River has periodically recalled ferry? If only! (5)

I believe the answer is:

loire

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'river' is the definition.
(I know that Loire is a river)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for loire that I've seen before include "part of France" , "Wine region" , "French river (Orleans, Tours, Nantes)" , "banker" , "French runner" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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