On today’s Morning Focus we were still dealing with the events of the weekend’s matches.
We began the show with discussion of President Michael D Higgins’ comments regarding gambling ads before matches. Speaking at Croke Park at the All-Ireland hurling semi-final between Limerick and Cork, Higgins said he was ‘very concerned about gambling in sport and if he had his way there wouldn’t be any advertising or access to gambling platforms in sport at all. We talked to Barry Grant, CEO of Problem Gambling Ireland about his view on the President’s comments.
Then continuing with the hurling the GAA faced criticism yesterday about how it handled ticket distribution for Clare and Galway’s replay. Tickets went on sale short notice early yesterday and a limited amount are being allocated through clubs. Joe Cooney, Chair of the Clare County Board gave us his view on the situation.
Listen back below:
Finally, to round off Morning Focus’ first hour we had a round table of councillors including Independent from Sixmilebridge PJ Ryan, Fine Gael representative from Cross Gabriel Keating and for Fianna Fáil Mayor of Ennis Clare Colleran Molloy. The roundtable was assembled to discuss the offer of voluntary redundancy offered to rural post offices across Ireland and across Clare. Heads of Cooraclare and Kilfenora post offices have confirmed to Clare FM that they will be taking the deal and closing. Craggagh-Fanore, Cree and Lissycasey offices are undecided while Whitegate, Labasheeda, Quilty, Kilmurry, Feakle, Dromindoora, Carrigaholt and Broadford will remain open. An Post insisted that the offer comes after talks with the Irish Postmasters Union, and insists no office is being forced to close.
The second hour continued with the post office situation as we talked to Niall Garvey, CEO of Muintir na Tire. He also continued, to discuss the latest setback in the rollout of the National Broadband Plan.
For both those segments listen back below:
Then, acclaimed author Michael Houlihan returned to Morning Focus. His newest venture is to bring the old Celtic festival of Lughnasa into the modern age. The Lughnasa festival was a festival held at heights that gave thanks for a good harvest and celebrated good fortunes. Michael is inviting people to pack a lunch (and picnic stool) for a gathering on mount Callan this Sunday afternoon (August 5th) at 1:30pm.
Then US National and author of ‘A Grammar of Modern Irish’ Pól Ó’Mhurchú talked about an upcoming Irish language class lead by the man himself. If you’re interested in learning even just a little bit more Gaeilge just call 083 034 4296.
Listen back below:
The show ended with Clare County Dog Warden, Frankie Coote.
