Clare Fm - Podcasts

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 2ú lá de mí Mheán Fómhair, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1977 tháinig na Gardaí agus ball de na fórsaí armtha le chéile chun cuardach do dhrong. I 1982 tháinig an rialtas amach ag rá go mbeadh gearradh siar sa sheirbhísí slándála agus de bharr sin chaill 4,000 duine a bpost. I 1977 fuair tábhairneoir, siopadóir, óstánaí agus daoine a rinne leaba is bricfeasta don Fleadh Cheoil in Inis timpeall 2.5 milliúin punt. I 2000 tháinig Madeline Taylor Quinn amach ag iarradh an sochar linbh a bheith ardaithe. Sin Survivor le Eye Of The Tiger – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1982. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 2007 shroich Sean Kingston a raibh aois 17 ag an am uimhir a haon sa Bhreatain agus I Meiriceá lena hamhrán Beautiful Girls. I 2013 bhuaigh Elton John an chéad ghradam do Brits Icon ag an chéad cheolchoirm ar ais agus é tar éis obráid a fháil. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh aisteoir Mark Harmon I Meir

With Christmas just around the corner, Ireland’s haulage industry is warning of a looming crisis. The sector says it’s short more than 4,000 HGV drivers over the next five years, and that without urgent action, the impact could be felt as soon as this festive season, with delayed deliveries, rising grocery prices and lorries parked up for lack of drivers. To discuss the scale of the problem and what needs to be done is, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined by Eugene Drennan, Ennis-based former IRHA President.

If you think you know Irish mythology, think again. This Friday, September 5th, The Attic in Doolin will host a night of wild, witty, and wonderfully untamed storytelling with Clare Murphy, one of Ireland’s most captivating voices. Her show, The Spanking Goddess and Other Discarded Tales, is a romp through the lesser-known, often outrageous myths of the Celts, stories that didn’t make it into the schoolbooks, but absolutely deserve to be heard. To tell us more about these untold tales and what audiences can expect, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined by Storyteller, Clare Murphy. Photo Credit: Eventbrite

When it comes to heart health, many women in Ireland are unknowingly putting themselves at risk. New research from the Irish Heart Foundation reveals that stress, lack of motivation, and the rising cost of living are major barriers preventing women from taking care of their hearts. Despite heart disease and stroke killing six times more women than breast cancer, awareness remains low—and many still see it as a “male disease.” To help us unpack these findings and talk about what women can do to protect their heart health, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined by Dr. Máire Finn, GP at Ennis Medical.

For generations, St Patrick’s Hall in Corofin has been more than just a building—it has been the beating heart of village life in North Clare. This year, as the hall turns 80, it continues to symbolize everything that makes Corofin unique: a hub for drama, the birthplace of the Corofin Agricultural Show, a venue for sport, a place for dancing & more. As part of the celebrations, The Kilkenny’s will be in concert on 12th September. To find out more about this, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined by Gerry Kennedy, local community activist, Conor Leyden, Chairman of the committee and Davy Cashin of The Kilkenny’s. Photo Credit: Corofin Community Hall & Field via Facebook

A new chapter in education began in North Clare last Friday, 29th August, with the official opening of Ennistymon National School. The new purpose build has already welcomed pupils and their families into a modern, inspiring learning environment. To find out more, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined by Principal, Noreen Murphy.

Ireland’s small and medium-sized businesses are facing what some are calling a “silent slowdown,” with serious implications for jobs and the wider economy. According to one of the country’s leading accountants, Neil Hughes of Azets Ireland, many SMEs have already burned through their cash reserves and goodwill from suppliers—and are now teetering on the edge of a crisis not seen since 2012. Unemployment has already crept up from 3.9% to 4.9%, and the warning signs are flashing red for thousands of businesses across the country. To get a sense of how this is playing out on the ground and what can be done to support Irish SMEs, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined by Jean McCabe, Clare-based CEO of Retail Excellence Ireland, and owner of Willow and David Broderick, Director of the Small Firms Association.

Carrigaholt is coming together for a heartwarming community event on September 6th at Keane’s Barn, celebrating food, music, and solidarity. This initiative, part of the broader ‘One Plate for Palestine’ movement, was founded by Barbara Nealon, a Doonaha native now living in West Cork, and aims to raise funds for the Medical Aid for Palestinians charity. To discuss this further, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined by Sue Magee.

As the summer winds down and the school bags come out, there’s something about September that feels like a reset button has been pressed. Whether it’s the back-to-school buzz, the shift in seasons, or just the rhythm of the calendar, many people say September feels more like a “new year” than January ever does. From new routines to fresh goals, it’s a time when we naturally take stock and start again. But why does this month carry such a strong sense of renewal, and how can we harness that energy to make meaningful changes? To discuss this further, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined by Lynda Duffy, Licensed RTT (Rapid Transformational Therapy) Practitioner. Photo (c) Jaspe via canva.com

A call for tougher action on rural road speeding has been made by an Ireland South MEP who says lives are being put at risk by excessive speeds in areas often overlooked by enforcement. New figures released to Cynthia Ní Mhurchú reveal that while Clare Gardaí collected just over €585,000 in speed van fines between January 2023 and June 2025, neighbouring counties like Tipperary and Limerick saw significantly higher returns—raising concerns about enforcement gaps. Meanwhile, over €44 million has been paid to private speed camera operators nationally during the same period, prompting questions about the cost-effectiveness of the current system. For more on this, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined by Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú.

A Clare Fianna Fáil councillor claims the Government has taken its eye off the ball by failing to support vital school employees. Strikes are continuing this morning with an estimated 2,500 secretaries and caretakers demanding access to public service pensions and entitlements. The industrial action commenced last Thursday after talks at the Workplace Relations Commission on the issue failed to reach a resolution. Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom O'Callaghan has been showing his support for those on strike at Clarecastle National School, and he says the level of appreciation for secretaries and caretakers in the locality is clear to see.

A former Clare teaching representative believes the Hot School Meals Scheme will "fall asunder" unless "cop on" is restored to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. At least 12 primary schools across the county are now unable to avail of the popular initiative after two providers pulled out due to new guidance issued on procurement procedures and food safety regulations last Friday. The new guidelines require schools to pay for daily waste removal, designate a specific room on-site for heating meals, and ensure food cooked off-site is consumed within two hours of heating. Irish National Teachers' Organisation Vice-President, and former Clare rep, Brendan Horan, says the changes will likely bring about the end of the scheme.

Kildysart Manager Maurice Walsh After Relegation Playoff Win Over Kilmihil

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service claims it's playing "catch-up" to meet demand as it urges people in North Clare to give blood this week. A blood donation clinic is being held in the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon today and tomorrow from 4:50pm to 8:10pm. The service says it requires 3,000 blood donations each week and while all blood types are needed, O negative and B negative are particularly in demand. Broadford-based Irish Blood Transfusion Service Donor Recruitment Executive Alex O’Connor has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons the summer hot spell has led to an unfortunate drop-off in donations.

To review the sporting fixtures, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined on Monday’s Morning Focus by Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch and Kieran Madigan. Games Covered: TUS Clare SFC Preliminary Quarter-Final: Miltown Malbay 1-12 v Doonbeg 0-11 (Saturday, Kilmihill) TUS Clare SFC Relegation Semi-Final: Kilmihil 2-10 v Kildysart 1-14 (Friday, Cooraclare) Clare IFC Relegation Semi-Final: Ennistymon 1-07 v Liscannor 0-11 (Saturday, Quilty) IHC & PIHC Action Women’s Rugby - Interprovincial Series: Leinster v Munster

Clare is about to welcome a world-class evening of Irish music, as Music Network opens its autumn season with a stunning new ensemble. Taking to the stage at Glór in Ennis this Friday, 19th September, are Séamus & Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta and Ryan Molloy. Together, they’ll present a unique fusion of traditional and contemporary Irish music, promising a night of musical storytelling and innovation. To talk about the collaboration, the music, and what audiences can expect from this special performance, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined by Ryan Molloy, Stellar pianist and composer. PHOTO CREDIT: PhotobyRuthMedjber-@ruthlessimagery

On Monday's Morning Focus, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined by Tom Stewart from Keane’s Garden Centre in Kilcolgan This week, Tom gave listeners advice on Autumn Lawn Care. If you have a question for Tom, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964.

This Saturday, Glór in Ennis will host an afternoon (12.30pm) full of poetry and music as the Clare Poetry Collective returns with its latest free event. Featuring poets Esther McMorrow Donnellan, Arthur Watson, and Frank Golden, alongside musician David Donohue, the gathering celebrates the rich creative spirit of Clare and beyond. For over three decades, members of the Collective have brought poetry to life through performances, publications, exhibitions, and broadcasts — from libraries and bookshops to festivals and theatres. On Monday's Morning Focus, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined by Esther McMorrow Donnellan, poet and novelist from County Clare, and Arthur Watson, a poet based in Tulla, to share what audiences can expect and why poetry continues to resonate deeply in local communities.

As the summer crowds begin to thin, there’s growing momentum behind a call to keep Kilkee active and vibrant during the off-season months. Local businesses are stepping up with creative ideas to make that happen — one of which is The Flying Alpaca, an interactive alpaca farm nestled just outside the town. Co-run by Barbara Veterano, the farm offers visitors a hands-on experience with these gentle animals, and it’s proving to be a hit with families, tourists, and locals alike. To talk about how Kilkee can embrace year-round tourism, and why alpacas might just be part of the answer, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined by Barbara Veterano, Co-Owner of The Flying Alpacas.

This year marks a major milestone for a Clare-based initiative that’s been making a real difference in the lives of people living with Type 1 Diabetes. Thriveabetes — founded ten years ago by Gráinne Flynn and Christine Meehan, two women from Clare who live with the condition themselves is celebrating its anniversary with a free event open to people with Type 1, as well as their parents, carers, and supporters. The focus this year is on mental health and emotional wellbeing, with the conference titled “Thriveabetes Mind Matters. To find out more, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined by Gráinne Flynn, Co-founder of Thriveabetes, living with Type 1 Diabetes.