Today’s Morning Focus highlighted the importance of sleep to our mental wellbeing, Clare’s Junior Minister welcomed the end of the beef blockade and we finished up with today’s edition of The Sports Panel with Clare FM’s Darren Kelly.
On Morning Focus we were joined by Bríd O’Meara, Director of Services, Aware, as a major conference takes place next month on the topic of depression, the latest research and the steps that we can take to support ourselves and our loved ones if affected. It’s in UCD in Dublin on Saturday, October 12 and it’s open to those experiencing depression, their families and anyone who wants to know more about the condition. Among the lifestyle issues to be discussed will be sleep and its impact on mental and physical wellbeing, a topic that’s particularly appropriate when we’re being told that sleep shortage and insomnia are at almost epidemic levels. We also heard from Deirdre McSwiney, Sleep Technologist who offered her expert opinion on the topic.
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We’ve been talking a lot in recent months and weeks about farming and the future of the beef sector in particular. Continuing that discussion, Morning Focus was joined by Clare’s Junior Minister, Pat Breen, to discuss the ending of the beef factory blockades, concerns over the possible location of the Garda Divisional HQ, and hopes of a deal for staff at Avara in Shannon.
There is, unfortunately, a major concern for the future of medical services in Newmarket-on-Fergus as it is in doubt once again as hopes of filling a GP vacancy have been dashed. It was announced in June that a doctor had been sourced to fill the vacancy left following the retirement of Dr Colm Hackett. Eimear Murphy from Obair, Newmarket-on-Fergus joined Gavin to discuss the GP job vacancy.
Next, for our Garda Focus slot, we were joined by Sgt Tríona O’Rourke, Crime Prevention Officer for Clare Garda Division.
Today Morning Focus also heard from Joseph Woulfe, Chair of Beef Plan in Clare with regards to the beef blockade which has been lifted at Drumquin Kepak plant.
Next on the show, Anna Sheils McNamee, actor and playwright, spoke to Gavin about a new play she has written; ‘My Dad’s Blind’, which is coming to glór in Ennis tomorrow (Tue, Sept 24) night. This play will amuse and move you in equal measure. Centering on a dysfunctional relationship between a blind father and his sighted daughter, ‘My Dad’s Blind’ is a play which uses audio recordings, irreverent comedy and real-life memories to explore a father-daughter relationship and all the awkward, embarrassing and ridiculous ways they struggle to navigate a sighted world with a guide dog that’s just had a stroke.
Now, if you are looking to upgrade your skills and get ready to take on new responsibilities in the workplace, Joe Leddin, Mid West Regional Skills Manager, joined us on air to tell us about an event which may be of interest to you. The Mid West Upskilling Road Show is taking place in Ennis next Wednesday (Sept 25) at the former Town Council, Civic Offices, Drumbiggle Road from 9am to 1pm. You can find out all about courses and funding available, as well as part-time, online or flexi-learning options to suit work and family life.
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To round up today’s Morning Focus we heard from Clare FM’s Darren Kelly as he updated us on all things sport from Ladies football to the Rugby World Cup.
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