Clare FM

Hopes have been expressed that the construction of a 200-megawatt data centre in Ennis will attract significant international investment to Clare. The Supreme Court has upheld a decision by the then An Bord Pleanála to grant planning permission for the development. The project is a key part of the Ennis 2040 plan, with applicant Art Data Centres describing it as the only centre “of this scale that will be built in the next decade”. Ennis Chamber CEO Margaret O’Brien says the development represents a major opportunity for Clare.

We are celebrating county champions as Inagh-Kilnamona take control of the Canon Hamilton for the first time while Kilmurry Ibrickane have captured a second Clare ladies senior football crown.

Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch took us through the weekend’s sporting fixtures. ~ T.U.S. Clare Senior Hurling Championship Final ~ Inagh-Kilnamona v Kilmaley (Sunday, Ennis) ~ Clare Senior LGFA Final ~ Kilmurry Ibrickane v Fergus Rovers (Sunday, St Michaels Park Kilmihil) Image (c) Clare FM

St Francis Credit Union has launched a new Green Loan at a rate of 6.5%, aimed at helping members make their homes more energy-efficient and switch to greener forms of transport. The loan can be used for projects including solar panels, heat pumps, home insulation, upgraded windows and doors, and electric or other energy-efficient cars. The credit union is also hosting a free online Green Living Information Seminar on October 22nd, where members can learn more about grants, financial supports, and the benefits of making greener choices. Joining Derrick Lynch was Louis Faye, CEO of St Francis Credit Union, to explain how the new loan works, who might benefit from it and what members should consider before investing in energy upgrades. Photo (c) simpson33 from Getty Images via Canva

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre, Ennis was back on Monday’s Morning Focus to answer all your gardening queries. This week, Judy gave listed the top 5 shrubs to plant this time of year. 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) Clare FM

Clare Climate Action Week is back for its second year, with a programme of events, workshops and community initiatives taking place across the county from today until Sunday, October 18th. The week aims to highlight local climate action and give people practical information on everything from home energy upgrades and sustainable transport to reducing waste and supporting greener communities. Meanwhile, residents and businesses in Shannon are being invited to have their say on the town’s energy future, with a public meeting on Wednesday evening exploring the development of an Energy Master Plan. Joining Derrick Lynch were Dara Dever, Climate Action Officer with Clare County Council, and Denise O'Brien from the Clare Local Development Company. Photo (c) Clare FM

A Clare business is celebrating national recognition for an initiative that is making a real difference to older people in our communities. Rock the Rails Family Store in Kilrush has won the Age Friendly Business Innovation Award at the 2026 National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards, announced in Limerick on Thursday night. The business brings clothing directly to older people in community and residential settings through a mobile shopping service, helping customers maintain their independence, choice and social connections, even when mobility makes visiting a traditional shop difficult. The judges praised the initiative for removing practical barriers while supporting dignity, confidence, and social engagement. Joining Derrick Lynch was Maggie Cronin from Rock the Rails Family Store to tell us more about the award, the inspiration behind the store, and what this recognition means for the business and its customers. Photo (c) Age Friendly Ireland

Irish Book Week returns this Saturday for its ninth year, celebrating Irish writers, publishers, illustrators, poets and, of course, the independent bookshops that help bring their work to readers. Running from October 17th to 24th, the nationwide campaign encourages us all to shop local, shop Irish and rediscover the pleasure of browsing a bookshop, finding a new favourite author or attending a local literary event. This year's ambassadors include a wonderful mix of Irish literary talent, among them Cork-born author, journalist and playwright Carina McNally, who joined Derrick Lynch to talk about her role in the campaign, the importance of supporting Irish books and bookshops, and why reading and storytelling matter more than ever. Photo (c) vtmila from Getty Images via Canva

Wetter winters and heavier rainfall are putting increasing pressure on sports clubs across Clare, with training sessions and fixtures regularly disrupted by unplayable grass pitches. Now, Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael councillor Joe Garrihy has submitted a motion to the October meeting of Clare County Council calling for a countywide All-Weather Sports Facilities Strategy, developed in partnership with Clare Sports Partnership, the GAA, the FAI and other sporting bodies. The proposal is not seeking immediate capital expenditure. Instead, it would assess demand and identify regional hubs where clubs, schools and community organisations could share modern facilities. But how would such a strategy work, where should these facilities be located, and how can Clare make sure grassroots sport has reliable pitches throughout the year? Joining Derrick Lynch were Joe Garrihy and Donal Magee, Chairman of the Clare District Soccer League. Photo (c) Erik Mclean from Pexels via Canva

