Ireland have made the knock-out stages of Euro 2016! The boys in green finished Group F in third place after an historic 1-0 victory over Italy. Robbie Brady got the late winner for Martin O'Neill's men. We opened the show by hearing from Mikey Stafford, Deputy Editor SportsJoe.ie, who was at the game in Lille.
It's Polling day in the Brexit referendum and Voting is well under way across the UK. 46-point-5 million people are eligible to have a say on whether the UK should remain in the European Union or leave. Polling stations close at 10pm tonight. However, if voters do choose to leave the EU many Irish politicians believe it could have a detrimental effect on tourism and trade. Caitriona Donnellan is a Clare native living in London for 2 years and she's voting in the referendum. Siobhan Breatnach is the Editor of the Irish Post. They both took a call from the UK this morning to discuss the big vote.
Listeners will know that for a number of months now we've been following developments with a transport service for people with disabilities in Clare. The door-to-door service – operated by the DPOC – has been a lifeline for up to 50 people and their families. It faced the axe in April when a funding crisis struck, but intensive efforts have paved the way for transfer to Clare Bus, with an interim service to be put in place in the meantime. This week sees the transfer of some DPOC staff to other agencies. This comes ahead of the wind down of the DPOC itself after decades of service in the county. A new regulatory framework is one of the reasons behind the decision to close. Margaret Kinnane, Board member with DPOC, was on the line to explain the groups decision.
Next we heard from a Clare woman who found herself subject to 'racist' abuse. Bee Ni Choitir has been writing on social media this week about an experience on a bus in Dublin in which she was mistaken for a non-Irish national. She was told to 'go home to your own country' and when she started speaking Irish, was told to stop using 'gobbledegook'. Describing the experience as 'horrible', Bee says she feels for anyone who has moved to Ireland and been the subject of the same kind of abuse.
Two Clare women have formed part of a four-strong delegation who have visited Leinster House in a bid to pressure TDs for support in dealing with diabetes. The delegation told a large gathering of TDs and Senators, including all of Clare's Oireachtas members, of how they and Diabetes Ireland feel a diversion of existing health resources into preventative and assistance, rather than treatment, will save money and give patients a better quality of life. Rebecca Flanagan from Doolin and Grainne Flynn of Ennis told those in attendance of their own experiences. Afterwards, Grainne told Gavin how they got on.
Then we heard from a Cavan dad in the middle of a 'busking bonanza' which takes him to the Banner County today (Thurs, June 23). 'Jammin for Jarrah' will take Ben Folkman to all 32 counties to raise funds and awareness for severely diable children like his son Jarrah. The five-year-old is a happy, bright and loving child who was born in with Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, CVI Blindness and Refractory Epilepsy. His dad Ben will play outside Dunnes Stores in Ennis from 11am to 12noon today. Beforehand, he joined Gavin in studio and played a sample of some of their tunes. People can find out more and donate online at www.32gigs.com and on Facebook ‘Jammin for Jarrah’.
After that, Michelle Flannery from Busy Bee Garden Centre and Tea Room Clondrinagh, Limerick, was in studio for the weekly Gardening slot. This week she discussed hydrangeas .
Earlier in the week we had Orla Ni Eili from Clare Immigrant Support Centre on the show to tell us about World Refugee Day. The day was marked in Ennis by an event at the Civic Building, Waterpark last Monday. Clare FM's Cian Kearns was in attendance and he asked people afterwards if they enjoyed the event.
In 1641, King Charles II granted the first official charter for the Spancihill Fair. Over 350 years later, one of Ireland and Europe's oldest horse fairs continues. Over the next few days, visitors from at home and abroad are expected to make their way to the Clare town for horse-trading, family fun events and just to soak up the atmosphere. Pat Hannon, Spancil Hill Fair Organising committee member was on the line to tell Gavin what's planned for today.
The final drive is on to secure funding for a much needed community mini-bus come patient support vehicle for the people of Clare. Collectors have been out in force to secure the remaining funds for the €86 000 vehicle. The 15 seater minibus will be able to take passengers, or remove its seats to fit stretchers or wheelchairs. James Lafferty from the Red Cross was in studio and Joe Cooney, Clare County GAA Board Chairperson, joined on the line.
Next we took a quick call from Eoin Neylon from Ballyea. Eoin was at the Ireland Italy game in Lille and he gave Gavin a flavour of the incredible atmosphere of the match and the celebrations afterwards.
Then we turned to Killaloe where preparations for Pink Ribbon Day have gone up a gear as the big day approaches. The town is turning pink as shops and businesses hoist flags, put up posters and decorate their fronts with anything and everything frilly and pink. With hundreds expected to take part in the 10km walk this Sunday, Clare FM's Cian Kearns visited Killaloe to chat to those getting ready.
Kaitriona Mulcahy is one of the team of volunteers who help put together the Killaloe Pink Ribbon Walk. This July she celebrates two years cancer free. Kaitriona underwent a double mastectomy following a diagnosis at the age of 37 while living in the U.S. She is the third member of her family to be diagnosed with breast cancer as her sister Jane, also a survivor, was too diagnosed at an early age of 33, and her grandmother passed away from the illness in her 50’s. With Statistics showing that 1 in 9 Irish women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, this form of cancer is proving to be the second highest rated cancer in this country. (Skin cancer being no. 1). The main goal of the Killaloe Pink Ribbon Walk is simple firstly its to raise funds for Action Breast Cancer, next its simply to encourage people to get out and exercise and in general encourage a healthier lifestyle and finally to increase awareness of breast cancer. Katriona was in studio to tell Gavin about ehr own experiences with breast cancer and to discuss the importance of the Pink Ribbon Day.
