Major summer concert at Ionad an Bhlascaoid, Dún Chaoin

Ionad an Bhlascaoid in Dún Chaoin will play host to two of the most accomplished singers in the Gaelic tradition, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh from Dún Chaoin in West Kerry and Julie Fowlis from North Uist in the Scottish Hebrides, in a special concert at the centre on June 6th. It will be the final concert of their nationwide promotion tour of their new collaboration 'Dual', an album on which the two singers work alongside Éamon Doorley and Ross Martin. The album is a collection of songs and music from Ireland and Scotland which have been given an interesting twist. For example, on one of the tracks Muireann sings some verses of the famous Irish song 'An Chóisir' while Julie mixes in verses of the Scottish song 'Chuirinn mo ghiollan a dh'iomann nan caorach' Also included on the album are beautiful renditions of songs like 'Beauty Deas an Oileáin' and 'Alasdair Mhic Giolla Ghasda'. The collaboration has earned good reviews around the globe. Robin Deneslow from The Guardian says 'Fowlis is Scottish, while Nic Amhlaoibh is Irish, and this delicate, finely performed set explores the musical links and traditions of the two Gaelic communities... one of the most intriguing folk albums of the year', and Amanda Darling of The Stornoway Gazette calls it 'A marriage of two like minded souls, this album 'Dual', meaning to 'interlace, twine or braid' or 'one's inheritance', truly showcases the girls prodigious talents.' The two have won numerous awards recently. Muireann toured and performed with various musicians and groups before joining the group Danú in 2003. In 2004 they won the BBC 2 Folk Award for "Best Group". At the same awards, the song "The County Down" by Tommy Sands that Danú had recently recorded, won "Best Song". Muireann herself won "Best Singer" at the liveireland.com Awards in 2005. Now a regular contributor to television and radio programmes at home and abroad, she featured prominently in the recent "Highland Sessions" BBC television series, celebrating the best of Irish and Scottish traditional music and song. Julie was awarded Folk Singer Of The Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Music Awards 2008, and she won Album Of The Year and Gaelic Singer Of The Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards 2008. This concert is being held with the assistance of Ealaín na Gaeltachta. Tickets are available at €15 from The Blasket Centre. Further Information: Dáithí de Mórdha, Ionad an Bhlascaoid: (066) 9156444 or 0879778871. Visit http://www.muireann.ie/ and http://www.juliefowlis.com/ for more info.

Tag Rugby Tournament to take place in Muiríoch this June

The second Rugbaí Corca Dhuibhne Beach Tag Rugby Festival will take place on Saturday June 27th at Muríoch Beach this summer. Rugby in West Kerry is undergoing massive growth at the minute with local teams excelling at many levels. A spin off from this has been the success of Beach Tag Rugby and Rugbaí Corca Dhuibhne, Europe’s most westerly club, are delighted to host the tag rugby festival in Kerry this year. The event will see teams arrive from all over Ireland along with supporters where a warm welcome awaits them. Mick Galwey’s Legends teams will compete again this year as well as a special team headed by All-Ireland winning Kerry GAA star and Sunday Game pundit, Dara Ó Cinnéide. One of the GAA’s main breeding grounds for Gaelic football stars, “An Gaeltacht” at Gallarus (located right beside the beach) have made their facilities available for the event to ensure that the festival runs successfully. With the help of the various accommodation centres, restaurants and pubs the organising committee hope that all teams and spectators have an enjoyable weekend. For further information contact Adrian on 087-2976569 or Damien on 086-8187810 or visit www.irishrugby.ie/tag to register your team for this event.

Six Nations Trophy, Triple Crown & Magners League Cup in Dingle

Excitement gripped Dingle last Thursday as members of Munster RC brought the SIX NATIONS TROPHY, the TRIPLE CROWN and the MAGNERS LEAGUE CUP to the CBS Hall on John Street to an event hosted by Cumann Rugbaí Corca Dhuibhne. Hundreds of people turned out to photograph and touch European Rugby's top accolades. Medal presentations were also made on the night to the Rugbaí Corca Dhuibhne U-16s, (pictured above) winners of the West Munster Plate and the U-18 Corca Dhuibhne Ladies' team, winners of Division II of the Munster Provincial League this year. The Rugbaí Corca Dhuibhne Team Social will take place this Friday night in Dannos, where the seniors will be presented with the Galwey-Foley County Championship Cup. Several awards will also be made to the Seniors and the Corca Dhuibhne Over-35s. All are welcome to attend.

Father and son team cycle 10,000 miles from Dingle to Tokyo!

Mark and Sam make it to Japan!

After leaving Dingle on July 26th 2008, father and son team Mark and Sam Swain completed the adventure of a lifetime this week as they reached Tokyo last Thursday having cycled 15,685 km (aprox 10,000 miles) across Europe and Asia from Dingle to Tokyo. Mark (50) and his son Sam (18) set out last summer from Commenoule with the intention of cycling from Dingle to Tokyo last July; from cycling through Kerry, Cork and Waterford on to the Ferry in Rosslare, traversing the UK, gaining access to France and Mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel. Then it was on through France, Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and China before reaching their destination in Japan. Mark and Sam are originally from Canterbury in England however have been dividing their time between the UK and Dingle for the past 20 years, where they have a home. According to Mark, this trip has been in the pipeline for almost eight years as when his son Sam was ten years old he asked how long would it take to cycle to Japan. As 2008 saw San turn 18 and Mark reach the milestone age of 50, they decided it was the perfect time to undertake this challenge. The pair are expected to visit Dingle later this summer where they will, no doubt, receive a heroes welcome. Mark has documented the trip on a travel blog and intends to write a book about the experience. Pictured above left and right, Sam and Mark in Dingle, July 2008 and afterwards, in Japan May 2009. Read up on Mark and Sam's adventures at www.bugbitten.com/father_son_cycle.

Mick Flannery dates announced for Dingle this July

Fans of real music will be delighted to hear that Mick Flannery is set to play two gigs in MacCarthy's this July 23rd and 24th. His gigs at the same venue earlier this year were an amazing success and complete sell-outs, so fans are advised to get their dibs in early-on as this is an amazing opportunity to see one of Ireland's most exciting new artists in the intimate setting of MacCarthy's Pub on Upper Main Street/Goat's Street in Dingle. Contact MacCarthy's Pub at 066-9151206 for more infomation.
"Mick Flannery is a 25 year old stone mason who was brought up on a farm outside Blarney, Co. Cork, Ireland. After a stint in a music college in Cork, he travelled to the US where he entered the U.S. Songwriting Competition in Nashville, Tennessee and, to his surprise, won two top awards for his compositions.If asked, Mick adamantly refuses to talk about himself. The best you’ll get from him on any given day is, maybe, an admission that he’s a bit “grumpy”, he enjoys a good game of poker, and he’d love to own a Gibson® ES-335.So. Mick writes all of his songs (words and music) and plays both piano and guitar." (source: www.mickflannery.com)
White Lies - Mick Flannery - Released 2008 (EMI Music Ireland) - Tracks - Safety Rope, California, Tomorrow’s Paper, Wish You Well, Goodbye, Near or Far, Wait Here, What Do You See, Smiling Girl, Arise Now, Do Me Right.
Mick’s band: Mick Flannery - lead vocals, piano, guitar, Karen O’Doherty - violin, vocals, Yvonne Daly - vocals, Hugh Dillon - electric guitar, Brian Hassett - bass, Christian Best - drums.

Classic 'Duo' to perform in Dingle

DUO CHAGALL
Lab na Mainstreach – Sráid Eoin - Dingle – Friday, May 22nd
Music lovers are in for a real treat on Friday May 22nd as Music-Network and AnnÓg present classic pairing, Duo Chagall at Lab na Mainstreach in Dingle. With Gillian Williams on Violin and Arun Rao on Cello, this husband and wife duo will perform works by Mozart, Raymond Deane, Mihaud, Paganini, Benjamin Britten and Handel. Over the years the duo have given world premieres of works by Raymond Deane and Rhona Clarke and are one of Ireland's most highly regarded chamber ensembles. As a recent addition to the Music Network Artist Roster the duo take their place amongst many of the country’s finest classical soloists and ensembles. Gillian Williams is one of Ireland's most accomplished violinists, as a student, she won all major competitions in Ireland, as well as the Louis Pesckai Memorial Prize at Guildhall for virtuoso playing. Commanding a wide-ranging repertoire, her characteristic warmth, intensity and clarity of tone have won her widespread praise. She has performed extensively throughout Ireland, Britain, America and Italy, including numerous solo performances at prestigious venues such as the National Concert Hall, Dublin, and St James' Piccadilly, and concerti by Mozart, Vivaldi, Bruch and Tchaikovsky with conductors Colman Pearce, Gerhardt Markson and David Seaman. Established French cellist Arun Rao is a much sought-after in orchestral, solo and teaching fields. His recitals of unaccompanied cello works by JS Bach, Reger, Piatti, Kodaly, Britten and other twentieth century composers have earned him considerable public and critical acclaim. Tickets are €10 and are available on 087 8546572. This concert is promoted by Music Network and AnnÓg.

Féile Scéalaíochta agus Amhránaíochta

Féile Scéalaíochta agus Amhránaíochta Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne
22ú Bealtaine, 2009.
Beidh Comórtaisí Amhránaíochta agus Scéalaíochta don aosóg á n-eagrú ag Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne an Aoine seo, 22ú Bealtaine 2009.
Beidh Comórtas Amhránaíochta Fé 12 agus fé 15 ar siúl sa Mháimín i mBaile an Fheirteáraigh (sa phictiúr) ag 7.30 agus Comórtaisí Scéalaíochta fé 12 agus fé 15 ar siúl sa Mhúsaem ar an Aoine chomh maith ag 7.00. Bronnfar buanchorn agus bonn óir don gcéad áit sa dá chomórtas fé 12 agus bonn óir agus bonn airgid ins na comórtaisí fé 15. Fáilte mhór roimis mhuintir na háite teacht agus éisteacht leis na hamhránaithe agus na scéalaithe óga seo. Beidh an ócáid á eagrú le tacaíocht Ealaíon na Gaeltachta. Gach eolas Áine Uí Laoithe/Máire Uí Shíthigh 066-9156100.

Cast your vote in the Dingle News Poll

The Dingle Local Area Council Elections take place on June 5th and, with an extremely crowded marketplace this time around with no less than nine candidates contesting three seats, predicting an outcome is proving to be nigh-on impossible. Sitting councillors Micheal O'Shea (FF, Milltown) and Seamus Cosaí Fitzgerald (FG, Dingle) are seeking re-election with Brendan Griffin (Keel, FG) and Bridget O'Connor (Camp, Ind.) trying their luck for the second-time round. Several new candidates have entered the fray including Breandán Fitzgerald (FF, Dingle), Patrick Hanafin (Lab., Dingle), Theresa Raftery (SF, Lispole), Darach Ó Murchú (Greens) and Breannainn Ó Beaglaoi (Ind.). With so many candidates concentrated in the Dingle area and an increase in the register eligible to vote in the Milltown/Castlemaine area (following last years boundary revisions) this is a council election like no other. Will the additional votes in the Eastern part of the constituency, coupled with a high concentration of candidates in the Dingle area, upset the apple-cart? It could create a scenario where West loses out to East as the many candidates in Dingle could substantially diminish each others core support, while candidates due-east pick up the additional support with the extended boundary in their own area. Only time will tell but this election, especially with the current economic climate on the Dingle Peninsula, is one which may shake things up substantially. By taking part in The Dingle News Poll (on the left side of this web-page) we can all gain an insight into how the candidates currently stand and what the outcome is likely to be.PLEASE NOTE: This poll is facilitated and regulated by polldaddy.com. The Dingle News has no ability to alter or interfere with results and can only view the progress of the poll like other visitors to this page. Reproduction of the results of this poll is prohibited.

On-Stage summer camps set for Dingle Childcare Centre

All the world's a stage...in Dingle!

With all the talks of recession you'd be forgiven for thinking that all the life had been sucked out of the county. Not in Dingle however as the local Globe Academy Stage School have launched an exciting series of on-stage summer camps in an effort to dispel the doom and gloom, focusing on drama, singing and dancing for six to 12 year-olds. Hosted by Dingle native Jennifer Riordan, a member of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art Teacher's Association, the Globe Academy On-Stage Summer Camps will take place this year from July 17th-31st and August 10th-14th at Dingle Childcare Centre Áiseanna na hÓige. "We're delighted to bring these On-Stage Summer Camps to Dingle this year" said Jennifer, "with drama, singing and dancing, its a great way for children to build confidence and make new friends." Since its establishment in Dingle in 2008, the Globe Academy Stage School has been a real hit, hosting classes all around the Peninsula, enjoying major success with local productions of Mamma Mia!, Pinocchio and High School Musical to name a few. With a variety of classes, youth clubs and after school clubs the Globe Academy has gone from strength to strength as parents are delighted that their children now have access to a locally-run stage school, which is accredited by a major London institution. "On Sunday May 17th we will be holding our annual London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts exams with over 70 local children will taking Acting, Verse and Prose exams from this acclaimed institution" Jennifer explained, "and on June 5th we will host a certificate presentation night for the students in the Dingle Skellig Hotel." For more information click to enlarge the poster on the left. Contact Jennifer at 087-6476656 or visit www.globeacademy.ie.

Euro-candidate to raise Dingle name issue with Minister

Speaking on Radio Kerry on May 12th, Ireland-South European electoral candidate, Senator Dan Boyle, has confirmed that he will raise the Dingle name issue with his party leader, Minister for the Environment, John Gormley. Green Party Senator Boyle recently met with representatives from the Dingle Business Chamber who raised concerns about the impact the change was having on the local economy.The official name An Daingean was introduced almost four years ago under the Place-names Order of the Official Languages Act, 2003, by Minister Eamon Ó Cuiv. In 2006, 93% of residents of the West Kerry town voted overwhelmingly in favour of changing the name of the town from An Daingean back to the bilingual names of Dingle and Daingean Uí Chúis.The legislation needed for the change has yet to be brought in as signs, including all new signage being produced by Kerry County Council, continue to indicate only An Daingean. Sourced from www.radiokerry.ie/news

Pussycat Dolls to play Fitzgerald Stadium this summer

While admittedly The Dingle News is a news portal dedicated to the Dingle Peninsula, just 40 odd miles down
the road, Killarney's GAA pitch, Fitzgerald Stadium has been named as the location where The Pussycat Dolls will perform this summer. The Gleneagle's Patrick O'Donoghue made the announcement this week, confirming that The Pussycat Dolls will headline this summer's Kilalrney Summerfest. The group will play Fitzgerald Stadium on Saturday July 18th.Killarney Summerfest 2009 takes place between the 3rd - 18th of July with a range of events and activities plus more concerts which will be announced in due course. With Killarney being no-doubt packed for this event, festival goers would be advised to look towards the Dingle Peninsula for affordable accommodation with Killarney less than an hour's drive from Dingle itself, as availability coming close to the date may be limited. Check dodingle.com for deals.

Corca Dhuibhne ag Caint - Crannchur

CRANNCHUR - CORCA DHUIBHNE AG CAINT

Dé Máirt, 12u Bealtaine: 2.00 Centra, 2.30 Siopa Uí Mhóráin, 3.00 Siopa Spar.Dé hAoine an 15ú Bealtaine: 2.00 Siopa Londis Uí Fhlaithearta, 2.30 Siopa Uí Ghairbhí, 3.00 Páidí Ó Muircheartaigh. Dé Cheadaoin an 20ú: 2.30 Óstán Benners, Gáirdíní an Daingin agus An Caife Liteartha (i Benners), 3.30 Tigh Tabhairne John Benny, Brian/Máiréad de Staic agus an Oifig Turasóireachta (san Oifig Turasóireachta). Beidh T-Léinte amhain le buachaint ar gach deich ainm (má tá 100 ainm ar na cártaí beidh deich T-Leinte le buachtaint ag custaiméirí an ghnó sin). Beidh griangrafadóir i láthair ag an ócáid agus gan amhras, b’iontach é go mbeadh na badges á gcaitheamh agaibh.

Dingle GAA host special exhibit documenting club's history

Bringing the past to life

A very special photographic exhibition will be unveiled on Thursday, May 7th at the Dingle Library documenting the history of the Dingle GAA club. This special exhibition is being hosted by Dingle GAA in celebrating Lá na gClub as part of the GAA's national 125th anniversary celebrations. The exhibit is a great source of local pride as Dingle GAA has a long and proud history. In addition, all the photographs in the exhibit have been donated by local people. "The GAA has also been ever- present in Dingle life and the origins of the Club stretch back to the conception of the GAA itself" Dingle GAA stalwart Derry Murphy explained. "It is understood that the club started out as the Dingle Gascoignes in the late 1800s/early 20th century before evolving into two separate GAA clubs in the town itself, Na Piarsaigh (The Pearces) and Sráid Eoin (John Street). These teams enjoyed great success during the 1950s and 1960s. In the 1960s Bórd na nÓg began to develop in the town. This culminated in the joining of the two clubs to form the Dingle GAA club and the strong underage structure we enjoy today" he said.

This exhibition is very important as it recognises the the unsung heroes; the local people behind the scenes who dedicated their lives to promoting the GAA at community level and developing the local pitch, Páirc an Ághasaigh, providing young people with a social and sporting outlet which provided a lifeline in times of hardship.The exhibition will be opened by the Dingle Club Chairman Maurice O'Connor at 8pm, Thursday May 7th and all are welcome to attend. On Saturday night a special leácht will also take place in Benner's Hotel at 9pm. The exhibit will run until the May the 16th at the Dingle Library on Green Street. Admission is free. Pictured,l-r, Vincent Flannery, Maurice O'Connor, Mícheál Ó Conchúir, Paddy Browne and Derry Murphy of Dingle GAA at the Dingle Library on Green Street which will run from May 7th-16th.

Minister indicates Dingle Ice Plant to remain open

Minister indicates Dingle Ice Plant to remain open

Local councillors and candidates still seeking written guarantees as to employees' future

The Bórd Iascaigh Mara Ice-Plant in Dingle is to remain open according to a Fianna Fáil candidate in the Dingle Local Area Elections. Dingle's Breandán Fitzgerald (pictured above right) told Dingle News this week that, following discussions with the Minister for the Marine Tony Kileen TD and Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue, the plant is to remain open and that the two employees working there are to have their contracts renewed. “When I heard reports stating that the contracts of the two men working there were to end, I made representations to Minister for the Marine Tony Killeen and Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue to make the case to the Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan, for the employee’s contracts to be renewed" said Mr. Fitzgerald. "I was delighted to receive the calls from the Minister and Ceann Comhairle saying that the men’s contracts were to be renewed and Dingle Ice plant would remain open.The ice plant is an integral part of the fishing industry of the area and keeping the plant open is very important for the men working there, fishermen and local businesses in Dingle."According to Mr. Fitzgerald (35), who is seeking election to the council for the first time, local representation is the key to communities in West Kerry getting through these difficult times. The move will signal a collective sigh of relief from local fishermen who felt that their livelihoods would effectively come to an end, were the plant to close. As late as last Wednesday, with the contracts expiring on Thursday close of business, no clear indication about the future of the plant had been made as both BIM and the Department of the Marine had both refused to comment publicly on the situation. Sitting Councillor Seamus Cosaí Fitzgerald (pictured at the Ice Plant above, far right) made several representations to the Department of Finance BIM CEO, Jason Hooley while Labour Candidate Pat Hanafin facilitated a meeting with Labour Leader Eamonn Gilmore and local Dingle fishermen last Friday at the Pier. "I welcome the announcement however I am curious as to how this situation to arose" said Cllr. Cosaí Fitzgerald. "As late as last Wednesday and Thursday no clear indication had been made by the Minister as to how this was going to play out; personally I won't be happy until we see this declaration in writing.""With an election on the horizon, it's a question of funding we need definitive clarification, in writing from the Departments of Finance and BIM, as to the contracts of the employees and the future of the plant." Labour candidate Pat Hanafin echoed these concerns. "Labour leader Eamonn Gilmore met with a group of up to 60 fishermen in Dingle on Friday, who voiced their concerns; expressing the hardship endured and their sense of abandonment in light of this situation" said Mr. Hanafin, "if the survival of the fishing industry in West Kerry is crucial, why then did the Government allow this drama to ensue? We need concrete guarantees not false promises."

Dingle shop seeks budding authors

Write up my street!

Corca Dhuibhne's young creative talents are being summoned in West Kerry this week as Baile an Mhuilinn's Siopa Londis Ui Fhlaithearta (O'Flaherty's-Londis Dingle) invites students aged five to 18, to write a short story about their community. Thirty of these will then be selected to appear in a special book to be published in September. Along with the honour of being published, the winning student's schools will also receive 5,000 euro for books. The competition is part of a national drive by Londis to find 30 short stories for this book, with all proceeds going towards the Barnardos Children’s Charity. Students between the ages of five and 18 are asked to submit a short story drawing on the theme of community, no longer than 1,000 words. A semi-finalist will then be selected from each county and from those, acclaimed children’s author Sarah Webb will select the top 30. "We know that there is a lot of talent when it comes to writing in West Kerry and hope that as many students as possible take part" said PJ Fitzgerald of Londis-Dingle. Entry forms, downloads, plus supports for teachers, sample stories, plus writing-tips from Maeve Binchy are available online at www.londis.ie. Completed stories may be posted or dropped into O'Flaherty's Londis on the Ventry Road, Dingle before the closing date of May 29th.

Telephone 066-9150628 for more information. Pictured, PJ Fitzgerald of O'Flaherty's Londis-Dingle launching the Write Up Your Street initiative which is inviting young authors to submit a short story with the top thirty being published in a special book this September. Visit www.londiswriteupmystreet.com for more info.

Council seek suggestions to name new Dingle road

Name sought for new Dingle Road
The new relief road, between Dingle's Mail Road (Tralee Road) and John Street opened last Friday, marking a major development in the town's infrastructure. The road runs alongside the new Dingle Hospital and Páirc an Aghasaigh through land which was kindly donated by the Shane Connor and his family. Now, the search is on for this new road and the adjacent roundabout; Kerry County Council and the Dingle Business Chamber say that they will invite submissions in naming the road. There have been quite a few popular suggestions so far; the Fr. Rory O'Connor Road, O'Connor Road, Dr. Finbarr O'Shea Road are two of the first to have been mentioned locally. Contact John B Sheehy of the Dingle Business Chamber for more information or send your ideas to press.officer@kerrycoco.ie or Roads Department, County Buildings, Rathass, Tralee. With no UDC or town council, many decisions seem to be made on Dingle's behalf in Tralee and local people often feel that things to do with their own town are often out of their hands. This is one area where local people should have a real say, in naming this new road something which means something to the people of the town and surrounding area.

Corca Dhuibhne's Cúpla Focal

A new Udarás na Gaeltachta initative, Corca Dhuibhne ag Caint was launched in Dingle last week in an effort to encourage the use of the Irish language in business. According to Udarás na Gaeltachta the objective of this initiative is to promote and encourage the use of Irish in the Corca Dhuibhne area especially within the commercial sector. Twelve local companies and businesses have agreed to participate in the scheme which will see staff have the option of wearing specially designed badges indicating their level of spoken Irish. Currently there are three types of badges with three designations which employees can wear; Ag Foghlaim for learning those learning Irish, Cúpla Focal, for those competent in Irish and Seo Leat indicating fluency. Those advocating the scheme saythat this scheme is intended to make it easier for the customer to choose whether to do business in English or in Irish. "Up to now, there was no method of knowing which language to use in shops and businesses unless you knew members of staff personally" said Rachel Ní Riada of Udarás. "Participation is optional and the project will be presented in a fun way, making it easier for those who want to increase their use of Irish to do so."
The twelve Dingle businesses currently participating in the scheme are: Siopa Londis Uí Fhlaithearta, Garvey's SuperValu, Sheehy's Spar, Fitzgerald's Centra, Brian De Staic, Benners Hotel, the Caife Liteartha, Gáirdíní an Daingin and Slí na Sláinte, John Benny’s Moriarty’s Butchers, Morans and the Dingle Tourist Office.
Watch an online video of the launch at http://corcadhuibhneagcaint.wordpress.com/.

Gaeltacht funding cut fears

An bhfuil ‘Ciorrú’ géarr ag teacht?
MFG Comhar Dhuibhne powers to be transferred to Údarás
Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív T.D. has announced that the powers of Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltacht (MFG) are to be transferred to Údarás na Gaeltachta. The West Kerry Gaeltacht’s MFG Comhar Dhuibhne, who have an office in Dingle and is run by regional manager Máire UÍ Léime, is one of those to be effected. Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta is a voluntary organisation which was founded in 1991 to implement the LEADER programme in Gaeltacht regions. MFG Comhar Dhuibhne had been receiving ongoing funding for various community projects in the region, including €100,000 from dormant accounts fund, to develop a youth café providing an alcohol free environment for young people. The future of many of these projects is now unclear. In relation to the transfer of powers from MFG to Udarás, Minister Ó Cuiv stated that he was of the opinion that the Gaeltacht needs a single strong statutory authority that would run a wide range of projects and that the remit of the voluntary organisation would be reduced. Local reaction to this has been mixed as it feared that this is only the tip-of-the-iceberg when it comes to the ‘ciorrú’ of Gaeltacht funding and community initatives.

Ballyferriter's Little Black Beauty

Kerry's first friesian foal, bred from an approved stallion, has been born in Ballyferriter. Little black beauty Reinier was born on the farm of Cristina Belmonte-Scanlon in West Kerry on the 26th of April and his birth has caused quite the stir in Kerry's equine and equestrian circles. Reinier's sire is Tsjerk, one of the five Stallions in the world that have been approved and graded as preferent, the highest standard that can be obtained by this breed."Reinier was bred in Ballyferriter; his mother came to Ireland from Holland two years ago" breeder Cristina Belmonte-Scanlon explained. "Since then we have travelled and visited many stud farm speaking to breeders and trainers to enable us to choose the best stallion for our mare Jante fan Rewert and breed the best quality possible.We imported the semen from Holland and she did the rest!"Cristina and her husband T.J. are exicted about little's Reinier's future. "There is a bright future for this little foal as breeding stallion and as a sport horse" she added. Friesian horses are a rare breed from Friesland in Holland; the typical traits of these beautiful animals are their majestic manes, the feathering on the lower legs, their jet black colour and their powerful, elevated gaits. The build and the noble head of this creature, set on a lightly arched neck, complete the aristocratic and fiery appearance of this breed. The Friesian horse has increasingly developed itself as a sports horse over the past decades and now competes with other breeds at the highest levels of equestrian sports. Please forward all enquires to the: thebaroquehorse@gmail.com or contact Cristina Belmonte-Scanlon at The Baroque Horse, Lathieve Meanagh, Ballyferriter. Tel: 087-2950870. http://www.thebaroquehorse.com

Dingle dole numbers continue to rise (despite decreases elsewhere)

The news isn't good at the moment on the jobs front in Dingle with 758 signing on during the month of April, approximately double the numbers recorded during the same period in 2008. To add insult to injury, the increase in figures comes along with the news that live register figures have actually DROPPED by 1% elsewhere in the county, the first decrease in numbers in eight months. 15,401 individuals signed on across the county last month representing a 1% decrease, however bear in mind that the figure is DOUBLE what it was this time last year. There was a drop of 5.9% in people signing on in Listowel, a drop of 2% in Killarney along with smaller drops in Killorglin, Kenmare and Cahersiveen. Only in Dingle and Tralee are the numbers continuing to rise (in Tralee the number of those signing on in April rose by 1.4%, which means 6,265 are on the dole there).

Over 200 potential jobs lost in West Kerry due to Council planning refusals - Claim

The Labour Candidate in the upcoming Dingle Local Area Elections has spoken out about the number of jobs which could have been created this year in West Kerry, but will not come to pass due to refused planning applications. Pat Hanafin claims that 200 jobs could have been created on the Dingle Peninsula this year had Kerry County Council given the go-ahead to two local projects. "Due to lack of planning permission from Kerry Councy Council and Board Pleanála, over 200 potential jobs have been lost on the Dingle Peninsula" said Patrick. "A hotel in Ventry refused will result in a loss of €2 million to the area, plus 25 jobs. "The refusal for planning for a 65-bed nursing home in Ballinaboula has also resulted in a loss of €8 million to the area and 40 full-time jobs. Sixteen retirement homes had also been indicated in conjunction with this plan." Pat, who also has a long association with the IRDA (Irish Rural Dwellers Association) has also spoken out about the continued refusal for one-off houses applied for by local people who wish to build on their own land in their own native area."Up to 30 houses have been refused in the recent past in West Kerry. One new house equals at least five people being employed for a period of eight months" said Pat, who has also been involved with the plant-hire business for many years. "From the person who draws up the plans, the person who digs the site, the block layer, the plasterer, the plumber, the electrician, the painter, the carpenter, the gardener, to the outlets and shops that supply the materials to all of these people, the positive knock-on effect of this activity is crucial to the survival of the local economy." Pat hosted a meeting with Labour leader Eamonn Gilmore who travelled to Dingle last Friday in light of the number of recent job-losses in the area.

Swine Flu - How to stay healthy

What are the symptoms of swine influenza in people?
The symptoms are like those of regular seasonal flu and include: fever of sudden onset, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache and muscle aches. Some people have vomiting and diarrhoea.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you get sick with a flu-like illness as described above, and have recently visited an affected area or have been in contact with a known case of swine flu, contact your GP/family doctor by telephone. They will decide if you need testing or treatment.
What can I do to stay healthy?
As with any infectious respiratory disease, the following precautionary measures are recommended to avoid getting or spreading the flu:
*Cover your nose and mouth with disposable tissues when sneezing, coughing, wiping and blowing your nose
*Dispose of used tissues in the nearest waste bin
*Wash your hands often with soap and water, and especially after coughing and sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
*Clean hard surfaces (e.g door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product
*Try to avoid close contact with sick people
*If you are sick with flu, stay at home to avoid spreading infection to others and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
This information has been provided by the Health Service Executive's website, www.hse.ie

Swine Flu - The Facts

As fears of a global pandemic grow, it is important to be aware of the facts surrounding Swine Flu, the respiratory disease which has caused a number of deaths in Mexico. The HSE and the Department of Health and Children continue to closely monitor cases of Swine Influenza A/H1N1 and yesterday it was confirmed that a small number of people have come forward in Ireland with mild flu-like illness and a history of relevant travel. These cases are being examined however at the time of publication, no cases of this illness have been confirmed in Ireland. Swine, or Pig flu, is a respiratory disease, caused by Influenza Type A which had, up until now, not infected humans. The virus however has many variants which are constantly evolving and adapting. This outbreak of the virus contains genetic material that is typically found in strains of the virus that affect humans, birds and swine. It is believed that the virus can be spread from person to person, most likely through coughing and sneezing. There have been 103 deaths in Mexico, so far it has been confirmed 20 of these had the virus. There were also outbreaks in parts of the United States, Canada and Spain. The only treatment which currently exists are two anti-viral drugs, Tamiflu and Relenza. No vaccine against this form of flu has yet been developed.For further updates on the Irish and global situation visit www.hse.ie .

