On The Afternoon Show today Máire spoke with pro surfers Ollie O’Flaherty from Lahinch and Peter Conroy from Miltown Malbay. Ollie and Peter are both in the running for this year’s Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards. Last weekend both surfers braved the storms and took to the water in Mullaghmore in Sligo where there were powerful swells of 20 to 30 feet. The Billabong competition nominations are made up of the best waves that have been surfed in Europe so far in the year – the nominations will be whittled down to a shortlist of 5 later in March.
Terry O’Grady from Loughrea also got in touch with the show to tell us an unusual story! Terry was driving close to Doolin, near Dunguaire Castle, 22 years ago and stopped to admire the moon. The car’s engine was turned off, he was in neutral, handbrake off and instead of rolling downhill – the car reversed uphill! Last week his curiosity was re-ignited and he returned to the spot where the same thing happened again! If you have come across the same phenomenon or similar cases ion Clare we’d like to hear about them – please email [email protected] (The precise location of Terry’s magic road is as follows – On the Doolin to Ennistymon road you reach Dunguaire castle, just to the right there is a hill and ditch, follow this for a moment until you come to the first bend – stop your car and see for yourself what happens!)
Suzanne Sturton is the Chair of the Munster Iyengar Yoga Institute and is based at the East Clare Yoga Centre in Tuamgraney. She was in studio to tell us about how Yoga classes will be offered free of charge in over 60 locations across Ireland on Saturday 18th January to celebrate National Iyengar Yoga Day. Classes are beginner level and suitable for all, regardless of age, strength or flexibility. Four free classes will be held at the East Clare Yoga Centre Tuamgraney at 10am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm. Classes will also be taught at the Bridge Yoga Centre, Bridgetown 11am-12 noon and Quay Arts Centre, Killaloe from 9.30am-10.30am. Each free class will be one hour long and consist of some standing postures, some seated work and be followed by a period of relaxation. For more details or to book your place please call 061 640 923 or check out www.eastclareyoga.com
John Sims is a Science Teacher at Mary Immaculate in Lisdoonvarna, he and some of his students joined the programme following their participation in the 50th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, which took place in Dublin last week. They’ve made a major haul of awards at this year’s event – 5 in total, which has showcased their hard work and love of science. Keelan and Rihanna McMahon won 2nd place in senior category and won the EMC2 award for best data collection for their project – The changing Geography of the Young Scientist Competition. While Tess Sheridan Cassin and Aoife won best geological award for their project on why sand at Clare’s beaches are different colours. Stephen O’Connell came 1st in the intermediate individual category in biological and ecological sciences and David Sims received a highly commended in the hotly contested senior individual category for his work on the treatment of sewage with sea lettuce.
Breda McCullough from Dysart was also a guest of the show as she let listeners know how they can get out and get active to help support a worthy local cause. The annual Toonagh Walk for Seeking Vision and Clare Sunset Foundation will be held this coming Sunday – January 19th. Walkers will convene at Dysart Church (it had been Toonagh Hall but due to storm damage they’ve changed venue) at 11.30 for registration – walk commences at 12.30. There’s a 3/5/10.5k walk – €10 entry and donations appreciated.
To contact the show please email [email protected]
