Moore Calls for Public Consultation on Storm Eowyn to Strengthen Future Preparedness
“By launching an online portal for submissions, we can provide an inexpensive yet effective method for residents to share their experiences”
CLLR. RONAN MOORE, Social Democrats, is calling on Meath County Council to invite residents to share their experiences of Storm Eowyntostrengthenfuturepreparednessforany futureweathereventsofsuchmagnitude.
Heexplained“Iamaskingforthecreationofan onlinepublicconsultationtogatherinsightsfrom those impacted by Storm Eowyn, helping Meath County Council learn lessons and improve preparedness for future extreme weather events. I have no doubt that the Council’s executive and senior management threw everything into their responsetothestorm,”statedCllr.Moore.
“From the work of the Local Coordination Group to the establishment of community hubs, Meath’s role in the national response, and the tireless efforts of our fire services and outdoor staff, every effort was made to protect lives and property.”
Moore continued “However, while Storm Eowyn may have been unprecedented in the modern era, bringing the strongest winds ever recorded in Ireland, we must be acutely aware
thatextremeweathereventsarebecomingmore frequent due to the impacts of man-made climate change. It is essential then that we learn fromeveryexperience.”
“Todothis,weshouldengagewiththepublicin ameaningfulandaccessibleway,”continuedCllr. Moore. “By launching an online portal for submissions, we can provide an inexpensive yet effective method for residents to share their experiences, highlight gaps, and suggest improvementsinourresponsestrategies.”
This call for public input builds on a motion Cllr.MooreraisedinDecember,whichaskedthe Council to outline current measures for identifying flood risks in the county and improving emergency preparedness both in terms of public awareness and the Council’s responsetosuddencrises.
“By allowing residents to contribute their firsthand experiences, this consultation will provide valuable insights that can shape future policies and ensure Meath is better prepared for thenextstorm,”concludedCllr.Moore.
No Nonsense Boyne holds Trim Council to Account
THERE were rambunctious scenes at the first Trim Municipal District council meeting of 2025, where nononsense Aontu councillor Dave Boyne exclaimed “Are you serious?” after the meeting was concluded in a record threeminutes.
“I just couldn’t believe it.” he said “We’ve just been through the worst storm in recorded history, and half the county is still without power, water, heat andsanitation.”
He continued “We only have one hour per month dedicated to discussing the people’s problems, and everyone was prepared to finish up without giving these issues a second thought”.
Themonthlymeetingheldon Wed 29th Jan, was ironically postponedtothatdatefromthe previous Friday due to the red weatherwarning.
The main order of business was electing a new Cathaoirleach, which Cllr. Boyne also had a few choice
words about “I want it noted that I completely disagree with this process. Ringing around each other and deciding who gets to be elected (Cathaoirleach)beforethevote is even held, is completely undemocratic. It means that at least one sixth of the voters of thisdistrict,arenothavingtheir views represented,” referring to the fact that Cllr Ronan Moore had already been pre-selected fortheposition.
In a defiant move, Boyne went against the grain by proposing Cllr Paul O’Rourke forCathaoirleach.Althoughhis proposal was defeated, he said afterwards that “It was the principalofthematter”.
Following this, the meeting concludedandasthemembers prepared to leave, Boyne again spoke up, insisting that the council sit and deliberate on howtosolvethemonths’issues.
Boyne further went on to say “It was absolute Father Ted stuff, I was shocked. They (the other members present) were laughing and saying that three minutes must have been a record.”
Cllr Boyne concluded by saying “There wasn’t a single word about the storm, and these are the people actually being paid to sort it out. Somethinghadtobesaid”.
Upon Cllr Boyne’s insistence, the council meeting continued until all points raised were addressed.
Aontu Councillor Dave Boyne
Guirke - Urgent Action Needed on Cairn T at Loughcrew
SINN FÉIN TD Johnny Guirke has expressed his deep disappointment regarding the prolonged closure of Cairn T at Loughcrew,whichhasbeeninaccessibletothepublicforover 7years,sinceOctober2018.
Deputy Guirke recently asked a Parliamentary Qustion which indicated that Cairn T willremainclosedtothepublic for a number of seasons. This Neolithic monument, one of Ireland's most significant archaeological sites, is currently closed due to structural concerns identified in a condition survey.
“God almighty, I’d say those whobuiltittooklesstimetodo so than the OPW has taken to assess it! The lack of urgency fromtheOfficeofPublicWorks (OPW) is simply unacceptable,”saidDeputyGuirke.
“While the OPW diverts funds towards walls, bike shelters, and security huts, Cairn T remains a low priority. This is a glaringoversight.”
Deputy Guirke emphasized that the public should have access to this important part of our history. He stated “Cairn T
is a National Monument in Statecare,andit’stimethegovernment prioritizes its reopening. If we continue down this path, they’ll leave it closed long enoughforittofallandbegone
forever. That is not good enough.”
“The OPW has committed to reopeningCairnT,butwiththe current focus on technical examinations and conservation works,itappearsthatpublicaccess will remain restricted for several more seasons and minimum. Why were these works notdonein2018.”
TeachtaGuriekconcludedby saying “We need action, not just promises. The government must ensure that Cairn T is accessible to all while safeguardingthemforfuturegenerations.
I will be raising this once again intheDáil.”
Meath Grower Among The Winners At Tirlán Quality Grain Award Winners 2024
Picture includes Tirlán Board Member, Eamonn McEnteggart, Tirlán Chief Agribusiness Officer Ailish Byrne, and Tirlán agronomist, Conor Hoey.
MEATH COUNTY COUNCIL PRIDE OF PLACE 2025
Meath County Council 2025 Pride of Place competition is now open. Applications are invited from Community Groups, Tidy Towns / Village Committees, Residents Associations and other voluntary groups. The 2025 competition includes the following categories:
� Housing Estate Small
� Housing Estate Medium
� Housing Estate Large
• Housing Estate Extra Large
� Apartment Complex
� Youth Project
� Community Wellbeing
� Green Community Amenity
� Best Bee & Wildlife Friendly Garden
� Village/ Townland <500
� Small Town 500 - 1500
� Large Town 1501 - 4000
� Extra Large Town >4000
� Residential Streetscape
� Heritage
� Community Group
� Volunteer of the Year
� Green Kilometer
� Community Age Friendly
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm FRIDAY 2 MAY 2025
Application forms and further details are available from the Community Department, Meath County Council, Buvinda House, Dublin Road, Navan, Co Meath, C15 Y291 or by email prideofplace@meathcoco.ie or online https://www.meath.ie
Carin T at Loughcrew
Patrick Reynolds of Garlow Cross, Navan, Co Meath won the Green Oilseed Rape award at the Tirlán Quality Grain Awards 2024 ceremony at The Guinness Storehouse, Dublin. There were 14 top grain growers commended for their exceptional attention to detail in producing top quality grains on their family farms.
Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday: 8.00am - 5.00pm Closed on Sundays & Bank Holidays
Bright Sparks Compete for the 2025 Credit Union Quiz Crown
OVER 170 CHILDREN took part in the annual Drogheda Credit Union Primary School Quiz 2025, on Friday, 7th February in Drogheda Institute ofTechnology.
Students from Drogheda, East Meath, Dunleer and Trim testedtheirknowledgewiththe hopes of claiming the 2025 school quiz champions title, overseen by Quiz Master, DeclanCollins.
The gym was bustling with excitement with the students completing in the quiz. “I want to acknowledge every one of theschoolsthattakepartinthe quiz each year and do tremendous work in preparing their students ahead of the quiz. Thank you all for being a partofthisfantasticevent.”
In Category A (under 11), Whitecross NS claimed first placeandincategoryB(Under 13), St Marys Parish Primary securedthewinfortheschool.
The first place winners in each Category will go forward to represent Drogheda Credit Union in the second stage of the Credit Union School Quiz inMarch.
TCongratulations to all the teachers, pupils and parents involved.
The full list of winners are as follows:
CompetitionA(Under11)
1st Place: Whitecross NS
Team: S.Leonard, H. Thwaites, O.White,A.Halpin
Teacher:Ms.French
2nd Place : Robinstown NS
Team: A. Faherty, P. Callaghan, E.ÓDea,F.Galligan
Teacher:Mr.Bradley
3rd Place : Kilbride NS
Team: N. Dixon, E. Hora, C. Bohan,L.O'Brien
Teacher:Ms.Mallee
CompetitionB(Under13)
1st Place: St Marys Parish
Primary
Team: A. Bourke, A. Synott, A. Forbes,E.Ashwood
Teacher:Mr.Callan
2nd Place: Realt na Mhara GNS
Team: R. Carton, C. McCartan, C.Cox,E.Nolan
Teacher:Ms.McCloughan
3rd Place: Scoil Naomh Buithe
Team: R. Murphy , O. Hussey, H.McGowan,L.Dunne
Teacher:Mr.Lyons Kilbride National School
Love To Lend Month At Drogheda Credit Union
his February, Drogheda Credit Union has announced thelaunchofitsLovetoLend Month. The campaign is designed to spread the love while helping members achieve their financial goals.
Throughout the month, members will be embraced with love hearts, loaneventsandlending!
As part of Love to Lend month, every member who draws down a loan in February will be automatically entered into a €1,000 cash back draw. And to make it even sweeter, Drogheda Credit Union will give every member that draws down a loan a complimentary box of chocolates.
To make borrowing more accessible, Drogheda Credit Union
Trim Branch is hosting an exclusive out-of-hoursLoaneventonSaturday, 22ndFebruary.
The loan event will run from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the Trim Branch. Members can meet one-on-one with expert lending team in a relaxed and welcomingsetting.
This is the perfect opportunity to explore tailored borrowing solutions withouttheneedforanappointment.
“Our Love to Lend Month is a lighthearted way to give back and to support our members. We are committed to providing flexible financial options with our loan night and online banking facilities. Love to Lend Month is about making the borrowing experience easy, enjoyable, and rewarding,” said Tom Kiely,CEO,DroghedaCreditUnion
Members can visit branches in Drogheda, Trim, Dunleer and East Meath, call 0419838496, or apply online today. Draw T&Cs Apply for more information, visit https:// droghedacu.ie/love-to-lend/ or follow on social media for updates andannouncements.
BORROW THIS FEBRUARY – WHY BORROW FROM DROGHEDA CREDIT UNION
DroghedaCreditUnioniscommitted to ensure lending is made easy for its membersincludinghaving:
1. Loan Approval Within 24 Hours
Ourefficientloanapprovalprocessis designed to deliver decisions within 24 hours, giving you the confidence to move forward with your plans withoutdelay.
2. Easy Application Process
Apply online via our app, anytime from the comfort of your home, or drop into your local branch to speak withourLendingTeam.
Overthelastnumberofyears,we’ve streamlined our processes making it as convenient as possible to our members.
3. Competitive Loan Rates
Drogheda Credit Union offers some of the lowest loan rates around, helping you save money while achievingyourgoals.
4. Flexible Repayment Options
We offer flexible repayment options tosuityourindividualcircumstances. Whether you prefer weekly, fortnightly, or monthly payments, we’ll work with you to find a repayment plan that fits your budget andlifestyle.
5. No Hidden Fees
Our commitment to transparency means our members never have to worryabouthiddenfees.
6. Not a Member? No Problem Don’t let membership put you off enquiring.
You can join Drogheda Credit Union and apply for a loan on the sameday!
to
Robinstown National School
Whitecross National School
Scoil Naomh Buithe
Realt na Mhara GNS
St. Mary’s Parish Primary School
New Speed Limits Won't Make an Impact Says Mother Who Lost Son in Car Accident.
BY: LOUISE WALSH
A HEART-BROKEN mother
who lost her adored son in a carcrashonaruralroaddoes not believe new speed limits alonewillstopthecarnage
Caroline Ginnelly believes the new restrictions which lower speed limits on rural local roads from 80km/h to 60km/h on Friday won't make a huge impact on accidents,especiallyatnight.
Carolinelosther21yearold son Martin on July 7th, 2018 whenthecarinwhichhewas apassengerwasinvolvedina single vehicle collision, just fiveminutesfromhishomein the Gaeltacht region of Gibbstown, Co. Meath. The tragedy, which left the family's whole world in tatters,occurredat3.30am.
"I remember the doorbell going and looking at my watch to see it was 6.12am. I looked out the window and sawthegardacar,"shesaid.
"My heart sank. I was walking up the hall and looked into Martin's room
andnoticedhewasn'tthere. I knew something had happened but it was the furthest thing from my mind that he was gone. Then the gardatoldusMartinwasdead
and my life, my whole world collapsed before me. He's my baby, he's only 21, he shouldn'thavebeenkilled.”
“It's every family's nightmare and life has been
hellsince. Igotobedandcry, Iwakeupandcry.Ijustcan't come to terms with the fact that he is never coming back. Life is so sad and lonely for us."
Caroline believes that reducingspeedisnotthesole answer to the frustrating problemofroaddeaths.
"It's a nice thought but I can't see these speed limits doing anything on the vast network of country roads, especially at night. You can't put checkpoints or cameras on every kilometer of secondary roads, which are often littered with bad cornersandpotholes.”
“You will get sensible peoplewhowilladheretothe new limits but I can't see the vast majority, of any age, sticking to them especially at night when most tragedies occurinruralareas.”
"Youngpeoplelovetoshow off to their friends their driving skills, and often that means the thrill of speed unfortunately. And then there are people going too slow which causes others to make bad overtaking calls. All drivers have to consider everyone else. I think a lot of people now see reducing
speed and the fines that go along with it as a money racket and not really addressing the problem itself.”
"Maybeallcarsshouldhave limiters. Maybe the families of those killed or victims of those who have survived smashes could give students a talk about how their lives havechangedirrevocablyand the devastation speed or careless driving can have. It could be their families affectednext.”
"Allittakesisasplitsecond to take their eyes off the road and onto the phone or drive fast around a bend without thinking there could be a pedestrian on the rural road comingjustaroundit.”
Caroline concluded by saying"Acarisaweaponand thatsplitsecondcouldleadto thatknockonthedoorthatno parent wants. A lifetime gone. That's real penalty pointsforlifethatno-onecan wipe out for loved ones left behind."
Caroline Ginnelly with her late son Martin
Work of GAA Green Clubs Programme
Showcased at Information Evening in Navan
MEATH COUNTY COUNCIl
in conjunction with the Meath GAA County Board and GAA Green Clubs held an information evening in Buvinda House on Monday, January20,2025.
TheGreenClubsProgramme will help clubs identify and implementsimplemeasuresto protect our natural heritage andsecureasustainablefuture forourlocalcommunity.
Speakers on the night included Director of Services Barry Lynch, Meath County Board Secretary Ciaran Flynn, ChairpersonofClimateAction Forum Cllr. David Gilroy, and Padraig Fallon, who is the Chairperson of GAA Green Clubs.
There were also presentationsfromGAAGreen Clubs Sustainability Adviser Míde Ní Shúilleabháin, the Meath Sustainable Energy Community Mentor Jim Kenehan, the Biodiversity Officer at Meath County Council Ben Malone and
Cllr Michael Gallagher, Kate Daly - Blackhall Gaels, Paddy McConnell - Bective GFC, Cllr. David Gilroy, Padraig FallonNational Green Club Chairperson, Barry Lynch -Director Of Services MCC, Jason Plunkett - Chair Meath GAA County Board , Ben Malone - Biodiversity Officer MCC, Míde Ní Shúilleabháin - Sustainability Adviser, GAA Green Club Programme
Community Climate Action Officer at Meath County CouncilAngelaLoughran.
In addition to this, Blackhall Gaels and Bective GFC who were recognised for their
achievement of the Phase 2 Green Clubs presented on the positive sustainability projects thattheyhaveachievedintheir clubs. St. Vincent’s GFC who were successful in the
Community Climate Action Programme provided details ontheirprojectwhichincluded LEDupgrades,abikeshedand installation of a water refill station.
GREATPOSITIVEFEEDBACK
Speaking after the event, Director of Services at Meath County Council Barry Lynch said “It was a real pleasure to seesomanyclubsrepresented and a fantastic opportunity to showcase and build on all the work that has been done by andwithclubsinthecounty.” Mr Lynch finshed off by saying“Therewasgreatpositive feedback from all the people whoattended.”
ThedenturesJoeprovidesaresolelymadebyhimselfincludingthepalatefreemetalbasedchrome cobalt.Heisanexpertincreatingcosmeticdenturesthatenhanceapatientsfeatures,reducingtheir liplines,allowingthemtoachieveamoreyouthfullook.Joedesignsyourpartialdenturesarounda carefullypreparedtreatmentplanwiththeaimtoimprovefunctionandrestoreyournaturalsmile.
