On Friday's edition of Morning Focus with Marian Egan
5,800 children aged 5 and under in Clare will be entitled to access free GP care from the end of June, it has been confirmed since Friday. Local people aged over 70 who still pay to visit their GP will also now be entitled to the free service.It comes on foot of major news this afternoon that agreement on free GP services has finally been reached between the Department of Health, the HSE and the IMO.
Dr. Michael Kelleher GP, Lahinch and IMO Committee Member and Senator Tony Mulcahy, both gave Marian their views on this agreement and the hope that GPs will get on board with the deal.
Two units of the fire service from Scarriff and a third from Killaloe were called to a fire at Kilbane, near Broadford at 5 o'clock Thursday evening. However, it was after midnight until the fire was brought fully under control. There was a second fire in East Clare early Friday morning where fire fighters from Scariff were called to Cregg in Whitegate. Other smaller blazes were also reported in West Clare. A fire in Moyasta was contained by fire fighters from Kilkee in under 2 hours, while the Kilrush unit fought another gorse fire in the Kilmihil area from 3:30 until after 5 this morning. Denis O Connell Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer joined Marian in studio following this series of gorce fires to warn people not to burn in these conditions and to report any fires as soon as possible.
PJ Mason a member of the community in Broadford gave his reaction to the fires from Thursday night saying they covered a vast amount of land and people have be to more careful. Another dry spell is due for us this week so caution is needed.
Richard Romer is a Private Forester in Kilmaley, where Fire-fighters battled a fire which covered 150 hectares between Kilmaley and Lissycasey Wednesday night, and say it's one of the largest here in recent years. Richard says the land in Kilmaley is a ticking time bomb waiting to happen. He again warned people not to burn, it is too dangerous and thanked the Fire Fighters for their tremendous work over the past few days.
Kevin Phelan of Ennis Samaritans and Adrian Queally of Saoirse Marie Motorcycle Club spoke to Marian ahead of the Saoirse Maria MCC's Charity Run in aid of Ennis & Clare Samaritans round East Clare on Sun next, 12 th April, at 12.00. Saoirse Maria MCC newly formed motorcycle club based in Doolin with the aim of assisting charities. Due to the unfortunate rise in mental health issues in recent years we have teamed up with The Samaritans Ennis with the aim of raising much needed funds.
Our panel of three guests from around the county join us in studio to take a look back at this week biggest news stories. This week our panel consisted of William Cahir of Cahir and Company Solicitors, Ennis; Ciana Campbell Communications specialist and former RTE presenter; and John Quinlivan Former Shannon Development Regional manager. They discussed a number of stories from the week gone by including The INTO, TUI and ASTI teacher conferences which all took place this week and their thoughts on the recent spell of Good Weather and Tourist Facilities.
Consairtín, the National Concertina Convention will take place in Ennis at various venues from the 10th, 11th and 12th April 2015. Consairtín 2015 is a celebration of the concertina in traditional Irish music. The principal events will include: • classes for players of all ages and abilities with experienced tutors • instrument maintenance workshops • opening lecture illustrating new developments in concertina design • an illustrated panel discussion on the provenance of the great concertina makers • Concertina Club hosted by leading concertina players • intimate recitals • showcase performances by younger players • an exhibition of old and rare concertinas. Ahead of the event, Organiser and Concertina player Tim Collins along with Eimear Howley From Kilfenora and Member of Kilfenora Ceili Band, playing fiddle and Eoin O'Neill Musician and West Wind Presenter on Clare FM, playing the Bouzouki joined us in studio for chat and Tunes!
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