On Wednesdays Morning Focus John began by asking the question how big is your child's class in School? Almost 90% of primary pupils in Clare are in classes greater than EU average of 20. Nationally 125,000 children are in classes of 30 or more. The INTO says the figures highlight the reality on the ground for teachers, pupils and parents. John spoke to Peter Walsh – Principle at St. Conaire's NS, Shannon, Darragh Glynn – Principle at CBS Ennis and Sean McMahon – President INTO – Mullagh NS Principal about super sized classes in Clare.
September is the Irish Heart Foundation's Heart Month and people are being encouraged to #Saywhensooner when it comes to alcohol. Fact – As a nation, we underestimate our alcohol intake by 61%Fact – 75% of alcohol consumed is done as part of a binge drinking session Fact – Every pint of beer consumed, carries the same calories as a packet of crisps . Fact – by drinking the maximum recommended standard drinks every week, a man stands to gain a stone and a half at the end of the year. John spoke to Maureen Mulvihill – Head of Health Promotion at the Irish Heart Foundation about the initiative to #Saywhensooner.
A giant granny will be the centrepiece of the Royal de Luxe performance in Limerick this weekend. As part of Limerick City of Culture, the French street theatre company is coming to the city for three days in early September with the massive show expected draw in excess of 100,000 people. Plans for the show will see the giant "walk through and be transported on a wheelchair through the streets of Limerick", calling to Arthur's Quay Park, Lee Estate, Thomond Park – and "sleeping" overnight in both Sarsfield Barracks and Shelbourne Park. John spoke to Mike Fitzpatrick – Director of Limerick City of Culture about what people can expect from the giant granny.
A recent survey by National Assoc. of Principals and Deputy Principals found 16% of Irish students have experienced bullying on-line. A conference on the subject was held on Monday Sept. 1st Dr. O'Higgins Norman was one of the speakers where policies and strategies were discussed to tackle the problem. John spoke to Dr. James O'Higgins Norman Director Anti-Bullying Centre at DCU to find out more about these figures.
Work on the Tuam/Galway Motorway starts in October. It will run through an area which is home to over 300 orchids with 7 species. A group plans to transplant these hard to grow plants to public spaces where they can be preserved. John was joined on the line by Peter Butler – Conservation Volunteers about the Burren 'Orchid Transplant' and hoe exactly this will work.
TLC4CF is making progress with the building almost complete – New CF Unit for young adults, they hope to open early 2015, and this has been made possible via fundraising and goodwill from the communities in the 3 counties. The final push is on to equip and furnish the new unit, so the charity has organised another fundraiser Marcella Clancy of TLC4CF – Kilnaboy spoke to John about "North Clare TLC4CF Cycle or Run"
Date: Sat, 6th September 2014
Start Time: 10.30am Kilnaboy National School, Co. Clare
Register Online today: www.tlc4cf.com and for information and maps.
John Underhill of Burren Vets was in studio to answer listeners' livestock and pet queries.
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.
