Clare FM

Fr Brendan Quinlivan leads our Sunday Prayer for today 11th October 2026, the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Over 2,200 people across Clare and Limerick are currently languishing on audiology waiting lists. It comes as the national deaf and hard of hearing charity Chime has called for regular screening for over 50s to prevent cognitive decline. According to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing only one in five adults who report poor hearing have a hearing aid. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor and HSE Regional Health Forum MidWest member Antoinette Baker Bashua says more resources are urgently needed to tackle the backlog.

Clare's senator has called for Ireland to withdraw from an EU Directive that requires commercial fleets to transition to EVs by the end of the decade. The European Commission's clean corporate vehicles proposal would require rental car companies to ensure upwards of 90% of fleets are electric. Junior Transport Minster Sean Canney says no deal on the directive has yet been signed, with negotiations still ongoing. Ennistymon Senator Martin Conway says Clare's airport rental industry would collapse overnight.

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch speaks to Tommy Guilfoyle and Kevin Sheehan to preview the TUS SHC final along with the PIHC semi finals this weekend

Belfast folk artist Good Swim has released his aching new single ‘Chasing Shadows’. The single comes with the announcement of his debut album, The Mountains Sure Don’t Give a Damn About The Sea - an uncensored snapshot of perseverance and courage. Following his previous single 'A Mark On You', which earned support from many Irish medias Good Swim continues to draw listeners in with deeply intimate songs that explore love, loss, fear and the complexities of being human. After a twelve-year hiatus from recording, the Belfast native returned to the studio last year with no grand plans - just a desire to create. What began as a single session with producer Michael Bell at Start Together Studios quickly expanded into a project that needed to grow, and Good Swim was born - rippling across Northern Ireland’s folk scene and quietly amassing over 60,000 streams. At its surface, new single 'Chasing Shadows' breathes as a love song. Beneath that, however, lies a deep sense of frustration; at God, the world, and at…

The Ennis Town Bus Service is tipped to have a transformational impact on the whole county. City Direct will operate the service , which has been officially announced at Áras Contae An Chláir today, before it comes into public use on October 18th. It’s estimated the 18 hour a day service will provide half a million journeys annually with routes connecting Clarecastle to Ballymaley Business Park and the Tulla Road to the Lahinch Road. Mayor of Ennis Tommy Guilfoyle has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that it’s a milestone for the town.

Lotto players in Clare are being urged to 'check every nook and cranny' for a winning ticket worth almost €90,000. The Quick Pick ticket was sold in McNamee’s Londis in Miltown Malbay on Saturday, 25th July, for that night's draw. With just two weeks remaining to collect the €89,430 prize, locals and tourists alike are being urged urged to check their tickets to ensure they don't miss out. National Lottery Spokesperson Darragh O'Dwyer says it's the first time this year they've had to issue such an appeal.

Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch to preview the weekend’s sporting fixtures. ~ T.U.S Clare Senior Hurling Championship Final ~ Inagh-Kilnamona v Kilmaley (Sunday, Ennis, 4.15pm) ~ Clare Senior LGFA Final ~ Kilmurry Ibrickane v Fergus Rovers (Sunday, St Michaels Park Kilmihil, 2pm) Image (c) Clare FM

Alan Morrissey was joined by Elaine Buckley, Regional Fundraiser with LauraLynn, along with Concert Director Noel Murphy, Concert Producer Aidan White, and singer and whistler Liam Jones. They came to tell Alan about a special Charity Variety Concert taking place tomorrow night at Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel in Shannon, with an eclectic line-up of performers, all raising funds for LauraLynn Children’s Hospice. And Liam also treated us to some live music in the studio. Image (c) Excellent Music Promotions

Alan Morrissey was joined by Harrison Gardner, eco-builder, author and broadcaster, whose new book is Heat, Shelter, Water, Food. Harrison has spent more than 15 years designing and building homes, including off-grid and sustainable projects, and is passionate about giving people the practical skills to make their homes more resilient. They spoke about preparing for extreme weather, keeping our homes warm, securing water and food, and the simple things we can all do to become more self-sufficient. Photo (c) Clare FM

There are calls for the public toilets at White Strand in Miltown Malbay to remain open throughout the year. Clare County Council says the facilities currently operate on a seasonal basis, from June to September, with year-round toilets available nearby at Spanish Point. Alan Morrissey was joined by Michael Shannon, the Quilty Fianna Fáil councillor. Alan heard from Michael about the calls for a change and whether the council can provide the resources to keep the facilities open year-round. Photo (c) Heiko119 from Getty Images via Canva

