Morning Focus opened with a look at the impact of Brexit on farmers. The IFA has been among the many organisations here to voice concern at the outcome of the Brexit referendum. The lobby group is calling on the government to immediately allay the concerns in farming and the agri-food sector.
The IFA has identified as its priorities in the aftermath of Brexit, the minimisation of any barriers to trade – particularly between Ireland and Northern Ireland. They're also seeking agreement and certainty on the EU and CAP Budget up until 2020 as a matter of priority. Gavin spoke to Willie Hanrahan Clare County Chairperson IFA.
The issue of Brexit was also discussed with former minister Eamon O Cuiv who said it's a warning shot to the EU.
Ahead of the All-Ireland hurling qualifier on Saturday (July 2), Gavin was joined by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch. Continuing our coverage of the Merriman Summer School, Gavin was joined in studio by Professor Mary C. Murphy, Lecturer in Politics, UCC, and by Steve Aiken, OBE a UUP MLA for South Antrim.
Church bells rang out around the country at 7.30 this morning to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.
One of the bloodiest episodes of the First World War, the battle claimed 1 million lives – 3,500 of those Irish soldiers who were members of the Irish Division and Ulster Division fo the British Army.
Formal commemorations are taking place in Ireland and in France to remember the thousands of people who lost their lives in the Battle of the Somme.
President Michael D Higgins will attend a series of commemorative events to mark the centenary of the French battle today along with Minister Heather Humphreys. Gavin spoke to Joe Power, Clarecastle-based historian and author of Clare and the Great War.
Limerick Institute of Technology is to offer a Bachelor's degree in Social Care in County Clare from September. The prestigious course will be delivered in Ennis and, from 2017, be available through the CAO system. Gavin was joined in studio by Terry Twomey, Interim President and Registrar Limerick Institute of
The Friday Panel comprised Tom McEvoy, Pieta House; Orla Vaughan, Vaughan's Bar, Kilfenora; and Peter O'Connell from The Clare Champion. The discussion covered Brexit; the Console scandal and the use of phones at live entertainment events
The stage is set for the 44th Willie Clancy Summer School which begins in Miltown Malbay tomorrow (Sat. July 2) and runs until Sunday week (July 10). The school, which will bring thousands to Miltown for performances, workshops and lectures, commemorates the town's best-known uilleann piper, Willie Clancy. It's been running since just after his death in 1973. This year the week-long event will take on a special signficance after the hardship experience during severe flooding last Autumn. Gavin spoke with Administrator Harry Hughes. We also had music from Claire Watts who's written 'My Heart Lies in Miltown Malbay'. Claire's full interview, with more of her songs, will be brodcast on Gentle Folk with Pat Costello on Sunday night from 10am – 12pm.
