Tag: C103 Local Radio

Stephen Nolan on WTRTM on C103 at 7pm Sunday

We thank Presenter John Greene for advance information on this Sunday’s “Where the Road Takes Me” – 9th Feb. 2020.  (S.R.)

Travelling to a Formula One Grand Prix in Silverstone, Brazil or the US, or how about meeting many of your favourite world famous Country Music or sporting stars, or taking a motorbike ride across Alaska.

Anyone of these may be on your bucket list.  However, on Where the road takes me this Sunday evening, John Greene meets a man who has managed to tick them all off, one by one.  And he’s not finished yet, having every intention of adding more to his long list of ‘have dones’.

Stephen Nolan was born in the village of Ballinspittle, once famous for its moving statue.  His job which provided him with the time and the finance to fulfill an amazing bucket list, is deserving of a programme on its own.

For forty years, Stephen has worked for the Catterpillar Company on the Oil Sands of Fort McMurray in Canada.

In his spare time, he has met Mohammed Ali, Marvin Haggler, Sugar Ray Robinson, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. [read more …] “Stephen Nolan on WTRTM on C103 at 7pm Sunday”

George Murphy on WTRTM on C103 Sunday at 7pm

We thank Presenter John Greene for advance information regarding this Sunday evening’s programme.  (S.R.)

Seventeen years ago, seventeen year old George Murphy entered ‘Youre a Star’, the reality talent show on TV.

He didn’t win it, but such was his immediate success afterwards, that most people still believe that he did.

A recording deal followed from Sony Ireland, and his debut album went to number one in the album charts.  His voice was hailed as unique by the likes of the late Ronnie Drew and Peggy Seeger.  When Martin Furey left the High Kings, Murphy took his place.

And then he hit hard times.  Becoming a father for the first time, he found himself jobless.

On Where the road takes me this week, George Murphy chats to John Greene about being wise in hindsight with regard to reality TV shows, and why being a member of the High Kings could never be permanent.

We hear how he re-invented himself and formed a new band called ‘The Rising Sons’, and  we also hear some songs from his new album. [read more …] “George Murphy on WTRTM on C103 Sunday at 7pm”

Millstreet on “Round the Fireside” on C103 Monday at 10:05pm

A wonderful assembly of people from the Millstreet and Cullen Areas will join Presenter Jimmy Reidy for the first of two C103 Programmes on Monday, 27th Jan. 2020 at 10:05pm for the “Round the Fireside” series.  Here we share some 11 images from our recording which took place on Tuesday, 14th Jan. in Freemount Heritage Centre.   Happy listening!   The second programme will be broadcast on Monday, 3rd Feb. at 10:05pm.  Tap on the images to enlarge.    Our group photograph features in the current copy of “Discover Duhallow” magazine which is presently in the shops – free of charge!  (S.R.)

Update: CLICK HERE to listen back to the programme.

[read more …] “Millstreet on “Round the Fireside” on C103 Monday at 10:05pm”

“Where the Road Take Me” – Bay City Rollers – C103 7pm Sunday

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information on this Sunday evening’s programme – 5th Jan. 2020.  (S.R.)

It was certainly debatable, but they were heralded as the greatest group since the Beatles.

A bunch of scruffy youngsters from Edinburgh called ‘The Bay City Rollers’ became a tartan teen sensation in the 1970s.

By the late 70s, Rollermania followed and Les McKeown, Alan Longmuir, Derek Longmuir, Stuart ‘Woody’ Wood and Eric Faulkner were known worldwide.  

Songs like ‘Remember’, ‘Shang-a-Lang’ and ‘All of me loves all of you’ were top ten hits, while ‘Bye Bye baby’ remained at No 1 in the UK charts for six weeks in 1975. [read more …] ““Where the Road Take Me” – Bay City Rollers – C103 7pm Sunday”

“Where the Road Takes Me” 7pm C103 This Sunday

We thank Presenter John Greene for information regarding this evening’s programme.  (S.R.)

This Sunday evening on ‘Where the road takes me’, we feature the last journey into the archives covering a period of thirty years.

From May of 1997 during a two day visit to Cape Clear Island, John Greene spoke to retired seaman Connie O’Donoghue and retired pilot Duncan MacLachlainn.  Connie had witnessed a number of his colleagues and fellow islanders perish, when a German submarine attacked his convoy off Tory island during WW11.

Duncan who was from East Cork, speaks mainly about his role as Secretery of the island branch of the IFA, and his hopes for the future of islanders and island farmers.

And during a visit to Tralee in 2013 we meet two former showband stars – Paddy Day who was a member of the Jim Cantwell Showband, and Tommy O’Connor from DJ Curtin and the Kerry Blues. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” 7pm C103 This Sunday”

“Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 This Sunday Evening

We thank Presenter, John Greene for information about this evening’s programme 7 to 8pm on C103.  (S.R.)

In this week’s edition of Where the road takes me, John Greene pays a visit to a small grocery shop in Bandon, where four generations have withstood fire and floods, World War2, a recession, changes in social habits and the challenge of Multi Nationals.

We meet the West Cork based press photographer who took the iconic photograph of an eighteen year old lady Diana Spencer in the see-through dress.

And on a lighter note from the archives…….we get to impart some correct information on a new signing at Old Trafford to a mis-informed former legend of the club. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 This Sunday Evening”

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm on C103

Presenter John Greene celebrating 40 years of broadcasting shares some of his most memorable interviews from the past including features chatting with Mick O’Connell of Valentia Island and John B. Keane of Listowel.  C103 from 7 to 8pm.  (S.R.)

Update: Listen back to the programme HERE.

“Where the Road Takes Me” Sunday 7pm C103

We thank John Greene for advance information on this Sunday’s (24th Nov. 2019) radio programme.  (S.R.)

On “Where the road takes me” this Sunday evening, we feature the story of a man who as a young boy had an overwhelming desire to become a musician.

While there are hundreds of similar stories out there, not many can also factor in Bessborough Mother & Baby Home, fostering, arranged marriages and dowries,  running away from home in Drimoleague and working in London while still at school, or buying their first guitar from Jimi Hendrix.

‘Borrowing’ a few calves to buy his first set of gear, Oliver Kane has been a full time musician for almost all of his life.  He has played with some of the top bands and musicians, including a stint with Rory Gallagher, and has taken to the boards in all of London’s top ballrooms.

He was fifty four years of age before he discovered that his biological parents were from Tipperary.  His book ‘Auntie Annie – My saviour’, tells the story of the wonderful woman who reared him with her husband in Clodagh Drimoleague. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” Sunday 7pm C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 This Evening

We thank Presenter, John Greene, for advance information on this evening’s programme – Sun. 17th Nov. 2019 from 7 to 8pm.  (S.R.)

A regular contributor to Where the road takes me, Bantry based GP Dr. Denis Cotter passed away on Sunday November 3rd last.

This week on the programme, John Greene chooses excerpts from the many editions he contributed to over the past seven years.

The end result is a look at the life and times of a man whose family can be traced back to 1839 in Bantry.

Coming from a well known bakery family in the town, Dr. Cotter graduated from medical college as a GP, later setting up a practice in Newtown.

In between, Denis played rugby for club and Munster, at a time when playing or attending foreign games resulted in a mandatory ban.

Playing Gaelic Football with Bantry Blues, he later became team doctor and trained the senior team to two County Senior football titles in 1995 and again in 1998. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 This Evening”

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7 this Evening on C103

We thank Presenter, John Greene, for advance information re this evening’s programme….10th Nov. 2019.  (S.R.)

This Sunday evening on C103, John Greene brings you another edition of ‘Where the road takes me’, as he returns to the Lough in Cork City’s Southside.

It’s the second and concluding programme which outlines the life and times of one of Cork’s best known entertainers Billa O’Connell. 

This week we hear Billa’s favourite songs and stories, and his time as entertainment manager at one of Cork’s famous hotels.

