Clare FM

Eight Clare communities are celebrating success at this year’s SuperValu TidyTowns Competition, with Ballyvaughan, Clarecastle, Ennis, Kilrush, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Quin, Shannon and Tuamgraney all achieving Gold Medals. There is particular cause for celebration in Quin, which has been named the tidiest area in County Clare, increasing its score from 396 points last year to 411 this year. Ennis has also reached a significant milestone, claiming its 25th Gold Medal, while Ballyvaughan and Shannon are among the Clare communities recognised for their ongoing work. Across the country, 936 towns and villages entered this year’s competition. Meanwhile, Minister Dara Calleary has announced €1.5 million in funding for almost 1,000 TidyTowns groups, with grants available for projects supporting community development, sustainability and biodiversity. To discuss what these awards mean for Clare, the hard work behind the success and the challenges facing TidyTowns groups, Alan Morrissey was joined by Pat O’Brien of Quin…

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre, Ennis was back on Tuesday’s Morning Focus to answer all your gardening queries. This week, Judy gave us some suggestions on planting a winter flowering container for All Souls Day. If you have any questions for Judy, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964. Image (c) Clonroad Garden Centre

Ireland’s air quality may be improving overall, but new figures from the Environmental Protection Agency show that air pollution remains a serious health concern, with Ennis among the towns recording high levels of harmful fine particulate matter. As we head into winter and more households light fires and stoves, what does this mean for our health, and what can be done to improve the air we breathe? Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss this were Brian Meaney, former Green Party councillor, and Alan Bell, creator of the Air Quality Alerts Twitter page. Photo (c) Clare FM

Joining Alan Morrissey on Tuesday's Morning Focus was award-winning Irish soprano Eve Stafford, renowned for her beautiful voice, captivating stage presence and ability to bring songs to life through storytelling. With over 15 years of experience, a No. 1 iTunes single and performances across Ireland and internationally, Eve has built a wonderful reputation as a live performer. She’s returning to Ennis on Saturday, 7 November, for Movies & Musicals by Candlelight at St. Columba’s Church, alongside pianist Irina Dernova and violinist Anna Jane Ryan. Photo (c) Clare FM

Clare is preparing to celebrate its title as European Volunteering Capital 2027, recognising the thousands of people across the county who give their time to support their communities. Alan Morrissey was joined by CEO of GOSHH and member of the Clare Volunteer Board, Verena Tarpey, to talk about the role of volunteers as board members and directors of community and voluntary organisations and charities. Photo (c) Clare FM

Fianna Fáil’s Clare branch is appealing for help in tracing the descendants of two historic local politicians ahead of centenary events planned for November. The search is focused on Senator Daniel McParland of Ennis and Councillor Patrick Ryan of Kilmihil, whose contributions to the county’s political history are to be remembered. Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more about the search and the upcoming commemorations was Mary Crawford, Chair of Fianna Fáil’s Clare branch. Photo (c) Clare FM

Ennis is getting ready for a spooky spectacle this Halloween, with a special parade taking to the town’s streets tomorrow (Wednesday, 28th October, at 6pm). Organised by Ennis Chamber in partnership with Clare County Council and Visit Clare, the event will feature Lumen Street Theatre, workshops involving local young people, and Ennis Brass Band leading the way in Halloween costume. Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more about the plans and the excitement building around the event was Margaret O’Brien, CEO of Ennis Chamber. Image (c) Clare County Council

There’s anger in Mountshannon over changes made by Coillte at Woodpark Woodland Walk, with concerns that the work has undermined the efforts of local volunteers who helped develop the popular amenity. Ireland South Independent MEP Michael McNamara has described the situation as “a slap in the face” to the community, raising questions about consultation, public money and the future of the walk. Michael joined Alan Morrissey to discuss what happened and what he believes needs to happen next. In a statement, Coillte have said "Coillte is finalising development works at its forest at Woodpark Mountshannon as part of a Department of Rural and Community Development funded capital project aimed at enhancing the recreational offering of the woodland. "The works, conducted over the last two weeks, included upgrades and improvements to 1.4km of walking trails in the Wood to improve their accessibility and also upgrades to the car parking facilities. The project was delivered in collaboration with the local…

Concern has emerged Clare could lose a vital community outreach programme. Creative Communities Engagement Officers were established in all 31 local authorities in 2023 as part of a five-year strategy under the Creative Ireland Programme. The Government has made no indication yet if the positions will be renewed, potentially putting jobs and funding for youth and diverse community services and workshops at risk. Clare CCEO Eva Birdthistle says clarity is urgently needed.

Ennis Tidy Towns is hailing the milestone of achieving its 25th Gold Medal. The community group was among the eight Clare towns and villages to be successful in the top tier of the competition. In total, 936 towns and villages entered the 2026 edition. Ennis Tidy Towns Volunteer and Councillor Mary Howard says it's an enormous sense of pride for the group.

Concerns have been raised following a dangerous incident of vandalism in Shannon. Large quantities of broken glass were scattered throughout the town park including near the bandstand, with shards also found hidden in grassy areas. Particular concern was raised due to the close proximity of the park to both primary and secondary schools. Shannonbanks Sinn Féin Councillor James Ryan says it posed serious risk to both children and pets.

A Clare disability rights activist says disabled people are often 'trapped' in low income jobs so they don't lose access to medical cards. A group of working disabled people across Ireland have put forward the proposal to Ministers Jack Chambers and Dara Calleary to expand the cost of disability payment. Ennistymon-based Clare Leader Forum Director, Ann Marie Flanagan says at present people are forced to work low income jobs as they'll lose access to vital services if they move into a higher tax bracket. She says working disabled people can't earn close to enough to cover rising costs paired with the hidden cost of disability.

Stephen Fletcher presents this Beyond Belief for Sunday 25th October 2026. As County Clare is home to some of Ireland’s finest stained glass art, including remarkable windows by the Harry Clarke Studios. Few people know that story better than John Glynn of Kilrush, a researcher who has spent years documenting stained glass across the county — including the stunning Clarke windows in St Senan’s Church in Kilrush. John talks to Stephen about his research which spans more than 140 sites across the county and includes extensive archival work in Clare, Galway, Dublin, and Limerick. We also look at the history of the Halloween elecbrations we anjoy today. Mary Finucane gives us another of her reflections and Fr Gerry Kenny joins Stephen as they discuss what is happening in their parishes.

A Clare Green Party representative is calling on the Government to stop favouring tech companies in order to stem the tide of global warming. It follows a warning from the UN Environment Programme that the chance to maintain global warming at 1.5 degrees celsius above pre industrial levels is now gone. Their latest report says urgent cuts are needed to greenhouse gas emissions, including reductions of 18% by 2030, 45% by 2035 and 69% by 2040. Ennis Green Party Representative, Bridget Ginnity, says it's disappointing that Government has pulled back on climate commitments.

The Taoiseach has given his two cents on the possibility of an East Clare Gaelscoil. It comes as the board of O'Callaghan's Mills National School is looking into converting to education through Irish. It would allow the school to develop an additional class and avail of extra supports and teaching hours. Responding to Meelick Fianna Fáil Deputy Cathal Crowe in the Dáil, Micheál Martin says the move could save a lot of money.

Fr Brendan Quinlivan leads our Sunday Prayer for today, Sunday 25th October, the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Clare's Superintendent is warning motorists that drink and drug driving checkpoints will be widespread this weekend. Between January and August this year, An Garda Siochána has reported a 9% increase in offences for driving under the influence. There's also been a 17% hike in the number of people driving while using a mobile phone and a 55% rise in speeding detections. Superintendent of the Clare Community Functional Engagement Area Susan O'Brien says a second's distraction can be lethal.

Kilrush RNLI is urging extreme caution if visiting the county's coasts this Bank Holiday weekend. With the effects of Storm Boelo hitting the country over the coming days, those visiting the coast are advised to constantly check weather updates before setting off. People are also encouraged to remain well back from cliff edges and to be aware of the risk of being cut off by incoming tides. Kilrush RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Charlie Glynn, says areas traditionally safe to stand on may not be secure in the aftermath of heavy rain.

Coming up on the show, we will be looking ahead to the TUS Premier Intermediate and Intermediate hurling finals; previewing provincial action for Clare's camogie and ladies football sides, and also having our latest installment of More Than A Club

South Armagh-bred songsmith Fya Fox is continuing her comeback with a new single inspired by her roots. Her latest release, Hometown, is described as a new chapter for the Armagh artist. The track forms part of Fox’s latest return to music and arrives alongside plans for a new EP. The release highlights the influence of her Armagh upbringing on her songwriting. Fya's highly anticipated debut EP, Bittersweet, is out on October 23rd. A collection of songs written over the past two years that documents a transformative chapter in her life, from becoming a mother to rediscovering herself as both a person and an artist, she explains: “For the longest time I've wanted to create a body of work and for some reason, now seemed to be the perfect moment for it to come together so organically. Looking back at the track list, it feels like I've captured little moments from the past 2 years that felt so emotionally raw. Most of the EP was scratch ideas/melodies I wrote at home and that inspired the tracks to be less…

Clare Gardaí are appealing for motorists to be more alert behind the wheel as the evenings get darker and stormy conditions become more prevalent. A Garda roads policing operation came into force yesterday and will remain in place until until Tuesday, October 27th. So far this year, 29 pedestrians have been killed on Irish roads to date in 2026, representing 19% of all fatalities, with nine total fatalities occurring on Clare roads to date this year. Superintendent in the Clare/Tipperary Garda Division, Eddie Golden, has been telling Clare FM's Darragh O'Grady that motorists need to be aware of reduced visibility as the clocks go back.

€22,105 has been raised for an Ennis special school through Clare FM’s annual radio charity auction. All proceeds will go to St Clare’s School, which caters for children aged four to 18 with learning disabilities. The auction has been conducted in partnership with the Ennis Lions Club which is a non-profit voluntary service organisation established in 1976. Boasting 40 members, the organisation frequently engages in providing supports and assistance to elderly, young and disadvantaged people in the greater Ennis area.

Ryanair is to train over 400 aircraft mechanics at Shannon Airport over the next five years. It comes as the airline has been granted planning permission for a four-bay maintenance, overhaul and repair hangar and engineering academy. The company says the €50m development will create 300 highly skilled jobs while the facility will take 80 apprentices a year from 2027 to 2031. Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan it will be a gamechanger for the region.

Clare's Opposition TD is warning of an impending winter catastrophe at University Hospital Limerick. It comes amid reports that HSE officials are predicting up to 400 attendances per day at the Emergency Department from November to January. The hospital is expected to breach the 100,000 patient mark at its ED by the end of this year. Shannon Sinn Féin Deputy Donna McGettigan believes there's a high chance of avoidable deaths over the coming months.

A Clare Lotto player has until the end of today to claim a prize worth almost €90,000. The winning ticket, worth €89,430, was purchased at McNamee's Londis, Miltown Malbay, for the Lotto draw on Saturday, 25th July. 23, 24, 25, 42, 43, 46 and the bonus of 37 were the winning numbers, with players urged to check in the glove box of the car, old jackets as well as in suitcases or handbags. National Lottery Spokesperson Darragh O'Dwyer says the clock is ticking for the winner.

Clare FM brings you our latest feature, Clare FM’s Road Safety Initiative. In this episode, Clare FM’s Lily Collins is joined by Chris Curran of Chris Curran Coaching Driving School in Ennis. Chris discusses the dangers of speeding on the roads. Funded by the Coimisiún na Meán’s news reporting scheme.

Clare Oscar Traynor boss Adrian Walsh says his side showed incredible grit as they got their campaign off to a winning start. A 1-0 win over North Tipp in Frank Healy Park saw Clare claim their first victory in this year's competition. Jorge Inacio Lopes scored the all important goal inside the opening 15 minutes, before Clare had to see out more than an hour with 10 men after Jack Ryan's dismissal. Walsh says the sending off was controversial, but the squad reacted well to the setback.

On this week's episode of 'The Future of Disability Services' , Pat Flynn chats with James Murrihy, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer with the Clare Sports Partnership. This feature, 'The Future of Disability Services' is funded by the News Reporting Scheme.

