Dingle Wren on Song

One hell of a party!

Dingle exploded in a blaze of colour and song lastF riday as the wren boys took over the town for the annual celebration of Lá an Dreolín, or Wren's Day as it is also known. The tradition, which has been going strong in the town since the late 1800s, draws hundreds to Dingle every year to witness the spectacle for themselves. The Dingle Wrens, dressed in traditional straw rigs and brightly coloured costumes marched through the town engaging all with the powerful sound of the fife and drum. The Wrens collected funds for several worthy causes on the day as well as paying a visit to the patients in the Dingle hospital. The town's streets are home to several different wrens; the world famous Green and Gold headed off from Tigh Tabhairne Uí Flathbheartaigh on Bridge Street around midday followed by the Goats Street Wren from McCarthys Bar, the John Street Wren and the Quay Wren from the Marina. The town will also welcomed wrens that came in from the surrounding countryside west of Dingle and 'below the hill' in Cloghane, culminating to create a colourful spectacle which has to be seen to be believed with the celebrations going on into the small hours of Saturday morning. Those interested in learning more about this fantastic tradition can join the Dingle Wren Group on Facebook.

Christmas sean-nós in Ballyferriter this Saturday

For a true old-time Irish Christmas join Páidí Mhárthain MacGearailt and co for an amazing evening of Sean-Nós in Ballyferriter at the Smerwick Harbour Hotel this Saturday, December 27th, starting at 9pm.

High Court action against Dingle school may be avoided

Leading SC to act as mediator in Dingle Pobalscoil talks

An end may be in sight in the saga surrounding the all-Irish teaching policy at Dingle secondary school Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne as local parents group Concerned Parents of Corca Dhuibhne (CPCD) have suggested mediation talks in an effort to resolve the problem out of court. "We suggested meditation talks and both the Department of Education and the Pobalscoil agreed to take part" explained a spokesperson for CPCD. "The talks will take place in the school in either early or late January and will be mediated by Dr. Gerard Hogan Senior Counsel (pictured left). A practising barrister and a member of the Governing Council of UNIDROIT, Dr. Hogan is currently Chairman of the Law Reporting Council of Ireland. He is a former member of the Constitution Review Group, Competition and Mergers Review Group and the Offences Against the State Acts Review Group. He is currently a member of the Committee on Court Practice and Procedure and is a former member of the Competition Authority’s Advisory Panel. He is also a Judge of the OECD’s Nuclear Energy Tribunal, the author of several books and numerous articles on topics including Irish constitutional law, administrative law, conflict of laws and European Community law. Dr. Hogan has also appeared in and argued many important cases in the High Court, Supreme Court, European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights.

Concerned Parents of Corca Dhuibhne lodged high court proceedings against Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne earlier this year in an effort to tackle the all-Irish teaching policy at the new Pobalscoil (which opened in September 2007 amalgamating Meánscoil na Toirbhirte and Meánscoil na mBráithre) and encourage bilingual teaching methods as, according to CPCD, children who weren't proficient in the Irish language were being sidelined. "The High Court proceedings will run parallel with this mediation, hopefully we can arrive at a solution through talks at the school but if not we will have no choice but to revert to legal action" the spokesperson added. "We are currently looking at a court date in February if these talks fail, we sincerely hope that doesn't happen and that we can come to a solution." The parents group are seeking bilingual teaching as they feel that many of their children cannot achieve their full academic potential unless teaching in English and in Irish is available as the Pobalscoil is Dingle's only second level public school. The schools Board of Management have maintained that additional Irish classes have been made available to those who need extra help and the school's Gaeltacht status dictates the necessity for a strong Irish language policy. However following a series of public meetings, the signing of petitions and a sit out by some students at the school last year the Concerned Parents felt that legal action was the only avenue left for them to take with some students from the Dingle catchment area leaving the school to seek out second level education in Castlegregory and Tralee. "The best way to solve any problem is to sit down and talk about it' said Seán Ó'Suilleabháin of the school's Board of Management, "we warmly welcome this development and will give our full support to there talks."

Visit www.dingleparentsforjustice.com for more background on the issue.

Mick Galwey presents new jerseys to Cumann Rugbaí Chorca Dhuibhne

Munster rugby star and former Irish Captain Mick Galwey was in Dingle last week to present West Kerry Rugby Club, Cumann Rugbaí Chorca Dhuibhne with their new jerseys which are this year being sponsored by Siopa Londis Uí Fhlaithearta (O'Flaherty's Londis) in Milltown-Dingle. Pictured, l-r, Seán Páidí Grummel and Mick Dooley (Cumann Rugbaí Chorca Dhuibhne), Mick Galwey, Gene O'Flaherty (store proprieator and Cumann Rubgaí Chorca Dhuibhne player) and Mary Begley of Londis-Dingle. Check out Cumann Rugbaí Chorca Dhuibhne's website at http://www.rubgaicorcadhuibhne.blogspot.com/.

Siopa Uí Fhlaithearta, O'Flaherty's Londis-Dingle in Milltown-Dingle is open seven days a week, Mon-Sat 7am-10.30pm and Sunday 8am-10.30pm offering great fuel services, grocery, newsagency, Lotto, ample parking, wine, stamps and post services as well as freshly ground Coffee and the best Deli in Kerry. Tel: 066 - 915 0628 for more info; gift vouchers now available for Christmas.

Local family electrify Dingle for Christmas

Light up, light up

There was great celebration in Dingle last Sunday as local stalwart Vin Houlihan officially switched on the town's Christmas lights on behalf of Dingle Business Chamber. Vin's father Johnny made history in the early part of the twentieth century as he manged to build an electrical generator in Dingle before electricity was widespread in Ireland. Vin himself joined his father in lighting up the town bringing electricity and street lights to West Kerry for the first time long before other towns and villages in the county. The lighting of the Christmas lights marks the beginning of the festive season in the town as Dingle Business Chamber launch their annual Christmas Shopping Promotion. For the month of December to January 31st people may avail of a range of discounts on local services by using the vouchers available in local shops and businesses. Day trippers to Fungie can avail of a two for the price of one to see the world famous dolphin as well as discounts in the swimming pool at Dingle World of Leisure and the Peninsula Spa at the Dingle Skellig Hotel. Two of one deals may also be accessed using the vouchers at the new climbing wall Play at Height in Ballinaboula. Visitors to Dingle are also looking forward to the annual Wren's Day celebrations on December 26th as well as a mighty fireworks display on the Marina on New Year's Eve.

