Clare FM

A prominent campaign group has raised concerns that a new Emergency Department for the MidWest may no longer be in the offing. Recent updates from the Department of Health on progress on the Raheen campus fail to mention the provision of acute beds, but do refer to relocation of diagnostic and outpatient services. When the plans were first unveiled in May, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill described the €14m and 44 acre site as "HIQA's Option B and C Plus", indicating it would be equipped with an emergency department. Friends of Ennis Hospital Chair Angela Coll says she believes the project's gone sideways.

Clare FM brings you our latest feature, Clare FM’s Road Safety Initiative. In this episode, Clare FM’s Lily Collins is joined by Sheila Gilheany, CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland. Sheila discusses the impact alcohol advertising has on the attitudes of driving under the influence. Funded by the Coimisiún na Meán’s news reporting scheme.

It's claimed a proposed ban on Clare County Council purchasing homes from the private market would be a serious hindrance to the delivery of social housing in the county. Housing Minister James Browne is to table a proposal that would phase out local authority funding for the purchase of homes from private developers by the end of next year. The move aims to involve local authorities more closely in the design of new homes, in a bid to better address social housing need while maintaining supply on the private market. Chair of Clare County Council’s Social Development SPC, Sixmilebridge Councillor John Crowe, has been telling Clare FM's Darragh O'Grady that the proposal could create serious challenges for the local authority in meeting its social housing targets.

Muse Productions has built a wonderful reputation for bringing high-quality musical theatre to Clare audiences, and after the outstanding success of last year's production of RENT, which won Best Show in Ireland in the Gilbert section at the AIMS Awards in June, the group is preparing for another major challenge. This time, they're taking on the iconic musical West Side Story, with performances in Shannon from 28th to 31st October. Alan Morrissey was joined by director Martin McNelis, Conor McNelis, who plays Riff, and Sally Fox, who takes on the role of Anita. Image (c) Muse Productions

Ennis Soroptimists are joining a European campaign to shine a light on human trafficking, an issue that often remains hidden in plain sight. The awareness campaign by Soroptimist International Republic of Ireland has reached more than 400,000 people, and representatives recently brought their message to the European Parliament ahead of EU Anti-Trafficking Day last Sunday. This comes as the charity Ruhama is reporting a significant rise in the number of women trafficked into Ireland - who are seeking its support. Joining Alan Morrissey was Mary Flanagan, Secretary of Ennis & District Club Soroptimists International, who took part in the European visit. Photo (c) 3283197d_273 from Getty Images via Canva

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Fergal O’Keeffe, an Ennis native and creator of the Travel Tales with Fergal podcast. If the current cold weather isn't cold enough for you, Fergal gave his input on the upcoming 26/27 skiing season. Image (c) Clare FM

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Avril Collentine, Cahir & Co. Solicitors for this week’s legal advice. Avril told us about key considerations when transferring the family farm, and the succession advice planning grant. Image (c) Cahir & Co Solicitors

John Burns, Chair of the Board Rice College and Educational Consultant, joined Alan Morrissey to give advice to students who are facing roadblocks to studying for the upcoming Leaving Cert. - Incorrect subjects - Underperformance in Junior Cycle exams - Family caring - Poverty - Grief Photo (c) Clare FM

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. Alan Morrissey was joined by another of Clare’s incredible volunteers, Robert Cleary. Rob Cleary, from Miltown Malbay, is a facilities engineer by day and a dedicated volunteer with Clare Civil Defence, a volunteer-based organisation that supports frontline emergency services in County Clare. The Civil Defence assists in times of severe weather, flooding, major accidents and in searches for missing persons while also offering community support at local events. Rob’s volunteering journey began during his university years, when he served as a Unit Officer and EMT with the Clare Red Cross. In 2018, he joined Clare Civil Defence, qualifying as Swift Water & Search Responder and a Drone Pilot. He values the camaraderie, the chance to develop new skills, the positive atmosphere and the lasting friendships he has built through…

Award-winning author and chef Trevis Gleason joined Alan Morrissey to talk about the launch of the second edition of Burren Dinners, recently launched in Dingle. Written in collaboration with the Burren Ecotourism Network, the book celebrates the region’s outstanding food culture, showcasing the farmers, growers, producers, bakers, butchers and chefs who have helped put the Burren firmly on the foodie map. Image (c) Trevis Gleason

