Morning Focus – 20/12/2018

Today’s show came after last night’s publication of the government’s No Deal Brexit contingency plans.

We opened today by discussing this with Senator Martin Conway, who has insisted there will be no hard border, even in the event of a No Deal Brexit.

Next, a special focus on Shannon Town Centre.  Clare FM’s Fiona McGarry spoke with a number of local volunteers on what they feel is needed in the town, and then with Clare County Council Director of Services, Liam Conneally.  You can hear this special report below:

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After 10:00, Dr. Toby joined us with a timely edition of our regular parenting advice slot.  We talked about how to keep your home as happy as possible over Christmas… and not just on the big day itself!

Next, David Fitzsimons of Retail Excellence, the Ennis-based retail lobby group, elaborated on their claim that Met Éireann weather warnings had damaged trade last weekend, costing retailers tens of millions of euro.  David feels the warnings were unnecessary and alarmist, although forecasters insist they were just doing their job.

After 11:00, Kilmaley man Eamonn Meehan reflected on 27 years of service with Trocaire.  Eamonn was just its third ever Executive Director, and he discussed a lifetime with the international aid charity.

Some beautiful music, both festive and otherwise, will be on offer this evening at Dánlann an Chláir thanks to the Cantare Chamber Choir.  They’ll be joined by soprano Helen Houlihan and the Clare Youth Society, and proceedings begin at 8pm.  Sarah Griffin and Michael Hennessy joined Helen to tell Gavin all about it.

Brian Flynn then chose the Best Christmas Song You’ve Never Heard – Gene Autry’s If It Doesn’t Snow At Christmas – before we finished by hearing from John O’Donoghue, ahead of this weekend’s second ever Reindeer Run for MND.  The event was hugely successful when first held last year, and takes place at the Flaggy Shore from 9 a.m. on Saturday, and in Caherdaniel, Co. Kerry on Sunday.