News Coverage
News Coverage 2026
Plans to expand inclusive Youth Club Spraoi for Inishowen teenagers
Do you have ideas on how to develop Spraoi agus Spórt’s inclusive youth club for teenagers with additional needs? Club Spraoi want to hear from you at a special information evening at 6pm on Thursday, 18 June in Carndonagh. Club...
Spraoi agus Spórt announce summer fun programme across Inishowen
Spraoi agus Spórt in Carndonagh has announced an action-packed summer programme packed with fun, creativity, LEGO, surfing and even a bit of slime. Designed to include everyone, regardless of ability, Spraoi agus Spórt will offer affordable activities for children and...
New Gaeltacht bursaries for Inishowen students
Spraoi agus Spórt has announced they will sponsor two €400 bursaries for students attending the Gaeltacht in Rann na Feirste this summer, in partnership with Feis Domhnaigh. The bursaries will be awarded through a Comhrá Ginearálta competition organised as part of...
Spraoi agus Spórt announces growth plans
Award-winning Carndonagh-based social enterprise Spraoi agus Spórt has announced plans to further expand its team as part of an ongoing period of sustained growth and development. Formed by a small group of volunteers in 2010, the organisation grew steadily to a team...
Donegal teen shines at national fashion awards
DONEGAL teenager Cara McLaughlin has once again made her mark on the national fashion scene, winning both the Connacht-Ulster and National award for Best Casual Outfit at the Relove Fashion competition. This marks the second year in a row that 14-year-old Cara from...
Free energy saving event in Carndonagh to offset the ‘crippling’ cost of fuel
As fuel costs continue to rise, Spraoi agus Spórt is offering households the chance to learn more about cutting energy bills, with a free Home Energy Upgrade Event this Friday, April 10. The event runs from 10am to 1pm at Carndonagh Nursery and Garden Centre. Spraoi...
Spraoi agus Spórt launches 2026 Couch to 5K programme
Want to get fitter this year? Spraoi agus Spórt in Carndonagh have just the thing. Their 2026 Couch to 5K programme is now open for bookings, inviting people of all ages and fitness levels to take that first step — whether that means walking, jogging, or running. Read...
Gardening Volunteers dig in to make Carndonagh bear fruit
Gardening volunteers were out in the spring sunshine helping to plant fruit bushes as part of a joint initiative between Spraoi agus Spórt and Carndonagh Tidy Towns. The group came together to plant blackcurrant, gooseberry, raspberry, and redcurrant bushes at the...
INISH LIVE: Shopping Spraoi set for spring pop-up in Carndonagh on Saturday
Following the success of its recent festive event, Shopping Spraoi is heading back to the Carndonagh Garden Centre for another sustainable fashion pop-up on Saturday, February 28, from 12pm to 3pm. Organised by Spraoi agus Spórt, the event will once again transform...
DONEGAL DAILY/DONEGAL WOMAN: Carndonagh designers stitch up new sustainable fashion line
written by Rachel McLaughlin February 27, 2026 Inishowen designers Lara McLaughlin and Caoimhe Doherty are giving preloved clothes and textiles a new lease of life as fashionable womenswear. Lara and Caoimhe, both sustainable textile technicians with Síoraí circular...
Spraoi agus Spórt Launch Inclusive Birthday Parties
Inishowen social enterprise Spraoi agus Spórt has launched a welcoming new venue for inclusive birthday parties. From February 14th, all birthday parties will take place at Spraoi’s new party space in Unit 3, Bridgetown Business Park, Carndonagh, F93 E7TW. Read full...
TY Students Invited to February Work Experience Programme
Carn’s Spraoi agus Spórt is welcoming Transition Year students to take part in a week of hands-on work experience next month. From February 9-13, four TY students will have the chance to get behind the scenes of the award-winning and ambitious social enterprise –...
News Coverage 2025
Innovative programmes for people with additional needs
Award-winning Carndonagh social enterprise Spraoi agus Spórt has announced two groundbreaking training programmes designed to provide people with additional needs across Inishowen with practical skills, workplace experience, and clear pathways to employment....
Highland Radio: Donegal Charities Awarded €40,000 to Strengthen Community Services
The Ireland Funds has awarded €40,000 to three Donegal charities under the Heart of the Community Fund. Spraoi agus Spórt Family Centre was awarded €20,000, Liquid Therapy received €15,000, and Bluestack Special Needs Foundation €5,000. They are three of 62 national...
Spraoi celebrates a milestone first year at Carndonagh Garden Centre
Spraoi agus Spórt marks a milestone this week, celebrating one year since taking ownership of the Carndonagh Nursery and Garden Centre. The site of a much-loved local business, it now plays an expanding role in community life, education, and sustainable living in...
Media: Christmas Sustainable Shopping Spraoi
Shopping Spraoi returns to the Carndonagh Garden Centre, sowing “seeds of change” with a festive preloved fashion pop-up this Saturday. The sustainable shopping event runs from 12pm to 3pm. It will showcase affordable preloved fashion and promote simple ways to...
Carndonagh charity up for national accolade
A charity set up by mums in Carndonagh to address disadvantage, strengthen the community, and enhance opportunities in the region is in the running for another national accolade. Spraoi agus Spórt has been nominated in 'The BIG Christmas Giveback', which aims to give...
Donegal Daily: Scaling up funding of €300,000 awarded to Spraoi agus Sport Carndonagh
Spraoi agus Sport in Carndonagh has been awarded the highest grant amount of nine successful recipients of a new social innovation grant scheme. The award-winning Inishowen social enterprise has been allocated €300,000 to scale up the services and activities it...
Spraoi agus Spórt launches new accessible bus
Spraoi agus Spórt says it’s delighted to announce the launch of a new accessible bus, which will make a real difference to the lives of families and children with disabilities across Inishowen. The launch will be celebrated with a special event on Monday, November 10...
Donegal Daily: New accessible bus to boost inclusion in Inishowen
A new accessible bus for Spraoi agus Spórt is set to make a real difference to the lives of families and children with disabilities across Inishowen. The social enterprise will launch the new bus with a special event on Monday 10th November at 1pm at Unit 6 SuperValu,...
Ireland Live: New training programme helps young adults with additional needs on path to employment
'My Slí provides practical opportunities and support so participants can see what working life is like' Inishowen is welcoming a new initiative this month, as My Slí, a training and pre-employment programme for young adults with additional needs, begins its first...
Derry Journal: Donegal’s Spraoi agus Spórt up for three Charity Excellence Awards
The organisation, which has built a strong track record of innovation and impact in Inishowen, is nominated for Charity of the Year, Finance Team of the Year, and the coveted People’s Choice Award. Hosted by the Charities Institute Ireland, the awards celebrate...
Donegal Daily: Style lovers to go on a shopping ‘spraoi’ in Carndonagh!
The event is part of Spraoi agus Spórt’s circular economy hub, Síoraí, and offers young people a fun and affordable way to refresh their wardrobes while helping the planet. Visitors can expect rails of pre-loved fashion, swap opportunities, live demonstrations, and...
Donegal Daily: ClayLab in Carndonagh granted €40,000
A ceramics project by Spraoi agus Spórt in Carndonagh has been granted a €40,000 grant in the sixth year of the Community Fund, Bank of Ireland’s flagship community investment initiative delivered in partnership with Community Foundation Ireland. The ClayLab equips...
TG4 – Nuacht Spraoi agus Sport Summer Camps
TG4 dropped by to cover all the fun at Spraoi’s Summer Camps – check out the full feature via the link below: Watch the clip here >>>>>
Donegal Live: Carndonagh’s Spraoi agus Spórt nominated for Good Causes Awards National Finals
Carndonagh-based Spraoi agus Spórt was named as the Ulster nominee in the National Finals in the Good Causes Awards 2025. Spraoi agus Spórt, a social enterprise that enhances health and wellbeing through inclusive, affordable activities for children, families, and...
