 between him and the local authority was not facilitated. Hero of the Micah Action Group, Michael Doherty says that's disappointing. Until we have the other scheme up in the council, really are in full control of the scheme. And, you know, where they're not getting the support from the department, they had an opportunity to shout from the rooftops and say, so we then had Kevin Dillon. This man has a lot of sway down there and is dealing with the department every day. Again, it's apparently circumstances beyond the control, but the bottom line for homeowners is that there was an opportunity to represent themselves in front of key influencers, and it didn't happen for the second time in a month. Parents and carers of children under 12 are to be given a legal right to request flexible working hours and remote working. It's part of proposed new government legislation that's aimed at creating a better work-life balance for families. The plan, which is going before cabinet today, would also give people five days of unpaid leave a year to care for sick family members. The right to paid breastfeeding breaks would also be extended from six months to two years under the bill. Director of HR firm, CIPD Ireland, Mary Canoctin says the change is needed. Currently, few women would benefit from breastfeeding leave because they would be on maternity leave up to the 26 weeks. So as they now return to the workplace, they will now continue their entitlement for breastfeeding breaks. Though it will require some employers to look at their facilities to see how they can facilitate that on site or whether they have to shorten the working day of the employees involved. And up to 300 Ukrainian refugees could be housed in a mass accommodation centre in Cork by the end of this week. The Irish Times is reporting the emergency facility with 300 beds at the Mill Street arena will be used from this week onwards. It's among the plans to house those fleeing the war, which will be discussed when senior ministers meet later. Almost 25,000 Ukrainians have now arrived in Ireland, 85% of them women and children. Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney told the UN Security Council last night Ireland will do all it can to help those in need. Any Ukrainian that's fleeing conflict can come to Ireland and indeed any country in the EU and will be treated effectively as an EU citizen in terms of health care, education and of course housing, which of course is a huge challenge for a small country like Ireland. But Irish people are opening their homes and we have made a commitment that we will make our home their home for as long as is necessary. Whether now, today will be mostly dry with sunny spells and just a slight chance of an isolated shower, highest temperatures of 12 or 13 degrees. We're back with more at 10 o'clock until then, good morning. COVID-19 can still cause serious illness, especially in people at higher risk. We need to keep protecting each other. So stay home if you have symptoms. Wear a mask in health care settings, public transport and busy places. Let fresh air in if you're meeting indoors. Keep hands clean and get a COVID-19 vaccine and booster. Let's keep looking out for each other from the HSC for us all. The Nine Till Noon show is brought to you in association with Florit Lettercane celebrating five years of business, offering quality wooden floors at exceptional value. Visit florit.ie. And a very good morning to you. This is the Nine Till Noon show on Highland Radio. Donald Kavanaugh with you until 12 noon today. A lot to happen on the program this morning. Lots of interesting people to speak to, lots of interesting perspectives to hear. But remember the most important perspectives on this program are yours. Your views, your priorities and the issues you want to discuss if you want to let us know what they are. Just text us on 086-6025-thousand. Use that number for WhatsApp messages as well. You can call us on 074-9125-thousand. 00353749125-thousand. If you're outside of the dialing area, Caroline is taking your calls and producing this morning as well. You can use social media of course. It's at Highland Radio on Twitter. It's Highland Hub on Facebook. And you can email us comments at highlandradio.com. You can of course watch the program live on Facebook and on YouTube as well, our YouTube channel and our Facebook pages. And you can see the program unfold and you can see any Zoom calls that we take in the course of the program. You can actually see those on the screen in front of you and that brings you just a little bit closer to what's going on as well. So a myriad of ways of connecting with the Naito Nuncho here in Highland Radio and as always, we encourage you to connect and let us know your views and your comments. And of course, if you wish to come on air and discuss those issues, that can be facilitated as well, of course. The newspaper is this morning on a Wednesday. It's the 20th of April, 2022. Main headline on the Donegal Post. Motorcyclists killed in Ross Nala collision guard the appeal for witnesses after Monah and Mann dies. And you'll have heard the appeal for information on our community guard the slot yesterday as well. That's the main story on the Donegal Post and the lovely photograph of Emily Calangelo and Paula McNeill of McNeill's Collingham School of Dancing in Donegal Town. Emily has won a World Irish Dancing Championship title for a second time. She's a student at Ross's Community School and is in fifth year. And I presume that photograph was taken in Belfast. I was in Belfast last week, Monday of last week. And it was quite obvious that there was a major Irish dancing competition going on because the hotel, my daughter and I were staying in, downstairs was just full of people in the wigs and in dresses sort of getting some practice moves and being in the foyer before boarding buses. And there was a lot of excitement and a lot of activity. So there was clearly a major dancing championship going on in Belfast. And I presume that's where that picture was taken. Inish Times this morning, Garthys seeking to interview councillor under caution. On Garthys Shea Khanna are seeking to interview a Donegal County councillor under caution following incidents that allegedly took place at a full meeting of Donegal County Council in Letter Kenney's Oral Leisure Centre last month. The incidents took place at the Centre's Sports Hall on March 28th. They led to the subsequent adjournment of the annual meeting for one week. And Garthys have confirmed to The Inish Times that they are investigating an alleged public order incidents. In front of the Finn Valley voice this morning, build these log cabins now says councillor. There are a lot of very high quality log cabins out there on the market at the moment. Modular homes are quick to build and take a lot of boxes. So says councillor Michael McBride in Pat Holland's story on the front of the Finn Valley voice this morning. And indeed the issue of log cabins to tackle things like the need for housing as a result of the micro crisis and other housing priorities is one that councillor McBride has discussed on this programme and elsewhere as well. Moving to the national papers this morning, The Irish Times, main headline hotels running out of space for Ukrainian refugees. And referencing a story you'll have heard Catherine mention on the news, Milstreet Arena in County Corka expected to house 300 new arrivals on short term basis and there is potentially capacity for several more refugees in that centre in Milstreet if it is needed. Also on the front pay doubles for chief executives of leading firms. Bonuses drive rewards to new highs in Ireland's top listed companies. So writes Joe Brennan in his story on the front of the Irish Times. Front of the Irish Independent this morning, child victims to get 20 million euro payout over treatment by junior doctor, at least 240 families hit by scandal could benefit from state compensation scheme, the prescribing and diagnostic practices of a barely supervised junior doctor at a mental health service for children are said to count the state millions in euro in compensation awards and other payments. It relates to the South Korea child and adolescent mental health service camps which was in the news quite a bit in recent months. Front of the Irish Daily Mail this morning, 280 million euro to satisfy teacher demands. Teacher unions vow to fight tooth and nail for up to 6,000 euro salary boost to fight inflation. Teachers are seeking a boost of up to 6,000 euro a year as they fight for pay rises while plans for industrial action have been shelved pending pay talks. The taxpayer is set to fork out even more as public sector workers seek pay increases up to 8% to combat the soaring cost of living. And they were told the education minister, Norma Foley, was heckled by teachers at a conference in Calarney yesterday. She was told the government's pay agreement with teachers is set to collapse very soon unless improvements are made and the teacher conferences continue this week. Easter week is always the week when obviously you have those conferences and Norma Foley, a very, very busy minister indeed this week. The Irish Daily Star this morning, the front page main story, a community in shock, Komogi stars tragic death, all Ireland winning Komogi player, Kate Moran has died after sustaining a head injury in an accident. Ms Moran, who is in her early twenties, was hit by a slitter and hurly during a club game on Monday and she tragically passed away yesterday and it's just one of those horrific stories. Also on the front and we referenced yesterday the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner have lost one of two twins that were born at the weekend and it was lovely to see last night in Anfield and we all know the Liverpool Manchester United rivalry, but to hear the Liverpool fans singing you never walk alone in tribute to him was lovely gesture. It was a really nice thing to see and that happened in the seventh minute of the game reflecting the fact that Ronaldo wears the number seven shirt. So it was nice to see that, you know, in the midst of all the rivalry and all the supposed hatred, there is still humanity and there is still respect for everyone and that's the way it should be. Again, Liverpool four-man United Nail, that result reflected on the front of the Irish Daily Mirror and the main story again, Komogi star dies in match horror, Shocker's Kate 20 dies in hospital from head injury after accidental collision and you really have to feel for anyone who was on that pitch when that happened and I'm sure there'll be a lot of counselling and there'll be a lot of, I suspect, talking and soul searching and comforting going on in that particular area because, you know, for that to happen, you know, to be on that pitch and to witness that, it was interesting, it was an injury in a premiership match at the weekend and I can't remember which teams were, it may have been West Ham and Burnley, it may have been I, I don't want to say that off the top of my head, but I remember there was two players were involved in an accidental collision and one of them was taken off with what appears to have been a fairly bad ankle injury and the player, the other player that was involved in the collision was on his knees with his head and his hands on the pitch and you could see he was in distress, you could see that he was, I think, he was a West Ham player and I hope I'm right here because I was so really idiotic if I'm not, I think he was a West Ham player and it was a Burnley player that was taken off with the injury, if I recall correctly. But, you know, it was, you could see the distress on the player that was involved in what was, again, an accidental collision so you really feel for anyone who was on that pitch and going. Again, front of the Irish Daily Sun, you'll never walk alone, Ron. And also, Liam Gallerher features on the front of the Irish Sun. Liam, I need new hips, Oasis Star 49 reveals arthritis agony for Oasis Rocker. Liam Gallerher has been told by doctors he needs new hips, the 49 year old revealed he's in agony with arthritis. Liam, famed for his onstage swagger, said, my hips are effed, I've got arthritis bad, I went to get it checked out, my bones are mashed up. So, says Liam Gallerher. And that's the stories on the papers that are making the headlines on this Wednesday morning. We're gonna take a short break, back after these. The newspapers are courtesy of Kelly Centra, mountaintop Letter Kenny. Tune in this Thursday for all the latest farming news and views straight after the 5 p.m. news brought to you in association with Lifford Credit Union, who have recently launched Cultivate, an agricultural loan at only 6.55%, APR 6.75%. Call into any of their three offices for more information or to make an appointment. Lifford Credit Union, Raphow Newton Lifford, supporting local farmers. Is your water safe to drink? If your water tastes unpleasant or has a foul smell, it may be a sign that something is in your water. Brothers Tech Donegal provide a complete private well water treatment service using the best water treatment equipment to meet your needs. Or maybe you drill the new well and the water isn't satisfactory. At Brothers Tech, their expert team will also service existing problematic systems. If you're concerned about the quality of your water, call Brothers Tech on 087-638-7057. Beat the cost of Brexit and no customs charges. Do you need a UK address? 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Due to overstock an incredible 1.5 million pounds worth of stock must go. Don't miss our highest-ever stock discount on selected ranges across all departments. The Stock Disposal Sale at CFC Interior's Derry, Cookstown and Abbey Center. The Nine Til Nun show is brought to you in association with Florit Letter-Kinney, celebrating five years in business, offering quality wooden floors at exceptional value. Visit florit.ie. Joined on Zoom by Senator Timmy Dooley, who was featured in news yesterday because he has called for unruly or disruptive airline passengers to face a lifetime ban from flying after he witnessed four drunk men subject women to what he termed outrageous behavior on board a flight from Poland to Dublin. Now, Mr Dooley had previously been in Kiev and Ukraine and we're going to talk to him about that in a moment. But first of all, Senator Dooley, and a very good morning to you. Good morning, Donald. How are you? Very well indeed. Thank you. Senator Dooley, you witnessed this behavior on a plane. Now, obviously, you had a very intense few days in Ukraine and we're going to get to that in a moment. And what you witnessed on that plane is something that you say really will stick with you for a while. Yeah, I mean, it's the kind of thing that you hear about every now and again. But it isn't until you witness it at first hand that it brings home to you the pressure that an airline crew were under all the time. And I have to say it was a rainier flight. And I have to compliment the staff to the highest level because they managed to remain calm in what was a fairly charged situation. You had four individuals, two and two, who clearly got very drunk on the flight. The flight was delayed, so we were on the tarmac for an hour before we took off. They had brought their drink on board. And unlike most people when they got drunk, they started to become abusive to the staff in the first instance. And then to other passengers. And it was difficult, because there was a number of women on board with the children. They felt clearly intimidated. Children were crying, some of the women were crying. And then I saw one individual be groped by one of the individuals who was drunk. And that's unacceptable. They seemed to abuse the staff in a way that they seemed like they were outside a pub or in a nightclub or something like that. Behavior that you wouldn't accept there either. But when you're in a confined metal tube for two hours, it becomes a little bit more intense and it can be very upsetting and disturbing for people. And I think those people who choose to behave like that need to know that if they do, there is a deterrent there for them. They were arrested when the plane landed on rightly so. And I'm sure they'll face various charges. But I think there needs to be a stronger deterrent. And I think there needs to be a headline that says if you act like this, if you allow yourself to behave like this, you won't be flying with any airline again in Europe. Now we do know, as you said, they were arrested and we do know that the courts here and underneath the courts in the UK and elsewhere do have a history of dealing quite harshly with cases like that on planes. And those such cases are taken very seriously. And they're having a number of high profile cases in the past. You believe that it's almost at the point now where that's not a deterrent anymore and the prospect of being banned from flying is potentially a very real one that should be held over people and they should be aware that it's going to happen if they continue to persist. So, to be honest with you, I'm quite taken by the number of people that have contacted me in recent days because you hear about these cases every now and again. And it's often when it's maybe somebody of some notoriety or standing or whatever that acts up on a flight. But from contacts that I've had from air crews and staff, they say across the divide, it's not any particular airline, but across the airline sector, that it's a fairly regular occurrence. And it certainly impacts on their ability to carry out their work. And then I've heard from passengers as well who relayed instances that they have seen in the past. And one of the biggest difficulties that I saw in that particular day was there were a number of other individuals who clearly didn't like what was going on and wanted to take the situation into their hands. So it becomes a rather difficult situation if you have a couple of people who see this going on and decide to intervene themselves. So you can have a situation that blows out of all control. Look, we've all been on flights and on buses and on public transport where you have the silly drunk on occasion who's more of a nuisance than anything else. And sometimes a little bit of entertainment almost. That certainly wasn't the situation on this situation. Look, I know that there are hen knights and stag parties that travel on flights to different destinations. And they're often in good spirits and in good form. And they sing along and it's not about preventing people from having a drink or enjoying themselves as they travel. It's this really insulting behavior that's intimidating that's threatening. That's really what you want to rule out. So it's not, it's not suggesting to somebody that group of lads go away or a group of women go away either they've got to remain quiet or whatever on the flight. It's not at all that. It's about the outrageous behavior that's seen as sexually charged, which it was interfering with people, grabbing masks off people's face because they didn't wear them or didn't want to wear them. So really outrageous behavior for a flight. And the bottom line on a flight has got to be that the captain in particular and all flight crew are in charge of that flight. They're in charge of your safety and the safety of others. And if flight crew issue an instruction, that instruction should be followed to the letter without question and without hesitation. Absolutely, and we were lucky on that day because the ability of the support