Ovarian Cancer

As Angelina Jolie speaks about her difficult decision to protect her health from the risks of Breast and Ovarian Cancer, a County Clare woman spoke to John about having the high risk BRCA 1 Gene, her own battle with cancer and her plans to have her breasts removed.

Ann Murphy from Tulla joined Margaret Barry from Ennistymon and Marie Phelan from Ennis to raise awareness of Ovarian Cancer.

Download or listen to here ... 

 

Flan Garvey

Tralee IT Former Mayor of Clare Flan Garvey has been cleared of wrongdoing after investigations found the Tralee IT Chairman had plagiarised parts of his thesis on his home parish of Inagh/Kilnamona, but not intentionally.

The controversy continues though, as TUI members at the college have called for his resignation, and his expenses come under scrutiny as part of a wider inquiry.

Listen back to his interview with John Cooke

Download or listen to here ... 

 

National Famine Commemoration 2013

"Honouring the Irish who died believing their lives counted for nothing and remembering those less fortunate than us today" - The Words of President Michael D Higgins at National Famine Commemoration in Kilrush.

Listen back to highlights from his speech and Clare FM's Live Coverage of the event, including songs from Emma Troy, Assumpta Kennedy and PJ Murrihy.

Download or listen to here ... 

 

 

Josef Pavelka Vigil

Five days after homeless man Josef Pavelka was found dead in Thompson's Lane in Ennis, around a hundred people gathered to remember him.

The crowd included Retired District Court Judge Joseph Managan, Mayor of Clare, Councillor Pat Daly, Josef's friend and fellow Homeless man Peter Baram and Ennis Priests Fr Joseph Ryan and Fr Ger Fitzgerald who lead those gathered in Prayer.

Listen back to Niamh McNamara's report.

Download or listen to here ... 

 

 

Mountshannon Eagles

Following a national wait of over 100 years, Lough Derg's White Tailed Sea Eagles have successfully hatched two baby chicks.

The news was heard on Clare FM's Morning Focus as Marian Egan spoke to Dr. Alan Mee of the Gold Eagle Trust and Denis Minogue in Mountshannon.

Download or listen to here ... 

 

Death on the Streets of Ennis

Just over three weeks after Josef Pavelka told Clare FM's Morning Focus about sleeping in a public toilet in Ennis, the homeless Czech National was found dead in a laneway off O'Connell Street.

Listen back to local reaction..

Download or listen to here ... 

 

 

Sonia O'Sullivan

Ireland's Premier Women's Cycling Event - the An Post Rás na mBan takes place in Clare this September, and to launch the event, one of Ireland's greatest athletes,

Olympic medallist Sonia O'Sullivan joined John Cooke for a chat about her life since her athletic career, her thoughts on doping in sport, and a possible return to competition on her bike this year!

Download or listen to here ... 

 

Empress of the Skies

65 years on from the Pan-Am Plane Crash that claimed 30 lives near Newmarket on Fergus, John spoke to author Tony Cassidy and Larry Brennan of the Clare Roots Society about a new publication commemorating the Empress of the Skies tragedy, while Morning Focus Producer Niamh McNamara met 90 year old Jack Hogan - who was first on the scene in 1948.

Download or listen to here ... 

 

Sleeping in a Toilet

Josef Pavelka from the Czech Republic and Peter Baran from Poland have been homeless in Ennis for a number of years now, and recently began sleeping in public toilets in the town, prompting Judge Patrick Durcan to describe their living conditions as a scandal.

Their case has prompted much debate on Clare FM's Morning Focus - click here to listen back...

 

Download or listen to here ... 

 

Symphysiotomy

A Ballyvaughan woman joined other victims of a controversial childbirth procedure as they took their campaign for justice to Dail Eireann in April.

Ellen Moore had a symphysiotomy performed on her, without permission, when she had her first child in a Midlands hospital in 1965.

She told John Cooke about her ordeal...

Download or listen to here ... 

 

 

41 Weddings
 

English Couple Lisa Gant and Alex Pelling got married in Doonbeg on March 9th - but they had already exhanged vows on forty other occassions in more than 20 different countries!

