The 88th annual National Ploughing Championships got underway in Fenagh, Co. Carlow this morning (Tue, Sept 17).
Up to 300-thousand people will attend the event over the next three days. We heard from Clare FM’s, Pat Flynn who was there.
Farmers are continuing to picket the Kepak meat processing facility in Drumquin near Ennis, despite the fact that a deal has been struck aimed at ending the protests. While most of the major farming organisations are representing acceptance of the deal, the Independent Farmers of Ireland group says they can’t make a recommendation either way.
Gavin spoke to farmers from across Clare, among them, Head of the ICMSA in the county Martin McMahon from O’Callaghan’s Mills.
Next, on Morning Focus, Gavin spoke to Colette Cowan, CEO of UL Hospitals Group, who has just had her term as CEO extended for another five years. there is no doubt but that things are challenging for everyone in our health service – particularly for patients and those trying to access the acute hospital system. The region’s main hospital is beset by overcrowding issues, despite the opening of a state-of-the-art Emergency Department and plans for modular bed units and a major extension to accommodation. This summer has seen trolley numbers rise by 40% with daily figures approaching 70 (between the ED and wards) on a regular basis. Ms. Cowan welcomed the potential support offered by the Sláintecare plan in terms of providing better patient care.
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The next segment of our show, Financial Advice, heard from Tommy Corbett of Carey Corbett Financial Services to discuss critical illness cover.
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Gavin then spoke to Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland who was in Clare today to brief members of Shannon Chamber on the outlook for the future with regards to the impact Brexit will have on tourism in our Country. Niall addressed the members of Shannon Chamber at Dromoland Castle.
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Gavin was joined by Eamon Keane, Dainty Daisy Contestant and Breda Larkin, Psychotherapist, Rape Crisis Midwest to discuss the amazing work Rape Crisis Midwest continues to do here in Clare and across the region. To keep the service (which also covers Tipperary and Limerick) going, fundraising is of huge importance and to that end, 12 brave men are donning their glad rags for the annual Dainty Daisies event. It takes place on October 4th at the Woodstock Hotel in Ennis and, for anyone who doesn’t know the format, involves a beauty pageant with a bit of a difference.
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Finally, to round up a jam-packed Morning Focus Gavin was joined for an Animal Welfare update by Clare’s County Dog Warden, Frankie Coote.
