With the flu season biting, Morning Focus asked if the Sign of Peace should be suspended at Masses in this diocese.
Fr Tom Ryan, PP of Shannon, shared his views on the matter, saying that if people aren’t afraid of handling money for fear of bugs, they should have no concerns about shaking hands. Listen back below:
The show opened with a discussion with Kevin Doyle, Group Political Editor of Independent News and Media (INM) about this week’s Cabinet meeting which discussed repealing the Eight Amendment.
Then, the talk turned to the approval by the EU of Orkambi for use for children aged 6 to 11 years. Gavin spoke with Kieran McCarthy a Cystic Fibrosis campaigner and dad to Aoibheann who has the condition.
After that, Gavin was joined by Orlaith Borthwick who is one of those backing a campaign to attract people using Shannon Airport to consider making their home in Clare.
Then, the talk turned to extreme weather events around the world, which some believe evidence of climate change. Gavin spoke with Professor Emeritus at Maynooth University John Sweeney. Listen back below:
After that, Eoin Lowry, the Agribusiness Editor with the Irish Farmer’s Journal joined Gavin to discuss the surge in value of Irish agrifoods exports, which reached record levels in 2017.
Regina Bushell was Gavin’s next guest. She’s with the organisation Seas Suas who represent childcare providers. A recent survey conducted by the organisation found that almost a third of parents have had to miss work or job opportunities over childcare issues.
Then, the show looked at the spike in the number of couples considering divorcing in 2018. Gavin was joined by Lorraine Lally, director of Helplink Conflict Resolution Service. They’re based in Galway and offer mediation and conflict resolution services.
After that, Geraldine Greene joined Gavin to discuss an event called ‘Down Memory Lane’ which takes place at Kilnamona Community Centre from 6-8pm on Sunday, January 14. It features interviews and film clips of some of the area’s local characters over the years. Geraldine is a cuairteor with Cumnhnaimh an Chláir. Also included in this item was a short extract from an interview with Kilnamona native, Helen O’Brien who spoke about her grandfather Owen Hegarty and his knowledge of folk cures.
Sarah Clancy was Gavin’s next guest to discuss the Beyond Borders Book Club meetings which begin in Ennis tonight (January 11).
Then, the show concluded with a catch up with Niamh McMahon and Lucy Noonan of Scoil Mhuire Ennisytmon who researched the influence (if any) of Fibonacci numbers on modern music. Lara Mellet is another students involved in this project, under the guidance of science teacher, Sue Ann Sheridan. Listen back below:
