Cavan Community ENews 9.5.25
- Daniel Downey
- 5 days ago
- 23 min read
Updated: 3 days 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
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: Eat Better For Less
14. TRAINING: Upcoming ETB Training Info events
15. TRAINING: Transitioning To Secondary School Workshop for Parents
16. TRAINING: FREE Composting Workshop
17. TRAINING: Suicide Awareness Training
SURVEYS/CONSULTS 18. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Call To Identify Bathing Waters In Cavan 19. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: National Recycling Bin Survey 20. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Consultation on Roadmap for Social Inclusion 21. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Sun Protection Survey for Parents
EVENTS & OTHER NEWS
22. StreetFeast Coming This May, Register NOW
23. Cottage Market Call For Summer Vendors
24. Cavan Connects News & Upcoming AI Event 25. Family Fun Bingo Fundraiser 26. Cavan Arts Festival 27- Secure The LEADER Programme 28- Take Part in Culture Night 29- Ballyconnell Storytelling Night Upcoming 30- Young People in Cavan Called Upon To 'Be The Arrow of Change' 31- Do You Provide Supports For Adults with Disabilities in Cavan? 32- Africa Day(s) 33- Cavan-Fermanagh Storytelling Training OPEN for Applicants 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 39- Dog Fouling Poster Competition
40- RetroReady May Newsletter
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.
Any queries about 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:
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- Eat Better For Less Course
We have a new Eat Better for Less course starting on Tuesday 20 May in EU House at 9.30am-1.30pm.
This is a new QQI Level 3 award which covers how to:
1 Understand how food production has an impact on the environment.
2 Make healthy choices which are also sustainable and affordable.
2 Budget for food, and manage food at home to avoid waste.
There is a practical element to the course which includes shopping, food storage, and preparing meals.
For places or more information, please contact Caroline on 087 405 3618, or email carolinemcdermott@cmetb.ie, or register on fetchcourses.ie using the code 489312.
14- Upcoming ETB Training Info Events
15- Transitioning To Secondary School Workshop for Parents
16- FREE Composting Workshop
17- Free Suicide Awareness Training
Please see details below of upcoming free training in suicide prevention awareness across Cavan and Monaghan. There are still a large number of places remaining on all three programmes outlined below. Please share these details with your colleagues and networks so that the courses can go ahead. ' 086 1717 563 emer.mulligan@hse.ie
Is iad mo laethanta oibre ná Luan go Déardaoin.
My working days are Monday to Thursday.
SURVEYS/CONSULTATIONS
18- Call To Identify Areas for Bathing Waters In County Cavan
Public Notice: Public participation in the identification of ‘bathing waters’ under the Bathing Waters Directive 2006/7 EC of 15th February 2006 and the Bathing Water Quality Regulations SI 79 of 2008
All 31 city and county councils are inviting public participation in the identification of Bathing Waters under the Bathing Waters Directive and the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 (SI No 79 of 2008).
The Directive requires that water quality at all identified bathing waters meets stringent microbiological standards in order to protect the health of people who choose to bathe there. City and county councils are required under the 2008 Regulations to identify bathing waters on an annual basis.
This consultation process provides the public with an opportunity to:
Comment on existing identified bathing waters with a view to continuation of classification
Comment on other bathing waters not currently identified but which may be considered for classification.
Comments are invited from interested parties.
This should be done through your local county council in whose area the bathing water is located. Visit www.cavancoco.ie/bathing-waters.
Closing date for submissions to Cavan County Council is 26/9/2025.
19- National Recycling Bin Survey
The National Recycling Bin Survey is Back – And We Need Your Help!!
Ireland has a packaging problem. A big one. We're calling on households across the country to take part. We want to paint a clearer picture of where our waste is coming from and how if it’s changing over time under new policies.
By joining the National Recycling Bin Survey, you’re not just filling out a form – you’re contributing to one an important environmental database in the country.You’ll:
Count and record the packaging in your household’s recycling bin
Note where items came from (supermarkets, takeaways, etc.)
Reflect on your own consumption – and maybe even be surprised by it!
It’s a small commitment but can have a big impact. Don’t worry, we’ll provide you with all the instruction you need to take part easily – no science degree required. Please email solene@voiceireland.org to sign up today!
You can read more about the campaign HEREroup. Submit a printed copy of this Annex along with your response to the consultation.
20- 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.
21- Survey of Parents Attitudes/Awareness of Sun Protection In Ireland
The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) commissioned Amárach Research to undertake a survey on parents'/guardians' attitudes, behaviours, knowledge and awareness of sun protection in Ireland.
The findings of this survey provide valuable insight into parental attitudes and behaviours regarding sun protection for themselves and for their primary school-aged children.
Findings from this research report will be used to inform the development of resources and programmes to engage parents of young children in skin cancer prevention behaviours. It will inform how best to reach this population to increase the awareness of sun protection, the messages and the medium of messages. This research will also serve as a useful baseline to which future research can be compared and inform the implementation of the National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan.
I hope you find this research report informative. To read the report click here '2024 Survey on Parents’/Guardians’ Attitudes, Behaviours, Knowledge and Awareness of Sun Protection in Ireland'.