The new Ennis Town Bus Service is being hailed as a momentous boost for the entire county. The service which officially comes into public use this Sunday, went on a test run for media and elected representatives on Friday. The two half hourly routes, one running from Clarecastle to Ballymaley and the other connecting the Lahinch and Tulla Roads will operate daily from 6am to midnight. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan went along for the inaugural journey where he began by speaking to Mayor of Ennis Tommy Guilfoyle. Photo (c) Eamon Ward

Efforts are continuing to save The Record Break Arts & Vinyl Café in Ennis, a much-loved independent record shop, café and live music venue that has been part of the town’s cultural life for the past 12 years. Founder Sinéad Nic Síoda is leading a fundraising campaign to purchase the building on Upper Market Street, after it emerged that the property was going to market. With a critical deadline approaching, a new Community Patron Legacy Wall has been launched, inviting supporters to contribute €250 for a brick, while a countywide campaign is also being planned to encourage local businesses to get involved. The response has been moving behind the scenes, but there is still a race against the clock to bridge the remaining funding gap. She joined Derrick Lynch to tell us where the campaign stands, why The Record Break matters to Ennis, and what needs to happen over the coming weeks to secure its future. Photo (c) Clare FM

New research from the Road Safety Authority is highlighting the dangers facing young drivers, particularly late at night and in the early hours of the morning. Between 2021 and 2025, 189 drivers aged between 17 and 25 were involved in fatal collisions across Ireland, with 78 of those drivers losing their lives. The report also highlights the particular risks on ordinary roads and the need for better education, enforcement, and support for young drivers. Clare accounted for 2% of fatal collisions involving young drivers during that period. So, what do these figures mean for our county, and what can be done to prevent further tragedies? Joining Derrick Lynch were PJ Ryan, former Independent councillor and Chairperson of the Clare Local Community Safety Partnership, and Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor, Clare Colleran Molloy. Photo (c) Song Kaiyue from Pexels via Canva

Clare has the tenth-highest amount of people continuously on unemployment benefit in the country. New figures show 538 people here have been constantly in receipt of jobseekers allowance or jobseekers benefit since September 2021. The data released to Independent Offaly TD Carol Nolan shows 17,471 people have been consistently claiming nationwide. Clare Aontú Representative June Dillon claims the cost of living has created barriers to employment.

In 2009, a road collision changed Joe McCormack’s life forever. This documentary explores Joe’s journey through the challenges of recovery, the strength of his family, and his determination to regain his independence and get back on the road. Funded by the Coimisiún na Meán’s news reporting scheme.

Clare FM Commentary Of 2026 Clare LGFA Final - KIB v Fergus Rovers

Clare FM Commentary Of 2026 TUS Clare SHC Final - Inagh Kilnamona v Kilmaley

Fr Brendan Quinlivan presents this week’s Beyond Belief which includes an interview with Fr. Paul Finery, Rector of the Pontifical Irish College in Rome. Fr. Tony O’Riordan SJ on “prisoners Sunday and the idea of restorative justice and a message from Pope Leo XIV on the centenary of World Mission Sunday which takes place next week.

Uisce Éireann has been accused of failing to protect Lough Derg. It comes as Clare County Council continues to monitor the presence of Algal Bloom on the Tipperary side of the waterbody. According to the River Shannon Protection Alliance , Uisce Éireann is responsible for discharging 174 tonnes of nitrogen into the Shannon from Wastewater Treatment Plants annually. Clare Independent MEP Michael McNamara says it's unacceptable.

An urgent appeal has been launched for RhD negative blood in Clare amid hospital shortages. The Irish Blood Transfusion Service has issued a pre-amber alert, which means some elective surgeries are at risk of cancellation without further donations. According to The IBTS, the majority of donations support cancer patients, births and emergency care. It will be holding clinics at the West County Hotel in Ennis from 4.50pm until 8.10pm on Monday and Director of Donor Experience and Collections Sharon Ryan says it's crucial.

