Clare Fm - Podcasts

Clare farmers have taken an over €2 million share of a fund to support the welfare of suckler calves. Payments of €28 million have been commenced under the Beef Welfare Scheme 2025 with €2.34 million awarded in the county as a result of 1,878 successful applications. The scheme is intended to support farmers in meal feeding suckler calves before and after weaning, vaccinating against diseases and carrying out testing measures such as forage analysis or faecal egg count. Feakle-based chairperson of the Clare branch of the Irish Farmers Association Stephen Walsh says while the payments are welcome, it's disappointing that they're lower than promised.

It's claimed Clare people are living a reduced quality of life due to a lack of research into women's health. The Oireachtas Heart and Stroke Group, founded by Clare TD Cathal Crowe and Ardnacrusha resident Pauline O'Shea has called on the Government to implement targeted actions to improve knowledge of female cardiac issues. According to the Irish Heart Foundation, there are 6,920 women in this county living with a heart condition. Irish Heart Foundation Advocacy Campaign Manager and Heart patient, Pauline O’Shea says there are several challenges to overcome.

The great Colm Liddy, author and local historian was back on Tuesday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey for another episode of History In Focus. This week, Colm told us the fascinating story of how Daniel O'Connell rose to fame. Photo (c) Colm Liddy

The Friends of Regina House, Kilrush, have received approximately (according to Regina House) €47,000 in donations thanks to the tireless fundraising of Paddy Kelly and his fellow cyclists. Regina House provides essential, compassionate care for older people in West Clare, and community support like this plays a vital role in sustaining its services and comfort for residents. Paddy, who is no stranger to lengthy, major cycles – having cycled through England last year – cycled from Mizen Head to Malin Head during late August, all with the aim of raising vital funds for the invaluable work carried out by Regina House. On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Paddy Kelly and John Bonfil, Member of the Friends of Regina House Committee. Photo (c) iDonate

Fianna Fáil has published the combined findings of its Parenting in the Digital Age survey and its Youth Online Safety Workshop in conjunction with Foróige and Crosscare, revealing deep concern among parents about children’s exposure to online risks, alongside new evidence showing just how young children are when they first enter the digital world. The survey of almost 1,000 participants, carried out by Fianna Fáil’s parliamentary party working group, shows that families are struggling to keep pace with fast-changing digital technologies and the online environments their children inhabit. To discuss this in more detail, Alan Morrissey had a chat with Cathal Crowe, Meelick Fianna Fail TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Digital Leaders

Two young changemakers from Co Clare have been selected for one of Ireland’s most prestigious activism programmes. Matthew Butt from Ennis and Georgina Johnston from Miltown Malbay are among just 21 people chosen for the Alice Academy for Activists, a four-day residential bootcamp in Dublin this January that supports emerging campaigners with strategic skills and expert training. On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke with Matthew Butt, from Ennis and Martina Quinn, the founder and CEO of Alice Public Relations. Photo (c) Alice PR

Clare Haven Services is marking the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign running from the 25th of November to the 10th of December to raise awareness and call for an end to violence against women and girls. The organisation is reminding the public of the vital frontline, prevention and support work taking place here in Clare. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Eva Cummins, Fundraising & Administration at Clare Haven Services. Image (c) Clare Haven

Limerick is getting set for one of the biggest sporting and social events of the season as the Mr Binman Christmas Racing Festival returns this December, from the 26th to the 29th. The four-day festival will feature top-class racing, family festivities, and a packed entertainment programme — including a newly confirmed K-Pop Demon Hunters Sing-Along Tribute Band in the Big Top on the 29th of December. This year’s Ladies Day will also see a Most Stylish Lady crowned. For more on this, Alan Morrissey spoke with Michael Lynch, CEO Limerick Racecourse. Photo (c) Limerick Races

A prostate cancer support group in Ardnacrusha is offering vital help to men and their families, thanks to the work of founder Tony Bridgeman, who set it up in April 2023. Among those involved is Phelim Warren, a cancer survivor whose own diagnosis came as a shock despite having no symptoms. His story highlights the importance of regular blood tests, early detection and open conversations around men’s health. To find out more, Alan Morissey was joined by Tony Bridgeman and Pheilim Warren on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Join the prostate cancer support group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1380816599365491 Photo: (c) Clare fm/ Pheilim Warren/ logo from Prostate Cancer Support Group Ireland via Facebook.

Volodymyr Zelensky visits Ireland today, in the first state visit by a Ukrainian President to the country. It comes as the Government is to approve an additional one hundred million euro in non-lethal aid to Ukraine. This morning Mr. Zelenskyy will make a courtesy call to President Catherine Connolly. From there he'll joint press conference with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, before addressing the Oireachtas. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Mariya Nikishanova, who’s originally from Irpin and moved to Ennis a decade ago and Donnacha Ó Beacháin, Newmarket-on-Fergus native and Professor of Politics at Dublin City University. Photo (c) Яна Леоненко from Pexels via Canva

A Clare architect is accusing the Government of making a "superficial effort" to fix the planning process. The Cabinet is to be briefed on proposals this week on putting caps on the legal costs those behind judicial reviews can claim from the State. Under the plans, the limit for a standard case would be €41,000 while for complex cases it would be €53,350, and €65,800 would be the maximum for a very complex case. Ogonnelloe-based architect Garry Miley believes the proposed legislation serves no one.

It's hoped Clare will see the benefits of a new airline route development plan. As part of the 'New Era for Irish Tourism Strategy' launched by the Government yesterday, a commitment has also been made to roll-out a Strategic Air Access Programme to develop new airline routes. The programme will aim to increase visitor numbers in the off-peak May to October season. Clare Tourism Advisory Chair and Hotel Woodstock Co-Owner Seán Lally says it's hugely important.

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch and Tommy Guilfoyle were back to give us their thoughts and reactions from a busy weekend of GAA fixtures. Games Reviewed: Munster Senior Club HC Final: Éire Óg 1-9 Ballygunner 0-21 (Sunday, FBD Semple Stadium) Munster Intermediate Club HC Final: O'Callaghan's Mills 0-15 Upperchurch Drombane 3-20 (Saturday, TUS Gaelic Grounds) As broadcast on Monday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey

On this week’s episode of In The Garden with Judy Beck, from Clonroad Garden Centre, Judy explained to our listeners the best ways to grow strawberries. If you have any questions for Judy, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964.

Nigel Motyer is an international award-winning underwater photographer who has been diving and photographing Irish seas since the 1980s. His photography has featured in many publications worldwide, including National Geographic. Nigel’s latest book Beneath Irish Seas features the waters and wild marine life around Clare extensively. Photo (c) Easons

Siobhán Mulcahy, County Arts Officer was back on Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey to chat to us on the huge number of events that are taking place right across the county.

Midwest Simon says it's trying to find space for as many people in Clare as possible this winter but admits its accommodation here is at full capacity. The latest Department of Housing figures show 171 families were residing in emergency accommodation in this region in October, showing a rise of 34% in the last year. A total of 85 adults were availing of homeless services in Clare in the month in question which is up from 76 a month ago. Midwest Simon CEO Niall Garvey has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons they've been forced to increase their capacity due to the surge in demand during the winter months.

Half of consumers are planning to cut back on presents this Christmas. That is according to the latest Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Index. It also reveals that the number of people using savings to fund the festive season is up. The global outlook has settled slightly, but household finances are coming under sustained pressure. To delve into this further, Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by Louis Faye of St Francis Credit Union, Ennis. Photo (c) Umkreisel from pixabay / Max Fischer from Pexels

The Clare Roots Society, in collaboration with Larry Brennan, is publishing “Clare Road, Ennis.” This book contains a rich collection of articles, poetry, maps, land records, residents’ recollections, and photographs tracing the life and history of one of Ennis’s most well-known thoroughfares. The launch of “Clare Road, Ennis” will take place this Thursday the 4th of December. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by author Larry Brennan on Monday's Morning Focus.

Jack Byrnes has once more teamed up with his young friend and neighbour in O’Briensbridge, Mark Ryan, to create hand-made reindeer. Now in its sixth year, the annual endeavour for the pair is all for a good cause. Last year they raised €2,700 for charities. This year proceeds will be split between Killaloe/Ballina Search and Recovery, Novas charity in Limerick, Community first responders group and Children’s Appeal for Gaza. Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by Jack Byrnes for more on this.