Morning Focus opened with a dicussion on protests that took place at three Ennis banks today (Mon., May 30).
A number of community groups, including Clare Watch, led by Midwest Right2Change demonstrated at the repossession of homes by financial institiutions, as well as the ongoing housing crisis.
Sinn Fein is signed up to the Right2Change principals and Gavin spoke to one of the party's Clare members, Noeleen Moran.
Noeleen Moran *Has been warned that specific eviction cases or names of those involved cannot be mentioned*
June is almost upon us and, with it, the first of Ireland's matches in the Euro 2016 tournament in France.
In the wake of last year's deadly terror attacks, the French government has admitted it can't ensure 'zero risk' of an attack during the tournament.
Irish fans travelling to France are being reminded that a state of emergency will be in place until at least the end of July. That's going to mean very tight controls at the Stade de France where the Republic of Ireland will face Sweden on June 13. Increased security measures will also be in place for other matches including Ireland v Belgium in Bordeaux on June 18 and Ireland v Italy in Lille on June 22.
Gavin was joined on the line by Martina Nee, Press and Communications Officer, European Consumer Centre Ireland.
The selection of three of the Taoiseach’s 11 Seanad nominees by Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin came as a major surprise to Fine Gael Ministers and TDs, according to party sources. The Fianna Fáil leader chose the founder of the suicide prevention centre Pieta House, Joan Freeman, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Ireland Colette Kelleher and businessman Pádraig Ó Céidigh as nominees.
Six former Fine Gael TDs were also nominated, including former ministers James Reilly and Paudie Coffey, along with Michelle Mulherrin, Ray Butler, Frank Feighan and John O'Mahony. The first meeting of the new Seanad is on Wednesday June 8.
Gavin spoke with FG Senator Martin Conway.
It's hoped that the success of the Wild Atlantic Way could have yet more spin-off benefits for rural communities and help to secure the future of their post offices. In a collaboration with An Post, Failte Ireland has launched a Wild Atlantic Way Passport, which visitors can have stamped at over 130 selected An Post Offices, along the coastal route.
An Post say they're hopeful the initiative will help to drive footfall into rural Post Offices along Wild Atlantic Way this summer.
Gavin was joined on the line by Louise Cronje, Innovation Manager with An Post.
Morning Focus then looked at concerns over bogus charity shop clothing collections. Patricia Moran from Ennis got in touch with the show to say she was surprised, recently, when a sticker arrived in her letterbox claiming to be from a group collecting used clothes for charity. It didn't mention the name of any organisation and the mobile number supplied was out of service so doubts formed about the authenitcity of the collectors.
It's estimated that millions of Euro are lost to charities every year when well meant clothing donations are picked up to bogus charity collectors instead.
Paul Hughes from the Irish Charity Shop Association told Gavin that there's a growing number of bogus charity operators in Ireland.
In the first of a Morning Focus series looking at the impact that addictions have on families, Gavin spoke to Morning Focus producer Fiona McGarry about a series of reports she's compiled. The show then heard an interview with Sean a former alcoholic and drug user who's been free of his addiction for 16 years.
On tomorrow's Morning Focus, we'll hear about Sean's time in treatment and recovery and his life today.
Morning Focus have partnered with the HSE promoting all the #littlethings you can do for your mental health.
When we go through tough times, little things like talking about our problems, getting regular exercise, drinking less alcohol and being involved in activities we enjoy can make a big difference to how we feel. Find the little things that work for you at yourmentalhealth.ie. For today's item, Sile Seoighe spoke to Conor Cullane from Alcohol Action Ireland.
During the Sport Panel, Derrick Lynch discussed a UTV documentary entitled 'Podge Collins: My Toughest Year'. The program gives an in-depth insight into the dedication and pain that the amateur athlete endured, for the passion of his sport and county. Over the past 12-months, UTV Ireland sports reporter and fellow Clare native, Marie Crowe, followed Podge through each step of his recovery process – gaining exclusive access to his surgical procedure, his rehabilitation and his fight to regain match-day fitness, as he lined out for his first Championship clash. Marie also joined the sports panel.
For Fleadh News, Gavin was joined in studio by Michael Queally, Chair of the Inis le Chéile Sub Committee who spoke about the importance for the business community of showcasing themselves during Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann.
Plans are afoot to erect a memorial statue of Michael Cusack at the County Grounds. Gavin was joined in studio by members of Coiste Chairde Mhíchíl Cíosóg, Nacy Jordan and Donal O Lionsaigh. They told Gavin they're holding a meeting at the Templegate Hotel tomorrow (May 31) at 7pm to launch the project.
They're hoping to garner support and funding to raise a statue of the Clare born founder of the GAA.
