The third of our Morning Focus debates with Clare GE16 candidates featured Dep Joe Carey, FG; Dep Timmy Dooley, FF
Andre Sibo Hakizimana Ind.; Michael Harty, Ind. (No doctor, no village); Dermot Mulqueen Ind.; and Niamh O'Brien, Ind. (Fis Nua). Topics discussed included Shannon Airport, healthcare, local government and the USC
Morning Focus continued its coverage of the West Clare Early Years Centres closure with news that a Garda probe underway into financial irregularities. Derrick Lynch reported from a packed public meeting in Kilrush.
The leaders of seven major parties held a major two-hour election debate in Limerick last night (Mon. Feb. 15). Gavin discussed the show with Dr Rory Costello, Lecturer in Politics at UL and founder of whichcandidate.ie
Shannon Chamber of Commerce, in association with Employability Clare, is leading a campaign to promote disability confidence in business. This pilot project is the first of its kind and also involves Ennis and Limerick Chambers, as well as Employability Limerick. Ahead of the launch of the project at Bunratty Castle Hotel, Gavin was joined in studio by Helen McQuillan of Employability Clare. Helen was instrumental in securing the funding to test the concept of disability confidence for business in Ireland.
This evening (Tue. Feb. 16) in Kilmihil, sees the third talk in Clare organised by the gardaí on the issue of rural isolation, mental health and crime levels in rural areas. Talks held previously in Kilrush and Kilfenora have had large attendances. The event will be addressed by members of the Garda, as well as Seamus Sherlock, Rural Development officer of the ICMSA. Gavin was joined to discuss the event by Patrick Fitzgerald of Limerick Mental Health services and Superintendent Martin McGonell of the Kilrush Division.
With travel agents reporting that booking enquiries in January were up by as much as 40% on 12 months ago, the stage was set for the Fly Shannon Holiday Show and Gavin was joined by Irish Times travel writer, award-winning journalist, Joan Scales.
Gail McAllister, an award-winning sailor, joined Gavin ahead of two talks for Killaloe Sailing Club. These are entitled 'Sailing Round Ireland Slowly' and 'How Santa came to us in Mid Atlantic' and detail her experience in sailing across the Atlantic with two teenage children and the family pets; as well as her voyage around teh coast of Ireland.
Killaloe Sailing Club started at the marina behind the Lakeside Hotel in 1962. It moved some time later to Two Mile Gate and to its present site just west of Tineranna Bay about 25 years ago.
The prefab changing rooms are in very bad repair and need to be replaced. The small income derived from this lecture series will go towards replacing these buildings.
The club, which nearly went our of existence 8 to 10 years ago, is now enjoying a dramatic increase in membership. There are now nearly 100 members with 74 boats on site! There is an extensive program of training for junior members planned. Activities at the Club are mainly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
