Morning Focus opened with an update on the aftermath of a large fire in the Shannon Industrial Estate, which was visible for miles yesterday afternoon.
No one was injured in the incident, which occured at the Thermo King Unit, and emergency services were able to bring the fire under control after a short time. Speaking at the scene, Clare's Chief Fire Officer Adrian Kelly told Clare FM's Ronan Moyles about the circumstances of the fire
The show continued to look at government formation with news that talks between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil on the formation of a minority Government are to reconvene later today (Friday).
It's after Fianna Fáil last night admitted defeat in its own attempts to form a government led by Micheal Martin .
Fianna Fáil TDs have now agreed to re-enter talks with its historical rival, to 'facilitate a minority government' with Enda Kenny in charge. But significant gaps remain in policy – and Micheál Martin is doubtful about whether the process can be completed. Gavin was joined on the line by Dep Timmy Dooley, FF.
This week, the IMF said if the UK votes to leave the European Union it could cause "severe regional and global damage".
In their latest outlook the International Monetary fund also said a Brexit would disrupt important trading relationships between the UK and the rest of Europe. They also warning if Britain votes to leave it could impact on confidence and investment in their economy. For the view on the other side of the Irish Sea, Gavin was joined on the line by Bernard Purcell, Editor of The Irish World, in London and by Dr Kevin Hanrahan of Teagasc
Gavin was then joined in studio by Tom Coughlan who will retire as Chief Executive of Clare County Council on April 19.
On the completion of Mr. Coughlan's contract he will have served 40 years in local government, including 21 years with Clare County Council.
Gavin was then joined on the line by Mary Moynihan of Carrigoran House where a major Expo on ageing is taking place today and tomorrow (April 15 and 16).
For a round-up of weekend arts events, Gavin was joined by Siobhan Mulcahy, Clare County Arts Officer. Our round-up of weekend events and activities included Pius Murray who is hosting an Inspirational Walk at Rathborney, Ballyvaughan on Saturday, April 16 at 10.30 and a poetic seashore walk with the spirits of WB Yeats and Seamus Heaney on April 18 at 2pm. It's a Burren Food Trail event, ending with visit to Linnalla Pure Irish Ice Cream Cafe tea/coffee and scones/ice cream.
Gavin also spoke with Michael Hackett about the Kincora Trad Weekend from April 14-17 in Killaloe-Ballina. Guests this year include Desi Wilkinson, MacDara Ó Raghallaigh, Martin Connolly, Micheál Ó Raghallaigh, Noreen O’Sullivan, Theresa O’Grady, Tim Dennehy, Eileen O’Brien, Brigid Delaney, and from Connemara, Sean Nós dancers extraordinaire, the Devane Brothers. The Kincora Cuaird Series also returns with storytelling, community music performances and An Chuaird Mhór.
Gavin was then joined by Deirdre Hynes, Secretary of Riverside Cycling Club, Ennistymon, to discuss the Cliffs Of Moher Cycle Challenge, which take place on Saturday, April 16 at 10am.
The Friday Panel was made up of Manuel di Lucia, Gearoid Howard and Clare Burke. They discussed Parnell Street regeneration; government formation and the death of MMA fighter Joao Carvalho
As part of glór’s programme of events to commemorate the 1916 centenary, the venue presents The New Theatre with 'Madame de Markievicz on Trial'.
Madame de Markievicz on Trial is a drama centred on Constance Markievicz and depicts an event in Dublin at Easter in 1916 when a policeman – Constable Lahiff , a 23 year old man from Clare – who was unarmed at the time of the attack. Gavin was joined by Ann Matthews, historian and playwright.
