Singer-songwriter Siobhán O'Brien is back with a beautiful and deeply personal new single, The Banks of the Abbey.  

Following the success of Sometimes It Takes A Dutchman, this latest release is a heartfelt tribute to her late father, Brian O'Brien—a man remembered not only for his remarkable contribution to Irish rugby, but also for his love of Athlunkard Street in Limerick city, the Abbey River, nature and storytelling.  

The song celebrates his life and the place that shaped him, while preserving memories of a Limerick that lives on through music. 

Siobhán joined Alan Morrissey to talk about the new single.

Photo (c) Siobhan O'Brien via Facebook

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, the beautiful surroundings of the Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre in Kilrush will be hosting Land, Sea & Soul, an exhibition showcasing the work of three talented local artists. 

Running from Friday to Sunday (17th – 19th July), the exhibition brings together the unique styles of West Clare artists Ailish Malone and Hazel Murray, along with Kilrush-based artist Delaney Davis. 

Through landscapes, seascapes and contemporary works, each artist offers their own interpretation of the places and people that inspire them.  

Alan Morrissey was delighted to be joined by two artists now; Ailish Malone and Delaney Davis.

Image (c) Vandeleur Walled Gardens

Clare's first over public dog park has officially opened. 

The Shannon Municipal District took the lead on the initiative, opening a 2,650m2 facility in Ilaunmanagh.  

The facility includes obstacles, tunnels, drinking water stations, a public bench and forestry to keep dogs and their owners cool. 

It's a pilot project and the Shannon MD has confirmed its intention to roll out more public dog parks in the MD. 

Clare FM's Daragh Dolan attended the opening yesterday and before hearing from Cathaoirleach Micheal Begley's opening address, Chuck the Terrier from O'Callaghan's Mills took his opportunity to get on the airwaves.

Photo (c) Eamon Ward

Time for another Taste of the Week, on Thursday’s Morning Focus Alan Morrissey was joined by Danny Lynch, Chef from Le Cheile in Barefield.

Danny brought some bbq classics and tropical burgers for a summery taste to enjoy in this hot weather.

Image (c) Clare FM

A 12-year-old Shannon girl is preparing to take on another extraordinary mountain challenge, this time with a mission to support Ireland’s volunteer rescuers.  

Kaya Wisniewska, who recently became the youngest participant ever to complete the demanding Galtee Mountain Challenge, is now heading to Poland with her father Wojtek for a 21-day hiking expedition.  

Together, they aim to complete one million steps through the Polish mountains while raising funds for Mountain Rescue Ireland.  

Kaya and Wojtek joined Alan Morrissey to talk about the challenge, the preparation involved, and why they want to give back to those who help others in the mountains.

Photo (c) Clare FM

A Limerick-based charity that helps save lives in communities across Ireland has been recognised on the national stage. 

CRITICAL, the emergency medical response charity, has been shortlisted in three categories at the inaugural Ireland Blue Light Awards 2026, including Voluntary Service of the Year.  

Two of its dedicated volunteer doctors have also been recognised for their outstanding commitment to emergency care.  

Alan Morrissey has been speaking with the CEO of CRITICAL, David Tighe.

Photo (c) Critical - Emergency Medical Response via Facebook

A new law has come into effect making the offering of sex in exchange for rent a criminal offence in Ireland. 

Campaigners have welcomed the legislation as a major step forward in protecting vulnerable people, particularly women who may be at risk of exploitation while searching for accommodation.  

However, many say the work doesn't end there, with calls for greater public awareness, Garda training and stronger enforcement of the new law.  

To discuss what this legislation means and why it's so significant, Alan Morrissey was joined by Bridget Barron, President of Ennis & District Soroptimists, and Aisling Nolan, National Communications Officer with Soroptimist Ireland.

Image (c) erndndr from Getty Images Signature via Canva

family in Ennis is coming together to remember their son Harry and to support other families facing the heartbreak of baby loss. 

 

Louise Ryan and her family are organising a coffee morning in memory of Harry, who was sadly stillborn in August 2025, with all proceeds going to Féileacáin, Ireland’s stillbirth and neonatal death support charity.  

 

The event takes place on Saturday, 1st August, at Éire Óg Clubhouse in Ennis, and Louise and Nina Doyle, Regional Coordinator for Féileacáin, joined Alan Morrissey to talk about Harry’s memory, the support her family received, and the importance of helping others through difficult times. 

You can find out more about the event here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591431703911

You can donate to Féileacáin here: https://linklock.titanhq.com/analyse?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.idonate.ie%2Ffundraiser%2Frememberingharry&data=eJw8zL1OwzAUQOGnuR6QHLm2A_Xgoa0IDAxIkQodHf8kFnGc3iSywtMjGFjOcqTPankMTjBTU1bXikrrBe2Oh0cqDqyT8kkEpxRx-oEkDeJyOZ2Hu7Vf1L0K2pr2rXcl77a9hWupyzp_3z5tMMDPH_eXGCJdru-ugGTJxLHq_2pzAvFMFj3mLS4edzOpgwLJ_jdBPWN2m_UIktnRoK9CIpse1nVeQJyAN8CbUkoVXZ7M6qvogTdhmxyaXxN4gz751HmMUz8YxP0nAAD__0TvTQI

Photo (c) Clare FM

The Minister for Local Government claims he doesn't have a role in the delivery of an upgrade to the Clareabbey Treatment Plant. 

 

At present, no new planning permissions can be granted for developments in Clarecastle or on the southside of Ennis as the treatment plant is at full capacity. 

 

In written correspondence to Ennis Municipal District, Fianna Fáil Minister James Browne has said the upgrade of the facility is the responsibility of Uisce Éireann. 

 

The correspondence was the subject of a discussion at this week's meeting of Ennis Municipal District. 

 

Clare FM's Seán Lyons was at the meeting and spoke to Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly who's previously called for an upgrade of the treatment plant.

For many working parents, the summer holidays can bring a difficult balancing act between spending time with family and keeping on top of work commitments.  

But remote working hubs are giving families a new option—allowing them to extend their stays while still having access to professional workspaces and reliable broadband.  

In Clare, the Kilkee Hub has seen a major increase in demand during the summer months, helping visitors and local workers enjoy more flexibility while also supporting the local tourism economy.  

Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss how these hubs are changing the way people work and holiday were Jackie Dermody, Broadband Officer with Clare County Council, and Bryn, a remote working parent who has experienced the benefits first-hand.

Photo (c) via Inis Communications