Secondary schools throughout Ireland have until Friday to complete the first stage in the All-Island First Year Fitness Challenge to second-level schools. Open to first year classes, North and South, the first stage requires all participating classes to undertake a bleep test, the results of which should be submitted to fittest.school@computing.dcu.ieno later than Friday, February 3rd. For full details on how to participate, visit dcu.ie or rte.ie/radio1/thejohnmurrayshow.
Springtime is the theme of a countrywide poetry competition aimed at family carers. Poems should be no longer than three verses and entries should be submitted to Brigid Barron, Caring for Carers Ireland, National Office, 2 Carmody Street, Business Park, Ennis, Co Clare by Friday, February 17th. Email bbarron@ caringforcarers.org or tel: 065-6866515 for more details.
Nurse and yoga teacher Connie Walsh is offering restorative yoga classes on a drop-in basis for people with cancer. The classes are on Mondays from 12 noon to 1pm, 1.15pm to 1.45pm and 2pm to 3pm at 11 Herbert Place, Dublin 2. Phone/text in advance on day you intend to go. See connectiveconnie.comor phone 086 179 0303. Cost negotiable.
Dietitian Paula Mee will speak alongside counsellor and wellbeing coach Fiona Hoban at a health and wellbeing evening at the Dome, Thurles, Co Tipperary on Thursday at 7.30pm. Tickets available in advance from the Hospital of the Assumption, Thurles. Tel: 0504 21055.
Reiki master Patricia Sheenan will give an introductory course on Reiki in the Seraph Centre, 15 Heytesbury St, Dublin 8 on Saturday/
Sunday, February 11th and 12th from 9.30am-5.30pm each day. Price: €195. More information on tel: 086 3576142 or reikiforall.orgor facebook.com/ReikiForAllIreland.