Pictured are: Front row left to right Ciarán Flynn - Secretary Meath GAA County Board, Philip McCormack - Blackhall Gaels, Angela Loughran - Community Climate Action Officer MCC, Maria Travers and John Sheridan - St. Vincents GFC, Jim Kenehan – Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC) Mentor Meath. Back row left to right: Shéa Reynolds -Walterstown GFC,
Meath LGFA Stars Team Up To Open New Lidl Enfield Store
LIDL OFFICIALLY opened its seventh storeinEnfield. LGFAsuperstarsincluding Meath Senior Ladies Gaelic Football CaptainAoibhínClearyandNaFiannaand Meath County player Kerrie Cole to officially cut the ribbon and welcome customersthroughthedoors.
Crowds gathered early to be among the first to step foot in the new state-of-the-art store and to take part in opening day celebrations.
The first ten shoppers through the doors received complimentary vouchers to shop Lidl’s renowned range of high-quality productsatmarket-leadingvalue,andhuge savingsonmiddleaislefavourites.
To mark the opening, the store team in Enfield welcomed Fiona Murtagh, Yard Manager from local charity My Lovely Horsetoacceptadonationof€1,000inLidl vouchers. The volunteer-led charity is dedicated to rehabilitating and rehoming unwanted, neglected or abused equines, pigs, goats, sheep, dogs, cats, and other animals.
This new Lidl store has created 20 new permanent jobs for the local area, and supported 80 additional jobs through its constructionanddevelopment.
Speaking at the opening of the store, Lidl Enfield Store Manager Caoimhe Mc Grath said “We are thrilled to open this state-ofthe-art Lidl store in Enfield, bringing
convenience, quality and market-leading value to local shoppers. This has been a highlyanticipatedprojectsoit’sgreattosee thedoorsopenandsomanylocalresidents outinforce.”
Caoimhe went on to say “It’s been great for our new 20-strong team to see the support from the local community. As proud supporters of Ladies Gaelic Football since 2016, it was a real privilege to have MeathLGFAsuperstarsAoibhínandKerrie cut the ribbon and join in the celebrations. I’m looking forward to welcoming the
Enfieldcommunitytoenjoythissignificant new retail development over the coming days.”
Meath Senior Ladies Gaelic Football Captain Aoibhín Cleary said “The atmosphere here at the opening of Lidl Enfield has been fantastic, it’s great to see local shoppers out enjoying the new store and snapping up those opening day bargains. As the local Enfield community grows it’s great to see Lidl continuing to be apillarofthewiderMeathcommunityand providemorelocalswithaplacetoshop.“
MINISTER OF STATE FOR NATURE, HERITAGE, AND BIODIVERSITY, Christopher O’SullivanTD,hasannounced the list of over 650 projects to beawardedfundingunderthe Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2025, with €247,436going to 21 projects inMeath.
The scheme supports property owners to conserve and enhance our historic buildings and streetscapes, and at the same time preserve and develop traditional buildingskills.
This year’s grants will be used to repair, restore, and
Examples of properties being funded in Meath under theprogrammeare:
� €19,413forFosterstown Lodge
� €19,413forBoyneValley Cottage
� €16,560forStMary's Abbey,Trim
� €16,060forRowenHouse, Kells
� €16,060forHeadfortHouse, HeadfortDemesne,Kells
� €16,060forStMary's Convent,EmmetStreet, Trim
Headfort House just outside Kells
EMPOWERING YOUNG MINDS
CHILDHOOD EMOTIONAL
well-beingisagrowingconcern in Ireland. According to the Growing Up in Ireland study, almostoneinthree9-year-olds report experiencing low selfesteem or emotional difficulties.
Furthermore, mental health challengesaffect1in6children aged 5-16, and early intervention has been proven to significantly improve longterm outcomes. Without intervention, these challenges can persist into adolescence and adulthood, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and difficulties in social relationships.
Studies show that children who struggle with emotional regulation are more likely to experience behavioural issues and lower academic performance.
Additionally, early childhood adversity is linked to an increased likelihood of mental health conditions later in life.
By introducing structured support at a young age, provides children with
essential tools to manage their emotions, build resilience, and develop positive social interactions.
Research highlights that children who receive early support in self-esteem and emotional regulation tend to have higher academic achievement, stronger relationships, and improved
overall well-being. Investing in early intervention not only benefits the individual child but also fosters healthier communities by reducing futuresocialandmentalhealth issues.
Confident me! – building selfesteem, one child at a time. Recognising the importance of emotional intelligence in
childhood, the Confident Me! programme is based on evidence-based techniques that promote resilience, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. Research highlights that children who receive support in self-esteem and emotional regulation tend to perform better academically and socially, leading to
healthier mental well-being intoadulthood.
The Confident Me! programmeisdesignedto:
• Help children recognise and understand their emotions while providing practical strategies for managing them.
• Strengthen each child's selfesteem through group activities, individual tasks, and opportunities for achievement andrecognition.
• Enhance communication skills by teaching children how to read social cues, understand communication styles, and develop conflict resolution techniques.
• Foster self-awareness and insight into personal experiences, family dynamics, andexistingsupportsystems.
The Confident Me! programme is designed for childrenaged8to12yearswho may be experiencing emotional, social, or selfesteemchallenges.
This 10-week programme covers key aspects of emotional and social development, including self-
esteem building, managing emotions, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and peer pressure. Activities include group discussions, role-playing scenarios, and mindfulness techniques.
The Confident Me! programme will be run at Kells Family Resource Centre, startingonMarch5th.
To register please fill out the form: https://forms. office.com/e/bi4Lvan6ZJ
For more information or to register, please contact the centre directly at 046 924 71 61 or via email at info@kellsfrc.ie
“One Day Paul Heaton Will Play In My Local”- And He Did!
brought noted stars such as Jon Bon Jovi, Finbar Furey and Andy Irvine to the intimate main street venue
BY: LOUISE WALSH
“ONE DAY Paul Heaton will play in my local," was the slogan on mugs and t-shirts that a pub owner bombarded the UK singer with in a successful effort to get him to play at a small Co. Meath venue.
Andrew Cassidy recalled his campaign to successfully bring the award-winning singer to Boyle's Pub in Slane as tickets went on sale on Friday for a number of gigs throughout the country.
The former Housemartins and Beautiful South frontman is aiming to complete the challenge of performing in all 32 counties in Ireland. While running the intimate venue until he left in 2017, Andrew also brought noted stars like
Jon Bon Jovi, Finbar Furey and Andy Irvine to name but a few to the main street bar.
Andrew was a huge fan of the solostaranddecidedtochance his arm and ask him to play in hispub.
“Iknewmychanceswerebob and none but I was lucky to obtainanemailaddressforhim andwrotetohimaskinghimto play the venue. In fairness he didgetbacktome,albeittofob me off by saying he might consideritoneday.”
“The following week I designed a mug saying 'One dayPaulHeatonwillplayinmy localpub.' Afewmonthslater,I sent him pictures of some of my customers wearing T-shirts with the same slogan and I continued to send him things with this slogan on it until he eventually emailed me asking metomeethiminCork,where he was playing the Opera House.”
"Iwasonlytoodelightedtobe meeting my one of my all time musical inspirations so of course,Iheadeddown.”
"Paul's first question to me was to ask how small the bar was and I told him it was tiny! "Hewasabitbemusedbuttold mehewasplayingtheOlympia that April and he would come downtousthefollowingnight.”
So it was that on April 11th 2011onalovelyspringevening that the tiny Slane venue was
plunged into darkness when Paul's huge double decker tour busparkeduprightoutsidethe pubandblockedthedaylight.
"He walked in laughing and said, "Wow, you were serious when you said it was tiny."
"He and his band set up and playedintotheearlyhours. He put€200behindthebar,saying that he didn't expect any free drinks for his band, which was areallynicetouch.”
"Word got out and there was about 100 people in the bar, listeningasheperformedchart toppinghitsfromhishugeback catalogue such as Happy Hour, Don't Marry Her and Old Red Eyestonamebutafew.“
"Even after the band finished up,Paulandhisbandmatesgot guitars and began a sing-song. I'll never forget the chorus of Caravan of Love as everyone joined in. Paul even asked me what it was like to run a pub and three months later, he opened his own in Manchester,"helaughed.
