Clare Fm - Podcasts

The latest Transport Sectoral Implementation Report under the National Development Plan (NDP) has been published, but there’s next to nothing of Clare interest in it. The report outlines the national road projects expected to advance before 2030. While several counties across Ireland have multiple strategic schemes progressing, Clare is almost entirely absent. West Clare does not feature at all, nor the works required in Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus, to alleviate flooding, or the reopening of Crusheen Railway Station. Is Clare being sidelined or ignored? Alan Morrissey was joined by Newmarket on Fergus Fianna Fáil Councillor, David Griffin and Crusheen Resident, Michael O'Doherty for their views on this. Photo of Ballycar Flooding (c) File Photo

The manager of the Éire Óg hurlers is hailing the strength of the opposition as they came up short in their attempts to capture the Munster crown. The Waterford cemented themseleves as the kingpins of Munster hurling with a 0-21 to 1-9 win over the Clare champions to claim their fifth provincial title in seven years. The Townies attempted to rally late with a Danny Russel goal from a penalty, while a reflex save from former All Star, Stephen O'Keefe denied them a second. Éire Óg boss, Gerry O'Connor says, while he was pleased not to concede goals, they couldn't cope with Ballygunner's scoring power in the middle third.

The Minister for Transport claims the Government is "in good shape" regarding the prevention of flooding on a section of the Ennis to Limerick rail line but has given no commitment to funding the project. Responding to a parliamentary question from Meelick Fianna Fáil Deputy Cathal Crowe recently, Darragh O'Brien pledged to engage with the Office of Public Works on reconvening the steering group behind a report on legacy flooding in Ballycar outside Newmarket-on-Fergus. The response also suggested that the project would be included in the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan published last week but this hasn't come to fruition. Speaking at Shannon Airport, Minister O'Brien says funding for projects of this nature will be confirmed in a separate announcement next year.

O'Callaghan's Mills manager Sean Doyle claims the referee 'lost composure' as his side fell to defeat in the Munster Intermediate Hurling decider. The East Clare men saw their quest for provincial glory come up short in the TUS Gaelic Grounds, with Upperchurch Drombane running out 3-20 to 0-15 winners. The Mills were reduced to 13 men early in the second half following two quick fire dismissals, and finished the game with 12 players after a third red card was brandished in the dying stages. Doyle says although he's proud of the manor in which his players battled on, the sendings off ruined the game as a contest.

A date for the full transfer of governance of a West Clare nursing home to the HSE has been set. At the most recent meeting of the Regional Health Forum West, HSE Midwest has confirmed the target completion date of the transfer of business legal agreement for St Senan's Nursing Home in Kilrush is May 2026. The centre, which currently cares for 20 residents, has been subject to significant capital upgrades as part of a €2 million investment from the HSE in January 2024. Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney says it's crucial to get one of the cornerstones of West Clare back to full operating capacity.

A wave of festive spirit is set to hit Shannon this week with the turning on of the town's Christmas lights. The occasion will be held in Shannon Town Park on Monday December 1st, with festivities kicking off at 5:30pm. Events include festive music by DJ Chris Walshe and carol singing from the Shannon Gospel Choir before special guests Santa & Mrs. Claus make an appearance. Fine Gael Councillor, John Crowe, it's a special occasion for everyone in the town, not just children.

On Atlantic Tales this Sunday, Pat meets the daughter and mother team who produce eco soy-wax scented candles. Set up by Chloe Whelan during the pandemic, she has been joined in the business by mum Geraldine who previously ran a fast-food outlet in Newmarket on Fergus for 27 years.

It's claimed the Health Minister's recommendations on HIQA's review of emergency care capacity in the Midwest do nothing to help people in Clare. Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has committed to progressing the expansion of capacity at University Hospital Limerick and the extension of the campus to another nearby site. A decision on the development of a new model 3 hospital in this region is to be taken in the new year. Kilrush-based former county councillor and Friends of Ennis Hospital spokesperson Deirdre Culligan says the minister's plans are particularly unhelpful to those in the west of the county.

A Clare carer says the cost of abolishing the means test would represent "good value for money" for the Government. A new report from the Parliamentary Budget Office estimates the highest net cost of abolishing the test at €266 million, short of the €650 million suggested by Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary in the aftermath of the budget. The report also states 19,561 additional carers nationwide would become eligible for the scheme, if the means test was abolished with approximately 700 of those based in Clare. Bunratty native, Sinéad O'Brien, claims it's high time carers were rewarded for the work they do.

