Clare FM - Podcasts

The Mayor of Clare is confident that local Gardai are sufficiently equipped to tackle a recent escalation of violent crime in Ennis. Gardai engaged in an extensive search on Friday following a hit and run incident, which required the support of armed Garda units from Limerick and Galway as well as a unit from the National Garda Helicopter force.

A Clare Independent TD is calling on the government to 'dial down the rhetoric' in it's condemnation of the war in Ukraine. Scarriff TD Michael McNamara addressed EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen spoke in the Dáil last week, stressing the importance of neturality in negotiating an end to conflict.

Ballyea Manager Robbie Hogan After Ballygunner Loss In Munster SHC Final

Fr Gerry Kenny presents Beyond Belief this week.

For this week's episode of Atlantic Tales, ahead of International Volunteer Day on December 5th, Pat Flynn visited four groups who give freely of their time in the service of their communities. Featured are: Order of Malta, Shannon - Blood Bike MidWest - Galway Mountain Rescue Team and Diving Ireland (Search and Recovery Units South West Region)

The Chair of Clare's Joint Policing Committee is expressing fresh fears that small shops in the county could be forced out of business due to rising costs. Members of this county's JPC have been told 330 thefts from shops took place in Clare between January and October of this year. It's a 44 percent jump on the same period in 2021, while other thefts are up 41 percent and burglaries up 22 percent in the same timeframe. Clare JPC Chair and Sixmilebridge-based Fine Gael Councillor John Crowe says small businesses are already finding things tough.

The CEO of MidWest Simon is concerned that the level of inflation will drive up homeless figures next year. The latest figures from the Department of Housing show there are 60 homeless adults in Clare, while there are currently 37 children in emergency accommodation. Last month, there were 48 new presentations to the Clare Homeless Action Team - an increase of 46% on the same time last year. CEO of MidWest Simon, Jackie Bonfield, says a safety net needs to be put in place to protect the squeezed middle.

Fr Arnold Rosney presents this week's Sunday Prayer.

The Co-ordinator of the Clare Immigrant Support Centre believes work on ending direct provision has fallen behind schedule prior to the outbreak of war in Ukraine. It comes as an expert advisory group has warned that the Ukrainian refugee crisis will impede on the timeline to deliver on the state's commitment to end the direct provision system by 2024. The coalition's white paper on ending direct provision would see assylum seekers placed in state-owned reception centres for a maximum of four months before being moved into not-for-profil housing. Co-ordinator of the Clare Immigrant Support Centre, Orla Ní Éilí, insists work to ending direct provision shouldn't be stalled due to the refugee crisis.

A Clare Independent TD is calling on the government to stop 'wasting' garda resources by chasing drug dealers. Speaking in the Dáil, Scariff-based TD Michael McNamara, advocated for drugs to be legalised in order to 'take the trade out of dealer's hands'. Deputy McNamara noted that despite the prosecution of prominent figures within Ireland's drug catels, the prevalence of illegal substances has risen astronomically. He believes that drug use should instead be viewed as a health issue, rather than a legal battle.

Clare FM Players Interviews Ahead Of Munster Club SHC Final

Clare FM Preview Of Munster Club SHC Final Live From The Local Inn. Special guests include Ballyea club secretary Fiona Whelan, club chairman James Carmody, former chairman Pat Moylan, Donal Kelly, Derrick O'Connor, Kevin Sheehan and Kieran Shannon. The Ballyea Choir round out the night with a special live version of Clare My Heart My Home

Clare FM's Greyhound Focus December 2nd 2022

On this week's Clare Means Business, Josh hears from Ennis outlet Bistro 41 who've been nominated in the Best of Munster category at the Just Eat Awards. He also hears from Lahinch hotelier Michael Vaughan about his hopes for Clare's tourism industry in 2023.

On Friday's Morning Focus, Pat was joined by Mary O'Brien who is the CEO of Milford Care Centre. Mary discussed the upcoming Light Up a Memory Ceremony which will be taking place this Sunday for it's 24th year. The aim of the ceremony is to remember a loved one by sponsoring a light on the Milford Care Centre Light Up a Memory Tree which will help fundraise for the charity to give patients the gift of specialist palliative care. If you wish to sponsor a light on the tree you can do so by calling the Milford Care Centre fundraising department on 061485859 or by visiting their website milfordcarecentre.ie.

