The Meath Herald March 2024

Positive Tourism News For

CLLR SEAN DREW has welcomed some really positive tourism news for Kells, for bothlocalsandvisitorsalike.

Taking effect from 15th March 2024 through to 27th September 2024, every Friday (Excluding Good Friday 29th March), guided tours of the SpireofLoydwillbeavailable.

Following investment of funding and resources by Meath Co Co and Boyne Valley Tourism, guided tours will commence of the Heritage Site of The Spire of Loyd. Ireland`s only Inland Lighthouse with a 164 narrow step spiral staircase, the Spire is located on a highly significant archaeological site at Loyd, Kells, Therearemagnificentviewsof the surrounding counties

from the viewing point at the topoftheSpire.

CllrDrewsaid“Iampersonally delighted with the introduction of these guided tours.

I have worked for a number of years with Meath Co Co officials, including the local Engineer, Conservation Officer,

Area Manager, Tourism OfficerandfellowCouncillors, to see this tourism initiative delivered.”

“I have long felt that the Spire has been an underutilisedtourismresourceforKells and the surrounding area. Hopefully if these new guided

tours prove to be a success, theycanbeexpandeduponin thefuture”heconcluded.

For further details of the tours including booking informationcanbefoundonhttps://www.discoverboynevalley.ie/spire-lloyd-guidedtours-2024

TheSpireOfLoyd. PiccourtesyofKelticPhotography

Urgent need to progress new school building works at Lismullen National School raised in Dáil

SINN FÉIN TD for Meath East, Darren O'Rourke, says Lismullen National School is wholly inadequate accommodation for a primary school in 2024 and works on a longawaited new school building must be progressed urgently.

Deputy O'Rourke made the comments during a Dáil Topical Issue debate onthematterrecently.

Speaking afterwards, Teachta O'Rourke said "Lismullen National School is now 17 years waiting for a new school building. The current accommodation, inside and outside, is not fit for purpose. Children, staff, parents, the whole school community are being failedasaresult.”

"I welcomed the opportunity to raise this matter

Bennetts,servicing Meath,Cavanand surroundingcounties fromKellssince1958.

MaudlinStreet,Kells,

intheDáilthisweekandto outline the exceptional and urgent need for progress with new school building works. I outlined how the physical building is old and cold, that staff and pupils regularly have towearhatsandcoatsduringtheday,thatheatislost through paper-thin walls, and that energy bills are exorbitant.”

He continued "Similarly, Ioutlinedhowthephysical space means the PE cur-

riculum is curtailed, with no gymnastics or dance strand. They have no assembly hall, so they cannot gather as a school community for school assemblies, for school plays, or for PE indoors, for example.Thesearethingswe take for granted, because we should be able to take them for granted. Not in Lismullen.”

"I also highlighted how weaknesses in the school power supply means children are denied access to theusualICTteachingand learningexperience.Space is a constraint here too.” "Likewise, due to constraints of space, children with additional needs can't access movement breaks, sensory gardens, andothersupportsthatwe come to expect in the modern school setting.

"It's wrong. It's as simple asthat.”

"Minister Josepha Madigan, in her response outlinedthelongplanning history at the school. She said the school building project is a priority and that it will be progressed anddelivered.”

“This is important and welcome. She stopped short, however, of giving a cleardatefortheissuingof a Letter of Intent and the commencement of works. Thisisverydisappointing.”

Deputy O’Rourke concluded by saying "It is essential that she and Senior Minister, Norma Foley, treat this application with the urgency that it demands.”

"This is the least that the wonderful school community at Lismullen NationalSchooldeserves."

McKee Seeks Bus Shelter For Duleek

LOCAL CATHAOIRLEACH & Fianna Fáil Councillor for the Laytown-Bettystown Municipal District, Stephen McKee, is calling for bus shelters urgently for Duleek.

McKee stated “I raised the issue of the need for more bus shelters in East Meath at our last Council meeting,andinfact,thisis an issue that I have lobbying both the National Transport Authority and Meath County Council on foraperiodoftimenow.”

He continued “Duleek, inparticular,badlyneedsa bus shelter and I have asked that bus shelters be put in place at Duleek Courthouse and on Lower MainStreet.”

“With the rapid expansion of the Meath East commuter belt, residents need to be able to access high quality public trans-

“Duleek In Particular Badly Needs A Bus Shelter.”

port. We need to improve all transport and public services including basic infrastructure such as bus shelters.”

“Therehavebeenanumber installed recently

across East Meath which I have lobbied for and supported.”

“The reality is however that we need more and I will continue working on theinclusionofmorelocations, including in Duleek, as part of the rollout programme’ concluded McKee.

MEATH COUNTY COUNCIL PRIDE OF PLACE 2024

Meath County Council 2024 Pride of Place competition is now open. Applications are invited from Community Groups, Tidy Towns / Village Committees, Residents Associations and other voluntary groups. The 2024 competition includes the following categories:

� Housing Estate Small

� Housing Estate Medium

� Housing Estate Large

• Housing Estate Extra Large

� Apartment Complex

� Youth Project

� Community Wellbeing

� Green Community

� Best Bee & Wildlife Friendly Garden

� Village/ Townland <500

� Small Town 500 - 1500

� Large Town 1501 - 4000

� Extra Large Town >4000

� Residential Streetscape

� Heritage

� Community Group

� Volunteer of the Year

� Green Kilometer

� Community Age Friendly

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm FRIDAY 31 MAY 2024

Application forms and further details are available from the Community Department, Meath County Council, Buvinda House, Dublin Road, Navan, Co Meath, C15 Y291 or by e-mail prideofplace@meathcoco.ie or online https://www.meath.ie/council/council-services/ community/community-grants-and-initiatives/pride-of-place

KELLS STUDENT

GráinneOwenswasoneof just 24 teenagers from all over the island of Ireland to be presented with a Rotary Youth Leadership Development certificate at the European Parliament’s officesinDublinrecently.

The competition, which is one of Rotary Ireland’s longest running youth projects, rewards young people with clear leadership potential based on their extra-curricular activities. It is run in conjunction with the European Parliament LiaisonOfficeinDublin.

Gráinne, who is a student at Eureka Secondary School Kells, received her certificate from Rotary Ireland District Governor Kenny Fisher and Patrick O’Riordan, Head of Public Affairs at the European Parliament’s office in Ireland.

The itinerary for the students’ week-long all ex-

penses paid trip included visits to Belfast, Dublin, andStrasbourg.

Gráinne, who enjoys playing football, horse riding and playing the guitar also sings in her school choir. Before the trip, the TY student, who was representing Navan Rotary Club, said she hoped to pick up interviews skills and learn more about the European Parliament and Rotary.

“From the trip I gained a greater understanding of myownleadershipskillsin the context of my interests and youth work to date. I also gained invaluable experience about the interviewing process. The highlight of the trip for me was meeting so many new people. I have made friends for life and would recommend this trip to othergirlsinschool.Itwas class!”

Cllr Stephen McKee is looking for a bus shelter at the Courthouse, Duleek

North Meath Families End Up Dancing After OurKidsCode Family Coding Club Taster

SEVEN FAMILIES from NorthCountyMeathcame together to enjoy an afternoon of fun and games making their own dance mats.

The OurKidsCode taster session in Ballincaree CommunityCentreonSaturday, February 17 was an introduction to the OurKidsCode Initiative, fundedbytheDepartment of Rural and Community Development and supported by Meath County Council.

Thedevelopmentoflocal family coding clubs is part of Science Foundation Ireland funded research being carried out by the School of Computer ScienceandStatisticsinTrinityCollegeDublin.

Research has shown that children engage more in activities that are shared with their parents. The Clubs are made up of

around six families, parents and children of nationalschoolage. Unlikeothermoreestablished coding programmes, OurKidsCode is not purely computer based but takes the programming languages and applies them to physical microcomputers like the Makey Makey or Microbits. Because the clubs are

working with physical materialsratherthanjustwith code it widens the age bracket for children being able to take part with younger or less technical children able to take part in the physical design and making while older childreninitiallydothecoding but gradually hand over this responsibility to their otherfamilymembers.

The Emporium

As it is families and children working together it breaksdowntheagebarriersbetweenfamiliesaseveryoneistakingpartcreating a more inclusive environment.

Children help other children and it provides a valuable social outlet for parents to meet and develop the projects together.Thefamilyenviron-

ment also means that disadvantaged children are bettercateredfor.

