Clare FM

A Clare developer who's been fighting for 20 years to get planning permission for a development on the site of a former pub says no one will "put a gun" to his head and stop him from achieving his aim. Noel O'Loughlin has withdrawn an application for a mixed-use development, including assisted living houses, on the site of Purcell's Lounge Bar in Ruan due to wastewater connectivity issues. It's the fifth time the Corofin native has attempted to get approval for a redevelopment of the building which was subject to an act of vandalism earlier this month. He says he intends to keep moving forward until the project is realised.

The construction of Ireland's first ever strategic gas reserve to be located off Clare's coast could get underway within two years. Gas Networks Ireland is holding information events in Kildysart Community Hall from 6pm to 9pm on Wednesday and Thursday regarding the proposed Cahercon development. The project is expected to create up to 450 jobs and will involve the installation of a deep water jetty storing liquefied natural gas in the Shannon Estuary that would be only be used in the event of an energy supply emergency. Gas Networks Ireland Chief Operating Officer Bobby Gleeson says there's still a long road ahead.

Businesses and residents in Ennis' Architectural Conservation area are being urged to apply for an upkeep grant before the deadline closes this week. The Ennis Paint Scheme will see up to €1,000 made available to businesses and homeowners in the town centre and its environs to upgrade their buildings. The scheme has a total fund of €424,000 and applications can be submitted to the local authority up to Friday. Mayor of Ennis Mary Howard is hopeful it will benefit local firms.

On this week’s Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn meets a jewellery designer from Spanish Point before visiting Lisdoonvarna to chat with a wedding photographer. Aisling Walsh left her job to pursue her love of jewellery making while Yvonne Vaughan started her career as a photo journalist but is now one of the county’s known wedding photographers.

It's claimed survivors of sexual assault in Clare and across the MidWest have less supports available to them than the rest of the country. It comes amid calls for a sexual assault trauma unit to be established in the region, which would allow forensically collected evidence to be stored for up to a year. Rape Crisis MidWest, meanwhile, currently has 80 people on its waiting list for counselling support. Sinn Féin TD Maurice Quinlivan says the need for such a service is urgent.

Light has been shed on plans for street lighting in a currently unlit part of Clare's county town. At this month's meeting of Ennis's local elected representatives, Mayor of Clare, Fine Gael Councillor Paul Murphy, has called for additional lighting on the footpath from the Lee's Road Drumcliff Road junction to the main entrance of John O'Sullivan Park. Ennis Municipal District has revealed that the proposed LIHAF road between the Claureen Roundabout to Drumcliff Road includes the provision of new lighting terminating within 60 metres of the entrance. Ennis MD has also pledged explore options for covering the remaining 60 metres, and Councillor Murphy believes it would be hugely beneficial.

Fr Brendan Quinlivan presents Beyond Belief for this Sunday. The programme tonight includes a reflection on Lent and the inclusion of the Pledge in Confirmation from Bishop Fintan. Peggy McInerney from Tulla Pioneers on the 25th Anniversary of the Matt Talbot Novena in Tulla and an invitation to consider sponsoring a sick/assisted pilgrim on the Killaloe pilgrimage.

Stephen Fletcher leads our Sunday Prayer for Sunday 22nd February 2026, the first Sunday in Lent. The Reader is Susan Rice and the music is provided by the Gloucester Cathedral Choir, the Sheffield Cathedral Choir and the Choir of Christ Church Lisburn.

A Clare organisation which delivers meals to homes across the county is hopeful a funding boost will mitigate its soaring food costs. After first floating the measure in Budget 2026, the Government has announced a €2 million increase in the HSE funding allocation for Meals on Wheels organisations nationwide. Obair in Newmarket-on-Fergus brings meals to roughly 300 service users each day and has 12 vans traversing the length and breadth of the county. Eimear Murphy, who works with Obair, says it's getting more difficult to cover food bills.

Clare County Council says it's "actively examining" the possibility of having a full-time caretaker at an Ennis sports and leisure complex. Clarecastle Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle has called for the provision of a full-time operative at the Fair Green, also known as Tim Smyth Park, in the interest of allowing it to remain open for longer and enhancing security. The local authority claims "work is progressing" to create such a role which it says would ensure " enhanced day-to-day maintenance, improved accessibility and user experience, and greater security and oversight within the complex". Councillor Guilfoyle says it would improve the park's offering while making it a safer place for all.

Coming up on the show we will look ahead to what is a very busy weekend of action with Clare's four flagship sides out in National League action, we will hear about how Kilmaley GAA club are looking for the Toughest Tribe, and Alan Troy will be along with Greyhound Focus too

East Clare’s landscape has long inspired stories of magic, mystery and quiet wonder — and one local author is bringing that spirit to life for a new generation of readers. Eric McNamara is the author of the Erica’s Light series, and he has just released his second book, Erica’s Light: The Ancient Scroll Awaits. Blending adventure with themes of kindness, community and curiosity, the series is deeply rooted in the beauty and heritage of East Clare — from Wood Park Woods in Mountshannon to the mystery of Inis Cealtra, Holy Island. Eric joined Alan Morrissey in studio on Friday's Morning Focus to talk about the inspiration behind the series, his own personal journey back to storytelling, and why the Clare landscape continues to spark imagination.

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch was back to chat with Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus to look ahead to some sporting games that will be happening over the weekend. Games Previewed: National Hurling League Division 1B, Round 4: Kildare v Clare (Saturday, St. Conleth’s Park Newbridge, 6.30pm) National Football League: Clare v Laois (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, 2pm) Centra Camogie League Division 1B: Clare v Wexford (Saturday, Clareabbey, 2pm) LGFA National Football League Division 3: Clare v Laois (Sunday, Clarecastle Astro, 1pm)

One of the world’s biggest bands has surprised fans with a powerful and politically charged new release. U2 have dropped a six-track EP titled Days of Ash, described as an immediate response to current global events and released ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The EP tackles themes of war, democracy, protest and human rights, and even features collaborations with Ed Sheeran and Ukrainian artist Taras Topolia. To unpack the music, the message, and what it tells us about where U2 are creatively right now, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM's Brian Flynn.

Hedgehog numbers are falling sharply across Europe, with dramatic declines recorded in recent decades and now a new Irish initiative is aiming to turn that around. Four researchers and hedgehog advocates have come together to launch Hedgehog Conservation Ireland, encouraging communities to take simple steps to help protect one of our most loved garden visitors. For more on this, Elaine O’Riordan from Hedgehog Rescue and the University of Galway School of Natural Sciences, joined Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Sebastian Moldoveanu via Canva

Poetic Keys An Ode to County Clare - The Prelude [Wordsworth] by Clare FM

This Saturday, Kilmaley GAA Club is set to host what promises to be one of the standout community events of the year, ToughestTribe26. It’s all about bringing people together for a big physical challenge, plenty of team spirit, and a great day out in support of the club. To tell us more about what’s in store and how preparations are going, Alan Morrissey was joined by Kilmaley’s Senior Hurling Manager Brian Culbert. Photo (c) Kilmaley GAA

We are celebrating some brilliant young minds from CBS Primary Ennis who have put Ennis firmly on the national science map! Three 5th class students; Francisco “Frankie” Giudici, Sam O’Neill and Aidan Hehir have just been crowned overall winners of the Intel Mini Scientist Competition, beating more than 5,000 students from 75 schools across the country. Their award-winning project explored how a catapult works, diving into the science of kinetic and potential energy and impressing judges at the Grand Final in Dublin. Alan Morrissey was delighted to chat with them on Friday's Morning Focus.

The Chinese Ambassador to Ireland has confirmed he'll be exploring investment opportunities at the Roche site in Clarecastle. Zhao Xiyaun (Jow Shee-wen) visited Clare for the first time yesterday where he took in the former pharmaceutical plant, Clarecastle GAA Club, Áras Chontae An Chláir and the Cliffs of Moher on his trip. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan was in attendance for the visit at Clarecastle GAA Club where he spoke to Shannon resident and member of the Chinese Association of Ireland Sang Man and Mayor of Clare Paul Murphy, but first asked his excellency Ambassador Zhao about the purpose of his visit.

A special meeting of Killaloe Municipal District has been held to review and approve the DRAFT Inis Cealtra (Holy Island) and Knockaphort Pier Bye-Laws prior to public consultation. There will be a focus on preventing illegal overnight parking and illegal camping. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey spoke with Cllr Pat Burke, Whitegate Fine Gael Councillor and Cllr Alan O'Callaghan, Sixmilebridge Fianna Fáil Councillor on Friday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Clare County Council

The Cliffs of Moher is continuing to see a marginal growth in visitor numbers. A new report from the Cliffs of Moher Experience shows just over 1.5 million people visited the tourist attraction last year, with nearly half of the figure hailing from the United States. According to data from the University of Limerick, 29% of visitors stayed at least one night in the county with only 10% staying for at least two. Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor and Clare Tourism Strategic Policy Committee member Joe Garrihy says improvements have to be made.

It's hoped Clare's camogie side will stake an early claim for promotion from Division 1B this weekend. Eugene Foudy's side welcome fellow promotion hopefuls Wexford to Clareabbey on Saturday afternoon following a battling draw against Dublin in their opening round game. The visitors recorded an emphatic 2-14 to 0-8 win over Offaly last week and will be bolstered by the return of key player Anais Curran this weekend. The Banner came out on top of two close encounters when the sides met last year and Clare FM analyst Anne Marie McGann expects there to be nothing between the teams again.

This week on Parenthood In Focus with Petrina O'Halloran, she spoke with Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus about traveling with children. Petrina is the founder of Mama's Boobie Box, mum blogger and writer for online magazine Boobingit.com. Photo (c) Mamas Boobie Box

Irish business confidence has fallen to its lowest level since the pandemic, according to a new Grant Thornton survey, with mid-market firms citing global volatility, rising labour and energy costs, and political uncertainty as major challenges for the year ahead. Here in Clare, businesses are feeling the impact, but they’re also taking steps to remain competitive and invest in technology and productivity. To discuss how local businesses are navigating these challenges, Alan Morrissey was joined by Margaret O’Brien, CEO of Ennis Chamber, and Patrick Burke, representing businesses in Kilrush and Ennis. Photo (c) Pop Andreea's Images via Canva

On this week's episode of Clare Women In Business, Pat Flynn chats with Kilrush-based artist and designer Ailish Malone. Clare Women in Business is funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the television licence fee.

Poetic Keys An Ode to County Clare - Cul An Ti [O Riordain] by Clare FM

This year’s Ennis Book Club Festival celebrates its 20th edition, bringing together readers and writers from across the country. One of the highlights this Saturday at glór is the debut authors session, featuring Elaine Garvey, Claire Gleeson, and Shane Tivenan in conversation with Eoin Devereux. Elaine’s novel The Wardrobe Department explores belonging and the colourful world of theatre, Claire’s Show Me Where It Hurts delicately examines family and loss, and Shane’s short story collection To Avenge a Dead Glacier offers poignant and witty glimpses into the lives of outsiders. On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Elaine Garvey and Claire Gleeson to discuss their work, and what it’s like to appear as debut authors at this year’s festival. Photo (c) Ennis Bookclub Festival

The debate over Special Needs Assistant allocations has been back in the spotlight after the Government paused its review following widespread concern from parents, teachers, and unions. Many schools had been told they could see reductions in SNA support next September, leaving families and staff anxious about what this could mean for children who rely on these vital supports. Joining Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus was Renee Hayes, a primary school teacher with twenty years’ experience across mainstream and special education settings, a former SNA tutor, and a parent of a child with complex needs. Photo (c) Sebastian Moldoveanu Images via Canva

If you’ve recently moved to the Doonbeg area — or even if you’ve lived there all your life — there’s a special event happening this Saturday aimed at bringing the whole community together. Doonbeg Community Development is hosting a “Community Connect” evening in the Community Hall from 5 to 8pm, giving people the chance to meet local groups, learn about services in the area, and make new connections. Alan Morrissey was joined by Tommy Comerford from Doonbeg Community Development to tell us more. Image © Doonbeg Community Development via Facebook

The Government is planning to put forward new laws to ban under-16s from having online accounts, with age verification tools. Cabinet ministers are understood to be prioritising the proposed legislation ahead of Ireland's EU Presidency in June. Last December, Australia became the first country to restrict teenagers from social media, with others planning similar bans. However, Fianna Fail TD Malcom Byrne, who's chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence, thinks the Government should wait to see what impact Australia's ban is having. To unpack what this could mean in practice — from technology and enforcement to privacy and business impact — Alan Morrissey spoke with Pat Clarke Browne, Technology Expert with Munster Business and Garrett Greene, Lecturer in Law at the Technological University of the Shannon. Image © Getty Images via istockphoto.com

