Senator Mary Moran

Senator Mary Moran

Monday, 30 June 2014

Iarnród Éireann offer Free Group Travel for Community & Voluntary Sector





Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail has launched the 2014 programme for The Journey’s on Us, an initiative to support organisations and groups in the voluntary, community, sporting and charity sector which may be of interest to groups in your constituency.
 
 “The Journey’s On Us” will provide 100 groups with a free group travel return journey for up to 50 people per group during 2014, meaning 5,000 free journeys are on offer across the company’s services.  The travel facilities will be ideal in particular for organisations bringing a group to a special event, or as part of a specific support to the members of the group which requires travel.
 
Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive David Franks said “Voluntary organisations are the life blood of communities across the country.  However, like everyone, their resources are stretched.  We know there are youth, sports, music, voluntary, charity and other groups in the community who would benefit greatly from being able to undertake initiatives which involve a travel cost, but have had to scale back.  We in Iarnród Éireann, through The Journey’s On Us, want to do what we can to help such groups achieve their goals, and say thank you to the organisations which play such a vital role in the daily lives of communities.  The initiative is now in its third year, and the interest and amount of groups applying has grown significantly each year, which we are delighted with.”
 
The company has invited all community, voluntary, sporting and charity groups to apply for the 100 group travel trips available. Entry forms are available at all Iarnród Éireann stations or online at www.irishrail.ie/journeys . Entry forms can be filled out online, emailed to journeys@irishrail.ie or by post to Corporate Communications, Iarnród Éireann, Connolly Station, Dublin 1. 

 The closing date for receipt of entries is Monday 14th July, at 16.30hrs.

Thursday, 26 June 2014

Innovative new tool a step in the right direction to address mental health




Labour Party Seanad Spokesperson on Education, Disability, Equality and Mental Health, Senator Mary Moran,today  welcomed the launch of the innovative iFightDepression self-management programme by the Minister for Disability, Equality, Mental Health & Older People, Kathleen Lynch T.D.



"The self-management programme, iFightDepression, is a very innovative measure which encourages people dealing with depression and mental illness to play an active role in managing their own mental health.



"By setting up an online iFightDepression account, anyone can avail of free online psychological advice and assistance from psychotherapists and GPs.
I believe this tool will assist  Irish people to access assistance and engage with healthcare practitioners in a discrete and innovative way.  Online access to mental health supports, such as this, allows for discrete access to assistance and will aid in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.



"Irish people do not have to suffer in silence. Given the technological times we live in, many Irish people feel more comfortable talking anonymously about their problems using social media and the internet in a discrete manner. It may encourage them to make the initial step for help. This new Government initiative demonstrates an understanding of the sensitive and personal nature of mental health problems, which I believe is a good, free modest service.'



12 Louth Schools awarded Discover Primary Science and Maths Award of Excellence



  Congratulations to the 12 primary schools in Louth, who are to receive the esteemed Discover Primary Science and Maths (DPSM) Award of excellence this year.

The schools receiving the award are:
 
Monksland National School, Carlingford; St Joseph's National School, Dundalk; Scoil Naisiunta Realt Na Mara, Dundalk; St Mary's Parish Primary School, Drogheda; Kilcurley Mixed National School, Dundalk; St. Buite's National School, Drogheda; Gaelscoil Dhun Dealgan, Dundalk; Scoil Mhuire na Trocaire, Ardee; St Peter's National School, Dundalk; Gaelscoil An Bhradain Feasa, Drogheda; St Oliver's National School, Carlingford and Scoil Naisiunta Bhride, Dundalk.


"I would like to extend my congratulations to the 12 schools, on the wonderful achievement of receiving the Discover Primary Science and Maths (DPSM) award.

It is a wonderful testament to the dedication, passion and commitment of the children and teachers of Louth primary schools in the subjects of science and maths, that there has been a notable increase in the number of schools receiving the honour.


Since the awards began in 2005, each consecutive year has seen an increase in the number of Louth primary schools working hard to meet the criteria to win the award.

From one Louth primary school (St Peter's N.S.) winning the award in 2005, eight primary schools winning the award in 2013, to a phenomenal twelve primary schools winning the award this year, it is clear that Louth primary schools have embraced science and maths in their schools in an innovative way.


It is a fantastic accomplishment for Louth to record the highest number of awards in its' history. The future is bright in the hands of young science and maths enthusiasts thanks to the encouragement and dedication of the teachers of Louth."

Niger trip a huge success for Dundalk fire-fighters


Brendan Mc Coy and his team of fellow fire-fighters have just returned from Zinder in Niger, West Africa, as part of  Plan Ireland's "Fire Engine to Niger" Project.
The project has been under way since 2010 when the Dundalk team heard about the dire circumstances of the fire service in this part of Niger. Since then the project has delivered four fire engines, one ambulance and two emergency tenders to the region, with local fire officers getting trained up by Brendan and his colleagues.
This trip was Brendan's fourth, and certainly the toughest of all. Zinder is a huge region, about five times the size of Ireland and the road infrastructure is almost non-existent. Getting to Zinder involves a 4 day drive over 2600 miles in an old van with no air conditioning and temperatures of over 40 degrees celsius.
On this trip the team was delighted to receive an invitation to an audience with the King of Zinder in his palace, where they were honoured with great pomp and ceremony.
Next on the list for the project is tackling the problem of water supply for the fire fighters in Zinder. At the moment they have to drive 800km just to fill up the water cylinder, an issue which Brendan is hoping they can alleviate if someone could donate a water compressor to the project.

The team also visited a school and distributed toys and gifts which had been generously donated by children in Ireland, bringing great joy and happiness to the children of Zinder. 
You can find out more about the Fire Engine to Niger Project on their Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Niger-Fire-Engine-Project/211935678838258


Wednesday, 25 June 2014

RTE Petition Update

Thank You !

25 Jun 2014 — I would like to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who signed the petition over the last number of weeks. I submitted the petition to Mr Ryle Nugent, Group Head of Sport at RTÉ ahead of the Special Olympics National Games in Limerick last week. I was pleased that the petition ensured that further television coverage of the Games was broadcast for all to enjoy.

I would like to assure you I will continue to pursue this issue not only for Special Olympics but for other events which are not afforded the same broadcasting opportunities. Your support, comments and signature are greatly appreciated not only by myself but also by Special Olympics athletes, families and supporters.

I hope you were able to enjoy some of the televised segments of the Games.

Please find attached a link to a short video of some photos I took at the National Games.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtoZpbbXejY&list=UUI-4oKYaW5Cq0kGgnwfTmGA
Special Olympics' 2014 Ireland
Special Olympics' 2014 Ireland
http://www.youtube.com/
A slideshow of my photos from Special Olympics' National Finals 2014

Speaking today in the Seanad on the Private Members Motion on Arranged Marriage and Minors


Boost for Special Needs, with 10,900 Special Needs Assistant posts next year


 


Following the announcement this morning by the National Council for Special Education, Senator Mary Moran welcomed the news that over 10,900 SNA posts will be made available for the upcoming school year, with the number of SNAs higher than last year.
 
“It is vitally important that we maintain a level of SNA provision that is in line with the need that arises in our schools, and that all eligible students in need of SNA support are assured that this support will be in place from September.
 
“Approximately 29% of schools will have a greater level of SNA support with an additional 51% of schools receiving the same level of support for the upcoming year.  Over 400 additional SNA posts have been made available for the upcoming school year, in comparison to 2013. Minister Quinn has consistently recognised the importance of protecting these supports in the area of special education.
 
“I remain committed to actively engaging with all education partners, so that we provide the right supports and achieve the best outcomes for our children.”

