When it comes to kids’ activities it can feel like we are often (understandably, and perhaps very Irish-ly) operating from a place of scarcity. The activities which I see thriving are steeped in a culture of competition and the entire set-up feels jarring to me. I’m aware that this piece reads sports-heavy and that’s because I’m becoming increasingly aware of how sporting organisations operate as well-oiled, well-resourced machines. Aspects of the arts barely get a look in when it comes to children's activities. The pressure on teachers to focus on academics over what are deemed as activities “extra” to the curriculum is not helping.

Source: Irish Examiner March 06, 2026 06:49 UTC