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Irish Independent
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Choral Festival celebrates 40 years of music as Wexford nominees line up for prestigious awards
A standout moment came when local musical society, St Michaels Theatre Musical Society (SMTMS) won their category, earning top honours under the Musical Direction of Kevin Kennedy. Competing against other musical societies and choirs, SMTMS earned top place in Competition F, winning the Maeve Wilson Trophy for the third time since it commenced in 2019. 'I am incredibly proud of our choir. The dedication, energy and commitment of our members really shone through on stage. It's especially wonderful also to win the Maeve Wilson cup. Maeve was so fond of local talent and she would be delighted to see us win this for another year', said Mr Kennedy. Mr Kennedy also paid tribute to Ms Heffernan, describing her as 'not only a valued member of our society, but a valued member of AIMS (Association of Irish Musical Societies), having joined the Choral Festival committee 15 years ago, and taking over as administrator four years ago. The entire weekend is a credit to her leadership and hard work'. The festival opened on Friday, May 16, in which 16 schools participated in the schools' competition, much to delight of the passers by in Brennan's Lane as choirs took advantage of the revamped space to warm up. Several competitions were held over the day, comprising primary school choirs, secondary school choirs, junior musical cameos and soloists to name but a few items. The day was a showcase of the passion and promise of the next generation of musical talent. Hosted by Chris and Roisin Currid, A Night at the Musicals was the spectacular Saturday night event. With the steer of Mr Kennedy, this concert featured an array of talent from 10 musical societies from across the AIMS South East Region; some performing highlights from their recent productions and some performing brand new arrangements. It was an evening filled with excellent music, standout performances, joyful energy, good humour and charm, making it a thoroughly entertaining experience for the sold-out event. Competitions continued on Sunday at St. Michael's Theatre and The Parish Church, with an impressive 38 choirs comprising approximately 1,100 singers performing throughout the day. Both venues, praised widely for their acoustics and welcoming atmosphere, proved to be the perfect settings for events. Reflecting on the occasion, Festival Director Lizzy Heffernan said: 'This weekend was really special. Celebrating 40 years of the AIMS Choral Festival here in our town and seeing so many groups, both young and old, come together in song was just brilliant. New Ross was alive with music, and the atmosphere was electric.' Beyond the music, the festival brought a welcome social and economic boost to the town. The shops and pubs benefitted greatly from the impressive turnout. The recently opened Brennan's Lane added to the vibrant atmosphere, where the weekend was rounded off with a lively open-air performance by local group, The Nomads. South Street was buzzing as choirs and spectators came together in joyful song, while gathering together along the street. There was also great excitement for many in attendance as AIMS announced their nominees for the 2025 awards, which will see 11 Wexford nominees who have been shortlisted from various groups across the county up against drama groups across the country for the top spots. The nominees include: Jacinta Kavanagh, Nominated by Carnew Musical Society; Best Visual - Sullivan: Enniscorthy Musical Society - Joseph & His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Best Technical – Gilbert: Wexford Light Opera Society - Young Frankenstein; Best Stage Management – Gilbert: Oyster Lane Theatre Group - A Christmas Carol; Stage Manager: Colin Murphy; Best Comedienne: Antonia Close as Frau Blucher in Young Frankenstein - Wexford Light Opera Society; Best Actor: Kevin Reade as Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol - Oyster Lane Theatre Group; Best Male Singer - Richard O'Toole as Joseph in Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Enniscorthy Musical Society; Best Overall Show – Gilbert: Oyster Lane Theatre Group - A Christmas Carol. Meanwhile, two top Wexford musical directors are in contention for the spot as Best Musical Director – Gilbert, as Patrick Clancy and David Hayes have been shortlisted for their work with Oyster Lane Theatre Group's adaptation of A Christmas Carol and Wexford Light Opera Society's Young Frankenstein, respectively. The Enniscorthy Musical Society has also been nominated for the prestigious Adjudicator's Special Award - Moment of Theatre for the camaraderie, energy and full commitment of 11 brothers' hatred of Joseph in Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. The awards, which will be held in Killarney, Co. Kerry, will take place on Saturday, June 14.
