Kerry Today

Nine-year-old Cíalan Walsh from Waterville needs a kidney transplant. His mother Fiona recorded a conversation in which Cíalan explains how being on dialysis affects him. Cíalan and Fiona also spoke to Treasa Murphy.

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

Jerry was in the Arbutus Hotel in Killarney where they gathered for yesterday’s announcement of the Oscar nominations. Jessie Buckley’s uncle and godfather Sean Buckley owns the Arbutus. Jerry also played an excerpt of Jessie’s interview on US TV in which she gives her reaction to being nominated.

Jerry spoke to John Prendergast, advocacy Manager of Conradh na Gaeilge about Bank of Ireland’s decision not to provide an Irish language option on its new fleet of ATMs. Separately, Conradh na Gaeilge is urging the Department of Education to apply an Irish language marks bonus for students in this year’s Leaving Cert.

A cup which was awarded to the best army reservists in Kerry has been permanently donated to Kerry County Museum. The Thomas Ashe Cup was first presented in 1944 to the Local Defence Force, a volunteer force set up during World War II. Secretary of the Thomas Ashe Branch of Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann veterans’ charity (ONE), Michael Guerin spoke to Jerry.

Jerry spoke about yesterday’s submissions to the Oireachtas Transport Committee on the state of the taxi industry. He played the address given to the committee by Terry Boyle who’s chair of Tralee Taxi Association.

Jerry spoke to Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley about the new €135 million state-led childcare centres that will prioritise providing places for one to three-year olds in disadvantaged and rural areas.

Jerry spoke to Fianna Fáil Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher about his decision to vote against the Mercosur trade deal and refer it to the European Court of Justice thereby potentially delaying it by up to two years. Jerry also spoke to Fine Gael Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly about his decision to vote against referring Mercosur to the ECJ. In the background to all this, Germany is calling for the EU to go ahead and implement the deal while it's being referred to the ECJ.

Every Wednesday, Tony gives his perspective on listeners’ dilemmas.

Jerry spoke to Florian Scheibein, co-director of the Azadi organisation which is behind a project called ‘The Blow-Ins of Inbhear Scéine’. Florian and his colleagues are looking for participants across Inbhear Scéine, also known as Kenmare Bay, to take part in a video series and book looking at the experience of settling in this area. For more: www.theblowins.ie