THE arrival of the Olympic torch to Ireland and the fact the London Olympic Games are literally next door should inspire school children to enjoy sport in their daily life and help inspire a new generation of elite athletes, former Irish Olympian, Sonia O’Sullivan, has said.

While everyone can not be an Olympic Champion, Sonia O’Sullivan appealed to everyone to take part and enjoy the healthy lifestyle that is promoted through sport. “The more children who take part and enjoy sport the more likely Ireland is to breed a new generation of sporting greats,” the legendary Cork athlete said on a visit to her native City.

The Olympic great was in Cork for a pre-Olympic conference and to mark the launch in the city of a new classroom resource to help educate children about the Olympics titled ‘The 2012 Irish Olympic Team in London ’.

The resource pack, produced by Wexford educational resource company, Prim-Ed Publishing, consists of a book, accompanying interactive CDs and decorative packs to involve students in the magic of the Olympics, in primary schools. It can also be purchased by parents and used at home.

Ms. O’Sullivan, a proud mother of two, revealed that she plans to use the resource to help educate her two daughters Ciara and Sophie, about the Olympics.

“I think the Prim-Ed Olympic books and CDs will generate a lot of knowledge for young children to help them understand many aspects of the sports in the Olympic Games this summer and encourage young athletes to ‘dream big’ and believe in themselves. I think these books will help teachers and parents to encourage children to take part and be more active in sport now and in the future,” O’Sullivan said.

“I am really excited about this publication. It is a mountain of easily understood Olympic facts and details that will help children enjoy the Olympic Games more and help them to relate to athletes of various sports competing for Ireland this summer. I can’t wait to share these books and CDs with my own children when we are in Ireland and London this summer,” she added.

It is really important for the athletes to know that they have the support of public behind them, she added. “It is always beneficial to know in the back of your mind that people care about what you are doing and it encourages athletes to work harder to get rewards that they can share with their family, friends and Irish supporters.

“Sport whether competitive or social is the single most important activity combined with a good diet that generates good health and fitness in children and leads them to a healthy lifestyle throughout their lives.

“I never thought as a pupil that I’d be appearing in books like this Prim-Ed publication and I am only too happy to support and encourage school children to give sports a go and be inspired by Irish Olympic athletes like myself and especially those competing in London this summer. “

Prim-Ed is already well established as a leading Irish educational book publisher and teacher resource provider. The ‘2012 Irish Olympic Team in London’ project is an exciting new venture with the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) for the Wexford-based company which is now the exclusive, official educational publisher in Ireland of the complete teacher resources for the London games.

The pack for schools is tailored to pupils aged 5-8, 8-10 and 11 plus and comprises of a series of three books with accompanying interactive CDs and decorative packs which include a poster, door hanger, stickers and banners. There are also eBooks available also for projection onto interactive boards. While it is designed for use in the classroom, the publishers say it is also likely to be a huge hit with sports-mad children to use at home.

Prim-Ed MD, Seamus McGuinness, said children learn best when stimulated by material relevant to their world and interests and is confident the Olympics resource will be a huge hit in primary schools right around the country.

“The copymasters and eBooks, which can be used on interactive whiteboards, include teacher’s notes, curriculum links and lesson plans. They will feature up-to-date information on our Irish athletes and also past heroes. We’re thrilled with the resource and having an elite athlete such as Sonia O’Sullivan giving it a glowing review, we hope pupils nation-wide will use this programme and really get behind our athletes as they so truly deserve it.

“This OCI partnership will help teachers harness the Olympic spirit in our classrooms and bring the spirit of the games to life, while at the same time improving literacy, numeracy, geographical knowledge, dietary and nutrition plans in a fun, exciting and new way.”

COME JOIN THE BAT WALK ALONG THE RIVER NORE
Lots of free family events throughout the month of April

The inaugural month-long Kilkenny Walking Festival kicks off this weekend (Fri March 30th) with a packed programme of exciting outdoor events which will appeal to young and old throughout the month of April.

One of the highlights of the first week of the Festival will be a FREE River Bat Walk with a Wildlife ranger, leaving Riverside Drive on Thursday April 5th starting at 7.30 p.m.

The Bat Walk is one of a number of FREE events in the festival aimed at walkers who enjoy exploring the outdoors at a leisurely pace.

The festival will be about a lot more than just walking for walkers. The organisers have put together a diverse programme which will appeal to families, groups and individuals who will be encouraged to pack a picnic, join in a guided walk in the bluebells, go on a scavenger hunt, stroll along the riverbank or learn all about foraging in the wild.