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Non-sports summer camps 2025: An A-Z guide, from art and archeology to tech and yoga
Summer camps are not suitable for every child , but every single year the demand from children and parents increases. For children, the long summer often requires distractions – the good news being there are now many quality, entertaining and educational camps in every county . For parents , the summer can feel even longer, and camps can be as much about sheer necessity for working mothers and fathers as anything else. Below is our guide to summer camps that do not (generally) involve lots of outdoor physical activity. READ MORE AIMS Youth Workshop A weeklong fully residential workshop, the AIMS (Association of Irish Musical Societies) youth workshop introduces teenagers to various aspects of performing musical theatre. The teens take part in improvisation, dance, singing (solo and choral) and acting, culminating in a concert on the final evening. Past workshops have featured extracts from shows such as West Side Story, Grease, Clown, 42nd Street and Les Misérables. The camp always books out very quickly. Location: Ursuline Convent, Thurles, Co Tipperary. Dates and times: Sunday, June 29th to Friday, July 4th. Ages: 15-18 years. Cost: €320. Website: Alliance Française The award-winning Alliance Française Dublin's summer camps provide a unique and immersive environment for kids to learn and have fun in the French language and culture. One- or two-week camps are available for children and teenagers of all levels and abilities. Location: 1 Kildare Street, Dublin 2. Date and times: June, July and August. Ages: 3-5 years / 6-9 / 10-12 / first year, second year, Junior Cert, fourth year, fifth year, and Leaving Cert. Cost: From €249. Website: Anyone4Science For children who love experiments and activities, this camp is packed with activities relating to botany, bioplastics/polymers, pulleys and levers, anatomy and food chemistry. There are also experiments and activities inspired by the David Walliams books – Slime, Gangsta Granny, Grandpa's great escape. The teen camps will also be packed with fun experiments and activities. Location: TU Dublin, Grangegorman; TU Dublin, Tallaght; Castleknock CC, Dublin 15; and Greystones ETNS, Co Wicklow. Dates and times: Camps take place during July and run from 9.30am to 2.30pm for teens and 10am to 2.30pm for primary schoolchildren. Ages: 7-15 years. Cost: From €275. Website: Archaeology Camp A unique type of summer camp. The School of Irish Archaeology camps provide a new and fascinating alternative to sports-themed camps and other school-break activities for children. If your child is a curious explorer with a thirst for knowledge who likes to get their hands dirty while learning about the past, this might be the one for them. Full of fun ancient craft and technology workshops, along with the very popular Big Dig Viking house excavation activity. Locations: Harold's Cross NS, Dublin 6 West; Rosemont School, Sandyford, D18; Clonturk Community College, Whitehall, D9; Malahide Community School, Co Dublin; and St Joseph's parish Hall, Terenure, D6. Dates and times: One-, three- or five-day options, 10am-3pm, throughout the summer. Ages: 7-12 years. Cost: €160. Website: Artzone For the creative young person in your house. Qualified art teachers teach the children new skills and techniques. Artzone covers a range of art projects, including painting, drawing, materials manipulation and clay construction, with lots of personal design and creative input. For older students, there's also stop-motion animation, drawing, painting and sculpture. Locations: Artzone Studios, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14; Taney Parish Hall, Dundrum, D14; St Andrew's, Malahide; Scoil Mhuire GNS, Lucan, Co Dublin; St Paul's Parish Centre, Glenageary, Co Dublin; and online. Dates and times: July and August, 10am-1pm, and 