Raifil Realta or "Raffle of the Stars" is the title of an unusual gig out in Park Lodge Hotel, Spiddal, Connemara, tonight which aims to "raise funds for a fundraiser".
If that sounds a mite confusing, it is only because two participants in a 100-km walk next month in Malawi, Africa, are trying to generate some sponsorship before they get too many blisters.
The pair, Trevor O Clochartaigh, an independent television director with TnaG, and colleague, Mali Ni Dhomhnaill, are undertaking the walk between October 14th and 24th to raise money for Self Help Development International, a Carlow-based charity. Self Help's approach is to invest in development projects that meet specific local requirements - using local skills and personnel, rather than expatriate volunteers - in Ethiopia, Eritrea and Malawi.
The trek by 45 participants will be led by sports commentator Miche al O Muircheartaigh, and will include a one-day visit to a project in the Chiradzulu region of Malawi. The 10-day endurance test will be recorded on Digicam for a half-hour documentary which will be screened on TnaG. Tonight's Raifil Realta will be attended by celebrities from television, entertainment, the arts and sports world. All proceeds of both this and the walk will go directly to Self Help.
In Mayo, Uan don Bheatha or "Lamb for Life" is the title of an initiative supported by Lake District Enterprise in Ballinrobe, Irish Country Meats in Ballyhaunis and the South Mayo Quality Lamb Producers' Group. Members of the group are being asked to donate one lamb, which will be slaughtered for the European market. Its value is then donated to Trocaire to help alleviate famine in Sudan.