Firstly, I should state if you do not have a bird nesting box in your garden, there are some handmade, beautiful designed, boxes with required correct dimensions, currently available at O’Driscolls Garden Centre on the Mill Road here in Thurles, all at very affordable prices.
Rear opening entrance to Blue Tit nesting box
For those of you who already possess a nesting box, it’s time again, to clean out and maintained same, to ensure tenants for this coming Spring and Summer.
Old nests should be removed in the autumn or winter, preferably from October onwards, once parents and their brood have moved out of their home.
Birds, particularly Blue Tits, start early in their hunt for social housing. The site appears most often to be chosen by the wife, with the interior and entrance having been measured by the husband, using his wings as a tape measure. Blue Tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) love artificial nest-boxes and are probably the most common occupiers of same here in the Irish Republic.
The female of the Blue Tit species will build her nest alone, with her mate following her around to make sure that no other males make contact with her. This stated, it is estimated that over 40% of Blue Tit nests will contain at least one hatched chick that is possibly being reared by a male that is not its father.
Later, the male will feed the female, while she remains nesting and youngsters will leave the nest around three weeks after hatching occurs.
The old nests built by most birds can harbour nasty parasites, so once last year’s nest has been removed from the box, use boiling water to rid same of parasites. Let the box dry out thoroughly, before replacing the lid or back portion.
Remember parasites that remain can infest young birds that hatch the following year, so do scald the box out well and avoid, totally, the use of any form of disinfectant, soap solution, insecticide or parasite powder.
Try to avoid cleaning out your nest box in September, thus ensuring the nest is no longer active, as some species can nest right through until the end of September, each year.
The box shown here possibly because of its positioning; remaining clear of animals or destructive humans, has raised, over a 3 year period, 4 families of blue tits numbering in all 42; from a total of 42 eggs.
Where To Erect A Bird Nesting Box.
Correctly built nesting boxes are best constructed from untreated timber. Boxes for tits should be fixed at least two metres high (6ft) on a tree or a wall. Remember, if attached to a tree use soft cable ties rather than nails to secure your nesting box.
The success of the box, shown herewith, is the fact that it is partly hidden by overhanging vegetation, thus allowing the bird to vanish into overhanging ivy branches before accessing the box itself. While experts state that nesting boxes should face between north and east in direction, thus avoiding strong sunlight, driving summer rain and wind; this box faces south protected and shaded by the overhanging ivy, with no complaints from Blue Tit tenants.
* Innovative public resource on consent awareness and learning available for the first time.
* Focus on third level but resources will have direct relevance to wider society as part of national campaign on consent awareness.
Mrs Helen McEntee TD, (Minister for Justice), and Mr Simon Harris TD, (Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science), today launched an online learning hub on consent for the third level sector.
The online consent hub draws extensively on the work of the pioneering Active* Consent research team at NUI Galway. It provides, for the first time, a cohesive, publicly-available, educational resource on sexual consent for young people, their families, and educators who work with them.
Note: Active* Consent is a research programme at NUI Galway which had an initial aim of changing student experiences and college responses around sexual consent. Its work has expanded significantly with the philanthropic support from the Galway-based Lifes2good Foundation and from Rethink Ireland’s Arts to Impact programme. Active* Consent works across colleges throughout the third level sector in Ireland, offering training and resources. Lifes2good Foundation was founded in 2017, the primary focus in its first five years has been on supporting women and children in situations of vulnerability.
Minister McEntee stated,
“The Active* Consent research team in Galway, who are leading this project, have said there have been increased requests from students recently for the eLearning module due to the focus on sexual violence, harassment and bystander strategies. So this important resource is immediately in demand. Through ‘Supporting a Victim’s Journey’, I am focused on improving the criminal justice system for vulnerable victims and witnesses and on raising awareness of issues such as consent. Understanding consent plays a key role in reducing instances of sexual violence. This digital hub provides readily accessible resources which, importantly, will support not only the education sector but society wide participation in consent education and awareness. The Government is committed to raising awareness of the meaning and importance of consent in sexual activity, across all sections of society. While the hub – accessible at consenthub.ie – contains material for students and staff in higher level institutions, the content also has a direct relevance to a much wider audience. It includes information and resources for young people under 17, for parents, and for educators who work with young people”.
Minister Mr Simon Harris stated, “This is a really important hub of resources and tools for student and wider society engagement. It plays a key part in our overall goal to build a meaningful culture of consent in our campuses, further education settings and in our communities across Ireland. No part of our society is untouched by issues around consent. Ireland can take a leading role in confronting sexual violence and harassment and ensure people feel safe and empowered.”
The resources currently available through the online consent hub include;
Targeted information including consent definitions and explanations.
FAQs for each target group (under 17, youth over 17, parents, teachers/educators).
Self-directed eLearning module for young people on consent, sexual violence and harassment.
Information on how and where to get help if a negative sexual experience occurs to you or a friend.
Research on consent carried out with adolescents, young adults, and educators in Ireland.
Information on further training and resources.
Further content will be rolled out during 2022, including; but not limited to, eLearning resources on sexual media for young people and on consent, sexual violence, and harassment for professionals.
Dr Charlotte McIvor, (Active* Consent Programme Co-Lead, NUI Galway), stated:
“The online consent hub has one key message that we want all of Irish society to engage with: Consent is for everyone. It applies to all relationships, all genders, and all sexualities. Consent is an ongoing, mutual and freely-given agreement to take part in sexual activity”.
Dr Siobhán O’Higgins, (Active* Consent Programme Co-Lead, NUI Galway), stated:
“We have been working on our resources, messages, and education on consent for almost 10 years now. The online consent hub allows us to reach new groups, including marginalised members of our community, and to work with specialists on sexual violence and harassment like Rape Crisis Network Ireland and Galway Rape Crisis Centre to do so”.
Dr Padraig MacNeela, (Active* Consent Programme Co-Lead, NUI Galway), said,
“The online consent hub supports what we call ‘consent literacy’ across our society, so that people of all age groups and backgrounds feel confident in their knowledge and understanding of consent. Our goal is that everyone is empowered in their own lives, decisions, or work in consent conversations and actions. Not alone that, but we should all have the opportunity to know how to reach out to support others or for support ourselves, to be a positive influence for respect and equality in our schools, colleges, and communities”.
Same preparations are expected to include numerous video conferencing calls, numerous emails, a Mass celebration and party; all for Sr. Mary celebrating her amazing life which was dedicated to teaching.
Sr. Mary Britton
Sr. Mary was born on the 20th January 1922, during the Irish civil war; the eldest of the Britton family, from Cloncleigh, Two-Mile-Borris, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, the daughter of the late Edward and Johanna Britton and sister to brothers Paddy, Sean, Billy and Pierce, and the late Eddie, Christy, Johanna and Bridget (R.I.P). Baptised in St. James Church, Two-Mile-Borris, Thurles; Sr. Mary received her early education in the local national school. She received her First Holy Communion also in St. James Church in the village and later received her Confirmation in the nearby Church of St. Peter in Chains, Moycarkey, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
In 1938, at the age of 17 years, Sr. Mary entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy, in Timolegue, Co. Cork.
Due to the outbreak of World War II, (1939 -1945), travel was greatly curtailed and Sr. Mary spent the next eight years in Timolegue, Co Cork. It was while residing there that she qualified as a music and elocution teacher, having studied at the College of Music in Cork City and while travelling by train each day to Cork City. Same studies saw her receive the highest grades from Trinity College, London. Sr. Mary has always remained very musical, with a most beautiful singing voice.
In 1947 preparations were made for Sr. Mary and 18 other nuns, to sail to Australia and to take their religion and new teaching qualifications to the new Roman Catholic schools then being built. In November 1947, they departed from Glenmire railway station, Co Cork; travelling to Sean Heuston station in Dublin, before staying overnight in a convent in Dun Laoghaire.
The following day, together with 13 priests, they set sail from Dun Laoghaire harbour in Dublin, sailing to Holyhead in Wales.
SS Otranto 1947.
On arrival in Wales they continued by train to the port of South Hampton, England, where they boarded the then refitted troop ship SS Otranto, a passenger liner, then sailing regularly between England and Australia. The overall journey took some 5 weeks before arriving in Perth Harbour.
Sr. Mary well remembers the journey to Australia as being very pleasant. They were all treated very well, with the food, presented on board, being of the highest standard. They arrived in Perth Harbour on St. Stephen day, 1947, to sunshine, heat and clear blue skies, before taking another boat to Sydney harbour.
