The Meath Herald May 2023

ConstructionbeginsatO’CarolanCollege

LouthandMeathEducationand TrainingBoard isdelightedtoannouncethatO’CarolanCollegeinNobberhasbeengiventhegreenlightto proceedtoconstruction.Contracts havenowbeensignedwithGanson BuildingandCivilEngineeringwith constructionsettobeginon-siteon 15thMay.

OnTuesday9May,MinisterHelen McEnteeT.D.visitedO’CarolanCollege toturnthesodforthenewschool.She wasjoinedbyMinisterofStateThomas ByrneTD,CllrNickKillianchair,Meath CountyCouncil;Cllr.EugeneCassidy

Chair,KellsMunicipalDistrict;Cllr. PaulMcCabe,chairoftheschool’s BoardofManagement;principalBrian Goggins,membersoftheBoardofManagement,ParentsAssociation,staffand pupils.MartinGO’Brien,chiefexecutive,FionaKindlon,directorofschools andSinéadMurphy,headofland& buildingsatLMETBwereinattendance forthemilestoneevent.

SinéadMurphy,headoflandand buildings,LMETBsaid,“Theeventwas aspecialdayforthepupils,staffandthe widercommunitywhoallplayedtheir partingettingtheprojecttothispoint.

Itwillbeabrandnew,stateoftheart educationfacilityforthe575pupilsand staffatthecollege.”

Extendingtoover7,500square metres,thenewthreestoreybuilding willprovidesciencelabs,artsandcrafts room,constructionandengineering rooms,afull-sizesportshall,afourclassspecialeducationneedsunit,a doubleheightlibraryandamulti-purposehalldesignedtoaccommodatethe entireschoolcommunity.Itisanticipatedthattheentiresuiteofworkswillbe completedbytheendof2025. ContdonPage18.

HelenMcEntee,MinisterforJusticeandThomasByrne,MinisterofStateattheDepartmentofTourism,Culture,Arts,Gaeltacht,SportandMediaandattheDepartmentofEducationatthesod-turningfornewconstructionbuildatO’CarolanCollegeinNobberwithMartinO’Brien,ChiefExecutive,SineadMurphy,HeadOf Land&Buildings,andFionaKindlon,DirectorOfSchools,LMETB,alongsideotherpresentandformerstaff membersandMeathCountyCouncillors

NewBursaryAwardAnnouncement

CelebratingBealtine 2023,MeathArtsOfficeare delightedtoannounceThe Age&OpportunityTyrone GuthrieCentreResidency Awardinpartnershipwith LouthCountyCouncilArts Office.

Thisawardaimsto supportolderprofessional artiststodeveloptheir practice,bycreatingtime andspacetothinkand reflectontheirworkand

tobolstertheirpeer network.Thiswillbe achievedthrougha dedicatedbursaryto attendaresidencyoverthe courseofaweek.

Thisawardisa partnershipbetween MeathCountyCouncil ArtsOffice,LouthCounty CouncilArtsOfficeand Age&Opportunityandis inassociationwiththe TyroneGuthrieCentre.

Twoartists(onebasedin Meath,andonebasedin Louth)willreceivea fundedweek-long residencyintheTyrone GuthrieCentreincludinga smallstipend.The residencymusttakeplace betweenJulyand December2023.

Meathbasedartists wishingtoapplyforthe Age&OpportunityTyrone GuthrieCentreResidency

Awardshouldcontactthe MeathArtsOfficeat artsfunding@meathcoco. ieforguidelinesandan applicationform.Louth basedartistsshould contactarts@louthcoco.ie Applicationsshouldbe submittedto artsfunding@meathcoco. ieifapplyingfromMeath andarts@louthcoco.ieif applyingfromLouthno laterthan5.00pm2/6/23.

MEATHCOUNTYCOUNCIL PRIDEOFPLACE2023

MeathCountyCouncil2023PrideofPlacecompetitionis nowopen.ApplicationsareinvitedfromCommunity Groups,TidyTowns/VillageCommittees,Residents Associationsandothervoluntarygroups.The2023 competitionincludesthefollowingcategories:

� HousingEstateSmall

� HousingEstateMedium

� HousingEstateLarge

� ApartmentComplex

� YouthProject

� CommunityWellbeing

� GreenCommunity Amenity

� BestBee&WildlifeFriendly FrontGarden

� Village/Townland>500

� SmallTown500-2000

� LargeTown>2000

� ResidentialStreetscape

� Heritage

� BestNewGroup

� VolunteeroftheYear

� ShopFront

� CommunityAgeFriendly Initiative

Closingdateforreceiptofapplicationsis

5pmWEDNESDAY7TH JUNE2023

Applicationformsandfurtherdetailsareavailablefromthe CommunityDepartment,MeathCountyCouncil,BuvindaHouse, DublinRoad,Navan,CoMeath,C15Y291

orbye-mailprideofplace@meathcoco.ie oronlinehttps://www.meath.ie

LeasCathaoirleachCllr. MikeBray wasjoinedin KellsrecentlybyMinister forSportandPhysical EducationThomasByrne TD,KellsMDElected MembersandMeath CountyCouncilstafftoacknowledgethecompleted worksatJohnStreetGardens.

Theworksaimedtocreateabiodiverseareathatis

bothpicturesqueand communityfriendly,encompassingallmembers ofthecommunitywhile alsoensuringbothspaces onJohnStreetwereserene informinwhatisanexistingbusyjunction.

Greatcarewasalsotaken tomaintainallhistoricfeaturesandkeeptheexisting reflectivesentimentwhile providingarestful,enjoy-

ableyetproductiveplace forallwhouseit.

TheCouncilandlocal communitygroupshave workedhandinhandto furtherdevelopKellsand topromoteitsheritageand history.

Thisprojectwillpreserve akeymomentinKellshistorywhilealsocreatingan areaforpeopletoadmire orsitandthink.

If you are thinking of going electric you don’t want to miss this event. All your questions answered.

Officialopeningof NobberFireStation afterUpgradingWorks

Thenewlyupgraded NobberFireStation has beenofficiallyopenedby MeathCountyCouncil CathaoirleachCllr.Nick Killian.

Theopeningfollowsthe completionofworkstothe stationof€1,100,000with theredevelopmentbeing fundedbytheNationalDirectorateforFireand EmergencyManagement intheDepartmentof Housing,LocalGovernmentandHeritage.

Upgradeworkstothe stationfeatureanappliancebaythataccommodatesbothvehiclesattachedtothestation,a drillyardandtower,trainingrooms,canteenfacilitiesandmodernchanging facilities.

TheProjectTeamincludedDoohamletCon-

structionLtdandNode Designteam.

Thestation,withitsten personnel,operatesas partofMeathCounty CouncilFireandRescue Service,alongwith brigadesfromsixother stations.Thestationprovidesthebaseforimmediateresponsetoapproximately80emergencyincidentsannually.

Speakingattheofficial opening,CllrNickKillian said:“Muchhaschanged sincetheoriginalNobber FireStationwasbuilt.It wasrecognisedthatthe oldstationwasnolonger fitforpurpose.Thisupgradedstationisanexcellentfacilitythathasbeen completedtothehighest standard.Iwelcomethis investmentintheFireServicethatwillsupportper-

sonneltorespondto emergencyincidentswith maximumefficiency.”

JackieMaguire,ChiefExecutiveofMeathCounty Council,said:“Thisnewly extendedstationwillgive thepersonnelstationed heremuchmoreroomto accomplishtheirtasks.”

“Thestationwillprovide Nobberandthewiderarea withagreatlyimprovedfacilitytoensurethecontinueddeliveryofaneffective emergencyandfiresafety responsetothecommunityforfuturegenerations. Ilookforwardtothisstationandthosewhowork heremakingavaluable contributiontothelocal communityinNobberand surroundingareasfor manyyearstocome.”

Cllr.EugeneCassidy, CathaoirleachofKellsMu-

HOLIDAY LOANS

nicipalDistrict,said:

“Since1965,manyofus haveseen,andheard,the membersofthisstation leaveatanyhouroftheday ornight,atamoment’snotice,toattendtoemergenciesofalltypes,manyof whichusordinaryfolks wouldstruggletogetto gripswith,letaloneattend withsuchprofessionalism andcare.Theyhavemade anoutstandingcontributiontoourcommunity.”

“Forasmallcommunity attheedgeofthecounty, manymilesfromother emergencyandmedical services,theyareindeed lifesavers,andweare gratefuleverydayfortheir service.”

SheilaBroderick,Meath ChiefFireOfficer,said: “Thecompletionofthis projectrepresentsavery positivedevelopmentfor theFireServiceaswellas allofthepeoplewholive

in,workin,andvisitNobber.”

MeathCountyCouncil FireandRescueService currentlyismadeupof81 staff,includingfirefighters, officers,administration andmaintenancepersonnel.

CountyMeath’sseven firestationsarelocatedin thetownsofNavan,Trim, Kells,Dunshaughlin,Ashbourne,Oldcastleand Nobber.

StColmcilles(Kells)CreditUnionLaunches It’sCultivateFarmingLoans

StColmcilles(Kells)

CreditUnion launchedits

CultivateFarmingLoans withaneventinthe HeadfortArmsHotelon

WednesdayApril25th

Theseloanswillprovide flexible,friendlyand competitiveloanstothe farmingcommunitywithin theCreditUnion’scommon bond.

Thewellattendedlaunch includedguestspeakersand feedbackfromattendees whichwasgratefully receivedbyStColmcilles (Kells)CreditUnion.

Theopeningaddresswas givenbyLorraine Monaghan(BBSFCA)on behalfoftheCreditUnion

whointroducedFrank HynesfromCultivate. Franktalkedthe stakeholdersthroughthe elementsoftheCultivate Loanswhichareuptoa valueof€75,000overa maximumtermofseven yearsatarateof6.55% (6.75%APR).

Anumberofissuesfacing farmersinrelationto accessingcreditwere discussedduringthecourse ofthemeeting. Theseincluded automateddecisionsmade bybanks,ratesandtheloss ofUlsterBank.StColmcilles (Kells)CreditUnion advisedthattheyarehappy tostepinandhelplocal

farmerswhoselendershave leftthemarketandthose whoarelookingforamore friendlyandinteractive lendingexperience.

Itwasalsoclearthatmany farmerswerenotawareof thelendingcapabilitiesof creditunionsinrelationto cultivatefarmingloans.

AllFeedbackwascarefully documentedbytheCredit Union’sLendingOfficer DeanMurphy.

Followingthisthe ChairmanoftheMeathIFA DermotWard,gavea speechwhichemphasied therolethatCreditUnions canplayinproviding serviceandcredittohelp farmersintheirlocality

meettheeveryday demandsoftheirbusiness.

ChairpersonforSt Colmcillles(Kells)Credit UnionAnnetteLynch closedthemeetingby thankingallwhoattended andadvisingthatfarmers canturntotheirlocalCredit Unioninfuturefortheir financialneeds.

Formoreinformationon StColmcilles(Kells) CultivateFarmingLoans pleaselogontothe‘Kells CreditUnion’Website,or follow‘StColmcilles(Kells) CreditUniononsocial media.

Anyqueriescanbe directedto046-9240299or email:cultivate@kellscu.ie.

OpeningHours:Monday-Saturday:8.00am-5.00pmClosedonSundays&BankHolidays

OldbridgeObeliskBlownUp

Intheearlyhours of31 May1923anumberofloud explosionswereheardat Oldbridge,nearDrogheda. Threelandmineshadbeen placedatthebaseofthe BoyneObeliskandthe monumentwastoppledand scatteredinpiecesoveraradiusof200years.Itisunderstoodthatexplosives fromtheFreeStateArmy wereusedinthedemolition.Thedestroyedmonumentbecameanattraction withlargegroupsofpeople visitingandtakingaway

BattleoftheBoyneon1July 1690.Thefoundationstone waslaidbyLionelSackville,

Bridgein1860anditisbelievedtohavecomefrom theBattleoftheBoyne.

InMay1894,twoyoung mengatheringwatercress fromtheriverneartheobeliskdiscoveredanold swordunderthemudinthe water.Thehiltwasmadeof bone,theguardofornamentalsilvergilt-work,and thebladewasnotchedin severalplacesandseverely rusted.Itwasthoughtto havebeenusedbyaWilliamitesoldierintheBattleof theBoyne.

piecesofstone.ItsdestroyerswerenottheIrregulars butmembersoftheFree StateArmyactingontheir owninitiative.Strangers wereobservedbylocals nearthemonumentatmidnight.

Therockfoundationsof themonumentwereprobablyboredandlandmines placedinthedeepholes. Nothingoftheobeliskremainedapartfromitslimestonebase.

EdwardHeaney,the ownerofthelandonwhich theobeliskstood,was wokenfromhissleepand toldthatheshouldremove himselffromhishousefor hisownsafety.Beforeleavinghesawagroupofabout fortymen,whohadmotor carsandmotorbicycles, congregatedaroundtheObelisk.Helatersoldoffthe stonerubbletobuilders. Theobeliskcommemorated theBattleoftheBoyne foughtonthesitein1690.

Asiteforamonumentwas identifiedasearlyas1693by GeorgeStoreywhowrotea descriptionoftheBattleof theBoyne..

TheBoyneObeliskwas erectedin1738tocommemorateKingWilliamIII's victoryoverJamesIIatthe

LordLieutenantofIreland on17April1736.Theobelisk wasbuiltatOldbridgenear totheplacewhereWilliam's menmountedtheirmain attackandonthespot whereWilliamhimselfhad beenwoundedbyacannon ballwhistsurveyingthebattlefieldthedaybefore.

TheObeliskwasmade fromgraniteandwasbuilt uponalargemoundofrock (9metres/30fthigh)located onthenorthbankofthe RiverBoyne.Ataheightof 53metres(174ft),itwas boththetallestman-made structureinIrelandandthe tallestobeliskinEuropeat thetimeofitsconstruction.

ThesquarebaseoftheObeliskboreaninscriptionon eachofitssides. TheObeliskinitiallystood adjacenttoawoodenbridge spanningtheriver,which waslaterreplacedbyalatticeironbridgethatwas completedin1869and namedtheObeliskBridge, afterthemonument.

KingGeorgeIVvisitedthe sitewhenhecametoIrelandin1821.Whiletherehe receivedanaudiencewith thePresbyterianSynodof Ulster.

Anironcannonballwas foundneartheObelisk

AroundJuly1895,theobeliskwasstruckbylightning andbadlydamaged.Anappealwasmadefordonationstofunditsrestoration (amountingto£100),which waslatercompleted.ColonelCoddington,ofnearby OldbridgeHouse,wasone oftheleadersofthefundraisingappeal.

DuringtheHomeRule Crisisin1913,membersof theUlsterFlyingColumn andDespatchRidingCorps travelledtoOldbridgeand plantedaUniopnJackflag andplacardonthebaseof theObelisk,whichwere laterremoved.Theplacard read:“Rebelhandsmay teardownthisflagbutthey willnevertametheLion HeartsofUlster!”In2010 theBoyneFoundationproposedthere-erectionofthe obeliskandthecreationofa park.

Thisproposalhadthefull supportoftheOrangeOrder.Threestonesfromthe obeliskwentondisplayin 2016attheMuseumofOrangeHeritageinBelfast.

Itisstillnotclearwhoexactlywhoitwasthatblewup theobelisk,butitisthought likelythatitwasarmymembersfromGormanstownor possiblyMonaghan.

LOOK GOOD, FEEL GREAT, SMILE MORE

The dentures Joe provides are soley made by himself including the palate free metal based chrome cobalt. He is an expert in creating cosmetic dentures that enhance a patients features, reducing their lip lines, allowing them to achieve a more youthful look. Joe designs your partial dentures around a carefully prepared treatment plan with the aim to improve function and restore your natural smile.

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Healthcare Department

Social Studies/Social Care

Youth and Community Work

Applied Psychology

Criminology and Psychology

Early Learning and Care (Childcare)

Pre-University Nursing

Health Care Assistant

Pre-Paramedic Fire and Ambulance (with PHECC EFR)

Physiotherapy Studies

Occupational Therapy Studies

Pharmacy Assistant

Special Needs and Classroom Assistant

Speech and Language Therapy Studies

Science Department

Pre-University Science

Pre-University Agricultural Science

Pre-University Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Science

Pre-University Forensic Science

Pre-University Environmental Science

Pre-University Sports Science

Pre-University Animal Science

Pre-University Physiotherapy

Pre-University Food Science-Nutrition, Health and Well-being

Arts / Law / Teaching Department

Pre-University Arts

Pre-University Liberal Arts

Pre-University Arts / Teaching

Pre-University Politics , Economics and Social Science

Pre-University Law and Politics

Pre-University Law

Pre-University Business Law

Business Department

Pre-University Business

Pre-University Business and Accounting

Auctioneering, Valuation & Estate Agency

Legal and Medical Secretary/Office Administration

Office Accounts Administration & Information Processing

Journalism, Digital Media and Public Relations

Tourism and Business with Event Management

Online Marketing / eBusiness

Accounting Technical Apprenticeship

Human Resource Management

Computers and Design Department

Software Development & Games Design

Creative Digital Media

Pre-University Computing, Networks and Software Systems

Graphic Design

Architectural Technology and Design

Media and Film Production

Music Performance

Sound Production

Art (Fine Art or Design/2D)

Animation

Services and Leisure Department

Airline Studies

Beauty Therapy

Hairdressing

Professional Cookery

Sports Management and Coaching

Sports Injury prevention and Massage Therapy

Animal Care & Grooming

Equine Studies

QQI Level 6 Courses

Childcare and Education

Advanced Professional Cookery

Senior Trade Hairdressing

Advanced Beauty Therapy

Equine Breeding,

Advanced Animal Science

Advanced Certificate in Office Administration or Business Management

Higher National Diplomas - 2 years

HNs in Film Production

HNs in Artist Development for Musicians

HNs in Sound Engineering

CREDITUNIONMASTERCLASS–AREALSUCCESSFORHOMEBUYERS

DidYouKnowCredit UnionsAreNow OfferingMortgages?

DroghedaCredit Union’ssoldout Mortgage Masterclasswhichtook placerecentlywasthe placetobeforthosein theMortgagemarket.

Weareallawarethatthe currenthousingmarket canfeellikeabattlefor first-timebyersandthose lookingtoupgradebut thecreditunionpanel certainlylefteveryone feeling,“allisnotlost”as DroghedaCreditUnion withbranchesinTrim andEastMeathalong withDroghedaand

DunleerinLouthisareal viableoptionforgetting onthatladder.

“ThisisduetoCredit Unioninterestrates cominginextremely competitivetoalotof otherfinancial institutionsastheyaren’t tiedintotheECB,ahuge plusforanyone consideringamortgage,” commentedMarkSmith, headoflendingin DroghedaCreditUnion. Itcanbedifficulttrying tomanoeuvrethisspace butwithMarkSmith MortgageAdvisorfor

DroghedaCreditUnion, JoanneGearyMDfor myhomes.ie,Charlie WestonFinancial JournalistandShane BlackMDShaneBlack propertyonthepanelof expertsforthenightit definitelymadethesteps andrequirementsthatlie aheadofbuyinga propertyaloteasierto understand.

Aninterestingpointwas madethatonthenightis that46%ofpeopledon’t shoparoundwhen lookingforamortgage whichisextremelyhigh consideringthe investmenttheyare making,probablythe biggestpurchaseoftheir lifetimesandnowthe CreditUnionisareal playerinthisfield.

MarkSmithalsomade thepointthatwith DroghedaCreditUnion, “Youdon’tneedtohave yourpropertypickedout beforeyougetapproval inprinciple.Wealso endeavourtohavea responsetoyouin2/3 weeks,whilewithsome banksyoucanbewaiting monthstogetapprovalin principle”.

DroghedaCreditUnion isalocalethicallender whocannowbetherefor all“TheImportantSteps” inamembersjourney,so ifyouareconsideringa mortgagecallintoanyof theirbranchesinTrim, Drogheda,EastMeathor Dunleeroremail mark@droghedacu.ieto discussthenextstepsin yourMortgagejourney.

AREYOULOOKINGFORAFUNAND EDUCATIONALWAYTOKEEPYOUR KIDSENTERTAINEDTHISSUMMER?

LooknofurtherthanDesignerMindsScience,Design andTechnology(STEAM)CampsandArtCamps!

Thisyear’scampsoffera widerangeofexciting activitiesforallgirlsand boysgoinginto1stClassto 1stYearnextSeptember. Thereare2Campstochoose from(oryoucantryout bothandgetadiscount!). Forallfuturescientists,designers,engineersandinnovators,DesignerMinds STEAMSummerCampisa thrillingweekfilledwithscienceexperiments,robots,LEGO,coding, art,andsomuchmore.Ifyourchild wantstoexploretheirmorecreativeside, everyonecanbeanartistataDesigner MindsArtSummerCamp.TheArtCamp isajam-packedweekofcreativity,where childrencanexplorepainting,drawing, upcycling,printmaking,digitaldesign andmore!Sowhynotgiveyourchildthe

giftoflearningthissummer?Enrolthem inDesignerMindsSTEAMCampsorArt Camps.LocationsincludeRatoathCommunityCentre,St.Stephen’sNSNavan, TrimGAAClubandmanymore,infact, thereareCampsacrossthecountry. Don’tgetstuckonawaitinglist–secure yourspotwithadepositof€30nowat www.designerminds.ie.

“FUNISACOREPARTOFALLOURACTIVITIES,TEAM-BUILDINGISUSEDTO IMPROVEKEYSOFTSKILLSLIKETEAMWORKANDCOMMUNICATION.”

MULTI-CAMP/SIBLINGDISCOUNTSAREALSOAVAILABLE

BRABAZON RESTAURANT RE-OPEN AFTER EXPANSION AND REFURBISHMENTS

Setinthe'GardenVillage'atTankardstown,thenewlyrenovated,award-winningBrabazonRestauranthas becomeatruedestinationfordiners,offeringfinedininginacosyatmosphere.

EnjoycasualLunchoradelectableDinneronthepicturesqueandshelteredterraceduringtheSummermonths, whilethewarm,sophisticatedinteriorsandbrightMorrisSuiteisperfectfordiningatanytimeofyear.

OpenWednesday-Sunday.

ByrneAnnouncesRe-Opening ofApplicationsUnderSports EnergySupportScheme

SportsMinisterand Local FiannaFáilTD, ThomasByrne,hasreopenedapplicationsfor sportsclubsandorganisationsundertheSportsEnergySupportScheme.

UnderPhaseIIofthe Scheme,sportsclubsand organisationswhichreceivedfundingunder PhaseIfortheperiodupto 31March,cannowapply forfundingoftheirincreasedenergycosts,for AprilandMay.

MinisterByrnehasconfirmedthatsportsclubs andorganisationswhich didnotpreviouslymake anapplicationunderthe schemeareonceagain abletomakeanapplicationforfunding.

Inaddition,underPhase IIofthescheme,community-ownedsportsfacilities,notspecifically

affiliatedtoaNational GoverningBody,orwho donotcurrentlyqualifyfor TBESSorotherGovernmentschemes,cannow engagewiththeirLocal SportsPartnershiptodetermineiftheyareeligible toqualifyforfunding.

TheclosingdateforapplicationsunderPhaseII oftheschemeis26May.

