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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

The government is facing a crucial test in the Dáil today, as the Dáil is set to vote on a confidence motion in the Government over its ongoing handling of the fuel crisis. Sinn Féin is bringing forward a motion of no confidence following days of fuel protests and growing anger over the cost of living. While ministers point to a €505 million support package as proof they're responding, opposition parties argue it's too little, too late. Alan Morrissey spoke about this with Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan. He began by asking her what core message her party wants to send to the government and the public with the motion. He was also joined on the line by Tulla-based Fianna Fáil Minister of State, Timmy Dooley. Image © Oireachtas.ie

A Clare farming representative claims young farmers have been left behind by the Government's fuel supports. The €505 million package unveiled on Sunday includes direct payments to farmers as well as agricultural contractors, those in fisheries, hauliers and bus operators. The announcement has seen excise on petrol and diesel cut by 10 cents until the end of July as well as a 2.4 cent reduction on green diesel and the postponement of carbon tax increases until October's Budget. Doora-based chairperson of the Clare branch of the Irish Creamery and Milk Suppliers Association, Micheál O'Dwyer, says more could've been done to assist younger people looking to get a foothold in the sector.

Coming up on the show, we will reflect on Clare's National Camogie League Division 1B success and look ahead to next weekends opening game of the Munster championship Speaking of the Munster championship, the build up to Clare's showdown with Waterford in the Munster senior hurling championship officially gets underway this evening as we hear from Clare boss Brian Lohan and speak with former Clare goalkeeper Andrew Fahy to look ahead to the championship campaign We will also look ahead to big outings for Clare's minor and U20 footballers while we look back on two dramatic games locally in the FAI Junior Cup this weekend

On Monday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch to review Munster Minor Hurling Championship: Clare vs Limerick. They also spoke about the National Camogie League Division 1B Final: Clare vs Dublin. Image © Clare Fm

This week on the ‘Future of Housing', Alan Morrissey was joined on Morning Focus by Retiree and Quin resident, Eugene Philips and Ogonnelloe-based architect Garry Miley. The conversation focused on retirement, housing, downsizing, and accessibility. This feature, ‘Future of Housing' is funding by the News Reporting Scheme. Image © Clare Fm

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre joined Alan Morrissey live on Monday's Morning Focus for our regular In The Garden slot. This week Judy spoke about growing rhododendrons and azaleas as well as some garden maintenance tips for this time of year. Image © Clare Fm

A Community First Responder group in County Clare is teeing up a major fundraising effort this April, as emergency response charity CRITICAL prepares to host a Golf Classic in support of its expanding local services. The event, set to take place in Ennis, aims to raise vital funds for the town's active CFR unit as well as a newly developing group in the Ruan and Dysart areas, helping to strengthen rapid, life-saving response capabilities across the region. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Michael Fitzpatrick, Coordinator of CRITCIAL's Ennis CFR group. Image © CRITICAL

An important community event is coming up in Ennis aimed at helping people stay safe on our roads. The Clare Older People's Council, together with Clare County Council's Age Friendly Programme, are hosting a Safety Information and Demonstration Event on Saturday, April 18th at Clare Marts on Quin Road. It's all about promoting safer road use for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, with practical demonstrations, expert advice, and even free tyre checks on the day. Alan Morrissey was joined by Mike Cusack, Vice Chair of the Clare Older People's Council, Niamh Wiley, Co-Ordinator of the Clare Local Community Safety Partnership, and Sergeant Dominic Regan from Ennis Garda Station to find out more. Image © Clare Fm

On Monday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey, Siobhán Mulcahy, Clare County Arts Officer was live in-studio to chat on what is coming up in the arts scene around the banner county. It is a busy time for music in Clare with both the Lahinch and Kilfenora festivals coming up, a Rock and Grunge Festival in Lucas' Bar in Ennis, along with Operatic Soprano Helen Hancock on the same day in St. Columba's Church. Image © Clare Fm

Phase 2 of the national speed limit review process has commenced. Work has begun to facilitate the introduction of a 30kmh special speed limit in built-up and urban areas in County Clare. The government circular has indicated that all byelaws are brought to the Elected Members for adoption by 30th October 2026 with an implementation date of 31st March 2027. It is the intention to propose a 30kph speed limit in urban cores of towns where there is significant interaction with vulnerable road users and a greater concentration of economic activity and footfall. All proposals will be determined in accordance with the latest “Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits”. Mapping of the proposed speed limits is now being prepared for workshops with the Elected Members in Q2 following consultation with the Gardai. Alan Morrissey was joined by Rachel Hartigan, who is a member of Clare County Council's Road Safety Working Group to find out more. Image © Road sign speed limit 30km per hour by ali muhammad usman from Getty Images via Canva

