CHARITY SWIM: THE cold weather snap failed to thwart willing volunteers from taking the plunge into the river Blackwater on New Year's Day.

Ignoring the sub-zero freezing conditions, swimmers and supporters made their way to the famous Boeing for the second annual New Year's day swim.

Those participating defied the arctic weather to support the beneficiaries from the staging, the worthy Irish Cancer Society Night Nurses and LTV2.

A festive New Year's Day atmosphere surrounded the staging with a hardy twelve volunteers took the dip. Organisers ensured there were plenty of mulled wine, hot drinks and refreshments for one and all.

Super Valu in Millstreet helped to sponsor the event and the generous contributions of the public ensured the venture was an outstanding success.

SCOR: All the best in cultural entertainment surfaced at the Cork County Scór na nÓg finals in the Eire Og GAA Pavillion, Ovens last Sunday. Qualifiers from throughout the county compete in a mixed programme of dancing, music, song, recitation, novelty act and question time.

Millstreet enjoyed a first time success at instrumental music through the efforts of Allana Barry, Kelly Murphy, Cian Dennehy, Donal and James Linehan. Also representing Millstreet was Maura Buckley at solo singing.

Well done to Cullen Novelty Act on claiming the club's first county title from a cast of Clare Sheahan, Sinead O'Keeffe, Colin O'Leary, Seamus Fleming, Sean Murphy, Elaine and Michael Herlihy. Both the triumphant Millstreet and Cullen groups go forward to the Munster semi finals in Ovens on this Saturday in a programme underway at 7pm.

BALLYDALY PARTY: The Ballydaly Christmas Party incorporating the celebrating of the 50th anniversary of Ballydaly Hall scheduled for last weekend goes ahead in Ballydaly Hall on this Saturday night at 8.30pm. Inclement weather and dangerous roads forced the deferment and fingers are crossed the staging can go ahead this Saturday night.

CULLEN FUNCTION: A night for Fr. Gerard O'Leary takes place in Cullen Community Centre on Friday, January 8. Everyone welcome. COMMUNICATIONS COURSE: Kanturk's Edel Quinn Hall is the venue for a FETAC level 5 BTEI Communications course commencing on Friday, January 15 (9.3012.30 each Friday for 12 weeks) and a number of places for new students remain available.

This module is compulsory for anyone achieving a full FETAC level 5 certificate and is a great opportunity for those doing childcare, social studies and business studies.

These BTEI part-time courses are free for anyone without a Leaving Cert, or anyone in receipt of Social Welfare Benefit or Medical Card. Priority given to those who are free but limited places are available.

The Back To Education Initiative (BTEI) programme addresses the need for much greater flexibility in delivering courses to adults who want to achieve certification in their chosen area of study. It aims to give students an opportunity to combine a return to learning with family, work and other responsibilities. Anyone who has left full-time education can take part in a BTEI course.

As the negative effects of our recession are becoming more real, upskilling and retraining are crucial. Accreditation with FETAC acknowledges these skills. Over 570 participants undertook BTEI courses in North Cork under Co Cork VEC in 2009 alone. To register, phone Brendan Glynn, BTEI Co-ordinator, Tel 022 55452.

Leaving and Junior Cert classes will begin in Kanturk starting the week of January 11. Details from 087 6406705.