Clare Fm - Podcasts

Nigel Motyer is an international award-winning underwater photographer who has been diving and photographing Irish seas since the 1980s. His photography has featured in many publications worldwide, including National Geographic. Nigel’s latest book Beneath Irish Seas features the waters and wild marine life around Clare extensively. Photo (c) Easons

Siobhán Mulcahy, County Arts Officer was back on Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey to chat to us on the huge number of events that are taking place right across the county.

Midwest Simon says it's trying to find space for as many people in Clare as possible this winter but admits its accommodation here is at full capacity. The latest Department of Housing figures show 171 families were residing in emergency accommodation in this region in October, showing a rise of 34% in the last year. A total of 85 adults were availing of homeless services in Clare in the month in question which is up from 76 a month ago. Midwest Simon CEO Niall Garvey has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons they've been forced to increase their capacity due to the surge in demand during the winter months.

Half of consumers are planning to cut back on presents this Christmas. That is according to the latest Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Index. It also reveals that the number of people using savings to fund the festive season is up. The global outlook has settled slightly, but household finances are coming under sustained pressure. To delve into this further, Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by Louis Faye of St Francis Credit Union, Ennis. Photo (c) Umkreisel from pixabay / Max Fischer from Pexels

The Clare Roots Society, in collaboration with Larry Brennan, is publishing “Clare Road, Ennis.” This book contains a rich collection of articles, poetry, maps, land records, residents’ recollections, and photographs tracing the life and history of one of Ennis’s most well-known thoroughfares. The launch of “Clare Road, Ennis” will take place this Thursday the 4th of December. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by author Larry Brennan on Monday's Morning Focus.

Jack Byrnes has once more teamed up with his young friend and neighbour in O’Briensbridge, Mark Ryan, to create hand-made reindeer. Now in its sixth year, the annual endeavour for the pair is all for a good cause. Last year they raised €2,700 for charities. This year proceeds will be split between Killaloe/Ballina Search and Recovery, Novas charity in Limerick, Community first responders group and Children’s Appeal for Gaza. Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by Jack Byrnes for more on this.

The latest Transport Sectoral Implementation Report under the National Development Plan (NDP) has been published, but there’s next to nothing of Clare interest in it. The report outlines the national road projects expected to advance before 2030. While several counties across Ireland have multiple strategic schemes progressing, Clare is almost entirely absent. West Clare does not feature at all, nor the works required in Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus, to alleviate flooding, or the reopening of Crusheen Railway Station. Is Clare being sidelined or ignored? Alan Morrissey was joined by Newmarket on Fergus Fianna Fáil Councillor, David Griffin and Crusheen Resident, Michael O'Doherty for their views on this. Photo of Ballycar Flooding (c) File Photo

The manager of the Éire Óg hurlers is hailing the strength of the opposition as they came up short in their attempts to capture the Munster crown. The Waterford cemented themseleves as the kingpins of Munster hurling with a 0-21 to 1-9 win over the Clare champions to claim their fifth provincial title in seven years. The Townies attempted to rally late with a Danny Russel goal from a penalty, while a reflex save from former All Star, Stephen O'Keefe denied them a second. Éire Óg boss, Gerry O'Connor says, while he was pleased not to concede goals, they couldn't cope with Ballygunner's scoring power in the middle third.

The Minister for Transport claims the Government is "in good shape" regarding the prevention of flooding on a section of the Ennis to Limerick rail line but has given no commitment to funding the project. Responding to a parliamentary question from Meelick Fianna Fáil Deputy Cathal Crowe recently, Darragh O'Brien pledged to engage with the Office of Public Works on reconvening the steering group behind a report on legacy flooding in Ballycar outside Newmarket-on-Fergus. The response also suggested that the project would be included in the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan published last week but this hasn't come to fruition. Speaking at Shannon Airport, Minister O'Brien says funding for projects of this nature will be confirmed in a separate announcement next year.

O'Callaghan's Mills manager Sean Doyle claims the referee 'lost composure' as his side fell to defeat in the Munster Intermediate Hurling decider. The East Clare men saw their quest for provincial glory come up short in the TUS Gaelic Grounds, with Upperchurch Drombane running out 3-20 to 0-15 winners. The Mills were reduced to 13 men early in the second half following two quick fire dismissals, and finished the game with 12 players after a third red card was brandished in the dying stages. Doyle says although he's proud of the manor in which his players battled on, the sendings off ruined the game as a contest.

