The Meath Herald July 2024

GAA Club Helping Footballer Injured in Taxi Crash in US

ByLouiseWalsh

AGAA club has rallied around to help out one of their players who was seriously injured in a road traffic accident in the USA, where he is spending the summer.

A GoFundMe page set up by Meath club Drumbarragh Emmets GFC has raised almost €60,000 of a €75000 goal to aid Shane Campbell with his treatmentcosts.

The 22 year old from Kells, Co.Meathwasapassengerina taxi when the accident occurredonJune5thandremains in hospital in Cook County where he faces a long road to recovery.

He was placed in an induced coma and intubated initially when he was admitted to John H Stroger Hospital with a number of broken bones and significant abdominal trauma whichhasrequiredtensurgical procedures so far. Shane is

now out of the coma and cognitivebutitwillbeseveralmore weeks before he is out of hospital before facing months of rehabilitation.

Althoughhistravelinsurance will cover his basic medical care, it will not cover any extra medicalcostsoranyrehabilitationrequired.

The Kells man, whose dad David owns the popular O'Connorsbarinthetown,was in Chicago on a J1 visa alongside his twin brother Niall who is travelling in and out of the hospital daily to visit his brother alongside their mam Jean who has flown over to be withherson.

Now Shane's GAA team DrumbaraghEmmetsGFCand his friends have stepped in to take the extra burden of finances off Shane and his family and allow them to concentrate their efforts solely on Shane's recovery.

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All On Board For This Year’s Summer Reading Programme With Meath Library Service

Meath Library Service is reallyexcitedaboutthisyear’s Summer Stars Reading programme. Last year, over 3,300 children participated and this year we're aiming evenhigher.

This annual national reading programme invites children throughout the county to join the reading adventure and to enjoy the fun and pleasure of reading over the summer. Summer Stars is noncompetitive and every child who signs up with Meath County Council Libraries receives a reader’s registration pack and will be awarded a certificate of participation at the end of the programme. It’s allcompletelyfree!

This year, we're on a mission to ‘get’ to Paris for the Olympics! For each book read, childrenwillgetarewardticket which will help us get our ‘LibraryBus’toParisintimefor

the opening ceremony. Let's makesureourlibrarybustakes us all the way back home to Meath too! The reward tickets are also entered into a draw for prize bundles in each of our 13 libraries.

For further information

Check our library website for all the details on www. meathlibraries.ie.

The registration packs are available from your local library and include a fun filled activity booklet with lots of book recommendations, games and puzzles. We also have Lucky Dip boxes again this year with reusable and environmentally sustainable littlegifts!

Six Schools and Three Coding Clubs from Meath Shine at Microsoft’s DoYour:Bit Challenge

Six schools and three coding clubs from Meath showcased their digital and STEAM prowess at the Microsoft Dream Space DoYour:Bit ChallengeheldinDublinfrom June6to11.

The participants proudly demonstrated their coding skills, research capabilities, and their knack for identifying opportunities to address the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The participating schools, namely St. Joseph’s National School and St. Joseph’s Post Primary School in Navan, St Patrick’sUghtyneill,St.Patricks, Slane, Scoil Chomcile, Skyrne, and Carnaross National School, presented various projects. These ranged from managing wind farms and biodiversity counters to road safety measures and conservation efforts for beluga whales and sea turtles. Other projects focused on addressing flooding, improving soil quality, and developingfitnesstrackers.

The OurKidsCode clubs, Drumree Coders, Bective Fu-

ture Coders, and The Crazy Royal Coders, embarked on projects aimed at saving bees, growing crops hydroponically, and monitoring frogs and fairies.

Bective Future Coders and Drumree Coders were honoured respectively with the Global Goal Award, sponsored by Meath County Council, and the Most Innovative Project Award,sponsoredbyMicrobit.

St. Patrick’s Ughtyneill was recognisedforthemostCollaborativeSchoolsProject

Sponsored by Meath County CouncilandawardedRuralFuture Champions sponsored by the Department of Rural and Community Development. Their project tackled the issue of river pollution caused by the overspreadingofslurryonhigh run-offlands.

The students learned about the environmental impact of overspreading, calculated the optimal speed for a tractor to minimize overspreading, and developedcodetocontrolarobotic tractor to spread on a modelfieldneartheschool.

Meanwhile the team from St. Patricks’ Slane who presented their project on the Sensory Classroomwonanawardbeing recognised as Future STEM Leaders.

Congratulating the participating schools, Kieran Kehoe, Chief Executive of Meath County Council, said, “This is a great event for all the children. Their ingenuity and ability to identify problems and work on developing solutions has been athrilltosee.”

He continued by saying “A massive congratulations must

go to all the children, their teachers,andtheparentsofthe OurKidsCode clubs for all their efforts over the last seven months.”

MeathCountyCouncilhopes toexpandtheprogramtomore schools and support the development of more OurKidsCode Clubs in the county in the next

school year. OurKidsCode will also be running taster workshops in Meath Libraries duringthesummer.

Meath County Council Awarded €100k For Local Biodiversity Projects

During National Biodiversity Week, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, announced funding of €2.8 million to local authorities to carry out biodiversity projects throughtheLocalBiodiversity Action Fund (LBAF). Meath County Council have been awardedover€100ktodeliver projects in 2024.

First established in 2018, the LBAFwascreatedtoassistlocal authorities in the implementationofactionsinsupportofbiodiversity. A total just over €8.6mhasbeengrantedtolocal authorities through the LBAF sincetheschemelaunched.

Welcoming the funding, Kieran Kehoe, Chief Executive Meath County Council said, “Meath County Council welcomes the support received thisyearthroughtheLocalBiodiversity Action Fund. Our projects in Meath build on the success of previous years, supportingpeopleincreatinghabi-

tats for wildlife, managing our own lands better for biodiversity, addressing urgent conservationneeds,andaddingtoour

knowledge of biodiversity in Meath.”