Lighting the Christmas lights on the pier in Dingle last Sunday were, pictured l-r, Gillian Sheehy, Dearbhla Sheehy, Ciarán O' Neill, Caoimhe Sheehy and Rachel O'Neill. Back, l-r, John Sheehy (Dingle Business Chamber), Marion Kavanagh, Tom O'Neill, Gráinne Kavanagh, Vin Houlihan and Veronica Houlihan-O'Neill.

Club Óige Breannáinn raises funds for Ski Lankan orphans

The gift of love

Feothneach Youth Club, Club Óige Breannáinn are sending their best wishes to Ski Lanka this Christmas as they have managed to raise almost €400 for orphans in St. Anthony's Orphanage in Ski Lanka in an effort to give them the things that we take for granted. The youth club which operates totally as Gaeilge for 11-16 year olds raised the funds through bag-packing and other activities, aware of the fact that €3 feeds a child at the orphanage for a week. The conscirntious young people presented the funds to Dónal MacGearailt of Baile an Lochaigh who is currently running a massive fundraising drive for the Orphanage in Columbo, Sri Lanka, a region devastated by civil war and the 2005 Tsunami in South East Asia.Dónal himself will travel to the orphanage in the New Year to present the funds, including €1,300 that was raised in Gallarus earlier this year when An Ghaeltacht took on Feale Rangers earlier this year. The West Kerry man was motivated to take on the task of fundraising when he travelled to Ski Lanka to act as best man at the wedding of his best friend Tony Arulanndam.The newlyweds had asked that their guests to make a donation to the Orphanage instead of giving them presents. The wedding party, including Dónal, then went to the orphanage to bestow presents on the children. "Their faces just lit up" said Donál "many of these children have no one left in the world and receiving even just a small gift means the world to them."Dónal hopes to return to the orphanage in the New Year with the funds raised in West Kerry. He is urging local people who wish to do something different for a Christmas gift this year to think of the orphanage. "It costs only €3 to feed a child at the orphanage for a week; our Euros really go a long way out there" said Donal.

An account has been opened Credit Union in Dingle for those who wish to contribute to St.Anthony's Orphanage; A/C 4996 D.

Club Óige Breannáinn presented funds raised for St. Anthony's Orphanage in Ski Lanka last Friday night in Halla na Feothneach to Dónal MacGearailt of Baile an Lochaigh. Pictured front, l-r, Alanagh Johnson, Ellen Ritson and Katie Fitzgerald. Back, l-r, Dónal MacGearailt, Shonagh Begley, Sorcha Ní Bhruic, Edel Breathneach, Natalie Johnson and Róisín Breathnach.

Zambian cake-sale fundraiser organised by Dingle Med student

A student doctor from Dingle is off the Zambia next year in an effort to provide life-saving medical assistance and supplies in the Mpongwe region.
Vanessa Ní Churráin (pictured left) from Cnoc a'Brogín, Dingle is currently a 5th year medical student at NUI Galway and as part of her training she is to travel to Mpongwe in Zambia next summer for two months with Voluntary Services Abroad, (the voluntary organisation in the university) along with three other medical students and two nurses.
"We organise numerous VSA fundraising events throughout the year and last year's group raised a phenomenal E254,000 which was distributed amongst seven groups who volunteered throughout Africa and South America" Vanessa explained. "The money is used to buy medical supplies and basic equipment for the various clinics and hospitals. In Mpongwe, where I am travelling to, a group of three final civil engineering students volunteered there last year and built an out-patient's clinic."
Our plan this year isto get the clinic fully up and running and also to purchase whatever equipment that is needed."
In preparation, Vanessa has organised a fundraising cake sale in Dingle's Gháirdín Mhuire on Green St, on Sunday the 21st of December after 9am Mass.
"All contributions would be greatly appreciated be it through donations or by bringing in cakes!" Vanessa added.

"A Euro spent locally comes back twenty-fold"

"A euro spent locally comes back twenty-fold"

Dingle Business Chamber urges shoppers to support local business this Christmas

A prominent Dingle publician has spoken out about the importance of supporting local industries in the run up to Christmas in light of a recession and an uncertain economic future. According to John Benny Moriarty, Vice-President of Dingle Business Chamber, a euro spent locally will come back twenty-fold in terms of benefiting the local economy. "Its a way of injecting capital into the area which is vitally important in all small towns at the moment as we face a period of uncertainty in the marketplace" said John. "Towns like Dingle, and indeed other small towns throughout the county, offer a lot more when it comes to Christmas shopping with local artisan food producers, arts, crafts, pottery, jewellery or knitwear; you will often find unique gifts which you cannot get in the bigger towns."John also pointed out pitfalls to those travelling abroad, to New York for example, with the intention of doing a lot of Christmas shopping. "The airports are employing more customs staff than ever before and all goods being brought into the country are being scrutinised for payment of excise duty, it may end up costing even more than it had at home if you care caught with too many items" he said.

"Kerry's smaller towns offer a fantastic charm all their own and in addition you will find that there are great accommodation and restaurant deals available something you will not find in the bigger cities as they up their rates in the run up to Christmas."

"Now more than ever before small businesses have their backs against the wall; Christmas shoppers can do their part by looking at their own area's shops, food producers and services when it comes to gifts."

http://www.tripadvisor.ie/Travel-g211861-c97377/Dingle:Ireland:John.Benny.Moriartys.Pub.html

Louis Mulcahy Pottery launches Christmas web-order service

You can now purchase a range of Louis Mulcahy's bespoke pottery made in Corca Dhuibhne online at www.louismulcahy.com. To receive them in time for Christmas; for Europe order by noon Tuesday 16th, for UK order by noon Wednesday 17th, for Ireland order by noon Thursday 18th. Happy Christmas from all at Louis Mulcahy Pottery, Baile an Fheirteáraigh, Co. Ciarraí.

Other Voices 7 Line-Up Revealed

Other Voices; back with a bang...

An exciting line-up has been announced for the seventh series of the RTÉ Two music show 'Other Voices' which will be recorded at St. James' Church on Main Street Dingle for the seventh year running, from Friday 5th to Tuesday 9th December.
Damien Rice's former other musical half Lisa Hannigan makes a much anticipated appearance after her sell-out US tour along with James Morrison. Belfast's Duke Special, (pictured left) riding high at the moment with 'Sweet Sweet Kisses' has also been confirmed as well as Manchester's Elbow and Noah and the Whale.
Irish favourites Kila and Mick Flannery will also perform.
The current schedule runs as; Emiliana Torini and Duke Special will perform on Friday, with Billy Bragg, Liam Finn, Noah and the Whale, Colm Mac Con Iomaire set to appear on Saturday. Sunday's line-up has Elbow, Richard Hawley and James Morrison with Lisa Hannigan, Steve Reynolds and Mick Flannery performing on Monday. On the final night Kila, Imelda May, Eric Bibb and Jape are set to appear. The new series will be shown on RTÉ Two in January, with presenter John Kelly joined by a new co-host, BBC Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac. Past performers at Other Voices include Amy Winehouse, James Blunt, Damien Rice and Sinead O'Connor to mention just a few.
More info is available at www.rte.ie/tv/othervoices/archive.html or check out past Other Voices performances on YouTube.

New Irish Theatre in West Kerry

New Irish Language Theatre for West Kerry
A new Irish language theatre, Lab na Mainistreach, is to open in Dingle, based in the old science room in the former Christian Brothers Secondary school in Dingle.

It'll open with a new play called Raic by Aodh Ó'Dómhnaill, which will be presented by local Irish language youth theatre group AnnÓg who are behind the venture. Newly designated Gael na Bliana, Des Bishop will officially open the theatre on Saturday, November 29th.

Whats on in the Cinema this week?

Phoenix Cinema, Dingle
066-915 1222
Listing valid for seven days from Friday November 21st.
Please note listings are always subject to change.
Movies this week;
Burn After Reading Sun - Thu 8.30pm
High School Musical 3: Senior Year
For Tralee Onmiplex movie times visit;
http://entertainment.ie/cinemas/Tralee-Omniplex/Kerry/225/13.htm
For Killarney Cineplax movie times visit;
http://entertainment.ie/cinemas/Killarney-Cineplex/Kerry/198/13.htm

Dingle Hospital on track for completion

Dingle Hospital to be completed next month
According to HSE officials Dingle's new 68-bed community hospital is on track for completion next month, however it is still unclear as to when patients will actually be transferred to the facility. Responding to a parliamentary question posed by Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, Local Health Manager for Kerry Tom Leonard released a statement this week indicating that the €16.4 million project at Farran, Dingle is poised for completion this December. Construction commenced in early October 2007 and according to the statement released this week by Mr. Leonard, "it is envisaged that it will be completed next month."
"The HSE has commenced the detailed work of commissioning the unit, i.e. purchasing equipment, commissioning of plant etc, there is also provision in the HSE's capital plan for the full equipping of the unit" he said. "As part of the 2009 budgetary process, the HSE has included provision for the pay and non-pay costs associated with the running of this unit in 2009." The statement also warned however that it is unclear as to when the hospital will become operational. "The HSE Service Plan for 2009 is currently being formulated and pending finalisation of the Service Plan it is not possible at this stage to advise when the unit will become operational and when patients can be transferred to the new facility" it read. The new hospital will replace the existing 43 bed community hospital and the project also includes a mental health day care centre, a day care centre for older people and an ambulance base.

WIN TWO TICKETS TO HARLEM GOSPEL CHOIR PERFORMANCE IN DINGLE

The world famous Harlem Gospel Choir will play a special one-off performance in Dingle on Friday December 5th in the Hillgrove Hotel. This is a fantastic opportunity to them on their world-tour. DingleNews.com has two tickets to give away, all you have to do is e-mail the answer to the following question;

Q; In which city is Harlem?

a) Chicago
b) Dallas
c) New York City

E-mail your answer to dinglenews@gmail.com before closing date, 6pm December 3rd 2008.

Dingle set for Harlem Hallelujah

World famous Harlem Gospel Choir to perform at the Hillgrove Hotel

Dingle is preparing for a soul revolution this winter as the world famous Harlem Gospel Choir perform a special one-off gig at the Hillgrove Hotel on Friday, December 5th. The Harlem Gospel Choir has been traveling the world since it was formed in 1986 by Allen Bailey who got the idea for the Choir while attending a celebration in honour of Dr. Martin Luther King at the Cotton Club in Harlem, New York. The Choir presents the finest singers and musicians from Harlem's African-American Churches and over the years they have shared the stage with some of the world's most influential figures. In 1990 the Harlem Gospel Choir performed for Nelson Mandela at Yankee Stadium shortly after his release following the end of apartheid in South Africa and in 2003 they performed for Pope John Paul II at the Vatican. The Harlem Gospel Choir have also performed with many of Ireland's greatest acts such as U2, Sineád O'Connor and the Chieftains as well as some of the world's biggest stars including Diana Ross and Lisa Marie Presley on the Oprah Winfrey Show which was broadcast from Madison Square Gardens last year. The Dingle date is the choir's only Kerry performance, more information is available at 066-9151131or at http://www.ticketmaster.ie/

John Benny's named in Ireland's Top Three Pubs

Dingle Pub, John Benny's, was named one of Ireland's top three pubs last week at the Hospitality Ireland Awards held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Dublin, along with The John Hewitt Bar, Belfast and Cronin's Pub, Crosshaven, Cork. The event was judged by Judges a number of industry experts and food and drink writers.John Benny Moriarty's has always been known for its great food and drink and commitment to live traditional music. Pictured, l-r, Eilibhís and John Benny Moriarty (of John Benny's, Dingle) with Emily Hourican, (Editor Hospitality Ireland), Michael Murphy (Head Chef) and Yvonne Leahy (Head Waitress).

Dingle's Sex and the City fundraiser a great success

New York nights
The bold and the beautiful converged on the Dingle Skellig Hotel last Saturday night as over 200 revellers turned out to attend the Sex and the City themed Gala Ball held in aid of West Kerry childcare centre, Áiseanna na hÓige. With Dara Ó Cinnéide as MC on the night (as the evening's resident 'Mr. Big'!), the champagne flowed. The characters of the Sex and the City TV series, Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte are feted for their unique sense of style and the highlight of the Dingle event was the selection of four local ladies that best represented the SATC vibe. Anna Scanlon was chosen as the demure Charlotte while Caroline Kelliher was announced as the flamboyant Samantha. Siobhán Ní Mhathúna took the accolade as the sharp suited Miranda while Lisa Shanahan was a deserving Carrie The high-spirited event continued into the night with entertainment The Promise who donated their services to the event for free.Those in attendance were also treated to a gift bag each on the night and several prizes were given away including €1,000 and hotel breaks. Organisers hope to tally up to €20k to improve childcare services in Dingle. (Pictured, l-r, Siobhan (as Miranda), Caroline (as Samantha), Anna (as Charlotte) and Lisa (as Carrie) with Dara (as Mr. Big!).

