Clare Fm - Podcasts

The West Clare Cancer Centre has honoured long-time supporter Matt Keating, presenting him with a special appreciation award for his many years of dedicated fundraising. The gesture, made by Mary McGrath and the team, recognises the vital role Matt has played in helping the centre continue its outstanding work supporting people in West Clare affected by cancer. Alan Morrissey spoke with Matt on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) West Clare Cancer Facebook

On Wednesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke with Tommy Corbett from Carey Corbett Financial Solutions. This week, Tommy spoke to us about how a person can make the most of increased earnings and avoiding so-called 'Lifestyle Creeps'.

County Clare has been awarded the title of European Volunteering Capital 2027. The Banner County was awarded the title by the Centre of European Volunteering (CEV) at the European Volunteering Capital Winner announcement, in Barcelona. Clare now joins a distinguished list of previous European Volunteering Capitals, including Barcelona, Lisbon, London, Berlin and Gdansk. Sligo was the only Irish winner to date, in 2017. For more on this exciting news, Alan Morrissey was joined by Sharon Meaney, Manager at Clare Volunteer Centre on Wednesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Clare County Council

Transport Infrastructure Ireland is being accusing of being "asleep at the wheel" regarding the surge in road traffic collisions on the main route between Ennis and Limerick. More than 35 crashes have taken place on the Clare stretch of the M18 motorway and N18 dual-carriageway since the start of September, with the vast majority occurring between Junction 11 Dromoland and Junction 5 Cratloe. The TII has recently committed to a conducing a review which will examine the cause of the incidents and recommend safety measures. Cratloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat O'Gorman wants to see average speed cameras to deter unsafe driver behaviour.

Eilish McCarthy has just published her memoir, "Two Islands", about growing up in County Clare. Eilish shares about her youth spent between Liscannor, the Aran Islands and boarding in an Ennis school It will be launched this Saturday the 6th of December at 7pm in McHughs, Liscannor. To find out more, Alan Morrissey spoke with Eilish McCarthy on Wednesday's Morning Focus.

Management at University Hospital Limerick have asked the public to first consider all available healthcare alternatives before attending the Emergency Department there, which is currently prioritising treatment of the sickest, most seriously injured and frailest patients. This follows the huge demand the Dooradoyle facility has experienced for its services. In the 24 hours between Monday and Tuesday, upwards of 350 people attended the Emergency Department there in the past 24 hours. For more on this, HSE Mid-West Regional Executive Officer Sandra Broderick joined Alan Morrissey on Morning Focus. Photo (c) Clare FM

Clare farmers have taken an over €2 million share of a fund to support the welfare of suckler calves. Payments of €28 million have been commenced under the Beef Welfare Scheme 2025 with €2.34 million awarded in the county as a result of 1,878 successful applications. The scheme is intended to support farmers in meal feeding suckler calves before and after weaning, vaccinating against diseases and carrying out testing measures such as forage analysis or faecal egg count. Feakle-based chairperson of the Clare branch of the Irish Farmers Association Stephen Walsh says while the payments are welcome, it's disappointing that they're lower than promised.

It's claimed Clare people are living a reduced quality of life due to a lack of research into women's health. The Oireachtas Heart and Stroke Group, founded by Clare TD Cathal Crowe and Ardnacrusha resident Pauline O'Shea has called on the Government to implement targeted actions to improve knowledge of female cardiac issues. According to the Irish Heart Foundation, there are 6,920 women in this county living with a heart condition. Irish Heart Foundation Advocacy Campaign Manager and Heart patient, Pauline O’Shea says there are several challenges to overcome.

The great Colm Liddy, author and local historian was back on Tuesday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey for another episode of History In Focus. This week, Colm told us the fascinating story of how Daniel O'Connell rose to fame. Photo (c) Colm Liddy

The Friends of Regina House, Kilrush, have received approximately (according to Regina House) €47,000 in donations thanks to the tireless fundraising of Paddy Kelly and his fellow cyclists. Regina House provides essential, compassionate care for older people in West Clare, and community support like this plays a vital role in sustaining its services and comfort for residents. Paddy, who is no stranger to lengthy, major cycles – having cycled through England last year – cycled from Mizen Head to Malin Head during late August, all with the aim of raising vital funds for the invaluable work carried out by Regina House. On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Paddy Kelly and John Bonfil, Member of the Friends of Regina House Committee. Photo (c) iDonate

