The show opened this morning with a Corofin doctor on humanitarian mission in Greece. Corofin GP Fergus Glynn is currently working at camps which have sprung up around the village of Idomeni in Northern Greece, as part of the humanitarian response to the refugee crisis. Conditions in Idomeni are dire with an estimated 13-thousand people effectively trapped because of the closure of the border with neighbouring Macedonia. Dr Fergus Glynn of Corofin Medical Centre was on the line and he described how desperate the situation is.
Next we heard from a SF member who says the county's four TDs have betrayed the mandate given to them by the people of Clare. The accusation's come from Sinn Fein General Election candidate Noeleen Moran. She's claiming people are disappointed that, instead of securing change, voters have only been given more of the same with the return to power of Enda Kenny. She's slammed FF TD Timmy Dooley for 'propping up' a minority FG government, describing the relationship between the parties as 'a coalition by way of the back door'.
When it comes to the position of Ind TD, Dr Michael Harty, Ms Moran is equally disparaging saying his support for Enda Kenny was given without any reference to the rural issues that he championed during his election campaign.
Gardai have been accused of intimidating clients of the county's pubs because of the time at which they're calling to check late night exemptions. The claim was made at this week's JPC meeting. Garda Chief Super John Kerin said, in response, the force was taking a 'practical approach' and, while they didn't intend to hurry clients out, they wouldn't allow pubs to be open without the correct exemption. Vitners also say that the VFI will create up to 17-thousand additional temporary jobs this summer, across the country. That's up to 5-thousand more than would normally be created in the summer season. Charlie O'Meara, Clare Chair VFI outlined the vitners concerns.
Anne Hayes, secretary of Clare Comhaltas Ceolteori Eireann, was on the line to clarify participation rules for All-Ireland Fleadh. Anne says there's confusion about qualification for the All Ireland Fleadh. She'd like to make it clear that people have to compete at county and Munster level if they want to take part in Ennis in August.
A Clare-born teaching working in Dundalk has proven the value of sport in schools as a motivator on – and off – the field of play. Brendan O'Mahony from Clohanmore, Cree, has been involved with the Sky Sport Living for Sport initiative since 2012. Last year, his work at O'Fiach College was selected as Project of the Year and this year Brendan has taken the invididual honour of Teacher of the Year. He told Gavin aboutreceiving the award.
The deadline for VHI mini-marathon is midnight tonight. With just hours left to sign up for this year's VHI Women's Mini-Marathon on Monday June 6, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland is making a final appeal to the women of Clare to sign up today and help raise much-needed funds for the charity. As part of its "One in 1,000" appeal, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, the national charity supporting people with cystic fibrosis and their families, is hoping to recruit 1,000 women and become one of the biggest charity contingents to take part in this year's event. Nuala Carey, preenter with Met Eireann, is a long-time supporter of CFI and she was on the line. For more information, visit www.cfireland.ie, telephone LoCall 1890 311 211 or email [email protected].
Next we heard why paying for watercan be a good thing. While payments to Irish Water might be suspended, my next guest is hoping people will still pay for water when it's for a good cause. The Lions Club of Ennis are launching an initiative to raise funds for four frontline organisations dealing with cancer patients. Their €1 bottles of water will be marketed across the county in the coming weeks and 100% of profits from sales will go toward four nominated charities. Milford Care Centre, Cahercalla Hospice, Slainte an Chlair and West Clare Mini Marathon Cancer Centre will all benefit as the Lions aim to reach their goal of €20,000 raised for cancer charities. Shirley Mangan President of the Lyons Club of Ennis and Gerry Broderick from Clare Spring Waterwere in studio to tell Gavin more.
This afternoon a talented young musician from Ennis will launch a CD to raise funds for the Lifeboats. Amy McNamara, 19, has recorded seven songs for the release, including two originals. The CD will be launched at 4pm today (Weds., May 11) at the Clare County Council and proceeds will be used to support the RNLI. Amy McNamara Ennis musician & student was in studio to chat with Gavin and play some tunes from the album.
Next we had Morning Focus Book Club. Teresa Carmody O'Shea Staff officer, Clare County Library and Cora Gunter, Executive Librarian in the De Valera Library in Ennis were in studio to talk books.
A group of influential media from Germany, Spain and the US are in The Burren this week (May 9 – 11) to experience and sample one of Ireland’s best tourism and local gastronomy destinations – The Burren. Included in the visiting group is Frances Folsom who writes for the Boston Globe and Dallas Morning News, which have a combined circulation of over 2 million. The trip, organised by Fáilte Ireland, in conjunction with Tourism Ireland, will allow the journalists to enjoy a showcase of the vast selection of seasonal and local produce on the County Clare leg of the Wild Atlantic Way. Frances Folsom of the Boston Globe and the Dallas Morning News spoke to Gavin about the trip.
John Underhill was in to answer listneres queries on his weekly Ask the Vet slot.
Finally today, we heard from Margaret Keane. She's hoping to raise money for the dogs by jumping out of an airplane. Margaret Keane is part of a group of four going skydiving to raise funds for the Ennis Dog Pound. She'll take the plunge this June to support the animal shelter and help with the high costs of veterinary bills. Herself and Martina Flaherty from Baby Dog Rescue joined Gavin in studio.
