Cavan Community ENews 13.2.26
- 22 hours ago
- 26 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
Welcome to your weekly ENews. Our news is compiled weekly from our over 500 member groups, partner agencies and funders. The deadline for submitting to cavanppn@gmail.com is noon Wednesdays and we can only take community focused news. Please note that views/items contained within our ENews may not reflect the values/policies of CavanPPN.
Many Thanks, The CavanPPN Team (Aisling, Finian & Daniel). info@cavanppn.ie, CavanPPN, CCLD, Corlurgan, Cavan. H12 X9Y1
CONTENTS (Shaded are new items this week, but all are still relevant/in date)
FUNDING
1. FUNDING: Cavan County Council Community MD Grant
2. FUNDING: The Local Enhancement Progamme 2026
3. FUNDING: CFI Dragons Den For Social Enterprises
4. FUNDING: World Habitat Awards 5. FUNDING: New Solutions Social Innovation Scheme
6. FUNDING: Cavan Sports Equipment Grant 7. FUNDING: UCD Think Again Scholarship Fund
8. FUNDING: EU Fund For Education & Training
9. FUNDING: Age & Opportunity Grant Open
10. FUNDING: ESB Wind Farm Funds
TRAINING
11. TRAINING: Environmental Program For Young People
12. TRAINING: New Community Training Courses for PPN Groups
13. TRAINING: Parenting Workshops
14. TRAINING: SafeTalk Training
SURVEYS/CONSULTS 15. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Community Safety Survey
16.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: ResiRiver Survey 17. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Cuilcagh-Anieran Uplands Survey 18. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Carbon Removal & Farming Consultation
EVENTS & OTHER NEWS
19. Electoral Register Updates For Communties 20. Ballyconnell Roots & Voices Event 21. Ballyjamesduff St. Patrick's Day Parade 22. Loughanleagh & Muff Heritage Trust AGM 23. RSA Check If It Fits Comes To Cavan 24. Creative Brain Week Upcoming 25. Support Stop Food Waste Day 26- Love Your Community Space Valentines Competition
27- Farm Walk & Talk
28- Soul Singers Musical Choir Group
29- New Adult Literacy Calendar
30- Fermanagh Yarnspinners Features Cava Storyteller
31- The Rise Program
32- Arva Seeks Aid
33- Gowna Community Conversation with Grainne Conaty, Listen/Watch Here
FUNDING
Cavan County Council Municipal Districts Grant
The Municipal Districts Discretionary Allocation Scheme was established by the Members of Cavan County Council to support community groups in delivering and promoting projects in their local areas.
The allocation of funds is at the discretion of the Elected Members and as such will be a “reserved function” of each specific Municipal District area. Members also reserve discretion over the specific proportion of the project costs to be funded. The minimum aid payable will be €3,000.
How to apply
Eligible groups can apply online at https://submit.link/4v1.
Please use the links provided to access the application form and any queries should be directed to Kimberly Tweedie on 049 437 8588 or by email ktweedie@cavancoco.ie
Cavan County Council is using the Submit.com system to administer this grant and all guidelines for this scheme can be viewed at the link below:
The closing date for receipt of applications is 23 February 2026 at 4:00pm.
2. The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. Cavan Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) invites applications from community groups and community facilities under the Local Enhancement Programme 2026.
Click here to see the press release announcing the Local Enhancement Programme 2026 at national level, by the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD.
This funding is Capital in nature and can be used towards carrying out necessary repairs and improvements to facilities, energy efficiency type projects, purchase of equipment etc.
The fund also aims to support local strategic priorities through linkages with Local Economic Community Plans (LECPs).
How to apply: Eligible groups can apply online at https://submit.link/4uZ
At least one quote must accompany the application or the application will be deemed ineligible.
Please use the links provided to access the application form and any queries should be directed to Trevor Harte at tharte@cavancoco.ie or 049-4378591. Cavan LCDC is using the Submit.com system to administer this grant and all guidelines for this scheme can be viewed at the link below: Local Enhancement Programme 2026 - Cavan County Council
The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 27th February 2026 at 4pm.
3. CFI Dragons Den For Social Enterprises
Are you a social enterprise with a big idea or an early-stage organisation ready to take your next step? This is your chance to pitch and win £3,000 in tax free financial support that could transform your organisation and increase your social impact.
Community Finance Ireland have once again teamed up with Social Enterprise NI in 2026 to bring you the Dragons’ Den–style showcase, at the Social Enterprise NI Annual Conference in Derry's St Columb's Hall on 26 February.
For more information or to begin your application, click here.
4. World Habitat Awards
World Habitat Awards
The World Habitat Awards competition has been run by World Habitat in partnership with UN-Habitat since 1985. In that time some of the world’s most remarkable and innovative housing projects have received international recognition for their work. This year we will be presenting Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards (and prize money) to the most outstanding projects and programmes.
Deadline: 4 Mar
5. New Solutions Social Innovation Scheme
Minister Jerry Buttimer announces the launch of the New Solutions Social Innovation €4m Pilot Grant Scheme
Minister Buttimer launches €4m Grants Scheme to pilot social innovations
The New Solutions Pilot Grants Scheme is a two-year €4 million fund co-financed by the European Union and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht
The call will be managed by the New Solutions Social Innovation Hub
Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, launched the New Solutions Social Innovation Pilot Grant Scheme, a €4 million fund to support early-stage social innovations in Ireland.
The overall objective of New Solutions Fund is to enhance the social innovation ecosystem in Ireland and is co-funded through the European Social Fund + 2021-2027 (ESF+), a European initiative aimed at reducing the risk of poverty and social exclusion, with an emphasis on disadvantaged groups.
The New Solutions Pilot Grants Scheme will fund social innovation initiatives that will trial or test new products, services, practices or models to deliver better outcomes. The scheme will support a minimum of 40 projects with grants ranging from between €70,000 and €100,000 over a 24-month period. In addition, successful applicants will receive access to the New Solutions Social Innovation Hub’s networks and supports, which will include mentoring, access to training, peer networking and any other supports identified as critical to the delivery of the project.
The scheme will be managed by the New Solutions Social Innovation Hub, which the Minister officially opened last year, who play a key role in developing the social innovation ecosystem in Ireland. The New Solutions Innovation Hub will work closely with the successful projects to provide capacity building and supports.
Applications will close on 13 March 2026, at 6pm. Online application clinics will take place on the 18 and 25 February. Applicants are encouraged to attend these online application clinics for guidance on eligibility and the application process. The application will be available on the New Solutions Social Innovation Hub website.
The Department is supported by Pobal in the implementation of the New Solutions Social Innovation Fund.
Pobal CEO, Anna Shakespeare said:
“Pobal is pleased to play its role in overseeing the New Solutions Pilot Grants, which are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ESF+ EIST 2021–2027 Programme. This investment demonstrates a shared commitment to supporting organisations that are developing new approaches to social inclusion. By enabling communities to test, refine, and grow innovative ideas, the programme will help drive meaningful, lasting change for people experiencing disadvantage.’’
6. Cavan Sports Partnership Equipment Grant
Cavan Sports Partnership Annual Equipment Grant Scheme – Apply Now!
We’re excited to announce that applications are now open for Cavan Sports Partnership’s Annual Grant Scheme – designed to support local clubs through funding for sports equipment and new club start-ups.
Don't miss out – deadline is fast approaching!
Equipment Grant – Up to €300 Available
Grants of up to €300 are available for sports equipment purchases for sports clubs and disability sporting groups.
Eligibility Criteria:️ Based in County Cavan️ Affiliated with a Sport Ireland recognised NGB️ Inclusive policies (regardless of gender, age, race, or ability)️ Commitment to Child Welfare/Safeguarding and Disability Awareness Training
Application Deadline: Thursday, 12th February at 5:00 PM Click here to apply for the Equipment Grant
Have questions? Visit www.cavansportspartnership.ie or get in touch with our team.
Let’s grow sport together in Cavan!
7. UCD Think Again Scholarship Grant
Think Again is a scholarship for women over the age of 23 from households on a low income. The Think Again scholarship is available to women studying any undergraduate course in UCD, full-time or part-time, including women studying on an Access Programme.
How much is the Think Again scholarship worth?
Undergraduate full-time students may be awarded up to €7,000 per student per year of study.
The one-year part-time University Access Course students may be awarded up to €1,000 per student.
Other part-time students may be awarded up to €1,000 per student per year of study.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to support potential applicants to Think Again, such as by giving a talk in your location or online, sending materials, or signposting to relevant information sources.
Míle buíochas,
Siobhán
Dr. Siobhán Nic Fhlannchadha,
Think Again Project Officer,
UCD Access & Lifelong Learning
Tel: 01-7167341
If you would like more information about Think Again or have a specific question, you can fill in the expression of interest form here.
8- EU Funding For Education & Training
With the new year comes a variety of exciting new education-based funding opportunities! Erasmus+, the EU’s funding programme for education, training, youth and sport, has published calls for proposals for collaborative projects focused on promoting and supporting lifelong learning, digital education, and micro-credentials.
Any nonprofit organisation actively working in the fields of education and training can apply for funding to deliver projects that address the Erasmus+ programme’s objectives and priorities.