We hear about his decision to book Hollywood actor, boxer and singer, the gorgeous Gael himself Jack Doyle.

And, on hearing of the mutual admiration between Doyle and Cork hurler Christy Ring, Billa worked on bringing both stars together.  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7 this Evening on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm Sunday on C103

We thank Presenter, John Greene, for advance information re this Sunday evening’s programme.  (S.R.)

For well over half-a-century he’s been entertaining Cork audiences young and old.  The stage on Cork’s opera House became his second home.  

He was made a freeman of Cork City, and received an honorary MA Degree from UCC  for his contribution to Cork’s Cultural life. 

Most people don’t believe in fairytales, but he has good reason to, as he eventually got to marry Cinderella. 

On ‘Where the road takes me’ this week, John Greene goes to the Lough in Cork City to speak to Billa O’Connell. 

There’s songs and plenty of wit from the man who starred in many a Cork Opera House pantomime, and ‘Summer Revels’ which ran for two decades.  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm Sunday on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7 this Sunday Evening on C103

We thank C103 Presenter, John Greene for advance information re this evening’s programme at 7pm.  (S.R.)

Over the past few years,  John O’Leary became a popular and regular contributor to ‘Where the road takes me’.

Born in Carrigroe near Clonakilty in 1923, John spent  his early years in the Garda Siochana, patrolling the streets of Dublin. 

In past programmes, we heard his views on politicians from all parties who helped to form our State. 

In this week’s edition of the programme, John talks to John Greene about the many wonderful and colourful characters he encountered while patrolling the streets of our capital city. 

We hear tales of encounters with Brendan Behan, Christy Browne, Margaret Pearse sister of Padraig and Willie Pearse, and the Queen of Moore Street Ellen Comiskey.  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7 this Sunday Evening on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” on Bere Island C103 7pm Sunday

We thank Presenter, John Greene, for this week’s advance information on this Sunday evening’s programme.  (S.R.)

This week on Where the road takes me,  John Greene heads for Bere Island, just off the Castletownbere coast on the Beara Peninsula.

He meets up with five people on the island, each with their own story to tell, but one thing in common –  they are all involved with Bere Island Community Radio. 

The island is a partner in the EU Grassroots Wavelength project which aims to set up low power community stations in rural communities in Europe.

Broadcasting three hours per week, Bere Island is joined on the project by Romania, Portugal and Madeira.  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” on Bere Island C103 7pm Sunday”

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm Today on C103

Thanks to John Green for advance information on this evening’s Programme.  (S.R.)

After two weeks looking into the future of Bandon town, we head North this week on Where the road takes me. 

John Greene visits Liscarroll to see how this village has changed and survived.

We meet a publican, farmer and poet, three people in fact rolled into one.

Inspired by the Yukon poet Robert Service, Philip Egan has found loads to inspire him into writing a number of poetry books, in a village steeped in history.

  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm Today on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 at 7pm this Sunday

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information regarding this week’s programme plus the recording of a future programme.  (S.R.)

This Sunday evening on Where the road takes me, John Greene continues and concludes a two part programme entitled – ‘The future for Bandon – What lies ahead’.

Having faced all the usual challenges that most towns have to deal with, Bandon was also lumped with floods, diversions and roadworks that never seem to end.

Approximately 40 million euro is now earmarked for Bandon, and on this week’s programme we meet people with a positive attitude, who believe that in four to five years time, the town will be one of the finest in the country.

We also hear from the Gardai, Irish Water, and Chief Executive of Cork County Council Tim Lucey.

Where the road takes me, goes to air at 7, this Sunday evening on C103.

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On Thursday evening October 17th next, a musical edition of Where the road takes me, will be recorded at Ray’s Bar, Emmet Row, in Bandon.

Musical contributions from………  Joe Mac (Dixies), Gina of the Champions,  Art Supple, Gerald o’Flynn, Liz Bryan and Danny o’Leary. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 at 7pm this Sunday”

“Where the Road Takes Me” This Sunday at 7pm on C103

We thank Presenter John Greene for advance information regarding this Sunday evening’s programme at 7 on C103 – Sunday, 29th Sept. 2019.