Donegal Daily: Summer growing workshops bloom in Carndonagh
Spraoi agus Spórt has started a successful series of Summer Growing Workshops held at the newly revived Carndonagh Nursery & Garden Centre, attracting 31 participants from across Inishowen and beyond. Led by experienced horticulturist Dr. Kate O’Callaghan, the 3...
Donegal Live: Carndonagh’s Spraoi agus Spórt launches its 2025 summer camps for all
‘We had nearly 500 campers in 2024, and we’re on track to surpass that this year’ Spraoi agus Spórt says it’s thrilled to offer 14 unique summer camps this year, in and around Carndonagh. Sign-up now for a summer of fun for your family. The 2025 programme is open,...
DonegalLive: Spraoi agus Spórt secures €210,000 to support children with disabilities
Carndonagh social enterprise Spraoi agus Spórt has been allocated €210,000 by the Department of Health to significantly increase its ability to support children with disabilities. Speaking following a meeting in Donegal with the Minister of State at the Department of...
Donegal Daily: Síoraí Carndonagh holding prize draw as they seek customer feedback
Síoraí in Carndonagh are looking for customers to give feedback as they look to improve their service to the community The store sells preloved and “upcycled” products, including ladies’, men’s, and children’s fashion, as well as shoes, toys, books, homewares, and...
News Coverage 2024
Donegal Daily: Sensory-friendly Santa part of free Christmas experience in Donegal
“Tír na Nollag: Winter Wonderland for All” runs until the 20th of December and is generously funded by the ChristmasFM Magic of Christmas Fund through the Community Foundation of Ireland. Those taking part include 100 children with disabilities and autism and their...
Derry Journal: Carndonagh Christmas Wonderland to bring festive cheer to 500 children
Spraoi agus Spórt Family Centre in Inishowen has announced the launch of its latest initiative, "Tír na Nollag: Winter Wonderland for All" CEO Helen Nolan says it is an inclusive, free sensory-friendly Christmas experience, designed to bring joy and festive cheer to...
Media Coverage: Fundraising drive underway in Carndonagh for wheelchair-accessible minibus
Carndonagh social enterprise Spraoi agus Spórt has launched a fundraising drive to buy a wheelchair-accessible minibus to provide essential transport services for individuals with disabilities. Older people, and others in the Inishowen peninsula for whom transport is...
Gríosadh Science Festival Presents Events Across Inishowen
Gríosadh Science Festival Presents Events Across Inishowen Week-Long Celebration of Science in Everyday Life Carndonagh, Co. Donegal - November 4, 2024 – The week-long Gríosadh Science Festival launches this Sunday November 10th with events across Inishowen...
TG4 – Nuacht: Shopping Sproai
Spraoi agus Spórt shares details of ‘Shopping Spraoi’ launching this Saturday in Carndonagh. The sustainable fashion pop-up shop aimed at ages 16–25 will feature over 1,000 items of pre-loved clothing available to swap or buy! Watch Below: [video width="854"...
Inishowen News: Sustainable fashion for young people
INISHOWEN social enterprise, Spraoi agus Spórt, have announced plans for a new sustainable fashion pop-up shop for young people. The ‘Shopping Spraoi’ swap or buy project is aimed at ages 16–25 and will be launched on Saturday 26th October from 12pm-4pm at Colgan Hall...
Donegal Daily: More than 1,000 reasons to check out Carndonagh’s new sustainable pop-up
Inishowen social enterprise, Spraoi agus Spórt, is opening a new sustainable fashion pop-up shop for young people. The ‘Shopping Spraoi’ swap or buy project is aimed at ages 16–25 and will be launched on Saturday 26th October from 12-4pm at Colgan Hall in Carndonagh....
Social Enterprise Sector Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday – 2 October 2024
Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will examine opportunities to use the social enterprise model when it comes to the roll-out of additional childcare facilities; and if he will make a statement on...
Joe.ie: Revealed: The 18 non-profit youth groups that will receive grants from the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund
Brought to you by the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund “These community-based organisations are shaping the future of our young people in a profound way.” 18 non-profit youth groups have received a funding boost, courtesy of the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund. Read more on Joe.ie...
DonegalDaily: Inishowen charity on a roll with four award nominations
Inishowen social enterprise Spraoi agus Spórt has been nominated for four national awards this season. One such nomination is the People’s Choice Awards, the team is appealing for public votes from the community before the closing date on Wednesday 2nd October. Read...
Highland Radio – Business Matters: New sustainable fashion pop-up shop for young people
Aoibhin Nolan discusses the Inishowen social enterprise, Spraoi agus Spórt, which has announced plans for a new sustainable fashion pop-up shop for young people. Listen Below: [video width="320" height="240"...
Derry Journal: Spraoi agus Spórt announces Inishowen Science Week Festival
Spraoi agus Spórt, in partnership with Research Ireland, has announced the Inishowen Rural Science Festival – Bridging Tradition and Innovation. Read more from the Derry Journal Here >>>
Donegal Live: Funding allocated to seven Donegal organisations
Seven organisations in Donegal have been allocated funding of €268,200 to create new Community Services Programme positions. The seven organisations included are Carndonagh’s Spraoi Agus Spórt Family Centre, which received €114,750 and Colgan Community Resource Centre...
Inish Live: More than 300 children expected at Spraoi agus Spórt summer camps
Booking is now open for the fun-filled annual Spraoi agus Spórt summer camps in and around Carndonagh. The award-winning social enterprise is expecting more than 300 children to take part this year, based on last year’s figures. “We’re running 37 individual camps, on...
Donegal Daily: FROM PIER JUMPING TO POTTERY, SPRAOI AGUS SPÓRT SUMMER CAMPS HAVE IT ALL!
Booking is now open for the fun-filled annual Spraoi agus Spórt summer camps in and around Carndonagh. The award-winning social enterprise is expecting over 300 children to take part this year, based on last year’s figures. Read More from Donegal Daily Here...
Inishowen News: Free Film Workshops for young people
ARE you interested in a future in film? Spraoi agus Spórt in Carndonagh are running free 4-day workshops in June and July on digital film making for young people. The workshops will be led by experts from the Nerve Centre in Derry and supported by the Shared Island...
Ireland Live: Training sessions on Autism Spectrum Disorder
Comprehensive training sessions on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are to be held at Spraoi agus Spórt in Carndonagh later this month. Families Reaching Out Group, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs Shared Island Civic Society, is bringing Solas BT7 to provide...
Derry Journal: Spraoi agus Spórt expecting huge numbers for Fun Run
Spraoi agus Spórt are looking forward to their annual Fun Run, which will take place on Friday, May 31 at 7.30pm. They are expecting the numbers taking part to double for the event and have confirmed that anyone who registers and pays by Wednesday, May 8 will receive...
News Coverage 2023
Donegal Daily: Spraoi agus Spórt urges Supporters to become Community Changemakers
Inishowen social enterprise Spraoi agus Spórt has launched a new friends and family giving programme. ‘Cairde Connect’ will enable the award-winning organisation to better support children, young people, and families of all abilities to reach their full potential. The...
Donegal Live: Carndonagh’s Spraoi agus Spórt offering new way to support its work
Inishowen social enterprise Spraoi agus Spórt is launching a new friends and family giving programme. Titled, Cairde Connect, the scheme will enable the award-winning organisation to better support children, young people, and families of all abilities to reach their...
Derry Journal: Sustainable home store ‘Síoraí Home’ to open in Carndonagh this weekend
Spraoi agus Spórt social enterprise have announced the opening of a new sustainable home store on Newpark Road next Saturday, December 2 at 10am.
Highland Radio: Carndonagh’s Spraoi agus Spórt recognised nationally
The Spraoi agus Spórt social enterprise in Carndonagh has received a Good Governance Award. Chairperson of Spraoi agus Spórt, Patricia Lee says the recognition is affirmation for all the work put into making sure not only are great community services delivered but...
