Dermot Moran is the Spokesman for the Clonmoylan Bog Action Group; he joined John Cooke on Morning Focus from the scene of a peaceful protest at a bog in South Galway. He described the Garda presence at the bog near Portumna and the attendance of the Garda armed response unit. It’s reported a crowd gathered at the scene near Portumna when officials arrived to seize turf-cutting equipment, a digger and hopper, yesterday afternoon. The stand-off continued through the night, with as many as 150 protesters from all over the country joining the protest. There’ve been no arrests and Gardai say they’re liaising with the parties involved
Fergus Finlay, CEO of Barnardos spoke to Morning Focus following the publication of a report from the Independent Child Death Review Group, which says there is a lack of resources within the HSE to provide appropriate care. An examination of 196 deaths of children in contact with State services says "ultimately and tragically" the efforts to protect them failed. Between 2000 and 2010 – 112 of the children died of non-natural causes – including drug overdoses, suicides and unlawful killings. The review says that while significant work has been done to improve the service and while there is elements of good practice – its application is sporadic and inconsistent. Children’s Advocacy Groups have responded to the publication of the report – Barnardos said it was time to step up the political commitment to reform the child welfare and protection system.
Maura Canning is the Vice-Chair of the IFA’s Farm Family Committee. She discussed farm safety on the show in light of the upcoming school holidays. She says education and awareness among primary school children is an important part of the overall campaign to improve farm safety. The summer holidays begin next week and many children will be looking forward to spending more time on the farm. Farm families will also be hosting guests, some of whom may not have the same level of awareness of the dangers that exist around farmyards. She’s encouraging parents to go through safety measures with their children again, and remind them what they should do to reduce the risks associated with machinery and livestock.
Carmen Cronin was in studio to discuss wild life gardening. Carmen is the GIY (Grow it Yourself) Co-ordinator fro Munster. Joining her was Feidhlim Harty of FH Wetland Systems Ltd. They discussed all you need to know about wild life gardening -what it is? How does it differ from ordinary gardening? How you turn your garden in to a wildlife garden? Carmen also gave details on upcoming GIY meetings in Clare in May and the Mallow Garden Festival, which takes place on Saturday 30th June. For more details contact Carmen or Marian at [email protected]
Eric Shaw and John Bradley of the Clare Roots Society joined John Cooke in studio to discuss new publications chronicling the history of Drumcliff graveyard. The secrets of Drumcliff graveyard have been revealed by the Clare Roots Society. The Roots Society introduced its booklet, Drumcliff Cemetery: The Hidden History of Ennis. The booklets give a background to the burial in Drumcliff and the transcriptions of gravestones within the graveyard.
Maura O’Connell, the world famous, Grammy nominated Folk Singer and an Ennis native joined Clare FM’s John Cooke in studio today – ahead of her appearance at tonight’s Love Live Music event. In her early days Maura became very involved in the local folk club scene and together with Mike Hanrahan, who later fronted trad/rock outfit Stockton’s Wing, they performed, a country music set, as a duo called ‘Tumbleweed’. She began her professional musical journey during a six-week tour of the U.S. in 1980, as vocalist for the group De Dannan. Maura discussed the current state of Ireland, tourism, her musical career and much more. Maura will perform at the Clare Connections concert as part of Love:Live Music Ennis event, which takes place at the Abbey Street Car Park from 6pm.
If you want to contact Morning Focus please email [email protected] or text Clare FM followed by your message to 53030
