Former Clare TD and long-serving Councillor James Breen has passed away, aged 81.  

The Kilnamona native retired from politics 7 years ago following 34 years in politics.

  

First elected to Clare County Council in 1985, James Breen left the Fianna Fáil party and ran as an Independent candidate in the 2002 General Election, in which he topped the poll.  

After he lost his Dáil seat in 2007, he was re-elected to the Council in 2009, and in 2015, he became the first person from Kilnamona to be elected as Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council. He stepped down from politics in May 2019.  

James Breen is survived by his wife Eileen, sons and daughter. 

To reflect on his life, career and legacy, Alan Morrissey was joined by Pat Daly, Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor, and Pat Hayes, Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor.

Photo (c) Pat Flynn

A major investment announcement relating to Shannon is expected to be made later this summer. Speaking in the Dáil, Fine Gael Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke has said he hopes there will be a "very significant announcement during the summer by a leading Irish-born company in relation to Shannon". The comments have come on foot of Bodyke Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney's call for Shannon to be developed as Ireland's "second economic engine" amid what he's described as the "overdevelopment" of Dublin. Responding to Deputy Cooney in the Dáil, Minister Burke, says he's looking forward to the news being revealed.

The National Driver Licence Service's refusal to accept cash payments at its Ennis office is reportedly stripping Clare residents of their independence. Since the Covid-19 lockdown, NDLS offices only allow payments by credit or debit card, Google Pay, Apple Pay or Payzone vouchers. The Department of Transport has previously said this decision was made "after evaluating security, administration and value for money factors at the tendering process". Kilmurry McMahon-based Aontú representative June Dillon claims denying people the right to pay with cash negatively impacts on their privacy.

On this week's Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn meets an educator and author who has written a groundbreaking series of self-help, end-of-life legacy journals.

We’ll also hear from an Ennis woman, living in New Zealand, who has created a board game designed to teach Kiwis how democracy works.

Two young men from County Clare are preparing to take on an extraordinary challenge in support of a cause close to their hearts.  

Colin McNamara and Darragh Higgins will set off on June 22nd on a 150-kilometre journey from Newmarket-on-Fergus to Westport, camping along the route before completing their challenge with a climb of Croagh Patrick.  

Their goal is to raise vital funds and awareness for Bunratty Search & Rescue, the volunteer organisation that provides a crucial service to communities across the region, often helping people in their most difficult moments.   

As they put the finishing touches to their preparations, Colin and Darragh joined Alan Morrissey to tell us more about the challenge and the cause they're supporting.

Photo (c) Colin McNamara via GoFundMe

Earlier this month, Alan Morrissey chatted with Ana Colomer about a petition to retain plans for an arts and cultural space at the redeveloped Cloister building in Ennis. 

 

Ana told us about the petition and the growing campaign calling for the protection of arts and community space within the planned redevelopment of The Cloister in Ennis.  

 

Supporters of the petition argue that the original vision for the historic building, funded through the €7 million THRIVE programme, included artist studios, exhibition areas, educational facilities and community uses.  

 

They say revised plans place a greater emphasis on tourism and retail functions and are urging Clare County Council to ensure the project remains true to its original community-centred cultural purpose.  

 

A public meeting regarding the future of the Cloister Building redevelopment proposal is due to take place tomorrow evening (Thursday, 18th June, McGuire Suite, Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, 7:30pm). 

 

Alan Morrissey was joined once again by Ana Colomer, as well as Kaye Maahs, who are both coordinating the campaign to retain plans for an arts and cultural space at the redeveloped Cloister. 

Photo (c) Clare FM

Morning Focus is marking County Clare Men’s Health Week 2026 (15–21 June) with the theme “What’s Your Small Step?” as part of a week-long series of activities, discussions, and ways to take part.  

The initiative, supported by Clare County Council and the Men’s Health Pledge, encourages men to make small, practical changes to improve physical and mental wellbeing. 

We will explore how small, realistic lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference.  

Today, we focus on mind, food, nutrition and everyday energy with Cillian Keane from Mental Health Ireland and Jamie Fitzgibbon from Ennis Leisure Complex.

Photo (c) Clare FM

Lahinch and the wider golfing community are mourning the loss of Robert McCavery, who passed away peacefully last weekend. 

A PGA Professional and honorary life member of Lahinch Golf Club, Robert devoted more than five decades of his life to the famous links, continuing a remarkable family association with the club that stretched back almost a century.  

Through his work, his love of golf, and his warm friendship with generations of members and visitors, he became a cherished part of the fabric of Lahinch.  

Robert McCavery’s funeral mass will take place at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Lahinch this morning at 11am, with burial afterwards in Kilmacreehy Cemetery. 

He is survived by his wife Anne, daughter Rachael, and son Robert.  

To reflect on Robert’s life, his contribution to the club, and the legacy he leaves behind, Alan Morrissey was joined by Lahinch club historian, Fr Enda Glynn.

Photo (c) via RIP.ie

Clare Civil Defence has been recognised for its decades of dedicated voluntary service to communities across the county with a special Civic Reception hosted by Clare County Council this week.  

 

For generations, Civil Defence volunteers have provided vital support during emergencies, severe weather events, public gatherings and search and rescue operations, giving countless hours of their time to help keep people safe.  

 

The reception was an opportunity to acknowledge not only the organisation's long history of service, but also the commitment, professionalism and community spirit of its volunteers.  

 

Joining Alan Morrissey earlier was Steven Hayes, Civil Defence Officer with Clare County Council, to reflect on the honour and the work of the organisation.

Photo (c) Eamon Ward

There's a call for the Government to fund a "recovery plan" for Clare communities that have hosted large quantities of refugees in recent years. 

 

The latest meeting of Clare County Council's Tourism Strategic Policy Committee has heard a call from Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy for the "restoration and accommodation of tourism accommodation capacity" in the county. 

 

The meeting also heard an update from Fáilte Ireland where it was revealed that the number of tourism beds in Clare contracted to the State has dropped by 60% since 2023. 

 

Clare FM's Seán Lyons was at the meeting in Bunratty Folk Park and spoke to Councillor Garrihy about what he's looking for.

Photo (c) John Mangan