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| Monday 10 March |
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THE ST PATRICK'S FESTIVAL LECTURE
A lecture by Christopher Napier on ‘Aodh MacAingil - Scholar, Poet and Bishop 1576 - 1626’. Organised by Lecale Historical Society with Lecale Gaelic Society.
| Time |
7.30pm |
| Venue |
Down County Museum, Downpatrick. |
| Admission |
Free |
| Contact |
Berkley Farr |
| Telephone |
028 4483 0442 |
|
| Wednesday 12 March |
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| |
CELEBRATION OF 10 YEARS OF
BUNSCOIL PHADRAIG
An evening of music and craic to celebrate 10 years of
Irish medium education in Downpatrick. Organised by Lecale Gaelic Society.
| Time |
7.30pm |
| Venue |
Down Arts Museum, Downpatrick. |
| Admission |
Free, entry by ticket only |
| Contact |
Joyce Gibson |
| Telephone |
028 4483 8681 |
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| |
RYAN’S DAUGHTER -
(1970) (CERTIFICATE 15)
The first of four classic films dealing with
the everyday dramas of life in Ireland.
| Time |
7.30pm |
| Venue |
The Saint Patrick Centre, Downpatrick. |
| Admission |
£5.00 |
| Contact |
George Fleeton |
| Telephone |
028 4461 4570 |
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| Thursday13 March |
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| |
THE FIELD - (1990) (CERTIFICATE 15)
The second of four classic films
dealing with the everyday dramas
of life in Ireland.
| Time |
8.30pm |
| Venue |
The Saint Patrick Centre, Downpatrick. |
| Admission |
£5.00 |
| Contact |
George Fleeton |
| Telephone |
028 4461 4570 |
|
| Friday14 March |
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A DAY EXPLORING
ST PATRICK’S WORLD
Tom McErlean will be exploring the extraordinary early Christian site at Nendrum on Strangford Lough, and the excavation of the earliest tide mill in the world. Mike King will be exploring the buildings, churches and mosaics of Rome in the century that St Patrick was active in Ireland. Lunch and a field trip in the afternoon are included.
| Time |
10.30am |
| Venue |
Down County Museum, Downpatrick. |
| Admission |
£15.00 |
| Contact |
Mike King |
| Telephone |
028 4461 5218 |
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ST PATRICK’S FESTIVAL TABLE QUIZ
A festival table quiz based on local history, St Patrick’s life and
Irish history. Organised by Dunmore Rural Association.
| Time |
8.00pm |
| Venue |
Dunmore Orange Hall |
| Admission |
£2.00 |
| Contact |
|
| Telephone |
028 4062 3459 |
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| |
THE BUTCHER BOY - (1996) (CERTIFICATE 15)
The third of four classic fi lms
dealing with the everyday dramas of
life in Ireland.
| Time |
8.30pm |
| Venue |
The Saint Patrick Centre, Downpatrick. |
| Admission |
£5.00 |
| Contact |
George Fleeton |
| Telephone |
028 4461 4570 |
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| |
ST BRIGID'S PRIMARY SCHOOL PARENTS ASSOCIATION TABLE QUIZ
Organised by St Brigid’s Primary School Parents Association.
| Time |
9.00pm |
| Venue |
Denvir’s Hotel, Downpatrick |
| Admission |
£5.00 |
| Contact |
Michael Starkey |
| Telephone |
028 4461 2509 or 028 9037 8701 |
|
| Saturday 15 March |
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| |
ART EXHIBITION
(Saturday 15 March to Saturday 12 April 2008)
Italian artists bring their works to showcase in Down District.
Organised by Downpatrick Twinning Partnership.
| Time |
Centre opening hours |
| Venue |
Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick |
| Admission |
Free |
| Contact |
John Noble |
| Telephone |
077 1156 1433 |
|
| |
ST PATRICK’S OPEN GOLF COMPETITION
18 hole open stable ford competition. For more information, visit http://www.downpatrickgolfclub.org.uk.
| Time |
All Day |
| Venue |
Downpatrick Golf Club |
| Admission |
Member £3.00, visitor £15.00 |
| Contact |
The Club Professional |
| Telephone |
028 4461 5167 |
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| |
MASS IN IRISH
Mass celebrated in Irish followed by distribution of Shamrock to
local scouts.
| Time |
10.00am |
| Venue |
St Patrick’s Church,
St Patrick’s Avenue, Downpatrick |
| Contact |
Mary Kinahan |
| Telephone |
028 4461 2443 |
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| |
SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION
FOR ST PATRICK’S TIDE
| Time |
11.00am |
| Venue |
Down Cathedral, Downpatrick |
| Contact |
Joy Wilkinson |
| Telephone |
028 4461 4922 |
|
| |
WREATH LAYING CEREMONY
Wreath laying ceremony at St Patrick’s Grave. Organised by the
Church of Ireland.
| Time |
12.15pm |
| Venue |
St Patrick’s Grave, Down Cathedral, Downpatrick |
| Contact |
Joy Wilkinson |
| Telephone |
028 4461 4922 |
|
| |
MUSIC THROUGH TIME
A musical tribute showcasing music from today and yesterday.
