The funeral of Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney – who died on Friday at the age of 74 following a short illness – is taking place in Dublin today
Hundreds of people from the world of arts, literature and politics will gather at the church in Donnybrook for his funeral with mourners including President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Enda Kenny and U2 star Bono.
The Derry man is one of Ireland’s best known poets who had been awarded numerous prizes- he was also a Patron of the Merriman Summer School
His last public appearance took place in County Clare when he appeared on the stage with Michael Longley at the Cumann Merriman in Lisdoonvarna on Friday August 16th – two weeks before his death
On Monday’s Morning Focus we heard an excerpt of the audience that Heaney and Michael Longley gave at this year’s Merriman Summer School and Heaney’s recital of his poem Postscript written about the Flaggy Shore of the Burren…
Thanks to Sean Jordan and Cumann Merriman who kindly gave us permission to broadcast this audio.
Chairman of Cumann Merriman Liam O’Doherty – who was in Dublin to attend the funeral- paid tribute to the visionary
Mary O’Flaherty in Lisdoonvarna taught Heaney’s poetry for years as a secondary school teacher in Scoil Mhuire in Ennistymon
She met him briefly at Merriman and thought him a gentleman, a real giving spirit
Mary spoke with John and said it was a pleasure and privilege to teach his poetry for years.
David Deighan in Sixmilebridge is former Chairman of the Church Conservation Project Committee that raised the funds and project managed the development of the former church as the library between 1994 and 2001
In 1995, his Noble Laureate year, Seamus Heaney signed two hundred copies, specially inscribed and numbered, of his collection “Station Island” to launch the conservation of the former Church of Ireland building in Sixmilebridge as
Kilfinaghty Library
David spoke with John about this contirbution that raised much funds for the conservation
He also described collecting the books from Heaney’s house in Sandymount when he had coffee with Seamus – he said he was a lovely person.
Clare’s first major LGBT event took place in Lisdoonvarna over the weekend as the 2013 Matchmaking Festival got underway
The Outing Event Director Eddie McGuinness spoke with John and said it was a fantastic weekend and a real success with hundreds attending and great support from the local community.
Sergeant Joe Downey, Crime Prevention Officer with the Clare Garda Division, joined John in studio for this week’s Garda Focus
Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 6848100
Concern has been expressed that the economic benefits of Clare’s All Ireland Final appearance could leave the county.
Businesses in Ennis and local representatives have expressed concern that some selling bunting, flags and other items for the saffron and blue appear to be breaking casual trading Bye laws, an offence which carries a fine of up to 1,270 euro
Brian Meaney, Fianna Fail Counillor, spoke with John.
Ennis Toastmasters are getting ready for the new season and the first meeting back is taking place tomorrow – all new members welcome
Adrian Fennell, President of Ennis Toastmasters and PRO Matt Power joined John in studio and extolled the advantages of practicing public speaking and addressing crowds.
Fresh water jelly fish were found in Lough Derg last month
Dr Joe Caffrey -Invasive Species Specialist with Inland Fisheries Ireland – was contacted by a local fisherman who saw a live jelly fish and immediately came down with a team of experts to investigate this alien species to the lake
Dr Caffrey spoke with John and said it is probable that the discovery of this jellyfish relates to the wonderfully warm summer that we experienced in Ireland this year, when water temperatures in many watercourses exceeded 25 degrees C for prolonged periods
John Murphy of the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland joined John in studio to answer your queries.
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