l see Again the peace process was And it's fledgling and then it was not working and then this bomb took place and that really Created a lot of difficulties and the question was and then even at the time it revealed that jerry adams was off Saying that look had I he didn't know but had I had known about this it would have put a creative and moral dilemma Would I have been able to go to the authorities or not because the republicanism in me would have said look I have to look at the side that that i'm on And but he didn't obviously know about it But this was something that he had expressed at the time that he had a moral dilemma to You know he'd have a choice to make and that he feared that he wouldn't have made the choice in making it public Or made it known to the police and it's very interesting that borris johnson at the same time He was the editor of an english paper at the time and he had he was Urging the irish government to have a hard egg approach to the ira. He says we have the mom was beaten The british have the mom what did he mean by that though? I wonder what would he what would that have meant do you think? well, I just think that Putting it simply and we've had 800 years of igneous arrogance when it comes to meddling in irish affairs They thought that they were stronger and better and bigger And that their army would subdue the ira and in part that's why the canary wharf Historically the bomb was let off wasn't so much. I know it killed two people and injured About a hundred people but the the bomb itself did 150 million pounds worth of damage And it was really a bomb to let the british government know how advanced the ira had been technologically at that time and they weren't in the descendancy as borris johnson might have thought And look, we've had that legacy subsequently when he became prime minister with with northern ireland Should we know that and with the protocol and wanting to break the protocol? but look that's for another day, but He they this idea of having a hard egg approach to to the ira And obviously had that approach been a fault followed We might have had the peace process that we've enjoyed the last 30 years Well, my apologies for asking you to get inside the mind of borris johnson on a tuesday morning But anyway, you did well, of course this this it's never off the agenda But I think there is more maybe emphasis behind conversations on a border pole united island But those conversations of course were also happening back in the early 90s and the british government Compiled a report on a united island. So what was their motivation? What what did they learn from it? And what have we learned from this being revealed? Well, obviously the british government had to always, you know Have an awareness of what was happening in the six counties in northern ireland as they would call it And the view was in 1993 that it would take 50 years at least Before there would be a catholic majority in northern ireland And they were believing that fertility rates would fall within the catholic population And be in line with the european averages of the time But as we know in 2021 for the first time ever in the history of the six counties that 45.7 percent of the people say they're either catholic or of catholic origin while only 43.5 percent Were either Protestant or associated to be Protestant tradition so They were away out with the their calculations and it didn't take 50 years and and again, that's just interesting how that might have formed british policy if that makes sense And maybe reassurances to the union is that this would take 50 years and not to be too worried about it But look, but that's that's just was an interesting article in 1993 that they had noted in the and it was noted in the Irish state papers. Yeah three years later an irish-american campaign Was uh Enacted to boycott bush mills whiskey. What? Yeah, it was a very unfortunate in one way um, it was in the san francisco san francisco and it was um The mayor will you will he brown he poured a bottle of bush mills down down the sewer there in san francisco and the irish community groups and businesses groups were boycotting um Bush mills and the reason was it came to light that only 10 of the 108 strong workforce and in the bush mills and antrum there were of catholic origin or catholic tradition But despite the fact that the bush was was owned by irish distilleries and they were based in car and John hum at the time Try to intervene and say look, it's this is a Predominantly Protestant area number one number two. There is not a big turnover of employment within the company And it wasn't an anti-catholic It was just the nature of where they were located and the people that were available to them um, but despite the his efforts that the boycott continued for some time and unfortunately bush mills was seen as being very sectarian which in fact it wasn't and um It was clearly revealed in the state papers that there was a concern Over this kind of attitude towards bush mills or to in fact any kind of irish company where it wasn't really fair to me making those kind of Assessments or judgments that there was no nothing to corroborate but was being said even though there was a majority Protestant workforce in bush mills. It wasn't by design. It was by default. That's what we've been argued Well in politics words matter and they always have Margaret Thatcher was reminded of that in referring to the 26 counties as the irish free states like why would she have used that phrase? Why was she reprimanded for doing so or at least reminded not to do so? um, I wouldn't have it's interesting that the state papers carried that and there was a note a memo sent to her to her The asin people that look don't be referring to irish ireland as the irish free state anymore Now, I don't know whether it was by slip of tongue or design The irish free state as we know was what happened between 1922 and 37 But in article four of our constitution, we are called either ireland or era There's two names for ireland at the irish era or ireland and gently reminded her to either start calling this era or ireland Now some people would say we were the republic of ireland, but we didn't become a republic until 1948 So, uh, let's just let her know that that we we weren't the free state. It was it was ireland or era And I'm not sure if there's a clear answer to this, but if someone now refers to the republic as the free state Uh, what would the political motivation for for for doing so be? well We're back to the conversation we had One of the conversations we had about the civil war. Okay. And the free state would be nearly the 26 county pro-treaty view And that's where the republic would be the 32 county ideal. So look Okay, then Some people would call it a piece of it, but that was the foundation of our of our of our nation in the center of the 26 counties And that was the free state, but look, we're now ireland or era And that's that's where we're at. Yeah, all right. We're not with the republic of ireland or era. There's no republic of era No, it's actually the constitution doesn't use the word republic. It just says era or ireland We refer to as era or ireland And as I said, it was in 1940. I think it was that ireland was then declared a republic and that we were no longer Having to fulfill the criteria off the angle. I was in agreement of 1921 Right, so it was a natural transition then as that expired Right back to 1976 and and do you know what you probably could somewhat argue you could make the same point today A report in 1976 raised concerns how television In ireland was corrupting the minds of the young Yeah, that was a very very interesting one that there was a report showing that there was People were kids were watching too much television And this created a little bit of a Out of concern and remember at the time there was no rt2 rt2 television didn't go online until 1978 They think it was and I think we're old enough to remember greg and this is alien to not old enough to remember No rt2 coming on air. Mr. Kelly Not rt2, but rt1 or rt2. I remember channel four coming on, but no I was No, but in in that they put off the television at 12 o'clock. Yes, I remember that The tv stopped at 12 o'clock. I know what you were doing. There was no more tv That's what I'm coming to and so tv wasn't streamed like it is today And there was a concern that how much time were children watching tv for and now if we're going to have an rt2 Were they going to watch more and the report showed that they were watching four hours and 27 minutes of television over three days Recent figures would show that children are watching at least six hours and 30 minutes on their phone Yes, screen time is it's through the roof. Yeah, indeed one day So this was four hours and 27 minutes in three days And what was very interesting about the report as well was the report criticized parents for the lack of Observing their children watching tv after nine o'clock because that was adult time And that parents should take more heed into what their children were watching after Child time hours if that makes sense, but that was a huge conversation I mean people might remember what is it? Mary Whitehouse in britain and of course, you know We would have been exposed to that conversation as well about stuff that's on I mean to some extent. I actually think tv Scheduled tv now is is not quite as racy and naughty as it as it was You know going back a decade or two But it was a It was an everyday conversation about what was on tv and what was the content of the program and what have you So can imagine as you know more people adapted to to having tv's in the house. It was a proper genuine concern Well, the thing is you see as as as a national single national broadcaster rt1 There was nothing else. So your news was only available there What shocks me as a teacher even today most children do not watch tv They do not get any information from their tv. No, no very few want scheduled television. It's just it's youtube tiktok Or as an example of that recently in my own teaching experience where I was doing christmas I was doing an re-class on christmas and I started showing them some of the christmas advertisements There's great morals in them and there's great stories in them. They haven't seen these advertisements uh, they had known nothing of the You know the different advertisements a world war one in the chalk in 1914 And the football soccer game that was paid and there's a lovely sainsbury add on that never seen it They hadn't seen any of these advertisements and one The student said to me so I don't watch tv. It's all social media. So look at that's that's a it'll be interesting What does the future hold though because you know, we can romantically talk about it It's not even romantic conversation about the importance of our history archiving our history I know that's something that that you do and what have you but if you are if if if a generation is coming through That has no interest in it. It's not relevant to them. They don't want to hear My story is let alone, you know Generations going back. I just wonder why our what our attitude to to history might be in the future because everything is like It's microwave cook meals almost of how we live our lives and what we care about We care about something on a monday and then we care about something else on a tuesday I don't know what history or how we look at history. I don't know what's going to be like in a couple of generations Joe, I don't know if you've ponder that Two or three things they're number one. I think we need to get with it as a generation And understanding where their platforms are and how we access those platforms and how we promote that that's number one And number two, I I think the the litmus test and all this and the thing that will survive and all this Is radio they are listening to radio. So our conversation today. They are listening to And they do hear radio. They do listen to radio and I think radio will become more important over time than tv Um, that's that's my thinking and as well as I said that we need to go and figure out where their platforms are I'm trying to access that but I have no doubt children love stories. It's a human Natural human instinct. They love stories Like, you know, if you're listening to small children want you to read stories at night They want and they want to hear the story again again again Young people like stories. They want to know and they want to re-hear this stuff Yes, but we're not doing it as parents, you know, that's that's as much as we possibly should but that's why, you know I don't want to reference this as if it's a criticism of parents. It's not but you know the fact that Children are being exposed to these stories through these adverts for the first time, you know, we Aren't having those conversations. I think we're all just so hell bent on making sure that they're okay emotionally and You know, they've they've got everything that they need and and they'll be able to get a house or something I just wonder if we're so consumed in the moment, you know, that that really we don't have space to reflect and Educate our young people about what went before them because I think they might feel it's irrelevant But I take your point But I just wonder if we if we on mass despite your great efforts if we on mass sort of stop stop archiving It start talking about and it's stop seeing the portents in it, you know Eventually it'll be a tiny tiny tiny minority of people that might be there to archive and discuss it Well, maybe but the only thing I'll say is We're here in this stage Historically In human development that we've never been here before that we have a tool in children's hands When I say young adults even ourselves in their hands, there's more technology in the phone That's in the hand of a young person than today Then all the computers put together to put the first man on the moon That's what they have in their hand. They don't need for the first time They're the first generation that do not need a teacher or a parent to educate them. They can educate themselves through the phone Uh, if they want to know something they can find it and even now with AI the artificial intelligence I mean only been released the new artificial intelligence. It's it's it's just amazing very dangerous. It's scary Absolutely amazing. Yeah, but augmented reality too. Actually, you know, maybe this is the future recently Uh, local developers were up here last year of the year before It could have been 10 years ago because of covet. I don't know what when anything happened But you were able to walk through I can't remember which precise building it was but you were able with your vr to walk through you know, uh a a the the ruins of a building that in in in um In this virtual reality had been reformed and it was very immersive and maybe that's that's the future And if mark zuckerberg has his way, we'll all be wearing Helmets and living in some sort of an alternative reality. I seem to remember um a The story of a submarine towing Trollers Uh, when when this was back in the 90s. Was that did we know about that at that time? Well, there is a number there was another submarine that was unfortunately taken to the bottom of the sea That might be the one i'm remembering actually That led to a lot of controversy Here here and done a gall at the time or whatever but in september 13 1990 um A submarine was dragged back It's had nets have been out and was dragged back backwards for for a number of miles And uh, they didn't know what it was but they found out later when the Nets were released that there was a sonar in the net To the a british submarine and the british wanted it back And the one with the sonar back but the irish trawler and the Contestor was the name of a mb contestor wanted this is off to scaries and county carry. They wanted uh, no, sorry This was off scaries in a dublin. They wanted Recompense for the damage that had been done to their nets and and whatever damage had been done to their trawler being dragged backwards but the british civil service reminded the the iris civil servants that they could claim immunity on this diplomatic immunity which they did so that they would have to find Recompense through the iris system that the iris government would have to pay for any damages as opposed to the to the submarines And so that that that was that happened in 1990 and it was resolved Quietly rather than through the media or in the public good stuff and Was there i'm reading this correctly that we as a nation thought we were going to build submarines for our own use Yeah, well In ireland with submarines From claire was the first man to develop a submarine. He went to american work for the fiends and then the american army during the american war of civil war Employed him and he designed the first submarine And not to to push it any further and blowing my own area, but there was a woman by the name of conahann She was elliott by mari she by 1948, but she came from from from focara And she was a draftswoman in world war two On the american navy submarine. So there was a strong tradition of submarine technology and design here in ireland traditionally And in in that time you're making out the report there in the 90s There was a proposal by a dutch company to build submarines in corp, which is ideal Um, and their idea then was to sell them to taiwan. They had a market for them already But this created great alarm in the ireland government because they feared this would damage their relationship with china And they declared that china was sovereign Of its own republic and that of taiwan as well So the ireland government were seeing taiwan as part of china and to supply submarines from ireland to taiwan would be seen as disrespect in china's Sovereignty and so the ireland government said for two reasons one because of the fear of the backlash with china and two because we were a non-military country The dutch company were were stopped or were were not given the permission to go ahead to build a factory that would create submarines So that put an end to the submarines Just time for one more maybe two uh accounting farmer Created on ease Yeah, because his drainage was redefining the border with dunnegall. Yeah Unpack that one for us. Yeah Well, I well spotted one greg and a very interesting one because it ties him with for manna and dunnegall um There was a farmer william hamilton and he was wanting to Change the course of I think it was a termin river It's on the border between dunnegall and for manna for his farm whatever drainage he wanted to do and this is this created a great controversy because the the the division between The dunnegall and for manna was in the middle of the river and if he was going to change the course of the river Then he would be changing the course of the border So, uh, he was told that no set on certain terms that he he how would have to get the permission of both the authorities in the north and public authorities in the south to To re divert or to divert the the river and since I don't think that was forthcoming So he didn't get to read draw the border Um, so I don't know what how he managed sense with his with his farm, but that was back in uh, yeah in the 1990s. Yeah all right, okay, and uh Pope john paul the second just we were speaking about Obviously, uh, popes a little early on in the program finally on this one. Uh, this was a topic conversation 98 Yeah, again, we were chatting earlier about tv and children's memories Anybody starting work today that have left college would not remember pope john paul And we're pope benedict now is to be buried shortly pope john paul died in 2005 But he came here to early 1979 and millions of people went to visit him and see him and there was talk then in december 1998 Began that he might come back to Ireland again And john mcgee was a bishop of Klein would have been pope john paul's private secretary at one time And he was saying that pope john paul would be interested in coming back to Ireland But uh, the Irish diplomatic service said that it didn't look That this was going to happen because there wasn't a liking within the hierarchy to have this and it was very interesting He said it would be like the hierarchy It would be like a teacher asking an inspector to come into their room And at that time you remember the even Casey scandal broke and various other scandals broke And so he said that it would be the Irish hierarchy wouldn't want the pope to be coming to Ireland because he might uncover a lot of Stuff that they wouldn't want them to know so it never it never really Materialized and so pope john paul never never came to visit Ireland for the second time But that was been mooted in 1998. Yeah, and very fine. It's just a comment from a listener I don't know if you anything to say about it, but I kind of Kind of inclined to sort of think along the lines they do Uh, Greg why in the democracies they're secret and classified papers Are we as a people too stupid to tell the truth? Can we not handle the truth? I think they're sort of invoking a few good men there in that, uh, but I mean I suppose in this day and age where information is, you know, immediate and We feel like we know everything that's going on. Uh, is is do you believe I'm not asking you to defend Uh, classifying papers, but I mean, do you see the logic of it at least maybe? Well, I put it like this maybe in my own personal capacity Haven't done history and and and record a lot of people There's a lot of information not a lot but some information when I would record people that I would know that it would never release Um, it would be a moral of me to do so Maybe maybe something about the families, you know history or past the dirty linen so to speak and I always use a maximum out of out of St. John's gospel the truth will set you free And if you release truth if it doesn't set the people free Then don't don't use it because then it becomes a tool to injure and to hurt and it doesn't set people free And at times one has to have always that as a historian That's the maximum I use if I'm writing something If it's truthful, is it going to set people through free? Is it going to be framed properly? Or is it something that's going to be used to cause damage and weaponized? Yeah, and weaponized and we don't need that Um, you know the old phrase of let sleeping dogs lie and sometimes things should be let lie And with regards to state papers We can't have everything out there because we have fragile situations Just take for example, we know with our own peace process and trying to keep that out If everything was out immediately Then it would create great controversy and unease and they would make it very very unstable And I think over time the truth can be released where that it doesn't damage The process of whatever is happening happening So it's not that I'd be wanting to hide truth or anything like that there But I think we have to be very very careful and unfortunately we we've lived in a world of media where People's lives have been damaged by media and they say well, it's the truth But it's not good enough just to be the truth. What effect has that on the person that you've published about You know making people suicidal I'm just thinking of princess Diana and the way the media treated her And how she lost her life being chased by the media, but it's the truth You know, you have to ask yourself. How far do you go with the truth? Where is the truth and where is personal? But who's the uh, I don't know if arbitrator is the right word of that Although, I mean obviously you can through your history, but in terms of the state stuff You know, maybe we could we could learn things that could avoid other things happening as well But anyway, it's it's it's an interesting conversation. Perhaps for another day finally Very fine. What are we going to be talking about this year? Uh, what what when when you rejoin us? No spoilers like Civil war territory this year. I think you mentioned earlier on the drum ball martyrs. That would be a variant That's right. You've flagged that didn't you uh in our pre christmas convo I'm sure look at we'll take it from there Um, I I haven't we have to get back to we might do another round of place names. Maybe actually yeah, absolutely No problems at all brilliant stuff. Thank you so much uh for uh, your time as always Happy new year to you uh, and all your family and friends and students and all that kind of stuff Can I just give a wee shout out to a lady that will be 103 at the end of this month? I'll probably not be on before it is mary mcgallowan done family. She's older than the state And and there was a stone Unveiled there in falcara there just a few days ago and memory of herself and her family So just a big shout out to mary mcgallow going to be 103 at the on the last day of this month Happy birthday mary lady and to just wish her all the best. Okay, and uh separate to that Beautiful request you mentioned earlier in the conversation. Don't be afraid to to to blow falcara's trumpet That's where you're from at times. I get worried because I've never heard any criticism of it You must do it very subtly because I don't really notice it too much, you know There's no sign in the last 20 years. There's no they've been taken down. There's no signpost for falcara So I get concerned when I don't see my way home Okay, well, that's the we could have another convo on that so you always drop these bits just as we're wrapping up Thanks very much as always appreciate your time. Take care of yourself. Uh, dr. Joe kelly Text or WhatsApp your view to greg on 086 60 25 000 Do you want to take the next step in your career at atlantic technological university? We can help you choose from over 60 part-time courses starting in january Work hard and thrive with a flexible learning experience designed to suit you Build qualifications in areas with high skills demand such as science engineering education culinary tourism and leadership Expand your mind your options and your career Apply now at atu.ie slash january stars Atu the future is here Do you suffer from high cholesterol? Men of all symptoms digestive issues anxiety aches and pains or a lack of energy? They're highly trained team at the natural way letter. Kenny can provide advice on natural remedies for a number of Individual health issues the natural way also has its own brand of herbal treatments to help fight fatigue Relief digestive discomfort maintain a healthy immune system and alleviate common menopause symptoms The natural way letter can a shopping center your one-stop health shop 2023 is officially here and whether you're turning over a new leaf or starting right where you left off Who doesn't want to shrink their grocery bill at this time of year? Dunstores double savers does exactly that save in the aisle with loads of your favorite products at everyday low prices Then save again at the till with our 10 or 50 and five off 25 grocery vouchers Double savers from dunstores always better value terms and additions apply voucher can be used on next qualifying grocery shop For day-to-day health care needs generations have trusted the experienced staff at mcgee's chemist letter Kenny from coughs and colds to aches and pains from vitamin supplements to first aid essentials mcgee's have what you need when you need it with a full prescription service available daily mcgee's chemist main street letter Kenny for health care help and advice you can always trust The winter sale continues at michael murphy sports and leisure get 20 off men's women's and kids shoes and save an extra 20 on sale items in store and online while stocks last also free next day delivery on orders over 85 euro Gear up for 2023 with the winter sale at michael murphy sports.ie If over the holidays you decide it's time to change your car Then why not treat yourself to a new key into 2023 Make an inquiry on our website and we'll be in touch to arrange your purchase when we return in the new year We have cars ready to drive away in january. So visit iMotors.ie iMotors would like to wish everyone a happy new year There's no place like a foie and company home. Our big january sale is now on We're also giving away 100 euro foie's vouchers every day for 12 days in january for a chance to win visit our social media for details foie's big january sale is now on at foie's.ie and in store in letter Kenny and balba fei There's huge discounts off all interior paints wallpaper ready-made and custom made curtains also off cushions rugs household and gifts lighting kitchenware and much more Okay, uh, if you've listened to this program for any period of time you will know that we have dedicated a great deal of time to the the status and the future of Lifford hospital and it would appear now use the word appear because I really don't take anything for granted until such time as I actually see something happening But plans for a new hospital Lifford have taken a big step forward following talks between the hsc and donna go counter cancer three and a half acre site For the facility has been identified as part of a wider redevelopment of lands along the n14 john quins The man's going to know whether this is as good news as it might seem He's chair of the friends of lifford community hospital and joins us and for the first time I can see you john. Good morning to you Good morning Right. Okay, so you to you and your staff. Okay. Thank you very much john I mean there's been full storms in the past, uh, you know White smoke on positive news. Where does this sit? Where do you frame this news as it relates then to the future of a this important facility in this area? Yeah, well, we're kind of in an awkward spot because we've been in talks with the hsc and and the county council officials and we give a commitment that we wouldn't be Devulging any information until everything was done But at the moment it's out there in the public domain that yes There it is good news and the friends of lifford hospital committee were delighted with the progress that's been made There's a lot of stuff a lot of discussions going on You know in sorry behind the scenes a positive discussions What has been put out into the media? At the moment, we're aware of it and we've been aware of it for a number of weeks But we we give a commitment to the hsc that we would hold back Yeah, and I'll respect I'll I'll respect that so what I'll say is that what's in the public domain at the moment is that You know future plans include a new lifford hospital 25 bed unit um short term respite step down beds and An ample car park it would seem 177 car parking spaces So as I say, I know I think it's positive that you're in those conversations with the individuals and the groups that you mentioned So I don't want to do anything at all that might dampen that relationship. So if What we see is being planned is progressed and and and as I say with that commitment, it's part of a wider plan We have to take it at face value at this point and say good news then Well, it is very good news. We're not denying that it's a brilliant news. I mean if we look back If we look back over the last few years Especially before covid because everything kind of went shut down during covid The worst times when we held our meetings in the old hospital and our times were sitting there and we're looking at ourselves What are we doing this for folks? We demoralized and Down trodden and all that but we stuck stuck with it because we felt that if we kept highlighting it That eventually something will happen they they are the hsc and The county council and mainstream politicians and government level. They're all now on the same page they're all now working together to Provide this facility, which is a 25 bed community nursing unit along with primary care To include gp facilities physiotherapy occupational health network disability teams and the ecc So there's a lot of stuff going on And we have to remember the history to john because and and I think uh, not that it's over But you and and the rest of the team always very uh, I think dignified and respectful In the campaign at the same time. I don't think we'd be where we are now if you's hadn't Been as vocal about this as you had because let's not forget There was it seemed at a time whereby we could have been losing a number of facilities for a centralized model in letter kenny for example Um, you know, this was a very real Uh concern at times over this journey Well, you mentioned letter kenny there, uh, I don't know if people are aware of it. Uh, there was a talk come back 18 months ago Didn't get much airway that letter kenny was going to be downgraded. It's going, you know, everything was going to move to dairy and slago and gallway Hopefully that doesn't happen But uh, we we're delighted with the news that's coming out regarding lufford force. We're delighted I live in convie and a few of our committees most of our committees are I would say about half the committee are in around the lufford area, but a lot of them are around Convy refold Carragans and all over it's a big area The hsc did give a commitment and The politicians have come out. I'm not saying they're trying to steal or close because we don't care Because we've been campaigning for about all good lord 20 odd years And to see what's common now down Down the road is brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. Uh, I can't see them going back in us I think greg what really focused the whole thing why there was such a sea change in the last, uh, say year was covet because we always maintained that The community hospital in lufford and all community hospitals could take up the slack and providing beds where people need respite or short stay instead of I don't want to use the word, but i'm going to use it bed blocking in the general hospital I think the hsc realized that when they got when covid come in or caught short We're not going to highlight that or keep going on about that But our campaign will still keep going until the first sod is turned and the key is turned in the door Yeah, and just again, I don't want to be negative. It's a new year but but the the The situation it would seem at this time is that there'd be no long-term care So in other words, where people might have nearby access. Is that the case? Uh, or is that a fade to come clear? What's the situation there john? well, uh What we want what we've been campaigning for us to keep the hospital facility In the lufford not just in lufford, but it's for the whole area is a large catchment area short stay step down and uh respite now long-term Beds yes, it it's it is an issue and it will be an issue in the future There's no no question about it Maybe in a couple years time one of the things up and running that issue will be revisited and I I can't see it I can't see it I can see it personally Come on on stream that there will be long term I can see that happening but maybe not at the moment But that'd be another fight for another committee But the other thing I want to do too. Greg. I want to use the time here to thank our committee That's a man that's there now at the moment, but also the people have gone before us We're only trying on what has been started 20 odd years ago and we're keeping it going And it's down to those people too that we've got this far. Yeah So what would you say your status if your committee is now? I mean, there's a firm commitment here There seems to be a cross-party political will and acceptance that this is is going to happen or needs to happen I mean, obviously, I don't think it's going away anywhere But is there breathing space now maybe to focus on something else for a while john? No, we're very much aware of the attitude on the political side has changed drastically In fact, it caught us off guard. We were, you know, stunned. Good God. What's happening here? But Our main aim is to have a facility up and running and love it and we'll keep going as I said Until the key in the doors turned We appreciate we do appreciate the effort has been given by Some politicians, but there's other politicians will be, you know Well, I'll have to watch they'll have to search their conscience and say can we do a little bit more? There is one on the vigil that a whole like our committee would like to Give noted or give credit to and that's jerry crawford and lufford jerry crawford has been very very helpful and very One of our good friends to the committee Because he's a he worked he worked in the ambulance service. He's from the area and he knows what the hospital means to the people around that area There's other politicians that Well, if they had a poll there Sorry thing out of their posterior We might have we might have had something you could have said fingers. He could have said finger I left out the posterior I'm only joking, but you know what I mean. I know I do understand, you know, right? Okay. Well, that's that seems positive a positive way to start 2023 and we'll watch with interest how things develop It's always a pleasure John. Uh, well before you go We are very much appreciated Greg of Highland radio and your program for keeping the thing in the public domain That has been very helpful to us because there are people Ask us what's going on and we can't say but the fact now that Pierce d'Arty and Jared Crawford come out and said what was happening. Uh, we just can confirm that is happening we're waiting now on Uh word back from the hsc We're waiting to get the i's dotted the t's crossed in other words plan a promotion for the site I think that's the big issue at the moment and I think that's in the process of being done All right, and just to recognize that uh, the friends of the Lyford community hospital have been in at the table discussing this and And we're having a part of this and I think it's it's worth recognizing that as well. That's where the work was done All right. Listen. Thanks so much John. Take care of yourself. Thanks for your time. Bye. Bye. So a pleasure Uh, John T quinn there chair of the friends of the Lyford community hospital I mean having spoken about that so many times over so many years It would be wonderful to think that that will Uh come to fruition and common sense would prevail Hi, Greg interested in this topic on the menopause It's all very well that the doctor is saying that HRT is okay to take if taken in perimenopause menopause goes right into the 60s On set of perimenopause can vary all women is different or are different Surely there are side effects if a person is on HRT some women experience a horrific time More women's centers need to have more drop-in centers all over Donegal It's so important to women's mental health in fact all over health So women can express how we really feel I agree people should be able to say how they feel I think the doctor did point to the fact that Uh to take it if it's helpful and then one can be weaned off it as as necessary So not just give it and just leave it as that but that it would be on ongoing care And attention, um, I think so in agreement in agreements with what you're saying there All right, we're going to be speaking to west end actor Dennis Grindel after the break the county's number one talk show the 9 till noon show on Highland radio With the ongoing war in ukraine affecting the cost of energy Many of us are facing a challenging winter through budget 23 Government is introducing a range of supports to lessen the financial impact on families households and businesses and will continue to monitor the situation in the coming months to protect those in difficulty It's important that everyone stays warm and well, but we're safe and possible to do so Reducing energy use can also reduce bills Changes like turning your thermostat down by one degree and considering how often you use energy intensive appliances like tumble dryers can make a big difference For information on available supports and energy saving advice visit gov.ie Forward slash reduce your use brought to you by the government of Ireland Take control or complaining because listen, it's Experts have said to expect 60 60 stations across the country Even got the you know, um pods thingies podcasts Discover a radio experience that speaks to you with the radio player app Download today Highland radio weather updates with Ireland west airport discover Edinburgh this summer with Reiner's three times weekly service Stunning architecture endless winding streets and an awe-inspiring castle island west airport Don't just take off take it easy. All right The weather forecast wet and windy today with spells of heavy rain bringing the potential for flooding highest temperatures of 10 to 12 degrees in fresh to strong And gusty south westerly winds temperatures six to eight degrees denise grindle West End Actor and uh currently performing in the choir of men. He joins us now. Lovely to see you. Thanks denise for taking the time out I think you're muted. Are you denise or are you perhaps you're not? I don't know We might be having a communication issue.  Oh eight six six two twenty five thousand. What's absent text to that number or give us a call? On 07491 at 25 000 emails comments at highland radio.com. I wonder can you hear me now denise? No, I I can hear you. Yes, of course. There you are Right, okay. Um, talk to me about uh, you're acting career It's great to see another local person doing so well on the on the international stage or or anywhere in the arts Yeah, um, well, yeah, I've been out now for about 10 years. Uh, I went to ucd for University back in the day and got involved with Theater there. We set up the musical society actually 10 years ago there. Um, and then from there I went to london and did a masters in theater Um, I think a couple of don't think all people know I then I went on to do the commitments Um, Roddy Doyle's musical he did that in the west end. So I did jimmy robber. That was sort of my Uh foot in the industry did that for like two and a half years in london And then since the band had been sort of traveling around europe around america Most recently around america and australia with a show i'm with now called the choir of man and we just Set up in the west end out for a run burning talk to us about the show So the show is called the choir of man. It's a nine piece Actor musician a sort of immersive theater show. Um, it's set in a pub And my character the poet takes you around this pub and introduces you to his group of friends who all sing and play a bunch of different instruments and we're a group of lads from all across the uk and ireland And it's uh, it's a show all about friendship and community and it talks about what it is to be a man in today's society Sort of picks that apart a bit um all set to Are sort of covers of music, you know, like guns and roses queen adelecia. Um, but it's a real fun feel-good show Is that not there's very little new but you know that sort of Different approach to the stage that more sort more immersive experience and we're seeing it here locally too with musicians Uh, not simply just not that it's simple but performing Uh, but to try and bring the audience into it a bit more that there's a little bit more Meaning there. Is that a is that something if it's not new that we're seeing a resurgence in I think for sure. Yeah, I think um, there are a good few shows now taking that approach on the west end I went to see one recently cabaret and I think the idea is that the show and the experience really starts as soon as you set foot Into the building so people will notice when they come and sit in like the entire Theater space that we're in is made to feel like a pulp those pictures on the walls Without the audience can go and look around before the show starts of us boys through the years The show's been going for five years and this different pictures of us in like america and edinburgh and in sydney And they're invited on stage for a pint We we pull some willing victims onto the stage to sing along with us and to dance along I think yeah that it really does add to the show people Are taken away from the idea that it's you know, very Awesome them separated and they're made to feel like they're a part of the show and we've noticed that through the years people really attached to this and Begin to feel like friends with us. Yeah, because that's a really nice balance You have to strike there and clearly you're doing it you used one of more recent performances to address the audience So you spoke spoke glowingly about Your homeland why? Well, that's actually a part of the show that we do I think somebody said online that I did it, you know Just off the cuff but that is actually a part of the show that we do every night So I speak about donnie gall every night in the show. There's a section that we talk about home Especially for performers. I feel like we're all you know, I've been away from home for a long time now And I'm usually living out of a sick case most of the time But there's a section show where I introduce all the boys we play ourselves in the show You know, I talked to the audience and say my name is denis and this is the acquired man This is my friend. These are my friends. So there's a section where I introduce all the boys and where they're from So every night I get to say, you know home for me is donnie gall and talk about the different parts of donnie gall that You know keep staying my heart as I travel around the world because it's not easy You know, I mean it's it's a it's a tough life But you have a lot you you're exposed to an awful lot you're getting some great experiences But home is home too, isn't it and that poll is is always there Yeah, oh for sure. Oh god. Yeah, like I got back for just two days there Christmas, but um Like during covid or if I'm in us america, uh, you do just miss you miss the beach of donnie gall I think like that or the axe and they're just the way people chatting. I think on one of those particular nights. There was a Just I didn't know them per se but a family and from donnie gall and I spoke to them and in the pre-show And I had a fight with them and that always gets me then when I'm talking right in the they start cheering When I say donnie gall, you know, it's the pride as well that we have for our our fellow donnie gallians Yeah, and is it is it a tool as well to as part of the show though because you talk about you know Unpacking what it is to be a man and what have you maybe you know Talking about how you're feeling talking about maybe a vulnerability or or an emotion You know, it's it's not just tagged on at the end for the crack There's it forms part of the wider meaning of the program. I presume or the show. Sorry Yeah, I know for sure. It's uh, yeah, it's it's we a lot of people come for I think what they see In the reviews or on social media is the the party and the fun and the beer and and all that There was a one gentleman who came in who had never seen a show before he was in the 60s His daughter dragged him along. He's like, this is my first theater show I've ever seen I'm sure they're coming for the beer But then he said he had a cry when there's a moment when we sing the song dance with my father And we speak about you know We speak about family and friends and stuff like that and that got him So if we're the the door that opens people to theater, how amazing is that? Who's to say maybe it was the first time his daughter had seen him express his emotions and that way Who's to say we don't know and and how long now will this run of the choir of man be in it? And are you working on anything else in tandem with this dennis or this does this take up so much of your time? Yeah, so I'm I'm with this show and I've signed on I'll be with it till the start of february it is booking until may But the show just keeps going with different iterations through the years I've been in with it kind of since we started back in edinburgh fringe five years now on and off So I'll always be jumping in and out of it, but I'll be with it until start of february Other than that. I have I worked on a project. Actually. I'd love to do shout out for it's called fairview park I did it with a british British film funded Short film that's coming out in the festivals this year Tells the story of dekelyn flinn the man who is murdered in ireland in fairview park And was seen as the catholic for the gay civil rights movement in ireland. So it was really important and beautiful project And I got to meet his family. So that should be coming out. So I'd like to speak to you maybe about that separately when we have more time Yeah Yeah, it was a really great experience. All right, listen great stuff. Thank you so much and continued success in your career And uh, obviously continue flying the flag for us here in donningall take care of yourself Thank you. Bye. Bye. Dennis grindle their west end actor. All right. That's the first show 2023 in the bag Thank you so much to all of you who listened watch took part. We're back with you