Weekend of arts and sports packs a punch

A WEEKEND of high-brow entertainment and sports is promised over the coming days.

Following on from Culture Night, which saw galleries, theatres, museums and cultural centres open their doors to the public for a series of free events, there’s plenty of other activities for those interested in the arts.

The Athlone Literary Festival takes place at the Prince of Wales Hotel today and tomorrow. Among those appearing at this year’s event are Dermot Bolger and Irene Graham.

The Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival, which kicked off on Thursday with The Manganiyar Seduction, a theatrical display of Indian gypsy culture at the Gaiety, continues with Conor McPherson’s The Birds at the Gate and Enda Walsh’s The New Electric Ballroom at the Peacock among the highlights.

Theatre of a different kind takes place at the O2 Arena where Bernard Dunne’s super bantamweight WBA world title defence against Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym is on. In Limerick, Magners League champions Munster take on Newport Gwent Dragons at Musgrave Park tomorrow.

In Connacht the Galway International Oyster Festival continues while the 32nd Clifden Community Arts week is set to conclude tomorrow. Also coming to an end this weekend is the Bulmers Comedy Festival in Dublin. The Irish Antique Dealers Fair is on at the Main Hall in the RDS and drivers are advised that delays are likely close to the venue.