The open calls for proposals include:
Adult Education: Motivation in Motion: Empowering Adults to Upskill and Reskill - Deadline: 8/4/2026. This call aims to support innovative approaches to stimulate adults to engage in learning activities in their usual and trusted environments. Call details and application link here.
Digital Education: AI-powered Personalised Learning Pathways for Basic Skills – Deadline: 8/4/2026. This call aims to foster the application of ethical and transparent AI-based personal learning pathways at school education and initial VET level. Call details and application link here.
Digital Education Content: Success factors in decision making and use by teachers, trainers and school/institution leaders – Deadline: 8/4/2026. This call aims to promote and establish collaboration and agreement between teachers/educators, creators/providers of digital education content. Call details and application link here.
Micro-credentials: Focus on eco-systems – Deadline: 8/4/2026. This call aims to support developing micro-credentials’ eco-systems in STEM. Call details and application link here.
Vocational Education and Training: Developing basic skills in Vocational Education and Training - Deadline: 8/4/2026. This call aims to fund projects to test and pilot promising and innovative practices to improve basic skills in VET. Call details and application link here.
The Access Europe team is here to provide you with support and advice around these and other EU funding project applications. Contact us today at europe@wheel.ie to begin your EU funding journey and sign up to our Access Europe Newsletter to stay informed on upcoming Erasmus+ calls and other EU funding opportunities.
9- Age & Opportunity Grant Open
Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme Now Open!
The Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme is funded by Sport Ireland and offers financial supports to local clubs, groups and organisations, nationwide who promote increased participation in recreational sport or physical activity for older people.
When can I apply for the grant?
The Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme will open for applications on Tuesday, the 3rd of February 2026 and will close at 12 noon on Friday, the 27th of February 2026.
Applications can be submitted online or via a downloadable form which will be available from the 3rd of February 2026, along with further information and guidance.
The Active National Grant Scheme Terms & Conditions are available to view now: Active National Grant Scheme T&Cs 2026.
Contact
For information speak to the Active Programme team.
Call 01 913 3943 or via email active@ageandopportunity.ie
10- ESB Wind Farm Funds
The 2026 ESB Wind Farm Community Funds are now open for applications until March 6th, 2026. For a full list of Wind Farm Community Funds included in this call, please click here.
The fund is available to community and voluntary groups, non-profit groups or organisations with a charitable status. The Wind Farm Community Funds will prioritise projects and initiatives that support and benefit the areas surrounding ESB wholly owned and co-owned wind farms, in the following categories:
Education and skills
Health, safety and wellbeing
Environment and habitat conservation
Energy efficiency and sustainability
Culture and heritage
Recreation, sport and social inclusion
Tourism (Raheenleagh & Castlepook only)
Getting started on your project ideas early will greatly assist with your application, as a well-developed project is key to a successful outcome.
It is essential to note that applications from groups that do not submit required documentation with the application form e.g. planning permission, planning exemption, confirmation that you have liaised with your local authority or owner permission, may not proceed to evaluation.
Applications may made online at www.communitybenefitfunds.ie, please ensure you take some time to read the Fund Guidelines, prior to submitting you application and visit the help section of our website for additional helpful documents. If you are registered a previous call, you can use the same user name and password to apply to the 2026 fund. If you have lost or forgotten your password, please go to the “Forgot Password” tab, or contact SECAD.
If you do not have a current constitution for your group please click here to download a template constitution, to edit and adapt to suit your group. National schools can use this template.
If you register as a new user and do not receive the confirmation message within a few minutes of signing up, please check your spam or junk mail folders, just in case the confirmation email was delivered there instead of your inbox. If so, select the confirmation message and click Not Spam, which will allow future messages to get through.
TRAINING
11- Environmental Program For Young People
Do you have young people in your life aged 15–16 who would love a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on environmental conservation skills?
We’re delighted to offer a fully certified programme that includes the John Muir Award and Leave No Trace Certificate, facilitated by home-grown talent Tony Smith of Oakwood Bushcraft. The programme offers equal measures of fun, skill-building, and meaningful connection with nature and peers.
Across 8 sessions, participants will explore a range of idyllic locations across Fermanagh and Cavan, taking part in team-building activities, making lasting friendships, and developing practical conservation skills. Highlights include:
Learning about and observing local wildlife, including bats in their natural habitat at Crom Estate
Exploring native woodlands
Conducting habitat surveys and practical water testing on our shared waterway system at Castle Saunderson
Taking local conservation action in Cladagh Glen
The programme will culminate in a celebratory finale at Cavan Adventure Centre, where participants will showcase their efforts and achievements, and make a splash while doing so! It is also worth noting, transportation to each venue is included in the programme.
If you know a young person who would thrive in this kind of outdoor, skills-based, and confidence-building experience, we’d love to hear from you.
