Clare FM

On this week's Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn meets award-winning wedding and events singer Ali Woodford. We’ll also hear from Alan Johnston and Lisa Harris breeders of an animal that days back to ancient Ireland, the Irish Wolfhound.

A Clare farm representative is urging farmers to make sure their animals have access to water and shelter to avoid serious health impacts during the hot spell. With a Status Yellow warning in place until 9am on Friday and temperatures set to hit 31 degrees here tomorrow, farmers are being advised to take steps to protect themselves and their livestock. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, has issued a statement advising that heat stroke and discomfort can arise from a lack of shelter and water, while also warning of the risk of gorse fires. O'Callaghan's Mills farmer Martin McMahon of the Irish Creamery and Milk Suppliers Association has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons younger animals are especially vulnerable.

This July, a unique walking experience will invite people to step back in time and discover the rich history, heritage and natural beauty of East Clare. The East Clare Ború Walk follows a route linked to Ireland's legendary High King, Brian Ború, taking participants on a guided 20-kilometre journey from Ballycuggaran near Killaloe to the historic St. Cronan's Church in Tuamgraney. Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more about this fascinating event is Arleen White, Coordinator of Clare Walks Ltd. Photo (c) Clare Walks Ltd.

Clare filmmaker Oisín McKeogh has been announced as one of the 2026–27 Fulbright Irish Awardees. Oisín is a writer and director from Clare, whose work has already made waves internationally, with his graduation film Tough Love screening at Oscar and BAFTA-qualifying festivals and earning nominations at major awards including the Kinsale Sharks and Emerging Directors Awards. He’s also been selected for Screen Ireland’s Spotlight scheme and recently received funding through the ENGINE Film Scheme for his upcoming short Call Me Anon. Now, he’s set to take the next step in his career after being awarded a Fulbright scholarship to the prestigious American Film Institute Conservatory in Los Angeles, where he’ll be further developing his directing craft. Photo (c) Clare FM

Periodic speed limits could be introduced in number of school zones in Clare under new council plans. The changes would see limits reduced from 50km/h to 30km/h during designated drop off and collection times. The plans are expected to go to public consultation in the coming weeks. Additionally, 100km/h roads at Tulla, between Ennis and Crusheen and between Meelick and Coonagh would also be lowered to 80km/h. The proposals were announced at the latest meeting of Clare's Strategic Physical Policy Committee where Clare FM's Daragh Dolan spoke to Chairperson Pat Burke. Photo (c) PublicDomainPictures from pixabay via Canva

Clare's Water Safety Officer is urging people to use a potentially life saving piece of equipment correctly over the hot spell. Temperatures are expected to reach 25 degrees in parts of the county today as a status yellow weather warning remains in effect. Members of the public are being urged to remain vigilant in coastal areas as heavy footfall is expected for a second day this week. Clare County Council Water Safety Officer Maebh Collins has this advice for using a ring buoy if someone gets into difficulty in the water.

A critically acclaimed musical cabaret that's been described as heartfelt, hilarious and deeply moving is coming to Glór in Ennis this Friday night. 0800 CUPID sees Cork performer Emer Dineen team up with acclaimed playwright and director Phillip McMahon and the renowned THISISPOPBABY company for what promises to be an unforgettable theatrical experience. Blending music, comedy, storytelling and cabaret, the show explores love, loss, loneliness and connection in a rapidly changing world through Emer's drag persona, Cupid. Emer joined Alan Morrissey to tell us more. Photo (c) THISISPOPBABY

There are concerns Clare natives are being priced out of the housing market. A new Daft.ie report shows house prices rose by roughly 5.5% in Clare from the second quarter of 2025 to the same period this year compared to just under 4% nationwide. All property types bar one are more expensive than they were a year ago, with detached two-bed homes up over 18% on average, while new-builds are setting buyers here back around €385,000. Economist at Trinity College Dublin and author of the Daft.ie report Ronan Lyons has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons the rise in working from home is attracting more and more people into this county, resulting in higher price inflation.

A special event taking place in Ennis tomorrow (Wednesday, 24th June, 11am – 1pm) is aiming to put women's voices at the centre of shaping a new Women's Health, Wellbeing and Self-Care course that will be launched later this year. Women's Collective Ireland Clare is inviting women from across the county to attend a Women's Wellbeing World Café, where participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences, ideas and priorities around women's health and wellbeing. The event will also feature Dr Máire Finn, a well-known advocate for women's health. To tell us more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Cecilia Brizuela, WCI Clare Coordinator, and Martina Hynan, Development Worker with WCI Clare. Photo (c) Clare FM

New employment rights coming into force next week will give many workers the option of remaining in their jobs beyond their contractual retirement age if that age is below the State pension age of 66. The Government says the changes will provide greater flexibility and help prevent workers from being forced to retire before they can access the State pension. But what will the new legislation mean in practice for older workers, employers and retirement planning? To discuss this, Alan Morrisey was joined by Kay Murphy, former President of Active Retirement Ireland, and Maurice Harvey, former Chair of the Clare Older People's Council. Photo (c) roberthyrons from Getty Images via Canva

Ireland is set for a significant spell of hot weather this week, with temperatures forecast to climb into the high 20s and potentially exceed 30 degrees in some areas. Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow High Temperature Warning for the entire country, warning of heat stress, uncomfortable sleeping conditions and water safety concerns. While many people will welcome the sunshine, health experts are urging caution, particularly for older people, young children and those with underlying health conditions. To discuss what we can expect from the weather and how people can stay safe, Alan Morrissey was joined by meteorologist Michelle Dillon and Lahinch GP Dr Michael Kelleher, who is also a member of the IMO's GP Committee. Image (c) Africa images via Canva

There's a push for a CCTV pilot project to be rolled out in Ennis to combat anti-social behaviour. The latest meeting of Clare's Local Community Safety Partnership has heard a discussion around the potential for such a scheme in the county town. Members concluded that the LCSP will "play a key role in progressing the initiative through research, coordination, and interagency facilitation to support collaborative delivery". Sixmilebridge-based LCSP Chairperson PJ Ryan believes it would assist gardaí in catching criminals.

Coming up on the show, we will look back on Clare's win over Dublin in the All Ireland hurling quarter final and begin the look ahead to the showdown with Limerick in Croke Park. We also reflect on Clare's loss to Kilkenny in the All Ireland camogie championship and assess their chances of possibly making it a Banner double header in HQ on July 5th