Clare FM

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

Ahead of today's budget, Alan Morrissey was joined by Joe Cooney, Bodyke Fine Gael TD, and Hilary Tonge, Clare Social Democrats Representative, to discuss what they want to see included. Photo (c) Jakub Zerdzicki from Pexels via Canva

Clare GAA is seeking developers to carry works worth up to €300,000 at Caherlohan. A 4G astro pitch is expected to be up and running at the centre of excellence by next month. Clare GAA is also seeking tenders to provide floodlighting, pedestrian lighting and design works at the site as part of the wider re-development. Clare GAA Chair Kieran Keating says they're making good progress.

Coming up on the show, we will review the Clare Credit Unions senior camogie final, the weekends club football action and Ruan is the focus of More Than A Club

Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch to review the weekend’s sporting fixtures. T.U.S. Clare Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Finals - Eire Óg 1-20 St. Josephs Miltown Malbay 0-11 (Sunday, Ennis) - Kildysart 0-9 Kilmurry Ibrickane 4-22 (Sunday, Ennis) Clare Credit Unions Clare Senior Camogie Championship Final - Kilmaley 1-8 Truagh-Clonlara 0-16 (Saturday, Ennis) Image (c) Clare FM

Happiness Then is coming to Glór in Ennis on October 14th. It’s a sharp and witty comedy drama about two sisters, Bridget and Frances, who come together for the first time following their mother’s death and, as you can imagine, there’s plenty of old history, family tension and plenty of laughs along the way. The production stars Rachael Dowling, who you’ll know from Kin, and Sorcha Furlong, who many of you will know as Orla from Fair City. Sorcha joined Alan Morrissey to tell us more about Happiness Then and what audiences can expect when it comes to Glór. Photo (c) Happiness Then via Glór

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre, Ennis was back on Monday’s Morning Focus to answer all your gardening queries. This week, Judy gave us some tips and tricks for preparing our beloved gardens for the cold winter months. If you have any questions for Judy, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964. Image (c) Clonroad Garden Centre

As we celebrate 100 years of radio in Ireland, we’re looking back at the incredible role it has played in our lives — from the early days of Radio Éireann to the presenters, programmes and voices that became part of our everyday lives. Author and academic Rosemary Day has delved into that history, exploring everything from women in broadcasting and Irish-language radio to community, pirate and internet radio, and how radio has reflected and shaped Irish society over the past century. Rosemary is an Associate Professor and Head of Media and Communication Studies at Mary Immaculate College, and she also has a long history with community radio. Photo (c) igorovsyannykov from pixabay via Canva

The debate over LNG infrastructure on the Shannon Estuary is continuing, with the Stop Shannon LNG Coalition campaigning against the development of LNG terminals in Ireland. As part of that campaign, international speakers from communities in the US and Germany affected by gas infrastructure are coming to Clare for the Gaslit documentary speakers tour, including a screening in Ennis on October 11th. Alan Morrissey has been speaking with Kilkee resident and Stop Shannon LNG Coalition member Criostóir King to discuss the campaign and the concerns being raised about the proposed LNG terminal in Clare. Photo (c) Mr Doomits via Canva

On Monday’s Morning Focus, it was time again for our Arts Slot with County Art’s Officer Siobhán Mulcahy. Siobhán provided our listeners with all the details of this week’s live events for entertainment lovers in Banner County. Photo (c) Clare FM

Alan Morrissey was joined by Kevin McCormack from Newmarket-on-Fergus, a former member of the Defence Forces who recently received a 25-Year Service Medal from the Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen and Women. Kevin served for 23 years with the 30th Infantry Battalion in Kilkenny, and was also honoured at a civic reception marking the contribution of former and serving members of the Defence Forces. Alan heard about his years in the Army, the importance of remembering veterans, and his perspective on Ireland’s role in a world facing a number of ongoing conflicts. Photo (c) Clare FM

On Monday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was talking parenting, teenagers and emotional resilience with one of Ireland’s best-known parenting experts, clinical psychologist Dr David Coleman. David is bringing his Ready for Anything: Building Emotional Resilience in Children and Teenagers tour to the Lime Tree Theatre in Limerick on October 10th. He’ll be sharing practical advice on helping young people deal with everything from friendship dramas and social media pressures to the everyday knocks of growing up. Photo (c) dimaberlinphotos via Canva

