Clare Fm - Podcasts

Clare boss Peter Keane says there's plenty of positives to take from his side's performance against Monaghan despite the result not going their way. A straight knockout game against Louth now awaits Clare in the final game after the hosts came from behind to condemn The Banner to a second defeat of the Sam Maguire series on a score of 1-25 to 1-16. A red hot first half saw Clare take a 14 points to seven lead into half time, with four two pointers registered in the opening period. Keane says its was an admirable performance given the tough lead up to the game.

The manager of the Clare minor hurlers is hailing the composure his side showed to mount a second half comeback in their All Ireland quarter final. The Banner will face Cork in the semi final after defeating Galway 2-21 to 2-13 in Thurles on Sunday. Following an early second half penalty for the Tribesmen, Clare fought back from a four point deficit, hitting 1-10 with Galway only managing a further point in response. Boss Ger O'Connell says a key factor in their victory was the players trusting their ability and hurling on instinct.

A leading homeless charity fears Clare's emergency accommodation figures are becoming normalised. Although Clare saw a slight dip in its homeless figures last week, 87 adults were still living in hotels, b&bs and support hubs. MidWest Simon meanwhile has also noted a marked increase in the number of young working families trying to access local services. CEO Niall Garvey says there are innovative solutions available but they need to be explored.

A Minister of State believes the death of a white-tailed eagle in Clare was the result of illegal activity. An investigation is underway following the death of Caimin, one of Ireland's oldest breeding white-tailed eagles, whose body was found in Mountshannon on Saturday May 24th. Caimin held territory at the Mountshannon nest site on Lough Derg for 17 years and was brought to Ireland from Norway as part of a programme aimed a re-establishing a population of the previously extinct species here. The misuse or illegal use of poisons accounts for nearly 50% of eagle deaths and Fianna Fáil Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, says it's likely this is how Caimin died.

There are fears for the future of small communities in East Clare. Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Hayes is calling for a "targeted rural regeneration and population retention strategy" for East Clare. The population of the Killaloe Municipal District grew by 8.8% between the censuses in 2016 and 2022, giving the area the highest rate of growth in the county outside of Ennis. Councillor Hayes claims small villages are struggling and insists Clare County Council should take a proactive approach to building homes in these areas.

It's being argued a south Clare village undergoing "major changes" is in need of a playground. Ardnacrusha Fianna Fáil Councillor Rachel Hartigan is calling for plans to be developed for a playground in Clonlara. As of Census 2022, the village has a population of 724, with its average age of 33.7 being the fourth-lowest in the county. Councillor Hartigan says there's a huge appetite for such an amenity in the area.

A long-awaited stretch of footpath in one of Clare's tourism capitals is expected to be in place by the end of the year. West Clare Municipal District has this week confirmed that works to provide a "new and improved" pedestrian link between Fisher Street and Doolin Pier will recommence in the coming weeks. Funding has been secured for the footpath which will run from the bottom of Fisher Street to the pier car park and the installation of street lighting will also be included in the works. Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy says he's been pushing for it for a long time.

Éanna Rouine has been remembered as a man with endless enthusiasm that couldn't be contained. The Lahinch student passed away on Tuesday at St James Hospital in Dublin at just 20 years of age. His funeral was celebrated today at the at the Church of the Immaculate Conception Lahinch. Éanna was a multi-talented sportsman, having lined out for Ennistymon, UL and Clare throughout a glittering career. He was also an accomplished musician and a beach lifeguard for Clare County Council. His brother Dara says his many accomplishments are a testament to the fullness of his life.

The quality of grass cutting in the Shannon area is said to be "nowhere near" as high as it was last year. Fine Gael Councillor Tony Mulcahy has criticised the standard of maintenance in the industrial town since the appointment of a new contractor earlier this year. Shannon Municipal District says the area has seen a "significant growth rate" in recent weeks and says it's received a quote for a non-pesticide weed treatment which could be trialled this summer is deemed appropriate. Councillor Mulcahy says he's observed very poor practice.

