Joining Clare FM’s Gavin Grace on today’s edition of The Afternoon Show was Fergal O’Brien, Chief Economist with IBEC – the Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation. The group is calling on the Government to abandon plans for €1.8 billion in new taxes over the next two Budgets – saying extra taxes would kill off Ireland’s delicate economic rebound. IBEC says economic data for the first quarter of 2013 shows that consumer confidence remains fragile, with economic growth weaker than expected.
Aine Lynch is the CEO of the National Parents Council – Primary and also joined the show to talk about how a number of groups have come together to urge schools to rethink their uniform policy – in order to help bring costs down. The St Vincent de Paul, Barnardos and the National Parents Council Post Primary have consulted with unions and schools to make uniforms more affordable. Suggestions include considering a plain-coloured uniform which can be bought from high street retailers or having a pre-worn sale of uniforms at the school.
Tubber Jockey Derek O’Connor spoke to Gavin about how he’s hopeful that a broken leg won’t derail his hopes of a tenth Point to Point jockeys title. O’Connor is sidelined for the final month of the season after breaking his leg in a fall at Dawston yesterday, a repeat of an injury he picked up 15 months ago.
Also featured on The Afternoon Show today was the men’s Shed movement and how it’s proving a popular endeavour in Clare. Frank McNamara, Martin Vernon and Alphonse Basogomba joined Gavin in studio to discuss the establishment of a men’s shed for Ennis and Clarecastle. There will be an information evening in the West County Hotel tomorrow at 7.30pm to promote and raise awareness of this exciting new opportunity for men of all ages. The Ennis Clarecastle Men’s Shed is a community-based, non-commercial organization which is open to all men where the primary activity is the provision of a safe, friendly and inclusive environment where the men are able to gather and work on projects. Also Steve Morris joined the show. Steve is involved with the men’s shed in Kilrush which will be open on Saturday from 10 am to 6pm, all are welcome to come along and see the boat building project currently underway.
Cati Blake and Fina Wurm, students from Colaiste Mhuire in Ennis, and Holly McCabe and Keeva Vaughan from Scoil Mhuire in Ennistymon, also joined Gavin in studio to let us know about how they have been short listed for the title of “Young Social Innovators of the Year 2013”. Their projects are among 60 projects from schools and Youthreach centres across the country competing for the award, which will be announced at the Young Social Innovators Showcase and Awards on 8th May. Scoil Mhuire’s project, entitled “YOLO 18” looks at the lack of youth facilities in North Clare and the creation of a youth club. Colaiste Mhuire’s project “Sexication” focuses on improving sexual health education in schools.
To contact the show please email afternoon@clare.fm
