As the politicians edge ever closer to an agreement on government formation we started the show by asking – deal or no deal? Talks between Fine Gael and Independents will resume later this morning (Thurs. May 5) with a Programme for Government to be put on the table. A special Dáil sitting may be called for tomorrow, to re-elect Enda Kenny as Taoiseach. It's understood significant progess was made in key areas – including rural affairs, justice and health – with reports that they're close to concluding. Dr Michael Harty, TD, Ind. Gave Gavin his views.
Next, as the conference of Ireland's main nursing union gets underway, a substantial rise in the level of overcrowding at Ennis General Hospital has been revealed. 220 people were waiting on trolleys between January and April, up from 41 on the same period in 2015. The latest trolley watch figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation show a rise of 179 in the number of people waiting on trolleys on Ennis General Hospital between January and April. Over 300 nurses and midwives have gathered to to discuss the ongoing difficulties in the health service with low pay and overcrowding taking centre stage as well as the aftermath of the political discussions. Mary Fogarty is the INMO representative in the Midwest and she was on the line.
The High Court has cleared the way for a multi-million euro bridge crossing in Killaloe/Ballilna. It's over three years since An Bord Pleanala has given the go-ahead for the project, but it has since been before the courts following a legal challenge. The ruling was deferred on a number of occasions prior to today's decision. The project, which also includes a new bypass and other roadworks, aims to greatly reduce traffic disruption in the twin towns. Cllr Tony O'Brien Killaloe explained the situation to Gavin.
Tomorrow evening (Friday) will see the launch of Enterprise Friday for East Clare in Ogonnelloe Community Hall from 4pm to 6pm. Enterprise Friday will be a regular networking event to be held in various locations around East Clare where businesses and start-ups can exchange ideas and explore common challenges and opportunities. It aims to bring more enterprise to the East Clare region. Food entrepreneur, Peter Ward, will launch the event and speak about “The Importance of Passion in Business”. It's a free event and the Ogonnelloe Exchange community café will be open. Peader Casey from Ogonnelloe Exchange was on the line with Gavin.
Next the show turned to medical news with Dr Maire Finn from the Ennis Family Medical Centre. She told to Gavin about the dangers of tick-bourne Lyme Disease and she answered listeners queries.
After that we heard from David McGowan about his Boeing 767 odyssey. The funeral director is continuing his attempts to move a Boeing jet from Shannon Airport to his proposed 'glamping' park in Sligo. Mr. McGowan bought a Boeing 767 jet plane from Shannon Airport for €20,000 in the hope of converting it into camping accommodation for holiday makers, close to the beach in Enniscrone. His plans have been delayed on a number of occasions. He spoke to Gavin and outlined the situation this morning.
Then Michelle Flannery was in for the weekly gardening slot.
Memories and reminiscences of older generations in south and east Clare have been captured in a new book, compiled by a volunteer at Carrigoran House. Brigid Liddy who gives craft classes at the Newmarket-on-Fergus facility worked with older people from Sixmilebridge, Cratloe, Kilkishen, Kilmurry, and Newmarket over the course of several months to compile the book, entitled 'Of Plesant Days Gone By'. It deals with a range of topics from religion, work, food and farming to school days and working life. The manager of Carrigoran House has described the book as 'another page to the social history of the region'. Brigid Liddy was in studio.
A County Clare doctor has completed one of the toughest races on earth and raised 10-thousand euro for Special Olympics Ireland in the process. Cancer specialist Dr Miriam O'Connor, who's from Quilty, ran the gruelling 'Marathon des Sables', which covers 250km through the Sahara Desert, over six days in April. Miriam said the ultramarathon was 'unexpectedly gruelling' and up to 10 percent of those who entered didn't make it to the finishing line. The mother-of-one, who ran alongside her brother and a friend, had to contend with soaring temperatures, sandstorms and blisters. Miriam is a consultant oncologist at Waterford University Hospital. She has already completed more than 25 marathons and Ireland’s longest road run – the Connemara 100 mile race. She told Gavin how difficult the race actually was and how happy she is to have completed it and gotten home.
A couple of week ago, listeners may remember that we heard about a very special show at glor, Ennis, as part of the VOLTage age and opportunity event. 'Care' by WillFredd Theatre is described as a show about the people who help you live until you die. As part of their research, WillFredd interviewed Irish Hospice staff over 12 months and the content of the show is drawn from hospice life. Members of the troupe were in studio to talk about the show and play a tune or two. [John Doran, Paul Curley, Marie Ruane, Maaike, Van der Linde, director Sophie Motley, and production designer Sarah Jane Sheils.]
Finally, ‘One Night In Vienna’, coming to glor, Ennis, next Saturday (May 7) is a show devoted to some of the world's favourite classical music. Featuring virtuoso violinist Vladimir Jablokov, the show will feature pieces like The Blue Danube, The Voices of Spring, the Tritsch-Tratsch Polka, the Radetzky March, the Merry Widow Waltz, Beer Barrel Polka and other favourites. ‘One Night In Vienna’ also features an ensemble of his hand picked musicians including some of his family members. Vladimir Jablokov started playing the violin aged five, making his stage debut at the tender age of ten. Coming from four generations of professional music makers, with a Russian maestro for a father and five musical siblings around him at home; Vladimir is steeped in the classical tradition. He arrived in Ireland ten years ago, and was discovered busking on Grafton Street. Gavin spoke to Vladimir Jablokov to find out more.
