Celebrating the Women in Leitrim
Who Bring Us Together & Lead Us Forward

***TOMORROW*** THURSDAY - 12th November 10am-1.00pm

Carrick Business Campus, Carrick on Shannon

 

CARING – CONNECTING – CHANGING

Leitrim PPN is delighted to collaborate with WCI North Leitrim Women's Centre for a very special event celebrating the incredible women who make a difference in communities throughout County Leitrim.

Across our villages, towns and townlands, women give so generously of their time, energy, passion and commitment to supporting others, strengthening communities and creating positive change. Much of this work happens quietly, often behind the scenes and without recognition. This event is an opportunity to shine a light on these contributions, celebrate grassroots leadership and recognise the women who help keep our communities connected, caring and thriving.

We are delighted to welcome a wonderful panel of local community heroines, chaired by Nóirín Clancy, who will share their experiences, stories and inspiration.
Our panel includes:

• Shirley Hewston – Girls Brigade, Manorhamilton
• Nuala McNulty – Environmental Activist, Love Leitrim and Eco Tourism
• Emma O'Hagan – Emma's Footprints, North West Stop
• Kathleen Flanagan – North West Hospice Hero 2026 and PPN Representative
• Bernie Mulligan Dolan – Leitrim Healthy Clubs and PPN Representative
• Maura Williamson – Drama Therapist, Facilitator, Playwright and Theatre Maker
  

We will also make time to give something back to the women who give so much to others, with a special Self-Care & Wellbeing Workshop with Chillín with Tara.
Local playwright Treasa Nealon will bring the morning to a close with a special reflection.

There will be lunch, treats, friendship and an opportunity to connect with women from across the county.

Pre-booking appreciated for catering purposes:
071 9856220
info@northleitrimwomenscentre.ie

The Hardest Bridge, Documentary Screening

A screening of the documentary “The Hardest Bridge” took place in The Island Theatre, Ballinamore last week.

 

The 45 minute documentary was directed by Dr Imad Karam, an award-winning British-Palestinian filmmaker who grew up in Gaza City.  Dr Karam made this documentary to bring Jo and Pat’s deeply personal story of forgiveness and transformation to a wider audience.

 

The gathering in The Island Theatre watched the film and there was then a question and answer session, led by former RTE journalist Carole Coleman.

 

Jo's future plans include continuing the work she is doing with a “positive change making programme with young people.”

The film was shown as part of the PeacePlus project, a cross-border programme.

Pictured: Niamh & Orla from The Volunteer Centre and Mary from Leitrim PPN.

Waterford PPN Community & Voluntary Awards

It was a great honour for Leitrim PPN to attend the Waterford PPN Community and Voluntary Awards, Leitrim PPN Co-Ordinator judged the Spic and Span Residents Association category.

The awards ceremony was a memorable evening, bringing together communities from across Waterford to celebrate the people and organisations that make such a valuable contribution every day.

 

Pictured:Catherine O'Toole Irish Environmental Network, Noelle Nally Cork County PPN, Cllr. Liam Brazil  Mayor of Waterford City and County,Muriel Tobin Waterford PPN, Mary Mc Keon Leitrim PPN, Walter Cullinan Waterford PPN

Celebrating Community Development in Leitrim with the Level 7 Special Purpose Award Certificate

Congratulations to all the students who graduated from the Level 7 Certificate in Community Work in a Changing Ireland Special Purpose Award from Maynooth University.

 

This programme was delivered by Maynooth University Dept of Applied Social Studies & Leitrim County Council PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.

 

Congratulations to Mary Mc Girl PPN Support Worker on her graduation and colleagues in other agencies/groups.  Well done to all.

We Have Added A Number of New Resources to Our Website

County Leitrim Social Inclusion Week 16th to 20th Nov.

Leitrim Inclusion Week 2026 will run from Thursday 12th to Friday 20th November under the theme Stronger Together, with a programme of events across the county focused on inclusion, connection and mutual support.

 

This year's theme is built on a simple message - a community is only as strong as its most vulnerable members. Inclusive communities empower everyone, lift up those who need support and make sure no one is left behind.

 

By sharing resources and looking out for one another, Leitrim can be a place where everyone has the support they need to belong, participate and thrive.

 

The flagship event is the Community Cost of Living Event with Conor Pope Irish journalist, author and broadcaster who works for The Irish Times as well as appearing on radio and television as a consumer advocate. Dont miss this informative event on Mon 16th Nov at The Landmark Hotel in Carrick on Shannon from 6 to 8.30pm.

Leitrim PPN Winter Plenary - 19th Nov

Thurs 19th Nov 7pm to 9pm at The Rainbow Ballroom of Romance, Brockagh Lower, Glenfarne, Co. Leitrim. F91 RK54

 

Theme: Beyond Borders/Building Communities 

 

Speakers: 

• Dr. Anthony Soares Director of the Centre for Cross Border Co-Operation
• Rural Action on 2 funding streams – Cross Border
• Stride on Cross Border Programme
• Ciaran Rock - Kiltyclogher Heritage
• Seán Mc Dermott - Glenfarne Community Development

Lots of information stands for groups, networking and refreshments at 7pm.

 

ALL WELCOME TO JOIN US

Irish Environmental Network Winter Conference

Leitrim PPN are delighted to invited you to the Irish Environmental Network Winter Conference in Drumhierney Woodland Hideaway, Leitrim Village, Co. Leitrim on Thursday December 3rd from 9.30am to 4pm.

 

A 100-acre private estate in the heart of Leitrim!  Sixteen woodland lodges, an exclusive wedding/events venue, a forest spa and 5km of nature trails!

 

Join us for a day of learning, sharing, and connecting!

 

The day is designed to bring together people from national and local groups, find shared ground and overlapping concerns, and make connections that can help us all in our individual and collective work. The workshops and presentations offer practical overviews and advice on taking next steps in the topic discussed. We will also be celebrating the season with a delicious meal to end the day!

 

Learn about each other's work and make valuable connections, get the facts on data centres and their ecological impact, hear from those involved in a dark sky community project and their process of implementing dark sky friendly lighting in their village. Hear from our wonderful speakers on these topics with more to be announced! 

 

Leitrim PPN are delighted to be bringing this Conference to Leitrim in association with IEN.

Theatre Project Award 2027 Round 2

The objective of the Theatre Project Award 2027 Round 2 is to support the

development, generation, and making of professional theatre.

 

The award is open to professional artists and organisations with a demonstrable track record in theatre practice, in collaboration with artists and/or in partnership with existing theatre organisations, arts centres or festivals.

 

Deadline: 19th November

Conservation and Climate Awesome Foundation Micro-Grants

Each chapter of the Awesome Foundation is volunteer-run and self-funded by a group of people who pool their money to form micro-grants that fund meaningful projects. This chapter is focused on nature conservation and climate change. They want to find promising projects and innovations that may be overlooked by the big, cumbersome funding organizations. If you are an individual or small team, with an awesome idea that will help the environment, you are encouraged to apply.

 

They want to support: Creative, innovative and impactful projects having to do with wildlife conservation, habitat protection, climate change, ecotourism or environmental communication. They are looking for ideas that haven't been done before or are being done in a unique way.

Deadline: 27th November

Healthy Ireland Fund 2027 - Expression of Interest Now Open!

Leitrim County Council and Healthy Leitrim are inviting community groups and organisations to apply for funding under the Healthy Ireland Fund 2027.

 

Projects must contribute to one of the following outcome indicators:

 

Decrease in the proportion of people who smoke daily or occasionally

Increase in the average number of remaining years that people can expect to live without disability

 

If your organisation has a project that can make a positive difference to the health and wellbeing of people in your community, we encourage you to apply.

 

Deadline: 27th November

Local Bereavement Development Grants 

Irish Hospice Foundation award a number of Local Bereavement Development (LBD) grants annually.  The grant aims to encourage and support collaborative bereavement developments at a local level.  Already existing groups and newly formed groups are eligible to apply.

 

Who can apply for a grant?

A group of organisations who provide some level of bereavement support to the public and operate in the same geographical region e.g. county, CHO area etc. 

