On today’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with Patsy McGarry, Religious Affairs Correspondent with The Irish Times, in Rome, as the Catholic world woke up this morning to a new leader. 76-year-old Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was last night elected by the Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel. The Cardinal of Buenos Aires in Argentina Jorge Bergoglio will now be known as Pope Francis the first. The new Pope will become the first non-European to lead the Catholic Church in more than 1,000 years. He’s considered to be a conservative on issues like same sex marriage, abortion and contraception – but has been a voice for social justice and charity in Argentina.
So far his appointment has received welcome across Ireland – and John Cooke also heard from mass-goers who attended the Ennis parish mission this morning about their views on Pope Francis. Also joining John today was
Fr. Brendan Quinlivan, Parish Priest Scariff, Feakle, Flagmount and Killanena and Fr. Caoimhin O Laoide, OFM, at Ennis Friary to talk about their views and hopes for the new Pontiff. John also spoke to Fr. Tom Hogan, Administrator of Ennis Parish and John Morgan from Kilfenora about the lection of the new pontiff – Pope Francis.
Racing Pundit Rupert Bell also joined the show on day three of the Cheltenham Festival. Today’s feature race is the World Hurdle but the first is off at one thirty. Rupert gave tips on all the races taking place today and talked about the Irish interest at the annual festival.
Also joining John Cooke in studio was Kelly and Delia Stokes from Phoenix, Arizona and Ennis Town Councillor Mary Howard to talk about the Cliffs of Moher 5 Miler at 11am on Saturday, 16 March. The fundraising event will commemorate the short life of baby Nicholas Stokes of Phoenix who passed away at the Cliffs in 2006. His parents were so touched by the support they received at the time of the tragedy that they have raised over $80,000 to supply emergency equipment and emergency response training for personnel at the Cliffs of Moher First Aid Centre, now known as Nicholas Room. The funds raised by the run will go to the Nicholas Room and to the Neonatal Unit in St. Munchin’s Hospital. Preparations are underway to cater for 500 participants in the 5-Miler and almost fifty runners from Phoenix plan to take part. Those intending to run or walk the route can register on www.runireland.com or at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center beforehand.
Kilnamona Sculptor Michael McTigue was also in studio to talk about a special anniversary taking place this weekend. This St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th will be the 90th anniversary of Boxer Mike McTigue the light – heavyweight World Champion in 1923. The Kilnamona native was the first Irish man to win a title on home turf – the fight against West African title holder “Battling Siki” took place in Dublin on St. Patrick’s night. The fight went to 20 rounds – the last ever to do so. It was during the Civil War and bombs were going off around the capitol at the time. Michel is currently working on a sculpture to commemorate the boxer, which is due to be unveiled in August to coincide with the boxer’s birthday.
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