We opened this morning with further reactions to Trump's Clare visit u-turn. There's still a possibility that Donald Trump will pay a visit to Clare. The billionaire tycoon is due to visit Doonbeg Hotel and Golf Resort on Friday next week but it was reported earlier that the Irish leg of his tour has been cancelled. However in a statement to Clare FM last night (Weds. June 15), the Trump Organization says the presidential candidate still hopes to make a stop in Ireland if time allows and that the itinerary for the trip has yet to be finalised. John O'Dea, Chairperson of Doonbeg Community Development and Fergal Smith, Green Party member, were on to offer different views on ths issue.
Next we heard from Dr Michael Harty about his new appointment. Clare's Independent TD has been appointed Chair of the Oireachtas Health Committee. Michael Harty's appointment was confirmed last night, even though the role had been granted to Fine Gael. In a statement to Clare FM, the Kilmihil Doctor described that health is one of the greatest challenges facing our country at the present time. Now head of the all-party health committee, Dr. Harty hopes it will play an important role in shaping policy and legislation that will positively impact on our health services in the coming years. Health Minister Simon Harris has advocated a ten year health strategy, and Dr. Harty hopes that his new role, and the changed make-up of the Dáil, will allow the committee to influence government policy. The appointment of Dr. Harty to the position has come even though the role of Health Chair had been granted to Fine Gael under the D'Hondt system used to hand out such roles on a cross-party basis. Dr Michael Harty, TD (Ind.), was on the line with Gavin.
The first of the Syrian families to be given refugee in County Clare arrived in Shannon this week. Forty seven individuals people from the war will be housed in Sixmilebridge and Shannon. A second group of around 50 more Syrian national will be relocated to an as yet unspecified location(s) in Clare later this year. Sinn Fein Cllr Mike McKee was among those to welcome those who arrived at Shannon Airport last Tuesday evening. He was on the line to tell Gavin why it's important to welcome the new arrivals.
Then we looed at the possible impact Brexit could have for Ireland. There's just one week to go until the people of Britain vote on whether they will 'Brexit' or 'Bremain'. Polls are tight, but the Financial Times' poll of polls shows a slender lead for the 'leave' camp at this stage. Given the stark warnings that a Brexit could cost Ireland billions, could the unthinkable really happen? Bernard Purcell, Editor of The Irish World, was on the line to tell us the latest from the ground in the UK.
On this week's Ask the GP slot, Dr Maire Finn was in studio to offer advice on the various forms of Contraception available. She also answered a range of medical questions from our listeners.
The work done by tens of thousands of carers around Ireland is being marked this week as part of the 10th annual National Carers Week, which runs until Sunday, June 19. Census 2011 showed there were more than 5-thousand family carers in Clare. Of those, 61% are women and 39% are men, and their average age is 46. So far this week, carers have been enjoying some precious time to themselves to recharge their batteries and tomorrow (Fri., June 17), they'll hold an afternoon tea and talk event at 3pm at the Templegate Hotel in Ennis. Susan Hogan from Family Carer's Ireland was in studio with details of the event. Contact Details: Susan Hogan – 0656866515, shogan@familycarers.ie
Michelle Flannery from Busy Bee Garden Centre & Tea Room, Clondrinagh, was in studio for our weekly gardening item. This week she offered tips on pest control, a serious issue for growers at this time of year.
This week has seen us pass the 'two months to go barrier' for Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Ennis. The event will begin on August 2016, and will bring around 400,000 people to the town It will also bring a global attention on Ennis, with the event broadcast live on television here and online. From Toonagh, our own Tola Custy will be one of the presenters of Fleadh TV, which is produced by Paul McKay. The guys popped into us this week for a chat and a tune – Gavin began by asking Tola to quantify just how excited people are ahead of the event.
It's Men's Health Week and one particular movement is making inroads improving health in a group notoriously stubborn when it comes to taking care of themselves. Since 2011, Men's Sheds have been springing up across the country. While they function as community workshops, their purpose is to promote social interaction and improve their members overall well-being. Clare FM's Cian Kearns paid a visit to the Ennis Men's Shed began by asking the facilitator Frank McNamara, how this shed came about.
Finally today, we turned to the Launch of the FBD Clare Business Excellence Awards, sponsored by Bank of Ireland, that will take place from 7.30 am – 9am on Friday at the Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis. Minister of State for Employment and Small Business, Pat Breen, will be the guest speaker along with main sponsors FBD and launch sponsors Bank of Ireland. Rita McInerney, CEO of Ennis Chamber of Commerce and Ita O'Keeffe, FBD, were in studio to tell us more about the event.