There must be a minimum of six organisations in the group.

All organisations must provide some level of bereavement support to adults and/or families (e.g. information, peer support, counselling etc). 

Deadline: 27th November

Youth Climate Action Grant 2027

Are you part of a registered, youth-led organisation based in one of the 27 EU Member States? Generation Climate Europe (GCE) is offering €32,000 to support one project strengthening youth engagement and coordination ahead of COP32.

 

Benefits of the Opportunity:

- Receive €32,000 in project funding.

- Bring young people together through a European youth conference.

- Strengthen coordination among youth climate organisations ahead of COP32.

- Develop shared youth priorities to inform climate discussions and decision-making.

- Expand youth participation beyond established climate networks and help create lasting impact.

Deadline: 29th November

Arts Council Co-funding Award 2027 

The Co-funding Award is designed to support Irish arts organisations towards their artistic activities under the European Cooperation Projects and European Platforms strands of the Creative Europe Programme 2021– 27. 

 

This award is for Irish organisations that have already secured funding for artistic activities under the Cooperation Projects strand of the Creative Europe Programme 2021–2027.

This allows organisations to apply for funding to support the Irish arts activities in their project that align with the priorities of this award. 

 

Deadline: 3rd December

Town & Village Renewal Scheme – Main Scheme & Project Development Measure 2026

The 2026 TVRS Main Scheme is designed to support the revitalisation and resilience of rural Ireland through an ongoing focus on town centre regeneration and enhancing economic and social vibrancy in line with the Town Centre First policy.

 

The 2026 TVRS Project Development Measure is designed to create a well-developed project which might be subsequently progressed to construction stage, subject to the availability of further funding.

 

Leitrim County Council is now inviting Expressions of Interest

EOIs should be submitted to funding@leitrimcoco.ie

 

Town & Village Renewal Scheme Information Webinar under Training Below

 

Deadline: 4pm, Friday 4th December

Lifelites Community Projects 

Lifelites is seeking to support 21 community projects with sensory and assistive technology over three years from 2025. They will support 7 projects per year.

 

They will seek organisations with a proven track record of supporting children with life-limiting conditions and align closely with Lifelites’ Mission. 

They will provide assistive technology, installation and training to support the delivery of these projects.

 

They are seeking to support organisations across Britain and Ireland which address an unmet need, with particular prioritisation for children and young people who do not have access to Lifelites services through children’s hospices.

Deadline: 7th December

Irish Aid 2027 Global Citizenship Education Grants 

Irish Aid GCE grants support organisations to build awareness and understanding of the rapidly changing, inter-dependant and unequal world in which we live, and encourage individual and collective action by people of all ages.  Grants are available to a range of organisations, including those working in primary schools, third level institutes, youth organisations and in the adult and community sector in Ireland.

 

The Irish Aid GCE grant scheme is a competitive process that provides grants of between €10,000 and €180,000 for one year in duration.  It includes the Innovation Challenge Fund, which supports initiatives designed to reach new audiences, or which pioneer fresh approaches to GCE, including the use of new technologies.

 

Deadline: 9th December

2027 LGBTIQ+ Community Services Fund

The 2027 LGBTIQ+ Community Services Fund will be used to support the implementation of the National LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy II 2024-2028, which was published in June 2025.

 

There are two streams of funding under the LGBTIQ+ Community Services Fund:

– Scheme A is open to applications from existing LGBTIQ+ NGOs and community organisations working with the LGBTIQ+ community to support new initiatives and to maintain and enhance existing services and initiatives.

– Scheme B will provide small grants to organisations for projects that promote inclusion of LGBTIQ+ persons.

Deadline: 11th December

Arts Council Bursary Award Available

Leitrim Sculpure Centre can host artists applying for the AC Arts Awards.  They have accommodation and a broad range of facilities for the development of your professional practice or project.

 

The Bursary Award supports individual artists to develop their artistic practice.

It focuses on providing artists with the time and resources they need to think, research, reflect, and deeply engage with their artistic practice.