Adjournment Debate in the Seanad on the School Completion Programme in Co Louth

Minister Charlie Flanagan answers my questions on the School Completion Programme in Co Louth

Tuesday, 24 June 2014

Speaking today in the Seanad on the seizure of €14m worth of illegal tobacco products in Drogheda


TOUGH NEW RULES WILL MAKE CYBERBULLYING AN OFFENCE -




Online abuse is to be made an offence under new rules brought out today, Labour Senator Mary Moran has said.  She was speaking as a report on internet safety was published today by an expert group established by Minister for Communications, Pat Rabbitte.
“Online bullying and harassment are relatively new phenomena, but they can cause anguish and severe distress for innocent young people. 

“This report sets out clear, practical steps to deal with cyberbullying. Crucially, it addresses an anomaly which exempted online abuse from the law dealing with threatening, indecent or offensive messages. Now, sending abuse by ‘electronic communications’, or cyberbullying, will be included as an offence under the law. 

“To ensure greater safety online for children in public areas, a new family-friendly logo will be developed, that lets users know a public wi-fi access point is filtering adult content.
“At government level, a new National Council for Child Internet Safety will ensure that the issue of online abuse is not allowed to fall off the radar. 

“This report will now go to government, and Minister Rabbitte has made it clear that he is determined to act on its recommendations, which will make for a safer environment for young people online.”

Songlines launch in the Oriel Centre, Dundalk Gaol.



I was delighted to accept the invitation from Music Generation Louth and Gemma Murray to launch "Songlines", A Celebration of Cultural Diversity in Louth through Song in the Oriel Centre, Dundalk Gaol.

 Songlines is a new collection of 10 children’s songs, reflecting and celebrating the growing cultural diversity of county Louth.


Songlines complements the launch in 2013 of several new singing and choral initiatives by Music Generation Louth for children and young people which have the aim of building a unique and culturally diverse collection of world song for Louth. The collection has been compiled for use in primary schools and each of the songs is accompanied by a game or activity to further engage the children with the musical activity.

 The audience at the launch of Songlines was entertained by a wonderful performance by the choir of St Joseph's Primary School, Avenue Rd, Dundalk with teacher Aine Kennedy and principal Marcella Ó Chonlúin. A CD of the songs will now be distributed to every National School in Co Louth.

Special thanks and congratulations to Gemma Murray, the co-ordinator of Music Generation Louth. She is indeed an inspiration for the hundreds of children in Co Louth who have benefited from the Music Generation Project. I would also like to to commend Clare McEvoy and Emma Kiernan for their valuable contribution to the Songlines project.


The Project is supported by the European Union’s PEACE III Programme as awarded by Louth Peace and Reconciliation Partnership and The Irish Government’s Reconciliation Fund, as awarded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.


Monday, 23 June 2014

Special Olympics 2014 Limerick Games

Congratulations to Stabannon NS on their Health Promotion Flag

I had the great privilege of raising the Health Promotion Flag at Stabannon National School. Thanks and congratulations to everyone involved.

Honoured to be guest speaker at Sickle Cell event in Dundalk

I was honoured and delighted to be the guest speaker at this event presented by Sickle Cell and
Thalassaemia Ireland in collaboration with eDundalk in Creative Spark, Dundalk.
This event, to mark World Sickle Cell Day 2014 was organised to raise awareness of this serious disease.

Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia Ireland  is the official organization set up and run by Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia families, patients and volunteers to raise awareness and support of Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia in Ireland through educational workshops, seminars, media, printed information, promoting genetic screening and to encourage public policy change.

Their vision is:  To implement proper awareness programmes that will promote better understanding of Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia: a key factor to quality treatment, improved patient support and research for a cure.
Their mission is: Is to fight the growth of SCD and Thalassaemia in Ireland and create a proper support network between the patients, the community and the health professionals.

 You can visit their website at www.sicklecellireland.ie or see them on Facebook

 https://www.facebook.com/sicklecellandthalireland

I would like to thank and congratulate Amaka and eDundalk for their continued work on behalf of the local community and I will continue to support them in their work on this particular project.


Irish Rail offer of Free Travel welcome

Dundalk Senator Mary Moran has praised Irish Rail’s initiative to offer a free travel journey to 100 local and community groups, as part of the company’s ‘Journey’s On Us’ initiative.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for organisations, from clubs to community groups, to avail of a free journey to organise a day trip for their members, whether it be to broaden their activities or extend their educational programmes. At a time when many local groups are hard-pressed for cash, this is a very worthwhile initiative.


“I would encourage voluntary groups to make their case as to why they should be chosen, by filling out the online application form on the Irish Rail website –
www.irishrail.ie/journeys. Applications should be in by 4.30pm on Monday 14th July.”

Medical card decision a step in the right direction for 15,000 people.

I welcome the decision recently by the Cabinet which will see medical cards restored to approximately 15,000 people with serious health issues.
 
‘This matter is something I have been raising in the Seanad for some time on behalf of individuals and in regards to the overall national problem regarding discretionary medical cards.  I am pleased that the HSE will have the wherewithal to return discretionary medical cards to those who lost them from 1 July 2011 to 31 May 2014.  It is expected that the HSE will begin making contact with individuals and families over the next few weeks.
 
‘Many families have had to endure needless emotional and financial stress as a result of the review process.  I do believe this announcement is a positive move and will go some way in assisting people.  The review of recent years seemed to remove the human element from the process and very ill and disabled people unfortunately lost their discretionary medical cards.
 
‘For anyone who completed the eligibility review but subsequently had their medical card withdrawn, there is no need for them to take any action: the HSE will review their records and restore their card automatically. Anyone who has an on-going need but didn’t complete the eligibility review and subsequently lost their medical card entitlement can take part in an appeals process to be put in place by the HSE.
 
‘The recent decision by the Government to formulate a new policy whereby eligibility for health services can take account of medical conditions in addition to the existing basis of financial means will hopefully ensure that those who are in most need of medical cards or GP visit cards, can receive them.’

Wednesday, 18 June 2014

Speaking today in the Seanad on the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Bill 2014


IOTA roadshow encourages innovation and gives advice for your business


Speaking in the Seanad on the Special Olympics games in Limerick last weekend.


Creation of 400 new jobs at PayPal in Dundalk is excellent news.




 PayPal has announced today that they are to create 400 new jobs at the eBay Inc. European Operations Centre in Dundalk.  
“I am delighted with the announcement that 400 new jobs will be created by PayPal in Dundalk in addition to the 1,000 jobs announced two years ago. By 2018, it is expected that the total eBay and PayPal workforce in Dundalk will be 1,850 employees.
“This announcement will have a very positive effect for Dundalk and County Louth as a whole as it will also create hundreds of indirect 'spin-off' jobs in the community. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Government and in the local community to see continued investment into County Louth. I would like to wish the local team at PayPal continued success in their work over the coming years.
“Even though our economic situation has steadily improved over the course of the last few years, locally, many people are still struggling for work. From adults who have re-trained or up-skilled to improve their employment chances, to the newly graduated, highly-qualified young people pouring out of our colleges and universities, this is a very welcome announcement. Supporting the creation of jobs and the building of a sustainable economy has been a key priority for this Government since day one."

Tuesday, 17 June 2014

Nursing Homes Week 2014 being celebrated across the country

"Nursing Homes Week 2014 is about celebrating and recognising the positivity of nursing home care in Ireland and bringing attention to novel events that enrich the day-to-day lives of residents that the public may not be aware of,” Tadhg Daly, Nursing Homes Ireland CEO stated. “Nursing homes enhance the quality of life of persons living within them and there is wonderful care, friendship, camaraderie and happiness within such settings. Residents will lead the celebrations that will bring their family, relatives, friends, and staff who provide them with care, together.”
As well as celebrating and promoting the positivity of nursing home life, Nursing Homes Week 2014 will also highlight the many rewarding and fulfilling employment opportunities that exist within NHI member homes. An NHI survey has revealed extensive opportunities exist for nurses who can bring high skill levels and develop professionally at a swift rate within the geriatric care sector.


