On a Morning Focus Christmas Eve special John Cooke was joined in studio by Ennis based choir ‘The Wylde Roses’
He spoke with choir director Doireann Wylde and members Majella Daniels and Fiona McGrath who were among the fourteen choir members in studio
They performed Winter Song
Niall Ennis of Carrygerry House, Newmarket on Fergus, joined John in studio for some festive food tips!
Clare FM’s Doireann Wylde was out and about to ask some Christmas shoppers in Ennis town centre if they have loved ones returning home or if they’ll be missing anyone this Christmas
Sergeant Joe Downey, Crime Prevention Officer with the Clare Garda Division appealed for the public’s assistance with information on crimes committed in the past week
Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100.
‘The Wylde Roses’ performed The First Noel/ Pachabels Canon
The Clare Oral History and Folklore Group joined John to share some of the Christmas memories of some of their contributors
Tomas McConmara, Cuimhneabh an Chlair Project Co-ordinator and Martin Eoin Walsh, Cuairteoir from Ennis
We heard some recordings of Joe ‘Jack’ Sexton from Mountscott in Mullagh who passed away in October 2012 at the age of 93. His memories were recorded by Cuimhneamh an Chláir in 2009, 2010 and 2012
Nora Moroney was born 1910. She passed away in 2011 at the age of 101. Nora was a native of Darragh, Lissycasey but was married in Killanena for many decades
We also heard some memories from Sheila Cullinane of O’Callaghan’s Mills.
Teresa Flynn was born in Mountshannon but has lived for many years in Miltown Malbay. Teresa was born in 1930
Peggy Hogan is a native of Annagh, Feakle where she still resides – Peggy is 87 years old
Now on its 23rd year, the annual Lahinch Christmas Day Swim will take place at 12.15 at the prom in Lahinch
Wrist bands are available to purchase from Lahinch Surf Shop, Lahinch Post Office & Unglerts Bakery Ennistymon for €5 each
Charities being supported this year are the William Winder Foundation and Pieta House
Cliondhna Fawl had a word with John.
John O’Connell of the Kildysart Christmas Day Swim encouraged people to come along and support it – this year it’s in aid of the West Clare Mini Marathon – 9th year of swim
Taking place at 12 noon at Gortglass Lake
Tony Cogan of the Miltown Malbay Christmas Day Swim spoke with John to say the swim is taking place at the White Strand at 1pm – in aid of Sainte an Chlair Cancer Support Centre
PJ O’Dea of the New Years Day Walk Committee spoke with John about the New Quay 11th annual New Years Day 10k walk in aid of Cancer Care West – it will start from New Quay Church at 12 30pm. Register at 12noon
Cyril Lyons will open the walk and there will be refreshments in school afterwards
‘The Wylde Roses’ played us out with their version of Santa Claus is coming to town
A very Merry Christmas to all of our Morning Focus listeners, and all the best for 2013!