Students Initatives
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Student Initiatives
Explore Carrick-on-Suir, in partnership with LEO Tipperary’s Student Enterprise Programme, is proud to introduce The Journey of an Idea—a five-year initiative for all secondary school students in Carrick-on-Suir. Launched on 7th October with an empowering Ideas Seminar, this programme will inspire students to transform their ideas into real-life actions. Whether it’s a business, a community initiative, or a project to enhance local vibrancy, this programme guides students through every stage, from concept creation to taking the first steps in making their ideas a reality.
Our mission is to inspire youth to think creatively and act boldly for the betterment of Carrick-on-Suir and beyond. This initiative is not only about entrepreneurship but about fostering the drive to make meaningful contributions to the community. Students will learn how to spark ideas, transform them into action, and see the potential of their contributions in shaping a thriving and vibrant town.
STUDENT INFORMATION PACK
Welcome to
The Journey of an Idea
Ready to turn your ideas into reality?
Where creativity begins, community thrives.
1. What’s This All About?
We’re on a mission to inspire you to think big, get creative, and showcase your entrepreneurial spirit! You’ll get guidance from business and social entrepreneurs, creatives, and marketing experts to help shape your ideas.
2. Who’s it for?
Every secondary school student in Carrick-on-Suir is invited to get involved—whether you’re in the junior, intermediate, or senior cycle!
3. What’s in it for you?
- Explore your creativity
- Learn real-world entrepreneurial skills
- Win cash prizes and spot prizes 💰
- Build a business that can make a difference in your community!
5. Sample Ideas to Get You Started 🚀
Stuck on what to do? Here are some creative ideas you can work on (no capital needed!):
- Freelance Social Media Management: Help local businesses boost their online presence.
- Digital Tour Guides: Use the Explore Carrick-on-Suir Quest Map to create fun, interactive tours for tourists.
- Community Storytelling Podcast: Share the unique history and stories of Carrick-on-Suir.
- Pop-Up Events: Plan local festivals, student open-mic nights, or themed tours!
- Content Creation: Manage social media or create blogs for local businesses or events.
6. What to Expect at the Launching Seminar 📅
We’re kicking off the programme with an exciting Launching Seminar on 7th October 2024!
Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Inspiring talks from top business minds and creatives, including economist Jim Power.
- Interactive Q&A sessions that are fun, dynamic, and engaging with the audience!
- A chance to start shaping your business idea with real-time feedback!
- Breaks for networking and brainstorming with other students.
The seminar will be live-streamed and recorded, so everyone can be inspired by the event. Each school will send 10 Junior Cycle representatives, 10 Intermediate Cycle representatives, and 10 Senior Cycle representatives to participate live.
Seminar hosted by Kirsten Mate Maher: Explore Carrick-on-Suir Social Media and Marketing Executive, Beat 102103 Presenter, 2018 Crowned Rose of Tralee, Entrepreneur
7. How to Get Involved
We’re inviting all secondary school students in Carrick-on-Suir to get involved! Each school will have a dedicated liaison tutor to guide and support you throughout the programme.
8. Prizes 🎉
The programme offers cash prizes, spot prizes, and certificates for each school! 💸. You’ll also work with community leaders to bring your ideas to life.
- Junior Cycle Prize: €300 per year
- Intermediate Cycle Prize: €400 per year
- Senior Cycle Prize: €1000 per year
Gain valuable real-world experience, earn recognition for your innovative ideas, win awards, and make a lasting impact in your community and beyond!
9. Programme Schedule
Here’s the timeline of the events you’ll be involved in:
- October 2024 – Launching Seminar in partnership with LEO Tipperary Student Enterprise Programme 2024-2025
- November 2024 – Networking Events (beginning in November and running for the duration of the programme)
These networking events will provide opportunities for student-to-student, student-to-business, and student-to-organisation connections. You’ll also get to engage with town stakeholders, adding extra value to your experience!
