On Today’s Morning Focus Valerie Cox, journalist, author and advocate joined Gavin on air to tell us about her new book of profiles of people who were born around the time of the Irish Free State.
Valerie interviewed 26 people who were born at around the same time as the Irish Free State – between the years 1921-29. The book includes recollections of the big snow of 1932, to Eamon de Valera speaking to crowds in a rural town square, to living by gaslight and trips to the seaside on the crossbar of daddy’s bike to pick cockles for mammy. The stories reflect both a simpler time and a tougher one, where childhood was short and the world of work beckoned from an early age.
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It has been revealed that one-fifth of Ireland’s most dangerous roads are in Clare. It’s after a new study highlighted four separate stretches of the N67 route that largely runs along the county’s coastline. The figures come from an analysis of TII data by Gamma Location Intelligence, whose CEO Fergal O’Neill spoke with Gavin. Rita McInerney, FF General Election candidate for Clare (Doonbeg) and Cllr Joe Garrihy, FG member of Ennistymon LEA also spoke on this issue.
Last week we reported on the decision of Clare Councillors to approve an increase of 15% in the Local Property Tax (LPT). The hike has not been received well. As a result, people are calling for a public meeting. While the executive of the local authority authority and 16 councillors (out of 24 in attendance at the meeting on the issue) insist that the measure is necessary to fund public service, it divided the FF party and – it seems – the public in general. There have been calls on social media for a ‘town hall’ style meeting to thrash out the issue. Gabriella Hanrahan, an Ennis woman who is vehemently against the proposed tax hike joined Gavin on air today.
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Trad legend Joanie Madden of Cherish the Ladies, has been described as one of the best flute and whistle players in the world by none other than Sir James Galway. Joanie joined Gavin on air as she is in concert at Knockerra Hall Friday week, October 11, as a fundraiser for Killimer Parish. The gig is now sold out, so only those with tickets should attend on the night.
Sgt Tríona O’Rourke, Crime Prevention Officer for Clare joined Gavin in studio for this week’s Garda Focus segment.
Acclaimed artist and art therapist Dympna Bonfield and Deborah Ryan McFarland are working together as they’ve produced a beautiful book featuring some of Dympna’s work. Both ladies joined Gavin on air this morning to discuss the book and their love for art. The publication will be launched at glór in Ennis on Thursday next (Oct 3)
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To round up today’s show Gavin was joined by Clare FM’s Darren Kelly, for a discussion of the weekend’s local and national action in sport.
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