Just a quick note for those of you who may wish to share an expression of interest in an idea that has come up: We are currently using Google Apps for schools at work at the moment and they are simple amazing. (User friendly, simple yet powerful tools)

Could we not use the same to create an on-line business network among local firms to improve communication between local businesses?

You could create both an on-line notice board for businesses members while creating a set of pages for public view also. All could be used to help local firms. Links to and from the www.bandon.ie website could also be made.

I don’t know about what costs, if any would be incurred but having seen what it can do for my profession – I think it is something that we all should have a very serious look at!

Note the Business Survey Results and you’ll understand why this is important!

Bandon Half Marathon

Countdown has begun for this year’s popular even which takes place this Saturday. (May 12^th) Check out http://www.bandonhalfmarathon.com/ for updates and important news.

Bandon Business Survey

Please see link to enterprise survey results.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/23263165/Enterprise%20Committee%202012%20Survey%20Results.pdf

Well done to Bandon Enterprise Committee on the production of such an interesting and informative piece of work. This is compulsory reading for any business person in the town.

Table Quiz: Scoil Naomh Seosamh

Bandon parents will be put to the test in the coming days when they’ll be asked some revealing questions.
The parents association of Scoil Naomh Seosamh will hold a fundraising table quiz on Friday May 11 and thinking hats will be put on by quiz buffs hoping to show off their general and sporting knowledge.
As well as parent and their families, organisers are hoping quiz fans will also take part and parents of children who are about to start next September.
Funds raised from the quiz will go to the school.
The quiz goes ahead at the Brogan Inn on May 11 at 8pm.
Tables of four are 30 and there will also be cash and spot prizes on the night.
All are welcome
ends

Nevin McGuire at Martin Carey Meats:

Bandon Info – 15^th May’12

Nevin Maguire at Martin Carey Meats – 15^th May’12 from 2.00pm – 5.00pm

Martin Carey is celebrating 25 YEARS  in Business & to mark the day Celebrity Chef Nevin Maguire will have a book signing in the shop on Tuesday 15^th May’12 from 2.00pm – 5.00pm.

10% Discount for all customers on the day

Finbarr Galvins – Sponsor Bandon GAA club

Finbarr Galvin Škoda announce partnership with Bandon GAA

Finbarr Galvin Škoda have announced the sponsorship of Bandon GAA club. The three year sponsorship deal will include the adult, U21 and minor football and hurling teams. The adult Hurling team, current county intermediate champions, compete in the Premier Intermediate Hurling and the footballers compete in the Junior A championship and are currently reigning West Cork Junior A football champions.

Club members Mark Sugrue, recently a Munster U21 football medal winner and Patrick O Brien, Cork Minor Footballer, Michael Cahalane and James McSweeney, Cork Minor Hurlers, along with Premier intermediate hurling captain James O Donovan were on hand to launch the new jersey.

Speaking at the announcement, Justin Galvin, Managing Director, Finbarr Galvin Škoda said “We are delighted to sponsor the local GAA club here in Bandon as we recognize the importance in supporting the local community and what better way to support it than aiding the local GAA club. The Škoda range offers excellent value for money and we look forward to developing our relationship with the GAA club.”

This is further progress for Bandon GAA club as the club has recently completed a development costing over €500,000 which includes a flood lit ball alley and a sand-based flood-lit second pitch, which can be used 52 weeks of the year.

Pictured at the presentation of the Finbarr Galvin Škoda sponsored jerseys to Bandon GAA Club were from left to right James O’Donovan, Captain of the Bandon Intermediate Hurling team, Justin Galvin, Managing Director, Finbarr Galvin Škoda and Denis Lucey, Chairman Bandon GAA Club

Pictured at the presentation of the Finbarr Galvin Škoda sponsored jerseys to Bandon GAA Club practicing their ball skills were Mark Sugrue and James O’Donovan, Bandon GAA club while Justin Galvin Managing Director, Finbarr Galvin Škoda chats with Denis Lucey, Chairman Bandon GAA and Don Desmond, Secretary Bandon GAA

A message from the Parents Association of Scoil Bhride, Crossmahon.

A chara,

This year the Crossmahon School Parents Association is again holding their Annual Golf Classic. This Golf Classic was a huge success last year with great golf enjoyed by all participants.

You are invited to take part by entering a team of three for €120 (including a meal & goodie bag) or why not sponsor a tee box or green for €50. This year we are also offering the special offer combination of team and tee box for €150.

Our golf classic will be held on Saturday May 26^th in Lisselan Golf Club with the prize giving taking place on Saturday night in the Crossmahon Bar.  It is advisable to book early, so please feel free to contact one of our committee members:-

Helen Twohig – 086 3877772

Tina O’Leary – 086 8398606

Yours sincerely

Crossmahon Parents Association

An Tobairin

As the An Tobairin Marathon Promotion we are delighted to be able to discount all our Food Supplements and Herbal Remedies by 10% from this Wednesday 9th to Wednesday next 16th.  Hopefully this will help to alleviate some of the aching Bandon limbs!

Best of luck to all the participants!!!

Local Entrepreneurs:

Useful link to WCDP for expressions of interest: (May be a source of needed funding for potential enterprises)

http://www.wcdp.ie/project-funding/expression-of-interest/

Farmers Market at Hosfords:

We are pleased to let you know that our May Farmers Market shall be held on Sunday May 6^th 2012.

Times; 12.00-5.30pm

Torc-traditional tunes&airs @2.00pm in the Blue Geranium Café

Do take the opportunity to stock up on our superb range of Geraniums ,Fuchsias ,Patio, Bedding,Herb&Vegetable plants all freshly grown on the premises.

Keep in touch with us here at Hosfords via our website

www.hosfordsgardencentre.ie

Bandon Motors: Another win for Bandon.

Bandon Motors is delighted to announce that it is the winner of the prestigious Ford Chairman’s Award contest for “outstanding customer satisfaction” for the third year in a row.  Bandon Motors directors, Bob & Catherine Clarke, will join an elite group of other top performing European Ford Dealerships on a luxurious 5-day event in Montreux (Switzerland) in June 2012.   Lucky them!!! See: http://bit.ly/K7Q690 for the full story.

Coal – Have your say:

On 12 April 2012 Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan T.D., announced a review and public consultation of the ‘smoky coal ban’ regulations. The purpose of the consultation exercise is to inform and assist a review of the smoky coal ban regulations to ensure that they remain fit for purpose in safeguarding air quality by limiting harmful emissions of air pollutants arising from the use of residential fuels. The consultation paper reviews the regulations to date and identifies relevant considerations relating to their effective implementation in the context of developments over the twenty years since their introduction.

Links to relevant pages of DoE website and the consultation docs are given below;

http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/Atmosphere/AirQuality/SmokyCoalBan/

Smoky Coal Ban Regulations Consultation Document (pdf, 821kb)

Smoky Coal Ban Regulations Consultation Annex (pdf, 190kb)

Any person or body wishing to comment on any of the issues raised in the consultation paper is invited to make written submissions. All responses should be made by Thursday, 17th May 2012.

Bandon C0-Marketing Group Notes:

The latest news on the Health and Fitness Week:

·         “Bandon LOVES………” posters and our yellow/blue/white balloons are all available for pickup now at Bandon Books in Howards Court. They are free of charge to Bandon Co-Marketing members and are €3 for balloon and poster pack for non-members .  Please display the posters and balloons on your windows.  We would encourage everyone to write your special offers or promotions on your posters.  Try to dress your windows in a Health and Fitness theme, eg, book shop could have relevant books, restaurants could maybe do a special healthy option for the coming week, if you can’t come up with an idea then do your window display in blue yellow and white to try to give a uniform feel to the town.

·         The art and colouring competition promoting “Health and Fitness” is well under way in all the schools and will be displayed on many of the shop windows from this coming weekend.  We are delighted to have 2 fantastic judges for our competition, local artist Deirdre Crowley and recent winner of the Texaco Children’s Art Competition, Aleksandra Fudali (Ola).  Many thanks to Centra and Scannells Pharmacy who have very kindly offered sponsorship for the prizes.  If anybody else would be interested in offering some prizes we would be delighted!

·         No further information with regards to having demonstrations of various different exercise groups (eg. Pilates, tai chi, etc) at the MUGA venue on the Innishannon Road.  As soon as we get the go-ahead we will give you updated information.

·         On Half Marathon Saturday, to try to encourage participants and their families into the town, a number of restaurants have agreed to have a coffee and scone special (or the equivalent) in the morning for €2.  Please look at the restaurant windows for these very special offers.  If your restaurant/coffee shop/bar would like to participate in this offer, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can advertise your business on a flyer that will be available on the day.

Renewing membership & getting new members:

We would hope that all of our members will renew their membership but we would also love to welcome new members.  This is a critical time for businesses to work together to help promote our town, never more so than now when, not only are we caught in the grip of the recession but the major drainage works will be commencing soon.  We need to support each other as much as we possibly can.

Mike Brown Photography: Special Discount Available:

If you are interested in creating a top quality photo album of your best and favourite photos, then check out : http://www.mikebrownphotography.com/photobooks

25% off all products from MB Photobooks from 29th April until 31st May

Use Voucher Code MB25MAY when ordering of avail of this offer.

I can personally recommend this as a great gift!

A note from Specsavers:
Specsavers Bandon is proud to show its continued support for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind as they prepare to support the charities SHADES fundraising campaign. Representatives from the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, along with some adorable puppies, will be visiting Specsavers Bandon this Friday 4 May and are hoping that the public will help them support the campaign and give generously throughout the day. So be sure to call into Specsavers Bandon this Friday to say hello, all donations big or small are most appreciated.

Stop Press: It is now official … word has just come back that Bandon has been given official of breaking the world record. The officie of the Guinness Book of World records contacted the organisers earlier today to tell them the good news. Well done to all organisers and participants!

Bandon Provisional Flood Emergency Plan …. key details:

Please find available on the www.bandon.ie website some resources that should interest all business people and locals who have bee affected by and may be affected by potential flooding in the future. The resources include an ‘Interim Plan of Action, a list of co-ordinators and a mobile alert … street by street.
The recent rainfall advice that has been given is a gentle reminder that we need to finalise a formal, agreed flood emergency plan that should be made publically available to all residents and visitors.
Consider the following …. imagine a ‘worst case scenario’ and we had a similar event …. what if we had a 4 hour warning that a flood was imminent ….. would the car insurance companies consider getting in tow-trucks to move vehicles from flooding areas to a location like the church car park? How much money would be saved? How can we make this happen?
We need a ‘best practice’ plan that is agreed, easy to understand and functional. We have the brains in the town to make it real …. but do we have the desire to make it happen? Click on the following links to view:

Provisional Emergency Plan of Action

List of CoOrdinators

Mobile Alert Street by Street

http://www.facebook.com/BandonTown
We are currently on c.890 likes and we’re hoping to get this figure over 1,000 in the near future. Can you help? Please log and like us.

J Barter Travel Group
You will also find some information about a very interesting holiday offer that the J Barter travel group have available at the moment. You might consider mentioning that you heard of the offer through this website if and when possible. Check out the notice with great offers.

Specsavers
Specsavers Bandon were busy uncovering Bandon’s model potential on Saturday 21 April in the Riverview Shopping Centre as the search for Specsavers Irish Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2012 is well under way. Specsavers staff members were scouting for guys and girls who have specs appeal and the potential to be crowned Irish Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2012. Pictured at the SWOTY scouting day are Specsavers Bandon staff members Niamh Keohane and Megan Vaughan. Specsavers Bandon will be SWOTY scouting all Summer so if you think you could be Ireland’s Spectacle wearer of the year 2012 winner be sure to pop in store to enter the competition! You can also enter online but please ensure you send a picture of yourself in glasses. For an entry form please click here http://competition.specsavers.ie/

Defibrillator Training:
A copy of an email received:
Dear All,

Bandon Show:

Click on the following link to view a poster of this years event: Bandon Show 2012 poster
Remember that if you have a Bandon based activity using 5 options for free … please email details to visitbandon@gmail.com PROMOTING BANDON:

Locate Yourself:
Firms are invited to check out http://www.bandon.ie/maps/businesses/ and check if your business has been highlighted. Any firm running a business locally is invited to email me at visitbandon@gmail.com with your company name, full address, contact number, email address, web address and a very brief summary of what the business does so that it can be inserted into the map. This should be of use to any local business and it is free! (If I have a huge response – it may take a few days to update the map but rest assured that it will be done)

(All data is accepted in good faith and liability cannot be accepted for any consequences. All readers are advised to check locally for more detail)
Key info:
Email: visitbandon@gmail.com / bandonupdates@gmail.com
Website: www.bandon.ie
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bandon.town

Regards,
T Collins
24 April 2012

They have asked us to convey a special thank you to all those who voted for them:
Thanks for your message and thanks for your help with promoting our appearance. Thanks also for providing the platform for us to pass on our sincere thanks to all in the community who watched the programme and who voted for us.
Susan has admitted how nervous she was and she does admit that she didn’t really enjoy the experience. (But we don’t think it showed). They have been overwhelmed by the sentiments of goodwill and kind comments from their fellow Bandonians. Well done to O’Leary’s on showing true Bandon spirit on doing us proud. Susan puts it down to Bandon’s strong community spirit. (But sure we knew that all along!)

Bandon to Innishannon clean up.
Congrats to all involved in the Bandon to Innishannon Road clean-up that took place in the early hours of April 1. Your Trojan efforts are an inspiration to us all. The young people of our area should take note of the leadership and effort made by civic-minded people who live in our locality.

Opinion Awards
Well done to the many winners who received their awards at the recent Opinion / Bandon Credit Union awards that took place in the Munster Arms recently. More details to follow but special word of congrats to our World Record Attempt organising committee. See more details in the next issue of the Opinion magazine.

Bandon Athletic Club / Rugby Club 10k / Half marathon on May 12
Please find below a press release detailing this event:
Bandon Athletic Club and Bandon Rugby Clubs supported by Caulfield’s Supervalu, Kevin O’Leary Group/Centra, Kinetica Sports Drinks, The Edge Sports and Bandon Office Supplies  in association with Cork Sports Partnership along with Bandon Co-Marketing Group have once again come together to organise the Bandon Half Marathon and 10k road races on Saturday  May 12^th 2012. Last year’s event was a great success with 735 participants between both races. Bandon Rugby Club will be Race H.Q with plenty of parking and facilities. The route will be the same as last year starting in Old Chapel proceeding towards Gaggin, before moving on to the Bandon River Valley. The Half Marathon course follows the Bandon River on a route which provides a good mix of terrain and is ideal preparation for the Cork City Marathon. The 10k route is again varied and provides a rewarding route for first timers to the distance. Fit 4 Life groups are particularly welcome to participate in this race. Cork Sports Partnership, the organising force behind the Fit 4 Life concept has come on board to promote the event.
Both races will finish in Bandon Town with a festive atmosphere guaranteed.                              The town is fully behind the concept via the Bandon Co-Marketing Group. Shops will be putting on special displays and entertainment for children will be laid on. Massage facilities will be available at the finish and courtesy bus will take athletes back to Race H.Q. Some prizes will be presented at the finish and the remainder back at the Rugby Club. With so many road races being run on a commercial basis, the fact that every cent raised will go into well established sports clubs makes this an event worth supporting. Bandon Athletic Club is raising funds for an all weather track while Bandon Rugby Club is funding development of underage players through their Academy. Registration online is recommended at www. bandonhalfmarathon.com. Entry fee for the Half Marathon is €25 and the 10k is €15. As an incentive it will also be possible to register at the Riverview Shopping Centre in Bandon over Easter.

Bandon Show 2012.
The Bandon Diamond Jubilee Show will be held at the Showgrounds  Castlebernard, Bandon on Sunday May 20^th next. More details to follow when available.