I knew my chances were bob and none but I was lucky to obtain an email address for him and wrote to him asking him to play the venue
"I am delighted for all in The SpiritStorewhowillnowgetto experience Paul's wonderful stage show and most generous andappreciativemannerwhen heplaysthereinMarch.“
"IfI'mlucky,I'llgetticketsand maybe I might even get a banner with the words - One dayPaulHeatonwillplayinmy local, to see if he notices," Andrewlaughed
Andrew
Andrew Cassidy pictured with Northern Ireland musician Duke Special
Meath Local Enterprise Week 2025 to Feature Latest Developments Meath Business Owners Need to Know
THIS YEAR’S Meath Local Enterprise Week (LEW) will take place March 3rd to March 7th, 2025, with a wide array of events planned by the Meath Local Enterprise Office (LEO) tokeepbusinessesofallsizesin the county updated and informed on today’s fastmovinglandscape.
Innovation, knowledge sharing and the latest developments business owners need to know about featureintheeventscuratedfor Meath’s Local Enterprise Week 2025.
“We have created a week filled with informative discussions, and no doubt somedebates,aroundtheeverchanging world of business,” said Joe English, Head of Enterprise with Meath Local EnterpriseOffice.
“Whether you are a recent entrepreneur, expanding your SME or part of a large company, we think you will benefit from attending. For people with disabilities who want to start or expand their business we are launching a national pilot programme during Local Enterprise Week. We are the first LEO in Ireland to have this suite of supports,” headded.
Mr Englilsh was speaking after confirmation from the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke,
that more than 70 jobs were created in 2024 in County Meath by businesses directly supportedbyLEOMeath.
The week begins with esteemed business journalist and broadcaster Richard Curran MCing a high-level panelinwhatcouldbearobust discussion on the issues facing businesses locally, nationally andinternationally.
The panel includes Minister for Education and Meath TD Helen McEntee and the Chief Executive of Meath County Council,KieranKehoe.
Tuesday is all about the digital world and focuses on the opportunities AI and similar tools provide as well as the latest supports, including grants,the LEO has for businesses to optimise and digitise their business. Senior Business Consultant John O’Shanahan and Michael Keogh of The Entrepreneurs Academytaketheleadinthese sessions.
Wednesday focuses on International Women’s Day as the Women in Biz + Tech Networkholdsitsfirstquarterly networkingeventoftheyear.
One of the most popular events in the LEO calendar, women working in key positions chat to MC Elaine Keogh and share their experiences and insights. Bookingisessential.
Thursday features the successful Lunch & Learn roadshow which will be at Dunboyne Community Centre. From 9-5 you can access expert advice from businessadvisors.
The week culminates with the launch of a new pilot disability strategy by LEO Meath for people with
disabilities who want to start a business. A suite of specific supports has been designed and the launch features guest speaker Jack Kavanagh followedbyapaneldiscussion.
Aoife Fegan, Senior Enterprise Development Officer said: “We are committed to providing entrepreneurs and business
owners with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed, and this is a great weekforthemtolearn,connect andgrow.”
Chief Executive of Meath County Council, Kieran Kehoe, said: “We want Meath to continuetobethebestlocation inIrelandtodobusinessin.The extensive range of events we
offerforLocalEnterpriseWeek is just part of the supports our Local Enterprise Office provides, and I encourage anyoneinbusinessinMeath,or thinkingaboutit,tocomealong andfindoutmore.”
Booking details and a full catalogue of events can be found at: https://www. localenterprise.ie/!KOCOS7
Joe Lynch Appointed As New CEO To Clann Mór
THE BOARD of Clann Mór is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Joe Lynch as it’s new Chief Executive Officer following an open competitiveprocess.
Clann Mór has a strong ambition to partner with the HSE in continuing to grow its services in line with GovernmentPolicy.
Government recognises the increasing demand for residential and respite services nationally for people with intellectual disability and to meet its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which it adopted in 2018.
Commenting on the appointment, the Board
ChairpersonPaulQuinnsaid“I amdelightedtowelcomeJoeto Clann Mór to build upon the great work of our retiring Director of Services, Martine Healy,andtodriveourstrategy forward.”
“Our staff do an amazing job insupportingourresidentsand respite users in living fulfilling independent lives to the greatest degree possible. They do this 24-hours per day 365 days every year. However securing funding to adequately support these services is a criticalissueforClannMórand for many similar disability serviceproviders.”
He contineud “We are hopeful that Government will deliver on its Programme for Government commitment to
develop and fund a new NationalDisabilityStrategy.”
“Joe’s experience in both nationaladvocacyanddelivery will be of great benefit to us in engaging the HSE, local TDs, businesses and the entire community to grow these much-needed services for the peopleofCountyMeath.”
JoewilljoinClannMóratthe start of April. He has extensive experience in the Community and Voluntary Sector, having previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Sunbeam House Services and of the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland,andasChiefOperating Officer of Camphill CommunitiesofIreland.
He also held senior management positions with a
number of advocacy and representative bodies including the Irish Concrete Federation, the Disability Federation of Ireland, Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann and PDFORRA. Joe started his career with the Irish Permanent Defence Forces whereheservedfor20yearsat homeandoverseas.
Clann Mór was founded in 1982andisaregisteredcharity which provides residential and respite services to people in CountyMeathwithintellectual disability. The organisation is funded by the HSE, operates houses in Navan, Kells and Ashbourne, and regulated by HIQA in the provision of social care and by the Charities RegulatoryAuthority.
Pictured at Local Enterprise Week Launch were – Back l-r: Rachel Finnegan, Administrative Officer Economic Development, Michelle Goodwin, Regional Enterprise Plan Programme Co-Ordinator, Kieran Kehoe, Chief Executive of Meath County Council, Joe English, Head of Enterprise, Majella Farrell, Head of Economic Development Front l-r: Aoife Fegan, Senior Enterprise Development Officer LEO Meath, Nicola Mitchell, Business Advisor LEO Meath, Lorna Cooney, Senior Enterprise Development Officer LEO Meath
Joe Lynch has been appointed new
CEO to Clann Mor
Wordsmith
I Remember That Summer In Cavan ……
Gerard Smith
ApaddedcoatIgotforChristmas,it cameinhandyoverthatcoldsnap latelastyear.Iwasgoingtowrite abouttherecentextremeweather events;butdecidedtogobackto summer.Backtoadistantafternoon whenthesunwassohotthatwalking barefootupCavan’smainstreet wouldfryyourfeet–imaginethat! Thatafternoon,newConverse trainersprotectedmyfeetfrom cooking;IadmiredthemasIheaded forhome.Soentrancedbymy fashionablefootwearwasIthatI didn’tnoticetheladapproach, “What’syourname?”Hisquestion mademejolt,“Ididn’tmeanto freckenya,”hesaid,chortling.
Ididn’tknowhim,butknewofhim, hisbad-ladreputation.Ireplied, “Gerard,”apprehensive.Hehada confidenceIlacked,“Youliveat numbersix,I’llcallupforya,tonight.” Iwashomealonewhenhecalled.In thosedaysIwasalwayshomealone. Wewalkeddowntown.Hestoppedin frontofashoeshop,"What-yathinkof themrunners?"heasked. "Ilike-em."
Hecalledagainthefollowing evening,wearingtherunners.He valuedmyopinion,Ilikedthat.An unlikelyfriendshipflourished,fast. Iwasapalelad,withanestofbrown curls.Conversely,hewasaswarthy lad,withashockofyellowcurls–we madeastrikingpair.Thedreamerin
meimaginedusbeingdiscoveredby somemusic-mogulandlaunched ontothepopscene:SHAM,theCavan: WHAM.
Hehadamorningjob.He’dcallfor meafterwork.We’dwalk,talkand rambleformiles.Butaboveall,we laughed.Ohhowwelaughed.Our laughterliberatedmefrommyself. Soon,Ilivedforhiscalling.His holidays’loomed,Ilookedforwardto ouradventures.Ourfirstfullday togetherwasglorious. Wehitchhiked,jumpingintothefirstcarthat stopped,“We’llgowhereveryou’re going,”hetoldthedriver,chortling. Together,wewerefearless.
OneSaturdayhesaid,“Let’sgoto Dublin.”Midwaythroughthejourney, hismooddarkened.“What’swrong?”I asked.Heheadswivelled,“Nothing.” HebrightenedupinDublin.Wespent thedaytryingonclotheswecouldn’t afford. ItriedonablackCrombie coat,henodded,“Itsuitsya.”Iputit back,buoyedbyhisapprovalofmy appearanceinthecoat.
Onthereturnjourneyhismood darkened,again.Walkinghome,he wassubdued,“Willwegohitching tomorrow?”Iasked,hopeful.“I’llcall foryouinthemorning,”hesaid, turningofftohishouse.Nextmorning, hedidn’tcall.
