Tag Archives: RTE

AN Ennis man living and working in New York, which has seen the largest number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the US, has told The Clare Champion, “I can’t imagine life ever going back to normal.” Journalist Colm Flynn has been covering the effects the virus has had on the people of New York for a number of television companies. Just recently he presented a widely acclaimed RTÉ Nationwide special highlighting how the Irish community in New York have been helping each other through the crisis. Speaking to The Clare Champion from New York, Colm describes the atmosphere in the usually bustling metropolis as “extremely eerie”. He says he has been “overwhelmed” with the response to the Nationwide show, revealing the show almost didn’t make it onto our screens. “The situation was getting worse and worse here in New York, and back at home RTÉ of course was so focused on what was happening Ireland there wasn’t too much coverage …

ON Friday Nationwide on RTÉ One television, will broadcast a special programme to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Shannon Free Zone. The largest multi-sectoral business park outside of Dublin, Shannon Free Zone is managed by Shannon Group’s property company, Shannon Commercial Properties. The Zone was founded in 1959 and was the brainchild of Dr Brendan O’Regan. In an effort to entice foreign direct investment to the region, and provide much-needed jobs, Dr O’Regan came up with the concept of developing a special industrial zone with tax incentives adjacent to Shannon Airport. Six decades later, Dr O ’Reagan’s legacy means there are now over 170 companies located in the Zone, employing over 8,000 people. Presenter Mary Kennedy explores how the zone has grown and developed, meeting Ray O’Driscoll, Managing Director of Shannon Commercial Properties, part of the Shannon Group, who fills her in on the history of the Shannon Free Zone, current developments and future plans. Ms Kennedy also visits Atlantic …

BETTER known nationally for his skill behind the microphone, Marty Morrissey will show the nation his best moves from Sunday evening, when Dancing with the Stars returns to RTÉ One at 6.30pm. Locally, Marty has been spotted jovially jiving in celebration of a Kilmurry-Ibrickane championship win but, this time, the entire country will be keeping an eye on the Mullagh man. “My first dance on Sunday is the quick step. It’s very much about the frame. There are brain cells being used for the first time in 20 years, trying to remember ‘what the hell happens here’,” he laughed, when speaking to The Clare Champion this week. As show time approaches, Marty has started to dwell on what he has got himself into. “At this stage, nerves are jangling a bit. I remember when I eventually said to RTÉ that I would do it, I was heading to Australia so it seemed like an eternity away. But now it’s on …

THE book club in Miltown Malbay, which is made up of 12 women, met six weeks ago to discuss the possibility of doing something for asylum-seekers living in Direct Provision in Knocklisheen, Meelick. The group decided that, as some of them have Airbnb accommodation, they would offer families in Knockalisheen a two-night holiday in Miltown. Over the past few weeks, this plan has become a reality. “We meet with the families – made up of 76 individuals, including eight single women, mums, dads and children,” book club member Lorna Cahill explained. “Over half of the 76 people we met are children. We met them every Wednesday and, sometimes, twice weekly. The purpose of our meetings is to plan the holiday, with complete consultation, to get to know the families and build relationships and trust. This has proven extremely successful so far. “As families cannot cook for themselves in the centre, the main focus has been acquiring self-catering accommodation. We have …

From painting pets to Painting the Nation, Ennis-based artist Elaine Gavin is helping to bring a bit of colour to television screens after being named among the finalists in RTÉ’s search to find Ireland’s best amateur painter. The teacher in Lissycasey National School is one of seven contestants chosen from hundreds of accomplished artists who applied to take part in the second series of the popular Painting the Nation show. She revealed that while she was supposed to keep her television debut a secret, she couldn’t help but let it slip to some of her biggest fans. “I was actually at school when I found out the news and the kids were the first to find out. They probably shouldn’t have, because I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone, but you know yourself. It was just so exciting,” she said. The 31-year-old, who teaches senior infants and first class, said she couldn’t believe she had made it to the show. “I …

The remarkable life and legacy of Dr Brendan O’Regan, who among his many accomplishments is credited with developing the world’s first duty free shop at Shannon Airport, is being recognised by RTÉ Nationwide this week in a programme special devoted to him. Presented by Mary Kennedy, the programme includes interviews with Dr O’Regan’s daughter, Carmel and staff from Shannon Group companies who helped to bring Brendan’s story to life for viewers. Among those interviewed were; Andrew Murphy from Shannon Airport, Ray O’Driscoll from Shannon Commercial Properties, John Ruddle and Pauline Lenihan from Shannon Heritage and retired Shannon Heritage CEO, Cian O’Carroll and Rose Hynes from Shannon Group. Rose Hynes, chairman Shannon Group plc said, “Dr Brendan O’Regan was one of the most fascinating and influential people of our time. A renaissance man, a pioneer of regional development, charismatic and charming – who brought a passion and determination to every task he undertook. “Shannon Group which comprises – Shannon Airport, Shannon …

Three families with a passion for trad will go head-to-head for the title of Ireland’s Traddest Family this Saturday night live on the Ray Darcy Show on RTÉ One. The Doohan family from Lissycasey and the Ó’Dálaigh family from Ardnacrusha will compete in a showdown for the title of Ireland’s Traddest Family this Saturday night live on the Ray Darcy Show on RTÉ One along with the Durcan Family from Co. Meath. The Doohin Family are three generations that play music, sing and dance together. Included in the family are mother Margaret, her daughters Christina, Claire, Carmel, Caroline and Clodagh, her sons Derek and Dermot, and her grandson Stephen, all of whom have All Ireland titles in solo competitions, duets, trios, céile bands and grúpa ceoils. Family of seven, the Ó’Dálaighs are parents Tomás Ó’Dálaigh and Suzanne Uí’Dhálaigh, and their children Fionn, Cillian, Óisín, Seán, and Tara. The family have been playing for many years, entertaining tourists and locals in …

An Ennis man has been unveiled as the new face of RTE children’s programming. First-time television presenter, Tommy Meskill is the newest addition to the news2day team. news2day is RTÉ’s news service designed specifically for children, featuring Irish and international news of interest to a young audience. Following a call out to media and journalism graduates across the country, Tommy was chosen to join the team and began broadcasting live this week on RTÉ Two and RTÉ News Now. A graduate of Communications Studies from Dublin City University (DCU), Tommy interned with Clare FM during his studies. After completing his degree he worked as a newsreader with Spirit Radio, East Coast FM and then became a reporter at Dublin station FM104. The 22 year old went to school at Barefield National School and then Rice College Ennis.Tommy learned to play piano as a kid, but says he wasn’t great at practicing! He loves to swim and keep active. His favourite …