Eishtec to create 250 new smartphone support jobs in Wexford

Eishtec, the Waterford based customer contact solutions provider, announced today that it is to create 250 new jobs by October 2013 as part of a major expansion via a new custom built facility in Drinagh, Co. Wexford. 

Eishtec currently employs 400 people in its Waterford site at the Cleaboy Business Park and these additional jobs will bring its total workforce to 650 across the South East region of Ireland.  

Brian Barry, one of the co-founders of Eishtec, said: “We are particularly encouraged by this growth because in January 2012 we announced 250 jobs for Waterford and, based on delivering strong performance to date, we have been able to grow beyond that figure to 400. We want to acknowledge the personal interest and support of Minister Bruton and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation as well as the ongoing support of Enterprise Ireland in our growth to date and these new jobs will be subject to their continued assistance”.

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, said:

“Eishtec is a great role model for what we are trying to achieve in the Irish economy. This is an Irish company, founded by three former employees of a multinational, winning business in a highly competitive market, and growing employment in a part of the country which has suffered from high levels of unemployment. Through continued implementation of the Action Plan for Jobs I am determined to ensure that companies like Eishtec can continue to start-up, grow, and create the jobs we need”.

The growth is on the back of Eishtec securing an expansion to an existing contract with EE, the company behind the UK telecommunications brands Orange, T-Mobile and EE. EE is a new brand that recently launched the UK’s first mobile superfast 4G network.

Eishtec will expand its support for Orange and T-Mobile customers with smartphone service and technical care, including Android and iPhone.

Making the announcement Heather Reynolds, co-founder, said: “We believe this expansion is testament to the skills and positive attitude of the people we've recruited. We are delighted to be expanding our business further to 650.

Recruitment for the new positions is currently underway.”

"This is another significant win for Eishtec, the South East and Ireland. We have the skills and experience in our team to provide the highest quality services to our clients and help support the achievement of its business objectives.”   Ms. Reynolds added. “We're delighted we can maintain a proud tradition of providing market-leading customer services to blue chip organisations.”

Eishtec was set up by Heather Reynolds, Brian Barry and Colm Tracey in May 2011 with nine employees. The company is now recruiting for service and technical support roles, with all training provided by Eishtec.

Radio Blaa Blaa for Christmas Appeal!

Home Instead Senior Care Waterford held a coffee morning in aid of the WLRfm Lions Club Christmas Appeal and the proceeds from the sale of Brian Kennedy’s book Radio Blaa Blaa were donated to this worthy cause. 

L-R:  Danette Connolly, Home Instead Senior Care, Timmy Ryan and Karen Tomkins, WLRfm and Brian Kennedy, Home Instead Senior Care.

Ballybeg Youth Project gets festive

The young people at the Ballybeg Youth Project have certainly had a busy few months!

Since September the group has been working hard to create a wonderful array of hand crafted Christmas decorations, wreaths and candles. The gifts were available at the Waterford City Enterprise Village on Bailey’s New Street during the opening weekend of Winterval.

As a result of the positive feedback the group received the hand-crafted gifts will also be available in Centra, Ballybeg on Thursday, December 13^th and also directly from the Ballybeg Youth Project.

According to Lil Quinn, Community Youth Worker, BYP, the initiative has proved extremely popular with the group.  “All the boys and girls involved in the project enjoyed every minute of it.  It allowed them to let their creativity flourish and we were amazed at the standard that was produced.”

“The boys worked hard in manufacturing high quality crafted Christmas decorations and the girls produced a wonderful festive selection of wreaths and candle trays. They also enjoyed the opportunity to sell and interact with the public at Waterford City Enterprise Village.”

“The experience has given them the confidence to think about developing the array of products on offer and already they are thinking about launching their Valentine’s, wedding and Easter ranges.”

The Ballybeg Youth Project provides clubs, programmes and activities for young people aged 9 to 21 years living in Ballybeg.  Activities include educational programmes, sporting opportunities, group games, arts and crafts, fretwork, a games room, large screen TV, cyber centre, Youth Cafe and lots more.

If you want to view some of the work from the Ballybeg Youth Project come along to Centra in Ballybeg on Thursday, December 13^th, enjoy a complimentary mince pie and hot drink and pick up a festive bauble or two to brighten your Christmas tree!

Santa brings festive cheer to the Solas Centre!

The Solas Centre, the South East’s cancer support service, recently hosted a Christmas Party at the centre and the “Big Man” himself dropped in to deliver some Christmas cheer!