Minister Noonan said, “Local Authorities play a vital role in

addressing the biodiversity crisis and in this important week for biodiversity, I’m delighted to see a record number of

projects approved through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund 2024. The benefits realised by the locally-led projects created through this Fund are shared by all of us, not least local communities. As more and more Biodiversity Officers join the ranks of our local authorities through the Biodiversity OfficerProgramme,Iknowthatthe benefits for nature and people that this Fund provide are only goingtogrow.”

Engagement with communities and local authorities is crucial to the implementation of Irelands 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan, launched in Januarythisyear.

The LBAF is operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and represents a commitment to support implementation of the Irelands 4th NBAP at community, county and regional level. The Fund recognises the importance of

the work carried out by local authorities through their BiodiversityandHeritageOfficers. Projects approved this year in Meath include:

� TheHare'sCorner–assist inglandownerstocreate newhabitatsforbiodiversity

� Atwo-yearprojectinvolving 29localauthoritiesrecord ingtheIrishmayfly

� ContinuationoftheCom monsofLloydbiodiversity enhancementproject

� Re-surveyofCountyMeath’s Swifts

� ContinuationoftheBarn OwnConservationproject

� Stateofknowledgereporton thebiodiversityofCounty MeathCountyCouncil

� Communitybiodiversityini tiatives,includingasmall grantschemeforsupporting communitygroupsinthe deliveryoftheirBiodiversity ActionsPlans

� Primary&secondaryschool biodiversityeducationinitia tive

Local Writer Selected For The Irish Writers Centre National Mentoring Programme

After a national call out, 39 writers have been selected from a total of 416 hundred applicants.

CongratulationstoLocalwriter, GeraldineWalsh,whohasbeen selected by the Irish Writers Centre as the Meath recipient to receive professional literary mentoring over the next eight months from an acclaimed Irishwriteroftheirchoice.

GeraldineWalshisanaward-

winning writer, freelance journalist, and author. She is a frequent contributor to The IrishTimesonarangeoftopics in the women’s health, mental health, and parenting spaces andwastwiceshortlistedinthe

Headline Mental Health Media Awardsin2019and2023. She won the Realex Web Awards for Best Original Writingin2016. Her debut non-fiction,

90 GORT FIONNBARRA, COMMONS ROAD, NAVAN, CO. MEATH. C15 NV6P

Unraveling Motherhood (Hatherleigh Press), is part memoir and considers motherhood a tightly woven knot of physical, mental, emotional, and social changes and then seeks to unravel that knot.

Geraldine finds herself returning to fiction after a fifteen-year hiatus. Previously, her fiction and poetry appeared in Boyne Berries,

Toasted Cheese, Agenda, Dublin Quarterly, and others. She is working on her debut novel.

The Meath recipient award is supportedbyMeathArtsOffice andtheArtsCouncilofIreland.

The mentoring process involves four 90-minute meetings between the selected mentee and their chosen professional writer. Each mentor reads up to 10,000 words / 180 lines of poetry of the awarded mentee’s writing in advance of all four meetings, sharing their kind and critical feedbackwiththementee,faceto-face at each meeting. Mentors also provide broad professionaladvice,sharingthe benefit of their years of experience.

The Irish Writers Centre’s mission is to support a vibrant and diverse community of writers of all types and talents to develop their craft, capacity and confidence to thrive as a writer in the world. The hope for the National Mentoring Programme is that the chosen mentees will go on to write the next great works of literature

with the support and sustenance of their chosen mentor.

It’s a form of peer-to-peer teaching that is increasingly popular in literary community, formalising the process whereby successful writers pass on their craft and experience to the next generationofwritersacrossthe island.

Running since 2017, the programme now has numerous published authors among its alumni, including Doireann Ní Ghríofa, Nidhi Zak/Aria Eipe, Fíona Scarlett, Will Keohane, Alice Kinsella andVictoriaKenneficktoname justafew.

Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday: 8.00am - 5.00pm Closed on Sundays & Bank Holidays

Sinn Féin Launches 5 Point

Plan to Tackle Ireland’s Rip Off Electricity Prices

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Climate Action and the Environment,DarrenO’RourkeTD, has called on the Government to adopt Sinn Féin’s 5-point plan to address Ireland’s runaway electricity costs.

Launching the package of measures, the Meath East TD said “Government inaction and incompetence is at the heart of Ireland’s rip-off electricity costs They have completely failed to get to grips with the chaos in Ireland's energy markets.”

“Ireland’s electricity costs far outsrip the European average, with Irish households paying a staggering €700 more. Arrears levels are sky-rocketing. Energy poverty is through the roof. For this government, the affordability of energy is anything but a priority”.

Deputy O’Rourke continued “The Government’s ‘once-off’, sticking plaster measures are

not good enough. We need a seismic shift towards real, sustainable change for good. People need a Government that will take decisive and permanent action in order to reduce bills and ease the burden of the ongoing cost of living crisis for ordinary workers and families”.

“The Dáil will debate Sinn Féin’s five-point plan to take control and bring the much needed relief for ordinary workers, houses and businesses.”

“The corporate balance sheet has been a priority for far too long. It is time for this to change.”

Corr Appointed as Peace Commissioner for Kells & North Meath

He further commented “The challenges faced by households up and down the country underscore the need for urgent reform of the energy system.”

“The government parties have been asleep at the wheel for far too long. Sinn Féin’s proposals offer an alternative path forward through market restructuring and standing up to big business.”

”We also need a fairer retrofitting plan that translates scarce resources where they are most needed.We must also ensure our natural resources are translated into national wealth for all via enhanced domestic and public ownership”.

Teachta O’Rourke finished by saying “With these proposals, we can take decisive action to alleviate the financial strain on households and ensure a more equitable and sustainable energy future for all”.

Kells Independent, Cormac Corr has been appointed as the newest Meath Peace Commissioner by the Minister for Justice. At 22 years old, Corr becomes one of the youngest individuals ever selected for this role since its inception over 100 years ago. The Office of Peace Commissioner holds a longstanding tradition in our justice system. Corr recognises the historical significance of this role, although he is dedicated to using modern methods to enhance the office.

“I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve my community in this capacity” said Corr. “I am eager to bring a fresh perspective to the office, striving to ensure it is as accessible as possible to the public.”

