Morning Focus – Thursday 15/08/19

A packed Morning Focus opened with a report from Clare FM’s Pat Flynn live from Shannon Airport.

A fire which broke out on a plane at around 6am disrupted flights, as it had to be removed from the runway, after passengers were evacuated.

The show then heard from Cllr Cillian Murphy who runs a restaurant in Kilkee. He told Gavin that the recent swimming ban at Kilkee Beach had lead to a 15 percent drop in his business over the last week, until the lifting of restrictions on Wednesday.

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After that, the show looked at the challenges facing students looking for accommodation for the coming college term. Gavin heard from Ennis man Aaron Burke who is President of the Students’ Union at GMIT and from Karina Timothy, the Manager of Threshold’s Western Region. Listen back below:

Then, there was news of a Life Skills Programme run by Aware and starting at The Old Ground Hotel in Ennis on Thursday, September 12 (7.30pm). The initiative is open to those over 18 who are experiencing depression. You can secure a place with a deposit of €30 (€10 for students and those who are unemployed; or over 65; or who hold a medical card) by visiting www.aware.ie/education

After the News at 10am, Gavin heard from Bríd O’Connell of the Shannon Dragons dragon racing club. She told Gavin how this activity helped in recovery from cancer. More information on a Wellness on the Water day is available on www.shannondragons.ie Listen back to Bríd’s interview below:

Then, the show heard from Donegal man Ernan McGettigan. He’s Chairperson of the Taste of Donegal Festival which gets underway on Friday, August 23 and includes a packed programme of demonstrations from celebrity chefs, master classes and lots of entertainment.

With reports this week of the lack of Vitamin D affecting people tested in Donegal, Gavin was joined by Fergal McNamara of The Height of Health to talk about the importance of this vital nutrient. Listen back below:

And, as some restrictions on swimming continue in Lahinch, Gavin heard finally from local hotelier and former President of the Irish Hotels Federation, Michael Vaughan.