Joining Gavin Grace on today’s edition of The Afternoon Show was Fergal O’Leary, Director of research at the National Consumers Agency. They discussed a survey conducted by the NCA, which suggests that some pharmacies are charging double the price of other pharmacies for some drugs. It shows huge differences in the cost of individual prescription medicines in local areas. The nationwide survey of pharmacies found huge variations in the prices charged to private customers for 39 common prescription medicines. The percentage differences in prices of individual prescription medicines ranged from 37% to 199%.
Treacy Hogan, Journalist with the Irish Independent also joined the show to talk about how proposed new powers will allow gardai to check the phone records of motorists involved in crashes, to see if they were using a mobile phone at the time. The new plan to clamp down on phone use among drivers is a key measure in a new government road safety strategy for the next seven years. The new powers for the gardai will help them to determine if a motorist involved in a serious collision was using a mobile phone at the time of the incident.
Fintan O’Toole, sports writer with thescore.ie spoke about the GAA’s annual congress in Derry over the weekend, which saw over 60 motions passed by the delegates. One of the most important motions that was passed at the annual event was the introduction of the black card. It’s hoped the introduction of the ‘ black card ‘ to football will help cut out cynical fouling in the game. The new ruling comes into effect on January the 1st next year.
Also on today’s show Gavin featured another episode of “Calling Home”. Today he was speaking with Martina Bowser, a native of Miltown Malbay but who is now living in the UK. Martina lives in Stevenage and has been in the UK for the past 33 years. They talk about her life at home and her new life in England.
We want to hear your stories – if you or a loved one has emigrated we’d like to hear from them. Please email gathering@clare.fm or contact Clare FM on 065 682 88 88.
Rory Moran is the Artistic Director of “Allegiance”, a stage play that comes to Ennis this Friday. He spoke to Gavin about the storyline and how in 1921 his friend and leader Eamon de Valera ordered Michael Collins to travel to London to negotiate the Treaty that followed the Truce and the War of Independence. Churchill was Colonial Secretary in charge of Ireland, and the two men were prepared to detest one another. Yet, at a point when the Treaty talks seemed to be in stasis, Churchill and Collins spent a night drinking together, talking, arguing, even singing and reciting poetry. They emerged from this session fascinated by each other. This superb play by Mary Kenny explores the evening that changed Irish History. The play, which comes to Glor this Friday march 29th for one night only, was written by Mary Kenny and Directed by Jason Byrne. For details see www.glor.ie
Marty Hannon is the Head Coach at Shannon Boxing Club and spoke to Gavin about their current recruitment drive. Shannon Boxing Club is looking for male and female members to join their club based in Smithstown, Shannon. Membership is open to children from 8 years, youths and adults. If you are interested or require further information contact Shannon Family Resource Centre on 061 707600
To contact the show please email afternoon@clare.fm
