Editor's Picks

“Work hard” if you want to make your dreams come true of working in the equestrian industry. This is the message to youngsters from former champion jockey Cathy Gannon who gave her time on Tuesday to travel down from Dublin to meet 30 aspiring young jockeys in Limerick. This is National Volunteering Week and she was joined by other volunteers on the day – Michael O’Kelly, a founding member of the Limerick Equine Education and Therapeutic Programme (LEETP) and photographer Tony Grehan.

Hours before Storm Éowyn swept the country, Fianna Fail’s Dara Calleary was given responsibility for supporting communities. The Ballina native was appointed as Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht on January 23 by newly elected Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

The Irish Local Development Network (ILDN) is the representative body for Local Development Companies (LDCs) and in September it outlined ten recommendations which - if social inclusion is to be a priority - all political parties and the new government should embrace.

Over the summer in Loop Head, Co Clare, and in Borrisokane, Co Tipperary, local people protested over government plans to move refugees who had integrated and become part and parcel of the community.

Ireland would by now have its own Polish television station if Sławek Kazek and his tech-minded friends had their way. However, Ireland’s broadcasting rules are archaic, so the Midlands Polish Community group set up the next best thing – a dedicated YouTube Channel for Polish people living in the heart of Ireland.

The North Dublin coastal town of Skerries might not be the first place that comes to mind when we think of areas in Ireland that have issues with transport. However, as Patricia Cassidy of Local Link points out, public transport is only accessible for those who can walk to the nearest bus stop or train station. Recognising the need among Skerries’ older population for a safe, reliable and affordable door-to-door service, the town’s community car initiative was established in November 2019.

A VIEW FROM MOYROSS: The Government this week announced increased pay rates for early years educators. - SIPTU and childcare workers had said the sector was veering towards collapse - All welcomed the decision, but…

The international social enterprise, Common Purpose, is bringing its Legacy Programme to Dublin this October and thanks to the Department of Rural and Community Development and Local Development Companies across the capital, it will feature strong participation from young people involved in community initiatives across the city.