'Africa Awakes' in Dingle's Greenlane this Friday

Africa Awakes

A photographic exhibition by Manuel Scrima.

Greenlane Gallery Dingle, 1st - 16th May.

One of the most exciting exhibitions to hit Dingle in recent times, Africa Awakes, opens this Friday, May 1st, in the Greenlane Gallery. This stunning photographic exhibit by Manuel Scrima is presented in conjunction with NGO New World International, the Ministry of Health , NWI Kenya and the tribal communities of the Rift Valley, Kenya. This exhibit presents a unique opportunity to see another side of African life, aside from the poverty, starvation, disease, AIDS, corruption, dictatorship or civil wars that dominate our evening news. The objective of Africa Awakes is to enable people to experience the magic and culture of Africa . It brings together the power and sheer scale of Africa, combining the energy and fire of the ancient and the new. This exhibition portrays the profound distortions that exist today in Africa, illustrating the reality of life as seen through the eyes of the people, through their customs. It is raw and compelling, highlighting the challenges and contradictions facing Africa today as well as the confrontation between tradition and contemporary. A first preview of the exhibition was displayed in Tampere Hall in September 2008. After travelling to Salerno, Paris and Milan, a new updated exhibition travelled to the Cultural Centre Caisa, international cultural centre in the heart of Helsinki. The exhibition will move to many locations including Dublin, London, Bornemouth, Budapest and Nairobi.The exhibition was created to support acclaimed and essential programmes in Kenya. The aim of this exhibition is not only to raise funds to finance the work of ICROSS and NWI in Kenya but also to raise awareness of the plight of the peoples of Africa and the difficulties they face. The proceeds of the sale of these photographs will go to fighting suffering in Africa and donations may also be made at the exhibitions. For more information on the exhibit visit http://www.greenlanegallery.com/. This event is part of the Féile na Bealtaine line-up, for a complete run-down of events happening from day-to-day visit http://www.feilenabealtaine.ie/.

Feile na Bealtaine - April 29th-May 4th

A vivid exploration of the cultural senses Féile na Bealtaine

Dingle Peninsula

April 29th-May 4th

www.feilenabealtaine.ie
Festival Office Tel: 066 - 9151082

The Dingle Peninsula, has a rich cultural heritage. From April 29th-May 4th Féile na Bealtaine, the region's annual celebration of the arts, seeks to embrace this heritage through the mediums of art, literature, culture, custom, music, dance and the Irish language. 2009 marks the arts’ festival’s 15th anniversary and the key is to expect the unexpected at this unique and engaging festivals which unfolds against the stunning backdrop of the Dingle Peninsula. Street theatre, puppet shows, art exhibitions, film screenings, poetry readings plus a number of art and photographic exhibitions top the Féile menu along with a plethora of musical performances featuring acclaimed artists, propagating everything from the traditional to the exotic. Local, national and international drama societies will also feature throughout the Féile and a number of children's events including a special Children's Day will serve to invigorate young and enthusiastic minds. On Sunday May 3rd, the streets of Dingle will erupt in a musical melee with the annual Street Theatre Parade through Dingle town featuring the Dingle Fife & Drum, Cullen Pipe Band, Waterford Fife & Drum, Middleton Brass Band, Swiss Band, Samba Cuisle, Stilt Walkers, CoConuts, the Globe Academy of Dramatic Arts Street Performance and Big Bang Band – Children’s Percussion to mention just a few! An art trail, where local artists invite the public to step into their studios and engage in the creative process, will occur at a number of locations throughout the Peninsula. One of Féile na Bealtaine's key aims is to inspire new ideas; as a consequence the festival has always enjoyed a healthy mix of the arts and political debate with the political symposium also returning this year. A visual and visceral exploration of the cultural senses, Féile na Bealtaine broadens and extends artistic horizons, entertaining and enthralling the thousands that come together to experience this unique Corca Dhuibhne celebration year in, year out. The 15th annual Féile na Bealtaine takes place on the Dingle Peninsula this year from April 29th-May 4th. A full programme of events is available at the festival website: www.feilenabealtaine.ie. For further information contact the Féile na Bealtaine office at 066- 915 1082.

Two dolphins join Fungie in Dingle Harbour

Fungie's new friends!

Value for money is an extremely important consideration in these tough economic times and those travelling to Dingle to see Fungie the Dolphin in the coming weeks may get to avail of a very special 'three for one' deal as two other dolphins have joined the mischievous prankster in Dingle Harbour. Skippers conducting boat-tours to see Fungie last week noticed not one, but three fins as they approached the gentle giant's playground last Tuesday. While Fungie himself is anything but camera-shy, playing and frolicking with the boats and many visitors that go and swim with him everyday, the two new arrivals have been a little bit more elusive, hanging back while the man himself takes the spotlight. “Two adult dolphins appeared with Fungie last Tuesday and they have been hanging around with him since” explained Gillian Maye who co-ordinates tours from the boat-tour booking office on Dingle Pier.
“We didn't see them for another few days but then they turned up again at the weekend and seem to be settled here with Fungie for now. Dolphins come and stay with Fungie from time to time and these two new dolphins may be the same couple who also came into Dingle Harbour this time last year, however we're not 100% certain yet.”Despite the evident down-turn in West Kerry's economy, interest in Fungie remains strong with the Dingle Boatmen's Association welcoming many visitors over the Easter break. While many dolphins and whales visit different coastal ports in Ireland, Fungie is currently enjoying his 26th year in Dingle Harbour, something which is practically unprecedented for a bottle nose dolphin in the wild. Meanwhile he remains as curious and playful as ever captivating the countless visitors that come to see him, including many locals who travel out into the harbour themselves on a daily or weekly basis to visit their old pal. Fungie's new friends are stationed in Dingle Harbour for now, for more information on how to visit Fungie contact 066-9152626 or visit www.dingledolphin.com.

