Morning Focus opened with a look at an aspect of Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann that many people may not automatically think of. While the emphasis is on craic and ceoil for some of the hundreds of thousands attending there can be a sense of loneliness in the crowd.
And, according to the Samaritans, despite the festival atmosphere many people can experience feelings of loss and despair because of things that have happened in their lives either recently or in the past.That's why members of the organisation will be on the streets of Ennis from tomorrow evening (Fri. August 19), throughout the weekend, to provide emotional support.
The service they provide will compliment the charity’s regular round the clock, free telephone 116 123 helpline service over the weekend.
**You don’t have to be suicidal to call Samaritans. Whatever you’re going through, call us free any time from any phone on 116 123 (this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill), email [email protected], or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch. Ennis Samaritans telephone number is also available should anyone wish to contact 065 682 9777. Gavin spoke with, Gerry Griffin, Samaritans Festival Publicity Director.
A public meeting was held in Kinvara last night (Weds. Aug. 17) as a part of a campaign to restore a village green which has been tarred over.
The event was organised by the 'Save Kinvara Green' action group who fear the green – which is currently being used for parking – may not be reinstated. The meeting was held just days before the 38th annual Crinniu na mBad festival which opens on Friday.
Gavin spoke with Maeve Kelly, spokesperson Save Kinvara Green
As we know, tens of thousands of students around the country got their Leaving Cert results yesterday (Weds. Aug. 17), the vast majority of them in their late teens. There were some, however, who took the long way around and returned to education in later life, thanks to the Back to Education Initiative. Today, I'm joined by two of those students and by the coordinator of the Further Education Service of the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board.
Gavin was joined by Mike Ryan, Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) co-ordinator for Further Education Service of Limerick and Clare Training Board. (county co-ordinator)
jHe also spoke with David Woods and Ann O'Brien who did their Leaving Certs later in life.
Clare FM's CaoimhÍn O Sé looked ahead to what Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann promises today (Tue. August 16) in terms of events, activities, craic agus ceoil.
Dr Maire Finn of Ennis Family Medical Centre spoke about the benefits of music and dancing as well as the injuries that can occur at events like the Fleadh.
The streets of Ennis are ringing to the sounds of the finest traditional music as Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann gears up for an unforgettable weekend.
Among the estimated 10-thousands musicians who've flocked to this year's event are many who are just getting their teeth on the traditional music scene.
With up to 800 young people taking classes through Scoil Eigse, many more are showcasing their talents on the streets of the town – delighting audiences and building their confidence and skill.
Clare FM's Morning Focus producer Fiona McGarry went out to meet some of them this week.
A Cork man aims to create a new record when he flies from Ireland to Africa in the coming days on a craft that is powered by little-more than a lawnmower engine.
Oisín Creagh, a self-employed architect is aiming to become the first person to deploy a ‘paramotor’ for a journey that will take him from Ireland, through Wales, England, France and Spain, before arriving in his final destination in North Africa.
Oisín is hoping to raise thousands of euro to support the work of Gorta-Self Help Africa. He's embarking on his journey to Africa to support rural development projects being implemented by Gorta-Self Help Africa in drought-ravaged Ethiopia.
Currently experiencing its worst food scarcities in a generation, the United Nations estimate that up to 20 million people will need aid this year because of crop losses caused by the failure of seasonal rains. Gavin was joined on the line by paramotor enthusiast Oisín Creagh.
