Clare Fm - Podcasts

Kay Murphy on Older People by Clare FM

Maedhbh Firmino on Xmas Drinking by Clare FM

The steadfast support of locals is said to be responsible for a notable surge in Christmas spending in Kilrush. Traders across West Clare's capital have unanimously reported an upturn in fortunes this festive period. Nationwide, punters will spend over €3.9bn this December, as traders begin to wind down for Christmas Day. The average household spend is also expected to hit €1,600, which is a 14% rise on last year. Owner of Anchor Crafts in Kilrush Pauline Dunleavy says they're noticing a significant rise in business. One of the newest additions to the town is hailing the local support for the Christmas spending boost. Hannah O'Reilly, Owner of Clan Gift Store says the retail scene has been thriving this year. One longstanding trader in the town has pointed to variety and understanding local needs as factors helping to boost business this year. George Brew however from Brew's Hardware and Gifts believes the introduction of one hour parking would significantly improve economic activity in the town. One

A beloved nature spot in North Clare where a major fish kill was discovered two years ago will be the site of two tree planting events next month. The Restore Ballymacraven River Association is hosting the events on January 1st at 12pm and on January 31st at 11am. The group was founded following a fish kill which took place in May of 2023 on the Ballymacraven River in Ennistymon and is believed to have wiped out over 2,000 fish. Restore Ballymacraven River Association Communications Officer Cía McElveen Walsh says the incident was the catalyst for their mission to improve the health of the water body.

On Wednesday's Christmas Eve edition of Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey, we turned our attention to a festive event that’s lighting up the roads of Clare for a great cause this Christmas. The Annual Keep’er Lit Charity Tractor and Truck Run returns on Sunday, December 28th, starting from Sixmilebridge Mart, raising funds for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Multiple Sclerosis Clare. Live in-studio to talk about this was Shay O'Sullivan, organiser of the event from Kilmurry and Shirley Keane O'Brien from the MS Clare Branch.

Henry’s Bistro are looking out for people once again this Christmas. The gang there will be cooking festive dinners for the homeless, elderly locals, and public service workers in the county town this Christmas Day. On Wednesday's Christmas Eve Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke with Elizabeth MacNamara, of Henry’s Bistro Photo (c) Henry's Bistro via Facebook

Clare is to see 12 new speed cameras on its roads from the beginning of next year. An Garda Síochána has released details of its Mobile Safety Camera System Expansion 2026 which will see 390 new safety camera zones from January 1st. According to the Gardaí, the cameras are being installed "where there is a history of speed-related collisions known as speed enforcement zones". Shannon Fine Gael Councillor Tony Mulcahy, who's a member of Clare County Council's Road Safety Working Group, believes bad driving is the primary cause of crashes.

Shannondoc is set to be more resourced than ever before, for the Christmas period. The out-of hours GP service will be providing 24 hour cover from Christmas Eve until New Years Day. The organisation is, however, expecting a high increase in patient volumes and is advising that some may face slight delays. Shannondoc CEO Peter Clarke has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan they're confident of handling any and all challenges over the next week.

On Tuesday's edition of Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined live in-studio by Dr. Máire Finn, the Ennis GP. Máire joins us around this time each year, to address Christmas-related questions that are posed to her by children around Clare. Photo (c) X

Music and charity go hand-in-hand this time of year, and nowhere is that more evident than in Shannon. This December 24th, Cuppa Tea TV presents 'Youth in Music 74,' a busking event dedicated to supporting Focus Ireland. Whether you're a local performer looking to sign up on arrival or a shopper looking to support a vital cause, it promises to be a highlight of Christmas Eve. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Damien O'Rouke from Cuppa Tea TV and musician Jim Ryall.

The village of Kilmurry feels whole again today following the much-anticipated reopening of the Pumphouse. After a three-month closure, the bar has returned under new management, ready to serve again. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Bernard Farrelly, new management. Image (c) Pumphouse Bar

Behind every child with complex needs, there is a family working tirelessly to provide the best life possible. In Ennis, Deborah Lessa and her husband Fillipe have found an essential partner in that mission through the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation. As the charity launches its 'It Takes a Village' Christmas Appeal with a goal of raising €650,000, Deborah is speaking out about the life-changing impact of respite care. From simple trips to the shop to watching her daughter Alanna thrive and learn English with her carers.

