On Thursday edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke
Kilkenny man Paddy Manning leading the Vote No Campaign in the referendum spoke to the show ahead of leading the NO Campaign bus to Ennis this afternoon. Paddy says “I'm gay and voting ‘No’ in the referendum because I believe that equality for children should come first. While Kilrush native Brian Sheehan Co-Director of YES Equality Campaign who led their campaign bus to the County earlier in the week rejected arguments that the proposed constitutional amendment is bad for children. Both shared their views with John.
In 2012 Fine Gael's John Crowe proposed that Clare County council look to set up a twinning arrangement between the Shannon Region and China.The motion followed the visit of China's then Vice President Xi Jinping to Ireland. Cllr Crowe hoped the arrangement if successful would foster a development of closer Industrial Farming Tourism and Cultural ties between the countries. Correspondence between the local authority and the Chinese Embassy has continued since then, and an invitation was re-issued for April this year and Councillors accepted – They begin their journey tomorrow . . .Cathoirleach John Crowe and Ger Dollard Director of Services with Clare County Council both joined John in studio ahead of their trip.
Inisfest WILL go ahead this Summer. The three-day festival has been confirmed at the Ennis Showgrounds from June 26th to 28th with tickets going on-sale this Saturday. The festival was originally planned for Active Ennis Tim Smythe Park but was subsequently postponed due to opposition from a small number of local residents.The top-billed artists include Nathan Carter, Damien Dempsey, Delorentos, Hermitage Green and more acts have yet to be announced. Darren Purtill of Impresario Events joined us in studio.
In our Morning Focus Health Matters slot we speak with Dr Maire Finn from the Ennis Family Medical Centre – who today addressed all and any listener medical queries. Doctor Maire Finn is from the Ennis Family Medical Centre, and will be joining us again next Thursday for more medical advice. You can always send us your thoughts and queries by email [email protected], but if you have concerns or queries about your own health right now please contact your local GP
Broadcaster and journalist Derek Davis has passed away. RTE confirmed that the 67 year old has passed away following a stroke. Mr Davis worked for many years at RTE, most notably on the Live At 3 programme with Thelma Mansfield, and in recent years worked for 4FM. He is survived by his wife and three sons. Following the news Olive Halpin Project Co Ordinator Ray of Sunshine Foundation based in Clarecastle got in touch to pay tribute to their patron Derek Davis.
Rita Davern Documentary Producer from Minnesota USA is in Ireland to research the Davoren Family in the Kilfenora / North Clare area for her documentary on the Davorens “Burren Girl”. This is the story of her grandmother Anne Davoren from Kilfenora, who left Kilfenora in 1887 moving to Minnesota where she married a distant cousin who was also a Davern from Lisdoonvarna in the US. In order to keep the Irish American connection, Rita is trying to gather as much information about the family. On Friday all Davorens or anyone who knows the Davorens from both sides of the family are welcome to a Gathering at Caherconnell Stone Fort Kilfenora at 7.30 PM – More information call 065 7089999
Gerry Harrison in Kilmaley, a writer and Former Book shop owner Ennistymon joined us in studio to tell us about the inaugural Caitlin MacNamara and Dylan Thomas Weekend in Ennistymon and Doolin kicking off this Friday 15th to Sunday the 17th. Caitlin MacNamara was reared at the Falls Hotel (then the Ennistymon house) daughter of the legandary artiste and landlord Francis MacNamara. Caitlin was married to the acclaimed Welsh poet Dylan Thomas in 1937 – this weekend celebrates their lives and works.
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