Today the show started with an issue that we have discussed before but one which has proven to be a hot button issue for Clare people. That issue was the traffic at Blake’s Corner in Ennistymon.
With the addition of tourist traffic at this time of year the town is feeling the pressure as safety concerns grow about a high volume of cars using back roads to avoid traffic. The local authority has confirmed a target date of 2021 for works to be complete and many people are unhappy including this morning’s guest Joe McInerney of Let’s Get Ennistymon Moving.
Then from one hot button to the next we discussed another reoccurring issue for the show, the Supermacs motorway plaza planned from Shannon. We heard both sides today as Supermacs MD Pat McDonagh spoke in defense of the plan and addressed concerns while Allen Flynn of The Old Ground Hotel and Gwen Culligan of The County Boutique spoke for the Ennis chamber members standing in opposition to the plan citing impact on traffic, business and jobs in Ennis. The multi-million euro service station is proposed for a site south of Ennis off the M18.
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Ending the show’s first hour we got details of the annual Tour de Munster cycle from Laura Cahir, treasurer for Clare Down Syndrome. The cycle took place today (Friday, August 10th) and began in Killaloe at 9am moving to Ennis by around 11:30am before leaving for Kerry. The cycle raises funds for Clare Down Syndrome where the money will go towards everything from speech and language therapy to swimming lessons.
The second hour of Morning Focus was reserved, of course, for the Friday Panel. This week’s panel included Gabriella Hanrahan – Community Liaison Officer for the University of Limerick, Orla Vaughan – business person of Vaughan’s Barn in Kilfenora and Sharon Cahir of Cahir & Co Solicitors. Topics this week included the country’s planning system, hate mail directed at sports people, Leaving Cert memories and whether the State is favouring institutional care for vulnerable people over home-based supports.
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Finally the show ended with Quilty native Teresa Morrissey. At age 11 Teresa was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma but thanks to the care and expertise of Crumlin Children’s Hospital Teresa made a full recovery. So, 20 years later the past weekend saw Teresa cycle a distance of 265km from Quilty to the Crumlin Children’s Hospital to raise money for the hospital. She has been making this pilgrimage since 1998 and has raised thousands for the hospital. Teresa is still fundraising and you can click here for details or here to donate.
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