Online shopping, the high cost of rent, rates and insurance, are all making survival difficult for people in business today.

A history of flooding, combined with roadworks and diversions that never seem to end,  have added greatly to the challenges now facing the town of Bandon. 

In the first of a two part programme on Where the road takes me, with positivity as its theme,  John Greene examines what lies ahead for the town known as the ‘Gateway to West Cork’. 

Tim Lucey, Chief Executive of Cork County Council, tells us that  – ‘We’re basically re-building Bandon.’ 

Along with representatives from the Business Association, Tidy Towns, the Gardaí, shop and pub owners and restaurateurs. we hear how they believe that in four to five years, Bandon will  stand shoulder to shoulder with any town in the country.  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” This Sunday at 7pm on C103″

Remembering Muhammed Ali on “Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm This Sunday on C103

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information regarding his programme this Sunday (8th Sept. 2019) at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Once voted ‘The greatest athlete of all time’,  Muhammed Ali‘s joint records of defeating  21 boxers for the World heavyweight title, and winning 14 unified title bouts stood for thirty five years.

Dubbed ‘The Rumble in the Jungle’, his fight with George Foreman in Kinshasa in 1974 ,  has been called, arguably, the greatest sporting event of the 20th century. 

This Sunday evening in a ‘Where the road takes me Special’, John Greene speaks  to his daughter Hana about the father she adored. 

Her book is entitled – ‘At Home with Muhammed Ali – A memoir of love, loss and forgiveness. ‘ [read more …] “Remembering Muhammed Ali on “Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm This Sunday on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 This Sunday at 7pm

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance notice regarding this Sept. 1st 2019 Sunday evening’s programme at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

You Know the old saying – ‘It’s an ill wind that doesn’t blow some good’.

And you can apply this to the Furey Brothers who were formed by accident, as a result of an accident. 

Now, over forty years together, they have been entertaining audiences worldwide ever since. 

This week on ‘Where the road takes me’, John Greene takes us on a journey down memory lane with George and Eddie Furey.

We hear about having to choose between the pick and shovel or music.

A stint on Top of the Pops and teaching Kool & the Gang how to party Irish style.

Playing inside Carnegie Hall and busking outside of it.

Coping with the death of Paul, and the departure of Finbarr.

And in between the chat, there’s music as well,  including ‘Sweet Sixrteen’, and the story behind it.

EXTRA……….. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 This Sunday at 7pm”

“Where the Road Takes Me” – Focus on Archbishop Thomas William Croke

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information regarding this week’s programme where the focus is on Dr. Croke.  (S.R.)

When Thomas William Croke was born in Kilbrin in 1823, the struggle for Catholic Emancipation was almost over.  Yet, his mother Isabella, a Protestant aristocrat, was still shunned by her family, because of her marriage to a Catholic estate agent.

On this week’s edition of ‘Where the road takes me’, John Greene continues and concludes the story of the man after whom GAA Headquarters is named.

This week we hear how £1,872  was raised from the Croke Memorial hurling and football  Tournament in 1913.  The sum of money raised allowed the GAA to purchase Jones’s Road, which now became Croke Park.

Although his name is synonymous with hurling and football, Thomas Croke’s first love was handball, and we hear about his legacy to the sport in Fermoy.

And…………..

                  Former GAA President Seán Kelly tells us why he feels Thomas Croke would be happy about the stadium being opened up to other sports today. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” – Focus on Archbishop Thomas William Croke”

“Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 This Sunday at 7pm

We thank Presenter, John Greene, for advance information regarding this Sunday (4th Aug. 2019) evening’s programme on C103.  (S.R.)

‘Where the road takes me’ returns this week with the second and concluding programme which looks at the scuttling of German U-Boat 260,  three miles south of Glandore harbour a few weeks before the end of WW11.

