On today's edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke
Graham Dwyer has been sentenced to life in prison for murder of Elaine O'Hara. Monday afternoon's sentence hearing followed a lenthy trial in which the 42 year old architect from Kerrymount close in Foxrock was convicted by a jury last month; Fiona Gartland News Reporter Irish Times was there and she spoke to John. Yesterdays hearing heard victim impact statements from Ms O'hara's family. Elaine O'Hara's family has described the impact of losing 'a daughter, a sister and a friend in the most brutal traumatic and horrifying manner. A victim impact report prepared by her father Frank O'Hara was read out by the prosecution at Graham Dwyer's sentencing hearing.
A Shannon Councillor, who is an opponent of water charges, has warned that local authority tenants and the wider public could suffer if Councils are forced to pay the water bills of people who won't do so. Councillor Gerry Flynn joined us on the show and says it would be bad for everyone if the Council had to pay up.
It comes after the Council's move to release the names and adresses of its tenants was criticised at last night's meeting of the local authority. The Council has told Clare FM that it, and other local authorities, were obliged under law to comply with the request. It has written to the residents concerned, to inform them what has happened, while Irish Water will now write to them to validate accounts. However, many aren't happy at the development, including Eileen Downes from Ennis who believes her tenancy agreement may have been broken, she also spoke to Morning Focus about her concerns.
Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, the national charity supporting people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and their families, will hold its annual 65 Roses National Awareness Week in Clare from April 20 to 26. As part of the week, on Saturday April 25, volunteers will be selling 65 Roses pins and silk Purple Roses in the Sky Court Shopping Centre in Shannon with funds raised going towards CF research, the development of new CF health facilities and the provision of patient grants. People are also being encouraged to take up a 65 Roses Challenge—one of any number of 65-themed fundraisers detailed on www.cfireland.ie—or to make a €2 donation directly now by texting "65ROSES" to 50300*. Philip Watt CEO CF Ireland spoke to John to mark awareness week and to thank the people in County Clare for their continued support and donations to this very worthy cause.
John Lowe MONEY Doctor – for all your financial needs joined us next to answer some of you financial queries. John also discussed the deadline for Lifetime Community Rating and how it has sparked new cuts in health insurance costs. The Money Doctor returns to Morning Focus on Tuesday May 5th, in the meantime find out more on www.moneydoctor.ie
Today marked the 20th anniversary of the first episode of Father Ted! John Cooke spoke to County Clare locals who shared their memories of the sitcom. John Morgan was the first person in Clare to meet and greet the cast and crew of Father Ted while Orla Vaughan of Kilfenora Hostel and Vaughan's Bar Kilfenora aka the Chinese Bar and venue where the infamous Lovely Girls Competition was held also reminisced on fantastic moments. Finally Janet Cavanagh established Fr. Ted Tours since the shows success and popularity across the world – the tour takes in sites including the famous Fr. Ted house in Kilnaboy. A fitting rendition of 'My Lovely Horse' saw out the celebration.
Frankie Coote of the Clare ISPCA and the county Dog warden spoke to us on a number of issues including appealing for your help in finding two horses missing in the Doora area, Ennis and helping in bringing Ducks and their baby ducklings around the Ennis area back to safety. Ennis Pound can be contacted on 68 20393
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