On The Afternoon Show today Clare FM’s Máire Moynahan was joined by Michael Culloty from MABS – the Money Advice and Budgeting Service. They discussed the news that the Government has announced it’s cutting the exceptional needs payments for religious ceremonies – such as communions and confirmations. More then 3.4 million euro was paid in communion and confirmation grants in 2011 to over 14,000 families. The payout was slashed last year with 12,500 families receiving 1.5 million euro – and now this year it will be axed altogether. The Department of Social Protection says that although clothing costs should be met by normal social welfare payments, it still provided funding for children’s and adults’ clothing in "exceptional circumstances". A recent survey by EBS showed that parents expect to spend 573 euro on average on First Communions this year.
Dr. Daniel Walsh from the Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre at Limerick Institute of Technology was also a guest of the show and spoke about how the college is going from strength to strength in terms of research. LIT is two years into a 3 year project that makes it one of the major research centres in all of Europe for marine research. The College received an EU grant of €2.99 million. Working with 11 other centres from across Europe, LIT, as the HQ for research, will explore the potential for industry of marine culture. Dr. Walsh says the research will determine the development and use of many everyday household items. The project began 24 months ago – it’s the first of its kind here.
Also today we heard another instalment in our Calling Home series, Máire spoke with Hollie Galligan, an Ennis native who is currently in Brisbane, Australia. Hollie, who’s almost finished her year working abroad, talked about what she’s experienced, about being home sick and having the best year of her life.
We want to hear your stories – if you or a loved one or friend has emigrated please contact the show – email [email protected] or see www.clare.fm for more details.
Ciaran O’ Connell from the Clare Rose Committee also spoke to The Afternoon Show about the annual Clare Rose selection, which will take place at 7pm at the West County Hotel, Ennis, tomorrow – Friday April 12th. 15 girls will take to the stage and hope to beat the competition to represent Clare in the next stage of the Rose of Tralee – the regional selection in Portlaoise. This year the centre have organised a new county experience, connecting local and rural business, along with start ups with the whole of county of Clare. The aim is to make the country community aware of the urban businesses and the urban community aware of the country businesses, by having promo stands and demonstrations in the event room of this year’s selection, which will be open to the public from 7pm. Tickets are €20 and are on sale from your local rose, The West County Hotel, Ennis and are available on the door on the night. They are also holding a raffle on the night and all proceeds will go to two local charities. For more details contact Ciaran on 086 3871635.
Stephen McDermott, the Clare FM Movie Reviewer also joined teh show and reviewed "The Place Beyond the Pines" with Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper and a new horror movie – Dark Skies with Keri Russell.
To contact the show please email [email protected]
