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It's feared no part of Clare is safe from the threat of fire over the coming days as the hot spell is expected to continue. A high risk fire warning issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine expired at midday but experts are warning there remains a particular danger on bog and mountain land. Over 3,000 hectares of land have been affected by fire so far this year and Clare County Fire and Rescue Service are advising people to report any sightings of smoke or suspicious activity immediately. Clare's Acting Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer Colum Frawley has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons says there's a risk to land and property throughout the county.
Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth with special responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion, Michael Moynihan paid a visit to Clare last Friday. During his trip, Minister Moynihan visited schools in Killaloe, Shannon and Ennis. As part of the stop in St. Anne's in the county town, an extensive meeting was held between the minister, the school's administration and this county's TDs. Principal, Rose Marie Flanagan outlined the reason behind the visit and the details of the meeting to Clare FM's Darragh O'Grady.
It's claimed some landlords are taking advantage of students' need for accommodation in Clare to drive up rent prices for larger dwellings. The latest Daft.ie report indicates rent prices for new tenants are up 10.4% compared to 2024, while since 2020 the average price of rent in the county has increased a staggering 70%. Five bed homes saw the largest increase compared to the start of last year, while on average the rent for these properties have increased by €633 in the last five years. Author of the report, economist Ronan Lyons, has been telling Clare FM's Darragh O'Grady, students are jumping to the top of the rental market as they can offer larger monthly contributions than families.
Coming up on the show, we look ahead to Clare's opening game of the All Ireland senior football championship, and the minor's begin their journey in the Tier 3 series. The local soccer season reaches its climax on Sunday when Avenue and Bridge United lock horns for the Premier Division title while the relegation trap door will also open for the teams at that end of the table. We will also be checking in with Clare handball ahead of a big weekend and hearing about a Hurling Marathon in Corofin in aid of the Joe Slattery Future Care Fund
To preview the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Friday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch. Games Previewed: Clare v Down (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, 2pm). Avenue United Vs Bridge United 2025 Clare Premier Division Final.
Can Ireland end its near three-decade Eurovision famine? We haven't tasted success since Eimear Quinn singing “The Voice” triumphed in Norway all the way back in 1996. Eurovision fans will have to wait until tonight to see if our entry Emmy qualifies for the final. The Grand Final takes place in Basel, Switzerland on Saturday night. Emmy - who is hoping her song "Laika Party," makes it there - says the experience has been wonderful so far... Adam has a hugely popular account with lots of Eurovision content on TikTok – allthingsadam – and he is in Basel covering the contest. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by local Tiktoker & former Clare FM researcher, Adam McCallig. Photo(C): Adam McCallig
42% of septic tanks in Clare failed inspections last year. A new report from the Environmental Protection Agency shows Clare County Council completed 95 inspections in 2024, meeting the minimum annual requirement for checks. It brings the number of failures recorded in the county in the past decade to 277, however 81% of these were remedied by the end of last year, ranking Clare as having a high fixing rate. EPA Senior Manager, Caroline Murphy has been telling Clare FM's Darragh O'Grady that they're looking to clamp down on the number of advisory notices open for more than two years.
Clare FM Preview Of Munster U20 Hurling Final by Clare FM
Clare Manager Terence Fahy After Munster U20 Hurling Final Loss by Clare FM
On Monday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch and Hurling Analyst, Tommy Guilfoyle to go through the weekend's sporting action.
Clare's defence of the All Ireland hurling title is in jeopardy following a second loss of the campaign. Tipperary scored four of the last five points of the game to secure a three point win against the Banner in Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chíosóg. It means Clare are now relying on other results in the final two rounds, and will need to beat Limerick at the TUS Gaelic Grounds in two weeks time to have any hope of progressing. Clare FM analyst Tommy Guilfoyle says Tipp got the important breaks once the game got back level.
To preview the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Friday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch. Games Previewed: Clare v Tipperary (Saturday, Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosiog, 6pm) Munster Minor Football Semi-Final: Clare v Kerry (Monday, Quilty, 7pm) Munster Ladies Football Senior B Championship: Clare v Kerry (Sunday, Zimmer Boimet Pairc Chiosiog, 2pm)
Coming up on the show, we look ahead to a massive day for the Banner's hurlers when Tipperary come to Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosiog, and preview the Munster U20 hurling final between the two also. We get the views of Clare camogie players and officials on Skortgate, look ahead to another busy weekend of local soccer and we will have Greyhound Focus too
HSE MidWest's Patient Advocate says he's shocked and concerned over the continued lack of access to cancer medicines here. A new report from the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association shows that just 25% of new cancer medicines are available in Ireland, the second-lowest rate in Europe. Of the 56 oncology medicines licensed by the European Medicines Agency since 2020, just 14 are available here. Lahinch-based Healthcare Campaigner John Wall who's living with Prostate Cancer and has been forced to travelled abroad for treatment has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that patient outcomes are suffering as a result.
A new report has found the water quality at all of Clare's bathing water sites to be "excellent". The Environmental Protection Agency's Bathing Water Quality Report for 2024 has deemed 81% of bathing waters nationwide to be of "excellent quality" which is the highest rate since 2014 when the classification was introduced. All 14 of Clare's bathing waters have received the top grade which indicates an improvement on last year when the quality of the water at Cappagh Pier in Kilrush was only found to be "good". Programme Manager with the EPA's Office of Evidence and Assessment, Jenny Deakin, has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons "continued ongoing sustained investment" will allow this trend to continue
In this week's History in Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by local historian and author, Colm Liddy to focus on the 18th Century Brain Drain. If you have any stories you would like to share with Colm about your town, you can contact him at colmliddy@eircom.net or Clare FM at focus@clare.fm.
It's hoped a proposed healthcare facility in Clare's county town will put an end to years of hardship for many people. It comes as a planning application has been submitted for a renal dialysis facility in the Clare Technology Park which is located off the Gort Road in Ennis. As many as 80 members of the Irish Kidney Association's Clare branch currently travel to Limerick or Galway each month for dialysis. The facility is expected to be up and running by June of next year, and Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons it's been a long time coming.
The show kicked off with Alan Morrissey chatting to John O'Brien and Tony Cogan about the Restaurants Association of Ireland's Cost of Doing Business 2025 Survey. Next, Alan spoke with Manufacturing Director of Ireland Operations, Tom O'Carroll and EMEA VP of QARC & Reg. Affairs, Frank Moloney. They discussed all things Zimmer Biomet. The conversation then shifted to Miltown Malbay AirBnB host, Lorna Cahill. She joined us on Morning Focus to discuss the remarkable finding from new research by Airbnb. Later, Alan was joined by Engineering Manager, Linda Phillips, Senior Chemist, Ahmad Ziaee and Chemist, Neville Murphy. They all chatted to Alan about the new investment on the talent development and retainment in the southwest region specifically Shannon, Clare. This was followed by the weekly Garda Focus segment with Sergeant Edel Burke, from Kilrush Garda Station. To follow, Alan was joined by Avril Collentine, Solicitor at Cahir & Co for our Legal slot. Next was our weekly episode of In the Garden Slot with Tom Stewart from Keanes Garden Centre. Derek Clune from Shannon Tidy Towns joined Alan to discuss How Zimmer has been involved in Shannon Tidy Towns, followed then by Operations Manager from Clare GAA, Deirdre Murphy. Deirdre discussed The partnership between Zimmer Biomet & Clare GAA. Next, Alan was joined by Manufacturing Director of Shannon operations, Mike O'Malley. Mikey chatted about CSR engagement in the surrounding Communities. Alan also caught up with Tommy Marren who discussed his latest play to Clare, Matches and Old Flames Back At Glór. Alan was then joined by Clare FM's, Derrick Lynch and Paudie Carmody to get the Sports Review from the Weekend. They discussed Kerry vs Clare and Waterford vs Clare. To wrap the show up, Alan was joined by Frankie Coote for the weekly ‘Ask the Dog Warden' segment.
