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On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey heard from a Clare man whose story is one of addiction, survival and, ultimately, hope.  Darragh O’Loughlin from Shannon spent 25 years struggling with substance addiction, beginning with solvent misuse as a teenager and later progressing to heroin. At 38, he survived a major overdose, an experience that could have ended his life.  After several attempts...

Ireland’s student accommodation crisis continues to deepen, with thousands of students struggling to find somewhere affordable to live as the new college year begins.   Students’ unions say the situation is getting worse, with rising rents and a shortage of purpose-built accommodation leaving many students facing difficult choices about their education.  Meanwhile, Clare's opposition TD claims acc...

Clare's opposition TD claims access to third level education is at risk of becoming a 'two tiered system' due to the accommodation crisis. It comes in the wake of Students at the University of Galway staging a sleep out in protest against the lack of legislation around digs accommodation. Meanwhile, the latest figures show the average yearly rent for students in Limerick and Galway was above €16,0...

The HSE is being urged to row back on plans that would restrict community paramedic hours in Clare. A group of ten new Community Paramedics are due to become operational across this county, Limerick and Kerry. It's understood, however, that their hours will be daytime only and will not include any overnight or 24/7 cover. Clare-based Paramedic and MidWest representative on the Irish Ambulance Repr...

The Scariff Show celebrates a major milestone this weekend, with the 80th annual event taking place on Sunday at the Scariff Showgrounds in Fossabeg.  Alongside this year's livestock, equestrian, arts, crafts, horticulture and family events, the show's remarkable history is also being preserved through a new heritage project, documenting eight decades of memories, photographs and community stories...

On Wednesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tommy Corbett from Carey Corbett Financial Solutions. This week, Tommy discussed how to prepare financially for sending your children to third level education. If you want to send in any questions for Tommy contact 0861800964 or email focus@clare.fm Photo (c) Tommy Corbett

Clare is set to take centre stage on the international sporting map this month, with two major golf events coming to the county. The Walker Cup takes place at Lahinch Golf Club this weekend, before the Amgen Irish Open arrives at Doonbeg from September 10th to 13th.  With thousands of visitors expected, the events offer a major opportunity for local businesses, tourism and communities, while also...

Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman was in Clare on Tuesday, to meet up with local members of his party.    The Dublin West TD stopped by the studio for a chat on a variety of topics, and I began by asking him about the Ennis to Limerick rail line.    Pressure has come on the Department of Transport to give a timeline for completion of flood relief works on the line.    The network has been freque...

We begin today’s show by looking at the launch of a new Health Referral Scheme, giving Gardaí the option to refer eligible first-time offenders caught with small quantities of drugs for personal use to the HSE, rather than prosecuting them.  The Government says it represents a shift towards a health-led approach, but critics question whether the scheme will reach those most affected by addiction,...

A Clare TD has written to the Health Minister calling for an immediate extension to the working hours for community paramedics. Ten newly qualified specialists who provide primary and preventative medical care directly in people's homes are to become operational across the Midwest. However, it's been revealed the National Ambulance Service plans to restrict service to daytime-only hours, rather th...

Plans are afoot for a unique outdoor adrenaline rush experience in North Clare. Tombstone Airsoft LTD is hoping to deliver an "immersive battlefield" over a 2.8 hectare forested site in Ennistymon. Co Applicants Eddie Walsh and John Grant have launched a fundraising campaign seeking €30,000 to support the plans. Eddie believes it will be a major draw for tourism in the area.

The Irish premiere of the documentary film A State of Passion will take place at Ennistymon Courthouse Gallery on Thursday, September 3rd.   The film follows British-Palestinian reconstructive surgeon Dr Ghassan Abu Sittah and his experiences treating severely injured patients in Gaza’s hospitals during the ongoing conflict.   The screening is being organised by East Clare for Palestine, with proc...

New figures show that while the average primary school class size has fallen nationally, the number of children in very large classes of 35 or more has actually increased.   Here in Clare, around 9% of pupils are in oversized classes.  Alan Morrissey was joined by Dónal Ó hAiniféin, Principal of Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg in Ennis, to discuss the reality behind the figures and the challenges facing...

