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The Afternoon Show - Friday May 17th 2013

afternoon — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:20:11 +0000

On The Afternoon Show today was our weekly Friday Panel who joined Gavin Grace in studio to talk about the major news events of the past seven days. In studio this afternoon was Aine Mae O’Mahony, who works in Media and PR, from Clahane, Martin McMahon, Clare Chairman of the ICMSA from O’Callaghan’s Mills and Verena Tarpey of Rape Crisis Mid West. For discussion on today’s panel was how the government this week announced the latest plans for Ireland's hospitals. The plan sees little change for Ennis General, but confirms that full A&E cover will be replaced with a medical assessment unit and a local injuries unit, open up to 12 hours day, 7 days per week. The panel were asked - how do you think the general public feel about the changes in healthcare in recent years? At a time when the Midwest's main accident and emergency unit at Limerick Regional records some of the longest queues in the country, do you feel people have any optimism about this plan? They also tackled the issue of rural isolation. The Vintners Federation of Ireland says 38 jobs are being lost in the pub trade every week, while people remain stranded on their own at home because of a lack of promised rural transport schemes. How big of an issue is this in Clare? Should the government be doing more? Also, for the week that’s in it, they spoke of how Ireland's Ryan Dolan is among 26 acts that will take to the stage in Malmo on Saturday night in the Eurovision Song Contest Final. We asked - are you looking forward to it? And what are your favourite Eurovision memories?

Today on the Friday Feature, Gavin was joined by Philip Moreau, our in studio Gardening Expert, who answered all of your gardening and horticulture related queries. Today he discussed different pests that can damage what you’ve planted and how to get rid of them. He also answered questions about flower feed, lawns, soil types and much more besides!

Kevin McGillicuddy from Clare FM Sport also joined us for a look ahead to this evening’s Sideline View and the weekend sporting fixtures.

To contact the show please email afternoon@clare.fm

Bingo 17th May

rehabradiobingo — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:48:28 +0000

There was one winner from yesterday’s prize which means today’s prize is 200euro. Congratulations to Bridie O’Loughlin from Clarecastle who purchased her book from Wards Clarecastle. Bridie wins 200euro

It is week 12 and we are playing off the Yellow page of your book – and the very best of luck – here are today’s numbers

80 73 35 50 14 6 41 9 18 68

If you have managed to fill a panel with those numbers, call 065 6828966 before 8pm tonight and you could win or share in today’s prize. If you are a winner, please keep your book until we verify the details.

Don’t forget Tuesday is our next jackpot day and it currently stands at €4,800.00

Rehab Radio Bingo is broadcast daily on Clare FM at 10/12 / 3 / 5 and 7

Morning Focus Friday May 17

morningfocus — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:43:07 +0000

The results of a postmortum on the body of a Polish man who died after a hit and run in Ennis is expected to determine the direction of the Garda investigation
The father of one, named locally as Thomas Nowakowski - died just 100 metres from his home in Tobartascain on Wednesday night

On Friday's Morning Focus Clare FM's Deputy News Editor Trudy Waters joined John Cooke in studio with the latest from the Garda investigation

It's understood Thomas Nowakowski was on two weeks holidays from his job at Hillbilly's fast food restaurant on O'Connell Street in Ennis town centre when he was struck by a car near his home in the Tobartascain area on Wednesday night
His wife and 18 month old daughter recently returned home to Poland for a brief visit
Yesterday Gardaí were making efforts to contact her while its understood a co- worker formally identified his remains following a postmortum carried out by Dr Marie Cassidy at the Mid West Regional Hospital in Limerick

Hillbilly’s Spokesperson Dermot Carberry said the staff at Hillbilly’s on O’Connell Street in Ennis are devastated at the loss of Thomas – a valued member of staff and a lovely person.

Mayor of Clare and Ennis Councillor Pat Daly expressed his sympathy to the family and friends of Thomas Nowakowski on their tragic loss.

Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100.