EVENTS & OTHER NEWS
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- Cavan Connects News
We hope this email finds you well. We are excited to bring you the latest updates from Cavan Connects. Here's what's new: Blog Updates: Stay informed with our latest blog posts! We cover a wide range of topics relevant to our community. Check out the latest articles here: https://cavanconnects.ie/cavan-connects-blog Calendar Updates: Don't miss out on any upcoming events and activities in Cavan. Our calendar is regularly updated to keep you in the loop. View the latest agenda here: https://cavanconnects.ie/cavan-connects-agenda Broadband Updates: Stay connected with our daily updates on the locations where we’re actively working to bring you the limitless potential of high-speed fibre broadband. Stay informed here: https://cavanconnects.ie/daily-broadband-updates
Are you ready to explore the future of smart communities? Do you want to learn about cutting-edge technologies like Digital Twins, Artificial Intelligence, and Virtual Reality? If so, we have the perfect event for you!
Thank you for being a part of our community. We look forward to keeping you updated with all the latest news and events. Best regards,Daniel PeetersThe Cavan Connects Network info@cavanconnects.ie
0879201623
25- Family Fun Bingo Fundraiser
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- Take Part In Culture Night
Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir is a national moment, celebrating all that makes up the richness and diversity of Culture in Ireland today, connecting people to cultural activities locally and nationally and aims to open up pathways to ongoing engagement.
An annual, all-island public event which takes place each year on the second last Friday of September, Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir celebrates culture, creativity and the arts and seeks to actively promote the belief that this rich and varied culture is alive, treasured and nurtured in people’s lives, today and every day.
Special and unique events and workshops are specifically programmed at participating locations and, thanks to the continued support of the Arts Council and local Authorities across the island of Ireland, all activities are made available to the public free of charge.
Find out more at About • Culture Night
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- Cavan Young People Invited to 'Be The Arrow' of Change
Cavan Young People Rise to the Challenge: 387 Gaisce Awardees Celebrate 40 Years of Achievement
President Michael D. Higgins is inviting the people of Cavan to join a national celebration of Gaisce – The President’s Award, which has empowered 387 young people locally in the past year alone.
Cavan people of all ages are being encouraged to join the Be The Arrow: Gaisce 40th Anniversary Challenge, and take on a personal or group challenge during May.
An Post has also unveiled a special Gaisce 40 postmark, which will feature on all standard letters from An Post between 12th and 25th May.
Over half a million young people have participated in Gaisce since its inception in 1985, a sign of its lasting impact, with almost 27,000 Gaisce recipients awarded in 2024 alone, the highest number since the programme began.
‘Be The Arrow’ is inspired by President Higgins’ inaugural speech in 2011, where he urged young people to "be the arrow, not the target." Gaisce is calling on individuals, schools, workplaces, and communities to set a challenge, push themselves, and make a difference, just as thousands of young people across Ireland have done over the past four decades.
“As Patron of Gaisce, may I offer my best wishes to all those who will be participating in ‘Be the Arrow’ this May,” said President Higgins.
The Impact of Gaisce
Avril Ryan, CEO of Gaisce – The President’s Award, says that for four decades, Gaisce has been dedicated to inspiring young people aged 14 to 25 to find purpose, set ambitious personal goals, push their limits, give back to their communities, and embrace adventure.
”We regularly hear from past Gaisce Awardees, and their message is clear – ‘Gaisce guided me at a time in my life when I needed it most’.
“Our ‘Be The Arrow’ challenge invites people of all ages to embrace that same spirit of adventure and achievement, not only to celebrate the impact of the past 40 years, but to help build momentum for the next 40 to ensure young people have every opportunity to fulfil their potential." President Higgins said: "Society is strengthened when it supports a diversity of experiences and perspectives. The promotion of an inclusive society is one to which every person can make a valuable contribution. Achieving equality is not simply about opportunities for the individual; it is also about how we change our spaces and our systems to ensure they actively drive and encourage inclusion.”
A Challenge for Everyone – and a Certificate from the President
Whether you missed out on doing Gaisce in school, or simply want to challenge yourself with purpose, Be The Arrow is the perfect fit.
Participants can choose from:
A Volunteering Challenge – Give back to a cause, support your community with a clean-up, or volunteer your time or expertise to a local charity.
A Physical Challenge – Walk, cycle, hike, swim or take on a fitness goal.
A Skills Challenge – Learn something new, from painting to public speaking, sign language to improving your Irish.
Everyone who takes part and completes their challenge will receive a commemorative digital Gaisce Challenge Certificate from President Higgins, celebrating their achievement as part of the 40th anniversary.
How to Get Involved
Sign up now at www.bethearrow.ie
Take on a personal challenge during May 2025
Share your journey on social media using #BeTheArrow and tag @Gaisce
Encourage friends, family, your community, or colleagues to join in!
Whether you're revisiting an opportunity you missed or setting yourself a new challenge, this is your chance to Be The Arrow!
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- Africa Day(s)
33- Cavan-Fermanagh Storytelling Training OPEN
Join us this May for the Roots & Reminisce Storytelling Roadshow — an evening of tales, tea, cake, and community spirit!
Dates & Times (all 7:30pm starts): Wed 14 May – Kinawley Community Centre Fri 16 May – Ballyconnell Community Centre Monday 19 May – Killeshandra Resource Centre Mon 26 May – Culley’s Bar, Enniskillen
Come along to listen, laugh, and share as we celebrate the stories that connect us. All are welcome – bring a friend!
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
39- Dog Fouling Poster Competition
40- Dog Fouling
Good morning,
Please see attached the Retrofit Ready May Newsletter for your attention.
Kind Regards,
Owen McConnon
Community Retrofit Champion
Cavan & Monaghan
087 131 5964
Website: www.retrofit-ready.ie
Comments