On Wednesday's Morning Focus; Clare hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald claims that some players were using harder stuff than drink before his appointment in 2011 and says that he had to tackle that mind-set before he could even begin to target an All Ireland title. In a wide-ranging and emotional speech to students at Limerick Institute of Technology about his own experiences with bullying and the importance of mental health, Fitzgerald revealed how he had changed the attitudes of some of the Clare players. John Cooke played some of Davy's speech and discussed many of the areas that Davy spoke about, including mental and physical health and bullying, with Colm Kees of the Irish Independent.
Up next as the debate continues over the New York St Patrick Day parade John spoke to the Mayor of Clare Joe Arkins about his decision to march in the event despite some feeling that the parade is excluding gay and lesbian people. John also spoke to Orla Vaughan from Kilfenora. Orla is a gay woman living in Clare and she gave her thoughts on the New York St Patrick Day parade.
GAA legend and Tyrone Manager Mickey Harte spoke to John about all things GAA. Mickey is also an Ambassador for The Hurley-Hoey Memorial Run/Walk. This Hurley-Hoey Memorial Run/Walk is held in memory of two well known figures in the Doora-Barefield parish, Ger Hoey and Eilish Hurley. Whilst it is under the Hurley-Hoey banner, the intention of the organizers is very much to give runners/walkers the opportunity to participate in an event in memory of their own loved ones. The second staging of the Hurley-Hoey will take place on Saturday March 8th in Gurteen, Doora with all money raised going to two local charities. Run is open to all participants over 16 years of age.
Ciana Campbell, Chairperson of the Organising Committee for Ennis Book Festival and Ann Knox member of the Organising Committee for Ennis Book Festival joined John in studio to chat about this weekend's event. The Ennis Book festival takes place from the 7th until the 9th of March. The programme is wonderfully varied. It includes fiction, poetry, social comment, literature and drama. Explore and celebrate these through readings, lectures, workshops and theatre. They have author readings, discussions, theatre, workshops, advice on reading lists, poetry and events as Gaeilge. You can compare notes and meet with other readers and enjoy wonderful walking tours through the narrow streets and lanes of Ennis. The Ennis Book Club Festival is a terrific social and literary gathering bringing together book club members and readers from Ireland and beyond. Combine your love of reading with a great weekend away!
Finally Paul Wolfe of the Clare Citizens' Information Service was in studio to answer listeners' social welfare, employment and consumer law queries.
Contact Clare Citizens' Information Service on 076 1075260.
If you have a story, comment or query for Morning Focus email [email protected] or write to us – Morning Focus, Clare FM, Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.
