On The Afternoon Show today Gavin Grace was joined by Niamh Uí Cheallaigh from PACUB (Protest Against Cuts To Child Benefit). Child benefit could be cut by 22 euro a month under new proposals being considered by the Minister for Social Protection. An advisory group is recommending the introduction of a ‘two-tier’ system, with payments ranging from 108 euro a month to 164 euro depending on income. Only those earning less than 25 thousand euro a year will be automatically entitled to the maximum payment.
Dr. Eamon Doyle is a Geologist at the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark and spoke to The Afternoon Show following the discovery of graffiti on a portion of the cliff face at Clare’s most famous landmark. Eamon, who is at the cliffs this afternoon, says he and many others are disappointed to see the controversial piece of ‘art’. He wants to warn people that it is not in an easily accessible area, and to try and see it can be dangerous.
Brussels can seem a long way from Co. Clare but that’s exactly where one Irish EU official will be heading back to school this week to talk to students about how the EU works and career opportunities available. Ennis native and EU lawyer Eithne McCarthy, who works in the European Commission’s competition department that deals with high profile company mergers, will be visiting Coláiste Muire and St Flannan’s College in Ennis on Friday. She joined Gavin in studio today to talk about her role and how she hopes to inform school students about the EU.
Aidan Courtney from the Ennis Book Shop was also in studio to reviews “How to Keep your Head after Losing your Job” by Dr. Robert Leahy and “Bedsit Disco Queen”, by lead singer with Everything But the Girl – Tracey Thorn.
Sharon Meaney of the Clare Volunteer Centre, Tracy Crawford of BallyO Promotions and Claire Daly from West Clare all joined Gavin in studio to talk about a very special event taking place to mark the year of The Gathering here in Clare. A world record attempt to gather the most people called Claire (all variations) will take place in Co. Clare next June as part of The Gathering. If your first or last name is Clare, Claire or Clair – join us in Co. Clare for a “weekend of welcomes” from June 21st to 23rd. A short film is being filmed & produced by Martin O’ Malley, Malbay Studios featuring Claire Daly a mum of three young girls dancing in various locations around the county showcasing what Clare has to offer.
Michael Gibbons is a leading field archaeologist, writer, broadcaster and mountaineer and spoke to Gavin about a talk he is giving tonight. He is a former director of local and national archaeological survey programmes and his other work has involved research on the pilgrimage tradition in Ireland. His talk will look at prehistoric pilgrimage and archaeology in the Burren in Tubber tonight at 8.30pm
To contact the show please email afternoon@clare.fm
