Bernadette Kenny & Heidi Hummel joined Clare FM’s John Cooke in studio to talk about civil partnership and their own experiences as a lesbian couple in Clare. Based in North Clare – the couple have been in a lesbian relationship since 1989 but made it formal in May when they registered their civil partnership in Limerick. They became the first Clare couple to register a same sex civil partnership under the new Civil Partnership Bill which became law earlier this year. Bernadette’s family are from the Ennis area where she now works as a psychotherapist and counsellor. Heidi is originally from California but has lived in Clare since 2002 – she’s a Sound Engineer and formerly served in the US Army. The couple are also backing calls for a facility in Ennis or elsewhere in the county where civil partnerships can take place as currently, couples are forced to travel to the registry office in Limerick to exchange their vows and register their unions. Bernadette and Heidi feel strongly that the present form of the civil partnership law in Ireland is an important place holder. However, while they enjoy more rights than they ever hoped for before, the present law must be brought further along to afford full equality in every way to conventional marriage. They feel this equality is most significant and urgent in the protection of the rights of children within same sex partnerships. As the law stands right now, this protection does not exist.
If you were affected by any of the issues raised in this morning’s interview here are some useful numbers:
• Rainbow Support Services, Limerick
Limerick’s gay and lesbian helpline provides information on the local scene, counselling services and information on other services available all around Ireland.
Telephone 061 310101
www.rainbowsupportservices.org
• GLEN – The Gay and Lesbian Equality network
Telephone 01 6728650
www.glen.ie
• TENI – Transgender Equality Network Ireland
TENI seeks to improve conditions and advance the rights and equality of transgender people and their families
Telephone 01) 873 3575
www.teni.ie
• Gay Community News
www.gcn.ie
Telephone 1 671 9076
For local counselling on LGBT issues in Clare – you can also call the Tara Healing Arts Centre on 087 9663449 or look up Tarahealingarts.com – email [email protected]
• The Samaritans
provides 24-hour emotional support to anyone experiencing distress, despair or suicidal thought
Helpine: 1850 60 90 90
Also on today’s show;
David Hennessey, a Reporter with The Irish World Newspaper in London spoke to Morning Focus about what’s happening across the pond for Irish nationals.
He discussed the London to Clare trip which was a great success and received a lot of attention in the paper this week and also discussed Doonbeg man and former Clare footballer Paul Hehir’s team St Josephs GAA who lost a final in London at the weekend.
Cathal O’Donovan, a member of the Irish National Flood Forum spoke to Clare FM’s John Cooke about his organisations aim to help those affected by flooding. It’s a voluntary organisation that was set up by flood victims to help and educate communities after the flooding on November and December 2009. The organisation is holding its second annual Flood Forum, on the 2nd Anniversary of the devastating November 2009 floods. This year’s event is a free event to the public at the Jean Monnett Theatre, University of Limerick tomorrow. The speakers on the day include Minister Brian Hayes and experts from the ESB, IFA, OPW, academia, and flooded community representatives.
Austin Cooney, Treasurer of the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland discussed the launch of their 2012 Calender. The calendar includes images of birds such as the Bullfinch, Purple Sandpiper, Great Crested Grebe, Grasshopper Warbler, Kingfisher, Skylark, Guillemot, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Artic Skua, Red-eyed Vireo, Shoveler, and Water Rail. For more details see the groups website www.clarebirdwatching.com
Michael Keane, Chairman of Ballyea GAA Hurling Club spoke about this weekend’s fundraiser. They are holding a Monster Auction this Sunday in the Community Centre in Ballyea, commencing at 1.30 pm and there will be refreshments available on the day. The club are looking for “Quality Items” for auction which people do not have use for anymore. They will also accept Bric a Brac, perfumes, aftershave, DVDs, CDs, X Box/Wii games, books etc. All funds raised will go towards the Ballyea GAA Development Fund
Aidan Courtney of Ennis Bookshop joined us for our weekly Book Focus. Today Aidan discussed The Guard- a coffee table / photography book by Mark Condron,
Martin Turner’s Our Work Here is Done 2006- Now Politics and Horse: The Horse in Irish Society by David O’Flynn
If you have a comment or query for Morning Focus you can email us at [email protected] or text us – Clare FM followed by your comment and name to 53030
