Clare FM

Clare people are expressing concern that the recent rise in fuel and home heating oil will push people into poverty. It comes as representatives from the fuel industry are expected to be grilled by the Minister for Enterprise about their price structure at a meeting tomorrow. Minister Peter Burke is expected to press them on how increases have taken place so rapidly since the beginning of the conflict in Iran. These people have told Clare FM they're worried about the impact of the prices rises on their household budget

On this week’s Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn will visit the home of the largest stalactite in the Northern Hemisphere and the third biggest in the world. Over 7 metres in length and believed to weigh around 10 tonnes, it was discovered by a pair of young English cavers in 1952. The cave and stalactite were opened to the public by the Browne family 20 years ago this year.

The manager of the Spanish Point Ladies Footballers says there's a clear focus among the school community ahead of their upcoming All-Ireland Semi-Final. The West Clare school claimed even more silverware in a historic year last night after defeating St Flannan's by 3-13 to 1-3 in the county final in Clarecastle last night. St Joseph's Spanish Point are now gearing up for an All-Ireland Semi-Final clash with Moate of Westmeath next Thursday. Manager Paul Reidy has been telling Clare FM's Derek Dormer that they're keen to continue to journey.

It's feared Clare could suffer "huge reputational damage" and be faced with heavy fines if it fails to meet its climate targets. This week's meeting of Clare County Council's Physical Development Strategic Policy Committee has heard that the local authority is required to reduce its carbon emissions by 51% before 2030 along with all other public sector organisations. A presentation delivered by Senior Executive Engineer in the council's Climate Action, Environment and Water Services Department, Conor McDonagh, revealed that electricity accounts for 50% of the council's energy usage. Transport is responsible for 32% while 18% is down to thermal energy. Clare FM's Seán Lyons attended the meeting and caught up with Conor about how the local authority plans to cut back on its emissions. Photo (c) Clare County Council

A prominent Clare haulier is calling for a Dáil vote to be taken tonight to scrap Carbon Tax amid an expected rise in fuel costs. The Irish Road Haulage Association is predicting the price of petrol and diesel will soon soar above €2 per litre due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Speaking earlier this week, Micheál Martin has stated there should be no increase in fuel costs as Ireland's oil is sourced from the North Sea, and has pledged to engage with the Consumer Protection Commission. Former President of the IRHA Eugene Drennan however has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that the Taoiseach is ill-informed.

On Wednesday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey, Tommy Corbett was in studio for our Financial Advice slot. This week, Tommy spoke to us about succession planning. Text or WhatsApp 0861800964 if you have any questions for Tommy.

Alan Morrissey was joined by Ciara Flynn, a volunteer with Clare Suicide Bereavement Support, to talk about their upcoming eight-week healing programme for family members, relatives and friends who have been bereaved by suicide. The course offers a safe, caring and confidential space for people to come together, share their experiences and find support during a very difficult time. Image © Clare FM

This weekend, the Ennis Book Club Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary, bringing readers and writers together in Ennis for a special programme of events. One of the highlights is a Literary Lunch with Dr Marie Cassidy — former State Pathologist, whose career saw her investigate thousands of unnatural deaths and hundreds of murders, and who is now a bestselling crime novelist. Marie spoke with Alan Morrissey on Wednesday's Morning Focus ahead of her sold-out conversation in Ennis to talk about her remarkable career and her journey from forensic science to fiction. Photo (c) Dubray Books

The US President says 'everything's been knocked out' in Iran. As the conflict enters a fifth day there have been more explosions overnight in both Iran and southern Lebanon. While Tehran is continuing to retaliate with strikes across the Gulf region. Donal Trump says the US military operation has been a success so far. Meanwhile, Irish citizens in the United Arab Emirates, could be evacuated in the coming days as plans are finalised for a government charter flight to leave Oman - provided they get the all-clear. The Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee says this first flight will be targeted at Irish citizens currently in UAE, particularly those who are non-resident and require assistance most urgently. Pregnant women, the elderly and those with health conditions are to be given priority in the first Irish airlift out of the Middle East. They will be the first to travel home as the government begins chartering flights out of the Gulf from Oman. 280 people will be on the first plane out of the region. The Taoiseach is facing increasing pressure from some quarters to cancel his St. Patrick’s Day visit to the White House, in light of America’s attack on Iran. Labour’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Duncan Smith says the meeting with the US president should not go ahead in its traditional form. And consumers are being warned they should expect the cost of fuel and home heating oil to increase over the coming weeks. It's due to growing instability in the Middle East, with a barrel of oil up 20 dollars since the weekend. Alan Morrissey spoke with Dr. Scott Fitzsimmons, Associate Professor of international Relations at UL and Micheál Collins, Ennis-based economist and Assistant Professor of Social Policy at University College Dublin, to find out more. Image © Getty Images Signature via Canva

Steve Wall — musician, singer, songwriter and actor — this week shared a deeply distressing experience on social media after a near-miss on the Ennis to Ennistymon road, close to where his three-year-old niece Estlin was killed in a crash nine years ago. Steve has spoken powerfully about dangerous overtaking, road safety, and what he believes is a lack of action to prevent further tragedy. He joined Alan live in studio to talk about what happened, the lasting impact on his family, and why he feels urgent change is needed. Image © Pate Flynn

A leading homeless prevention charity assisted 183 Clare households in the final quarter of 2025. Thresholds latest report for the period of last October to December, shows it prevented 700 individuals and family units from entering homelessness nationwide. According to the group, 60% of its quarterly presentations from Clare, involved tenants who had a received a notice to quit. Threshold National Advocacy Manager Ann-Marie O'Reilly says this is far above the national average.

The Tánaiste has promised to explore safety upgrades on a notorious section of a Clare national secondary route. Residents of Darragh have been campaigning for a speed limit review and warning signage on a 2km stretch of the N68 between Darragh’s North Cross and Bansha Cross. There have been 33 collisions officially recorded on the route, which have led to four fatalities since 2007 alone. Responding to Clare Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan in the Dáil, Tánaiste Simon Harris says he will press the Transport Minister on the matter.

Shannon Airport’s Departures Hall is set to be transformed once again this week as it hosts the Explore Engineering Showcase for the fifth consecutive year. Taking place this Thursday (5th March), the event will bring together around 2,000 senior-cycle students, along with parents, teachers and guidance counsellors, to meet more than 60 engineering companies from across the Mid-West. Now in its eleventh year, the showcase is all about connecting young people with real-world opportunities — from apprenticeships and further education to third-level pathways — and giving them a hands-on look at the innovation happening right on their doorstep. To tell us more on Tuesday's Morning Focus about what students can expect, Alan Morrissey was joined by David Purcell, Technical Support Leader at Lufthansa Technik, one of the key engineering employers in the region, and Eimear Brophy, Manager of Further Education and Training at Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board and Chairperson of Explore Engineering. Photo (c) Shannon Airport

Today marks World Hearing Day, and this year there’s a particular focus on the importance of hearing care for children — and the role it plays in shaping their development, education and future opportunities. The campaign theme, “From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children,” highlights the need for early screening and intervention, with the World Health Organization estimating that around 90 million young people worldwide are living with hearing loss — much of it preventable. At the same time, here in Ireland, Hidden Hearing is highlighting the powerful link between healthy hearing and being fully present in everyday family life — from simple conversations to those moments that really matter with children and grandchildren. To discuss why hearing health deserves more attention at every age, Alan Morrissey was joined by audiologist Faye Heuston. Photo (c) Pixelshot via Canva

An Ennis native and founder of Bitesize Irish, Eoin Ó Conchúir has just published a new independent book, Seacht mBealach / Seven Ways, offering a gentle and practical approach to living Irish every day. Launching during Seachtain na Gaeilge, the book encourages small, meaningful daily actions — from speaking and listening to reflecting — helping people reconnect with the language without pressure or perfection. Eoin spoke with Alan Morrissey on Tuesday's Morning Focus which was broadcast live from the recruitment fair in Shannon.

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was live from the recruitment fair at Building 7000, Westpark Innovation Campus, Atlantic Avenue, Shannon. First on the show, we heard from Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes, Kevin Tierney of Tierney’s, and Deirdre Frawley of AIB, who spoke about the importance of businesses outside of cities and the success of AIB’s participation in last year’s recruitment fair. Alan Morrissey was then joined live by Dominic Murphy, Managing Director of Shannon Precision Engineering; Seán Sheehan, General Manager for Ireland at SK Teks; and Tomás Sherry of the Irish Defence Forces. They discussed a range of topics, including the benefits of the recruitment fair, the importance of supporting local employment opportunities, and the value of the circular economy. Later, we welcomed Adrian Murphy, Global Projects Director at Panametrics; Stacey Keane, Marketing Director at Takumi Precision Engineering; and Peter McNamara, Senior Project Manager at WrxFlo. They spoke about the importance of Shannon as a hub for business, the growing demand for skilled workers, low college enrolment numbers in engineering fields, and much more. To round off the show, Alan chatted with Mike Kenihan, Senior Director of Europe, the Middle East and Africa Fulfilment Operations at HID; Kay O’Sullivan of Clean Habit Recycling; and Diarmuid Cullinan, Associate Director of Strategic Manufacturing at Aerogen Shannon. Their discussion focused on the benefits of local recruitment and the positive impact local people can have on their community.

The Clare branch of the Irish Farmers Association has slammed the Agriculture Minister who they claim has “completely and utterly ignored” their concerns throughout the Bord Bia controversy. The farming representative organisation has stood down its protest at Bord Bia headquarters following an agreement that a governance review into the matters raised during the dispute will take place. Five IFA members occupied the lobby of Bord Bia’s Dublin offices for 28 days while a rolling 24-hour protest took place outside the building for 36 following the revalation that Larry Murrin’s company used Brazilian beef in its produce. Feakle-based Chairperson of the IFA in Clare, Stephen Walsh, has been telling Clare FM’s Seán Lyons that farmers fear for their livelihoods if the use of South American meat becomes the norm here.

Hundreds of jobseekers have descended on Shannon today, to explore career possibilities with more than fifty employers in the region. Shannon Chamber has been hosting a recruitment fair at the Westpark Innovation Campus, in collaboration with the Department of Social Protection and the Local Authority Integration Team. The event is part of the Department’s annual Work and Skills Campaign, giving local employers a chance to connect with people seeking employment and to showcase opportunities within their companies. One company taking part is Ireland SK Tes, the world's largest IT lifecycle management and solutions company. The firm, which opened in the Shannon Free Zone in January, is aiming to recruit later this year and General Manager Sean Sheehan says they're looking for people who are eager to grow and develop their careers with the company.

As part of Tuesday's Morning Focus which was broadcast live from Shannon jobs fair, Colm Liddy, local historian and author spoke with Alan Morrissey about the first jobs that began in Shannon for our Clare History In Focus slot. Photo (c) Colm Liddy

The Foreign Affairs Minister has convened a meeting of the Government Trade Forum, to discuss the situation in the Middle East and other international developments. Monday’s meeting at Government Buildings was attended by Tánaiste Simon Harris and several other ministers. Minister Helen McEntee updated them on a virtual meeting with other EU foreign ministers on Sunday night, during which they called for a de-escalation of the conflict. Meanwhile, Monday saw the US and Israel attack Iran for a third day, with Tehran continuing retaliatory strikes. The conflict has expanded, with Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon trading fire. All Irish Defence Forces personnel serving with Unifil are safe and accounted for. Explosions were heard across the region and reported in Jerusalem, as well as Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Hassan Famaraz, Iranian man based in Ennis and Niamh McNamara, former Ennis resident and Clare FM Producer, living in the UAE on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) 200mm Getty Images Signature via Canva.

Clare is set to benefit from the addition of three special education classes. The schools to receive additional resources in this county are Scoil Mhainchín, Ennistymon, Ennistymon Community School and Scoil Mhuire, Meelick. It means there will be a total of nine new special education classes opening in Clare from September. Tulla based Minister of State Timmy Dooley insists funding will be forthcoming for all schools in need.

The Tánaiste has promised to explore safety upgrades on a notorious section of a Clare national secondary route. Residents of Darragh have been campaigning for a speed limit review and warning signage on a 2km stretch of the N68 between Darragh’s North Cross and Bansha Cross. There have been 33 collisions officially recorded on the route, which have led to four fatalities since 2007 alone. Responding to Clare Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan in the Dáil, Tánaiste Simon Harris says he will press the Transport Minister on the matter.

Each Monday we will be on air from 6pm to look back on the weekends local sporting action, hearing from all those involved along with getting analysis on the big stories and moments and lots more too so we hope you keep it tuned here over the course of the next hour or so Coming up on this show We reflect on Clare's National Football League win over Limerick, the hurlers return to Division 1A of the National Hurling League, Clare's camogie side continue their unbeaten run, while the ladies footballers make it back to back wins to move clear of the relegation battle in Division Three of the League. We also round up a busy weekend of handball action and look back on what happened in local soccer too

Poetic Keys An Ode to County Clare - Oughtmama [McCormick] by Clare FM

Poetic Keys An Ode to County Clare - At Three Castles Head We Catch our Breath [Canon] by Clare FM

Poetic Keys An Ode to County Clare - Oilean agus Oilean Eile [Riordain] by Clare FM

Poetic Keys An Ode to County Clare - Lough Gur - Plunged Through [Suilleabhain] by Clare FM

Poetic Keys An Ode to County Clare - We Are Living [Kennelly] by Clare FM

A Clare travel counsellor fears further disruption to flight schedules this week in light of the ongoing violence in the Middle East. All flights between Dublin Airport and Middle Eastern countries have been cancelled due to concerns around the US and Israel's war on Iran. Dubai International Airport, which is the world's busiest international hub, is closed for the third consecutive day today along with countless others across the region. Ennis travel counsellor Gearoid Mannion has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons we're "in a pause" of information at the moment but he's hopeful more clarity is on the way.

It's claimed more emergency accommodation is needed in Clare amid record local homeless numbers. For the first time, the number of adults recorded as homeless in this county has exceeded 100 according to the Department of Housing's report for January. According to Clare County Council, meanwhile, a further 73 children are living in homeless shelters here. Campaigner Fiona Faulkes who runs a mobile shower service for the homeless in Ennis has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that she's also seeing an increase in presentations across all demographics.

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 Morrisey was discussing housing in rural Clare with Cllr. Pat Hayes and Liam Browne. This feature, ‘The Future of Housing’ is funded by the News Reporting Scheme.

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre was back with some of her great advice on all things gardening. This week on Monday’s Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey, Judy spoke about Cabbages.

On Monday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey, Siobhan Mulcahy, Clare County Arts Officer was live studio to chat on what is coming up in the arts scene around the county. Siobhan spoke about drama, and visual arts.

More than 6,000 children are currently in care across Ireland — and that number continues to grow. This Focus on Fostering Week, there’s a renewed appeal for people and families to consider opening their homes to a child in need of safety, stability and support. Joining Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus to talk about the realities of fostering — from the assessment process to the day-to-day experience — were Karen Dowling, a foster carer based here in Clare, and Nora NiThuama, Principal Social Worker with responsibility for carer recruitment and placements. Photo (c) zimmytws Getty Images via Canva

Shannon Family Resource Centre (Shannon FRC) is celebrating a major boost for local families after securing €5,000 in national funding to further strengthen its Parenting Peer Support Group. The investment recognises the vital role the group plays in supporting parents across the community and will enable the centre to expand and enhance its programme throughout 2026. Established in 2023 by Family Support Worker Cathal Dillon, the group has grown into a trusted, welcoming space where parents can connect, share experiences and build confidence in their parenting journey. Alan Morrissey was joined by Cathy O Byrne, founder of The Swallows Trail Parent Support and Shazia Shaikh & Leah McNamara, parents attending the peer support group. Image © www.shannonfrc.com/gallery

Carrigaholt is rallying together to protect one of the most important services in the village — its Post Office. Following a recent robbery, the community has launched a fundraiser titled Stand With Maura – Help Save Carrigaholt Post Office, with the aim of funding vital security upgrades and helping secure the long-term future of the service. Alan Morrissey has been speaking about the fundraising efforts and what the Post Office means to the village with local residents Luke Aston and Mags Keane. Image © Stand with Maura via GoFundMe

With energy costs still on people’s minds and growing interest in community-led climate solutions, two information evenings are taking place in North Clare this week focusing on practical ways to cut bills and reduce waste. From switching electricity suppliers and improving solar PV systems in Ballyvaughan, to exploring how food waste could be converted into biogas in Doolin, the events aim to give households and businesses real, workable options. To tell us more about this, Alan Morrissey spoke with Colm Garvey from the Clare Community Energy Agency on Monday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) EcoVision

Vaping among young people has become a growing concern for families, schools and health professionals across Clare — and this week, a major community campaign is aiming to tackle it head on. The Escape the Vape initiative, led by the South Clare Child and Family Support Network under Tusla, is bringing together schools, youth services and addiction specialists to raise awareness about the impact of nicotine products on young people. On Monday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Aisling Mulhall, Senior Child and Family Support Network Coordinator with Tusla, Cora Guinane, School Chaplain at St. Caimin’s Community School in Shannon, and Dylan Madden Phelan, a second-year student involved in the initiative.

Residents in West Clare have been left shocked and disgusted after the discovery of dumped animal carcasses along a rural road in Kilmurry McMahon. The incident, described as “horrifying”, has renewed concerns about persistent illegal dumping across the county — with calls now for stronger enforcement measures, including CCTV at known blackspots. Joining Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus was June Dillon and Michael Shannon, Quilty Fianna Fáil Councillor.

It's hoped a public meeting on the future of emergency healthcare taking place this evening will bring Clare a step closer to securing a new hospital. The Friends of Ennis Hospital is hosting the event at the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis tonight at 7.30pm. Last December, the Health Minister pledged to pursue all three of HIQA's recommendations aimed at easing hospital overcrowding in the MidWest, which includes the delivery of a new emergency department. Friends of Ennis Hospital Chairperson Angela Coll says they want to ensure it's progressed in a timely manner.

A prominent Ennis facility is set to close for eight weeks for a major refurbishment. Cloughleigh Playground will be closed from today until April 27th to facilitate the project, valued at over €40,000. The works will see the installation of a new swing, new benches, sensory play elements and games, a new tarmac surface and a new perimeter fence. Clare County Council Senior Sport And Recreation Executive Eoin Troy says it will hugely benefit the community.

Clare hurling boss Brian Lohan he's pleased to have gotten back into the top tier of the National Hurling League as quick as possible. The Banner secured promotion back to Division 1A with a 1-28 to 0-18 win over Carlow in Netwatch Dr Cullen Park. The result also sees Clare into the Division 1B decider, with that game set to be played the first weekend of April. Lohan says his side have shown great professionalism in the campaign to date.

Clare football manager Paul Madden the manner with which his side overcame a slow start to secure their third win of the National Football League. A 1-21 to 1-12 win over Limerick puts Clare into second place in Division 3 and firmly in the promotion hunt. Clare found themselves trailing early before Mark McInerney kicked 1-5 without reply, with the Éire Óg man finishing the day with 1-8. Madden says there was no looking back once they got into rhythm.

Calls have been made for the establishment of a community land trust to keep Clare's coastal house prices down. It follows concerns raised over a seaside four-bed detached home in Lahinch selling for over €1m, along with reports of two-bed council houses in the county going for upwards of €350,000. Under a community land trust model, lands would be acquired and held by non-profit groups and would later be sold at affordable rates to local residents. Speaking at the Oireachtas Housing Committee, Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney says it's needed to curb property inflation.

A new taxi service is now available in Clare. As part of a major national expansion, online Platform Bolt will be making over 150 licensed drivers available in this county. There are currently just 464 taxi drivers operating in Clare, which is the second fewest in the province. Bolt Senior General Manager for Ireland, Kimberly Hurd is confident their service will substantially improve local connectivity.

Fr Gerrk Kenny presents Beyond Belief for 1st March 2026

Fr Gerry Kenny leads our Sunday Prayer for the 1st March 2026 the 2nd Sunday of Lent

A Clare-based former National Bus and Rail Union official fears the new public transport security force won't be given the teeth to do its work effectively. Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien has confirmed this week that the planned dedicated security force for buses and trains will have powers of arrest and pursuit. It's been revealed however that the agency will be modelled on the airport police and will be controlled by the National Transport Authority instead of An Garda Síochána. Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien doesn't think this is the right way to go.

An event will take place in Clare's capital today to mark four years since Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine. Crowds will gather at the O'Connell monument in Ennis from 1pm to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people. There are currently 4,962 Ukrainian refugees living in Clare, while the ongoing conflict has to date cost hundreds of thousands of lives. Mariya Nikishanova who's originally from Irpin but living in Ennis says they're determined to stay strong.

Learner drivers in Clare will now have to meet additional requirments in order to sit a test. From the 9th of March, learners will have to provide physical proof to testers that they are insured in the vehicle used in the exam or they will not be permitted to complete the test. The new requirement was introduced following threats of a full day work stoppage by Road Safety Authourity testers last Friday. Chris Curran of the Chris Curran Coaching Driving School in Ennis, says providing additional documentation will become a routine procedure.