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By Waterford City & County Council

St. Patricks Day Parade participants put best feet forward

With the return of the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade to Waterford since 2019, local community, sporting, musical and entertainment groups are getting ready to put their best feet forward.

With dozens of registrations received from groups to participate in the Waterford parade on March 17th preparations are well underway to wow spectators along the parade route.

Johnny Codd, Festival Co-ordinator says the response from community groups to take part in the Parade has been great.  “The registrations are coming in every day from groups throughout the city, county and even further afield.  I think most have missed out on the fun of the parade over the last two years, so this year is the perfect opportunity to dig out the face-paint, the sparkles and the bunting.”

Some of the groups to have registered so far include Soul Dance Arts, Waterford’s newest and youngest stage school.  Led by Jack Cunningham, the group features a host of talented young people. Jack said “We cater to children of all abilities from the ages of 3 right up to 18, specialising in dance, drama and song, but we mainly focus on building confidence and making friends.”

“We will have a group of 30 people walking in the parade, and who knows we may even dance down the Quay. The students of SDA are thrilled to be walking in the Parade for the first time”.

The Waterford Malayalee Association will also walk in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  The group consists of over 350 families, and will be represented by over 100 people in the parade.  The Waterford Malayalee Association is a group of families from Southwest India with at least one front-line worker in each family.  This group has been a vital part of providing care in health-settings around Waterford in UHW, Whitfield Clinic and most of the nursing homes throughout the City and County.

Bobby Iype from Waterford Malayalee Association commented that “Our whole group are counting down the days until we walk together in the St. Patricks Day Parade in Waterford. Celebrating our culture with floats and pageantry is a huge part of our culture in South West India, and this special day gives us a chance to come together as a community in our adopted home of Waterford”.  He added, “We love Waterford, and St. Patricks Day is a great opportunity for us to celebrate with the larger Waterford community”.

The Waterford St. Patrick’s Day parade will start at 1pm, with entries gathering at the Bridge Street end of the Quay. The parade begins at the Waterford Bus Station and will proceed along the Quay, past the Clock Tower and the Plaza, moving around to the Mall.

There will also be an online streaming of the Parade, so those who cannot attend or remain cautious about attending large events can still enjoy the celebrations.

To find out more details of the St. Patricks Day Parade and three day festival in Waterford visit www.stpatricksfestivalwaterford.com or keep an eye on ‘Waterford St Patricks Day Parade’ on social media channels.

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By Waterford City & County Council

Let Dandelions Bee!

Let Dandelions Bee! is a campaign to let dandelions bloom for a short few weeks to help feed bees this Spring. They are our wild bees’ most favourite food. Help halt the bee decline by simply leaving dandelions to grow in your garden this March and April.

The best way to help our bees this year is to do nothing!

If you have grass or lawn at home, give the mower a rest for 2 or 3 weeks while the first flush of dandelions come into bloom, usually in March or early April. For more information, see www.letdandelionsbee.ie or https://pollinators.ie/resources

By Waterford City & County Council

Break the Bias – Waterford’s Third Global Women’s Conference

Join us for Waterford’s Third Global Women’s Conference

Do you want to Break the Bias this International Women’s Day?

Next Tuesday (8th March) Waterford Integration Services, Europe Direct Waterford and Waterford Libraries are coming together on International Women’s Day to host Break the Bias – Waterford’s Third Global Women’s Conference a morning with an inspirational line-up of women. This event will take place in the Theatre Royal from 10:30am – 12noon. Tickets are FREE and can be booked on the Waterford Europe Direct Eventbrite page or you can call into your local library for more details.

The very special line-up of speakers and performers will include Waterford writers Dalal Sayed and Lani O’Hanlon, Magda Boulabiza from European Network Against Racism, Health Advocate and performer Osas Iyamu Usideme, Director of the Bealtaine Library Choir Anne Woodworth, members of the Bealtaine Library Choir, singer-songwriter Minnie Marley as well as Cora Kearney founder of the Positive Ability Network, student Ciara Fitzgibbon and Sarah Benson CEO of Women’s Aid will record a short message for the event. Programme Lead at Waterford Integration Services Anne Nolan will MC the event which will highlight and celebrate women’s achievements.

International Women’s Day reminds us that whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn’t enough; action is needed to level the playing field. Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day. We can imagine a gender equal world, a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.

We can strive for a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive and a world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias on International Women’s Day (IWD) and beyond. This is a free event but booking is essential: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/break-the-bias-waterfords-3rd-global-womens-conference-tickets-267727238377

Join the conversation #BreakTheBias #IDW2022

The Europe Direct Waterford Centre is based in Central Library in Waterford City. It is part of a community of 424 Europe Direct centres around Europe whose purpose is to reinforce the important connection between EU institutions and citizens The Europe Direct network provides timely and factual information on European matters, but also seek to engage with citizens regarding the state and future of the European Union. You can find out more at: @eudirect on Facebook and Twitter.

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For more information contact:

Sinead O’Higgins, Manager Central Library and Europe Direct Waterford. sohiggins@waterfordcouncil.ie / 087 3637119

By Waterford City & County Council

Tramore Tidy Towns nominated for ‘Best Kept’ award

Tramore, a silver medallist in the National SuperValu Tidy Towns competition 2021, is one of eight locations in the Republic nominated to compete with locations across Northern Ireland for the “Best Kept” 2022 All-Island title.

The ‘Best Kept’ competition is run by the Northern Ireland Amenity Council and the Department of the Environment and Local Government. Ireland’s Best Kept Towns award is where the top towns from the Northern Ireland Amenity Council’s Best Kept Awards and the Department of the Environment’s Tidy Towns Competition compete with each other for the honour of being adjudged “Ireland’s Best”.

During the month of May unannounced judging will take place and will see the town of Tramore marked across a variety of categories based on presentation of buildings, appearance of approach roads, streets and public areas, presentation of natural environment, residential area, tidiness and more.

Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Joe Kelly congratulated the Tramore Tidy Towns group by saying “This is a fantastic achievement for the Tramore Tidy Towns group, and for the people of Tramore. The Tidy Towns group have done phenomenal work since their inception, and were rewarded with a Silver medal in the Tidy Towns competition. It is testament to their hard work, dedication and commitment to Tramore, that the town has now been nominated for a ‘Best Kept’ award”. Cllr. Kelly went on to say that “I have no doubt that you will again represent Tramore well, and I hope that the people of Tramore will get on-board with this, and that the greater community will get involved in making Tramore one of Ireland’s Best Kept places”.

Ann Cheasty, Chairperson of Tramore Tidy Towns explains that “although the town secured a silver medal in the 2021 National SuperValu Tidy Towns competition we need an ongoing community effort to retain the high standards we have set for the town. It is a great honour for Tramore to be nominated for the All-Island competition, and we look forward to seeing people from all levels of the community helping us to keep Tramore clean, tidy and well-presented in advance of the arrival of the judges in May. We would also like to thank the maintenance staff of Waterford City & County Council and particularly Ray Hogan and his team in Tramore, with whom we worked closely to achieve the high standards”.

The other nominations from the Republic of Ireland for 2022 are Abbey in Co. Galway, Inistioge in Co. Kilkenny, Abbeyleix in Co. Laois, Birr in Co. Offaly, Raheny in Dublin, Athlone in Co. Westmeath and Dundalk in Co. Louth.

-ENDS-

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Libraries return to full opening hours from Monday 7th March

Picture: Patrick Browne

Waterford Libraries return to regular Opening Hours after pandemic

Waterford Libraries is pleased to return to full hours and full services from Monday March 7th.

National restrictions on library visits and branch events are now lifted so library staff will resume all library book clubs, story-times, class visits and talks.

Staff would also like to remind the public to be respectful of other members as we return to regular library service and be aware that some library patrons will still need to maintain distancing and/or mask wearing for health reasons.

Jane Cantwell, City & County Librarian with Waterford Libraries explained that getting back to interacting with the public is a welcome move.  “It is hugely important part of our job. Our in-house events have been sorely missed, both by our staff and by the general public. However, we were very lucky to be able to facilitate our members throughout the pandemic, where they could still use our online resources, but that said we are looking forward to injecting life and learning back into Waterford Libraries branches.”

Jane continued, “We are proud of the efforts of our staff during the pandemic, particularly when we operated the Covid Community Response Helpline, but the announcement that we are returning to full opening hours is a sure sign of life returning to normal.  We look forward to welcoming our members to our twelve branches across the City and County and to being able to offer our full array of services. “

Central Library, Carrickphierish Library, Ardkeen Library, Lismore Library and Dungarvan Library are resuming lunchtime opening.  Browns Road Library, Kilmacthomas Library, Cappoquin Library and Portlaw Library are returning to their full opening of three days a week.

The libraries at Ardkeen, Carrickphierish, Central Library and Dungarvan are introducing one morning a week of Community Hours on a trial basis. These mornings are perfect for groups and school tours to access our branches while the branch is closed to the general public.  Please contact your local branch to arrange a visit for your group or class during our Community Hours.

Full details of all branch opening hours can be found at www.waterfordlibraries.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Bain triail aisti – Seachtain na Gaeilge sna Déise with Waterford City & County Council

Seachtain na Gaeilge is being celebrated in Waterford again this year, with a number of events and activities taking place, both online and in person. The Irish Office of Waterford City & County Council is collaborating with a number of different groups to provide a range of events and activities to celebrate the Irish language and culture of the Déise.

Filíocht (Poetry) le Róisín – the fifth in a series of online talks being organised by Daonscoil na Mumhan this winter will take place on Tuesday evening, 1st March from 7-8pm, with guest speaker Róisín Sheehy, who is a poet, dramatist and broadcaster. If you have not already done so, you can register for Róisín’s talk and the remaining talks in the series through the website www.daonscoilnamumhan.com

Seal le Seanchaí – If you like storytelling and listening to a good yarn you will be most welcome to join us for Seal le Seanchaí, which takes place online on Thursday, 3rd March at 7pm on Zoom. This event is being organised by Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge, in conjunction with the Irish Office of Waterford City & County Council, and with support from the national Seachtain na Gaeilge fund. Local seanachaí, Séamus Ó Lonáin will be master of ceremonies and there will be lots of folklore, stories, fables and songs shared on the night. You must register in advance with Cabríní at cabrini@glornangael.ie

Ciorcal na gCiorcal – Irish conversation groups in Waterford will have a chance to get together online for the ‘Ciorcal na gCiorcal’ event being organised by Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge and Gael-taca, Corcaigh on Tuesday, 8th March. If you would like to take part to practice your ‘cúpla focal’, you can register in advance at cabrini01@gmail.com or 087 653 2944.

Bilingual Table Quiz – this year’s Bilingual Table Quiz organised by the Irish Office of Waterford City & County Council will take place online on Thursday, 10th March at 7.30pm and is open to the public. This will be a fun table quiz, giving people a chance to use their ‘cúpla focal’ in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. You can register in advance by contacting the Irish Officer on msbreathnach@waterfordcouncil.ie

Ceol Cois Tine – a fireside concert ‘Ceol Cois Tine’, will be broadcast on www.waterfordinyourpocket.com on Wednesday, 16th March at 7.30pm. This event is being organised by Waterford’s Older People’s Council, with the support of Waterford City & County Council’s Irish Office and the national Seachtain na Gaeilge Fund. The concert will feature a range of local talented singers, musicians and poets and will be one of the highlights of Seachtain na Gaeilge in Na Déise.

Dungarvan Trad Session – Dungarvan Trad school of music will hold a traditional Irish music session in Lawlor’s Hotel, Dungarvan at 2pm on St. Patrick’s Day and all are welcome. This event is also supported by the national Seachtain na Gaeilge Fund.

WATERFORD LIBRARY SERVICES
Staff from the Libraries throughout city and county have organised a programme of bilingual/Irish events and activities, which will take place in the coming fortnight and all of which are free of charge.

Waterford Library Service has an extensive stock of Irish language books, which will be on display in various Libraries around the city and county during Seachtain na Gaeilge, with people encouraged to borrow and read the fabulous range of Irish language books that are available for both adults and children. Also, the Libraries’ social media pages – Facebook, Twitter and Instragram – will feature the Irish language during Seachtain na Gaeilge. Details of all events and activities will be shared on the Library Service website, www.waterfordlibraries.ie

Irish Word Search – look for and translate ten Irish words/phrases in Ardkeen Library during Seachtain na Gaeilge. Pick up a worksheet, fill in the words and be in with a chance to win a small prize.

Rannta le Chéile for Children – join Cabríní de Barra from Glór na nGael in Dungarvan Library for fun rhymes and stories ‘as Gaeilge’ for families with young children. These sessions will take place at 10.30am and 11.10am on Tuesday, 8th March and spaces are limited and will be filled on a first come first served basis.

Be on the lookout for Logainm an Lae with Waterford’s Placenames Committee @Oifigeach Gaeilge Phort Láirge on Facebook during Seachtain na Gaeilge. There will be daily posts on the rich placenames heritage of the Déise, as presented on the website www.deiselogainm.ie

We would like to thank all the individuals and groups for their co-operation and support in organising the programme of events and activities for this year’s Seachtain na Gaeilge Therefore, if you would like to practice your ‘cúpla focal’, or simply listen to our native language in use, please feel free to attend any of these free Seachtain na Gaeilge events. Bain sult as!

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Further information: Máire Seosaimhín Breathnach, Irish Officer: (087) 7434123

By Waterford City & County Council

FREE Wildflower Masterclass, Friday 4th March

Due to demand Waterford City & County Council are happy to announce a FREE Wildflower Masterclass which is open to all residents in the Waterford area who would like to plant a wildflower area in their community. The class will cover everything about wildflowers including planting techniques, wildflower mixes, different planting methods, where to buy your seed and much more.

  • The session will be held over Zoom on Friday 4th March 10am – 12noon.

There will be time for questions and notes will be sent to participants after the session. It is expected that this session will book out so please register your interest as soon as possible.

This two hour session covers everything you need to know about Wildflowers and creating fantastic pollinator friendly areas to improve your area. It will cover everything from rewilding to seed sowing, ground preparation, maintenance and sources of real Irish Wildflower seed. The session is lively and interactive and there is an opportunity to send in photos for the area you are considering planting, so you can get personalised advice from the horticulturalist Aoife Munn.

The Wildflower Masterclass will take place on Friday March 4th at 10 am – 12 noon. Please note this session is not recorded so you must be available at this time to attend. Registration will be taken at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/wildflower-masterclass-sponsored-by-waterford-city-county-council-registration-203642950547

By Waterford City & County Council

Bain triail aisti – Seachtain na Gaeilge sna Déise le Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge

Tá Seachtain na Gaeilge á ceiliúradh i bPort Láirge arís i mbliana le go leor imeachtaí á n-eagrú, idir cinn ar líne agus i bpearsain. Tá Oifigeach Gaeilge Phort Láirge ag obair i gcomhar le grúpaí éagsúla chun réimse leathan imeachtaí a chur le chéile chun an Ghaeilge agus cultúr na Gaeilge a cheiliúradh.

Filíocht le Róisín – beidh an cúigiú caint i sraith cainteanna arlíne atá á n-eagrú ag Daonscoil na Mumhan don gheimhreadh ar siúl tráthnóna Dé Máirt seo chugainn, 1 Márta óna 7-8.00i.n. Is í an file, drámadóir agus craoltóir Róisín Sheehy a bheidh mar aoichainteoir agus is féidir clárú ar líne don chaint seo agus na cainteanna eile sa tsraith tríd an suíomh idirlíon www.daonscoilnamumhan.com

Seal le Seanchaí – más spéis leat scéalaíocht agus éisteacht le seanchaithe, beidh fáilte romhat a bheith linn don ócáid Seal le Seanchaí, a bheidh ar siúl ar an Déardaoin, 3 Márta ar a 7.00i.n. trí fhíschomhdháil Zoom. Tá an ócáid seo á n-eagrú ag Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge, i gcomhar le hOifig na Gaeilge, Comhairle Phort Láirge agus le tacaíocht ó Chiste Sheachtain na Gaeilge. Beidh an Seanchaí áitiúil, Séamus Ó Lonáin mar fhear an tí agus beidh neart seanchais, scéalta, finscéalta agus amhráin roinnte ar an oíche. Is gá clárú roimh ré le Cabríní ag cabrini@glornangael.ie

Ciorcal na gCiorcal – Beidh seans ag Ciorcail Chomhrá na nDéise teacht le chéile le grúpaí eile don ócáid “Ciorcal na gCiorcal”, atá á n-eagrú ag Coiste Dhún Garbhán le Gaeilge agus Gael-taca, Corcaigh ar an Máirt, 8 Márta. Más suim leat a bheith páirteach, is gá clárú roimh ré ag cabrini01@gmail.com nó trí ghlaoch ar 087 653 2944.

Tráth na gCeist Dátheangach – eagróidh Oifig na Gaeilge, Comhairle Phort Láirge Tráth na gCeist dátheangach ar líne i mbliana ar an Déardaoin, 10 Márta ar a 7.30i.n. agus é oscailte don phobal i gcoitinne. Is gá clárú roimh ré leis an Oifigeach Gaeilge, Máire Seó Breathnach ag msbreathnach@waterfordcouncil.ie

Ceol Cois Tine – craolfar coirmcheoil ‘Ceol Cois Tine’ ar www.waterfordinyourpocket.com ar an gCéadaoin, 16 Márta ar a 7.30i.n. Tá an choirmcheoil seo á n-eagrú ag Comhairle na Seanóirí, Port Láirge, le tacaíocht ó Oifig na Gaeilge, Comhairle Phort Láirge agus ó Chiste Sheachtain na Gaeilge. Beidh réimse iontach oirfidigh os na Déise ag glacadh páirte, idir amhránaithe, ceoltóirí agus filí. Táimid ag súil go mór leis.

Seisiún Ceoil le Dungarvan Trad – beidh seisiún ceoil traidisiúnta ar siúl in Óstán Lálor, Dún Garbhán ar a 2i.n. ar Lá Fhéile Pádraig agus beidh fáilte roimh chách. Tá an ócáid seo á reachtáil le tacaíocht ó Chiste Sheachtain na Gaeilge.

SEIRBHÍSÍ LEABHARLAINNE PHORT LÁIRGE
Beidh roinnt imeachtaí Gaeilge agus dátheangacha á n-eagrú ag an bhfoireann os na leabharlanna éagsúla sa chathair agus sa chontae sa choicís amach romhainn agus iad ar fad saor in aisce.

Tá stoc mór de leabhair Ghaeilge ag Leabharlanna Phort Láirge agus beidh na leabhair seo ar thaispeáint sna leabharlanna éagsúla le linn Seachtain na Gaeilge agus iachall faoi leith á cur ar dhaoine, idir óg agus aosta, leabhair Ghaeilge a léamh. Chomh maith leis sin, foilseofar míreanna beaga Gaeilge ar leathanaigh mheáin shóisialta na Leabharlanna – Facebook, Twitter and Instragram – le linn Seachtain na Gaeilge Is féidir an t-eolas ar fad a fháil ar www.waterfordlibraries.ie agus ar leathanach Facebook @WaterfordLibraries.

Tóraíocht Taisce Focal Gaeilge – aimsigh agus aistrigh deich bhfocal/frása Gaeilge i Leabharlann Ard Chaoin le linn Seachtain na Gaeilge. Pioc suas do bhileog oibre, líon isteach na bhfocal agus beidh seans agat duais bheag a bhuachaint.

Rannta le Chéile do Pháistí – beidh Cabríní de Barra ó Ghlór na nGael i mbun rannta agus scéalaíocht as Gaeilge go pháistí óga i Leabharlann Dhún Garbhán ar an Máirt, 8 Márta ar a 10.30r.n. agus 11.10r.n. Tá líon teoranta spásanna i gceist dos na seisiúin seo agus déanfar tús freastail ar na daoine is túisce a thagann.

Bígí ag faire amach chomh maith do Logainm an Lae, a bhuíochas do Choiste Logainmneacha Phort Láirge ar leathanach Facebook Oifigeach Gaeilge Phort Láirge gach lá le linn Seachtain na Gaeilge. Tabharfar blaiseadh d’oidhreacht shaibhir logainmníochta na nDéise, mar atá sé ar fáil ar an suíomh www.deiselogainm.ie

Gabhaimid buíochas le gach duine sna seirbhísí agus eagraíochtaí éagsúla as ucht a gcomhoibriú agus a gcuid tacaíochta chun an clár imeachtaí seo a eagrú mar cheiliúradh ar Sheachtain na Gaeilge i mbliana. Mar sin, má tá suim agat freastal ar réimse imeachtaí trí Ghaeilge, nó do chúpla focal féin a chleachtadh, tá rud éigint duit le linn Seachtain na Gaeilge i mbliana. Bain sult as!

-críoch-

Tuilleadh eolais: Máire Seosaimhín Breathnach, Oifigeach Forbartha Gaeilge (087) 7434123

By Waterford City & County Council

Public viewing of Vicky Phelan Portrait on International Women’s Day

When we think of inspiring women, there is one name who always tops the billing – Vicky Phelan. Her bravery and determination have changed so much for so many.

Waterford Chamber will be joining forces with WIT, Network Waterford, Waterford Chamber Skillnet and the Waterford Local Enterprise office on International Women’s Day to pay tribute to Vicky and to rise vital funds for her chosen charities the Solas Centre and the Shona Project.

On Tuesday, March 8th the Triptych Portrait of Vicky Phelan will be on public display from 4pm to 6pm in the Parlour Vintage Tea Rooms. This will also be the final event in the inimitable tea rooms as it closes its doors permanently thereafter.

Following the public viewing, the organisations will host a business networking event, where guests will have the opportunity to meet with Vicky’s lifelong friend David Brennan who purchased the portrait at auction and hear from artist Vincent Devine on the heartfelt story behind the creation of this masterpiece.

COLLABORATION IS KEY

According to Lynda Lawton, Waterford Chamber, “This is a phenomenal opportunity to view this magnificent piece of art, to pause and reflect and all the while, raise money for two charities that are so important to Vicky.

“Everyone is welcome to come along and you can donate on the day or also online at https://www.idonate.ie/VickiPhelanPortraitExpoMar22. What better way to mark International Women’s Day then to honour an incredible lady who has changed the landscape of the Irish health system for future generations.

“We always say collaboration is key, and it is fantastic that we can come together with our colleagues in WIT, Network Waterford, Waterford LEO and Waterford Chamber Skillnet to present an opportunity such as this.

“It will also be quite a poignant occasion as it marks the last event with our friends at the Parlour Vintage Tea Rooms. What an institution it has become, and we will certainly miss the activity in our building. So if anyone wants to say goodbye to their favourite hideaway, please come along on March 8th from 4pm to 6pm and of course don’t forget your wallet!”

END OF AN ERA

Speaking about the event and marking the end of an era, Sarah Jane Cleary, owner of the Parlour Vintage Tea Rooms said: “All good things come to an end but what better way to say goodbye than to honour a powerful woman on International Women’s Day. To be able to facilitate fundraising for the Solas Centre and the Shona Project, on behalf of Vicky Phelan, is a great honour and the perfect way to say goodbye. The entire contents of The Parlour Vintage Tea Rooms will be up for sale with a percentage of the proceeds going towards Vicky’s chosen charities, so people can always remember the good times we had here, while also remembering what Vicky Phelan has done for the women of Ireland. It is our greatest honour to join with the business community to do this.”

DIGGING DEEP

Following the public viewing, Network Waterford will host a networking reception, with Waterford Chamber and WIT, from 6.30pm in the Parlour Vintage Tea Rooms. According to Network President Margaret Julian, “As an organisation, celebrating women’s achievements is at the core of what we do and we will certainly be digging deep into our pockets to support Vicky’s chosen charities. Having a private audience with the artist is an incredible opportunity and we are inviting the entire business community to come out and support this event.

“Following the event, we are moving to Garter Lane for the opening night of How To Fall Flat on Your Face by Waterford’s Katie Honan, another female tour-de-force. Katie’s play focuses on mental health and the enduring strength of women. After missing out on so much over the past two years, International Women’s Day 2022 is certainly going to be one to remember.”

To register for the Network Waterford event, please go to https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/international-womens-day-networking-reception-tickets-274410809117?aff=ebdssbdestsearch or come along to the Parlour Vintage Tea Rooms between 4pm and 6pm for the public viewing.

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By Waterford City & County Council

St. Patrick’s Festival – Three day programme of music and family fun

Waterford city is gearing up to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, with not just a parade for the first time since 2019, but also a new three day festival from March 17th to 19th.

The Parade, celebrating Waterford, Ireland’s Best Place to Live, will take to the streets of Waterford at 1pm on St. Patrick’s Day, led by Grand Marshall Finn Ryan.  The Lego-loving Finn from Ferrybank made a lasting impression throughout the country and beyond when he featured on the Late Late Toy Show last November.

Coupled with the traditional St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a three day festival, new for 2022.

Johnny Codd, Festival Co-ordinator with Waterford City & County Council is looking forward to the three day programme of festivities.  “Working with EveryEvent and local community groups, musicians and artists, there is a jam-packed musical, cultural and fun programme that is going to appeal to absolutely everyone.”

On St. Patrick’s Day, in addition to the Parade, a festival fairground will take place in John Roberts Square and throughout the three day festival.

On Friday, March 18th, Ireland’s newest Bank Holiday, follow the trail of free music, dance and entertainment from John Roberts Square to O’Connell Street to the Plaza Festival Stage, with acts such as Intonations, Celtic Rock Stars, Afro Dance Troop, Brass and Co., Banna Nua, Waterford Malayalee Association, WAMA, TheatreBox, Toucan and much more.

Saturday, March 19th the musical treats continue at the Plaza Festival Stage with community group performances, Three for the Road, Thin as Lizzy and Rookie Thomson, while the Applemarket Music Sessions will feature Waterford’s favourite Oasis tribute band, Mad Ferritt, ahead of a spectacular fireworks display on the Quay at 9pm.

Sunday takes a more chilled out vibe as the Phil Collins Trio Jazz concert takes place in Constitution Square from 1pm.

The Waterford St. Patrick’s Day parade will start at 1pm, with entries gathering at the Bridge Street end of the Quay. The parade begins at the Waterford Bus Station and will proceed along the Quay, past the Clock Tower and the Plaza, moving around to the Mall.

There will also be an online streaming of the Parade, so those who cannot attend or remain cautious about attending large events can still enjoy the celebrations.

To find out more details of the St. Patricks Day Parade and three day festival in Waterford visit www.stpatricksfestivalwaterford.com or keep an eye on WaterfordStPatricksDayParade social media channels.

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By Waterford City & County Council

Break the Bias – Waterford’s Third Global Women’s Conference

Join us for Waterford’s Third Global Women’s Conference

Do you want to Break the Bias this International Women’s Day?

Next Tuesday (8th March) Waterford Integration Services, Europe Direct Waterford and Waterford Libraries are coming together on International Women’s Day to host Break the Bias – Waterford’s Third Global Women’s Conference a morning with an inspirational line-up of women. This event will take place in the Theatre Royal from 10:30am – 12noon. Tickets are FREE and can be booked on the Waterford Europe Direct Eventbrite page or you can call into your local library for more details.

The very special line-up of speakers and performers will include Waterford writers Dalal Sayed and Lani O’Hanlon, Magda Boulabiza from European Network Against Racism, Health Advocate and performer Osas Iyamu Usideme, Director of the Bealtaine Library Choir Anne Woodworth, members of the Bealtaine Library Choir, singer-songwriter Minnie Marley as well as Cora Kearney founder of the Positive Ability Network, student Ciara Fitzgibbon and Sarah Benson CEO of Women’s Aid will record a short message for the event. Programme Lead at Waterford Integration Services Anne Nolan will MC the event which will highlight and celebrate women’s achievements.

International Women’s Day reminds us that whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn’t enough; action is needed to level the playing field. Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day. We can imagine a gender equal world, a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.

We can strive for a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive and a world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias on International Women’s Day (IWD) and beyond. This is a free event but booking is essential: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/break-the-bias-waterfords-3rd-global-womens-conference-tickets-267727238377

Join the conversation #BreakTheBias #IDW2022

The Europe Direct Waterford Centre is based in Central Library in Waterford City. It is part of a community of 424 Europe Direct centres around Europe whose purpose is to reinforce the important connection between EU institutions and citizens The Europe Direct network provides timely and factual information on European matters, but also seek to engage with citizens regarding the state and future of the European Union. You can find out more at: @eudirect on Facebook and Twitter.

ENDS

For more information contact:

Sinead O’Higgins, Manager Central Library and Europe Direct Waterford. sohiggins@waterfordcouncil.ie / 087 3637119

By Waterford City & County Council

Portalis – exploring the earliest connection between Ireland and Wales

The €1.95 million project aims to raise awareness, protect shared cultural and natural heritage and support sustainable engagement, establishing two new experiential tourism and cultural cross-border networks.

Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT)’s School of Humanities leads a new trans-disciplinary pilot project exploring the earliest connection between Ireland and Wales. Portalis maps the story of the first human journey between Ireland and Wales dating back to the Mesolithic period, in the context of contemporary resilience and climate adaption for both local coastal communities and their visitors.

New visitor experience

This is achieved by consolidating existing evidence with new data to develop a powerful new cross-border narrative, accessible within a new visitor experience at Waterford Museum of Treasures, Ireland, and Ceredigion Museum, Wales. The €1.95 million project aims to raise awareness and support community and business sustainable engagement, resulting in the establishment of two new experiential tourism and cultural networks in both Ireland and Wales.

Historic connections between Ireland and Wales

The Irish Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath, TD, said:

“There are special and interlinked historic, cultural, academic and economic bonds linking communities in Ireland and Wales across the Irish Sea. This Sea is not a barrier but rather a shared space and a link between peoples. In developing this project to create a new narrative, I wish the Portalis Project every success and congratulate the partners on accessing funding from the 2014-2020 Ireland Wales Cooperation Programme. The approach of utilising traditional archaeological techniques in combination with digital technologies while closely involving local communities to highlight our shared natural and cultural heritage is to be commended and is well worthy of support. Like all other projects funded under this EU Programme it acts as a visible symbol of the ongoing close cooperation between Wales and the South East of Ireland.”

Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Welsh Government, Dawn Bowden, commented: “We welcome the development of projects that will strengthen our relationships with our closest European neighbour, and this project will provide a fascinating insight into exploring the earliest connections between Ireland and Wales.”

Ireland Wales Cooperation programme

Supported by €1.5m from by the European Regional Development Fund through the Ireland Wales Cooperation programme, the project consists of four partners, Lead Partner Waterford Institute of Technology and Operation Partners University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Ceredigion County Council, and Waterford Chamber of Commerce.

The Ireland Wales 2014-2020 European Territorial Co-operation (ETC) programme is a maritime programme connecting businesses and communities on the West coast of Wales with the South-East coast of Ireland. The programme focuses on seeking solutions to shared challenges including adaption of the Irish Sea and coastal communities to climate change, and cultural and natural resources and heritage.

20-month project

The 20-month project commencing in February features a range of different techniques including drilled core sampling, excavation, lab analysis, citizen archaeology, visitor experience design with film and virtual reality, a new app with a 3D online exhibition, and tailored network development events and resources.

Dr Suzanne Denieffe, Head of School of Humanities at WIT said, “We are delighted to be leading the Portalis project. This project is important and timely in that it speaks to key Irish and Welsh strategy and policy documents and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The unique wealth of nationally important natural and cultural heritage sites within the joint operation jurisdiction, together with the outlined project activities, provides new cross border shared data, and this will in turn underpin further research.

The project also promotes healthy living by using coast and sea as an enabler for outdoor experiential heritage tourism activity, with the deployment of new innovative visitor experience design to enhance the cultural experience of the location while lowering the environmental impact.”

Business opportunities for coastal communities

According to Gerald Hurley, CEO Waterford Chamber: “As the largest business representative organisation in the region, Waterford Chamber is delighted to be partnering on such an important project. This has the potential to unlock the estuary in terms of business opportunities for the coastal communities and will add to Waterford’s extensive tourist offering. The historical significance, the magnificent scenery and the fascinating linkage with Wales is just waiting to be explored and this project will uncover just that.”

Joy Rooney, Portalis Senior Responsible Officer, (SRO), and Lecturer and Researcher in Design at WIT, added, “Portalis builds on over 40 years of research and 10,000 years of shared heritage. Portalis is design led, delivering a unique, compelling new cross-border visitor experience at two key museums and linked coastal community destination experience sites. Highly significant natural and cultural assets provide evidence of Mesolithic, (Early Stone Age), human habitation. As we explore the earliest connections between Welsh and Irish coastal civilizations, this mirrors the multi-agency cross-border partnership now being forged by our contemporary coastal communities into two distinct cross-border networks within the inter-coastal area. In terms of climate change, Portalis will also provide new data and models of best practice, examining the adaptability and resilience within both communities from our earliest times.”

Public archaeology and citizen scientist programmes

Both Irish and Welsh communities are invited to join the Portalis team in discovering and protecting shared cultural and natural heritage, contribute to new research exploring the challenges of coastal climate change through Public Archaeology and Citizen Scientist Programmes, and in doing so, help trace the footsteps of potentially the first journey and cultural connection between Wales and Ireland.

To find out more visit:

http://portalisproject.eu/

https://www.wit.ie/research/centres_and_groups/interreg_networks_and_initiatives/

By Waterford City & County Council

CLOSING SOON : Supporting Communities Fund 2022

Waterford City & County Council is committed to encouraging communities and empowering residents to make a difference to their areas. To support this, the Council is inviting applications to its Supporting Communities Fund 2022.

The Supporting Communities Fund provides grant aid assistance to Residents Associations, Community Groups, Sports Clubs and other groups/committees engaged in community activity, providing community services or carrying out improvement works at local or county level. Groups can apply under one the following 3 funding strands:

1. Residents Association Fund, 2. Community Activity Fund, 3. Sports & Recreation Fund

Once completed please submit your application with necessary documentations by email to waterfordcommunitiesfund@waterfordcouncil.ie or in hard copy to:

Colette O’ Brien, Supporting Waterford Communities Fund 2022, Waterford City & County Council, Baileys New Street, Waterford.

Closing date for applications is 4pm Monday 28th February 2022 – No applications will be accepted after this date.

By Waterford City & County Council

Creative Waterford Open Call 2022 applications welcomed until February 28th

The Creative Ireland Programme in Waterford is delighted to announce funding for projects that embed creativity in the community. The annual Creative Waterford Open Call accepts applications from groups, organisations and individuals. A collaborative approach that brings creatives and groups together is encouraged.

  • Application forms can be found at www.bit.ly/creativeirelandWCCC Details are also available on Creative Waterford social media.
  • The closing date is February 28th at 4 p.m.

The Creative Ireland Programme is a five-year Programme which connects people, creativity, and well-being. “Creative Communities” is a local authority-led initiative which pioneers and supports local creative projects in areas such as arts, heritage, local history, STEAM and the creative industries. Previous projects in Waterford have included partnerships from a variety of creative genres such as theatre, Irish language, visual art, literature and has included projects related to health and well-being, sustainability and migration.

Creative Waterford Coordinator Katherine Collins said “each year our adjudicators are extremely impressed with the quality of applications that are submitted for funding. In this, the final year of the Creative Ireland Programme 2018-2022, we have increased the amount of funding available to individual projects to €8,000 and are looking forward to seeing applications that have a variety of partners and big ambitions to support creative communities.”

This is a competitive Open Call, applicants are encouraged to work through the Creative Waterford Toolkit which gives advice and information on how best to approach devising a project for this or any culture / community application process. Applications are welcomed from February 2nd to 28th.

ENDS

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