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There was great excitement and pride for County Clare at the Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games 2026, which concluded in Dublin on Sunday.   More than 1,200 athletes from across the country competed in Ireland's largest inclusive sporting event, showcasing incredible talent, determination and sportsmanship.   Among those celebrating success were athletes from Shannon Flyers Special Olympics Sports Club, who returned home with an impressive haul of medals.   Joining Alan Morrissey earlier today were Donagh Cronin, Chairperson of Shannon Flyers, along with athletes Lucy, Colm and Cormac, who all enjoyed remarkable success at the Games. Photo (c) Clare FM

There are concerns Clare natives are being priced out of the housing market. A new Daft.ie report shows house prices rose by roughly 5.5% in Clare from the second quarter of 2025 to the same period this year compared to just under 4% nationwide. All property types bar one are more expensive than they were a year ago, with detached two-bed homes up over 18% on average, while new-builds are setting buyers here back around €385,000. Economist at Trinity College Dublin and author of the Daft.ie report Ronan Lyons has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons the rise in working from home is attracting more and more people into this county, resulting in higher price inflation.

A Cratloe native is making waves in Ireland's fashion industry with the launch of what is being described as the country's first occasionwear label designed exclusively for the rental market.   Rhoda McDonagh, founder of Designer Room, has spent almost a decade building one of Ireland's leading luxury fashion rental businesses and is now launching her own collection, SÓ by Rhoda.   The new label aims to combine luxury, sustainability and accessibility, offering high-end designer pieces created specifically to be rented rather than bought.   Rhoda joined Alan Morrissey to tell us more about the journey from Cratloe to becoming a pioneer in Ireland's circular fashion industry. Photo (c) Clare FM

A special event taking place in Ennis tomorrow (Wednesday, 24th June, 11am – 1pm) is aiming to put women's voices at the centre of shaping a new Women's Health, Wellbeing and Self-Care course that will be launched later this year.   Women's Collective Ireland Clare is inviting women from across the county to attend a Women's Wellbeing World Café, where participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences, ideas and priorities around women's health and wellbeing.   The event will also feature Dr Máire Finn, a well-known advocate for women's health.   To tell us more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Cecilia Brizuela, WCI Clare Coordinator, and Martina Hynan, Development Worker with WCI Clare. Photo (c) Clare FM

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 explained the myths surrounding An Gorta Mór to Alan Morrissey. Photo (c) Clare FM

It's claimed the addition of a new large business in Ennis showcases a clear need for an expanded retail offering throughout the town. Woodies officially opened its 36th Irish store at the Ballymaley Business Park on the Gort Road on Saturday , creating 34 jobs in the process. Crowds queued outside the premises from 3am to get a first look at the new store, giving rise to speculation that Ennis' retail market has broader potential. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan was there for the opening.

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch joined Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus to review the weekend's sporting action. Games Reviewed: All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Quarter-Final: Clare 0-29 Dublin 0-16 (Saturday, FBD Semple Stadium) All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship: Kilkenny 4-14 Clare 1-8 (Saturday, UPMC Nowlan Park)

Coming up on the show, we will look back on Clare's win over Dublin in the All Ireland hurling quarter final and begin the look ahead to the showdown with Limerick in Croke Park. We also reflect on Clare's loss to Kilkenny in the All Ireland camogie championship and assess their chances of possibly making it a Banner double header in HQ on July 5th

Morning Focus is marking County Clare Men's Health Week 2026 (15–21 June) with the theme “What's Your Small Step?” as part of a week-long series of activities, discussions, and ways to take part.   The initiative, supported by Clare County Council and the Men's Health Pledge, encourages men to make small, practical changes to improve physical and mental wellbeing.   We will explore how small, realistic lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference.   Today we focus on connection, community and looking out for each other. Alan Morrissey spoke to Flan Hehir, Ennis Men's Shed, and Derek Clune, Shannon Men's Shed, to learn more about the importance of connection. Photo (c) Clare FM

Alan Morrissey was joined live in-studio by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch to chat about the upcoming sporting fixtures for the weekend. - All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Quarter-Final: Clare v Dublin (Saturday, FBD Semple Stadium, 7pm) - All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship: Kilkenny v Clare (Saturday, UPMC Nowlan Park, 2:30pm) Image (c) Clare FM

Coming up on the show, we will preview Clare's All Ireland hurling quarter final against Dublin; look ahead to the camogie sides trip to Nowlan Park, hear about plans for next season with Ennis Women's Rugby, and Greyhound Focus too

The village of Newmarket-On-Fergus is said to be in shock after home was set alight in a criminal incident on Wednesday night. The incident occurred in Kilnasoolagh Park at around 11:30pm and it's understood three children were in inside the property at the time, however no injuries have been reported. Gardaí have completed a technical examination of the scene and have confirmed that investigations are ongoing. Newmarket-On-Fergus Fianna Fáil Councillor David Griffin has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan they need to see more Gardaí on the ground and CCTV in place to reassure the community.