Gardaí are imploring Clare motorists to reduce their speed this weekend given the downpours forecast. With heavy rain expected overnight tonight, build ups of water are expected throughout the road network. Drivers are being warned that harsh breaking and acceleration can lead to skidding or aquaplaning and to instead drive at a lower speed and double the gap between the car in front of you. Clare Tipperary Roads Policing Superintendent Eddie Golden says a failure to slow down in adverse weather has been a factor in many collisions this year.

Stephen Fletcher presents this Sunday's Beyond Belief on 1st June 2025. He travels to Fr Gerry Kenny's parish to discover St Senans Altar and Statue and finds out about a concert at St Josephs Church in Miltown Malbay given in aid of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. As students prepare for their leaving cert exams Fr Gerry and Stephen recall their own exam days with shocking revalations from one of them! Stephen also catches up with Vatican Correspondent Colm Flynn and Sr Ann Crowley provides her Reflection for Ascension Day.

Fr Gerry Kenny leads our Sunday Prayer for Ascension Day, Sunday 1st June 2025.

Clare is expected to reap the social and cultural benefits of four new flexible outdoor structures that have been rolled out throughout the county. The structures which are demountable and transportable involve both a seating and bandstand function and are currently located in Kilfenora, Newmarket-On-Fergus, Kilrush and Lees Road in Ennis. Funded by the Outdoor Public Space Scheme, the project aims to promote new ways to of experiencing arts, performance and social activities. Clarecastle Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom O'Callaghan believes it will enhance the festival season.

Clare FM Sideline View Friday May 30th

To preview the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Friday’s Morning Focus by Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch. Games Previewed: All-Ireland SFC: Monaghan v Clare (Sunday, Clones, 4pm) All-Ireland MHC Quarter-Final: Galway v Clare (Sunday, FBD Semple Stadium, 3pm)

Clare's Road's Policing division will be out in force this bank holiday weekend with additional intoxication checkpoints. So far this year, 67 people have lost their lives on Irish roads, with one such fatality occurring in Clare last weekend. According to the Road Safety Authority, 70% of all fatal road traffic collisions between 10pm and 6am involve a positive toxicology report for alcohol. Clare-Tipperary Roads Policing Superintendent Eddie Golden has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that there has been an increase in motorists driving under the influence this year.

A warning has been issued that the inclement weather forecast for the weekend poses unique dangers in Clare's coastal areas. There's been a 10% increase in drownings so far this year and ahead of the June Bank Holiday Weekend, the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are urging the public to take extra precaution in and around the water. Water users are being advised to check the weather and tides, be aware of rip currents, swim with others, wear a buoyancy aid and let someone ashore know your estimated return time. Lifeboat Press Officer with Kilrush RNLI, Charlie Glynn, says having local knowledge is essential.

It is time for the twenty-second 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 chatted 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 Cranny.

A free arts event celebrating culture is returning to Shannon this bank holiday weekend. Clare Mela 2025 will take place in Shannon Town Park on Monday, the 2nd of June, from 12-5:30pm. The award-winning event will include spectacular performances, aerial acts, street theatre, live music, and lots more. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Creative director of Fidget Feet, Chantal McCormick and Chairperson of Shannon Tidy Towns, Derek Clune. Photo(C): Clare FM

Tomorrow (Saturday, May 31st) is World No Tobacco Day. Clare County Council is reinforcing its commitment to protecting children's health by expanding the ‘Not Around Us’ campaign across all council-owned playgrounds. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Healthy Clare Co-ordinator, Clare County Council, Samantha McCarthy and Rory Hickey from Éire Óg Inis GAA club. Need Support to Quit Smoking? Visit HSE Quit Services HSE QUIT Mid West is your free, local QUIT service. From setting a QUIT date until you are 12 months smoke free QUIT Mid West offers in-person, telephone / telehealth support and free NRT if you sign up to the programme. Everyone who uses the QUIT service is given a stop smoking advisor to guide them on their QUIT journey. QUIT Mid West can be contacted on 065 6865841 / Email quit.midwest@hse.ie Photo(C): Clare FM