Mark Murphy of the Irish Kidney Association spoke to Gavin Grace about Organ Donor Awareness Week, which continues until Saturday 7th April. The life saving awareness campaign is organised by the Irish Kidney Association and the Irish Donor Network. Mr. Murphy says that “to increase our levels of organ donation and transplantation the overriding wish would be for an Irish Organ Donor Registry to allow the public to voluntarily identify themselves on a database, similar to the practice in many countries including the UK. This data could be captured electronically and would be easily achieved and affordable with cooperation between our government departments. Mr. Murphy argues that directing more resources to increase donation and transplantation levels will save money straight away. He asked for the support of the attending Minister for Health for the placement of a symbol for willing organ donors to be featured on the public services card to be issued later this year. Melissa also joined the show to discuss organ donation. Melissa’s father passed away early this year and she says her family didn’t think twice about donating his organs. Her family has since received a letter from the transplant team in Beaumont Hospital who informed them of how her father’s kidneys were successfully transplanted – giving a second chance to another person. If you want to carry an organ donor card you can free text “donor” to 50050.
Gearoid Mannion of Tom Mannion Travel Worldchoice was in studio for his weekly travel feature and this week discussed the issue of travel insurance
Muireann Neylon and Liam Minogue of the East Clare Community Reconnect and Recovery Network joined Gavin in studio to discuss tonight’s meeting on Depression, Anxiety and Suicide. Dr. Billy O’Connell, Miltown Malbay GP and community activist also took part in the discussion on The Today Show. The talk is the second of its kind in the county and takes place at the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis tonight at 7.30pm. It follows last years meeting in Ennistymon. The speakers at tonight’s event will be: Kathleen Lynch TD, Minister responsible for Mental Health, Older people, Equality and Disability, Dr. Mairead McGovern, Psychiatrist with the HSE, Liam Minogue of the Community Reconnect and Recovery Network. In the Chair will be Dr. Billy O’Connell G.P. Local Doctor and Community Activist.
Pat Enright of AIB in Shannon gave us details of the AIB Photojournalism Exhibition, which begins today in the Shannon branch. The overall AIB Photojournalist of the Year 2012 title was awarded to Julien Behal of Press Association Ireland. Clare’s own Alan Place was also a winner in this year’s AIB Photojournalism Awards. Other locally renowned photographers featured in this year’s exhibition include Arthur Brian, Sean Curtin, Declan Monaghan and Eamon Ward.
If you would like to take part or send a comment to The Today Show please email today@clare.fm or text Clare FM followed by your message and name to 53030
