Clare Fm - Podcasts

The publication of the HIQA review of emergency capacity in the Midwest has been pushed back to September. The Health Minister has confirmed this week that the health watchdog's report, which will examine the case for a new emergency department in this region, is now expected to be published four months after its initial projected completion date. Jennifer Carroll MacNeill says the revised timeline is "contingent on the completion of the ESRI reports within the expected timeframe" which will include regional capacity projections. Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons while it's disappointing, there's a "chink of hope" in the rationale behind the postponement.

A Clare primary school has made its own bit of history hosting its second annual regatta today. Scoil Chriost Rí in Clougheligh is taking advantage of it's unique location along the shores of the River Fergus to launch kayaks, pedal boats and more for its third to sixth class pupils. The 'Kayak Le Chéile' event which is assisted by the Burren Adventure Centre and Civil Defence will see the school row all the way to Ballyalla Lake. Board of Management Chair and teacher Emma Kavanagh says its become an extremely positive community event.

To preview the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Monday’s Morning Focus by Clare FM's GAA Commentator Syl O’Connor. Games Previewed: All- Ireland Senior Football Championship – Group 3:  Clare v Louth (Sunday, Laois Hire O'Moore Park, Portlaoise, 2pm)   All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship, Semi-Final:  Clare v Cork (Sunday, FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles, 1pm) 

It is time for the twenty-fourth episode of our second season of The Village Tour. With The Village Tour, we here at Morning Focus are aiming to highlight the smaller villages and townlands around the county. By doing this, we hope to showcase their unique character, while also bringing their diversity and individuality to life for you, the listener. During each episode of The Village Tour, Alan chats with various people from a particular village or townland in Clare: from locals and business owners to those involved with local sports clubs, community representatives and many more. In our latest episode of The Village Tour, Alan paid a visit to Kilbaha.

Hit & Hope project is bringing free tennis lessons and equipment to children in refugee camps across Europe and the Middle East. Since 2018, Wesley O’Brien, Coach at Killaloe-Ballina Tennis Club & founder of Hit & Hope travelled to seven countries, using sport to bring hope to kids affected by war. Now, with the help of a signed 2025 Kerry Senior Footballers jersey, he’s raising funds to keep the mission going. To find out more, Wesley joined Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus. Image (c) Wesley O Brien via Facebook

Record numbers of schools have had to seek emergency financial assistance from the Department of Education this year, as they struggle to meet dramatically increased running costs with inadequate funding. That is according to the Catholic Primary School Management Association (CPSMA). The management body says an urgent increase in financial support for primary schools from the State is needed so that they can meet basic running costs. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by the Principal of St Connaire's Primary School in Shannon, Peter Walsh and Assistant Principal of CBS Primary School in Ennis,Colm Davoren. Image (c) Maths Backgrounds Math and School Supplies Flatlay by Sandra Dans from corelens via Canva.

Cat owners in Shannon would do well to listen very carefully to our first conversation on today’s show.  That’s because it is alleged that a person or persons are poisoning local cats in the Rossbracken area.  According to a post on social media, several local pets and stray cats around have recently fallen ill or died under suspicious circumstances.  To get more on this rather alarming story, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare Maher, cat owner from Shannon and Clare's daughter, Honey Maher-Shiels. Image (c) Cat Walking Outdoors by pixelshot via Canva.

Three Clare music venues are among the beneficiaries of a €500,000 Government funding pot. The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan, has announced the 33 recipients of the Grassroots Music Venues Support Scheme. Kenny's Bar Lahinch, Pot Duggan's in Ennistymon and the Attic in Doolin will all receive up to €15,000 under the scheme which has been devised to support smaller venues showcasing emerging artists. Kenneth Kenny of Kenny's Bar Lahinch says it's a welcome helping hand at a time when businesses like his are facing additional challenges.

A rapidly growing Clare SME is calling for newly built homes to be included in the solar panel grant scheme. Fitzgerald Electrical and Solar PV Solutions has increased its headcount from 10 employees to over 100 in recent years and was one of four businesses showcased at the annual Ennis Chamber President's Lunch yesterday afternoon, attended by Enterprise Minister Peter Burke. The company has also made four trips to the Aran Islands to date as part of a unique initiative to help locals install photo-voltaic panels at a reduced cost. Sales Manager Enda O'Gorman says recent cuts to the grant also need to be reversed.

The manager of the Clare minor hurlers has commended his sides strength in depth as they prepare for their last four tie in the All Ireland Championship. Clare and Cork will be hoping to secure their place in the decider when they do battle in the semi final in FBD Semple Stadium in Thurles. Both sides are looking to reach the final for the first time since their previous All Ireland success, with Clare's coming in 2023 while Cork claimed the title in 2021. Banner boss Ger O'Connell says the quality throughout the entire panel enabled them to overcome some early season stumbling blocks. Throw in in Thurles on Sunday is at 1pm with commentary on Clare FM with Keatings Bar and Restaurant, Kilbaha, Loop Head.

Clare's success at converting their opportunities for two-pointers has been tipped as the deciding factor for determining their fate in the All Ireland Senior Football Championship Peter Keane's side will be hoping to keep their season alive on Sunday afternoon when they face Louth in Laois Hire O'Moore Park in a winner takes all clash. Clare kicked four first half two-pointers against Monaghan in Clones, while hitting a further two in their game with Down in Round 1. Clare FM analyst Joe Garry says at least 25 points will be needed to secure a preliminary quarter final place. Throw in on Sunday is at 2pm, with commentary on Clare FM with Ennis Home Furniture Quinn road Business Park, Ennis and Jones’s Supervalu Milltown

A picture taken by an award-winning Clare photographer is gracing the cover of a new documentary by David Attenborough. A fantastic photo of a humpback whale and its baby, taken by George Karbus, is the cover for Ocean with David Attenborough, the latest documentary from the legendary British broadcaster, biologist, natural historian and writer. It’s a real coup for George, who is one of the world’s leading outdoor photographers. Alan caught up with George, and first asked him how he felt when he found out his photo had been chosen... Photo(C): https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1284021369760790&set=pcb.1284021406427453

Family Carers Ireland’s Heart of Gold campaign is underway! The campaign, which runs throughout June, is urging the public to buy and wear a heart of gold in support and recognition of the work carried out on a daily basis by more than half a million family carers across Ireland. Heart of Gold Day, in integral part of the campaign, takes place today, during National Carers Week. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Carer Supports Manager for Family Carers Ireland, Fiona Hartigan.

A family gathering worth an estimated quarter of a million euro to the Clare economy is taking place this weekend. Over 150 members of the O’Dea clan from around the world are descending on the Banner County for their latest international gathering. Extended members of the family are coming together to mark 707 years since their ancestors were involved in the Battle of Dysart O’Dea. A full weekend of activities, including a special exhibition, in partnership with the O’Dea Clan Convention, lie in store for the weekend. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by Organiser of the Clan gathering, Shane O ‘Dea and incoming Chieftain from St Charles, Missouri, Kevin O'Day. Photo(C): Clare FM

Welcome to this week’s episode of Clare Women in Business on Clare FM. Limestone Yoga Studio is located in Corofin in North Clare. Surrounded by the wild beauty of the Burren landscape, Limestone Yoga offers classes, workshops, and retreats for all ages and levels. She is founder and owner of Limestone Yoga.

It's feared Ennis will be "hamstrung" unless urgent action is taken to increase wastewater capacity. Ennis Municipal District has confirmed no new planning permissions can be given in the south of Ennis or in Clarecastle at present as the Clareabbey Wastewater Treatment Plant is at full capacity. The body has now written to Uisce Éireann requesting details on plans to expand or improve the current network. Clarecastle Fine Gael Councillor Paul Murphy has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons swift action is required to prevent the county town and its environs from being brought to a standstill.

A show with a difference is coming to Ennis next week. Glór will play host to Mosh next Wednesday (18th June). It is described as a “raucous dance-theatre show that explores a (sometimes) misunderstood subculture with humour, heart and a whole lot of headbanging.” Mosh is directed by dance artist Rachel Ní Bhraonáin, who created the show, and choreographed by her long-time collaborator Robyn Byrne. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by dance artist, Rachel Ní Bhraonáin. Photo(C): https://glor.ie/events/rachel-ni-bhraonain-presents-mosh/

The Vandeleur Festival will make its eagerly awaited return to Kilrush later this month. The festival returns for its third year, taking place from Thursday, the 26th, to Sunday, the 29th of June. This year’s Vandeluer Festival will feature an outstanding headline line-up, including internationally renowned Irish American supergroup Cherish The Ladies; award-winning folk trio Socks in the Frying Pan; country music sensation Gerry Guthrie; and beloved Kerry comedian Bernard Casey. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Head of Operations at Vandeleur Walled Gardens, Brian Markham. Photo(C): Clare FM

The first ever case raising alleged complicity in war crimes in an Irish court is set to be heard next month. The Global Legal Action Network is seeking a judicial review over a decision by Gardaí not to investigate a complaint alleging Airbnb is money laundering the profits of Israeli war crimes. The company - whose headquarters for Europe, the Middle East and Africa are in Dublin - lists rental properties in illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine. Éamonn Meehan, chair of Sadaka, the Ireland Palestine Alliance, was involved in the initial complaint to Gardaí in August 2023. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by chair of Sadaka, the Ireland Palestine Alliance, Éamonn Meehan who was involved in the initial complaint to Gardaí in August 2023. Photo(C): Zolnierek from Getty Images via canva

Robbie is getting ready to embark on an important fundraiser for Transport Sport Ireland. It’s a cause that is close to Robbie’s heart, as he was the recipient of a kidney transplant, which was given to him by his friend in the rugby team. To find out more about this, Robbie Merrigan joined Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo(C) and support Robbies Go Fund Me here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-gift-of-life-golf-challenge.