Morning Focus opened by asking what's acceptable when it comes to Clare's famous Dusty the Dolphin. A video posted on Facebook has sparked a debate about the way we're treating one of Clare's greatest natural assets. Dusty the Dolphin attracts hundreds of visitors annually to the North Clare coast. Almost a year ago, the Irish Whale and Dolphin group warned that a fatality could result if people didn't respect this notoriously tetchy wild animal. This week a video purports to show swimmers pulling Dusty's fin and crowding around her in the water. We've asked listeners for their views and spoke to expert Dr Simon Berrow of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group. Gavin was also joined on the line by Ronan who shot the video for his Facebook page.
Morning Focus also heard about the Quilty seaweed company that's scooped a major prize. Wild Irish Seaweeds, based in Quilty, scooped the Enterprise Ireland Entrepreneur of the Year award at the Limerick Institute of Technology this week.
The family run business, based in Quilty, employs 25 people and has food and cosmetic products in stores at home and abroad.
Gavin spoke to Evan Talty.
The issue of lifeguard cover in Lahinch was discussed as the current (very welcome) heatwave is certainly lifting our spirits and bringing hundreds out to enjoy the sun. We're flocking to the seaside, and there's no county better than this one for beautiful beaches. But as we're jumping into the waves, there are concerns that some could also be throwing caution to the wind. We might take it for granted that there are trained lifeguards to look after our safety, but it'll be July before our beaches are fully manned. Pat Conway from Lahinch got in touch with Morning Focus to express his concerns about the lack of full lifeguard cover in the town until the month of July.
In a statement, Clare County Council's Water Safety Officer Claire McGrath told Morning Focus that there's lifeguard cover on Clare beaches at weekends in June and on the first 2 weekends of September. From July 1 to August 31, there's cover 7 days a week. Claire says that cover, outside of those dates, hasn't been needed because primary school pupils are still in school and many secondary students are still doing exams. She says that if there was a situation where fine weather in June became more frequent, the situation could be reviewed – at least for the larger beaches.
Ask the GP covered the issue of hayfever and other seasonal allergies. Dr Maire Finn also answered general listener queries.
Over the coming fortnight, two events are taking place to raise much needed funding for the Clare Crusaders Children's Clinic in Barefield.
A fund-raising night of music and entertainment, including a raffle of autographed sporting memorabilia, will take place at Powers Pub, Clarecastle on Friday week (June 17).
The following weekend (June 24 – 26) the Tour de Clinic charity cycle will take place in Kerry and cover a distance of over 360km over the three days.
Gavin was joined in studio by Paul Murphy, cycling enthusiast with Clare Crusaders Cycling Club and by Michelle Frawley, a fellow cyclist with Clare Crusaders Cycling Club.
Michelle Flannery of Busy Bees Tea Room & Garden Centre, Clondrinagh, Limerick, spoke to Gavin about watering plants during the current heatwave.
We then heard from the author of an intriguing book called The 100 Kilo Case. It looks back to 1952, when a young man from Donegal left Ireland to seek his fortunes in America. After serving in the US Army, Peter Daly joined the NYPD and, in 1970, made one of the department's biggest drug busts: 105 kilos of pure heroin and cocaine. However, only 100 kilos were surrendered. James Durney tells Peter’s remarkable story, from his rise within the NYPD to his time served in the Lewisburg Federal Penitentiary with some of the most notorious gangsters in American history.
Gavin spoke to author James Doorney
Gavin then heard that residents of one Ennis community have welcomed the announcement of a new pedestrian crossing for the area.
Well over 100 people live in Ashfield Park and Girroga Heights, which is located off the busy Gort Road, opposite the Auburn Lodge Hotel.
They say the lack of a pedestrian crossing has made it dangerous for them to cross the route, though Ennis Councillors have now given their backing for one to be installed. Gavin heard from local residents Shaloa Owdukowya and Niamh NicLochlainn
Morning Focus then heard about the Estuary Challenge in Labasheeda. In 2012, a group of cycling enthusiasts came together to organise the Estuary Challenge in an effort to raise funds for a new playground.
Now, five years later, the playground is built but the annual cycle continues and this year offers support to the Shannon Gael Community Development Group.
On Saturday (June 11) cyclists will kick off from Labasheeda and take one of two routes, a longer, 105km trip or a more leisurely 55km ride.
Gavin was joined by John O'Connell, founder of the Estuary Cycle. More details are available on the web page http://www.estuarychallenge.eu.
The tunes are set to flow in Doolin this weekend as acts from across the country descend on the village for the 4th Annual Doolin Folk Festival.
Taking inspiration from the great festivals of the 70’s and 80’s the event is expected to draw visitors from all over Ireland and further afield.
Gavin was joined in studio by Conor Byrne, Festival Programmer and Organiser.
