Josef Pavelka was found dead in a laneway behind Supermacs on O’Connell Street in Ennis on Saturday night
The 52 year old Czech National made headlines locally and nationally after a district Court judge described his sleeping conditions in a public toilet in Ennis as a scandal just under a month ago
He and Polish man Peter Baram appeared on Clare FM’s Morning Focus on April 12th having spoken to John Cooke at the public toilets where they were sleeping rough
Immediately after that programme – The St Vincent De Paul arranged temporary accommodation for the two men in Galway, but they left that hostel and were back on the streets of Ennis last week
On Tuesday’s Morning Focus we heard some of that interview with Josef Pavelka
Anthony McDonagh of the Homeless Education & Learning Project, Ennis (HELP) joined John in studio
He had been helping Josef Pavelka out (and recently acted as translator for his Clare FM Interview)
Peter Baram, the Polish man living homeless in Ennis with the late Josef Pavelka, also joined John in studio
He said he will miss his friend terribly and expressed his desire to get off the streets
Fr. Tom Hogan, Administrator of Ennis Parish, also spoke about the tragedy – as did Darragh Hassett – Solicitor for the late Josef Pavelka – of Hassett Considine Solicitors, Ennis
Ennis Community Activist Bella Hehir saw Joseph just hours before his death – she spoke with John about her sorrow at the news
This Thursday evening at 7pm there will be a fifteen minutes vigil in memory of Joseph at the Height in Ennis – all are welcome.
Garda Niamh Browne of Ennis Garda Station joined John for Garda Focus
Contact Ennis Gardai on 065 6848100.
Matthew Lynch – a native of Kilmurry Ibrickane and a local historian – will launch his book The Mass Evictions in Kilrush Poor Law Union During the Great Famine tonight at 8pm at An Teach Ceoil, Kilrush, as part of the National Famine Commemoration that is taking place in the town and its surrounding parishes
Matthew joined John in studio to discuss the book in more detail.
Clare ISPCA Warden Frankie Coote joined John in studio with advice on the proper care of animals and owners’ legislative responsibilities
Contact Clare ISPCA Shelter on 065 6820393
If you have a story for Morning Focus email Focus@clare.fm
