Cavan Community ENews 25.9.26
With over 40 pieces of news this week (including several new funds and new community training) welcome to your weekly ENews. Our news is compiled weekly from our over 500 member groups (573 as of this week!), partner agencies and funders. The deadline for submitting to cavanppn@gmail.com is noon Wednesdays with the title 'ENEWS ITEM' and we can only take community focused news. Please try to ensure that items fit to one A4 page for ease of reading by recipients. Please note that views/items contained within our ENews may not reflect the values/policies of CavanPPN.
Many Thanks, The CavanPPN Team (Aisling & 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: Biodiversity Fund 2-FUNDING: Heart of the Community Fund
3-FUNDING: Community & Visibility Cohesion Funding
4-FUNDING: LEAF Environmental Fund
5-FUNDING: Heritage Grant Scheme 2027 Opening 6-FUNDING: Community Education Funding 7-FUNDING: Smart Village Strategies Funding For Cavan Groups from LEADER TRAINING 8-TRAINING: Free TrustBuild Residency Training Course For Cavan Community Leaders 9-TRAINING: CavanPPN Training to Years End 10-TRAINING: Literacy in Real Life Webinar 11-TRAINING: Equality and Human Rights Training 12-TRAINING: Free Autumn Winter Growing & Gardening Workshops in West Cavan 13-TRAINING: Heritage Keepers Workshop 14-TRAINING: Free Samba Drumming Workshops 15-TRAINING: Governance for a Resilient Future
SURVEYS/CONSULTS 16.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Shape the Future of Irish Inclusive Tourism 17.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Older Adults Survey Now Open 18.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: The New Irish Volunteer Index Seeks Cavan Voices 19. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Cavan Community Consultation Panel Sought EVENTS & OTHER NEWS 20- Eco Feile Festival Comes to Cavan 21-Europe's Rural Mobility Conference 22- European Week of Sports in Cavan 23- PhotoVoice Study Seeks People Living with Life Limiting Condtions 24- A Message to All Residents Associations 25- National Public Libraries Open Day 26- Cocaine Anonymous Meet-ups in Cavan 27- Shrek in Tullyvin 28- Children's Chess Lessons in cavan 29- Volunteer in Sports Awards Night 30- Application Support Services For Communities 31- Cavan Plein Air Event 32- Neuroclima Event 33- ReLove Fashion for 12-19 Year Olds 34- Native Woodlands Schemes Event 35- Cavan Community Cinema Screening 36- East Cavan Communities Lack Voice Countywide!
37- Swanlinbar Community AGM 38- Failte Chorus Singing Group 39- Ballinagh Christmas Markets! 40- Cavan GeoPark25 Events Coming Soon! 41- CavanPPN Seeks Your Input For 2027 Workplan
FUNDING 1 Biodiversity Fund
Community Foundation Ireland’s Biodiversity Fund is running again this year in partnership with the National Parks & Wildlife Service.
It will be opening on Monday August 24th and closing on Friday 2nd October. Information on the grant round will be available on the ‘Applying for Funding’ page on our website in the lead-up to the opening date.
The Biodiversity Fund has two strands:
Applicants who want to work with an ecologist to create a Community Biodiversity Action Plan (CBAP) with an ecologist.
Applicants who want to implement actions/recommendations contained in their CBAP.
Those wishing to apply are welcome to contact Cavan County Council Biodiversity Officer, Naomi Mitten, at nmitten@cavancoco.ie for advice or help with applications.
2 Heart of the Community Fund
Heart of the Community Fund - 2nd Oct
Applications are now open for the Heart of the Community Fund | Arts and Culture grant round, supporting arts organisations and community-based arts programmes across the island of Ireland.
For this grant round, they will accept applications from organisations on the island of Ireland working in two areas:
1. Arts and Culture Organisations: This funding strand is intended for organisations that work in the promotion, preservation, and development of all art forms. Organisations applying under this stream may apply for core funding to support their ongoing activities and operations.
2. Community Organisations with Arts-based Programmes: This funding strand is intended for organisations seeking grants for a community-based arts project. Applicants must provide details of how the funding will be used, and all expenditure must relate directly to the programme or project for which funding is requested.
Deadline: 5pm Friday 2nd October 2026
3 Communication & Visibility of Cohesion Funds
Please see opportunity for “Communication and Visibility of Cohesion Funds”. There is a maximum of €2500 available to community groups and local organisations for any individual proposal that aligns with one or more of the policy objectives of Cohesion Policy 2021 to 2027:
A more competitive and smarter Europe
A greener, low carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy
A more connected Europe
A more social and inclusive Europe
Europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of all types of territories
Consideration will also be informed by the regional spread of applications.
Some activities that are eligible for support could be:
Engagement activities such as events / conferences
Capacity Building & infrastructure development, such as website enhancement / development
Provision of promotional merchandise
Could you circulate this to some of your organisations which might be interested in applying. They can check their eligibility on the link below and send their completed application to cohesionpolicydialogue@per.gov.ie .
The closing date for applications is 9 October next.
4 LEAF Local Env Action Fund, Opening Soon
Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) 2026
Communities Working Together for Climate
The Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) supports community groups to deliver projects that enhance the environment, promote biodiversity, and take meaningful climate action.
Funded in partnership with IPB Insurance and Cavan County Council, LEAF provides grants to Tidy Towns and voluntary groups working together with local partners to improve their communities.
Purpose & Funding
Established to mark IPB Insurance’s 100th anniversary.
Marks the first anniversary of the Tidy Towns Insurance Scheme partnership, which has removed insurance barriers for eligible groups.
Providing €50,000 per local authority, funded by IPB.
Supports Tidy Towns and similar voluntary community groups delivering environmental and climate-focused projects.
Objectives
The fund aims to:
• Support sustainable, climate-focused projects
• Strengthen community collaboration
• Enhance local biodiversity and green infrastructure
• Increase public awareness of environmental issues
What’s Available
Grants from €1,000 to €25,000
Funding for environmental and climate action projects
Support for collaborative, community-led initiatives
Who Can Apply
Applications are open to community-based voluntary groups involved in environmental improvement and sustainability initiatives, including:
Tidy Towns groups
Residents’ Associations
Other voluntary community groups undertaking similar environmental or community enhancement activities.
• Be registered with their local Public Participation Network (PPN)
• Demonstrate collaboration with at least one other community stakeholder (e.g. schools, sports clubs, youth groups, Men’s Sheds, etc.), or clearly explain why this is not possible
Application Timeline will open shortly.
Projects must focus on climate action, biodiversity and/or environmental enhancement. Examples include but not limited to:
Biodiversity conservation (e.g., creating pollinator-friendly spaces).
Tree planting and urban greening initiatives.
Waste reduction and recycling initiatives.
Water conservation projects.
Public education campaigns on sustainability.
Climate Awareness Campaigns.
Application Requirements
Applications are administered by Cavan County Council. To apply, groups must submit a completed application form to include:
• Project proposal (500–1500 words)
• Budget breakdown
• Proof of PPN registration
• Environmental impact statement
Applications should clearly outline:
• Project objectives and delivery plan
• Community involvement
• Expected environmental outcomes
Monitoring & Reporting
Grant recipients should provide the following:
1. Final Impact Report: Provide a brief summary of activities, outcomes, and expenditure report (including receipts).
2. Before and After Photos where relevant: To visually demonstrate the impact of the project.
3. Community Feedback: Consideration of request to include feedback from community group members involved or affected by the project.
5 Heritage Grant Scheme 2027 Open The Heritage Council is pleased to announce that Expressions of Interest for the Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2027 are now open.
The scheme supports community and voluntary groups and non-governmental organisations undertaking projects that protect, conserve, celebrate, understand and share Ireland's heritage.
New for 2027, the scheme introduces a two-stage application process designed to make it easier for groups to apply. At Stage 1, applicants submit a short Expression of Interest outlining their project idea. Shortlisted projects will then be invited to submit a full application.
The Expression of Interest stage allows applicants to submit an outline of their project idea without the need to prepare detailed budgets, quotations or supporting documentation at the outset. This helps groups explore project ideas and receive feedback before investing time in a full application.
Funding is available for projects under five themes:
Heritage at Risk
Biodiversity & Nature Restoration
Traditional Skills & Conservation
Digital Heritage, Access & Storytelling
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Funding available:
Minimum grant: €800
Maximum grant: €25,000
Key Dates
Expression of Interest Deadline: 16 October 2026 at 5.00pm
Stage 1 Results: Early November 2026
Full Application Deadline (shortlisted applicants only): 15 January 2027 at 5.00pm
An online information webinar will take place on 28 September 2026 at 12 noon.
For full details, guidance documents and application information, visit the Community Heritage Grant Scheme webpage.
For further information, contact grants@heritagecouncil.ie.
6 Community Education Funding
7 Smart Village Strategies Funding For Cavan Groups from LEADER
TRAINING
8 FREE TrustBuilding Residential & Course For Cavan's Community Leaders
You are invited as a member of Cavan's community groups to help build our communities into safe spaces of courage, trust and belonging for all.
A Courage & Renewal® programme to support your sense of belonging and engagement in community.
