Morning Focus put a special focus on final preparations for Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann Inis 2016, which gets underway on Sunday next (August 14). Ennis is set to welcome an estimated 400-thousand visitors. The town has never looked better and the excitement is palpable. Daily life, of course, will continue between August 14 and 22, and with this in mind UL Hospitals group is making a special appeal to help it continue to take care of us all over the duration of the Fleadh.
It's reminding patrons of the Fleadh that they mustn't park in its grounds and their also asking those travelling in for medical appointments to leave extra time for their journeys and to make sure they have their referral letters and other relevant items with them. Those planning to visit patients are also asked to be mindful of how busy the town will be next week. Patricia O'Gorman, Operational Director of Nursing joined Pat Flynn in studio to discuss arrangements.
Now, we're gearing up for an event of the decade here in Ennis and there are no prizes for guessing, at this stage, what that is. The All-Ireland Fleadh returns to Ennis for a third time and its official launch will be performed in style next Sunday (Aug. 14). Here to give us the outline for opening day is. Pat was joined in studio by Michael O Riabhaigh, Chairman of Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann
The local economy is set for a boost of close to €40 million thanks to the All-Ireland Fleadh. To capitalise on the remarkable opportunity afforded by the arrival next week of up to 400-thousand people, many retailers in Ennis have extended their opening hours, All parts of the town, except for O’Connell Street, will be accessible during the day up until Thursday evening for shoppers and for people to get business done. From Thursday evening onwards there'll be pedestrian access in the town centre, with extensive park and ride facilities available on four bus routes.
Retailers in Ennis have come together to offer extended opening hours for visitors and locals alike. This will see many town centre businesses open from 9am or 9.30am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 9am or 9.30am to 7pm Saturday and 12 noon to 6pm on Sunday.
Pat spoke to Jean McCabe, President, Ennis Chamber of Commerce who dropped in to studio.
To discuss the music at the heart of the Fleadh and the Clare FM coverage, Pat was joined in studio by West Wind presenters Paula Carroll and Joan Hanrahan
The Friday Panel was made up of Orla Vaughan, Vaughan's Kilfenora; Patricia McCarthy
former member of Clare County Council; and Dermot Hayes, community activist. They discussed the topics of 'saving rural Ireland – the Town and Village Renewal Scheme; hospital overcrowding and waiting lists; and a bad week for Team Ireland at the Rio Olympics and the boost from the Fleadh for the Clare economy.
Morning Focus finished off with a special package from Siofra Mulqueen on replicas of Bronze Age instruments on show at Clare Museum for Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann.
