On Friday's edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke broadcasting live from The Wood Brothers Cafe Killaloe ahead of The 10 km Killaloe Pink Ribbon.
The 10 km Killaloe Pink Ribbon Walk takes place Sunday June 28th from 1 PM where the streets of Killaloe/Ballina will be filled with a sea of pink! Pink Ribbon is a hugely important event that has touched the lives of many people and aims to raise funds in the fight against breast cancer – Carmel Demello Committee Chairperson Killaloe Pink Ribbon spoke joined us live this morning outside Wood Brothers Cafe in Killaloe.
Mother of 2 Melanie Hunt from Corbally, completed her first Pink Ribbon Walk 4 years ago, taking park only a few weeks after undergoing a mastectomy – Melanie is a Breast Cancer Survivor, she was diagnosed with in March 2012 but thankfully due to early diagnosis has survived and is now fit and healthy. Melanie volunteers at the Daffodil Centre UHL which has been largely funded by the money raised for the Pink Ribbon Walks, this centre provides vital information and support for cancer sufferers and their families in the Mid West Melanie also runs a Facebook Page – Knackered Knockers – where on the first day of every month, she reminds friends to always check, check, check for lumps because early diagnosis is vital… she shared her story with John Cooke
Bobby Reynolds from Killaloe Ballina also joined us on the show to speak about his late wife Michelle who passed away from breast cancer 6 years ago at the age of just 35. Bobby and Michelle have 2 young daughters and they along with Bobby continue to help raise awareness of breast cancer and highlight the importance of supporting the Pink Ribbon Walk . . . He also spoke to John Cooke.
Former Irish International Rugby Player Keith Wood and his wife Nicola Wood National Chairperson of Pink Ribbon walks joined us next, outlining the importance of the Pink Ribbon walk to the Community of Killaloe/Ballina, how is began in Killaloe and the hope of making it an annual event across every county in Ireland. They also spoke of promoting of Killaloe as part of the Healthy Ireland Campaign, including the launch of Clarisford Community Park a community and sport facility in Killaloe, located on the banks of the River Shannon, the park consists of playing fields, sand based all weather facility, training paddocks, running/walking trail and a community park.
Our panel of three guests this week from Killaloe joined us on site to take a look back at this week biggest news stories – including: The funerals of the Berkeley tragedy victims and the investigation into the balcony collaspe, the cut to Lone Parent Allowance and the loophole into the Penalty Points system.
This weeks panel were: John Grimes Chairman of Brian Boru (Brian Boru Festival kicks off this Wednesday July 1st – 5th), Rosie Foley – PE Teacher St Anne's Secondary school Killaloe and Former Irish Ladies Rugby Player and Munster Captain and . . . Joss Lowry of the Clarisford Park Steering Group and Director of Killaloe Community Development
Chris Stoodley, Killaloe Based Singer and Musician joined us in studio with his Mowgli Mob band member Michael O'Brien who plays the base guitar, Vocalist Norma Manly a member of local girl-band DFN and American musician and singer Monica Fallon who together performed the "Put on the Pink Ribbon" song specially written for the Killaloe Pink Ribbon walk this.
If you have a query or suggestion for the show, please email [email protected]
