Clare Fm - Podcasts

IBÍLÈ will be hosting its first West Clare pop-up tasting experience this weekend. IBÍLÈ is a contemporary pop-up dining restaurant dedicated to showcasing the vibrant flavours of West African cuisine. They will have a tasting menu at Pot Duggans in Ennistymon on the 7th & 8th of November. The menu is inspired by Nigerian roots, paired with music, storytelling, and cocktails crafted African wine pairings with Irish spirits. To find out more, Alan Morrissey spoke with the founder of IBÍLÈ, Tolu Asemento. Photo (c) via Pot Duggans Facebook

A Midwest migrants rights charity says a new report shows there's a "lack of oversight and adequate governance" from management of an accommodation centre for asylum seekers in south-east Clare. HIQA's latest inspection of the Knockalisheen Accommodation Centre in lower Meelick has found that the provider failed to comply with eight standards. "Significant risks" associated with the premises were identified as well as "serious fire safety concerns" while it was also observed that some residents "felt unsafe" following a number of violent incidents at the facility. Doras CEO John Lannon has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons it's clear there has been no meaningful improvement in the quality of accommodation being provided at the centre since the last inspection.

Danny Lynch, Chef at Le Cheile, Barefield was back with some delicious recipe you can make for yourself at home. This week, Danny brought in some delicious smoked bacon, mushroom and chicken creamy pasta with a cheesecake for desert.

Jackie recently published her memoir, ‘We Made It, Kid’, described as “compelling, heartfelt and inspiring”. The book certainly has a lot to cover: from Jackie being born to an Irish mother and Jamaican father in the UK, then being placed in an industrial school as a baby by a priest for being an "illegitimate" and so much more besides. Jackie joined Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Jackie McCarthy O’Brien

Roisín Meaney is a best-selling author who released her 22nd book, Moving On in February of this year. The good news for the Clare-based writer is that Moving On has been nominated for the An Post Irish Book Awards 2025. Roisín spoke with Alan Morrissey about this on Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Goodreads

On this week's episode of Clare Women In Business, Pat Flynn chats with artist, art teacher and owner of Anchor Crafts, Pauline Dunleavy. Clare Women in Business is funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the television licence fee.

It’s time for another episode of our newest feature on Morning Focus, Traditional Greats. Traditional Greats is presented and produced by Therese McInerney. This captivating 26-part series celebrates the enduring legacy of traditional Irish music in our county. Each episode pays tribute to a legendary Clare musician who has passed on, but whose influence continues to inspire generations. Therese speaks with musicians from across the county, exploring how these iconic figures shaped their musical journeys and contributed to Clare’s unique cultural heritage. Throughout the series, the timeless sounds of these greats are brought vividly to life, weaving their legacy into the very fabric of Clare’s musical identity. Listeners will enjoy a rich and heartfelt journey through the melodies, stories, and traditions that define our county’s proud musical history. In the latest episode of Traditional Greats, Therese pays tribute to Kitty Linnane which features Garry Shannon.

Last September, we were joined in studio by Owen O’Brien to talk about his son Cillian, who had suffered life changing injuries following a sudden collapse in school this year. Caused by a rare condition called Arteriovenous Malformation, young Cillian sustained a catastrophic brain bleed and was rushed to Temple Street Children’s Hospital. Cillian’s acquired brain injury affected his speech to the point where he was non-verbal, his vision was compromised, and he was physically unable to support himself. An iDonate campaign had been set up with a target of €300,000, to help provide accessible and future proofed living space at the family home. On Thursday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Dónall O’Connor from Doora, who is doing his part to help with that mission. You can donate by going to this link https://www.gofundme.com/f/100km-walk-in-a-day-fundraiser-bringcillianhome Photo (c) Go Fund Me

A meeting will be held in Quin next week, with a view to setting up a local community group. The meeting is due to take place at the Quin Community Centre on Wednesday, the 12th of November at 7pm. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ann McNamara, member of Quin Heritage Group & local historian.

