Clare Fm - Podcasts

A meeting will be held in Quin next week, with a view to setting up a local community group. The meeting is due to take place at the Quin Community Centre on Wednesday, the 12th of November at 7pm. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ann McNamara, member of Quin Heritage Group & local historian.

The annual Eamon de Valera Commemoration will take place this weekend. Ennis Courthouse is the venue for Sunday’s Fianna Fáil commemoration, the 9th of November at 11am. The party’s Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher will give the oration. Alan Morrissey was joined live in studio on Thursday's Morning Focus by Billy Kelleher and Kilnamona monumental sculptor & Fianna Fáil member Mike McTigue. (c) Ógra Fianna Fáil via Facebook

A verdict of unlawful killing has been returned at the inquest into the death of Emer O’Loughlin, the Clare woman who body was discovered in a burnt-out mobile home two decades ago. The remains of the Ennistymon native were found in a caravan on lands at Ballybornagh near Tubber on the 8th of April, 2005. The jury returned the verdict at the inquest at the Coroner’s Court sitting in Kilrush on Wednesday. Alan Morrissey was joined live on Morning Focus by Emer’s sister, Pam O'Loughlin. Picture (c) Justice For Emer O'Loughlin via Facebook

It's claimed maintenance works at the Cliffs of Moher are "essential" to have the coastal walk fully open next year. Clare County Council has begun a search for a contractor to carry out "trail maintenance, repair and replacement" works on the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk. The local authority has put the project out to tender with the contract valued at €750,000. Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty says everyone wants to see the attraction fully operational in 2026.

A Clare woman who was detained by Israeli forces while travelling to Gaza as part of the Sumud Flotilla says she would do it "a hundred times over" until a lasting peace is achieved in the region. A public meeting will take place this evening in Cloughleigh in Ennis at 8:15pm. Fanore activist Maureen Almai (Al-my), Head of the Clare Participation Network, Sarah Clancy and Ennistymon native Leigh Brosnan, who is a member of Lawyers for Palestine will all be in attendance for the round table discussion. Maureen says it's disappointing that the international focus on Israel during the flotilla's campaign has waned in the weeks after.

Post Offices in Carrigaholt and Shannon will remain open after new contractors were appointed at both locations. In a statement to Clare FM, An Post has confirmed there will be no reduction or disruption to services in either location, although Shannon's office may be relocated to a new unit within Shannon Town Centre. It brings a period of uncertainty to an end for both communities after the former Postmasters in Carrigaholt and Shannon tendered their resignations in September. Shannon Fine Gael Councillor Tony Mulcahy has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that it's a huge relief for the town.

A Clare MEP claims it's "impossible" for Ireland to meet the EU's newly-agreed carbon emission reduction target. Environment ministers across the bloc have agreed to commit to slashing greenhouse gas emissions by 90% of 1990 levels by 2040. As part of the agreement, EU states will be able to buy carbon "credits" to allow them to finance climate works in the Global South or elsewhere which would be counted towards their own reduction. Scariff-based Independent MEP Michael McNamara fears the Irish government adopt a "small man to carry the can" approach by targeting the agriculture sector.

Clare students are urged to complete their SUSI application ahead of this week's impending deadline for applications. Applications close at midnight on Thursday, with students advised to apply as soon as possible in the event extra paperwork is required as part of their application. To apply, an account must be set up with the SUSI student portal, while eligibility for various grants can also be verified on the SUSI website. Vice President for Education & Welfare at the TUS Ennis Campus, Emma Hogan, says as there's no exceptions for late applications, students should register without hesitation.

Tommy Corbett from Carey Corbett Financial Solutions was back in Clare FM to tell us everything you need to know on the auto-enrolment pension scheme in Ireland.

It’s time for another episode of our newest feature on Morning Focus, Traditional Greats. Traditional Greats is presented and produced by Therese McInerney. This captivating 26-part series celebrates the enduring legacy of traditional Irish music in our county. Each episode pays tribute to a legendary Clare musician who has passed on, but whose influence continues to inspire generations. Therese speaks with musicians from across the county, exploring how these iconic figures shaped their musical journeys and contributed to Clare’s unique cultural heritage. Throughout the series, the timeless sounds of these greats are brought vividly to life, weaving their legacy into the very fabric of Clare’s musical identity. Listeners will enjoy a rich and heartfelt journey through the melodies, stories, and traditions that define our county’s proud musical history. In the latest episode of Traditional Greats, Therese pays tribute to singer Jerry Lynch which features John Lynch.

The Galway Science and Technology Festival will take place this weekend. Sunday’s event at the University of Galway campus will feature over 100 interactive exhibits, 25 different shows and workshops, plus much more besides for all ages. The theme for this year, ‘Then, Today, Tomorrow’, will highlight scientific discoveries of the past, showcasing today’s latest innovations, and inspiring the next generation of scientists, technologies and engineers. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by the festival organiser, Anne Murray.

'Bringing Honour to the Name of Ballyea, A History of Ballyea GAA, 1884-1984' is the title of a new book which has been edited by Mike O’Shea. The book will be launched this Saturday, November 8th, at The Local Inn, Drumquin, at 6:30 p.m. To find out more, Mike O’Shea, editor of the book, and Diarmuid Considine, chairperson of Ballyea GAA, joined Alan Morrissey live in-studio on Wednesday’s Morning Focus.

East Clare Community Co-Op's fundraising campaign to purchase their premises will take place tomorrow evening Thursday, the 6th November at 7pm. The launch of their efforts to save the future home of the Co-Op will take place at the premises in Scariff. Alan Morrissey was joined on Wednesday's Morning Focus by Sam Rogers, the Secretary and member of the Management Committee. Photo (c) Heads Up Clare

A Clare TD claims the inclusion of his suggestion on wastewater treatment plants in newly-drafted Government housing policy is proof backbenchers can make a difference. Minister James Browne has instructed Uisce Éireann to progress the use of modular units that can be used for new housing developments or fixed to existing plants to expedite delivery. It follows Bodyke Fine Gael Deputy Joe Cooney's proposal in June of this year that plants be constructed off-site as an interim solution to delays in unsewered settlements. Speaking in the Oireachtas Housing Committee, he says it's a "major boost for rural areas".

A Clare teaching representative says online bullying is becoming increasingly difficult for schools to tackle. A new UCD report published by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality has found that bulling and family diversity are "significant risks to a child's emotional development and wellbeing". The findings also state that screen time has "increased markedly" for children between the years of 2008 and 2024, with increased time with technology associated with lower levels of wellbeing and physical activity. INTO Rep for Clare, Principal of Sixmilebridge National School Gareth Heagney, says the prevalence of online incidents is a "huge" societal issue.

A Clare teaching representative says online bullying is becoming increasingly difficult for schools to tackle. A new UCD report published by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality has found that bulling and family diversity are "significant risks to a child's emotional development and wellbeing". The findings also state that screen time has "increased markedly" for children between the years of 2008 and 2024, with increased time with technology associated with lower levels of wellbeing and physical activity. INTO Rep for Clare, Principal of Sixmilebridge National School Gareth Heagney, says the prevalence of online incidents is a "huge" societal issue.

A Clare developer claims allowing the private sector to fund the construction of wastewater infrastructure would "definitely" speed up its delivery. Housing Minister James Browne has tabled a proposal whereby developers would be responsible for building wastewater treatment plants. Once the EPA finds that the plants meet environmental standards, they would then be taken in charge by Uisce Éireann. Ciaran Breen of Ciaran Breen Construction has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons he believes it would give developers a greater incentive to complete the project on schedule.

Dogs in Clare are allegedly being left in limbo when their owners go into nursing homes. Clare's County Dog Warden is urging families to assist their loved ones with rehoming pets when they're no longer able to take care of them. Frankie Coote claims older people often surrender dogs because they haven't put a plan in place to pass them on to their relatives when they become unwell. He's encouraging families to have these conversations to ensure pets get the best care available.

“Prospector” is a special documentary telling the incredible story of Paddy Hannan from Gorteen near Quin, Co Clare. In the early 1860s, Paddy left Clare for the goldfields of Australia and New Zealand. In 1893, he and two friends made a discovery that sparked one of the great Western Australian Gold Rushes. That find, in the scorching Australian outback, ultimately led to the founding of the city of Kalgoorlie where the main thoroughfare is named Hannan Street. This programme has been produced to mark the 100th anniversary of Paddy Hannan's death in Melbourne on November 4th 1925. “Prospector” is the story of Paddy Hannan and has been produced by Pat Flynn and was recorded in Clare and Kalgoorlie-Boulder, WA. Special thanks to: Timothy Moore, Local History and Archives Officer City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder; Tim Cudini, President Eastern Goldfields Historical Society, Kalgoorlie-Boulder; Annette Watt, Manager, Hannan’s North Tourist Mine, Kalgoorlie-Boulder; Michael Talty, Executive Librarian at the Clare L

Roisin Mulqueen Howard from Tulla Road, Ennis has been named the Clare Lidl Family Carer of the Year 2025. The awards recognise the remarkable commitment, compassion and strength of family carers who provide essential care to loved ones every day. Roisin joined Alan Morrissey live in-studio during Tuesday's Morning Focus.