Clare FM

Episoade

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  Councillor Slams Potential Cuts To Clare's Road Budget As "Unacceptable" 17.09.2026 3min

  The Government is being urged to step in and ensure there's no funding deficit for maintenance of Clare's road network. It comes as the local authority has confirmed it will enter an overdraft facility next year due to budget overruns. The council is facing a €3m overspend on its roads budget for 2026, which it attributes to inflationary increases in material costs. Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor and member of Clare County Council's Audit Committee, Pat Hayes, has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan this county's road network cannot sustain funding cuts.
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  The Irish Red Cross Clare Open Night 17.09.2026 3min

  The Irish Red Cross Clare will hold a Open Night on this Thursday (today 17th) from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at their Ennis Training Centre at V95 X258.  All are welcome, so come alone and discover how you can make a difference in your Community. Image (c) Irish Red Cross Clare
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  Cusack Day At Michael Cusack Heritage Centre 17.09.2026 7min

  This Sunday, the Michael Cusack Heritage Centre in Carron is holding a special Cusack Day, celebrating the birthday of one of the key figures in the history of the GAA.  It’s also a very special year for the Heritage Centre, marking 20 years since the exhibition centre opened its doors.  There’ll be music, entertainment, refreshments and demonstrations, with the open day running from 12 to 3pm and admission free.  Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more was Tim Madden, Manager of the Michael Cusack Heritage Centre. Image (c) Michael Cusack Centre
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  Ennis And Langenfeld To Celebrate Oktoberfest On Culture Night 17.09.2026 12min

  Oktoberfest is returning to Ennis on Friday evening as part of Culture Night, celebrating the longstanding twinning between Ennis and Langenfeld in Germany.    Now in its fourth year, the event aims to bring German culture, music, food and community spirit to the town while strengthening the links between the two communities.   Alan Morrissey was joined by Ennis councillor and Oktoberfest organiser Cllr Mary Howard, and Phil Miesle, who is also involved in the event. Image (c) Ennis and Langenfeld Twinning Committee
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  University Of Limerick Study Finds Homework Frequency, Not Volume, Key To Maximising Benefits For Secondary Students 17.09.2026 11min

  Thursday's Morning Focus talked about homework, and new research from the University of Limerick suggests that when it comes to secondary school students, it may be frequency rather than volume that matters most.  The study found that short, regular homework assignments can be linked with improved performance in maths and science, while also highlighting questions around teaching styles and the growing use of AI by students.  To tell us more about the findings and what they could mean for students, teachers and parents, Alan Morrissey was joined by Dr Darragh Flannery from the University of Limerick. Photo (c) Karola G from Pexels via Canva
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  EU Proposes Ban On Social Media Access For Under 13s 17.09.2026 14min

   New EU rules aimed at restricting children's access to social media will be published today.     The EU Kids Act will set out new protections for under-18s, while under-13s will be directed towards child-friendly alternatives to social media platforms.     European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says young Europeans are spending between four and six hours a day looking at screens.     Communications Minister Patrick O'Donovan says social media companies will be held to account under the plans.    So, what could these changes mean in practice, and how achievable are they from a technology perspective?  To discuss this, Alan Morrissey has been speaking with Pat Clarke Browne, Technology Expert with Munster Business in Shannon and Petrina O’Halloran from our Parenthood in Focus, who is a mother to young girls. Image (c) akova from Getty Images via Canva
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  First Lisdoonvarna Fringe Fest 17.09.2026 4min

  It’s a big weekend for Lisdoonvarna, with the town’s famous September celebrations continuing and a brand-new event getting underway — the very first Lisdoonvarna Fringe Fest.  Running from tomorrow, September 18th, to Sunday the 20th, the free festival will bring music, theatre, dancing, art, storytelling, book launches and historical tours to venues around the village.  It’s all about celebrating local culture, heritage and, of course, plenty of craic.  Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more was one of the organisers, Dermott Petty. Image (c) Lisdoonvarna Fringe Fest
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  The Burren & Cliffs Of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark Joins Unesco Together 17.09.2026 10min

  The Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark has joined a new all-island partnership bringing UNESCO sites from across Ireland and Northern Ireland together.   ‘UNESCO Together’ aims to promote collaboration in heritage, culture, sustainability, education and tourism, with plans for community exchanges and potentially an all-island UNESCO Tourism Trail.   To tell us more about the initiative and what it could mean for Clare, Alan Morrissey was joined by Dr Eamon Doyle, Geologist with the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark and Clare County Council. Photo (c) Brian Arthur via Clare County Council
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  The Future of Disability Services - Week 2 - Education & Inclusion 17.09.2026 15min

  On this week's episode of 'The Future of Disability Services' , Pat Flynn chats with Michael Meere, a director on the boards of several disability organisations. This feature, 'The Future of Disability Services' is funded by the News Reporting Scheme.
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  SVP's Donate Well. Shop Well. Do Good. Campaign 17.09.2026 6min

  Thursday's Morning Focus took a look behind the scenes at Vincent’s charity shops as part of the Society of St Vincent de Paul’s “Donate Well. Shop Well. Do Good.” campaign.  From the moment you drop off a bag of clothes, to sorting, preparing and giving those items a second life, there’s a lot more involved than you might think.  To tell us more about donating thoughtfully, shopping pre-loved and supporting people in our local communities, Alan Morrissey was joined by Bridget Healy, SVP’s Mid-West President. Image (c) St. Vincent de Paul
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  Feakle Mother Raises Awareness of Sign Language In Support Of Profoundly Deaf Son 17.09.2026 12min

