Sligo Public Participation Network
E Bulletin
May 2017
Contents
Funding ........................................................................................................................................................... 3
Communities Facilities Capital Grant Scheme .......................................................................................................... 3
HSE National Lottery Grant ...................................................................................................................................... 4
Energy for Generations Fund - ESB........................................................................................................................... 4
Waters and Communities Award.............................................................................................................................. 5
Hospital Saturday Fund ............................................................................................................................................ 6
DM Foundation for Young People ............................................................................................................................ 6
Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme, EU Commission ................................................................................. 6
European network active in the area of access to justice ........................................................................................ 7
European Network in the fields covered by the specific objective Rights of the Child ............................................ 7
European Networks related ot the Daphne Programme (Gender Equality) ............................................................ 8
European Networks active in the area of non discrimination .................................................................................. 8
European Networks active in the area of equality between women and men ........................................................ 9
European networks active in the area of racism, xenophobia, homophobia or other forms of intolerance ........... 9
Life – EU Fund ......................................................................................................................................................... 10
Networks of Towns ................................................................................................................................................. 10
Creative Europe – EU Fund ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Arts Council Funding ............................................................................................................................................... 11
Community Foundation of Ireland ......................................................................................................................... 11
Local Events ................................................................................................................................................... 11
Drop in Café, every Thursday, Sligo FRC ................................................................................................................. 11
European Volunteering Capital .............................................................................................................................. 11
Headstart Expo ....................................................................................................................................................... 11
National Volunteer Management Conference ....................................................................................................... 12
Volunteer Managers Get Together (VMGT) ........................................................................................................... 12
Volunteer Registration has increased 25%! ........................................................................................................... 12
PPN (Public Participation Network) Regional Meeting, Sligo 6th May ................................................................... 12
Northside Community Notices ............................................................................................................................... 13
Foróige’s Big Brother Big Sister Youth Mentoring Programme Seeks Volunteers ................................................. 13
Sustainable Fundraising, 4th May, Sligo ................................................................................................................. 14
Workshop for parents of children with Dyslexia .................................................................................................... 15
Healthy Ireland Smart Start Award ......................................................................................................................... 15
Danú birth mothers group ...................................................................................................................................... 15
Community Employment Vacancies ....................................................................................................................... 15
Events for Coleman Music Centre Gurteen, Co. Sligo ............................................................................................ 15
EAPN Ireland: The EU, its Parliament and the Fight Against Poverty, Sligo, 5th May ............................................ 16
Energy Awareness Seminar for Small Businesses in Sligo ...................................................................................... 16
Easkey News for May ............................................................................................................................................. 17
National Volunteer Conference, Tuesday May 30th .............................................................................................. 18
National Hurling Development, Provincial Coaching Workshop - Connacht .......................................................... 19
Sligo Field Club, Lecture.......................................................................................................................................... 20
Lecture - Dr Laurence Geary
Friday May 26th,.................................................................................................... 20
Sligo Field Club, Highwood Ramble, Wed 17th May .............................................................................................. 20
Ox Mountain Cyling Club Event, June 18th ............................................................................................................ 21
Local News .................................................................................................................................................... 21
Sligo PPN News ....................................................................................................................................................... 21
European Volunteering Capital News ..................................................................................................................... 21
Report on Official Launch of Sligo GAA activities for 2017 by Tim Hynes. ............................................................. 22
National Events with a local dimension ......................................................................................................... 24
Street Feast, June 11th 2017 ................................................................................................................................... 24
Event Registration is now open for National Heritage Week 2017. ....................................................................... 24
Funding
Communities Facilities Capital Grant Scheme
The Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government operates a
Communities Facilities Capital Grant Scheme through the Local Community Development
Committees in order to support community participation and involvement. Under the scheme
community and voluntary groups may apply for grants for capital projects which benefit the
local community.
The Scheme will offer grants up to a maximum of €1,000 per project.
Applications are now being invited for funding under this Scheme and Forms are available at
http://www.sligococo.ie/Grants/CommunitiesFacilitiesCapitalGrantScheme/
Closing date for applications form is Friday 30th June 2017 at 4pm
Applications should relate to at least one key target group and thematic area in order to be
eligible for consideration.
Target groups and thematic areas:
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Youth
Older people
Immigrants
Refugees
Travellers
Ex-prisoners and families of prisoners/ex-prisoners
Projects promoting cultural activity
Projects promoting equality
Community development projects
Projects promoting integration
Projects which are part of the Creative Ireland 2017-2022 initiative
The scheme will run initially from July 2017 - December 2017 and is focused on providing smallscale capital grants to help grass roots community projects get underway or take the next step
towards completion.
The Scheme is being administered by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs)
along with the Municipal Districts under the remit of the Local Authorities (LAs) on behalf of
the Department. The LCDCs will be responsible for targeting and allocating funding as they are
ideally placed to identify the applications which most suitably address the Scheme's target
groups and issues in each LA administrative area.
The aim of the Scheme is to enhance communities, address disadvantage and improve social
cohesion at a local level by providing access to small-scale capital grants. It will operate in a
complementary manner with other schemes or programmes being operated in communities,
including in particular, the SICAP (Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme), a
recast RAPID (Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development) and CLÁR (Ceantair
Laga Árd Riachtanais) Programmes, adding value to those and other front-line schemes. It will
also seek to address some of the difficulties local community groups face in terms of accessing
very often small scale levels of funding to match their own fundraising efforts, in order to get
community projects off the ground.
HSE National Lottery Grant
The HSE has been allocated National Lottery Funding for distribution to community based
groups and voluntary organisations under the Respite Care Grant Scheme and the National
Lottery Grant Scheme. Groups and organisations involved in the provision of Health and
Personal Social Services can apply for once off funding of between €500 and €10,000 for
suitable projects.
Completed Application Forms must be returned to the local Community Healthcare
Organisation (CHO) Find the location of your local CHO office here
Please ensure that your application is submitted to the correct CHO, as submission to the
wrong CHO may result in your application not being processed.
Closing Date for Applications – 17:00 on Friday 26th May 2017
Lottery Application Form 2017.doc (size 119.3 KB)
Lottery Application Form 2017.pdf (size 181 KB)
Applicants will be advised as to the outcome of their application no later than Thursday
31.08.2017
Energy for Generations Fund - ESB
ESB's Energy for Generations Fund sees over €2m per year disbursed across a range of
community and issues-based initiatives.
Each year the Fund awards €1m in direct funding through a quarterly fund to charities working
in the areas of suicide prevention, homelessness and education access and support.
ESB has been supporting initiatives in the areas of suicide prevention and homelessness since
2005. The Energy for Generations Fund introduced a new focus on education in 2014, which
recognises the need for educational supports at all levels to ensure that Ireland has the skills it
needs to compete effectively in the future.
The remainder is allocated across a range of initiatives including support for ElectricAid, wind
farm community funds, fuel poverty programmes and support for staff volunteering.
Aim of the Energy for Generations Fund
Our aim with the Energy for Generations Fund is to maximise the impact of our investment by
taking a more strategic approach to effect change. Funding is only part of the jigsaw – we also
want to leverage the skills and knowledge we have within the company to bring about more
sustainable and positive outcomes.
Support for Staff Volunteering
The Energy for Generations Fund provides support to ESB staff who volunteer within their own
communities. Staff who volunteer at least 20 hours of their own time per year will be invited to
apply for funding of up to €250 for their chosen registered charity.
Many of our staff are involved in volunteering activities in their spare time, but we have never
had any formal structure to support or encourage this in the past. Through this funding, our
aim is to demonstrate our support for the work our staff do within their own communities.
Waters and Communities Award
The Waters and Communities Award is a new category for 2017. The award is to recognise
communities who are taking positive steps towards raising awareness and showing
appreciation of their local rivers, lakes, streams, canals and coast. The Award is sponsored by
Inland Fisheries Ireland www.fisheriesireland.ie (responsible for managing the inland fisheries
and sea angling sectors); Waterways Ireland www.waterwaysireland.org (responsible for the
management of inland navigable waterways) and the Local Authority Waters and Communities
Office www.watersandcommunities.ie (working with communities to get involved in the
management of natural waters).
Prize Fund for 2017
Four Regional Award Winners
€1,000 each
Four Regional Runner Up Award Winners
€500 each
There will also be an additional prize of €1,000 for the overall winner of the four regions
Hospital Saturday Fund
The Hospital Saturday Fund is a registered charity whose aims are to provide assistance
through its charitable funds for:
 Individuals with a medical condition or disability who would benefit from assistance with the
purchase of specialised equipment or from practical forms of treatment
 Registered health charities such as hospitals, hospices, medical organisations who are in need
of grants for medical projects, care, research or support of medical training within the United
Kingdom and Republic of Ireland
Find out more at https://www.hospitalsaturdayfund.org/apply-for-a-grant
DM Foundation for Young People
Applications working in the areas of education or health with one of our three chosen focus
groups are selected or considered:
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Children and young people with disabilities
Children and young people who are sick in hospital
Children and young people who are life limited (requiring palliative care)
Next grant deadline, 9th May and 25th July
Find out more at https://dmthomasfoundation.org/what-we-do/grants/dmtf-central-grants/
Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme, EU Commission
Capacity-building in the area of rights of the child
What does it fund?
This call supports projects that build the capacity of professionals working for and with children
in rights of the child and child protection. Project activities should focus on putting in place
robust national or regional mechanisms to support children ageing out of/leaving alternative
care and encompass a strong child participation component. They may include exchange of
best practice, design and implementation of protocols and methodologies transferable to other
regions, and training, among other activities.
Deadline: 29.06.17 | Partnership: Projects can be either national or transnational and should
be led by or closely involve appropriate key players, such as those involved in children’s rights
and protection, heath, academia, etc. A full list of potential applicants is available here | Size of
grants: Not lower than €75,000 | Co-funding: Maximum 80% of total eligible costs.
European network active in the area of access to justice
Find out more:
http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/desktop/en/opportunities/just/topics/justjacc-netw-2017.html
What does it fund? This call aims to establish 4-year Framework Partnership Agreements with
European networks whose statutory aims are to facilitate effective access to justice for all,
including the promotion and protection of the rights of victims of crime and the rights of
defense. The annual operating grants to be signed on the basis of these Framework Partnership
Agreements will enhance the capacities of these networks to contribute actively to the
development and implementation of the EU policies in this area.
Deadline: 30.05.17
Partnership: The applicant for the Framework Partnership must
be an established formal network with own legal personality or represent (as a joint secretariat
or officially appointed coordinator) an established formal network, must be organised at
European level and have member organisations/bodies or authorities in at least 14
participating countries.
Total budget available: n.a.
Co-funding: Maximum 80% of total eligible costs.
