Tuesday’s edition of The Today Show saw Gavin speak with two remarkable people with strong Clare connections. Firstly, Ennis woman Pamela Lacen told us about her volunteering work with Special Olympics Ireland, which has seen her use virtually all of her annual leave from work to spend time as a volunteer in recent years. As a result of this, she was successfully nominated to run with the Olympic torch through the streets of Dublin when it came to Ireland the next day. Pamela said she was nervous, but excited, and that she was looking forward to being one of 40 people in the country to own a replica of the world-famous Olympic torch.
Gavin also discovered how a West Clare currach, with a crew wearing Clare jerseys, ended up in the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations on the River Thames the previous Sunday. It took a lot of searching, but Gavin tracked down Damian Woodings to Lincoln in England. Damian explained that he saw a DVD detailing how to build a currach, so he said he would try it himself. Damian is no stranger to Clare, and having built the boat he decided to honour both Clare and his native county by wearing the saffron and blue. He said it was a hard slog in difficult conditions, but that he was very proud to have taken part.
Gavin also spoke with horticulturalist Philip Moreau, who gave some good tips for spraying, while New York came very highly recommended in our travel slot with Gearoid Mannion. If there is anything you would like us to discuss on the program, do get in touch. Our email is today@clare.fm
