Saturday is the closing date for applications for this year's Ronald McDonnell bursary, which will be presented at the Irish Antique Dealers Fair in the RDS, Dublin, at the end of next month.

The objective of the bursary, valued at £2,900, is to assist an Irish craftsperson of exceptional skill and commitment to undertake a specialised or advanced course at home or abroad during the following year. Areas of acceptability for the bursary cover the wide field of conservation and restoration of historic and art objects in wood, stone or marble, needlework and tapestry, marquetry, porcelain or glass, silver and paper.

Anyone wishing to apply for the bursary should contact George Stacpoole, The Irish Antique Dealers Association, Adare, Co Limerick. (tel. 061-396409, fax, 061-396733.