Gerry Adams, President of Sinn Fein and Louth TD spoke to Clare FM’s John Cooke about the party and the presidency. Sinn Fein are making a lot of headlines recently – particularly since Martin McGuinness became the party’s nomination for President with questions being raised as to the baggage he brings from his IRA past to his actual chances of becoming Ireland’s first citizen. It’s part of a marked change for the party who’s President Gerry Adams also took his politics south of the border with his election to Dail Eireann in February of this year. Sinn Fein is now inviting members of the public to a discussion on moving towards a new republic on October 7th in Galway where they’re looking at all Ireland co-operation in various bodies and organisations but ultimately Irish unity
Miriam Duffy, Executive Director of the Rape Crisis Centre – Midwest spoke to Morning Focus about the services the centre provides. Rape or sexual assault is one of the most devastating of human experiences. The statistics are shocking and the topic taboo. Yet it happens to women, men and children – young and old, during daylight or in the dead of night, at home, at work, by people they know or complete strangers. The pain, terror, helplessness and humiliation involved result in severe distress, which can have an impact on every aspect of your life. Abuse prevents the development of feelings of trust and safety and requires professional intervention which the Rape Crisis Charity devotes all their resources to step in and work with survivors. Those at Rape Crisis look after all of them – providing comfort, medical support, counselling – legal and psychological, and help rebuild a shattered life. The Centre is hosting a Fundraiser at the Limerick Greyhound Stadium on October 7th
Professor of Climatology & Air Pollution at the Department of Geography of NUI Maynooth – John Sweeney, discussed weather trends affecting Ireland at the moment and explained how long range forecasts cannot be relied upon. Professor John Sweeney has been a lecturer at the Geography Department NUI Maynooth, since 1978. He currently leads a number of nationally funded funded research projects examining various aspects of climate change in Ireland. As one of the contributing Authors and Review Editors of the recently published Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), John shared with several hundred other climatologists the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.
Also on today’s show;
Sharon Meaney, Development Co-ordinator with the Clare Volunteer Centre joined Morning Focus live in studio to talk about National Day of Volunteering. This year is the third year that the Clare Volunteer Centre is participating in the event. Each year various events take place which give people a chance to give volunteering a go and allows community and voluntary groups to raise awareness of the fantastic work that goes on all year round, often un-noticed. This year, the national flagship event is a Knit-A-Thon. There will be various knit-a-thons going on around the county, whereby volunteers are encouraged to knit items for charity. They wanted to look for a public event to highlight awareness of the day, the Clare Volunteer Centre and the various community and voluntary groups. We are organising a public display of knitting produced by community and voluntary groups on the 30 September. The knitting will be displayed on the sculptures which are part of the Ennis Sculpture Trail, and the community and voluntary groups will get the opportunity to raise awareness of their group by showcasing the many and varied colours of community spirit in Clare.
Anne McMahon, Principal of Scoil na Maighdine Muire in Newmarket on Fergus explained Fashion at the Castle – a charity fashion show which takes place at Dromoland Castle on Wednesday night. All money raised will go to the school funds. TV3’s Noel Cunningham is hosting the event, and there will be special guest appearances on the catwalk, including Master Chef’s Nick Munier. Tickets can be got from the school or from Colette Gilbert 086 816 3243.
Clare ISPCA Warden, Frankie Coote, gave us advice on the proper care of animals in his weekly feature.
If you have a comment or query for Morning Focus you can email the show at [email protected] or text Clare FM followed by your comment to 53030
