On Wednesday's Morning Focus with John Cooke
Amnesty International says the world should be shocked by the findings of its report into what it describes as Ireland's 'cruel' abortion law. The international NGO has hit out at the Irish State for having one of the world's most 'restrictive' laws – which does not allow for terminations in cases of rape, incest or foetal anomalies. Amnesty says it was shocked to discover that women are forced to carry unviable or dead foetuses for several weeks while doctors ensure there is no foetal heartbeat. Christina Zampas Amnesty International Senior legal advisor and Author of report explains why she believes it is important the choice of abortion is introduced for women in this country. However, a number of anti-abortion groups have criticised Amnesty's report including Eilis Mulroy Spokesperson Pro Life Campaign who also spoke to John
This week calls are being made for the HSE to do something to tackle the ongoing trolley crisis in the Country's major hospitals including University Hospital Limerick. However it is not just affecting patients at Limerick Regional, Brid MacNamara of Clare Camogie contacted the show to share her recent experience in UCH Galway where she spent from 8pm on Tuesday night to 11pm on Wednesday night on a trolley in A&E. Brid was then moved to a ward where she remained on a trolley until Friday at 1pm. Brid said it was one of the most traumatic experience of her life.
Frankie Coote of Clare ISPCA and the County Dog warden joined us next with a number of incidents happening across the county and appealing for you help with any information. Incidents include: A microchipped Springer Spaniel lost in Mooghaun Woods Newmarket-on-Fergus and 8 cattle missing from Willbrook Corofin.
June is Motor Neuron Awareness Month and to mark this we were joined by Michelle Lorigan from Kilmihil who spoke to John Cooke about her father Jim Scanlon. Jim discovered his voice beginning to slur last May and after many tests and scans, in August he was diagnosed with Progressive Bulbar Palsy Motor Neuron Disease the most rapid form of the disease. Michelle shared their experience and outlined despite losing his voice and ability to walk in such a short period of time, her father still has his fantastic sense of humour and has coped really well with the changes! John also spoke with Fidelma Rutledge MND Nurse with Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association who highlighted the importance of funds for the Association in helping patients and their family to cope with this debilitating disease.
The IMNDA would like people to organise a Drink Tea for MND event throughout the month of June tea packs have been sponsored by Supervalu. People can register their event and to get their free tea pack they can email [email protected] or Freefone 1800 403 403 or Make a donation to the campaign by Texting MND to 50300 and donate €2.
Gardaí in Kilkee are investigating a suspected arson attack on an astro pitch in the West Clare town. The fire was set on Monday night, and the pitch has now been closed as a result. One goalmouth has been ruined, and it's not known how much it will cost to repair the pitch which is central to a 440,000 euro community facility that received grant funding and was the focus of much local fundraising. Matt Corbett of Kilkee Atro Turf Committee says it's very disappointing, he spoke to John.
ChangeX is a platform of proven innovations (such as CoderDojo) for change-makers, designed to measurably improve wellbeing in communities across Ireland. The Burren was the first community where ChangeX launched in May of last year. ChangeX is in the midst of its campaign, ChangeX 100 (http://www.changex.org/100), which is aiming to recruit 100 new teams across Ireland to commit to start a proven idea in their community within 100 days. If successful, it will benefit thousands of people across Ireland. Paul O'Hara Founder of ChangeX spoke to us with Joe Ryan of CoderDojo Ballyvaughan who runs a completely voluntary programme that holds classes by weekly, teaching kids ranging in ages from 6- 14 years old the basic skills of technology. Joe got involved with CoderDojo through Change X and is encouraging others to get involved in similar community projects!
John Underhill of Burren Vets joined us next to offer animal advice on Vaccinations in large and small animals. John also answered your pet queries.
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