Clare Fm - Podcasts

Clare now has the longest waiting lists for homecare in the country. A new report from Home and Community Care Ireland, shows 304 people in this county are awaiting home supports. It's the highest figure per head of population nationwide, and HCCI has indicated the reason for Clare's backlog is unknown. HSE Regional Health Forum West Member and Shannon Banks Sinn Féin Cllr James Ryan says it's inexcusable.

The manager of the Clare Immigrant Support Centre says he's "absolutely" in favour of introducing new legislation to combat hate speech against migrants. The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance has published a new report stating hate speech is "widespread" in Ireland and recommending new laws be brought in to clamp down on the problem. Prior to enacting the Criminal Justice Hate Offences Act 2024 last December, the Government took the decision to remove controversial elements relating to hate speech - prompting the European Commission to claim Ireland is "failing" to comply with laws around criminalisation of race-based violence and hatred. Clare Immigrant Support Centre Manager Simon Ó Treasaigh has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons hateful rhetoric is on the rise and the legal system must play its part in the fight against it.

Consumer sentiment has taken a nosedive for the month of October. Cost of living increases and changes in household incomes in 2026 are being blamed for the gloomy outlook. Only one in three consumers expect to get any increase in income next year, while 1 in 4 people think costs are going largely increase. On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined live in studio by Sheila Lynch, Executive Board Member of Ennis Chamber of Commerce and Partner at Cashin & Clancy Solicitors to chat about this.

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre, Ennis was back on Tuesday’s Morning Focus to answer all your gardening queries. This week, Judy gave advice for beginners. If you have any questions for Judy, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964.

This feature, titled “Traditional Greats,” is presented and produced by Clare FM’s 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. In today’s episode, Therese pays tribute to Chris Droney, featuring Ann Kirrane.

John Burns, Retired Deputy Principal of Rice College and who is also an Educational Consultant was back on Tuesday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey to give some great tips and advice on all matters relating to education. This week, John spoke about parents and their children and what they should do over the midterm break. If you have any questions for John, please email focus@clare.fm or text or WhatsApp on 0861800964.

This Thursday, the 30th of October, will see the launch of a book on the history of the parish of Sixmilebridge. The book, which is produced by Sixmilebridge Historical Society, is described as a “captivating collection of stories, photographs and memories celebrating the rich heritage of the village and its people.” It will be launched by RTÉ sports presenter, Marie Crowe at a reception in the school hall of St Finnachta’s National School on Thursday evening from 7pm. To tell us more, John O’Brien of Sixmilebridge Historical Society joined Alan Morrissey live in-studio.

There was good news for Corofin at the Supervalu TidyTowns Awards. The Clare village won the Young Persons in TidyTowns award at the ceremony at Croke Park. The accolade of overall winner of the competition went to Carrick-on-Shannon in County Leitrim. There was a record level of entrants this year with over 900 towns and villages in the mix. To find out more on this, Alan Morrissey spoke with Mary Howard, Ennis Tidy Towns and James Organ, Corofin Tidy Towns on Tuesday's Morning Focus.

The Burren Inn in Tubber, supported by the newly established Barn Boutique in Crusheen, is hosting a Fashion Show Fundraiser in aid of Women’s Aid on Saturday, November 8th, from 6:30 p.m. To tell us more, Niamh Baker of The Burren Inn and Niamh McCoy of The Barn Boutique joined Alan Morrissey live in-studio.

Catherine Connolly's election as the 10th President and 3rd female Úachtaráin na hÉireann was a foregone conclusion from early doors on Saturday, racking up more votes than any candidate in Irish Electoral History, however Clare's count still threw up a number of surprises. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan was in attendance at Clare's Presidential Election Count Centre at Treacy's Oakwood Hotel in Shannon where he first heard from Ennistymon Activist Ann Marie Flannagan who shared her thoughts on Catherine Connolly's landslide win. Also on Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke with Tony Killeen, Former Fianna Fáil Government Minister. Photo (c) Michelle O'Neill Facebook

Sixmilebridge minor hurling boss Tadhg Keogh has praised his sides' mental fortitude that saw them come from behind to be crowned 2025 Minor A hurling champions. The Bridge ended a 14 year wait for a title at the grade, defeating Clarecastle in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg. Having trailed by four early in the second half, Sixmilebridge battled back to win by three in the face of tough weather conditions. Keogh says he had full confidence in his players to bounce back.

Clare's opposition TD claims the Presidential Election result shows a resounding anti-government mandate. Independent Candidate Catherine Connolly coasted to victory on Saturday, amassing over 61% of Clare's first preference vote and over 914,000 ballots nationally, which is the highest total in Irish electoral history. A targeted 'Spoil The Vote' campaign also made its mark, with 13% of all ballots cast nationwide ultimately being invalid; another national record. Shannon Sinn Féin Deputy Donna McGettigan, however, believes voter discontent is with the coalition.

A Clare company is among the beneficiaries of a €3.8m government funding pool for advanced technology projects. Iona Logistics Ltd which is located on the Future Mobility Ireland Campus in Shannon has been included in the scheme alongside the Technological University of Dublin and Galway based Éire Composites. The three firms are working together to deliver a fully integrated system that will enable large scale drone deliveries. Future Mobility Campus CEO Russell Vickers says it's a huge vote of confidence in Shannon.

The Transport Minister has been urged to make funding available for the improvement of a road described as "the main access point to the Cliffs of Moher". Ennistymon Senator Martin Conway is calling for the N85 Realignment Project between Ennis and Inagh to be included in the department's 2026 funding programme. A motion tabled by local Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty seeking the project's recommencement as well as the allocation of the necessary funding received unanimous support at the most recent meeting of Clare County Council. Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Conway says the upgrade works are long overdue.

It's claimed the latest enhancment of the Deposit Return Scheme across Ennis is a hugely positive development for the county town. 12 surrounds have been installed on bins across the county town, allowing for the storage of up to 12 bottles or cans around the outside of the bin. Over €66 million worth of bottles and cans weren't recycled under the scheme last year, and the new initiative enables people to recycle on the go with the aim to keep plastic and aluminium out of general waste. Mayor of Ennis Mary Howard is hopeful extra cash can be generated for worthy causes under the latest iteration of the scheme.

Clare dog owners are encouraged to get their pets microchipped in advance of Halloween. With an increased usage of fireworks throughout the period, dogs can become distressed and skittish, potentially running away from home to escape the fireworks. This can result in pets getting injured or causing harm to people due to panic. County Dog Warden, Frankie Coote, is advising owners to take photos of their dogs and report the incident immediately if they go missing.

On this week’s Atlantic Tales Pat Flynn chats with Kevin Keane, who originally trained as a lawyer but gave it all up to pursue his passion. After taking beginners course, Kevin Keane became instantly obsessed with pottery. He spent a time travelling, before relocating from Dublin to West Clare, where his business Potadóir was born! Kevin and his partner Dzana will soon open their new pottery studio and school as well as a yoga studio in Ennis.

Community groups in Clare can once again apply for funding for climate projects under phase two of the Community Climate Action Programme. A €572,000 fund is available for a wide range of projects across the county that "address the urgent challenge of climate change" and help the county achieve its goals under the five-year Climate Action Plan. Applications are open until December 16th for proposals that touch on one or more of the themes of community, energy, travel, food and waste, shopping and recycling and local environmental action. Climate Action Officer at Clare County Council, Dara Dever, says given the competition for funding, projects that cover multiple themes have a greater chance of success.

Fr Brendan Quinlivan lead our Sunday Prayer for today the 26th October 2025, the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fr Gerry Kenny presents this Beyond Belief and talks to leaders of the Le Cheile Ministry in Killaloe Diocese.