On Monday's edition of Morning Focus with Marian Egan
Inis Fest has been cancelled – Acts including Damien Dempsey, Mundy and Nathan Carter were due to play at Inis Fest in the final weekend of June. Organisers said the event would generate around 1.5 million euro for the local economy, while some of the proceeds were to be donated to local charities Clare Crusaders, the Lions Club of Ennis and Rape Crisis MidWest. The venue was to be a 3,000 capactity Big Top, that was to be erected at Tim Smythe Park, but residents in that area had expressed concern that it could lead to a potential rise in anti-social behaviour. Two public meetings were held between both sides, but it appears these concerns are the reason the event is not going ahead. The company says it's disappointed, but that it looks forward to working with all interests to stage such an event in the future. Tickets aleady purchased will be refunded, with details of this to be published in the coming days. Organiser Darren Purtil of Impresario Events joined Marian in studio, to express his disappointment and to thank those who had supported the event up to this point.
Cadhla Brock, Resident of Old Lifford Road who previously spoke to Morning Focus about the residents concerns, also joined Marian in studio following the event cancellation to express her disappointment that both parties were unable to work together in finding a compromise. Cadhla also expressed her concerns over the reaction of people on social media to the cancellation. Mayor of Ennis Johnny Flynn who was also part of Inis Fest Organising Committee, says he does not condon such commentary and it's important people now try to move on together.
Fr. Tony Flannery, Redemption Priest and native of Athenry Co. Galway joined Marian in studio ahead of his hosting duties at a participative conference from this evening to Thursday lunchtime, 16th April in the Radisson Hotel in Limerick. It is an International Network of Reform Movements, with the aim of supporting Church Reform, both at the level of Structures of Authority and at the grass-roots. Some of the topics on the agenda include: Sharing perceptions of the reform agenda of Pope Francis / The future of parishes and communities/ Women’s Equality / How to communicate with the Vatican.
Garda Focus next with Garda Denis Collins, Ennis Garda Station – Appealing for your help in solving recent local crime.
Marcus White of White hotel group, Lisdoonvarna and Paddy Dunne, Chairman of Lisdoonvarna Failte both spoke to Marian about the rebirth of the Spa Wells in Lisdoonvarna and the potential they have in boosting the economy in North Clare. Marcus says Lisdoonvarna could be the Baden-Baden of Ireland – if the towns wells are developed. In the 1800s Lisdoon was a popular resort because of their spa wells and its waters containing minerals effective in restoring health – for example: help with Arthritis. In Addition, Marcus White last week announced deals with German Tour operators that will see thousands of visitor decend on the North Clare town. Lisdoonvarna Failte community organisation are currently working on restoring the spa wells, but further investment is needed to develop them to their full potential. At the moment, Lisdoon Failte are working towards opening the spa wells pump house on May 4th.
Michael McNamara, Local Historian, Kilkishen, East Clare and John Torphy Settling Old Scòrs Concert Organiser and LORD of Kilkishen! joined Marian in studio to promote Kilkishen Community Book “Cill Chisìn” documenting recent projects including the conversion of the Church of Ireland building into Kilkishen Cutural Centre and the '12 o'Clock Hills Project' and . . . Who can forget the very successful & entertaining Settling Old Scórs concert last November in Treacy’s West County Hotel. It featured Music, Song, Dance, Novelty Acts, Recitations and Set Dancing from across the county of Clare celebrating decades of successful participation in Scór. The long awaited DVD of this concert will be launched on Friday night next April 17 th at 8.30pm in the Kilkishen Cultural Centre.
Our Resident Wildlife Expert – John Murphy of the Clare branch Birdwatch Ireland joined us to answer your birdwatching and wildlife queries. Today John also spoke about the first hearing of the cuckoo, which he predicts will be very soon this week and the immigration of Whooper Swans following a picture sent into us from Ann, that show a large number of Whooper swans flying over Seafield Quilty last Saturday week – on their way to Iceland!
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