On today’s Morning Focus John Cooke was joined by Tubber jockey Derek O’Connor. Derek just missed out on Cheltenham success in a photo finish in the 4.40 Kim Muir yesterday – losing out to Same Difference. The Donald McCain mount led from the off and was in a battle with Noel Glynn’s Becausueicouldntsee until the final fence when he faded and the Tubber man was just caught on the line by the 16/1 winner for Nigel Twiston Davies. With one day of the Cheltenham Festival remaining, Ireland is within reach of a record total of winners at the prestigious jump racing fixture. Irish-trained horses won 10 of the 20 races staged on the first three days of the meeting. In 2011 there was a record 13 Irish-trained winners at Cheltenham but last year the Irish total was only five. Today is Gold Cup day and the Irish have a handful of likely winners again – Our Conor, Salsify and Sir Des Champs just three names which will appear on many betting slips. Other news points from Cheltenham include serious injuries to Irish jockeys Davy Russell and J.T. McNamara.
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TJ Waters, Chairperson of Ennis-Phoenix Twinning Association, Paula West, Executive Director of Phoenix Sister Cities and Mike Widener, Professor of Law in Phoenix all joined John in studio to talk about Phoenix Week. The Deputy Mayor of Phoenix, Arizona, is leading a delegation of almost 100 people to Ennis this weekend to participate in a comprehensive programme of events marking the 25th anniversary of the twinning link between the Clare County and Arizona State Capitals. One of the highlights of Phoenix Week 2013 will be the participation in the St Patrick’s Day parade of 35 members of the Saint Mary’s Catholic High School marching band from Phoenix. During their weeklong visit to The Banner County, the Phoenix delegation will also meet Clare business and tourism interests on the business opportunities that the region offers, participate in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and receive a guided historic tour of Ennis as well as visit some of Clare’s best-known tourism attractions.
We also checked in with all those involved ion St. Patrick’s Day Parades around the county – including John Richardson in Ennistymon. Ennistymon’s parade starts at 3pm on Sunday from Super Valu – anyone taking part is asked to assembler at 2.30pm; Tommy Comerford in Doonbeg. Doonbeg’s parade is on Monday. Attending are the Defence Forces Band from the Curragh and the South Side City Band from Limerick (A 50 piece band); Padraic Giblin in Gort. The annual parade in Gort takes place on Bank Holiday Monday March 18th at 1pm; Leonard Cleary, Ennis Town Clerk who talked about how Ennis parade will start from the County Council offices on New Road this year at 11am on Sunday; Murdoch Gleeson in Tulla. Tulla’s parade is being held on Sunday at 4pm; Tony Cogan in Miltown Malbay. Miltown Malbay’s parade is on Sunday at 3pm; Cllr. Vincent Coleman spoke about Shannon’s parade on Sunday; John Grimes spoke of the weekend events and the parade in Killaloe to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and Noel Ryan talked about all that’s happening in Kilrush. Their parade is on Sunday at 3pm.
Racing Pundit Rupert Bell was also a guest of the show to talk about Cheltenham Day 4 – The Final day of racing at Prestbury Park. 10 runners are expected to line up for one of the most open renewals of the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup, steeple chasing’s Blue Riband on the final day of the Festival. The favourite is the Nicky Henderson trained Bobsworth, who won the Hennessy Gold Cup in November in his only race since landing the RSA Chase at last years festival. Barry Geraghty sold Bobsworth as a young horse. Now he rides him in search of the ultimate Chasing prize. Sir des Champs carries the hopes of Ireland after winning the Jewson Chase at last years Festival. Trainer Willie Mullins is still looking for his first Gold Cup victory. After a golden era which saw Gold Cup successes for both Kauto Star and Denman it’s a new name and a rising star, Silviniaco Conti, who carries the hopes of Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls in the big race.
Dr Maire Finn from the Ennis Family Medical Centre was also in studio to answer your medical queries. Today Dr Finn answered general health queries in relation to neuralgia, varicose veins, medication questions, chilblains, carpal tunnel syndrome, sinus issues and more. Dr. Finn will be joining us again next Friday for more medical advice. You can always send us your thoughts and queries by email focus@clare.fm, but if you have concerns or queries about your own health right now please contact your local GP
To contact the show please email focus@clare.fm
