Clare FM

This week has been TY Media Week. A group of transition year students has been in Clare FM all this week, getting a flavour of what it is like to work at a radio station. They have been learning the ropes under the watchful eye of Colum McGrath... Alan Morrissey was delighted to welcome to studio St. Flannan's College TY Student, Daithi O'Leary, Ennistymon Community School TY Student, Faye Slattery and Clare FM's Colum McGrath.

A major change is on the way in how we receive weather warnings in Ireland. Met Éireann has confirmed it will replace county-wide alerts with a new localised, polygon-based warning system — meaning instead of entire counties being placed under alert, specific areas will be highlighted on maps. The move is aimed at giving clearer, more targeted guidance to communities at risk. But what will it mean for Clare — particularly for rural communities and the farming sector? For more on this, Alan Morrissey had a chat with Joe Killeen, Fianna Fáil Councillor for Corofin and Martin McMahon, Secretary of Clare ICMSA on Friday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) by Ave Calvar Martinez from Pexels via Canva

On Sunday, March 1st at 7.30pm, Hotel Woodstock will host a Cheltenham Preview Night in aid of Pieta House and Milford Hospice — bringing together top racing minds and local supporters for what promises to be a fantastic evening. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined on Friday's Morning Focus by co-owner of Hotel Woodstock, Sean Lally and Ger Hannon of Ralahine Stud. Photo (c) Co. Clare Hunt Instagram

The AGSI has met with the Garda Commissioner to discuss a number of issues. Thursday’s meeting came as the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors call for urgent reform of the industrial relations framework. President of the association, Declan Higgins says the current mechanisms are not working and they are struggling to solve any major issues... Alan Morrissey spoke with Brian Howard, Clare AGSI Rep, Ennis-based Detective Sergeant on Friday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Pat Flynn

The AGSI has met with the Garda Commissioner to discuss a number of issues. Thursday’s (26th) meeting came as the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors call for urgent reform of the industrial relations framework. President of the association, Declan Higgins says the current mechanisms are not working and they are struggling to solve any major issues. For more on this Alan Morrisey spoke with Clare AGSI Representative, Ennis-based Detective Sergeant Brian Howard.

Two new staff members have been employed by the HSE to carry out assessments of need in Clare. Responding to a query from Shannonbanks Sinn Féin Councillor James Ryan in the newly-formed Regional Health Forum Midwest, HSE Midwest has confirmed two individuals have been hired to expedite the process. Recent figures showed just 25 assessments of need were completed in the county over a nine-month period last year while 73 children remained on the waiting list. Councillor Ryan far more staff are needed to prevent children being "left in limbo".

The Department of Transport has acknowledged "deterioration" on rural roads in Clare and is urging Clare County Council to keep a closer eye on opportunities for improvement. Speaking in the Dáil, Bodyke Fine Gael Deputy Joe Cooney has questioned why the installation of cat's eyes is compulsory on national primary and secondary routes but not on local and regional roads. Responding to Deputy Cooney, Fine Gael Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jerry Buttimer, has stated the selection of roads for the placement of studs is the local authority's responsibility. He says road safety issues arising from areas being unlit are a matter of concern to the Government.

It's being argued that while a Clare town has seen a "significant jump" in its rate of commercial vacancy, its number of newly empty units is "relatively small". A new report has found Shannon to have the highest rate of unoccupied commercial premises in Ireland with more than a third not in use as of the end of December. The findings state that the town's rate has risen by almost 4% in a year with roughly 82 of its units currently inactive. GeoDirectory CEO Dara Keogh, who wrote the report, has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons the picture is much more positive for Ennis and Kilrush than it is for Shannon.