Domhnal and Bríd to exhibit at the Ionad this Summer

Resident Artists appointed in

Ionad an Bhlascaod
'Crot'

Domhnal Ó Bric & Bríd Ní Luasaigh

May 1st - June 31st
An interesting new arts scheme will be launched in Ionad an Bhlascaod in Dún Chaoin on Friday, 1st May, with the appointment of two artists, Domhnal Ó Bric (whose artwork is pictured to the right) & Bríd Ní Luasaigh (whose photographic work is featured to the left), as Resident Artists in the Centre for the coming summer season. The aim of the project is to give young artists an opportunity to display their works in their native area. Announcing the scheme Micheál de Mórdha, Director of The Blasket Centre, said that both the Centre and the Artists would benefit from the scheme. “We are very lucky here in West Kerry that we are surrounded by very talented artists, and it contributes a lot to the Centre to have some of the work on display. We also intend to encourage young artist and to provide them with the space to display their work in front of a large audience. We are grateful to Ealaín na Gaeltachta who provided funding for the scheme, funding which is very generous in the current financial climate.” The exhibition, entitled 'Crot' (Shape), will open on Friday, May 1st, and will last for three months. Bríd is a photographer whose work is a study of rocks and lichen growth, while Domhnal's work encompasses paintings and drawings based on the singing tradition of West Kerry. The exhibition will be officially launched by the renowned traditional singer Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, on Friday, May Day, at 7.30pm. Further Information: Dáithí de Mórdha, Ionad an Bhlascaoid: (066) 9156444, 087-9778871, daithi.demordha@opw.ie.

480th Anniversary of signing of Treaty of Dingle

Treaty times back in Dingle

The commemoration of a signing of a significant piece of European legislature will be marked in Dingle this Friday as the Dingle Historical Society prepare to host a number of events celebrating 480th anniversary of the Treaty of Dingle, which was ratified in 1529. Pre-dating Ireland's entry into the EEC by 440 years, the Treaty of Dingle was a founding piece of Common European legislature, giving rise to a series of entente, alliances and subsequent treaties which formed the basis of a common European ideal, culminating in the formation of a European Union, where common laws and protocols are adhered to by member states. The Treaty of Dingle was signed between the 11th Earl of Desmond, James Fitzgerald and Don Gonzalo Fernandez, the Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the Holy Roman Emperor of the German Nation and King of Spain, Charles V & I. The terms of the treaty also gave rise to a major progression in human rights legislature as the Treaty of Dingle gave a formal legal and constitutional foundation to the rights of citizenship and other privileges that Irish exiles and emigrés enjoyed in Hapsburg Spain, Hapsburg Austria and Hapsburg Netherlands (present-day Belgium & Luxembourg), from the 16th to the early 20th centuries. An incredible 480 years after the signing of the Treaty, the occasion will be marked by the unveiling of a special commemorative plaque by the Spanish Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Dona Mercedes Rico at Dingle's Temperance Hall. This will be followed by a special lecture on the Treaty of Dingle itself by Dr. Declan M. Downey, Lecturer in History, University College Dublin at local educational institute, An Díseart on Green Street. The event will begin with a parade by the Dingle Fife and Drum band from O'Flaherty's Pub on Bridge Street to the Temperance Hall on Goat's Street at 7.15pm. Following the unveiling by the Ambassador at 7.30pm, Dr. Downey, an authority on Ireland's relationship with the Hapsburg Empire, will deliver his lecture on the Dingle Treaty at An Díseart, Green Street, Dingle at 8.15pm. All are welcome to attend.Pictured, l-r, Bernie Goggin and Dr. Conor Brosnan at the new commemorative plaque at Dingle's temperance hall on Upper Main Street/Goat's Street.

Dingle based documentary nominated for Rose d'Or

'A Bit of a Filum' makes a bit of

a splash...

A documentary shot in Dingle last year about the making of the film Ryan's Daughter in the late 1960s and early 1970s has been shortlisted in the prestigious, Rose d'Or Film Festival, held in Lucerne, Switzerland.
The documentary made by RTE is entitled A Bit of a Filum and features a number of local faces from Dingle and West Kerry including former senator Tom Fitzgerald (High Road), Margaret Sheehy (Milltown) and TP Ó Conchúir (Baile na nGall). The title is derived from a remark made by the late Pat Baker (Goat's Street) who worked in the Wood Mill at the time of the making of the movie; remarking one day to his colleague Tom Fitzgerald that some people who had been purchasing wood were in the process of making 'a bit of a filum'!. The documentary was aired on Christmas Day 2008 to great acclaim. It was revealed last week that the film has been shortlisted in the Arts Category making it the only Irish entry at this year's Rose d'Or festival. Ryan's Daughter is David Lean's 1970 film which is set in 1916 and tells the story of an Irish girl who has an affair with a British officer during World War I, despite opposition from her nationalist neighbours. The film stars Robert Mitchum, Sarah Miles, (pictured above right) John Mills, Christopher Jones, Trevor Howard and Leo McKern, with a score by Maurice Jarre. It won two Oscars.

READ MORE ABOUT RYAN'S DAUGHTER http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan's_Daughter

RTE Raidio na Gaeltachta appoints new artist-in-residence

Do you listen to RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta?

RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta with the support of Ealaín na Gaeltachta have commissioned Ceara Conway (pictured far left) as their first Artist in Residence. As part of this commission she will be exploring the connection between the station and the people who listen in everyday. "I feel that the Gaeltacht culture and community is a unique one and that RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta both represents and connects the nationwide and international community in a very particular way" said Ceara. "I would like the opportunity to talk and meet with people who listen to the station, hear their thoughts and views on listening to RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and of being a part of this this community. I am interested in showing you the work that I have made to date and discuss the ideas and observations that I have, seeing what arises by meeting the people/community who listen to this station." Ceara may be contacted by Phone or Text at 0876934038 or via Email: EIST.CEARA@GMAIL.COM.

89% rise in fishermen signing on in Dingle

Fears that the ice-plant in Dingle may be about to close were compounded this week by a claim that there has been an massive increase in fishermen forced to sign on since January of last year. The claim was made by Fine Gael Deputy and South Kerry TD, Rathmore's Tom Sheahan in the Oireachtas this week when he stated that there 89% more fishermen were signing on in the Dingle area, compared with January of 2007. In his speech, he also outlined the fact that only two boats now operate from Baile na nGall (Ballydavid) in comparison to five boats this time five years ago. Fishermen in Dingle staged a protest at Dingle Pier last year, claiming that the Irish Government had sold them out to Europe in terms of fishing rights, fishing-grounds and quotas. It is a strange situation when an island country surrounded by water with the vast Atlantic Ocean lapping at its western doorstep, has fishing communities who can no longer make a living from the sea. It is also strange when you consider the amount of foreign fishing vessels that dock in Dingle regularly. Fellow island nation Iceland, the first European country to go bust following the recession, has seen many of its bankers, office and municipal workers revert to fishing following the country's economic collapse.
What will Ireland do...

