More than 2 thousand 8 hundred students sat down to sit the state exams in Clare today
English Paper 1 is the first exam all students will be facing in both the Leaving and Junior Certificate Exams in schools across the county from 9.30
1313 Clare students are sitting the Leaving Cert exams this year, 76 are taking the Leaving Cert Applied Programme, while the knowledge of 1441 students in the county will be tested as part of the Junior Cert Exams
This year has seen a 24 per cent jump in the number of students taking honours maths after 25 bonus points were introduced for the subject last year
On Wednesday’s Morning Focus John Cooke got some last minute advice for students and parents from Gerry Flynn, President of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors.
A lack of Garda resources has been cited as a key reason which allowed for illegal overnight parking by vans and caravans at Lahinch this past weekend
Local representatives say up to 30 vehicles were parked overnight in bays around Seaworld in the North Clare community causing traffic difficulties and obstructing access to the facility
Similar issues were also reported in other coastal areas, including Kilkee and Spanish Point
Lahinch Councillor Bill Slattery says new bye-laws introduced last year gave authorities the right to take action against those responsible, but Gardai simply don’t have the necessary funds
Joe Garrihy, Manager of Lahinch Seaworld said staff were pushed to their limit over the weekend
Michael Hillery, Spanish Point Councillor said tighter controls on illegal traveller encampments are being sought amid fears their presence may deter tourists from visiting Clare’s beaches this summer
He raised the issue at a meeting with local Gardai recently, and said illegal overnight parking by vans and caravans has caused numerous problems in his area and at other coastal locations
Claire Touhy, Manager of the Lifford Childcare Crèche in Ennis, joined John in studio to comment on the creche’s mention in last Friday’s Irish Independent
Their crèche cares for 35 children from 6 months to preschool age – they open at 7.30am until evening time
She says having steady staff is soemthing that parents like and year after year the same staff remains.
The Killaloe Pink Ribbon Walk will take place this Sunday
Organisers are hoping for lots of local support and have around 400 entries to date
Committee member Nicola Wood joined John in studio along with Bobby Reynolds from Killaloe Ballina
Bobby’s wife Michelle died of breast cancer in October 2009 and he has been involved in fundraising for Breast Cancer services since
He spoke about his experience of losing Michelle and how he and his two young daughters are doing since her death He’s hoping to raise awareness of breast cancer and highlight importance of supporting the Pink Ribbon Walk
Registration at the Lakeside Hotel, Killaloe on Saturday between 3 – 6pm
Also see www.pinkribbonwalk.ie
Paddy Collins last night succeeded Fianna Fail’s Claire Haugh in the role as chairperson of the Kilkee Town Council.
He will be the last person to hold the title of Mayor of Kilkee – with the abolition of town councils nationwide by the Environment Minister Phil Hogan as part of an overhaul of local government
John spoke with Paddy about becoming Mayor and he voices his concerns about how the town and others will function without local representation.
The Loophead Summer Hedge School is described as environmental, experimental leisure learning on the Loop – with inspired expression in art and poetry
It’s partly LEADER funded and the Gathering 2013 event is taking place between July 10th- August 18th
Carmel Madigan of the Loophead Summer Hedge School joined John in studio to discuss what’s on offer and bookings rolling in from Hawaii.
For more information see www.carmelmadigangallery.com
If you have a story for Morning Focus email Focus@clare.fm
