Clare FM

Relive the action from Clare's historic 5th U-20 Munster Final Win v Tipperary at the TUS Gaelic Grounds.

Plans are afoot for a new homeless shelter in Ennis. Clare County Council has confirmed to Councillor Clare Colleran-Molloy that it has identified a funding source for the former Grey Gables B&B on Station Road to be demolished and converted to an emergency accommodation facility. The property was purchased in 2024 for €650,000 and subject to Government approval, its anticipated construction will commence next year with an estimated build time of 18 months. Founder of the Ennis Mobile Shower for Rough Sleepers Fiona Faulkes has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that it's urgently needed.

The big day is almost upon us! The Best of Clare Awards 2026 in association with Ei Electronics will take place tomorrow evening (Friday, 15th May) at the Old Ground Hotel. Many of you have cast your vote for your favourite local business, with awards to be handed out for 18 exciting categories on the night. And to kick off the awards day Alan Morrissey was joined by one of the co-winners of this year’s Local Hero award, Ruth Flanagan. Image © Clare FM

On this week's episode of The Future of Work, Pat Flynn chats with Joe Garrihy, chair of Lisdoonvarna Fáilte based in North Clare. This feature, 'The Future of Work' is funded by the News Reporting Scheme.

A powerful and thought-provoking new theatre production comes to Glór Ennis this Friday with The Reincarnation of Cornelius Agrippa. Written and performed by Martin Sullivan, the play is based on the extraordinary true story of Cornelius Agrippa, a 16th-century scholar who famously defended a woman accused of witchcraft before the Inquisition — the only recorded case of its kind. Now touring Ireland since late 2024, the production blends history and modern storytelling as Agrippa returns 500 years later to confront justice, power and persecution once again. Martin Sullivan joined Alan Morrissey to tell us more. Image © Clare Fm

We’re going to discuss the big questions around nature restoration in Ireland — who has the power to make change happen, what’s slowing progress down, and whether Ireland is moving fast enough to meet its environmental obligations. The conversation comes ahead of the Changing Landscapes Conference taking place at the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon, organised by Hometree. The event will bring together Government representatives, landowners, investors, NGOs and community leaders to examine how Ireland can deliver restoration at the scale now required under the EU Nature Restoration Regulation. Alan Morrissey was joined by Ray Ó Foghlú, Engagement and Education Officer with Hometree, and Christopher O'Sullivan, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Image © Hometree

Organ Donor Awareness Week 2026 runs from May 16th to 23rd, encouraging people across Ireland to have one of the most important conversations they may ever have — and that is to share their wishes about organ donation with their families. Organised by the Irish Kidney Association in collaboration with Organ Donation Transplant Ireland, the campaign highlights the life-saving impact of organ donation, with more than 650 people currently waiting for a transplant in Ireland. This year’s national launch features a very personal and powerful contribution from Liscannor woman Stella McDonagh, who will speak about her family’s experience of dialysis and the importance of making your wishes known. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by the National Advocacy Manager of the Irish Kidney Association Colin White. Image © Kidney Association Ireland

A very special evening of music, heritage and community spirit is taking place in Spanish Point this Sunday with the sold-out Supper and Song Fundraiser in aid of Christ Church, Spanish Point. The event will see guests enjoy a meal at the Armada Hotel before an intimate performance from acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Luka Bloom inside the historic church, described as a “Gothic Mediterranean jewel” dating back to 1827. The fundraiser is also part of a wider effort to preserve and reopen historic Church of Ireland spaces across Clare, including projects at St. Columba’s Church and Kilfenora Cathedral, with hopes of creating more opportunities for concerts, culture and community events in the future. Alan Morrissey spoke with one of the organisers, Linda Hebenstreit. Image © Linda Hebenstreit

Some of the world’s finest musicians and performers will descend on Killaloe and Ballina this June Bank Holiday weekend for the 2026 Killaloe Music Festival. The festival programme features an extraordinary mix of classical music, folk traditions, spoken word and immersive performances, with internationally acclaimed artists including Rhiannon Giddens, Denise Chaila and Sibéal Ní Chasaide performing in intimate venues across the twin towns. From candlelit concerts in St Flannan’s Cathedral to family-friendly musical adventures and free community events, the festival continues to build a reputation as one of Ireland’s most distinctive cultural experiences. To tell us more, Boris Hunka, the festival manager joined Alan Morrissey on Morning Focus. Image © SCS Killaloe Music Festival

Clare will be well represented at this year’s Blue Jean Country Queen Festival as Sixmilebridge Kilmurry member Bríd Gilligan heads to Athboy for a bank holiday weekend packed with music, interviews, dancing, fancy dress, and plenty of craic. Organised by Macra na Feirme and the community of Athboy, the festival brings together contestants from across Ireland, Northern Ireland and France, all competing for the Blue Jean Country Queen title. Bríd joined Alan Morrissey in studio to chat about representing Clare, preparing for the big weekend, and what promises to be a memorable experience. Image © Clare FM

Councillors have made calls for urgent enhancements to road infrastructure and facilities serving the North side of Ennis due to serious safety and welfare concerns. Residents of the Lee's Road Housing Estate have called for road widening to be conducted outside the entrance to their residential area due to a large volume of motorists reportedly using the L4182 as a rat run to get to and from John O'Sullivan Park. Additionally calls have been made for toilet facilities to be installed near Drumcliffe Cemetery to help mourners when visiting their loved ones. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan spoke to Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua and Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle at this week's meeting of Ennis Municipal District. Image © Speed Limit Sign Over Blue Sky by claudiodivizia via Canva

Today, Quin will welcome Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan for the official launch of the Quin Biodiversity Action Plan 2025–2029 — a major milestone for the village’s growing environmental and community-led initiatives. The visit will include a walking tour highlighting local biodiversity projects, including the Return to Nature – Clare Church Biodiversity Project at St Mary’s Church and the Arbutus Nature & Sensory Garden Trail, where students from Scoil na Mainistreach will showcase their work protecting pollinators and caring for native hedgerows. To discuss the importance of the plan and the wider sustainability work taking place in Quin, Alan Morrissey was joined by Liz Condron, Biodiversity Lead with Quin Tidy Towns, and Alison Deane, Sustainability Lead. Image © Quin Tidy Towns

We begin by discussing the Government’s decision to increase on-the-spot fines for littering and dog fouling from €150 to €250 from this September, alongside a new €3 million investment in anti-dumping measures, including CCTV monitoring and enforcement initiatives nationwide. While supporters say tougher penalties are needed to tackle illegal dumping and protect communities, questions remain over whether the rules will actually be enforced. To discuss the issue Alan Morrissey was joined by Victor McSweeney the Owner of The Hazlewood Lodge and Committee Member of Ballyvaughan Tidy Towns Frankie Coote, County Dog Warden. Image © carlosbezz from Getty Images Signature via Canva

A Clare Government TD insists it shouldn't be left up to developers to decide what level of community engagement on an infrastructure project is good enough. Bodyke Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney has declared his intention to bring forward a private members bill in the Dáil that would compel public bodies and private developers to carry out a certain standard of community engagement. Lack of public consultation is a frequent complaint of Clare residents regarding the likes of renewable energy projects. Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Cooney says statutory standards must be introduced.

On this week’s Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn visits Ireland’s first dedicated residential yoga and meditation retreat at the foot of the Burren Hills. The Burren Yoga Retreat was founded by yoga and meditation teacher Dave Brocklebank in 1999.

It's claimed a proliferation of "smaller, faster cars with bigger engines" is making Clare's roads network more dangerous. New Road Safety Authority data has revealed that 1,027 road traffic collisions took place in Clare between 2016 and 2024, 40 of which were fatal. South-east Clare accounted for the highest number of fatal crashes during this period, with 13 occurring there. Clare County Council Road Safety Working Group member, Shannon Fine Gael Councillor Tony Mulcahy, has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons traffic volumes are increasing consistently.

All but one of Clare's bathing sites received an excellent water quality rating from the Environmental Protection Agency last year. The EPA's latest audit of the 153 bathing waters nationwide, shows Lahinch Beach was the only area in this county to decline from last year, with its rating reduced to 'good'. Ballyallia, Ballycuggeran, Bishopsquarter, Cappagh Pier, Carrigaholt, Fanore, Kilkee, Lough Derg, Quilty, Seafield, Spanish Point, White Strand - Doonbeg and White Strand - Miltown Malbay all secured the top grade for the second year running. Senior Scientific Officer in the EPA's Water Management Programme, Eoin McAleer has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that it's a very positive sign for the county.

Leading international experts, policymakers, advocates and families affected by Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder are gathering in Ennis this week for the 2026 FASD Ireland International Conference. Hosted over three days in Hotel Woodstock, the event will explore the theme of “Justice and FASD” — examining everything from access to services and public awareness to the experiences of people with FASD within social and justice systems. Alan Morrissey was joined by Tristan Casson-Rennie to discuss the conference, the growing conversation around FASD in Ireland, and the importance of awareness, prevention and support. Image © Clare FM

This week Tommy focused on financial considerations for those coming into retirement age including, retirement plans and vigilance around fraudsters and scammers. Image © Clare FM

A dead whale discovered on Kilmacreehy Beach in County Clare over the weekend has been identified as a Sowerby’s Beaked Whale — a rarely seen deep-water species found in the North Atlantic. The discovery has prompted an examination by the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, with researchers hoping to learn more about the animal and the circumstances surrounding its death. Alan Morrissey was joined by Stephanie Levesque to explain what happens when a whale strands on our coastline, what scientists can learn from these events, and why the public is being urged to keep a safe distance from stranded marine mammals. Image © Irish Whale and Dolphin Group via Facebook

Three young Clare acts represented the county at the national finals of the Irish Youth Music Awards in the Axis Theatre in Ballymun — showcasing everything from indie folk and metal to original singer-songwriter music. The event celebrated emerging young talent from across the country and highlighted the creativity, confidence and ambition of Ireland’s next generation of musicians. Alan Morrissey was joined by Eoghan Hayes, the Clare based musician who MC’d the event alongside the Clare youth service worker who runs the Ennis Music Program, Sam Lavery to talk about the journey to the national stage, the importance of youth music programmes, and what the event meant for Clare’s young artists. Image © Clare FM

A remarkable prehistoric discovery has been made in Ireland, with 330-million-year-old fossil shark teeth uncovered in the Burren in County Clare and a fossil fin spine discovered in Donegal. The finds, which date back to the Carboniferous period when Ireland was covered by a tropical sea, are being described as scientifically significant and are helping researchers piece together the story of ancient marine life. Joining us now to talk about the discoveries, the importance of citizen science, and what these fossils reveal about Ireland’s distant past is... Dr Eamon Doyle, Geologist for the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark CONF Image © Crusher tooth of fossil shark Psephodus magnus (6cm long) discovered by Emma Glanville (NPWS) in the Burren National Park by Eamon Ward

The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland is warning that rural pubs are facing what it calls an “existential threat” as rising energy, wage, insurance and operating costs continue to bite. More than 2,200 pubs have closed nationwide since 2005, and the VFI is now calling on Government to introduce targeted supports, including a proposed 40% excise rebate on draught products, ahead of Budget 2027. To discuss the challenges facing the sector — and what the future holds for Ireland’s pubs — Alan Morrissey was joined by Charlie O’Meara, Clare VFI Chair and Maurice Walsh, Vice Chair of Clare Tourism and Moroney’s Bar Ennis Image © Pouring a Pint by urbazon from Getty Images Signature

Clare is said to be "back on track" regarding protecting the biodiversity of its rivers following a €1.3 million funding allocation. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has announced the funds as part of the National Barrier Mitigation Programme which is intended to address artificial barriers to fish migration. A total of nine projects in Clare are being supported through the initiative. Tulla-based Fianna Fáil Minister of State for Fisheries and the Marine Timmy Dooley says the county's waterways will be healthier and more resilient going forward.

