On The Today Show, Gavin Grace spoke with John Mallon, spokesperson for Forest Eireann. Forest Eireann represents the views of consumers who choose to smoke, are aware of the health risks, and are fed up being treated like children. The discussion followed how members of the public could soon be fined for smoking in a car where children are present. Senator John Crown has published new legislation banning the practice – and it will be debated in the Seanad next month. It comes ten years after the work place smoking ban was introduced by the then Health Minister, Michéal Martin. Senator Crown says there’s significant evidence that second-hand smoke in cars can have detrimental effects on a child’s health. Forest Eireann says this proposed legislation is a gross over-reaction and would be impossible to enforce.
Dr. Angie Brown of the Irish Heart Foundation also joined the show to talk about National Stroke Week, which takes place next week – the 16th to 22nd of April. The Irish Heart Foundation has urged women to be extra vigilant about stroke warning signs after new statistics revealed that over 50% more women than men are dying from the disease in Clare. The latest CSO figures showed that out of 63 stroke-related deaths in Clare, 39 women died compared to 24 men during 2010. Nationally, the average stroke death rate was around 50% higher for women. In total 1,258 women died from stroke during 2010 out of a total of 2,053 stroke fatalities nationwide. For more information see www.stroke.ie or call 1890 432 787 (10am to 5pm Monday to Friday).
Gearoid Mannion of Tom Mannion Travel Worldchoice was in studio for our weekly travel feature. This week Gearoid advised on Italy as a holiday destination. He discussed Rome, Florence and Venice, the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, the island of Capri, Lake Como, Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore.
Actor, Singer and Comedian – Frank Kelly, well known for his portrayal of Fr. Jack Hackett in Fr. Ted, spoke to Gavin on The Today Show about his “Best of” album. An actor, singer and writer, Frank’s career has covered television, radio, theatre, music, screenwriting and film. Frank discussed his memories of Clare when he and the cast and crew of Fr. Ted spent time filming in the county. He also spoke about his work on Hall’s Pictorial Weekly and Wanderly Wagon among other seminal shows on Irish television. He also told Gavin about how he got a role in The Italian Job with Michael Caine.
Joan Tarmey, Environmental Officer with Clare County Council discussed a regional ‘Reuse’ Exhibition which was launched on Thursday 5th April in Limerick. The aim of the Reuse exhibition is to encourage householders to offer items for reuse and promote the use of the free national reuse website www.FreeTradeIreland.ie. FreeTrade Ireland is a public service that allows householders, schools, communities and businesses to pass on and pick-up those unused, old and unwanted items to other users free of charge.
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