Clare FM

Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union has brought migration to the top of the agenda, following an emergency meeting of EU justice and interior ministers over the recent migrant crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.     With questions being raised about the protection of the EU's external borders, the role of misinformation and what this could mean for future migration policy, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare-based Ireland South Independent MEP Michael McNamara to discuss the implications for both Europe and Ireland. Photo (c) KHUNKORN from khunkorn via Canva

The Rose of Clare Festival is in full swing, with communities from across the county coming together for a week of celebration, entertainment and, of course, the search for this year's Rose of Clare.   From family fun days and fashion shows to the ever-popular Rose interviews with Marty Morrissey, there's been plenty happening, with the crowning of the 2026 Rose of Clare taking place this Friday night. To tell us more about how the festival has been going and what's still to come, Alan Morrissey was joined by the Chairperson of the Rose of Clare Festival Committee, Carol Murphy. Photo (c) Cl...

Residents in Kilkee say they're not giving up their fight against plans for a new wastewater treatment plant near the town's famous Cliff Walk, despite losing their High Court challenge earlier this summer.    The Save Kilkee Cliff Walk campaign says the judgement has been devastating for the community and is now calling a public meeting this Friday to discuss where the campaign goes from here.  Joining Alan Morrissey earlier were Joseph McCloskey and Tom Byrne, both members of the Save Kilkee Cliff Walk campaign to explain why they believe the fight isn't over. Photo (c) Visit Clare

US President Donald Trump is expected to visit Clare next month for the Irish Open at his Doonbeg golf resort, with a trip to Dublin also expected during his stay.     While the visit is being welcomed by some for the economic boost it could bring, it's also expected to attract protests.     Among those planning demonstrations is People of Clare Against Genocide, which has announced a peaceful picnic at Doughmore Beach and a protest at Shannon Airport.    Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss this were the Clare-based Chair of Sadaka, the Ireland Palestine Alliance, Eamon Meehan, and Tulla-based Fianna Fáil Minister of State, Timmy...

The Irish Medical Organisation is calling for upgrades at University Hospital Limerick to be treated as critical infrastructure. It follows a week of persistently high attendances at the region's Main Hospital, which led to HSE MidWest asking patients not to attend the ED if possible. In a statement to Clare FM, the IMO has described the closure of A&Es at Ennis, Nenagh and St Johns as disastrous policy decisions which the people of the MidWest are suffering. Chairperson Professor Mick Molloy says all investment in MidWest healthcare needs to be fasttracked.

Shannon Airport was Ireland's fastest growing Airport in June. The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation's monthly Tourism Industry Dashboard report found passenger numbers increased by 14% at the Clare base in comparison to June 2025. By comparison, passenger numbers at Dublin Airport increased by 2% in June, while Cork Airport saw a 3% reduction in traffic in the same month. Chair of the Shannon Airport Oireachtas Group, Cathal Crowe, says the figures are far better than anyone expected earlier this year.

Clare's Credit Unions have come together to announce a new county-wide partnership with Clare Camogie, reinforcing their shared commitment to community, teamwork and supporting the next generation. The sponsorship aims to help develop the game at every level while promoting opportunities for women and girls across the county. Joining us to discuss the partnership and what it means for Clare Camogie and local communities are Siobhán Durack of Derg Credit Union, Fergal O'Brien of St. Francis Credit Union and Claire Neylon of Kilrush Credit Union.

Alan Morrissey was joined by Derrick Lynch to analyse the weekend’s sporting fixtures. TUS Clare Senior Football Championship

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 dealing with the last of summer's flowering perennials. If you have any questions for Judy, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964.

It's claimed a two-tier system has been created in Clare by the backlog in the number of outstanding assessment of needs. New data from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality shows just five assessments were carried out in the first quarter of 2026. In comparison to last year, Clare is behind pace in the number of assessment of needs carried out in the county. At the end of June 2025, 19 assessments had been carried out, with just a quarter of that figure completed in the first three months of this year, despite a near 10% increase in the number of assessments carried...

The countdown is on to one of the highlights of the traditional music calendar as the 39th Feakle Festival gets underway from the 5th to the 10th of August. With six days of concerts, workshops, céilís, singing sessions and world-class traditional music, the festival continues to attract performers and visitors from across Ireland and around the globe. This year's programme also celebrates the rich musical heritage of East Clare, with a special opening night presentation by Tulla fiddle player, Sorcha Costello. Joining Alan Morrissey on the show were festival organiser, Aoife Hayes and Sorcha Costello to tell us wh...

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, it was time again for our Arts Slot with County Art’s Officer Siobhán Mulcahy. Siobhán provided our listeners with all the details of this week’s live events for entertainment lovers in Banner County.

This Thursday, over 100 cyclists will take to the roads of Munster in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland. The four day charity cycle, covers a remarkable 600km, departing from Cork city before travelling through to province and arriving at The Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis, for a meeting with DSI Clare. Alan Morrissey was joined by chairperson of DSI Clare, Donal Monaghan to find out more. Image (c) Tour de Munster

Just five Assessments of Need were completed in Clare during the first three months of this year, while more than 100 children were left waiting beyond the statutory timeframe.   For many families, those delays mean waiting even longer to access vital therapies and supports at a crucial stage of a child's development.   Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss the impact of these figures, and what needs to change, were Ann Norton, founder of Clare Crusaders Children's Clinic, and disability rights activist Ann Marie Flanagan. Photo (c) RDNE Stock project from Pexels via Canva

For the past 12 years, The Record Break has been more than just Ennis' only independent record shop. It's become a meeting place for music lovers, a platform for local artists and a cultural hub in the heart of the town.     Now, with the building set to go on the market, owner Sinéad Nic Síoda is launching an innovative campaign to buy the premises and secure the shop's future.     Instead of asking for donations, she's inviting people to support the effort by buying an exclusive song she's recorded especially for the campaign.     Sinéad joined Alan Morrissey to tell us why saving The...

More than 70 female councillors across Ireland have reported receiving disturbing and persistent anonymous phone calls containing inappropriate sexual comments, prompting a Garda investigation led by the Special Detective Unit.   The Association of Irish Local Government has described the campaign as a targeted attack on women in public life and a threat to local democracy.   One of those targeted is Ennis Fine Gael councillor Mary Howard, who joined Alan Morrissey to discuss her experience, the impact these calls have had on female representatives, and why she says intimidation cannot be allowed to deter women from public service.  Photo (c) Rafael Abdrakhmanov from Ge...

Concern has been raised that vulnerable Clare patients could be locked out of a vital hospital service. It's understood that from September 7th, the Anti Coagulation (Warfarin) Clinic at University Hospital Limerick will cease operating five days a week and will instead only be available by appointment from 8am to 12 noon on Mondays and Thursdays. In a letter seen by Clare FM, the HSE says the change is required to continue a safe high quality service for anyone taking Warfarin. Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan says it's a seriously questionable decision.

Midwest Simon says greater cross department coordination is needed in from Government to tackle the homelessness crisis. It follows the publication of the Department of Housing's latest homeless report, which found 99 adults are acessing emergency accomodation in Clare in June, 25% more than in 2025. In the UK, new Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged £340 million to end rough sleeping in Britain. Midwest Simon CEO, Niall Garvey, says a similar commitment needs to be made by the Irish Government.

Two Clare Private Water Supplies failed to meet drinking quality standards last year. The Environmental Protection's Agency latest report of private group schemes identified failures near Tubber and Ruan last year. For the second year running, the Monreagh scheme tested positive for E.Coli, while Ranaghan showed exceedances of Trihalomethanes. EPA Drinking Water Inspector Michelle Roche says it impacts human health.

More than half of Clare motorists are fitting their car seats incorrectly. Of the non-compliant seats in this county, 14% had major safety-critical issues, while 86% had minor issues. The Road Safety Authority checked 102 seats in Clare at 'Check It Fits' events between January and June. RSA Lead Checker Ron Richardson says there can be severe consequences.

Clare people are being urged to be aware of their surroundings and heed all safety advice when heading to waterways this weekend. Crowds are expected to flock to coastal locations over the coming days for the August Bank Holiday. Water goers are being reminded to swim at lifeguarded locations and within their depth, constantly supervise children, not to consume alcohol and to be aware of rip currents. Clare-based Water Safety Ireland Chairperson Claire McGrath says you're at your safest when your self aware.

