Morning Focus Friday 21st February

On Fridays Morning Focus; John came to you live from the 25th Annual Tourism Conference at The Falls Hotel in Ennistymon.

John was joined by Flan Garvey  Chairman of the organising committee of the 25th Annual Tourism Conference,  John Mooney Hotelier in Antrim and Monica Digney, Sinn Fein Councillor from Ballymena County Antrim.  The conversation cantered on the history of the Conference and what it does for the tourism sector in Clare. 

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Up next John spoke to Michael Ring  TD and Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.  The Tourism Minister has said he can't guarantee when Clare's major coastal attractions will be fully repaired, but efforts are continuing to ensure they're ready for the summer season.  Minister Michael Ring has confirmed that plans for the Wild Atlantic Way have been delayed, due to storm damage to coastal roads in Kilbaha, though he says the new scenic driving route will be launched in the coming weeks.

And following months of repeated flooding and wave damage in places like Lahinch, Doolin and Ballyvaughan, he's due to meet with local Tourist providers at the annual Clare Tourism Conference in Ennistymon this weekend.

John was then joined by Ailish Connolly from Loop Head Tourism, Liz Greehy Kilbaha business woman, and Katherine Webster Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience.  John and the three ladies spoke about the Wild Atlantic Way and what it will mean for all three of them.  They also told John about some of the Wild Atlantic Way features here in Clare. 

Brian Boru was the topic of conversation next.  In the 10th century, Brian Ború – one of the most influential and colourful characters in Irish history – was born in Killaloe, Co. Clare. A member of a powerful Dalcassian tribe he went on to become High King of Ireland and ruled from his palace at Kincora in Killaloe. He died in 1014 after an emphatic victory over the Vikings in the Battle of Clontarf. His descendants became the mighty O’Brien clan – one of the greatest Gaelic clans whose influence extends to this day.  Tomas Mac Conamara spoke to John about the talk he is giving at the conference entitled “The army of Boru marches again – Heritage, Tourism and the Hight King of Ireland”.Una Kierse from the Killaloe Ballina 2014 Committee told John how they are currently looking for a Brian Boru.  The actor will paly the King himself as part of the festival.  Una also told John about some of the events that are coming up for the festival.  Anyone wishing to apply can call 087 3305986 or email [email protected]

Micheal Vaughan, Lahinch Hotelier, and Irish Hotels Federation President is currently on a marketing tour in the USA, where he and other tourism providers including well known Hotelier Frances Brennan are telling American travel agents  about the Wild Atlantic Way.  He spoke to John over the phone about how the trip is going. 

John was the joined by Roy Begs former Member of Parliament from Larne County Antrim, Paddy McGowan, MEP, Paddy was in charge of Ulster Bus when the Omagh bombing happened, James McGarvey, Councillor in Cookstown Co. Tyrone, and Dermot Hogan, Sales and Marketing Manager at The Falls Hotel in Ennistymon.  The panel spoke about the conference and what it means for the hotel. 

Finally Aine Mae O'Mahonyof the Lahinch Playground Committee spoke to John about the Lahinch Playground Rescue Fund. The playground, which was completed just three years ago, was devastated by Storm Catherine, which ripped away most of the ground works and cause damaged estimated to be well in excess of €100,000.

The song, ‘Seaweed in Ennistymon’ is still available on itunes.  Money raised goes to the repairs of the playground.