Cavan Community ENews 2.5.25
- Daniel Downey
- Apr 30
- 26 min read
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
FUNDING
1. FUNDING: Heritage Week Small Grants
2. FUNDING: Community Safety Fund
3. FUNDING: Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme
4. FUNDING: Farm Safety, Health & Wellbeing 2025 5. FUNDING: Human Rights & Equality 2025-26 Grant
6. FUNDING: CLÁR Funding Scheme 2025 7. FUNDING: Cavan LEADER is OPEN for Expressions of Interest
8. FUNDING: Festival Investment Scheme 2026 Open
9. FUNDING: Age Friendly Awards
10. FUNDING: Working with Nature Awards
TRAINING
11. TRAINING: FREE TRAINING FOR CAVANPPN MEMBERS
12. TRAINING: Pocket Forest Initiative
13. TRAINING: Circle of Life Singing & Crochet Training Workshops
14. TRAINING: Staying Connected with Your Teen Workshop
15. TRAINING: Political Advocacy & Communications For PPN Members
15. TRAINING: Boyne Valley Ripple Projct
SURVEYS/CONSULTS 17. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: AED Register For Cavan 18. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Survey on Insurance Reform 19. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Consultation on Roadmap for Social Inclusion
EVENTS & OTHER NEWS 20.Cavan Carnival School Seeks Artists 21. Hello How Are You Campaign
22. StreetFeast Coming This May, Register NOW
23. Cottage Market Call For Summer Vendors
24. ALONE Stakeholder Event & News 25. Dawn Chorus Double Weekend Walks This May 26. Cavan Arts Festival 27- Secure The LEADER Programme 28- Update from Cavan Birdwatch 29- Ballyconnell Storytelling Night Upcoming 30- Bealtaine Bridget's Thatched Cottage Event At Drummany 31- Do You Provide Supports For Adults with Disabilities in Cavan? 32- Collecting Cavan's Ancient Cures 33- Inner Peace Outer Purpose Program 34- Cavan Community Cinema 35- Fancy A Cuppa? Come Borrow A Vintage Tea Set For Your Community Group 35- LAUNCH OF BIODIVERSITY WEEK IN BELTURBET: Workshops For A Wilder World 36- Public Meeting On Water Quality In Cavan 37- Cavan Singers Concert 38- West Cavan Community Meitheal
FUNDING
Heritage Week Small Grants
This year Heritage Week’s theme ‘Exploring Our Foundations’ invites us to delve into the building blocks of our heritage; not just the structures, but the landscapes and cultural activities that have shaped us and takes place from 16th – 24th August 2025.
A small grant scheme will be in place to assist towards the cost of your Heritage Week events.
Applications to be returned by Friday 27th June, 2025
Before submitting application, please register your event on National Heritage Week event details:- Organise an Event or Project | National Heritage Week 16th – 24th August 2025
2. Community Safety Fund
We wish to share a press release on behalf of the Department of Justice, regarding the launch of the Community Safety Fund linked here which is now open for applicants and might be of interest to your member groups.
The National Office for Community Safety is hosting an information webinar in relation to the Community Safety Fund next Wednesday, 16th April. Any queries about the webinar, or the Fund, should be directed to the National Office for Community Safety, email address is Info@communitysafety.ie
Further information and a link to register for the webinar can be found on the Community Safety page linked here.
With thanks and kind regards,
Gillian
Gillian Moore
Community and Voluntary Supports and Programmes
——
An Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus PobailDepartment of Rural and Community Development
3. Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme
Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme
The Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme offers financial supports – provided by Sport Ireland – to local clubs, groups and organisations, nationwide who promote increased participation in recreational sport or physical activity for older people.
Some of the Sport Initiatives supported are:
Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme
Offers financial supports to local clubs, groups and organisations, nationwide.
FitLine
A telephone mentoring service which encourages callers to start getting more active- we’re only a phone call away!
Physical Activity Leaders
An education and peer leadership initiative which trains older people how to lead sport and activity sessions in their local groups and communities.
CarePALS
Trains those working in care settings to lead suitable physical activities.
People with intellectual disability Physical Activity Leaders
Enabling people with intellectual disability (ID) to become physical activity leaders.
Walking Football initiative
An Age & Opportunity initiative for older men that is great craic and good for general health and wellbeing.
European Week of Sport
Promoting sport and physical activity across Europe.
Go For Life Games
Teams from all over Ireland coming together to take part in a national day of sport in June every year.
4. Farm Safety, Health & Wellbeing 2025
Farm Safety, Health and Wellbeing Projects 2025 - 19th May
This open call for project proposals is one of a series of initiatives being implemented in 2025 by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in helping to improve the safety, health and wellbeing of Irish farmers and their families.
