On Fridays Morning Focus Marian began by speaking to Mary Mulholland Cabin Manager with Aer Lingus based at Shannon. Mary is on the picket line today at Shannon airport. A 24 hour strike by Aer Lingus cabin crew is underway at Shannon, Cork and Dublin Airports.
The strike, which began at midnight, is in response to an ongoing row over rosters. On the Friday of a bank holiday weekend Aer Lingus would normally carry around 40,000 passengers, but most of today's flights have been cancelled. This includes 12 services between Shannon and the US, Faro and Heathrow. An additional return service to Faro has been added to the schedule for tomorrow, as the airline looks to accommodate passengers, but it's estimated that today's action will still cost the former flag carrier up to 10 million euro. Pickets have been placed on the three State Airports since midnight, with around 120 Shannon-based cabin crew involved in the dispute. Impact has accepted an invitation from Aer Lingus to talks, and while a date hasn't set, it's expected these will be held next week. Marian and Mary discussed how this was a last resort for staff and they felt they had no other choice but to strike.
Emotions Peer Support Centre is having an open day today. The Group which are located in the Clonroad Business Park aim to empower people in their physical, mental and spiritual development through generating a open and non judgemental environment. Aisling Byrnes secretary with the group and Daniel Meehan who is their Public relations officer joined Marian in studio to talk about the centre. They also shared their story and why they got involved.
John Loftus has made a radio documentary called 'Dolans, 20 years a rockin' where he explores the origins of the Limerick music venue, speaks to the people involved and some of the acts that have played there. The programme will be aired at 6pm this coming Saturday. He joined Marian in studio to discuss the show and the stories behind it.
In our Morning Focus Health Matters slot we speak with Dr Finn from the Ennis Family Medical Centre
Today's topic: Digestive Health
Doctor Maire Finn is from the Ennis Family Medical Centre, and will be joining us again next Friday for more medical advice
You can always send us your thoughts and queries by email [email protected], but if you have concerns or queries about your own health right now please contact your local GP
Also on the programme, we spoke with Ollie O'Flaherty ahead of Wavemasters Surf & Music Festival 2014. The event features a spectacular surf exhibition, featuring some of Ireland's top surfers, and we also organise a surfing competition with some great prizes. Later on in the evening, there will be music acts in the Bellbridge House Hotel also. Wavemasters takes place on Saturday May 31st and Sunday June 1st in Spanish Point, Co. Clare.
We were also joined on the programme by Ruth Minogue ahead of the Brian Boru Heritage Day which is a one day symposium on the life and times of Brian Ború. Speakers include Dr Lorna Moloney, Dr Paul McCotter, Terri Shoosmith and Ruth Minogue. Later that evening East Clare Heritage will be launching a special journal celebrating Brian Ború. All welcome, places limited. The event will take place on May 31st in St. Cronan's 10th Century Church, Tuamgraney.
Kevin Daly, the chairman of the Clodagh Daly Trust was also a guest of the programme. On Sunday, the 1st of June there will be a fun run & walk in Kilmore, Co. Clare which is the home of Clodagh's great grandmother Bridie Moloney, who at 97 years young, will take up the role of official Grand Marshall on the day.
Starting at 1pm at The Wuthering Heights Bar in Kilmore, there will be a registration fee of €20 for adults and €10 for Children, Students and OAP's. The run/walk starts and finishes at 'The Heights' and there will be music and refreshments there after. The Clodagh Daly Trust is an Irish Charity. Clodagh was born on 31st October 2012. At 5 weeks old she was diagnosed with Stage 4S Neuroblastoma (a form of paediatric cancer).
The Doonbeg International Jazz Festival will be inviting old friends and new to come together and celebrate 15 years of Jazz in Doonbeg, and, once again, the June Weekend promises to be a great one for Jazz fans and Philippa Siegrest joined us to go through some of the details. With excellent bands from Scotland, The Netherlands and all over Ireland, and a full programme of performances throughout the weekend, as well as a Children's Musical Fun Day, there will something for everyone to enjoy. 30TH MAY – 2ND JUNE 2014.
Maurice Harvey of the Ennistymon North West Clare Show joined us ahead of the event which will take place on Sunday 1st June which will show classes for horses, ponies, donkeys, cattle, sheep, baking, home crafts, photography, dogs, set dancing etc.
If you have a story, comment or query for Morning Focus email [email protected] or write to us – Morning Focus, Clare FM, Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.
