7 Things to do this week...
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MARY COUGHLAN: Mary Coughlan will perform in the Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely on Saturday, March 7, at 8.30 p.m. One of Ireland’s greatest female jazz and blues singers, Mary has overcome childhood trauma, alcoholism and drug addiction to become a musical force like no other. Mary Coughlan is an impassioned performer who expresses herself best through the words and tunes of others such as Billie Holiday, Dusty Springfield and Peggy Lee. She built her career on a series of albums that played on her image as a hell-raiser, down to the titles ‘Tired and Emotional’ and ‘Under the Influence’. Today, Mary is one of Ireland’s best-loved live performers whose unique style has given her legions of devoted fans worldwide. Her career has spanned over 25 years and features a collection of 10 albums that have confirmed her as one of Ireland’s great musical talents. Tickets for the concert cost €22/€20. To book, visit www.courthousearts.ie. Alternatively, call the Courthouse Arts Centre box office on 0402 38529 or email bookings@courthousearts.ie.
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WAY WITH WORDS: Wicklow’s literature festival brings a feast of creative events to Arklow and Blessington libraries. Author Niamh Boyce will speak about her latest novel ‘Her Kind’ on Friday, March 6, at 7.30 p.m. Winner of the New Irish Writer of the Year 2012, Niamh will also lead workshops in Arklow and Blessington libraries on Saturday, March 7 about how true stories can inspire fiction. On March 7, Alvean Jones and ISL interpreter Ray Greene will take part in an event on sharing short stories through sign at 12.30 p.m. in Arklow Library. At 7.30 p.m., Melatu-Uche Okorie will be in conversation with Dr Ciara Kelly about her work.
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WICKLOW GAOL NIGHT TOUR: Take an eerie night tour of Wicklow Gaol – Ireland’s most haunted building. Wicklow Gaol was a place of horrendous atrocities in which prisoners were subjected to torture, starvation and death. Join a special night tour on Friday, March 13, from 7 p.m. This event is for those aged 18 and over. Tickets cost €17 and can be purchased by visiting www. wicklowshistoricgaol. com.
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RICHIE SADLIER: Richie Sadlier will participate in ‘The Writing Life’ at Mermaid Arts Centre in Bray on Friday, March 6, at 8 p.m. A former sports star turned pundit, psychotherapist, columnist, and now author, Richie is one of Ireland’s most trusted voices in both the Irish sporting and mental health arenas. Now in Recovering – his insightful, new memoir – Richie reveals with unflinching honesty just what it took to face his demons and start his recovery.
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WOMEN AT THE WHALE: Whale Theatre in Greystones will host ‘Women at the Whale’ on Sunday, March 8, at 8 p.m., an evening of female voices for International Women’s Day 2020. This year, they are partnering with Wicklow County Council’s literary event, Way with Words, to support even more women in the local arts community and to increase their storytelling footprint. There will be a reading and Q&A by author Lucy Sweeney Byrne, as well as comedian Kate Feeney, singer Lorna Breen, and more. Tickets are €15 or €13 concession at whaletheatre.ie.
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WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER: Wicklow Parish Church will celebrate Women’s WorldDayofPrayeronFriday,March6,at 8 p.m. This year’s programme comes from Zimbabwe and is titled ‘Rise – Take your mat and walk’. It is based on Jesus’ encounter with a person who, although positioned for healing, had not acted upon the opportunities given. Jesus asked: ‘Do you want to be made well? You are faced with this life-changing question. What are you going to do? Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk.’ Women’s World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement led by Christian women.
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QUIZ NIGHT: Wicklow Rotary Club will be holding a quiz night in Tinakilly House on Friday, March 6, starting at 7 p.m., to help raise funds for the work carried out by Wicklow Tidy Towns. The night also includes dinner, while there are are plenty of spot prizes to be won. Tickets for the event are €30 or €120 for a table of four and this includes a meal, quiz, spot prizes andm more. Those wishing to attend the table quiz and dinner should contact Andy Bolger on 087 9774526 or Donal Magner on 086 2607883. If you can’t organise a table, then just turn up on the night. Wicklow Rotary has provided Wicklow Tidy Towns with 8,000 crocus bulbs over recent years.