Fr Brendan Quinlivan presents Beyond Belief for Sunday 30th November 2025. In a busy programme Fr Brendan talks to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust ahead of the Cantare Christmas Concert in aid of the trust in Ennis Cathedral on 19th December. He also has reports on the recent John Paul ll awards and how money raised by the pilgrims to Lourdes in support of Gazza will be distributed.

Fr Gerry Kenny leads our Sunday Prayer for today the First Sunday of Advent. He is assisted by the pupils from Moyasta National School in Kilkee Parish 

Donal Carey has been honoured as a 'great father, husband, politician and GAA stalwart at his funeral mass this morning The former Clare TD and Minister of State is being laid to rest today following a ceremony in Clarecastle Church. Objects were brought forward, including an election poster, Clarecastle jersey and dog collar to symbolise his love of politics, family, Gaelic games, greyhound racing and coursing. Donal's son Joe, says he'll be remembered in particular, for the confidence he could instil in people.

Clare's Minister of State claims a new Government funding allocation will bring the "toing and froing" on two Clare sewerage schemes to an end. The Department of Housing has announced an additional €700,000 for the Broadford sewerage scheme as part of the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme, bringing its total funding to €8 million. The amount awarded to Cooraclare meanwhile stands at €5.7 million. The inclusion of the schemes in the programme was confirmed in December of 2023, and Tulla Fianna Fáil Minister of State Timmy Dooley believes this development brings them a step closer.

The Transport Minister has pledged to support Shannon Airport as it strives to expand its offering. The Clare base has celebrated a major milestone with the dual unveiling of Ireland's first airfield-located solar PV farm and an extension to its European Boarding Gates. The projects have come about as a result of a €6.6 million combined investment by the Shannon Airport Group. Speaking at the unveiling, Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien says he appreciates the strategic importance of the Clare facility.

A total of 13 dogs were surrendered to the Clare Dog Shelter in a single day this week. The seven adult male dogs and six puppies were brought to Clare’s County Dog Warden on Monday. The animals have been vaccinated and assessed by a vet, and have been brought to rescues in East Clare, Tipperary and Limerick. Frankie Coote says it's not unusual.

Ahead of their Munster club hurling finals, Clare FM's Derek Dormer spoke with the Eire Óg and O'Callaghan's Mills camps to look ahead to a massive weekend of action

On this weeks show We focus on previewing the Munster Club SHC & IHC finals, and we have Greyhound Focus too

With her rootsy Americana sound and modern country edge, Sionán delivers everything she represents: honest storytelling, heartfelt ballads, and country-pop melodies built to move. It’s the beginning of a new voice that speaks straight to the heart, and it’s only the beginning. From a recent debut at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Café to a showcase slot at industry-tastemaker event Your Roots Are Showing - and with plenty of tracks to boot - Sionán’s debut single ‘No Revival’ leads the charge as she stakes her claim in the new era of country storytelling. With a hook that teases its unforgettable chorus and a guitar growling like a lone outlaw, ‘No Revival’ rides in like a scene torn from a Modern Western, setting the stage for a raw, emotionally charged story of betrayal, heartbreak, and the bitter truth of romance unravelling. Stripped-back verses and authentic, roots-driven delivery pull you into the moment, before the powerhouse chorus kicks in - a blend of stomping backbeats, gunslinger riffs, and biting l

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch was in-studio to chat with Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus about two major games that are taking place over the weekend. Games Previewed: Munster Senior Club HC Final: Éire Óg v Ballygunner (Sunday, FBD Semple Stadium, 3pm) Munster Intermediate Club HC Final: O'Callaghan's Mills v Upperchurch Drombane (Saturday, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 5pm)

A 10-year-old Clare artist has taken home a major national award at the AIB Young Portrait Prize at the National Gallery of Ireland. Michael Ryan, from Kilmaley, has won the 7–11 age category for his striking painted portrait In Deep Thought, unveiled during a prize-giving ceremony at the Gallery. His work is now on public display as part of the Young Portrait Prize exhibition, which runs until 15 March 2026 Alan Morrissey was delighted to have a chat with Michael live in-studio on Friday's Morning Focus.