Joining Gavin Grace on today’s show, David Moore, Chairman of Astronomy Ireland discussed how people all over the world will be watching an asteroid as it passes extremely close to earth this evening. Scientists are confident the fifty metre wide rock will not collide with the earth. Meanwhile a meteor that injured around 500 people when it came down in central Russia was roughly the same weight as a double decker bus. It created a sonic boom that smashed windows and was the main cause of so many injuries. Experts say it was travelling at 33-thousand miles an hour as it streaked across the sky. Fro more astronomy news and to see images of tonight’s asteroid passing by the Earth you can go to www.astronomy.ie
Pamela Lafferty, an Inagh native, is a Statistician at the Central Statistics Office. She discussed the latest figures from the CSO, which show that the number of Irish people who’ve experienced enforced deprivation has risen nearly 2%. New figures show that between 2010 and 2011 numbers grew from 22.6%t to 24.5%. The average disposable income in the state in 2011 was just over 21,000 euro – a decline of more than 3% on the previous year. The ‘at risk of poverty rate’ increased to 16% in 2011, from 14% in 2010. Pamela says certain areas of the country are consistently deprived.
Cillian Flynn is the Press and Communications Director for the Limerick 2018 Gay Games Bid and joined Gavin to talk about what the hosting of the Games in Limerick would mean for the Shannon Region and Co. Clare. The Gay Games are an international sporting and cultural event held every four years. Launched in 1982, the Games invite participation from all competitors regardless of sexual orientation, race, gender etc. The Games also offer a safe environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered participants. About 10 percent of participants are from outside the LGBT community. It is estimated that some 12-15,000 participants could take part in the 10-day 2018 Games with a potential €60 million in revenue to be gained in the Limerick and Shannon region if the Irish bid is successful.
Paul “Calso” O’Callaghan, our resident Chef and Food Blogger was in studio for his monthly feature on all things food related, from recipes, tips and advice, the all-important healthy options and more. Today he talked about growing your own in light of recent food scandals!For full details on all of the ideas Paul discussed this afternoon please see thesustainablelarder.blogspot.com
Michael Healy is the organiser of the third annual Flan McMahon 10 kilometre Run and Walk in Cooraclare, which takes place tomorrow – Saturday 16th February. All money raised will go towards Voices for Autism West Clare. It starts at the football field and to register go to Cooraclare Hall between 10 and 12noon tomorrow.
Kevin McGillicuddy from Clare FM Sport also joined us for a look ahead to tonight’s Sideline View.
To contact the show please email afternoon@clare.fm
