Clare Fm - Podcasts

The funeral mass of Bishop Willie Walsh has heard of a "profound crusader" full of generosity, care and kindness. Large crowds descended on Ennis Cathedral today to bid a fond farewell to the late former bishop of Killaloe and President of Clare GAA. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan Reports

Clare Selector Ken Ralph After NHL Loss To Wexford

The Government is encouraging Clare childminders to apply for a grant which would provide them with vital assistance as they carry out their work. Applications are now open for the 2025 Childminding Development Grant which gives both registered and unregistered childminders providing a service in their own homes up to €1,000 in funding. The closing date for applications is April 4th and the money can be put towards the likes of the purchase of toys, childcare equipment, safety equipment, equipment to support inclusion and IT equipment. Principal Officer in the Department of Children Toby Wolfe says it can offer huge benefit to Clare people fulfilling a crucial role in their communities.

Grants of up to €25,000 are now available for heritage projects in Clare. The local authority is accepting applications from voluntary and community groups until Friday March 14th. A broad range of projects are eligible including conservation works, surveys and reports. Clare County Council Heritage Officer Conjella McGuire outlines initiatives suited to the grant.

The opening of a new car rental service in Ennis has brought a jobs boost to the county town. Enterprise Mobility has opened its second Clare branch on the Kilrush Road; creating six positions in the process. The company claims the new location will enhance for residents and tourists in this county. Head of Business Rental Mike Baker says they've exciting plans for Clare.

On this week’s Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn visited Ballyvaughan to meet contemporary mosaic artist Brenda Kennelly. Brenda worked in the Funds Industry for over 30 years and had little time to express her creativity. However, since leaving corporate life behind, time has become her greatest gift.

Fr Brendan Quinlivan presents Beyond Belief for 23rd February 2025 a few days after the death of Bishop Emeritus Willie Walsh the former Bishop of Killaloe. Fr Brendan has delved into the archives and used edits of a lengthy interview that he did with Bishop Willie at the end of lockdown - it also includes some pieces from an interview that was done after the death of Pope Benedict and for a little levity Fr Brendan includes the “thought” he did on Clare FM  for the Friday before the All Ireland in ‘95

The CEO of Irish Rail believes the reopening of the Crusheen Rail Stop will happen "in the medium term". The national railway network operator has this week announced plans for capacity enhancements on the Limerick to Galway line which includes Ennis and Sixmilebridge. It comes as the Crusheen railway station has been put forward for consideration for the Rural Regeneration and Development fund. Cooraclare native and Iarnród Éireann CEO Jim Meade says his organisation is fully supportive of the project pending funding approval.

A new five-year tourism development plan for West Clare and North Kerry will aim to make Loop Head an internationally iconic attraction. Fáilte Ireland's strategy has also set goals of creating visitor adventure hubs in Kilrush, Kilkee, Cappagh and Carrigaholt and creating a world-class Wild Atlantic Way coastal walk. The Cliff Coast Destination and Experience Development Plan's main objective is to extend the tourism season and spread the economic benefits to all towns and villages. Fáilte Ireland Regional Tourism Director Paul Keeley says they want to provide a complete offering.

Today is a significant day for parents in and around Newmarket-on-Fergus who are seeking a childcare service. Nicole’s Kidz Klub, a new school age childcare service, is due to open in Newmarket-on-Fergus from 10am this morning. To find out more about it, Alan Morrissey was joined by the owner of Nicole’s Kidz Klub, Nicole Kelly. Photo (c) Wragg from Getty Images Signature via canva.com

A public meeting to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will be held in Ennis this weekend on February 23rd. The Sunday’s event will take place at Áras Contae an Chláir on New Road. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Maria Dedenko, Mariya Nikishanova, and Sergey Portnoy. Photo (c): Believe_In_Me from Getty Images via canva.com

The St. Senan was once a familiar sight on the Shannon Estuary. Built in the 1990s, the ferry once carried passengers to Scattery Island for many years. However, St. Senan’s story eventually took a sad turn, as she ended up abandoned, neglected and forgotten. That could have remained the case, only for Irene Griffin, the owner of Scattery Island Tours laying her eyes upon her and deciding to give her a new lease of life. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by the owner of Scattery Island Tours, Irene Griffin. Photo (c): https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1057252336447306&set=pb.100064876473461.-2207520000&type=3

It is time for the eighth episode of our second season of The Village Tour. With The Village Tour, we here at Morning Focus are aiming to highlight the smaller villages and townlands around the county. By doing this, we hope to showcase their unique character, while also bringing their diversity and individuality to life for you, the listener. During each episode of The Village Tour, Alan Morrissey chats with various people from a particular village or townland in Clare: from locals and business owners to those involved with local sports clubs, community representatives and many more. In our latest episode of The Village Tour, Alan paid a visit to Feakle.

