Small Fish, Big Heart

Posted on July 18, 2017 by irelandc

Having received the warmest of welcomes when he arrived in Galway from France, Sébastien Locteau was keen to return the warmth in at least one of the ways he could. By jumping into the cold green sea!

Small Human Fish, Large Heart

“A human in the open ocean, is like a small fish”, he says.

Not one for holding back at getting crazy things done, Sébastien has run marathons, partaken in triathlons, and an odd swim or two – some of them very odd! But nothing like his latest target, swimming the Wild Atlantic bay that rocks and rolls between Clare and Salthill. Not just for the kudos, though, Sébastien has those who have suffered even more than a long cold swim in mind, those who are on a tough mudder of a journey through the foul weather of cancer.

Having had serious health issues himself, he was lucky enough to have a doctor who knew the need to run, and who said to Sébastien, I know that “you can’t” won’t work for you. Now back on his feet, Sébastien will do whatever he can for those who today cannot, in the hope that one day they can.

On Saturday 22nd July, Sébastien will tackle the Galway Bay Swim, to raise funds for Cancer Care West

Your support, no matter how small will be deeply appreciated. And if you are around Salthill on Saturday, come along and cheer them home to shore.

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Sailing Alive

Posted on September 10, 2015 by irelandc

We had World Suicide Prevention day this week, and everyday is a good day to help someone get through a dark cloud.

The boaters and yachters at Clontarf Yacht Club have selected 19th September to show their support for preventing suicide by organizing a Sail Against Suicide day.

Sail Against Suicide Poster 2015

The aim of Events Against Suicide is to draw on the combined goodwill of communities all over the island of Ireland to use their skills and creativity to spread the  message
it’s ok not to feel ok; and it’s absolutely ok to ask for help
The aim is to raise awareness across the 32 counties through a range of local, community-led events.

To do their part the Clontarf Yachters are having a race with lots and lots of orange on the boats, and a marque with music and food for the afternoon – BBQ Burgers and more.

Sail Against Suicide Sign Outside Clontarf Yacht Club Clontarf  Yacht Club

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Positivity Guaranteed

Posted on June 28, 2016 by irelandc

Three days of workshops, uplifting speakers, resources and fun activities for the young and those who offer them care and guidance in October @ the RDS in Dublin.

ZeminarLogo

Zeminar will bring all those focused on the development and well-being of young people in Ireland to one place. Those aged between 15 and 19, their parents, teachers, mentors and coaches will learn and enjoy in a variety of ways hooking up with some of the best and most innovative organisations on this island.

Attendees will leave the event with new knowledge to help them live happier, safer, and more fulfilling lives.

ZeminarPoster

Speakers taking to the main stage include: Bressie, Peter McVerry; The Parents of Donal Walsh; Mark Little of Storyful; Jamie Heaslip; David Gillick; Maria Walsh/Former Rose of Tralee; Dr. Rhona Mahony/Master of Holles St.; Dermot Whelan/Today FM; Senator Lynn Ruane; Ian Power/Spunout; Doug Leddin – to name but a few.

Website

@zeminarevent

 

 

 

 

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Mentors Corner

People who have managed or worked on various projects kindly offer to share their experiences, and in some cases offer mentoring to those considering or starting similar projects.

If you have worked on a project, your shared experience will be much appreciated. Your contact details can be kept private or made public as you wish.

If you are considering, or up to your ears in a project and would like some support, feel free to contact us, as someone may be able to offer some words of guidance or more…

Currently available to mentor:

Krystian Fikert of MyMind

John Evoy of Men’s Sheds

Christophe Lombardi

Contact

 

Heart and Sole

Posted on August 2, 2016 by irelandc

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Man’s got Soul!

Eamonn Keaveney is currently walking around Ireland to raise funds for Pieta House. Fair play to him you’ll say…you might say a bit more when you hear he’s taking this very long stroll, barefoot! And then you might have a gasp or two when you see the cut of his feet. His sister, Maureen, one of his many supporters shares a few thoughts…

When Eamonn first came up with the idea, most of us didn’t believe him and here he is on day 94 of his epic journey. He is walking just over 2,000km around Ireland in his bare feet – for two reasons. He’d read about the longest barefoot journey in the Guinness Book of Records and he thought to himself “I’m going to break that”.

