Morning Focus began its pre-election debates with Deputy Pat Breen, FG; Richard Cahill, Ind.; Clare Colleran Molloy, FF; Noeleen Moran, SF; and Cllr Ian Lynch, Ind.
Today marked the first of Morning Focus’ General Election 2016 debates. Gavin was joined in the studio by five candidates to discuss a range of topics including healthcare, rural services, taxes, and Irish Water. Gavin was joined by Deputy Pat Breen, Fine Gael; Richard Cahill, Independent; Noeleen Moran, Sinn Feinn; Clare Colleran Molloy, Fine Fail; and Councillor Ian Lynch, Independent.
Dr Maire Finn, Ennis Family Medical Centre, joined Gavin this morning to answer listeners’ health queries.
With commemorations of the centenary of 1916 now well underway in Clare, hundreds of school pupils in the county will have the chance over the next two days to learn more about the Rising. Author Brian Gallagher is visiting four schools in Ennis over the next two days (CBS Ennis, Ennis National, Gaelscoil Mhichil Ciosog and Barefield National School) to meet pupils and chat about his latest book Friend or Foe. The historical novel is aimed at young readers and tells the story of Emer and Jack, who became friends even though their parents are on opposite sides of the 1916 Rising. Brian is also O’Brien’s World Book Day author.
Michelle Flannery, from Busy Bees Gardens and Tea Rooms, Clondrinagh, spoke on the show about gardening tips and tricks and also answered listeners’ gardening queries.
Later on in the show, Gavin spoke to the family of the late Patrick Nugent. Martin Nugent, Patrick’s brother, and Deirdre Nugent, Patrick’s sister in law, spoke about the death of Patrick in 1984. Patrick, who was overseeing a 40th wedding anniversary party in Bunratty Folk Park on Friday, February 10, 1984 died in the reception area in the early hours of the following morning. Thirty-two years later, his family are still battling to get answers to several unanswered questions.
The Ernst & Young (EY) Entrepreneur of the Year programme has been running in Ireland for over 18 years. It is a programme that is run by EY in over 60 countries, across six continents. The Irish programme has been identified as one of the strongest worldwide. Kevin McLoughlin, Partner lead on the Entrepreneur of the Year Programme, spoke to Gavin about entrepreneurship in Clare. The Banner County has been well represented in the competition over the years and last year alone, there were 7 finalists from County Clare. Brian Crowley, CEO of TTM and finalist in EOY 2014, also spoke about his company’s involvement in the programme.
Jenny Morten, Co-ordinator of Change X Burren, spoke on the show about a grass-roots initiative to bring about positive social change. Change X is an initiative which helps communities in rolling out schemes that have been proven to bring about positive and social change. The Burren was the first community where Change X launched in May of 2014. This week (Tuesday, February 2nd), Ballyvaughan rolled out a scheme to welcome and integrate new comers through English-language lessons. ‘Failte Isteach’ is an initiative which is marking its 10th anniversary in Ireland and aims to bring together older people in the community to offer friendship and English-language tuition to migrants.
