Clare Fm - Podcasts

The construction of the Tulla Road Active Travel Scheme in Ennis is expected to take 18 months. Clare County Council has announced that the project will be delivered in seven phases, with the first section from Gort na mBláth to Hillcrest to be completed within approximately 12 weeks. Works will take place from 8am to 6pm on weekdays and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays while works impacting road operation will be carried out from 9:30am to 4:30pm from Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. It's understood a traffic management system will be in place for the duration of the operation, and Clare County Council Senior Executive Engineer Anne O'Sullivan says they'll strive to minimise disruption.

A proposed development which would see several warehouse units built in a residential area of a south-east Clare village has been given the green light. Clare County Council has approved Tekelek Group Holdings Limited's planning application to construct four warehouse units including office accommodation in what the firm has referred to as the "Portdrine Business Park" in Portdrine, Cratloe. A total of nine submissions were made in opposition to the development during the appeals process, with local Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat O'Gorman among those who objected. He believes the additional traffic arising from the development will overwhelm the area and create a road safety risk in the vicinity of the N18.

Ireland’s past is alive in its stories, customs, and the rhythms of everyday life. In a new book 'Old Ways to New Days', folklorist and lecturer Shane Lehane explores how ancient traditions continue to shape who we are today. From tales of Biddy Early, the famed wise woman of Clare, to fascinating finds like Ireland’s earliest pen discovered in the Burren, Shane brings the richness of our folklore to life. Shane joined Alan Morrissey on Thursday’s edition of Morning Focus. Photo (c) University College Cork

A Clare homeless charity has branded comments by the Taoiseach on homelessness as "disappointing" and says they ignore the "deeply traumatic" effects of living in emergency accommodation. Micheál Martin has come under fire for claiming homelessness figures are "a bit like hospital waiting lists" in that "it's not the number on the waiting list; it's how fast you get treated". Focus Ireland has called the statement a "poor choice of words", saying "people go to hospitals because they are sick; they do not have to become homeless". Head of Policy and Communications at Novas, which operates a small family hub in Ennis, Una Burns, has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons regardless of how much time people spend with homeless services, the experience often leaves long-lasting wounds.

There has been a significant decline in confidence in the Irish economy among businesses operating in the 'experience economy'. That is according to a new survey carried out by employers group Ibec. More than 70 businesses operating in the sector were surveyed as part of the research, including hospitality, retail, travel, tourism, food, drink, entertainment, the arts, sports and events. 7 out of 10 businesses said reduced overseas demand was a major concern. The sentiment survey shows that 49% of businesses are now less confident about the economy, compared to 28% six months ago. To discuss this further, Nuala Mulqueeney as Manager of the Ailwee Burren Experience and Martin Canavan, Moher Hill Open Farm and Leisure Park joined Alan Morrissey on Thurswday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Ewastudio via Canva.com

A Clare squash player became a champion at the recent Irish Masters Open. Michael Conlon from Ennis CBS Squash Club clinched the Men’s Over 70 title at the competition in Dublin, with victory over Dominique Dautremont of France in the final. Michael had been the No.1 seed heading into the tournament, having picked up a European silver medal in Wroclaw, Poland. Alan Morrissey spoke with Michael live in-studio on Thursday's Morning Focus.

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.