Five Things to do in Offaly

You"d be mad to miss this! Singer Tom Hingley fronted one of the most influential bands of the 1990s "Madchester" scene "Inspiral Carpets" and he"s now playing the Thatch in Rahan this Sunday, April 12. Along with The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, and The Charlatans, the Inspiral Carpets were key figures in the early days of the scene and Tom even once employed Noel Gallagher as his roadie! Check him out Sunday from 8pm, tickets from the usual places. Giddy up Don"t miss the Irish Grand National in Fairyhouse this Easter Monday and with the way the budget went, then you might as well put it all on one horse! The last odds checked showed Royal Country Star and Wichita Lineman at 8/1, Emma Jane at 9/1 and Drumconvis, Pomme Tiepy, Notre Pere and Arbor Supreme all at 10/1. Here"s to some winnings! Support Special Olympics You never need a reason to spend the night in the pub, however the Offaly branch of the Special Olympics fundraising squad are providing just that! Next Friday, April 17, there is a cocktail night taking place in Lynch"s Bar with a cocktail demo by a professional, who"ll give you tips to make your own! Admission is only €15 and you get a free drink too! Become Aware The HSE Dublin Mid-Leinster is launching a series of suicide awareness sessions entitled the "Gatekeeper Community Education Programme" from April 23 in Ferbane. The sessions will take place over a six week period in The Heritage Centre, for two hours from 7.30pm to 9.30pm each evening. The programme is open to all members of the general public and community and is free of charge. If you would like to attend, please contact Michelle in the VEC on 057 93 51392 or Josephine Rigney in the HSE on 057 8664513. Become a naturalist! This year"s Offaly Naturalist"s Field Club programme has begun and you"re invited! There is a large range of subjects covered from the popular early summer flowers and autumn mushrooms to dragonfly trips and finding out about mushroom stones. If you want to find out more, or be included on the mailing list for future heritage events in the county email apedlow@offalycoco.ie or phone 057 9346839.