With electricity bills still a major concern for households across Clare, help is at hand in Inagh tonight. An Electricity Switch Event is taking place at 7:30pm in the local hall, where people can learn how to compare suppliers, switch if it makes sense, and potentially save €200 or more a year, simply by bringing along a copy of their latest bill. The initiative involves the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, Clare Community Energy Agency and Inagh Development. Alan Morrissey was joined live in studio by Colm Garvey from the Clare Community Energy Agency. Image (c) Inagh via Facebook

Earlier this week, we spoke to Ennis resident Ann Marie Broomhead about the ongoing damp and mould issues affecting her home in Clancy Park — a situation she says has been impacting her family’s health and wellbeing for the past two years. Today, we’re turning our focus to solutions. Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by Leonard Shanahan of Shanahan Paints. Leonard recently shared a video online offering practical advice, which has been viewed more than 100,000 times. Image (c) Clare FM

Waterways Ireland has come under fire from local representatives at Clare's Tourism Strategic Policy Committee this week. Waterways Ireland is responsible for the restoration, develop and promotion of 1,100km worth of inland waters nationwide. However, it's been accused of dereliction of its duty in the south-east of the county for allegedly failing to consult with locals on plans for the Shannon Greenway and for failing to maintain Shannon Banks. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan attended the Tourism Strategic Policy Committee yesterday and spoke to Shannon Banks Sinn Féin Cllr James Ryan and firstly Parteen farmer and former Clare IFA Chair Tom Lane who says farmers are severely frustrated over the Greenway proposals. Image (c) Waterways Ireland via Public Service Data Catalogue

Clare disability campaigners are set to join a national protest next week following severe payment cuts. According to the Disability Federation of Ireland, many disability households in Clare are up to €1,400 worse off than they were last year, following cuts to "one-off" supports in Budget 2026. The national protest, taking place on Saturday February 28th, demands an Emergency Winter Payment for people with disabilities, despite the government's previous refusal of the €400 payment earlier this month. Ennistymon-based disability rights activist Ann Marie Flanagan says people are being forced to looks elsewhere.

A former Clare hurling captain is warning that Clare must ensure their attitude is right against Kildare in the National Hurling League this weekend. Clare make the trip to St Conleth's Park in Newbridge to face last year's Joe McDonagh Cup winners on Saturday evening. Brian Lohan's men sit top of the Division 1B staNdings with a 100% record in the league to this point. Clare FM analyst Tommy Guilfoyle says they will have to be at their best to keep that record intact.

In October we spoke to Colorado native Mary Timby, who travelled all the way to Lisdoonvarna after hearing about the matchmaking festival on Schitt’s Creek. What started as a leap of faith turned into a real-life love story. To tell us more, on Wednesday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined by both Mary and her partner, Jay Mangan. Photo (c) Visit Clare

The Chairperson of the Clare branch of the Irish Farmers Association claims there's a "complete disconnect" between his sector and the Government on the controversy around the head of Bord Bia. The organisation is continuing its rolling protest outside the agency's headquarters in Dublin today as they seek the resignation of Larry Murrin over his firm's use of Brazilian beef in its produce. A Sinn Féin motion calling for Murrin to step down was defeated by 89 votes to 61 last week. Chairperson of the Clare branch of the IFA Stephen Walsh, who's participating in today's demonstration in Dublin, has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons, they're "here to stay".

Tommy Corbett, from Carey Corbett Financial Solutions was live in studio with Alan Morrissey on Wednesday's Morning Focus. This week, Tommy spoke about key considerations when applying for a mortgage on a residential investment property.

A Clare haulier claims the Road Safety Authority is 'broken beyond repair.' Representatives from the Irish Road Haulage Association are making submissions to an Oireachtas Committee on reforms. The association is to tell the committee that the certificate of professional competence isn't fit for purpose. Deputy Vice President of the Irish Road Haulage Association, Eugene Drennan, of Spa Transport in Ennis, has told the committee the driving test also needs to be reformed.

Poetic Keys An Ode to County Clare - The Betrayal [Micheal D] by Clare FM

Poetic Keys An Ode to County Clare - Take Car [Micheal D] by Clare FM

Poetic Keys An Ode to County Clare - All Souls [Wells] by Clare FM

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.