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Last week, we told you how Clare's smallest primary school was in a race against the clock to ensure its survival into the future. To find out how close the school is to avoiding closure, Alan Morrissey was joined by the Principal of Furglan NS, Patricia Vaughan. Picture (c) Clare FM

Blood donations are said to be urgently needed in Clare ahead of what's been described as a "crunch point" for the health service. With only three days supply left of O+ which is the most common blood type in Ireland, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service is holding its only blood donation clinic in Clare this month in Shannon today and tomorrow. The clinic takes place in the Oakwood Arms from 4pm to 7:20pm each day and donors can call 1800 222 111 to make an appointment. IBTS Recruitment Executive Alex O'Connor has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons it's vital their stocks are boosted ahead of the October Bank Holiday.

On this week's Clare History In Focus, local historian and author Colm Liddy joined Alan Morrissey on Tuesday's Morning Focus to talk about County Clare in 1798 and 1799. If you have any stories you would like to share with Colm about your townland you can contact him at colmliddy@eircom.net or Clare FM at focus@clare.fm. Photo (c) Colm Liddy

It's claimed Clare's housing market will be in "real trouble" unless more second-hand stock becomes available. Daft.ie's latest House Price Report shows the number of housing transactions and exisiting homes for sale in Munster both fell last year. In Clare, meanwhile, the average price of a two-bed terraced home soared by 31.5% which is the highest increase of any property type nationwide, while four-bed homes went up by over €35,000. Report Author and Economist Ronan Lyons has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan however there are some positive indications for Clare.

To review the sporting fixtures, Alan morrissey was joined on Monday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch and Paudie Carmody. Games Reviewed: TUS Clare SFC Semi-Finals: Éire Óg 2-10 Lissycasey 0-9 (Saturday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg) Cratloe 1-14 Doora Barefield 3-11 (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg) Eire Óg and Doora Barefield will face off in the 2025 TUS Clare senior football final. Eire Óg were first through after victory over Lissycasey thanks to goals from Colm Walsh O'Loughlen and Manus Doherty. Clare TUS IFC Semi-Finals: Corofin 2-12 Clondegad 0-16 (Saturday, Clarecastle) Cooraclare 0-12 Banner 0-11 (Saturday, Milltown) Clare TUS PIHC Relegation Final: Bodyke 3-15 Killanena 2-10 (Saturday, Whitegate) Clare Credit Unions Adult Camogie Championship: Group 2: Inagh-Kilnamona v Clarecastle/Ballyea (Friday) Kilkishen v Feakle-Killanena (Saturday) Group 1: Truagh-Clonlara v Newmarket (Saturday) St. Joseph's Doora Barefield v Scariff Ogonelloe (Saturday)

The Clare FM Radio Auction is back next month. The auction, in association with Ennis Lions Club, will take place on the 17th of October. This year's beneficiary will be St. Clare's School. For more on this, Ed Scannell, Principal of St. Clare's, and David Goodstein, on behalf of Ennis Lions Club, joined Alan Morrissey in studio on Monday's Morning Focus.

A Clare TD claims a United Ireland would reunite families and allow displaced Shannon residents to reconnect with their ancestral home. The Taoiseach has poured cold water on suggestions a poll on Irish unity will be held before 2030, saying more time is needed to prepare and to unite people across the island. The Good Friday Agreement states that a border poll should be called by the Northern Ireland secretary when they believe there is evidence that public opinion in the six counties has shifted in favour of change. Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons she's observed appetite for reunification in her hometown and throughout the county.

93 Clare citizens have penned an open letter to this county's four TDs seeking multi-million euro investment in youth services. The letter, seen by Clare FM states that "youth services are under real pressure and that the cost of living, years of funding and rising demand are making it harder". The National Youth Council of Ireland is seeking an increased investment of €21.3m in Budget 2026 to enhance youth work. Spokesperson Daniel Meister says the demand in Clare is clear.

Welcome to another episode of Ours To Protect on Clare FM. This week, Pat Flynn visits the Common Knowledge Centre for Sustainable Living in North Clare to hear about the work they're doing educating communities about Climate Action.

To preview the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Friday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch.

Concern has been expressed in East Clare over the growing presence of an algal bloom on the shores of Lough Derg. The pea-green scum like build up can cause skin and eye irritation, gastro-intestinal illness and nausea, and can be lethal for animals, especially dogs. The algae was first identified at Ballycuggeran and Mountshannon as these areas are regularly utilised for swimming, however it's understood prevailing winds have carried it up to parts of Meelick Bay. Whitegate Fine Gael Councillor Pat Burke has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan it's vital people stay away from the affected areas.

Clare FM Interviews With Managers For TUS Clare SFC Semi Finals by Clare FM

Coming up on the show, we look ahead to a big weekend of club football, women's rugby, local soccer and greyhound action too

Coming up on the show, we look ahead to a big weekend of club football, women's rugby, local soccer and greyhound action too

Coming up on the show, we look ahead to a big weekend of club football, women's rugby, local soccer and greyhound action too

It's been suggested growth must be seen in the retail sector of Shannon and the services offering of Ennis if both towns are to tackle their commercial vacancy problem. The latest quarterly report from GeoDirectory has found that Shannon has the second-highest commercial vacancy rate in the country at 30.8% while Ennis has the ninth-highest in Munster at 19.1%. The data reveals just over 18% of Shannon's commercial units are retail which is below the average of 22%, while Ennis is below the national norm when it comes to the services sector. GeoDirectory CEO Dara Keogh has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons both towns must diversify to bring life back into premises currently lying idle.

A North Clare school is in a race against the clock to ensure its survival into the future. Clare's smallest primary school, Furglan National School, has just six days to boost its complement of pupils to 11 before the Department of Education closes its books for the 2025 to 2026 to school year. If the school, which currently has seven enrolled, fails to reach this number, it won't have a guarantee that it will remain open next year. Clare FM's Seán Lyons has been to Furglan to speak to its principal Patricia Vaughan.

It's being suggested Clare County Council's winter maintenance programme could be significantly impacted if workers agree to go on strike. The local authority's outdoor staff are to be balloted for industrial action within the next two weeks as part of an escalation in a dispute with management. SIPTU, which represents those being balloted, claims the action is a result of "management's refusal to engage with the State's own industrial dispute resolution system", and that the issue stems from vehicle usage policies including parking arrangements. SIPTU Organiser Arek Muszynski has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons the local authority hasn't engaged appropriately.

Clare County Council may have decided not to nominate any candidate for the Presidential Election at a special meeting yesterday, but the occasion wasn't without its drama. One candidate accused the council of actively blocking her campaign to get on the ballot, while the Mayor of Ennis branded one hopeful as unprofessional and disrespectful and said their presentation was a disservice to the women of Ireland. The field of 5 candidates involved activists, Gaeilgeoirs and Mathematicians, but ultimately no budding President obtained the magic number. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan has this report from Áras Chontae An Chláir.

A busy weekend in sporting action in Clare! Clare FM's Derrick Lynch and Tommy Guilfoyle joined Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus to discuss the TUS Clare SHC Semi-Finals, SHC Relegation Final, TUS PIHC Quarter Finals, TUS IHC Relegation Final and the TUS IHC Quarter-Finals.

Mountshannon Harbour was a hive of activity on Friday afternoon as local elected representatives assembled to mark the official opening of the Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience. Despite opening its doors to the public during the summer, the new tourism centre had its official opening on Friday the 19th of September 2025. Clare FM's Seán Lyons was present at the event and spoke to local Fine Gael councillor Pat Burke about the day's significance.

A Clare estate agent predicts that house prices in the county will continue to rise over the coming year amid an ongoing supply shortage. A new survey by Real Estate Alliance has found that the average price of a three-bed semi-detached house in Clare has surged by 18.5% to €320,000 in the last year. There's also been an increase of over 3% in the last three months in the cost of the average second-hand three-bed semi-detached property in the county. Liam Browne of REA Paddy Browne in Ennis has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons it's good news for sellers but represents a significant challenge for buyers.

