Music

The New Ross Piano Festival: 27 to 30 September: Come enjoy a big piano festival in the small town of New Ross. St Mary’s Church plays host to five days of piano playing. The mostly classical performers are joined by some jazz artists, chamber ensembles, and experimental performers. Among the highlights of the festival are performances from Anne-Marie McDermott, described as one of the great American pianists of her generation, who will be performing for the first time in the country of her ancestors. It truly is a spectacular lineup that you can enjoy in this beautiful church in the south-east. Further information is available at www.newrosspianofestival.com.

Symphony for Our World: 29 September: Experience the National Geographic’s incredible spectacle, Symphony for Our World at the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick. The audio-visual spectacular sees awe-inspiring footage of natural history and the environment collected by National Geographic over decades, all set to a beautiful symphony written especially for this show by Irish composer Kenneth Rice. The orchestra, accompanied by the Limerick Chamber Choir, will play in perfect synchronicity to the beautiful on-screen images. As it toured the States, this show was an instant sellout. Set to be the only Irish performance, this Limerick event is not to be missed. Grab your tickets at www.ticketmaster.ie.

Film

The Meeting: 28 September: Based on true events, The Meeting has the victim of a brutal sexual assault finally confront her attacker face-to-face nine years after the incident. In a remarkably brave turn, the young Dublin woman Ailbhe Griffith plays herself. In a bid to discuss the attack and the psychological and emotional ramifications of the assault, Griffith has called a meeting with Martin (Terry O’Neill) who is out on probation. In attendance is Martin’s probation officer, a mediator, and one supporter each in a nondescript room. Ailbhe seeks answers from Martin to questions which have dogged her for nearly a decade.With restrained performances from Griffith and O’Neill and delicate dialogue by Gilsenan, The Meeting is a tense and involving affair. For trailers and more see www.entertainment.ie

Comedy

The Two Johnnies: 27 September: Ireland’s self-proclaimed funniest comedy duo, The Two Johnnies, are taking over The Sugar Club for a second night. The Tipperary duo introduce themselves as Johnny Smacks, a butcher from Roscrea and Johnny B, a hurl maker from Cahir. The lads find fun in everything from The World Cup to the Gaeltacht, and feature recurring skits like Maura’s Tinder Update and Retired GAA Hardman Noel’s Weekly News. With over 7.5 million views on YouTube, don’t miss out on your chance to see this duo live. Ticket information is available on www.thesugarclub.com

Theatre

The Tales of Hoffmann: 02 October: Come listen to one drunk narrator tell the story of the women in his life, the complications of his current love and an evil shadow that follows him everywhere. Jacques Offenbach was dubbed “the Mozart of the Champs Élysées” by Rossini. His lyrical, effervescent final opera, left unfinished at his death, had a plot of strange, outrageous loves, and an ever-present evil genius. This Galway performance promises to be no different as it recreates the tuneful, haunted, sometimes daemonic world of the French composer. Further details are available at www.tht.ie

Dancing diary

Connacht

Leitrim: Carrick on Shannon, Landmark Hotel, 29th September, Gerry Guthrie

Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Park,

Social Dancing: 30th September, Liam Mannering

Leinster

Kilkenny: Slievrue, Rhu Glenn, 29th September, Johnny Brady

Kilkenny: Piltown, Piltown Gaa Complex, 30th September, Finbar Dennehy

Westmeath: Moate, The Well, 27th September, John Molloy, 29th September, Robert Mizzell, 30th September, Colm Bourke

Wicklow: Wicklow, The Grand Hotel, 30th September, Gerry Guthrie

Munster

Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, 28th September, Ciaran Rosney

Cork: Glanmire, Vienna Woods, 10th October, John Glenn & The Mainliners

Kerry: Tralee, Kerin’s O’Rahillys Club House, 3rd October, Michael Collins, 10th October, Peter Bourke

Limerick: Adare, Woodlands Hotel, 30th September, Derek Ryan

Limerick: Newcastle West, Longcourt House Hotel, 4th October, (9-11.30) Dermot Lyons

Tipperary: Newport, Ballymackeogh, Aherns, 29th September, Eddie Lee

Tipperary: Thurles, The Premier Ballroom, 30th September, Dave Rea

Ulster

Cavan: Cavan, Hotel Kilmore, 29th September, Matthew O’Donnell

Donegal: Bundoran, Allingham Arms, 29th September, Ciaran Rosney & Paul Kelly

Down: Newry, The Mourne Country, 29th September, Jim Devine

Monaghan: Monaghan, Hillgrove Hotel, 30th September, Patrick Feeney

Monaghan: Castleblayney, The Glencarn, 28th September, Gerry Guthrie

Tyrone: Moy, The Ryandale, 29th September, Cliona Hagan

Tyrone: Omagh, Silverbirch Hotel, 28th September, Derek Ryan