Today’s Morning Focus was a busy one as we broadcasted from the headquarters of Sláinte an Chláir, Clare Cancer Support, Kilnamona, we highlighted the symptoms of Heart Valve Disease and took a look at the Culture Night events taking place this weekend.
The final hour of the programme was a special broadcast from the headquarters of Sláinte an Chláir, Clare Cancer Support, in Kilnamona.
For nearly a decade now, services have been offered by the group to people who have, or who had had, cancer, as well as their family members. Currently, those services include Tai Chi, reflexology, Aqua Aerobics, counselling, a bone exercise class and Arts and Crafts both from their base in Kilnamona and, one day a week, from their outreach centre at Raheen Community Hospital.
This morning, we first heard from Marie Phelan (Joint Treasurer) and Teresa Murrihy (Honorary Chairperson) who spoke about the history of the group, and also its future as Sláinte looks to move to a new premises in Ennis in the coming years. That plan is in its early stages.
Mary McGrath of Labasheeda and Kathleen O’Loughlin of Corofin shared their stories of dealing with cancer, and how Sláinte supported them, before Miriam Donnellan shared her story of how Sláinte provided invaluable support to her after her daughter Maxine died as a result of cancer in Luxembourg.
Mags Queally talked about her role, and that of the Clare public, in supporting SaC through their bingo game that is broadcast each weekday on Clare FM and has quickly become their biggest fundraiser. The programme then finished by hearing from Liz Delaney (Mountshannon), Mary Skehan and Anne Murphy (both from Tulla) who outlined details of the services on offer through Sláinte an Chláir from their second centre in Raheen Hospital, Tuamgraney.
More information is available on Slainte an Chláir, Clare Cancer Support from www.clarecancersupport.com and on 087-6912396. Clare Cancer Support provides access to information about diagnosis, treatment and care. It can also put people in touch with practical, emotional and social support.
Listen back below:
The beef crisis discussion was continued on Morning Focus today, as it appears that despite the removal of at least one blockade by beef farmers (Dawn Meats in Slane), protesters in this county, and at many other sites, remain determined to continue picketing. Pat Hayes, an East Clare farmer and local authority member has been gauging opinion this week at the Ploughing Championships in Carlow. He’s a long-time advocate of greater government support for the beef sector and, while he’s far from fully satisfied with the deal brokered last week, he feels it’s time to wind down the protests over the risk to Ireland’s markets overseas. The show also heard from the Chair of the Beef Plan in Clare, Joseph Woulfe as he spoke to Clare FM’s James Mulhall.
Next on the show a round-up of this weekend events. For Culture Night, Shannon Heritage has announced a lively line-up of events that are set to take place at a number of its locations throughout Ireland. Culture Night will see venues and public spaces across Ireland open its doors to host a programme of free late-night entertainment, as part of an all-island celebration of arts, heritage and culture. Niall O’Callaghan of Shannon Heritage joined us on air to tell us more. Pádraig Cleary, The Irish Fivers spoke to Gavin on-air about The Irish Fivers World Tour of Clare. (along with John Hogan & Peter Fitzgerald).
Morning Focus welcomed a very important segment as Gavin was joined by Patricia Hall, Cardiovascular Nurse Specialist with Croí, who wishes to urge people to be vigilant for the signs of Heart Valve Disease as part of a major European initiative. We also heard from Michael Hurley from Corofin as he knows the signs all too well and has procedures twice (once open surgery and more recently a procedure where the valve is injected into the leg) and is recovering well.
Listen back below:
