On The Afternoon Show today Gavin Grace discussed today’s news that Pope Benedict had tendered his resignation. To discuss the move Fr. Brendan Quinlivan, Parish Priest in Scariff, Feakle, Flagmount and Killanena joined the show and Mags Gargan, a Journalist with The Irish Catholic Newspaper. Earlier today a Vatican Spokesperson confirmed that Pope Benedict will step down on February 28th, for health reasons. The 85 year old is the first Pope to resign in centuries, and in a statement he says he is "fully aware of the gravity of the gesture". Pope Benedict, who was elected in 2005 to succeed Pope John Paul the second, says his "strengths, due to an advanced age", are no longer suited to the job.
Colin Hetherington is the Project Co-ordinator of an enticing competition that’s sure to peak the interest of avid travellers. The European Union is looking for two pairs of Irish people to undertake an all-expenses paid trip to five EU countries in six days. There is a slight catch however. The chosen candidates must be over 18 and be able to use a laptop and social media web pages. The closing date is March 11th and more details are available on talktoeu.ie
Naoise Jordan from Parteen, a former Clare Captain also joined Gavin on the show to pay tribute to the late great Clare hurler and Balladeer Jimmy Smyth. Naoise was a member of the Whitegate club, and played with Jimmy Smyth for Clare on a number of occasions. He spoke of Jimmy’s heyday on the hurling field.
Eamon Timmins from Age Action Ireland spoke to The Afternoon Show. The national charity for older people, is urging the people of Clare to take part in one of Ireland’s most thrilling “walks”- down the side of the country’s tallest hotel, Limerick’s 17-storey Clarion Hotel. The adrenaline will be pumping on Saturday, April 27th, when the expert abseil team running the event set up on the roof of the 200-foot high building at Steamboat Quay. It is hoped that up to 100 people will take the opportunity for a unique abseiling experience. To register, or for further information, contact 01-4756989 or email markd@ageaction.ie
West Clare artist Thomas Clancy also spoke to Gavin ahead of his exhibition of works.
Thomas is having an exhibit of his art work on Wednesday the 13th of February at 7pm in the Kildysart Community Gallery. From Kilrush this is his first exhibit.
To contact The Afternoon Show please email afternoon@clare.fm
