MORNING FOCUS MONDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER
Former Northern Ireland first minister and Democratic Unionist Party leader Dr Ian Paisley has died. Born in Ballymena in Co Antrim in 1926, he co-founded Northern Ireland's first Free Presbyterian Church in 1951. The clergyman became an MP for North Antrim in 1970 and founded the Democratic Unionist Party in the same year.He opposed a number of political agreements relating to Northern Ireland including the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. Mr Paisley was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly, but refused to enter power-sharing. He later reversed his position and was First Minister from 2007 to 2008. He continued to serve as an MP until 2010.Anne Cadwallader Former Northern Ireland based journalist spoke to John about Dr Paisley.
Clare's U21 hurlers won their third consecutive All Ireland U21 title with a thrilling victory over a battling Wexford side at Semple Stadium tonight.2013 Hurler of the Year Tony Kelly bagged seven points for the Bannermen, who survived the concession of three second-half goals to make it four titles in six seasons.Substitute David Dunne came off the bench to score two Wexford goals and Conor McDonald added another but it was not enough as Clare held onto the Cross of Cashel trophy. For Wexford, the dream of a first title since 1965 evaporated as Clare responded to every challenge that was thrown at them. In their first final in 13 years, Wexford were game and emptied the tank but Clare had that bit of extra class and know-how. Join was joined by County Board Chairman Michael McDonagh and joint manager Gerry O’Connor to lead the celebrations.
Hospice Jinja Uganda was founded in August 2005 by a small group of local volunteers, who saw the need for a palliative care service for patients with advanced cancer and HIV/AIDS. The service is co coordinated from the project centre in Jinja which is the capital of the Bosoga region with a population of 4. 5million. centre also offers education and training programmes for its staff and Community Volunteers who identify patients in need of the service. The hospice team includes 6 palliative care nurses, an administrator, 2 drivers and 2 volunteer Doctors -Frank and Patricia Hassett who retired from their practice in Ennis. Dr's Patricia amd Frank Hassett along with Fine Gael TD Pat Breen Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade who visited the Hospice over the weekend spoke to John about the initiative.
The Bishop of Killaloe Kieran O’Reily has rowed back on his decision to exclude women from the permanent Diaconate in the Dioceses of Killaloe ahead of a meeting to discuss the issue tonight. Speaking on Clare FM over the weekend Bishop O’Reily said he has shelved the implementation of the Diaconate for now. Kathleen McDonald of Cross Parish who had spearheaded the campaign to review this decision gave her reaction to John.
Finally as always on a Monday John Murphy, wildlife expert and Chairperson of the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland joined John in studio to answer listeners' bird and wildlife queries.