Patrick Keohane Memorial Project
Take note that the exploits of the late Patrick Keohane  are being commemorated by our friends in Courtmacsherry. He is the last polar hero not to have a monument in his memory in his country of birth. The Patrick Keohane Memorial project is addressing this issue by the creation of a memorial in his honour.  More details on this exciting project are to follow. If interested in donating to this project – please note the following bank details: Bank of Ireland, Clonakilty, Co Cork. NSC: 90-26-10 and a/c/ number: 87700965.

Cluid: National Spring Clean:
We at Cluid housing Association have registered for the National Spring clean and intend to carry this out on Friday 20th April. We have sent off for all the necessary equipment  and may or may not require an extra collection, depending on how much rubbish we find. We are the apartment block on the North side of the river, opposite the Garda station(Mill Court).

Notes from the Bandon Co-Marketing Group:
Bandon LOVES………” posters are in the process of being designed and printed, we’ll let you know when those are ready.
· Our yellow, white and blue balloons have come in and will be available from 27^th April for decorating premises.  A bag of 10 balloons with co-ordinating ribbons will be free to BCMG members and €2 for non-members.
· An art and colouring competition promoting “Health and Fitness” is taking place in all the schools, flyers are currently being done and will be handed out to all the schools in the area.  The artwork will be displayed on many of the shop windows, in particular  the unoccupied premises for the week leading up to the Half Marathon.  We would love some sponsorship for prizes or actual prizes if anyone would like to help out there?  Please let us know as soon as possible so we can promote that.
· We’re working on getting demonstrations of various different exercise groups (eg. Pilates, tai chi, etc) to take place at the MUGA venue on the Innishannon Road, during the Health and Fitness Week and also on the Half Marathon Saturday.  Details of these will be given nearer the time.
· There will be demonstrations of how to use the exercise machines at MUGA for those who are not already availing of this fantastic facility. Again, more details on that when they come in.
· We’re hoping that Wild Side Sports will give a kayaking/canoeing demonstration on the river on 12^th May which would be fantastic, more on that later.

Innishannon Steam and Vintage Rally
Date for your diary:  The 15^th Innishannon Steam and Vintage Rally takes place on Sunday, June3rd and Monday June 4^th. Check out www.isvrally.comfor updates.

St. Brogan’s College Parents’ Association -Speaker
St Brogan’s College Parents’ Association will host a talk by Liam Doocey, Youth Development Officer in St. Brogan’s College on Monday 23rd April at 7.15pm. The speaker will cover issues such as drug and alcohol abuse by teenagers, bullying, etc and parents will have an opportunity to ask questions. This talk is aimed towards parents of teenagers. All welcome. Admission is free, however, voluntary donations will be gratefully accepted on the night

Bandon Jazz – Cotton Club:
Small reminder of tomorrow’s opening night (Thursday 19th) of Cotton Club, jazz and blues at the Brogan Inn, with Nigel Mooney and special guests Louis Stewart and Myles Drennan
Ticket 10€
Doors: 8:15 PM
Show: 9 PM

The competition is in its 58th year and Aleksandra fought off competition form c.26,000 fellow competitors. She collected a cheque of €2,000 as part of winning the first prize.

Congrats Aleksandra on your achievement. We hope it is the first of many.

The future is bright … the future is with education in Bandon!

See: http://www.texacochildrensart.com/ for more details and http://www.texacochildrensart.com/gallery_view/#/content/2012%20Winners/Category%20A/A01.jpg for Aleksandra’s winning picture.

This issue contains details on:

1. Bandon Main Drainage Scheme
2. Work of the West Cork Development Partnership
3. O’Leary Fashions & Footwear – Appearance on TV3
4. Bandon to Innishannon clean-up
5. Details of the 2012 Bandon Music Festival
6. Bandon Athletic / Rugby Clubs & the Half Marathon / 10K run

1. Bandon Main Drainage Scheme

Details of the Bandon Main Drainage scheme are to be found on the attached document. All Bandonians need to familiarise themselves with what is about to happen and note the potential impact on Bandon during the process. This is time well spent as it is probably the biggest engineering project that will take place in Bandon in our lifetime.

