Clare Fm - Podcasts

The Minister for Finance says he expects jobs to be impacted in the medium term, as a result of the US tariffs imposed on Europe. The government says it’s still unclear exactly how jobs would be hit, but Paschal Donohoe wants a negotiated settlement to the US tariffs. Minister Donohoe says a prediction on jobs could not be made until the EU outlines its response.. Meanwhile, the Irish Exporters Association will meet the Tanaiste Simon Harris at today's Trade Forum. Chief Executive Simon McKeever says a calm response is needed to President Trump's US tariffs... To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Cratloe farmer and Former ICSA General Secretary, Eddie Punch, and Birgitta Curtin, Burren Smokehouse.

Fourteen people – including four men – were arrested on Monday after they held an overnight vigil outside the gates of Leinster House. Three of the fourteen individuals were charged, while others received adult caution. However, a number of the women who were arrested and cautioned by Gardaí are seeking legal advice, as they consider whether to submit a complaint to GSOC. Meanwhile, the Dáil this week heard Richard Boyd Barrett read from a letter he received, detailing what the Solidarity-People Before Profit TD said was the treatment one of the Mothers Against Genocide protesters was subjected to, including being ordered to strip naked and subjected to what she described as "absolutely disgusting" treatment. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ennistymon native now Dublin-based barrister and part of a coalition called 'Irish Lawyers for Palestine, Leigh Brosnan. Photo(C): https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122099851814107615&set=a.122099851550107615

Plans to transform Killaloe Courthouse into a cultural and musical venue have taken a significant step forward after Clare County Council applied for funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF). To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Traditional Irish Singer, Deirdre Scanlan, and Cllr Pat Hayes

It is time for the thirteenth episode of our second season of The Village Tour. With The Village Tour, we here at Morning Focus are aiming to highlight the smaller villages and townlands around the county. By doing this, we hope to showcase their unique character, while also bringing their diversity and individuality to life for you, the listener. During each episode of The Village Tour, Alan chats with various people from a particular village or townland in Clare: from locals and business owners to those involved with local sports clubs, community representatives and many more. In our latest episode of The Village Tour, Alan paid a visit to Doolin.

To preview the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Friday’s Morning Focus by Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch. Games Previewed: Munster MHC: Clare v Tipperary (Saturday, Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosiog, 2pm) Women’s Rugby - AIl Ireland League Promotion Playoff: Enniskillen v Ennis-Kilrush (Sunday, Mullingar) Football: Will We Go.Com Cusack Cup

A politician in a neighbouring county has hit out at the "painstakingly slow" progress of Clare infrastructural projects. It follows concerns raised over blockages to housing development in Cooraclare, Broadford and Kilkishen. New wastewater systems for Cooraclare and Broadford were approved in December 2023, but no ground has been broken to date, while in Kilkishen plans for a 61 unit housing estate have been rejected twice due to sewerage deficiencies. Addressing the Housing Minister, Fine Gael's Seanad Housing Spokesperson Senator PJ Murphy says communities here are extremely frustrated.

Coming up on the show, we will look ahead to a historic day for women's rugby in Clare as Ennis Kilrush prepare for an All Ireland promotion final. The late Mick O'Dwyer is being laid to rest tomorrow and we will hear from Kilkee's Ger Keane who served with the Maestro as a selector during his time in charge in Clare Clare's minor hurlers and footballers begin their Munster championship campaigns over the next few days so we will check in with both camps; there's a big weekend ahead in Clare soccer and Alan Troy will have Greyhound Focus too

The Tánaiste says a calm response is needed to Donald Trump's tariffs. The US President last night announced a 20 per cent penalty on all goods imported from the EU. In his Liberation Day announcement at the White House he promised economic freedom for American workers. Donald Trump described his tariffs announcement as a key day in US history... Trump Liberation Day Tariffs European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen says the consequences of Donald Trump's tariffs will be 'immense'... Von Der Leyen Liberation Day Tariffs The 20 percent tariff on all goods imported from the EU means Irish exporters - including those in the food and drink sectors -will face tougher competition from those north of the border who are facing tariffs of just 10 per cent. Speaking outside Government Buildings, Tanaiste Simon Harris said the response needs to be calm... Simon Harris Liberation Day Tariffs To discuss this further, Alan Morrisseyw was joined by Ennis and DCU Economist, Micheál Collins, and Kilkish

The Inn at Dromoland is the venue for this evening’s launch of a new book on Clare’s Brian O’ Looney. Brian O’ Looney, who lived during the 19th century, was a scholar, poet and Gaelic Revivalist’. The author of the book, entitled Brian O’Looney 1828-1901 –Clareman, scholar, poet and Gaelic revivalist, is Professor Peter Daly. Peter, who hails from Kilmaley, is a retired Medical Oncologist and Associate Professor of Medicine from St. James’s Hospital and Trinity College, Dublin respectively. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Peter Daly. Photo(C): ClareFM

People are being urged to sign a petition to prevent the downgrade of Shannon Fire Station. Plans are in place to reduce the required firefighter numbers at the station. The petition has received over 500 signatures so far. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Shane Doody, who started the petition and is a member of the Sinn Féin Shannon Cumman, and Chairman of the National Retained Firefighters Association, Stephen McFadden.