European Network in the fields covered by the specific objective Rights of the Child
Click: European networks active in the fields covered by the specific objective Rights of the child
What does it fund? Networks whose activities compliment the 2017 Rights, Equality and
Citizenship Work Programme and activities including analytical activities, training activities,
mutual learning, dissemination of good and promising practice, cooperation, awareness-raising
and dissemination activities with EU added value. Projects should be practical and foster multi-
disciplinary cooperation. Such frameworks will need to be integrated with other sectoral
frameworks.
Deadline: 16.05.17
Partnership: The applicant for the Framework Partnership must
be an established formal network with own legal personality or represent an established
formal network, must be organised at European level and have member organisations/bodies
or authorities in at least 14 participating countries.
Total budget available: €1,800,000
Co-funding: Maximum 80% of total eligible costs.
European Networks related ot the Daphne Programme (Gender Equality)
Click: European networks active in the fields covered by the specific objectives of Daphne
programme (Gender Equality)
What does it fund? Networks whose statutory aims are to prevent and combat violence against
children and/or women and whose practical activities should contribute to the implementation
of the objectives of the 2017 Rights, Equality and Citizenship Work Programme. This fund will
implement among others: analytical activities, training and capacity-building activities, mutual
learning, cooperation, awareness-raising and dissemination activities with EU added value.
Deadline: 16.05.17
Partnership: The applicant for the Framework Partnership must be an established formal
network with own legal personality or represent an established formal network, must be
organised at European level and have member organisations/bodies or authorities in at least
14 participating countries. Networks active in the area of female genital mutilation (FGM) must
have member organisations/bodies or authorities in at least 10 participating countries.
Total budget available: €1,800,000
Co-funding: Maximum 80% of total eligible costs.
European Networks active in the area of non discrimination
click: European networks active in the area of non-discrimination
What does it fund? It will support networks whose statutory aims are to promote the effective
implementation of the principle of non-discrimination and whose activities contribute to the
implementation of the objectives of the 2017 Rights, Equality and Citizenship Work
Programme. This fund will implement among others: analytical activities, training activities,
mutual learning, cooperation, awareness-raising and dissemination activities.
Deadline: 16.05.17
Partnership: The applicant for the Framework Partnership must be an established formal
network with own legal personality or represent (as a joint secretariat or officially appointed
coordinator) an established formal network, must be organised at European level and have
member organisations/bodies or authorities in at least 14 participating countries.
Total budget available: €2,200,000
Co-funding: Maximum 80% of total eligible costs.
European Networks active in the area of equality between women and men
Click: European networks active in the area of equality between women and men
What does it fund? It will support networks whose statutory aims are to promote equality
between women and men and to advance gender mainstreaming. The annual grants to be
signed on the basis of these Framework Partnership Agreements will enhance the capacities of
these networks to contribute actively to the development and implementation of the policies
in this area. The 4-year strategic plan will have to fit with the European Commission's
objectives in this field and so be aligned with the 2016-2019 Strategic engagement for gender
equality's main objectives as well as the objectives of the 2017 Rights, Equality and Citizenship
Work Programme.
Deadline: 16.05.17
Partnership: The applicant for the Framework Partnership must be an established formal
network with own legal personality or represent (as a joint secretariat or officially appointed
coordinator) an established formal network, must be organised at European level and have
member organisations/bodies or authorities in at least 14 participating countries.
Total budget available: €950,000
Co-funding: Maximum 80% of total eligible costs.
European networks active in the area of racism, xenophobia, homophobia or other forms of
intolerance
What does it fund? It will support networks whose statutory aims are to prevent and combat
racism, xenophobia, homophobia and other forms of intolerance, in particular preventing and
countering hate crime and hate speech, including hate speech online. This call will support
networks whose activities contribute to the implementation of the objectives of the
Programme and who will implement among others: analytical and monitoring activities,
training activities, mutual learning, cooperation, awareness-raising and dissemination
activities. Read the 2017 Rights, Equality and Citizenship Work Programme here.
Deadline: 16.05.17
Partnership: The applicant for the Framework Partnership must be an established formal
network with own legal personality or represent (as a joint secretariat or officially appointed
coordinator) an established formal network, must be organised at European level and have
member organisations/bodies or authorities in at least 14 participating countries.
Total budget available: €1,100,000
Co-funding: Maximum 80% of total eligible costs.
Life – EU Fund
LIFE: EU operating grants to environmental and/or climate NGOs (for funding in 2018 and
2019)
What does it fund?
The objectives of this action are to promote better environmental and/or climate governance.
This should be done by broadening stakeholder involvement, including NGOs, in policy
consultation and implementation. This call for proposals aims at identifying framework
partners to which the EU’s executive agency of SMEs (EASME) may, at a later stage, award
specific operating grants, which would co-finance the operating costs of NGOs related to the
eligible activities.
Partnership:The applicant for the Framework Partnership must be a legal person, non-profit
making NGO active in the area of environmentalism and/or climate change, registered in an EU
Member State and operating within at least three EU Member States.
Deadline: 15.06.17 | Size of grants: Maximum EU contribution of €700,000 per grant per
year| Co-funding: Maximum 60% of the total eligible costs
Networks of Towns – EU Fund
What does it fund? Long-term projects between towns and cities that explore and share
common ideas and issues, often lasting up to a maximum of 24 months.
Deadline: Currently closed but opening again in June with a deadline for 1 September
Partnership: Minimum four partners from eligible countries I Size of grant: min €55,000 I Cofunding: 70%
Town Twinning – EU Fund
What does it fund? 3-5 day visit for a set of individuals from one town to visit another. Open
not just to municipalities and councils but also community and voluntary groups representing
their city/town.
Deadline: Currently closed but opening again in June with a deadline of 1 September I
Partnership: Minimum two towns from eligible countries I Size of grant: From €5,000 to
€25,000 I Co-funding: 50%
Contact The Wheel for more support - the Europe for Citizens National Contact Point in Ireland
Creative Europe – EU Fund
All calls have will be open at the end of 2017 with a deadline of early 2018. At this point,
organisations can begin preparing their ideas and forging relevant partnerships. For advice and
support on Creative Europe Culture or Media (film and audio-visual) programmes contact Katie
Lowry or Audrey Keane at the Arts Council, the National Contact Point.
Free Events:
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The Wheel, with the National Contact Point for the Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions, will
be holding a workshop for civil society organisations on Wednesday 10 May 2017
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(morning), at Europe House, 12-14 Mount Street, Dublin 2. It is fully booked but please
contact Lauren to put your name on a waiting list.
The Wheel is holding a Partnership Building Workshop on the 20th of June at Europe
House, Dublin. Covering best practice in transnational partnership for EU funded
projects, this half day event is free but booking is essential.
Europe for Citizens with Creative Europe Sub Culture Programme, and Erasmus+ will hold an event
entitled EU Funding for Cultural Organisations on Wednesday 7 June in Galway. Book now.
Arts Council Funding
Upcoming funding deadlines are available at http://www.artscouncil.ie/available-funding/
Community Foundation of Ireland
Ray Murphy fund and Grants for Mergers are currently open, find out more at
http://www.foundation.ie/apply-for-a-grant/types-of-grant/apply-now-open-grant-rounds/
Local Events
Drop in Café, every Thursday, Sligo FRC
Sligo Intercultural Forum are hosting a monthly Drop In café in the Sligo Family Resource
Centre. The café is open on the last Thursday of every month from 10-12pm, free to all. We
offer tea, coffee, delicious gourmet parlor cakes, and a variety of activities that are designed to
encourage a warm welcome and a friendly space to get to know one another. All are welcome
and we hope to see you there! The Drop in is also open every Thursday from 10-12pm in the
Family resource Centre. We offer a confidential service for anyone from new communities who
need support of any kind, and all are welcome! Please like our Facebook page (Sligo
Intercultural Forum) for up to date information and topical news, or call Cathy Kilcoyne at the
Family Resource Centre on 0719146315.
European Volunteering Capital
Headstart Expo
Inspire. Empower. Connect.
- Glasshouse Hotel
Need to recruit more volunteers? You can have a stand at our Headstart Expo, Tue 16th May
from 10am-4pm. Please complete our booking form to reserve your stall.
For more information please visit www.evcsligo.eu. or book a workshop on Eventbrite or
Facebook
National Volunteer Management Conference
- IT Sligo
To celebrate Sligo’s prestigious designation as European Volunteering Capital 2017, Volunteer
Ireland are delighted to hold this year’s National Volunteer Management Conference Sligo.
Hot Lunch & plenty of refreshments provided
Early Bird tickets €63
Conference Details
Volunteer Managers Get Together (VMGT)
- Wed 14th June 10am
Save the Date! Our next VMGT will be an open forum on Recruiting, Retaining and Supporting
Volunteers. This is a free forum and open to all Volunteer Managers and Coordinators. Please
RSVP by 1st June! We will confirm venue closer to date.
Volunteer Registration has increased 25%!
Submit your volunteer opportunities today
So far this year we have experienced a phenomenal 25% increase of volunteer registrations.
Let these potential volunteers know you are recruiting by registering your volunteer
opportunities on our website.
You can register your opportunity at www.volunteersligo.ie under 'Register Your Voluntary
Role' and we will post your role on our website. You can also contact us at 071-9111042.
PPN (Public Participation Network) Regional Meeting, Sligo 6th May
A Regional PPN meeting will take place on this Saturday, 6th May 2017, in the Presbyterian Hall,
Church Street, Sligo. This meeting will be facilitated by Social Justice Ireland.
All PPN member groups are invited to attend the morning session from 10.30am to 1.30pm.
There will be an afternoon session which will also be of specific interest to Secretariat members and
PPN representatives.
Northside Community Notices
Office space to rent:
Here at Northside there are a variey of rooms available to rent which would be perfect for
anyone wishing to hold meetings, classes and lessons.
If you would like to book an office space and would like to find out more informations please
do not hessitate to contact the centre for further details on 071/9147097.
Afterschool Club
We are now taking booking for our afterschool c.lub for September. Places are limited, early
booking advisable. Phone lesley on 071/9147097.
Baby & Toddler Group:
We hold a Baby & Toddler group on Tuesday afternoon from 2pm -3.30pm
For further information contact Denise on 071/9147097.
Pre-school:
Places are filling up here at Northside for September 2017 therefore if you like to register your
child/ren please contact Denise or Rosie on 071/9147097.
Yoga Classes:
Love yoga with Kate is on Fridays at Lunchtime. 1.10pm – 1.55pm
If this would be something you would like make part of your Friday, please contact Kate on
0863123719
Vital Development VitalDanza Classes:
Classes starting on the 19th April every Wednesday at 7pm in the Northside Community Centre
Contact Martina on 0879024835 for further details.
English Speaking Classes
English speaking classes are held in the centre for non nationals. Please contact ETB Sligo for
further details on 071-9145025
Foróige’s Big Brother Big Sister Youth Mentoring Programme Seeks Volunteers
Would you like to gain volunteering experience and make a difference in the life of a young
person? Do you have one hour per week to spare?
Foróige National Youth Development Organisation is currently recruiting volunteers to take
part in The Big Brother Big Sister Youth Mentoring Programme in Sligo, Leitrim and surrounding
areas.
This programme is working specifically with young people aged between 15 & 24 years who
have autism, to support them with the transition from second level education to third level
and/or employment.
The programme matches an adult volunteer with a young person with autism who would
benefit from having a mentor in their lives. Females are matched with females, males with
males. Matches are based on similar interests.
The volunteer will be supported to establish a relationship with the young person, aimed at
assisting them in their development. Ongoing training and support is provided to the
volunteer. We need male and female volunteers. The commitment is a weekly meeting with
the young person for about an hour over the course of one year.
If you would like to hear more about this volunteering opportunity contact Elaine on 086
0497089 or by email [email protected]
“A little time, a big difference”
Sustainable Fundraising, 4th May, Sligo
I would like to invite you to join fellow Clann Credo Project leaders in a series of 'Learn, Inspire,
Share' Workshops being rolled out over the coming months.
Your needs are unique and, as part of the Clann Credo Community, we are offering you free
specialist training and support to help and strengthen the work you do.
For over 20 years, Clann Credo has been committed to a strong, vibrant community sector in
Ireland.
We have commissioned expert workshops from our training partners, the Carmichael Training
Centre.
The first two of the 'Learn, Inspire, Share' Workshops will be held in Sligo and Dublin:
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‘Sustainable Fundraising’ with Caroline Egan, A fund-raising specialist and strategist in
the Not-For Profit sector. On Thursday, 4th May 6-9pm at the Sligo Park Hotel‘
Strategy and Business Planning’ with Andrea Shupinski, Accountant and Business
Advisor, with experience in the Not-For-Profit Sector. On Thursday , 11th May 6-9pm at
the Carmichael Training Centre, Dublin
As a Clann Credo customer, your organisation is invited to nominate two people to attend and
there is no charge.
To find out more details about the ‘Learn, Inspire, Share’
series click here
Register for the workshops by emailing Serena Teng, Carmichael Training and Consultancy
Administrator, at [email protected] or phone at 01 8735702
Book today! Places are limited and the deadline for booking is Friday 28th April (Sligo) and
Friday 5th May (Dublin).
The Learn, Inspire, Share series will continue in the Autumn. Even if you can't make one of
these workshops, please help us make the content relevant to your needs by completing this
short, two minute survey Click here
Workshop for parents of children with Dyslexia
Sligo Family Resource Centre in collaboration with the Sligo Education Centre hosted a
workshop for parents of children with dyslexia on 8th April in teh Education Centre based on
the grounds of Sligo IT. Entitled "Alternative Practical Strategies when working with Dyslexia"
teh facilitator Paula Horan demonstrated some very practical skills parents can do to support
their children's learning. Eighteen parents attended and the feedback was very positive: "I
have learnt some valuable strategies in starting to help my son" "Paula was an excellent
facilitator and made it very easy to understand how our kids see things" "By far the best talk
regarding dyslexia that I have ever attended". for more information on this group contact Liz at
the Sligo FRC 9146315
Healthy Ireland Smart Start Award
Sligo FRC Footprints creche was awarded the Health Ireland Smart Start Award at a ceremony
in Athlone IT on Saturday 22nd April hosted by the National Childhood Network. The
programme consisted of six units: Health Promotion, Emotional Well Being Literacy, Physical
Activity, Nutrition, Oral Health and Health and Safety. Footprints creche are taking names for
the ECCE (Free pre-school year) now for September.Contact Rose in the FRC
Danú birth mothers group
This group meets about 5 times a year in the Sligo FRC to support mothers who have given
their children for adoption. One of the mothers will speak at a a seminar in Dublin hosted by
the Adoption Authority of Ireland on 3rd May entitled "Exploring Information and Tracing".
Minister Katherine Zappone will also be in attendance.
Community Employment Vacancies
We still have places for CE participants in home support, childcare and administration. contact
Bridie or Sarah in the FRC
Events for Coleman Music Centre Gurteen, Co. Sligo
Matt & Orlaith Keane & friends will perform their unique blend of traditional Irish and
contemporary folk music and song in the intimate setting of Coleman Music Centre, Gurteen
on Saturday, May 6 at 8.30pm. Adm €15 booking and enquiries 071 9182599 or
www.colemanirishmusic.com.
Daithi Gormley, Orlaith McAuiliffe & Dylan Foley will perform in Concert in the Coleman Music
Centre, Gurteen Saturday, May 13 at 8.30pm. Adm €12 booking and enquiries 071 9182599 or
www.colemanirishmusic.com.
Aoife Scott & Her Band in Concert in the Coleman Music Centre, Gurteen Saturday, May 20 @
8.30pm. (Daughter of Frances Black) Adm €15 booking and enquiries 071 9182599 or
www.colemanirishmusic.com.
The Coleman Music Visitor Centre is open Monday – Saturday all year round from 9.00am to
5.30pm.
EAPN Ireland: The EU, its Parliament and the Fight Against Poverty, Sligo, 5th May
As the EU celebrates its 60th birthday, these regional workshops are your chance to discuss
questions like
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How does Europe decide social policies?
What difference does this make to people affected by poverty?
How can we influence European policy?
Why is the EU in crisis?
What do Brexit and the rise of racism mean for the future?
How can we build a more inclusive Europe?
The Programme:
 10am to 1pm: Training and discussion session on European social policy
 1pm to 2pm Lunch
 2pm to 3.30pm: Discussion with Member of the European Parliament
Date: 5th May
European Parliament Constituency: Midlands – North-West - Includes the counties of Cavan,
Donegal, Galway, Kildare, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly,
Roscommon, Sligo and Westmeath.
Venue: Northside Community Partnership, Forthill, Sligo
MEP for afternoon Discussion: Marian Harkin MEP, Independent
Energy Awareness Seminar for Small Businesses in Sligo
‘There is an area in which you can cut your operational costs to benefit your bottom line’ –
faced with this opportunity do you think any business owner would take it? The answer would
undoubtedly be yes. Who wouldn’t? The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has been
helping business for years to do just that by assisting them in managing their energy use and
cutting their energy costs. Why not come along to this FREE event and hear how it can be done!
Date: Wednesday 24th May 2017
Venue: Sligo Park Hotel
Programme
11am Registration
11.10 Welcome: John Reilly, Head of Enterprise, Sligo Local Enterprise Office
11.15 Cost saving opportunities for Small Businesses – Quick Wins
Ivan Sproule, Business Programmes Manager, SEAI
11.30 What can you learn from your energy bills – the first step!
Tom O’Callaghan, Energy Consultant
11.45 Resource Efficiency – Best practice examples
James Hogan, EPA Green Business Programme Manager
12.00 Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme – Energy credits for energy saving
Joe Durkan, Programme Manager, SEAI
12.15 Renewable Energy – benefits and opportunities for small businesses
Mel Gavin, R&D Coordinator – Contract Research Unit, IT Sligo
12.30 A large Industry perspective, AbbVie Energy Journey
Peter Moran, Energy and Utilities Leader, AbbVie, Sligo
13.00 Q&A/networking
13.30 Tea//Coffee Sandwiches served
14.00 Seminar ends
Organised by SEAI in association with Sligo Local Enterprise Office
Easkey News for May
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Tir na hOige Easkey Park is open for bookings and is ideally located just minutes from the
stunning Easkey Coast on the Wild Atlantic Way. We cater to Mobile Homes, Caravans and
Campers alike. We offer state of the art accommodation with Toilet and Shower block,
electricity for Caravans, Washing and Ironing facility, Wifi Internet access and special
discounts to Body & Soul Fitness, Easkey Bike Hire and multi-night discounts for the park.
Dogs are welcome if kept on a leash.
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First Holy Communions & Confirmations will take place in May in both churches
James in Easkey and Star of the Sea in Rathlee
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Social Dancing continues in Easkey Community Centre every second Tuesday, next dance
on 9th May
St
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Preparations are underway in Rathlee and Easkey for the Tidy Towns competition
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Monster Bingo will take place in Diamond Coast Hotel on Sunday 4 th June at 3pm and
Bingo and local lotto are held every Friday in Easkey Community Centre t 8.30pm

Music Generation Sligo in association with Coláiste Íascaigh are holding two workshops in
Easkey Community Centre on 15th and 30th May

A huge Thank You to all who attended and participated on Easter Monday 17th April. In a
beautiful Crinniu na Casca Easter Rising Celebration at Cluain Constance Markievicz
(Easkey Peace Park). Joe gave a fantastic and fascinating speech about the effects that
1916 had on Ireland one year on in 1917. We also had traditional music thanks to some
young members of our community who were brilliant. The event was wonderful and was
enjoyed by all.

A large crowd attended the beautiful Dawn Mass celebrated on Easter Sunday Morning
by Fr Kevin Loftus and Fr Leonard Taylor, in the Olde Cemetery in Easkey

An Easter Egg raffle held recently in aid of Meals on Wheels realised €124. The lucky
winner was Meals on Wheels recipient Mai Culkin.

A one act play The End of The Beginning by Sean O’Casey and Variety Concert by Ceoltoiri
Tireragh was staged in Easkey Community Centre on Sat 22nd April A very enjoyable night
was had by all

Pudding Row Restaurant reopens after the Winter break on Thursday 27th April
National Volunteer Conference, Tuesday May 30th
AURIVO AUDITORIUM SLIGO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
TICKETS:
http://www.volunteer.ie/events/national-volunteer-management-conference-2017/
To celebrate Sligo's prestigious designation as European Volunteering Capital 2017, Volunteer
Ireland are delighted to hold this year’s National Volunteer Management Conference in a new
city, at a new time of year, in a new venue. We are excited to be part of Sligo’s 2017
programme of events.
The National Volunteer Management Conference provides the opportunity to spend some
quality time on personal development, networking with your volunteer management
colleagues and peers and participating in a host of thought provoking masterclasses and
discussions focused on volunteer recruitment, retention, training, support and management.
The conference is essential for anyone interested in volunteer management (paid or unpaid),
anyone who is managing volunteers as part of their role (C&V and Corporate sector)
and organisations involving volunteers.
This year we welcome Ciara Herity of Sligo VC and Marian Harkin MEP to open the conference
along with Laura Hassler, Founder and Director of the powerful international volunteer led
organisation Musicians without Borders.
Our masterclasses will explore the benefits of Family Volunteering, the value in Investing in
Volunteers, effective use of social media, the pros and cons of rural and student volunteering,
and the importance of building the best Board for your organisation.
