Clare Fm - Podcasts

Last September, we were joined in studio by Quin native Owen O’Brien to talk about his son Cillian, who had suffered life changing injuries following a sudden collapse in school this year. Cillian’s collapse on the 5th of February last was caused by a rare condition called Arteriovenous Malformation. The 12 year-old 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 in Galway. Fundraising has continued both locally and further afield to help the O’Brien’s achieve that goal. Pat Ryan, co-founder of QCM cycling club is the latest to undertake a fundraiser for Cillian. He and his fellow co-founder Liam Kitson are undertaking a sponsored cycle (Saturday, Dece

People in Clare urged to contribute to a survey intended to shape the future of primary school education. The Department of Education and Youth is carrying out the Parents’ Survey on School Patronage – giving families across Ireland the chance to have their say on the kind of schools they want in their communities. Parents of children up to the age of 12 are encouraged to take part and use their voice to help shape the future of education. The survey was launched on November 4th and runs until December 16th but so far just 32% of eligible respondents in Clare have participated which is the second-lowest rate nationwide. Alan Morrissey spoke with David Quinn, Principal of Ennis Educate Together on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) anilakkus from Getty Images via Canva

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by John Burns, Retired Deputy Principal and Educational Consultant. John answered questions from parents on topics such as Christmas exams, behaviour issues, menstrual cycle and much more.

Marty Morrissey is back and so is the Marty Party! After unforgettable trips in 2024 and 2025, Marty is gearing up once again for a week of sunshine, music, laughter, and pure holiday magic in Spain. From the 1st to the 8th of October 2026, he’ll return to the AR Diamante Beach & SPA Hotel in Calpe for another spectacular Marty Party adventure. To get all the details, Marty joined Alan Morrissey in-studio.

Clean Ireland Recycling, the largest waste management operator in the Mid-West, has launched a public awareness campaign after a rise in fires caused by batteries, vapes and electronic items being discarded in household wheelie bins, skips and public street bins. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by Director at Clean Ireland Recycling, Michelle Nagle.

The Burren and Cliffs Explorer Shuttle Bus was launched at the beginning of May of this year and operated until the end of August last. The service connected Miltown Malbay, Lahinch, Corofin, Liscannor, Doolin, Lisdoonvarna, Kilfenora, Ballyvaughan and the Cliffs of Moher Experience , with additional integration of two National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) routes serving the Burren National Park. The aim of the service was to reduce private car traffic, enhance visitor mobility, and support the economic sustainability of North Clare’s towns and villages. Following a successful first year with 46,742 passengers, a review of the service is due to take place. To find out more, Alan Morrissey spoke with Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy and Andy Lamber, Secretary of Kilfenora Development and member of Clare Tourism SPC.

Over 900 medical card holders in Newmarket-on-Fergus will see their care transition to Clarecastle from the first of January. The HSE has confirmed that following an extensive unsuccessful search for a new GP premises in the south Clare village, medical care for the 927 card holders on the panel of Dr Colum Gavin will be provided at Saffron and Blue Medical Clinic in Clarecastle from the start of next year. Since June 2020, GP services for this cohort have been based out of Carrigoran Nursing Home outside the village, and the move will see roughly 50 Carrigoran residents now forced to travel to Clarecastle to see a doctor. Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe says the Minister for Health and HSE must redouble their efforts to find a suitable premises in Newmarket.

HSE Mid West has held a behind closed doors meeting with Clare County Council. Regional Executive Officer Sandra Broderick briefed elected representatives yesterday on the steps being taken following the HIQA review, including the construction of a second new 96-bed block and proposals to expand the University Hospital Limerick campus to a second site. Health Minister Jennifer Carrol MacNeill, meanwhile is due to make a decision on the delivery of a new hospital for the region in the new year. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor and HSE Regional Health Forum West Member Antoinette Baker Bashua says they were told a new hospital for Clare wouldn't be feasible in the short term.

Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) will host the Clare Social Enterprise Conference 2025 on Wednesday, 10th December at The Inn at Dromoland. It will bring together social enterprises, community leaders and local changemakers from across the county. The event will celebrate the growing impact of Clare’s social enterprises while offering practical learning, networking opportunities. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by Agnes O'Shaughnessy, LEADER Coordinator.

Originally from Dublin, Mick Campbell is a former Air Traffic Controller based at Shannon, who now runs Irish Skies Pod, an aviation–related channel on YouTube. Irish Skies Pod was started by Mick, who funds and operates this one man show from his Kilrush base. Alan Morrissey was delighted to chat with Mick on Monday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Irish Skies Pod by Mick Campbell

Those living in coastal parts of Clare are being warned to "expect the unexpected" and stay out of the water ahead of the arrival of Storm Bram. A Status Orange wind warning comes into effect here at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning and remains in place until 6 o'clock tomorrow evening. Met Éireann is warning of flooding of low-lying coastal areas as well as wave overtopping, difficult travel conditions, debris and potential impacts on outdoor events. Clare County Council Senior Engineer with responsibility for Transportation, Mobility and Health and Safety, Cyril Feeney, has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons extreme caution should be taken throughout the day.

A Clare GP says doctors are already dealing with a sizeable surge in flu presentations ahead of seasonal peak expected in the coming weeks. It comes as the Irish Medical Organisation has issued a warning for vulnerable patients to get a flu vaccine as soon as possible due to hospital bed capacity shortages. This morning alone, the Irish Nurses and MidWives Organisation recorded 108 people on trolleys at University Hospital Limerick. Lahinch GP and Member of the IMO's GP Committee Michael Kelleher has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that keeping good hand hygeine is vital this season.

Karl Fitzmaurice, a member of Shannon Athletic Club, claimed first place at the Brooklyn Half Marathon. He had to see off the challenge of thousands of competitors to achieve this feat. To find out more, Karl joined Alan Morrissey on Monday's edition of Morning Focus. Photo (c) Shannon Athletic Club via Facebook

Alan Morrissey was joined by Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre in Ennis. On In The Garden this week, Judy told us about the different types of plants that you could use for your house and patio this Christmas. If you have any questions for Judy, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964.

New figures from the Courts Service show a record increase in the number of people dying in the state. Grants of administration have risen from 3,670 in 2023 to 4,451 last year. Without a will, families and loved ones often face delays, uncertainty and a more complex probate process. The Law Society of Ireland, together with the Clare Bar Association is urging Clare residents to seek trusted legal advice when making a will, highlighting the importance of future planning for families, farms and local businesses. To tell us more about this was Louise Merrigan, President, Clare Law Association on Monday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey. Photo (c) Andrey Popov from Getty Images via Canva

Common Knowledge received a very special guest last Friday. President Catherine Connolly visited the award-winning social enterprise in Kilfenora. To find out how this visit from our President came about, and what happened during her time at Common Knowledge, Alan Morrissey was joined by the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Common Knowledge, Fionn Kidney. Image (c) Common Knowledge via Instagram

Oisín Jackson is gearing up to compete in the final of the prestigious Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (YSTE) this January. A student of Mary Immaculate Secondary School in Lisdoonvarna, Oisín has been developing an innovative project that earned him a place among the country’s most promising young scientists. To discuss his project, the inspiration behind it, and his preparations for the national finals, Oisín joined Alan Morrissey on Monday’s Morning Focus. Image (c) Chris Bellow Fennell Photography

A new Community First Responder (CFR) group is now in training to serve the Ruan and Dysart areas, as emergency medical response charity CRITICAL continues to expand its life-saving network in County Clare. The volunteer team will respond to life-threatening emergencies in their local communities, providing rapid assistance ahead of ambulance arrival and strengthening critical care support for the region. Meanwhile, CRITICAL has launched a new Christmas campaign to light up 1,308 lights, one for every call answered in 2024. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by the CEO of CRITICAL, David Tighe. Logo (c) Criticalcharity.ie

The launch of a book on the history of the Dr. Harty Cup will be held later this week. The Horse and Jockey Hotel in Thurles will be the venue for Wednesday evening’s (8pm) launch. With the likes of St. Flannan’s College, Rice College, and St. Joseph’s Tulla having enjoyed success in the competition, the book is sure to be of interest to Clare hurling fans. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by the author of the Dr. Harty Cup History Book, Liam Ó Donnchú. Image (c) GAA Munster

Dawn Bennett, a Kilrush-based hair salon proprietor, moved to the West of the county from Limerick several years to obtain a primary school place for her son Jamie, who is non-verbal and requires additional needs support in education. With Jamie set to start secondary school in the next two years, he faces the prospect of having to make the 43-kilometre journey to Ennis each day to attend the nearest secondary school that meets his requirements. Dawn, who says autistic children are ‘second class citizens’, is urging parents in similar situations to voice their concerns to the National Council of Special Education. To discuss this further, Dawn joined Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus. Picture (c) Wokandapix from pixabay via Canva.com