Twenty years on from his Olympic silver medal win, Wayne McCullough will be in the Old Courthouse, Antrim, for an evening of conversation, on Wednesday 23^rd May.

The event, in aid of Antrim’s Olympic and Paralympic Welcome Host Committee, will give fans of the ‘Pocket Rocket’ a chance to hear firsthand how Wayne’s experiences inside and out of the ring have afforded him such titles as ‘The Best Chin in Boxing’ and the first ever ‘World Boxing Council Ambassador of Peace’.

Wayne McCullough said:  “The Olympic Games will always hold an extra special place in my heart and I’m excited to be involved in Northern Ireland’s preparations ahead of London 2012.  Hosting this event in aid of the Welcome Host Committee, who will welcome the teams to Antrim in preparation for the games, gives me the opportunity to participate in London 2012 without actually stepping into the ring!”

Maeve Kyle, Olympic athlete and Chair of the Antrim Welcome Host Committee commented: “The Committee have been fundraising and organising events for the three Pre-Games Training Camps in Antrim.  The aim is to engage as many young people with the Teams and their sports while they are here and build a legacy that will last long after the Games are over.  Wayne is an inspirational sportsman and we are thrilled that he is helping bring the London 2012 Games to life in Antrim.”

One of the top amateur fighters in the history of boxing in Ireland, Wayne had over 50 International tournaments under his belt including a Commonwealth Games gold medal and fought a total of 319 amateur contests when he won his Silver Olympic Medal at the Barcelona Games in 1992.

Wayne’s professional career began in the United States of America in 1993 and within two and a half years Wayne won the WBC Bantamweight title in Japan – the only British and Irish fighter ever to achieve this.

Wayne will talk about how a failed brain scan and heart stopping moment almost changed his life forever and some 20 years on from Olympic glory, Wayne is now an associate of UFC.  He may even share some moves from the fastest growing sport in the world on May 23^rd in the Old Courthouse!

Tickets for An Evening With Wayne McCullough are priced from £15.00 to £75.00 and are available from the Old Courthouse Box Office tel 028 9446 3113.  Follow Wayne on facebook www.facebook.com/waynepocketrocketmccullough or on twitter @waynemccullough

If you think owning your own private island is strictly limited to the rich and famous think again.

You can follow in the footsteps of Richard Branson and Johnny Depp and get away from it all on your very own island right here on the shores of beautiful Lough Erne.  Join other celebrity Irish island owners including John Lennon, Louis Walsh and Michael Flatley who all snapped up an Irish oasis away from the spotlight.

Stunning Inisliroo Island is up for sale and considering private Irish islands don’t come up for sale too often this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to snap up your very own Irish getaway.  Situated just 500 yards from Knockninny Pier in Derrylin, the island comes with full planning permission for a new 2,000 sq ft home.

The Island is also an important part of local history with four generations of the Maguire family farming the island.  After the Second World War the island became famous for its fruit production and its orchard is still fully functional today.  The original family home remains and provides mains water, telephone line and electric generator.

Mark Leinster of selling agents BTWCairns comments:  “This is a truly unique opportunity as in over a decade of working as an estate agent I have not come across an island for sale.  Inisliroo Island has to be seen to be believed – it is a stunning piece of land with breathtaking views of Lough Erne.  Just think what you could do with your very own island – create a technology-free retreat, a nature reserve or even an exclusive holiday location.”

Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty the island provides magnificent views and has its own private jetty.  It is ideally located to take full advantage of Waterways Ireland allowing you to cruise all the way to Limerick.  It also has access to a wide array of watersports and angling.

Inisliroo Island is on the market for £600,000, for further information on the property contact selling agent BTWCairns on 028 90668888 or www.btwcairns.com.

Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company is launching its latest participation and performance programme for Spring and Summer 2012.

The Bishop Street-based dance company will be offering its usual weekly classes for all ages and abilities, from parent and toddler, kids aged 5-12 to adults and older people, starting 4^th May, AND it’s popular summer scheme in July for ages 5-12.

Echo Echo has danced with thousands of people from across the North West and beyond, and encourages anyone interested in dance or movement to come along and join in- no matter what their experience or ability level.

Last term, the company introduced their lunchtime performance events, which will continue in May and June. These are a great way to introduce the public to the performance work of the dancers for a short showing with tea and cake.

The new addition to this term’s programme is Salsa, led by local dancer Ayesha Mailey. Ayesha has been training in salsa for several years and will do two introductory sessions in May as tasters to see what level of interest there is in the city.

Ayesha said: “Salsa is, by its very nature, a fusion dance with its origins in Latin American and European dance and movement styles. It is lively, interactive and great fun.

“My teaching will combine the sensuous and energetic qualities of salsa with the improvisory feel of Echo Echo’s contemporary style. I will teach fundamental footwork and hand styling with the focus on embodying the choreography from the inside out.”

Echo Echo is considered to be Northern Ireland’s leading dance company. The company is known for it’s innovative projects and unique performance style as well as it’s accessibility to people of all ages and ability levels.

The company’s dance courses book up quickly so anyone interested in joining in is advised to book a place as soon as possible. Prices start from £3 per class and £30 for a full course.

Details are available by contacting the Echo Echo office on 028 7130 8883, email info@echoechodance.com or visit www.echoechodance.com

Supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Derry City Council and The Creative Industries Innovation Fund.

This May Day, North Down Borough Council in association with Holywood and District Community Council are proud to bring the internationally acclaimed street artist, Jon Hicks to Holywood as part of the annual May Day celebrations taking place on Monday, May 7^th.

Jon regularly appears in street festivals, arts festivals, art happenings, cabarets and corporate events all around the world. Performing his own shows or creating new artworks to a client brief. He has just recorded a spot for the new BBC1 children’s show “The Slammer” due to be on the TV this autumn.

At May Day, Jon will be creating a beautiful image of the Holywood May Pole on the pavement using chalk, a masterpiece which he will be creating throughout the course of the event. Members of the public can come along and watch Jon working and marvel at his artistry. This is a fantastic opportunity to see an art prodigy in action!

There’s plenty more happening at the May Day event too. The town will be filled with over 70 craft and charity stalls for the occasion so plenty for the shoppers to browse! Holywood and District Community Council have organised the now legendary Bonny Baby competition at 10.30am in the Queens Leisure Complex with the ever- popular Maypole Dancing at 10.15am and 11.30am. Young children can get their chance to dance around their own Maypole with Jump, Jiggle and Jive from 12.00-4.00pm.

To celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee there will be a Royal themed Fancy Dress Competition at the Main Stage area at 12.15pm. At 1pm the stage will play host to a programme of medieval merriment to keep all the family entertained until 4pm.

The stage programme this year includes a comic portrayal of Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham along with Jester and Juggler frolics. And there will be many other enchanting characters weaving their way through the crowds throughout the day.

So come to Holywood this May Day for a fun-filled family day out!

For more information check out www.northdowntourism.com or call

Bangor Tourism Information Centre on 02891 270069