His Eminence Sir Norman Thomas Gilroy, KBE.
Here they were very well received, with the Archbishop of Sydney, later His Eminence Cardinal Sir Norman Thomas Gilroy, KBE, [Latter of Irish descent; the first Australian-born Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church, knighted in 1969], coming in person to welcome them and providing a celebratory feast for all the religious Irish weary travellers to enjoy.
Sr. Mary would then continue travelling on to Melbourne, before ending her journey in Brisbane, Queensland.
Sr. Mary’s first teaching post was in All Hallows’ Convent boarding school for girls, latter the first Catholic boarding school built in Brisbane. Here she spent some 37 happy years, teaching music, piano and violin together with other instruments. She also taught English and gave elocution classes to the girls. She taught singing, organised the choirs for the church in the school and the musicals for the boarding school stage.
Through her love of music and her friendly personality, Sr. Mary made many friends in the community around All Hallows’ Convent with many of her pupils remaining close friends long afterwards.
In 1984, Sr. Mary was invited to transfer to St. Bridget Convent School in Rosewood, Queensland. Rosewood is a small coal mining town about 38 miles from Brisbane. It has a population of approx. 3,000 people. Here Sr. Mary thrived, due to her good nature, her pleasant and cheerful personality and of course her great talent as a musician/singer.
Once again Sr. Mary made lifetime friends through her music and her involvement in the local community and church. She spent some 16 happy years in Rosewood, before the nuns transferred the school over to the local community.
On retirement, Sr. Mary returned to the Mater Hospital in Brisbane and again she became involved with the church and contributed greatly to parish work. Only last year did Mary, at the age of 99 years, go into a nursing home belonging to the Mercy Congregation, where she continues to attend Mass each day and participate in many other activities.
Sr. Mary returned to Ireland many times over the years and always enjoyed spending time with her family and friends from Two-Mile-Borris and the wider community here in Co. Tipperary. She holds many dear memories of her now deceased brothers and sisters (Eddie, Christy, Johanna Mc Donnell and Bridget Ryan, R.I.P.).
Sr. Mary remains in frequent contact with her brothers Paddy, Sean, Billy and Pierce, still residing in the village of Two-Mile-Borris, Thurles as well as her nieces and nephews; taking a special interest in their everyday lives.
It is with great joy we celebrate this upcoming occasion as Sr. Mary reaches her 100th birthday on Thursday January 20th, 2022.
A very happy birthday wish goes to Sr. Mary from all her friends and family here in Two-Mile-Borris, Thurles and Co. Tipperary.
“Now more than ever, we can’t lose sight of our power as individuals to bring about change,” says EPA
Second-level students from across Ireland are being asked to consider the global consequences of local actions as the EPA today launches “The Story of Your Stuff” competition 2022.
The competition asks students to think about the wider environmental impact of their everyday decisions. It asks student to research the life cycle and environmental impact of an everyday item – such as their toothbrush – or everyday activity – such as eating their lunch, and to present their findings in a creative way.
Now in its sixth year, The Story of Your Stuff has the empowerment of students at its core, encouraging young people to realise the influence they can have on their friends and family when it comes to making environmentally responsible consumer choices. With its focus on sustainability, waste management, climate action and environmental protection, the competition asks young people to think, talk and make small changes that can have far-reaching impacts.
Entrants visually tell the environmental story of their ‘stuff’ through a creative medium of their choice (including video, animation, infographics, photography, etc.). They are then in with a chance to win €500 for themselves and €500 for their school. There is also a special ‘climate topic prize’ as well as a prize for the best Irish language entry.
Speaking at the launch of the competition, the EPA’s Mr Stephen Fennell said: “Whether using disposable coffee cups, or taking the car instead of walking, or using public transport – these short-term conveniences often are not environmentally sustainable. Our individual actions have lasting impacts, and The Story of Your Stuff competition asks young people how they, and those closest to them, can act in a more environmentally friendly way. Now more than ever, we cannot lose sight of our power as individuals to bring about change, and this competition instils that message among young people. By presenting their findings in a creative way, students will communicate the benefit of making environmentally conscious decisions and hopefully empower others to reflect on their own consumption habits.
