A jam-packed edition of Morning Focus covered everything from the terror threat in Clare to the birthday of WB Yeats.
The show opened with an interview with Clare’s Chief Superintendent, John Kerin, who spoke to Fiona McGarry following the Joint Policing Committee (JPC) meeting. He scotched recent speculation that extremists connected to the London Bridge attacks had spent some time living in this county. He also outlined the region’s level of preparedness in the event of a major terror attack. Listen back below:
The disturbing topic of elder abuse was then discussed when Gavin spoke to Tim Hanly, General Manager, HSE National Safeguarding Office. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day takes place on Thursday, June 15.
Anyone affected by the issue can contact 067 46470 (the Safeguarding team for Clare) 061 461358 (a dedicated MidWest helpline for this week); or log on to safeguardingcommittee.ie or the HSE website.
You can listen back to the interview on elder abuse below:
There’s been considerable disquiet in Feakle following cuts for the second year running to funding for its annual festival. The Feakle Festival takes place on August 9 to 14, but will have to operate without Arts Council support. Gavin spoke to Councillor Pat Hayes about the issue. Listen back below:
Tommy Corbett of Carey Corbett Financial Services in Ennis then joined Gavin in studio to discuss the costs associated with funerals and how to plan ahead for the expense.
Teresa Browne of Clareville House in Tuamgraney then got in touch with the show to raise her concerns about the cut in Arts Council funding for the Feakle Festival, telling Gavin it’s hugely important in the tourism calendar in East Clare.
The show then heard the concerns of a listener who visited the Falls in Ennistymon recently and got in touch to raise the issue of the cleanliness of the water.
Dr Noreen Brennan was Gavin’s next guest. She’s conducted some important research on the reasons why people object to wind farm developments and what can be done to ease public concerns.
Frankie Coote, Clare County Dog Warden then joined Gavin for his weekly animal welfare discussion slot.
On the 152nd birthday of acclaimed poet, WB Yeat, Gavin was joined in studio by poet Mike Douse who will give a reading at the Record Break in Ennis tonight (Tue. June 13) at 7.30pm. Listen back below:
Carole Head then joined Gavin in studio ahead of the launch today (Tue. June 13) of the Clare Older People’s Volunteer of the Year Award. Carole is Vice Chair of the Older People’s Council and encouraged people to get their nominations in before August 22. Listen back below:
Men are more likely to cycle on a daily basis according to a survey fro National Bike Week. Gavin was joined to discuss the findings by Colm Ryder, Chair of the Irish Cycling Advocacy Network. Listen back below:
The show rounded off with a chat with Peter Curtin ahead of a very special fundraiser for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) on Thursday night (June 15) at the Burren Store House in Lisdoonvarna.
