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New ‘Buddy Bench’ to encourage playground inclusion

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BY MICHELLE CREAN

One local school unveiled an innovative and colourful addition to their school this week – a ‘Buddy Bench’ to promote inclusion and deter playground bullying.

Tiernaboul National School, who recently signed up to become a ‘Health Promoting School’ (HPS), launched the new child friendly bench which was kindly constructed and donated by members of Barraduff Men’s Shed.

“We had heard that other schools around the country had successfully introduced the concept of a buddy bench,” Fiona Cronin, HPS co-ordinator, said.

“The idea is that if a child in the playground feels lonely, sad or isolated and they have no one to play with, they can go and sit on the ‘Buddy Bench’ and then other children will come over and ask them to join in games or just sit and talk.

“We thought it was a great idea; to encourage friendships and inclusion, develop empathy and social skills and prevent bullying by teaching the values of kindness and respect.”

She added that being a small school with a small budget, they are always trying to keep costs down.

“We had read that Men’s Shed groups had occasionally made ‘Buddy Benches’ for their local schools.

“During the summer at a health event, one of the parents, Lynn Swinburne, who is on the HPS committee, met Pat O’Mahony, founder of the Barradubh Men’s Shed, and she asked if they could make a bench for Tiernaboul School.”

Pat kindly agreed to help the school, even though the Barradubh Men’s Shed is only in its infancy.

The bench was then skilfully crafted by Ted O’Leary, a member of the Barradubh Men’s Shed.

It was painted in bright colours by parent John Sheahan, and the school community is incredibly grateful for the time and effort given by everyone to this project, she added.

“The ‘Buddy Bench’ will be used for years to come. It will give children the subtle message that reaching out for help is often a healthy strategy to deal with problems.

“Work will be done on mental health projects in the classroom and children will be encouraged to talk and share their worries, instead of bottling things up; an important lesson to learn for future years.”

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HeartBeat to host Advanced Healthcare Directive information night

Anne O’Shea Clarke, Regional Manager of SAGE Advocacy Mid & South West Regions, will provide a comprehensive explanation of the process involved in properly creating an Advanced Healthcare Directive (AHD) […]

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Anne O’Shea Clarke, Regional Manager of SAGE Advocacy Mid & South West Regions, will provide a comprehensive explanation of the process involved in properly creating an Advanced Healthcare Directive (AHD) on Tuesday, April 29, starting at 8pm in the Parish Centre, Park Road.

An ADH is a document which sets out your instructions in relation to healthcare treatments in the future, when you no longer have the capacity to decide. AHDs are not solely relevant to older individuals. Young adults can also significantly benefit from putting these directives in place for themselves or when assisting loved ones. Attendees will gain valuable ‘Knowledge is Power; regarding legal and personal matters
The meeting will specifically look at two key application forms: the standard AHD Form and the Think Ahead / my form.
Prior to the main meeting, a Blood Pressure. and Pulse Clinic will be available from 7:15pm until 8:00pm sharp. Following O’Shea Clarke’s presentation, there will be a Question & Answer session, followed by tea and coffee.
SAGE Advocacy, the national service for older people, works to ensure access to information, support, and independent advocacy, while also providing safeguarding services across various settings, including homes, day centres, hospitals, and nursing homes.
They also support vulnerable adults and healthcare patients in situations where other services may not be available.
For further information, email anne.osheaclarke@sageadvocacy.ie or visit www.sageadvocacy.ie.

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Singer-songwriter Lillie Foley releases second single

Local singer-songwriter Lillie Foley, from Whitebridge Manor, has released her second single of 2025, titled ‘That’s Life’, on all major streaming platforms. ‘That’s Life’ is described as a powerful blend […]

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Local singer-songwriter Lillie Foley, from Whitebridge Manor, has released her second single of 2025, titled ‘That’s Life’, on all major streaming platforms.

‘That’s Life’ is described as a powerful blend of pop and soul music, drawing on Foley’s own life experiences. The track marks a further step in the promising career of the emerging local artist.
Recorded at the renowned Windmill Lane Recording Studios in Dublin, ‘That’s Life’ showcases Foley’s emotive lyrics, soulful vocals, and a sound that is both modern and deeply personal. Collaborating with music producer and audio engineer Hermann Ogulla, Foley has crafted a song that blends her Irish background with contemporary musical styles, aiming to resonate with listeners in Ireland,and beyond.
Foley said: “This is a song about resilience and accepting that bad things happen in life and we just have to get on with it and move on as best we can.”
‘That’s Life’ is the second of several songs Foley has planned for release in 2025.

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