Today Morning Focus played its part in the Clare FM 50 Cent Appeal Auction
This is the Final day of Clare FM’s 50 Cent Appeal for four local charities
Clare FM began the fundraising campaign in October and many events including concerts, colours days, coffee mornings, sleepovers, busking gigs and table quizzes have been held since then and now with many of you donating very generously to the four local beneficiaries
This is the culmination of the events- Clare FM’s 50 Cent Appeal Auction began with Paul on the Clare FM Breakfast Show
George Stacpoole, an antique dealer from Adare in Limerick and a member of the Irish Antique Dealers Association
George has been in business for over 45 years
His first shop was in Cecil Street in Limerick which he opened in the 1960’s which he kept till 1990
He commented on the Villeroy and Boch set of six side plates saying they were tasty things and most definitely
Fiacre Hennessey of Clarecare, Cathal Oakes of Clare Saint Vincent de Paul, Denise Dunne of Clare Haven Services and Mary Maloney of Cahercalla Hospice joined John in studio and thanked everyone who supported the appeal
Celebrating their 40th anniversary, the Ennis Brass Band are adding to their normally busy Christmas schedule buy holding their own Christmas Concert
The band will, as usual, be seen performing around the streets of Ennis for Christmas shoppers, and will be participating in the annual Ecumenical Choral Service
This year, however, the band- who will also be bringing the musical spirit to Miltown Malbay- will add to this with a Christmas-themed night, along with friends, in St Columba’s Church, Bindon St, Ennis
The concert – beginning at 8pm tonight – will, in the spirit of the season, be open to all and admission is free to all
Darragh McAllister, PRO, Ennis Brass Band joined John in studio and we heard ‘New York, New York’ from their CD Brassed On
We will be giving away copies of the CD next week
Comedian Brendan Grace had a word ahead of his gig in Ennis on December 27th
Social Anthropologist David Slattery is author of How To Be Irish – Uncovering the Curiosities of Irish Behaviour
It is a witty and revealing look at the various traits and idiosyncrasies of what it is we do and say that makes us Irish
From the quintessential Irish Mammy to love for all things GAA, the Irish have particularities – and peculiarities – that make us different from our neighbours
David could also be described as an eavesdropper and serial funeral attendee
For his research, David canvassed undercover for a major political party, attended opportune weddings and funerals, and interviewed doctors, psychiatrists and builders: ‘I have begged, spied, knocked down my house, got a job and drank in many pubs – all in the interest of science
He explained to John
East Clare Fiddler Martin Hayes and Kevin Crawford of Lughnasa fame joined John in studio for a few tunes and a chat
They will be touring as part of ‘The TeetotalLers’ in the New year with American guitarist John Doyle
They will play a Café Sessions gig in the Queen’s Bar, Ennis on January 27th
These are three world-class performers, each an amazing artist in his own right – getting together for a rare opportunity to appreciate their combined talents
John Doyle from Asheville has earned his reputation for guitar brilliance, first as a member of Solas and now in his thriving solo career, performing all over the world and as a highly sought-after session player
Known for having one of the most ravishing violin styles in all of Celtic music and a recipient of numerous awards, Martin Hayes is one of the most extraordinary talents in the world of Irish traditional music. Joining Doyle and Hayes is Kevin Crawford, one of the most virtuosic flute and whistle players in all of Ireland – and a long time member of Lúnasa.
Evelyn Cusack, MET Eireann Forecaster had a word about the weather and MET Eireann celebrating 75 years in existence
She was in the Burren in early October to film the walk from Fanore to Ballyvaughan for the RTE TV series Tracks n’ Trails
The Burren programme is due to be aired this Sunday at 7pm
Despite challenging weather conditions Evelyn enjoyed her time here, and would be happy to talk about her experience
Aidan Courtney of Ennis Bookshop looked at children’s books this Christmas
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