Poetry & Photography offer unique perspective in new book

An insightful perspective

A unique collaborative effort was launched in West Kerry last weekend as local poet Dr. Mícheál Ó Fionnáin and photographer Fiona Morgan unveiled a new book of Irish language poetry and photography entitled Briathar agus Solas. The talented pair unveiled the project to a packed house at An Bóthar pub in Cuas, Feothneach last Sunday night. According to Mícheál the book, published by Coiscéim, charters the unique archeology and spirituality of the Parishes of West Kerry. Each one of Mícheál's poems in the book is accompanied by photography by Fiona, offering unique insight and perspective on the wild and weather worn landscape of West Kerry. Mícheál's poetry is often inspired by the varying culture and customs of West Kerry's many Parishes which often sees pagan Celticism and Christian spirituality collide and co-exist.

Dingle's 'Artman' unveils new exhibition

A new exhibition of art was recently unveiled at Dingle's newest galleries, The Irish Artman, on Green Street. A large crowd attended the launch hosted by gallery owner James Thompson which saw the unveiling of new works by several of Ireland's top artists including Graham Knuttel, John Behan, Rowland Davidson, David Jenkins and Lorna Millar. There was also a local flavour to proceedings as Dingle based artist, Anne Stack exhibited some of her latest works. According to James, a native of Dingle and an avid art collector, the event was a great success. "It was a very enjoyable evening" he said, "the main purpose of the Irish Artman is to bring exciting works by a number of nationally and internationally renowned artists to Kerry."
More information is available at www.irishartman.ie

NYC Music Hall of Fame Honour for West Kerry musician

If you can make it there....

Maharees native and New York resident Tommy Goodwin was honoured by his peers last Sunday as he was inducted into the Music Hall of Fame at a special ceremony held in Sommerville New Jersey. Tommy was born in the Maherees on the Dingle Peninsula and developed an interest in the button accordion at a young age. His talent led him to performing at various venues around Kerry before emigrating to the US in 1960. There he continued to perform and soon became a well known face on the New York circuit performing at many famed Irish dance halls such as The Jaeger House, City Centre, The Red Mill and the Tower View Ballroom. Even today, he and Sharon McKenna are the main attractions at the Red Mill Nights dances in the Kerry Building on McLean Avenue in Yonkers. According to his friend Muiris Ó Bric, current President of the Kerrymen's Association in Yonkers, Tommy is an amazing musician and a cherished member of the Irish-American community. "Tommy has a reputation of always being there for charitable and fundraising events" he said. "All Kerry people in New York and beyond are proud of Tommy Goodwin, we congratulate him and wish him will in with his musical endeavors and in life."

West Kerry bids farewell to adventurer Ger Kavanagh

West Kerry bade farewell to a true hero last weekend as Ger Kavanagh (pictured right on his 80th birthday earlier this year with his wife Bridget)of Gorta Dubh, Ballyferriter was laid to rest in Dún Úrlann cemetery on Saturday, October 25th.

The Ballyferriter native became the first man to circumnavigate the Irish Coast in a man-made 'Naomhóg' leaving his home in Ballyferriter on the 29th of June 1975 with the aim of rowing 1,200 miles around the Irish Coast. Ger completed the momentous task in six weeks and six days arriving home on the 12th of August. Here is an excerpt from an interview with Ger Kavanagh on his 80th birthday earlier this year.

"From Kerry I travelled northwards facing into the Atlantic, the seas around Mayo were tough but from growing up in West Kerry I knew the seas and I knew what to expect.

I made my way around the coasts of Donegal and Antrim and down into the Irish sea towards Dublin, where I encountered busy traffic around the ports and around Rosslare where I passed the ferry that crosses the Irish sea. I had made my plans and was able to manoeuvre around any ships or trawlers. I pulled into a small harbour in Arklow, where a man from West Kerry (who had relocated to the area) was astonished to see a Naomhóg from his homeland pull into the harbour. He said he thought he'd never see such a sight, a Naomhóg from Beál Bán pulling into Arklow! The vessel which I used was over thirteen years old I had to make any necessary repairs on leaks or cracks at sea. I also studied the tides carefully as the sea doesn't give you a second chance so you had to be on the ball. Some people thought I was mad at the time, but I did it to show I wasn't and that it could be done. If you set your mind to anything it can be achieved."

The trip made national news at the time and his five children and wife Bridget, who looked after the family farm in his absence, listened to Ger's progress on the 'wireless' at home also reading about his journey in the national newspapers who looked after the family farm in his absence.

"I had my first Naomhóg when I was eight and discovered I had a love of the sea in the blood" he also recalled. "It was in me, the sea was calling and I had to answer the call."

Ger completed the amazing test of human endurance on the 12th of August when he pulled into Beál Bán near his home to a heroes welcome. During the voyage, he had suffered a perforated ulcer and had to be rushed to hospital in Tralee.

"After travelling around the coast of Ireland in a Naomhóg, it was only a small thing in comparison!" said the hardy sea-farer.

He went on the write a book about his experience, Cogarnach ar ár gCósta, which went on the become part of the Leaving Cert Syllabus and went on to publish a further three books, Bhí mo lá agam, Nár chlos ár namhaid and An Giorria san aer. It was the first and last time this amazing journey was completed.

"If something is calling to you then you must answer the call and be true to yourself" he said, "if something is in your heart, go after it full steam. There is no point in waiting because like the sea, time wait for nobody. You only have one chance in this life and you have to take it!"

Dingle's 'Lord Baker' named National Host of the Year 2009

The host with the most

John Moriarty (pictured left) has always been a hit with patrons at his restaurant Lord Bakers in Dingle; his local knowledge, wit and charm has been the talk of the town for many years. Now the Dingle man has received a national distinction for his warm welcome as renowned food critic Georgina Campbell named John the 2009 Host of the Year at the Féile Bia Awards at Bord Bia's headquarters in Dublin last Thursday at a ceremony hosted by RTÉ's Derek Davis. "This is a great honour and we're absolutely delighted" said John after receiving the award. "We established Lord Bakers in 1990 and have always felt that spending quality time with our patrons is essential." The Féile Bia Awards recognise the commitment of Irish restaurants to the use of local produce with Georgina Campbell herself visiting hundreds of restaurants the length and breath of the country in order to access them. According to John this factor is crucial if the restaurant industry in Kerry is to survive the current recession. "We have to set ourselves apart from the rest, the best way to do this is to play to our strengths by sourcing quality produce from local suppliers" he said. "In Kerry we have the best local beef and lamb as well as access to some of the best seafood in the world, throw in a bit of local knowledge and a warm welcome and you have a winning combination." Lord Bakers is also set to feature in an upcoming edition of the National Geographic. More information on Lord Bakers is available at www.lordbakers.ie.

Paris exhibit for West Kerry artist

An exhibition of new artwork by
Micheal Flaherty
Dingle & Paris 2008
Greenlane Gallery Paris
17th October 2008 - 24th October
Greenlane Gallery Dingle
Saturday 25th October 2008.
Opening by Dick Spring (cheese & wine reception)Saturday 12 noon

Renowned West Kerry artist Michael Flaherty will open two highly anticipated exhibitions this month which will run concurrently at the Greenlane Gallery in Paris and Dingle. Flaherty has been an intense observer of the land and seascapes of the Dingle Peninsula for over fifteen years, in particular it is the unique character of the area below Mount Brandon. This is where Flaherty grew up and still lives, and where he has produced the work for which he has become world-renowned. Working in layers of thick impasto his use of colour is bold, vibrant, daring and unconventional making the scene more intense and the sense of movement more vital. One of West Kerry’s true stars. Pictured left, Marooned on the Cross Hairs by Michael Flaherty. View Michael's, and other West Kerry artists work at www.greenlanegallery.com

From Dingle-Iran

Dingle-Tokyo cyclists reach Iranian border!

Father and son team Mark and Sam Swain (pictured right), who left Dingle on Saturday July 26th with the intention of cycling all the way to Tokyo, Japan, managed to make it to the Iranian border this week. Follow their progress online at their travel blog; www.bugbitten.com/father_son_cycle

Plans for Dingle's first distillery

Planning permission is currently being sought to replace the former Kerry Co-Op Creamery building with a distillery, which is said will cost in the region of €8 million to construct. The building, located on the Spa Road which leads on the Connor Pass, across the way from the Hillgrove Hotel, has been derelict for a number of years. Jerry O'Sullivan of Southbound Properties is behind the project which plans to establish a distillery, visitor centre, shop, tasting rooms, a bar and function room at the site.

Sex and the City Gala Benefit to take place in Dingle

Dingle does Manhattan!
Sex and the City hits West Kerry
It's time to don the Jimmy Choos and mix the cosmopolitans as Dingle prepares to emulate downtown Manhattan with a special Sex and the City themed Gala Ball Benefit which will take place at the Dingle Skellig Hotel on Saturday, November 1st. This fantastic New York night is currently being organised by Maria O'Mahony and Catriona Begley (pictured left) in aid of community childcare centre Áiseanna na hÓige.
Since Áiseanna na hÓige opened its doors two years ago, the community centre, based in Dingle's Árd na Gréine, has revolutionised childcare services in the area with state of the art childcare and Montessori facilities. Their after schools service has been widely lauded and the centre also hosts numerous drama, musical, horticultural and cultural activities during the week. In an effort to continue the availability of these services the management team at the centre decided, following the furore caused by the release of the Sex and the City Movie earlier this year that a SATC themed event would be a fantastic way to support the centre. The event promises to be truly 'fabulous' as Dingle's Skellig Hotel will be transformed to represent a New York night with guests treated to a cocktail reception while the local paparazzi photograph the bold and the beautiful on the Red Carpet! With the cosmopolitans flowing, a gourmet four course meal will follow. Several great prizes will also be awarded on the night, including some luxurious breaks at a variety of Talbot Hotels. Outfits inspired by the style of SATC's Carrie Bradshaw, Samantha Jones, Miranda Hobbs and Charlotte York are encouraged on the night, which will be recognised by style guru Elaine Sheehy of La Bohéme who will be on hand to present boutique vouchers and specially engraved martini glasses. The meal will be followed by entertainment from the highly acclaimed group The Promise with DJ Edward Hutchinson rounding off the event with Club NYC. And of course, no Sex and the City event would be complete without a Mr. Big and this event is no different as RTÉ Football Pundit and former All-Ireland winning captain Dara Ó Cinnéide lends his talents for the evening as the Gala's MC. The SATC Gala Benefit takes place at Dingle's Skellig Hotel on Saturday November 1st. All-inclusive tickets for the event are €75 and tables may also be purchased, with all proceeds raised going towards Áiseanna na hÓige. Tickets may be booked by telephoning Áiseanna na hÓige at 066-915 1938. Enquiries after six may be made at 085-7551950.

Cumann Rugbaí Corca Dhuibhne prevail in season opener

Corca Dhuibhne 16 – Kanturk 0

A strong and focused performance by Cumann Rugbai Corca Dhuibhne saw them in the driving seat on home turf against a Kanturk side who failed to capitalise on their possession in the season opener of the South Munster Junior 2 league in Carrig, Baile na nGall last Sunday. A couple of pre-season defeats for the West Kerry side obviously paid dividends with Corca Dhuibhne displaying an organised defensive line which managed to contain several strong attacks by the Cork men throughout. The first half saw a physical Kanturk side launch several strong offensives however Corca Dhuibhne displayed organisation and poise in successive line-outs. Corca Dhuibhne Captain, Dingle man Johnny Curran (pictured above right) saw the West Kerry side take the lead with three conversions at the half time whistle leaving the half time score at 9-0. Kanturk forged a series of attacks in the opening minutes of the second half winning scrums and turning over line-outs however failed to capitalise on possession. Corca Dhuibhne remained tight in the back line, forcing successive mistakes from the Cork men whose frustration saw them lose focus. Mid-way through the second half Corca Dhuibhne Captain Johnny Curran lead by example once again, breaking through the Kanturk back-line. A sharp and speedy run by the West Kerry captain left the Kanturk men in their wake, shell shocked by the excellently executed try which Curran laid dead-centre between the posts. Curran converted bringing Corca Dhuibhne's lead to 16-0 going into the final quarter. Kanturk seemed determined to put up something on the score sheet and the dying minutes saw a late push on the Corca Dhuibhne's line which seemed destined to result in a late try. However Corca Dhuibhne's Ciarán Slattery put in some big hits and stopped what looked like a certain try for Kanturk when he covered half the pitch to take their man out. The game finished with Corca Dhuibhne recording impressive win in their first game J2 League. Overall Corca Dhuibhne's performance was understated yet effective, their speed, fitness level and use of possession giving them the upper hand against a more noticeably sluggish Kanturk side. Despite keeping a clean sheet, the West Kerry men's approach to their season opener would seem to indicate that there is a lot more to come from the Corca Dhuibhne side with a young, sharp and physically fit first fifteen. It is a good start for the season for the West Kerry man who now face the daunting prospect of facing Cork Constitution away from home in a fortnight. This entertaining and hard fought game in Carrig last Sunday will definitely encourage the West Kerry men and their coaching team in their next encounter.

