On Wednesdays Morning Focus John began by chatting to Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carety in relation to the Junior Minster position announced yesterday afternoon. Fine Gael backbenchers Simon Harris and Dara Murphy are among a number of promotions to the junior ministerial ranks today. The Cabinet has agreed the appointment of the Ministers of State, with 15 positions filled. Mr Harris, a Wicklow and East Carlow TD, will become Minister of State in the Department of Finance, the position formerly held by Brian Hayes.
Up next John was joined by David Hurley – Journalist with the Limerick Leader as two men were convicted of murdering Limerick businessman Roy Collins yesterday. Wayne Dundon of Lenihan Avenue and his co-accused Nathan Killeen of Hyde Road are facing life in prison. They were found guilty of the murder at the Roxboro Shopping Centre on April 9th 2009. Steve Collins – father of Roy Collins – spoke outside the court yesterday following the judgement; John played an emotional piece of audio from Mr. Collins.
We all talk about supporting Shannon but how would you like to become part of a new Friends of Shannon Airport Group? The possibility of setting up such a voluntary support body is up for discussion this evening, where locals can find out how they can get more involved in the airport, and hear first hand how the iniative has worked out in Liverpool. The meeting will be chaired by Shannon Airport Chief Neil Pakey who spoke to John about the idea.
Advance registration for the event is recommended. To book your place visit https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/friends-of-shannon-airport-tickets-12088022601 or Tel: 061-712000.
Free airport car parking is available for all who register for the event.
Morning Focus spoke to Frankie Coote of the ISPCA yesterday about dogs on beaches follwing this Rita McInerney got in touch she was wondering about Doughmore Beach which she believes is exempt for Bye Laws 14 in relation to Horses and 15 in relation to dogs of the Beach Laws, which means that they are allowed on Doughmore Beach. Clare County Council signs at the entrance to the beach indicate that horses and dogs are prohibited. Given the interest in these by-laws John was joined in studio by Mary Skehan, Administrative Officer, Environment, Clare County Council to answer all our listeners' queries.
John Leech is the Chief Executive of Irish Water Safety. He was on air to urge divers to be well-trained and practiced before undertaking dives in Irish seas. He said the organisation is very concerned about the deaths of 6 divers in separate accidents in the past month. Mr Leech spoke to John about some of the reasons divers can get into trouble including experience, conditions an d decision-making.
John was the joined in studio by Rhys Williams – Age 9 – from Ennis, Conor McMahon – Age 14 – from Cratloe and Trish McMahon Conor's mother. Rhys Williams from Parc Stables in Ennis was part of the Irish U12 team who were victorious on Saturday night at the International Home Pony Show in Cavan. Rhys, along with his pony Parc Epic was one of three competitors who had two rounds on zero faults to claim gold in the 128cm event. Conor McMahon also won gold. John spoke to the two boys about what this means and their plans for the future. Trish also gave listeners the insight into what goes on behind the scenes for a family immersed in sport.
Finally, couples planning to get married outdoors have now been told they can. The Attorney General says the venue must be readily accessible to the public, to allow for objections and to stop things like forced marriages taking place. The Tánaiste has described it as "welcome news for couples wishing to celebrate in a way that is most meaningful to them". John spoke to Dr. Tina Storey – Celebrant for the Humanist Association of Ireland for the Mid-west region about this development. Tina says this is great but there is still the issue of the address – so you can't get married at the Cliffs of Moher!!
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.
