On today's edition of Morning Focus with Morning Focus with Marian Egan
The Taoiseach has challenged Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams to say who was involved in the kangaroo court in the case of Paudie McGahon. It follows the BBC Spotlight programme Tuesday night, in which the 40 year old Louth man said he'd been raped by an IRA member in the 1990s and was made to face a kangaroo court in 2002. Aoife Barry News Reporter with The Journal.ie had more on the story this morning – she spoke with Marian.
A 'Save Rural Ireland' Conference was held last evening in Dublin and headed by Muintir na Tire Organisation. Inagh man Niall Garvey is CEO of Muintir na Tìre and he spoke to Marian about what was discussed at the conference, including Rural Broadband; Post Office Viability and GP cover. Niall also outlined that the campaign is calling on local governments to establish Government Policy for Rural Ireland.
Their next step is to approach the Ministers directly involved and have them address the concerns.
Threatened closure of Kinvara Farmers Market was up next for discussion and Catriona Lenihan, Chair of the market Committee spoke to Marian about their concerns. In it’s 7th year this year Kinvara Farmers Market is home to over 30 small local businesses all selling locally sourced produce – it takes place weekly every Fri from Apr to Oct 10-2pm. However, each year the organisers have to apply for road closure and once again they are met with objections and thus uncertainity around the markets future. Catriona ia calling for public submissions: Please email [email protected] in support of the application.
Live from Cheltenham Rupert Bell our Racing Correspondent joined us to preview the big races and hotly tipped contenders. We also looked back at some of the tips from yesterday? Did Rupert make some good predictions for the listeners of Clare FM?
Helen Collins is Native of Whitegate East Clare and the Owner and Therapist at Elure Beauty in Galway.Helen has been nominated for 'IMAGE' magazine's 'The Business of Beauty' awards, in the category of wax therapy. The winner will be announced end of March. Interestingly lots of her clients now are men! Helen has her own theories on the why of it and some funny stories too which she shared with Marian.
We had a Seachtain na Gaeilge follow up with Brendain MacFhoinghail from An Clar as Gaeilge – he delivered Feile na hInise Results and SnaG events from around the county.
Land Prices in Clare jump by 25% – The average price of agricultural land was €8,054/acre in 2014, representing a 25.6% increase when compared against the 2013 average of €6,411/acre. A total of 5,649 acres were offered for sale – more than double the 2,507 acres offered for sale in 2013. Lorcan Allen, Acting Property Editor with the Irish Farmers Journal outlined the details to Morning Focus.
"To Be Or Naught To Be Is Written In Sand" – An exhibition of work by Clare based artists: Carmel Doherty, Richard Sharp, Brian McMahon, Will Gillchrist and Mick O'Dea. The idea behind the exhibition is that a selection of poems were given to these artists and the artists picked a poem which they liked and used it as the catalyst in the creation of their painting. At the exhibition the poem which inspired the artist will be displayed next to the art work. Clare FMs Cian Kearns caught up with the Artists ahead of the opening to find out a little more about their work.
Weekend Events
Kate Purcell Singer and The Voice of Ireland Contestant is hosting Concert in St. Flannan's Cathedral Killaloe this Friday March 13th @ 8PM.
Laura Ryan Instuctor and Fundraising Chairperson Quin Taekwon-Do told Morning Focus about an auction of a 2014 fully signed Irish 6 Nations Rugby Jersey up for auction on E-bay. The auction is to fund the trip of 2 Quin Taekwon-Do students selected for the national team for the World Championship in Italy in May; Auction closes on Mon March 16
John Sweeney Co Ordinator of Clare Sports Partnership told Marian about the Lees Road Parkrun 5km which is being launched this Saturday March 14th @ 9.30am – Free, timed and weekly 5km run open to everyone!! claresportspartnership.ie for more information
Brendan Ruaine of Ennistymon Football Club told us about the upcoming Fashion Show at The Falls Hotel & Spa Friday March 13th @ 7PM hosted by Celia Holman Lee. Fashion on show from many local fashion boutiques. Lots of local male models getting scrubbed up for the catwalk for one night and one night only!!! Tickets at just €10 euro A great night guaranteed!!
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