Clare Fm - Podcasts

One of Ireland’s best-loved storytellers has a brand-new novel out next week. Clare-based bestselling author Roisin Meaney returns with Second Chances, a heart-warming story set on the west coast about fresh starts, community, and taking risks when life doesn’t go to plan. On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke with Roisin to find out more.

Ríona Hely from Ennis has won the prestigious Seán Ó Riada Bonn Óir 2026, taking top prize at the national competition in Cork last week. Ríona is a concertina player and a student of music and Irish at UCC. Alan Morrissey spoke with Ríona on Tuesday's Morning Focus to find out more. Photo (c) Ríona Hely via Facebook

The Shannon Estuary is one of Ireland’s most important natural habitats, and a new interactive story map is inviting the public to explore it in a whole new way. Clare County Council, alongside Kerry and Limerick local authorities, has launched the Birds of the Shannon Estuary story map, showcasing wintering birds, wetlands and viewing points along the estuary. Speaking on Tuesday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey was Clare County Council Biodiversity Officer Barry O’Loughlin, to tell us more about the project and why this extraordinary landscape matters. Photo (c) Visit Clare

We’re delighted to say congratulations to one of our own, and one of our regular guests on Morning Focus. Ennis native Fergal O’Keeffe has been named Local Broadcaster of the Year at the Travel Extra Travel Journalist of the Year Awards in Dublin. It’s the second year in a row Fergal has picked up the prestigious award, recognised for the consistently high standard of his travel segments right here on Morning Focus. He’s also the voice behind the hugely popular podcast Travel Tales with Fergal, now listened to in over 140 countries worldwide. Photo (c) Fergal O'Keeffe via Facebook

The majority of pharmacies across the country have now signed up to and received training for the Common Conditions Service. The Service allows pharmacists to prescribe treatments for eight minor illnesses, including UTIs, thrush and shingles. 94 per cent of pharmacies across the country have now signed up. President of the Irish Pharmacy Union, Tom Murray says there are multiple benefits. Alan Morrissey has been chatting about this with the Shannon-based pharmacist, Feidhlim Hillary. Image (c) georgeclerk from Getty Images Signature via Canva

Alan Morrissey was joined by Niall O’Connor, journalist with The Journal, who has been covering the Limerick Circuit Court case that saw four serving gardaí and a retired superintendent found not guilty of perverting the course of justice following an eight-week trial. The five accused had denied 39 charges of unlawfully interfering in road traffic prosecutions, on dates between October 2016 and September 2019. Photo (c) by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA from Pexels vis Canva

School attendance is a growing concern, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with a recent ESRI report showing that one in three pupils in such schools misses a month or more of class. Alan Morrissey was joined by Patricia Vaughan, Principal of Furglan National School, and Agnes Hehir, Principal of St Joseph’s Community College in Kilkee, to discuss the challenges their schools face and the measures being taken to support regular attendance. Image (c) visuals6x via Canva

The housing crisis isn’t an abstract problem for families in West Clare — it’s a daily nightmare – that’s according to one Kilmihill resident who I have been speaking with. Gerry Johnston says years of delays and broken promises around basic infrastructure have left over a hundred homes stuck on paper. From stalled wastewater upgrades to mounting frustration with political inaction, Gerry sees the crisis first-hand in his own community — and he’s calling for urgent, practical solutions now, not in another decade. Alan Morrissey spoke with retired business man and Kilmihil resident, Gerry Johnston on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Kanchanachitkhamma via Canva

More than 200 vacant and derelict properties in Clare have now been returned to residential use. New figures from the Department of Housing show approximately 221 units have been restored here since the inception of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Scheme in July 2022. To date, 478 grant applications have been approved in this county, to a total value of €26.4m. Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien says it's a huge boost for local communities.

Two Clare primary schools will have new special classes in the 2026 to 2027 school year. As part of the second tranche of new special classrooms announced nationwide, it's been confirmed that Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg in Ennis and St Joseph's Secondary School in Spanish Point will each have a new special class next year. It means the Gaelscoil will be able to cater for six extra pupils with additional needs. Principal Dónal Ó hAiniféin says it's a huge positive for the school and its pupils alike.

Singer-songwriter Seán Collins announced the release of his new single, Darling I’m Hoping. The intimate, cinematic acoustic ballad explores themes of longing and heartbreak — a real tear-jerker. For more on this, Seán joined Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Seán Collins Facebook

Kilkee native Jane Dundon, soon-to-be mother reflected on the power of female storytelling after seeing Hamnet. It’s a poignant moment for Jane, as she prepares to welcome her first child, connecting the intensity of Buckley’s role with the excitement, love, and vulnerability of impending motherhood. Jane spoke with Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) IMDb

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch, Tommy Guilfoyle and Derek Dormer spoke with Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus to sum up and give their thoughts on the weekend sporting action. Games Reviewed: Allianz Football League Division 3, Round 1: Down 2-19 Clare 2-14 (Saturday, Páirc Esler Newry) Allianz Hurling League Division 1B, Round 1: Clare 3-18 Dublin 1-22 (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chíosóg)

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre joined us once again for In The Garden on Monday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey. This week, Judy spoke about the top 10 scented plants in your garden. Any questions for Judy, please send them to 0861800964.

Independent MEP for Ireland South, Michael McNamara is warning that rising costs and paywalled sport are driving more people towards so-called dodgy boxes, with an estimated one in five people in Ireland now using them. While acknowledging piracy is a serious issue, he says broadcasters and unfair subscription practices share the blame — and he’s opposed to any move to fine users. To discuss this further, Michael spoke with Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Proxima Studio via Canva.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park will mark the start of spring with its annual Imbolc Celebration on Sunday, February 1st, from 11am to 5pm. The family-friendly event celebrates Celtic tradition and St Brigid, with seasonal crafts, storytelling, live music and a chance to meet a range of native Irish animals, including Bunratty’s resident Irish Wolfhounds. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Events Manager at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Marie Brennan.

A local historian has made a major breakthrough in a family mystery that’s followed his recent appearance on Morning Focus. Anthony Dargan is back with a final update on his search for Agnes Hynes of Ennistymon — a woman who seemed to disappear from the records. What began as a local enquiry became a cross-county story, linking Clare and Waterford, and thanks to a listener’s tip, the missing piece has now been found. Recorded under a different name, Agnes Hynes has finally been traced, leading to the restoration of family connections lost for more than sixty years. Anthony joined Alan Morrissey with the final chapter in the Hynes genealogy search. Photo (c) Aflo Images via Canva

Safety concerns have been raised about traffic outside Parteen National School in south-east Clare, with calls for a pedestrian crossing to be installed as soon as possible. The issue was brought before this month’s meeting of the Shannon Municipal District, where councillors heard that a traffic survey and further approvals will now be required. To discuss the situation on the ground and what needs to happen next, Alan Morrissey was joined by Councillor Michael Begley, the principal of Parteen National School, Miriam Smyth, and Henry O’Boyle, a board member and community representative with the Parteen Town Team. Photo (c) Parteen National School via Facebook

The ongoing shortage of taxis in rural Ireland — and the knock-on impact on local communities and businesses — was raised at a Dáil Transport Committee meeting ahead of the weekend. The Restaurants Association of Ireland, speaking as part of the Taxis for Ireland Coalition, outlined how declining taxi numbers are affecting both customers and workers in the hospitality sector, particularly in counties like Clare. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by business owners from the hospitality industry, Sean Lally of Hotel Woodstock in Ennis and Patrick O’Donoghue of the Monk’s Restaraunt in Ballyvaughan. Photo (c) Skitterphoto from Pexels via Canva

The Government is being urged to provide clarity on the potential consequences of delivering a national strategic gas reserve in West Clare. Cahiracon in Kildysart was selected as the location for the state's first ever back up gas supply last December. It’s expected the development will create 300 to 400 jobs during construction as well as 40 to 50 each year when operational. Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch, however, is concerned it could have negative implications for the Shannon Estuary, marine life and local residents.