A Clare farmer and Fine Gael Councillor has expressed disappointment over his party colleague's decision not to increase bovine tuberculosis compensation rates in Budget 2026. As it stands, farmers who lose non-pedigree cows to TB can only receive up to €3,000 under the On-farm Market Valuation. Speaking to Clare FM, however Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon confirmed the rates wouldn't be increased in budget 2026 and that the focus instead will be on eradicating the disease. O'Callaghans Mills Councillor Conor Ryan says some farmers have been left heavily out of pocket.

A young woman from North Clare, who is living with a chronic stomach condition, has claimed she spent five weeks “begging” for help at University Hospital Limerick, but the appropriate treatment was not forthcoming. 23-year-old Sarah O'Reilly, from Dough, Lahinch was diagnosed with Gastroparesis three years ago, following an 18-month wait for a scan. HSE Mid West Response: HSE Mid West is unable to comment on individual cases as we are obliged to protect our patients' confidentiality. We have been linking with the patient on this matter, and continue to provide support. Alan Morrissey was joined by Sarah on Friday's Morning Focus to find out more. Picture (c) Clare FM

A new tourism centre in East Clare is expected to provide an economic boost to surrounding towns and villages. The Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience on the outskirts of Mountshannon has been officially opened by Tulla Fianna Fáil Minister of State Timmy Dooley today. The €4.3 million project includes an interactive visitor experience, outdoor seating in the restored Old Rectory gardens and public realm improvements to Mountshannon village. Minister Dooley has been telling Clare FM's Sean Lyons, that Mountshannon as well as other nearby settlements will enjoy increased tourist traffic for years to come thanks to the development.

To review the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Friday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch. TUS Clare SHC Semi-Finals: Kilmaley v Éire Óg (Saturday, Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chíosóg, 4:30pm) Ballyea v Clooney Quin (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chíosóg, 3:30pm) TUS Clare SHC Relegation Final: Corofin v St. Joseph's Doora Barefield (Sunday, 1pm) TUS PIHC Quarter-Finals: Ruan v Tulla (Friday, 5:30) Tubber v Clarecastle (Saturday, 2pm) TUS IHC Relegation Final: Scariff v Newmarket-on-Fergus (Sunday, 12pm) TUS IHC Q-Final O'Gonnelloe v Éire Óg (Sunday, 12pm) O'Callaghans Mills v Kilmaley (Sunday (1:30pm)

Interviews with Brian Culbert (Kilmaley), Gerry O'Connor (Eire Óg), Fergal Lynch (Clooney-Quin) and Robbie Hogan (Ballyea) ahead of this weekends TUS Clare SHC semi finals

On this weeks show: We will be looking ahead to a huge weekend of action in the TUS senior hurling semi finals, and one of either Corofin or Doora Barefield will be dropping out of the top tier. We will also hear how you can support the Joe Slattery Future Care Fund while also getting your hands on a vintage piece of Clare GAA gear, we look ahead to the senior semi final action in the Clare ladies football championship and lots more too

Eire Óg manager Gerry O'Connor is warning his side they are facing a massive test this weekend in the semi finals of the TUS Clare senior hurling championship. They go up against neighbours Kilmaley for a place in this years showpiece event, with one unbeaten record set to fall at the full time whistle. The Townies already have silverware on the sideboard after winning the Division Two league title, but are hoping to end a 35 year wait since they last claimed the Canon Hamilton. O'Connor says they have to be ready for a huge battle to take another step toward that goal. Throw in on Saturday evening is at 4.30pm with commentary on Clare FM with John Neylon and Associates, Consulting Engineers, Architects and Energy Assessors, Cathedral Court, Ennis. Meanwhile, Ballyea come into this weekends semi final outing as the most recent champions left in the race for the title. They last captured the Canon in 2022 and are hoping to return to the decider for the sixth time in their history when they take on Clooney-Quin. Manager Robbie Hogan says while experience can be priceless at this time of year, everyone knows that nothing can be taken for granted. That one has a 3.30pm start on Sunday with commentary thanks to O'Sullivan & Hansbury Motors, Kilrush Road Ennis

