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This weekend, North Clare will come alive with the Rekindle Festival of Lost Skills, a three-day celebration of traditional crafts, music, storytelling, community and heritage. Now in its fourth year, the festival takes place across Ennistymon, Common Knowledge and Lisdoonvarna, with hands-on workshops, demonstrations, talks, traditional music and a community céilí — and it's all free. Joining Alan Morrissey earlier to tell us more were Aoife Hammond from Common Knowledge, weaver Jean Moran, and Conor Mahon from Clare Sport. Photo (c) Clare FM
It's our monthly look at what's happening across Clare Libraries, and this month there are two very different topics to explore. Emer Bowen joined Alan Morrissey to talk about Home Energy Savings Kits and radon monitors that people can borrow, while Archivist Ciara Fahy highlighted the fascinating Glynn Collection, which offers a unique insight into more than 150 years of life and business in West Clare. Alan heard from both of them about what's available and how the public can get involved. Photo (c) Clare FM
Time for another Taste of the Week, on Thursday's Morning Focus Alan Morrissey was joined by Danny Lynch, Chef from Le Cheile in Barefield. Danny let Alan test a potential new addition to the Le Cheile menu. Image (c) Clare FM
This Sunday, 16th August, the Mullagh Agri Show and Family Day returns for its 31st year, celebrating the best of agriculture, food and community in West Clare. There'll be plenty for all ages, with children's activities, entertainment and access to the Autism Friendly Playground — and importantly, all children's activities are free. As the show looks to the future and encourages a new generation of volunteers to get involved, Alan Morrissey was joined by joint secretaries Michael McMahon and Melissa Duggan to tell us more. Photo (c) Clare FM
Clare FM's Derrick Lynch speaks with Ann Marie McGann to preview the 2026 Clare Credit Unions Senior Camogie Championship while Derek Dormer speaks with all 10 clubs involved in the race for the McMahon Cup
It's feared Clare's disabled drivers will be left worse off under a new vehicle adaption scheme due to be rolled out. The Government is currently progressing a grant programme which will cover minor adaptations to cars for people with mobility needs. The coalition is also reviewing the existing disabled drivers and passengers scheme which offers VAT and VRT reliefs, sparking concerns from industry leaders that it may be phased out. Clare Aontú Representative June Dillon has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that clarity is urgently needed. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Desmond Lillis, a disabled driver. Photo (c) YAROVA from YAROVA via Canva
Alan Morrissey was joined earlier by Joanna Doohan, the 2026 Rose of Clare. She was crowned at the event in Cooraclare last Friday night. Joanna, from Kilmurry Ibrickane, is also captain of the Clare ladies football team, so she's no stranger to representing her county. It's been a very exciting few days for her, and she joined Alan to talk about winning the title, the support from her community, and what lies ahead. Photo (c) Clare FM
On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by John Burns, retired Deputy Principal at Rice College and Educational Consultant. This week, John discussed the dreaded back to school rush and anxiety students and parents alike are feeling. Photo (c) Clare FM
Quin Friary is one of Clare's most important historic landmarks, and now a new piece of technology is set to help visitors discover its stories in a whole new way. The Quin Friary Visitor App combines audio, visuals and a guided tour to bring the history of the Friary to life for visitors of all ages. The app is being officially launched this Sunday, and joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more were Michael Houlihan, historian, author and Quin Heritage Group member, and Siobhan O'Sullivan, also of the Quin Heritage Group. Photo (c) Clare FM
Two young Clare students have just returned from the trip of a lifetime after spending three weeks experiencing life as teenagers in Phoenix, Arizona, as part of the Ennis–Phoenix Youth Ambassadors Programme. The exchange saw them live with host families, explore American culture, visit landmarks including the Grand Canyon, and build friendships with young people from across the world. The long-standing twinning partnership between Ennis and Phoenix continues to create opportunities for young people on both sides of the Atlantic. Joining Alan Morrissey were Youth Ambassadors Seamus McGuire and Lucy Lennon, along with Councillor Mary Howard, Chairperson of the Ennis–Phoenix Twinning Board. Photo (c) Clare FM
Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch to chat about the weekend's sporting fixtures. ~ TUS Clare Senior Hurling Championship ~ Group 1: - Inagh-Kilnamona 0-25 St. Joseph's Doora Barefield 0-12 (Ruan) - Ballyea 1-17 Clonlara 2-14 (Cratloe) Group 2: - Éire Óg 2-20 Scariff 1-21 (Ennis) - Crusheen 3-14 Broadford 2-16 (Ennis) Group 3: - Clooney-Quin 4-17 Feakle 0-13 (Tulla) - Cratloe 4-15 O'Callaghan's Mills 1-24 (Sixmilebridge) Group 4: -Newmarket-on-Fergus 2-16 Sixmilebridge 1-21 (Tulla) - Kilmaley 3-20 Wolfe Tones Shannon 0-15 (Clarecastle) ~ 2026 Clare Ladies Club Football Championship~ - Defending champions Kilmihil are off to a winning start in this years Clare ladies senior football championship. - The holders saw off the challenge of Eire Óg, scoring five goals in the process. - Kilmurry Ibrickane racked up 3-16 in their win over Doora Barefield, including a two pointer score from Ciara McCarthy. - Banner Ladies held off a stern test to beat Fergus Rovers by 3-8 to 1-6, while Liscannor came out on top of their North Clare derby against Burren Gaels. Image (c) Clare FM
Coming up on the show, we will look back on a busy and dramatic weekend of action in the TUS Clare senior hurling championship, and Corofin are the focus of this weeks More Than A Club episode
Three of Ireland's largest business organisations have issued a joint call for enhanced and fast-tracked investment in the MidWest. It comes as Shannon, Limerick and Galway Chambers have each officially launched their pre-budget 2027 submissions. Among the goals listed by the groups is the accelerated delivery of the N19 Shannon Airport Access Road, which they say is necessary to unlock future growth opportunities. Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan they want to ensure the local economy continues to expand.
A new poetry collection is bringing the landscapes, memories and stories of the Burren to life. It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This is the first book by Miriam O'Donohoe, formerly from Glancolmcille, Carron, in County Clare. Through free verse, rhythm and rhyme, Miriam shares reflections on childhood, farming life, the challenges and triumphs of rural living, and some lighter moments of love and laughter along the way. Miriam O'Donohoe joined Alan Morrissey ahead of the launch of her new book. Photo (c) Clare FM
One of Down Syndrome Clare's largest fundraising events, The Tour De Munster, came to a conclusion yesterday afternoon. The 600k round trip culminated with a ride up St.Patrick's hill in Cork City, with cyclists traversing this county from Killlaloe to Killimer on Friday, stopping for lunch at The Temple Gate Hotel here in Ennis. Volunteers were fundraising up and down the county, with every penny raised in Clare put back into the delivery of services for Down Syndrome Clare, which last year enabled them to secure property for use as the company headquarters in the county town. Clare FM's Darragh O'Grady spoke to Down Syndrome Clare representatives Orla Shannon and Donal Monaghan at the event on Friday, but first Tour De Munster founder Paul Sheridan spoke about the importance of the Tour, which is now into its 26th year. Photo (c) Clare FM
A unique art exhibition celebrating the creativity, perspectives and strengths of autistic teenagers is returning for its second year. Picture Voice Art Exhibition 2026 will showcase artwork created by autistic young people from across Clare, Galway, Limerick and Tipperary, including students from three Clare schools. The project aims to give young people a platform to express themselves through art and have their voices heard. It grew out of Jarlath Healy's Master's in Special Educational Needs in Mary Immaculate College. Jarlath, who is Autism Advisor for County Limerick with the NCSE and a primary school teacher since 2007, joined Alan Morrissey to tell us more. Photo (c) Clare FM
On this weeks show, we look ahead to a crucial second round of action in the TUS Clare senior hurling championship along with previewing this years Clare LGFA club championships
As part of Clare FM's More Than A Club series, Clare FM's Derrick Lynch spoke with the Banner GAA club
Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch to chat about the weekend's sporting fixtures. ~ TUS Clare Senior Hurling Championship ~ Saturday: - Newmarket-on-Fergus v Sixmilebridge (Tulla, 1pm) - Kilmaley v Wolfe Tones Shannon (Clarecastle, 2pm) - Éire Óg v Scariff (Ennis, 4pm) - Inagh-Kilnamona v St. Joseph's Doora Barefield (Ruan, 5pm) - Cratloe v O'Callaghan's Mills (Sixmilebridge, 6pm) Sunday: - Ballyea v Clonlara (Cratloe, 1pm) - Crusheen v Broadford (Ennis, 2pm) - Clooney-Quin v Feakle (Tulla, 3:30pm) ~ 2026 Clare Ladies Club Football Championship ~ - The 2026 Clare ladies club football championship are underway this weekend with games across each of the grades at adult level - Kilmihil's senior title defence begins with a home tie against Eire Óg at St Michael's Park on Sunday afternoon. For just the second time in their history, the West Clare side enter the championship as holders. - Kilmurry Ibrickane will also have home advantage when they open their season against Doora Barefield in Quilty. These sides met in the championship final in 2024 where Kilmurry came out on top to win their maiden title Image (c) Clare FM
For many families, the idea of camping sounds great — until it comes to packing the car, buying equipment and finding somewhere to store it all afterwards. A new Clare-based business is aiming to make outdoor adventures easier by providing a ready-to-go premium camping experience. ReadyCamp Ireland has recently launched and has already teamed up with events including the Feakle Festival to create a tented village for visitors. Joining Alan Morrissey earlier was the founder of ReadyCamp Ireland, Eoin Bryan. Photo (c) Clare FM
Illegal dumping continues to blight one of Ennis' most popular outdoor amenities, with fresh images shared on social media showing another pile of rubbish left at the entrance to Lees Road. Despite repeated clean-ups and long-running calls for tougher enforcement, the problem persists, prompting renewed questions about whether measures like CCTV could finally help deter offenders. Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss the issue were Clare County Council Dog Warden Frankie Coote, who has dealt with countless dumping incidents at Lees Road, and Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy. Photo (c) Clare FM
All around the county, Cúl Camps have kicked off. From Gaelic football to hurling and camogie, there's a chance for children to get outdoors and play with their friends. One such camp, taking place in Cusack Park, is aiming to make this summer staple more inclusive for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Clare FM's Caitlin Earle spoke to James Murrihy, Sports and Disability Officer for Clare Sports Partnership, volunteer Aisling O'Connor, and camp attendee Shane Rafferty to learn what makes the camp so special. Photo (c) Clare FM
The Irish Medical Organisation is calling for upgrades at University Hospital Limerick to be treated as critical infrastructure. It follows a week of persistently high attendances at the region's Main Hospital, which led to HSE MidWest asking patients not to attend the ED if possible. In a statement to Clare FM, the IMO has described the closure of A&Es at Ennis, Nenagh and St Johns as disastrous policy decisions which the people of the MidWest are suffering. Chairperson Professor Mick Molloy says all investment in MidWest healthcare needs to be fasttracked.
For the past 12 years, The Record Break has been more than just Ennis' only independent record shop. It's become a meeting place for music lovers, a platform for local artists and a cultural hub in the heart of the town. Now, with the building set to go on the market, owner Sinéad Nic Síoda is launching an innovative campaign to buy the premises and secure the shop's future. Instead of asking for donations, she's inviting people to support the effort by buying an exclusive song she's recorded especially for the campaign. Sinéad joined Alan Morrissey to tell us why saving The Record Break is about much more than keeping a record shop open. Photo (c) Clare FM
Concern has been raised that vulnerable Clare patients could be locked out of a vital hospital service. It's understood that from September 7th, the Anti Coagulation (Warfarin) Clinic at University Hospital Limerick will cease operating five days a week and will instead only be available by appointment from 8am to 12 noon on Mondays and Thursdays. In a letter seen by Clare FM, the HSE says the change is required to continue a safe high quality service for anyone taking Warfarin. Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan says it's a seriously questionable decision.
