Clare Fm - Podcasts

Moneypoint Power Station recently marked its 40th anniversary, celebrating its people, its history, and its future. The event brought together local community representatives, past and present staff, and industry partners to reflect on four decades of contribution to Ireland’s electricity system. From its commissioning in the 1980s to its evolving role today, Moneypoint has remained a cornerstone of national energy generation and a source of pride for the region. To tell us more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Stephen O’Mahoney, Moneypoint Station Manager on Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) ESB Archives

A new creative project is inviting the people of Clare to share their memories of life along the coast. Seaweed Stories, led by Maeve Stone and Alex Gill of Cracking Light Productions, is gathering local recollections of harvesting, drying, cooking — and even trading — seaweed around the county. From family recipes to seaside traditions, it’s a celebration of Clare’s coastal heritage. If you'd like to share your story, email focus@clare.fm Photo (c) Anya Matushkina

On this week's episode of Clare Women In Business, Pat Flynn chats with Mary Kate Bolger, a marine biologist, skipper and director of DolphinWatch Carrigaholt. Clare Women in Business is funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the television licence fee.

The Ennis Trad Festival returns from November 6th to 10th for its 31st edition — bringing together some of the biggest names in Irish traditional music alongside emerging talent. With concerts, sessions, and celebrations filling every corner of the town, it promises another unforgettable weekend of music, song, and community spirit. David Stone, Chairperson of the Ennis Trad Festival told us more about this years Tradfest on Thursday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey. Photo (c) Ennis Tradfest

The Taoiseach has been apologising to his party faithful over the handling of the presidential election campaign. Micheál Martin addressed the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party last night, to answer questions over the exit of Jim Gavin from the race on Sunday. The Fianna Fail leader told the meeting he can 'sometimes get things wrong,' adding he was 'devastated' by Jim Gavin's hasty withdrawal. Some within Fianna Fáil are calling for change. On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey discussed this issue with FF councillor Alan O’Callaghan and FF councillor Rita McInerney. Photo (c) Fianna Fáil

The 2025 Marty Party drew to a close in Calpe last evening with the last of the six evening shows, which was headlined by Tommy Fleming. Along with the big Clare crowd in attendance to enjoy the event, there is also an all Clare backroom team behind the scenes. Clare FM's Derrick Lynch spoke Feakle's Matt Purcell who is responsible for making sure everyone sounds as good as they can, Snamhai Sasta founder June Curtin, and the man himself, Marty Morrissey, to reflect on a brilliant week of music in the sun.

John Keane is the new Chairman of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland. The Doonbeg man was appointed at the group’s AGM in recent days. To find out more, John spoke with Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Amateur Drama Council Ireland Facebook

Planning permission has been granted for a new 96-bed block at University Hospital Limerick — the second such development on the site. The decision by An Coimisiún Pleanála marks another step toward increasing hospital capacity in the Midwest, though campaigners say it’s far from a long-term solution to chronic overcrowding at UHL. On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined live in studio by Angela Coll, Friends of Ennis Hospital and Deirdre Culligan, Friends of Ennis Hospital.

A Clare senator is calling on the Public Expenditure Minister to clarity the measures in Budget 2026 that will assist those with disabilities. The Disability Federation of Ireland has described this year's package as a "devastating setback for disabled people unable to work", claiming they'll "see their incomes fall with the removal of vital social protection supports". A €619 million increase in funding for disability services has been announced this week, with disability allowance rising by €10 to €254. Speaking in the Seanad, Ennistymon Senator Martin Conway advocacy groups haven't minced words when expressing their dissatisfaction with the measures unveiled.

Water supply disruptions in Ennis are expected to be less common going forward following improvement works. Uisce Éireann has completed the replacement of over 300 metres of aged water mains with new modern pipes on the Gort Road. The water utility says Ward and Burke Construction Limited will begin reinstating the permanent road surface in due course on behalf of Uisce Éireann in partnership with Clare County Council. Uisce Éireann Programme Manager Jack Cronin is thanking locals for their cooperation throughout the project.

Doora/Barefield manager Donagh Vaughan claims their TUS Clare Senior Football Final appearance is 'five years in the making'. The Parish will contest their first decider in 13 years when they take on reigning champions Éire Óg on Sunday afternoon in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg. After coming through the group phase with just one point, wins over Kilmurry Ibrickane in the quarter final and Cratloe in the last four saw them through to the big game. Vaughan says there's a great buzz around the parish going into the game and that his players are determined to deliver a performance. Meanwhile, Éire Óg star, Mark McInerney, claims they're well aware of the threat Doora/Barefield pose to their crown. The Townies needed extra time to overcome the same opposition in the Cusack Cup final earlier this year. McInerney, says their sole focus is on what they can control, heading into Sunday. Throw in on Sunday is at 3:30pm with commentary thanks to Brian Pyne Tiles Westgate Business Park, Kilrush Road, Ennis.

