On today’s edition of The Afternoon Show Gavin Grace spoke with the Director General of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann – Labhrás O Murchu to discuss how Ennis has been unsuccessful in its bid to secure the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann for 2014. Clare County Council has expressed its “extreme disappointment” at Saturday’s announcement by the Ardchomhairle of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann of its decision to name Sligo as the host venue for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2014. Having been unsuccessful in its effort to host the prestigious annual event in both 2012 and 2013, Ennis has once again narrowly missed out in its bid to secure the event, which would have attracted an estimated 300,000 visitors to the town.
David Fitzsimmons from Retail Excellence Ireland, who are based in Ennis also joined the show to discuss the latest retail figures which show a slight increase during the fourth and final quarter of 2012. The best performing retail industry sectors during this period included Hot Beverage (+4.23%) and Home & Giftware (+2.18%). Both sectors increased sales levels compared to the final months of 2011. The worst performing sectors were Furniture & Flooring (-2.12%), Ladies Fashions (-1.31%) and Pharmacy (-1.29%).
Author, Artist, Educator and Environmental Consultant – Gordon Darcy, who’s based in Kilcolgan also joined Gavin on the show to pay tribute to the late Eamon de Buitlear. The wildlife film-maker and former senator Éamon de Buitléar, who was 83, died at his home in Delgany, Co. Wicklow, last night. He was Ireland’s best-known independent wildlife film-maker since the 1960s
Tony Kirby is the PRO with the North Clare Historical Society and joined Gavin to let listeners know about the next talk in the Society’s lecture series, which will take place tonight – Monday the 28th of January. The talk is entitled “Maire Rua of Leamaneh – Hero or Villain?” The illustrated talk will take place at the Courthouse Gallery in Ennistymon. Maire Rua is the best-known character in Clare folklore and it is the viciousness ascribed to her, which has kept her name alive. The guest speaker is Frank O’Grady. Frank is a Kilnaboy native and he will explore the fact, legend and folklore relating to this great local character
Also on today’s show, teachers at St. Flannan’s College – Shona Cahill and Fionnuala Rooney, along with transition year students Aisling Maher and Senan Tuohy joined Gavin in studio to talk about their upcoming charitable trip to India. Ms. Cahill and a group of Transition Year students from St. Flannan’s College are preparing for a charity trip to India where they will work with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity. The pupils will be working in both an orphanage for physically and mentally disabled children and in a nursing home. They are holding a concert on Friday night – Feb 1st to help raise funds.
To contact the show please email [email protected]