As part of Irish Road Safety Week, we’re putting the spotlight on some of the ways drivers can stay safer on our roads. New cars now come with an impressive range of safety technology, from automatic emergency braking to blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance. But how effective are these features, and what should motorists know when choosing and maintaining a vehicle? Joining Alan Morrissey earlier to discuss the latest developments in car safety were Eddie Rynne, General Manager of Sheils Motor Group, Síle Ginnane of Better Ennis, and Ennis-based Community Policing Sergeant Dominic Regan. Photo (c) inthevisual from Getty Images Pro via Canva

With one day to go to Budget 2027, the focus is on what it will mean for people and businesses across Clare. Clare FM’s Éabha Brennan has been getting the views of more people around Clare on the Budget. Meanwhile, farmers are facing rising fuel and fertiliser costs, businesses and retailers are looking for help with energy and employment costs, while childcare providers and parents are watching closely for measures to reduce the cost of childcare. Alan Morrissey was joined by three people representing very different sectors of the local economy: Cratloe farmer and former ICMSA General Secretary Eddie Punch, Ennis Chamber CEO Margaret O’Brien, and Noel Mulderrig of Kidz Haven in Shannon. Photo (c) Jakub Zerdzicki from Pexels via Canva

A Clare haulier says it would be naive of Government to 'inflame society' to the same level that was seen during the fuel protest by not providing adequate support in the budget. Energy is expected to be a focus point of tomorrow's budget, with the Government saying a temporary package of energy measures is on the cards. Excise cuts on fuel are set to continue, while its unlikely the planned increases to the carbon levy will go ahead. The Irish Road Haulage Association is calling for a package of measures to support the transport and logistics sector, including a further three-month continuation of the Road Transporters Support Scheme, alongside incentives to encourage the use of lower-carbon biofuels. Ennis based IRHA Deputy Vice-President, Eugene Drennan, says there's enough flexibility to offer supports that will prevent further protests.

It's hoped new road safety measures in the Shannon Municipal District will greatly benefit people with reduced mobility. It comes as Clare County Council has proposed a number of traffic calming measures on potentially dangerous routes across the Shannon Municipal District. Raised tabletops and pedestrian zebra crossings are proposed at various locations in Shannon, Cratloe, Sixmilebridge, Westbury and Shannonbanks. Shannon Fine Gael Councillor Tony Mulcahy says it's crucial to forge safe routes throughout each town.

Stephen Fletcher presents Beyond Belief which features an interview with Luke Hawkins who is the Youth Develpoment Officer and tells us about youth ministry in the Church of Ireland. There is also a reflection on childhood Autumn and Harvest traditions in Co Clare recalled by Mary Finucane and a chat over coffee with Fr Gerry Kenny.

The number of electric cars sold in Clare so far in 2026 is almost twice as many as at the same stage last year. New data from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry shows 755 electric cars have been sold so far this year in Clare, compared to 378 at the end of September 2025. Fully electric cars now account for 27 per cent of the new car market in Clare, the highest rate ever recorded in the county. SIMI Director General Brian Cooke says it's been a landmark year for EV sales.

It's hoped a temporary relaxation of Ireland's employment permit system for family carers can lead to an increase in home help hours in Clare. Enterprise Minister Peter Burke is due to bring a memo to Cabinet proposing a temporary easing of the 50:50 rule to help fill vacancies and relieve pressure on frontline services. The rule currently requires at least half of a workforce to be made up of Irish, EEA, Swiss or UK nationals before an employment permit can be issued to someone from outside the EEA. Bodyke Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney says it will provide vital assistance to those struggling to find home help.

A Clare animal sanctuary has launched an urgent fundraising appeal to help treat one of its donkeys, which is in need of veterinary care for COPD. Hill Top Sanctuary in Scariff was recently forced to purchase new land due to increased demand for its services, taking on a number of donkeys occupying the land in the process. The sanctuary also has several cats that urgently need to be spayed, while 20 donkeys and horses are due for farrier visits in the near future. Catriona Lowry from Hill Top Sanctuary says a separate shelter must be built to provide the appropriate treatment for the respiratory illness.

Fr Brendan Quinlivan leased our Sunday Prayer for today, Sunday 4th October 2026, the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Clare dog owners are being advised to be wary of the potential dangers of algal bloom when walking their dogs near water. It follows an advisory issued by Tipperary County Council last week abut the presence of algae on the Tipperary side of Lough Derg. Clare County Council says its not aware of any such conditions on the Clare side of the lake, but is reassuring the situation remains under review, with local authority staff continuing to monitor conditions. County Dog Warden Frankie Coote says people should still remain vigilant.