2pm-5pm (Rathfarnham only). Ages: 5-16 years. Cost: €160. Website: Aventuro Aventuro Ireland organises reciprocal exchange programmes for Irish children, offering cultural and language immersion experiences lasting from four weeks to six months. The organisation pairs a child with an international child of similar age, interests and personality. Participants live with their matched family abroad and later host their exchange partner in Ireland. Locations: Current summer placements are available in France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Canada and China. Dates and times: June, July and August – from four to 12 weeks. Ages: 10-17 years. Cost: From €750. Website: Best Life Certainly not the usual summer camp, the goal is to 'empower children, and we help them develop self-belief, resilience and social skills in a fun and inclusive environment. Through engaging (age-appropriate) life lessons, creative arts and crafts, and outdoor, non-competitive games, children learn to find their voice, make new friends and build positive self-talk.' Some of the topics covered include making friends, self-confidence, speaking up for yourself and dealing with worries. Locations: 10 places across counties Dublin and Meath. Dates and times: 10am-2pm (four hours each day for four days) during July. Ages: 6-12/13 years (Children who are finished junior infants up to sixth class). Cost: €110. Website: Campa Samhraidh The Coláiste Ghlór na Mara summer camp is run by fully qualified teachers and is a great way for students to learn or improve their Irish through fun science, art, home economics and sports sessions. Location: Naul Road, Clogheder, Balbriggan, Co Dublin. Dates and times: Monday-Friday, August 18th-22nd, (10am to 3pm). Ages: Suitable for students coming from both English and Irish-speaking schools that are going into sixth class in primary school and students going into first, second or third year in September, 2025. Cost: €160. Booking: (email campa@ ) Connemara Maths Academy Set in the Cistercian College, Roscrea, CMA camps blend discovery, creativity, adventure and learning in a way that captivates young minds. The 2025 offering introduces STEAM workshops – covering AI; nanotechnology; wind, solar and hydropower projects; entrepreneurship and economics, 3D scanning, modelling and printing; chemistry experiments; coding and robotics; podcasting and more, as well as outdoor adventure activities. Location: Cistercian College, Roscrea, Co Tipperary. Dates and times: June 22nd-July 25th. Ages: 6-17 years. Cost: From €319 per week (day/residential options). Website: Dancesteps The camp covers ballet, jazz, yoga, hip hop and contemporary – promising to be sociable, fun, good exercise, and full of imagination and different modes of expression. Location: War Memorial Hall, Terenure, Dublin 6. Dates and times: July 21st-25th. Junior camp is 10am-2pm; senior camp is 2.30pm-5pm. Ages: Junior camp is for 5-12 years. Senior camp is for teens. Cost: €120 for junior camp, €70 for afternoon senior camp. Website: (email ellendowneydance@ ) DDen Dden is offering newly configured activity-based digital skills camps this summer: A specially curated DigiKids Camp for ages 10-12; social media literacy and digital health; machine learning and AI; leadership, team building and digital Health; data visualisation and analysis; and human centred design thinking. Each digital skills camp week comprises 37.5 hours of skills training and fun activities (machine learning and AI is 70 hours over two weeks). Participants also take home a digital portfolio of their work. Location: Carlow College, St Patrick's. Dates and times: Monday-Friday, 9.30am-4pm, June 30th-July 31st. Ages: Three age brackets – 10-12, 13-15 and 16-19 years. Cost: From €250. Website: (email immanuel@ ) Designer Minds Designer Minds camps are where science, technology and creativity collide. Children dive into hands-on challenges involving coding, robotics, LEGO engineering, science experiments, art and design, and maths, all while building confidence, curiosity and real-world skills. With a focus on fun and inclusivity, the camps give children the chance to explore, invent and discover in a space where being curious is cool and learning feels like play. Locations: 144 locations in 25 counties. Dates and times: Five-day camps in July and August. Ages: 6.5-12 years. Cost: €160. Website: Discovery Playtime Featuring themed weeks – from superhero training to ocean exploration – each filled with hands-on activities, outdoor fun and new friendships. Lots of activities, including art, messy play, dancing, singing, storytime and treasure hunts. Locations: Naas, Newbridge and Celbridge, Co Kildare, and Ballybrittas, Co Laois. Dates and times: July and August, 9.30am to 1.30pm. Ages: Children from ECCE to senior infants. Cost: €140. Website: Diva The Dún Laoghaire Institute of Visual Arts (DIVA) is an art centre offering creative camps that cover a wide range of different artistic activities. Children and teenagers will learn new skills in a fun and inclusive environment where the class sizes are small (maximum 10 per class). Young artists get to try out different activities such as clay modelling, plaster carving, watercolour and acrylic painting, ink marbling, still-life drawing, map making, collage, printmaking, oil pastels and character design. Location: 24 Mellifont Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin. Dates and times: Camps run weekly throughout July and August. Ages: 7-18 years. Cost: €158. Website: Dlr Mill Theatre Camps designed to immerse students in a high-energy, intensive, daylong learning experience consisting of instruction in acting, singing and dancing. Students will experience the collaborative nature of theatre, culminating in a presentation on the dlr Mill Theatre stage on the Friday afternoon. Children will also have afternoon activities in arts and crafts. Location: dlr Mill Theatre, Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin 16. Dates and times: Four camps running from June 30th to July 25th – 10am-2.30pm daily. Ages: 4-15 years. Cost: €150. Website: Euro Languages College ELC offers immersive residential language camps for secondary school students, hosted in boarding schools in Munster. These 17-day summer courses provide a blend of language learning and fun, with students fully immersed in French, German or Spanish both in and out of the classroom. A wide range of indoor and outdoor activities – such as unihoc, basketball, tennis and swimming (available at select locations) – ensures a well-rounded and enjoyable experience. Locations: Bandon Grammar School, Bandon, Co Cork; Cistercian College, Roscrea; and Presentation Boarding School, Thurles, Co Tipperary. Dates and times: Various start dates across July and August (each course runs for 17 days). Ages: 13-18 (all secondary school students welcome). Cost: €1,490. Website: Independent Theatre Workshop Founded in 1993, The ITW has a bumper line-up of performing arts camps happening this summer for ages three to 18 in Dublin. The camps are all divided according to age and include drama, dancing, singing, arts and crafts, and puppetry. The musical theatre camps are inspired by Into the Woods and Little Shop of Horrors for Teens, with the younger camp themes including Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter, Wicked and Matilda. Locations: ITW Studios in Clonskeagh and Drumcondra; and Beechwood Centre, Ranelagh. Dates and times: All camps run for five days, Monday-Friday. Tots – July in Beechwood from 9am-12.30pm, Drumcondra from July 21st-25th, 9.30am-12.30pm. Juniors and Tweens in Clonskeagh, July 7th-12th/14th-18th/21st-25th – 10am-3pm. Drumcondra – July 21st-25th, 1.30-5.30pm. Teens (13-17) -Clonskeagh – June 30th – July 4th/July 28th – August 1st – 10am-3pm. Ages: Tots (3-6 years), Juniors (7-9 years), Tweens (10-12 years), Teens (13-17 years). Cost: Tots: €140, Juniors/Tweens: €180, Teens: €195. Website: Inspireland Inspireland Art and Animation Camps bring together talented artists to create a safe space for young creatives to be themselves, express themselves and find their tribe. These camps are as much about building confidence as they are about creating art. Students will learn the basics of animation, comic art, claymation, video game concept art, craft bookmaking, mask making, character design, model making, illustration, watercolours, print, graphic art and mixed media. Locations: Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Dún Laoghaire; Clasac, Clontarf; Rua Red, Tallaght; St Phibblestown Community Centre, Dublin 15; St Peter's, Cork; Knocknacarra GAA, Galway; TUS, Limerick; Navan Adventure Centre; and Linenhall Theatre, Castlebar. Dates and times: Five-day camps from late July and early August. Ages: 8-18 years. Cost: €160. Website: Instituto Cervantes The Instituto Cervantes, the official worldwide organisation for the promotion of the Spanish language and culture, is offering Spanish summer camps for teenagers. The programme is designed for students with prior knowledge of Spanish and aims to enhance their practical language skills. Through engaging activities that develop reading, listening, writing and speaking abilities, the course places special emphasis on interactive oral exercises. Teenagers will return to school more confident and better equipped with improved Spanish skills. Location: Instituto Cervantes Dublin, Lincoln House, 6-16 Lincoln Place, Dublin 2. Dates and times: Monday to Friday, 10am-1pm, weeks of June 16th, June 30th and July 21st. Ages: 13-18 years. Cost: €205. Website: Little School Nature Camps Keep the children busy with lots of outdoor fun at The Little School Nature Camps based in the heart of Airfield Estate. Children learn all about nature at the same time. Activities include nature scavenger hunts; bug hunts and pond dipping; farm life; birdwatching; and learning all about the world of food and planting food to take home and grow. Location: Airfield Estate, Dundrum, Dublin 14. Dates and times: Five-day camps – June 30th to July 25th – 9am-2pm. Ages: 5-7 years. Cost: €175. Website: Maratacht A marine-focused residential camp for teenagers with water activities and conversational Irish on Ireland's most southerly island. Activities include marine ecology, social history of human interaction with the sea, climate change issues, kayaking, snorkelling, fishing and SUP – all linked to second level curriculum/UN Sustainable Development Goals. Locations: Cape Clear Island/Oileán Chléire, Co Cork. Dates and times: Residential. Seven or 14 days. Every Sunday from June 8th – July 6th. Ages: 13-17 years. Cost: €765. Website: Next Stage The Next Stage Theatre School are back this summer with their renowned performing arts camps. The camps involve singing, dance, drama and fun, culminating in a show for parents on the last day. The focus is on making friends, having fun and building confidence while learning about performance. Locations: Naas and Castledermot, Co Kildare; Dunboyne, Co Meath; and Balally and Rathfarnham, Co Dublin. Dates and times: June 30th to August 15th, 10am-2.30pm. Ages: 4-13 years. Cost: €85. Website: Phoenix Stage School The Co Galway stage school provides education, entertainment and recreation for students aged five-18 in a nurturing environment through dance and musical theatre. The July camp is called Dance! Dance! Dance!, with the one in August named Musical Mania. Locations: Leisureland, Salthill, Co Galway. Dates and times: July 7th-11th and August 11th-15th, 10am-2pm. Ages: 5-12 years (music) 7-12 years (dance). Cost: €105. Website: Playact A lovely way for children to connect with new people, develop new skills and learn about drama, the arts and music. The kids become the maestros of their own theatrical tales, while being fully immersed in the world of drama, theatre, and play. Fun-filled days where drama, dress up, role-play, music, art and character building are the order of the day. Locations: Several Dublin venues – Dún Laoghaire, Donore Avenue D8, Stillorgan and Sandymount. Dates and times: Five-day camps, Monday, July 7th to Friday, August, 1st – 9.30am-1.30pm. Ages: 4-12 years. Cost: €155. Website: Réalta Drama This summer, Réalta will be running speech and drama summer sessions for children and teenagers in Co Mayo. There are only four spaces in each session so that children have a focused yet relaxing experience. Students are all grouped within similar age brackets. The summer sessions are about building confidence and creativity. Location: Mountgordon, Castlebar, Co Mayo. Dates and times: Contact Michelle at hello@ for available slots over June, July and August. Ages: 5-18 years. Cost: €60 per four week term. Website: Searsol The classroom computer skills camps are ideal for children and teenagers who want to improve their digital literacy skills. The course covers a range of topics, including touch typing, word processing, presentation slides, image editing, creating cards, avatars, comic books, collages and online drawing. Locations: Dundrum, Whitehall and Lucan, Co Dublin. Dates and times: Five days, 9.30am-12.30pm (Level 1) and 1.30pm- 4.30pm (Level 2). Ages: Ages: 8-12 years (Level 1) and 13-18 (Level 2). Cost: €100. Website: Singing & Songwriting Two separate camps. One is a Singing Summer Camp, aimed at tweens and young teens, and promising games, solo and group singing, learning techniques etc, and a concert at the end of the week. The other, a Songwriting Summer Camp, is for older children and includes writing, recording and performing a song. Arclight Drama also have an annual Shakespeare Camp, but this is already fully booked for this summer. Location: Arclight Drama Studio, Cornelscourt Village, Dublin. Dates & Times: Aug 5th-8th (singing). July 7th-11th and August 11th-15th (songwriting). Ages: 10-14 years (singing). 13-17 years (songwriting). Cost: €120. Booking: Email darraghcullen31@ or arclightdrama@ Siobhán Jordan Art Immerse yourself in nature and creativity in these outdoor art camps designed for children and young people. The art camp is a full immersion in the joy of creativity, a four-day camp where children explore nature, get messy, make friends, play and make art. Children will forage for materials (sometimes eating what's left over) and embrace the outdoors and nature. Location: South Co Carlow. Dates and times: Teen Art Club: June 11th-13th. Children's Camps: July 1st-4th, July 8th-11th, July 15th-18th. Ages: 6-18 years. Cost: from €100. Website: Starcamp Now in its 18th year, tens of thousands of children will attend one of Ireland most popular multi-activity camps. Dance, drama, music, magic, comedy, news and weather reporting, art and games – all wrapped together with the core ethos of building self-esteem and confidence. This year, the traditional Starcamp is aimed at the four-eight age group, with Starcrew introduced for those aged eight-plus, designed around activities that are more engaging for the older children. Locations: 250 locations in almost every county. Dates and times: Five-day camps through the summer, 9am-2pm daily. Ages: 4-12 years. Cost: From €100. Website: Spotlight Learn the art of stage craft, through dance, drama and vocals. The camp will also explore the technical side of theatre, working with lights, sound and stage management, as well as make-up and costume. Location: Source Arts Centre, Thurles, Co Tipperary. Dates and times: Monday to Friday, June 30th to July 4th, 10am-3pm daily. Ages: 7-14 years. Cost: €100. Website: Techkidz You can boost your child's creativity at this technology camp. Kids dive into coding, robotics, animation, web design, game design, graphics and more. A place to make friends