HAPPENINGS

Choral Festival in Rush  

St Catherine's National School in Rush, with the support of Fingal County Council, is proud to present its annual celebration of choral singing and music on Wednesday and Thursday, May 16 and 17, at 7pm. Doors open at 6.30pm.

Alan Leech, National Chamber Choir of Ireland, is the special guest. Tickets, which cost €7.50, are available at the door.  

Fifty percent of the ticket sale proceeds will be donated to Trocaire through Dermot Higgins, the Rush man who circumnavigated the world on a pushbike!

International Literature Festival Dublin

The International Literature Festival Dublin (ILFD) opens on May 19 and will run until May 27 with a number of exciting events taking place all over the capital.

For full details of the events in a packed programme, visit www.ilfdublin.com

Into the Sea 

Swimmers come to the sea for many reasons. For over a year, photographic artist Gerry Blake has been examining the ritual practice of regular sea swimming. Visiting more than 10 bathing areas around Dublin, he depicts individual swimmers as they approach the sea at various times of the day. ‘Into the Sea’ portrays them at their most thoughtful and reflective in the moments before they plunge into the open waters.

It runs from Saturday, May 19 to Saturday, June 30 in the Mermaid Arts Centre, Main Street, Bray.

Bingo Night

A free Bingo Night for local older people, organised by ServiceSource and Age Action, is taking place at ServiceSource’s Head Office, The Chase, Carmanhall Road, Sandyford Industrial Estate on Tuesday, May 22 from 5pm to 7.30pm. A fantastic evening’s entertainment is guaranteed at the Big Bingo Night where local businesses are providing spot prizes and there will be plenty of refreshments for the dozens of bingo fans. Book now to avoid missing out by contacting Catherine on 087 1677427 or by email [email protected]

The Night Alive

The Rathfarnham Theatre Group presents Conor McPherson's spellbinding and gorgeous ‘The Night Alive’ in dlr Mill Theatre – Dundrum Town Centre from Tuesday, May 15 to Saturday 19.

Tommy is living in a bedsit in his uncle’s house, trying to make ends meet while all the while thinking of schemes to better his lot. Estranged from his wife and kids, and barely tolerated by his uncle, he hasn’t a lot going for him. His sidekick, Doc, is even worse off, scrounging a bed from his sister or staying the odd night on Tommy’s camp bed.

What follows is a gripping tale that illuminates the humanity that can be found in the most unlikely of situations.

For tickets contact [email protected] / 012969340.

Friday night soccer

The longer evenings make Friday nights perfect for soccer and this weekend all roads lead to Dalymount on May 18 where Bohs will be out for revenge against Dundalk who recently knocked them out of the League Cup. Across the Liffey, St Pat’s welcome Derry to Richmond Park. Both Premier Division games kick off at 7.45pm. First Division action in the capital takes place on Sunday at 3pm when Cabinteely take on Galway United.

Croke Park seniors’ stadium tour 

Are you over 60 and looking for a fun day out this May? One of Dublin’s top attractions, the Croke Park Stadium Tour, is celebrating Bealtaine, the festival of arts and creativity as we age, by offering a special discount to senior visitors for the entire month of May. 

The access-all-areas 'Stadium Tour' will be reduced from €11 to €8.50.

Botanical Art

To coincide with Éireannach and Worldwide Day of Botanical Art, the Irish Society of Botanical Artists will be hosting an open day in the Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin on Friday, May 18. The day will include a tour of a Botanical Art exhibition at 2pm with wildflower author Zoe Devlin, painting demonstrations throughout the day and a chance to meet the artists involved.

Plant Sale in Raheny

A plant sale will be held at St Paul’s College, Raheny, on Saturday, May 19 from 10am to 4.30pm and Sunday, May 20 from 10am to 2pm. 

Pick up some fabulous summer bedding and perennials. Great selection and value promised. Enjoy a coffee with home baked cake.