On Thursday, Morning Focus broadcast live from the boardroom inside The Clare Museum in Ennis.
Alan Morrissey was joined by numerous guest. Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Councilor Pat Daly discussed the future plans for Ennis and described his role as Mayor. Alan then presented an interview he had recorded with Carmel Shaw, from Ennis Friary. Caramel showed Alan around the Ennis Friary earlier this week and brought him up to date with how things have been at the Friary all the way up until 2021.
John Rattigan, from Ennis Museum spoke with Alan about the Clare Museum and a few of the historical items that are held there and explained that if you have items you think are worthy of being showcased at the museum to get in contact with him.
Later on in the show, Leonore O’Neill, Senior Executive Officer of Ennis Municipal District described the roles she plays day to day. She also highlighted the upcoming Public Realm Enhancement project.
Afterwards Alan spoke with Sharon Meaney, Manager of Clare Volunteer Centre. Sharon provided Alan and Morning Focus listeners with some interesting information about the Clare Volunteer Centre and how to get involved. Cormac Mc Carthy, Chairperson of Ennis Tidy Towns also joined the conversation. Cormac discussed the Communities in Bloom Competition that Ennis Town is competing in and explained how the judges will be judging the town and how the community can help.
Subsequently Hilary Tonge, Founder of Mna ag Gaire outlined the work they do at Mna ag Graire and how you can get involved. Alan also met 3 members of Toastmasters, Frank Gunter, one of the longest running members of the group, Tara Donnellon, a newer member of the group and Robert Bennett who like Frank, has been apart of Toastmasters for over 20 years. Frank reflected on his 25 years of being a member of the group and Tara encouraged listeners to join Toastmasters and become a new member.
Edel Breslin, Managing Director of Oir Tonics also joined Alan to discuss the challenges she had to face when first joining the Ennis Market.
Towards the end of the show Alan spoke with Flan Hehir, from Ennis Men’s Shed. Flan highlighted the positive impact the Ennis Men’s Shed has had on the local community.
Shortly after, John Sweeney, Coordinator of Clare Sports Partnership joined Alan and presented what sports and activities Ennis has to offer. Alan then presented a recorded interview with Colm Liddy, local Historian and Author. Colm and Alan conversed about key moments in Irish history that have taken place in Ennis.
Chief Operating Officer in Ennis, Kevin Corrigan talked about the changes to come for Ennis Town and explained that the changes coming will only have a positive impact on Ennis and it’s community.
Finally Alan was joined by Ennis Pipers Blackie O’Connell and Colleen Shanks. Blackie and Colleen discussed how they got into playing the instrument and closed out the show with an amazing live performance.
You can listen to the full broadcast below.