A proposal has been made to honour Clare activist Dermot Hayes at the new Ennis Dialysis Unit. The Corofin native and lifelong disability rights campaigner passed away in January. Dermot chaired the Clare Branch of the Irish Kidney Association up until his passing and had strongly advocated for the dialysis unit in Ennis, which is set to open later this year. Clarecastle Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle believes a memorial bench would be the most fitting tribute.

The Shop Steward of Ennis Ambulance Base claims morale within the service is at an "all-time low". National Ambulance Service staff are on strike nationwide today, with pickets in place at stations across the country until 8am tomorrow. The industrial action centres on the claim by trade unions that the HSE has failed to implement the recommendations of a 2020 report on updating salary scales to reflect changes in responsibilities and workload within the last 15 years. Paramedic and Shop Steward at Ennis Ambulance Base Finola Croke has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons recruitment into the service will become more difficult if conditions aren't improved.

If you’re a Beatles fan, there’s a very special night coming to Glór this Saturday, May 16th. Let It Be: The Music of The Beatles celebrates the timeless songs and unforgettable energy of the Fab Four, featuring classics like Hey Jude, Help! and Let It Be. The show stars some of Ireland’s top musicians, including Liverpool-born, Dublin-based performer Jake Carter — and Jake joined Alan Morrissey to tell us more. Image © glór via Facebook

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey and the team were live from the College of FET Ennistymon Campus where we had a busy day speaking to the learners and staff about the different courses on offer. Alan Morrissey was first joined by the Campus Coordinator Imelda Cahalan, who gave us an overview of the courses on offer within the college, as well as a sneak peek into what's to come. Imelda was joined by Jacinta Davenport, the Information and Guidance Counsellor, who explained exactly what she does and how she can help people who are unsure about courses. We then heard from Martina Crowley Hayes, Core Skills and ESOL, who works with English for speakers of other languages. She told us about some of the impacts these courses can have in people's lives. We also spoke to Tríona lynch, the ALO or Adult Literacy Organiser. She told us about the supports she can offer to learners. They were joined by Mike Ryan VESD Coordinator about career opportunities upon completing a course. Later, we welcomed Maeve Collins, an L5 + L6 Art teacher alongside her student, Deirdre Larkin. They told us about the different pathways and focus’ of the art course. Dermott Petty, Tutor of Drama, informed us on the pioneer LCETB course and the types of skills to be gained through the course. To round off the show, Alan Morrissey sat down with Music Gen Tutor, Nora Casey and Learner, Thomas Quinlan. They spoke on the benefits of having these types of courses and how diverse the courses can be. And to send us off, Nora gave us a tune on the Harp, demonstrating just a small bit of talent held in the College of FET Ennistymon. Image © Clare FM

Colm Liddy, local author and historian was back in-studio on Tuesday’s Morning Focus for our regular history in focus slot. This week Colm told us the fascinating history of Ennistymon town. Image © Clare FM

Yesterday in a historic move, Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill visited Clare and became the first health minister to do so. She spoke with us about the current situation in the mid-west regarding patient care issues. Image © Clare FM

Doctors in the Mid-West are warning that risks to patient safety at University Hospital Limerick remain ‘intolerable and unacceptable’ unless urgent action is taken to expand acute hospital capacity across the region. In an unprecedented statement, the HSE Mid-West Medical Board called on the Government to immediately establish a Development Board for the proposed new hospital, release emergency funding, and lift staffing restrictions. To discuss this Alan Morrissey was joined by Professor Joe Devlin, Consultant Physician and Deputy Chair of the Medical Board and Associate Professor Alan Watts, Consultant in Emergency Medicine and Board Committee Member. Image © anyaberkut from Getty Images Pro

West Clare residents fear their area will be turned into a "ring of steel" if a controversial renewable energy development gets the green light. FuturEnergy Ireland is seeking to construct the 'Cahermurphy West Wind Farm' which would consist of eight wind turbines ranging from 180 to 185 metres in height on lands five kilometres north of Kilmihil. An Coimisiún Pleanála is due to make a decision on the project by March 22nd of next year. Local woman Yvonne Conway, who was in the viewing gallery of this week's meeting of Clare County Council where the matter was discussed, believes it would destroy the natural beauty of the region.

