Ireland’s unique and diverse sporting heritage will be in the spotlight at a major sports conference at the University of Ulster’s Magee campus this weekend.

Internationally acclaimed sports analysts and historians from Ireland and the UK will be joined by experts from Australia, the Middle East and mainland Europe for the 9th Sports History Ireland conference.

Since its foundation in 2005, Sport History Ireland’s annual conference has given academics a platform to present their research but many of the topics down for discussion will be of interest to a much wider audience, said Dr David Hassan, of the University’s Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Institute and chairman of the organising committee.

Dr Hassan continued: “Given that this will be Sport History Ireland’s first ever event in Northern Ireland, there will be a particular focus on the rich and unique sporting heritage of Ulster.

“The keynote speaker, Dr Donal McAnnallen, will examine the issue of ‘Sport, History and Commemoration in the Decade of Centenaries’. Other papers will explore issues such as the history of association football on both sides of the border and the potential ramifications for Rory McIllroy’s 2016 Olympic decision.

“The interesting line-up of speakers will present on broad themes such as ‘Sport Religion and Politics in Ireland, Sport and the Irish Diaspora and Regional Folk Games in Ireland, covering topics as diverse as Irish born players in English football from 1945 and horseracing in Renaissance Italy.”

Speakers will  also include Clodagh Doyle and Paul Mullarkey from the National Museum of Ireland (NMI), whose work on a rare collection of early ‘hair’ hurling balls, part of archives held at the NMI, has never previously been presented.

Similarly, work by Mike McGuinness, from the University of Teeside, will reveal the involvement of three major Irish sporting figures of the time in the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939).

Dr Hassan, from the University of Ulster’s Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Institute, will speak about his research with Andrew McGuire from Trinity College on the early 20th century Irish sportsman Dick Fitzgerald, which is due to be published later this year.

Fitzgerald won five All Ireland senior football championship medals with Kerry but was also a prominent member of the Irish Volunteers and was held at Frongoch Gaol in Wales following the 1916 Rising. Next year will also see the centenary of Fitzgerald’s seminal publication entitled How to Play Gaelic Football, which retains remarkable relevancy in the present day.

Dr Hassan spoke of the significance of the conference being staged at the Magee campus.

“We have virtually all of the leading scholars on Irish sporting history coming to Derry for this event and are confident it will be a major success.”

As part of the University’s ongoing outreach work, members of the public are invited to attend the conference free of charge.

To download the programme go to http://www.science.ulster.ac.uk/sesri/shi/shi-30-4-13.pdf

Anyone interested in attending the one day event this Saturday, September 14 2014,should email Dr Hassan d.hassan@ulster.ac.uk

Come to Bangor Town Hall on Saturday 14 September for a musical journey through time to celebrate Bangor’s 400^th Anniversary.  The line-up for Saturday night’s special concert, which gets underway at 6pm, will include Swingabella, local heroes Otis and The Elevators and jazz and swing sensations King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys.

Hailing from Bangor and regarded as probably the most influential retro soul/R&B act on the live circuit during the last three decades, Otis & The Elevators continue to excite audiences with their high octane delivery of classic Soul/R&B favourites arranged in their own unique signature style. Speaking about the event, David Taylor of Otis and The Elevators said; “following a successful summer of outdoor festivals, I am delighted to be performing at such a prestigious event in our home town. A big thank you to North Down Borough Council for their continued support to both live music and the arts and I hope everyone comes along to support the event, it should be a great night.”

On Sunday 15 a special 400 Voices concert which will include local choirs Bangor Ladies Choir, Open Arts Choir, New Irish Youth Choir and Belfast Community Gospel Choir with guest soloists Sylvia Burnside and Craig Skene. This choral extravaganza will start at 7pm with a special Bangor 400 church service taking place beforehand at 6pm.

On both Saturday and Sunday nights at 10.00 pm the Town Hall will be used as a spectacular backdrop for a 3d lighting projection show which will transport the audience through a journey reflecting on the last 400 years using visual reflections to energise Bangor Castle and bring it to life as the story unfolds.

Everyone is welcome to bring a picnic to these events but tea, coffee and an array of other foods will be available on the site. Consumption of alcohol is not permitted. People are welcome to bring their own seats and are advised to wrap up warm in appropriate outdoor wear. Please note these are totally free events and tickets are not required.

Digital Women in Business

Meet four women who run/work with successful digital businesses in Northern Ireland.

Jacqueline McGonigle is the founder of the popular website www. whatsonni.com. She is also the Mid Ulster Ambassador for Women in Business NI – the largest and fastest growing business network for female entrepreneurs and business leaders in Northern Ireland, as well as being an ambassador the Ulster Bank’s Business Women Can initiative.

Janette O’Hagan is the co-founder and Director at Heatboss, an innovative new start specialising in wireless heating controls. She is heavily involved in managing the development of the heatboss product range and bringing the business into successful commercialisation.

Lyra McKee is the founder of The Muckraker, an investigative news blog about Northern Irish politicians and public life (and investigative journalism in general). She’s also an editor at Mediagazer, a US media news site. She’s currently studying an MA in Online Journalism at Birmingham City University where she is researching new business models for investigative journalism. She’s working on a book about the last months and death of the Reverend Robert Bradford, the only MP to be murdered during ‘The Troubles’.

Catherine Morris is one of the co- founders of Hubbit and the Marketing Manager for  Taggled.  Taggled is the new and very exciting social networking video platform focused on fashion. Have you ever been watching an on-line video and thought “I love that jacket, if only I knew where I could buy it” or “I wonder what that really catchy background song is?” Well on the Taggled website (http://www.taggled.tv/) this isn’t a problem. As you are watching a video, tags appear beside the products you might be interested in and just by clicking the tag you will be directed straight to the shopping cart to purchase it.

When broadcaster Andy Kershaw says of a guitarist, “Quite simply, there is no one else like him”, it’s time to take note.

The guitarist in question is Adrian Legg, who is performing this weekend as part of the LiveWire Series at the Crescent Arts Centre, a joint venture between the Crescent Arts Centre and Amped Guitar School.

”We are delighted to welcome a musician of Adrian’s ability and experience to the centre” said Crescent Arts Centre Manager, Dr Keith Acheson.  “Audiences are in for a real treat during not only his Saturday night concert but Sunday afternoon workshop this weekend.”

Throughout his career, he has earned the highest praise from the media. “Legg is, above all, a guitarist of great power, invention and versatility,” observes the St. Petersburg Times. “Through fast-fingered picking, spontaneously layering parts and occasional ringing harmonics, he sounds like an orchestra.”

Guitar Player heralds how he “combines a sublime melodic sense with a mighty right-hand groove, creating pretty music with rhythmically aggressive undercurrents,” while Acoustic Guitar notes that “the guitar is the most versatile instrument in the world, and nobody demonstrates this better than Adrian Legg.”

Amped Guitar School Director Alastair Simpson stated, “Adrian is one of the most respected guitarists around and for us to be able to bring what he knows to so many local musicians is really exciting.”

Tickets are selling fast for these unmissable events, so early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

CONCERT: Saturday 14 September, 8pm, £15 / £10 conc.

WORKSHOP: Sunday 15 September, 3pm, £12 / £10 conc. / £8 under 16

Tickets available online at  www.crescentarts.org / Box Office:(028)90242338

Get ready to Deck the Hall this Christmas at St Columbs Hall!  St. Columb’s Hall has stood in the heart of Derry for 127 years and this December 20^th and 21^st 2013, the historical and beautiful building is hosting two dazzling festive parties.

Experience the grandeur and elegance of the recently restored St. Columb’s Hall this festive season. This breath-taking venue will be fittingly decorated for this festive season with ornate and classical Christmas décor designed to enhance this wonderful venue even more and create a wonderful ambience and surrounding for the most memorable Festive party Derry has ever seen!

From the moment party guests arrive, they are greeted with a buzzing atmosphere and the scrumptious aroma of the succulent food.  The four course meal will be freshly prepared and our festive menu includes Christmas classics and some seasonal favourites.  All dietary requirements will be catered for so everyone can partake in the Festive party merriment, after all, tis the season to be jolly!

Entertainment each night will be provided by the phenomenal Abbaesque, Ireland’s leading ABBA tribute band.  With lush 4-part harmony, timeless hits, authentic costumes and audience participation, the show has an amazingly broad appeal across the ages. St Columb’s Hall Festive parties are sure to have everyone in flying festive form and the hall will be filled with Dancing Queens, Fernandos and Super Troupers galore.