CIÉ Tours is helping “moo-ve” conservation forward in the Burren! Thanks to funding from their Sustainability Action Fund, ReFarm Burren has fitted 108 cattle with musical GPS collars, creating virtual “fences” that keep animals safe while protecting the unique flowers and habitats of the region. Farmers can now manage grazing remotely, without traditional fencing, letting species like gentians and orchids thrive. Alan Morrissey spoke with Brendan Dunford of Refarm and Sinead Nagle, Burren farmer to find out more on Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Visit Clare

Danny Lynch from Le Chéile in Barefield brought some lovely food into studio for Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus for Taste of the Week. This week, Danny brought in barbeque and spicy chicken wings, a new dish on the bar menu.

On this week's episode of Clare Women In Business, Pat Flynn chats with Róisin McMahon, owner of Grey Gate Interiors based in Lissycasey Co Clare. Clare Women in Business is funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the television licence fee.

The 20th Ennis Book Club Festival kicks off this Friday, 6th March, running through Sunday across venues in the town and county. The festival brings a lively programme of events for readers of all ages, including talks, workshops, and chances to meet your favourite authors. On opening day at The Temple Gate Hotel, Love & Change spotlights new LGBTQ+ writing with authors Nicola Dinan, Chloe Michelle Howarth, and Naoise Dolan in conversation with Jackie Lynam, celebrating fresh voices and the power of representation. Alan Morrissey was delighted to chat with Chloe Michelle Howarth and Nicola Dinan on Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Glór

The Mullagh Entire Drama Group is back on stage with their latest comedy, A Widow’s Paradise by Sam Cree. Since forming in 2001, the group has brought local audiences laughs every year, with plays by John B. Keane, Bernard Farrell, and more pausing only during COVID. This year’s production features familiar faces like Rita Downes, a longtime lead, and newer member Orna Hennessy, adding fresh energy to the stage. On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined live in studio by Rita Downes and Orna Hennessy.

Exciting news from Ennis! Coláiste Muire’s all-female team, Ignite Eire, is gearing up for the F1 in Schools Ireland competition this May, designing and racing their own miniature Formula 1 car. Supported for the third year in a row by Smithstown Light Engineering, the team, made up of Abby Cantillon, Asha Sikder, Síofra Lahiff, Oishy Nahar, Maebh Hawkins, and Eva Kelly will get expert guidance on engineering, design, and project management. Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by budding engineers, Coláiste Muire Students Abby Cantillon & Asha Sikder and Gerard Henn, CEO of Smithstown Light Engineering. Image © Clare FM

Siobhán Schous from Kilmore has been living with a hearing impairment from an early age, but she hasn’t let that hold her back. A talented international equestrian and University of Limerick graduate, Siobhán recently earned her MSc in Mental Skills and Mental Health in Sports and Exercise, combining her passion for horses with sports psychology. Growing up riding Irish Draught horses with her family, she has overcome significant challenges, including multiple major surgeries as a child, to thrive both in sport and education. Siobhan joined Alan Morrissey in studio to discuss her accomplishments and the challenges she has overcome. Image © Clare FM

Local Enterprise Week returns to Clare with a series of events aimed at boosting the county’s start‑ups and small firms, including a major exporters forum and a Women in Business networking session. Running from Monday to Friday next week (2-6 March), the initiative is supported by Enterprise Ireland and Clare County Council and is hosted by Local Enterprise Office Clare. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by Bernadette Haugh, Head of Enterprise at LEO Clare. Image © Clare FM

St. Patrick’s Comprehensive School is welcoming back former pupil and Shannon native Dani Hunter later today. Dani, who now serves as Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council in the UK, is returning to her alma mater for a special visit. With a strong interest in Special Educational Needs, Dani will meet with staff including Leona Leonard, a teacher who works closely with students in the school’s Autism classes. To find out more, Dani Hunter and teacher, Leona Leonard joined Alan Morrissey in-studio. Image © ShotByJude.com

The Government is defending its new rent reforms, insisting they’ll bring greater security for tenants and boost housing supply. But Ireland’s largest residential landlord, Ires Reit, has told investors the changes could deliver a potential 25% increase in rental income — prompting fierce criticism from the Opposition and housing advocates. So, what will this mean in reality for renters, landlords and the wider housing market? Alan Morrissey was joined on Morning Focus by Diarmuid McMahon of Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon and President of Ennis Chamber, and Shane Doody, Shannon Sinn Féin representative and homeless family support worker. Image © Thitiphat Khuankaew from Getty Images via Canva

Inward investment from Canada in Shannon could be on the cards following an ambassadorial visit this week. Addressing an event organised by the Shannon Chamber on Tuesday, Canadian Ambassador to Ireland Dennis King has commended Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland as globally unique assets while encouraging Irish companies to view Canada as a strategic partner and gateway to North America. There are currently 70 Canadian companies supported by IDA Ireland who employ approximately 27,000 people across the country, both directly and indirectly. CEO of Shannon Chamber Helen Downes says the visit has highlight the opportunities for collaboration between the two locations.

It's claimed Clare is stuck playing catch-up on road repairs. The local authority has been allocated just over €940,000 under the latest round of the Local Improvement Scheme, which covers non-public roads and laneways. According to the Department of Transport, 25 roads were fixed in Clare under the scheme in the last two years. Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy says they need to see much more progress.

Baby Monkey called Punch who was abandoned by his mother in Japan, recently went viral. John Garrahy from Treaty Vet Clinic in Shannon joined Alan Morrissey on Wednesday’s Morning Focus to discuss pet abandonment, helping animals adjust to a new home, and more. Photo (c) Punch Monkey via Facebook.

The Corofin Dramatic Society are bringing the Irish premiere of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Wit to audiences from tomorrow (Corofin Hall, Thursday, February 26th, Friday, February 27th & Thursday, March 5th) —a powerful, moving, and darkly humorous story about life, mortality, and the value of human connection. On Wednesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was delighted to be joined live in studio by Maura Clancy (plays Vivian Bearing), Lisa Clancy (plays Susie Monahan) and Bodbh Raleigh (plays lab technicians, clinical fellow, student and code team member).

It's hoped a new funding announcement for Shannon Airport will result in more flight routes for the facility and fewer people travelling to Dublin to fly. The Clare base has been included in the €45 million Regional Airports Programme for 2026 to 2030 which has been broadened to cover airports with up to three million passengers annually. It mean Shannon along with those in Knock, Kerry and Donegal will be able to avail of crucial state funding intended to ensure the viability of smaller airports. Cratloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat O'Gorman has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons Shannon's offering is "second to none".

She’s described as a curator of joy, a poetry lover and a wise, compassionate voice encouraging people to slow down and savour the beauty of ordinary life. Through her reflections online, Dearbhla Mescal has inspired thousands to pause and find light in small, everyday moments. Now, in her debut book, Finding Joy, she invites readers on a gentle 28-day journey of reflection, renewal and comfort. Dearbhla spoke with Alan Morrissey on Wednesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Easons

The United States has imposed a new 10 per cent tariff on imports overnight, following a ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States that struck down President Donald Trump’s previous trade measures. While the rate is lower than the 15 per cent he had threatened, there’s still significant uncertainty about how these new tariffs will operate — and what they could mean for Irish exporters. To help us unpack it all, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ennis economist and Assistant Professor of Social Policy at University College Dublin, Micheál Collins on Wednesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) panida wijitpanya from Getty Images via Canva

Community groups across County Clare are being invited to roll up their sleeves and learn practical traditional skills — from dry stone walling and lime plastering to hedge laying and food preservation — as part of a new fully funded training initiative under the LEADER programme. The Hands-on Heritage Skills programme is being delivered by Clare Local Development Company in partnership with Common Knowledge, with workshops taking place at the Common Knowledge Centre near Kilfenora from March. To tell us more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Aisling Kirk from CLDC and Brendan Wall from Common Knowledge. Image © cldc.ie

