Five things to do this week . . .

1) Catch the excitement of the Rás!

Athlone will be the centre of attention for cycling enthusiasts this Sunday, as it hosts the first stage finish of the international Rás Tailteann event. The eight-day race starts in Drogheda and will pass through Moate before concluding near Custume Barracks shortly before 4pm. The second stage will begin from Athlone Castle at 11am on Monday.

2) Choral concert in Hodson Bay Hotel

Some top choral talent will be performing in the Hodson Bay Hotel this Friday night. The St Brigid's Community Choir will be in action and they will be accompanied by special guests including the Ballybay National School Singers, the Mayo Male Voice Choir, and Le Cheile. It all gets underway at 8.30pm and a great night's entertainment is expected. Tickets: €10.

3) Awards Gala for Buccaneers' rugby club

The Radisson Blu Hotel in Athlone is the venue for this Saturday's annual Buccaneers Rugby Club awards gala. This is a major event in the club's calendar, as the club's firsts, seconds, under-20 and women's players of the year will be honoured, as well as Buccaneers players who have represented Ireland during the season. The Buccaneers Club Person of the Year will also be celebrated on the night.

4) Country music in The Well

Tyrone's Cliona Hagan will be going to The Well in Moate for a performance on Saturday night. Cliona was the Sunday World's Female Vocalist of the Year for the past two years and recently performed at the Kilbeggan Country Music Festival. For more details contact: 087 6948827.

5) Bealtaine variety show in Moate

A Bealtaine Variety Show in association with Rosemount GAA Social Initiative will take place in Moate's Tuar Ard Theatre on Tuesday. This promises to be a wonderful evening of music, song, and dance. Refreshments will be served at 6.30pm in the coffee shop prior to the show which commences at 7.30pm. Tickets €5.