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An icon of Irish traditional music will be laid to rest today, Friday 20th. Dolores Keane passed away peacefully on Monday at the age of 72. Born into a family steeped in traditional music and song, the Galway native was the vocalist in the original Dé Danann lineup before she launched her solo career which yielded five albums. Best known for her interpretations of songs like ‘Caledonia’, ‘Galway Bay’ and ‘The Island’, she was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the TG4 Gradam Ceoil awards ceremony in 2022. American country legend Nanci Griffith called her “the queen of the soul of Ireland” and described her voice as “sacred”. A number of years ago, Dolores took part in Clare FM's annual show 'In My Own Words'. Eoin O'Neill, the presenter of the West Wind joined Alan Morrissey to pay a tribute.

Following a recent outbreak of meningitis in parts of the UK, Ennis GP Dr Máire Finn is urging parents to stay informed and recognise the early warning signs of this serious illness. While the Health Service Executive says there is currently no indication of increased meningococcal disease in Ireland, cases remain at expected seasonal levels, with 12 reported so far in 2026 compared to 60 last year. The outbreak in Kent, where 27 cases have been linked to a university and two people have died, has raised awareness of how quickly meningitis can spread and why early detection is crucial. To discuss this in detail, Alan Morrisseyw as joined by Dr Máire Finn from the Ennis Family Medical Centre.

The haulage industry is holding off on protest action following talks with the Transport Minister, who has promised “substantial supports” to help with soaring fuel costs. The threat of protest action had loomed, with diesel prices surging past €2 a litre and the haulage sector saying it’s in crisis. However, hauliers have stepped back from protest action for now after what’s been described as a constructive meeting with Darragh O’Brien. To find out more, Alan Morrissey spoke with Ennis-based haulier and Deputy President of the Irish Road Haulage Association, Eugene Drennan.

The number of hotels in Clare contracted to accommodate Ukrainian refugee has almost halved in the last year. Responding to a parliamentary question from Bodyke Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney, the Department of Justice has confirmed the number of contracts issued to hotels in this county for this purpose dropped from 31 in February 2025 to 18 in the same month this year. This means 1,569 beds previously assigned to Ukrainian refugees have been freed up here in the last 12 months. Speaking in the Dáil, Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Colm Brophy says the ultimate aim is to bring all of these beds back into tourist use.

New data has identified Clare as being Ireland's safest county for drivers. The its4women Safest Drivers Report has found this county to be the safest for motorists on standard insurance policies with a claim frequency rate of just 3.39%. It's also performed well in overall compliance and safe driving trends. Its4Women CEO Gary McClarty says the positive findings could be down to factors like the quality of the roads network.

The Mayor of Ennis claims changes in consumer behaviour could drastically improve air quality in the county town. Clare County Council is collaborating with University of Galway and University College Cork researchers for the TownAir project which is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency and will examine air pollution in the town. Poor air quality has frequently been recorded in Ennis during the winter months, with the town having the worst air in the country last year according to the EPA. Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard, who's also chairperson of Ennis Tidy Towns, believes the burning of harmful fuels is a leading cause of the problem.

It's hoped Clare can end their 2026 National Football League series on a good foot with a strong performance in their final group game. Paul Madden's side round off their Division 3 campaign with a trip to Markievicz Park to face Sligo on Sunday afternoon. With promotion off the table, this weekend's fixture will be Clare's last competitive game before next month's Munster Semi Final at home to Kerry. Clare FM analyst Paudie Carmody says he's looking for a good showing from the defence in particular. Throw in on Sunday is at 2pm, with commentary here on Clare FM thanks to Ennis Home Furniture and Jones’s Supervalu Milltown

The Health Minister will be pressed to immediately enhance Clare's ambulance resources and provide a permanent air service during a visit due to take place in the near future. Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has accepted an invitation from the Friends of Ennis Hospital and is expected to survey the county before the end of the month. It comes just over a week after the Minister promised a full review into the expansion of Clare's health services, when unveiling the new hospital campus site in Raheen. Friends of Ennis Hospital Chairperson Angela Coll has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that while a new hospital is the ultimate goal, ambulance deficits must be addressed now.

