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The Clare branch of St Vincent De Paul is urging the Government to target supports at those hardest hit by the rising cost of living and the ongoing energy crisis. Global oil prices have eased following Donald Trump's suggestion that the war with Iran could "soon" be over, but remain 81 per cent higher than before the war, and logistics companies warn higher costs will have a knock-on effect on food prices. SVP received 260,000 requests for assistance last year, 5,000 of those in Clare alone, and the charity says energy costs were at the heart of that. President of the Clare branch of SVP, Denis Carty believes urgent action is needed to help lower income households in this county.

On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey and the team broadcast live from ETB College Campus in Ennis, welcoming a variety of engaging guests throughout the day. The show kicked off with Lena Hughes, Community Education Adult Educator, who explained what community education is and highlighted the Introduction to Foraging Course. Brian Higgins and Bernie Harrington, Community Education learners, joined Alan to share their experiences on the course, the opportunities it has opened up, and much more. Alan was then joined live by Crona O’Dea and Shannon MacNamara, both PLC learners. They discussed the courses they are currently studying and shared their future plans once they complete their programs. Later in the show, Femi Odubote explained the RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) program, which values and recognizes professional work experience as equally important to traditional classroom learning. Lexi Bowe and Kate Quinlan, Youthreach learners, spoke about their experiences with Youthreach and the courses they are undertaking. To close the show, Alan sat down with Marie O’Callaghan, PLC Coordinator and Guidance, and Una Howley, Guidance Counsellor. They discussed the Ennis College of Further Education and Training, with Una providing insight into information and guidance within the LCETB and advice on taking the next step in education or training.

If you are looking for something colourful and energetic, then the Lime Tree theatre is the place to be as it will host The Spongebob Musical from the 12th - 14th of March. The lead role will be played by Grace Guilfoyle who is from East Clare. Clare FM’s Daragh Leamy first spoke with Grace and then her fellow cast members, Paddy Hogan and Shauna Byrne on Tuesday's Morning Focus.

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG), in collaboration with Fair Seas, returns home to Kilrush, Co Clare on Saturday, March 14th, as part of a series of free, in-person evening events in coastal towns around Ireland. The Local Groups Roadshow aims to connect coastal communities and local members of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group with the latest developments in marine conservation, marine protected areas (MPAs), and the future of Ireland’s seas. To find out more, Alan Morrissey spoke with Eva Lambert, Marine Policy and Advocacy Officer with the IWDG on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) iwdg.ie

Health campaigners in Clare have expressed "anger and deep frustration" following the announcement that a site has been identified for a new hosptial campus for the Midwest. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has approved the acquisition of a 43-acre site in Raheen in Limerick. The Friends of Ennis Hospital claims 130,000 people in Clare along with a further 80,000 in Tipperary will see limited benefit from the hospital being located in the city. Chairperson Angel Coll says while investment in Midwest is positive, she believes it's incredibly disappointing that the site will be located so close to University Hospital Limerick.

Clare County Council has reaffirmed its commitment to building a relief road on the outskirts of Ennis. The local authority has confirmed the proposed Ennis Inner Relief Road connecting the Gort Road and the Tulla Road is included in the Local Transport Plan as well as the upcoming proposed variation to the County Development Plan. It follows a motion put forward by Fianna Fáil councillors Clare Colleran-Molloy, Tom O'Callaghan and Antoinette Baker-Bashua at this week's meeting of the county's local elected representatives. Councillor O'Callaghan says the fact that it's in a plan means there's a guarantee it'll be built.

A Clare disability rights activist is calling on the Government to alter the means test for housing adaptation grants, claiming applicants are unfairly being denied the full amount available. The Department of Housing has announced that Clare is set to receive €4.1 million for the delivery of the grants in 2026. The allocation for 2026 represents an increase of approximately €1 million from last years figure, with €3.5 million provided in exchequer funding, and €600,000 contributed by Clare County Council. Ennistymon-based Clare Leader Forum co-founder, Anne-Marie Flanagan, says in many cases the person applying for the grant is not the person subject to the means test.

Coming up, we will reflect on Clare's National Hurling League win over Wexford, preview the Clare chances and more at this years Cheltenham Festival, review the weekends local soccer action, look ahead to Spanish Point's All Ireland ladies football semi final and wrap up another busy weekend of local handball action

An appeal for information has been issued after significant damage was done to Clarecastle Quay. A large vehicle is believed to have struck the entrance to the quay yesterday afternoon. One of the pillars on the entrance wall was destroyed, with extensive damage to the ‘Port of Clare’ sign, while parts of an Iveco vehicle are understood to have been found at the scene. Local Sinn Féin Councillor, Tommy Guilfoyle is urging anyone with information on the incident to contact Gardaí.

On Monday's Morning Focus, Clare FM's Derrick Lynch sat down with Daragh Dolan to chat about the weekend sporting fixtures. You can hear an in-depth analysis on Sideline View Reveiew from 6pm every Monday evening. Games Reviewed: National Hurling League Division 1B: Clare v Wexford (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg) All-Ireland Post Primary Schools Croke Cup Semi-Final: St Flannans Vs Presentation Athenry (Saturday, Kilbeacanty) 2026 WillWeGo Cusack Cup: Miltown v Éire Óg (Friday) Kilmurry Ibrickane v Ennistymon (Friday) RealPrint Garry Cup: Wolfe Tones v Cratloe (Friday) FAI Junior Cup - Round 1: Ennis Dons v Tulla United (Sunday) Listowel Celtic v Avenue United (Sunday) Newmarket Celtic v Athea United (Sunday) Shannon Olympic v St Brendans Park (Sunday) Mountshannon Celtic v Killarney Athletic (Sunday) FAI Junior Cup - Round 2: Fern Celtic v Bunratty Cratloe (Sunday) Ennis Carpets Clare Cup - Round 2: Sporting Ennistymon v Fair Green Celtic (Sunday) Shannon Town C v Rhine Rovers (Sunday) St. Flannan’s: Ennis Dons B v Hermitage B (Sunday) Ennis Carpets Clare Cup - Round 3: Shannon Town B v Tulla United B (Sunday) Maloney Hardware Premier Division: Bridge Utd v Shannon Town (Sunday)

Over the next 12 weeks, this new feature will deliver sustained, in-depth reporting on housing in County Clare, to provide clarity, context, and accountability. Each week, we will examine a different aspect of the crisis, from supply and pricing trends to planning permission barriers, social housing allocations, mortgage access, and the role of sustainable rural building, answering the key questions. This week, Alan Morrissey was joined by John Callan, Head of Product & Client Solutions at MyHome.ie, and Councillor John Crowe, Chairperson of Clare’s Social Development Strategic Policy Committee. Together, they discussed affordable housing and principal private residence advice, with a focus on housing access for young families and first-time buyers. This feature, ‘The Future of Housing’ is funded by the News Reporting Scheme.

A talk exploring the history of animal health care in County Clare is taking place in Ennis next week. Organised by Cuimhneamh an Chláir, the event will look at how the care of farm animals has evolved over generations, from traditional cures to modern veterinary practice. The talk, titled “Memories of Animal Health Care from Co. Clare,” will be delivered by Dr John Flaherty, a historian and farmer from Kerry whose research into Irish veterinary practice includes interviews with farmers and vets across County Clare. He’s also donated this valuable oral history collection to Cuimhneamh an Chláir. Dr John Flaherty joined Daragh Dolan on Morning Focus to tell us more. Image © Getty Images Signature Via Canva

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre in Ennis was on Monday’s Morning Focus for In The Garden. Judy joined Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus to give advice on growing onions. If you have any questions for Judy, send them in via text/WhatsApp on 0861800964 or email [email protected]

The Local Enterprise Office Clare is launching a new business growth programme this spring aimed at helping women entrepreneurs scale their companies and strengthen key skills such as strategic planning, financial management and pitching to investors. The Business Growth for Female Entrepreneurs 2026 programme will begin on April 15th at The Inn at Dromoland, combining in-person and online sessions over six weeks. To tell us more about what’s involved and how local businesswomen can benefit, Daragh Dolan was joined by Theresa Mulvihill Killeen, Senior Enterprise Development Officer with Local Enterprise Office Clare. Image © Local Enterprise Clare

A special fundraising raffle is taking place this Mother’s Day in support of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, a charity that helps families across Ireland bring loved ones home after sudden or tragic deaths abroad. The online raffle, called “Bringing Loved Ones Home,” features a range of prizes including hotel stays, vouchers and pamper packages, with all proceeds going towards the trust’s vital work supporting bereaved families. One of the organisers behind the fundraiser, Sharon Meaney, joined Daragh Dolan to tell us more about the initiative and why the cause means so much. https://www.idonate.ie/raffle/BringingLovedOnesHome Image © Bringing Loved Ones Home

On Friday, Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke met with representatives from the fuel industry to discuss the current energy market, pricing structures and the international factors impacting costs. During the meeting, the Minister drew attention to the current Competition and Consumer Protection Commission investigation, for which the public was urged to report any breaches of consumer protection law. The CEO of Fuels for Ireland however, Kevin McPartland insists there is no evidence to suggest any price gouging. Despite this most consumers will have got a fright last week seeing the price of a litre of petrol/diesel jumping by up to 30c per litre and more overnight in some cases and seeing Home heating oil prices jump from 900 euro per 1k litres last week to 1600 today. Clare Fm's Daragh Dolan spoke with Kieran Hogan about the price changes we have seen. Image © atlasstudio via Canva

Last week, we brought you the details of what will be happening for the St. Patrick’s Day parades in both Ennis and Doonbeg. Now, it is time to find out what is on the cards for some of the other parades that are due to be held around the county with Daragh Dolan on Morning Focus. Image © Doolin.ie

A Clare TD is renewing his call for the Garda Commissioner to make a formal apology to four Gardaí and a retired superintendent found not guilty of perverting the course of justice. The Minister for Justice is being urged to launch an inquiry into the circumstances of the seven-year investigation which centred on alleged attempts to terminate tickets for road traffic offences. The long-running trial concluded in January with the five defendants who served at stations across Clare and Limerick being found not guilty of all 39 counts of perverting the course of justice. Beginning with a probe into then Superintendent Eamonn O'Neill, it was alleged that prosecuting gardaí were instructed to "square" or stop the issuing of a ticket for various road traffic offences. Four serving gardaí were defendants in the case in addition to the retired superintendent and roughly 130 people, including other members of An Garda Síochána, were interviewed by the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation. After the five were found not guilty on all counts in late January, Taoiseach Micheál Martin admitted in the Dáil that the lengthy trial had a "severe negative impact" on the careers and morale of those involved. Tipperary North Labour TD Alan Kelly has now called for a formal inquiry into the investigation but claims this is unlikely to materialise. Responding to Deputy Kelly on this matter in the Dáil, Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan says the acquitted aren't entitled to any such procedure. The Garda Representative Association has branded the investigation a "witch hunt" while many politicians has levelled heavy criticism at the manner in which it was conducted. Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe insists Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly should apologise to all whose careers and wellbeing have been affected. Daragh Dolan was joined by Meelick Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe, and Labour TD for Tipperary North, Alan Kelly on Clare Fm's Morning Focus. Image © Pat Flynn

Transport Infrastructure Ireland's reasoning for not providing funding to upgrade a major section of Clare's N85 has been labelled as shocking by a local representative. In a written correspondence to Clare County Council, TII has stated that it's not possible to progress a larger scheme on the main route from Ennis to Ennistymon due to "the many competing demands for resources" along with issues arising from surplus material, flooding and waste. The N85 realignment project would've seen bends removed on roughly 10km of the route from Ennis to Inagh. Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty says the response is unacceptable.

A scheme aimed at reducing commercial rates for certain new Clare businesses has yet to see any uptake. Launched by the local authority in January, the Rates Waiver Scheme allows a reduction in rates for new or re-developed enterprises, including vacant units for hospitality purposes, campervan sites, nursing homes and creches. Under the scheme, businesses that meet the criteria would benefit from a waiver of 75% in the first year and an 85% waiver for those developing derelict sites. Quilty Fianna Fáil Councillor Michael Shannon says they expect increased interest later this year.

Stephen Fletcher presents Beyond Belief which features an interview with Niall West a retired school principal from Rathkeale who is trekking to the Everest Base Camp in April. Stephen also talks to Alan Cousins, a member of the Church of Ireland parish in Westport, who works for SAT-7 UK which is a Christain satelite TV network Sat 7 which broadcasts to Christians in the Middle East and North Africa regions. It is part of an international Christian media network, with studio offices in Beirut, Cairo, Istanbul, Larnaca, and London. Alan talks about their work and the operational challenges of broadcasting in parts of the region affected by the turmoil of war.

Fr erry Kenny leads our Sunday Prayer for today Sunday 8th March 2026 the third Sunday of Lent

Electric car sales in Clare are up almost 70% on last year. New data from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry shows 59 electric vehicles were sold here in February. Overall Clare saw a 7% decrease in car sales last month however with 278 being sold this year compared to 299 in 2025. SIMI Director General Brian Cooke insists the outlook for the year is positive.

The Communications Minister says Carrigaholt Post Office is expected to reopen in the near future. Patrick O'Donovan made the announcement in the Dáil following a recent debate on supports for rural postal services. The West Clare facility was forced to temporarily close following a robbery in late January, however a community fund has since raised over €55,000 to install security measures and potentially open a convenience store on site. Speaking to the Minister in the Dáil, Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney insists the Government should be providing this funding for rural services.

Grants of up to €25,000 are being made available for heritage groups in Clare. As part of the 2026 Community Heritage Scheme, a funding pool of €2m will be distributed nationwide. The deadline for applications is March 26th. Hertiage Council Head of Conservation Ian Doyle says they're well aware of Clare's rich offering.

A new plan has been unveiled to tackle the scourge of littering in Clare. Clare County Council has launched its new Litter Management Plan at this week's Physical Development Strategic Policy Committee meeting. The strategy, which is due to go to public consultation in the coming weeks, will aim to improve the county's environmental standards through byelaws and awareness campaigns. O'Callaghan's Mills Fine Gael councillor Conor Ryan says illegal dumping is a weekly occurence across the county.

Over 1,000 additional families in Clare are now eligible for the fuel allowance. The Minister for Social Protection has confirmed that 50,000 extra households can now avail of the €38 weekly payment which runs from September to April and will be backdated to January for new recipients. The allowance has been extended to anyone currently eligible for the Working Family Payment, meaning an additional 1,034 Clare families can now access it. President of the Clare branch of Saint Vincent De Paul Denis Carty has welcomed the measure but believes it falls short of what's required.

Coming up on the show. we look ahead to Clare's final group game of the National Hurling League when Wexford come to Ennis on Sunday, and St Flannan's are bidding to bridge a 20 year gap since their last appearance in the Dr Croke Cup final We hear about Clare GAA's latest recruitment drive for referees, we look ahead to another busy weekend of handball, we preview the opening games of the FAI Junior Cup and we will have Greyhound Focus too

Hailing from Fethard-On-Sea, Co. Wexford, Seán grew up surrounded by a musical family and had an avid interest in playing and performing from a very early age. He has shared stages with other major Irish and International acts such as Calum Scott, Wild Youth, Gavin James and Aslan. As well as having performed on numerous stages at Electric Picnic. With each release, Seán hones his production chops as each track is completely self-produced, and crafted with undeniable pop hooks. Having just supported Irish pop powerhouse Picture This at Waterford’s RSC Stadium, Seán McComish has been carving out a reputation as one of Ireland’s most promising pop artists. Seán is an artist who is most definitely on the rise having honed his craft on the Dublin live scene, incorporating his reverence for performing and catchy melodies into a truly exuberant live act. Now performing as a four-piece alongside Darren Bradley (Drums), Rory Jackman (Guitar) and brother Eoin McComish (Bass), Seán's live show blends high-energy performance with polished pop sensibilities, earning him critical acclaim and a growing fanbase across Ireland and beyond.

Confidence has been expressed that Clare will meet its accommodation challenges for three international golf tournaments coming to Clare and the MidWest in the near future. Visit Clare's annual 'Tourism Together' conference held at the Rine Hotel in Newmarket-On-Fergus heard, however, that an immense local effort will be required for this county to reap the full benefits. This September, both the Walker Cup and Amgen Irish Open will be coming to Clare, with courses at Lahinch and Trump Doonbeg respectively gearing up for the occasions. Both events are expected to inject millions into the local economy, however industry experts predict this county will see a much greater spending boost from the 2027 Ryder Cup in Adare. Approximately 18 months out from that tournament, the Ryder Cup's Official Travel Services team has already contacted 1,100 out of Clare's 1,800 hotel rooms to source accommodation. Chair of Clare's Tourism Advisory Forum and Hotel Woodstock Co-Owner, Seán Lally says short-term lets will have a huge role to play in meeting overall demand. A presentation from Fáilte Ireland showed the average spend of a golf visitor to Ireland is €2,360 per person. A leading travel expert has cautioned, however, that while Clare has some of the best links courses and coasts to showcase in the Ireland, a plan needs to be put in place to reassure tourists that Ireland is a safe destination to access in the event of prolonged conflict in the Middle East. Eoghan Corry from Travel Extra.ie says there are huge benefits on offer. The Chair of Clare's newly formed Tourism Strategic Policy Committee, meanwhile, wants to see destinations across the county reap the rewards of the increased exposure to come. Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty says all areas of Clare have an opportunity to create return customers.

On Friday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey discussed the upcoming sporting fixtures this weekend with Clare FM's Derrick Lynch. Games Previewed: National Hurling League Division 1B: Clare v Wexford (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, 1:15pm) All-Ireland Post Primary Schools Croke Cup Semi-Final: St Flannans Vs Presentation Athenry (Saturday, Kilbeacanty, 1pm) The 2026 WillWeGo Cusack Cup: FAI Junior Cup:

The Ennis Book Club Festival is celebrating a major milestone this year, marking 20 years of bringing readers, writers and book lovers together in the county town. The festival runs throughout this weekend with a wide range of events, including a special conversation with three Clare-based authors later this evening. To tell us more, Alan Morrissey spoke with Karen Fitzgibbon, Joe Queally and Michael McTigue. Photo (c) Ennis Bookclub Festival

Preparations are underway in West Clare for the annual Doonbeg St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which will take place on Sunday March 15th at 3.30pm. This year’s celebrations promise a colourful and family-friendly event for the community, with marching bands, a vintage tractor and car rally, and plenty of entertainment for all ages. The theme for 2026 is “Legends”, encouraging groups and participants to celebrate local heroes, sporting greats and figures from folklore. To tell us more, Alan Morrissey spoke with Rita McInerney, councillor and PRO of the Doonbeg St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, and this year’s Grand Marshal, Joe Russell, General Manager of Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg. Photo (c) Doonbeg Community Development Post

Sean Ruane from Ennis was among the passengers on the Emirates repatriation flight that touched down at Dublin Airport from Dubai. Speaking shortly after arriving home, Sean says there’s been “a lot of scaremongering” around the situation, and he was keen to share what the journey was really like for those on board. He spoke with Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus to talk about the flight, the atmosphere among passengers, and what it was like finally landing back in Ireland. Photo (c) 200mm Getty Images Signature via Canva.

On Friday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Claire Cuddihy, Co-Chair, Leagues Coordinator and Development Officer with the Clare Area Basketball Board. Claire discussed Saturday’s girls finals day in Gurteen, where six finals are set to take place, marking a fitting way to wrap up Women in Sport Week. She also highlighted continued growth of basketball in Clare, with leagues now running from U12 to senior level, as well as Clare teams preparing to compete in the upcoming All-Ireland competitions in Gormanston. Photo (c) Bogdan Krupin from Pexels via Canva

Uisce Éireann has admitted it's embarrassed by instances of raw sewage discharge at Clare beaches. The water utility was fined €32,000 by the Environmental Protection Agency last October for offences relating to discharges in Lahinch and Miltown Malbay, Following his presentation to members of Clare County Council's Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee this week, Uisce Éireann's John Dempsey was asked by Lahinch Fine Gael Councillor Bill Slattery what measures are being taken to ensure water is of a sufficient quality going forward. The meeting also heard from Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly who raised the long-running debacle of Noel O'Loughlin who's been trying to build additional needs accommodation in Ruan for over 20 years but is unable to do so due to insufficient wastewater capacity. Clare FM's Seán Lyons was at the meeting and first caught up with Councillor Slattery in relation to the issues in Lahinch. Photo (c) Andrei310 from Getty Images via Canva

Clare County Council has published a proposed variation to the County Development Plan that could see more than 1,200 acres of land designated to support housing across towns and villages in the county. The proposal also aims to provide greater clarity around several key sites in Ennis as part of a review of the Ennis 2040 Strategy, with some previously proposed, controversial projects now set to be removed. The plans are now open for public consultation until early April. To discuss what the changes could mean for housing delivery, planning and the future development of the county, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare County Council’s Senior Planner Helen Quinn on Friday's Morning Focus.

Over 60% of Clare's hotel rooms have already been contacted to provide accommodation by the Ryder Cup's official travel services. Up to 200,000 fans are expected to descend on the MidWest for the biennial golf competition between Team Europe and the United States next September. Clare's Tourism stakeholders, meanwhile, held a major networking event at the Rine Hotel last night, which will also aim to harness the benefits of the Irish Open in Doonbeg and Walker Cup in Lahinch later this year. Clare Tourism Advisory Forum Chair and Hotel Woodstock Co-Owner Seán Lally says it's a "pinch me" moment for the county.

Members of the public are being urged to have their say on Clare's Garda operations for the coming year. The Clare-Tipperary Garda Division's Annual Service Plan is open to public consultation until April 1st. The plan will form key local strategies on crime prevention, victim support and roads policing for the year ahead. Superintendent Susan O'Brien says it's vital communities make their views known.

The Mayor of Clare claims it's not necessarily the end of the line for several controversial developments in the county town. A variation to the Clare County Development Plan has been proposed which would see 1,280 acres identified for residential use. The amendment would also see the Ennis 2040 projects on the Abbey Street and Harvey's Quay carparks as well as the planned Post Office Field walkway scrapped for the time being at least. Clarecastle Fine Gael Councillor Paul Murphy has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons alternative proposals could be brought forward to support the growth of Ennis into the future.

Clare Women in Business, explores the challenges and successes experienced by women in business and leadership roles. We hope that our conversation with our guests will see them share personal stories, insights, and strategies that can inspire listeners to pursue their goals without being limited by gender. For our final episode of Women in Business, Alan Morrissey was joined by Petrina O’Halloran of Mama’s Boobie Box, Mary Wynne of Route 85 Coffee Inagh and Patricia Farrell of Wilde Irish Chocolates.

Ahead of her performance this Friday at glór, we’re joined by emerging Clare-based musician Emer O’Flaherty. Her debut album Go dtí Seo blends trad, jazz-infused folk, and new takes on sean-nós standards, all sung in Irish. Alan Morrissey spoke with Emer live in studio on Thursday's Morning Focus.

The curtain rises this Saturday on the 2026 West Clare Drama Festival, as nine nights of outstanding amateur theatre get underway in Doonbeg. With groups travelling from across Ireland to compete under the auspices of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland, and a programme promising everything from comedy to high drama, it’s set to be a fantastic week for theatre lovers. Alan Morrissey was joined by Chairman of the West Clare Drama Festival, Andrew Killeen.

The St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are just around the corner in Ennis, and excitement is building for this year’s parade. Joining Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus was Ennis native and internationally acclaimed artist Mick O’Dea, who will serve as Grand Marshal, and Mary Howard, Mayor of Ennis and Fine Gael Councillor.

With women currently making up just 11 per cent of Ireland’s construction workforce, the Construction Industry Federation is using this year’s International Women’s Day to shine a spotlight on pathways into the sector and the leadership needed to drive real change. Its International Women’s Day Summit takes place tomorrow at The Johnstown Estate. Alan was joined by Southern Regional Director with CIF and MC for the event, Joanne Treacy to find out more. Image © CIF IWD 2026 via eventbrite

Ahead of tomorrow’s (Friday, 6th March) International Women’s Day celebrations in Ennis, hosted by Women’s Collective Ireland–Clare and Clare Traveller Community Development Project, we’re joined by one of the event’s special guests. Helen Hutchinson, a traveller poet will be sharing her powerful words as part of the morning’s celebration of connection, creativity and community under this year’s theme, “Give to Gain.” Helen joined Alan Morrissey on Clare Fm's Morning Focus to discuss more. Image © Bryan Meade

This Sunday, the 8th of March marks a special occasion in Ennistymon as the Restore Ballymacraven River Association hosts its final tree planting day of 2026 along the Glen Walk. The event will celebrate International Women’s Day and the beginning of National Tree Week, with native saplings gifted to women attending. For more on this, Alan Morrissey spoke with Project Officer, Rachel Dowling. Image © Ruairí Ó Conchúir

After 17 dedicated years as County Librarian with Clare Libraries, Helen Walsh has stepped into retirement, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy in culture and community life across the county. From first taking up the role in 2009 to overseeing the development of the landmark new DeValera Library and Súil Gallery beside Glór, Helen’s vision has helped reshape the library service in Clare. Alan Morrissey was delighted to be joined in studio by Helen to reflect on her remarkable journey. Image © Clare FM

The latest meeting of Clare's Social Development Committee has heard a large-scale social housing estate is needed to tackle lengthy backlogs in this county. The council has confirmed that its exploring sites for such a development and is hoping to roll out serviced sites countywide. The meeting also heard that in the last 2 years alone, 20 renters were able to buy properties from the council under the Tenant Incremental Purchase Scheme. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan was in attendance and spoke to Clarecastle Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle, but firstly Clare County Council Senior Executive Housing Officer Padraig McCormac outlined the uptake of the scheme and the challenges facing the housing list. Image © Clare County Council

A new dual carriageway in south-east Clare built as part of the Limerick Northern Distributor Road project will open to traffic on Monday. From March 9th, the dual carriageway from the Cratloe Road Roundabout to the Knockalisheen Road Roundabout will open while the Knockalisheen Road will temporarily close to allow for the next stage of works. A residents’ information meeting for all affected will take place at 6 this evening, Thursday March 5th, in Moyross Community Centre. Ardnacrusha Fianna Fáil Councillor Rachel Hartigan believes the short-term inconvenience will be worth it.