The Clare Leader Forum is calling for a graded approach to disabled parking badges amid concerns about potential abuse of the current system. Figures show that 944 permits were issued in Clare since 2023, with 86 applications refused. Joining Alan Morrissey was Anne-Marie Flannagan, Director of the Clare Leader Forum, based in Ennistymon, to discuss the proposed changes and the need to ensure the system is fair and accessible. They also discussed calls from working disabled people for an expansion of the cost of disability payment through a tax credit in 2027. Photo (c) ngirish from Getty Images via Canva

The Government has announced plans to reduce maximum childcare fees to €550 a month from September 2027, describing the Budget measures as a significant step towards making childcare more affordable. However, questions remain about who will actually benefit, with opposition politicians and childcare campaigners warning that many families could miss out. To discuss what the changes mean for parents, childcare providers and the future of the sector, Alan Morrissey has spoken with Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan. Photo (c) Tara Winstead from Pexels via Canva

Curfews were imposed in parts of France overnight following violent protests over education and the cost of living, with demonstrations escalating into looting, fires and clashes with police in several cities. President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the violence, while the French government is considering localised curfews. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has blamed the 'ultra left' for the unrest. Around 2-and-a-half thousand people were arrested and nearly a thousand emergency workers injured over the weekend. Europe Correspondent Alistair Bunkall is in Paris, where there's concern about further violence. Grace Hennessy from Quin is a University of Limerick student spending the academic year studying in Nantes. Grace joined Alan Morrissey to tell us what life is like in France at the moment and how the unrest is affecting students and the wider public. Photo (c) HubertdeThé from pixabay via Canva

Clare's MEP is criticising what he's described as inadequate funding to tackle drug debt intimidation in the wake of the English family murders in Waterford. The Drug Related Intimidation & Violence Engagement Garda project, or DRIVE, receives €280,000 in government funding annually, with a further €65,000 allocated under Budget 2027. More than 1,000 incidents of drug-related intimidation were recorded in Clare between 2024 and 2025, with debts rising in some cases to more than €20,000. Scariff Independent MEP, Michael McNamara, says more needs to be done to tackle groups operating 'above the law'.

It's claimed a greater level of investment is needed in the Shannon Municipal District to address the 'bread and butter' issues in the electoral area. A joint-call from the seven local representatives, ahead of the MD's budget allocation next month, is seeking greater funding for roads, footpaths, and amenity maintenance across the district. Newmarket-On-Fergus Fianna Fáil Councillor David Griffin, claims the region requires a more balanced share of resources to cater for its ever growing population. He says the level of investment is not currently meeting the expectations of residents.

On this weeks show We look on a busy and historic weekend of Clare club football finals and Jim Madden brings us up to date on local soccer

Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch took us through the weekend’s sporting fixtures. ~ T.U.S. Clare Senior Football Championship Final ~ Kilmurry Ibrickane 1-10 Eire Óg Inis 2-15 (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosoig) ~ T.U.S. Clare Intermediate Football Championship Final ~ Banner GAA 1-14 Wolfe Tones na Sionna 1-13 (Saturday, Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosiog) Image (c) Clare FM

Sinéad White, a Clare-based author, professional speaker and transformational coach, who has recently published her first book, Soul Signature: Your Soul Blueprint to Inner Power, Freedom, and Lasting Happiness. Sinéad spent 19 years working as a senior manager in the HSE before taking a very different path, one that led her to explore personal growth, mindset and the power we all have to transform our lives. Her book looks at how the beliefs and patterns we carry can hold us back, often without us even realising it, and how we can reconnect with who we truly are to create a life filled with greater freedom, purpose and happiness. It’s a journey that is both personal and deeply relatable, and Alan Morrissey heard more about Sinéad’s own story, what inspired her to write Soul Signature, and how we can all begin to unlock our own inner power. Photo (c) Clare FM

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre, Ennis was back on Monday’s Morning Focus to answer all your gardening queries. This week, Judy gave us some suggestions of plants that can withstand the Wild Atlantic winds. 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

Music fans are in for a real treat this weekend as the Johnny Fean Rhythm & Blues Festival runs from October 23rd to 26th, celebrating the life and legacy of the legendary Horslips guitarist. There’s a fantastic line-up of live music across the area, including the Johnny Fean Stage at the Shannon Springs Hotel. And in a very special tribute, Johnny’s wife, Maggie, has donated one of his own Les Paul guitars to be raffled off in aid of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. Tickets cost €10, with all proceeds going to the charity. To tell us more about the festival, the line-up and this very special fundraising initiative, Alan Morrissey was joined by Damian O’Rourke of Cuppa Tea TV and Johnny’s brother Ray Fean. Image (c) Johnny Fean Rhythm & Blues Festival

It's a chapter of Irish history that continues to generate debate: our country's decision to remain neutral during the Second World War. But what was really happening behind the scenes, and how did Ireland contribute to the wider war effort? Ennis-based military historian and researcher Ger Browne has spent four years examining archives, official documents and personal histories for his new book, Éire in WW2 – The True Story. It explores everything from intelligence sharing and Irish volunteers serving overseas to the strategic importance of Foynes and Rineanna here in County Clare. Ger joined Alan Morrissey to discuss his research and challenge some long-held assumptions about Ireland's wartime experience. Photo (c) Clare FM

On Monday’s Morning Focus, it was time again for our Arts Slot with County Art’s Officer Siobhán Mulcahy. Siobhán provided our listeners with all the details of this week’s live events for entertainment lovers in Banner County. Photo (c) Clare FM

O’Callaghan’s Mills National School has received permission to explore the possibility of becoming a Gaelscoil, which would make it just the fifth in County Clare. The ambition is to welcome the first Junior Infant class in September 2027, subject to the necessary approvals and supports. So, what could this mean for families and the future of the Irish language in East Clare? To discuss the proposal, Alan Morrissey was joined by school principal Gráinne Conlon and Irish language enthusiast and Clare FM’s Cúl Chaint presenter, Domhnall Ó Loingsigh. Photo (c) Gwengoat from Getty Images Signature via Canva

Clare made an incredible 4,247 shoeboxes for Team Hope’s Christmas Shoebox Appeal last year, bringing joy to children affected by poverty around the world. Now, as the annual appeal gets underway again, Team Hope is encouraging schools, families and community groups to get involved and help make a difference this Christmas. To tell us more about the appeal and the impact these simple gifts can have, Alan Morrissey was joined by Rachel Browne, Communications and Marketing Manager of Team Hope. Photo (c) pixelshot via Canva

More than 3,400 wild deer were culled in County Clare in the 12 months to April 30th, 2025, with almost 11,750 culled over a five-year period. While the overall wild deer population remains unknown, Clare ranks eighth nationally for the number of deer culled under licence. As rutting season gets underway, Damien Hannigan of the Irish Deer Commission joined Alan Morrissey to discuss deer numbers, the culling figures and the challenges surrounding wild deer management in Clare and across Ireland. Photo (c) Rodney Wilson from Getty Images via Canva

The Taoiseach says differences between the Government and trade unions will have to be ironed out during talks on a new public sector pay deal. Negotiations get underway at the Workplace Relations Commission today, following last week's strike involving 300 thousand workers. A further strike planned for Wednesday has been suspended to allow talks to take place. Micheál Martin says both sides will put forward their positions. To discuss what workers are looking for from these negotiations, Alan Morrissey has been speaking with Gareth Heagney, Clare INTO Representative and Principal of Sixmilebridge National School, and Orla Considine, a Clare-based paramedic and MidWest representative on the Irish Ambulance Representative Council. Photo (c) Comstock from Photo Images via Canva

The timeline for appointing a new Clare Garda Superintendent has been questioned amid ongoing resource pressures. Clare's Superintendent is understood to be officially retiring in the near future. There are currently 297 Gardaí serving in Clare, 34 fewer than in 2010. Mayor of Ennis and Clarecastle Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle says the shortage has been keenly felt across the county.

Almost 10% of the funding sought by Clare County Council for road maintenance and upgrade projects has not been allocated by Transport Infrastructure Ireland in the past two years. The local authority has received €354,500 of the €384,500 it applied for across 2025 and 2026. Nationwide, more than €1.6 million in requested funding was not allocated, with just seven local authorities receiving the full amount they sought. Fine Gael TD for Clare, Joe Cooney, says more funding needs to be made available, given the rising cost of road projects in recent years.

Fr Gerry Kenny presents this Sunday's Beyond Belief on Mission Sunday. The programme features Pope Leo talking about the impotance of Mission Sunday. We also hear from Una Allen of "Towards Peace" which is a service assisting survivors of abuse by church members.

