Clare's Aontú representative is raising concern over a lack of Gardaí available to police drug activity in the county. New Figures released in response to a parliamentary question from the party show just 18 arrests were made in relation to drug offences here since January, the second lowest total nationwide. Clare currently ranks 24th out of the country's 28 Garda divisions in terms of staffing, while this county is yet to receive any new recruits from Templemore so far this year. Aontú's MidWest PRO, Eric Nelligan believes the state are not doing enough to fight crime in rural communities.

Claims Clare Garda Resources Not Prioritised In The Fight Against Drug Crime

It’s time for the latest of our In Profile interviews.

In Profile is where we have entertaining, enlightening and fascinating conversations with the great and good from around County Clare: from people who were either born or live here, to those with a connection to the Banner County.

Our latest guest for In Profile is John J.Kelly.

John is Irish-American, with his origins very much connected to the old country.

John’s father was from Kilclaran, near Feakle and both of his parents emigrated from Ireland to the United States.

John spoke about about his parents’ journey from Feakle to the United States during the 1920s.

He also highlighted how he became the leader of the manufacturing team that was responsible for making the engine that lifted Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin off the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in July 1969.

In Profile - John J. Kelly

The Clare Branch of the Irish Red Cross are doing a lot of work including promoting new members to join their ambulance service and holding a Tour of Clare fundraiser. 

The Irish Red Cross also have plans to develop and improve their training centre in Clare. 

They will be holding an annual table quiz on Saturday, the 9th of November 2024.

To talk more about this, Peter O'Connell was joined by members of the Clare Branch of the Irish Red Cross, James Lafferty and Chloe Walsh.

Photo (c): Clare FM

The Irish Red Cross Welcome New Volunteers

Today is World Mental Health Day. 

The Department of Psychology in Mary Immaculate College in partnership with parents, HSE, Tusla and Clarecare have launched a new study to examine the experiences of parents living with mental health challenges.  

To find out more about the survey, Alan Morrissey was joined by Psychology Professor at Mary Immaculate College, Niamh Stack, Clarecare Family support service team leader, Joanne Peril and a parent from Ennis, Tracy Dsane.

Photo (c): Clare FM

New Study To Examine Experiences Of Parents Living With Mental Health Challenges

County Arts Officer, Siobhan Mulcahy alerted us to the upcoming Sinead O’Connor tribute night in Doolin during yesterday’s Arts Preview on Morning Focus. 

The tribute to one of Ireland’s greatest vocalists will take place at The Attic, Hotel Doolin this Saturday, December 7th. 

A stellar lineup will perform on the night, including Róisin El Cherif, Emma Langford, Steo Wall, Aoibheann Boyle and Seba Safe. 

To find out more information, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by Steo Wall, Aoibheann Boyle and the organiser from Cuppa Tea TV, Damien O'Rourke.

Photo (c): Clare FM

Sinéad O'Connor Tribute Night In Aid Of MASI

Interviews with both camps as Eire Óg and Clooney Quin prepare for the TUS Clare SHC final

Clare FM Views From Camps Ahead Of TUS Clare SHC Final

A major drive is underway to recruit Shanon's next generation of Air Traffic Controllers.

AirNav Ireland which monitors 451,000 square km of Ireland's sovereign air space is currently seeking new participants for its 18-month apprenticeship programme.

The organisation currently has vacancies in Shannon, Ballycasey and Ballygireen in Clare, as well as in Cork.

Shannon Air Traffic Controller Con Hayes says it's a golden opportunity. 

Air Traffic Controller Recruitment Drive In Shannon

The Managing Director of Supermac's says they'll fight "tooth and nail" to defeat a new challenge to its planned service station in Clare. Uisce Éireann has stopped working on a wastewater connection to the new Banner Plaza located at Junction 12 outside Ennis due to High Court legal action launched against the water utility in August. The action is being taken by the group Friends of the Irish Environment on the grounds that the Clareabbey Wastewater Treatment Plan is "already overloaded" - a claim disputed by Supermac's. Pat McDonagh says there's no basis to the challenge and insists the plaza will be open to the public in the near future.

Supermac's To Fight "Tooth And Nail" To Defeat New Challenge To Banner Plaza

Clare is celebrating a world champion! Bartek Bartnik has claimed the world title at the ITF Taekwondo World Championships in Croatia.

To share more about his incredible achievement, Bartek and his coach, Adrian Byrne — owner of Shannon Taekwon-Do Club joined Alan Morrissey in-studio.

Shannon Teen Crowned World Champion at the ITF Taekwondo World Championships in Croatia

On this podcast:

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch looks ahead to the 2025 Clare Premier Intermediate hurling, Intermediate hurling and Junior A hurling championship finals.

Clare FM Preview Of 2025 Clare PIHC, IHC & JAHC Finals

Ferns Wellness, a Family run Health Food Store in Ennis is set to close by the end of October. 

For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by James Ferns of Ferns Wellness.

Picture (c) Ferns Wellness via Facebook

Ennis Business Ferns Wellness Set To Close At End Of This Month

Éire Óg's Shane O'Donnell claims the structure of the Munster Club Hurling Championship has resulted in a less than ideal preparation for their semi final tie.

The Townies will face Loughmore-Castleiney in the last four after the Tipperary outfit claimed back to back titles with victory over Nenagh Éire Óg, with that game set for November 16th in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg.

The Clare champions are having to contend with a six week layoff since their county final success, while Loughmore have a fortnights turnaround to the game.

Reigning hurler of the year, O'Donnell, says neither sides' build up for the game is optimal.

O'Donnell Criticises Six Week Layoff  As Townies Prepare For Munster Semi Final Clash With Loughmore

When Amro Mrabiye arrived in Ireland as a young boy fleeing the conflict in Syria, he never imagined that a decade later he’d be building a life and a brand, inspired by the very place that gave him peace.  

Now 20 and based in Ennistymon, Amro has channelled his journey of resilience and renewal into Amarè, a rising clothing brand that celebrates comfort, creativity, and connection. 

Amro Mrabiye spoke with Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus.

Image (c) Amarè Clothing via Instagram

From Syria to Ennistymon: A Young Entrepreneur Turns His Journey Into Fashion

On this week’s Atlantic Tales Pat Flynn visits the award-winning Shannon Aviation Museum which has evolved over a number years and continues to expand its already extensive collection.

It is the most comprehensive museum of its kind in Ireland, featuring a vast collection of memorabilia several full size aircraft, engines, a Boeing 737 flight simulator and an impressive Irish Air Corps exhibit.

Atlantic Tales - Shannon Aviation Museum - Episode 226

Roisin Mulqueen Howard from Tulla Road, Ennis has been named the Clare Lidl Family Carer of the Year 2025. 

The awards recognise the remarkable commitment, compassion and strength of family carers who provide essential care to loved ones every day.  

Roisin joined Alan Morrissey live in-studio during Tuesday's Morning Focus.

Roisin Mulqueen Howard Named Clare Lidl Family Carer Of The Year 2025

History was created in New York in recent days, with Zohran Mamdani winning the race to become the city’s mayor. 

He received more than fifty percent of the votes, defeating Democratic former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent after losing the nomination to Mr. Mamdani in the primary election, and the Republican candidate, Curtis Sliwa. 

The 34 year-old Democratic candidate will become the first Muslim mayor of the largest city in the US, as well as its youngest mayor in 133 years. 

Just days before his stunning victory, Zohra/n Mamdani paid a visit to the popular Murphy’s sports bar in the Big Apple, which is owned by Clare native, Rory Murphy. 

Murphy’s is located in Queen’s, where Mamdani lives. 

To find out more about this, Rory spoke with Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus live from New York.
 
Photo (c) Rory Murphy.

Clare New York Bar Owner On His Story And Zohran Mamdani’s Visit

The long-awaited opening of a new service station on the outskirts of Ennis is being hailed as a win for the economy of the county town and its surrounds.
Following a lengthy battle, the Supermac's Banner Plaza at Junction 12 on the M18 has officially opened its doors this afternoon.
The station is the result of a €20 million investment and is responsible for the creation of more than 120 jobs.
Clare FM's Seán Lyons has been speaking to local Councillor Pat Daly at the Banner Plaza 

€20M Banner Plaza Officially Opens, Creating 120 Jobs

The founder of an Irish fast food restaurant chain claims its new service station in Clare will be its biggest one yet. The €20 million Supermac's Banner Plaza, which is located at Junction 12 off the M18 near Doora, has officially opened its doors. The complex supports over 120 jobs and has been in the works for 14 years during which time it's seen off various legal challenges. Founder and Managing Director of Supermac's, Pat McDonagh, says the need for it was clear.

Supermac's Founder Claims New Clare Service Station Will Be "Biggest One" Yet

An era has come to an end at a petrol station in Shannon, with O’Connor’s Texaco changing hands. 

After 49 years, the O’Connor family have sold their “beloved” petrol station and shop. It has now opened under new ownership. 

The decision to sell the business and move on is undoubtedly a bittersweet one for the O’Connor family. 

To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined live in studio by Darragh O'Connor of O’Connor’s Texaco in Shannon.

The O’Connor Family Bids Farewell To Texaco Shannon After 49 Years Of Service

Gardaí and the family of Eoin Joy are appealing for information on his whereabouts. 

Eoin is described as being about five foot ten in height, of medium build, with brown hair and blue eyes.

When last seen, he was wearing a beige fleece, mid-blue jeans, and dark trainers with a white stripe. 

It’s believed Eoin may have travelled to County Clare, and both Gardaí and his family are deeply concerned for his well-being. 

Sally-Ann Barrett spoke to Eoin's sister Dee Dalton on Morning Focus.

Anyone with information on Eoin’s whereabouts is asked to contact Henry Street Garda Station on (061) 212400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

The Sister Of Missing Eoin Joy Issues Plea For Information On His Whereabouts

Glór will host the Cantare Christmas Choir next month. 

The concert on the 19th of December will be in aid of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and in memory of Olivia Tuohy, who passed away in Edinburgh last May. 

Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by Kieran Tuohy, father of Olivia Tuohy, Carmel Honan of Cantare Choir, Musical Director Michael Hennessy & Soprano Helen Catherine Ball.

Cantare Christmas Concert In Aid Of The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust

A Clare woman says she was left stranded, stressed, and out of pocket after returning to find her car clamped at Ennis train and bus station — despite having paid for her parking. 

Maureen McKeogh had left her car there for three days with a valid ticket.  
But when she returned, she discovered a clamp on her wheel and a demand for €120. 

Alan Morrissey spoke to Maureen on Monday's Morning Focus to find out more.

Photo (c) djumandji via Getty Images

Ennis Woman On Her Clamping Experience

Last week, we heard the Christmas song being released by the Kilfenora Ceilí Band. 

Their festive tune, “A Boston Christmas”, certainly got us in the Christmas mood! 

Kilrush musician Teresa Carrig is also adding her voice to the festive season with the release of her brand-new Christmas single, Here With Me.

Kilrush Musician Teresa Carrig On New Christmas Single ‘Here With Me’

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.

Doyle Claims Referee 'Lost Composure' In Mills' Munster Final Defeat

It's a busy time across County Clare for Christmas markets!

On Wednesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey caught up with organisers from Mountshannon, Broadford, Kilrush, Lahinch, Kilkee, and Miltown Malbay to hear what locals and visitors can look forward to at this year’s festive markets.

Alan spoke with Frank Bouchier in Mountshannon, Karen O’Connor in Broadford, Brid Meaney in Kilrush, Susan Harrington in Lahinch, Deborah Hickie in Kilkee and 
Neil Hynes in Miltown Malbay.

Photo (c) Oleksandr P from Pexels via Canva

County Clare Gears Up For A Festive Season Of Christmas Markets

The survival of a North Clare business is under threat following a controversial planning decision. Clare County Council has refused permission for Patrick and Mary Nagle to continue operating the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk Car Park in Liscannor, which has been providing parking, toilets and changing facilities for tourists since 2012. The local authority has argued that as the Cliff Walk remains closed at Hag's Head, and along the entirety of the Southern Trail, the car park isn't required and would be a haphazard development. Mary believes the council's judgement is short-sighted.

North Clare Family Business Under Threat Following Planning Decision

A couple, previously featured on Atlantic Tales, are opening an exciting new space in Ennis that combines a pottery teaching school, yoga studio, and craft/wellness outlet. 

The new centre, called Potadóir, aims to be a creative and wellbeing hub for the Clare community, offering a wide range of classes starting in January.  

The doors open to the public this Saturday (13th December), with the full schedule of classes kicking off in the new year. 

On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke with Kevin Keane, from Potadóir.

New Pottery & Yoga Centre Opens In Ennis

Club Clare memberships are now open for 2026, with all funds raised going toward supporting Clare’s hurling and camogie teams for the coming season, from adult to underage levels.

To discuss this and more, Clare senior hurling manager Brian Lohan joined Alan Morrissey on Thursday’s Morning Focus.

Clare SH Manager Brian Lohan On Clare FM's Morning Focus

The village of Kilmurry feels whole again today following the much-anticipated reopening of the Pumphouse. 
After a three-month closure, the bar has returned under new management, ready to serve again. 
To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Bernard Farrelly, new management.

Image (c) Pumphouse Bar 

The Pumphouse Bar Reopens In Kilmurry

The principal of St Flannan's College says the school community is “deeply saddened” as the victim of Saturday's fatal road traffic collision has been named locally as fifth year student TJ Chambers.

The 16-year-old passed away following a single-vehicle collision on the R458 at Bunnahow, north of Crusheen.

A number of support services have been set up within the ? to assist those affected by TJ's passing, while a book of condolences will also be set up in the school.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have dash cam footage and was travelling in the area around the time of the collision to contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 6848100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Principal of St Flannan's College, Donal Cahir, says TJ was a “terrific chap” who gave his all to everything he was involved in.

