On today’s edition of The Afternoon Show Gavin Grace spoke with Mark Beazley, Executive Director of Dogs Trust Ireland – Ireland’s largest dog welfare charity – following the news that Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney is to introduce compulsory microchipping for dogs. The charity has hailed the Government’s commitment to the plan for all dogs as a watershed for dog welfare. Dogs Trust has long campaigned for the introduction of compulsory microchipping, which has proven to be the most effective way of ensuring lost dogs are returned to their owners. Andrew Dundass is the Clare Chair of the Irish Farmers Association and also joined Gavin to discuss the IFA’s reaction. They say microchipping can play a major role in preventing attacks on sheep flocks and the resulting horrific consequences. However, this will only work provided microchipping is matched with a comprehensive central database and effective controls – the group also says that the introduction of the micro chips should mean the abolition of dog licenses.
Willie Keane, from Lisdeen in Kilkee is one of Clare’s best known runners, winning 56 NACA Irish senior titles and 16 Clare championships in the 1960s and 1970s. He joined Gavin on the show to talk about a special tribute night to honour his achievements, entitled Born to Run, will be held in the Stella Maris Hotel, Kilkee at 8pm this Sunday. The event is a sell-out, and all proceeds will be donated to the West Clare Mini Marathon cancer fund.
On today’s instalment in our “Calling Home” series, Gavin spoke to Willie Brogan from Killaloe, who is now living in Japan. Willie has been living and working in Hokkaido, in the Thoroughbred Horse Breeding Industry and has been there for the past 18 months. He talks to Gavin about how he found himself in Japan, the work he does and his plans for the future. If you or a loved one has emigrated we’d like to hear from them. Please email [email protected] or contact Clare FM on 065 682 88 88.
Pat Spillane, Kerry Football Legend and GAA Pundit was also a guest of The Afternoon Show today. He spoke to Gavin about his own struggles with high cholesterol. Pat has become a spokesperson for a new campaign to tackle the medical issue. According to the Irish Heart Foundation, in Ireland approximately 10,000 people die each year from cardiovascular disease (CVD), accounting for more deaths than breast cancer, prostate cancer and bowel cancer combined. Having too much cholesterol in your blood increases your risk of heart disease. Pat has had raised cholesterol and has become a spokesman for raising awareness of the implications of high cholesterol and the steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of heart disease. Pat has launched the Flora Pro Activ Cholesterol Club, which provides useful information and free cholesterol tests for cholesterol-concerned consumers.
Stephen McDermott, presenter of Clare FM’s Your Tunes and our resident Movie Reviewer was also in studio to review “Trance”, the latest from Danny Boyle with James McEvoy and “Seven Psychopaths” with Colin Farrell, Christopher Walken, Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrellson, released lately on DVD.
To contact the show please email [email protected]
