On our weekly series 'Ours To Protect', we take a closer look at biodiversity and sustainability in Co Clare. 

 

In this episode, Pat Flynn visits Corofin to meet Joe O’Connell and James Organ, two members of the local tidy towns group which like many these days, are involved in more than just ensuring their local area looks well.

 

Many groups are now expanding their remits to include Biodiversity and Corofin Tidy Towns is one such group.

Maglite Films are proud to present - Where The Old Man Lives!

A compelling and introspective film that delves into the life of Michael, an elderly man living alone on a rural farm in Ireland. The story explores themes of rural isolation, resilience, and the profound impact of losing his sense of security, in a lonesome setting.

Through the lens of Michael's journey, the film examines the fragility of the human psyche and the longing for a world turned upside down, to be made right once more.

To find out more, on Friday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by the Director, Sonya O'Donoghue, and Co-Writer/Co-Producer, Ruaidhrí Hallinan.

GoFundMe link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/where-the-old-man-lives

Photo (c) by Maglite Films via GoFundMe

Maura O'Grady has undertaken a big but extremely worthwhile challenge. She is trying to raise money to help her friend and neighbour, Isabella Sydney.

Isabella, who is from Ennis, has no lower spine and has undergone numerous surgeries including a double leg amputation when she was seven years old.

However, despite everyday things that we take for granted being huge obstacles for Isabella, she has shown incredible courage and determination.

Isabella is a member of the Munster Wheelchair Hurling Club and harbours dreams of representing their senior team. Maura is hoping to fundraise to help her achieve that dream.

To find out more, on Friday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Maura O’Grady, organiser of the fundraiser.

To visit the GoFundMe page, please visithttps://www.gofundme.com/f/isabella-sydney-needs-a-sports-wheelchair?cdn-cache=0

Photo (c) Maura O'Grady via GoFundMe

New car registrations in Clare have shot up by almost 15% in the last year. 696 units were sold in this county in January which is up from 606 in the same month last year, representing an increase of just under 15%. This is still 9% below pre-pandemic levels however, with 765 new vehicles purchased here in January 2019 alone. Director General of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry Brian Cooke says the progress is welcome but more needs to be done to get back to pre-Covid numbers.

A Clare Newsagent claims the new Deposit Return Scheme is failing the protect the best interests of small businesses.

The new consumer led recycling initiative has been officially launched today, with over 60 participating outlets in this county alone.

Clare farmers taking to the streets this evening are said to be demanding respect as food producers.

Members of the agricultural sector are participating in tractor runs across the country from 4pm today to show solidarity with their EU counterparts who have been voicing their opposition to increased costs and green policies in recent weeks.

The meeting points in Clare are Setrights Tavern in Cratloe, Duggans Pub in Spancilhill and Dromoland.

Parteen-based Chair of the Irish Farmers Assocation Clare branch Tom Lane has been telling me that farmers are feeling underappreciated for the valuable contribution they make to society.

Two Clare women were selected to be part of a prestigious “activist bootcamp”.

Christine Meehan and Raevynna El Messaoudi were amongst a group of 21 people selected from over 70 national applicants for the Alice Academy activist bootcamp last month.

Raevynna, a neurodivergent, biracial trans woman from South Africa, is a trans youth advocate and has worked with Transgender Europe and the Trans Limerick Community.

Now living in Ennis, the senior ambassador for The Shona Project believes Ireland is an open place where transgender identity is understood and embraced.

The government is to defer legislation to decriminalise small amounts of drugs for personal use for nine months.

People Before Profit's bill would allow the possession of up to 7 grams of cannabis and up to 2-and-a-half grams of cannabis resin without prosecution.

The party has claimed the government is "kicking the can down the road", adding that it won't be resolved before the next general election.

Alan Morrissey spoke with Vera Twomey who campaigned about medicinal cannabis. Vera spent years fighting a lengthy, but ultimately successful campaign, to obtain medicinal cannabis for her 13 year-old daughter, Ava.

Ava, who was experiencing catastrophic and potentially life ending seizures prior to using medicinal cannabis, passed away in May of last year, following a lifelong battle with a rare form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome.

To discuss this further, Alan also spoke with Micheal Guerin, an Addiction counsellor at Cuan Mhuire, Bruree.

Picture (c) Getty Images via Canva

Our new series, ‘Clare Women in Business’, seeks to showcase the accomplishments of women in business, foster gender equality, and inspire future generations of female leaders.

Today we meet Patricia Farrell, CEO of Wilde Irish Chocolates in Tuamgraney.

Jimmy Crowley will be making his way to Clare very soon. The legendary folk musician and song collector will be heading to Ennistymon, where he will perform at the Cheese Press with Eve Telford.

To find out more about his upcoming performance and his new album Alan Morrissey spoke with Jimmy on Tuesday's Morning Focus.