The morning began with discussion of the infamous traffic blackspot Blake’s Corner in Ennistymon.
After local representatives called on the council to provide a timeline for the completion of works to combat the congestion it was revealed the works would take up to four years. Following outrage at this fact and total chaos after a broken down bus and truck blocked the entire junction Gavin spoke to Joe McInerney from Let’s Get Ennistymon Moving.
Then we had more coverage of the closure of rural post offices. We got the other side of the story today as Gavin spoke with Angus Laverty the Public Affairs Manager for An Post.
Then it was time for a political discussion as Gavin was joined by Timmy Dooley from Fianna Fáil and Pat Breen from Fine Gael. They talked the protest at the Dáil over rural post office closures, changes to the National Broadband Scheme and most importantly the future of the Confidence and Supply deal.
Opening the second hour we heard from Laura Brennan from Ennis who has been diagnosed with terminal cervical cancer. In the wake of her diagnosis Laura has become a passionate advocate for the HPV Vaccination. This comes as the HSE launches its latest vaccination campaign. Listen back below:
Following that we heard from Dr Johnny Connolly from the University of Limerick Department of Law and Irish Penal Reform Trust Board Member. He discussed a new report by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. The Commission had a number of recommendation from a independent body for complaints rather than GSOC to improving diversity in the Garda force.
Then we spoke to Clare Samaritan, Sue about the fantastic work that the Ennis branch does with 99 volunteers offering support to 41 thousand people last year. Sue detailed how you can become a volunteer with the Samaritans as the demand is now quite high for this service in Ennis. Information nights will take place tonight and tomorrow night (September 19th and 20th) in the Clare Education Centre at 7pm.
Listen back below:
Moving into the last hour it was back to Clare FM’s James Mulhall in Offaly for more coverage of the 2018 Ploughing Championships.
Then we spoke about 19-year old Francis Kelly. He was injured in a serious accident last March resulting in him breaking his neck in three places and dislocating his vertebra. Siobhán Rose and Tansy Watson spoke to us about Francis’ condition, the goFundme (click here) page which has been set up and why they are cycling the Wild Atlantic Way route.
Listen back below:
Then Ennis-based Visual Artist Marie Connole spoke to Gavin about about launch her new book, ‘Opening The Portal’, at the Courthouse Gallery in Ennistymon this Friday (September 21st). The book combines writings and watercolours with the folklore, myths, history and geological events that have affected the North Clare region.
Listen back below:
After that clinical psychologist David Coleman chatted to Fiona McGarry about the services Tulsa can offer beyond the immediate protection of children. This week sees the organisation run a special initiative to highlight those services. More info can be found at tulsa.ie.
Then Clare FM’s own Brian Flynn returned for another segment of The Greatest Song You’ve Never Heard. This week’s selection was ‘Something in the Way She Moves’ by James Taylor.
Finally, the Ask the Vet segment with John Underhill of Burren Vets, Ennistymon finished out the day’s show. John answered a range of livestock and pet-related questions.
Listen back below:
