Morning Focus – Monday 24/11/17

Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald in Ennis for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Picture (c) Clare FM

With the government still teetering on the edge of a General Election, much of the focus of Monday’s show was on political matters.

Gavin spoke first to the Irish Examiner’s Political Editor, Daniel McConnell who updated listeners on last-ditch talks to resolve the stand-off between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael over the role of former Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald in the Garda whistleblower controversy.

Then, Dep Michael Harty, Clare’s Independent TD joined the discussion, as well as Minister for State Pat Breen.

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The next issue for discussion was that of domestic abuse. Gavin was joined by Killaloe-native Caitriona Gleeson who spoke about people who engage in abusive behaviour in an intimate relationship. More information is available on www.whatwouldyoudo.ie Support is also available from Clare Haven on 065 6822435 or from Women’s Aid on 1800 341 900.

Later in the show, Gavin’s guest was one of the most important figures in aviation, Willie Walsh, CEO of IAG.

Then the talk turned to children’s books, when Gavin was joined by Tim McGrath from Ogonnelloe who has just written ‘The Wicky Wook Wooks’. Listen back below:

Charities and voluntary groups around Clare are being urged to attend an event in Ennis organised by The Wheel (Nov 29, at Clare Youth Service, 5.45-8pm). Gavin spoke to Johnny Sheehan the regional coordinator of the group.

The Monday Sports Panel heard from Peter O’Connell of the Clare Champion and Diarmuid Nash from Scariff who won the Handball All-Ireland Men’s Open Final at the weekend. Listen back below:

You can hear the rest of the Sports Panel discussion below:

Gavin’s next guest was Sr Brigid Finucane who told him about a new book on the history of Milford Hospice. Listen back below:

The show rounded off with a discussion with Martina McCarthy, historian and archaeologist who told Gavin about Kilmachreehy Church in Liscannor.