On Friday's Morning Focus, Pat was joined by Colm Liddy who is a local history author. Colm discussed his new book that is set be launched next Wednesday which is called 'Nan Hogan'. The book describes the crucial role Nan Hogan played as the leading member of Cumann na Mban in County Clare during the War of Independence. Cumann na Mban were founded in April 1914 and were set up as a form of female assistance in arming and equipping Irish Volunteers.

On Thursday's Morning Focus Alan was joined by Frank Melody who was the recent recipient of the Other Enterprise FBD Young Farmer of the Year. Frank who co-owns Melody Farm Eggs with his brother Joe explained why he thinks his family run business shone bright on the national stage.

On Friday's Morning Focus, Pat was joined by Sarah Clancy who is the Coordinator of the Clare Public Participation Network. Sarah discussed the call for people from migrant backgrounds to register for the Beyond Border Book Club. The aim of the book club is to seek people from migrant backgrounds that are now living in Clare to speak about their favourite books, which represent their home country and culture. The Beyond Borders Book Club events will be held at the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis, on 18 January, 1 February and 15 February 2023 at 7:00 pm. Each event will feature one book, chosen by a Beyond Borders presenter. If you would like to be a presenter for the Beyond Borders Book Club, please send the following information to: info@ennisbookclubfestival.com Applications close at 5pm on Friday 9th December. All nominated books must be currently available in English.

The Vice Chair of the Clare Joint Policing Committee is calling on the Gardaí to use all their force to tackle escalating violence in Ennis. An investigation is currently underway following reports of a firearm being discharged in the Cloughleigh area of the town on Wednesday evening. Video footage of the incident has been widely shared on social media and it's believed the incident is in relation to an ongoing feud in the area. Ennis Councillor Pat Daly says the town has never had to deal with this level of violence.

A Shannon Councillor is calling for the creation of an intra-town service for the area and its surrounding environs. It follows the publication of the Limerick/Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, which is promising 'high quality' bus and cycle infrastructure to be delivered for South East Clare by 2040. It's also committed to improving the frequency of services on the Ennis Rail Line, to provide what it claims will be "efficient and effective" commuter services in the long term. Speaking with Clare FM's Josh Prenderville, Shannon-based Sinn Fein Councillor Donna McGettigan says the aim is for transport infrastructure to attract employment and families to the town.

Clare people are being reminded to 'ask for Angela' if needed as Christmas parties begin across the county this weekend. Extra Gardai are being promised in the large urban centres of Ennis and Shannon over the next number of weeks as the festive season gets underway. Ennis publican and Clare branch Chair of the VFI, Charlie O' Meara, and Chair of Ennis' Purple Flag Committee, Cllr Johnny Flynn, have been speaking to Clare FM's Morning Focus.

Blood Donors in Clare are being urged to attend a local clinic in the run up to Christmas. It comes after the Irish Blood Transfusion Service had to import 390 units of blood from England during the week following shortages in the supply of O-, A- and B- red cell. Upcoming clinics are scheduled to take place in Ennistymon on December 12th and 13th and in Ennis from the 27th to 29th. Barry Doyle, Director of Processing and Hospital Services with the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, is advising potential donors to check their eligibility now.

On Friday's Morning Focus, Alan spoke to Danny and Aimee Keller who are set to establish Clare's first ever pet crematorium next week. The crematorium is to be called 'Peaceful Paws' and will open it's doors on the Gort Road in Ennis. 'Peaceful Paw's' will be the only pet crematorium between the counties of Clare, Limerick and Galway.

The head of the Ennis Garda Division has confirmed that a number of vehicles have been seized as part of an investigation into the discharge of a firearm in Ennis. Superintendent John Galvin says multiple individuals are believed to have been involved.

Ballyea's Robbie Hogan Ahead Of The Munster SHC Club Final

A Clare Government TD says he's confident Shannon Airport will continue to receive funding from the Regional Airports Programme throughout the lifetime of the current Government. It comes after Ryanair has told the Oireachtas Transport Committee it 'can and will do more' at Shannon over the coming years. Fine Gael TD from Clarecastle, Joe Carey, has been speaking to Clare FM's Josh Prenderville.