Our case studies in the afternoon will examine interesting programmes within the area of
volunteering, welcoming questions from the floor. The conference provides a day of dialogue,
networking and knowledge sharing that is invaluable to any organisation.
Registration from 08:45. Conference starts at 09:45.
Hot Lunch & plenty of refreshments provided
Early Bird tickets €63
Please see our website for further details and registration:
http://www.volunteer.ie/events/national-volunteer-management-conference-2017/
Or contact [email protected] 087 926 9525
National Hurling Development, Provincial Coaching Workshop - Connacht
National Hurling Development Manager, Martin Fogarty and Connacht Hurling Director,
Damien Coleman present an opportunity to learn from and interact with Legends of the Game
of Hurling at a not-to-be-missed workshop.
Venue & Date:
May 20th.
Connacht Centre of Excellence, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo
Registration: 10.30 a.m. Workshop: 11.00 – 02.15 p.m. Lunch 02.15 p.m.
Format:
Practical and station based with participants rotating to each station, followed by Q & A session
with the guest coaches.
Stations:

Goalkeeping and goalkeeping plays
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Fitness with the ball
The Basics of Defending
Attacking & Striking
Questions & Answers
Coaches:
Lead coach at each station will be one of our high profile guest coaches supported by a local
Games Development Officer.
 D.J. Carey, (Kilkenny)
 Jamesie O’ Connor (Clare)
 Ollie Canning (Galway)
 Eamon O’ Shea, (Tipperary)
 Brendan Cummins (Tipperary)
Bookings:
http://learning.gaa.ie/node/269134
Early booking advisable as places are limited
Enquiries:
All enquiries to Martin Fogarty.
Email: [email protected]
Registration: €20 (includes lunch)
Sligo Field Club, Lecture
Lecture - Dr Laurence Geary Friday May 26th,
Sir William Wilde (1815-1876): A Nineteenth-Century Irish Polymath
The SFC lecture will take place in the Education Centre, IT Sligo at 8pm on Friday May 26th. All
are welcome but there is a charge of €5 for non-members. For more details visit our website :
http://www.sligofieldclub.com
Sligo Field Club, Highwood Ramble, Wed 17th May
Sam Moore will lead a Highwood Ramble.
Priory at 7pm
Meet at car parking area in front of Ballindoon
Ox Mountain Cyling Club Event, June 18th
Ox Mts Cycling Club are holding their annual Ox Mountains 4 Passes Sportive cycling event on
Sunday June 18th.
There are two routes, 60km and 120km cycling through some of the most beautiful scenery in
the Ox Mountains and South Sligo.
Registration opens at 9:00am on morning of event with start at 10:00am
Food and refreshments supplied.
Further details on www.oxmountainscyclingclub.ie4
Local News
Sligo PPN News
The representatives of Sligo PPN continue to attend committee meetings to represent the
views of the community here in Sligo. The PPN has reps on the Joint Policing Committee, NW
Regional Drug and Alcohol Taskforce, Committees of the Sligo County Council and the Local
Community Development Committee (among others).
The Secretariat meets bi-monthly to progress the work of the PPN. A workplan was agreed
earlier this year. The PPN website is being re-developed and linkage group meetings are being
arranged.
The PPN is working with Sligo LEADER Partnership Company to put together a training calendar
for community groups - watch this space. If you haven’t already, fill out our quick training
survey available here.
The Disability Linkage Group met in April 2017. Their goal is to feed into the Sligo Disability
Consultative Committee and to advocate for services that improve the quality of life for
disabled people in Sligo. New members always welcome.
The PPN is very active in circulating news about community events and activities - through our
E Bulletin, twitter and facebook site. Let us know if there is anything you want to promote.
If you want to learn more about the PPN or become a member go to www.sligoppn.com or ring
the office at 071-9114430.
European Volunteering Capital News
Sligo's reign as the European Volunteering Capital of 2017 is well under way and there is a lot
happening in the next few weeks that you need to know about. One of our events may feature
in RTE Nationwide. Don't miss out!
Great 'First Dates' networking event as part of the European Volunteering Capital 2017 - Adopt
a Charity campaign. Fantastic to get the business sector and the Community & Voluntary
sector talking about how both sides can benefit from corporate volunteering.
Thanks to all who came along and special thanks to Des from Cafe Fleur for adopting us and
kindly sponsoring our refreshments on the day as well as The Building Block Sligo for hosting!
If you missed this event, you can still register your need on our website www.volunteersligo.ie
under 'Register Your Voluntary Role' and we will post your needs on our website. You can also
contact us at 071-9111042.
We may host a follow-up event in Autumn so stay tuned!
Report on Official Launch of Sligo GAA activities for 2017 by Tim Hynes.
On Wed 12th April in the GAA Centre of Excellence Scarden the Official Launch of the
comprehensive list of Sligo GAA activities were launched as part of our partnership with Sligo
Co Council and Sligo Volunteer Centre to demonstrate volunteerism, as Sligo is nominated as
European Volunteer Capital 2017. Sligo was selected as the European Volunteer Capital for
2017 after cities like Lisbon, Barcelona and London in 2016 have received this significant
honour. This is a very prestigious and noteworthy award to receive and Sligo GAA along with
many more clubs and organisations will play a real part in justifying this award by
demonstrating volunteerism in action. This programme outlines a summary of all the Sligo GAA
activities to be organised and carried out in 2017 by many volunteers in the Clubs.
