Morning Focus opened with a look back over Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann as it entered its last day. Over the last eight days, Ennis has come alive with hundreds of thousands arriving for concerts, competitions, classes and – of course – the sheer craic.
Clare FM's Morning Focus producer Fiona McGarry was out and about on the streets for a flavour of a magical weekend at the Fleadh down in Ennis and presented a package of its highlights.
The Fleadh has been a massive feat, successfully delivered after months of planning on the part of a dedicate team, over one thousand volunteers, the local authority and a range of services, businesses and individuals. The really great news is that we're going to do it all over again in 2017.
Gavin was joined in studio by Micheál Ó Riabhaigh, Chair Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2016 executive committee; Labhrás Ó Murchú
Director-General of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann; Clare Chief Supt John Kerin and Ger Dollard, Acting CEO Clare County Council.
The show then focused on the issue of VAT breaks in the hospitality sector. According to an economic report commissioned by the Restaurants Association of Ireland and conducted by economist Jim Power, 45,260 new jobs in the Food, Tourism and Hospitality sectors have been created since the reduced VAT rate of 9 percent was introduced in July 2011.
Adrian Cummins, Chief Executive Officer Restaurants Association of Ireland, told Gavin why it's essential that this rate is retained.
Sgt. Joe Downey, Crime Prevention Officer, joined Gavin for the weekly Garda Focus slot.
Clare FM's Fiona Cahill presented a lively package capturing all of the ceoil and craic at a campsite set up for Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Clarecastle.
Caoimhín O Sé, one of the presenters of the West Wind on Clare FM, looked ahead to the final day of the All-Ireland Fleadh.
The 14th annual celebration of County Clare’s built, natural and cultural heritage is now underway. Heritage Week is being coordinated locally by Clare County Council and The Heritage Council, with support from Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
Events will take place at dozens of locations around Clare. These include lectures, field trips, film screenings, workshops, tours and exhibitions aimed at encouraging people to take an interest in their local heritage.
Also on the Heritage Week programme is a presentation on the future challenges faced by West Clare’s populations of freshwater pearl mussels. This take place at Kilrush Public Library, 7-9pm tomorrow (Tue. Aug. 23) night. Sheila Downes, Environmental Assessment Officer with Clare County Council, joined Gavin in studio to discuss the event.
The Monday Sports Panel was made up of Derrick Lynch, Clare FM Sport and Syl O'Connor, Clare FM analyst.
