Five Great Websites to Keep Your Kids Entertained and Learning at Home.
Until March 29th next, schools are closed due to the coronavirus [Covid 19] pandemic and with playgrounds and play dates now clearly out of bounds, many parents are searching for ways to keep their kids entertained and learning at home.
Here are five great websites that offer free access to pupils and their parents during these unprecedented times.
(1)Starfall – Literacy and Numeracy for Little Ones.
www.starfall.com is an excellent website for children ages 2 – 7 years. It provides free access to a host of games, songs and interactives that support learning to read, write, spell and understand numbers. For more information on the website and its associated apps for iPhone and Android visit https://store.starfall.com/app-catalog
(2)Brainpop – The Next Best Thing to an Actual Teacher.
If you are not familiar with the suite of websites and apps offered by Brainpop, you are in for a treat (and even Mum and Dad might learn a thing or two). BrainPop Junior and BrainPop provide educational videos that explain and explore topics spanning all curriculum subjects. BrainPop is normally a subscription website, but they are offering free access to schools and pupils affected by coronavirus. For more information visit https://jr.brainpop.com/ and www.brainpop.com.
(3) GoNoodle – Keeping Kids Moving and Mindful at Home.
With sport teams, swimming and playgrounds out of action for the next few weeks, keeping kids active indoors is more important than ever. GoNoodle is one option! It aims at getting kids active, moving and mindful with a wide range of dances, games, rhymes, raps and general silliness that will appeal to kids of all ages, interests, skills, and abilities. So check out link https://www.gonoodle.com/
(4)Twinkl – Thousands of worksheets for Kids
If you are sick of screen time and looking for paper-based activities for your kids, then log on to www.twinkl.ie. Twinkl provides thousands of worksheets and activities for every age group and based on every aspect of the curriculum. They have even created ‘School Closure Packs’ to help children during this period of school closure and they are offering all parents a one month FREE Ultimate Membership to Twinkl.ie. Setting this up is really easy to do – go to www.twinkl.ie/offer and enter into the Offer CodeBox IRLTWINKLHELPS.
(5)Epic! – A Library on your Laptop and iPad
With libraries closed, www.getepic.com provides access to an unlimited library of thousands of children’s books for all ages, both fiction and non-fiction. If you visit Epic! or download their app Epic! you can get a 30 dayfree trial.
Inch Players to present the Hilarious Comedy, “It Runs In The Family”.
Tom Ryan Reports:-
The legendary Inch Players will present the hilarious two-act comedy, “It Runs in the Family”, by Ray Cooney, on next Saturday, Sunday and MondayMarch 14th, 15th and 16th at 8.15pm nightly in the Inch Community Hall, Thurles.
The Cast: The cast comprises of John Glasheen (Dr. David Mortimer), Brendan Hoare (Dr. Mike Connolly), Matilda Hayes (Rosemary Mortimer), PJ Delaney (Dr. Hubert Bonney), Bridget Bourke (Matron), Patrick Gormley (Dr. Drake Willoughby), Michelle Fitzpatrick (Jane Tate), Jodie Kennedy ( Sister), Jack Lillis (Leslie), Dave McCarthy (Garda Sergeant), Michael Carey (Bill), Mary Ryan (Mother).
Production Team: Producer: Matt Shanahan; Director’s: Ella Darcy and Kathleen Flynn; Continuity: Joanne Ryan, Catherine Kinane and Kathleen Flynn; Lights and Sound: Micheal Cahill; Set Design: Donal Kinane, Matthew Buckley, Mary Everard, Helen Carey, Dave McCarthy and Matt Shanahan.
The scene takes place in the doctor’s staff room in a city hospital. All is well preparing for Christmas in the hospital until the past comes back to haunt one of the senior doctors. This brilliant comedy comes to life when all hell breaks loose and staff, patients and various members of the public are drawn into the plot.
The group welcome all their cast on stage and also new members, Mary Ryan, Michelle Fitzpatrick and Dave McCarthy. They also welcome Jack Lillis who is on stage with the senior group, having performed in the junior group in the past.
The group wish to thanks Caitriona Cahill, Catherine Butler, Cathy Butler and Margaret Ryan, who look after them so well backstage.
A spokesperson for the group said “We are very lucky here in Inch Players to have such a lovely Community Hall always at our disposal and many thanks to the hall committee for always being there for us”.
She added: “It would be very remiss of us all not to mention the anchor of the group, Marese Kennedy. Marese looks after us all, rarely misses a rehearsal, always willing to step in when needed. The nights we are on stage, Marese ensures there are always enough people to look after the door and she ensures we have cover for the shop etc. She manages our finances in a very professional manner and we are very grateful to her for all she does for us. We thank our loyal supporters who turn out each year to our performances. Without you we could not go on. We also would like to mention our esteemed President, Tom O’Sullivan, who is the longest serving member of our group”.
Ms Eimear Burke will be a guest of Cashel Library for this free ‘Mná Month’ event, on Tuesday night next.
Ms Burke will become the chosen Chief of ‘The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids’, in June next 2020. She is a psychologist with a deep love of the ancient Irish tales and a passion for storytelling. She brings old tales to new audiences, and while remaining faithful to the stories, often examines them from new perspectives, so that listeners experience them as fresh and relevant.”
Remember: Booking for this free event is essential, so do please Telephone 062 63825 in advance, during Cashel Library opening hours.
Possible one of the largest gathering of successful women, ever to be ’rounded up’ in one place, will be the honoured guests at Cashel Library, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, during the month of March 2020.
Ms Maura Barrett Comhairle Contae Thiobraid Árann (Tipperary County Council) reports:-
Cashel Library has designated March 2020 as “Mná Month“.
“During the month of March 2020, we will host an exciting series of free events, celebrating all aspects of the lives of Irish women, across the spectrum of the ‘Dewey Decimal System’.
This celebration which is entitled “Dewey Eyed Women” aims to be, dare we use the title ‘truly Mnásome’.
Monday 2nd March @2:00pm – ‘Daughters of Dun Iascaigh’.
‘Daughters of Dun Iascaigh’ was the Tipperary Book of the Year in 2018. It shines a light on the history of the women of Cahir, Co. Tipperary. Edited by four women Josephine O’Neill, Karol Defalco, Mary Caulfield and Breeda Ryan who will share their journey into these unique histories and how they broke into the world of publishing.
Wednesday 4th March @7:00pm – ‘An evening with former RTÉ’s legendary redhead presenter, writer and journalist, Ms Bibi Baskin’.
Ms Baskin will give a motivational talk on how you can bring positive change into your life and make your dreams, big and small, come true. Illustrated by her own story; detailing her prestigious ‘TV Presenter’ role, working with the BBC and ITV and onwards to India. It will include a Questions and Answers session and an opportunity to purchase a copy of her current bool ‘Bibi’s Wellness Wisdom’.
Monday March 9th @11:00am ‘Marie Gleeson – Former Irish Navy Ships Captain’.
Ms Gleeson was one of the first female officers in the Irish navy and this gives her a unique insight into the reality of leading in a man’s world. Marie Gleeson honed her leadership style over the course of a twenty-year military career, operating primarily in the harsh and hostile Atlantic Ocean. Her journey from naval cadet to Captain of the LE AOIFE has given her unique insight into people and how to maximise performance even in the most challenging of circumstances. Note: Limited spaces.
Ms Burke becomes the chosen chief of The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids in June 2020. She is a psychologist with a deep love of the ancient Irish tales and a passion for storytelling. She brings old tales to new audiences, and while remaining faithful to the stories – often examines them from new perspectives, so that listeners experience them as fresh and relevant.
Friday 13th March @ 11:00am ‘Sr. Patricia Wall – The Flying Nun’.
Sr. Patricia Wall has dedicated her life to volunteering and community work since 1996. In 2013 she took to the airways appearing on The Late Late Show and the skies as The Flying Nun raising over 40k for charity. Committed to education, training and up-skilling as a way out of poverty and disadvantage Sr. Patricia works tirelessly to make our community a great place to live, work and play. An octogenarian who has served over 60 years as a nun; Sr. Patricia Wall has many a tale to share.
Saturday 14th March @11:00am ‘Samantha Lambert –Tipperary All- Ireland Ladies Football Captain.
Samantha is a leader, a captain, a class player and a role model for all women in sport. She will share her experience on the field of play and what it feels like to be a woman lifting the winning cup in Croke Park. The Mary Quinn Memorial Cup will also be in residence.
Saturday 14th March @ 2:00pm ‘Dr. Lucia Gannon – All in a Doctor’s Day: Memoirs of an Irish Country Practice.
The local doctor occupies a privileged position in society. Pillars of the community and privy to the most intimate details of people’s lives, we often imbue them with superhuman qualities and expect them to have all the answers. Step into the surgery of Dr. Lucia Gannon. Journey with her as she builds a life in this tight-knit community, and discover what it means to be the one person to bring their problems to.
Thursday 19th March @ 2:00pm ‘Éanna Ní Lamhna Goes Wild’.
Ms Ní Lamhna has been a freelance wildlife consultant since 1988, working with children and adults alike, she has also been a member of the panel on the RTE’s ‘Mooney Goes Wild’ programme since 1994. She discusses nature and the environment. Note: Limited Places
Monday 23rd March @ 2:00pm Ms Rosemary Smith – Rally Driver ‘A good car and a good road do not a good driver make.’
Ms Smith has been a rally driver since 1961, and holds the distinction of being the oldest person ever to drive a Formula 1 car, reaching speeds of over 160km per hour. Ms Smith is ‘sharp as a tack’ in her 83rd year, still competing in rallies, as well as giving lessons in the driving school she founded some 20 years ago. Ms Smith has a unique insight into a ‘male dominated world’ with many side splittingly, funny anecdotes.
