Kerry Today

Jerry spoke to award-winning architect and furniture designer Edwyn James Hickey, who crafted the chair made from Valentia slate that will be exhibited in Dublin. For more: https://edwynjames.ie/profile/

Jerry spoke to Cathaoirleach of Listowel Municipal District, Jimmy Moloney, about the status of the report commissioned in the wake of flood damage caused by Storm Bert in Listowel and Killocrim. Comment line caller Eamon Breen who lives in Glanmire, Co Cork got in touch and shared his experience of support from State agencies when his home was flooded almost 13 years ago.

Kenmare sheep farmer Michael Gaine, who’s 56, was last seen in Kenmare town on Thursday morning. Gardaí, as well as more than 200 volunteers, Iveragh Coast Guard, Kerry Mountain Rescue, Iveragh Coast Guard and the crew of Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 115 have taken part in the search which has focused on the Carraig East area of Kenmare. Jerry spoke to Mike’s friend Cllr Dan McCarthy who’s the manager of Kenmare Mart. Mike is around 5 feet 10 inches tall with a stocky build, brown/grey hair and a bushy beard. He was last seen wearing an orange woolly hat, black fleece, blue jeans, and black boots. Anyone with information on Michael's whereabouts is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

This is no idle threat from the dread Corkonian himself, Reggie, denizen of Blackrock Road and Lifetime President Captains of Cork Industry. Reggie wants to run for President and if he does, look out South Kerry!

Jerry tries to get some sense from Reggie and his lieutenant Pat Fitzpatrick. Reggie is planning a mini-invasion of the Kingdom next month. Be vigilant!

John Downing of the Irish Independent reviews the week in politics.

President Higgins’ second term ends in November. Discussion has already started as to who might run for the Presidency and who might be interested in the role. Names mentioned include MEP Sean Kelly, Senators Michael McDowell and Frances Black, and Eurovision winner Linda Martin. Students at Kerry College’s journalism, podcasting and radio course got the views of people in Tralee. Comment line caller Bríd Mhic Gearailt believes it’s vital that the next President is a fluent Irish speaker, like Michael D Higgins.

Jerry spoke to auctioneer Ger Carmody about the Belmont View development in Ballyard.

Kostal, which makes electronic parts for the car industry, is a major employer in the south-west with plants in Mallow and Abbeyfeale. Both plants employ around 1,000 people, many of whom live in Kerry.

Recently, the company has sought voluntary redundancies from Abbeyfeale because of a global fall off in demand. Rory Hawkins is SIPTU organiser for Kostal in Abbeyfeale.

Heathrow – Europe’s largest airport and the fifth-largest in the world – has closed after a fire broke out at a nearby substation. This cut the power supply and backup system to the airport. It’s the biggest disruption to European air travel since ash cloud from an Icelandic volcano grounded around 100,000 flights fifteen years ago.  Jerry spoke to Tom Randles who is managing director of Barton’s Travel Net in Cork and is a board member of the Irish Travel Agents’ Association.

Jerry spoke to Ramona Keogh of Radio Kerry Sport about the Republic of Ireland football team’s crucial games against Bulgaria. The first leg of the UEFA Nations League promotion/relegation play-off takes place this evening, the second game on Sunday.