On Thursday's edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke
Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan announced on Tuesday that children with a 'mild' Down Syndrome diagnosis will be given 2.5 hours of resources. Up until now, those labelled with a 'mild' as opposed to 'moderate' diagnosis, were not entitled to any one on one special teaching in school. Noreen Keane Chairperson, Down’s Syndrome Limerick and mother of Ronan (9) who was born with Down’s Syndrome and has associated conditions welcomes this and says it is a positive forward.
The Australian man who raped and murdered Irish woman Jill Meagher in Melbourne has been found guilty of the rape of three other women. Adrian Ernest Bayley raped two sex workers in near identical circumstances and a Dutch backpacker in July 2012, two months before he attacked and killed Ms Meagher. Gavin spoke to Andrew Rule of the Melbourne Herald Sun for reaction.
Concern is being raised about the condition of Ennis' roads ahead of Fleah Cheoil na hÉireann 2016.
Clare County Council says it has received an effective cut of 600,000 euro in funding for the county's roads this year. The allocation has only been made in recent days – dispite the budget for 2015 being decided on last November. Public representatives have raised concerns about the allocation with some calling streets in Ennis deplorable. But what do members of the general public think?
Clare FMs Cian Kearns hit the streets of Ennis yesterday to find out did the public believe the roads and traffic Management were up to scratch to host Fleadh Cheoil 2016.
Leaving Cert student Katie Whelan of Ard Scoil Mhuire, Corbally is an inspirational young girl who set up a petition to Light up Limerick’s Bridges with positive and life affirming messages to help people in difficult times who may be struggling. Katie set up the cause, ‘Lisa’s Light’, in memory of her cousin Lisa who died 3 years ago by suicide. She came up with the idea after having a dream about her cousin. . .
Lisa’s Light is now Live and Lighting up Limerick’s Bridge
In our Morning Focus Health Matters slot we speak with Dr Maire Finn from the Ennis Family Medical Centre.Today's topic: Skin condition – Psoriasis and Eczema
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
Doolin Writers Weekend kicks off this Friday and today Gavin was joined by the festival founder and author Donal Minihan. Donal will be launching his Debut Novel “Cliona's Wave” on Friday night at 7.30PM. Clíona’s Wave is his first novel and was a winner of the 2013 Irish Writers’ Centre Novel Fair. He was shortlisted for the 2014 K Award for short fiction. Doolin Writers Weekend March 27th-29th, more information contact Doolin Hotel on 065 7074111
In other Doolin news, the North Clare village was voted No.9 on TripAdvisor Top 10 Irish destinations.
TripAdvisor's Top 10 Irish Destinations are: Killarney, Dublin, Dingle, Galway, Donegal Town, Westport, Cork, Sligo, Doolin, and Tralee. Travellers' Choice award-winners are determined using an algorithm taking into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants and attractions in destinations worldwide, The reviews are gathered over a twelve month period.
Eugene Garrihy is the Marketing Director for Doolin Tour Aran Ferries and Head of New Product Development Doolin Tourism Co-op, he says this is a huge boost for the area and explained to Gavin that Doolin's winning feature is it's people.
West Clare man Brendan O'Malley is a PE Teacher at Ó Fiaich College Dundalk and his students are contesting the "Overall Sky Sports Living for Sport Project of the Year" category having all ready won the "Irish Project of the Year" award. They have been selected in the top 5 of over 1,500 schools across Ireland and the UK. The awards ceremony will be shown on SKY SPORTS 1 on a special LIVING FOR SPORT show where David Beckham, Jessica Ennis, Johnny Wilkinson and Katie Taylor and many more will present the awards.
The Stephen Roche Atlantic Challenge is an annual cycling Sportif, with the former Tour de France winner, Giro d’Italia winner and World Champion cyclist, Stephen Roche. From the rolling hills of the Burren and the wild Atlantic Coast, the location, the route, the scenery are all breath taking and include 2 climbs of the famous Cliffs of Moher and Corkscrew Hill. Lonely Planet described this cycling route as the 5th Best Cycling Route in the World. This event kicks off at10:00am this Saturday from Ennistymon Community Centre – Podge Murphy is the organiser of the Stephen Roche Atlantic Challenge and he explained the excitement of the challenge ahead.
If you have a question or query for Morning Focus please email: [email protected]