The Department is inviting applications from individuals, groups and organisations that have the capability and vision, to develop and deliver projects which address farm safety, health and wellbeing challenges on Irish farms. These projects will support and promote best practice and bring about behavioural change to minimise the risks to the safety, health, and wellbeing of everyone on farms, including farmers, workers, farm families and visitors.
Deadline: Monday, 19 May 2025
5. Human Rights & Equality Grants Scheme 2025-26
The purpose of the grants scheme is to support projects by civil society and trade unions that promote human rights and equality. A total of €350,000 is available for projects.
Grants Scheme Strands
The 2025-26 Grants Scheme’s themes are informed by the Commission’s strategic priorities set out in its Strategy Statement 2025-27.
This year the Grants Scheme will support projects under the following strands:
Strand A: Applying the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty in combating disinformation, misinformation and hate, and building community solidarity and belonging.
Strand B: Applying the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty in challenging the structural causes of poverty, its impact on people and communities and the effectiveness of the State’s responses.
Strand C: Applying the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty to ensure a human rights and equality approach to climate and environmental justice and a just transition.
Please see Guidance on Implementing the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty.
Funding Streams
Funding is available for small and general grants:
Small Grants up to: €7,000
General Grants up to: €22,000.
Who Can Apply?
The Grants Scheme is open to civil society organisations working to promote human rights and equality and trade unions in Ireland. Civil society organisations include: local and national community and voluntary organisations, non-governmental organisations, rights-holder-led groups, groups representing area based communities or communities of interest protected under the nine grounds of the Equality legislation, well as groups experiencing poverty, socio-economic discrimination or exclusion, including international protection applicants and migrant communities.
To be eligible, civil society organisations must be not-for-profit and registered with the Company Registration Office (CRO) and/or as a Charity.
Detailsa at: Human Rights and Equality Grant Scheme - IHREC - Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Deadline 3pm, Wednesday 4 June 2025.
6. CLÁR Funding Scheme 2025
CLÁR is a targeted investment programme for rural areas that aims to provide funding for small infrastructural projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of population decline.
Measure 1 will be managed by Cavan County Council and Measure 2 will be managed directly by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD).
The measures being funded under 2025 CLÁR Funding Scheme are:
Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities and Amenities (Apply to Cavan County Council) Submit your application in a word document to clar@cavancoco.ie
Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care, Community First Responder and Meals on Wheels Transport (Apply directly to DRCD)
Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities and Amenities
Examples of Eligible Interventions:
Small scale renovation works to community facilities which are open to the wider community
Multi-Use Gaming Areas (MUGAs)/Astro-Turf facilities including upgrades
Playgrounds/skateboard parks/pump tracks/cycling tracks
Walking/Running/Athletics tracks
Handball Alleys/Tennis Courts/Basketball Courts/Cricket Grounds
Community Gyms/Community Cinemas
Sensory Gardens/Community Gardens/Allotments
Access to unique local heritage sites/areas of natural beauty
Outdoor Bowling Areas/Outdoor Toilet Facilities/Car Parking
Solar Bins
Biodiversity Planting
Improving access to sports grounds e.g. Development/upgrade of spectator stands at local sports grounds with a particular focus on improving access for people of all abilities and ages.
Grant Funding and Rate of Aid:
A minimum grant of €5,000 and maximum grant of €65,000 will apply to this measure.
To facilitate projects of a slightly greater scale, each local authority can submit 2 applications seeking grant funding of up to €100,000. This means that each local authority can submit the following:
• 13 applications seeking funding of between €5,000 and €65,000
• 2 applications seeking funding of between €5,000 and €100,000
Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care, Community First Responder and Meals on Wheels Transport
Measure 2 will be administered directly by the Department of Rural & Community Development (DRCD). Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to be submitted directly to DRCD.
Areas Eligible for CLÁR Funding
Please note, areas shaded in white in the map below are not eligible for CLÁR funding.
CLÁR regions 2025 (click map to enlarge)
How to apply
Eligible groups can access the application forms and scheme guidelines at the links below:
Please direct any queries to Deborah Leahy on 049 437 8587 or by email to clar@cavancoco.ie
Completed applications and quotations for Measure 1 should be returned to clar@cavancoco.ie.
Closing date for receipt of applications by Cavan County Council is 5pm, Friday 16th May 2025
Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.
7. Cavan LEADER is OPEN for Expressions of Interest
Cavan LEADER Programme 2023 - 2027 is OPEN and accepting ‘Expressions of Interest’.
Unlock Funding Opportunities for Your Community Project Today!
Cavan LEADER funding is available locally for community and other voluntary groups to apply for support for a range of possible projects to a maximum of €200,000 on an ongoing basis until the budget is exhausted. In order to decipher if your project is eligible to progress to application stage, FULLY complete an ‘expression of interest’ form and send to CCLD.
Submit your ‘expression of interest’ form now for funding to support your community initiatives and make a difference. Full details on Cavan LEADER 23-27 and ‘expression of interest’ form is available from this link https://www.ccld.ie/apply-for-leader-funding or the QR code below.
Cavan LEADER LAG is an initiative of County Cavan Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) in partnership with Breffni Integrated CLG and Cavan County Council, funded through Ireland’s 2023-2027 LEADER Programme and governed by the Department of Rural and Community Development in line with the EU Programme Operating Rules.
8- Festival Investment Scheme 2026 Open
Festivals Investment Scheme 2026 Round 1 - 29th May
The Festivals Investment Scheme supports small-to-mid-scale festivals to deliver high-quality arts experiences for audiences. It opens for applications on Tuesday 29th April 2025. Round 1 is for festivals commencing 1 January– 30 June 2026
It focuses on programmes engaged with, and relevant to, local communities or communities of interest.
Deadline: 5.30pm Thursday 29 May 2025
9- Age Friendly Awards Age Friendly Ireland is thrilled to announce that we are now open for applications to the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards 2025. Galway City Council and Galway County Council are jointly hosting this year’s event in The Galmont Hotel, Galway, on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025.
Again this year we have eight categories of awards, aligning to the WHO themes:
Transport
Active & Healthy Ageing
Business Innovation
Safety & Security
Communications
Environment
Community Innovation
Housing
We are seeking innovative projects from across this range of areas that have real impact on the lives of older people and have the potential to be showcased and replicated. We will be welcoming initiatives at both local and national level.
Shortlisted projects will be visited by the judging panel across September and invited to Ireland’s Age Friendly Recognition and Achievements Awards ceremony in Galway in October.
To apply please click on the link below:
For more information please visit our website:
Please help us to spread the word by reposting our launch content on social media
Closing date for applications: Friday, 30th May 2025
10- Working with Nature Awards
The Powerscourt “Working with Nature Awards” recognises and celebrates people (especially community groups), small businesses and community projects across the island of Ireland who have contributed and are committed in any way to protecting & restoring nature.
The awards will recognise nature protectors all over Ireland who are having impact across four (4) selected award categories including Pollinators, Biodiversity & Rewilding, Nature Media and Nature Education & Wellbeing. The nominations are open now for 8 weeks online on our website.
Éanna Ní Lamhna, Duncan Stewart and Alex Slazenger (Head Gardener at Powerscourt) are all judges for the awards. The closing date for nominations is the 3rd of June with the short list announced on the 6th of June and the awards ceremony taking place on Thursday the 26th of June at Powerscourt House.
Please find attached a press release and images you can use including a promotional poster with a QR code.
TRAINING
11- FREE TRAINING FOR CAVANPPN MEMBERS
Cavan PPN is delighted to present a number of training courses to our member groups. These are provided by The Carmichael Centre and are available FREE OF CHARGE for member groups.
(Please note: you must be part of a member group of Cavan PPN to avail of these training courses).
All the courses are online and self-paced (with a period of access to each course).
We have a limited number of places on the following courses.
The Role of the Chairperson
How to Take Meeting Minutes
The Role of the Treasurer
Financial Management for Non-Profits
Risk Management
For more information, and to register, please click here.
We also have a number of courses provided by The Wheel. These are also available FREE OF CHARGE for member groups.
(Please note: you must be part of a member group of Cavan PPN to avail of these training courses).
All the courses are online and there is no limit on the number of attendees.
Please click on the links below for more information:
Improving Impact for Your Service Users - Getting it Right the First Time (Friday, 25th April)
Conflict Coaching: Turning Tension into Resolution (Friday, 16th May)
For more information, and to register, please click here.
12- Pocket Forest Initiative
Please see here more information on the new Pocket Forest initiative open to communities in County Cavan:
There is also an amazing video to overview this worthwhile project which can be viewed here:https://youtu.be/K-7MaU_q3DI?si=DH-YbzfTsPliaUKF
13- CIRCLE OF LIFE SINGING & CROCHET WORKSHOPS The Circle of Life - Singing and Crochet Workshops
Singing and Crochet workshops with Artist Morag Donald and Natural Voice Facilitator Valerie Whitworth. These workshops are part of the Art of Life project aimed at opening up conversations about living and dying well and the importance of planning.
Plan for tomorrow so that you can live well today.
6 free workshops combining two of our favourite things, Singing and Crochet!
We invite you to take a creative leap into freeform crochet by designing and making your own beautiful Pollevie favourite things memory shawl. Suitable for beginners and more experienced crocheters, these shawls are easy to make using basic stitches for the shawl and decorations.
Suitable for people aged 55+ All materials are provided.
A series of 6 workshops in Belturbet Goods Store
Mondays 10am to 12.30
May 12th to June 23rd
To book email valwhitworth@btinternet.com
Attendance at all 6 workshops preferred
14- STAYING CONNECTED WITH YOUR TEEN WORKSHOP
15- Political Advocacy & Communications Training for PPN Members
Rochtain offering an online political advocacy training session on Thursday June 5th 18:00-20:00. The session will focus on political advocacy and communications for PPN reps and member organisations.
I attach here a poster with a registration link
16- Boyne Ripple Project
Passionate about climate action in your community?
The Boyne Ripple Project is now open for applications! This FREE, part-time climate action initiative is calling on people from Louth, Meath, and Cavan to get involved in creating meaningful environmental change in the Boyne catchment area.
Two dynamic workshops (May 17 & Sept 13)
1:1 mentoring and support
Hands-on, local action projects
Connect with fellow changemakers
Deadline: May 7, 2025 at 5PM
Limited spots available – don’t miss your chance to make a ripple that lasts.
Apply now and more information: developmentperspectives.ie/the-boyne-ripple
Questions? Contact eolain@developmentperspectives.ie
SURVEYS/CONSULTATIONS
17- AED Register For Cavan
Cavan County Council and the National Ambulance Service have teamed up to create a register of public Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in Cavan to help first responders during cardiac emergencies.
If your club, group, or business has an AED, please fill out the form at www.cavancoco.ie/AED. It could save a life in your community!
18- Survey on Insurance Reform
Open for submissions from: 28 April 2025
Submissions closed: 19 May 2025
Last updated on: 28 April 2025 The Department of Finance invites interested parties to submit their views as part of the public consultation on the development of a new Action Plan for Insurance Reform (2025-2029).
The 2020 Action Plan for Insurance Reform delivered significant progress in stabilising the insurance market, improving competition, and addressing key regulatory challenges. However, issues remain, and the Government is committed to further reforms that will ensure fairer pricing, enhanced competition, and a more sustainable insurance market for consumers, businesses, and insurers. The insights gained from this consultation will be crucial in shaping the next Action Plan for Insurance Reform, ensuring it is informed by those who interact with the insurance sector directly.
All information relating to the public consultation is available on the Department of Finance public consultation portal: https://consult.finance.gov.ie/en
Consultation Period
The consultation period will run for 3 weeks until 19 May 2025. Submissions received after this deadline may not be considered.
How to Respond
If you wish to respond to this consultation, submissions can be made through the Department of Finance consultation portal: https://consult.finance.gov.ie/en
Submissions may also be sent by post to:
Insurance Unit,
Financial Services Division,
Department of Finance,
Government Buildings,
D02 R583.
If responding by post, please complete the Annex (About You section) available on the consultation portal giving your name, email address and whether you are responding in a personal capacity or as a representative of a member of an organisation/group. Submit a printed copy of this Annex along with your response to the consultation.
19- Consultation on Roadmap for Social Inclusion
The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, has launched a public consultation on a new Roadmap for Social Inclusion.
The new roadmap will be a successor to the current Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025 which is the latest in a series of such plans dating back to 1997.
The Roadmap for Social Inclusion aims to reduce the number of people in poverty in Ireland and increase social inclusion for the most disadvantaged.
The current Roadmap contains 81 commitments, which have been developed with relevant departments and agencies to reflect their strategies and plans. Progress on the Roadmap and its commitments have been reported in annual Progress Reports and Report Cards.
The public consultation is open until 30 June 2025.
For more information and for details on how to share your views visit gov.ie/SIConsultation.
EVENTS & OTHER NEWS
20.Call for Artist for Cavan Carnival School
Call for Artists: Carnival School at Cavan Arts Festival 2025
Cavan Arts Festival is looking for five professional artists to lead taster workshops in Con Smith Park on May 17th & 18th 2025 as part of Carnival School, a new cross-community arts initiative supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
We’re seeking artists skilled in:
Music (Samba, Brass)
Making (floats, costumes, props)
Movement (dance)
Circus
What’s involved:
Deliver beginner-friendly workshops
Work with diverse community groups
Inspire long-term creative engagement
What we offer:
Paid opportunity
Be part of an exciting new project
Collaborate with artists and communities
Apply now via https://forms.gle/1GF7BBhyz3R79xPQ8
Deadline to apply: Tuesday May 6, 2025 at 5pm
Best wishes,
Chloe
--
Chloe Maguire
Producer
Cavan Arts Festival
A magical four days and nights of art and culture in the heart of Cavan Town
15th - 18th May 2025
21- Hello How Are You Campaign
Hope this email finds you well?
I am wondering would you be happy to share the information below with your contacts who might be interested in running an event in their communities or may be interested in the message itself?
While much of the activity happens on May 15th, some groups run events in weeks previous or on the days their groups meet.
Any connection and opportunity to stop and say Hello is welcome.
Friends and Colleagues you might like to get involved in the Hello How Are You Campaign in a way that works for you, maybe it’s a coffee morning or a “Walk and Talk” maybe it’s a connection on your tea break or you may have other ideas.
For a nation of great talkers, how do we really ask and really listen?
Mental Health Ireland invites you to ask Hello, How Are You? on May 15th
Mental Health Ireland is inviting the nation to say Hello and ask How Are You? with meaning on Thursday, May 15th.
Now in its fourth year, the national Hello, How Are You? campaign highlights the importance of staying connected, helps tackle loneliness, creates a sense of belonging and builds relationships. It also encourages early help-seeking through reliable information on mental health support services and signposting.
There are many ways to slow down and genuinely engage with a family member, friend or even a stranger. You don’t need to be an expert to have a meaningful conversation. By using the HELLO Steps you can feel supported in asking the question. Let’s make saying Hello and asking How Are You? an everyday question that keeps us connected.
H: Say Hello
E: Engage with the person
L: Listen to them
L: Learn about them and what they might be saying
O: Give them time to talk and to explore options
For free Hello resources, toolkits and all the information you need in different languages, visit www.hellohowareyou.info/resources
On Thursday, May 15th there will be Hello, How Are You? events and volunteers all over the country. From coffee mornings to fundraising challenges, there’s lots of ways for communities, schools and workplaces to get involved with the campaign this year. It all starts with a simple question, ‘How Are You?’ Find out what’s happening in your Area here https://hellohowareyou.info/get-involved/events-in-my-area/
Resources
Hello, How Are You? podcast
For free Hello resources, toolkits and all the information you need in different languages, visit www.hellohowareyou.info/resources
Kim Doherty
Development Officer Cavan Monaghan 0863837607
22- StreetFeast This May
Register for your free pack and resources to plan your community Street Feast on May 24th and 25th.
Ireland’s favourite community celebration, Street Feast, is back for its 15th year. Taking place on the weekend of May 24th and 25th with over 1000 events, Street Feast invites individuals or community groups to sign up to host a shared meal. Learn more about hosting and sign up to receive your FREE EVENT PACK with all you need to get started including invites, posters, stickers, and bunting! We’ll also share newsletters, tips and reminders with you to help you run your low cost, easy gathering in your community. REGISTER NOW at www.streetfeast.ie
23- Cottage Market Cavan Open For Interest
The Cottage Market Cavan is back with its summer market on Sat 7th and 8th June 2025, 12 - 6pm
Venue: Con Smith Park, Cavan Town, H12 E426
If you are interested in attending, please complete the Expression of Interest form as soon as possible.
This market is supported by Created in Cavan (LEO).
"A special note....The Summer Cottage Market is more than just a sales opportunity - it’s also a powerful marketing platform to get your name out there and meet local customers. It's a chance to build relationships, raise brand awareness, and create lasting impressions that extend well beyond the day itself. The people you meet could become loyal followers online, walk through your shop door, or return to your online store in the future - all of which can bring long-term value to your business".
24- ALONE Stakeholder Event & Newsletter
We are pleased to invite you to an upcoming stakeholder event highlighting a groundbreaking project led by ALONE and the London School of Economics. This initiative represents a first-of-its-kind comprehensive review of international evidence on the most effective services and supports for older people.
This event will bring together key policymakers, service providers, researchers, and representatives from the community and voluntary sectors to explore the project’s findings and discuss their impact on shaping the future of aged care.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday May 13th
Location: Boardroom, Chartered Accounts House, Pearse St.,
Dublin 2, D02 YN40
Time: 10.30am – 1.30 pm
Your participation will be instrumental in shaping the future of support services for older people.
Places at this event are limited. If you're unable to attend, you're welcome to nominate a representative from your organisation.
For more details and to confirm your attendance, please register here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/alone-stakeholder-event-transforming-care-for-older-people-tickets-1323602533809?aff=oddtdtcreator
We look forward to your valuable contributions.
We’re delighted to share the latest edition of ALONE Network News, bringing you updates from across our partnership network. In this edition, we’re also excited to invite you to a special webinar in celebration of International Women’s Day:
You are receiving this newsletter as we value our relationship with you as part of a service collective that works hard to help older people age at home.
This communication serves to build a stronger community where sharing of resources, ideas and learnings can make the process of ageing at home in Ireland improve every day.
Also with a stronger community of partner organisations we can create greater change in the areas that we all work in and for the older people that we work with.
We very much want to engage in a two way conversation with all partners and interested parties, that will offer us all endless opportunities for learning, innovating, growth and campaigning together.
Please enjoy the latest edition of our Partnership Newsletter
25- Dawn Chorus Walks In Cavan
Hope people are out enjoying the weather and the birdsong. By now most of our summer arrivals are here.
Here is a link to Mooney Goes Wild where Derek discusses their live broadcast on Sunday 4th May from Midnight to 7am on both Rte Radio 1 and lyric FM: Looking forward to Dawn Chorus Live on Sunday 4th May | Mooney Goes Wild - RTÉ Radio 1
We are running two Dawn Chorus Walks. One walk in Belturbet on this Sunday 4th of May and another walk in Bailieborough on Sunday 11th of May and they have different start times. Hopefully one of these events will suit you.
Please read the notice carefully so as not to be confused by times and locations :)
Dawn Chorus Walk, Belturbet, Co. Cavan
• Date: Sunday 4th May
• Time: 6.00am start. Pleas arrive at 5.45am
• Location: Turbet Island, Belturbet, Co. Cavan
• Meet at Turbet Island Car Park (entrance opposite Daybreak. Google maps calls it Spar, but it has Daybreak over the door).
• Daybreak is on the R197 and is less than 1km from the Staghall roundabout. Coming from Belturbet town the turnoff is about 150m past the bridge over the River Erne. (car park co-ordinates 54°06'05.7"N 7°27'00.5"W)
Dawn Chorus Walk, Bailieborough, Co. Cavan
• Date: Sunday 11th May
• Time: 4.30am start. Please arrive at 4.15am
• Location: Castle Lake, Bailieborough, Co. Cavan
• Meet at the lakeshore car park at Lear. This carpark is accessible by taking the turn at the milk plant on the Shercock Road (R178) out of Bailieborough and continuing the L3515 for 2km and carpark is on the left (co-ordinates 53°56'22.9"N 6°58'51.3"W)
There will be refreshments after both walks and we appreciate if you don't bring any dogs on the walks. Goes without saying that beginners are always welcome and please encourage friends to attend if you think they might enjoy it. Any further questions about either event don't hesitate to email me.
Kind regards,
Tom Broe
Secretary, Cavan Branch of BirdWatch Ireland
--
"protecting birds and biodiversity"
26- Cavan Arts Festival
Cavan Arts had a gorgeous evening for their official 2025 programme launch in the wonderful @townhallcavantheatre last week
They also celebrated the official opening of our festival exhibition “Still Impressions” by the amazing Stephen Johnston but they didn’t stop there as they also had the spectacular performance by the wonderful Niamh McPhillips and Padraig Sweeney.
Thank you so much to all who came & supported this years festival programme! Our programmes are out into the wild and our website is a menu of delights that await you this May 15th - 18th
27- Petition to Secure LEADER Programme
Europe cannot afford to leave rural communities behind. We demand concrete action to embed LEADER/CLLD at the core of EU policies, ensuring territorial cohesion, economic competitiveness, democratic resilience, and effective rural crisis response.
Sign this petition to ensure that rural voices are heard, and that participatory development remains at the heart of EU policy!
To sign the petition & for more information, click here.
28- Update From Cavan Birdwatching Events
Hi all,
Here is a recap of the Ballyconnell Loop Walk outing we had earlier in the month.
This was the loop we walked: Visit Ballyconnell Canal Loop with Discover Ireland
A list of the bird species recorded: BirdTrack BTO/RSPB/BWI/SOC/WOS
At that link under "visit comments" any wildflowers or butterflies seen were also recorded.
Notable since our outing is how the garlic mustard has came into flower and is very visible along road margins - Irish Wildflowers - Garlic Mustard, Alliaria petiolata, Bóchoinneal
Resource used for help identifying flowers: Irish Wildflowers - A-Z Common name Index of wildflowers of Ireland (its also available as a book)
And for help identifying butterflies: Identify a butterfly | Butterfly Conservation
Special thanks to Elizabeth McKenna for taking the attached photos of the flowers and the dipper.
Kind regards,
Tom Broe
Secretary, Cavan Branch of BirdWatch Ireland
--
"protecting birds and biodiversity"
29- Breifne Yarnspinners Storytelling Sessions Coming To Cavan Town Hall
The new storytelling group, Breifne Yarnspinners, will host a night of storytelling around myth, folklore, history and horror in Ballyconnel Community Centre on Friday May 16th at 7.30pm. Come along and enjoy the fun. FREE ENTRY.