Following the fuel protests across the country over the past week, the government has agreed to a new fuel package to help with the rising costs. Overall, both petrol and diesel will be reduced by a further ten cents, leaving the total diesel reduction at 32 cent and petrol at 27 cent. Additional supports have been approved for the Agriculture and Transport sectors, with haulage and coach operators receiving payments from a new Road Transporters Support Scheme if the price of diesel exceeds €1.90. The cost per month of these supports to the transport sector is estimated at €40 million. For those in the agriculture sector, Government has announced a €100 million Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme to assist farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs. The payments will cover the months of March up to the end of July to aid during the peak fuel usage months of the year. To hear more on Clare politicians' reactions to the protests and government package, Alan Morrissey was joined by Cathal Crowe, Meelick Fianna Fáil TD and Joe Cooney, Bodyke Fine Gael TD. Image © Clare Fm

After nearly a week of fuel protests that brought disruption to roads, supply chains, and communities across the country, services are beginning to return to normal. But with hundreds of petrol stations running dry, major blockades at key fuel terminals, and a new €505 million government support package now on the table, the debate is far from over. Meanwhile, Retail Excellence Ireland had warned that retail trade fell by up to 50% in some areas due to fuel blockades causing severe disruption across the country. The largest body representing Ireland's retail industry had called for the blockades to end and for "meaningful engagement between all parties and Government to begin without delay." Alan Morrissey was joined by Kilkee farmer and election candidate Kevin Hassett, who has been attending the Clare protests, and Cathal O'Donoghue of C&C Executive Travel, one of the coordinators of those demonstrations, and John Custy, Retailers of Ennis Chairperson and owner of Custy's Music Shop. Image © Pat Flynn

Clare's Minister of State says the measures announced by the Government will help those "burdened most" by fuel increases. Cabinet has signed off on more than €500m in measures to support those struggling with rising energy costs, including a further 10c cut in excise duty on both petrol and diesel to the end of July and a 2.4c reduction on green diesel. There will also be direct fuel payments to hauliers, bus operators, farmers, agricultural contractors and those involved in fisheries, while carbon tax increases have been delayed until the Budget in October. Tulla Fianna Fáil Minister of State Timmy Dooley says the heaviest users of fuel will be greatest beneficiaries of the measures.

It's hoped Clare's first indoor padel court will open it's doors in the coming months. Located in the Quin Road Business Park, Banner Padel will consist of six state of the art full panoramic courts along with a café & lounge area. Once up and running, regular leagues and tournaments will be set up with one to one coaching available on site. Owner John Bridges says there's immense demand for such a facility in the county.

Hundreds of protesters have gathered in Ennis this morning as nationwide fuel protests continue into their sixth day. Demonstrators met at The Height on O'Connell Street before making their way through the town holding flags and placards. Meanwhile, traffic congestion and delays are still being felt across Clare with the on-ramp and off-ramp remain blocked at J11 Dromoland on the M18, with diverted traffic moving slowly along the old Limerick road. Access to the Northbound lane of the M18 remains also blocked at J13 Tulla. Protesters reiterated their call for government support with rising fuel prices.

Fr Gerry Kenny presents Beyond belief and reviews the new U2 EP Easter Lilly and explores an early Stephen Sondheim musical on the theme of Friendships. And in a week when astronauts explore space we hear from a Jesuit theologian on how we can have a deaper understanding of God's Gift of Creation.

An increase in the number of properties for sale in Clare has been forecast. The latest MyHome Property Price Report reveals 245 homes were on the market in Clare at the end of March - indicating a 9% drop within three months. The average selling price of a house here is €285,000. Managing Director of MyHome.ie Joanne Geary says there's a "rising marketplace" in this county.

People in Clare who suffer with Type 1 diabetes are encouraged to attend a vital healthcare conference next weekend. Thriveabetes was founded in Ennis in 2015 by Rebecca Brannon, Gráinne Flynn, and Christine Meehan with the aim of informing, motivating, and inspiring those affected by Type 1 Diabetes. This year the organisation's 2026 national conference will take place on next Saturday April 18th at the Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport Hotel. Co-founder Gráinne Flynn, says there's a wide variety of information sessions available on how to live with Type 1 diabetes.

Fr Brendan Quinlivan leads our Sunday Prayer for today Sunday 12th April 2026, the 2nd Sunday of Easter.

This weekend's Killanena Tractor Run has been deferred due to the ongoing fuel crisis. The popular event had been due to take place this Sunday, but will now take place at a later date as the county's fuel reserves have been significantly impacted. This year's renewal will be the 10th running with all proceeds to be donated to the day care centre in Raheen Community Hospital in Tuamgraney. Raheen Hospital Support Group Chair and Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor, Pat Hayes, says the goodwill is present in the community to refix the event 'when things return to normality'.

