Parents from rural schools around Cork and Kerry brandished placards at the hurling and football double-header in Cork, urging the Government not to shut down rural Ireland.

Sporting rivalries are being abandoned as Cork and Kerry communities plan a joint protest over cuts to small school teacher numbers at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday.

More than 3,000 people took to the streets in Castlebar in Co Mayo today, in protest against the Government's plans to increase the pupil-teacher ratio.

HUNDREDS of people are expected to attend a meeting in West Cork tonight as fears mount that Government-imposed budget cuts will lead to the closure of up to 10 rural schools in the region within three years.

A CAMPAIGN is being mounted by 37 primary schools in West Cork to fight possible closures mooted by the Department of Education as part of planned cost-cutting measures.