Clare FM

Fr Brendan Quinlivan presents Beyond Belief for Easter Sunday which this week features Fr. Luke McNamara OSB from Glenstal on celebrating the season of Easter. It also includes a piece from the archive of the late Bishop Willie Walsh speaking about having faith in the resurrection in the face of loss and bereavement. Also messages and greetings for Easter from Bishop Michael and Bishop Fintan

On Friday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey discussed the upcoming sporting fixtures this weekend with Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch. Games Previewed: NHL Division 1B Final: Clare v Dublin (Sunday, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 1:45pm) Munster U20 Football Championship: Clare v Limerick (Friday, Mountcollins, 7pm) Munster Minor Hurling Championship, Round One: Tipperary v Clare (Friday, FBD Semple Stadium, 7pm)

Amy McCarthy is a distinctive voice in Ireland’s contemporary Soul Blues scene. Known for her commanding, expressive vocal and emotionally honest songwriting, Amy creates music rooted in live instrumentation, depth, and dynamic intensity. Raised in a musical family on Ireland’s west coast, Amy developed an early love for performance through choirs, musical productions, and formal training in Music Performance, where she was awarded Student of the Year in 2011. From classical choral work to fronting rock bands, the stage has always been her natural home. Amy’s sound has evolved from high-energy rock into a richer Soul Blues direction, blending grit, emotional directness, and vocal power. Her songs explore self-reflection, inner conflict, and the strength found in vulnerability. With four independent releases to date, including her latest single “Rain”, Amy continues to establish herself as a rising independent Irish artist. The track features a full band sound with layered guitars, keys, drums, and a choir-led bridge, highlighting both her dynamic vocal range and growing confidence as a songwriter. Performing regularly across Galway and the west of Ireland, Amy is steadily building a loyal audience and refining her live presence. Each release brings her closer to defining a sound that is soulful, powerful, and unapologetically honest. Her fourth single, “Rain”, marks Amy’s first venture into Soul/Blues, following her earlier rock releases. The track blends reflective lyrics with a choir-led crescendo, showcasing her powerful, expressive voice. At its heart, “Rain” is about feeling stuck in your own thoughts — holding onto ideas you can’t let go of, while struggling to begin again. The imagery of rain runs throughout the track, symbolizing both heaviness and clarity. It reflects the tension between being overwhelmed and finding release. Lyrics such as “My compass is broken, I can’t find myself at all” capture the vulnerability at the center of the song. Rather than offering easy answers, “Rain” sits in the questions — exploring doubt, self-reflection and the quiet search for direction. Speaking about the track, McCarthy says: ‘’Rain came from a place of overthinking and feeling lost in my own head. I wanted to capture that sense of building walls around yourself, but also the hope that comes when something finally breaks through.”

Coming up on the show, we will look to Sunday's National Hurling League Division 1B final as Clare take on Dublin at the TUS Gaelic Grounds. Clare's minor hurlers and U20 footballers are both in action this evening, we will hear from the minor management and coming up after the show, we will be live in Mountcollins for that U20 football tie. It's another busy weekend of local soccer action, Alan Troy will have Greyhound Focus and we also have our latest More Than A Club episode where the focus in on Clarecastle GAA Club

The Clare-based Deputy Vice President of the Irish Road Haulage Association says further fuel supports are needed by next week at the latest to prevent a collapse in the industry. The IRHA has met Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien this morning to discuss new proposals to offset the escalating oil prices. It comes as the excise duty cuts introduced for Petrol and Diesel a fortnight ago have been effectively eroded by the ongoing Middle East conflict. Ennis Haulier Eugene Drennan has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan the situation is urgent.

Gardaí in Clare are urging motorists to "drive to the conditions" this weekend. A Garda Road Safety Campaign commenced at 7am on Thursday morning and will run until 7am on Tuesday, with checkpoints and enforcement activity taking place across the country. Of the 41 people who've lost their lives on the roads so far in 2026, eight died on a bank holiday weekend. Superintendent in the Clare/Tipperary Garda Division Eddie Golden has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons everyone has a role to play in preventing fatalities.

Lissycasey GAA are hosting the official lighting ceremony at Páirc na Muintire this Saturday, April 4th, marking an exciting new chapter for the club. The event celebrates the installation of a new walking track, pitch floodlights, and upgraded facilities, made possible through Sports Capital funding and strong local support. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by joined on the line by Lissycasey clubman, Paudie Carmody. Image (c) Lissycasey GAA Club via Facebook

If you’re looking for something uplifting and musical this April, the Kilrush Choral Society is bringing a true classic to the stage. The Sound of Music will be performed at Kilrush Community School from April 7th to the 11th. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by the director, Ger Rushe and member of the society, Geraldine Keating.

There's an exciting upcoming exhibition at Burren College of Art. (UN)EARTHED: Through Air, Tied To Each Other is this year’s MFA Graduate Exhibition, opening on April 11th and running through to the 24th. The show brings together work that explores dreamlike spaces, environmental change, and the idea of connection in an uncertain world. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by three of the graduating artists; Elana Morchower, Karen St Pierre and Sarah Vandermeer. Image (c) Burren College of Art Graduate Exhibition.

It is time for another wonderful tale from the one and only Eddie Lenihan, which means it is time for another instalment of Seanchaí Corner. Seanchaí Corner sees Eddie, the renowned author, storyteller, lecturer, and broadcaster regaling us with a memorable story from his extensive collection of old Irish tales and fables. This week, Eddie brings to us the strange tale of Tomás O'Shea and the Seal Woman.

A refreshing and meaningful event is set to take place along the Clare coastline this weekend. The Deep Blue Dip, organised by Spunout, is inviting people to take the plunge this Easter Saturday in support of youth mental health. Leading the swims is Anna Earley from Sixmilebridge, alongside Clare woman June Curtin and the Snámhaí Sásta sea swimming group. The day begins at Spanish Point at 9am, followed by stops at White Strand, Lahinch, and Clahane. The event aims to raise awareness and vital funds for youth mental health services. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Strategic Partnerships Manager at spunout from Kilmurry, Sixmilebridge, Anna Earley. Photo (c) Ranslynn Designs from Ranslynn Designs via Canva

People in Clare are being urged to help Cystic Fibrosis Ireland meet its fundraising target of €300,000 on 65 Roses Day, taking place this year on Friday, 10th April. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited condition that affects multiple systems including breathing, digestion and reproduction. Volunteers across the country will be selling purple roses to support fundraising, in Dunnes Stores branches, shopping centres and other participating outlets, including Ennis and Shannon. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey spoke with Chair of the Clare CFI Branch, Deborah Kett, whose daughter Hannah is living with cystic fibrosis.

A bright pink tuk-tuk will be turning heads in Clare this weekend - all for a very important cause. Dean Lambert is travelling the entire coast of Ireland in a bold and unconventional way, as part of his “Tuk-Tuk Odyssey” to raise funds for Boot Out Breast Cancer. The journey, which spans around 2,000 miles, is deeply personal for Dean after his wife experienced a serious cancer scare. He’ll be arriving in Clare from Sunday, April 5th through to Monday the 6th, meeting people along the way and spreading awareness wherever he goes. To tell us more about the journey, the stories he’s gathered, and the cause that’s driving it all, Dean joined Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus. Image (c) Dean Lambert

The Transport Minister has promised further fuel supports for Clare's agriculture sector. The farming industry is among the most acutely affected by the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict, with oil and fertiliser shipments now heavily curtailed. While measures were introduced last month to reduce the price of Petrol and Diesel respectively by 15 and 20 cents per litre, Green Diesel only saw a 5 cent reduction. Speaking at the official opening of the Banner Plaza, Minister Darragh O'Brien insists more help is forthcoming.

A local Ennis butcher is celebrating national recognition after picking up a top award for creativity and quality in this year’s Easter Lamb Display Challenge. B. Molloy Master Butchers has been awarded a prestigious 5-Star honour by the Irish Butchers’ Guild, highlighting the very best in presentation, craftsmanship and locally sourced produce. To tell us more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Derek Molloy. Image © Clare Fm

On this week's episode of The Future of Work, Pat Flynn chats with Deirdra McBeth Regional Development Officer with the Institute of Designers in Ireland. This feature, 'The Future of Work' is funded by the News Reporting Scheme.

