ESB Science Blast took place at the University of Limerick last week, with pupils from 108 primary schools presenting the questions they have been busy investigating. Projects ranged from Barry’s v Lyons to spotting AI – showing how children are learning to test claims and think critically. More than 100,000 pupils have taken part since the programme began, with each class receiving feedback from STEM experts on their work. See esbscienceblast.com
Pictured below: Pupils from Passage East NS, Passage East, Co Waterford taking part in the ESB Science Blast Showcase in University of Limerick, which took place from 19-21 May last. \ Eamon Ward
Pupils from Passage East NS, Passage East, Co Waterford taking part in the ESB Science Blast Showcase in University of Limerick, which ran from 19 -21 May 2026. / Eamon Ward
Congratulations to our 10 winners who entered the Bord Bia Bloom compeition. We had hundreds of entries to our competition for Bloom tickets. We hope our winners enjoy their day out at Bloom. The show runs from 28 May-1 June. If you were not lucky enough to win, tickets are on sale and priced at €39.40. Up to two children aged 12 and under go free with every adult ticket.
Bloom 2026.
Winners
Ann O’Brien,
Caltra, Co Galway
Mary Meenaghan
Ballina, Co Mayo
Andrea Walsh
Clane, Co Kildare
Gráinne Daly
Kilworth, Co Cork
Alice Guilfoyle
Moneygall, Co Tipperary
Siobhan O’Connor
Ardkeen, Co Cavan
Chelsie Kilbane
Carrickmacross Co Monaghan
Sharon Rothwell
Tinahely, Co Wicklow
Louise Hamilton
Letterkenny, Co Donegal
Bernie Keegan
Athlone, Co Westmeath
Days Like This
by Lorraine McArdle,Termonfeckin, Co Louth
She walked down the raised part in the
middle of the road,
took her shoes off and felt soft tar creep and squelch under her toes.
A donkey hung her head over the barbed wire, starry eyed,
and brayed an aria that sounded like Casta Diva to the mother cow
who sang a
contrapuntal harmony to the balmy evening.
Harebells on the verges rang purple notes at timely intervals,
while buttercups offered refreshments at the
intermission.
In the near distance, the Atlantic Ocean rolled
out baritone waves,
a strong and salty voice from deep within its
bracing waters,
the resonance of sea air hanging in the space
between each breath.
On this summer’s day, she heard the songs she longed to hear,
felt able to breathe in the life she wanted to fill.
ESB Science Blast took place at the University of Limerick last week, with pupils from 108 primary schools presenting the questions they have been busy investigating. Projects ranged from Barry’s v Lyons to spotting AI – showing how children are learning to test claims and think critically. More than 100,000 pupils have taken part since the programme began, with each class receiving feedback from STEM experts on their work. See esbscienceblast.com
Pictured below: Pupils from Passage East NS, Passage East, Co Waterford taking part in the ESB Science Blast Showcase in University of Limerick, which took place from 19-21 May last. \ Eamon Ward
Pupils from Passage East NS, Passage East, Co Waterford taking part in the ESB Science Blast Showcase in University of Limerick, which ran from 19 -21 May 2026. / Eamon Ward
Congratulations to our 10 winners who entered the Bord Bia Bloom compeition. We had hundreds of entries to our competition for Bloom tickets. We hope our winners enjoy their day out at Bloom. The show runs from 28 May-1 June. If you were not lucky enough to win, tickets are on sale and priced at €39.40. Up to two children aged 12 and under go free with every adult ticket.
Bloom 2026.
Winners
Ann O’Brien,
Caltra, Co Galway
Mary Meenaghan
Ballina, Co Mayo
Andrea Walsh
Clane, Co Kildare
Gráinne Daly
Kilworth, Co Cork
Alice Guilfoyle
Moneygall, Co Tipperary
Siobhan O’Connor
Ardkeen, Co Cavan
Chelsie Kilbane
Carrickmacross Co Monaghan
Sharon Rothwell
Tinahely, Co Wicklow
Louise Hamilton
Letterkenny, Co Donegal
Bernie Keegan
Athlone, Co Westmeath
Days Like This
by Lorraine McArdle,Termonfeckin, Co Louth
She walked down the raised part in the
middle of the road,
took her shoes off and felt soft tar creep and squelch under her toes.
A donkey hung her head over the barbed wire, starry eyed,
and brayed an aria that sounded like Casta Diva to the mother cow
who sang a
contrapuntal harmony to the balmy evening.
Harebells on the verges rang purple notes at timely intervals,
while buttercups offered refreshments at the
intermission.
In the near distance, the Atlantic Ocean rolled
out baritone waves,
a strong and salty voice from deep within its
bracing waters,
the resonance of sea air hanging in the space
between each breath.
On this summer’s day, she heard the songs she longed to hear,
felt able to breathe in the life she wanted to fill.
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