The Tánaiste says he believes there should be an inquiry into the charges brought against eleven Midwest Gardaí, including three with Clare links, who were accused of perverting the course of justice. Four defendants, along with a retired superintendent, were found not guilty in January in the long-running case relating to the alleged termination of tickets for road traffic offences. Three additional Gardaí in the Limerick division, who were due to stand trial on similar charges, were yesterday informed by the Director of Public Prosecutions that all charges against them are being dropped. The Justice Minister yesterday told the Dáil that an inquiry wouldn't be in "anyone's best interest." Labour TD Alan Kelly once again told the Dáil this lunchtime that lives have been "destroyed" as a result of the investigation. In response, Tánaiste Simon Harris said he agrees with the Taoiseach that an inquiry should be held and that the Gardaí involved "deserve an explanation."

A proposal spearheaded by a Clare MEP regarding AI-generated non-consensual intimate imagery could soon become EU-wide legislation. EU lawmakers have voted to support a ban proposed by Scariff Independent MEP Michael McNamara which would see applications allowing "nudification" prohibited. If a majority in the European Parliament vote next week to include the measure in the package of amendments known as the AI Act Omnibus, apps will no longer be allowed to facilitate the generation of nude photos or videos of a person without their consent. MEP McNamara has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons it's about establishing "uniformity" across the bloc.

On this week's episode of The Future of Work, Pat Flynn chats with Michael Vaughan, owner of Vaughan Lodge Hotel in Lahinch, Co Clare. This feature, 'The Future of Work' is funded by the News Reporting Scheme.

A little-known chapter of County Clare’s history is being brought to light in a new book and lecture this week. Rita McCarthy, a Clare-based social historian, has spent years researching the County Clare Nursery—a mother and baby home that operated from 1922 to 1932 in Kilrush. Her book, Forgotten Lives, uncovers the experiences of unmarried mothers and their children in the early years of the Irish Free State. Rita spoke to Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus to discuss her research and the stories of those whose lives were largely hidden from history.

It was time on Thursday's Morning Focus for Taste of the Week with Danny Lynch from Le Chéile in Barefield. This week, Danny introduced Alan Morrissey to a dish which he calls Lemon & Dill Prawns with toasted Focaccia bread! Photo (c) Danny Lynch

One of the longest-running events in Ireland’s amateur theatre calendar is back, as the Clare Drama Festival gets underway this week. Now in its 77th year, the festival brings together some of the very best drama groups from across the country, all competing for a place in the All-Ireland finals. Running right through to the 27th of March, audiences can expect a packed programme with something for everyone. On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke with PRO of the festival, Tom Hanley.

Some incredible young minds from CBS Primary Ennis are making headlines after winning the overall excellence award at the VEX Robotics Nationals in Cork. Thanks to their hard work in building and coding their own robot, they’ve now qualified to compete at the World Championships in St. Louis, Missouri later this April. With no government funding available, the school and community are fundraising to give these students the chance to represent CBS Ennis – and Ireland – on the global stage. Joining Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus was Donna Little, Teacher, Colm Daveron, Assistant Principal at CBS Primary Ennis, Maria Huriina, Ukrainian driver, Antosh Rog, Driver and Culiann Leydon, Driver.

Once again, it was time for Alan Morrissey to be joined in studio by Siobhán Mulcahy to discuss the upcoming art events and workshops across the banner county. There is to be a great selection of plays, music performances, dancing and art workshops all over Clare in the coming week, some highlights include the Clare Drama Festival in Scariff, A Candlelight Serenade in Ennis and Ukrainian Art workshops in Kilkee. Image © Clare FM

A public consultation taking place in Ennis next week (Monday, 23rd March) is aiming to highlight the real financial pressures faced by people living with disabilities. Ann Marie Flanagan is co-founder of Clare Leader Forum, which is hosting the event to gather input on what a Cost of Disability payment should look like. The findings will be submitted to Government, as part of ongoing calls to better recognise the extra costs faced by disabled people across Ireland. Alan Morrissey spoke with Ann Marie earlier, and he first asked her why next Monday’s public consultation is needed. Image © kasto via Canva

