Morning Focus Friday October 7th

On today’s Morning Focus, Geraldine Enright from the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience spoke about how today is the designated National Vote Day for the Cliffs of Moher campaign to become one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The North Clare attraction, arguably Ireland’s greatest natural landmark, is amongst 27 others finalists in the campaign. To vote log on to www.new7wonders.com or text Moher to 53131. The deadline is 11th November.  Clare FM listeners can show their support for the Cliffs of Moher in the New 7 Wonders of Nature campaign by visiting www.clare.fm or checking out our facebook page (www.facebook.com/clarefmradio) or following us on twitter! The Cliffs are one of 28 finalists around the world, which have been short-listed to receive the prestigious title of one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The final seven will be selected based on the highest amount of votes that they receive globally so get voting!
 
Ciana Campbell, Media Consultant and Broadcaster, Noel Crowley, Historian and former Clare Museum Curator and Marian Egan, Clare FM Presenter and Social Commentator, joined Morning Focus in studio to discuss the Presidential Election.
It comes foolowing various national polls and our own Clare FM Online poll: 
Who will you vote for as Ireland’s next President?

• Mary Davis
• Sean Gallagher
• Michael D. Higgins
• Martin McGuiness
• Gay Mitchell
• David Norris
• Dana Rosemary Scallon

With just three weeks to go to the Presidential Elections, Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuiness could be the favourite according to a Clare FM online poll
Visitors to www.clare.fm have placed the former IRA commander and, Labour’s Michael D Higgins in poll position with 24% of the vote each.
23% of those surveyed are backing Sean Gallagher, while 12% say they’ve vote for David Norris, 6% for Dana, 5% for Mary Davis and 6% for Fine Gael’s Gay Mitchell

CONTINUE READING BELOW

Michelle Amara, a Clarecastle mother of two and a volunteer with Irish Premature Babies discussed her role. Her two children were both born prematurely; her two and a half year old was born at 32 weeks, while her eight month old was born at only 28 weeks and weighed less than two pounds. Both were very traumatic experiences for herself and her husband.  The Irish Premature babies charity that provides for support for families that have had premature babies, and also fundraise to buy some equipment for the neonatal departments in Maternity hospitals. They are holding a meet and greet for Families in the Limerick Maternity Hospital this Saturday at 2pm
(In the anti natal classes prefab at the back of the maternity). 

Also on today’s show;

Angela Naughton, Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Clare joined the show to talk about fire safety week which is currently underway. He says there has been a 35% decrease in Callouts from January to September of this year compared to the same period in 2010. Chimney Fires are down by 25%, Forest/Bog Fires are down by 72%, False Alarms are down by 42% and Road Traffic Accident attendances are down by 16%. 

Conor Sheehan, who lives in Rossmanagher, Bunratty spoke about how he
Had the opportunity to go to America to perform at the Boston 9/11 ceremonies.
The Governor of Massachusetts, hundreds of fire-fighters, policemen and citizens attended the event. Conor had written the anthem ‘Never yield’ which was specially composed to honour heroes of every kind, in all walks of life and the fire-fighters who gave so much including their lives on 9/11. He then submitted the song to the Boston authorities and subsequently received the invitation to perform. He performed the song live on the show.

Geraldine Sharkey and Aoife Lynch from Ennis have just returned from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on a fundraising trip for the Clare Crusaders and joined Clare Fm’s John Cooke in studio to discuss it. Their guide was Ian Taylor from Lahinch and they were also accompanied by thirteen other climbers. They arrived home to Barefield yesterday afternoon after an 8 day trek on the mountain. Ann Norton of
the Clare Crusaders also joined the interview and discussed the possibility of a trip next year!.

Brid Hedderman from the Kilrush Community Garden explained how anyone with an interest in gardening, beekeeping, poultry and sustainable living are invited to Kilrush Community Garden, Kilkee road, Kilrush this Saturday at 3pm. It is an important event that could help people that are out of work, or in work to learn skills we have lost along the way. Contact 0879711315 for more information

If you have a comment or question for Morning Focus you can email the show at [email protected] or text the show – Clare FM followed by your comment and name to 53030