On the agenda this week, we review Clare's loss to Offaly in the Tailteann Cup, we look ahead to the minors showdown with Kerry, preview the Munster U20 hurling final and wrap up another busy weekend of local soccer

West Clare residents have told the Health Minister they’ve been forgotten when it comes to ambulance care in the region. Jennifer Carroll MacNeill visited Kilkee this morning as part of an ongoing countywide tour today where locals and medical staff are taking the opportunity to express the reality of deficits in healthcare provision.

Clare Fm’s Derrick Lynch was live on Monday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey to discuss the weekends sporting fixtures. Games Reviewed: Tailteann Cup: Clare 1-14 Limerick 1-17 (Saturday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chísóg) Image © Clare FM

This feature will deliver sustained, in-depth reporting on housing in County Clare, to provide clarity, context, and accountability. Each week, we will examine a different aspect of the crisis, from supply and pricing trends to planning permission barriers, social housing allocations, mortgage access, and the role of sustainable rural building, answering the key questions. This week, Family Support Worker at Shannon Family Resource Centre, Cathal Dillon & Partner at Cashin Clancy Solicitors, Pamela Clancy focused on the decisions families and individuals face when considering a move... Image  © Clare Fm

On Mondays Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was once again joined by Judy Beck for another installment of “In The Garden”. This week Judy talked about hydrangeas, she explained how to grow them best, what times of years they bloom, and she also explained how hydrangeas get their colouring and what environmental factors can cause different colours. To be in for the chance to win a €25 voucher for the Clon road Garden Centre, send any questions you have for Judy: Text or WhatsApp 0861800964 or email [email protected] Image © Clare Fm

On Monday's Morning Focus, it was time for Alan Morrissey to be joined in studio by Siobhán Mulcahy to discuss the upcoming art events and workshops across the banner county. It is set to be a busy week in the Clare Art scene as we step into summer, the Bealtaine Festival continues through the weekend with a line up of choirs set to perform in Ennis town, Luka Bloom will be hosting a concert in Spanish Point, there will be a screening of Hamnet in Kilkee as well as a painting exhibition titled "Into the Wild". Image © Clare Fm

A new report has confirmed a strong link between social deprivation and drug addiction in Ireland, with health experts warning that urgent, targeted investment is needed to address rising health inequalities. The findings highlight how disadvantaged communities are disproportionately affected, with addiction treatment rates significantly higher in the most deprived areas. To discuss what this means in practice, we’re joined by addiction counsellor Michael Guerin, Michael Lacey from Lisdoonvarna, Retired Chairperson of the Mid-Western Regional Drug and Alcohol Forum, and Cormac Murphy, who overcame a long battle with addiction to go on to achieve success in his life and career. Image © Addiction by Devonyu from Getty Images

On the 12th of May, a primary school GAA blitz for Gaelscoils across County Clare will take place at Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg in Ennis. The event is being organised by students from Mr Cian Galvin’s GAA Future Leaders class at Gaelcholáiste an Chláir / Ennis Community College and will be run entirely through Irish. To tell us more about the event, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by Student Participants of the GAA Future Leaders Class, Mounir Boushaib and Roxane Andre Liodain, alongside their teacher Cian Galvin. Image © Clare Fm

Clare County Council has submitted an application for funding to progress plans for a new pedestrian footbridge at Droichead na nGabhar on the Lahinch Road in Ennis. The proposed project aims to improve safety for pedestrians and create a key accessibility link to the Lees Road Sports and Amenity Park. Joining us now to discuss the development is Clarecastle Sinn Féin councillor Tommy Guilfoyle and David Eustace, a local to Drochaid na Gabhair. Image © Drochaid na Gabhair - Make the Bridge Safe via Facebook

