On Friday, Morning Focus broadcast live from Dromoland Castle, Golf & Country Club, the host to The KPMG Women’s Irish Open.
On Today’s busy show, Alan Morrissey was joined by numerous guests. Firstly he was joined by Mark Nolan, Managing Director of Dromoland and Eamonn O’Donnell who is Director of Gold at Dromoland. Mark explained how they secured the 2023 KPMG Irish Open for this year in Dromoland. Eamonn highlighted the increase in participation and popularity in women’s golf.
Concerned parents and guardians have been left with a significant headache after Bus Eireann cancelled an important school route. The cancellation of the route, from Cratloe through Coolycvasey into Sixmilebridge and onto the the secondary schools in Shannon, means parents have to now alter their travel plans in the morning and were given less than a days notice. Nollette Darcy is one of those parents who have been stranded with no information,solutions or answers from Bus Eireann. Alan spoke with Nolette about the tough situation her and other families have to tackle. Bus Éireann has issued Clare Fm with a statement.
Alan was then joined by Pat Dowling,the Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Adrian Kelly, project lead for Clare County Council and Chief Fire Officer and Inspector Paul Slattery, of Shannon Garda Station. Pat spoke about the amazing atmosphere in Dromoland and highlighted the importance of the crossagency cooperation that helped organise the event. Adrian discussed the opportunity the KPMG Women’s Irish Open has given Clare from a tourism perspective. Paul informed everyone of the traffic arrangements that are in place.
Christiane Leahy, founder of a new birth preparation course also joined the conversation. Miltown Malbay Community Centre will be hosting a new birth preparation course from next week.
Alan then moved onto guests, Councilor Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleachh, Clare Couty Council and Leonard Cleary, Director of Tourism Development, Clare County Council. Joe complimented the staff of Dromoland Castle for hosting the event at such a high standard. He also outlined the incredible Irish Fest that took place in Milwaukee a few weeks ago. Leonard outlined the importance of local media partnering with local communities and the tourism industry in promoting these events.
DJ O’Sullivan also joined Alan on today’s busy show. Today sees the launch of ‘Lead The Way’, the new single from Clare Band XIII Doors. The hard rock/ heavy metal group are led by singer and multi-instrumentalist DJ O’Sullivan, who hails from the West of Ireland and was raised in Shannon.
Afterwards, Alan was joined by Sean Lally, the Chair of Clare Tourism Advisory Forum and Zoe Fitz-Costa, Tournament Business Manager for the Ladies European Tour. Sean explained that golfing tourists are one of the main target markets for tourism in the county. Zoe mentioned that it’s brilliant to be back in Ireland and to host some home golf competitions to promote golf in Ireland.
Previously, Alan paid a visit to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park to speak with Deirdre O’ Brien Vaughan, the director of Irish Traditional Music Institute and Nora Casey, medieval Banquet Harpist. This weekend will see Bunratty Castle & Folk Park playing host to a unique celebration of the Irish Harp and its special place in Irish folklore and culture. This is the first time ‘A Celebration of the Irish Harp’ will take place and the event coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet.
Towards the end of the show Alan was joined by Padraic McElwee, the Head of Local Enterprise Office Clare and Senior Executive Officer of Shannon Municipal District, Anne Griffin. Anne announced that there will be a festival held in Newmarket-on-Fergus that will take place this Saturday and Sunday. Padraic spoke about the fantastic buzz going around the town and thanked Clare County Council, Anne and her team for helping them showcase the area.
You can listen to the full interview below.