They're holding a wedding ceremony in every place they visit as part of their plan to travel the world and raise money for Unicef.

They spoke to John Cooke as part of their West Clare Wedding Celebrations! 

Download or listen to here ... 

 

Health Minister James Reilly
 

Two years on from a promise not to remove services from Ennis General until better facilities were on offer at the Regional Hospital in Limerick, Minister James Reilly made his first official visit to County Clare to open the new hospital ward blocks.

Download or listen to here ... 

 

John O'Dwyer Hardware
 

At the height of the economic boom, John O'Dwyer employed 52 people in his Building Suppliers and Hardware Businesses in Quilty, Miltown Malbay, Kilrush and Ennis.

Now his staff numbers are down to 18 and his two major DIY stores have been closed, but he's not giving up - as Clare FM's John Cooke found out.......

Download or listen to here ... 

 

Autism Awareness  

 

To mark Autism Awareness Day, Ennis parent Gearoid Mannion spoke to John about coping with the condition and the challenges faced by his children Conor and Darragh. Click here to listen...

"Ennis Voices for Autism" meets on the first Thursday of every month at the Auburn Lodge Hotel in Ennis at 7.30pm. Find out more by texting the word Autism to 086 8120055. You can also look up www.autismireland.ie 

Download or listen to here ... 

 

 

 

We'll meet again - Colm Keane

We do not die alone – that’s the remarkable conclusion of We’ll Meet Again, an extraordinary new book by Colm Keane examining deathbed visions. Colm joined John Cooke in March to discuss his latest book on the theme of near death experiences and his awareness of his own mortality as he battles cancer. 

Download or listen to here ... 

 

 

 

Pope Francis

As the people of Clare welcomed Pope Francis as the new head of the Catholic Church, John got reaction from Mass goers in Ennis, clergy in the Killaloe Diocese, and the local Franciscan Friary.
 

Download or listen to here ... 
 

 

 

 

Ronia Murry - Alopecia

18 year old Ronia Murray from Ballina, Killaloe spoke to John about the condition of Alopecia and how a teenage girl deals with losing her hair.
 

Download or listen to here ... 
 

 

 

 

Maura O'Connell on the Gathering!

World renowned Ennis Folk Singer Maura O'Connell joined John Cooke for a colourful chat about The Gathering, the Fleadh and her plans for 2013.

Accompanied by her Nashville friends, Guitarist John Mock and Don Johnson on Bass, Maura also performed "The Shades of Gloria" and " A Far Cry".
 
 

Download or listen to here ... 
 

 
Sarah's Story of Addiction

The Bushy Park Addiction Treatment Centre outside Ennis offers services for people dealing with addiction like alcohol, drugs, or gambling, as well as their families and those affected by the addiction.
 

Listen back to Sarah's story of Alcohol Addiction, as heard on Clare FM's Morning Focus in January.
 

Download or listen to here ... 
 

 

Clare Gathering Launch

The Gathering has been officially launched in Clare with plans for over 200 events already this year.

Huge crowds turned out for the Gathering Expo in Ennis with special ambassadors like World Renowned Fiddle Player Martin Hayes, Munster Rugby Star Marcus Horan, and Aoibhinn Garrihy of Fair City fame on hand to lend their support.

Clare FM's John Cooke was there to speak to them, and to find out about some of the novel events planned for this year...
 

Download or listen to here ... 
 

 
Laurel Lodge Ennis

St. Vincent de Paul in Clare offer accomodation to homeless men at the Laurel Lodge Accomodation Centre in Ennis. Clare FM's Morning Focus Producer Niamh McNamara was there to meet staff and residents just before Christmas. 

Download or listen to here ... 

 

 
G8 Summit - Fergal Purcell

Ennis Native Fergal Purcell is the Manager of the Lough Erne Resort, in County Fermanagh, which will host the G8 Summit next June - with leaders of eight of the world's richest countries like US President Barack Obama, British Prime MInister David Cameron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel due to attend.

Download or listen to here ... 

 

 
Poor Clares Galway

Calm the Soul - A Book of Simple Wisdom and Prayer is a new book written by the Poor Clares of Galway to "...draw on the fruit of their monastic lives and suggest simple practices to help nourish our souls and find a sense of calm in today’s world". John spoke to Sister Collette about her life and the new book.

Download or listen to here ... 

 

 
Just Mary

Former Minister, TD and Senator Mary O'Rourke has documented a colourful life in politics and details of the Lenihan family's involvement in government and Fianna Fail over the years in her Memoir "Just Mary". She spoke to John Cooke.

Download or listen to here ... 

 

 
Mick O'Dwyer.

Kerry Football Legend Mick O'Dwyer added Clare to the long list of Football Teams he's managed, as he was ratified as the new County Senior Football Manager in November. He spoke about his new appointment to Clare FM Commentator Syl O'Connor as he attended the Munster Club Championships Quarter Final in Quilty.
 

Download or listen to here ... 

 

 
 

Clare FM's Morning Focus Review 2012

Listen back to John Cooke's end of year review of News and Current Affairs as heard on Clare FM throughout 2012. 

Download or listen to here ... 

 
Chris Droney

World Renowned Concertina Player and Clare Person of the Year 2012 - Chris Droney joined John Cooke for a chat and a few tunes in December, as he marked his birthday, and 80 years of playing the music he loves.

Download or listen to here ... 

 
Christmas Memories on Clare FM

During the Festive Season, John Cooke was joined by a number of well known local people to hear their thoughts on Christmas past and present.

Listen back to interviews with Retired Bishop Willie Walsh, Local Historian and RNLI Chairman Joe Queally, Fr. Harry Bohan, Musician Chris Droney and former politician Madeline Taylor Quinn.]
 

Download or listen to here ... 

Robbie McMahon

Tributes to the late Robbie McMahon  - "The King of Spancillhill" - haved poured in following news of his death on December 13th.

The legendary baladeer and story-teller passed away at the age of 86 following an illness, and as sympathies are offered to his wife Maura, their children and grandchildren, friends have been recounting tales of Robbie's unforgettable songs and sessions.

Listen back to tributes on Clare FM's Morning Focus here ...

Download or listen to here ... 

In 2010, the Spancilhill Singer was awarded a civic reception by Clare County Council, and received a standing ovation for his world famous rendition of "the Fair of Spancillhill" and the self composed "Fleadh Down in Ennis".

Download or listen to archive audio here ... 

 

First to Swim the Channel - Twice!

Fionnuala Walsh from Kilrush achieved a lifelong ambition on October 9th, and also made local history in becoming the first Clare person to swim the English Channel.

The 38 year old marathon swimmer became the 15th Irish woman to achieve the feat - which many describe as the Everest of open water swimming - though she had already crossed the famous stretch of water - two months ago, only to find she couldn't complete her swim - just 150 metres from the shores of France.

Second time around  - Fionnualla officially made it on to French soil, and spoke to Clare FM's John Cooke about the experience of a lifetime.

Download or listen to here ...  

Davy's Everest Adventure

Clare Senior Hurling Manager Davy Fitzgerald is among a group of local climbers heading for Everest Base camp to raise funds for charities including Cahercalla Hospice, LauraLynn House and Foundation Nepal.

John spoke to well known Barman Tony "Lockie" O'Loughlin as well as Davy to find out more.

Download or listen to here ...  

Alcoholics Anonymous

Ahead of the Clare Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous in Ennis, John spoke to Kevin and Mary about their experience of alcohol addiction.

Download or listen to here ...  

 

Cahercalla Coffee Morning

To Celebrate Ireland's Biggest Coffee Morning and to raise awarness of Hospice services in the Mid-West, Clare FM's Morning Focus broadcast live from the Clare Hospice at Cahercalla on Thursday, September 20th.
 
Click here to listen back to Part one of the programme which features Cahercalla Fundraising Manager Mary Moloney and Ennis man Dan Keane's experience of losing a loved one at the hospice.

Part Two contains Music from the Students of Rice College, Ennis, and information about Hospice and Bereavement services as well as activities at Cahercalla. 

