On todays Morning Focus, Marian Egan was in the driving seat for John Cooke. Marian began by speaking to Sean O'Neill Head of Communications at National Roads Authority. The Northbound portion of the M18 motorway between Barefield and Crusheen, which has been closed this week to allow for works re-opened last night. The route was closed for works including the clearing out of drains with high pressure hoses. Sean and Marian had a chat about the result of an investigation into the conditions of the road.
Up next Eleanor Murphy Spokesperson for the National lottery spoke to Marian as the winners of the largest lotto jackpot ever won in Clare collected their prize yesterday. The syndicate of seven, who wish to remain anonymous, bought their ticket in Miniter's Shop on Henry Street in Kilrush and were the sole winners of the March 5th draw, which was worth just over 8.3 million euro.
Marian spoke to people from right across the county to find out about the St. Patrick's Day festivities that are happening in the Banner County. Up next Padraic Giblin said the annual parade in Gort takes place on Monday March 17th at 12.30pm from Church Street. John Grimes from Killaloe spoke about their St Patrick's Day Parade which takes place on Monday at 2.30. Kilrush' Tom Clohessy informed us that their parade is on Monday at 3pm. Cllr. Vincent Coleman spoke about Shannon's parade which kicks off on Monday at 2.00. Leonard Cleary Ennis Town Clerk told Marian the Ennis parade will start from the County Council offices on New Road this year at 11am on Sunday. John Richardson told us Ennistymon's parade starts at 3pm on Monday from Super Valu – anyone taking part is asked to assemble at 2.15pm. Up next Tommy Comerford spoke about Doonbeg's parade which is on Sunday. Attending are the St Patricks Brass Band from Galway City and the South Side City Band from Limerick. Also crack'd spoon Theatre Company are doing a re-enactment of the life of Brian Boru. Finally Murdoch Gleeson from Tulla informed the listeners that the parade is being held on Monday at 2pm; they are without their pipe band for the first year as they band is travelling to New York!!!
Other Parades across the county include Fanore’ parade which is on Sunday at 12.30 and starts at the beach, Miltown Malbay’s parade is on Monday at 3pm; music starts from the stage at 1 and the Lisdoonvarna St Patrick’s day parade tomorrow Saturday march 15th at 3:30pm assemble at the pavilion at 3pm.
Rupert Bell, Racing Correspondent spoke to Marian live from Cheltenham for the final time with tips for today’s events.
Breandáin MacFhionnghaile gave us the daily results from the schools competitions as part of Feile na hInse this week as Seachtain na Gaeilge comes to an end.
Up next Dr Maire Finn from Ennis Family Medical Centre was in studio. In our Morning Focus Health Matters Dr Finn spoke about Men’s Sexual Health – Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation. Listeners questions were answered.
Finally Marian was joined by Pam O’Reilly PRO of The Tulla Pipe Band, Patrick Murphy Pipe Major and Steve Lawrence Drum Sergeant ahead of their trip to New York. As part of their 125th Anniversary celebrations The Co. Clare Association in New York have officially invited The Tulla Pipe Band to lead them up 5th Avenue on Monday 17 March 2014 in the Annual NY St. Patrick's Day Parade. The band is flying on Saturday Morning at 8 o’clock.
If you have a story, comment or query for Morning Focus email [email protected] or write to us – Morning Focus, Clare FM, Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.
