Clare Fm - Podcasts

A Clare artist claims her sector is "at a crossroads" and is calling for an extension of the Basic Income for the Arts scheme. The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport has published a report based on two years of data which reveals the experience of the 2,000 recipients of the pilot scheme launched in 2022. Among the findings are that recipients were able to spend more time on their arts practice, reported higher financial investment in their arts practice and were able to produce more pieces of work than the control group. A total of 54 people currently in receipt of the weekly payment are living in Clare, and Lahinch-based artist Maeve Stone, who's a member of the National Campaign for the Arts Steering Committee, says a decision must be made on its future ahead of Budget 2026.

A Clare disability rights activist had dismissed a new Government strategy for providing better accessibility for disabled people as a "glossy document" and a "distraction". The National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People, which is a five-year strategy providing a policy framework for the Government's approach to disability issues, has officially been launched. The strategy contains 23 commitments which are under the pillars of learning and education, employment, independent living and active participation in society, wellbeing and health, and transport and mobility. Ennistymon-based disability rights activist Ann Marie Flanagan has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons she believes the plan lacks the required legal framework for it to have any impact.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 4ú lá de mí Mheán Fómhair, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1971 ghortaíodh dhá dhuine agus trí Gharda nuair a tharla pléasc I mBéal Feirste. I 1980 tháinig sé amach go mbeadh na líne fón idir Baile Átha Cliath agus an chuid eile den tír níos fearr tar éis an Nollaig. I 1980 leag páiste a chuaigh chuig Coláiste St Flannan's in Inis nuair a bhí siad ag dul ar ais chuig an scoil agus chuaigh sé chuig Ospidéal Count's agus tháinig biseach iomlán air. I 2010 tháinig sé amach go raibh plean nua gnó ann de bharr an thobthitim den sceideal ag Aerfort na Sionainne le bliain anuas. Sin Olly Murs le Please Don't Let Me Go – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 2010. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1976 chuaigh The Sex Pistols ar an teilifís don chéad uair nuair a chuaigh siad ar an chlár teilifís So It Goes. I 2007 chan The Police a chéad dáta sa Bhreatain ar a teacht le chéile nuair a chan siad dhá oíche I Birmingham. Agus ar deireadh breithlá da

Energy regulator warns of ‘historic’ arrears as electricity credits end and prices climb Thousands more households could fall into arrears on their energy bills this winter, even as the numbers are already “trending at historically high levels”, the energy regulator has warned. The situation is exacerbated by the fact government electricity credits cease this winter and electricity prices could rise further in the coming weeks. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Áine Thompson from Kilrush Credit Union.

Clare Women in Business, explores the challenges and successes experienced by women in business and leadership roles. We hope that our conversation with our guests will see them share personal stories, insights, and strategies that can inspire listeners to pursue their goals without being limited by gender. For more on this, on Thursday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Bridget Haren, of Bridget Haren Hair and Beauty in Ennis Nuala Mulqueeney, Managing Director of the Burren Ailwee Experience and Sinéad Ní Gháirbhith, owner of the Cheese Press in Ennistymon.

On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Danny Lynch, chef at Le Chéile, Barefield. This week, Danny shared a delicious recipe for a Classic Full Irish & Traditional Curry

Clare Motor Club is gearing up for the Clare Stages Rally on Sunday, 7th September 2025, with action beginning from 10:30am to 11:30am. Motorsport fans can look forward to an exciting day of rallying in Clare. To find out what we can expect, Alan Morrissey was joined by Sinead Canny, Event PRO. Photo Credit: Photo (c) Clare Motorclub

North Clare cancer survivors are being invited to take part in a new support initiative. This comes as Gort Cancer Support, in collaboration with the Marie Keating Foundation, prepares to host a six–week Survive & Thrive programme beginning on Wednesday 17th September. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Cara Brady, Centre Manager at Hollyblue House, Gort Cancer Support Group CLG. Photo Credit: Photo (c) Survive&Thrive

Emergency medical response charity CRITICAL has established a new Community First Responder (CFR) group in Ennis, County Clare. A dedicated team of nine volunteers are now responding to life-threatening emergencies in the town and its surrounding areas. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by David Tighe, Killaloe-based Chief Executive of CRITICAL. Photo Credit: Photo (c) Critical - Emergency Medical Response via Facebook

Clare Libraries are running Sustainability Days this September and October as part of the Skills for Life programme, with workshops on beekeeping, candle making, tackling invasive plants, and upcycling clothes. Clothes Swap & Repair series led by Isabel Power will begin in Shannon Library on Saturday 6th September inviting people to swap pre-loved clothes and learn simple sewing repairs. Both initiatives aim to promote sustainability and mindful living in the community. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Cora Gunter, Senior Executive Librarian at Clare Library Service and Isabel Power, behind Clothes Swap & Repair.

