CLARE FM has been named the local radio station of the year for the second time in three years.
At the IMRO awards held at the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny last week, the commercial radio station took home the top prize when it was named the local radio station of the year for 2025.
This was one of the top awards on the night with RTÉ Lyric FM named music station of the year and Today FM selected as full service station of the year.
Two bronze awards were also brought back to Clare FM’s studios on Francis Street in Ennis. Morning Focus presented by Alan Morrissey and produced by Ewelina Szybinskatook bronze in the current affairs regional and local category with Limerick’s Live 95FM claiming the top honour here for ‘A Woman’s Worst Nightmare’.
A special All-Ireland final preview titled ‘Live at glór’ which was presented by Syl O’Connor and Derrick Lynch received the bronze award for best regional and local sports programme with Dublin’s Q102 winning gold.
Following his retirement as presenter of Céilí House, Ennis’ Kieran Hanrahan finished up with the silver accolade for specialist music broadcaster of the year. The co-founder of Stockton’s Wing brought the curtain down on his thirty year stint as presenter of the Radio One in August.
Ennis native Brian O’Connell took silver in the ‘short feature’ category. The RTÉ Radio One reporter won gold in 2022 for highlighting the story of Cork’s Adam Terry and the delays he experienced in undergoing surgery for scoliosis. Brian’s work led to the matter getting highlighted in the Dáil by the Taoiseach Micheál Martin (FF) and former Labour leader, Alan Kelly (LAB).
Fellow Ennis reporter, John Cooke was also involved in the celebrations as part of the RTÉ Drivetime team who won gold for best current affairs programme.
Doireann Garrihy, the daughter of Eugene and Clare from Doolin and Bellharbour took silver in the entertainment inserts category for her 2FM Drive show. The gold in this section was won by her godfather Ian Dempsey. Doireann also won the silver for entertainment presenter of the year.
Head of Operations and Programme Director with Clare FM, Padraic Flaherty told The Clare Echo, “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team every single day. Our focus is always on County Clare, and everyone on the team strives to deliver the very best for our county. Winning this award for the second time in three years is a fantastic achievement and a wonderful opportunity to showcase Clare on a national stage”. He was joined at the awards function by Head of News, Fiona Cahill, breakfast show presenter Colum McGrath along with O’Connor, Lynch, Morrissey and Szybinskatook.
