On Monday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with two Clare men who met and were inspired by Nelson Mandela
The South African parliament will pay tribute to Nelson Mandela in a special session today
President Michael D Higgins will represent the Irish people at a memorial service in Johannesburg tomorrow
Whilst the Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore will represent the Government
Large, open spaces are being turned into "mourning parks" for people unable to get into the funeral
Ennis native Ferghal Purcell is Manager at the Lough Erne Resort in County Fermanagh- he met Mandela in South Africa and Eamon Meehan, Executive Director with Trocaire and a native of Kilmaley met Mandela in Dublin in the late 1990s
He was in charge of our South Africa programmes from 1991 – 1996 so he is very familiar with the issues.
They recounted their experiences and Eamon described Mandela as an icon for humanity who personified the notion that good can triumph even against the greatest odds.
Calls have been made for improved sensitivity and better communications between government departments after letters seeking the return of free travel passes were sent to a number of long deceased Clare residents in the past week
Tom Whelan from Kilkee received a letter from the Department of Social Protection last week informing him that as his son Denis is no longer in receipt of "Disabled Persons Maintenance Allowance" (DPMA) and he is no longer eligible for "A Free Travel Pass" and it should be returned to the department
Tom’s son Denis died in 1994- Tom spoke with John and expressed his shock and the upset this caused himself and his family
Tom’s story compelled Teresa Hogan in Ennis to get in touch – Teresa’s daughter Marie Teresa is also deceased and yet Teresa also received a letter that she found deeply upsetting.
Sergeant Joe Downey, Crime Prevention Officer with the Clare Garda Division, joined John in studio
He appealed to the Clare public for information on crimes committed in the past week
Sergeant Downey was also promoting a Garda road safety operation and giving away 100 high vis jackets for winter safety
Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 6848100.
Corofin Dramatic Society are presenting a play called “The Two Loves Of Gabriel Foley” in Glór this Wednesday and Thursday
It’s a funny play written by Jim Keary – they have prepared a four minute scene…
John was joined in studio by Director Pat O’Reilly, James Raleigh who plays Gabriel Foley and Colm Linnane who plays Liam Gavigan
They chatted about the production and performed a scene
Tickets available from Glor box office- performances are this Wednesday and Thursday nights.
Austin Cooney of the Clare branch Birdwatch Ireland joined John in studio
He spoke about how their Ballyalla outing last Saturday went and how sales for their 2014 Calender are going
If you have a story for Morning Focus email Focus@clare.fm