The OurKidsCode Clubs aim to inspire the next generation of problem solvers, creators, and developers by encouraging them to explore technologyfearlessly.

They encourage creativity and have explored a wide array of fun projects,

ranging from robotics to addressing environmental challengeswithmicrobits, igniting curiosity and fuellingimagination.

More clubs are being developed across Meath’s Broadband Connection Point network in collaboration with Meath County Council.

Withclubsalreadyestablished in Bective, and a newoneforminginDrumree more family clubs are planned with taster sessions being organised in Kilskyre Community Activity Centre, Rathkenny Hall with more sites to be addedinMarchandApril.

Anyone interested in finding out more or taking part in one of the taster sessions should contact Meath County Council’s Broadband Officer, by sending an email to broadband@meathcoco. ie.

Weddings and other Special Occasions catered for.

Mother of the Bride and Groom.

We have a fantastic range of dresses and matching fascinators for all occasions.

Drogheda Credit Union announces partnership with Droichead Arts Centre

Drogheda Credit Union are delighted to announce their partnership with Droichead Arts Centre, which will see the Credit Union support and partake in events and activities with Droichead throughouttheyear.

Ahead of the St Patrick’s Day festival, Droichead Arts Centre are busy workingbehindthesceneswith St Marys National School, Gaelscoil An Bhradáin Fheasa, the Special Olympics Drogheda, Droichead Youth Theatre and Drogheda Men’s Shed to create a celebratory display for the event next month,whichissupported by Drogheda Credit Union.

Both organisations, embedded in Drogheda, are looking forward to developing ideas and creating ways to introduce the arts throughtheCreditUnion’s Money Club programme, and providing wider ac-

cess to the arts throughout thecommunity.

Speaking on the partnership, Drogheda Credit Union CEO Tom Kiely said “Drogheda Credit Union’s community-based focus is very closely aligned with theDroicheadArtsCentre.

We are delighted to supportthischerishedorgani-

sation and work with Droichead over the comingyear”

Collette Farrell, Director, DroicheadArtsCente,said “We know the difference the arts can make to people’s lives. That’s why we want to extend experiences of the arts to as many people as possible

within our communities. We want the arts in Droichead to be of, by and for the people of Drogheda, EastMeathandLouth.Our partnership with Drogheda Credit Union will enable us to make this happen and imagine and develop new ways for participation”.

New Parkrun Added To Laytown Beach

PARKRUN IRELAND in partnership with Vhi, added a new Parkrun at Laytown Beach, Co. Meath,onSaturday,2ndof March.

Parkruns take place over a 5km course weekly, are

free to enter and are open to all ages and abilities, providing a fun and safe environment to enjoy exercise.

To register for a Parkrun near you visit www. parkrun.ie.

“Digital Clubhouse” for Kiltale Hurling and Camogie Club

KILTALE HURL-

ING AND CAMOGIE CLUB have recently entered into an exciting partnership with ClubSpot, a sportstech company from Cavan, allowing them to provide players and supporters with a “Digital ClubHouse'' in the palm of their hand through their new mobileclubapp.

The move exhibits the ambition and creativity of the club in revolutionising their club management and member engagement, something that will surely be replicated by other clubs across the county.

The new Kiltale Hurling andCamogieClubcustom mobileappofferssupporters a one-stop-shop for all things related to the club, and is free to download on both Apple and Google

app stores. It allows club players, supporters and administrators to benefit from features such as efficient membership management, event announcements, online fundraising, and a GDPR compliant messaging system, full club communicationstonamejustafew.

In addition, the club has been provided with an allin-one club management platform which delivers

immense value to club administrators by reducing their workload and allowing them to stay organised.

Commenting on the partnership, ClubSpot founder JohnHylandsaid “We’re delighted to see Kiltale Hurling and Camogie Club showinginitiativein partnering with ClubSpot. Our mission is to help clubs to grow and thrive, we’re looking forward to witnessing the club do just that with the help of our complete club management platform and their newcustomclubapp”.

If your club is interested in partnering with ClubSpot, or further discoveringhowtheycanhelpyour club to grow and thrive, visit the ClubSpot website at www.clubspot.app, or emailsales@clubspot.app.