The Bat Walk will be led by Jimi Conroy, a National Parks & Wildlife Ranger, and will be of interest to everyone, especially those with a curiosity about bats and local wildlife. It promises to be a fun and interesting activity giving people a unique opportunity to learn about bats in their area.

There are ten species of bats in Ireland and while in the past bats have been thought of as creepy and scary, they are in fact harmless and rarely bother people at all. Bat watching is becoming an increasingly popular pastime.

Bats hibernate in the winter so April is the perfect time to see them as they fly around trees hedges and rivers after sundown. So this Bat Walk is not to be missed!

The new Kilkenny Walking Festival is a collaboration between Trail Kilkenny, which champions the development of a range of high quality walking, cycling and other leisure trails in the County, and the Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership which works with local communities facilitating and promoting more active lifestyles.

The Festival includes a programme of over 60 events for families, walkers and holiday makers, all spanning the Easter holidays and beyond. Many of the events are free,

The highlights of the Festival include:

A City Walk Series
A guided Tree Trail in Woodstock, Inistioge
Scavenger Hunt at Castlecomer Discovery Park
Mount Juliet Estate Walking Trail
Foraging on the River Nore
Walking tour of Medieval Kilkenny
The Barrow Walk & Paddle, Graiguenamangh Boatslip
Picnic and guided Bluebell Walk in Jenkinstown
Riverbank Eco Trail, Goresbridge BarrowTrack
Achaeology Beneath Your Feet, Canice’s Cathedral

FORMER Green Party TD Mary White is to take a walk on the wild side over the coming days as she leads scores of walkers and lovers of the great outdoors on eco trails through some of the most scenic parts of Kilkenny.

Her Riverbank Eco Trails along some of Kilkenny’s most scenic rivers are just one of over 30 events on the first ever Kilkenny Walking Festival programme, a month-long expedition through the great outdoors which kicks off this Friday.

The festival is about lots more than just walking and the organisers want enthusiasts of all levels, families, groups and individuals to pack a picnic, join in a walk in the bluebells and in Scavenger Hunts, enjoy walks along the riverbank and barbecues, feast on local sausages and juices and learn all about foraging in the wild.

The new festival is a collaboration between TrailKilkenny, which has been championing the development, management and promotion of a range of high quality walking, cycling and other leisure trails for the benefit of visitors to and residents of Kilkenny, and the Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership which works hand in hand with local communities to encourage people to make use of these leisure trails.

Nicola Keeshan, Co-ordinator of Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership, said: “I am delighted to see the range of opportunities available for people to be physically active in the natural environment whether it’s exploring the Nore Valley or discovering hidden trails in the City. We look forward to meeting new people out walking over the course of the Festival – walking for health, walking for fun and hopefully walking for life”.

The Festival includes a programme of over 30 events for families, walkers and holiday makers, all spanning the Easter holidays and beyond. Highlights include the Bluebell Walk Series featuring Jenkinstown, Castlecomer Discovery Park and Mount Juliet ; Scavenger Hunts at Castlecomer Discovery Park each Saturday; Shankill Castle Garden Walk and Community Walking Leader Training: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

The Walking Leader Training is primarily aimed at people wishing to lead a walking group or promote walking in the community or workplace. The course comprises of a weekend of training and then a follow up 4 week walking programme to try out your new walking leader skills.

Declan Rice Director of Trail Kilkenny said: “This is an exciting addition to Kilkenny’s calendar of events. It’s fundamentally what the trails are about – linking food, craft, walking together to create interesting offerings for people to experience; bringing tourism into the county and benefitting local producers and providers of tourism services at the same time.”

Visitors to the region are also reminded that great rate stay-over packages are available through Kilkenny Tourism.

The Kilkenny Walking Festival Programme is available from the Tourist Information Office in the city or to download from www.trailkilkenny.ie

Taoiseach announces Irish Country Hotels to join Guaranteed Irish

BOOKINGS in traditional, Irish family-owned hotels have increased in the first two months of this year, indicating a trend towards ‘real Irish’ holidays for the 2012 season.

New figures released today (March 22nd) by Irish Country Hotels, a collection of 26 family-run hotels across Ireland, reveal a 21 per cent increase in bookings for January and February compared to the same period in 2011.

The figures were unveiled as Taoiseach, Mr Enda Kenny TD, announced the inclusion of Irish Country Hotels as the latest member of Guaranteed Irish at an event in Buswells Hotel in Dublin. They are the first hotels to be given the Guaranteed Irish logo, Ireland’s most trusted and recognised symbol for Irish manufactured goods and services.

The Irish Country Hotel bookings for January and February show a significant rise in business from the overseas market, in particular from France and the USA.

Total increase in bed night bookings for the first two months of the year is up 21 per cent.

Growth in bookings from the overseas market for this period is up 19 per cent.

The highest increase in bookings is from France, which has seen a rise of 84 per cent.

The number of bookings from the USA is up 73 per cent more remarkable as Americans don’t usually travel in an election year.

Figures for 2011 show an increase in visitors for the year 20 per cent, with revenue up 16 per cent .

“These figures are great news and will have a good impact on employment in the small communities where these traditional Irish properties are located.” according to Mary Fitzgerald, Group Chairperson of Irish Country Hotels. “Our main focus has been overseas, and we believe the new lower VAT for hotels is having an impact . If these figures continue we will be able to employ more part time workers this season. A 20% growth means 20% more beds to be made, breakfasts to be served, more tourists spending in shops etc so it is good for all the community. “

Irish Country Hotels comprises 26 traditional Irish hotel businesses who between them employ 1,141 full time and approximately 800 part-time staff. Spread throughout the country from as far north as Dunfanaghy in Co Donegal down to Baltimore in Co Cork, the hotels have a total of 1,190 bedrooms.

A quarter of a century in existence this year, Irish Country Hotels is run as a co-operative. While it has been marketed overseas and is now an internationally recognised brand, it is also embarking on a campaign to increase business from the domestic market.

Operated mainly by family owners, the hotels offer an Irish welcome for customers with a strong ethos of supporting local business. They include some of the best known family hotels in Ireland including Clewbay Hotel Westport, Headfort Arms ,Kells and Millpark Hotel Donegal.

“We feel we are an ideal fit for Guaranteed Irish. The owners of our hotels have a big connection with their community, and this is reflected in their commitment to buying goods locally where possible. We support artisan producers and provide rooms and facilities to local charities and sports organisations.” according to Mary Fitzgerald Group Chairperson of the Irish Country Hotels. “There is an important spin-off for local businesses and huge potential to increase jobs. The more people we attract to towns, the more business that is done in that area.”

Executive Director of Guaranteed Irish, Tom Rea, today welcomed Irish Country Hotels as the latest member of the organsiation.

“We are delighted to have Irish Country Hotels sign up to Guaranteed Irish. As is reflected in other sectors, there is evidence that Irish people want to support the Irish hospitality industry including hotels as much as possible. The standard in Irish Country Hotels is very high. Members are contributing significantly to their local areas and are competing on price and quality.”

He added: “With evidence that consumer spending is down across the board it is more important than ever that we think Irish. Buying Irish means we can secure and create Irish jobs. The Guaranteed Irish symbol is a flag that calls Irish consumers to rally in support of Irish products and services at a time when their help is most needed.” he concluded.

Analysis commissioned by Guaranteed Irish in 2011 shows that even a modest increase in spend of €4 per household per week on Guaranteed Irish goods and services could create over 6,200 new jobs in Ireland.

The analysis by Amárach Research shows that the average Irish household spends just under €16 a week on Guaranteed Irish products and services. (See appendix below)

The Guaranteed Irish membership includes a wide range of products and services extending to the pharmaceutical, building, recruitment, food, clothing and giftware market and now for the first time hotels.

Ross Lewis speaks in glowing terms about festival and its appeal

WATERFORD Festival of Food has certainly begun on a high note following a sold-out festival teaser at Dromana House on Sunday, an unforgettable evening with internationally-renowned chef Ross Lewis which featured the best of music, food and wine, all of which was enjoyed in the idyllic surroundings of one of county Waterford ’s most historic homes.

Magnificent sunshine beamed over the stunning venue which is perched high above the Blackwater as the Michelin star chef joined Paul Flynn of The Tannery and spoke of his experiences of cooking for the Queen during her recent state visit.

The event is part of the build-up to this year’s Waterford Festival of Food in Dungarvan from April 12 -15 and was a resounding success, Festival Director, Therese McDermott said. A sumptuous three course meal prepared courtesy of catering supremo Eunice Power, in association with local producers and fishermen, with wines carefully chosen by Michael Sheehan of the event sponsors, The Wine Buff in Dungarvan, she explained.

“The weather was stunning, we couldn’t possibly have asked for better. Soprano Catherine Redding performed three pieces, accompanied by Jack O Rourke on piano, among them ‘She moved through the Fair’, ‘Down by the Sally Gardens’ and ‘The Lark in the Clear Air’ to a hugely appreciative audience.

“Eunice Power’s three course dinner was stunning and received fulsome praise from our Michelin star chef and guest for the evening, Ross Lewis. Paul Flynn of The Tannery chatted with Ross about his experience of cooking for the Queen last year and there was lots of banter and laughter and plenty of audience participation,” Therese added.

Host Barbara Grubb presented Ross with a painting of Dromana House by local artist Richard Salaman. Mr Lewis and his family had stayed at Dromana House and took a trip down the Blackwater with the Grubb family.

“Ross spoke in glowing terms of the Waterford Festival of Food, Dungarvan and said that he was delighted to support it and would be happy to promote it. We simply couldn’t have asked for more,” the Festival Director concluded.

Thousands of food lovers are expected in Dungarvan for the 5th annual Waterford Festival of Food which runs from April 12th to 15th. This year’s expanded Food Festival programme features the return of many popular events as well as exciting new elements designed to foster and promote health and nutrition, to celebrate the European Year of Active Retirement and to appeal to adults, children and teens, but as always fun, pleasure and convivial, first class dining are top of the menu.

A host of celebrity and local chefs will be on hand throughout the four-day festival, cooking up a storm and mingling with food lovers. They will include the forementioned Paul Flynn who with Martin Shanahan from Fishy Fishy will give festival visitors a sneak preview of their new TV series ‘Surf n’ Turf’. The event will be expertly guided by RTE’s MasterChef judge Nick Munier of Pichet Restaurant and Richard Reeve of the Chop House in Lismore.

Local chefs Conor Foran from Lawlor’s Hotel, Eunice Power from Powersfield Hose, Michael Quinn from Waterford Castle Hotel and Louise Clarke from Nude Food will be take part in the Ready, Chef, Go contest, a fast, furious and fun cookery demonstration which will be MC’d by popular RTE Radio broadcaster, John Murray.

The Festival programme will also feature the Three Deise Girls, The Brewer, The Blogger, and The Baker, aka Claire Dalton, Niamh Shields and Eunice Power . They will create a Pop-Up Restaurant especially for the Festival in the unlikely venue of the Civic Offices which will be made-over especially for the occasion. New also is a special ‘concert and canapes’ event in association with ‘Storytelling Southeast’ featuring Fiona O’Reilly (soprano), Christina O’Flynn (mezzo soprano) and one of Ireland’s foremost accompanist Annabel Adams with delicious refreshments served by Louise Clarke from Nude Food.

For teenagers there’s also ‘Snack, Craic ‘n’ Pop’ with Comhairle na nÓg throughout Friday, which promises food and fun for teens at the beautifully located Clonea Strand Hotel.

Once again one of the focal points of the festival will be the legendary Farmers Market Extravaganza in Grattan Square featuring the very best of artisan food produce from right across the South East and beyond.

The festival is tailored to appeal to entire families and includes a host of free as well as ticketed events over the weekend with something for all age groups and all tastes. Back by popular demand are seaweed seminars. foraging trails, the mobile farm at King John’s Castle, the community picnic in the park, restaurants trails and cookery demonstrations to mention but a few.

With a much improved road network, Dungarvan now lies 1.45 hours by road from Dublin and the nearby city of Waterford has a regular rail service to and from Dublin which in turn is well served with a bus link to and from Dungarvan town. Hotels and B&Bs are all offering good value packages for the weekend too.

This year, a special festival accommodation package is available. Two nights bed and breakfast with one dinner costs just €89 at Lawlor’s, The Park Hotel, Clonea Strand and the Gold Coast Resort. But get booking now!

For further details on family deals, festival highlights and much, much more log on to www.waterfordfestivaloffood.com

· Secure but not overly-restrictive IT policies in workplaces critical if employers want to attract the brightest and best young workers

The 2020 workplace in Ireland is going to be a very different place as the next generation of workers enters employment with expectations and demands about how, when and where they access information, an IT expert has said.

Employers bidding to attract the brightest and best need to ensure that their IT policy is not so restrictive that it prevents the next generation from using social media, Ireland Country Manager for Cisco, Adam Grennan, said.

An international study carried out by Cisco in 14 countries around the world and involving college students and young professionals revealed that one third consider the Internet to be as important as fundamental human resources like air, water, food and shelter.

The 2011 Cisco Connected World Technology Report also found that more than half of the 3,000 respondents say they could not live without the Internet and cite it as an “integral part of their lives” – in some cases more integral than cars, dating, and partying.

The findings – although not directly related to Ireland – show a strong insight into the mindset, expectations and behaviours of the worlds’ next generation, including Irish young people, Mr Grennan, told the 2nd day of the Techovate 2012 conference in the Wexford Opera House.

“If employers want to attract this demographic they need to have an IT policy in the workplace that delivers mobility and includes social mobility and video. People need to be able to work remotely.

“Work is no longer a place you go to, it is what you do. The next generation of workers wants the same rich experience everywhere they go. As many as 70 per cent of those we surveyed said working in an office is completely un-necessary and that their productivity actually increases when they are not there.

“Work environments need to be secure but not so restrictive that people can’t do their job and get that rich experience. I’m not saying that we need to move Facebook into the work environment. But some social media applications do have a place in that environment.

“Of those we surveyed 56 per cent said they would not take a job in a company that was too restrictive. We need to acknowledge this if we want to attract bright young people,” Mr Grennan said.

The Cisco Cisco Connected World Technology Report, carried out last year across 14 countries found that:

· One of every three college students and employees surveyed believes the Internet is a fundamental resource for the human race – as important as air, water, food and shelter.

· Four of every five college students and young employees believe the Internet is vitally important as part of their daily life’s sustenance.

•More than half of the respondents (55% of college students and 62% of employees) said they could not live without the Internet and cite it as an “integral part of their lives.”

•If forced to make a choice between one or the other, the majority of college students globally – about two of three (64%) – would choose an Internet connection instead of a car.

•Two of five college students surveyed globally (40%) said the Internet is more important to them than dating, going out with friends, or listening to music.

· 27% of students said staying updated on Facebook was more important than partying, dating, listening to music, or hanging out with friends.

· Two-thirds of students (66%) and more than half of employees (58%) cite a mobile device (laptop, smartphone, tablet) as “the most important technology in their lives.”

· Leading business and technology companies gather at Wexford Opera House for Techovate 2012

The South East has the potential to become the Silicon Valley of Ireland and it is an ideal location for technology companies to establish and provide employment, Minister for Research and Innovation, Sean Sherlock TD, said today.

Speaking at the opening of Techovate 2012, an inspiring two-day business which is attended by senior executives from the world’s biggest technology companies in the stunning surroundings of the Wexford Opera House, Minister Sherlock said bringing fresh ideas from the research environment needs to be encouraged and will create much needed employment and generate increased exports, both of which are critical to our economic recovery.

Minister Sherlock said: “It would be foolish of us as a government not to look closely at how Enterprise Ireland, the IDA and organisations like Techovate can work together to create a unique network of businesses working together throughout the South East to create clusters and hubs that can be replicated right across the country.

“We should not think in terms of county boundaries but we should encourage the bringing together of innovators who work together for the region. We need to create similar templates around the country and have eco systems where ideas are socialised, people are not precious about those ideas and share them for the benefit of their region.”

The Minister added that events such as Techovate 2012 will offer inspiration and ideas to entrepreneurs with business ideas. He congratulated Innovation Wexford and The Fuse Initiative, for organising Techovate 2012, which will use dialogue, seminars and workshops to show business people how they can use technology to grow their business in a fast-moving global marketplace. Attendees have exclusive access to feature keynote presentations, intimate discussion forums and interactive networking events all against the backdrop of one of Ireland ‘s most inspirational venues, Wexford Opera House.

“ Ireland has been through a difficult period but all the signs are that there are people out there with lots of ideas and we will to pick up the pieces and get Ireland back on track. It is our young people with innovative ideas who are our future.

“Huge credit must go to Innovation Wexford and The Fuse Initiative and all the partners for having the vision to organise this conference and to attract speakers of such a high calibre from Silicon Valley to come here and share their stories of success Techovate 2012 – is attended by up to 400 Irish businesses of all sizes and stages of development – brings the Silicon Valley to the South-East, giving business owners the opportunity to interact with and learn from senior executives of the world’s most successful companies including Microsoft, Cisco, Google, IBM, Facebook and LinkedIn. “

Tomorrow, Thursday’s programme features Ireland ’s leading entrepreneurs telling how they made it happen including Terry Clune of Taxback, David Walsh of Netwatch and Fred Karlsson of DoneDeal. One of the highlights of the conference will be a session focusing on how to execute for business success, including top tips from 5 of the world’s largest companies.

Wexford is enjoying a mini economic boom as up to 400 delegates converge on the town for the inaugural Techovate 2012, according to Techovate organiser and Group Chief Executive, Brendan Ennis.

Not just a talking shop, the 48-hour event, which continues today (Thursday) features: Techovate Talk, engaging personal presentations and dialog; Techovate Interact, where attendees can experience the latest Facebook, Google, IBM and Microsoft technologies and Techovate Showcase, where select Irish companies can pitch their businesses.

The conference came about after a group of south-east entrepreneurs hopped on a plane to Silicon Valley and knocked on doors to forge links with the diaspora in Northern California to help develop growth within the Irish SME sector.

Founder of Techovate and Group Chief Executive at Innovation Wexford, Brendan Ennis, said they saw a unique opportunity to develop growth within the Irish SME sector by forging stronger links with the diaspora in Northern California .

“We have had phenomenal support from Vice-Presidents and Directors of these global companies, all of whom have volunteered their time to address the conference in person or via video link and attend forums and panel discussions that will deliver insights into how to accelerate business growth in a fast-moving global marketplace.”

Mr Ennis also acknowledged the support from Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland in helping foster relationships between Techovate and the global technology leaders taking part in the conference.

The conference continues on tomorrow, Thursday, with addresses from Micheal O Foghlu of Feedhenry; David Walsh from Netwatch, Stephen Moffatt of IMB, Tony Redmond from Rworks, Terry Clune from Taxback.com and others.

Royal Spice charity night in aid of Amber Women’s Refuge

Royal Spice Indian restaurant will host its annual Bollywood charity event for Amber Women’s Refuge on Thursday 29th March with an Indian fused menu provided by local food producers and Michael Buble entertainment.

The charity evening, which is open to women and men, was a massive hit last year and is again raising needed funds for the Amber Women’s Project, a voluntary organisation that helps women and children who are experiencing domestic violence.

The fun, Indian Bollywood themed night which starts with prosecco and canapés (Ireland’s first Cavier sponsored by Goatsbridge Trout), 3 course table service authentic Indian meal, Michael Buble tribute act Jason Paul Ryan and Henna hand painting is planned. Diners will also receive a packed goodie bag supplied by local businesses.

Syed Ahmed, owner of the Royal Spice on Patrick Street, said he is delighted to have this opportunity to give something back to the community that has supported his restaurant so well since it first opened its doors two year ago.

“It is important that business owners remember their social responsibility especially when some families are struggling in these tough times. We have planned a great night with the help of other local businesses and food producers, with sponsorship coming in from Goatsbridge Trout, Kilkenny Free Range, Truffle Fairy and Gleeson Wine Suppliers,” he said.

Other businesses on Patrick Street will also be teaming up with The Royal Spice to help make it a night to remember for this great cause. Auctioneer Ed Donohoe will host a charity auction on the night and Christopher Hetzel from Rudolf Hetzel jewellers will open his showroom on the evening for private viewings, offering diners a unique chance to try on all his beautiful pieces.

The Michael Buble numbers will be performed throughout the evening by local singer and actor Jason Paul Ryan with his party supply business Party Poppins decorating the venue. Goodies bags will be packed thanks to Whites Pharmacy, Nick O’Keeffe Photographers, Kapelli Hair Studio, Rudolfs and the Royal Spice itself.
Syed Ahmed said he would like to thank the other Patrick Street businesses for their support. “I am delighted that we are all pulling together to do something positive for our community. It is great to see such a joint effort by these businesses and our neighbours on Patrick Street.”

The Amber project provides a range of support services and counselling in the Carlow Kilkenny area. As well as offering women and children safe accommodation, it also provides a 24 hour helpline 1850 42 42 44, drop in support and information, and education support for children.

Raymond Lannen Chairman, Friend of Amber Committee, said they are delighted that The Royal Spice and businesses in Patrick Street are coming together again to organise an event for their building project.
“We can’t do what we do without the support of local people and we hope there is a great turn out on the night.” said Raymond Lannen.

Tickets will go on sale this week for only €30. For tickets please contact Siobhan Donohoe, MD Media on 056 7770400. Pre booking is essential.

Another set of identical Irish twins are to join Jedward to represent Ireland on the international stage.

Ten-year-old Mark and Owen Byrne from Walkinstown in Dublin can’t sing or dance but they have such lightening fast hand-eye coordination they have won a place at the World Sport Stacking Championships in Germany next month.

Their proud Mum Tammy says the boys are practicing so seriously for the event she’s even found them stacking the special competition cups before breakfast and she’s had to get a table in her garden specially adapted and grounded in cement so the sports-mad duo can practice while also getting some fresh air.

The highly addictive sport is part of the PE curriculum in a growing number of schools and involves up and down stacking specially designed sport stacking cups called Speed Stacks in three, pre-determined competition sequences against a clock which measures stacking times to one hundredth of a second.

“It’s been fantastic for them and what’s brilliant is that neither one beats the other all the time. They play lots of football and are both involved in cubs but more than anything, they love their Speed Stacks. We’ve 21 sets of cups in the house. It’s madness. The snooker table is now a stacking table. The kitchen table is even a stacking table most of the time.”

The duo were among the fastest eight to qualify at the Fruice Dilute All Ireland Championships in Dublin . Two teams travel to the event near Frankfurt on April 14 and 15. The team will be up against the top 500 competitors from 20 plus countries.

“The boys couldn’t wait for the All Ireland this year. They went along last year more for a look than anything but the organisers encouraged them to take part. Mark ended up on a relay team that won a medal and they’ve been practicing non-stop since. Our home hasn’t been the same since. While the twins are crazy about the sport, their brothers Paul (9) and Sam who is 13 also stack. Between the four of them, they won 13 medals at this year’s finals.”

Fruice Dilute’s Brand Manager Paula Mahoney said she is thrilled that the island of Ireland teams include Andrew Morton from Northern Ireland . “’Fruice Dilute sponsored the Irish Sport Stacking team who travelled to the World Championships in Dallas last year. This global event demonstrated to us the huge scope and appeal of Sport Stacking and the importance of lending our ongoing support to the Irish team, allowing them to participate at this competitive level.

“We are delighted that competitors from the North came to Dublin for the finals and that we have a Northern Ireland stacker on one of our two teams of four. We wish all participants the very best of luck,” she said.

The twins absolutely love the sport. Mark says half his class want to come to Germany with him for the finals. “It’s fantastic to get a chance to go to Germany . It’s the first time I’ve ever represented Ireland . Having a twin is great. I’ve always got someone to race against and we keep one another on our toes.”

Owen claims to be the faster of the inseparable duo. “I practice as much as I can every day and I am getting faster. It’s also helped me in other sports. I play in goal in football and found stacking has made my reaction time a lot quicker.”

Team coach Micheal Nolan has high hopes for the Irish team. “The standard at this year’s All Ireland was exceptionally high. We always go to this event hoping for medals. This year, I really think we have a great chance in several categories. “

The Irish team includes James Carrigan and Michelle Bergin from Kilkenny; Adam Turner and Enya Quill from Cork and Kevin Flanagan from Dundrum in Dublin . James, Michelle and Kevin all competed in the World Championships last year but none made the finals.

For more about Speed Stacks, log on to www.speedstacks.ie

· Leading business and technology companies gather at Wexford Opera House for Techovate 2012

Senior executives from the world’s leading technology companies and some of Ireland’s most successful entrepreneurs are gathering today (Wednesday March 2st) for Techovate 2012, an inspiring and innovative new two-day business event in the stunning surroundings of the Wexford Opera House.

The event – which will be officially opened by Minister for Research and Innovation Sean Sherlock, TD – will bring Silicon Valley to the South-East and will offer Irish businesses of all sizes and stages of development an unrivalled opportunity to interact with and learn from senior executives of the worlds most successful companies including Microsoft, Cisco, Google, IBM, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Techovate 2012 will also feature Ireland ’s leading entrepreneurs telling how they made it happen including Terry Clune of Taxback, David Walsh of Netwatch and Fred Karlsson of DoneDeal. One of the highlights of the conference will be a session focusing on how to execute for business success, including top tips from 5 of the world’s largest companies.

Organised by Innovation Wexford and The Fuse Initiative, Techovate 2012 will use dialogue, seminars and workshops to show business people how they can use technology to grow their business in a fast-moving global marketplace. Attendees will have exclusive access to feature keynote presentations, intimate discussion forums and interactive networking events all against the backdrop of one of Ireland ‘s most inspirational venues, Wexford Opera House.

Wexford is set for a mini economic boom as up to 400 delegates converge on the town for the inaugural Techovate 2012.

“Wexford Opera House is well used to hosting the performing arts with an eclectic mix of local, national and international performances. It is home to Wexford Festival Opera, recognised as one of the top three opera festivals in the world. But Techovate will be the largest, non-artistic event every hosted in this venue and you couldn’t ask for a better setting,” according to Techovate organiser and Group Chief Executive at Innovation Wexford, Brendan Ennis.

Wexford Opera House has been the recipient of numerous international design awards since it opened in 2008 including the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland ‘Best Cultural Building’ in 2008, the Royal Institute of British Architects ‘European Award’ in 2009, and the American Institute of Architects ‘Excellence in Design Award -Townscape Category’ in 2010.

“We are delighted to be hosting Techovate 2012 in Wexford Opera House. While we are primarily a receiving venue for the performing arts, the venue has also welcomed lectures and conferences and it was the venue for the Theatre Forum national conference two years running.” according to David McLoughlin, Chief Executive of Wexford Festival Trust, which manages both the Wexford Opera House and the Internati0nally acclaimed Wexford Festival Opera.

He added: “Wexford Opera House is an excellent venue partner as it represents in its design and construction the best international technology and innovation and given that the broader meaning of ‘Opera’ is an event on a grand scale, just like this innovative convention.”

Wexford Festival Opera, now in its 61st year is famous for launching the careers of many of the World’s top opera singers, and for bringing lost or neglected opera repertoire into the mainstream opera world. Audiences traditionally come to Wexford Festival Opera and Wexford Opera House to see the ‘Next Big Thing’. “Who knows maybe the Opera House will be the setting for the launch of some great new business ideas following Techovate 2012!” added Mr. McLoughlin.

Not just a talking shop, the 48-hour event features: Techovate Talk, engaging personal presentations and dialog; Techovate Interact, where attendees can experience the latest Facebook, Google, IBM and Microsoft technologies and Techovate Showcase, where select Irish companies can pitch their businesses.

The two-day gathering will be split into four main themes:

1) The art of working together to produce better results.

2) Social media and online communications – harnessing the power of communities to support business growth.

3) Software and services – how future technology can give your business the edge.

4) Making it happen! Tales from the frontline on accelerating growth.

Speakers will include technical evangelists from Microsoft Cliff Reeves, IBM’s Head of Smarter Computing, and Facebook Director of Global Brand Partnerships and Bill Liao co founder of the business social network service XING.

The conference came about after a group of south-east entrepreneurs hopped on a plane to Silicon Valley and knocked on doors to forge links with the diaspora in Northern California to help develop growth within the Irish SME sector.

Innovation Wexford is a not-for-profit job creation organisation with a community focused approach to enterprise development. To date it has assisted in the creation of over 800 jobs and has supported the establishment and development of over 100 companies. The FUSE Initiative is a group of 250 entrepreneurs and business people aimed at promoting business growth in the south-east.

Founder of Techovate and Group Chief Executive at Innovation Wexford, Brendan Ennis, said they saw a unique opportunity to develop growth within the Irish SME sector by forging stronger links with the diaspora in Northern California . “We have had phenomenal support from Vice-Presidents and Directors of these global companies, all of whom have volunteered their time to address the conference in person or via video link and attend forums and panel discussions that will deliver insights into how to accelerate business growth in a fast-moving global marketplace.”

Mr Ennis also acknowledged the support from Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland in helping foster relationships between Techovate and the global technology leaders taking part in the conference.

Colin Browne, Director of Business Operations for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) with Microsoft who will be speaking at Techovate 2012, said: “Microsoft has a long history of helping new and start-up businesses. Over the two days at TechOvate we will share insights on our partner ecosystem, cloud computing, enabling successful start-ups and demonstrate some of Microsoft’s latest and upcoming technologies.

“In the current climate one of the key focuses for business is keeping costs down. Investing in technology is a significant way to reduce such costs and creates new opportunities for both start ups and existing businesses. We hope by sharing our experiences in innovation and new technologies to inspire those who participate in this event.”

Fred Karlsson, founder of DoneDeal, said at the Techovate 2012 launch that the Internet is quickly changing every business.

“This creates lots of opportunities for new businesses, but also a lot of challenges for existing businesses. I am delighted that Techovate is held in Wexford, as the South East has a number of strong national and international businesses. For example, DoneDeal grew into one of Ireland ‘s biggest web sites in just a few years, and our office remains in Wexford town.”

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