Welcome to the Afternoon Show Blog – on today’s show Gavin Grace discussed the issue of comfort eating. Róisín Finnegan is a trainee Clinical Psychologist at NUI Galway and joined to talk about a new research project at NUI Galway, which aims to better understand the underlying causes of comfort eating, which may stem from childhood. Comfort or emotional eating happens when we are not hungry but perhaps in need of stress relief or a reward. NUIG researchers are conducting a study, which aims to examine the influence of emotional factors in childhood on comfort eating and weight. They have devised a questionnaire, which investigates these issues, and will also be conducting individual interviews. Volunteers are being sought to take part in this study, the only requirement being that participants are over-18. For those interested in participating in this study, it will involve completing a questionnaire, taking part in an interview, or doing both, though it is not a necessity of the study that you take part in both. Those who wish to complete the questionnaire online should log onto www.surveymonkey.com/s/comforteating or contact Róisín via email at r.finnegan8@nuigalway.ie
Today is UN International Day of the Family and One Family, Ireland’s leading organisation for one-parent families, is calling for a national debate on what family means in Ireland today. Karen Kiernan is the CEO of One Family and joined the show to discuss how the group is asking the Constitutional Convention to add an additional item to their agenda and look at Articles 41 and 42 which deal with the family. In particular a review of Article 41.3.1° would support some of the other issues already debated such as same sex marriage and women’s role. One Family has consistently called to have the Constitution expanded to recognise and protect all kinds of families and not just the marital family since its establishment in 1972.
Also speaking on The Afternoon Show today was Lisdoonvarna Hotelier Marcus White to talk about how Lisdoonvarna is going pink this year – with a new gay matchmaking event starting the annual matchmaking festival. Organisers hope the event – dubbed The Outing – will attract lesbian and gay singles from all around the world. The original Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking festival is Europe’s oldest and kicks off in September. For more details please see www.theouting.ie
Aidan Courtney from The Ennis Book Shop was also in studio for his weekly book review. Today he focused on the latest from Dan Browne entitled “Inferno” and also “Now and Forever” from Bernie Nolan.
Stephen Ward is an Organiser of the 8th annual Burren in Bloom Festival, during which a series of illustrated talks and organised walks are taking place throughout the month of May. The Festival aims to give people an understanding and appreciation of the Burren and its formation, and how it continues to be a source of great botanical, archaeological, and cultural wealth with its unique wild flowers and ancient sites. See www.burreninbloom.com for more details. There’s also a walk on Sunday next from the pavilion in Lisdoonvarna with David Drew on the Waters of the Gorge and Spa.
Claire O’Meara from the Irish Cancer Society charity shop on Woodquay in Ennis was also in studio to let us know about her fundraising efforts for the Society. Claire is organising a series of fundraisers to support the Irish Cancer Society in the coming weeks – she’s starting off with a “zumbathon” this coming Sunday in the Abbey Hall in Clarecastle, then a table quiz in Doora on June 1st in The Shebeen and the “Parnell Street Bonanza!” a fashion show event with the local boutiques.
To contact the show please email afternoon@clare.fm
