Morning Focus began with a look at Brexit. Now that our second largest trader is stepping up its moves to leave the EU, the possible impacts on Ireland are becoming clearer. A complicating factor is that Ireland cannot do one-to- one trade deals with the UK. That must be done via the EU. Many commemtators suggest that, as a result, Ireland will struggle to keep its interests high on the Brexit negotiating agenda. Until the Brexit process is finalised (early 2019) we have certainty that full and open market access between Ireland and the UK remains; there will be no tariffs, no quotas, no border checks. However, the situation after that date is still unclear. Already, the livestock sector is reporting a sustained drop in beef prices. The government has stepped up its analysis of the impact of Brexit and one option being mooted is the development of new markets for Irish agricultural produce. Rowena Dwyer, Chief Economist IFA, came on the line to discuss the ramifications.
Gavin then took a look at a report conducted by a Sunday newspapers two-thirds of sex offenders who took a case to the Court of Appeal secured a reduction in their sentences. The Sunday Times found, that of 44 appeals brought against the severity of sentences for a sexual assault or rape, 32 were upheld. The finding has prompted calls for a review of sentencing patterns by the Minister for Justice and it’s also raised concerns that those who’ve experienced sexual assault may be more reluctant to report it. Miriam Duffy, Executive Director Rape Crisis Midwest, joined Gavin on the line to talk about the issue.
Morning Focus then spoke about the case of the Nugent brothers in Sixmilebridge who have been campaigning for more than three decades now to secure justice in the unsolved killing of their brother Patrick. Recently, they’ve engaged a leading human rights lawyer to further their calls for a public inquiry. While the family has received acknowledgement of their request from the Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald, there’s been no commitment from the Department. Gavin was joined on the line by Darragh Mackin, Solicitor KRW Law.
Gavin then spoke about Breast Cancer Awareness month, and this morning we heard just how important it is to be aware of this deadly disease. Catherine Ryan from Ennis, was seemingly as healthy as they get before she was rocked by a cancer diagnosis earlier this summer. However, catching the disease early has given her a positive prognosis. Catherine talked about how cancer was the furthest thing from her mind when she was diagnosed in June. As she continues to battle the disease, a huge group of walkers have now signed up to take part in a mini-marathon in Limerick later this month. Catherine, and her friend Mary Howard of Ennis, told Gavin about that, and first about the support she’s received so far… and also about the support that she in turn has inadvertently given others.
We’re almost into our twelfth year of the Dromineer Literary Festival in Nenagh, beginning on the Thursday (October 6) and Running until Sunday next (October 9). It’s set to be an eventful couple of days ranging through music, poetry, fiction and a 1916 commemoration event through a discussion of the novel ‘Rebel Sisters’ by the author Marita Conlon McKenna, based on the real life of the Gifford Sisters and that’s set to take place at 4pm on the final day of the festival in Nenagh Castle. The festival is set to continue its trend of reflecting the diverse and rich talent available today in the literary world and is sure to be an amazing time for all. Eleanor Hooker, Chairperson & Programme Curator, Dromineer Literary Festival joined Gavin on the phone to discuss the festival.
Gavin was then joined live in studio by Frankie Coote, Clare County Dog Warden.
It’s the best part of twenty years since our next guest was first asked to sing on stage at a nightclub in Limerick for Valentines Day. The catch – he had to do it in drag. Now, however, Shannon man Gary O’Shea, under his stage name Shyanne, is traveling the world. Before all that, though, he had to overcome intense bullying while growing up as a teenager, and it’s only in recent years that he’s taken the act up full-time after a serious health scare. For the first time, the Shy O’Shea stage show is coming to Clare and she joined Gavin in full glory in studio this morning.
Morning Focus then spoke about the benefits of breastfeeding, but there’s no doubt that it can be tricky with the pressures that modern families are under. To raise awareness and to offer advice and support, this week has been designated National Breastfeeding Week. Running until October 7, there are events taking place all across the country including here in our very own Ennis, to talk more about the matter Gavin was joined in studio by local breastfeeding consultant, Johanna Cusack.
Elizabeth Mason came on the line pleading for any information as to the whereabouts of her missing pendant, lost in Ennistymon. It was made from her late husband's wedding ring using stones he had given to her.
And then Gavin spoke about a truly commendable effort and that is of the volunteers running the charity Pemba Support. They’re here asking for your vote in the Better Together initiative from Medtronic which will grant them €1000 to help them continue their efforts in Pemba, Tanzania. To vote, all you have to do is go to www.bettertogether.ie/videos go to the Pemba Support video and click ‘vote now’. You can vote once every 24 hours up until December 8, and we urge you to do so to help the wonderful people of Pemba Support. Giving up their own time and relying entirely on sponsorship the people of Pemba Support seek to help the island of Pemba, Tanzania through projects aimed towards agriculture, education and special needs. To date they have built a church, a school and a community centre on the island. Pat O’Doherty, Pemba Support, Ennistymon came on the phone line to talk with Gavin.
