Joining Clare FM’s Máire Moynahan on today’s Afternoon Show was Peter O’Connell from The Clare Champion and Brian Flynn from The Late Train to discuss tomorrow’s All Ireland Replay. The All-Ireland clash of Cork and Clare was a thrilling affair that ended in a last-minute draw three weeks ago – so are we in for another cracker at Croker this weekend? The Clare side to start tomorrow remains unchanged from their first outing – with no injury concerns, Davy and his selectors have held faith with the side that drew against the Rebels three weeks ago. The Homecoming will take place in the Fairgreen on Sunday evening – it’s for both the Under 21 All Ireland victors and the Senior Team. The trio also talked about how researchers at University College Cork have just completed what is probably the most representative survey ever undertaken on emigration in Ireland. There are several key findings. There is clear evidence of a ‘brain drain’. Rural Ireland is still disproportionately more likely to experience the impact of emigration than the more urbanized parts of the country. One in four rural households has seen someone leave since 2006 – an enormous figure. Also up for discussion was the controversy surrounding Arthur’s Day, which took place yesterday. Questions still remain as to whether this day encourages binge drinking, and the inevitable extra strain it puts on our already stretched A&E departments. Many well known musicians came out and branded the day as a marketing scam, while some have defended the event as a showcase for Irish artists. Tourism Minister Leo Varadkar has described the criticisms as an “over reaction”.
Sean Meaney is the Author of Our Name is on the Cup, the definitive work on the background of both Liam MacCarthy and Sam Maguire. He joined Máire to talk about how Hurling’s greatest prize is named after Liam MacCarthy, who designed and donated the funds for the original trophy. MacCarthy was born to Irish parents in London in 1853, and died there on 28th September 1928. He was originally buried in an unmarked grave, until a campaign by author Sean Meaney led to an appropriate headstone being raised. Despite his hugely important role in establishing and encouraging the GAA, there is no permanent memorial anywhere in Ireland to remember Liam MacCarthy. The replay date for the Liam MacCarthy Cup has a special resonance this September: it will take place on the 85th anniversary of Liam MacCarthy’s death.
Kiki Dee, the Singer and songwriter joined the show to talk about how she is celebrating 50 years in the music business; she began her career at the age of 16. She is best known for her 1976 duet with Elton John, entitled "Don’t Go Breaking My Heart", which went to Number 1 both in the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. In 1993 she performed another duet with Elton John for his Duets album, a cover version of Cole Porter’s "True Love", which reached No. 2 in the UK. During her career, Kiki Dee has released 39 singles, three EPs and 12 albums. Kiki’s latest single "Sidesteppin’ With A Soul Man" will be released in October 2013 – it will be her 40th single release.
Mary O’Brien from the Ballyvaughan Fanore Walking Group also gave us the details of everything that’s happening for the annual Burren Peaks Walking Festival, which kicks off today and runs throughout the weekend, giving walkers and outdoor enthusiasts a taste of the beautiful Burren landscape. There are 5 guided walks each day and most are suitable for all levels of fitness. For more details see www.burrenpeakswalkingfestival.com
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