On Thursday's edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke
A review of the post office network has found it can survive if it diversifies. An initial report this week says increased capability in financial and government services, and enhancing the rural post office's role in the community could improve the network's viability. The report advises that Irish post offices branch out into other financial services such e-payments, motor tax, CAO and examination fees, as well as electoral registry. The report also found there are over a thousand post offices in the country, but two thirds of all transactions are conducted in just 300 of them. Bobby Kerr Author of the Report, Chair of The Post Office Network Business Development Group. and Tom O'Callaghan representative of IPU both spoke to John
The Public Editor of the New York Times says an article in the paper which suggested the J-1 students in Berkeley were an 'embarrassment to Ireland' was inappropriate. Former President Mary McAleese has written to the paper today saying it should be "hanging its head in shame" over the article about the Berkeley balcony collapse. On Wednesday the paper apologised for 'insensitive' language used in the article and it was never their intention 'to blame the victims'. Margaret O'Sullivan – public editor with the New York Times – says while she cannot speak for the paper, she is very sorry about the pain the article has caused. Laura Harmon President Of The Students Union of Ireland says the J1 Programme has created generations of ambassadors between Ireland and the US.
Over 500 Clare Primary School Students got "on their bikes" today as part of the Green Schools initiative.
Schools from Shannon and Ennis took part in the Cycle on Wednesday event as part of Bike Week 2015 which aims to encourage students, families and teachers to use more sustainable and actvie modes of transport. Clare FM'S Sara McNamara met with over 500 students, teachers, and event organiser Róisín Garvey, Green Schools Officer with an Taisce who explains what it's all about.
In our Morning Focus Health Matters slot we speak with Dr Maire Finn from the Ennis Family Medical Centre who today answered General Queries from listeners. Doctor Maire Finn is from the Ennis Family Medical Centre, and will be joining us again next Thursday for more medical advice. You can always send us your thoughts and queries by email [email protected], but if you have concerns or queries about your own health right now please contact your local GP. You can also listen back to Health Matters podcasts here https://www.clare.fm/health-matters
Cora McNulty, Ennis is curator of the Book “St. Michael's Villas – A History and Miscellany” in association with the Clare Roots Society. Born in St Michael's Villas in 1957 Cora got involved with the Clare Roots specifically for this project, as she is very passionate about the area of St Michael's. This book documents the area from its time of construction circa 1953 onwards, the people and their lifestyle and even the dogs of St. Michael Villas – listen back here https://www.clare.fm/podcasts/cora-mcnulty
Katherine Hunka of the Killaloe Chamber Music Festival – In 2002 Katherine was appointed Leader of the Irish Chamber Orchestra where she has directed many concerts from the violin as well as performing as soloist across a wide range of repertoire. Katherine spoke to us ahead of the Killaloe Chamber Music Festival this weekend which sees a gathering of some of finest Irish and International musicians to perform in the stunning surrounds of St Flannan’s Cathedral. To finish out the show we heard a beautiful piece of music entitled "Cesar Franck Sonata" for violin and piano played by Katherine Hunka accompanied by pianist Hugh Tinney. A taste of what to expect this weekend at the Killaloe Chamber Music Festival. . .
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