On International Women’s Day, Morning Focus put the spotlight on issues celebrating women and on issues of gender equality.
Gavin produced a special package on a ‘yarn bomb’ carried out by the Clare Guilds of the ICA at locations including the Maid of Éireann roundabout.
The colourful celebration encourages people to remember the contribution of women to Irish society.
Watch his report here:
https://www.clare.fm/news/video-yarn-bombing-clare-international-womens-day/
The show also featured an in-depth discussion of the challenges facing women in Ireland in the 21st century.
Gavin was joined in studio by Gabriella Hanrahan of UL, and by former Mayor of Clare, Patricia McCarthy. Marian Duggan of LIT, new VP of Equality and Diversity joined Gavin by phone.
Listen back below:
The show opened with a discussion of another issue affecting women. Following concerns over the misclassification of homicide data by An Gárda Siochána, and the possibility that women were left at risk as a result, Gavin was joined on the line by Killaloe native, Caitriona Gleeson of Safe Ireland.
The show then heard from Margaret Kinnane, a wheelchair user from Inagh. She spoke to Morning Focus producer, Fiona McGarry about the impact of new penalties for those who park illegally in disabled drivers’ spaces.
Then Kerry TD, Michael Healy-Rae joined Gavin on the line to appeal to people from outside Clare not to interfere in coastal protection works recently given the go-ahead by Clare County Council. The work are to become the subject of a judicial review.
Dr Máire Finn was Gavin’s next guest, discussing thyroid health and a range of other issues. Listen back below:
Then Gavin heard from Ennis native, Prof Bryan Fanning who has just launched his new book: ‘Migration and the Making of Ireland’. He spoke to Gavin about a range of issues, including direct provision and the opening of a new centre in Lisdoonvarna next week.
Listen back below:
The show also heard from Paula McDonnell, the newly-appointed MD of TTM Healthcare in Ennis. She told Gavin about the challenges and opportunities for women in her sector.
The show rounded off with a conversation about the production of ‘Waiting for Godot’ by Druid Ensemble at the Lime Tree Theatre in Limerick, running until March 11. Morning Focus producer, Fiona McGarry, spoke to Garrett Lombard who plays the part of ‘Lucky’ in the play.
