The show began this morning with further reactions to Roche closure. There's ongoing shock in Clarecastle and the wider Ennis area after hopes that Roche could be sold as a going concern were dashed. Today Dep Michael Harty has now called for cross-party pressure on state agencies including the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to find an alternative pharmaceutical industry for the Clarecastle site. Dep Harty's says Minister Mary Mitchell O'Connor has arranged a meeting with IDA and elected representatives today (Thursday, May 19) to discuss the collapse of the proposed transfer of the Roche plant. Following this meeting Dr Harty says it should be clear what is possible in relation to saving the jobs in Clarecastle. Pat Flynn spoke with Dr Michael Harty, TD, Ind to get the latest.
Next we heard from community childcare facilities in Kilrush and Kilkee which are still awaiting opening dates. Families in Kilrush and Kilkee were among those hit by the closure last February of the West Clare Early Years community childcareservice. A total of five centres in the west of the county closed with just days notice, leaving hundreds of families in difficulty. While efforts to re-open services have been largely successful, there's been no replacement service available yet for families in Kilrush and Kilkee. According to Clare Local Development Company, the target opening date for Cairde Beag Kilrush and Kilkee has been revised to mid-May. CLDC says that some issues outside of its control have yet to be finalised. Doirin Graham CEO of Clare Local Development Company was on the line.
Tomorrow (20th) is National Time to Talk Day, a day aimed at encouraging people to make the time and space for conversation about mental health. The initiative is supported by Shine, the national organisation dedicated to the rights and empowerment of all people affected by mental ill health. It's all part of the Green Ribbon Campaign 2016 which runs throughout the month of May and encourages organisations and communities to talk more openly and frequently about mental health and recovery. Ann-Marie Flanagan, Shine MidWest Regional Development Officer, told Pat why the day was so important.
On our weekly, “Ask the GP” item, Dr Maire Finn from Ennis Family Medical Centre was in studio to discuss prostate problems and answer listener's questions.
Then we turned to Clare FM's Charity Month in support of Cahercalla Hospice. As you know, Clare FM has teamed up with Cahercalla Hospice to help raise vital funds to support its wonderful services. Over the next couple of weeks, we're hearing the personal stories of those who've benefitted from the care of Cahercalla. Michael Maher from Inch lost his wife, Anne, to cancer in 2008. Like Michael, Anne who was in her late 50s when she passed away was deeply involved in both hurling and camogie. She was chairperson of Kilmaley Camogie Club at the time of her death. Michael and Anne were childhood sweethearts and married in the early 1970s. Two of their six children were born at Cahercalla which still had maternity services at the time. Little did the couple know when starting out in married life that Anne would later pass away under the care of Cahercalla Hospice. Anne had received the all clear after breast cancer at the age of 56, but around a year later a secondary cancer was found. Michael spoke to Morning Focus producer Fiona McGarry and described the family's reaction to the diagnosis.
Until Friday May 27th Clare FM is asking our listeners to raise funds for Cahercalla Hospice who do amazing work under very difficult circumstances. There are many ways of raising funds, please promote. Text 57252 followed by Clare FM (no space) for €2. We are also running our €1 appeal, please drop €1 into our studio’s at Francis Street, Ennis or donate money online by logging onto Clare.FM and follow the on-screen prompts which are 100% secure.
Next Michelle Flannery from Busy Bee Garden & Tea Rooms, Clondrinagh was in studio for our weekly gardening slot.
Then we turned to the question: are teenagers become obsessed with their “cyber self”? There is growing concern over the pressure placed on teenagers to present a “perfect” online persona. “Selfies” are carefully crafted and manipulated before being posted online and the number of “likes” a post gets has become a new measure of popularity. A leading cyberpsychologist, Dr. Mary Aiken, has questioned the effect this focus on image is having, going so far as to call for an internet ban for children under the age of 14. To find out more, Clare FM's Cian Kearns visited Scoil Mhuire in Ennistymon where he asked school principle, Seosaimhin Ui Dhomhnallain, and her students about their use of social media. Alex O'Keefe, Regional Manager with the ISPCC was on the line with advice for teenagers to stay safe online.
Next Saturday (21st) a children's book with a difference will be launched at the Ennis Bookshop. The dyslexia friendly, “Nature's Hidden Adventures” is filled with stories about local Irish wildlife and aims to open children's eyes to world around them. To coincide with the launch at 10:30 am, there'll also be a children's writing workshop. Clare man, Shane Casey, is the author of the book and he joined Pat in studio.
As part of their Science Rising campaign, this May sees Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) shining a spotlight on health. One of the things they've looked into is the science behind the things Irish mammies say. We’ve all been told at one stage or another to bundle up in winter to avoid catching a cold, as well as the magical powers of carrots and Vitamin C, but is there any truth to these tales? Prof Mark Ferguson, Director General of the Science Foundation Ireland and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government is on the line to put us straight.
Finally today we heard from the Irish national research vessel, the Celtic Explorer. The ship is currently undertaking the first ever seabed survey of the North Atlantic. There are 21 graduate students and researchers from Europe, Canada and the Untied States on the expedition. Yesterday, Pat spoke with two of those on board the RV Celtic Explorer. Xavier Monteys is a marine biologist from the Geographical Survey of Ireland and chief Scientist on board the vessel. We also heard from NUIG student Jamie Maxwell.