An increase in Clare tenancies compliant with building regulations has been described as positive, but it's claimed there's a lot more work to do. Over 78% of the 1,063 rental properties inspected in Clare last year did not meet regulatory requirements, but this is still the third-best compliance rate recorded here in the last fifteen years. A total of 641 property improvement notices were also issued to landlords in this county, which is down 20% in a year. Clare Strategic Housing Committee Chair Fine Gael Councillor John Crowe has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that while things are moving in the right direction, more resources are needed.
Clare FM's Derrick Lynch speaking with Clare boss Peter Keane, coach Eoin Curtin and captain Cillian Brennan ahead of the Munster SFC final v Kerry
Those visiting Clare's waterways this weekend are being reminded that many drowning victims don't even intend to get into water. This May Bank Holiday, Water Safety Ireland, the Coast Guard, and the RNLI are collectively urging the public to prioritise safety both during water activities and when walking near waterways. Research shows that 36% of people don't know what to do if they get into trouble in the water. Clarecastle-based Chairperson of Water Safety Ireland Clare McGrath has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons that extreme caution should be observed when walking along cliff edges and river banks.
We will look ahead to Sunday's Munster football final as Clare go to the Lion's Den of Fitzgerald Stadium to take on Kerry We will also hear from both the Clare minor hurling and football camps ahead of huge games for them, the Clare minor ladies footballers are searching for consecutive Munster B titles, and Alan Troy will be along with Greyhound Focus.
Clare's retained firefighters claim a sour taste has been left in their mouths after being "pushed aside" by the Government for the last decade. It comes as SIPTU retained firefighters, who are part-time members paid an annual retainer to be on-call, have voted 64% in favour of Labour Court recommendations aimed at resolving their long-running pay dispute. The deal will see increased retainer payment dates brought forward as well as the implementation of restructured working hours. Shop steward for Clare's retained firefighters Edward Moloney has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons that the flexibility the new measures will offer them should've come a long time ago.
It's claimed a reported decline in Clare's land prices cannot be viewed in isolation. It follows a new report from Teagasc and the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland which shows that farmland in this county is now the fourth least expensive nationwide, with over 100 acre holdings available from €3,200 per acre. However its predicted that land prices across all holdings will rise by 6% this year. Chartered Valuation Surveyor David Costelloe from Costelloe Estate Agents in Ennis has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that figures here are skewed by varying land quality in different areas.
The Clare Immigrant Support Network says new migration reforms approved by Government today are urgently needed to resolve issues with the International Protection system. The new laws which are part of the EU migration pact, will come into effect next July and will see mandatory three-month deadlines for processing applications. Additionally immigration officers will be given power to enforce deportations without ministerial sign off. Clare Immigrant Support Network Chair Eoin Tynan O'Mahony has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that despite some concerns, overall the reforms are positive.
