Youth choir:

Auditions take place in Dublin next Sunday and in Cork on May 1st and 2nd for the 1998 Irish Youth Choir. Dates for Galway and Waterford are arranged with applicants. Membership of the 100-strong mixed voice choir provides a unique opportunity to work in a noncompetitive atmosphere, according to administrator Barbara Heas. Successful applicants must be between 17 and 29, prepared to spend a week in rehearsal in Cork, starting on June 26th preparing for two concerts - one in Rowe St Church, Wexford, on July 3rd; the other in the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Cashel, Co Tipperary, on July 4th. The audition involves a short set piece which can be obtained in advance from the administrator. Contact: Irish Youth Choir Office, Drinan St, Cork - phone (021) 962457

Racing: Students, parents and guidance counsellors are invited to the Racing Apprentice Centre of Education (RACE) open days at the National Stud, Kildare, on May 13th (2-4pm), May 20th (2-4pm) and May 27th (114pm). Students must be accompanied by at least one adult. RACE is taking applications for its 10 months-long `pre-apprentice jockey' course. Applicants must be aged between 15 and 17, weigh no more than 7 1/2 stone, be athletic and love horses. The course, from August to June, is preceeded by a two-week trial in July. The best 30 students are admitted. RACE director Derek O'Sullivan says the programme enjoys a 100 per cent employment record. The course is FAS funded. Successful applicants get an age-related allowance starting at £27.50 per week plus free board and lodgings. For details phone (045) 522468, 522808 or 521305.

Chess:

The AGM of the Leinster Schools Chess Association takes place on May 11th at 8pm at St Benildus College, Upper Kilamacud Rd, Stillorgan, Co Dublin. All types of schools are catered for and both primary and second-level schools participate in the association's competitions. Contact development officer John Forde - phone (01) 831 7435

Masterpiece:

For Leaving Cert students - a screening of a film adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's masterpiece, Long Day's Journey into Night, at the Film Institute of Ireland, 6 Eustace St, in Dublin's Temple Bar, next Saturday at 11am. Director David Wellington's film is based on Canada's acclaimed Stratford Theatre Festival production of the play. Tickets cost £3. Contact: Alicia McGivern or Tony Tracy - phone (01) 679 5744.

AGM:

The Teachers Association for Media (TAME) is holding its AGM on Saturday at 3pm in the meeting room of the Irish Film Centre, Temple Bar, Dublin. Guest speaker Tom Mullins of the NCCA will speak on the new English Leaving Cert syllabus. Contact (051) 843338 evenings only.