On Thursdays Morning Focus John began by speaking to Martin Conway Seanad Fine Gael Spokesman on Justice. The Seanad is being recalled from its summer break today to discuss the conflict in Gaza. Also – this week's publication of the Review of Dept of Justice and equality. Brian Purcell the secretary general of the department of Justice and Equality has stepped aside to another role following damming report which described a "closed, secretive and silo-driven culture". Major reforms are now recommended for the department, as well as in the Gardai where recruitment of a new Garda Commissioner is underway. John spoke to Senator Conway in studio about the topics that will make the agenda for the Seanad this week.
Up next John was joined in studio by Fr. Brendan Quinlivan – Killaloe Diocesan Spokesman and Parish Priest of Scariff, Feakle and Killanena/Flagmount. As part of clerical appointments announced by Bishop Kieran O'Reilly today, Fr. Brendan is taking a one Year Sabbatical Break, to reside at Cathedral House, Ennis and to continue as Director of Diocesan Communications. It follows a major health scare after he suffered heart attacks in May of this year. He's hoping to concentrate on his health and losing weight in the year ahead following his life threatening and frightening ordeal. He joined John in studio to chat about his health scare and how things are changing for him.
To hurling where there were joyous scenes at Cusack Park last night, following an historic match for Clare hurling. The county's Under-21s captured a third Munster title in a row with a 1-28 to 1-13 win over Cork. The foundation for the win came in an outstanding first half performance, that saw Clare forward Shane O'Donnell score a goal, and the rest of the players perform magnificently to lead 1-15 to 0-05 at the break. John spoke to joint u21 manager Donal Moloney about the win and how things will go moving forward.
Broadcaster, journalist and documentary presenter Charlie Bird will mark the 20th Anniversary of the first IRA ceasefire in Northern Ireland at the opening of the 2014 Waterways Ireland Scariff Harbour Festival this August Bank holiday week-end. For over ten years from the start of the peace process, Charlie Bird was RTE's contact with leading republicans and was one of three journalists given the statement by the IRA and the only one to have been given an audio copy of an IRA member reading out the statement The idea for the very first Harbour festival in Scariff in 2003 stemmed from the Good Friday Agreement and the foresight of the North South Ministerial Council and the Arts & Culture Departments North & South in setting up Waterways Ireland Office in Scariff. John spoke to Charlie a head of his trip to Clare this weekend
Irish women are more likely to be college-educated than men – but work fewer hours. The Central Statistics Office has published its report on Women and Men in Ireland for last year – which shows that men also have a higher rate of employment – and of unemployment, than women. Men are more prominent in the labour force – with seven in ten men over 15 at work – compared to half of women. While women are overwhelmingly more likely to work looking after the home or family. And men are more likely to die young from suicide and car accidents – as well as having a shorter life expectancy. John spoke to Brian Merriman – Head of Communications and Legal/Acting CEO at The Equality Authority about these statistics and got his thoughts behind them.
Up next we took a look at what’s happening around the county this weekend:
The Best in the West – Kildysart's 72nd Annual Agricultural and Horticultural Show takes place this Saturday August 2nd. Prizes for Horses, Donkeys, Sheep, Dogs and Cattle- Also Homebaking, Knitting, Photography and more!
Four days of events to make you smile and laugh including the famous All Ireland Pig races! Something for all ages and tastes. Dan O'Halloran 5th Annual Memorial 10k takes place on 2nd August 2014 at 2pm. Race/Fun Run/Walk/30k Cycle/ 5k Cycle. Registration from 12pm to 2pm at Kilmihil Community Centre. Proceeds in aid of West Clare Cancer & Kilmihil People's Park.
August Bank Holiday Monday at Doonbeg Pier The Doonbeg Currach Regatta was revived in 2005 after an absence of almost 20 years. A great day of rowing is guaranteed with twelve races taking place. Large numbers of people gather on the pier to watch teams of rowers compete. The competitors travel from Galway, Kerry, Limerick as well as our local rowers from Doonbeg, Kilkee, Kilrush, Quilty and other parts of Clare to demonstrate their skill in the use of these old sea-fishing boats.
Finally, John Underhill of Burren Vets was in studio to answer listeners' livestock and pet queries.
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.
