 Students from PCC, Fulcara, who did a brilliant job yesterday at the Junkature competition. And listen to this, this is true to the cup final in May and we're all so proud of you. Kathleen Grant, good morning, this is Lee, I filled the kettle through the... What's the strip? Is that the nose part of the kettle, is it? Because I had the same trouble with the lid. Have a nice day. Well, thank you, Kathleen. We're going live to Greg Hughes, who should be there. Greg, you're live in the Colgan Hall. Count down on it this morning. A bit of a road trip. Good stuff was alive earlier on. Did you have your mic up? Did you have me up as well? No, no, no, no, they couldn't hear you, but they could hear you calling you daddy. That's all right. Daddy, but listen to... At least you didn't swear, not that you'd ever swear, because you're a good boy, but my wordly. Careful. No, well, I know, and you know yesterday I was saying I was tired, right? And then I didn't make no mistakes yesterday, but today I thought I had a good night's sleep, and I thought I'd be on my A-game, but no, I was on my Z-game. But everybody knows that I do talk to you as daddy and call you daddy off here as well as on there. Anyway, come here. Yeah, we had a lovely drive. We had a lovely drive up here this morning, actually, up to a beautiful car and done out. The weather's gorgeous. The scenery's gorgeous. We're looking out a window here, and the viewers are saying something else. So, yeah, it's nice to be out of the studio late. We'll be back, of course, in the studio tomorrow, but we've a packed show a bit more after the news. But we're celebrating your voice to your community. It's part of International Women's Day. We're here in association with Inno Show and Development Partnership. International Women's Day is coming up on Friday, but we're here celebrating it today. Tons of guests. We've even got live musically. What about that? I'm jealous. I wish I was there with you. You should have come. You should have come. All right, they chat to you tomorrow. All right, have a good show. It'll be great. Take care of yourself. It is the 9 till noon show. We're a little after a minute past 9. Let's get a news update, and it's over to Michaela Clark. Thanks, Greg. Good morning. A man has died following a crash on the A5 between Oma and Bali Goli. The two-vehicle collision involving a white BMW and blue Scania Lari occurred on the Kerr Road shortly before half past 7 yesterday evening. The driver of the BMW, a 30-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. The road remains closed at this time, and local diversions are in place. Police are appealing to anyone with information which could assist in the investigation to contact them. An initial counter is seeking an urgent meeting with the HSE to discuss the future of the SOU unit in Kandana. The HSE previously announced a reconfiguration of mental health residential services in Dunninggol, which would see residents at the facility in Kandana relocated to centres elsewhere in the county. A previous meeting was held between the HSE, families and elected public representatives. Counter Martyn McDermott, however, is still calling for clarity on plans for the service. The answers on the day we didn't feel were sufficient. There was no clear clarification that the service wasn't closed. So we asked to meet with Dermott Monaghan and the senior staff in the HSE to have a discussion with them to fight the cause and make sure that the service doesn't leave any shown because we're dealing with vulnerable people here, people that cannot speak for themselves. And I think it's important that we stand up and speak for them because the service is just too important here to the peninsula. The lines have formed outside hospitals and GP surgeries across Northern Ireland and junior doctors walk out for the first time in history. The 24-hour strike over pay and conditions is underway and will result in thousands of cancelled operations and appointments. Dr Fiona Griffin is chair of the BMA's Northern Ireland Junior Doctors Committee. Junior doctors pay has fallen by a third in 15 years and it's not good enough anymore. We've asked for an above inflation pay increase and we've asked for that pay restoration to be restored and we've been told by the Department of Health that they cannot negotiate on pay until the junior doctors in England have finished their industrial action. Major new changes are being proposed for the primary school curriculum. It includes teaching about sex and consent at an earlier stage and less time on religion. Four languages would also be taught in primary school along with a greater focus on other people's cultures. The changes which were drafted by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment will go out to public consultation today. Finally, for weather, rather cloudy but staying mostly dry today with only a few isolated patches of light rain, highest temperatures of 9 to 11 degrees. That's all from Highland Radio News for now. We'll be back with news again at 10 o'clock. Until then, good morning. That energy we know the best way to use Grelge is Lechela. So whether you're at work... It's a fool, I'm on post-show. ...or at play... You're the little hole. ...at home. Bastard, I reach. ...or away. Pasha, you're on for a look. Why not add a couple of focal to your day? Shacht in the Grelge Lechela Energy, visit snog.ie to find out more. And now it's time for the talk of the Northwest, the 9 to noon show with Greg Hughes on Highland Radio. Hello. Oh, hello. I beg your pardon. I'm coming in a little bit louder there. Hello, and you very welcome along to the 9 to noon show here on Highland Radio. It is Wednesday, the 6th of March, 2024, and it's five minutes past nine. And we are coming to you live from the Colgan Hall in Cairndona. It's business as usual, but we're just out on the road and we have loads of guests joining us in our studio here at the Colgan Hall. We're celebrating your voice, your community. It's part of International Women's Day. It's with Inner Shown Development Partnership. And today's event is bringing women from various backgrounds and ethnicity together in Cairndona with the aim to inspire inclusion ahead of International Women's Day. I'll tell you a little bit more about what's going on here at the Colgan Hall because as well as us being here, there's a whole host of other things going on. But we'll tell you about that because we have two of the organisers of the event joining us in studio. So who better to describe it than they? Right, so stay tuned for that. The lines are open on 086625,000. That's the WhatsApp and text number 086625,000. You can give us a call to 07491 25,000, 07491 25,000 or email comments at highlandradio.com if you want to comment on anything that you hear in the show today to raise your issues as a say, it's business as usual in that regard. And you can watch the programme as well. We're streaming live from the Colgan Hall here on our usual platforms. You can watch us on your large screen, smart TV at home if it suits you or on your Firestick on the YouTube app. Just search Highland Radio Ireland or you can take us on your mobile devices on that app and we're across Facebook too. Highland Hub, Highland News & Sport and we are also streaming on the X platform. Right, okay, let's have a quick run through what's in the papers this morning. We'll start with the English Times. It's a front of defective concrete block campaign groups to gather contributions for so-called people's document and then politicians will be asked to have their say on what they might do in relation to this document. And you know, coming into the show today which I suppose is the epicentre of defective concrete. We know it's much more widespread, but this is where it all began and you can really see the impacts of it for many of you listening across the region or you might be listening to us from. You get a real sense of the issue when you drive through Innochone and you see the signs of defective concrete pretty much everywhere you look. The Donegal Post this morning used that a new ASB transformer has been installed on the diamond in Donegal Town has been met with much dismay, particularly in light of the facelift work currently underway. Now you might remember last year we discussed this issue and the concern then was that it actually still remained because it's still being reported that this large transmitter was going to be an eyesore on the diamond. Well, a number of members of the community have been voiced in concern about the visual impact of this transformer when plans came to light. It's placed between the monument and the taxi rank opposite the Abbey Hotel. Many of you who visit Donegal Town or indeed if you're from it will know exactly where I'm talking about there. Aren't the Irish Independent now? New social welfare cuts for all Ukrainians living in state accommodation are on the cards. Social Protection Minister Heather Humphries has signaled paying higher welfare rates for the 54,773 Ukrainian refugees already in state accommodation is not sustainable according to the Donegal Minister. Her strongest comments yet on immigration the minister said the situation had changed since the war in Ukraine broke out two years ago and some refugees she says were coming here because Ireland was now more attractive than other countries signalling a policy change there. On to the Irish Times now and there is a pressure on the Minister for Media Catherine Martin to publicly respond to former RT chair Sunni Rahula accused accusations from her that she had a hands-off approach in relation to the national broadcaster opposition politicians have demanded that Ms. Martin answer questions on RTE in the Dall in advance of the St. Patrick's Day recess but this has not been added to the Dall schedule. It could be weeks in fact before she would appear again at the Arctis Committee on Media and I think the government want a couple of outstanding reports to be available before she appears before that Arctis Committee because she'd probably have to appear before that committee in any case. The Irish Daily Mail tells us no more forcing workers out of their jobs at 65. A crackdown on employers who want staff to retire early is underway as the cabinet has approved a bill to allow more outlaw mandatory retirement in employment contracts. Now staff across both the public and private sector can work until 66 at least if they wish with some exceptions when they will qualify for the state pension. It comes after a number of employees in RTE have taken cases to the high court in the United Nations Commission about being forced to retire at 65. Okay, do you intend to work beyond? I think the reality is a lot of it is about comes down to people not actually being able to contribute to a pension during their working life and not being able to live on the state pension so some people it's not about choice it's about having to. A bizarre story from the paper that really starts in a number of papers today it's one of those you must be kidding stories. Agada was suspended for three years this after he gave a bicycle to an older person during the pandemic he's been exonerated of any wrong doing but he's been suspended he was suspended for three years the officer was cleared of five disciplinary charges by an internal board of inquiry yesterday the matter was the subject of an inquiry then after he claimed the bike was the unclaimed bike a big pardon was given to an isolated pensioner to use during the COVID-19 pandemic but the necessary paperwork wasn't completed the guard at home was previously searched by detectives attached to the national brewer of criminal investigation in 2020 after which he was suspended so he lent a bike that was unclaimed to an older person to get about during the pandemic he had the national brewer of criminal investigation calling at his house then he was suspended finally and I think common sense prevailed he was completely exonerated the Irish Daily Mail a bit of health advice for you doing just a small amount of exercise significantly cuts the risk of having a stroke doing lots lowered stroke risks by 29% researchers found that the incidence of exercise still cut it by 18% a review of 15 studies looked at 750,000 people's record of physical activity over a decade the author Dr. Ormelo of the University of Laquilla in Italy said all physical activity can be beneficial for stroke prevention so we don't always have to sell ourselves the absolute targets to see some benefit from it and lastly in the Irish Sun this lecture wrapped for a misleading reference poster fears the electoral commission's statements are slanted towards a yes vote the commission determined a poster erected on behalf of independent Sharon Keogan contains what is termed a factual misrepresentation the poster urges people devote know this variety stating don't force mothers out to work and she's reacted quite well to that interpretation of her posters on her social media okay that was a run through the newspapers just to let you know you can comment on anything you heard there or anything you're hearing throughout the course of the program what's up and text lines are the same number 08 660 25,000 or give us a call and 0749 125,000 and good morning to Dolores Audrey and Dean amongst the crew watching our show today it's good to have you on board as always it is the 9 til noon show we are live from the Colgan Hall in Cairndon celebrating your voice your community it's part of International Women's Day with Inish Owen Development Partnership we're going to tell you much more about what's coming up on the show and the events taking place here when we're joined by the event organisers Arnya and Maeve after we take a quick commercial break we'll be back in just a couple of moments stay right where you are the show is brought to you by Letterkenny Credit Union digital loans now available apply online or via our app today and get your loan transferred directly to your current account when it's time for confirmation it's time for a trip to once and menswear in Letterkenny choose from a great selection of top label casual and formal wear blazers, jackets and t-shirts also denims, chinos and footwear from big names like diesel, 1880 club and tommy bow shop in our online and stand out on the big day at Watson Men's Wear open seven days a week on Main Street Letterkenny and at whatsonmenswear.com enhance your skills with SIFTECH's part funded training programs at SIFTECH we provide courses including first aid, road works people moving and handling confined spaces, electrophusion and machinery training for Ireland and UK sites also online programs such as water hygiene construction supervisors, safety reps and much more if you have a group for training SIFTECH will go to you contact SIFTECH today at SIFTECH.ie and take the first step towards upskilling and safety compliance the Lotto Jackpot is an estimated 3.8 million euro play responsibly in store in app or at Lottery.ie the national lottery it could be you keep out the cold cold and ring Fleming for their full range of garage doors agri doors, insulated doors milking parlour doors Fleming, 91, 48, 234 Highland Radio are celebrating another birthday we are inviting you to join us for our Highland Radio birthday bash on Tuesday the 19th of March in the Mount Eregal Hotel joined by the one and only Margo myself David James plus special guest Brendan Quinn Declan Ernie and Patrick Feeney this is a night not to be missed tickets now on sale for more information visit the outlet at HighlandRadio.com or give us a call on 07491 at 25,000 we'll see you at the Highland Radio birthday bash Okay, you're very welcome back live to the coal gun hole here and we are here celebrating your voice to your community as part of International Women's Day on your McLaughlin community development officer with the initial own development partnership is with us, good morning to you Anya I'm Greg, how are you? Good to have you on board Maeve Bradley, stock control manager at Ineshaun Cooperative, how are you getting on Maeve? I'm too bad for it It's good to have both of you with us Okay Anya, talk to me a little bit about what's going on here today So we're here today in collaboration with Ineshaun Co-op we're bringing together an event to celebrate International Women's Day so we have a sold out event to have 12 today here in the coal gun hall we have music, we have dancing we have food, we have connection so we have a full schedule for this morning and we're delighted to have you here and no it's fantastic to be here and in terms of participation can people still call in? Well of course it is a sold out event which is good by the way which is good, it shows a desire and the need for such an event we're delighted to be able to bring it of course we did have to cap the numbers but yeah, you can always listen through the show here, we have loads of social media updates and get in there in time next year, I'm sure we'll do another event What works great for us being here is we have access to quite a lot of the people that are calling in which is great isn't it? Yeah indeed, you have a number of people I mean we have your cleaning choir which you'll be hearing from later we also have Henan dancing here on the show we have a number of interviewees which will be attending the event we have a local farmer, Marie McLaughlin we have a lady from Somalia so they're all chatting about what International Women's Day means to them and the theme of this year International Women's Day is inspired inclusion so it'll be all around that Yeah and it's not just about this one day isn't it? It's to sort of harness what's already happening and to grow it into the future it's not about one day's inclusion Indeed it is not, I mean it is the integration of women but this is work that we do throughout the year I mean the co-op established here in Anisho for over 60 years working with the community ourselves as a community development organization so we're always working on this throughout the year, social inclusion and connecting with others is a big part of what we do Now I mentioned Mae Bradley Stock Control Manager at Anisho and Cooperative being with us as well Talk to me a little bit firstly about Anisho and Cooperative what's the organization? Move a little bit closer for me Mae if you don't mind, thank you so much The Anisho and Cooperative is mainly Agri but it also gets involved in the construction and gardening and homeware it's very much community minded and great support for community events and fundraising and we've got a great bunch of ladies in the co-op and it's great to get with the IDP here to celebrate International Ladies Day we have lots of ladies in very responsible roles within the co-op and works very well with the men in the co-op as well not to forget, we couldn't forget them but as I say the main thing is community and the support that we can give within the community and we're very much involved with SPRI AgaSport which we support them in supporting the community and training and they have a digital fab lab and we were very much involved in that, yes I had to remember that I like it, great amount of marketing Talk to me about some of the roles of the women within the co-operative well it's very much encouraged to progress in the organisation and as I say we have ladies across from HR marketing Lizzie would have been very much involved with Anya here and Lizzie doesn't like to be mentioned but let me tell you this would not be happening if it wasn't for Lizzie and she's a great one for screwing our arms over back just persuasive isn't she very persuasive to get us to do but we have as I say between sales, purchasing expand across accounts finance, everything we have ladies involved across all aspects and we have some brilliant young ladies who are farmers and also work in the co-op and I'd be amazed by them destruction but yeah we're going to be speaking to Danielle Boner who is a female farmer WCD Female Farmer Photograph Exhibition everything's going to be tongue tied today isn't it, it's going to be one of those days I suppose Anya we're still at a point where we need international days considering women make up a minimum of half the population of the world and the country and the county for that matter but there are still those inequalities those glass ceilings or whatever it might be or how women are treated or seen or viewed yeah absolutely until we have gender equality and gender parity I think it does make for a better world and I suppose we have to keep pushing that envelope as you say I mean there is a fantastic women leaders I mean we have Colgan Heritage here today some of the women have passed and present you know in the community such as Katrina McLaughlin she's an artistic director within the Abbey Theatre we have Sint Eugenius here who was a really a stalwart of education and getting guards to continue on with their education here in Cairndona so we have giants of women who we stad of their shoulders but certainly there is currently women who are doing great work in the community and we really want to highlight that and really push those forward as an inspiration to others yeah and I mean only yesterday only yesterday we were talking about you know the the local authority which already only had 8% female representation but that is potentially could fall there's only you know effectively one female politician that's actually seeking re-election at this time there are other candidates but it just goes to show that sometimes in some areas we feel a little bit like we're going backwards yeah I mean you know it is really important to have women in leadership we look at our Micah campaign here and the defective block campaign with some fantastic women there I mean they are in the community but we just need to see more yeah indeed where do you not Daniel I beg your pardon Maeve where do you would like to see the cooperative going now because I mean obviously you never stand still are you you're always moving forward and we have a new website there now and Lizzie played a big part in that and you know it's all about progression and keeping all our IT and everything up to date and modern and my role especially like it makes my life easier so that's and talk to me about what your organisation does with Spriagga Sport because that's a really interesting organisation that does an awful lot of work but not everyone really is familiar with the type of stuff that it does no well to be quite honest I would not be the right person to maybe tell you everything that it does like but the co-op has as their main sponsor for the last couple of years and it's very much oriented towards children getting you know free training and you know as I say this Digital Fab Lab is the big thing I'll just keep saying about the Digital Fab Lab you love it I like the name exactly just on your run through today's events for us again I suppose to wet the appetite of those that are on the way but also to make those who didn't get their ticket jealous so talk to me about the morning and how it's going to progress okay so we kick off at half 10 from 10-15 so please do come along because there's lots of stands and lots of exhibitions for people to view before we kick off proceedings we have the Donegal Women's Collective here with a portrait exhibition of women and farming Changemakers brought with them their self-help Africa exhibition on climate change and farming and the effect on that we have stalls from the Colgan Heritage the IDP and we also have Jane Gamble doing a little bit of butter making so something to have to view then we kick off with our entertainment we have the Ukrainian Choir doing a few songs and we have a beautiful young lady doing a gorgeous song a solo piece then we have some Highland Dancing and we'll be asking people who do want to learn a few steps of Highland Dancing to join in then we will have the interviews and then we'll have some fantastic food from around the world we have dishes from Ireland, Algeria Jordan, Somalia South America or South Africa don't worry we'll bring you up so that starts around 12 o'clock so we'll be closing then with that so certainly a celebratory affair I would say to you talk about inclusion it was a very difficult time obviously for an awful lot of people a couple of years ago I'm thinking on the Ukrainian families that came here initially moving to a different area somewhere incredibly remote maybe it's something that used to depending on where they had to flee but you know I can only imagine what it must have been like to have to go through that but then what it must have felt like sort of to have the community embrace them and talk of inclusion and saying look this is what we've got why don't you get involved it must have made a very and I'll speak to some of them a little later on a very difficult situation a little bit more tolerable I don't think any of us if you get away with all the rhetoric and all that kind of stuff would any of us willingly want to sort of give up where we're from our own house our home our community the stuff that we're used to I don't think any of us would very few of us would want to do that by choice so I would say that the welcome they got in the community made that a little bit more tolerable for them yes absolutely I mean a lot of people did leave dire situations in their own countries and they're very grateful you know when they come here to Ireland and the welcome they receive and it's very much a give and take they do want to contribute to the community they do want to be part of it and to add you know to the cultural diversity here and to help out we have so many volunteers in our community that have come from other countries and the women who are part of this event today are really really excited they're really really encouraged to be asked to be part of it and they're really looking forward to share a bit of their culture with the people here and current on it and the show okay listen you've called down to us a few times I thought on a fair that I should call and see you thank you very much you're always welcome, great it's great to get the opportunity to get out of I was going to say get out of Ledger County I'd be shocked going back to get out of the studio and to meet people up in their space as well is there anything that you want to add Maeve or anything you want to talk about I just want to make sure no you're sitting off Anja, the co-op is all like she did talk about that the co-op is around for 61 years like and it's very much it's all about impacting on the community and supporting and you know that that's really all brilliant it's been lovely having you on Anja yeah no we're delighted working with the co-op on this event I mean they were right on there whenever we did the ask and they have been totally on board with the project and the event and supporting other initiatives and the community as well it's a fantastic organization okay brilliant stuff both of you that's Arnie McLaughlin community development officer within a show and development partnership and Maeve Bradley stock control manager in a show and cooperative both of you thank you very much indeed okay it is the 9th till noon show coming live from the Colgan Hall in Cardinal and we've got loads of we've loads more guests to come on the show and some of the usual features as well that you would expect I want to give a quick mention to some initiative that we have running here at Highland Radio it's the Community Hero 2024 we're calling on you the great listenership of Highland Radio do you know someone who goes beyond the call of duty helps in their community cares volunteers who goes that extra mile for neighbors or for friends Highland Radio we thanks to generous anonymous listener we want to honor five community heroes and gift them 1000 euro each so we're inviting you to nominate someone who you believe is a hero in your community by emailing their name address the reason why and your contact details to hero at HighlandRadio.com where you can post your nomination if you want to as well to Highland Radio mountain top letter Kenny now we don't need you to write an essay or you know a CV or anything like that there just whatever is comfortable for you to write out and get that information into us but please do so before the 18th of March 2024 you can visit HighlandRadio.com for more information and we kind of want to announce those winners towards the end of March so the sooner you get them into us the sooner we can start processing that and go along the process now we had a couple of calls in as it relates to the planting of trees on the four lane and we got on to the council they're probably annoyed with us for doing all of this stuff but there was some concern about the trees, the way they were planted and others that weren't staked and stuff and people were saying that they can end up blowing into the river so the council said to us all trees planted on the four lanes are fixed below surface of the planter areas so someone was wondering why they weren't staked they're fixed below the surface after the recent status orange and red level storms one or two did lose them these were since restacked in a more conventional way further action will be taken as required forward after completion projects are subject to a period of usually one year in which any issues or snags are addressed this maintenance period for landscaping and planting elements is normally longer this to ensure the proper establishment of those elements planting elements on this project including the trees and hedging requires maintenance for two complete growing seasons as such these matters are being monitored and action will be taken to address any issues on an ongoing basis so they are attached beneath the surface and there is a process that has to be gone through and I think the council is saying there we know what we're doing alright thank you very much indeed for that keep your texts and what have you coming into us please if you don't mind the caller says can anyone clarify as drivers in Donningall we pay vehicle tax insurance and NCT depending on the year of your car someone recently said to me if your NCT is out of date your car insurance is and is this true now insurance works in different ways because you know there is a third party element to it whether you or your vehicle might be insured or whether a person that you might be in in collision with might be able to make a claim I don't know the exact answer to that question and that came up for a lot of discussion if you might remember during the pandemic when what happened during the pandemic the NCTs weren't being done and if you had a booking or what have you recovered I don't know the official answer to that but someone out there might 086625 thousand I want to say to congratulations to Miss Harkin and the transition year students from PCC Falkara who did so brilliantly yesterday at the junk couture competition and all through to the Dublin city final in May the textor says we are all so proud of you caller says what do people think about the high prices in private hospitals we have to go to Northern Ireland through the cross border scheme you're in and out in the day and you pay upwards of 10,000 for a hip operation you go private you have to pay for it even something as simple as a you know if you've got a child that needs a little bit of urgent attention for hearing or something along those lines you know you go private you're talking over 300 euro potentially it just seems to be the case that if you go private you have to pay hi Greg a question for any county councillors is anything going to be done with the unauthorized Airbnb pods operating without planning permission they're popping up all over rural areas with people charging up to 200 euro per night to stay using hot tubs and not paying any water charges on a commercial basis and using non-authorized septic tanks I'm not sure what the rules are in relation to that but if any local authority members are listening and share those concerns please feel free to get in touch with us and we can talk it out hi Greg why is I'm popping on this microphone from time to time my apologies it's just something I can't really avoid hi Greg why is there no road signs on the Bundoran bypass roundabout and the Donegal town Lahiside as you approach from Bundoran side the left lane is for left turn only in the right lane for straight the amount of times I've been cut off by vehicles in the left lane going straight I'm surprised there hasn't been multiple accidents a couple of road signs to educate people approaching the roundabouts would solve this the problem with this and anyone approaching these roundabouts or similar roundabouts will see there are sort of like two funny shaped triangles in either lane I'm not really quite sure that the left lane is for left and the right lane is for right in those instances we'll have to check that out or someone out there with a bit more experience than I can let me know but I think we covered this before and I don't think those lanes are specifically unless they're signed posted that way or specifically laid out that way that it is left lane for left right lane for straight on etc but I am open to correction as always here right it is 9.35 you tune to the 90 noon show here on Highland Radio loads to come on the show and our next guests will be joining us after this quick break watch the show live now on YouTube Facebook and at highlandradio.com the 90 noon show with letter Kenny credit union now offering mortgages from 40,000 to 600,000 euro with no hidden fees or transaction charges letter Kenny credit union 9102 127 despite low temperatures and high energy costs it's important everyone stays warm and well through the colder months it's also important to understand that saving energy where possible saves money and helps reduce the impact on our climate simple steps can make a big difference like turning down the thermostat by one degree limiting the use of high energy appliances like tumble dryers or ensuring we don't heat rooms that aren't in use government is playing its part too making a range of supports available to help ease the burden on families across the country for support and advice visit gov.ie forward slash reduce your use brought to you by the government of Ireland Hi Paddy here at Shane Connick Cars in Donegal Town are you looking to upgrade your car with Shane Connick Cars you'll find mix and models for every budget great finance options and they also accept ratings check out Shane connickcars.com or call on to us at Shane Connick Cars from London road Donegal Town Are you tired of waiting for treatment or surgery did you know you can receive immediate treatment across the border under the new Ni plant healthcare scheme at potentially no cost at Donegal 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 getting married Evolve clothing at Letty Kenny retail park is your destination for expert advice a private wedding room and great value make your wedding day unforgettable with Evolve clothing this mother's day treat your mom to a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Annie's flowers and gifts in Letty Kenny call 911-740 or order online at anniesflowers.ie make it special this mother's day with Annie's flowers and gifts lower main street Letty Kenny you're very welcome back to the 90 noon show here in Highland Radio we're broadcasting live from the Colgan Hall we are in Carindona celebrating your voice your community it's as part of International Women's Day with the Innyshown Development Partnership and Innyshown co-op Danielle Bonner is coordinator of the Women's Collective Donegal and joins us on the program now good morning Danielle good morning Greg good to have you back on the show and it's musical chairs time I spoke to you here Arnie was beside you Arnie's giving you the flick she's hanging around with Maeve now and you're in on your own it came up as a Facebook reminder this morning that a year ago we were in Letty Kenny with you so I thought it was very ironic now I also almost announced you as a farmer in an earlier link you aren't a farmer but you are coordinated with the Women's Collective Donegal what is the Women's Collective Donegal so we're part of a national organization across the county of the country so we are grassroots women's organizations that work to empower women in the community we were actually called Donegal Women's Network for 20 plus years and then we rebranded under the national organization about two years ago now actually so yeah what work do you do? so we do lots of things we create spaces for women to come together so we have our office in Donegal Town but we do work countywide hence where we're here today so we do stuff like wellness not therapy because we're not on front line service we do stuff to empower women so we've been doing since last year plumbing courses so we've done a number of those we're doing DIY courses so skill building what's the uptake been like in that regard? I put it out within an hour and I had 40 women sign up and we have continuously run it four or five times we've done an advanced one as well last day I'm so proud of the women because the first group we did in Donegal Town won the ladies she had Mika in her house and the house got tossed at Christmas and the women that had never done anything before like this with Greg, with Gary went to her house and they replummed the caravan that they were going to live in unbelievable there's a video up on our Facebook page and that's from the plumbing course they had the confidence to do that there's another photo from another lady she replummed her sink because she was doing the course in Netta Kenny with us yeah so it's not just the basics like bleeding a radiator hanging a shelf or stuff it's actually roll up your sleeve stuff and Gary who's a facilitator he's a plumber himself he explains it in such a way that he's like this isn't rocket science it's common sense and women have common sense in abundance yeah but there's gaps you know there's gaps that can happen in our knowledge if someone may be an influencer you don't have access to them or maybe you were raised in a you were a woman raised in a house with five boys maybe you might be more inclined I don't want to be judgment but you can see where the gaps would exist we have people sometimes who are hesitant I wish on a hunt for somebody for a long time to do the plumbing course for us Gary's very unique in the way he understands why we're asking him to do it for empowerment I don't think the average person could teach that course maybe that's how I see it anyway yeah that's a credit to Gary huge uptake so you had just almost instantly instantly and I close it and then people were like I want to do it why can't I do it because we've only got a small room we can't have 20 people plumbing course but yeah we're blown away by the uptake actually as part of this event taking place downstairs what are you demonstrating yeah so in 2021 during lovely lockdowns we took part in a Feminine's project so there was 10 women from Donegal and we learned how to take photos and tell stories through our phones so all the photos downstairs were taken on mobile phones and then two of the projects are about farming we all chose our own topics and it just happened that two of them were farming and then actually we've got a recent one so it wasn't the original Feminine's project of the lady that owns the milk bar so there's photos of her we did into her last year I think I believe she featured on our Business Matters podcast as well yeah she's a really lovely story and the photos down there of actually the woman that took the photo was a Feminine's participant so they are hers but they weren't part of the original one so two are from the original Feminine's project and that was also about empowering women to be storytellers because women in photography there aren't many women in photography in terms of professionalism but by doing it through phones and stuff it made it far more accessible so you didn't have to front load a lot of equipment and it leveled the playing field and people are shocked when you tell them they were taking on phones essentially that's downstairs now it's downstairs now so we were delighted when Anja she gave me a call and said you're doing stuff around women in farming and I was like yes we are and then she said could we bring the photography project up here so it's downstairs on display to the end I mean obviously the important element of it here is to also highlight women's role in farming and at the forefront as well because often I feel like it's not really my place to say this but everyone has to really speak out really but often we talked about politics a little earlier in Iran and in certain businesses we often talk about the great women where women do behind the scenes do you know what I mean? and this is the theme so behind the scenes behind the scenes mean less no but it has connotation so the stories that we see in downstairs are women are actively they are running farms they're running farms and they're also behind the scenes and one of the ladies downstairs Joanne Butler you've probably interviewed her she has our organic gardens and we had an interesting conversation with her she's never called herself a farmer but by definition the work she does she is a farmer so it led to us to the conversation is she on the program today? no but her picture is downstairs is there a reason why this is the conversation we've had potentially there are women doing farming that aren't calling themselves farmers they call herself a food grower that is farming Kate is downstairs she's a change maker she's a beekeeper so she's part of the exhibition we had a fascinating conversation with her about bee beekeeping lots of women do beekeeping but maybe they're not calling themselves farmers but they are pollinators we don't have bees we can't have a pollination of our food there's a whole link to development and sustainability and food poverty at the rate that women are engaging in farming we can decrease hunger so there's a whole positive cycle so we can support women and I think there's a connection of education as well that globally there was a lack of women doing farming but they had less education than men and there's research to show if you have women educated more they can increase food production again impacting positively reducing food hunger and decreasing poverty as well there's a whole host of positive things globally the challenges are in some cases more severe for women some cases not quite so but basically fundamentally the same I always come from a I came from the global and then came local in terms of the work that I do and I was like they're exactly the same but on different levels and I think if we start to see things through those lenses we can address they go hand in hand but for me it's fascinating and sometimes there's solutions that are globally that we can't get solutions from a global place but they have solutions from health there's a whole host of things just for those who want to get involved in the women's collective I can't recall speaking to a woman who mentioned it outside of my conversations with you now clearly lots of people know about because you put the calls out there and there's big uptakes and what have you but can women get involved legitimately is it through groups is it county-wide? we're county-wide so I'm going to say this the last year we've been a victim of our own success because I don't work full-time and my colleague she's not working technically for us today she's doing some work for our IDP Rona she works 21 hours a week and then we have Shanae she's 7 so there's so much more that we want to do we do stuff in our office so we have a Donegal town so we try to do as low as our space there we go out, we do workshops and we put a call out in that community and women then can come to it or we might approach a group and say that's some collaboration with us so I would say there's an organization or community group that wants to do something around women, get in contact with us, we'd have a conversation and see what we can do we're actually starting tenure courses one in Boncranah and one in Moville just after Easter and equi-therapy courses so Connecting Nature for Wellness so they are happening up here and in a show we've got another course around with therapy course in Letty Kenny so we are all over the place but we have to be careful, mindful of ourselves as well because we would like to do everything but we can't do everything but we are here there in every way, correct? Good stuff, you're going to enjoy this morning I need a cup of tea I need a cup of coffee and use it on a tent I need a cup of coffee tea then a coffee I'm going to start bossing because I'm not going to get any food although apparently Arnie said earlier you're on the different foods from all over the world there is, there's Irish food and I do have to say I love Middle Eastern what is Middle Eastern how would you define it? a couple of years ago there was an event that was people that were arriving in on the food, the rice it's not just rice, it's seasoned rice and there was meat in there we're going to have to stop that right I don't think both of you are going to survive the description of tasty tasty Syrian food amazing food, that's all I can say amazing food the salivation okay, brilliant, this is Daniel we'll get downstairs and we'll sample it thank you calm down and have a look not sure, I would love to, certainly will but for now, Daniel, great to see you again it seems to be once a year, is that how we're doing this? yeah, we'll see you next year maybe get us back in and we can talk about the courses I want to talk about that because I think there's going to be a lot of people messaging saying where are these, what are these and it's not even, I know your focus is on women but I don't think it's just necessarily women as well the point is, I think there's maybe a generational gap coming but there is the men's sheds, Greg if they want to do technical, get involved in the men's sheds and then drive those men's sheds, that's what I'm going to say right, yeah they're cool I know lots of people involved in them and they're active, yeah for sure thanks Daniel Bowen, our coordinator with the women's collective Donegal always a pleasure to have you on the programme it is the 9 till noon show here on Highland Radio, some of your texts coming in Hi Greg, on a show celebrating International Women's Day can you please mention the fact that the constitution does not stay to imply that a woman's place is in the home this has been confirmed by the chair of the Electoral Commission, Supreme Court Judge Justice Marie Baker given you allowed both Leo Fratka and Barry Cowan spread that misinformation with that objection on the show, which is not true the irony in this referendum is that a no vote on International Women's Day two days before when the state will remove a legally tangible constitutional protection afforded specifically to mother and at the same time as we had Barry Cowan on the show, we had the Ain't Too Leader campaigning for a no no and we've had a mixture in between the choice comes down to you the people on Friday it's come to our attention that text messages have been circulating from an unrecognised mobile number falsely claiming to be from Panda this is the waste company I believe if you've received such a message please delete it promptly and avoid clicking any links authentic Panda text messages are always displayed Panda as the sender's name not an unrecognised mobile number thank you but please be careful because if those that clone numbers choose to actually clone the Panda number the messages can also appear on your phone to be from Panda and I'm not, I hope I'm not trying to chomp Panda chomp Panda there but the number not actually appearing in the Panda thread does not necessarily mean that it's not a scammy this is just double check, double check alright we are going to take a break we'll be back with loads more from the Colgan Hall here in Corrandona in just a few minutes stay right where you are I'll see you in the next video looking for real choice? leave diesel behind and make the move to Toyota Hybrid Electric, Akeli's Toyota Letter Kenny and Mancharlas world leading hybrid electric technology lower emissions driving with the widest choice of hybrid electric models from Ireland's best-selling car brand with flexible payment options available make the move today Akeli's Toyota Letter Kenny and Mancharlas Toyota, built for a better world a great breakfast, pull into Akeli's Diner and Letter Kenny not just a great breakfast but mouth watering burgers, delicious chicken succulent steaks and so much more for kids it's not just about pancakes but a full children's menu to choose from, first communion and confirmation celebrations also catered for, great food and great service every time, Akeli's Diner Letter Kenny, winner of best family dining at the Highland Radio Hospitality Awards and a fresh vision, join me Greg Hughes on the 9 till noon show every Thursday at 10.15 for your voice your community Highland Radio weather updates with Ireland West Airport, you don't visit Liverpool for the weather but it does rain goals at Anfield, fly to Liverpool daily with Ryanair, Ireland West Airport, don't just take off take it easy Let's have a look at that weather forecast rather clarity but staying mostly dry with only a few isolated patches of light rain, south east breezes will freshen with highest temperatures of 9 to 11 degrees, cloudy and perhaps a little damp this evening with a fresh south-easterly breeze lowest temperatures overnight of 4 to 6 degrees now a cloudy start tomorrow with some light patchy rain but sunny spells will develop by the afternoon and it will become mostly dry too south-easterly breezes will persist through the day with highest temperatures of 8 to 10 degrees and to the week but more rain on the way for what day, the weekend all right coming up after 10 o'clock we've got loads of guests joining us, we're going to be speaking to Patricia Higgins, Fatima Mohammed Laura Campbell she's a young female farmer with a wealth of experience, Jane Gamble who we heard a little earlier on who's doing a butter making demo, can't wait to hear about that also later on we have the Ukrainian choir or a Ukrainian choir performing live for us in studio and just to remind you you can watch you can watch the proceedings live on our youtube channel Highland Radio Ireland or on our facebook page Highland Hub, Highland Radio News and Sport okay it is Highland Radio it is okay a caller is the foundation of the Irish refugee council in the 90s the only place that the phrase durable relationship appears is in European law in reference to people who wish to be allowed to migrate meaning that if someone is already migrated to Ireland and has a durable relationship with someone who also wants to come to Ireland they may do so as they have a durable relationship with somebody already here the overall drift of legislation is towards making us less independent individuals with individual rights creating more of a communist in society defined are some total of our relationship with the state okay that is a deep dive a deep dive into the potential consequences but that is what that listener says also keep your whatsapps and texts coming through to us we can of course access them remotely it is 2024 a text that says what why are there no garter speed checks on the new Bonnegie to Electric Kenny Road it is so dangerous for people walking we were talking about some of the roundabouts around the county and confusion as to whether the lanes are specific to particular turn offs. Approaching to the old roundabout travelling north the left lane is absolutely for going into Donegal Town past Cherrymoor the right lane is for all other routes the amount of people getting this wrong is frightening but if you look at the rules of the road and this is just for the purpose of conversation as if we were all just sitting around a table having a chat the left lane it's not sign posted that left lane in particular that the left lane is for Donegal Town that's what I use it for and I use the inside lane for going straight but if you go to the letter of the law as far as I understand unless it's signed otherwise that the left lane is for every turn off from 12 o'clock on the clock to 6 o'clock going in an anti-clockwise motion so on that roundabout if you were to follow those rules then the right lane would be only for heading back towards Balashannon now I'm not saying that's the case but I think therein lies much of the confusion Hi Greg my granny is in her 70s and she has shingles at the moment I just had a new baby and I'm reluctant to visit her can you tell me if shingles are infectious I can't and we're certainly not going to give out medical advice but what we will do is put it out there or maybe make our own enquiries to find out what the situation is there personally with me with the newborn it would be an absolute abundance of of caution but that is to say it's not me giving any advice okay it is the 9 till noon show here on Highland Radio we are live from the Colgan Hall in Carindona in beautiful in the show and what a drive up here today the scenery is absolutely unbelievable and we're celebrating your voice your community it's part of International Women's Day and it's with the Innish Own Development Partnership and Innish Own Co-op stay with us a lovely two hours on the way after we take a break now for the news and the obituary notices the 9 till noon show is brought to you by Letterkenny Credit Union offering low-rate car loans with fast approval apply online at letterkennycu.ie or in office today Relay for Life Donnie Gall is back and now open for team registrations walk with us for those who can't miss 24 hour relay on May 25th and May 26th we celebrate our survivors remember our loved ones and together let's fight back against cancer gather your team and make a difference register now at donniegallrelayforlife.com time is running out terms and conditions applies the electric island.ie Skoda cars are made for exploring Ireland but let's add more style more sexiness more French Skoda Fabia Scala and Kamek Models are available in the Monte Carlo range black exterior details excusez-moi sports seats and bumpers and carbon decals so chic order your new 2024 Skoda at skoda.ie Skoda let's explore your local Skoda dealer is DMG Motors Clairod Donnie Gall Town telephone 074 97 21396 or visit DMGMotors.ie Longcom has an exclusive beauty gift waiting just for you available now at Michael Honey's Ballet Buffet simply purchase two Longcom products want to be skincare and receive only six-piece gift available this week only in store and online at MichaelHoney's.com Live on air online and on the Highland Radio app this is Highland Radio News Good morning it's 10 o'clock Doodle Kavana at the news desk a man has died following a crash on the A5 between Oma and Baligoli the two vehicle collision involving a white BMW and blue Scania Lorry occurred on the car road four half-past seven last evening the driver of the BMW a 30 year old man was pronounced dead at the scene the road remains closed and local diversions are in place police are urging anyone with information which could assist in their investigation to make contact Midlands Northwest MEP has hit out at fellow MEPs who have tabled amendments to the report by the EU Petitions Committee on defective concrete blocks the EPP group of MEPs which includes Finaguel has proposed a call of wording pertaining to the introduction of legislative initiatives to provide more effective market surveillance over construction products a further amendment has been put forward by the group seeking to introduce the concept of force majeure MEP Luke Minklanigan is highly critical of the move we can't let anyone run away from why this happened we know why it happened it wasn't an accident and for me it's quite disgusting the idea that Finaguel's group will be trying to introduce this and to wash her down the fact that this is actually the fault of government and it isn't an accident the Labour Party is filing a dull motion today challenging the government's handling of the housing crisis it's calling for a rent freeze an end to no faulty evictions an increase in housing targets and a plan to tackle short term lets like Airbnb Labour Deputy Duncan Smith says the government's housing policy is an omni shambles despite their housing for all document homeless figures are rising there's more people living on the streets there's more people in homeless accommodation and we're not getting enough people into homes be they social homes, affordable homes or the private market and then the show on councillor is seeking an urgent meeting with the HSC to discuss the future of the SRU unit in Cardona the HSC previously announced a reconfiguration of mental health residential services in Donegal which would see residents at the facility in Cardona relocated to centres elsewhere in the county a previous meeting was held between the HSC families and elected public representatives Councillor Mark McDermott is still calling for clarity on plans for the service the answers on the day we didn't feel was sufficient there was no clear clarification that the service wasn't close so we asked to meet with Dermott Monaghan and the staff to have a discussion with them to fight the cause and make sure that the service doesn't leave any shown because we're dealing with vulnerable people here people that cannot speak for themselves and it's important that we stand up and speak for them because the service is just too important here to the peninsula the cost of cutting trees damaged by storm issue in Donegal last year was 125,000 euro the storm caused much disruption in the county with trees torn down and roads blocked Donegal County council has confirmed they've submitted costs to the department that application to date has proved unsuccessful Councillor Patrick McGowan believes some responsibility lies with landowners a lot of engineers and staff on the council are saying well a lot of these trees were in dangerous condition to begin with surely the landowners that were warned about looking about the trees particularly along county roads, national primary roads and things like that trees came down and but to the grace of God someone could have been killed but there has been damage done and the question is asked now is it back to the taxpayer game or nobody takes responsibility for dangerous trees over hanging roads junior doctors in Northern Ireland are spending the day on the picket lines they're on strike for the first time ever in a row over pay and conditions with more, here's Tara Griffith here at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast junior doctors are gathering for a day of action the mood is one of defiance and you may be able to hear the bagpipes behind me with lots of car horns from passersby I spoke to Fiona Griffin from the BMA more and more doctors are choosing to leave the profession lots of doctors are going over to Australia New Zealand because the work-life balance is much better they're paid much better and every time a doctor leaves it puts more pressure on the folks who do stay the Department of Health says it remains open to negotiations well the forecast rather cloudy but staying mostly dry with only a few isolated patches of light rain south-east breezes freshening with higher temperatures of 9 to 11 degrees celsius today cloudy and perhaps a little damp this evening with a fresh south-easterly breeze lowest overnight temperatures 4 to 6 degrees celsius a cloudy start tomorrow with some patchy light rain but sunny spells will develop by the afternoon becoming mostly dry on Thursday with south-easterly breeze persisting top temperatures tomorrow 8 to 10 degrees celsius and that's Highland Radio News we're back with news headlines again at 11 o'clock on our website highlandradio.com but for now from the news team have a very good morning the obituary notice is for this Wednesday morning March the 6th the death has occurred of Tess Green Roshin Mahari Tess's remains will repose at her home from 11 o'clock this morning with Rosary at 8 o'clock and Chimor with Rosary at 9 o'clock funeral mass on Friday morning at 11 o'clock in St Patrick's Church Mina Cross with cremation to follow in Cavern at a later date highest private from after the Rosary until 11 o'clock and on the morning of the funeral the death has taken place of Sadi Calhoun Bali-Lar Faned wake and funeral arrangements to be confirmed later the death has taken place of Maria Miller, Nathan Clare 36 Avis Road, Straban service of Thanksgiving for the life of Maria will be held at Christchurch, Straban tomorrow afternoon at half past 1 for by interment in Straban Cemetery families large only please donations in name of desire to chest, heart and stroke may it be payable to Robert Armstrong and son funeral directors the death has occurred of Nul Malak Kronalahi Crossroads-Killy Gordon funeral leaving from his late residents tomorrow morning at quarter past 10 for Rexy and Mass in Patrick Church Crossroads-Killy Gordon at 11 o'clock interment afterwards in the adjoining Church yard. Rexy and Mass will be streamed live on the harsh YouTube channel. The house is private to family, close friends and neighbors please. and the death occurred on February the 6th in England of Terence Terry Kelly, formerly of Newton Cunningham County, Donegal reception into Corpus Christi Church, Littleton Road at 7 o'clock. Rexy and Mass will take place on Friday morning at 11 o'clock. Fall by burial at Oskot College Cemetery Hawthorne Brookway, New Oskot family flowers only donations in name of desire for stroke association Kerv C. Bastock, funeral directors limited Birmingham. For family information and more details regarding wigs and funerals please go to hynandradio.com www.hynandradio.com OK, you're very welcome back to the 9 till noon show here on Hyland Radio. We are broadcasting live from the Colgan Hall in Corndona. We're celebrating your voice, your community it's part of International Women's Day within the Shown Development Partnership and we've just come out actually into and watching your show, or watching the show, you'll see what's going on here. There's loads of stuff going on in fact, they're just setting things up, the doors aren't officially open and as we talked about a little earlier on, we'll be speaking on all that, I can see food, oh my god I'm hungry and I can see some pop-up stands from the likes of the International Development Partnership, Health and Humanities and what have you and a really big crowd here at the Colgan Hall, sorry if I'm dropping out a little bit there as I say we've got loads of guests coming up including some live music from the Ukrainian, or a Ukrainian choir. Just some of your comments coming in here, hi good morning Greg, is it true that no men are allowed at Bunkrana Guard Station coffee morning to facilitate women of certain cultural backgrounds, I normally take my elderly parents but not sure what to do, I know it's International Women's Day but men always could go to if they wanted to, thanks unfortunately that's a bit of false information that's been spread out there, we have all checked just to be on the safe side I presumed it was not true and it is not true, that coffee day is open to all and everyone's welcome and to go along there and have a cup of tea, have a cup of coffee, some treats and support the supported on the day. Back to the rules of the road the rules of the road states approaching a roundabout, the left lane is for the first and second exit off the roundabout unless road marking show otherwise which further confuses the whole situation at the Tolly Old Roundabout for an example because that means that we're all wrong, I don't know anyway, it is the 9 till noon show as I say, stay right with us, just to invite you to watch the show if you want to you can do so and channel show our lovely viewers what we're seeing here you can watch the show as well on X we're on Highland Radio, we're on YouTube Highland Radio Ireland and we're on Facebook Highland, Hope Highland News Board, we'll be joined by our next guests in our studio after we take this quick commercial break for the bingo numbers the Counties Number 1 talk show, the 9 till noon show on Highland Radio it's time for Vision Ireland bingo on Highland Radio it's Wednesday the 6th of March you're playing on the blue sheet the reference number is S8 it's game number 10, the numbers are 71 42 20 82 54 15 62 33 55 and finally 26 phone your claim to 9104833 before 8 tonight leave in your name, contact number and the name of the show where you purchased your book and we'll call you back the next working day get all your Vision Ireland bingo information at HighlandRadio.com with a high digital online skills course you'll feel a real difference I can listen to all the music I like the boss app that's coming out and it's brilliant anything you want to know is to have your fingertips they're small turns but they mean something it's all kicked off at Brian McCormick sports with new football boots in FG or SG try the new Adidas Predator in classic black, red, white Puma King boots in many options from only $49.99 in adult sizes match it up with shorts and socks gloves and gum shields click on the link in the description for more information click on the link in the description the 9 till now show with letter kenny credit union simplify your debts with a debt consolidation loan from letter kenny credit union call us on 0다음4 911126 or apply online via our app, or in office today now you're very welcome back to the program our next guest on the show joins us Right now, and that's Patricia Higgins one of the Connecting Communities officers with the Inner Shown Development Partnership. Patricia thank you so much for joining us. My pleasure Greg. It's good to have you on board and you're relatively new into this position aren't you? Just a little over a week so bedding in. Bedding in yes I work part-time this is officially day 11 in the job. So I've been in at the time. It sounds like you're marking the X's off on the calendar but I'm sure it's much more enjoyable than that. Well this interview did make me start marking X's but yeah. Well listen Patricia as it's always the case once it's over you'll be thinking what was I concerned about if you were concerned at all. What is your role then Patricia? Okay so myself and my colleague Maggie we both work part-time with the Inner Shown Development Partnership and I guess the role has the number of functions. One is to support new communities within Inner Shown and at the moment there's a focus on the people who've come seeking international protection who are all within Inner Shown and they're based in Buen Prana and then apart from that it's to support integration so looking at how the locals within Inner Shown connect and creating spaces and opportunities for people to connect with people from new communities. Is that a bit of a challenge because you know I think I'll have to choose my words carefully because I'm only kind of really going by from what I see but it seems that you know somewhere like Buen Prana if you look at the rest of Donegal there seems to be more polarized views on new members of the community. I think that those who have the strong anti views shout loud and I think there's I don't think I know there's enormous good work and good will going on not just in Buen Prana but across the peninsula. I've been involved in some of it in an individual capacity myself where I come from over in Movil. I know the exchange for example in Buen Prana and Buen Prana for all have been doing a power of work to welcome people and I know that there are instances of that across not instances there's evidence of that and ongoing welcoming work going on all across the peninsula in Malin and Cunningham and I'm going to forget some places now. So I guess part of our role is to support that and sustain that and and to allow people who want to offer a welcome to give them opportunities to do that. It can be hard as I was telling your researcher yesterday I grew up in a town in the north which was Catholic and Protestant and we never met never ever so I think this isn't new to us so well we're very I guess it's really important to create the spaces for people who are coming from different backgrounds get a chance to meet and connect and realize the connections that they have between each other. So do you think sometimes the anti immigration if we can call it that opinion is amplified over amplified maybe it's over represented in the public discourse. Well I'm going back to the comment you says that sometimes you know those are the voices that shout loudest. I think it can be hard. They're a very strong voice. It can be hard to stand up against them and I think that it's important to sorry you asked me do they get over amplified. I think they're really savvy and I think that there may be they may have resources. I suppose really to simplify is that because I kind of painted you into quite a complex corner there is that really maybe you know the majority are more welcoming. Yes but I think for people to I guess what I'm saying when I draw on my experience from the north is if you don't have the opportunities to connect and meet and and realize what you have in common with people then then the voices that tell you that those differences are significant can gain traction and suppose that there's a lot of work going on to create those spaces already in initial and across Donegal and beyond and I guess my role and Maggie's role is to support that and where there are gaps to try and find. When you look over the balcony here you see people of you know so many different backgrounds you know mixing and milling around and getting to know each other if they don't know each other already. So what is the I pass experience like you know what do you hear from these people. Okay so I pass for those who are familiar with the term is the International Protection Accommodation Service and so it would it has replaced direct provision and so people come and where previously they would have stayed in Dublin and had a range of supports and for a period of up to perhaps six weeks or two months now they're being because of the because of the demands on the system they're being put straight to into centres around the country they're managed by local people and we're very lucky in one crana the managers in the two I pass centres are very proactive in terms of doing the the basic stuff for the people who arrive getting PPS numbers and getting kids into school they they're very on the ball around that. So the experience then is people come they submit their application for international protection which is a claim that they have a well-founded fear of harm where they to return to their country of origin. So that's the basis on which they can come here and seek asylum. Do you have any sense not official figures as to how many like are you dealing with or have your colleagues dealt with many people that have had their applications rejected? My understanding I have colleagues who work in this in in Dublin or sorry I have friends who work in this area in Dublin so I have a figure of I believe that if you're from what's now deemed a safe country you have only a 10% chance of having your application accepted and I understand that the figure is you have somewhere around 40 to 50% chance to get in your application. And of course the safe countries list has been expanded quite recently. So what are and then obviously once the I pass applicants have been here for a certain amount of time they are entitled to work aren't they? Yes and there is also a difference between this the state support for I pass applicants versus say for instance Ukrainian refugees. Yes I understand that the conditions for the Ukrainian incoming Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection that has changed and is now more aligned. Yes. I don't fully know the details of that but I do know that yes compared to what the original Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection were receiving what which is more in line with Irish social welfare. Exactly and that's in the news again today it is a complex and ever-moving situation. So what kind of supports are you offering the people that you work with asylum seekers? Well I guess we are our key role is to signpost because already it's not to duplicate we're not offering specific asylum seekers. We're many of them as you say once they get their work permits they want access to training and employment and so we're we're signposting them to my colleagues say in the initial and development partnership we have an extensive employment support team so they would be we'd be signposting them there and we'd be the signposting them to ETB English classes and other very there's a variety a whole variety of English classes being offered on various bases around the peninsula. We'd we'd also I guess we just completed a funding application yesterday to the government department that oversees integration and in it we were asking for something that would be specific to asylum seekers in recognition of the fact that many of them 10 to 15 percent of them will have been victims of torture and many more of them will have suffered trauma so trying to do trauma informed wellness opportunities for them to offer psychotherapy counseling that would be tailored to their particular needs. And just going back to the importance of integration and there are a few initiatives this is amongst them the coffee hope as well. The cafe hope yes. Sorry. Sorry. The coffee. No, no, I thought you said coffee. That's exactly what I said. Okay, because I meant cafe. I'm a tea person so I get defensive. I'm a coffee person but there's no coffee here. So that's what you're looking for on the door. Are you trying to throw me under the bus for sure? Should we be friends? Certainly not. Cafe hub. Thank you. Oh yeah. I get defensive when tea gets missed. I'm defensive as well. Yes. We shall organise a duel. Excellent. I'm one of those tea drinkers who gets peeved when there's no biscuit with the. Oh, you're one of them. I'm one of them. What were you talking about? We were talking about the important integration, understanding each other and breaking down barriers, isn't it? Misconceptions? Yeah, and being able to. I took two of the women who have cooked today. You asked me how we support them. Yes. Giving them opportunities, use their talents, giving them opportunities to solve what they need to address their needs is a huge part of how we're meant to approach the work. So we had 10 volunteers who have cooked for us today. I went shopping with them and I let her Kenny to find the stuff that you can't get in Irish supermarkets. That was, I walked into, it was like walking into an Aladdin's den, all of this stuff that I had, some of which herbs at rock bottom prices, but then other ingredients I've never heard of in my life. Spices and stuff. Yes, absolutely. And a fascinating to be with two Nigerian women as they worked their way around the shop. So for me that's very enriching to be in a place I've never been before and to do it in the safety and company of two women who kind of shepherded me within it. So that's just a small example of the power of integration. I had a chat with another man who studied the same as me in college. He studied in Saudi and years ago I had met someone from Syria and we had discovered that the word for jumper in Arabic is very like the word for jumper in Irish, Gansi. So I stand to be corrected on that, but I had the opportunity to ask this gentleman who studied economics in Saudi. I said, tell me now, what is the word in Arabic for? So I love that, you know, that you come away with a sense of, wow, I wonder what behind that linguistic connectivity. What do the asylum seekers so say to you, do you know what I mean about what it's like here? Do they feel safe and secure? Are they aware of what appears to be sort of a growing resistance to them being here, being labelled as single military-aged males or what have you? People have their views and I respect that, but is there an awareness of that, or are they more familiar with the welcome side of things? There are two groups because of the two centres, so in one group I've been here for a year mostly, another group I've only been here for a couple of months, because the centre, people might know it in Montcran as the old HSE, it has been only open since December. So those who have been here for a short time, some of them are very positive about their experiences, really positive, have only had positive experiences. Unfortunately those who have been here for longer have had experiences of racism and not many, but I am hearing, and there has been research done on this locally by some of the community groups, the exchange for example did something on racism and inclusion last year and found evidence of it, and sadly anecdotally that has increased since the iPass centres have opened. Yeah, and of course we have seen arson attacks attempts here, which is obviously going to people are going to be aware of. Yes. Okay, I don't know, we've a lot of working through to do in this country, I'm kind of an observer if you know what I mean, wondering where we're going and how we're going to get there, but that's, you know, you have a role to play in that as well I suppose. Yeah, and I mean, I think it's really important, I have colleagues in the initial development partnership who work on change makers, so they speak about development issues and understanding global issues and the local impact of those, and I think that asylum seekers are really at the cutting edge of that, international protection applicants, because of climate change, because of moving global forces, people do have to seek asylum, and that's a reality of our increasingly globalised world, and so their work helps give me a context for the work that I do. Okay, Margaret Duffy on Facebook says, hello Patricia, very good informative interview, well done. Margaret is a colleague at the cafe hub in the middle. The cafe hub, okay, listen, thank you very much for your time, I really appreciate it, it's been lovely chatting to you Patricia, hopefully it wasn't as bad as you anticipated as you marked those X's off. Indeed, Greg, thank you very much. Thanks Patricia, that's Patricia Higgins, one of the connecting community officers with the initial development partnership, and we're speaking to Patricia in the context of our visit here to the Colgan Hall in Carandana, celebrating your voice to your community. It's part of International Women's Day with Inno Show and Development Partnership, and of course the Inno Show and Co-op. We've got so much more for you on this special programme coming up, but we're going to take a quick break and we'll be back with more after. or via our app today and get your loan transferred directly to your current account. Celebrate Mum this Mother's Day with something special from Dunn Stores. Treat her to an indulgent box of chocolates like Nestle Black Magic, Capri Milk Tray or Nestle Dairy Box, all just five euro each. And spoil her with a beautiful bouquet of flowers available in store from the 7th of March. Plus, you can save with a till with a five off 25 grocery voucher. Dunn Stores, always better value. Terms and conditions apply, a voucher can be used next in Sir Grocery Shop of 25 euro or more. Are your small appliances due an upgrade? Erwin Expert Electrical, your ultimate destination for all things electrical. From stylish toasters and keppels to innovative coffee machines and air fires. Or elevate your tech game with a selection of smartwatches, iPads, laptops and phones and TVs from all your top brands. Stay connected with Erwin Expert Electrical, Larry Kenny and Bunkrana. Are you building, rebuilding or renovating? What heat pumps or solar panels would suit your build? Come along and speak to the experts, efficient renewables on heat pumps and solar panels. Get advice on installation and grants available. Visit the efficient renewable showroom in Newton, Cunningham and see these products in operation for yourself. Kia is now making it easier to go green, offering zero percent finance on the all new Kia Nero with an impressive four hundred and sixty kilometer range on a single charge. The Nero ensures you can go to distance without compromise. Visit iMotors.ie today and avail of this limited offer. Step into a wall clothing at Larry Kenny Retail Park for a vast suiting selection, two and three piece suits in all sizes and styles. Explore our suiting department and discover unbeatable value and wedding packages. Hello, Johnny Gull. It's Michael Murphy here, letting you know that I'd be in on green on in letter Kenny on Saturday, March 16th with my new show, The Mysterious Case of Kitsie Rainey. It's a follow up to the man in the woman's shoes. And I hear you Andrew Joyce, and if you come along, we'll have the crack. March 16th on green on letter Kenny. You're very welcome back to the nine till noon show here in Highland Radio. Keep your texts and calls coming into us, please. If you don't mind, you can WhatsApp or text us on 086 60 25000 or give us a call on 07491 25000 on any issue you wish or if you have any interaction which you wish to partake in as part of the conversations we're having. I'm joined on the program now by Fatima Mohamed Hassan. And I'm really pleased to have you on the show. Thank you so much for joining us. OK, welcome. How long have you been in Ireland now? Yeah, I have been nearly four months. And how has your experience been? You know, you say that. How have you settled into life in Ireland? Yeah, a little bit of Ireland is a very good. In fact, it's very attractive. Yeah. OK. Talk to me about your life in Southern Somalia. What was life like there for you? First of all, my name is Fatima Mohamed Hassan. I'm a Somali girl from Somalia, especially a town called Ballad Hawa Town in southwestern Somalia. My country Somalia has gone through decades of physical war. Currently, Somalia is divided into two areas, areas that under the control of Somali government and the area where the Ashabab tourist organization are ruled. My country's population is of 17 million people. More than half of them being women and girls. Women in my country play a crucial role in all area of life. There is also what's called GBV, gender based violence and harmful practice, such as FGM, that is specifically concerned about women. And how is that widespread when you talk of gender based violence? Is that the experience of every woman in Somalia or what women are the victims of that? Or is it all women? Yeah, always women are the victim of these things because Somali women always use and practices these harmful things. FGM, that's a female genital mutilation. Yeah. And this happens often when women are very young. Yeah, very young, when they are very young. Yeah, that's the time they practice. Yeah. And but women have a very important role in Somalian society. Yes, women as a backbone of Somali society as the one who always work for the family. And a good example of a strong and hardworking woman is my mother, Khadija. My mother tried her best to make sure to to go her children to school in order to succeed in life. She did her best to educate them and she succeeded in her life. In fact, I love my mother and I miss her. I selected her education all the time and especially a day like this. You talk about a civil war, which means obviously primarily men fighting or men absent from the home, which puts more pressure on the mother to care for a family, to look after them, to provide for them, ensure their education. Yeah, you know, the women, you know, as I said, my country experienced a civil war. That time the women, the women were busy fighting against each other. Women are the ones who bring the basic needs for the family. Why did you decide to leave Somalia and move to Ireland? You know, the in fact, in Somalia, me, I have a good life there. I was since I'm educated. I was I was working there, but there's a problem that make make you made me here to make me here to come. And of course, did you feel unsafe? Yeah, OK. Yeah, I feel safe here. OK. And you have your children with you? Yeah, I have children. I have six children, four of them with me now. Another two, my mom, my younger sister, that I raised her, I left in Somalia. Do you hope that they could join you here? In fact, I miss them. In fact, I love them. Today, you know, a day like this, International Day, we always celebrate together. Always to remember the role of my mom, my mom, my younger sister, that's our last one of my family. The one I raised in my in my house, we always celebrate last night. We cry to each other. That means we are we are not together, but I'm expecting when they want time to be together, to be socialized the way we use to be celebrate the next International Day together. Do you expect that to be here? Yeah, well, yeah. But in other words, you don't intend to return to Somalia because you don't feel safe. Yeah, it's Somalia. It's not safe. As you mentioned, you know, you're well educated and you were working in Somalia. Are you able to work here? Do you want to work here or you're raising your family? What's your situation here? Yes, I want to work here and I want to to go to to learn, for example, I am a social worker in the community department there and now my hope is one day to become a nurse. I want to learn a nurse now since I'm getting opportunity here. How is life for your children in Irish schools? I'm not sure. Can they speak English? Are they learning English? Are the is it difficult for them? In fact, my children, they are English speakers, children. Better than yours, even perhaps. And yours is excellent. And their father, they are educated. We always use in English in our house. In fact, it's good to see my children today. How they talk to you. It is very wonder. Even the schools are satisfied with them. How they behave, how they learn, how they understand everything. Not the children, I can say. And this have you I mean, obviously the event today is just getting underway. Is it interesting for you to meet women of different backgrounds to get together with other women on International Women's Day? I would say, particularly as you miss your your your mother, who you speak so highly of. In fact, it is very interesting to meet with these all different people, different face of different women. It is it is it is the happiest for me today to meet with them. Since International Women Day is a woman is a day of interaction. It is a day of socialization. It is a day of learning each other and learning new faces. So it is it is very good for me to be a part of this with them. Do you hope the answer is yes? But do you feel happy and safe walking around Ireland? Yeah, in fact, I feel happy and safe. You know, the people of here is open hearted, love, loving, welcoming. They have all good things that someone have. OK, well, it's been lovely speaking to you. Thank you so much for joining us. Thank you. Is there anything else you want to say, or are you happy enough? Yeah, no, I'm OK. OK. Yeah. Although I know I miss my parents and my people and they are, you know. Of course. Yeah, still, I have people here who always welcome me, always with me. I don't know. Well, that's what I was saying. I think particularly today as you miss your mother, it's nice to be around other people when we feel lonely, isn't it? Yeah, it doesn't replace them, but it makes you feel a bit. Listen, thank you so very much for joining us. It's been lovely having you on the program. OK, that was Fatima Muhammad Hassan, who is from Southern Somalia. And I was just talking about her experience of International Women's Day in Somalia and, of course, her experience celebrating International Women's Day here. This is the 9 till noon show live from the Colgan Hall in a beautiful current on a just to remind those just tuning in. We're celebrating your voice, your community. It's part of International Women's Day with in with Innochone Development Partnership and the Innochone Co-op. OK, we're going to take a quick break as we line up our next guest. Stay tuned. Much more on the way. The 9 till noon show with letter Kenny Credit Union, now offering mortgages from 40,000 to 600,000 euro with no hidden fees or transaction charges. Letter Kenny Credit Union 9102127. Mary here from McGee's Pharmacy to let you know that Longcom have a great beauty gift available this week by two Longcom products, one of them to be skincare, and you will get a free five piece gift containing a full sized bifacial eye makeup remover, a choice of two travel sized creams and more iconic Longcom products. This is available until Saturday the 23rd of March or until Saturday the 24th of March. If you want to know more about Longcom products, it's available until Saturday the 23rd of March or while stocks last, some teas and seas apply. For any skincare advice, you can always talk to Gemma or myself here at McGee's Pharmacy on Main Street, Letter Kenny. Creative landscaping works are the stunning all distributors of millboard, cladding and decking. Thanks to its unique polymer resin construction, this decking and cladding doesn't deteriorate like natural wood and won't be beaten for durability. It also has superb slip resistance, even when wet and every board is produced using recycled materials. Live life outside with Millboard at Creative Landscaping Works, this Nenon Letter Kenny. See creativelandscapingworks.com. The Highland Radio Birthday Bash featuring Margot and special guests. Tickets are 30 Euro each and are now available at Highland Radio, the Monterrigal Hotel Letter Kenny, Alexander's Bali Buffet, Simpsons Bar Cardona and the Cope Dunlowe. For further information, call the station on 9-1-25-thousand or check out TheOutlet at HighlandRadio.com. A Highland Radio weather update with Ireland West Airport. Time to book that business trip to London. Fly daily to London, Stansted and Luton with Ryanair and London Heathrow with Erlingus. Ireland West Airport, don't just take off, take it easy. Okey-doke, rather cloudy but staying mostly dry with a few isolated patches of light rain. Southeast breezes will freshen with highest temperatures of 9-11 degrees. Cloudy and perhaps a little damp this evening with a fresh south-easterly breeze. Lowest temperatures overnight, a chilly enough for 4-6 degrees. You're very welcome back to the 9-Till-noon show. We have two guests in studio with us now in our makeshift studio, although it's quite nice. Laura Campbell, who is a young farmer. Hi Laura. How long do you think you can call yourself a young farmer for? Hopefully another couple of years, anyways. And also we've got Jane Gamble, who is a farmer as well. Hi Jane. Are you? Right. It's great to have you with us. Jane, I'll start with you if that's okay. How long have you been farming? For a long, long time. We started in 19... Well, I was born on a farm. So I always knew even about farming, a small farm. But then we started milking cows in 1976, I think it was. We milked 20 cows by hand, myself and my husband the first year. Then we got a milking machine. So basically that's when we started, we adopted about 75 cows. But then we delivered our milk door-to-door, so we were very, very busy. Yeah, those were, I would say, particularly doing it manually. I remember seeing that myself and it's labor intensive. It's certainly time intensive. I can only imagine what it was like when the mechanical milker landed on scene. It must have been just the excitement and relief. It was a great buzz. And when we delivered the milk in bottles, paint bottles at that time, all around our neighbours and the local area. And our customers were all wonderful. We got a great buzz out of being at everybody's door every day, 365 days a year. And you worked always on the family farm, did you? Yes. And did you then take it over? No, my husband died 20 years ago, so we continued on for another week while myself and my son and daughter, Robin and Molly, and then seven years ago, we retired. Old age and things like that. Well, no, come here. We did enjoy it. It's something in old age. You wanted a different lifestyle. Yeah, well, we joined it. Sure, you could still be at it, but it's tough. And was that sort of the whole family retired from farming then? Yes, the whole lot of us. I would say that was a tough decision too, because I would say a lot of it, you keep going in your husband's memory and sort of, you hope to kick it on another generation, but it obviously wasn't just the direction. No, no, no, no. But it was a tough call, wasn't it? That kind of was, but my son wasn't interested in the responsibility of running the farm at all, so why should he then? And were you glad for him or...? You know, I was happy enough that he... Like, there was no point in somebody farming if he's not happy with it. So, you know, we have leased it now, but we did enjoy it when we were even, when we were busy, and being young was a big help. And we were never too busy to enjoy badminton and bowls in the winter and tennis in the summer. And that would be my advice to any farmer nowadays. Someone worked very hard, too hard, and life's short. Yeah. And working too hard and not having time for your family is a big no-no. And I think it's certainly a case in farming, not specific to farming. I think that's probably good advice for lots of people that sometimes, you know, we focus so much on our work. And next thing you know... Boom, boom. Next thing you know, boom, yeah. My age I've been to a lot of graveyards. Literally, mind you, it's very quiet in there. Yeah. There's no buzz. Yeah, exactly. So I like to enjoy, I think we should enjoy life when we can. A nice mixture of work and play. Get the life balance right. And you did that, as you say, with the... We did that, we did that, and I'm glad we did that because my husband was dead at 69 years of age. Yeah, too young. Are you surprised, what do you see as the future of farming? And the future of farming is probably sitting to you, right? And we're going to speak to Laura in a moment. But do you think there is a strong future for farming? I think there is, and I think the woman today will make a very good job of what they do. I think they will. Laura Campbell, you grew up on the farm as well. Your story actually really quite similar to Jane's, really, isn't it? Yeah, I was born on a farm. I would have spent a lot of time farming with my grandparents when my mum and dad was at work. So I kind of just developed a love for it. You saw that when you landed there, it was like, right, what are we doing today? Yeah, basically just falling around in my wee pink welly boots. Exactly, and I see those young people in my family as well. So you got the bug early on. Yeah, I never got rid of it. So then there comes a time, though, when it's not, you know, sort of it's time for the grandparents and the parents and stuff. But then it's like, well, you know, you sort of start looking at what you're doing at school and thinking, could this be a career for me? Like, how early do you think that you thought that you would have a career as a farmer? Probably some secondary school, even doing ag science and current school there. It was always probably one of my favourite subjects. Then I decided then very early on in secondary school that I was going to go on and do agriculture in college. I went up to LIT for four years and got first class honours in agriculture. So after that, then I started in the co-op. I've been there now for two and a half years around that. And what does the ag science sort of bring to farming? Do you know what I mean from your perspective? How do you sort of bring your education into the practice side of things? You just seem to have a better idea of what's happening and why it's happening. So like, grass is down to soil fertility and stuff like that there. It just gives you a better idea. Whereas before you would have just looked maybe at a field and thought that grass isn't grown as well as it should be. And then you're kind of more into the scientific end of things. And you look at it probably more like a business as well in a certain way. Through different modules on business management and stuff like that there. And just as Jane was talking there, and it was sound advice about having that work-life balance, you've already really established that if this is your future, you have to have your life outside of farming as well. So is that when you talk about treating it as a business? Is that sort of how you then try and make some time for yourself as well? Yeah, definitely. It's important to make time for yourself. There are times, buzzer times, lambing and stuff where you will have to cut back, but then you will get other times where it's quieter, maybe. And you can go in your nights out and stuff like that there. But there's plenty of nights that went up to feed sheep and have makeup and all on. So. Jane, did you ever did you have full face of my cup feeding, milking their house now? Oh, no. I don't think makeup was invented then. I come here. No, I know what you're saying, though. So and Laura, they say, you know, if you enjoy what you do, you never work a day in your life, don't they? It is. It's a tough old slug. But you love what you do, don't you? Yeah, yeah. No, it's definitely important to love it, because especially wintertime, dark evenings and dark mornings and it's wet, you just don't want to be going and feeding and doing whatever. But if you do love it, it does encourage you to get up and go on. I just wonder with your ag science, but ground and what have you and maybe your approach to farming. How do you see this whole sort of farming versus climate change, climate crisis debate? Like, do you are you of the mindset that maybe farmers are being asked to do too much heavy lifting? Or do you do you look at the science and say, look, there are ways and we are doing things in a different way that's more environmentally friendly? What's how does that sit with you, that whole conversation? I think probably I'm probably 50 50. I think there is some things, maybe certain things that farmers can improve on. But again, it's not just down to farmers in certain cases. Do you know like they can improve on fertilizer and water quality and stuff like that? There can be something that farmers can directly improve on. But there's a lot of indirect things that you know. And I think even something as simple as water quality, I think if a farmer it has to be demonstrated to them that something is their fault. Or we saw down in down in the Southwest, the country whereby farming practices changed. Pollution reduced, but the nitrates directive still changed. And you know, I think if you're in the industry, you're going, well, you know, we're trying our best here. Can you reward us what we're doing? Because compared to a lot of places, you know, we are we are farming more sustainable than than most, you know, you need to be rewarded for the efforts that you make. Don't you need to feel that that's happening? You know, exactly. There's no point doing all these different measures and following all the rules. And then you're still getting penalized at the end. That's right. Not that's unencouraging, so to say. So you stroll into the co-op in Karn, right? First time. Confidence, swagger and all that kind of stuff. Mostly fellas. Yeah. Do you have to win over the respect of them? Not really. A lot of the most of the men in the co-op there, they're all very, very encouraged. But do you have to prove your knowledge? Sort of a thing is over there. I don't think that's even gender related. I think if I walked in there, I don't know what's going on here until he's sort of proved you knew what you were talking about. People would definitely be more wary, I would say, of customers and stuff coming in. And even if it was a male or a female, a new face as always, you're like, what do they know? And do you know different kind of things? But once you've been in for a wee while, everyone kind of comes to the same. Of course. I asked Jane about the future of farming. Do you worry that you're the last generation of farmers? Not really. I see a lot of young girls, young boys, seem to become more and more interested in farming. I think social media has played a big part in it. TikTok and stuff like that. It's like, farming's becoming more of a trend. Are you on TikTok? No, well, I don't make farm on TikTok. Why not? Probably should start, I think. I think you'd be doing well, yeah, indeed, okay. And you do sheep farming, suckle cows and horses as well. And is the horses also, is that a business side of things or is that a bit of the leisure side of things? A bit of both. We have Connemara mayors that we use for breeding. We have been breeding now in a couple of years, and then I have an X-ray source as well for just to get out and about in the evening's time and the good weather and stuff like that. Did it win anything? No, never won anything, so he didn't. Was it all cows with you, Jane, or what was the story? All cows. All cows. Very cows, just that was all. That was the thing, all right, okay. Milk and milk. And milk, and we're gonna be speaking to a lady later on, makes butter. That's you? That's me, too, yes. Well, that's not on my notes. Tell me about the butter. You're still making butter? Yes, it's not a business, but I just do it. Is that the glass thing that you churn it there, right? Talk to me about making butter, Jane. You dropped this bomb shell very late. It's very simple, actually. Fresh cream, you can make it out of fresh cream or you can make it from cream that you saw that takes about four or five days to get that nice and surged. And then whenever you make the butter, what's left behind is buttermilk, which is used in yogurt making or in bread making, or you can drink it. Yes. And what I've done the day is just I'm using fresh cream and you just put some clean, cold water in through it and churn it and there's your butter. Rinse it and put a bit of salt in it. Salt, that's exactly what I was going to ask about you, because a lot of the, I love butter, you know? Like I have toast with my butter. Do you know that sort of thing? Well, I'll give you a sample this evening to take home with you. Well, don't make promises you won't keep. Okay. Have some already. Put a bit of extra salt in mine. What are you saying? I'm going to do that for the, have some there now. Okay, looking forward to going down the scene, that actually, all jokes aside, I don't have it as you would recommend it. Okay. And you do that, but it's doable. Lots of people, anyone can make butter. Anybody can make butter. Very, very simple to make. All right. Very simple. Good stuff. What do you, when you, you see Laura, sort of at the start of her career, Jane, and you've got so many stories when you with your hobby and then after your hobby that you could talk about to, do you go, oh, get out of it now? Would you go, well fair play to you, enjoy your life. I would like to think you'd enjoy it as much as we did, but then that was a different time. When all this paperwork and regulations came along, I kind of took the edge off. How do you deal with the paperwork side of it, Laura? Is that, again, the sort of the business approach, because the paperwork kind of was dumped on Jane's family. It became a thing and it got worse than it was papers, than it was computers, but you sort of, I suppose you came into the industry when that was established. So is that, is it tough applying for everything and dotting the T's and crossing the I's or the other way around? Yeah, no, it is definitely tough, but I have a lot of help as well. Our firm advisor and my mother would help a lot with paperwork and stuff like that. So I'm not my own dinner, which is good. Okay, now, so when you go feeding the sheep with full makeup on, right, Paula wants to know, is that before you're going out or on your way home after going out? Before usually. I don't know if I've been puttin' the way home. I don't know what that means. All right, brilliant stuff. Listen, it's been wonderful speaking to both of you. Jane, looking forward to sampling your butter. Thank you very much indeed, Jane Gamble. Do you, what, do you still play the bowls or did you give that up or? Not really, I mean, just haven't, since COVID it's sort of split all the way, you know. Yeah, I know, it's crazy, isn't it? Okay. Can we get back? Yeah, exactly, we'll get back, that's the thing. So Jane Gamble, thank you very much for joining us. It's been lovely speaking to you. Also, Laura Campbell, lovely chatting to you too. I think the future's bright, isn't it, Jane? Oh, I think so, yes. Okay, and we wish you continued success with everything that you're doing in the industry. Okay, thank you both of you very much indeed. Just to recap, that's Laura Campbell, a female farmer, and Jane Gamble, also a female farmer, but retired now. Okay, you are tuned to the Nine Till Noon show here on Highland Radio. Just a reminder for you, just a reminder for you that you can give us a WhatsApp or text on 086625000 or call us on 07491-25000. Coming in the next hour, we've got loads of guests, including some live music for you. After listening to the woman from Somalia, I think we should be taking more into the country, says a listener. Another, hi Greg, do you or your listeners know if the 100 Euro emergency department charge has been done away with? Thanks, great show. Let me check that out for you because there's 100 Euro charge, and I think my recollection is 100 Euro charge, and then a 50 Euro charge with a referral letter from the GP. But anyway, I don't want to mislead you or give you wrong information, so we'll check that out, and I will get back to you. Right, let us take a break. We're going to be back with the news after these. The Nine Till Noon show is brought to you by Letter Kenny Credit Union, with monster loans available up to 60,000 Euro for all occasions. Visit letterkennycu.ie. A lot of people are coming to us and if we look in their face we'll see what is going on and if we look in their face we'll see what your airport looks like. A lot of people are coming to us as we make our way to the airport.ie. If you were to go back to Iceland for the night out and in the scrape of the train you'd better go to the airport and read the letter. Get to the airport and get the fare later. If you're with FBD Insurance and your van gets robbed, it's not a flippin' bloomin' disaster. That's not what FBD stands for. FBD stands for Support. We support van owners like you by covering your work tools up to the value of €500 if they're stolen with your van. FBD Insurance, Support, it's what we do. Visit your local branch to talk to your FBD Insurance team. Requires valid van theft claim. Excludes electronics and software. Teas and seas and normal underwriting criteria apply. Underwritten by FBD Insurance PLC. FBD Insurance Group Limited, trading as FBD Insurance, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Your smartphone is a wonderful tool. Opening amazing ways to connect with friends, family and even businesses all over Ireland and across the world. Whether it's chatting to your family and friends on WhatsApp, grabbing a bargain by safely online shopping or even doing all your daily banking needs through an app. Your phone or tablet can help you do it all. If you wanted to learn how to use all these features on your device, now you can with High Digital, a free online skills course designed with older people in mind, available in person and online. So if you're ready to unlock your smartphone's potential or know someone who's always wanted to learn more online skills, go to highdigital.ie or call 1800 20 30 30 for more information. Brought to you by Vodafone Foundation and alone. Century Complex is the perfect destination for your family to out this Easter with lots of options in backstage bar and grill, a selection of movies and Century Cinemas and don't forget our Easter Party and Century Play on Sunday the 31st of March from 10 30 a.m. to 12 p.m. for that final hurrah before our extensive renovations begin. Check out our website at CenturyCinemas.ie. OK, we are back live here from the Colgan Hall in Carndona and you might not be able to pick it up in the background, but the action is really get on the way. There's live music in there as well. What we're going to do is take the headlines and maybe if you're watching the show and if you're not watching this whole hop on and watch it, we're going to take you out onto the balcony here and have a look down at what is going on. But it is 11 o'clock, which means it's time for a news update and it could be Michaela, it could be Donalmerie or it could be Donal. Either way, you're going to get two minutes of cracking news. So we'll hand back to studio for the headlines at 11 o'clock. Thanks, Greg. Good morning. Haman has died following a crash on the A5 between Oma and Bali Goli. The two vehicle collision involving a white BMW and blue Scania lorry occurred on the Currode shortly before half past seven yesterday evening. The driver of the BMW, a 30-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. The road remains closed at this time and local diversions are in place. While the North's infrastructure minister, meanwhile, has appealed to anyone considering another legal challenge to the A5 to think very carefully about their actions. Speaking during an assembly debate, Minister John O'Dowde says he intends to make an announcement shortly following the latest public inquiry. He said work could start this year but there are still potential pitfalls including another legal challenge. The doll has been told that recent figures show a couple in Donegal would need a combined income of 80,000 euro to be able to afford a mortgage for a three-bedroom semi-detached house. But anyone with that income would be able to pay her 10 euro as an eligible entry fee for her social housing. So, Deputy Podger McLaughlin says it's a disgrace that despite all the evidence, Donegal County Council is being forced to carry out a survey to establish the need for an affordable housing scheme in the county. A Midlands Northwest MEP has hit out a fellow MEPs who have tabled amendments to the report by the EU Petitions Committee on Defective Concrete Blocks. The EPP Group, which includes Vinegill MEPs, has proposed a removal awarding pertaining to the introduction of legislative initiatives to provide more effective market surveillance over construction products. A further amendment has been put forward by the group seeking to introduce the concept of force majeure. Irish citizen Yassar Al-Jabouri has arrived home in Dublin from Iraq and has been reunited with his family. He landed at Dublin Airport this morning. Mr Al-Jabouri had been detained at Baghdad Airport over a week ago and was prevented from leaving the country. The terrorism threat for Northern Ireland has been lowered from severe to substantial. Britain's MI5 Intelligence Agency says this means an attack is likely as opposed to highly likely. Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Eaton Harris says this is a positive step but the public should remain vigilant. An initial concert is seeking an urgent meeting with the HSE to discuss the future of the SRU unit in Cardona. The HSE previously announced a reconfiguration of mental health residential services in Donegal which would see residents at the facility in Cardona relocated to centres elsewhere in the county. And the cost of cutting trees damaged by storm Isha last year in Donegal was 125,000 euro. The storm caused much disruption in the county with trees torn down and roads blocked. Clenter Patrick McGowan believes some responsibility lies with homeowners with regards to tree cutting. Those are the latest headlines. We'll be back with an update again at 12 noon. Because no matter the circumstance, every child should have access to the joy of reading. Living leaves a mark. Together, let's leave one we're proud of on post for your world. Okie dokie, very welcome back to the 9 till noon show here on Highland Radio. We are live from the Colgan Hall in Cardona and I'm just going to creep out onto the balcony and see what's going on here. There is interviews taking place on stage and if you're watching on social medias you will see there's a big crowd down there now at the moment. I can't go in there and disturb it. But anyway, I just wanted to give those of you watching a sense of what is going on. Right. Ok, we are back seated in our studio now. And we are joined by our next guests here. Live from our... I'll give that to you, Joe if that's ok. Live from our OB position here upstairs in the Colgan Hall. Now we are joined in studio as I mentioned by our guests. They are Mary Kay Mullin, Fair Trade Product Seller. Good morning to you, Mary Kate. It's really good to have you on the show. Good morning, it's good to be here. Thanks so much for calling up to us. And also we have Kato Callahan, Development Worker with Changemakers, Donegal. Good morning to you, Kate. Hello, good morning Greg. Very enthusiastic, I love it. It's ok. Now talk to us a little bit about Changemakers, Kate. Ok, well so as you said I'm the Project Worker with Changemakers. Changemakers is a global citizenship education project and it's based here in Donegal. We're actually partnered with the Inner Shown Development Partnership alongside the Donegal Education Training Board, the ETB and three other organizations, South Health Africa, Trocura and Concern. So the Changemakers project, the aim of the project is to support adults in the communities here in Donegal to understand and take action around local and global development issues and also to embed development education opportunities throughout the county. So how from a Donegal perspective can we take part in the Fair Trade Fortnight and be Changemakers I suppose at the same time? Sure, yeah, great question. So the Fair Trade is an alternative approach to conventional trade. It's based on a partnership between some of the most disadvantaged farmers and producers and workers in the world and the people who buy their products, which is us essentially. So the way we can support them is to buy products with a Fair Trade symbol or a Fair Trade ethic behind their product. So we're running a number of campaigns actually currently this year through Fair Trade Ireland and that's to support a chocolate and getting chocolate into our supermarkets. So there's a particular chocolate at the moment called Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate and there's a campaign there to get shop owners locally to supply and stock that chocolate. Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate is actually their mission is to make the chocolate industry slavery free and exploitation free and there's a lot of connection to slavery within chocolate. Chocolate mainly comes from areas in South Africa, countries in South Africa, where the slave trade is really bad and children are trafficked every year. And I think we want the choice. I don't think there's many consumers kind of want to be complicit in that. I would hope there wouldn't be. But if I go into your average supermarket, are the Fair Trade products in there? Yeah, so there are. I mean, you kind of have to look for them. That's exactly the point I was going to get to. It's an ongoing challenge to get Fair Trade products into our supermarkets and our local shops. And so it's really important that first of all that as customers we demand those products because a lot of stuff that gets stocked in shops is through demand and customer demand. Are Fair Trade products more likely to be more expensive? They can be more expensive, but sometimes not by a huge amount. And I think this is the important thing is that when you look at the impact of Fair Trade and how it supports the farmers and the producers that are making these goods, and also how it supports good environmental practices, good sustainable farming practices, how it links in with climate action, then that extra 10 or 20 cents that you're paying for a Fair Trade bar of chocolate as opposed to a non-Fair Trade bar of chocolate. Actually, that value goes a long way. Of course, because often we think how do we make a change? Is it solar panels and electric cars and all? Well, it actually can be as simple as the products that you purchase. Kate's still with us. We're going to go back to Kate in a moment. I want to say good morning again to Mary Kay Mullin. Mary Kay, you're a Fair Trade product seller. Zaytoon, is that how you pronounce your products and your range of products? Yeah, it means all of them. It's a group in London who went out to Palestine in about 2001 and were helping out with the olive harvest. And they saw that the farmers in the West Bank in Palestine didn't have a good market. They were selling in the Middle East and they weren't getting a good money back for their work. So they decided to set up a group in London and not for profit organization in London. And they imported direct from the farmers in the West Bank. They have developed over the years and they sell it out to shops as well, but also to people like me who voluntarily take it and sell it in my neighborhood. And do you sell it door-to-door or do you work with suppliers? I don't know what's so music about that. I go door-to-door. Listen, it happens. But you work with retailers then obviously to stock your product? Well, there are only one retailer in Darien that I know stops a product. It's Ethical Way Co-op out in England. It's not for profit organization too, but they sell the dates. The idea is to support the farmers in Palestine. They've been having a dreadful hard time this year, especially since the fives of October, being cut off from their farms, being attacked. One olive farmer was shot while he was picking olives with his family. So it's beautiful, fresh, straight from the farm. If you want to suppress the people, you suppress their food production. Don't you worry, that would be part of the... And the idea is that the farmers and producers get a fair price for their goods. And the goods are wonderful. They're delicious. The olive oil is some of the best olive oil, according to The Times, even in London a couple of years ago. The best olive oil there is. Then we have soaps and Dead Sea Bath salts. And it's the only Palestinian Dead Sea Bath salts. And the soaps are made traditionally by women and made in Nablus. And my living room smells beautiful, because that's my warehouse at the moment. So I'm, especially since November, I've been doing stalls around... I started in Maville and I'm doing stalls around Derry and Donegal. Well, that's not a million miles away from door to door. You're selling the product directly to the customer. Yeah, at events. Directly and at wholesale prices, cheapest they can get. And do you find that since the awful events of October that has triggered the situation we see now, do you think the public are more open to purchasing? Yes. And, you know, they see it more than acquiring a product. Yeah. Oh, yes. They also see it as supporting Gaza, you know, and they give extra money for trees, for replanting trees that the settlers or the army dig up the traditional olive trees and stuff in the farms. And a lot of the farmers are also women. You know, this is International Women's Week. A lot of the farmers and producers are women. I mentioned the soaps in Nablus. You know, they work in the... I mean, there's very little work for people in the West Bank and they work in, you know, producing it and, you know, packaging it as well. And it's absolutely delicious food. At the moment, it's hard to see a pathway to recovery. You would always hope it's there, but, you know, going forward, the likes of farming and buying products would assist in relation to that, I'm sure. And I presume you're watching with the mixture of horror and interest, obviously, with what's happening in the Middle East at the moment, Mary Kay. Yeah. Oh, yes. And this is one way to feel less unhelpful, you know, and people seeing the same when they're buying it, you know, from me and all. And then people are using it for fundraising as well. There's going to be a big fundraiser in Letter County on the 26th of March where they're going to have raffles for the, for baskets of this stuff, hampers of the stuff as well. And they can get through, and Derry, they can get through to me, Mary Kay Mullen, you know, I'm being on social media, on Facebook. I have it advertised on my Facebook page, you know. Okay, all right, okay. And at Zaytoon, or Zaytoon. Zaytoon, Z-A-Y-T-O-U-N. They have a lovely website at Zaytoon.uk. And very distinctive packaging as well. Well, gorgeous. It's absolutely beautiful, you know, and the contents are beautiful as well, you know, and people, things like Zaytoon, which is a thyme, thyme and sesame seed, you know, herb, you know, and just the lettuce and the olive oil. And the dates are wonderful. Traditionally, this is what people use when they, Ramadan, you know, when they fast it for the day, the first thing they eat is one of these Mejul dates. And they are juicy and, yeah, juicy and, you know, very, very sweet and absolutely lovely. I don't think I'm going to start today. It's just, I'm very text, am I, it's, I'm all about texture and stuff. Yeah. I'm going to overcommit them. Okay, listen, that's brilliant. Thank you so very much indeed. Sometimes Kate, you know, when we're donating or, you know, or buying certain products, it's having sort of a faith that it is actually making the difference between, so in other words, if I buy a fair trade product or if someone does, how do they know that, you know, slavery isn't involved or the farmer is getting, you know, a decent day's paid for, but presumably that's, there's checks and balances in place to ensure that the money is spent as the consumer feels is going to be. And when you see that fair trade mark, you know, it's a guarantee that the producers are getting a fairer and a better deal and they are being provided with an opportunity to also improve their lives for not just themselves, but also for their families and for the, you know, for the generations that are going to come after them, that will hopefully, you know, keep their farming practices going and their production lines going and, and so that they can also plan, you know, plan for the future. We can relate to that here, it's on a completely different scale, but you know, farmers in this country know fine well and as I say, it is on a different scale, but that there is people profiting and it's not the Irish farmer, you know what I mean, that the Irish farmers are struggling to make ends meet with their produce. Now I think we can scale that multiple times and what have you, but there should be an understanding of kinship I think with farmers in other parts of the world because on a completely different level one could argue, but they're experiencing the same, the same thing that they're exploited, but people are making big profits off their backs. Absolutely and you know, so many of the products that we, that we love here in this part of the world that we enjoy, you know, our coffee, our tea, our sugars, even flowers, you know, as Mary Kay was saying, like, you know, olive oils and dates and almonds and all sorts of food products and also like, you know, fair trade covers everything from like cotton as well, cotton industry and you know, it's about the actual trade agreement and it's the idea of like us being able to, as consumers, recognizing where the products come from, where those source materials are coming from and whether there is an ethics behind that, good ethics behind that and, you know, fair trade, fair deals for the producers. Okay, Mary Kay, I'm holding the Dead Sea Salt here. What do you do with this? It's bath salt for soaking your, in the bath or soaking your feet in or anything like that. It's absolutely wonderful for aches and pains and for runners and people like that, you know, it's really great. If people take a bath now or they could do it, you know, they could do it in their feet, you know, they put bath salt. So independently verified mineral content, so this is derived from the Dead Sea, the world's biggest natural spa. So you can have that in your hands. Yeah, that's right. Okay, keep an eye out for you. Keep an eye on your social media. It's Mary Kay Mullen, a fair trade product seller and Kato Callahan, development worker with Change Makers, Donagall. Fair trade week, actually, we're in the middle of it now, aren't we? It's the 4th to the 17th of March. Yeah, it's actually fair trade fortnight, yeah, the 4th to the 17th, yes. And then international women's day, it's all interconnected. International women's day and it is interconnected because, as Mary Kay pointed out, a lot of the producers are female women producers on farms, and so there's a really important link there. Kate, it's been lovely having you in. Thank you so very much, Mary Kay, thank you. Tire, Mary Kay, thank you. Tire building up your poster, such as your passion. Because people don't know what it is, and I think it's so beautiful as well. I think so, but I think you've done a great job there. So beautifully, it's a ghost as well. Thank you so much, Mary Kay. Lovely having the both of you in. It is the Ninetal Noon Show. We've got a choir coming up for you, Ukrainian choir, and more guests on the program as well. We also actually have business matters, don't we, as well, the business news that's coming up shortly. When do you want to do that, Caroline? I've brought Caroline with me to Carin Dunner, she brought me to Carin Dunner. When do you want to do that? Do it now, okay. Right, we're going to take a break here from Carin Dunner and we'll have Business Matters preview with Chris Ashmore. That's all coming up shortly. The county's number one talk show, the Ninetal Noon Show on Highland Radio. The Ninetal Noon Show is brought to you by Letterkenny Credit Union, offering low-rate car loans with fast approval. Apply online at letterkennycu.ie or in office today. Go full-ledil with exclusive Lidl Plus supersavers. Like Bordeaux, approved Irish old chicken was $4.99, now $3.99. Crisp Pink Lady Apples were $2.99, now only $1.99. Lidl Plus Wine of the Week Deluxe Western Cape Sauvignon Blanc was $8.99, now $7.49. Scan the Lidl Plus app and go full-ledil today. Get the facts of DrinkAware with the DrinkAware.e. Betty Morgan talks about her son. Eamon was one of life's givers. When he had a sudden brain hemorrhage and sadly died, his organ donation helped two people transform their lives. It's consoled us so often. Eamon was a giver in life, and to now he's giver of life. Organ donors save lives. Make today the day you decide to be an organ donor and let your family know your wishes. For more, visit hse.ie forward slash organ donation from the HSE. 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Visit HighlandRadio.com for more information. Okay, welcome back to the program. It is Wednesday, which means it is the day we release our business podcast, Business Matters, and its presenter, Chris Ashmore, joins us on the program now. Chris, thanks very much for your time today. I do appreciate it. Good morning, Greg. Okay, we're going to talk about the podcast in a moment. First, let's get some news. And local enterprise week underway now. Yeah, just to mention up and running, a great reaction to the events so far continues until Friday. So if you still want to book something, there are places, the events are free. So just go to localenterprise.ie. You'll find out more about that. One particular event of note, the Donegal Women in Business Network, they're hosting a cross-border event in the Inno Show and Gateway Hotel in Bunkrana. And that's on Friday from four to seven o'clock keynote speaker is Janine's woman, Joanne Sweeney, author and a former member of the newsroom team here in Highland. And that will also have a chance for people to network. So that's underway. Interesting times. And interesting news actually emerged over the last couple of days, a very popular brand, JD Sports. They're coming to Letterkenny? Yes, they're coming to Letterkenny. I didn't know it's actually John Davis Sports. I can see why they went with the initials. So JD Sports, they have a planning permission in with regard to some alterations to the former Argos premises in the Letterkenny retail park. So it's a big store and looking for signage and a few things inside. So that planning decision is due the 24th of April. They now have 22 stores in Ireland. So it's a big multiple coming to Letterkenny. Brilliant stuff. New car registrations on the up in Donegal anyway. Well up in Donegal, 26% up in February. Of course, the beginning of the year always has the most registrations. But nevertheless, 26% up compared with this time last year. Toyota, the most popular brand in Donegal. And just we hear so much about electric cars that petrol cars are down slightly about 31% about a third. Diesel were actually up slightly in Donegal a number of sales. The petrol hybrid now accounting for about 25% of the market. So basically one in four new cars in Donegal is a petrol hybrid. And the hybrids seem to be more popular here because of the fact that we hear about the range anxiety. The charging infrastructure is still just not there yet. It's not there. So if you have the hybrid, it gets around. Yeah, exactly. All right. Oh, sorry. Yes, go ahead. One Porsche registered. So you weren't going to mention my car. Yeah, yeah. And seven Teslas and 19 coppers. The coppers. That being said, it was there was a time that the Porsche would be the wow car. But now seven Teslas, pretty well, pretty pretty nice vehicles them. All right, good stuff. Happy driving in your Porsche, by the way, if you are that one person attended to supply electricity for all local authorities in Ireland. Yeah, I just threw this in. And you know, it goes to show that people are shopping around for value, including our local authorities. Now this is all centralized. All the local authorities in Dublin, but the government puts out a tender. The electricity companies apply and whoever gets it supplies the electricity to all the local authority officers around the country and all their various facilities. So the bill that electricity bill is in the region of 77 million a year. So it's a tidy little contract. And both parties have a bit of gamble to take because you don't know which way the you don't know which way the supply costs are going. Also just congratulations to Claire McDonough, the new president of letter Kenny chamber, a co owner of La Maison Interior Design Studio in letter Kenny. She was appointed at the AGM taking over from Neil Rabbit of Ireland radio. So best of luck to Claire. Yeah, a good chat with her. Was it Friday? Actually, I think it was. Okay, right. Let's get down to business. The Business Matters podcast this week. Chris, who've you been chatting to? I've been speaking with Axel Pavlik, who is originally from Germany, now lives in Port Salon, came over here on holidays a couple of time fell in love with Tony goal, retired from his positions abroad. And a couple of years ago, decided to make some high end and rather stunningly attractive chocolates and his business has taken off. And his brand is known as the chocolate man from Tony. I wonder is that a bit of German confidence? Could a would a don't go man say the chocolate man from don't go? I don't know. He's probably is a don't go man now living here. But maybe that's all the German heritage has given him that confidence. The little box, you see them in number of outlets around the county and it just it's a lovely box. The chocolates. There is a wow factor there. It's the higher end of the market, but he's creating them. And I went down to his little kitchen in the old school community center in Kerry Keele where it's all taking place and he showed me what was happening and explained to me just how his business has gone so far. So I started now two years ago on a very small scale, figuring it all out. How do I package those things once I have them? How do I send them around the world without them melting or falling over and being smashed on the way, selling them locally on the market is fun in the in the shops. And then there's from the blue gold called me the chocolate man. And it's someone said, Oh, that's actually maybe the Tony called chocolate man. Maybe there's a brand in there. And that's what it became. The whole setup here in the community center in Kerry Keele is very beneficial in that I pay for the time that I use the kitchen. So if I don't use it much, I don't pay much. So that's friendly for basic incubator for small business like this. And last year, I started to think of it as a business actually. And I'm amazed to say that it was self financing. Okay, interesting. And it's going to be interesting to listen to the full interview and find out all the different stuff he makes and the different flavors and what have you. So that's available for you to listen at your leisure. You can stream it on our website or download it and listen when you're out for a walk or whatever you want to do when it suits you. It's on Spotify and iTunes as well and broadcast on the radio too at the weekend, Chris. Yep. On Sunday after the six o'clock news so you can hear all about these chocolates and it's like fine dining. Do you have a sweet tooth, Chris? I do. I was impressed. So you got samples. Did get a few. Where are they? Not here great. Okay, brilliant stuff. And if anyone wants to get in contact with you, Chris, how do you do this? Yes, Business Matters at HighlandRadio.com is the email address. So every Sunday after six o'clock music goes out. Brilliant stuff, Chris. Thank you very much indeed. That's the Business Matters podcast available for you right now where you can listen on Sunday at six. We're going to take a really quick break and we'll be back live again from the Colgan Hall in just a couple moments. Watch the show live now on YouTube, Facebook and at HighlandRadio.com. The 9-10 inch show with Letter Kenny Credit Union. Simplify your debts with a debt consolidation loan from Letter Kenny Credit Union. Call us on 0749102126 or apply online via our app or in office today. Looking to treat your mom to something personal this Mother's Day? Add your own special touch to the iconic Dunstores e-gift card. Choose a photo of mom or select a snap of someone she loves, whether it's you, a family member or even a furry friend. Upload your photo and we'll add it to her e-gift card which she can use across fashion, food and homeware. Buy and send a personalized e-gift card at any time or schedule it to arrive on Mother's Day. Dunstores, always better value. Terms, conditions, exclusions and minimum spend apply. So what do you want to watch tonight? Oh, what about uh, can't find something to watch? Introducing Skystream, the new way to get Sky. It takes all your shows out of all your apps and channels and puts them in one place so you can end the uh, oh, that looks good. Search Skystream today. Sky, believe them better. Requires broadband and relevant third party subscriptions. Further terms apply. Donegal's newest and largest live music and cocktail venue is coming soon to Balabuffet. This March, come and experience Gallon's Bar featuring 18 screens, 12 live music acts weekly, four bars across two floors including two cocktail bars, a wine bar and a rooftop beer garden. Gallon's Bar, Balabuffet, something for everyone. Strictly over 21's venue. Follow on Instagram, Gallon's Bar for more details, competitions and the reveal of our official opening date. On March 8th, we'll be asked to vote in two referendums. The first referendum is about how our constitution recognizes families and the second proposes to replace existing wording with new text to provide recognition for care within families. Find out more in the booklet delivered to your home or see electoralcommission.ie forward slash referendums. Your vote is your voice. So be a voter on Friday, March 8th from on Commission in Tauakon, Ireland's independent electoral commission. And you're very welcome back to the 9 till noon show here live from the Colgan Hall. And there's a great buzz now here with the events that are taking place downstairs from us. It's part of the celebration of your voice, your community. It's part of International Women's Day with Inner Shown Development Partnership and the Inner Shown Colt which plays a big part in supporting initiatives like this. And we've had some wonderful guests so far on the program. It's been really great getting to meet and listen to some of those people. And our next guest is Carmel Daherty, Barrick Hill Town Park Steering Committee Chair, English Language Tutor and Chair of Karandana Ukraine Support Group. Could you not take a few other things on, Carmel? Maybe a few other minutes in the day you could use up? Yeah, well, there are a few more projects, Greg, that I'm interested in pursuing in the future. People will recognize email deputy principal in Karandana Community School, I suppose, as we approach International Women's Day. Important to recognize that as well. Yeah, it really was. And it was, well, it was a great opportunity. It was also a great challenge. But it brought a different skill set to the senior management team in Karandana Community School. And at that stage there were about 1,500 pupils there. So it gave me an opportunity to make small changes. Like cultural changes? I know that's a big buzzword around that at the moment. But I don't know about the sort of, you know, maybe a male-dominated culture. Oh, yeah. And it always was a male-dominated culture. But, you know, and while the leaders that were in the school, you know, were totally into education, I think what I brought to the school was, you know, an absolute commitment and dedication to maybe help those that weren't heard. So my one of my first roles would have been a special needs coordinator. And, you know, I was passionate about that because I really felt and still feel very strongly that people who are differently abled, and I'm not going to use the word disabled because I really strongly feel differently abled, and with special needs, you know, had to be heard. Yeah. And to have to have kind of a fearless champion for them as well. So I suppose that... Must have been really rewarding then to be able to go in and affect change that would have such a significant impact on people's lives and not just in the present, but as they went through their lives. And, you know, maybe some of the things that you're introduced has changed the pathway for people in a positive way. It's a lovely thing to be a part of, I imagine. Yeah. It was. And it was, you know, it was a great opportunity for me. And, you know, I hope, I mean, I went into the deputy principal to make a positive impact on young people's lives in Anishone, in North Anishone. And, you know, I think I did. And that is great. And I suppose that is what has inspired me now when I retired. And I was lost when I retired because that job was, you know... It seemed like everything at the time. It was everything, you know. So I was a bit lost when I retired. But then you bumped into four other inspirational women. I certainly did. What takes you? What happened then? And I was out walking in the Barrichel Town Park, which was also created by an inspirational current woman, Aideen Lacken. And I happened to meet Granja, Helen, Frances, and Kathleen. And they were growing organically as a community in the Barrichel. And, fortunately, they invited me to join. And, you know, the Barrichel Community Gardens is an amazing place. Yes. We... It's the place that everyone who is new to Cairndon eventually gravitates towards. And it gets you, yeah. So we have, we've had Syrians there. We've had the Ukrainians there. English, American, Indians. And we grow food together. But beyond the food, you grew bonds and links. Yes. It is about growing and it's great to have your hands in the soil and to learn from each other. But we've learned about each other's cultures. We've learned about each other's tradition. We have formed bonds. And it is... And I mean, I know it's kind of cliche to say that, you know, growing is good for your mental health. But I mean, this growing has helped an awful lot of people, including myself, when I was lost after retiring, to, you know, feel that there was a worth, that, okay, I was retired, but I still had something to contribute. We need that though, don't we? Absolutely. That's why people should start planning, you know, as soon as they can. Well, what am I going to do when I start working? Because there's that inevitable gap. How can you, you know, work the 810, how every hour is the day that you work, and then that to stop and not have something else to fill that void? And it is a void. Yeah, it's a huge void. And in a rural area, it's a huge void. I think what's interesting too about you and the fellow locals in inverted commas and those that have become locals, people from a Ukrainian, Indian, Syrian background, is that I suppose when you're together, you can celebrate what you have in common. But I presume individually, you don't feel that your culture has been threatened, you can respect other people's culture, but also celebrate what you have in common. And I wonder, and there's a lot of people aren't comfortable with that, and I get that and I respect those views. But it's kind of that on a national scale, that this and so many other countries need to sort of maybe acquire. I totally agree, Greg, because at the end of the day, when I met the Ukrainians by accident, I bumped into them at a volunteer fair here in the Colgan Hall, and I met first of all Elena. And you know, they were human beings. That is what struck me, was real problems, real issues. And all I could see was when I met these young families, all I could see was my own grown up children. And if they were landed in a foreign land without the language, would there be somebody that would kind of look after them? And no, I'm not threatened. I see them as having the same problems as ourselves. Yeah. And through your work and through the general work of integration and what have you, Ukrainians, what do they need? How can we meet those needs? There was the creation of a good and new shop, but it was a two-way street too, because obviously these people have moved into an area facing its own challenges, and the biggest challenge facing initially at the moment is the defective concrete crisis. And that shop was able to feed. And that's the kind of small gesture that we need. These are the small gestures that we need. So they had made a profit of 700 euro in the goodest new shop, which was again supplied to us by Helen Nolan, another really inspirational caring woman and past people have carried on a community school. And they give that 700 euro profit to the Micah families. Carmel, it's been lovely speaking to you. Thank you very much. Have you been downstairs yet? I have been downstairs. It's a nice buzz there, isn't it? It is a fabulous buzz. And the whole array of different cultures. Okay, Carmel, thank you very much indeed. That's Carmel Daherty there, who's Barrack Hill, Tampox, Steering Committee Chair, English Language Tutor, Chair of the Karandana Ukraine Support Group, and of course former principal in Karandana Community School. We are broadcasting live in case you aren't aware, from the Colgan Hall here in beautiful Karandana. We're celebrating International Women's Day in association with the Ineshaun Development Partnership and Ineshaun Co-op. And we've got some live music for you in a moment. But first, we want to introduce to you some of those that have just came in for the day, I suppose. I'll say good morning to you first. Georgina Key, how are you keeping Georgina? All good, thank you very much. So are you here purely to soak it up, inspect and enjoy what's going on? You're here as a guest, or do you have work to do as well? A little bit of both, I've very much enjoyed the event, but I'm here as a Highland Dance Teacher, so I was sharing a bit of knowledge about Ulster Scott's culture, and one of my dancers was performing. So what is Highland Dancing? So traditionally I suppose it was created in the Highlands of Scotland, it's the whole kilt hands above the heads, traditional Highland Dancing, but it's very, very prevalent, especially in Northern Ireland, but there's also a few Donegal-based dance schools as well. You're also part of a cross border project, aren't you? Talk to me a little bit about that. Yep, so I work for the Northwest Cultural Partnership, which are based in Derry, London, Derry, and we have a project that works with ourselves and with IDP here in Enish Owen, so it's a cross border project bringing people together through the arts. It's been very exciting so far, we've actually had a grip of traditional musicians and dancers, Highland and Irish dancers, who have recently performed at Dublin Castle for the Taoiseach and also at Downing Street for the Prime Minister, so it's been a very interesting process. Lovely stuff, and I'm also in the company of Christine Carlin. Christine, if you don't mind me saying, you look fantastic. Oh thank you. What a lovely outfit you have on. Thank you. Christine, are you here today just as a guest and just to soak it up? I am here to enjoy every bit of it. And what do you think so far, Christine? International Women's Day is absolutely wonderful, and the organization, you know, to get this all together, it is absolutely amazing. You attended a couple of events like this, didn't you attend one in Ballyf and not so long ago as well? I didn't eat, I didn't eat and it was amazing as well. And what do you enjoy most? Is it meeting other people? Is it the social side of it? Is it seeing some of the, you know, the products that are on display or the performances of that matter? All of it, the history of it, the communication, and it is absolutely uplifting, it is really, really a marvelous day. But your connections to the Colgan Hall go beyond just coming here today. Yes. You've got a wonderful family connection to the history of this place, don't you? My, my elite father, he was a boy soprano. Oh wow. And he sang in this hall as a child. On that stage? He was ten years old. Wow. And believe it or not, I attended this school, the secondary school, but since then I've been a member of the drama group Patsy Kavana's drama group in Green Castle. Right here. And we done a play here. And also we had different groups, you know, that met up here. So I'm quite used to the, and I'd quite a lot of relations taught in the Colgan Hall. So this was formerly a school? Is that correct now? Yes, this was my secondary school. Really? Okay. You don't know what your dad sang here. I know you weren't around and it was a long time ago, just in case it was passed down through the history. Yeah, but my, my late father, I presume he was a soprano because he was only ten, I think, when he sang here. And my elders, my two boys, my two sons, Patrick and Paul, they were both boys sopranos. I can just imagine him singing like goodbye. Do you know that song? Yes. Do you know something about that there? You can almost hear it. Yeah. And the music, like my brother, my late brother James, when he sang, he was like Charlie Pryde. Okay. My elder son, Patrick, he sings like Charlie Pryde. There you go. My younger son, Paul, he sings, he plays the guitar, the violin. That's enough. I already dislike him. He's too talented. Yes. So you haven't told me what you think, Christine. You've mentioned all the other, all the other family members. I won't ask you to sing. Don't worry. Yes. But do you have a tune in you? Not that I would ask you to sing. Yes. I am, I am a member of the Colnacala Choir in the University in Latter County. Right. And this is my seventh year being there. And to say I have enjoyed it would be an understatement. The understatement is a year. I've enjoyed every moment of it. And I would like this moment to wish our amazing director, Veronica McCarn, and all my colleagues in the choir, my family, and all my neighbors and friends a very happy, happy time and a beautiful day. Christine, it's lovely having you. Thank you so very much for calling up. And I think just it's really nice to have a connection to the history of here with your, with your father. And also obviously, Christine, lovely having you in, but you could listen to, sorry not Christine, Georgina, you could listen to Christine all day, couldn't you? Absolutely. But I have to keep an eye on the clock here. I think we could go on for an hour, Christine, if we had it. But it's been lovely speaking to you. Thank you so much for calling up. And we'll let you go back and enjoy the rest of the day. My appreciation. Georgina, thank you so polite as well. Georgina, thank you so very much indeed. Thanks for having me. It's been really lovely chatting to you too as well. That's Christina Carlin and Georgina Keane. Thank you very much. No, it's our pleasure to have you, Christina. We're coming close to the end of this special night to noon show live from the Colgan Hall here, just a few feet away from the very stage that Christine Christine's father sang as a soprano age 12 at the opening of the Colgan Hall. And then of course she also went to secondary school here. So a lovely sense of the history which I love are also all about the current and the future. We're going to take a break and we're going to be coming back with some live music for you. So stay tuned for that. We've got a number of guests going to come into our outside broadcast studio here and we're going to hear some music from them. So as we get that all set up for you, we're going to take a quick break, rejoin us in a few moves. That's moments, by the way. I don't know if I should remember my age. The 90 noon show is brought to you by Letter Kenny Credit Union. Digital loans now available. Apply online or via our app today and get your loan transferred directly to your current account. This Mother's Day treats your mum to a delightful experience at Radisson Blue Letter Kenny. Come together for a sumptuous lunch from 12.30 to three on Sunday the 10th of March for just the 4.95 person. The kids menu is also available. Reserve your table today by calling 9194444. Make your mum's day memorable with Radisson Blue Letter Kenny. Attention Vodafone customers. Vodafone 3G is switching off to make your 4G and 5G networks faster. So make sure you're ready for when 3G goes by setting up 4G and Wi-Fi calling on your phone to enjoy enhanced coverage. But if there's no option to do this, you may have to upgrade to a newer 4G capable device. Find out more about how to set up or upgrade by calling in-store or search Vodafone 3G switch off. Vodafone, together we can. Get all your training and match day essentials at Michael Murphy Sports from GAA gloves to mouth guards and grip socks to boots. Also shorts, base layers and training equipment. Gear up for pre-season and match days with the new Dunnegal Home Jersey and the Dunnegal GAA Rockway range of sweaters, bottoms and half zips at MichaelMurphySports.ie Highland Radio Weather Updates with Ireland West Airport. Time to book the family summer holiday. Fly to Barcelona, Faro, Milan, Mallorca and much more for a perfect family getaway. Ireland West Airport, don't just take off, take it easy. Okie doke, rather cloudy but stay mostly dry with a few isolated patches of light rain. Southeast breezes will freshen with highest temperatures of 9 to 11 degrees and I can tell you the weather has wonderful here in Carandana today if not just a little chilly, but you don't mind that. Cloudy and perhaps a little damp this evening with a fresh south easterly breeze. Lowest temperatures overnight of 4 to 6 degrees. I'll give you a wee heads up of what's happening tomorrow. It's going to be a cloudy start with some light patchy rain, but sunny spells will develop by the afternoon and it'll become mostly dry too. South easterly breezes will persist through the day temperatures of 8 to 10 degrees. Ok as we edge towards the end of the program we are welcoming into our room here a number of guests and we are saying good morning first to Alevtina. I want to make sure I get the pronunciation of your name correct. Alevtina. Ok Alevtina it's lovely to have you here. You are director of the Ukrainian choir and have you performed yet or you're performing a little later? Yes actually we are quite new choir and there is not a lot of us. Now we're most likely a vocal ensemble more than choir but we will grow up I hope. And our first performance was on this Christmas. So it's like a few months we're singing together and today really delighted to join the celebration of International Women's Day and sing together. And it's an all female collective? Actually yeah as you've seen today. Actually sometimes a couple of men could join us but it doesn't matter who will sing in general. And how long have you been in Ireland now Alevtina? I'm in Ireland like year and a half almost. And from where in Ukraine did you come from? I came from the east of Ukraine. Ok so which is particularly intense with what's happening at the moment? Yes yes from the interest. And how's life been like for you here so far? It was interesting from the beginning it was really nice and I was surprised how people nice here. I was surprised how people have a patience to understood each other. For example if I made mistake in English because obviously it's not my first language and I never spoke English before I came here so it's a bit stressful but almost I think it was I think maybe from all this time I had maybe one bad conversation when someone was insulting me because of language but nothing else people so polite I'm so surprised and this experience is unforgettable experience in many reasons because of people because I find that Irish people are a bit similar to people in my country in some way. I was surprised in a good way. Actually of course nature here it's more than beautiful my eyes was distracted when I just came here it was hard to focus on long distance on these beautiful hills mountains on the ocean all of that beauty yeah so it's it wasn't a first month it was nice month to rest to get used to life in different place and then we started to do something to to sing first of all I and a couple of my friends we joined to Van Kranos square of ages that's why we were inspired to maybe made some something just by for us and and what are you going to perform for us in a moment yeah today we will sing a song it's in Ukrainian called a piece nebudy pomizhnas but in translation it means the song will be among us it was written by Ukrainian composer and performer Volodymyr Vasyuk in 1971 as this song is sung by a man who relies that he cannot be near his beloved in that moment but what will be always but they will be always together in song and it's song that they can be each other together and just in song this way it's a bit more symbolic song for us and yeah and how important is it I mean obviously to be part of the the Irish community and what have you but how important is it I suppose as many of you if not all of you miss home and you know maybe have lost loved ones and family members and away from your homeland to be able to come together and and sort of celebrate Ukrainian culture and music actually every time when we hear each other's language in different places it makes our feel a bit happy a bit more but surprised because we I think most of us used to hear English to adjust to all these situations to to life there and to be together to sing together on on our language it means do not forget where are we from do not forget some beautiful songs which was forget by some reason maybe and that's why it's also every time it's just pleasure of singing it to be together okay I'll have Tina I'll let you take your place join with the the rest of these singers you're going to hear a song now and you heard the background from I'll have Tina yourself who is the director of the Ukrainian choir the choir performing at the event today the 17-minute members in total we have a number of them here and as I say they are going to perform for us right now so whenever you're ready very much indeed that was absolutely wonderful and we really appreciate you all of you coming in that's the Ukrainian choir there and that's why we have to leave it on this special line till noon show I want to thank all the crew at the Colgan Hall for making us feel so welcome it's been lovely to be part of your voice your community as part of International Women's Day thanks to Inishon Development Partnership and the Inishon Co-op thanks to Caroline All who researched and produced the show Shannon working on the program as well and Joe Dex who looked after us from a technical standpoint we're back in studio tomorrow but that's where we have to leave it today stay tuned John Bresson is coming up