There's a great night of live music coming to Kenny’s Bar in Lahinch next Wednesday, with Irish musical duo Driven Snow and Clare singer-songwriter Dave Hope sharing the stage. Driven Snow, the husband-and-wife duo Kieran McGuinness and Emily Aylmer, have recently released their second album, Mother of Christ, blending dreamy pop with beautiful harmonies and deeply personal songwriting. They'll be joined by Dave Hope, whose own music has earned him a reputation as one of Clare's compelling singer-songwriters. Kieran joined Alan Morrissey to tell us more. Image (c) Cuppa Tea TV

John Creedon has spent decades bringing Ireland's stories, music, folklore and fascinating characters into our homes through radio and television. Now, in his new memoir, This Boy’s Voice, he turns the spotlight on his own life, revisiting his adolescence and early adulthood in an Ireland undergoing enormous change during the 1970s and 1980s. John will be discussing the book with Miriam O’Callaghan at University Concert Hall in Limerick this Saturday evening, and he joined Alan Morrissey to tell us more about the book, the memories behind it and a lifetime spent telling stories. Photo (c) University Concert Hall

The clocks go back this Sunday, giving us an extra hour in bed but also marking the arrival of darker evenings. Clare FM's Caitlin Earle has been out and about on the streets of Clare to ask how people feel about the clock change. While most of us adjust naturally, the change can affect our sleep patterns, energy levels and daily routines. So, how can we make the transition easier and protect our sleep as we head into winter? To explain, Alan Morrissey was joined by sleep expert Tom Coleman. Photo (c) CatLane from Getty Images Signature via Canva

Brian Kennedy is celebrating a major milestone this week with the release of his 20th album, How Can I Keep From Singing. The 17-track collection brings together much-loved classics, personal interpretations and collaborations, and comes at a particularly meaningful time for the singer after a difficult decade marked by ill health. The release also coincides with the 30th anniversary of his multi-platinum album A Better Man. Brian Kennedy joined Alan Morrissey to talk about the new record, the stories behind the songs and why, after all these years, he simply can’t stop singing. Image (c) Brian Kennedy

Storm season is officially underway, with Storm Austen set to bring heavy rain and potentially difficult conditions across Ireland. A Status Yellow rain warning is in place, and many people will be wondering what it means for Clare and the October Bank Holiday weekend. And with predictions of a possible cold winter and snow in January or February, what can we realistically expect in the months ahead? To talk us through it, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tullycrine native and Met Éireann forecaster, Michelle Dillon. Photo (c) Netfalls via Canva

Clare’s hospitality sector is celebrating some fantastic national success at the 2026 Irish Hotel Awards. Shannon Springs Hotel picked up three awards, including Best Four-Star Hotel, Best Airport Hotel and Best Hotel Bar, while Ennis’s Old Ground Hotel was named Best Local Hotel in Ireland. Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss the awards and what they mean for tourism in Clare were John Gavin, co-owner of Shannon Springs Hotel, and Allen Flynn, co-owner of the Flynn Hotel Collection. Photo (c) Irish Hotel Awards

An Garda Síochána joined Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus to advise the community in County Clare on the Halloween Policing Operation, known as Operation Tombola. The Clare Operation Tombola policing operation is delivered with the support of our colleagues from the Fire Service, National Ambulance Service and Clare County Council. The main objectives of Operation Tombola are to address anti-social behaviour, detect the sale, distribution and use of illegal fireworks and support communities in delivering a safe and enjoyable Halloween celebration. Gardai in Clare have been visiting schools to discuss Operation Tombola to remind our young people to enjoy Halloween but to be safe. In addition, Gardai in Clare are conducting additional patrols and will be engaging across communities over the Halloween period. As the evenings are getting darker, we would encourage communities to check on elderly neighbours and relatives as this can be an unsettling time of year. An Garda Síochána would like to take…

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and two local cancer survivors are bringing the community together for a special fundraiser in Ennis. Banner Padel Goes Pink takes place this Saturday at Banner Padel on the Quin Road, with sport, music, a bake sale, raffle and family fun, all in aid of Breast Cancer Ireland. Joining Alan Morrissey was one of the organisers, Liz Constantinescu, to tell us more about the event and the very personal reason behind it. Image (c) Banner Padel

A Sinn Fein TD is describing the removal of the Triple Lock as 'one of the most major decisions' this generation of TDs will make. Legislation to scrap the Triple Lock passed a first vote in the Dáil last night and will now go to Committee stage. If enacted, it means members of the defence forces can be deployed overseas without the joint agreement of the Government, the Dail and the United Nations. Sinn Fein TD Thomas Gould told the Dail history will look back at this moment. For more on this, Alan Morrissey spoke with the Tulla-based Fianna Fáil Minister of State, Timmy Dooley. Photo (c) Imprensa AgruBan® from Pexels via Canva

The family of Fernando Emanuel Gonçalves da Costa Carneiro Penetra are remembering their loved one following his tragic death in a road traffic collision in West Clare earlier this month. Fernando, who was from Portugal, was cycling on the N67 between Kilrush and Kilkee when he was involved in a fatal collision with a van at Baunmore on the 9th of October last. Alan Morrissey has been speaking with Fernando's sister, Heide Carneiro and brother, João Miguel Gonçalves da Costa Carneiro, who both paid tribute to Fernando, shared their memories of him, and spoke about the impact of their heartbreaking loss. Here is the GoFundMe link is to help us with the costs of bringing their brother home: https://www.gofundme.com/f/bringing-emanuel-home-to-portugal Photo (c) Fernando Emanuel Gonçalves da Costa Carneiro Penetra via GoFundMe

The Dáil has heard calls for Clare's streets to be taken back from drug gangs amid harrowing stories of intimidation inflicted on local families. It comes as the Government has once again heard calls for the establishment of a regional Criminal Assets Bureau. It follows the death of four family members in Waterford last week in an arson attack understood to be connected to drug violence. Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe says there have been plenty of harrowing incidents in this county as well.

On Atlantic Tales this week Pat Flynn takes a tour of the Burren and meet some of those involved in this year’s Burren Winterage Festival. The two-day celebration of Burren farming, food, culture and landscape will feature two traditional Burren Beo Winterage Cattle Walks as well as the Burren Food Fayre.

Clare pet owners are being urged to be vigilant to prevent the risks of pets consuming potentially lethal Halloween treats. Items such as chocolate, candies and jellies containing artificial sweetners , raisins, grapes and even nuts can all cause intestinal blockages, vomiting and diarrhea among dogs and cats. Households are being urged to keep trick or treat goods out of reach of their animals at all times and to immediately call a vet in the event of an emergency. John Garrahy from Treaty Veterinary Clinic in Shannon says safety has to be prioritised.

It's a building that has been at the heart of community life in Corofin for more than eight decades. Halla Phádraig Naomhtha was built in 1945, with local people contributing their labour voluntarily, and it went on to become a school, a dance venue, a home for drama and music, and a meeting place for generations of local people. Now, local community activist Gerry Kennedy is sharing the story of the hall in a special illustrated talk, featuring archival photographs and video footage, hosted by Cumann Staire is Dúchais Chora Finne. Gerry's own connection with the building goes right back to his primary schooldays, and he has played an important role in its more recent redevelopment. Alan Morrissey was joined by Gerry to look back at the history of this remarkable community landmark and tell us what people can expect from tomorrow night's event. Image (c) Cumann Staire is Dúchais Chora Finne via Facebook

This weekend, the ancient traditions of Ireland come alive in the heart of the Burren as the Samhain Púca Storytelling Festival returns to the Michael Cusack Heritage Centre in Carron. Running from Friday, October 23rd, to Sunday, October 25th, the festival celebrates the origins of Samhain through Irish folklore, storytelling, music, dance, language and family activities. At its heart is the chance to meet the Púca, the mysterious creature of Irish mythology immortalised in a sculpture by artist Aidan Harte. But this is about much more than Halloween. It's a celebration of Ireland's living cultural heritage and the stories that have been passed down through generations. Joining Alan Morrissey was Sheila Davoren Keane, Education Officer and Festival Director at the Michael Cusack Heritage Centre, to tell us what's in store this weekend. Image (c) Michael Cusack Heritage Centre

