On Wednesday's edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke
The three main teachers conferences continued today with TUI delegates meeting in Wexford, the ASTI gathering in Killarney and Primary school teachers continuing to meet at Treacy's West County Hotel in Ennis. Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan addressed 850 delegates there Tuesday, on issues including schools admission policies, class sizes and their pay and conditions. Afterwards John spoke to Minister O'Sullivan who said she was delighted to be in Ennis for the event.
Issues of pay and in particular the pension levy also featured on the agendas of the two second level unions – the ASTI and the TUI- who began their conferences in Killarney and in Wexford today. The Junior Cycle reform as expected dominated the debate at both events. Minister O'Sullivan addressed delegates from 9am this morning. The minister received invitations to the congress from the INTO and TUI, however the ASTI did not issue an invitation – a sign of the growing tension between that union in particular and the minister over the issue of Junior Cycle reform. Peter Quinn, Teacher St. Flannan's College Ennis and of the ASTI spoke to John and first explained why the Education Minister was not invited to their congress.
Residents are concerned about security measures for Inis Fest and met with event organisers last evening for the second time. The three day festival is expected to attract stars like Nathan Carter, Damien Dempsey and Hermitage Green this summer. Over three thousand people are expected to attend each of the concerts in Tim Smythe park – however those living near by have raised fears about an increase in anti-social behaviour as a direct result of it. Morning Focus producer, Edel Hynes, went along to the meeting and spoke to some disappointed residents following another series of heated exchanges. Councillor Johnny Flynn, Mayor of Ennis spoke to John and says he is confident together Inis Fest Organisers and residents can come to a solution(s) to their issues, however the discussion is still ongoing.
Following a call to yesterday's show from Councillor Bill Slattery, Lahinch, regarding the closure of the public toilets in Doolin over the weekend, Pat Conway got in contact regarding the lack of facilities in Lahinch. There are no public toilets in Lahinch despite the council promising 'state of the art' facilities there for the last number of years, since the sale of the old unit in 2008.
Today marks the tenth anniversary of Emer O'Loughlin – a 23 year old Art Student from Ennistymon who gardai believe was murdered in a violent death in a caravan at Ballybornagh, Tubber near the Galway-Clare border – before it was set on fire. Her badly burned remains were discovered on April 8th 2005 in the ruin of a Caravan owned by a man called John Griffin who is believed to have fled the country after pretening to fake his own death on the Aran islands. Despite new advances in foresnic science that lead to an exhumation of her remains in 2010, an international appeal and the offer of a Crimestoppers reward for information on suspect John Griffin – the murder of Emer O'Loughlin remains an unsolved case though Gardai say they haven't given up hope of finding answers for her family. Inspector Declan Rock of Loughrea Garda Station has spoke to Clare FM's Derrick Lynch about the case while Johnny O'Loughlin, Father of Emer O Loughlin joined John in studio reflecting on the last 10 years without his beloved daughter and the hope that justice will be served.
Mary Moroney of the Somalia Shop Ennis joined us in studio following her decision to close the shop doors after 23 years in Business. Mary opened in 1992 -pre Celtic Tiger and at the time was the only charity shop in Ennis. Mary and her wonderful volunteers and supporters kept business open right through the Recession, however now with 16 charity shops in Ennis, it is no longer a feasible operation. Mary reflected on the 23 great years and thanked the people of Ennis and County Clare for their assistance over that period.
Morning Focus Animal Matters with John Underhill of Burren Vets. John, today, spoke about problems we see as cattle are moved out of housing onto grass and what about sunburn? Do animals suffer from it? John also answered some of your pet queries.
If you have a comment or query for Morning Focus, please email: focus@clare.fm