St.Flannan's Community 'Deeply Saddened' As Teenager Who Died In Road Crash Named Locally

To mark the New Year Stephen Fletcher looks back over 2025 and picks extracts from three interviews he had last year. There is also the first Coffee and Chat of the New Year with Fr Gerry and Reflections for this New Year from Bishop Michael and Bishop Fintan.  

Beyond Belief - Sunday 4th January 2026

It’s a New Year and this usually involves a New Year’s Resolution, where you swear to yourself that you will go to the gym every day and eat and drink all of the right things...only to give up on it after a very short period!

Clare FM’s Daragh Leamy has been asking people in Clare about their New Year’s resolutions and  to tell us about habits and why they don’t last, and why simple steps are the solution for change, Alan Morrissey spoke with qualified fitness coach and founder of Fitness4Fun in Clare, John Conroy.

Image (c) New Year's resolutions by rimmabondarenko via Canva.

New Year's Resolutions 2026

Fr Brendan Quinlivan leads our first Sunday Prayer for 2026, on today 4th January 2026.

Sunday Prayer - Sunday 4th January 2026.

This week, Pat Clarke Browne of Munster Business, based in Shannon gave us all the insight into the technological trends shaping 2026.

Pat spoke about the possible launch of the Steam Deck, a handheld xbox and PS 6 from Microsoft, bio Printing heading towards Human trials & more!

Image (c) Technology and light bulb by kaan tanman from Getty Images Signature via Canva


Tech Slot: Tech Trends For 2026

The Ennis Eccentric Music Society host music events celebrating original and alternative music talent from Clare and beyond.

To tell us more about the society and the upcoming events, Alan Morrissey was joined by 
members, Laetitia Andre, Nick Bromfield & Saoirse Walsh.

Ennis Eccentric Music Society On Upcoming Events

Fresh calls have been made for a serious policy shift around planning and objections in 2026 in order to increase Clare's housing stock.
According to the latest Daft.ie report, new property prices rose by approximately 5%, in line with the national average, however, the median house price in the county was 14% higher than at the end of 2024. 
Meanwhile, Munster as a whole recorded a 7.8% 'market heat' figure, which is an indication of how much more a new property sold for above its initial listing price. 
Economist at Trinity College Dublin and author of the Daft.ie report Ronan Lyons has been telling Clare FM's Darragh O'Grady, that the complicated nature of the planning system is leading to a sustained increase in house prices year on year.

Claims Serious Policy Shift Needed In 2026 To Increase Clare's Housing Stock

Housing shortages, reopening the Cliffs of Moher walking trail, rural depopulation and school spaces have all been highlighted as the major issues to overcome in Clare this year.
It comes as this county's Cathaoirligh have been outlining their priorities for 2026. 
Deputy Mayor of Ennis Pat Daly, Cathaoirleach of the Shannon Municipal District John Crowe, Killaloe MD Cathaoirleach Pat Burke and West Clare Cathaoirleach Bill Slattery joined Alan Morrissey in studio

Housing, Cliffs Of Moher, Rural Depopulation And School Spaces 2026 Priorities In Clare


It's claimed the uptick seen in the number of imported cars being purchased in Clare has been caused by a greater diversity of options in the import market.
Data from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry show Clare recorded an increase in the number of cars sold in the county in November, bucking the trend seen across the rest of the country. 
Nationwide there was a 25% decrease in the number of new car registrations, while by contrast, Clare's car says total almost trebled. 
General Manager of Sheils Motor Group in Ennis, Eddie Rynne, says cars imported from Japan made prices more affordable after Brexit tax hikes drove buyers out of the market.

Claims Greater Market Diversity Driving Force Behind Clare's Imported Car Market Boost

It's hoped new planning laws will streamline operations on Clare farms.

It follows the introduction of updated Exempted Development Regulations, which will for the first time provide a planning exemption for stand-alone slurry storage and significantly increase thresholds for exempted animal housing.

Animal Housing facilities can now range from 300 to 450 square metres, while slurry tanks can now hold up to 1,000 cubic metres of waste. 

Meelick farmer and Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe believes it will be hugely beneficial

Hopes New Planning Laws Will Streamline Clare Farming Operations

Clare Haven is an a position to enhance its services following a modest funding boost.

The Domestic and Gender Based Violence charity has been allocated €15,000 by CUAN in the latest round of government supports.

In the first half of this year alone, 418 incidents of assaults, assaults causing harm, sexual assault, rape and harassment were reported to Clare Gardaí.

Clare Haven Director of Services Dr Siobhán O'Connor is confident it will go a long way.

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