 action. Hundreds of affected homeowners have already expressed their intent to join the complaint. Well, there's been another indication that the implementation of the Defective Concrete Block Grant scheme is imminent. It's understood the regulations are to be signed off this week after many false dawns. The chair of the Micah Action Group, however, says there's still no guarantee or definitive date as to when this will happen. Talks took place last week between Donegal County Council and the Department of Housing, with the council's chief executive, John McLaughlin, saying he believes genuine and valid concerns raised are being heard. Lisa Horn says the continuous delays as evidence that denying pre-legislative scrutiny on the bill was for nothing. It just utterly makes a mockery of their statement this time last year when they refused pre-legislative scrutiny on the grounds of urgency that the scheme is not yet signed off. The pre-legislative scrutiny is a process which would have served to really interrogate the legislation and produce better quality legislation, eliminate its issues now and also on implementation. Dee Forbes has announced she is resigning as Director-General of Ortee with immediate effect. She's apologised for her part in the ongoing controversy surrounding the extra payments given to Ryan Tubberty. Adding that as Director-General, she is the person ultimately accountable. Her resignation means she is no longer compelled to appear immediately before the erotic media and public accounts committees this week. She and Fiennes Media spokesperson Imelda Monster believe she still should become before the committees. What she said was that she cares deeply about Ortee and the people that work for it and that she's the person ultimately accountable. So on those grounds alone, if you're to take her resignation statement as genuine, you would imagine that she would want to assist in clearing matters up and answer the questions that everybody needs answers to. When Letter Kenny has been fined to be clean when compared to European norms, it's dropped down to 21st in eyeballs ranking of 40 times in cities in Ireland down from 6th place last year. According to Jantoschke, which carried out the summer litter survey, a number of sites in Letter Kenny missed the top litter grade, such as the N56 Dunfanahia Pro Trude and Letter Kenny Shopping Centre Car Park. While commending the Bryson Recycling Facility and Letter Kenny Tine Park, Letter Kenny Boss Station was fined to be the most heavily littered site. Finally, for whether, generally, Clydee start today with isolated shards, some dry spells later in the afternoon, with highest temperatures of 16 to 19 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. Enjoy top class speeds in Ireland's fastest 5G network. Offer in soon. Visit in store or at 3.i.e. 3 for a better connected life. 40 Euro per month price plan. Subject to 24 month minimum term and annual price increase. Terms and conditions apply. Based on analysis by Oogloff Speed Test Intelligence static Q3 to Q4 2022. The county's number one talk show. The 9 till noon show on Highland Radio. And now it's time for the talk of the Northwest, the 9 till noon show with Greg Hughes on Highland Radio. Hello. Good morning to you. Very welcome along to another week of the 9 till noon show. How are you keeping? How was your weekend? How did it go? Let us know. If you want to talk about anything on the show today, get in touch. I'll give you the numbers now in a second. Pass on some information. Maybe you need us to work on something for you. Whatever it might be 08 660 25,000. That's the WhatsApp and text number 08 660 25,000. You can give us a call to an 07 491 25,000. We have Caroline and Neve taking your calls as usual. And if you want to email its comments at Highland Radio.com, right? That happened over the weekend. A busy one, wasn't it? I mean, there was that whole situation in Russia where it seemed like everything was going to change forever. And then it all of a sudden didn't change. But that all still rumbling on lots of people interested in that will have an expert on such matters joining us a little later on in the program. And I kind of flagged how that I thought this RTE store, I thought it was going to be a big one. I never expected to be quite as big as it actually is, even though I knew it was going to make an awful lot of headlines. It is across all the papers, all the shows all weekend and it continues this morning. We'll be talking about that a little later on as well. Your views, as I say, as the morning progresses are encouraged, may demanded, right? Let's see what's making the front of the paper. Good news story from the Donegal news this morning. A Scottish based IT company will open a new base in Guidor tomorrow as a major recruitment campaign gets underway. Be positive, employ over 50 people in their Scottish base and is now in the early stages of setting up an office in G tech. A recruitment campaign is in progress for their Donegal office in the heart of the gale talk to the company has said that the number of jobs created will be linked to the success of that campaign. On to the dairy news this morning, no clinic out of sorry, no out of ours dental pain clinic in Western trust. The Western trust had the lowest number of dental practices and dentists per 100,000 people in the North in 2023. There was a 10.4% drop in the number of dental practices in the Western trust per 100,000 people between 2014 and 2023. This was the second biggest drop of all the trusts and was significantly bigger than the North's 8.7% average. Right on to the nationals. And as I say, you'd struggle to find anything other than the Ryan Topperty pay controversy on the front of the station's executive Ms Forbes is among a number of key RTE figures who have been invited before the two Eroctus committees this week as the scandal surrounding hidden RTE payments continues to unfold. And as I said, you'd struggle to find anything other than the number of dental practices and dentists per 100,000 people between 2014 and 2023. The RTE payments continues to unfold and lo and behold, as was is the norm. And we were talking about this last week as it relates to trying to get into the bottom of scandals in the HSC and other organizations in this state. Dee Forbes has now tendered her resignation so she's no longer obliged to appear before those two Eroctus committees. Now, I don't know what that means or if there's any consequences for her severance package that she would have presumably for standing down, but she has jacked it in. She was due to finish in a couple of weeks anyway. But now that she has an in fairness, she had a big shot at the board of RTE on her way out, but now that she has resigned this morning, she no longer is compelled to answer questions in front of these Eroctus committees. But I'll read on here. There is huge anger both within RTE and among the public at large as the fallout continues from the 340,000 euro in hidden payments to present a Ryan Toberty. The issue of corporate governance at RTE will be discussed at the Eroctus Media Committee on Wednesday, followed by the Public Accounts Committee on Thursday. There is no indication yet whether Ms Forbes will attend the meetings, though as I say she's resigned this morning so it doesn't have to. When asked to clarify if she would be there, an RTE spokesperson was not in a position to elaborate notification of invitations to both committees, have been received, RTE will be attending the spokesperson said, but as I say, D Forbes no longer obliged to do so or even really might no longer feel compelled to do so. As I say, the coverage continues in the Irish Daily Mail. RTE told Agent to the stars Noel Kelly to send invoices to a UK registered company in order to siphon the hidden payments to his client Ryan Toberty. The national broadcaster arranged for the creation of invoices labelled as consultancy services which were then sent to and settled by the British media firm Astus last year. So this is not simply a case of going to a third party company and saying look, will you enter into an arrangement yourselves with Ryan Toberty because we've said that we'll cut his pay. He wants to maintain his pay levels. So to keep it off the books, you know, Renault, I think it was Renault Ireland, will you pay him directly 75 euro and you'll get such and such in return. It was more than that because invoices were created purposely it would seem to hide the money. Mr Toberty's name was not included by the way on any paperwork or payments in the barter relationship between the two entities. It emerged yesterday that Mr Kelly sent the invoices to RTE which forwarded them to Astus. The payments were processed at a total cost of €130,000. Toberty's €150,000 top-up payment were in lieu of the money Renault was supposed to pay as part of the commercial deal with the presenter in exchange for a number of appearances. However, the car manufacturer pulled out of the deal which meant RTE had to foot the bill because they underrated and they said effectively if Renault don't pay you the money, we will. Now the invoices that Astus received were for €75,000 for two years, that's 21 and 22 and they did not refer to Mr Toberty or his company, Total Productions, it was reported that was an explicit instruction by RTE to anonymise the transactions and use no name. So purposely these payments, and this is your money by the way this money was purposely hidden, they were told expressly do not put anybody's name on these invoices and there you go. Alright, the Irish Times this morning Kiev and Washington have said Ukraine's counter-offensive against Moscow's invasion force can exploit the turmoil caused in Russia by the Wagner mercenary group's brief revolt and the cracks it exposed in the Kremlin's authority. Wagner fighters seized the major southern Russian city of Rostov on Saturday and then set off to convoy towards Moscow, it was really quite remarkable. So they'd been planning this seemingly for months they built up along the Ukraine-Russian border. This group of fighters and this is the level of defences that Russia has, they were able to just go in without a bullet being fired and take over Rostov. Then you had Vladimir Putin if you weren't aware going on the TV, state media in the morning saying you know this is an insurrection or this is a knife in the back this is, these people are going to be arrested they're breaking the law, calling for sticks, heads on sticks and all that kind of stuff but nonetheless the Wagner fighters then left Rostov headed up the N4 and were just outside Moscow and then lo and behold, something changed Wagner's leader, he's fleeing the country some of the troops are going to be absorbed into the Russian army but still many many people believe that this is far from over. Well Wagner fighters as I mentioned seized the major southern Russian city of Rostov on Saturday and then set off in convoy towards Moscow smashing through barricades and shooting down several military aircraft as panicked authorities dug trenches across major highways to stop their advance. The mercenaries went back to base after a deal was agreed that neither they nor leader Yefgeni Prygozny would face charges and he would go into exile in Belarus but as I say it doesn't and still doesn't make sense because much of the Russian army seemed to have thought what the Wagner crew were doing was the right thing to do as I say it's it's far from over that situation but we'll have an analysis of it for you a little later on in the program if you want your view I'll wait 60, 25,000. This is a strange one in the sun today it's elsewhere as well and eco groups that's an environmental friendly loving group an eco group is terrifying SUV drivers by using lentils to deflate their tires. The tire extinguishers are on the prowl in Posh South Dublin in a bid to get gas clusters off the streets in urban areas warning don't take it personally. The group carried out a series of coordinated global actions against huge vehicles that pollute our air, destroy our climate and make our cities unsafe and they claimed to have deflated 30 SUVs in Dunleara last weekend using lentils. The small bean is pushed inside the valve the cap and then when it's replaced air so in other words you screw the cap it presses against the valve and deflates the tires air hisses out as the lentil pushes down on the pin. A note was left by the group that read we have deflated one or more of your tires you'll be angry but don't take it personally it's not you it's your car. We did this because driving around urban areas in your massive vehicle has huge consequences for others. Now does anyone at their support their actions await 60, 25,000 WhatsApp or texts? Well if you get out of the car you might get onto the bike but it is a dangerous enough activity according to latest statistics the mirror tells us that almost 1400 people were hospitalised as a result of cycling crashes last year according to details released under the Freedom of Information Act 367 of those injured cyclists were under the age of 19 the figures obtained by the mirror also reveal how 80 were aged over 70 they had inpatient admissions in HSE hospitals. Keene cyclist Kieran Cannon was knocked off his bike by an SUV at Moicolyn County Galway in July 2021 and is interviewed off the back of that but 14,000 cyclists hospitalised in a single year right across the country apparently. And finally maybe it's a case of lucky you. But there's millions of you or a million of you. The great exodus has begun with over 1 million people expected to head off on some holidays in the coming days now again this is a question based on what we might feel anecdotally but are there as many tourists around do you think more people now because we're post COVID apparently there's a few quid knocking about the place that more people are going on foreign holidays I wonder is that being seen in the tourist hotspots around the northwest that less people are about because they're choosing to fly elsewhere let us know if that's what you're seeing 08 660 25,000 well over a million people as I mentioned expected to head off on some holidays in the coming days and those leaving the country picked a good time to go as forecasters are predicting a week of unsettled weather with plenty of rain and even isolated thunderstorms it emerged yesterday more than 1 million passengers will pass through Dublin airport over the next 10 days that being said many of those aren't going on holidays you know they're going to popping over somewhere or indeed probably leaving the country haven't been here already on their own holidays but look it will round it up to a million Dublin Airport reminded passengers due to fly out to be in their terminal two hours before short haul flight and three hours prior to a long-haul departure but if you are going away on holidays I'm not in the mood for that. Have a safe travels enjoy yourself don't overdo it on the first night and ruin the rest of the holiday take your time enjoy it okay let us know where you're going 08 660 25,000 okay we'll move on with our next guest on the show but let's first take our first commercial break the newspapers are courtesy of Kelly Centra mountaintop letter Kenny the 2022 C store national off license of the year show with the Lennon festival remelton from the 6th to the 10th of July save the date and gather your friends for an incredible line up featuring Sharon Shannon Abba sensations and Jimmy Buckley the paving store a creative landscaping works in other Kenny have all you need to give your driveway patio or yard the wow factor with the full range October more paving bricks and flags walling carves and edging they're also done it goes leading of millboard decking and cladding they have the largest range of artificial grass in the northwest and a huge range of outdoor play accessories see the unique displays and talk to the experience team at the paving store this Nenon letter Kenny on 07492 05039 at Manor Motors Opel we're half full type of people which is how we come up with the Opel 5050 finance offer choose from the Opel Crossland Corsa or Mocha select option paired with three years free servicing and meet your new other half discover more about Opels 5050 offer the Opel open road event see Manor Motors.ie for details finances provided by way of a consumer higher purchase agreement by Bank of Ireland Finance lending criteria and conditions supply over 18 zillion ownership remains with Bank of Ireland until the final payment is made Bank of Ireland trading at Bank of Ireland Finance is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland enhance your skills with SIFTECH's part funded training 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 Highland Radio time checks with Expressway travel route 32 from letter Kenny to Dublin when you book online and travel for less Expressway bringing you the time alright the time's 18 minutes past 9 good morning Hugo listening or watching us in Wexford on Facebook John Charlie Paul and Rosemary you're very welcome along watching the 9 till noon show just a reminder for you that you can watch this program every day 9 till 12 on YouTube Highland Radio Ireland across our Facebook channels Highland Hub Highland Radio News & Sport Highland Radio News & Sport are on Twitter right okay Connor Hawken of iBall that's Irish business against litterers on the show now good morning to you Connor good morning right okay letter Kenny's mixed mixed fortunes for in the latest survey it is down the rankings but is still considered clean yeah that's right I mean letter Kenny really hit the heights last year finished in sixth position in our ranking of 40 towns and cities this morning it's down to 21st but I just say it is still clean and that is the main thing and I suppose the other good news is that there was only one heavily littered site in the town that was letter Kenny bus station very unusual actually to find a bus or train station in such bad condition and other than that there were just a number of sites that failed to hit the top litter grade that don't finally approach road letter Kenny's shopping center park and on Tashka inspector says with a little effort cleanliness could easily be achieved in these areas and lots of good areas of course the recycle facility and but Bryson recycle was a great a and there was the kill toy approach road was great a don't you go counter museum of great B plus so pretty good as well and so the upper main street was a great B plus so you know nothing really bad but just a general presence of litter that brought it down the right yeah I don't know letter Kenny bus station has been has been signaled out but at the front it was grand your inspector had to dig around a little bit to find the force to yeah yeah I mean I'm not there myself and I don't know what I presume this must be pretty evident this litter for it to be picked up and by our inspector talks about alcohol cans and sweet fast food wrappers promotional flares and glass bottles and the comment was made it looked like a thorough cleaning had not taken place in some time so that's something that's probably relatively easily fixed and not a problem we've had with the bus station in the past that would see Kilkenny go back up the right letter Kenny yeah indeed and and is there a series of visits is it one off visit now I do note that you did say that the the inspector's conclusion was is that this is an area that hadn't been cleaned for some time but generally speaking is it one visit Connor is it on the day how how do your inspectors well there's well they're tasked with envisaging the town at least twice a year and they're also advised that if there's anything exceptional taking place like a fair or some sort of a sports event or something that it should be avoided so they're asked to deliver a representative picture of the town but yes based on a single visit right one of the last times we spoke if not the last time discarded PPE was an issue right across the country the focus seems now to be on disposable vapes that they're being seen by inspectors well it we included them because we hear a lot from tidy towns groups and other volunteers who are out picking up the litter we hear a lot about the presence quite suddenly of these disposable vape now so we included them they were in 6% of the many hundreds of sites we surveyed so you know that wouldn't be on a par now with other forms of litter but we fear it may grow and of course there is the point that they're a particularly harmful form of litter because not only are they plastic but there they contain batteries lithium batteries which are toxic so and you know people need to be concerned about how these items are being disposed of yeah and coffee cups continue to be a problem I mean we've the remnants of PPE it's certainly disappearing we don't see the masks anymore unsurprisingly we've seen a fall in the number of alcohol cans and bottles though they're still present but they're not nearly as present as coffee cups so I think that behaviour has just sort of embedded itself of you know picking up a coffee and going for a stroll or whatever a coffee on the go and unfortunately too many of these cups are ending up on our streets and we're talking about a coffee cup levy I think the greens are keen to push that but it seems to be infighting in government that's stopping that actually taking place we do need to disincentivise coffee cups you know because I mean whether they're recyclable or compostable doesn't make a whole lot of difference when they when they're not being put in the proper material anyway and that's clearly happening based on the litter we're seeing. Alright Connor thanks very much for your time this morning Connor Hogan our virus business against litter there so mixed report for letter Kenny which is the town that surveyed in the county which of course doesn't tell the whole picture of Donegal it's clean but failed to retain his top 10 spot now in relation to the pardon my ignorance the is this the when they talk about the whereas it's the bus station is that the one just inside the entrance to the shopping centre is it or is that across the road where the buses actually stop I don't know if I'm honest with you because I'm not from Latter-Kanese you might be aware but so what would you see is the Latter-Kanese bus station it's probably pretty obvious to you right okay we were speaking last week to Hugh Harper and you would know Hugh very tragically nine months ago he and Donna lost their beautiful daughter Leona in the Chrysler tragedy and we had this email that came in afterwards I feel compelled to contact you having listened to the interview with Mr Harper nine months after the awful tragedy my heart goes out to all the families as a Chrysler resident living very close to the location of the tragedy I am reminded daily of that awful day I want to know why there is no communication as to what is going on with the investigation and what is happening in relation to the site I think the families and community should have some kind of update now I imagine the investigation is going to take as long as it's going to take and that probably it is a very complex very detailed and one which has to be gotten right at the time of it being released so I can understand perhaps why the investigation is still ongoing as it relates in relation to what is happening to the site I think that is the big question for Hugh and his family and obviously this listener who lives close by also shares also shares that concern right now James is on with us hi James hi even Greg I am alright you are commenting on the Ryan Topperly payments I just want to think about it over the weekend and then suddenly struck me that 330,000 plus because we don't know the full figures yet we will take it at 330,000 that is over 30 years of payment to some individual on dual job seekers allowance, job seekers benefit sorry disability payments and when you look at it that way and that is only his extra that is going to do with his salary over 30 years that average payment is around about 220 a week there on the Social Welfare for an individual and if you multiply that over 11,000 a year multiplied by 30 years you have 330,000 and that is only what we know of and as you say that is only the extra that is the hidden payments that is not his actual salary hi and I mean the disgrace as RTE was out for the begging but we can't continue even though they are getting licence fee most of it they are getting advertising and they are also getting they have got a sort of deal out from the government as well and for them to turn around saying we have no money but here is 300,000 plus and again I said that is only what we know of I think an awful lot more is going to come out whenever these counts are done like that and does it anger you James or what is your emotion when you have heard the story oh very much so because I am involved in community work and I work an awful lot for people with disabilities and when you look at some of the situations that they are in that 3,000 never mind 300,000 could make a big difference to their lives and they are denied we talked about it before about the motorized transport grant was done away with it could be replaced with a new super more inclusive payment never happened the mobile airlines for new applicants never happened and as I say 3,000 extra in the year never mind 330,000 could make an awful big difference for many people with disabilities and for people as well particularly rural developers that are living out in the country and trying to afford the transport of their own so it is angry now I am not angry with Ryan Torbett himself he didn't submit false invoices to our TE yes he should have come out and specified that the salary was wrong whenever it was published but most people don't have to declare what their salary is in Ireland here I have often seen CEOs and everybody is a CEO now and they would even say that their salary is 100% just in relation to that and I agree and look everyone is entitled to get what they can get that is not the bottom line but given the fact that for the last 5 or 6 years the payments were being received and were published in the newspapers and everyone would be aware of them and given the fact that he is working with other staff who were on much less money than him but did actually take a pay cut right 15% pay cut and then considering that in 2019 he said I will never be want found wanting is the phrase isn't it in terms of taking pay cuts if required given all of that I mean there was an extra 75,000 euro resting in his account in the last couple of years and 20, 30 and 20 in the years before and especially given the fact that he was the face of telling us what to do on behalf of the government I'm not trying to have a pile on or to invoke personal criticism of it but I think a more detailed explanation from him would be useful given his very high, very important position because he is just a normal person like you or I or anyone but at the end of the day though when you're on that money and you're in that position I think there's a higher sort of accountability requirement and there might be for you or I James Oh and I thought he was a little bit arrogant alright and just sort of smiling myself there when you use that father's head speaking there you know resting in his account yeah it certainly was it was resting very well hidden and you know a pay cut obviously didn't apply to this extra money either but he I thought he would be even arrogant with his response on it he put in all the blame on our T he hasn't done anything legally wrong no of course not and actually he probably haven't done anything legally wrong I mean maybe they broke some sort of maybe they broke some sort of a guideline or something but look at now that Dee Forbes has mounted her horse and is riding off into the sunset that's it no one will be held accountable that's the end of it really you know no one can get sacked that's pretty I mean the story will rumble on more will come out but at the end of the day everyone will point at each other like that old spider-man meme where everyone you know is about eight spider-man's pointing at each other and that's exactly what this will be like everyone will point at each other no one will the person who was at the head has already departed and that will be it it will rumble on people will get angry and then it will die down and we'll continue with the status quo once again that is the life that's what it's like here in Ireland that's that's that's the way things go on here and if you got 3000 which maybe shouldn't have got then we'll pass much hate on you but 300,000 you're nearly a great man I've heard people say fair play to them talk whatever they could to ask them but it's the license fee player that's here that's really paying it out at the end of the day and that as you say Greg that's the usual thing here move on on to see here but yet no you have people there who's their partner or spouse dies and if they're one week overpaid or social welfare they're written to to say you was that could be just around about 250 to 300 euros if they were paid one payment more or slightly more than one payment more before social welfare swung into action I mean there's an obligation on you to notify social welfare to just continue a payment and yet no social welfare having a role in this although I think Revenue will be looking fairly closely at Ryan's submissions from his company to ensure that money was declared I'm sure it is it was paid through his agent and went into the company which he has with his mother and whatever I mean obviously these people become contractors because it is a way to avoid not avoid but you're not you don't pay as much tax right so he creates a company and all of them do as well all of the top earners and that company gets paid and then there's deductibles and all that kind of stuff but I've no doubt I've no doubt that all that money from Ryan's property side can be accounted for it's just how the deal was done it's just a sobering thought Greg do you think that here we are and the amount of time it's taken up and made cost an absolute small fortune for you reporting all to be done on this and as you say right off onto the sunset with no punishment maybe it's too strong a word for us but I do feel the board need to go as well yeah well we'll see Dee Forbes very critical of the door board but it's just I don't know like do you think it will ever change in that you know the people that dictate our lives to us to some extent highly paid politicians all on over a hundred thousand high paid civil servants I mean some of them are on 300 250,000 they're the ones that you know tell us what to do make the rules for us decide our lives effectively and then you have the people that deliver the news that are supposed to be you know holding these people to account they're supposed to be openness and transparency and as we turns out they're incredibly highly paid the people at the very very top and you know it's just murky again it's another layer of murkiness in this country again you know I mean where does it end how long do we have to live you know many many of us struggling yet the people that determine our fate you know they can do whatever they like the beyond reproach and they just live in this ivory tower or whatever you might call it looking down on us dictating to us what to think it's crazy oh and also the permanent staff no and the Mandarin was there in the departments and it is them that writes the speeches for a lot of the politicians and whatnot and it is them that guide and shape policy and you're absolutely right they're never questioned and if they if they do something particularly that people don't like it's the politician that's blamed but at the end of the day the politician blamed and he said he knows when he said put himself on to the ring for a job like that did yes you will get good salary but if things go pear shaped you also carry the responsibility but there again as you said earlier you bear the responsibility but chances are you'll walk away it's got free all right thanks James for your views if you agree or disagree await 660 25000 right we're going to try and unpack what happened in Russia over the weekend after we take this break stay right where you are watch the show live now on youtube facebook and at highland radio dot com it's important to replace them for you and your family's health grants of up to 5000 euro are now available to help cover the cost of replacement apply for the domestic lead remediation grand scheme today through your local authority for more information visit gov.ie forward slash lead pipes brought to you by the government of Ireland Connelly's MG now open in Columne County Slago the latest addition to the Connelly find your perfect MG driving experience with the award winning range of fully electric and hybrid vehicles at our new showroom at Northwest business park Columne County Slago inquire about our full range today with our team on 071910 6950 or visit our website connelly's.ie now for a taste of southern hospitality at Kelly's American roadside diner hi it's Claire here from Claire clothing our summer sale has started I have loads of discounts of dresses, tops, trousers all of the summer stock so we'll see you at our summer sale in Claire clothing main street Letter Kenny ok professor Donica Obacco joins us on the program now thank you very much for joining us professor good morning Greg it's good to have you on the program right we love things that happen on an international scale a global scale it was a remarkable series of events that we witnessed you'd switch on the news or open Twitter and one thing appeared to be happening and then you'd switch it on again and another thing so I suppose let's try and get through this what happened why did Yefgeny Purgotian the head of Wagner mercenary force why did he turn on the Russian military leadership like he did well I think there's probably a clue in the title of Wagner it's full title it's PMC it's a private military operation it's not coordinated by the state it's not the property of the state and in that sense the contractual obligations of Wagner are to Yefgeny Purgotian to the state and there's been a rivalry taking place for the duration of this invasion of Ukraine between the minister defense Sergei Shoigu and Yefgeny Purgotian Yefgeny Purgotian believes that all the Russian failures in Ukraine are because of incompetence at the top and that Putin more or less should give more to him and in his fight he takes credit for any success that takes place military success from a Russian perspective in Ukraine and this month which eluded many people when the Russian defense ministry ordered the Wagner groups to sign contracts with the Russian government with the Russian military defense so you know this seems to have been brewing for some time there is no way that they could have captured so much territory so quickly unless they had been planning this for quite some time so despite the kind of cavalier approach that Yefgeny Purgotian likes to cultivate this was something that was planned I mean they covered 800 kilometers in a single day you compare that to Russia's you know advanced in Ukraine where they were moving a few meters sometimes every day I mean this was a major attack on the Russian state unprecedented as Vladimir Putin himself said since 1917 and they were able to build up along the Russian border it seems some suggesting they've been doing it for months roll in take over Rostov with little to no well no not a single bullet was fired and then march up the end for making as you mentioned amazing pro progress towards Moscow what was what what happened in such a short amount of time that could have ended this as it did now I'm sure it's not over yet we'll tease that out Donica a little bit in a moment but what could have been I'm just thinking what the Wagner monasteries are thinking themselves I mean they must follow they must follow pregotion to the letter of the law it must like you know to actually coordinate that to turn everyone around or they're not scratching their heads wondering well why is he heading to Belarus so what do you think happened and what do you think the reaction amongst the PMC might be well nobody knows what happened anybody just tells you otherwise is either you know hopefully misinformed or selling a book because there's a lot that's not known here I mean the idea that pregotion is going to you know eke out the rest of his life in Belarus is not plausible indeed his existence in the future is not guaranteed I mean any security guarantee that you get from Vladimir Putin has to be taken with a grain of salt I mean he doesn't tolerate traitors and he described Yevgeny Provision as a traitor on Saturday on national television declaring this kind of emergency situation and you know you can consider how he dealt with people like Scribble he sent emissaries to London to poison him same with the Litvinenko I mean he eliminates rivals he eliminates traitors so yeah it's a very good question I mean why did Progotion bring his men all this way and then you know take them down the hill again certainly there's a lot of unhappiness within Wagner for that reason a lot of defections a lot of people are leaving it's not clear that Wagner as a separate organization has a future despite the fact that it has tens of thousands of men in Africa propping up dictatorial regimes there so there's all sorts of theories that have emerged that you know members of the Progoton family were threatened Gary Kasparov many people will know the chess master Russian oppositionist always compares the Russian state to a mafia organization he says stop thinking of Russia as a normal state think of it like it is a mafia drama and and you know essentially taking family members and threatening them with all sorts of things that's quite possible it may have been just simply dividing up the spoils I mean we all get focusing on the war and think that this is a struggle just about how to prosecute the war in Ukraine but you know you've gained your promotion as a remarkably wealthy man Vladimir Putin's a remarkably wealthy man all the people in the Russian elite of which there are different factions are wealthy people this may have been about dividing up the spoils and he made it may he may have been made an offer that was tempting enough for him to to take away the troops because ultimately it doesn't seem that he was at least from the outside looking for a coup I mean he doesn't seem to have had a plan to run Russia so to speak it was really all the time wanting to be heard I mean he was making all these social media pleas to Putin to get rid of Shoigu and interestingly Shoigu the Minister of Defense hasn't been heard for days now and there are all sorts of rumors that he's going to be dispatched with whether you know I imagine just maybe displaced but there will be some kind of purge within the Russian state to assuage because even though Progosian's existence now is an embarrassment to Putin it undermines his credibility as a dictator he can't really just go and kill him because he would be a martyr he proved to be quite popular during these few days that's the very worrying thing if you're Vladimir Putin how little resistance was put up you know this was an attack on the Russian state it was an attack on Vladimir Putin's regime and nobody came out in the street saying stop nobody tried to push back Wagner not the country that must be that was caused by the Putin some loss of sleep yeah and what has changed too is that I mean the Russian people couldn't have been insulated from what was being claimed as it relates to the motivation for this war the fact that Russian people were just being sent to their deaths effectively you know questioned every premise that Putin had for launching this in the first place I presume that the public would have got wind of that and also to you know what does someone else say right well if it's not going to be them it could be us you know Putin is in a very vulnerable position at the moment clearly because obviously in terms of security from within but also in terms of people probably seeing him as weak now and even the public perhaps seeing him as weak what's he doing? Absolutely no this is going to be discussed around dinner tables in Russia for for a long time to come because you know who comes out as the decisive one as a result of the weekend's events it's Yevgeny Prokoshin I mean he's the one who took the initiative Vladimir Putin waited 24 hours to make a response you can imagine they had already tanks protecting government buildings in Moscow and no public statement from Putin you can imagine if this was Dublin or London or Washington DC and there were tanks protecting government buildings somebody would come out and make a statement Putin waited he vacillated even though intelligence suggests that this was coming for for at least 24 hours before it happened and then it was Prokoshin who called it off you know Putin didn't make a statement Lukashenko it seems intervened so Putin looks like he doesn't have the initiative he seems weak he seems indecisive he certainly doesn't seem to be in control and that means that Russians today are thinking thoughts I think that they've never thought before during his presidency and that's of a Russia without Putin because for it seemed brief but I mean if you were watching the media as everybody was on Saturday seemed awfully like a long time as well it seemed that he was a Russia without Putin that the state was going to collapse and it's very difficult to take yourself back from that feeling of vulnerability the state no longer has a monopoly of violence or certainly that Putin doesn't have a monopoly of violence and that's going to you know as he's now more than 70 years old he's not getting any older and this is certainly not the legacy that he wanted to end with you I mean it was a certain irony there that the 18th month anniversary obviously addressed to the Russian people on the invasion of Ukraine and it was all about projecting Russian powers about making Russia stronger and here he is 16 months the day again addressing the Russian people trying to tell them that the very state itself is in jeopardy and of course he's control over it as well okay and finally just again I can't figure out this progression thing right because like what does what do his soldiers think now I mean he's off to Belarus and I think there's some talk of him being able to retire in Africa or something so who's going to pay their wages what are they going to do I mean that if they're absorbed into the Russian army firstly they were going to effectively could have been fighting against them now they're going to be fighting with them for much less money I mean Wagner also has interests in other countries who's leading them I mean what again and I kind of said this a little earlier on I mean like what a progression could face threats from within the Wagner group themselves presumably there are people within it think for themselves and go well what's going on here what is he what's what deal is he got what happens to us absolutely and again it's very much like a mafia situation there it could simply dissolve and the Russian state could reassert itself I mean the Russian newspapers today some some opinionist or opinion columnist have been arguing that that it was always a bad thing to outsource an army to have a private army in a state I mean the rationale behind Wagner was that it allowed the Russian state to do things that normal states generally aren't allowed to do to send their troops abroad to openly support dictators to get resources from poor countries things like that and of course with the invasion of Crimea in 2014 you remember those little green men with no insignia that was Wagner that's where Wagner first came onto the public consciousness for many people so they were able to do things that you know the Kremlin could deny they gave them this plausible deniability but that has come back to boomerang them now so what we might have going back to your questions about the future Wagner is we might have kind of two Wagner's in a way we might have the Wagner in Ukraine more or less being incorporated into the Russian army which was the desire certainly expressed by the ministry defense and was the order given earlier this month but we might have Wagner as a kind of form you know foreign wing in places like Africa still existing still under the control perhaps if you give any precaution this may have been part of the deal because remember nobody has really come forward and told us the details of this deal all we know is that Moscow was under relentless siege and attack during the weekend indeed the mayor of Moscow said today it was a non-working day because again it was not considered that this crisis will go away quickly and and now the it has subsided but what you can be sure of this is a short-term fix it's a long-term solution not a long-term solution precaution is gone for the moment but the problems remain so very very finally then what happens next and this is crystal ball stuff because obviously the Ukraine and the West will see the weakness here they are in the midst of a counter-offensive which they can accelerate and show a retreating Russian army tie that in with you know the panicked almost panic statement from Putin early Saturday morning and the deal that no one knows anything about like how quickly do you think there could be another move on Putin or something that changes the path of this war that he might choose to do himself he could perhaps claim some sort of a victory and say enough is enough like how do you think this might play out over the few short weeks or months ahead well I think it's it's done irreparable damage to his reputation as a strong man within Russia and also within Ukraine I mean Ukraine is going to take advantage of this now the rushes is quite clearly unstable I mean Russia's difficulty will be Ukraine's opportunity and I think it's demonstrated that Putin is actually in practice despite his rhetoric very flexible with his beliefs you might remember that throughout this war people have been saying that you know Putin says that this is a red line that can't be crossed so you know he has to be given what he wants and what's what's demonstrated is that when he's faced with overwhelming force he backs down and that's what he did I mean he told he said publicly that there would be a brutal put down of this rebellion that there would be punishments and was a traitor and by the end of the day he completely backtracked on all of that and I think there's a lesson that Ukrainians will take from that and hopefully their western partners is that you know Putin responds to strength I mean he exploits weaknesses where he sees them and that's of course why he invaded Ukraine and he's invaded other countries but when faced with overwhelming military force and the odds against him he does back down. Alright thanks so much for all your time this morning. Professor Donico Bako in there a professor of science. It has to be said. Okay let's take a quick break. The 9 till noon show with the Lennon Festival Remelton from the 6th to the 10th of July. Experience the incredible Abba Sensations on Saturday the 8th for ticket information see Lennon Festival Remelton on Facebook. Two gig full fibre broadband from Virgin Media has landed in Dany Gaw. Hear that Ifa? Time to lose yourself in the latest Scandi crime series. I have no idea what's going on here. You should really put on the subtitles. Fair point. Whatever your genre whatever way you play Virgin Media is here. Switch today at virginmedia.ie Virgin Media it's playtime. Subject to location and availability. There's bingo every Monday night at Halfway House Bingo Burnford. Doors open at 7.30 with eyes down at 8.30 2500 Euro Moscow the snowball is now 2800 Euro and 45 numbers are less if you're not in you can't win that's Halfway House Bingo tonight at 8.30 looking for the best place in the Northwest to get a bed or mattress rest X beds a mountain top letter Kenny has a great selection and great prices rest X beds has everything you need for a good night's sleep visit them today and sleep better tonight. Dany Galtown hardware are having their customer day this Saturday with incredible in-store offers kids face painting ice cream van tea and coffee and the chance to win a Palermo corner sofa set with storage and fire pit with over 1300 Euro join us and the Julex dog at the Dany Galtown Hardwares 25th anniversary free family fun event this Saturday the first of July from 11 a.m. Now you're welcome back to the shows we head towards the news at 10 which will have more details on what seems to be an emerging situation. There seems to be quite a significant guard operation in the Shleve League area of South Donagall just north along the coast or west along the coast I suppose you would say of Kili Beggs we understand that a scene has been sealed off there and we are investigating that situation will bring it to you as we get the information but there's definitely a significant situation in that area with access being restricted to a particular point Taipop and I believe the rescue 118 helicopter is has been dispatched as well but as I say stay with us we'll bring you more details on that just as soon as we get it some of your comments on some of the stories we've been talking about this morning does this resignation have to be closed? I would say yes I think we as the taxpayer deserve accountability and if it can be avoided by simply resigning there has to be consequences doesn't there? Another as it's employer why can't the Eroctus refuse to accept deforbes resignation until after any inquiry but I forgot this is Ireland. I was think I think we may be overreacting to the Ryan Taipop paper. I remarked to the assistant aged 18 or 19 about Taipop it seems RTE and mainstream media are irrelevant to the young of Ireland and there was recent studies show that more and more of them are getting the news elsewhere but that being said this story is being delivered now to tiktok and other places young people are more likely to hang about. Great you really think Ryan Taipop will be paying the next one but I will never again pay the TV license. I will go to jail if that be the case now says one very passionate listener there and although let's not forget Ryan through his shows on radio and TV raised a lot of money and did great things for this country. Ireland is far too quick to seek ahead on a plate. I don't know I don't know I don't know. Ireland is far too quick to seek ahead on a plate. Indeed and I think that's been recognised. I don't see a great deal of criticism directed at Ryan if the truth be told and I'm not certainly trying to create that either here. Yes he did that platform the Late Late Show did raise an awful lot of money for charity. Hi Greg never seen anyone having an issue with RTE like you have why do Highland not release the wages of staff well firstly it's a private company secondly we'd love it I think we'd love it because there's an awful lot of people out there I think that because people in RTE get paid huge amounts of money that we must as well know it's completely different thing it's a smaller business much smaller scale I'm not I'm not Ryan Topperty or Joe Doffey or any those for that matter I would be doing cartwheels for his extra payments that he didn't let on he was getting let me put it like that I would be over the bloody moon so it's a private company so if they wanted to they can but I think there's no that's I understand exactly where you're coming from I in terms of me having an issue with RTE I don't actually really have an issue with RTE per se I just think that some of the wages are astronomical and I think it's a little bit unfair that people who sort of try and tell all the people what to think are on so much money when the people they're speaking to a downtrodden and under the foot so to speak but anyway I don't really actually have a problem with RTE maybe it comes across like that but anyway they're in the news at the moment Bertie Donut the leader of our country and he's going to join the government again Ireland is a laugh say as a listener there morning Greg I'm sick so sick of the corruption in our country I struggle to pay a TV license every year and why should I pay it when it is why should why have I gone my headphones have gone off are the back on again I'll start reading that again I couldn't hear myself Greg so sick of the corruption in our country I struggled to pay TV license every year why should I pay when it's used to pay people over 500,000 Euro in wages the Irish people just sit back and take it we need more men and women like Paddy Diver to get us motivated into protesting on the streets thank you they say Greg cannot a case be made for the RTE that RTE really needs to be stood down since it is little more than a state monopoly enriching its own rich presenters and instead open up the marketplace to free competition and let smaller stations like Highland move into the Irish market well we can't even move into South Donagall for crying out loud such is the way this country is set up I tell you what I think for what it's worth I don't really have time to tell you what I think I think RTE one news sorry RTE radio one definitely should be retained I think other stations where there are commercial operations already operating in that space I think that's a waste of your money personally I think two FM should be commercial only it shouldn't be paid by license fees money because you've got so many I radio here today FM do you know what I mean it should be equal competition playing field but anyway maybe we can tease that out a little more at another time back after the news and obituary notices the 9 till noon show with the Lennon Festival Remelton from the 6th to the 10th of July featuring the talented Jimmy Buckley live on Sunday the 9th tickets are just 10 euro and pay at the gate as a professional you want your van to be as efficient as you efficient with time and efficient with space the new Renault Kangoo van e-tech 100% electric is made for you with up to 300 kilometers of range fast charging is standard and 3.9 cubic meters of loading capacity new Renault Kangoo van e-tech 100% electric from 96 euros per week for those who never stop offer is made under her purchase agreement installments are taken monthly terms and conditions apply see Renault which you lie around the corner it's time to get your 232 ordered with finance starting from 2.9% find out why Kia is dominating the Irish market with diesel hybrid and electric models order before the 30th of June and receive a 500 euro super value gift card as well call in the iMotors today and choose your new Kia want to live a more sustainable lifestyle but not too sure how to start join me Dona Marie Doherty every Tuesday at half past 12 for its hours to protect to learn all the tips and tricks hours to protect is funded by Commission Le Mans with a television license fee check out artsprotect.ie for more info live on air online and on the Highland Radio app this is Highland Radio News good morning it's 10 o'clock Donald Kavanaugh at the news desk Gordy and the rescue woman at helicopter are currently involved in an ongoing operation in the Shleif League area the Irish Coast Guard have confirmed to Highland Radio News they are assisting Gordy but would give no further details Gordy have confirmed there is no access to Shleif League this morning they would make no further comment at this time defective blocks Ireland is to fight a formal complaint to the European Commission against the Irish State the complaint spearheaded by Coleman legal seeks to highlight the state's negligence in implementing crucial measures to oversee construction product manufacturing it's separate from the ongoing High Court legal action with more here's Tara Duggan bring attention to the consequences of the state's shortcomings and the need for immediate action the complainants include Liam Ronja O'Darthy and Alan Bowle who are lead plaintiffs in the High Court litigation as well as hundreds of other affected individuals who have expressed their intent to join the complaint which has already been signed by hundreds furthermore the complaint addresses breaches of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights including Article 2 the right to life Article 3 the right to integrity of the person as well as impacts on the right to property and family life Adrian Sheridan founder of defective blocks Ireland says the primary objective is to highlight the failures of the Irish State advocate for corrective measures and rectify the ongoing situation resulting from the sale and use of defective construction products Meanwhile there's been another indication that the implementation of the defective block grant scheme is imminent it's understood the regulations are to be signed off this week after many fall stones the chair of the Micah Action Group however says there is still no guarantee or definitive date as to when this will happen talks took place last week between Donegal County Council and the Department of Housing with the council's chief executive John McLaughlin saying he believes genuine and valid concerns that were raised are being heard Lisa Hohn says the continuous delay is evidence that denying pre-legislative scrutiny on the bill was for nothing it just utterly makes a mockery of their statement this time last year when they refused pre-legislative scrutiny on the grounds of urgency that the scheme is not yet signed off the pre-legislative scrutiny is a process which would have served to really interrogate the legislation and produce better quality legislation eliminate its use now and also on implementation the Labour Court is beginning hearing this morning in a bid to break the deadlock in a dispute threatening the country's retained fire services over 2,000 firefighters at 200 stations across the country have staged rolling strikes over pay and conditions an all-out strike was to have begun this week but SIPTU suspended the action to allow for today's talks at the Labour Court Dee Forbes has resigned as director-general of RTE with immediate effect she has apologised for her part in the ongoing controversy surrounding the extra payments given to Ryan Tuberty adding that as director-general she is the person ultimately accountable her resignation means she is no longer compelled to appear immediately before the oraculous media and public accounts committees this week as media spokesperson Melda Munster believes that Dee Forbes still should come before the committees what she said was that she cares deeply about RTE and the people that work for it and that she's the person ultimately accountable so on those grounds alone if you're to take her resignation statement as genuine you would imagine that she would want to assist in clearing matters up and answer the questions that everybody needs answers to the genuineness of letter Kenny has slipped according to I-Ball's latest letter survey the town's been ranked 21st out of 40 towns in cities in Ireland down from 6th place last year according to Antoshka which carried out the survey a number of sites missed the top letter grade while the cleanliness of the Bryson recycling facility and letter Kenny Town Park was commended however the bus station was found to be the most heavily littered site in the town Manuth in Kildare came out as the cleanest town in Ireland Don Dock was the dirtiest Connor Horgan, spokesperson with I-Ball says better scores can be achieved with a small amount of work it's still clean and that is the main thing so the other good news is that there was only one heavily littered site in the town that was letter Kenny bus station very unusual actually to find a bus or train station in such bad condition other than that there were just a number of sites that failed to hit the top letter grade the Dunfanny approach road letter Kenny shopping centre park Antoshka inspector says with a little effort cleanliness could easily be achieved in these areas works from going in Balabafe to fix a burst water main residents and businesses or advice or repairs may cause disruptions in Dreenin, Balabafe and surrounding areas works are scheduled to take place until 2 o'clock this afternoon and traffic management plan will be in place for the duration of the works well the forecast and after a generally cloudy start we can expect some drier spells later in the afternoon top temperatures today of 16 to 19 degrees celsius and that's Highland Radio News we're back with news again at 11 o'clock until then from the news team have a very good morning the obituary notice says for this Monday morning June the 26th the death has taken place of Anthony McLaughlin fernbank red castle Anthony's remains are opposing at his home where you're welcome to pay your respects today from 6 o'clock until 11 o'clock and tomorrow and Wednesday from 1 o'clock until 11 o'clock Anthony's funeral mass will take place on Thursday morning at 11 o'clock in St Columbus Church Drone full by burial in the adjoining graveyard Family flowers only please donations if desired to the irish cancer society care of any family member Anthony's funeral mass can be viewed live on stclumbestrung.net the death has taken place of Grace McShane, Ney Doherty, Jackie Donoff, Iris Clamane her remains are opposing at her home funeral leaving from there on Wednesday morning at quarter past 10 going to St Michael's Church Iris for a requiem mass at 11 o'clock with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery family flowers only please donations if desired to the Donegal Hospice care of any family member or combski funeral directors house private police from 11 o'clock until 10 o'clock family and friends only please on the morning off the funeral funeral mass can be viewed live on churchservices.tv and the death has occurred of Colm Grant, 17 at the Cottages Burnford, proposing at his home this morning from 11 o'clock removal on Wednesday morning at quarter past 10 to St Angus's Church Bert for a requiem mass at 11 o'clock full by interment in Bert's Cemetery and can be viewed on churchservices.tv family time please from 11 o'clock until 11 o'clock and on the morning off the funeral family flowers only please donations if desired to Cree Heart and Stroke Charity care of any family member for more details including any family health guidelines for wigs and funerals please go to hindlandradio.com Idel Cashman liver transplant recipient encourages you to talk about organ donation with your family people say it's the gift of life and that's almost become a cliche but it literally is the gift of new life it's just so important for people to talk about organ donation because it's not something I would have given a second thought to before it became my life for information visit hse.ie forward slash organ donation and start talking about organ donation today from the HSE watch the show live now on YouTube, Facebook and at highlandradio.com okay you are very welcome back to the second hour of the 9 till noon show this Monday morning hope we do find you very well indeed Greg why are we criticising Putin look at our own government as we know Europe wants everything in Russia and it's only part of Ukraine that the war is in while listening to lies on media TV well I actually get most of my if the truth be told I track most of those events in Ukraine and Russia via telegram some people who tweet on behalf of not tweet but send telegrams out on behalf of Russia others on behalf of Ukraine I don't honestly I don't switch on BBC news to get an assessment as to what's happening over there I source my own information and I was tracking everything that was happening over the weekend you know half an hour an hour before it was even mentioned in the mainstream media so to speak Greg please remind anyone travelling abroad to check their passports neither the passport office or Ryanair notify you that is out of date and by the time you put this information in for your boarding pass it's far too late also the lottery of spending hours online the passport urgent slot is not only tediously unnecessary but highly frustrating and beware of conflicting information from passport office staff over the phone this will add further to your frustration if you can go to the passport office in person and go to passport query sadly it was too late for me to learn all of this I missed a fantastic family wedding so please avoid disappointment check your passport I've wrote to Ryanair and Micheal Martin about this matter elapsed passport should be notified just like driving licenses are and when booking flights you should have to enter along with your passport number your passport expiry date now I get exactly where you're coming from the couple a lot of people might not necessarily have their new passport in their hand by the time they're booking their flights and also I don't think we're ever going to get to a point though we should that the likes of Ryanair and there's thousands of airlines that they're going to notify you of your passport I think it's one of those that you sort of expected to be able to check yourself because the rules on your passport and when it expires are different in loads of different countries but anyway the listener says when booking flights you should have to enter your passport not along you have to enter your passport number and your passport expiry date to remind you when it's due this would be good practice also the frustrating urgent passport slot system should be made a first come first served queuing one and not the maddening lottery that it presently is well I'm really sorry that you lost out on that family wedding sounds very disappointing my father this listener died on a Monday and as he had a fault nightly check from the county council where he had worked he had got his pension the week before and as he had died at the beginning of one week we got a letter from the county council looking for one of these weeks pensions back and that was about a week after he died indeed I think now it was a similar with someone in my family they weren't an employee of the council but they did very quickly look for any overpayment of pension after the date of their death back the only way the public can get RTU back is not pay the TV license it's the only weapon we have because it's going to be brushed onto the carpet but whilst that might be your non paying of the TV license wouldn't and you could face sanction in Ireland today if something is legal it doesn't have to be morally right this legal seems to be a license to do anything in any way it's even a license to kill as far as innocent without a voice our concern strange laws strange society morning Greg so sick of the corruption in our country I struggled to pay TV license every year and why should I paid when it's used to pay people over five hundred thousand Euro and wages the Irish people just sit back and take it we need more men women I've read that one like Paddy Diver okay that's all same before 10 I think in terms of the news output this might not be a popular point of view the good work of the news teams that comes out from time to time the the investigative stuff the sport stuff the public service element of RT radio one and RT TV one I think you know there is an argument for them to be sustained by some sort of a license fee but RT to or much of RT to if you mix it with some of RT is just shows you can watch on free satellite TV anyway if you look what's going on during the day as I said earlier on likes a lyric FM fine that's funded by the license payer and this is no criticism of the people working there but that could be a commercial entity could be just a standalone radio station to FM as I say you know they have access to huge pools of fun to sort of promote breakfast shows or whatever it might be you know they're operating in the same space as today FM as I radio and all the other commercial radio stations I don't see justification for the license fee funding to FM like it does I don't really think the license fee needs to fund that whole swath of digital channels that are there I think they should be either you know they should just have to compete commercially with every other radio station you know now as I say there is probably a stronger argument for the retention of RT radio one and RT one the TV channel but anyway as I say this is a discussion that's just not necessarily my view it's my view of the top of my head but it's just to get a conversation going because you know there is a conversation here about the future of the state broadcaster that's just a fact right let's take a break for the bingo numbers the county's number one talk show the 9 till noon show on Highland Radio it's time for NCBI Hi, Harry here at Shane Conley Cars in Donegal Town are you looking to upgrade your car with Shane Conley Cars you'll find mix and models for every budget great finance options and they also accept ratings check out ShaneConleyCars.com or call on to us at Shane Conley Cars from London road Donegal Town enjoy summer with home store and more we have everything you need for garden living bring your garden to life with a great range of garden furniture we've rat and corn assets dinner sets and much more and when it comes to barbecues whether it's gas charcoal or smoker we've got what you need to cook up a storm also there's fire pits chimineas and patio heaters gazebos solar lights garden decor and much much more visit us in store or shop online at homestoreandmore.ie make your garden your sanctuary home store and more a happy home the groom goes free the groom goes free yes you heard it the groom's room the groom goes free call in today terms and conditions apply the 9 till noon show with the Lennon Festival Remelton save the date and gather your friends for an incredible line up featuring Sharon Shannon, Abba Sensations and Jimmy Buckley right now the bingo number has skipped through them slightly there so please stay where you are I'll play them for you after our next item they're available on our website but I do want to play them out for you so bear with me we'll get that for you very very shortly now one of a kind culinary experience on the wild Atlantic way will take place this coming Saturday the 1st of July it's between 10am and 4pm in the Corkregan Mildon Fannahe taste Donegal wild Atlantic flavours like never before it's a new collaboration between three talented female entrepreneurs from Donegal who are passionate about the art of food production Marian O'Donnell here we go again I know it's one of two and I go for the wrong one every bloody time and Cindy Adamek from Coco Milis Milis that's milk is it sweet this has started really well hasn't it anyway let's, Sharon and Cindy good morning to you both thanks so much for calling in thanks for having us so tell us how you began working together or what's the do you want to go first Cindy how did this all come about well we met in Philadelphia um what were we called Leo yeah it took us to do a food marketing course and that's where we met and we started talking the boss going to different places we started to talk about workshops and how could we share our knowledge and that's how it happened and talk to me about Coco Milis what is that well Coco Milis is a bean to bar chocolate we just started from scratch it's the way chocolate is meant to be and we use natural ingredients sustainable packaging compostable which is important to us how different does your product taste from you know what people who have only consumed cabries or something chocolate tastes like it's a different experience and how is it different it's absolutely a different experience and that's how I started I went to Mexico when I was 15 years old visited a cocoa farm and it really is and it's something completely different to what we're used to the mass produce vegetable oils and stuff like that shouldn't be there and it's completely different alright okay it tastes like the cacao beans the way it should be can you tell the difference between oh yes the chocolate is absolutely beautiful I'm a big fan and my husband isn't really a chocolate fan but he likes cocoa milk he steals it and hides it we'll have some here for you to try and tell me okay right when and Sean talk to me about your role in this and your company well I own Wildfusia Bakehouse and we had a bakery in Dunn Fana Heap but we were closed for 15 months out of 18 over lockdown and Covid so we had started making bread mixes and we had won three awards so what we did was we closed the bakery and we concentrated on our bread mixes so we have a scone mix soda, stout and wheyton and we're working on a new one now a potato bread mix so this allows people to create these breads in their own home you do the hard work effectively yeah that's it well I did a little bit of research about why people don't bake because I just love baking it's my happy place so apparently people don't like the mess and the fuss and they buy in all this flour and things and then they end up a year later throwing it out I would say everyone listening to this programme has at least one and a half bags of flour in the cupboard and probably the other half of bags on the floor of the cupboard so these are single use and they're very easy to use and we also supply a lot of different ideas so if you don't I like to use buttermilk when I'm baking bread buttermilk then you can use a plant based alternative you can use ordinary milk that being said if you're accumulating all the other ingredients it's really easy it's not too difficult to pick up buttermilk now as well for the perfect experience yeah well exactly but it's just if you have it in the cupboard and then somebody calls on expect it like it's not cheating no not I don't think it is I think it's working smart and not harder exactly isn't that it yeah all we do is weigh out the ingredients for you and the rest of it brilliant and where do you market your stuff and not market you're not marketing I suppose but where is it available for people to buy do you stock does anyone stock it or do you sell it direct to customer no we're in local shops so we're in local dunfana he shops we're in the counter we're in super value we did the food academy so we're in a lot of the dunneagol super values and we're in a lot of shops around dunneagol and we're in a few in the north that was exciting yeah and do you find because some of it kind of we've seen as some of the but if not all traditionally Irish do you sort of get a lot of people that feel that's a taste of Ireland that can boast to their friends about say look what I got from Ireland this is exactly how it tastes they sell the dream yeah that's it exactly so we're also in places like Glen Bay and the work house and dunfana he and they sell very well there and we also we ship to hamper company so they ship to the state so that's it exactly it's a little taste of potato you carry golden year yeah so we'd love to get to Australia that would be the next yeah that seems we're half the country is now so it makes sense mariano donnell talk to me about her business because she's not here obviously yeah marianne makes kombucha which is lovely and it's from entity yeah from entity and it's very good for your gut health but it also tastes fantastic so marianne's going to be using some I make jams as well just to go in my hamper that I sell online and marianne's going to be using some of my jam in her kombucha brilliant and we're trying to use each other's products as part of the class it's a harmony of entrepreneurs it's a harmony of women in business it's a harmony of flavours so it kind of really works well together I should ask sorry before we talk about the actual event and what people think about marianne's Cindy your coca millish do you sell direct to consumer or is it in shops or I do I have it in the counter deli and harbour road and bambé and the grazing goat in monoham and there's a few other shops that are coming on board we're doing amazing things aren't we really in you know individuals in little pockets of the world aren't we and do you source your beans your cocoa beans it is a bean isn't it you source them from organic farms and they're I contact farmers you know personally so you don't have a sort of an asterisk saying I'm doing something to support sustainable farming you're actually dealing with them directly and making sure that they get good deals that's important to have an ethos in a business isn't it it is okay right okay so talk to me about the workshop then how is this all going to work so we're each going to teach the participants some of our skills so this first class I'm going to be teaching people how to make scones and that's some tips and tricks of things to avoid when you're making scones and we're also going to make raspberry jam because this is chocolate can't wait say something's there and not so I'm going to just take this because there's a lot here is this for all you know what you have to do you keep talking so I stop chewing okay and so the plan is that we're going to do more it is beautiful isn't it so we're going to do more courses so we'll cover things like making chutneys and jellies we'll do cake baking and maybe Christmas I'll do mince pies and cranberry jelly so we've got lots of plans so I'm kind of doing the chutney jam side and the baking side and then I'll be making truffles chocolate truffles using different ingredients like Irish whiskey I'll be using shan's jams to make the white chocolate ones and I'll be using caramel sauce from love a little sauces and so just to combine Donegal products yeah and keep going Sean keep going and Marianne will be using some of the jam in her kombucha and I'm actually really looking forward to learning how to make kombucha because it's gorgeous we'll come back to that in a second let's talk about this chocolate I'll show the packaging for those people who are watching it's beautifully done but it is obviously chocolate because I didn't know what it's going to taste like but it is chocolate did you taste the beans but it is delicious it's full of flavour but it doesn't feel like it's full of salt not salt but sugar and stuff the aftertaste is absolutely gorgeous just sits there lovely would you cook with that yeah you can I wasn't listening to anything you said so Cindy you said things I said I'm going to make truffles lovely and Sean you just kept talking for me didn't you yeah I'm making scones I'm going to be doing this part of the first experience yeah she's going to show us how to make kombucha but also get kombucha is fascinating I'm fermented tea I'm trying to imagine what that might be but anyway yeah so she's going to allow people to make their own flavours so she'll come with a variety of ingredients and then people can make their own kombucha they'll actually left a few bottles here as well and then people will get to take home a wee jar of jam what kind of people do you think might turn up foodies people that want to explore flavour yeah exactly you know I want to take away the myth about the baking's hard because it's not you just need to know a few wee tips and tricks that will help you again and listen I think anyone who cooks you do it for yourself of course but you do it for feedback so if you make your bread or your scones and someone goes oh that's delicious it encourages you and it's going to be hands on so it's not something they're going to be watching so they can participate and what was going to ask then in terms of the three of you will be there people will turn up as you say you get people involved just on the flavour of that chocolate chocolate is already I imagine it's a little bit like coffee isn't it it's a little bit like wine but less harmful for you than perhaps than wine in that you know maybe you've become a bit of an aficionado of it and you know you could probably have a stab at where a bean came from could you you could have a stab at where a particular bean came from you know what I mean I tried different beans from different parts of the world and they all taste different they smell different and that one was the one that I absolutely loved because it has notes of cinnamon and berries but what's different about that is there's different tastes as you're eating it so say you have a regular say you have chocolate milk or something right you bite into it and that's what it is but that as you're chewing it it's almost coffee-ish and then there's chocolate and then there's but then it just leaves this nice taste on your palate afterwards and the difference with the I can still feel the there's one sugar in my coffee but I can still taste that sometimes you have sweets and the go ahead with chocolate and the mass-produced one all you feel is sugar because it's just loaded with sugar and vegetable oils and then they tell you they pour milk into it and that makes you feel good about the sugar so we can say that's how it works so we use coconut sugar which is a lot better for you than refined sugar and it doesn't spike the blood sugars the sugars and blood and it tastes lovely okay so you're making truffles it's going to be lovely I like the whole idea of the jams and the chutneys as well if people want to get a little bit more sort of into it so how do people firstly where I mentioned where they are aren't they called Craig and Mill's Don Fannahy Saturday between 10am and 4pm a nice little thing for someone to do for themselves on a Saturday I think a lot of people give over the weekends when they've worked hard all week to other people and I think sometimes we need to make a little bit of space for something we'd enjoy to go and chill out for the few hours on a Saturday afternoon for yourself exactly and we're going to supply a nice lunch as well and of course when we're making the scones we'll have to eat them so we'll have lots of nice treats as well and people can book on Eventbrite we've put the tickets there and what do they search we'll link it here but what do they search for on Eventbrite or where is the link? Donegal Wild Atlantic flavours and we're also on Instagram and Facebook from there as well really looking forward to it and he's worked well together I think he's all complement each other as well we all got on so well when we were in Philadelphia and that was a fantastic experience so it's nice to bring it all back to Donegal and he's been supported in your endeavours I know you were taken out to Philadelphia with Leo and I hear great things about that but is there a sense now we're better at supporting entrepreneurship and people with ideas like yours that you can say you know I can actually do this here I can create this product that could sit on any shelf anywhere in the world like do you get a sense that there's more support for what you're doing now yes certainly Leo and Udras they've been very very good to us and we have the Donegal food coast which is a great initiative and people can log on have a look at all the different restaurants I'm looking at that bag Sean what's in the bag can you just hand me the bag is that for me is that for us scones and jam is the butter I'll bring my own butter it's not your fault it's not scones or jam that will kill me it's the butter nice salty butter we had a whole conversation like that I'm unfortunately I can share the talk but they're coming with me that's yours listen I hope I think it's going to be lovely I think you just love