Irish consumer confidence has edged up again this month, reaching its highest level in almost a year — but the overall mood remains cautious. While worries about jobs and the wider economy have eased slightly, many households are still feeling the pressure of rising costs, and most expect inflation and house prices to be even higher five years from now. To unpack the latest findings from the Irish League of Credit Unions Consumer Sentiment Index, Alan Morrissey spoke with Louis Fay of St Francis Credit Union in Ennis. Image © Gabriel Ciobanu's Images via Canva

The Government has confirmed there will be no reduction in Special Needs Assistants in schools next year, following a major public backlash over proposed cuts affecting almost 200 schools nationwide — including some here in Clare. An additional €19 million has now been allocated, but questions remain about how the situation arose and what happens when a fresh review of SNA posts takes place next year. Meanwhile, SNA's and parents of children with additional needs will protest outside the Dáil at 5pm this evening - with simultaneous demonstrations in Limerick, Cork, Galway and Buncrana. They're going ahead with their planned protests, despite a Government U-turn on SNA allocations. Alan Morrissey was joined by Meelick Fianna Fáil TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth, Cathal Crowe, and Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan to discuss this. Photo © JasonDoiy from Getty Images Signature via Canva

The Vice-Chair of the newly established HSE Regional Health Forum Mid West claims the Government is "playing catch-up" with its latest funding allocation for health services in the county. The 2026 Capital Plan has set aside €6 million for healthcare facilities in Clare with €3.6 million of this going towards an upgrade of Ennis Hospital. The expansion includes a new ward block with 48 beds. Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney says an emergency department in the county town must be the ultimate goal.

Clare County Council has confirmed the permanent pedestrianisation of Ennis's main thoroughfare. From March 2nd, O'Connell street will become partially pedestrianised, with vehicular access permitted from 6am to 11am daily to facilitate business deliveries, drop-offs and refuse collection. The local authority carried out significant public consultation, with one survey showing almost 90% of respondents supported the route being closed to traffic. Ennis Municipal District Senior Engineer Paddy Tiernan says their hybrid decision was a fair compromise.

Clare-based metalworker Jane Murtagh is among the 16 designer makers selected by Design & Crafts Council Ireland to exhibit at Collect 2026, the prestigious international fair for contemporary craft and design at Somerset House, London. A graduate of Fine Art from Dun Laoghaire School of Art, Jane has built a distinguished career from her studio in Cratloe, Co. Clare, creating finely crafted metalwork that reflects both technical mastery and artistic vision. At this year’s fair, which explores the theme of Four Seasons, her work will form part of Ireland’s curated presentation to an international audience of collectors, curators and design professionals.

This Saturday night, February 28th, music fans in Clare are in for a real treat as Remembering Joe – The Annual Joe Dolan Tour comes to Glór in Ennis. The 2026 tour marks 19 years since the passing of Joe Dolan, but his music remains as popular as ever, with classics like “You’re Such A Good Looking Woman” reaching new audiences in recent years and his songs still celebrated by artists around the world. Joining Alan Morrissey on Tuesday's Morning Focus was Joe’s brother Ben, who shared the stage with him for 47 years. Photo (c) Glór

Rising dramatically over the village of Quin, the 15th-century Franciscan friary is one of the most atmospheric medieval sites in the country. But could it be more than a ruin? Could careful restoration and imaginative vision transform it into a vibrant heritage centrepiece for Clare, drawing visitors from around the world while honouring its extraordinary past? To explore this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Garry Miley, Ogonnelloe-based architect on Tuesday's Morning focus.

It's claimed rents in Clare will not improve until housing supply drastically increases. Daft.ie's rental property price report for the final quarter of 2025 shows this county was the most expensive place to rent in Munster outside of the major cities. Supply across the province has reached a 20-year low meanwhile with just 200 new tenancies available for rent. Daft.ie Report Author and Economist Ronan Lyons has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan the supply deficits here are far from normal.