The Talbot Group are leading providers of adult and children’s intellectual disability services in North County Dublin, Meath, Louth, Cavan, Kildare and Wicklow. We are excited to announce we are opening a new residential service in Trim, and require the following staff to join our team.

Person in Charge

Senior Social Care Workers

Social Care Workers

Direct Support Workers

If you would like to work with the Talbot Group and make a difference to the lives of our residents, please come along to our Walk-in Interview Day

Venue: Trim Castle Hotel, Castle Street, Trim, Co. Meath

Date: Wednesday 13th March, 2024

Time: Any time between 9.30am and 4pm

Please bring an up to date CV with you.

Email: elainehr@talbotgroup.ie for further details.

Corr Calls for Establishment of Dog Park in Kells

CORMACCORR, anindependent candidate in the upcoming local elections, iscallingforthecreationof a dedicated dog park in Kells. With a passion for community engagement and animal welfare, Corr believesthatestablishinga designated space for dogs to exercise and socialize will not only enhance the quality of life for local pets but also strengthen the sense of community in Kells.

The proposal comes as a response to the growing need for safe and accessible areas where dogs can roam off-leash under the

supervision of their owners. A dog park would provide an opportunity for pets to enjoy freedom and exerciseinacontrolledenvironment, promoting their physical and mental well-being.

Corr emphasizes the positive impact that a dog park can have on both residentsandtheirfurrycompanions.

Corrstated"Adogparkis not just about providing a space for dogs to play; it's about fostering a stronger sense of community.” "By bringing dog owners together in a shared space, we can build connections, promote responsible pet ownership, and create a

morevibrantandinclusive communityinKells."

Corr concluded by saying “After conducting some research, it appears plausiblethatwecoulddeliver this dog park early in thenextcounciltermatan affordablepricepoint”.

Inadditiontoadvocating for the establishment of a dog park, Corr is committedtosolicitinginputfrom local residents and stakeholders to ensure that the park meets the needs and preferences of the community. If elected next June,Corraimstoturnthis vision into a reality for the benefit of all Kells residents and their four-legged friends.

0833843971

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90GORTFIONNBARRA,COMMONSROAD,

Award Winning Family Owned Supermarket Caters To Your Every Household Need

Drivenbyadesireto servetheirlocal community,Arthurand MaryEllisstartedoutwith asmallshoplocatedon BroadRoad,Arvagh,Co. Cavanin1889. Itwasthis shopthatservedasthe foundationstoneofthe businessweknowtoday.

MichaelEllisexpanded thebusinessin1934,and inthe1940’s,hewas joinedbyhissonswhen theycontinuedtobuild successfulretailand wholesalebusinesses.

Inthewholesalesideof thebusinessdeliveriesare madetolocalgrocersand smallshopstoensurethey cancontinuewiththe valuableservicethey providecustomers,andin theretailsideofthe business,theneedsof theircustomersarewell lookedafter.

In1974thename changedtoGerryEllis& Sonsandmorerecently, aspartoftheirbrandand marketingstrategy,they becameknownasFresh Today.

Thebusinessisstill ownedandproudlyledby theEllisfamilywhoare passionateabout preservingtheoriginal valuesofArthurandMary.

Ahardworkingandloyal teamofemployeesarethe

buildingblocksonwhich thebusinessissupported byandFreshTodayuse reputablelocalproviders tostocktheirshelvesas wellasimportingfrom selectedcountries whenevernecessary.

FreshTodayarefirstto themarketseverydayto getthefirstandbest choiceinfreshfruitand vegetables.

Fresh,qualityfruitand vegisattheheartofFresh Today.It’swhathasbuilt theirreputationonand onetheyareproudto delivereveryday.

FreshTodaydeliver uniqueshopping experienceswithchoice, valueandopportunitiesto savemoney.

Therearemanyreasons toshopwithFreshToday andtheseincludean incredibleselectionof foodandspecialoffers, carefreeandsafe shoppingexperience,top brandsatlowpricesas wellasunmatched customercare.

Withouttheexpansion intothediscountandbulk householdgoodsbyFresh Today,theoriginalfruit& vegstoreswouldnotbe abletosurviveduetothe belowcostsellingpower thelargersupermarkets areabletooffer.