The story is told mainly throught the eyes and ears of  eighty seven year old Mary McCarthy, who was then a thirteen year old on the Galley Head, where eleven of the crew climbed up a dangerous precipice beneath the light-house. 

In the concluding programme we examine the three main theories for the scuttling of the submarine, and based on the evidence and information gathered on the programme, come to our own conclusion. 

Reports and logbooks from the Gardai and Coast-watch are examined, and from an interview conducted with two of the submarine’s officers, we get their views on the war, including how their school-going youth are being trained to successfully eliminate enemy tanks. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 This Sunday at 7pm”

“Where the Road Takes Me” C103 This Sunday at 7pm

We thank Presenter John Greene for providing advance information on this evening’s programme – 21st July 2019.  (S.R.) 

On this week’s edition of ‘Where the road takes me’, John Greene begins a two part programme entitled ‘The Light-keeper’s daughter, and the story of U260.

Our story centres around the scuttling of a German submarine, three miles south of Glandore in 1945, and the arrest of all crew aboard her.

The events are seen through the eyes of Mary Glanville, now Mary mcCarthy a twelve year old schoolgirl  on the Galley Head lighthouse at the time.

Although this submarine was on its ninth patrol when it reached West Cork waters, it had seen very little if any action.

So what exactly was it doing during these patrols, and what reason did the crew have for sinking this vessel of war.  And why has the Captain’s logbook been resealed, and not to be re-opened until the year 2045.

In both programmes we look at the two main theories for her sinking, but can only speculate as to what she was doing in the area on that date.

Both programmes also offer an unique insight into what life was like for rural people during World War 11. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” C103 This Sunday at 7pm”

“Where the Road Takes Me” This Sunday Evening at 7pm on C103

Many thanks to Presenter, John Greene for advance information regarding this evening’s programme on C103 (14th July 2019 – Bastille Day – so very special greetings to all our French Friends)  – S.R.

Many are the links between Ireland and France such as the above French Restaurant near Dublin’s Grafton Street. We here in Millstreet treasure our Twinning Links with our wonderful Friends in Pommerit le Vicomte. Very best wishes and greetings to France and especially to Brittany on this Bastille Day 14th July 2019. (S.R.)

In the early 1950’s residents of the Gaoire near Macroom were offered approximately forty pounds per acre under compulsory purchase of their land.

Compulsory purchase, when enforced, usually allows a public infrastructure to go ahead for the common good.  In this instance, construction of the Lee Valley Hydro Electric Scheme was deemed to be for the common good.  Electricity at the time was making its way slowly but surely into rural Ireland.

In the second programme on ‘Where the road takes me’, John Greene returns to what was once the village of Annahalla, before being flooded in 1954.

Now a statutory nature reserve and a walker’s paradise, the area was once home to many families, including a future Bishop of Cork and a college president.

[read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” This Sunday Evening at 7pm on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 at 7pm This Sunday

Sincere thanks to Presenter, John Greene for advance information on this week’s programme on Sunday 7th July 2019.  (S.R.)

One man’s successful battle against compulsory purchase has been making news this week.  But on Sunday’s edition of ‘Where the road takes me’, John Greene looks back at a time in Ireland when compulsory purchase was met with disgruntled acceptance. 

In 1954 the Gaoire  (Gwayrah) near Macroom was flooded to make way for the arrival of a little known commodity called electricity.  While the project created hundreds of badly needed jobs, it also forced many people from their homes. 

Now the area is a statutory nature reserve, and on this week’s programme, John walks through Annahala, and meets some of the people who once lived here, forming a closely knit community with their own shop and pub. 

Dating back to the ice age, the Gaoire is the remains of the only Post Glacial Alluvial forest in Western Europe, with the potential to become a World heritage site. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 at 7pm This Sunday”

“Where the Road Take Me” on C103 Sunday at 7pm

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information re this Sunday’s programme – 30th June 2019.  (S.R.)

Who in their right minds would consider going into business in the present economic and social climate?   It’s a very valid question being asked regularly. 

