Clare Fm - Podcasts

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.

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.