Under Section 88 of the Courts of Justice Act 1924, Peace Commissioners are responsible for:

• Taking statutory declarations and oaths

• Witnessing signatures on documents required by various authorities

• Signing certificates and orders under various Acts Among many other responsibilities.

If you ever require the assistance of your local Peace Commissioner, you can schedule an appointment with Cormac by emailing Info@cormaccorr.com

NTrim Castle Hotel’s Head chef, Daniel Putanu, has created menus that aim to reflect the ‘field to fork’ ethos of the property, with a focus on produce from surrounding areas in Meath and Louth. Everything served is handmade in the hotel’s kitchen, from artisanal breads to jams, to home-made hay-smoked salmon and decadent desserts and pastries, created by a team of four in-house pastry chefs.

Standout dishes include the velvety Velouté of the Day, delicate Sea Bream in a white wine

sauce, and the premium Fillet of Beef served with a choice of mouthwatering sauces. For dessert, indulge in a modern twist on a classic with the deconstructed baked meringue— perfect for Instagramming and delicious to boot! This stylish spot, with its soft tones and plush booth seating, is ideal for enjoying a cocktail in hand while swapping stories and sharing dishes long into the night.

Boann Café & Bistro is open daily for breakfast and lunch, serving a range of dishes from sandwiches and salads to brunch-style offerings. Evening dinner bookings are available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6 pm to 9 pm. Visit www.trimcastlehotel.com for more information.

ThedenturesJoeprovidesaresolelymadebyhimselfincludingthepalatefreemetalbasedchrome cobalt.Heisanexpertincreatingcosmeticdenturesthatenhanceapatientsfeatures,reducingtheir liplines,allowingthemtoachieveamoreyouthfullook.Joedesignsyourpartialdenturesarounda carefullypreparedtreatmentplanwiththeaimtoimprovefunctionandrestoreyournaturalsmile.

DROGHEDA CREDIT UNION LAUNCHES

NEW GREEN LOAN

Drogheda Credit Union is proud to announce the launch of its new Green Loan, designed to support members in their efforts to make environmentally friendly upgrades to their homes and lives. This new loan product offers competitive rates and flexible terms, ensuring that sustainable living is accessible to all our members.

The Green Loan features an attractive interest rate of 5.90% (6.08% APR). Members can borrow amounts ranging from €2,000 to €75,000, with a maximum repayment term of 10 years and no minimum term, providing the flexibility needed to accommodate a variety of projects and budgets.

Our new Green Loan is ideal for members looking to undertake energy-efficient upgrades while performing other home improvement works. A key condition of the loan is that at least 60% of the borrowed funds must be allocated directly to green upgrades.

This ensures that the primary focus remains on enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints.

Eligible green upgrade projects include Electric Car; Insulation; Window or Door Upgrades; Heating Controls & Pumps; Solar Panels and Ventilation Systems.

"This Green Loan is an important step to supporting sustainable initiatives within our community. By providing an affordable financing solution for greener living, we aim to help our members reduce their energy consumption and contribute to a greener future." said Tom Kiely, CEO of Drogheda Credit Union.

Members interested in applying for the Green Loan or seeking more information can visit our website at www.droghedacu. ie/greenhomeloan or contact our office on 0419838496.

PROFESSIONAL FLOORING SERVICE County

Meath

At Dada Flooring, we are a team of expert floor sanding and refinishing professionals with over a decade of experience serving homeowners and businesses. We are well equipped to handle any flooring project, big or small.

“Appalling and Unacceptable”- Moore

Not Getting Access to Occupational or Speech and Language Therapy Sets Back Childhood Development, Putting More Pressure on Our Schools and Inhibiting the Child’s Ability to Excel. Not Being Able to Access Mental Health Services Puts a Huge Strain on the Family Trying to Cope with Children and Teenagers, Struggling with Depression and Mental Ill Health.

Cllr. Ronan Moore, Social Democrats, has called the recent release of updated waiting lists for key Community HealthServicesappallingand unacceptable.

Hemadethecommentsfollowingthereleaseofwaitinglistsof serviceswithintheCommunity Health Sector, following parliamentary questions from Social Democrat Health SpokespersonDeputyRóisínShortall.

Cllr. Moore said “The health figures that were released to us include those for CHO Area 8, which is the region that covers Meath, Louth and four other midland counties. What they give is a solid overview of the situation in the community health sector and what they revealisdamning,particularlyfor children.”

Givingfurtherdetail,hecommented “137 children under theageof5inthisareaarewait-

ing more than a year for an audiology test. 126 children and adolescents are waiting more than a year for mental health services. 160 children under 5 waitingmorethanayearforoccupational therapy and 539 children under 5 waiting more than a year for just an initial speech and language assessment with a further 31 waiting more than 2 years! Across fifteen health services that range from Homecare and Ophthalmology to Physiotherapy, Dietetics and Podiatry a combinedtotalofalmost38,000patients are languishing on waiting lists for critical health assessmentsandinterventions.”

“AsIhavemetpeopleontheir doorsteps, some of the most distressing stories you hear are from parents whose children are on these waiting lists. For example, I met a mother in Summerhill last week whose

child has been waiting more thanayeartobeseenbyachildren’s disability network team (CDNT) and we can see by these figures that that child is just one of 1,903 children waiting over a year for initial contactwithsuchteams.”

Cllr. Moore continued “These waiting lists have consequences. Not getting access to Occupational or Speech and Language Therapy sets back childhood development, putting more pressure on our schools and inhibiting the child’sabilitytoexcel.Notbeing able to access mental health services puts a huge strain on the family trying to cope with children and teenagers, strugglingwithdepressionandmental ill health. And we hear traumatic stories, as we did in the media last week, of Special Needs Assistants and Special School Teachers being assaul-

tedbyyoungchildren.Asthose teachers explained, this is not the fault of the children but the fault of the system that is not helpingthesekidsbyputtingin place the correct supports that wouldhelppreventthis.”

He concluded “Sadly, these figures are not surprising especially when taken in tandem with hospital waiting lists, which are still out of control

and which according to consultants could take up to a decade to clear*. However, what is more worrying and indicative of a government that is continuing to fail on the most essential services, is that when youcomparethesefigureswith those released back in 2022 you will see that the waiting listsinmanycasesareonlygettingworse**.”

Meath Culture Night 2024 Event Grant Scheme Launched

Meath Arts Office is pleased to announce the launch of the Meath Culture Night 2024 EventGrantScheme.

Culture Night is an annual, all-islandpubliceventcelebrating culture, creativity, and the arts.ItwilltakeplaceonFriday, September20,2024.

This award supports artists, venues, and local arts/cultural organisations who wish to host aCultureNighteventinCounty Meath.

Theeventmusttakeplacebetween 4:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on Friday, September 20, and must be free of charge to the public.

The maximum amount availableisupto€1,000. Theclosing date for applications is Friday, June28,at1pm.

Applications are available at Meath County Council (submit.com).Ifyouhaveanyquestions please contact artsfunding@meathcoco.ie.

As we mark the local elections and the election of Cllr Eddie Fennnessy for a third time as Mayor of Navan we look back over the past history of local government in Navan.

The first Norman conqueror of Navan, Jocelyn de Angulo, endowed the town of Navan with a charter so as to provide his barony with a commercial centre.

The first royal charter was granted by King Edward IV in 1469. This charter authorized the burgesses of Navan to levy tolls on all goods coming for sale into the town or for three miles round, as well as within the crosses of Meath as elsewhere to build the walls and maintain the pavements. The freemenofthetowncouldpass freely throughout all ports, sta-

Local Government in Navan

tions and places in Ireland without having to pay any tolls, taxes or tullages, customs or impositions except those due to the king. The provost was to be justice of the peace both of the town and county. He was also to act as coroner and clerk of the market. No wanderer or outsider (foreigner) was to set up, exercise or use any art, service or handicraft until admitted a freeman. No foreigner to sell by retail except on market day during the market. No one to bake bread for sale except a freeman.

In 1632 a new market house was built in Navan. It later became the courthouse and was until recently a bank. A plaque commemorating the erection ofthetholselisondisplayinthe building. The building was completed under the supervisionofEdmundManning. This family seems to have been important in the town at this time with Patrick Manning, a merchant,beingM.P.forthetownin theparliamentof1639.

Navan was granted a corporation of Portreeve, Burgesses and Freemen of the town un-

dervariouscharters.TheMayor or Portreeve was elected annually in an assembly consisting of the Portreeve in office, burgesses and freemen. This election took place on the 13th of September and the officers began to act from the 29th of that month. Thesame Portreeve was not allowed to be reelected for a second term.

The Portreeve was a justiceofthepeaceand acted as such in the petty sessions. There were twelve burgesses elected annually from the freemen of the borough on one of two days – 13th or 29th ofSeptember.Therewasalsoto be a Town Clerk and two serjeantsatmace.

process of the Borough Court whenitwasinsession. Theyreceived a small fee for this work. TherewasalsotobeaRecorder and a Craner. The Craner was appointed by the Portreeve. The Craner weighed the articles for sale at the MarketDay.

means “We rejoice in the restorationofCharlesII”. Thecrest on the seal is an adaptation of the Cowan family crest, there must have been a member of the family the Portreeve or mayorofNavanatthetime.

The Serjeants at Mace were elected and they executed the

TheNavan seal was granted to the town by King Charles II after the restoration of the monarchy in 1661. The design of the seal seems to be based on the crest of the Cowan family. It consists of an arm emerging from a bank of clouds holdingaheart. Italsocontains three symbols of the restored royalty – a crown, a harp and a rose. The motto which is written all round these enclosed symbolssays“RestauratoCarlo Secundo Respiramus” which

In 1745 the corporation of Navanorderedthatthewallsbe repaired in order to prevent loss of tolls and customs by the illicit entry of goods to the town. ThePortreeve,burgesses and freemen had the perk that they did not have to pay any tollsorcustoms.

At one time the Corporation of Navan owned about 1,200 acres of land called the Commons of Navan, three fair greens and a hurling park. This common land was parcelled out to friends of the portreeve and burgeses or taken over by squatters or encrouched upon by neighbouring landlords. The members of the corporation did well out of the disposal of the property. Many landless people moved into the Commons and squatted on the lands.

The corporation appointed a “ranger of the Commons” but

he permitted people to build and enclose portions of them. Thompson in 1802 says “The Commons of Navan are the worst regulated of any grounds of this description in the country and I am sorry to say are receptacleforvagabondsfromall quarters”. The land passed into theownershipofthesquatters.

In1785JohnFaywidenedthe Dublin Gate by ten foot and at thecorporationmeetingonthe 13thofSeptember1786hewas exempted from tolls and customs.

TrimgateStreetwaswidened in 1796. The succeeding minutebookfrom1808to1840 when the corporation was abolished is lost. The corporation was replaced with Town Commissioners who acted until 1898 when Navan Urban District Council came into being which was succeeded by Navan Town Council. This was abolishedin2014andreplaced byNavanMunicipalDistrict.

6 WAYS TO MAKE BACK TO SCHOOL EASIER FOR EVERYONE

We know the kids aren't Back to School for another few weeks and they definitely won't appreciate thisblogpost,buttomakethe transition simpler from the relaxing Summer to their humdrum back to school routine, we have prepared some helpful ways to make the back to school transition easierforeveryone!

1. HAVE EVERYONE ON THESAMEPAGE

Sitdownanddiscusstheplan for Back to School, although you may not get much reception to your ideas initially, youwillhaveplantedtheseed and will make the rest of the transitioneasier.

2. GETTING BACK INTO A ROUTINE

Start re-implementing the school routine, so each week inAugustintheleaduptothe school return date, ensure bedtime gets closer to the normal back to school regime.

3. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

Sounds like an obvious suggestion, but practice makes perfect.

Practice the school run, making the lunch and getting the kids out of bed. The more prepared you all are, the easieritwillbeforeveryone.