Download or listen to here ...  

David Coleman - The Thriving Family 

Child Psychologist David Coleman's new book aims to help you achieve harmony in your home and family life.

He spoke to Clare FM's John Cooke about The Thriving Family. 

Download or listen to here ...  

A New Era for Ennis General

The long awaited new buildings at Ennis General Hospital have finally opened to patients and the public, years after the project was first planned.

It's hoped the 15 million euro development will provide some certainty for the future of hospital services in Clare as political debate regarding medical services in the Mid-West continues.

Clare FM's John Cooke was at Ennis General for the historic event.
 

Download or listen to here ...  

Lying Eyes Released

Ennis mother of two Sharon Collins is now a free woman having served four years in prison for hiring a hitman to kill her partner PJ Howard and his sons, but she's still protesting her innocence.

John Cooke spoke to Sharon's Solicitor Patrick Moylan, and Emer Connolly, author of Lying Eyes and the Hitman for Hire..........

Download or listen to here ...  

Memory Man

Jimmy Magee is one of the world's longest serving Sports Commentators, and has now detailed his life in broadcasting in his official memoirs.

" Memory Man" includes the highs of the Olympic Games, as well as the personal tragedy he's faced in life and his thoughts on the sports stars that inspired and annoyed him! 

Jimmy spoke to John Cooke ahead of a visit to Ennis.

Download or listen to here ...  

 

 

A Week in Summer

The late Maeve Binchy attended the Merriman Summer School regularly since 1968 and as part of events to mark the Bicentenery of the poet Brian Merriman, not only did she write a specially commissioned new story, she also recited her work to an audience at the Spa Wells Centre in Lisdoonvarna in August 2005.
 
" A Week in Summer" was broadcast on Clare FM in August to mark the passing of one of Ireland's favourite writers and to honour the strong links she had with Merriman over the years. See www.merriman.ie for further details and click here to listen to Maeve Binchy's "A week in Summer".....
 

Download or listen to here ...  

Rainbows of Remembrance

Feileacain is the StillBirth and Neonatal Death Association of Ireland, which offers support to parents who've been affected by the devastating loss of their children at the earliest stage of life.

Events to raise awareness and funds for the group were organised in Spanish Point by a number of local people including Laura O'Connor from Maurice's Mills who told Clare FM's John Cooke about her baby Gavin, and what happened as she reached full term in her pregnancy last February...
 

Download or listen to here ...  

 

RV Celtic Mist

Charlie Haughey's former yacht is now a research vessel for the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group and is based at Kilrush Marina. As part of a recent Morning Focus broadcast in West Clare,

John Cooke spoke to Dr. Simon Berrow of the IWDG and Maire Moynahan met some of those involved in the refurbishment of the RV Celtic Mist.....
 

Download or listen to here ...  

 

William Winder Rainbow Foundation

In June of this year, 15 year old Miltown Malbay teenager William Winder, a Junior Cert Student at Ennistymon Vocational School died by suicide, and the questions left unanswered by his sudden passing have prompted his family to set up a foundation to raise awareness of youth issues, and to offer support and information for other teenagers, parents and schools.

Clare FM's John Cooke spoke to members of the family, including William's grieving mother Caroline to find out about her son.

Download or listen to here ...  

If you'd like to talk to someone about the issues raised in this interview, Teen-Line Ireland is a free-phone helpline service for young adults - open every evening from 7pm to 10pm. www.teenline.ie or call 1800 833 634.

You can also look up www.aware.ie or  call the Samaritans on 1850 60 90 90.

Pieta House in Limerick - is the Centre for Prevention of Suicide and Self Harm  - call 061 484444 or look up pieta.ie

If you'd like to speak to someone about coping with bereavement through suicide you can contact Clare Suicide Bereavement Support on 086 0565373 or you can look up www.console.ie

Bunratty Folk Park

Clare FM's Morning Focus was in Bunratty recently.

John Cooke and Maire Moynahan met with some of the characters who bring memories of old Ireland back to live for visitors to the Folk Park all year round.

 

Download or listen to here ...  

 

 

Olympic Dreams in Clonlara!

