The first edition of The Afternoon Show of 2013 began by hearing the latest on the plight facing Ireland’s third level students, many of whom still await the payment of their maintenance grants. John Logue, President of the USI, explained how the Union have set up food boxes in colleges across the country, saying the move is necessary to help thousands of struggling students. Payments this year have been administered by the much-criticised new student grant system SUSI, Student Universal Support Ireland.
Clare football fans will be hoping for success under Mick O’Dwyer, whose reign began with an 18-point win over Limerick I.T. Clare FM’s Kevin McGillicuddy insisted the legendary Kerryman will have learned much about his players in such an easy win, while we also heard the man himself say he was pleased with the performance. Clare’s next outing in the McGrath Cup is this Sunday against Limerick – Up the Banner!
Into the Light – is a celebration of Irish Art, marking the 60th anniversary of the Arts Council, and exhibiting over 60 pieces of the Arts Council Collection at the Limerick City Gallery – it runs until January 18th. Gallery curator Helen Carey outlined the importance of the Arts Council, and the work it does. Further details on the exhibition, including a number of talks, are available on http://gallery.limerick.ie
We learnt today that the Master of Middle Earth, JRR Tolkien himself, was a regular visitor to Co. Clare, and that his time in the Burren could have influenced some of his writings. Archivists and researchers at NUI Galway are trying to figure out if the time Tolkien spent in the city – he was an external examiner at the then UCG in the 1940s and 1950s – is reflected in any of his works, and in particular if the landscape of Connemara and the Burren inspired middle earth. Barry Houlihan of the James Hardiman Library at NUI Galway told Gavin they can’t prove that yet, but are working on it.
Finally, as we all look for something new to try in the New Year, how about creative writing? Brian Dinan of the Inis Creative Writers Group explained that they always welcome new members, experienced or otherwise, to the group which meets at the Rowan Tree on the first and third Mondays of every month. For more details click here.
If you want to get in touch with The Afternoon Show, email afternoon@clare.fm or call or text during the show, which is on each weekday from 1:30pm.
