On Thursday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with Edwin McGreal, Reporter with The Mayo News about the murder inquiry underway into the deaths of two elderly brothers in Castlebar in Co Mayo
The bodies of 70-year-old Jack and 68-year-old Tommy Blaine were found by a care worker at their house in New Antrim Street early yesterday morning
Post-mortem examinations were conducted last night by State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy
Both men sustained injuries before they died
A 26-year-old man was arrested in Castlebar yesterday by gardaí investigating the killings
He is being held at Castlebar Garda Station, where he can be detained for up to 24 hours
Gardaí will resume questioning him later this morning
Technical examinations at the brothers’ house continued well into the night as forensic experts combed the area
The Taoiseach has described the deaths of two elderly men whom he knew well, in Castlebar, Co Mayo as "an act of savagery".
Farming contractor from Newmarket on Fergus Michael Enright – who’s late night work sparked yesterday’s debate about the late night noise pollution created by farmers burning the midnight oil to harvest crops – had a word with John
He said the last thing they want to do is cause disruption for the sleeping public but are urging people to bear with themsays they have little choice but to operate during anti social hours.
Eoin Gavin, President of the Irish Road Hauliers and Bunratty based, was unhappy to hear criticism of farmers working late into the night on yesterday’s programme – particularly after the fodder crisis that had farmers on their knees only months ago, he explained
He added that the fine weather is providing a boost for hauliers and icecream producers as they work flat out to deliver stocks right around the county – with supplies running out as quickly as they are put in the freezers.
The fine spell is in stark contrast to the persistantly wet weather over the past six months which lead to a severe fodder crisis in the county – with many animals litterly starving and farming families under huge finanical pressure trying to buy in feed.
Martin McMahon, Chairman of the Clare branch of the ICMSA, said this may be the only opportunity for farmers to boost their stocks for the coming winter.
The debate on the abortion legislation will resume this afternoon after TDs failed to finalise the Bill following marathon overnight talks
Proceedings were suspended at 5 a.m. – at which stage only two amendments to the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill had been voted on
European Affairs Minister Lucinda Creighton voted with the coalition on those votes – but she’s still expected to revolt and vote against the legislation at a later stage
There was a late-night scare for Labour when one of its TDs, Michael McNamara, unexpectedly appeared to vote with the opposition on allowing abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormality
But Labour’s whip later insisted the vote was a genuine mistake and there wouldn’t be any repercussions
Fianna Fail Deputy Timmy Dooley gave his views on the proceedings.
Paul Hosford – reporter with The Journal.ie – spoke with John about last night’s and this morning’s votes.
The Clarecastle Gathering begins tomorrow and runs until the 21st
It will be a festival of fun for all the family and will incorporate the Clarecastle Regatta, Céilí at the Crossroads as well as a wide variety of other activities including a World Record Attempt, GAA fun day, Concerts, Treasure Hunt, Orienteering, Heritage Tours and Exhibitions, Workshops, Teenage Activities, Golf Classic and a variety of Evening entertainment
With over 30 different events organised this festival should have something for everyone
Organiser Ian Dinan and Dr Joe Power of the Clarecastle Heritage and Wildlife Group joined John in studio
See www.clarecastlegathering2013.blogspot.ie/ or www.facebook.com/ClarecastleGathering2013
21 men and 2 women have been untaking 10 Marathons in 10 Days in the Sixmilebridge area
Today is day 8th of this incredible event which was organised by the local athletic club in Sixmilebridge
Tom Enright of Sixmilebridge Athletic Club spoke with John about the organisation that took eight months
The route they are covering is a half marathon loop that they run twice
They are aiming to raise funds for to construct a facility for underage children to train at their athletics club and also for the Kilmurry school fund
The many runners undertaking the challenge are all collecting for charities of their choice
Droheda man and marathon runner Ger Fay also spoke with John about the challeneges of running in the high temperatures.
Newmarket on Fergus Community Centre are running an Indoor Market on Sunday
This Market is open to all Traders local and otherwise each stall costs 10 euro – the money raised is going towards the ongoing refurbishment of the centre
Its almost a year since they began running the centre and
Geraldine Hansbury, one of the Directors, spoke with John to encourage people to come along and support the market and also thanked the local community for their support.
The Clans of Clare series
The Tribe of Dal gCais is a new 15 part series in which 15 Clan names were chosen who’s origins are based in Co. Clare. Each Clan name descends from the The Tribe of Dal gCais who were a powerful network of Families from the 10th Century that ruled the Kingdom of Thomond
The series was produced by Denise Woods and we’ll be featuring a different tribe each day over the next three weeks
Today we heard about the O’Grady Family.
John Underhill of Burren Vets joined John in studio
He discussed the effects of sun and this intense heat on animals.
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