On Fridays Morning Focus John began by speaking to Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey and Clare Fianna Fail TD Timmy Dooley about what's been a very busy week in politics. Topics discussed included the resignation of Alan Shatter from the Cabinet, the new Ministers of Justice and Children and water charges which will see home owners across Clare face an average cost of 240 euro per year for water.
The annual delegate conference of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation is taking place in Kilkenny today. Eddie Mathews, IMNO Director of Regulation and Social Policies spoke to John about some of the issues that have come up at the conference including a nurse to patient ratio of one to four.
Residences in Clare are being asked how they feel road safety can be improved. A multi-agency approach to further improving safety on County Clare's roads has been announced. Clare County Council, supported by An Garda Síochána, the Fire Service and the Road Safety Authority, is seeking the views of the public on what they think should be included in the proposed Clare Road Safety Strategy The period covered by the last 6-year strategy has seen a 79% reduction in road fatalities in County Clare. Barry Keating, Road Safety Officer with Clare County Council spoke to John about this new initiative and how people across the county can get involved.
Doctor Maire Finn joined John in studio to discuss menopause and HRT.
Doctor Maire Finn is form the Ennis Family Medical Centre and is with us each Friday to talk about Health Matters and answer your medical queries – you can send your suggested topics for future discussion to [email protected] but if you have an immediate query about your health contact your local GP.
Golf Pro, Christy O'Connor Jnr. joined John by phone from the golf course in Adare. The golfing ledged is holding is holding a fundraiser today for the children of John Coyle, the late golf professional. John's children Lucy (6) and Jack (8) lost their Dad in 2012 18 months after he left for China to find work. John and his family did reside in Killaloe some years ago. Today sees people gather in Adare to hold a golf day to raise money for the 3rd level education of Jack and Lucy. There are 2 tee times – 10 and 2.30. Anyone who wishes to donate can do so event if they aren't up for golfing!
This years Darkness into Light walk with Pieta House takes place on Saturday morning. It will be held in Ennis and Kilrush this year. Both walks begin at 4.15am and will see groups of people walk 5k to raise money and awareness for the charity which provides a free, therapeutic approach to people who are in suicidal distress and those who engage in self-harm. Anyone who wishes to takepart can register on http://www.pieta.ie/ alternatively; visit the Darkness Into Light Ennis Facebook page.
Clare football fans are being urged to show their support for the county squad this evening at and Open Night event in Cusack Park. Following a successful League campaign which saw Clare gain promotion to Division 3 next season, fans have an opportunity to meet and greet captain Gary Brennan and his team-mates from 7pm. John spoke to Clare Football Manager Colm Collins about the event.
There is a concert in the Ennistymon Courthouse Gallery on Friday night, 9th May at 8pm. The programme includes well loved songs, arias, folksongs and show tunes. Tickets are €10, concessions € 5 available at the door. This is part of a larger series of events and exhibitions held in the Courthouse. Edel O'Brien, Mezzo soprano from Kilrush is taking part in the event and spoke to John about the event.
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.