  Alan Morrissey was joined on Thursday's Morning Focus by Katie Smith, a mother from Feakle who is raising awareness of Irish Sign Language and the importance of communication and inclusion for profoundly deaf children, and Tommy Guilfoyle.  Katie’s own son faces significant challenges communicating with children his own age, and she is passionate about ensuring that sign language is more widely available in schools.  She’s also helping to organise a fundraiser at Peppers Bar marquee on September 25th, with a fantastic line-up of local performers, all in support of Irish Sign Language lessons.  Photo (c) Kevin Malik from Pexels via Canva
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  Anger In Doonbeg Over Handling Of Security Operations For Amgen Irish Open 17.09.2026 15min

  Doonbeg is still reflecting on an extraordinary few days, with the Irish Open, Fáilte Fest and the visit of US President Donald Trump bringing huge attention — and large crowds — to the village.   But alongside the excitement, there was frustration among some locals and businesses over security barriers, traffic restrictions and the impression that Doonbeg was closed off.   Alan Morrissey was joined by the new Morrissey’s Bar owner Eamonn Vaughan and local Fianna Fáil councillor and business owner Rita McInerney to discuss the experience and what lessons can be learned. Photo (c) Clare FM
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  €11M Funding Boost For Clare Farmers 17.09.2026 2min

  Clare farmers are set to benefit from an over €11m funding boost. Approximately 5,051 individuals in this county will receive an allocation under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme. The average payment , which is designed to support farmers on land affected by difficult conditions will come to just over €2,200. Clare IFA Chair Stephen Walsh says it's hugely important at this time of year.
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  Clare Opposition TD Hits Back At Taoiseach Criticism Of Sinn Féin Approach To Irish Unity 17.09.2026 3min

  Clare's opposition TD has hit back at the Taoiseach over comments he made about Sinn Féin's approach to Irish Unity. Sinn Féin, along with Plaid Cymru and the SNP signed the Cardiff agreement which aims to work towards independence from Downing Street. Michael Martin criticised the memorandum of understanding, claiming Sinn Féin set back Irish unity by collaborating with Wales and Scotland. Shannon Sinn Féin TD, Donna McGettigan, says the Taoiseach needs to 'get the finger out' and start laying the groundwork for unification.
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  Mr Justice Seamus Henchy 16.09.2026 59min

  Mr Justice Seamus Henchy by Clare FM
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  Clare Agtech Firm Fears Farmers Face Long Road Back To Profitability 16.09.2026 2min

  A Clare agtech company fears it will be a long time before farmers return to a cash-positive position. True North Technologies, which is based in Shannon, is one of hundreds of exhibitors at the National Ploughing Championships, which kicked off in Offaly yesterday. Nearly 290,000 spectators and competitors are expected in Screggan over the course of the three-day event. Rising costs for farmers are one of the main topics on everyone’s lips at the event, and Executive Director of True North Technologies, Diarmuid McSweeney, has been telling Clare FM that while it's been a challenging year for farmers, there are some positives.
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  Daktronics And Roche To Be Discussed In Upcoming IDA Visit 16.09.2026 2min

  The futures of two of Clare's largest employment sites will feature heavily on the agenda at an upcoming visit of Ireland's inward investment agency. The Industrial Development Authority is set to meet councillors in the coming weeks to discuss progress in attracting foreign direct investment here. It comes amid the imminent closure of the Daktronics plant in Ennistymon which will lead to 100 redundancies, while efforts are still underway to secure new industry at the Roche site in Clarecastle. Clarecastle Sinn Féin Councillor and Mayor of Ennis Tommy Guilfoyle has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that new economic drivers are urgently needed.
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  ‘Som do Brasil’ A Celebration Of Brazilian Popular Music 16.09.2026 10min

  Brazilian music is coming to Ennis this Culture Night with Som do Brasil – A Celebration of Brazilian Popular Music.   This Friday's concert, which will take place at Súil Gallery, will explore the rhythms of samba, bossa nova and MPB, featuring music from some of Brazil’s most celebrated artists and composers.  Joining Ennis singer-songwriter Amanda Ní Sheannáin are Brazilian musicians Cairo Rocha and Tony Sozza, who are bringing a taste of Brazil to Clare — with a touch of the Irish language woven into the performance. Photo (c) Clare FM
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  Financial Advice: Budgeting For Christmas 16.09.2026 10min

  On Wednesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tommy Corbett from Carey Corbett Financial Solutions. This week, Tommy discussed how to prepare financially for Christmas, especially with the current cost of living crisis. If you want to send in any questions for Tommy contact 0861800964 or email [email protected] Photo (c) Tommy Corbett
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  Social Democrats Think-In 16.09.2026 13min

  The Social Democrats are calling for the planned carbon tax increase to go ahead, while proposing a windfall tax on energy companies to help households struggling with high energy bills.     The party is also putting housing, climate action and the cost of living high on its political agenda.  To discuss those issues, Alan Morrissey was joined by Hilary Tonge of the Clare branch of the Social Democrats. Image (c) Social Democrats