Asmorningebbedaway,Ipacedthe house,willinghisknockonthedoor. Whenitdidn’tcome,Icalledtohis house.“Heleftearlythismorning,” saidhismother.Iranupboreens;over oureveryCavancragandcrevice, callinghisname.Noreply.
Healwayscalledforme,“HadI done,saidsomethingwrong?”When hisdarkmoodreturnedtome,I pleaded,“PleaseGod,makehim alright?”Igrievedalossthathadn’t happened,yet.
Afternoonturnedtoevening.My parents’wereatwork,Ipacedwithout theirquestion. Itwas6.30pmwhen myfrontdoorrattledwithrapid
knocks!Myheartsunk… …then soared–didIrecognisehis rap?
Iflungopenthedoor,greetedbyhis familiarsmirk.Suchwasmyreliefat seeinghim,Ifelttearsswell.But,I checkedmyselfandmanagedasmile, “Where’veyoubeen?”Heburstinto smileashehandedmeabag,“Igotit forya,itsuitsya!”He’dreturnedto DublintobuymethatCrombiecoat.I tookthebag,andoverwhelmedbyhis kindnessIbabbled proclamations…“I’llpayyouback honest…Iwill…whenIgetajob…” Andamidstthatbabbleandbluster,I didn’tsay,‘Thankyou.’ Life’sdivergentpathspulledusapart. Ourfriendshipbecameadistant memory.
UntilIreturnedtoIreland.Where, afteralife-timeIheardhissound again.Inthesupermarketqueue,his laughterpealedsomewherebehind me,adistinctivechortlethathadn’t changed.
Ourlaughterdoesn’tage,it dwindles.Ididn’tturntotalkwith him.‘Nexttime,I’llmentionthatcoat,’ Itoldmyself.Buttherewasnonext time;Iheardofhissuddendeathon SocialMedia.
Athisfuneral,Istoodsocially distancedwithhisfriends’andfamily, astrangertothem.Whenmyfriend passedmebyonhisfinaljourney,I whispered,“Thanksforthecoatmate, IloveditmorethanIevertoldyou.” Irememberthatsummerin Cavan…
O’Rourke - Scheme for In-School Occupational and Speech and Language Therapy should be extended to Meath
SINN FÉIN TD for Meath East and spokesperson on Education, Darren O'Rourke, has called for schools in Co. Meath to be included in the new Educational Therapy Support Service(ETSS).
The ETSS service is designed to build the capacity of schools to provide in-school Occupational and Speech and Language Therapies and is currently limited to 22 schools in Dublin.
Teachta O'Rourke commented "We know there is a huge shortage of children's disability therapists , Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Psychologists, Behavioural Therapists, etc - and
demand and waiting lists are growing longer and longer. The ETSS builds on the success of the School Inclusion Model
(SIM)andhasgreatpotentialto makeahugedifference.”
"The ETSS helps to increase therapeutic capacity in the school system, by providing therapists on-site in schools and also by providing training and support for teachers and schoolleaders”.
He further went on to say “We have seen a version of this model work for a number of yearsintheNorthInnerCityin Dublinanditisverysuccessful. It means children, often on endless waiting lists for disability services in the community, can access services in school. The model has enormous potentialandIwouldliketoseeit extendedtoCo.Meath.”
"In a recent response to me, the Minister said the ETSS provides two strands of support.StrandIinvolvesRegional Therapy Support and includes Teacher Professional Learning (TPL) seminars with in-school support.StrandIIprovidesSustained In-School Therapy for a period of 24 months, in line with the School Inclusion Model(SIM).”
“The ETSS currently comprises39speechandlanguage/ occupational therapists embedded into the special education regional structure. While it is the ambition of the department to build this service over time to ensure that schools across the country have access
to it, as things stand, just 22 schools in Dublin are able to avail of the service and none in Co.Meath.”
Deputy O’Rourke concluded by saying "The service is a step in the right direction, but the
stepistoosmall.Iamcallingon MinisterMcEnteetoextendthe ETSS to include schools in Co. Meath and to rapidly increase capacityinschoolsrightacross thecountry."
Sinn Fein TD for Meath East - Darren O’Rourke
Nazis Had Plans To Invade Navan
TheNazisplannedtoinvade Navanandthewholeof Ireland.Partoftheir preparationswastosecure plansofvarioustownsin Ireland.Theaccompanyphoto isoffthemapofNavandated to1940preparedby Oberkommandoder Wehrmacht(OKW)(Nazi GermanSupremeCommand oftheArmedForces).
InMay1940aGerman agent,HermannGoertzlanded inBallivor.Goertz wasan intelligenceofficerwiththe Germanmilitaryintelligence section,theAbwehr,sentto IrelandtoliaisewiththeIRA aboutpossiblecooperationin anattackonNorthernIreland. Inall,theGermanslanded elevenotheragentsinIreland duringthewar.
OperationLobsterwasa GermanIntelligenceplanto infiltratethreeGermanagents intoIrelandinJuly1940.The firstagentrecruitedforthe missionwasChristianNisssen
whowasfamiliarwithMeath andIreland. Nissenhad servedintheGermanNavy duringWorldWarIandhad beencapturedbytheBritish forcesnearCobh.Hespent partofhistimeininternment inthePrisonerofWarcampat Oldcastle.
InJuneof1940,Germany’s 1stPanzerDivisionhadjust driventheBritish ExpeditionaryForceintothe seaatDunkirk.Churchill labelledBritain’sroutandthe evacuationofapproximately 330,000Britishandallied troopsa‘miracleof deliverance’.
TheNazisintoxicatedwith theirvictoryinFrance consideredthemselves unstoppableandwere determinedtopresstheir advanceintoBritainand Ireland.Hitler’sgeneralstaff drewupdetailedplansto invadeIreland.Germany’s invasionplansforBritainwere codenamed‘Operation Sealion’.Theirinvasionplans forIrelandwerecodenamed ‘UnternehmenGrun’or ‘OperationGreen’. OperationGreenwas conceivedunderthescrutiny ofFieldMarshalFedorvon Bock.VonBock assigned responsibilityforittothe German4thand7thArmy Corps,ArmyGroupBunder thecommandof GerneralleutnantLeonhard Kaupitsch.
TheGerman4thArmyCorps inparticularhadabrutal reputationinbattleand
inflictedmanycivilian casualtiesastheysecuredthe ‘PolishCorridor’toWarsaw duringtheinvasionofPoland in1939.TheNazisallocated 50,000Germantroopsforthe invasionofIreland.According toOperationGreen,their destinationwastheWaterford andWexfordcoastlinewhere beach-headsweretobe establishedbetween DungarvanandWexfordtown. Inthesecondphaseofthe invasion–tocommence within24hoursoftheinitial landings–groundtroopsofthe 4thand7thArmyCorpswould havecommencedrapid probingattacksontheIrish ArmybasedinCorkand Clonmelinitially,followedbya thrustthroughLaois-Offaly towardstheCurraghCamp area.Someunitswouldhave
reachedtheoutskirtsofDublin just48hoursafterhaving landedintheSouth-East,such wouldhavebeenthepaceof theirprogress.Theplanseven containedanannexwiththe namesandaddressesofall garageandpetrolstation ownersthroughoutMunster andtheMidlands. Bytheautumnof1940the ‘BattleofBritain’hadbeenwon bytheRAFandHitler postponedhisBritishandIrish invasionplans.Operation Greennevertookplaceand neutralIrelandsurvivedthe waralmostentirelyuntouched bytheSecondWorldWar. Anobservationpointwas operatedbysoldiersontopof theMotteatNavanduringthe WorldWar.Mudturfwasmade atbogsiontheMeatharea.In 1940BlackcastleHousewas
requisitionedbythearmyto useasabaseanditcontinued tobeoccupieduntiltheendof thewar.Thearmywerealso basedatStackallenhouse. ThematerialsinthisGerman archiveincluded144six-inch townmapsmarkedwith strategiclocationsandnearly 1500blackandwhite photographs.Themaps,copies ofOrdnanceSurveymaps, highlightedtargetsthe Germanswouldhave consideredintheirinvasion plans.
