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Irish Examiner
4 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Retired fireman in the running to be named Ireland's best lollipop person
A retired fireman who guides children safely across a busy road to school in East Cork is in the running to be named Ireland's best lollipop person. Ger Gleeson, who has been standing outside Bunscoil Mhuire in Youghal, Co Cork, every school day for the last eight years helping kids to cross the road safely, was described 'as a hero' by those who voted for him as Munster winner in the Tonstix Lollipop person of the year competition. 'Ger cares so much about the safety of all of the children and is trusted by the parents at a very busy crossing,' one parent said. In particular, Ger has a very special bond with the children who are in the school's autism unit who will come to Ger by themselves and put their hand in his to cross the road. Ger, who is one of three men named as provincial winners in the competition, is among the hundreds of school traffic wardens around the country who ensure that primary school children cross public roads safely to and from school. They can only stop vehicles if they are wearing their uniform and holding their distinctive lollipop-style 'stop' sign. Anyone who fails to stop their vehicle for a lollipop person is guilty of an offence under Section 96 of the Road Traffic Act, and faces a fine of €160 and two penalty points. Irish company, Tonstix Travel Pops, set out to honour these unsung road safety heroes by inviting people to nominate their favourite lollipop person. Alongside Mr Gleeson in Munster, Naomi Doyle, who has worked as a lollipop lady outside Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí in Magherafelt, Derry, for 10 years was named the Ulster winner. Naomi Doyle, who works outside Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí, Magherafelt, Derry. The Leinster winner is Joe Quigley, who has worked for 16 years outside St Joseph's NS in Dundalk, Co Louth; and the Connaught winner is Thomas O'Brien, who works outside St Attractas NS in Charlestown, Co Mayo. They are now being considered as the potential winner of the overall national title. Sinead Crowther, the co-founder and CEO of Louth-based Soothing Solutions, which makes the Tonstix range of honey jelly pops that provide an alternative to children's lozenges, said they were delighted with the response to the competition. 'Lollipop people keep our children safe every day. They bring joy, smiles, and a sense of security to families across Ireland,' she said. Voting for the winner opened on Friday, with the title set to be awarded on June 23, just before the summer holidays. The winner will receive a trophy and a €1,000 travel voucher.


Irish Times
06-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Irish medical technology company eyeing 20 jobs to fuel UK expansion target
The Louth-based medical technology company behind the National Cardiac Device Registry is targeting a UK expansion and is expecting to create 20 jobs to support those ambitions. Heart Rhythm Ireland is rebranding as Heart Rhythm International (HRI) with the intention of developing business in the UK. The medical technology company said it is expecting to add 30 additional hospitals and approximately 50,000 additional patients in the UK to its network before 2029, hoping for revenue growth of €3 million. To fuel this expansion, HRI said it expects to grow its team to 30 people in the coming years, creating an additional 20 jobs. READ MORE 'We're managing our expansion step by step, focusing initially on the UK market,' said Robert Kelly, the chief executive of HRI. The company is also targeting the Australian and New Zealand markets in the coming years with hopes of expanding into the US market too. 'We believe there is real opportunity for HRI to grow, to support more patients and doctors overseas, while helping advance cardiac care internationally in the years ahead,' he said. 100 days of Trump: 'It's like The Karate Kid, tax on, tax off, tariffs on, tariffs off' Listen | 42:49 Through its work as the operator of the National Cardiac Device Registry, HRI works with more than 65,000 patients in Ireland with its platform being used by more than 50 cardiac hospitals in the country. HRI operates a cloud-based cardiac rhythm management platform that makes patient cardiac information available in real time to patients and their medical teams. The company, which was founded in 2008, said it is developing artificial intelligence and predictive analytics capabilities through its cardiac device management portal in the hopes of giving patients earlier insights. [ New handheld device enables early detection of heart disease Opens in new window ] 'Through our system, patients receive greater peace of mind and better health outcomes, while medical personnel can make better informed and more efficient decisions. Ultimately that improves patient care and helps save lives,' said Mr Kelly. 'We've already demonstrated how we can enhance cardiac care in Ireland by supporting over 65,000 patients and working with more than 50 hospitals nationwide. Now, we're bringing that capability overseas.'


Irish Independent
24-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
LEO Louth appoints Nikki Campbell as new Head of Enterprise
A past-pupil of St Vincent's Secondary School, she studied at Dundalk Institute of Technology and Universidad de León. Ms. Campbell has an impressive background in Operations Management with Optimum Results and Customer Perceptions, and experience in revenue, sales, recruitment, and training within the hospitality industry. Her extensive experience as an elite trainer and consultant in SME development, both nationally and internationally, will be a huge benefit to enterprise in Louth. She will lead the Local Enterprise Office's efforts to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs, and start-ups across the county. Her vision is centred on driving sustainable economic growth, enhancing the local business ecosystem, and empowering Louth-based enterprises to scale and succeed. 'I am thrilled to join the Local Enterprise Office Louth at such an exciting time for the county,' said Ms. Campbell. 'I look forward to working with businesses and entrepreneurs to help them navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead. Working with my colleagues in the LEO, my focus will be on fostering a culture of innovation, resilience and adaptability to help Louth businesses thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace.' Louth County Council's Chief Executive David Conway welcomed the appointment saying: 'We are delighted to welcome Nikki Campbell as the new Head of Enterprise. Nikki brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and energy that will be instrumental in supporting and growing the local enterprise sector. Her background in operations and SME development means that she understands the challenges local businesses face and how to support and inspire them. We are confident that her vision for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth will further strengthen Louth's position as a leading destination for entrepreneurship and enterprise.' As Head of Enterprise, Nikki will oversee the range of programmes and initiatives designed to provide support, training, funding, and advice to businesses across the region. Under her leadership, and working with Louth County Council, representative bodies and agencies, LEO Louth will continue to position the county as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. 'I am passionate about creating an environment where businesses of all sizes can succeed,' Nikki continued. 'By working closely with local enterprises, we can ensure that Louth remains a dynamic and attractive place for business investment and development. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and committed to supporting the local business community.'