Organised by Downpatrick Twinning Partnership.
| Time |
8.00pm |
| Venue |
Denvir's Hotel, Downpatrick. |
| Admission |
By ticket only |
| Contact |
John Noble |
| Telephone |
077 1156 1433 |
|
| |
TEENAGE DISCO
A disco for young people attending secondary level education
(Form 1 and upwards). Organised by Patrician Youth Centre.
| Time |
8.00pm - 11.00pm |
| Venue |
Patrician Youth Centre, Downpatrick |
| Admission |
£5.00 |
| Contact |
Yvonne Maguire |
| Telephone |
028 4461 5488 |
|
| |
AN EVERLASTING PIECE - (2000) (CERTIFICATE 15)
The last of four films dealing with the
everyday dramas of life in Ireland.
| Time |
8.30pm |
| Venue |
The Saint Patrick Centre, Downpatrick. |
| Admission |
£5.00 |
| Contact |
George Fleeton |
| Telephone |
028 4461 4570 - 028 9037 8701 |
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| |
NORTH IN CONCERT
North blend together Irish traditional, folk, acoustic and
country music. Their unique approach has generated
widespread interest from their audiences...they are back for
another great performance at Down Arts Centre! Organised
by Down District Council.
| Time |
8.00pm |
| Venue |
Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick |
| Admission |
£10.00 |
| Contact |
Down Arts Centre |
| Telephone |
028 4461 0747 |
|
| Sunday 16 March |
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| |
DOWNPATRICK TO ARMAGH
ST PATRICK’S CLASSIC CYCLE CHALLENGE RACE
A 60 mile cycle race from Downpatrick to Armagh City open to cyclists holding a Cycling Ireland Licence. Organised by the Ulster Cycle Promotions Club.
| Time |
11.00am |
| Venue |
Race starts at Down Leisure Centre,
Downpatrick.
Race finishes Recreation Site,
Cathedral Road, Armagh |
| Admission |
Entry fee £8.00 or €12.00 |
| Contact |
Garry Nugent |
| Telephone |
028 8774 9806 or 079 0185 8295 |
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| |
JIMMY’S 10K ROAD RACE
A 10km road race on foot through Downpatrick and the surrounding countryside, incorporating a 2 x 3 mile relay race for teams of two runners, and a walk. Organised by East Down Athletic Club.
| Time |
12.00noon |
| Venue |
Down Leisure Centre,
Downpatrick. |
| Admission |
Entry fee £8.00pp/relay team |
| Contact |
Joe Quinn |
| Telephone |
028 4461 4235 |
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| |
WORKSHOP & SETS CEILI
WITH ORIEL CEILI BAND
WORKSHOP
Prior to the evening ceili, tutor Ashley Ray will teach basic steps, the Claddagh Set and Antrim Square Set, followed by refreshments.
SETS CEILI
The Claddagh and Antrim Square Sets will be CALLED. In
addition, the Plain, Cashel, Clare Lancers, Corofi n Plain,
Ballvourney Jig and Connemara will be danced, but following the
West of Ireland tradition, these sets will NOT be called, however
Ashley will describe each fi gure before it is danced.
| Time |
Workshop 3.00pm - 6.00pm
Sets Ceili 7.00pm - 10.30pm |
| Venue |
Down Arts Centre,
Downpatrick. |
| Admission |
Workshop £3.00 / Sets Ceili £6.00 / Both events £8.00 |
| Telephone |
028 4461 0747 |
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| |
QUINN’S - ST PATRICK’S WEEKEND CARNIVAL
| Time |
7.00pm - 1.00am |
| Venue |
Quinn’s Bars, Newcastle |
| Admission |
£3.00 |
| Contact |
Patrick Maginn |
| Telephone |
077 6727 2206 or 028 4372 6400 |
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|
| Monday 17 March |
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| |
CELEBRATION OF ST PATRICK
Visit the exhibition and IMAX presentation, café and shop at The Saint Patrick Centre. Also, Irish dancing from the Brennan, Miskelly, McCormick School of Irish Dancing at 3.30pm and traditional Irish music from the County Down Folk Choir Voices of Lecale at 4.00pm.