The ‘’Sligo GAA Inclusion /Games for All’’ committee organised this launch along with Sligo
GAA Co Board and present were Ciaran Hayes CEO Sligo Co Council, Ciara Herrity Manager
Sligo Volunteer Centre, Marian Harkin MEP, Mayor of Sligo Marie Casserly, Hubert Keaney
Chairman of Sligo Co Council, Sligo County Council Officials, GAA Chairman Joe Taffe, the Press
and media representatives, and Sligo GAA Executive members.
Tim Hynes welcomed all to the launch of the Sligo GAA activities for 2017, which will require
major efforts of time and energy from many volunteers across the County to deliver. First of all
he sincerely thanked Sligo volunteer Centre, Sligo Co Council and Marian Harkin for their
efforts, enthusiasm and perseverance in convincing the European Volunteer Officials to grant
Sligo the prestigious Award of European Volunteer Capital for 2017.
The Sligo GAA Chairman Joe Taffe said that one of the activities Sligo GAA are undertaking
since Sligo is the European Volunteer Capital for 2017 is to honour two volunteers from each
Club, and present them with a special scroll at the County Senior Football Final on Sun 15 th Oct
in Marchievicz Park. It is the perfect time for Sligo GAA to give its volunteers a ‘’thank you’’
and remind them how important they are to the organisation and to their community.
The honouring of GAA Club Volunteers aims to shine a light on the remarkable work of
volunteers around the County, and it is a unique opportunity to say 'thank you' to ordinary
people doing extraordinary work, and also to acknowledge the volunteers who give their time,
their passion and their commitment so generously to help make a difference in their
community.
Brief summary of the Volunteers contribution to Sligo GAA.
1. Volunteers are the life blood of Sligo GAA.
2. They are the backbone of the club and community and they underpin so much great
work being done across the county.
3. Volunteers have a “can-do” attitude and it truly can be said that they are the driving
force behind the success of all clubs.
4. They are great ambassadors for their clubs.
5. They are role models and beacons and inspirational for the youth to look up to.
6. Simply put – we’d be lost without volunteers! But how often do we show them how
important they are? And we plan to commence acknowledging our volunteers this year.
Sligo GAA activities leaves a large volunteer footprint in the clubs across the County for the
health and wellbeing of those communities.
Tim Hynes asked all Sligo GAA members to continue to put actions on our fixtures and
activities plans, and make an indelible mark on European Volunteerism in 2017, and prove
beyond doubt with all other Clubs and organisations, that Sligo is truly a worthy recipient of
the European Volunteer Capital 2017.
The activities are listed from Jan to end of year and many of them are core to the annual
activity of the GAA. However there are a few additional events being organised to assist with
vindicating the honour of European Volunteer Capital 2017 such as : Wheelchair Hurling Ch/ip
Finals on Oct 14th , Official Opening of COE in Scarden on 14th May, ‘’Have a Go Day’’ or come
and try Day on May 13th where all children and parents are invited to watch and participate in
our full suite of sports, John West Div 1 National U14 Feile Finals on 24 th June with teams
from:- Dublin, Kildare, Mayo, Galway, Cork, Kerry, Tyrone, Down, Donegal, honouring Club
volunteers at County Football Final on 15th Oct and more in the list below.
Sligo GAA will play a very positive role along with the many more voluntary groups in proving
that Sligo is indeed a very worthy recipient of this prestigious award and honour.
All the special guests Marian Harkin, Ciaran Hayes, Ciara Herrity and Hubert Keaney thanked
Sligo GAA for their commitment and passion in promoting and developing GAA games and
activities and also complimented the many volunteers who give freely of their time in helping
out their clubs and communities.
Sligo GAA Secretary Gerry O Connor acted as MC for this event and kept proceedings running
smoothly and efficiently.
Finally special thanks to Secretary of Sligo Inclusion /Games for All committee Bernardine Mc
Gauran for her hard work in organising this momentous event and for providing the tasty
refreshments.
National Events with a local dimension
Street Feast, June 11th 2017
We invite you to join us on Sunday 11th June 2017 for the 8th annual Street Feast!
Street Feast is the national day of street parties celebrating community through the simple act
of sharing a meal with neighbours. We are calling on people nationwide to come together at
12.00 noon to share food and conversation with neighbours as a simple and fun way of
reconnecting and building social solidarity and resilience. Last year we saw 16 Street Feasts
take place in Sligo, 1,215 took place all across Ireland with 120,000 people involved. We want
2017 to be the biggest, most inclusive and best one yet.
We provide free DIY Packs and offer on-going support for those who register online at
www.streetfeast.ie, everything you need to kick start your feast! Registrations open next week.
We would like to ensure that the Public Participation Network in Sligo are aware of the
initiative and would very much appreciate it if you would forward the below email and the
attached poster to your member organisations. (I have attached a jpg poster to this email.)
Street Feast is being supported by Sligo County Council and Sligo PPN amongst other fantastic
organisations.
Event Registration is now open for National Heritage Week 2017.
Registration for the printed event guide will close on 31 May. The printed event guide is
distributed across Ireland to OPW sites, museums, libraries, local authorities, selected hotels
and tourist offices.
Heritage Week 2017 will take place from 19-27 August and we’re making 2017 the year we
help more people learn about and enjoy Ireland’s nature. If you can, try to incorporate the
theme into your event.
See below for ideas on how you can get involved in Heritage Week 2017.
Find out more at www.heritageweek.ie