BEMORE ELROQ Mother Of Three Facing €9k Student College Fees
BY: LOUISE WALSH
"There will be families around kitchentablesalloverthecountry now discussing how they can afford to send their kids to college," said a mother of three who is facing Student Contribution Fees of €9,000 for herthreechildrenthisyear.
Nicola Kearns from Ratoath, Co Meath believes the Government has reneged on their election promises and the Programme for Government by reinstating the €1000 fee they reduced in college fees as part of cost of living packagesinrecentyears.
The one-third reduction meant parents paid €2,000 a year in student contribution fees but are now facing the possibility of
forking out the full €3,000 per student again for the coming academicyear.
Thegovernmentmootedthefee hike last week but then said no decision would be made until budgettalksinOctober.
The stay-at-home mother of three says the uncertainty of not knowing is compounding the stressforthousandsoffamilies.
"We were told there would be a hikeinfeesandthenweweretold that no decision would be made until the budget in October. They are ruling nothing in or nothing out and are kicking the can down the road and by suggesting that we don't have to pay in one lump sumisnoconsolationtofamilies," shesaid.
Continued on Page 4
Nicola Kearns who is facing €9k Student College Fees
Expansion of Carers Allowance Will Benefit 250 Carers In Meath – Senator
Linda Nelson Murray
Changes to the means test for Carer’s Allowance will see more carers qualify for the payment in Meath, a Fine Gael Senator has said.
Senator Linda Nelson Murray said 5,280 carers across the country will receive an increase in their weekly payment as a result of the changes. In addition to this, it is expected that many more carers will now qualify for the payment for the first time underthehigherincomelimits
Senator Nelson Murray commented “This change to the Carer’s Allowance is a hugelypositivestepwhichwas announced in Budget 2025 has taken effect”
“The weekly income disregard for the Carer’s Allowance payment will increase from €450 to €625 for a single person, and from €900 to €1,250 for carers with a spouse/partner.”
“Itwillmeanthat5280carers across the country will receive an increase in their weekly payment. I am delighted that
this includes 250 carers in Meath.”
“There have been significant changes to the Carers Allowance means test in recent years with the income disregard increased by €292.50forasinglepersonand €585 for a couple since 2022.”
Senator Nelson Murray also said “The further increase in the income limits this week
will mean that 99% of people receiving Carer’s Allowance willnowreceivethemaximum rate of payment.
“In addition, these changes will mean that many more carers in Meath who were previously outside the income limits will now qualify for a payment.”
“Our carers play a vital role in our society and we need to
support them. This is a welcome step, but we need to go further. The Programme for Government commits to phasing out the means test entirely during the lifetime of this Government.”
“Carers across Meath can be reassured that they are a key priority for Fine Gael”, concluded Senator Linda Nelson Murray
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"I believe this is the most insultingpartofitforparents."
"Fianna Fail and Fine Gael made pre-election promises to keep the Student Contribution Fee at €2,000 and then they signed off on the Programme for Government in January whichagreedtoreducethefees over the lifetime of the government with a pathway to completeabolition.
Nicola's one income family is now facing a bill of €9,000 in contribution fees alone to send their children to college this year.
"I have three children. My eldest is going into third year and although he is doing an internship this year and won't set foot in college, we will still have to pay the full student contributionfee."
"My other son is returning to third year in college studying Economics, Politics and Law and my daughter is hoping to get a place on a course in DCU but is likely to get offered a place at a third level college in Carlow, meaning we will face additional accommodation, transport and living costs as well."
"Sothelastfewyears,wehave paid €4,000 for the Student Contribution Fee but this is now likely to rise to €9,000,
that's a substantial amount of money we will have to find. And the budget is not until October but yet, many colleges wantpaymentinSeptember,so parents haven't the luxury of tapping their fingers and waitingtoseewilltheyorwon't they (govt) retain the fee reduction by the end of October"
"Some colleges ask for onethird up front, some want half the fee and others divide it into a number of monthly payments."
It has been reported that one college - Trinity College in Dublin has already sent out invoices for €3,000 student
leviesandchargestobepaidby September.
"And obviously there are a plethora of other expenses to be paid on top of this such as accommodation, transport and food.”
Nicola highlighted that last year, Ireland had the largest surplus budget in the history of theStateat€25.4billion
"The €1000 fee reduction benefited about 96,000 students and this payment cost the Exchequer less than half of one per cent, a relatively small outlay for the government but one which made a big difference to students and their families.”
"Yes there is the SUSI grant scheme but that is very hard to qualify for and only benefits about 50% of third level students.”
"Yet again, it's the squeezed middle, like us, who are overlooked,payourtaxes,work hard and yet have to carry the canforeverything."
"There will be parents and students looking at CAO offers in August and potentially making decisions about courses and colleges whilst worrying about how they are going to afford the registration fees.
"I think the government would be wise to consider the fact that these students have now come of age and will be voting at the next election. I believe increasing this fee will be a monumental own goal for thegovernment."
Nicola concluded by saying "Government leaders and ministers talk about fees coming down in the lifetime of the government but they need to realise that families exist in thehereandnow.”
“They are really struggling to balance their household budgetsweeklyandmonthlyas the cost of living crisis persists and not abates, despite what you would think by this proposedmove."
Braeburn Café And Drive-Thru Opens In Navan Retail Park
The New Braeburn café and drive-thru launched in Navan RetailPark,adding20newjobs to the local area.
The opening of the café and drive-thru follows a €2 million investment by the roadside hospitality brand Applegreen that will create 20 new jobs.
Braeburn Navan Retail Park isthecoffeebrand’seighthcafé and its third stand-alone café drive-thru location. It follows the first official Braeburn café and drive-thru location in Ashbourne, Co Meath, which opened in June 2023, and the morerecentBraeburncaféand drive-thru at Applegreen Rathcoole, which opened in April 2024.
Customers passing through the area and in the local community will now have the option to sit-in or drive thru andenjoyBraeburn’ssignature food and beverage menu. The café will offer specialty coffee, tea and a range of signature drinks crafted by experienced baristas.
A range of food products will also be available, including delicious breakfast staples suchasacaiandbretzelbagels, sweet treats, freshly baked pastries, signature chunkie cookies and gourmet lunch options with a premium placed on top-quality, locally sourced ingredients to ensure exceptional taste.
Meath County Council Opens New Learn to Cycle Track at Blackwater Park
The Mayor of Navan, Cllr. Padraig Fitzsimons was joined by Meath County Council Chief Executive Kieran Kehoe to officially open the county's first Learn to Cycle Track at BlackwaterPark,Navan.
This innovative facility aims to provide an essential platform for young children to learn cycling in a safe and structuredenvironment.
The Learn to Cycle Track features a realistic road layout complete with lines, road signs, a roundabout, and pedestrian crossings, all without the interferenceoftraffic.
This initiative is designed to promote the safe use of cycling amongchildren,teachingthem vital skills while encouraging sustainabletransportmethods.
By fostering a culture of cycling, Meath County Council hopes to reduce reliance on cars and contribute positively to the climate and environment for future generations.
In addition to the cycling track, the upgraded Blackwater Park now includes plenty of seating areas for parents and instructors to oversee and support children as they practice the rules of the road. A new toddler ramp has also been added, allowing younger
children to improve their balance in a safe setting. As part of the commitment to
enhancing sport and community participation, Meath Sports Partnership has introduced an Olympic-sized 3x3 half basketball court at BlackwaterPark.
This addition complements theexistingsportsfacilitiesand is expected to further engage the local community in physicalactivities.
"The opening of the Learn to Cycle Track is a significant milestone for our community as it not only empowers our
children with a crucial life skill but also promotes a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle," saidtheMayorofNavan.
He contineud “We are excited to offer this facility, which we believe will enhance the safety and enjoyment of cyclingforouryoungcitizens."
The Learn to Cycle Track at BlackwaterParkisnowopento the public, and families are encouraged to visit and take advantage of this valuable resourceinNavantown.
Mayor of Navan, Cllr. Padraig Fitzsimons pictured with Meath County Council Chief Executive Kieran Kehoe, Director of Service Martin Murray, and cyclists Mara and Lana McManus at the launch of the new Learn to Cycle track at Blackwater Park.
Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday: 8.00am - 5.00pm Closed on Sundays & Bank Holidays
Summer Stars Reading Adventures Launched In Meath Libraries For 2025
Meath County Council
Libraries launched the Summer Stars Reading Adventure at the Swift Cultural Centre in Trim, Co. Meath, earlier this month.
Thisannualnationalreading programme invites children throughout the county to join the reading adventure at any Meath Library, and to enjoy the fun and pleasure of reading over the summer.
Every child who signs up with Meath County Council Libraries receives a Reader’s Registration Pack and will be awarded a certificate of participation at the end of the programme, which is all completely free.
Last year, nearly 3,800 children took part in Meath with Meath Libraries aiming to surpass the 4,000 mark for 2025.
Children from all over the county are urged to join the adventure at their local library and get their Reading Pack which includes a Reading Tracker/Activity Book and a seeded bookmark. This year’s programme also sees the return of the ever-popular Reading Rewards. Lucky Dip boxes are also available in each library with reusable gifts to reward readers on their return visits.
In partnership with local primary schools, a Homework Pass will also be offered to any child who participates in the Reading Adventure. Homework passes from participating schools will be
awarded to readers at the end of the summer for use in school from September 2025.
Launching the programme, Cathaoirleach of the Trim Municipal District Cllr Ronan Mooresaid“Icannotthinkofa
better way to kick-start the summer than to launch a programme that helps foster a love of reading among our young people in Meath. It’s excellent programmes such as this that help ensure this love of reading becomes a lifelong passion for many of the approximately 4,000 children who will take part this summer.”
To complement the Reading Adventure, an exciting programme of events is also planned for July and August,
with a wide range of creative activities for all ages.
Featured events will also include local crafters from the MeathMade collective, workshops from Our Kids Code, magician Billy Bubbles, book themed Science workshops from Anyone4Science and lots more, all of this alongside regular library led Storytimes and workshops. More information can be found on the library website at www.meathlibraries.ie.
Maedhbh Rogan McCann (County Librarian), Cathaoirleach of the Trim MD Cllr Ronan Moore, Mary Murphy (Executive Librarian), with students from St Mary's Convent Primary School in Trim.
Pupils from St Mary's Convent Primary School in Trim.
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Kells Athletic Club
The Right Approach to new facilities in Kells
Kells is a magnificient townPaddy McMullan
Steady Progress is the Target for Liam Sheridan
A Dublin Woman loving life in Kells
Alison Clynch involved with Kells AC from the start
Bruce & Frances O’Brien - Baby steps paved the way.
Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 19
Stephen DeverRunning Saved My Life
Kells AC founder Frances O’Brien in action at the Wilkinstown 5k during May.
Adult and juvenile members of Kells Athletic Club turned out in large numbers to participate in the second annual Wilkinstown 5k Road Race at the end of May. The event is a fundraiser for Nobber Cancer Support.
The Right Approach for New Facilities in Kells
Eureka
Sinceformationin2020,Kells AthleticClubhasgrownits membershiptoaround120 betweenadultsandjuvenilesand embarkedonamajordriveto developfacilitieslocallyin2023ina joint-effortwithEurekaSecondary School.
Therewasasignificantboostfor theclubandtheschoolwhenthe Governmentannouncedgrantsfor sportsclubsandfacilitiesunder phasetwooftheCommunitySport FacilitiesFundlatein2024.
Ajoint-applicationbyEureka SecondarySchoolandKellsAthletic Clubwassuccessfulandagrantof €186,869wasapprovedforthe provisionofanathleticstrackand ancillaryfacilitieswithaprojected completiondateinthesecondhalfof 2026.
EurekaDeputyPrincipalDavid Wrightisenthusiasticaboutthe project thatwillenhancethe sportinginfrastructureoftheschool andalsoprovidemuch-needed facilitieslocallyforKellsAthletic Club.
David,aWestmeathmanwho hailsfromMilltownpass,butisnowa Meathresident,isoneofmany teachersinEurekawhodevotestime onavoluntarybasistovarioussports
activitiesinEurekawithsupport fromtheprincipalMariaHarneyand anotherdeputyvice-principalMary Mullaghy.
“AlltheteachershereinEureka devotealotoftimetowards coachingteamsandthat’ssomething thatishugelybeneficialforthe students,”explainedDavid.
“Wehadidentifiedanareaatthe rearoftheschoolthatwefeltwould besuitableforarunningtrackand
anall-weatherpitchandalocal Councillor,PaulMcCabe,putusin contactwithKellsAthleticClubin relationtotherunningtrack.”
“Wediscussedthematterandit developedfromthere,itwas probablyabouttwoyearsagothat theinitialideabegantotakeshape anditwasfeltthatajointapplication,fromEurekaandKells ACmighthaveprospectsfor financialsupportforacapitalgrant. Weassessedthepotentialbenefitsof asuccessfulapplicationforboth EurekaandforKellsACanditwould beawin,winforeveryoneifwe managedtogetthenecessary supportfortheproject”
“Fromourperspective,itwill benefittheyounggirlsinKellsand thesurroundingareaswhoare attendingEurekawhilethe communityasawholewillalso benefitthroughKellsAC,aclubthat hasavibrantunder-agesectionand isverycommunity-focused.“
”We(Eureka)wouldbekeento developandstrengthenlinkswith thelocalclubs,acrossallcodes,as thereisastrongsportingtraditionin theschool,goingbackovermany years.”
“Withoutgoingintotheexact conditionsofthisjoint-venture,the benefitforKellsAthleticClubisan
All the teachers here in Eureka devote a lot of time towards coaching teams and that’s something that is hugely beneficial for the students
initial15-yearleasethatwill guaranteeaccesstotherunning track,outsideofschoolhours,that willtakeusupto2040or thereabouts,dependingonthe completiondateofthenewtrack.”
“Thedevelopmentwillincorporate a100-metresprinttrackwitharun offareaandalongjumppit,and hopefullyashotputtzoneaswell,a hugeboostforbothEurekaandKells AC.”
Davidconcludedbysaying “Regardingtheallweatherpitch,that willbeaseparatedevelopment,but itwillbesomewhereadjacenttothe runningtrack,”
Eureka Deputy Principal David Wright is enthusiastic about the initiative for new facilities in conjunction with Kells Athletic Club
“Kells Is A Magnificent Town” says Paddy McMullan
BYCONALLCOLLIER
FromtheGlensinAntrimto KellsintheRoyalCounty,a journeythathastakenPaddy McMullanviaDublinandTrimwith arockconcertatPunchestown Racecoursein2007avitalingredient inthemix.
“Mywife,Barbara,isaKells woman,weactuallymetatarock concertabout18yearsago,” explainedPaddywhohailsfromthe villageofCarnloughinTheGlensof Antrimandonlyashortnumberof monthsagohewaselectedtothe roleofKellsAthleticClubchair.
“WelivedinDublinforashorttime andthenmovedtoTrim,wewere thereforaboutsevenyears,butfor thelastsixyearsorsoweareinKells, wehavetwochildren,Graceand Noah,weareallintheclub,it’sgreat forfamilies,”headded.
However,Paddy’sintroductionto athleticswasveryinformaland beganwiththesimpletaskofgoing forajogtokeepactiveastheCOVID restrictionswererampedupbackin 2020.
“Ihadplayedalittlebitofhurling inCarnlough,butIhadno involvementinathletics,thatcame aroundbecauseoftheCOVID restrictionsandtherequirementto
workremotely.Ihadbeenworking fivedaysaweekinDublin,the softwareindustry,whenthe restrictionswereintroduceddueto thatpandemic,thatjustchanged everything.”
“Fortunately,Iwasabletowork fromhomeandtherewasanother
guywhowasworkinginKells,Paul Duffy,hesuggestedthatwemightgo forarunastherewasn’tmuchelseto doanyway.
Movingthestoryalong,Frances (O’Brien)wassecretaryofKellsAC atthetime,butIdidn’tknow anythingabouttheclub,weboth
joinedupaboutthree-and-a-half yearsago,Paulisnowthevice-chair andI’mthechair,”headded.
PaddyfeelsthatKellsAChasthe potentialtodevelopoverthenext fewyearsandhighlightsthe advantageofalocalclubpartnering withEurekaSecondarySchool.
“WearepartneringwithEureka withadevelopmenttheylaunched toenhancefacilitiesattheschool, Eurekawasapplyingforagrantto facilitatethedevelopmentofa200metretrackandKellsACwas delightedtosupporttheapplication. It’sanambitiousprojectandan amountintheregionof€180,000has beenapproved,I’dliketoseethe clubinvolvedindevelopingmore facilitiesthatwillbenefitbothadults andjuveniles.”
“Atthemomentwehaveaccessto aparishfieldforthejuvenilesand thewalkingtrackatGaeilColmcille, butwealsomeetweeklyatthe FairgreenonaMondayandthereis alsothesocialgroupona Wednesday.KellsACisveryactive anditwouldbesomuchbetterifwe hadasetlocation,itwouldcertainly boostparticipationlevels.”
“Kellsisamagnificenttown,there aresomanyclubs,butthereisalack offacilitiesanditwouldbeouraim tohelpaddressthatissue,joiningthe
clubwasalife-changerforme,the socialaspect,theannualroadrace andthepeopleofthetown,great people.”
KELLS AC HERITAGE 5K ROAD
RACE NOW WELL ESTABLISHED
“Ourannualroadraceisnowa wellestablishedevent,theKellsAC Heritage5k,thisyearit’sonFriday5th August,wehadcloseto400runners lastyearandhopefullywewillget thesameagainormaybeafew more,”hestated.
Paddy,whocompletedthelasttwo DublinMarathons,hasapositive messageforthepeopleofKellsand thelocalarea“Weareopenfor membershipandwouldliketo encourageanyonewhomightwant toreturntosomerunningandcould beabitapprehensiveaboutit,tojoin up,Icanguaranteeplentyofsupport andawarmwelcome,”hepledged. “Basically,sinceIarrivedinKells,I havegonefrompracticallyno involvementinanysporttochairof KellsACandheadcoachat BohermeenCelticunder-8s,weplay regularlyattheMDLinNavan.”
Paddyconcludedbysaying“Some oftheKellsAthleticClubjuveniles alsoplayforKellsCelitcandthat makesforplentyofgoodbanterboth onandoffthepitchwhentheyplay BohermeenCelitc,”
Kells Athletic Club Chairman Paddy McMullan
Steady Progress The Target For Liam Sheridan
BY CONALL COLLIER
Kells manLiamSheridan tookovertheroleofclub secretaryatthe2024annual generalmeetinglastOctober.Liam’s wifeDebbieandchildrenAdamand EmilyarealsomembersofKells AthleticClub.
Liamjoinedtheclubafterhiswife suggestedthatitmightbebeneficial asasocialoutletashewasworking remotelyandheusedtorun regularlyaspartofhisownregime.
“Ihadbeenrunningforyears,not asamemberofanyclub,butIknew afewpeopleinKellsACandasIwas mainlyworkingfromhomemywife suggestedthatperhapsIcouldjoina club,”explainedLiam.
“Ithasbeensuchagreat experiencebeingpartofaclub,it feelsmorelikeacommunity, everyoneissosupportiveofeach other.Whiletheemphasisison fitness,thesocialsideofthingsis equallyasimportant.Beingpartofa clubencouragesmoreconsistent trainingbecauseitcreatesagreater senseofaccountability.”
“Ijoinedtheclubin2023andused togotomeetingswhereIwould usuallygetinvolvedindiscussions.I wasalsoassistingwithtrainingthe juvenilemembersandwithsomeof theothereventsthatwereorganised bytheclub,liketheannualroad
race.”“Theprevioussecretary, Frances(O’Brien)whohad establishedtheclub,hadcompleted threeyearsintheroleandhad decidedtostepdown,Iwas proposedforthepositionatthe annualmeetingandwasduly elected,”headded. Liamisfamiliar withthesportinglandscapeinKells
havingplayedfootballwithGaeil Colmcilleaswellaspitchandputt andgolfandsohewaswillingtotake ontheroleofsecretary. “Iusedto runwiththesecondaryschoolhere inKells(PobalscoilChiarán/St. Ciarán’sCommunitySchool)and wasonteamsthatcompetedincross countryandalsointrackeventsat
Santry(MortonStadium),soI supposeIhadafairlybroad experienceofsport,”hesaid.
“IplayedfootballwithGaeil Colmcille,pitchandputtandIwas alsoamemberofHeadfortGolf Club,butatthemomentI’m concentratingonKellsACand running,betweentrainingandthe roleofclubsecretary,sometimes therearen'tenoughhoursinthe day.”
“YearsagoIusedtoruninthe Heritage10kwhenthatracewason thegoaspartoftheKellsHeritage Festival,therewouldn’thavebeen anyspecifictrainingforit,butIused togetonreallywellwithoutever consideringmyselfasanathlete,”he added.
Liamadmitsthattherearea numberofchallengesforKellsACin theshort-termandthelong-term andthatfacilitiesandmembership wouldbetopofthelist.Short-term wewanttoattractmoremembers, whetherit’sforsocialrunningand keepingfitorformoreserious athletes.“Thelonger-termwouldsee thedevelopmentoffacilities,”stated Liam.
“WeavailedofBohermeenACinthe past,it’sasuperbamenityandgreat credittoeveryoneinvolved,butwe foundthatthememberswanted somethinglocalandourambition nowistoprovidethatinKells.
“Atthemomentwerentwhatever weuse,thereisthewalkwayatGaeil ColmcilleGAAclubinthetownfor theadultswhilethejuvenilesarein therunningfieldthat’salmost oppositethegolfclub.TheGaeil Colmcillewalkwayhasbeenagreat amenitywehaverentedandstarted usingthisyearandwetrainthere onceaweek,wehaveaqualified trainerforthatanditisprovingvery successfulwithgoodnumbersevery Thursdaynight.”
“Wehavecloseto120members betweenadultsandunder-ageatthe momentandweexpecttoincrease thattoaround140thisyear.There areplentyofpeoplearoundKells whorunonaregularbasis,probably somethinglikewhatIusedtodo beforeIjoinedtheclub.Wehaveto getthewordoutandgrowthe numbers.”
“Thesocialrunningisthebest placefornewmemberstostart,it’s idealforbeginnersalso.Acoupleof ourmembersvolunteertohelprun thesix-weeksegmentandhavebeen doingafantasticjob,encouraging beginnerswhileutilisingtheir trainingexperiencetogreateffect”
“Wealsomeetuponceaweekat theFairgreenCarParkand, dependingonthenumbers,wewill decideonthenightwhatwewilldo andthenwewillmeetupafterwards forachat,”heconcluded.
Kells Athletic Club secretary Liam Sheridan.
Dublin Woman Loving Life In Kells
“Almost” Naturalised Kells Woman Breda Kelly spoke to CONALL COLLIER about her major role in Kells Athletic Club
Dublin woman Breda Kelly is now, almost, a naturalised Kells woman with more than 20 years in the Royal County.
A place on the Kells Athletic Club committee and the role of PRO at the last AGM will probably finalise her status as a Meath woman.
Breda has a major role in Kells AC facilitating the growing numbers who are showing up for the popular Social Running programmes that are organised on a weekly schedule.
All a far cry from 20 years ago when, with a young family, Breda and her husband Paul decided to make the move to Kells.
“We moved to Kells from Ballycullen in Dublin, we have three children Darren, Andrew and Aoife, all grown up now,” she explained.
“When I lived in Dublin, I always had an interest in running, but there wasn’t a club that was convenient to access and I didn’t start running until I hit my 40s.”
“I’ve been at it now for a good few years and I find it is a very enjoyable pursuit and both of us (husband Paul) are members of Kells AC, Paul also joined the committee at the last annual general meeting,” she added.
Breda explained how it was just by chance that she got involved with Kells Athletic Club before it was formed back in 2019. “I used to run on my own, but one evening, this would have been before the club was established, I spotted Frances (O’Brien) and Bruce (O’Brien) out with a small group,”she recalled.
“I got in touch to see if I could join in with them, that was in December 2019, I went along on the following Monday night and they told me there was a club in the pipeline.”
“Kells AC was formed the following January (2020) and it developed from that, after the COVID interruptions and restrictions.”
“There was training twice a week on a Monday and a Thursday, it was a great outlet and much better than running alone.”
“I joined the committee at the last annual general meeting and took on the role of PRO, I look after all the posts on social media each week. We came up with the idea of starting a social running group, mainly aimed at parents who could only run while their children were at
school, it’s generally on a Wednesday morning.”
“It evolved into a six-week programme, initially about 15 turned up and, understandably, they had reservations, but we stressed that it wasn’t about speed and that it would start with walking and gradually progress from that.”
“The first morning was mainly a three-kilometre walk and by the end of the six weeks everyone was running.”
“What was attractive for the participants was that it wasn’t necessary to join the club as a full member, but the option to join was and is there at all times.”
“There is also the social aspect, apart from the walk or the run, once it’s completed, the group will meet for coffee and a chat, that’s proving very popular.”
“The first six-week programme was from mid-January to the end of February and it has continued since
with one or two club members available each week to assist.”
“For club members, there is a 0-3k and a 3k-5k, two separate programmes, on a Monday evening in conjunction with Meath Local Sports Partnership. Tracey Corcoran and Annie Curran completed a course to enable them to co-ordinate the Monday activities on behalf of the club and it’s working well,” she concluded.
Wishing Continued Success to Kells Athletic Club
Cavan Road, Kells, Co. Meath
Kells Athletic Club members Breda Kelly (left) and Alison Clynch at a recent club meeting.
Alison Involved With Kells AC From The Outset
BY CONALL COLLIER
Alison Clynch has been involved with KellsAthletic Club from the outset although she had no previous involvement in the sport.Alison took on the role of treasurer when the first committee was elected.
She was also a member of the group that met MeathAthletics Co Board to formalise affiliation soon after the club was established in 2020.
With her husband, Conor, they designed a club singlet and crest and the KELLSAC logo is now a common sight across the county and also at various events around the country.
“I only started running with my sister-in-law about 10 years ago, just the two of us, we’d run various routes around Kells, but never considered joining a club,” explainedAlison.
“It progressed from that and I met Frances (O’Brien) and her group, we used to meet at the Kells Family Resource Centre and go for a run, this was before the club was formed, but that’s how it started.”
“When the club was formed, I was a member of the first committee and was joint-treasurer, I went to the meeting in Navan with Frances the night we were affiliating the club to Meath Athletics Co Board in Navan.”
“Frances did all the preparatory work, she had great enthusiasm to get us all motivated and I was delighted to help out again when I joined
the committee at the last annual meeting in October,” she added.
Separately, from the club,Alison has organised the Wilkinstown 5k for the past couple of years as a fundraiser for Nobber Cancer Support.
“It’s unbelievable the support that I have received from KellsAC, but a lot of people would be aware of the Nobber Cancer Support Group, unfortunately cancer is something that impacts many families,” explainedAlison.
“The second Wilkinstown run was a couple of weeks ago and over 30 members from the Kells club took part in it along with many of the other local clubs, Moynalty, Bohermeen, NavanAC and Navan Run Club and that support is greatly appreciated,” she concluded.
Enthusiastic participants at the Kells AC social running for the 0-3km and 3-5km six-week program that began in April each Monday evening, except for a Bank Holiday weekend.
Kells Athletic Club member and club treasurer Ciara Shaw had a successful 2024 on the running front placing in the Trim 10-mile Road Race, Bohermeen Half Marathon, Dunboyne 10k and Fr Murphy 5k to win a gold medal in the Meath Championships.
Baby Steps Paved The Way For Kells Athletic Club
CONALL COLLIER
chatted to Frances & Bruce O'Brien where they revealed a simple question posed by Frances, eventually led to the establishment of Kells Athletic Club
BabystepsforFrancesand Bruce(Martin)O’Brienin November2017pavedthe wayforwhatwastobecomeKells AthleticClub,anorganisationthat nowboastsmorethan120 members.
Thejourneystartedwitha questionposedbyFrancesO’Brien tohernowhusband,BruceO’Brien asthecoupleembarkedonwhat wasaregularwalkouttheMaudlin RoadinKellsoneevening "Willwe runtothenexttree"wasthe questionposedbyFrances.
WhiletheresponsefromBruce wasn’texactlylacedwith enthusiasm,therunbeganwitha fewfalteringstepsandatamoderate pace,butitgrewlegsandtherewas animportantingredient,lotsof enthusiasm,fromthepopular couple.
“Youcouldn’tactuallyprintBruce’s response,butwemadeatentative startandgraduallyimproved,we enjoyeditandbeforetoolongwe wereabletorun3k,"explained Frances.
"Neitherofushadanyideaofwhat weweregettinginto,butwe improvedandeventuallystartedto prepareforourfirstrace,theNavan 6kin2018,promotedbyNavan AthleticClubatClaremontStadium, aplacewereturntosomeyearslater toseekaffiliationtoMeathAthletics forKellsAthleticClub,”saidFrances. However,backinNovember2017, therewasnothingtosuggestthata clubmightforminKells,butFrances andBrucecontinuedtorunona regularbasisandtargetedmore localeventsasfitnesslevels improved.
“Wetookpartinavarietyoflocal racesandthenin2019wedecided totackletheBohermeenHalfMarathon,tocompletethatwasa verysignificantachievementfor bothofus,”explainedFrances.
“AroundthattimealsoIbeganasa supportworkerintheKellsFamily RescourceCentreandtheMeath LocalSportsPartnership commencedtheir0-3kGetActive programme.”
“Manyoftheparticipantsinthe MeathLSPGetActiveprogramme wantedtocontinuerunningandsix ofusregisteredfortheFrMurphy ACStreetsofAthboyinAugust2019. WeenteredasagroupfromtheKells FamilyResourceCentre,weranina numberofotherroadracesthatyear
andthegroupgraduallyexpandedto morethan20enthusiasts.”
"Iwassharingeverythingonmyown SocialMedia,theearliercontact withMeathLocalSportsPartnership whereImetLisaO’Dowdwasalso helpfulandthatprobablyfuelledthe decisiontoformKellsAthleticClub in2020.”
“WealsometMaryWattersand FionaGunapalafromNavanAC, theywereveryhelpfulwithadvice andguidanceaswasAngelaMagee fromMoynaltyAC.”
“Initially,IcontactedAthletics Irelanddirectlyaboutthepossibility offormingaclub,Ididn’tknow anythingabouttheprocessandgot
ourheadsatthetime,butwegot there,eventually.”
“ThenewcommitteeofKellsAC hadaformaltypeofmeetingin January2020withLisa(O’Dowd)of MeathLSPandPaul(McKee)of AthleticsIrelandandournexttarget wastogetaffiliated.Myself,Bruce andAlisonClynchwenttomeet MeathAthleticsataCoBoard meetinginNavaninFebruary2020 wemetchairmanMichaelCornyn andtheothermembersofthe committee,”addedFrances.
Unfortunately,soonafterafterthe clubaffiliated,everythingchanged withtheCOVIDlockdown,butthe enthusiasmamongstthemembers ofthefledglingnewclubremained, asFrancesexplained.
“Membersformedpodsand trainingresumedinthesepodswith 5kmlimits,wehadvirtualrunsand virtualindividualtrainingschedules theorderoftheday,”shestated.
“Wealsoorganisedavirtual fundraiserduringlockdownandit wasverysuccessfulasover€5,000 wasraisedforSOSAD.”
“OnceCOVIDwasoverwegot goingagainandmyselfandTracey (Corcroan)completedanumberof leadershipcourseswithAthletics Irelandandthatwasverybeneficial. Membershipcontinuedtoincrease, adultsandjuveniles,andwe eventuallywereabletohostthe inauguralKellsHeritage5kin August2022,ithadbeeninthe pipelinefor2020,buthadtobe postponed.”
“The2025eventisnowscheduled forFriday8th Augustandweareall lookingforwardtothat.”
intouchwithPaulMcKeewhowasa well-knownathlete,butIdidn’t knowthat.”
“PaulistheRegionalDevelopment Officer(RDO)forCavan,Louth, MonaghanandDonegal,hewas veryhelpful.Hemetourgroupand explainedaboutAthleticsIreland andMeathAthletics,itwasabitover
Francesconcludedbysaying“I steppeddownassecretaryatthelast annualgeneralmeetingasIfeltit wouldbemorebeneficialfornew peopletotakeonroleswithinthe club. I’mdelightedtoseehowthe clubhascontinuedtoprosperinthe communitywithsomegreatpeople involvednow.”
The first road race for members of the new running group in Kells was at the Streets of Athboy 5k organised by Fr Murphy AC in August 2019. The enthusiasts included Frances O’Brien (left), Brenda Keyes, Bruce O’Brien, Lena Monaghan, Brian Donovan, Tracey Corcoran and Sheila Nealon.
Some of the medals collected by Bruce and Frances O’Brien since that first race in Navan in 2017.
Bruce and Frances O’Brien with the Maudlin Road in Kells in the background where the ‘first steps’ in the formation of Kells Athletic Club were taken in 2017.
A Positive Outcome For Fiona McEvoy
BYCONALLCOLLIER
ClubmemberFionaMcEvoyparticipated inthesocialrunninggroupsthatwere organisedbyKellsACinearly2025and thenshere-joinedtheclub.
“IfirstjoinedKellsACbackin2020and enjoyedrunningforaboutayear,untilaninjury forcedmetostop.Overthefollowingyears,Ilost bothfitnessandconfidence,andhonestlydidn’t thinkI’devergetbackintoit,”sheexplained.
“IhadachanceconversationinFebruarywith mysister-in-law,DebbieSheridan,aboutgetting fitagainandthatsparkedanidea.Weboth decidedtogivethe0-3kmWalk-to-Joggroupa try,justtoseeifwecouldmanageit.”
“Tooursurprise,wereallyenjoyedtheweekly sessionsandwhatwefoundthatwhatwastough atfirst,joggingfor60seconds,becameeasier andeventuallyenjoyable.”
“Bythetimethefinalsessioncamearound aftersixweeks,wewerebreezingthroughour 3kmrunandthatwasagreatfeelingasthesmall weeklyincrementswereexactlywhatwe needed.Wealsoenjoyedthesocialaspectof runningwithothersandthepositivesupport fromthetrainersfromKellsAC.”
“Wedecidedtocontinueontothe3-5km groupandoverthenextsixweeks,ourfitness andstaminacontinuedtoimprove.”
“Sincethen,we’vebothofficiallyjoinedKells AC,andwe’reabsolutelylovingbeingpartof
suchawelcomingandsupportiveclub.We recentlyrantheMoynalty4-mileand theWilkinstown5kinMay.”
Fionaconcludedbysaying“Noneofthiswould havefeltpossiblewithoutthestructure,support, andalsothesenseofcommunitythatKellsAC andthe0-3kand3-5kprogrammesprovided. I amverygratefultohavebeenpartofit.”
Kells Athletic Club At The Wilkinstown 5k Road Race
Kells AC chair Paddy McMullan and Fiona McEvoy at the Wilkinstown 5k Road Race during May. Photo by Conall Collier
Kells AC members at the Wilkinstown 5k Road Race included Laura Farrelly (left), Orla Dunne and Tom Dunne
Running Saved My Life Says Stephen Dever
Kells AC member Stephen Dever spoke to CONALL COLLIER about his battle with depression and how running saved his life
Drumbaragh man Stephen Dever believes running saved his life after he emerged from the depths of depression a number of years ago and more recently completed his own challenge of 5k a day for 100 days since 1st January 2025.
That feat was completed in early April and his many friends at Kells AC marked the occasion with a special presentation at the Gaeil Colmcille GAA walking track when he made it 100 in 100 days.
Stephen’s relationship with running began when he was living in Kerry and battling depression at the time. “I was going through a bit of a bad patch,” was how Stephen described his situation.
The running continued when he got back to Meath in 2018 where he joined Navan AC, due to the fact that there was no club in Kells at that time
“I started running when I was living and working in Kerry, the Kerry Crusaders initially, and then Born to Run in Tralee, they were so supportive in helping me to run the first 5k and then making me believe I could run further,” explained Stephen.
“I was dealing with depression at the time and I got into running, I ran my first marathon, it was an ultra marathon in Listowel and I clocked just over 30 miles in the allocated six hours, that was in late 2018 just before I moved back to Meath.”
“I moved back to Meath in late 2018, I joined Navan AC simply because there was no club in Kells.”
“The people in Navan AC were brilliant, I couldn’t say enough good things about them and it was very
enjoyable doing all the events in 2019, but then the COVID came along in 2020 and I was a bit down about that,” he added.
Stephen then organised a charity marathon with help from his friends in what was the newly-formed Kells AC to help him get through the COVID restrictions.
“I completed a marathon running around the outside of the house in Kells in over five hours and raised funds for Pieta House in the process,” said Stephen.
“Frances (O’Brien) had told me about the new club and I was delighted to hear that and eventually I moved from the club in Navan, I had to get a transfer, but it was all above board.”
“Moving on and to the present day, I have to say that I’m really enjoying running with the Kells club and that 100 day challenge,
they were all a great help to me and then they presented me with the big cake there last April, great people.”
“It’s probably a reflection of the journey that I have completed over the last six or seven years, from a position where I was in a dark place to where I am now, I was very emotional when I got into the car that night to go home,” he admitted.
A Man Utd fan, Stephen is keeping a fairly low profile at the moment, especially from his friends who are supporters or another team that play in similar colours.
“I won’t say too much about that subject at the moment, but I suppose I have to accept the banter and keep my head down,” he said as the subject was changed from running to football.
“I played a bit with Drumbaragh when I was younger, but I wouldn’t have been a brilliant exponent of the
game, I did my best, but I wasn’t that interested in it and enjoyed other less healthy activities.”
“That’s probably a diplomatic description and it took many years to get back on track as a result of that.”
”The running now is a big part of my life and there are other support groups that were helpful when I was dealing with alcohol and eating issues as well.”
“Thankfully I have got through that and all I can say is that we should avail of the outdoors in Ireland for the benefit of our mental health.”
“If I wanted to be depressed about something at the moment, I had plenty of opportunity watching that Europa League final, disappointing but when put in context, not too serious, what else can I say,” he concluded.
Kells AC members surprised Stephen with a celebration cake last April after he completed the challenge of running 5k each day for 100 days.
Stephen Dever in a prominent position for Kells AC in one of the many road races he completes. Photo by: PASCALSPICS
Stephen crossing the finish line at Fairyhouse following a Ratoath ACpromoted event.
A Former Kells Athletic Club – BLE
BY CONALL COLLIER
For some 30 years from the 1970s until around 2002, a previous Kells Athletic Club catered for juvenile athletes. This was in an era when two separate organisations catered for athletes nationally and locally, BLE and NACAI.
Athletics and cycling were under the auspices of the GAA until 1922.
An independent Association was formed and existed until 1999 when NACA joined the new athletics body Athletics Ireland which was formerly known as Bord Luthchleas na hEireann (BLE).
The former Kells Athletic Club catered for juveniles only and was a BLOE affiliated club. Local ladies Ena Fitzgerald and Vera Butler were to the fore in its organisation.
Louth man Peter Rogan joined the committee when he moved to Kells and he held a number of positions on the committee, serving as secretary for many years.
“I suppose as a Louth man I can hold my head high this year with Louth after winning the Leinster SFC at Croke Park for the first time since 1967,” remarked Peter.
“I remember when they won it back in 1967, I was at school, The Bush in Cooley, so it was great that they won it again.”
“The Kells AC was a good club and would have had a regular membership of about 100 children, between boys and girls, mainly
concentrating on cross country. “The numbers started to decline in the late 1990s and it was a great occasion when the two organisations (BLE and NACA) formed Athletics Ireland, Michael Heery from St Brigid’s did a lot of work to get that over the line.”
”The club finished up maybe 21 or 22 years ago, we used to train in the Church Field and it’s good to see the new club using the same location for the juveniles again, I wish them the best of luck,” he concluded.
Longford Marathon August 2024
Peter Rogan at the Parkrun in Deerpark which he walks every Saturday.
Fourth Kells Heritage 5k
On Friday 8th August
KellsAthletic Club will host the fourth annual Kells Heritage 5k Run on Friday 8th August.
The number of club members who run in the event annually is restricted due to the demands of organising and stewarding the event that is scheduled in August annually.
The inaugural race in 2022 featured some 374 participants with the distinctiong for the first winner in the men going to Peter Somba (DunboyneAC) in 15:08 and for the women the winner was Fiona Clinton (DSDAC) in 17:50.
KellsAC’s Ciara Shaw was seventh overall in 21:13 while Bruce O’Brien was the top male finisher for the club in 19:26.
The 2023 race again proved a popular event with James Sherlock (BohermeenAC) in 17;52 the first man and the women’s accolade went to Laura McDonnell (Rathfarnham WSAF in 18:20.
Last year, the race attracted 314 runners with the overall winner in the men’s section going to Peter Somba (15:12) while the women’s category was won by Emma Hunt from BohermeenAC in a time of 18:28.
KellsAC runner Ciara Shaw was fifth overall won the F40 category in a time of 20:30 with club colleague Natalja Dubrova eighth overall and third F40 in 21:46.
The 2025 race will feature cash prizes for the first, second and third male and female plus first male and
female in each age category as well a first male and female teams. There will be a water station atthe finish line and post race refreshments in the Parochial school (Race HQ) next to finish line.
Olivia Sherlock (7400) and Michelle Kelly in action at the 2024 Kells AC Heritage 5k.
Happy finishers at the Wilkinstown 5k Road Race included Aine McCormack (8952), Barbara McMullan, Frances O’Brien, Noah McMullan and Grace McMullan (336)
Kells AC members at the Wilkinstown 5k Road Race included Jane Nugent (left), Noel Corcoran and Tracey Corcoran.
Brian Donovan – A Tribute From Kells AC
By:FRANCESO’BRIEN
There are many words that come to mind when describing our friend, our clubmate, the late Brian Donovan. One word that is worthy of Brian is Remarkable.
A founding member of Kells AC, Brian was always supporting and encouraging others, sharing his life experiences and at the same time listening attentively.
His love of Paula (partner) and the beautiful stories of how they met, to the idyllic life they enjoyed with their dog and donkeys in their beautiful countryside home.
Brian’s zest for life was infectious, he always saw the positive and good in everyone and every situation
Brian never allowed age to be a barrier. He was a keen cyclist with his club in Oldcastle.
He began running in May 2019 after completing a walk /jog programme with Meath Local Sports Partnership.
Before long, Brian was entering races and going to a park run every Saturday morning. His passion and love of his club led to Brian completing many courses with Meath LSP and Athletics Ireland .
Brian was constantly learning more about running, especially the science behind it. Every other week he would arrive to club training with a book or a gadget to improve posture and breathing. While everyone else was arriving to training in the latest running shoes, Brian wore sandals.
A couple of weeks before his 68 birthday, Brian, wearing his sandals, did the 2023 Trim AC 10-mile Road Race and won a Meath medal in his age category. His reply, when
informed that he had won that medal: "That's the advantage of getting older, fewer runners in your category, medal comes easier."
Brian saw us all as winners and he was very witty. To quote him: "I don't like talk about PBs (personal bests), I'd prefer FLs (finish lines)."
Brian definitely left an impact on anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
He was a kind generous soul who was pure of heart. He is missed dearly and he was right in the heart of Kells Athletic Club. Never forgotten our dear friend.
The late Brian Donovan with his partner Paula
LOOKGOOD,FEELGREAT,SMILEMORE
ThedenturesJoeprovidesaresolelymadebyhimselfincludingthepalatefreemetalbasedchrome cobalt.Heisanexpertincreatingcosmeticdenturesthatenhanceapatientsfeatures,reducingtheir liplines,allowingthemtoachieveamoreyouthfullook.Joedesignsyourpartialdenturesarounda carefullypreparedtreatmentplanwiththeaimtoimprovefunctionandrestoreyournaturalsmile.
St Colmcilles (Kells)
Credit Union has been proudly supporting the local community for over sixty years. The Credit Union is owned by its members for its members and offers so many benefits to becoming a member, these include a safe place to put your savings and a place where you can borrow to get the things you need.
Kells Credit Union is the biggest community organisation in the area and that sense of community is at the heart of what we do, for Kells Credit Union that involves many things such as donations, sponsorships, events, education and more.
In the past year Kells Credit Union has donated to numerous local clubs such as Dance Mania, North Meath Rugby Club, Moynalty AC and Gaeil
Colmcille’s to name but a few. Funds were also raised in the office for the Irish Motor Nuerone Disease, Meals on WheelsandStVincentDePaul via Hamper Draws. Thanks to our members generous contributions these fundraisers were a great success.
Kells Credit Union is also a strong supporter of local events such as the Hinterland Festival,StPatricksDayParade and the Kells Panto. Kells Credit Union also organizes a number of events itself.
The now famous Santa Claus visit, the legendary Schools Quiz and the fantastic Art Competition that seems to get better every year. Sponsorship of the Kells Celtic Youths also took place with the team winningtheirfirstgameinthenew shirts 5-1.
We also celebrate our members at Member Appreciation Day every Christmas with Mince Pies and selection boxes included.
Education is another thing Kells Credit Union focuses on by encouraging savings and advising members on their bestoptionsregardinglending.
This level of service has seen theCreditUniontopanumber of national surveys such as Reptrak and the Customer Experience rankings. We hold SavingsAwarenessWorkshops in local schools to teach our children the value of money and savings whilst we also offer Student Bursaries every year to help members who have college expenses.
We love a good competition for our members in Kells Credit Union and the Quarterly Cash Draw gets thousands of social media views with numerous members receivingthewelcomecalladvising them of their winnings. Vouchers for Fathers Day, Mothers Day, Halloween Hampers, Easter Colouring Competitions and Back To School Goody Packs are all amongstthemanyprizesgiven away each year.
Ifyouwouldliketobecomea member of Kells Credit Union it is easy. You can do it online via our Kells Credit Union website or book an appointment in the office. Likewise with loans you can apply for via our Kells CU App as soon as you become a member or call on 046-9240299 to receive expert advice whenever you need it.
All you need to do is live or work in our common bond area of Kells, Moynalty, Mullagh and Carlanstown.
We are also looking for volunteers from various backgrounds to help continue to develop and progress this fantastic not for profit organisation at board level.
This would look great on a CV and gives people the opportunity to learn new skills and be part of a fantastic team. Please contact 046-9240299 or email info@kellscu.ie if this interests you.
Kells Credit Union could not do any of these things for our community without the support of our members who are
what makes St Colmcilles (Kells) Credit Union the thrivingorganisationthatitistoday. Our members are at the heart of everything we do, we love meeting and talking to you each day.
St Colmcilles (Kells) Credit Union are also lucky to have such dedicated board and staff who continue to work hard to the betterment of the area and the business.
The combined contributions of members, staff and board has contributed immensely to developing the Credit Union and has allowed it to invest in making a significant social impactinthearea,anditwillcontinue to do so into the future.
Presentation to Moynalty Athletic Club
Presentation to Meals on Wheels.
International Women’s Day at St. Colmcille’s Kells CU
Art Competition Winner - Laoise Carry-Lynch
Saint Patrick’s Day
Santa Claus on his annual visit to St. Colmcille Kells CU
PresentationtoStVincentde Paul
Presentation to Gaeil Colmcille
St Colmcilles (Kells) Credit Union
Dogs In Meath History And Archaeology
“The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs.”
Charles de Gaulle said “The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs” and dogs have long been favoured pets and working companionsinMeath.
A dog bone found at Newgrange tomb is helping to shed new light on the possible dual origins of pet dogs. The dogbone,believedtodateback almost5,000yearswasusedby scientists at Trinity College Dublin to sequence the dog's genome.
The research suggests that modern dogs may have emerged from two separate domestications of wolves, on opposite ends of the Eurasian continent. It challenges previous theories that man's best friend originated from a single domestication of wolves inAsia.
Prof Daniel Bradley from Trinity College Dublin and Dr Laurent Frantz, from Oxford University said that their findings"suggestthatdogsmay have been domesticated independently in Eastern and Western Eurasia from distinct
wolfpopulations.EastEurasian dogs were then possibly transported to Europe with people, where they partially replaced European Paleolithic dogs.
Theremainsofsevencanines were uncovered during archaeological excavation at Lagore crannog. The kings of Southern Brega had their chief residence from the seventh to tenth centuries AD at the CrannogofLagore.
As the dividing line between dog and wolf is uncertain, some of the canine remains may be wolf. Canine remains which could be wolf bones were also uncovered at Moynagh Lough and Knowth. AccordingtotheCríthGablach the wife of a Lord was supposed to own a lap- dog and a lap- dog was one of three important objects of entertainmentatfeasts.
Lap-dogs were present on a large number of sites with the smallest being from the royal site of Lagore, Co. Meath. This had a shoulder height of about 26cm which makes it similar in sizetoamodemPekingese.
Large dogs were also present at Lagore. This larger dog is the largest known from either Britain or Ireland at this time. NodogsofIrishwolfhoundsize are known from sites of this period.
Thereisalsowrittenevidence for that Irish dogs have been exported to the continent and even to Viking Age Scandinavia.InthelegendofSt Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, the export of precious, Irish dogs to the continent is described.
The domestic dog in early medieval Ireland was regarded as a high status animal and
used for a wide range of purposes by al free classes of society.
At Roestown, Dunshaughlin, three articulated dog skeletons that have been discovered and preliminary analysed was all were deposited during the early Middle Ages and within a time span between the sixth and tenth centuries AD. The dogs were all approximately the same size as a modern Labradorretriever.
In medieval Ireland, dogs wereprimarilyseenasworking animals for guarding, herding or hunting although some small lap dogs were kept as pets.Theherddogbesmalland light rather than big and terrifying. The hunting dog was used by the lord in early medieval Ireland to hunt mostly deer, wild boar and hare.
At an excavation in the town of Trim the number of dog bonesfoundwasrelativelylow, with no more than two individuals represented in any one phase. However, based on the quantities of gnawed bones,dogsseemtohave been relatively common in the town during the earlier phases of occupation.
One adult Border Collie or Springer spaniel-sized dog with an estimated withers height of 50-52cm from Phase 2 (1290–1400) was buried in a pit at the rear of one of the Emmet Street houses. This animal seems to have been carefully placed in the pit. The sizeoftheanimalindicatesthat it might have been kept as a guard dog within a domestic property.
Part of St. Mary’s Abbey in Trimwasconvertedtoaprivate manor house in 1415 by Sir
John Talbot, the King’s representativeinIreland.
The Talbot coat of arms can be seen on the northern wall, supported on each side by dogs, now known in heraldic terms as ‘talbots’. Two carved heads and one carved dog’s head can be seen in the stone work at Liscarton Castle, outside Navan. At Rathmore church is the effigy tomb of Sir Thomas Plunkett and his wife MaryAnnCruise.SirThomasis dressed in armour and a dog sleeps at his feet, a dog being a signoffidelity.
The chancel arch at Cannistown church has decorative carvings that on the north depicts three dogs attackinganotheranimal.
In 1653 Captain Edward Pierce leased lands at Dunboyneforfiveyears.Oneof the terms of the contract was the maintenance of a hunting establishment including three wolf hounds, two mastiffs, sixteen couples of hounds and fourmen.
Hunts were to take place at least three times a month and he was expected to destroy at least fourteen wolves and sixty foxesinfiveyears.
The townland of Dogstown, Trim is anmed after the pet but there is no explanation as to wherethenamecamefrom.
Intheearlytwentiethcentury George de Stacpoole of Tobertynan House, Rathmolyon, presented the Sultan of Turkey with a St. Bernard dog. The dog did not liketheheatandtheSultanhad a tunnel constructed to generateacoolingdraft.
When the Sultan was deposed after the First World WarhetooktheSt.Bernarddog intoexilewithhim.
Sponsorship to Kells Celtic Youths
Daisy thinks Cultivate Loans are Ace
Sponsorship from St Colmcille Kells CU to Hinterland
Membership Appreciation Day to St Colmcille Kells CU
Jersey Fundraiser Day
Donation to Knights of Columbanus
Noel French Local Historian
Sketch of dog at feet of Francis Plunkett at the Efigial tomb at Robertstown, Nobber.
WordSmith
My “Dear Johnny” Letters
Weallknowthem,thatoldmanor womanwhonevermarried.They livedattheendofthelaneoratopthe hill;theyalwayshadakindword,a gentlesmile,andyourbriefchatwith theminpassingwasprobablythe onlyconversationthey’dhaveall week.
Now,theirhousesarelonggone,yet they’restillaroundandlivinginthat distantcornerofyourmind’seye. Occasionallysomethingmay happenthatpullsthembacktofront ofmind.Likerecently,awoman askedmewhereIlived.WhenItold hershelookedwistful,“It’sall changedoutthatway.”Asshewalked away,mymindwanderedandup poppedmyoldfriendJohnnietosay, “How-ar-ya,youngfella?”
Walkwithme,I’llbringyoubackto Johnnie’s.We’llstartfromTheOrchard PubinCavan,whichwasanactual orchardbackinJohnnie’sday.
ContinueuptheCootehillroad,on pastBreifneCollege.Underthe bypassbridge,stopandimagineit then,therewasnoschool,only woodland;theroadnarrow,andto yourleftwasalanewithasteep
ascent.Atthepinnacleofthehillwas anovergrownboreen,itledto Johnnie’shouse.Itwassummer,Iwas seven.
I’dbeenramblingforhoursand enteredanorchardnearJohnnie’s.As Isuckedtheremnantsofjuicefrom thecoreofastolenapple,Iknewwhy theStPat'sschoolboy’srisked reprimandtofeastonthisforbidden fruit.
Ireachedforanotherbutswiftly retractedwhenIrealisedIwasnot alone.IfearedIwastobepunished fortakingwhatwasnotmine. Johnnieemergedfromthefoliage alongwithhisdonkey.Hesmiledat me,onesingletoothinthebottomof hismouthstoodlikealoneicebergin aseaofblack;itmademelaugh. “Whathasyoulaughing?”heasked.I respectfullystoppedgigglingandsaid, “Hello.”
Hisgummygrinlituphisravaged face,blackwithsoot.Itwasahotday, yetheworeasuit,completewithshirt andtie,fastenedtightattheneck.His clothesfascinatedme,Ilookedatthe shirtcollar,Isawtheaged-fabrichad fusedtohisskin.Constantwearhad gluedtheclothestohisbody.
Hefumbledinhispocket,“Canyou read?”heasked,pullingmefrommy
privateappraisalofhisapparel.“Yes, I’magoodreaderformyage.”He handedmealetter,“Readthisoutfor me,willya.”Itookit,“Can’tyouread?” Iasked.Henodded,“Ican,butit’snice tohearsomeonesaythewords.”It wasjoined-uplettering,Ihadto concentratecarefullytodecipherthe words.
Carlanstown Road Safety Issues Must Be Addressed Urgently – O’Rourke
Sinn Féin TD for Meath East, Darren O’Rourke, has condemned the lack of accountability from both Meath County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), around major road safety concerns in Carlanstown, highlighting the urgent need for trafficcalming measures to be implemented in the village.
He further commented “Unfortunately, both Meath County Council and the national roads authority, the TII, continue to blame each other and fail to take responsibility for the safety of pedestrians, including children, living in Carlanstown. This is not good enough and cannot continue.”
Deputy Darren O’Rourke TD who has recently highlighted the urgent need for traffic calming measures to be implemented in the village of Carlanstown.
“Fortunately, an accident was avoided on this occasion, but this is the experience in Carlanstown, day in and day out. It's not safe and that's not acceptable.”
Teachta O’Rourke said "The issue of road safety in Carlanstown is a major concern. There is an urgent need for measures to be taken by Meath County Council. I attended a public protest recently to demand that action be taken to address the road safety concerns in Carlanstown with my colleagues Cllr Michael Gallagher and Figgy Curran.” He continued by saying “While there, a juggernaut had to jam on the breaks to narrowly avoid a turning car, there were children only a few feet away. The smell of rubber filled the air.”
"Traffic calming measures are visible on roads in towns right across Meath. This is the solution to the dangerous situation in Carlanstown. I urge Meath County Council to implement traffic calming measures in Carlanstown withoutdelay,beforeaserious accident occurs.”
"In the Dáil and on Meath CountyCouncil,SinnFéinwill do everything we can to secure the necessary investment to deliver traffic calming measures in Carlanstown” concluded Deputy O’Rourke.
JohnniediedwhenIwas17.One lunchtimeIreturnedtoJohnnie’s.I lookedatwhatwasonceafinehouse, timehadblackeneditswalls.Through cracks,greatswathesofivysnaked overeverysurface,slitheringinto everynookandcranny,threateningto consumethehouseentirely.
Inside,Iwashitbythepungent, sweetandsootysmellofhim.Helived inonetinyroomatthebackofthe house,Iwascompelledtogothere. That’swhereIfoundthem,ontopofa sootyolddraw,theletters.Asa teenager,Ihadamisty-eyed emotionalresponsetothem,Ididn’t wantthemlost,Iputtheminmy pocketandreturnedtoschool. ThebypassrazedJohnnie’s homesteadtotheground.
Buthe’snotlost;Istillhavehimin hissister’sletters.Theyremindmeof thegentleoldmanwhosmiledand criedwhenIreadaloudtohim.And,I hopehelivesonforamomentmore, inthiscolumn.
Eventually,Isawthemandread aloudasimplepieceof correspondencefromafar-flown sistertohermuchlovedbrother. Oncefinished,Ilookedathim;his headtiltedsideways,hissmile stretchedwide,yetatearstreamed downhisface.Beingachild,Ididn’t understandhisemotionalresponse; thesmilesoatoddswithhistears.So, Ijuststared. Thatsummer,IbecameJohnnie’sreader,ajobIcherished,dearly. Despiteouragedifference,weshared acommonbond:adeeploveforour respectivesisters.
The Grand Tour In Aid Of Jigsaw
Jigsaw is the National Centre for Youth Mental Health in Ireland. Jigsaw offer free, confidential therapy and mental health support to young people aged 12 to 25 across Ireland. They believe in getting young people the support they need, when they need it. That's why Jigsaw also provide guidance to families, educators, and anyone who supports young people’s mental health, helping to create a supportive environment for all. Pictured above: The Grand Tour in aid of Jigsaw, visited the Jigsaw service in Navan.
Gerard Smith
Meath County Council Calls for Bounce
Back of ‘Great Irish Grasslands’
Meath County Council is calling on communities, businesses and individual landowners alike to celebrate and support their local grasslandhabitats.
The Council, through their Biodiversity Officer Ben Malone, is currently spearheading a number of projects backed by the Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF) to support the promotion of local grassland habitats, including reaching out to students and conducting ongoing trials utilizing more traditionalmethodsofmanagementto rejuvenate grasslands and Barn Owl populations.
The LBAF is operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to assist Local Authorities to carry out projects that target the objectives of Ireland’s 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) 2023 –2030.
Almost €11 million has been granted to Local Authorities through the LBAF since the scheme was established to assist, with Meath County Council receiving approximately€340,000since2018. Thisyear,theCouncilwasofferedan additional €100,000 for local biodiversityprojects.
Speaking about the grasslands in Meath and their importance to us all, Meath County Council Biodiversity Officer Ben Malone said “While tightly mown amenity grass lawns, playing
pitches and pastures for livestock play their own important roles in society, manicured and monoculture grasslandsarenomatchforsensitively managedandspeciesrichmeadows.”
”When one looks at grasslands through the lens of biodiversity and climate action. Grassland habitats can offerlocalwildlifeavitallifelineduring
the summer months when managed correctly. The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan has been immensely successful at broadcasting this important messageoverthepastdecade.”
“Grasslands or meadows with the highest biodiversity are called seminatural grasslands. They are hugely important reservoirs for wildlife,
supporting a diverse range of plant andanimalspecies.”
This was one of the key messages Benwasimpartingrecentlywhenover 90pupilsfromSt.Colmcille’sS.N.S.Co.
Educational School paid a visit to a meadow at the foot of Ireland’s only inland lighthouse, the Spire of Lloyd, ontheoutskirtsofKells.
Students learned about the benefits observed to soil health, the ability for grasslandstoabsorbmorecarbonand the increases in biodiversity, both above and below ground, when our grasslands are managed more sympathetically.
Since 2022, this small 14-acre field beneath the Spire of Lloyd has been part of an ongoing trial, supported by the NPWS, to find the most ecologically advantageous management strategy for local authority owned grassland. In addition, the trial also considers the multiple uses of the hill, including publicamenityandagriculture.
How Hybrid and Remote Working Is Affecting Our Social Development
Donna Farrell - Director Marsh Mackey
The shift toward hybrid and remote working has transformed the modern workplace, offering flexibility, reduced commuting, and improved work-life balance.
However, hybrid and remote working is also having a
profound impact on our social development, both positively and negatively.
On the positive side, remote work has encouraged greater independence and selfmotivation. Many employees have developed stronger time management and communication skills, particularly through digital platforms like Zoom, Slack, or Teams.
Virtual collaboration has also allowed for broader networking across geographies, enabling people to connect with colleagues and clients worldwide.
However, the downside is becoming more apparent. With fewer face to face
interactions, opportunities for informal learning, spontaneous brainstorming, and casual socialisation, like hallway chats or lunch breaks, have diminished. These moments, while often undervalued, are essential for building trust, empathy, and strong team dynamics.
For younger or newer employees, the lack of inperson mentorship and observation can hinder the development of soft skills and workplace confidence.
Remote environments can also risk increasing feelings of isolation, which may affect ones mental health and reduce a sense of belonging in a person.
Hybrid models offer a balance, but they require intentional planning to ensure in-office days are meaningful and inclusive. Organisations mustfostersocialengagement through regular check-ins, team-building activities, and opportunities for collaboration, both virtual and physical.
In conclusion, while remote and hybrid work bring flexibility and productivity, they challenge the organic social development traditionally shaped by the office environment.
Addressing this requires conscious effort to maintain human connection in a digital-first world.
The trial has been overseen by Meath County Council in partnership with a local farmer and has resulted in significant increases in grassland biodiversity.
Ireland’s beleaguered Barn Owl in particular stands to benefit from more traditional forms of meadow management.Semi-naturalgrasslands provide Barn Owl and other birds of prey with prey-rich foraging habitat. TheBarnOwlsuffereddrasticdeclines in Ireland between the late 1960s and late 2000s. This was largely driven by large scale land use changes and the intensification of farming practices in theruralcountryside.
However,asurveycommissionedby Meath County Council in 2023, again supported by NPWS, revealed the first tentative signs of a population increase in County Meath for the last 50 years. Continued monitoring of known sites in County Meath remains an important task to help local conservationists understand and forecast the fate of local Barn Owl. Meath
County Council’s Biodiversity Officer, Ben Malone, is working with the local Birdwatch Ireland Meath Branch to deliver training to those involved in Barn Owl conservation in Meath in order to continue building evidence to inform practical conservation measures for this endangeredspecies.
Opel Releases Details Of Powerful New Grandland Electric Awd 325hp
With its unique design, high level of comfort and numerous innovativesolutions,combined with petrol hybrid and fully electrified drivetrains, the Opel Grandland makes a clear statementasthebrand'stop-ofthe-line model. The new Opel Grandland Electric AWD Ultimate is available to order in Ireland from €51,495 inclusive ofSEAIgrant.
Theperformancedataspeaks for itself: the new Grandland Electric AWD offers a system output of 239kW (325hp). The new all-wheel drive system combines the standard 157kW (213hp) front-wheel drive electric motor known from the Grandland Electric with an additional 82kW (112hp) electric motor for the rear wheels. Thus, the Grandland Electric AWD achieves a maximumtorqueof509Nm.
The all-wheel drive vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.1 seconds. In the
Ultimate trim, the Grandland Electric AWD can travel up to 489km (WLTP) without a charging stop; further trim versions with a range of up to 501km (provisional value according to WLTP) will follow laterthisyear.
The Grandland Electric AWD needs less than 30 minutes to recharge its 73kWh lithium-ion NMC battery (usable capacity) from 20% to 80% at a public fast-charger.
The gripping electric allwheel drive pleasure is further enhanced by two components: the standard suspension with frequency selective damping technology and the choice of four driving modes to suit the requirements.
Depending on the situation, road surface conditions and driving style, the unique frequency selective damping technology enables different damping characteristics for comfortable gliding at high
frequencies, i.e. with short impacts such as on cobblestones, as well as for a sporty, ambitious driving style with more direct contact with theroadatlowfrequencies.
Four individual driving modes are offered. Normal Mode optimises daily efficiency, when only the front motor and wheels are prioritised; the maximum power is limited to 230kW (313hp) and maximum torque to 450Nm. Depending on the driver’s demands, the rear motor and wheels automaticallyengage.
In 4WD Mode, the two motors operate continuously, with power distributed evenly between all four wheels providing optimal grip, especially on slippery surfaces. The ESP and traction control systems adopt specific settings to enhance grip. Maximum powerandtorqueareavailable.
In Sport Mode, the two motors
operate continuously, with power distributed 60:40 between the front and rear axles for dynamic and efficient performance.Maximumpower andtorqueareavailable.
The interior of the all-wheel drive vehicle sports a feel-good ambience throughout. The driver and front passenger sit ontheIntelli-SeatsProswathed in Alcantara and certified by Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.
Alternatively, they can also choose front seats in nappa leather at no extra charge. The electricslidingpanoramicglass sunroof supports the airy feeling of space, even in the secondrow.
Andtogiveelectricmobilitya further boost, Opel is making it eveneasierandmoreattractive for customers. With an 8-year battery warranty, Opel Ireland also contributes towards a
wallbox home-charging solution, combined with discounted green electricity fromEnergia.
Plus, the unique Opel Take Charge offer is designed to give peace of mind that customers are making the right decision, offering an equivalent petrol hybrid vehicle after six months if the customer is not happy withemissions-freedriving.
New Car Sales Up 3.5% For The First Half Of The Year - SIMI
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) released their official 251 new vehicle registration statistics for June.
New car registrations for June were up 63.5 % (2,441) when compared to June 2024 (1,493). Registrations year to date are up 3.5% (81,750) on the same period last year
(78,979). Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) increased by 54.1% (1,054) compared to June last year (684). Year to date LCVs are down 6.7% (18,820).
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) registrations are up 3.2% (128) in comparison to June 2024 (124). Year to date,
HGVs are down 9.3% (1,649).
Imported Used Cars have seen a 10.6% (5,713) rise in June 2025, when compared to June 2024 (5,164). Year to date imports are up 8.1% (33,896) on 2024 (31,370).
In June 1,246 new electric cars were registered, which was 81.9% higher than the 685
registrations in June 2024. So far this year, 13,631 new electric cars have been registered, representing a 27% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when 10,737 electric cars were registered.
In the new car market share by engine type for 2025, Petrol cars continue as the new car
cycle. Values updated as of 7th February 2024, and indicated for comparative purposes. Important: the actual electric energy consumption values may be strongly different and may vary depending upon the conditions of use and on various factors such as: options, frequency of electric recharge per kilometres travelled, ambient temperature, driving style, speed, total weight, use of certain equipment (air conditioning, heating, radio, navigation, lights etc.), tyre types and conditions, road conditions, external climatic conditions, etc. Jeep® is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.
market leader at 27.23%, followed by Hybrid (Petrol Electric) at 22.77%, Diesel at 17.26%, Electric at 16.67%, and Plug-in Electric Hybrid at 14.46%.
Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, commented: “June was a positive month for new car registrations, with a 64% increase compared to the same month last year.”
“Year-to-date sales remain aheadoflastyearby3.5%,with a total of 81,750 new cars registered. The most notable statistic for the half of the year has been the performance of Battery electric vehicle sales, which have shown consistent growth each month. “
He went on to say “EV registrations in June increased by 82% in comparison with June last year, with 1,246 units sold, while year to date new EV registrations reached 13,631 a 27% increase on the first half of last year. EVs represent nearly 17% of new cars sold
this year. While this is clearly a positive development, it should be highlighted that EV sales are behind 2023 levels (14,307), and extension of Government supports is still vital in the establishment of the EV market.”
“The Commercial vehicle sector experienced mixed results, with the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) market up 54.1% in June and down 6.7% year to date. Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations are up 3.2% in June and down 9.3% year to date. Overall, commercial vehicle sales continued to reflect the uncertain business environment at present.”
Mr Cooke concluded by saying “July marks the commencement of the 252 sales period, along with the debut of the new green ‘flash’ on license registration plates for zero-emissionvehiclesandwe lookforwardtoseeingthenew EV plate on Irish roads.”
How I Became A Fashion Victim
Many years ago, my mother spent several patient weeks carefully sewing a bespoke outfit for the middle sister. This ensemble would later takes its place in the family fashion archives.
A collection of lovingly designed and meticulously crafted costumes which had been made at the kitchen table. Each one celebrating and preserving a specific cultural and historical memory of our family.
It would reside beside three First Communion dresses and later be joined by flower girl dresses, confirmation outfits, and debs dresses. The body of work continues to grow with the recent addition of the same sister's wedding dress. But back to our kitchen in the early 90's and a very differentbutnolessimportant life event was being commemorated in fabric. My sister had commissioned an
outfit in honour of attending her first music concert.
Theskirtandtopcombowas designed in tribute to the headline act, Kylie Minogue. It had all the sophistication and elegance you would expect from an 11 year old in rural Meath.
Smash Hits magazine was consulted to see what trends Kylie was currently leaning into. Her appearances on Top of the Pops were scrutinised as an opportunity to look over what Kylie liked her backing dancers to wear. Our lassie had learned all the moves, she was one dancers sprained ankle in rehearsal away from possibly saving the day.
In the end, after many evenings work shopping ideas and more than a few trips to Tully's in Drogheda the show stopping neon creation was finished. My sister looked and felt amazing. The whole adventure was more than the couple of hours lovely Kylie delighted all around her the RDS.
It was the poring over patterns with my mother, running clammy excited little hands over bolts of material in the shop and more than a few artistic differences among the design team. But emotions run high when things are really important. Which is
why i am feeling incredibly short changed at the minute.
The youngest Burke is off to Lana Del Rey, without as muchasabyeorleaveorwhat do you think of this mam.
Lana del Rey, the poster girl for cowboy cool mixed with an air of fatal nihilism and insouciance. I mean does my young one not know me at all?
My whole life has been leading up to this styling opportunity. I'll bless my face it I even get a twirl out of her. To add further insult, I’m not actually being allowed into the concert. In a patronising manner better employed for telling a 2 year old child why they can’t touch the fire, it was patiently explained to me, my ticket was being now given to a friend of hers. It was my own fault, I didn’t know all the words to Lana’s songs.
At least my dad got to actually see Kylie with my sister. I'll be waiting outside the gates of the Aviva like a loser.
The sisterhood never warned me about the consequences of raising a strong independent young woman and that's on me. But will my sacrifice and personal anguish be noted by this child?
In the words of Kylie, I should be so lucky.
Minimum Marketing Activities In 2025
MynameisHelenLeddy, MD ofBackOfficeMarketing,.
This month I want to talk to you about the marketing activities you should be doing as a minimum in 2025. In today’s ultra-competitive marketplace, having a great productorserviceisn’tenough, you need a marketing strategy that cuts through the noise, buildstrust,anddrivesaction. Whether you’re a startup or an established brand, the core principles of effective marketing remain the same. Here are the top five things every company must do to successfully market their business.
1. Know Your Audience Inside and Out: The foundation of any great marketing strategy is understanding your target
audience. Who are your ideal customers?Whataretheirpain points, goals, and behaviours? Howareyougoingtomarketto them?
2. BuildaStrong,Consistent Brand: Your brand is more than your logo, it's your voice, your values, and the promise you make to your customers. Consistency builds recognition and trust over time. This includes a good user friendly website that is optimised for mobile.
3. A good social media presence: Your customers are online, and your marketing should be too. From social mediatosearchengines,digital platforms offer powerful tools to reach and engage your audience.
Have a presence on at least once social media channel,
whether its LinkedIn, Facebook,orTiktok.
4. CreateValuewithContent People don’t want to be sold to, they want to be helped. Highquality content positions your company as an authority and builds trust over time. Share tips,adayinthelife,goodnews stories, and anything that your audiencewillrelateto.
5. Measure What Matters: Marketingisn’taone-and-done effort. To be effective, you need to track performance and continuously refine your strategy. You should know how well your website is preforming, what pages your visitors are spending time on, where they are coming from etc.
Marketing success doesn’t come from doing one thing right, it’s the result of doing many things well, consistently. By understanding your audience, building a strong brand, embracing digital tools, delivering valuable content, and tracking performance, your company will be wellpositionedtogrowandthrive. Whether you're just getting startedorlookingtorefineyour strategy, these five essentials willkeepyourmarketingefforts focused, effective, and futureready. If you need help finding setting up any of these practices, please contact me on info@backofficems.ie
Drew Elected As New Cathaoirleacht Of Kells Municipal District
Fianna Fail Councillor Sean Drew has been elected as the new Cathaoirleacht of the Kells Municiple District. He takes over from the outgoing Cathaoirleacht Sarah Reilly of FineGael.
Cllr. Drew, a fomer Cathaoirleacht of Meath County Council (2021), was theChairofKellsTownCouncil (2003) and previously served as Cathaoirleacht of the Kells MunicipalDistrict(2019).
Following his election as Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Drew outlined his priorities for the year in the district.
Housing: Cllr Drew commented “It is critical that the delivery of housing, both social, affordable and private developments continues locally.”
He highlighted two recent housing schemes that Meath
Co Co & the Department of Housing have been instrumental in their development and delivery. The Age Friendly scheme of 28 houses in Yellow Ford, Athboy and the 50 social homes in Colmcille Court Gardenrath, Kells currently being allocated by the Council in conjunction withCluidHousing.
Cllr Drew highlighted that over recent years the number of local older persons (single, separated and elderly couples) on the housing list has increased substantially. It is heartbreaking listening to the worries and fear of future homelessness of these local housing applicants and seeing first hand the negative impact the planning delays are having onindividualslives.
Cllr. Drew also stated that in the year ahead he will continue
New Cathaoirleacht Of Kells Municipal District, Cllr Sean Drew, receives his chain of office from outgoing CathaoirleachCllrSarahReilly.
to encourage the Council to incorporate Affordable Housing Schemes in their plans for the Kells MD and he will support the continued delivery of one-off rural housinginNorthMeath.
Community Amenities & Facilities: “Public Realm Plans for Kells, Athboy, Oldcastle and Drumconrath are at various stages of drafting, funding and implementation. Together with my fellow Kells MD Councillors we will be seeking the early progression of a numberofprojectsunderthese plans.”CllrDrewsaid.
He continued “I am also looking forward with anticipation the publication of the draft Amenity Plan for the public lands at Loyd in Kells. A number of proposals have been put forward by myself and my fellow Kells MD
Councillors to be included on the draft plan including additional access points to the lands closer to the town, site for a community centre, community playing pitches.
Traffic Calming & Road
Safety: “As Municipal District councillors we will continue to work with Meath Co Co Transportation Department to deliver traffic calming measures in built up urban areas to increase pedestrian safety.”
“Renewed efforts will be made to get the support of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to implement measures to slow down traffic on the National Secondary Roads going through the Kells MD, specifically the N51 Rathmore & Athboy and N52 Calliaghstown & Carlanstown,” CllrDrewconcluded.
Sinead Burke
Council Homes Have Been Empty Longer Than 12 Months - Guirke
Sinn Féin TD for Meath West
Johnny Guirke has slammed the government for failing to resource local authorities and allowing public homes to lie empty in the middle of a housingemergency.
Deputy Guirke said “There is nothingmoreinsultingtothose impacted by the Housing Emergency than the sight of a perfectly good home left empty.”
“Each of these homes should have a family living in them, children growing up in those four walls. Instead, these homes are empty, and children aregrowingupinhotels.Thatis beyondscandalous.”
“I am sick and tired of the government’s excuses and broken promises. They try to blame everyone but themselves. The reality is that this is an issue in all local authorities and in far too many communities because of their
failings. They do not provide enough funding to maintain homesandtheydonotprovide enough funding to return them touse.”
“Families in Meath are crying out for homes while perfectly good homes have been left to rot. We know that these cause dumping and anti-social behaviour. They stigmatise decent communities and for people in Meath they are a constant reminder of the government’sfailures.”
“Meath County Council should be funded to do their job. Instead, red-tape and bureaucracy coupled with underfunding leave homes emptyforyearsinMeath.
DeputyGuirkewentontosay
“I recently visited a local authority house that has been vacantforayear.”
“These empty homes are a constant reminder of the failures of Fianna Fáil and Fine
It is disgusting that there are adults stuck living in their parent’s back bedroom while the house next door is boarded up and empty
Gael. If they cared about our communities, about families and about children growing up in hotels, these homes would not be empty for years on end. They should be moving heaven andearthtoensurefamiliesare makingmemoriesinthesefour walls.”
“It is disgusting that there are adults stuck living in their parent’s back bedroom while the house next door is boarded up and empty, that there are young people boarding planes to start lives in Australia when they could be starting lives in
these empty homes and that there are children walking home from school today past emptyhomestothehotelroom they share with their entire family.”
“I can guarantee that a Sinn Féin government would not stop until long term vacancy in Council homes had been ended. We would cut the red tape and end the bureaucracy. We would do everything to ensure that nobody watches homes rot while they cannot access secure accommodation” he concluded.
Púca Festival Announces Spectacular 2025 Return, Inviting Visitors to Connect with Halloween's Ancient Roots in Co. Meath
This Halloween, folklore enthusiasts and festivalgoers can look forward to the highly anticipated return of the Púca Festival to Co. Meath. Developed by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Meath County Council, Púca celebrates Ireland as the birthplace of Halloween with an authentic, immersive, and otherworldlyfestival.
Vibrant, fun, and contemporary in feel but strongly rooted in tradition, Púca will take place in festival hubs Trim and Athboy in County Meath, from Thursday 30th October to Sunday 2nd November2025.
This year’s theme, Connecting with Our Roots, draws on the physical and emotional ties to the land and our ancestral past that brings together generations, from the future to the past, during Samhain as the curtain falls on Summer and the harvest season draws to a close. As the veil thins between the living and the dead, the shapeshifting Púca comes alive in Ireland’s Ancient East, and we return to our roots: ancestral,
cultural, and spiritual.
Unveiled at the Púca Festival national launch in Dubh Linn Gardens, this year’s theme is embodied in a striking new character, a living tribute to disguiseinnature.
Designed by Irish artist Stephanie Z Johnson, the handcrafted costume is made from locally sourced, sustainable materials including Irish wool, recycled yarn and natural dyes. ‘Roots’ honours our bond with the land while reflecting Púca Festival’s commitment to creativity and sustainability.
Working in partnership with Irish artists, seanchaí storytellers, and the local community the Púca Festival will showcase the best in contemporary Irish music, spectacle, and performance over four days and nights in Ireland’s Ancient East, breathinglifeintooldtraditions andforgingnewconnectionsto our roots through performance,craftandculture.
The Púca Festival tells the origin story of Samhain or ‘Summer’s End’. In Irish and CeltictraditionsSamhainisthe
end of the harvest season, when all the crops have been picked and stored for the ‘New Year’.
This was historically a time of celebration, involving lighting fires, feasting on the crops of the harvest, music, gathering, and storytelling. A familiar character in Ireland's narrative of Halloween, Púca (pronounced poo-kuh) is a shape-shifting character from
Celtic folklore that comes alive atancientnewyeartoroamthe night and change the fortunes ofthosethatcrossit.
The Púca Festival was devised to encourage more international visitors to visit Ireland during October and November, and to encourage domestic visitors to explore different regions of Ireland, outside of the traditional tourismhotspots.
Kieran Kehoe, Meath County Council, Chief Executive added: “Meath County Council is delighted to be working closelywithFáilteIrelandagain on the internationally renowned Púca Festival. As the global birthplace of Halloween, County Meath holds a special place in the story of Samhain, and this festival is a powerful way to honour and celebrate thatheritage.”
“It’s a unique opportunity to showcase our county’s rich folklore, creativity, and community spirit. We look forward to welcoming visitors to experience the magic of Púca and the origins of Halloween in Meath with a varied programme of events and experiences, through the lenses of mythology, music, food,andfolklore.”
Martin Nolan, Púca Festival Director and Founder of MPI Artists said: “Every year, we see how deeply the Púca Festival resonates with people, not just for its spectacle, but for the sense of meaning it brings and the connection to our ancestors..”
”This year's theme speaks to the emotional pull of Samhain, the stories we’ve inherited, and the land beneath our feet. It’s exciting to bring this to life through music, storytelling, design and performance with a programme that honours tradition and embraces the new.”
“This is our most ambitious year yet and we can’t wait to welcome audiences back to TrimandAthboy.”
Deputy Guirke standing outside an empty local authority house.
