Clare FM

The Irish premiere of the documentary film A State of Passion will take place at Ennistymon Courthouse Gallery on Thursday, September 3rd.   The film follows British-Palestinian reconstructive surgeon Dr Ghassan Abu Sittah and his experiences treating severely injured patients in Gaza’s hospitals during the ongoing conflict.   The screening is being organised by East Clare for Palestine, with proceeds going to the Ghassan Abu Sittah Children’s Fund, which supports his work with seriously injured children from Gaza and Lebanon.  To tell us more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Simone Maloney from East Clare For Palestine. Image (c) A State Of Passion

New figures show that while the average primary school class size has fallen nationally, the number of children in very large classes of 35 or more has actually increased.   Here in Clare, around 9% of pupils are in oversized classes.  Alan Morrissey was joined by Dónal Ó hAiniféin, Principal of Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg in Ennis, to discuss the reality behind the figures and the challenges facing schools, teachers and pupils. Photo (c) Monkey Business Images via Canva

Kevin Keane from Potadóir in Ennis, and chef Aoife Kelly from Quin, are celebrating the creativity that happens when food, local produce and craft come together.  To find out about the event at Potadóir, the inspiration behind the menu, the importance of local produce, as well as getting a glimpse into the creative process behind Potadóir, Alan Morrissey was joined by Kevin and Aoife. Photo (c) Clare FM

Every September, Lisdoonvarna comes alive for its legendary Matchmaking Festival and The Ritz brings its own celebration to the heart of the festivities.  From midday each day, the ballroom is filled with country music and dancing, featuring some of Ireland’s top country bands and keeping the party going well into the small hours.  With this year’s festival promising to be bigger and better than previous years, the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival officially kicks off today.  Heather Crowe, Director of The Ritz Lisdoonvarna, joined Alan Morrissey to tell us more about what’s in store. Photo (c) Visit Clare

Clare health store owners are warning that newly proposed EU rules on supplements could cause widespread closures within the industry.    The European Union is currently moving to standardise and reduce the maximum permitted dose of minerals and vitamins available to consumers across the 27 member states.    The bloc says the move is necessary to prevent consumers from health risks such as excessive intake causing toxic side effects.     However health stores argue it will remove customer choice, remove vital supplements needed to fill gaps in the Irish diet and potentially create a blackmarket with dangerous consequences , while reducing footfall and ultimately closing businesses.    It's sparked a nationwide Save Our Supplements movement, which has already gained 28,000 petition signatures online and at least a further 1,200 across stores in Ennis.    Clare FM's Daragh Dolan has been speaking with Owner and Manager of the Ennis Health Store Sinead McNamara and Owner and Nutritional Therapist at the Health Connection in Ennis Olivia Cahalane Photo (c) Clare FM

Clare is preparing to celebrate its title as European Volunteering Capital 2027, recognising the thousands of people across the county who give their time to support their communities.   One of those volunteers is Shayla Hilpert. Originally from Canada and the United States, Shayla and Clint made County Clare their home three years ago. With a young family, they wanted to become part of the community and saw family volunteering as the perfect way to do it.  Every week, they join Ennis Tidy Towns for a litter pick, familarising themselves with the laneways and streets of Ennis while meeting neighbours and others who are also new to the area. Along the way, they have built strong friendships and a deep sense of belonging.  For Shayla and Clint, volunteering as a family is more than a community activity – it’s a way to share values with their children and teach the importance of being responsible citizens.   Volunteering has enabled the family to feel connected to their new community and Shayla believes that as you lay down a part of yourself you really get to care deeply for the people and place.   Their commitment extends beyond litter picking. The family came up with the idea of creating a Junior Garden and sharing library in their local area.   Working with Ennis Men’s Shed, they developed a safe, welcoming space where children can meet, swap books and enjoy the outdoors together.  Their motivation each week comes from a mix of commitment, care for the environment and the joy of social connection with Shayla believing that when people see children out volunteering, it shows that everyone can volunteer and make a difference.  Photo (c) Clare FM

Excitement is building in Lahinch as the world’s best amateur golfers prepare to descend on North Clare for the Walker Cup this weekend.   Lahinch Golf Club will host the prestigious contest between the United States and Great Britain & Ireland—the amateur equivalent of the Ryder Cup.  Alan Morrissey was joined by John Gleeson, Club Captain at Lahinch Golf Club, to hear how preparations are going and what this landmark event means for the club and the wider community. Photo (c) GunterK from Getty Images via Canva

The face of addiction, homelessness, and social harm in Clare and across the Midwest has been changing over recent years.     Ana Liffey supported 86 people through its Clare outreach service last year, with staff bringing support directly into communities.  Alan Morrissey was joined by Dawn Russell, CEO of Ana Liffey, to discuss the growing demand for services, the challenges facing vulnerable people, and the importance of meeting people where they are. Photo (c) MART PRODUCTION from Pexels via Canva

Tuesday's Morning Focus spoke on a major development that could shape the future of Shannon for generations to come.   Shannon Gateway Projects has acquired a significant 20-acre town-centre site, with ambitious plans focused on long-term growth, place-making and public benefit.  To discuss what this opportunity could mean for Shannon, its residents and business community, Alan Morrissey was joined by Kevin Thompstone, former CEO of Shannon Development and current Chair of the Shannon Chamber CEO Forum. Photo (c) clare.ie

A large scale investment in Shannon has been labelled 'an opportunity we could only have dreamt of'. It follows the confirmation that Shannon Gateway Projects has acquired a 20 acre site with the aim of shaping a vibrant and sustainable town centre for future generations. The investment promises to deliver new opportunities, support economic and social development and help the town realise its full potential. Shannon Fine Gael councillor, Tony Mulcahy, says support needs to be leant by the community to see the project achieve its goals.

Coming up on the show, we will reflect on another busy weekend of championship action with the focus on the TUS Clare senior and intermediate football championships, and the Clare Credit Unions senior camogie championships

Over 100 photographs captivating images that powerfully narrate Ireland's story throughout 2025 are being showcased at Shannon Airport. The AIB Press Photographer of the Year Awards 2026 exhibition will be on display at the Clare base for the next fortnight. Central to the exhibition is the work of Mark Condren who was crowned Press Photographer of the Year. It's the Corkman's record seventh time to pick up the accolade, with his most recent award coming back in 2020. The collection includes a range of images from Catherine Connolly and Micheál Martin following their respective elections as Taoiseach and President of Ireland, to three girls sunbathing at Sandymount Strand. Mark says some of his best shots happen in the spur of the moment. The exhibition is located in the check-in area of the airport and will be open to visitors until September 14th. The collection includes the work of some of the best Clare photographers such as Eamon Ward and John Kelly. Images of the county's landscape such as Miltown Malbay during the Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy are also included, while a photo of the funeral procession for Barefield native Vanessa Whyte and her children, taken by Liam McBurney ranked fifth in the news category. Shannon Airport Director, Niall Kearns, says it's important to include images from around the county in an exhibition that will enhance the passenger experience.

Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch to chat about the weekend’s sporting fixtures. ~ TUS Senior Football Championship ~  Group 1:  - Cratloe v Doonbeg (Saturday, 3pm) - LIVE ON CLARE FM - Éire óg v St. Joseph’s Miltown Malbay (Saturday, 3pm) Group 2:  - Ennistymon v Kildysart (Saturday, 5pm) - St. Joseph’s Doora Barefield v Kilmihill (Saturday, 5pm) Group 3:  - Lissycasey v St. Breckan’s (Sunday, 1pm) - LIVE ON CLARE FM - Corofin v Kilmurry Ibrickane (Sunday, 1pm) ~ Clare Credit Unions Senior Camogie Championship ~ - Scariff Ogonnelloe will be hoping to take another step toward the semi-finals of the Clare Credit Unions senior camogie championship this weekend  - The East Clare outfit are in pole position to take the top spot in Group Two after overcoming fellow former Munster champions Truagh Clonlara last time out.  - They face neighbours Feakle-Killanena on Friday evening where victory would leave them all but assured of the prime semi-final spot.  - Meanwhile, St Joseph's Doora Barefield and Tulla are facing a crucial game to save their status in the Clare Credit Unions senior camogie championship this weekend.  - The sides meet in Clooney this evening, knowing that victory will likely see them avoid dropping out of the top tier for 2027.  - Next year will see a reduced number of teams competing for the McMahon Cup and a new Premier Intermediate grade being introduced.  Image (c) Clare FM

A much-loved gift shop in Ennis is set to close its doors, with the owners of La Petite Galerie announcing their retirement.  Located in the heart of Ennis, the shop has provided customers with a wide range of gifts, keepsakes and distinctive items over the years.   Guy Urbin, Co-owner of La Petite Galerie in Ennis, joined Alan Morrissey to discuss the closure. Photo (c) La Petite Galerie via Facebook

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre, Ennis was back on Monday’s Morning Focus to answer all your gardening queries. This week, Judy gave advice for keeping your lawn lush after the harsh summer we've had. If you have any questions for Judy, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964. Image (c) Clonroad Garden Centre

Lahinch-based artist Michael Hanrahan is marking the upcoming Walker Cup at Lahinch Golf Club on September 5 and 6 with two new paintings inspired by the famous links.  Hanrahan has produced works depicting the 8th and 12th holes at Lahinch Links, capturing the character of the course ahead of the prestigious amateur golf event.   The artist is also looking forward to an exciting international opportunity, having been invited to Lexington, Kentucky, as the guest artist for the Breeders’ Cup in October.  Photo (c) Clare FM

A regional day of action in solidarity with Palestine will take place in Ennis on Saturday, September 5, as part of a national campaign calling for Ireland to take a stronger stance on the situation in Gaza.  The “Don’t Play Ball with Genocide” demonstration will begin at 11am in O’Connell Square, Ennis, with organisers calling on Ireland to ensure that Israel does not participate in the Nations League. Daragh Dolan spoke with Zoe Lawlor, one of the organisers, to find out more. Image (c) Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign

A Miltown Malbay-born writer has received major recognition in Australia for her acclaimed poetry collection exploring the experiences of Irish women and girls who emigrated during the Great Famine.  Dr Anne Casey’s sixth book, Seang (Hungering), published by Ennistymon-based Salmon Poetry, has been Highly Commended in the 2026 New South Wales History Awards, which carry a total prize pool of AUD$85,000.   Drawing on extensive historical research and archival records, Casey’s powerful work gives voice to the women and girls who fled Ireland for Australia during the Famine. Image (c) Anne Casey

Ennis based band Fierin J. has taken to the stage at Electric Picnic 2026 after winning the prestigious Electric Youth competition.  Fierin J., who has been nurtured through the Clare Youth Service – Ennis Music Project, earned one of the competition’s coveted festival spots following a standout performance.   They performed on the Hazelwood Stage on Saturday night, as part of the Electric Picnic festival at the weekend. Band members Mikey Sullivan, Niamh O Toole, Kierin Moran, and Marcus Sheahan joined Alan Morrissey to reflect on the experience. Photo (c) Clare Youth Centre

Local volunteers are being asked to lend a helping hand for the Special Olympics Ireland National Collection Day on Friday, September 18, 2026.     Eugene Falconer, Team Leader for Kilrush and West Clare, is encouraging people in the local community to volunteer a few hours of their time and help support this important cause. Alan Morrissey spoke with Eugene to find out more. You can donate to the fundraiser here: https://www.idonate.ie/team/kilrushcountyclare Photo (c) eggeeggjiew from Getty Images via Canva

An event will take place in Sixmilebridge on September 6 to commemorate the final public address given by Limerick-born Donogh O’Malley, who served as Minister for Education in 1968.  The event is being organised by the Sixmilebridge Historical Society, with support from Michael O’Dwyer. The current Minister for Education and the President of Engineers Ireland are among those expected to attend.  Alan Morrissey was joined by Tim Crowe, Chairperson of The Sixmilebridge historical society, and Gina O'Connor, PRO of The Sixmilebridge historical society, to learn more. Photo (c) Clare FM

