Clare Fm - Podcasts

A Clare Minister has hit back at criticism of government response to Storm Éowyn claiming the preparation in the lead up to the storm lead to the avoidance of a catastrophic situation. At the height of the extreme weather event, 768,000 homes farms and businesses were without power across the country, with 44,000 of those in Clare. There was extensive damage across the county, most notably at Liscannor Pier and the sea wall in Cappagh, while some people in Clare remained without power, water or broadband coverage for 11 days after the storm. Speaking in the Dáil, Junior Minister at the Departments of Agriculture and the Environment, Timmy Dooley, says there are lessons that can be learned for future weather events going forward.

On this week’s Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn chats with Clarecastle based singer/songwriter David Slattery and award-winning Polish-born photographer Beata Rosik who lives in Ennis.

There are calls being made for a clampdown of illegal encampments in Clare. It comes after the recent movement of an encampment of a number of caravans in the Cappahard estate on the Tulla Road in Ennis, which had been in place for a number of months. However, it has now moved to Waterpark House in Drumbiggle. Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe wants to see a clampdown on illegal encampments. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe. Photo (c): Modfos from Getty Images

There has been widespread condemnation of Donald Trump’s proposal to transfer Palestinians out of Gaza and have the US take over the war-ruined enclave. The Amerocam president made the surprising proposal during the visit of Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House, saying he envisioned transforming Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East". Trump’s remarks drew rebukes from nations such as Russia, China, and Germany, which said it would foster "new suffering and new hatred." Middle East heavyweight Saudi Arabia rejected the proposal outright. Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyhu has given Donald Trump’s plan his support on Fox News. However, the Palestinian ambassador to Ireland, Dr Jilan Abdalmajid says the people of Gaza are going nowhere. To discuss all of this and more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Professor Of Politics at DCU, Donnacha Ó Beacháin, and Chair of Sadaka, Former Director of Trócaire, Éamonn Meehan. Photo (c) geralt via Pixabay, Donald Trump

Bestselling author Roisín Meaney has released her latest novel, Moving On, marking an impressive milestone as her 22nd book. Roisín Meaney joined Alan Morrissey in-studio to share more about her newest release.

It is time for the sixth 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 Cree.

To preview the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Friday’s Morning Focus by Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch. Games reviewed: Hurling - Galway v Clare (Saturday, Pearse Stadium, 7:30pm) Ladies Football - Westmeath v Clare (Sunday, Athlone, 2pm)

Shannon Airport says Ireland must re-examine its aviation policy which it claims "bizarrely penalises" smaller airports experiencing growth in passenger numbers. The Clare base and a major Irish airline have issued a joint call for the passenger cap of the Government's Regional Airports Programme to be increased so as to ensure Shannon can continue to avail of State funding. The call comes as Ryanair has unveiled its summer 2025 schedule for Shannon Airport which features 26 routes including a new route to Madeira. Increased frequencies have been confirmed for eight other routes, specifically Alicante, Edinburgh, Faro, Kaunas, Krakow, Malaga, Porto, and Reus. The airline has also announced that extra seats have been added to and from La Rochelle in April ahead of Munster's highly anticipated European Rugby Champions Cup match with the French side. Having operated out of Shannon for 38 years, the announcement sees Ryanair's traffic growth at the Clare facility grow by 17%. The airline's Chief Marketing O

It's hoped a greater uptake in derelict sites grants will result in further increases in land value in Clare this year. A new report from the Irish Farmers Journal, shows prices rose by 16% from 2023, with land in the county worth on average €10,530 per acre and premium locations fetching as much as €15,000 per acre. The value of old houses on derelict sites has also increased in recent years, now adding as much as €100,000 in value to the land its situated on. Editor of Irish Country Living, Ciara Leahy has been telling me the less stringent planning regulations surrounding derelict sites has lead to it becoming a driving force behind land sales.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 4ú lá de mí an Mhárta, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1989 fuair bean a bhí ag iompair agus a nia bás nuair a bhuail siad leoraí I gCeatharlach. I 2005 bhí a lán brú ar Michael Martin de bharr go raibh táille mhídhleathach ann do theach altranais. I 1977 bhí cruinniú in Inis ag UDC agus ar deireadh tháinig sé amach go mbeadh halla an bhaile nua le teacht. I 2005 bhí imní ann faoin todhchaí den phlean uasghrádú den ospidéal in Inis. Chosain sé timpeall 20.8 milliún euro. Sin Too Many Broken Hearts ó Jason Donovan – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1989. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1974 tháinig ABBA amach le hamhrán nua darbh ainm Waterloo. Bhuaigh siad an Eurovision Song Contest leis an amhrán sin agus chuaigh sé chuig uimhir a haon I naoi dtír timpeall an domhain. I 2020 fuair amhránaí Barbara Martin bás ag aois 76. Bhí sí mar bhall den ghrúpa The Supremes ach d'fhág sí an ghrúpa I 1962. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cái