working together and I think it's going to be lovely for anyone who attends so go to what's the Facebook called it Donegal Wild Atlantic flavours Donegal Wild Atlantic flavours and you can book your slot it's this coming Saturday it's between 10am and 4pm in beautiful Dunfanahe too if you ever needed an excuse to go to Dunfanahe at the weekend why not make it so Sean it's been great having you in great to see you again Cindy thank you so much I didn't know we had Coco Milich creating chocolate here in our little corner of the world and it tastes absolutely fantastic where did you say you can get it again you can get it in the counter deli and Harbour Road and Bumbag and online and your products again you mentioned the local places that are supplying them on Amazon as well yeah so we're in the counter as well and the likes of McCullough's and Centra and Dunfanahe yeah we're in quite a few shops hopefully exciting times ahead certainly going to be good fun next Saturday and they're continued success watch the show live now on YouTube, Facebook and at highlandradio.com it's time for NCBI Bingo on Highland Radio 23 77 33 75 71 and finally 39 phone your claim to 9104833 before 8 tonight leaving your name, contact number and the name of the shop where you purchased your book and we'll call you back the next working day get all your NCBI Bingo information at highlandradio.com the 9 till noon show with the Lennon Festival Remelton from the 6th to the 10th of July bringing you the super talented Sharon Shannon on Friday the 7th see Lennon Festival Remelton on Facebook for ticket information Idel Cashman liver transplant recipient encourages you to talk about organ donation with your family people say it's the gift of life and that's almost become a cliche but it literally is the gift of new life it's just so important for people to talk about organ donation because it's not something I would have given a second thought to before it became my life for information visit hse.ie forward slash organ donation and start talking about organ donation today from the HSE Hi it's Claire here from Claire Clothing our summer sale has started I have loads of discounts shops, trousers all of the summer stock so we'll see you at our summer sale in Claire Clothing, Main Street, Letter Kenny at Heron Auto Opel we're half full type of people which is how we come up with the Opel 5050 finance offer choose from the Opel Crossland, Corsa or Mocha select your flexible payment option pair it with 3 years free servicing and meet your new other half discover more about Opels 5050 offer at the Opel Open Road event see Heron Opel Delta IE for details Hi folks, Paul McDevil here invited to join me in Jimmy Stafford this Monday night for another edition of the Monday Night Session on the show this week we welcome local band Working Title the Finn Valley Men's Choir we'll also be dropping in for a chat and a few songs and we'll also be talking to Treehouse Presents about up and coming gigs happening in Bondone so that's the Monday Night Sessions this Monday Night we'll also be talking about up and coming gigs happening in Bondone so that's the Monday Night Sessions this Monday Night between 8pm and 10pm right here on Highland Radio OK, now those of you watching would have seen some behind the scenes action as we put in place with full transparency a rather modest trombola is that what they're called we are joined in studio now by Isabel Chair of Donegal Hospice Hi Isabel Hello Greg, how are you? Thanks for having us It's great to have you in Roland who's here for the glamour really Breedj is not doing much speaking you're just here to bring a bit of glamour to the whole thing and to make sure you keep Isabel in check Breedj of course is a volunteer with Donegal Hospice and has been selling an awful lot of tickets and we're going to be doing that draw now, right so talk to me how we've arrived at this point Isabel Well we had a wee patient in the hospice and his name was John Sheridan and he sent for me one evening and he wanted to talk to me and I wanted to donate my Ford Pop sit-up and beg car to the hospice which he did and I got all the paperwork I have it all here and the keys and he said to me at the time he said I want to give something back to the hospice I could give a donation or I could do donations in lieu of flowers but I want to give something back to them and so we're here now a year on and the ticket sold very well he thought at the time if I got anything from 10 to 12,000 it would be very good but he said that would be pushing it so we're now sitting at 27,000 Greg I mean there's something so incredibly amazing and incredibly sad happening here all at the same time in that we are and I feel genuinely honoured to be a part of we are fulfilling John Sheridan's wishes here I mean that's beautiful isn't it yeah that's right we cars outside there brought her up on Saturday when Paul McDevitt was on and I don't think Paul wanted to announce anything because he wants it for himself did he buy a ticket? he did he bought a ticket weeks ago but anyway she's outside and I just hope it goes to a good owner and you know and John it's a familiar story isn't it in that John was 81 years of age when he passed away but he might not have been fully aware until such time as he went to avail of the hospice services precisely what it was he was moved by that he came in to us and I think that's when he got his pain relief and all seen to and he was just overwhelmed by the care and the care that his family got so that's why he wanted to give something back now you talked about as it turns out John's rather modest expectations of 10 to 12 he thought did you give the figure as to what was raised 27,000 that's remarkable isn't it and Breach I know you don't want to speak but you know this is the 9 to 9 show so deal with it it wasn't hard to sell tickets for this was it because it's such a unique type of thing isn't it and the message and the story with it as well whenever people heard the story then they didn't hesitate at all about buying tickets they just loved the weak air and once they seen the colour of it and everything they didn't hesitate at all to buy any tickets and the story and the history and the documentage it was a card John was very fond of I take it ate a few cars but that was his favourite so I hope it goes well now and as I say I'm getting very attached to the weak air I might have to put on a wee bad donor if whoever buys or gets her if they're selling her I'll have to chat to them ok right shall we do the draw then now just as we were going on air and as I say it was on camera to some extent we did give that a good rotation but just to satisfy people yeah the hamster drum I wasn't going to say anything about it ok right so open it up and dig deep now everyone can see what's going on here and we're going in deep and someone is about to win this beautiful car and how it comes and the winner is Peter Brown there's no private information on that I'll cover the number so there it is let me switch cameras here Peter Brown we have your mobile I'm starting to take credit for this now I've had nothing to do with it but Peter Brown there is the winner I've covered his number and ticket one two four two I'll give that to you and Peter congratulations you have won this 1951 now you say that 1951 is I've got 51 written here anyway be that as it may this is a beautiful old vehicle that's been well cared for it's a prized possession it is the late John Sheridan's beloved 1959 Ford popular car and it's going to find a new home if we can rip it out of Isabel's hands how encouraging is it to get this level of support for the work that you just do this is really vital funding it goes to do amazing stuff Isabel it is Greg and there's just an awful lot happening with hospice at the moment because we're running the jay for June as well and as I say we had 121k for that last year and it's going good this year as well so just waiting on a good caroline and yourself I'm not talking about caroline though she's got good ideas and we're waiting on Daniel Donald's doing his today so we'll get his on this evening every penny counts to us it's all put to the good of the patient for the care of the patient delighted we get a chance to talk about that here quite regularly isn't it so people understand that Brigid have you done your drive not yet no I might do it tonight there's going to be some jives there's going to be some jives done today everyone's promising to do something today it's actually good to get a good push yeah yeah right okay now just remind us about the drive for June then because David James plays a song in his show inviting people to drive to it video it and send it in you don't have to do it then do it whatever you like in the evening whatever it's about getting involved having a bit of fun it's not too late to get a sponsorship card presumably is that talk to me about how we do that they can contact me contact me on 087 238 9607 and I'll get the sponsorship card to them and like there was a wee two-year-old on Jiven last week which was which was great because it's all age groups but it's not even the Jiven if they want to do something else because there's bake sales there's there's everything car washes everything has happened just a big push this month to help support the work that they want to go hospice does isn't it really that's what it's all about and we'll leave everybody alone then for the rest of it leave you alone Greg I'll probably be back in in July or August but you're more than welcome any time it's about the chair of the Donegal hospice well done Breeze Dolan I think you did excellent as well in your role today a volunteer with Donegal hospice and worked really hard in selling the tickets to this which has helped to get this amazing figure and just finally mentioned the gentleman's name again Peter Brown Peter Brown is the it's a lovely it's a I I love this story as I say it's I'm feeling all different types of emotions I think it's really sad because it's but I would be really proud to be able to look after if it was me to look after John's prized possession I see a great deal of pride in that I think it would be a great gift as well as and you know we went to all the vintage shows and Breeze had to go to someone her own because I wasn't available but we just you know we just felt that John was doing it for us he was doing good for us you know so he was there anyway thank you you might just get a plug in there Craig and 29th of July anybody wants to sponsor the I'm doing a parachute jump but needed the Donegal hospice she doesn't want to speak she's quiet in the corner no no you're like I'm not speaking I'm shy and retiring oh by the way I'm doing a parachute jump at the end of July can you support me please so where are you doing it I don't know February I'm doing the Irish parachute club down in Affleck fantastic okay and is it your first one I've done one ten years ago for the Kremlin hospital brilliant okay so this one is for this one's for the Donegal hospice Donegal hospice and how can people support you sponsor carriage as well you can contact myself for Isabelle lovely all right well done sponsor carriage out in the Boud places fantastic so I will be speaking to you again before the end of July by the sands of things alright thanks Isabelle good luck with that we'll be back with more in the Nine Til Noon Show after these thanks The Nine Til Noon Show with the Remelton from the 6th to the 10th of July experience the incredible ABBA sensations on Saturday the 8th for ticket information see Lennon Festival Remelton on Facebook with July around the corner it's time to get your two-tree-two ordered with low finance rates it's time to find out why Nissan is dominating the Irish market with petrol e-power hybrid and electric models calling the iMotors today we're sure to have a Nissan model for you giveblood.ie know we can count on you our community of blood donors to give blood and to choose to be there for others in their hour of need blood donors from Bali Shannon should attend the clinic in Kaloshta column kill in Bali Shannon on Monday 26th of June and donors from Dunnegol, Kili Begs and Dunlow should attend the clinic in the Abbey hotel in Dunnegol town from Tuesday 27th to Thursday 29th making an appointment is recommended so call 1-800-731-137 to book your time visit giveblood.ie to see eligibility and clinic details go full-leadl for a summer of savings just like our customers for me being a new mommy and especially when daddy's in work it's handy for me to go grab some salads grab some ready-made meals everything like that and then coming into summer we'll hopefully have some good weather and get the barbecue rocking go on go full-leadl today looking for a good night's sleep rest experts has you covered located at mountaintop letter Kenny they are the best in the northwest to get a quality bed or mattress come visit them today and wake up feeling rested and refreshed rest hex beds mountaintop letter Kenny so that's the Monday night sessions this Monday night between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. right here on Highland Radio all right when R.T. first released the statement pointing to undisclosed pay to Ryan it was clear it was going to be big to be honest with you as I said earlier in the show I didn't think it was going to be quite this significant and we've had the story emerge this morning that D Forbes who would have been a very interesting person to speak to in relation to this has now resigned and as far as I understand there's no obligation to appear before any committees to answer questions but as I say we'll speak to people with more knowledge about that in a moment we're going to be joined very shortly by the former editor-in-chief of News Talk Garrett Hart, a Donny Gaul man of course but first to finance spokesperson which in fact another Donny Gaul man of course Deputy Pierce Daugherty gentlemen good morning to you and Pierce I might start with you what's in your view so significant well it's significant Greg because RT we have to remember are mainly funded by the public person there are people all over our county that go into the post office and get stamps to be able to pay the RT licence at the end of the year when it's up for renewal and you know that's all the more challenging at a time of pressure and inflation and a cost living crisis and RT you know made a virtue of the fact that they have disclosed the the pay of the top ten broadcasters in RT but now over the last number of days in a drip drip fashion we have found out that RT have misled us all that RT have provided inaccurate accounts and have repeatedly told to the eroptus and indeed the public who fund them that the wages that were paid to their highest presenter that being Ryan Tiberty was under disclosed that they had another channel to pay Ryan Tiberty and it appears from what we read in the media over the weekend that there was attempts made and successful attempts to actually when they were paying this invoice an invoice of I think 230,000 euro that you know the presenter's name wouldn't be on it and there are serious serious questions for RT you know in relation to all of this why first of all did they continue to put into the public domain that his salary was less than it was when we now know that there was undisclosed payments of 345,000 euro to him why did they ask the agency in Britain to book in as consultancy fees when the payment of in last year of 150,000 was to be made to him which cost RT 1,000 why did they stipulate that no name should be on that who else in RT knew about this we hear from the statement today from D Forbes that this was discussed with other senior individuals and across the RT who else knew about this how in under God did they come up with this kind of convoluted system where they say that he was supposed to get 75,000 euro from a third party which I believe is reynolds for appearances and if reynolds didn't pay that that RT guaranteed it but in a way RT reynolds weren't losing any money anyway because RTs seem to have been providing must have been providing free advertising for them give them a credit note for the amount that could be spent against advertising so it came out of the either way it came out sorry to fast forward this peers but look we're going to have committee meetings we won't be there we don't know fingers will be pointed all over the place and the Irish public feel now once again that this will all the dust will settle those who may be held responsible will right off into the sunset nothing actually will change there'll be a brief sabbatical and it's another situation not as serious as maybe some of the problems that we've had in the HSC where we might find out that the way we do think this is in this country is terrible but ultimately it will change the bills for the license fee will still keep coming in and people will still continue to earn an absolute fortune off the back of the taxpayer like what could come of this once all the dust settles nothing well look Greg it could transpire that way and you know people would be forgiven for thinking that that's possibly what could happen because we've been here before and we haven't seen individual accountability but there has to be individual accountability D Forbes has resigned but she was leaving anyway in a couple of weeks time she was on annual leave now and then she was finished in her position but she has been forced to resign like that's a reality the question now is who else was involved in this and where is the individual accountability in relation to them is there any other pay issues within RDE like this is taxpayers money we're talking about this is misleading the public accounts committee who have a duty and responsibility under our constitution to look at the expenditure of taxpayers money this is in no way a minor issue and what RDE released yesterday in response to questions was absolutely shameful where they're refusing to put public information that the public need into the public domain and if they come before the committee on Wednesday and on Thursday because there's two separate committees with that type of approach they are going to do serious damage to RTE and to public confidence within RTE so you know I think the message is going out loud and clear from across the political divide that that is not acceptable we do not want any more drip drip information we want to know the full facts words and all and yes there has to be individual accountability as a result of this year if somebody in RTE and this is where we're waiting for the questions to be answered if somebody or some persons in RTE devised a scheme that prevented from public to know that there was significant additional payments now we're talking about 345,000 euro over a period of years some of these payments were 75,000 euro per year like there's people listening to your show Greg that wouldn't make that money in a couple of years never mind a top up to their already very generous salary this is not acceptable just finally do you think they should trigger a review of RTE and what is funded I said earlier on you know maybe you could make an argument for Radio 1 maybe you could make an argument for one of the TV channels but the licence payer now is paying tons of money to support like 2 FM the digital output stuff that is broadly available you know we don't need that to be funded by the tax payer there's competitors out there in the independent sector do you think now is the time for we have an overall review of what we're funding and how we're funding it maybe now is the time for that why should why should RTE be able to dip into a cash pot to put 10,000 euro for a competition to launch a new show while today FM have to probably you know have the begging bowl out to a commercial partner to try and come up with the fifth of that you know let's level the playing field now then look there is a broader conversation and that conversation has started Greg in relation to you know public services broadcast and fairness to RTE and their coverage of this issue because a lot of people in RTE are not on the right integrity scales of money they're not at all they're average workers they're working in the news desk and the researchers and so on and they are absolutely also disgusted in relation to what has happened but there's a wider conversation in relation to what is public service broadcasting yourselves in Highland Radio for example talk to people in Donegal where are they getting their news content from mostly they're getting it from Highland Radio yes they get it from RTE as well so there has to be a broader conversation in relation to how do we fund the news and the public broadcast and there is no doubt about this but Greg D Forbes was coming before our committees in the Iraqis year after year saying we are broke we need more money we need to up the fee we need to look at