Clare FM

 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...

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...

With fans around the world dealing with some late-night kick-offs during the World Cup, disrupted sleep is likely to become a familiar challenge.   Fear not, though, because help is at hand!  Claire Connellan, Well Being Teacher with LCETB and Natural Health Practitioner, joined Alan Morrissey earlier.  Claire is here to share practical advice on how lack of sleep can affect physical and mental we...

Earlier this month, Alan Morrissey was joined by Kevin Haugh, to chat about the upcoming 2026 European Transplant Games.  Kevin, a former school principal and accomplished athlete from Carrigaholt and Doonaha, was one of two Clare athletes who are part of a 25-strong Team Ireland that is travel to Arnhem in the Netherlands for the Games.  The European Transplant Games get underway from this Sunday...

Emergency services were once again called to the scene of a road traffic collision on the N68 at Darragh on Sunday afternoon, a stretch of road that local residents and public representatives have repeatedly highlighted as a safety concern.   While no serious injuries were reported, the latest incident has renewed calls for action, including a reduction in the speed limit and other safety measures...

The main opposition party is blaming the Government for Clare's dereliction problem. The coalition will announce plans for a new derelict property tax today, which will be administered by revenue after a launching a scathing criticism on local authority efforts to grapple the issue. Clare County Council says it has billed 60 sites this year to a value of over €510,000, however just over €48,700 of...

An Oireachtas committee's been told that a housing development in East Clare has been stalled for three years due to wastewater capacity issues. Kilkishen is one of three villages in Clare where according to Uisce Éireann, there's no additional wastewater capacity or projects planned to address this. In 2024, the local authority refused plans for a 60-unit scheme in the village due to sewerage def...

University Concert Hall is set to welcome audiences to the return of the Limerick Summer Proms from 19th to 21st June 2026, for a spectacular three-day celebration marking the Summer Solstice.   Sponsored by Ei Electronics, the much-loved festival brings together world-class performers including the Irish Chamber Orchestra, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and the Military Pipes and Bands of the Defence...

A welcome boost for North Clare’s hospitality scene has seen three long-closed pubs and restaurants reopen during April and May.     Cassidy’s in Carran, Kilshanny House—now trading as The Hedgerow—and Bofey Quinn’s have all returned to business after extended closures, bringing renewed activity to their local communities.    Cassidy’s has been reopened as a bar and restaurant by Robbie Cassidy, w...

Iran and the United States have reached a peace deal, with an official signing due to take place in Switzerland on Friday.   US President Donald Trump says it will "bring peace and security to the whole region" - while Tehran claims it "forced" the US to accept its terms.   The agreement was announced last night by Pakistan's prime minister, who has been acting as a mediator.  Meanwhile, Foreign A...

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre, Ennis was back on Monday’s Morning Focus to answer all your gardening queries. This week, Judy told Alan Morrissey about the benefits of long flowering summer perennials. If you have any questions for Judy, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964. Image (c) Clonroad Garden Centre

A Clare-based group of musicians and fundraisers is appealing for public support for Babies in the Bush orphanage in South Africa, with a fundraising target of €1,500 to help provide new beds for the facility.  Breda McNamara, Gearóid McNamara and colleagues, working alongside organiser Lorraine Keenan, have been involved with the project since 2019 and say they remain closely connected to its wor...