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A heart-warming new community initiative is bringing style, dignity, and independence directly to nursing home residents across the region. “Rocking the Rails” is a travelling retail experience designed to ensure elderly individuals can continue choosing their own clothing and personal items — empowering them to maintain independence, identity, and confidence. The initiative is led by Maggie Cronin, proud owner of The Family Store in Kilrush. A family-run department store established over 30 years ago. Alan Morrissey spoke to Maggie about "Rocking the Rails" and her family store on Clare FM's Morning Focus. Image (c) The Family Store Limited via Facebook

Education supports for children with additional needs have been thrust back into the spotlight after Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton announced a pause to the review of Special Needs Assistant allocations. The decision follows widespread concern from parents, schools and unions after a number of schools were informed they could lose SNA posts from next September, despite Government assurances that there are no overall cuts and that SNA numbers will rise to 25,000 by 2026. The review, carried out by the National Council for Special Education, had prompted protests and calls for greater clarity around how allocations are decided. So, what does this pause really mean for families, for SNAs working on the ground, and most importantly, for the children who rely on that vital support every day? Alan Morrissey spoke with Whitegate mother Anne Malone and SNA and Tubber native Liz O’Donoghue on Clare FM's Morning Focus Photo (c) JasonDoiy from Getty Images Signature via Canva.com

An East Clare community is expressing frustration following a government proposal to remove a full-time Special Needs Assistant from a local school. It's understood Flagmount NS has received correspondence from the Department of Education indicating it will lose its full time SNA for this year. The Government has now, however, announced a pause to its ongoing SNA review, following significant backlash. Scariff based Independent MEP Michael McNamara says the decision must be reversed.

One of Clare's local elected representatives says it'll be seen as a "national scandal" in the years to come that working people in the county can't afford a house at present. Discussions at this week's meeting of Clare's Rural Development Strategic Policy Committee were dominated by housing following a presentation from the Housing Activation Unit on the steps being taken to boost supply in the county. Clare County Council is aiming to build 167 social and affordable homes this year but claims it's on course to deliver 232. Corofin Fianna Fáil Councillor Joe Killeen, who sits on the Rural Development SPC, says successful governments' housing policies have proven unsuccessful in recent years.

A new survey has shown overwhelming support for the Government to urgently progress with plans for a new Emergency Department in the MidWest. The assessment carried out by the MidWest Hospital Campaign received 2,567 public responses between December and January alone. Over 93% of respondents said they wanted to see HIQA's option C progressed at the same time as Options A and B which involve increasing capacity on the University Hospital Limerick campus and developing another site nearby. MidWest Hospital Campaign Spokesperson Marie McMahon says the will of the people needs to be respected.

It's hoped Clare will carry huge momentum into Round 4 of the National Football League, bouyed by their first win of the league series. The Banner will be looking to secure back to back wins in Division 3 when they welcome Laois to Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg on Sunday. Paul Madden's side come into the game off the back of a strong finish to their game against Fermanagh which saw them pick up their first points of the campaign. Clare FM analyst Joe Garry says the manner of the result will provide a great lift to the squad.

St.Flannan's manager Brendan Bugler says he's expecting a stern test when his side face Kilkenny CBS in the Croke Cup this weekend. The Ennis side, who sit second in the roll of honour for the competition, travel to Bansha for their quarter final tie on Saturday afternoon. The Kilkenny side shipped a heavy defeat to rivals St.Kieran's College in the Leinster PPS Senior Hurling A final last time out. Bugler says that performance isn't reflective of the quality their opponents possess.

Clare camogie boss Eugene Foudy is hailing the character his side showed to avoid defeat in round 1 of the National Camogie League. The Banner came way from Abbotstown with a draw in their Division 1B opener against Dublin who were relegated from the top tier last year. Clare twice trailed in additional time at the end of the second half, however scores from Lorna McNamara and Aoife Anderson brought Clare level both times. Foudy says his side never faltered when it looked like things were going against them.

Local Historian and Author, Colm Liddy joined Sally-Ann Barrett on Tuesday's Morning Focus for our regular History In Focus slot. This week, Colm told us the fascinating story of The Ralahine Commune. Photo (c) Colm Liddy

It's feared an "all roads lead to Dublin" approach to infrastructure could leave Clare behind and irreparably damage the county's water bodies. Following Clare County Council’s decision to lodge an objection to the proposed 170-kilometre pipeline from the Parteen Basin and Dublin, an environmental group has urged other local authorities to follow suit.

The first meeting of a taskforce set up as a result of the loss of one third of Ireland's fishing quota this year, estimated to cost the fishing industry €105 million, has taken place at Howth Harbour. Clare's Minister of State claims it's "too early to suggest" what kind of supports will be introduced to prevent further job losses in coastal communities. The first meeting of a taskforce established to respond to the loss of one third of Ireland's fishing quota this year has been held this week. The reduction is expected to cost the fishing industry €105 million, potentially impacting 2,300 jobs. For more on this, we heard from Tulla-based Fianna Fáil Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley. As well as that, Sally-Ann Barrett spoke to Luke Aston, Carrigaholt-based Chairperson of the Irish Charter Skippers Assocation on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) energepic.com from Pexels via Canva

Is the primary school day in Ireland too short and would longer days could give children more time to flourish, not just to fit in academic targets? With mid term break underway in many schools across Clare this week the topic of the school day and its structure is a timely one. One mother believes there’s a lesson to be learned from our European neighbours on how the juggle of school schedules and childcare can be balanced for the better: For more on this, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined by Mary McCarthy, Irish Independent columnist on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Neustockimages from Getty Images Signature via Canva

With a significant % of the population over 55 years what should they and their parents have in place legally to provide for senior years & death & why Sharon Cahir from Cahir & Co Solicitors spoke with Sally-Ann Barrett on Tuesday's Morning Focus about wills, eduring power of attorney and so much more.

Ennis-based artist Tomás O’Maoldomhnaigh will launch a new book this week created in collaboration with his late brother, photographer Dominick Moloney. In the Artist’s Footsteps: Revisiting Jonathan Fisher’s Killarney will be launched on Thursday, February 19th at 7.30pm in O’Mahony’s Bookshop on O’Connell Street, Limerick. Sally-Ann Barrett spoke with Tomás on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Image (c) tomasartist.ie

From the hills of Clare to the heart of a war zone, one local man has just returned from three weeks on the front line in Ukraine. Adventurer and charity advocate Declan McEvoy has been volunteering with Hell’s Kitchen, a volunteer-led operation based in the eastern city of Kharkiv, just 20 kilometres from the fighting. Declan McEvoy joined Sally-Ann Barrett live in studio to discuss his recent journey to the front lines. Image (c) Clare FM

Concerns have been raised in East Clare following a series of alleged burglaries and thefts in the Tulla area. Posts shared on the East Clare Community Alert Facebook page in recent days include video footage of a group reportedly targeting homes and cars locally. The incidents follow a string of break-ins across the county last week, which prompted separate Garda investigations. Sally-Ann Barrett spoke with Matthew Moroney of East Clare Community Alert on Clare Fm's morning focus. Picture (c) BrianAJackson from Getty Images via Canva.com

The cost of making pancakes is up more than 35 per cent in five years. The price of two litres of full fat milk increased by 72 cents, that's up more than 42 per cent, 2 kilograms of flour went up by over 31 per cent or 62 cents . A box of six eggs has gone up by 32 per cent over the same period, according to figures from the Central Statistics Office. The CSO did not include the cost of lemons or lemon juice in its survey. Morning Focus’ Caitlin Griffin spoke to the Clare public about Pancake Tuesday Picture © Pixabay

Property owners who provide short-term accommodation lets across Clare, Limerick and Tipperary gathered at a meeting in Limerick last night to press local TDs and councillors for clarity ahead of impending rule changes for the sector. The gathering took place ahead of a nationwide meeting in Buswells Hotel, Dublin next Tuesday, February 24th, and followed last week’s Government decision to tighten regulations around short-term rentals. Proposed changes include restricting short-term lets in towns with a population of more than 20,000, those properties must be planning compliant and mandatory registration with Failte Ireland. Sally-Ann Barrett spoke with Airbnb Host Lorna Cahill to discuss how these changes may impact herself and other hosts, she also spoke to Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe and Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney about their thoughts on the matter. Image (c) Airbnb

Uisce Éireann is being criticised for failing to consider alternatives to a project which will see 330 million litres of water taken from the River Shannon. An event held by the River Shannon Protection Alliance has heard that the proposed 170-kilometre pipeline from the Parteen Basin to Dublin will result in "dangerous low water flow" in the Shannon. Clare County Council has this month agreed to lodge a submission with An Coimisiún Pleanála outlining local representatives' concerns around the plans. Environmentalist and Senior Project Manager with the River Shannon Protection Alliance Elaine Doyle believes there are better ways to address the drink water supply shortage in the capital.

Clare's Minister of State claims it's "too early to suggest" what kind of supports will be introduced to prevent further job losses in coastal communities. The first meeting of a taskforce established to respond to the loss of one third of Ireland's fishing quota this year has been held this week. The reduction is expected to cost the fishing industry €105 million, potentially impacting 2,300 jobs. Tulla-based Fianna Fáil Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley, says fishing representative groups must be front and centre of talks.

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre joined Sally-Ann Barrett on Monday's Morning Focus for our regular In The Garden slot. This week, Judy educated us all on how to make a wild flower garden.

Clare FM's Derek Dormer and Syl O'Connor joined Sally-Ann Barrett for Monday's Morning Focus to give their thoughts on what was a very busy weekend of sporting fixtures. Games Reviewed: National Football League Division 3, Round 3: Fermanagh v Clare (Sunday, Brewster Park Fermanagh) Centra Camogie League Division 1B – Round 1: Dublin v Clare (Saturday, National Games Development Centre, Abbotstown, Pitch 1)

A Clare TD has slammed comments by the Health Minister praising a marginal reduction in trolley numbers over the St Brigid's weekend According to the HSE's Trolleygar report, there were 25% fewer patients waiting on trolleys at 8am after the Bank Holiday weekend, compared to same period last year. However, figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation show University Hospital Limerick was actually more overcrowded this year, with 118 patients without a bed, even with the opening of the new 96 bed block. Shannon Sinn Féin Deputy Donna McGettigan has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan the Government should focus on action not back patting.

Clare Camogie has announced an exciting new sponsorship deal, partnering with well-known Clare GAA sponsor Pat O’Donnell. The new backing is seen as a major boost for the county’s camogie setup, with senior joint captains Clare Hehir and Abby Walsh joining Pat O’Donnell for the official launch. For more on this development, Sally-Ann Barrett was delighted to chat with Fergal O'Brien, Chairperson. Photo (c) Clare GAA

Driving testers at the Road Safety Authority who are members of the Fórsa trade union are to stage a full one-day work stoppage this Friday, over concerns uninsured vehicles are being presented for driving tests. It comes after the latest round of conciliation talks at the Workplace Relations Commission failed to reach a resolution. The union announced that a full one-day work stoppage, from 8.15am to 5.30pm, will be held on Friday 20 February. To discuss this further, Sally-Ann Barrett spoke with Chris Curran, of the Chris Curran Coaching Driving School in Ennis on Monday's Morning Focus.

The Corofin Traditional Festival is marking a very special milestone this year ,25 years since the very first festival back in 2001. This year’s event has a strong and unique theme, celebrating the second generation of Irish musicians. Those born in the UK to Irish emigrants, who returned home and have had a huge influence on traditional music here. Sally-Ann Barrett was joined in studio by Padraic O'Reilly on Clare FM's Morning Focus to tell us more about what’s planned across the weekend. Image (c) Clare FM

After 18 years of waiting, there’s finally a major breakthrough for Kilmihil. A planning notice has confirmed that Uisce Éireann is progressing plans for a new wastewater treatment plant in the West Clare village. It follows years of delays and uncertainty around the long-promised upgrade — a project first earmarked under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, with completion initially suggested for 2025, but later pushed back to the end of the decade. The issue has sparked political debate and local frustration, particularly after an EPA report identified Kilmihil as a priority area for upgrades. Now, however, there’s cautious optimism. Retired businessman and Kilmihil resident Gerry Johnston has welcomed the development as a turning point for the village’s future, while Rita McInerney, who has long campaigned on the issue, says the announcement is the result of sustained local pressure and persistence. Both joined Sally-Ann Barrett in studio to discuss what this latest step means for Kilmihil — and whether it finally puts the village on a firmer footing for growth and future generations. Image (c) Clare FM

County Arts Officer, Siobhán Mulcahy was back in studio on Monday's Morning Focus presented by Sally-Ann Barrett. This week, Siobhán informed us about Scór, workshops in Cois na hAbhna and more!

According to new figures from An Garda Síochána, Garda numbers in Clare are at their highest level in two years. 2025 saw a net increase of 10 gardaí in the county, bringing the total to 298 members stationed across Clare last December — an increase of 3.5% rise on the previous year. But while overall numbers are up, the picture varies locally. Ennis has seen a slight drop, with numbers falling from 114 to 110. In contrast, Shannon recorded a significant boost, rising from 58 to 71 members, and Crusheen also saw an increase. Meanwhile, Kilrush experienced a small decline. Nationally, 56 new officers joined the Roads Policing Unit last year — but just one of those has been assigned to Clare. The Chair of Clare's Local Community Safety Partnership Pj Ryan joined Sally-Ann Barrett in studio to discuss these new figures. Image (c) Clare Fm

Clare’s senior camogie squad are hoping to capitalise on early positive momentum in the National League. The Banner came back from behind to secure a 1-13 to 0-16 draw against Dublin in their opening round on Saturday, with Lorna McNamara finding the net. Next up for Clare is a clash against Wexford, who got off the mark defeating Offaly. Joint Captain Claire Hehir is confident the opening test will stand to them.

For the past two years, Anne-Marie Broomhead and her family say they have been living with persistent damp and mould in their council home, conditions she believes are not only damaging the property but are also seriously affecting their health and wellbeing. Anne-Marie, who suffers from asthma, says the situation has taken a toll, and despite repeated complaints she claims the situation remains unresolved. Anne-Marie joined Sally-Ann Barrett in studio on Clare Fm's Morning Focus to discuss these ongoing issues. Images (c) Anne-Marie Broomhead

Fresh pleas are being made for air quality in Ennis to be improved after it's been revealed that the county town had the worst air quality in Ireland last year. Ennis recorded seven instances where air quality exceeded permitted levels in 2025, down from 21 three years ago. In spite of the advances, data from the Environmental Protection Agency shows the town still had the worst air quality nationwide last year. A total of 17 monitoring stations have been installed across Ennis since December 2024 but Clarecastle Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom O'Callaghan insists there's room for improvement.

Clare's Senior Football Boss has hailed improved efficiency following their opening win of the National Football League. The Banner overcame Fermanagh by 2-18 to 0-18 on away soil with Aaron Griffin and Daniel Walsh both finding the net. Next up, Clare face Laois at Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosóg on February 22nd Manager Paul Madden says reducing turnovers played a big role in the win.

Pat Flynn travels to stunning West Clare to meet one of Ireland’s leading bronze portrait sculptors. Best known for his highly acclaimed life-size portraits, Seamus Connolly operates a bronze foundry on the Loop Head Peninsula. His sculptures include many greats from the world of sport, Irish and international politics as well as famous writers and actors.

The widening of a road approaching a primary outside Ennis has been named a priority infrastructural project in the region. Following a motion tabled by Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly at Ennis Municipal District, it's been confirmed that the widening of the L4611 leading to Knockanean National School will be included in Ennis MD's submission to the local authority's next strategic plan for roads investment. It was estimated in 2019 that the project would cost €450,000 excluding land acquisition. Councillor Daly doesn't believe it's working at the moment.

Stephen Fletcher presents Beyond Belief for this Sunday 15th February 2026. He talks to Vatican Correspondent Colm Flynn, Bishop Michael Burrows about his Peregrinations during Lent this year and Fr Gerry joins Stephen for coffee, cake and a chat. The late Sr Ann Crowley provides a Reflection on Ash Wednesday which was recorded a few years ago.

Stephen Fletcher leads our Sunday Prayer on today Sunday 15th february 2026, the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Reader is Susan Rice and the micisians are Anne Brady and John Bell and the Cathedral Singers

The Seanad has heard that the entire country should follow the example of County Clare when it comes to coastal protection. The recent Storm Chaundra saw significant damage to infrastructure as well as extensive flooding along the east coast. Following a severe spate of flooding in 2024, the multi-million euro Lahinch Coastal Protection Scheme was developed to protect public facilities and private property. Ennistymon Senator Martin Conway says this type of reason is needed nationwide.

Clare's Minister of State insists neither the Government nor Shannon Airport is "playing a role" in the deportation of people detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the US. Six flights chartered by ICE have refuelled at Shannon Airport since Donald Trump took office a year ago, with the latest stopping at the Clare base on Wednesday night. A recent investigation found that ICE used a private plane owned by a business associate of Donald Trump to deport eight Palestinian men who were "shackled" at the whists and ankles as they were flown through Shannon on the way to Tel Aviv from Arizona. Under international law, private aircraft and commercial charters don't have to seek authorisation from the Department of Transport for technical stops, and Tulla Fianna Fáil Minister of State Timmy Dooley says this means the law has been adhered to in these instances.

Coming up on the show, we will look ahead to Clare's crucial National Football League trip to Brewster Park in Enniskillen on Sunday, hear from the Clare camogie camp ahead of their National League opener against Dublin, we will preview this evenings Fitzgibbon Cup final and a few other bits too

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch sat down with Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus to look ahead to a weekend of sporting fixture taking place. Games Previewed: National Football League Division 3, Round 3: Fermanagh v Clare (Sunday, Brewster Park Fermanagh, 1pm) Centra Camogie League Division 1B – Round 1: Dublin v Clare (Saturday, National Games Development Centre, Abbotstown, Pitch 1, 2pm)

Just 13% of Clare's social housing stock has been audited in the last four years. There are currently 3,151 social housing units in this county, and just 436 have been assessed, to ensure they comply with building standards. In 2021, the Government had promised to complete inspections of all social homes nationwide within a five year timeframe. According to the latest council figures, meanwhile, Clare's social housing list increased by 24 households in January of this year alone. Clare Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that the rate of progress is unacceptable.

Teresa Carrig joined us on Morning Focus last November. She was in studio to talk about her Christmas single, Here With Me. Teresa was back in-studio to highlight her new album! The Kilrush singer-songwriter is launcing her second album, called Dancing Solo, in the Galleon.

Today is Friday the 13th — a day steeped in superstition and mystery, long considered unlucky in Western culture. But does Friday the 13th deserved its reputation? Do we have any cause to be concerned today? On Friday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare-based storyteller and filmmaker Tommy Lanigan, also known as Balor Otherworld, who delves into myths, legends, and the fascinating stories behind our fears of the number 13 and unlucky days.

This March, Ennis will once again become a haven for readers and writers as the Ennis Book Club Festival celebrates a very special milestone, its 20th anniversary. Over two decades, the festival has grown into one of Ireland’s most loved literary gatherings, known for its warm welcome, lively discussion and impressive line-up of authors. Artistic Director, Martina Durac joined Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus to look ahead to the festival.

It was a landmark night for Irish food and hospitality – and for Clare in particular - as the Michelin Guide ceremony was held in Ireland for the very first time — and there was strong Clare and Cork representation on the stage. Doonaha native Barbara Nealon took home the prestigious Michelin Service Award for her work at Saint Francis Provisions in Kinsale, while artisan producer Siobhán Ní Gharbaith was also present on the night, proudly showcasing Irish cheese to an international audience. They both spoke with Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Michelin Guide

She’s one of the familiar faces helping singletons find love on our screens — and this year First Dates Ireland is celebrating ten years on air. Clare native Alice Marr has been part of the show since day one, welcoming nervous daters into the restaurant, calming the jitters and quietly cheering them on from the sidelines. Alan Morrissey spoke with Alice on Friday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Karola G from Pexels via Canva