Shannon Airport has been named as Ireland's best Airport for customer experience. According to the latest Customer Experience Insights Report, the Clare base has also been ranked fourth worldwide for passenger satisfaction levels. The survey was conducted across June and July of this year, with more than 30,000 customer experiences evaluated across over 170 organisations in 11 sectors. Commercial Director of The Shannon Airport Group, Vanessa McTigue, says that the convenience of the airport is the main factor on why people enjoy travelling from it.

Residents of an Ennis housing estate are said to be crying out for greater road safety measures to prevent an accident occuring. It follows a petition, signed by almost all the residents of Clancy Park, calling for greater traffic calming measures in the estate. Presently, two small speed bumps are in place, with Ennis Municipal District due to erect signage along the route in the coming weeks. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor, Antoinette Baker Bashua, says greater deterrents are needed.

A new chapter for public transport in Ennis has begun, with the town’s new bus service taking to the roads this morning. From today, passengers can avail of the service which runs from 6am until midnight and serves two routes between Clarecastle and Ballymaley Business Park and the Tulla Road to the Lahinch Road. Once fully up and running, the service is expected to complete 500,000 annual journeys. Ennis Fine Gael Councillor, Mary Howard, says it's a momentous day for the town.

Fr Brendan Quinlivan leads our Sunday Prayer for today, Sunday 18th October Mission Sunday and the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Clare County Council has formally passed a motion expressing solidarity with residents of Garvaghy Road in Armagh. It follows an intense 13-day stand-off between members of the Portadown Orange Lodge and the nationalist community in Drumcree. A controversial decision by the Northern Ireland Parade's Commission almost paved the way for a first Orange Order march on the Garvaghy Road in 28 years, before Secretary of State Chris Bryant eventually ruled it wasn't in the public interest. Shannonbanks Sinn Féin Councillor James Ryan says it's vital old wounds are not reopened.

Clare's County Dog Warden has issued firework safety advice to dog owners ahead of Halloween. Dog owners are encouraged to microchip dogs and have a photo of their pet on their phone, in case their dog escapes. County Dog Warden Frankie Coote has advised closing curtains and playing the radio at a low level to help keep dogs distracted when fireworks are going off. He says walking dogs in the morning rather than at night also reduces the risk of animals being spooked by fireworks.

Interviews with the KIB and Eire Og camps ahead of the TUS SFC Final

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch is joined by Kieran Madigan, Paudie Carmody and Derek Dormer to preview the TUS SFC, IFC and Junior A football finals

Coming up on the show, we look ahead to a huge weekend of club football with the senior, intermediate and Junior A finals taking centre stage We will also have our latest More Than A Club episode focusing on Killanena GAA, while Alan Troy will bring Greyhound Focus

BILLYD3VINE is a young singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist creating raw, emotional alternative music. Writing songs from a young age, his sound blends guitar-driven indie and alternative influences with honest, personal songwriting. After releasing their debut single “Baby Blue”, BILLYD3VINE continues to build his music in hopes to one day make a career out of it. Not Fair his new single is a raw and emotionally charged alternative track exploring the feeling of losing yourself while the people around you fail to recognise what you’re going through. Beginning with memories of being fun and confident, the song gradually reveals the isolation, frustration and disappointment that can come from feeling abandoned by those you once trusted. Driven by an infectious repeated refrain of “you can do better,” the track balances vulnerability with anger, capturing the moment when keeping everything inside is no longer an option. “Not Fair” is ultimately about being heard, confronting the people who stood by, and…

Its claimed motorists are needlessly spending hours in gridlock traffic following collisions on the main route from Clare to Limerick. It comes amid calls for motorway gates to be installed on the M18/N18, which would be used to open contra-flow lanes in the event of major incidents. Between September and November last year, 41 collisions were recorded on the stretch alone. Cratloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat O'Gorman has been telling Clare FM's Éabha Brennan that too many people are stuck in their cars during these incidents without basic necesseties.

Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch to preview the weekend’s sporting fixtures. ~ T.U.S Clare Senior Football Championship Final ~ Kilmurry Ibrickane vs Eire Óg Inis (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosoig, 3:30pm) ~ T.U.S. Clare Intermediate Football Championship Final ~ Banner GAA vs Wolfe Tones na Sionna (Saturday, Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosiog, 4pm) Image (c) Clare FM

Clarecastle Day Care Centre is opening its doors to the community this Saturday (17th October) for a special open day, giving people the chance to see first-hand what a typical day at the centre is all about. The event takes place from 11am to 2pm, with entertainment, refreshments, and plenty of opportunities for chats and fun. Mary Maloney is the manager of Clarecastle Day Care Centre, and she joined Alan Morrissey to tell us more about the open day and what people can expect. Photo (c) Clare FM

The Ennis Lions Club Radio Auction, in partnership with Clare FM, is back for its fifth year, raising funds for a fantastic local cause. This year, the proceeds will support St Clare’s School in Ennis and the development of an accessible playground for children with additional needs. The auction features an amazing range of donated items, vouchers and experiences, with more than €100,000 raised for local projects over the past four years. Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more were Ennis Lions Club President Susan Ward and auction administrator Conor Smith. You can check out the items available here: https://ennislionsclub.ie/auction/

The Man in Black is making his return to the stage at Glór in Ennis this Saturday, with a high-energy tribute celebrating the legendary music of Johnny Cash and June Carter. Featuring JP Mac as Johnny Cash and Karen Lyttle as the ever-sassy June Carter, alongside a talented cast of musicians and backing vocalists, the show promises all the classic hits, from Ring of Fire and Jackson to Hurt and Ghost Riders in the Sky. The performance takes place this Saturday, October 17th, at 8pm in Glór, and joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more about the show was JP. Image (c) Cash Returns

Almost half of women say perimenopause or menopause has forced them to put parts of their lives on hold, with confidence emerging as one of the biggest challenges. New research from Holland & Barrett also highlights the impact on relationships, exercise and socialising, while just one in ten women say they have felt sufficiently informed and supported through the experience. Ahead of World Menopause Day this Sunday, Alan Morrissey was joined by Dr Máire Finn, GP with Centric Health in Ennis and female health expert, to discuss the findings, the impact menopause can have beyond physical symptoms, and the supports available to women. Photo (c) pixelshot via Canva

Smith O’Brien’s GAA and Camogie Club is swapping the pitch for the big screen with a special movie night fundraiser this Saturday. Titled ‘Smith O’Brien’s Goes to the Movies’, the event promises a great night of entertainment while raising funds for the club. Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more about the fundraiser and what people can expect on the night were Nicole Foley, Secretary and PRO, and Peter Murphy, who is on the committee. Image (c) Smith O'Brien's GAA and Camogie Club

October is ADHD Awareness Month, with a focus this year on moving beyond awareness towards greater understanding, acceptance and empowerment. Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss what it really means to live with ADHD, the challenges people face and how we can offer better support were Chloe Whelan from Newmarket-on-Fergus, who has been sharing her own experience on social media, and Ennis-based ADHD coach Maria McNamara, who works with individuals and families from neurodiverse backgrounds. Photo (c) Clare FM

A drastic reduction is expected to the number of Clare hotels and B&Bs providing accommodation to Ukrainian Refugees and International Protection Applicants in the coming months. There are currently 629 Ukrainians residing across 16 accommodation centres in this county, with the final withdrawal of these state contracts expected by next March. The 11 properties hosting International Protection Applicants, meanwhile, is expected to be reduced to three in the near future. Speaking to Clare FM's Daragh Dolan, following a presentation from Clare County Council's Integration Team, Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Hayes says it's vital the transition process is smooth. Photo (c) dogayusufdokdok from Getty Images Signature via Canva

A Shannon man and local volunteer first responder is raising serious concerns about passenger safety after a bus window shattered beside him while travelling on the TFI 330 route from Ennis to Shannon on Wednesday afternoon. JJ Machota says the outer pane of the window failed while the bus was in motion, leaving him shaken and prompting questions about vehicle safety and maintenance. JJ joined Alan Morrissey to tell us what happened. Photos (c) JJ Machota

A drastic reduction is expected to the number of Clare hotels and B&Bs providing accommodation to Ukrainian Refugees and International Protection Applicants in the coming months. There are currently 629 Ukrainians residing across 16 accommodation centres in this county, with the final withdrawal of these state contracts expected by next March. The 11 properties hosting International Protection Applicants, meanwhile, is expected to be reduced to three in the near future. Speaking following a presentation from Clare County Council's Integration Team, Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Hayes says it's vital the transition process is smooth.