Morning Focus - Podcasts - Archive
Morning Focus - Review of 2011
Morning Focus Review of 2011 - Hear John Cooke's look back at the highlights of News and Current Affairs for 2011 as heard here on Clare FM ..............
Download or listen to interview here ...
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President Michael D. Higgins
Michael D Higgins' election as Ireland's 9th President has been welcomed throughout Ireland, and particularly here in Clare where the former Labour TD was raised. Speaking on a visit to Clare FM studios in Ennis before his election Michael D refelcted on spending his "formative years" with his aunt and uncle in Ballycar, Newmarket on Fergus, where he attended school before moving to St. Flannan's College in Ennis.
Click here to listen back to President Higgins' campaign interview with John Cooke, the highlights of his victory speech and the reaction from his brother John who lives in Newmarket on Fergus and sister Cathleen from Shannon.
Download or listen to interview here ...
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Kilrush Outside Broadcast - Moore Street Road Works
Kilrush residents and business representatives are celebrating a new look Moore Street following the completion of long awaited road works on the historic route which was once the main commercial district in West Clare. To mark the occasion Clare FM's Morning Focus broadcast live from Kilrush on December 14th and presenter John Cooke took a trip down memory lane to look at Moore Street past and present
Download or listen to interview here ...
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Naomi O'Connell
Award Winning Mezzo Soprano Naoimi O'Connell is celebrating a number of recent accolades as she continues her studies at the prestigious Juilliard School for performing arts in New York, but the promising young Opera Star hasn't forgot her routes in Ballyvaughan and her early career with the Lismorahaun Choir in the Burren. Clare FM's John Cooke spoke to her about her recent success...........
Download or listen to interview here ...
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Heidi and Bernadette
Bernadette Kenny and Heidi Hummell made local history when they became the first same sex couple in Clare to register a civil partnership under new legislation introduced this year, which provides recognition for lesbian and gay couples.
The North Clare couple spoke to Clare FM's John Cooke about their celebrations and their hopes for further progress in legislation to allow civil partners the full rights of married couples and to protect the rights of children in same sex unions.........
If you'd like to talk to someone about the issues raised in this interview you can contact any of the following services:
Rainbow Support Services, Limerick Telephone 061 310101 www.rainbowsupportservices.org
GLEN - The Gay and Lesbian Equality network - Telephone 01 6728650 - www.glen.ie
For local counselling on LGBT issues in Clare - you can also call the Tara Healing Arts Centre on 087 9663449 or look up Tarahealingarts.com - email Tarahealingarts@yahoo.com
Download or listen to interview here ...
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Fr. Harry Bohan
Well known religious and social commentator and former Clare Hurling Selector Fr. Harry Bohan recently underwent major surgery after he was diagnosed with bowel cancer, and in an interview broadcast on Clare FM's Morning Focus in September, the Sixmilebrdige Parish Priest revealed he went for personal health tests after helping many families cope with the loss of a loved one through cancer this year.
Clare FM's John Cooke met with Fr Harry to talk to him about the possibility of renewal in the catholic church in light of the most recent scandals -but also about his personal battle with cancer.
Download or listen to interview here ...
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Pat Hayes
East Clare Councillor Pat Hayes has been a regular guest on Clare FM's Morning Focus since he became Mayor of Clare in June 2011, but in September he spoke to John Cooke about more personal issues, namely his experience of two serious illnesses. Following a heart attack and treatment for Bowel Cancer, Councillor Hayes encouraged other people, particularly men, to look after their health and to be aware of the risks they face.
Download or listen to interview here ...
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Bill Cullen and Jackie Lavin - May 2011
Reknowned business people and tv personalities Bill Cullen and Jackie Lavin joined Marian Egan in studio to share their philosophy on business and life, and had some ideas on how we can help ourselves out of recession...
Download or listen to interview here ...
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Peadar King - May 2011
On Friday May 13th, John Cooke met Peadar King- the West Clare native who's television series 'What in the World' looks at teh consequences of global economic inequalities and human rights violations..
Download or listen to interview here ...
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De Valera's 1947 Dodge - May 2011
In early 2011 - listeners to Clare FM's Morning Focus were in touch to ask about something strange at the De Valera Library in Ennis - Dev's car was missing - the old familiar sight of the big black American dodge car was noted by its absence alright - but Dev's classic mode of transport was only removed temporariliy to for restoration by Sixmilebridge Councillor and classic car enthusiast PJ Ryan following some age related deterioration and flood damage.
The massive black 1947 Dodge Fluid drive was a familiar sight throughout Eamon De Valera's presidency from 1959 to 1973 and to take a trip down memory lane to 1960's - Clare FM's John Cooke met PJ Ryan in Sixmilebridge for a spin in Dev's Dodge
Download or listen to interview here ...
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Fr Ted Festival - May 2011
As part of the Inaugural Fr. Ted Festival in Kilfenora and Ennistymon, Clare FM's Morning Focus broadcast live from Vaughan's Bar in Craggy Island - Kilfenora on Thursday March 12th, 2011, to meet the organisers, have tea and a chat with the real Mrs. Doyle in Fr Ted's House and to hear local memories of the filming of one of the world's most successful sitcoms ever.
Further details can be found on www.frtedfestival.com
Tea in Fr. Ted's House can be organised by calling Cheryl on 087 9214694
Download or listen to a selection of podcasts here ...
You can view pics from the Fr Ted festival 2011 here ...
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Derek O'Connor - Cheltenham - March 2011
Cheltenham 2011 will be remembered for many Irish victories, but for County Clare horse-racing fans - Tubber Jockey Derek O'Connor stole the show with wins on "Chicago Grey" in the National Hunt Chase and "Zemsky" in the Christie's Foxhunter Chase.
The 28 year old Point to Point Jockey spoke to Clare FM's John Cooke following an unforgettable week at Cheltenham and some very memorable home-coming celebrations in Tubber!
Download or listen to interview here ...
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Carrigaholt Lighthouse - March 11th 2011
The people of Carrigaholt marked the end of an era on Friday March 11th, 2011 as the Kilcredaun Head lighthouse was switched off for the last time.
The historic structure was the guiding light for passing traffic in the Shannon estuary since 1824 but, due to ongoing advances in technology, the Commissioners of Irish Lighthouses say it's no longer required.
The Kilcredaun lighthouse was overseen by three generations of the Rowan family over the past 70 years and its final part time keeper Stephen Rowan gave a guided tour and a trip down memory lane to Clare FM's John Cooke.
Download or listen to interview here ...
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Bushypark - Marie Interview Feb 2011
Marie who became addicted to alcohol, pills and marijuana when she was 12 years old.
She and her husband Michael spoke to John Cooke about the toll this took on their relationship and family life and how, with the help of treatment counsellor Frank Hunt at the Bushypark Treatment Centre in Ennis, she is now happy and drug free.
Download or listen to interview here ...
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Independent Senator David Norris - Nov 19th 2010
Independent Senator David Norris is looking for a nomination to run for election as President of Ireland in November 2011, and was in Clare recently to meet with Clare Councillors and guage local support.
Visiting the Clare FM studios, the colourful politican and human rights activist described the trip as one of "business and pleasure" as he spoke to Clare FM's John Cooke about economic bailouts, being a proud Irishman, and why he wants to be an Irish President, who also "happens to be gay".
Download or listen to interview here ... and see pics here ...
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Maura O'Connell Podcast - 10th Nov 2010
Ennis native, world renowned folk singer, and Grammy Award Nominee, Maura O'Connell was home in Clare recently to perform for the launch of "Clare Live the Life", a new promotional DVD for the Clare Tourism Forum.
Ahead of the launch, she joined John Cooke for a chat and a song on Clare FM's Morning Focus...
Download or listen to interview here ...
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Robbie McMahon Podcast
The "King of Spancilhill" and "a true icon of Ireland's Ballad Singing Tradition" - Just some of the compliments paid to Robbie McMahon as he was given County Clare's highest honour.
The 84 year old 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".
Clare FM's John Cooke was there to have a quick word with Robbie, and to hear him sing...
Download and listen to interview here
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Tonies Fashions Podcast
In October, listeners to Clare FM's Morning Focus heard a moving personal story of one man's experience of the recession as his popular menswear shop in Ennis closed its door after 21 years of business.
Tonies Fashions, known for its claim of having stores in New York, Paris, London and mostly Ennis, was also known for its colourful proprietor Tony Molloy who spoke to Clare FM's John Cooke on the final days of his closing down sale....
To listen to or download the interview in full, click here
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Carol Vorderman on Clare Fm's Morning Focus
Former Countdown Queen and well known TV Presenter Carol Vorderman recently launched a new online maths school for children and their parents www.themathsfactor.com.
She spoke to Clare FM's Morning Focus in July, about her love of maths, the days of Countdown and her future TV plans.
The interview was a personal highlight for presenter John Cooke who's been a been a fan of Countdown, and Carol Vorderman, for some years!
Download or listen to the podcast by clicking here.
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Edna O'Brien on Clare FM's morning Focus
On Saturday, July 31st, 2010 , the critically acclaimed Irish writer and Tuamgraney native Edna O'Brien gave her first public interview in her native east Clare 50 years on from the publication of her first, and most famous work, The Country Girls. The book was banned in Ireland and, according to the author, burned after prayers in Scarriff in 1960.
It was also a first public meeting with locals who were angered by her depiction of three horrific murders near Whitegate in her novel In the Forest, and the author acknowledged the anger still exists for some, though she said she wouldn't change what she wrote.
Described as Ireland's Finest Female writer, the well attended event at Scarriff Library was told that Edna O'Brien's writing makes Ireland "considerable in the eyes" of the literary world, and though she received two standing ovations, the world-renowned author modestly told those present that she was "proud and lucky to be from Clare".
Following the event, the normally media shy Edna O'Brien gave a one off, exclusive interview to Clare FM's John Cooke.
Download or listen to the podcast by clicking here.
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Morning Focus Special with John Cooke
The Poor Clares in Ennis are celebrating their Golden Jubilee, having been a part of life on Francis Street in the town since October 1958.
To mark their 50 years in Ennis - Clare FM's John Cooke spent time with the 12 sisters of the local order, in a Morning Focus Special.
Morning Focus Special - 50 Years On Francis Street: The Poor Clares In Ennis, 08-10-2008
Morning Focus Special with John Cooke.
To listen to the podcast, click the link below. To save this podcast to your computer, right click and choose save target as. Save this podcast to you computer and listen to it whenever you want.
Download or listen to the podcast by clicking here.
For more information on the poor clares in Ennis, visit their website www.poorclaresennis.com