Alan Morrissey was joined by Laura McAuliffe, a Clare resident who, alongside her husband Emmet, has been sharing their deeply personal fertility journey as part of RTÉ Investigates: Fertility Uncovered, an RTÉ Investigates report examining the experiences of couples seeking IVF in Ireland. After an ectopic pregnancy resulted in Laura losing both fallopian tubes, IVF became their only route to parenthood. Alan heard about their experience of the State-funded IVF scheme, the emotional and financial toll of treatment, and why they ultimately had to travel abroad for another chance. Photo (c) Clare FM

The University of Limerick is condemning the vandalism of a house near its campus. Gardaí are investigating burglary and criminal damage after a vacant property in College Court near the University of Limerick was extensively damaged. They were alerted to a large public gathering in the early hours of Wednesday morning at the house. Videos have been circulating online which shows the extensive damage inside the house, including holes in the wall and smashed windows. Gardaí are looking for witnesses who were in the vicinity of College Court, Castletroy area between 12am and 2am on Wednesday. UL is warning that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. However, it's not known if those involved were UL students. Meanwhile, the Housing Minister is appealing to people not to "gang up" on young people or students, following the incident. James Browne has said it "isn't funny" and it's not "good craic". He's described the vandalism as "frustrating to see", adding it needs to be "seriously addressed". Alan…

Alan Morrissey was joined by Dr Mary Honan, author, lecturer and keynote speaker, on Friday's Morning Focus. She joined Alan to talk about the Airmid Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference, taking place this Saturday at TUS Limerick, bringing together experts, community organisations and personal stories around positive mental health and wellbeing, as we mark World Mental Health Day. Photo (c) mattjeacock from Getty Images Signature via Canva

Alan Morrissey was joined by Cathal Crowe, Fianna Fáil TD for Meelick and Chair of the Shannon Airport Oireachtas Committee. Ryanair is warning that a planned €50 million investment in a new maintenance hangar and engineering academy at Shannon Airport, along with 300 high-skilled jobs, could move to Poland if planning delays prevent the project from proceeding on schedule. Alan got his reaction to that warning and asked what can be done to keep the investment here in the Mid-West. Photo (c) Elles Rijsdijk via Canva

The Garda Commissioner has estimated the cost of security for Donald Trump’s visit to Clare last month at around €30 million. The US President visited Taoiseach Micheál Martin and President Catherine Connolly in Dublin in September, before travelling to Doonbeg for the final round of the Irish Open. Speaking before the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee, Commissioner Justin Kelly said the operation will be funded entirely by the State. He said, however, that the final figure has yet to be confirmed.

Clare FM brings you our latest feature, Clare FM's Road Safety Initiative. Clare FM’s Lily Collins is joined by Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport, TD Michael Murphy. Michael discusses the use of technology in road safety policing. Funded by the Coimisiún na Meán’s news reporting scheme

On this week's episode of 'The Future of Disability Services', Pat Flynn visits Shannon to meet with Padraic Hayes This feature, 'The Future of Disability Services' is funded by the News Reporting Scheme.

A remarkable chapter in Irish history is coming to stages around the country this month. The Cable tells the story of the 1866 Transatlantic Cable from Valentia Island, blending history, family and heartbreak — while exploring what it means to truly connect with one another. The one-man production is written and performed by Mike Kelly, who joined Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Norimoto from Getty Images via Canva

The Restore Ballymacraven River Association is inviting people to discover more about the wildlife, ecology and natural beauty of our local rivers with its Autumn River Series in Ennistymon this October. The programme includes talks on the birds and mammals of the Inagh River, as well as creative workshops inspired by the river and its surroundings. Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more was Kevin Nunan, one of the founding committee members of the Restore Ballymacraven River Association, who will also be giving a talk on the birdlife of the Inagh River. Photo (c) Greg Snell from Greg Snell via Canva

The European Parliament is pushing for stronger protections against work-related stress, depression and anxiety, including measures to tackle excessive workloads and give employees a right to disconnect outside working hours. The European Parliament called on Tuesday for stronger EU action to tackle burnout, stress and other work-related conditions, addressing an increasingly common problem among European workers as digitalisation and AI reshape the workplace. MEPs want new rules to recognise that psychosocial risks, including harassment, excessive workloads and unpredictable working hours, can give rise to occupational diseases, including mental health disorders. To discuss this further and to highlight the support currently available to workers in Clare was Caitlín McConn, operations manager at GrowRemote. Photo (c) Karola G from Pexels via Canva

A remarkable new book celebrating life, music and community in West Clare in the 1970s and 1980s has just been officially launched. Halcyon Day is a collection of seven short stories by 86-year-old author Jane S. Flynn, who has lived in West Clare since arriving from America in the late 1970s. The book draws on Jane’s experiences of life on the Wild Atlantic coast, her immersion in local culture and the music scene, and her unique eye for the humour and characters around her. Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more about the book and the journey to getting it published was Jane’s daughter, Jane Meehan, who helped organise the printing of the collection.

There are an estimated 15,736 family carers in Clare, many of whom quietly provide care every day without ever thinking of themselves as carers. With nominations for the 2026 Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards closing this Friday, it’s the final opportunity to recognise one of those unsung heroes. Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more about the awards, the realities facing family carers, and the importance of recognising their contribution was Fiona Hartigan, Support Manager with Family Carers Ireland. Image (c) Family Carers Ireland

It’s all about encouraging young imaginations this October as Clare Libraries launches its 2026 Children’s Book Festival. Libraries and schools across the county will welcome some of Ireland’s best-known children’s authors, storytellers, illustrators and performers, with a packed programme designed to inspire children and encourage a lifelong love of reading. Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more about this year’s festival was Niamh O'Donovan, Senior Executive Librarian. Photo (c) FatCamera from Getty Images Signature via Canva

A public meeting took place in Liscannor on Tuesday night following concerns about recent incidents of trespassing on agricultural land and private property in the parish. The meeting, which was open to everyone, gave local residents and landowners an opportunity to raise their concerns, with local public representatives also in attendance. Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss the issue were Liscannor committe member Patrick Nagle and Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy. Photo (c) suesmith2 from Getty Images via Canva

There are growing concerns about road safety outside St Senan’s National School in Shannon following a worrying incident in which a child was reportedly nearly hit by a car during the morning school drop-off. Parents are now calling for additional safety measures, including a school crossing patrol, as well as action on speeding and cars being parked too close to the pedestrian crossing. Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss those concerns were Louise Carrig, a member of the Parents Association at St Senan’s, and Pat O'Gorman, Cratloe Fianna Fáil Councillor. Photo (c) SDI Productions from Getty Images Signature via Canva

Budget 2027 has brought a major increase in Government spending, with €29.1 billion allocated to health, alongside measures affecting businesses, workers and older people. But the reaction has been mixed, with concerns about hospital capacity and staffing, rising costs for retailers, and whether supports for older people go far enough. Thursday's Morning Focus looked at the impact of the Budget from three different perspectives. Joining Alan Morrissey were Rita McInerney, Jean McCabe of Retail Excellence Ireland, and Mike Cusack of Clare Older People’s Council. Photo (c) Oireachtas.ie

Campaigners say their legal challenge against the proposed Kilkee wastewater treatment plant is “not over by a long shot”. Uisce Éireann welcomed a decision this week upholding planning permission for the plant and refusing leave to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeal. The Save Kilkee Cliff Walk Campaign says it is now seeking legal advice on what options remain open to it. Spokesperson Ellie Byrne says the latest legal setback does not mean the campaign is surrendering.

Fórsa says school secretaries and caretakers in Clare will be on the same footing as their colleagues following members' acceptance of a Workplace Relations Commission proposal. Under the proposal, secretaries and caretakers will move onto the Department of Education payroll and will receive paid bereavement leave and enhanced sick leave. Ninety-four percent of members voted in favour, on an 88 percent turnout. Fórsa School Secretaries Branch vice-chairperson and treasurer Rena McGrath says the proposal offers much greater job security.

Avenue United says it has had to increase security at its grounds in Roslevan following a series of vandalism incidents. The club says there have been ongoing problems with people gaining unauthorised access to the facility and causing damage to property. The latest incident happened this week, when a group of youths gained access to the field and damaged the goalposts, and the club says replacing them will cost three thousand euro. Club chairman Shane Hayes says the matter has been raised with the Gardaí.

