On Monday’s Morning Focus John Cooke was joined in studio by Green Party Councillor Brian Meaney and Susie Kennedy, a celebrant with the Humanist Association of Ireland to discuss Councillor Meaney’s motion that the council it should consider options available to it in providing a suitable location for a Humanist Funeral Service
Susie was the person who gave the Humanist reflection at Michael D Higgins’s inauguration on behalf of the HAI- she welcomed this motion for the provision of a Humanist funeral service
The number of humanist funerals in constantly increasing – more so than the number of humanist weddings
The policy Institute at Trinity College and Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice have now used international criteria to establish a minimum standard of living for Irish families and individuals
The research found that low income and unemployed families don’t have enough money to achieve a basic standard of living
SPARK campaign is a group of single parents who came together after recent budget, and will campaign and protest to highlight the discrimination of single parents in this country
Fenella Samways lives in Newport, County Tipperary and is involved in the SPARK Campaign
‘Single Parents Acting for the Rights of our Kids’explained the origins of the group to John
Arranging buses for their protest next weekend in Dublin- they are looking for support from Clare – if you are interested in getting involved contact Fenella on 087 1333408. [email protected]
The Migraine Association of Ireland is hosting its latest migraine/headache information evening in Ennis in the Temple Gate Hotel this evening at 7.30pm
MDI information evenings are an ideal opportunity for sufferers to learn how to better manage and control their migraine or other debilitating headache disorders
Donna Ryan for the Migraine Association of Ireland spoke with John to encourage people to attend the event
If you would like to attend contact them on 1850 200 378 or email [email protected]
Sergeant Joe Downey, Crime Prevention Officer in the Clare Garda Division joined John for Garda Focus and appealed to the public for information on crimes committed in the county over the past week
Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100.
The Money Doctor John Lowe discussed whether it is still worth contributing to a pension and what to be aware of
And, as always, the Money Doctor was happy to answer listeners personal finance questions.
24 people in County Clare suffer from Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland are appealing for support for the National “Have a Heart” Awareness Campaign
They are asking people to visit their local Tesco or Debenhams store and buy a box of two heart shaped Lily O’Brien’s chocolates for just €2 or a scented candle for €3
The money raised will be used to fund the respite support services and medical research into muscular dystrophy
Stephanie Apsel works in family support with MDI in Clare and Limerick joined John in studio to explain the works she does and encourage people to support the charity.
Brian Finnegan of the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland joined John to discuss their outing to Galway that is taking place this Saturday, they hope to see white wing gulls from Scandinavia.
If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email [email protected]