An Ennis man who survived lymphoma cancer is now encouraging others to give back and support those facing the disease. Michael Doab was diagnosed in 2014 and underwent surgery and chemotherapy—but today, he’s using his experience to raise awareness and funds for Irish Cancer Society ahead of Daffodil Day tomorrow (Friday, 20th March). He’s been sharing his story and urging the local community to get involved and support those affected by cancer. Michael joined Alan in studio to explain just how much people's support can make a difference. Image © Clare FM

After nearly 14 years serving the community in Ennis, O'Brien's Bagel Factory has announced it will close its doors this weekend. In a heartfelt message shared online, the team spoke about the difficult decision to step away—following the passing of Frank, and the many memories made with staff and loyal customers over the years. Their final day of trading will be this Saturday (21st March), marking the end of an era for a much-loved local spot. Orla Lillis of O’Briens joined Alan on Morning Focus to reflect on their journey. Image © O’Briens Bagel Factory

Allergy Action Ireland is calling for allergies to be recognised as a serious public health issue, after addressing the Oireachtas Health Committee this week. Sheila Downes from County Clare is mum to 11-year-old Josh and 7-year-old Erin, both of whom live with multiple severe food allergies and must carry EpiPens at all times. Since 2023, Sheila and her family have been travelling to France to access Oral Immunotherapy treatment—care that’s not widely available here in Ireland. And Sheila joined Alan Morrissey in studio to share what that reality looks like for her family. Image © Clare FM

The Justice Minister says an inquiry into the investigation leading to the high-profile trial of four serving gardaí, including three with Clare links, wouldn't be in "anyone's best interest". The four defendants, along with a retired superintendent, were found not guilty of perverting the course of justice in January in the long-running case relating to the alleged termination of tickets for road traffic offences. The Taoiseach has previously called for a review of the investigation. The solicitors of three additional Gardaí in the Limerick division, due to stand trial on similar charges, were yesterday informed by the Director of Public Prosecutions that all charges against them will be dropped. Responding to Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe in the Dáil about the first case, Jim O'Callaghan says we need to "move on" and those emotionally affected should "get help".

An East Clare School is set to benefit from the allocation of a new Autism class. The Department of Education's announcement brings the total number of additional special classes coming to Clare for the next term to ten. St Joseph's Secondary School in Tulla is the latest to benefit, and will have three specialist Autism classes from September. Principal Juliet Coman says it's a huge boost for the community.

Clare camogie manager Eugene Foudy says he's delighted his side have met one of their main targets for 2026 by getting back to the Division 1b final. The Banner round off their National League campaign against Offaly this weekend with their spot in the decider already secured. Limerick and Dublin meet this weekend to determine who Clare's opponent will be in the final. Foudy says it's crucial for their development to test themselves against the top teams in the country.

Clare will be hoping to cement their Division 3 status in the Ladies National Football League this weekend. Clare travel to Fermanagh to take on the Ulster side, knowing a victory will keep them safe from relegation with a game to spare. Following a slow start to the campaign, Graham Shine's side have recorded back to back wins in their previous two games against Laois and Limerick. Clare FM analyst Derek Dormer says they've shown great reslience to bounce back from heavy defeats early in the year.

On this week’s Atlantic Tales, meets a man who has worked in the ICT industry for over 30 years and who is also an award-winning humanist celebrant. Pat Clarke-Browne travels the length and breadth of the country performing legally binding secular weddings and other ceremonies.

James Lafferty, Honorary Treasurer of the Irish Red Cross in Clare and National Volunteer of the Year, joined Alan Morrissey on Wednesday’s Morning Focus to share an update on the organisation’s progress in Clare and outline plans for the year ahead. Tracey Fitzgerald, Area Secretary and quiz organiser, also joined the discussion to highlight ongoing initiatives and upcoming events.

