On The Afternoon Show today it was the turn of the Friday Panel to discuss the news of the week. Laura Mulcahy, a Drama Teacher, Playwright and Director from Ennis, Martin McMahon from the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association and O’Callaghan’s Mills resident and Peter O’Connell from The Clare Champion and Kilmurry McMahon were in studio to talk about how the Taoiseach says 2014 will be the year of jobs – as the coalition plans to restore employment to Celtic Tiger levels of more than 2.1 million by 20-20. A new post-bailout economic plan has been unveiled that promises no income tax hikes between now and the end of the decade. The plan says austerity will end in 2015 – but "budgetary rigours" must be maintained. They also talked about how Christmas is finally here! As we get ready for the big day and plan a turkey dinner the panel discussed how the latest episode of Ear to the Ground in which the presenter killed a turkey, caused a stir. An animal rights group had urged RTÉ to reconsider airing the scene, the panel talked about the reality of where our food comes from. Also up for discussion was how The Gathering has been hailed as a huge success across Clare. It comes as figures released from Tourism Ireland how there’s been a 7 per cent increase in the number of visitors coming to Ireland. The body’s end of year review shows strong growth in overseas visitor numbers estimating that by December 31st – eight million people will have holidayed on the emerald isle. Markets like Australia, America, Germany and France have performed particularly well.
Paddy McDonnell & Michael “Hopper” McGrath from the Kilkee Amphitheatre Drama Company were in studio to tell us about – Christmas Crackers, a new variety show produced by the company. It will have the best of local talent, music, song, dance and sketches from all ages. It’s being staged in the community centre in Kilkee on December 22nd, 27th and 29th. Doors at 7 – curtain at 7.30pm
Jackie Slattery, Clare ICA Federation President from Clooney Quin and ICA member Mary Neylon from Kilmurry McMahon were in studio to tell us about how women involved in the ICA across the county have gotten into the Christmas spirit and have organised a number of events – including drama and carol singing.
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