Kind regards
Annette
12- Free Community Training For CavanPPN members Cavan PPN currently has a number of training courses available to our member groups.
They are available FREE OF CHARGE for member groups.
All the courses are online and places are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Upcoming Training:
A-Z of Data Protection – Becoming & Remaining Compliant with GDPR
… and more!
(Please note: you must be part of a member group of Cavan PPN to avail of these training courses).
For more information, and to register, please click on the link below: Events | Cavan PPN | Public Participation Network
13- Parenting Workshops
I hope this email finds you well. Can you please share and promote the attached posters, with parents, guardians, foster parents, and new communities that may engage with your service/school. More details regarding topics on the posters.
Early years programme for parents with babies/children- 0-5 years old.
Children combined ADHD programme for parents with children- 6-12 years old.
Adolescent programme 11+ years old.
Thank you, and appreciate you circulating.
Kind Regards,
Joanne Mc Cabe
Social Care Worker
Parenting Cavan Coordinator
Older Persons Development Officer
Mobile +353877529948
Cavan County Local Development
FREE webinar 'Young People, Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating – Support for Parents/ Carers’ which takes place on Thursday the 19th of February at 7pm.
On the evening Kathy Downes, Support Services and Training Manager, with Bodywhys will give an overview of what an eating disorder is, and where it sits at the spectrum of potential disordered behaviours and thoughts in young people around food and body.
Kathy will look at how a person with an eating disorder experiences themselves and the world, and how we then must think about how to communicate with that person to be able to support them.
Key take aways on the night:
Get an understanding of eating disorders, the difference between disordered eating and eating disorder.
Insight into the mindset of the person/ risk factors
What you might notice if you are feeling worried.
How to think about food intake and body image at home
What might be the next steps if you are concerned
Communicating this and supporting the young person.
Registration is now open, see the link below to register or alternatively click register on the attached leaflet.
We would appreciate if you could share the above information and the attached leaflets promoting the webinars to all your networks/ schools/ committees/ CYPSC’s/ CFNC’s/ stakeholders/ parents you are working with/ friends/ family etc. As well as the above links to register you can click on the ‘register here’ link on the attached leaflet to register for the workshop.
Thank you, and appreciate you circulating.
Kind Regards,
Joanne Mc Cabe
Social Care Worker
Parenting Cavan Coordinator
Older Persons Development Officer
Mobile +353877529948
Cavan County Local Development
14 Want To Help Teens Say No Workshop
Want to Help Teens Say No? Join Our FREE Workshop on 17th February!Have you ever wondered why some young people feel confident saying “no”—while others struggle, even when they know something isn’t right?
If you work with or care for teenagers, you already know how powerful peer influence, pressure, curiosity, and stress can be. And in a world where vaping and drug experimentation are becoming more common, young people need more than warnings - they need confidence, clarity, and strong support.That’s exactly why we’re hosting:Curiosity & Consequences: Help Teens to Say NoDate: Tuesday 17th February 2026Time: 10:30am – 12:00pmVenue: The Youth Floor, Bridge Street Centre, 16 Bridge Street, H12 WC52This FREE empowering session is designed for adults who want to help young people build the skills to resist harmful influences.We are delighted to welcome Special Guest Speaker, Ann Crowe (Parenting Cavan), who brings deep expertise in communication, family support, and youth wellbeing.You’ll walk away with practical, evidence‑informed strategies including:Communicating effectively with young peopleBoosting teenagers’ confidence & self‑esteemSetting clear, consistent rules and boundariesCreating supportive environments at home, school, and youth spacesHelping young people say “no” confidently to drugs, vaping & negative peer influenceEncouraging healthier coping tools and positive decision‑makingFree access to resources and training from the CHILL PILL projectThis session is ideal for:Youth workersParents & guardiansEducators & trainersSocial care & support workersCommunity organisationsAnyone committed to supporting the wellbeing of young peopleSpaces Are Limited — Secure Your FREE Ticket Now Before Monday 16th February 2026:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/curiosity-consequences-building-confidence-to-say-no-tickets-1981860862189?aff=oddtdtcreator
Kind regards,
Sorcha Coyle
Training Facilitator at The Rural Hub
Website: https://theruralhub.ie/
Work Phone Number: 085 866 3236
15 Free Training in Suicide Prevention Awareness
safeTALK Training
What is safeTALK? safeTALK is a half-day alertness training that prepares attendees,
regardless of prior experience or training, to become a suicide-alert helper.
These specific skills are called suicide alertness and are taught with the
expectation that the persons learning them will use them to help reduce
suicide risk in their community. Most people with thoughts of suicide don’t
truly want to die but are struggling with the pain in their lives.