Fianna Fáil has published the combined findings of its Parenting in the Digital Age survey and its Youth Online Safety Workshop in conjunction with Foróige and Crosscare, revealing deep concern among parents about children’s exposure to online risks, alongside new evidence showing just how young children are when they first enter the digital world. The survey of almost 1,000 participants, carried out by Fianna Fáil’s parliamentary party working group, shows that families are struggling to keep pace with fast-changing digital technologies and the online environments their children inhabit. To discuss this in more detail, Alan Morrissey had a chat with Cathal Crowe, Meelick Fianna Fail TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Digital Leaders

Two young changemakers from Co Clare have been selected for one of Ireland’s most prestigious activism programmes. Matthew Butt from Ennis and Georgina Johnston from Miltown Malbay are among just 21 people chosen for the Alice Academy for Activists, a four-day residential bootcamp in Dublin this January that supports emerging campaigners with strategic skills and expert training. On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke with Matthew Butt, from Ennis and Martina Quinn, the founder and CEO of Alice Public Relations. Photo (c) Alice PR

Clare Haven Services is marking the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign running from the 25th of November to the 10th of December to raise awareness and call for an end to violence against women and girls. The organisation is reminding the public of the vital frontline, prevention and support work taking place here in Clare. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Eva Cummins, Fundraising & Administration at Clare Haven Services. Image (c) Clare Haven

Limerick is getting set for one of the biggest sporting and social events of the season as the Mr Binman Christmas Racing Festival returns this December, from the 26th to the 29th. The four-day festival will feature top-class racing, family festivities, and a packed entertainment programme — including a newly confirmed K-Pop Demon Hunters Sing-Along Tribute Band in the Big Top on the 29th of December. This year’s Ladies Day will also see a Most Stylish Lady crowned. For more on this, Alan Morrissey spoke with Michael Lynch, CEO Limerick Racecourse. Photo (c) Limerick Races

A prostate cancer support group in Ardnacrusha is offering vital help to men and their families, thanks to the work of founder Tony Bridgeman, who set it up in April 2023. Among those involved is Phelim Warren, a cancer survivor whose own diagnosis came as a shock despite having no symptoms. His story highlights the importance of regular blood tests, early detection and open conversations around men’s health. To find out more, Alan Morissey was joined by Tony Bridgeman and Pheilim Warren on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Join the prostate cancer support group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1380816599365491 Photo: (c) Clare fm/ Pheilim Warren/ logo from Prostate Cancer Support Group Ireland via Facebook.

Volodymyr Zelensky visits Ireland today, in the first state visit by a Ukrainian President to the country. It comes as the Government is to approve an additional one hundred million euro in non-lethal aid to Ukraine. This morning Mr. Zelenskyy will make a courtesy call to President Catherine Connolly. From there he'll joint press conference with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, before addressing the Oireachtas. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Mariya Nikishanova, who’s originally from Irpin and moved to Ennis a decade ago and Donnacha Ó Beacháin, Newmarket-on-Fergus native and Professor of Politics at Dublin City University. Photo (c) Яна Леоненко from Pexels via Canva

A Clare architect is accusing the Government of making a "superficial effort" to fix the planning process. The Cabinet is to be briefed on proposals this week on putting caps on the legal costs those behind judicial reviews can claim from the State. Under the plans, the limit for a standard case would be €41,000 while for complex cases it would be €53,350, and €65,800 would be the maximum for a very complex case. Ogonnelloe-based architect Garry Miley believes the proposed legislation serves no one.

It's hoped Clare will see the benefits of a new airline route development plan. As part of the 'New Era for Irish Tourism Strategy' launched by the Government yesterday, a commitment has also been made to roll-out a Strategic Air Access Programme to develop new airline routes. The programme will aim to increase visitor numbers in the off-peak May to October season. Clare Tourism Advisory Chair and Hotel Woodstock Co-Owner Seán Lally says it's hugely important.

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch and Tommy Guilfoyle were back to give us their thoughts and reactions from a busy weekend of GAA fixtures. Games Reviewed: Munster Senior Club HC Final: Éire Óg 1-9 Ballygunner 0-21 (Sunday, FBD Semple Stadium) Munster Intermediate Club HC Final: O'Callaghan's Mills 0-15 Upperchurch Drombane 3-20 (Saturday, TUS Gaelic Grounds) As broadcast on Monday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey

On this week’s episode of In The Garden with Judy Beck, from Clonroad Garden Centre, Judy explained to our listeners the best ways to grow strawberries. If you have any questions for Judy, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964.