On Friday's edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke
Pascal Donohoe Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport joined John ahead of his visit to Doolin this afternoon to officially open the Doolin Coast Guard Unit. The Minister commented on many issues regarding the penalty point system and the still pending possible sale of Aer Lingus including Donald Trump's letter to Taoiseach Enda Kenny airing his concerns over the sale.
Brian Walsh, A father of two who is originally from London but has been living in Ennis for years, In 2009 he was given six months to live, he was diagnosed with a sarcoma in his thigh. After several weeks of treatment, doctors told him that the disease had spread to his lymph nodes and there was nothing they could do for him apart from manage his pain and offer emotional support. As today marks Daffodil Day, Brian joined us in studio to share his story as an uplifting reminder of the phrase “where there is life, there is hope”.
Cindy O'Connor, Chief Clinical Officer with Pieta House and Councillor Ian Lynch Darkness Into Light Kilrush Event Organiser both spoke to John ahead of the event launch taking place in the Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis this evening at 7PM. This year, Darkness into Light will take place on Saturday, 9th of May in 80 locations in Ireland and abroad including in England, Canada, and Australia.There are 5 venues in Clare – Ennis, Kilrush, Shannon, Miltown Malbay and Killaloe.
Morning Focus Friday Panel
Our panel of three guests from around the county join us in studio to take a look back at this week's biggest news stories. Joining John in studio, Gearoid Howard of Crimmins Howard Solicitors, Shannon, Ann Murphy Oncology Nurse, Tulla and Bernie Ruane Former TUI President. The Panel commented on the Germanwings plane disaster and the sacking of Top Gear Legend, Jeremy Clarkson. In addition, following Angelina Jolie's story of cancer preventive surgery this week, Ann Murphy shared her own heroic story of survival after testing positive for the BRCA 1 gene. Ann, reiterated the importance of early detection and the need for awareness.
An Ardnacrusha man is to follow his dreams after he came out on top in a national competition. Mark Griffin a qualified doctor, is swapping the surgery for the stage and screen after he beat over 2,000 other people and was chosen as the winner of the Budweiser Dream Job competition. The 50,000 euro top prize will allow him to persue his passion of acting and directing. Mark has been congratulated in an online message from competition ambassador and Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul. He spoke to John follwoing the result.
A group of young Clare musicians are giving a new age twist to the orchestra. Lead by Graham Keane on the drums, the "Guitarchestra" has 9 electric guitars and an electric bass and they're putting a rocking spin on the most memorable themes from TV, Movies and Video Games. Clare FM's Cian Kearns went along to one of their final rehearsals to see what's in store when the group takes to the stage in Glór this Saturday night at 8pm. Tickets: €12.50 / €40 family of 4
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