Morning Focus was broadcasting live from the Monks Well in Quin as Alan Morrissey for the final stop on his Summer Tour. Firstly, Alan spoke to Eoin Troy, Senior Executive Officer Killaloe MD / Sports & Recreational , and Adrian Flemming, Chairperson Quin Community Progress Group, about the Welcome To Quin Day and all of the local projects going on. Alan spoke to Helen Downes, Shannon Chamber CEO, about the upcoming Budget 2027, and how Shannon needs to be included heavily to remain competitive as a business location. Alan was then joined by Jackie Dermody, I.S. Analyst Developer/Broadband Officer in the Digital Transformation Department of Clare County Council , and Theresa Mulvihill Killeen, Senior Enterprise Development Officer in the Local Enterprise Office of Clare County Council, about the new Scariff Hub and the amenities available, including a Media Hub run with help from Scariff Bay Community Radio. Theresa Hughes Lannon, Senior Executive Officer of Tourism Festivals & Events, and Mike Ahern, Clare Tourism Development DAC's Administrative Officer Tourism Festivals & Events, spoke to Alan about the upcoming local festivals, and where people can find out about the great events happening in the area and around the county. Karen Foley, Environmental Awareness Officer Climate Action Environment & Water Service, and Maura McNulty, Executive Scientist Climate Action Environment & Water Service, chatted with Alan about the amazing Blue Flag beaches we have in Clare and the criteria behind the honour. Kate Moloney was joined by Vincent Fogarty to entertain Alan with a tune on the low whistle and bouzouki. Our Friday Panel (Gabriella Hanrahan and Lorna O'Donovan) discussed the growing anti-social behaviour in Ballyalla, speed limit reductions, NCT failures, the death of the late great Glen Hansard, and the best of Quin. Finally, to take us into the weekend, Derrick Lynch and Alan gave their opinions on the opening weekend of the TUS Clare Senior Football Championship. Photos (c) Clare FM
The 2026 TUS Clare Senior Football Championship gets underway this evening. St.Breckan's take on Kilmurry Ibrickane in Miltown, while Kildysart and Kilmihil also face off in Cooraclare. Kilmurry Ibrickane against Breckan's will see the beaten county finalists of 2024 and 2023 square off. St.Breckan's forward Jamie Stack says the squad is eager to get back and play in another decider. Kilmurry Ibrickane Manager Enda Coughlan says they're looking to bounce back from an 'up and down' Cusack Cup campaign. He's optimistic the work that's been done in the last six weeks will see them deliver a performance tonight. Throw in this evening is at 7:30pm, with commentary on Clare FM thanks to with McDermotts Bar and Restaurant Doolin.
Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch to chat about the opening weekend of the TUS Clare Senior Football Championship. Group 1: Cratloe, Éire Óg, St. Joseph's Miltown, Doonbeg - St Joseph's Miltown v Doonbeg (Saturday, Quilty, 3pm) - Cratloe v Éire Óg (Saturday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, Ennis, 6pm) - LIVE ON CLARE FM Group 2: St. Joseph's Doora/Barefield, Ennistymon, Kildysart, Kilmihil - Kildysart v Kilmihill (Friday, Cooraclare, 7:30pm) - St Joseph's Doora/Barefield v Ennistymon (Saturday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, 4pm) - LIVE ON CLARE FM Group 3: Lissycasey, Corofin, Kilmurry Ibrickane, St. Breckan's - Kilmurry Ibrickane v St. Breckan's (Friday, Miltown Malbay, 7:30pm) - LIVE ON CLARE FM - Lissycasey v Corofin (Saturday, Clarecastle, 1pm) Image (c) Clare FM
Episode 10 - Finding Clare with Tanya by Clare FM
Clare Gardaí will have a heavy focus on tackling speeding and driving under the influence over this Bank Holiday Weekend. 105 people have lost their lives on Irish Roads this year, with six fatal incidents in Clare, more than the total for all of last year. Clare's Road's Policing Unit will have a highly visible presence until Tuesday, with checkpoints expected to be mounted countywide. Clare Superintendent John Ryan has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that a second's lapse in concentration can be lethal.