- January 2025 – Presentation of Business Ideas
- April 2025 – Final Event and Awards Ceremony
Each step of the journey will help you refine your ideas, connect with mentors and stakeholders, and prepare for the final pitch!
10. Ready to Get Started?
Download the Students Entrepreneurial Handbook now for all the tips, ideas, and guidance you’ll need to create something amazing. Your Resource Pack is designed to help you build ideas and concepts throughout the programme. Use it to track your progress, jot down inspiration, and refine your business plan.
Nov 29
Voices from the Land: Panel & Conversation 🌱
Tractors and Tudors Festival Saturday December 13th in the Long Gallery of Ormond Castle (2PM – 4.30PM)
We are so looking forward to this gathering of storytellers and people rooted in the culture of the land, exploring our shared connection through folklore, ritual and tradition.
Featuring :
📍 Michael Kelly – GIY — Our relationship with the land, soil, biodiversity & local food growing.
📍 Ben MacCaoilte – Poet & Archaeologist — Poetry, Gaeilge & the memory of place.
📍 David Keohan – Indiana Stones — Irish stone-lifting traditions, folklore & strength heritage.
📍 Eimear Burke – Chief Druid, OBOD — Ritual, myth & Ireland’s spiritual landscape.
The evening closes with a shared panel conversation weaving all these threads together - memory, belonging, resilience, creativity, and the powerful ways in which land shapes people, and people shape land.
🎟️ For tickets (€5) visit Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/voices-from-the-land-by-explore-carrick-on-suir-tickets-1780653716199?aff=oddtdtcreator
🔗 For more information on the Tractors and Tudors Festival, head to:
explorecarrickonsuir.com
#explorecarrickonsuir #tractorsandtudors #visittipperary #ecosquest
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Nov 27
Thanks to everyone who joined us for last week’s Pubs of Carrick story telling session 🍻 and a special thanks to Padraig Sheehan who did a phenomenal job of facilitating the conversation 🙌🏽 What a night of stories, memories, and community. Now we’re excited to share what’s coming next..
🌾 VOICES FROM THE LAND – Ormond Castle • 13th December • 2PM 🌾
As part of the Tractors & Tudors Festival!
🏰 Step inside the walls of Ormond Castle for an afternoon shaped by story, soil, food, ritual, heritage, and the living memory of the land.
Voices from the Land brings together four extraordinary speakers — each rooted in their own craft, tradition, and relationship with the landscape — to explore how we live with the land, learn from it, work it, honour it, and pass on its wisdom.
This gathering celebrates community stewardship, ancestral knowledge, creativity, and the everyday magic of rural life.
🌿Voices from the Land - Panel & Conversation a lore of the land, exploring our shared connections in the land through folklore, ritual and tradition. Featuring:
• David Keohan - Indiana Stones: Irish stone-lifting traditions, folklore & strength heritage.
• Eimear Burke - Chief Druid, OBOD: Ritual, myth & Ireland’s spiritual landscape.
• Ben MacCaoilte - Poet & Archaeologist: Poetry, Gaeilge & the memory of place.
• Michael Kelly - GIY: Our relationship with the land, soil, biodiversity & local food growing.
The evening closes with a shared panel conversation weaving all these threads together — memory, belonging, resilience, creativity, and the powerful ways in which land shapes people, and people shape land.
📍 Ormond Castle
📅 Saturday 13 December
⏰ 2 PM (Doors 1:30 PM)
🎟️ Tickets & full event info now available
Tickets €5 Tap the link to book your place https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/voices-from-the-land-by-explore-carrick-on-suir-tickets-1780653716199?aff=oddtdtcreator
Come join us in the glow of Ormond Castle and be part of a truly special gathering of voices, roots, and stories.
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Nov 25
🎄✨ Tractors & Tudors Festival Saturday, 13th December! ✨🎄
Carrick-on-Suir is ready for a full day of magic, heritage, music, tractors, motor bikes & festive fun and you’re all invited! ❤️
Here’s what’s happening 👇
🏰 ORMOND CASTLE & CASTLE STREET
1PM–7PM Christmas Craft Market
1PM–4:30PM Free “A Tudor Christmas” Tours
1PM–5PM Tudor Living History with Claíomh & Melissa Shiels
⸻
🏍🎁 2PM – South East Bikers 29th Charity Toy Run
Hundreds of bikes roaring into New Street Car Park.