MinisterByrnecommented“There-openingofthe SportsEnergySupport Schemedemonstratesthe Government’sstrongcommitmenttosupportingour

sportsclubsandfacilities acrossthecountry.To date,€21millioninGovernmentfundinghasbeen distributedunderPhaseI oftheScheme.”

”AsSportMinister,Iam determinedtoseesports clubsandorganisations supportedinaddressing thechallengeofhighenergycosts,whichwillenablethemtocontinueto provideaccesstosport andphysicalactivity withinourcommunities.”

MinisterByrneconcludedbysaying“Iurgeall eligiblesportsorganisations,clubsandfacility providersinMeathtoengagewithyourrespective NationalGoverningBody orLocalSportsPartnership,toensurethatyou availofyourfullentitlementsundertheEnergy SupportScheme”

ChiefExecutiveofMeathCounty CounciltoretireearlyinJune

Manytributes havebeen paidtoJackieanda presentationtookplace aftertheMayCouncil meeting.

JackieMaguirestarted hercareerinpublicservice backin1980andhasrisen steadilythroughtheranks toleadhernativecounty Meath.Publicservicehas beenatthecoreofJackie's beliefsandshehasdone thatexcellently.Shehas

beenagreatpublicservant butshehasalsobeena kind,considerateand intelligentchiefexecutive.

Jackiehasworked extremelywellwithlocal councillorsandsheisheld inthehighestrespectby them.Shehasprovided leadershipforherteam andhasprovidedand supportedthebest possibleresultsforthe county.Byleadingateam

thatisfocusedonserving theneedsofcitizens, Jackiehasworkedhardto makeMeaththebestplace tolive,workandvisit.

CouncillorNoelFrench commented“Ona personallevelIwantto thankJackiesomuchfor allherhelp,co-operation andsupportovertheyears Ihaveworkedwithher bothonandoffthe council.”

DesignedforSuccess: OpelAstraWinsRed DotAward2023

Apanelof43experts has awardedthenewOpelAstraaRedDotAward2023 inthe"ProductDesign" category,addingyetanotheraccoladetoitsgrowinginternationaltrophy cabinet.

Asoneoftheworld's largestdesigncompetitions,theRedDotAward hasbeenrecognisinginnovativedesignforoversix decades,thisyearevaluatingproductsfrom60 countries.ThenewOpel Astra,ContinentalTyres IrishCompactCarofthe Year2023,GermanCompactCaroftheYear2023 andaGoldenSteering Wheel2022award-winner, impressedjudgesatfirst sight,withitsboldand puredesign.

MarkAdams,Opel'sVice PresidentofDesign,said:

"OurBoldandPuredesign philosophyreallyshinesin ourlatestgenerationOpel Astra.LikeeverynewOpel model,theAstracomes withtheexpressiveOpel Vizorbrandfaceandcombinesinnovativetechnologywithemotional design.Wealsodeveloped thecockpitaccordingto thisprinciple.ThefullydigitalPurePanelcanbeoperatedintuitivelyandisfocussedontheessentials."

Themulti-award-winningOpelAstra,available inpetrol,diesel,plug-in electrichybridandsoon, asafullyelectric5-door hatchbackandSports Tourerestate,commands attentionwithitsconfidentstanceandroadpresence.

TheOpelVizor,thenew faceofthebrandfirstseen

ontheMokka,followsthe OpelCompassdesigncue, wheretheverticalandhorizontalaxescomprising thesharpcreaseinthe hoodandthewing-shaped graphicofthedaylight runningheadlights,intersectwiththeOpelBlitz embleminthemiddle.

Stretchingacrossthe front,makingthenewAstralookevenwider,theVizoralsoseamlesslyintegratestechnologiessuchas theoptionalultra-slimIntelli-LuxLED®headlamps andthefrontcameraofthe Intelli-Visionsystem.

Viewedfromtheside,the next-generationAstrais particularlystriking, thankstothepronounced forwardrakeoftheC-pillar.Attherear,theOpel Compasssignatureisrepeated,comprisingthe

centrallymountedBlitz logo,theverticallyaligned high-mountedbrakelamp andtheenergy-savingLED taillamps.TheBlitzemblemalsodoublesasthe latchforthetailgate,made ofstate-of-the-artcompositematerial.

ThesameGermanprecisionappliesthroughout theinterior,wheretheabsolutehighlightisthenextgenerationPurePanel.

Thisexpansive,digital cockpitfeaturestwo10inchdisplays,integrated, togetherwiththedriver's sideairvent,inahorizontalformat.

Opeldesignersandengineershavetakengreat caretoensurethatthe driverreceivesallthenecessaryinformationand usefuloperatingoptions butisnotburdenedwith superfluousdataorfunctions.

Withthephysicalcontrolsreducedtotheminimumintheformoffinely craftedkeys,thePure Panelachievesvisualdetox,theoptimumbalance betweendigitisationand intuitiveoperation,detoxedofirritatingvisual stimuliandwithoutthe needforsub-menus.

“LikeeverynewOpel model,theAstracomes withtheexpressiveOpel Vizorbrandfaceand combinesinnovativetechnologywithemotional design”

Incombinationwiththe high-qualityandprecisely designedAGR-certifiedergonomicactiveseats,the Astraoffersamodernfeelgoodatmosphere,inside andout.

ThecurrentOpelAstra generationexpandsthe longlineofRedDotAward winnersfromRüsselsheim.

FordCarsCouldSoonDriveThemselvesOfftheAssembly Line,AITrialAimstoEnhanceEuropeanEVProduction

Formorethan100years, vehiclesaroundtheworld havebeenrollingoffFord assemblylines.Untilnow, therehasbeensomebody atthewheel,butthiscould soonbeabouttochange.

FordistriallingAIpoweredautomateddrivingtechnologydesignedto maketheprocessmore efficient.Fortheproject, vehiclesnotonlydrive themselvesofftheassemblyline,theyalsoself drivetofinaltestingstationsandself-chargebeforeparkingupreadyfor deliverytocustomers.

TheE-SELFprojectis amongarangeofinitiativesthatFordisexploring asitpreparestheFordCologneEVCentre,inGermany,subjectofa$2bil-

lioninvestment,whereEV productionwillbeginthis year.

Fordhasunveiledthe newall-electricExplorer thatwillbethecompany’s

firstelectricpassenger vehicletobebuiltatscale attheFordCologneEV Centre.By2026,Ford planstosell600,000EVsin Europeeachyearandis committedtoofferingan all-electricportfolioof passengervehiclesby 2030.

TWOANDAHALFYEAR TRIAL

Fordisconductingthe twoandahalf-yeartrial withpartnersInstituteof AutomotiveEngineering oftheTechnischeUniversitätBraunschweigand KopernikusAutomotive.

TheFederalMinistryof EconomyandClimate Protectionprovided€2 millionfunding.

TheE-SELFprojectuses vehicle-to-infrastructure communicationtocontrol andmonitorvehicles. Sensorslocatedaround theplantcanidentifyhazardsinthevehicle’spath, suchasapersonoranothercar,andvehiclesare slowedorbroughttoahalt asrequired.

Finaltestingalonecan involveadozenormore tripsbetweendifferent locationsbeforevehicles

areparkedupreadyfor collectionanddeliveryby roadrailandferry. UsingAItechnology, thosevehicleswould simplydrivethemselves andbechargedandready togo.

Itworksforallvehicles equippedwithanautomatictransmission,electronicstabilitycontrol,an electrichandbrakeandassistedsteering;theonly additionalrequirementis asmartcommunication unittoenabletheinteractionwiththeinfrastructure.

ContdfromPage1

MinisterHelenMcEntee

T.DsaidthatshewasdelightedthatNobberwould finallyreceiveitsnew schoolandshepaidtributetotheworkofLMETB

chiefexecutiveMartinO’ BrienandhisLandand Buildingteam,headedup bySinéadMurphy,inprogressingthisprojectin whatwereverydifficult circumstances.

Acknowledgingthelong journeytotoday’sceremony,MinisterMcEntee thankedparents,staffand pupilsfortheirpatience, representations,andsupport.TheMinistersaid,“ Thededicationandhard workoftheentireLMETB teaminprovidingstateof theartfacilities,excellence inteachingandlearning, furthereducationand traininginnovationsand administrationarecommendable.”

Cllr.NickKillian,chairof MeathCountyCouncil congratulatedtheentire schoolcommunityon reachingtoday’smilestone,heacknowledged thevarioussuccessesand

notedthatitwasaparticularlyimportantdayforthe LMETBchiefexecutive MartinO’Brienasaformer pupilofO’CarolanCollege.

PrincipalBrianGoggins said,“Weareabsolutely delightedwiththearrival

ofthisveryspecialday hereatO’CarolanCollege aswetakethefirststeps towardsournewbuilding. Students,parentsandstaff arereallyoverjoyedthat thisdayhasfinallycome. Theyhaveworkedand campaignedformany

years,andtheynowsee thefruitsofalltheir efforts”.

MartinO’Brienthanked hisownstaffinLMETB, thedesignteam,parents, studentsandteachers.He said,“Iamverypleased thatO’CarolanCollege

MeathCountyCouncillaunchnew sharedBikeSchemeinAshbourne

CitizensofAshbourne havenewwayofgetting aroundtheirlocaltown.

Atotalof15pedalbikes, 15electricbikesandtwo electriccargobikesare availabletohirefroman initial10bikeparking locationsthroughoutthe townasMeathCounty

Councillaunchesa12monthtrialofthescheme.

Bikescanbefoundatthe followinglocationsin

Ashbourne:Ashbourne

Library,Ashbourne CommunityCentre, FredrickSt(outsideGarda Station),FredrickSt (Tescos),GardenCity (Centra),Playgroundon CastleStreet,Milltown SportsFieldCarpark, ArcherstownWood, GardenCity(Centra) BrindleyPark/StJohns WoodCourt.

Theschemewillbe managedbyMOBYbikes whocurrentlyrunsimilar

schemesinWestmeath, OffalyandinDublinCity andCounty.Thisisoneof thefirstsharedbike schemeofthiskindina regionaltownandwillbea greatadditiontothe transportinfrastructureof Ashbourne.Havingthe optiontouseabike aroundthetownisnow availabletoeveryoneand shouldhelpreducethe numberofcarsseenonthe streets.

Customersareinvitedto downloadtheMobyMove Appontheirphone.Once customersregisterand selectAshbourneastheir town,theappwillthen showyouwherethe nearestbikeislocated. Whenatthebike,simply scantheQRcodeonthe bikeandfollowthe instructioninappto unlockandride.

Thecustomeristhenfree tousethebikeforaslong

asrequired.Aninitialtop upbalanceof€5is requiredandthepriceis setat€1tounlockand after3minutes,1centper minutetorideforthe pedalbikesand10cent perminutefortheelectric bikes,withtheelectric cargobikescostingjust€2 tounlockand10centper minutetoride.When

finished,simplyreturnthe bike(beforemidnight)toa designatedbikeparking stand,lockitupandend yourjourneyintheapp.

CathaoirleachofMeath CountyCouncil,Cllr.Nick Killianhaswelcomedthe launchoftheBikeforHire SchemeinAshbourne where32bikesintotalwill beonthestreets.

ledgedthecontributionof formerstaffandreferencedtheroleplayedby thelateJohnFineganRIP, aformerprincipalatthe school.Heacknowledged thepresenceofhiswife MaeveFineganand thankedformerprincipals anddeputyprincipals JohnHolland,Dan O’Toole,KayCoghlanand JohnnieGrant.

willnowhaveastateofthe artsecondlevelschool withtheverylatesttechnologicalequipment.This newbuildingwillmean thatforthefirsttime,all studentswillbeeducated underthesameroofatthe College.”Heacknow-

Inhisconcludingremarks MartinO’Brienreferenced thefirstO’CarolanCollege Yearbookof1982andthe visionarycontributionsof teacherslikeJohnFinegan,PeterMcCormack, SeanGilsenan,Ellen Greaney,SheilaCoogan (RIP)andPatMarley. “Thesolidfoundationslaid intheearlyyearsclearly putO’CarolanCollegeto theforeintheprovisionof qualityteachingand learningandIamconfidentthatthecurrentteachersandstaffunderthe leadershipofprincipal BrianGogginswillbring theeducationofouryoung peopletothenextlevelin thisnewschoolfacility,” O’Briencontinued.

Councillorsconsider banonTiktok

AttheMaymeetingof MeathCountyCouncil, Cllr.NoelFrenchproposed amotiontobanTikTok fromallMeathCounty Councilmobilephones anddevices.

CouncillorFrenchsaid hefearedthatoutsideinfluencesmightaccessconfidentialinformationon theCouncildatabaseand eitheruseitforillegalpurposesorsimplymake privateinformationpublic.TheEuropeanCommissionhavesaidtheyfear thattheChinesegovernmentandChineselaws willcompelByteDanceto makeTikTokgiveitaccess touserdata.Thisdata couldincludeeverything fromlocationname,personaldatawhoyourconnectionsareandwhatkind ofthingsyoudo[and] whereyoushop.

TheNationalCyberSecurityCentrehasissued newguidancetoGovernmentdepartmentsand stateagenciesnottouse video-sharingappTikTok

onofficialdevices. TheUSandUKgovernmentsaswellasEUinstitutionsrecentlybanned theChinese-ownedplatformonstaffdevicesover cybersecurityfears.

CouncillorFrenchsaid “TikTokmaybesending informationtoChina.We areprobablyalreadybeing monitoredbytheBritish andAmericanintelligence bodies,wedonotneed surveillancefromChinaas well.”

“TikTokshouldberemovedfromallofficial devicesunlessthere'san overwhelmingbusiness caseforretainingit. Theissueisthatitisn't whatweknowtobehappening-it'swhatwecan't ruleoutwhatishappening now.”

In2021CllrFrenchput forwardamotiontothe ChineseAmbassadoraskinghimtorequesthisgovernmenttocarryoutan enquiryintothetreatment ofUighurcitizensoftheir country.

ComposerandconductorLydiaTár(Cate Blanchett)isaclassicalmusicsuperstar. Heracclaimedrunaschiefconductorof theBerlinPhilharmonicisabouttoreach itscrescendowithaperformanceof Mahler’sFifthSymphony.

ButTáralsohasahistoryofabusingher power.AsinvestigationsintoTár’spastbehaviourbegin,herprofessionalandpersonallivesstartspirallingoutofcontrol. CateBlanchett-GoldenGlobeforBest ActressinaMotionPicture(Drama)& BestActress,VeniceFilmFestival2022.

OneofthemostradicalanduniquealbumsinIrishtraditionalmusicisTommie Potts'1972albumTheLiffeyBanks.The albumwasandremainstothisdayapowerfulmusicalstatementandsourceofinspiration.

50yearsafteritsrelease,NeilÓ Lochlainn's'Tairseach'(meaningthreshold)isanewsuiteofmusicthatcontinues inthesamepioneeringexploratoryspirit. Drawnirresistiblytoakindredmusical adventurer,ÓLochlainnhasusedPotts’ albumnotsomuchforitsmaterialasfor itsapproachtomusicandartisticconcept.

RentPricesSoarby10.7%in MeathasHousingCrisis Worsens–JohnnyGuirkeTD

rentreportshowsrents continuingtosoarin Meath.Theyhaveshotup by10.7%inthelast12 monthsonaverage.The averagenewrentacrossin Meathisnowastaggering €1718.Thisistotallyunaffordableforpeopleon ordinaryincomes.”

“Itisclearthatthehousingcrisiscontinuestobe totallyoutofcontroland ordinarypeoplearepaying thepriceforthisgovernment’sfailures.”

rentaldeliveryisappallinglylow.Just684cost rentalhomesweredeliveredlastyearacrossthe state.Thisisadropinthe oceanofwhatisneededto makearealdifference.”

"Governmentmustacceptthatitscostrentaltargetsaretoolow.Theymust alsoacceptthattheprice ofthesecostrentalunitsis toohigh.”

AnneGildeaiswaxinghermoustache, slatheringontheOestrogelandboiling withexcitementaboutbringingherfabuloushitshowtoSolstice.HowtoGetThe MenopauseandEnjoyIthasbeenwowing audiencesandcriticsalike,andplayingto packedhousesalloverIreland,sinceit’s sell-outlaunchlastyear.Now’syour chancetojoinAnneonthishilarious,informativerollercoasterthroughallthings Menopauseandwomanly.

DecadentTheatreCompanyandGalway ArtsCentrepresentFromaLowandQuiet Sea,adaptedforthestagefromDonal Ryan’sacclaimedBookerPrize-nominatednovel.DirectedbyAndrewFlynn. Themother,therefugee,thepenitent,the dreamer.

FromaLowandQuietSeaisacarefully craftedportraitoftheintersectinglivesof fourcharacters,eachsearchingforaversionofhome.Fromwar–tornSyriato small–townIreland,theyarescarredbyall theyhavelovedandlost.

CusackHotelGrouppartnerwithNavan Racecourseinathree-yeardeal

NavanRacecourse isdelightedtoannouncea three-yearagreement withtheCusackHotel Groupasaracecourse partnerandtitlesponsor oftheCusackHotelGroup FamilyRacedayonSaturdayJuly15.

SinnFéinTDforMeath

WestJohnnyGuirke has accusedtheGovernment of‘failingrenters’asrents havesoaredinMeathby 10.7%inthelast12 months.

Thefiguresarecontained inthelatestDaft.ierentreport,whichshowsnew rentsincreasingbyalmost 12%inthelastyearacross thestate.

TeachtaGuirkecommented"ThelatestDaft.ie

“Thehousingcrisisis devastatingpeople’slives inMeath.Generationsare lockedoutofhomeownership,trappedpayingcripplingrentsandfeeling theyhavenohopeofever owningtheirownhome. Thismeanslivesputon hold,aspeoplestruggleto keepafloatandkeepup withskyhighrents.

Hecontinued"Despite thefallingprivaterental stockandrisingprivate rents,Government'scost

DeputyGuirkeconcludedbysaying"They mustdramaticallyincreaseandacceleratethe deliveryofthesemuch neededcostrentalhomes andensurethattheyare genuinelyaffordableto workingpeopleinMeath.”

“TheGovernmentmust gettogripswiththehousingcrisisinMeath,tourgentlycutthecostofsoaringrents.SinnFéiningovernmentwoulddeliver genuinelyaffordable homesforpeopletorent andbuy,toensurethe housingcrisisends.”

TheCusackHotelGroup isafamily-ownedbusinesscentrallylocatedin theheartofCountyMeath andlessthananhour awayfromDublin.The hotelsintheirgroup-The NewgrangeHotel,TheArdboyneHotelandthe CastleArchHotel,offerindividualanduniqueexperiencesfortheirguests withawarmandwelcome atmosphere,something thatNavanRacecourse pridesitselfupon.

TheCusackHotelGroup FamilyRacedayonSaturdayJuly15isthefirst eventofthethree-year partnershipandbringstogetheragreatdayofcompetitiveracingwithexcitingfamilyfunactivities throughouttheday.

Racegoersandtheir familiescanenjoymagic

shows,facepainting,the reptilezoo,interactive horseracingexperiences andmuchmorewithall activitiesincludedinthe entrypriceandunder13s gocompletelyfree.

Thepartnershipwillalso includegreatvaluerace andstaypackagesthatwill beavailablethrougheach ofthehotelsaswellas otheroffersforracegoers throughouttheyear.

Withaminimumof eighteenfixtureseach year,includingthenew

andexcitingNavanRacing FestivalonNovember18 and19,NavanRacecourse andtheCusackHotel Groupwillofferracegoers theperfectcombination ofsportandhospitality. TheCusackHotelGroup FamilyRacedayatNavan Racecoursetakesplaceon SaturdayJuly15.

Onlinegeneraladmissionticketsare€15with thoseunder13gainig entrycompletelyfree. Hospitalitypackagesstart at€45.

DoingTheNumbers

wassparedthesightofmyselfandthelateJoeReilly stridingacrossthefairwaysinourplusfoursbecausethenumbersofdistressedfamiliesjustkept gettinghigher.

withSineadBurke

Iwasnevergreatatmaths inschool. Theshameof beingaskedtopickupmy booksandleavethehonoursclassinsecondyearis somethingthatstilllivesin me30yearson.Ididhowevergetreallygoodat sumsyearslater.Whenwe werebuildingourhouseI begantoseeeverythingin termsofhowmanybricks thiswouldbuyandhow manyslatesthatwas worth.Onechoiceofkitchenwouldequalaless fancykitchenplusthe fridgeandcooker.

Toputitbluntly,shitgets realwhenitdirectlyaffects yourlife.Thenumbers aren’tjustnumbers,they haveconsequences.

WhenIwasonthecouncil,youneverknewwhat problemwasgoingto comeinthedoor,butyou couldbecertain95%of themwouldbehousingrelated.

Infact,wehadaregular jokeintheofficethatifthe housingcrisiswassolved soon,we’dhavetotakeup golftofillourdaysinstead ofhagglingwithlandlords, pleadingwithhousing officersandbangingour headsagainstofficialbrick walls.HeadfortGolfClub,

WhenIfinishedupin politicsin2019therewere about10,000peopleofficiallyhomelessinIreland. Todayasyoureadthis, therearejustunder 12,000.Butthisfigureonly representsthoselivingin hostels,temporaryaccommodation,andfamily hubs.

12,000isonlythestarting pointoftryingtogetyour headaroundthetotal numberofpeopleinIrelandwhoneedapermanenthome.Therearealso 60,000familiescurrently onthecouncilhousing lists.That’ssomejump fromourinitial12,000.But wait,there’smore.What’s notincludedarefamilies whoarelivinginHAP properties.

Thisisthenewversionof whatusedtoberentallowance.Privaterentedpropertieswherethefamilies payaportionoftherent andthegovernmenttopsit up.Generally,youget about5yearsinaHAP house.Fortheadditional 60,000familiesinthese houses,itisunlikelytobe theirforeverhome.

Sobacktothemaths.We startedwithahomeless figureof12,000.Thenwe rememberedthe60,000 familieswhoarewaiting oncouncilhousinglists

andthenfoundanother 60,000whoarehidden fromtheofficialnumbers intheirtemporaryHAP houses.Wecouldchannel ourinneroptimisthere andsaywithallfingersand toescrossedthatthetrue numberofpeoplewithout aproperhometodayin Irelandisabout120,000. ButIthinkevenPollyanna wouldsecretlysuspectit mightbeabithigher.

Onefigurewecanbecertainofthoughisonebillioneuro.That’sthe amountofmoneythegovernmentcurrentlypaysto privatelandlordstohide halftheproblemfromthe officiallists.Onebillion euro.Allofthesefigures matter.

Alltheyoungchildren rollingoutsleepingbags ontheflooroftheir Granny’sfrontroomevery night,matter.Every mothertryingtokeepthe showontheroadanda smileonherfacewhileshe packsthefamily'sbags againtomovetoanother hotelroommatters.The youngladquietlytryingto dohiscollegeworkina publiclibrarybecausehe willgetnopeaceorprivacyinhishostel,matters. Endingtheevictionban hasbeenanunpopular move.

Thegovernment'sHousing forAllstrategyisincreasinglylookinglikeHousing ForVeryFewActually.I reallyhopetheonesin chargecanmaketheir numbersaddupsoon.