Morning Focus is marking County Clare Men's Health Week 2026 (15–21 June) with the theme “What's Your Small Step?” as part of a week-long series of activities, discussions, and ways to take part.   The initiative, supported by Clare County Council and the Men's Health Pledge, encourages men to make small, practical changes to improve physical and mental wellbeing.   We will explore how small, realistic lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference.   Today we focus on moving a little more with John Carey, Fitness Instructor, Ennis Leisure Complex, and Pat Sexton, Clare Sports Partnership. Photo (c) Clare FM

The Square in Ennis is the venue for the latest static charity cycle in aid of the Samaritans.  The annual cycle will take place tomorrow (Friday, the 19th of June) from 9am-6pm.  For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Peadar White, cycling enthusiast and event organiser, and Pat White, Director of Clare Samaritans. Photo (c) Clare FM

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 told us a recipe for a Cajun Chicken Burger and other goodies. Image (c) Clare FM

The Environmental Protection Agency is warning that Ireland's cleanest rivers are continuing to decline, with its latest report showing little overall improvement in water quality during 2025.  The EPA says nutrient pollution from agriculture and wastewater remains the biggest challenge, and warns that without significant action, meaningful improvements are unlikely in the near future.   The report also contains findings relating to County Clare's rivers, lakes and coastal waters.   To discuss the latest assessment and what it means both nationally and locally, Alan Morrissey was joined by Cormac McConigley, Senior Scientific Officer in the EPA's Water Management Programme. Photo (c) Clare FM

The Dancing for Pleasure Group have plenty to celebrate.  The weekly dancing community where all ages and abilities are welcome, have reached their 40th anniversary.  Joining Alan Morrissey from the Dancing for Pleasure Group were two of its founding members, Andy Carmody and Ena Brennan. Photo (c) Clare FM

There's a call for the Government to fund a "recovery plan" for Clare communities that have hosted large quantities of refugees in recent years.    The latest meeting of Clare County Council's Tourism Strategic Policy Committee has heard a call from Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy for the "restoration and accommodation of tourism accommodation capacity" in the county.    The meeting also heard an update from Fáilte Ireland where it was revealed that the number of tourism beds in Clare contracted to the State has dropped by 60% since 2023.    Clare FM's Seán Lyons was at the meeting in Bunratty Folk Park and spoke to Councillor Garrihy about what he's looking for. Photo (c) John Mangan

 Earlier this month, Alan Morrissey chatted with Ana Colomer about a petition to retain plans for an arts and cultural space at the redeveloped Cloister building in Ennis.    Ana told us about the petition and the growing campaign calling for the protection of arts and community space within the planned redevelopment of The Cloister in Ennis.     Supporters of the petition argue that the original vision for the historic building, funded through the €7 million THRIVE programme, included artist studios, exhibition areas, educational facilities and community uses.     They say revised plans place a greater emphasis on tourism and retail functions and are urging Clare County Council to ensure the project remains true to its original community-centred cultural purpose.     A public meeting regarding the future of the Cloister Building redevelopment proposal is due to take place tomorrow evening (Thursday, 18th June, McGuire Suite, Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, 7:30pm).    Alan Morrissey was joined once again by Ana Colomer, as well as Kaye Maahs, who are both coordinating the campaign to retain plans for an arts and cultural space at the redeveloped Cloister.  Photo (c) Clare FM

Morning Focus is marking County Clare Men's Health Week 2026 (15–21 June) with the theme “What's Your Small Step?” as part of a week-long series of activities, discussions, and ways to take part.   The initiative, supported by Clare County Council and the Men's Health Pledge, encourages men to make small, practical changes to improve physical and mental wellbeing.  We will explore how small, realistic lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference.   Today, we focus on mind, food, nutrition and everyday energy with Cillian Keane from Mental Health Ireland and Jamie Fitzgibbon from Ennis Leisure Complex. Photo (c) Clare FM

An investment of over €10m is expected to unlock lands for over 1,300 new homes on two Ennis sites. As part of a national €1bn announcement today, under the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund, funding has been approved for Phase 2 of the Claureen Link Road which will directly facilitate 600 homes and indirectly support a further 200. The Ashline site on the Kilrush Road has also been approved and will deliver a new spine road for Ennis, public realm enhancements, while directly and indirectly supporting up to 500 new homes. Clare Fianna Fáil Minister of State Timmy Dooley has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan there won't be any delays in getting shovels in the ground.

The Clare Local Community Safety Partnership is encouraging people across the county to have their say on what community safety means to them by taking part in a new Community Safety Survey.     The anonymous survey, which remains open until the 24th of June, will help shape the county's first Local Community Safety Plan, setting out practical actions aimed at improving safety, wellbeing and quality of life for people living, working and spending time in Clare.     Joining Alan Morrissey earlier to discuss the initiative was LCSP Coordinator Niamh Wiley. Photo (c) Clare FM

With fans around the world dealing with some late-night kick-offs during the World Cup, disrupted sleep is likely to become a familiar challenge.   Fear not, though, because help is at hand!  Claire Connellan, Well Being Teacher with LCETB and Natural Health Practitioner, joined Alan Morrissey earlier.  Claire is here to share practical advice on how lack of sleep can affect physical and mental wellbeing, why different age groups may experience tiredness differently, and the simple habits and natural remedies that can help people recover after those nail-biting matches. Photo (c) Clare FM

Financial markets have reacted positively to news that the United States and Iran have agreed a framework deal to end their conflict, with oil prices falling sharply and stock markets rising around the world.   The proposed agreement, due to be formally signed later this week, could see the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies, potentially easing pressure on fuel and energy costs.   But what could this mean for Irish households, businesses and the wider economy?   To discuss the potential impact, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tommy Corbett of Carey Corbett Financial Solutions. Image (c) Clare FM

Shannon Musical Society is celebrating a remarkable success after scooping three major honours at the Association of Irish Musical Societies Awards.   Their production of Come From Away earned eight nominations and went on to win Best Overall Show, Best Ensemble and Best Director.   Joining Alan Morrissey to reflect on an unforgettable journey are Tom Barrett, Chairperson of the Shannon Musical Society, and Jaymee Carrig, PRO. Photo (c) Clare FM

Coming up on the show, we will look back on the concluding stages of the group series in the Cusack and Garry Cups, and how the knockout stages are looking We will hear of a new book being launched to celebrate one of the most famed club football teams in the county, and Lissycasey are the subject of this weeks More Than A Club episode

Alan Morrissey was joined earlier by Chris Dixon O'Mara, author of a new book celebrating the remarkable success of Kilrush Shamrocks GAA Club during the 1970s.  The book revisits the club's golden era when Kilrush Shamrocks achieved an unprecedented five senior football championship titles in a row—a feat that has never been matched before or since.   Chris joined Alan in-studio to discuss the inspiration behind the publication and the upcoming launch. Photo (c) Clare FM

Morning Focus is marking County Clare Men's Health Week 2026 (15–21 June) with the theme “What's Your Small Step?” as part of a week-long series of activities, discussions, and ways to take part.   The initiative, supported by Clare County Council and the Men's Health Pledge, encourages men to make small, practical changes to improve physical and mental wellbeing.  We will explore how small, realistic lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference.   Today we focus on the importance of making manageable changes to support overall health and wellbeing with Joan Tarmey, Healthy Ireland Co-ordinator Clare County Council, and Paul Murphy, Cathaoirleach Clare County Council. Photo (c) Clare FM

A blood donation can take less than an hour, but the impact can last a lifetime.     This Wednesday, Clare County Council is partnering with the Irish Blood Transfusion Service to host a special blood drive in Ennis, organised in memory of Dylan Costelloe Clohessy, who tragically lost his life following an accident in Indonesia in 2024.    The initiative is being led by Dylan's mother, Edelle Costelloe, who hopes to honour her son's memory by encouraging more people to donate blood and help save lives.    Joining Alan Morrissey earlier to tell us more about the event and the inspiration behind it is Edelle Costelloe. Photo (c) Clare FM

A welcome boost for North Clare's hospitality scene has seen three long-closed pubs and restaurants reopen during April and May.     Cassidy's in Carran, Kilshanny House—now trading as The Hedgerow—and Bofey Quinn's have all returned to business after extended closures, bringing renewed activity to their local communities.    Cassidy's has been reopened as a bar and restaurant by Robbie Cassidy, while Kilshanny House has relaunched under its new name The Hedgerow. Bofey Quinn's has also resumed trading under its established ownership.    The owners Kieran O'Halloran of Bofey's in Quin, Sarah Hanrahan of The Hedgerow, and Robbie Cassidy of Cassidy's in Carran joined Alan Morrissey earlier to discuss. Photo (c) Clare FM

A Clare mother has completed a three-day fundraising cycle over the weekend in support of Clare Crusaders, and she joins me on the line now.  Sue Corcoran took on the 3-day challenge from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th, raising funds for the charity that has supported her son Conor since he was just eight weeks old.    Conor, who was born with Down syndrome and a rare form of severe epilepsy, is now approaching his 17th birthday on June 1st.  The cycle was undertaken as a way of giving back to Clare Crusaders, whose therapy services and summer camps have played a major role in Conor's development over the years. Photo (c) Clare FM

Coming up on the show, we will hear from Katie Taylor after her visit to the county earlier this week ahead of what is now set to be a sell out in Croke Park on September 5th We will hear of this years plans for the 2026 South of Ireland championship at Lahinch Golf Club, a special day of football and music in Quilty, Alan Troy will have Greyhound Focus and Cooraclare are the focus of this weeks More Than A Club episode

The Clare Immigrant Support Network is raising concerns the new EU Migration Pact will lead to hasty and unfair decisions against international protection applicants. The EU wide agreement comes into effect from today and will aim to expedite asylum claim processing times across the bloc, meaning decisions have to be made between 3 and six months depending on the circumstances of the case. There are currently over 33,500 pending asylum applications awaiting decision in Ireland. Clare Immigrant Support Network Co-Ordinator Simon Ó'Treasaigh has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan the system needs to be properly resourced for the changes.

Derrick Lynch was joined live in-studio by Clare FM's Alan Morrissey to chat about the upcoming sporting fixtures for the weekend. - The final round of club football league games - The Patrick Wickham Memorial Day in Quilty - Clare's Kennedy Cup team reaching the 2026 Shield Final Image (c) Clare FM

An approved variation to Clare's County Development Plan is being hailed as a win for the county. The move sees an additional 250 acres of land zoned for housing countywide, while a further 350 acres of strategic residential reserve sites have been unlocked for immediate use. Questions have been raised over whether this will make any difference given Clare's serious wastewater deficits, with 50 towns and villages still without a sewerage connection. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan has been speaking to Planning Consultant and Clonlara Independent Councillor Michael Begley on the matter, but firstly, Kilmurry Fianna Fáil Cllr Alan O'Callaghan. Image (c) pixelshot via Canva

Ireland's largest inclusive sporting event is almost here, with more than 1,200 athletes from across the country preparing to compete in the Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games 2026 in Dublin from June 18th to 21st.   Among them will be athletes from County Clare's Shannon Flyers Special Olympics Sports Club, a volunteer-led club that provides year-round sporting opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.  Joining us today are Donagh Cronin, Chairperson of Shannon Flyers, along with two of the club's athletes who are looking forward to representing their club and county on the national stage.  Telling Alan Morrissey about their preparations for the Games, what Special Olympics means to them, and how the local community can support their journey, are Donagh Cronin, Chairperson of Shannon Flyers, and Lucy O Brien & Cormac Ross, two of their athletes. Photo (c) Clare FM

Coastal erosion and rising sea levels are posing an increasing threat to communities around Ireland, and a new report from the University of Galway is warning that urgent action is needed. The study estimates that thousands of properties and hundreds of kilometres of roads are already at risk and calls for a national masterplan to help communities adapt to the challenges ahead. To discuss the findings and what they could mean for coastal areas in County Clare and beyond, Alan Morrissey was joined by Cillian Murphy, Kilkee resident and former Councillor. Photo (c) Clare FM

Clare bodybuilders are working to revive Ireland's national bodybuilding federation, aiming to rebuild structure and support for athletes competing both at home and internationally. Among those leading the effort is Clare athlete Ewelina Hrynkiewicz, who recently returned from the European Championships with two silver medals. To reflect on competing at elite level, the challenges Irish bodybuilding has faced since the decline of the RIBBF, and why restoring a national federation is vital for the sport's future, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ewelina Hrynkiewicz-Kucybala, Shannon bodybuilder. Photo (c) Clare FM

Shannon four-piece soft rock band Sinéad and The Bugs have released their first single, “Call It Happy Hour”. The band features Sinéad Walsh (vocals and guitar), Sam O'Malley (drums), Robert Park (bass), and Igor Zurakowaski (lead guitar). The track explores short-lived relationships and emotional “happy hour” moments, delivered through their signature storytelling style. Photo (c) Clare FM

There's a call for action against Ennis business owners who allow their properties to fall into disrepair.    The latest meeting of Ennis Municipal District has heard a call from Mayor of Ennis, Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard, for traders to be compelled to keep their premises in a good state of repair in the context of the recently completed public realm works.    Clare FM's Seán Lyons was at the meeting and began by speaking to Councillor Howard about what type of enforcement she's seeking. Photo (c) Clare County Council

On Wednesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined live in-studio once again by Tommy Corbett of Carey Corbett Financial Solutions. Tommy Corbett spoke about financial considerations for co-habiting couples when it comes to life insurance and pensions. Image (c) Clare FM

It promises to be one of the biggest nights in Irish sporting history.   Katie Taylor will return home to fight at Croke Park on the 5th of September, defending her world titles against unbeaten French challenger Flora Pili in a historic undisputed WBC Women's Super Lightweight Title clash, in what will be the Bray boxer's final fight.    The event marks the first professional boxing card at Croke Park since Muhammad Ali fought there in 1972 and could see Taylor crowned an undisputed world champion for a third time.   Ahead of what many are calling the perfect final chapter in an extraordinary career, Alan Morrissey spoke with Katie Taylor and her promoter, Brian Peters about the upcoming Croke Park bout with Flora Pili, and her incredible career. Photo (c) Clare FM

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 continued telling Alan Morrissey the fascinating history of Clare during the Great Famine. Photo (c) Clare FM

On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Fergal O'Keeffe, Ennis Native and creator of Travel Tales with Fergal podcast. Fergal recounted his travels in Alentejo in Portugal to distract us from the current bad weather. Photo (c) Clare FM

 John Conroy is a Clare native, experienced fitness coach, founder of Fitness4Fun, and a long-time GAA coach who has dedicated almost two decades to volunteering in Uganda.    Through his work in education, health and sports development, John has helped transform lives and is the founder of Níle Óg Cusacks GAA Club in Uganda.    However, following the recent Ebola outbreak, John and his fellow volunteers have made the difficult decision to cancel this summer's planned trip.     John joined Alan Morrissey to discuss that decision, the ongoing projects being supported, and why his commitment to the people of Uganda remains as strong as ever. Photo (c) Clare FM

On Monday's Morning Focus, it was time for Alan Morrissey to be joined in studio by Siobhán Mulcahy to discuss the upcoming art events and workshops across the banner county. It is set to be a busy week in the Clare Art scene as we step into summer, the Doolin Folk Festival returns, Martin Hayes will be performing in Scariff, and a Polish exhibition will be happening in Ennis. Photo (c) Clare FM

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch was live on Monday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey to discuss the weekends sporting fixtures. Games Reviewed: Newmarket Celtic v Avenue United (Ennis Carpets Clare Cup Final) Clare v Limerick (All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship) Laois v Clare (All-Ireland Intermediate Football Championship) Image: Clare FM

Clare is one of only four counties in Ireland where there are fewer learner drivers on the roads than a year ago. Figures released by the Road Safety Authority to the Irish Road Haulage Association show there were 7,531 learner permit holders in this county at the end of March, down from 7,659 during the same period in 2025. Nationally, however, more than one in ten drivers are on a learner permit, with 6,219 more learner drivers on Irish roads compared to a year ago. Clare-based former IRHA president and Ennis haulier, Eugene Drennan, has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons while Clare is going "in the right direction", the RSA is "too big" to tackle the problem at a national level.

Coming up on show, we reflect on Clare's wins in the ladies football and camogie All Ireland championships this weekend while we also look back on Avenue United's dramatic victory in the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup final. We will also speak to the Clare man who has been centrally involved in works on the BC Stadium Pitch in Vancouver ahead of the start of this weeks World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico

Coming up on show, we reflect on Clare's wins in the ladies football and camogie All Ireland championships this weekend while we also look back on Avenue United's dramatic victory in the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup final. We will also speak to the Clare man who has been centrally involved in works on the BC Stadium Pitch in Vancouver ahead of the start of this weeks World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico