On Mondays Morning Focus John began by speaking to Ian Lynch – Independent West Clare Cllr and Jackie Molloy-Bonfield – Manager at Mid West Simon Community. The Midwest Simon Community is going to new lengths to highlight the hidden homeless in our society. The body is hosting a series of sleep outs in Ennis, Kilrush and other locations next month to allow people experience what it feels like to go to sleep without a roof over your head. In 2012 – 2219 people presented to homeless services in Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary – Of these 628 were children. The sleep outs in Kilrush and Ennis take place from 8pm to 6am on the 26th of September.
Up next Stephanie McNamara – Niece of Fr. Thomas Cusack joined John in studio. Rumours were rife that the Liscannor native was among the 124 Catholic missionaries beatified by Pope Francis on Saturday during his visit to South Korea. While Fr. Thomas Cusack from Liscannor wasn’t one of those beatified on Saturday his niece Stephanie feels it is only a matter of time. She has spent years researching his story and has travelled to Korea to visit where he is buried. Stephanie told John all about Fr. Cusack and says that in her eyes he is already a saint.
Over 50-thousand third level applicants across Ireland will receive their first round CAO offers this morning – the highest number ever. Demand for science and technology courses is expected to have grown considerably this year. A record number of Leaving Cert students got 25 bonus points for passing higher level maths and this is being linked to a rise in the points needed for technology-related courses. There have also been increases in the points required for architecture and engineering courses, reflecting a renewed confidence in the construction sector. John spoke to Brian Mooney – Educational Columnist at The Irish Times and Guidance Counsellor about the CAO system and answered listener’s questions.
Contact The National Parents' Council Helpline on 1800 265 165.
Garda Niamh Brown of Ennis Garda Station appealed for the public's assistance with information on crimes committed in the county over the past seven days
Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100.
2 Clare men have been playing snooker since Friday in Ennis in an attempt to play 80 consecutive hours of snooker. Gordon O Loughlin and Kieran Ferns from Ennis are now in the home stretch hoping to finish up by 8/9 o’clock tonight. John spoke to Gerard O’Loughlin – Manager of the Ennis Snooker and Pool Club to see how things were going. Gerard told John it was tough going but the lads were hanging in there.
How many people do you think can fit into a mini? Well that’s exactly what classic car enthusiast Peadar Whyte decided to figure out yesterday. People from across the county gathered to join in the fun and raise money for the Samaritans. Clare FM’s Kiara Gannon went along to see how things went.
Two Claremen performed very well at European Championships over the weekend. Sean Hehir of Kilkishen was 20th in the Marathon in the searing heat of Zurich. We heard audio of Sean after the race. Meanwhile Shannon swimmer Chris Bryan was ninth in the 25k Open Water event in Berlin. We also heard his reaction after the race.
Finally John Murphy, wildlife expert and Chairperson of the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland joined John in studio to answer listeners' bird and wildlife 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.