The penultimate show of the 2025 Marty Party in Spain takes place tonight, with a huge Banner contingent enjoying a week of brilliant entertainment in the sun. Among them are plenty local talent also, coming from the East and West of the county. Clare FM's Derrick Lynch is in Calpe and spoke with Feakle's Kate Purcell and Kilbaha's Patrick Roche who are just some of the many acts taking part in this year’s event. Photo (c) Killester Travel

A large Clare crowd is among the contingent currently enjoying the 2025 Marty Party in Calpe, Spain. The event is in its second year overseas and has already proven to be a huge success for the Banner's own Marty Morrissey. Clare FM's Derrick Lynch has also headed to the Costa to catch up with the Clare crew and hear from some of those involved. Photo (c) Killester Travel

On Wednesday's Morning Focus, Daragh Dolan was joined live in studio by Tommy Corbett, Carey Corbett Financial Solutions to talk on Budget 2026 and how best for people to tackle the new measure introduced. If you want to send in any questions for Tommy contact 0861800964 or email focus@clare.fm

15 Irish citizens who were participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza were released (October 6th) after being apprehended by Israeli forces last week. Sarah was among the 15 Irish citizens detained by Israeli forces. Now released, she shared her experience of what unfolded during her detention and the treatment she and others received while in custody. Daragh Dolan had a chat with Sarah Clancy, Clare Public Participation Network founder on Wednesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Global Sumud Flotilla

This year’s “3for3” Breast Cancer awareness Walk is getting closer. The walk, in aid of the Symptomatic Breast Unit in UHL, incorporates the three bridges in Limerick. It will take place on Sunday, the 19th of October. To tell us more, Caroline Moloney, Founder of the 3for3 Charity, spoke with Daragh Dolan on Wednesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) 3for3 Walk Facebook

The Finance Minister says Budget 2026 is about 'investment' and balance'. It's expected a VAT rate cut for the hospitality sector, due to take effect in July, will be unveiled this afternoon. A ten euro rise in social welfare rates is also among the measures due to be announced. We’re going to continue our review of Budget 2026. Continuing the discussion on Budget 2026, Daragh Dolan speaks with Sean Lally, Hotel Woodstock Co-Owner and Clare Tourism Advisory Forum Chair, Jean McCabe, CEO of Retail Excellence and Deborah Kett, Clare mother. Photo (c) Clare FM

Budget 2026 was announced yesterday with new measures being introduced. Increases to the minimum wage are offset by a lack of any major income tax cuts in Budget 2026. The cost of cigarettes and fuel will also increase. Also - there will be a cut to the VAT rate for the food elements of the hospitality sector from the 1st of July next year. There will also be a VAT rate cut on new apartments, corporation tax benefits for those running cost rental schemes and a new DERELICT property tax charged at at least 7 per cent. The renters tax credit has been extended while the lower 9% VAT rate on gas and electricity has been extended until the end of 2030. Mortgage interest relief has been extended while the R&D tax credit has been made more generous. 50c has been added to the cost of a pack of cigarettes, but nothing on alcohol, and increases in the carbon tax mean car fuel will get more expensive from midnight. To give their thoughts on all this, Daragh Dolan spoke with Timmy Dooley, Tulla Fianna

A Clare teaching representative is accusing the Government of "moving pieces around a chessboard" in Budget 2026. The first of the measures announced in the Budget are now in effect, with around 2 and a half cents added to the cost of a litre of petrol and diesel, while tobacco products have increased by 50 cents. An allocation of €13.1 billion has been announced for the Department of Education and Youth as part of the €9.4 billion package. Minister for Finance Jack Chamber says there will be an additional 1,717 SNA posts in 2026 while 1,042 teaching posts will also be created. INTO Rep for Clare, Principal of Sixmilebridge National School Gareth Heagney, fears the deficit of special education teachers will be addressed through taking teachers out of mainstream classes.

A new report shows Clare would face over €800m in rebuild costs in an extreme flood event. Analysis by Gamma Risk, shows that a potential one in one-hundred year coastal disaster would impact over 2,300 residences in this county, more than a third of the total that would be affected nationwide. The company says this is largely due to the number of low-lying properties along the Shannon Estuary. Spokesperson and Principal Consultant Richard Cantwell claims homeowners in the area will find it increasingly difficult to get flood insurance in the coming years.