Instrictlymilitarytermsthe IrishArmywouldhavebeen spectacularlyill-equippedto challengeaGermaninvasion inthesummerof1940. But neutralIrelandalsohadto contendwiththepossibilityof aninvasionbyBritishand AlliedforcesfromNorthern
Ireland.Themainplannedline ofresistanceagainsta threatenedoverlandinvasion byBritishforceswasformed bytheriversBoyneand Blackwater.Alineof fortifications,comprising blockhousesandmachine-gun pitsconcentratedalongthe riverbanks,wasbuilt. Todayperhapsthemost visiblelegacyofthisperiodis thepillboxesalongtheroads approachingtheBoyneriver. Thereisaverygoodexample nearStackallenbridge.The strategicnatureoftheRiver Boyneasanaturaldefensive featureguardingthenorthern approachtothecityofDublin wasrecognisedbyJamesIIat theBattleoftheBoyne.During WorldWarIItheBoyne formedthemainlineof resistanceagainstapossible BritishinvasionfromNorthern Ireland.Aseriesof blockhouseswereconstructed fromNavantoBaltray.The biggestconcentrationofthese blockhousesisatOldbridge. In1940–1941therewasan extensiveprogrammeof buildingpill-boxes(sometimes referredtoblockhouses) aroundthecountry.
Inhisannualreportfor19401941thethenChiefofStaff referredto273blockhouses havingbeencompleted between1April1940and31 March1941.Thereare approximately37pillboxes betweenNavanandBaltray. This article is based partly on research completed by Dr. Tom Clonan.
Meath County Council Launches New Woodland Creation on Public Lands Project
MEATH COUNTY COUNCIL has officially commenced planting on a new Woodland Creation on Public Lands projectinCo.Meath.
Earlier this year, the Department of Agriculture Food and Marines’ (DAFM) approved Meath County Council's application to establish new native woodlands on a 7.9 hectares (19.5 acres) site in Liscartan, with Greenbelt appointedastheproject'sforesters.
Greenbelt will oversee the woodland establishment process ensuring best practices in ecological restoration and sustainableforestmanagement. Oak, beech, hazel, and alder treesaresettobeplantedinthe area which will recreate lost
native woodland habitats, rich in biodiversity and cultural significance.
DAFM's Woodland Creation onPublicLandsSchemerecog-
nisesthatnativewoodlandsare an important part of Ireland’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage, and are unique in termsoftheirbiodiversity.
They are home to specialised woodland animals, birds, insects, and plants, including red squirrel, pine marten, great spotted woodpecker, narrow-
leaved helleborine and wood millet,tonamebutafew.
As well as on-site biodiversity, they provide many ecosystem services, including carbon capture, the protection and enhancement of water quality, wider habitat linkage, landscape enhancement, and opportunities for outdoor recreation, which itself promotes contact with the natural world, physical and mental well-being,andoutdoorlearning.
Speaking about the initiative, Mayor of Navan Cllr Edward Fennessy said: "I am absolutely delighted to be here today to help launch this fantastic project.Therearealmosttoomany benefits to mention when it comestotherestorationofnat-
ivewoodlandhabitats-natural, cultural, historical, educational , as well as the promotion of health and well-being among thelocalcommunitieswhowill benefit immensely from this space."
Chief Executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe said: "Our Climate Action Plan highlights the need for naturebased solutions to address climatechange,andthisprojectis akeystepinthatdirection.” He concluded by saying “By establishing and restoring native woodlands, we are capturing carbon, protecting our water sources, and creating rich habitats for wildlife while also enhancing the natural beauty ofourpubliclands.”
Noel French Local Historian
Kitty Foyle, Senior Executive Officer for Environment in Meath County Council (MCC), Peter Olwell, Climate Action Officer MCC, Barry Lynch, Director of Services – Climate Action, Culture, Community and Gaeltacht Affairs (MCC), Mayor of Navan Cllr Edward Fennessy, Arthur Finlay (Greenbelt), Gerard Dunne (Greenbelt), Ben Malone, Biodiversity Officer (MCC)
DO YOU STRUGGLE FOR MOTIVATION WHILE REVISING ALONE? CHANGE IT UP THEN!
SOME STUDENTS really struggle to motivate themselves on their own. Are you one of these? Others work better in a small group or with one other person. Working on questions and tasks with your friends is a very effective study method, as long as you stick to the topic. Zoom sessions can easily be organised in pairs (with a study buddy) or three’s.
Use this time to discuss topics or plan who is going to note take or write a certain essay to share with the group later. Working together in 2025 is a sensible strategy for all students and will reduce your workload in the long run.
Collaboration with even one friend can make a difference. Avoid large groups, as you end up with too much information that you haven’t time to process and condense.
Too many voices can lead to chaos and too many opinions can lead to a lack of conclusions. Ultimately, we need short sharp notes and someone we can trust to get the work done also.
Students Working Together will Increase Chance of Success
You Should Work Together on ‘Fact Based’ Subjects I revised in groups for university modules and found it very useful in fact-based subjects. We rattled off stats and opinions to each other that many of us recalled at exam time.
Collaboration is particularly good in fact-based subjects like History, Home Economics (S&S), Geography, Physics, Ag Science, Biology etc, as you can get a good flow of information between you in these. It may not be as useful in Irish, Foreign Languages, Music or Maths, as many topics in these subjects need to be worked on alone. Dividing up exam questions, essay topics and past paper analysis in the latter subjects may be a better option for them.
Sometimes it is difficult to measure the success of a study technique prior to testing it out; so decide to put collaboration into practice and see if it works for you. Personally, I would highly recommend sharing and teamwork as another route to understanding material better. You can learn so much from one other, more than from your subject teacher possibly.
I’m sure you will agree that revising on your own is at times boring and tedious. Collaboration could be a way to reignite your spark. With a trustworthy ‘study buddy’, you can divide work up, teach each other and share notes. Rotate your study
Joe McCormack - ACE Solution Books
between working alone and with your friend(s) – this will keep you fresh. Work to your strengths is the advice here. A 70%/30% split of working alone and with others is my recommendation here.
‘The road of life is paved with flat squirrels who couldn’t make a decision’ Unknown
Think Outside the Box To Improve Your Motivation
If the usual revision methods of reading and note taking are not working for you, you need to think outside the box. Try and come up with new ways to learn and understand content. Use acronyms and create raps or songs to help aid memory. Associate your notes with lyrics from your favourite tunes. Use postits, summary sheets, mind maps, stickies, flash cards etc.
A good technique is to read your notes aloud and record them into your smartphone. Listening back to them will help you absorb the information and keep your memory sharp. I have used this method myself where I converted essays I was lecturing on into audio files. I then played them via my phone (using the AUX or Bluetooth connection) in the car on the way to work. The advantage of this method is that you can educate yourself ‘on the go’ and make the best use of your time.
Audio files have become more accessible now, given that all
New Aldi Set To Be Built In Navan, Despite Resident Complaints.
Elizabeth O’Keeffe - Dunboyne College of Further Education
THE GROCERY CHAIN Aldi is set to arrive on the Metges road in Navan within the next year. While for many Johnstown residents this exciting news could cause many disruptions throughout the area, such as traffic congestion which is already an issue amongst residents.
The go ahead for this new supermarket chain comes from the Meath County Council, with planning for the site to be constructed within the coming year. The planning permission has been granted to Byrnell Developments LTD for a single storey retail food store of 1,840 sqm with ancillary off licence sales area and external service area, of course including illuminated signage and a car park with space for approximately 89 cars.
For many Navan residents this may not bring any issues
but for many Johnstown locals this supermarket seems very unnecessary as they already have a Supervalu in the centre of the town, which is very handy for locals but also does cause a lot of traffic around the area already.
A local Johnstown resident illustrated the problems they believe it would cause the area when they said, "I think the new Aldi will be a waste of money and land as we already had a Supervalu and do not need an-
other supermarket”. However, some residents do believe that it will add some value to the area.
One resident of Johnstown Eva Lewis, stated that “It will be very helpful for families that prefer shopping for goods at lower prices, as our local Supervalu has increased in price and lowered in quality over the years”.
Although the new supermarket will cause some competition for Supervalu, it will generate jobs for the local people.
Another Johnstown local Ellen O’Keefe stated that “It will hopefully create more employment for young and older people in the area of Navan”.
The new Aldi will be up and running around the Johnstown area within the next year and we will have to wait and see what chaos or success it may bring to the town of Johnstown.
smartphones have the facility to record. Trial it by maybe recording an English poem into your phone. Constantly play it back to yourself, in order to get an insight into its theme(s). Various content from subjects can be recorded and replayed on your phone.
You are only limited by your imagination and your phone can serve as a mobile educator over the next few months. Many students enjoy listening to lectures, podcasts, YouTube videos or audio notes as an alternative learning method. Try them and see what you think!
