COCKS GOLF CLASSIC The Fighting Cocks GFC will hold their annual golf classic in Leinster Hills Golf Club on Saturday next 11 September. Teams of 4 will cost €200 and can be booked in by calling Seamus on 0879781275. 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.

NEW PUPILS AND TEACHERS

Both Ballon and Rathoe National Schools reopened last week after a long and mostly hot summer break which, no doubt, was enjoyed by both pupils and teachers alike. Thirty-two new pupils, twenty-one girls and eleven boys, started in Ballon as did new teacher, Mrs. Rebecca McCaffery from Forge Meadows. Mrs McCaffery's appointment brings the number of teachers in Ballon to ten and it is envisaged that this will further increase next year. In Rathoe there were thirty-one new pupils, eighteen boys and thirteen girls, and they too have a new teacher.

The appointment of Ms. Nicola Doran from Tullow to the staff brings the number of teachers in Rathoe to eight and like Ballon it is envisaged that there will be a further increase next year.

SONG AND STORY

The September session in the monthly series of Song and Storytelling will be held in Rathoe Hall on Friday night next, 10 September starting at 8.00 p.m.

As always, admission is free and light refreshments will be served. Why not go along and enjoy a great night's entertainment free of charge?

BALLON ICA

Ballon ICA Guild will resume activities after their summer break on Tuesday 14 September 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.

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 10 September 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.

COMPUTER COURSES

Two new courses will commence at Ballon Business & Training Service shortly so book your place now to avoid disappointment. A FETAC Level 4 Computer Applications course which coves Excel, Database & Graphics gets under way on Thursday next 9 September from 7.00 to 10.00 p.m. and is fully funded for anybody in either full time or part time employment.

A FETAC Level 3 Computer Literacy course will start on Monday 20 September from 10.00 am to 12.30 p.m.

This course is aimed at beginners and introduces the participant to computer terminology, software, hardware, Word Processing and Internet & Email.

Please contact Eileen Murphy on 059 91 59447 or 087 2273516 for full details of all courses.

FAS 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.

NIGHT CLASSES

Enrolment for the Autumn Schedule of night classes will take place during the week Monday 20 to Friday 24 September from 10a.m. to 3pm. Enrolment will also take place on Tuesday night 21 September from 7.30 to 9.00 p.m.

Courses available include: Fetac level 5 Child Development, Fetac level 4 Horticulture, Nutrition and Diet, Oil Painting/Acrylics, ECDL, Economical Everyday Family Cooking, Aromatherapy for Home Use, Smart Sewing, Computers for Beginners and Pottery.

All courses will be on a Tuesday night and will start on Tuesday 28 September. For further information contact Martina Fogarty at 059-9151473 or tulcomcw@eircom.net.

GIRL'S RUGBY

Tullow RFC are hoping to set up a Under 15's Girls team (ages 11 to 15). If you are interested please come along to a meeting on tonight (Tuesday) at 7.30 p.m. in Tullow Rugby Club. For further information contact 086-1621858.