Motorists are facing another increase in insurance costs, with the Central Bank reporting an average rise of 4% in motor premiums. But new research has highlighted a particularly striking issue: in some litigated motor injury claims, legal costs are now higher than the compensation paid to the injured person. Despite reforms designed to reduce personal injury awards and encourage settlements outside court, legal costs for litigated claims have risen significantly. Insurers warn that this could put renewed pressure on premiums. So, why are the reforms not delivering more noticeable savings for motorists, and what needs to change? Alan Morrissey was joined by Fine Gael TD for Clare Joe Cooney. Photo (c) Dacharlie from Getty Images via Canva

The Burren and Cliffs Explorer shuttle service looks set to be renewed for 2027 following a successful two-year trial period. The free service connecting the Burren, Ballyvaughan, Corofin, Carran, Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Liscannor, Lisdoonvarna, Lahinch, Kilfenora and Miltown Malbay carried over 46,000 passengers in 2025, before Ennistymon and Spanish Point were added to the route this year. It's understood roughly 65,000 passengers used the hop-on hop-off service between this May and September. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan was at yesterday's Tourism SPC meeting and began by speaking to Clare County Council Tourism Director Siobhán McNulty. Photo (c) Eamon Ward

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but there is one aspect of the disease that can sometimes receive less attention — what it means to live with advanced breast cancer. Barbara King, from Corofin in North Clare, was diagnosed in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Six years on, she continues to live alongside cancer and is speaking out about the importance of patient voices, clear communication and support. Barbara was one of eight women featured in Living Loudly. Dying to be Heard, a photographic exhibition held earlier this month in Dublin, supported by the Marie Keating Foundation and AstraZeneca. Joining Barbara was Liz Yeates, CEO of the Marie Keating Foundation, to discuss the support available to people living with advanced cancer and why continued funding for these services is so important. Photo (c) Clare FM

A ROAD SAFETY Authority (RSA) tender to install 20 breathalyser terminals across hotels and pubs has been scrapped just one day after news broke that it had been issued. Seán Canney, minister of state with responsibility for Road Safety, has welcomed the decision to stop the breathalyser procurement process. The initiative, which was set to cost approximately €1.5 million, aimed to challenge the perception of when it is safe to drive after drinking alcohol. The RSA defended its plan after transport spokesperson for the Social Democrats, Aidan Farrelly TD, blasted it as “disgraceful” and “neglectful”. The plan came after a pilot programme found that a high proportion of motorists mistakenly believed that they were under the legal limit before getting behind the wheel. The research showed that 45% of people in over 24,000 tests conducted thought they were under the legal limit when their actual breath test results found they exceeded the limit. Alan Morrissey was joined by Sean Lally, Chair of the Clare…

A prominent campaign group has raised concerns that a new Emergency Department for the MidWest may no longer be in the offing. Recent updates from the Department of Health on progress on the Raheen campus fail to mention the provision of acute beds, but do refer to relocation of diagnostic and outpatient services. When the plans were first unveiled in May, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill described the €14m and 44 acre site as "HIQA's Option B and C Plus", indicating it would be equipped with an emergency department. Friends of Ennis Hospital Chair Angela Coll says she believes the project's gone sideways.

Clare FM brings you our latest feature, Clare FM’s Road Safety Initiative. In this episode, Clare FM’s Lily Collins is joined by Sheila Gilheany, CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland. Sheila discusses the impact alcohol advertising has on the attitudes of driving under the influence. Funded by the Coimisiún na Meán’s news reporting scheme.

It's claimed a proposed ban on Clare County Council purchasing homes from the private market would be a serious hindrance to the delivery of social housing in the county. Housing Minister James Browne is to table a proposal that would phase out local authority funding for the purchase of homes from private developers by the end of next year. The move aims to involve local authorities more closely in the design of new homes, in a bid to better address social housing need while maintaining supply on the private market. Chair of Clare County Council’s Social Development SPC, Sixmilebridge Councillor John Crowe, has been telling Clare FM's Darragh O'Grady that the proposal could create serious challenges for the local authority in meeting its social housing targets.