The Gathering has been officially launched in Clare with plans for at least 150 events so far this year as part of the major national tourism drive
Thousands of people visited the Clare Gathering Expo in Ennis yesterday, where up to 100 festivals, reunions and even world record breaking bids were on display, and the Solas an Chlair flame was lit to symbolise the welcome on offer to all visitors coming to Clare in 2013
John Cooke was at the event, and on Monday’s Morning Focus we heard interviews with a range of well known Clare people
Martin Hayes – Clare Gathering Ambassador – World Renowned Fiddle Player – Caher, Feakle
Sharon Meaney – The Clare Volunteer Centre – "Welcoming Claires to Clare Festival"
Tracey Crawford – Bally-O Promotions – Ennis Roots Weekend, June/ Love Live Music Event/ Lunasa Tin Whistle World Record Attempt
Gerry Kennedy – Chairman – Clare Roots Society – "Gathering the Scattering"
Aine Hensey – Oidhreacht an Chlair – Concertina Crinniu, Miltown Malbay (Feb)
Aoibhinn Garrihy – Clare Gathering Ambassador – Fair City Actor
Donnagh Cregson of the Bunratty Cookery School is the new Chairperson of Clare Tourism Forum
She and Ger Dollard, Chairman The Gathering Steering Committee, joined John in studio to discuss the success of the event
Sligo narrowly beat Clare’s County Town in the 16 to 14 vote among members of the Ardchomhairle of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann with the North West town set to host Fleadh Ceoil na hEireann in 2014.
Mayor of Clare Pat Daly and Michael O’Riabhaigh of the Ennis working group for Fleadh Ceoil na hEireann
joined John in studio to express their disappointment and frustration at not being selected to host the event after their thrid attempt to get it.
Sergeant Joe Downey, Crime Prevention Officer of the Clare Garda Division, joined John in studio to appeal for information on a number of crimes committed in the past week.
Sergent Downey also reacted to the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohue on Friday, expressing the shock and disgust of the Gardai in Clare and inviting members of the public to sign a book of condolences at Ennis Garda Station.
Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100.
There is widespread shock in Kilkee at the death of Detective Garda Adrian Donohue as his wife Caroline De Loughrey is a native of the area
The husband and father of two children was well known in the area
Caroline and Adrian got married in Kilkee church as Mayor of Kilkee Claire Haugh explained
Fr. Gerry Kenny, Parish Priest of Kilkee, expressed the despair of the entire community.
We heard some more interviews that John Cooke conducted at the Gathering Expo that took place in Glór yesterday
Marcus Horan – Clare Gathering Ambassador – Ireland/Munster Rubgy Star
TJ Waters – Ennis-Phoenix Twinning Board – April Gathering
Olivia Dillon – Boston meets Boston event
Colm Wiley – Bodyke Summer Gathering
Katherine Webster – Cliffs of Moher – Clare Family Names Gathering Theme for 2013
Liam O’Looney – Chairman, Clare Association in Dublin
Janet Kavanagh – Fr. Ted Festival, Kilfenora
Gary Deegan – Clare Gathering Ambassador- Bunratty Singer, Voice of Ireland Contestant
John Murphy, Chairperson 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]