  Tomorrow, June 18th, an NHI Oireachtas Open Day will take place in Leinster House. Private and voluntary nursing home representatives from across the country will engage with their national representatives to outline the critical role the sector plays in meeting the current and growing healthcare requirements of our older population.
Visit www.nhi.ie to read all about Nursing Homes Week

Monday, 16 June 2014

Public's Views Wanted On TV Coverage Of Major Designated Events

 
 
 

PUBLIC’S VIEWS WANTED ON TV COVERAGE OF MAJOR DESIGNATED EVENTS - MORAN

Labour Senator Mary Moran has welcomed the announcement by Minister Pat Rabbitte that he intends to initiate a review of TV coverage of designated events and that members of the public have been invited to make submissions.

“I am delighted that the public will be given this opportunity to make their views known to the Minister on the current list of events and the addition of other possible events. The Minister may designate events of cultural or sporting importance and in turn these events should be available free to air. The list of designated events currently include the Summer Olympics, All-Ireland Senior Inter-County Football & Hurling Finals, the Irish Grand National, and more.

“Last week I presented a petition to RTE on the lack of live coverage of the 2014 Special Olympics. In this context, Minister Rabbitte’s move is a great opportunity to further open the debate on inclusion and equality in broadcasting. I have advocated that the Special Olympics National Games and Paralympics finals should be made available via live televised coverage for people all over the country to enjoy. Thousands of people descended on Limerick this weekend to watch the dedicated athletes in Special Olympics partake in a truly uplifting event. This type of event is of sporting importance to our nation and should be given the recognition it deserves.

“As I have promised previously, I will continue to pursue matters surrounding equality in broadcasting in the Seanad and with the Minister. I would encourage members of the public to make their views heard by the 1st August 2014 closing date.”
 

Note to Editors:


The closing date for submissions is 1 August 2014. Submissions can be made:

-Electronic format--majorevents@dcenr.gov.ie

-Hard copy to Maria Owens, Major Events Coverage, Broadcasting Policy Division, Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, 29-31 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2

The Department proposes to publish all material submitted on the Department's website. Those who wish to have their submissions remain confidential should clearly mark it so.

Thursday, 12 June 2014

Connect and Invest Dundalk


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 ‘Connect and Invest - Dundalk’, is the sixth phase of the digital marketing initiative for attracting inward investment by highlighting the specific attributes of individual regional urban centres.

‘Connect and Invest – Dundalk’ is an interactive experience designed for use on tablet, smartphone and pc.  Information on location, education, lifestyle and existing IDA and indigenous companies is provided through rich images, video and text and will be continuously updated.  The website allows IDA executives to showcase Dundalk in face-to-face client meetings.  This new marketing tool will greatly assist in conveying to clients all that the region has to offer.


 For further information contact:
Breda O’Toole
Regional Business Development Manager
IDA Ireland|Finnabair Business and Technology Park|Dundalk | Co Louth
Tel: + 353 42 935 4410| Mobile: +353 87 286 9134 | Web: www.idaireland.com

EXPO 2014 Mourne Cooley Gullion Geotourism Event 18-20th June



Mourne Cooley Gullion Geotourism are hosting an exciting 3 day EXPO2014 event to celebrate and promote the unique Geotourism opportunity we have in the Mourne Mountains, the Cooley Peninsula and the Ring of Gullion.

The EXPO is a three day event featuring short geology and archaeology talks for the general public,  and business talks, interactive workshops and networking for local businesses (Canal Court 18-19th June), with the aims of creating links across the region and learning from best practice from other regions across Ireland who are capitalising on Geotourism.

The lectures/workshops and EXPO will be based in the Canal Court Hotel on 18/19th June during which time the Geological Survey of Ireland will launch the new Bedrock Geology of Ireland map.
 
There will also be a public lecture in Newry Town Hall on Wednesday 18th  starting at 7pm, entitled ‘A Tale of Two Oceans: The Mourne Cooley Gullion story’, and a business networking event in Bellurgan Park, Co. Louth on 19th June (booking essential). Friday 20th June will see a number of tourism market themed bus tours (adventure, family, castles etc) to various locations in the Mourne Cooley Gullion region.