4.SHOPEARLY

If you can try and pick up the back to school essentials early, maybe a few bits every week in August before school begins,itwillmeanlessstress andpressureoneveryone.

5. STOP THE NIPPERS NAPS

For those little nippers going to school for the first time, try

phase out the naps, so they won't be as tired during their schoolday.

6.CHECKTHEIRSIZES

During the summer the kids may have outgrown some of their uniforms or shoes, so make sure you check their sizes closer to their start date. Nothing worse than last minute panic buying for shoesoruniforms.

CHOICE STORES LOCATIONS

Dutch Housing & Care Leaders Embark on Study Mission to Meath

Dutchdelegatesonalearning and exchange programme with Irish counterparts were welcomed to Meath County Councilheadquarterson13th June.

The delegates, including CEOs, Senior Policy Advisors and Programme Managers of social housing organisations and care providers, are in Ireland to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions for supporting vulnerable citizens inourcommunities.

Age Friendly Ireland, a local government shared service hostedbyMeathCountyCouncil, hosted the delegation and showcased some innovative practices such as the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme.

Thisisanewservicethatprovidesone-to-onesupportinthe home to older people to assist with the process of housing adaptations and accessing services that enable independent living.

Contd from Page 1

"Shane plays with the club as a midfielder or centre half forward and is liked by all. You couldn't meet a nicer person," saidJohnMaddenoftheclub.

"Wecouldn'tbelieveitwhenwe heard. The shock around Kells andDrumbaraghwaspalpable. Alltheclubsinthecountyhave come together to help us do this.

"If we were in Shane's shoes, we would like to think that someone would do the same for us and take some of the burden away from what they are going through at the present.

"As players, we might all fight on the pitch in friendly rivalry but off the pitch, all the clubs come together at the drop of a hattohelpeveryone."

THE NETHERLANDS

Like Ireland, the Netherlands is facing a double challenge. On onehandthereisanincreasing demand for care and (supported) housing from the growing

Club PRO David McManus, who is organising the GoFundMe page said: "There have been so many fatal accidents of Irish abroad in recent years. Thankfully Shane isstillwithusand,withthehelp of the people of Kells and the GAA community around the world, he will be back on his feetsoonerratherthanlater.

"Shane, like all the Campbell family, would always be the first to donate or volunteer his timeforgoodcausessonowit's time to reply our clubman's kindness. The massive early reaction to Shane's fundraiser gives us plenty of encouragement and that is just what we need right now."

IllinoisStatePolicesaidthatthe single vehicle accident occurred on Interstate 290

ageing population as well as from other vulnerable citizens. Simultaneously,alabourshortageincaregivingwork,coupled with a decline in women undertaking unpaid caregiving

westbound of Sacramento Avenue, Chicago on June 5.

Early information at the time indicated that the vehicle 'madeanabruptlanechangeto the right to take an exit ramp butstruckaguardrailhead-on.

The driver and passenger (Shane Campbell of Kells, Co. Meath) were transported to areahospitalwithinjuries."

Shane will soon undergo a surgerytoinsertasmallplateto support and repair breathing issues due to a sternum fracture more than likely causedbyhisseatbelt. Thiswill benefit him greatly and he will be able to breathe with ease on hisown.

Anyone who would like to make a donation can do so at : https://www.gofundme.com/f/ wgsmde-support4shane

provisionisurgentlyrequired.

Meeting the needs of the growing ageing population with age friendly housing and supports to age in place will also require co-operation between different sectors, includinglocalauthorities,health and social care services, the voluntary sector and private housingproviders.

Colliers Place Age Friendly Housing

The study visit travelled to Duleek,toseeColliersPlace,an award-winning age friendly housing development managed by North & East Housing Association.

accesswetroom)

� Aratedforenergy

� Integratedintothecom munityinatowncentreloc ation

� Securityfeatures

FIRST COUNTY IN THE WORLD

Ireland is the first country in the world to have full affiliation to the World Health Organisation’s Global Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities,withanactiveAgeFriendly Programme in each of the 31 Irishlocalauthorities.

roles, is impacting how care is provided at home. This challenge is faced by most European countries. Consequently, a new type of housing and innovative social care

The 22 units are designed to accommodate older residents and people with more limited mobility. There are 18 one-bed and 4 two-bed bungalows. Pat Costelloe of North and East Housing outlined the key features of the development that supportolderresidents:

� UniversalDesignfeatures makingthehomesfullyac cessible(forexample,level

This work is supported at national level with Meath County Council hosting the national shared service centre for Age FriendlyIreland.

Age Friendly strategies help to put plans and services in place to meet the needs of the growing ageing population, with a particular focus on age friendlyenvironments. By 2051, it is estimated there will be 1.6 million people aged 65+livinginIreland.

Sinn Féin Brings Forward Legislation to Give Greater Protections for Student Renters

This Bill Gives Greater Protection, Certainty and Support for Both Parties to These Housing Arrangements

Sinn Féin TD for Meath-West hascalledontheGovernment to support Sinn Féin’s legislation to give greater protectionsandensurebetter affordability for student renters. The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill 2024 was debated at second stageintheDáilrecently.

It deals with so-called “digs” accommodation, which is whereastudentrentsaroomin which the homeowner also resides as part of the “Rent A Room” scheme. Despite this state scheme providing tax relief of up to €14,000 a year, there are no obligations to give even basic protections to those rentingtheroom.

This is an area which has been described as the “Wild West” of the rental sector and

identified as in need of reform.

Teachta Guirke commented “I want to commend my colleagues Deputies Mairéad Farrell and Eoin Ó Broin for bringing forward this long overdue legislation. Threshold has pointed out that those renting such rooms have ‘effectively have no rights’.

“Thismeans:

• Norighttoarentbook,ora noticeperiodmeaningthe studentcanbeevicted overnight.

• Norightstoprivacysuchas alockonthebedroomdoor whichisarealconcernfor youngwomen.

• Norightstoreasonableuse offacilitieslikethekitchen andbathroom.

• Noaccesstotherent pressurezones,or

preventionoftherentbeing increasedovernight withoutnotice.

