Morning Focus opened with news that teams from Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are set to meet later to discuss arrangements for a minority government. A deal between the two parties is needed if any stable government is to be formed.
Talks with various groups of independents are also still ongoing. The Fianna Fail leader believes Fine Gael must enter today's talks with an open mind towards a Fianna Fail minority government. Pat was joined in studio by Former Minister Tony Killeen, FF
Last October, Martin and Trevor White of AAA Taxis joined Morning Focus to explain why they were getting involved in the Taxi Watch suicide prevention initiative.
Since then, Trevor says they’ve helped four people who were on their way to taking their own lives. He says that, in each case, the individual spoke to and felt comfortable enough to confide in the taxi driver, after the driver asked appropriate questions when they felt something wasn't right. Further help and care was then given to each person. Each of the four drivers had taken the Safe Talk Suicide Awareness, which helped them to recognise possible signs of suicidal thoughts.
Pat was joined in studio by Trevor White of AAA Taxis, Ennis
The IFA have teamed up with Pieta House to support farm families and Morning Focus looked at the partnership. IFA has been working with Pieta House since 2011 to provide information and support to farmers and their families through the ‘Mind Our Farm Families’ phone line and counselling service.
The 1890 130 022 phone line puts farmers who are feeling suicidal, or their families, in direct contact with a Pieta House trained therapist who can listen and will make an appointment in one of their nine centres, if needed. The therapist will provide a compassionate, solution focussed, one-to-one counselling service completely free of charge. The ‘Mind Our Farm Families’ phone line provides support not just to the person who is feeling suicidal but to concerned family members or friends. Pat spoke with Maura Canning Farm Family & Social Affairs Chairwoman with the IFA.
A Pan Am global reunion begins in Limerick tomorrow (Tuesday, April 12). Stories and experiences of Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) and its unique relationship with Foynes will be shared next week in Limerick where more than 350 former workers and associates of the airline will gather.
Organised by Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum and supported by Fáilte Ireland and the Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau the event, which runs from Tuesday, 12 April through Friday, 15 April represents the final ever Pan Am World Reunion and is only the second to be hosted in Europe.
Pat was joined in studio by Mary Flynn from Cratloe. Mary worked with Pan Am for six years in the 1970s. She says the industry was very glamorous with strict regulation on dress and appearance for herself and other stewardesses. Mary travelled the world with the airline from the base in New York. Pat also spoke by phone to Margaret O'Shaughnessy
Director of Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum.
Morning Focus then looked at the ongoing work of ChangeX in Clare
ChangeX is an organisation dedicated to promoting 30 different proven community projects at locations around Ireland and around the world.
Projects cover the areas of health, education, inclusion, the environment and more. Whether it’s the ‘Men’s Shed’ movement, ’Grow it Yourself (GIY)’ or other social innovations, all of these projects have huge benefits. Today, ChangeX has 2,486 local projects, including many in County Clare.
ChangeX 2016 is working to recruit 2,016 change-makers and volunteers over the coming months to accelerate the growth and impact of all innovations on ChangeX.
Pat spoke to Paul O'Hara, Founder of ChangeX and to Kate Tarpey from Gort who is involved in 121-Digital, an initiatve that brings older and younger people together to share computer and IT skills.
This week's sports panel was joined by Kieran Shannon, sportswriter, sports performance coach & author.
Report from Siofra Mulqueen on Irish abroad in Lanzarote
Fleadh News looked at the venues being used for the Fleadh. Pat was joined in studio by Joe Arkins, Chair of the Venues Sub Committee & Vice Chairman of the Clare County Board of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann
Break.
Pat then spoke to Mark Mellet, Head of Fundraising with The Irish Cancer Society. The society is calling on women of all ages in Clare to sign up to join their team ahead of this year’s VHI Women’s Mini Marathon. Those joining ‘Team Irish Cancer Society’ for the event will be supporting the Society’s free nationwide services for cancer patients and their families. The Mini Marathon, which takes place on Monday, 6th of June 2016, will see over 40,000 women walk, jog and run the 10 kilometre route across Dublin City.
One of the areas supported by mini marathon runners is the Society’s Cancer Support services including the Cancer Nurseline Freephone 1800 200 700 and 13 Daffodil Centres. Together, the services had over 53,000 interactions with members of the public affected by or concerned with cancer last year.
To join team Irish Cancer Society and Get Active in 2016: CallSave 1850 60 60 60 or visit www.cancer.ie/getactive.