A date for the full transfer of governance of a West Clare nursing home to the HSE has been set. At the most recent meeting of the Regional Health Forum West, HSE Midwest has confirmed the target completion date of the transfer of business legal agreement for St Senan's Nursing Home in Kilrush is May 2026. The centre, which currently cares for 20 residents, has been subject to significant capital upgrades as part of a €2 million investment from the HSE in January 2024. Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney says it's crucial to get one of the cornerstones of West Clare back to full operating capacity.

A wave of festive spirit is set to hit Shannon this week with the turning on of the town's Christmas lights. The occasion will be held in Shannon Town Park on Monday December 1st, with festivities kicking off at 5:30pm. Events include festive music by DJ Chris Walshe and carol singing from the Shannon Gospel Choir before special guests Santa & Mrs. Claus make an appearance. Fine Gael Councillor, John Crowe, it's a special occasion for everyone in the town, not just children.

On Atlantic Tales this Sunday, Pat meets the daughter and mother team who produce eco soy-wax scented candles. Set up by Chloe Whelan during the pandemic, she has been joined in the business by mum Geraldine who previously ran a fast-food outlet in Newmarket on Fergus for 27 years.

It's claimed the Health Minister's recommendations on HIQA's review of emergency care capacity in the Midwest do nothing to help people in Clare. Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has committed to progressing the expansion of capacity at University Hospital Limerick and the extension of the campus to another nearby site. A decision on the development of a new model 3 hospital in this region is to be taken in the new year. Kilrush-based former county councillor and Friends of Ennis Hospital spokesperson Deirdre Culligan says the minister's plans are particularly unhelpful to those in the west of the county.

A Clare carer says the cost of abolishing the means test would represent "good value for money" for the Government. A new report from the Parliamentary Budget Office estimates the highest net cost of abolishing the test at €266 million, short of the €650 million suggested by Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary in the aftermath of the budget. The report also states 19,561 additional carers nationwide would become eligible for the scheme, if the means test was abolished with approximately 700 of those based in Clare. Bunratty native, Sinéad O'Brien, claims it's high time carers were rewarded for the work they do.

Fr Brendan Quinlivan presents Beyond Belief for Sunday 30th November 2025. In a busy programme Fr Brendan talks to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust ahead of the Cantare Christmas Concert in aid of the trust in Ennis Cathedral on 19th December. He also has reports on the recent John Paul ll awards and how money raised by the pilgrims to Lourdes in support of Gazza will be distributed.

Fr Gerry Kenny leads our Sunday Prayer for today the First Sunday of Advent. He is assisted by the pupils from Moyasta National School in Kilkee Parish 

Donal Carey has been honoured as a 'great father, husband, politician and GAA stalwart at his funeral mass this morning The former Clare TD and Minister of State is being laid to rest today following a ceremony in Clarecastle Church. Objects were brought forward, including an election poster, Clarecastle jersey and dog collar to symbolise his love of politics, family, Gaelic games, greyhound racing and coursing. Donal's son Joe, says he'll be remembered in particular, for the confidence he could instil in people.

Clare's Minister of State claims a new Government funding allocation will bring the "toing and froing" on two Clare sewerage schemes to an end. The Department of Housing has announced an additional €700,000 for the Broadford sewerage scheme as part of the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme, bringing its total funding to €8 million. The amount awarded to Cooraclare meanwhile stands at €5.7 million. The inclusion of the schemes in the programme was confirmed in December of 2023, and Tulla Fianna Fáil Minister of State Timmy Dooley believes this development brings them a step closer.

The Transport Minister has pledged to support Shannon Airport as it strives to expand its offering. The Clare base has celebrated a major milestone with the dual unveiling of Ireland's first airfield-located solar PV farm and an extension to its European Boarding Gates. The projects have come about as a result of a €6.6 million combined investment by the Shannon Airport Group. Speaking at the unveiling, Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien says he appreciates the strategic importance of the Clare facility.