Leitrim Sculpture Centre, New Line, Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim

Ionad Dealbhóireachta, Cluainín, Co. Liatroim

info@leitrimsculpturecentre.ie

 

LSC acknowledge the financial support of the Arts Council and Leitrim County Council.

Deadline: 17th December

Music Network Music Capital Scheme 2026

The Music Capital Scheme, which is supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, provides funding for the purchase of musical instruments and selected items of equipment to individual professional musicians and non-professional groups across the country.

 

A total of €500,000 in funding is available through the following awards which are now open for applications:

 

Award 1 - for non-professional performing groups

Award 2 – for individual established professional performing musicians

Award 3 – for individual emerging professional performing musicians

There will be online information sessions and supports for applicants, see link below for more details.

Deadline: 15th December

Developing the Future PEACEPLUS Programme (2028-2034)

Your voice will help shape the next PEACEPLUS Programme for 2028 to 2034.

 

For 30 years, the PEACE, INTERREG and PEACEPLUS Programmes have helped communities across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland build a more peaceful, shared and prosperous future.  This was made possible through the partnership between the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.

Now your help is needed to shape the content of the future programme.

SEUPB is developing a vision for the successor to the PEACEPLUS Programme, for the 2028 to 2034 Programme period.  

Whether you are part of a community group, council, business, public body or simply care about the place you live, your views matter.

 

Deadline: 21st December

Invitation: Northern and Western Regional Bioeconomy Workshop – 19 November 2026 

You are invited to contribute to the development of a regional bioeconomy strategy for the Northern and Western Region through an online workshop on Thursday 19 November 2026, from 10am to 12 noon.

 

Participants will review proposed measures, suggest changes, identify delivery responsibilities, and discuss priorities and safeguards. The draft strategy, a short briefing and measure cards will be provided beforehand.

 

If you are interested in contributing to the development of this strategy please reply to jon.faulkner@ucd.ie.

Help shape LEO Leitrim's 2027 training programme!

Complete a short survey and tell Leitrim Local Enterprise Office what skills and supports you'd like to see next year.  As a thank you, you'll be entered into a draw to win a €100 restaurant voucher.

Survey closes Friday 20th November 2026.

The National Film Audit

Screen Ireland, The Arts Council and Dublin International Film Festival are running Ireland’s first National Film Census to understand how people across the country watch, choose, and experience film, in the cinema, at festivals, and at home.  Your answers will directly help shape decisions about the future of Irish film culture.

The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete. All responses are anonymous and confidential, and will be used only for the purposes of this census. On completion, you’ll be entered into a draw for a €200 cash prize, and 50 respondents will win free standard tickets to DIFF next February.

European Social Innovation Campus’ (ESIC) Skills Monitor Survey

The European Social Innovation Campus (ESIC) is inviting social innovation students, educators, and practitioners to take part in its Skills Monitor Survey. 

 

The survey will help identify key skills needed for social innovation, improve education and training opportunities, and support the development of a stronger, more connected social innovation community across Europe..

From Wetland to Ocean: Communities Protecting Ireland's Water Life

Date: Thurs 12th Nov

Time: 7 - 8:15 pm

 

As part of this year's Science Week, Nature Network Ireland is delighted to host this free online networking webinar.  We will be joined by speakers from Nature Network Ireland, The Community Wetlands Forum and Galway Atlantaquaria Aquarium, who will explore this year's theme: "Water: From Molecule to Ocean"

Ireland's coastal waters, rivers, and wetlands are home to extraordinary wildlife, which unfortunately is facing a multitude of threats. Protecting Ireland's wildlife requires people and organisations to work together and create a community dedicated to wildlife conservation.

 

The aim of this event is to bring together environmental charities and community groups.  Like-minded people who have a passion for Ireland's heritage and are committed to wildlife conservation.

 

It will provide the opportunity to hear from experts, share knowledge and ideas, and build a stronger community across Ireland.

 

There will also be time for questions and answers at the end, and the opportunity to introduce your group to other participants.

 

This event is part of Nature Network Ireland's Community Partnership Programme.

Supported by the Heritage Council, through the Heritage Organisations Support Fund 2026.

Work Smarter with AI - free workshops for SME's 

AIM is launching a new series of free workshops to help small businesses and community organisations across Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal get practical value from AI.

AI tools can take hours of emails, paperwork and routine admin off your plate, once you know how to use them.

 

Each workshop covers real everyday work including:

• Handling documents and reports,
• Writing emails, replies and quotes,
• Reducing repetitive admin,
• Improving how your business runs day to day.

First workshop taking place:

Friday, 13th November, 10am - 12pm

Online | Free to attend

 

No technical experience required.  Bring your own business questions and examples.

 

Participants will also have access to:

A digital diagnostic: a structured review of how your business uses digital today, with a tailored report and clear next steps.

1:1 mentoring with an expert: a full day with an expert mentor, working on the priorities from your diagnostic.

 

Delivered by AIM as part of the DS3 (Digital Services Supports Spaces) project.

Practical online training workshops with Cúilín Consultancy offered by Leitrim PPN

Cúilín provides support to Irish NGO's and charities in public policy, public affairs, advocacy and strategic communications.

 

During the second half of November, there are two workshops designed to help organisations better understand how the Oireachtas works, find and use parliamentary information, and engage more effectively with the political process.

 

Workshop 1: Understanding the Oireachtas and Funding Information

•             Monday 16 November, 11:00–13:00

OR

•             Wednesday 18 November, 11:00–13:00

 

Workshop 2: Translating Information into Effective Political Communication

•             Monday 23 November, 11:00–13:00

OR

•             Wednesday 25 November, 11:00–13:00

 

Each workshop is offered on two alternative dates, so participants can choose the option that best suits them.

Places are limited, so Leitrim PPN would encourage you to register soon.  Also, please feel free to share with anyone else you feel may be interested. 

Town & Village Renewal Scheme Information Webinar

Wednesday 18th November  
1-1.30pm

Via MS Teams

Ready for a fresh start?

Project FUSE are now inviting applications for FUSE, - free food sector training programme at The Food Hub in Drumshanbo.

Brought to you by Roscommon LEADER Partnership and The Food Hub, and co-funded by the European Union through the ESF+ Social Innovation+ Initiative, the programme is for adults who have been out of paid work for 12 months or more.  It offers a supported route into food sector employment, welcoming people with previous food experience and those exploring the sector for the first time.

 

The programme includes:

• 30 hours of introductory training, including food safety, HACCP, allergens, manual handling and practical pathway tasters.
• 70 hours of practical training in a chosen pathway: cooking, culinary production, butchery or catering.
• 40 hours of digital and workplace skills.
• Four hours of individual coaching.

There are also opportunities for 15 participants to progress to 12 month paid placements with local employers, subject to eligibility and an employer offer.

 

Training starts on 25 November 2026.  Applications close on 13 November 2026.

Community Education Application Forms for 2027

Oíche Scannán Na Nollaig 'The Grinch'

Celebrating Ireland’s Sporting Volunteers: Nominations Now Open!

The Federation of Irish Sport has launched the 2026 Volunteers in Sport Awards, supported by the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships, calling on communities across Ireland to recognise and celebrate the volunteers who are the backbone of sport and physical activity nationwide.  

 

The 2026 Volunteers in Sport Awards will once again recognise one outstanding volunteer from each of the 32 counties, with recipients honoured at a national awards ceremony on Thursday, 25th February 2027 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown.  The event will bring together volunteers, sporting organisations and community leaders from across Ireland to celebrate the extraordinary contribution made by volunteers to Irish sport.

 

Across the country, more than 460,000 volunteers give their time each week to support sport and physical activity, with over 250,000 volunteer coaches contributing an estimated one million hours weekly to clubs and communities.  Their collective efforts help create opportunities for participation, encourage lifelong involvement in sport and contribute significantly to individual and community wellbeing.

Building on the success of previous years, the Club/Community Sports Award, supported by Clann Credo, will return in 2026.  This award recognises a volunteer-led sports club, community organisation or group that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to promoting sport, physical activity and community wellbeing.

