On Friday's Morning Focus with Gavin Grace
40 new jobs have been announced for Shannon. Reageacon, which develops, manufactures and exports physical and chemical standards and reagents for laboratories worldwide is forecasting annual export revenues of 50 million euro by 2020. The products are developed in Clare and sold through distributors in 150 countries. The jobs, 15 of which have been recently filled, are high value chemist positions. The managing director of REGECON Shannon John Barron discusses the benefits these new jobs have for the county.
The Sinn Fein President says the political crisis in Northern Ireland can be sorted out. Gerry Adams says they are prepared to do whatever needs to be done to reassure people and get things back on track. Yesterday DUP leader Peter Robinson stepped aside as First Minister, over a crisis sparked by the murder of Kevin McGuigan that police have linked to the IRA. Speaking on the Morning Focus show, Ireland's Correspondent for The Guardian Henry McDonald gave his opinion of the situation in Northern Ireland.
Cystic Fibrosis has effected many lives in Ireland. We spoke with Siobhan McNulty, who's son Cathal (6) suffers from the disease. Siobhan told her moving story to Gavin in order to raise awareness for the disease and the event taking place this weekend TLC4CF Charity Cycle/Run/Walk. The event is on Saturday the 12th of September at 10.30am from Kilnaboy NS. Register at www.tlc4cf.com.
Spanish Point beach in Clare will be amongst the safest in Ireland this Saturday 12th September when 152 Lifeguards from nine counties test their skills at Irish Water Safety's National Beach Rescue Championships. Simulated emergency rescue scenarios incorporating running, swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding race formats are designed to test their lifesaving skills. Clare McGrath, the Irish Water Safety officer of Clare talked about the upcoming event on Saturday the 12th of September 2015 at 8.30am to 4pm.
There are many great weekend events happening. Gerard Kennedy, the Chairman of CHAF Ltd told us about the re-opening of the Corofin Community Centre. Seventy years after St. Patrick's Parish Hall in Corofin was first opened to the public it is about to be launched once more as Halla Pobail Phadraig Naomhtha – Corofin Community Centre, following a redevelopment project which to date has cost in excess of €600,000. The official re-opening will be performed by one of Ireland's most famous traditional musicians and international recording star, Sharon Shannon. The official re-opening will take place on Friday September 11th with entertainment on stage at 6.00pm while the blessing of the building and plaque unveiling ceremony is scheduled for 7.00pm.
The event organiser of the Scariff 10K/5K run/Walk, Eugene Moroney spoke about the event this Sunday the 13th September at 2pm. All proceeds in aid of Raheen Community Hospital and Scariff Community Radio. Registration for the event is great value at: 10k – €15; 5k – €10; Under 18 – €10; Family Rate – €35. Register online at www.runireland.com or email [email protected]. Forms can also be picked up locally at O’Meara’s Pharmacy and Centra in Scariff.
Siobhan Mulcahy discussed Art with Gavin as she is the County Arts Officer. She discussed upcoming events such as an Art Exhibition in Ennistymon Friday evening, the Ennis Singers club are to perform Saturday evening in Chapel Lane Market, there will be an Autumn Art and Craft Fair in Kilrush on Sunday and the Clare Youth Theatre will take place also.
Liam Hansbury spoke about the upcoming Benefit Concert “Ray of Sunshine” in Cois na hAbhna in Ennis this Saturday night. Liam is holding a benefit Concert to raise funds to build a school in Mombassa, Kenya. Dr Rory O Keefe from Ennis resides in Kenya. Funds are going towards the build of a clinic for Dr O Keefe.
Joe Quelly from the Burren Ramble for RNLI Lifeboats came in to speak with us about the event this weekend. Takes place this Sunday to raise funds for RNLI Lifeboats. Registration will be in the car park of Fanore Beach at 12.30 pm with ramble leaving at 1pm. Bring a packed lunch and wear suitable weather gear. The distance is approximately 10km.
On this weeks panel, gavin spoke to Mary Cashin, Patricia McCarthy and Martin McMahon about unemployment, migrant crisis, Northern assembly, mental health, pay for play for GAA players and Pop Francis and marriage annulments.
We were lastly joined by Michael O'Brien and Maire Uí Donnacha who sang and represented the ennis Singers Club. An event by the Ennis Singer's Club takes place tonight. Both Michael and Maire sang to end the show for the weekend!