BUILDING TRUST in COMMUNITIES is a three-part programme funded by Cavan Co. Council PEACEPLUS programme 2024 - 2027, and available at no cost to participants. Part 1 - Orientation/Introductory Day workshop on Saturday October 31st 2026 at the Civic Centre, Belturbet, Co. Cavan. H14 VH57
Part 2 - Residential Gathering/Retreat from November 13th to 15th 2026, at An Tobar Retreat Centre, Navan, Co Meath. C15 XD6H
Part 3 - Follow-Up Day workshop on Saturday 28th November 2026, at the Civic Centre, Belturbet, Co. Cavan. H14 VH57
Full Details here:
9 Free Community For 2026 Remaining
CavanPPN will be supporting training for its member groups in the following opportunities. We have LIMITED numbers for each module and so this is a first come, first serve basis. The training is FREE for members of CavanPPN registered groups ONLY. Email your interest to info@cavanppn.ie with your name, the name of your group and which training you are interested in. 1 training per member please!
10 Literacy in Real Life Webinar
Learner Voices will feature a range of people talking about their experiences with literacy, and it would be of interest if you work with the public or you know someone who has difficulties with reading and writing. Link https://tinyurl.com/bdz8hnk2
11 Equality & Human Rights Training
I want to introduce Equal by Design, a practical two-part Equality and Human Rights training programme that may be of interest to the P.P.N, community groups, voluntary organisations, public bodies, and others engaged in social inclusion and community development work.
The programme has been developed and is delivered by Robert Carey, an equality and social inclusion practitioner with extensive experience in community development and inclusion initiatives, including leadership roles within the community sector such as SICAP management.
The workshops provide a foundation in equality and human rights principles, Irish equality legislation, the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty, and practical approaches to applying these concepts in day-to-day organisational practice. Participants gain useful tools to support inclusive service delivery, policy development, and community engagement.
The programme is suitable for NGOs, community organisations, public sector staff, and anyone seeking to strengthen their understanding and application of equality and human rights principles.
Please find attached an information flyer. I would be grateful if you could circulate these through your networks and share them with any organisations that may benefit.
If you would like further information or would like to discuss delivering the training in your area, please feel free to contact me.
Kind regards,
Robert Carey Carey Inclusion [0872887824] [careyinclusion@gmail.com ]
12 Autumn/Winter Garden/Growing Workshops
Keep Growing Through Autumn & Winter!
Want to grow more of your own food, save money and make the most of your garden or growing space? Join us for a practical workshop series exploring autumn and winter gardening, sustainable growing and preserving the harvest.
Across the sessions, you’ll learn simple, affordable techniques for growing fresh food through the colder months, preparing and maintaining your growing spaces, making the most of small areas, and preserving your harvest to reduce food waste.
What we’ll cover includes:
Autumn & winter sowing and planting
Garlic and overwintering crops
Growing in containers and small spaces
Preparing and replenishing garden beds
Extending the growing season
Freezing, pickling, fermentation and preserving
Growing sustainably and on a budget
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or have never grown your own food before, this series is designed to be practical, accessible and hands-on.
Places are limited; early registration is advised. Contact Annette Leonard @ Fermanagh Trust Tel: (+44) 7944284496 Email: annette@fermanaghtrust.org
13 Heritage Keepers Workshop
14 FREE Samba Drumming Workshops
15 Governance for Resilient Future Training
The CORE Project has some free training coming up, aimed at environmental groups and NGOs. Governance for a Resilient Environment, on Wednesday 4th November in Belfast, will equip groups to build the structures and systems that help organisations grow sustainably, whether they are volunteer-led, staffed, or a mix of both.
More information is below. Please forward to any environmental groups or NGOs who may be interested.
Wednesday November 4th, 10-3.30, Belfast (venue TBC)
Governance for a Resilient Environment
This free training day is the first in a series, aimed at environmental NGOs across the island of Ireland.
We will look practically at:
Building and recruiting an effective board
Developing the policies that keep an organisation accountable
Building the structures and systems that help organisations grow sustainably, whether they are volunteer-led, staffed, or a mix of both
Takeaways will include:
A board skills audit and recruitment plan that you can use straight away
Knowledge sharing with environmental groups, North and South
Discuss challenges and solutions with a network of peers
Organic opportunities to forge relationships with other organisations
This training is being offered by the CORE Project, which is funded by PEACEPLUS.
Many thanks,
Sarah
Sarah Bradley-Adam
Network Communications and Monitoring Officer, CORE project
07383 801288
CORE Project: Cross-border Opportunities for a Resilient Environment
PEACEPLUS funded
SURVEYS/CONSULTATIONS
16 Shape the Future of Irish Inclusive Tourism
Help shape the future of accessible and inclusive tourism in Ireland.
Fáilte Ireland's Your Voice, Your Journey Visitor Consultation aims to understand visitors' experiences and expectations of accessible and inclusive tourism when travelling in Ireland.
People across Ireland are invited to share their experiences of accessible and inclusive tourism and help inform the future development of tourism across the country.
The consultation will gather insights across areas including trip planning, transport, accommodation, attractions and visitor experiences. It will help identify barriers, opportunities and priorities for the future development of tourism, providing an important evidence base to support future planning.
The Your Voice, Your Journey Visitor Consultation has been co-designed with national advocacy organisations representing disability, sensory impairment, age friendly and access and inclusion interests.
The survey is open from 4th of September and will remain open for eight weeks until 29th of October.
Further information and guidance on how to participate is available on the Your Voice, Your Journey webpage Fáilte Ireland Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Survey
Please help spread the word by sharing the survey with colleagues, members, friends and family and encouraging as many people as possible to take part. Attached is a suggested social media post and you can find more social media assets for download. You can also repost Fáilte Ireland's LinkedIn survey launch post. Please consider posting on your website, newsletter or social media channels to help raise awareness of the consultation.
Thank you for your participation and support in sharing the survey.
Erin Bottomley
Officer, Inclusive Tourism
Beech Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry
17 Older Adults Survey Open
The Attune Project (funded by the Health Research Board) is running a survey of older adults currently in receipt of any type of home support. Over 550 older adults have completed the survey so far. The results will directly inform the Department of Health, HIQA guidelines and Health Service Executive decision making about the new Statutory Home Support Scheme.
The survey has full ethical approval from RCSI University Dublin.
We would be very pleased if you could share the survey link through your networks to try to reach as many over 65-year-olds who have home support as possible.
The survey deadline is 30 September.
If you would like further information or to talk to me (Principal investigator), please do not hesitate to ask.
Regards, Elizabeth
National Survey of Older Adults about Home Support
Survey link: https://rdc.rcsi.com/surveys/?s=APR8YJANP9D3JKYD
Elizabeth MorrowSenior Research Fellow
Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery
18 The Irish Volunteering Index
Dear Cavan PPN Members,
My name is Helena, and I'm reaching out from Bpact (an independent citizen panel giving people a voice on social issues) about the Irish Volunteering Index, run in partnership with Volunteer Ireland.
What it's about
We're asking volunteers and community members across Ireland what motivates them, what frustrates them, and what support they need. The result is a clear national and local picture of volunteering and community engagement that Cavan PPN can put to direct use.
Why it's worth your time
We'll share Cavan's own results back with you, so you can benchmark them against the national picture. The more responses from your area, the stronger that local picture becomes, and once you reach 200+, we'll also put together a free, visual report built specifically for Cavan.
We'll help you get there
You'll have a full communication toolkit: ready-made posts, banners, and text, so sharing it with your network is quick and straightforward.
How to join
Free, easy and secure: register here. It takes two minutes. We go live Monday, but you're welcome to join anytime after that.
19 Cavan Community Consultation Panel Sought
CavanPPN is seeking to develop a COMMUNITY CONSULTATION PANEL that can help input into the various consultations which are advertised both locally and nationally. The Panel will consist of voices from a wide array of our member groups and help to ensure that each consultation submission includes as wide a demographic voice as possible from the PPN.
Key members will be asked to meet 4-6 times per year to input into a variety of strategically important consultations to the community sector for a period of no more than 2 hours arranged to suit their times at a central location in the county (refreshments served). Some consultations between meetings may require them to email their feed-back but we aim to make this as inclusive as possible without being too onerous to you.
If you are interested in being a voice for your community in influencing decisions through consultation then email us at cavanppn@gmail.com with the title CONSULT and we will be in touch. Numbers are limited and capped at 20 to ensure the panel can hear ALL voices at the table. No more than one voice per demographic can be included so more voices can add to the consultations.
Examples of demographics include: Disabilities, New Communities, Youth, Women's Interests, Older Persons, the 3 Areas of Cavan (Municipal Districts), LGBT+, Sports, Arts and so on.
Deadline for expressing interest is Friday October 30th at midday.
EVENTS & OTHER NEWS
20 Eco Féile Festival Comes To Cavan
Cavan’s flagship sustainability and innovation festival, Cavan Eco Féile, will take place from 23rd – 25th October with free live concerts from acts like The Tumbling Paddies, The Highstool Prophets, Groev, and Spirit of Smokie, a climate expo featuring 13 floors of exhibits, local food and drink offerings, sustainability talks and workshops with leading business figures, and much more.
See: https://ecofeile.ie for further details!
21 Europe's Rural Mobility Future Conference
Europe’s Rural Mobility Future: Setting Standards
The ERMN team is pleased to announce the upcoming conference Europe’s Rural Mobility Future:Setting Standards, taking place in Kilkenny, Ireland, on 27–29th October 2026. e programme will begin on Tuesday, 27th October 2026, with a dedicated half-day ERMN side event, taking place from 14:00 to 17:30. The event will feature a short welcoming plenary followed by interactive parallel workshops, giving participants the opportunity to explore practical experiences and exchange on different themes related to rural mobility.
The main event is held on Wednesday, 28th October 2026, the programme will continue with the European Conference “Europe’s Rural Mobility Future: Setting Standards”, promoted by MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (Renew Europe) in association with Kilkenny LEADER Partnership (KLP) and the European Rural Mobility Network (ERMN).
This year’s core theme is “Setting Service Standards for Rural Mobility to achieve greater Equity and Cohesion and to contribute to Europe’s Climate goals”.
The conference will focus on policy and standards for rural mobility, which significantly impact on achievement of European goals on environment, society and rural development, while also impacting at local level in many thousands of rural communities throughout Europe. It will explore the growing concept of “service standards” for mobility in rural areas.
This pan-European Conference brings together ministries, local governments, mobility agencies, rural development stakeholders and research institutes, among others. Through highly interactive sessions, this one-day event will examine current challenges, solutions and ways forward. Throughout the Conference, there will be focus on diversity of people and places – their characteristics and their needs, which change over their lifecycles – with special attention to women and young people. The Conference will produce a synthesis of key messages for policy-makers to consider.
Event Details:
Date: 27-29th October 2026Location: Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny, Ireland
Participation: Free of charge
If you like to take part at the in person event Save the Date in your calendar and please express your interest with just a click. All selected participants will receive a confirmation email with the registration form, so please do not make any travel and accommodation arrangements until your participation has been confirmed.
22 Euro Week of Sport in Cavan European Week of Sport kicks off on September 23rd
European Week of Sport is a Europe-wide celebration of being active, and Cavan Sports Partnership is proud to play its part as part of the national movement led by Sport Ireland.
Whether you're looking to try something new, get back into activity, or simply find a way to move more, there will be something for everyone.
Please see timetables for events happening throughout the week.
Bookings can be made via our website: www.cavansportspartnership.ie
23 Photovoice Study of Those Living with Life Limiting Conditions
24 A Note for All Residents Associations
My name is Shane Dicker and I run TidySide Ltd, a County Cavan-based business providing lawn mowing and grounds maintenance services.
We are currently planning our 2027 grass-cutting season and are looking to connect with residents’ associations throughout County Cavan that may require a contractor for the maintenance of communal green areas.
Our primary service for estates will be scheduled grass cutting throughout the growing season, including mowing, strimming around obstacles and leaving paths and surrounding areas tidy after each visit. We will be offering both regular scheduled maintenance and annual seasonal contracts.
I understand that Cavan PPN works with a large number of residents’ associations and community groups throughout the county.
Would it be possible for you to either:
circulate our details to relevant residents’ associations; or
advise us of any appropriate public contact channels through which we could introduce our services?
We would be happy to provide quotations for the 2027 season and can visit individual estates to assess their communal green areas before providing a price.
Our aim is to begin arranging the 2027 schedule well in advance so that residents’ committees have clear pricing available when planning their budgets for next year.
Many thanks for any assistance you can provide.
Kind Regards,
Shane Dicker
25 National Pubic Libraries Open Day
National Public Libraries Open Day 2026
Saturday 26 September
Promotional Materials Now Available We greatly appreciate your support in helping to raise awareness of National Public Libraries Open Day 2026. Download short promotional videos (Irish included) and accompanying template messaging. You are welcome to utilise these messages as provided or adapt them for your organisation's audiences. They encourage people to visit their local library, explore the wide range of free services available and discover the benefits of library membership. Thank you for helping us spread the word about the many benefits that public libraries bring to communities across Ireland. |
26 Cocaine Anonymous Meet Up Group in Cavan
Hi Cavan PPN
Please could you include the below in your next update:
We are delighted to let you know that MQI CAMDAS will be hosting a new weekly lunchtime Cocaine Anonymous (CA) meeting from Wednesday, 30th September 2026 at 1:00pm (Cavan).
The meeting will be delivered in a hybrid format, offering both in-person and online attendance options, making it accessible to as many people as possible.
We would also like to share some important information on behalf of Cocaine Anonymous:
Although the name Cocaine Anonymous may sound substance specific, CA welcomes anyone who wishes to stop using alcohol or other drugs. The fellowship is open to people from all backgrounds who are seeking support, connection, and recovery through shared experience.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using substances. CA does not impose views on abstinence or recovery. Instead, it offers a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences and support one another in their recovery journeys.
CA places a strong emphasis on safeguarding and ensuring that people feel safe and supported when attending meetings. Designated meet-and-greet volunteers help maintain a welcoming and respectful environment, and any associated WhatsApp groups are encouraged to have appropriate moderators in place, following the same safeguarding principles.
While CA upholds its traditions and offers a programme of recovery based on shared experience, it does not claim to have a monopoly on recovery. The fellowship fully recognises the value of harm reduction approaches, professional treatment services, mutual aid groups, and other pathways to recovery.
CA members are not doctors or medical professionals and do not provide medical advice or healthcare guidance. Their primary purpose is simply to carry the message of recovery to anyone seeking support, regardless of gender, background, or personal circumstances.
The CA group looks forward to welcoming anyone who may benefit from the support, fellowship, and sense of community that Cocaine Anonymous has to offer.
Please see zoom link below:
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9996365438
Attendance is limited to C.A. members and those with a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances.
We would appreciate it if you could share this information with anyone who may be interested.
Warm Regards
Zoë Wells
North East Regional Manager
Mobile: 0860484872
27 Shrek in Tullyvin
28 Children's Chess Lessons in Cavan
priority booking.
29 Volunteer in Sports Awards Night
Volunteers in Sports Awards Night
Cavan Sports Partnership are delighted to announce our first Volunteers in Sports Awards Night, taking place on November 5th in the Kilmore Hotel.
We are inviting nominations for the volunteers in your clubs and organisations who really make a difference. From coaches and committee members to fundraisers and volunteers working behind the scenes, help us recognise the people who make sport happen across County Cavan.
Without volunteers, sport as we know it could not exist. From coaching and administration to fundraising and event organisation, volunteers are the backbone of our clubs and communities. Their dedication creates opportunities for thousands of people across County Cavan to participate in various sports.
Each sports club in Cavan is eligible to nominate one volunteer from their club who they feel deserve to be recognised and celebrated for their contribution to sport within their club and local community.
To be eligible, clubs/organisations must:
Be based in Co Cavan and be affiliated to a Sport Ireland recognised NGB or disability organisations
Operate as a 'not for profit' group and be open for public membership
Only submit one nomination per club/organisation
Person nominated must have been a volunteer for at least 12 months in your club/organisation and must be currently volunteering
Must email a photo of the nominated person to lmurphy@cavancoco.ie
Please note that a nomination may not guarantee an award, if we receive more than one nomination per club or organisation we may have to allocate awards on a lottery basis
Nominations close on September 28th so get your nominations in today!
Nominate. Celebrate. Appreciate.
Click here to submit your nomination:
30 Application Support Service for Groups
Good afternoon,
I’m hoping you might be able to circulate this to community and voluntary organisations within your PPN network.
I’ve recently launched ReadySet, a new Irish service designed to help organisations answer a fairly common question:
“We know what we want to build, improve or invest in, but how are we actually going to fund it?”
Rather than simply providing a list of grants, an organisation tells us about its specific project, the likely cost, funds already available and where they are in the process.
We then research the relevant options and provide a personalised Funding Roadmap setting out the grants and other funding routes worth considering, how they could work together, what the organisation needs to prepare, who to approach and what to do next.
There’s more information on www.readyset.ie.
If you think this could be useful to organisations within your PPN, I’d really appreciate if you could circulate it through your usual channels.
Thanks.
Robert Meehan
Founder | ReadySet
Personalised Funding Roadmaps for clubs, community groups & organisations
) | 086 825 5479 |
* | |
8 |
31 Cavan Plein Air Event.
We are pleased to announce that we have launched our Eventbrite for Cavan Plein Air and are now taking bookings. We look forward to another creative event brought to you by Bailieborough Creative Hub supported by Cavan Arts.
Please feel free to forward this email to anyone that you think may be interested.
32 Neuroclima Event
NEUROCLIMA: Have Your Say on the Future of Climate Policy
Wednesday, 30 September 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm
Join us on Zoom! https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/neuroclima-have-your-say-on-the-future-of-climate-policy-tickets-1998966623983
Represent County Cavan. Shape the Future.
Are you involved in local climate, environment or agricultural policy in County Cavan?
Join us for an exclusive introduction to NEUROCLIMA, a Horizon Europe-funded project exploring how AI and digital tools can support better-informed decision-making, community climate action and policy development.
This is an opportunity for County Cavan policymakers and elected representatives to have their say, share local perspectives and help shape the development of tools designed to support climate and environmental decision-making.
Be Among the First to Trial the Tools
Participants will be among the first to explore and test the NEUROCLIMA tools, including:
NEUROCLIMA Bot – An AI-powered tool providing accessible and reliable climate adaptation information.
NEUROCLIMA Lens – A research tool, similar to Google Scholar, bringing together trusted scientific and policy sources.
Deliberation Tool – Supporting meaningful dialogue between policymakers, communities, experts and other stakeholders.
Have Your Say
The session will provide an opportunity to:
Represent County Cavan and share local priorities and perspectives.
Test emerging AI and digital tools and provide direct feedback.
Explore how technology could support local climate action and evidence-based policymaking.
Discuss the future of the agri-food sector and the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities.