Agreement has been reached between unions and management in the Bus Éireann dispute over cost-saving measures
It followed around 23 hours of talks between the two sides facilitated by the Labour Relations Commission
If the proposed measures are accepted by trade union members, the agreement will begin on 1 June and run until January 2015
In a statement, the company said the measures will help protect the future of the company, 2,500 jobs and 300 routes around the country
John spoke with former Killaloe Councillor and NBRU Executive Member Tony O'Brien who said the agreement means that company executives are contributing and paying their way too.

Canon Brendan O'Donoghue joined John in studo to speak about the Shannon Parish Mission taking place this weekend

Cannon O’Donoghue has been a priest in St Senan’s parish in Shannon for 25 years and was a priest in Ennis for 22 years
Born in Dublin, raised in Laois, he moved to St Flannan’s College for his secondary schooling as a boarder in 1944 and in 1961 he returned to St. Flannan's to teach.
See www.shannonparish.ie

The annual Clare 250 mile Cycle takes place this weekend, as over 70 cyclists take to the roads of Co Clare to raise money for the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes and the Clare 250 cancer centre

John was joined in studio by three cyclists who have done the cycle for the past 21 years; Jimmy Maher from Quin, Christy Cullen from the Clon Road, Ennis and Stevie Malone from Kilnaboy

Clare FM’s, Chris Hanrahan will be following the progress of the cyclists and keeping us in touch right throughout the two days.

The Fisheries Awareness Week event in Clare this year is a very early morning River Walk in Ennistymon looking at the Inagh River Biodiversity and Fisheries & Wildlife taking place this Saturday
Information will be provided to participants by IFI staff on the Fisheries Conservation and Enforcement projects that are on-going locally
Ken O'Neill, Fisheries Assistant Inspector at Inland Fisheries Ireland, explained.
Booking is essential so call 061 300 238 if you are interested.

The Pink Angel Ball in memory of Maureen Lavery will take place at the Auburn Lodge Hotel in Ennis on Saturday
It’s all in aid of Clare Cancer Support and Cahercalla Hospice
One of the Pink Angel Ball organisers Orla Meehan had a word with John.
Maureen Lavery Pink Angel Ball is on facebook.

Fleadh Nua 2013 takes place this Sunday and runs until May 27th
Chairman of Fleadh Nua Micheál Ó Riabhaigh joined John in studio, along with renowned accordion player and maker Martin Connolly

Martin provided some music to get people in the mood for the Fleadh.

If you have a story for Morning Focus email Focus@clare.fm

The Afternoon Show - Thursday May 16th 2013

afternoon — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:27:04 +0000

On today’s edition of The Afternoon Show Gavin Grace was joined by Dick Ahlstrom, Science Editor with The Irish Times to discuss today’s news that human cloning has progressed to the next stage in the USA. 17 years after Dolly the Sheep was cloned, researchers from Oregon Health and Science University in the US have achieved a landmark breakthrough in human cloning, using the same technique. The discovery could lead to a cure for a range of illnesses, such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, heart disease and spinal cord injuries.

Shirley Benson is a Red Cross Instructor from Ennis and was in studio with Gavin this afternoon to help raise awareness of life saving skills. Shirley has been a volunteer with the Irish Red Cross for many years and as an experienced instructor, regularly trains members of the public in first aid. At a day out with her family Shirley found out how much of a difference that training can make. At a local fun day, Shirley was stood watching the bumper cars along with other parents who had brought their children for a day out. It was whilst she was waving to the children on one of the rides that Shirley happened to notice a little girl in a stroller who, she thought was waving at her. Initially Shirley waved back but then realised that something was wrong. Her first aid training kicked in and Shirley quickly made herself known as a first aider with the Irish Red Cross. It was only when Shirley approached her that the parent also realised that her young daughter was choking. The little girl’s face had turned purple and her lips had begun to turn blue. Shirley unstrapped the child, turned her upside down, gave five back blows and, on the last blow, the object obstructing her breathing came out. The little girl began to breathe again. May 13th – 19th is National Volunteer Week 2013 and to celebrate the Irish Red Cross is sharing real life experiences from volunteers around the country and encouraging more people to get involved with their local Red Cross. For more details please visit www.clareredcross.ie

Shirley also spoke about how the Ennis Defibrillator Committee are holding a flag day in Ennis this coming Saturday, 18th May to raise funds for the purchase of additional defibrillators for the town. 3 have been installed and many people are trained in the use of these life saving devices and the committee hope to buy 3 more. They will be collecting throughout the town on Saturday and the public are encouraged to donate!

Maura Lyons is the Programme Manager with Leave No Trace Ireland and joined the show to talk about a special event in North Clare tomorrow. A Leave No Trace Network Meeting and AGM takes place on May 17th in the Burren Outdoor Education Centre in Belharbour. Members, partners and supporters of Leave No Trace Ireland are invited to come together to reflect on progress over the past year, discuss current issues impacting Leave No Trace Ireland and so on. On Friday evening, May 17th, there is an informal Leave No Trace “Gathering” where participants will be able to meet and network in Logue’s Bar, Ballyvaughan from 6.30 pm onwards. For more details please see www.leavenotraceireland.org

Jerry Griffey from Sceal Eile Bookshop in Ennis is one of the organisers of the Ennistymon Book Fair, which takes place this weekend. The 2nd annual Ennistymon Book Fair takes place on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May when words, writers and books will pop-up throughout the historic town on the edge of the Burren. Ennistymon is the permanent home of the vibrant Salmon Bookshop and Literary Centre, opened last year by Irish literary press Salmon Poetry. During the 2013 Book Fair, which builds on the success of the inaugural fair last year, Salmon will be joined by 9 other prominent booksellers from Doolin to Dublin. Offering new and second-hand books of all kinds for sale - the pop-up fair will take over previously vacated shops. Like many towns across Ireland, trading in Ennistymon has been adversely affected by the downturn but the book fair offers the opportunity to forget this for 2 packed days of fun-filled free events.

Tomas Mac Chonmara of Cuimhneamh an Chlair and the Oral History Network was also a guest of the show to let listeners know about how the Oral History Network of Ireland (OHNI) will hold a one-day workshop on the dissemination of oral history and folklore for community groups and individuals in Connacht and surrounding regions on Saturday 18th May. The event, ‘Spreading the Word, how to make use of your oral history and folklore collections’, is one of four provincial initiatives being undertaken by the Oral History Network this year and will feature presentations from experts in the fields of oral history and folklore collection. The one day workshop, supported by Clarinbridge Heritage Group and the Heritge Office, Galway County Council, will take place in Paddy Burkes, Clarinbridge on May 18th from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. For more information visit www.oralhistorynetworkireland.ie

Stephen McDermott, our Clare FM Movie Reviewer was in studio to let us know all about the latest at the cinema. Today he looked at the latest Star Trek movie in the hit franchise – featuring Chris Pine and Benedict Cumberbatch of “Sherlock” fame. Star Trek: Into Darkness is directed by JJ Abrams.

To contact the show please email afternoon@clare.fm

Morning Focus Thursday May 16

morningfocus — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:59:41 +0000

On Thursday's Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with Anne Rynne from Miltown Malbay

Anne's son Donncha suffers with cerebral palsy and has been seriously incapacitated since December
For this reason he can’t be transported to the hospital by car but must be stretchered and an ambulance is required to transport him
Three times this year Donncha has missed his surgical appointment in Limerick due to the HSE provided transport either not arriving at all or arriving too late
Anne spoke about the family's frustration at the situation.

Anne is Chairperson of West Clare Taking Care - they are holding a seminar on aspects of positive mental health tonight in the Armada Hotel, Spanish Point at 7pm.

