The Meath Herald July 2023

Slane Spinners Cheque Presentation to SOSAD After 13th Annual Sportive

Slane Spinners recently presented a chequetothevalueof€4,313toSOSAD.

This was the proceeds from Slane Spinners 13th annual sportive held on May 7th when they welcomed 236 brave cyclists to Stackallen to take on their cyclechallenge.

Thanking Slane Spinners, a SOSAD representative commented “Without eventslikethiswecouldnotprovidethe services we do. SOSAD offer support and services for people who are struggling with suicidal ideation, self-harming, depression, bereavement, stress and anxiety, or if you simply need to talk. If you want to talk, we are here to listen. You can message us, call us, or call into our office. We have six offices based in Cavan, Louth, Meath, MonaghanandLaoisfromwhichweprovide ourservices.”

“In the 2022 SOSAD provided 17,837 one on one counselling sessions which is up from our 2021 figure of 15,965! Please note that this number reflects one-to-one counselling only and does not include phone support, the Messaging Service, or any group work.”

“Again,ahugethankstoeveryoneink=-

volved. It is so much appreciated by all ofusatSOSAD.”

Carol Murphy SOSAD General Manager “Mental health is a pressing issue inIreland,withhighratesofsuicideand mental illness affecting many individu-

alsandcommunities. Weneedtobreak the stigma around our mental health. WithoutthesupportofeventslikeSlane Spinners Cycle event we just could not provide and help our service users. Go raibhmaithagat”

New technology should be utilised to combat potholes - McCabe

The Leas Cathaoirleach ofMeathCountyCouncil, Cllr. Paul McCabe has urged the local authority to use new technology available to tackle the deteriorating road network acrosscountyMeath.

Speaking at the recent Transportation Special Policy Committee meeting, Cllr. Paul McCabe put forwardthecaseforMeath County Council to purchase new pothole repair machines, called High VelocityRoadPatchers.

"These high velocity spray injection patching machines are fast, safe, and efficient, can complete hundreds of metres of repair work in a single shift,andcanbeusedfora variety of treatments including pre-surface dress work, pothole repair, intricate repairs, preventativemaintenance,andedge repair. Our neighbours in Cavan county Council have recently purchased twoofthesemachines.”

"Despite a lot of Government and Local Authority investment,acombination of late, severe winter frosts and warmer, wetter summers has resulted in the significant deterioration of many road surfaces across county Meath, particularly in the North Meath area. This would be a welcome investment by the Council and would go a long way towards restoring the qualityofroadsurfacesfor

motorists, cyclists, and pedestriansalike.”

"We already use these machines during busy periods, however we have to hire them into the county at a high cost and we have no staff trained to usethem.”

"The benefits of these machines are endless. They are completely operated by only one member of staff. The machine cleans out the pothole using compressed air, and fills the hole with a computer-calibratedmixofhot material. A significant aspect of the machine is that

it can carry 12 tonnes of chippings and two tonnes of bitumen which enables ittoworkafulldaywithout refilling.”

He concluded “These machines also have builtin GPS which allows the local authority to hold records of all repairs carried out.Grants for the purchaseofthistypeofequipment are available from the Department of Transport. I urged Meath County Council to put an application together for the purchase of two of these state of the art machines.”

PSR: 003508

Leas Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Cllr. Paul McCabe

New Look St Colmcilles (Kells) Credit Union Proudly Supporting The Community for over 60 Years

St Comcilles (Kells)

Credit Union has a brand new look, a positive impact on the community and is increasing its services all the time. We have had a face lift inside and out, have participated in various community activities. We are constantly strivingtoprovidethebest financialsupporttoallour members.

This time last year the building at St Colmcilles (Kells) Credit Union was a verydifferentplace.

We were delighted that helped by government funding a much needed rampwasinstalledinfront of our building. We now have a beautiful community area with flowers and shrubs.

Totieinwiththis,ourreception area also got a full revamp with new tiling and paint to make the overall building far more appealing for current and potentialmembers.

If you haven’t been in lately then why not pop down and have a look for yourself.

St Colmcilles Credit Unionisanotforprofitorganisation dedicated to supporting and investing in the community. Over

the past year we have supported local businesses by promoting their shops on oursocialmediasites.

Wehavehadmanyexciting competitions such as the Cash Draw, the meals onwheelsraffleandMothers/FathersDayprizes.We have hosted a number of

events such as a Cultivate Launch to support farmers,theannualArtcompetition and we also had a great night at the Schools Quiz in St Colmcilles Senior National School in January.

We have also donated to andpromotedanumberof

local activities such as the Hinterland Festival, Dads Cycle for Charity and Kells Handball Club amongst manyothers.

During this time the new look Kells Credit Union has also developed servicessuchastheintroductionofCultivateLoansand

Mortgages along with improvingouronlineoffering to make it easier for busy members who may not be abletogetintous.

St Colmcilles (Kells)

Credit Union has been supporting the Community for over 60 years and we thoroughly enjoy the roleweplay.

We have many great plans to come over the next few month. These include the launch of our new Photography competition plus we also have a Christmas surprise in store.

IfyouareamemberofSt Colmcilles (Kells) Credit Union we are here for you and any financial needs you may have, if you are not a member but live in our common bond area which is now extended to Moynalty, Carlanstown, Kilbeg and Mullagh then pleasegetintouch. Youcandothisbycalling our number on 0469240299 or visiting our website at ‘Kells Credit Union.ie’. Youcanalsofollowuson Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

The newly revamped exterior to St. Colmcilles (Kells) Credit Union

The new look tiled receiption area

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

Official Opening of Castletown Trail

Cathaoirleach of Kells Municipal District Cllr. EugeneCassidywasjoined byMinisterforJustice,Helen McEntee TD, recently to officially open CastletownTrail.

The looped trail secured grant funding of €200,000 under the 2019 Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure scheme (ORIS) and saw the construction of a footpath from the graveyardtotheexistingrailway crossing to link the village to the Castletown end of

the Greenway. Another section of footpath was constructed at the northernendofthegreenwayto connect back to the village, completing the loop oftheCastletowntrail.

A further allocation of €19,811 under the 2021 Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure scheme allowed development of amenity areas including planting, fencing, seating and the installation of a footfall counter to measureusage.

DUNBOYNE COLLEGE

Members of the public can now use the existing car park at Castletown as the start and end point of their walk, run or cycle journey.

Speaking at the opening Kells MD Cathaoirleach Cllr. Eugene Cassidy said ‘Infrastructuresuchasthis is very necessary, and the investment has already realised a dividend. This trail and what will be the BoyneValleytoKingscourt Greenway as a whole, has the potential to transform

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towns and villages along its route and opened up the entire county to a whole new market of tourists’.

Speaking about the Greenway Meath County Council Chief Executive Fiona Lawless said ‘The GreenwaybeginsinBlackwater Park, Navan and

The 30km project includes the 1.5km looped section at Nobber and another 1.4km section here atCastletown.”

Ms Lawless finished by saying “We currently have 14kmofGreenwayopento the public with the remaining 16km currently under construction. We

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passesthroughthevillages of Wilkinstown, Castletown Kilpatrick, Nobber and Kilmainhamwood before eventually ending in Kingscourt.

hope by the end of this year to have the full 30km open to the public, allowing greenway users to travel from Navan to Kingscourt.

Sod Turning For Works on St. Pat’s Navan

Pictured at the sod turning for the commencement of the new works at St. Pat’s school Navan are Cllr. Padraig Fitzsimons, Senator Shane Cassells, BishopTomDeenihanand school principal Harry McGarry.

Work will take 18 months and with a budget of €6m there will be 6 new classrooms, tech graphic room, technology room, textiles room, metalwork room, toilets and a new office and administration centre.

Flag Raising Ceremony held in

Bettystown and Mornington Beaches have been awarded the Green Coast Award in recognition of excellent water quality and the efforts madebythelocalcommunity to protect their natural,unspoiltenvironment.

Cathaoirleach of Lay-

town/Bettystown Municipal District Cllr. Stephen McKeewasrecentlyjoined by volunteers from the local community at a flag raising ceremony to mark this significant achievement.

The aim of the Green Coast Award is to recog-

nise beaches of high environmental quality. To achieve the award, beaches must have excellentwaterqualityandhave effective and appropriate managementtoensurethe protection of the natural environment. The Green CoastAwardisasymbolof

environmental excellence and has been established to acknowledge, promote and protect the environmentofourbeaches.

Cathaoirleach of Laytown/BettystownMD,Cllr. StephenMcKeesaid,“Iam delighted to be here today in recognition of the huge effortthatisaffordedbylocal community groups, support agencies and statutory bodies in the ongoing provision of the safe and well-maintained coastalareasofBettystown andMornington”.

Continuing Cllr. McKee added “In the case of Bettystown and Mornington, thelocalcommunitytakea keeninterestintheprotection of the local environment.” Some of the activities carried out by Bettystown Tidy Towns include coastal education sessions,marramgrassplanting days and litter picking with local schools, corporate organisations and local residents. Due to their

efforts to protect these pristine locations, we are able to celebrate these wonderful and relaxing beachesallyear-round”.

Speaking at the event

Chief Executive of Meath County Council Fiona Lawless said “An important aspect in the achievement of this award is the involvement of the local volunteerswhoparticipate in community clean-ups and in cooperation with Meath County Council help manage our local beaches throughout the year.” “Iwouldliketotake this opportunity to say a

massive thank you to Bettystown Tidy Towns, the local community and all the volunteers for all their efforts in ensuring our beaches meet the high standards required to be awarded the Green Coast for the 2023 bathing season”.

Meath County Council would like to ask all beach users this summer to continue to be responsible, follow guidelines, to please be aware of dog restrictions and to leave nothing behind on the beach except their footprints.

GoRemote – Getting more out of your Time

Meath County Council have published a second GoRemote campaign video encouraging Meath commuters to consider workingfromoneofthesix remote working hubs located throughout the County.

Latest CSO data show that 32% of the 101,189 workers in Meath are already working from home at least one day a week. Theresearchalsoindicates thattherearestillopportunities for people working inscienceandtechnology, administrative, customer service and several other occupations to make betteruseoftheirtime.

With the passing of the remote working law more employees can seek to workremotely,eitherfrom their own home or if more convenientfromoneofthe 300 remote working hubs across the country. The six remote working hubs lo-

cated in Meath all feature on the ConnectedHubs.ie portal, with longer term deskleasingarrangements available in the two Meath Enterprise Hubs in Kells andNavan.

While for some working in a hub may not remove

thecommute,itcandrastically reduce it, get you there in freer flowing traffic and provide you with a desk with a view and all the facilities to work comfortably and securelyinanofficeenvironment.

In the new video as part of the Council’s GoRemote Campaign Leigh-Ann Cullinane from Informa, a Dublin based company withasatelliteofficeinKilskyre Community Activity centre discussed how she left the concrete jungle of

DublintogetabetterqualityoflifewhilelivinginKilmainhamwood. Being able to work remotely in Kilskyre has given her not only more time in her day but a better quality of work,inamuchnicerrural environment.

Co-owner and founder of Informa, Tom Gilsenan has found that the 2-3 extra hours a day to spend more time with his family and volunteering in his community as Chairperson of Kilskyre GAA. The benefits of this extra time also allows for personal pursuits, family time and shoppinginlocaltowns.

The remote working facilitiesacrossthecountyat

Idesk Cormeen, Deerpark Community Hub, Athboy Digital Hub, Dunshaughlin Hub, Flat Out Coworking + Coffee offer a quiet, attractive location to work or study. Welcoming the new video Cathaoirleach

of Meath County Council, Cllr. Tommy Reilly commented “It is great to see that we have these remote working hubs across the countyandthat32%ofthe county’s workforce are availingofremoteworking insomeform.”

“The Council are workingondevelopingmorelocations, working with community groups and commercial interests to support the sector. Meath County Council’s core focus is on enhancing the qualityoflifeofthepeople ofMeath.”

He finished by saying “We don’t want to see the large volumes of commuters wasting two to three hours of their day commuting.”

If you would like to get further information on Meath’s county remote working hubs check out the website www.meath. ie/goremote.

Co-owner and founder of Informa, Tom Gilsenan with his colleague Leigh-Ann Cullinane who work from a satellite office in Kilskyre Community Activity centre.

The Spanish Civil War Part 1

Spain. Many of the Brigade’s officers, former Blueshirtsandmembersof O’Duffy’s National Corporate Party, N.C.P., were motivated by fascism or loyaltytotheirleader.

TheSpanishCivilWar has attractedhistoricalinterest becauseofitsroleasaprecursortoWorldWarII.The Spanish monarchy was peacefully overthrown in 1931 and a Republic declared.

On July 20th, 1936, reports appeared in Irish newspapers of an attempted coup d’etat against the democratically elected government in Spain.

General Francisco Franco would emerge as leader of the anti-government forces. Instead of a rapid seizure of power by the right wing, Spain was plunged into a cruel three year civil war. Feeling in Ireland in the 1930s ran overwhelmingly against the second Spanish Republic due to the opposition of the Catholic Church.

The Catholic Church portrayed the war as a struggle between Christ and anti-Christ. Spain was seen as a religious rather than political conflict. Christian civilisation was endangered by the poison ofcommunism.

In August 1936 General Eoin O’Duffy, the former Garda commissioner and Blueshirt leader, announced the formation of anIrishBrigadetofightfor Franco. O’Duffy had been briefly the leader of Fine Gael in 1933-34, but was forced out due to his extremeviews.O’Duffywasa marginalised figure by 1936andlookingforaway to again boost his public image. By late 1936 some 7,000 men had volunteered to go to Spain, of whom about 700 sailed to

A smaller contingent of menleftIrelandtofightfor the Spanish Republic. Support for the Spanish Republic was organized through various left-wing organizations, though it was limited by the actions in Spain against the Catholic Church. No men from Meath appear in its records.

Leonard Moran, son of P.J. and Mrs. Moran, principals of Kill. N.S., Rathmolyon, was a student for the priesthood at the Irish College, Salamanca at the outbreak of the civil war. Postal communications with home were disrupted and a month’s delay occurred in posted items. The students moved to their summer house at Asturias which placed them intheRedcontrolledarea

A food shortage resulted in rationing for the students. They were not interfered with by the Reds as they flew the British flag. The local forces patrolled the streets and requiredpeopletoreplyto their salutes. Eventually the Reds decided to return them to Salamanca and the students were marched through the streets. On reaching Salamancatheywerelodgedin ahotelovernight.Thelocal Reds rushed the building and told the students to leavethecountry.ABritish destroyer, Valorous, took them on board at Santandar along with a number of hikers, Oxford UniversitystudentssomeGermansandItalians.

The destroyer deposited them at Saint Juan de Luz, the nearest French port. The students eventually reachedPariswheretheIrish Legation took charge and sent the refugees home to Ireland.

Inlate1936BernardFitzsimons of Kells left for

Spain. Son of the late Bartle Fitzsimons and brother of Frank Fitzsimons, Bernard received his education at the Christian Brothers, Kells and then took up a position in the hardware department of John C. Cooney, Kells. HewasinvolvedintheVolunteers from 1917 and was closely identified with the Gaelic League, GAA andnationalmovements.

In 1919 he returned to Kells and was elected a member of the Urban District Council for Sinn Fein. In the 1930s Bernard worked in charge of the hardware and timber stores of Michael Doyle, Tullow Street, Carlow, and waselectedmemberofthe Carlow Urban Council. InDecember1936Alexander Walker, only son of CharlesandMrs.Walkerof Zeyphr Lodge, volunteeredforO’Duffy’svolunteers.

Hubert Hanley, from Cullentry, Rathcore, had served as an NCO in the National Army and had alsofoughtduringtheWar of Independence. Thomas Tully, Deerpark, Moynalty had been a supporter of O’Duffy and was director of the N.C.P. for NorthEastMeath.Hehadlefthis employment two months before in order to join the Brigade. Patrick Slevin, Chamberlainstown, Kells, wasalsoasupporterofthe N.C.P. Ex-National army man, Patrick Farrelly of Spiddal, Nobber, also volunteered.

A native of Donegal, Michael McLoughlin, Ballinlough, Kells, gave up his job in the boot factory, Kells, to join the brigade.

TO BE CONTINUED

Noel French - Local Historian

A Very Meath Rite of Passage

andyesitwasaverydifferent demographic and yes, he’s probably not the next DavidBowie,butit’spopular music being played outside and an excuse to have a bit of craic so stop whinging.

between Krusty the Clown andMissPanti.

There is an ancient native American custom called a vision quest. When a young person comesofage,theyaresent out alone into the wilderness for a short period of time. If they make it back tothetribe,aliveandrelatively intact, they are then considered an adult. And so it is, we have our owntraditionalriteofpassage here in the North East. Going to the Slane concert.

To many a live music novice, this can be both a mentally and physically exhausting ordeal. But for those who complete their tour of duty, it offers not only a war story to regal the rest of the class with, but also the certainty that whatever gig or festival they end up at in later years, they can handle it. Sure,they’vedoneSlane.

All Meath and Louth peoplefeelabitofprideful ownership over this annual event. For one weekend, the home of the High Kings also becomes, and I don’t want to sound like Bono here, but the centre of the Rock and Roll universe. And yes, I know this year it was Harry Styles

Listen, the Slane concert is an event in itself, who is actually playing can be a secondary consideration. It’s all about getting there early to drink on the grass outside. Chatting to fellow shattered and wounded comrades as you trudge back to Navan. Given your own expert appraisal of the size of the crowd and the quality of the sound the next day. And then finally, starting a rumour about do you know who is tippedfornextyear.

This time though, there was no bag of cans first for me. It was the youngest Burke child’s first concert. Sheapproachedthewhole exercise with military precision. Her outfit was decidedweeksinadvance.

Online videos were consulted, where we watched various young ones around the country teach us how to perfect our Harry make up look. I will never forget the scornful laugh which my own chosen outfit was greeted with and in the end, I just worewhatshedeemedthe least embarrassing of all my clothes. She’s 12. She can pick out the style for Mr Styles, I can pick my battles. But I genuinely looked like a cross

In the heel of the hunt, we lasted 2 hours. 2 hours standingatthebackof80k screaming girls. We weren't hard to find though, we were the ones standing against the back wallnotwearingpinkcowboy hats. After the 120 mostexpensiveminutesof my life, she turned and said“Mam,maybeit’stime to text dad and get him to collectus”.

And so, while the rest of the crowd danced and sang their heads off under the fireworks, our newly hardened little veteran of thelivemusicscene,saton her bed in her pyamas. Thrilled and exhausted, she spent the night watching videos of the concert she had taken on her phone.

Delighted with herself and reliving her brief trip to Harry’s House. It wasn’t quite the voyage of discovery, heart and character the Native American’s have in mind when they send their offspring off to prove themselves.

I’m not sure many Tribal Chefs would be willing to drive across the plains to collect junior, shouting “localaccess”toanymembers of An garda Siochana who tried to stop them. But for our lassie, it was enough for now. Maybe next time we might even last3hours.AndI’llbedoingmyownwarpaint.

MynameisHelenLeddy, MDofBackOfficeMarketing- I provide marketing services for the hospitality and tourism industry across the Island of Ireland.

July is all about getting out and about in the good weather (in between the horrendous showers) and hopefullyspendingabitof time with family and friends when the kids are offschool.

With the cost of living crisis still effecting most of our pay packets, I have some great tips on how to enjoy a day out in the Boyne Valley without spending a fortune. Here aremytop5thingstodoin theCountyforFREE.

1.DISCOVER THE NEW BOYNETOLAKELANDS COUNTYGREENWAY

Our new Greenway will be up there with the best of them. Starting in Navan (justpastBlackwaterpark) andeventuallyfinishingin Kingscourt, you can now

enjoy a complete off road experience from Navan to Wilkinstown and from Castletown to Nobber. Get on your bike or break out the walking shoes for a greatdayout.

2.EXPERIENCE SUNRISE FROM LOUGHCREWCAIRN

Pack a flask of tea and a flashlight and set the alarm clock! Sunrise at the highest point of County Meathisanamazingexperience. Remember to NEVERclimbonthecairns up here for fear of damage tothetombs.

3.WATCH A GAME OF BASEBALL IN ASHBOURNE

Ashbourne Baseball club have a great schedule of games over the summer. You can attend the games for free and join in the excitementattheballpark!

4.HAVE A PICNIC AT THEBEACH.

Take advantage of our beautiful short coastline andpackapicniconanice

day.ThereisnothingIlove more that getting a flask of tea and some sandwiches and hitting for Laytown. If you’re lucky, the tide will be in and you can enjoy a swimbeforeyourpicnic!

5.TAKE A WALK AROUNDTRIM

You will find so many heritagesitesaroundtrimthat arecompletelyfreetovisit. The Yellow Steeple, The sheeps gate, Newtown Monuments and further out the road, Bective Abbey. If you are bringing thekidsorthedog,thisisa safe and enjoyable walk alongtheBoyne. Remembertothinkofyour local hospitality businesses when out and about this summer. They are felling the pinch too and buying a cup of coffee goes a long way for them! Enjoyyoursummer!

If you would like to find out more about Back Office Marketing visit our website by logging on to www.backofficems.ie

with Sinead Burke

Loughcrew Cairns

Opel to Electrify Complete Model Portfolio by 2024

Opel has taken another major step towards becoming a fully electric brand by announcing that the successor to the Opel Crossland B-SUV will be offered with an all-electric drivein2024.

As such, every model in the German carmaker's product portfolio will be available with a batteryelectric variant as early as next year. The brand with the Blitz is committed to a fully electric product portfolioinEuropeby2028.

Today's wide range of battery-electricOpelmodels already extends from the popular Corsa Electric and Mokka Electric, to the Combo-e Life and the Zafira-e Life people carriers, totheRocksElectricquadricycle, available dependingoncountry.

These vehicles have just beenjoinedbythenewAstra Electric, sporting a range of 418km WLTP and available to order as a 5door hatch and Sports

Tourer estate in Ireland from late 2023, and they will now be followed next yearbytheall-electricsuccessors to the Crossland andGrandlandSUV.

Inaddition,battery-electric versions of the complete commercial vehicle portfolio are available, depending on country, including the Combo-e and

Vivaro-e,togetherwiththe Rocks Electric Kargo and Movano-e. Opel will thus offer 15 fully electrified models by the end of this yearalone.

The portfolio of Opel electrified vehicles features alternatives to pure battery-electric drive, powered by plug-in petrol hybridpowertrains.

The Astra GSe and the Grandland GSe ranges offer a system power output of up to 300hp and strongmaximumtorqueof up to 520 Nm, with CO2 emissions from as low as 25-28 g/km combined. Within months, 48V hybrids will join the electrified line-up, starting with the recently announced

new Opel Corsa. The 74 kW/100 hp and 100 kW/136 hp engines will come with a new dualclutch automatic transmission.

The new Corsa will thus offercustomersachoiceof drives, from purely battery-electric to hybrid to highly efficient combustionengineswhichisunri-

valled in this segment. In the meantime, Opel is continuing to pioneer the development of hydrogen fuelcelltransporters. The Vivaro-e-Hydrogen is already on the road in a number of European countries and a large fuel cell transporter is also scheduled to follow in 2024.

Opel will offer 15 fully electric models in its line-up by the end of 2023, with a new all-electric Crossland and Grandland to join the range in 2024. By 2028, Opel will offer a fully electric product portfolio in Europe.

6 WAYS TO MAKE BACK TO SCHOOL EASIER FOR EVERYONE

closer to the normal back to school regime.

3. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

We know the kids aren't Back to School for another few weeks and they definitely won't appreciate this blog post, but to make the transitionsimplerfromthe relaxing Summer to their humdrum back to school routine, we have prepared somehelpfulwaystomake the back to school transition easier for everyone!

1. HAVE EVERYONE ON THESAMEPAGE

Sit down and discuss the planforBacktoSchool,although you may not get much reception to your ideas initially, you will have planted the seed and will make the rest of the transition easier.

2. GETTING BACK INTO AROUTINE

Start re-implementing the school routine, so each week in August in the lead up to the school return date, ensure bedtime gets

Sounds like an obvious suggestion, but practice makesperfect.

Practice the school run, making the lunch and getting the kids out of bed. The more prepared you all are, the easier it will be for everyone.

4.SHOPEARLY

If you can try and pick up the back to school essentials early, maybe a few bits every week in August before school begins, it will mean less stress and pressure on everyone.

5. STOP THE NIPPERS NAPS

For those little nippers going to school for the first time, try phase out the naps, so they won't be as tired during their school day.

6.CHECKTHEIRSIZES

During the summer the kids may have outgrown some of their uniforms or shoes, so make sure you

check their sizes closer to theirstartdate. Nothing worse than last minute panic buying for shoesoruniforms.

ITS BACK TO SCHOOL, BACK TO ROUTINE FOR THE FAMILY. WISHINGYOUALLTHE VERYBESTOFLUCK.

CHOICE STORES LOCATIONS

NAVAN: Navan Town Centre & Blackwater Retail Park

KELLS: Bective Street

TRIM: Market Street

ASHBOURNE: Unit 8/9 Ashbourne Retail Park, Ballybin Road.

Burn baby burnout

ingforwardtothatparticular‘reelingintheyears’.

Asemployersaredealing with re-structuring workingpatterns,retainingstaff while keeping the doors open, it can lead to busy andtiredbrains.

I was listening to a podcastrecently andtheydiscussed burnout and why somanyofusarefeelingit. Ican’tthinkofthepodcast name now but it made a really good point that we, as a society, are still recovering from the fallout of Covid and that a lot of society is stressed But when you think of it, those of us here, survived a pandemic. It’shuge. I’mlook-

Common signs of burnout: Feeling tired or drained most of the time having worked in a physically or emotionally drainingroleforalongtimeand can also occur from under stimulation and no progress. Our experience with candidates, this year is, some are feeling underappreciated (which is not new feedback) and some having tried remote working are finding it’s exactly that, remote, and they want to move back into an office environment where there is some social/office engagement.

Salaries have jumped across the board, however, as we all know so has the cost of living and while salary is always important, we’re finding it is not the main driving force for job moves: Career progress andqualityoflifeseemsto behighoneveryone’slist.

What we have found from our research is when candidatesareinajobthat provides job satisfaction, growth, and variety, they rarely feel burnout.

Having seen the negative effects of burnout on both employers and employees over recent years, through ourexperienceandknowledge we focus on understanding employer needs and matching our candidaterequirementstothose needs.

So if you’re looking for growth in your next job, or lookingtorecruitsomeone motivated, then give us a call or log on to our website..

Donna Farrell - Marsh Mackey Navan

Drogheda Credit Union receives Age Friendly accreditation

Drogheda Credit Union has recently received an Age Friendly Business accreditation and have appointed Age Friendly Ambassadors to each of their branches in Drogheda, East Meath, Dunleer and Trim.

From Friday, 7th July, Drogheda Credit Union will offer an Age Friendly service to members over theageofsixty-five.

New Age Friendly Ambassadors will be available to senior members onthefirstFridayoneach monthfrom09:30–11:30.

The Age Friendly Ambassador role will include assisting with nomination forms,DIRTforms,updating ID & proof of address and they will be there to help our senior members setupandunderstandonline banking, current accounts with no fees, and

foreign exchange with no commission. Each Age Friendly Ambassador will have their own counter in each branch reducing the waitingtimeformembers.

As well as the Age Friendly Ambassadors, Drogheda Credit Union will offer glasses of different strengths to members

Families in Meath West need urgent help with unaffordable back-to-school costs – Guirke

Sinn Féin TD for Meath West Johnny Guirke has called on the government todomoretosupportfamilies in Meath West struggling with back-to-school costs.

Hiscommentsfollowthe publication of the results of a survey by the Irish League Of Credit Unions about the financial pressures parents are facing over their children’s education.

den this year compared to 66percentin2022.”

He went on to say “Families in Meath West need a break from back-to-school costs now. Government must act to ensure that families get this support urgently, as September is approachingquickly.”

which will be situated at each counter and have created Age Friendly informationpacks.

If you would like to find out any further information on our Age Friendly services please feel fre to visit our website on www. droghedacu.ie/agefriendlyambassadors

Speaking on the issue, Teachta Guirke said: “Back-to-school costs are putting huge pressure on families across Meath West. School transport, books, uniforms and voluntary contributions can add up to hundreds or even thousands of Euros forfamilies.”

“These costs are unaffordable and this is particularly the case as families face the cost of living crisis.Everyday,parentsin Meath West have shared

Get children reading this Summer with Meath Library Service

Meath Library Service is delighted to be running the Summer Stars Reading Programme 2023 from Monday, June 12 to Saturday, August 26. This free nationwide children’s reading programme takes place in all the public libraries and online each summer.

Children throughout the county are invited to join the reading adventure and to enjoy the fun and pleasure of reading over their summerbreak.

Summer Stars is noncompetitive and every child who signs up receives a reader’s registration pack and will be awarded a certificate of participation at the end of the programme. It’s all completelyfree!

This year we are introducing our Golden Ticket. Each child returning with

books and their reader’s cardforstampingwillgeta GoldenTicketontheirsecondandfollowingvisits.

All the tickets will be entered into a fantastic prize draw on Thursday, August 31. There are two prize bundles for every library so a greater chance to win!

Included in the prize bundles for younger and older

children are Kindle Fires, reading buddies, books, games, book tokens and mini-craft sets. We will also have a lucky dip box for a surprise treat on the second and subsequent library visits, so keep on reading.

Themoretimesyouvisit, pick up a read, get your reader’s card stamped, the

their concerns with me about meeting these costs.

“This survey by the Irish League Of Credit Unions highlights the huge pressures families are under here in Meath West and acrossthestate.”

“The results find that a thirdoffamiliesareunable to buy new shoes for their children when they go back to school in September. The figures also show that 72 per cent of parents are finding back to school costs to be a financial bur-

“Sinn Féin have a plan to cut back-to-school costs and to end this financial pressure on families. We would introduce affordable school uniforms, expand the school transport scheme, ensure every child has access to a hot meal in school and stop families being pressured into paying voluntary contributions.”

Teachta Guirke concluded by saying “Sinn Féinwouldensurefamilies get a break from back-toschool costs now. This would help families in Meath West by ensuring that they get the support theyneed.”

New exclusive drive-thru café in Ashbourne adds 15 new jobs, bringing the total to 75 employed by Applegreen locally

Established in 2020, Braeburn coffee is already a favourite of many when ontheroadwhilestopping atApplegreen.

Continuing to meet consumer demand, Braeburn is now excited to announce the grand opening of its first-ever drive-thru café in Ashbourne Retail Park.

The newly opened drivethru café has created an additional 15 very wel-

come new jobs bringing the total number employed in the existing ApplegreenoperationinAshbourneto75.

The investment extends Applegreen’s footprint in the local community and adds to the recently openedBurgerKingdrivethruonthebackofamultimillion investment to enhance the Applegreen business within the Ashbournecommunity.

more Golden Tickets you earn.Callintoyournearest library and register from Monday,June12.

Registrations will continue throughout the summer. Further details of this and our Summer Events Programme can be found by logging on to our website on www.meathlibraries.ie.

L to R Drogheda Credit Union Age Friendly Advisors Amanda Collins, Fionna McCormack, Olivia Garner, Collette Walsh and Aideen Fanning

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Nick Killian pictured with Executive Librarian Carmel Brecknell, Director of Services Barry Lynch, Executive Librarian Eve Morrisson, Library Assistant Michelle McCann and Meath County Librarian Ciarán Mangan.

Johnny Guirke TD

Maria Cassidy, Head of Coffee at Applegreen pictured at the official launch of the first braeburn drive-thru café at the Ashbourne Retail Park.