Permission granted for Blasket Island Café

Planning permission has been granted for a new cafe on the Great Blasket Island by An Bord Pleanala.Earlier this year the planning appeals authority held an oral hearing in Dingle to discuss the application.An Blascaoid Mor Teoranta, the largest landowner on the island, had applied to build a cafe and service building, comprising a kitchen, stores, toilets, first aid and ranger room, and a laundry.Kerry County Council gave it the go ahead last November, but it was appealed to An Bord Pleanala.Opponents feel the island should be left as it was when evacuated in 1953.The permission granted is subject to 10 conditions.The first condition is that a new pier is built on the island.Other conditions include; amendments to the development ensuring the external finishes match adjoining buildings in the interest of architectural heritage.Water supply and drainage arrangement are to comply with the requirements of the planning authority in the interest of public health and the prevention of pollution.Another stipulation of the planning permission is that oil is stored properly in order to control pollution in the sensitive environment.The developer, An Blascaoid Mor Teoranta is also required to make a financial contribution to the planning authority in respect of public infrastructure and facilities. Source: Radio Kerry

Dingle singer sets sights on Tanzania

Making a difference
A talented singer from Dingle is set to make the trip of a lifetime this month as she travels to Tanzania in an effort to make a difference in one of the world's poorest countries. Pauline Scanlon, whose latest album Hush (recorded in Nashville) has received national acclaim, is travelling to Tanzania from October 14th to 24th with Playing For Life, a voluntary charitable group established by sports broadcaster Tracey Piggott following her life-changing experience visit to Ethopia in 2004. According to Pauline, who has previously toured with the likes of Sharon Shannon, Playing for Life focuses on helping people to help themselves through education, health and sport. "Our group of volunteers will work with local communities, bringing skills, which can then be used to generate income from home industries, crafts and tourism" Pauline explained. Those travelling in Pauline's group this October will include Nationwide Presenter Mary Kennedy and Irish singer Eleanor Shanley. "Some of the group will be involved in building a community centre, others will be training people in crafts and business skills" Pauline added. "We have made arrangements to bring a Sound Engineer with us to capture the choirs there, which have to be heard to be believed. Having recorded them we will make an album for them which will be for sale in Ireland. We will also be making the album available to the choirs for them to sell for many years to come" she said. Each volunteer embarking on this trip has to raise €5,500 for the project. Donations may be made online at www.mycharity.ie/event/pauline_scanlons_event, or for more information check out www.paulinescanlon.com.

€15K and counting raised by Mount Brandon Cancer Walk

On top of the world

The Irish Cancer Society received a major boost this week following the announcement that the West Kerry cancer fundraiser, Siuloid Leigheas- held on Mount Brandon last week from the Dingle side, managed to raise over €15,000 on the day. The walk, organised by local man Jaeici Ó Muircheartaigh, attracted a record number this year with over 500 taking on the climb to the summit. The walk also attracted many well-known personalities such as Kerry Captain Paul Galvin, former Kerry captain and RTÉ pundit Dara Ó Cinnéide, Bishop of Kerry Bill Murphy, Kerry football legend Ger Power, RTÉ's Eileen Whelan and Garda Superintendent Pat O'Sullivan. The tally of €15,000 was arrived at this week and funds are still coming in. This brings the overall amount raised by the West Kerry walk over the past seven years to €140,000. For more information on Cancer Fundraising and Awareness visit www.cancer.ie

Dingle Peninsula Food and Wine Festival a great success again this year

Food for thought
Good food was on the tip of everyone's tongue in Dingle last weekend as the town swelled to capacity welcoming record crowds to the second annual Dingle Peninsula Food and Wine Festival.
From Friday to Sunday the town's culinary heritage came to the forefront as a wide variety of food based activities took place hosting everything from tastings, food producers conferences and exhibitions to a food trail and wine tastings at a variety of restaurants and pubs around Dingle.
Tutored tastings and chef demonstrations were among the festival highlights and Dingle's Farmers Market was expanded for the festivals duration transforming the town into Ireland's largest outdoor food market for the weekend. The Dingle Peninsula Food Festival will also hosted the inaugural Blas na hÉireann- Irish National Food Awards -over the weekend which drew an unprecedented 700 entires from all over the country. The Blas na hÉireann Awards celebrated the quality and imagination of the best Irish food producers with gold, silver, and bronze medals awarded in 24 categories by a judging panel which included chefs , food writers, representatives from Tralee IT, retailers and professors from UCC. Blind tastings and sensory analysis were used to select the winners. According to festival organisers, the standard of entires was extremely high and Kerry 's food producers scored well with the Supreme Champion Award going to Castlegregory based Dingle Peninsula Cheeses. The Specialty Meats category saw Killarney's German Butcher Shop awarded the gold medal for their Kassler (mild cured smoked pork) while in the Sausage category Dingle based Jerry Kennedy Butchers were awarded the bronze medal for their Blasket Island Lamb Sausage with Rosemary & Garlic. In the Seafood category, Kerry reigned supreme as Kenmare Bay Seafoods took gold for their Mussels Marinade of Honey & Herbs with Dingle's Iasc Uí Mhathúna Teo coming in second and third place respectively for their Oak Smoked Organic Salmon and Hot Smoked Mackerel. The festival was a resounding success according to the festival's organisers. “We were expecting around 200 entires for the Blas na hÉireann Awards but ended up with around 700!" said Kieran Murphy, one of the organisers.A detailed run-down of the Blas na hÉireann awards is available at www.irishfoodawards or www.dinglefood.com.

Gaeltacht man raises funds for Ski Lankan orphanage

An Ghaeltacht to Sri Lanka...with love
As An-Gaeltacht squared up to opponents Feale Rangers in their eagerly anticipated county championship clash last Saturday in Galluras, a man from Baile an Lochaigh was also hoping to make a real difference on the sidelines by raising funds for a children's orphanage in Sri Lanka.
Dónal MacGearailt of Baile an Lochaigh is currently committed to raising as much as he can for St. Anthony's Children's Orphanage in Columbo, Sri Lanka, a region devastated by civil war and the 2005 Tsunami that killed thousands in South East Asia. Dónal witnessed the devastation first hand when he travelled there last May to act as groomsman at the wedding of one of his best friends Tony Arulanndam whom he met while working in London. Tony Arulanndam and his wife Kumudu DeCosta, who is a nurse, moved back to Sri Lanka from London to help aid workers cope with the fallout of the immense natural disaster that
killed, maimed and left thousands homeless. At their wedding this year, the couple asked that their guests forego giving them wedding presents and rather make a donation towards St. Anthony's Children's Orphanage.
Dónal travelled to the orphanage with his friends to present the wedding money raised to the nuns who run the orphanage and was moved by what he saw. He returned to West Kerry where he promptly raised €1,600 for the orphanage, the equivalent of 300,000 Rupees. Returning to Ski Lanka last June, Dónal brought with him a box filled with sweets, taytos and treats for the children who were stunned and exhilarated when presented with the gifts. "Their faces just lit up" explained Donál "many of these children have no one left in the world and receiving even just a small gift means the world to them." The children were brought to a games arcade as a treat and were totally mesmerised by the lights and figures on they saw on the computer screens. "They had never seen anything like it" said Dónal, "they didn't realise that you could actually play the games by inserting some coins, when we got the games working for them they were absolutely enthralled." "Its amazing when you consider the world we live in; they have so little and we have so much." The West Kerry man hopes to return to St. Anthony's Orphanage in Sri Lanka this year with the money raised in West Kerry. Cumann Caide an Gaeltacht have also come on board by allowing Donal and other local volunteers to collect funds during the Gaeltacht-Feale Rangers clash in Gallarus last Saturday. "It costs only €3 to feed a child at the orphanage for a week; our Euros really go a long way out there" said Donal, "we really want to raise as much as we, it can make a huge difference to the lives of these children."
If anyone would like to contribute to the cause, a special account has also been opened in the Dingle Credit Union for St.Anthony's Orphanage. To donate to the cause contact Dónal on +353 (0)87 7900690.