Engage in deliberation with EU policymakers and contribute to discussions that can inform future policy.
Register now via evenbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/neuroclima-have-your-say-on-the-future-of-climate-policy-tickets-1998966623983
33 ReLove Fashion Cometition For 12-19 Year Olds Open
The competition, which has just launched for its third nationwide year, invites young people aged 12-19 to create a wearable fashion piece by upcycling unwanted clothes and textiles, promoting creativity, repair, reuse, and sustainable fashion. With finished outfits due at the end of January, it serves as the perfect term project for schools and youth groups.
Those who register their interest before 30th September will be entered into a draw to win a sewing machine, and all participants can receive a free bag of unwanted textiles from participating charity shops to upcycle, if they so wish.
Teachers, youth group leaders and teenagers are invited to find out more and register on www.relovefashion.ie.
34 Native Woodland Schemes Event
Woodlands of Ireland is a not-for-profit charity dedicated to the conservation and expansion of native and semi-natural woodlands in Ireland since 1998. We are a member of the Irish Environmental Network, and our office is located in County Leitrim. We have an event coming up in October at the stunning Oak Barn in Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway, Leitrim Village, Co. Leitrim, celebrating 25 years of the Native Woodland Schemes. The event might interest environmental community groups and the wider community interested in native woodlands and the nature restoration regulation relating to woodlands within your networks. We would appreciate it if possible and of relevance, of its inclusion in upcoming PPN newsletters and/or a share on social media.
Registration is now open. Please see information for potential inclusion below and posters attached in PNG and PDF formats as well as the draft schedule. Thank you in advance
START
𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝟐𝟓 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬.
You are invited to a gathering for talks, walks, discussions and networking, at Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway, Leitrim Village, Co. Leitrim on Thursday 8th & Friday 9th October 2026.
Registration:
The Native Woodland Scheme (NWS) began as a Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine forestry support scheme designed to protect, restore and create native woodlands using Ireland’s native tree species. The scheme has provided financial support to landowners and other eligible applicants for establishing or managing existing native woodland, in various forms since its introduction in November 2001. It represented an important change in Irish forestry policy by providing specific support for native semi-natural woodland rather than focusing primarily on commercial plantation forestry. Woodlands of Ireland's Technical Advisory Group drew up the initial guidelines for a native woodland scheme, working with foresters, ecologists, academics, environmental NGOs and other stakeholders. At the request of its Steering Committee, the proposal was submitted to the Forest Service in 1999 and received favourably. The existence of the Native Woodland Schemes since 2001 has to some degree acted as a catalyst in encouraging a greater landscape restoration and expansion of semi-natural woodland habitats in addition to measures funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The late Freda Rountree, as Chair of the Heritage Council, convened the initial meeting of stakeholders in July 1997,which opened the path that led to the development of the native woodland scheme, which we now celebrate 25 years after their launch.
The existence of the Native Woodland Schemes since 2001 has to some degree acted as a catalyst in encouraging a greater landscape restoration and expansion of semi-natural woodland habitats in addition to measures funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The gathering for talks, walks, discussions and networking will commence on Thursday 8th October 2026 at the Oak Barn, Drumhierney Woodland Hideaway in Co. Leitrim, focussing on:
(a) A retrospective of how and why the Native Woodland Schemes came into being
(b) An insight into the experience of foresters and ecologists employing the scheme measures.
(c) Future prospects for semi-natural woodland conservation and management
- followed by a field trip on Friday 9th October, visiting a site where Native Woodland Scheme measures have been applied.
This event is part-funded by the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Forestry Promotions Projects Open Call 2026. Other Woodlands of Ireland funders include the National Parks and Wildlife Service, The Heritage Council and the Irish Environmental Network.
35 Cavan Community Cinema Screening Hi there,
I hope this finds you well. I'm writing on behalf of Cavan Arts Festival to let you know about an upcoming free community cinema screening, and to ask for your help spreading the word.
Born That Way - Saturday 26th September, 7pm, Townhall Arts Centre, Cavan
Born That Way is a tender and thought-provoking documentary about care, love, community, and the extraordinary life of Patrick Lydon, who co-founded the radically inclusive Camphill Movement in Ireland with his wife Gladys. The film follows Patrick through his final year as he reflects on a life that took him from rock journalism in America to trailblazing community living in Ireland with people of diverse needs, abilities and backgrounds.
The screening will be followed by a conversation and Q&A with filmmaker Éamon Little, Patrick's wife Gladys, and John Clark (co-founder of Camphill Ballytobin and composer of the film's music).
The film has already picked up significant recognition, including the Dublin Film Critics' Circle Best Irish Documentary Award and the Gamble-Paison Prize for Best International Feature Film at the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival in Vermont, USA.
Admission is free, but registration is required.
