Check out the what's on guide this weekend!
FRIDAY, December 13
CONCERT
The Concannon Ganley Academy School of Irish dancing take to stage at Tuar Ard, Moate on Friday and Saturday, December 13 and 14 next at 8pm nightly. Tickets €10/€8 concessions.
Book Launch
Kevin O’Neill’s book 'In Rod We Trust - How Athlone won the league’ will be launched on Friday, December 13, at 9.15pm in The Shamrock Lodge Hotel.
BRIGID’S BOOK LAUNCH
A special commemorative book on St Brigid’s All-Ireland success will be launched by Kevin McStay on Friday, December 13 at the Hodson Bay Hotel at 8.30pm.
BALLINAHOWN SHOPPING EVENT
On Friday, December 13, the craft makers of Ballinahown Eco Craft Village will host a dedicated late night corporate shopping evening until 8pm for employees of all local businesses receiving a 10% discount on purchases when they present their employee card.
SATURDAY, December 14
HORSELEAP TIDY VILLAGE
The blessing of the Village Crib and the turning on of the Christmas Tree Lights will take place immediately after Mass on Saturday, December 14. Santa will be arriving at the back of Ryan’s Pub on the same night at 8.30pm sharp. The Annual Christmas Draw in conjunction with St Peter & Paul’s National School later that night.
HANG A HEART
Ballinahown Eco-Craft Village is sharing the festive spirit by inviting visitors to 'Hang a Heart’ this weekend in aid of the Midlands Simon Community on Saturday and Sunday, December 14 and 15.
CHILDREN’S VARIETY SHOW
St Mary’s Youth Ministry’s 'Little Explorers Club’ is joining forces with Bronte Stage School and the Gateway Project’s 'Glitzy Girls’ to stage a special Christmas Celebration at St Mary’s Hall.
The Variety Show will be called 'The Magic of Christmas’ and will take place at 7.30pm on Saturday, December 14.
Bronte Stage School has taken the lead and has been working tirelessly with the young people involved, aged 5-16, on their performances. It will be a night of drama, music, singing and dancing to kick off the festive season.
Admission will cost: Adults €6, Child/Student/OAP €3, or Family (2 adults & 2 Children) €15.
CHRISTMAS SINGLE IN ATHLONE
Athlone Community Radio launches the original festive release 'Christmas in Athlone’ featuring 18 local musicians and a choir of 35 first class students from St Paul’s National School this Saturday, December 14.
The launch of the single takes place on 88.4fm and www.athlonecommunityradio.ie with a special broadcast documenting the making of the song between 7pm and 8pm and continues in The Snug Bar from 9pm.
It will be a free night of festive fun with live music and complimentary food and all are welcome.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15
Sub aqua christmas fair
The annual Athlone Sub Aqua Christmas Fair will take place in the ASAC clubhouse, Brick Island, Coosan Road, on Sunday, December 15, from 12-5pm.
SENIOR CITIZENS DINNER
The annual Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner will take place in the Grand Hotel, Moate, on Sunday, December 15, starting at 3pm. Subscription is €10.
FAMILY DAY
St Clare’s NS Parent’s Association are holding a family day on Sunday, December 15 next in Tubberclair Hall at 3pm. There will be a variety of crafts for children on the day, including making a Christmas log, bun decorating and card making etc. A fun day is in store for all ages and the event is free.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
A Christmas craft fair and indoor market takes place on Sunday, December 15, from 11pm to 5pm at Attitude Dance Studio, Monksland Retail Park (beside CT Electric & Savoury Fare). All are welcome.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16
CARD GAME
Card game every Monday night at 9pm in Clann na nGael Clubhouse, Johnstown.
YOGA CLASSES
Yoga classes are held every Monday night in Castledaly Community Centre at 7pm.
MONKSLAND ART
Art classes are held every Monday in Monksland Community Centre from 10am. Contact 087 9089940.
WALKING CLUB
Monksland Walking Club meets on Monday nights in the car park of Smith’s Supervalu at 7pm. Everyone welcome. Contact Deirdre at 087 7706609.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17
LINE DANCING
Line dancing classes in Athlone GAA Club, Ballymahon Road, every Tuesday night. Beginners from 7pm to 8pm, Intermediate/advanced 8pm to 11pm. Admission €8. Fun night guaranteed - no partner required. For more information, call Brendan 086 1099388.
Tang Toddler Group
This group continues every Tuesday in Tang Community Centre from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Drop in or call 086 8491064.
COMING SOON
TUAR ARD CONCERT
On Thursday, December 19, it’s the Tuar Ard Gala Christmas Concert featuring The Three Tenors and star violinist Maria Mason. Tickets €28 each including wine reception at 7.30pm.
ATHLONE ARTS GROUP
Athlone Arts Group will hold its 30th anniversary exhibition at Luan Gallery. Irish Times art critic Aidan Dunne will launch the exhibition next week, which runs from Thursday, December 19, to Sunday, January 12.
Mary Black
Mary Black will perform in The Radisson Blu Hotel on Saturday, December 28. Tickets €28 from hotel reception or ticketmaster.ie