On Tuesday’s Morning Focus Gavin Grace spoke with Fergus Finlay, CEO of Barnardos
Their recently published Back to School Costs Survey shows parents of secondary school students pay big money to prepare them for senior cycle
The cost of getting a child ready for secondary school is almost €800 and primary school costs can hit as much as €400
The children’s’ charity says books and uniforms remain the single biggest expense for parents
Fergus said that schools themselves can play a major part in lowering the cost for families
Clare FM’s Tommy Meskill hit down town Ennis to find out what people think of the cost of sending children to school and Gavin spoke with a listener who was shocked at the cost of kitting out her junior infant for school.
Founder and CEO of Move4Parkinsons Mags Mulraney is attending the Feakle Health Conference ‘The therapeutic effects on Irish set dancing on the treatment of Parkinson’s disease’ taking place today
She spoke with Gavin from Feakle
A former Solicitor Mags was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 10 years ago and founded the charity to empower and act as an advocate for other sufferers
She is passionate about reaching People With Parkinson’s, many of whom are isolated and withdrawn from society
With nearly 10,000 sufferers, Parkinson’s is second only to Alzheimer’s in terms of numbers of sufferers she said.
Ennistymon native Patsy Madigan also suffers from Parkinson’s Disease
She is visiting her native home at the moment from San Diego and is also attending the conference in Feakle
She says Parkinson’s is horrific- but that her exercise regime of power yoga, boogie boarding and salsa dancing helps to keep Parkinson’s at bay.
Sergeant Joe Downey, Crime Prevention Officer with the Clare County Council, joined Gavin in studio for this week’s Garda Focus
He appealed for the public’s assistance with information on crimes committed in the past week
Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100.
The Money Doctor John Lowe joined Gavin to speak about all things financial
He spoke about the rise in the level of mortgage approvals, knowing your rights when shopping in the sales, what to watch for with ‘closing down sales’ and reduced roaming charges for EU mobile phone users
Also, the Society of St Vincent de Paul has expressed concern at a new selling tactic by a money lending company.
Gavin also spoke with the Clare Rose – Newmarket-on-Fergus native Marie Donnellan
Marie and the other Roses will set off on their tour of Ireland this Sunday ahead of the International Finals of the Rose of Tralee selection in August
Marie is the first Clare Rose to qualify for the televised show in Tralee since 2006 and spoke about her excitment ahead of the event.
Frankie Coote, Clare ISPCA Warden, joined Gavin in studio to speak about the proper care of animals and owners’ legislative responsibilities
Contact Clare ISPCA Shelter on 065 6820393.
If you have a story for Morning Focus email Focus@clare.fm