Dealing with Distractions aka… ‘Your Phone’
In my opinion, you are either studying or on social media: Which? There is no problem with ventures onto the Internet, but I believe if you are inside a thirty-minute revision block, you need to stay off Facebook, X, Instagram, Snapchat et. al.
Nothing harms productivity as much as constant notifications from social media.
As I have previously said, set your phone to silent or turn it off completely, checking social media during your set breaks. Being a ‘screenager’ around exam time will distract you from your key short-term goals.
For those of you who really struggle to stay offline, try a blocking app that will temporarily keep you away from
social media sites – there are plenty in your app store.
We are all guilty of spending too much time on our devices, but there is a time and a place for everything. I feel that the best way to prevent distraction is to leave the phone in a separate part of your house and request help from your Parents to make yourself accountable for this. I know this isn’t easy to do, but feel it is really important, as your phone will affect your concentration! If you are in an exam year, work out the amount of time you spend surfing on your phone/laptop every week. Can you afford to spend this amount of time on it from now on? Now is the time to sacrifice and do without, so that you can enjoy and celebrate your success in the summer later. Good luck with it.
More details about Joe as a Maths Tutor for 3rd, 5th or 6th Year 2025 and his Award winning ACE Maths Solution Books can be found via the links below. W: acesolutionbooks.com/acemaths-tuition FB: facebook.com/JoeMcCormackEducationalExpert/
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STARBUCKS opened its doors to locals at the Navan town centre on the Kennedy Road. The new coffee shop is situated in the middle of the town near the shopping centre and opposite the two bus stops, adding a modern feel to the town.
The new Starbucks will hopefully bring job opportunities for the people of Navan, particularly to young people.
Elizabeth O’Keeffe, a 19-yearold who has lived in Navan her whole life, said, “I think that the new Starbucks will be amazing for the young people of Navan. I know how scarce jobs are, and with the price of college, it is nearly impossible to survive without an income. I believe that we need more companies like Starbucks in Navan to help people who are looking to make a living.”
Before the new Starbucks, the building was home to Ulster
Bank, which closed its operations on 21 April 2023 across Ireland. In 2024, Meath County Council approved an application for the former Ulster Bank unit to be turned into a café. It wasn’t long until word of mouth got out that Starbucks would be taking the place of Ulster Bank, with job companies promoting opportunities online to work as a barista in Starbucks.
However, some might argue that Navan has plenty of local coffee shops, and there is no need for a big company like Starbucks to take over the
town. Starbucks faced a bit of backlash after posting on their Facebook page about their opening from the public, with people saying that there was no need for another corporate coffee shop to take over and that they would continue to support local businesses.
Another Navan local, Eva Lewis, said that she would continue to support local coffee shops but also thinks that Starbucks will not put them out of business. “Starbucks is just one coffee shop, along with all the other coffee shops in Navan, I don’t think it will become so popular that people will stop supporting local businesses. What is so great about Navan is that we have so much to choose from and now we have another option. If people don’t want to support Starbucks, they should at least support the staff working there.”
Ellen O’Keeffe
Dunboyne College of Further Education
All-New Opel Grandland: Redefining Grand
THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED, all-new Opel Grandland has landed in Opel Dealer showroomsnationwide.
Thenewflagshipmodelfrom Opel, already a winner of an illustrious Golden Steering Wheel 2024 award, is offered with a choice of six colours, including striking new Impakt Copper and Spektrum Blue options, and in three trims: SC, EleganceandGS.
Themid-sizedSUVisnowon sale in petrol hybrid and allelectric guise, with a new plugin electric hybrid following laterin2025.
The range price-leading Grandland Electric SC retails from€39,065,plusdeliveryand inclusive of grants, whilst the Grandland Hybrid SC retails from €40,995, plus delivery. Opel Ireland is firm in its approach: the brand is equally committedtosatisfyingdiverse customer powertrain needs, whilst remaining fully committed and ready for an electrifiedfuture.
The new Grandland Hybrid comes with a 1.2 litre turbo petrolenginewith100kW(136 hp) as well as 21 kW (28 hp) electric motor and electrified
six-speed dual clutch transmission. It delivers a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and in fuel consumption.
The new Grandland Electric 73kWh variant (523km range/ 160kW DC charging), will be joined by a 97kWh battery offering up to 700km range laterthisyear.
Grand in every way, the new premium SUV from Opel is longer, wider and features
The range price-leading Grandland Electric SC retails from €39,065, plus delivery and inclusive of grants, whilst the Grandland Hybrid SC retails from €40,995, plus delivery
largerwheelsthantheoutgoing Grandland. Measuring 4,650mm long (+173mm), 1,934mm wide (+49mm) and 1,665mm high (+36mm), it has 20mm more legroom in the rear and up to 1,645 litres load volume in the boot, with 36 litresofcabinstorage.
The new Grandland is impressive in stance and sits boldly at the top of Opel’s SUV portfolio, combining 19” alloy wheels, a two-toned floating
roof (GS trim), contrast cladding,andsharpwheel-arch lines.
ThenewGrandlandbringsto life visually impactful front and rear lighting signatures to ensure it stands out from the crowd. A new 3D front Vizor with illuminated Blitz logo, proudly sits at the centre front, standard on the level three GS trim. New illuminated OPEL lettering at the rear is standard across all trims. The new GrandlandisalsothefirstOpel with the brand’s new, industryleading, glare-free Intelli-Lux HD light technology, featuring more than 50,000 lighting elements, and standard on GS trims.
Packed to the brim with standard equipment, the entry level one SC trim offers adaptive cruise control with stop and go, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry and start, lane keep assist, extended traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness alert, intelligent speed adaptation, 8 airbags, power folding door mirrors, electrochrome rear view mirror, auto airconditioningwithdualzone controls, 10” multimedia
touchscreen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, 10” driver information cluster, USB typeCconnectivity,Intelli-LED headlights, rain sensitive windscreen wipers, the unique illuminated rear Opel nameplate,fabricseats,and19” alloywheels.
The level two Elegance trim boasts as standard, front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera, a heated steering wheel, AGR-certified driver and front passenger seats, heated front seats, rear wipers with camera cleaning, and a powertailgate.
The range-topping GS trim includes a 16” multimedia touchscreen with navigation, two rear USB connections, the class-leading IntelliLux 50K pixel HD Headlamps, the new 3DilluminatedVizorwithedge light technology, a two-tone black roof, driver seat cushion nose extension, new Pixel box storage space in the centre console with edge light technology,ambientlighting(7 colours), privacy glass and wirelesscharger.
The new Opel Grandland is available to test drive at Navan Opel
NEW OPEL GRANDLAND
The All New Opel Grandland is available for test drive from Navan Opel
New Car Registrations Increase in Jan
Up 7% in January, Battery Electric up 20%
THE SOCIETY OF THE IRISH MOTOR INDUSTRY (SIMI) todayreleasedtheirofficial251 new vehicle registration statistics for January, showcasingapromisingstartto theyearforthemotorindustry.
New car registrations for the month of January were up 7% (33,521) compared to January 2024(31,407).
Light Commercial vehicles (LCV) are down 16% (6,270) compared to January last year (7,478). While HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are showing an increase of 8% (489)incomparisontoJanuary 2024(454).
Imported Used Cars saw a 5%(5,604)riseinJanuary2025, when compared to January 2024(5,325).
Electric Vehicle (EV) sales experienced a record-breaking month with the highest sales recorded to date, 4,925 registrations in January, representing 20% increase when compared to 4,093 in January2024.
Automatic transmissions account for 71.71% of market share, while manual transmissionscontinuetoseea decline28.28%.
Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General commented “The new car market has started positively,with33,521newcars registered in January, an increase of 7% on the same month last year. For the commercial sector, registrations were mixed, with Light commercial vehicles (LCV) experiencing a decline of 16%, while Heavy Goods registrations (HGVs) saw an increaseof8%onlastyear.”
He continued “Most notably, battery technology cars (BEV, PHEV, HEV) all saw significant growth, with their combined market share exceeding over half (55%) of the market. In particular, Battery Electric
In the new car market share by engine type, Petrol cars remain the leader (despite a decline in share) at 28.24%, followed by Hybrid (Petrol Electric) 24.89%, Diesel at 16.31%, Electric at 14.69% and Plug-in Electric Hybrid at 14.17%.
Vehicles(BEVs)salessurgedin January, with 4,925 registrations, up 20% on the same period last year, the highest monthly total number of EVs sold, although their overallmarketshareof15%has yettoreach2023levels(19%).”