Yahoo News: Spraoi Agus Sport is a finalist in People’s Choice Awards
Spraoi CEO Helen Nolan says the awards are about excellence in the charity sector and a win would ‘show how much support we have from our community’. “We are up against some leading national charities in these awards, which are run by Charities Institute Ireland,”...
Derry Journal: Spraoi agus Spórt supports special needs families with wealth of services and groups
When a child has special needs, this can affect the whole family, and they all may need support. That’s according to Carndonagh social enterprise Spraoi agus Spórt who have set up new services to meet these needs. Spraoi volunteer, Margaret Farren, has a 30-year-old...
Donegal Daily: Budding engineers of Inishowen invited to week of free fun activities
Engineering comes to life in Inishowen next week, as Spraoi agus Spórt kick off a series of events for young people. The free events take place as part of Engineers Week on 4th -10th March, which gives children a chance to explore the creative and diverse...
News Coverage 2022
Donegal Daily: McDonald’s in Donegal to provide funding boost for Spraoi agus Spórt
McDonald’s in Donegal is supporting the local social enterprise Spraoi agus Spórt as part of its new Youth Opportunity Ireland programme. In partnership with the Irish Youth Foundation, McDonald’s is providing funding to Spraoi agus Spórt, which is located in...
Donegal Daily: Inishowen Children enjoy ‘Spraoi agus Spórt’ on local School Tours
Summer term is never complete without a school tour, providing Inishowen children with lots of ‘spraoi agus spórt’. In case your Irish is a bit rusty, this means ‘fun and games’ in English! But it’s also the name of award-winning Carndonagh social enterprise, Spraoi...
RTE: Spraoi agus Spórt receives €300k RTÉ Toy Show Appeal Grant
Award-winning social enterprise, Spraoi agus Spórt, has secured €300,000 from the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal grants for 2022. Spraoi Co-Founder & Chief Executive, Helen Nolan, says the grant will fund a new purpose-built Child and Family Hub for Carndonagh. "We are thrilled...
Donegal Live: Carndonagh’s Spraoi agus Spórt awarded prestigious ‘Triple Lock Standard’
Carndonagh-based Spraoi agus Spórt has been awarded the prestigious ‘Triple Lock’ status by the Charities Institute Ireland (CII) for upholding the highest standards in transparent reporting, ethical fundraising and strong governance structures – a recognition which...
News Coverage 2021
Highland Radio: Donegal Sports Partnership approved €104,000 for community sport
A total of 100 clubs, groups and organisations in Donegal have been allocated €104,000 under the Covid-19 Return to Sport Funding Programme. Donegal Sports Partnership (DSP), with support from Sport Ireland and the Irish government, announced the approval of sports...
Highland Radio: Almost €40,000 announced for Donegal social enterprise projects
A number of social enterprise projects in Donegal are to receive almost for €40,000 in funding. Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys has announced €680,000 in funding is being made available for 50 organisations under a new initiative...
Donegal Woman: Donegal gifts remember ‘The year we stayed at home again”
Spraoi agus Spórt has launched a new fundraising initiative in the run-up to Christmas 2021 which will enable the multi-award-winning social enterprise from Carndonagh to continue providing its vital services for children, teenagers, and families in Inishowen. Staff...
Donegal Daily: Spraoi agus Spórt receive €500 donation – from Vietnamese GAA Club!
It’s not every day that a social enterprise from the Inishowen peninsula of Donegal gets the welcome news of a €500 donation from a GAA club & community of Irish expats living half a world away in Vietnam! However, thanks to the generosity of Dubliner Jonny McLoughlin...
Donegal Daily: Spraoi agus Spórt shortlisted for multiple national awards
Carndonagh-based Spraoi agus Spórt have been shortlisted for a total of five prestigious national awards in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the local community during 2021. As well as being shortlisted for the fourth year in a row for the highly...