• Noaccessforeitherparty (studentorhomeowner)to theRTBfordispute resolution.

“Many students report having had good experiences in this kind of digs accommodation, but there have also been some horror stories, that is why this bill is necessary.” “Not only does it give protections for student renters which have badly been lacking, but it also gives protections to the homeownersthemselves.”

He further went on to say “Just as it creates greater obligations on the homeowners, it also creates obligations on the student renters ensuring that they pay

their rent on time and in full, that they do not engage in antisocialbehaviourordamagethe property.”

“This bill gives greater protection, certainty and support for both parties to these housing arrangements.

“The cost to the Exchequer in 2018 (latest year available) of this tax expenditure was around €20m. The cost is likely to have increased since then due to the growing popularity of the scheme”. “It is only fair that this tax subsidy comes

with some protections for those students renting the rooms.

“SinnFéinwouldstandupfor student renters in government, and this bill is just one element of our plan for addressing the studenthousingcrisis.”Teachta Guirkeconcluded.

Many students report having had good experiences in this kind of digs accommodation, but there have also been some horror stories, that is why this bill is necessary.

OF FURTHER EDUCATION CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Academic Year

Sept 2024 - May 2025

Accredited QQI Level 5 & 6 Courses Open to all applicants. Apply now.

For enquiries regarding our courses contact our Guidance Counsellors: Derek Ball dball.dbc@lmetb.ie Meabh Nimmo mnimmo.dbc@lmetb.ie Course duration is 1 or 2 years depending on the course. All courses are full time requiring on campus attendance.

Healthcare

● Pre-University Nursing

● Healthcare Assistant

● Pre-Paramedic Fire and Ambulance (with PHECC EFR)

● Physiotherapy Assistant

● Pre-Occupational Therapy Studies/OT Assistant

● Pre-Speech and Language Therapy Studies

● Pharmacy Assistant

Social Care, Criminology and Psychology

● Social Studies/Social Care

● Youth and Community Work

● Applied Psychology with Criminology

● Criminology, Psychology with Law

● Security Studies and Criminology

Education and Childcare

● Early Learning and Care (Childcare)

● Pre-University Arts/Teaching

● Pre-University PE Teaching and Coaching

● Special Needs and Classroom Assistant Primary and Post Primary Science

● Pre-University Science

● Pre-University Agricultural Science

● Pre-University Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science

● Pre-University Forensic Science

● Pre-University Environmental Science

● Pre-University Sports Science

● Pre-University Food Science, Nutrition, Health and Wellbeing

● Pre-University Animal Science

● Pre-University Physiotherapy

● Advanced Animal Science Law and Politics

● Pre-University Law

● Pre-University Law with Politics

● Pre-University Business Law

● Pre-University Politics, Economics and Social Science Arts

● Pre-University Arts

● Pre-University Liberal Arts

● Theatre Studies and Performance Animal & Equine

● Animal Care Assistant

● Equine Studies

● Advanced Equine Breeding (with Greencert)

● Advanced Pre-University Animal Science Engineering

● Pre-University Engineering

Business & Accountancy

● Pre-University Business

● Advanced Pre-University Business

● Human Resource Management

● Pre-University Business, Finance and Accounting

● Accounting Technician Apprenticeship

● Auctioneering, Valuation and Estate Agency

● Logistics and Distribution

● Office Administration - Legal and Medical Secretary

● Office Accounts, Administration and Information Processing

● Tourism and Business with Event Management

● Online Marketing / eBusiness  Computing & Technology

● Software Development and Games Design

● Pre-University Computer Network Systems

● Creative Digital Media

● Augmented and Virtual Reality Visual Art & Design

● Art and Design with Portfolio

● Animation

● Higher National Diploma in The Animation Industry

● Graphic Design

● Architectural Technology and Design Music & Sound

● Music Performance

● Sound Production

● Higher National Diploma in Artist Development for Musicians

● Higher National Diploma in Sound Engineering    Film & Media

● Media and Film Production

● Higher National Diploma in Film Production

● Journalism, Digital Media and Public Relations  Hospitality & Tourism

● Tourism and Business with Event Management

● Tourism and Airline Studies

● Professional Cookery

● Advanced Professional Cookery Beauty and Hairdressing

● Beauty Therapy

● Pre-Apprenticeship Hairdressing

● Hairdressing Apprenticeship

● Advanced Beauty Therapy  Sports

● Pre-University PE Teaching and Coaching

● Sports Management with Business

● Personal Training and Fitness Instruction

● Sports Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Assistant

Double Celebrations at Opel: 125 Years of Automobile Production and 60 Years of Opel Design Studio

The year 2024 is an extraordinary anniversary year for Opel; the German brand has been producing automobiles for 125 years.

First founded by Adam Opel in Russelsheim, Germany in 1862, since 1899, the carmaker has made mobility affordable for millions of people and has continuously inspired the public with innovativemodels.

Furthermore, exactly sixty years ago, in 1964, the Opel Design Studio opened in Russelsheim, the first automobile design centre of its kindinEurope.

In keeping with the anniversary motto, "Forever forward since 1899", event visitorsweretreatedtopeeksat models from Opel's celebrated past, together with current and indeed future models, illustrating the constantly evolving design philosophy of the Opel brand and allowing them to experience first-hand how Opel combines automotive tradition with a sustainable future. Indeed, the historical home of the blitz brand in Russelsheim will transformintoagreen-campus project from 2024, and armed withaconsistentelectrification strategy that will see a battery-

electric variant of every Opel model on sale by the end of 2024, the major highpoint to the day was the public premiere of the all-new Frontera Electric and all-new GrandlandElectric.

Demonstrating 125 years of innovation, pop-up exhibitions showcased the very first Opel, the 1899 Opel Patent Motorwagen System Lutzmann, of which only 65 vehicles were made, alongside

bestsellersandlegendssuchas the Opel Kapitän, GT, Manta, Calibra, and indeed electric models such as the Opel Ampera,firstrevealedin2012.

