A battle for the patronage of a primary school planned for one of Cork’s largest towns has kicked off.

JOHN BLEK is not really called John Blek. ‘Blek’ is a moniker adopted for the stage, with the songwriter and producer keeping his actual name a secret (rumour has it he was born John O’Connor).

One of the country’s top radio training colleges has unveiled Ireland’s largest digital broadcast training studio.

Cork City Ballet has come a long way since its foundation, as evidenced by the fact that international stars are willing to accept invitations to perform here.

Versatility in the performing arts is essential in the current economic climate, says Chris Ahern, head of the performing arts department at Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa (CSN) in Cork.

Budget cuts could end a long-running, prestigious music course that has produced top performers, such as Mick Flannery, and graduates who work in the entertainment industry worldwide.

The education minister has signed off on the demotion of the principal of a Cork college following a disciplinary process.

ALL Vocational Education Committees (VECs) are to be reminded that teachers and other staff involved in purchasing must declare any business interests after irregularities were discovered at a Cork college.

The PAC should press Cork City VEC on the conflict of interest regarding IT procurement at one of its colleges, writes Education Correspondent Niall Murray

A CORK college paid up to €140,000 to two companies owned by two of its IT staff for services and equipment without always seeking competitive quotes.

IN a Premier Division season dominated by Dublin derbies, the most high-octane of them all takes place at Tallaght this evening when Shamrock Rovers host Bohemians (7.45pm, RTÉ 2).

A TEENAGER who died in a weekend car accident was one of two recent graduates of a Cork city school killed on the roads in less than a fortnight.

I AM a 52-year-old scientist (Natural Sciences, TCD, 1974). I have been unable to get suitable employment in Ireland with the exception of a stint in AFT Carlow in 1976.