A North Clarewoman, one of hundreds who underwented symphysiotomies, has vowed to contine to fight for justice for her and for those who are no longer able to do so
On Thursday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with Ellen Moore who also criticised the Health Minister, even though James Reilly has has made moves this week to find appropriate redress for Survivors of Symphysiotomy
Survivors of Symphysiotomy, which represents women who underwent the procedure in Irish maternity wards, is accusing the government of trying to blindfold the women by setting up an opaque and closed ended process
It follows the appointment by the Health Minister of Judge Yvonne Murphy to draw up a report outlining the fairest way to get closure for the women – the group’s spokesperson Marie O’Connor also spoke with John about the groups concerns and hopes.
As unions and management at ESB gather for talks this afternoon, the Energy Minister told John Cooke that he’s confident industrial action and power strikes will be averted
Talks at ESB headquarters this afternoon centre around a defecit in the company’s pension scheme, which Pat Minister has described as one of the strongest in the country.
Pat Rabbitte – Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources – spoke with John about the situation.
David Fitzsimmons of Retail Excellence Ireland in Ennis also spoke with John about threatened strike action by the ESB
The retail lobby group earlier this week accused staff at ESB of holding the country to ransom – they have since received a threatening email from an anonymous source.
Sláinte an Chlair – Clare Cancer Support group members Caroline Stach and Marie Phelan joined John in studio
The charity is holding a Christmas Fair this Saturday in the Holy Family school hall in Ennis from 10.30am to 3pm
There will be a huge selection of Christmas gifts, hand made crafts, jewellery, bric a brac and more
Santa, Mickey and Minnie Mouse will all make appearances
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and home baking
Sliotars signed by the Clare team with some of the team also – they are hoping people will come along and support them
They also asked people who would like to donate second hand wigs for them to recycle or DVDs for the centre’s library to drop them in .
Contact Slainte an Chlair on 1850 211 630 or 087 691 2396.
Clarecastle Community Development Company are set to launch their new historical and wildlife map on Sunday at 10am as part of the village market held
in the Abbey Hall
It covers the 49 townlands showing historical sites and events and on the reverse has a detailed map of the River Fergus showing wildlife and local names on points of the river
Eric Shaw of the Heritage & Wildlife Committee with Clarecastle Development Company joined John in studio to explain.
‘The Happening’ is a craft fair for local artists taking place in Ennistymon this Saturday – they are hoping to have huge community support for this showcase
Joan McGrotty of the West Clare Gallery had a word with John and encouraged people to come along.
This Saturday Clare Biodiversity Officer Shane Casey is launching his children’s book bout local Irish wildlife
‘The Amazing Tale of Sheridan’ is about a very brave little pygmy shrew, ‘Orla’s Big Day’ is about an otter’s first day at school, and ‘The Fairy’s Foxtrot’ is a legendary tale of two mayflies
There will be a reading, signing and wildlife display at the launch in Ballyvaughan on Saturday
The book is aimed at ages 6+ if reading alone, or younger when reading with parents or teachers, and is also dyslexia friendly
The illustrations are by Vincent Killowry- an Ennis based artist.
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