On Thursdays Morning Focus, John began by speaking to Eric Flynn of Electrical Expert on Parnell St as Gardaí are investigating a 'smash and grab' style burglary at the shop. A large amount of electrical goods were taken from Ennis Electrical Expert on Parnell St by at least two men, who broke into the shop just after 3 o'clock on Wednesday Morning. At least two men got out of a vehicle, and used sledgehammers to break through the shop's door. After gaining access to the store, they took a large quantity of valuable electrical items – they left three minutes later. This smash and grab style break in is similar to an incident at Cassidy's Pharmacy last month, during which 20 thousand euro worth of stock was stolen. It's believed that Gardaí are linking this latest robbery with that crime and other similar incidents in the Munster area. Eric spoke to John about what happened and how business are feeling in Ennis given the recent spate of these type of crimes.
Michael Vaughan, Lahnich Hotelier and Past President of the IHF, was on the line next to chat with John as Clare hoteliers have positive outlook for summer season. The Irish Hotel federation have released figures that show
86% of hoteliers are indicating a positive outlook for future trading conditions in 2014.
42% of hoteliers expect to increase staffing levels over the next 12 months
67% of hoteliers report an increase in domestic visitors compared to last year
73% of hotels and guesthouses are having difficulty recruiting suitable qualified craft/entry level staff.
Michael spoke to John about how things are going so far this year for the Clare hotel sector.
SUNBEDS WILL SOON be banned for anyone aged under 18. An Act has been signed into force by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins. It's expected that the ban will commence before the end of next month. This means that the scores of young people who would previously have lined up to scorch their skin in preparation for their graduation ball, won't be able to do so. The Act has been welcomed by environmental health officers who will enforce its provisions. John spoke to Kathleen O'Meara, Head of Advocacy and Communications with the Irish Cancer Society about what this means in the battle towards skin cancer and if it's enough.
The Ocean Wildlife TV series is currently being broadcast on RTÉ One. The series is the brain child of a small independent production company based in Lahinch. The series began on Sunday June 22nd and it runs for another three weeks. This week's programme has a strong Clare theme as it covers sharks and the history of these animals in Liscannor Bay. John was joined in studio by Ken O'Sullivan Producer / Director with Sea Fever Productions Based in Lahinch about the series and if there really are sharks off the Clare coast.
Two Youth Ambassadors from the US state of Arizona are settling in to Ennis life as part of the Ennis Phoenix Youth Ambassador Exchange Programme. For three weeks each summer the exchange students will live with their host families and experience life of Irish teenagers in County Clare. Seventeen year old Estefania Lopez and Emma Mertens were selected from hundreds of applicants to travel to Ireland as youth ambassadors from Phoenix. During their time here they will learn to surf in Lahinch, Kayak in Killaloe, volunteer at the District Daycare Centre in Clarecastle and indulge in afternoon tea in Dromoland Castle. They will also enjoy sporting and music activities and simply hanging out with their Irish peers. John was joined in studio by Ennis Cllr Mary Hoeard to discuss the thoughts behind the programme and also by Estefania Lopez a 17yr old from the US state of Arizona who is currently enjoying her stay in Clare and Alana Bradley of Colaiste Muire Ennis who will be heading to the US as part of this programme.
Marina Clancy is the owner of Hair boutique in Lahinch says got in touch with the show as she was listening to the segment on sun beds. She wants to let you know that not all those beauty salons that have sun beds are irresponsible. They give everyone a form about sun beds warning them of harmful effects they also advise only short periods on the bed and to be careful.
Shannon Airport's inaugural night-time run, in association with Bank of Ireland, is very much proving the run-away success intended, with the airport today urging people intending taking part to book their spot quickly on the starting-line to avoid disappointment. With the inaugural Bank of Ireland Runway Night Run, which will be held on Friday night, July 4th, just over one week away, bookings for the 1,200 person capacity event are way beyond what was anticipated with less than 300 places now available. John spoke to Niall Maloney, Head of Operations Shannon Airport to find out how people can grab those last few places.
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.