Ahead of the TUS SHC Final, Derrick Lynch spoke with the Kilmaley and Inagh-Kilnamona camps to look ahead to the game

On Atlantic Tales this week, Pat Flynn visits Aillwee Burren Experience in North Clare ahead of their 50th anniversary celebrations. Discovered by local farmer Jack McGann in 1940, two families developed Aillwee Cave and opened it to the public 50 years ago this month. Today, the Aillwee Burren Experience is more than just a cave.

A Parish Hall in Shanagolden, Co. Limerick will be transformed into a 1970s Irish pub later this month for Seanchaí, a new play exploring storytelling, faith, community and the secrets that can lie beneath the surface of village life. Written and directed by James Meehan, the production stars Clare storyteller and filmmaker Tommy Lanigan as Paddy, an ageing seanchaí. Alan Morrissey was joined by Tommy and James to tell us more about this immersive new production.A Parish Hall in Shanagolden, Co. Limerick will be transformed into a 1970s Irish pub later this month for Seanchaí, a new play exploring storytelling, faith, community and the secrets that can lie beneath the surface of village life. Written and directed by James Meehan, the production stars Clare storyteller and filmmaker Tommy Lanigan as Paddy, an ageing seanchaí. Alan Morrissey was joined by Tommy and James to tell us more about this immersive new production. Photo (c) Clare FM

A candle-lit vigil is taking place in Ennis this evening in solidarity with the people of Palestine, with funds raised going to Neart Nūr, a Clare-founded organisation providing trauma-informed play therapy and psychosocial support to Palestinian medical evacuees and their families. The vigil will feature local music and poetry, with the organisers saying it is an opportunity to remember those affected and keep Palestine in the public consciousness. Joining Alan Morrissey was Claire Liddy, CEO and founder of Neart Nūr. Photo (c) Suprith_Reddy from Getty Images via Canva

To get an economic perspective on Budget 2027, Alan Morrissey has been speaking with Associate Professor of Social Policy at UCD & Ennis Economist, Micheál Collins. Photo (c) Oireachtas.ie

The Government has announced massive spending and tax cuts as part of Budget 2027. Income tax will fall for those paying the higher rate of tax, while Ministers say the cost of childcare for some will fall by more than 2,000 euro a year. Simon Harris and Jack Chambers have announced a budget of more than 125 billion euro in spending next year - confirming Government spending will have more than doubled since 2018. The minimum wage has gone up, income tax has come down and social welfare recipients will get a 10 euro a week increase in their payments. The carbon tax on home heating oil and gas has been cut for the lifetime of the Government. While a derelict sites levy on the housing side of 7 per cent has been confirmed for next year alongside a 5k rise in the Help to Buy scheme. Childcare will be capped at 550 euro a week - worth more than 2,000 euro a year for parents with children up to senior infants age in full time care. While there's more money to recruit gardai and members of the defence forces. And…

The Government has announced massive spending and tax cuts as part of Budget 2027. Income tax will fall for those paying the higher rate of tax, while Ministers say the cost of childcare for some will fall by more than 2,000 euro a year. Simon Harris and Jack Chambers have announced a budget of more than 125 billion euro in spending next year - confirming Government spending will have more than doubled since 2018. The minimum wage has gone up, income tax has come down and social welfare recipients will get a 10 euro a week increase in their payments. The carbon tax on home heating oil and gas has been cut for the lifetime of the Government. While a derelict sites levy on the housing side of 7 per cent has been confirmed for next year alongside a 5k rise in the Help to Buy scheme. Childcare will be capped at 550 euro a week - worth more than 2,000 euro a year for parents with children up to senior infants age in full time care. While there's more money to recruit gardai and members of the defence forces. And…

A Clare oil merchant says while carbon tax cuts are welcome, he's unsure of the long-term impact they will have. The Dáil has passed a number of tax measures to bring elements of yesterday's Budget into effect, including lifting the carbon tax on home heating oil and gas for the lifetime of the Government. Clare currently has the fourth-highest home heating oil prices nationwide, with people in the county paying €1,607 for a 1,000-litre fill. The changes are estimated to reduce bills by €86 per fill, but Sixmilebridge oil merchant PJ Ryan says the saving could be wiped out by price increases by the end of the month.

A Clare Airbnb host says new legislation affecting her industry could be devastating for Clare's tourism sector. The Short-Term Letting and Tourism Bill requires hosts offering properties for up to 21 nights to join a national register operated by Fáilte Ireland. The legislation will introduce a range of enforcement measures, including fixed-payment notices for non-compliance with inspections. Miltown Malbay short-term let host Lorna Cahill says ambiguity over the criteria will force hosts out of the market.

