Crann Support Group

12/06/2026

🎈🌍 Celebrate International Day of Play with NCN! 🌍🎈

Participating in the National Childhood Network’s “Stay and Play” session is a wonderful opportunity for Early Years, Childminders, and School Age Services to champion every child’s right to play 🧸✨

By opening your doors to families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, you help build strong partnerships between parents and educators while creating a warm sense of community 💛

🛝 This year’s theme is: 🌱 “Protect Play, Protect Childhood” 🌱

Play is not “just play” 💫 It supports:
🧠 Cognitive development
💪 Physical wellbeing
❤️ Social & emotional growth
🎨 Creativity & imagination
🤝 Confidence, belonging & connection

Hosting a Stay and Play session is a fantastic way to:
✨ Showcase your play-based practice
✨ Promote screen-free exploration
✨ Support lifelong learning foundations
✨ Align with Aistear, Síolta & EDI
✨ Celebrate the incredible work educators do every day 🌟

Please join NCN and celebrate the power of Play together!
📅 International Day of Play
🗓️ Thursday, 11 June 2026

💡 Each setting will receive a copy of our Non-Screen Play Tip Sheet information leaflet, featuring 31 practical play tips!🌈🧩🎨

To Register: https://ncn.ie/events/stay-play-campaign/

25/05/2026

24/04/2026

We’re delighted to share that CRANN has successfully secured €7,392 in funding to upgrade our IT infrastructure 🎉

08/04/2026

3 days. 1 ticket. 1/3 of the price 🌈
Why fly for a weekend when you can make memories that stick for years? At Kaleidoscope Presented by Glenveagh kids discover their first gigs, parents relive theirs, and families share moments that grow with them. All for around a third of a European beach break 🎶✨

📅 3–5 July | Russborough House

01/04/2026

Our CEO, Marie Daly, has been shortlisted for Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 (Charitable Organisation) at the IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards.

Her leadership continues to drive meaningful, community-based impact and we couldn’t be prouder.

26/02/2026

We were honoured to welcome Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, for a special visit to our Early Years service Coiscemmena in Trim.

It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the important work being done every day to support children, young people, and families in our community. Minister Foley met with children and staff, listened to their experiences, and saw first-hand the positive difference these services make.

We sincerely thank Minister Foley for her time, her interest, and her commitment to supporting children and families. Visits like this help highlight the value of community services and the importance of continued support.

We look forward to working together to continue making a positive impact.

30/01/2026

The official launch of the pilot Preschool Home Liaison Project, alongside the celebration of a partnership between me and Meath Travellers Workshop (MTW) to create a booklet specifically aimed at supporting the Travelling community took place in the Ardboyne Hotel in Navan on the 29th January 2026.

The event exceeded expectations, with a much larger turnout than anticipated. There was strong engagement throughout the day, with a brilliant flow of discussion and exchange between speakers and attendees, highlighting the clear need for and interest in this work.

The event was opened by Marie Daly, CEO of the Crann Support Group, who spoke very positively about the project and emphasised the importance of early intervention and family support. She thanked the funders CYPSC, Meath County Council, and the Crann Support Group for recognising the value of the role and supporting its development.

The Preschool Home Liaison Officer, Megan Sharpe spoke about how the Project has evolved since its inception, how it has changed from the original vision, and the number of families supported to date. Marina Cunningham, Manager of Meath Travellers Workshop, spoke about the booklet project and highlighted the role of Catriona Mc Donagh MTW Family Support Worker, who co-wrote the booklet with The Preschool Home Liaison Officer. Catriona then shared how the idea for the booklet originated and how it was adapted specifically to reflect the needs of families in Meath.

Overall, it was a very successful and uplifting event and it was an opportunity to promote this vital role, as well as to continue supporting families in Navan in a meaningful and collaborative way.

16/06/2025

🛑 TIMES RUNNING OUT 🛑

Can we have a minute of your time

PLEASE NOMINATE
“The Crann Support Group”

For the AIB €1 Million Community Fund
We could receive up to €20,000!



Click on: https://aib.ie/community-fund


Enter the following information:
Charity Name: Crann Support Group
Charity Reg No: 20101404
Location: Leinster
Theme: Education & Opportunities
Reason: "Crann supports over 30 frontline organisations, enabling 1,700+ children and families to access quality childcare, social inclusion supports and services."
Closing Date: 25 June 2025

06/06/2025

Can we have a minute of your time

PLEASE NOMINATE
“The Crann Support Group”

For the AIB €1 Million Community Fund
We could receive up to €20,000!



Click on: https://aib.ie/community-fund


Enter the following information:
Charity Name: Crann Support Group
Charity Reg No: 20101404
Location: Leinster
Theme: Education & Opportunities
Reason: "Crann supports over 30 frontline organisations, enabling 1,700+ children and families to access quality childcare, social inclusion supports and services."
Closing Date: 25 June 2025