On today's Morning Focus with Gavin Grace
Pope Francis has ended his tour of the United States with an open-air mass in Philadelphia. The 78-year-old pontiff spent 6-days on his first visit to the US, where he called for compassion for immigrants and justice for child sex abuse victims of the Catholic church. He's also announced that the next World Meeting of Families will take place in Dublin in 2018, increasing speculation he may be planning a visit to Ireland. Patsy McGarry, Religious Correspondent Irish Times spoke to Gavin about the idea of Pope Francis visiting the country.
More tensions arising in Milltown Malbay as the process to fix Clonbony Bridge has yet to commence. Sean O'Neill, TII, Head of Communication spoke about the difficulties Milltown malbay are facing. Councillor Michael Hillery spoke about the impending meeting of the Town Traders to discuss the impact the bridge is having on the community.
Next, Gavin was joined by Joe Harrington, a writer for Joe.ie and Clare FMs Edel Bane to talk about social media. The world ended for a while on Thursday last week. Facebook went down for 20 minutes at approximately 5:30pm Thursday evening and the world went into meltdown. It's the most popular social media platform on the planet so a millions of people have felt the fallout. Joe documented the twitter reaction that made us think just how dependent are people on social media? Can we Live without it? Edel was challenged by the other journalists in the Clare FM newsroom to give up social media for the week. We will find out how she got on with the challenge on Friday!
Then speaking on the Morning Focus were Charles O Mara, Chairman Clare Vintners Association and Barry Keating, Clare's Road Safety Officer CCC. The Clare’s Vintners’ Association and Clare County Council have announced a joint initiative, which will see high visibility reflective vests being distributed to the rural pubs across Clare. The safety drive, which starts during Road Safety Week (5th-12th October), is part of a road safety initiative aimed at protecting pedestrians and cyclists travelling to and from the local pub.
Sergeant Joe Downey, the Crime Prevention Officer in Ennis Garda Station. He is appealing for your help in solving local crime.
Caroline Williams, a native of Lahinch is the producer of 'The Train'. The show is a fictional celebration of events surrounding the legendary Contraceptive Train that arrived in Dublin from Belfast in 1971. Preview Opening on Tuesday Night at the Lime Tree Theatres Limerick.
A range of new services being provided at Seán Lemass Public Library in Shannon to help people access employment and consider creating their own business will be officially launched on Tuesday, 29 September at 6.30pm. The new services include Wi-Fi, Public Access Internet PCs, a Surfbox printing, scanning and photocopying service, an employment noticeboard and free access to online resources such as Vision-net.ie, as well as access to the Library's enhanced selection of business books, journals and newspapers. Dolores Meaney from the Sean Lemass Library spoke to Gavin about this new project.
Wildlife expert, Austin Cooney from Birdwatch Ireland spoke to us today about Brent Geese, American Golden Polver and Dotterel Sightings. He will answer any questions regarding wildlife.
This weeks sports Panel, Clare FMs Derrick Lynch was joined by Seamus Hayes, Sports editor of the Clare Champion where they discussed the Clare Senior Football Championship. St Josephs Miltown overcame St Breckans on Saturday Evening at Cusack Pk. It's the first time they'll march behind the band since 1991, as they go in search of their 13th Clare Senior title. The 2-7 to 0-7 win saw them safely into the final, but manager Michael Neylon says they won't be resting on their laurels. Cooraclare will contest the Clare Senior Football Final for the first time since 1997. The Sky Blues beat Clondegad by 4-10 to 2-13 to set up a final showdown with Miltown. Clonlara and Sixmilebridge will contest the 2015 Clare Senior Hurling Final. The south east Clare men produced a stunning second half performance to beat Kilmaley in yesterdays semi final replay on a 2-19 to 1-10 scoreline. All Ireland Ladies Football Final – Cork won their 10th all Ireland title in 11 years. Beating Dublin at Croke Park yesterday afternoon. Premier League – Chelsea Loss / Man City Loss / Liverpool Win.
Manuel Di Lucia of the Kilkee Marine Rescue and Brendan Mac Evilly of Author of “At Swim” book – a collection of the best swimming spots across Ireland including Newfoundout Kilkee. Two friends Michael and Brendan travelled around Ireland this summer to find the 40 best spots to swim. They hit Clare shores at the end of July. Now compiling their experiences into the AT SWIM book – Brendan is researching local stories from their visits to Pollack Holes in Kilkee / Newfy Kilkee and Liscannor /Kerins Hole in Whitestrand Miltown Malbay. Brendan is looking for clarification on one particular story regarding Richard Harris and Nude Swimming In Kilkee!! Manuel puts the record straight!!
Organiser of The Clare Harvest Banquet, Sinead Ni Ghairbhith talks about this unique banquet based on the strict use of only local ingredients is set to feature a range of wild coastal foods on its menu this year, from fish and shellfish to sea vegetables, seaweeds and sea salt. Now in its eighth year, The Clare Harvest Banquet has established itself as a staple on Ireland’s foodie menu. Among the local meats, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, condiments and drinks, this year’s banquet will see a greater presence of Clare’s wild coastal foods on the banquet table. The Clare Harvest Banquet takes place in the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, Co. Clare on Friday October 2nd. Tickets are €50 and available from www.clareharvestbanquet.com, The Old Ground on 065 6828127 or Sinead Ni Ghairbhith on 085 7607037. The event begins with a local tapas and cider reception at 8:00pm. Banquet starts at 8:30pm. Music afterwards from Bad Moon.
