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Limerick City and County Council introduces Limerick on Foot 2026, a new initiative encouraging residents and visitors to explore local landscapes on foot. The campaign features 33 trails, including 6 city routes and 27 county routes, catering to various skill levels. This year, three family-friendly walks are highlighted: Kilmallock Looped Walk, Killeedy Community Park, and Adare Village riverside path. The council supports the initiative with printed maps, activity sheets, and videos. Join the campaign for healthier habits, mental wellbeing, and appreciating nature.

AI Threatens Leaving Certificate Integrity: Limerick Educator Sounds Alarm A Limerick educator, Dan Sheedy, warns of AIs potential to inflate project work marks in the Leaving Certificate, necessitating tougher written exams. Recent reforms increasing project weight by forty percent have teachers concerned, as AI can quickly generate the required fifteen hundred to two thousand word briefs. Sheedy suggests examiners must raise the bar on written papers to maintain a balanced bell curve. As conversations about rethinking reforms begin, the future of fair skill assessment remains uncertain.

Analog Devices celebrates 26 years supporting Irelands Young Scientist Exhibition, showcasing STEM projects and engaging students with hands-on demos. The semiconductor giant, now with 50 years in Ireland, highlights its commitment to STEM education and innovation.

Belfast City Council rejects DUPs attempt to block noise byelaws, focusing on noise control rather than censorship. The council plans to fast-track special event byelaws, potentially imposing fines for excessive noise. The political saga continues amidst debates on free speech and city welcoming.

Australias social media ban for under-sixteens sparks debate in the UK, with a quarter of three and four-year-olds owning smartphones and half of kids under thirteen active on social media. Reactions to a potential ban vary, with some supporting stricter controls and others worrying about the loss of useful platforms.

Jan Brierton, a poet and fashion stylist, shares her financial wisdom in a new book. Shes a debt-free spender, starting her earning journey at fourteen. She budgets smartly, invests in experiences, and avoids overpriced skincare. Her smartest buy is a Sage smart kettle, and she loves vintage fashion. She skips risky investments, focusing on time with loved ones. Her latest splurge was a custom dress for her fiftieth birthday. She advises spending only what you have and not letting money control your life.

The Health Service Executive in Ireland is launching a new pilot program in Limerick, offering smokers up to €400 in gift vouchers to quit. The Tobacco Free Ireland initiative targets high-smoking areas like Kilrush and parts of Limerick City. The 12-month program combines expert support with cash incentives, including free nicotine replacement therapies and regular check-ins. International studies show financial rewards paired with support can double long-term quit success rates. Medical card holders in Limerick can join by contacting Quit Mid West at 065 686 5841 or emailing them.

Peig Ryan, a centenarian from Murroe, Limerick, passed away, leaving a lasting impact on Irish traditional music. She co-founded the Murroe branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in 1972, now named Craobh Pheig Uí Riain. Peig, a musician, teacher, mentor, and organizer, shaped music culture in east Limerick and beyond. Tributes poured in, with Comhaltas calling her impact unforgettable. She earned national recognition, including a Bardic Award at Fleadh na hÉireann in 2004. Peig is survived by her family and a wide circle of music friends. Her funeral includes reposing at Meehans in Cappamore on Tuesday, followed by Requiem Mass on Wednesday in Holy Rosary Church, Murroe, and burial in Doon Cemetery.

An Post raises postal prices amidst declining mail volumes and digital shift. Standard stamps for Irish letters increase by €0.20, British/European letters by €0.85, and international letters by €0.95. Old stamps remain valid. Despite cuts in mail volumes, An Post maintains five-day delivery and expands emission-free vehicles. Community Focus program offers free postage for nursing home residents.