith O'Brien.

The Kilmurry Heritage Festival gets underway this Friday, bringing four days of music, family activities, sport, local history and community events to the village near Sixmilebridge.   Running from August 14th to 18th, the festival also forms part of the National Heritage Week celebrations, with heritage walks, talks and a chance to discover more about Kilmurry's past.  Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us what's planned was Christy Carey, Chairperson of the Kilmurry Heritage Festival. Image (c) Kilmurry.com via Facebook

Heritage Week gets underway this week, with more than 80 events taking place across County Clare, celebrating everything from historic buildings and archaeology to traditional skills, music, storytelling and the county's natural heritage.    This year's theme is ‘Heritage at Risk', highlighting the importance of protecting the places, traditions and landscapes that help shape our identity.     Joining Alan Morrissey to look at the programme, and the challenges facing our heritage were Clare County Council Heritage Officer Congella McGuire and Michael O'Brien of Kilkee Heritage Group and Kilrush and District Historical Society to talk about heritage week events in west Clare. Photo (c) Eamon Ward via Clare County Council

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 dreaded back to school rush and anxiety students and parents alike are feeling. Photo (c) Clare FM

This Saturday, the community in Carrigaholt will come together to remember a much-loved local man, Michael Troy, six years after his passing.   The annual Michael Troy Memorial Run has grown from a small community event into an important fixture, celebrating Michael's love of sport, young people and his local community, while also raising funds for the West Clare Cancer Centre.  Joining Alan Morrissey earlier was Michael's daughter, Fiona Troy, to tell us more about her dad, the event and what it means to the family and the wider West Clare community. Image (c) Michael Troy Memorial Run

Quin Friary is one of Clare's most important historic landmarks, and now a new piece of technology is set to help visitors discover its stories in a whole new way.  The Quin Friary Visitor App combines audio, visuals and a guided tour to bring the history of the Friary to life for visitors of all ages.  The app is being officially launched this Sunday, and joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more were Michael Houlihan, historian, author and Quin Heritage Group member, and Siobhan O'Sullivan, also of the Quin Heritage Group. Photo (c) Clare FM

As Ireland's population ages, the pressure on nursing homes and the wider care system is growing.   With nursing-home places in short supply, hospital patients facing long waits for onward care, and the ESRI projecting a need for thousands more beds over the coming years, there are growing questions about how we care for older people.  But is building more nursing homes the answer, or do we need to rethink how older people are supported to live independently?  Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss that were Tadhg Daly, Chief Executive of Nursing Homes Ireland, and Mike Hanrahan, Clare's Age Friendly Ambassador and singer-songwriter with Stockton's Wing. Photo (c) annastills via Canva

Clare's MEP has labelled Uisce Éireann 'unanswerable to the people of Irleand', as Kilkee's residents have confirmed their decision to lodge a Notice of Appeal against the recent highcourt judgement on the planned wastewater treatment plant. A public meeting held last Friday evening, saw the Save Kilkee Cliff Walk Campaign reiterate their concerns surrounding the capacity, operation and location of the proposed infrastructure. The water utility was not represented at the meeting, despite receiving an invitation to attend and address concerns from residents. Scariff Independent MEP, Michael McNamara, claims Uisce Éireann 'is out of control' in the way it spends taxpayer money.

Clare businesses are being urged to take advantage of a potentially transformative grant. AirBnb is making sums of up to €20,000 available under the Rural Tourism Fund, with applications closing on September 16th. It's the second year of the initiative, which benefitted three Clare firms last Summer. Kevin Moroney of Spanish Point Cycling Tours says it makes a huge difference for local enterprises.

Coming up on the show, we will look back on a busy and dramatic weekend of action in the TUS Clare senior hurling championship, and Corofin are the focus of this weeks More Than A Club episode

Three of Ireland's largest business organisations have issued a joint call for enhanced and fast-tracked investment in the MidWest. It comes as Shannon, Limerick and Galway Chambers have each officially launched their pre-budget 2027 submissions. Among the goals listed by the groups is the accelerated delivery of the N19 Shannon Airport Access Road, which they say is necessary to unlock future growth opportunities. Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan they want to ensure the local economy continues to expand.

Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch to chat about the weekend's sporting fixtures. ~ TUS Clare Senior Hurling Championship ~ Group 1:  - Inagh-Kilnamona 0-25 St. Joseph's Doora Barefield 0-12 (Ruan)  - Ballyea 1-17 Clonlara 2-14 (Cratloe)  Group 2:  - Éire Óg 2-20 Scariff 1-21 (Ennis)  - Crusheen 3-14 Broadford 2-16 (Ennis)  Group 3:  - Clooney-Quin 4-17 Feakle 0-13 (Tulla)  - Cratloe 4-15 O'Callaghan's Mills 1-24 (Sixmilebridge)  Group 4:  -Newmarket-on-Fergus 2-16 Sixmilebridge 1-21 (Tulla)  - Kilmaley 3-20 Wolfe Tones Shannon 0-15 (Clarecastle)  ~ 2026 Clare Ladies Club Football Championship~  - Defending champions Kilmihil are off to a winning start in this years Clare ladies senior football championship.  - The holders saw off the challenge of Eire Óg, scoring five goals in the process.  - Kilmurry Ibrickane racked up 3-16 in their win over Doora Barefield, including a two pointer score from Ciara McCarthy. - Banner Ladies held off a stern test to beat Fergus Rovers by 3-8 to 1-6, while Liscannor came out on top of their North Clare derby against Burren Gaels.  Image (c) Clare FM

A Clare farm is inviting the public to step inside the gate this month as part of a nationwide event showcasing how farming and nature can work together. Moyhill Farm in Lahinch, run by Fergal Smyth, is one of 20 farms across Ireland taking part in Farming for Nature's Inside the Gate open farm day. Visitors will get the chance to explore a regenerative agriculture farm, learn about no-dig market gardening, meet the animals, and discover how food can be produced while supporting biodiversity and healthy soils. Fergal Smyth joined Alan Morrissey to tell us more about the event and life at Moyhill Farm. Photo (c) Fergal Smith via Farming For Nature

A new poetry collection is bringing the landscapes, memories and stories of the Burren to life.   It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This is the first book by Miriam O'Donohoe, formerly from Glancolmcille, Carron, in County Clare.   Through free verse, rhythm and rhyme, Miriam shares reflections on childhood, farming life, the challenges and triumphs of rural living, and some lighter moments of love and laughter along the way.    Miriam O'Donohoe joined Alan Morrissey ahead of the launch of her new book. Photo (c) Clare FM

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre, Ennis was back on Monday's Morning Focus to answer all your gardening queries. This week, Judy taught us about her favourite tree, the Japanese Maple. 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

Two young Clare students have just returned from the trip of a lifetime after spending three weeks experiencing life as teenagers in Phoenix, Arizona, as part of the Ennis–Phoenix Youth Ambassadors Programme.   The exchange saw them live with host families, explore American culture, visit landmarks including the Grand Canyon, and build friendships with young people from across the world.  The long-standing twinning partnership between Ennis and Phoenix continues to create opportunities for young people on both sides of the Atlantic.   Joining Alan Morrissey were Youth Ambassadors Seamus McGuire and Lucy Lennon, along with Councillor Mary Howard, Chairperson of the Ennis–Phoenix Twinning Board. Photo (c) Clare FM

Two of the world's most distinguished cellists are making their way to Clare for a unique evening that blends music, storytelling and personal reflection.   Julian and Jiaxin Lloyd Webber will take to the stage at Glór in Ennis with Bach, Bows and Arrows!—an intimate performance exploring the enduring genius of Bach, Julian's remarkable musical career, and the stories behind some of the greatest names in classical music.   The event also coincides with the publication of Julian's acclaimed autobiography, Bows and Arrows, offering audiences a rare opportunity to hear firsthand about a lifetime in music. Photo (c) Simon Fowler via julianlloydwebber.com

Clare Museum, supported by Creative Ireland, will add two handling collections to the museum's resources.     Handling collections are boxes that contain 12-15 original and/or replica museum objects, along with a brief description of each object with instructions for use and worksheets related to the objects.     The finished handling collections will be used as part of the Clare County Council-managed Clare Museum's Education & Outreach programme to bring part of the museum into the community.    Here to chat about this further is, Alan Morrissey was joined by John Rattigan, Clare Museum Curator. Photo (c) Clare Museum facebook page

One of Down Syndrome Clare's largest fundraising events, The Tour De Munster, came to a conclusion yesterday afternoon.    The 600k round trip culminated with a ride up St.Patrick's hill in Cork City, with cyclists traversing this county from Killlaloe to Killimer on Friday, stopping for lunch at The Temple Gate Hotel here in Ennis.    Volunteers were fundraising up and down the county, with every penny raised in Clare put back into the delivery of services for Down Syndrome Clare, which last year enabled them to secure property for use as the company headquarters in the county town.    Clare FM's Darragh O'Grady spoke to Down Syndrome Clare representatives Orla Shannon and Donal Monaghan at the event on Friday, but first Tour De Munster founder Paul Sheridan spoke about the importance of the Tour, which is now into its 26th year. Photo (c) Clare FM

A lack of specialist services for adults with eating disorders in the Mid-West has come under renewed scrutiny after the HSE confirmed there is currently no dedicated adult eating disorder team in the region.     As a result, adults who require inpatient treatment are being admitted to psychiatric units in Limerick and Ennis, while those needing community support are treated through general mental health services.     The situation has prompted calls for dedicated funding and specialist care, with concerns that people with eating disorders are not receiving the treatment best suited to their needs.     To discuss the issue from both a healthcare policy and clinical perspective, Alan Morrissey was joined by Councillor James Ryan, a member of the HSE Regional Health Forum Mid-West, and Fierna Kennedy, Adult and Adolescent Psychotherapist with a special interest in eating disorders. Photo (c) shisuka via Canva

With reports of a rare influx of mauve stinger jellyfish along the Clare coast, swimmers and visitors are being urged to take extra care.   The striking purple jellyfish can deliver a particularly painful sting, with symptoms potentially lasting for some time.  To put the recent sightings into context, and to hear what they may tell us about our changing coastal waters, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ken O'Sullivan, Lahinch-based documentary filmmaker, author and ocean conservationist Photo (c) semet from Getty Images Signature via Canva

New findings from an Irish Times investigation have raised fresh questions about environmental monitoring and regulation at the Aughinish Alumina plant on the Shannon Estuary.     The investigation reports that more than half of the site's monitored groundwater sources exceed EU threshold values, with some wells recording aluminium, arsenic and zinc levels many times above those limits.     While Aughinish says its monitoring shows there is no impact beyond the plant boundary and the EPA says the risk to surrounding areas is considered low, environmental groups are calling for an independent investigation and tougher regulatory action.     To discuss the implications of these findings, Alan Morrissey was joined by Dr Sineád Sheehan, spokesperson for Futureproof Clare. Photo (c) Aughinish Alumina

It's claimed more needs to be done to support childcare providers across Clare to address the shortfall in availability. It comes as plans have been submitted by The Clare Family Resource Centre for the construction of an additional childcare facility on its premises in Ennis. The new development will enable the centre to increase it's capacity by 50, to provide care for 170 children once the new facility is up and running in 2028. Clare Family Resource Centre manager Maureen Keane, says Government needs to do more to address the lack of childcare places in the county.

It's claimed more needs to be done at a government level to offer greater levels of therapy services to people with Down Syndrome in Clare. It comes as Down Syndrome Ireland's main fundraising event took place over the weekend, with over €500,000 raised by last year's edition, enabling the purchase of a new headquarters for the Clare branch. Cranny resident Orla Shannon's eight year old daughter accesses the services and supports offered through DS Clare. She says it helps them benefit from therapy services otherwise not available through the HSE.

Clare's closest University towns have ranked as some of the most expensive in the country for students. A new report from switcher.ie found rent in Limerick and Galway were the fifth and sixth highest in the country respectively. Both cities saw a 5% increase in the annual costs of everyday expenses, with students living in Limerick paying €16,520 a year, while those in Galway faced annual costs of €16,064. TUS Midwest Student President, Emma Hogan, says Clare students are opting out of going college due to being unable to afford it.