Eventful weekend in store

FOLLOWING THE appearance of a pet monkey on the N11 on Thursday, drivers travelling northbound on the same road yesterday morning were greeted by the sight of three greyhounds on the loose close to the Rathmichael exit.

While traffic volumes are expected to be heavy, there are no reports of other animals planning on getting away from it all over the weekend, though summer events will be as plentiful as clouds.

The Kilkenny Arts Festival, which began yesterday, is expected to draw large numbers. The line-up for the nine-day festival includes Damien Rice's former sidekick Lisa Hannigan, US alt rockers Mercury Rev, Polish jazz trumpeter Tomasz Stanko and counter tenor Andreas Scholl.

Kilkenny also plays host to the downsized Dysart Festival this weekend. The event, which was initially scheduled to take place in Thomastown, has been moved to the Kilford Arms Hotel.The Blind Boys of Alabama and Gemma Hayes headline tonight while John Martyn, the Republic of Loose and Cathy Davey play tomorrow.

AA Roadwatch warns traffic is expected to be heavy and ticket-holders should allow extra time.

Acts including The Walls will be performing at the Westport Music Festival in Co Mayo while those who prefer more traditional Irish music are well served by the Feakle festival in Co Clare.

The annual Puck Fair in Killorglin, Co Kerry, continues over the weekend, while the second annual Irish Green Gathering takes place in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, and 20,000 visitors are expected at the Moynalty Steam Threshing Festival in Co Meath tomorrow.

Wexford face Armagh in the first of today's Croke Park All-Ireland football quarter-final clashes at 2pm. Kerry meet Galway at 4pm. Tomorrow, Cork take on Kildare at 2pm, then Cork's senior hurlers meet Kilkenny in their All-Ireland SHC semi-final.