We opened the show this morning by returning to illegal dumping. With concerns continuing over the level of illegal dumping in Clare, the county council has been told by government that the it's up to itself to sort the problem out. Following a special representation to the recently-departed Minister for the Environment, Alan Kelly, the authority's been told this week that when they're enforced existing statutory provisions are a match for the problem. Correspondence sent on behalf of the ex-minister, seen by Clare FM, said it was a matter for each council to enforce the law as it sees fit 'taking account of its own local circumstances and priorities'. The letter also cited reform of the household waste collection system – including the introduction of pay-by-weight charges from July 1 – as an additional positive step in the fight against litter. Dep Timmy Dooley FF Spokesperson on Communications, the Environment & Natural Resources joioned Gavin on the line.
Today is World Elder Abuse Day. There's no doubt that the abuse of our elderly citizens is a distressing topic. Very often, it goes unreported, often out of fear and sometimes, out of ignorance that the crime is actually happening. Of the 2,500 cases of elder abuse referred to the HSE in 2014, one-in-five related to financial abuse – and many of the victims were unaware of what was happening to them. Recognising that the issue is a global one, the UN has designated today as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, with a number of initiatives to highlight the issue globally. Anyone concerned about a suspected case of elder abuse can call the HSE helpline on 1850 24 1850 (Monday to Saturday – 8am to 8pm). Gerry Kelly, Former Assistant Garda Commissioner & Chairperson of the Alliance Board of Clare Age Friendly, was in studio to discuss the issue of Elder abuse and isolation.
Next, the Rack is Back1 When Ennis's only record store closed its doors six-and-a-half years ago, it marked the end of an era for music fans. The closure of the Record Rack – due to competition from online music and streaming services – prompted a wave of nostalgia. The good news for fans of real music is that the much-loved store is to re-open on Friday (June 17). The Record Rack will take up a new home on Parnell Street in two days time, and with Gavin in studio was the owner, Dave Woodford. David says the new store will stock 50:50 vinyl and other formats. He says the huge rise in the popularity of vinyl – especially over the last 12 months – means its viable to re-open the shop. David says younger people now want music on vinyl because of its warmer sound.
Then we heard how the Doolin Heritage Weekend aims to Save Killilagh Church. An event in Doolin this weekend aims to raise funds to save a church. The Doolin Heritage Weekend sees a host of activities take place with all proceeds going to the Save Killilagh Church project. Over the two days, there'll be talks on archaeology, conservation and local history, guided visits to Killilagh Church, as well as interactive Viking and medieval life event displays. Joe McCooey, Chair of the Doolin Heritage Committee and Project Manager of Save Killilagh Church told Gavin about the weekend events and the ongoing work in conserving the church.
It's Blood 4 Life week and the Irish Blood Transfusion Service Board are asking people to make an extra effort to give blood. Traditionally, there's a drop off in donations over the summer months. Levels have dropped to as low as 2 to 3 days supply for certain blood groups; less than half the preferred 7 day reserve. Aileen Browne, from the blood transfusion board, joined Gavin in studio.
Then we turned to cycling as this Saturday (June 18) sees the return of the An Post Tour de Burren. Over two thousand cyclists expected to take part and, with 4 routes to choose from, there's a challenge for everyone. The event doesn't end at the finish line either – there'll be an Apres Cycle with music and craic outside of the Burren Hylands Hotel, Ballyvaughan. John Sweeney of Clare Sports Partnership and Patrick O’Donghue from the Burren Cycling Club were on to give Gavin the details. For more information and registration, please see www.tourdeburren.com or social media sites. Online registration closes midnight tonight (Wed, June 15).
Another event next weekend (June 18 & 19) is the Mid Summer Festival which take place at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. The highlight of the event is the launch of the park's new fairy village but there'll be plenty of other activities on offer. A range of indigenous Irish species are being introduced to the park and there'll be horse drawn carriage rides, storytelling, decorative wood carving, children’s workshops, historical re-enactment, archery, and live entertainment. Marie Brennan from Shannon Heritage was in studio to tell Gavin more.
Next it was time for the Clare FM Book Club. This month the book was “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett. Teresa O'Shea from Clare Co. Library Service and Dolores Meaney Executive Librarian, Shannon were in to tell us what they made of the novel.
Then we had a special guest, Brendan Shine. Brendan will celebrate 30 years of 'washing his ould lobby down' at glor, Ennis, on June 28. It's the latest chapter of a musical career which spans more than 5 decades and has seen him release over 50 albums and 45 hit singles. Brendan Shine famously performed for Pope John Paul II on his visit to Ireland and, even after all of these years, he shows no signs of slowing down with a new Best Of CD in the works. His hit singles include: ‘Catch Me If You Can’, ‘O’Brien Has No Place To Go’, ‘Where The Three Counties Meet’, ‘Abbeyshrule’, ‘All My Roads Lead Back To You’, ‘How Much Time’ and, of course, ‘Do You Want Your Oul Lobby Washed Down’.
Finally today, we heard about four American students who arrived in Ennis on Monday for a three-week-long exchange visit. It's part of the Ennis Phoenix Youth Ambassador Exchange Programme which will see 8 young people from the Clare and Arizona spend time with host families on both sides of the Atlantic. The new Mayor of Ennis, Cllr. Ann Norton, who yesterday welcomed the youth Ambassadors at a lunch in the Rowan Tree Café, says the programme, “underpins the real and enduring association between Ennis and Phoenix which has delivered cultural, educational and business benefits for both twinning locations.” Michael Byrne Chair, Ennis Phoenix Twinning Committee, Alicia Belter from Phoenix – exchange programme and Aine Kerins from Ennis – exchange programme were in to tell us their experiences of the programme so far.
