Clare FM

The Square in Ennis is the venue for the latest static charity cycle in aid of the Samaritans.  The annual cycle will take place tomorrow (Friday, the 19th of June) from 9am-6pm.  For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Peadar White, cycling enthusiast and event organiser, and Pat White, Director of Clare Samaritans. Photo (c) Clare FM

As the longest day of the year approaches, a special Summer Solstice celebration is set to take place at the historic Thoor Ballylee in Gort.   The evening will combine a scenic walk, music, poetry, storytelling and a chance to experience one of Ireland's most treasured literary landmarks, all while raising funds for the RNLI lifeboat service.   Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more about the eve...

Motorsport fans in Clare will be keeping a close eye on Oulton Park this weekend as local racing driver Laura O'Connell prepares for the second round of the Radical Cup UK.   After making her solo debut in the championship at Brands Hatch last month, Laura is hoping to build on that experience as she tackles another new circuit and continues her pursuit of a first podium finish.   She joined Alan...

Morning Focus is marking County Clare Men’s Health Week 2026 (15–21 June) with the theme “What’s Your Small Step?” as part of a week-long series of activities, discussions, and ways to take part.   The initiative, supported by Clare County Council and the Men’s Health Pledge, encourages men to make small, practical changes to improve physical and mental wellbeing.   We will explore how small, real...

Kilmaley Hall has been at the heart of community life in one of County Clare’s largest parishes for more than four decades, hosting everything from sporting activities and fitness classes to meetings, concerts and community events.   Now, plans are being developed for a major refurbishment of the facility to modernise the building, improve accessibility and ensure it continues to serve the communi...

As part of our focus on the importance of early intervention for children with autism, we're highlighting an information and support event taking place this evening at the Woodstock Hotel in Ennis (7pm).     The gathering aims to connect parents of young autistic children, provide practical information, and discuss the supports available to families.     Earlier today, Alan Morrissey found out mor...

Former Clare TD and long-serving Councillor James Breen has passed away, aged 81.   The Kilnamona native retired from politics 7 years ago following 34 years in politics.    First elected to Clare County Council in 1985, James Breen left the Fianna Fáil party and ran as an Independent candidate in the 2002 General Election, in which he topped the poll.   After he lost his Dáil seat in 2007, he was...

A major investment announcement relating to Shannon is expected to be made later this summer. Speaking in the Dáil, Fine Gael Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke has said he hopes there will be a "very significant announcement during the summer by a leading Irish-born company in relation to Shannon". The comments have come on foot of Bodyke Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney's call f...

The National Driver Licence Service's refusal to accept cash payments at its Ennis office is reportedly stripping Clare residents of their independence. Since the Covid-19 lockdown, NDLS offices only allow payments by credit or debit card, Google Pay, Apple Pay or Payzone vouchers. The Department of Transport has previously said this decision was made "after evaluating security, administration and...

On this week's Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn meets an educator and author who has written a groundbreaking series of self-help, end-of-life legacy journals. We’ll also hear from an Ennis woman, living in New Zealand, who has created a board game designed to teach Kiwis how democracy works.

Two young men from County Clare are preparing to take on an extraordinary challenge in support of a cause close to their hearts.   Colin McNamara and Darragh Higgins will set off on June 22nd on a 150-kilometre journey from Newmarket-on-Fergus to Westport, camping along the route before completing their challenge with a climb of Croagh Patrick.   Their goal is to raise vital funds and awareness fo...

 Earlier this month, Alan Morrissey chatted with Ana Colomer about a petition to retain plans for an arts and cultural space at the redeveloped Cloister building in Ennis.    Ana told us about the petition and the growing campaign calling for the protection of arts and community space within the planned redevelopment of The Cloister in Ennis.     Supporters of the petition argue that the original...