TD's returned early from their summer break on Friday (28th), to debate changes to fuel supports.   The Government agreed to delay planned increases in excise duty, with the reductions now to be phased out between November and February.   To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Timmy Dooley, Tulla-based Fianna Fail Minister of State, and Donna McGettigan, Shannon Sinn Fein TD. Photo © Oireachtas.ie

A Clare homeless support service is calling for a serious commitment to tackling the issue in Budget 2027 as the number of children in emergency accommodation in the Midwest has hit another high. The latest report from the Department of Housing shows 394 children were recorded as homeless across the Midwest, a staggering 70% more than the 232 in July 2025. Meanwhile, 98 adults were accessing emergency accommodation in the final week of July, a 34% increase on last year. Head of Advocacy and Communications at Novas, Una Burns, says adequate funding needs to be allocated to both housing supply and homelessness prevention.

People in need of social housing are being urged to participate in a countywide assessment of needs. The local authority will be contacting households approved for social housing over the next week, with applicants required to complete their forms by Friday September 11th. There are currently 2,796 households awaiting an offer of social housing here. Shannon Banks Sinn Féin Councillor James Ryan says it's vital people complete the assessment so they're not removed from the list.

A Clare flood defence campaigner claims people unaffected by flooding won't agree to buy into a group scheme that would provide insurance to homes in flood zones. It comes as Insurance Ireland is proposing a €24 levy paid by insured households, which would go towards a flood insurance fund. The fund would allow homeowners in high-risk areas to access cover, with insurers also calling for a new national framework, including grants and flood performance certificates. Clonlara resident Gerardine Quinlivan says it's unfair to ask the general public to contribute to the fund.

Two rare Antarctic seabirds have been spotted at a popular Ennis attraction. Two South Polar Skuas were spotted at the Bridges of Ross in the past week. It's the fourth ever sighting of the bird in Clare, with two recorded in 2024 and a further sighting noted earlier this year. Clare ornithologist, John Murphy, says identifying them is both incredibly rare and challenging.

Stephen Fletcher leads our Sunday Prayer for today Sunday 30th August 2026, the Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time and the Thirteenth Sunday After Trinity. Susan Rice is the Reader and music is from The Sunday 7pm Choir and the the Jubilee Singers.

Gardaí have identified a suspect accused of directing harassing phone calls at at least two Clare County Councillors. Approximately 80 female councillors nationwide were subject to threatening and abusive calls, which have been described as containing disturbing and inappropriate sexual comments. Gardaí have carried out a search of a premises and seized items believed to have been involved in the harassment campaign. Ennis Fine Gael Councillor, Mary Howard, says it's a promising update on the case.

The Clare County Chair of the IFA says TB compensation ceilings must be increased as almost 1,000 herd restrictions have been imposed in Clare in the last five years. Figures released by the Department of Agriculture show 987 herd restrictions were imposed in Clare between 2021 and 2025. At the moment, the most compensation farmers can receive following the identification of TB is capped, despite independent valuers attributing a higher appraisal to the stock. Feakle farmer Stephen Walsh, says at present, farmers are being left drastically out of pocket.

Coming up on the show: We look ahead to a critical final round of games in the TUS Clare senior football championship group stages and Feakle is the focus of this weeks More Than A Club

