Your weekly what's on guide

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17

New Art Exhibitions
Athlone’s Luan Gallery presents the launch of two new exhibitions: 'DE_Cline’ by Athlone native Paul Quast and 'Soul Space’ by Dympna Bonfield, a former Principal of Our Lady’s Bower. The opening reception will take place from 6pm to 8pm on Friday. The exhibitions will be on display at the gallery until March 16.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18

Sub Aqua Club Party
Athlone Sub Aqua Club is holding its annual Christmas/New Year party in Biddy’s Teach Stéig on Sean Costello Street this Saturday at 8pm.

Noel Hill Concert
The legendary traditional concertina player Noel Hill will play his first Westmeath concert in almost ten year’s at Dun na Si, Moate, this Saturday, January 18.

Radio Open Day
Join Athlone Community Radio for an Open Day and help the station celebrate their second birthday on Saturday, January 18 from 2.30pm to 5.30pm at the studios in the Business Development Centre, Parnell Square, Athlone (ACT buildings). New Volunteers are always welcome, come along and see what it is like to be on air during a live broadcast!!! Food, fun and craic on the day.

Couch to 10K cycle
Lecarrow Lazers Cycling Club is running a couch to 10km cycle for anyone interested in taking up cycling from 14 years of age upwards.Meet in canal car park Lecarrow at 10.30am every Saturday morning starting January 11. Training will be given by Cycling Ireland coaches and members from the club. Participants must have a road worthy bike and wear a helmet at all times and bring a drink. Contact Dermot at 086 3552969 for more information.

Operation Transformation Walk
Operation Transformation is coming to Westmeath for the fourth year. The Irish Sports Council National Network of Local Sports Partnerships has teamed up with Operation Transformation to promote healthy living in 2014.
This year, we are organising two walks, one in Mullingar and one in Athlone. Join us in Mullingar at Belvedere House and Gardens or in Athlone at Shamrock Lodge Hotel, on Saturday, January 18 at 11am to kick start 2014.
Registration will be from 10.30am in both locations. Both walks will between 3 -5km and are suitable for all abilities and ages. They will be lead by trained walking leaders. Get 2014 off to a great start by joining us on Saturday January 18th for this fun, free event!
For further information please contact Westmeath Sports Partnership on 044-9390208 or check our Facebook page – www.facebook.com/westmeathsport

Custume Pitch & Putt Club Registration Day
Custume Pitch & Putt Club located at Garnafailagh, Athlone, is hosting a registration day for all new and existing members on Saturday, January 18. Those wishing to register may come along to the clubhouse between 10am to 12pm or 2pm to 4pm. Membership prices for 2014 range from €100 for a family to €15 for a juvenile (Under 16).
There will be a draw at 4pm for a free membership for all those that register on the day. All are welcome.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19

Comhaltas Reunion and Hospice Fundraiser
Athlone Branch Comhaltas are holding a reunion and fundraiser on Sunday, January 19 next at the Parish Hall Ballybay Kiltoom (beside church) starting at 5pm. The group is calling on all past and present members plus anybody who can sing, dance, play Music or tell a good story to come along and participate in this entertaining event. The function will be recorded live, and the DVD will be available later. All proceeds from the sale of the DVD will be donated to Hospice.

Wedding Show
The Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore hosts what’s billed as the “Midlands Wedding Show of the Year’ this Sunday from 1 to 6pm. The event will include a Bridal Fashion Show hosted by Miss Ireland Aoife Walsh.

MONDAY, JANUARY 20

Set Dancing
Set dancing classes resume in Dun na Si, Moate, on Monday, January 13 at 8.30pm. All welcome.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21

Old Athlone Society
'War and Conflict? An All-Ireland News Industry, from First World War to Civil War’ is subject of the next lecture by James O’Donnell which takes place on Tuesday at 8pm in the Prince of Wales Hotel. For more information, call 090 6478531.

Art Classes
Adult art classes restart on Tuesday, January 14, next from 10.30am to 12.30pm in the
Dean Egan Bridgeways Resource Centre, Ballymahon. Improvers meet on Wednesday, January 15 from 7pm to 9pm at Sister of Mercy House, beside the Country Shop, Ballymahon.

COMING SOON

Rosemount GAA Social Initiative
In partnership with Athlone Community Gardai, the social initiative is holding its annual social on Sunday, January 26 from 4pm to 8pm. This year the social will take place in the Radisson Hotel, Athlone. Admission by ticket only: €5. These tickets may be obtained in the shop or from any committee member and must be booked before January 18.

Employment Law Update
CIPD Midlands Region and Collins McNicholas Recruitment and HR Services present their Annual Employment Law Update Breakfast Briefing event with Alastair Purdy of Purdy FitzGerald Solicitors in the Sheraton Athlone Hotel at 8am on Wednesday, January 22
For more information please contact Collins McNicholas Recruitment and HR Services at athlone@collinsmcnicholas.ie, 090 64 78 104 or CIPD Midlands Region at midlandscipd@gmail.com

Trad on the Prom
Ireland’s number one music, song and dance experience comes to the Hodson Bay Hotel later this month.
Trad on the Prom, which is now in its tenth consecutive season, comes to Athlone on January 24 and 25, at 9pm each night. For tickets, priced at €30 each, you can phone the Hodson Bay Hotel on 090 6442000, log onto tradontheprom.com or call 087 2388489.

Rethinking Dyslexia Screening
The Big Picture - Rethinking Dyslexia, an uplifting documentary/movie for both children and adults will be screened at the Dean Crowe Theatre on Sunday, January 26, at 3pm. Made by HBO and directed by James Redford (son of Robert Redford), this film is an inspiration for all who struggle with dyslexia. Admission is €9 for adults or €7 concession. For more information you can log onto www.deancrowetheatre.com or www.dsylexiadublin.ie

Brendan Grace
Brendan Grace returns to Athlone on Friday, January 31, for an appearance at the Radisson Blu Hotel. Tickets are €30 Tel. 090 6442600 and ticketmaster.ie.

Conal Gallen
Conal Gallen presents 'A Bit on the Side’ at the Dean Crowe Theatre on Saturday, February 1, at 8pm. Tickets are €25. Phone: 090 6492129 or log onto www.conalgallen.net

Comedy
Double Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee (2007 & 2011) Andrew Maxwell brings his new show 'Banana Kingdom’ to the Athlone Springs Hotel, Monksland on March 8 next. Tickets only €18 available at reception.

Irish Wheelchair Association Dinner
The annual dinner of the Irish Wheelchair Association Athlone branch takes place in The Shamrock Lodge Hotel on Friday, January 31, at 8.30pm. Music by “All for One”. Tickets €20 avail from any committee member.