John Devaney, Project manager of Geotourism said: “We are hosting this event to offer a networking opportunity to researchers, academics, businesses and tour operators, and to showcase the regional tourism potential to members of the public.

“The Expo is a key opportunity for local business to promote their products and services and to potential customers, tour operators and other businesses in the Mourne Cooley Gullion region and will be an excellent networking opportunity,” John added.

The Mourne Cooley Gullion Geotourism project is also hosting a business networking and cultural event in Bellurgan Park, Co Louth on the evening of Thursday 19th June. The Cultural evening is for delegates of the EXPO to attend and will include a dinner and networking opportunities. The cultural evening is free to attend but booking is essential.

The EXPO is free to attend and lunch is provided for the hotel based events.  For more information or to book your place visit www.macpr.co.uk/news or Tel 028 4173 9017.

Petition handed in to RTE requesting live coverage of Special Olympics national games

Handing in the petition to Ryle Nugent RTE.

Are you Louth's best young Entrepreneur?



The search for Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneur has begun!

The competition has a total fund of €2million available to invest in the winning businesses in every county in Ireland.
In Louth, the competition will be run by the new Local Enterprise Office. There are three categories available for entrants: Best new idea, best start-up and best new venture for established businesses as well as an overall winner who will be Louth's Best Young Entrepreneur.

The Louth Local Enterprise Office will have a total fund of €50,000 to invest in the three winning businesses. The criteria will include the prospects and investment needs of each business. The overall county winner will receive an investment of up to €25,000.

Mentoring, marketing and other supports will also be available to participating businesses along the way.
The competition is open to individuals aged 30 and under.
How to apply?
Go to www.localenterprise.ie or visit your Local Enterprise Office at Quayside Business Park, Mill St, Dundalk.

The deadline is June 30th.

Wednesday, 11 June 2014

SAFE Ireland launch 2013 National One Day Census Report.


On Just One Day, 467 women and 229 children – nearly 700 people – were receiving accommodation and support from a domestic violence service in Ireland. Click here to get the full report.
When we consider that in Ireland only 3 in every 10 women experiencing violence from a partner are likely to seek support from any agency, it really puts these numbers in perspective. The sad reality is we are only dealing with “the tip of the iceberg”. 
SAFE Ireland is working to transform Ireland's response to this enormous problem which is having a daily impact across homes, communities and workplaces in Ireland. On a daily basis our members see women achieve life saving outcomes for themselves and their children with support from our services.
There is so much we can do together to create the conditions for more women to access the resources and safety they need for themselves and their children.
We believe that working together across social, justice, health, business and government agencies it is possible to to make Ireland one of the safest countries in the world. We can achieve this together, we just need the will to do so.

For further details about the event please click here
Contact SAFE Ireland at + 353 (0)906 479078
www.safeireland.ie
 

Speaking in the Seanad today on Symphysiotomy and Special Olympics


Tuesday, 10 June 2014

Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance for 2014


For the majority of people who qualified for the BSCFA last year there is no need to reapply this year: letters will be issued to you over the next week informing you of your entitlement and notifying you that payment will issue to you in the week ending July 18th.
 
To qualify for Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance the person;
•           must be in receipt of a qualifying Social Welfare payment and
•           the  payment must include an increase(s) in respect of a child/children, and
•           they must satisfy a means test.

If you do not receive an automated payment by June 16th you should complete an application form which must be sent to the Department of Social Protection office in Letterkenny.

 Forms will be available from Local Offices, via SMS (text "Form BTSCFA" followed by your name and address to 51909), from the website www.welfare.ie and by email at BSCFA@welfare.ie.  A text message acknowledging receipt will issue again this year to each customer who submits a manual claim so it is important that customers provide a mobile phone number as requested on the claim form.

A phone bank is in operation to deal with queries on the scheme. The LOCALL number is 1890662244.

If you have any queries or need any assistance please do not hesitate to contact my office on 042-9329052 or 01-6183522

The rates of payment are €100 for children between the age of 4 and 11 years and €200 for children between 12 and 22 years. Children between 18 and 22 years must be attending second level education to qualify.



Saturday, 7 June 2014

Dulargy National School visit Leinster House

I was delighted to welcome the sixth class pupils of Dulargy National School, Ravensdale, Dundalk to Leinster House this week, along with Principal Danny Gallagher and teacher Alison Mathews.

Friday, 6 June 2014

Join the Táin March in Co Louth this weekend.

The Tain March

When: 
Friday, June 6, 2014 - 06:00 - Sunday, June 8, 2014 - 18:00
This event is based on our national epic - An Táin Bó Cúailgne, and will recreate the footsteps of Queen Maebh’s army who marched to the Cooley Peninsula to capture the Brown Bull of Cooley.  Queen Maebh's celtic warriors will march through the county over 3 days and there will be entertainment and re-enactments along the way


Friday 6th June 2014

10.00am Ardee - The March Begins!
12.30pm The Táin March is received at Tallanstown.
Briefing at important locations relating to the Táin by Prof Paul Gosling
1.00pm Departure from Tallanstown towards Louth Village
4.30pm Arrival of army to Knockbridge - Stephenston Pond Lively re-enactment of events from The Táin
7.30pm 'Táin Bó Cúailgne & the Fords of the River Fane' Fascinating talk by archaelogist Professor Paul Gosling.
Light refreshment and social interaction by the camp fire.

Saturday 7th June 2014

10.00am Departure from Knockbridge
10.30am Information talk by Prof Paul Gosling at Cúchulainn’s Stone
1.00pm Advance on Dundalk
1.30pm Information talk by Prof Paul Gosling at Cúchulainn’s Castle
2.00pm Wholeway and Partway marchers gather for march through Dundalk Town - Meeting point Oriel Park  - Basic Face painting and costumes available. (Contribution to event is welcomed)
2.30pm Compelling re-enactment of warrior battle at Town Square with live music by Glasheen
3.30pm Army departure from Dundalk Town to Navvy Bank to sail across Dundalk Bay
5.30pm Army enters Bellurgan Park and Tippings Wood
6.30pm Refreshments for army at Lumpers Bar followed by evening joviality

Sunday 8th June 2014

10.00am Army departs from Ravensdale
1.30pm Gathering of Wholeway and Partway Walkers at Glenmore
1.45pm Commencement of March over the Cooley Mountains
3.45pm Descent of army into the village of Carlingford
4.00pm Re-enactment – Will Maeve come face to face with the mighty warrior Cúchulainn?
4.15pm Welcome Feast - traditional Cúchulainns Supper served. (Contribution to event is welcome).


Email: info@dundalktouristoffice.ie
Phone: +353 42 9352111
Website: http://www.thetainmarch.net

Thursday, 5 June 2014

ARDEE TO RECEIVE BOOST TO BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE -





Labour Senator Mary Moran attended the announcement by Minister Pat Rabbitte and enet this morning that Ardee is to become one of three new fibredirect towns in Ireland.  enet will be investing €2.5m in broadband infrastructure in Ardee, Kilkenny and Loughrea.
'I am delighted that Ardee has been selected for this significant investment and will become a new fibredirect town.  This investment will see fibre brought into every business in Ardee and will enable businesses access to superfast fibre broadband.  This new 'fibre to the business' network planned for Ardee will give businesses the ability to access broadband with access speeds up to 250Mbs.
'I believe this investment will have a positive impact for business owners in Ardee and the local economy.  The 'fibre to business' network will provide businesses with further options in which to expand on the digital market and provide suitable broadband speed and access in which to do their business. enet CEO, Conal Henry has assured that enet will be actively engaging with the businesses in Ardee over the next few weeks.
'There are still many towns and areas in Co. Louth with poor broadband access and speed.  Much of our work and communication is now online and we need to continue to provide equality across the country in this area.  
'This announcement by Minister Rabbitte and enet is very welcome for Ardee and I hope to see continued investment of this nature in Co. Louth going forward.'