You don't need to know how to tie a bowline to enter a special contest in Galway next Saturday night, but it might help to know what it is. However, the organisers of the first national maritime quiz emphasise it is a "fun" event.
The friends of the Galway Lifeboat are hosting it in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. Support so far is "overwhelming", according to co-directors, Galway harbour master Capt Brian Sheridan and Ms Mary McInerney. Prizes are promised, and the winning team will be awarded the inaugural Commander King perpetual trophy, which will be presented by Commander Bill King.
Each team will comprise a table of four, with cost per table at £100, but there is also a special admission fee of £5 for those who prefer to watch (and laugh), and to stay for the rock 'n' roll party afterwards.
There are several tables available at the Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill, with registration at 7 p.m. on Saturday: contact (091) 561874 for reservations.
The plan is to host the quiz at various coastal locations every two years, in recognition of the voluntary work of those involved in the lifeboat service.
Also in Galway, an art auction and exhibition is being held next Sunday to raise money for the Educate Together Galway School Project building fund.
Work has just begun on the site earmarked for the school at Thomas Hynes road, having been located in temporary accommodation at Corrib Village, Newcastle, since its establishment in 1994.
Like all Educate Together schools, Galway's project was set up by a group of parents who wanted their children to be taught in an environment that is multi-denominational, child-centred, co-educational and democratic in management.
The ethos is one of respect for children of all traditions, religious and otherwise, race, family and social background.
Artworks by John Behan, Pauline Bewick, Joe Boske, John Cott, Vicki Crowley, Alice Lyons, Leonie King, Kenneth Webb and many more will be on sale. The auction will be opened by former arts minister and Galway West Labour TD, Mr Michael D. Higgins, in the Westwood House Hotel, Daingean, Newcastle, next Sunday at 7.30 p.m. Viewing is from 3 p.m. on the same day, and the auctioneer will be Mr Shane Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald Auctioneers.
Further information is available from Ms Trish Connolly at (091) 528675.