Kevin Keane from Potadóir in Ennis, and chef Aoife Kelly from Quin, are celebrating the creativity that happens when food, local produce and craft come together.  To find out about the event at Potadóir, the inspiration behind the menu, the importance of local produce, as well as getting a glimpse into the creative process behind Potadóir, Alan Morrissey was joined by Kevin and Aoife. Photo (c) Cl...

Every September, Lisdoonvarna comes alive for its legendary Matchmaking Festival and The Ritz brings its own celebration to the heart of the festivities.  From midday each day, the ballroom is filled with country music and dancing, featuring some of Ireland’s top country bands and keeping the party going well into the small hours.  With this year’s festival promising to be bigger and better than p...

Clare health store owners are warning that newly proposed EU rules on supplements could cause widespread closures within the industry.    The European Union is currently moving to standardise and reduce the maximum permitted dose of minerals and vitamins available to consumers across the 27 member states.    The bloc says the move is necessary to prevent consumers from health risks such as excessi...

Clare is preparing to celebrate its title as European Volunteering Capital 2027, recognising the thousands of people across the county who give their time to support their communities.   One of those volunteers is Shayla Hilpert. Originally from Canada and the United States, Shayla and Clint made County Clare their home three years ago. With a young family, they wanted to become part of the commun...

Excitement is building in Lahinch as the world’s best amateur golfers prepare to descend on North Clare for the Walker Cup this weekend.   Lahinch Golf Club will host the prestigious contest between the United States and Great Britain & Ireland—the amateur equivalent of the Ryder Cup.  Alan Morrissey was joined by John Gleeson, Club Captain at Lahinch Golf Club, to hear how preparations are going...

The face of addiction, homelessness, and social harm in Clare and across the Midwest has been changing over recent years.     Ana Liffey supported 86 people through its Clare outreach service last year, with staff bringing support directly into communities.  Alan Morrissey was joined by Dawn Russell, CEO of Ana Liffey, to discuss the growing demand for services, the challenges facing vulnerable pe...

Tuesday's Morning Focus spoke on a major development that could shape the future of Shannon for generations to come.   Shannon Gateway Projects has acquired a significant 20-acre town-centre site, with ambitious plans focused on long-term growth, place-making and public benefit.  To discuss what this opportunity could mean for Shannon, its residents and business community, Alan Morrissey was joine...

A large scale investment in Shannon has been labelled 'an opportunity we could only have dreamt of'. It follows the confirmation that Shannon Gateway Projects has acquired a 20 acre site with the aim of shaping a vibrant and sustainable town centre for future generations. The investment promises to deliver new opportunities, support economic and social development and help the town realise its ful...

Coming up on the show, we will reflect on another busy weekend of championship action with the focus on the TUS Clare senior and intermediate football championships, and the Clare Credit Unions senior camogie championships

Over 100 photographs captivating images that powerfully narrate Ireland's story throughout 2025 are being showcased at Shannon Airport. The AIB Press Photographer of the Year Awards 2026 exhibition will be on display at the Clare base for the next fortnight. Central to the exhibition is the work of Mark Condren who was crowned Press Photographer of the Year. It's the Corkman's record seventh time...

Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch to chat about the weekend’s sporting fixtures. ~ TUS Senior Football Championship ~  Group 1:  - Cratloe v Doonbeg (Saturday, 3pm) - LIVE ON CLARE FM - Éire óg v St. Joseph’s Miltown Malbay (Saturday, 3pm) Group 2:  - Ennistymon v Kildysart (Saturday, 5pm) - St. Joseph’s Doora Barefield v Kilmihill (Saturday, 5pm) Group 3:  - Lissycasey v St. B...

A much-loved gift shop in Ennis is set to close its doors, with the owners of La Petite Galerie announcing their retirement.  Located in the heart of Ennis, the shop has provided customers with a wide range of gifts, keepsakes and distinctive items over the years.   Guy Urbin, Co-owner of La Petite Galerie in Ennis, joined Alan Morrissey to discuss the closure. Photo (c) La Petite Galerie via Face...