• Nominations open until 9th December
• Recognising volunteers from all 32 counties

Seán Boylan Memorial & Family Fun Day

A special day is planned for Saturday 14th November in Boggaun, as Glencar Manorhamilton GAA come together to remember our much-missed friend Seán Boylan through a day of football, family fun and community spirit.

 

UNDERAGE BLITZ – FROM 11:00AM A morning of football for our younger stars!

 

FUN ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS Plenty of entertainment to keep the little ones smiling!

 

GIVEAWAYS ON THE DAY Some fantastic giveaways for those in attendance!

 

OCEAN FM BROADCASTING LIVE

Delighted to have Ocean FM joining us and broadcasting live from Boggaun throughout the day!

 

MAIN EVENT – 2:00PM

GLENCAR MANORHAMILTON v CASTLEREA PRISON OFFICERS INTER-FIRM TEAM.

Table Quiz

The Killenummery Old Grave Yard Committee are holding a Table Quiz in the Blue Devon Dromahair on Saturday the 5th December 2026 at 8 pm.

All are welcome, a table of 4 is 20 euro.

Please support

Small upgrade and refurbishment works under Category 1 of the Community Centre Investment Fund announced

Congratulations to all local Community Centres who were successful under the Community Centre investment fund 2026

Category 1 for minor works with grant aid up to €25,000

 

The funding will support a range of improvements to local facilities, helping community organisations maintain and enhance the spaces that are central to village and neighbourhood life.

Leitrim's young artists invited to enter RTÉ competition with €10,000 prize fund

Children and young people across Leitrim are being encouraged to unleash their creativity as RTÉ launches the sixth annual This Is Art! competition, offering a €10,000 prize fund.

 

The all-island competition, supported by Creative Ireland in partnership with the Government's Shared Island Initiative, is now open to young artists aged 18 and under. Launched at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) in Dublin, this year's competition invites participants to explore the theme This Is Us!, celebrating identity, relationships, community and the places people call home.

 

Young artists can submit work in a wide range of formats, including painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, fashion, digital art and creations made from recycled or upcycled materials. There are four individual age categories — seven and under, eight to 11, 12 to 15 and 16 to 18 — alongside a separate category for group entries.

 

A total prize fund of €10,000 will provide awards and bursaries to winners across the five categories. Organisers say the competition aims to give children and teenagers of all artistic abilities an opportunity to express themselves while celebrating the creativity of young people throughout Ireland.

 

Communities CONNECT: Bringing People Together

Would you like to meet people from other communities, share ideas and explore ways to make a difference locally?

 

Join us for a free Communities CONNECT Workshop on Saturday, 14th November, from 11am to 3pm at Leitrim Gaels Community Hall, Leitrim Village N41W271

 

Communities CONNECT is a programme for adults aged 18+ who want to:

Meet new people and build connections.

Explore issues that matter in their communities.

Share ideas and develop opportunities for positive community action.

 

No previous experience is needed, and lunch will be provided!

 

There may also be an opportunity to attend a fully funded overnight residential, connecting with people from other communities to develop a Community Social Action Project.

 

Groups can then apply for funding of up to €2,500 to help bring their ideas to life, with the possibility of joining with other groups to create a larger shared project. Residential places and project funding are subject to selection.

 

Come along, get involved and be part of making a difference in your community.

Leitrim Sports Partnership Upcoming Activities

SVP is seeking volunteers in Ballinamore and Drumshanbo to support those facing housing challenges

The society of St VIncent de Paul (SVP) is seeking volunteers in Leitrim to support tenants, ensuring their needs are met.

The SVP housing volunteer opportunity is based in Ballinamore and Drumshanbo, with a minimum commitment of two hours per week for at least 3 months.

 

Volunteers are required to work with the local SVP to provide support to tenants in relation to their tenancies and maintaining a positive relationship with their landlords.

 

The role involves offering advice and information on social welfare matters, supporting tenants with advocacy and liaising with public health services, home help providers and contractors.

Volunteers will also keep tenants informed on all housing related matters such as upcoming property inspections, maintenance work, fire alarm testing and emergency response exercises.

 

This opportunity gives volunteers the chance to contribute to SVP’s ambitions of ending homelessness and improving security for people living in the private rental sector.