Clare Fm - Podcasts

In this week’s History in Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by local historian and author, Colm Liddy to highlight a place in Clare which inspired Joyce, Yeats and Shaw. If you have any stories you would like to share with Colm about your town, you can contact him at colmliddy@eircom.net or Clare FM at focus@clare.fm.

Most people in Clare - 55% - expect to receive a salary raise this year. That is according to recruitment agency, FRS Recruitment. Their research also reveals that eight out of 10 Clare workers (81%) would be willing to change jobs for a salary increase of 20% or less and only 43% of people in the county believe their salary fairly reflects their current role. To delve into this further Alan Morrissey was joined by Lynne McCormack, General Manager of FRS Recruitment.

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Avril Collentine, Solicitor at Cahir & Co, to discuss the new Residential Tenancies Amendments Act. If you have a legal question for Cahir & Co. Solicitors, email us at focus@clare.fm

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by John Burns, retired Deputy Principal at Rice College and Director of the Burns Study Centre in Ennis. This week, John discussed the proposed changes to the leaving certificate.

On Tuesday's Mornings Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Celia Bert. Celia is an Integrated Professional Counsellor and Psychotherapist Specialising in Addiction and Midwest Area Coordinator with Grow Mental Health. Celia spoke about farmers: specifically, why they are at risk of developing mental health issues.

Morning Focus returns to the ongoing issue of illegal dumping, this time in Meelick. To find out where in Meelick the illegal dumping has been going on, and the extent of the problem, Alan Morrissey was joined by Meelick TD Cathal Crowe. PHOTO CREDIT: Cathal Crowe

Iran has agreed to a ceasefire with Israel. Iranian state media is reporting a pause in fighting has now begun - hours after the move was announced by US President Donald Trump. Earlier, Tehran's foreign minister said his country's armed forces would keep fighting "until the very last minute". While Israeli authorities say three people have been killed after an Iranian missile hit the south of the country. US Vice President JD Vance told Fox News the ceasefire is a key moment. Will the ceasefire hold? For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Professor Roja Fazaeli, Established Professor of Law and Islamic Studies at the Irish Centre for Human Rights, School of Law, University of Galway. PHOTO CREDIT: yorkfoto from Getty Images Signature via Canva

A proposal intended for inclusion in the next National Development Plan has been made for a 'University Hospital Ennis'. The facility would be a Geriatric Centre of Excellence, equipped with an emergency department and would be located on a greenfield site, while a second Model 2 hospital and Local Injury Unit is suggested for West Clare. The recommendations are based on studies of the MidWest which analysed where future investment would have the greatest impact and were conducted by Hybrid Simulation Modelling Labs. Founder Sinéad Madden says it's needed to meet future population growth.

A new housing development in West Clare is expected to breathe life into the area while providing accessible options. Custy Construction Limited has been appointed as contractor for the construction of 16 social housing units at Moore Street in Kilrush. Construction is set to get underway in July and the project is scheduled for completion in 2027. Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney says the homes are in line with the local authority's policy of allowing those with reduced mobility to access more convenient housing.

A Clare haulier claims overgrown hedges represent an "ongoing battle" for people in his industry. The Irish Road Haulage Association says the average medium-sized haulier is losing two mirrors a week on their truck fleet at a cost of €1,000 due to damage caused by hedgerows. A survey of 620 professional heavy goods vehicle drivers conducted last year by the RSA found 75% reported overgrown vegetation to be challenging while driving. Ennis-based former IRHA President Eugene Drennan insists inadequate maintenance can pose serious road safety risk.

Inagh-Kilnamona And Clonlara Looking Forward To WillWeGo.com Clare Cup Final

It's claimed the decline in commuter activity in the aftermath of Covid-19 has contributed to the sharp increase in house prices in Clare. According to the latest Daft.ie report, the average cost of a home in the county now stands at just over €277,000 off the back of 10% increases seen in each of the last two years. While since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, house prices in the county have risen almost 50% from just under €187,000. Economist at Trinity College and author of the report, Ronan Lyons has been telling Clare FM's Darragh O'Grady that the culture of working from home has led to increased prices in counties bordering large cities.

A new study from the ESRI has found that while digital technology offers many benefits, it also presents growing challenges for children's wellbeing — and for parents trying to keep them safe online. The research highlights the need for coordinated efforts from parents, schools, tech companies and policymakers to address risks like overuse, harmful content, and the impact of social media and gaming. The report warns that relying too heavily on technical controls may not be enough — and that parents need better support, guidance and evidence-based solutions. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Pat Clarke Browne, Munster Business (based in Shannon).

On Monday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tom Stewart from Keane’s Garden Centre in Kilcolgan. This week, Tom gave listeners advice on taking cuttings from your favourite shrubs. If you have a question for Tom, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964.

As Ireland’s population over 65 is set to double by 2050, the importance of promoting physical, mental and emotional wellbeing in later life has never been greater. Clare’s own Age Friendly Ambassador, musician Mike Hanrahan of Stockton’s Wing, has joined voices from across the country in calling for a renewed focus on ageing well as part of Age Friendly Ireland’s Ambassadors’ Day. New insights from the group show that nearly 80% of older adults fear cognitive or mental decline most, but there is growing hope in the commitment to creating a more inclusive, supportive, and active ageing experience for all. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Mike Hanrahan, who Leads the Call on Ageing Well in Clare.

Coal has been burnt at Moneypoint Power Station for the final time. After 40 years of the practice, the West Clare facility has reached a significant milestone in its journey towards being a renewable energy hub with the total cessation of coal generation at the site. With its 17-megawatt onshore wind farm now being its primary source of energy, the station will act as a backup generator to the national grid until 2029 while also progressing plans for Green Atlantic at Moneypoint - a renewable energy project utilising the site's deep-water port as well as other elements of its infrastructure. Clare FM's Seán Lyons headed west to Moneypoint, where he spoke with ESB Chief Executive Paddy Hayes. PHOTO CREDIT: ESB Archives

On Monday’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 the Banner County. This week, Siobhán told us about Drama in Kilkee, the Vadaleur Festival, Riches of Clare Concerts in Ennis and much more.

It’s a special milestone for Cahercalla as they celebrate 30 years of providing care and support to the community. To find out what’s in-store, on Monday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Caroline McMahon, Activities Manager at Cahercalla.

It’s been 10 years since the Marriage Equality Referendum made history in Ireland. But what has changed and what still needs to be done? Quare Clare LGBTQIA+ Support and Social Group are inviting the public to join them for a morning of celebration, reflection, and discussion on Tuesday, June 24th (10.30 am – 1pm) at Ennis Library. The event features a panel of LGBTQIA+ voices from County Clare, chaired by Dr Anne Mulhall of UCD, and a special presentation from Bulelani Mfaco on global LGBTQIA+ rights and the ongoing challenges for migrants and others whose needs remain unmet. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Sarah Clancy from the Clare Public Participation Network.

The Irish Senior Women’s Dragon Boat Team is preparing to represent Ireland on the world stage this July at the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Germany. A self-funded team of twelve athletes from across the country, they are training hard and fundraising to make their dream a reality. To discuss the journey and the growing sport of dragon boating in Ireland, Alan Morrissey was joined by Emily Walsh, team member from Killaloe. You can support the Irish Women's Dragon Boat Team and learn more about them in the links below: https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/DragonBoatIreland https://www.shannondragons.ie/ https://www.dragonboat.ie/