Clare FM

One of the main opponents of a proposed data centre on the outskirts of Ennis has accused its backer of the equivalent of "purchasing indulgences to wipe away sins". The High Court has dismissed the leave to appeal application by objectors to the controversial development, thus clearing the way for the project. Outling his decision, Mr Justice Richard Humphreys said it was "inherently implausible"...

This year marks a major milestone for one of East Clare’s best-loved community events as Scariff Agricultural Show celebrates its 80th anniversary.  To mark the occasion, a new Heritage Council-funded project is underway to document and preserve the rich history of the Show, and organisers are now appealing to the public for photographs, programmes, memorabilia and personal memories that tell the...

Former Irish Navy Captain Marie Gleeson has built a remarkable career spanning leadership at sea, major naval operations, and deeply personal challenges that have shaped her life and outlook. Originally from Tipperary but with strong connections to Clare, Marie has now turned her experiences into a powerful new book, Be Like the Sea: Life, Learnings and Leadership from an Irish Navy Captain. The b...

Imagine setting out alone to walk almost 500 kilometres across some of the most remote and challenging terrain in Europe. That's exactly what Clare man Dermot Cosgrove is doing right now as he treks across Iceland from Húsavík in the north to Vík on the south coast, a journey expected to take 21 days. Originally from Ennis and now living in Kilkee, Dermot is undertaking the challenge to raise fund...

A Clare primary school student has become the latest winner of the An Post Primary schools handwriting competition. The competition celebrates the incredible creativity, care and imagination of young writers across Ireland. This year’s theme, “Making Better Happen in our communities,” inspired thousands of pupils to reflect on kindness, connection and the role they can play in shaping the world ar...

This week marks International HS Awareness Week, a campaign dedicated to raising awareness of hidradenitis suppurativa, or HS, a painful long-term inflammatory skin condition that affects more than 74,000 people in Ireland. Despite its prevalence, HS remains largely misunderstood, with many sufferers facing years of symptoms before receiving a diagnosis. One person working to change that is Partee...

The Blue Jean Country Queen Festival has been bringing contestants from across Ireland and beyond to Athboy in County Meath for almost four decades, combining fun, friendship and community spirit with a unique competition that celebrates the best of Macra na Feirme. Clare had plenty to celebrate at this year's festival, with Sixmilebridge Kilmurry Macra member Bríd Gilligan finishing as runner-up...

As thousands of students across Clare settle into the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate exam season, Clare Youth Service is once again opening its Exam Cafés across the county to provide young people with a place to relax, recharge and take a break between exams. The cafés, which are running in Ennis, Killaloe, Kilrush, Sixmilebridge and Newmarket-on-Fergus, offer a safe and welcoming space whe...

The Clare Local Enterprise Office claims the outlook for businesses in this county is "very positive". The Local Enterprise Development Plan for 2026 to 2028 has been unveiled at this week's meeting of Clare's Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee. Between 2021 and 2025, the Clare LEO provided funding of €2.5 million to 107 enterprises, assisted 206 businesses and supported 1,360 jobs. T...

Later this month, Team Ireland will travel to Arnhem in the Netherlands for the 2026 European Transplant Games, a celebration of sport, resilience, and the gift of life.   Among the 25 athletes representing Ireland are two from County Clare, including Kevin Haugh from Carrigaholt and Doonaha.   A former school principal and accomplished athlete, Kevin has overcome tremendous health challenges and...

The Government has announced a new €10 million scrappage scheme designed to encourage motorists to switch from older petrol and diesel vehicles to electric cars.    Under the proposal, drivers who scrap a vehicle more than 13 years old could receive up to €8,500 in support towards the purchase of an electric vehicle, with 65% of the funding reserved for people living outside Ireland's major cities...

A row has erupted over continued exports of alumina from the Aughinish refinery on the Shannon Estuary to Russia, with the Ukrainian Embassy in Ireland expressing what it describes as "serious concern" about the trade. The controversy centres on claims that alumina produced at the Russian-owned plant in County Limerick could ultimately be ending up in supply chains linked to Russia's military-indu...

