Morning Focus – April 28th

Picture (c) Ennis Chamber

Tuesday’s edition of Morning Focus began with a focus on residential settings for people with disabilities.

Gavin spoke with Enda Egan of Inclusion Ireland, who yesterday met with Minister Simon Harris amid concerns about the spread of COVID-19 in such institutions.

Next, we hard how businesses in Ennis are to be surveyed on the future of business in the town.

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Ennis Chamber has launched an extensive survey, in association with Clare FM – which will ask business people and others for their views on the supports needed for traders, on how the coronavirus will affected business, and on whether banks and insurance companies are being co-operative at this time.

The survey will also ask whether Ennis Town Centre needs to be pedestrianised – to accommodate physical distancing requirements.

Gavin spoke with Margaret O’Brien, CEO of Ennis Chamber, and its President Allen Flynn:

Next, we met a man who is bringing old Ireland back to life.

Professor John Breslin from the College of Science and Engineering at NUI Galway spoke with Gavin about Old Ireland in Colour.

Through his Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts titled “Old Ireland In Colour” (@irelandincolour), he is colorising black and white historical photos from the late 19th and early 20th century in Ireland, with simply stunning results.

The likes of Michael Collins, Constance Markievicz, W.B. Yeats Peig Sayers are among those featured in John’s striking enhancements, along with 19th Century photos from Clare.

After 10, we were joined by Professor Sam McConkey, Head of the Department of International Health and Tropical Medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

Covid-19 restrictions may be eased from next Tuesday, but when that happens, what can we expect? When is a vaccine likely? When may life return to normal?

You can hear his discussion below:

After a discussion on the Leaving Cert, we turned to the arts and met one of those who is ‘addressing the nation’ with her creative response to what it’s like to be alive during these times.

Ogonnelloe woman Eva O’Connor is one of 50 writers commissioned by our national theatre, the Abbey, to share their exploration of life, society and culture.

Eva’s piece is called ‘Maxwell House’. It will be performed by actress Amy McAllister and streamed on the Abbey Theatre’s YouTube channel on Wednesday evening at 7.30pm. Performances are being streamed from Tuesday-Friday.

Finally, Frankie Coote joined us for his regular weekly slot.