Clare FM

On this week's episode of 'The Future of Disability Services' , Pat Flynn chats with Rachel MacManus, an artist and mother of a child with a disability. This feature, 'The Future of Disability Services' is funded by the News Reporting Scheme.

Thursday's Morning Focus celebrated a new recording with deep roots in the traditional music of County Clare. From Loop to Hook brings brothers John and Séamus McMahon back together, reconnecting with the music, the friendships and the shared experiences that have shaped their lives. As founder members of the renowned Fisherstreet group, John and Séamus have spent many years immersed in the Clare tradition. On this new album, John brings his distinctive concertina playing, including baritone concertina, while Séamus contributes fiddle, bass fiddle and B♭ flute. They're joined by former Fisherstreet accompanist Noreen O'Donoghue on harp and piano, with Anita Broderick making a special guest appearance on tin whistle. The album will be launched at Ennis Tradfest at the Old Ground Hotel on Sunday, 8 November, at 2pm. Joining Alan Morrissey were John and Séamus McMahon and Anita Broderick to tell us the story behind From Loop to Hook. Photo (c) Clare FM

More than 90% of Garda Representative Association members who responded to a recent survey have backed industrial action, with a similar proportion prepared to support a work-to-rule during the remaining events of Ireland's EU Presidency. The GRA accuses Garda management of breaching agreed working conditions, including rest periods and overtime arrangements. But what would a work-to-rule mean for policing, and is there still time to avert a confrontation? Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare GRA representative Sean Mullins to learn more. Photo (c) Pat Flynn

Tommy Sands is one of Ireland's most respected folk singers and songwriters, an artist whose music has long crossed boundaries and brought people together. Growing up in County Down during the Troubles, he came to see song as a powerful way of telling difficult stories, challenging divisions and reminding us of our shared humanity. Now, with his Every County on the Island Tour, Tommy is bringing that message to communities across Ireland, including Glór in Ennis this Sunday, 1 November. Tommy Sands joined Alan Morrissey to talk about the journey, the stories behind his songs, and why music's power to connect people matters more than ever. Photo (c) Tommy Sands via Glór

On Thursday's Morning Focus, we heard about a very special four-legged local celebrity: Daisy, the 17-year-old Westie belonging to Clare Champion Managing Director and Motoring Editor, John Galvin. Daisy has launched her debut 2027 calendar, A Year of Walkies, Adventures and Fun, with every cent of the €10 cover price going to Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. With Daisy herself now losing her sight, the cause is particularly close to John and his wife Shelly’s hearts. Alan Morrissey has been speaking with John – who was accompanied by Daisy and Tom Mernagh, volunteer with Irish Guide Dogs in Clare. If you want to find out more about Daisy and her adventures, you can check out her Instagram account, @daisymaygalvin! Photo (c) John Galvin via @daisymaygalvin on Instagram

Ennis-born actress Kelly Gough is enjoying another busy spell on stage and screen. This Halloween, she stars as the Morrigan, the formidable figure from Irish mythology, in the supernatural drama The Unreal. She’s also preparing to take to the stage at London’s Almeida Theatre in a new production of Eugene O’Neill’s classic play Desire Under the Elms, alongside fellow Irish actor Jamie Beamish. Kelly joined Alan Morrissey to chat about her latest roles, her acting career and her Clare roots. Image (c) Dyehouse Films

There’s been considerable concern in Clare about the BreastCheck mobile screening unit leaving Ennis on October 30th, with a petition calling for the service to remain in the county or for a permanent screening facility to be established. While the HSE’s National Screening Service has clarified that the unit operates on a rotating basis and will return, questions remain about access to screening for women who may have to travel outside Clare. The unit currently based at Áras Contae An Chláir in Ennis has now cleared the bulk of its list and is due to move more than 200 kilometres away to Ballina in Mayo on Friday. On Wednesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey discussed the issue with Ennis Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard and Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney, both members of the HSE’s Regional Health Forum Mid West. Alan was joined by June Dillon, Clare Aontú representative, who still has concerns regarding the move. Photo (c) eucanscreen.eu

This Halloween, a gathering in Ennis will be about more than the usual spooky celebrations. Kites Not Frights is inviting families and members of the public to come together at the Fairgreen to fly kites and send messages of love and solidarity to children in Gaza. The event takes place on Halloween (Saturday, 31st October, at 12:30 pm), with all funds raised going directly to the registered charity Children Not Numbers, which supports the health, safety, education and rehabilitation of children affected by conflict. Eileen Thomas, spokesperson for Kites Not Frights, joined Alan Morrissey to tell us more. Image (c) Kites 4 Palestine

An Ennis man who lines out for Clare's senior footballers is also working towards a different kind of goal off the pitch. Mark McInerney is completing his PhD at the University of Galway, where he is investigating ways to help the body's immune cells find and attack solid tumours, including those associated with colorectal and ovarian cancers. His research is supported by a scholarship partnership with Breakthrough Cancer Research, whose CEO, Orla Dolan, joins us to discuss the importance of funding innovative cancer research and developing new treatment approaches. Mark and Orla joined Alan Morrissey to explain how this research works, what it could mean for the future, and the work being carried out here in the west of Ireland. Photo (c) Tara Winstead from Pexels via Canva

Israel is facing a political deadlock following its first national election since the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023 and the devastating wars that followed. Exit polls suggest that neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor his main challenger, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, has secured a clear parliamentary majority. With the final votes still being counted, Arab political parties could prove decisive in determining who forms the next government. But the political uncertainty comes against a backdrop of immense suffering in Gaza, continuing tensions in the occupied West Bank and the possibility of further regional conflict. What does this election mean for Israeli democracy, Palestinian rights and the future of the region? To discuss these questions, Alan Morrissey was joined by Professor Ray Murphy, Human Rights Professor at the University of Galway, and Donnacha O Beacháin, Associate Professor of Politics at DCU’s School of Law and Government, Newmarket-On-Fergus native. Photo (c) pronto8000…

Shannon is in line for a major jobs boost following the expansion of a local business. Tredwell Electrical has celebrated 35 years of operations by opening a new 18,000sq ft manufacturing facility in the Shannon Airport Business Park. The company is planning to create 80 engineering jobs over the next three years. Tredwell General Manager Glenn Bain says they're in the right space to grow.

Shannon is in line for a major jobs boost following the expansion of a local business. Tredwell Electrical has celebrated 35 years of operations by opening a new 18,000sq ft manufacturing facility in the Shannon Airport Business Park. The company is planning to create 80 engineering jobs over the next three years. Tredwell General Manager Glenn Bain says they're in the right space to grow.

Construction of the Kilkee Flood Relief Scheme will commence in 2028. The €8.5m project is expected to protect 134 properties in the West Clare town. The development is on track to be completed by 2035. Responding to Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney, Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran says the plans are progressing smoothly.

Newmarket Celtic will be looking to keep their 100% record in the Moloney Hardware Clare Premier Division intact this weekend. First and third place in the Moloney Hardware Premier Division clash on Sunday morning as the reigning champions travel to take on Ennis Dons. Newmarket have four wins from four to start the campaign, with the Dons coming into the game after a 5-2 defeat to Avenue last time out. Clare FM analyst Jim Madden says they can't afford to dwell on that defeat.

On Atlantic Tales this week Pat Flynn meets staff, past and present, as AirNav Ireland’s North Atlantic Communications Centre at Ballygirreen, in Co. Clare, celebrates it 90th birthday. Since 1936, the centre has ensured the safe passage of millions of aircraft crossing the North Atlantic, cementing Ireland’s critical role as the gateway between Europe and North America.

