This is the eighth year of a programme in Sligo and it is the only one of its type throughout the country. Each of the students have already completed their GAA qualification in recent weeks and this work placement opportunity allows them to experience what it is like to work full time in a school environment. The GAA award is one of ten National or European qualifications which students can attain while studying for this business degree at the Institute. Other awards include European gym instruction and personal training qualifications and National swim instruction and lifeguarding awards.

Cumman na mBunscol in Sligo has invested heavily in this partnership over recent years, with a view to enriching the experience of primary school students and preparing the next generation of Gaelic football players in the county. A survey which was conducted at the end of last years programme highlighted a very high satisfaction rating amongst all primary schools who participated in the programme.

John Hughes Principal of Geevagh National School and County Coaching Officer of Cumman na mBunscol said of the programme:  “This is the most eagerly awaited event of the school year for Sligo primary schools, probably only second to the Summer school holidays. The coaches are always well prepared and the children respond very well to this.”

During the 13 week programme, the students will be supervised by Liam Og Gormley the GAA Development Officer for County Sligo. Activities will include football and hurling skills coaching and the very popular  ‘Go Games’ Blitz competitions.

Roddy Gaynor Programme Co-ordinator and Lecturer on the Bachelor Business (Recreation & Leisure) course said: “This is a tremendous opportunity for our students to work full time in a professional capacity with young children in a school environment. Some of them will choose a career in teaching as a result of their experiences over the next few months, as has been the case with past graduates.”

19- 21 March 2010

IT Sligo hosts ‘Science – Towards A Healthy Future’,  the annual Irish Science Teachers Association (ISTA) Conference later this month.  Keynote speaker, Professor Frank Gannon, Director of Science Foundation Ireland, will address the opening audience on the importance of research in the Irish economy, the value of creating a pool of top quality science and engineering students at third level and the key role of  Secondary School teachers to deliver this.

The wide ranging programme will include lectures on Stem Cell technologies (Professor Fergal O’Brien, Royal College of Surgeons and Professor Frank Barry NUI Galway; Osteoporosis (Professor Moira O’ Brien TCD); Letting the Fun in Science Out (Paul Mc Crory, Chair of Association for Science Education Northern) and Chemical Hazards and the Food Chain (Michael O’Mahony).  Researchers at IT Sligo will form a strong part of the programme speaking on   new anti-microbial technologies and on the positive effects of simulated sunlight on skin.

Hands on workshops over the weekend always attract much interest.  Forensic workshops include sessions looking at chemical methods for fingerprint detection and how to detect laundered diesel.  Other workshop topics include Chemistry, Instrumentation, online text books, datalogging, fuel cells and electronics.

John Lucey, chairman of ISTA stated:   ‘This annual event is an opportunity for Science teachers from first to third level to meet and interact. With science and research set to play a key role in our economic recovery, it is important that we continually seek to improve how science is taught at all levels of our education system.  The knowledge and interest in science we pass on to our young people will play a significant role in the future of our economy.

Dr Jeremy Bird, Head of Science at IT Sligo commented: ‘IT Sligo is delighted to host the annual ISTA meeting in 2010.  With one of the largest Schools of Science in the IoT sector we are very focused on the importance of regional development, working with our partners in industry and promoting the value of science within our community. ‘

Full information is available on the  conference see www.ista.ie

Maria Keeney

keeney.maria@itsligo.ie

The group will perform Blood Wedding directed by Declan Drohan, Lecturer in Performing Arts.  The show takes place from 18th to 20th March in the Factory.

If you are interested in becoming an Organ Donor there will be available information during the week March on a stand outside the Book Nest, where you can also avail of Organ Donor cards or Organ Donor key rings.  There will also be two representatives to give a brief talk on Organ Donation in the student canteen on Monday 15 March at 1.00pm.  The i-Radio102 team will be on campus on Monday too,  promoting the event.

What is organ transplantation?