Calls are growing for the Government to allow the sale of turf again, as households across the country continue to struggle with rising energy costs. Aontú says it’s “unacceptable” that people are left in the cold while turf resources remain restricted, particularly during what it describes as an ongoing energy crisis. At the same time, environmental concerns remain front and centre, with peatlands playing a crucial role in carbon storage and biodiversity. To discuss this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Willie Hanrahan from the Clare branch of the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association, and Brian Meaney, former Green Party councillor. Peat Turf by HazelBrend from Getty Images via Canva

It was time for another Taste of the Week. On Thursday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Danny Lynch, Chef from Le Cheile in Bare field. Danny shared a recipe for a perfect battered hake ahead of Easter. Image © Clare Fm

A community fundraiser in Miltown Malbay is aiming to bring people together for a night of music, while supporting families in Gaza. The “Let’s Dance” disco will take place on April 10th, raising vital funds for those affected by the ongoing crisis. Joining Alan Morrissey on Morning Focus to tell us more was organiser Su Powell. Image © Let’s Dance Disco Fundraiser for Gaza by Gather For Gaza Milltown Malbay

Clare’s top visitor attractions are gearing up for a busy Easter, with a packed programme of family-friendly events and more than 15,000 visitors expected over the holiday weekend. From Bunratty Castle to the Cliffs of Moher and beyond, there’s something for everyone. Alan Morrissey was joined on Morning Focus by Marie Brennan, Events Manager, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park and Sharon Malone, Assistant Sales and Marketing Manager with Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre to tell us more. Image © Clare County Council

An upcoming Tractor, Truck and Vintage Car Run in Miltown Malbay is not only a celebration of community spirit, but also a heartfelt tribute to two much-missed locals, John Downes and Tim O’Dwyer. The event is raising funds for the Miltown Moy Defibrillator, and organiser Rachel Downes joined Alan Morrissey on Morning Focus to tell us more. You can donate to the fundraiser through the link below: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/johndownesmemorialtractorrun3 Image © Town & Country Fair via Facebook

A much-loved pub in the heart of Feakle, with roots going back to 1890, has just been put on the market—marking the end of an era for one Clare family. Bohan’s Pub is steeped in history, from generations of ownership to deep ties with the GAA and local community life. Alan Morrissey was joined by Fr. Harry Bohan, who has a strong family connection to the pub. Image © Bohan's Pub In Feakle by Martin Canny

Fr Brendan Quinlivan leads our service for Holy Thursday.

As hay fever season returns, many people are feeling the effects of pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. Also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, hay fever can cause symptoms when pollen comes into contact with the nose, eyes, mouth, or throat—often worsening between late March and September when pollen counts are highest. Alan Morrissey spoke with East Clare herbalist Leslie Maya Souchere about natural ways to manage hay fever and find relief during allergy season. Image © Afloimages via Canva

World Parkinson’s Day takes place next week (Saturday, 11th April), and one Irish woman is taking a powerful step, quite literally, to raise awareness. Fiona Staunton is preparing to abseil down Dalkey Quarry in support of Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease, a condition she herself has been living with for over a decade. Fiona joined Alan Morrissey to share why she’s taking the leap. Image © Clare Fm

The union representing childcare workers is warning that the sector is at breaking point, with a growing staffing crisis and more than 40,000 children now on waiting lists for places. SIPTU says up to €45 million in State funding earmarked for pay increases is at risk, as employers continue to engage in negotiations. The union has described the situation as unacceptable, warning that low pay is driving staff out of the sector—and that stronger action may be on the horizon if talks don’t begin soon. To discuss this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Noel Mulderrig, Co-Owner of Kidz Haven in Shannon, and Diane Jackson, SIPTU organiser. Image © Alamy via Canva

It's hoped long sought after funding to upgrade a notorious section of a West Clare road will finally be secured. It's after residents of Darragh met with Road Safety Minister Seán Canney to raise concerns over the conditions, speed limit and lack of signage on a section of the N68. Over 1,100 locals have signed a petition calling for upgrades on the route between the L41071 and Darragh's North Cross which has seen four fatal incidents since 2007. Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe who organised the meeting says intervention is urgently needed.

Shannonwatch claims there's a direct threat posed to Shannon Airport by the US military's continued use of the base. The activist group is calling on the Irish Government to follow in the footsteps of their Spanish, French and Italian counterparts by restricting the US's access to airspace and bases. According to the group, two flights associated with the United States Armed Forces landed at Shannon on Tuesday alone, with a further five passing through Irish airspace on the same day. Shannonwatch founder Edward Horgan continuing the relationship puts Shannon at risk of attack from enemies of the Trump administration.

The Transport Minister will be visiting Clare today. Darragh O'Brien will arrive in Doora this afternoon to officially open the Banner Plaza. The €20m facility first opened its doors on November 7th after a lengthy planning battle. Clare-based Minister of State Timmy Dooley says the opportunity will be used to lobby for increased roads funding.