Dingle Ice-Plant under threat?

The prospect of a fishing port without an ice-plant may seem ridiculous but in recession-riddled Ireland its looking like a real possibility as local concern grows that Dingle's ice-plant is at risk of closing. Two plant workers have been informed that their contracts will not be renewed at the end of the month, adding to speculation that the Bórd Iascaigh Mara plant, which provides ice for boats fishing out of the port, will cease operations in Dingle. According to the CEO of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation, Lorcán Ó Cinnéide the idea of a fishing port without an ice-plant is 'ludicrous'. Ó Cinnéide has stated that he has written to Minister of State Tony Kileen saying that the possible closure of the plant is unacceptable.There has been so official statement from BIM as of yet clarifying the current, or indicating what may befall the Ice-Plant in the future. It will be interesting now to see how the Government respond in light of this crisis, given the detrimental state of the fishing industry in the region to begin with. In addition, it will also be important to see how the area's local election candidates (Breadán Fiitzgerald & Micheál O'Shea-FF, Seamus Cosaí Fitzgerald & Brendan Griffin-FG, Pat Hanafin-Labour & Teresa Rafferty-Sinn Féin) react to the current situation as unemployment figures soar in the West Kerry region.

Ballyferriter to host local art expo on Easter Sunday

Féile na Cásca 2009 - An Máimín - Baile an Fheirtéaraigh

Well known writer and musician, Maidhc Dainín Ó Sé, will open this year’s Féile na Cásca in An Máimín, Ballyferriter at 3pm on Easter Sunday. This year Gabriel Fitzmaurice, Maidhc Dainín, and Bríd Ni Mhóráin visited twelve primary schools in Corca Dhuibhne helping local children to create a link between literature and the visual arts by giving readings in the schools in an effort to spark their imaginations. Artists Andrew Duggan, Susan Ní Chearna, Áine Uí Dhúbhshláine and Lone Uí Raghallaigh then worked in the schools creating art works with teachers and pupils based on the writers’ readings. Along with the primary pupils’ work the exhibition will feature works from over fifty artists in a variety of styles and media. Doors open at 2pm on Easter Sunday (in Ballyferriter). All are welcome. The exhibit will run until the 19th.

Dingle Sailing Club host Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday

Dingle Sailing Club's Annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place this Holy Saturday, beginning at the Marina at 12 noon and culminating at 2pm. All are welcome to come along and take part. They will host their AGM afterwards at 4 pm in the Dingle Marina Centre. The agenda is as follows: Minutes of the 2008 AGM,Treasurer’s Report, Commodore’s Report, Membership Fees, Motions, Election of Officers & Any Other Business.It is important that all club members and at least one parent of junior members be present at the meeting. The outgoing members of the committee are: Commodore-Mark Greely, Vice-Commodore-Seán Ó Coileáin, Treasurer-John O’Connor, Secretary-Dermot Carroll. Other Members-Cáit Uí Choileáin,Aideen McConville, Chris Hayes and Páidí Ó Domhnaill. The Dingle Sailing Centre is ideally situated in a naturally sheltered harbour which offers safe and protected waters suitable for water-based activity. The vistas surrounding the harbour are spectacular, mountains, sea-cliffs, fishing boats, sea-birds and Fungi the Dolphin. The Centre is an ISA (Irish Sailing Association) recognised training centre and instructors are certified and experienced. Sailing courses run throughout the months of June, July and August, Monday to Friday, 10am - 4.30pm. ISA levels 1, 2, & 3. Other activities on offer include Splash Club for 6-9 year old, Kayak rental, Powerboat courses, Yachtmaster and School activity days. For more visit http://www.saildingle.com/.

RTÉ's Lyric FM launch new frequency on Dingle Peninsula

NEW RTÉ LYRIC FM FREQUENCY FOR NORTHERN DINGLE PENINSULA & NORTH KERRY

RTÉ Lyric FM fans in the Ballydavid area of the Dingle Peninsula will need to re tune their radios slightly from 98.7 FM to 98.8 FM. North Kerry fans of music and arts station will also need to re tune their radios slightly from 98.8 FM to 98.7FM. RTÉ lyric fm is making these minor frequency change to improve its signal in the South West. RTÉ Lyric FM, the national music and arts station which celebrates its 10th birthday this May Bank Holiday, is making this minor frequency change to improve its signal in the South West; for listeners this means a slight twist of the dial on FM radios for them to continue listening to favourite RTÉ lyric fm shows such as Lyric Breakfast with Trish Taylor, Lyric Lunchtime with Geri Maye, The JK Ensemble with John Kelly and Classic Drive with Niall Carroll on weekdays and at the weekends, Saturday Afternoon with Lorcan Murray, Sunday with Marty Whelan and Movies and Musicals with Aedín Gormley. RTÉ Lyric FM is Ireland’s music and arts station and plays classical, jazz and opera as well music from the stage and screen, world and traditional music. The station is based in Limerick and celebrates ten years on air this year. Visit RTÉ Lyric FM online at www.rte.ie/lyricfm.

Beehive Theatre Dingle unveil new drama

Beehive Theatre Company, Dingle present;

The Impostor

by Mike Venner

Mike Venner, playwright in residence, has yet again delivered an explosive piece of theatre. Against a background of betrayal; lust, love and loss meet under a canopy of madness dragging the characters towards a nemesis that threatens to unravel civilisation. The plot romps along with infectious good humour, imparting a sense the that underneath all the surreal frivolity lurks a scathing allegory of modern-day Balkan troubles that twists every character into an ideogram for vulgar humanity. A frenetic black comedy that will guarantee your evenings entertainment. Situated on the west coast of Ireland, Beehive Theatre Company is Europe's westernmost theatre. Over the last thirteen years, the company has established itself as a leading centre for theatre in West Kerry and the southwest region and has produced a well-balanced mix of established plays as well as new, innovative scripts drawing on the talents of local and international writers.Beehive is a community based theatre company providing professional training and production opportunities for individuals and groups in the region.

Beehive Theatre Company’s performance of Mike Venner’s ‘The Impostor’ will be opening on 17th April, for a limited run at The Studio, Cúilín, Dingle. Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets €15.00 and €10.00 concessions. Contact 066-9152924 for more information or visit www.beehivetheatre.com