He further commented “The underlying EV market continues to be dependent heavily on private sales which benefit from SEAI grant support, highlighting the importance of ongoing Government incentives to help stimulate the market. However, while there is cautious optimism over the trajectory of EV sales, one good month of sales does not necessarily define the whole year, and we stillhavealongwaytogointhe transitiontoelectrification.”
Mr Cooke concluded by saying “The supply of EVs is there, with more newer EV models coming on stream across a range of price-points, so the focus must be clearly on supporting demand in what is still by all accounts a relatively newmarket.”
Opel Mokka Electric
Jeep Avenger Electric
First Public Engagement Meeting Kickstarts Navan Cultural Quarter
IN JANURAY Meath County Council held its first public engagement meeting with the THRIVETownTeamtodiscuss the new Navan Cultural Quarter: Community Hub and County Archive at the ArdboyneHotelinNavan.
Thistransformativeurbanregeneration project in the heart of Navan will provide for the conservation, restoration and adaptivere-useoftheformerSt Finian's Seminary Study Hall (formerly St. Patrick's Classical School).
This building is a nationally important Protected Structure, and this new project will see it used as a multi-purpose Community Hub and County Archive. It is also envisioned that it will create a new civic space with associated public realm enhancements and new urban pedestrianconnections.
During the meeting, Meath CountyCouncilplanningcommitteeandtheprojectarchitect discussedthebuilding'shistory and outlined the plans for the
structure. This was followed by an open forum with attending membersofthepublic.
VERY EXCITING TO KICHSTARTPROJECT
SpeakingafterthisPublicEngagement meeting, the first of four planned meetings, Mayor of Navan Cllr. Eddie Fennessy said: "It is very exciting to kickstartthisprojectinearnestwith averyopendiscussionwiththe people of Navan. This new
building holds great potential for community, civic, and creative involvement. I look forward to engaging further with the people of Navan on this topicinthecomingyear."
Navan Cultural Quarter: Community Hub and County
Archive is co-funded by the GovernmentofIrelandandthe European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027.
The project's objective is to restore and reveal an existing
Protected Structure and historic site to address vacancy and dereliction in Navan town centre.
It is envisioned the project will provide an exciting new public realm and green space, including an outdoor am-
What is the Key Motivating Factor When Looking
Donna Farrell - Director Marsh Mackey
WHEN SEARCHINGforanew job, different factors drive individuals to make a career move. While financial compensation is a significant consideration, it is rarely the sole reason. Instead, a combination of personal and professional motivations influencesjobseekers.
One of the top motivating factors is career growth. Many employees seek opportunities thatallowthemtodevelopnew
skills, take on more responsibilities, or advance into leadership positions. A job that offers professional development, mentorship, and clear career progression is highlyattractive.
Work-life balance is another crucialfactor.Manyjobseekers prioritize roles that provide flexibleschedules,remotework options, or generous vacation policies.Theabilitytomaintain a balance between work and personal life contributes to overall job satisfaction and mentalwell-being.
Company culture and workplace environment also play a key role. Employees want to work for organizations that align with their values, promote diversity and inclusion, and foster a supportive and positive work atmosphere. A toxic workplace can be a major reason
phitheatre, and create new urban linkages between the medieval core of Navan and the Cultural Quarter, the new strategic town centre expansion area (including the proposedNavanCentralTrainStation), thus improving urban mobilityandpermeability. It's also proposed that it will provide an archive repository in accordance with the best international standards, which willstoreandpreservethewritten documentation which reflects Meath's social, political, commercial, and cultural history.
The new building will also create a permanent, designated, inclusive archive space, available free of charge, which will lead to new opportunities forthepeopleofMeathandbeyond to connect with their history.
employees leave their current jobs.
Lastly, job security and stability matter, especially in uncertain economic times. Many professionals look for employers with strong financial health, industry stability, and long-term growth potential.
Ultimately, the most motivating factor varies from
person to person. However, a combination of competitive salary, career advancement, work-life balance, and a positive work environment are the key drivers that push people to seek new job opportunities.
If you are looking for an exciting new career in 2025 give us a call or email us on recruit@marshmackey.com
Attendees at the meeting in the Ardboyne Hotel
On Top Of The World….. What Effect Would A Ban On TikTok Have In Ireland?
with Sinead Burke
THE LATE Eileen Herlihy of Annascaul, Co Kerry never wrote a memoir. This is the world’s loss, as like all women, I’m sure she had a lot worth hearing. However, for me it is particularlyunfortunate.
If only Eileen had been inclined to put pen to paper to explain how her husband, the Antarctic Explorer Tom Crean prepared for his polar expeditions. Or more pertinently, how she handled a husband heading off to the top of the world. Mind you, being left to do the school runs all by herselfwhileheswannedabout adventuring in the snow, perhaps explains why even if the muse did come calling, she didn’t have a minute to jot it all down.
Mr Burke has gone to the Artic.Fullykittedoutinthebest a Saturday morning in Decathlon could provide, he is driving a sledge, pulled by a
It was only when a familiar voice floated out from underneath them to say “Hiya! I’m on the sleigh” that I realised dear readers, I was married to that pile of scarves.
pack of huskies from one polar sheltertothenext. Foodisbasicrations,washing is running from the sauna and rollinginthesnowandthedogs get better care than any of the humans.
To be honest it sounds horrific, but he seems to be enjoying it and the photos do look lovely. In fact, the mobile coverageatthetopoftheworld is just as impressive as the snowy views. But then Santy doeslivenearby,andhe’dneed good WIFI to order his shopping.
The video calls have been incredibly entertaining, though whenIansweredthefirstone,I was initially alarmed to discover a vibrating pile of scarves had managed to make contact. It was only when a familiar voice floated out from underneath them to say “Hiya! I’monthesleigh”thatIrealised dear readers, I was married to thatpileofscarves.
The photos and video’s have beenmultipleandillustrateMr Burke’s new temporary way of life. Here are the dogs. These are the little shoes I put on some of the dogs after I have checked their paws every morning.Lookhowexcitedthe dogs are this morning. This is mepreparingthedogsfood.
To be fair, a lot of the footage isverydogheavy.Addingsome variation on the same theme, we also received a photo of the frozen lake, and the spike Mr Burke uses to dig for water every day. As I said, it sounds horrific.
But across all this illustrated travelogue is a beaming smile. The huge, delighted grin of a man relishing his temporary release from an office desk, demanding spread sheets and endless meetings. Challenging himself in ways he never thought possible and each day writing a new life story. He’s on top of the world –literally.
It’s easy to forget to have adventures, particularly as we get older. But without adventures, there are no heroes.
And we can’t wait to welcomeourshome.
MYNAMEisHelenLeddy,MD of Back Office Marketing- we provide marketing services for small to medium sized businesses in Irelandspecialising in the hospitality andtourismindustry.
This month we are talking about Tiktok, and why it was banned in the U.S for less than aday.
In January 2025, the United States implemented a ban on TikTok, a widely popular social media platform owned by the Chinese company ByteDance. This decision was primarily driven by escalating national security concerns regarding data privacy and potential foreigninfluence.
National Security Concerns
U.S. officials have long expressed apprehension that TikTok could be compelled to share user data with the Chinese government, given China's laws that require companies to cooperate with state intelligence operations. The fear was that sensitive personal information of American users might be accessed and misused, posing athreattonationalsecurity.
Additionally, there were concerns about the platform being used for foreign influence campaigns, potentially manipulating public opinion or disseminatingpropaganda.
Inasurprisingturn,President Donald Trump, who had previously advocated for banning TikTok during his tenure, issued an executive order on January 19, 2025, delaying the enforcement of thebanfor75days.
ThebanonTikTokintheU.S. underscores the complex interplay between national security, data privacy, and the global influence of technology platforms.
While the immediate future of TikTok remains uncertain, the situation highlights the challengesgovernmentsfacein regulating foreign-owned applications in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape.
But what effect will it have in Ireland if it is eventually bannedintheU.S?
� The Ban in the US will cause a lot of uncertainty with users here- eventually decreasing its popularity as a way of advertisingyourbusiness.
� Your American Audience (especially for hospitality businesses) will be no more. Instagram will continue to grow!
� More countries could follow with a ban, and maybe include othersocialmediasites!
It is really important not just to use social media for your advertisingin2025.Directmail, ppc and a good website is so important!
If you need any help or advice on your digital marketing in 2025, contact us oninfo@backofficems.ie
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