The midweek edition of Morning Focus marked the opening of the new M17/M18 motorway from Gort to Tuam, which is tipped to open the midwestern region to new business and tourism opportunities.
The show opened with an interview with Ennis native Seán O Neill of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) who outlined the history and the importance of the €550 million, 57 kilometre route.
Gavin then heard reactions from President of Ennis Chamber of Commerce, William Cahir and from Andrew Murphy, Managing Director of Shannon Airport.
Later in the show, Clare FM’s James Mulhall reported on the opening ceremony for the motorway, performed by Transport Minister Shane Ross.
The issue of paternity leave was next up for discussion with Gavin being joined by Richard Eardley of Hays who found that a third of dads fear it could impact on their career prospects.
Gavin then spoke to Ennis man Thomas Connole. Thomas is blind and was recently the target of a scam at his home in the town. He told Gavin how he became suspicious of someone calling to his door seeking payment for maintenance works. He also warned other listeners to be cautious. Listen back below:
Chris Macey of Irish Heart was Gavin’s next guest and told him why the organisation is calling for a ban on vending machines selling junk food in schools.
Gavin then heard that the aid group Pemba Support is gathering material to take to the tiny Tanzanian island of Pemba. Pat O’Doherty from Ennistymon told him how listeners can donate items like books, computers and baby clothes.
The Clare FM Book Club were Frances O’Gorman and Cora Gunter who discussed ‘Holding’ by Graham Norton. Listen back below:
The fascinating story of Peter Keane a Kilrush native and RAF veteran came next. Peter told Gavin about his long and very adventurous life, which including the setting of a world record by jumping eight miles from an aircraft over an RAF base, Boscombe Down. Listen back below:
John Underhill of Burren Vets rounded off the show with a wealth of advice on pet and livestock care. Listen back below:
