Wednesday’s Morning Focus began with a conversation between Gavin and Quin man John Wall.
Last month, John told us of how he was fighting for clearer provisions regarding medical cards after he saw his taken off him on financial grounds. In recent weeks, he told us, he has secured a meeting with Health Minister Simon Harris (to take place next month) and has also worked with the Health Ombudsman as part of a campaign which he hopes will improve the system for patients throughout Ireland.
Next, Gavin spoke with Eoin Gavin, a haulier based in Bunratty, about Brexit. There are now just 71 days until Britain’s scheduled EU departure date, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been increasing the rhetoric regarding a No Deal scenario. Eoin spoke about the potential impact on hauliers, and the knock-on impact on consumers in terms of increased prices in shops.
Disabilities campaigner Dermot Hayes joined us as a campaign to secure the restoration of a training support grant for people with disabilities continues. The issue received prominence after a number of leading disability rights groups co-signed a letter demanded that the Rehabilitative Training allowance be retained, and not abolished from next month as is planned. Health Minister Simon Harris has defended the move, but Dermot expressed hope that the plan can be reversed.
After 10:00, we heard from Ennistymon-based actress Jacinta Sheeran. She is the writer and star of her one-woman show Sweet About Me, which deals with issues including an addiction to overeating. She’s hoping to now tour it to schools around the county. Jacinta discussed the play, and performed some excerpts, when speaking with Fiona.
If you’re affected by any of the issues in Sweet About Me, Overeaters Anonymous hold monthly meetings in Clare at St. Joseph’s Hall, Kincora Park, Ennis. The contact there is Grainne 085 7418199 (6-9pm only). The national support number is 01 2788106 and the website is www.overeatersanonymous.ie
Next, we heard from Deborah Dudgeon of the Killaloe Ballina Historical Society and Adare-based antiques dealer George Stacpoole ahead of an event this Sunday which gives you a chance to, for a reasonable fee, get a valuation on some of the potentially valuable trinkets in your home. The event takes place at the Lakeside Hotel from 2.30pm this Sunday afternoon, August 25th.
Next, we heard details of two Heritage week events. Paul Murphy in Clarecastle told us of how he has gathered a host of GAA memorabilia, particularly related to Clarecastle, to put on display in the GAA clubhouse this week. A host of jerseys, medals, trophies and much more cam be seen in the Clubhouse on Thursday evening from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., and again on Sunday afternoon from 1-3 p.m. While Steve Nolan gave us a preview of a talk that he will be giving on the 18th Century newspapers of Clare at Ennis Library on Thursday (starting at 11:30). Booklets will also be available, on sale for €5, with all proceeds going to Cahercalla Hospice.
Finally this morning, Paul Butler told Gavin about a new book he has written, in which he has chronicled his career in construction in Ireland, London and Poland. Paul, who has family ties to Tulla, has written ‘This Construction Life’ and it’s available on paperback and kindle from Amazon now.
Morning Focus returns on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. and you can contact the programme at any time on [email protected]
