The former South African President Nelson Mandela has died at the age of 95
The South African President, Jacob Zuma confirmed the news at a press conference last night
He said he passed away at his home in Johannesburg – at ten to nine local time tonight – surrounded by family and friends
On Friday’s Morning Focus with John Cooke we heard many world leaders pay tribute to the icon of peace and conciliation
Johannesburg reporter Camilla Bath, Deputy News Editor at Eyewitness News for Talk Radio 702, spoke with John about the emotion in the country, and her meetings with Mandela over the years.
63 people are losing their jobs at an electrical switchgear firm in Shannon
Kraus and Naimer is closing its manufacturing facility in the Shannon Free Zone at the end of January
The closure is due to the business sustaining losses for the last number of years, which have been driven by the impact of weak customer demand due to the global recession – The facility was set up in Shannon in 1973
John discussed this with Helen Downes of Shannon Chamber of Commerce and Shannon Councillor Sean McLoughlin who expressed their disappointment and hope that the workers will be well taken care of.
Speech and Language Therapist Claire O’Loughlin is based at The Speech Centre at the Ennis Family Medical Centre – she joined John in studio to speak and answer questions about children with language delays
For more information please see the following websites;
www.thespeechcentre.com
www.info.iaslt.ie
www.iasltpp.com
www.hanen.org
This years Lights Of Love Remembrance Service will be held on Sunday in the Cathedral, Ennis at 5pm
It is in memory of little ones who are unfortunately no longer with us
This time of year can be particularly difficult as Christmas is so associated with family time- organisers would like to extend a warm welcome to the ‘Long Ago’ bereaved and others that may have not have had the opportunity to acknowledge their own loss
John was joined in studio by Laura O’Connor of Maurice’s Mills who lost her baby boy Gavin in February last year
and Feilecain volunteer photographer and Ennis based Louise Brooks who urged people to come along.
Author and Guide Jackie Queally is guest speaker for ‘The Mystical Qualities of the Burren’ a unique presentation exploring the mystical qualities of the Burren and its hinterland taking place tonight in the Courthouse Gallery in Ennistymon
The talk is accompanied by images and poems written by Jackie who moved to the Burren area five years ago – Jackie had a word with John to explain what people can expect from tonight’s talk.
Miltown Malbay will support local traders this Saturday at the Christmas Fair in the community hall
Doors open from 10 till 4 pm and all are welcome as Irene Killeen explained.
Clare Music Makers will hold a concert in the Friary in Ennis this Sunday – donations to Saint Vincent de Paul
Michelle Hennessey urged people to come along for some good entertainment and to support a worthy cause ahead of Christmas.
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