Tots to Teens: Celebrating friendships with grandparents
Irish jockey sensation Rachael Blackmore is throwing her support behind - Cancer Fund for Children's inaugural Race Day at Leopardstown Racecourse on Sunday, 2nd March 2025. Racing fans, get ready for a thrilling day at the track and a chance to meet the Grand National history-maker and all for a great cause. L-R: Pictured at the launch, Rachael Blackmore alongside Jessica, Rachel and Darragh O'Malley from Neale Co. Mayo just one of the many families who are supported by Cancer Fund for Children in Ireland.
Calling all junior scientists. SciFest, Ireland’s largest STEM fair programme for secondary school students, is back for its 20th year, and it wants you to enter the regional fairs it is hosting throughout the country in April and May.
This year’s theme is STEM for All, and project entries are being accepted across various scientific disciplines, including the physical sciences, life sciences and technology. The projects will be showcased at the fairs, and the regional winners will compete in the SciFest National Final in November. The winner will represent Ireland at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in the United States in 2026.
You have between now and March 12 to submit your entry. Find out more at scifest.ie
Every week, an average of ten children and young people under 24 across the island of Ireland are diagnosed with cancer. The Cancer Fund for Children is a charity that provides them and the families that care for them with the services they need to cope with the emotional impact of that diagnosis and their subsequent treatment.
The charity is asking members of the public, and fans of horseracing in particular, to lend their support on Sunday, March 2 for the inaugural Cancer Fund for Children’s Race Day at Leopardstown Racecourse.
The day’s lineup will include a drinks reception, a three-course meal, a thrilling day of races and a question and answer session with the Grand National winner and Cancer Fund for Children ambassador Rachael Blackmore. She will share insights into her career, her passion for racing and why supporting children facing cancer is a cause so close to her heart.
A range of different ticket packages is available. To find out more, contact Hollie@cancerfundforchildren.ie or call 01-5621580.
Emily and her Granda have a routine that they follow every single Saturday. They sit under the apple tree at the bottom of Granda’s garden. Emily pours Granda a cup of tea, and then he shows her the pictures from his old photo album.
So starts the story in , a new children’s book published by O’Brien Press written by Sophie Kirtley and colourfully illustrated by Ellan Rankin.
But this particular Saturday, Emily and her Granda don’t stay in the garden. Instead, they venture out into the streets of Belfast and the surrounding countryside, with its crumbling castles, roaring waterfalls and the world-famous Giant’s Causeway.
This is a book that bursts with love for Northern Ireland and the beauty it has to offer. It celebrates the bonds children have with their grandparents and the valuable lessons they can learn from one another. It’s also a reflection on the importance and power of friendship.
You can buy it in your local bookshop, from €9.99
This kid’s craft set by Nadine Guerlain, a Dublin-based illustrator, will keep little ones happily entertained for hours. It contains everything they need to make their own bunting, cupcake toppers, three postcards and two pop-up cards. There is also a cute bunny badge and a fluffy sheep magnet, along with a set of instructions which doubles up as a cherry blossom print that can be framed or stuck on the wall.
It costs €16 and is available from mimiandmartha.com, an Irish business run by a mother and daughter who share a passion for art, craft and design.
BabyBoo, the clothing brand founded by Irish mums Vicki O'Callaghan and Michelle O'Riordan, has introduced a new range of cardigans, bibs and blankets featuring characters from the best-selling children’s book The Gruffalo.
The range is made from 100% organic cotton to ensure that it’s hard-wearing and durable yet doesn’t aggravate children’s sensitive skin.
This cardigan costs €25 and is available from babyboo.ie in sizes from newborn to two years old.
