On today's edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke
Sheena Clancy who owns West Clare Flowers in Ennistymon and Pat Lynch, the nephew of Judith and Peter O'Donoghue, residents in the area of Blakes Corner, both spoke to John on the show following a meeting between the committee and the Clare County Council last evening about the proposed construction of a new inner relief road that would result in demolishing Sheena's business and the O' Donghues premises among others. Pat outlined that The Council confirmed vocally that the O'Donoghue's would not be forced to leave their home and they were waiting for it in writing.
Marian Quinn is the Chairperson of Association of Childhood Professional, she spoke to Morning Focus ahead of the Childhood Professionals March to the Dàil which took place this afternoon. “Quality Costs, Invest Now” rally is calling for greater government investment in the childhood sector. Members of this profession are earning just above minimum wage, and as a result they can’t afford to remain in the job meaning the quality of services will only diminish unless the Government provides sufficient funding.
Ireland's longest living person turned 113 yesterday. Feakle native Kathleen Snavely – originally Hayes – celebrated her record breaking birthday in Syracuse New York. Born in 1902 here in Clare, Kathleen emigrated to America in 1921. On leaving Ireland she is said to have offered some words of advice to her brothers – Work hard and you be careful about drinking and grow up to be someone to be proud of." Kathleen's 2nd cousin Councillor Pat Hayes spoke to John about her life journey thus far.
Darren Purtill of Impresario Events and The Mayor of Ennis, Johnny Flynn joined John in studio to exclusively announce Inis Fest a three day musical festival to hit Ennis this summer. A top class line-up of Irish acts has been confirmed for INIS Fest music festival taking place in Fairgreen Ennis, from June 26-28th 2015. The three-day festival will see Tim Smythe Park being transformed into a world-class venue with a 3000-person capacity big top tent and an entertainment and leisure area featuring a Ferris wheel and food/drink stalls. INIS Fest also includes a free family music event on Sunday afternoon.
Shannon mother of two and IT worker Clare McCarthy runs the popular Clare with the Hair blog covering topics related to health and fitness, food and fashion. She’s recently been named as a finalist in the UK Blog Awards 2015 in the Food and Lifestyle Category. She also contributes to RSVP Magazine. Today to celebrate Pancake Tuesday she brought some delicious freshly made pancakes for John to enjoy and also suggested to our listeners to take up a healthy habit rather than giving up a bad one for Lent.
Claire Ni Grianna is the Coordinator of Horticulture programme in West Clare Resource Centre Miltown Malbay and she joined John in studio to talk about the upcoming full time 40 week course which aims to upskill learners so that they are more educated, informed and inspired about creating employment in the Horticulture sector. Michael O Rourke a Miltown Malbay resident also spoke about the benefits he gained from this course following the crash of the constuction industry.
To contact Morning Focus – email focus@clare.fm or text ClareFM followed by your comments or queries to 53030
