Clare FM

It's claimed new figures showing Clare has the highest admission rate to University Hospital Limerick of any Mid-West county reinforce the case for an acute hospital in this county. Figures released at this month's meeting of the HSE's Regional Health Forum Midwest show that 7,334 of the 23,696 Clare patients who attended UHL last year required admission. That represents an admission rate of 31%, with Clare patients also accounting for more than a quarter of all presentations at University Hospital Limerick. Friends of Ennis Hospital Chair, Angela Coll says an acute hospital in Ennis would take significant pressure off the Dooradoyle facility.

Clare's Dog Warden has expressed outrage after a deceased pet was found dumped in a rubbish bag in a ditch. The incident occurred over the weekend on a back road near Lee's Road John O'Sullivan Park, which has emerged as an illegal dumping blackspot. Frankie Coote came across the scene, where he recovered a non-microchipped six-month-old terrier. He's told Clare FM's Morning Focus that incidents of illegal dumping have become a regular occurrence in the area.

Ennis showjumper Coen Williams has added another major international achievement to an already remarkable season, winning silver at the FEI World Young Horse Championships in Lanaken, Belgium.  The 20-year-old was just 0.04 seconds away from the world title, riding the five-year-old Irish-bred GLC Mr President. It’s Coen’s first World Championship medal, adding to an impressive collection of European medals and Nations Cup podium finishes.  Alan Morrissey was delighted to be joined by Coen Williams to talk about that incredible result and what has been a hugely successful year. Photo (c) Wirestock from Getty Images via Canva

A special event is taking place in Newmarket-on-Fergus this weekend (Sunday, 27th September) to remember Anthony “Sconey” Kilmartin, the former Clare senior hurler who died tragically in New York earlier this year.   Sconey was remembered as a natural leader, a hugely positive presence and a much-loved member of the Newmarket community.  A tractor run featuring tractors, trucks, motorbikes and cars will take place this Sunday, with all proceeds going to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.   Alan Morrissey was joined by Sarah Lynch, who is helping organise the event, to tell us more about Sconey and the plans for Sunday. Image (c) Newma...

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Fergal O’Keeffe, an Ennis native and creator of the Travel Tales with Fergal podcast. This time, Fergal told us about his tour of the French Basque Region. Image (c) Clare FM

There’s significant investment on the way for sports facilities in Kilrush, with two major projects at the Clare County Council-run Kilrush Sports Complex.     Work is set to begin on a €145,000 refurbishment of the dressing rooms, while a further €96,000 project will see lighting installed on the cross-country and walking track.  The projects, supported by Sport Ireland, are expected to improve facilities for local clubs and extend opportunities for exercise and recreation throughout the year.  Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss the plans was West Clare Independent Councillor Ian Lynch. Photo (c) blackred from Getty Images Signature via Canva

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by William Cahir, Cahir & Co. Solicitors for this week’s legal advice. William told us about what to expect financially when filing for divorce. Image (c) Cahir & Co Solicitors

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.   The official launch of County Clare's programme as European Volunteering Capital 2027 will take place at Treacy's West County Hotel in Ennis on Thursday (24th September).  Joining Alan Morrissey on Tuesday's Morning Focus to tell us more were Brendan Boyce, Integration Support Coordinator for Clare County Council, Sharon Meaney, Manager of Clare Volunteer Centre, and Martin Vernon, activist, fundraiser, and community volunteer. Photo (c) Clare FM

Leadership development is coming to the heart of County Clare, with Corofin set to host the launch of a new LIFT Ireland programme.  The initiative will give school leaders the opportunity to become certified LIFT facilitators and bring a values-based leadership programme to students and communities across the county.  The first facilitator training takes place on September 26th in St Patrick’s Hall, Corofin.   Alan Morrissey was joined by Joanne Hession, Founder and CEO of LIFT Ireland, to hear more about the programme and its ambition to develop the next generation of leaders in Clare. Image (c) Poulnabrone dolmen, Co Clare...

Ardscoil Mhuire in Corbally has reached another major milestone in plans for a brand-new school campus.   The all-girls secondary school, which has just under 600 students, has now been given approval to proceed to tender for enabling and demolition works, bringing the multi-million-euro redevelopment a significant step closer.  The school has already secured planning permission, with designs for a modern new campus unveiled earlier this year.   Alan Morrissey was joined by Ardscoil Mhuire Principal, Bríd Herbert, to talk about the plans and what this means for students, staff and the wider school community. Image (c) Ardscoil Mhuire

As energy prices continue to rise, there are growing concerns about how older and vulnerable households in Clare will cope with the cost of heating their homes this winter.     Home-heating oil has seen a significant increase in price; since June, the average price of a 1,000 litres of home heating oil in Clare has increased by 32% to €1,654.    There are now calls for the Government to introduce urgent supports ahead of next month’s Budget, with claims vulnerable and struggling households in this county can't wait until budget day for home heating oil supports.    Sinn Féin will table an emergency motion in the Dáil l...

The start date for the Ennis Town Bus service has been revealed. Sunday October 18th has been confirmed as the first day the service will operate across the county town. The service will consist of two routes, with ‘NS1’ operating between Ballymaley Business Park and Clarecastle, with ‘NS2’ running between Shanaway Road and Tulla Road. Meelick Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe, says it's vital the service has been given the green light after many delays.

It's claimed vulnerable and struggling Clare households can't wait until budget day for home heating oil supports. Sinn Féin will table an emergency motion in the Dáil later today calling on the Government to remove carbon tax on Kerosene. Since June, the average price of a 1,000 litres of home heating oil in Clare has increased by 32% to €1,654. Shannon Sinn Féin Representative Shane Doody says constituents have made it clear they need immediate help.

Loads to look back on over the weekend with the four semi finalists now confirmed in the TUS senior and intermediate football championships, along with the final pairing in the Clare Credit Unions senior camogie championship and the local soccer action continues also

It's claimed more needs to be done by agencies to ensure rental properties across Clare are up to standard. A recent report into Clare County Council's performance found 76% of all rental accommodation failed their first inspection in 2025. 721 of 1,145 rental properties assessed in Clare in 2025 failed to meet regulatory standards on their first inspection. Clare's failure rate of 76% came in below the national average of 83%, with many of these attributed to minor problems such as missing window catches. Shannon Fine Gael Councillor, Tony Mulcahy, says the issue is often outside the council's control

Illegal Dumping CCTV will be operational at two Clare locations from this week. Clare County Council has commenced a pilot programme, with cameras being installed at bring banks in Tulla and Kilrush. The system will be in place for eight weeks, after which the results will determine whether further cameras are deployed countywide. Tulla Tidy Towns Chair Tim Humphries has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan he's confident it will have a big impact.

Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch to review the weekend’s sporting fixtures. ~ T.U.S. Clare Senior Football Championship Quarter-Finals ~  - Kildysart 0-21 Lissycasey 1-17 (Saturday, Ennis) - St. Josephs Milltown Malbay 3-18 Ennistymon 1-20 (Saturday, Ennis) - Doonbeg 0-16 Kilmurry Ibrickane 1-15 (Sunday, Cooraclare) - Eire Óg 3-20 St. Josephs Doora Barefield 2-11 (Sunday, Ennis) ~ Clare Credit Unions Senior Championship Semi-Finals ~ - Scariff-Ogonnelloe 1-7 Kilmaley 0-13 (Saturday, Sixmilebridge) - Inagh-Kilnamona 2-10 Truagh Clonlara 4-12 (Saturday, Sixmilebridge) Image (c) Clare FM

The Harvest Music & Garden Festival returns to Ennis Showgrounds on September 27th, and this year the event is bigger than ever.   There’ll be nine bands across two stages, including the brand-new Pink Potato stage, along with workshops, demonstrations, arts and crafts, food, community groups and more than 30 interactive stalls.   Alan Morrissey was joined by Nick Bromfield from UR Productions and festival founder and manager Carmen Cronin to hear all about what’s planned. You can find out more here: www.harvestmusicfestival.ie Photo (c) Clare FM

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre, Ennis was back on Monday’s Morning Focus to answer all your gardening queries. As the weather gets colder, Judy gave us tips on how to prepare your garden for the longer spring days. 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

A new report from the National Oversight and Audit Commission is highlighting a number of challenges around housing and homelessness in Clare.   The figures include the proportion of people in emergency accommodation who are considered long-term homeless, vacant social housing units, the time and cost involved in bringing council homes back into use, and the condition of private rental properties.   Alan Morrissey was joined by Cllr Tony O’Brien, a member of the Clare County Council Social Development SPC, to discuss the findings and what can be done locally. Photo (c) imaginima from Getty Images Signature via Canva