“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything”. Quote by George Bernard Shaw.
Just three years after World War II, the following two advertisements relating to Co. Tipperary appeared in a Muintir Na Tire handbook publication, entitled “Rural Ireland 1948”.
The first advertisements, show directly above, relates to the town of Thurles and the once existing Mineral Manufacturer “Dwans”. Note the Company Telephone Number in the picture.
The second advertisements, again show directly above, relates to Roscrea and the Roscrea Bacon Factory, Ltd. Note the somewhat humerus sausage promotion and also the telephone number.
Today, in relation to both companies, we understand the quote by American politician and lawyer, Robert Kennedy (1925-1968): “Progress is a nice word. But change is its motivator, and change has its enemies”.
Launch Of New Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Awareness Raising Campaign.
National campaign that places survivors and victims centre stage to be launched.
First awareness-raising campaign from Cuan, the DSGBV Agency, aiming to empower people to tell their stories.
A powerful new campaign to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence, focusing on the importance of victims and survivors telling their story, is being launched today.
‘Hardest Stories’ is the first national awareness-raising campaign by Cuan, the Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) Agency.
The campaign, with a tag-line of ‘The stories that are hardest to tell need to be told’, aims to shine a light on particular stories of violence, while acknowledging that too many of these stories exist, and to empower people to tell their own personal story.
Both domestic violence and sexual violence are crimes that have traditionally been under-reported, and significant work is being done to increase reporting, including through awareness campaigns.
The campaign is centred on two television adverts, both of which provide a snapshot into what the survivor remembers of the abuse that they themselves suffered; how they felt, and how they continue to feel. Further assets, which will run across radio and digital channels, will feature more stories from men, women, and the LGBT+ community. They are stories of harassment, abuse, rape and stories of violence.
While the stories are difficult to tell and to hear; the intention behind the campaign is to encourage and empower people to come forward. In addition to raising the importance of these stories, the campaign calls on the public to take an active role in tackling DSGBV and provides information on how to support someone who is a victim or survivor; on what signs to look out for, and on how they can use their voice to make change happen.
Dr. Stephanie O’Keeffe, (CEO of Cuan), said, “Centring the experience of victims and survivors of DSGBV is at the heart the values we bring to our work in Cuan. This is why we felt that our Agency’s first public awareness campaign should bring this experience centre-stage. The overarching message of the campaign is that Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence is prevalent in Irish society, however it is often hidden or ignored. With this campaign we hope to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence within our society, encourage victims and survivors not to suffer in silence and to recognise that by telling their story they can reclaim their power.”
The campaign will run across TV; national and local radio; in press; digital and social media; in cinemas; on billboards and digital screens, throughout Ireland from ThursdayFebruary 27th.
The ‘Hardest Stories’ campaign website can be found LINKED HERE
NOTE: Details of Local Support ServicesavailableinCo. Tipperarycan be foundHERE.
Cuan Saor Refuge LocationsIn Tipperary: Clonmel: Helpline Number 1800 57 67 57 or Email support@cuansaor.org. Roscrea: Helpline Number 0505 23999 or Email ascend@ntdc.ie.
Services Provided: Include Refuge Accomodation, Helpline, Support and Information, One to One Support, Counselling, Outreach, Court Accompaniment, Training and Awareness-raising, Child and Family Support.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland’s (FSAI) Food Safety Consultative Council today held an open meeting to explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in food safety. ‘AI in Food Safety: Innovation, Risks, and Opportunities’ brought together leading experts to explore the potential of AI and its real-world applications in reshaping the future of food safety systems.
Over 220 people registered for the event, which took place at the Gibson Hotel in Dublin, with a lineup of Irish and international speakers from the FSAI and representatives from UCD, Kerry Foods, Teagasc, TOMRA, Creme Global, and The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority.
Chaired by Ms Suzanne Campbell, Author and Journalist, the event also offered insights into the practical applications of AI technologies, including machine learning, predictive modelling, and machine vision, highlighting their potential to revolutionise food safety systems. Discussions also addressed the challenges and risks associated with AI implementation, underscoring the necessity for robust regulatory frameworks and ongoing research.
Dr Pamela Byrne, (Chief Executive, FSAI), highlighted that while AI offers incredible opportunities for enhancing food safety, it also comes with potential risks. “Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that can enhance our food safety systems in ways we have never seen before. From ensuring traceability in the food supply chain to creating predictive models for disease outbreaks and implementing machine vision systems for quality control, AI is already becoming embedded in the day-to-day operations of the agri-food sector.”
“As we stand at the intersection of innovation and responsibility, we must be mindful of both the tremendous opportunities and the inherent risks associated with these technological advances. We must ask critical questions: How can we leverage AI to enhance food safety while safeguarding public trust? What steps must we take to ensure that AI technologies are applied responsibly, in line with legislation and best practice, and that the reliance on emerging technologies does not compromise food safety standards? The FSAI remains committed to embracing technology while upholding the highest standards of food safety and consumer protection,” said Dr Byrne.
