Morning Focus opened with a look at a looming crisis in student accommodation. Listeners will no doubt remember the crisis faced by college students last September due to a severe shortage of accommodation in the major cities. Already there's talk that this academic year could see an even worse situation. Students going to college in Limerick are already experiencing problems securing accommodation for the coming term, prompting some student leaders to hit out at unscrupulous landlords in the city. UL's Students Union Welfare Officer says that while there are many excellent landlords, others are exploiting desperate students by demanding exorbitant deposits and cash-only arrangements. Caolan O'Donnell says the situation is particularly bad for international students and first-years who only begin to look for accommodation close to the start of term. Caolan O'Donnell UL SU Welfare Officer spoke to Gavin about the situation in Limerick currently.
Gavin then heard from a group representing parts of the country hit by flooding. Members are urging people in Clare to have their say on a major national study aimed at preventing further serious incidents in the future. The Irish National Flood Forum is a voluntary group with members across the country, including here in Clare (Kilkee). It's supporting communities who wish to contribute to the CFRAMS flood map (specifically the one for the River Shannon) which is currently open for consultation (July 15 to September 23). The group says that old photos and stories of flooding incidents in the past could be invaluable to the map currently being developed by the OPW. They're hoping to ensure that the flood map is as accurate as possible. Maps are visible at cfram.ie and shannoncframstudy.ie. Jer Buckley PRO Irish National Flood Forum (from Blackpool, Co Cork) spoke to Gavin. The Irish National Flood Forum was set up around six years ago to share information and more information is available from Jer on 087 6679640.
Gavin then spoke to Fr Ger Nash, the Killaloe Diocesan Secretary about Killaloe Diocesan changes .
A peace vigil is to be held in Ennis tomorrow (Tue. July 28) night at 8pm at the Height to show solidarity in connection with all the recent atrocities in the world. The event has been organised by Bella Hehir – who's active in the Parish of Ennis. She says the event will be non-political (and non-religious) and and an opportunity to bring communities together to express solidarity with countries including France and the US. The event will involve the release of balloons and doves, as well as songs and a peace prayer. Gavin was joined in studio by Bella Hehir, vigil organiser and by Fr Ger Fitzgerald from Ennis Parish.
Key events in the 1916 Rising will be remembered in Kilrush this evening (Mon., July 25) at 8pm. Sponsored by Clare Co Co.the reenactment will focus on events at the GPO; the lead up to the surrender in Moore St and the capture and execution of the leaders of the rebellion. There'll also be a performance of traditional song by members of the local community. Gavin spoke with Mick Daly Director of the re-enactment event.
Remembering 1916 at the Fleadh was also the theme of this week's Fleadh News. Gavin was joined in studio by Rory Casey, Secretary of the Fleadh Executive Committee, who came up with the idea of re-enacting the Trial of Roger Casement during the Fleadh and Ray Conway, who is the Director of the Pageant in Cusack Park on the opening evening of the Fleadh.
The sports panel was made up of Niall Gilligan Sixmilebridge, All-Ireland winner with Clare football; Ger Keane ex-Clare selector; and Micheál McDermott, ex-Clare manager.