Dingle to Croke Park, on a bike!

From Páirc an Ághasaigh to Páirc an Chrócaigh

Three Dingle men proved their commitment to their county last weekend by cycling from the gates of Páirc an Ághasaigh to the Hogan Stand in Croke Park, Dublin. Flying the flag proudly for Kerry on their bikes were local accountant Seán Ó Suilleabháin, engineer Jimmy Bambury and businessman Ricky Keane who left Dingle on Friday morning at 7am. John Ashe accompanied the men on their bikes as far as Inch, while Colm Bambury travelled with the pelaton all the way from Dingle to Dublin to provide support. The men stayed overnight in Roscrea before completing their amazing journey to the gates of the Hogan Stand at Croke Park at 1.30pm on Saturday afternoon where they were greeted by a large contingent from Dingle who had travelled to Dublin in advance of Sunday's big game against Tyrone. A reception was also held down the road at the Hogan Stand Bar, which is owned by Kathleen Ryan (who originally hails from Glens just outside Dingle) and her husband Phil. Despite the disappointment following Kerry's loss on Sunday, the trio were delighted with their achievement and are confident that the journey will encourage cycling in West Kerry. The trio are hoping to encourage cycling in the West Kerry region. Anyone interested in the creation of a local cycling club or in taking part in the 2009 cycle around Corca Dhuibhne can contact Jimmy at Moriarty and Bambury Engineers at 066 - 9152233.

An Fear 'Óg' Rua loses his hair for charity

Hair today, gone tomorrow!
A big hearted West Kerry teenager made the ultimate sacrifice last Friday (September 26th) as his lusious long head of red hair was shorn to raise funds for cancer research. Conchuir Ó Beaglaoi volunteered to take part in a fundraising head shave for cancer research in front of his class mates at Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne in Dingle. The event opens a weekend of fundraising events for cancer research in West Kerry; following Conchuir's brave gesture on Friday, hundreds took to the hills to scale Mount Brandon in the annual Siuloid Leighis (Walk for the Cure), which was this year dedicated to the memory of local woman Bernie O'Connor. Bishop of Kerry Bill Murphy will performed a blessing at the foot of the mountain before the walk begins from Baile Breac (a few miles west of Dingle), to the summit. Former All-Ireland winning Kerry Captain Dara Ó Cinnéide as well as RTÉ's Eileen Whelan and legendary broadcaster Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh also took part. Anyone who would like to contribute to the cause can still do so by contacting organiser Jaeicí Ó Muircheartaigh at 087-2586374 or via e-mail at jaeici@hotmail.com. Pictured, l-r, Eve Ni Mhuircheartaigh, Jaeici Ó Muircheartaigh (event organiser), Conchuir Ó Beaglaoi, Keith Ó Muircheartaigh and Cathal Ó Muircheartaigh in Cuas an Bhodaigh near the foot of Mount Brandon.

Play on Patrick Kavanagh set for Díseart this October

Croft Productions in association with David Donegan presents their Irish tour of:
On Raglan Road

17th October, An Díseart, Dingle.

Written by Tom O’Brien, directed by John Dunne

Following a successful three-week run in London last year and a subsequent production in America, On Raglan Road hits Irish shore, and indeed Dingle, this October. On Raglan Road, explores Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh’s obsession with his muse and inspiration, Hilda Moriarty. The play also details Kavanagh’s rivalry with another Irish writer of the time, Brendan Behan.Patrick Kavanagh was born in the village of Inniskeen, Co Monaghan, in 1904 and is now regarded as Ireland’s most important poet after WB Yeats. The son of a shoemaker and small farmer, he moved to Dublin in his mid thirties where he lived in poverty for most of his life, surviving on handouts, the occasional bit of journalism, but mostly being supported by his younger brother, Peter.On Raglan Road was originally a poem about his love affair with Hilda Moriarty, which was doomed from the start. Always a controversial figure, he was hated as much as loved in Dublin, and his long-running feud with Brendan Behan is well chronicled. Written by Waterford playwright Tom O’Brien, the play is full of pathos and is mixed with poetry and song. The play is directed by John Dunne who has taken the essence of Kavanagh and placed him slap bang on stage.For further information contact: John Dunne, Croft Productions, The Croft, Wall Street, London N1 3NB, UK, or telephone: 0044 (0)207 226 0524. www.croftproductions.com
The play will receive its West Kerry debut on the 17th of October at An Díseart, Dingle, Co Kerry.

Dingle set for its first Burlesque show with Bijou Hunter

The Peacock Club @ The Hillgrove Hotel, Dingle on Friday, September 26th will see the staging of Dingle's first burlesque show with West Kerry based performance artist Bijou Hunter (in this clip) making her inaugural Corca Dhuibhne performance. Contact the Hillgrove Hotel at 066-9151131 for more information on times and tickets.

Dingle Film Festival Programme
September 11-14th 2008

To view the schedule just click on this image to enlarge.

For more information on the Dingle Film Festival visit: www.dinglefilmfestival.com

Gabriel Byrne to be honoured at Dingle Film Festival

Gabriel Byrne to receive the Inaugural Gregory Peck Award at Dingle Film Festival

The Dingle Film Festival have announced Gabriel Byrne as the first recipient of the Gregory Peck Award for Excellence in the Art of Film.

Gregory Peck once said the secret of film acting is complete candor with the audience, when you let them see the real you - and this perfectly captures the essence of Gabriel in his many roles and makes him an ideal choice for this new prestigious award said festival director Maurice Galway. Byrne, who is nominated for an Emmy Award for his role in HBO's In Treatment, will be in Dingle to receive the award during the festival, which runs from September 11 to September 14. It is an honour to accept the Gregory Peck Award in memory of a great actor whose work transcends time and continues to inspire said Gabriel Byrne.The award will be made in conjunction with Gregory Pecks family who are delighted that the award is being presented in Dingle.

