This morning we began with the hot topic issue of the week and that is recent scheduling decisions by Aer Lingus which have resulted in the re-routing and cancellation of a number 22 of flights through Shannon Airport. Thousands of passengers have been hit by last-minute changes to routes to the States and UK, prompting concerns that the airline is prioritising its Dublin base at the expense of Shannon. Pat had Fr Tom O’Gorman on the line to discuss his recent experience with flight cancellations from Aer Lingus. He was also joined live in studio by Deputy Timmy Dooley, FF TD for Clare, former party Transport Spokesman and current spokesperson for energy. He was also joined on the line by Kitty Hurley from O'Callaghan Mills.
Following this Pat had Martina Nee, European Consumer Centre on the line to discuss the consumers rights in regards to flight cancellations.
We than had our weekly Garda focus with Sgt. Joe Downey, Crime Prevention Officer.
Pat then took a look at an upcoming fundraiser for Haiti. It’s happening in Scariff on the 25th of October. There will be a guest Indian Chef, a meal will cost €25 and they will also be accepting donations. Pat was joined by Didi Driscoll, the woman behind the effort and founder of Sunrise Education Trust.
History fanatics will be delighted to hear that there’s going to be a very special lecture as part of the West Clare 1916 Centenary Programme run by the Kilrush and District Historical Society. Eoin Shanahan will be giving the lecture entitled ‘Remembering Patriarchs and Patriots: When Kilrush Streets Had Two Names’. He joined Pat on the line to discuss his lecture.
We then had our weekly sports panel with Clare FM’s own Derrick Lynch, Peter O’Connell from the Clare Champion, Aidan Moloney, Manager of Kulmurry Ibrickane and Michael Talty, Chairperson of the club.
As regular listeners will be aware, there's an ongoing project to build WW1 Memorial project near glór in Ennis. The good news is that it's nearly there and construction is due to begin this week, with plans for a dedication service on November 20. The organisers are still in need of sponsorship to cover final costs and one of those, Dr Keir McNamara from Clare Peace Park Initiative joined Pat on the line.
“The Way We Were” is a living history initiative that involves older people exhibiting artefacts from earlier times and explaining to primary school pupils how they are used. It is a programme of Third Age Ireland, an organisation that provides opportunities for older people to contribute to their communities and engage actively in society. They’re bringing their initiative ‘The Way We Were’ to Ennistymon on the Bank Holiday Weekend (Fri. Oct. 28) they’ll be visiting a local school and nursing home. Pat was joined by Mary Nally, founder of Third Age Ireland and head of this initiative.
