On Thursday’s Morning Focus John Cooke was joined by Sinn Fein Leader Gerry Adams TD who is in Ennis today as Sinn Fein kicks off Rural Ireland Consultation
They had a word about the Fiscal Compact Treaty – Deputy Adams urging people to vote against it
Deputy Adams maintained that rural Ireland is under attack, that the policies of austerity are stripping local communities of essential services – of schools, of guidance counsellors, hospitals, post-offices and Garda stations
He added that it is also adding new stealth taxes like the Universal Social Charge, the Household Charge, VAT increases, motor tax increases and septic tank charges
Their goal is to produce a plan for the regeneration and growth of rural communities
He hopes to meet Clare groups representing small schools facing cuts, effected by emigration, fishermen, turf cutters and reps of emotional support services
The public meeting will be at 8 pm in the Temple Gate Hotel.
The Greens Party’s spokesman on Europe Councillor Brian Meaney says the party is "still so toxic" in the public eye that it should play no role in canvassing for the fiscal treaty
He joined John in studio and said a canvassing effort by the Greens could backfire on the yes side and actually harm the treaty’s chances of ratification
Councillor Meaney added the opinions of the Greens were "mostly irrelevant" to the bulk of the electorate in any case.
Tomorrow will see the last presentation of FETAC certificates to students of St Joseph’s Training Centre at Auburn Lodge Hotel, Ennis at 1pm
The centre first opened in 1974, the Ennis Traveller Training Centre was the first of its kind in Ireland
It is set to close its doors on June 29th – the 13 staff will be redeployed
John met Triona Lynch- the former Director, Helen O’Sullivan who worked there for 16 years and former learners Peter Quinn from Ennis and Astrid MCCarthy from Ennis spoke about their personal experience of the centre.
In this week’s Grow It Yourself slot John was joined in studio by GIY Regional Organiser Carmen Cronin and Eva Hegarty of Burren Free Range Pork
Today’s theme was: Rearing pigs – the unexpected clever mammals
Eva spoke about the basic requirements for rearing free range pigs; the advantages and disadvantages of it; feeding, time requirements and cost associated with the process; abattoirs and what to do with the pig when its reared and had tips on the best places to source pigs/piglet
See www.GIYIreland.com or email [email protected]
The launch of the newly built traditional wooden sailing hooker the Sally O’Keeffe this weekend sees the culmination of years work and cooperative efforts by lots of people in West Clare
Funded as a Leader training programme and led by Stephen Morris the local boat builder – it will be a day in a century for West Clare
The launch will take place at 5pm on Saturday and sail to Carrigaholt accompanied by sailing boats from the Shannon Estuary
Matthew Birmingham, a local man in his 90’s will launch the boat
Prior to that they’re to have a currach regatta and pageant, Sean Sceál Sionna involving local school kids telling the story on the Shannon
Trea Heapes of Seol Sionna and Criostóir Mac Carthaigh of the Folklore Department at UCS – an archivist who specialises in the history of boats on River Shannon- had a word about the significance of the project.
Clare Primary Schools are celebrating European Culture today, as they await a visit from a government Minister
A number of local schools are participating in the European Blue Star Programme to learn more about the European Union and how it affects our lives and Minister for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton will be assessing their progress later
The Minster is due in Kilkee to meet pupils from Kilbaha, Shragh, and Querrin National schools – she’ll also visit Barefield National School and is starting with Scoil na Mhaidin Mhuire in Newmarket on Fergus where they’re holding their own Europe Day
Principal Ann McMahon spoke with John and said students have enjoyed learning more about the EU, particularly due to a diverse population in the community.
The local Irish Cancer Society’s Annual fundraiser The Pink Party is taking place this Friday at 8pm in Charlie Stewarts, Ennis
It’ll see the first Mr Pink Competition with special guest Alan Quinlan
Claire O’Meara of the Irish Cancer Society Shop in Woodquay, Ennis joined John to talk about their work and encourage people to go along and support on Friday night.
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