Joining Clare FM’s John Cooke on today’s Morning Focus was former Clare Hurling Manager and player Ger Loughnane. Congratulatory messages are flooding in for the Clare senior hurlers, following their All Ireland semi-final victory over Limerick. The win sets up an All Ireland Final appearance against Cork, and raises hopes that the Liam McCarthy Cup will come to the Banner County for the first time in 16 years. They discussed the upcoming final and the Banners chances against Cork on September 8th, the team, managment and playing styles. They also spoke about how the future is bright for Clare hurling.
Robert O’Donnell is the Education Officer with the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union and joined John to talk about students options as the first round CAO offers went online at 6am yesterday morning. The ISSU urges students to use the National Parents’ Council post-primary exam helpline on 1800 265 165 if they have any queries.
The Money Doctor – John Lowe answered your personal finance queries in his weekly money advice feature.
Among today’s topics were how parents pay over €400 a month to fund college students, how Credit Unions are now three times more popular than two top banks and how recent trends show that borrowers are being encouraged to continue to meet their mortgage repayments, often to the disadvantage of unsecured lenders. For more information see www.moneydoctor.ie
Also on today’s show we revisited the Clare Trails Series, where we take a look at different walking routes around the county. Clare FM’s Maire Moynahan met Ruairi Deane of Clare Trails for a description of the 4km Lissycasey Cascades looped walk and spoke about Failte Ireland and Shannon Development funding and their involvement in trail development and promotion in Clare. For more details on the walking route and others, including maps and guides, visit www.shannonregiontrails.ie
Cora O’Grady from the West Clare Family Resource in Miltown Malbay joined John to let us know about how the centre is hosting a day of fun and learning for the family, as part of Heritage Week 2013. The event is showcasing traditional crafts and culture (spinning, weaving, storytelling and more). It’s a free event and starts at 11am today at the resource centre. While Hilary Gleeson from the Kilrush Community Garden Project their talk on beekeeping, growing heritage apples and the lumper potato, also as part of Heritage Week events, at the Kilrush Community Garden on the Kilkee Road. There will also be a bug hunt and face painting for the kids. It’s free of charge and kicks off at 5pm today.
Frankie Coote, the Clare ISPCA Warden was also in studio to give listeners advice on the proper care of animals. If you need to contact the Clare ISPCA Shelter please call 065 6820393.
To contact Morning Focus please email focus@clare.fm
