On Monday’s Morning Focus, Morning Focus broadcast from the Perochial Hall in Sixmilebridge in honour of the unveiling of the Dr. Brendan O’Regan statue later today.
Guests included Family members of Dr. Brendan O’Regan Andrew and Margaret, and long standing friend Fr. Harry Bohan. Andrew and Margaret explained how they had aided the creation of the statue. Fr.Harry, who had been featured on the show recently, described his and Dr. Brendan’s relationship.
Syl O’Connor, Sixmilebridge Hurling Club Chairman, Niall Gilligan, former senior hurling All Ireland Winner and Derrick Lynch, Clare FM’s Sports Editor also joined the conversation and discussed Clare’s recent heartbreak defeat in yesterdays All Ireland Semi-Final against Kilkenny.
Afterwards, Shannon based Sinn Féin Councillor Donna McGettigan spoke about her recent achievement of becoming the first woman to be appointed Cathaoirleach and her main priorities. Owner of EI Electronics Mick Guinee also made an appearance to speak about Brendan and why EI Electronics has funded the statue.
Communications officer of Sixmilebridge Town Team, Mark Noonan and Town regeneration Officer for the Clare County Council, Linda Earlie discussed the Sixmilebridge Town Team Plan.
Alan then interviewed Neil Pakey, President and CEO of the Toronto City Airport’s passenger terminal about his involvement in the funding of the statue.
CEO of Shannon Chamber Helen Downes highlighted how Shannon Chambers helped to find sponsors for the project.
John Crowe, Fine Gael Councillor for the Shannon area from Sixmilebridge and PJ Ryan, Independent Councillor for the Shannon area from Cratloe took the time to discuss some of the issues that the Sixmilebridge community are facing.
Chairperson of the Sixmilebridge Historical Society, David Deighan stated that without the work of Dr. Brendan O’Regan, the community of Sixmilebridge may not even exist today.
Finally, our final guest that had appeared was Seamus Connolly, one of the country’s leading bronze sculptors and the creator of the statue of Dr. Brendan O’Regan. He described the process he went through to create the statue.
To coincide with this event, Clare FM’s programme director Padraic Flaherty has produced an hour-long documentary on the life of Brendan O’Regan and has recently been aired here on Clare FM.
You can listen to the full interview below.
