Morning Focus Thursday July 19

In its latest health check of the Irish economy – the IMF praised Ireland’s efforts to address the economic problems since the onset of the crisis – however it warned there are still major challenges to be faced
The agency – which is part funding the Irish bailout deal – says there needs to be a better targeting of spending on amongst others – child benefit and medical cards

On Thursday’s Morning Focus John Cooke discussed this – and the that the Health Service Executive will cease to be in 2014 under planned new legislation published yesterday by Minister for Health Dr James Reilly- with Michael Brennan, Deputy Political Editor with the The Irish Independent 

Yesterday postmasters urged Government action to save taxpayers €53m and keep services locally based, by expanding the range of services at Post Offices
Presenting its case to the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Transport and Communications yesterday the IPU urged members to support the development of a detailed plan for the future of Post Offices, including the expansion of services
IPU General Secretary Brian McGann presented details of an independent Review by Grant Thornton which showed that making Motor Tax payments, additional financial transactions, household charges and hospital costs payable at Post Offices would save taxpayers €53m and increase business by 8%
Brian McGann, General Secretary of the Irish Postmasters’ Union, joined us on the line to explain.

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On Tuesday next a charity event in aid of the homeless that will spam all 32 counties is coming to Clare
This is raising money for the Simon Community
The organisers are asking GAA clubs in each county to donate €32 to the charity which helps the homeless
The Simon Community are asking people to raise €32 each through €2.00 donations and bring it to Doora-Barefield GAA Club on Tuesday
Barry McElduff, Sinn Fein MLA for Tyrone and GAA enthusiast explained what will be taking place and asked clubs and individuals to support them by donating to the cause – Contact Susan on 086 1033195 to make a donation or call into Mid West Simon Charity Shop on Woodquay in Ennis.

As a political representative in Tyrone Barry is close with the McAreavey and Harte families – he spoke about the local feeling in the aftermath of Michaela’s murder trial verdict and photograph publication. 

In our GIY feature this week horticulturalist Ciaran Burke, owner of The Garden School, Galway and Mayo, joined John to speak about growing your own fruit
Ciaran runs courses at the National Botanic Gardens and writes on gardening for magazines and newspapers
He’s a well known plantsman and gardener who inspires others with his talks to garden societies, demonstrations and talks
He discussed the do’s and don’ts of fruit growing: when to plant, where to plant etc and answered listeners queries

Carmen Cronin, GIY Munster Coordinator and Clare Garden Festival Founder / Organiser outlined meetings coming up in July for GIY groups in Ennis, Ennistymon, Miltown Malbay, Kilrush, Newmarket on Fergus and Scarriff and had more details on the inaugural Clare Garden Festival schedule.

A new website www.gogaelic.ie is the brainchild of two Clarecastle men who, after playing GAA in Asia, decided to set up introductory courses to Gaelic Games for tourists  
Go Gaelic offers individuals/groups the opportunity to experience Gaelic Games, Ireland’s unique sporting pursuits of Hurling and Gaelic football on a fun level, with both active, and passive packages available to discover the real Irish culture and ancient heritage
Eoin Brennan from Clarecastle and co-founder of GoGaelic.ie joined John in studio to explain.

The Clare branch of the Irish Red Cross are beginning a fund raising drive starting to-day in Ennistymon from 11am to 4.30pm. James Lafferty- Clare Area Treasurer – encouraged people to support them.

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