On this week’s Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn meets award-winning visual artist and metalsmith Jane Murtagh. Jane works with non-ferrous metals using the techniques of repousse, forging, etching and gilding and is inspired by ethnobotany, music and her natural surroundings in Cratloe Co. Clare.

A vigil is taking place this afternoon in memory of two brothers who bodies were found off the west coast of Clare on Tuesday. The two victims, who were fishing in Pulleen Bay at an area known as the Blue Pool between Kilkee and Doonbeg, have been named locally as Tajuddin Safi, aged in his 30s, and Salahuddin Safi, who was in his 20s. The brothers are understood to have been from Afghanistan and lived in Limerick for the past decade. The alarm was raised at 2:15pm on Tuesday after both men were swept off the rocks and emergency services located the bodies at around 4pm. Post-mortem examinations are to be carried out at University Hospital Limerick. West Clare Councillor Rita McInerney is calling for more warning signage in the area.

Shannon Chamber claims making public transport free to mitigate rising fuel costs wouldn't have the desired effect in Clare where commuting by bus and rail isn't always a "viable option". Clare's MEP has proposed implementing the measure as a means of making transport routes more attractive to struggling workers.

Richard Fitzpatrick is a journalist and author from Clare – mainly focusing on soccer – whose work can be seen and heard through a number of media outlets, including the BBC, the Guardian, Irish Times, New York Times, and El País. The Ennis native has just published his latest book. It is called ‘HH: Helenio Herrera, Football’s Original Master of the Dark Arts.’ For more on this, Alan Morrissey spoke with Richard on Wednesday’s Morning Focus. Photo (c) Clare FM

On Wednesday's edition of Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey welcomed back Tommy Corbett of Carey Corbett Financial Solution for our regular Financial Advice slot. This week, Tommy told us all about the hierarchy of clients needs when it comes to financial planning.

From the 3rd to the 5th of April, the sound of the uilleann pipes will be ever-present across the county town with a programme of events boasting sessions, a workshop, a recital and a pipe band procession. Among the acclaimed guests in the lineup this year are Mick O'Brien, Brighde Chaimbeul (Bree-jeh Kam-bool), Máire Ní Ghráda and Allan MacDonald. Clare FM's Seán Lyons has been speaking to festival organiser, Blackie O'Connell about how the Clare uilleann piping landscape has changed in his lifetime. Photo (c) Na Píobairí Uilleann Facebook

Today is April Fools’ Day...which is not an actual April Fools’ joke itself, but is true! The 1st of April is when we play practical jokes, hoaxes and pranks on each other. But how many people in Clare buy into the concept of April Fool’s Day, or engage in playing pranks on others? We sent Caitlin Griffin out on to the streets of Ennis, to find out people’s views on April Fools’ Day. Image © vetrestudio via Canva

On Wednesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by friend of the show John Conroy, along with volunteers Cora Hahessy McNulty and Michael O’Neill. John has spent the past 17 years volunteering in underdeveloped regions of Africa, particularly in Uganda, where he works with some of the most marginalised and vulnerable children and adults. As he prepares for another trip, John will once again take part in the annual fundraising run supporting the cause. Cora and Michael are also involved and will be travelling to Uganda this summer to volunteer. They joined Alan to share more about their work and the upcoming trip. Image © Clare Fm

Doonbeg has been accepted by the National Ambulance Service to establish a Community First Responder (CFR) Scheme for our community. A Community First Responder scheme is made up of trained local volunteers who work alongside the National Ambulance Service to provide immediate, life-saving assistance - such as CPR and the use of an AED (defibrillator) while an ambulance is on the way. Volunteers are notified of emergencies like cardiac arrests or stroke incidents, and those who respond often arrive within minutes and significantly improve survival outcomes. To provide more information, the National Ambulance Service will host an Information Night in Doonbeg Community Hall on Wednesday, 8th April at 8pm. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Caroline O’Brien. Image © Pat Flynn

Today we were discussing the future of one of Ennis’s most valued green spaces, the Post Office Field, as debate continues around proposed changes to the County Development Plan. Over 1,000 hectares of land could be designated to support the delivery of new housing in Clare if a revised version of the Plan is adopted. Clare County Council has proposed a variation to the plan which would also see a number of controversial projects included in the Ennis 2040 Strategy scrapped, including the proposed walkway over the Post Office Field. With calls to protect the site from any development and instead explore more sustainable alternatives, Alan Morrissey was joined by the Clarecastle Sinn Fein Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle, who is a member of the Hands Off Ennis Post Office Field group. Image © Ennis 2040 DAC

A Clare MEP is urging the Government to introduce free public transport to offset the effect of rising energy prices.It follows the International Monetary Fund's warning that "all roads lead to higher prices and slower growth nationwide". A 2023 report commissioned by the National Transport Authority found that implementing the measure would cost around €275 million. Scariff-based Independent MEP Michael McNamara admits he wouldn't be backing the move in "ordinary times".

