Morning Focus Friday 23rd May

On Fridays Morning Focus John began by speaking to Sylvia Murphy-Tighe from Newmarket-on-Fergus.  The ‘Keeping it Secret’ study is being undertaken by Sylvia Murphy-Tighe, an experienced midwife and lecturer at University of Limerick from Co Clare, with the backing of the Health Research Board and Trinity College Dublin. 

A 2006 study of two Irish hospitals, one rural and one urban — unnamed to protect the women involved — found the prevalence of concealed pregnancies to be one in every 403 births in the rural hospital and one in every 625 in the city.  However, a 2012 study from University Hospital Galway found a much greater incidence — classifying one in every 148 births there as concealed.  Based on current birth rates here, that would mean anything from just over 100 to as many as 470 concealed births per year.  John spoke to Sylvia about her research. 

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Tesco says its stores will no longer stock sweets and chocolates at checkouts.  The move follows a survey in which two-thirds of parents told Tesco it would help them to make better nutritional choices for their children.  John spoke to David McDonagh a qualified dietician, fitness trainer and fitness lecturer who has specialised in weight loss for over 15 years about the move and the impact it will have on the fight against obesity.

Nicola Wood, organiser of the Killaloe Pink Ribbon Walk for action against breast cancer spoke to John about this year’s event which takes place on the 8th of June. She explained how people can get involved. Those who want to take part should visit www.pinkribbonwalk.ie

Ahead of a busy weekend in politics Clare County Registrar Pat Wallace spoke to Clare FM’s Deputy Head of News Gavin Grace about what lay ahead for those involved in the counting of votes.  Pat explained what goes on behind the scenes of a local election.  

Mario Rosenstock’s brand new show MARIO ROSENSTOCK GIFT GRUB LIVE 3 is coming to Cork on Saturday 12 July as part of Live at the Marquee.  Tickets are now on sale from usual outlets.  Expect to see Francis Brennan, Marty Morrissey, Davy Fitz  and Miriam 'Genuinely' O'Callaghan 'live on stage' as you've never seen them before!  John spoke to Mario about the show and heard from some of his best known characters. 

Sally and John McKenna of John and Sally McKennas' Guides (formerly The Bridgestone Guide) joined John in studio ahead of the 2014 Burren Slow Food Festival.  Supported by the Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark which also features members of the Burren Food Trail and the Burren Adventure, the 8th annual festival takes place in Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, on the weekend of 24-25 May.

Seaweed is a common theme across the Festival Programme this year.  Sally McKenna of John and Sally McKennas' Guides (formerly The Bridgestone Guide) and Stefan Kraan, author of "The Science and Gastronomy of Umami", will be discussing the benefits for Ireland's seafood industry in harvesting seaweed.

A thousand triathletes will take part in Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon in Gort, Co. Galway on Sunday 25th May. This is a genuine festival of triathlon with races to suit everyone from top national and international performers to first timers and children.  John spoke to Brian Adcock Gort Triathlon Director ahead of the event to let people know what they can expect. 

Mary O’Brien, Organiser the Clare Burren Marathon spoke to John ahead of the marathon this weekend to give those participating and onlookers tips. 

Leonard McNamara spoke to John as the tables & tickets for the Hurling Championship Match Preview at the West County Hotel on Friday night (May 23rd) to support the Ger Loughnane Cancer Challenge are sold out, however all are welcome to The Dublin v Clare Senior Hurling Challenge game on Saturday evening in Cusack Park, Ennis. Throw in 7pm  Adults €10   U16s free

If you have a story, comment or query for Morning Focus email [email protected] or write to us – Morning Focus, Clare FM, Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.