St.Joseph's Doora/Barefield will be looking to channel the pain of the defeat in the 2025 county final as they prepare to get their TUS Clare Senior Football Championship Campaign underway. A repeat of last year's quarter final is in store on Saturday afternoon as Ennistymon take on The Parish in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg. Doora Barefield came out on top by a point that day en route to their defeat in the decider at the hands of Éire Óg. Defender Cian McDonough says the group are eager to get back there and make amends this time around. Ennistymon's Brendy Rouine says the group are managing their expectations ahead of Saturday evening's fixture. The Clare star says their focus is firmly fixed on qualifying from the group. Throw in on Saturday evening is at 4pm, with commentary on Clare FM thanks to Future Proof Energy.
Plans for the development of a landbank providing eight serviced sites for new private homes in an East Clare village will be unveiled this evening. Clare County Council is holding an open public consultation event in Feakle Community Centre today from 6pm to 8pm. The development - which is the second of its kind in Clare - is funded by the Department of Housing's Ready to Build Scheme and will include a new service road with associated footpaths, public amenity open space and required site services. Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Hayes has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons the project will serve people who've rarely been considered until now.
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 tagliatelle Bolognese and mint Aero cheesecake. Image (c) Clare FM
Alan Morrissey's guests have travelled a long way to perform for audiences here in Ireland. EirFoyl is an international pop-rock band based in Kumamoto, Japan, with members from Clare, Japan, the Netherlands and the United States. Fronted by Mountshannon native Bobby McMahon, the band is currently on its first European tour, with a special homecoming performance at the Scariff Harbour Festival. But this tour is about more than just music, with all profits going to support families affected by the recent devastating earthquake in Japan. Joining Alan were three members of EirFoyl – Bobby McMahon, Edwin Huits, and Jim Lewis. Photo (c) Clare FM
The music world, and, indeed, Ireland is coming to terms with the death of Glen Hansard. The 56-year-old singer-songwriter passed away in a crash in Lucan in Dublin in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The frontman of the Frames since the 1990s, the Dublin native also acted in Bafta winning movie "The Commitments" and "Once". The romantic musical drama earned Hansard an Oscar for the song "Falling Slowly" in 2008. Huge international music stars are among those paying tribute to the Frames frontman, with Bruce Springsteen describing him as 'a generous and gracious man' while Ed Sheeran called him 'an incredible force'. Taoiseach Micheal Martin described him as a talented musician and actor who made a significant contribution to Ireland's cultural landscape over many years. Former President Michael D Higgins says Glen was a wonderful musician and performer, a troubadour whose gift for storytelling brought so much joy to audiences across the world. Joining Alan Morrissey to remember Glen and his immense musical talent was Clare FM's Eoin O'Neill. Photo (c) Niccolò Caranti
Episode 9 - Finding Clare with Iryna by Clare FM
Episode 8 - Finding Clare with Yullia by Clare FM
Broadford coach Ger Hickey is hailing the display they delivered after half time that saw them claim an opening round victory in the TUS Clare Senior Hurling Championship. The East-Clare side sit second in Group 2 behind Éire Óg after their 0-27 to 0-22 win over Scariff. Scariff led by five points at the break, but a brilliant second half showing saw Broadford outscore their rivals by nine points. Hickey has been telling Clare FM's Derek Dormer the changes they made at half time proved crucial. Elsewhere, Kilmaley will head into the next round on top of Group 4 after their win over Newmarket. A strong finish to the game which saw Conor Cleary notch 1-1 helped Kilmaley secure the two points on a score of 1-22 to 1-17. Boss Brian Culbert says they struggled to get to grips with Newmarket's first half intensity.
Éire Óg will begin yet another defence of their county title this weekend as the TUS Clare Senior Football Championship gets underway. The two most recent winners of Jack Daly face off in Group 1 in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg on Saturday, as 2023 champions Cratloe providing the opposition. The Townies will be looking claim three county titles back to back, with Cratloe defeating Éire Óg in the semi final on their previous attempt at three-in-a-row. Manager Shane Daniels claims it's vital to get two points on the board facing into a tough group campaign. Cratloe came within three points of facing Éire Óg in the 2025 Jack Daly decider, falling to defeat to St.Joseph's Doora Barefield in the last four. Boss Colm Collins says despite last year's semi final berth, they aren't looking beyond Saturday evening's game. Throw in on Saturday is at 6pm, with commentary on Clare FM thanks to Brian Pyne Tiles Westgate Business Park, Kilrush Road, Ennis
Engineering talent from the Mid-West is making its mark on the international stage, as the University of Limerick's Formula Student team headed to Silverstone to compete in one of Europe's biggest student engineering competitions. The team has spent the past year designing, building and testing its own Formula-style race car, combining innovation, teamwork and practical engineering skills. To tell us about the project, the competition and the journey behind the car, Derrick Lynch was joined by Newmarket-on-Fergus resident Jack Haverty, one of FSUL's engineering team leads. Photo (c) Clare FM
On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Derrick Lynch was joined by Fergal O'Keeffe, Ennis Native and creator of Travel Tales with Fergal podcast. Fergal recounted his travels in the Basque Country of Spain to remind us of the lovely weather we just had. Photo (c) Clare FM
Episode 7 - Finding Clare with Yana by Clare FM
Derrick Lynch was joined by Tommy Guilfoyle to analyse the weekend's sporting fixtures. - TUS Clare Senior Hurling Championship - All-Ireland Senior Football Final Image (c) Clare FM
Coming up... Busy show in store as we recap an action packed opening weekend of the TUS Clare Senior Hurling Championship. We'll hear from each of the victorious camps and look back at some of the key moments from the opening round of games. Review the talking points from the opening games of the Premier Intermediate Championship and round off the show with a recap an historic famine ending victory for Mayo in the All Ireland Football Final.
Wolfe Tones hurling boss Barry Keane claims they're not getting carried away after their opening round victory in the TUS Clare Senior Hurling Championship. The Shannon side shocked neighbours Sixmilebridge with a 2-21 to 3-16 victory in Group 4. Tones were spurred on by a blistering first half performances which saw them notch 2-14 of their overall tally. Keane has been telling Clare FM's Derek Dormer they still had to grind out the result despite a strong opening period. Elsewhere, in Group 1 Clonlara got off the mark with a four point win over St Joseph's Doora Barefield. The 2023 County Champions came through a stern test registering a 0-22 to 0-18 victory to sit second in the group standings. Manager Donal Madden claims they were under no illusions about how tough a task they'd face.
The Minister for Rural and Community Development was in Clare on Friday. Fianna Fáil Minister Dara Calleary came to the county to see first-hand some of the projects supported by the Community Recognition Fund. In last year's allocation, Bunratty Search and Rescue Service received €86,000 to fund the acquisition of a new lifeboat and the refurbishment of another. The Minister also made stops in Lahinch and Corofin during his trip. Clare FM's Seán Lyons was in Bunratty where Cathaoirleach of the Shannon Municipal District, Clonlara Independent Councillor Michael Begley, spoke of the impact the funding has had. Photo (c) Clare FM
Episode 6 - Finding Clare with Olena by Clare FM
The issues of Safety and Road Safety dominated discussions at the final Killaloe MD meeting of the 2025/26 Council term. Elected representatives queried the need for parking wardens at Lough Derg, a meeting with the Clare-Tipperary Garda Divisions Superintendents and urgent traffic calming enhancements. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan was there and began by speaking to O'Callaghan's Mills Cllr Conor Ryan on road safety issues on the R352 near Tulla GAA. Photo (c) Kindel Media from Pexels via Canva
Clare's Garda numbers are receiving a marginal boost from today. One new Garda has been allocated to Ennis following the attestation of 206 new recruits from Templemore today. It will bring the total number of Gardaí operating in the county town to 111. Clare Local Community Safety Partnership Chair PJ Ryan has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that while additional resources are welcome, the numbers are dissapointing.
Episode 5 - Finding Clare with Lydia by Clare FM