The show opened this morning with audio from Clare's victory at the end of the Allianz Hurling League Final. The dramatic win was discussed in detail in the sports panel after 11.
Then, we turned to the new FG-led minority government. After more than 10 weeks of horse-trading, the new government was unveiled on Friday with the support of an additional six Independent TDs, giving this administration at total of 58 seats. Ministerial portfolios have been allocated, as well as two 'super juniors' and Ministers for State are due to be identified tomorrow (Tue.). Relying on support from Fianna Fail, and with a very slim majority, questions have already been raised over the long-term survival chances of this administration. Joe Carey, FG spoke to Gavin.
Next we turned to the Programme for Government. A finalised Programme for Government could be published later today (Mon. May 9), it's being reported. Already, through deals done with Fianna Fail and with various Independents who voted for Enda Kenny as Taoiseach, we know that there's to be a stronger focus on rural affairs and agriculture. A new senior ministry for Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts, and the Gaeltacht has been created with promises on broadband, protection of small schools, the reopening of six garda stations, and a review of post offices. A major issue for a number of Independents, including Michael Fitzmaurice was turf cutting on certain bogs. That issue wasn't resolved in time to allow Dep Fitzmaurice to support Enda Kenny as Taoiseach, however. Money has also been earmarked for local road and rail networks to ensure “communities isolated by inadequate national primary roads, have direct access to ports and airports”. Willie Hanrahan Clare County IFA Chair and Neil Garvey CEO Munitir na Tire were on the line.
Calls are being made for swift works to be carried out on a bridge near Clarecastle, in order to preserve a vital local bus route. Local Councillor Paul Murphy says a number of families in the area are no longer served by buses to weight restrictions which have been imposed on Latoon Bridge following a structural investigation last November. And while Bus Eireann has continued to use an alternative route to serve the village, the Fine Gael Councillor fears this may not be the case long-term, unless the bridge is repaired. *Statements from Clare County Council and Bus Eireann Cllr Paul Murphy, FG Ennis MD and Joe Reynolds who has been affected by the diversion were in studio. Anne Maguire, the mother of son with special needs was also on the line to tell how he's forced to travel further in order to catch the bus.
Garda Niamh Browne wasin for our weekly Garda Focus item.
Then we looked at the Darkness into Light events. Thousands of people from across County Clare have taken part in the annual Darkness Into Light runs and walks on Saturday (May 7) in support of suicide prevention charity Pieta House. Beginning at 4.15am, the event saw participants across the line as dawn broke. Ennis, Shannon, Kilrush, Miltown Malbay and Killaloe/Ballina all hosted events this morning. Clare FM's Stephen McDermott spoke to some of those involved.
Also today, Clare FM launched a charity fundraising drive in support of Cahercalla Hospice. We had the first play of a fundraising single by Charlie McGettigan. Mary Moloney, Fundraising Manager of Cahercalla Hospice was on the line to explainwhat the fundraising means for Cahercalla. Padraic Flaherty Operations Manger at Clare FM, joined Gavin in studio.
A free event encouraging businesses to save money by using sustainable business practices is taking tomorrow (Tue., May 10) in Shannon. The seminar will offer a range of guest speakers on topics such as renewable energy options for SMEs, utility management, increasing environmental awareness among employees as well as why and how to reduce a business’ carbon footprint. Businesses of all sizes and sectors are welcome to attend the morning seminar. James Hogan from Green Business told Gavin more. http://www.ibec.ie/0/green-business-may-2016-seminars
Gavin's next guest would like to take a look into your heart. She's not a doctor, but she would like to find out what makes you – and the rest of Ireland – tick. Kathy Scott has created an alternative census – A Census of the Heart. Over the month of May, she's inviting people all of the country not just to tell her who they are, but how they are. Kathy organised an event called Ted Talks with Soul in Ennis in 2014. Her concept 'We need to talk about Ireland,' – a look at our challenges and issues – was aired by RTE earlier this year.
Then the Sports panel were in to talk about how Clare hurlers claimed their first League title since 1978 in the most dramatic of circumstances. The Banner showed huge determination, overcoming an opening Waterford goal in the game's first twenty seconds and at times, a six-point deficit. It was 1-23 to 2-19 to Clare when the final whistle blew The Banner's hurlers weren't the only Clare team to claim national glory today. Clare recorded a 5-2 win over the Leinster Senior League in the final of the Oscar Traynor Cup, which was held in Crumlin. Donal Og Cusack, Peter O'Connell from The Clare Champion and Derrick from Clare FM spoke to Gavin.Yesterday's win came after Clare had missed out on glory in this competition, with some near misses over recent seasons. We heard from manager Donie Garrihy who told Gavin how this made yesterday's victory even more special.
Finally on today's show we heard the latest Fleadh News. Joe O’Connor was in studio to share the latest on Fleadh-related events throughout the county.
