Clare Fm - Podcasts

Two Clare schools are being recognised on the national stage for promoting inclusion through creativity. Pupils and teachers at Doora National School and Furglan National School in Lahinch have been named Junior and Senior County Winners in the prestigious Someone Like Me national art competition. The awards, run by the National Disability Authority, mark their tenth anniversary this year and celebrate understanding of visible and non-visible disabilities through art. The Clare schools will now travel to Dublin City Hall later this month to compete with 50 other schools, with the national winners to be announced on the 28th of January (Wednesday). It’s a proud moment for the pupils, teachers and their communities... Joining Alan Morrissey on Tuesday's Morning Focus were Furglan National School Teacher, Patricia Vaughan and 3rd Class pupil Emma Mae O'Rourke of Doora National School. Photo (c) someonelikemecompetition.ie

A remarkable achievement for a North Clare singer who’s making waves on the world stage. Ballyvaughan soprano Naomi Louisa O’Connell has received an historic double GRAMMY nomination, placing her alongside some of the biggest names in international opera. Nominated for two contemporary opera recordings – including one with strong Clare roots – Naomi began her musical journey with the Lismorahaun Singers and now finds herself heading to Los Angeles for music’s biggest night. Naomi spoke with Alan Morrissey on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Naomi Louis O'Connell

The Iranian foreign minister claims the ongoing anti-government protests in the country are now under 'total control'. More than 500 people have reportedly been killed so far, while more than 10,000 have been arrested. US President Donald Trump says Tehran reached out to him to negotiate, after he threatened military action over its handling of the demonstrations. The White House press secretary says Donald Trump is not afraid to use military power in Iran. He's announced 25 percent tariffs for any goods arriving in America from a country that still does business with Iran, following a brutal crackdown on anti-government protesters. That could impact Ireland which exports pharmaceuticals and some foods to Iran. Donald Trump’s threat of military action follows US forces’ capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in an operation in the country’s capital Caracas earlier this month. The US President also threatening Greenland, insisting his country needs it for national security r

An announcement on the reopening of the Crusheen rail stop is expected this year. At the first Clare County Council meeting of 2026, Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Hayes has called on the Transport Minister to authorise the development of a train station at the site of the now-defunct stop "without any further delay". A socio-economic report commissioned by Killaloe Municipal District in 2024 found that the project would have a 15-year employment income impact of €25.5 million. Councillor Hayes says the case for the reinstatement of the stop has never been stronger.

A Clare real estate agent claims an incentive scheme is desperately needed to keep up with demand and to counter the number of landlords selling up. It comes as the latest survey from the Real Estate Alliance shows the price of the average second-hand three-bed semi in Clare rose by 12% to €325,000 at the end of 2025. Of the properties sold in the county in the final three months of last year half were to first time buyers, while 8% of sales were attributed to landlords leaving the rental market. Liam Browne of REA Paddy Browne in Ennis says in spite of the ever growing demand, supply has stalled to start 2026.

Shannon Airport recorded its highest number of passengers in over a decade in 2025. Over 2.3 million passengers passed through the Clare base last year, representing a 9% increase on 2024 passenger numbers and the highest amount seen in 16 years. Shannon Airport also saw more than €20 million invested in projects during last year, including the launch of Ireland’s first airfield solar PV farm, the provision of 1,000 new car park spaces and an expansion of the airport’s existing European passenger boarding gates. The Shannon Airport Group says plans are in place for a further €40 million investment this year including a full upgrade of the airport’s immigration and baggage halls along with upgraded taxiways Interim CEO of the Shannon Airport Group Ray O'Driscoll says these investments both enhance the passenger experience while helping Shannon hit its sustainability goals.

On Monday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey, the acclaimed Galway soprano Helen Hancock, was live in-studio as she is returning to Ennis later this month to launch her new album Togetherness. Helen will be joined by pianist Paul Cibis for a special concert in the atmospheric setting of St Columba’s Church of Ireland here in Ennis on Saturday, January 31st. The programme will explores the many faces of love — from joy and devotion to loss and remembrance — and features classical song cycles, Irish music, folk songs and much-loved favourites from musical theatre. Helen has had a hugely successful year of performances and tours, and she’s here now to tell us about the music, the album and what audiences can expect on the night.

A Clare native has been remembered as a “man of determination” whose perseverance had a positive impact on the lives of many. A ceremony has taken place in St Patrick’s Hall in Corofin to celebrate the life and contribution of Clare Leader Forum co-founder Dermot Hayes. The celebration of life of one of Corofin’s proudest sons opened with the voice of Luka Bloom singing the words “don’t be afraid of the light that shines within you”. The following hour would be filled with tributes from family members and loved ones, each of whom benefitted from the light Dermot beamed into their lives. The native of Kells in Corofin, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 71, was a towering figure in activism in Clare, co-founding the Clare Leader Forum in 1992, serving as chair of the Clare branch of the Irish Kidney Association, and playing a key role in countless campaign across the last five decades. Humanist celebrant Pat Clarke-Browne says he championed the cause of countless people in Clare and beyond.

If you’ve been feeling stressed, overwhelmed or just running on empty, our next guest might have something very practical to offer. Joe Forde is co-founder of the Orchard Wellness Centre in Ennis and he runs local breathwork workshops focused on health, vitality and managing stress. He explained what breathwork is, how it can help in everyday life, and to share a couple of simple techniques listeners can try at home. Joe also has two upcoming workshops later this month and in March in which he was live in-studio on Monday's Morning Focus to chat about with Alan Morrissey.

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch was back to give us his thoughts on a busy weekend of sporting fixtures on Monday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey. Games Reviewed: Munster Hurling League: Cork v Clare (Monday, Mallow, 7pm) TUS Dr Harty Cup: St Flannan's College 2-20 Our Lady Templemore 1-19 (Friday, TUS campus, Moylish) Munster Junior B Camogie Final: Colaiste Muire Ennis 2-10 Sacred Heart, Clonakilty 6-12 (Saturday, Clarecastle) Moloney Hardware Premier Division of the Clare District Soccer League: Newmarket Celtic v Tulla United Avenue United v Bridge United Ennis Dons v Shannon Town

An issue affecting thousands of women but rarely talked about openly – access to vaginal oestrogen treatments. At Clare County Council’s December meeting, Ennis Mayor and Fine Gael councillor Mary Howard brought a motion calling on the Minister for Health to allow vaginal oestrogen gels and creams to be available over the counter, as they are in other countries. The Department of Health has since replied, saying these products remain prescription-only unless manufacturers apply to have them reclassified by the HPRA – something that hasn’t happened to date. To discuss why this matters, the impact on women’s health, and what needs to change, Alan Morrissey was joined by Mary Howard, Mayor of Ennis, and Dr Máire Finn, Ennis GP and female health specialist.

Today, we’ll be discussing the concerning rise in road fatalities across Ireland in 2025, the challenges facing vulnerable road users, and what needs to be done to make our roads safer. Joining Alan for this discussion is Helga Himmelsbach, a North Clare resident and road safety advocate, and Andy Lambert, Kilfenora-based Clare Public Participation Network representative on the Tourism Development SPC. Image (C) IvanSpasic from Getty Images via Canva.

Minister Alan Dillon launched ‘Circular Cups for Community Events’ – Ireland’s pioneering initiative to eliminate single-use waste at local events. Developed by the Southern Region Waste Planning Office and local authorities, it offers not-for-profit groups easy, affordable access to high-quality reusable cups. To discuss this further on Monday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke with Karen Foley Environmental Awareness Officer from Clare County Council live in-studio.

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre was back on Morning Focus to answer all your gardening queries. On Monday’s Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey, Judy shared everything you need to know to grow your own potatoes. If you have any questions for Judy, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964.

A local historian has made a significant breakthrough in his efforts to solve a family mystery, following his appearance on Morning Focus last month. Anthony Dargan is back with a compelling update on the Hynes family of Ennistymon. What began as a local search has evolved into a cross-county mystery, successfully bridging the gap between the rugged coast of Clare and the streets of Waterford City. Following a chat with Anthony on the 15th of December last, several significant puzzle pieces have fallen into place. Thanks to a listener's tip, the search has moved from dusty archives to living memory, bringing forward a descendant who remembers the family’s summer days in Lahinch. Photo (c) Synthetic - Exposition from Getty Images via Canva

Across Ireland, the rural pub is under pressure like never before, but one Liscannor landmark is fighting back with a clever solution to the transport barrier. Egan's Pub has launched a dedicated courtesy car initiative to ensure that being 'out the road' doesn't mean being out of reach. By offering half-hourly pickups in Lahinch and a safe lift home after, they are proving that innovation is the key to keeping the lights on in the West. Joining Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus was Marlo, a barman at Egan’s. Photo (c) Egan's Courtesy Car via egansbar.ie

Irish MEPs are returning to Brussels this week to push for stricter food safety measures under the Mercosur trade deal. They want to ensure products meet EU standards and do not contain illegal or harmful growth promoters. They plan to meet colleagues from other countries, including Italy and France, where MEPs are reported to be wavering. The deal was provisionally approved by EU member states last week. Thousands of farmers and supporters, along with representatives from the country’s MEPs gathered for a rolling tractor protest in Athlone on Saturday, part of a national demonstration and rally in Athlone to protest against the EU-Mercosur trade agreement. Independent Ireland MEP Ciarán Mullooly says he will call on colleagues to remove South American meat imports as part of the agreement. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined live in-studio by Scariff-based Independent Ireland South MEP Michael McNamara and Tulla-based Fianna Fail Minister of State Timmy Dooley on Monday's Morning Focus.

The Midwest Hospital Campaign has hit out at comments from the Health Minister suggesting University Hospital Limerick is managing overcrowding well. Speaking in relation to the winter surge in hospital presentations nationwide, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has claimed some facilities are "managing patient flow" better than others, and has singled out Cork and Galway as having "consistent pressures". She also said UHL's process isn't something she "could really ever criticise" and that the hospital is "doing so well" while admitting there remains a "bed capacity issue". Midwest Hospital Campaign co-founder Hilary Tonge believes the minister is out of touch with the reality on the ground in this region.

On this week’s Atlantic Tales, we remember community activist, author and fearless warrior Dermot Hayes who passed away on January 3rd. Many people called the man with the red beret their friend, and he called his friends ‘comrade’. He gave almost all his life to worker, community and disability rights. He had published one book and was working on his second before his untimely death.

The operator of a car park near the Cliffs of Moher is lodging an appeal to retain their business. Clare County Council refused Mary and Patrick Nagle planning permission to continuing running the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk Car Park in Liscannor in December on the grounds that the facility isn't needed as the walk is currently closed in the area. The couple, who've been running the business since 2012, have now appealed the decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála. Mary says despite the closure of the trail, there remains high demand for parking at the site.