It might be a bit of a mixed metaphor to talk of sparks breathing, but I’ve found an example.
Divine Sparks (RTÉ Radio 1, Friday) now has an hour to play with, compared to the half hour of its predecessors. This allows presenter Áine Lawlor to cover a wide variety of topics – allowing the subject matter to breathe! Last week’s programme was a good example. There was a positive item on the value of relics, from the True Cross, via Oliver Plunkett to Carlo Acutis. This led to a more detailed exploration of the life of St Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower, whose relics attract huge crowds wherever they go. We also had an interview with Michel-Yves Bollore, co-author of the recent book God, the Science, the Evidence. With so many false dichotomies between religion and science, this was a timely item, and the author, a Catholic, was surprised by how much of a best-seller the book was becoming. Recently, a planned attack on a Galway mosque, foiled by a cross-border policing investigation, gave huge cause for concern. Imam Ibrahim Michael Noonan, spoke of earlier attacks and was concerned about a rise in racist attacks, linked to anti-immigrant sentiment.
Racist assaults were also covered by Kieran Cuddihy, who is doing fine in his new role as presenter of Liveline (RTÉ Radio 1), which I dipped into a few times last week. So far, the show is much the same as always, with last week’s topics including the latest scams, Ireland’s shock victory over Portugal and problems with the health services. Cuddihy comes across as empathetic and a good listener. I hope he’s that way when dealing with a caller whose views he doesn’t like and doesn’t go into irascible mode and he has sometimes done on Newstalk and as did his predecessor!
Today with David McCullagh (RTÉ Radio 1) also sees a new presenter slotting comfortably into his new role. On Thursday, there was an impressive item featuring Irish forensic advisor Niamh Smith, who has been working on the grim task of identifying bodies on the front line in Ukraine. She has to stay clinical and focussed, but admitted feeling emotional as locals came out to show respect for trucks carrying home the bodies of fallen Ukrainian soldiers. Her work also facilitates the exchange of bodies between Ukraine and Russia. The ethos is one of respect for people, even in death. The work is obviously so important for families seeking clarity and closure.
It’s all a bit Lannigan’s Ball or current affairs chairs as McCullagh steps into Claire Byrne’s slot, as she soon takes over from Pat Kenny on Newstalk, as he moves to a weekend slot. I’m not too enamoured with some of the schedule changes – my morning routine has been disturbed! While it’s probably a good idea to start RTÉ’s show at 9 am, going head-to-head with the current Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk, I think it’s rather short sighted to finish it at 11 am – followed by two hours of Oliver Callan!
While BBC has been hauled over the coals over media bias, home grown examples often flow under the radar. I was listening to the Pat Kenny Show (Newstalk, Thursday) when the host was speaking to Dr Caoimhe Hartley about a new women’s health centre. Fertility issues arose as one might expect, as did contraception, which made fertility sound like an ailment. As soon as fertility ‘cycle-tracking technology’ was mentioned, which sounded all very scientific, Pat Kenny added a dismissive comment about ‘The Billings Method’ as if he was caught in a 1960’s time warp and not at all aware, scientist though he is, of modern developments in natural family planning. The guest doctor compared effectiveness rates for various methods, but without sufficiently considering context – for example natural family planning probably being used in a committed relationship situation like marriage, with the couple hopefully united by a religious ethos, or even an ecological distaste for using chemicals for a situation which is not a matter of disease.
Finally, in preparing the ‘Pick of the Week’ (over) I’ve come across some questionable additions to the children’s programming on RTÉ – e.g. an afternoon programme recently on drag queen ‘Panti Bliss’ and last week a Christmas movie, mid-Saturday morning, prominently featuring a gay couple. Parents with orthodox religious values may take note – suitable programming during family-friendly hour
Pick of the Week
NATIONAL CATHOLIC YOUTH CONFERENCE
EWTN Saturday, November 22, 1.50 pm
General Session: From Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
MASS OF THE BELLS
RTÉ One and Radio 1 Extra Sunday, November 23, 11 am
To mark the 400th anniversary of the martyrdom of St Oliver Plunkett and the 50th anniversary of his canonisation, Irish composer Michael Holohan has composed a special Mass of the Bells for female choir and orchestra.
EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND
Channel 4 Thursday, November 27, 7.50 am
The Sister: Debra’s hippy sister shows up unexpectedly and announces that she’s decided to become a nun. Moving and funny. (S4 Ep6)
