POPULARITY
News and events from around East Clare for the weekend of the 21st-22nd February 2026 -14.40Weather forecast sponsored by Paddy Punch engineering Scariff, read by Jim Collins News sponsored by Boru Entertainment https://linktr.ee/boruentertainment
An Post says it's confident of retaining its services in a prominent East Clare town. The National Postal Service is in the process of recruiting a new operator for Killaloe, with the current Postmistress understood to be retiring in May. An Post is accepting applications for the vacancy until Wednesday and, has told Clare FM that it's expecting a healthy level of interest in the contract. Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien is hopeful of a positive outcome.
News and events from around East Clare for the weekend of the 14th-15th February 2026 -15.39 Weather forecast sponsored by Paddy Punch engineering Scariff, read by Jim Collins News sponsored by Boru Entertainment https://linktr.ee/boruentertainment
- the show where our rotating panel of presenters look ahead to the coming week in east Clare. This week the show is presented by Ger Hoey, Jack Tracy and Roisin Bugler. Originally broadcast live on SBCR on Friday 20th February 2026
A special meeting of Killaloe Municipal District has been held to review and approve the DRAFT Inis Cealtra (Holy Island) and Knockaphort Pier Bye-Laws prior to public consultation. There will be a focus on preventing illegal overnight parking and illegal camping. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey spoke with Cllr Pat Burke, Whitegate Fine Gael Councillor and Cllr Alan O'Callaghan, Sixmilebridge Fianna Fáil Councillor on Friday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Clare County Council
East Clare's landscape has long inspired stories of magic, mystery and quiet wonder — and one local author is bringing that spirit to life for a new generation of readers. Eric McNamara is the author of the Erica's Light series, and he has just released his second book, Erica's Light: The Ancient Scroll Awaits. Blending adventure with themes of kindness, community and curiosity, the series is deeply rooted in the beauty and heritage of East Clare — from Wood Park Woods in Mountshannon to the mystery of Inis Cealtra, Holy Island. Eric joined Alan Morrissey in studio on Friday's Morning Focus to talk about the inspiration behind the series, his own personal journey back to storytelling, and why the Clare landscape continues to spark imagination.
An East Clare community is expressing frustration following a government proposal to remove a full-time Special Needs Assistant from a local school. It's understood Flagmount NS has received correspondence from the Department of Education indicating it will lose its full time SNA for this year. The Government has now, however, announced a pause to its ongoing SNA review, following significant backlash. Scariff based Independent MEP Michael McNamara says the decision must be reversed.
with Sgt Ger Harrington, Killaloe Garda station. Originally broadcast as part of Saturday Chronicle 7th February 2026 hosted by Marie McNamara and Trish Nugent and broadcast live from the SBCR studios at the Derg Alliance Building, Scariff, Co Clare. Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com
Concerns have been raised in East Clare following a series of alleged burglaries and thefts in the Tulla area. Posts shared on the East Clare Community Alert Facebook page in recent days include video footage of a group reportedly targeting homes and cars locally. The incidents follow a string of break-ins across the county last week, which prompted separate Garda investigations. Sally-Ann Barrett spoke with Matthew Moroney of East Clare Community Alert on Clare Fm's morning focus. Picture (c) BrianAJackson from Getty Images via Canva.com
News and events from around East Clare for the weekend of the 14th-15th February 2026 -15.29 Weather forecast sponsored by Paddy Punch engineering Scariff, read by Jim Collins News sponsored by Boru Entertainment https://linktr.ee/boruentertainment
http://copperplatemailorder.com Copperplate Time 527 presented by Alan O'Leary www.copperplatemailorder.com 1. BOTHY BAND: Green Groves of Erin/Flowers of Red Hill. After Hours 2. DONAL LUNNY BAND: Sult Reels. Sult3. BROCK MAGIURE BAND: The Moving Cloud. Compilation 4. EILIS KENNEDY: The Elk River Dam. Westward 5. CILLIAN VALLELY & DAVID DOOCEY: Elk River Dan/Ryan's. The Yew & The Orchard6. MARY COSTELLO & PJOE HAYES: McGreevey's Favourite/Miss McGuinness/The Sweetheart Reel. Trad Music from East Clare 7. KEVIN BURKE: The Humours of Castlefinn/The Ewe Reel/McFadden's. Sligo Made8. PJ & MARCUS HERNON: Redican's Mother/Taim in Arrears/Hardiman's. Celebrating 50 years 9. EAMONN & GERALDINE COTTER:Aisling Gheal.The Knotted Chord 10. IRLA O'LEONARD: The Heart of the World. Invisible Fields 11. TOMMY PEOPLES: The Green Fields of Glentown. CCE Album 12. MICK SANDS & CLIVE CARROLL: Autobiography. The Ominous & the Luminous 13. LIAM O'LYNN: The Dark Slender Boy. Planxty Live 200414. ELEANOR SHANLEY/GARADICE: Sanctuary. Sanctuary. 15. LUKE KELLY/DUBLINERS: Black Velvet Band. Compilation 16. DOC WATSON: The Girl in the Blue Velvet Band. The Vanguard Years 17. MARTIN CARTHY: Lovely Joan. Transform Me into A Fish. 18. THE WATERSONS: Sound, Sound Your Instruments of Joy. Sound, Sound Your Instruments of Joy 19. BOTHY BAND: Green Groves of Erin/Flowers of Red Hill. After Hours
This year is a big year for one band in East Clare. The Tulla Pipe Band is celebrating their 90th anniversary with a special concert being held on February the 13th of February in Cnoc na Gaoithe, Tulla. For more on this Daragh Leamy and Fiona spoke with Fintan Leamy - Chairman of the Tulla Pipe Band. Originally broadcast as part of Saturday Chronicle 31st January 2025 hosted by Daragh Leamy and Fiona Levie. Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com
News and events from around East Clare for the weekend of the 7th-8th February 2026 -13.06 Weather forecast sponsored by Paddy Punch engineering Scariff, read by Jim Collins News sponsored by Boru Entertainment https://linktr.ee/boruentertainment
Clare County Council will assist elected representatives in submitting an objection to An Coimisúin Pleanála over Uisce Éireann's plans to build a 170km pipeline from the Parteen Basin to Dublin City. The project which will cost at least €4.5bn euro has sparked concerns for tourism in East Clare given the potential impact it would have on water tourism at Lough Derg. Uisce Éireann claims the project will take just 2% of the flow from the Parteen Basin, but councillors have vociferously called for this plan to be scrapped, with some stating the biggest problem in Dublin is leakage. Cllrs Tony O'Brien and Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD Pat Burke spoke to Clare FM's Daragh Dolan. Image (c) Uisce Eireann
are putting on a production of the Addams Family from the 19th to 22nd February 2026. Members of the cast and team spoke to Jim Collins. Originally broadcast 31st January 2026 as part of News Extra Ep 192.
with Gda Brian Quinn, Scariff. Originally broadcast as part of Saturday Chronicle 31st January 2026 hosted by Daragh Leamy and Fiona Levie. Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com
News and events from around East Clare for the weekend of the 31st January -1st February 2026 -13.32 Weather forecast sponsored by Paddy Punch engineering Scariff, read by Jim Collins News sponsored by Boru Entertainment https://linktr.ee/boruentertainment
On this week's Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn visits Parteen in East Clare to meet some of the members of the Seanchoill Men's Shed. Established in 2017 following a meeting in the local parish church, the club continues to grow and has found an ever expanding home on the grounds of the Seanchoill Sports Complex.
of upcoming East Clare musical society show Addams Family running from the 19th to the 22nd at Scarriff Community College Hall. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/eastclaremusicalsociety Originally broadcast as part of Saturday Chronicle 24th January 2026 hosted by Geraldine Colleran and Catherine Patience. Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com
with Gda Cormac Fallon, Scariff. Originally broadcast as part of Saturday Chronicle 24th January 2026 hosted by Geraldine Colleran and Catherine Patience. Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com
There has been a major boost for youth services in East Clare. Fishbowl Youth in Scariff has secured over €274,000 in national funding to transform the old Scariff co-op into a dedicated youth and community space. Alan Morrissey was joined on Thursday's Morning Focus by Emma Sams, a volunteer youth leader with Fishbowl for more than 23 years. Photo (c) Marekulisaz Getty Images via Canva
The East Clare Musical Society is set to bring a wonderfully wicked production of The Addams Family to the stage this February, running from the 19th to the 22nd at Scarriff Community College Hall. On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey caught up with two members of the cast: Patsy Coyne, who plays the outrageously eccentric Grandma Addams, and Laura Dawson, the youngest cast member at just 11 years old, starring as Pugsley Addams.
Safety concerns have been raised about traffic outside Parteen National School in south-east Clare, with calls for a pedestrian crossing to be installed as soon as possible. The issue was brought before this month's meeting of the Shannon Municipal District, where councillors heard that a traffic survey and further approvals will now be required. To discuss the situation on the ground and what needs to happen next, Alan Morrissey was joined by Councillor Michael Begley, the principal of Parteen National School, Miriam Smyth, and Henry O'Boyle, a board member and community representative with the Parteen Town Team. Photo (c) Parteen National School via Facebook
News and events from around East Clare for the weekend of the 17th-18th January 2026 -15.36 Weather forecast sponsored by Paddy Punch engineering Scariff, read by Jim Collins News sponsored by Boru Entertainment https://linktr.ee/boruentertainment
The Government is being accused of an "abandonment by default" of low-lying parts of East Clare. Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Hayes has tabled a motion at this week's meeting of Killaloe Municipal District proposing the establishment of a stakeholders' group with the aim of tackling ongoing flooding in the catchment area of the River Graney. In response, Clare County Council's environmental team has contacted the Local Authority Waters Programme which has said it "would not be supportive of drainage of the Graney catchment" as this would contravene key objectives of the EU Water Framework Directive. Councillor Hayes believes affected landowners should be compensated.
with Sgt Ger Harrington, Killaloe as broadcast live from the Killaloe Ballina resource centre, Killaloe and hosted by Tom Hanley and Patricia Anne Moore. Saturday Chronicle is kindly sponsored by James M Nash and Co and Derg Kitchen Design http://dergkitchendesign.ie.
A long-awaited wastewater scheme in East Clare is said to be "on the long finger" with "no definitive start date". Ahead of this month's meeting of Killaloe Municipal District, Whitegate Fine Gael Councillor Pat Burke attempted to table a motion asking Uisce Éireann to provide an update on the Broadford scheme announced in December 2023 but was informed that the water utility no longer accepts motions from elected representatives. The Department of Housing announced an additional €700,000 for the project in November of last year, bringing its total allocation to €8 million. Councillor Burke says the lack of progress is frustrating.
with Sgt Hilda Moloney, Killaloe. Originally broadcast Live from the SBCR Studio on 10th January 2026 as part of Saturday Chronicle hosted by Stephen Minogue and Anthony Lenihan. Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com
News and events from around East Clare for the weekend of the 10th-11th January 2026 -14.08 Weather forecast sponsored by Paddy Punch engineering Scariff, read by Jim Collins News sponsored by Boru Entertainment https://linktr.ee/boruentertainment
The El Politico team are back with their review of 2025 and dare to have a think about 2026. In this episode it's the Local awards for politicians in East Clare and the full county as well as a musical interlude to start with. With Thomas Bóttcher, Stephen Minogue and Political analyst Paul Bugler
It is almost time for what will be four nights of great entertainment in East Clare. The Tulla Drama Group will be putting on two One-Act plays ‘I Do' written by Siobhan Donnellan and ‘A Dog's Life' by Pam Valentine in Tulla courthouse from Wednesday, 21st - Saturday, January 24th. Daragh Leamy from the Morning Focus team sat down with two of the members from the drama group to find out more about their productions. Photo (c) Tulla Drama Group Facebook
with Gda Brian Quinn, Scariff Garda station. Originally broadcast as part of Saturday Chronicle 3rd January 2026 hosted by Marie McNamara and Trish Nugent and broadcast live from the SBCR studio at the Derg Alliance Building Scariff. Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com
News and events from around East Clare for the weekend of the 3rde-4th January 2026 -15.11 Weather forecast sponsored by Paddy Punch engineering Scariff, read by Jim Collins News sponsored by Boru Entertainment https://linktr.ee/boruentertainment
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service is calling for donors in the east of the county to attend a clinic held in Scariff GAA hall this evening to replenish stocks that are seven days below desired levels. The clinic will run from 4:50pm to 8:10pm with supplies of A Negative, B Positive and AB Negative all sitting at three days, one week shy of the safe mark of 10 days. Meanwhile clinics will be held in the West County Hotel in Ennis on Tuesday from 4:50pm until 8:10pm and in the Shannon Oakwood Hotel on Wednesday and Thursday from 4pm - 7:20pm. Broadford based IBTS Recruitment Executive, Alex O'Connor, says supplies have taken a huge hit over Christmas and New Years.
It's hoped more can be done in the new year to promote tourist footfall in East Clare's Hidden Heartlands. It comes as O'Callaghan's Mills Fine Gael Councillor, Conor Ryan, has been appointed to the board of the Clare Tourism Development DAC. In the past year, the Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience opened in the Old Rectory in Mountshannon. Councillor Ryan says althought Inis Cealtra may serve as the jewel in the crown, there are plenty more sites that can be used to diversify the county's tourism product.
The Killaloe/Ballina Christmas day swim will take place at Two Mile Gate and is raising vital funds for the Brothers of Charity Killaloe–Ballina, supporting people in the local community. With a new service building recently opened and a growing need for assistive communication technology, the swim aims to make a real difference — and everyone is invited along to cheer on the swimmers and enjoy a warm cuppa on Christmas morning. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by organiser Jonathan McGrath and Service Manager at Killaloe Ballina Brothers of Charity, Camille Nolan. Image (c) Killaloe/Ballina Christmas Day Swim via Facebook
Ahead of the Christmas season, Rothaíochta na Sionnaine presented a timely gift to Down Syndrome Clare. Proceeds from the fourth annual Odd Socks Cycle totalled €21,723, warmly received by Down Syndrome Clare. A record 350 cyclists took part at the end of March. Participants completed 50km and 100km routes, starting in Shannon and taking in scenic East Clare. On Thursday's Morning Focus, Committee member of Down Syndrome Clare, Seán McKillen outlined the details of the event. Photo (c) Club Rothaíochta na Sionnaine via Facebook
On this week's Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn meets singer/songwriter and ethno-musicologist, Dr Jyoshna La Trobe. Although born in England, Jyoshna spent her childhood in New Zealand but now lives in East Clare. Her over 30 music albums range from intimate love songs, to the divine, to pulsating dance and ecstatic kiirtan ‘praise music'.
O'Callaghan's Mills manager Sean Doyle claims the referee 'lost composure' as his side fell to defeat in the Munster Intermediate Hurling decider. The East Clare men saw their quest for provincial glory come up short in the TUS Gaelic Grounds, with Upperchurch Drombane running out 3-20 to 0-15 winners. The Mills were reduced to 13 men early in the second half following two quick fire dismissals, and finished the game with 12 players after a third red card was brandished in the dying stages. Doyle says although he's proud of the manor in which his players battled on, the sendings off ruined the game as a contest.
A total of 13 dogs were surrendered to the Clare Dog Shelter in a single day this week. The seven adult male dogs and six puppies were brought to Clare's County Dog Warden on Monday. The animals have been vaccinated and assessed by a vet, and have been brought to rescues in East Clare, Tipperary and Limerick. Frankie Coote says it's not unusual.
It's claimed communities in East Clare are in desperate need of housing if they're going to be sustained into the future. This week's meeting of Killaloe Municipal District welcomed Sinéad O'Donoghue who's just taken up the role of Head of Housing Activation with the local authority. She told the meeting the housing-related issues she'll be working on in East Clare will include provision of serviced sites, provision of private housing in serviced rural settlements, bringing derelict properties back into use in rural areas and identifying relevant funding opportunities. Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Hayes insists GAA clubs, schools and local businesses can't survive if they isn't housing in small towns and villages.
The authority responsible for the Limerick to Scariff Greenway has pledged to bring all East Clare residents with it as it progresses the project. The 43-kilometre greenway, which will be carried out in five stages, is being delivered by Waterways Ireland in partnership with Clare County Council and Limerick City and County Council. Public consultation on the first section, which spans from Blackbridge to Errina Bridge, is set to take place in the first half of next year. Speaking after a presentation to Killaloe Municipal District, Waterways Ireland Western Regional Manager Brian Treacy says locals will have the opportunity to make contributions before any section goes to planning.
It's time for another episode of our newest feature on Morning Focus, Traditional Greats. Traditional Greats is presented and produced by Therese McInerney. This captivating 26-part series celebrates the enduring legacy of traditional Irish music in our county. Each episode pays tribute to a legendary Clare musician who has passed on, but whose influence continues to inspire generations. Therese speaks with musicians from across the county, exploring how these iconic figures shaped their musical journeys and contributed to Clare's unique cultural heritage. Throughout the series, the timeless sounds of these greats are brought vividly to life, weaving their legacy into the very fabric of Clare's musical identity. Listeners will enjoy a rich and heartfelt journey through the melodies, stories, and traditions that define our county's proud musical history. In the latest episode of Traditional Greats, Therese pays tribute to East Clare Greats, with assistance from Mary McNamara.
Clare County Council has been asked to "step up to the plate" and acquire lands for a new car park in the east of the county "as a matter of urgency". At this week's meeting of East Clare's local elected representatives, Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien requested an update on the purchase of land known locally as Dean's Field for the provision of a new car park in Killaloe. Killaloe Municipal District responded saying legal issues have resulted in acquisition process taking longer than anticipated. Councillor O'Brien says the local authority needs to move more quickly.
Last May, we heard about incorrect disposal of waste at the recycling centre in Tulla. The issue appears to have reared its head in that part of East Clare once again. To find out more, Alan Morrissey spoke to Tulla Tidy Towns representative Tim Humphries and Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor, Pat Hayes. Image (c) Clare County Council
A South-East Clare community is expressing shock and dismay over the sudden postponement of a hearing that could decide the future of a contentious windfarm development. An Coimisúin Pleanála was due to hear from seven speakers at Treacy's Oakwood Hotel tomorrow regarding aviation safety concerns over Ballycar Green Energy's plans to construct 12 turbines of up 150 metres in height near Meelick. The meeting was suddenly cancelled last night , with ACP stating the developer and AirNav Ireland would be entering into further negotiations, and that the case would be refixed for a date in January. Ardnacrusha Fianna Fáil Councillor Rachel Hartigan has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that it's not good enough for local residents.
This week Carl Kinsella and I discuss the week's stories, from the democratic success in America to the death of Focus Ireland founder Sister Stan and a 'lion' on the prowl in East Clare.To support the podcast and access bonus episodes, join the community on Patreon here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
East Clare Community Co-Op's fundraising campaign to purchase their premises will take place tomorrow evening Thursday, the 6th November at 7pm. The launch of their efforts to save the future home of the Co-Op will take place at the premises in Scariff. Alan Morrissey was joined on Wednesday's Morning Focus by Sam Rogers, the Secretary and member of the Management Committee. Photo (c) Heads Up Clare
Hope is being expressed that a decision to pedestrianise an East Clare bridge won't hamper local businesses. It comes as Clare and Tipperary County Councils have decided to permanently pedestrianise the 18th century Killaloe-Ballina bridge. It follows what's been described as a successful trial period by the local authorities, which had been running for the last three months after the opening of the new €88m Brian Boru Bridge. Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien says a targeted tourism strategy is needed.
Clare County Council insists algal bloom isn't a concern in East Clare and doesn't pose a threat to its tourism offering. The local authority has deemed Ballycuggeran and Mountshannon safe bathing areas once again after assessments showed no evidence of algal bloom at either location. It comes as planning permission has been granted by An Comisiún Pleanála for the upgrade and enhancement of facilities at Inis Cealtra and Mountshannon Village. Clare County Council Head of Tourism Deirdre O'Shea says the waterways are closely monitored for the presence of algae.