Morning Focus Tuesday 1st July

On Tuesdays Morning Focus John began by speaking to Rita McCarthy a Kilrush native and a PhD student in UL.  Rita did an MA in 2011. In her research she looked at the provision of shelter and relief in Co Clare after the setting up of the Free State.  She examined the Kilrush Orphanage and also the new fostering scheme that was introduced at the time and she certainly uncovered some research which would support the fact that children were boarded out as what was referred to by one county councillor as 'little slaves' and possibly worse. A report was carried out in 1924 which she found a report on and which went into detail into the conditions children were found in these foster homes.  She feels that this fostering scheme should be part of any report that might be carried out on how mothers and children were dealt with in Ireland at that time. Rita believes that it's not just nuns that should be blamed here but the whole of society at the time.

Up next John was joined by Doirin Graham – Chief Executive of Clare Local Development Company as Communities all over Ireland are staging a rally to voice opposition to dismantling LEADER, Wednesday the 9th of July at 1:30 outside Dáil Éireann, Clare Local Development Company are organising buses. book your seat and pick up point by calling 065 686 6800.  Under planned reforms of local government, the organisation will fall under the control of Clare County Council.   Concern is high that the changes – will damage the effectiveness of its work. 

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Miriam Flynn – Bus Eireann Regional Manager for South-West was next on Morning Focus.  As part of an ongoing review of public transport services in Clare and Limerick undertaken by the National Transport Authority, Bus Éireann will introduce a revised combined Route 343, Limerick – Shannon Airport – Ennis which will commence on Sunday, 29 June 2014.  John and Miriam spoke about the new routes and how the people of Clare will benefit. 

It was time for John Lowe – The Money Doctor next.  On this weeks slot John discussed:

1.  Noonan insists € 2bn cuts won't be needed

2.  Health insurance "turf war" as prices slashed for families

3.  Buy Out Bonds an attractive option as insolvent pension schemes wind down

4.  Financial regulator : Banks & borrowers need "closure"

John also answered listeners questions and queries. 

A legal challenge may be mounted against a law which bans humanist wedding ceremonies from being held outdoors.  The Humanist Association says the law states a wedding must be held in a place that's 'open to the public', and the General Registrar's Office says that can only be inside a building.  More than 600 humanist ceremonies are planned for this year, and the association is seeking legal advice on whether the law can be challenged.  John spoke to Brian Whiteside –

The Humanist Association's Director of Ceremonies to see what exactly they are seeking to change. Thousands are set to be dazzled in July by one of Ireland's most spectacular airshows as a historic moment in the country's remarkable contribution to global aviation will be celebrated in Foynes Co. Limerick.  An Toaiseach Enda Kenny will be among the huge numbers of people that will flock to the West Limerick town as it celebrates the moment 75 years ago that the Pan American Airways 'Yankee Clipper' flying-boat made history with the first commercial transatlantic crossing to Foynes.

The Foynes/Shannon 75th Anniversary Airshow  will be a key element of a fitting weekend tribute across July 5th and 6th in the town to the airmen that crossed the Atlantic all of three quarters of a century ago on the historic flight.  John spoke to Margaret O'Shaughnessy – Flying Boat Museum Director about the festivities. 

Finally Clare Dog Warden Frankie Coote joined John for his regular slot with advice on proper animal care and animal owners' legal responsibilties. Contact Clare Animal Shelter on 065 6820393

If you have a story, comment or query for Morning Focus email [email protected] or write to us – Morning Focus, Clare FM, Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.