Grab yourself a cuppa because we’ve got some uplifting stories to brighten your day! From classroom extensions in Sligo to heart warming community wins, this week’s edition is all about progress, positivity, and the things that make us smile. Ready? Let’s get into it!
From Bargains to Big Bucks: Penneys Staff Strike Lotto Gold!
Hold onto your knickers, folks! The Lotto Lovelies, a 34-strong, all-female squad from Penneys in Swords Pavilions Centre, have just bagged a whopping €250,000 in the Lotto Plus 2 draw. Penneys staff in Swords just hit the jackpot—literally. Each lucky winner walks away with €7,353.
Amanda Staunton, the fearless leader of the lotto crew, has been buying tickets for 12 years, and finally, her patience paid off—big time. She snagged the winning slip at a Spar in Balbriggan, proving that sometimes your best investment isn’t in fast fashion, but a well-placed fiver on the lotto!
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When the news broke, the shop floor came to a standstill. “We got nothing done that day,” admitted Megan Hynes to RTÉ News, proving that even the best multitaskers can be distracted by a quarter of a million euro.
So, if you're in Penneys and can’t find an assistant, don’t panic—they could be on their lunch break or they might just be sipping cocktails in Majorca!
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Beer, Beds & Brain Freeze – Billy Byrne’s is Levelling Up!
Big changes are brewing in Kilkenny—literally! Billy Byrne’s, the much-loved taproom in the heart of the city, isn’t just pulling pints anymore. They’ve got grand plans to add a restaurant, a wine bar, accommodation, and—because clearly, they believe in keeping everyone happy—a gelato shop.
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That’s right, whether you fancy a craft beer, a classy glass of wine, a cosy place to stay, or just a cone of the good stuff, Billy Byrne’s will have you sorted. The owners are hoping to create a full experience where visitors can sip, dine, sleep, and, of course, indulge in some top-tier gelato. So now, a night out in Kilkenny doesn’t have to end with a dodgy kebab—you can polish things off with something far fancier.
And let’s be real, the best part? The next time you see a pint with a foamy head and someone cracks, “Do you want a flake with that?” you can finally say, “Actually, yes—and I’ll take it with a scoop of ice cream from Billy Byrne’s.”
Sligo Schools Succeed After Storm Éowyn
In some heart-warming news for Sligo, two local schools are set to receive much-needed expansions, thanks to funding from the Department of Education. One of the schools is Mercy College, which was recently hit by Storm Éowyn and suffered some serious damage. The school will see eight new classrooms for mainstream students, plus two additional classrooms for special needs students. This expansion will replace the temporary pre-fabs currently in use, a much-anticipated change for teachers, staff, and parents.
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It’s a massive step forward for education in Sligo, as this funding will not only improve accommodation but also ensure that more students, particularly those with special needs, have access to better learning environments. Deputy Frank Feighan, who welcomed the news, hopes work will begin soon, with the goal of getting these upgrades underway before the end of 2025. There’s a bright future ahead for Sligo’s students!
There you go folks! Next time you're walking past your local school on your way to share a pint or two with friends, take a moment to appreciate the good stuff happening around you. Until next time, keep the good vibes flowing!
Topics: Ireland
Paul Farrelly