On Today's edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke
The award-winning author Sir Terry Pratchett, who waged a public struggle with Alzheimer's disease, has died. He was 66 and passed away in his home, surrounded by his family. Sir Terry, wrote more than 70 novels, and sold over 85 million books worldwide. He supported people's right to die.
In November 2011 he spoke to Marian Egan on Clare FMs Morning Focus, we heard a snippet of that interview where Terry outlined his love for writing and his strong support for assisted dying.
The Department of Health says a range of actions are underway to recruit and retain doctors at all levels in Ireland. It's responding to a survey of undergraduate medical students published by NUI Galway.It found that almost 90 percent are considering emigrating after they graduate.More than a third said they were 'definitely' planning to leave Ireland – while 50 per cent said they were 'contemplating it'
Dr. Liam Glynn Senior Lecturer Dept. of General Partitioners NUIG and GP in Ballyvaughan expressed his serious concern over the number of fully trained GPs choosing to immigrate following their studies in Ireland. Darren O Gorman is from Kilfernora and a Medical Student at UCD – he gave outlined the pay incentives offered to Irish Medical Students from other countries such as Australia and New Zealand.
Today is one of racing's biggest days, with the Gold Cup the feature at Cheltenham. But as the showpiece festival of the racing season draws to a close, even its biggest race is unlikely to match the drama of its opening day.Tuesday saw the Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins partnership claim victory in three of the day's biggest races, and it looked like a fourth was on the way when Annie Power led with one flight to go in the Mares' Hurdle.Her fall saved bookmakers an estimted 100 million euro, and disappointed punters in Cheltenham and throughout Ireland, including in Ennistymon where Clare FM's Cian Kearns joined dozens of racing fans to sample the excitement of Cheltenham.
Live from Cheltenham Rupert Bell our Racing Correspondent joined us on the final day of the four day racing spectacular! Rupert previewed the big races and hotly tipped contenders!
Morning Focus Friday Panel.
In studio today, John Cooke was joined by Verena Tarpy MidWest Rape Crisis Centre, Brian O Neill Chairman of Promote Ennis and of the Rowan Tree Ennis and Martin McMahon Clare ICMSA Chairman. Our panel of three guests from around the county to take a look back at this week biggest news stories.
ST PATRICKS DAY PARADE SPECIAL
Paddy Dunn Chairman of Lisdoonvarna Failte told us all about St Patrick’s Day parade taking place on Saturday 14th March at 12.30 from the Pavilion – Live music and dancing afterwards.
John Giltenan Hon. Secretary Council of Irish County Associations and Member of Clare Assoc. London
Calling all Clare people living in London to invite them to the London St Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday March 15th commencing from Lower Piccadilly at 12noon.
Tommy Comerford Co- ordinator St Patrick’s Day parade in Doonbeg says it kicks off on Sunday 15th March at 2.30pm – Assemble point for floats at GAA grounds at 1.45pm.
Anne Pilkington St. Patrick Day Committee Treasurer Fanore – St Patrick's Day Parade will be leaving Fanore beach at 12.30 with lots of music and dancing to be had!
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