A community fundraiser has been launched to support the family of Joe Crosse following his sudden passing. The GoFundMe appeal, set up by friends and members of his local club, aims to provide financial assistance to his wife Brid and children, Teagan and Odhran, during this difficult time. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by the organiser of the fundraiser Matthew Griffin, Ennistymon GAA Minor Club Chairman and Joe's sister in law, Paula Nagle. You can support the fundraiser here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/joe-crosse-ennistymon-co-clare PHOTO CREDIT: Photo (c) Joe Cross GoFund Me

With Ireland’s Auto Enrolment pension scheme due to launch in January 2026, Campion Insurance is warning that many employers are dangerously underprepared. Payroll errors, compliance risks, and employee confusion are looming unless businesses act now. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ivan Dunne, Head of Financial Services at Campion Insurance. The yawning gap in the pension provision between men and women has been exposed. The average Irish woman’s pension pot is a “staggering” 40pc less than men’s. An average pension pot for a man in Ireland is €102,000. But it is only €60,500 for women, according to research by the Irish-owned network of financial advisers Ask Acorn. Also joining Alan on Thursday's Morning Focus is Hilary Tonge, Former Social Democrats General Election Candidate. PHOTO CREDIT: Picture (c) ADragan from Getty Images via Canva.com News

A heavily-trafficked road in south-east Clare is to remain open throughout the completion of the Limerick Northern Distributor Road. Clare County Council had announced plans in July to implement closures at various points along the Knockalisheen Road in Meelick to facilitate the €31 million relief road project. Following a period during which the public was invited to make submission, the local authority has confirmed the route will stay accessible for the duration of construction. Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Cathal Crowe is welcoming the news and says people were "up in arms" about the proposed closure.

Clare's opposition TD claims she's "not shocked" at the amount of women on waiting lists for endometriosis surgery across the country. Newly-released figures show 747 Irish women are currently waiting to access surgery. Of these, 145 have been on a waiting list for between three and six months, while a further 138 have are waiting between six and 12 months. Shannon Sinn Féin Deputy, Donna McGettigan, says although some minor steps have been made in the right direction, it's not good enough that the National Framework for Endometriosis hasn't been published.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 3ú lá de mí Mheán Fómhair, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1980 bhí soláthairtí peitreal agus ola I mbaol de bharr riail obair a tháinig amach do thiománaí tancaeir agus fostaí eile. I 2002 shábháil páiste a raibh 10 mbliain d'aois a athair nuair a chaith sí é féin thairis nuair a bhí bithiúnaigh á bhualadh é le bata nuair a bhí siad ag iascaireacht. I 1971 tháinig an nuacht amach go raibh Guaire Fabrics I Gort chun dúnadh I 6 seachtain. I 2002 fuair roinnt comhlachtaí sa tSionainn deontas de 10 míle euro. Sin Atomic Kitten Le The Tide Is High – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 2002. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1968 tar éis dhá sheachtain chuaigh Ringo Starr air ais chuig The Beatles. I 2009 tháinig sé amach go raibh Turas Ceol Madonna Sticky and Sweet an turas cheol a fuair an méid is mó airgead riamh ag an am le 250 milliúin punt. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh aisteoir Charlie Sheen I Meiriceá I

Two Clare woman are among those on board an international flotilla of boats carrying humanitarian aid and pro-Palestinian activists to Gaza The Global Sumud Flotilla Mission plans to launch in two waves - the first from Barcelona and the second from Tunis on 4 September. Around 20 vessels departed Barcelona on Monday evening, several hours after winds forced it to return to the Spanish port. Activists hope the boats will converge in the Mediterranean before sailing towards Gaza, a trip that is estimated to take seven or eight days. The activists are from dozens of countries include Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, Irish actor Liam Cunningham as well as European politicians and public figures Clare based poet Sarah Clancy and Fanore woman, Maureen Almai are among those on the Flotilla. Sally-Ann Barrett spoke with Sarah Clancy and began by asking her to outline how events have unfolded so far

It started as a simple plan between friends — to meet up in Ballyvaughan, re-watch the 1995 All-Ireland Final, and celebrate the 30th anniversary of Clare’s historic breakthrough. But a few WhatsApp messages later, that small idea has grown into a full-blown community fundraiser. Next Saturday, September 6th, Greene’s Pub in Ballyvaughan will host a night of nostalgia, music, raffles, and maybe even a few special guests, with proceeds going to local causes. The evening kicks off at 7pm, with throw-in for the match replay at 8. To tell us how it all came together, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined by organiser, Una McCormack. Photo (c) Greene's Bar

A new report from CyberSafeKids reveals a sharp rise in the use of AI chatbots among children as young as eight, with many turning to them for homework help, friendship, and advice—often without any safeguards in place. Despite efforts to delay smartphone ownership and regulate social media, over 70% of under-13s are still active on platforms meant for older users. And the consequences are troubling: more than one in four children reported being bothered by disturbing online content, including horror, hate, and sexual material. In light of the findings of the ‘A Life Behind The Screens’ report, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined by Colm Daveron, Assistant Principal at CBS Primary Ennis and Mona Hynes, Principal at Mary Immaculate Secondary School in Lisdoonvarna.

A firm looking for land for development in Clare has put forward a series of measures that it believes could be used to address the housing challenges in this country. Fitzpatrick & Heavey Group, which already has over 500 homes under construction nationwide, has proposed that it could deliver up to 10,000 new homes within the next three years if planning and zoning obstacles are addressed. To address this in detail, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined by Ciaran Fitzpatrick, CEO, Fitzpatrick & Heavey Group.

This September, North Clare woman Helga Himmelsbach will walk and cycle 120 kilometres—from Kilrush to Kinvara—in memory of her late husband, Jerry O’Connor. Jerry was tragically killed in 2023 on the N67 near Ballyvaughan, struck by a car driven on the wrong side of the road by a tourist. Since that devastating day, Helga has become a passionate advocate for road safety across North Clare. Her journey begins on September 7th, not just to honour Jerry’s life, but to shine a light on the dangers facing road users in Clare. Today, she joins us to share her story, her campaign, and the message she hopes will reach every driver on our roads." To find out more, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined by Helga Hillmelsbach, North Clare road safety campaigner.