Ennis businesses are reportedly suffering a loss of earnings due to fuel protests. Ennis Chamber is urging protestors and Government representatives to have "constructive dialogue", claiming the disruption is causing "widespread damage" to the local economy. Retail Excellence Ireland meanwhile says trade has fallen by up to 50% in some areas as a direct result of fuel blockades. Ennis Chamber CEO Margaret O'Brien says consumers are staying out of the county town due to concerns around congestion and fuel scarcity.

Coming up on the show we will be looking ahead to Clare's National Camogie League Division 1B showdown with Dublin at UPMC Nowlan Park on Sunday afternoon We will reflect on Clare's National Hurling League final win over Dublin in the company of Tommy Guilfoyle with the countdown to championship now standing at just nine sleeps! Alan Troy will be along with Greyhound Focus and we have the latest part of the More Than A Club series with a focus on Bodyke

Irish country-pop artist Kaylene released her debut EP Bittersweet on February 27, marking the culmination of a project over years in the making. Originally from Kerry, Ireland and now based in the UAE, Kaylene has spent the past two and a half years balancing a full-time teaching career with an intensive live performance schedule, often gigging multiple nights a week while independently funding and developing her music. Created in collaboration with Toronto-based producer Roy Hamilton III, Bittersweet was written and shaped over the course of more than a year. The five-track EP explores themes of growth, identity, love, and emotional transition. True to its title, Bittersweet captures the tension between holding on and letting go, blending reflective lyricism with melodic country-pop production. What began as a collection of individual songs gradually revealed itself as a cohesive snapshot of a defining chapter in Kaylene's life. “This project has been something I've dreamed of since I was twelve,” Kaylene says. “It's surreal knowing that something that took over a year to create will be experienced by listeners in fifteen minutes. I'm incredibly proud of what we built.” Entirely self-funded and independently released, Bittersweet represents both artistic growth and personal resilience. Having steadily built a loyal following through consistent live performances and grassroots support from her hometown, Listowel, Kaylene continues to expand her audience internationally. With Bittersweet, she steps confidently into a new era; one defined by independence, emotional honesty, and a clear creative identity.

On Friday's edition of Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey, Clare FM's Derrick Lynch was back for our regular sports slot to look ahead to a busy weekend of sporting action. Games Previewed: Camogie Leagues Division 1B Final: Clare v Dublin (Sunday, UPMC Nowlan Park, 12.15pm) Derrick also gave his reaction to Wednesday night's Munster Under 20 Hurling Championship game between Clare Vs Limerick in Sixmilebridge and to last night's Munster Under 20 Football Championship game between Clare Vs Cork in Quilty.

On Friday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined on the show by Gill Moses of Mortal Talk to discuss upcoming creative workshops which explore life, death, and how we'd like to be remembered. Beginning Sunday, April 19th, these sessions create a supportive space to reflect, express what matters most, and engage in meaningful conversations through writing, celebration, and thoughtful planning.

A major development for energy infrastructure in the Mid-West has taken a significant step forward, with the High Court upholding planning permission for a key element of the proposed Shannon LNG Terminal in Ballylongford, Co. Kerry. The decision brings renewed focus on energy security, jobs, and the future of the Shannon Estuary. Alan Morrissey spoke about this earlier with the Chair of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce, Barry O'Sullivan on Friday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Visit Clare

A study from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has found that artificial intelligence (AI) adoption among Irish firms is likely to lead to job losses, concentrated among highly educated workers. According to the research, around 7% of current jobs could be displaced in the short-to-medium term. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined on Friday's Morning Focus by Pat Clarke Browne, Tech Expert, Munster Business which is based in Shannon. Photo (c) GNEPPHOTO via Canva

On Friday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke with Alexandra, a family carer based in Clare, who shared a deeply personal perspective on the ongoing fuel protests. She described the fear and uncertainty she faces when it comes to accessing emergency medical care for her daughter, particularly if road blockages were to delay an ambulance. While acknowledging people's right to protest, Alexandra raised serious concerns about the potential risks to vulnerable individuals and called for more targeted, responsible forms of demonstration. Alan began by asking her to outline her situation and why this issue is so critical for her and her family. Photo (c) Stephen Barnes Getty Images Pro via Canva

Leon Andreucetti from Kildysart has been chosen for the National Youth Council of Ireland's 2026 Local Champions programme. The initiative empowers young people aged 18–25 to advocate for youth work, share their experiences, and represent the voices of young people in their communities. Leon joined Alan Morrissey in-studio on Friday's Morning Focus.