how we're going to collect this fee it wasn't long ago people were being sent to prison because they didn't pay the fee and as those conversations were happening saying we need to up the fee we need to get revenue to collect the fee so nobody can go without paying it so on disclose payments being made to the top presenter in RTE it is absolutely sickening for ordinary people for ordinary staff for the public to find out that this is happening and I don't see this as a minor issue at all I see this it goes to the heart and a big test in terms of will there be accountability and will we get the facts now there's an external review going to be commissioned by the government the idea that that's going to take seven months just isn't acceptable in my view but that should not be used as a way to actually not put the information in I expect this week by Thursday when the PAC is finished that we should have no further questions to answer and Dee Forbes in her statement said that you know she's concerned about RTE the future of RTE the public and all the rest the best thing Dee Forbes can do is actually come before those two committees the fact that she has resigned should not be a way of getting out to holding herself to account before those committees this week Deputy Pierce to RTE thank you for your time this morning as I mentioned Garrett Hart former editor-in-chief at News Talk joins us now your reaction I suppose Garrett as a media person to what's unfolded over the last four or five days Morning Greg I think the first thing is that the RTE management and the RTE board have forgotten that they are run using taxpayers money and they forgot that as a principal which has brought them into this position I pick up on what Pierce said in terms of of the external review but I I would move it on Greg and saying that there's going to be written branch reform of RTE like they've never seen before on the back of this the politicians are clearly annoyed I think the general public are irate that these types of deals are going through and what RTE's challenge has been over the last number of years is to fund public service broadcasting with a model that is broke so the RTE model is broke the new director general had one I'd say line on his agenda coming in was to convince the politicians that they should increase the license fee to fund public service broadcasting that's gone in the water so the outcome is going to be that for the next probably three to five years there's going to be an accounting exercise done on RTE to slim back the operation which will unfortunately result in job losses will unfortunately result in a slimmed down RTE and the days of the two, three, four hundred thousand contracts are over You mean to tell me that people will no longer be able to command that money because of their own properties and and so on absolutely the sums don't add up Greg, if you don't have a license fee that can fund this organization and for the last ten years RTE have been running a deficit which means that we've been topping up on top of the license fees so that model is broken so that model needs to change RTE to be a strong public sector broadcaster but what it's going to result is in a slimmed back operation and one that has contractors like presenters on significantly reduced contracts they may move to the commercial sector and the commercial sector may start to cherry pick so that could be another challenge for RTE but to that point one of the big arguments was is that they had to pay people the big money because that's how you would retain the talent because they were in such demand could Ryan or Array Darcy command two or three hundred thousand euro per year at news talk I think that ship has sailed maybe a few years ago but now if I was at news talk I'd be sitting back I'd be watching this closely and waiting for six months because within six months lots of contracts that are offering you won't be renewed at the same level a lot of contracts will be under so much scrutiny from the public accounts committee media committee and RTE will be handcuffed into saying we should be paying these maybe in line with public sector rates because it's a public sector organization it's not a commercial organization what do you think of Ryan Topper you know we're talking about the public reaction there's obviously an internal situation here in that you know there are people who took pay cuts working on his show that have paid really quite modest amounts of money and of course now you know in terms of his approach and his presenting style you don't want to be called out every time you say something by saying oh well that's easy if you'd say blah blah blah so someone who as I say a media person where do you see a culture in Irish media or within RTE I think it's quite difficult at the moment I think his big mistake was to issue that first statement within minutes where he said okay I don't know anything about this I can send in more light on this you know it was $780 grand because then your bank account every year and you know you're not aware of that and then he had to come out 24 hours later and clarify that per judgement and he never advised them and I think his future in RTE is very difficult I think they will find it extremely difficult to put him back on air because he will be bombarded as you said at every opportunity with why he got into this arrangement and why he wasn't upfront with it and very finally do you think then without prompt reference sort of the funding of other radio stations and including Highland and all the other independent radio stations I think that we might quite quickly see a move whereby this money is perhaps spread a little bit more fairly well that's giving any sort of advice the politicians I would be saying the model of Highland radio the model of News Talk is that these stations deliver public service broadcasting every day the model is financially sound the model is of the highest quality and these stations around the country now need to be bolstered with licence fee to ensure that your station and your team can be developed and you can retain staff and that it becomes an important part of local democracy Garrett Hart lovely to have your insight thank you so very much indeed former editor and chief of News Talk there five thousand okay with the very latest news now it's good morning to Michaela Clarke thanks Greg good morning Gardie and the Rescue 118 helicopter are currently involved in an ongoing operation in the Sleeve League area the Irish Coast Guard have confirmed to Highland Radio News that they are assisting Gardie but would give no further details Gardie have confirmed there's no access to Sleeve League this morning but again would make no further comment defective blocks Ireland is to file a formal complaint by the European Commission against the Irish State the complaint spearheaded by Coleman Legal seeks to highlight the state's negligence in implementing crucial measures to oversee construction product manufacturing it's separate from the ongoing High Court legal action meanwhile there's been another indication of the implementation of the defective concrete block grant scheme is imminent it's understood the regulations are to be signed off this week after many false taunts the chair of the Micah Action Group Lisa Hohn however says there's still no guarantee or definitive date as to when this will happen Sinn Féin's finance spokesperson Denigal Depti-Pierce to Hordi says there must be individual accountability in the Ryan Tiberty payment controversy today RT General Director D Forbes announced that she is resigning with immediate effect she's apologised for her part surrounding undisclosed payments totaling 345,000 euro to Ryan Tiberty talks are underway at the labour court this morning to try to break the deadlock in a dispute threatening the country's retained fire services members of the service threatened an all-out strike last week in a dispute over pay and conditions and detectives in Derry have issued a renewed appeal for information relating to a mass robbery in the city last month at around half past nine on Thursday morning May 25th a masked man entered a bookmaker on Church Bray and confronted a member of staff with what is believed to have been a firearm the suspect who was wearing dark clothing with the sum of money towards Tully Alley Road those are the latest headlines we'll be back with an update again at 12 noon OK Makeda, thank you very much indeed for that, back after this break The 9 till noon show with the Lennon Festival Remelton from the 6th to the 10th of July featuring the talented Jimmy Buckley live on Sunday the 9th tickets are just 10 euro and pay at the gate Why leave all the magic moments you've captured on your phone sitting there or in the cloud when you can have them printed at McGee's Chemist Using the McGee's app or one of the in-store kiosks you can upload your photos from your phone Google photos, Facebook or Instagram and have them printed instantly within an hour or in by 10 and ready by 5 See McGee's.ie for more details Hold your memories in your hand with McGee's Chemist, Letter Kenny Right, all clothes hangers are all half price But better hurry because when all the half price hangers are gone, they're gone Also, all camping is still all half price But when all the half price camping is gone it's definitely gone Drop by your local home store and more or visit us online at homestoreandmore.ie New store now open on Arcadia Retail Park Athelone Home Store and More A Happy Home Experience the Connelly's Volkswagen 2 Seals event running until June 30th The SEAI grant reduces from 5,000 Euro to 3,500 on vehicles ordered after June 30th Don't miss out on 1,500 Euro towards your new Volkswagen electric vehicle Discover our latest 232 offers petrol, diesel or electric stock available for immediate delivery The countdown is on Order your 232 today from your local Connelly's Volkswagen dealer in Letter Kenny, Slago or Balana for all my life On Wednesday June 28th Indiana Jones, a final triumph A legend will face his destiny A few times in my life I've seen things and I've come to believe it's not what you believe it's how hard you believe it His last adventure Give him hell Indiana Jones will be his greatest Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Only in Cinnabas Wednesday June 28th Book Tickets Now OK, you're very welcome back to the programme This is live radio so we're going to get Isabel back in and a very special guest is Peter Brown whose name come out of the hat Peter, I know you don't want to do this you're a really good sport but I just wanted to bring you on and say congratulations to you Thank you very much Is it your birthday today? It is indeed Isabel, come on I can't sing Peter, what a birthday present and it's a lovely story isn't it? It is, it's good for the hospice to get all that money in And are you a fan of classic cars? Yes, I've already got three Really? Oh wow Number four now What do you think of this week? Rare enough, I haven't seen too many things about it You're going to have to look after it for John now Yes, well Are you lucky Do you win? Have you won before? Right, well you're lucky today on your birthday, it's a lovely story I told you I'd keep it short Peter and I want to fulfil that promise to you but I wanted to A, congratulate you B, say well done for supporting the hospice and C, and perhaps most importantly a very happy birthday to you His neighbour bought the ticket firm for Christmas Really? She didn't know what to get him and she thought what would you buy him It was her number It's three classic cars It was her number was on the ticket So when I rang it was her that answered and she gave me Peter's number then So congratulations Peter Thank you, well done We'll let you away Peter, I know you didn't want to do it but thank you so very much indeed And as I say it just so happened that Peter landed up here All the documentations, the keys Take care everyone, the keys and everything were here and Peter had been a good sport that he is, I twisted his arm and brought him in, so there you are That is that story complete OK, thanks Peter for being a good sport We really do appreciate it and again a very happy birthday to you Call us as it looked like Mihal Martin's attempt to get us into NATO has fallen on deaf ears He should have known the feelings of the ordinary people instead of thinking we're all stupid Now that's, I kind of said something similar last week in that this process that we're going through with these meetings actually gave the Irish public a voice to express what they feel and that voice is what I'm hearing I'm hearing the whole on you We don't necessarily want to go down that route and it's louder than any push to join NATO or align ourselves closer with them I call us as Minister in TD's pensions should be transparent and out there for the public to see the same as the people want to see what RT is paying out to the likes of Ryan Tiberty OK, I get you Right now, a bit of fun here Celebration of the school holidays Highland Radio in conjunction in conjunction with Eclipse Cinemas and Walt Disney Studios giving away two family passes each day to the movie premiere of Disney's Pixar's latest movie Elemental in Eclipse Cinema on Wednesday the 5th of July at 3pm It's a beautiful looking family film and it'll be a good wee day out Children, have fun, come dressed as your favourite Disney character if you want to It's all ready for the red carpet There's going to be plenty of popcorn and treats in store for all to make your premiere experience all the more special for children that want to be in with the chance of winning this amazing prize, all you need to do and this is really to mums and dads and guardians or granny and granddads is work with your children and send a video or a voicemail to Highland Radio's WhatsApp number 08 660 25000 So mums and dads and guardians work with your young ones on that Tell us why your family should win a place Now you don't have to get into any detail Have a bit of fun with it Winners will be announced at the end of the show So we've got about an hour to go We don't have an hour, we've got about 15 minutes to go Winners will be announced at the end of this programme as I mentioned Disney Pixar's Elemental opens in Cinema's July 7th So this is going to be a premiere You can say to your friends that I went to an Irish premiere of the new Disney film Elemental It's for when you go back into school in September So get the phone out Send us a voice message or a video if you prefer of telling us why you should win this amazing prize Now when we say family tickets If you've got five children and an adult it's not your traditional, you know, the way they do it We're going to accommodate as many as we can in the various different forms families take If someone's really close to their cousin we're not going to split them up, do you get me? So we'll work with you on that We'll send everyone in hopefully that wins So send a WhatsApp video We'll voice mail if you're a young Yeah, if you're a young person bring them in then so If you're a young person to 08, 60, 25,000 Tell us why your family should win a place Okay, right We're going to take a very quick break and then Oshin Kelly is going to join us with the preview of tonight's DL debate With the Lennon Festival Remelton from the 6th to the 10th of July Save the date and gather your friends for an incredible line up featuring Sharon Shannon, Abba Sensations and Jimmy Buckley Be prepared for training and match day with Michael Murphy Sports and Leisure with a variety of mouth guards, shorts socks and boots from O'Neill's ATAC and Adidas Exclusive Michael Murphy GAA gloves are available in four different styles You'll find everything your team needs to succeed on match day at MichaelMurphySports.ie Join me, Marty Freel, this and every Friday night from 8 for Rockin' Hits on Highland Radio in association with Arena 7 Letter Kenny If you're celebrating a birthday or a work night out Arena 7 Entertainment Complex has it all Check out Arena7.ie Hi folks, Paul McDevitt here Invite you to join yourself and Jimmy Stafford this Monday night for another edition of the Monday night session On the show this week we welcome local band Working Title The Finn Valley Men's Choir for a chat and a few songs and we'll also be talking to Tree House Presents about up and coming gigs happening in Bondone So that's the Monday night sessions This Monday night between 8pm and 10pm Right here on Highland Radio Highland Radio time checks with Expressway Travel Route 32 from Letter Kenny to Dublin when you book online and travel for less Expressway bringing you the time ask The time's 11 minutes past 11 It's actually 11, 11, 11 seconds but it's not anymore but anyway, we are joined in studio now by our sports editor Roshin Kelly who's taken over the reins of the DL debate for tonight Brendan is on leave Huh? He's on holidays again I was going to say that but Anyway, sure look it It's in very very safe hands So the fallout from the weekend Let's start really I suppose with Donegal against Tyrone It's been a roller coaster with everything that's been going on It's been quite sympathetic really to what the players have had to go through, listen to There was an upward curve in terms of performances and then I think people felt that they maybe didn't go at Tyrone like they possibly could have at home but I, as I say, armchair fan I always stick that out there You go and watch these games, what's your taking it on? But Tyrone was just too good to tell the truth about it They had too much for Donegal at the weekend Greg and they could have won by more They could have won if they had got one or two more goals that they threatened to get Maybe the margin might have been bigger but from where Donegal was at the start of the year, if you remember the league the end of the Ross Common game we were very much at a low web and the All Ireland series having suffered the defeat in Ulster when I ended the All Ireland series and nobody really was giving them a hope they won two if there's three games and they were excellent against Monaghan so they were and they started to show about a form but it didn't work out for them on Saturday Tyrone probably that wee bit further down the line as a group, more of a season team remember there's a lot of players on that side won an All Ireland Championship recently as well and you had key man like Maddie Donnelly who for some reason was overseen as Man of the Match like he stood out, he controlled everything and when you have a player like him along with Connor Maylor and the big man Kilpatrick in the middle who were who had very, very good games for Tyrone and then add in the Canovans as well and Rory Canovan was exception and Rory Canovan could have an extra goal or two as well they just did too much for them in all sport there's levels and just on the day Tyrone were a level or two above now we are back again from a goal perspective managerless Edna Rook indicated to us on Saturday night after the game that this was really going to be happened on and then it was confirmed eventually yesterday evening but he was going to see out the campaign now he took over the reins at the end of the race Common game after Paddy Kiara had gone which was a surprise I thought right if Paddy's going to go everybody's going to go but in fairness to Edna Rook and Paddy Bradley they put their lives in hold for Donegal Football so they did they put in an effort and they got us as far as the preliminary round of the quarterfinal where nobody really was giving us a chance of getting as far as but Edna Rook seen it out and he's now decided to step away and now the journey starts again for the county to find a manager and it's something that they have to act on really really quickly Will the process be any different given It's going to be very different Greg I feel it's going to be very we all know what went on and Donegal Football and Croke Park got involved and Ulster got involved and they had this big review and one of the things highlighted was the selection process of a manager there was a three person selection committee that was set up that is now going to increase and it's going to have representatives from more than likely Croke Park and Ulster on board as well the whole proceeds needs to be more transparent and that's going to happen it has to happen If you're a person and often your name gets associated with jobs like this and you've no intention of getting it can you say it now you know what I mean the people the names that come up that are never going to take it announce now that you're not taking it and let us get down to the confidentiality I know we are but confidentiality is going to be a big thing in the process it was to be the last time but it didn't work out that way and it's going to be this time again but Mayo took a totally different approach because we were involved in the Mayo job they were all given the opportunity by the County Board do you think we might see some sort of a dream team or something coming in or was that of a time where we were in the doldrums start of a campaign maybe people thought they could come in and turn it all around do you see us getting sort of a traditional manager and set up internally externally or do you see some sort of a collaboration of a dream team one thing needs to be and I agree with the Goan Forward needs to be either a Donegal person or a Donegal management team we can't have people outside the County be a trainer because there's exceptional trainers right around the country but I think the top man in charge should be a Donegal man that has a big connection with the game and the County why is that important I think they'll get a lot more respect possibly from the group that too from the people in the County and the supporters as well I was not saying that Aiden Rook was not disrespected in any way obviously he's in Armama and Darren and Paddy Bradley there and again I keep saying this that they've actually put a lot of effort in the Donegal football and you have to thank them for it but you're on about a team that comes in with maybe a three year plan or something that comes in and you would like to have a dream team obviously you would like to have a team that's got all earning winners maybe from 2012 you just have to wait to see who wants to come up to it because it is a huge job it is a huge job and we know the names that was linked previously they are speculated they're going to be linked but only they themselves can put their names forward but we'll know in the next couple of weeks we probably won't know who they are and there is plenty to who wants the Donegal job but there is plenty to get your teeth into now right okay let's say we're in a reset mode that things are changing a little bit you have got your senior players that play for the Georgia that are going to stick about there is some really good young talent that's coming through the bones are there right so I think it looks a little bit more attractive now than it might have you know six months ago maybe I don't know if you get the best players in the county committed to Donegal you're off to a good start so yeah what where is Donegal's level going to be in the next couple of years it's an unknown I'm not going to ask you because maybe as head of sport here it probably wouldn't be fair but you can answer if you want to would you struggle to come up with three names that tick the boxes yes from the county yes they'd command the respect yes maybe they have the credentials to be able to control a dressing room are three names if I asked you there's a number of former players that have all iron and metals in their back pocket that are with other counties at the moment in training capacity and all the other names Mark McQ, Colin McFadden Paul Durkin they are all they are all the other counties so there would we like to see Carolissie back in the fold of course you would he's up with Kilku at the moment he was our head of academy so these are Murray Kavanaugh has all the credentials to be a county manager so he has he's led St. Unions of course to a title he's won in all Ireland Michael Murphy has managed ATU very successfully he's involved with football I think it was Glenn Swally Mainers he was involved with if you were to get three of them guys together there's six I gave you if you were to put three of them together that's a dream team that's a dream team but is this the right time for a dream team for Donagall going forward right there's so much to talk about what's coming up on the pro Kevin Cassidy might go for it he's on tonight on the show why not I don't know I kind of felt sorry for going away against the only other game reader who had the chance to keep across they were leaving 8-5 or 8-3 was it at the breakaway we were actually in Bunkrana watching Bunkrana on Terma so we were down there and we were watching the score and I was like listen don't write Mayo off yet because Mayo won, going under the game I think Mayo won four of their last five and the Salt Hell after getting big cork everybody was like oh Mayo was not the team that was a freak result that they did yesterday and the second half they've got Dublin now in the next round Kerry Tarone who have huge history when it comes to the knockout stages of the championship they're going to meet also Dublin Mayo which without doubt is the tie of their own so they're seen as two of the guys if both were on the telly I'd watch Kerry Tarone if both were on the telly at the same time I know that nationally it'll be seen as that well it's going to be two Saturday and two Sunday Armagh against Monaghan and then Derry and Cork Armagh is going to have a very good chance of making semi-finals I think they're all four crackers you'd want to watch all of them games Cork have come out of nowhere the last few weeks and they'll put it up to Derry but from Ulster football it's very impressive that four of the eight teams in the quarterfinal are Ulster and now we have two Ulster teams in the final of the All-Ireland Minor Championship Derry beat Dublin last night and Monaghan won on Saturday that's a repeat of the Ulster final so that just tells you they can criticise all they want about Ulster football but when you look at that stat that's four of the big places of the eighth and the quarterfinal it's just a putty donny gole's not there most of Ulster is in the last eight and what else has come up in the show the other guest on the show is John Lynch former Ulster will be breaking down breaking down this quarterfinal draw will also be breaking down what happened at the weekend between donny gole and Tyrone and how that game panned out and obviously the donny gole manager is going to be teased out a wee bit more Kevin's going to say something interesting as will your other guests right that's all from 7pm after the news after the news at 7 o'clock alright thanks very much Arshene that's Arshene Kelly in and I was up in the middle of the night watching Jason quickly fight I'm going to call it straight out I thought he was not big enough and I still think he should be fighting a lighter weight I thought he was not big enough I thought he didn't have the punch resistance and I thought he'd be worked over in two or three rounds but what he did and I think he himself would give Andy Lee an offer but Andy Lee is just as a full of admiration we saw calm and to the point Andy Lee and he worked on this strategy that let's not forget Jason quickly was fed up right to make this news signing from D'Zone look good that's exactly what this was and Jason quickly ripped up the script and it was way way closer than it was way way closer than the judges had it but for some reason in the 10th and the 12th round he varied from the plan and those were his two worst rounds I would argue that's great Jason Quigley American commentators love the performance because he stapled Berlanger but this was to be over in three rounds Berlanger was to be this is his home patch it was a pro Puerto Rican crowd was in there and Quigley was just seen as the man that was going to be another step and this was if people thought like oh this is Jason Quigley's swung song he'll get a couple hundred grand forward now it was astonishing we suggested that in the lead up in the preview Kevin Byrne was brilliant knowledge of boxing particularly Irish fighters he said if Quigley can put in a good performance and goes the distance that actually could be worth more to him than actually getting the victory because it shows that he's able to stick with these guys and put in a show and put in a performance I would just love to see what weight he could comfortably get down to because do they have to go later? I don't think personally don't think he's big enough to take on the big super middleweight to rehydrate and are Jason Quigley really did fill out before the fight there's no doubt about it like he did really pack out I just think he threw some potentially knockout bunches that if he hit a middleweight with I think that would be the end of someone like I would love to see him and Billy Joe Saunders at middleweight now I know he's over in the American scene and they're probably not going to make that but he's a Eddie Hearn fighter something like that would just be for an eliminator or something I think Billy Joe's probably operating at super middle as well but anyway it was fantastic I was expecting to be back in bed at 4 and it was an amazing performance it really was amazing was just that one punch connected in the 10th and it would have been like what Andy Lee did in the same ring in 2019 or something was it? Sorry about that it's the only way I could get to talk about boxing was just to talk at you at you for four or five minutes I'm so proud of what Jason Quigley pulled off at the weekend it was amazing The 9 till noon show with the Lennon Festival Remelton from the 6th to the 10th of July bringing you the super talented Sharon Shannon on Friday the 7th see Lennon Festival Remelton on Facebook for ticket information half way house bingo tonight at 8 30 it's the Donegal Towns Summer Festival from June the 30th to July the 2nd three days of great entertainment including live music on Saturday from Paul Ward Bon Jovi tribute Slippery when wet and the ultimate Queen tribute on Sunday enjoy an aura the tumbling paddies and Nathan Carter see Donegal Towns Summer Festival on Facebook supported by Donegal County Council and Bolcher Ireland Disney's the Lion King in Dublin more to be seen than has ever been seen Join Highland Radio on our trip on Thursday 26th of October 2023 to see the award winning Lion King the musical brought to you by Disney theatrical productions your trip includes luxury transfers overnight stay at the four star Sydney North Hotel Dublin on a bed and breakfast basis and your ticket to the show all this for just 219 euro per person sharing call 07491 25,000 to book an unrefundable deposit of 100 euro per person will hold your place single supplement applies to see Disney's the Lion King in Dublin OK on this week's Monday Focus we are in conversation with two Sturban brothers and their mother who have been selected to compete at the Commonwealth Judo Championship Zach who's 18 and Shane who's 16 Zach and Shane Gallagher both of you thank you so much for calling in how are you getting on? I'm good, I'll just move this a little bit that way can you rotate there just so I can pick your body so lads when did you first start Judo? Well we started Judo when we were 4 years old Zach was 5 we've just been doing it all our lives and pushed each other on presumably there's going to be that brotherly rivalry I would say you did most of your training on the floor of the front room 100% but when did he realise that you had something that you could compete like at the higher levels of it? 100% on lockdown when it was just us two we were training all the time and we just realised we could go for our mess here and again pushing the two on but both of you to be selected at the Commonwealth Judo Championship that's pretty rare isn't it that two brothers would be able to operate at such high level and it was hard it took a couple of months to start training because we met a lot of the islands in December they were just passing and then there was an ordinary inclusion championships but we needed to just take a lot of training like to get that level for both of us to get such a high level and qualify for this competition and is it in weight categories? and are you both in the same weight category? No, I would be in the under 60kg category and he'd be the under 70kg category Mum doesn't have to worry about the two he's going at it professionally I wasn't that good of a gentleman That is, it is Exactly, alright, okay and so talk to us for those who don't know about Judo Zach maybe you can explain it to us talk to us about the sport, how it's scored how you get one over your opponent whether it's in a ring or it's on a mat or what if just some people will get a picture Well, it happens on a mat so there's a referee and then you have three judges or whatever and it's on a mat so there's two different score types there's an up on and a wasari if an opponent throws you flat in your back it's up on and it's the fight's over you win the fight if you score a wasari and throw the opponent on their side that's a wasari but if you score two wasaris it's an up on so you win the fight basically but you can either throw them for up on and they're flat in their back or if you hold them down on their back for 30 seconds on the ground or submit them with like say a choker, an armlock that's an up on also so that's how you get the one over your opponent So and it's a mixture of defense presumably so you're defending the offense of your opponent is that it, yeah and do you strike in it? Not no striking, just all grappling and it requires great grip too don't you hope not for your same as a bit like jujitsu in that regard isn't it, yeah okay and in terms of belts and progression within it what is the range there? Well it ranges from you start a white belt and then it's all a bit of black belt but there's I think seventh then that's a red white belt so that's the highest possible belt the red white belt, yeah and it's not necessarily on who you win either it's in terms of commitment and training and ethos and the view of the person that's judging you isn't it that's how you're progressing it's a big big deal but you might have to wait a real long time between belts even though you feel that you've you know you've blasted through it and that's well done that's fine that's well done you've obviously impressed who you need to be a friend black belt already alright okay so come back to you about the competition Jennifer did you see this coming like did you see the lads interested in this and the skill set and then did you see the dedication then over the lockdown when they were able to yeah well basically they have an uncle two uncles actually that were involved in martial arts and also progressed at the international type level so that really sort of inspired both of the boys to get initially involved in judo and their dad as well was also a really good sort of sportsman back in the day but during lockdown lockdown was tough I think lockdown was tough for a lot of you know sort of youngsters and you know mentally but they had you know just their garage sort of training and then they got them through and I have to say now me and their dad are really proud of their motivation and just their passion for the sport so moving forward we're just delighted that they're having this opportunity now for this sort of next sort of international stage yeah indeed and lads too the problem is is that even though you've been selected to compete at the Commonwealth judo championships and I think this is part of a journey that you see serves on probably culminating in the Olympics there's no bursary or funders such as though you'd have to completely fund this yourselves well usually and well with the program that we're on like a lot of the stuff we could say if you're going away to a competition in England or Scotland or whatever it's most of the time it's nearly our fully funded or partially funded but with this one it's just sort of like it's that far away and stuff that they're like right well it's fully self funded they're not going to put their funds or whatever I mean there's two opportunities here there's sponsorship opportunities for a local business and there can be good tax incentives for them to do that they can get behind you and get the publicity associated with that on your socials and on your gear and what have you but there also is people that if they have a few euro or a few pounds and they want to back you they can go on to go for me as well How did people find the link for the go for me? Any internet platform just go on the go for me website and they'll go up the Commonwealth judo championships South Africa brilliant stuff and as I said the hope then is to go on to represent is it Ireland is it? Northern Ireland to come to represent to represent the country in the Olympics in 2028 and that's the way you have to plan these things isn't it? You're always building up to be peaking just at the right time alright okay what would you see like do you think you could go over and medal or win the championships or is this part of the learning experience that's the goal that's the medal that's what I'm looking for to come back and bring a bit of shine back to our town in the country and our skills I know our skills are good enough I think we can it's 100% it's going to be tough like but I think we're confident with the skills and I think we'll be ready to do it over in South Africa so we'll just have to wait and see what happens yeah and you know Strabani is producing its stars isn't it you know particularly in the area of you know contact combat sports in the area too that would be amazing I presume the town and surrounding areas Jennifer is rallying in behind the lads yeah really and their family as well like I have to say like my mum is probably their number one their number one fan and she's usually with me if I go to competitions and different things with the boys and also their school as well Holy Cross College they have been you know really supportive on the boys journey now through through the whole way through your sort of school life and also they have they train out of Conacry Judo Club and have excellent coaching from their coach Paul Green and they also have excellent coaching from a farmer Judo Olympia and Cairn Ward so they you know the actual coaching is there which is has really progressed you know been beneficial and their actual progression to get them to the level that they're at yeah and when you operate with people like that they're pretty honest aren't they if they think you you know if they think you can do it or not they wouldn't be not wasting their time but you know they want to be on that journey with you they're committing to you and they say look if you give us your absolute potential you know we can give this to you and you can go places yeah all right brilliant stuff any anything else coming up that around the corner that people could keep an eye out you're doing any fundraising any sort of sponsorship any donators you know if they want to go on to the GoFundMe page that would be that would be amazing just in support of of this actual Commonwealth championships that's coming up but also like the boys you know sponsorship would be if we could actually get a sponsor just you know to provide support throughout their actual their journey now you know would be amazing because ultimately ultimately the goal is the Olympics and LA in 2020 and it would be a really shrewd move and I'm sure any prospective sponsors can chat as I can shame in yourself be a very shrewd move to get on this journey now yes well that's it you get where I'm coming from like because you know if the goal in place is you want to get in nice and ugly yeah yeah yeah all right what's the the judo scene like in Arlen very competitive is it there's a lot of different events going on around the place very competitive there's a lot of places like there's you have a lot of competitions in just Northern Ireland and you have Wands in Ireland and there's all Ireland which is like the biggest in Ireland that's about being very competitive like it's just everyone who wants to do well and all the competitive players are just they'll get to get all around and it's just one big competition for everybody all right brilliant stuff listen we wish you every success in this area they run from August 2nd to 6th as I say there's an opportunity for any local businesses to get involved in sponsorship and just remind us once again Jennifer how people find the GoFundMe link yeah so people can just go on and just search Commonwealth judo championship South Africa and then it's been organised by myself Jennifer Gallagher but they will see on there just the wee bio for Zach and Shane all right anything else you want to add to Jennifer and then really if anybody has any queries in relation to sponsorship they can get in touch with myself and just my email is Jennifer Gallagher at hotmail.com yeah and we retain that here because people know our contact numbers and if anyone wants to reach out to you all well and good listen Zach and Shane wish you ultimate success if you this is probably not a fair question but if we cleared the studio out here through the map down Jennifer's direct right would it would it who would win your face who he thinks would win I think you just have to come and see but isn't that brilliant though that is our can say that genuinely I think it's fantastic really we're very competitive which order can we do faith but it's always sort of and they sort of know each other's strengths and weaknesses and that everything as well they want it's just always a stalemate there's no one or all strengths all weaknesses your progress over in South Africa and beyond 2028 the Olympics and you think it's a lifetime away don't you Jennifer and I'm saying this to you because you're a little bit older than the two lads five years goes like that I know that's 2028 just goes like just goes like a flash basically so it will be no time that's why we like to get things you know start to get things organized now for their journey 100% listen what a lovely journey to be on alright as I say Jennifer Zach and Shane with more after these the 9 till noon show with the Lennon Festival Remelton from the 6th to the 10th of July experience the incredible ABBA sensations on Saturday the 8th for ticket information see Lennon Festival Remelton on Facebook with July around the corner it's time to get your 232 ordered with finance starting from 2.9% find out why Kia is dominating the Irish market with diesel hybrid and electric models ordered before the 30th of June receive a 500 euro super value gift card as well call in the iModers today and choose your new Kia being strong the electricist harder to go and it's not that difficult to keep Martyn what do you want? do you want to get it? do you want to get it? what do you want the electricist to do and get it? what do you want? to get it on the 8th of July 30th of July no no no I want to get the money USB networks get it from a great electricist well Grace how are you today? I'm good I've just been down to the area to measure fireplaces shawarma and cresla they have an incredible selection of over 40 colours for kitchen work tops and guess what for a limited time they are offering a 40% discount on any electric fire when you purchase a work top there 40% that's an amazing deal Grace absolutely and trust me if the discount alone doesn't sway you. They're a huge selection of fireplaces, stoves, wood pellet burners, beams and stone cladding certainly well. Contact mate to measure fireplaces creche law on 0749138365 on Facebook, Instagram and on mtmfireplaces.ie. Right, still loads of your calls. Sorry, I'm just getting in a position here. Loads of your calls and comments coming through. We'll get to them as this rest of this morning wears on. But first I want to say good morning and congratulations to Margaret. How are you, Margaret? How are you, Greg? I think we better. Better warn you, we're on a bus. We're on a double deck of boats into the city centre. Everybody say hello to Greg. Now you're Margaret part of 18 people in a syndicate from Drake standing car in Donna that won the lotto now. It's not quite the big one, but still it's a nice little man, isn't it? Not the big one. I think, yeah, some people at home think that once we've won it, we can win it every time, but we're not. We didn't win the big 6 million, but the 18 of us won 250,000. Now it's about a month ago at this stage, but we're only getting going now to get down for us. It's nice, Manta money, but Ryan Tauberty wouldn't get out of bed for it, but come here. He's again almost 14,000 euro each. I think that's a lovely little lift, isn't it, Margaret? Well, that's exactly right. Everybody is, as we're saying, it's not going to turn anybody's head, but it's put us to loss in any way, but everybody's got a little project or something they've been dying to do, and it's just about enough money for us all to do that. And who checked the numbers? Sorry, go ahead, Margaret, go on. No, no, I was just going to say that there are also, unfortunately, several members of the group who have houses with my pets, so they're going to find quite literally a hole for their money, very, very sharply, I'd say. Isn't it amazing, Margaret? It's such a symptom of living in Donegal that you have a syndicate of 18 people, and there are ones within that. It's amazing. It really is, isn't it? It's just a locational hazard show. Yeah, exactly, a geographical problem. Okay, so 80G has got on the bus heading down. That's a good wee day out in and of itself, isn't it? We're having a wee day out in Dublin, yes. Well, it's only starting now, as I say. They're waiting for us down at the Lostal Headquarters, so we're very excited. Is there any Prosecco? Is there any Prosecco on the bus? I don't know what's been going on in the other cars, but I think it has been something already. I think I can hear someone, someone who's here. Let's just say having a good time. All right, brilliant stuff and a money joker. It's no harm. It's a fun experience. It's a lovely bit of news, and I'm delighted. I'm delighted for you. Thank you so much. As I say, it's been lovely. Safe journey and enjoy it, please. And as I say, it's lovely for you to help us bring a wee bit of good news to people as well. Oh, thank you so much, Greg. It is lovely to share the joy. Safe journey. Bye-bye. That's Margaret and the crew on the bus heading down to collect their winnings. It's not the big one, but as you quite rightly heard there, it's just a nice little amount. And it's not little. 14 grand each. Okay. Shall I do the competition winner now? No, I shan't do it. Now, I have it ready to go, but we'll come back to that in a second. We have our first winners of tickets. If you give me the details, Caroline, no, I'm on my own here. Not the details of the competition winner, please. Okay, that's coming now in a second. So we'll crack on. We'll come back to that in a moment. Don't delete that for me, please, because I'll need it there. We're going to welcome our next guest on the Ninetal Noon Show very, very shortly. It is on Zoom. Okay. Right, we're on track here. 08 660 25,000 is the WhatsApp and text number. 08 660 25,000. Or give us a call on 07491 25,000. Right. Okay. I think I can say, let me see. We'll come back to that in a second. I am just having a slight little technical thing here, but I will get to the bottom of it in a moment. Some of your comments here coming in. Greg, I remember the paper headlines on Jerry Rhine stuck on his heels on 900K and wouldn't take a cut. Some was sponsorship, I believe, and they struggled to find a sponsor for a long time on Tub Show as Jerry Rhine's three hour show was big money. LiveLine may have to cancel Funny Friday next Friday. How would that go? I believe at the Titanic next week. Can't RTE sink any lower? Pun intended, Kevin. Thanks for that. Indeed, yeah, indeed. That is that is a thing. Very disappointed to see or not see any businesses putting up Donegal Flags in Balabafay and Stranola on Saturday. I think four businesses will all was all that had flags up, but the business was happy to take money of supporters coming into the town, did not see many in the GEA Grand either. I think the team deserved a few flags. Look, I mean, we're at a point here just at the moment in terms of football and where we're at. Caroline, could you just tell me who's supposed to come in here? Because there's a few people waiting to come in and I want to make sure I bring in the right person. Yeah, but what they're called. Said it before, the Nine Till Noon show is much better than Ryan Toberti and longer. Local stuff and good plugs for local businesses and events and the YouTube bit is great, too. But wonder if the BBC is hiding extra payments to some of its big earners, too. That comes in from Jared in Bali, Kelly. Jared, thanks for your kind remarks. I appreciate it. Ryan Toberti, RTE's golden boy. The problem is that it's our gold. He should be sacked. He received over 340,000 a year or more than declared. It should be paid back. And the bigger issue is this only goes back to 2020. Who else over the years got it? I don't think he should be sacked personally. I know that sounds controversial. Or maybe some might see it as controversial. I think that he agreed a sum of money with RTE, which we probably all would, would we? It wasn't up to him to determine how RTE funded that. It was RTE that decided to deliver the money the way they did. I mean, maybe he probably shouldn't have said that he was taking a 15% pay cut when he wasn't. Maybe he shouldn't have sort of said he was standing with other workers when they were taking the cut and he quite wasn't. But that being said, maybe he also should have said that look, the amount of money that you're saying, I'm getting is not quite what I'm getting. But I don't think it's enough. He has to build his reputation back up again. But it's not from us externally. I think that's going to be something that he's going to have to work with internally in RTE as well with the people that he works with. Another call that says RTE like most institutions in Ireland needs complete restructuring. For years, we've had below average journalism and broadcasting. The only people that believe they provide a quality services themselves, group think at its worst. We now have politicians complaining that they were misled. Is that not what most of them make a career doing facilitated by RTE? Right, okay. We'll be back with more after a quick break. The Nine Till Noon show with the Lennon Festival Remelton from the 6th to the 10th of July featuring the talented Jimmy Buckley live on Sunday the 9th. Tickets are just ten euro and pay at the gate. Foilside at the centre of more for your euro with great value gifts. So it's worth making the journey wherever you live with convenient parking late nights and all your favourite brands. You're better off shopping at Foilside. See foilside.co.uk Disney's The Lion King in Dublin. More to be seen than has ever been seen. Join Highland Radio on our trip on Thursday 26th of October 2023 to see the award-winning Lion King the musical. Brought to you by Disney Theatrical Productions. Your trip includes luxury transfers overnight stay at the Four Star City North Hotel Dublin on a bed and breakfast basis and your ticket to the show. All this for just 219 euro per person sharing. Call 07491 25,000 to book a non-refundable deposit of 100 euro per person will hold your place. Single supplement applies to see Disney's The Lion King in Dublin. Right okay we welcome our next guests on to the programme we have two of them in fact hence my confusion. Franco Maylon who is head of the National Association of Irish Colleges and head of Colastia Breed and Rana Fass. Good morning to you Frank thanks for joining us. Good morning Greg how are you? Great to have you with us and thanks so much for joining us and also we have Geraldine Mullin good morning. Oh Geraldine's coming up on a separate topic Geraldine you stay where you are unless you want to talk unless you want to join Frank and talk about okay all right come here I'll stick with you. We can't Geraldine. Come here Frank. Talk to us about your work with the Irish College and head of Colastia Breed and Rana Fass. Yeah basically Greg I got an invite come on this morning I think we're talking about the situation regarding ban and tease and I suppose one of the greatest they are the backbone of our organisation they're completely out of backbone and COVID like hit the world it hit us and hit the ban and tease and I suppose the last couple of years when we were reopening we lost a few not so much thankfully to COVID but we lost a few as a result of COVID and I suppose there was a great amount of negativity going around it but the organisation was in trouble but I think it couldn't be healthier and I think in the last number of months we've seen new ban and tease come and going and some of the are all the ones who may had not have been with us last year coming back out so I think things the wheel is really going around in a positive way for us thank God. All right too because as you say you had the challenge of that break but also too you know people weighing up their options shall I offer my property for this or shall I rent it out in the holiday sector you know I mean people had to work through that themselves as to what was best for them. Usually so hugely so Greg but I think one of the things that I have seen as my work in renaissance here but I think as my chair of caucus the national organisation I think what we're really seeing here is the loyalty that these ban and tease have shown to the colleges and shown to the language and shown to the culture I think at the end of the day it's been absolutely fantastic some of them may have been able to get greater money and down the air B&B road but they have remained loyal to the to the to the organisation and to the colleges and really what we are at the moment and Greg is in a situation that in the next number of months we're in the middle of a business now for summer and the demand it's been a tsunami of interest from students since COVID so pent up you know over over the two or three years there's been a tsunami and I suppose we had a situation where the amount of students were greater than the amount of ban and tease but thankfully we're working with and walking very hard hoping to have a roadshow down among all the areas in September to welcome in new bounties into the system why should they I mean obviously look at some people might do it just for the reward of having people in the house working with young people you know promoting the language for others it might be more of you know there's an inconvenience potentially and there might be an income so what are the benefits for bounties well I suppose one of the things that I'd like to clear up Greg there was an article in the pair in one of our newspapers at the weekend and I was important that was part of part of the background of the article it said where a ban and he could earn 42,000 or 43,000 over 10 weeks and I think that was a massive massaging of the figures I think that I think that was an unfair headline I suppose that's what papers have to do it was not fair headline number one the money involved is not 43,000 over over 10 weeks the ban and take the fees that are being paid have gone up over the last while but we're also walking with Renegade to fight for further increases so what I'm saying here this morning it's not coming into the golden nugget or the golden egg but it's coming into a situation where they might walk and over a 10-week period in the summertime as opposed to the tradition six weeks which we had 20 years ago they're coming in they're walking with you with youngsters and I think that anybody who comes into the system Greg by and large stays well they enjoy the walk but listen I've been talking about bounties for an age and one of the arguments through COVID was is that you know for many of them they do this work during the summer and that helps particularly on our islands for an example where there might not be much other employment that helps them get through the winter I mean there's no secret here they put in the hours and the effort over those summer periods to to help pay the bills through winter and I'm sure it doesn't match all of those bills but it eases people's pressure you know what I mean that's no there's no secret there there's no surprise absolutely absolutely and and and I think that I think what the granted the board or in the guilt have increased the setup grant from 2006,000 in the last year and I think that should incentivize it should incentivize more people to get involved because I think sometimes people are afraid to take that that initial step yeah I think they're afraid to make the decision their house has to be up to up to a standard and to feel that maybe this is going to be too big a quantum leap for them but it's not really because quite a lot of the houses that are built now they're up to a very very high standard so there is very very little if anything that has to be done and that's a message I'd like to get across there you know don't be afraid of that you know the people are afraid of farm filling and the worst farm filler in the country again assuring of that so people are afraid of farm filling and we are here as colleges and also in the guilt that they now recognize that people need to be taken through the process and helped through the process so hopefully that will be out there in September Frank thanks so much for your time I do appreciate it and sorry any confusion at the beginning but sure it's live and it's a bit of fun take care of yourself thank you very much indeed okay that is uh Franco Melon there okay now Geraldine Mullen joins us on the program now you might have something to say about Bananti's Geraldine but firstly all jokes aside I want to congratulate you in receiving a top award um it's the inspirational women award at the family's first NI awards at the Titanic Hotel in Belfast Geraldine how does it say congratulations and no more no more worthy a winner how did it make you feel oh good morning Greg uh look again humbled and honored I wish you didn't have to receive any of these awards but um you know it was it was lovely to be recognized and they had cat and cat with me and yet another spectacle to Belfast there on and sat in the beautiful venue in the Titanic convention center and uh just in recognition it's not me and accepting on behalf of the the modern hope center and all the work that we've been able to do um since um since we opened in 2021 so uh yeah again humbled and honored to accept it but yeah I do I do for Jan's most of me so I suppose I I do it because of them and I accepted for them so I suppose for some followers I do it in memory of them and that was it wasn't it immediately to dedicate the award uh to your late husband and children who we all wish they were they were here with us and sitting with you but in this awful situation you've managed to you know help others and I hope in some way help yourself but certainly honor the memory of your beautiful family Geraldine yeah like you know we're coming up to the third anniversary now Greg and unfortunately time passes and the heart rate doesn't get any easier but I suppose it's the love and support I've got from from everybody since the accident and I suppose you know from me getting back it helps me keep going and it's what Jan's most immediately want me to do you know we were in bad fashion saturday we came back down the road saturday night because we had our market there yesterday and you know I had 20 local businesses and you know we had a lovely day and setting up this afternoon because we have a lovely workshop tomorrow even with the women's collective and the ETB and you know in the center so I'm just glad that it can be used for whatever the community wants it to do so and as you said yeah it's it's on their legacy and you know they were so full of life and uh yeah day by day has still been a day by day of course but yeah the day to time exactly and it's one of those isn't it I mean it's uh it's a lovely thing but it's come from such a a sad thing but it's life is so difficult we just have to work through and you do an amazing job in that Geraldine as you say day by day and it's lovely to chat to you lovely to speak to you again and again congratulations but acknowledging uh the situation you found yourself in that that leads to this uh what's to say it's I don't know you know yourself you you've described it far better than I ever could have a lovely day and uh good luck with the workshops today thanks so much for your time thanks very much bye bye chat to you soon hopefully okay bye bye really do appreciate you coming on right okay let's see if I can hear this person coming up here now let's see uh is it coming up no I can't hear it coming off it well we have a winner anyway uh it's just not quite playing out for me it's a lovely wee message we got sent in from uh Sean Ogdeharty in bird uh there are family of five and Sean has won his tickets I'll play this out for you in the morning we'll download it and I'll play it out uh those watching can see it Sean Ogdeharty in bird is taking himself his brother his sister his mom and dad to that amazing premiere that is taking place there's more tickets up for grabs um I don't have the actual sheet uh but anyway it's on jive time I think later on today isn't it there's another family uh ticket to give away so stay tuned for that well done uh Sean Ogdeharty if you were listening in Sean to hear the what's up you sent in to us and you're holding a beautiful wee doggy there um tune in tomorrow and I'll play it out Sean Ogdeharty just in case you wanted to hear it on the radio I'd love to do that okay uh right that is pretty much where we have to leave it on the program uh for this morning it's been great having you all on board for all of those who watch the show who listen to the show it really is greatly appreciated we appreciate uh all of it and for those of you who text in and what have you any of the messages that we didn't get to any of the message that we didn't get to we'll get to uh tomorrow and uh we'll be back at nine o'clock as I say with more on Tuesdays nine till noon show stay tuned John Bresden is coming up around the northwest