Shenanygans are a four-piece indie band from Solothurn, Switzerland with a Clare connection. They were founded in early 2023 by Kaylem Hannon-Barry, who grew up in Shannon, Daniel Barry, who grew up in Limerick, Lukas Hellmann, and Tom Brunner. Shenanygans are hitting the road for a 15 date European tour this April. Fans can expect a high-energy set packed with songs from the Shenanygans debut EP, and brand-new tracks from their upcoming album, Lullabies and Lucid Dreams. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by band members, Kaylem Hannon-Barry, Daniel Hannon-Barry, and Lukas Hellman. Photo (c): https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=9222767877806798&set=a.2445600098856977&__cft__[0]=AZVr1F-LQYzcPgU5SHGs_EcIM2cYaoJoxL89Qc5Al3ozTgCmbYw6VcDC8vu_MwTvc7ssMXpuSFHjdLqxi8FMesR4a8YFZcGHYuUc8wORrGBI3V9jExbnJczzXtJ-uI073tNIELsP9TaHtD6-JKea_hTENSUb8lyfIYdl_5bhzR6iPb7ysBvaUp0nwzpajzkCpRcAssS7-bAZIBuh_aPv1PBZJJrgEbNkJjWZjBpMH5o6q5ni-Yr2AKwVu23ngFLJV9s&__tn__=EH-y-R

To preview the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Friday’s Morning Focus by Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch. Games Reviewed: National Hurling League Division 1B: Clare v Wexford (Sunday, Cusack Park, 1:45pm) National Football League Division Three: Sligo v Clare (Sunday, Markievicz Park, 1:30pm) Camogie League: Division 1B: Wexford v Clare (Saturday, Enniscorthy, 2pm)

Clare's Sinn Féin TD is defending her party's decision to boycott the White House on St Patrick's Day. Sinn Féin's leadership has revealed this morning they won't be traveling to Washington this year "as a principled stance against the threat of mass expulsion of the Palestinian people from Gaza." Shannon Deputy Donna McGettigan says she supports the move as she believes the party's influence "may not be powerful enough" to bring about a shift in the US foreign policy on Palestine. She's been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons it will be up to the Taoiseach to represent the views of the Irish people if an invite is extended to him by President Trump.

Coming up on the show, we look ahead to a jam packed weekend of National League action with all four of Clare's flagship sides in action across Saturday and Sunday afternoon, while Ennistymon Community School are looking for their place in the All Ireland Senior C Colleges Football Final. On a sad week for the county, we also pay tribute to the giant that was Bishop Emeritus Willie Walsh following his passing in his 90th year.

Fr Brendan Quinlivan presents this Sunday Prayer to Bishop Emeritus Willie Walsh who died this week at the age of 90.

The late Bishop Emeritus Willie Walsh has been remembered as a man with a great capacity for friendship and a voice for those on the margins of life. The former Bishop of Killaloe, Teacher at St.Flannan's College and incumbent President of Clare GAA has passed away peacefully at the age of 90. Bishop Walsh coached St. Flannan's College to five Harty and Croke Cups, before guiding his adopted Eire Óg to county championship glory in 1990. His love of gaelic games never faded and as recently as Saturday he was in attendance in Gort to see his beloved St. Flannan's College compete in the All-Ireland Quarter-Final. A man of many talents, the incumbent President of Clare GAA, was also teacher of Maths, Science, Physics and Religion at St.Flannan's for 25 years. Former student and Clare GAA Chair, Kieran Keating says he will be fondly missed by all who knew him.

The Director of the Cliffs of Moher Experience admits North Clare communities aren't seeing a substantial economic benefit despite being in close proximity to the world-famous tourist attraction. It comes as the Cliffs of Moher Experience Activity Report for 2024 has revealed that the attraction generated a visitor spend of €19 million last year. Of the visitors who stayed overnight in Clare during the months of July and August, 26% stayed for at least one night while 12% remained for at least three nights. Director of the Cliffs of Moher Experience Geraldine Enright has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons the data demonstrates the positive "power of tourism" - but says nearby businesses aren't feeling the desired effect.