The festive celebrations focused the children and over 40 children were treated to a fun afternoon of face painting, balloon modelling, party food and a visit to the very seasonal Santa’s Grotto.

According to Mick Nevin, Solas Centre Manager, the day was a huge success.  “The children and their parents really enjoyed the party and it was filled with lots of entertaining fun and party games and what Christmas party wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Santa?”

“The Solas Centre works with families every day that have been touched by cancer.  From children who are affected themselves to those who have accompanied a parent or a guardian to the centre for our cancer support services, cancer has a big impact on everyone.”

Each year 2,000 people are diagnosed with cancer across Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny.  Since opening its doors almost two years ago the Solas Centre has provided support services, such as counselling, relaxation therapies and group support services to over 1,000 people affected by cancer.

Mick added, “The purpose of this Christmas party was to have some festive fun and whet the appetite for Christmas.  We couldn’t have done it without the assistance of the local community and Solas colleagues. We would especially like to acknowledge the very generous support we received from Hasbro, McDonald’s, Ardkeen Quality Food Store, Partyworld and Suirfire Productions.”

James Rockett provided the very popular balloon modelling and the talented Aoife Dunphy was in demand for her face painting skills throughout the afternoon.

For more information about the cancer support services at the Solas Centre call 051 304604, visit www.solascentre.ie or check out the Facebook page Solas Centre – South Eastern Cancer Foundation.

Suirfire Announces a Cracking Christmas Season in Theatre Royal

Christmas is only a couple of weeks away and Suirfire has the perfect night out to get you in the festive mood.

  

The Suirfire Winterval Cabaret kicks off on Friday, December 21^st for three nights at the Theatre Royal. It’s the perfect remedy to blow away all the stresses of the season and leave you full of Christmas cheer, fun and laughter.

The Cabaret features; De La Salle Choir, Konor Halpin, Nicky Cummins, Vicki Graham, Lynsey Penkert, Des Manahan, and Sharon Clancy to name but a few. With a complimentary mince pie and glass of mulled wine plus your ticket all for only €15, its great festive value!

The Suirfire Winterval Cabaret runs 21st, 22nd, 23rd December at 8pm nightly.

Suirfire also has put together an enchanting production for the little ones this Christmas.  A big hit last year, Elfie the Elf returns to the Theatre Royal, with even more Christmas fun to be had.

Elfie must once again save Christmas with the help of Mrs Claus, Santa and the other Elves. With even more audience interaction, story time with Mrs Claus and sing along with Santa this magical Christmas tale will enchant and delight. Elfie the Elf is ideal Christmas entertainment for kids aged 3 to 10 years.

Tickets are €12 for adults, €10 for kids with a super value family rate of just €38 for two adults and two kids.  Special group rates are also available.

Elfie The Elf Returns runs in December on Tuesday 18^th and Wednesday, 19^th at  11am and 7pm, Thursday 20th and Friday 21st at 11am, and Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23^rd at 2pm.

The Suirfire Winterval Cabaret and Elfie the Elf Returns are on sale now from Theatre Royal box office on 051 874402 or www.theatreroyal.ie.

Caring for your senior relatives and friends this Christmas!

The countdown to Christmas is well and truly under way and Home Instead Senior Care Waterford is offering some useful advice for getting the most out of the festive season for elderly relatives and friends.

 “Better Living for Older People” is a series of practical tips ensuring that seniors are safe and secure this winter.  They include a range of useful guidelines such as advice on taking measures to avoid trips and falls, keeping a supply of non perishable goods to hand and ensuring that all emergency and phone numbers of family and neighbours are written down in case there is a need to contact them urgently.

According to Danette Connolly, Director of Care at Home Instead it is imperative that our seniors have a safe and happy Christmas. “We can all play a part in ensuring that Christmas is a highly enjoyable event for all.  Christmas is about friends, family and loved ones enjoying the festivities safely and being mindful of elderly parents, grandparents or neighbours needs.”

Ms. Connolly stressed the importance of keeping an eye on elderly relatives and neighbours over the Christmas holidays. 

“Over the holiday season we tend to spend more time with our parents, grandparents or senior relatives so it is a good opportunity to make sure that they are looking after themselves properly, have sufficient food and heat and are safe in their homes”, she added.

Ms. Connolly advised that there are warning signs to look out for that signal an ageing parent or relative needs more help at home. 

·        Do they seem to be eating well or is food spoiling in the fridge?

·        Have they stopped doing daily grooming rituals like taking a shower or fixing their hair?

·        Are they taking the right medications in the right doses at the right times?

·        Does their car have new scratches or dents?

·        Is mail or newspapers piling up without being read?

·        Are they using furniture, towel bars or shower curtains to pull themselves up to stand?

“If you are visiting a senior relative during the Christmas holidays be aware of things that may be changing for your senior relatives.  Be ready to spot the signs, have those tough conversations and help them get the support they need to remain happy and safe in their own home as long as possible.”

Home Instead Senior Care Waterford provides an array of senior care services such as light housekeeping and laundry, meal preparation, transport and companionship, up to and including personal care, dementia care, post hospital care and disability care.

For further information about the services log onto www.homeinstead.ie or call 051 333966.

Radius Telecom delivers cost – cutting telecom solutions to local businesses

Radius Telecom, in association with Waterford Chamber of Commerce, recently hosted a free telecoms seminar which highlighted the cost effectiveness of outsourcing business telecoms.

The seminar focused on aspects of outsourcing telecoms, gaining a better understanding of business telecom bills and exploring the potential for reducing monthly telecom bills by up to 70%.

Mr. Jerry Buckley, Managing Director Radius, explained the benefits, “Effectively what outsourcing your telecoms does is take the headache and guesswork out of any company’s telecoms bills, invariably giving small and medium sized businesses the opportunity to introduce fixed monthly costs and cut telecom costs.” 

“Companies don’t often realise that in most cases changing from one telecoms carrier to multiple carriers enhances service, quality and connectivity and in today’s competitive business environment no company can afford to be inaccessible or off line without consequences.  That is where outsourcing simply gives a company peace of mind and security.”

Chief Executive of Waterford Chamber, Mr. Michael Garland welcomed Radius Telecom to the Chamber of Commerce and stressed that choosing local businesses, such as Radius Telecom, is crucial in ensuring the local economy becomes buoyant again.

Mr. Buckley added that Radius Telecom engineers are working with companies throughout the South East, providing telecom health checks and installing tailored and affordable business telecom solutions.

For further information about Radius Telecom and the services provided, and to request a free telecom bill analysis, visit www.radius-telecom.ie or lo- call 1890 592500.

Enterprising students get ready for Winterval

Dylan de la Haye getting ready for Winterval 

Since the start of September, 350 transition year students from Waterford City and four Youth Bank community groups have been busy setting up small businesses and creating products to sell at Christmas stalls during Winterval - everything from handmade soap to natural wooden Christmas candles, sock teddies to Christmas cards and recycled draft boards to bracelets.

They have been assisted by their teachers and Waterford City Enterprise Board mentors, (including a first ever event for the national competition) three live webinars on manufacturing products, sourcing products and patenting.

This array of products will be sold from three Christmas cabins (The Enterprise Village) on Bailey’s New Street every weekend. This village is part of Waterford’s first Christmas Festival, Winterval, which runs from November 30^th to December 23^rd. 

For the first two weekends these unique seasonal items created by the students and teenagers of Waterford City will be on sale, offering the perfect Christmas gifts for friends and family. For the second two weeks the Enterprise Village will host a selection of Waterford City Enterprise Board’s developing ‘food and craft’ clients, selling a variety of indigenous seasonal products and gift ideas. 

Both these groups represent the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit that is alive and well in Waterford City, encouraged and supported by Waterford City Enterprise Board.

Ciaran Cullen, CEO of Waterford City Enterprise Board commented on the importance of the event, “The Enterprise Board continually tries to improve and evolve its services, this is epitomised by this year’s webinars, live seminars on line, and our association with Winterval. It is so important for Waterford City students to learn how to interact with customers and sell their products in a live environment. Winterval also gives us the opportunity to provide our newest food and craft Enterprise Board clients with a route to market.”

Waterford City Enterprise Board offers support services for start-up and existing SME’s in Waterford city. If you have a new business idea or are running a business that requires assistance you can contact the Enterprise Board by phoning Celia on 051-852883 or check out what they have to offer first on www.waterfordceb.com

Check out some enterprising talent of the future as Newtown School TY students are featured on RTE2 News 2Day (from 2min. 58 sec) http://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/10089748/
 

Waterford Rotary receives award for its Christmas Memorial Tree Appeal

Kathleen Fitzgerald (past president for Rotary Club of Waterford) receiving the Cecil D. Whaley Memorial Trophy from the District Governor Barney Callaghan for this year’s “Exceptional Project in the Community”. Also in the photo are this year’s Rotary Club of Waterford President Kjell Nolke, Dick Barry, President of the Rotary club in Bishopstown Cork and Colin Nicholls President of Rotary club of Cork.

The Rotary Christmas Memorial Tree is fast becoming a symbol of the contribution  that Rotary makes to communities across the island of Ireland. Rotary Clubs from  across the District are now running Christmas Memorial Tree appeals in support  of a growing number of charities.  To date these initiatives have raised nearly €1 million for local and national causes.  The first Christmas Memorial Tree appeal was established by the Rotary Club of  Waterford in 1998 to help raise funds for the development of a 20 bed Hospice  facility on the grounds of Waterford Regional Hospital. To date the initiative has  raised nearly €400,000 towards this good cause which, when complete,  will benefit communities throughout the South East.  As well as raising much needed funds for Hospice, the Memorial Tree Appeal  provides people with a means of remembering their loved ones in a very dignified and meaningful manner. Indeed over the years the Christmas Memorial Tree Appeal has become synonymous with the celebration of Christmas  in Waterford and enjoys widespread support from the public. For more information and to see a video of Waterford Rotary Club’s Christmas Memorial Tree Appeal please visit www.waterfordrotary.org.

The Shawshank Redemption at Waterford's Theatre Royal

Rotary Club of Waterford’s annual charity film night gives the public a unique opportunity to watch the classic film “The Shawshank Redemption” at the Theatre Royal in Waterford City on Wednesday, November, 21^st.

This year’s much acclaimed film stars Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins and earned seven Academy Award Nominations along with many other accolades. The film will be preceded by a reception in the Theatre at 7.00pm and the film commences at 8.00pm.

Storyline

Andy Dufresne is a young and successful banker whose life changes drastically when he is convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife and her lover. Set in the 1940's, the film shows how Andy, with the help of his friend Red, the prison entrepreneur, turns out to be a most unconventional prisoner. 

The Rotary Club of Waterford, Ireland is a very active club with dedicated members working on many projects throughout each year. Waterford Rotary Club meets every Monday except Bank Holidays in Tower Hotel Waterford at 12.30 pm.

In previous years the Rotary Club of Waterford raised funds for the Haiti relief fund, and also regularly donates to local charities such as Waterford Hospice. Waterford Rotary Club is best known locally for the annual Memorial Christmas Tree in John Roberts Square. 

The subscription for this year’s film night is reduced to just €20 and can be purchased from Palmer Auctioneers at 2/3 Colbeck Street, Nolke Opticians in Ardkeen, the EBS in Broad Street or from any Rotary Club of Waterford member.

Proceeds from the night will be donated to Rotary Charities.

Altogther now....I wish it could be Christmas every day!

The children of Waterford's Christchurch NS were getting all geared up for Winterval, Ireland's Christmas Festival, which takes place from November 30th to December 23rd.

Check out Santa's Little Helpers bringing a little festive cheer to Waterford's John Roberts Square!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aO8wHqtTTek&noredirect=1

Waterford based entrepreneur brings a touch of Japanese culture to the city

Japanese culture is thriving in a small home studio in Waterford City thanks to the artistic talent and vision of designer, Ania Juraszek.

Kimono Lamps was established by the Polish native in 2011 and creates beautiful and versatile lamp shades fashioned from authentic vintage kimonos. 

The idea came about following a trip to Japan in 2008 visiting Tokyo, Kyoto and Shirahama.  It was during this visit that Ania, a self confessed Japanophile, was struck by the colour, texture and vibrancy of kimonos which are worn principally by women in rural Japan.

The traditional kimono dates back as far as the 8^th century and each kimono has a strong family tradition, with kimonos often passed from generation to generation.  The kimono became less popular with the arrival of western clothing following the Second World War, however today the kimono enjoys a resurgence in popularity, thanks to the emergence of used kimono retailers.

According to Ania the widespread availability of kimonos gave her the inspiration to start her own business, Kimono Lamps.  “When I was in Japan it was hard not to be impressed by the beautiful colours and textures of the kimono.  As a fashion item I couldn’t really see it taking off in Ireland, but when the kimonos are adapted into lampshades it gives Irish audiences the opportunity to enjoy a little Japanese culture right in their own homes.”

“It really is a labour of love.  I source the kimonos directly from Japan and am aware of their history, their previous owner and their own unique personality.  Kimono Lamps are bespoke, each one different in shape, size, fabric and they embellish any Irish home.”

Ania, who studied product design in Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow and was awarded a scholarship to the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin has plans to grow the business and export the lamps to the UK and Europe.

“So far there has been a lot of interest from furniture and homeware retailers to supply the lamps.  They tell us that the product is unique and they have never really seen anything like these lamps before.  It’s a great endorsement of the product and we are hoping to explore the UK markets in the New Year and exhibit at next years “100% Design Event” in London.

Jacqui Gaule, Assistant CEO (Acting) of Waterford City Enterprise Board has backed the initiative from the outset.  Ms. Gaule said “Ania’s idea to create home furnishings from authentic kimonos is truly inimitable.  By bringing a traditional cultural icon such as the kimono into Irish homes in a practical and functional guise is a great idea.”

“As part of our remit at Waterford City Enterprise Board we offer assistance in the form of advice, mentoring and financial contributions to small businesses that have the potential to grow, create jobs and showcase Waterford’s entrepreneurial spirit.  Ania and Kimono Lamps tick all of those boxes and we look forward to following her progress and growth in the coming months” she added.

If you want to find out more about Kimono Lamps or check the Kimono Lamps range visit www.kimonolamps.com or email info@kimonolamps.com

Who Cares for an Ageing Waterford ? - A Challenge for Services

Home Instead Senior Care in Waterford welcomes the recently published report by the Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland which highlights the inadequacy of the current elder care system in Ireland. The report by researchers from Trinity College Dublin and Queen’s University Belfast highlights the significant difference in care levels available North and South of the border with 14% of the Republic’s over 65s who are in difficulty receiving no help, compared to only 2% of those in the North.

With an additional 45,000 older people requiring care over the next decade the report states that every day over the next 10 years, an additional seven older people in the Republic, and two in Northern Ireland, will require long-term residential care or home help. 

“It is important to realise that there is a substantial increase not just in absolute numbers of older people but also as a proportion of the population” said Maev-Ann Wren, TCD. 

Census figures for older people in Waterford show that 13% of the County’s population is over the age of 65.  That’s 8,718 older people, and in line with the rest of Ireland this figure is set to rise significantly in the coming years.  

The report also highlights survey evidence that 14% of older people with disabilities living in the community in the Republic of Ireland in 2006 received no care compared with 2% in Northern Ireland.

Significant differences were highlighted in the care available north and south of the Border.

It says there is clear evidence that the care assessment system in the Republic is less effective, since it leaves a higher proportion of older people with unmet care needs.

“Although older people are living longer and in better health, Ireland will face substantial extra demands for care of older people every year as the population ages. If care in the community and residential care are not developed appropriately, the pressures on the acute hospital system will be unsustainable,” said Prof Charles Normand of TCD.

Critically, the number of those aged 80 and older, who are more likely to be in need of care, will increase by 53 %. The number of over-85s will more than double, from 48,000 in 2006 to 106,000 in 2021.

HSE figures showed there were 690 delayed discharges from hospitals in August, many of them due to a lack of care available outside hospitals.

The researchers conclude that the issue of care provision for older people on the island of Ireland must be urgently addressed to meet the projected rise in demand for long-term residential and home care.

Danette Connolly, Director of Care, Home Instead Senior Care in Waterford said “This evidence-based research highlights very important facts about the direction growing old in Ireland is heading.  Ultimately each and every one of us, if not now, will at some stage be included in these statistics.  We all have a responsibility to make provisions for our future so I would ask the people of Tipperary to consider the question, ‘If there ever there comes a time when you require care, what are the options available to you and what is your preference?”

“We at Home Instead Senior Care would like everyone and in particular older people and their loved ones to be clear about the facts, know what their choices are and make decisions based on ensuring they live a happy, healthy and independent life for as long as possible, and in most cases this is in their own home.”

“Remember - older people in Ireland have contributed so much to our island and we have a responsibility to them to ensure they live their lives with dignity and respect.  Unfortunately none of us can escape the ageing process no matter how hard we may try! So it makes sense to plan now for the future.”

According to the research funded by CARDI, there are serious questions about who will provide this care, especially given the likely increase in female emigration and workforce participation.  

Danette agrees, “Females traditionally provide the majority of care to family members, and with so many families in Ireland today having children dotted across the world, be it for work, travel, business there is the need to question who will take on these roles when care is needed”.    

“Home Instead Senior Care provide Caregivers to support older people in their home, be it companionship, meal preparation, personal care,  Live- In Care and the difference they are making to quality of life is incredible.  Families of loved ones we care for also feel a huge sense of comfort knowing we have fully qualified, garda-vetted, compassionate caregivers supporting them when they perhaps have to work, or have other commitments” continued Danette.

One piece of good news to emerge is that older people are more likely to enjoy good health than before, so the proportion with a disabling condition that might require care is falling.  However, this trend is more than outpaced by the ageing of the population, so an estimated further 50,000 home care arrangements will be needed by 2021.

Home Instead Senior Care gives older people the choice to stay at home for longer than would otherwise be possible.  “This report confirms the need to develop the options available to older people who require care and we passionately believe that home care is the preferred option” concluded Danette Connolly.   

To find out more about Home Instead Senior Care Waterford contact Ph: 051- 333966 or log on to www.homeinstead.ie  Further details of the research report is available at www.cardi.ie

An amazing figure for the Solas Centre! €280,000 raised from the South East Run for Life 2012

Not only was the amount of participants up on last year, the final figure of €280,000 from the 2012 South East Run for Life eclipsed previous year’s totals. The 2012 race expanded on its regional focus with over a third of the participants travelling from outside Waterford City. Runners and walkers came from as many as fifteen counties with two travelling from the USA.

Jonathan Earl, Chair of the voluntary organising committee was thrilled at the end of the race day, “From the committee’s point of view it was great to raise such a fantastic sum of money. So much work went on behind the scenes, I was particularly pleased that the day went off without a hitch and everyone finished the race safely. With such increased numbers, organisation, stewarding, safety and medical facilities were a priority.”

“For the six months it took to organise this event the people of the South East and the organising committee have been so generous with their time and talent. I’m extremely proud of the day and the people of the South East, and would like to thank the hundreds who helped to make the day such a success”, he added.

The Solas Centre was built entirely from community fundraising and the generosity of the people of the South East who raised over €1.5 million in just three years. It moved from its original premises in a small estate house in Waterford to its new state of the art facility in Ardkeen, which is now regarded as one of the finest cancer support facilities in the country today.

Brian Creedon, SECF Chairman was delighted with the day, "I would like to express my admiration and appreciation to all those who contributed to the South East Run for Life 2012 last Sunday. We were blessed with a beautiful sunny autumnal day, perfect conditions for completing a 10 mile course on foot. It was truly inspiring to meet participants afterwards and see their sense of accomplishment. It is important to realise that so many people were vital to making this event a success; the brave participants, their friends and families who provided encouragement to everyone on the course and at the Peoples Park, the communities who cheered on the participants (including the man dressed as a chicken on the Williamstown Road), the volunteers, local businesses, Civil Defence, the Gardai and many more. Without all of these people contributing, the event would simply not have been possible.

The money raised allows us to continue to provide the highest quality essential support services to those affected by cancer through out the south east.

Again, a big thank you from everyone at the South Eastern Cancer Foundation/Solas Centre and we look forward to seeing you all next year for Run For Life 2013."

Plans for the 2013 South East Run for Life have already started. In fact the Solas Centre is hoping next year’s event on October 13th will be part of ‘The Gathering’ and is asking anyone living abroad with links to the South East to come home that weekend and take part in the 6th South East Run for Life.

If you participated in this year’s event and have any ideas or suggestions for next year’s race the team at the Solas Centre would be delighted to hear from you. Simply call into the Solas Centre at Ardkeen in Waterford City or write to them with your thoughts and suggestions. You can also call (051) 304604, email info@solascentre.ie or find them on Facebook.

South East Run for Life, a regional success for the Solas Centre!

What a day! 

The Solas Centre couldn't have asked for a better turn out for its South East Run for Life on Sunday, October 14th.   The huge numbers that took part and the fantastic Fun for Life event at the People's Park in Waterford City all made the 5th South East Run for Life the best ever!

With another increase in numbers, over 200 more than last year, 1,900 runners, joggers and walkers lined the streets of Waterford in the famous luminous orange South East Run for Life t-shirts. 

The new route this year was a great success, bringing out hundreds of supporters cheering the participants on.

And what fun was had in the Park!! Torann Drummers welcomed the runners home at the finish line, bouncy castles, bungee trampolines, hot air balloon along with a farmer's market, "Stars For Life" kids fun races, magicians, balloon modellers and Beat 102 103 all made the afternoon a real celebration in the People's Park.

The total monies raised for the Solas Centre and the South East Cancer Foundation will  be announced by the organisers next week.

For further information contact the Solas Centre on 051 304604 or check out the ‘Solas Centre South East Run for Life’ Facebook page.