Monday’s show, like conversations generally, was dominated by the COVID-19 outbreak.
The topic was even to the fore when Gavin began the programme by speaking with Senator Martin Conway, who was re-elected to Seanad Éireann for the third time this past Friday. They discussed government formation, while the Ennistymon representative also issued a plea to holidaymakers to stay away from Clare this upcoming Easter weekend, as part of the social distancing guidelines.
We also heard from Anne-Marie Flanagan, who outlined her future political ambitions while reflecting on her own unsuccessful Seanad bid.
Next on the programme, we took the opportunity to highlight the continuing work of the Bushypark Treatment Addiction Centre in Ennis. Orla Killeen King, an Integrated Addiction Counsellor, told us how they’re continuing to support clients over the phone, and she also urged those struggling with addictions to reach out for help.
Bushypark can be contacted on 065 684 0944.
Following this, Rita McInerney from Doonbeg tlaked about two strong community responses in the area. One has seen a host of locals support older people in their communities during the ongoing pandemic, while the other came in very different circumstaces on Sunday afternoon when hundreds of people from in and around the Long Village turned out and lined the route of a procession for the remains of the popular local priest, Fr. Joe Haugh.
After 10 a.m., Sgt. Triona Brooks discussed joined us for our regular Garda FOcus slot, and then Bernard Purcell of the Irish World newspaper in London discuss the COVID-19 pandemic there. The UK has almost 5,000 deaths to date as a result of coronavirus, while Prime Minister Boris Johnson is among those hospitalised as a result of the condition.
Adrian Weckler, the Irish Independent’s Tech Editor, discussed the Zoom app which allows for video conferences by groups, and outlined how its usage has soared worldwide in light of the pandemic, and more people working from home.
Finally, as we usually would do on a Monday, we talked sport, or namely the lack of sport at this time. Clare football captain Eoin Cleary, Clare hurler David Fitzgerald, and dual star Niamh O’Dea all spoke of how they’re missing sport, and training, while still keeping the situation in perspective.
You can get in touch with the show at any time on [email protected] and we will be back with more on Tuesday from 9:00.
