Clare Fm - Podcasts

Over €800,000 in funding has been made available to renovate key buildings across Clare. Mountshannon is the biggest beneficiary where €500,000 has been allocated under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme to refurbish a 1940's community hall into a modern accessible theatre with a market space. Scariff is receiving €274,800 to redevelop a derelict building into a youth centre, while €50,000 is going to Miltown Malbay to expand a creative space in the former Bank of Ireland building. Clare Minister of State Timmy Dooley has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that it will revitalise local communities.

A special fundraiser is taking place in Ennis this St. Stephen’s Night, bringing the local music community together for a very meaningful cause. The event is in memory of Ennis woman Anne Loftus, who sadly passed away in San Francisco and was brought home with the help of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust. To tell us more about the night and why this cause is so close to their hearts, Alan Morrissey was joined by Gearoid Mannion on Monday's Morning Focus.

Welcoming, creative and community-focused, a new café has opened its doors in the heart of Ennistymon. Box & Bean has joined the town’s growing business community, offering quality coffee, local art and light bites to enjoy on the go. To tell us more about the vision behind the café and the warm welcome they’ve received so far, Alan Morrissey was joined by Senan Byrne, Co-owner of Box & Bean in Ennistymon. Photo (c) Box & Bean

To review the year in sport, Alan Morrisey was joined on by Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch, Tommy Guilfoyle and Syl O’Connor. They looked back on: -Clare Senior Hurlers – relegated to Division 1B of NHL, eliminated from Munster SHC -Clare Senior Footballers – finished 3rd in Division 3 of NFL, beaten in Munster SFC Final by Kerry, lost all 3 games & finished bottom of All-Ireland SFC Group 3 -Clare Senior Footballers – Peter Keane stepped down as manager after one season, following short tenure of Mark Fitzgerald – Paul Madden takes over -Éire Óg do the double – Canon Hamilton and Jack Daly Cups -Clare clubs in Munster Club Championships - Éire Óg, O’Callaghan’s Mills, Corofin -Clare win All-Ireland U18 B Ladies Football Final – defeat champions Sligo (1-8 to 0-7) -Ennis Ladies RFC – maiden AIL campaign -Local soccer

Shannon Airport saw one of its busiest days of the festive period on Friday. Over 8,000 passengers passed through the facility on the day in question, and the airport's management expects to see 125,000 fly through it in the few days before and after Christmas which is up 10% on last year. Those arriving at the Clare base on Friday morning and afternoon were greeted by the talents of musicians, singers and dancers from St Flannan's College in Ennis as they walked through the arrivals gates. Clare FM's Seán Lyons headed to Shannon to meet some of those waiting for their loved ones to come home. Photo (c) Clare FM

On this week’s In The Garden, Judy Beck provided listener’s with all the tips regarding purchasing gifts for gardener’s and nature lovers this festive season.

Christmas can be a lonely time for many older people, particularly those dealing with bereavement, isolation, or family difficulties. SeniorLine, Ireland’s national telephone service for older people, is open every day throughout Christmas and the New Year, offering company, conversation and support. To tell us more about the service, the calls they receive at this time of year, and some simple ways we can all help older people feel more connected, Alan Morrissey was joined by Anne Dempsey, Communications Manager and Training Facilitator with SeniorLine. Freephone Seniorline on 1800 80 45 91, every day from 10am to 10pm. Image (c) Seniorline

Clare FM Analyst Ann Marie McGann On New Camogie Trial Rules by Clare FM

The members of the Ennis Sub Aqua Club are preparing to take a cold plunge for a vital cause this festive season. The club is gearing up for its annual Fin Swim, a gruelling two-mile journey down the dark waters of the River Fergus to raise funds for their voluntary missing person search operations across the Mid-West. To tell us more about the specialised training required for these missions and how the community can support the club this Christmas, Alan Morrissey spoke with long standing club member, Tom Fitzpatrick.

While Christmas can be a joyful time for many, it can also be a difficult and lonely period for others. Clare Samaritans are reminding people that support is always available, and they’re also appealing for new volunteers to help meet demand over the festive season. To talk to us about reaching out for help, staying connected, and how people can get involved, Alan Morrissey was joined by Larry Hally from Clare Samaritans.

The expected commencement date of a long-awaited public transport service in Ennis has been postponed once again. The Ennis Town Bus Service, which will run in both directions from Clarecastle to Ballymaley and from the Tulla Road to Shanaway, now isn't expected to become operational until summer 2026. A public consultation process on the proposed installation of bus stops at a host of locations across the county town ran from November 14th to December 12th of this year but just two submissions were received. The service was originally expected to commence in the first three months of 2025, and Mayor of Ennis, Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard, says she didn't think it would take so long to get the service up and running.

A roadblock in the delivery of a solution to traffic congestion in a North Clare town has been removed following a lengthy legal challenge. Judical review proceedings regarding the proposed Ennistymon Inner Relief Road have concluded in the High Court with the mutual consent of all parties involved. It means the long-awaited scheme involving the construction of a new bridge 80 metres upstream from the existing Michael Conway Bridge can now proceed. Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty says progress on the project will soon be seen for the first time in a long time.

On Atlantic Tales this week, Pat Flynn visits a typical nineteenth century vernacular farmhouse located at Tullyvarraga in Shannon. Hastings Farmhouse appeared in the first edition ordnance survey map of 1940 and was lived in by the Hastings family until the early 1970’s. Now, efforts are underway to restore the historic farmhouse and open it up as a community space.

Rita Mc Speaking On Golden Hour Treatment by Clare FM

Dr Aisling Moroney On WDC Survey by Clare FM

Cathal Crowe Speaking On Safe Routes Scheme by Clare FM

Joe Cooney On Employment Scheme by Clare FM

Frankie Coote Speaking On Illegal Dumping by Clare FM

Fr Gerry Kenny presents our Sunday Prayer and is assisted by pupils of Moyasta N.S. in West Clare who lead us in prayer on this 4th Sunday of Advent

Fr Gerry Kenny leads our Carol Service with carols, readings and messages from our Bishops.