The Opel Design Studio exhibition presented six decades of Opel design excellence, from the extravagant1965Experimental GTtoinnovativeconceptsfrom the more recent past such as the GT X Experimental, the sensationalMantaGSeandthe visionary Opel Experimental.

Each of these celebrated concept models see their designfeaturesmirroredinthe currentOpelmodelline-up.

Other highlights to the event included a factory tour at the Russelsheim site, for visitors to see where the current Opel Astra model is produced.

Motorsport fans could sign up for co-drive laps in the exciting Opel Corsa Rally Electric, whilstvisitorsaged15andover experienced the Opel Rocks Electric on another track.

Younger visitors enjoyed a dedicated kid's corner. An

The Opel Design Studio exhibition presented six decades of Opel design excellence

open-air historic car gathering, gavevisitorstheopportunityto display their own prized vintageOpelmodels.

Opel is part of Stellantis NV, and together with its British sister brand Vauxhall, the company is represented in morethan60countriesaround the globe, continuing to enter new international markets. Armed with its consistent electrification strategy to securesustainablesuccessand ensure that the future mobility demandsofcustomersaremet, the German brand looks forward now to helping Stellantis achieve its target of becoming a carbon net zero company by 2038, as outlined inthecompany'sDareForward 2030long-termstrategicplan.

Jeep® Avenger Hits The 100,000 Order Milestone

Named European Car of the Year 2023 the Jeep® Avenger has now received a remarkable 100,000 customer orders, sinceitslaunchinlate2022.

TheAvenger,producedand sold in Europe, continues to cement its status as a trailblazerintheB-SUVsegment, underscoring the Jeep brand's DNA of freedom, adventure, passion and fun driving.

Eric Laforge, Head of Jeep Brand in Enlarged Europe, commented: “As we celebrate the remarkable success of the

Jeep®Avenger,it'snotjustabout numbers or accolades; it's aboutarelentlesscommitment to offer to customers the ‘Freedom of Choice’ to satisfy any mobility need and offering an unparalleled driving experience.

With an astounding 100,000 customer orders, the Avenger standstallasatestamenttoour unwavering dedication to innovation and quality, redefiningstandards,settingnewones and leaving an indelible mark on the B-SUV segment and beyond.”

FREEDOMOFCHOICE

The "Freedom of Choice" ethos is epitomised by the Avenger offering a range of three engines (Petrol, EV & Hybrid), twotransmissionsandsoonallwheeldrivecapability.

Following its introduction as the inaugural fully-electric Jeep vehicle, marking a significant shift towards sustainability, the Jeep brand has broadened the Avenger range with the introduction of the new Avenger eHybrid model, which provides customerswithseamlessintegrationoftwopowersources.

As the Jeep Avenger

Continues to Evolve, Its Journey Is Far from over

Thebrandispreparingtointroduce the highly-anticipated Avenger 4xe, with all-wheeldrive to enhance freedom, by the end of 2024. The model’s success is further underscored by the remarkable performanceoftheBEVvariants,which account for 25% of total sales, marking a significant shift towards sustainable mobility solutions.

E-HYBRIDTECHNOLOGY

The new Avenger e-Hybrid is equippedwithanadvanced48Volt hybrid system, delivering an experience similar to a fullhybrid vehicle. The powertrain features a 100 hp internal combustion engine, paired with a 21 kW electric motor integrated into a six-speed dualclutch automatic transmission. This setup includes a 48-Volt belt-driven starter, ensuring a smooth transition to electric driveandfurtherreducingCO2 emissions.

The e-Hybrid’s 0.9 kWh lithium-ion battery, located under the driver's seat, maintains the cabin space identical to that of the petrol variant. The vehicle intelligently switches between propulsiontypesbasedonrealtimedrivingconditions,battery charge level and other monitored parameters, guaranteeing exceptional performance across various driving scenarios.

Thisintelligentsystemadapts fluidly to road demands, whether operating in silent, allelectric mode during start-up,

in efficient hybrid mode at cruising speed, or utilising the combustion engine's power duringacceleration.

4XE – ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE CAPABILITY TO ENHANCE FUNANDFREEDOM

The introduction of the Jeep Avenger 4xe, for which orders are slated to open by Q4 of 2024, is a significant milestone for the brand, representing a major advancement in both technologyanddesign.

This model boasts an innovativepowertrainthatcombines the benefits of a hybrid system with state-of-the-art all-wheeldrivetechnology.

Central to this setup is a powerful 48V hybrid system, featuring a 1.2-litre turbo engine producing 136 hp, complemented by two 21 kW electricmotorsatthefrontandrear. Thissystem,pairedwithasixspeed dual-clutch automatic transmission, enables full electric driving at low speeds through its integrated electric motor.Thevehiclealsofeatures an E-Boost function in Sport Mode, enhancing the thrilling performancethatJeepenthusiastsexpect.

As the Jeep Avenger continues to evolve, its journey is far from over. The Avenger is not only meeting the demands of today’sdriversbutalsoshaping the future of the Jeep brand in Europe.

WHERE TO ORDER JEEP AVENGER

TheJeepAvengerisavailableto test drive at Nearys Lusk who are always happy to welcome customers to their modern user-friendly premises where theywillbegreetedbyayoung, professional, highly motivated andexperiencedteam.

Situated at Station Road in Lusk, customers can contact Nearyd Lusk on 01-8437100 or atwww.nearyslusk.ie

Celebrating 50 Years of Golf with Western Motors at Volkswagen Louth

An iconic car, now immortalised into an iconic picture.

On Sunday 30th June 2024

Dermot Maguire, a car enthusiast and member of the Western Motors Volkswagen team joined up with Kerry Stevenson, a fellow vintage Volkswagen car enthusiast fromMonaghanMotorClub,to organise a memorable photo opportunity in celebration of ‘50YearsofGolf’.

They were joined by large numbers of Volkswagen Golf enthusiasts showcasing a great variety of Golfs from the classic Mark 1 GTI through to the new modernMark8.5.