Clare GAA has pledged to wrap its arms around those affected by the passing of a "much loved friend of many in West Clare". The search for 20-year-old Jack Boddy was stood down on Tuesday morning following the discovery of a body in Lahinch. The Limerick native served as Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Clare under-20 footballers, helping to guide them to an opening round win last Saturday. Clare GAA Chairperson Kieran Keating has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons Jack's loss will be felt by the players who saw him as a peer as well as a mentor.

West Clare residents are being asked to give blood this week to replenish stocks after a busy bank holiday period. A blood donation clinic is taking place at Kilrush Community School today and on Thursday from 5pm to 8:20pm. It comes ahead of Daffodil Day on Friday, with a significant percentage of blood going to cancer patients. Appointments can be made by calling 1800 222 111, and IBTS Donor Recruitment Executive Alex O'Connor says every donation makes a difference.

On Wednesday's Morning Focus, it was time to chat with Tommy Corbett for our Financial Solutions slot. This week, Tommy discussed volatility in the markets with Alan Morrissey.

New figures show that Clare Local Development Company oversaw more than €7.3 million in programme investment across County Clare in 2025, supporting a wide range of initiatives — from community facilities and rural tourism projects to training, employment schemes and social inclusion supports. The organisation delivers programmes such as the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, the LEADER Programme, the Rural Social Scheme and Tús Programme, all aimed at strengthening communities and improving quality of life across the county. On Wednesday's edition of Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Doirin Graham and Hannah Griffey to talk about the impact of that investment and some of the projects and supports currently underway in Clare.

If you have a creative streak or have ever thought about writing for the stage, this might be just the opportunity for you. The Oakhill Players have just launched a brand new Playwright Competition as part of their popular Pint Sized Plays series, inviting people to submit an original short play of ten minutes or less. To tell us more about the competition and how people can get involved, Alan Morrissey was joined by Veronica Keating from Oakhill Players and Faye Collins, a member of the competition committee. Image © Clare FM

St Anne’s Community College is celebrating an exciting achievement as Transition Year students Eleanor Bryant, Caroline Barber and Ciara Delaney have secured a place in the 2026 Junk Kouture Dublin City Finals with their innovative design, Petals of Print. The talented trio impressed judges with their creativity, sustainability and teamwork, earning them the title of Regional Finalists. Guided by their teacher Ms. Caitriona Moloney, the students transformed recycled materials into a striking piece of wearable art that showcases both environmental awareness and outstanding design skills. Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by St Anne’s Community College students, Eleanor Bryant, Caroline Barber and Ciara Delaney and their teacher, Ms. Caitriona Moloney Image © Clare FM

US President Donald Trump has described the Iranian regime as "sick", "demented", "maniacs", and promised a quick end to the war. Following his meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin yesterday, Mr. Trump says he's "way ahead of schedule" on Iran and the whole world should be "very thankful" for his intervention. He also said he is disappointed in NATO, and gave a timeline of a "couple of weeks" for the end of the war. President Trump said he was forced to act. The EU's foreign policy chief says the door is not closed to European participation in protecting the Strait of Hormuz. But Kaja Kallas says it would probably be part of a diplomatic solution. She also says EU is consulting with governments in the Middle East about how to bring the conflict to a conclusion. Kaja Kallas warned about the need to improve our own defences. Iran has confirmed its top security official has been killed in an airstrike. Tehran had yesterday denied Ali Larijani had been killed - displaying a handwritten note supposedly written by him as evidence he was alive. Iran launched missiles at Israel overnight, killing two people. Meanwhile, senior US counter-terrorism boss Joe Kent has resigned, saying he doesn't support the conflict. To discuss all of this, along with growing concern about the impact on global energy supplies and fuel prices, given the situation with the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20% of the world’s oil passes, Alan Morrissey was joined by Donnacha Ó Beacháin, Associate Professor of Politics at Dublin City University, and Micheál Collins, Assistant Professor of Social Policy at University College Dublin. Image © Getty Images Signature

Clare County Council is calling on the Government to introduce a cost of disability payment. The local authority is set to write to the Department of Social Protection seeking the implementation of the measure following a motion put forward at this month's meeting of the county's local elected representatives. The department is currently running a public consultation on the cost of disability while in 2021, a report estimated the additional annual costs for people with disabilities ranged from €8,700 to over €12,300. Clarecastle Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle says the cost of living affects this community more acutely than anyone else.

