Latest news with #Children'sHealthFoundation
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Katie McCabe rejects Carla Ward's ‘burnout' assertion while making heartwarming gesture to sick kids
KATIE MCCABE says the fire is still there as she rejected talk of burnout. In May, McCabe became only the fourth Irishwoman to Advertisement 4 McCabe brought smiles and inspiration to patients at Crumlin Children's hospital 4 Visits from high-profile figures like her shine a national spotlight on the importance of continued support for paediatric healthcare 4 Children's Health Foundation supports the vital work of CHI hospitals and urgent care centres 4 Ward chose not to bring her on Ireland's two-game tour of the US There was not too much time to savour the achievement because, six days later, she In explaining why she would not travel to the States for two friendly games against the USA at the end of June, Carla Ward McCabe said: 'I wasn't on the verge of burnout. I could have played three days later. I just chose to enjoy the break. It wasn't necessary for me to travel to the USA. 'But I feel great. I feel good. I was happy in the decision I took. I was supported by Carla. It was nice to be able to switch off and refocus, reset and recharge the batteries. Advertisement Read More On Irish Football 'For me to wake up and not have any structure and do what I feel is necessary for me was really nice. I think about two weeks into it, I wanted to get back down. 'It was tough being away from the girls in the USA. I felt like when I came round to the camp, I needed to switch off. "It was hard to do that. You want the girls to do well. It was a well-needed break, but I'm ready to go now for the new season.' Top of the list club-wise is trying to help the Gunners retain their European crown, with McCabe - who showed off her medal in Crumlin's Children Hospital - thrilled with their win in Lisbon. Advertisement Most read in Football Live Blog It saw her realise her long-held dream of following in the footsteps of Yvonne Tracy, Ciara Grant and Emma Byrne. She said: 'I've always, since I was young, aspired to be like Yvonne, Ciara and Emma. Lionel Messi unboxes his Epic X Tourbillon FC Barcelona watch 'I see that photo of them with the tricolour around their back and the Champions League trophy in their hand. And when we won, I went and found the tricolour as well because I was like, 'I want a photo like that'. 'For me, it's important to have the flag with me to show young girls in Ireland how proud I am to be Irish, just to kind of hold that with me, I suppose.' Advertisement The flag was not all she had wrapped around her with Byrne - part of the Arsenal side crowned European champions in 2007 - pitchside to welcome her into the elite club. She said: 'Someone captured me just jumping in her arms. Emma Byrne has been a special part of my career. 'She's someone I looked up to, growing up as a kid when she was representing Ireland and Arsenal and for me to then sign for Arsenal and start breaking into the Ireland team, I always wanted to learn from her because I respected her so much. 'I still do. I value her opinion very highly and the experience she has in the game, what she's won. Advertisement 'I'm just delighted I get to work with Ireland still. I love that she's involved. I think I can speak on behalf of the team when I tell you how respected she is. "She's a fantastic person and I was just delighted to see her and embrace the hug I suppose.' FAST FOR-WARD As well as that shared moment of celebration, followed the mutual disappointment of the finals of the European Championships coming around with Ireland not in it, as a result of their That cost Eileen Gleeson her job and it has been a mixed bag under Ward since. Advertisement Ireland have won five of her eight games in charge but the other three have all ended in 4-0 defeats, once to Slovenia and twice to the US. McCabe suggested Ireland were still in transition under the Englishwoman's watch but that improvement needed to be seen for the She explained: 'I think when you've got a new coach, it takes time. We've seen that in the past, under Vera Pauw and Colin Bell before. 'I think Carla - I don't want to speak on behalf of her - but from our discussions, I'm sure she's seen a lot and learnt a lot about the squad and players individually over the course of the last few months. Advertisement 'I think it's really beneficial for her to see that, so we can get a good steer on how we're going to be successful together moving forward because both of our ambitions are to qualify for that World Cup. 'But obviously there's steps you need to take going into that, October is a massive part in that in terms of getting that promotion to League A.' NOTABLE DEPARTURES The upheaval is not limited to manager and style of play but personnel on the pitch too with Louise Quinn, Diane Caldwell, Niamh Fahey McCabe said: 'You can't shy away from that, it leaves certain gaps because those girls, the experience they have, their knowledge, how they've handled themselves on and off the pitch and conducted themselves in the green jersey is something to be proud of. Advertisement 'If I can get to where they were, I'd be so proud. There are big gaps to fill. But for us now, it's time for people to step up. 