Fr Brendan Quinlivan leads our Sunday Prayer for today 11th October 2026, the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Over 2,200 people across Clare and Limerick are currently languishing on audiology waiting lists. It comes as the national deaf and hard of hearing charity Chime has called for regular screening for over 50s to prevent cognitive decline. According to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing only one in five adults who report poor hearing have a hearing aid. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor and HSE Regional Health Forum MidWest member Antoinette Baker Bashua says more resources are urgently needed to tackle the backlog.

Clare's senator has called for Ireland to withdraw from an EU Directive that requires commercial fleets to transition to EVs by the end of the decade. The European Commission's clean corporate vehicles proposal would require rental car companies to ensure upwards of 90% of fleets are electric. Junior Transport Minster Sean Canney says no deal on the directive has yet been signed, with negotiations still ongoing. Ennistymon Senator Martin Conway says Clare's airport rental industry would collapse overnight.

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch speaks to Tommy Guilfoyle and Kevin Sheehan to preview the TUS SHC final along with the PIHC semi finals this weekend

Belfast folk artist Good Swim has released his aching new single ‘Chasing Shadows’. The single comes with the announcement of his debut album, The Mountains Sure Don’t Give a Damn About The Sea - an uncensored snapshot of perseverance and courage. Following his previous single 'A Mark On You', which earned support from many Irish medias Good Swim continues to draw listeners in with deeply intimate songs that explore love, loss, fear and the complexities of being human. After a twelve-year hiatus from recording, the Belfast native returned to the studio last year with no grand plans - just a desire to create. What began as a single session with producer Michael Bell at Start Together Studios quickly expanded into a project that needed to grow, and Good Swim was born - rippling across Northern Ireland’s folk scene and quietly amassing over 60,000 streams. At its surface, new single 'Chasing Shadows' breathes as a love song. Beneath that, however, lies a deep sense of frustration; at God, the world, and at…

The Ennis Town Bus Service is tipped to have a transformational impact on the whole county. City Direct will operate the service , which has been officially announced at Áras Contae An Chláir today, before it comes into public use on October 18th. It’s estimated the 18 hour a day service will provide half a million journeys annually with routes connecting Clarecastle to Ballymaley Business Park and the Tulla Road to the Lahinch Road. Mayor of Ennis Tommy Guilfoyle has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that it’s a milestone for the town.

Lotto players in Clare are being urged to 'check every nook and cranny' for a winning ticket worth almost €90,000. The Quick Pick ticket was sold in McNamee’s Londis in Miltown Malbay on Saturday, 25th July, for that night's draw. With just two weeks remaining to collect the €89,430 prize, locals and tourists alike are being urged urged to check their tickets to ensure they don't miss out. National Lottery Spokesperson Darragh O'Dwyer says it's the first time this year they've had to issue such an appeal.

Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch to preview the weekend’s sporting fixtures. ~ T.U.S Clare Senior Hurling Championship Final ~ Inagh-Kilnamona v Kilmaley (Sunday, Ennis, 4.15pm) ~ Clare Senior LGFA Final ~ Kilmurry Ibrickane v Fergus Rovers (Sunday, St Michaels Park Kilmihil, 2pm) Image (c) Clare FM

Alan Morrissey was joined by Elaine Buckley, Regional Fundraiser with LauraLynn, along with Concert Director Noel Murphy, Concert Producer Aidan White, and singer and whistler Liam Jones. They came to tell Alan about a special Charity Variety Concert taking place on Saturday 17th October at Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel in Shannon, with an eclectic line-up of performers, all raising funds for LauraLynn Children’s Hospice. And Liam also treated us to some live music in the studio. Image (c) Excellent Music Promotions

Alan Morrissey was joined by Harrison Gardner, eco-builder, author and broadcaster, whose new book is Heat, Shelter, Water, Food. Harrison has spent more than 15 years designing and building homes, including off-grid and sustainable projects, and is passionate about giving people the practical skills to make their homes more resilient. They spoke about preparing for extreme weather, keeping our homes warm, securing water and food, and the simple things we can all do to become more self-sufficient. Photo (c) Clare FM

There are calls for the public toilets at White Strand in Miltown Malbay to remain open throughout the year. Clare County Council says the facilities currently operate on a seasonal basis, from June to September, with year-round toilets available nearby at Spanish Point. Alan Morrissey was joined by Michael Shannon, the Quilty Fianna Fáil councillor. Alan heard from Michael about the calls for a change and whether the council can provide the resources to keep the facilities open year-round. Photo (c) Heiko119 from Getty Images via Canva

Alan Morrissey was joined by Laura McAuliffe, a Clare resident who, alongside her husband Emmet, has been sharing their deeply personal fertility journey as part of RTÉ Investigates: Fertility Uncovered, an RTÉ Investigates report examining the experiences of couples seeking IVF in Ireland. After an ectopic pregnancy resulted in Laura losing both fallopian tubes, IVF became their only route to parenthood. Alan heard about their experience of the State-funded IVF scheme, the emotional and financial toll of treatment, and why they ultimately had to travel abroad for another chance. Photo (c) Clare FM

The University of Limerick is condemning the vandalism of a house near its campus. Gardaí are investigating burglary and criminal damage after a vacant property in College Court near the University of Limerick was extensively damaged. They were alerted to a large public gathering in the early hours of Wednesday morning at the house. Videos have been circulating online which shows the extensive damage inside the house, including holes in the wall and smashed windows. Gardaí are looking for witnesses who were in the vicinity of College Court, Castletroy area between 12am and 2am on Wednesday. UL is warning that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. However, it's not known if those involved were UL students. Meanwhile, the Housing Minister is appealing to people not to "gang up" on young people or students, following the incident. James Browne has said it "isn't funny" and it's not "good craic". He's described the vandalism as "frustrating to see", adding it needs to be "seriously addressed". Alan…

Alan Morrissey was joined by Dr Mary Honan, author, lecturer and keynote speaker, on Friday's Morning Focus. She joined Alan to talk about the Airmid Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference, taking place this Saturday at TUS Limerick, bringing together experts, community organisations and personal stories around positive mental health and wellbeing, as we mark World Mental Health Day. Photo (c) mattjeacock from Getty Images Signature via Canva

Alan Morrissey was joined by Cathal Crowe, Fianna Fáil TD for Meelick and Chair of the Shannon Airport Oireachtas Committee. Ryanair is warning that a planned €50 million investment in a new maintenance hangar and engineering academy at Shannon Airport, along with 300 high-skilled jobs, could move to Poland if planning delays prevent the project from proceeding on schedule. Alan got his reaction to that warning and asked what can be done to keep the investment here in the Mid-West. Photo (c) Elles Rijsdijk via Canva

The Garda Commissioner has estimated the cost of security for Donald Trump’s visit to Clare last month at around €30 million. The US President visited Taoiseach Micheál Martin and President Catherine Connolly in Dublin in September, before travelling to Doonbeg for the final round of the Irish Open. Speaking before the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee, Commissioner Justin Kelly said the operation will be funded entirely by the State. He said, however, that the final figure has yet to be confirmed.

Clare FM brings you our latest feature, Clare FM's Road Safety Initiative. Clare FM’s Lily Collins is joined by Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport, TD Michael Murphy. Michael discusses the use of technology in road safety policing. Funded by the Coimisiún na Meán’s news reporting scheme

On this week's episode of 'The Future of Disability Services', Pat Flynn visits Shannon to meet with Padraic Hayes This feature, 'The Future of Disability Services' is funded by the News Reporting Scheme.

A remarkable chapter in Irish history is coming to stages around the country this month. The Cable tells the story of the 1866 Transatlantic Cable from Valentia Island, blending history, family and heartbreak — while exploring what it means to truly connect with one another. The one-man production is written and performed by Mike Kelly, who joined Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Norimoto from Getty Images via Canva

The Restore Ballymacraven River Association is inviting people to discover more about the wildlife, ecology and natural beauty of our local rivers with its Autumn River Series in Ennistymon this October. The programme includes talks on the birds and mammals of the Inagh River, as well as creative workshops inspired by the river and its surroundings. Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more was Kevin Nunan, one of the founding committee members of the Restore Ballymacraven River Association, who will also be giving a talk on the birdlife of the Inagh River. Photo (c) Greg Snell from Greg Snell via Canva

The European Parliament is pushing for stronger protections against work-related stress, depression and anxiety, including measures to tackle excessive workloads and give employees a right to disconnect outside working hours. The European Parliament called on Tuesday for stronger EU action to tackle burnout, stress and other work-related conditions, addressing an increasingly common problem among European workers as digitalisation and AI reshape the workplace. MEPs want new rules to recognise that psychosocial risks, including harassment, excessive workloads and unpredictable working hours, can give rise to occupational diseases, including mental health disorders. To discuss this further and to highlight the support currently available to workers in Clare was Caitlín McConn, operations manager at GrowRemote. Photo (c) Karola G from Pexels via Canva