On Friday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined on the show by Obair Service Coordinator, Eimear Murphy. Based in Newmarket-On-Fergus, Obair provide a meals on wheels service to older people in Clare. Eimear spoke to Alan about the challenges they are facing with the service during the ongoing fuel protests. Photo (c) Obair

This weekend an important community event is taking place that's raising awareness and support for people living with Parkinson's Disease. “A Walk in the Park for Parkinson's” is bringing people together for a positive and supportive day. On Friday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Una Anderson Ryan, P.R.O. with Parkinson's Ireland, to tell us more. Photo (c) Parkinson's Ireland

Garages across the county are seeing long queues, with some running out of petrol and diesel at times due to excessive demand. Despite this, fuel deliveries to stations continue. Clare FM's Seán Lyons has been speaking to Caroline and Amber Ryan of O'Sullivan Hansbury's Mace in Ennis about the ongoing crisis but first, he spoke to some of the people fuelling up their cars about how rising prices are affecting them. Photo (c) Kanpisut from Jookiko via Canva

Repair and upgrade works at an East Clare cathedral have been funded to the tune of almost €100,000. St Flannan's Cathedral in Killaloe has been granted €95,820 for the repair and re-point of its east gable, south walls, buttresses, south transept and north nave buttresses. The money comes through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage's Historic Structures Fund which has announced a total of €4.42 million for 40 projects nationwide. Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien says it's a vote of confidence in the area.

An award-winning Clare filmmaker is bringing audiences on an extraordinary journey beneath the waves with a brand-new live show. Ken O'Sullivan has spent more than 25 years exploring the North Atlantic, capturing everything from dolphins and whales to the raw beauty of Ireland's seas. Alan Morrissey spoke about Stories From The Sea with Ken on Thursday's edition of Morning Focus.

With the May Bank Holiday just around the corner, an exciting three-day celebration of nature, community and conservation is coming to Ennistymon. The Ennistymon Rivers Festival 2026 will bring together locals, environmental experts and visitors to explore and celebrate the vital role of our rivers. To tell us more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Rachel Dowling, Project Officer with the Restore Ballymacraven River Association and Ruairí Ó Conchúir, volunteer with the association and an officer with the Local Authorities Water Programme.

On this week's episode of The Future of Work, Pat Flynn chats with former public representative; Mayor of Kilrush and retired schoolteacher Tom Prendeville. This feature, 'The Future of Work' is funded by the News Reporting Scheme.

On Thursday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey, Niamh O' Callaghan who is a Shannon resident spoke about Ballycasey and plans to set up a community watch group there.

This evening at The Westbridge, Miltown Malbay, legendary French guitarist and singer Claude Bourbon takes the stage. This special event marks the third fundraiser in support of Médecins Sans Frontières, whose vital humanitarian work continues to support civilians in war-torn regions, including Gaza. Claude Bourbon is a master of his craft, blending classical guitar with an acoustic fusion of blues, jazz, folk, and Spanish influences. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by the promoter of the event, John Roberts.

Joining Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus was Rhona Lucas, founder of An Cat Dubh Sanctuary in Clare, a remarkable community resource that's home to around 150 rescued animals, from cats and dogs to donkeys, pigs, ducks and hens. Funded through donations and even her own pension, Rhona's dedication is truly inspiring. Now, at nearly 83, she's taken on a new project, writing a beautifully illustrated children's book, Benny The Cat, to help raise funds and continue her vital work. Photo (c) An Cat Dubh Sanctuary Facebook

A Clare woman is bringing hope and healing to those displaced by Israel's war in Gaza, through a unique play therapy initiative in Jordan. Claire Liddy has just returned from working with evacuees from Gaza, many of them children, helping them process trauma and rebuild a sense of normality through play. To tell us more, Claire joined Alan Morrissey in-studio on Thursday's Morning Focus. Image © Claire Liddy

Delegates at the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) Congress in Killarney have issued stark warnings to Government over the growing impact of the cost-of-living crisis on teachers, passing a series of emergency motions that highlight mounting financial pressures, concerns over school funding, and the potential for industrial action. Amid rising inflation and ongoing disputes over pay and allowances, union leaders cautioned that failure to address teachers' concerns could trigger significant unrest. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined on the line by Clare's INTO representative and Principal of Sixmilebridge National School, Gareth Heagney. Image © Wokandapix from pixabay via Canva

Clare-based Thriveabetes is proud to bring its unique, community-driven approach to the national stage with Thriveabetes 2026, a dedicated Type 1 Diabetes conference taking place on Saturday, April 18 at the Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport Hotel. Co-founded by Gráinne Flynn, Thriveabetes has its roots in Clare, where it began as a grassroots initiative created by people living with type 1 diabetes, for people living with the condition. To find out what the day will bring, Alan Morrissey was joined by Gráinne Flynn, Co-founder of Thriveabetes. Image © Clare Fm