Ahead of the 2026 Clare LGFA senior final, hear from Kilmurry Ibrickane's Amy Sexton, Chloe Moloney and David O'Brien along with Louise Cleary, Shauna Melican and Barry Keating of Fergus Rovers

Ennis RFC's Aisling Heapes speaking with Clare FM's Derrick Lynch ahead of the new Energia AIL season

Clare FM brings you our latest feature, Clare FM's Road Safety Initiative. In this episode, Clare FM's Lily Collins is joined by Michael Cusack, Chair of Clare Older People's Council. Michael discusses the findings of a survey, carried out by the council, on the concerns of older road users. Funded by the Coimisiún na Meán’s news reporting scheme

Shannon Community Partnership is bringing the local community together this week for “Network the Network” — an evening celebrating the volunteers, groups and initiatives making a difference across Shannon. The event will showcase work in areas including sustainability, inclusion, arts, youth, sport and community safety, while also giving people an opportunity to find out how they can get involved. Alan Morrissey was joined by Geraldine Lambert from Shannon Community Partnership to tell us more. Photo (c) Clare FM

Clonlara’s Shannonside Drama Group is celebrating more than 20 years of bringing live theatre to the local community, and there’s plenty happening on stage this autumn. The group is preparing two very different productions — the tense two-hander Aubade and the festive family comedy I Do Too — before heading into the One Act Festival circuit in November. Alan Morrissey was joined by Libby Kelly, Eddie Dillon and Norma Hussey to tell us all about the productions, the group’s history and what audiences can expect. Photo (c) Clare FM

As we head into the winter months, homeowners and businesses are being urged to take a fresh look at their insurance cover amid concerns about increasingly unpredictable and severe weather. A potentially record-breaking El Niño is adding to those concerns, although experts stress it is not a direct forecast of storms in Ireland. Alan Morrissey was joined by Stephen McKenna, Head of Claims at Campion Insurance, and climate expert Professor John Sweeney of Maynooth University to discuss the risks, what the science tells us, and how people can prepare. Image (c) Met Eireann

They’ve cycled more than 31,000 kilometres across 24 countries and three continents, and now Mark Graham and Ellie O’Byrne are on the final leg of an extraordinary 20-month journey around the world. They’re cycling 900 kilometres around Ireland on their way back home to Tramore, while raising money for four organisations that provide refurbished bicycles to young people. One of their fundraising events takes place at the Salmon Bookshop in Ennistymon next week. Mark and Ellie joined Alan Morrissey to tell us about their incredible adventure. Photo (c) Mark Graham and Ellie O’Byrne

Junior Certificate results will be available to students on Wednesday 7th from 10am. John Burns, Chair of the Board Rice College and Educational Consultant, joined Alan Morrissey to give advice to students who are starting to feel the pressure of upcoming exams. 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. Joining Alan Morrissey to talk about his experiences with volunteering was Pat Rutherford. Originally from Donegal, Pat began his volunteering journey in the 1980s with Project Children, a Northern Ireland initiative that gave thousands of children from troubled areas the chance to spend peaceful summers with host families across New York State. That early experience shaped his lifelong commitment to helping others. For Pat, volunteering is both a calling and a pathway to becoming a better person. Since 2010, he has been a dedicated volunteer with the Special Olympics, coaching athletics for the Brothers of Charity in Ennis and golf with the Ennis Special Olympics Golf Club. His dedication has taken him and athlete Paul Kirrane to competitions across Ireland and even further afield. In 2015, Pat and Paul proudly represented…

Choosing a secondary school is a big decision for both students and parents, and this week there’s an opportunity to find out more about two of Ennis’s schools. The Open Nights for Ennis Community College and Gaelcholáiste an Chláir take place on Wednesday and Thursday. Alan Morrissey was joined by Principal James O’Shaughnessy and fifth-year student Roxane Ní Liodáin to hear what the schools have to offer and what prospective students can expect. Photo (c) Clare FM

Truagh-Clonlara are celebrating being crowned Clare Senior Camogie champions for the third time in four years after a convincing victory over Kilmaley on Saturday. But the celebrations were somewhat dampened afterwards when players from both teams discovered there was no hot water available in the dressing rooms. Alan Morrissey was joined by Paulette Egan, mother of Truagh-Clonlara vice-captain Louise Egan, to talk about the celebrations, the victory, and what happened after the final. Photo (c) Clare FM