Essie Hayes, the Killaloe Dioceses Organiser spoke with John
She said the Congress is the best kept secret and wishes to talk about what the congress is all about and what people can expect there
Essie is attending a rally in Miltown Malbay on Saturday night
Monday in an ecumenical day – there will be walks taking place all over the country
A Healing Stone is being unveiled- opportunity for a new church to emerge
there will be regular buses going from Clare – check with individual parishes For more information- www.iec2012.ie
Marike experienced the loss of an unborn child herself – before coming to Ireland – she says there are no support structures that exist here to help parents come to terms with this loss
She is hosting a non-denominational ceremony to honour the memory of unborn children on Monday at 8pm in the Old Ground hotel in Ennis
This ceremony is open to all who have experienced the loss of a child during pregnancy, regardless of when or how this occurred
The Clare branch of the Samaritans are celebrating 30 years in existence
They had their AGM last night and are heading to the Cliffs of Moher after this where, to mark the milestone, new signs with Samaritans contact details are about to be installed at Doolin, Liscannor and at the Cliffs of Moher
It’s hoped that the signs will increase awareness of the Samaritans and will lead to an increased level of engagement with the service
Also Ennis Town Council will hold a civic reception for them on Monday
Anita Lawlor- Irish Trustee Samaritan movement and Local branch Director Gerry Dobbins joined John in studio.
Anita has been a Samaritans Volunteer with the Newbridge and Kildare branch since 1997, she held various branch roles including three years as Director
She then became a trustee
As a Trustee of Samaritans and as a Volunteer she has come to Ennis to acknowledge the thirty years of Samaritan volunteering in Co. Clare, to thank the Volunteers past and present, especially the four founder members of the Ennis Branch who to this day continue to volunteer and give of their time.
She wishes to thank the People of Clare for their generosity, their giving sustains the Branch and provides the service for those in need of our emotional support .
Minister for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn TD is visiting County Clare today
He spoke with John from Sixmilebridge National School on his way to Ennis to turn the sod at the site for new Ennis National School and also visit the existing school building, Kilrush Road
This lunchtime he will meet with Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin and Maoin Cheoil an Chláir, Glór Theatre
Later this afternoon he will address Burrenbeo students, Burren College of Art, Ballyvaughan
They spoke about Ennis National School Announcement, changes in Pupil teacher numbers at small schools from september and concerns raised by many Clare parents and teachers; the consequences for schools losing a teacher this year and the future viability of their schools and other issues.
The Ennistymon Tidy Towns Voluntary Working Group are relaunching Ennistymon Tidy Towns
They have organised a ‘big hoe down’ event tomorrow in the Square at 12noon and wish to encourage people to get involved
Also as a start-up group they have no funding so are looking for donations of plants and flowers urgently
They can be dropped into the community centre any time – Mary Fahy had to encourage people to get involved – contact 0876746790
If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email Focus@clare.fm