Full details and registration: https://cavanartsfestival.ie/cavan-community-cinema-born-that-way/
Given the film's themes of community, inclusion, disability and care, we thought this would resonate strongly with your members, staff and networks, and we'd be so grateful if you could help us reach a wider audience. Specifically, we'd love it if you could:
Share this event with your networks: colleagues, members, mailing lists, or community groups who might be interested
Post about it on your social media channels: we're happy to send images or video clips if that's helpful. Repost promo video:(Instagram) https://www.instagram.com/p/Dcyry1Cjg--/ or (Facebook) https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18LtxJpTZb/
Come along yourselves: we'd love to see you there, and it promises to be a moving and inspiring evening
Cavan Community Cinema is an initiative of Cavan Arts Festival, supported by Cavan County Council and PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions, or if you'd like promotional materials (poster, trailer link, images) to help share the event.
36 East Cavan Lacks Voice
Your Community. Your Voice. Your Seat at the Table.
A seat is available on the Cavan PPN Secretariat for the Bailieborough/Cootehill Municipal District.
Want to do more than complain about how things are run? Come help shape how they’re run.
The PPN Secretariat is the engine room of Cavan’s Public Participation Network — connecting community organisations with local decision-making and making sure the voices of communities are heard where it matters.
As a Secretariat member, you’ll have the opportunity to:
-Influence how community voices are represented.
-Connect with organisations and community activists across Cavan.
-Shape the work and priorities of your PPN.
-Bring the perspective of your Municipal District to the table.
-Learn how local government and participative democracy actually work.
-And, perhaps most importantly, make a difference rather than just talk about making a difference.
You don't need to be a politician, an expert or a professional campaigner. You just need to care about your community, have something to say, and be willing to listen to others.
If you’ve ever thought, “Someone should do something about that…” — this could be your chance to be that someone.
Join the Cavan PPN Secretariat.
Bring your voice. Bring your ideas. Bring your community.
Bailieborough/Cootehill Municipal District — your seat is waiting.
Send your expression of interest into cavanppn@gmail.com with a few lines as to why you want to run.
You must be a member of a registered PPN group in East Cavan.
37 Swanlinbar AGM
SWANLINBAR DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION – ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Swanlinbar Development Association will hold its Annual General Meeting on:
Wednesday, 7th October 2026
8.30pm
Trivia House, Swanlinbar
Everyone is welcome to attend!
Come along, hear about the work of the Association, share your ideas and have your say on the future development of our community.
We look forward to seeing you there!
38 Failte Chorus
Singing is good for the soul!
All welcome! 0852703080
39 Ballinagh Christmas Market
40 GeoPark 25 Events Coming
SAVE THE DATE TO CELEBRATE GEOPARK25
For 25 years, Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark has been uncovering the remarkable stories hidden within our landscape.
From the rocks beneath our feet, which tell tales of ancient oceans, dramatic geological events and millions of years of natural change, to the stories of our communities, traditions, heritage and people, there are countless stories waiting to be explored.
24 October – 14 November
Join us for a special programme of walks, talks, family events, conservation activities, heritage experiences and community celebrations as we celebrate what makes our Geopark so unique.
EXPLORE the landscapes that surround us.
DISCOVER the stories held within them.
CONNECT with the people, heritage and communities that bring them to life.
Together, we'll celebrate our past, discover our present and inspire future generations to cherish this extraordinary landscape.
Save the date — full programme coming soon!
41 CavanPPN Seeks Your Input For 2027 Workplan
Cavan Public participation Network is the REPRESENTATIVE, NETWORKING, CONSULTATIVE & CAPACITY BUILDING agency for community groups in County Cavan. As such, it has a program budget that supports these main pillars for the over 570 member groups and their core interests and issues.
Each year CavanPPN's staff seek ideas from a wide array of groups, partners and members of the public on what YOU want the PPN to work upon in the following year. The method is thus:
Sept 15-30th OPEN CALL FOR IDEAS Oct 5-9th SCORING OF PROPOSALS BY STAFF AGAISNT RELEVANCE TO PPN MISSION Oct 15th SCORED PROPOSALS SUBMITTED TO ELECTED SECRETARIAT OF GROUPS OCT 19-23rd WORKPLAN & BUDGET DRAFTED NOVEMBER: WORKPLAN & BUDGET SENT TO MEMBER GROUPS FOR PLENARY DECISION NOV 28th
Therefore, we are seeking our members and partners to submit their ideas for their PPNs 2027 Workplan. We will of course continue the main work of hosting 2 networking Plenaries per year and maintaining regular communications for members weekly as well as fulfilling our representative responsibilities to seek and support community voices on boards and committees. Other than these, let's see what ideas you have for us.
Email your ideas to cavanppn@gmail.com with the heading Workplan27 before midday on September 30th.
Comments