Morning Focus got underway with a look at the opening of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. They've been somewhat mired in controversy (from slum clearances, to unfinished accommodation to the Zika virus), but the Rio Olympic Games officially kick-off today (Fri., Aug 5) with the ceremony in the Maracanã Stadium.
More than 10,000 athletes from over 200 countries will descend on Brazil for the first Olympics ever to be held in South America. Authorities in Rio have created 33 different venues in four different districts of the city (Copacabana, Barra de Tijuca, Deodoro and Maracanã
For a Clare perspective on the games, Gavin was joined by a priest from Tulla who's worked in Rio de Janiero for more than four decades, Fr Seán Doyle.
The final fling before the Fleadh down in Ennis took place last night (Thurs., Aug. 4). Organisers and supporters of the event gathered at Cois na hAbhna for a pre-Fleadh celebration, one which heard predictions of a fabulous Fleadh when it gets underway on Sunday August 14.
Gavin presented a report from the event where he spoke to Micheál O'Riabhaigh, Chair of the Ennis Fleadh Committee.
The issue of suicide among immigrants to Ireland will be highlighted at a special event taking place in Shannon tomorrow (Sat., Aug 6).
The Polish Irish Association together with Rineanna Rovers will hold the Robert Godzisz Memorial Soccer Tornament at the Ballycasey pitch at 10am. The event, which will see four teams taking part – Rienanna Rovers, Ennis International, Shannon Olympic B and Rhine Rovers – will raise funds for the son (Janek) of the late Robert Godzisz who played for Rineanna Rovers for two years. Robert, who'd been in Clare since 2005, took his life a year ago.
Last year's Memorial gathered around 60 players as well as around 150 spectators, organizers managed to collect over 600 euro. This year it will be a bigger event. Also involved in the event are Clare Immigrant Support Centre, as well as OLM Essilor – which is helping financially.
Ahead of the tournament, Gavin spoke to Marcin Piotrowski of the Polish Irish Association in Ennis.
If you're out on the water this weekend, do you know if your lifejacket will work when you need it? That's the question the RNLI will be asking at an information day in Fanore tomorrow (Sat., Aug 6). The rescue service says many lifejackets don't work because they're not properly maintained and that many people aren't aware of the extra equipment that could be life-saving in the event of a emergency.
As well as expert advice from the RNLI, those in attendance will also hear from Colm Plunkett who was rescued by the Coast Guard Helicopter after being washed in to the sea for an hour whilst rock angling on the Beara Penninsula. Gavin was joined on the issue by Peter Hynes, RNLI Community Incident.
The Friday Panel was comprised of Clare Burke of Clare Women's Network; Michael McNamara, barrister and former Labour TD for Clare; and Patrick O'Neill
Film producer and former Allergan executive.
Morning Focus concluded with a look at Sunday's inaugural Clarecastle Show. Gavin was joined in studio by Bernard Hanrahan, Colette Driscoll and Gerardine Lynch.