As part of Clare FM's coverage of London 2012 - John Cooke spoke to Sarah Caffrey from Clonlara - who'll compete in the Mixed Coxed Four Rowing in the Paralympic Games on August 31st, and James Murrihy of the Clare Sports Partnership - who was part of the Irish Paralympic Soccer Team in 1996 and 2004.
 

Download or listen to here ...  

 

Mr. Gay Clare

Ennis man Timmie Murphy has been chosen to represent Clare in the Mr Gay Ireland Competition - Click here to listen back to his interview with Clare FM's John Cooke...

If you'd like to talk to someone about the issues raised in this interview you can contact :
GLEN - The Gay and Lesbian Equality network  - Telephone 01 6728650 - www.glen.ie
Rainbow Support Services, Limerick Telephone 061 310101 www.rainbowsupportservices.org
or the Samaritans in Clare on 1850 60 90 90

Download or listen to here ...  

Ailwee Cave

 
Morning Focus was in Ballyvaughan recently and Clare FM's Maire Moynahan took a guided tour of the Ailwee Cave, hearing from Duty manager Nuala Mulqueeny and even Fr. Ted along the way! Click here to listen...
 

 

Download or listen to here ...  

 

 

Aine Mae O'Mahony

Lahinch woman Aine Mae O'Mahony has "Fighting Blindness" since 2007 when she lost her own site at the age of just 25.

But she's embraced many new challenges since then, including a career in radio, charitable work for the Fighting Blindness group, and organising the comeback of Garland Sunday events in Lahinch. -

Listen to her conversation with Clare FM's John Cooke.....

Download or listen to here ...   

 

Olympic Dreams in Killaloe

As the 2012 London Games get underway - Clare FM's John Cooke met Killaloe Swimmer Jonathon McGrath who's competing in the Paralympic Games.
 

Download or listen to here ...   

 

Surfing in Lahinch

Since Monday July 23rd, surf schools in Lahinch have had to move from the promenade to a small area in a car park at the far end of the beach.

Clare County Council says the new laws are designed to make the area safer for walkers, swimmers and other visitors, but some surf school operators say it could prove detrimental for their buisness and the local economy.

Clare FM's John Cooke heard from both sides

Download or listen to here ...   

 

 

 

Pine Marten: - Friend or Foe?

Is the controversial Pine Marten an asset or a threat to the Clare Countryside? 

Tune in to Clare FM's Wildlife Slot on Morning Focus each Monday at 10.40am and click below to listen back to a recent discussion on the rare woodland creature that's becoming more common.............
 

Download or listen to here ...   

 

 
Coping with Suicide

Ennistymon resident Johnny Richardson lost his sister Gillian through suicide in December 2011. In July, the family came together to remember her at an event in the Falls Hotel, while also raising funds for The Clare Suicide Bereavement Support Group, Pieta House and Doolin Rescue. Johnny spoke to John Cooke about their loss

Download or listen to here ...  

If you'd like to speak to someone in confidence about depression, or issues relating to suicide you can contact Pieta House in Limerick - the Centre for Prevention of Suicide and Self Harm on 061 484444 or look up pieta.ie

You can always call the Samartans on 1850 60 90 90.

If you'd like to speak to someone about coping with bereavement through suicide you can contact Clare Suicide Bereavement Support on 086 0565373.
 

 

Roche Relief in Clarecastle!

 
Following the news that Roche Ireland's Pharmaceutical Plant in Clarecastle is safe, and there'll be no staff reductions, there's been huge relief expressed on Clare FM that around 400 jobs are secure.

Clare FM's John Cooke spoke to people in Clarecastle about the news, and also looked to the future of the major local employer with Roche Ireland's Manging Director Sven Hauptman.

Download or listen to here ...   

 

Clare Connections Concert - Ennis

 
Love Live Music was the theme of the Clare Connections Concert in Ennis on June 21st, where up to 2,000 people turned out to here The Kilfenora Ceili Band, Martin Hayes, Lunasa, Maura O'Connell and others, despite the rain! Listen back to some highlights, and to Maura O'Connell's interview on Clare FM's Morning Focus ahead of the event. ....
 

Download or listen to here ...   

 

Fr. Bernard Lynch

Ennis Native Fr. Bernard Lynch has been at loggerheads with his seniors in the Vatican for many years due to his controversial views on homosexuality among the Catholic clergy and his own gay marriage to a man from Cork.

He's making headlines now with what's described as his explosive memoir "If It Wasn’t Love: Sex, Death and God".

The 64 year old Priest explained his views to Clare FM's John Cooke

Download or listen to here ...   

 

Keith Wood

It's hoped a major new sports and recreation facility for the Ballina/Killaloe area will be up and running in just over a year.

Work is underway to develop two natural grass playing fields and a synthetic pitch at Clarisford, Killaloe, following a long campaign by the local community spear-headed by well known Killaloe resident Keith Wood.

The Rugby great told Clare FM's John Cooke that the 8 year local campaign is finally becoming a reality.

Download or listen to here ...   

 

World MS Day - Aideen Hayes

May 30th was World MS Day and to mark the occasion, Clare FM's Morning Focus heard from representatives of the Clare Branch of Multiple Sclerosis Ireland and John Cooke met Lisseycasey mother of two Aideen Hayes to hear about her life with MS.

Download or listen to here ...   

 

EU Referendum - Clare FM Debate

Before you decide how to vote on May 31st - check out Clare FM's EU Referendum Debate.

Listen back to the Morning Focus Special here as Declan Ganley of Libertas and Kilrush Accountant Gerard Leahy called for a No Vote, while Clare TDs Pat Breen and Timmy Dooley spoke for the Yes side.......
 

Download or listen to here ...   

 

 

Killaloe Pink Ribbon Walk

Comedy trio The Nualas used their zany style recently to help launch the 2012 Pink Ribbon Walks in Ireland to benefit Action Breast Cancer, a programme of the Irish Cancer Society.

The "Killaloe Pink Ribbon Walk 2012"  takes place on "Saturday, 16 June 2012" and organiser Nicola Wood, along with Cancer Survivor Bernie Aherne recently joined Clare FM's John Cooke to highlight the event.

You can register up until Wednesday, 13 June 2012. www.pinkribbonwalk.ie

Download or listen to here ...   

 

 

Ryanair's Michael O'Leary

Following the government's decision to seperate Shannon Airport from the Dublin Airport Authority and bring it together with Shannon Development to form a new management entity - Ryanair's Michael O'Leary gave his verdict on the announcement to Clare FM's John Cooke.

Download or listen to here ...   

 

 

EU Fiscal Treaty

Voters will go to the Polls in EU Fiscal Treaty Referendum on May 31st, and you'll hear full coverage of the Yes and No Campaigns on Clare FM.

Listen back to University of Limerick Economist Dr. Stephen Kinsella's explanation of the Treaty and the mplications of a Yes or No Vote on Clare FM's Morning Focus ...............
 

Download or listen to here ...   

 

Mountshannon Eagles Expecting!

Two White Tailed Sea Eagles have been in the Lough Derg area for the past year, and the Golden Eagle Trust says the pair are nesting in the first confirmed breeding of the species in Ireland in 110 years.

The news was announced exclusively on Clare FM's Morning Focus in our Popular Birdwatching and Wildlife Slot. (Mondays 11.40am)

Download or listen to here ...   

 

 

Maureen Lavery - Pink Angel Ball

The Pink Angel Ball will take place on Saturday May 26th in memory of popular young Ennis woman Maureen Lavery who passed away in January after a brave battle with Cancer.

Clare FM's John Cooke spoke to those who knew Maureen best in April.

Download or listen to interview here ...  

 

 

Titanic - 100 Years

100 years since the sinking of the Titanic, Clare FM commemorated the lives of three Clare Passengers on board -  Martin McMahon from Cragbrien, Ennis and Daniel Keane from Cratloe who were lost in the 1912 tragedy, and Mary Agatha Glynn from Flagmount who survived.

Their relatives spoke to Clare FM's John Cooke, and he also met Ennis woman Mary Poirier who played a part in the 1958 film about the Titanic "A Night to Remember".