Contributions on the day included Dr Brian McNamee(Associate Professor, School of Computer Science, University College Dublin); Dr Marc Wagner(Data Analytics and AI Lead, Kerry Foods); Dr Geraldine Duffy(Research Officer, Teagasc); Dr Brendan Byrne(Technology Manager, Artificial Intelligence, TOMRA); William O’Sullivan(Head of Data Science, Creme Global); Elske van der Vaart(Data Scientist, Nederlandse Voedsel-en-Warenautoriteit [The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority]); Gail Carroll(Director of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Building, Food Safety Authority of Ireland); and Cormac McElhinney(Acting Manager Data Centric Project, Food Safety Authority of Ireland).
Note: The Food Safety Consultative Council (FSCC) acts as a forum for debate on food safety issues and provides advice to the FSAI Board on areas of relevance. Food Safety Consultative Council
Mná Month, is held in Cashel Library every year during the month of March. The entire month morphs into one long celebration of women and it is done creatively.
International Women’s Day falls on March 8th and Mother’s Day traditionally falls towards the end of March, making this month the ideal time to make this event happen.
In a joint collaboration between Creative Ireland and Tipperary County Council Library Service, patrons are invited to celebrate women by tapping into their creativity.
The year 2025 marks the fifth year of this month-long celebration of women, with the library formerly hosting big names like Rachel Blackmore, Una Healy, Bibi Baskin, Rosemary Smyth and many more. The library will host a wonderful programme of FREE events that celebrate the achievements of women.
Annual Mná Month in Cashel Library, Co. Tipperary.
“This year the library service particularly welcomes non-nationals, the LGBTQ+ community, the active aged and adults who live with Dementia and Neurodivergence” says Ms Maura Barrett, (Branch Librarian and co-ordinator); adding “The library service is for everyone and it is important that we spread our reach as far as is possible.”
Saturday March 1st, Mná Month begins with a concert by the Wood of O, with doors open at 7.30pm. Comprising of singer-songwriter MsBreege Phelan and Songwriter/Composer MrWill McLellan, who have been mesmerising audiences for nearly a decade now, with their own unique original material and classic folk songs.
On Monday March 3rd, beginning at 11:00am the Cashel library will host ‘Write Minds Poetry Workshop’ facilitated by Ms Eileen Acheson & MsJenny Cox. This Poetry & Wellness is targeted at beginner and early-stage writers and is a fun and safe space, where writers are encouraged to put pen to paper using creative prompts, and wellness techniques.
On Monday March 3rd, and Monday March 10th beginning at 2:00pm Cashel library hosts English Conversation for new arrivals with experienced Failte Isteach tutors. These are fun filled and structured English conversations for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners of English.
On Tuesday 4th, Wednesday 5th & Thursday 6th of March, beginning at 2:00pm, Cashel library hosts a ‘Mnásome Quiz’, for the Active Aged, facilitated by librarian Ms Claire Grant. This promises to be both competitive and great craic with prizes for the winning team. Also, on Tuesday March 4th, beginning at 6:00pm, there is an Art Exhibition Launch with well-known and local artist Ms Joan O’Brien, who paints the female essence and her emotions. Her work embodies the mystical, spiritual and ethereal side of nature. Joan utilises mixed media like glass, paint and inks in her art works. This exhibition continues for the month.
On Saturday March 8th, beginning at 11:00am, there will be ‘Circle Dancing’ on International Women’s Day with Ms Tracey Tobin. Circle Dance is a gentle healing way to bring body, mind & spirit together. This workshop helps to relieve daily stress and release creative energy. It is the place where you can let your mind learn from your body. “I’ve always been struck by the quiet and unsummed female attribute of women’s creativity”, states Ms Maura Barrett(co-ordinator), “It is something that often goes undeclared but does so much to enrich the lives of others. This gift of creativity, drawn from the heart and mind is freely given, and translates into many things. It all requires vision, imagination, organisation, problem solving and orchestrating which is a creative skillset, even if many women don’t recognise it as such.”
Other events will include Comhrá as gaeilge; Hidden History(in collaboration with the County Museum); Genealogy; Making Birdboxes(with Elke Wilson); Jewellery Making(with GG Designs); Celtic Ceol & Craic(with Ms Patrice Davern); Candle Painting and Print Making(with Ms Lisa Manton); Women’s Health(with Ms Sabine Eggars); Crystal Healing(with Eileen Heneghan); Shamanic Drumming(with the O’Riains); Mnásome Karoke; Ceili Dancing; Queer Stories; Author Interviews and a Movie Night.
Note: Do please make sure to book your place early if you see an event you like, because seating accomodation will get booked very quickly as the month progresses! Booking Please to Tel: 062 63825
You canlocate the Cashel Library building, situated on Friar Street, Lady’s Well, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, HERE. (G487+RX).
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