On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined by Transition Year students Éabha Healy and David O' Donaghue from St. Joseph's Secondary School in Spanish Point to discuss the Annual Christmas Market Day. The event takes place at Aras Caitriona where an array of arts, crafts and food will be available. All are welcome to attend as this is the first time the event is open to the public.

On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Canadian Chef and owner of Randaddy's in Lahinch, Randy Lewis. Randy spoke about the recipe for stuffed potatoes and gave his expert tips and tricks on how to combine all ingredients to produce the ultimate potato.

It's claimed that as little as the price of a cup of coffee could make a massive difference to charitable organisations in Clare this Christmas. It comes in the wake of a news survey from the Charities Regulator, which says 86 per cent of people still plan to make a financial contribution this festive period, despite the cost of living crisis. Pat White, Deputy Director of the Ennis Samaritans and Theresa Murrihy from Sláinte An Chláir have been speaking to Clare FM's Morning Focus.

On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined by Naoise Ryan who is the wife of the late Lahinch native Míchéal Mick died in a preventable air disaster on March 10th, 2019, when, several minutes after take-off, the Boeing 737 Max Aircraft he was travelling in Addis Abba to Nairobi crashed, killing all 157 people on-board. Naoise is seeking justice for the death of her husband and discussed her recent meeting with the Department of Justice in Washington. Off the back of the meeting Naoise has called on the Taoiseach to intervene on her behalf and request a meeting with the Attorney General Merrick Garland.

On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined by a Clare based woman who has recently been subject to a hate crime. The woman was on her way home from work last Friday when she was followed by a gang of youths. She was subject to racial abuse along with being spat on which left her in both shock and disbelief.

Eire Óg manager Paul Madden After 2022 Clare SFC Final Win Over Ennistymon

Ryanair's Group CEO says the airline 'can and will do more' to expand its operations at Shannon Airport in the future. Addressing questioning at the Oireachtas Transport Committee, Ryanair Group CEO Micheal O' Leary says Shannon is very much 'standing on its own two feet'.

The Midwest Hospitals Campaign is criticising Clare politicians for what they say is 'silence' on proposals to bring Ennis' emergency department back into full service. Ballyvaughan-based advocate with the Midwest Hospital Campaign, Noeleen Moran, wants the proposal to be brought back into focus once more.

Ballyea's Gary Brennan Ahead Of The Munster Club SHC Final

Clare Youths Manager Ruairí Price On Inter-League Tie v Galway

On Wednesday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined by Founder of Cuimhneamh an Chláir and Clare Oral Historian Dr . Tomás Mac Conmara who is set to present tomorrow's annual lecture of the Oral History Network of Ireland. Dr . Tomás discussed his honour with being invited to deliver tomorrow's lecture which will take place in Dublin. He spoke about his interest in the War of Independence and the Civil War while referring to his teenage years where he recorded memories of the Irish Revolutionary period. The Lecture is set to take place at the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland in Dublin between 7 and 9 pm on Thursday 1st December. The talk will be of particular interest for Clare people living in the capital and you can register online for free to attend the event on oralhistorynetworkireland.ie.

On Wednesday's Morning Focus, Alan spoke to Morning Focus listener Tom from Killaloe to discuss the importance of wearing a high vis jacket by night. Tom discussed his belief that all pedestrians and cyclists should be obliged to wear a high vis jacket while using the country's roads in the dark at night time.

On Wednesday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined by Transition Year Coordinator Martina McNamara along with Gaelcholáiste an Chláir student Bridget Nic Suibhne and Ennis Community College student David O' Regan. The group spoke about their upcoming fundraiser which aims to raise funds for St. Vincent de Paul.

On Wednesday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined by Former Clare Senior Footballer Dean Ryan to discuss his recent trip with the Gaelic Players Association to Kenya. Dean embarked on the same journey as Eimear Kelly, who recently spoke on Morning Focus regarding the aim of the trip which was to help plant one million trees in Kenya. He discussed the trip itself and as to how he got involved in the project. Dean spoke about the task of aiming to raise €10,000 ahead of the trip along with describing his delight with teaching the local children the key skills of the GAA. Dean has so far raised over half of his 10,000 euro target. https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/DeanRyan

The head of Clare County Council's response to the Ukrainian crisis says it's important to 'recognise the reality' of capacity issues surrounding this county's ability to deal with the war. It follows comments from Clare Fianna Fail TD Cathal Crowe that a 'cap' on Ukrainian refugees locally should be considered and that the county may be 'at capacity' in certain areas. The local authority is launching a new appeal to people across the county to consider offering properties as temporary homes to those fleeing the war. Acting Director of Service leading Clare County Council's Ukraine response, Jason Murphy, has been telling Clare FM's Josh Prenderville that his focus is to ensure sustainable communities are being built.

