Live Register figures increase in Tipperary
Very disappointing to see the Live Register in Tipperary rose during the month of May. Only recently the Government announced it had got the country back to work. These latest figures are a clear example that the Governments strategy for job creation is not working and they have forgotten about the people of Tipperary.
Recently I have been actively engaged with Management, Staff and Union’s in the C&C plant in Borrisoleigh/Clonmel and have proactively engaged with the Bord Na Móna plant in Littleton. I have done this to insure current employment levels are maintained and secured in both fatalities.
The Central Statistics Office show that over 14,000 in the county were signing on in May, putting the number on the Live register up from it last report in February.
Pierce Molony RIP
It is with deep sadness that I acknowledge the death of Pierce Molony, Racecourse Thurles. He was a real gentleman and true friend. Pierce was a loving devoted husband to Riona and an incredible father to his daughters Helen, Patricia, Anne-Marie, and Kate. With his family he was truly blessed. Pierce was a great character with a lovely personality; warm, kind, caring with a unique sense of humour and boundless generosity.
Pierce had a passionate interest in the bloodstock industry with a particular love of National Hunt. He was a fountain of knowledge on all racing matters.
He was very proud of Thurles racecourse and the role it played and the contribution it makes to the racing industry. Pierce, over his lifetime, had built up an unrivalled expertise, knowledge and experience on the maintenance of racing ground and took great pleasure in having it in perfect condition irrespective of weather conditions.
He will be sadly missed by his family, a legion of friends and the entire industry.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis
Catherine McGovern – A woman of courage beyond understanding
Fantastic night on Wednesday last at the launch of Catherine McGovern’s book ‘Myelona My Life’. It was a brilliant success and a real tribute to Catherine. Catherine’s book is now available locally for €12.50 and I would encourage everyone to purchase a copy. I was asked to make a contribution to the book and was delighted to do so. I have copied below my piece for Catherine’s book;
“Michael, I had my MRI scan yesterday which showed up two tumours on my spine…I’m in terrible pain…my news is not good at all… can you call to me for a chat”
Words in a text I dreaded to read from a woman who can only be described as inspirational. The world that I deal with every day is often cynical and sometimes ruthless. However when you see courage and bravery expressed as a celebration of life without any agenda, it leaves you humbled and honoured just to know this human being.
Catherine McGovern is such a woman. I come across many people who have experienced terrible pain and loss, who have had to deal with personal tragedy in all kinds of circumstances. How people respond to these difficulties varies hugely.
Catherine has never allowed her illness to diminish her joy in life or her indelible spirit. Her passionate, witty, fun-loving personality shines through all the time. No matter how she is feeling inwardly Catherine always manages to look stylish and sharp. How often we heard that Catherine was laid low from the effects of treatment only for the door of Corcoran’s or Bannons to swing open, Catherine bounce through and bring the place to life with her infectious enthusiasm.
It is my privilege to know Catherine for many years. Ironically cancer brought us together. Catherine, had a special bond with Conor Kennedy, a great buddy of mine who was suffering from cancer. Both from Skehana, Catherine gave Conor fantastic support during his illness and when he sadly passed away, our friendship continued and grew. When Catherine was herself diagnosed with cancer, I was devastated.
Since then I have seen Catherine deal with this awful condition with such courage and positivity. As the disease progresses it impacts on everyone connected to the person; family, friends and community. The medical and professional requirements increase. Normal routines are shattered and replaced by daily disruption and additional costs. However this is insignificant compared to the emotional trauma that is experienced by family.
Catherine’s husband Kenny and her three adored children, Shane, Katie and Amy have had to come to terms with Catherine’s illness and at the same time continue to provide all the love and support that is needed. Kenny gave up his job to become a fulltime carer and his dedication and commitment to this wonderful woman is evidence of a love that is deep beyond words. Catherine’s children have travelled a long road since this illness began. There have been several periods of remission when hope grew and family life resumed; there have been times when hope seemed lost but each time Catherine responded and continued the fight. Resilience and determination have been the hallmarks of this struggle and during the depths of this journey, she has always remained exuberant, with a constant smile and a positive perspective. Part of this commitment to life has seen Catherine offer huge ongoing support to other cancer patients. I will always remember when Catherine spoke by invitation at the Mayor’s Ball in the Anner Hotel, Thurles, in 2010. She captivated her audience with a powerful, incisive, vivid and emotional description of her personal journey. She has visited people with cancer regularly and encourages optimism and hope in everyone. In so doing Catherine has refused to let this condition get her down. She has become a beacon of hope and empowerment to everyone she comes into contact with. Her insights and courage constantly inspire others and her refusal to succumb to despair is driven by a deep faith in life and positive energy. Her personal faith has been tested throughout this time but Catherine has always trusted that everything in life has a purpose and that strength comes from the inner peace provided by positive faith.
Further evidence of this was seen in the fundraising appeal that took place in Two-Mile Borris earlier this year. Such is her popularity that the entire community got involved to raise funds. I was not at all surprised by the reaction in the community itself. Catherine is so highly respected and admired in the area that the expression of support was unprecedented.
At a time like this we reflect on the nature of life and death; its transient and seemingly random disruption of lives. Why do good people seem to suffer such pain and difficulty as their loved ones look on helplessly? Human existence is fragile and unpredictable. So when you see a woman such as Catherine facing this uncertainty with courage, passion and a positive outlook, all we can do is admire and be inspired by this incredible bravery in the face of the ultimate adversity.
Progress Being Made on Gortnahoe GP Issue
I would like to assure residents in the Ballysloe and Gortnahoe areas that progress is being made in retaining a full-time General Practitioner in the area.
I have spoken with officials in the HSE who have now agreed to re-advertise the post in question and have advised medical card holders that they can remain with their current GP, Dr. Fitzpatrick, until a replacement is secured for him.
There was a huge outpouring of concern and anger in Gortnahoe when it was announced that no replacement had been secured for Dr. Fitzpatrick. Over 650 medical card holders where left in an incredibly difficult situation; not alone would they be losing an excellent medical profession who was familiar with the intricacies of their case, but they would face considerable cost, disruption, and upheaval in having to travelling to neighbouring towns to avail of health care. There was also huge concern as to what would become of the health centres in both Gortnahoe and Ballysloe.
I immediately contacted the HSE on this issue and have now received assurances that they will be making every effort to ensure that a full time GP is secured to replace Dr. Fitzpatrick. Medical card holders in the area do not now need to nominate an alternative GP as they can stay with Dr. Fitzpatrick until a replacement is found.
I believe that we are now on the way to finding a solution to this problem.