Morning Focus Thursday 6th February

On today’s show, Pat O’Donoghue, Chairman of Ennistymon IFA, Tom Clair , the Vice Chairman and Rosemary Foley of Foley’s Food market, Ennistymon joined John Cooke to discuss how North Clare Farmers, Business representatives and local residents met in Ennistymon last night amid concerns and “outrage” over the future of the local mart.  The meeting was called following reports that Ennistymon Mart may be sold to Supermarket chain Aldi, and farmers are concerned at the loss of the local service in their area. A spokesperson for Aldi said the company has no comment to make regarding possible store openings in Clare.

Sgt. Joe Downey, the county’s Crime Prevention Officer and local Ennis mechanic Charlie McEnery were also guests of the show as motorists are urged to be vigilant of thieves targeting cars.  Five catalytic converters were stolen from cars in Shannon and Ennis on Tuesday night. Jeeps and 4&4 vehicles are particularly at risk, and it’s believed the converters could be worth 1500 euro each. 

David Houlihan is a local election candidate from Parteen with the Anti-Austerity Alliance and joined John Cooke on the show. Two election candidates, both fighting water charges and property tax policies, launched their campaigns in Shannon last night. The local candidates are Seónaidh Ní Shíomóin who first got involved in campaigning against the Household Charge, and David Houlihan, a trade union activist.

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Mary Flanagan is the Clare Family Learning Co-ordinator with Limerick Clare Education Training Board (formerly Clare VEC) and talked to John about a new course entitled “My Baby and Me”. The new course is for Mums and their babies under 3 years in Clare Women’s Network on Mondays 9.30 to 11. It’s aimed at mothers who are isolated in their homes, who are very happy with their baby but would like to meet other mums without it costing anything. It also focuses on the importance of early learning for babies.

Clare FM’s Amy Ryan also reported from Cusack Park, where tickets for Garth Brooks were sold from a mobile Ticket master van this morning. It follows the decision by the Irish Shop.com to cease operating as a ticket master agent, as heard on yesterday’s programme. Also during the show today we heard the latest announcement that a 5th date has been added.

Bobby Kerr, well known Entrepreneur, Businessman and Presenter of ‘Down to Business’ on Newstalk and  a founding ’Dragon’ on RTE’s Dragons’ Den also featured on today’s programme. He is the Chairman of Insomnia Coffee and one of the owners of Bang Restaurant and spoke at the launch of a new Town Improvement & Economic Development Strategy for Kilkee this week. His father came from Kilkee.

John Underhill of Burren Vets was also with us to answer your livestock, pet and general animal queries. 

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