Clare Fm - Podcasts

Welcome to this week’s episode of Clare Women in Business on Clare FM. Raquel Ruido is from Vigo in Northwest Spain but has been living in North Clare for many years. She set up her own business out of a personal need, and using her scientific training she gradually built up an understanding of how various natural ingredients interact to influence the properties of soap. Her background in food engineering and interest in chemistry fit in nicely which what she is doing now. Raquel is the owner of the Moher Soap Company based near Kilshanny.

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 Elizabeth Crotty, featuring Michael Tubridy.

Can you remember your grandmother? The sound of her voice, the stories she told, the songs she hummed? At Ennis Trad Fest on Friday, the 7th of November, Lisa Lambe and celebrated guitarist Steve Cooney bring those memories to life in Mamó: Songs My Grandmother Gave Me. For more on this, Alan Morrissey had a chat with Lisa Lambe, folk singer, actress and folkloris. Photo (c) The Journal Of Music

There are calls to permanently abolish fees for Junior and Leaving Certificate exams. Since 2020, fees have been waived, however they're due to be reinstated for 2026. 109 euro is how much parents of Junior Cycle students will have to pay while the cost of sitting the Leaving Cert will be 116 euro. Geraldine O’Brien, St Joseph’s Kilkee Community College teacher and former Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland president spoke with Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) New Cross College

Ireland’s favourite traveller Hector Ó hEochagáin is back and this time, he’s going Down Under. In his brand new TG4 series, which premieres on the 30th of October, Hector embarks on an epic adventure across Australia and New Zealand, diving deep into the people, culture, and stories that make both nations tick. To tell us more, Hector joined Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Hector Ó Heochagáin Facebook

The next time you see something you want to buy, don’t buy it. Give it 72 hours! That’s according to Certified Financial Planner™ Eoin McGee. A three-day pause could completely change how you think about spending and save you a lot of money in the long run. Eoin, known for his straight-talking financial advice, is bringing his live show “How To Tackle Your Finances” to Limerick and Dublin this January. To find out more, Alan Morrissey spoke to Eoin McGee on Thursday's Morning Focus. Image (c) Eoin McGee via X

When Amro Mrabiye arrived in Ireland as a young boy fleeing the conflict in Syria, he never imagined that a decade later he’d be building a life and a brand, inspired by the very place that gave him peace. Now 20 and based in Ennistymon, Amro has channelled his journey of resilience and renewal into Amarè, a rising clothing brand that celebrates comfort, creativity, and connection. Amro Mrabiye spoke with Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus. Image (c) Amarè Clothing via Instagram

More than 55 thousand people have formally registered their objection to being considered organ donors when they die. New laws mean people are automatically considered donors unless they opt out. So far, 55,241 people have chosen to do this. The figures were provided by the HSE to Fianna Fail's Cormac Devlin following a parliamentary question. To go into this in more detail, Alan Morrissey was joined live on the line by Clare representative of the Irish Kidney Association Board of Directors and organ recipient, Sharon Fitzgerald. Image (c) Irish Kidney Association

A Clare TD has written to the Transport Minister, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Gardaí proposing that a variable speed limit be introduced on the M18 and N18 in Clare. Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Crowe has suggested the measure amid an ongoing spate of road traffic collisions on the route. It comes as one person has been hospitalised as a precautionary measure following a road traffic crash on the N18 near Cratloe this morning. The move would see speed limits change throughout the day as is currently the case on the M50 in Dublin. Deputy Crowe believes it would make driving in the county "an awful lot safer".

A North Clare community is taking an innovative approach to combatting emergency response deficits. It follows a public meeting held by residents of New Quay and Bellharbour this week aimed at establishing a HSE recognised Community First Responders Group. The meeting included a presentation from the National Ambulance Service, outlining the relevant steps needed to bring the outfit to fruition. Bellharbour Resident and New Quay Community Development member John Sweeney says it's urgently needed.

The Irish Patients Association is demanding answers over lentghy backlogs for homecare in Clare. A new report from Home and Community Care Ireland shows 304 people in this county are now on a HSE waiting list for homecare supports. It's the highest amount per capita nationwide and also the third highest numerically, with only Cork and Galway having bigger lists. Director of the Irish Patients Association Stephen McMahon says the people of the MidWest are being neglected.

The Clare-based former president of the Irish Road Haulage Association fears job losses at Fastway Couriers are just the "tip of the iceberg" for the industry. There are concerns for the security of roughly 300 jobs as the the parent company for Fastway Couriers Ireland, Parcel Connect and Nügo has entered receivership. A spokesperson for the company claims its business model is "no longer viable in its current form" due to "sustained inflation, rising operating costs and ongoing price pressure. Ennis resident and Managing Director of Spa Transport, Eugene Drennan, has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons businesses like his are facing "tax on tax on tax".

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 Cyril O’Donoghue, featuring Sean Lyons of Clare FM.

The great Colm Liddy, local historian and author was back for our History Slot on Wednesday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey. This week, Colm explored the fascinating story of Halloween’s evolution and how it became the celebration we know today.

The Winter Themed Open Mic – An Cailleach takes place on Saturday, the 1st of November at 12.30pm, at Glór. Hosted by storyteller, poet and crafter Ruth Marshall, with music from Denise Ellison & Elysium, it promises an afternoon of creativity and community. To find out more about the event, Alan Morrissey was joined live in studio by Ruth Marshall and bilingual poet, songwriter and recording artist Amanda Shannon.

Clare Suicide Bereavement Support Presents Talk by Richard Hogan ‘Thriving And Finding Happiness In A Chaotic World’ Clare Suicide Bereavement Support will host a special talk with Dr Richard Hogan next month. “Thriving and Finding Happiness in a Chaotic World will take place on Friday, the 14th of November from 7pm, and it’s free to attend – though early booking is advised. Dr Hogan is a well-known family psychotherapist, best-selling author, and newspaper columnist, sharing practical insights on how we can find balance and happiness in today’s fast-paced world. Dr Richard Hogan and Ciara Flynn of Clare Suicide Bereavement joined Alan Morrissey on Wednesday's Morning Focus to tell us more. Image (c) Richard Hogan via Instagram

Clare's Minister of State is not any expecting any sudden challenge to the Taoiseach's leadership. It's understood that 10 members of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party have signed a document seeking a no confidence motion in Micheál Martin, where 12 are required. Party officials at Fianna Fáil have darwn up an alleged 'rebel' list of those who oppose the Taoiseach's reign, which includes TDs James O'Connor, Paudie O'Sullivan, Seamus McGrath, John Lahart, Erin McGreehan, John McGuinness and Peter Chap Cleere. There's a separate list detailing the "old guard" of Willie O'Dea, Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher and Seán O'Fearghail, who are not behind any heave, but would reportedly welcome change. The developments have been sparked by the Jim Gavin presidential debacle, and now many political analysts are touting Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan as the potential successor. However, Tulla based Minister Timmy Dooley can't see anyone stepping up in the current climate. Micheál Martin has been at the helm of Fianna Fáil

Clare's Oscar Traynor squad kick off their inter-provincial campaign this weekend. Denis Hynes takes charge of the side for the first time as they welcome Kerry to Frank Healy Park on Sunday afternoon. Clare secured a 6-0 win the last time the sides met , however, it wasn't enough to see them qualify from the group of the national phase on that occasion. Clare FM analyst Jim Madden says it's a strong squad, with representation from clubs outside the county's traditional powerhouses.

Éire Óg's Shane O'Donnell claims the structure of the Munster Club Hurling Championship has resulted in a less than ideal preparation for their semi final tie. The Townies will face Loughmore-Castleiney in the last four after the Tipperary outfit claimed back to back titles with victory over Nenagh Éire Óg, with that game set for November 16th in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg. The Clare champions are having to contend with a six week layoff since their county final success, while Loughmore have a fortnights turnaround to the game. Reigning hurler of the year, O'Donnell, says neither sides' build up for the game is optimal.

A popular bus route connecting West Clare and the county town will be altered for the next two months. Due to ongoing works being carried out by Uisce Éireann, Local Link's C12 Ennis to Miltown Malbay route will be unable to service Coore Church until December 19th. Passengers will instead have to board at either the Hand Hill or the Crosses of Annagh. Quilty Fianna Fáil Councillor Michael Shannon says while there will be some disruption, the works will be worthwhile.