Organ transplantation means the removal of an organ from one body and it’s resiting in another body.  Some organs can either be taken from a living person (Living Donor), or from a patient who has died in hospital from some other cause (deceased donor).  The deceased person has usually carried and signed a Donor Card.  More information can be found on the link http://www.ika.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21&Itemid=47

Check out the link and join the Facebook page for the Organ Donation in Ireland: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Organ-Donation-in-Ireland/93630527242?ref=ts

More information can be got on the Irish Kidney website at: http://www.ika.ie/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

The Irish Kidney Association: Telephone: 01 620 5306 or eMail: info@ika.ie

Speaking at the ceremony the Minister said ‘Today marks a milestone in the further ongoing development of the Irish Prison Service. Officers now receive recognised certification and academic award in recognition of the successful completion of training’

Staff from the Irish Prison Service and IT Sligo have worked in close partnership to design and develop the content of the Higher Certificate in Custodial Care.  The programme is now at the forefront internationally in the education and training of prison officers’ added the Minister.

The eighty graduates are representative of the first 136 Recruit Prison Officers to successfully complete the Higher Certificate in Custodial Care. The Irish Prison Service, in partnership with IT Sligo, commenced delivery of this programme in September 2007 in a range of locations including Irish Prison Service Training and Development Centre, prisons in the Dublin area, at IT Sligo and through online learning methods.  There are currently 497 students studying on the HCCC programme at various locations around the country.

Speaking prior to the event Professor Terri Scott, President IT Sligo commented: ‘IT Sligo has again taken a leading role in education, by providing the first accredited Custodial Care Course in Ireland.  The ongoing delivery of this programme reflects the flexible, adaptive and dynamic learning environment at IT Sligo.  Today’s graduates not only have enhanced professional skills as they embark on careers in the Irish Prison Service, they also have an internationally recognised qualification from IT Sligo. The programme, delivered over a two-year period, provides a challenging educational environment that develops the core competencies of custodial care within a critical and reflexive professional context. The delivery of the programme breaks new ground in its unique combination of work-based learning, co-delivery, distance learning and enquiry-based learning.’

Dr Perry Share (l), Head of Department of Humanities, IT Sligo; Brian Purcell, Director, Irish Prison Services;  Dermot Ahern TD, Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform; John McGuckin, Deputy Governor, Irish Prison Services; and Dr Brendan McCormack, Registrar IT Sligo, The first graduates of the Higher Certificate in Arts in Custodial Care (HCCC) were conferred  by IT Sligo at the Irish Prison Services Training and Development Centre at Beladd House, Portlaoise. Eighty graduates were conferred by the Register of IT Sligo Dr. Brendan McCormack, in a ceremony overseen by Mr. Dermot Ahern TD, Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

For further information contact:

Fergus Timmons, Programme Manager

E: timmons.fergus@itsligo.ie

P: 071 9155499

IT Sligo hosts the annual Eurachem Analytical Measurement Competition (EAMC) this year.  The event is designed to raise awareness among student analysts of uncertainty in measurement and the requirement for excellence in analytical skills. The competition was initiated in 1999 and is promoted by Eurachem Ireland, the Heads of School of Science and Council of Directors of the Institutes of Technology.   Members of industry, academic and state laboratories constitute the Reference Committee.

The EAMC Competition is open to teams of two full-time third-level registered students studying laboratory sciences in Universities or Institutes of Technology anywhere in Ireland and who have not yet entered the third year of their course. Competitors are chosen by their own Institution, for their practical laboratory skills. Each Institution may submit a first team (and one reserve team), for the National Final EAMC.

Application entry forms and fees of €60 per team (cheques must be made payable to EAMC Eurachem Ireland) are due at EAMC Competition, State Laboratory, Young’s Cross, Celbridge Co. Kildare on or before the 6th March.

Phone 01 5057032 Fax 01 5057070  Sean.McGowan@statelab.ie

Eurachem is a network of organisations in Europe with the objective of establishing a system for the international traceability of chemical measurements and the promotion of good quality practices. It provides a forum for the discussion of common problems and for developing an informed and considered approach to both technical and policy issues. Eurachem provides a focus for analytical chemistry and quality related issues in Europe (http://www.eurachem.org).

For further information contact:

Dr. Ted McGowan, School of Science, ITSligo, Ash Lane, Sligo. Telephone 071-9155254, @: mcgowan.ted@itsligo.ie

L to R photograph: Dr. Ted McGowan(School of Science, IT Sligo), Tara Westby, Julia Powers, Elizabeth Doherty, Bernadette Conlon (second year  Bachelor of Science in Forensic Investigation and Analysis students) and Dr. Fiona McArdle, (School of Science) IT Sligo at the 2009 Eurachem Analytical Measurement Competition (EAMC) at IT Tallaght.

