MORNING FOCUS TUESDAY 9th SEPTEMBER
Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Seán Brady as Archbishop of Armagh and Catholic Primate of All Ireland.Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin automatically succeeds to both positions under canon law.Cardinal Brady, who was 75 on August 16th, last, submitted his resignation letter in July. As also required by canon law, every bishop must do so on reaching the age of 75. However he remains a cardinal for life and may take part in papal elections (conclaves) until he is 80.John Spoke to Patsy McGarry, religious affairs correspondent with the Irish Times about the issue.
Next John spoke with councillors Christy Curtin (Ind) and Pat Hayes (FF) about the ongoing property tax controversy. Clare's homeowners will likely have to wait until the end of the month before finding out how much they'll pay in property taxes next year. Councillors have held a heated debate on the issue, after calls were made for a 15 per cent reduction of the charge here. However, legal advice provided through CEO Tom Coughlin stated that no ballot could take place before public representatives had been briefed on the budgetary implications.
Tom McEvoy, Funding and Advocacy Officer with Pieta house joined John in studio to talk about the organisations SIGNS campaign. Staff have planned an education campaign to help the public recognise the signs of suicidal behaviour and offer advice on what to do if a loved one is in crisis. SIGNS stands for Sleep disturbance, Isolation, Giving away personal possessions, No interest in anything and Speaking of no future.Pieta House, which opened in Dublin in 2006, has nine centres around the country including four in the capital at Lucan, Finglas, Ballyfermot and Tallaght. Other centres are in Limerick, Cork, Tuam, Roscrea and Castleisland.You can contact the Limerick facility on 061-484444.
Kilrush has been announced among the top prize-winners at this year's National Tidy Towns awards. The West Clare town is Ireland's tidiest small town, and has won a gold medal for an eighth year in a row.Ennis has also won a Gold Medal, as well as being the overall winner of the Gum Litter Taskforce Award for Large Towns.Mountshannon received a Silver Medal with Ballynacally, Kilkee and Tuamgraney securing Bronze Medals.Newmarket-on-Fergus won the Midwest Endeavour Award. Chairpersons of Ennis Tidy Towns Aine Purcell and KIlrush Tidy Towns Paul Edson shared their joy with John.
The Money Doctor spoke to John about a range of issues ranging from first time buyers to illegal mortgage sell offs and as usual got plenty of listener reaction. John joins us every second Tuesday to look at your money matters , you can contact John here www.moneydoctor.ie
Film makers Garret Daly and Gerry Burke were in studio to discuss their new film 'A Nightingale Falling' which premiers this Friday 12th September. The film is based on Clare mans PJ Curtis book of the same name, PJ also spoke to John ahead of the films launch.
Ennis Chamber is inviting all business in the Mid-West to attend an exciting Business-to-Business Expo, to experience what other businesses in the Shannon Region have to offer in terms of their products and services. The exhibition will provide businesses with an excellent opportunity to network with other businesses to promote and grow their business. Rita Machinery from the Ennis chamber spoke to John about the event.
Finally as always on a Tuesday Frankie Coote of Clare ISPCA spoke to John about animal welfare issues across the county.
