On today’s edition of The Afternoon Show Clare FM’s Gavin Grace hosted the Friday Panel. Today’s panellists included Ciana Campbell, former TV Presenter and member of Ennis Book Club, Brian O’Neill of The Rowan Tree in Ennis and Peter O’Connell, Journalist with The Clare Champion. The panel tackled issues such as the death of Josef Pavelka, which has brought the issue of homelessness to light, particularly in Ennis and in Clare. It was described this week as ‘shamefully sad’ by Judge Patrick Durcan. As a society, do you feel we need to re-evaluate how we look after our most vulnerable? Also up for discussion was how the Public Expenditure and Reform Minister says there will be "no going back to square one" on Croke Park 2. Brendan Howlin says if there is no agreement reached by Monday – the Government will be forced to unilaterally implement the pay bill savings, a move, which could lead to widespread strikes. Another major news story of the past seven days is how Alex Ferguson this week announced his retirement as Man United boss, a decision, which made the top of news bulletins and the front of newspapers. The panel were asked – is this an over-reaction? Do we care too much about sport? Also a new survey has confirmed the ever-growing commercial clout of social media. According to a new survey of Irish women, more than three quarters are directly influenced by comments on social media when it comes to making purchase decisions. The panel asked do you tweet and use facebook?
Also today on the Friday Feature, our resident stylist Tess Purcell joined Gavin for her regular feature on all things related to style and fashion. Today she focussed on how best to take a photo, from posing, to exuding confidence – she gave us tips and advice on how to avoid embarrassing pics!
Special guest of The Afternoon Show today was North Carolina Singer Tokyo Rosenthal. An award winning singer and songwriter, Tokyo will be honoured by Ireland’s The Gathering Clare today in Killaloe, for writing and recording a celebratory song entitled "Killaloe". Rosenthal wrote and recorded the tune about the town that his Aunt and Uncle called home in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Tokyo returned there this past September for a live performance and that inspired the song which appears on his latest CD, "Tokyo’s Fifth". "Killaloe" made its international radio debut on January 5th earlier this year on Clare FM Radio. The album subsequently hit number 4 on the Euro Americana Chart, Tokyo’s highest position to date on that chart. The ceremony will take place at The Anchor Inn in Killaloe at 4pm. Tokyo will also play a free solo concert immediately following the ceremony, also at The Anchor Inn. This will kick off a two week Ireland and UK tour for Rosenthal, his sixth such tour.
To contact the show please email afternoon@clare.fm
