The environmental beauty and importance of the Cliffs of Moher and Burren region were recognised on a global fashion yesterday afternoon, with the site declared a UNESCO Geopark
There are 78 such sites across the globe, 26 in Europe and as of today, three here in Ireland – the honour has been bestowed on County Clare at a ceremony in Langesund, Norway yesterday afternoon
The Geoparks network was established to protect and promote environmentally important sites, through a combination of conservation, sustainable development and community involvement – it’s hoped this global honour will attract more tourists to the county
On Monday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with Dr. Ronan Hennessy of the Burren Connect Project, Dr. Pat O’Connor, Acting Director with the Geological Survey of Ireland and Mayor of Clare Pat Hayes to get their reaction.
Sunday Business Post Political Editor Pat Leahy had the latest on the Race for Aras an Uachtaran
Sinn Fein is to put Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness forward as a Presidential candidate. The Party’s Ard Comhairle met on Sunday to ratify the proposal. Mr McGuinness is expected to stand aside from his post in the North for the duration of the campaign. Mr Adams said he would be honoured to propose Mr McGuinness to contest the election
David Norris is set to formally declare himself back in the race for the Aras later.
He’s due to make an appearance on the Late Late on Friday
Meanwhile, Fianna Fail will meet again next week to discuss whether TDs and Senators can back Senator Labhras O’Murchu as an independent candidate.
Have your say on this week’s Clare FM Online poll:
The retired Bishop of Derry Dr Edward Daly has said the Catholic Church should urgently revisit the issue of celibacy.Dr Daly says he would like to see members of the clergy given the right to marry.He made the comments in his book "A Troubled See, Memoirs of a Derry Bishop" out this month. He recounts his heartache, when as a bishop, he saw priests resign from their ministry because they had fallen in love and wanted to marry.He is one of the most senior figures in the Irish Catholic Church to say celibacy is damaging the church.
This week www.clare.fm is asking you – Should Priests be allowed to marry?
• Yes
• No
• Don’t Know?
Flan Quigney is a retired teacher and author. He spent 45 years teaching at primary level , 44 of those were in Scoil Ailbhe CBS in Thurles with the final 13 as principal. He’s a native of Clooney.His latest book School Days, Cool Days or Cruel Days consists of interviews with teachers from around the country, including Co. Clare, and is a social history of the education system in Ireland
Garda Albert Hardiman of Ennis Garda Station joined John in studio for this week’s Garda Focus where he appealed for information on crimes committed in the county over the past week. Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100.
This week gardai will also outline their “Supporting Safer Communities” and Road Safety Initiatives – Being launched by the Garda Commissioner at the Ploughing Championships tomorrow.
www.garda.ie
The Money Doctor, John Lowe discussed credit unions and the restrictions on loans in his weekly slot. As always John was happy to answer listeners’ personal finance questions.
themoneydoctor.ie
The Alexander Technique is a method of personal education which involves self awareness and releasing muscular tension
This excessive tension slowly accumulates over many years of stressful living and often starts in childhood and, if left unchecked, can give rise later in life to common ailments such as arthritis, neck and back pain, migraine, hypertension, sciatica, insomnia and even depression
Vast amounts of money are being spent on the treatment of these illnesses, to say nothing of the pain and discomfort that is felt by the patient, yet every year the number of patients carries on increasing
Richard Brennan, Alexander Technique Expert and Author and Director of Training at the Alexander Technique Centre, Galway joined John to explain the technique and Penelope Easten, an Alexander Technique teacher in Ogonnelloe spoke about her success with it
Richard will come to Co. Clare to give an Alexander Technique introductory course in Kilmaley on 24th and 25th September
www.alexander.ie
John Murphy, Chairman of the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland joined John in studio to answer your bird and wildlife queries.
If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email [email protected]
