The Bleeding Pig Cultural Festival is busy preparing for the 2023 festival which will celebrate 10 successful years of this renowned local festival with the quirky name! Lots of people have asked where does such an unusual name come from. It is, in fact, a local geographical landmark, albeit only visible at very low tide and with some climbing and pot-holing involved. The Bleeding Pig is a very unusual rock formation in a cave on the cliff walk from Donabate to Portrane. This rock formation does resemble a pig and in certain tidal conditions and when the light is right, the rock takes on a reddish/pink hue, suggesting that the pig is actually bleeding. No animals are harmed in the making of this festival! So, preparations are well underway for the festival in September.In the meantime, Donabate will celebrate International Women’s Day on Sunday March 5th from 12.30 ~ 6.00pm in the Donabate/Portrane Community Centre.With thanks to the generous support of Fingal County Council, the Bleeding Pig Cultural Festival will host a day of activities and entertainment, specifically aimed at our female residents.Sisters Teresa and MaryLousie O’Donnell will open the day with an exhibition based on the book ‘Sisters’ about “sisters in Ireland who have made a difference”. Teresa and Mary Louise have themselves written a book called ‘Sisters of the Revolutionaries’ about Patrick Pearse’s sisters, Margaret and Mary Brigid. The O’Donnell sisters are accomplished harpists and they will also give a short performance.“A Problem Shared Is A Problem Halved” will be an informal presentation and discussion by Physiotherapist Ann-Marie Ennis. She will discuss the inconvenient and uncomfortable condition of female incontinence. Ann O’Reilly from Hair Rootine will give a presentation about haircare called “Your Crowning Glory”. She will discuss the importance of a good diet and using appropriate products. Learn how to do various types of braids including Fishtail braid, French braid, Waterfall braid, Celtic braid. A firm favourite from IWD celebrations in recent years, Marks & Spencer have promised to send a fitter to correctly fit attendants for proper-fitting bras. Bras will be available to purchase on the day.There will be some entertainment in the centre during the day, more details to follow closer to the time. Come along to the Community Centre on Sunday March 5th between 12.30 and 5.30pm and celebrate being a woman!