Bike Week 2026 gets underway this weekend with events taking place right across County Clare and around the country to celebrate cycling and encourage more people to get on their bikes. From community spins and learn-to-cycle programmes to competitive races and family-friendly events, there’s something for all ages and abilities. To talk about this year’s events in Clare and the growing popularity of cycling, Alan Morrissey was joined by Gary Kiely of L and L Cycles in Kilrush and the West Clare Cycling Club. Image © Autumn bike lane by Smaranda Dragan's Images

An event taking place in Ennis next week will mark Nakba Day 2026 and focus on the ongoing plight of Palestinian refugees and displaced people. Organised by Clare Palestine Solidarity, the meeting at the West County Hotel will feature Palestinian human rights advocate Lubnah Shomali from BADIL, who is currently on a speaking tour across Ireland. Lubnah joined Alan Morrissey to discuss her work, the issues facing Palestinians today, and the message she hopes to bring to audiences here in Clare. Image © Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) via Facebook

There could be delays to some non-emergency ambulance call outs from today. A work-to-rule by workers in the National Ambulance Service is getting underway today. Members of SIPTU and Unite are taking the industrial action because their pay rates are "out of kilter" with other health professionals. They say frontline staff have taken on major increases in responsibility and qualifications, but that agreed recommendations on pay and career structures have still not been implemented. The HSE says contingency plans are in place and insists substantial pay proposals have already been made. Alan Morrissey spoke about all of this with SIPTU Ambulance Sector Organiser John McCamley. Image © Pat Flynn

It's hoped the Health Minister will be able to experience Clare's health service deficits for herself today. Jennifer Carrol MacNeill is visiting this county today, where she'll be travelling to Kilkee and Ennis Hospital. Although the proposed hospital campus at Raheen will likely result in a new Emergency Department for the MidWest, over 40% of Clare's population will still be living over an hour's drive away from their nearest ED. Friends of Ennis Hospital Chairperson Angela Coll believes the only solution is an acute facility in Clare.

Aontú will be aiming to drum up it's support in Clare today. Party Leader Peadar Toibín is set to visit the county this afternoon and will be making stops in Broadford at 3pm and Ennis at 4.45pm. The opposition party, which currently has two Dáil seats will then be hosting a public meeting in Kilrush Golf Club from 7.30pm. Clare Aontú Representative June Dillon believes it will be a good opportunity for people in rural areas to raise issues.

One-fifth of assessed homes in Clare have what's been described as Building Energy Rating "fail grades". New CSO figures show that 20% of homes in this county with a BER have received a grade between E and G. By contrast, just 12% of homes tested here between 2009 and this year have achieved an 'A' grade, which is 6% below the national average. Ennis Environmental Action Group member Bridget Ginnity says there are a lot of quick fixes.

A Clare Senator has slammed the proliferation of vaping stores and advertising in the county town. It comes as the Public Health Single Use Vapes Bill was debated in the Oireachtas once again. The legislation will eventually aim to ban the sale of disposable vaping products in Ireland. Ennistymon Senator Martin Conway believes advertising of all vape products should be banned immediately.

Stephen Fletcher presents Beyond Belief and talks to the Organist and Director of Music at St Nicholas Collegeiate Church in Galway after their choir's return from their visit to Roime where they sang in St Peter's Basilica, the Basislica of St Peter Outtside the walls and theAnglican Church of St Paul's Within the Walls, the first non-Roman Catholic church built within Rome's city walls.. Stephen also talks to Niall West who has recently returned from his successful trek to the Everest Base Camp. There is also news of a concert by Luka Bloom in Christ Church Spanish Point and the usual coffee and chat with Fr Gerry Kenny.

Stephen Fletcher leads our Sunday Prayer for the 10th May 2026, the 6th Sunday of Easter.