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, retired Deputy Principal of Rice College and Educational Consultant, John Burns, tackled the importance of SNA's. Image © Clare FM

A small but vibrant rural community in West Clare is coming together this week to support a centre that sits at the very heart of local life. Kilmurry McMahon Community Centre, originally built as a school in the late 1800s, is in the middle of a major refurbishment project — with plans not only to upgrade the historic building but also to develop a new outdoor pickleball court. With €160,000 in grant funding secured, the committee is now fundraising to bridge the remaining gap — and a special trad concert this Saturday night, February 28th, is set to play a big part in that effort. Mary Neylon from the community centre committee joined Alan Morrissey on Morning Focus to tell us about the concert and refurbishments. Image © Kilmurry McMahon Community Centre via FaceBook

A major decision is looming on what’s being described as the largest water infrastructure project in the history of the State — the €6 billion Water Supply Project for the Eastern and Midlands Region. The plan would see a 170-kilometre pipeline carry water from the Parteen Basin on the River Shannon to Dublin and beyond, with extraction levels of up to 330 million litres per day. Supporters say it’s essential to secure the capital’s long-term water supply. Critics in East Clare warn it could have devastating environmental and tourism consequences, and Clare County Council is preparing a submission to An Coimisiún Pleanála ahead of its decision. Alan spoke with Gary Gibson, Senior Programme Manager with Uisce Éireann to discuss the project. Photo © Ranslynn Designs from Ranslynn Designs via Canva

Today (24th February) marks the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine — a war that began in 2014 with the seizure of Crimea and has since become one of the defining geopolitical conflicts of our time. Over the weekend, Ukraine again faced waves of drone and missile attacks, while European foreign ministers meeting in Brussels struggled to agree a new sanctions package. US-brokered talks in Geneva have stalled, and questions remain about what happens next. Meanwhile, Cabinet Ministers are convening, ahead of a special meeting of European leaders to mark four years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Taoiseach Michael Martin is expected to commit to advancing Ukraine’s EU membership, when Ireland holds the EU Presidency later this year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will address the world later on today, via video link with the European Parliament. To discuss the global political picture and the local impact here in Clare, Alan was joined by Professor Donnacha Ó Beachain of Dublin City University, a native of Newmarket-on-Fergus and expert in post-Soviet politics, and Mariya Nikishanova, originally from Irpin in Ukraine and living in Ennis for more than a decade. Image © Mathias Reding from Pexels via Canva

There will be no reduction in the number of special needs assistants next year. An extra €19 million euro has been agreed to fund SNAs. It follows a meeting with several ministers last night, over a public backlash to planned SNA cuts in almost 200 schools around the country. Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe, who's Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth says it will be a huge relief to pupils and parents.

An Post says it's confident of retaining its services in a prominent East Clare town. The National Postal Service is in the process of recruiting a new operator for Killaloe, with the current Postmistress understood to be retiring in May. An Post is accepting applications for the vacancy until Wednesday and, has told Clare FM that it's expecting a healthy level of interest in the contract. Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien is hopeful of a positive outcome.

A Clare Hotelier says the Government must take steps to reduce operating costs to ensure the industry can remain viable. The Irish Hotel's Federation is holding its 88th annual conference in Kilarney today, where members across the country are meeting to dicuss challenges facing the sector. A recent IHF survey shows that while room occupancy improved last year, 92% of hoteliers are concerned about the outlook for the global economy. Chair of the Shannon IHF Branch and Co-Owner of the Temple Gate and Shannon Springs Hotels Dermot Kelly has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that policies need to be introduced to reduce costs.

A Clare Hotelier says the Government must take steps to reduce operating costs to ensure the industry can remain viable. The Irish Hotel's Federation is holding its 88th annual conference in Kilarney today, where members across the country are meeting to discuss challenges facing the sector. A recent IHF survey shows that while room occupancy improved last year, 92% of hoteliers are concerned about the outlook for the global economy. Chair of the Shannon IHF Branch and Co-Owner of the Temple Gate and Shannon Springs Hotels Dermot Kelly has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that policies need to be introduced to reduce costs.