"My fathers grandmother came from Dingle, his grand-uncle was the Hero, Thomas Ashe and any time he visited there, he always had a sense of coming home" says Pecks daughter Cecilia, "so the whole family is looking forward to attending the Dingle Film festival next month."

The festival has commissioned local artist John Holstead to design the award, which will be unveiled at the festivals opening reception in the Greenlane Gallery, Dingle on September 11th.

Kevin Moriarty, MD of Ardmore Studios, will present Gabriel Byrne with The Gregory Peck Award following a special screening of A Conversation with Gregory Peck on the Friday night of the festival in The Phoenix Cinema.

Its producer, Cecilia Peck and director Barbara Kopple will introduce the film to the audience.

Irish poet Medbh McGuckian has written a poem on Gregory Peck, which she will recite at the event.

Mr. Pecks wife, Veronique and son, Anthony will also be travelling from LA for this special occasion.

The festival will open with a screening of John Boynes best selling novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.

Winner of the audience award at this years Sundance Film Festival, Ben Kingsleys new film The Wackness is sure to prove popular with the Dingle punters.

A huge hit with audiences at film festivals around the world and described by Rolling Stone Magazine as this years great rock movie, Anvil: The Story of Anvil documents the story of an ageing rock band, who refuse to give up on the dream of someday being big enough to play stadium rock.

Two time Oscar winner Barbara Kopple will present a masterclass on her documentary film Wild Man Blues. She will also present, along with co-director Cecilia Peck, the award winning film Shut Up & Sing .The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the two filmmakers.

Another Oscar winner and inventor of the Steadicam camera Garrett Brown will be on hand to talk about The Art of the Moving Camera while producer Ned Dowd Apocalypto, Last of the Mohicans wiill give a production masterclass on the classic American film noir State of Grace starring Sean Penn, Ed Harris and Gary Oldman. BAFTA and Grammy winning producer Anthony Wall will be bringing it all back to Dingle with two films on Bob Dylan Dylan in the Madhous and The Other Side of the Mirror, Dylan at the Newport Folk Festival 1963 -1965.A visual film progamme, curated by Maurice Galway for the Siamsa Gallery and Cork Film Centre will also be presended along with locally produced films, Beal Tuinne and Vinyl Frontier. To close the festival Cecilia Peck will introduce a special screening of her fathers definitive role as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird for which he was awarded the Academy Award Oscar for Best Actor. Tickets details are on our website or available at our office in The Garden Cafe in Dingle.

Visit: http://www.dinglefilmfestival.com/ for more details.

Dublin exhibiton for West Kerry artist

'Elements of Black & White'

An exhibition of recent works by Kelly Hood
@ Gallery 53 Capel Street, Dublin 1

Gallery 53 will be hosting an exhibition of new work by West Kerry artist Kelly Hood. The paintings in this show are all oil & mixed media on linen canvas & are a blend of nature and p eople, indoors & outdoors, calm, turbulent, vivid, true.

Opening evening; Friday 5th September
Reception; 6.30-8.30pm
Venue; Gallery53, 53 Capel st Dublin 1

Contact; Louise Cody M; 0863260118 T; 01 8724274
E-mail; gallery53@hotmail.com
Exhibition runs until 7th October

--Click on the image above for more information on Kelly's work.

Comóradh Tomás Ághas

The annual commeration to Tomás Aghas- Comóradh Tomás Aghas, will beheld in Cinn Aird, Lios Póil, on the 25th of September at 7pm.

All are welcome to attend.

Tour of Ireland Cyclists prepare for Limerick-Dingle Stage

Tour of Ireland cyclists prepare for for Limerick-Dingle Stage
The 2008 Tour of Ireland cycle race, which takes place from August 27th to 31st August, is set to zoom through Kerry as the fourth and fifth stages of the 900km five stage race will see 112 of the world's top cyclists hurtle through the county at breakneck speed. Beginning in Dublin on Wednesday August 27th, 16 top international cycling teams, including Tour De France Stage Winner Mark Cavendish, will tackle the first three stages of the race from Dublin to Waterford, Thurles to Loughrea and Ballinrobe to Galway City. The fourth stage, which commences on Saturday August 30th, will see the peloton create a colourful spectacle as competitors race from Clancy's Stand in Limerick City to Patrickswell, Adare, Rathkeale, Newcastlewest, Ardagh, Carrigkerry and across the county bounds into Athea at approximately midday.The action will continue on into Listowel (12.20), Finuge (12.28), Lixnaw, (12.35) Abbeydorney (12.45) and on into Tralee (12.54).The cyclists will then complete the difficult route from Tralee to Stradbally, over the 8km Category One climb over Connor Pass and on into Dingle (13.52).
The race continues from there on through West Kerry where the cyclists will face the mountainous terrains of the Gaeltacht tackling a 36km loop of Slea Head towards Dún Chaoin and back over the 185 metre climb over Mám Clasach. Events will then reach a thrilling climax as competitors head for a dramatic finish on
Dingle's Main Street at approximately 14.36. The final stage, Stage Five, will begin the following morning in Killarney on High Streed at 11:30am where cyclists will face the final stage on towards Glenflesk, Crohane across the county bounds into Baile Bhúirne and on towards the finish line in McCurtin Street in Cork City at approximately 3pm. RTE will feature nightly coverage of the Tour of Ireland which is being broadcast to millions of spectators across the world with ITV covering the event for the UK. TV networks in France, Scandinavia the USA and Asia will also carry the event and highlights of the race are set to be shown in South Africa and Asia.
More information on the Tour of Ireland is available at www.tourofireland.ie .

Dáithí Ó Sé gets the Blues (on Highway 61!)

Dáithí hits the 'Blues Highway'

Kilquane's Dáithí Ó Sé is set to delight his fans as he stars in a new TV series which will document his journey across America's Highway 61, America's highway of Blues, which begins on TG4 on Thursday September 11th at 9.30pm.

Building on the success of "Dáithí ar Route 66" which was aired last year, Dáithí now tackles America's second most famous road in the guise of Highway 61, America's 'Blues Highway'. The series will follow Dáithí as he begins his journey in New Orleans travelling through eight US states before reaching the Canadian border, encountering many unique and famous faces along the way including musical legends Kenny Rodgers, Chuck Berry, Ben E King, Percy Sledge and Paul Simon.

Pictured left, Dáithí with Kenny Rodgers, and below, Chuck Berry.

More information at www.tg4.ie