St Columb’s Hall festive party nights are on 20^th and 21^st December.   The cost per head is £39.95 and a deposit to confirm bookings.  For bookings and enquiries, please call 07788906603 or email marketing@stcolumbshall.com.

On Friday 20^th September Strabane District will come alive as venues all over the district will be celebrating Culture Night with an exciting range of events suitable for all ages and all free of charge.

The theme of this year Culture Night is Explore, Experience and Enjoy and there is plenty to choose from across seven areas within the district.

The evening begins with a wonderful showcase of dance at the iconic Tinnies Sculptures at Strabane/Lifford Roundabout as Pop Tap Dance Academy & Friends perform ‘Let the Dance Begin’.  A celebration of dance from around the world.

The Alley Theatre in Strabane has a range of events including the launch of the Strabane and its Old Memories Photographic Launch.  Strabane and its Old Memories is a community facebook page where people can upload photos from days gone by and now a collection of these photos are now in an exhibition in the Alley Theatre Gallery.  Come along and reminisce about the past and mingle and hear the story behind the picture.  After this in the Alley Café Bar hear the best of the North West talent as local musician Gavin Kelly hosts an open mic night from 8pm till late.

In Strabane Community Library enjoy ‘Releasing Rhythms’ from the Genuine Ghanaian Article – a drumming, dance and musical extravaganza. If its comedy your after look no further than MK’s Bar as local comedian Ruairi Woods will be performing his brand new show ‘Witman’.  WITMAN is the highly anticipated follow up to last year’s IMPALED ON A RABBIT CAGE: PROGRESS and is not to be missed. Else where in Strabane enjoy live music in Caffé Fresco, Strabane Concert Brass in Strabane Golf Club.  Just outside Strabane in Glenmornan Owen Row O’Neill Gac Club will be hosting a night showcasing some of the clubs talented youth members who are preparing for the Scór na nÓg competitions.  The evening will include Irish dancing, music, singing and drama.

In the historic linen village of Sion Mills discover its beauty on an evening walking tour as a guide will take you through the history of this village.  After the tour enjoy an evening in Sion Mills Community Centre as they take you through the years with an exhibition of artefacts and photos.

The brilliant singer Patricia Morris will be performing in Ten Square Restaurant in Newtownstewart.   Patricia Morris is quickly becoming established as one of Ireland’s finest vocalists. A singer-songwriter, her music is deeply influenced by her Scots-Irish roots. Warm and engaging on stage, she is currently working on her second album. Patricia will be performing her own songs, interspersed with jazz standards and blues classics.

Over in Killeter Heritage Centre they are celebrating Culture Night from Thursday 19^th September with a wonderful youth celli dance workshop by Niamh Browne School of Irish Dance.  This will be followed by a youth ceili dance with live musicians on the Friday night followed by a traditional music session.

In Plumbridge enjoy the village’s annual event as they host a traditional music session with local talent.

Enjoy something completely different in Donemana as an energetic and fun Zumbathon will take place in Donemana Park followed by a craft workshop in Donemana Drummond Centre.

Bready will be celebrating an evening of Ceilidh dancing as young people will be receiving their awards and performing some of their wonderful dances.

Chairman of Strabane District Council Ruairi McHugh commented ‘This years Culture Night is full of music, dance, comedy and art so come along and ‘Enjoy, Experience and Explore’ what Strabane District has to offer. Culture Night is a way for us to come together, collaborate and promote Strabane District arts and culture in all its forms and is the perfect opportunity to try something new.’

For further information on any of these events contact Strabane Visitor Centre on 028 71 384444 or www.alley-theatre.com

A leading University of Ulster academic has been shortlisted in the prestigious National Award in Entrepreneurship Education competition.

Janet Coulter, Director of Academic Enterprise in the Faculty of Art, Design and the Built Environment, promotes entrepreneurial activities for both staff and students.

She was shortlisted for her leadership on an entrepreneurshipproject, ‘Evolution to Revolution’, which she designed for students within her Faculty.

The project encouraged students to develop opportunities to translate creative ideas into tangible, commercial ventures for the creative industries.

Janet, who is also a Senior Lecturer in Textiles and Fashion,explained: “Design students are adept at creating ideas, but creating and adding ‘value’ to their ideas does not always follow.

“Entrepreneurial thinking helps them to develop their ideas in ways that add value to the economy.

“The project I designed was a starting point for encouraging design students to engage with entrepreneurship and it proved to be very beneficial to the student learning experience.

“I’m delighted to have been shortlisted for this Award and to have had my work recognized.

“It is particularly satisfying to have been able to clearly connect entrepreneurship with teaching and learning with the University and I hope to be able to inspire more students to engage in entrepreneurship in the future.”

Janet was one of four finalists – and the only individual – shortlisted in the ‘Student Educators’ category of the National Centre for Entrepreneurship Awards (NCEE) competition.

The NCEE specifically rewards those working as enterprise educators, supporting student and graduate entrepreneurship in higher education.

Winners will announced at the International Entrepreneurship Educators Conference (IEEC) in Sheffield next Thursday evening, September 12.

The NCEE is based at Coventry University Technology Park and collaborates with many partners and organisations across the UK and internationally.

It focuses on:

– raising the profile of entrepreneurship in education across the FE and HE sectors;

– stimulating cultural change in institutions to create environments in which entrepreneurial aspiration andendeavour can flourish and is encouraged;

– institutional capacity building through staff development opportunities for embedding enterprise and entrepreneurship opportunities within the educational experience;

– supporting the option of starting a business or a new venture as a future life choice amongst students, graduates and staff.

Film fans and big screen buffs are in for a popcorn bucket full of movie magic as Banbridge District Council in conjunction with Iveagh Movie Studios and Cinemagic host Banbridge Film Fest running from Saturday 14 September to Friday 20 September 2013.

Featuring a fabulous mix of film screenings, workshops, outdoor cinema plus the ultimate movie quiz, this celebration of the silver screen is guaranteed to delight movie goers of all ages.
On Saturday 14 September the festival launches with a Cinemagic ‘Stop-Motion’ animation workshop for 7 – 11 year olds at the FE McWilliam Gallery and Studio from 10am – 3pm.

At 2pm Iveagh Movie Studios will be showing Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed, which was one of the first children’s movies shown when the new ‘Iveagh’ opened in 2004.  Complementary projection tours of the cinema will also take place at 4pm and 5pm where the public are invited to go behind the scenes to see how the big screen comes to life and experience and how things have changed in the projection room over the years.

Too finish off this busy day Iveagh Movie Studios will be screening Mickybo & Me at 8pm. This delightful comedy-drama about the adventures of two Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid obsessed friends was filmed at various locations throughout the Banbridge District including the ‘Old Iveagh’ cinema which closed its doors in 2001.

Why not enjoy a lazy Sunday in the company of the timeless classic Gentlemen Prefer Blondes which was one of the first films shown at the Old Iveagh in 1953.  This screening will take place at 2pm at Iveagh Movie Studios.

Train spotters and railway enthusiasts will enjoy ‘All Change for Banbridge’, a recently discovered cine film made in the early 1980’s about the Banbridge to Scarva railway on Monday 16 September at 8pm at the Iveagh Movie Studios.

On Tuesday 17 September all budding 12 – 16 year old film directors are invited to shout lights, camera, action at a Cinemagic Movie making Workshop where they can learn the A-Z of film-making at Banbridge Old Town Hall from 6pm – 9pm.

The entertainment continues at Iveagh Movie Studios with a one-off screening of the 1986 sky high hit ‘Top Gun’ starring Tom Cruise.  The ever-popular ‘Crazy Tuesdays’ will also be taking place at Iveagh Movie Studios, where all films are only £3!

Following on from Jonjo & Mickybo’s adventures, the original celluloid Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid will take to the silver screen on Wednesday 18 September at 2pm.

Thursday evening will see film buffs battle it out in the Ultimate Movie Quiz. Taking place at 8pm in Banbridge Old Town Hall, a free movie pass for a whole year is up for grabs for the winning team so it’s time to delve into the movie archives and catch up with your film facts.

On Friday 20 September Cinemagic will present a fun filled day for primary schools with a Shadowplay workshop and film screening of the extraordinary adventure, Hugo (U).  Running from 9.30am – 3pm, both the workshop and screening will take place in Banbridge Old Town Hall.

