Newstalk's 'The Hard Shoulder' broadcasts from Athlone

Newstalk's prime-time show, The Hard Shoulder with Kieran Cuddihy, broadcast from Athlone on Tuesday evening this week.

Mr Cuddihy had the opportunity to see some of the sights in the town, including Athlone Marina, and he spoke to manager of the Marina, Joe Grennan.

Joe said the June bank holiday weekend will be really busy at the Marina, which has capacity for about 60 boats to come in.

He highlighted local attractions such as Athlone Castle, Luan Gallery, Ss. Peter & Paul's Church and the three boat tour providers; the Viking ship, the River Run cruiser and the Hidden Heartlands river taxi.

Also on the show Mr Cuddihy spoke to the Supervisor of Sean’s Bar, Ryan O'Connor, who told him all about the history of the famous Athlone pub and how it's still going strong after 1,100 years in operation.

Donal Whelan, from the River Shannon Protection Alliance, and Independent Dublin City Councillor Mannix Flynn also took part in the show, discussing the proposal for a Shannon to Dublin Pipeline.

This project would see water being brought from the Shannon to help supply Dublin and surrounding areas.

The Hard Shoulder was also in Athlone to meet candidates for the European Parliament elections in the Midlands North-West constituency.

Mr Cuddihy was joined by Fianna Fáil Senator and one of the party’s candidates for the European election, Lisa Chambers, Independent Ireland candidate Ciarán Mullooly and Sinn Féin candidate, Michelle Gildernew.

To listen back to the episode broadcast from Athlone visit: www.goloudplayer.com/radio/schedule/newstalk/the-hard-shoulder-83#listen-back