TWINNING: Contact between Millstreet and its Breton twin Pommerit le Vicomte advances over the next week on a visit by a Millstreet group to Britanny.

From a formal twinning in 1985, key areas of mutual interest have been developed and cop-penfastened on the latest chapter described as one of the memorable visits undertaken between the centres.

Last year, formal contact between Millstreet and Pommerit reached its 25th anniversary where all associated applauded the the vision and hard work of so many people in times where both towns and countries experienced many great changes.

The close links will be maintained over the next week as friendships will be renewed.

COUNTRY PARK: Millstreet Country Park bid adieu to a summer farewell and back to school party bash on this Sunday. This is a family day at Millstreet Country Park not to be missed. Celebrate those final days of freedom with lots of great fun, games and outdoor activities designated for children up to and including 12 years of age. Included on the programme are face painting, giant Jenga, giant snakes and ladders and giant twister as well as some old favourites like the ever popular duck race in the main lake.

A family day pass costs only €20 and permits two adults and up to four children to enter. Heritage Week runs up to Saturday and Millstreet Country Park will run activites daily. The 2pm Guided Safari Tour is free of charge up to this Saturday, pre booking is strongly advisabl to avoid disappointment.

For Sunday, the 12noon tour is also free of charge to all visitors. There will also be music in the visitor centre by resident pianist Mr Neil Moylan.

The Mont des Arts launched two years ago is truly a world class feature with stunning architectural magnificence and historical splendour which can be admired from its delightful surrounding gardens and is a must see for all visitors both to and from the region.

The park is dotted with picnic sites and with hopefully with promising weather forecast, why not come along and bring a picnic to enjoy. Millstreet Country Park is open daily from 10am – 7pm. Further information please contact reception 029-70810 or email info@millstreetcountrypark.com.

ROSE OF TRALEE: Millstreet Pipe Band retuned to a familiar surroundings last Saturday night for the 52nd International Rose of Tralee Festival.

The great Millstreet bastions of piped music were maintaining a long standing engagement in Tralee since its founding in 1959. Millstreet's association began when a new festival concept replaced a carnival and the selection of a queen.

The first festival in 1959 was built around the concept on the world famous song, the Rose of Tralee with Roses representing Tralee, London, Dublin, Birmingham and New York.

Millstreet Pipe Band were invited to perform at the inaugural Festival and hackney cars transported the band members to a new beginning and a phenomenal link with the Tralee Festival.

Down the through the years of both recession and boom, Tralee has carved up a distinctive place for itself on welcome thousands into the town. The Millstreet Band are part and parcel of the mardi gras atmosphere that unfolds in the Kerry capital each August.

The Millstreet ambassadors take such events in their stride. Indeed, last weekend was business as usual for the Millstreet Pipe Band who are associated with a multitude of sporting and social events.

Following the Tralee parade, it was home before they hit the road again on Sunday and in pleasant weather conditions, they delivered a recital at the Michael Collins Commemoration in Béal Na mBláth in the presence of guest speaker Eamon Walsh.

ALL IRELAND FLEADH CHEOIL: Millstreet were well represented at the AllIreland Fleadh Cheoil in Cavan last week. Amidst competition at its finest, Donal Linehan took first on melodeon and second on the Box with his brother Conor securing runner up place in the senior accompaniment guitar. Elsewhere Chloe Buicke took first place in dancing.

HEADING INTO 6th YEAR: Sixth year is the year its all been leading up to since entering secondary school. It is the defining year but it is such an exciting one too. Careers4u encourages students to sit down and plan and don't wait to start regular study until midterm or after Christmas.

Delay means falling behind and making study more difficult later on. What is required is drawing up a study timetable. It will make a significant difference on how you perform. As sixth year begins, the trick is to get back quickly on track into the study zone.

Then, stay on track and don't let the workload build up and overwhelm you. Start small in September and set realistic goals. For help and guidance/subject choices/career options/study skills, contact Anne or Sinead at Careers4u in Millstreet on 086-3970023 and 086-1611104.

SOCCER: The inaugural Keith Sheehan Memorial Tournament is sure to draw interest to the Station Road on Sunday. Remembering an enthusiastic exponent of the game, the teams on duty are the Class of '07 taking on Los Zarcos. Kickoff is 3.30pm and the public are invited to come along.

GAA: Congratulations to Niall Kelleher on successfully guiding Cork to All Ireland glory against Kildare in the All Ireland Junior Football Championship Final in Thurlus last Saturday.

Niall holds a long association with the Cork junior management over recent years, helping Cork to head the roll of honour.

Millstreet contest a Duhallow Junior A Hurling Championship semi final on a meeting against Kilbrin in Kanturk on this Friday with a 7pm throw in. The local side are considered as outsiders though staging a fine comeback to overcome Banteer in the opening round.

Injuries, emigration and suspension robs Millstreet of key players and it will take a supreme effort if Millstreet are to overcome the hottest of favourites.

MACRA: Millstreet Macra are hosting an ' Adios to Summer' Barbecue in Corkery's Bar on this Saturday from 8pm. There is a spanish theme with pinatas, cocktail happy hour and games. Tickets for bbq food cost only €5 and are available from Corkery's bar. It promises to be a great night for anyone for anyone interested in joining Macra to get to meet current members. Everyone welcome.

BALLET CLASSES: Angelina Ballerina Ballet classes (three-six years) will start in Millstreet GAA Hall in September, on Fridays from 2.30-3.30pm. All classes are taught by specialist instructors and gently introduce children to the early movements in ballet, through the fun and endearing Angelina Ballerina stories, encouraging your child to become a dancing star.

For further details, contact Aideen McAuliffe.

DANCING: Popular dancing in the Darby O'Gills, Killarney on this Thursday night is to Denis, Christy and the Marina Band in addition to the popular Barry O'Halloran Band.

TAEKWON DO CLUB: Millstreet Taekwon Do Classes resume on Friday, September 9, in Millstreet GAA Community Hall. Beginners class runs from 3.55pm to 4.50pm and the Advanced class takes place from 4.50pm to 6pm. New members welcome, for further details, please call Master Don Dalton for more details at 0217332190 or 085-7119612.

LITTLE TREASURES: The pre-school re-opens on Wednesday, August 3. All booking forms to be returned to school before Friday, August 26 to qualify for free pre-school.

MENSHED SOCIAL GROUP: A meeting takes place in the Canon O'Donovan Centre on this Thursday at 8pm with view to starting a Menshed Social Group. All are welcome to attend.

CHURCH GATE COLLECTION: Sisters Consilio and Agnes Fitzgerald of Cuan Mhuire, Bruree and Farnanes hold their annual church gate collection in Millstreet and Cullen this weekend. Your support is appreciated.

IRD DUHALLOW: IRD Duhallow offer the following courses and activities per Duhallow Carer's Group, Thursday, September 1; Literacy Support for Primary School Children; Touch, Type and Spell – Computer programme for children with learning difficulties; Duhallow Boxing Club, Monday, September 12; Nutrition for Children, Wednesday, September 28); Care for the Elderly, Monday, September 19.

Full details of these courses are available from IRD Duhallow at 029-60633.