'It's time for players to step into those roles and really grow and see it as an opportunity to take a position in the starting XI and around the squad. The last few months were a different sort of period. 'We're playing a different formation than what we're used to. With that will come mistakes, but it's about learning from it and then tightening it into what we want to be going forward.' 'TRANSITION PERIOD' And, with her 30th birthday looming on the horizon in September, she is aware that the number of opportunities she will have to play in major tournaments is diminishing. Advertisement She said: 'It's funny as the years go on you think you'll be young forever and there's always just going to be a next one and a next one, then they start to die down as you get older. 'Yes, it's a transition period, but for me, I still have the hunger and desire to represent my country and be part of that, and have a good steer on how we can take the team forward and demand standards out of everybody. 'That's obviously for new players and younger players coming in as well, what it means to represent Ireland. 'We've got Denise O'Sullivan and Courtney Brosnan and we've got a lot of players that know that and understand that and it's about just breeding the new crop in as quick as possible really. Advertisement 'Hopefully in October we can get a good steer on who we want to be going forward.' To find out more about the Children's Health Foundation or to donate
Sunday World
3 days ago
- Health
- Sunday World
Kerry footballers bring Sam Maguire to sick kids in Temple Street
Children's Health Foundation welcomed the All Ireland football champions Kerry to Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street. Cody Sheehy (14) from Ballinahinch Co Tipperary with Sam Maguire Cup and player Paul Murphy. Photo by Andres Poveda. Children's Health Foundation welcomed the All Ireland football champions Kerry to Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street. Pictured are CHI Temple Street Staff and Chloe Garrell (10) from Walkinstown, Co Dublin with players Diarmuid O'Connor, Paul Murphy, Killian Spillane, Gavin White and Tadhg Morley. Photo by Andres Poveda. Amy Lilly (4) is pictured with Sam Maguire and player Paul Murphy as Children's Health Foundation welcomed the All Ireland football champions Kerry to Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street. Photo by Andres Poveda. Children's Health Foundation welcomed the All Ireland football champions Kerry to Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street. Chloe Garrell (10) from Walkinstown, Co Dublin is pictured with players Diarmuid O'Connor, Paul Murphy, Killian Spillane, Gavin White and Tadhg Morley. Photo by Andres Poveda. Saoirse McDonagh (10) from Liscannor Co Clare is pictured with Sam Maguire as Children's Health Foundation welcomed the All Ireland football champions Kerry to Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street. Photo by Andres Poveda.
Irish Independent
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Hidden Wicklow nature sanctuary to host ‘Music in the Forest' festival
Dorlindon Nature Sanctuary is a little-known spot situated between Roundwood and Kilmacanogue. It blends magical, fantasy‑themed handcrafted elements—like elven domes, log bridges, shrines, and rustic stone structures—with pristine forest and wetland habitats. Forest warden Brendan Hyldbrand said: 'We have been operating for the past seven years at Dorlindon Nature Sanctuary, and continue to develop and rewild the site. We want it to be accessible but without comprising too much at the same time. It's about giving space to nature, and the compromise involved. Once humans are involved in nature, there has to be a compromise as well. 'I suppose you would call me the owner, but really we don't own anything as we won't be around forever. I rewilded the place and included a number of structures, which I crafted myself.' Music in the Forest will run over weekends in July and August, bringing together live performances of Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music, performed in a mythical forest environment. Brendan added: 'This is our first time hosting a festival like this and it is something we are very excited about. We have hosted events such as weddings, yoga retreats and school treasure hunts before. The weddings we hosted were pretty low key and involved lovers of nature. 'The festival dates will have a maximum of 135 people permitted as we want to limit the potential impact on biodiversity. It's a rare opportunity to gather, listen, and reflect in a place where music, imagination, and tradition meet. A contribution from the proceeds will go to the Children's Health Foundation.' The festival will feature 3pm to 5pm daytime concerts in a natural forest amphitheatre. Things got underway on Saturday, July 19, with Catherine Rhatigan, Treasa Ni Mhaoilean and Eileen Carr. On Saturday, July 26, a selection of Renaissance sacred polyphony from Josquin Desprez sacred music, performed by the Renaissance music vocal ensemble based in Dublin. Join Traditional Arts Collective on Saturday, August 2, for an afternoon of traditional music, myth, dance and song. You will hear tales from Irish mythology and be introduced to ancient instruments including Irish bronze age horn, flute, harp, voice and bodhrán along with sean-nós dancing demonstrations. Kathleen Loughnane and Cormac Cannon will explore 17th- and 18th-century Irish and Scottish repertoire on Sunday, August 3, drawing from the manuscripts of early music collectors. With her harp arrangements and Cormac's deep dive into the piping traditions of past uilleann masters, their programme blends solo and collaborative pieces. Cormac joins on pipes, flute, and whistle for a selection of tunes that bring old sounds vividly to life. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Paul Dooley and Kseniya Rusnak present an eclectic selection of traditional tunes from Ireland and Ukraine on Saturday, August 9,, including music from the old Irish harper composers and the medieval harp repertoire, songs and some contemporary pieces. On Sunday, August 17, Ravensdale will present compositions that include a variety of inspirations from the Early Medieval period and are sang in Old Norse, Slavic, English and Germanic, in reference to Slavic and Nordic lore. The vocal octet Dynamics Vocal Ensemble presents a selection of choral music ranging from the renaissance to contemporary, from Farmer, Palestrina, Monteverdi, Pärt, Alfven, Kodaly to Irish and German folk songs, on Saturday, August 23. Tickets for each concert can be purchased by visiting
Irish Examiner
22-04-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Baby Sam from Cork is making waves after open heart surgery
Carrigaline dad Chris Forde loves watching his nine-month-old son, Sam, in his weekly Water Babies class in the pool at the Rochestown Park Hotel every Friday morning. 'I'm amazed at how comfortable he is in the water. He can dunk his head under for three seconds and he comes up smiling. I'm 35 and I can't do that. It doesn't take a pinch out of him.' For Forde and his wife, Meg Heslin, it is 'really rewarding' to see Sam enjoying himself so much, particularly as,, just over nine weeks ago, Sam underwent urgent open heart surgery. Sam was referred to a cardiologist after the paediatric consultant noticed, at his four-month check, that a heart murmur, first detected when he was just a tiny baby, had not gone away or even lessened. At Cork University Hospital, the cardiologist did a range of tests, including three ultrasounds. 'He sat us down, drew a picture of Sam's heart, and pointed out several spots where the blood vessels coming out of his heart were constricted. The cardiologist said, based on this level of constriction, he'd expect Sam to have pale skin, trouble breathing, that he wouldn't be gaining weight, and he'd be lethargic. But Sam had none of this: He was a happy, bouncing boy. 'It was a complete shock to us; such a blow. We'd had no idea whatsoever. We were heartbroken,' says Forde. Sam was referred to Children's Hospital Ireland at Crumlin, and while his parents hoped for a keyhole procedure, his condition was so serious — severe aortic stenosis and coarctation — that he needed open heart surgery. Meg Heslin with baby Sam Forde. Picture: Larry Cummins 'They'd open up his chest, stop his heart for 45 minutes, put him on a bypass machine, and rebuild the vessels coming out of his heart,' says Forde, recalling how frightening it all was. 'After it was explained, I said, 'This sounds like really risky surgery'. In fact the mortality rate is 15% — there was a one in six chance he wouldn't make it.' But the couple had researched their baby's condition and they understood that without the surgery, 'babies with Sam's condition don't survive past the age of two'. The day of his seven-hour open-heart operation in February was 'the longest day' of their lives. 'The nurses were ringing us every hour to confirm he was doing OK, that it was all still going fine.' In ICU for four days, Sam was discharged from hospital a week post-surgery. 'They were so happy with his progress. He bounced back amazingly well,' says Forde. Splashathon fundraiser When baby-and-toddler swim school Water Babies reached out to Sam's parents, asking if they would participate in Splashathon 2025 — a sponsored swim and fundraiser for the Children's Health Foundation — they didn't think twice. The Children's Health Foundation supports the vital work of CHI at Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght, and Connolly. 'Because of our history with Sam and CHI at Crumlin, we wanted to be part of it. We jumped on it. We've shared Sam's story online and, in the last three weeks, he has raised €3,500 for the Children's Health Foundation,' says Heslin. Since Water Babies began, 16 years ago, it has raised more than €220,000 for children's charities. The school itself has 5,500 babies swimming with them every week in Ireland. Carol McNally, director of Water Babies and a swim teacher, says classes cater for children up to five years. 'The maximum we'd have in a class is 10 parents and children. In the smaller pools, we'd have four to five parents. Classes are 30 minutes.' While some parents are themselves nervous swimmers and 'a bit anxious' about how their baby will react, others are coming with their second, third, or fourth baby. Carol McNally, director of Water Babies and a swim teacher. 'Our job is to help them relax in the water, to enjoy the experience. In the first class, we teach them how to hold their baby in the water, how to relax them; we put baby in the swim position, lying on its tummy. Mums and dads are mostly walking, not swimming; they're in a supportive role.' Depending on age, McNally says little ones in the water will want to be 'pulled around. Some will kick, some splash, they're very curious about the water, exploring the feel of it'. She says that by moving their limbs, they're resisting the water. 'It's a really nice exercise for them from a young age.' It's all 'very cute', she says. 'You see their little legs moving, they're holding onto their toes. Some are giving out, because they don't want to be lying on their back. The parents are very focused on their babies — there's lots of eye contact, smiles, and giggles.' Aside from learning a lifelong skill, water safety, and water confidence, there are other benefits for babies and toddlers. 'We use repetitive patterns, movements. We repeat words. It's building cognitive pathways in their brain. It's fantastic for baby and parent bonding. And there's a social aspect for the parents, too — we've had many form lifelong friendships.' Water is a great leveller, she says. 'We've had babies with limb deficiencies, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and spina bifida. We can adapt for different needs and developmental stages. Any movement in the water — any kicking, pulling, splashing — is all exercise. We often hear feedback from physiotherapists that swimming is doing great things for babies and toddlers with special needs, improving their co-ordination and muscle strength.' Safe in the water and with mum Shared activities between parent and baby — such as swimming or playing in the water — help scaffold the emotional, neurological, and social building blocks of the infant's brain, says senior paediatric clinical psychologist Claire Crowe. 'Parent-and-baby swimming affords an opportunity to build trust and sensitive, attuned parenting. Some babies really are water babies and immerse themselves readily in both the activity and the water. "Others are more hesitant or fearful. Responding to these cues helps your baby learn that the water is safe, but, more importantly, that, 'I'm safe when I'm with my parent'. Water activities really encapsulate mutual enjoyment, and mutual trust. Senior paediatric clinical psychologist Claire Crowe. 'The baby's brain is developing and in these water activities there's a gorgeous opportunity to develop these nurturing, responsive moments that help co-create a little person who's emotionally regulated and resilient.' Crowe recalls her second daughter toddling around the edge of the pool and never going near the water. 'It took weeks of me happily smiling and waving to her before she'd allow herself be in the water. My job, as parent, was to stay regulated, to offer her choice, and to know she'd get there when she was ready. Now she's a real mermaid in the water.' Crowe sees first-hand how parents whose children have had to stay in hospital often have to wait much longer before they can do the 'normal' activities of parenthood. 'Those moments where they're finally bringing their baby to something like a swim class are momentous for them.' She says water activities offer 'real brain gains' for babies. 'Proprioception — where the brain learns the position of the body in space without needing visual cues for it — can be compromised in an unwell infant, because they've been lying down for long periods. Parent-and-baby swimming provides a lovely scaffold to develop this skill in a way that feels fun, playful and sociable.' In Carrigaline, Meg Heslin knew even before Sam was born that she would bring him to Water Babies. 'My dad is in the RNLI in Crosshaven, so my sister and I grew up really aware of water safety. I just wanted Sam to know how to swim from a very young age.' Heslin started Sam in Water Babies last November, well before she and Forde knew he would need open-heart surgery. 'He loved the water. Then he missed seven weeks. He didn't go back until four weeks ago. It was like starting from scratch again. He's fine for the first half, then he gets a bit teary; it's about building back his confidence. 'It definitely gives us a bond, and it's very fun — it's a lot of songs and splashing. It's great for him, seeing babies his age — there's one boy who he loves having a bit of a splash with.' Donate to the Children's Health Foundation in aid of Children's Health Ireland. For more information, visit
