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The studio guest on today's programme is Galway poet Rita Ann Higgins. Her latest collection of poetry is called 'Ireland is changing Mother' which chronicles the lives of the Irish dispossessed before, as well as since, the recession struck.

Valentia GAA Club Chairman John O' Sullivan, and legendary Kerry footballer Pat Spillane talk about emigration and depopulation is rural areas.

Frances Shanahan reports on how churches around the country are embracing new technology in an effort to keep in touch with their diversifying congregations. Up to forty Catholic Churches have installed web cams, which allow parishioners to watch local church services from all over the world, LIVE on the internet. Frances went along to Mass in Tuam Cathedral.

The Health and Safety Authorisity is now prioritising farm inspections, recognising that agriculture is the most dangerous area of all to work in.

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Popular Items mentioned in past programmes:

Click here to read Bye Bye Bicycle, by Eamonn Maguire. Read on Countrywide, 31st October, 2009

Click here to read a poem reproduced by kind permission of the author - John Duggan. Read on Countrywide, 12th September, 2009

Click here to see photos from the 40th Anniversary Sale and Celebrations at Clones Mart on Thursday 24th September.

Pumpkin Premiership - CountryWide recently reported on the preparations for the 3rd Annual Pumpkin Festival. Away from the ordinary samples there is also, however, the "Pumpkin Premiership" - that's the group of elite growers who will compete for the title of Festival Champion.