Management at one of Clare's largest employers claim the facility's future is bright as it prepares for a significant new chapter in its history. This month's meeting of Clare County Council's Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee has been held at Moneypoint Power Station where major works are about to get underway. In two weeks time, work will begin to convert the 900-megawatt coal-burning station to Heavy Fuel Oil, or HFO, which it's claimed will "provide significant backup to the national electricity grid when predicted/projected demands outstrips generation". Moneypoint is currently being used as an out-of-market generator of last resort, or backup generator, to the national grid, and plans are afoot to make its output entirely renewable going forward. Clare FM's Seán Lyons made the trip west to Moneypoint and began by speaking to Clare's Minister of State, Timmy Dooley.. Photo (c) ESB Archives
To review the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Monday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch and Syl O'Connor. Games reviewed: Munster SHC Round-Robin Series: Waterford v Clare (Sunday, Walsh Park, 2pm) Munster MHC Round-Robin Series: Limerick v Clare (Friday, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 7pm) Ennis Carpets Clare Cup Semi-Final: Newmarket Celtic v Fairgreen Celtic (Friday, Frank Healy Park, 7pm)
Clare FM's Derrick Lynch is joined by former Clare captain Tommy Guilfoyle and Waterford reporter Tomas McCarthy to look ahead to Clare's clash with Waterford in the Munster SHC
To preview the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Friday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch. Games Previewed: Munster SHC Round-Robin Series: Waterford v Clare (Sunday, Walsh Park, 2pm) Munster MHC Round-Robin Series: Limerick v Clare (Friday, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 7pm) Ennis Carpets Clare Cup Semi-Final: Newmarket Celtic v Fairgreen Celtic (Friday, Frank Healy Park, 7pm)
Appointment cancellations at Ennis Hospital rose by almost 75% last year. Figures released to Aontú show there were 281,996 appointments cancelled at hospitals around the country in 2024 which was up by more than 5% on the previous year. University Hospital Limerick saw 5,038 cancellations which was down 47% on 2023 while Ennis Hospital experienced a 74% surge with 1,559 procedures cancelled. Ennistymon-based Midwest Hospital Campaign spokesperson Marie McMahon has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons the figures are "worrying" for people in Clare.
Coming up on the show, we look ahead to a massive weekend in Clare soccer with both semi final ties down for decision in the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup. There's also a big few days ahead for Clare's hurlers across the minor, senior and U20 grades, with the focus on Sunday's trip to Walsh Park for round two of the Munster championship.
It's claimed the trust between Clare County Council and its elected members has been shattered following the purchase of two "special interest sites" at the Cliffs of Moher for over €8m. The purchase was made by the local authority in 2023, however most councillors only found about the deal this week after it was published in a government audit of the council. The council has stated that the purchase was key to the successful implementation of the Cliffs of Moher 2040 Strategy, which has not been adopted by councilors. Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that the auditor will be asked to appear before their next meeting to get to the bottom of the issue and ensure its never repeated.
The gang at Corofin Dramatic Society are no doubt cock-a-hoop after qualifying for the All-Ireland Drama Festival Finals! The finals take place in Athlone on the 11th of May. They will be preparing for the big occasion with a performance of Catch The Weir in Corofin on this weekend. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by the Chairperson of Corofin Dramatic Society, Maura Clancy, and lighting designer, Noirin Lynch. Photo (c): Clare FM
For the sixteenth episode of the village tour, Alan Morrissey paid a visit to Liscannor. With The Village Tour, we here at Morning Focus are aiming to highlight the smaller villages and townlands around the county. By doing this, we hope to showcase their unique character, while also bringing their diversity and individuality to life for you, the listener. Photo (c): Clare FM
Three students from Colaiste Muire in Ennis will represent Clare at the National Student Enterprise Awards. The awards will take place on the 8th of May. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by Amy Killeen, Aoife Keane and Roisin Hogan from Colaiste Muire. Photo (c): Clare FM
It's been suggested that illegal dumping is on the rise in Clare because "the consequences of prosecution are minimal". It comes as new data from Clare County Council shows waste and litter complaints in this county in the first three months of the year were up 28% on the same period in 2024. In March alone, 113 such complaints were made while just eight fines were issued. Shannon Tidy Towns Chairperson Derek Clune has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons he believes people on which fines are levied aren't bothering to pay them.
In this week's History in Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by local historian and author, Colm Liddy to focus on the development of politics & Charles Lucas. If you have any stories you would like to share with Colm about your town, you can contact him at colmliddy@eircom.net or Clare FM at focus@clare.fm.