Donegal Daily: Spraoi agus Spórt and Inishowen co-op partner up to make FabLab grow
Collaboration between business and community has always been part of life throughout Ireland and never more so than within the Inishowen peninsula in County Donegal. This week sees the launch of a new and exciting union between two vry progressive organisations who...
Donegal Daily: Inspiring Donegal Projects Shortlisted for national awards
Five projects in Donegal have been shortlisted for the upcoming All Ireland Community & Council Awards. Now in its 15th year, the 2021 All Ireland Community and Council Awards presented by IPB Insurance, recognise and celebrate community and councils working...
William Fry Announces the 2021 Social Impact+ Bursary Award Winners
We are delighted to announce the 2021 William Fry Social Impact+ Bursary Award winners – Spraoi agus Sport, Pocket Forests and My Mind. Bursary awards of €5,000 will be awarded to each of these social enterprises in recognition of the significant strides in they have...
Donegal Daily: Spraoi in race against time to turn €4,000 into €6,000 for respite care
Spraoi agus Sport in Carndonagh are searching for 100 people to donate just €20 each to help them reach a fundraising target. The award-winning social enterprise is just €2000 short of their target for the JustGiving “Giving Checkout Competition”. Chief Executive...
Donegal Daily: Donegal Charity wins donation in movement for good awards
Carndonagh’s Spraoi agus Sport family centre has won a €1,000 donation in the Movement for Good awards. The awards by specialist insurer Ecclesiastical is giving away over €1,000,000 (£1 million equivalent) to charities in Ireland and the UK. Spraoi agus Sport are no...
Donegal Daily: Carndonagh’s Spraoi agus Spórt saves the day for 530 Donegal Schoolchildren
Carndonagh Social Enterprise, Spraoi agus Spórt, secured school tours for over 530 local children, after principals appealed for help. Under Covid restrictions, tours were only permitted if they stayed local, so schools wanted help to create exciting and engaging days...
Our Rural Future is bright; we are beyond delighted
Spraoi agus Spórt Co-Founder & CEO Helen Nolan has welcomed a grant of €8.2m from the Rural Regeneration & Development Fund (RRDF) 2021 together with €1.3m in match funding from Donegal County Council for the Tús Nua regeneration project which will revitalise...
Inishowen News: Carndonagh online baby events go global
Online events for mums and babies in Inishowen are so popular, they're attracting emigrants from as far away as New York and Toronto. That's according to the manager of Spraoi agus Sport in Carndonagh, Eimear McLaughlin, who says they are launching a new programme of...
New Mums & Babies Online Programme
An Inishowen mums and babies online programme is so popular, it's attracting emigrants from as far away as Texas and Toronto. That’s according to Spraoi agus Sport manager, Eimear McLaughlin, who says they are launching a new programme of events to run from 5th May to...
Derry Journal: Online baby events attracting a global audience
Online Inishowen events for mums and babies are so popular, they’re attracting emigrants from as far away as Texas and Toronto. That’s according to the manager of Spraoi agus Sport in Carndonagh, Eimear McLaughlin, who says they are launching a new programme of events...
Destination Donegal: 10 businesses to watch
Barry Walsh casts his eye on 10 promising Donegal businesses that capture the county’s flair for entrepreneurship and innovation. With a population of just under 160,000 people, Donegal is the fourth largest county on the island of Ireland. Uniquely positioned beside...
Destination Donegal: 10 businesses to watch
Barry Walsh casts his eye on 10 promising Donegal businesses that capture the county’s flair for entrepreneurship and innovation. Read more from Think Business >>> Here Spraoi agus Spórt Based in Carndonagh County Donegal Spraoi agus Spórt (meaning Fun and...
Highland Radio: Business Matters Ep 33
On this week’s podcast, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to Letterkenny-based illustrator and graphic harvester, Ruth Graham. After studying illustration in Cornwall, Ruth took up a number of jobs on her return to Donegal before becoming self-employed in 2015. Ciaran also...