On Thursday’s Morning Focus we looked at how the University of Limerick last week launched a new initiative to reserve some of its accommodation exclusively for students who are gay or transgender.
The so-called ‘Rainbow House’ initiative is the first of its kind in Ireland. It’s been generating some debate on social media about whether or not it might actually be counter-productive in fostering a spirit of inclusion. Colin Lynch from Carrigaholt is the Vice President for Academic Affairs at UL Student Life and he’s been involved in the debate on social media. He’s been speaking to Morning Focus producer Fiona McGarry and he began by explaining what the Rainbow House initiative at UL is.
Well, after posting about the Rainbow House and questioning whether or not it might be a retrograde step, in segregating students, Mayor of Clare, Cllr Cathal Crowe has been forced to defend himself against the suggestion that his remarks were ‘homophobic’. He’s joined us live on the show to explain himself.
You may have seen a recent TV investigation suggesting that up to 6,000 greyhounds are put down every year in Ireland – simply because they’re deemed unsuitable for racing or coursing.
A Prime Time investigation revealed disturbing instances of perfectly healthy dogs being euthanised at knackeries, in some cases for as little at €10 each.
Since that programme, the Irish Greyhound Board has pledged to introduce a number of new welfare measures. This has included increasing funding for rescue and re-homing projects which would save dogs from slaughter.
One of those is the Clare Greyhound Sanctuary. Morning Focus Producer Fiona McGarry went to find out more about its work this week from Petra Meyer who runs the re-homing service.
Petra is among those calling for a reduction in the number of dogs bred annually. Morning Focus Producer, Fiona McGarry, who interviewed Petra, also spoke to Ger Dollard the CEO of the Irish Greyhound Board. He’s taking issue with some of the estimates of the over-breeding rate in the sector, which are based on a report commissioned by IGB itself.
The next guests that featured on the show have a combined age of 161 years and they’re certainly not letting that hold them back, in fact, they’re making their age a virtue by publishing a beautiful collection of memories, photographs and stories from their native Miltown through the years.
Patsy and Cyril Jones will launch their book ‘Lovely Old Miltown’ at The Armada Hotel, Spanish Point next Monday night at 7.30pm.
The idea for the book came about from the wealth of photos, newspaper cuttings, anecdotes and printed information left behind by Cyril’s mother Kathleen who died in 1991.
Kathleen developed a deep interest in photography in the early 1930s and over the years built up a huge collection of photos.
Many of her photos were published as postcards. She also collected newspaper cuttings, made notes, recorded stories and events. The book is a fantastic collection of stories, history, photographs and maps of the areas of Miltown Malbay and Spanish Point.
Much of the information is taken from Kathleen’s private family collection and has not previously been published.
One of the most eagerly anticipated agricultural shows of the summer gets under way in Bridgetown on Sunday next. It’s the South East Clare Show and it’s got something for everyone including a wide range of competitions, live entertainment, lots for the kids, as well as a chance for one family to win a trip to Disneyland. Anika Schous-Ryan told Morning Focus Producer Fiona McGarry all about it.
We have our weekly arts round up of events and goings on across Clare with Siobhán Mulcahy, County Clare Arts Officer.
MUSIC
Thurs – Concert at the Cave in Doolin & Seán Shannon in glór
Fri – The Nelson Eddie Profile in Kilkee
Sat – Kieran Goss in Kilkee Meitheal in glór
Sun – Charlie McGettigan in Liscannor
Weds – Riches of Clare VISUAL ARTS Ennistymon Courthouse
FILM
Thurs – Paddington in Sixmilebridge Smallfoot in Kilkee
Fri – Ralph breaks the Internet – Shannon
Monday – Up – Ennis Finding Dory – Scariff
Tues – Florence Foster Jenkins in Scariff
DANCE
Thursday – Dancemasters in Shannon
Sunday – Kizomba in Lahinch
LITERATURE
Saturday – Creative Writing in Doonbeg
To end the program we heard from Saoirse Brady, Legal and Policy director of the Children Rights Alliance about last night’s RTÉ documentary about a number of creches in Dublin under investigation. She gave advise to parents to the county of Clare for any children attending creches today or in the future.