Kilmaley are the team bidding to break the longest wait of the remaining teams for a place in the final of the TUS Clare senior hurling final this weekend. They take on Eire Óg on Saturday evening in Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosog, as they look to reach a first showpiece event since winning their second ever title in 2004. Both teams carry unbeaten form into the game, with Kilmaley being impressive winner over Sixmilebridge in their last eight showdown. Manager Brian Culbert says they have been working hard to continue improving throughout the year. Throw in on Saturday evening is at 4.30pm with commentary on Clare FM with John Neylon and Associates, Consulting Engineers, Architects and Energy Assessors, Cathedral Court, Ennis. Sunday's action sees Clooney Quin taking on Ballyea, with Clooney-Quin looking to reach the final for the first time since 2017. They overcame champions Feakle to seal their last four spot, and have yet to taste defeat in this years championship. Manager Fergal Lynch says they have turned their fortunes around after a difficult 2024 season. That one has a 3.30pm start on Sunday with commentary thanks to O'Sullivan & Hansbury Motors, Kilrush Road Ennis

Almost €7 million in Government funding has been announced for the redevelopment of an iconic Ennis building. Clare County Council has been awarded the funds for the renovation of the Cloister at 49 Abbey Street which is to be an arts and heritage hub consisting of artist studios, classrooms, conference space and exhibition space. The funding comes through the THRIVE initiative which makes up to €7 million available to local authorities for the refurbishment and adaptation of publicly-owned heritage buildings in town centres. Tulla Fianna Fáil Minister of State Timmy Dooley has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons the facility with breathe new life into Ennis and will be a "pivotal element" of the town's redevelopment.

Clare County Council is seeking public submissions to identify areas that are commonly used for swimming/bathing, but not currently designated as bathing waters. Those who may be a regular swimmer and want to help the local authority decide which bathing areas should be designated as bathing waters are being encouraged to have their say. Alan Morrissey on Tuesday's Morning Focus spoke with Brendan Flynn, Senior Executive Environment Engineer with Clare County Council, and Kay Nolan from the local authority's Environment and Water Services Department about this. Photo (c) Clare FM

Local historian and author, Colm Liddy joined Alan Morrissey on Tuesdays Morning Focus once again for our History in Focus slot to talk about Wolf Tone and how certain events nearly led to Wolfe Tone visiting the banner county. 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.

The Clare-based Chair of the Oireachtas Education Committee says any third-level supports introduced in budget 2026 should be permanent measures. Student fees were cut by €1,000 in last years budget, however the Government has already ruled out the prospect of once-off payments this time round. However it's been reported today that college and university fees will be cut by up to €500 in next months budget. Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan the details won't be known until budget day.

To review the sporting fixtures, Alan morrissey was joined on Monday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch and Paudie Carmody Games Reviewed: TUS Clare SFC Quarter- Finals: Lissycasey v St Breckan's (Saturday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg) Eire Óg v Miltown Malbay (Saturday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg) Kilmurry Ibrickane v Doora Barefield (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg) Cratloe v Ennistymon (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg) TUS SFC Relegation Final: Kilmihill v Wolfe Tones (Saturday, Clarecastle) IFC Quarter-Final: Corofin v Shannon Gaels (Saturday, Balynacally) Kilrush Shamrocks v Cooraclare (Saturday, Doonbeg) Clondegad v Naomh Eoin (Sunday, Cooraclare) Banner v Coolmeen (Sunday, Kilmihill) IFC Relegation Final: O'Currys v Ennistymon (Saturday, Quilty) Also we looked ahead to the Clare Credit Unions Senior Camogie Championship.

Clare musician and composer – and previous In Profile guest - Neil Ó Lochlainn will be bring a Clare premiere to Doolin for this year's Culture Night. ‘Emain Abhlach' is an imagined Irish mythological tale expressed through a suite of music in three movements with an interwoven text by acclaimed Irish poet Aifric Mac Aodha. It will be performed at The Attic, Hotel Doolin this Friday (19th of September). To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined on Monday's Morning Focus by Neil Ó Lochlainn and Erin Slattery. Photo (c) Clare FM

A star-studded concert will take place in the heart of Ennis town later this week, with the aim of raising funds to enable the delivery of vital humanitarian aid to people on the ground in Gaza. The Temple Gate Hotel will host this night of music and solidarity to support the Freedom Flotilla Coalition this Thursday (18th September). On Mondays Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke with musician Aisling Lyons who is the organiser of the gig. Photo (c) Clare FM

Mayor Of Ennis Proposes Moving British "War Trophy" To Peace Park by Clare FM

Welcome to another episode of Ours To Protect on Clare FM. Today we're going to hear about the Circular Economy and the work that Circular Communities are doing in their local areas.