Cork indie-rockers Diveboy have release their soaring new single, ‘Chosen Ones’. The single comes with the announcement of their highly anticipated album, In Orbit, arriving on October 2nd, which will mark a defining reintroduction after their rebrand last year, having previously performed as The Burma. Following standout performances at All Together Now, Other Voices and Cork City Hall (supporting Feeder) in 2025, members Tony O’Donovan (vocals), Peter Piggott (lead guitar) and Cian Doherty (drums) have stayed true to the sound that has earned them two top 5 albums in the Irish charts, five Homegrown Top 20 singles and a slot at Glastonbury. ‘Chosen Ones’ follows extensive support across Irish media for nostalgic singles ‘Suntrap’, and ‘Glory Days’, the tenderly euphoric ‘Solar Sister and the ever-wistful ‘Built-in Heartbreak’. Continuing in the vein of their rich, nostalgia-soaked indie sound, the single leans into the irresistible pull of 90s pop and rock, channeling the anthemic spirit of Madonna, All Saints, and U2. Piggott explains: “There has always been a bit of a 90s influence in our sound, but we really leaned into it on this track. A lot of the sounds in the final version were actually taken from the original demo of the track, where I tried to limit myself to using equipment those artists might have used at the time, or shaping modern sounds so they felt true to the period. The chorus line “Holding up a photograph, ’99 summertime” really leans into that sense of nostalgia. Funnily enough the lyrics to the song were also inspired by a sketch from The Limmy Show!” With their sights set on a stadium-filling sound, Diveboy have confidently stepped into their most expansive era yet, with ‘Chosen Ones’ standing as a bold new offering that pulses with kinetic energy. Taken from their upcoming third album, In Orbit, which is their first LP under the Diveboy name, the album is a candid and bittersweet reflection on the transition period between youth and adulthood. An ode to the relationships that define both chapters, their refined, elegant indie sound resonates throughout, shaped with renowned producer Ruadhrí Cushnan (Shawn Mendes, Ed Sheeran, Mumford and Sons).

Daragh Dolan was joined by Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch to chat about the weekend’s sporting fixtures. ~ TUS Clare SFC ~ - Two different mini league tables could come into play to determine the final placings in Group Three of the TUS Clare senior football championship  - Kilmurry Ibrickane are guaranteed to at least secure a playoff spot ahead of their final round tie against Corofin, who could still secure top spot in the standings with victory.  - Lissycasey know that any result against St Breckan's will see them reach the knockout stages, while the North Clare men need to win in order to avoid the relegation battle.  - A three-way tie at either end of the table is still a possibility   Group 1:  - Cratloe v Doonbeg (Saturday, 3pm) - LIVE ON CLARE FM - Éire óg v St. Joseph’s Miltown Malbay (Saturday, 3pm)  Group 2:  - Ennistymon v Kildysart (Saturday, 5pm) - St. Joseph’s Doora Barefield v Kilmihill (Saturday, 5pm) Group 3:  - Lissycasey v St. Breckan’s (Sunday, 1pm) - LIVE ON CLARE FM - Corofin v Kilmurry Ibrickane (Sunday, 1pm) ~ Clare Credit Unions Senior Camogie Championship ~ - Scariff Ogonnelloe will be hoping to take another step toward the semi-finals of the Clare Credit Unions senior camogie championship this weekend  - The East Clare outfit are in pole position to take the top spot in Group Two after overcoming fellow former Munster champions Truagh Clonlara last time out.  - They face neighbours Feakle-Killanena on Friday evening where victory would leave them all but assured of the prime semi-final spot.  - Meanwhile, St Joseph's Doora Barefield and Tulla are facing a crucial game to save their status in the Clare Credit Unions senior camogie championship this weekend.  - The sides meet in Clooney this evening, knowing that victory will likely see them avoid dropping out of the top tier for 2027.  - Next year will see a reduced number of teams competing for the McMahon Cup and a new Premier Intermediate grade being introduced. Image (c) Clare FM

Time for another Taste of the Week, on Friday’s Morning Focus Daragh Dolan was joined by Danny Lynch, Chef from Le Cheile in Barefield. Danny let Daragh test this weekend's special, a steak sandwich with peppercorn sauce. Image (c) Clare FM

On Friday's Morning Focus, Daragh Dolan was talking about an interesting animal welfare project being carried out at Burren Nature Sanctuary, where researchers looked at how environmental enrichment can improve the wellbeing of captive animals.   Ellie Cullinan from Crusheen, a Zoology student, studied the behaviour of two male boars, Apollo and Jupiter, using everything from puzzle feeders and toys to scent and sound enrichment.   Her findings showed a reduction in repetitive pacing and increased opportunities for natural behaviours such as foraging and exploration.  Ellie joined Daragh to tell us more about the project and what she discovered. Photo (c) Ellie Cullinan, Clare FM

