On today's Morning Focus Marian began by speaking to Clare Labour TD Michael McNamara as The Taoiseach and Tánaiste will meet today to begin the renewal of the Government. The talks between Enda Kenny and Joan Burton are expected to focus first on policies and priorities, with the Cabinet reshuffle expected to begin later ahead of the changes on Wednesday. Enda Kenny spoke to Joan Burton by phone on Friday when he appointed her Tánaiste after she won the Labour leadership election. Both Labour and Fine Gael advisors have spent the weekend working on policy positions. The Taoiseach and Tánaiste will sit down this morning to discuss these, with Labour wanting the focus to move from fixing the economy to giving people a social benefit. Then the horse-trading will begin with Labour key to take the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, and Fine Gael reportedly interested in the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
Up next Kate Redden of Sixmilebridge Post Office joined Marian by phone as one lucky customer is 4.4 million euro richer following the weekends lotto. The ticket which was a four euro quick pick was sold on Friday. Speculation is rife in Sixmilebridge and fingers are crossed that a local will be the one picking up the cheque.
Taking a look back at the hurling action over the weekend and after battling it out in Cusack Park on Saturday Clare and Wexford drew with a score line of 2-25 a piece after extra time. The All Ireland Champions trailed by 2-7 to 0-3 after just 15 minutes of Saturdays game, but struck for 1-1 in the closing stages to force the game to extra time. Conor McGrath's goal looked to have given Clare the advantage in extra time, but a late score from Wexford's Paul Morris took the tie to a replay. We heard from Clare Manager Davy Fitzgearld who spoke to Dave McIntire after the match. Clare will take on Waterford in Round 2 of the Hurling Qualifiers, should they beat Wexford in this Saturday's replay. The game will be held at a neutral venue.
Sergeant Joe Downey, Crime Prevention Officer with the Clare Garda Division appealed for the public's assistance with information on crimes committed in the county over the past seven days
Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100.
Conor got in touch with Clare FM. Himself and his girlfriend Zara Starr who hails from Clarecastle founded The Unlimited Dream Machine in 2011 a theatre company which is now based in Ennis. Having lived in Dublin for 10 years they could no longer afford the rent prices and decided to move home. They are planing on making work with strong community ties. The problem is; they need a space, an office that people can use as an arts hub, come and tell us stories or just watch some of the video installations we have planned. 'All the empty shops make the town look terrible, we're going to enrich the cultural diversity and bring some more art to Ennis'. They did meet with some landlords and the arts officer here but they feel rents are too high given these buildings are empty!!
Mullagh native Monica Stirling has been writing poetry from an early age. Following huge support given to her by Kilmurry Ibrican Active Retired Association of which she's a member she decided to publish her collection. She spoke to Marian about her work and her life experiences that inspired it.
John Murphy, wildlife expert and Chairperson of the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland joined Marian in studio to answer listeners' bird and wildlife queries.
If you have a story, comment or query for Morning Focus email Focus@clare.fm or write to us – Morning Focus, Clare FM, Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.