staff on board together with a few of us that they asked for help, we're able to keep the piece if you want and allow the plane to land safely in Dublin. But in some instances, what it requires is for the captain to take a decision to divert to the closest airport and further delay passengers who might already have been delayed and maybe it takes an extra day to get to their destination. So it's not without implications for other passengers and it needs to be addressed. The reason you were on that plane flying back to Dublin from Poland is that you had spent some time in Ukraine, you'd be in Kiev and in some of the suburbs that have featured a very prominently in use in the past fortnight. That must have been a very difficult and emotional trip to take. It was, it's an invitation that had been issued to us. We're seeing a file party which I remember of together with MEP Billy Kellacher are linked through a European platform, a European party with President Zelinski's party and they're in regular contact with us. And they asked us to visit previously the VIV to see the humanitarian crisis that was there with refugees fleeing from the east of the country. We saw that at the time and reported on it and put some work in place to ensure that they got across the border more quickly and had a better experience crossing the border because it was very difficult in the early stages. On this occasion, they asked us to come back and see what was left of the city of Bolchia and Irpin, just north of Lviv, where the Russian forces had been pushed back by the Ukrainian forces. And to say that the place is devastated is an understatement. We talk here in Ireland about devastation from floods or from a fire of a home or from some kind of natural disaster. But when you enter a town and for as far as you can see, street by street, just completely, the place completely devastated. High-rise buildings, shelled and burnt chunks gone out at the side of buildings. Now, we know that there have been questions over whether or not war crimes have been committed. Yeah, it really is an area that has been completely devastated by the Russians, just, as I said, systematically street after street. And then to see much of the area people had already left before they came, but for those that remained and tried to run when they came, we saw the remains of their cars that had been shot through with rifle bullets, bloodstained cars, children's toys in the cars. It really is a sight that you'd hope you wouldn't be seeing in this day and age, but sadly it's going to be a feature of many more towns and cities across Ukraine. The Russians have attempted to claim that many of those scenes you saw would have been stage managed and that there have been claims of war crimes that are untrue and that effectively the Ukrainian authorities are trying to set them up and make claims of things that didn't happen. Speaking as someone who's been on the ground, who has seen the situation, who has been there in Butcher, do you believe there is any credence whatsoever to that? None, absolutely none whatsoever. The entire area is completely decimated. Now, there's no way in the world that any country would do that to its own citizens. And we met with people who managed to survive, kind of by remaining underground or scuttling underground into various different shelters. They saw the Russian tanks. They saw the Russian armor cars. They saw the Russian soldiers take aim at and fire at Ukrainian citizens. I mean, the extent to which the Russian propaganda regime takes the rest of the world for fools is really amazing. Every time they're questioned about the intentional targeting of civilians, they say, oh, we didn't do that. That must have been the Ukrainians. Now, the scale of it is phenomenal. I mean, for sure in a war, there's the odd stray missile that hits the wrong target and ends up hitting a civilian location. But this was an entire two civilian cities and they were systematically bombed. And it wasn't just bombing from missiles in the distance. It was up close with smaller fire from tanks and from other shelling. And then right down to rifle fire on the cars as people escaped. So it could never be presented as accidental. We met with people who had managed, as I said, to survive and they relayed the stories of working with the local parish priest to temporarily bury bodies. And we saw those bodies being excavated again now that the Ukrainians were in control so that their bodies could go through the post-mortem process and the crimes be documented. Hopefully that will lead to some kind of a tribunal of war crimes against the Russian soldiers and the Russian leadership. And obviously the process of trying to identify the bodies, get them back to their families so that they can have a proper humane burial. So the witnesses of the people that I met and the scenes that I saw were absolutely consistent with war crimes. And in fact, I'd go a stage further. It looked to me based on the way the places had been bombed and shelled and attacked that it was an effort to wipe out the Ukrainian people in that area. And in any definition of genocide, that forms part of it. So it was pretty clear to me that there were war crimes with the intent of genocide. And I think that will form part of hopefully some trials at a later stage for the people who've perpetrated that on an innocent people who were going about their daily business, living their lives, getting on with life up to 52 or three days ago. There are many refugees coming over to Ireland at the moment. And yesterday we spoke to a local IMT representative at their annual conference in Kalarney. And she was saying that one of the really important things now is that the psychological and mental health supports are put in place to ensure that when Ukrainian children come into our schools, who have fled that area, that they are given all the supports they need. Now, from what you've seen, you've seen the situation that people are escaping from, you perhaps more than most of us have got an understanding of what these people have witnessed, what these people are fleeing from, and what's on their minds and what they have to deal with. You'll be, I'm sure, anxious to see as much support as possible put in place to ensure that, particularly in the schools and for the younger people coming over here for Ukraine, that they do have all the supports that they need. Yeah, absolutely. But I think we've got to be cautious too. It's just not possible to magic up all this support staff. I mean, we're stretched enough. I listened on another program earlier this morning to the minister with responsibility in the area of child and adolescents' mental health issues. And it can be very difficult to hire staff for these years because quite frankly, they're not there. So I think, yes, every support that's possible needs to be put in place, but I think as a community, I think what's happening in every community where the Ukrainian people have come, in terms of the love and support that's been shown by the ordinary decent people in the Irish community, that's going to have more of a help and assistance than anything else. And for sure, there will have to be appropriate intervention in cases where children in particular are suffering. But I think we shouldn't underestimate what we as individuals in communities can do and are doing for these people, to show them that there is a safe space here for them for as long as they needed, that we're prepared to go the extra mile to make them feel welcome. Many of them left in a hurry. They didn't know what was going to happen. They're now seeing on a daily basis what has happened. And sadly for many of them, the men that they've left behind, their loved ones, their fathers, their husbands, their brothers, their uncles, many of them will have perished and probably will perish in the not too distant future. And that's the really hard thing. There's quite a lot of Ukrainian refugees in County Clare where I come from. And I visit with them on a regular basis. And every time you go, you meet somebody else who has lost a loved one. And that's really difficult. And that's where the continued support of the Irish people is really important. And thank you for giving voice to myself and others who have seen it at first hand because it'll help, hopefully, our being there and our seeing it at first hand, helps us to communicate with our communities just what these people have fled, what they have left and what they're suffering. And collectively as a community, Ireland has always shown its great support for people in their hour and their time of need. And I think that's now, it's not short-term though. This is going to be a medium-term problem. That for the Ukrainian refugees that we have to stick with them for the long haul and support them until such time as the aggression relieves and that when they're in a position to return because the overwhelming desire from the refugees that I talked to is they want to go home. Even those that have lost everything, they want to get back to their country. They want to rebuild their lives. Some will stay here, but I think the vast majority want to go back to rebuild as soon as they possibly can. And we'll have to support them and rightly so in every way we can. Senator Timiduli, thank you very much indeed for speaking to us this morning. You're welcome. That's Senator Timiduli there who as you heard on the news yesterday and we discussed earlier, has called for flight bans to be imposed on people who are convicted of creating a drunken trouble on airplanes. And it was on his return home from that trip to Ukraine when he was on a flight from Poland to Dublin, a Ryanair flight that Senator Dudley witnessed four men engage in what he described as outrageous behavior on board that flight. The men were arrested and detained when they arrived at Dublin. And the caller just has left a comment saying this country is much too lenient, pre-legal aid is offered to all opposed to punishment. These men will receive a wee slap on the wrist. They should have to face consequences and that indeed is what Senator Dudley is saying that there should be a ban on flying in the future and that perhaps would make people pause for thought before they indulge in drunken behavior of that nature on an airplane flight. Break free from the same old same old. 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Subject to availability, see in store for details. The Nine Till Noon show is brought to you in association with Florit Letter Kenny, celebrating five years in business, offering quality wooden floors at exceptional value. Visit florit.ie. And we'll be giving you an opportunity to win a voucher for Florit on the programme this morning. First chance coming up very shortly indeed. But before we do anything else, I want to go to Marina Porter, who is manager of the Donegal Rape Crisis Centre, which has recently launched a recruitment drive for volunteers to support the people that the centre helps. Marina, good morning. Good morning, Donald. Marina, we spoke yesterday. It was a different context, but it was the same sort of call we were speaking about community games. Again, as I say, it's a very different thing. But what we were hearing very much is that there is a desire to help out there and there is an interest out there. But sometimes the problem can just be getting people to come forward. In this instance, you're looking for people to come and assist you in your work. And I suspect people will not be found wanting. Yes. We are, like all rape crisis centres, we depend very much on volunteers, same as all other charities and community organisations. So our volunteers would do SATU accompaniment. That's accompanying somebody in the immediate aftermath of sexual violence to the sexual assault treatment unit. Our volunteers provide court accompaniment to anyone who's going to court or guard our accompaniment as well if someone wants somebody just to be there for giving a statement. And we do provide full training for all of these positions because we are members of the rape crisis network of Ireland. So it's RCNI training that we provide and RCNI provide the court and guarded training and also legal information training for people as well. It's usually important work because these volunteers, you're helping people who are at their most vulnerable and what those people need at that point in time, they need advice and they need help and legal support and so on, all of which hopefully they are getting. But they also, and maybe most importantly, need a friend, someone they can turn around and look in the eye that they know is there to support them. Yes, Donald, absolutely. They just need another human being with compassion and who's grounded and just give them some empathy and reassurance to reassure them that they're not on their own and then obviously give them information about the various services we provide as well because we now work with people aged 12 up due to the huge need. So we're working with parents, families, spouses, partners, as well as, you know, survivors themselves. What sort of people are you looking for? Because I'm sure there are people listening who will be thinking, I would love to help but I can't. I don't have the qualifications. I don't have the knowledge. I don't have the expertise. As you say, training is being provided and I'm sure a lot of people are out there who are very well qualified to do what's needed but maybe haven't got the confidence to put themselves forward. Yes. Well, due to the nature of the work, it's anyone aged 25 and over and, you know, if someone maybe has medical training like nurses or retired people, maybe someone involved in legal practice, training counsellors or maybe a parent whose kids have grown up and they find themselves with some time on their hands because really life is our greatest teacher, I think. So really just someone who's caring and grounded and as I say, we provide training and obviously support them as well. Because of the nature of the work we know you're dealing with trauma and as you said, we're dealing with people at probably some of the most vulnerable times of their lives. So really it is just the personality of the volunteers is the strongest thing really rather than qualifications. It's just, you know, that they're grounded and caring. That's basically it. The sad reality is that most of the people you are helping will be female exclusively so there will be males will be requiring your help and support as well and that will be reflected in the volunteers. Yes, yes. Because at the moment we have two male therapists working for us as well, which is great because, you know, people can have a choice of whether they would like to work with a male or female, so it would be great to have that choice as well in the volunteers because just as not all our clients are female not all perpetrators are male either, unfortunately. So it's good to have that choice for people. You're hoping to get people who would live within a 50-minute drive from Lether Kenny. Yeah, what other qualities or traits are you looking for in people who may be thinking about putting themselves forward? Well, we have a rotor for volunteers. So the SATU, the sexual assault treatment unit that operates 24-7 all year round. So we have a rotor, you know, people might go on a day or go on a night. So sometimes people work night shifts and then they're used to kind of being awake in the middle of the night. So if you do get a call to attend in the middle of the night, it's okay. And then daytime suits other people better. So obviously the more volunteers we have, the less often they would be putting themselves forward on the rotas. And then for court, we would get sometimes a month's notice, sometimes it could be a week's notice and you might be with someone for half a day or you could be there for the whole week with someone. So it really depends on the situation. So and someone's availability is going to determine the nature of the work that they'll be asked to do and... Absolutely, yeah. And, you know, in doing the training as well, both the potential volunteers and ourselves will recognise, well, this would probably suit you better or the other would suit you better. And we provide shadowing as well, so no one is going to just be trained and be sent off on their own to court or out to Sato or, you know, someone given a statement either in the centre or the guard station, you know, they'll be accompanied several times to make sure they're comfortable. And you have been quite important of what's necessary will be someone who's empathic and non-judgmental, reliable, good listeners, good communication, good interpersonal skills, someone who can draw their own life experience. And that maybe is more important than intellectual knowledge or training or sort of past educational experience. Absolutely, that's far more important than anything else, yeah. If people do wish to volunteer, Marina, how can they do so? What's the best way to get in contact? They can call the centre on 9128211 or email info at DonegalRatecrisis.ie and we'll get back to them. And if anybody would like to come in, have a cup of tea and a chat and have a look around, find out more about the organisation, they're very, very welcome. Just give us a wee call first. Marina Porter, manager of the Donegal Ratecrisis Centre, thanks indeed for speaking to us this morning and hopefully you will get a good response to this call and you'll get that pool of volunteers that you need to carry on this very important work. Thank you, Donna. Thanks very much. My pleasure, Marina. Thank you very much indeed. Okay, bye-bye. Bye-bye. And that's Marina there who is speaking to us from the Donegal Ratecrisis Centre, seeking volunteers to help with the court visits and with the Secular Assault Treatment Unit and will be able to provide help to people who are vulnerable and in a situation that is an extremely difficult one and if you believe you can provide that support and provide that friendship when it's needed most, then that's something perhaps that you might consider doing. Coror responding to what Timiduli said to us earlier, Senator Timiduli says, if this Finafall politician had visited Iraq or Libya or Syria or Afghanistan, Yemen, Gaza, all those places were available for visits over the course of the past 30 years. The devastation in these countries is unimaginable but because it was NATO who destroyed these countries, there are no discussions about war crimes and no such claims being made. So says Coror. It's approaching quarter to 10. We'll take a short break back after these. Let's call Iceland. Mike Denver in concert with guests Philomena Begley, Ray Leinem and Brendan Shine at the Millennium Forum Dairy on Saturday, April 23rd. Tickets at the Theatre Box Office. That's Mike Denver in concert at the Millennium Forum with Philomena Begley, Ray Leinem and Brendan Shine on Saturday, April 23rd. That's what I know, just clearing this up, break with you in about two minutes. Tickets at the Millennium Forum Dairy on Saturday, April 23rd. mattress, upholstered base and headboard from an amazing 229 Euro. Check out the full range at dfibeds.ie, delivery free and guaranteed to you within 7 working days. DFI beds. Sleep well, live well. A public interest message from Donegal County Council. Donegal County Council would like to remind farmers, gardeners and contractors of the need to follow best practice when using pesticide products such as MCPA for spraying rushes particularly near lakes