| Time |
9.30am - 7.00pm
Last admission to exhibition, 5.30pm |
| Venue |
The Saint Patrick Centre, Downpatrick |
| Admission |
Free to Centre
Exhibition Adult £4.90, Child £2.50, Family £11.70 |
| Contact |
Rachel Osborne |
| Telephone |
028 4461 9000 |
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| |
ST PATRICK’S DAY WALK
Join us on our annual walk through St Patrick’s country. Organised jointly by Down District Council and Lecale Ramblers.
| Time |
Registration 10.00am, Walk starts 10.30am |
| Venue |
The Slaney Inn, Raholp, Downpatrick |
| Admission |
Free |
| Contact |
Downpatrick Tourist Information Centre |
| Telephone |
028 4461 2233 |
|
| |
A FAMILY FUN-FILLED DAY OF EVENTS
AT DOWN ARTS CENTRE
Launching at 10.45am with Clown Silly Tilly swiftly followed by a special appearance of the local Singer’s Circle. The entertaining duo Len Graham and Jack Lynch will regale you with Songs and Stories at 12.00noon and again at 1.30pm. Silly Tilly returns at 1.00pm and we round off the day’s events with the Darragh Cross Traditional Music group with Aiden Milligan at 3.45pm. Brigid Hogan will be on hand making St Brigid’s crosses with all proceeds going to charity.
| Time |
10.45am - 4.45pm |
| Venue |
Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick |
| Admission |
Free |
| Telephone |
028 4461 0747 |
|
| |
PARK ‘N’ RIDE WITH THE SHAMROCK SPECIALS
The Downpatrick & County Down Railway kicks off this year’s train services with the St Patrick’s Day ‘Shamrock Specials’, when the steam train will be used for excursions to and from the parade finish ground in Market Street Car Park. The first train from Inch into the town leaves Inch Abbey at 11.30am, leaving the parking nightmare behind! Follow the brown signs for Inch Abbey and walk onto a vintage steam train that will take you into the heart of the carnival!
| Time |
11.00am - 5.00pm |
| Venue |
Downpatrick & County Down Railway,
Market Street, Downpatrick |
| Admission |
£4.70 Adult, £3.70 Children/Senior Citizen,
Children under 3 years go free! Tickets will be
available at Inch Station. All prices tbc -
please
check website for details www.downrail.co.uk |
| Contact |
downtrains@yahoo.co.uk |
| Telephone |
077 9080 2049 or 028 4461 5779 |
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| |
ST PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS
AT DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM
Come along to the Museum for a great day of family entertainment. Featuring Irish dancing, Ulster-Scots music, traditional and folk music, storytelling, circus style entertainment, clowns, acrobats and jugglers. The Museum’s event is one of the highlights of St Patrick’s Day with a fun filled programme for all ages. Exhibitions, tearoom and shop open throughout the day.
| Time |
11.00am - 6.00pm |
| Venue |
Down County Museum, Downpatrick |
| Admission |
Free |
| Contact |
Linda McKenna |
| Telephone |
028 4461 5218 |
|
| |
ECUMENICAL PRAYER SERVICE
| Time |
11.00am |
| Venue |
St Patrick’s Church of Ireland,
Saul Road, Downpatrick |
| Admission |
Free |
| Contact |
The Very Rev. Henry Hull |
| Telephone |
028 4461 3101 |
|
| |
PILGRIMAGE WALK TO DOWNPATRICK
A walk organised by the Church of Ireland from St Patrick’s Church of Ireland, Saul Road, to Downpatrick, where the walk will join the Cross-Community Carnival Parade.
| Time |
12.45pm |
| Venue |
St Patrick’s Church of Ireland,
Saul Road, Downpatrick |
| Admission |
Free |
| Contact |
The Very Rev. Henry Hull |
| Telephone |
028 4461 3101 |
|
| |
ST PATRICK’S DAY ENTERTAINMENT
Live music and entertainment for all will liven up St Patrick’s Square with Malachi Cush as MC for the event. First on stage will be local band the Pluckin Squeezers, with their lively repertoire of Irish and Scottish songs. Next up is a performance by the Brennan, Miskelly, McCormick School of Irish Dancing, followed by popular band The HouseM8’s who proved to be a hit with their catchy covers when they visited the district last year. Organised by Down District Council.
| Time |
12.00noon - 5.00pm |
| Venue |
St Patrick’s Square, Downpatrick |
| Admission |
Free |
| Contact |
Downpatrick Tourist
Information Centre |
| Telephone |
028 4461 2233 |
|
| |
QUINN’S - ST PATRICK’S WEEKEND CARNIVAL.