Morning Focus is marking County Clare Men’s Health Week 2026 (15–21 June) with the theme “What’s Your Small Step?” as part of a week-long series of activities, discussions, and ways to take part.   The initiative, supported by Clare County Council and the Men’s Health Pledge, encourages men to make small, practical changes to improve physical and mental wellbeing.  We will explore how small, reali...

Lahinch and the wider golfing community are mourning the loss of Robert McCavery, who passed away peacefully last weekend.  A PGA Professional and honorary life member of Lahinch Golf Club, Robert devoted more than five decades of his life to the famous links, continuing a remarkable family association with the club that stretched back almost a century.   Through his work, his love of golf, and hi...

Clare Civil Defence has been recognised for its decades of dedicated voluntary service to communities across the county with a special Civic Reception hosted by Clare County Council this week.     For generations, Civil Defence volunteers have provided vital support during emergencies, severe weather events, public gatherings and search and rescue operations, giving countless hours of their time t...

There's a call for the Government to fund a "recovery plan" for Clare communities that have hosted large quantities of refugees in recent years.    The latest meeting of Clare County Council's Tourism Strategic Policy Committee has heard a call from Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy for the "restoration and accommodation of tourism accommodation capacity" in the county.    The meeting...

The founder of a Clare women's shed says the expected passing of a landmark abortion vote in the Dáil tonight will mark a huge step for women's rights. It comes as the Taoiseach and Tánaiste have expressed their support for Sinn Féin's bill to scrap the mandatory three-day waiting period between GP consultations. While opponents of the move argue the three-day wait is a necessary reflection period...

A proposal by a Clare based Member of European Parliament to outlaw artificial intelligence nudification apps has been approved. The ban which will apply across the EU comes into effect on December 2nd, and under it offending companies will face fines of at least €35m. It follows major controversy over the use of the feature on X's Grok platform earlier this year. Scariff based Independent MEP Mic...

Coming up on the show, we will look back on the concluding stages of the group series in the Cusack and Garry Cups, and how the knockout stages are looking We will hear of a new book being launched to celebrate one of the most famed club football teams in the county, and Lissycasey are the subject of this weeks More Than A Club episode

Celebrated Dublin singer-songwriter Colm Gavin is set to bring his 2026 UK and Ireland tour to West Clare next month, with a special performance at The Frozen Spoon in Miltown Malbay on July 24th.    The tour follows a string of sold-out shows and the release of his latest album, Live at Whelans, recorded in one of Ireland's most iconic music venues.  Known for his engaging stage presence, witty b...

An investment of over €10m is expected to unlock lands for over 1,300 new homes on two Ennis sites. As part of a national €1bn announcement today, under the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund, funding has been approved for Phase 2 of the Claureen Link Road which will directly facilitate 600 homes and indirectly support a further 200. The Ashline site on the Kilrush Road has also been approved...

New figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act reveal that at least 346 third-level students in Ireland reported being homeless during the last academic year.  Student representatives say that number is likely just the “tip of the iceberg”, with many cases of hidden homelessness going unrecorded and several of the country’s largest universities unable to provide data.    As Ireland’s ho...

The Clare Local Community Safety Partnership is encouraging people across the county to have their say on what community safety means to them by taking part in a new Community Safety Survey.     The anonymous survey, which remains open until the 24th of June, will help shape the county's first Local Community Safety Plan, setting out practical actions aimed at improving safety, wellbeing and quali...

Shannon Musical Society is celebrating a remarkable success after scooping three major honours at the Association of Irish Musical Societies Awards.   Their production of Come From Away earned eight nominations and went on to win Best Overall Show, Best Ensemble and Best Director.   Joining Alan Morrissey to reflect on an unforgettable journey are Tom Barrett, Chairperson of the Shannon Musical So...

Financial markets have reacted positively to news that the United States and Iran have agreed a framework deal to end their conflict, with oil prices falling sharply and stock markets rising around the world.   The proposed agreement, due to be formally signed later this week, could see the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies, potentially easing pressure on fu...