Since 1989, the sight of brave souls diving into the Atlantic at Lahinch on Christmas morning has become a cornerstone of the Clare festive season. Originally founded by PJ Crotty and John Fawl, this tradition continues today through their families, carrying on a legacy of local generosity. This year, at 12 noon, the waves will be filled with swimmers once again, all raising vital funds for the Little Blue Heroes Foundation, a charity that turns courageous children battling serious illnesses into Honorary Gardaí. To tell us about the history of the swim and the 'heroes' it supports in Liscannor, Inagh, and beyond, Alan Morrissey had a chat with Clíona Fawl and Garda Niamh Keogh on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Lahinch Christmas Day Swim

Christmas on Inis Oírr is a world away from the mainland rush. Ennis-based Irish language activist, MacDara Ó Conaola grew up with the Atlantic at his doorstep. He joined Alan Morrissey on Morning Focus, to talk about the transition from a time of no Christmas trees to the vibrant, bustling island celebrations of today.

For the second time this year, Shannon Athletic Club is hosting the GOAL Mile, a tradition that spans over 45 years and supports humanitarian aid in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions. Whether you’re a seasoned sprinter or just looking to shake off the Christmas dinner with a family stroll, the track is open to everyone this St. Stephen’s Day. To tell us about the event and how GOAL’s work impacts lives from the Middle East to Latin America, Alan Morrissey was joined by the organiser, Rob Stephen. Photo (c) Shannon Athletic Club

It’s the question on everyone’s lips as we head into the festive period: will we see a white Christmas? While the dream of a snowy morning is fading, the forecast is still promising a 'crisp' winter experience. With temperatures set to dip to minus one on Christmas Eve night, we are looking at a cold, dry, and bright holiday for the most part. Michelle Dillon, Tullycrine Met Éireann forecaster spoke with Alan Morrissey on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Pat Flynn

In recent years taxi numbers have been depleting and at a time of year when traditionally people socialise more, how much of a problem is getting a taxi in Ennis, and other areas of the county over Christmas? On Wednesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey has been speaking with Razu Uddin Ahmed, a taxi driver from Shannon Photo (c): Skitterphoto from Pexels via Canva

Contractors are being sought for refurbishment works at Lee's Road in Ennis. The local authority is pricing the job to upgrade the athletic track at John O'Sullivan Park at €900,000. Businesses have until January 23rd to apply and the duration of the contract is six months. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Clare Colleran-Molloy says it will be hugely beneficial for the town.

The first ever Clare member of An Garda Siochána to be killed on active duty, will be remembered at a special ceremony this weekend. Garda Thomas Dowling was shot dead during an ambush in Fanore on December 28th 1925. Garda Dowling had served in the IRA during the war of Independence, and the National Army after, before joining the Gardaí, and his death has been linked to lingering tensions of the civil war and a clamp down on poteen distillation. Local Historian and Fanore native Joe Queally says his family have vivid memories of the night Garda Dowling died.

A scheme intended to be the solution to long-standing traffic congestion in North Clare has been branded a "waste of taxpayers' money". Judicial review proceedings in relation to the Ennistymon Inner Relief Road have reached a conclusion in the High Court, paving the way for the progression of the scheme. The project involves the construction of a new bridge in Ennistymon across the Cullenagh River, approximately 80 metres upstream of the existing Michael Conway Bridge. In September 2022, An Bórd Pleanála approved Clare County Council's Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire lands and buildings necessary for the construction of the bridge. The plans hit a stumbling block in November of that year, however, as a judicial review was sought and this effectively brought the project to a standstill. Almost three years later, in October of this year, the High Court dismissed the application for leave to bring a judicial review against the CPO. With the proceedings now having concluded with the mutual consent of all pa