On Wednesday’s edition of Morning Focus, Clare FM’s James Mulhall reported on the training at Shannon Airport in preparation of possible terror attacks, mass casualties, etc. Members of an Garda Síochána and troops from the defence forces carried out the simulation of a terror attack as part of their emergency response training.
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The show opened when Gavin was joined by Trudy Waters, head of news at Tipp FM. They discussed the disappearance of and on-going searches for Elisha Gault. Elisha is a 14 year old girl who has been missing from her home in Carrick On Suir since St Patrick’s Night (Sat, March 17, 2018).
Following that, Gavin spoke to TD Joe Carey about his meeting with the HSE about their new ‘in loco parentis’ clause that is causing many problems for families with sick children, including Jordan Perez in Sixmilebridge. The new clause states that home nursing staff cannot be provided to the family unless a parent or guardian is also present at all times.
Then, Councillor Richard Nagle (FF) discussed with Gavin, concerns that have been raised in Ennistymon over a cycling event. The SRAC Atlantic Challenge is the biggest cycling challenge in Ireland and Ennistymon is expected to see 3,000+ cyclists passing through. Locals are concerned as they believe the town isn’t large enough to accommodate such an influx of people.
At 10 am, Jane Cregan from Iarnród Éireann, joined Gavin live on air to talk about the re-opening of the Ennis-Limerick rail line. While people are relieved that the line has re-opened, locals aren’t satisfied that the flooding situation in Ballycar has been dealt with properly.
Next, Fr Seán Healy of Social Justice Ireland, talked to Gavin about the rise in the number of people in the workforce who are at risk of poverty. Their report this year states the every one in six people in Ireland today live on incomes below the poverty line, making up 16.5% of the population. That equates to approximately 780,000 Irish residents, of which a quarter are children.
After that, Gavin spoke with Dr Billy O’Connell and Counsellor Joe Lynch of West Clare Taking Care about a new report that highlights the suicide risk for middle aged men in Ireland. The report shows that men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women. the 45-54 age category has been rated the most at risk. Anyone affected by suicide can contact Pieta House Midwest – 061 484444; The Samaritans – 116 123; Clare Suicide Bereavement Support – 086 0565373 or 087 3698315.
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At 11 am, Gavin chatted with Clare Drama Festival adjudicator, John P Kelly, about the on-going events of the 71st festival in Scariff. The festival has developed into one of the most renowned amateur drama movements in Ireland.
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Next, Dr Anna Ryan, lecturer at the School of Architecture in the University of Limerick, joined Gavin to talk about the ‘Into the West – Rineanna and the Jumbo Jet’ talk that’s taking place at Oak-wood Arms at 8 pm on Wednesday, March 21.
Following that, Fionnuala Collins from the East Clare Community Co-op chatted to Gavin about inter-cultural celebrations in Scariff. The event will take place next Saturday, the March 24, at Ryan’s Bar.
To round off the show, Gavin hosted the ‘Ask the Vet’ segment with Vet John Underhill of Burren Vets in Ennistymon.
Listen back below:
