*Liam O’Shea. Photograph: Iain White Photography
Clare FM has announced the retirement of Liam O’Shea, after 22 years at the helm, as Managing Director/CEO.
From Cloughjordan in Co Tipperary, Liam joined Clare FM in 1998. Prior to this, he spent fourteen years with RTÉ and another fourteen years in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan working in Radio and Television with Channel 3 Television in Saudi Arabia and with CNN during the Gulf War. In recent years, he has served on the Board of Shannon Group.
In 2012, when all media organisations were dealing with the challenges of the recession, Liam brokered an alliance between Clare FM and Tipp FM thereby reducing costs for both stations considerably through the sharing of non-broadcasting roles. Under the arrangement, Liam acted as CEO for both stations. A year later, Clare FM acquired the majority shareholding in Tipp FM.
Recognised as a leading figure in the Irish radio industry, Liam was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2013. A founder and the first Chairman of Spin South West, O’Shea is also a co-founder and former Director of Newstalk.
On an interim basis, management of both stations will continue under the existing leadership of General Manager Susan Murphy and Head of Operations Padraic Flaherty.
Ahead of his departure, Liam said he will leave with many great memories. “It has been the most amazing and enjoyable journey and adventure for me. When I took on the role at Clare FM on my return from the Middle East, I certainly did not foresee that I would spend 22 years here but it’s been an incredibly enjoyable time and I have been extremely fortunate over those years to have worked with such a talented team in a county that is so rich and proud of its heritage.”
Clare FM Chairman, Maurice Harvey said: “Liam has steered Clare FM through some extremely challenging times for the radio and media industries in Ireland. The station has benefited from his deep understanding of all aspects of the radio business, and his appreciation of the role local radio can play in daily Irish life”.
O’Shea has also served on the backroom team of Tipperary All-Ireland winning hurling sides of 2010 and 2019 who were managed by Liam Sheedy. He is a brother of highly regarded hurling coach, Eamon O’Shea and himself has managed club teams in Tipperary most notably the Kilruane MacDonaghs senior side.
