Over a quarter of all students in Clare’s primary schools are in classes of at least 30 pupils
Newly released figures also show that almost 90% of students in the county are in classes greater than the EU average
Local teaching representatives say Ennis, Shannon and parts of East Clare are facing the worst problems
The figures have been compiled by the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation, who say Irish class sizes are the highest in the EU and that the problem is getting worse
The INTO’s Executive Member for Clare, Mullagh National School principal Sean McMahon, feels this must act as a wake-up call for the Education Minister
On Friday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with INTO Executive Member for Clare and Mullagh NS Principal Sean McMahon
Ennis CBS Teacher Tom Lynch spoke about the instances of large class sizes they are experiencing
They have classes in access of 30 pupils, last year the average class amount was 28.5%
The school has over 630 pupils – three classes for each year – 23 class teachers and some support staff
They have been actively looking for a new school since 1998.
Clare U21s take on Kilkenny in the All Ireland final in Saturday’s Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland U21HC final against Kilkenny in Semple Stadium, Thurles
Ennis Town Council and Clare County Council will jointly host a homecoming event for the Clare Under 21 Hurling Team, win or lose
JOhn was joined in studio by Kevin McGillicuddy of Clare FM Sport who spoke about Clare FM’s live coverage of the match and a special Sideview programme on Friday evening
Former Clare U21 Manager John Minogue also had a word about the form of the team
John was manager in 2009 when Clare won the All Ireland U21 Championship
We heard Conor McGrath – Captain, Clare U21 and Donal Moloney, Clare U21 Joint Manager speaking to Clare FM on their journey to the U21 final
In our first Morning Focus health slot we speak with Dr Finn from the Ennis Family Medical Centre
Today Fr Finn will focus on back to school issues for your children
Doctor Maire Finn is from the Ennis Family Medical Centre, and will be joining us again next Friday for more medical advice.
You can always send us your thoughts and queries by email [email protected], but if you have concerns or queries about your own health right now please contact your local GP
As Part of Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning, Clare FM is supporting the Clare Hospice at Cahercalla. This Thursday morning, join is for Coffee and Conversation – live from Cahercalla Hospice in a Morning Focus Special between 9 and 11
John took a look at events taking place around Clare this weekend
The Annual Strand Races in Kilkee take place on Sunday at 12.30pm
Pat Russell of the organising Committee had a word from the beach in Kilkee
The Cratloe Dog Show and family fun day Sunday at 2pm at Cratloe GAA pitch
Jim Enright, PRO of Cratloe GAA Club encouraged people to come along and bring their dogs
Mike Hogan- Kilkishen Festival Chairman had a word as the Kilkishen Clare Shout Festival takes off today and runs until Sunday
The Burren Star Party takes place tonight and tomorrow as Roy Stewart, P.R.O. Shannonside Astronomy Club explained
The Turnpike Residents’ Association in Ennis as holding their annual community fun day this Sunday
It’s a family day of games, food and fun and all are welcome as Bella Hehir explained.
If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email [email protected]
