Clare Fm - Podcasts

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service will host a new blood donation clinic in Clare to address a shortfall of clinics nationwide post Christmas. It comes as the IBTS has reported that across Ireland there is currently a shortfall of 45 donation clinics, with supply also reduced for a time over the Christmas period. To counteract, supply and clinic shortfall in this county, IBTS will run a blood donation clinic in Clonlara for the first time at Clonlara Community Centre on Sunday from 11.50am to 3.10pm. Broadford based Donor Recruitment Executive Alex O'Connor, says blood stocks overall are reasonable but that they cannot afford to rest on their laurels.

Clare's Chief Fire Officer is reminding the county's road users that no route is safe amid snowy and icy conditions today. A Status Orange warning comes into effect at five o'clock this evening and will remain in effect until the same time tomorrow, with significant snowfall accumulations expected. To counteract the effect this is expected to have on travelling conditions, Clare County Council has undertaken an extensive salting and gritting operation spanning over 700 kilometres of the county's roads network. Chief Fire Officer Adrian Kelly says however that no road can ever be made fully safe and that caution is advised at all times.

Coming up on the show, we will have the first interview with new Clare football manager Peter Keane as he looks ahead to the 2025 campaign We will also speak with Banner legend Jamesie O'Connor to preview St Flannan's Harty Cup quarter-final clash with Midleton, Alan Troy wraps up a successful few weeks for Clare greyhounds and we will also take a listen back to some of our best bits from the last 12 months

It's claimed Ennis town has descended into lawlessness due to escalations in incidents of criminality, feuding and anti-social behaviour being committed openly in public view. It comes as a Clare TD has appealed to the Garda Commissioner to intervene and commit further resources to this county. It's claimed the most robust responsible is needed from Gardaí, the Special Criminal Court and the Criminal Assets Bureau is needed to put down escalating feud violence in Clare. It follows a number of incidents over the festive period, including one which saw two vehicles damaged on the Mill Road in Ennis on Christmas Day, while a number of individuals brandished implements on the streets. Clare Joint Policing Committee member and Fianna Fáil Deputy Cathal Crowe has since written to the Superintendent of the Clare-Tipperary Garda Division and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris on the matter. He says the full force of the law is needed. A Ennis resident meanwhile claims the town has become unsafe for older people and

Clare farmers are being advised to only do the jobs that are "absolutely necessary" this weekend as the county braces itself for a Status Orange snow and ice warning. With a low level warning having just lapsed this morning, Met Éireann is now advising that "significant snowfall accumulations" are expected here from tomorrow evening. Along with Limerick, Tipperary, Carlow, Kilkenny and Wicklow, the Banner county will be under a Status Orange snow and ice warning from 5pm on Saturday to the same time on Sunday. The national forecaster has warned of severe impacts including very difficult travelling conditions, poor visibility and travel disruption delays to public transport as well as air travel. It's also understood that difficult conditions underfoot and animal welfare issues can be expected. Feakle-based Chairperson of the Clare branch of the Irish Farmers' Association Stephen Walsh says those working in agriculture should take precautions and put their personal safety first in the coming days. Follow

A Clare based activisit has again raised concerns regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, stating that the rules of international law are 'unravelling'. It comes as an event will take place on Lahinch beach this afternoon to renew the people of Clare's solidarity with Palestine to start the new year. As part of the event, a peace symbol along with the word 'Palestine' will be etched into the sand on the beach, with a drone flying overhead to capture images of the message. Activist and lawyer, Leigh Brosnan, claims its vital to continue highlighting the perceived inequality of the international legal system.

More new cars were sold in Clare in 2024 than in the previous year. Across the last twelve months, 2,399 new registration sales were completed in Clare which is 3% above the figure for 2023. Diesel engines overtook petrol as the most popular vehicle type, selling 738 units, while electric car sales fell by 43%. Director General of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry Brian Cooke says with the start of a new registration period upon us, prospective vehicle owners should look into incentives available to them.

A Clare TD has called for the Special Criminal Court to put manners on Clare's feuding families. It follows a number of violent incidents that occurred in this county over the festive period, with several videos widely circulating online. Meelick deputy, Cathal Crowe, has written to both the Chief Superintendent of the Clare-Tipperary Garda Division, Aileen Magner, and to Garda Commissioner Drew Harris on the matter. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Cathal Crowe. Photo (c) Pixabay

The pop-up shop led by Valery Larkin has raised a total of €30,426.00 for various groups in Co. Clare. Valery has been running a pop-up shop since March 2023 where wool panels are rescued from landfills and turned into wonderful, saleable items like sweaters, hats, scarves, ponchos, and bags. The Pop-Up Shop would not exist without the strong and committed input of those who were on board at the beginning of this journey and those who have given their time since March 2023. To get involved, you can contact Valery via Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093620860430 or by phone on 086 368 5030 Photo (c): Clare FM

The Shannon Estuary is now home to what is believed to be the first ever humpback whale to take up residence in its waters. The whale was first sighted off the coast of Killimer on November 26th. Ships are now even slowing down in the Shannon Estuary as a result, and the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group has reached out to the Shannon Foynes Port Master to help avoid ship strikes. To find out more about this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Acting CEO of the IWDG and Project Manager of the Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation based in Kilrush, Simon Berrow. Photo (c): ArtTower from pixabay via Canva

The Village Tour is back! For the first episode of the village tour, Alan Morrissey paid a visit to Crusheen. 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.

