POPULARITY
This episode begins at the ancient seven-arch bridge in Killaloe, the crossing point where Clare, Tipp and Limerick collide, and jumps to Višegrad in eastern Bosnia, where Ivo Andrić's The Bridge on the Drina uses one structure to tell a five-century story of tribes, trade, love, and conflict. Back in Ireland, the row over closing the old Killaloe bridge is about suburban sprawl swallowing once-separate towns and turning them into commuter satellites. Ireland has built a low-density model that forces people into cars, clogs villages with traffic, and makes the whole system fragile. Just 13% of Irish people live in apartments, compared to 46% across Europe, and the gap between where jobs and services are concentrated and where people actually live is now being paid for in time, congestion, and quality of life. So where do you look for a better model? Japan. We end in the Tokyo–Yokohama mega-region, 38 million people living densely, safely, and efficiently, and ask why Ireland keeps choosing a “rainbelt” version of American car sprawl, instead of building compact, mixed-use neighbourhoods that let people live near where they work, study and socialise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
Fr Brendan Quinlivan presents Beyond Belief for this Sunday. The programme tonight includes a reflection on Lent and the inclusion of the Pledge in Confirmation from Bishop Fintan. Peggy McInerney from Tulla Pioneers on the 25th Anniversary of the Matt Talbot Novena in Tulla and an invitation to consider sponsoring a sick/assisted pilgrim on the Killaloe pilgrimage.
talking about the Resonance Festival taking place in Killaloe and Ballina in February https://resonance-loughderg.com/ Individual tickets are available for each event which is taking part in various locations including the Lakeside hotel, Goosers, twomile gate, the Barn and St Flannans Cathedral. Originally broadcast as part of Saturday Chronicle 17th January 2026 hosted by Patricia Anne Moore and Tom Hanley. 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
from Killaloe / Ballinas mens shed talk about the group set up in the last year who meet weekly in Ballina Parish Hall and about the services taking place in Killaloe and Ballina in February Originally broadcast as part of Saturday Chronicle 17th January 2026 hosted by Patricia Anne Moore and Tom Hanley. 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
has a background in Education and is setting up a group catering for Irish for improvers in Killaloe and surrounding both for young and old who may have forgotten what they learnt when they were younger. Originally broadcast as part of Saturday Chronicle 17th January 2026 hosted by Patricia Anne Moore and Tom Hanley. 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 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.
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
Now in its fourth year, the volunteer-led Resonance Festival, returns this February to Killaloe and Ballina on the shores of Lough Derg. The festival brings together leading voices from economics, culture, sport, media and music. To tell us what's new for Resonance in 2026 and why the move to February matters, Alan Morrissey was joined by the Chair of Resonance Festival, Steve Coakley.
as recorded live at St Flannan's Cathedral, Killaloe on the 21st of December 2025 and originally broadcast on Saturday 28th December 2025
The Very Reverend Dr. Richard Marsh, Dean of Killaloe. Originally broadcast 20th December 2025
The Very Reverend Dr. Richard Marsh, Dean of Killaloe. Originally broadcast 13th December 2025
The Very Reverend Dr. Richard Marsh, Dean of Killaloe. Originally broadcast 6th December 2025
- The Very Reverend Dr. Richard Marsh, Dean of Killaloe. Originally broadcast 30th November 2025
as broadcast live from the Killaloe Ballina resource centre, Killaloe as part of Saturday Chronicle 6th December 2025 - 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.
INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS -Damien Madden (Coordinator), Haaris Sheikh (Fundraising Officer) of CRITICAL Response CFR Killaloe-Ballina Assisting the People of Killaloe and Ballina and the surrounding areas within a 15km radius. Originally broadcast as part of Saturday Chronicle 6th December 2025 hosted by Patricia Anne Moore and Tom Hanley. 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
This week Host Jim Collins talks to Arlene White to get all the news from Killaloe,
Killaloe is set to become the latest town to embrace the festive spirit with the lighting of its Christmas tree this evening. The first joint Christmas lights ceremony between Killaloe and Ballina will get underway from 5:15pm on the Old Killaloe - Ballina Bridge with the tree lighting taking place from 6pm. The local youth choir will provide the backdrop with Christmas carols, while Santa and his elves are set to make a special appearance. Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien, is hopeful the event will draw a big crowd to kickstart a new tradition for both towns.
There's growing concern this week following the confirmed spread of the invasive Demon shrimp across several locations along the River Shannon and Lough Derg. After the species was first detected below Lough Derg, further surveys have now identified it in Killaloe, Dromineer, Garrykennedy, Terryglass, Rossmore, Mountshannon, Portumna and even as far as Lough Ree. The predator species poses a serious risk to the ecology of local freshwater systems, prompting fresh warnings for communities and water users. On Friday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Cllr Pat Burke, Whitegate Fine Gael Councillor. Photo (c) Clare County Council Facebook
Securing a place in the WNBF Bodybuilding World Championship in Los Angeles is a “dream come true” for former Killaloe minor hurler Dylan Nolan. Sligo-based Dylan Nolan earned his place among the world's best after winning his category at the World Natural Bodybuilding Championships (WNBF) Ireland national competition. Alan Morrissey spoke to Dylan to find out how he got on. Photo (c) WNBF Ireland Facebook
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.
Originally broadcast 1st November 2025 News Extra -It has been a good week for Scariff Bay Community Radio as we received a gold award from CRAOL, we hear from Jonathan Harper about the big concert in Killaloe cathedral next weekend, we hear about a new history of Ballyea GAA while Smith O'Briens GAA club won the Intermediate Hurling Championship a fortnight ago and brought the Pappy Callaghan back to Killaloe. SBCR was there they arrived home.
Originally broadcast 25th October 2025 News Extra - It's sport all the way this week as our reporter Pat O'Brien tells us how the intermediatehurling finals played out last Sunday and we talk to a Killaloe hero.
On Monday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey welcomed Siobhán Mulcahy to studio. She informed us on the many cultural events that are happening around the county. She spoke on the grand dance in Mullagh; remembrance ceremony in Killaloe; Ennis players and so many more.
A Clare community organisation is among the beneficiaries of a new government programme that redirects the proceeds of crime. The €4.4m Community Safety Fund is entirely composed of monies seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau. It's now been reinvested in 42 voluntary organisations nationwide, with the Killaloe Ballina Family Resource Centre getting €45,300. Centre Administrator Brona Moriarty says it will play a huge role in their operations.
On this week's Atlantic Tales Pat Flynn visits Killaloe to hear about the town's most famous son, an intelligent tactician and deadly warrior, leader of the Dalcassian Army and High King of Ireland. He reigned over a thousand years ago however the story of the legendary Brian Ború will never be forgotten.
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.
An initiative aimed at enhancing the tourism offering of an East Clare town has received €1 million in government funding. The Killaloe-Ballina Twin-Town Tourism, Regeneration and Enhancement Project has been allocated the money under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. It's understood the project will include proposals outlined in the Killaloe-Ballina plan and will focus on key buildings, sites, laneways, streets, and town centre public realm enhancement and regeneration works. Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons the funding will pave the way for a number of much-needed improvements to come to fruition.
Kilkee and Ballyvaughan continue to have raw sewerage discharged into their waters on a daily basis. The Environmental Protection Agency's Urban Wastewater Report for 2024 shows they were among 15 towns and villages doing so, due to a lack of connection to a treatment plant. Kilmihil, meanwhile is being classed as a priority area as mistreated wastewater is causing harm to lakes, rivers, estuaries and coastal waters, while plants at Lahinch and Killaloe failed to meet standards. EPA Drinking Water and Wastewater Enforcement Inspector David Shannon has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that Uisce Éireann must urgently expedite its work.
Killaloe and Ballina have a striking new landmark thanks to Resonance Lough Derg and an acclaimed, international street artist. The landmark, a glowing mural of the Salmon of Knowledge is the work of London-based artist David Speed. It marks the countdown to the next Resonance Lough Derg Festival, a micro-festival of ideas, art, and performance taking place across multiple venues in February 2026. Alan Morrisey was joined by Steve Coakley, Chairperson of Resonance Lough Derg to find out more.
Emergency medical response charity CRITICAL has established a new Community First Responder (CFR) group in Ennis, County Clare. A dedicated team of nine volunteers are now responding to life-threatening emergencies in the town and its surrounding areas. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by David Tighe, Killaloe-based Chief Executive of CRITICAL. Photo Credit: Photo (c) Critical - Emergency Medical Response via Facebook
Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 28ú lá de mí Lúnasa, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1988 scaoileadh urchar ar Gharda nuair a bhí sé I gcoinne triúir robálaí a bhí faoi airm ag tí I gCill Dara. I 1997 dúirt an IRFU leis na chlub go gcaithfidh gach duine a bheith cláraithe chuig an árachas saoil agus árachas gortú, ionas go mbeidís ábalta imirt. I 1988 sheas Nancy Kelly ó Lissycasey as a bpost mar altra de bharr go raibh sí mar Clare's Darlin Girl. I 2005 bhí a lán tacaíocht ó ghrúpaí slatiascaireacht, oibreoir báid agus seirbhísí cuardaigh agus tarrthála don mhuiríne leis an chostas de 3 milliúin euro. Sin Oasis le The Importance Of Being Idle – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 2005. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1968 chuaigh The Beach Boys chuig uimhir a haon sa Bhreatain lena hamhrán Do It Again. I 1972 chuaigh Alice Cooper chuig uimhir a haon sa Bhreatain lena hamhrán School's Out. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh aisteoir Jack Black I Meiriceá I 1969 agus rugadh amhránaí Shania Twain I gCeanada ar an lá seo I 1965 agus seo chuid de amhrán. Beidh mé ar ais libh amárach le heagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo. Welcome back to another edition of Ar An Lá Seo on the 28th of August, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1997: The IRFU told rugby clubs every one of their junior and senior players needed to be registered to life and injury insurance to play. 1988: A Garda was shot after a confrontation with 3 heavily armed raiders outside a house in Kildare. 1988: 22 year old Nancy Kelly from Lissycasey stepped out of her career as a nurse to be selected as Clare's Darlin Girl. 2005: the provision of a €3 million marina 2 km south of Killaloe had immense backing by boat operators, angling groups and search and rescue units. That was Oasis with The Importance Of Being Idle – the biggest song on this day in 2005 Onto music news on this day In 1968 The Beach Boys were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Do It Again'. 1972 Alice Cooper was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'School's Out'. And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – actor Jack Black was born in America in 1969 and singer Shania Twain was born in Canada on this day in 1965 and this is one of her songs. I'll be back with you tomorrow with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.
Thursday's Morning Focus broadcasted live from the Killaloe library as part of Clare FM's Summer Tour. Alan Morrissey kicked off the show with his first guest, Brian McCarthy, Senior Planner and Coordinator with the Killaloe Municipal District. Brian provided an overview of the district, explaining how the Killaloe MD operates. Fresh doubt has been cast on the project as the Friends of the Irish Environment launched a new High Court challenge over the wastewater connection granted by Uisce Éireann. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly shared his view that the challenge should be dismissed, while environmental activist Tony Lowes, one of the directors of the Friends of the Irish Environment, joined Alan Morrissey for a further discussion. Local heritage was celebrated with Arlene White, Chair of the Killaloe-Ballina Local History Society. Alan highlighted tourism in the area with Margaret O'Donnell from the Killaloe Tourist Office. A meeting took place between the Midwest couple Melanie and Barry Cleary and the Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, six years after the tragic death of their daughter, Eve. Melanie Cleary spoke with Alan about the meeting. Jessica O'Keeffe from Clare Sports Partnership outlined the upcoming Clare Outdoor Recreation Plan and opportunities for local clubs, trails, and water-based activities. While, Aldo Andreucetti from Clare County Council spoke about the Fáilte Ireland Platforms for Growth sports activity facility in Ballycuggaran. Paddy Collins from Ballina Riverside Pool also joined the show. Local business voices included Cathal Quin of Flanagan's on the Lake, Ballina and Catriona Devereux, owner of Mother Goose Creche, with Margaret Coleman, in-house chef. Alan also welcomed traditional Irish singer Deirdre Scanlan, who performed live and shared stories from her career as an All-Ireland champion and international performer. The Clare Women in Business segment featured Pat Flynn visiting Tubber to meet Niamh Baker, co-owner of the Burren Inn, discussing her entrepreneurial journey.
Now to a truly inspiring journey unfolding across Clare and beyond this week — it's the annual Step by Step Walk to Knock, raising funds and awareness for the incredible work of Mary's Meals. The walk began on August 7th and will continue right through to the 15th, with walkers making their way step by step across the country — passing through places like Clonlara, Killaloe, Feakle, and now heading toward Scarriff and Tuamgraney. To learn more about the walk, how to support it, and the impact of Mary's Meals Peter O'Connell was joined by walker and organiser Ger Silke. Photo Credit: Ger Sike
A local electoral area in Clare is among 15 nationwide which had more deaths than births in 2022. A new analysis of data by the Central Statistics Office shows the Kilrush local electoral area experienced the fifth-largest natural decrease rate in the country in the year in question. The Kilrush LEA recorded 190 births and 213 deaths in 2022, giving it a natural decrease of 23, translating to a natural decrease rate per 1,000 of population of -1. This makes the area one of just 15 in Ireland where there were more deaths than births in 2022. The Ennistymon LEA's natural increase was close to neutral, with 176 births and 173 deaths occurring, resulting in a natural increase rate of 0.2. The Ennis, Shannon and Killaloe areas all recorded natural increases with Ennis having the highest at 3.5. The findings are in contrast to those of 2021 when each of the five LEAs in Clare experienced natural increases.
A protest is set to take place this Friday, August 1st at 7:20pm in Killaloe, as locals voice their frustration over changes to the use of the historic 18th-century bridge. The walking protest will cross the new Brian Ború Bridge and return, aiming to highlight the lack of consultation with local businesses and communities. For more on this, Derrick Lynch was joined by Eddie O'Gorman, organiser,
Authorities have promised a quick and effective response if the upcoming pedestrianisation trial of the old Killaloe Bridge leads to traffic congestion. From July 28th to October 17th, the 18th century crossing between Killaloe and Ballina will be closed to vehicular traffic. Clare County Council says that while it doesn't anticipate significant congestion, it will liaise with An Garda Siochána and the emergency services to remedy the situation if unforeseen traffic delays occur. Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien says it's vital a contingency plan is in place.
A Clare centenarian, one of Ireland's oldest men, has passed away. Michael Hannon, late of Main Street, Killaloe died last Sunday at the age of 104. He would have been 105 years-old next February. Michael, who was pre-deceased by his wife Nancy and daughter Geraldine (Purcell), is survived by his daughter Anne, son John, and extended family and friends. Michael will be buried following funeral mass around now (11am, Wednesday) in St. Flannan's Church, Killaloe. To remember Michael and his remarkably long life, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tony O'Brien, Killaloe Fianna Fail Councillor.