CoreIrelandisdedicated toprovidingfreemental healthrecoveryeducation

MynameisHelenLeddy, MDofBackOffice Marketing. Iprovide marketingservicesforthe hospitalityandtourism industryacrosstheIsland ofIreland.

Thismonth,Iwantedto talktoyouaboutacharity thatwehavebeen workingwithforover2 yearsandarebasedin Navan. CoreIreland.

Asamentalhealth charity,CoreIrelandis dedicatedtoproviding freementalhealth recoveryeducation.They alsorunthenourish project-afoodbankfor peoplewhomayneeda littlehelpfromweekto week,workplacement opportunitiesand workplacewellbeing courses.

Thismonth,Core Irelandarelaunchinga fantasticrafflewiththeir mainsponsor-Arch Studios.Themainprizeis a€5000corporatevideo package.Thisincredible prizeoffersendless

possibilitiesforyour business,whetheryou’re lookingtocreatea promotionalvideo, trainingmaterials,or somethingelseentirely. Videoisafantasticformof marketingmaterialthese dayswithcustomers spendingmuchlonger watchingcontentrather thanreadingit.

Toentertheraffleis simple,visitthewebsite www.coreireland.ie and enterontheirrafflepage.

The€100ticketforthe rafflewillgostraightto CoreIrelandtohelpthem fundmentalhealth recoveryeducationinthe

community.Moneywell spent.

Corearealsoinviting businessesintheNavan areatosponsortheir mentalwellbeing newsletterthatcanbe senttoallofyourstaffwith yourownbranding.

Promotingwellbeingat workandempowering staffwiththeknowledge andtoolstobeproactive inboostingandprotecting theirownwellbeingis veryimportantthesedays. GetincontactwithCore Irelandformore informationontheir workplacewellbeing coursesalso.

McKeeWelcomesApprovaloftheKaftrioDrug

ToHelpYoungCFSufferersAcrossMeath

EastMeathFiannaFáil

Councillor Stephen McKeehaswarmlywelcomedthenewsthatthe

HSEhasapprovedthe Kaftriodrugforyoung CysticFibrosissufferers.

CllrMcKeestated“Iam delightedthattheHSEhas nowapprovedtheCystic FibrosisdrugKaftriofor usebychildrenaged6-11

whopreviouslyfelloutside theeligibilitycriteria,followingrobustandlengthy engagementswiththe drugmanufacturerVertex.”

Hecontinuedbysaying

“Thisdrugwillgreatlyimprovethelivesofthechildrenwhocannowavailof itsothisisaverywelcome development.Kaftrio®has

beenalife-changingdrug forCysticFibrosissufferers,andyounglocalCystic Fibrosissuffererswhopreviouslycouldnotaccess thetherapycandoso now.”

“Irecentlymetwiththe MinisterforHealth StephenDonnellyandI impresseduponhimthe needtogetthisdrugap-

provedforfamiliesthatI represent.”

“Thisisgoodnewsfor familiesacrossCounty MeathandtheyoungchildrenwithCysticFibrosis whocannowaccessthis therapy.Itisanimportant milestoneinthetreatment ofCysticFibrosisinthis country”concludedCllr. McKee.

WithourunpredictableIrishweather,amixofthe badandthegood,rain, wind,snow,sun,itisimperativethatweknowhow toproperlycareforand maintainouroutdoor gardenfurnitureduringall theseasons. Hereare6tipsourseasonalteamhavecompiled onhowbesttolookafter yourgardenfurniture:

1.KEEPTHEFABRIC PROTECTED -Fabric cushionsandupholstery coversareanecessityfor relaxingoutdoorsbutcan easilyberuinedbytheelements,especiallytherain. Tohelpmaintainthese, firstyouneedwashthem withwarmwaterandmild dishsoapandwhendry sprayitwithsomefabric protector.Pleasenote,alwaystestthefabricprotectoronasmallpieceof thegardensetupholstery tomakesureitdoesn’tdiscolourit.

2.TRYKEEPCOVERED ANDCLEANED -Keeping yourgardenfurniturewill obviouslyhelpprotectit fromtheweather,however itwillstillgatherdirtifyou donotcleaniteverysooften.Trycleanduring sunnyordrydays,usinga furniturecleanerorjust warmwaterandmilddish soap.Atrustyspongewill helpbreakupanygrime andyoucanhoseawayany residue.Itiscrucialthat youletitdryoutcompletelybeforeputtingany cushionsbackonormovingittoashadierplacein thegarden.

3.USESUNSCREENFOR FURNITURE- Weknowit soundsbizarre,butoneof yourgardenfurnituresets biggestthreatsisahot, sunnyday.Thesun’sUV rayshavethepotentialto makeyourfurniturefade dramatically.Therearea rangeofoutdoorfurniture protectorsthatcanbeappliedtometalorplastic sets,whilepaintistheperfectwaytoprotectwooden setsfromthesun.

4.STOPPIECESFROM BLOWINGAWAY -A stronggustorevenaslight breezecanloosencushionsorcoveringsonyour patiosets,soonewayto helpkeeptheminplaceis touseVelcrostrips,with onehalfofthestriponthe chairandtheotherhalfon tothebottomofthechair cushion.Thiswillhelp keeptheminplaceand notgetdamagedordirtied bybeingblownaround yourgarden.

5.USEYOURSHADE

Oneofthebestwaysto lookafteryourgardenfurnituresetsistokeepthem intheshadewhennotbeingusedorbyapplyingan awningoverthemtoprotectthemfromtheSun’s harmfulUVrays.

6.WATCHTHE WEATHERREPORTS ANDPLAN -Weknow howunpredictablethe weathercanbeherebutif youknowthatthereisextremeweatherontheway,

Recognition&Retention

Recognitionisanessentialmotivator inanyjob, regardlessoftheindustry orposition.

Peopleseekrecognition becauseitgivesthema senseofaccomplishment, increasestheirjobsatisfaction,andhelpsthem feelvalued.

Whenemployeesreceive recognitionfortheirwork, theyaremorelikelytofeel asenseofprideandaccomplishment.Thisfeelingofachievementcan boosttheirself-esteem andself-confidence,leadingtoincreasedmotivationandawillingnessto takeonmorechallenging tasks.

Furthermore,recognitioncanincreasejobsatisfaction.Employeeswho feelappreciatedandvaluedaremorelikelytobe engagedintheirworkand committedtotheiremployer.This,inturn,can leadtohigherlevelsofpro-

ductivity,betterperformance,andreduced turnover.

Moreover,recognition helpspeoplefeelvalued andrespected. Itreinforcestheideathat theircontributionsare valuableandessentialto thesuccessofthecompany.

Whenemployeesfeel thattheirworkisbeingappreciated,theyaremuch morelikelytostaycommittedtotheorganization andfeelagreatsenseof loyaltysotheprobabilityof theemployerretainingthe employee’sservicesis muchgreater.

Foranyemployertoretain staff,recognitionisanessentialcomponent.It boostsemployeemotivation,jobsatisfaction,and feelingsofvalueandrespect.

Ourexperienceisthat moreandmoreEmployers aremakingarealeffortto recognizeandappreciate theiremployeesregularly, astheyknowretentionof goodstaffhasasignificant impactonthesuccessand well-beingofthecompany asawhole.

Ifyou’relookingtorecruityournextemployee lifer!,giveusacallon046 9028205

highwinds,heatwave,torrentialrainetc.makesure youplanaheadandcover upyourfurnituresetor moveitintoashedifpos-

sible.These6tipswillhelp keepyouroutdoorgarden furnitureingreatconditionandyoucanenjoyit foryearstocome.

CHOICESTORESLOCATIONS

NAVAN: NavanTownCentre&BlackwaterRetail Park

KELLS: BectiveStreet

TRIM: MarketStreet

ASHBOURNE: Unit8/9AshbourneRetailPark, BallybinRoad.

