On Fridays Morning Focus John spoke to Andy Pike Assistant General Secretary of Impact Trade Union as Staff at Ennis General and other Hospitals in the MidWest are holding a ballot for industrial action as part of their anger over the 238 thousand euro salary of a senior manager in the UL hospitals group. The workers are members of the IMPACT trade union, and their ballot is to sanction a refusal to report to the manager in question.
Up next John was joined on the line by Kildysart native Patricia Burke-Brogan who is now a Galway based writer. A former novice nun, Patricia spent time in a Magdalene Laundry in Galway where she oversaw the work of 100 women forced to stay there. Patricia decided this was not the vocation for her, but as a witness to what went on in these institutions for unmarried mothers, she decided to document their struggle in her work including plays focusing on the plight of the women, and from the perspective of the nuns. Patricia's memoir, "With Grykes and Turloughs" is published this week, and following the announcement of an inquiry into Mother and Baby homes, Patricia feels the investigation should be complete and open, taking account of all institutions. She says they were all connected as many from the Mother and Baby homes were sent on to a Magdalene Laundries.
Just over eight months after they lifted the Liam McCarthy, Clare begin the defence of their All-Ireland title in a rematch of last year's Final. Davy Fitzgerald's side face Cork in Semple Stadium, Thurles this Sunday in a Munster Championship semi-final throwing in at 4 o'clock. Live coverage, of course, here on Clare FM. John previewed the game with Mark Landers – Former Cork Hurling Captain and Frank Lohan – Former Clare Hurler.
In our Morning Focus Health Matters slot John spoke to Dr Finn from the Ennis Family Medical Centre
Today's topic:
Trying to Conceive
Doctor Maire Finn is from the Ennis Family Medical Centre, and will be joining us again next Friday for more medical advice
You can always send us your thoughts and queries by email focus@clare.fm, but if you have concerns or queries about your own health right now please contact your local GP
Roisin Garvey, An Taisce Green Schools officer for County Clare joined John in studio as Bike Week kicks off this Saturday 14th until Sunday 22nd June – is a celebration and promotion of all that's great about bikes and cycling. Held over a week in June of each year with bike themed events organised by local authorities, community groups and cycling groups throughout Ireland.
John also took a look at some weekend events including Mermaids: Womens Surf Weekend. Mermaids is a surfing weekend that provides women (and girls) with an opportunity to meet and share information and advice on surfing while introducing newcomers to the sport in an all female environment. The event brings women of all ages and surfing abilities together in a celebration of women's surfing in Ireland. Whether you are 8 or 80 – if you are interested in surfing, this is an opportunity to learn more! Killaloe Chamber Music Festival, opening this Friday 13 at 8pm and running with concerts, afternoon and evening slots, into Sunday 15.St Flannan's Cathedral packed out last year with support for this locally run, not-for-profit event that commands world class talent. This year's line up includes viola player Joachim Rower as artistic director, soprano Linda Lee, violinists Katherine Hunka and Diane Daly and pianist Hugh Tinney.
Finally John spoke with the Met Eireann office as this weekend is promising a heat wave for the Banner County.
If you have a story, comment or query for Morning Focus email Focus@clare.fm or write to us – Morning Focus, Clare FM, Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.
