The local papers this week have news on Belly Dancing in Charleville Castle near Tullamore on tomorrow afternoon. You should wear comfortable clothing and bring a scarf.

Hayden’s Hotel in Ballinasloe are commencing Ballroom Dancing Classes that will continue for six weeks.

Ferbane is getting a new Boutique. Best wishes to Geranner Ladies Boutique, Main Street, Ferbane who are opening their doors on Friday 27^th January at 12.00 Noon.

The Weather Eye on today’s Irish Times talks about the appearance of mystery rocks found away from their home base and explain that they were moved at the time of the Ice Age. The end of the column tells about a lecture being given tonight in Trinity College tonight by Peter Coxon while is highly recommended. Peter Coxon has a Shannonbridge connection as his father and mother and brother John were yearly visitors to Shannonbridge for many years.

Sorry to hear of the death of Sister Andrea in America this week who was a family friend. Her funeral takes place today. Say a prayer for soul and may she rest in peace.

Shannonbridge Library has reopened after the Christmas break and you are welcome to visit or join any Thursday evening from 7 to 9 pm.

The table quiz last night in aid of Bothar was a great success. The organizers presented some very attractive prizes for the raffle and the supporters responded by purchasing over 600 Euro in ticket sales. The night was worth almost 1000 Euro to the cause. They were wondering if anybody might be interested in rearing baby goats which would later be sent to families in Africa. Contact Ritchie Brown if interested.

Today was another overcast day with temperatures of 12C / 54F.

Marie from Saint Mary’s, Cherry Hill was on the telephone and is going to look at Louise singing on You’re a Star last Sunday which Louise has available on her website www.louisekilleen.com

Mary is taking part in the bird survey for Birdwatch Ireland ( local contact Rose Ryan ).

Last week she recorded 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 2 Coal Tit, 6 Blue Tit, 6 Great Tit, 14 Hooded Crow, 15 Starlings, 6 House Sparrow, 6 Chaffinch, 8 Greenfinch, 20 Goldfinch, 1 Linnet feeding on five nut feeders and on trays of food on the roof.

No sign of a Wren, Goldcrest, Long Tailed Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Siskin, Bullfinch, Redpole, Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon or Sparrow Hawk.

If you have not started then why not get a few nut feeders and a supply of nuts and enjoy the birds as they feed.