Suzanne Murphy, who, along with her husband, runs the Estuary Way Café in Ballynacally. On Sunday, 28th September, they will be hosting a family fun day towards the end of this month. Alan Morrissey was joined by Suzanne to find out more. Photo (c) Clare FM

The Minister for Agriculture has ruled out any compensation hikes for farmers affected by Bovine Tuberculosis at a conference in Clare today. In the first six months of this year alone, over 1,300 TB reactors were identified here, prompting calls for the maximum non-pedigree cow compensation rate of €3,000 to be raised to reflect increased operating costs and modern market values. The ‘Farming in Clare: What the Future Holds' event held at Hotel Woodstock today will also discuss generational renewal, with the average farmer in this county now 60 years old. Minister Martin Heydon has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that while limited action can be taken in the budget, he insists strong plans are in place to tackle both issues head on.

All this week, Colum McGrath has been in Mombasa, Kenya, with the Clare-based Ray of Sunshine Foundation, sharing powerful stories of how local generosity is transforming lives. In his final report today, Colum visits a school for the blind, hears from its principal and their award-winning choir, speaks with a former resident of Sunshine House who's now teaching there, and chats with one of the driving forces behind the charity. This was featured on Fridays Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey. Photo (c) Ray of Sunshine Foundation via Facebook

Clare FM's Derick Lynch joined Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus to preview the TUS SFC Quarter-Finals & more.

On this weeks show, we preview the knockout action in the TUS Clare club football championships, speak with new Clare camogie chair Fergal O'Brien and review the weeks Greyhound action

On Thursday's show, we focused on the big news: the confirmation that Trump International Golf Links Hotel in Doonbeg will host the 2026 Amgen Irish Open. The tournament is scheduled to take place from September 10th to 13th and will feature some of the world's top golfers competing on one of Ireland's most renowned courses. On Friday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Joe Russell, General Manager Trump International Golf Links Hotel Doonbeg who gave his views on the news which was announced this week. Photo (c) Clare FM

All this week, Colum McGrath has been in Mombasa, Kenya, reporting on the work of the Clare-based Ray of Sunshine Foundation. Today, he's been finding out more about the building of two new classrooms — and speaking with two Irish tradesmen giving their time and skills to make it happen: Ben Tierney and Billy Murphy. You can support the Ray of Sunshine charity here: www.gofundme.com/f/building-hope-…-ray-of-sunshine. Photo (c) Ray of Sunshine Foundation

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch Speaking With Clare Camogie Chair Fergal O'Brien

All this week, Colum McGrath is in Mombasa, Kenya, with the Ray of Sunshine Foundation — a charity based in Clare. Today, Colum is in Sunshine House, to visit the girls who have benefitted from the work of the foundation. You can support the Ray of Sunshine charity here: www.gofundme.com/f/building-hope-…-ray-of-sunshine. Photo (c) Ray of Sunshine Foundation

Speculation is mounting that West Clare will be hosting the 2026 Irish Open. It follows reports that Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg will be confirmed as the venue later today. The Taoiseach says he'd welcome a meeting with Donald Trump if he attends the Irish Open next year. Meanwhile Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that it's vital road infrastructure is upgraded in time for the event that should have long lasting economic impacts.

A Clare charity has been making a huge difference thousands of miles from home. The Ray of Sunshine Foundation has transformed the lives of disadvantaged children in Kenya through schools, rescue centres, and health projects — all powered by Irish volunteers and generosity. This week, our own Colum McGrath is in Africa for the very first time to see that work up close. You can support the Ray of Sunshine charity here: www.gofundme.com/f/building-hope-…-ray-of-sunshine. Photo (c) Ray of Sunshine Foundation