First on this morning's show we asked: is An Garda Siochana in crisis? The Policing Authority says it has a 'deep unease at the organisation and management culture' in the Garda Siochana. The concerns follow yesterday's meeting with the Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan, who was asked to explain her evidence to the O'Higgins inquiry into allegations of Garda malpractice. The policing authority claims there's now an urgent need for a response by Gardai to the inquiry's findings. Two further meetings will be held with the Garda Commission in the coming weeks. This comes on the back of spiralling gang violence in Dublin. Retired Detective Garda Malty McDonagh gave his views to Pat.
Our Clare FM charity month in support of Cahercalla Hospice draws to a close today (Fri. May 27). Over the last few weeks, we've been pushing beds and shaking buckets, we've also been hearing the stories of some of those who've used the wonderful services of Cahercalla to care for family members, and indeed the stories of the staff themselves. Padraic Flaherty Operations Manager, Clare FM and Mary Moloney Fundraising Manager Cahercalla Hospital, were in studio to tell Pat about the new purchases the funding allowed.
Next we heard about an upcoming event in Athenry that will see the atmosphere of 1916 rural Ireland brought back to life through music, dance, discussion and drama. On June 10 and 11 (Fri. & Sat.) Teagasc will host a major national centenary celebration at its research facility at Mellows Campus, Athenry in County Galway. 'Farming and Country Life 1916' is expected to attract over 50,000 visitors making it the single largest centenary celebration of farming and country life. Visitors can expect to be brought back in time to experience the sights, sounds and smells of Ireland from 100 years ago. Brendan Heneghan Director of the Farming and Country Life 1916 was on the line and he says it's well worth a visit.
Over the next few days, there'll be ceilís, poetry readings, talks and films in Ennistymon as the second Dylan Thomas and Caitlin MacNamara literary weekend takes place. Events will take place around the town and at the Falls Hotel, the former family home of Caitlin MacNamara. The programme kicked off last night (26th) and will run throughout the weekend. Paddy Kehoe and Joan McBreen, who will both read poetry at the festival, were on the line.
This Sunday (May 29) there's a perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy the good weather. The Ennis branch of the RNLI are organising a guided walk on Inismacnaughton Island, Carrigerry, Newmarket on Fergus. The island is steeped in history and historian PJ Reidy will be on hand during the stroll to point out sights of interest. Everyone is welcome and all funds raised on the day will go toward the RNLI lifeboats. Joe Queally, Chair of the Ennis Branch of the RNLI, and historian PJ Reidy, were in studio to tell Pat more.
Next, Siobhan Mulcahy, Clare County Arts Officer, was in studio with the weekly Arts round-up.
On Saturday next (May 28), the village of Clarecastle will come under the spotlight as RTE's Nationwide films a special report from the area. Clarecastle is still coming to terms with the shock of learning last week that the hoped-for sale of the Roche Ireland plant had fallen through. It's hoped the show will provide an opportunity to showcase the attractions and vibrancy of the village. Dep Joe Carey, FG and Clarecastle native Paul Walsh from The Castle Antiques, Arts & Crafts, Clarecastle and they told Pat how important the show could be.**
Then we heard about upcoming weekend events including the Clare branch of the Irish Kidney Association’s Mass of Remembrance and Thanksgiving which will be celebrated in Ennis Cathedral on Sunday May 29 at 12 midday. Donor Families, Transplant recipients and the general public are invited to attend. Gearoid O Loughlin from Clare Darts Club was also on the line to tell us about a darts exhibition in support of the Irish Wheelchair Association that takes place on Sunday, May 29 at the Auburn Lodge Hotel, Ennis.
On the Friday Panel this week werre Brian Meaney, Former Clare councillor, Ronan Judge, Journalist with The Clare People and William Cahir of Cahir & Associates, Ennis. They discussed the spiralling gangland violence, homelessness and evictions in Clare and slow traffic on the roads.
We rounded off the day with Clare's new Rose – Leah Kenny. There was standing room only at the Inn at Dromoland earlier this month as a crowd of over 200 watched Leah Kenny chosen to represent Clare in this year's Rose of Tralee. Leah, a 22 year old primary school teaching student, trumped eleven other candidates to become this year's Clare Rose. The Barefield native is also a keen fiddle player and fashion blogger. She came into studio for a chat and even played a tune!