Clare's driving test backlog has been significantly whittled down. New CSO figures show the number of people waiting for a test in this county is down 27% compared to last year. There are now 696 learners waiting for a test in Ennis, 262 in Shannon and 203 in Kilrush. Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney is hopeful of seeing further improvements in the near future.

Stephen Fletcher leads our Sunday Prayer for today 2nd August 2026, the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time and the 9th Sunday after Trinity. The reader is Susan Rice and the music is from the St Michael's Singers sing Take My Live and Let it Be and CeCe Winans sings Goodness of God.

Clare Gardaí are urging the public to refrain from violence at all costs this weekend. Large crowds are expected to descend on towns and villages across the county for Bank Holiday festivities. People are being advised to socialise responsibly, to have their way home planned in advance and to look out for friends. Clare Superintendent John Ryan says assaults can have life changing consequences for victims and perpetrators.

Cork City based indie-folk band BRIARS releaser their high-octane new single, ‘Roimh’. With a sound that ranges from fragile subtlety to raucous energy, BRIARS weave shades of alternative folk, indie, pop, rock and Irish traditional music that combine into a sprawling and irresistibly energetic sound. Having shared bills with groups such as The Scratch, The Wran, Leevy and Billow Wood and performing at some of the country’s leading folk festivals (Whelan’s Folk and Trad Fest, Galway Folk Festival, Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, Cork Roots Festival) alongside Electric Picnic and more, the six-piece are quickly gaining “must-see” status as a live act. ...

Clare County Council says it's pinpointing local festivals across Clare as a key driver of tourism countywide. Miltown Malbay played host to Scoil Samraidh Willie Clancy earlier this month, while preparations are ramping up for 39th Feakle Festival which takes place next week. So far this year, Clare County Council's festivals and events grant scheme has supported 53 festivals with additional funding. Senior Executive Officer for Tourism Festivals & Events, Theresa Hughes Lannon, says local businesses see huge boosts in footfall from domestic and international tourists alike.

Clare Gardaí will have a heavy focus on tackling speeding and driving under the influence over this Bank Holiday Weekend. 105 people have lost their lives on Irish Roads this year, with six fatal incidents in Clare, more than the total for all of last year. Clare's Road's Policing Unit will have a highly visible presence until Tuesday, with checkpoints expected to be mounted countywide. Clare Superintendent John Ryan has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that a second's lapse in concentration can be lethal.

It's being argued new parking rules for a West Clare tourism hotspot will make it "even more attractive" and provide further support to the local economy. New bye-laws which will see pay-and-display parking all-year-round in Kilkee have been approved by local elected representatives at a special meeting of the West Clare Municipal District.

Morning Focus was broadcasting live from the Monks Well in Quin as Alan Morrissey for the final stop on his Summer Tour. Firstly, Alan spoke to Eoin Troy, Senior Executive Officer Killaloe MD / Sports & Recreational , and Adrian Flemming, Chairperson Quin Community Progress Group, about the Welcome To Quin Day and all of the local projects going on. Alan spoke to Helen Downes, Shannon Chamber CEO, about the upcoming Budget 2027, and how Shannon needs to be included heavily to remain competitive as a business location. Alan was then joined by Jackie Dermody, I.S. Analyst Developer/Broadband Officer in the Digital Tra...

The number of callouts attended by an emergency medical charity in the first six months of this year in Clare was the fifth-highest nationwide. Ahead of the August Bank Holiday Weekend, Limerick-based charity CRITICAL has revealed that of the 250 callouts its volunteers attended up to the end of June, 130, or more than half, were road traffic collisions. A total of 77 incidents were attended by the charity in Clare during this period. CRITICAL CEO David Tighe says the high figure points to the good work of its volunteers on the ground.

Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch to chat about the opening weekend of the TUS Clare Senior Football Championship. Group 1: Cratloe, Éire Óg, St. Joseph’s Miltown, Doonbeg - St Joseph’s Miltown v Doonbeg (Saturday, Quilty, 3pm)  - Cratloe v Éire Óg (Saturday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, Ennis, 6pm) - LIVE ON CLARE FM Group 2: St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield, Ennistymon, Kildysart, Kilmihil - Kildysart v Kilmihill (Friday, Cooraclare, 7:30pm)  - St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield v Ennistymon (Saturday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, 4pm) - LIVE ON CLARE FM  Group 3: Lissycasey, Corofin, Kilmurry Ibr...

Episode 10 - Finding Clare with Tanya by Clare FM

Shannon Chamber is calling on the Government to make a series of major investments in Budget 2027, arguing that strategic funding for Shannon and the wider Mid-West will strengthen Ireland's competitiveness, create jobs and support long-term economic growth.   Its pre-budget submission includes proposals for investment in Shannon Airport, transport infrastructure, housing, skills development, renewable energy and the regeneration of Shannon Town.   Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss the Chamber's priorities and why it believes these projects are crucial for both the region and the country was Helen Downes, CEO of Shannon Chamber. Photo (c) kanchanachitkhamma via Canva

The 2026 TUS Clare Senior Football Championship gets underway this evening. St.Breckan's take on Kilmurry Ibrickane in Miltown, while Kildysart and Kilmihil also face off in Cooraclare. Kilmurry Ibrickane against Breckan's will see the beaten county finalists of 2024 and 2023 square off. St.Breckan's forward Jamie Stack says the squad is eager to get back and play in another decider. Kilmurry Ibrickane Manager Enda Coughlan says they're looking to bounce back from an 'up and down' Cusack Cup campaign. He's optimistic the work that's been done in the last six weeks will see them deliver a performance tonight. Throw in this...

Plans for the development of a landbank providing eight serviced sites for new private homes in an East Clare village will be unveiled this evening. Clare County Council is holding an open public consultation event in Feakle Community Centre today from 6pm to 8pm. The development - which is the second of its kind in Clare - is funded by the Department of Housing's Ready to Build Scheme and will include a new service road with associated footpaths, public amenity open space and required site services. Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Hayes has been telling Clare FM's Seán Ly...

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service says the demand for blood supplies in Clare remains relenteless. It comes ahead of a walk in clinic being held in Ennis this evening from 4.50pm until 8.10pm at Treacy's West County Hotel. According to the IBTS, hospitals were particularly affected by increased admissions during the recent heatwave. Broadford based Donor Recruitment Executive Alex O'Connor says the majority of donations go to cancer patients.

Families across Clare are being invited to enjoy a weekend of traditional fun and entertainment at Craggaunowen this August Bank Holiday.   The ‘Samhradh Spraoi’ event will feature live music, archery, face painting, a bubble show, traditional Irish field games and plenty of activities for all ages.   Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more about the event, and what visitors can expect over the weekend, was Marie Brennan, Events Manager at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Photo (c) via Clare County Council Press Office

Ireland's native honey bee has survived for thousands of years, adapting to our climate and becoming a unique part of the country's natural heritage.   But scientists warn that its future is under threat from hybridisation with imported bee strains.   A Private Members' Bill currently before the Oireachtas aims to ban the importation of non-native honey bees in an effort to protect this distinctive population, while new scientific research is strengthening the case for legal protection.   Joining Alan Morrissey earlier to discuss why Ireland's native honey bee is so important, and what could happen if it's not protected, were Dr Grace Patricia McCo...

Clare County Council has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to speed limits across the county as part of Phase Two of the National Speed Limit Review.    The plans include introducing 30km/h limits in built-up urban areas and reducing speed limits on a number of regional roads, with the aim of improving road safety and reducing the severity of collisions.     But will motorists support the changes, and are they the right approach to making Clare's roads safer?     To discuss the proposals, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ardnacrusha Fianna Fáil Councillor, Rachel Hartigan. Photo (c) russaquarius from Getty Images Signatur

Time for another Taste of the Week, on Thursday’s Morning Focus Alan Morrissey was joined by Danny Lynch, Chef from Le Cheile in Barefield. Danny told us a recipe for a tagliatelle Bolognese and mint Aero cheesecake. Image (c) Clare FM