A remarkable new book celebrating life, music and community in West Clare in the 1970s and 1980s has just been officially launched. Halcyon Day is a collection of seven short stories by 86-year-old author Jane S. Flynn, who has lived in West Clare since arriving from America in the late 1970s. The book draws on Jane’s experiences of life on the Wild Atlantic coast, her immersion in local culture and the music scene, and her unique eye for the humour and characters around her. Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more about the book and the journey to getting it published was Jane’s daughter, Jane Meehan, who helped organise the printing of the collection.

There are an estimated 15,736 family carers in Clare, many of whom quietly provide care every day without ever thinking of themselves as carers. With nominations for the 2026 Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards closing this Friday, it’s the final opportunity to recognise one of those unsung heroes. Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more about the awards, the realities facing family carers, and the importance of recognising their contribution was Fiona Hartigan, Support Manager with Family Carers Ireland. Image (c) Family Carers Ireland

It’s all about encouraging young imaginations this October as Clare Libraries launches its 2026 Children’s Book Festival. Libraries and schools across the county will welcome some of Ireland’s best-known children’s authors, storytellers, illustrators and performers, with a packed programme designed to inspire children and encourage a lifelong love of reading. Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more about this year’s festival was Niamh O'Donovan, Senior Executive Librarian. Photo (c) FatCamera from Getty Images Signature via Canva

A public meeting took place in Liscannor on Tuesday night following concerns about recent incidents of trespassing on agricultural land and private property in the parish. The meeting, which was open to everyone, gave local residents and landowners an opportunity to raise their concerns, with local public representatives also in attendance. Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss the issue were Liscannor committe member Patrick Nagle and Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy. Photo (c) suesmith2 from Getty Images via Canva

There are growing concerns about road safety outside St Senan’s National School in Shannon following a worrying incident in which a child was reportedly nearly hit by a car during the morning school drop-off. Parents are now calling for additional safety measures, including a school crossing patrol, as well as action on speeding and cars being parked too close to the pedestrian crossing. Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss those concerns were Louise Carrig, a member of the Parents Association at St Senan’s, and Pat O'Gorman, Cratloe Fianna Fáil Councillor. Photo (c) SDI Productions from Getty Images Signature via Canva

Budget 2027 has brought a major increase in Government spending, with €29.1 billion allocated to health, alongside measures affecting businesses, workers and older people. But the reaction has been mixed, with concerns about hospital capacity and staffing, rising costs for retailers, and whether supports for older people go far enough. Thursday's Morning Focus looked at the impact of the Budget from three different perspectives. Joining Alan Morrissey were Rita McInerney, Jean McCabe of Retail Excellence Ireland, and Mike Cusack of Clare Older People’s Council. Photo (c) Oireachtas.ie

Campaigners say their legal challenge against the proposed Kilkee wastewater treatment plant is “not over by a long shot”. Uisce Éireann welcomed a decision this week upholding planning permission for the plant and refusing leave to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeal. The Save Kilkee Cliff Walk Campaign says it is now seeking legal advice on what options remain open to it. Spokesperson Ellie Byrne says the latest legal setback does not mean the campaign is surrendering.

Fórsa says school secretaries and caretakers in Clare will be on the same footing as their colleagues following members' acceptance of a Workplace Relations Commission proposal. Under the proposal, secretaries and caretakers will move onto the Department of Education payroll and will receive paid bereavement leave and enhanced sick leave. Ninety-four percent of members voted in favour, on an 88 percent turnout. Fórsa School Secretaries Branch vice-chairperson and treasurer Rena McGrath says the proposal offers much greater job security.

Avenue United says it has had to increase security at its grounds in Roslevan following a series of vandalism incidents. The club says there have been ongoing problems with people gaining unauthorised access to the facility and causing damage to property. The latest incident happened this week, when a group of youths gained access to the field and damaged the goalposts, and the club says replacing them will cost three thousand euro. Club chairman Shane Hayes says the matter has been raised with the Gardaí.

Ahead of the TUS SHC Final, Derrick Lynch spoke with the Kilmaley and Inagh-Kilnamona camps to look ahead to the game