Morning Focus opened with a look at how Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann is gearing up for the biggest weekend of the year on the traditional music calendar. And, as it does, new traffic arrangments kick into place. A free park and ride system comes into affect this morning (Fri. Aug. 19) to deal with the increased visitor numbers.
Buses will run every 30 minutes on 4 routes into the county town from 8 o'clock in the morning to 1am each night, while there will be a 5 euro per day charge for use of the designated Fleadh carparks.
Abbey Street will be closed to traffic at the Club Bridge until Tuesday with further closures on Bindon Street, Parnell Street at the ring road, and at the Summerhill and the Market Area.
A one way system will remain in place from Steele's Terrace while there will be also be a closure on New Road, between the Old Lifford Road and Steele's Rock. To discuss the arrangments, Gavin was joined in studio by Eamon O'Dea, Senior Executive Engineer, Clare County Council
This week is proof – if it was ever needed – of the power of traditional music. According to leading charity Trocaire, trad has been making a big difference in the developing world in recent years. The Trad for Trocaire initiative has seen musicians organising fundraising seisiuns all over Ireland and raising thousands, since it was set up in 2010. This weekend, at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, Trocaire has set up its own 'pop up' interactive shop to coincide with today's World Humanitarian Day (Aug. 19). To discuss both initiative, Gavin was joined in studio by Kilmaley native and Director of Trocaire, Eamon Meehan
Clare FM's Caoimhín O Sé looked ahead to what Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann promises today (Tue. August 16) in terms of events, activities, craic agus ceoil.
Morning Focus then heard about the Ennis bride, Eileen Barry, who will receive a Garda escort to her wedding tomorrow to Damien Tobin, at the Cathedral.
The Friday Panel discussed Rio 2016 – ticket touring controversy; Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann and The Rose of Tralee 2016
Gavin's guests were Paula Carroll, one of the presenters of The West Wind on Clare FM; William Cahir, Cahir & Co. Solicitors; Diarmuid McMahon
MD Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon
The round-up of weekend events included details of a tractor ride from Clare to Carlow in support of Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin. The 'All-Ireland Follow me Back to Carlow' tractor run sees 2 tractors leaving every county and making their way back to Carlow. This morning John Roche and Noel Hutton will leave Kilmaley for Limerick Junction, before travelling home for an ETA of 6pm tomorrow. *They stayed with Gerry Keane in Kilmaley on Thursday night. Gerry's involved in vintage vehicles and provide accommodation free-of-charge. Text: RUN32 to 50300. Gavin spoke with John Roche.
A lecture on an Irish Rebel Autograph Book from Frongoch Internment Camp; guided tours of Tomeen Cave; a bat walk at Dromore Wood Nature Reserve and an antique rock show at Doolin Cave are among the record 94 events taking place around County Clare as part of Heritage Week 2016 which gets tomorrow (Sat. Aug. 20) and continues until Sunday week (Aug. 28). Gavin was joined by Congella Maguire, Heritage Officer with Clare County Council.