Three pubs in East Clare are currently up for sale. Reddan's Bar in Killaloe; Nuala's Bar and Restaurant, Tuamgraney; and Stritch's Pub, Clonlara are all trading and being sold as going concerns. To find out more about the reasons behind the impending sale of of Nuala's bar and restaurant in Tuamgraney, I am Alan Morrissey was joined by Nuala O'Brien, of Nuala's bar and restaurant, Tuamgraney. PHOTO CREDIT: Nualas.ie
Féile Brian Ború is underway! The annual festival in Killaloe and Ballina is running from the 2nd to the 6th of July, with a packed programme of events for all ages – from music and culture to family fun and historical re-enactments. The festival has grown steadily since it began in 1993, becoming a much-loved fixture on the summer calendar for locals and visitors alike. To discuss this year's celebrations, Alan Morrissey was joined by Arlene White, one of the organisers behind Féile Brian Ború. PHOTO CREDIT: Féile Brian Ború
On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Derek Spaight. Derek, who lives in Ballina-Killaloe, lives with cerebral palsy and is a wheelchair user. To truly regain his independence and unlock his potential, Derek urgently needs a fit-for-purpose wheelchair accessible van. However, the cost for a suitable vehicle is approximately €35,000, which is why Derek has kickstarted a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe. Alan caught up with Derek to find out more, he first outlined his day-to-day-life, and what mobility looks like for him at the moment. You can help Derek by donating here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-derek-get-his-wheelchair-and-van
The newly elected Cathaoirleach of Killaoe Municipal District says tackling housing shortages and rural depopulation will be the key aims of his tenure. Whitegate Fine Gael councillor Pat Burke was appointed at the Annual General Meeting of Killaloe MD this week, with Killaoe Fianna Fáil councillor Tony O'Brien selected as Leas-Cathaoirleach. Advancement of progress on the R352 and the delivery of the Crusheen rail stop were highlighted as goals for the coming year. However, councillor Burke claims vacancy, dereliction and wastewater capacity were the most pressing issues indicated in the district's Socio-Economc Plan.
The old Killaloe Bridge will undergo a pedestrianisation trial next month. From July 28th until early October, the 18th Century bridge connecting Killaloe and Ballina will be closed to vehicular traffic to assess the demand this will place on the new Shannon Bridge Crossing. It's understood that since the €88m Brian Boru bridge opened in May, that over 4,500 vehicles are still traversing the old bridge each week. Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien believes the trial will conclusively prove that both bridges need to serve vehicular traffic.
The Irish Senior Women's Dragon Boat Team is preparing to represent Ireland on the world stage this July at the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Germany. A self-funded team of twelve athletes from across the country, they are training hard and fundraising to make their dream a reality. To discuss the journey and the growing sport of dragon boating in Ireland, Alan Morrissey was joined by Emily Walsh, team member from Killaloe. You can support the Irish Women's Dragon Boat Team and learn more about them in the links below: https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/DragonBoatIreland https://www.shannondragons.ie/ https://www.dragonboat.ie/
As the show is in Killaloe today, it would be a missed opportunity not speaking to this woman: she's a marathon swimmer, an Ireland and Munster rugby legend and a local.Rosie Foley joins Seán for a chat!
It's time for some summer vibes! The weather here in Killaloe (where the show is taking place today) is stunning and the summer feels in full swing.Henry McKean has been chatting to locals and visitors and asking: is Killaloe paradise?
The Brian Boru Triathlon and Try-a-Tri are fast approaching! They will be taking place in Killaloe this Saturday, the 7th of June. Race Director, Martin Pearl joined Alan Morrissey for the details. Image (c) https://www.borutriclub.ie/brian-boru-triathlon-2025/
Last Thursday was a hugely significant day for the twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina, as the long-awaited Brian Boru Bridge was unveiled. The €88 million project connects the twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina while also providing a new 6.2 kilometre Killaloe Bypass as well as regional road enhancements. However, what should have been a day of joy for locals seems to have instead been a day of anger and frustration. That's because locals say they were “locked out of history” - claiming politicians and local representatives were invited to the unveiling of the Brian Boru Bridge...but they weren't allowed to attend its opening. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Deirdre Scanlan, from Ballina.
The Minister of Transport has hailed a new bridge in East Clare as "transformative" for the region. Fianna Fáil Minister Darragh O'Brien attended the unveiling of the long-awaited Brian Boru Bridge on Thursday afternoon. The €88 million project connects the twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina while also providing a new 6.2 kilometre Killaloe Bypass as well as regional road enhancements. Clare FM's Seán Lyons headed to the Clare/Tipperary border to cover the event where the Minister was subject to some early accusations.
Presented by Petula Martyn, coming from the twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina ahead of the opening of the Brian Boru Bridge today.