This week is National Arthritis Week 2025. The aim of the initiative is to highlight the role of lifestyle medicine in managing arthritis and improving the quality of life for those living with this chronic condition. This year’s theme is ‘Empowering Lives with Lifestyle Medicine.’ To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Communications and Advocacy Manager, Tara Regan. Photo(C): stockdevil from Getty Images via canva

Clare Museum’s Lecture Series continues Wednesday, April 9th at 7.30pm. The talk by Dr Karol Mullaney-Dignam is entitled ‘Morals, manners and customs: observations from the pre-Famine era in County Clare’. The observations of selected visitors to County Clare in the decades before the Great Hunger (1845-52), focusing on the morals, manners, and customs of the people at the time will be discussed at the talk. To find out more about this, Alan Morrissey was joined by curator of Clare Museum, John Rattigan. Photo (c): https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1159208002674518&set=gm.2196155070837225

We’re joined now by our fitness and wellness coach, Kieran McMahon. Kieran is an online personal trainer. He is also the founder of KM Fitness and the Better online coaching mentorship. This week Kieran will be talking about online influencers... Alan Morrissey was joined by Online Personal Trainer, Founder of KMFitness, Kieran McMahon.

University of Galway has announced the appointment of Professor Robert Scully as Ireland’s first Established Professor of Rural and Remote Medicine. The appointment aims to strengthen medical training and tackle critical doctor shortages across the West and North West of Ireland. His appointment comes as University of Galway prepares to launch an innovative four-year Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) programme, designed to attract a diverse range of graduates and deliver high-quality accelerated medical training with a strong focus on rural and regional healthcare needs. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Professor Robert Scully.

A North Clare village is set to get its first ever public transport connection to one of the closest towns in its vicinity. TFI Local Link has confirmed enhancements to the weekly C8 Carron to Gort route, which will take effect from Friday. The weekly service has always had a stop at Kinvara, Bellharbour and New Quay, but now Ballyvaughan will be added to the timetable. TFI Local Link Limerick Clare Transport Operations Coordinator Cillian Griffey says it will offer many benefits.

Confidence has been expressed that the re-establishment of a dedicated Oireachtas Group for Shannon Airport will grow the facility's route offering. The ad-hoc committee was founded by former Clarecastle Fine Gael TD Joe Carey in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The cross-party group comprised of TD's and Senators from Clare, Limerick, Galway and Tipperary will prioritise new routes and investment opportunities for Shannon. Chairperson and Meelick Fianna Fáil Deputy Cathal Crowe is confident it will be a major success.

The Industrial Development Agency has expressed confidence that Clare will hold onto its multinational companies despite "intense" global competition. US President Donald Trump is due to announce tariffs on imports from the EU today including an anticipated 20% blanket tariff on pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Irish exports to the US within this sector are worth an estimated €58 billion annually while roughly 32% of the country's local goods exports are to the US. Speaking at a Shannon Chamber event in Dromoland Castle Hotel, IDA CEO Michael Lohan says this region will weather the storm as long as it looks after its ties with US companies.

US President Donald Trump will announce sweeping tariffs on the EU tonight. He’s dubbed today Liberation Day, with countries across the world to have their trading patterns disrupted. The tariffs could have serious implications for our pharmaceutical sector. Indeed, there’s a stark warning pharmaceutical exports from Ireland to America could half, if the US President’s tariffs go ahead.The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has warned all options are on the table in response. Tanaiste Simon Harris says pharmaceuticals could be hit badly... However, President Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton's concerned about the effects the tariffs will also have on the US... To find out what measures, if any, the major employers in Clare and the rest of the Mid-West are taking in response to Donald Trump’s tariffs, I am joined by... To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Vitalograph CEO, Frank Keane.

John has previously been on Morning Focus to tell us about his volunteering trips to Uganda, where he has provided therapy to children with special needs in various clinics in the southern Ugandan town of Jinja, near the capital, Kampala. John is limbering up for another visit to Uganda once again this Summer. Also in studio is John’s fellow volunteer Lucy Galvin, who has also previously been on the show. They are here to chat about their upcoming journey to Uganda, as well as their fundraising for their trip... To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by John Conroy and Lucy Galvin.

As you've been hearing on Clare FM news, new hopon hop-off shuttle bus service linking towns, villages and visitor attractions throughout North and West Clare is the subject of public consultation and engagement sessions taking place in Miltown Malbay and Kilfenora on Monday (April 7, 2025) and Tuesday (April 8, 2025) next. The free “Burren and Cliffs Explorer” set to be launched by Clare County Council, in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), this summer will be open to online and onsite bookings. To tell us more about this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor, Joe Garrihy. Photo(C): mladn61 from Getty Images Signature via canva