Concern has been expressed in Clare around the lack of delivery of beds at community hospitals last year. HSE Mid West has confirmed no new long stay or short stay beds were delivered at its facilities in its older person's residential services in Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary in 2025. It's also stated that negotiations are ongoing regarding its acquisition of St Senan's Nursing Home in Kilrush where it intends to install three additional long stay beds by the end of this year. Shannonbanks Sinn Féin Councillor James Ryan, who sits on the HSE's Regional

Colm Liddy, local historian and author was back on Tuesday's Morning Focus for our regular History In Focus slot. This week, Colm spoke with Alan Morrissey about the decade leading up to the famine in the 1830s and the poverty experienced by people in Clare. Photo (c) Colm Liddy

Niall Breslin, best known to many as Bressie, is back with a brand-new album. Called The Place That Has Never Been Wounded, it is being described as spacious, introspective, and deeply personal. He is set to bring this new record into a live setting, with a show at Glór next month on Thursday 23rd April from 8pm. To find put more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Bressie on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) niallbreslin.com

It's claimed the state's new savings scheme will benefit hard working people in Clare. The details of the new plan, which is expected to be included in the next budget have been unveiled today and include a tax-free investment options and an exemption from Capital Gains Tax on returns. Tánaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris is facing criticism from opposition, however, for encouraging people to invest rather than save amidst the cost of living crisis. Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that he believes the move will benefit all households.

There's been mixed reaction to the government's proposal to extend the rent-a-room scheme to modular buildings. Under the proposals, people could get up to 14 thousand euro a year tax-free for building a modular home in their back garden for rent. Opposition parties have criticised the proposal - calling the units "beds in sheds". To explore this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Diarmuid McMahon, auctioneer, Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon in Ennis and Douglas Hurley, Managing Director of DNG O'Sullivan Hurley in Ennis.

On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by the Clare author, Karen Fitzgibbon. Karen was back with her latest psychological thriller 'Tell The Truth', the third instalment in her popular Lana Bowen series, which promises courtroom drama, dark secrets, and plenty of twists along the way.

With the AGSI annual conference underway in Westport, Co. Mayo, concerns are being raised around long-term Garda suspensions, growing online abuse of members, and increasing pressures on policing resources. Garda sergeants and inspectors want the urgent introduction of independent oversight for members suspended from the force. The AGSI is making the call, as it queries the process around long-term suspensions. AGSI President Declan Higgins wants suspensions to be reviewed independently. Alan Morrissey was joined on Clare Fm’s Morning Focus by Brian Howard, Clare AGSI Representative and Ennis Based Sergeant to find out more. Image © Pat Flynn

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by John Burns, Retired Deputy Principal and Educational Consultant. John spoke about the importance of a Code of Discipline, how parents can aid stop bad behaviour by working in partnership with the school & more. Image © Clare Fm

Alan Morrissey was joined by Dr Tomás Mac Conmara and Cllr Pat Hayes to mark this year’s East Clare Easter commemorations. This year’s ceremony will highlight the life and legacy of Annie O’Mara, a Cumann na mBan leader in Flagmount during the War of Independence, whose courage and contribution — alongside her family — played a vital role in the struggle for Irish freedom. Images © Old Photos East Clare via Facebook East Clare IRA & Cunann na mBan Memorial (Left) 50th memorial of the Scariff Martyrs who were killed November 16th 1920 (Right)

Sad news has reached us from the music scene in Clare, with the passing of Richie Dwyer. Richie, originally from West County Cork (Beara), was a longtime resident of Ennis. He was a highly gifted multi-instrumentalist, singer, and composer who will be missed by the Banner County’s musical community. Richie Dwyer is survived by his wife Greta, brother, sister, extended family and friends. His reposal will take place this Tuesday evening in Daly's Mortuary Chapel, Francis St., Ennis from 5 o'clock to 7 o'clock. Arriving for Funeral Mass at 12:30 o'clock in the Ennis Cathedral on Wednesday with Cremation after in Shannon Crematorium at 2 o'clock. Alan Morrissey was joined by Joan Hanrahan to remember Richie Dwyer Image © Rip.ie