Students can access resources from the EPA website, particularly the Irelands Environment and Environment and You sections while researching their topics. These resources will help students to better understand the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind us needing to change our waste systems, the way we use energy and the ways that we get around, as well as wider environmental concerns.”
Aeronautical engineer, citizen scientist-astronaut candidate and award-winning STEM advocate, Dr Norah Patten returns as competition ambassador for 2022. Dr Patten said: “The Story of Your Stuff is a fantastic initiative, and I am delighted to take on the role of competition ambassador for a second year. Its focus on thinking, talking, and making changes to consumption habits, highlights to students the impact they have as individuals on our environment and climate change. It also allows them to develop important skills that they will use throughout their studies and into the future. I hope The Story of Your Stuff can be an entry point into environmental research and science communication for a new generation.”
Last year’s overall winner was Robert Urquhart from Presentation College Athenry in Co. Galway for his very topical video ‘Story of Disposable Face Masks’. Oonagh Hales from John the Baptist Community School, Co. Limerick was awarded the climate topic prize for her entry ‘The Story of Plastic Cutlery’, while the inaugural Irish-language prize was awarded to Rebecca Ni Challanain and Kate Ni Mhathuna from Gaelcholaiste Charraig Ui Leighin, Carrigaline, Co. Cork for their entry, ‘Scéal Lipéad Crochadh’, which looked at clothing labels.
Over 4,000 Householders benefit from MyWaste.ie’s Food Waste Separation Roadshow.
More than 4,000 households have benefited from MyWaste.ie’s Food Waste Separation Road Show which visited 11 locations across the country in November and December this year.
As part of the roadshow MyWaste.ie’s Food Waste Separation Teams travelled to some of Ireland’s largest towns, met with shoppers, and handed out free household food waste separation kitchen caddy packs with some easy-to-follow advice. The food waste separation packs contained a free kitchen caddy, a starter pack of caddy liners and an information leaflet.
Photographed at the MyWaste.ie Food Separation Road Show were Percy Foster (cre), Minister Ossian Smyth, Anthony Mulleady (Chair), Irish Waste Management Association, Angela Ruttledge (VOICE), Declan Breen (EMR), Sinead Ni Mhainnin, (CUR).
MyWaste.ie, Ireland’s official website for guidance on managing waste, coordinated the roadshow after a Food Waste Recycling Pilot Project published in 2020 demonstrated an increase of between 20 and 25% in food waste tonnage presented, while contamination decreased by more than 56%. In relation to the caddy and liners, as many as 81% of respondents included in this pilot project found the caddy enormously helpful.
Ms Sinead Ni Mhainnin, spokesperson for MyWaste.ie explained that this year’s roadshow gave valuable insight into people’s willingness to segregate their food waste properly once armed with the correct information and equipment. “The use of food waste separation caddy packs, and ongoing correct segregation of food waste has the potential to significantly improve household waste recycling rates. We are confident that food waste segregation will be enhanced due to the circulation of these food waste separation caddy packs,” she said.
Minister of State with special responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy, Mr Ossian Smyth TD said, “Food waste can create emissions, adding to climate change. But we can limit this harm by separating food from other waste. These food waste caddy packs make it easier for people at home to manage their food waste.” Given the success of the recent roadshow event, plans are now being developed to roll out further food waste separation awareness campaigns in the future. As many as 300,000 packs will be funded by the Government over the next 2 years to support these campaigns.
The Irish Waste Management Association (IWMA) has also committed to all new household customers signing up to a waste collection service receiving a food waste separation kitchen caddy pack from IWMA affiliated waste collectors from the beginning of 2022.
The Food Waste Separation Roadshow initiative was co-ordinated by the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices, supported by the IWMA, Environmental Protection Agency, Cré (Composting & Anaerobic Digestion Association of Ireland), and the local authorities, and funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate & Communications. The road show visited Arklow, Limerick, Navan, Clonmel, Birr, Portlaoise, Wexford, Letterkenny, Belturbet, Ballymun and Carrickmacross.
The Food Waste Recycling Pilot Project published in 2020 is available HERE
To find out more information on food waste management and to have all your waste related questions answered log on HERE.
For more information about preventing food waste visit HERE
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