Attempts to restore Liscannor Pier have been given a boost following the local authority's identification of a contractor to carry out repair works. First constructed by a team from Scotland approximately 200 years ago, the pier suffered extensive damage as a result of Storm Éowyn. Fears have been raised that further damage could be caused in the coming weeks with the foundation having been undermined last year in prior incidents of inclement weather. Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty says works need to be done urgently on the pier and claims remedial works should have completed earlier to futureproof it.

Yuliia Setdikova is a Ukrainian dentist working in Ireland. She is highlighting what she is describing as a “serious issue” affecting many of her colleagues – Ukrainian doctors who despite being highly qualified and sometimes fluent in English, are unable to work in their profession due to what Yulia believes is Ireland’s “difficult and restrictive recognition process.” To tell us more, Yuliia joined Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus. Picture (c) by Kubra Cavus from Getty Images Signature via Canva

The 2025 EY Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) programme is officially open for nominations. Entrepreneurs from emerging, established and international businesses across all industry sectors in Clare are invited to submit their nominations for this year’s programme. Those interested have until the 27th of February to get their submissions in. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare alumna of the Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) programme, Caroline Dunlea from Core Optimisation and Eimear McCrann, Director of the EOY programme. Picture (c) by Panadesign from Panacreative Studio via Canva

Safer Internet Day will take place next week. Safer Internet Day Ireland, also known as SID, aims to promote and raise awareness for young people's online safety and well-being. The day takes place in February every year, and this year it takes place on Tuesday 11th February. To tell us more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Fiona Jennings, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at ISPCC. Picture (c) by Sergey Shulgin from Getty Images via Canva

Tomorrow will see significant changes to the speed limits on Irish roads come into effect. The changes, aimed at improving road safety, will see the speed limit on local roads reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h from tomorrow, Friday 7th of February. Further planned changes, due to come into effect at a later date, will see the speed limit on national secondary roads reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h; while the speed limit in built-up areas, such as urban cores, town centres, and housing estates will be reduced from 50km/h to 30km/h. However, as we heard from Ennis driving instructor Chris Curran on Wednesday’s Morning Focus, there are those who have concerns over the new speed limit regulations. Another person who has expressed doubts over the changes is Aontú Local Area Representative for Ennis, Séamus Enright, who has described the reduction of the speed limits as another prime example of the government engaging in ‘nannystateism’. Clare FM’s Darragh O’Grady spoke with Aontú Local Area Representative for Enni

What really happens when it’s time to head to the maternity hospital? In this episode of Parenthood in Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke with with Petrina O’Halloran, founder of Mama’s Boobie Box and writer for Boobingit.com, alongside Lisa Joyce, Gentle Birth Instructor and pregnancy yoga teacher, to break it all down. From the car ride to the delivery room, they cover everything you need to know. Image (c) by BGStock72 via Canva

What effect does our environment have on our life? On Thursday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by fitness and wellness coach, Kieran McMahon, to explore the profound impact our environment has on our lives. Kieran delved into how the spaces we inhabit, the people we surround ourselves with, and the external factors we encounter can shape our mindset, behavior, and ultimately our success.

Corofin Dramatic Society is kicking off its highly anticipated drama season this Saturday, February 8th, with a performance of Conor McPherson’s acclaimed play The Weir. Following the launch, the group will hit the road for the All-Ireland 3-Act festival circuit. To give us a sneak peek of what to expect, Alan Morrissey was joined by cast members Martin O'Donoghue, Colm Linnane, and Dave Hanley. Photo (c) Clare FM

The Clare branch of the Irish Red Cross is reaching out for your help! They are currently seeking new drivers to assist with their vital services. To share more details about this important initiative, Alan Morrissey was joined by James Lafferty, the Irish Red Cross Clare Honorary Treasurer and Irish Red Cross National Volunteer of the Year, who spoke about the crucial role drivers play in supporting the community and how you can get involved. Photo (c) Clare FM

Ennis Community College/Gaelcholáiste an Chlair is set to transform the stage of Glór into a spooky and unforgettable setting next month! On March 6th, the school’s students will bring The Addams Family musical to life. To tell us more about this thrilling production, Alan Morrissey was joined by the Principal, James O'Shaughnessy, music teacher, Eimear Glancy, and students; Holly Vaughan, Olibhear Ó Ruairc, and Hiago Dudziak. Image (c) by Ronny Sefria from RayyaKreative via Canva