and rivers used as drinking water sources. Firstly, don't spray if it's windy or rain is forecast in the next 48 hours. Read the product label carefully. Avoid spills, stay well back from open drains and rinse empty containers three times into the sprayer before recycling them. Clean water is everybody's business. Donegal County Council, protecting the environment. Highland radio weather updates with Ireland West Airport. Gatwick's back. You can now fly daily to London Gatwick with Erlingis. The perfect gateway to explore south London. Ireland West Airport, you're flying. Mostly dry today with sunny spells and just a slight chance of an isolated char, cloud will increase in the western part of the region with highest temperatures 12 to 15 degrees Celsius. Light to moderate south to southeast breezes. Tonight, clear spells and some isolated light char, lowest temperatures 3 to 7 light to moderate east to southeast or variable winds tomorrow, Thursday. Sunny spells and isolated char, top temperatures 13 to 15 in a moderate to fresh east to southeast breeze. We're going to be discussing sharks in just a moment. But before we do, very quickly, the Florid quiz for this week is giving you the opportunity to win a very substantial in store voucher for the details. Here's Carlos. To celebrate five years in business, Florid letter Kenny are giving one lucky listener the opportunity to win a 500 euro in store voucher. To enter, answer the following question. How many years has Florid been in business? Text HI, followed by your name and answer to 5 3 1 3 1 from Northern Ireland. Text 8 4 5 5, text cost 30 cent or the sterling equivalent. The operator's network charge may apply. Lines will close on Friday the 22nd of April 2022 and the winner will be announced on the 9 till noon show on Friday the 22nd of April 2022. And remember when you're texting hi, that's the word hi, H I G H. A huge poor beagle shark, the biggest of its kind ever caught off Irish waters has been landed and tagged off the coast of Donegal. And to discuss the importance and relevance of this, we're joined by Nick Payne, who is a shark biologist and an assistant professor in Trinity's School of Natural Sciences. Nick, good morning. Thank you. Nick joins us on Zoom, by the way. So if you're on Facebook or YouTube, you can actually watch this conversation as it happens on screen. Nick, put this into perspective. This we're told is the largest shark of its kind to be caught off Irish waters from the point of view of someone who takes an interest. How excited are you about this? Oh, it was incredible. I couldn't believe it, to be honest. I mean, we went up to this area for two days on Friday, hoping to maybe catch one or two of these species of animals. In the end, we caught two on the Friday, including this one absolute monster. She was, I mean, it was amazing. I mean, as soon as we saw this animal in the water, like all of us were just, you know, just, you know, taken aback by her size and how beautiful she was. It was 2.8 meters long. So we estimate it's quite hard to estimate the weight accurately of these animals, but it's just on length, but at least 400 pounds, maybe upwards of 500 pounds as well. So as far as we know, that's the biggest animal of that species that's been officially measured in Ireland. So it was incredibly exciting for the anglers that we were working with, but also us shark biologists. It was really exciting to see that. Now, the Irish waters are important for these sharks because, you know, there's more and more being seen, but it's important too from the point of view of reproduction and, you know, the propagation of the species. Yeah, it could be. I mean, so this species, like the European population is classified as critically endangered. So there's been quite a lot of, like over harvesting in the last 100 years or so, particularly since the 1930s. So what we're hoping to see, I mean, there's evidence that in this region in the Northeast Atlantic that maybe the numbers are starting to rebound since the quotas have been dropped back to zero. That's the commercial quotas. So, but there's certainly something pretty important and special we think about the Irish coastline for this species. It's been known, like a lot of the local anglers in this area have known for decades really that this coastline at a certain time of year sees large numbers of really big mature female animals. And as biologists, that kind of provides a bit of a hint to us that maybe this kind of location is an important part of their reproductive cycle. So that's a big part of what our research team is trying to set out and learn more about. So we've made a real point of trying to engage with the local anglers and the local fishermen that have all the experience. And presumably the more of these animals that you tag, the more information you'll be able to gather about their movements where they're going, how they're interacting. And that would give you more evidence upon which to base perhaps future assumptions about the best policy. That's right. Yeah, that's right. That's exactly it. Yeah, I mean, like there's been some tagging of these animals in Irish waters in the past, but we're very much at the steep part of that learning curve. So every animal that we encounter, we try to collect as much information from it as we can. So on the weekend, we put two different types of electronic satellite tag on these two animals that we tag. We also took small blood samples from the tail, which we can then use to examine reproductive status of the hormones and things like that. Of course, we measured the animal. But I mean, yeah, for us, it's really just that day on Friday was literally the first day of this new research program where we're collaborating with a lot of local anglers to try and work together to learn as much about these animals as we can. And presumably local knowledge is something that you're going to be building on because you'll always be told no one knows the waters better than the local fishers, be they anglers or be they sea fishers. And the more their expertise is brought on board and the more their expertise is used, the more accurate the information you'll have. 100%. And I mean, they're right. They are the experts. They've been fishing these waters for decades and decades, often for generations, you know. And so the knowledge and the help that we get from these folks is just invaluable. And I'd also say to this is quite so you can hear from my accent on Australian originally. I did reach that conclusion. Yeah, I haven't been able to hide it just yet. But so like, I've been really, it's really encouraging in my time here in Ireland to see that the overwhelming majority of anglers that I interact with really do seem to have the welfare of the animals at heart. So there's almost no landing of animals anymore. Like all the fishermen that target this species as well as other species of sharks. There's a culture here of catching the animals, measuring it quickly, releasing it healthily, you know, healthy back into the water so that it can contribute to reproduction. So not only are we working with these anglers and learning so much about like how to how to get hold of the animal so that we can do our research, but it's also great to see that there's this increasing culture of catching release, which I think is really important. It's perhaps a lazy assumption by a layperson, but I find myself thinking this obviously must be something to do with global warming. I mean, you know, is there evidence to suggest that we're going to see more of the sharks off Irish waters because of changes in water temperatures because of global warming, or is that sort of a too crude way of looking at it? I'm not sure that the evidence for that is particularly strong, I must admit. Poor beagles have historically been, you know, this is their natural range. It has been hundreds, not thousands of years. I think what's more important is the trends in fluctuation, like fluctuations of abundances of these animals at our coast. I think are more likely driven by abundances of them in general. So if we're overfishing, then the occurrences tend to decrease. If we cut back commercial fishing or bycatch issues, then we start to see more animals. I think that's the more direct influence, to be honest. So it's just a coincidence that on the first day of a major research project in Donegal, you find the largest such animal that's ever been tagged off Irish waters. And not just that, it was Good Friday. So I think the sun was shining on us that day, that's for sure. Excellent. Well, you know, it'll be interesting to track the work because I mean, you know, we do certainly, and it seems certainly we've seen more instances in recent years of both shark and whale carcasses being, and sadly more often than not, it is carcasses being washed up onto Donegal beaches. But I mean, you know, we do have regular sightings of sharks and other large marine animals as well. Off the Donegal coast. So it'll be good to track the work you're doing, you know, to see exactly what's happening off there. But for the moment, Nick Payne, thanks so much indeed for speaking to us this morning. Thanks for having me, Donald. Pleasure. It's our pleasure. That's assistant professor in Trinity School of Natural Sciences there. Nick Payne, who is part of that project, which has seen the tagging of the largest porbical shark ever tagged off Irish waters. The animal is between four and 500 pounds estimated to be in the region of 25 to 30 years old. And it will certainly be following that particular one with interest. Just a couple of comments and questions coming in. Caller asks, is the Donegal International Rally taking place this year? I have heard nothing about it. I can confirm. Yes, the Donegal International Rally is taking part this year. It's taking place and the dates are the 17th, 18th and 19th of June. So if you are a rally fan, as many, many people in this county are put those dates into your diary. The Donegal International Rally is taking place on the 17th, 18th and 19th of June. And I know Oshin Kelly and Seamus McGedigan and many, many other people will be very, very anxious to get out there again. Because, I mean, you know, those two gentlemen are so committed to the rally and I know they've missed it over the past while, so it'll be great for Oshin and Seamus and indeed for the many thousands of rally enthusiasts in this county to see the cars back on the roads again. This is the Minds of Nuncho on Highland Radio News with Catherine coming up. Text 086-60-25000. At Hickey, Clark and Langdon Insurance Brokers, they compare quotes from all leading insurers so you get a great price. Home, motor and van, farm, holiday home, travel and liability insurance, they quote them all. So if the worst happens, you're covered. For a competitive insurance quote today called Hickey, Clark and Langdon on 9-1-2-6-8 or pop into their office at Balli McCool Letter Kenny. Hickey, Clark and Langdon General Insurance is limited. Trading as Hickey, Clark and Langdon is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. With Donegall's largest election of pre-owned vehicles, at iMotors we are confident we have your next car. All of our cars come at a 12 month warranty, come visit our showrooms in Letter Kenny or Malin. We have also now extended our opening hours on Saturdays at our Letter Kenny showroom from 10am to 4pm. Oakfield Park is now open with over 100 acres of mature parklands and lush landscapes to explore. Walks, mazes, gardens and sculptures. Take a ride on Ireland's largest heritage railway and refuel in Buffers restaurant. New to the park is an educational nature centre and a self-propelled rail cart. Oakfield Park, the secret jewel in the heart of Donegall. Open every Wednesday to Sunday 12-6 visit oakfieldpark.com Are you tired of waiting for treatment or surgery? Did you know you can receive immediate treatment across the border under the new N.I. Planned Health Care Scheme at potentially no cost? Donegall patients are still being treated with us at Kingsbridge Private Hospital Northwest Post Brexit. The process is easy and our dedicated team will help guide you through it. So why wait? Contact us today to find out how you can skip the waiting lists and receive treatment in Northern Ireland. Visit kingsbridgeprivatehospital.com because life matters. Are you looking for truly independent financial advice? John F. Lowery Financial Services provides impartial guidance on pensions, investments, savings, deposits and protection so we can help you prepare and provide for all stages of life. Serving the Northwest for more than 35 years, we are a family-run business and award-winning broker. At John F. Lowery Financial Services, our business is your financial peace of mind. To arrange a personal consultation, visit JFL.ie or call 9-1-24002. John F. Lowery and Associates Limited trading as John F. Lowery Financial Services is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. It's 10 o'clock. Good morning. I'm Catherine Gaffney. A provisional agreement is in place between Russia and Ukraine to allow 6,000 citizens to leave Mariupol. Earlier, Ukraine accused Russian troops of bombing a makeshift hospital where 300 people were sheltering. If the city falls, it would be Moscow's biggest victory so far. The former British ambassador to Ukraine, Lee Turner, says there's still a chance of further escalation. Any armed forces will think not once, not twice, but three times before ever lowering the threshold under which nuclear weapons are used. So I would very much hope that it will not happen. At the same time, it cannot be ruled out. Donegal County Council has come under fire over what's been described as a number of missed opportunities to discuss the micro-redress scheme with key influential figures. Special advisor to the housing minister Kevin Dillon was in Donegal this week where he met with the Micah Action Group and a number of affected homeowners. However, he didn't meet with the council. It follows a visit by the Tayshok to the county a few weeks ago. Again, a Micah meeting between him and the local authority was not facilitated. PRO of the Micah Action Group, Michael Doherty says that's disappointing. Until we have the other scheme up and running, the council really are in full control of this scheme and where they're not getting support from the department, they had an opportunity to shout from the rooftops and say so. We then had Kevin Dillon. This man has a lot of sway down there and is dealing with the department every day. Again, it's apparently circumstances beyond the control, but the bottom line for homeowners is that there was an opportunity to represent themselves in front of key influencers and it didn't happen for the second time in a month. The Donegal Rape Crisis Centre is seeking volunteers to support clients in the community. The voluntary organisation provides free support and counselling services to both female and male survivors of rape and sexual violence in Donegal. This summer, they're recruiting volunteers aged 25 years and up to support and advocate for survivors in the aftermath of a sexual assault. Manager of the Donegal Rape Crisis Centre, Marina Porter says volunteers are given full training. Our volunteers provide court accompaniment to anyone who's going to court or guard accompaniment as well if someone wants somebody just to be there for giving a statement. And we do provide full training for all of these positions because we are members of the Rape Crisis Network of Ireland. So it's RC&I training that we provide and RC&I provide the court and guard of training and also legal information training for people as well. The Higher Education Minister says there is an obsession in Ireland with leaving Sir Points and third level education. Simon Harris says Ireland is now an outlier in terms of the pressure put on young people to go to college and in doing so, we have devalued trades and other career options. He says we need to move beyond the idea that the only conversation between teachers, parents and their teenagers should be about points in college. And Minister Harris says he believes there can still be a degree of snobbery around not going down the university route. I think it's a culture we've created in Ireland where it has all been about. I sometimes partially joke to say sometimes the question is tell me the name of the university you want to go to rather than actually tell me what you want to do with the rest of your life and we'll show you how to get there. I do think we have become a little bit too obsessed with league tables, how many people went to this university from this school rather than how many people left school happy, well educated, well rounded, went on to a career where they played a meaningful purposeful role in society and led a happy life. That's what it has to be about. And Dublin Airport has ruled out transferring flights to Shannon Airport as it continues to deal with staffing shortages. But the DAA says the situation has improved with passengers on short haul flights now advised to come to the airport up to two and a half hours before departure instead of three and a half. Media relations manager Graham McQueen says suggestions to move flights to regional airports doesn't fly. If it was that easy to just pick up flights and take them to the regional airports, you know, I think we'd be doing it already. But the fact is Dublin Airport doesn't compete with Shannon for flights. We compete with the big cities in Europe, your Barcelona's, your Amsterdam's. That will remain the case and ultimately the solution to solving our issues at Dublin Airport that people saw recently is what we're doing. It's hiring more staff. Weather now today will be mostly dry with sunny spells and just a slight chance of an isolated shower temperatures of 12 or 13 degrees. That's it for now. We're back with the headlines for you at 11 o'clock until then. Good morning. The obituary notices for Wednesday morning the 20th of April. The death has taken place of James McNulty, Meen Moor Dunlow and formerly of Chrysler. His remains will be reposing at the community grip home, Meen Moor, from three o'clock this afternoon with Rosary at eight o'clock. Removal tomorrow evening at five o'clock going to St Michael's Church, Chrysler, for six o'clock where he will repose overnight. Funeral mass on Friday morning at 11 o'clock with interment afterwards in the local cemetery. The death has taken place of Tessie McDade, Ni Hagerty, Klong Lash, Bongkranah and formerly of Kenny Goh, Bali, Magan. Funeral arrangements to be confirmed later. The death has taken place of Anna, Annie Trisa, McGranahan, Ni Morris, 20, Kavana Corview, Bali, Magore, Sturban. Reposing at her home this afternoon from two o'clock. Funeral leaving her home on Friday morning at 20 past nine for Requiem Mass in the Sacred Heart Church Dairy Road at 10 o'clock. Interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Donations and lieu of flowers please to Marie Curie, care of Quigley Funeral Directors. The Requiem Mass can be viewed live via the parish webcam. The death has occurred of Junior Armour, 34, Castle Park, Bongkranah. His remains are reposing at his late residence. Funeral leaving there at quarter past 10 tomorrow morning going to St Mary's Church Cockhill for 11 o'clock Requiem Mass. Bury it afterwards in the adjoining graveyard. Family, flowers only please. The death has occurred of Stefan Varga, An Klochenbeg, Klochen and Lusneck Slovakia. Stefan's remains will arrive at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Sucker Glenfin at 7 o'clock this evening for reception prayers. Requiem Mass tomorrow morning at 11 o'clock with removal to Lakeland's crematorium for private cremation. The Requiem Mass can be viewed on the parish webcam. The death has taken place of Jim Sheeves, 17, Art Column Kill Letter Kenny. Jim's remains will be reposing at his late residence from 2 o'clock this afternoon. Funeral from there on Friday morning at half past 10 going to St Union's Cathedral Letter Kenny for 11 o'clock Requiem Mass which can be viewed live on ChurchServices.tv. Intermediate afterwards in New Lakes Cemetery. Family, flowers only please. Donations in lieu of flowers if desired to good a new charity care of any family member. Family time please from 10 p.m. to 11 a.m. The death has taken place of Neil McLaughlin, Alta Shane Carandona. His remains are reposing at his late residence. Funeral leaving there tomorrow morning at quarter past 10 going to the Sacred Heart Church Carandona for Requiem Mass at 11 o'clock with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. The funeral mass can be viewed live on CarandonaParish.com. The death has occurred of James Gallagher, 8, Gordon Rush Drive, Oma, and formerly of Shanahee Ahearn. James's remains are reposing at his late home. Funeral from his late home tomorrow morning at half past 9 for Requiem Mass at 10 o'clock in the Sacred Heart Church Oma. Intermediate afterwards in St Mary's Cemetery, Drumra. Family time please from 10 p.m. to 11 a.m. and on the morning of the funeral. The death has taken place of Morena Freel, Neil McCafferty, Beach Hill Care Nursing Homephone, and formerly of 8 Beechwood Street. Morena's remains are reposing at her sister Carmel's residence, 43 Belmont Crescent. Funeral leaving there this morning at 10 to 11 for half past 11 Requiem Mass in St Columbus Church Long Tower. Cremation will take place afterwards at half past 3 in Lakelands Crematorium in County Cavern. Morena's funeral mass can be streamed live on the church webcam. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu of desire to N.I. Chest Heart and Stroke, Care of the Immediate Family, or Mr. Kieran Connor, McCafferty Funeral Directors. The death has taken place of Jim Armstrong, the Rookery, 16 Racecourse Road, Derry. Jim's funeral will leave from his late home this afternoon at 1 o'clock for Requiem Mass at half past 1 in St Patrick's Church Pennyburn, followed by interment in the City Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. The death has taken place of John Doherty, Gorty, Oregon, Bunkranna. His remains are reposing at his home. Funeral mass this morning at 11 o'clock in St Mary's Church Cock Hill, with burial afterwards in the adjoining graveyard. And the death has occurred of Danny Kett O'Donnell, County Lane Dunlow, and Forum Lee of Crachey in Manchester. His remains are reposing at his home. Funeral mass this morning at 11 o'clock in St Crona's Church Dunlow, with interment afterwards in Mahary Cemetery, House Private in the morning of the funeral. For more details, including any family health guidelines for weeks and funerals, please go to highlandradio.com. COVID-19 can still cause serious illness, especially in people at higher risk. We need to keep protecting each other. So stay home if you have symptoms. Wear a mask in healthcare settings, public transport, and busy places. Let fresh air in if you're meeting indoors. Keep hands clean. And get a COVID-19 vaccine and booster. Let's keep looking out for each other. From the HSC, for us all. This is the second hour of the 9-3 Nuncho. It's Donald Kavanaugh on the programme with you. Until 12 noon today, as the name suggests, don't forget if you wish to make contact with the programme you can text us on 086-60-25000. You can also use that number for WhatsApp messages. You can call us on 074-9125-000. If you're outside of the dialing area and indeed you can use social media at Highland Radio on Twitter, Highland Hub on Facebook. It's comments at Highland Radio on email if you wish to get in touch with us that way. And don't forget, of course, you can watch the programme on Facebook and indeed on our YouTube channel as well. Always willing and happy to hear from you as we always say. And it's the truth. It's your views, your perspectives and your priorities that drive this programme. And they are what make this programme what it is because as long as we're discussing what you want to discuss, then the 9-3 Nuncho is doing its job. Now, 13 minutes past 10. A lot happening in Donegal actually in terms of film in recent times. Work starting on a big project, a major blockbuster actually in the cinemas at the moment that a lot of people don't realise was partially filmed in Donegal. And we're going to be discussing that very shortly but before we do anything else. I know there are people out there with books in hand, pencils in the other hand, just waiting to be given their numbers. If you play NCBI Highland Radio Bingo, grab your books, grab your pencils and we'll hand you over to Gavin. It's time for NCBI Bingo on Highland Radio. It's Wednesday, April 20th. You're playing on the blue coloured sheet. The reference number is S18. It's game number 16. The numbers are 72, 40, 59, 50, 11, 82, 86, 88, 84 and 25. Phone your claim to 9104833 before 8pm tonight leaving your name, contact number and the name of the shop where you purchased your book. Get all your NCBI radio bingo information at HighlandRadio.com. The ISI Together will get you back on track. This is an initiative of the Government of Ireland. It's the right price tiles on wood flooring, half price sale. Get up to 50% off everything in store. All kitchen and bathroom tiles, all wood flooring, all bathware, all cladding, everything's reduced. It's our biggest ever sale. The right price tiles on wood flooring, half price sale. Stores nationwide. Sale now on. Forward Emphasis International based in Mallonhead are expanding their in-office sales team with attractive bonus schemes and insurance qualifications available. Bursary and study support also provided. Experience in contact centres or insurance services is desirable but not essential as full training will be provided. Please visit their website at www.forwardemphasis.ie and apply via their careers page. Thinking of going green? At B&S Credit Union Ballet Buffet it has never been easier. We will help you reduce your energy cost with our lower than ever green loan rate. Available for all home improvements that bring energy efficiency such as insulation, heating systems and solar panels. Visit bnscu.ie forward slash green loan or free phone B&S Credit Union at 1-800-290-390. Loans are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. B&S Credit Union Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. The Nine Till Noon Show is brought to you in association with Floret Letter Kenny. Celebrating five years in business offering quality wooden floors at exceptional value. Visit floret.ie Welcome back to the Nine Till Noon Show on Highland Radio. It's Donald Kavanaugh on the programme with you until 12 noon today. Now we all remember Paul Mescal from Ordinary People which showed on our TV screens in 2020. Now Paul Mescal stars in a film called God's Creatures, a psychological drama. And it has been chosen for the Cannes director's fourth night 2022. 24 films in all will be chosen for that particular prestigious event and it will give the film a much needed and much deserved boost. And you may be wondering why are we particularly interested in the fact that a Paul Mescal film has been chosen for the Cannes director's fourth night. Mainly because God's Creatures was shot in and is based in Donegal. Aideen Doherty is with the Donegal film office and we've spoken to Aideen before. Last time I spoke to Aideen actually was when we broadcast the show from Malin Head during the May the 4th be with you event a couple of years back. Aideen, great to talk to you again. Aideen, as I say, great to talk to you again. Yes, Donald, how are you? Very well indeed Aideen. Aideen, you obviously as the key worker with the Donegal film office will have been involved in getting God's Creatures made in Donegal. Tell us something about the film and about the process that brought us to Cannes. Okay, so the film was made during lockdown last year in South Donegal and it is produced by Oscar and Bach's Denominee Fodla Cronal Reilly. And basically, Fodla would have contacted us in the early days when she was out scouting locations. And at that stage we were competing I suppose with the Western Seaboard and thankfully we were able to provide everything that they required here. And herself, Emily Watson and Paul Mescal were in on location in South Donegal for a number of weeks last year. And again, you know, we have the most incredible support from our local community. The real, I suppose, interest from our perspective in Donegal and Donegal County Council is that, you know, this provides a really welcomed economic impact to a small area in a time that was basically everything else seemed to have gone to your pot. And we had 72 locals working on the film and there was an impact locally of about 2.8 million during the time that they were in. So now we are in a situation where yet again Donegal is going to be seen, you know, in a very prestigious place. You know, it's fantastic for the area and it's fantastic for the county that Donegal is being, you know, viewed by people who will be attending Cannes. And that this film has been placed front of centre in what is the most incredible situation regarding the director's fortnight. So it's just great. We're so thrilled for them all and thrilled for everybody involved. And as you say, it's a testament to the fact that Donegal is in a position to provide the facilities to provide the scenery to provide and also to provide the expertise and the backup support as well that's going to be needed because the film crew just doesn't arrive and plunk itself in a location. It needs supports. It needs help. It needs to have people they can trust locally. And that's something that Donegal is providing as well. What a lot of people may not recognise though is Donegal is also featuring in the cinemas at this point in time because one of the big blockbusters that's showing on the big screens at the moment was part filmed in Five Fingers Stranded in the show. That's right. Northman starring Anna Taylor Joy of the Queen's Gambit and directed by Robert Edgar was within for a period of time last year. And while we're only in for four days or three days in total, the prep for that obviously starts quite a time beforehand in terms of getting permissions and making sure that you're filming appropriately. And when you're on a beach like that, a beach of that nature, you need to be very careful in terms of what you're doing. But what's fantastic again is both Garsgard has described Five Fingers as absolutely epic. A quote like that for us is just enormous. And that film has obviously been seen as well and it's getting great reviews. So every single time something like that happens, you're just going, OK, this is another driver for tourism. It's a driver to get people to come to Donegal, for Donegal to be seen on the big screen. And I think that's the incredible piece about filmmaking in this county and also that supports Indigenous industry. And it's helped to support our people who are trying to break through into this space. And I suppose one of those, one thing that happened in that regard was that we had a small film called It's Done As All that was filmed again during lockdown at the end of 2020 down in the south-western Igleses, and Antonio Campbell Hughes film, starring Cosmo Jarvis, who is the sniper in Peaky Blinders, probably a lot of people would see him. And that was a very small budget film. And it entirely depended on the local people down in that part of the world and the people in Mahari and Stone and the area of all south-western Igleses. They were just incredible and they wouldn't have been able to do it without them. And that film went on to win a very special jury recognition award for extraordinary cinematic vision in the Austin, Texas, SXSW festival last month. And you had critics like Bobby Leclerc from Film Threat, Film Thing, the first thing anybody watching, It's In As All, will notice how bloody great it looking at us. And so yet again, Donegal is positioned in such a way that everybody will see it as an incredible place to come and make films. So it's great in that regard. Well, we're sitting here talking about what has happened and what's on the screens and what has been filmed. But a very interesting and important one coming up because we see calls for open casting this coming Saturday in the Tarot Hotel in Killy Beggs for a film called In the Land of Saints and Sinners. And people will have heard of this one because it involves a Northern Ireland born actor who recently starred on a channel for television program. That's correct. Liam Neeson, he did a little cameo on Dairy Girls, which I think is exceptionally well received. In the Land of Saints and Sinners actually started shooting in the last couple of days. And, you know, again, it's been phenomenal in relation to the lift that the local people have given down there. We have incredible people like Margaret Rose Cunningham and, you know, Glenn Cullenkill, who just is literally, you know, the person on the ground that assists. And there's other phenomenal people throughout the Killy Beggs, Kill Carr and Glenn Cullenkill area that are just literally fixtures on the ground. And they know everybody and they can fit in every way. And there are also what's really good about Donegal people. And this is a bit that we are so proud of is we're very respectful. And we understand the job of work has to get done. And why people are very taken with the fact that Liam Neeson's in South Donegal. You know, they're not, they're not putting themselves in the way of causing problems for the film crew or for the set. And that's an incredible thing to be able to say. And the other thing I suppose from the Donegal Council perspective is that because we're decentralized and we're only one of the councils in the country that are, we are able to get in very quickly to the most local people. We're able to find, you know, if there's something from a beach management perspective or from a water perspective, from a roads perspective, we have very local people working in a very local way that are able to respond quickly, which is exactly what we need to be doing when it comes to filmmaking. And so that open casting calls a Saturday. It's in the Tara Hotel. There's details up on all our social media platforms today. And, you know, the poster has been well distributed. So anybody interested can scan the QR code and be able to get details on that. Yeah. And the most important thing to know is that you need to be available for shooting in the car area on the 6th and the 9th of May. Yeah. Yeah. And you need to look like you're from the 70s, essentially. Yeah, that's looking for so. But again, a great opportunity for locals. And, you know, being around all of us is, you know, exciting, very exciting. There's a lot of standing about. There's a lot of things to observe. And, you know, what we see sometimes is some of our young people who get on as runners are breaking through. We've got fabulous girl called Malia Mulhall who was on God's Creatures last year. She's an incredible woman. She's in Green Castle. And she's really flying the flag for Donegal everywhere she goes. And it's wonderful to have people like her in the industry as well. And what this is showing us, Aiden, is, you know, every now and again you get the big headline, Liam Neeson in Donegal, and that's going to hit the papers. That's going to be the headline. That's going to be discussed at the water cooler, as they say. But, you know, for every in the land of saints and sinners, there's a few, it's in the souls being made. There's a few God's Creatures being made. There are other small films that are maybe going under the radar quietly being made in Donegal. But it's obvious that you and your colleagues in the Donegal Film Office are very, very busy indeed. We are very busy, actually. And, you know, it's funny when you say about some of the other stuff that's going on, possibly, probably isn't really, you know, brought to the attention of the public, because we do have an awful lot of advertisements. We have an awful lot of car ads. We have an awful lot of, you know, pickups, as we call them, there's shots, and then people might need a small piece of something for a tourism promotion or a marketing campaign, or, you know, and there's an awful lot of that that we do as well, that we assist on, you know, Sky News have been in various different times around some aspect, or an investigation programme, or a documentary, a documentary, something like that. But, you know, so it is busy from that point of view, and I'm very lucky that I have people here in this office in Sean County and Sandra Brennan, who are also involved in this thing, and, you know, making sure that we've got the quick and sharp turnaround, you know, to be able to respond quickly and effectively to these queries. And I suppose from our own perspective, Donegal, we're trying to support the industry as well through the Regional Cultural Centre and through other initiatives that we're currently developing with Udvarasan and Geltica, and, you know, producers, production companies like the Boffay, to look at what ways we can sustain the industry here locally and how we can support our own people in developing content and in developing opportunities for filmmakers in the county. And I suppose one of those opportunities, again, will be advertising next week, which is our Film Office Bursary, which is funded through Creative Ireland. We had one last year, James Daughty was the recipient, and we're advertising that again next week. It'll be out in the public domain next week in the then application process. We were overwhelmed last year with the amount of scripts that we got and a very high standard of work again, capable, and we just have a small amount of money to support people, you know, to be able to make their films. So, and if we had more money, we could do more. So it's, you know, it's a healthy industry at the moment, and that whole opportunity of film and the creative economy as a driver for economic development is something that we're really interested in, you know, ensuring that Donegal is competing and punching above its wit, and we believe at this time that we are. And as you say, there's a lot of interest in the Film Bursary that's being advertised locally as well, and that's important because it shows that there are people in Donegal are getting involved in film, not only on the acting side, but also getting involved in the tech side, in the production side, and we see more and more people in Donegal making films, writing films, producing films and becoming involved at every level of the industry. Absolutely. Yeah, that's absolutely it. And I think that that's where, you know, we will get our real traction in terms of sustaining the industry. You know, we're constantly competing with obviously other countries and other counties and, you know, I think that we can build our own ecosystem of filmmakers in this county and we can sustain that and we develop our own stories and we develop our own opportunities to get seen. That's where, you know, we really will see the benefits to the local community. And we have 72 people on God's creatures, you know, local people, which is a great amount of people. And, you know, we did a call out for that. There was over 200 people, you know, that applied to get on. That'll give you some understanding of who's out there and who's interested. And increasingly, and I suppose because of COVID, you know, an awful lot of people are looking to get back, you know, more, I suppose, quiet life and they want to create work in their own areas. And that's what we're seeing up the Western Seaboard at the moment. We're connected in with RAP, which is the Western Auto Visual Producers Fund that would have funded and provided funding for God's creatures. And that's a huge mechanism that's available, you know, to filmmakers in the Western Seaboard to be able to create work in their own areas and call-outs for that are happening all the time in terms of supports as well. Any major projects coming up that you can perhaps give us a quick nod about something that may be happening in the coming weeks and months, because I'm sure you're obviously there's a lot of pre-planning involved in these. It doesn't just drop out of the sky. You're looking well into the future in terms of your planning. Can you lift the lid on anything that's about to happen? And maybe outscouting these days will say no more than that. Excellent. That's great to hear. Aideen, a pleasure as always to talk to you. And thanks very much indeed for that update. Thanks for your time, Donal. Thank you very much. It's our absolute pleasure. Aideen to hardly be there from the... Thank you, Aideen. Aideen there from the Donegal Film Office. And it's great to see that there is, you know, this work is going on and it's going on a lot of the time quietly. And, you know, as Aideen says, she may well be going outscouting, which suggests that there are other potential projects in the offing and that is great to see. A couple of your comments before we go for a break. Cora says, why is there no mention of Julian Assange by any journalist in the West? One of your own, and you've all turned your backs on him, amazing so much for freedom of speech and fair and impartial journalism. It seems now in the West, it's the warmongering NATO narrative that is only allowed to be aired. How did you ever allow yourselves to come to this just to be a one-sided echo chamber for them? I now know why the West banned all Russian TV channels from airing here. So says A Cora. Another Cora says, what gets me about the Ukrainian thing is why did the Irish government not help their own people living on the streets and also the housing situation here in Ireland? How is it possible for Ireland to take in these people when the government can't or don't want to help its own people? So asks A Cora. It's half past 10 and we're going to take a short break. Beat the cost of Brexit and no customs charges. Do you need a UK address? For your limited company or personal use, Space Hub in Derry can provide you with your own virtual office or mailbox. Have your post and parcels delivered to Space Hub and collected your convenience. Also brand new 20-foot shipping containers now in stock. Ideal for all your storage needs under Springtime and Comor Depots. Find us on Facebook or spacehubderry.com or call 04871 878077 for details. Sportswear for women at Bramley Cormick Sports & Leisure in fresh new colors and styles. Nike Pro, T's and Vests with matching shorts and fitness tights. Perfect for working out or just for that leisure look. Under Armour offers new colors, quarter zip tops, T-shirts with matching shorts in different lengths. 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We've barbecues, gas, charcoal or smoker, all 33% off. Be warm and cozy with our selection of outdoor heating, also 33% off and enjoy those longer evenings with our range of solar lights and garden decor. Visit us in-store or shop online at homestoreandmore.ie. Make your garden your sanctuary, home store and more. A happy home. This is Lion Till Noon Show on Highland Radio. Donald Kavanaugh with you until 12 noon. Before we go any further, let's give you an opportunity to win a voucher for Florid in Letterkenny, who are celebrating an anniversary this year. Pay attention to what you hear. This may be important. To celebrate five years in business, Florid to Letterkenny are giving one lucky listener the opportunity to win a 500 euro in-store voucher. To enter, answer the following question. How many years has Florid been in business? Text HI, followed by your name and answer to 53131. From Northern Ireland, text 84555. Texts cost 30 cent or the sterling equivalent. The operator's network charge may apply. Lines will close on Friday the 22nd of April 2022. And the winner will be announced on the 9 till noon show on Friday the 22nd of April 2022. And you're welcome back to the 9 till noon show now. The TUI's annual conference is ongoing. We spoke to the INTO yesterday. It's the Teachers Union of Ireland, secondary teachers today. And delighted to say I'm joined on the line by Joanne Donahue, who's an executive member of the TUI, representing Donahue Gold. Joanne, good morning. Good morning, Donald. How's things? Things are really good indeed. Thank you. Joanne, talk to us about the main issues that are coming up at conference. No problem, Donald. I'm to say too that I'm in a hotel, so we could have interruptions and receptions, not great if my line drops. So basically the main issues are, the main issue would be pay discrimination affecting those appointed in 2011 onwards. Now this has led to a teacher recruitment and retention crisis. There would be two elements to this. So we're looking for the restoration of the PME allowance and the adjustments to pay scale for new entrants. The money is there to do this because teachers give up their 1% pay increase in February to help their lower paid colleagues. Our schools and colleges, of course, were forced to tackle the huge challenges of COVID-19 so that there was a large class sizes, overstressed pastoral care system for students and education facilities, which are poorly ventilated and on unsuited modern teaching and learning. We all have kids that have been in those freezing cold classrooms with the coats and the gloves on. So now the pandemic has brought this growth negligence by the success of government and sharp focus. The process of appropriately funding the education system must begin. Ireland actually would depend the lowest amount out of 36 countries listed on the OECD report on education so there's major underfunding there so that would be something we'd be looking for as well. Now Minister Harris came here with other confirms yesterday and it was his first in-person appearance at the TUI Congress so Mr. Harris is the minister for the department furthering higher education innovation, research and skills, a very long name but I actually worked within further ed myself so he committed to significant increases in funding for further and adult education so it's a little likely to hear that. He's known further education as a vital part of education in Donegal and I think we're actually the second largest provider of further education within Donegal. This announcement is very welcome so basically within further education we're providing the second chance education for many people in Donegal and I'm sure many of your listeners will hopefully benefit from that as well so that was kind of some of the issues that came up yesterday so we're in day two of Congress today so we'll be welcoming Minister Foley today so it will be so we'd like her to come up to the pay discrimination measures that I would have described earlier. Yeah, now it's interesting that you mentioned that because I think a lot of people thought that had been sort of resolved to an extent because it was a very big issue 2018-2019 and it seemed to slightly leave now maybe the pandemic pushed it out of the headlines as it were but you're effectively saying to us that no this is very much a live issue as far as you're concerned. You know we with honorable momentum we would be giving up our 1% to address this and this is kind of what we agreed we'd spend the 1% on so we almost have it over the line but we just need that final confirmation so we're nearly there. Talk to us about the debate about pay increases to counteract inflation because we know certainly from what the INTO have been saying and we assume from what we're hearing from ASTI as well that they're very much talking in terms of making this a real issue and they were raising it with Minister Foley do you think that's going to become an issue for Minister Foley at your conference as well that there will be very much a discussion on well you know how are we going to counteract these rises in inflation and the rises in the cost of living? Well, inflation is a huge problem for every worker in Ireland so teachers are no different really in that regard even filling the car to come down here with a bit of a shock like everybody even when you go to the supermarket and fill your basket now the cost of living has gone up TUI and other unions through ICTU do want to engage in negotiations paying increases taken to counter these aspiring inflation so that's kind of where we would be sitting on that so just the same as maybe every other worker so. In terms of and I put the same question yesterday to INTO from your own point of view Joanne as an executive member representing Donegal you've done your fair share I've no doubt of Zoom calls and online conferences on online meetings how does it feel to actually finally get back to a real conference and to meet your colleagues face to face? It's actually been fantastic and I actually this was my first corporeal congress so it's the first time I got to sit up on the executive at the top table it was a bit daunting but it's just great being everybody again and there's loads of chats and banter and I actually was really delighted to meet minister Harris yesterday because you know I'm actually working use reach and he's a great advocate for use reach and I was chatting with him yesterday and he was thanking us for the work we do so it's just great to get back to chatting with everybody you know and there's great support in that too and people have been through a hard time over COVID so you know that was I just think it's great for people's mental health and everybody then supporting each other you know as well so yeah it's been great Joanne great to talk to you and continue to enjoy conference and we wish you every success thank you indeed take care of yourself as well that's Joanne Donahue there she's an executive member of the teachers union of Ireland and Joanne is at their annual conference meeting at the moment minister Simon Harris there yesterday minister Norma Foley coming later today okay we're going to take a piece of music actually it's a 22.11 and we're in a situation now where the appeals by Armagh were successful so it now seems that Donegal having chosen to take their oil as it were will be down to players Armagh have had their three players restored and there is a lot of comment as a result of this now I have in studio with me Highland Radio's head of sport Oshin Kelly Oshina you're very welcome morning Donal and also joined on the line by Brandon Kilcoin who is a GA correspondent with Highland Radio Brendan good morning good morning Donal and Oshin how are you hi Brandon Oshin I'm going to go to yourself first I mean you know the big question being asked and let's get up to cut to the chase Did Donegal make a huge mistake by not knowing how Donal this morning that maybe Donegal were wrong not to appeal their referees report the results of their referees report because this morning they find themselves in a position where they're down a man that what has started the game and Orr McFadden-Ferry and they're down one of the most experienced players Donegal have had Neil McGee who could have played a vital role in that game if required so it's to Donegal's detriment now today that they probably didn't appeal but at the time and in fairness to Donegal County Board they put their full faith and trusted the system that was in place that's been put in place and has been there for quite a number of years by the GAA and they put their faith in the system and the system has let them down and Brendan was on this morning with me or on with Owen rather on the sport this morning where he said that it now seems that the process is in total disarray with the likes of Connor McKenna from Tarone to have his appeal coming up now on Thursday following his sending off at the weekend against Firmana there's huge question marks now Donegal over the appeals process at Croke Park. Right well I have Kahle on the line and before I go to Brendan I'm going to bring Kahle on because Kahle wants to ask the question that I think everyone is asking and I think Kahle you're asking this question in a very stark and interesting way So Donegal the point I make is that there were four players cited from Armaa there were two players cited from Donegal so everyone was fair enough to go ahead they were all suspended or whatever if their punishment and as you say Donegal accepted the punishment and trusted in the system but I think the system has let them down from the point of view that all four Armaa I remember it was four Armaa and there's only two Donegal players so Armaa have got four or people now who have got off scot free so you're saying that two Donegal players caused a melee well that's not possible because it takes two teams to create a melee so in my opinion that in fairness and in a decision that was made to release release them of their suspension they are math people they should have done the same for the Donegal players because you can't have a melee with one side only in other words two players from Donegal are now being blamed for whatever happened even though it takes two sides to create a melee so in justice and in fairness there's something badly wrong there okay Kahul the question very well put I'm going to put that to Brendan Kilcoin Brendan you've heard what Kahul said there and that's the question being asked by many in Donegal this morning yeah it is and you can understand that Donegal supporters will feel somewhat aggrieved due to the fact that poor McFadden are now the only two players that are suspended for Sunday but again you have to remember that this was a technicality that these guys got off on I understand you know that the rest report cited that five players originally and then subsequently Ryan O'Neill was suspended on video evidence which was later overturned but the fact that our math decided to appeal there three guys has got them off so listen there's no doubt about it that you know all credibility in relation to the bank or in relation to the GEA's integrity and disciplinary process has just gone out the window with this whole you know it's been absolutely ridiculous the way it's been handled over three, four days out from the game my understanding is it's too late at this stage for Donegal to now appeal their two suspensions so it is you know it's a total mess and it's something that the GEA are going to have to look at because it's not just today or yesterday that this whole thing has started but this takes it to another level and it just appears that if you've a smart legal team you can overturn any decision and you know I think this needs to be taken in the context too of the referees who have a really really difficult job to do they're on a feed with 30 fellas that are doing anything to win the game for their jersey and you know they've enough to watch and they've enough to do and this kind of you know is really a kick in the ass for them too from the point of view that you know referee sends in his report he sites certain players and they are then handed suspensions as a result of that report and you know the fact that these are so easily overturned in subsequent committees and you know that's another thing with so many committees within the GEA if the Herian's committee, if the Central's Appeals Committee, if the DRA, if the Central Competition Control Committee like it is really it's confusing even as a GEA person it's engrossed and it's confusing to understand the different steps that are involved here but this really just you know this is the icing on the cake in relation to that and it leaves our man with a really strong hand to play from on Sunday like along with that now I know that one of the suspended players Kieran Macken is supposed to be out injured but they do have two players two fine players who are missing in Leonard Kenny that they actually know Neil and Connor Turbett who are back so I'm just wondering if you can from the point of view of Donegal's reaction to this I mean one would be very surprised if Donegal ever accepted a referee's report and ever accepted suspensions again because the message that appears to be coming from here is appeal everything. Yeah well it's not just from Donegal's point of view every single county in the country donal this morning is going to be thinking right you know what we need to do here we need to get our legal teams together Reino Neil for example I'm sure everybody has seen the videos that was circulating on social media where he seemed to strike out at a Donegal player but that fell on a technicality nothing to do with him raising his arm it was more about the way the video was actually processed last night the three players had their suspensions overturned what our understanding is the definition wasn't good enough of what came from the referee in relation to contributing to Malide only the players were suspended for contributing to Malide but how they contributed to the Malide wasn't stated good enough and that's how it was actually overturned so there's all these technicalities now that are appearing in video evidence and it's not just at this county level we've seen it a club level as well in recent years in the championship of the situation between Neve Connellan and Kilkiar so the GAA need to sit down and have a real look at their appeals process system they need to make it more straightforward they tried to streamline it by bringing an adherence committee a central appeals committee and then the disputes resolution authority but why did it fail at the first one and then it was one in the second one Donal so questions have to be asked the GAA have to figure out how they're going to improve their appeals process because as of now every single county knows that they get a good legal team together and move forward there and with a real good chance of getting any sort of bans and suspensions and courage overturned and the reality is Brendan referees are not trained in writing in a legal ease way because we know for instance I mean there's something of running joke that Gar thee always say vehicle now the reason Gar thee will say vehicle is if you say car and it turns out to have been a van okay it's gone because you've given an inaccurate description so you know Gar thee are trained over the course of their training ensuring that their notes and the evidence they will give in the court is going to be structured in a way that is not open to misinterpretation. Now I mean are we seriously now saying to referees you're going to have to adopt a similar approach when you're writing your reports because if you stick in a wrong word or if you put in a word that we believe is vague we're going to overturn the whole thing because that's what we're being told to do by our lawyers. Yeah certainly Donal that would appear to be the case and you know while you're the top referees at the inter-county level and Ashing reference club football there you know county boards are finding it difficult enough to get referees to ref. There's so many games at club level between underage and senior and junior intermediate that to get referees to do these games is difficult enough and you know if what you find is referees running around maybe twice in the Saturday and twice in the Sunday to referee games is that much much shorter so this is certainly not going to make their job any easier. Now I would like to preface all this like you know when we were doing commentary on the game that day and then Kenny and you know yeah there was a practice in front of us and all that kind of thing we all want to see the best players play a comp championship so we do and there's another issue here too that this was a different competition this was a league game and we're now going into championships so the whole issue of suspensions needs to be looked at like should that follow on in the league next year or does it carry the championship because that would have been the way it was one time and that wouldn't have left a certain timeline if you were sent off next Sunday the timelines probably wouldn't be there to get you cleared for the next round of the championship so there's so many issues so it needs a routine branch review of the whole system here and yes the referees need support from the point of view that you know it's a really really difficult job and you know we all give out about referees but there's not too many of us putting our hands up to do that job and it's important that we protect our referees because they're such an intelligent part and part of the game and you've all you know as I said you want the best players playing in front of you now the two big, the big loser here, Neil McGee like he's given so much to Duny Gaul over the years and you know watching the Mille that day I didn't see him do Anton in this and I saw a few boys doing something but I certainly didn't see Neil McGee do Anton in that in what was going on so you know it's a really unfortunate for the two Duny Gaul ads now so did but that's the way the cookie crumbles and I'm sure they'll be well wired up for the game on Sunday which promise to be a really tasty affair just a couple of the comments that have been coming in of course Duny Gaul had the option to appeal and chose not to, then the caller says the system is a joke it's got no credibility the panel has effectively sent out a message now that you can attack players on the pitch and nothing will be done, the GAA has become a laughing stock caller says the discipline has left the GAA either the Duny Gaul players shall be put back on or the Armagh players left off, I'm a big supporter I've really been annoyed by this they're also suggesting that perhaps the ref on Sunday shouldn't be in charge and another caller says looks like Armagh won the brawl they won the appeal and now they want to make it a hat trick by winning the match well that's quite possible Donal but I'm sure the Duny Gaul management and the players will be using what's happening good on this week as an extra incentive to go out and win the game and book a place in the semi-final of the Ulster Championship if you needed not the Duny Gaul needed any extra sort of G up for the game there's a bit of extra motivation I'm sure now behind all this Donal because it really is a bit of a farce that's what has happened and it's left Duny Gaul now missing two players for the championship game this weekend but there's a squad there and the squad is going to have to be fully used in the best possible way, Oshin Gallan as we know Declan Boner said yesterday when Declan did speak there was no sort of inkling coming that this was going to happen but Oshin Gallan is going to be missing the two suspended players and other than that he's a full deck to choose from it looks like he's going to need to use all available to him this coming weekend but there certainly will be a bit of bounce in the step of RMAS they come to the county we know that there's big numbers staying in hotels locally in Balboffay and indeed in Letterkinny as well and they've got a big boost today in Furnace to Cure in McGinney that's a massive shot in the arm from this morning Donal with the likes of those players all being made available again it's just hugely disappointing from a Donal Gall point of view that there's now no option for Donal Gall in their appeal process because they turned it down at the start so they did there'll be a bit more needle perhaps on the pitch as well and Donal Gallan will certainly go out there with a fire in their belly as well and they'll go out there with a sense of injustice that they want to see addressed and I'm sure that fire in the belly on Sunday which of course will be live on Highland two o'clock through on Sunday afternoon it's going to be almost if not a sold out McCull Park in Balboffay for the game Donal and you can tune Highland's way in you'll not miss the action here that's for sure Absolutely Oshin Kelly head of sport on Highland Radio Brendan Gilcoigne, GA correspondent thank you both indeed for speaking to us this morning Thanks Donal Make sure of it with Seat Inflation busting offers from Lidl are helping families across Ireland with incredible value on their weekly shopping Value for money and quality definitely they've won me over definitely makes a difference for like family shop I'm a convert Inflation busting offers at Lidl More for you, customers were paid a good duty for their time This is your guide to smart glasses Smart glasses often look like regular glasses and some of them have built-in cameras even if you don't wear smart glasses it's helpful to know what it looks like when someone who is wearing them is taking a photo or video One way someone can activate their camera is by tapping the capture button on the frame Another way is by using a voice command like take a photo So now you know a bit more about smart glasses A message from Metta and Esiel or Luxotica This Saturday, Paul McDevitt will be live from Homeland Letter Kenny for their Garden Super Saturday series finale Learn all about growing your own from Homeland Garden Centre staff and special guest garden expert Marie Lafferty With great offers like buy two, get one free on veg 20% off seeds You could even win a medium veg pot worth 350 euro All happening this Saturday at Homeland Letter Kenny's Super Saturday Garden series finale Highland Radio Weather updates with Ireland West Airport This summer is going to be one of the busiest ever Check out our summer flights to European cities such as Barcelona, Cologne and Milan with Ryanair Ireland West Airport, you're flying Mostly dry with sunny spells and just a slight chance of an isolated char cloud increasing later on in the afternoon Top temperatures 12 to 15 degrees celsius light to moderate south to south east breeze Tonight, clear spells with some isolated light chars lowest overnight temperatures 3 to 7 degrees celsius light to moderate east to south east or variable winds and tomorrow Thursday it will be sunny spells and isolated chars top temperatures 13 to 16 again a moderate to fresh east to south east breeze and that's Highland Radio News Sorry, it's not Highland Radio News that's just an automatic thing I say after reading the weather forecast during the news it is time for Highland Radio News and we say good morning to Catherine Gaffney Thanks Donal, good morning a provisional agreements in place between Ukraine to allow 6,000 citizens to leave Mariupol Earlier Ukraine accused Russian troops of bombing a makeshift hospital where 300 people were sheltering. If the city falls it will be Moscow's biggest victory so far Donegal County Council has come under fire over what's been described as a number of missed opportunities to discuss the migraery dress game with key influential figures Special advisor to the housing minister Kevin Dillon was in Donegal this week where he met with the action group and a number of affected homeowners however he didn't meet with the council. The Donegal rape crisis centre is seeking volunteers to support clients in the community. The voluntary organization provides free support and a counselling service to both female and male survivors of rape and sexual violence in the county The obsession with the leaving search certificate points raised here is causing fear and anxiety in our young people that is the view of the minister for higher education who says there is still a snobbery in Ireland around 3rd level A number of initiatives are currently being developed to support the film industry in Donegal The Donegal film office at Donegal County Council is currently working in conjunction with Uther Usnegiel in a bid to support and sustain the local industry further Eight monuments in Donegal are set to benefit from over 300,000 euro in funding under the community monuments fund The fund is an initiative by the National Monument Service of the Department of Housing and Local Government Ann Dublin Airport has ruled out transferring flights to Shannon as it continues to deal with staffing shortages but the DAA says the situation has improved with passengers on short haul flights now advised to come to the airport up to two and a half hours before departure instead of three and a half That's it for an hour back with another update for you at 12 noon We're here to help So if your treatment didn't go according to plan, speak to our experienced medical negligence team at McElhenney & Associates Find us online or call 074-917-5989 McElhenney & Associates Solicitors, Stranorla In contentious business a solicitor may not be able to contact us or you may not be able to contact us In contentious business a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement Flanigan's massive half-price store clear-out sale is now on in Wongkranat There's 50% of Irish-made sofas, tables, beds, wardrobes, rugs and occasional furniture Pay today and take it away See flanigans.ie Every year about 2,800 people in Ireland get bowel cancer Bowls screening helps find signs before symptoms start If you're age 60 to 69 you can register today for a free bowel screen test kit Once you've taken the test at home return it by free post and we'll test your sample for levels of blood If you need any more tests, we'll let you know Register today at hse.ie forward slash bowel screen or free phone 1-800-45-45-55 from the HSE Beat the cost of Brexit and no customs charges For limited company or personal use Spacehub and Derry can provide you with your own virtual office or mailbox Have your post and parcels delivered to Spacehub and collected your convenience Also brand new 20-foot shipping containers now in stock, ideal for all your storage needs at our Springtown and Coomor depots Find us on Facebook or spacehubderry.com or call 04871-878077 for details COVID-19 can still cause serious illness especially in people at higher risk We need to keep protecting each other so stay home if you have symptoms wear a mask in healthcare settings public transport and busy places Let fresh air in if you're meeting indoors keep hands clean and get a COVID-19 vaccine and booster Let's keep looking out for each other from the HSE for us all The 9 till noon show is brought to you in association with Floret Letterkenny Celebrating 5 years in business offering quality wooden floors at exceptional value visit floret.ie It's 6 minutes past 11 on a Wednesday and that means it is time for our Wellness Wednesday slot just before we go to the slot this morning just two comments with regards to the GAA situation Coler says the GAA committee is a joke video evidence shows what happens in Letterkenny however RM has somehow got their bands overturned it shows a lack of respect for referees let's get behind Donegal on Sunday with the flags out and show a large Donegal support another caller suggesting Donegal just play the two suspended players and if there's any punishment go the legal route perhaps I'm not sure Declan Boner would be doing that now I think that would be a step too far but an interesting prospect nonetheless now today on Wellness Wednesday we are talking about Alzheimer's there are an estimated 2,451 people living with dementia in Donegal and each year more than 11,000 people develop the disease across the country that's at least 30 people every day now after two years the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland is inviting people to come together again for a cup of tea and a chat and perhaps a treat or two on Thursday May 5th to help raise funds for vital dementia support services now I'm joined on the line by two people first of all Carl Malloy who's the interim operations manager with the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland for the Northwest, Northeast and the Midlands Carl good morning Good morning, how are you? Very well indeed, thank you and Carl that's one big area to cover the Northwest, Northeast and the Midlands I mean I'm sure you're racking up the mileage at the moment I am indeed, I am indeed it's a large area to cover but we have a great team working with me which makes it a lot easier and it must be good too though to be able to get involved in organising face to face events and organising things like the cup of tea and the chat and so on and so forth because particularly with Alzheimer's that personal touch is so important it's so important and it's been so difficult over the last few years with Covid and the restrictions that we've all been under but it's brilliant now that we're able to launch our TV again back face to face and invite people to hold their own TV's around the county and also around the whole country you know get people chatting again, get people out and about getting people to socialise and as you say it's very important for those people suffering with Alzheimer's just to have that social and personal interaction Also joined on the line this morning by Evelyn Gallagher Evelyn good morning Good morning Donald Evelyn your own story your mother sadly passed away last year but did have Alzheimer's for the final years of her life but was able to live a full life with assistance from yourself and from others Yes that's right she had dementia for quite a long time in her early 80's and yeah but she loved a big age she was almost 97 you know but for the last year she was confined to a wheelchair which was difficult during Covid but yeah we had great support from Alzheimer's during that time you know and she had her daycare and you know it was great support from them all together but you're also saying that one of the really important things with your mother was the fact that she didn't stay at home she would go out and socialise she'd go out to the hotel she'd go out and meet people and you know she didn't just get locked away somewhere she was very much out there in the community oh yeah yeah well I mean she didn't know to go out there you had to get her ready and take her out but it was so good for her you know staying at home and her own home for so long and then she was with me for 14 years then and I'm so glad I'd do it all again you know I'd do it all again well it is always great to know that you were able to give your mother to give a loved one the best possible care in the final years of their lives and Carol I'm sure the story we're hearing from Evelyn is one that's replicated right across the region and indeed the country oh yeah definitely definitely and it's so important to know that people have that support and they're able to get about in the community and use the services that we can offer to them I mean we can provide services to people in their homes but we can also provide services by the way of social clubs and cafes and interactions you know it's just so important to keep people's minds active and to keep them active in the community. Do we underestimate people that are dealing with Alzheimer's that because they have perhaps memory loss or because they don't necessarily recognize the people that they are talking to so we fail to appreciate what they do know because we've all heard the stories and I'm sure you see this all the time of people who perhaps aren't able to have a conversation with someone in front of them but will immediately recognize a song or will immediately recognize maybe something they see on TV and they'll recognize you know someone they meet from 15 years ago and they'll be able to interact with people they may not necessarily know who it is that they're speaking to but they'll certainly appreciate the music they'll appreciate their surroundings Oh definitely it's very important I suppose to keep the mind active and to help them reminisce with the memories that they have and remembering people and reminiscing and definitely the social aspect keeps their minds alert Evelyn from your own point of view I mean as you say you had your mother in your home for the last years of her life and you know she was speaking to you I'm sure and some of the time what she was saying will have made sense and maybe some of the times she was telling stories that may have sounded disconnected but it was also important I'm sure from your point of view to be there to listen and to be there to allow her the opportunity to tell her stories however disjointed they may have sounded Absolutely you have to listen with the ears of your heart and I think the caring caring for that person with Alzheimer's is about nurturing what's left lost you know and yeah she told some funny stories alright and and I'm sure you know she was able to bring you such joy by telling those stories and you know by sharing those stories and even you know in the pain of perhaps knowing that your mother was sitting in front of you and didn't necessarily know immediately who you were but the fact that she was still able to share those stories with you and you were able to connect with her through her history and through her life I mean you know that was inevitably going to bring you closer to her Oh yes and she did actually know the family or the faces you know she and she knew your name because I was working with her all the time but you know you would take pictures and tell her all about how important you know how important all the things she did and how special they are left that I was telling her and you know never let them forget how special the work of that generation where and are special you know absolutely yeah and I think actually the phrase you've just used there is a phrase I'm going to file away and remember and use myself I mean you listen with the ears of your heart I mean I think that's an absolutely gorgeous phrase I hadn't heard that one before and thank you for that Evelyn because it's an absolutely lovely way of putting it in the card I'm sure you'd agree that you know if we listen with the ears of our heart we'd all be a lot better off Oh yes absolutely and caring for them also you know it's not about just beyond feeding and dressing and toiletting it's you know you have so many needs in nature and music exercises you know spiritual issues you know you have to just treat them so special and I'm sure Evelyn too it's finding the balance between obviously there's going to be day care and there's going to be medical care and there's going to be appointments and you have to you know almost be a secretary all that and coordinating all that but it's that personal touch as well and it's finding the mix between the medical care and the physical care but also as you said the personal care the family care and the spiritual care as well which to many many people is very important indeed Oh yes absolutely I mean you know absolutely yeah she was an incredible lady yeah that's so sad she had all been lost the common sense and all the stuff that she was capable of but there was still life in horizon there was still a light in horizon there was still joy in the stories that she was telling I suppose we have to hold on to that Oh absolutely and Carol very important I'm sure from your point of view we spoke there about the balance between on the one hand the medical care and the you know the physical care the work being done and there are carers out there that do such wonderful important work but to meld that with the physical the personal and also the spiritual you know very important that that balance is found you can't really have one without the other Oh definitely definitely you know we have to give you know praise to those that the carers that are out there every day providing the care to those you know whether it be in their homes or whether it be in daycare centres amazing people that do that work but yeah I mean we would look at each each person like individually and there would be a personal tailored care plan for that person depending on their interests and depending on their you know their needs and it's not necessarily as you say just from a medical point of view you know it's a lot about like their history and what about their life and about their interests and about what they want to do and what they're still able to do so we would you know we would have a personal tailored plan you know a care plan for each person yeah well tomorrow week Thursday May 5th is the day when the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland is urging people to come together for a cup of tea and a chat and tell us more about that initiative yeah so so tea day now thankfully is back face to face as I said before the last few years with Covid we weren't really able to do the face to face meetings so now people were inviting people to come along hold their own tea day in their homes or maybe their local community centres maybe in their gardens if we were lucky enough to get a nice day and people can register then on teaday.ie we send them out like a kind of organisers toolkits if you like and they get their posters and collection boxes and everything they need to make their tea day successful and the idea behind it is to share a cup of cup of tea share some stories reconnect with people get back to being social again with people and obviously try and raise a little bit of funds to help the Alzheimer's Society and Evelyn I'm sure you'd be urging people to take part in this and to tell stories now no doubt you'll be telling stories on that day yourself about your own moment about the wonderful times that you shared absolutely and I'd say to everyone to get the go on to the website www.tea.ie to register and if they can't get that done to contact Monica and Michael on the way to 753 9775 and to get out and you know and if you can't get out donate to that cause because it's much needed funds you know they really need all the help they can get and I have another dance coming up I wonder should I mention it absolutely Evelyn mention this away well it's another after the the next big event the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland I'm having a dance on the 4th of June on Saturday 4th of June in the Clannery Hotel compared with her own country boy Tommy Rosney and the backing band Percy Roberts and John McQ, Demian Duffy and Gary Porter special guest Hugh McLean the Envoy Chauvin, Malcolm Fisher Amy Negan and Biddy, Hilary Ann Hetherington Eddie Gallagher and the Country Ticker Line Dancers and it's some great spot prizes donated by Dry Arch Liberty Travel Arena 7 the Enswinney and the Clannery Hotel and the tickets and posters were kindly sponsored by Brown Printers so I really I know times are hard money's tight but I would advise people to get out not will they be supporting everything but they'll also be hearing some great music and singers on the night Well fair play to you Evelyn for getting that out and we thank you indeed for speaking to you this morning the memories of Ellen Nellie O'Donnell your mum who passed away last year as you say almost 97 and wonderful to know that the last years of her life she had your love to to succour and to nourish her and thank you indeed for speaking to us Carl, final word to yourself from the point of view of T-Day in two weeks time the most important fundraising event of the year for the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland and you're saying to people look at how to do this in a couple of years now please, please avail of it Definitely, definitely use the opportunity now to get out and socialise and help a really good cause Carl, thanks you indeed very much indeed for speaking to us as well that's a Carl Malloy who's the interim operations manager with the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland and Evelyn Geller her of course who joined us and told her personal story as well thank you both very much indeed if you're a trades person where you're doing a one-off job you'll find everything from power tools to hand tools and paint to work clothing for great weekly deals and a great selection visit Watsonhire at KillToy Litter Kenny for more information visit the Facebook page or see Watsonhire.ie Saturday 23rd of April Limited tickets are available now at the box office that's cash returns live at the Ballard Art Centre Bally Bofay Saturday 23rd of April Interested in investing but concerned about the risks at Bank of Ireland we can tailor a plan that gives your money potential to grow over time at a risk level that's right for you we know you've worked hard for your money and with our expert support it can work harder for you invest it invest it visit bankofarland.com explore investing Bank of Ireland begin Terms and conditions apply Bank of Ireland is a Tide agent of New Ireland Assurance Company PLC Trading is Bank of Ireland Life for Life Assurance and Pensions Business Members of Bank of Ireland Group Bank of Ireland Trading is Bank of Ireland Insurance and Investments is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for a huge selection of furniture all in one showroom there are many things in letter kemmie sofas, beds, wardrobes tables and chairs also a range of carpet, vinyl, rugs and laminated flooring if it's time for a change it's time for a visit to grow furnishings Grove Deliver, Throughout Donegal Dairy and Tarone be inspired at grow furnishings Kill Toy Road, Letter Kemmie If you're getting married the in-house design team at bizprint can get all your wedding stationery to your requirements just visit WeddingInvites.ie or call bizprint at Port Road, Letter Kemmie on 9177 955 It's the Lens Who Ninshaw on Highland Radio Our sponsors this week are Flores in Letter Kemmie They're giving you the opportunity to win an in-store voucher to be spent in store which in-store vouchers are for so that's I know I'm stating the obvious there details on how you can win that voucher and a little bit more about what's on offer Let's go over to Cass To celebrate 5 years in business Floret Letter Kemmie are giving one lucky listener the opportunity to win a 500 euro 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Text Hi, followed by your name and answer to 531 31 From Northern Ireland Text 845 55 30 cent or the sterling equivalent The operator's network charge may apply Lines will close on Friday 22nd April 2022 and the winner will be announced on the 9 till noon show on Friday 22nd April 2022 We know that work is on going on the four-line road between the Polestar and Dry Arts roundabouts in Letter Kemmie and things are moving into a new phase from tomorrow and for about a nine-day period or so there will be some disruption on the outbound lane from the Polestar out toward the Dry Arts work is starting to begin on resurfacing of both outbound lanes Now Donegal County Council say it will be done on a phased basis with both day and night working and we're joined on the line by Councillor Donal Coyle Donal, good morning Good morning Donal, how are you? Very well indeed, thank you Obviously we would represent people in that area and you've been keeping a very close eye on progress on the four lane It's significant what's happening because we are, it seems sort of moving into the end game in this process Well I wouldn't actually say that yesterday but maybe the end game on one side of the of the four lane you know that's the outbound lanes you know as a most people people are wondering why it's taking so long and whatever but now over the next week or so one of those outbound lanes will be closed to traffic in other words there will be only one lane open to traffic for a week and that is due to resurfacing of those two outbound lanes over the period of one week that will cause some disruption but hopefully you know people will then see they will have a good road and it will be finished to a very high spec up to just there will be quite a mile left to be put on when the whole job is before the job is complete The other important thing is that hopefully once the road is resurfaced the road will be relined and we know running on the road has been an issue for some people and there were times when it was confusing there were times when people were having difficulty actually figuring out exactly what the lining was so it will make it a lot more clear for people when those lining issues are addressed Oh yeah without it's outlook you know the local confusion there for a long time because of all lined also cat's eyes and what have you and even the state of the road it's great to see this progressing as it is and also like you know the cycle lane and the pathway on out between the two roundabout will be complete as well and then of course you see the work then will be transferred down to the unbound lanes then because there will be a new footpath and words as well yeah we are still then it would appear we're still and we know the council was talking about having all this complete by hopefully August I mean are we still on track for that do you believe I would imagine it might be September don't know at the stage you know September I think now there was the last the hair flick you know so look it would be good to have it once finished by September like you know that's work now all the following week like you know people will actually see you know what's happening and look you know with those progress there's no doubt about that yeah and it is an interesting it's been difficult sort of to envisage what it's going to be because we don't necessarily see what's happening along the sides and you know in terms of the central reservation and things like that now one of the questions that I've been asked by a lot of people is you know are those being replaced and my understanding is they are they are there will be eventually like yeah and probably that will probably be one of the last parts of the project there'll be something similar to what you see you know going to Dublin there and Monaghan and I would imagine it's something and lying like that no and no those barriers there goodness gracious there to go absolutely they do and that's one of the points that we made is that people are asking you know will the lanes be wider when this work is done and the answer is obviously yes I mean they are going to be wider but the speed limit is still going to be we understand at 60 yeah the speed limit at the moment is 60 like you know and a lot of people to be honest like find it very difficult like you know to stay below the top day I think 60 would be a reasonable speed limit out there you know and fairness yeah so it's some as you say it's going to be one lane at times going out that road now I mean one can certainly see a situation develop where if it's just one lane of traffic that's going to lead to some potential jams and and indeed it could lead to some traffic build up around about the Polestar roundabout as well and potentially the dry arch as well but particularly I suspect the Polestar as people are trying to get out of town so maybe an idea for people who are travelling out that road just to be aware that this work is going on in the coming sort of nine days as of tomorrow and just allow extra time for that journey expect a few hold-ups particularly if you're driving if you're going down say coming in from the remelton road arena seven direction and you're going to be turning left we could well see but a traffic build up we can see it there anyway but we could see a bit worse than usual for a few days so just be aware that that's going to be the situation yeah I would ask people there to be patient like you know and you know the end result is going to be a wonderful piece of road going out going out to the dry arch and you know when the whole job is complete it will be it will be a great landmark coming in to the town without it out yes now we know a lot of it a number of people were asking about the work that was done just beside the tannery there there was an awful lot of work done I understand it's to do with water and drainage and so on can you throw some light on that work that was done just sort of between the tannery hotel and the dry arch roundabout well look you know this is what was happening there Donald is what's known as a tenuation pond where all the water you know and troopers water and drainage are gathered into one area and you know as you might be aware yourself when there was heavy rain at the roundabout there at the dry arch there was a lot of flooding around that area so hopefully now this will relieve it as well as that look the entrance into the tannery and that look it will be much improved and that was always a fairly sharp corner there at the roundabout coming down from where we were all of this look it will add to the to the safety of for people well I can tell you as someone who occasionally will walk out like and then walk back in past the tannery into town I mean yeah there were times in the past where you were walking through fairly large puddles at one point you were nearly wading through a lake so absolutely I think a lot of people will appreciate that Councillor Donald Coyle thank you very much indeed for giving us that update on the situation thank you very much Donald thank you indeed and that work starting tomorrow so that work as of tomorrow work on the outbound that's the resurfacing of the outbound lanes on the fore lane between the pole star and dry arch which effectively means it's going to be down to one lane and just be aware that there may be some traffic jams as a result of that just give an extra bit of time for the journey just get some good sounds in the car sit back and relax makes such great tasting bread is that so Coyle? well put it like this to see it is Ireland's favourite Sleuth pan but it's not just a taste it's the pure satisfaction you get from our famous bread baked fresh each and every morning however you slice it anything baked is better with Brennan's today's bread today they do all the hard work they contact all the major insurance underwriters and they get the very best possible quote for me they have saved me a small fortune over the years and they could do the same for you when your insurance comes up for renewal contact O'Malley Scanlon Insurance at their Bally buffet office on 9131020 or they're done low office on 95 Treble 206 O'Malley Scanlon is regulated by the central bank are you ready? Yes Chris what do Crawford Tiles do? Is it A tiles, B wooden flooring C bathroom suites, D 5 day bathroom refits em all four you've just won a million pounds well not really, after taxes you lose a bunch of money but hey whatever Crawford Tiles Castle Finn 07491 43942 they play games on income bonus of the Nihalina at Oscult Enish Dallient Hory is the best Nihalina crojioca but if you want to and if you have 3 k to 5 euro to check you can check the list and if you want to you can go to the link in the description the 9 till noon show is brought to you in association with Florit letter Kenny celebrating 5 years in business offering quality wooden floors at exceptional value visit florit.ie it's Wednesday afternoon it's the final half hour of the programme which means business matters with Kearnodonnel very shortly indeed I just have a few of your comments before we go any further Caller says I have a grandson who is only 2 months old and is very wheezy these past few days I rang a GP but the GP can't see until Friday it's really worrying what's going on at the moment another caller says so funny I just wrote down that saying too it's beautiful, lovely lady I suspect that's a reference to a phrase that Evelyn used in our conversation there about Alzheimer's where she said that was just a lovely, lovely phrase back to GAA again and Caller says why did the Donegal team not appeal the suspensions it's a disgrace the Armaa team won the appeal Armaa will definitely win the match now why did they accept the ban I'm not sure Armaa will definitely win the match I mean Armaa perhaps are in a stronger position than they might have been but I'm sure Declan Boner and his charges will have something to say about that and they will be going all out to ensure that the outcome is not the outcome that our caller is suggesting is inevitable Caller says teachers should be better paid but they should forgo the long holidays and adjust school hours to meet the needs of modern working parents that's a view of one of our contributors I'm not sure it's a view that will find widespread support among the teaching fraternity and sorority Caller says does anyone know if winning streak is coming back on the air for the foreseeable future according to the latest ortee article I have to be honest I know nothing about winning streak and hadn't noticed anything about it Caller says is anyone else having problems with their TV and letter Kenny we've had no signal for the past three days we're wondering is anyone else experiencing this it's not via sky it's just the ordinary channels which I presume is preview now I must be honest like a lot of people I don't think I've used a free view or a serview service for years we do have a sky box and pretty much all my viewing is done via the box so I couldn't comment but if anyone can throw Annie Lytle I know someone was asking last week actually about potential problems around the Vanarkalinga area so if anyone can give us any perspective on that please do let us know Caller says my friend was severely struggling with her mental health despite reaching out to her local GP and other support services she would have to wait four days to talk to someone I want to know why is this happening it's one of the most amazing efforts we see continuously and another caller asking how can we decide to allow in many Ukrainians when there are people seeking refuge all over the world can we honestly say we have made the same effort when it was Syrian refugees why is this and that's an interesting question that we'll put out there on behalf of our caller now it's 24 minutes to 12 noon and as I intimated earlier it is time for this business matters in association with EU Donegal looking for a career in financial services consider the level 9 MA in governance compliance and data protection take the next step in your career and contact the exec ed coordinator on 9186206 or email execedexeced at lyit.ie today it's always a pleasure doing the show on a Wednesday actually because I get to say good morning good morning pleasure to talk to you as always Kieran a busy little slot to get through today with some very interesting and important news and we begin with words that would always bring some joy to my heart a food starter course I never thought of that a food starter or two words that yeah I can go with this tell us more Donegal's local enterprise office is holding a food starter course for people planning to open their own food business the course which will be delivered via zoom in the form of four half day workshops gets on the way on Monday April 25th at 9.30 a.m the objective of the course is to provide participants with the base knowledge what is involved in setting up a food business the program includes four hours one-to-one mentoring for each business and the cost per participant is 100 euro interesting one and there is so much emphasis being put on food businesses around Donegal and the north-western further afield at the moment and it can also be a minefield between the inevitable health regulations which of course are hugely important and so on so yeah there is a lot to know about that and great to know that that expertise is available through the LEO the head of the alpha innovation centre has been announced and this is going to be a very important project into the future yeah L.H.O. native Kevin Sexton has been appointed as head of innovation for the new alpha innovation centre in Rikini. This new innovation centre will see the development of a seven-story purpose-built high-tech workspace facility in the town centre and it will be capable of hosting 200 people and with pre-accelerated programs for early-ID owners and startups at the heart of its operations. Kevin is currently employed as an innovation advance list with Bering Point and multinational management and technology consulting firm headquartered in the Netherlands and as you say Doro, that's going to be an exciting project when it gets up and rolling forward at Rikini and this for anyone who's wondering, this is the project essentially in the old ESB site so it stretches really from the Port Road right back to Pierce Road. There's a back gate on Pierce Road that leads up to it and then Port Road for the old. Those of us of a certain age will actually remember going in there to pay our electricity bills many, many years ago. That's right, that sounds great. I was across one of my old appels and the Donnie Goll-Everham appels I remember one of the people's press appels was across the road there all the way and that's going to be and the drawings look really good so that that's going to be one of those it's a phrase I'm not very fond of sometimes but when you say a game changer for Rikini I think this could very much be one of those. The Leo Office again Cairn, a Grow With Confidence event. Yeah, the Leo Office in Rikini is the venue for the Grow With Confidence event being organised by the Donnie Goll-Women and Business Network on Monday April 25th. The aim of the event is to inspire female entrepreneurs to grow and develop their businesses with confidence. The event gets on the way at 6pm and registration is 10 euro and more information on both of those Leo events are available on their social media platforms. Donnie Goll Airport we spoke yesterday to Erich from the airport important news with regards to funding? Yeah, you're touching that just I heard your interview. Donnie Goll Airport has received 722 €100,000 in extra funding to contribute towards capital investment in the areas of safety and security and sustainability. The funding is part of a £10.4 million package for regional airports and part of Donnie Goll's Donnie Goll Airport allocation has been earmarked for the installation of a solar electricity system. Looking at some national figures Cairn and it seems certainly the retail business is back when you compare card spending this year compared to card spending in 2021. Yeah, it's a few months back that they're referring to total care spending including ATM withdrawals was up 30% in February compared with the same month last year as consumers headed back to the shops following the lifting of Covid-19 public health restrictions. So overall people spent or withdrew €1.6 billion more than the previous year that's according to new data from the central bank. The increase was driven by in-store spending which rose by more than €1 billion or 51% compared to €3.1 billion. So a lot of money and a lot of card spending though. It's important because initially I would certainly say I've been tapping a lot more than I would have done because and a lot of people think I've almost not stopped using cash but people are using a lot less cash but this discovers withdrawals and tapping so it isn't as though the figure says oh yeah well that's because we're tapping since Covid I mean you know this covers both the withdrawal and the taping. Yeah, it's covered the spending trends as well. And it's good to see because the retail sector took one hell of a hit let's be 21 so it is good to see that. Let's talk about the podcast because the Business Matters podcast has become one of the important elements of Highland Radio's kind of off air offerings and this week you're joined by a very interesting guest. Yeah, this week I'm joined by Ian Harkin co-founder and managing director of Lottie Dolls and chairperson of an Herbs Football Club and native of the Twentowns Ian studied accountancy and business at LYIT. He established Lottie Dolls in 2012 and a locally based company now employs 10 people. Since this launch the Lottie Dolls brand has challenged the toy industry in terms of body image, gender stereotypes, diversity and diffability. Lottie Dolls are sold in over 30 countries and have won 35 international toy awards. Last year was this company's most successful with sales increasing by 40%. And this clip Ian talks about the early days of Lottie Dolls. We launched Lottie in 2012 so we're literally in our 10th year this year and we were the first to look at developing a doll with the average proportions of a human. So our dolls sculpted on the average proportions of a nine year old child. The heads a little bit larger to allow for hair play but the whole body is sculpted on the average proportions of a child. So Ian, was there much time spent on research and development before you actually decided on the final product? Yeah, so one of the first things we did was contacted Dr. Ashwell and she put us in touch with lots of other child development experts from body image experts to child psychologists to nutrition experts and play experts. We then contacted retailers we asked retailers, you know, what is it that do you want, where is the gaps in the market and they pretty much told us, look, you need to do exactly what's on the market but just give a little twist on it and put your own mark on it that needs to be the same height and the packaging needs to be the same. It needs to be the clothes that you make with it to play with all their dolls that are on the market and we ignored all of that advice pretty much and we instead followed what kids told us but that they wanted. And that was the voice of Ian Harkin as interviewed by Ciaran O'Donnell and if that's what it's your appetite that's part of a much longer interview and Ciaran, where can people hear it? Yeah, it is available to download now, Greg I'll try it. That's okay, Connie. I was I was making sure I wasn't going to make a mistake this morning or so that year and on Spotify and iTunes and it also woke us out on Sunday evening after the 6 o'clock news and if anyone wants to get in touch with the show just drop an email to businessmattersatheinredale.com Ciaran O'Donnell, a pleasure as always Thank you, Donnell. You can call me what you want, don't you worry. That's Ciaran, they're business matters and other business matters of course on the programme next Wednesday and as Ciaran said you can listen now to that interview with Ian Harkin, it's on Spotify it's on iTunes and also you can hear it on air it'll be broadcast after the news on Sunday evening at 6 o'clock Ciaran O'Donnell, a pleasure as always Thank you, Donnell. Thank you, Donnell. Ciaran O'Donnell, a pleasure as always Thank you, Donnell. Ciaran O'Donnell, a pleasure as always Thank you, Donnell. Thank you, Donnell. Thank you, Donnell. And looking at the weather forecast it'll be mostly dry with sunny spells just a slight chance of an isolated char the cloud increasing later with highest temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees celsius light to moderate south to south east breezes tonight we'll see some clear spells and isolated light char as low as temperatures of 3 to 7 degrees celsius light to moderate east to south east or variable winds and tomorrow Thursday sunny spells and isolated char as top 10 temperatures 13 to 15 again moderate to fresh east to south east breezes and that's Highland Radio News No, it's not, sorry, I keep on saying that because it's just automatic you read a weather forecast then say that's Highland Radio News we'll be back in an hour and then you go off and have a cup of coffee I can't go off and have a cup of coffee just yet because we are going to be speaking to our next guest in just a moment indeed we'll do so right now because we're going to speak to Christina who is on the line, Christina, good morning Hello, Donald, how are you doing? Very well indeed, pleasure to speak to you as always and Christina, almost three quarters of an hour waiting in a financial institution today and you're not best pleased I'll tell you, Donald, I'm sure that most of the, now I know there's more important things in the world going on right now I do understand that but it's just something that was picked up by Highland there and to say that what we're experiencing as customers of different services is basically unacceptable I had reason to communicate with two financial institutions yesterday to do simple things, now before anybody said yes internet banking I am on internet banking however with the situation that's happening at the moment there were a couple of things that I had to sort out in the financial institutions and I was 43 minutes on the phone trying to talk to a human being and I had reason then to communicate with another financial institution which is actually leaving Ireland very soon and I was 17 minutes on the phone there and got caught off so when you add the two together that was one hour out of my life and I know that might not sound very important but what I'm gathering from different people is the personal time that's basically being ripped away from people wasting time on phones trying to communicate with services like electricity services financial institutions whatever service that seems to be nowadays and people are coming off and they're angry and annoyed frustrated all of those types of things and there doesn't seem to be anywhere where you can vocalise this where you can vote with your feet on this I mean it's just nonsense about caring for the customer and all the wonderful taglines they're looking for your feet back and all that and presumably you spent the first 10 to 15 minutes going type in the last four digits of your account number and then for if you wish to do X press one if you wish to do Y press Z and then you go what was that again and shouldn't die and if you wish to speak to one of our associates or colleagues these days the words the words seem to vary to speak to one of our associates or colleagues or you know to speak to a human person and yeah as the old saying goes been there done that oh yeah everybody has I'm sure at this stage you know and it was like type in this type in that type in the other and how many letters was in your mother's made name and I was scribbling that down and counting the letters to put the number this is so what I decided to do is I had a transaction to do in the bank and I was going to do the bank and the you know a particular transaction and then I thought right it would be hand over to do these transfers and everything else I'd just go on to the internet and do that but then when I realized that it was difficult to do one of them I basically was trying to get onto the two institutions and I was like that's one full hour trying to do something that is supposed to be more convenient nowadays well it is not and I'm sure people can agree with me that that's whatever convenience we used to have of walking and queuing up on the bank and getting a result at the end it's really worth while doing whereas nowadays you know you know even when you go into a bank you know or you know different banks and you say look I want to do ABC they say what can you not do it online well I've already tried to do that online that's why I'm here yeah you did mention that one of the institutions in question is an institution that will be leaving the country shortly and I did see and I have no wish to distress you or anybody else but I did see an article in a paper over the weekend that there are going to be some serious issues and serious delays for people who are actually facing making alternative arrangements oh yeah it's going to be difficult for people and here's the thing as well when I called their Irish number I got through to some call center that dealt with Northern Ireland accounts when they said oh you phoned Northern Ireland so well I tried to phone the Republic of Ireland number and they said oh we'll put you through to the Republic of Ireland they put me through to RBS in Scotland yeah what am I with Scotland so now we'll put you back through to and I thought it's just unreal but the issue now is you do not know you'll be speaking to someone and you do not know whether the person you're speaking to or Karachi and that is and they are two very viable options that may very well be the case that I mean the person you're speaking to may very well be in a completely different country now oh they definitely are and the frustrating thing there's no avenue for us as customers anymore to do anything about these things there really is no avenue it doesn't matter whether it's a financial institution or ESB service electricity service or whatever it might be whatever type of service that we have to make these phone calls to now we are made to wait and wait and wait and it can be quite an unsatisfactory and frustrating process and you may not get the results that you need to get you know and like it's just such you know we're not empowered anymore around our choices on things it's just a grab for profit and we don't really care about you I mean that's just the feeling of all different types of institutions I remember once I tried and I know someone that did this in another context and it worked if you ring a sort of do you want to open an account ring this number you ring that you get through fairly sharpish and I've heard of people who've wronged that number and then got transferred from them oh yeah well listen before I do this can you transfer me over there I just need to do something else and you know people have tried to play the system anyway but I know that that has worked for some in the past that they've actually wronged the you know because there'll be a number for new customers or for inquiries and you'll get a person on that line a lot quicker than you'll get if you're giving up the bottom line if you're giving them something you'll get through in five minutes if you want them to give you something get a cushion it can be very difficult to sort out things that aren't the standard if you get me it's standard transactions standard transfers you know all those kind of things basically can be done via the internet and we're all kind of moving in that direction but there are things that cannot be completed in that way and therefore you do need an action of a person in the institution to permit that to happen and basically trying to get through to these institutions now is an absolute nightmare for so many people and I'm just thinking what I did I stuck the phone on dialed the number, was expecting a bit of a delay and then that time I had my break, I made my cup of coffee I did various different tasks etc and I let the phone rattle away to the point that my daughter was here working with me using a workspace with me and she said I can't stick this any longer I'm a way to work somewhere and were you told every minute and a half that your call was important to them? Your call is important to us now what they should do, you know the way they record all you say your call may be recorded for training purposes they should actually record the wait not the call, they should record the frustration of the wait where people are probably cursing at the phone well they might find some very interesting things if they were to make such recordings that might give them a good picture of what customers actually think of their server I suspect they very possibly know already Christina, thank you very much indeed for that I feel your pain because we all have been that soldier at some point in time Christina, thank you indeed we're going to continue to be so there's just nothing being done about it there doesn't seem any recourse for complaint if you complain to the person on the phone then they're only working in the call centre so it doesn't get to the places it needs to and they don't care that's just the bottom line on that optimistic note, Christina thank you very much indeed, good morning OK, don't just a few comments before we go Cora says I've heard many people talk over the past while about passport delays I sent off for my passport renewal yesterday at 11 o'clock I received it in the post this morning I think the main problem in recent times hasn't been with renewals it has been with new passport applications I know my own daughter applied for her passport renewal and it came through in about 48 hours as well Cora says question for Councillor Donal Coil what's going on in relation to the Bonnecke Bridge Roadworks and the link that was meant to be built there the Bonnecke link is on the agenda in a document that lasts until 2040 so it will at some point be available Cora asks is there a start date for the widening of the leg road, we don't have that information to hand at the moment Cora is saying the phone signal in the Ardra area is very bad at the moment is anybody else having problems so asks Cora and Cora said it's a thundering disgrace the lifting of suspensions on all three ARMA players to make them eligible to play against Donigal on Sunday the only conclusion we can take from this unbelievable decision of favouritism is that the Donigal players were fighting between or amongst themselves it's the incredible outcome that stinks there's no credibility in Croke Park now in fairness Armaa appealed and chose not to Armaa appealed Donigal didn't now had Donigal appealed as well and Armaa's appeal was upheld and Donigal wasn't then maybe there might be questions to be asked in that respect but I think in fairness Donigal did have the option to appeal and didn't but as we said with Usher and Brendan during our discussion there you can be darn sure that every county and every club will be appealing everything from now on it's been a pleasure as always, thank you to all our contributors thank you to all our guests thank you to you for listening, thanks to Caroline and to Donna Marie for everything they've done over the course of the programme Greg's back tomorrow, up next John Breslin is around the North West