Doonbeg is getting ready to welcome visitors for the Amgen Irish Open, with the local community pulling together to make sure the village is very much open for business.     Doonbeg Fáilte Fest will run from September 11th to 13th, with live music, family entertainment, local food, arts, heritage and a West Coast Showcase.     Daragh Dolan was joined by Cllr Rita McInerney and Jennie Drysdale, members of the Doonbeg Irish Open Committee, to hear about the plans and the message they want to send to visitors: come for the golf, stay for Doonbeg. Image (c) Doonbeg Fáilte Fest

Tributes are being paid to Clare-born Geraldine Creaner, the founder of GetReskilled, who has died peacefully at the age of 62.   Geraldine was at the heart of the family business, which has helped thousands of people retrain for careers in the pharmaceutical and medical-device industries.   She was also a proud Clare woman, despite living in Cork for many years, and will be laid to rest in her native Ennis next week.   Alan Morrissey has been speaking with Sinéad Creaner, Geraldine’s middle daughter, to remember her mother and reflect on her remarkable life and legacy. Photo (c) Geraldine Creaner by Sinead Creaner

The first season of Ennis RFC Women in the All-Ireland League has now been captured on film in a new documentary, Who We Are – Ennis Rugby in the AIL.  The film documents the team’s journey, from pre-season preparations and training to the highs and challenges of their historic first season.   It premiered last night at the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis, and Daragh Dolan was joined by Ennis RFC Women’s head coach Gareth O’Hanlon to look back on the making of the documentary and what that landmark season meant for the team. Image (c) Ennis RFC Ladies Rugby via Facebook

With the expected visit of US President Donald Trump to Clare next month, thousands of Gardaí are being drafted in for what the Garda Commissioner has described as an “extraordinary event.”   But there are growing concerns about accommodation, with officers reportedly being told to make their own arrangements despite hotel prices in the region reaching more than €1,000 a night.   The Garda Representative Association has described the situation as “nothing short of a shambles.”   Daragh Dolan joined by Clare GRA Representative Dominic Curtin to discuss the concerns facing Gardaí ahead of the operation. Photo (c) geralt via Pixabay, Donald Trump

The Government has agreed to phase out cuts to excise duty on petrol and diesel over four stages, from November through to the end of February.   The decision comes amid continued volatility in global fuel prices, with concerns about the impact on households, farmers and businesses.  Planned increases for September and October were scrapped recently, amid concerns over rising fuel prices.   The September increase alone would have added 9 cent to a litre of petrol and 10 cent to diesel.  The Transport Minister says extending the current cuts to fuel excise duty will cost the State an additional 430 million euro.  Minister Darragh O’Brien says the additional support being provided is significant. Daragh Dolan was joined by Stephen Walsh, Clare IFA Chair and Feakle farmer, and Michael Barry of Dan McInerney’s & Sons, to get their reaction to the changes and what they could mean for fuel prices in the months ahead. Photo (c) amanalang from Getty Images via Canva

It's hoped a newly approved adult respite facility in Shannon could be operating within the next 18 months. Corlann, formerly, the Brothers of Charity has been granted permission for a full-time intellectual disability respite centre at Gleann-na-Smól. The development will involve the demolition of the existing property. Shannon Fine Gael Councillor Tony Mulcahy believe the former owners of the residence would be delighted about its new purpose.

Clare's rough sleeper count is said to be constantly growing. It's estimated there are up to 8 people currently sleeping rough across the county town alone. The Ennis Mobile Shower for Rough Sleepers is hosting a coffee morning at the Grove Bar and Restaurant from 10am in order to raise funds for its services, which now has 18 regular weekly users. Founder Fiona Faulkes says many of their users are facing deplorable conditions.

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by John Burns, Chair of the board at Rice College and Educational Consultant. This week, John shared practical advice on the CAO process and the important decisions students face when considering further education. The discussion also looks at the annual challenges of returning to school, focusing on the do’s and don’ts for students as they begin a new academic year.  Image (c) Clare FM

On this week’s History in Focus Alan Morrissey was joined by local historian and author, Colm Liddy to chat about evictions during the Famine. If you have any stories you would like to share with Colm about your townland you can contact him at [email protected] or Clare FM at [email protected]. You can listen to the full interview below. Image (c) Colm Liddy

From diplomatic security work in some of the world's most challenging conflict zones to writing novels overlooking the Shannon Estuary, Geraint Jones has had an extraordinary journey. Originally from South Wales, Geraint has lived and worked across Africa, the Middle East and Afghanistan, and experienced the conflict in what is now Zimbabwe firsthand. Now living in West Clare, he has just published his second novel, Beyond The Fever Trees, a story inspired by that conflict and exploring the human and moral consequences of war. Alan Morrissey was joined by author Geraint Jones to talk about the book, his remarkable career, and his new life as a full-time writer. Cover Picture (c) By John Wynne Hopkins

The Clare-based Deputy Vice President of the Irish Road Haulage Association says the Government needs to continue reviewing the price of fuel before phasing out excise cuts. Plans due to go before Cabinet today will see the cuts remain in place until at least November, with the hauliers fuel subsidy scheme to be extended until December. The coalition is then planning to reintroduce the carbon tax hikes in four stages between November and February. Ennis haulier Eugene Drennan has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan the plans need to remain flexible given the volatile situation in the Middle East.

This weekend (Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August), the ancient Caherconnell Stone Fort in the Burren will come alive with fire, iron and the sound of hammers, as the Caherconnell International Furnace Festival returns for its fourth year.   More than 50 blacksmiths and iron smelters from Ireland, the UK, Europe and the US will demonstrate the ancient craft of turning ore into iron — with special guest, world-renowned blacksmith Alec Steele, also taking part.   Joining Alan Morrissey were Sean Davoren of Caherconnell Stone Fort & Field Schools, and Gwilym Stanley and Alan Doyle of Irish Bloomery Iron. Photo (c) oksanashufrych via Canva

The National Learning Network is hosting an open evening today, (Thursday, 27th August), at its centre right here in the Clare FM Building on Francis Street in Ennis.   It’s an opportunity to meet the team, explore the centre and find out about fully funded courses, learner supports and pathways into further education and employment.  Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more was Sinéad Geoghegan, Assistant Area Manager with the National Learning Network. Photo (c) Clare FM

The Brainhacker is back! Keith Barry is bringing his acclaimed live show Unhinged – 25 Years Inside Your Minds to Glór on September 19th.   Celebrating 25 years of mind-blowing magic, hypnosis, mentalism and comedy, the show promises to challenge what we think is possible — and this could be the final chance to see Keith live before he takes a two-year break from touring. Photo (c) Clare FM

Bryan Seaver, the nephew of Dolly Parton, announced the death of his aunt, who died on Tuesday at the age of 80 following a short battle with cancer.   Dolly Parton was unquestionably one of the greatest and most beloved figures in country music.   Her extraordinary career spanned six decades, producing thousands of songs, countless hits, and a legacy that reached far beyond music.   Mike Gardiner, presenter of Clare FM’s Country Corner, joined Alan Morrissey to reflect on the life, music and remarkable personality of the Queen of Country. Photo (c) sneakpeekpic from Getty Images via Canva

A special fundraising gig is taking place in Ballyvaughan next week (Saturday, 5th September), with musician Áine Tyrell and friends taking to the stage at Greene’s Bar to help raise funds for the new North Burren Community Centre at Gleann Ciosog.   The project has planning permission, €165,000 in Community Recognition funding and has now reached the tender stage, but further funding is needed to keep the project on track for Phase 1 completion in October.   Joining Alan Morrissey were musician Áine Tyrell and Bríd Fahy from the North Burren Community Group. Image (c) Áine Tyrell