The Clare branch of Saint Vincent de Paul says a newly-announced expansion of a Government scheme will help families with the "hidden costs" of education. The Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance has been expanded to include children aged two and three for the first time. It means 2,364 families countywide will be eligible for the support which provides €160 for children between two and...

The results of a survey on community safety in Clare will have a direct impact on future policing practices in the county. The Clare Local Community Safety Partnership has launched the Community Safety Survey which aims to gather the opinions and experiences of residents of the county regarding how safe they feel and what changes they want to see. The survey runs until June 24th, takes 10 to 15 mi...

Professor Michael Kerin will today (3rd of June) be officially appointed as the President of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.    The Kilnamona native was appointed vice president of the RCSI in June 2024.    He is Chair of Surgery at the University of Galway and Director of the Cancer Managed Clinical Academic Network (MCAN) for HSE West and North West.     Earlier, Alan Morrissey spoke w...

Hospice Sunflower Days returns later this month, with volunteers across the country preparing to take to the streets to raise much-needed funds for local hospice and palliative care services.  Ahead of this year's campaign, Milford Care Centre has recognised one of its most dedicated supporters, naming John Higgins as its 2026 Hospice Hero in recognition of his many years of commitment to fundrais...

A new survey commissioned by the Licensed Vintners Association suggests there is strong public support for extending opening hours for late bars and nightclubs, with more than three-quarters of those surveyed backing a new licence that would allow venues to remain open until 4.30am.     Supporters argue that Ireland's nightlife is falling behind other European destinations, while critics raise que...

June marks Men's Mental Health Month, and from the 15th to the 21st of June, International Men's Health Week will shine a spotlight on the physical and mental wellbeing of men and boys across Ireland and around the world. This year's theme, 'One Step at a Time: Progress, Not Perfection', encourages men to make small, manageable changes and to seek support when they need it. While awareness around...

A growing campaign is calling for the protection of arts and community space within the planned redevelopment of The Cloister in Ennis. Supporters of a new petition argue that the original vision for the historic building, funded through the €7 million THRIVE programme, included artist studios, exhibition areas, educational facilities and community uses. They say revised plans place a greater emph...

Ennis Rugby Football Club has launched what it describes as the most significant development project in its history, following the granting of planning permission for a major €2.5 million redevelopment of its facilities at Drumbiggle. The ambitious project will deliver a modern clubhouse, upgraded training and gym facilities, improved player amenities, enhanced community spaces and significant sit...

It's being argued a new analysis of healthcare data points to decades of underinvestment in healthcare in the midwest. The Friends of Ennis Hospital group has completed a comparative analysis of Ireland's major Model 4 hospitals using HSE workforce, activity and capacity data. Among the findings are that University Hospital Limerick has had the highest emergency department attendances, emergency a...

Clare's Opposition TD says the Government is taking advantage of the good will of ordinary people when it comes to home care support. Data provided by the HSE to Shannon Sinn Féin Deputy Donna McGettigan shows 314 people in Clare are currently waiting for home care support, up from 304, 18 months ago. This amounts to 1,871 of home care hours. Deputy McGettigan says it's an indictment of the State.

Clare Fm’s Derrick Lynch was live on Monday’s Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey to discuss the weekends sporting fixtures. Games Reviewed: - Clare v Galway All Ireland U20 Hurling Final - Clare v Wexford All Ireland Senior Camogie Championship - Clare v Wexford All Ireland Ladies Intermediate Football Championship

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre joined Alan Morrissey live on Tuesday’s Morning Focus for our regular In The Garden slot. This week, Judy gave advice on using coffee grounds to help your garden thrive. Logo (c) Clonroad Garden Centre, Ennis

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy, is to lead a 160km charity cycle in aid of mental health services in Co Clare on Saturday, June 6. The ‘Mind over Miles’ charity cycle, which will benefit the Samaritans (Clare Branch), will begin at Loop Head at 8am, with the riders making their way through County Clare. To tell us more, Paul joined Alan Morrissey. Photo (c) Pat Flynn