The Clare-based chair of the Independent Farmers Of Ireland group believes the agri-food regulator has been set up to fail. Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue has received government support for the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Bill which will establish a new independent statutory authority to investigate unfair trading practices. The regulator can look into late payments to farmers, can issue fines of up to €10m or 10% of turnover, and can refer matters to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) if necessary. Kilmurry-McMahon farmer, Seamus Shannon and Clare Chair of the Beef Plan Group, Joseph Woulfe have been speaking to Clare FM's Morning Focus.

The Clare-based Chief Executive of a prominent carer network has expressed optimism that an announcement on work permits for Non-EU carers is imminent. There are currently 6,000 people on waiting lists for homecare, with half of those new approved cases and the balance made up of those who have existing care arrangements and need a top-up. Home care remains on the ineligible skills list for employment permits but Chief Executive of the National Community Care Network, Fiacre Hensey expects a change to this to be announced within the coming days. The Barefield resident says a lot of work has been done in an effort to improve the current situation.

An East Clare mother believes new legislation will help reinforce the important conversation of organ donation. The Cabinet this week approved the Human Tissue Bill , which will regulate the practice of organ donation and transplantation in Ireland. Under the new system, deceased adults will be assumed to be donors, unless they stated otherwise while still alive. Tulla resident Kirsty Donnellan is mother to the late Scarlett, who's organs were donated after her untimely death, at 17. She says organ donation is a difficult decision to make, if you don't know the person's wishes, but she believes the opt-out system is a positive one.

On Tuesday's Morning Focus, our Garda In Focus series continued with John Staunton who is a Sergeant in the Divisional Roads Policing Unit. John discussed his divisional wide role in the policing unit which involves policing every road in the road network in County Clare.

An Ennis-based developer is expressing his surprise at Clare County Council's refusal to grant permission for a 'shovel-ready' housing development in East Clare. Larry Brennan of Woodhaven Developments, who's also a member of Clare's Social Development SPC, says work was ready to begin on the site in January.

A Clare Senator believes a Citizen's Assembly on drugs will be the 'most important' of its kind during the lifetime of the current Government. Ennistymon-based Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway, who's his party's Seanad spokesperson on health, feels the issue needs to be urgently prioritised.

Ballyea's Paul Flanagan Ahead Of The Munster Club SHC Final

A Clare Government TD feels this county has 'exceeded its capacity' to help Ukrainian refugees. Senior members of the local authority have been describing what they say is the 'complete and utter uncertainty' about the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, and how this county continues to respond to it throughout the winter. Latest figures show more than 3,600 Ukrainians are in Clare, with around a quarter of those understood to be in the town of Lisdoonvarna, nearly 700 in Ennis and around 400 in Shannon. Meelick-based Fianna Fail Deputy Cathal Crowe has been telling Clare FM's Josh Prenderville that while more should be done to help where possible, the capacity to help those from Ukraine who are already here has been reached.

On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined by Limerick based documentary filmmaker Peter McGarry. Peter discussed the documentary he has made called 'Cleared For Disaster' which is based on major air crashes at Shannon Airport between the years of 1946-1961. He spoke about his fond love for aviation which began at a young age where he worked with aircraft trading and leasing companies. His documentary based on Shannon airport crashes can be viewed on you tube on the following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x7lkEqQtpU.

A West Clare hotelier is warning that jobs will be on the line in the hospitality sector if the lower VAT rate isn't retained. It follows fresh calls for the lower VAT rate for the sector to be retained, amid mounting concerns over a reduction in the number of people visiting here next year. Dermot Kelly from the Shannon Springs Hotel and John Burke from the Armada Hotel in Spanish Point have been talking to Clare FM's Morning Focus.