The annual Eamon de Valera Commemoration will take place this weekend. Ennis Courthouse is the venue for Sunday’s Fianna Fáil commemoration, the 9th of November at 11am. The party’s Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher will give the oration. Alan Morrissey was joined live in studio on Thursday's Morning Focus by Billy Kelleher and Kilnamona monumental sculptor & Fianna Fáil member Mike McTigue. (c) Ógra Fianna Fáil via Facebook

A verdict of unlawful killing has been returned at the inquest into the death of Emer O’Loughlin, the Clare woman who body was discovered in a burnt-out mobile home two decades ago. The remains of the Ennistymon native were found in a caravan on lands at Ballybornagh near Tubber on the 8th of April, 2005. The jury returned the verdict at the inquest at the Coroner’s Court sitting in Kilrush on Wednesday. Alan Morrissey was joined live on Morning Focus by Emer’s sister, Pam O'Loughlin. Picture (c) Justice For Emer O'Loughlin via Facebook

It's claimed maintenance works at the Cliffs of Moher are "essential" to have the coastal walk fully open next year. Clare County Council has begun a search for a contractor to carry out "trail maintenance, repair and replacement" works on the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk. The local authority has put the project out to tender with the contract valued at €750,000. Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty says everyone wants to see the attraction fully operational in 2026.

A Clare woman who was detained by Israeli forces while travelling to Gaza as part of the Sumud Flotilla says she would do it "a hundred times over" until a lasting peace is achieved in the region. A public meeting will take place this evening in Cloughleigh in Ennis at 8:15pm. Fanore activist Maureen Almai (Al-my), Head of the Clare Participation Network, Sarah Clancy and Ennistymon native Leigh Brosnan, who is a member of Lawyers for Palestine will all be in attendance for the round table discussion. Maureen says it's disappointing that the international focus on Israel during the flotilla's campaign has waned in the weeks after.

Post Offices in Carrigaholt and Shannon will remain open after new contractors were appointed at both locations. In a statement to Clare FM, An Post has confirmed there will be no reduction or disruption to services in either location, although Shannon's office may be relocated to a new unit within Shannon Town Centre. It brings a period of uncertainty to an end for both communities after the former Postmasters in Carrigaholt and Shannon tendered their resignations in September. Shannon Fine Gael Councillor Tony Mulcahy has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that it's a huge relief for the town.

A Clare MEP claims it's "impossible" for Ireland to meet the EU's newly-agreed carbon emission reduction target. Environment ministers across the bloc have agreed to commit to slashing greenhouse gas emissions by 90% of 1990 levels by 2040. As part of the agreement, EU states will be able to buy carbon "credits" to allow them to finance climate works in the Global South or elsewhere which would be counted towards their own reduction. Scariff-based Independent MEP Michael McNamara fears the Irish government adopt a "small man to carry the can" approach by targeting the agriculture sector.

Clare students are urged to complete their SUSI application ahead of this week's impending deadline for applications. Applications close at midnight on Thursday, with students advised to apply as soon as possible in the event extra paperwork is required as part of their application. To apply, an account must be set up with the SUSI student portal, while eligibility for various grants can also be verified on the SUSI website. Vice President for Education & Welfare at the TUS Ennis Campus, Emma Hogan, says as there's no exceptions for late applications, students should register without hesitation.

Tommy Corbett from Carey Corbett Financial Solutions was back in Clare FM to tell us everything you need to know on the auto-enrolment pension scheme in Ireland.

It’s time for another episode of our newest feature on Morning Focus, Traditional Greats. Traditional Greats is presented and produced by Therese McInerney. This captivating 26-part series celebrates the enduring legacy of traditional Irish music in our county. Each episode pays tribute to a legendary Clare musician who has passed on, but whose influence continues to inspire generations. Therese speaks with musicians from across the county, exploring how these iconic figures shaped their musical journeys and contributed to Clare’s unique cultural heritage. Throughout the series, the timeless sounds of these greats are brought vividly to life, weaving their legacy into the very fabric of Clare’s musical identity. Listeners will enjoy a rich and heartfelt journey through the melodies, stories, and traditions that define our county’s proud musical history. In the latest episode of Traditional Greats, Therese pays tribute to singer Jerry Lynch which features John Lynch.

The Galway Science and Technology Festival will take place this weekend. Sunday’s event at the University of Galway campus will feature over 100 interactive exhibits, 25 different shows and workshops, plus much more besides for all ages. The theme for this year, ‘Then, Today, Tomorrow’, will highlight scientific discoveries of the past, showcasing today’s latest innovations, and inspiring the next generation of scientists, technologies and engineers. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by the festival organiser, Anne Murray.

'Bringing Honour to the Name of Ballyea, A History of Ballyea GAA, 1884-1984' is the title of a new book which has been edited by Mike O’Shea. The book will be launched this Saturday, November 8th, at The Local Inn, Drumquin, at 6:30 p.m. To find out more, Mike O’Shea, editor of the book, and Diarmuid Considine, chairperson of Ballyea GAA, joined Alan Morrissey live in-studio on Wednesday’s Morning Focus.