What will I learn? As a safeTALK trained suicide alert helper, you will be better able to:
Move beyond the common tendencies to miss, dismiss or avoid suicide;
Identify people who have thoughts of suicide;
Apply the TALK steps (Tell, Ask, Listen & Keepsafe) to connect a person
with suicidal thoughts to people and agencies that can help.
Who is it for? safeTALK is appropriate for most members of a community (over 18 years
old) including front line workers, volunteers, parents, teachers, clergy,
concerned citizens etc. However, safeTALK is not suitable for persons or
communities that have recently been bereaved or seriously affected by
suicide, nor can it be used to teach the complete set of suicide intervention
skills.
This training can be provided free of charge to staff and volunteers in your
community (minimum of 20 people required to proceed).
For more information including details on how to schedule this training and
further requirements to facilitate it, please contact: admin@breakingthrough.org
SURVEYS/CONSULTATIONS
15- Community Safety Survey The National Office for Community Safety is leading on the development of the first National Strategy for Improving Community Safety, on behalf of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. For more information on this Office click here.
They are inviting the public to contribute to the development of this new National Strategy by taking part in our National Community Safety Survey which is open until 27 February 2026.
Click here for more information and to take part in the survey.
People have different experiences of community safety. The National Office want to hear from people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences living in the Republic of Ireland today. It takes just 10 to 15 minutes and is your opportunity to share your experience and to help public service agencies and communities to work together to make communities safer.
The National Office have tried to make this survey accessible as possible. If you experience any difficulties and require accessibility assistance, please contact accessofficer@justice.ie or call 01 602 8632.
If you have any queries in relation to this process, contact the National Office for Community Safety at strategy@communitysafety.ie.
We ask that you share with your member groups accordingly.
16- ResiRiver Survey
My name is Mahak Sharma and I am a Ph.D. researcher in the Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies (CFES) here in DkIT Dundalk. As part of the ResiRiver project (Home | ResiRiver), I am currently conducting a research project titled "Analysing the role of stakeholder engagement within various water management institutions/organisations", under the supervision of Dr. Suzanne Linnane, Dr. Caroline Gilleran Stephens, Dr. Hammond Antwi Sarpong and Dr. David Getty. The aim of my research is to explore how different stakeholder groups engage and collaborate to build more effective and sustainable water management systems.
As part of this study, I am reaching out to officials of various organisations to invite them to participate in a short survey that will help gather valuable data and insights.
It will be a great help if you complete the survey that will take approximately 5 minutes and can be accessed through the following link: https://forms.gle/CaCZmjfjKjpbV8DF7
Also, I am aware that some of the organisations have restricted the use of external form links (google form) due to security protocols. As a result, some recipients have been unable to open or complete the online survey. In that case, to ensure that you are able to participate without difficulty, I have also attached a Word version of the survey to this email. It will be a great help if you complete the attached document at your convenience and return the completed file to me via email.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like further information about the study.
I truly appreciate your time and support.
Kind Regards
Mahak
17- Cuilcagh-Anierin Uplands Survey
My name is Erin Bell, and I am a student at University College Dublin. I am conducting a survey to better understand areas of cultural and social importance within the Cuilcagh-Anierin Uplands SAC, from the perspective of those who live nearby. The survey is open to adult residents of the Republic of Ireland who live within 50 km of Cuilcagh-Anierin Uplands. Your insights will help highlight the places and traditions that matter most to local communities.
Participation is voluntary and responses will be anonymous.
You can access the survey directly at https://www.partimap.eu/en/p/CuilcaghAnierin/0, or by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer.
18- Carbon Removal & Farming Consultation
The European Union Public consultation is open until 19 February 2026 on Carbon removals and carbon farming – methodologies for certifying carbon farming at an EU level, specifically resulting from:
• peatland restoration through rewetting
• planting of trees
• agroforestry and soil management of agricultural mineral soils including improved fertiliser use.
Have your say: https://europa.pulse.ly/atpyuweqgz
EVENTS & OTHER NEWS
19- Electoral Register Updates
Cavan County Council is currently issuing letters to households across the county as part of a nationwide initiative to verify and update the Electoral Register. This process is compulsory and is essential to ensuring that each person’s details are accurate and that no duplicate records exist.
I’m getting in touch to ask for your support in sharing this important information with the many community groups you work with and in your newsletter/social media posts.
Residents can check, update, or confirm their details by visiting:
It only takes 2 minutes to update your details, and ensuring information is accurate is vital for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
We know that some people prefer not to complete forms online, so if any of the groups you work with would like to have printed physical forms, we’re happy to provide them and arrange delivery. These can be left in community centres, meeting rooms, or anywhere they may be useful.
Additionally, our Register of Electors team is more than happy to visit groups in person to deliver a short, informative talk about the registration process. If you feel any of the groups you’re involved with would benefit from a visit or Q&A session, we’d be delighted to arrange it.