A solidarity action event for Palestine will be taking place at Lahinch Beach today at 1pm. The aim is to spread a message of peace and solidarity for the people of Palestine. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by activist and lawyer, Leigh Brosnan. Photo (c): https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=9295686257150107&set=gm.9038329356255282&idorvanity=693785410709760&__cft__[0]=AZX_eAq6c0xRw36WUGtx7m27VX-aFweo6MWNYErOTPXdTfR_7ilq8-CtNnrLYIcoSqUttYYoXBJZrPkaNaW8kKlB2MZKzN7S63qlB_qgwWivgzUpXlyBV6o2lDT-VglQpt0TkHwQ-s9-wyDcjh4_tFm909ixPwThfu9_esH3L1RRgIdpbzkNTUx8Os7H3WJIsGJiWKJSmpbAC3R-wJLVxEWJ&__tn__=EH-R

Stephen Fletcher presents the first Beyond Belief of 2025 which features 2 speakers from the recent conference Community Futures held in Gort and organised by the Diocese of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe Council for Mission. Stephen also hears from the Archdeacon of Limerick, the Venerable Simon Lumby about how he is sharing his church in Killarney with the local Ukrainian Orthodox congregation and the extraordinary way they have shown their gratitude to him. Fr Gerry Kenny joins Stephen for a New Year catch up and the Bishop of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe gives his New Year reflection.

It's hoped a new road in Shannon can get at least as far as the planning permission stage this year in the interest of Shannon Airport's continued growth. It's just one of the projects being named as a priority by Clare's local elected representatives for 2025. Following the co-option of James and Conor Ryan last month, Clare County Council will meet for the first time this year next Monday, January 13th. Among the long-awaited projects expected to get over the line in the coming months is the Ennis Town Bus Service which was included by name in Budget 2025. The service will feature two routes, with one traversing Ennis from the Lahinch Road to the Tulla Road, while the second will go from Clarecastle to Ballymaley via Friar’s Walk. Mayor of Ennis, Fianna Fáil Councillor Clare Colleran-Molloy, says the service will be in operation by the end of June. Moving to Clare's second town, a recent update from the local authority on the N19 Shannon Airport Access Road Improvement Scheme indicated that the design

It's claimed rising interest rates over the last eighteen months have hindered Clare's second-hand housing market. Daft.ie's final report for 2024 shows the average price of a home in this county rose by 10% last year to €257,831. Although the median price of building a new home here was €50,000 below the national average; supply of existing properties in Munster is down 17% on last year. The European Central Bank hiked interest rates ten times since July of 2022, before cutting the rate four times this year. But Daft.ie Report Author and Economist Ronan Lyons has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that this has led to uncertainty for existing homeowners.

For the first time since its establishment in 1986, no dogs spent Christmas in Clare's Dog Shelter. Preliminary figures issued by Clare's County Dog Warden show that 189 dogs were surrendered last year, while another 205 strays were also found, 56 of which were ultimately reunited with their owners. 293 dogs were rehomed during the year, while a total of 43 were put to sleep, which is understood to be almost double the total recorded in 2023, with new legislation County Dog Warden Frankie Coote says the festive period was particularly positive though.

A Midwest organisation which offers supports to those in the LGBTI+ community says a new funding announcement has given it much-needed stability. GOSHH Ireland, which stands for gender orientation, sexual health, HIV, has been granted €100,000 by the Department of Equality under the 2024 LGBTI+ Community Services Funding Call. It's understood the organisation, which offers care, support and prevention services in Clare, Limerick and Tipperary, will use the allocation to expand its operations in the Midwest such as its one-to-one counselling service. GOSHH CEO Verena Tarpey says the funding allow it to cover transport costs for services that require its staff to travel.

It's a new year, and the public is wondering how soon we will see a new government. There are talks ongoing between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the regional independents. To discuss this and more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Fianna Fáil Deputy, Timmy Dooley and Sinn Féin Deputy, Donna McGettigan. Photo © Oireachtas.ie

On Thursday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Caroline Rushe, AKA My Crazy Life Caroline. Christmas may be a time for joy and celebration, but for the Rushe household, it came with an unwelcome guest: illness. Caroline shared her experience of battling through the Christmas break when she joined Alan Morrissey on the first show of 2025, bringing her usual charm and humor despite the less-than-festive season she endured! Whether you have a question for Caroline on style, family, women’s issues or whatever you fancy asking her about, send it in by calling; 0818 400 964, text or WhatsApp; 086 1800 964, or email – focus@clare.fm

It's a new year, and many are likely setting their sights on a "new me" this morning! For most, this means making New Year’s resolutions—promising to hit the gym daily and stick to healthy habits. But often, these goals are abandoned just weeks in. Clare FM’s Katie McNamara took to the streets to ask people in Clare about their resolutions for 2024. To shed light on why habits often fail and how taking small, simple steps can lead to lasting change, Alan Morrissey spoke with Smaranda Maier, owner and founder of Authentic Health. You can find more information here: https://www.authentichealth.ie/januarydetoxworkshop