Tag: Arts

Ireland’s Age-Friendly AI Training Programme Launches in Cavan

The Age-Friendly AI training programme, Ireland’s National Artificial Intelligence Literacy Initiative for Older Adults, was officially launched at Johnston Central Library in the Farnham Centre in Cavan on Monday. The programme is delivered by researchers from Technological University Dublin and the ADAPT Research Ireland Centre. Funded by Research Ireland, the initiative will roll out in public libraries across Ireland throughout 2026 in partnership with Libraries Ireland, managed by the Local Government Management Agency.

Age-Friendly AI was developed in partnership with older adults and leading ageing-focused organisations across Ireland. This training programme follows a year-long public dialogue exploring their hopes, concerns and expectations regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in everyday life. Accompanying resources and training materials for librarians and other educators will support lifelong learning in their communities.

Speaking about the launch, Minister of State with responsibility for trade promotion, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, Niamh Smyth TD said:

“As technology accelerates, we must ensure our progress is measured not just by the speed of innovation, but by its inclusivity. No citizen should be left behind in the wake of advancement. That is why the work being done through ADAPT’s Age-Friendly AI programme is so vital, it bridges the generational divide, ensuring that the rewards of AI are accessible, equitable, and empowering for everyone, regardless of age. I was delighted to work alongside the team at ADAPT to arrange for the Launch of Phase 2 of the Age-Friendly AI project held in Johnston Library, Cavan, and wish the project continued success.”

Stuart Hamilton, Head of Libraries Development for the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) said, 

“Libraries Ireland is proud to support the Age Friendly AI initiative as part of our national Skills for Life programme. Libraries are trusted, welcoming spaces at the heart of every community and play a vital role in ensuring learning is inclusive and accessible as society evolves. Already this year, we have seen Age Friendly AI engagements in libraries across several counties, and over the rest of 2026, libraries across Ireland will host a national rollout of the programme. Ultimately, this is about ensuring older people are part of the conversation on AI, giving them the time, support and confidence to engage at their own pace.”

Dr Emma Clarke from the ADAPT Centre said,

“Ongoing dialogue, enabled by the #DiscussAI national conversation on Artificial Intelligence, is at the very heart of this programme. By listening to older people from the outset, we ensure that the individuals this training aims to reach are actively involved at every stage of the process. This collaborative approach ensures that the programme is relevant and resonates with the real-life experiences and needs of older adults across Ireland.”

Paula Kelly, Age-Friendly AI Lead at TU Dublin, added:

“We are delighted to be partnering with the LGMA, Libraries Ireland, under their Skills for Life programme, as well as over twenty other community partners, to bring this training to every corner of the country. The Age-Friendly AI initiative isn’t just about teaching AI technology; it’s about making sure older adults aren’t left behind as AI becomes part of our everyday products and services, from healthcare to banking to staying in touch with family.”

The launch event began with an introductory workshop on artificial intelligence (AI) delivered by Paula Kelly. Participants explored what AI is, where it appears in daily life and how it is shaping areas such as healthcare, banking and communication. The session also examined both the benefits and potential risks of AI and allowed attendees to try AI tools in a supportive, hands-on environment.

The event also featured remarks from Paula Butler, Assistant Chief Executive and Head of Local Government Strategy, Research and Communications at the Local Government Management Agency, who highlighted the role of libraries in supporting community learning and digital inclusion.

Following the formal launch, attendees tried out interactive demonstrations, including “Spirit of Radio,” a vintage radio with a modern AI twist; an “Art or AI?” exhibit that challenged participants to distinguish between human-created and AI-generated artwork; and a voice-activated smart lamp.

The Age-Friendly AI training programme will continue to roll out in libraries across Ireland throughout 2026, providing accessible, community-based opportunities for older adults to learn about and experiment with artificial intelligence technologies. No previous knowledge of AI is necessary.

For updates on upcoming workshops and programme developments, members of the public can sign up to the Age-Friendly AI newsletter.

Google Ireland Opens ‘The Factory at Bolands Mill’: A Newly Restored Community, Arts & Culture Space

Minister Patrick O’Donovan TD was joined by Vanessa Hartley, Head of Google Ireland today to celebrate the official opening of The Factory, a dedicated community arts and culture space located at Bolands Mills, the new urban quarter made possible by Google. Designed as a home for creativity, collaboration, and community engagement, The Factory reaffirms Google’s long-standing commitment to its local community.

Long a landmark on Dublin’s cultural map, The Factory has hosted legendary names like The Bolshoi Ballet, U2, and David Bowie, who have spent time here, performing, recording or rehearsing. The Factory has also nurtured some of Ireland’s most talented actors and film-makers.  Paying homage to its rich  history, the space has been restored by Google in consultation with multiple local community groups across the arts and creative industries including the National Performance Arts School, Neurodiversity Irishtown, Ringsend & Pearse Street (NIRP), RMS Music, the Dublin 4 Dance Academy, St Andrews Resource Centre, Ringsend Community Services Forum, Education Task Force and This City Works.

Vanessa Hartley, Head of Google Ireland said:

“For 22 years, Google has been proud to call Ireland home to our EMEA headquarters. What began with just five employees in a shared office has grown into a thriving team of over 5,000 people around Barrow Street. But our presence here has always been about more than just offices — it’s about being a supportive part of the local community. With the opening of The Factory, we’re creating a revitalised  space for arts, culture, and creativity — a space for people to come together, express themselves, and nurture  the talent of the Dublin Docklands. This is just one part of our commitment to being an active, helpful neighbour, and we’re extremely grateful to all those who helped bring this vision to life.”

The Factory is located at the site of the historic Bolands flour mills which was acquired by Google in 2018. Now complete, the restoration of the 150-year-old mill and surrounding site includes over 50,000 square feet of newly landscaped outdoor areas alongside 30,000 square feet of retail and community space. Bolands Mills also provides a new hub for Google’s engineering teams,  retail spaces for an eclectic mix of independent local businesses, as well as 46 discounted-rental apartments made available to key workers supporting the local community via Clúid.

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan said:

“The restoration of The Factory is a shining example of how we can preserve our cultural heritage while creating new opportunities for creativity and community. Spaces like this are essential for fostering artistic expression, inclusion, and innovation — especially in dynamic urban areas like the Dublin Docklands. I commend Google for their ongoing commitment to cultural engagement and look forward to seeing The Factory become a vibrant hub for local talent and creative collaboration.”

The Factory is now ready to continue the creative legacy of The Docklands. As a versatile hub for all forms of expression, it has been redesigned for flexibility and inclusivity — offering a blank canvas for diverse voices, sounds, and rhythms of the neighbourhood. From 2025, this storied space will be available for local groups to book for various creative, educational, and cultural activities. Requests for booking can be made at https://bolandsmills.com/event-spaces/.

Speaking at the event, local artist Paula Moen said:

“The arts are a vital part of Ireland’s cultural identity. Spaces like The Factory at Bolands Mills are essential in nurturing creativity and community connection. The support of a global company like Google is invaluable and very much appreciated in our local communities—not only does it help preserve our rich artistic heritage, but it also empowers local artists to thrive and innovate. It’s crucial that we continue to champion our homegrown talent and create opportunities for artists at every level, ensuring that the ancient creative spirit of Ireland remains strong and vibrant for generations to come.”

EA SPORTS NHL 25 WITH ICE-Q NOW AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE

Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) sets a new standard in hockey authenticity with EA SPORTS™ NHL® 25, now available worldwide on PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. The new ICE-Q gameplay system gives players the time and space to control every inch of the ice, bringing a whole new level of hockey intelligence to EA SPORTS NHL. Plus, a revamped Franchise Mode, overhauled presentation with the all-new Grudge Match system as well as the integration of SAPIEN Technology improving character likenesses, NHL 25 is the truest representation of the sport.

“EA SPORTS NHL 25 brings an unparalleled level of intelligence to the franchise with the introduction of ICE-Q,” said Chris Haluke, Senior Producer for EA SPORTS NHL. “Whether it’s creating time and space in gameplay with ICE-Q or leading the front office with the revamped Franchise Mode, this year’s game offers a truly immersive NHL experience that will appeal to veterans of the game and Chel rookies alike.”

EA SPORTS NHL 25 launches today with an array of exciting new features:

  • ICE-Q is True Hockey Intelligence: Built on a new logic-driven animation system, ICE-Q responds to contextual events on the ice with unprecedented authenticity. Next-Gen Vision Control, Empowered AI and Reactive Actions provide the foundation of Chel’s gameplay overhaul, while Skill-Based One Timers create authentic gameplay tension as offensive excitement and expectation mix with defensive concern and anticipation. Learn more about the all new features in the deep dive trailer here and the blog post here.

  • Revamped Franchise Mode: Franchise Mode gets a revamp in NHL 25. Starting with the Franchise hub, streamlined navigation gives players access to new, relevant and easy-to-digest information. Contract clauses and trade protection now add to the authenticity, giving players insight into what happens during negotiations. Plus, new conversation functions enhance negotiations, making promises, waivers, and counters a faster, more intuitive process. Learn more about the revamped Franchise Mode in the deep dive trailer here and the blog post here.

  • Immersive Presentation Updates: Hockey is not only built different in NHL 25, it looks different. The new Grudge Match System tracks the history of matchups between teams across online and offline modes. In-game characters have received an impressive visual overhaul with the introduction of SAPIEN Technology, and the new Infinite Camera System completely revamps replays with increased variety and authenticity of angles. The Hypestage introduces a universal 3D platform that produces dynamic and immersive storytelling moments during key games and live events throughout the year. Learn more about the improved presentation with the blog post here.

  • Hockey Ultimate Team Innovations – The new Wildcard Mode implements unique rulesets per competition cycle — like different salary cap systems, having a specific number of players from a particular team or nation, and more. Plus, with the new HUT XP Progression System, all of the XP earned in Squad Battles, Rivals and Wild Card are combined into a single progression path. Learn more about the improvements to HUT in the deep dive trailer here and the blog post here.

  • New WOC Live Events Structure – An updated World of Chel Live Event Structure and schedule gives players a new way to take the ice. A new playlist structure keeps game mode selections feeling fresh, along with new competitive tournaments and rewards, metas, and design-driven themes, and the ability to view all current and past offerings in WOC.

These features and more are available now in EA SPORTS NHL 25, with more post-launch content to be announced soon.

Developed by EA Vancouver, EA SPORTS NHL 25 is rated E10+ and is now available globally on PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. Also available now, the EA SPORTS NHL 25 Deluxe Edition includes 4600 NHL Points, HUT NHL Player Pack, HUT “Hockey is Family” Objectives Choice Pack (x2, 82 OVR), HUT Cover Athlete Choice Pack (85 OVR, 1 of 8), HUT Wildcard Starter Choice Pack (84 OVR, 1 of 6), WOC Battle Pass XP Boost (x2), and Exclusive WOC Player Set. For more information on EA SPORTS NHL, visit https://www.ea.com/games/nhl/nhl-25.

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