A good friend of his died by suicide and this made him decide to fundraise for Pieta House, and help raise awareness of suicide and self-harm along the way. With little preparation, no diet plans or support team, except for his family at home, he packed a tent and other essential items in a rucksack.

IMG_20160506_211146He’s been extremely fortunate as he has only had to camp three times so far. Many followers and businesses kindly offered him a place to stay along the way. People have literally spent hours driving around looking for him, bringing him picnics, ice creams or snacks and love to stop and have a chat with him. People are curious when they see him on the road and offer him lifts or shoes!

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Measure a journey not in miles but in friends made on the way

He’s received so many lovely messages of support, thanks, and encouragement on a daily basis and is overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers.  

We are thrilled that so far, as well as avoiding major accident or injury during his walk, Eamonn’s donation link has raised over €16,000, far beyond the €1,000 euro target our humble brother originally set. He is so down to earth, a very relaxed fellow. Nothing is ever too much trouble. He has stayed up many nights, talking to supporters even though he has been ready to collapse from exhaustion after a long days walk, but he never complains. He has undertaken such a selfless act in trying to help others. He’s an inspiration and we are so very proud of him.

We expect Eamonn to complete his journey and arrive home in Claremorris to a hero’s welcome on August 12th. I’m sure he will have many amazing stories to tell. Hopefully, he will make it into The Guinness World Book of records as he broke the record on July 13th. It would be lovely to get him a copy at Christmas. He has had the pleasure of seeing our beautiful country, meeting some of the nicest people and in turn leaving footprints in their hearts.IMG_20160709_140449

We wish him well on the last legs of his journey…if you catch sight of him, remember to offer him encouragement or snacks, but please no shoes!

Donate here

Tweet all about him  @baringmysoles

 

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Haring Around Town

Posted on February 13, 2016 by irelandc

Hare wearing colourful sunglasses

If you look him in the eye long enough, he’ll wink!

Every year the Jack and Jill lot do something a bit hair brained to promote awareness of their cause, and of course raise a few bob. Their antics usually raise a few eyebrows, and lots of smiles and laughter. This year is no different. A hare treasure trail around Dublin to find amazingly beautiful works of hare-inspired Art. Each one worth at least a viewing, or maybe more. You or your organisation can adopt one of these artistic treasures. Others are currently up for auction, and of course all proceeds go to providing care to very ill kids. According to the Jack and Jillers:

Through ‘Hares on the March’ we intend to keep people of all ages entertained whilst they walk around Dublin city centre finding, appreciating and enjoying the wonderful pieces of art that have been created by our superbly talented artists from all over Ireland and the UK.

Sandra Schone is one of the incredible artists who created these marvellous hares, and she shares some of her thoughts on this inspiring experience:

They had me at Alice in Wonderland! Two Teaspoons of Wishful Thinking

When I read the project brief, I knew it was for me! Being an aspiring illustrator with a quirky style, a lot of imagination and a supporter of any good cause, I knew I wanted to be part of this artsy fundraising initiative organised by the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation.

Their “Hares on the March” Campaign 2016, which is a follow on from the success of the Pigs on Parade, The Cow Parade and The Egg Hunt, is a unique art display in the city that will make you stop and look twice.

Sandra feeds the Hare a Carrot

Sandra meets and greets her Hare

 

I was thrilled when Monsieur Hare, the most unusual “canvas” I have ever worked with, moved in with me in October last year for about four weeks after being selected to become one of the 110 artists for this project. 

 

Jack and Jill Foundation. Hares on the March.What was my motivation and inspiration behind my “ImagineHareium” (No.88)? When I draw, I lose myself in my own wonderland, a whole new world, a divergent dimension. I forget everything else, nothing else matters and all my worries evaporate. The underlying theme of my life’s work is inspired by the fairy tales of my childhood: the magic in every moment of life, the beauty of nature and enchanting encounters.

Jack and Jill Foundation. Hares on the March.  The Hare is a symbol for many things; madness, genius, elusive, a luck charm, good fortune, protective powers, magical powers, union of opposites, full of mystery and contradiction as well as a royal animal. It is iconic in Irish society, taking pride of place on the coinage over the years. The hare is also associated with the Celtic Dawn Goddess, Easter, the moon, dawn and transformation…and they go mad in March, apparently.

The question I put to the audience is “Can we travel back to our childhood, and re-awaken that sense of wonder we possessed when we were younger and free to imagine whatever we liked?”

Hare Back Side

I want to invite people to discover their inner Alice by following the imagery around the hare, inventing their own story of what they see. For me I think, anything is possible at any age, with any limitation that we may be born with. We should nourish love, trust, friendship, and be true to ourselves, then we can face what we are destined to do in – our reality, our dream, our own wonderland.

“ImagineHareium” #88 is currently residing at the Conrad Hotel, Dublin, opposite The National Concert Hall, from 22 Jan to 29 February.

The other hares can be tracked down at 52 venues around Dublin city. The Hare Trail invites everyone to go on a hunt around town to find the 110 beautiful hares. A map and entry form can be downloaded from the website: www.haresonthemarch.ie There will be a prize draw on 16 March. So go hunting!

Things you can do:

Auction: Take part here: https://galabid.com/auction/hares The auction will close Mon, 21 March.

Adopt a Hare: Choose a hare. Put your name, mission & logo on the plinth.  Then put your hare on permanent display in your boardroom, canteen or reception area.

Individual Sponsorship: Choose a hare to be associated with by displaying your name, mission & logo on its plinth for the entire duration of the project. .

Links:

The Hare Trail: www.haresonthemarch.ie

Hare Auction: https://galabid.com/auction/hares

Jack & Jill: www.jackandjill.ie

Sandra’s oeuvre:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sandra-Schoene-Illustrations-Paintings

Jack and Jill Foundation. Hares on the March.

Jack and Jill Foundation. Hares on the March.

Twitter/ Instagram: @schoenesan

 

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Gardening Communities

Posted on March 31, 2016 by irelandc

Social community gardening has been growing in popularity over recent years for many reasons but if you haven’t discovered this enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours outdoors, you might be wondering what these kind of gardens are, and who gets involved…

People around a table in a sunny garden

Hot tips

Community gardens are places where people of all ages and experiences come together in an outdoors setting to share the work and share the harvest. This makes them ideal places to make the most of your strengths. If you have a bad back, someone else does the digging, if you love weeding, someone else will hate it! Then when it’s time to share the food grown, recipes are swapped, new vegetables tried and tasty meals shared.

There are no two community gardens alike but they have lots in common. They are usually inter-generational, socially inclusive, cross all socio-economic barriers. Above all, they are places where people talk about, grow, care for and share food, and maybe more besides, shoulder to shoulder. If you ask people what they enjoy most about being in a community garden, you’d be hard pushed to split them between loving the social aspects or just being outside and working with nature.

two gents laughing one holding a spade

So that’s how you hold a spade!

There are lots of reasons you might enjoy being in a local community garden, and usually you only have to be there for a couple of hours each week to experience them.

If you don’t have a garden or any idea how to garden, you’ll be welcomed. You might have a large garden that’s unmanageable, live alone and don’t have the energy to garden on your own; in a community garden you’ll meet people who enjoy sharing the workload and the company. You might want to meet new people and grow new friendships. In a community garden you’ll find like-minded people who care about food and nature. There’s a range of experience in a community garden, from none at all to years and years of greening fingers. You’ll always go home having learnt something new about food, the environment, gardening and of course humans.

ladies potting up

Linking up with local Education Training Boards, community gardens often run free, fun or accredited training courses that might include beginners gardening, preserving, cooking skills, recycling, composting stonewalling or landscaping. Trips to other gardens (on invite), talks or events often take place too.

2 lads in among flowers and plants

Sweet peas and guests

Are your green fingers getting twitchy? The Community Garden Network (CGN) is a voluntary organisation that supports community gardening in Ireland and Northern Ireland. They’ve started to map all the gardens on their website so if you’re looking for a garden close to you, take a look there first. Alternatively why not start one up? The CGN offer advice and virtual support and meet two or three times every year in different counties around the island.

For more information www.cgn.ie or Facebook

We are grateful to Dee Sewell for this Post. Dee is owner of Greenside Up, a social enterprise in Carlow where she works as a community garden tutor and volunteers with a new 2 acre Carlow community garden. Dee is one of the founding members and a coordinator of the Community Garden Network  set up in 2011 to offer support to community gardens in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

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Fun Corner

SheepTalkBalloons3

Extra Food+Hungry Folk+Your Time=Fulfilment

Posted on February 16, 2015 by irelandc

Food Cloud Logo

Got some time and energy to spare? The good food people over at Foodcloud need volunteers to help rescue unwanted food, and get it to those who need it, and maybe a few little jobs in between…so if you like to roll up your sleeves and maybe wear a funny hat or tee-shirt, they would love to hear from you.

And just to show how professional they are over there, you’ll even get training…next session takes place on Wednesday 25th of February, and is the last one for a while! Email niamh@foodcloud.ie

Related post

This entry was posted in Challenge, Community, Innovation and tagged , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Extra Food+Hungry Folk+Your Time=Fulfilment

Posted on February 16, 2015 by irelandc

Food Cloud Logo

Got some time and energy to spare? The good food people over at Foodcloud need volunteers to help rescue unwanted food, and get it to those who need it, and maybe a few little jobs in between…so if you like to roll up your sleeves and maybe wear a funny hat or tee-shirt, they would love to hear from you.

And just to show how professional they are over there, you’ll even get training…next session takes place on Wednesday 25th of February, and is the last one for a while! Email niamh@foodcloud.ie

Related post

This entry was posted in Challenge, Community, Innovation and tagged , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Crisis Response Volunteers

Posted on June 5, 2017 by irelandc

CCRTTlogoThe Community Crisis Response Team are on call from 5pm to 6am each day, every day. They respond to those in mental distress who make contact directly, or when alerted by a concerned passer-by, a friend or family member.

 

Team members have appropriate training, and also carry out patrols, and community awareness outreach. Operating for some time now in the Limerick area, the organization wishes to make its wonderful service available nationwide and is calling for volunteers. Can you help?

Contact                    Twitter                  Facebook

 

 

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Brave New Pioneers of an Ancient Tradition

Posted on June 9, 2015 by irelandc

Teenagers writing and performing their poetry, who’d’ve thunk it? Stephen Murray did, a Poetry Slam Champ himself, he got the bright idea to find young poetic voices from around Ireland and have them compete in an International Slam Fest in Atlanta in July 2015, and feature on the HBO TV show Brave New Voices.

Brave New Voices - Stephen Murray

Stephen Murray – Instigator & Mentor

After competing and winning in an All Ireland contest, the fantastic four have been selected, and are rearing to go do their thing…they just need a little funding help from all you poetry lovers out there, or indeed anyone who wishes to support these verbally brilliant young performance artists.

Brave New Voices Team Ireland

Brave New Team Ireland

Some samples of their artistry below, where poetry does not lie quietly on the page but stands up vibrantly, and each crunchy syllable grabs you by the poetics. People of Atlanta, you is in for a treat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xxf1XukYqJg – Seasons

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZ9LyO62Uu8 – Pitchfork Branches

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9u9KoJ60cA – All Mothers and Fathers Matter

Donate here. Corporate sponsor sincerely sought. Contact Captain Melisa melissakavanaghteamireland@gmail.com

Contact: @TeamIrelandBNV    https://www.facebook.com/teamireland

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About

Welcome to IrelandCan.com a new website to honour and celebrate individuals, communities, innovation, great ideas, and start-ups all around Ireland. We will be sharing stories that embody a positive spirit of can-do getting-it-done at home in Ireland and across the globe.

Whether it’s a community coming together to revive their village, an individual getting well, a person or two or three or more who found a new way of making a living, or a simple act of kindness that made a big difference, we want to hear about them, and group them together here…whatever the tale, yours or a neighbour’s, we would love to hear from you…Contact

Mentors Corner – We also connect people considering or starting a project with those who have been down a similar road through our Mentors Corner.

A Bit of Networking – …and maybe help connect those who need extra hands on a project to those who have hands to spare.

For blog updates, follow us on Twitter @YesIrelandCan