Today on Morning Focus we paid tribute to Shannon-based Sinn Féin Councillor, Mike McKee after his passing last Friday following a long-illness.
Gavin was joined on the line by Sinn Féin President, Mary Lou McDonald, Donna McGettigan of Clare Sinn Féin and Shannon Independent Councillor Gerry Flynn to pay tribute to Councillor McKee.
A native of Belfast, Mike McKee first arrived in Clare in the 1970s. He first forays into local politics came in 1985, when he secured a seat on Shannon Town Council for Sinn Féin, serving until 2009. He later returned to politics in the 2014 local elections, securing Sinn Féin a first seat on the county council since 1974, and despite being too unwell to campaign in this year’s election, was re-elected at his ease. Mike was named by Sinn Féin as a candidate in the next general election but a month ago, pulled out for health reasons.
He was an active local representative right until the end, most recently appearing at the opening of the Shannon Town Park just ten days ago. Already, calls are being made on social media for the park to be renamed in his honour. Mike passed away at University Hospital Limerick on Friday, leaving behind his devastated wife Eileen, son David and daughter Jeanette, as well as two grandchildren.
May he rest in peace.
If you would like to listen back to our tribute, you can do so below:
Next on the show, we were joined in studio by Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection Pat Breen, to discuss the by-election results and employment in Clare.
Following from that Fianna Fáil General Election Candidate, Rita McInerney joined us in studio ahead of a public meeting she is hosting this evening (Dec 2). The aim of the meeting is to discuss how farmers across Clare are facing an uncertain future as prices remain volatile and costs continue to rise.
Next Clare County Crime Officer, Tríona O’Rourke joined Gavin in studio for this week’s Garda Focus slot.
Next on Morning Focus, teachers, Emma Brown and Jon O’Connell of CBS Ennistymon joined Gavin in studio to chat about the Creative Engagement Programme. The aim of the Creative Engagement programme is to encourage students’ creativity, initiative and expression. The student is seen to be at the centre of the creative process and the programme strives to complement curricular learning in the arts, culture and heritage. This year Steve Wall of The Stunning was this year’s Creative Engagement Arts Mentor. Students were assisted in writing songs, recording them and producing a CD! Emma and John also spoke to Gavin about the school’s Christmas Concert which takes place on December 6th in Ennistymon Community Centre.
Next, Kevin Haugh was in studio to chat about his new book, A Year In The Banner which tells a story for every date, from years gone by of Clare People’s achievements!
If you missed our interview with Kevin, you can catch it below:
To finish up Morning Focus we are joined in studio by Clare FM’s Darren Kelly to talk about the latest action in sport!
You can listen back to our Sports Panel below:
