On Morning Focus today, John Cooke was joined in studio by Ballynacally Fine Gael TD Pat Breen and Mountshannon Fianna Fail TD Timmy Dooley to discuss the damage and its cost following Storm Darwin. Following week’s of storms, that battered Clare, flooding and damage is now estimated at 36.7 million euro by Clare County Council. John asked the local government representatives about the government’s response to date, will the bills be met and will further funding be made available if needed?
Seamus Grey is the ESB Production Support Manager for the Mid West and joined John for an update. Between 700 and 800 Clare homes and businesses are still without power following Wednesday's storm. ESB crews will be out in force once more today, looking to repair faults which are reported on the outskirts of Newmarket on Fergus this morning, as well as in Cranny, Cooraclare, Ennis, Scariff, Killaloe, Cratloe and Blackwater. ESB Emergency number 1850 372 999
Caher Fianna Fail Councillor Pat Hayes also spoke to the show about his relative – Kathleen Hayes Snavely. Kathleen Hayes Snavely is Ireland’s oldest living woman ever! She turned 112 yesterday! Originally from Feakle, Co Clare, she emigrated to the United States in 1921. She now lives at the Centres at St Camillus healthcare facility in Syracuse in New York state. Mrs Snavely was born in 1902 to Patrick and Ellen Hayes and left Ireland for the US in her teens. Pat’s father, P Joe Hayes, was a first cousin of Mrs. Snavely.
Minister for Education and Skills and Labour TD Ruairi Quinn was also on today’s show and spoke to John following the Labour Party’s Annual Conference, which took place at the weekend. He also discussed issues of religion in Schools and School Patronage – particularly in the Shannon Area.
Garda Emer McDonagh of Ennis Garda Station was in studio for Garda Focus. She provided an update on recent local crime and an appeal for listener’s help. Please contact Ennis Garda Station 065 6848100
Clare beat Kilkenny in a thrilling league opening match cheered on by over 10,000 fans in Cusack Park yesterday. The teams' National league opener ended with a one point win for the banner side, 1-16 to 0-18, with Newmarket's Colin Ryan scoring 1-09 of Clare's total. Henry Shefflin topped scored for the cats with 12 points, but crucially had a second half penalty saved by a combination of Ryan and goalkeeper Dónal Tuohy. Afterwards both managers gave their reaction – Clare's Davy Fitzgerald spoke to Clare FM Commentator Syl O'Connor while Kilkenny Manager Brian Cody spoke to reporter Oisin Langan. We aslo heard recation from Clare Captian Pat Donnellan.
John Murphy from the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland was also in studio to answer your bird and wildlife queries. He also gave us details about an upcoming event in The Templegate Hotel on March 9th for anyone interested in taking part in a wildlife survey workshop and tarining day. For info please email [email protected]
To contact the show please email [email protected]
