On Thursdays Morning Focus John began by speaking to Fr Albert McDonnell – Chancellor and Diocesan Director of the Permanent Diaconate Programme in Killaloe and Parish Priest Kildysart, Coolmeen/Cranny. Married men could now preside over weddings funerals and other religious event. The Bishop of Killaloe has opened the doors for permanent deacons in the diocese. Married men must be over 35 and have permission from his wife. Unmarried men over 25 must take a vow of celibacy and women are not permitted. John spoke to Fr. McDonnell about the in's and out's of the proposal and how people can get involved.
43 students received their results in both Ennis and Shannon yesterday as adult learners. The results were outstanding – 16 people received A1's in ordinary History! John was joined in studio by Mike Ryan – Back to Education Initiative Coordinator at Co. Clare VEC Adult Education Service, Gabriel McNamara – Mullagh man and Peggy Griffin from Kilrush about the results. Peggy and Gabriel were both thrilled with their results and spoke to John about their plans for the future.
Harley-Davidson owners from across Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States will descend on the North Clare village of Doolin next week for the inaugural Doolin Harley Fest 2014. Taking place from Friday August 15th to Sunday August 17th the event is being held in support of the Marie Clancy McDonagh Foundation, set up by the family and friends of local woman Marie Clancy who died in May from ovarian cancer at the age of 38. Marie's husband James his brother, Mark and as local man Jimmy Boyle joined John in studio to talk about the foundation and what people can look forward to in Doolin.
A group of amateur ham radio operators will wind back the clock at Loop Head Lighthouse this weekend when they attempt to communicate via radio and Morse code with hundreds of radio clubs throughout the world. The Limerick Radio Club, which features members from Clare, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary, will broadcast non-stop for 48 hours from the West Clare lighthouse as part of the 17th International Lighthouse & Lightship Weekend (ILLW). During the broadcast from midnight on Friday to midnight on Sunday, visitors to the popular tourism landmark will be able to listen into communications with some of the other participating ham radio operators broadcasting from 400 other lighthouses and lightships in 65 countries. John was joined in studio by Simon Kenny – Chairman of Limerick Radio Club to chat about who they are hoping to make contact with this weekend.
Aileen Browne , Mid-West Area Manager with the Irish Blood Transfusion Service joined John to encourage people to give blood. Give blood in Clare today at West County Hotel, Clare Rd. Ennis. Times: 6:00pm – 9:00pm. Also from next Monday to Thursday.
Log on to www.giveblood.ie for more
John Underhill of Burren Vets was in studio to answer listeners' livestock and pet queries.
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.