Tuesday 24th March @ 7:00pm ‘Rachel Blackmore – Jockey – Blazing a trail…’.
Ms Blackmore is a superstar; this is the woman who likes winning with over 90 wins chalked up, including wins at Cheltenham. Considered a mould breaker in racing circles, she joins us to share her many insights.
Wednesday March 25th @11:00am – Dr. Elzaan Marnane – Breaking out of your chains’.
Dr. Elzaan delivers a one day workshop, exploring why women limit themselves and explores option on how to step through doors of opportunity and break out of the chains. Note: Limited places.
Thursday 26th March @ 11:00am ‘Deise Medieval – Celebrating Viking Women a Living History’.
In Viking society women held a high status and equality. Come and experience this living history event, see how the Viking women lived.
Friday 27th March @ 7:00pm Breege Phelan and the ‘Wood of O’.
Preceded by world food tasting with nibbles, supplied by Pat Glavin.
Ms Breege Phelan and Mr Will McLellan are sublime singer / song-writers who perform original, innovative material under the name, ‘The Wood of O’ with a ‘Mnásome’ flair.
Saturday 28th March @ 11:00am – Dr. Louise Nugent – Encountering the Sacred.
The Archaeology and Heritage of Pilgrimage, explores a wide range of pilgrimage topics from prehistory to the present day and have an Irish and Cashel focus, with particular emphasis on the role of women and the freedoms gleaned in pilgrimage.
Monday 30th @ 11:00am – Ena Howell – Regional President of the ICA Journeys to the University of Life.
The Irish Countrywomen’s Association brings together both rural and urban women and their communities in fellowship and through co-operative effort. The ICA is the largest women’s association in Ireland, with almost 10,000 members and over 500 Guilds across the Country. They cook, travel, craft and socialise! Ms Howell shares her wisdom from the University of Life.”
Independent TD Mr Michael Lowry has confirmed details of a new proposed housing development envisaged for Mitchel Street, here in Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
The proposed development would deliver 122 residential affordable houses, with an investment of some €34 million Euro.
The proposal is to deliver a new residential community with the proposed name for the scheme entitled “Brú na Manach”, [Translated from Irish to English “The Monks Palace”], in recognition of the fact that the lands are located to the north side of the Monk’s field.
Proposed Housing Development Site – “Brú na Manach”
The residential housing mix proposed in this scheme can be summarised as follows: – 11 x 2 storey semi-detached 4 bed houses. 62 x 2 storey semi-detached 3 bed houses. 16 x 2 storey townhouses 2 bed houses. 12 x Duplex 2 bed ground floor homes. 12 x Duplex 3 bed townhouses. 9 x 2 storey semi-detached 4 bed houses.
The Promoter of this project is Liberty Square Consulting Ltd, part of the Castlestar Property Development Group; a developer well established and respected, holding excellent credentials. This group is currently building quality developments at affordable prices at several other locations around the country.
The design team have spent over 12 months engaged in detailed consultation with Tipperary Co. Council and Irish Water on this proposed scheme; carefully examining the previously granted planning applications for this site and have already amended their plans to address concerns already raised by local residents and business owners. Indeed, acoustic fencing has been proposed to address concerns previously raised.
The proposed scheme will not include any apartments, and will be accessed via Mitchell Street and Bohernamona Road. Planning will include a new Childcare / Creche facility, and incorporate a new landscaped public park area.
Agreement has been reached in principle between the Developer; the Local Authority and Irish Water on infrastructure upgrades required to deal with local waste-water / sewerage collection networks, same resulting in the introduction of a new pump station and waste-water infrastructure on the site. This latter new system will have additional capacity and will be engineered to enable already existing houses on Bohernamona Road to be offered a connection to this mains sewerage / waste-water system.
Subject to full planning permission being granted, the developer intends to engage local contractors and tradesmen with a view to commencing construction of this housing scheme in September 2020.
Deputy Lowry stated, “At my request the developer has agreed to make available his full design team on Tuesday the 14th January, from 4:00pm–8:00pm, at the Order of Malta Centre, Boheravoroon, Thurles Townparks, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. Here full plans will be on display and the public will have an opportunity to raise queries, concerns or to make comments and suggestions.
The public can, if they so desire, make submissions directly online to An Board Pleanála on any matter regarding the planning application. This opportunity will remain open for 5 weeks. I have also made arrangements for representatives of Mitchel Street, Residents Committee and Loughtagalla Park and Residents Association to meet with the developer to discuss issues of mutual interest”, the Deputy stated.
“This project is a significant investment in our town. It gives an opportunity to young families to buy a house at an affordable cost. Young families secure the future of our town, its schools, business, sport and voluntary organisations. If constituents require further clarification, they may contact me or my office directly, Michael Lowry TD Constituency Office, Abbey Rd, Thurles Tel: 0504 22022 or email michael.lowry@oireachtas.ie“, Mr Lowry concluded.
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