St John Bosco's Kildysart will be hoping to make history this afternoon. The Clare side take Salerno College from Salthill on in the All Ireland Ladies Football Post Primary Schools Junior C final in Kiltoom Co.Roscommon. Victory this afternoon would see them become the first school in the county to win an All Ireland title at the grade. Joint-manager Aoife Keane says there's huge excitement among the squad ahead of the game.

Over 187,000 passengers used TFI Local Link services in Clare last year. New data from the National Transport Authority shows there was a 17% increase in activity in this county compared to 2025. The strongest increase was the Clarecastle to Ennis service, which went from 8,000 to 22,300 passengers in the s pace of a year. Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney says the demand for more routes is clear.

A strong Clare contingent will be vying for Munster Senior and Junior Cup glory with St Munchin's College. The Limerick side take on PBC of Cork in the Senior Cup decider this afternoon, while their Junior outfit also face Cork opposition in the form of CBC on March 25th. Both squads boast plenty of Clare involvement with Killanena's Jason O'Brien also taking charge of the senior outfit. O'Brien says it's a huge achievement for both sides to be contesting the decider. Kick off in Virgin Media Park is at 2pm.

Clare Gardaí claim the majority of people who engage in criminality while intoxicated are the "finest people" when sober. Members of An Garda Síochána are expected to be out in force today to monitor anti-social behaviour in suspected hotspots. Research by Alcohol Action Ireland has found that roughly 48% of people who get arrested have consumed alcohol or drugs. Superintendent in the Clare-Tipperary Garda Division Eddie Golden says it's important to enjoy yourself while being considerate of others.

The Bishop of Killaloe is reminding the people of Clare the honour the legacy of Saint Patrick today. The Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference is asking to public to "unite in prayer for world peace" and "reach out to people from around the world who have come to live within our communities" on this day. The message comes amid ongoing violence in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere. Bishop Fintan Monahan says Patrick's humanitarian values should be remembered.

Clare's Minister of State believes increased ambulance activity will address healthcare provision issues in peripheral areas of the county in the future. Tulla-based Minister Timmy Dooley, who's in Canada this week, is one of forty Ministers and other State representatives visiting more than 50 countries for St Patrick's Day. Last week, the Health Minister confirmed the purchase of an almost 44-acre site for the development of a new hospital for the Midwest. Minister of State Dooley says while his preference was for the new facility to be based in Clare, increased investment in ambulance services, which will soon be announced, will make a difference.

Concern have risen after it's emerged that around 15 dogs a month are being abandoned on Clare roads. Clare’s County Dog Warden says that despite efforts to list the animals on social media, no one is coming forward to claim them, and they are subsequently microchipped while attempts are made to rehome them. Under the law, an owner must report their dog missing within five working days before it becomes the property of Clare County Council. County Dog Warden Frankie Coote says that while the numbers are decreasing, it remains a significant issue.

Coming up this evening we have an action packed show in store as always, with plenty of football to recap incluidng Clare's defeat to Wexford in the National Football League, an important win for the U20s in Quilty in the Munster Championship and Rice College's defeat in the All Ireland Senior D final. We'll also look forward to St John Bosco Kildysart's own Ladies Football All Ireland final and we'll hear from the Clare contingent involved with St Munchins in Limerick who are going in search of both Senior and Junior Cup Rugby titles.

One of the most vocal objectors to a planned data centre on the outskirts of Ennis is accusing the company behind it of "deception" and claims the development will increase electricity prices. The High Court has cleared the way for the €1.6 billion project on the Tulla Road which it's argued would emit as much greenhouse gases each year as 500,000 people. Responding to the High Court ruling finding in Art Data Centres Limited's favour in the judicial review proceedings, its co-founders said it "recognises that there is a future for environmentally-sensitive data centre developments". They've described the project as a "responsible use of renewable energy" featuring "grid-supporting generation technology and heat-recycling for both agri-food and local heating schemes". Clare County Council granted permission for the 200-megawatt scheme comprising six data halls covering 145 acres in August 2022. This was appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála which backed the council's decision in April 2024 and this was followed by a judicial review process, which resulted in the commission admitted it had "erred" in its initial ruling. Despite this, the remaining hurdles have now been cleared in the High Court, paving the way for the development to commence. With 1,200 jobs to be created during construction as well as a further 1,000 when operational, Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly says it's welcome news. Friends of the Irish Environment claims the data centre will emit 700,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases each year which is the same as the carbon produced by 500,000 people. The developer has argued that enough surplus electricity will be generated by the scheme to heat up to 1,100 homes in the area. Ennis-based physicist Dr Colin Doyle, who objected to the development at various stages, doesn't believe this will materalise however as the required infrastructure isn't in place. He insists any suggestion the project is carbon neutral is "total nonsense" and an example of "smoke and mirrors.

This week on The Future of Housing, Alan Morrissey was joined by John Connolly, the homeowner of a self-build called Halka Lodge. This eco-friendly, Nordic-inspired home is located in the Burren and was featured on RTÉ’s Home of the Year in 2024. Also joining the discussion was Ciarán Breen of Ciarán Breen Construction in Ennis. Together, they explored the topic of one-off homes and planning permissions. The conversation focused particularly on rural one-off housing, current planning regulations, and the impact these policies have on local communities. This feature, 'The Future of Housing' is funded by the News Reporting Scheme.

Judy Beck from Clonroad garden centre was with Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus. This week, Judy discussed wildlife ponds. If you have any questions for Judy, text or WhatsApp 0861800964

Ennis Players are heading into gothic territory for their Spring production at glór. The Moors, a darkly comic play inspired by the world of the Brontë sisters, runs from March 24th to 28th. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by PRO, Sinéad Clancy, Director, Sandra Cox, Director and cast member, Clare Fitzsimons.

It was time for another History In Focus on Monday's Morning Focus. Alan Morrissey was joined by local historian and author, Colm Liddy to tell us more about St. Patrick's Day and a small North Clare area being associated with St. Patrick.

Hamnet star Jessie Buckley has made history by becoming the first Irish woman to win Best Actress at the Academy Awards in Hollywood. The Killarney native was the favourite for her performance as Agnes in Hamnet, an adaptation of the bestseller of the same name by Coleraine-born author Maggie O'Farrell, which "tells the powerful love story that inspired the creation of Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece, Hamlet". It's the latest in a number of major awards she's won for her performance in 'Hamnet'. Dubliner Richard Baneham received his third Oscar, for his visual effects work on 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'. 'One Battle After Another' was the big winner of the night, scooping six prizes including Best Picture, Director, Adapted Screenplay and the new Casting Category. During her speech, Kerry native Jessie - who is the first Irish woman to win the prize - paid tribute to her family. Lauren Lynch, Clare FM’s Out The Gap Presenter spoke with Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) VKStudio via Canva

The local authorities new proposal would aim to maximise the benefits of the recently completed public realm project. The plans would include music played on public speakers throughout the town, trad musicians in key public spaces, and the opening of overflow car parks on weekends free of charge. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Antoinette Baker Bashua believes radical change is needed to increase footfall. For more on this, Alan Morrissey spoke with John O'Connor, Retailers Of Ennis Chair. Photo (c) Clare FM

New figures from FASD Ireland reveal that 57% of children referred in the first three months of 2026 showed evidence of prenatal alcohol exposure, highlighting serious concerns about undiagnosed Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and the urgent need for improved awareness, diagnosis and support services across Ireland. Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss this on Monday's Morning Focus was Tristan Casson-Rennie, Chief Executive Officer, FASD Ireland. Photo (c) FASD