A report by the Air Accident Investigation Unit into an accident which occurred to an Aer Arann aircraft at Shannon Airport two years ago has made a number of safety recommendations
The flight which was on route from Manchester to Shannon made two approaches to the runway in blustery weather conditions featuring turbulent crosswinds
After two approaches the aircraft hit the runway and the nose gear collapsed
The report issues four safety recommendations advising that Aer Arann review the training provided to its pilots regarding crosswind landings and that they institute a Flight Data Monitoring programme across its fleet
It also recommends they provide improved guidance regarding landing techniques for different models during turbulent crosswinds
Paddy Judge, Investigator-in-Charge with the Air Accident Investigation Unit explained his findings to John.

Minister for Housing & Planning Jan O’Sullivan TD joined John ahead of launching the Find The Way Home for Simon Communities of Ireland at the Savoy Hotel in Limerick today.

A Clare woman who carries the high risk cancer gene that lead Movie Star Angelina Jolie to have a double mastectomy has spoken out about making a similar decision herself

The Braca Gene- runs in Tulla Nurse Ann Murphy's family and sadly, her sister Grainne died from Ovarian Cancer in December
The mother of two young children - is now in remission from the same cancer of the Ovaries, and along with other Ovarian cancer survivors Marie Phelan from Ennis and Margaret Barry for Ennistymon joined John in studio to raise awareness of fourth most common cancer for Irish women.

All ladies benefited from the support of Slainte an Chlair- Clare Cancer Support Centre - they can be contacted on 1850 211 630 or 087 691 2396 or see www.clarecancersupport.com
Last Wednesday was Ovarian Cancer Day.

The National Cancer Helpline - 1800 200 700

Ennis gardai are investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a man's body on the roadside near Saint Flannan's College.
It's understood the man in his twenties was the victim of a fatal hit and run at around 10pm last night
Clare FM's Trudy Waters spoke with Superintendent Derek Smart and Maire Moynihan was in the area this morning to get people's reaction

Ennis Gardai can be contacted on 6848100 or the Garda Confidental line - 1800 -666 -111

If you have a story for Morning Focus email Focus@clare.fm

Bingo 16th May

rehabradiobingo — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:28:17 +0000

There was 2 winners of yesterday’s prize which means today’s prize is 200euro. Congratulation to Marion Canny from Ennis who purchased her book from O’Dowd’s Ennis and Eileen Naughton from Tubber who purchased her book from Finnerty’s Tubber. Each win 300euro

It is week 12 and we are playing off the pink page of your book – and the very best of luck – here are today’s numbers

47 20 52 24 10 30 56 29 88 16

If you have managed to fill a panel with those numbers, call 065 6828966 before 8pm tonight and you could win or share in today’s prize of €200. If you are a winner, please keep your book until we verify the details.

Don’t forget Tuesday is our next jackpot day and it currently stands at €4,800.00

Rehab Radio Bingo is broadcast daily on Clare FM at 10/12 / 3 / 5 and 7

The Afternoon Show - Wednesday May 15th 2013

afternoon — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:35:15 +0000

Welcome to the Afternoon Show Blog – on today’s show Gavin Grace discussed the issue of comfort eating. Róisín Finnegan is a trainee Clinical Psychologist at NUI Galway and joined to talk about a new research project at NUI Galway, which aims to better understand the underlying causes of comfort eating, which may stem from childhood. Comfort or emotional eating happens when we are not hungry but perhaps in need of stress relief or a reward. NUIG researchers are conducting a study, which aims to examine the influence of emotional factors in childhood on comfort eating and weight. They have devised a questionnaire, which investigates these issues, and will also be conducting individual interviews. Volunteers are being sought to take part in this study, the only requirement being that participants are over-18. For those interested in participating in this study, it will involve completing a questionnaire, taking part in an interview, or doing both, though it is not a necessity of the study that you take part in both. Those who wish to complete the questionnaire online should log onto www.surveymonkey.com/s/comforteating or contact Róisín via email at r.finnegan8@nuigalway.ie

Today is UN International Day of the Family and One Family, Ireland’s leading organisation for one-parent families, is calling for a national debate on what family means in Ireland today. Karen Kiernan is the CEO of One Family and joined the show to discuss how the group is asking the Constitutional Convention to add an additional item to their agenda and look at Articles 41 and 42 which deal with the family. In particular a review of Article 41.3.1° would support some of the other issues already debated such as same sex marriage and women’s role. One Family has consistently called to have the Constitution expanded to recognise and protect all kinds of families and not just the marital family since its establishment in 1972.

Also speaking on The Afternoon Show today was Lisdoonvarna Hotelier Marcus White to talk about how Lisdoonvarna is going pink this year - with a new gay matchmaking event starting the annual matchmaking festival. Organisers hope the event - dubbed The Outing - will attract lesbian and gay singles from all around the world. The original Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking festival is Europe's oldest and kicks off in September. For more details please see www.theouting.ie

Aidan Courtney from The Ennis Book Shop was also in studio for his weekly book review. Today he focused on the latest from Dan Browne entitled “Inferno” and also “Now and Forever” from Bernie Nolan.

Stephen Ward is an Organiser of the 8th annual Burren in Bloom Festival, during which a series of illustrated talks and organised walks are taking place throughout the month of May. The Festival aims to give people an understanding and appreciation of the Burren and its formation, and how it continues to be a source of great botanical, archaeological, and cultural wealth with its unique wild flowers and ancient sites. See www.burreninbloom.com for more details. There’s also a walk on Sunday next from the pavilion in Lisdoonvarna with David Drew on the Waters of the Gorge and Spa.

Claire O’Meara from the Irish Cancer Society charity shop on Woodquay in Ennis was also in studio to let us know about her fundraising efforts for the Society. Claire is organising a series of fundraisers to support the Irish Cancer Society in the coming weeks – she’s starting off with a “zumbathon” this coming Sunday in the Abbey Hall in Clarecastle, then a table quiz in Doora on June 1st in The Shebeen and the “Parnell Street Bonanza!” a fashion show event with the local boutiques.

To contact the show please email afternoon@clare.fm

Morning Focus Wednesday May 15

morningfocus — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:01:37 +0000

The government's new framework document for Ireland's health service promises a substantial growth in activity in smaller hospitals like Ennis General.
Health Minister James Reilly says the grouping of hospitals in six areas, with Ennis General in the MidWest, secures the future of smaller institutions and will allow for the exchange of services, and the provision of safe and appropriate care.
However, the document confirms that such hospitals will lose full A&E cover, with this replaced by a Medical Assessment Unit and a local injuries unit which will be open for up to 12 hours a day, 7 days a week 'when feasible'.

On Wednesday's Morning Focus John Cooke discussed the restructuring with Clare Deputies Joe Carey of Fine Gael and Timmy Dooley of Fianna Fail
Dr Con Cronin, Clinical director of the Medicine Directorate with the Mid Western Regional Hospitals Group also spoke with John to explain the changes.

Ennistymon Publican Matthew Griffin is Clare's Vintners’ Federation of Ireland representative

The Government is being called on to fulfil the promises its made to tackle low cost alcohol sales in supermarkets and provide rural transport schemes
Members of the Vintners Federation of Ireland held their annual conference in Co. Meath yesterdaday and heard how 38 jobs are being lost in the pub trade every week
The VFI says the Government is stalling on the introduction of regulations controlling the sale, promotion and supply of alcohol

Matthew explained how the Vintners' AGM went.

Ennis District Court Judge Patrick Durkan has put in place a " get tough" policy with people illegally parked in disabled spots
A Ballynacally woman has been put off the road for 6 months for failing to pay an 80 euro fine for illegally parking in a disabled space in Ennis over Christmas
Yesterday the court heard Dierdre O'Connor of Ballynacally had no previous convictions for parking offences and along with banning her for six months , Judge Durkan imposed a fine of 750 euro and ordered her to pay the council's costs of 100 euro
While he didn't pass comment during sentencing - the Judge previously described the offence of illegally parking in a disabled spot as despicable
John was joined in studio by local disability activist Dermot Hayes who welcomed Judge Durcan's policy as progressive, and was joined on the line by Connor Faughnan of AA Ireland who described the sentence as severe and excessive.

Actress Angelina Jolie is being praised for speaking out after undergoing a double mastectomy to prevent breast cancer
The actress says she had the operation because she has a faulty gene, which sharply increases the chance of her developing the disease
In an article for the New York Times, the Hollywood star says doctors put her risk at 87 per cent
John was joined in studio by Nicola Wood of the Pink Ribbon Walk committee in Killaloe
This will be the fourth year of the Killaloe event – since 2010 volunteers have raised over €215,000 for Action Breast Cancer
This year’s event takes place on Sunday June 9th

The National Cancer Helpline - 1800 200 700.

Paul Wolfe of the Clare Citizens’ Information Service was in studio to answer listeners' queries.

If you have a story for Morning Focus email Focus@clare.fm

Bingo 15th May

rehabradiobingo — Wed, 15 May 2013 09:12:04 +0000

There was no winner of yesterdays Draw which means todays prize is 600Euro

It is week12 and we are playing off the BLUE page of your book – the very best of luck – here are today’s numbers

25 46 71 17 35 67 87 11 19 1

If you have managed to fill a panel with those numbers, call 065 6828966 before 8pm tonight and you could win or share in today’s prize of €600. If you are a winner, please keep your book until we verify the details.

Don’t Forget Next Tuesday’s jackpot will stand at 4,800.

Rehab Radio Bingo is broadcast daily on Clare FM at 10/12 / 3 / 5 and 7

The Afternoon Show - Tuesday May 14th 2013

afternoon — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:41:19 +0000

Joining Clare FM’s Gavin Grace on The Afternoon Show today was James Doorley, Assistant Director of the National Youth Council of Ireland. The NYCI have launched a report entitled ‘Time to Go? which is the first qualitative study exploring the experience and impact of emigration on Ireland's youth over the past two years. The results provide an insight into the opportunities and difficulties faced by young emigrants in Canada, the UK and beyond.

Also joining Gavin in studio this afternoon was Liam Minogue from Emotions Peer Support Group and the East Clare Reconnect & Recovery Network, Anthony Smith from the Creative Energies Group in Kilrush and John Hillery, Psychiatrist and son of former President Paddy Hillery. All three guests joined the show ahead of an event in North Clare this week. West Clare taking Carer are hosting a special conversation on ways of maintaining positive mental health in the Armada in Spanish Point this Thursday night. Liam, Anthony and John are all guest speakers on the night and today discussed their own struggles with mental health and depression and how they came out the other side.

Also today and featuring in today’s papers and Clare FM news is how Angelina Jolie is being praised for speaking out after undergoing a double mastectomy to prevent breast cancer. The actress says she had the operation because she has a faulty gene, which sharply increases the chance of her developing the disease - the Hollywood star says doctors put her risk at 87 per cent. Aileen Delaney, an Ennistymon native living in Ennis joined Gavin in studio to discuss the issue of breast cancer and preventative measures. She also had a mastectomy when she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer while she was pregnant with her second child at the age of just 33. She was six and a half months pregnant when she underwent the mastectomy and once her son was born was treated with chemotherapy and has breast reconstruction eighteen months afterwards. She is currently in remission and spoke openly about her experiences of the disease, the mastectomy and the reconstruction, and the effect it had, and continues to have, on her life.

Bernard Purcell, Editor of The Irish World newspaper in London joined the show for his bi-monthly review of the major news stories across the pond that are having a direct impact on the Irish community in the United Kingdom.

The Transition year students from Gael Cholaiste an Chlair are staging John B. Keane’s “Sive” this week and will be performing two shows. Students Conall O hAnafein and Hannah O’Brien - who act and work as part of the stage crew on the production, were in studio to talk about the work they’ve undertaken to bring to life one of Ireland’s best loved plays. The first performance is on Wednesday and is for school students while Friday’s performance is open to the public. Curtain at 7.30pm but the students recommended coming early as their expecting a crowd!

To contact the show please email afternoon@clare.fm