The week was launched by Danny McCoy, Director General of IBEC, and he spoke highly of IT Sligo’s record of working with enterprise, neatly summed up in his concluding remarks, “The Institutes of Technology demonstrate a clear link to the productive economy, of which IT Sligo is a leading light, and help sell the single message that Ireland is a leading location for innovation.”

On Monday afternoon, Tánaiste Mary Coughlan visited IT Sligo to witness first-hand the high-level of energy and innovation being fostered by the week’s programme of activities.  The Tánaiste commended the leadership and initiative of IT Sligo in designing and promoting a week dedicated to promoting enterprise and innovation.  In particular, she commented favourably on the active involvement of students who event-managed the week-long programme. She added “I am delighted to see the genuine collaboration between IT Sligo and regional stakeholders”.

Co Sligo VEC’s Dragon’s Den final was one of the week’s highlights; first prize of €1000 was scooped by Patrick Leonard from Grange with his innovative student locker organiser.  IT Sligo’s auditorium was packed with participants and well-wishers.  Participation at secondary-school level in entrepreneurial activities has proven to foster business acumen and IT Sligo was commended for supporting this development.

Seán Gallagher of RTÉ’s Dragon’s Den proved very popular when he visited IT Sligo on Wednesday afternoon.  Seán delivered a masterclass and a presentation on entrepreneurship, which again saw IT Sligo’s main auditorium packed to capacity.

Visiting IT Sligo for the second time, international entrepreneurship guru Larry Farrell, from Arizona USA, commented on the high level of ambition, innovation and inter-disciplinary entrepreneurship displayed in IT Sligo both from an academic and an industry perspective.

IT Sligo’s Enterprise & Innovation Week, planned in association with Enterprise Ireland, IDA, Sligo County Development Board, Sligo County Enterprise Board and the Western Development Commission, was very successful and showcased the talents of students who event-managed the week.

Summing up the week President of IT Sligo Terri Scott stated “In the current economic environment, it is now more important than ever that public and private sectors work together in a proactive and flexible way to deliver benefits to this region.”

The Tánaiste commended the leadership and initiative of IT Sligo in designing and promoting a week dedicated to promoting enterprise and innovation. In particular she commented favourably on the active involvement of students who are event managing the weeklong programme. She added “I am delighted to see the genuine collaboration between IT Sligo and regional stakeholders”.

President of IT Sligo Terri Scott said “ In the current economic environment, it is now more important than ever that public and private sectors work together in a proactive and flexibile way to deliver benefits to this region.”

IT Sligo’s Enterprise & Innovation Week, planned in association with Enterprise Ireland, IDA, Sligo County Development Board, Sligo County Enterprise Board and the Western Development Commission, is a week-long programme of seminars, workshops and events promoting innovation, entrepreneurs and creativity in the Northwest. This programme provides support for entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs and established larger companies including Abbott, Fort Dodge, and Boston Scientific.

“There are fantastic speakers lined up for the week including Larry Farrell, leading US author and expert on entrepreneurship, who will give a public seminar on ‘Entrepreneurship; An International Perspective for companies of all sizes’. Dragon’s Den ‘s Sean Gallagher will speak on ‘The Entrepreneur Factor’ and Danny McCoy from IBEC kicked off the week .” said Head of Innovation at the college, Niall McEvoy. “The week’s programme has a variety of seminars, workshops, master classes and networking events to suit all regional stakeholders including budding entrepreneurs, SME’s and MNCs. We hope the week will serve as a showcase for the vast student talent and flair here at IT Sligo, to our enterprise guests. “ he said

IT Sligo Health Science and Physiology student, Deirdre Doherty, training with the IT Sligo Ladies Soccer Team. Doherty is on the Under 19 Irish Ladies Soccer Panel.  

It was a wonderful sight to see that, even in financially strenuous times like these, the students of IT Sligo have managed to raise 2000 in less than an hour, for such a deserving charity. The Students Union is truly proud of our achievement and the amazing work that our students have done for charity this year.

The event was over seen by two Garda and independent observer from The Irish Red Cross, Michael Joe Mulvanny. All evidence of the event has been submitted to Guinness and the students are looking forward to next year’s edition of The Guinness Book of Records in which they hope to be included.

For further information contact:

George Leetch

Press & Communications Officer

IT Sligo Students’ Union

Students Services Centre

Tel:   071 9141887

E: communications@itssu.ie