Your help in circulating this information across the various groups would be greatly appreciated.
If you need printed forms, posters, or would like to organise a visit, please feel free to let me know.
Kind regards,
Danielle McDermott, Register of Electors
Cavan County Council, Farnham Centre,
Farnham Street, Cavan H12C9K1
T: 049 437 8300| E: register@cavancoco.ie | Web: http://www.cavancoco.ie
20- Ballyconnell Roots & Voices Event
21- Ballyjamesduff Saint Patrick's Day
The annual St Patrick's Day Parade takes place at 4pm in Ballyjamesduff on Tuesday 17th March.
Prizes for Floats, Children's Entertainment and fun for all the family. All Welcome
22- Loughanleagh & Muff Heritage Trust AGM
Loughanleagh & Muff Heritage Trust will host their AGM at the old Laragh (Muff) Schoolhouse on Tuesday, February 17, from 7.30 p.m. Eircode: A82 XD80. New members and volunteers are most welcome to join. Call 087 3355068 or email pro.loughanleagh@gmail.com for more info.
23- RSA Check If It Fits In Cavan
This February the RSA’s Check it Fits service will be visiting County Cavan. Did you know it’s the law that all children under 150cms or 36kgs must use a child car seat appropriate to their weight and height. In Ireland as many as 54% of child car seats are incorrectly fitted which can lead to serious injury or even death in a collision. Since the start of the service, the RSA’s ‘Check it Fits’ Service has checked over 70,000 child car seats and restraints in Ireland.
The Check it Fits service is quick, it’s easy, it’s free. On the day our experts will advise on how to fix any problem, demonstrate how to fit the restraint correctly and answer any queries participants might have. Our experts aim to put parent’s, grandparent’s and guardian’s minds at ease that their child’s car seat is safely and securely fitted in their car.
We will be visiting the following locations in Cavan:
ALDI Carpark Cavan Tuesday Feb 24th 10am to 5.30pm
We would be delighted if you could help us to raise awareness of child safety in cars by letting colleagues, friends, family members and any other relevant contacts know about our upcoming visit to County Cavan. We have included a copy of our poster which may be useful for promoting the ‘Check it Fits’ Service in your workplace and local community also.
If you have any questions or require any additional information, please let us know for more information on the service visit www.checkitfits.ie.
24- Creative Brain Week
CREATIVE BRAIN WEEK 2026 DATES
March 2-6 2026
This year's theme is THINKING. BETTER. TOGETHER.
The problems of the world are many and varied. All we have is creativity and imagination, our brains and each other. How do we connect, collaborate and continue. What is the value of our senses?
In 2026, Creative Brain Week expands across Dublin in collaboration with renowned cultural spaces as we celebrate 10 years of the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) and 5 years of Creative Brain Week—elevating discussion, discovery, and developments where brain science and creativity converge.
Be part of Creative Brain Week 2026—online and in person at the Naughton Institute and Samuel Beckett Theatre in Trinity College Dublin, The Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) and the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA).
Alongside global and local innovators, Creative Brain Week 2026 draws on the maturing programs and initiatives it has catalysed to show how inspired intelligence is creating positive transformations for brain health, individuals, communities and you.
Booking will open at the end of January 2026, and you will receive an email in advance of booking being open to the general public.
25- Support Stop Food Waste Day
Dear All,
Just to let you know Sunday 1st of March is National Stop Food Waste Day and we are calling on all our supporters and stakeholders to support the Stop Food Waste campaign to help amplify the message and reach wider audiences, find out how below.
The EPA’s Stop Food Waste programme is the national campaign to reduce household food waste in Ireland, providing guidance and resources to help people make the most of their food, keep it fresher for longer and avoid food waste.
This year our campaign will run from 1-7 March 2026 around one of the foods we waste the most, Bread.
Bread is one of the food items wasted most by Irish households, in fact, EPA research shows that 48% of people said bread was the food they threw out most often. We are raising awareness and offering tips on how to make the most of bread and avoid wasting it during this week-long campaign.
The campaign messaging will be communicated through a series of social media posts on Stop Food Waste social platforms (Instagram, Facebook), paid promotion of targeted posts and the campaign blog on stopfoodwaste.ie
Support
We would appreciate your support for the campaign by promoting the event and messaging through your networks and sharing the messages/tips on your social media networks. And Charter members can also promote actions they are undertaking as a business to reduce food waste by using the #SFWDay2026 hashtag.
In the next 2 weeks, we will send you a stakeholder toolkit which will include an informative campaign blog, template messaging and visual assets to use on social media. These can be posted on Stop Food Waste Day itself and throughout the following week.
Please include Stop Food Waste Day, 1st March 2026, in your Communications calendar and we’ll be back in touch soon.
Many thanks,
Kind Regards
The Stop Food Waste Team
26- Love Your Community Space Valentines Competition
️Love Your Community Space! ️
Valentine’s Photography Competition
This February, Rural Action and Irish Rural Link are celebrating the places that bring people together. Whether it’s a bustling community hall, a shared green space, a meeting room, a garden, or any spot where your community gathers, we want to see the spaces you love and the action that brings them to life.
Your community building and shared spaces are more than bricks, mortar, and open areas. They’re where connections happen, ideas grow, and local life thrives.
How to enter:
Capture a moment that shows your community space in action — indoors or outdoors. It could be a class, a club, a celebration, a quiet corner, or a space transformed for something special.
Add a short commentary telling us what you love about this space and why it’s at the heart of your community (200 words max)
Submit your photo and commentary via https://forms.gle/5G8kVGnTjtz6ayAv8 or email info@ruralaction.co providing your pic and commentary by 5 p.m. Monday 16th February 2026
Open to individuals, groups, communities in rural areas of Northern Ireland, the border region and Ireland – Happy Snapping!
The top 3 winning entries will each receive a community hall hamper to the value of £100.
Best of Luck !!
Kind Regards
Samantha
27- Farm Walk & Talk
Agri Aware’s Farm Walk Talk returns with additional dates
Agri Aware’s annual Farm Walk and Talk series is returning for 2026, offering second-level
students studying agricultural science the chance to step onto farms across the country in the
coming weeks.
This year’s series will see each event cover all cross-cutting themes of the agricultural science
curriculum, with the addition of a stand dedicated to the Individual Investigative Study (IIS) that is worth 25% of the final grade, where students can talk to Agri Aware Education Officers and seek advice on their projects.
Students will have the unique opportunity to take their classroom learnings to the farmyard and witness real-world applications of the latest agricultural techniques and practices.
This year’s series will begin in Co. Tipperary on Tuesday, February 24th, and conclude on
Friday, March 13th, at Kildalton Agricultural College in Kilkenny with an additional day added to Pallaskenry Agricultural College for 2026 to cater for increased demand.
After a successful 2025, where over 4,100 students took part, Agri Aware is looking forward to
meeting teachers and students once again on farms where the most modern, up-to-date
research, technology, and practices are implemented alongside our event partners and patrons.
This year, the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) have come on board to
partner on the series with Teagasc, the Irish Farmers Journal and the UCD School of
Agriculture and Food Science.
This year’s launch took place at the Irish Farmers Journal’s Demonstration Farm in Tullamore,
Co. Offaly which is one of the venues for this year’s series. On the day, Agri Aware Chair Shay
Galvin was joined by partners of the series, as well as students from Tullamore College.
Speaking ahead of this year’s series was Agri Aware Chair Shay Galvin who said: “It is with
great pride to announce the return of our flagship secondary school event series Farm Walk &
Talk. For 2026, we are thrilled to offer the series to Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science
students, and Transition Year students and thanks to the LOETB the fee for students has been
waivered. We look forward to welcoming students and teachers across all events and hope they take back valuable learnings to the classroom.”
Gráinne McGrath of the LOETB said: “As an ETB, we are delighted to be part of this initiative
and believe it is absolutely crucial that education providers like the LOETB engage with
initiatives such as this. It plays a vital role in promoting the subject of agricultural science and
highlighting the wide range of opportunities available within the sector. We hope it will
encourage students to avail of both further and higher education pathways currently on offer.”
Agri Aware
Agri Aware, the agri-food educational body, is a charitable trust whose mission is to enhance
agricultural literacy amongst the general public.
Agri Aware is tasked with conveying the importance of the agri-food industry among the public and bridge the gap between producer and consumer.
This is achieved through delivering high-impact educational and public awareness initiatives and projects for students and the public through its school programmes, campaigns and at events nationwide run and exhibited at by Agri Aware.
Farm Walk & Talk Teachers and students across Ireland visit various Teagasc agricultural colleges and research centres, as well as UCD’s Lyon’s Estate and the Irish Farmers Journal Tullamore demonstration
farm.
Through these events, students can gain real-life experiences on working farms. They also
attend talks from agri-food industry experts and leading academics in a practical environment.
From observing cows being milked, comparing different breeds of cattle, examining soil profiles, lamb births, to watching piglets suckle and farm safety demonstrations the students get to experience the realities of the subjects that they are taught each day in the classroom.
Event Dates & Locations
24-02 Tuesday: Gurteen -Teagasc Agricultural College, Co. Tipperary
25-02 Wednesday: Teagasc Grange Animal & Grassland Research Centre, Co. Meath
26-02 Wednesday: Irish Farmers Journal Demonstration Farm - Tullamore, Co. Offaly
26-02 Thursday: Pallaskenry - Teagasc Salesian Agricultural College, Co. Limerick
27-02 Thursday: Pallaskenry - Teagasc Salesian Agricultural College, Co. Limerick
04-03 Tuesday: Clonakilty - Teagasc Agricultural College, Co. Cork
05-03 Wednesday: Moorepark - Teagasc Research College, Co. Cork
05-03 Thursday: Mountbellew - Teagasc Agricultural College, Co. Galway
06-03 Friday: Mountbellew - Teagasc Agricultural College, Co. Galway
10-03 Tuesday: Ballyhaise - Teagasc Agricultural College, Co. Cavan
11-03 Wednesday: Ballyhaise - Teagasc Agricultural College, Co. Cavan
11-03 Wednesday morning and afternoon: UCD Lyons Farm, Co. Kildare
12-03 Thursday: Kildalton - Teagasc Agricultural College, Co. Kilkenny
13-03 Friday: Kildalton - Teagasc Agricultural College, Co. Kilkenny
28- Soul Singers Musical Choir Group
29- New Adult Literacy Calendar
We are delighted to present a new calendar style interactive resource for workplace literacy. You can click on a new item each day to access information, resources and tips about literacy in the workplace. The calendar has information on the many ways that employers, staff and workplaces everywhere can create more literacy friendly environments. The items each day are free to view or to use.
Please visit the Adult Literacy for Life Workplace Calendar Resource here. You will need to open the calendar in PDF or Word from this page.
Kind regards
Ceinwen
Ceinwen Fergus
Eagraí Litearthachta d'Aosaigh | Regional Literacy Coordinator
30- Fermanagh Yarnspinners Feature Cavan Storyteller
31- The Rise Program
My name is Sharon Morrissey, and I am delighted to introduce myself as a Project Officer with Irish Rural Link, working alongside my colleague Brendan Mulry. We are reaching out to share details of a new and exciting initiative that may be of interest to you or to those you work with and support in the community.
The RiSE Project was officially launched in An Creggan last Wednesday, 4th February. We were thrilled by the strong enthusiasm and engagement from individuals and organisations eager to explore the opportunities this project aims to create.
Please find attached our press release from the launch event, which outlines the project’s vision, objectives, and next steps. You will also find the Application Form for those who wish to submit an Expression of Interest.
Round One Expressions of Interest are now open until 27 March, and we encourage early submissions from anyone who may be interested in participating.
Should you have any questions or need support with completing the form, please don't hesitate to contact us. We would be very happy to help. Brendan and I, on behalf of the RiSE project team at Irish Rural Link, look forward to staying in touch and keeping you updated as the project develops, should you wish.
For ease of access:
https://irishrurallink.ie/projects/rise-rural-innovation-social-enterprise/ (expression of interest)
32- Arva Seeks Aid
People of Arva & Surrounding areas- WE NEED YOUR HELP!
The current commitee of the Arva 3 Province Festival commitee is disbanding and The future of the Festival is at risk if there is nobody to take over.
We have always been a small commitee but I think you'll agree, that we have always ensured that we had a fantastic, fun filled, cost effective Festival for you and your families over the years.
We have held great events such as our annual raft race, Masters Gaa match, water activities, fireworks displays, kids activities, Table quiz, Bangin' Bingo, busking & dancing Competitions, Cantus Cafe & our fabulous Market Day. And while we have enjoyed every bit of it, we feel like some fresh minds & fresh ideas could bring a lot to it.
This is the perfect time for the festival to have a bit of a relaunch and you could make it your own!
We will hand over a very informative pack to the new commitee and we will help out wherever we can to ensure the continuation of this great event.
Please feel free to message the page, email arvathreeprovincefestival@gmail.com or call/text 0861280663 if you would like to get involved.
Please share this far & wide so it reaches the people it needs to
Thank you all,
The Arva 3 Province Festival Commitee
33- Gowna Community Meitheal A Success
CavanPPN hosted its first of 6 Community Meitheals in Gowna earlier this month. The Gowna Meithal drew members from across Southwest Cavan communities to highlight their local and wider issues and solutions and to network and learn from one another and about the PPN. They also attended our first of 6 Community Conversations, this one featuring The Arts through local artist Grainne Conaty and her journey as an artist. You can attend the next Meitheals and Community Conversations via our website www.cavanppn.ie and you can tune in to Grainne's Community Conversation at:
2026 Community Meitheals: January 29th Gowna March 5th Stradone May 7th Swanlinbar July 30th Virginia September 3rd Redhills November 26th Killesdhandra ALL 7.30-9.30pm
