A round up of events countrywide
Adoption day:UCD School of Applied Social Science will host A little day about adoption on Friday, December 14th at the Social Work Building, Room C001, 10am-4pm.Aimed at anyone with an involvement with adoption, the programme will include discussion of the current topics associated with adoption and complex blended families, focusing on openness, search and reunion, and including the social media impact and sibling connections. Cost €40 or €60 for couples. For information, contact valerie.obrien@ucd.ie, or tel 087 2055523, or martina.reidy@ucd.ie
Public talk:The Hepatitis C virus – deadly, dangerous or docile is the theme of Prof Cliona O'Farrelly's free public talk tomorrow at 6.30pm in the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Pearse St, Dublin 2. See tcd.ie/biochemistry for more details.
Surgery in conflict:Prof Paul McMaster, surgeon with Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders, will give a free public talk about his recent work in Syria tomorrow at 6.30pm in the RHA Gallery, Ely Place, Dublin 2. In the conflict zone of northwest Syria, Prof McMaster and his team performed over 100 surgeries in an operating theatre set up in a cave hospital. See msf.ie/cave_hospital.Advance booking advised on events@dublin.msf.org
Power of play:The importance of play in understanding children's behaviour is the topic of a public talk on Thursday at 7.30pm in the Psychological Society of Ireland, Floor 2, Grantham House, Grantham Street, Dublin 2. It will be given by Caroline Flynn, a senior play specialist in Temple Street Children's University Hospital, and Eileen Prendiville, psychotherapist and director of the Children's Therapy Centre, Westmeath. Advanced booking on sigcap09@gmail.com. Admission €5.
Film festival:The inaugural Fingal Film Festival goes ahead in Fingal Community College, Seatown Road, Swords on Saturday, noon to 11pm. Activities include animation films, children's entertainment, live bands and all proceeds go towards youth mental health services in the area. Admission €5 or €15/€20 for families. See also fingalfilmfestival.com
Friendly panto:Beauty and the Beast is the pantomime being staged at the Helix theatre in Dublin on Thursday. This year's show is "senstory friendly" and specially designed for children with special needs. The adaptations include no sudden noises or bangs, softer and brighter lighting and music at a suitable level. Call Emma at 083 0024 728.
Silver bells:Beaumont Hospital Foundation is selling silver bells designed by silversmith Seamus Gill as a seasonal fundraiser. The bells, which can be bought on bhf.ie, will be posted anywhere in the world with a personal message enclosed. Cost €20 plus postage. Tel: 01 8092927.
sthompson@irishtimes.com