30- Bealtaine Bridget's Thatched Cottage Event At Drummany
We are delighted to announce our fantastic Bealtaine Event at Drummany Spirit, the opening of Bridget’s Thatched Cottage and the launch of the Ruaille Buaille Druma, Ireland’s largest hand crafted wooden community drum.
Join us for a soulful & celebratory day at Bridget’s Thatched Cottage at Drummany Spirit, Cavan, on Sunday, 4th May, from 2 to 8pm as we honour the ancient Celtic festival of Bealtaine
After 40 years of quiet anticipation, the heart of Bridget’s thatched cottage is reborn, reigniting its warmth and spirit in a beautifully restored hearth. This year, we will gather to celebrate #Bealtaine in the lovingly restored cottage, where the fire that once brought love and warmth to many will be rekindled in a special ceremony “Reigniting the Flame”. The cottage, which has been thoughtfully restored with care and respect for tradition, will once again become a sacred space where community connection and new beginnings can blossom. As the flames dance in the hearth of the cottage, the reigniting ceremony will bring together the energies of the past and present. Through ritual, song, dance, and shared stories, we will celebrate not just Bridget, who lived here with her brother Paddy & cousin Jim but a new chapter, a symbol of renewal, growth and connection. The heart of the fire reminds us that, like the Thatched Cottage, we too can be restored and renewed no matter the years that have passed.
We are also launching The Ruaille Buaille Druma, Ireland’s largest community wooden drum. This beautiful drum. lovingly hand crafted at Drummany Spirit will bring together the heart and beat of the land, allowing 30 people to play together in connected spirit and harmony.
Come along for a day of Storytelling, Sean Nos, Drum Circle, Old Irish Games (Skittles, Tug Of War), Traditional Music & Crafts, and more
Drummany Spirit is a registered community group. Proceeds on the day will be used by Drummany Spirit to continue the development of their community space.
Art work by @clairefalconerart
€25 per adult (2 children U16 free with every paying adult). tickets are available at www.drummanyspirit.com
31- Do You Provide Services For Adults with Disabilities In Cavan?
Cavan Disability Network, in conjunction with Cavan County Local Development, intends to produce a resource booklet of statutory and non-statutory services in County Cavan for Adults with Disabilities .If you would like to be included in this booklet please email Cavan Disability Network cavandisabilitynetwork@gmail.com no later than Monday 30th June 2025, and include the following information:
The name of your service/organisation/community group
A brief (150 words max) description of your service/organisation/community group
A contact phone number, and email/website if you have one
Your operating days/hours if applicable
If providing details of a contact person please just state their role e.g. Service Manager/Chairperson/Volunteer as opposed to a person’s name as roles change and people move on, and we are aiming to keep the booklet as current as possible
32- Collecting Cavan Cures
Do you have a cure or do you know someone with a cure?
Funded through Creative Cavan, "Cures from the Hollow" is a new book being written about people who have cures in Cavan and the extended bordering counties. This is call out for anyone who has a cure who like to contribute their story to this social archive project. Submissions can be anonymous if desired. Please contact Sarah at info@griefoftheseventhchild.ie
33- Energy Information
This 8-week mindfulness-based program is designed to support you in strengthening your inner capacities to navigate anxiety, feel more connected to yourself, to community, and to nature.
During this journey, you’ll explore powerful tools for:
– Building emotional resilience
– Cultivating presence and purpose
– Guided Nature Walks
If you're ready to grow from the inside out, this journey is for you.
Apply now before the doors close!
34- Cavan Community Cinema
We’re proud to unveil Cavan Community Cinema, a bold new initiative that brings people together through the shared experience of film, supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and Cavan County Council. To kick off this exciting journey, join us for a special screening of Unspoken by Cavan Director Alan Bradley.
Unspoken is a groundbreaking documentary exploring the hidden crisis of eating disorders among Irish men, sharing the deeply personal stories of Cormac, Eoin, and Daniel. This free event shines a light on one of Ireland’s most pressing, yet often overlooked, mental health issues, and the growing number of men silently suffering.
The screening will be followed by a live discussion with Director Alan Bradley, Dr Fiona Flynn from Bodywhys: The Eating Disorder Association of Ireland, and Eoin Kernan who featured in the film.
When: Sunday May 18th at 1pm
Where: Cavan Institute, Cathedral Rd, Keadew, Cavan, H12 E426
Free, but registration is required. Please register here: https://forms.gle/L2eYv7tCpG2eB1wB9
If you are interested in being part of the Cavan Community Cinema initiative, please reach out via cavanartsfestival.producer@gmail.com
35- Tea-Time Fundraising Supports Available To PPN Group
Cavan County Local Development have developed an amazing VINTAGE TEA SET which community groups can avail of for FREE to host fancy tea events, fundraisers and other beautiful events in growing your community activities. As you can see from the staff of CCLD and the ladies of a variety of Women's Groups in the county, the drinking of tea is a VITAL part of the work of community bonding and networking and can be a beautiful way to undertake some fundraising or to add that extra sparkle to an event your hosting. And don't worry if a piece breaks or cracks, this is all replaceable and we hope that won't put you off it. The system will be easy to undertake, just contact out office and tell us for how many you'd like a set and it will be packed and ready for collection at an appropriate time. Contact and registration details to follow. Groups must be a member of their local PPN. You can check to see or register with your PPN at www.cavanppn.ie Keep an eye on this space for more details to come.
36- LAUNCH OF BIODIVERSITY WEEK IN BELTURBET: Workshops For A Wilder World
Practical workshops and advice for recording, protecting and enhancing biodiversity in your community
Join us in celebrating the launch of National Biodiversity Week! The Irish Environmental Network in collaboration with Cavan Public Participation Network are delighted to announce our community biodiversity event taking place in Belturbet and along the species-rich Turbet Island Looped Walk.
Learn how to record biodiversity in your area with a series of practical citizen science workshops, connect with others who are passionate about protecting and supporting wildlife, and hear about the species and habitats along this beautiful walk that surrounds an Anglo-Norman motte and bailey.
More information about the walking route available here: https://cuilcaghlakelands.org/geosite/turbet-island-belturbet/
Timetable for the day:
11am - 12.30pm: Morning workshops and special guests at the Civic Centre, Belturbet
1pm - 2.30pm: Afternoon field trip along Turbet Island Loop Walk with workshops along the route
2.30pm - 3.30pm: Join us for lunch at the Civic Centre
Registration is ESSENTIAL at: Community Conservation: Workshops for a Wilder World Tickets, Sun 11 May 2025 at 11:00 | Eventbrite
36- Public Meeting On Water Quality In Cavan
Public Meeting Announced on Water Quality in Cavan-Belturbet Municipal District
The Local Authority Waters Programme will hold a public information meeting in St Bricin’s College, Railway Road Belturbet H14 P896, County Cavan on Thursday 15th May 7-8.30pm
Dear Aisling, Daniel & Finian,
The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), working on behalf of Ireland’s 31 local authorities to protect and restore good water quality is holding a public information meeting about water quality and water related issues in the Cavan-Belturbet Municipal District.
Under the River Basin Management Plan for Ireland LAWPRO carries out work in areas identified as having poor water quality called Priority Areas for Action (PAAS) to support targeted water quality improvements with other stakeholders. The public information meeting on Thursday 15th of May 7-8.30pm is being held to make more people aware about water quality work in the area and to encourage as much engagement as possible with all stakeholders right across the community including key agencies, special interest groups, voluntary, public and private sectors.
Over the past number of years LAWPRO has been working in the area as part of the 2nd cycle River Basin Management Plan for Ireland, on the night LAWPRO experts will take you through the work that has been carried out in the 2nd cycle and what is being planned for the 3rd cycle Water Action Plan. There will also be opportunities for the public to ask questions and talk to members of the ASSAP programme and the LAWPRO Farming for Water EIP.
The public meeting will begin at 7pm at St Bricin’s College, Railway Road Belturbet H14 P896, County Cavan and there will be tea/ coffee and refreshments available.
As we are using Eventbrite for people to register for the event, I would be grateful if you could do this using the link below:
Cavan – Click here
37- Cavan Singers Concert
"Cavan Singers are currently preparing for our end of season concert. This year we are inviting you to join us in the Cathedral of SS. Patrick & Felim in Cavan town, at 8pm on Tuesday May 13th. As well as singing our own repertoire with our Musical Director Eileen Tackney and our choir soloists, we will present as our guest musician the organist Simon Harden, and the organ scholars from St Patrick's College, Cavan.
Our program of song for 2025 includes classical, pastoral, and traditional spiritual pieces, from the dreaming of Rutter, Larson, and Fauré to the drama of Orff, Mozart, Handel, Fauré, Verdi, and more. As with all our concerts, all proceeds after costs are donated to charity. Tickets can be purchased in person from Cavan Gifts on Main St., or online via the Town Hall Arts Centre website at https://townhallartscentre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173663990
We were delighted to see our 40 years of singing featured recently as a case study on the HSE's Arts and Health website. You can read it at https://www.artsandhealth.ie/case-studies/cavan-singers-celebrating-forty-years-of-community-singing/"
38- West Cavan Community Meitheal
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