Morning Focus – Wednesday 01/11/17

A lively midweek edition of Morning Focus included an interview with one of Ireland’s funniest men, John Kenny.

John joined Pat Flynn in studio to chat about a forthcoming production of John B Keane’s ‘The Successful TD’ at glór, Ennis. Listen back below:

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The show opened with Wednesday’s top story, the first in a series of strike actions by workers at Iarnród Éireann. Pat spoke with Cllr Tony O’Brien, who is a member of the NBRU. Meanwhile, Clare FM’s Muireann Duffy gathered the views of affected commuters.

The issue of surrogacy was next up for discussion. The General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill has just been published and Pat heard some concerns from NUIG law lecturer, Dr Brian Tobin.

After than, Pat then spoke to Andrew Kelly, a native of Shannon who has just been elected President of the European Airlines Association.

The show then heard the moving story of Ennis man Noel Pilkington who suffers from a rare neurological condition CIDP – it causes progressive weakness of the limbs. Noel joined Pat in studio to discuss his struggle with the condition. Listen to Noel’s interview below:

Then, the talk turned to the issue of spending on school tours. Muireann Duffy gathered the views of some families on the streets of Ennis, while Pat spoke to Ross McMahon of the National Parents Council, Post Primary on the costs that some families face. Listen back below:

Frances Byrne of Early Childhood Ireland then joined Pat on the line to talk about the rising costs of childcare.

There was plenty of entertainment on the show too, with Flo McSweeney who will be performing in Ladies in Blue at glór on November 3. Listen back below:

Literature was the next topic on the show, with Pat being joined by author Olive Collins. Olive’s written a novel ‘The Tide Between Us’, set in Jamaica in the 1800s.

As always on a Wednesday, the show rounded off with a visit from vet John Underhill of Burren Vets, Ennistymon. Listen back below: