First up this morning: Overcrowing at University Hospital Limerick. Nurses say the region's main hospital has been the most overcrowded in the country for the last two days. The latest trolley watch figures from the INMO show 40 people were waiting for beds at University Hospital Limerick this morning, 26 of those in the emergency department. It comes on a day when 344 people are waiting for beds across the country, the second highest figures have been recorded at Cork University Hospital where, 28 people are waiting on trolleys. Mary Fogarty, INMO Midwest, discussed the situation with Gavin.
Next, we heard about a new film which explores a notorious East Clare murders 22 years ago: a triple murder in East Clare that rocked Ireland to the core. The discovery of the bodies of artist Imelda Riney, her four-year-old son Liam and curate Fr Joe Walsh were made in Cregg Wood eight days after their disappearance. After an intensive manhunt a suspect was arrested and 22-year-old Brendan O'Donnell of no fixed abode was eventually found guilty of the three murders. After less than a year in the custody of the Central Mental Hospital, O'Donnell was found dead, having overdosed on anti-psychotic medication. The incident is one of Ireland's most notorious and horrific murders and is now the subject of a film to be screened tonight (Wed.s July 6) at the Galway Film Fleadh. Property of the State examines the case from the point of view of Brendan O'Donnell's sister, Ann Marie, and explores whether he was failed by health services. O'Donnell was described by his former school principal as 'the most disturbed child I had in 22 years of teaching' and had a history of mental health difficulties and criminality. The producers acknowledge the case is within living memory and that the film is likely to cause controversy. They say they wanted to bring Anne Marie O'Donnell's story to the fore and spoke to a variety of of people in the Clare community. Jo Gilbert, producer of Property of the State, was on the line and she explained why the story needs to be told.
As you'll have heard on yesterday's (Tue. July 5) show, FG TD Joe Carey launhed a broadside at his party colleagues – particularly the Minister for Jobs – accusing the government of failing to take action to avert the closure of the Roche plant in Clarecastle. As the process of winding down the company gets underway, Dep Carey urged Minister Mitchell O'Connor to travel to Roche HQ in Switzerland to meet senior mangement there. In a statment issued to Clare FM News last evening, Minister Mitchell O'Connor said every effort's been made to secure an alternative buyer for the plant and that all available State supports will be provided to employees at this difficult time. While she failed to refer to the call to travel to Basel, the junior minister at the Department, Clare TD Pat Breen is already on record as saying he's prepared to go. On the evening of his appointment as Minister for State – in the week that Roche announced that negotiations to sell the plant as a going concern had fallen through – Deputy Breen expressed his willingness to meet senior management in Basel. He joined Gavin on the line to clarify his position.
Then we returned to DPOC closure concerns. As you've been hearing in recent weeks on this programme, an organisation representing those with disabilities in Clare has taken a decision to shut its doors. DPOC (Disabled People of Clare) will hold an Emergency General Meeting today (Wed.s June 6) to begin its wind down. The closure follows the transfer of services – including the DPOC's door-to-door transport facility – to alternative providers (ultimately Clare Bus, but with an interim transport provider in the short-term). Part of the reason for the wind down is a new set of regulations requiring DPOC to extend services outside of the area of physical disability. The decision has met with criticism, however, from some of those who set up DPOC more than 20 years ago. Some founder members are seeking a meeting with the current board to discuss the situation. These include Anne Marie Flanagan who says DPOC has worked hard to create a culture in Clare where people with disabilities are consulted and included and don't have to accept 'inequality, charity, pity or exclusion'. Anne Marie joined Gavin the line and outlined her position.
This Saturday sees a festival with a difference take place in Scariff. Synergy is a youth festival, supported by Clare Youth Services, organised by over 18s for under 18s. The Willie Wonka themed event will have chocolate making workshops, music, an open mic, camping and more. Amy Glover was has lived in Mountshannon most of her life. She's attended Synergy as a punter since she was 15 and now she's helping to organise it. She spoke to Gavin and gave him the details.
Next we had a fundraising appeal for Clare man injured in an accident in Brisbane. The family of a Clare man, who's suffered serious injuries in an accident in Australia, has launched an appeal to raise funds for his family. Liam Boland, whose mother hails from Connolly, fell more than 6 metres after a railing gave way as he was en route to join a group of friends on an evening out. The 35-year-old suffered serious brain and spinal injuries and faces an uncertain future in terms of his recovery. His wife Evelyn and 15-month-old son, Finn, are being supported by Liam's family and his employers, Kenny Construction. Fundraising efforts in Australia are being spearheaded by the Irish Australia Support Association of Queensland while an account has been set up at St Francis' Credit Union, Ennis. Pauline Boland is Liam's sister. She came into studio where she described how difficult it has been on the family but also told how they've had great support.
To donate the details are as follows:St Francis' Credit Union, Ennis. Account Name: Liam Boland Fund Appeal BIC: FRCUIE21 IBAN: IE41FRCU99109510877113
Finally today we had our Ask the Vet item with John Underhill from Burren Vets. This week, along with answering listener questions, he spoke about the dangers of feline AIDs.
