Joining Clare FM’s Gavin Grace on The Afternoon Show was Ann Irwin, Policy officer with the National Women’s Council of Ireland. On the occasion of Equal Pay Day, which is today – 28th February, the National Women’s Council of Ireland and SIPTU are calling on the government to urgently tackle the gender pay gap and protect collective bargaining and wage setting mechanisms in low paid sectors. Women still continue to earn significantly less than men. The latest figures from the EU Commission show that the Gender Pay Gap in Ireland is 13.9% – in other words women in Ireland are paid almost 14% less than men. The Gender Pay Gap exists even though women do better at school and university than men.
Stuart Woolley and Nicola Meere are two parents from Ennistymon who are involved in the “Build Mol An Óige” project in the North Clare town. Tomorrow – on March 1st – a huge internet based fundraising campaign “Build Mol An Óige”. The project will be launched to the world wide community in an attempt to crowd fund the money necessary to build their new school. At 12pm, the whole school is parading to the new six acre site with music, banners and song where a celebration will be held to kick off the campaign. To help the group raise funds and to make a donation you can visit www.buildmolanoige.org
Gemma Carcaterra is the Director of Glor, Irish music venue in Ennis and joined Gavin in studio to talk about how the venue has won a prestigious IMRO award – best live music venue in Munster. The annual awards are judged and voted for by members of the public.
As part of Clare FM’s celebration of the year of the Gathering, we are speaking to Clare natives abroad about their new home away from home, the differences, the similarities and their hopes for the future. Today we heard from Kilkee native, Joe O’Kane, who has been living in Sweden for the over 30 years. He spoke to Gavin about the time he left and the change of culture he experienced. We want to hear your stories – if you or a loved one is abroad and would like to tell us how life is treating them in their new home please contact Clare FM by logging on to clare.fm or email gathering@clare.fm.
Singer Songwriter John Spillane was also a guest of The Afternoon Show today to talk about his upcoming visit to West Clare. Cultúrlann Sweeney, Kilkee is to kick off its season with the inimitable and hugely popular singer from Cork. John is a musician, songwriter, performer, recording artist, storyteller, poet and dreamer! Two-time Meteor award winner, he is one of the most accomplished songwriters in Ireland today. Tickets are on sale from Cultúrlann Sweeney. They can be booked in advance by contacting 065 9060769 or emailing cst@clarelibrary.ie
Also on the programme this afternoon – Stephen McDermott, our resident Clare FM Film Reviewer joined Gavin for a look at the winners and losers of the annual Academy Awards.
To contact the show please email afternoon@clare.fm
