The show started off with the debate that is raging this week on the training of Irish priests, following revelations of a gay ring operating within the main seminary, St Patrick's College, Maynooth. The Archbishop of Dublin said this week that he's sending trainee priests to Study in Rome instead of Maynooth. But Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has denied that his decision is a result of the rumoured gay subculture at St Patrick's College. He said instead that he believes it's not the right place for trainee clerics.
It was alleged in May that some student priests at the National Seminarian had been using a gay dating app and the Irish Independent reported this week that a whistleblower had made contact with Gardai over inappropriate sexual approaches made to him while he was there. David Quinn, columnist with the Irish Independent wrote this week that unless St Patrick's College can be reformed, it should be closed down altogether. David Quinn, columnist with the Irish Independent spoke to Gavin.
The Canadian Ambassador paid a visit to the Banner County this week to see first-hand the contribution of one of his countrymen to a unique music project in the midwestern region. Ambassador Kevin Vickers was a special guest in Quilty last evening (Wed.s, August 3) at a special fundraising concert hosted by Summer Music on the Shannon. The project has been spearheaded by Canadian, Bob Creech. The ambassador, who has a strong Irish heritage, came under the media spotlight after grappling with a protester at a 1916 commemorative event in Dublin earlier this year. Two years previously, he'd been hailed as a hero for foiling a terror attack by fatally shooting a lone attacker who tried to storm the parliament building. Ahead of that event, Ambassador Vickers came to studio here at Clare FM.
The community of Kinvara is set to welcome some special visitors this afternoon (Thurs, August 4). Children from the Al-Helal Football Academy, in the Gaza strip, are in Ireland for ten days of football and fun and will be in South Galway as part of their visit. Galway Community Circus will have their big top at the Kinvara United grounds, with activities for kids from 4.40pm. Kick off will be at 7pm. Tomorrow (Fri.), the Gaza children will be visiting guest team at the match between Galway United and Dundalk at Eamon Deacy Park. The Al-Helal youngsters will lead the guard of honour for the Galway and Dundalk teams as they enter the pitch for kick off at 7.45pm. They'll also get to play on the pitch for 15 minutes during the half time break. Zoe Lawlor Gaza Action Ireland (she's travelling with the group) and Ger Ryan Chair of Kinvara United & youth coach spoke about the visit.
The Feakle Festival of Traditional Music If you are looking for quality traditional music, song, dance, poetry and folklore for all the family, you are in luck. The 29th Feakle International Traditional Music Festival is currently taking place until Monday 8th of August. With a jam-packed programme: From workshops with master tutors such as Martin Hayes and Edel Vaughan, concerts including young vocalist, Sibeal Ni Chasaide, poetry sessions and children's activities, the festival continues to be a success. (Cllr.) Pat Hayes Killaloe Municipal District discussed the event with Gavin.
Dr Maire Finn of Ennis Family Medical Centre called into studio to answer general medical queries from listeners.
Round up of weekends arts events Thurs: Flag Making Workshop for Children in Kilkee Classical Music Concert in Ogonelloe Hairspray in Ennis Friday: Poetry – Fred Johnston in Ennis Feakle Music Festival – traditional singing on Friday & Riches of Clare on Monday Finbar Furey in Kilkee Saturday: Sonny Condell in Kilkee Sunday: Clare Craft Fair in Kilkee Singing circle on Sunday in Kilshanny Monday: Childrens Art Camp in Tubber Siobhan Mulcahy from Clare County Arts Office kept our listeners up-to-date with all the events.
