The founder of the Association of Catholic Priests, Fr Tony Flannery, is being investigated by the Vatican because of his liberal views
For the past 14 years, Fr Flannery has written in the Redemptorist Order’s Reality magazine, but Rome has intervened and the column has been banned
It is understood that Fr Flannery was informed of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith’s concerns two months ago, but would not comment on the matter yesterday
On Friday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with Irish Examiner journalist Claire O’Sullivan who is covering the story
They also discusses the Pope’s reiteration of the church’s ban on woman priests
In a sermon to mark Holy Thursday the Pontiff also warned that he would not tolerate disobedience by clerics of the fundamental teachings of the Catholic church
Benedict the Sixteenth was making a direct reference to a group of Italian and Austrian priests who last year called for a campaign of disobedience on a range of taboo topics including celibacy and the ordination of women.
The Union of Students of Ireland has criticised high-earning third level academic staff for refusing to take a voluntary pay cut
Last year, Minister Ruairí Quinn wrote to college governing authorities, requesting that all those earning over 200-thousand euro, accept a pay cut
However, to date, just two University Presidents have responded – NUI Galway’s Jim Browne, and TCD provost Paddy Prendergast
The USI says students are seeing an increase in fees and cuts in grants – and yet these elite few are getting off scot-free
Third level students want the Croke Park deal to be renegotiated, claiming the agreement is protecting the highest paid university staff at the expense of education
80 per cent of college budgets go on staff salaries
Colm Murphy – Vice-President of the Union of Students in Ireland – discussed the USI congress.
Kerry Sinn Fein Deputy Martin Ferris will be in Ennis this Sunday for the Sinn Fein Clare organised Easter Commemoration at 2pm in Drumcliffe Cemetery
He also gave his views on the household charge issue.
Mayor of Clare Councillor Pat Hayes and Tomas Mac Conmara of the East Clare Memorial Committee spoke about commemorations in Tuamgraney and Scarriff
For decades the East Clare Memorial Committee has held commemorations in both parishes to mark the contribution made by men and women from East Clare to the fight for Irish Freedom
This year, commemorations will be held on Easter Sunday following Tuamgraney and Scarriff masses which start at 11.30am and 12.00pm respectively
In Scarriff the commemorative wreath will this year by lain by one-hundred year old John Michael Tobin, from Laccroe in Feakle, who is the last living person to have attend the funeral of the Scarriff Martyrs in November 1920
Easter Sunday Commemorations in Kilrush were outlined by Tom Prendeville, Councillor and Local Historian
Clare County Council has called on the government to ensure the forthcoming EU Fiscal Treaty Referendum is used to give extra money to those who are out of work
Members of the local authority have unanimously backed calls for the positions at polling stations and count centres to be given to the unemployed and to students
A letter has now been sent to Environment Minister Phil Hogan, calling on him to follow this recommendation
feels it’s a measure which would benefit many people throughout the county
Kilnamona Councillor James Breen feels the measure could help students, as well as unemployed- he joined John in studio to discuss
Shannon Councillor Gerry Flynn agreed with James Breen.
Mary Bourke of the Broadford Fundraising Committee had a word about Broadford’s fifth Easter Monday run/walk
A new parish fundraising committee has been formed and it was decided that Clare Cancer Support/ Slainte an Chlair would be the nominated charity for the annual walk
This charity led by a dedicated group of willing volunteers is based in Kilnamona and provides much needed support to cancer sufferers throughout Clare
Martin McMahon- Treasurer of Slainte an Chlar- welcomed the news.
Rev. Chinwe Obadeyi – Organiser of the Afro-Irish Gospel Music Concert had a word about their Easter event this Saturday at the Glor Theatre
Afro-Irish started in 2008 and has been a great success
It is hosted by Foundation Ministry Ireland, the Afro-Irish concert shares the gospel of Jesus through music, integrating the immigrants and the Irish
It is a great time where different genres and sounds of gospel music will be played.
This weekend there is a festival dedicated to its traditional life-line in transport “The HighNelly Bike” taking place in Bunratty
Hundreds of the traditional machines from all over the Country gathering in Co Clare & Limerick
Saturday will see Music, Traditional bike repair demonstrations, a HighNelly history treasure hunt & lots more, Highnelly.ie will be gathering more information for the soon to be published book “Highnelly, The people the bikes” which documents the many stories of how people needed these bikes for survival not just for fun
Marty Mannering – High Nelly Enthusiast and festival orgainser – explained what was in store.
IF you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email Focus@clare.fm