Meeting at Western Motors, Volkswagen Louth, just off the M1,inDrogheda,theconvoyof Golfs were a sight to behold as they made their way to Ballinode, County Monaghan where they were joined by many more Golf enthusiasts

and owners. Using their combined collection of this iconic car, they then gathered in the yard of local company McAreeEngineeringtocreate the giant ‘5’ ‘0’, captured in a stunningdroneshot.

An iconic car, now immortalised into an iconic picture. Some of the cars proceededtoshowcaseatthe car show at Monaghan Shopping Centre, which was acharityevent.

Special thanks to Brendan McAree for the use of his yard and the team at Skylark Fotos for their help pulling it all together on the day and their work on the photography,

video and drone, the results have exceeded our expectations.

To all involved, drivers, car marshals, Kerry and Dermot, ourthanks.

Teagan Takes No Prisoners with Explosive Debut Song

“Act Like It”

With a list of achievements and accolades that most dream of over the course of anentirecareer,TeaganNolan has racked up exactly that by the age of just 14.

Teagan, originally from Dunderry but now living in Trim, appeared on the Late Late show 4 times as a singer and dancer, gracing the stage at JuniorEurovisionIrelandin2022 and2023.

She also has four years runningwithOllyPantoasadancer and vocalist, winning singing competitions including Perform, starring in Christmas events with Arnott’s and Taylor’s, appearing in 3 Smyths Toys adverts, multiple Ivory Sessions, regularly performing

with Spotlight, Garageland, MusicGenerationandmore!

Teagan’s energy and talent seeminglyknowsnoboundsas she conquers the stage and

screenasavocalist,dancerand model!

Now embarking on the latest venture, Teagan flexes her creative muscles and enters the

Tuite and Fitzpatrick

Family Reunion in Oldcastle

In May, over 50 family came from all around the world to Oldcastle for a once in a lifetime Reunion.

Families came from Ireland, Northern Ireland, America,Australia,NewZealand,UAE,Malaysia, NewZealand,EnglandandScotlandtobepartof thisuniquegathering.

FamilynamessuchasTuite,Fitzpatrick,Grace, GilsenanandO`Reilly,allcamefromthearea.

The group had a meet and greet at the Parish Hall,theythenuptoFarrelly’spubinOldcastlefor a light lunch before then heading to St Brigid’s Cemetery to pay their respects to past family members.

world of songwriting with a bang!

Working with the Beardfire Music Production team of Rohan Healy, Al Quiff and David Virgin,whointheircollective8 decades in the music business have shared the stage and studio with the likes of Nick Cave, INXS, Cat Power, Billy Bragge, to name a few, and who’s productions have garnered millions of streams, film and TVplacementsandchartsuccess.

Teagan is bringing her original compositions to life. The firstinaseriesoforiginaltracks onthewayissummerpoprock anthem“ActLikeIt”,anuplifting power pop bop that will have you dancing and singing while affirmingyourworthandmov-

ing onward and upward from life’ssetbacks. “ActLikeIt”isan exciting showcase of just one aspect of Teagan’s vocal and songwriting range that leaves uswantingmore!

“Act Like It” is out now on all streamingplatforms. Teagan can be followed on SocialMediaincluding

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teagan_talent/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok. com/@teagan_talent?_ t=8nevrDP3cf3&_r=1 Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/profile.php? id=61561649557604&mibextid =ZbWKwL

Ageing Redefined at Inaugural Age Friendly Ambassadors’ Day

Societal views on ageing are evolving rapidly and positively, outlined 31 Age Friendly Ireland Ambassadors from the worlds of entertainment, sports, journalism, and business.

Ambassadors, including prominent figures such as formerIrishhotelierandtelevision personality Francis Brennan and actressGeraldine Plunkett, have gathered at Slane Castle, Meath for the inaugural Age Friendly Ambassadors’ Day, an annual awarenessinitiativelaunchedbyAge Friendly Ireland to champion positive ageing. Further at-

tendees include former Irish Gaelic Football manager Sean Boylan; singer Sandy Kelly; entrepreneur Gavin Duffy; and Managing Director of the NationalPloughing Association, Anna May McHugh. Representing a younger perspective on ageism, Rose of Tralee Rachel Duffy from Westmeath isalsoanAgeFriendlyAmbassador.

These ambassadors hold honorary positions to promote age-friendly practices within their local authority areas and supportlocalAge-FriendlyProgrammes across Ireland. This includes countering ageism

and prejudice by promoting positiveageawareness.

The Age Friendly Ambassadors’ Day is this year themed AgeismAwareness,referringto the stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination directed towards people based on their age.

Thosewishingtogetinvolved inAgeFriendlyIrelandcanjoin the Older People’s Councils, runningineverylocalauthority area.

Alternatively,reachouttothe local Age Friendly programme managerinyourLocalAuthority to learn more or visit agefriendlyireland.ie.

Keep Beaches and Waterways Free

While

Latest research shows one in three adults don’t know how to properly dispose of vapes.

The European Recycling Platform (ERP), Ireland’s only pan-European compliance scheme for Waste ElectricalandElectronicEquipment (WEEE) and Waste Batteries and Clean Coasts are calling on the public to keep Irish beaches and waterways free of vape waste.

IBAL’s 2023 survey of coasts and inland waterways highlighted that disposable vapes were noted as a litter type for the first time. Vape waste was encountered in one out of seven visits, making them even more prevalent on beaches than on streets.

Now with the arrival of summer, ERP Ireland is calling on those enjoying Ireland’s waterways and coasts to dispose of vapes correctly by bringing them to any retail outlet that

sells vapes when purchasing a new one or disposing of them in the WEEE/Battery area at Civic Amenity Sites. ERP Ireland also offers free recycling of these devices through its battery collection network.

ERP Ireland commissioned a nationally representative survey, carried out by Coyne Research amongst 1,000 adults aged 18+ years, which revealed that one in three adults in Ireland are unaware of where to dispose of vapes.

While this figure represents an improvement on last year’s results (two in three adults were unaware of where to dispose of vapes), it shows public awareness is growing of the need to recycle vape products.

The study revealed that those who vape, are much more likely to be aware that they contain

batteries at 92%. There was also a 15% increase in the number of vapers who know vapes can

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