On Mondays Morning Focus; John began the show by paying tribute to Josie Lucas who died in a tragic car accident yesterday. Local Councillor Pat Hayes who was a former neighbour of Mrs Lucas spoke to John about his memories of her. Councillor Mary Howard a current neighbour of the lady also spoke fondly of Mr. Lucas.
Up next John spoke to Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore who attended The 25th Annual Clare Tourism Conference in Ennistymon. Tainaiste Eamon Gilmore was in Clare to perform the official opening of the event. We broadcast live from in Ennistymon on Friday.
He also visited Limerick and Shannon Banks to inspect flood damaged areas and to inspect defences that have been put in place near the Clare border in recent years.
John was then joined in studio by Anne Looney Principal Officer at the Local Property Tax- Revenue office and John O'Connor Customer Services Manager was also in studio.
Homeowners who haven't paid their Household Charge or Local Property Tax are being given a reprieve. The Revenue Commissioners is offering people a final opportunity to pay the fees before a nationwide compliance programme is launched.
Homeowners with outstanding charges have until the end of March to avoid facing interest and penalties. Listener's queries were answered by Anne and John. If you have further questions call 1890 200255
Up next Garda Focus with Ennis Garda Niall Congrave. Garda Cosgrave appealed for the public's assistance with information on crimes committed in the county over the past seven days
Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100.
John took a look at the GAA sporting action that took place over the weekend. The Clare footballers recorded a comfortable victory over London in their division four league clash in Ruislip yesterday. It ended a 9 point victory for Colm Collins Charges. The banner men led 2-07 to 1-03 at half time, with goals from Kilmurry Ibrickanes Enda Coughlan and Captain Clondegads Gary Brennan. Against a strong breeze the banner men continued to dominate the second half outscoring the exiles by 7 points to 5, leaving it 2-14 to 1-08 at the final whistle. Clare remain unbeaten in their division four campaign with two wins and a draw as they continue their drive for promotion. Next week they host Wicklow in Cusack Park in Ennis.
In Hurling Clare Manager Davy Fitzgerald feels their National League campaign will be a battle to the end, with all teams now level after two games. Clare, Galway and Tipperary recorded wins in round one, but yesterday suffered defeat at the hands of Dublin, Waterford and Kilkenny respectively. Anthony Daly's Dubs beat the All Ireland champions 2-17 to 0-17. John heard Davy's Fitzgeralds reaction after the game. Up next we heard from Anthony Daly.
John was joined on the line by Ruth Craig, Head of Public Fundraising in UNICEF Ireland. Initial recovery efforts for children in the Philippines whose lives were devastated by Typhoon Haiyan have been a success said UNICEF, the children's organisation, thanks to the generosity of public donations, including over €14,000 donated by individuals, groups and companies in Clare. People can continue to sign up to give a small monthly donation or donate to UNICEF Ireland's Emergency Appeals at www.unicef.ie
The Big Electricity Switch is a campaign to find 20,000 Irish consumers willing to switch together to unlock group discounted electricity and gas in Ireland.
The Big Energy Switch works by asking consumers to register at OneBigSwitch.ie:
– Joining the campaign is completely obligation free
– One Big Switch will use the bulk buying power of the campaign to negotiate a group discounted Energy offer not currently available on the market
– Consumers choose if the offer is right for them, or use it shop around
John spoke to Co-founder of the Big Switch electricity campaign Oliver Tattan about how residents in Clare can make the big switch. Go to www.onebigswitch.ie for more details.
Finally Tom Lynch of Clare branch Birdwatch Ireland joined John in studio to answer listeners' bird and wildlife queries.
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.