| Time |
12.00noon - 12.00midnight |
| Venue |
Quinn’s Bars, Newcastle |
| Admission |
Evening admission £3.00 |
| Contact |
Patrick Maginn |
| Telephone |
077 6727 2206 or 028 4372 6400 |
|
| |
FRIENDLY FACE PAINTING
| Time |
1.00pm - 4.00pm |
| Venue |
St Patrick's Square |
|
| |
HISTORICAL COACH TOUR -
THE LIFE & TIMES OF ST PATRICK
(SUBJECT TO SUFFICIENT NUMBERS)
Sit back and enjoy an alternative to St Patrick’s Parade with a
2½ hour coach tour exploring the story of St Patrick and his life and times led by local historian Albert Colmer. Among the sites to be visited, depending on weather conditions, are St Patrick’s Grave, Down Cathedral, St Patrick’s RC Church, Mound of Down, Struell Wells and Saul Churches. As some walking is envisaged sensible walking shoes are recommended. Tea/coffee will be served en route. Organised by Down District Council.
| Time |
1.30pm - 4.00pm approximately |
| Venue |
Departs from the front entrance of
Down County Museum, Downpatrick |
| Admission |
£1.00, tickets can be purchased from |
| Contact |
Downpatrick Tourist Information Centre |
| Telephone |
028 4461 2233 |
|
| |
VINTAGE VEHICLE CAVALCADE & STATIC DISPLAY
Organised by Downe Old Car Club, the cavalcade will assemble from 2.00pm at the car park, Down District Council Offices, 24 Strangford Road, Downpatrick, and then proceed at 2.20pm through the town to the car park at Down Leisure Centre for a static display. Vehicles registered before 31st December 1987 are welcome to take part.
| Time |
2.20pm |
| Venue |
Downpatrick |
| Admission |
Free |
| Contact |
Eugene Morgan to enter a vehicle |
| Telephone |
028 4483 0516 or 078 0387 5754 |
|
| |
ST PATRICK’S DAY CARNIVAL PARADE
This cross-community event, the centre-piece of the festival, will be a spectacular cavalcade of floats, bands, people in fancy dress and lots of attractions! Parade theme: ‘Down Through Time’. The parade will assemble on the Ardglass Road at 1.00pm and depart at 2.30pm for the town centre where it will arrive at approximately 2.50pm. Parade route: Ardglass Road, Edward Street, John Street, Irish Street and Market Street. The closing date for parade entries is Friday 29 February 2008. Organised by Down District Council.
| Time |
2.30pm |
| Venue |
Downpatrick |
| Admission |
Free |
| Contact |
Down District Council’s Community Relations
& Development Section |
| Telephone |
078 0383 2508 |
|
| |
SONGS FOR ST PATRICK
WITH VOICES OF LECALE FOLK CHOIR
Voices of Lecale is a new County Down based folk choir
formed in May 2006 whose motto is ‘If you can walk you can dance, if you can talk you can sing’. They will be performing songs from Ireland, Scotland and countries near and far to celebrate St Patrick’s day - join in with the chorus and raise the rafters for Paddy!
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| |
‘GIVE MY HEAD PEACE
BACK FROM THE GRAVE!’
The Hole in the Wall Gang are bringing their comedy stage show to Downpatrick. Join ‘Ma’, ‘Da’, ‘Uncle Andy’, ‘Cal’, ‘Billy’, ‘Dympna’, ‘Big Mervyn’ and the rest of your favourites as they promise ‘a great night’s craic, entertainment and side splitting laughs’. If you loved the TV programme, this show is not to be missed! Organised by Down District Council and presented by David Hull promotions.
| Time |
8.00pm |
| Venue |
Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick |
| Admission |
£15.00 |
| Contact |
Down Arts Centre |
| Telephone |
028 4461 0747 |
| |
Please note - Show contains adult references. Responsibility for allowing under 12s to view lies with accompanying adult. |
|
| Tuesday 18 March |
|
| |
DUPLICATE PAIRS BRIDGE COMPETITION
Bridge competition for players of all skill levels. Organised by
St Brigid’s Primary School Parents Association.
| Time |
7.15pm |
| Venue |
St Brigid’s Primary School, Downpatrick |
| Admission |
£5.00pp/£10.00 per pair |
| Contact |
Michael Starkey |
| Telephone |
028 4461 2509 or 028 9037 8701 |
|
| Wednesday 19 March |
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| |
DEBTORS, CONVICTS AND REBELS:
PRISONERS IN DOWNPATRICK GAOL
Lunchtime talk on the history of the old gaol of Down and its inhabitants.
