On Mondays Morning Focus; Donald Trump held a press conference in Shannon Airport at 8am this morning. The American became the official owner of the former Doonbeg Lodge and Golf Club in February. The resort has been re-named Trump International Golf Links, Ireland and the Trump family have promised that their investment will be of significant benefit to the local economy. His son has already made the trip to Doonbeg but this will be Mr. Trump’s first official visit. Morning Focus producer Amy Ryan was at the event this morning and spoke to John about how Donald Trump was welcomed in Shannon.
Tommy Comerford of the Doonbeg Fishermen’s Association also spoke to John ahead of Mr. Trump’s arrival at Doonbeg and told John that the community were looking forward to seeing him.
Up next we heard from Mr. Trump himself as he addressed the media at Shannon airport. He outlined his plans for the renamed Trump International Golf Links Ireland at Doonabeg.
Almost 4 thousand people gathered in Clare this weekend to walk from Darkness into Light – which is a fundraising event for suicide prevention centre Pieta House.
Kilrush held it's first ever 5k walk and seen 800 people brave the elements on Saturday morning for a 4.15am 5k walk. Ennis saw 3,500 people gather at the court house to walk, run and jog the candle route. Among those who took part in the dawn walk was Morning Focus Producer Amy Ryan. We heard from some of those who gathered for the event and Tom McEvoy of Ennis Pieta House who was delighted with the turnout.
There are 27 local election candidates in the Ennis area. Cathal O'Reilly is a Sinn Fein candidate for the Ennis area. He was unable to join us for our debate so he spoke to John this morning about why he is running for election.
Garda Brendan Keane of Ennis Garda Station appealed for the public's assistance with information on crimes committed in the county over the past seven days. Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100.
More from American Billionaire Donald Trump as he and his 3 children touched down in Shannon airport this morning en route to visit their recent purchase, Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg. He spent some time addressing the media who had gathered from all over Ireland. We heard more from the business Tycoon and his plans for the site in Doonbeg.
The Taoiseach was in Ennis on Friday as he did a quick walkabout through the town with local and European election candidates, before he headed for Gort for the Sod turning ceremony for the new M18/M17 motorway project. John met him for a quick word at the Temple Gate Hotel, ahead of the publication into the Guerin report which outlined how the Garda Ombudsman, Department of Justice and former Justice Minister failed to investigate allegations of Garda misconduct.
We heard more from the Ennis area candidates next, John spoke to Ennis Photographer and Election Candidate Tommy Kelly about why he is running for election in the Ennis area.
Finally John Murphy with the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland joined John in studio to answer listeners' bird and wildlife 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.