Download or listen here to highlights from Clare FM's Morning Focus Titanic Special
 

 

 

 

Cheltenham  - Derek O'Connor

 
Two Times Cheltenham Winning Jockey Derek O'Connor couldn't make it back to Prestbury Park this year, due to a broken leg. But the Point to Point Champion from Tubber provided Clare FM listeners with his racing tips instead, and joined John Cooke in studio for a chat.....

Download or listen to interview here ...  

 

 

 

Eddie Lenihan on St. Patrick

 
Did you know that the real St. Patrick wasn't a man to be messed with? Crusheen based seanchai Eddie Lenihan shared some folklore tales with John Cooke about our Patron Saint...............
 

Download or listen to interview here ...  

 

 

 

Ger Loughnane

In June of 2011 - Legendary Clare Hurling figure Ger Loughnane was diagnosed with Leukemia and the 58 year old Feakle native began treatment in hospital. Just over a month later - the Loughnane family was forced to ask a close friend to speak on Clare FM to deny rumours that Ger had died as a result of his illness. The false reports had began circulating on social networking sites overnight in late July, and made it to some online media reports.

On top of the obvious distress caused by such false rumours, Ger Loughnane has undergone six months of intensive treatment for Leukemia, and is now well on the road to recovery.

He's also taking things a bit easier since his retirement as Principal of St Aidan's National School in Shannon in recent weeks - so Clare FM's John Cooke met Ger at his home in Ennis  to hear the real story....
 
Hear Ger Loughnane's interview in full here ...  

Part Two will be podcast following Thursday's Morning Focus - here it Live - between 9 and 11 on Clare FM
 

 

Lets Talk About Cancer 

Clare FM's Morning Focus received much reaction to two recent interviews about cancer.
 

Aileen Delaney from Ennistymon, now living in Ennis, told John Cooke about her experience of Breast Cancer, which was diagnosed while she was pregnant with her second child at the age of just 33.

(Aileen is one of the organisers of The Clare Women's Network- "Let's Talk about Cancer" event - The Old Ground Hotel - Ennis - March 5th, 2012)

Download or listen to interview here ...  
 
"Cancer Man to Man" is a new support group for men who have been affected by Cancer and was launched in February by the Slainte an Chlair - The Clare Cancer Support Group in Kilnamona, Ennis.
 
You can find out more on www.clarecancersupport.com or call 1850 211630 / 087 6912396.

To highlight the work of the new group - Miltown Malbay Businessman Tony Cogan joined Clare FM's John Cooke to talk about his own personal experience with cancer. 

Download or listen to interview here ...  

 

Kilmihil Emmigration

There's been much talk recently about whether Irish people are emmigrating for lifestyle reasons or through economic necessity. In the West Clare parish of Kilmihil, locals say it's very much the latter, and a recent survey found that at least 87 local people between the ages of 20 and 30 have left the country in the last two years.

In January - John spoke to Businessman Gerry Johnson who carried out the research, Tom Downes - Kilmihil GAA Club and Munster GAA Delegate, and also linked up with Alan Normoyle, Aaron Lineen and Colm O’Gorman - three young Kilmihil men now living and working in Sydney, Australia.............
 

Download or listen to interview here ...  

 

Senator Martin Conway 

Ennistymon's Martin Conway is well known to Clare FM listeners as a Fine Gael member of Clare County Council from 2004 to 2011, and now a member of Seanad Eireann.

In his election to the Seanad - Senator Conway has become the only legally blind member of the oireachtas in living memory, but in an interview with Clare FM's John Cooke, he explained he regards his sight as good, and still counts his blessings.

Download or listen to interview here ...  

 

Declan Kelleher - Jan 2012

Corofin Teacher, former President of the Irish National Teachers Organisation, and recent Seanad Election Candidate Declan Kelleher retired recently.

In January, he joined John Cooke for a chat about the Irish Education system, its relationship with Irish Politics and his own 40 year career.

 

Download or listen to interview here ...  

 

For more Morning Focus Podcasts, click view the archive