Morning Focus Wednesday January 30

On Wednesday’s Morning Focus John Cooke was joined in studio by Kevin Thompstone- the New President of Shannon Chamber of Commerce 

Kevin is a former chief executive of Shannon Development and an experienced economic development practitioner and consultant
The Thompstone Group was founded in 2008 by Kevin after he retired as CEO of Shannon Development, the regional economic development company for Ireland’s Shannon Region
Kevin spent 23 years with Shannon Development and served as CEO from 2000 – 2008
He has extensive experience in innovative economic development, organizational structuring and project management/delivery

Having lived and worked in Shannon for over thirty years he told John that he understands the issues affecting Shannon and the contribution it can continue to make at a regional, national and global level
Since setting up his own business in 2008 he has worked extensively outside the country and is happy to inject that experience, through Shannon Chamber, into seeing Shannon grow.

CONTINUE READING BELOW

Oliver Williams from Ballyboggan, Athenry is the founder of Twist Soup Kitchens
Twist is a 100% voluntary organisation with no funding whatsoever – it survives on the kindness of many local people – all donations
He opened his first soup kitchen in Galway in June and subsequently opened ones in Athlone and Roscommon
He also has plans for one in Ennis, Castlerea and Castlebar – on Monday he opened one in Sligo
Oliver has been in touch with Josie O’Brien of HELP in Ennis and is coming down to Ennis in the next few weeks to do more research into whether there’s a need for one here
To donate or get more information see www.twistsoupkitchen.com or contact Oliver on 087 7773845.

Students filling out their CAO forms are being advised to research the college courses they’re interested in
The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals is urging applicants to choose courses that they feel would suit them best, instead of choosing a course based on points
Students have until February 1st (this Friday) to choose a college course
John spoke with Olivia O’Connor, Guidance Counsellor at St. Joseph’s Secondary School in Tulla, who had some last minute advice for applicants.

The Bushy Park Addiction Treatment Centre outside Ennis offers services for people dealing with addiction like alcohol, drugs, or gambling, as well as their families and those affected by the addiction

Over the years we’ve heard some inspiring stories of the help on offer at Bushy-Park, particularly though the experiences of those who’ve been there  – so to find out more about alcohol addiction, and the steps to recovery, John met Sarah, her partner Michael and addiction counsellor Gerry Murphy.
Contact Bushypark on 065 6840944
See www.bushypark.ie or www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie

Anne Marie O’Reilly  of Clare Citizens’ Information Service joined John in studio to answer listeners’ social welfare, employment and consumer law queries.

If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email [email protected]