The show opened this morning with reactions to the Programme for Government. The long-awaited Programme for Government which was published this week commits to increasing GP capacity, and could – ultimately – lead to a reduction in pressure on Emergency Departments. That's according to the National Association of GPs who say that if they're properly resourced, primary care centres may be able to look after areas including diagnostics, physiotherapy, dieticians and occupational therapy. Dr Yvonne Williams VP NAGP and Shannon-based GP spoke to Gavin. A very significant element of the programme is a pledge to examine the reopening of garda stations. A raft of barracks were closed by the Fine Gael/Labour Government in a move that caused deep anger in the communities affected. Nine stations were closed in Clare. Quin, Inagh, Broadford, Mountshannon, Doonbeg, Kilmihil, Lahinch and Labasheeda closed in 2013, while before that the doors fo the station in Carrigaholt were shut. Now, six will be revived nationally – and those chosen will be announced following a review by the Garda Inspectorate due to take place over the eight weeks. Michael 'Malty' McDonagh Retired detective Garda & #GE16 candidate gave his view on the issue.
Next we heard how the Pope is to consider women deacons. Pope Francis says he's willing to create a commission to study whether women can serve as deacons in the Catholic Church. Deacons are ordained ministers but are not priests and currently only married men can be one. Vatican observers say it is not signal by the pope that he's thinking of allowing women priests. Redemptorist Priest Fr Tony Flannery was threatened with excommunication from the Catholic Church for suggesting that, in the future, women might become priests and calling for this and other matters to be open for discussion. Fr. Flannery is also the founder of the Association of Catholic Priests. He says the pope has give a clear commitment to explore the possibility of women deacons. He believes that once women are allowed to preach from the altar and take part in the sacraments, people will become more comfortable with the idea of female priests. He anticipates the move will meet resistance, but believes Pope Francis is taking a more and more courageous stance on this issue. Rita O'Brien was part of a high-profile campaign to block a male-only permanent diaconate for the Diocese of Killaloe in 2014. Due to the weight of opposition to the project, the diocese decided to defer the plan. Rita is delighted at the pope's decision. Both Fr Tony Flannery and Rita O'Brien were on the line with Gavin.
President Michael D Higgins will be in Tulla this afternoon. The President is attending a ceremony, organised by the locally-based Chnoc na Gaoithe Comhaltas branch, who are honouring seven organisations and individuals who have made a significant contribution in the Tulla and East Clare area over the past century. Breda McNanamara, Charperson of the Cnoc na Gaoithe Comhaltas Cultural Centre in Tulla, told Gavin more when they met earlier in the week.
The warm weather has meant plenty of opportunity for people to get out and about. With North Clare's very own Happiness Week beginning this Saturday, Clare FM's Cian Kearns paid a visit to Lahinch to find out what puts people there in good form. He took a stroll along the promenade and asked those he met what makes them happy.
Next we heard more about good vibes in North Clare. Starting tomorrow (Sat 14), a series of events will take place around North Clare aimed at spreading happiness. It's all part of the 3rd annual North Clare Happiness Week. The non-profit project sees nearly 30 events taking place, including yoga sessions, mindfulness workshops, free film screenings and more, each aimed at improving people's well being and state-of-mind. Bob Vernon Founding member of North Clare Happiness Week was in studio with all the details.
The Green-Schools’ National Walk to School Week 2016, the eighth annual celebration of walking to school, takes place from May 16th to 20th in schools across the country. Green-Schools National Walk to School Week is a country-wide initiative which will result in thousands of pupils, their parents and teachers walking to and from school, to celebrate the environmental, health, social and financial benefits of active travel on the school journey. Building on the success of last year’s National Walk to School Week, Green-Schools hopes that schools will help it surpass last year’s figure of 40,000 people walking to school, on National WOW (Walk on Wednesday) Day on May 18th. Green school's officer Roisín Garvey was in studio to Gavin more.
Next we had our weekly arts slot with Siobhan Mulcahy, Clare County Arts Officer. She highlighted upcoming events including:
Music –
Friday: Glór – Le vent du Nord and in Kilkee – the Boruma Trio
Weekend Festivals: Ennis – The Gospel Rising Festival; Tulla – Feile Cnoc na Gaoithe;
Saturday: Killaloe – Tredagh Singers choir
Film –
Saturday: Killkee – Atlantic
Fri / Tues / Thurs: Bealtaine Film Screenings
Visual Arts –
Friday: Ennis – Embrace; Scariff – Launch of Art Trail
Monday: Burren College of Art Workshops
Children’s Events –
Saturday: Pinnochio in glor
Thurs: Bealtaine Storytime in Shannon.
We also heard about upcoming weekend events. Grainne Griffin was on the line to tell Gavin about a table quiz for Pieta House Friday night in Peadar O'Loughlin's Bar in Miltown Malbay at 9pm. Funds go to Pieta House. Londis staff are organising the event to support staff Helen O'Leary and Martin McGuane who are doing a sky-dive in Offaly as part of a national fundraising event for Pieta House.
Kathy Harmon spoke about Casino Night to raise funds for new Ennistymon Midsummer Festival. This takes place at The Falls Hotel, Ennistymon. Doors open at 7.15pm with the event getting underway at 8.15pm. The festival will take place from June 23-26
And we heard from Olga Ryan about the launch of Killaloe Pink Ribbon Walk 2016 taking place on Sunday, 6pm – Flanagan's on the Lake, Killaloe . The walk itself will be taking place this year on June 26 at the Lakeside hotel Killaloe. Registration online at www.pinkribbonwalk.ie
Clare FM's Stephen McDermot was on with a report from the bed push in aid of Cahercalla Communnity Nursing Home and Hospice.
We had Diarmuid McMahon MD Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, Emily Susan Ryan YouTube blogger and Paul Madden MD Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis in for the Friday Panel. They discussed Employment & job creation; Should illegal dumpers be publically shamed? and Dress codes in the workplace.
And to round off the week Declan O'Rourke was in for an interview with Gavin. He even played a few tunes!
