On today’s Morning Focus John Cooke was joined by a number of guests to discuss the worrying rise in suicides in Clare. In particular they discussed the instances among the rural and farming community. Taking part in the discussion today was Dr. Billy O’Connell from Miltown Malbay and Member of West Clare Taking Care, Independent Councillor from Sixmilebridge PJ Ryan, Ardnacrusha farmer and Chairman of Clare IFA Andrew Dundas, O’Callaghan’s Mills Farmer and Clare Chair of the ICMSA Martin McMahon and Tom McEvoy from Pieta House. The fodder crisis that followed the wettest winter in decades reaped a bitter harvest among farmers, with a significant rise in suicides across the country. These include a cluster of an estimated seven deaths in the last number of months in West Clare, which was among the worst affected regions during the emergency. And suicides are still occurring among the farming community, according to Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) sources. They reveal that some farmers who found themselves under intolerable pressure last winter and spring have found it impossible to emerge from the depression that engulfed them during the crisis.
Helpline Numbers: Aware – 1890 303 302, The Samaritans – 1850 609 090, Console – 1800 201 890 and Pieta House Limerick – 061 48 44 44 or email mary@pieta.ie
Eleanor Murphy is the acting PR Manager with the National Lottery and spoke about how the latest jackpot winner was listening to Clare FM on Sunday when she heard that the winning ticket had been purchased at Kennedy’s Centra, on Back Lane in Lahinch. Upon checking her numbers, she found out that the €4 Quick Pick ticket she had purchased the previous Friday was suddenly worth over 6.1 million euro. Collecting the jackpot along with her husband today, she said she plans to pay of bills, and to share her fortune with family and friends. As for her grand dreams, she says she would love to buy a house by the sea, and go to Tiffany’s to buy diamonds!
John Sheridan of Showjumping Ireland also spoke to Morning Focus about the Showjumping Ireland National Pony and Young Rider Championships, which get underway today in a new venue at the Ennis Showgrounds. Taking place over four days from Thursday to Sunday, the Championships aim to cater for all with 90cm to the 1.30m(S) National Championship in Young Riders and Newcomers and Under 8 National Discovery to the Equestrian Store NI/SJI Pony Premier League.
John O’Connell was also a guest of the show to outline the events for this year’s Dan Furey Weekend in Labasheeda. The 19th Dan Furey Weekend of set dancing is being held in Labasheeda this weekend and begins with a special tribute to Michael Tubridy tonight. Five céilithe in total are held during the festival with the top céili bands performing, while a trip to Kilkerrin Battery Fortress on the Sunday morning for an impromptu céili is a must for all visitors.
Seamus O’Hara from the Carlow Brewing Company also joined John in studio to talk about his involvement with the Doolin Craft Beer Festival, which takes place this weekend. Irish microbreweries make a pint at Doolin Craft Beer Festival. The number of microbreweries operating in Ireland has increased significantly in recent years due a surge in public interest in independent craft beers. That’s according to the organisers of the 2nd annual Doolin Craft Beer Festival in County Clare from tomorrow until Sunday. This year Hotel Doolin is partnering with Seamus. He has been instrumental in the re-emergence of craft brewing in Ireland. After seeing the wider range of beers available in bars in the United States and continental Europe, Seamus O’Hara and his brother Eamonn established the Carlow Brewing Company in 1996. Due to the dominance of macro beers in Ireland at the time, the brewery was initially very export orientated. Interest in the brewery and craft beer in general, has increased
John Underhill of Burren Vets was in studio for his weekly feature on animal care and answered your veterinary queries.
To contact Morning Focus please email focus@clare.fm