and learn with every click and code. Locations: Clare, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford. Dates and times: July to August, five-day camps. Morning camps (9.30am-12.30pm), Afternoon camps (2.30pm-5.30pm). Ages: 7-14 years. Cost: From €120. Website: Tutti Music Discover the magic of music at Tutti Music Ireland's Summer Orchestral Course. Experience ensemble playing, exhilarating performances, percussion workshops, conducting sessions and so much more with professional musicians Peter Ryan, Martin Johnson, Ian Dakin, Ailbhe McDonagh, Lynda O'Connor, Caitríona Frost and Ben Castle in a fun, engaging and inclusive environment. Location: Rathmines, Dublin 6. Dates and times: August 11th-15th. Ages: 11-17 years. Cost: €350. Website: WhizzKids Since 2003 WhizzKids summer camps have introduced children to the world of web design, game development, 3D modelling, app development and a host of other digital skills. Held in venues such as UCD, DCU and UL, they operate out of nine university campuses. And it's not all coding: they mix sports and high-tech challenges into an 'edu-taining' day. Locations: Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Athlone, Clare, Tipperary. Dates and times: Camps through July and August. Monday-Friday, 9.30am-1pm or 9.30am-3pm. Ages: 8-15 years. Cost: €140/€190. Website: Yoyoga Children start each day with yoga, which is done through storytelling, games and songs, before then moving on to meditation. Then they go outside for arts and crafts. The camp day is finished with more yoga and meditation. Location: St Catherine's NS, Donore Avenue, Dublin 8. Dates and times: July 7-11th and August 11th-15th, 9am-1pm daily. Ages: 5-8 years. Cost: €135. Website:
Agriland
6 days ago
- General
- Agriland
DAFM: 62% of Irish herds have less than 50 cattle
Approximately 62% of Irish cattle herds have less than 50 cattle, according to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine's (DAFM's) Animal Identification and Movement System (AIMS) Bovine Statistics Report for 2024. The report details that as of December 31, 2024, there were a total of 94,165 cattle herds in Ireland, with an average herd size of 65.5 cattle. There were a total of 6,167,200 cattle in Ireland on this date. Unsurprisingly, Cork is the county with the most cattle in Ireland, with 914,325 head of cattle on December 31, 2024, followed by Co. Tipperary with 581,588 cattle in the premier county on that date. Key Irish herd size statistics as of December 31, 2024: 37,539 herds had fewer than 25 cattle; 20,651 herds had between 25 and 49 cattle; 10,842 herds had between 50 and 74 cattle; 6,774 herds had between 75 and 99 cattle; 7,817 herds had between 100 and 149 cattle; 10,542 herds had over 150 cattle. Waterford is the county with the largest average herd size at 125.1 cattle, followed by Kilkenny, Tipperary, and Wexford at 124.6, 104.7, and 104.2 respectively. The table below outlines a profile of the Irish herd size by county as of December 31, 2024: County Cattle Herds Average herd size Carlow 94,385 1,086 86.9 Cavan 214,527 4,166 51.5 Clare 241,153 5,292 45.6 Cork 914,325 9,744 93.8 Donegal 172,754 4,524 38.2 Dublin 17,847 287 62.2 Galway 383,983 9,437 40.7 Kerry 289,408 5,362 54 Kildare 120,292 1,478 81.4 Kilkenny 317,355 2,547 124.6 Laois 227,916 2,379 95.8 Leitrim 61,983 2,506 24.7 Limerick 356,585 4,440 80.3 Longford 104,139 2,052 50.8 Louth 82,590 980 84.3 Mayo 231,942 7,488 31 Meath 263,928 2,953 89.4 Monaghan 202,403 3,673 55.1 Offaly 221,192 2,587 85.5 Roscommon 178,641 4,537 39.4 Sligo 95,076 2,839 33.5 Tipperary 581,588 5,556 104.7 Waterford 223,015 1,783 125.1 Westmeath 190,501 2,583 73.8 Wexford 269,066 2,583 104.2 Wicklow 110,606 1,303 84.9 Total: 6,167,200 94,165 65.5 Source: DAFM 2024 AIMS report Co. Galway has the highest number of herds below 25 cattle at 4,603 herds, while Co. Cork has the highest number of herds above 150 cattle at 1,960 herds.
Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Risk of horsemeat entering UK food chain again, experts warn
The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) said there was a significant threat to food safety posed by the current paper-based passport system used for horse transport. Speaking to The Grocer, Dr Jason Aldiss, executive director of AIMS, said: 'There is absolutely nothing stopping a horse euthanised with barbiturates – rendering its meat a toxic hazard – from being passed off as a clean carcase for human consumption. 'We are sitting on a ticking time bomb.' AIMS is calling for the 'urgent' introduction of mandatory digital IDs to replace the 'dangerously outdated' paper-based passport system. They said the system was unable to accurately update ownership, transfer or death records, and argued it 'remains ineffective due to a lack of mandatory, real-time data input by owners'. With no centralised enforcement, the illegal substitution of horsemeat for red meat remained a genuine threat, the Grocer reported. Similar calls were made earlier this year by the British Horse Council (BHC), Horse and Hound reported. Speaking at the National Equine Forum in March, BHC chair David Mountford said: 'In 2013, the horse meat scandal didn't appear for no reason. It appeared because beef prices were high, there was high demand and beef supply was limited. 'Horse meat supply was plentiful and it was cheap. That situation is recurring now. 'So the triggers that made the problem happen in 2013 are there now and is there horse meat in your lasagne? Don't know. Nobody's tested it but it's a distinct possibility. 'When we look back, the recommendations from everyone involved in 2013 were digital ID and traceability. Let's hope the progress we make pre-empts and stops us buying horse meat in our next batch of ready prepared food.' At the same event, Defra minister Baroness Hayman of Ullock said: 'Let me assure you that the Government recognises the importance of equine identification and traceability to equine health and welfare and to public health, biosecurity and trade. 'The Government wants to see a robust and streamlined system for digitising equine identification. But we have paused work in this critical area while we tackle the very real challenges around public finances. 'My officials continue to engage with the British Horse Council (BHC) to explore ways equine ID and traceability can be improved within resourcing constraints. A very positive meeting took place last week, at which the creation of an industry/Defra co-design project was agreed, to explore a way ahead with this.'
Hans India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
PM Modi To Inaugurate 103 Upgraded Railway Stations Today; 3 Major West Bengal Stations Get Modern Makeover
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today virtually inaugurate 103 redeveloped railway stations across India under the ambitious Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with three major stations from West Bengal—Kalyani Ghoshpara, Panagarh, and Joychandi Pahar—receiving comprehensive modern upgrades. The historic inauguration ceremony will be conducted via video conference from Bikaner, Rajasthan, marking a significant milestone in India's railway infrastructure modernization. The nationwide project spans 86 districts across 18 states and Union Territories, representing a total investment of over Rs 1,100 crore. "May 22 is a landmark day for India's railway infrastructure. The Amrit Stations will boost comfort, connectivity and celebrate our glorious culture!" PM Modi announced on social media platform X ahead of the inauguration. The three West Bengal stations have undergone remarkable transformations with a combined investment of Rs 20.73 crore. Joychandi Pahar received the highest allocation at Rs 11.43 crore, followed by Panagarh at Rs 5.5 crore and Kalyani Ghoshpara at Rs 3.8 crore. "Through this scheme, the stations have been completely revamped. The new features will give them a brand new look," explained Diptimoy Dutta, Chief Public Relations Officer of Eastern Railway. Kalyani Ghoshpara Station, which serves the University of Kalyani, AIMS, IIIT, ITI, and numerous medical and engineering colleges, has been transformed into a modern transportation hub. The comprehensive redevelopment encompasses the station building, concourse, circulating area, porch, and facade. Key improvements include a full-cover platform shed, raised and resurfaced platforms for enhanced safety, and modern furniture with new seating arrangements. The station now showcases local art and culture through decorative elements throughout the premises. The technological upgrades are particularly impressive, featuring single and double-face train indication boards, GPS-enabled platform clocks, advanced speaker systems, and an outdoor LED tower clock. The facility now includes completely renovated waiting halls and toilets, along with accessibility features such as two ramps, low-height booking counters, accessible toilets, and water booths for differently-abled passengers. Panagarh Railway Station under the Asansol Division has been transformed into a contemporary passenger facility. The station now features a brand-new building on the second entry side, complete with modern ticket counters, spacious waiting areas, and specially equipped toilets for differently-abled passengers. Accessibility has been significantly enhanced through the installation of two lifts and additional ramps. The platforms have been refurbished with new protective sheds, while the circulating area has been optimized for smooth passenger and vehicle movement. The station's green initiative includes landscaped gardens, while modern amenities encompass energy-efficient lighting systems, advanced ticketing infrastructure, and improved sanitation facilities. Security has been strengthened with comprehensive CCTV camera installation, and passengers now benefit from multiline display boards, train information systems, and coach information boards providing real-time travel updates. The Joychandi Pahar Station in Purulia has been redeveloped in record time under the Adra Divis
