Greystones Presbyterian in Co Wicklow is one congregation that has developed links with local churches and the community by having a float in the town’s St Patrick’s Day parade. This month, Alex Drew from Faith in Later Life, writes about the value of older people in our churches. The ‘Age of Opportunity’ morning is designed to help unlock the potential for age specific ministry and evangelism among those in later life (details on p21). Although March always celebrates St Patrick, this year, the more significant event of the month is Easter. The Presbyterian Herald is the official magazine of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

‘Emotional’ discussion to honour 1,300 people in St Loman’s gravesPrevious Next Image 1 of 5 Julie Clarke, whose grandmother Julia was buried at St Loman’s, with Niall ‘Bressie’ Breslin, who is doing a PhD on the Irish psychiatric system with Trinity College. Image 2 of 5 Sheila Shanley, Kathy Crinion and Jacqui Wiley at the event which aimed to honour 1,300 unmarked graves at St Loman’s Hospital, at the Annebrook House Hotel on Sunday February 18. An “emotional and proactive” discussion was held last weekend on how to honour the 1,300 former patients buried in unmarked graves on the grounds of St Loman’s Hospital. Burials took place at St Loman’s Hospital between 1907 and 1970, and crosses with numbers identified individual graves, as opposed to people’s names. Bressie told the 30-odd attendees at the event how he has “tried to run away from the memory of St Loman’s” for all of his life.

Ms Ní Raghallaigh said she was not happy at the prospect of being called to another meeting that week. At about 7.10pm the secretary general rang Ms Ní Raghallaigh and said a letter was important as well as a further meeting. Ms Ní Raghallaigh had indicated she might resign if she had received a letter, Ms Martin said. The former secretary general Katherine Licken and former chair Siún Ní Raghallaigh are to be invited to appear before the committee. That is in relation to the most obvious opening question – did you not expect to be asked if you had confidence in Siún Ní Raghallaigh?

The new covered civic space area in Roscommon Town will be accessible to the public from the end of this week, Roscommon County Council has announced. “The aim of the project has been to design and construct an innovative, architectural and artistically influenced covered civic space to the area north of the Bank of Ireland as well as providing visual enhancement to the laneways approaching the Main Street and Market Square areas of Roscommon Town,” said a spokesman. This project is the final element of the Roscommon Town Main Street and Market Square Public Realm Project, funded under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) and Roscommon County Council. “The design of the covered civic space complements the strong architectural and built heritage within the Market Square, which features the Old Gaol, the Bank of Ireland and the County Museum. Director of Services with Roscommon County Council, Mark Keaveney has hailed the project as a vital piece of infrastructure for Roscommon Town with the potential to transform the town’s commercial, cultural and social life.

Waterways Ireland is holding an auction for 16 boats which have been removed from the navigations due to dereliction, being sunk or abandoned. The boats will be available for external inspection on Saturday 2nd March between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at Shannon Harbour, County Offaly and at Munster Harbour near Portumna. Waterways Ireland Inspector of Navigation, Paddy Harkin, commented: “Waterways Ireland is committed to protecting the conservation of our waterways and ensuring the navigations are accessible to all users, therefore removing derelict boats from the waterways is crucial”.

The iX2 is quite fun and decent to drive but not so much as the petrol M35i. Space in the back is quite cramped but interior quality and boot space are good.

The 33-year-old double Paralympic champion, who lives with genetic eye condition Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy, had her now-retired Labrador Retriever by her side for nine years. As an ambassador for The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, the Stockport-born sporting star is celebrating four finalists who show the important roles four-legged friends play in society. Clegg said: “I’m honoured to be the ambassador for The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award this year because I know how important that partnership is through having a guide dog myself. “I’m really looking forward to going to Crufts because it is a phenomenal experience, I can’t wait to go back after nine years. “I’m so excited to announce the winners, especially after seeing all the phenomenal things these owners and dogs have done in their partnerships.

27 Feb 2024| 06:36am ISTGoans to vote in Portugal electionsPANJIM: Many Goans, who have enrolled as voters in Portugal will be eligible to vote for the elections scheduled in Portugal on March 10. These Goans can vote either by ballot or postal ballot or postal mail in the offices of Consulate General of Portugal in Goa or the Embassy of Portugal in India at New Delhi from Tuesday. The polling will continue for next three days i.e. till February 29. However, the total number of voters from Goa eligible for voting was not immediately made available.

The iX2 is quite fun and decent to drive but not so much as the petrol M35i. Space in the back is quite cramped but interior quality and boot space are good.

Marc Godart is a director or secretary of 52 Irish companies, most of which have to date filed abridged accounts, and the bulk of which appear to be linked to short-term letting. Photograph: Enda O'DowdTwo companies run by landlord Marc Godart have filed documents with the Companies Registration Office showing them lodging all their income via ATMs in Dublin city centre. A request for a comment from Mr Godart met with no response. He is a director or secretary of 52 Irish companies, most of which have, to date, filed abridged accounts, and the bulk of which appear to be linked to short-term letting. As well as renting out property owned by his companies Mr Godart is also involved in the renting of property from other people which he also lets, both as residential and commercial accommodation.

Stifel analyst Cedric Lecasble said a share buyback could be one way for Puma to boost investor sentiment. Puma makes most of its sales through retail partners, though revenue from its own stores has grown. The devaluation will continue to weigh on profitability in the first half, Puma said. Overall, Puma's footwear sales grew by 12.4% in 2023, while clothing sales dipped 0.3% as shoppers prioritise shoes. Puma reiterated its 2024 forecast for mid-single-digit percentage growth in currency-adjusted sales, and earnings before interest and tax of €620m to €700m.

Microplastics have been found in every human placenta tested in a study, leaving the researchers worried about the potential health impacts on developing foetuses. The scientists analysed 62 placental tissue samples and found the most common plastic detected was polyethylene, which is used to make plastic bags and bottles. A second study revealed microplastics in all 17 human arteries tested and suggested the particles may be linked to clogging of the blood vessels. The research, published in the Toxicological Sciences journal, found microplastics in all the placenta samples tested, with concentrations ranging from 6.5 to 790 micrograms per gram of tissue. The growing concentration of microplastics in human tissue could explain puzzling increases in some health problems.

Inventors aim to keep Mary Ita running competitively, after her Parkinson’s diagnosisTV WEEK (Wednesday 28th to Tuesday 5th)TOP SPECIALSDomino Day (BBC 3, Wednesday 28th, 9pm)Described as a ‘modern-day witch drama’, this supernatural series follows titular character Domino, who finds her victims on dating apps. Big Life Fix (RTÉ 1, Wednesday 28th, 9,35pm)Ireland’s leading inventors work on solutions to everyday problems by harnessing the power of science to create tailor-made inventions. The series begins with a storming performance by CMAT, who brings her star presence to the church for the first time. KID STUFFMavka: The Forest Song (Sky Cinema, from Sunday)This animated musical is set around young and naive forest spirit Mavka, who develops feelings for a human musician, Lukas. Premier League (Sky Sports, all weekend)Super Sunday brings us Burnley versus Bournemouth at 2pm, with the Clarets within the relegation zone.

Mum (Mrs Moran): Paddy has the worst teacher in the school. At the rate things are going he has no chance of doing higher for the Leaving Certificate. Paddy’s teacher is always getting them to do group work and they constantly seem to be correcting their own or each other’s work. The teacher (Claire Leyden): Paddy Moran – one of a happy bunch who are all doing well considering their own diverse starting points and ranges of ability. Mrs Moran doesn’t get the thriving dynamic between her son and his teacher because she suffers the same disadvantage as many parents, she doesn’t get to go to school!

Council shortlisted for Green Public Sector Organisation of the YearMinister of State Pippa Hackett, Councillor Mark Hackett and Offaly Green Party LEA representatives Liam Walsh (Tullamore) and Ekatherina Koneva (Birr) have congratulated Offaly County Council on being shortlisted for the Green Public Sector Organisation of the Year 2024. The annual Green Awards recognise the extraordinary contribution and commitment both businesses and public sector organisations are making for positive change for a better future. Offaly Minister Pippa Hackett said: “Our very best wishes to all in Offaly County Council for the Green Awards 2024. Offaly County Council is making the changes that we know our businesses and communities need and want. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony tonight (Tuesday) in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road in Dublin.