Insurance costs, rules and regulations, health and safety and changes in social habits, all add up to the many reasons why you should consider such a move very carefully. 

This week on ‘Where the road takes me’, John Greene finds out if it was any easier or profitable to be in business – fifty, one hundred, even one hundred and fifty years ago. 

We look at it from the perspective of a shopkeeper in the mid nineteenth century, a doctor in a remote rural area in the 1970s, and how one man inadvertently changed a publican’s fortunes for the better.  [read more …] ““Where the Road Take Me” on C103 Sunday at 7pm”

Remembering Philomena Lynott on “Where the Road Takes Me” This Sunday on C103 at 7pm

Sincere thanks to Presenter, John Greene, for advance information on this Sunday’s programme.  (S.R.)

On Monday last, Philomena Lynott, mother of rock star Phil Lynott was laid to rest in Dublin.

A regular visitor to West Cork, she had featured on a number of editions of ‘Where the road takes me’.

On this week’s edition of the programme, John Greene looks back at a number of conversations he had with her.

Her early life was spent in what was then referred to as ‘A home for unmarried mothers’, where she was the victim of physical and mental cruelty.

The latter part was spent campaigning to have her son’s music and talent remembered, but his lifestyle avoided.

She speaks about her last few days with her rock star son,  and being the last to know about the drug-abuse that killed him.

We hear from Trevor Thompson from Douglas Road in Cork, regarded by Philomena as her son’s biggest fan.

And………….. [read more …] “Remembering Philomena Lynott on “Where the Road Takes Me” This Sunday on C103 at 7pm”

“Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 at 7pm This Sunday

Sincere thanks to Presenter, John Greene for advance information on this week’s programme on Sunday 16th June 2019.  (S.R.)

Costing thirteen million euro and an expensive golf iron, the recent visit of American President Donald Trump was not controversy free.

Fifty six years and ten American Presidents earlier, John F. Kennedy was the first head of his country to drop by and say hello.  Unlike ‘The Donald’, Kennedy’s visit was a morale booster for a nation in the midst of a depression. 

Unlike Kennedy, it would be difficult to imagine a photograph of Trump keeping the Pope company on Irish kitchen walls. 

However, on this week’s edition of ‘Where the road takes me’, John Greene discovers that the Kennedy’s had their own little skeletons in the cupboard as well.  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 at 7pm This Sunday”

“Where the Road Takes Me” Returns to Innishannon

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information for his C103 Programme this Sunday (9th June 2019) evening at 7.  (S.R.)

This week John Greene returns to the village of Innishannon on Where the road takes me.    It’s all about gardens and gardening as we pay a visit to people who have transformed their gardens into a place of pride and joy.

This week we get gardening advice and a philosophical look at life in general from Johnny o’Sullivan or Johnny of the welcomes.

Since our last visit to the home of Seán and Ann MacSeoin, Seán who was diagnosed with cancer has since passed away.  Ann tells us how her garden has been a source of comfort to her and the family since.

And we get a version of Jimmy Rodgers hit song ‘In a country Garden’ from Roy Davis in Knockavilla. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” Returns to Innishannon”

Gardening at Innishannon on C103 at 7pm Sunday

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information to this Sunday’s Programme on C103 at 7pm.  (S.R.)

The village of Innishannon is the base for the next two editions of’ Where the road takes me’.

John Greene pays a visit to some of the people who have developed their gardens into places of pride and joy. 

It’s all part of the Gardens and Galleries festival, which takes place on June 15th and 16th.  Now in its fourth year, the festival raise money for the work of the local tidy towns committee.

This week on the programme we meet John Quinn a lecturer in Zoology at UCC.

We visit George and Karen at their idyllic five and a quarter acre garden and lakeside residence north of Innishannon……

We check out a bee garden in the grounds of Valley Rovers GAA club – and we get an appropriate Harry Chapin song from the local artist whose job it was to paint a mural on the gable end of the clubhouse.  [read more …] “Gardening at Innishannon on C103 at 7pm Sunday”