A spectacular festive moment for all ages! ❤️✨
⸻
📚🔥 2PM–5PM – Voices from the Land
Ormond Castle Long Gallery
Storytellers, tradition keepers & land stewards exploring our shared connection with folklore, ritual & place.
Featuring:
• David Keohan – @_indiana_stones_
• Eimear Burke – Chief Druid, OBOD @eimear_burke_druid
• Ben MacCaoilte – Poet & Archaeologist @benmaccaoiltepoet
• G.I.Y / Grow HQ – Sustainable Farming @grow_hq
Panel Discussion recorded for the Heritage Centre Oral History Collection.
Ticketed event. Tickets go on sale shortly keep an eye on our socials 🙌🏽
⸻
🚜✨ 5PM–7PM – 12th Annual Christmas Tractor Run
Piltown → Fiddown → Portlaw → Clonea → Rathgormack → Arriving Carrick @ 7PM
5:40PM – Kids’ Tractor Run (Castle Park Green)
⸻
🎶❤️ 5PM – Community Christmas Carol Sing-Along
Ormond Castle
With the Suir Valley Choir 🎵
⸻
🎧🎉 6PM–8PM – BEAT Street Party
New Street Car Park
Music, entertainment & the illuminated tractors on display from 7PM!
⸻
✨ FREE • FAMILY FRIENDLY • EVERYONE WELCOME
✨ Saturday 13th December | 1PM–8PM | Carrick-on-Suir
PLEASE TAG & SHARE Let’s make it a day to remember ❤️💛
#TractorsAndTudorsFestival #CarrickOnSuir #explorecarrickonsuir #ChristmasInCarrick #ECOSQuest
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Nov 19
📣 Happening tomorrow night!
We have added 5 more tickets for The Pubs of Carrick: Past & Present at Christy’s in The Strand Theatre Bar, 7.30pm. 🍻
Join us for a warm, lively evening of stories, memories, and local history as we celebrate the pubs that helped shape Carrick-on-Suir, past and present. Expect great tales and plenty of nostalgia. Come down for a bit of craic, a pint and sure we might even get a sing song going who knows 🙌🏽
It’s a free event, but booking is essential, grab one of the last spots while you can! 🔗✨BOOK HERE: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-pubs-of-carrick-past-present-oral-story-telling-event-tickets-1780366296519?sg=1d131024caa3e4fd9ae63efb8b9d4748a266c113fc0997edc38eaf3e988bc78664f9232770b3bfccdcba73dd2c3012b387e497d929ba5dba5ad830104d4c3e7234ed05ee3d94b1bf5583ad1d50f4&aff=ebdsshios
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Nov 7
🎉 We’re delighted to announce that Explore Carrick-on-Suir has been for the IPB Pride of Place Awards 2025! 🎉
We’re so proud to represent our community and to celebrate the spirit, collaboration, and pride that make Carrick-on-Suir such a special place to live, work, and visit. 💚
Tune into the livestream at www.prideofplace.ie tonight to join us and support our community as we take part in this year’s celebrations!
#IPBPOP2025
@cooperationireland @ipb_insurance @Limerick_IPBPoP @limerick.ie @limerickcityandcountycouncil
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Nov 4
Join us for our next storytelling event “The Pubs of Carrick: Past & Present”
📍Christy’s at The Strand Theatre Bar
🕣Thursday 20th November 7:30pm
Join us for a lively evening of memories, laughter, and local legends as we celebrate the pubs of Carrick-on-Suir, the ones still pouring pints today, and those long gone but never forgotten.
From the 1920s to the present day, our town’s pubs have been the beating heart of community life - places where friendships were forged, music was shared, and stories became part of who we are.
This special session will feature first-hand voices from publicans past and present, along with rare photographs, projections, and video clips that bring decades of craic and camaraderie back to life.
Come along to:
• Hear stories from inside the bar counter
• Rediscover familiar rooms and faces
• Celebrate the role pubs have played in shaping Carrick’s social history
Free event: booking essential
Spaces are limited, so grab your ticket early! Book here : https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-pubs-of-carrick-
past-present-oral-story-telling-event-tickets-1780366296519?aff=oddtdtcreator
Do you recognise anyone in these photos ? 🙌🏽
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Nov 3
Saturday December 13th. Tractors & Tudors Festival. Save the date & spread the word 🎄🎅
#explorecarrickonsuir #tractorsandtudors #visittipperary #lonelyplanetireland #thisiscarrickonsuir #ecosquest #christmas2025
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Oct 30
Storytelling in Carrick-on-Suir 📖
🎥 This day last week we were in The Carraig Hotel for Tales of the River Suir Storytelling Session III with Andrew Doherty and what a night it was! ✨
The room was full, the stories were flowing, and the atmosphere amazing!
Thanks to everyone who came along and shared their voices. The good news is we’re doing it all again.. our next event will be:
“The Pubs of Carrick: Past & Present”
📍 Christy’s at The Strand Theatre Bar
📅 Thursday 20th November
⏰ 7:30pm
Join us for a lively evening of memories, laughter, and local legends as we celebrate the pubs of Carrick-on-Suir, the ones still pouring pints today, and those long gone but never forgotten.
From the 1920s to the present day, our town’s pubs have been the beating heart of community life - places where friendships were forged, music was shared, and stories became part of who we are.
This special session will feature first-hand voices from publicans past and present, along with rare photographs, projections, and video clips that bring decades of craic and camaraderie back to life.
🎤 Come along to:
• Hear stories from inside the bar counter
• Rediscover familiar rooms and faces
• Celebrate the role pubs have played in shaping Carrick’s social history
🎟️ Free event: booking essential
Spaces are limited, so grab your ticket early! Book here : https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-pubs-of-carrick-past-present-oral-story-telling-event-tickets-1780366296519?aff=oddtdtcreator
Let’s raise a glass to where our stories live 🍻
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Oct 29
🌊✨ The Tides of Time Mural has arrived ✨🌼
A stunning new mural by international artist Fintan Magee is transforming the Quays
Rooted in our river heritage, The Tides of Time artwork blends native and introduced wildflowers like marsh marigold, water forget me not, purple loosestrife and fleabane with powerful black and white imagery from our past — from cot boats and horses on the towpath to the iconic Ormond Castle.
Celebrating Carrick-on-Suir, created for the community, local students even had the opportunity to help bring this masterpiece to life.
This mural is the prelude of something very special…
The countdown to the Tides of Time Interpretation at the Heritage Centre opening next May has officially begun.
Come visit and feel the pride rising like the tide. 💚
#TidesOfTime #ExploreCarrickOnSuir #CommunityArt #CarrickOnSuir #PublicArtIreland #RiverSuirStories #CulturalHeritage #OurStoryStartsHere #ECOSQuest
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Oct 28
We’ve officially kicked off The Journey of an Idea - Year Two 🎉
This year, students are taking on The Quest for Tourism Innovation and their mission is exciting:
🧭 Students will be tasked with creating unique visitor experiences using the Quest Map as their inspiration - celebrating the attractions we already have, while imagining what new adventures might invite more people to discover Carrick-on-Suir & Its Hinterlands. ✨
Special guest speakers - Sheila Dooley-Walsh (Fáilte Ireland), Marc Roosli (Mirador Media) and International Artist Fintan Magee - helped open minds and spark new ideas, encouraging students to think differently & creatively, communicate confidently to help show pride in where they live.
And with Tipperary now named one of Lonely Planet’s Top 25 Destinations in the World for 2026, there has never been a more thrilling time to dream big for our town. 💚
Let the journey begin! 🚀
#JourneyOfAnIdea #ExploreCarrickOnSuir #HeartOfItAll #LonelyPlanet2026 #StudentEntrepreneurs #TourismInnovation ECOSQuest
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Oct 22
📣 Huge News for Tipperary!
Lonely Planet has named Tipperary one of the world’s Top 25 Destinations for 2026! 🌍✨
Described as “the Ireland of postcards, with a few surprises,” our county’s castles, landscapes, and local flavours have captured global attention. 💚
Start exploring it all now with the Explore Carrick-on-Suir Quest Map your interactive guide to Tipperary’s stories, fun facts, and hidden gems from Carrick-on-Suir to Cashel, Clonmel, Fethard, and beyond. 🗺️
And with the New Failte Ireland Tides of Time Interpretation opening at the Heritage Centre Carrick-on-Suir in May 2026, the timing couldn’t be more perfect to welcome the world to our doorstep. 🌟
#LonelyPlanet #explorecarrickonsuir #Top25Destinations #visitTipperary #QuestMap #TidesOfTime #HeartOfItAll #CarrickonSuir #VisitIreland #ECOSQuest
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Oct 21
Brushes, stories, and inspiration in motion 🎨✨
Students from Comeragh College joined Fintan Magee on-site today for a hands-on look at the Explore Carrick-on-Suir Tides of Time mural. Their curiosity, talent, and energy was uplifting with Jesse even sharing some of his own incredible artwork! Moments like these remind us how creativity connects people 💫
#TidesOfTime #CarrickOnSuir #ExploreCarrickonSuir #FintanMagee #YouthInArt #CommunityCreativity #ECOSQuest
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Oct 20
There’s still time to experience the charm of Ormond Castle before they close for the season on November 5th. Step back in time and discover the magic of this Tudor gem. 🏰
The Castle will reopen for our festive Tractors & Tudors Christmas Market.. a celebration you won’t want to miss, keep an eye on our socials for the exciting announcement! 🎄✨
#explorecarrickonsuir #carrickonsuir #visittipperary #suirwayblueway #thisiscarrickonsuir #ecos #ecosquest
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Oct 15
Carrick-on-Suir’s glowing with autumn colour 🍂 Use the Quest Map as your guide for exploring the area and to learn more about what’s right here on our doorstep 🙌🏽
#explorecarrickonsuir #ECOSquest #Carrick #ExploreCarrick #VisitTipp
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Oct 14
And we’re off! The first splash of colour hits the wall. Our “Tides of Time” mural in Carrick-on-Suir has begun! 🎨💥Can you guess the location?
#FintanMagee #ArtinAction #ExploreCarrickOnSuir #TidesOfTime #QuestMap #ECOSquest #VisitTipp #Tipperary
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Oct 13
Have you stories, photos, or little keepsakes connected to the River Suir?
We’re inviting you to bring them along to Tales of the River Suir, our storytelling evening in The Carraig Hotel, Carrick-on-Suir on October 23rd from 7pm-8pm with doors opening at 6.30pm. The event will be hosted by Andrew Doherty of Tides & Tales 🏞️
We’ll have a “conversation table” to lay out your bits (think primary school nature table) ..old photos, newspaper clippings, fishing gear, anything that sparks a memory or conversation. Come early, have a wander, and chat with others before the storytelling begins.
🎟️ Free event, limited places!
Reserve your spot here 👉
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/tales-of-the-river-suir-hosted-by-andrew-doherty-of-tides-tales-tickets-1780237431079?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios&sg=6068e230ef88bd5d3f5d993ddee4e71af109751b0fa04c7889b3cef7e0287da3aa0e5bbd6f1837c45b09d4bc78f361a8e5ab6c06910b45ff56f6333ae39460b0727d86ce5dd9aeb6230e9765baf8
Let’s share the stories, memories, and moments that keep the heart of the River Suir in Carrick alive. 🌊
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Oct 10
🌊 Tales of the River Suir – Storytelling Session III
We’re back with another evening of stories flowing from the River Suir 🏞️ Tales of life, work, and play along its banks. 💭✨
📅 Thursday, October 23rd | 7–8pm
📍 The Carraig Hotel, Carrick-on-Suir
🎟️ Free event – limited places!
Book here > https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/tales-of-the-river-suir-hosted-by-andrew-doherty-of-tides-tales-tickets-1780237431079?aff=oddtdtcreator
Tickets have been flying out, we’re almost sold out just 24 hours after release! There’s still a few tickets remaining grab them while you can 🙌
Hosted by Andrew Doherty of Tides & Tales, this special evening invites locals to share their memories and moments of the River Suir.. the laughter, the labour, and the legacy of the water that runs through our town.
Come along, grab yourself a drink, get comfortable, and enjoy an evening of shared stories about Carrick-on-Suir. You’re welcome to simply listen and take it all in.. but if you’d like to share a memory or two, we’d love to hear your voice. Everyone’s welcome, and every story matters.
These stories will be collected for our new Heritage Centre, preserving the voices and memories that make Carrick-on-Suir so special for generations to come.
📸 Do you recognise anyone in these photos?
Images: https://tidesandtales.ie/tag/carrick-on-suir/
#ExploreCarrickOnSuir #CarrickOnSuir #TalesOfTheRiverSuir #Storytelling #TidesAndTales #Tipperary #IrelandsAncientEast #CommunityStories
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Oct 9
🌊 Tales of the River Suir – Storytelling Session III
📅 Thursday October 23rd 7pm-8pm
📍 The Carraig Hotel, Carrick-on-Suir
🎟️ Free event – limited places! Book on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/tales-of-the-river-suir-hosted-by-andrew-doherty-of-tides-tales-tickets-1780237431079?aff=oddtdtcreator
Join us for the third session in our storytelling series, an evening celebrating the River Suir and the stories that flow from it. 💬✨
Hosted by renowned author and generational riverman Andrew Doherty, this special night invites locals to share their personal memories of the river.. stories of work, recreation, and life along its banks.
We’re honoured to welcome Andrew, whose Tides and Tales blog beautifully captures the spirit of our waterways. The above image features Gerry McCarthy, Jeff Wells, and Tom Brett sitting on the Old Bridge, Carrick-on-Suir. Check out Andrew’s blog here for more images and stories ! >> https://tidesandtales.ie/tag/carrick-on-suir/
These stories are being collected for our new Heritage Centre to capture the voices and memories of our town and keep them alive. 🙌🏽
#ExploreCarrickOnSuir #CarrickOnSuir #TalesOfTheRiverSuir #Storytelling #TidesAndTales #Tipperary #IrelandsAncientEast #CommunityStories #CarrickStories
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Oct 8
We’re thrilled to welcome international mural artist Fintan Magee to Carrick-on-Suir! 🌍
Over the next few weeks, Fintan will be creating a stunning new mural 🎨
He’s painted incredible works across all corners of the world, from Ireland to Australia, Doha, France, and beyond and we can’t wait to see what he creates here in Carrick! 💫
Can you guess where the mural is going ? 👀 Leave your guesses below 👇🏽
#ExploreCarrickOnSuir #CarrickOnSuir #Tipperary #TippTourism #IrelandsAncientEast #StreetArtIreland #PublicArt #FintanMagee #ExploreCarrickonSuir #ExploreCarrick
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Oct 7
🚴♀️ Congratulations to Breda and her amazing team at Vincent’s Carrick for winning the People’s Choice Award (with over 4000 votes!) for our Get Your Bikes Out campaign during @letapeireland_ in Carrick-on-Suir, the true home of cycling!
A fantastic achievement that captures the spirit, creativity, and community pride that makes Carrick-on-Suir so special 💛💙
#CarrickOnSuir #GetYourBikesOut #CommunitySpirit #PeoplesChoiceAward #CyclingCommunity #ShopLocal #ProudOfCarrick
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