We opened Monday's Morning Focus with news that a Clare company is to create 500 new jobs.
TTM was founded in 2002 by Brian Crowley and has a head office at Ballymaley in Ennis.
Currently employing over 1,200 healthcare professionals, TTM Group has turnover in excess of €50m and over half of its business occuers outside of Ireland.
Gavin spoke with Brian Crowley, CEO of TTM.
We also learned this morning that a full-time GP post in Kildysart will be filled from February. The news was welcomed by Michael Michaels, a local businessman.
The Government has revealed that it's abandoned plans for new penalties for drivers who use social media such as Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp while driving. The new Road Traffic Bill had contained provisions to address the issue of motorists who allow themselves to be distracted by their phones or electronic devices.
Conor Faughnan of AA Roadwatch gave his reaction to the news.
At this time of year, when it seems that almost everyone’s on some kind of lose-weight-quick eating regime, Morning Focus looked at the risks associated with popular high-protein diets. Nearly every supermarket now boasts an aisle full of protein powders, bars and shakes as the likes of the low-carb high-protein Paleo diet grows in popularity. While the high-protein approach seems to offer the real prospect of weight loss, research shows it’s not without its side-effects — from bad breath and constipation to potentially more serious conditions like kidney problems and worse.
Dr Mary Ryan, Consultant Endocrinologist, Barrington's Hospital and Senior Lecturer in Medicine at GEMS told Gavin she regularly sees patients from this region who are experiencing health problems.
The third Monday in January is officially known as 'Blue Monday' and Gavin discussed some strategies for beating the blues with Morning Focus producer, Fiona McGarry.
Crystal chandeliers, antique furniture and the beds once slept in by former US president Bill Clinton, rock star Bruce Springsteen, and golf legend Tiger Woods at Adare Manor are to go under the hammer at the end of this month (Jan. 28 and 29). The luxury hotel, owned by JP McManus, is then set to close its doors for around a year-and-a-half as it undergoes a multi-million euro refurbishment. Ahead of the auction Aidan Foley of Irish Country Home (with premises in Sixmilebridge, Doneraile & Galway)
spoke to Gavin about the Manor's contents.
Our Monday sports panel was made up of Derrick Lynch of Clare FM and Eoin Brennan from The Clare People.
At this time of year, there’s no doubt that more and more of us are getting back on our bikes in a bid to lose a few pounds. Cycling is great exercise, a cheap way to get around and it’s also a lot more environmentally friendly than driving. It’s not all good news, though, as the Road Safety Authority (RSA) warns of countless collisions every year between cyclists and other road users. A recent meeting of Clare County Council was addressed by the Clare Cycle Safely Initiative who are appealing to all road users to be more safety-aware, and Morning Focus spoke to Cllr Paul Murphy and John Maloney of the Clare Cycle Safely Initiative
After comments made by British Prime Minister David Cameron last week, we asked if parenting classes should be compulsory. Andreja Vargas, Ennis based parenting expert, shared her views with Gavin.