To review the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Monday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch, Syl O'Connor, hurling analyst, Tommy Guilfoyle and football analyst, Joe Garry. Games Reviewed: Munster SHC: Clare 3-21 Cork 2-24 (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosiog) Munster Senior Camogie Championship Semi-Final: Clare 0-10 Cork 2-22 (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosiog) Munster SFC Semi-Final: Clare 2-18 Tipperary 1-15 (Saturday, Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosiog)
It was mad; it was mental; it was brilliant. Listen back to the closing stages of Clare's remarkable comeback against Cork in the Munster SHC
Clare FM Sideline View Friday April 18th by Clare FM
Thursday's Morning Focus show saw the return of the Women In Business panel to Clare FM. We want to explore the challenges and successes experienced by women in business and leadership roles. We hope that our conversation with our guests will see them share personal stories, insights, and strategies that can inspire listeners to pursue their goals without being limited by gender. For more on this, Alan Morrissry was joined by the CEO of Centra in Ennis, Edwina Donnellan, and Alison Mc Grath, owner of My First Steps.
On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Danny Lynch, chef at Le Chéile, Barefield. This week, Danny shared a delicious recipe for a Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap. Photo (c): Clare FM
The 2025 Pat Broderick Memorial Tionól is taking place this Easter Bank Holiday weekend. The Piping Heaven Piping Hell event will bring a host of top-class musicians to Ennis. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by organiser, Blackie O'Connell, and Clare FM's Sean Lyons. Photo (c): Clare FM
A Shannon property rumoured to be in the process of becoming a direct provision centre will be student accommodation. Formerly the Shannon Development building, Phoenix House housed roughly 70 Ukrainian refugees until June 2024 when the Department of Integration ended its contract with the owner over "issues raised during a site visit". Three weeks after the Department told Clare FM it wasn't considering the building for International Protection Applicant accommodation, Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan has been informed that it will be student accommodation from September of this year. Deputy McGettigan has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons when it comes to vacant buildings rumoured to be IPAS accommodation, communication is key.
A Service for Holy Thursday
Clare manager Terence Fahy speaking with Clare FM's Derrick Lynch after Munster U20 hurling loss to Tipperary
Although its planning application remains live, and its latest objector is the great Tommy Tiernan(!), Fuinneamh Sceirde Teoranta's plans for a 450mw offshore windfarm off the coast of Clare and Galway is not going ahead. Corio, the company behind the development have halted the €1.4bn plans citing environmental challenges that and site investigations indicating the location meant the windfarm would not be resilient enough during an extreme weather event. The 30 proposed turbines were due to a have maximum tip height of 325m and were predicted to generate enough power for 350,000 homes along with a community benefit fund of €70m over the next 20 years. Specifically to Clare, works included grid connection cables at Doonbeg and an electrical compensation compound near Killimer. Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch has been reacting to the news, and he's been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan he's worried about the connotations this could have for other projects in Clare in the near future... To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Donnbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor, Rita McInerney. Picture (c) thebroker via Canva
A huge effort from Shannon Tidy Towns saw a significant number of bags of rubbish collected recently. Not only that, but they also planted an even more impressive number of trees! To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Shannon Tidy Towns chair, Derek Clune. Photo (c): Clare FM
To review the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Monday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch. Games Reviewed: Munster Minor Hurling Championship: Clare v Cork (Saturday, Tulla) Club Hurling - Will We Go.Com Clare Cup: Women's Rugby - Women's Open Cup Final: Ennis-Kilrush v Shannon (Sunday, UL) Soccer: CDSL Premier Division & Clare Carpets Cup
A Clare member of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspector's National Executive says the Justice Minister will have to answer for the stripping of resources from this county. The AGSI is holding its annual conference in Kilarney today, and will be raising concerns over controversial new conduct and performance regulations and the Garda policing model, which led to the merger of the Clare and Tipperay divisions. The conference will be attended by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan. Ennis-based Detective Sergeant Brian Howard has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that policy changes have made it increasingly difficult for Gardaí to do their jobs.