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch, Tommy Guilfoyle and Derek Dormer all joined Alan Morrissey on Monday's Mornings Focus to look back on a busy weekend of sports. Games Reviewed: National Hurling League Division 1B, Round 4: Kildare 3-14 Clare 0-27 (Saturday, St. Conleth’s Park Newbridge) National Football League: Clare 0-24 Laois 2-15 (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg) Centra Camogie League Division 1B: Clare 0-16 Wexford 0-7 (Saturday, Clareabbey) LGFA National Football League Division 3: Clare 4-7 Laois 2-11 (Sunday, Clarecastle Astro)

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 Raspberries.

The Government has launched a public consultation on a new permanent disability support payment, aimed at addressing the extra, everyday costs faced by disabled people. It follows years of debate — from the 2021 Indecon report which estimated additional annual disability-related costs of up to €12,000, to the scrapping of the controversial Green Paper reforms in 2024 after widespread backlash. Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary says this consultation will ensure disabled people’s voices are central to shaping the new payment, with submissions open until April 7th. But against a backdrop of rising living costs and fresh protests over recent payment cuts — with some households said to be €1,400 worse off — questions remain about what meaningful support will actually look like. Alan Morrissey was speaking about this with Michael Meere of Clare Leader Forum on Monday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) thodonal from Getty Images via Canva.com

Lynda Duffy, Licensed RTT Practitioner, joined Alan Morrissey on Monday’s Morning Focus to highlight Eating Disorder Awareness Week, which begins today, 23rd February. With just three public specialist beds for adults currently available nationwide, Lynda says early intervention is more important than ever. Having recovered from an eating disorder herself, she’s passionate about raising awareness and offering practical advice. Photo (c) Pedrosala Getty Images vai Canva

A small detail on an official document has sparked a wider question about identity and geography in the Mid-West. Pádraig Langsch from Shannon took to social media after his mother’s renewed driver’s licence listed her address as “Tullyvarraga, Shannon, Limerick.” Now, we’ve all noticed over the years the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa listed as being in “Limerick,” despite actually being located in Clare. Meanwhile, parts of UL straddle the border, and even Shannon Airport has incorrectly been referred to as being in the Limerick. Pádraig joined Alan Morrissey to discuss this further.

There has been a push by locals for development of The Point in Shannon — a scenic spot on the Shannon Estuary that many locals feel deserves more recognition. A Shannon resident has suggested turning it into a much-loved walking and cycling link from Shannon Airport to Bunratty Bridge, something that could rival the Greenways seen around Ireland and help open up this beautiful part of Clare to residents and visitors alike. Alan Morrissey spoke with Blaise Phelan, who sparked the conversation, and Cllr Tony Mulcahy, Shannon Fine Gael councillor to discuss the idea. Image © Vic O via TripAdvisor

On March 4th, 2025, one man set off from Istanbul, Turkey with an extraordinary goal — to walk more than 6,000 kilometres all the way home to Claremorris in County Mayo… completely barefoot. Eamonn Keaveney has already smashed the existing world record for the longest barefoot journey and is now making his way across Ireland, raising funds for Jigsaw and Friends of the Earth along the way. Alan Morrissey was delighted to speak with Eamonn about this incredible journey and what it has meant to him. Image © Eamonn Keaveney

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) has confirmed that the Kilrush-based research vessel Celtic Mist will be retired at the end of the 2026 season. For more than a decade, the 17-metre yacht has played a vital role in surveying Ireland’s inshore and offshore waters, contributing over 100,000 kilometres of marine research in support of whale and dolphin conservation. Alan Morrissey spoke with Mags Daly the Shannon Dolphin Project Officer to discuss what changes this might mean for the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group research. Image © Eoghan Quinn Via IWDG.ie