On Thursday's edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke
Fianna Fail Councillor Pat Daly has become the new Mayor of Ennis. The long serving councillor from Gallows Hill in Ennis was unanimously chosen as first citizen of Clare's County town at the Annual General Meeting of the Ennis Municipal District Councillors within the past few minutes… Councillor Daly has previously served as a Mayor of Clare, but described becoming first citizen of his home town as a Great honour. He spoke to John. Also joining the conversation was Fine Gael Cllr Mary Howard elected as Deputy Mayor of Ennis who outlined plans to commemorate one of Clare's greatest and most flamboyant characters in Ennis the late Michael Tierney, that could see a statue erected in his honour.
Organisers of a fundraising scheme to restore diving boards to Newfoundout in Kilkee this summer say they should be installed within weeks. Money has been raised to purchase the boards from America, but an Irish Water Safety report has highlighted issues that need to be sorted before they can be installed
Clare County Council says it is working with the local community with a view to erecting new diving boards and addressing all health and safety concerns. In 2010, health and safety issues saw the boards removed for a portion of the tourism season, leading to deep frustration amongst locals in the West Clare town. Manuel Di Lucia Kilkee says not having the diving boards could really affect the tourism season the town. Ger Casey Limerick who runs the Pat Lawlor Memorial Diving Competition each Summer in Kilkee also says they form a key part of the town's character.
A leading figure in Clare Community Games has expressed fears it's future in the county town. Flan Brennan, chairman of Ennis St John's feels the lack of involvement from parents of children involved has led to a strain on organisers that's becoming unsustainable. He's calling for more volunteers to come forward to help in keeping the organisation alive. He spoke to John Cooke.
In our Morning Focus Health Matters slot we speak with Dr Maire Finn from the Ennis Family Medical Centre who today offered medical advice to those suffering with Hayfever. 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
Tess Purcell Organiser of Ennis Fashion Week and Ennis based Fashion Stylist joined us in studio as it emerged this week that a woman in Australia collapsed and spent hours unable to move because she was wearing skinny jeans. The 35 year-old had to go to hospital after she damaged the muscle and nerve fibres in her legs from squatting down. Her story's been published in a medical journal to raise awareness of the dangers of wearing tight clothes. Tess offered some explanation and advice for the fashion conscious.
In Weekend Events
Ann Norton Barefield, Clinical Manager Clare Cusaders spoke to us ahead of the Seventh Annual Tour de Clinic Wild Atlantic Way 400km Cycle due to take place on Friday the 26th of June and will finish on Sunday 28th June in Kilkee.
The world's most pre-eminent minds on fantasy writer J.R.R. Tolkien and how his most famous works were inspired by the landscape of the Burren will come together for the annual Tolkien Festival in County Clare from 26-28 June. Organised by the Burren Tolkien Society and supported by the Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark and Clare County Library, the festival will feature contributions from Tolkien experts, creative writing workshops, archery demonstrations, evening feasts and lectures about the writers time in the Burren. Peter Curtin Lisdoonvarna, Founder of the Tolkien Festival spoke had the details.
Irish Singer / Song Writer Mundy spoke to us next ahead of his appearance Saturday night at Inis Fest.
INIS Fest is the new music festival in the South West which will feature popular Irish and International acts. The three-day festival will see The Ennis Showgrounds in Ennis Co. Clare being transformed into a world-class venue with a 3000-person capacity big top tent and an entertainment and leisure area and food/drink stalls.
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