On The Afternoon Show today Gavin Grace paid tribute to the life of Robbie McMahon. Joining him on the programme was Clare FM’s West Wind presenter Paula Carroll and Ray Conway who directed a film documentary on Robbie McMahon’s singing career. The Spancilhill Singer who has been described as a true icon of Ireland’s Ballad Tradition passed away this morning in hospital. He’s survived by his wife Maura and their four children, Fiona and Noleen who live in Co. Clare and Dympna and Donal who live in New Zealand. Ray Conway directed “Last Night as I Lay Dreaming”, which explores the life and songs of Robbie McMahon who is credited with bringing the folk song ‘Spancilhill’ to a worldwide audience. The film documentary charts the huge contribution he made to the world of singing down through the years, both through his own compositions and his unique interpretation of traditional songs.
Dr. Muireann Cullen is a Dietitian and Manager of the Nutrition and Health Foundation. The NHF and the Camogie Association have launched ‘Eat Smart – Move Smart’ a food / exercise diary and nutrition guide for teenage camogie players to help them understand the balance between diet, exercise and other activities such as school.
Mark Beazley is the Executive Director of Dogs Trust Ireland. He spoke to Gavin to highlight the plight of abandoned or unwanted dogs at Christmas time and to reiterate that a dog is not just for Christmas. To help prevent people thoughtlessly buying dogs as Christmas presents, the charity takes extra care when re-homing adult dogs and especially puppies in the weeks before Christmas. Unfortunately, with over 2,000 abandoned dogs per year coming through the charity’s doors, people are still taking on the responsibility of dog ownership without enough consideration of what it entails.
Geraldine O’Loughlin is the Principal of Corofin National School and she joined the show to let listeners know about how the school pupils are launching a CD of songs and carols entitled “Shine a Light” tonight at the school. Sharon Shannon will officially launch it at 7pm tonight and all are welcome to attend.
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