JoesJotter:ParentinganExamStudent2023

affectastudent’sabilityto retainInformation.You needtosupportthem quietlybyjustbeingthere. Thisiseasierthanit soundsasweallknowit canbeatensetimeinany household.Intruth,you willneedtobemore patientwiththemthan usual.

doingtheirbestwillgoa longway.Herearesome practicalelementsthat youmightconsider aroundexamtimeforall students:

1.Offeryourbestformof supportand encouragement.

sleeping.

7.Makingyourchildtheir favouritedinnerand dessertisabrilliantwayof keepingspiritshighand supportingthemaround examtime.

Parentingduringexam time canbeasstressfulfor aparentasthestudent themselves.Ihopesome oftheadviceinthisarticle willhelpyougetthrough thistoughperiod.Your mainjobasaparent aroundexamtimeisto maintainnormality.This adviceappliesnotjustto thoseofyouwhohave childrensittingstate exams,butalsotothose whohavesomeonegetting readyfortheirsummer exams.

Myfirstkeypieceof advicewouldbetotry wherepossibleto maintainthehabitsand timingsthatyourchildhas developedduringterm time.Anexamstudent finishesschoolearlier thanothersinthelast

term,andthiscanthrow themoffabit.Suddenly theyareathome24-7and mustplantheirdays differently.Askthemhow youcanaidthisprocess.A studentwhomakesthis transitionwellwillsettle intogoodstudyand revisionhabitsquickly.If youcanhelpthembeas settledaspossibleduring currentweekendrevision sessions,thisprocesswill bemoreseamlesswhen thetimecomes.

Secondly,tryandhelp yourchildmaintaintheir ownlittlehabitsand patternsthatteenagers crave.Patternsoftheday includerising,meals, leisure,andsleeptimes. Sleepinginorstayingup latetendstomessupthe bodyclockalittleand

Daybydayduringthe exams,yourchildwill needrenewed encouragementfromyou, whichtheycandraw strengthfrom.Itis importanttokeep perspectiveandbe realisticforyourchild, advisingthemtodoso also.Alwaysremember, thatyouarethemainadult intheirlife,andtheylook uptoyou.Iwould definitelyleanmore towards‘thecarrot’ approachatthistime, usingencouragementto coaxthemalongasbest youcan.Onasidenote, offeringthemanincentive toscorecertaingradescan andhasworkedinsome households.Thisdoesn’t havetobemonetary incentive.

TwentyWaystoOffer PracticalSupportto yourExamStudent

Manyteenagershave issueswithcontextualising situationsandnotbeing abletoseethebigger picture.Emphasisonthem

2.Youmayfeelhelplessas yourchildmaynotopen uptoyou:

� Understandyourchild’s motivationandwhythey areworkinghard

� Askthemexactlywhat theywantoutofit

� Speakwiththemabout theirgoalsandmotivation todowell

3.Tryandbemoreofa coachthanaparent.

� Askthemwhathelpand supporttheyneed,notthe otherwayaround

4.Sitdownwiththemand seewhattheirplanand revisionstrategyis.Ask theminwhatwaysyou canbehelpfultothem.

5.Setupaquiet comfortableenvironment forstudy.

� Ifpossible,setupastudy areaoutsidetheir bedroomsothatthe anxietyandstressof studyingisnotassociated withsleepetc

� Ensurethestudyand relaxationareasareclearly separated

6.Trytoensurethatall distractionsandnoisein thehomearekepttoa minimumespeciallywhen yourchildisrevisingor

KnowYourRights:BiketoWorkScheme

WhatistheBiketoWork Scheme?

Answer:TheBiketoWork orCycletoWorkScheme meansyouremployerwill payforanewbikeand equipmenttoencourage youtocycletoandfrom work.Youthenrepaythe costthroughregular paymentsfromyoursalary beforetaxorother deduc�onsaremade.

HowdoIbuyabikeunder thescheme?

Checkwithyouremployer firsttoseeiftheyrunthe scheme.Theymayallow youtoselectthebicycleand

equipmentfromanyshop, oronlycertainbicyclesfrom specificshops.

HowmuchcanIsave?

Youcansaveupto52%of theretailcostofthebike andequipmentifyoupay thehighestrateoftax.Your repaymentscomeoutof yoursalarybeforetax,USC andPRSIarededucted.

HowmuchcanIspendand whatcanIbuy?

Youhaveachoiceof3limits whichcoverdifferenttypes ofbikesandanyrelated safetyequipment.

Thelimitsare:

� €3,000forcargoand

ecargobikes

� €1,500fore-bikesand pedelecs(electrically assistedbikes)

� €1,250forotherbicycles

Howo�encanIgetanew bike?

Onceevery4years.The4 yearsbetweentaxbreaksis countedbytaxyear,soif youboughtyourbikeany �mein2020,youcanavail ofthenexttaxreliefin January2024.

Whoownsthebike?

Youdo!Youarefully responsiblefortheupkeep, safety,androadworthiness ofthebikeoncethesaleis

8.Encourageyourchildto takebreaksfromtheir studytimetable.Bring themforanoutdoor activityoratreatyou knowthattheyenjoy.

9.Doonefunthingwith themtheweekendafter theirfirstsetofexams. Weektwooftheexams tendstobequitelongand tiringandanylittlestress reliefatthatpointisvery welcome.Thisappliesto summertestsalso.

10. Tellthemregularly “I’msoproudofyou”and “youareworkingvery well”

11. Givethembeliefin themselves.

12.Keepyour expectationsrealistic.Itis theirlifeandtheirexams.

13. If youfeeltheyare strugglingtogetintoa

revisionroutine,lookout foranyeffortandfinda waytogivethemsome praise(eitherdirectlyor indirectly).Praisethem foranysmalleffortsto fostermoreenthusiasm fortheirwork.

14. Encourageexercise andplentyofsleep.

15. Remindthemthatthis examwillnotdetermine theirlife.

16. Helpthemtogetthe study-leisurebalance correctwithsubtle interventions.

17. Continueto encourage,renew,and supportthemasyouhave beendoing.

18. Pickthemost appropriatetimesto discussdelicatesubjects.

19. Maintainacalmand balanceinthehousehold asmuchaspossible.

20. Listen.

Wishingyouwellasthe examsdrawnearer.Reach outtomeifIcanadvise youinanyway. Joe

MoredetailsaboutJoe’sMathsTuition ClassesforJuniorCycleandLeaving Certificate(2023)andhisAwardWinning ACEMathsSolutionBookscanbefoundvia thelinksbelow.

ACEMathsTuitionClasses: acesolutionbooks.com/ace-maths-tuition

ACEMathsSolutionBooks: acesolutionbooks.com/buy-my-books Joe’sFacebookPage:https://www.facebook. com/JoeMcCormackEducationalExpert

completed.Youshould considerinsuringthebike, par�cularlyagainstthe�. ReadmoreabouttheBike toWorkSchemeon h�ps:// bit.ly

BikeToWorkScheme2023 orcalluson0818074000 (MondaytoFriday,9amto 8pm).

Youcancontactyourlocal centrebyemailorphone usingthedetails: navan@ci�nfo.ie

MOWLAMHEALTHCARE

Applicationsareinvitedforthepositionof HealthcareAssistantwithMowlamHealthcare.This positionwillbebasedinournursinghomein Kilmainhamwood–KilmainhamwoodNursing Home,Eden,Kilmainhamwood, Co.Meath

Thisisfantasticopportunityforthesuccessful candidatetofurthertheircareerwithIreland’s largestandmostrespectedindependent healthcareproviderofqualitynursinghomecarein Ireland.

Candidatesmustpossess*QQILevel5in Healthcareorequivalent.

JobType:Fulltime,39hoursperweek

Salary:€27,000perannum

Location:KilmainhamwoodNursingHome, Eden,Kilmainhamwood,Co.Meath

Contact:recruitment@mowlamhealthcare.com