Bandon Sewerage Scheme – Stage 2 Main Works Contract

2. West Cork Development Partnership Notes:

Open Invitation to Walking Study Launch

It is estimated that walking trails and supporting services are generating €14 million for the local economy of West Cork’s West Coast. However, some relatively modest investment could increase the value of walking tourism to West Cork by nearly €8 million to €22 million a new study has revealed.

The West Cork Development Partnership has recently completed a comprehensive strategic assessment and appraisal of the economic opportunities for the development of Walking Tourism in West Cork. The study seeks as its principal aim, to devise an economic vision, strategy and roadmap that will assist local stakeholders in maximising local economic benefit from sustainable economic activities derived from and associated with walking tourism. The study also presents newly collated data on the current direct economic value (revenues and employment) directly generated by walking tourism in the West Cork region.

Details of the study launch are as follows:

Venue: The Eccles Hotel, Glengarriff

Date: Wednesday, April 4^th 2012

Time: 5pm Sharp

The study will be available as a free download from www.wcdp.ie post-launch

All are welcome

Substantial Funding Available for Food Projects

We are pleased to announce that funding is now available to support the creation and development of agri-food enterprises in West Cork. Funding up to a maximum value of €200,000 is available to micro, small and medium enterprises adding value to agri-food products.

On March 6^th, 2012 Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government announced that €5 million in funding will be provided in 2012/2013 to support the creation and development of Agri-Food enterprises in rural Ireland.

WCDP can offer supports for investment in areas such as:

Infrastructure Works ¦ Equipment ¦ Marketing

Given the relatively small budget available nationally we would encourage businesses with project proposals or looking for further information to get in contact with Kevin Santry, on 023 8834035 or by email to kevin@wcdp.ie as soon as possible.

Timber & Wood Energy Funding

Local timber, particularly from farmer owned plantations, is a growing resource in West Cork that has tremendous potential for creating jobs, renewable energy, exports and ultimately chains of valuable business activity. If you are looking to make an investment in this sector, whether in a new or an existing business, we would be interested in talking to you about potential support for your project.

Possible investments could include:

- Timber processing equipment & yards (post-harvest)

- Manufacturing of wood products from local timber

- Biomass energy systems and supply chains

- Woodland amenity and biodiversity for recreation and education

The above list is not exhaustive and any application needs to be considered in light of other public supports and policies.

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Kevin Santry at 023-8834035 or email kevin@wcdp.ie

Call for Proposals – Community Recreational Amenities

We are currently seeking Expressions of Interest from suitable local community organisations for the development of Community Recreational Amenities. Project Proposals should have a broad appeal, promote quality of life, social interaction and be accessible to the widest possible range of users. Projects should aim to incorporate:

Health and Fitness – Walks, Multi-Aged Facility etc.

Active Spaces – Accessible Play or Exercise Areas etc.

Passive Spaces – Promotes Biodiversity, Sensory Landscaping etc.

Innovation – Equipment and Design etc.

Proposals are welcome from locations with existing facilities in need of upgrade or new locations where there is an identified need. Projects can be integrated with existing amenities and can support the tourism product in the area.

Following the Call for Proposals, potential projects will be short-listed and then matched with a Mentor to assist them in the final consultation and design of the Community Recreational Amenity. Capital Investment for eligible Projects is available at 75% with the matching 25% coming from the local community.

Closing date for receipt of Expressions of Interest is Thursday 12^th April 2012. Please contact Lisa Cashman at 023 8834035 or lisac@wcdp.ie for further information.

Energy Assessment for Community Buildings

We are currently seeking Expressions of Interest from suitable Community Organisations who wish to incorporate alternative or renewable energy actions to meet their community’s energy needs.

An information Seminar in will be held in May 2012 where various
renewable energy options will be demonstrated. Following this community groups will have the opportunity to have Energy Assessments carried out on Community Buildings. Groups can then make a formal application to seek funding from the appropriate agency to carry out the recommended actions from the assessment.

Interested Organisations should make contact with Lisa Cashman at 023 8834035 or lisac@wcdp.ie by 12^th April 2012.

3. O’Leary Fashion & Footwear details:

O’Leary Fashion and Footwear from Main street will be appearing on  tv3′s fashion programme “Battle of the counties” on 11th April.

This will be an opportunity to promote not only their  business  but also to promote Bandon as a great shopping destination with many great  boutiques and restaurants. This appearance on this programme is very timely  as it also gives a chance to emphasise that Bandon businesses (especially  on South Main street) will still be open for business during the flood
works.

O’Leary Fashion & Footwear are up against a boutique from Offaly, viewers text in and vote for the  boutique they want to win, that’s where the battle comes in “Cork versus
Offaly”. It would be great if we could get Bandon behind them and come home
with the Fashion Oscar.

We have already seen what the people of Bandon can do if we support our own!

4. Bandon Tidy Towns – Bandon to Innishannon :

Well done and thank you to all of the volunteers who helped the Bandon and Innishannon Tidy Towns groups who helped to make a difference last Sunday morning.

5. Bandon Music Festival – Bressie & Fred. June bank holiday weekend

Some details of the 2012 Bandon Music festival are now available and what a treat we have in store for Bandon. Well done to the Festival committee for securing the services of the highly popular Bressie and the Indie rock band – ‘Fred’.

More details will be highlighted when available  but check out the following for just-released info: http://www.bandonmusicfestival.com/home/default.asp

For all local business people – consider the impact of a team-effort with the possible positive implications for local businesses from the festival. This is a huge opportunity to attract trade to our town.

6. Bandon Athletic Club / Half Marathon: May 12

The official launch of the 2012 Bandon Half Marathon took place recently. This popular event is proving to be a ‘must-do’ for all local athletes. Check out http://www.bandonhalfmarathon.com/ for more information and registration details.

BRESSIE & FRED TO HEADLINE BANDON MUSIC FESTIVAL 2012

Leading musician and judge on the hit TV show ‘The Voice of Ireland’, Bressie will take centre stage at this year’s Bandon Music Festival, which takes place in the West Cork town this June bank holiday weekend (June 2nd to 4th).

Other acts on stage at this year’s festival will include indie rock band Fred, who are currently touring Canada with their new album. The Bandon Music Festival will also feature up-and-coming folk-rock-blues band The Hard Ground and J90.

Check out the following for more details:

http://www.bandonmusicfestival.com/home/default.asp

Ticket details:

Advance tickets are on sale now at www.tickets.ie. Please note online booking fees apply for advance tickets.

Tickets will be available to purchase at the event on a first-come, first-served basis from the festival ticket office at Bandon Town Hall.

Tickets are priced at €10 per night for adults, €15 for an adult weekend ticket, €5 per night for Under 18s and under 12s go free.

PRESS RELEASE:

BRESSIE & FRED TO HEADLINE BANDON MUSIC FESTIVAL

Monday 2^nd April 2012: Leading musician and judge on the hit TV show ‘The Voice of Ireland’, Bressie will take centre stage at this year’s Bandon Music Festival, which takes place in the West Cork town this June bank holiday weekend (June 2nd to 4th).

Other acts on the main stage at this year’s festival will include indie-rock band Fred, who are currently touring Canada with their new album. The Bandon Music Festival will also feature up-and-coming folk-rock-blues band The Hard Ground and J90.

Established in 1997, the Bandon Music Festival has grown organically into one of Ireland’s leading independent music events. The three-day festival has earned its reputation by attracting big name acts including The Undertones, Mundy, Jerry Fish and the Mudbug Club, Aslan, the Saw Doctors, Sharon Shannon, Republic of Loose and Fight Like Apes. The festival’s mixture of traditional sessions, folk and rock music means there is something for everyone over the weekend.

Former lead singer of one of Ireland’s biggest bands The Blizzards, writer, performer and producer Bressie aka Niall Breslin is no stranger to the Bandon Music Festival having performed at it in 2008. In May 2011 he released the big-chorused synth-pop anthem ‘Can’t Stay Young (Forever)’ as his debut solo single which is sure to feature on his setlist at the festival.

In between performing sell-out gigs around the country, Bressie also moonlights as a judge on RTE’s TV show ‘The Voice of Ireland’.

