Morning Focus Wednesday May 22

The Board of Shannon Airport Authority yesterday announced the appointment of Neil Pakey- former boss at Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport, as the company’s new CEO
Neil Pakey has over 30 years experience in the aviation industry, a strong track record in delivering airport passenger and revenue growth
The Scot takes up the role on a three year term from next month
He will also become CEO of the new Shannon entity which will be formed following the merger of Shannon Airport with a restructured Shannon Development

On Wednesday’s Morning Focus we heard from Rose Hynes – Chairperson of Shannon Airport – and John Cooke discussed the appointment of Neil Pakey with Joe Downes, Editor of BusinessWorld.ie

According to the business journalist this is a real coup for Shannon Airport – they must now be the envy of the aviation world to have secured Mr Pakey as he has an international record of turning airport fortunes around.

CONTINUE READING BELOW

Hundreds of people gathered at Ennis Cathedral yesterday to pay their final respects to homeless man Joseph Pavelka
Political figures both in Ennis and nationwide are being urged to review their homelessness policies to ensure the death of Joseph Pavelka is never repeated
Clare FM’s Trudy Waters was there. 

On Friday a Public Meeting will be held at the West County Hotel, Ennis, to allow people with disabilities, families and friends to have their voices heard and possibly begin organising a response to the constant attacks
Organisers say they wish to send a strong message that people in the West have had enough
They say that since July 2010 the Government have made several serious attacks on people with disabilities from basic income to services which enable disabled people to work, contribute to the taxation system, take care of their children and participate in society with dignity and respect
Disability Activist Anne Marie Flanagan urged people to attend the meeting. 

The Parish Mission continues throughout this week in Shannon and among the speakers is sister Briege McKenna, a nun from the Sisters of St Clare who wrote about the miracles she credits with her own healing, and now travels the world ministering to priests along with Fr. Kevin Scallon.

John met Fr. Kevin and Sr. Briege earlier this week and started by asking Sr. Briege McKenna about the purpose of the Shannon Parish Mission.

Wild and Free was first published in 1978, and became a best seller and inspired a generation – it’s about the cooking of wild foods, and has been republished to cater for the new interest in foraging
It was written by Kit and Cyril O Céirín from Lisdoonvarna

Kit is living in Lisdoonvarna for past 25 years, former nurse and native of Westmeath
Her late husband Cyril and she lived in Limerick for many years when Cyril was teaching in Mungret and then Presentation, Sexton St.
They them moved back to Cyril’s family home in Lisdoonvarna -he died in 1999 and she still lives there
Kit joined John in studio.

The Kilfenora Timeline is a heritage project being launched this Saturday night. John spoke with Edel Barry about the project that seeks to present the rich history of Kilfenora and its hinterland. The exhibition be open to the public on Saunday and will remain in St Fachtna’s Cathedral until September.

If you have a story for Morning Focus email [email protected]