They've been somewhat mired in controversy (from slum clearances, to unfinished accommodation to the Zika virus), but the Rio Olympic Games officially kick-off today (Fri., Aug 5) with the ceremony in the Maracanã Stadium and we spoke to Fr. Seán Doyle. More than 10,000 athletes from over 200 countries will descend on Brazil for the first Olympics ever to be held in South America. Authorities in Rio have created 33 different venues in four different districts of the city (Copacabana, Barra de Tijuca, Deodoro and Maracanã For a Clare perspective on the games, we're joined now by a priest from Tulla who's worked in Rio de Janiero for more than four decades.
The final fling before the Fleadh down in Ennis took place last night. Organisers and supporters of the event gathered at Cois na hAbhna for a pre-Fleadh celebration, one which heard predictions of a fabulous Fleadh when it gets underway on Sunday August 14th. One of those who spoke at last night's event was Micheál O'Riabhaigh, Chair of the Ennis Fleadh Committee.. Afterwards, he told me of how the organisers are now feeling, as the event draws near.
The issue of suicide among immigrants to Ireland will be highlighted at a special event taking place in Shannon tomorrow (Sat., Aug 6). The Polish Irish Association together with Rineanna Rovers will hold the Robert Godzisz Memorial Soccer Tornament at the Ballycasey pitch at 10am. The event, which will see four teams taking part – Rienanna Rovers, Ennis International, Shannon Olympic B and Rhine Rovers – will raise funds for the son (Janek) of the late Robert Godzisz who played for Rineanna Rovers for two years. Robert, who'd been in Clare since 2005, took his life a year ago.
*Last year's Memorial gathered around 60 players as well as around 150 spectators, organizers managed to collect over 600 euro. This year it will be a bigger event. Also involved in the event are Clare Immigrant Support Centre, as well as OLM Essilor – which is helping financially. Marcin Piotrowski Polish Irish Association, Ennis discuss the matter.
If you're out on the water this weekend, do you know if your lifejacket will work when you need it? That's the question the RNLI will be asking at an information day in Fanore tomorrow (Sat., Aug 6). The rescue service says many lifejackets don't work because they're not properly maintained and that many people aren't aware of the extra equipment that could be life-saving in the event of a emergency. As well as expert advice from the RNLI, those in attendance will also hear from Colm Plunkett who was rescued by the Coast Guard Helicopter after being washed in to the sea for an hour whilst rock angling on the Beara Penninsula. Peter Hynes RNLI Community Incident Reduction Manager .
The Friday Panel: Clare Burke Clare Women's Network Michael McNamara Barrister and former Labour TD for Clare Patrick O'Neill Film producer and former Allergan executive. Topics discussed included: * Crisis at St Patrick's seminary, Maynooth & new bishop announced for Killaloe Diocese * Are we racist? * Olympic controversies – do we care about the games anymore? * Sugar tax.
The Clarecastle Show August 7, 2016 all-day Clarecastle GAA Grounds. Clarecastle's Donald Hanrahan and Chairperson Colette Driscoll spoke to Gavin.