Festival organiser Dan Murphy said, “We are delighted to be putting on another great weekend of music and entertainment in Bandon for the June bank holiday. Every year we manage to get huge stars from the Irish music scene and this year is no different. Our aim is to offer first rate acts at family friendly prices. So bring all the family to Bandon this June bank holiday.”

“We have a wide range of accommodation options in Bandon including hotels, hostels and campsites, so we cater for all budgets,” he said.

With a local farmers’ market, a top-class free music trail in the town’s pubs and plenty of tourist attractions in the area, the three-day West Cork festival has something for all the family.

Bressie will kick off the festival on Saturday, June 2nd starting at 8pm while Fred will take to the stage as the headline act on Sunday, June 3rd.

Advance tickets are on sale at www.tickets.ie. Please note online booking fees apply for advance tickets. Tickets are priced: €10 per night for adults, €15 for an adult weekend ticket, €5 per night for Under 18’s and Under 12’s go free.

For more information log on to www.bandonmusicfestival.com or join us on:

Twitter: @BandonMusicFest

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BandonMusicFestival

ENDS

For more information, interview opportunities and images please contact Brenda Carney at H+A Marketing + PR, 021-4666200 or bcarney@hagroup.ie.

About Bandon Music Festival

Originally called after a well-known jig, the inaugural ‘Humours of Bandon’ traditional music festival was held in 1997. After six years of increasing success the organisers decided to expand the festival into mainstream music and in 2002 Bandon Music Festival – with its mixture of traditional, rock, and folk music – was born.

With audience figures more than 2,500 in 2011, the festival continues to capture even greater audiences every year.

For more information see www.bandonmusicfestival.com.

About Bressie

Niall Breslin, or Bressie as he is better known, was born in Dublin in 1980. He moved to Mullingar when he was two and in 1993 he moved to Israel for six months.

He found musical success as the lead singer, guitarist and songwriter with pop band The Blizzards and as a co-writer and producer with London-based agency 19 Entertainment.

In sport, Bressie earned 14 caps for Leinster Rugby between 2000 and 2004 and also represented Westmeath in football at Minor, Under-21 and Senior Championship levels.

After releasing two albums with The Blizzards, Bressie decided he needed a challenge and decided to go solo. His first single ‘Can’t Stay Young Forever’ was released on May 27, 2011.

Bressie is one of four judges on RTE’s tv talent show ‘The Voice of Ireland’. Along with Sharon Corr, Kian Egan and Brian Kennedy, Bressie coaches and mentors singing hopefuls whose ultimate aim is to be voted The Voice of Ireland on a live tv final and win a recording contract with Universal Music.

He plans to release his debut as-yet-untitled solo album this summer.

For more information see www.bressiemusic.com.

About Fred

Fred is a Cork-based indie band who released their first album, ‘Can’t Stop, I’m Being Timed’ in 2002 and have since release three more albums with critical success. Their most recent album, ‘Leaving My Empire’, was streamed on Soundcloud in April 2011. It went straight into the Irish Album charts at No 27 and the Indie Charts at No 10.

Fred have played at festivals around the world including Electric Picnic, Hard Working Class Heroes and Indiependence. They are currently on tour in Canada promoting their new album.

For more information see www.fredtheband.com.

Check out the following video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dfWzp7rYR4

P.S. Well done to the volunteers who helped to make a massive difference on the Bandon to Innishannon road this morning. (That was no April Fool!)

Enjoy ;D

Hi All, There is a Tidy Towns ” SPRING CLEAN “ on Sunday 1st April at 6am starting at the  forge Innishannon and at the same time  at  Cahalanes Garage Bandon both groups of people will work  towards one another cleaning  both sides of the main road from Innishannon to Bandon of the litter and rubbish, your help is needed and we will be glad to see all who can come along to help. Please bring a good pair of gloves for yourself , refreshments will be served at Dundainel Castle for all after the big clean up, please come along and get involved.

A special thank you to Micheál Hurley of Courtmacsherry for providing refreshments for the morning’s activities.