On Tuesdays Morning Focus Clare Councillors have rejected an apology from the head of the UL Hospitals Group, after the region's main Emergency Department was heavily criticised by the health watchdog. Local representatives have held a special debate on health services, after HIQA found the Dooradoyle A&E to be unfit for purpose. They've issued a cross-party call seeking the immediate re-opening of facilities at Ennis General. Speaking on Morning Focus yesterday, CEO of the midwest's hospitals group Ann Doherty apologised to the county's residents who have endured long delays for treatment. John was joined in studio by Independent Cllr James Breen and Fine Gael Cllr Johnny Flynn to discuss the issue.
Several graves in Moneen Graveyard in Meelick have been vandalised and desecrated. Vandals have damaged headstones, smashed several holy statues, removed an old cast iron cross from the ground, broken wreaths and thrown holy water bottles about the place. Fragments of broken eggshell have also been carefully placed on top of tombstones leading some to suspect that some warped form of piseogry may be involved. John spoke to Cllr Cathal Crowe about the damage and what locals believe is taking place in the graveyard.
The business community are looking forward to the Summer Networking Event and Launch of the 2014 FBD Clare Business Excellence Awards taking place this Thursday, the 12th of June from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Treacy's West County Hotel, Limerick Road, Ennis. Now in its fifth successive year, the objective of the Awards is to recognise examples of business excellence in the county and pay tribute to the talent, dynamism and innovation to be found across the county. John was joined in studio by Rita Mc Inerney, CEO of Ennis Chamber to discuss the event.
Up next The Free Legal Advice Clinic saw Sheila Lynch of Cashin & Associates Solicitors in studio to discuss Getting a Divorce in Ireland. Shelia discussed the issue at length and answered listener's questions and queries.
Clare Man Damien Connolly took to the stage on Sunday night at the 68th Annual Tony Awards ceremony. The accordion player accompanied the world renowned Sting as he performed the title song of his upcoming Broadway play The Last Ship. Damien spoke to Morning Focus Producer Amy Ryan earlier about his experience we also heard some of Damiens music that he recorded while at the Tony's.
Finally St. Columba's Church, Bindon St. Classical Thursday; Summer Lunchtime Recital Series is kicking off again for the season. Once again the international baritone, Owen Gilhooly, ( fresh from his performance at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden), will join Edel O'Brien, Helen Houlihan and Ruth Kelly in this new series. Two new faces join this years line up. Sean Boylan the Meath baritone and rising young star, is son of the famous former Meath GAA manager. There is a particular treat for Clare music lovers when international opera star, Cara O'Sullivan soprano, performs on August 7th. John was joined in studio by Quin Soprano Helen Houlihan to discuss the series.
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