On Monday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with Tony Carroll, SIPTU Aviation Sector Organiser
Workers at Shannon Airport who have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action say they’re protecting themselves against the possible failure of the government’s plans
Efforts to establish Clare’s international airport on an independent footing have hit a major snag with staff at Shannon Airport AND Shannon Development both voting in favour of industrial action
The SIPTU members are seeking assurances on their terms, conditions and security of employment after an overhaul of structures at the airport and the development agency, which is to have it’s functions changed under the coalition’s proposal
Staff at the airport say failure to secure written assurances will trigger industrial action
John was joined in studio by Deputy Pat Breen of Fine Gael who responded to SIPTU’s comments and spoke about Budget 2013 saying the number one priority for the government is to get this back on track- measures announced in the budget were necessary to ensure this.
The death has taken place of former Mayor of Kilrush and current Fianna Fail councillor Stephen O’Gorman
Councillor O’Gorman was in his 21st year of public representation on the local authority, when he passed away on Friday morning following an illness
He served as Mayor of Kilrush twice, and established a community centre near his home in the John Paul Estate as well as the Kilrush Multi-Agency taskforce to tackle social problems in the town
Stephen O’Gorman is survived by his wife Geraldine, sons, daughters and grandchildren and his fellow Kilrush town Councillor Tom Prendeville spoke with John and said that Stephen is a big loss to the town.
Tributes have been pouring in for Kerry footballer Paidi O’Sé who has passed away at the age of 57
The GAA legend was found dead in his home in Ventry on Saturday morning
It’s believed he may have suffered a heart attack
The Arts Minister Jimmy Deenihan said Paidi will be remembered as one of the greatest footballers of his time, saying his talent, commitment and energy were legendary
O’Sé won 8 All-Ireland titles with Kerry in the 1970s and 80s, before going on to manage the team, winning two further All-Irelands in 1997 and 2000
He also went on to manage Westmeath, bringing them to their first ever Leinster title in 2004 as well as managing Clare for a season in 2006
Kevin McGillicuddy of Clare FM Sport joined John in studio to speak about Paidi’s legacy and we heard John Kennedy, Manager of Kilmurry Ibrickane and Mick O’Dwyer, Clare Football Manager speaking about Paidi.
Garda Niamh Browne of Ennis Garda Station appealed for the public’s assistance with information on a number of crimes committed over the past week on Garda Focus
Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100.
President Michael D. Higgins is sending Christmas and New Year greetings to Irish people at home and all over the world
In his annual Christmas message – President Higgins is addressing the nation exclusively through local, regional and national radio
Fr Harry Bohan, Sixmilebridge Parish Priest, Sociologist, Former Clare Hurling Selector and Feakle Native joined John in studio to reflect on Christmas, and how the real meaning of Christmas relates to our current economic circumstances.
John Murphy of the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland joined John in studio to answer your bird and wildlife queries.
If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email [email protected]
