WILD CHILD DAY: Saturday August 21 was a special day designated by the Heritage Council as 'Wild Child Day' and a large group of children and parents descended into one of the last remaining unspoiled bogs in the Ballon area to mark the occasion locally. Mr Dick Nolan, Altamont, kindly gave permission for the special wildlife event to take place in his bog and his nephew, James, provided loads of insight and information about nature and its environs.

Dr. Betsy Hickey, Ecologist, from County Wexford, introduced and identified all living things in the hedgerows, soft marshy areas and bog streams as well all the edible plants.

Among the many living things encountered were dragon flies, frogs, butterflies, ladybirds, grasshoppers and wild bees. Many of the edible berries and herbs were identified and collected by the children who showed great interest by asking loads of questions.

Following the success of the Wild Child Event, Ballon Improvement Group will host a winter wonder nature walk in Altamont Gardens in December. More details later.

COCKS GOLF CLASSIC

The Fighting Cocks GFC will hold their annual golf classic in Leinster Hills Golf Club on Saturday September 11. Teams of 4 will cost €200 and can be booked-in by calling Seamus on 087-9781275. This promises to be a great day out with a good night planned for afterwards in the newly-opened Leinster Bar.

The organizers hope that as many people as possible can attend and help to make this, their final fundraiser of the year, a success.

REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

Remarkable achievements by two local ladies made the headlines last week. Kate O'Toole, Ballynunnery, Rathoe made the news after being appointed assistant producer of the TV3 programme 'Xpose'.

At the tender age of 22, Kate, daughter of Mary and the late Michael O'Toole, is one of the country's youngest TV producers. Also making the headlines was Suzanne Smyth, youngest daughter of John and Margaret Smyth, Connaberry who secured 600 points in her Leaving Certificate. Suzanne secured six A1s and one A2 and now hopes to study medicine or pharmacy.

AFTERSCHOOLS SERVICE

Ballon/Rathoe Community Childcare's Out of Schools Service recommences this week.

New parents or existing parents who want their child picked up or brought to Ballon School must contact the childcare office immediately to fill out an application form.

The cost is €13.00 for morning and afternoon and €10.00 for afternoon only. Telephone 087/2352449 for all the details.

INTERIOR DESIGN COURSE

Are you looking for ways to give your home the 'WOW' factor? Are you planning any major changes or simply looking for those elusive finishing touches? Does choosing paint colours confuse you? Are you looking for design inspiration and makeover tips that won't cost the earth?

If so why not enrol in the six week Interior Design class with local Designer Margaret Harrington which will commence in Ballon Business Centre on Friday September 10 from 10.00 am until 12 noon and the cost is only €10.

This course is funded by Carlow VEC under their New Horizons Programme Equality for Women which is aimed at women wishing to return to work.

It is essential that you book your place as soon as possible as spaces are limited. Phone Eileen on 059-9159447 or mobile 087-2273516 for more details or to book a place on this or any of the other courses planned for the autumn.

UNDER-21 FINAL

Local side Burrin Rangers will play Fenagh in the under-21 FC 'B' final on tomorrow Wednesday evening. The game will be played at Dr. Cullen Park with a 6.30 p.m. throw-in. Burrin scored a 1-15 to 1-11 win over Kildavin-Clonegal last time out to reach tomorrow's decider.

SENIOR CITIZENS

Church Gate Collections in aid of Ballon/Rathoe Senior Citizens will be held at all masses on Saturday and Sunday 3/4 September. Your support for this worthy cause would be appreciated.

BALLON ICA

Ballon ICA Guild will resume activities after their summer break on Tuesday September 14 in The Forge, Kilbride at 8.00 p.m. New members are invited to attend.

The Guild will be holding art classes in Ballon starting in mid-September. Details are available from Bernie on 0599159133.

SAFE PASS TRAINING

Ballon Business and Training Service will run a FAS Safe Pass Training Course on Saturday 25 September, the aim of which is to provide participants with a basic standard of safety awareness in the construction industry.

The course duration is one day from 8.30 a.m. until 4.30 p.m. and a FAS Safe Pass Registration Card will be issued to participants. Each group will consist of a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 20 participants who must be over 16 years old and must have a good command of the English language.

Participants must bring a passport size photo and their PPS number. The fee is €85 and this includes FAS registration fees and refreshments. The course may be cancelled or postponed if sufficient bookings are not received. Non attendance cannot be refunded. To book a place please phone Eileen on 0599159447 or 087-2273516.

CLUSTER AREA MEETING

This meeting, for members of Parish Councils, Readers, Eucharistic Ministers and Parish Secretaries will take place in Tullow Parish Centre on Tuesday September 28 at 8.00 p.m. Parishes in our Cluster are Tullow, Ballon/Rathoe, Clonmore, and Clonegal.

KARATE CLASSES

Karate classes for children take place in Ballon Community Centre every Monday from 3.30 to 4.45 p.m. 3.30 p.m. Adult Class are held every Tuesday night at 8.00p.m. Contact Noel Almond on 0866097834 for full details.