Joining Clare FM’s Gavin Grace on The Afternoon Show today was Catherine Cox, Communications Manager with The Carers Association. The Association is shocked to learn of the over 50% cut to the Senior Alert Scheme budget, from €2.45 million in 2012 to €1.15 million in 2013, by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. This scheme provides personal monitored alarms and pendants to older people living alone in their communities and is seen as vital in supporting older people to live longer in their own homes. Catherine spoke about the impact the cuts may have on the elderly and those in rural areas. Mary in West Clare also rang the show in response to the discussion with Catherine Cox on security alarms.
Also on today’s show Maths teacher at Meanscoil na mBraithre Sean Murphy spoke to Gavin from the BT Young Scientist Exhibition as the school takes part in the annual showcase event. 5th year Maths students Diarmuid O Donnalain and Mattie Kinch also spoke to Gavin about the project they’re exhibiting – Art: A Hidden Function of Functions, which is entered under the Chemical, Physical & Mathemathical Sciences category.
Ellie McNamara also joined Gavin this afternoon. Ellie is one half of the band "Heathers". Dublin twins Ellie and Louise McNamara have very strong links to Ennistymon, where their dad is from, and have been nominated for the Meteor Choice Music Award for their 2012 album “Kingdom”. The Meteor Choice Music Prize aims to promote and showcase the health and growth of the local industry both within Ireland and overseas. The project was established in 2005 to highlight those albums which deserve some extra time in the spotlight and, ultimately, to select the album which best sums up the year in Irish music.
Clare FM’s Stephen McDermott was also in studio to preview the 2013 Academy Award nominations, which were announced this lunchtime – among the big titles like Lincoln Stephen says there are a number of dark horses in the race for the Oscars this year. The annual film awards will take place on February 24th.
Mary Fahy is a Galway Artist living in Ennistymon and is the Head of the Art Department in Scoil Mhuire. She spoke to the show about her current exhibition in the Clare Museum in Ennis. Following her recent successful exhibition in Scariff, Mary Fahy has brought her vibrant exhibition ‘View’ to Clare’s county town. ‘View’ invites the observer to enter into and respond to a variety of scenes. These paintings span a range of media, from oil painting to acrylic, watercolour and mixed media collage.
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