It's hoped a new influx of funding for Clare's Local Community Safety Partnership will help tackle antisocial behaviour in four Clare towns. Almost €100,000 has been awarded to the Clare LCSP, funded through money and assets seized by Gardaí and the Criminal Assets Bureau. €71,250 will go towards the Building Safer Communities in Clare programme, which aims to tackle the root causes of crime in Tulla, Ennis, Kilrush and Shannon. Clare LCSP Chair PJ Ryan says it will help stamp out issues before they escalate.

Coming up on the show, we will be looking ahead to the Clare Credit Unions senior camogie final, previewing a massive weekend of semi final action in the TUS senior and intermediate football championships, and Kilmihil are the focus of this weeks More Than A Club

Clare FM brings you our latest feature, Clare FM's Road Safety Intitiatve. In this episode, Lily Collins chats to Ardnacrusha Fianna Fáil Councillor and member Clare Road Safety Working Group, Rachel Hartigan. Rachel discusses the need for road safety policing. Funded by the Coimisiún na Meán’s news reporting scheme

Clare FM brings you our latest feature, Clare FM's Road Safety Intitiatve. In this episode, Lily Collins chats to Mike McGrath of Safeway Tyres Ennis. Mike shares advice and tips on tyre safety. Funded by the Coimisiún na Meán’s news reporting scheme

Derry-based songwriter roe is an emotional car crash with free will and an impulse to write. A resident of genre purgatory, roe’s influences span from Irish to American artists like Orla Gartland, Medium Build and Rainbow Kitten Surprise that don’t quite fit the mold. From a very early age she has captured her inner monologue and projected it on a global scale. Through live performances at Reeperbahn, SXSW, a UK arena run supporting Snow Patrol and through various placements such as in Tig Notaro’s ‘Am I OK?’, she has connected with audiences all over the world. Her 2022 debut album ‘That’s When The Panic Sets In’ was called “an exceptionally sophisticated succession of confessional songs” by The Irish Times. Everything since has been made without a label or publisher, on her own terms and with a small, dedicated team around her. ‘LOST DOG!’ arrives on the back of a run of independently released singles that began in September 2025, including ‘The Moment’s Gone’, ‘Lydia’, ‘Bucketlist (apocalypse song)’ and…

Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch to preview the weekend’s sporting fixtures. T.U.S Clare Senior Football Championship Semi-Finals - Eire Óg vs St. Josephs Miltown Malbay (Sunday, Ennis, 1pm) - Kildysart vs Kilmurry Ibrickane (Sunday, Ennis, 3pm) Clare Credit Unions Clare Senior Camogie Championship Final - Kilmaley v Truagh-Clonlara (Saturday, Ennis, 3pm) Image (c) Clare FM

If you’re a fan of vintage machinery, classic vehicles and a good family day out, there’s plenty to look forward to in Lisdoonvarna this Sunday. Tractorfest will bring together vintage tractors, classic cars, motorbikes, trucks, farm equipment and emergency vehicles, alongside local food, crafts and live entertainment. It’s a celebration of rural heritage and the people keeping that history alive. Alan Morrissey was joined by co-organiser Graham Denney to tell us more. Image (c) Lisdoonvarna Town Team via Facebook

Women’s Health Week 2026 is running this week, with a packed programme of events taking place across Clare until October 4th. This year’s theme is “Strong at Every Age – Strong Bones, Strong Hearts, Strong Minds”, with activities focusing on physical health, mental wellbeing, nutrition, exercise and healthy ageing. Joining Alan Morrissey to share straightforward, evidence-based advice on nutrition for women and teenage girls, including how food can support healthy bodies, strong hearts and active lives was Gráinne Travers, a registered nutritionist. Photo (c) Clare FM

On Friday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Dolores Meaney, Senior Executive Librarian, to hear more about what's going on in Clare's libraries. Dolores took Alan through the programme of events for the upcoming Clare Libraries History Week. Photo (c) Clare FM

Thousands of students gathered yesterday (Thursday) to demand more support from the Government. AMLÉ is calling for more investment into student accommodation, the abolition of the student contribution fee and to close the core funding gap. The march took place through Dublin city. It comes after Higher Education Minister James Lawless said next week's budget will deliver significantly for students and young people. It's not clear yet if there will be any measures to directly target those areas. AMLÉ President Daniel Walsh, says they have a few key demands and one of them includes a reduction in college fees. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Eva McCormack, UL Student Life President, and Seán de Búrca, President Of Comhaltas na Mac Léinn, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe. Photo (c) UL Student Life