Clare Fm - Podcasts

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 ornamental grasses for containers and beds. 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 the government considers a proposal to raise personal injury award guidelines by nearly 17%, concern is mounting among small business owners, community groups, and local sports clubs. Does the move hand even more power to insurance companies, potentially driving up premiums and putting added pressure on already struggling sectors? Flora Crowe, owner of Crowe’s Gala in Sixmilebridge and Vice President of the CSNA, is among those voicing serious concerns about the impact on everyday retailers and the communities they serve. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Flora Crowe, Crowe's Gala Sixmilebridge and Vice President of CSNA (Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association). Photo(C): rattanakun via canva

There was excitement on June 25th as dolphins were spotted swimming at Clarecastle Quay, a rare and joyful sight for locals. Jean Ryan of the Clarecastle/Ballyea Heritage & Wildlife Group captured the moment on video, showing the dolphins gliding close to the quay wall. Their appearance has sparked plenty of interest: just how common is it for dolphins to venture this far upriver? To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Mags Daly who runs the Shannon Dolphin Project on behalf of the IWDG and Jean Ryan from Clarecastle/Ballyea Heritage & Wildlife Group. Photo(C): Jean Ryan

Police are reviewing footage from Glastonbury Festival to determine whether any criminal offences were committed during performances by Bob Vylan and Kneecap. During their set on the West Holts Stage, Bobby Vylan — one half of the rap-punk duo Bob Vylan — led the crowd in chants including “Free, free Palestine” and “Death, death to the IDF.” Separately, a member of Irish rap group Kneecap appeared to encourage fans to “start a riot” in connection with an upcoming court appearance involving one of the band members. To discuss thisfurther, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM’s Colum McGrath. Photo(C): https://www.facebook.com/itvnews/posts/glastonbury-police-assessing-comments-made-during-kneecap-and-bob-vylan-setshttp/1125177016311639/

The number of registered taxi drivers in Clare increased by 10 last year to 419, marking a 2.5% annual rise. Since 2019’s high of having 430 taxis, Clare last 11 taxis, meaning this county has the sixth best retention rate in Ireland for the timeframe. However has Clare’s taxi issue improved and are people still facing challenges on nights out and getting to work ? To address the nighttime element at least, Clare FM's Daragh Dolan has been speaking to Clarecastle Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle, who's also a member of the Ennis Purple Flag Committee which is charged with ensuring Ennis has a vibrant, safe and accessible night time offering. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined Charlie O’Meara, Chair of Clare branch of VFI. Photo(C): GoodLifeStudio from Getty Images Signature via canva

The West Clare Horse Show is taking place on Saturday, July 5th. This much-anticipated Family Fun Day offers something for everyone. To find out what’s in store, Alan Morrissey was joined by Nicki Johnson, involved in organising. PHOTO CREDIT: West Clare Horse Show via Facebook

Eight-year-old Cliodhna O’Brien from Mullagh has achieved national acclaim after winning first place at the Irish Dancing National Championships. Competing in the Under-8 category at the INEC in Killarney this month, Cliodhna triumphed over 31 other talented dancers from across Ireland. For more on this Alan Morrissey was joined by Cliodhna O'Brien, the eight-year-old 1st place winner at the Irish Dancing National Championships and Aoife Gavin, Cliodhna’s mom.

HSE Mid West is welcoming the publication of national healthcare performance data by the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, which highlights the work being delivered across Outpatient and Inpatient services at University Hospital Limerick and throughout the Midwest region. The data points to real improvements in outpatient and inpatient services, waiting list reductions, and efficient patient care. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by, Sandra Broderick, Regional Executive Officer, HSE Mid West.

The first ever Mayor of Clare from Clarecastle says enhancing wastewater infrastructure will be among the main goals of his term in office. Fine Gael Councillor Paul Murphy has been elected Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council from the 2025 to 2026 term, with Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Clare-Colleran Molloy to serve as deputy. There are currently 26 towns and villages in Clare without extensive public access to sewerage facilities, while a further 25 have no connection at all. Cathaoirleach Murphy says there's a clear focus for the year ahead.