| Time |
1.00pm |
| Venue |
Down County Museum, Downpatrick |
| Admission |
Free |
| Contact |
Linda McKenna |
| Telephone |
028 4461 5218 |
|
| |
THE CHAIRMAN’S AWARDS, SCHOOLS MUSIC COMPETITION
Schools within Down District will showcase the musical talent of their pupils, as they compete to win the Chairman’s Awards. The concert will be an extravaganza of music from the young stars. Organised by Down District Council.
| Time |
7.30pm |
| Venue |
The Great Hall,
Downshire Estate, Downpatrick |
| Admission |
£5.00 |
| Contact |
Downpatrick Tourist Information Centre |
| Telephone |
028 4461 2233 |
|
| Other Activities - Throughout March |
| |
DOWN THROUGH TIME
Discover 9,000 years of human history in County Down. See thousands of historic artefacts and documents, learn more about Down’s turbulent past, explore databases of objects, sites and photographs, and have fun with exciting hands-on features.
| Time |
Monday to Friday, 10.00am - 5.00pm
Saturday & Sunday, 1.00pm - 5.00pm
St Patrick’s Day, 11.00am - 6.00pm |
| Venue |
Down County Museum, Downpatrick |
| Admission |
Free |
| Contact |
Linda McKenna |
| Telephone |
028 4461 5218 |
|
| |
HIDDEN CONNECTIONS: ULSTER AND SLAVERY
2007 marked the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery
in Britain and Ireland. This travelling exhibition organised by the Linenhall Library and the Public Record Office of Northern
Ireland looks at the hidden connections between Ulster and the slave trade.
| Time |
Monday to Friday, 10.00am - 5.00pm
Saturday & Sunday, 1.00pm - 5.00pm
St Patrick’s Day, 11.00am - 6.00pm |
| Venue |
Down County Museum, Downpatrick |
| Admission |
Free |
| Contact |
Linda McKenna |
| Telephone |
028 4461 5218 |
|
| |
DIZZYLANDS FUNFAIR
| Time |
Wednesday 12 to Friday 14, 7.00pm - 10.30pm
Saturday 15 & Sunday 16, 2.00pm - 5.00pm
& 7.00pm - 10.30pm
St Patrick’s Day, 12.00noon - 10.30pm |
| Venue |
Car park, Dunleath Park, Downpatrick |
| Admission |
Free |
| Contact |
Amanda Goss |
| Telephone |
077 2187 8448 |
|
| |
DOLLS STORY
This travelling exhibition from the Ulster Museum brings together an intriguing selection of dolls from days gone by.
| Time |
Monday to Friday, 10.00am - 5.00pm
Saturday & Sunday, 1.00pm - 5.00pm
St Patrick’s Day, 11.00am - 6.00pm |
| Venue |
Down County Museum, Downpatrick |
| Admission |
Free |
| Contact |
Linda McKenna |
| Telephone |
028 4461 5218 |
|
| |
QUILTS OF COUNTY DOWN
A selection of quilts from the museum’s collection will show the range of designs used in this fascinating craft.
| Time |
Monday to Friday, 10.00am - 5.00pm
Saturday & Sunday, 1.00pm - 5.00pm
St Patrick’s Day, 11.00am - 6.00pm |
| Venue |
Down County Museum, Downpatrick |
| Admission |
Free |
| Contact |
Linda McKenna |
| Telephone |
028 4461 5218 |
|
Wednesday 12 March -
Wednesday 19 March |
|
| |
COMORTAS NA BHFUINNEOG
WINDOW DISPLAY COMPETITION
An Irish language window display competition for businesses in Downpatrick. Organised by Lecale Gaelic Society.
| Venue |
Downpatrick |
| Admission |
Free |
| Contact |
Joyce Gibson |
| Telephone |
028 4483 8681 |
|
| |
ST PATRICK IN WORDS AND PICTURES
An exhibition and display of books.
| Time |
Library opening hours |
| Venue |
Downpatrick Library |
| Admission |
Free |
| Contact |
Valerie McMullan |
| Telephone |
028 4461 2895 |
|
| |
INDIVIDUAL SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP
Organised by St Michael’s Snooker Club.
| Time |
7.00pm - 10.00pm |
| Venue |
St Michael's Snooker Club, Downpatrick |
| Admission |
Free |
| Contact |
Thomas Burns |
| Telephone |
028 4461 3519 or 028 4461 3791 |
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Click on the image above to view the Public Notice |
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