On the first Morning Focus of 2013 we heard about how business and commercial activity went over Christmas and looked back on 2012 with business representatives from throughout the county
John Cooke was joined in studio by Ger Dollard, Ennis Town Manager who said that pedestrianisation of the main street and free parking incentive aided Christmas trade
Ennis Town Council invite members of the public to get in touch with their views by emailing [email protected]
Brian O’Neill, President of Ennis Chamber and Manager of The Rowan Tree said the Christmas period saw shoppers and revellers come into Ennis and was pleased with the commerical activity
John also spoke with Pat Kelly, Manager of the Skycourt in Shannon and Jack Kelly of Kelly’s Meatstore in Kilrush and acting Chairperson of Kilrush Chamber who said the last six days of Christmas shopping were very busy in Kilrush but this was preceded by a quiet few weeks.
Michael Vaughan, President of the Irish Hotels’ Federation and Lahinch hotelier had a word about the jobs blow in the industry locally on Friday when it was announced that the Woodstock Hotel on Shanaway Road would close with immediate effect – with 60 staff effected
Employees were called into a meeting this afternoon where they were informed of the decision which has now been confirmed to Clare Fm
Its the second time the hotel has closed – it shut its doors in October 2008- but reopened under new management in early 2009
Sergeant Joe Downey, Crime Prevention Officer with the Clare Garda Division joined John in studio to discuss Christmas figures from Clare Garda Division and appeal to listners for information on crimes committed over the period
Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100.
Toastmasters are looking for new members and are holding a special Open Night with cheese and wine reception to recruit new members to the Kilrush, Shannon, Raheen and Ennis clubs, who collectively form "Area 13", this Wednesday in the Oakwood Arms Hotel, Shannon at 8pm
John was joined in studio by immediate past presidnet of the Ennis Toastmasters John Moran and Sarah Ryan, Secretary of Ennis Toastmasters
Sarah is a 2nd year toastmaster and loves being involved
She explained that the group gave her confidence when she changed her job and improved her communication skills
The worldwide toastmasters website is www.toastmasters.org and Shannon, Ennis and Raheen have their own facebook pages and website if you want to research further
The second annual Irish Christmas Tree Throwing Championship took place on Saturday at Lees Road, Ennis
The event, which is based on age-old lumberjack traditions and commonplace across Germany and Austria, saw members of the public competing to beat the Irish distance record for throwing a standard 1.5 metre tree
All proceeds raised during the contest, which is organised by Ennis Town Council and Clare County Council, will go toward the Clare Branch of Cystic Fibrosis
Clare FM’s Doireann Wylde attended the championships and spoke to some spectators and competitors
John O’Dea from Cappamore in County Limerick was the year’s Christmas Tree Throwing Champion- throwing 10.2m John is also the reigning Welly Throwing Champion- as he explained to John.
John Murphy, Chairperson of the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland joined John in studio to answer listeners’ bird and wildlife queries
Check out John’s blog – murfswildlife.blogspot.org
If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email [email protected]
