The show opened with the latest news from the ongoing government talks. Fine Gael and Independents have been continuing discussion over the formation of a Fine Gael-led minority government. But already a deal has been struck between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil – it was presented to their respective parliamentary parties last evening. But what does the deal mean for voters? Will it last, and what will the grassroots members of both parties make of it all? Timmy Dooley – Fianna Fáil and Pat Breen – Fine Gael spoke with Gavin.
Next the show turned to the news from Intel. Management are due to announce the company's plans to reduce its Irish workforce. The firm is cutting 12,000 jobs – 10% of its global workforce. Intel employs around 5,000 Irish workers, with its largest base in Leixlip, while 200 of its staff are based at a Research and Development facility in Shannon. Tom Lyons from Sunday Business Post was on the line with the latest details.
Tomorrow evening (Thurs 5th) the Clare IFA executive is holding its monthly meeting. Maura Canning, national chairperson of the Farm Family and Social Affairs Committee will be there to give a presentation. She is hoping to encourage a Clare woman to take up the vacant position of County Rep for the Farm Family and Social Affairs committee. She also wants to highlight a number of issues, including pensions for farm women, the Green Ribbon campaign to raise awareness of mental health issues and farm safety. Maura Canning told Gavin about the role of the FFSAC and what she hopes from the meeting.
Next up, we had a look at the latest innovative application for drone technology. In any search and rescue situation time is a crucial factor. However, locating people who are lost or injured is often one of the most time-consuming and difficult parts of the operation. Now a Clare man is leading development into an innovative new way to find people in the mountains. Using drone technology Matthew Kelly believes that people can be located, and saved, quicker than ever. He was in studio to tell Gavin more. They were also joined on the line by Oisín McGrath a commercial drone instructor.
This evening, Ennis Mental Health Association will welcome Dr Harry Barry to the Temple Gate Hotel to talk about the issues of anxiety and panic; issues that affect many of us in our everyday lives. Dr Harry Barry is a Drogheda based medical practitioner with almost 35 years experience. He has a long-standing interest in mental health and is the author of various books on the subject, including 'Flagging the Problem – a new approach to mental health' and most recently 'Flagging Anxiety and Panic – how to reshape your anxious mind and brain,' He came on the line to tell us about his new book and offer tips on how to reduce anxiety in our own lives..
Next we had live music from the Ko Ko Ensemble Jazz who played East of the Sun.
Today is Tea Day, a national celebration and fund-raising effort that honours people affected by Alzheimer's and Dementia. In Clare, events are taking place around county to raise funds for local Alzheimer services. The money they raise goes directly to much-needed local services. Christina McKenna runs Waterman's Day and Respite Centre in Killaloe, Ballina and she told Gavin what the day means to them.
Next, Clare folklore goes on line with dúchas.ie. Folklore and local history from Co. Clare is now available to read on www.duchas.ie. The Schools’ Collection, an important component of the National Folklore Collection, UCD, contains the folklore material recorded by pupils between 1937 and 1939. It consists of over half a million pages recorded by around 50,000 primary school pupils in the 26 counties. Gavin spoke with Ian O Caoimh of the National Folklore Collection, UCD, to find out more.
This Saturday morning thousands of people will be up before dawn to take part in one of the many Darkness into Light events taking place across the country. Starting at 4:15 am, participants will walk or run 5 km to raise funds for Pieta House, a non-profit organisation. In Shannon last year more than 1,200 people participated in the dawn walk/run, successfully raising over €20,000 for Pieta house. Clodagh Lennon, organiser with the Shannon Darkness into Light event, and Tom McEvoy from Pieta House told Gavin more.
John Underhill of Burren Vets was in for the weekly Ask the Vet segment where he answers listeners questions.
And finally, as part of the VOLTage series, this Friday, May 6th, will see Glór play host to “Old Flames”. The work blends the stories of writer Brian Leyden with music by the multi-instrumentalist Shamie O’Dowd. It aims to take a warm-hearted look at romance and courtship, house-dances, dowries and matchmaking, schoolday love notes, radio memories, bereavement and retirement. Gavin was joined by author Brian Leyden.
