Clare Fm - Podcasts

Clare's Minister of State claims it's "unnecessary" for the Government to discuss banning the US military from using Shannon Airport at this time. The Labour Party called for the measure in light of the US President's recent rhetoric around acquiring Greenland, but speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Donald Trump has stated he won't take the territory by force. Donald Trump says he's now working on what he's calling an "infinite" deal for Greenland, following discussions with Nato chief Mark Rutte last night. An emergency summit for EU leaders on Greenland will still go ahead today, despite Trump announcing a withdrawal of planned tariffs. Tulla Fianna Fáil Minister of State Timmy Dooley says it's time to "dial down the rhetoric".

A Clare based MEP is hopeful an upcoming review of the Mercosur deal by Europe's highest court can help to prevent the controversial trading arrangement. European Parliament members marginally voted to refer the text of the deal to the European Court of Justice at a ballot in Strasbourg yesterday. Under its current terms, up to 99,000 tonnes of beef from Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia would enter the EU each year with reduced tariffs, however farmers are concerned with the quality of the produce. Scariff native, farmer and Independent MEP Michael McNamara believes the deal is unworkable in its current form.

Wednesday’s Morning Focus was broadcast live from the EmployAbility Clare offices at Elevation Business Park, Ennis. Alan Morrissey first spoke with Marie Killeen, Service Manager at EmployAbility Clare, who outlined the range of services they provide. He was then joined by Tommy O’Doherty, Chairperson of EmployAbility Clare, who spoke about his background and how he became involved with the organisation. Next, Alan spoke with Mary Coll-Burke, Employment Personal Advisor with the Department of Social Protection, who explained the benefits of EmployAbility Clare and the supports available through the service. Following this, Alan was joined live on the show by Yvonne Madden, Employment Coach with EmployAbility Clare; Mairead Mannion, Shop Manager at the Clare Haven Horizons Charity Shop; and Patricia McNamara from the HR Department of Clare County Council. The group discussed the partnership formed in 2022, what was involved in setting it up, and its importance. We then heard from Deirdre Ball, Communicat

Clare County Council is being warned not to wait for a fatality to take action on road safety measures at one of the county's busiest junctions. The local authority is progressing plans for an Active Travel Scheme on the Clare Road and Limerick Road in Ennis, which include solutions to long-running problems at the Clareabbey roundabout. The Clareabbey Roundabout has long been one of the most contentious and dangerous junctions in the Ennis–Clarecastle area, raising ongoing concerns for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. Proposed safety measures, as part of the R458 Active Travel Scheme focus, however, on improving cyclist and pedestrian safety with segregated cycle lanes, raised crossings, traffic calming and improved pedestrian links. Frustration has been voiced by some residents though in the wake of a public consultation event held last month, with calls for more ambitious solutions. Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle insists the current proposals would cause major tailbacks on all four arms on one of the c

A lecturer is praising the efforts of Employability Clare in helping her to reintegrate into the workplace following life changing injuries she sustained a decade ago. While partaking in the Wicklow 200-kilometre event on a wet and dark day in 2016, Stella Sloane suffered a brain bleed, collapsed lung and broken collarbone. Stella spent significant time recovering in Beaumont Hospital, before eventually returning to the University of Galway's Shannon College of Hotel Management as a lecturer in Accommodation Services. She says it's a hugely helpful process.

A Shannon Creche has poured cold water on new state proposals to lower childcare costs for struggling parents. It comes as the Department of Children has unveiled new plans to provide 800 new childcare spaces, by purchasing buildings in rural and disadvantaged areas that can be ran on a not for profit basis. New figures from the Federation of Early Childhood Providers show almost 1,000 childcare facilities have closed in the last six years. Co-Owner of Kidz Haven in Shannon Noel Mulderrig has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that this trend is likely to continue.

It's claimed urgent action needs to be taken on the installation of bus stops in the Cratloe area as a matter of public safety. At this week's meeting of Shannon MD, Clare County Council was requested to liaise with the NTA with the aim of installing bus stops at Cratloe Cross, Portdrine, Laghile, Gallows Hill Cross and O Gorman’s Cross. Calls have also been made for the installations of shelters on both sides of the road at Setrights Cross and for the reinstatement of the bus stop and pole at Ballymorris Hill. Cratloe Fianna Fail Councillor Pat O'Gorman, who proposed the motion, says the lack of bus stop signs is leading to children walking long distances along the N18.

Protection measures are set to be reviewed on a major flood defence on North Clare's coast. Clare County Council has confirmed it's engaging with the Office of Public Works and the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority in order to commence dredging and strengthening works at Doolin Pier and the Aille River. It comes amid coastal erosion concerns brought on by recent severe weather events such as Storm Éowyn. Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy says it's vital to protect the region's economy.

Clare FM analyst Kevin Sheehan previewing Clare's National Hurling League Division 1B Campaign

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch Speaking With Colaiste Muire Management Frank Culleton and Aoife Sheehan

Fans of classic rock should make their way to Glór early next month. Rock Rising: The Supreme Classic Rock Show returns to the Ennis venue on the 7th of February. The show will feature timeless anthems from the likes of Thin Lizzy, Pink Floyd, AC/DC, Journey, and more besides. With Alan Morrissey this morning on Tuesday's Morning Focus was Paul Cantillon of Rock Rising.

Schools across Clare are being invited to get moving, as Fyffes teams up once again with Olympian David Gillick to launch Ireland’s Fittest School 2026. The nationwide initiative aims to promote fitness, exercise and healthy eating among young people. To tell us more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Emma Hunt-Duffy, Head of Marketing at Fyffes on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) fyffesfittestschool.ie

On Tuesday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey, the great Colm Liddy, local historian and author was back in studio for History In Focus. This week, Colm told us the story of The Terry Alt Rebellion.

There was Clare success at the recent National Indoor Rowing Championships. The event took place in the UL Sports Arena on Saturday, January 17th. It was a day of success for Shane O’Malley. The Cree native became a national indoor rowing champion again, after claiming same title in 2025. He spoke with Alan Morrissey on Tuesday's Morning Focus to tell us more. Photo (c) Marion o Malley via Facebook

It was time for our Legal Advice slot on Tuesday's Morning Focus. This week, Alan Morrissey spoke with Caroline Doherty of Cahir & Co. Solicitors on the topic of Divorce.

Simon Harris is among the group of EU Finance Minister's meeting to discuss Donald Trump's latest tariff threat. Cabinet will also be discussing the potential ramifications for Ireland if it happens. The US President claims he will 100 per cent go ahead with imposing extra tariffs on European countries opposed to his plans to take over Greenland. He's insisting Denmark 'can't protect' the territory. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Larry Donnelly, Columnist and Law Lecturer at University of Galway on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) COSPV Getty Images via Canva

New figures show the number of homeless pensioners has more than doubled in recent years, with rising rents and house prices leaving many older people vulnerable to losing their homes. At the same time, new frontline supports are emerging here in Clare. Joining us now are Neil Garvey, CEO of Midwest Simon, and Fiona Faulkes, who spent five years sleeping rough and now runs a dedicated mobile homeless shower facility in Ennis, to talk about what they’re seeing on the ground and what needs to change. Photo (c) RossHelen via Canva

Clare GAA has a new Head of Operations, with Ann Marie Moran officially taking up the role this month. A Chartered Accountant and IT Project Manager by profession, and someone with deep roots in club and county GAA through Corofin and Corofin/Ruan, Ann Marie steps into the position at a key time for the organisation. Ann Marie spoke with Alan Morrissey on Tuesday's Morning Focus to talk about her first weeks in the role and what lies ahead for Clare GAA.

US President Donald Trump’s son Eric is visiting Clare this week, Tuesday 20th Jan and Wednesday 21st Jan, as plans move forward for a major new ballroom development at the Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg. The proposed project, which is currently before Clare County Council, is being billed by the Trump Organisation as a significant economic boost for West Clare. Public submissions on the proposal close on the 2nd of February. To discuss what this visit means for Doonbeg and what locals hope will come from it, Alan Morrissey was joined by Doonbeg Fianna Fáil councillor Rita McInerney and local resident Willie Hanrahan. Photo (c) Pat Flynn

14 households in Clare have lodged appeals over the level of compensation granted to them under the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme. Under the scheme, homeowners affected by the defective mineral are entitled to receive up to €462,000 to rebuild or repair their property. To date there have been 180 appeals made over the approved payouts, with the vast majority coming from Donegal and just 8% stemming from Clare. Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney believes most here are satisfied with the scheme, but that improvements are still needed.