A landmark visitor attraction officially opens today in East Clare following a €4.3m refurbishment of a historic building. Described as the region's "most ambitious tourism project to date", the Old Rectory in Mountshannon, which has been standing since 1905 has been transformed to house the Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience. The centre offers panoramic views of Lough Derg, a first floor café, with a modern exhibition space showcasing stories about Holy Island and East Clare's heritage. Clare County Council Tourism Director Siobhán McNulty says it's an exciting new venture.

Clare Manager Ger O'Connell After All Ireland MHC Final

Eire Og's Mark McInerney After Cusack Cup Win

On this week’s Atlantic Tales Pat Flynn visits Design Bank located in the former Bank of Ireland in Miltown Malbay. After lying vacant for several of years, the building has been transformed into a craft shop with a number of work areas for artists as well as a retail space to sell their work.

Clare's progress in the All Ireland Ladies Football Intermediate Championship has been halted at the quarter final stage Monaghan have advanced to the last four after their 1-14 to 1-8 win over Graham Shine's side in Quilty this afternoon. The Banner trailed by two points at the break but could only manage three second half points as Monaghan kicked a further seven. Clare FM Analyst Niall Hickey says the slow start to the second half was costly.

Enhancing economic opportunities in Kilrush and Lahinch, securing a fair deal for Cliffs of Moher landowners and improving the road network have been listed as the top priorities for the West Clare Municipal District's new Cathaoirleach. Lahinch Fine Gael Councillor Bill Slattery succeeds Doonbeg Councillor Rita McInerney in the role and will wear the chains of office for the second time in his career. The first ever councillor from Quilty, Fianna Fáil's Michael Shannon will serve as Leas Cathaoirleach. Cathaoirleach Slattery says he's hoping to achieve a lot in the year ahead.

The number of children in Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary awaiting an assessment of need has decreased by 2% since the end of last year. The Department of Health's data shows almost 15,300 assessment of need applications were overdue at the end of March which was up 8% on December 2024. The number for the Midwest region is 434 which indicates a reduction of 1.8% since December. Responding to Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan in the Dáil, Fine Gael Minister of State Jerry Buttimer says it's a step in the right direction.

Fr Brendan Quinlivan presents Beyond Beleif this week's programmewhich features the Apostolic Work Society which celebrated the 70th Anniversary of its foundation in the Diocese at the weekend. Contributors to the programme include Bishop Fintan, Frances Keane Doonbeg, Archbishop Eugene Nugent - Apostolic Nuncio to Kuwait, Fr. John Bane. Sr. Catherine Grady - Medical Missionary in Tanzania working on combatting Human Trafficking. Fr Jimmy Kennedy - returned missionary from South Sudan and South Africa, Mary O’Connor from Armagh - National President of the Apostolic Work Society.

Fr Gerry Kenny leads our Sunday Prayer for today Sunday 29th June 2025, the Feast of Corpus Christi.

The newly elected Cathaoirleach of Killaoe Municipal District says tackling housing shortages and rural depopulation will be the key aims of his tenure. Whitegate Fine Gael councillor Pat Burke was appointed at the Annual General Meeting of Killaloe MD this week, with Killaoe Fianna Fáil councillor Tony O'Brien selected as Leas-Cathaoirleach. Advancement of progress on the R352 and the delivery of the Crusheen rail stop were highlighted as goals for the coming year. However, councillor Burke claims vacancy, dereliction and wastewater capacity were the most pressing issues indicated in the district's Socio-Economc Plan.

The number of patients treated at Ennis' Local Injury Unit has increased for the second consecutive year. New HSE figures show 16,037 people attended the county town's LIU in 2024. It's a marginal 5% rise on the numbers seen there the previous year, with over 1,300 patients now coming through the Ennis Local Injury Unit each month. HSE Regional Health Forum West member Councillor Rita McInerney says it clearly illustrates the need for an Emergency Department in the town.