The festival will conclude on Friday 20 September with an all singing, all dancing outdoor screening in Solitude Park of the 2007 version of the hit movie Hairspray which features film legend John Travolta as you have never seen him before! So why not get on your dancing shoes and jive on down to Solitude for this FREE film fiesta.

For more information on the Film Fest log onto www.banbridge.gov.uk or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/banbridgecouncil.  For booking information contact Banbridge District Council on T: 4066 0605 or Iveagh Movie Studios T: 4066 2666 or check out their website at www.iveagh.com .

Theatre at The Mill is delighted to present Cookstown Sizzling Comedy Club in their ‘Next Step Tour’ on Friday 13 September for one night only fresh from a run at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Founded in May 2011, Cookstown Sizzling Comedy Club is the Brainchild of local comedian and promoter Alan Burns. Starting life as a successful monthly Comedy night in the Oldtown Inn Cookstown, the club then went on the road to venues throughout Northern Ireland.

The acts involved are all regular headliners on the Irish Comedy Circuit, including Belfast’s own Paddy McDonnell who will be showcasing his Edinburgh show “Dagger”. Terry McHugh, a North Belfast man now exiled to Tyrone, will be previewing his show “My Other Car is a DeLorean”. Sean Hegarty will be delivering his one-liners in his own hilarious style. Omagh’s Terry Keyes, described as one of the most honest men in Irish comedy will be along to talk to you and the nights will be held together by Comedy veteran Justin McNally and one of Dublin’s finest, Gary Lynch. Hip Hop comedy lyricist Phil McEwan, the new man on the scene Mark Charles, Cookstown’s Jason O’Neill and of course club founder Alan Burns himself will be taking to the stage too.

Cookstown Sizzling Comedy Club runs at Theatre at The Mill for one night only on Friday 13 September. Tickets, which are £10, can be booked online at www.theatreatthemill.com or by phoning the theatre’s Box Office on 028 9034 0202.

Down

The NI Classic Scramblers race takes place this Saturday 7th September at Ballycopeland Windmill.  This classic and twinshock moto-cross racing is a spectacular, colourful event, with some great marques of the past such as JAP, SA, CCM, CZ and MAICO. Featuring pre 65, 70 ,77 and twinshock racing along with 85 and 65/50cc youth classes. An event of nostalgia and fun, complete with a friendly atmosphere. Event will be subject to weather conditions.

Armagh

Calling all Bookworms! Browse through the hundreds of second hand books in the Argory courtyard on Saturday and Sunday and stock up on your winter reads! Donations of unwanted books, CDs and DVDs are welcome prior to the event.

Fermanagh

The Dolly Parton Celebration at the Ardowen Theatre on Saturday 7th September celebrates all things Dolly with some of her big hits ‘Nine to Five’, ‘I Will Always Love You’ and many more favourites. Donna Fleming will perform as Dolly with her Dolly Bird backing vocalists and four piece live band, bringing not just a concert but the full Dolly Parton Experience!!

Tyrone

Don’t miss the Gathering of the Gales Concert at the Alley Courtyard Strabane this Saturday 7th September.  This free event is an outdoor concert with the North West. Concert Ensemble – a mix of local professional musicians coming together from all over Ireland. Contact the box office to book your free tickets.

Derry

Encóre Contemporary Choir are fast becoming one of the most talked about ensembles the Maiden City has produced in recent years. With their unique and colourful take on contemporary music, they have already delighted audiences throughout the city and beyond, garnering rave reviews wherever they go. Inspired by the rise in popularity of the ‘show choir’, Encóre brings something a little bit different to the City of Culture!  Join them for this, their Millennium Forum premiere this Saturday, as they journey through the decades, 1950s to modern day, performing an eclectic mix of timeless standards and contemporary chart toppers from some of the world’s best loved artists. You’ll be serenaded by the exceptional warmth and energy of the fifty-strong choir, as well as an array of soloists and duos who’ll bring a more intimate element to the evening.

Antrim

This year’s Gig ‘n the Bann takes place from  5th to 8th September in Portglenone.  The Festival is one of the major events of the Summer Festival Calendar, having a most impressive line-up of top performers scanning traditional, Scottish and folk music circles. A great evening for all music lovers.

For more details on these and other events across Northern Ireland, news and competitions see www.whatsonni.com, follow us @whatsonni and like us at fb.com/www.whatsonni and remember to add your  events FREE OF CHARGE at www.whatsonni.