The Government is considering new measures to make it easier for smaller builders to access finance and develop new homes. The proposals would allow Home Building Finance Ireland to provide loans to purchase residentially zoned land before planning permission has been secured, potentially removing a significant financial barrier for smaller developers. But will this lead to more homes being built and help address the housing shortage? To discuss the proposals, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ennis developer Ciarán Breen of Ciarán Breen Construction. Photo (c) panida wijitpanya from Getty Images via Canva

On Wednesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tommy Corbett from Carey Corbett Financial Solutions. This week, Tommy gave us the details on the newly announced investment accounts. If you want to send in any questions for Tommy contact 0861800964 or email focus@clare.fm Photo (c) Tommy Corbett

Ennis is designated a Key Town under regional planning policy, with significant growth planned over the coming years. However, concerns have been raised about whether the town’s water and wastewater infrastructure has the capacity to support that expansion. Clareabbey Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom O’Callaghan has submitted a motion calling on Uisce Éireann to outline its planned investment, existing capacity deficits and timelines for addressing them. He joined Alan Morrissey to explain why this issue is so important for the future of Ennis. Photo (c) CristiNistor from Getty Images via Canva

A remarkable piece of Clare history has finally come home, after 127 years in America. A chest belonging to Lissycasey native Denis Melican, who emigrated to the US in 1899, has been donated to Clare Museum by his grandchildren. Alan Morrissey was joined by Elizabeth Melican, Denis’s granddaughter, and John Rattigan, curator at Clare Museum, to hear the story behind this special family heirloom and its long journey back to Clare. Photo (c) Clare Museum

There’s been considerable concern in Clare about the BreastCheck mobile screening unit leaving Ennis on October 30th, with a petition calling for the service to remain in the county or for a permanent screening facility to be established. While the HSE’s National Screening Service has clarified that the unit operates on a rotating basis and will return, questions remain about access to screening for women who may have to travel outside Clare. To discuss the situation, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ennis Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard and Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney, both members of the HSE’s Regional Health Forum Mid West. Photo (c) eucanscreen.eu

An International Aviation Business has decided to base its operations in Shannon. Established in August 2024, Infinity Aviation Support has now completed 50 projects across 15 countries. The consultancy firm which offers expert guidance in aircraft design, engineering, certification, risk analysis and training has now opened Headquarters in the Westpark Business Campus. Founder and CEO Anthony Attoumani says moving to Shannon was a no-brainer.

A Cabinet Minister has acknowledged more supports are needed for Clare children with learning disabilities. The Government is rolling out a Literary Associates Pilot Programme where graduates in Dyslexia studies can be immediately deployed to classrooms. It comes as the Dáil has heard that Clare children with learning difficulties are losing confidence and subject to bullying due to a sheer lack of reading and writing supports locally. Junior Minister for Education Michael Moynihan says they're working to put resources in place.

Clarecastle captain Colin Brigdale is hailing the relentless nature of the performance that saw them claim the TUS Premier Intermediate hurling title. The Magpies confirmed their return to Clare hurling's top table with an emphatic victory over Corofin. A trip to Limerick is up next for Ger O'Loughlin's men, where they take on Dromin Athlacca on November 15th. Brigdale says their semi final win over Tubber gave them the confidence to claim the Paddy Browne Cup.

One of the Banner's key men is praising their effort as they completed a memorable hurling and football championship double. The Shanaway Road club capped off a historic campaign by claiming the TUS Intermediate Hurling title with victory over Inagh Kilnamona. After being beaten by Killanena in the opening round of the hurling championship, the club went unbeaten for the rest of the season across both codes. Meehan says they were determined to make the 2026 season a special one for the club.

Clare FM brings you our latest feature, Clare FM’s Road Safety Initiative. In this episode, Clare FM’s Lily Collins is joined by Eddie Punch, Cratloe Farmer and Former ICSA General Secretary. Eddie discusses the risks associated with overtaking farming machinery on the roads, and provides guidance on how to do so safely. Funded by the Coimisiún na Meán’s news reporting scheme.

On Atlantic Tales this week Pat Flynn meets staff, past and present, as AirNav Ireland’s North Atlantic Communications Centre at Ballygirreen, in Co. Clare, celebrates it 90th birthday. Since 1936, the centre has ensured the safe passage of millions of aircraft crossing the North Atlantic, cementing Ireland’s critical role as the gateway between Europe and North America.

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.