FreshTodayhasthree storesincountyMeath andthesearelocatedin Trim,Oldcastleand Athboy. Theyalsohave storesinRoscommon, Longford,Ballymahon,

Edgeworthstown,Carrickon-Shannon,Mullingar, Virginia,Arvagh, Ballyjamesduff, Ballinamore,Coolaney, CavanandGranard.They arenowoneofthelast

familyownedIrish supermarketsinthe countryanditistheir hopetocontinue expandingthesestores whilehopingtocompete withthelargediscounters

andsupermarkets. They lookforwardto welcomingtheir customersintotheir Meathstoresandto offeringthebestshopping experiencetothem.

Rice Krispies 510g

Twin Pack Fanta 2 Litre

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Meath Sinn Féin Selects Candidate Peter Caffrey to Stand in the 2024 Local Elections

SINN FÉIN TD Johnny

Guirke has expressed his delight with the selection of Peter Caffrey from Oldcastle to stand in the upcoming local elections in the Kells Local Electoral Area(LEA).

Speaking after Peter was selected by the party membership, the Meath TD announced that his partyisfieldingcandidates with strong community ties and a commitment to addressinglocalconcerns.

TeachtaGuirkestated"In the upcoming local council elections, we are proud to nominate Peter Caffrey as our representative for the Kells LEA. Our party is committed to offering a dedicated and experienced slate of candidates for election to Meath County Council.

"We are witnessing an unprecedented level of enthusiasm and support for Sinn Féin's vision for change throughout

County Meath. Our decision to stand candidates like Peter is a direct responsetothecommunity's desire for a new direction and effective representation.”

"Peterscampaignwillfocus on delivering tangible improvements in housing, community facilities, amenities, and local infrastructure. The dominance

of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael must be challenged, as their tenure has not adequately addressed the needs of our constituents.

The local elections representachancetocommence the journey towards meaningfulchange.”

"SinnFéinisconfidentin the experience and diversity of our candidates, and I am eager to support

my colleagues, both in the councilsandintheDáil,as we tackle critical issues suchasthehighcostofliving,thehousingcrisis,and the need for improvements in our health system.”

He finished by saying "I am certain that the selectionofPeterCaffreywould make a substantial impact on Meath County Council and offer significant benefits to the people we represent.” "Sinn Féin is committed to driving real change throughout County Meath and across Ireland. We are working tirelessly for a new and United Ireland – to build a nation that is better, stronger,andfairerforall.”

Peter stated “I am looking forward to hitting the campaign trail over the next few months and I hope to win a seat in the local elections to be a Strong voice for North Meath.”

Smith’s SuperValu Navan Named Among Top 10 SuperValu Stores in Ireland

SMITH’SSUPERVALU,NAVAN wasannouncedasa finalistintherunningforthehighlycovetedand recognised‘SuperValuStoreoftheYear2024’title, makingthestoreoneofthetop10SuperValustoresin Ireland.

Thestoreshadtheirachievementsrecognisedatthe SuperValuNationalConference,whichwasheldinthe GreatSouthernHotel,Killarney,wheretheywere presentedwiththeirfinalistawardbyIanAllen, SuperValuManagingDirectorandSuperValuSales Director,DanCurtin.

SuperValuManagingDirector,IanAllen,recognised theeffortsmadebytheNavanstore:“Beingrecognised asafinalistintheSuperValuStoreoftheYearAwardsis atestamenttothehardworkandcommitmenttoretail standardsshownbySmith’sSuperValuNavan throughouttheyear.Theirfocusonproductrangeand quality,customerserviceandsustainabilitywas evidentthroughoutthestore.Congratulationstothe teamatSuperValuNavanonthisfantastic achievement.”

Johnny Guirke TD with Peter Caffrey who has been selected to stand in the upcoming local elections for the Kells LEA

St. Sechnall of Dunshaughlin

was founder and patron saint of the monastery of Domnach Sechnaill, now Dunshaughlin. Certainly associated with St Patrick and one of the first bishops of Armagh, questions remain as to his mission. Was Secundinus a forerunner of Patrick and were some or all of the stories of Patrick based on the work of Secundinus?

James Carney suggests that it was Secundinus who arrived in 432 and not Patrick, calling him ‘a lost Apostle of Ireland’ and ‘the first bishop of the Irish believing in Christ.’ Carney suggests that Secundinus reached Ireland before Patrick and that much

ofhisactivityhasbeenattributed to St. Patrick. He also stated that a chief piece of evidenceisthatSecundinus’s name appears first on the earliest lists of the bishops of Armagh.

According to traditional sources St. Secundinus was a bishop and confessor. Secundinus is a Roman family name derived from the praenomen, Secundus, which meant "second" in Latin and perhaps he came after Patrick. The traditional story is that he was born about 372 or 373, the son of Restitutus, a Lomard from Northern Italy, and Liamain, sister of St. Patrick. Secundinus was one of nine brothers, eight of whom becamebishopsinIreland,perhaps these were brothers in Christ rather than actual brothers.

His early life and training is obscure, but he appears to havestudiedinGaul,andwas said to have accompanied St. PatricktoIrelandin432orarrived soon afterwards.

Patrickappointedhimasfirst Bishop of Dunshaughlin in 433. Secundinusfoundedthe

church at Dunshaughlin whichbearsaGaelicisedversion of his name – Domnach Seachlainn. Domnach is derived from the Latin ‘dominicum’ meaning ‘the Lord’s place’.Secundinuswasassistant Bishop of Armagh from 434untilhisdeath.

A hymn in praise of St. Patrick is attributed to Secundinus,theearliestLatin poemintheIrishChurchand the earliest surviving presentation of St. Patrick. It consistsoftwenty-threestanzas in the same metre as employed by St. Hilary. The hymn, ‘Audite omnes’, is an abecedarian hymn, consecutive letters of the alphabet beginning each stanza. Each stanza consists of four lines in the most popular Roman metre.

The hymn would appear to be partly based on the Confessio.[i] Secundinus asked some reward for the hymn and Patrick promises salvation for the followers of Secundinus, sanctification of his house and salvation for any Irishman who recites even the last three words of the hymn just before his

death. In the hymn SecundinuspromotesPatrick asthegreatersaint.

Secundinus became Sechnall in Irish and this gave the personal name Máel Sechnaill, the devotee of Sechnaill, which was a favoured name of the kings of Midhe before the arrival of the Normans.

Thenamewasbornebytwo high kings, Máel Sechnaill mac Máel Ruanaid, who died in 862 and his descendant, Máel Sechlainn Mór mac Domnaill,whodiedin1022.

Máel Sechnaill became the English name, Malachy, which was one of the commonest names in the later middle ages and was greatly favoured by the O Flanagans and the O Kellys. This high

status tribute is an indication ofadevotedcongregation.

David N. Dumville proposes the following stages of development: Secundinus > Sechundinus>SechundŅnəs > SechundŅn > Sechndən > Sechnən and finally by the 8/9thcentury,>Sechnəl.

Ifcorrect,thispatternlends further credence to a 5thcentury origin of the saint. Auxilius and Isernius do not seem to have left a personal name behind them. The name, Secundinus, seems to havecontinuedtobeusedfor the church in Dunshaughlin as in the grant of a chantry to the church on a patent roll from1467thewordsusedare “in the church of St Secundinus the Bishop, of Dunshaughlin.” Domnach is

derived from the Latin word dominicum meaning “the Lord’s place”. This word went outofuseaftertheyear500.

Secundinus made an impact in Meath, his legacy lived on after him, but today as Fr. Ryan wrote: St. Patrick holds “his unique position as the missionary who converted Ireland to the Christian faith. There is no other with even the faintest claim to the title“ApostleofIreland.” Carney suggested that Secindinus was the old St. Patrick in the two Patrick’s theory. Secundinus may have been in Ireland before St. Patrick and introduced Christianity to certain areas but it is Patrick who became the cultural icon of Ireland’s ancientfaithinChristianity.

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Noel French Local Historian

ALL THINGS APPRENTICESHIP AT THE APPRENTICESHIP EXPO 2024

ON THURSDAY 29TH

FEBRUARY, Leap Year

Day, the 2024 Apprenticeship Expo was officially launched in the Knightsbrook Hotel. This event continues to grow from strength-to-strength year on year from its inception in2019. Over2000candidates have already registered to attend the event on the 21st of March inKnightsbrookhotel.

The Apprenticeship expo 2024 takes place in the Knightsbrook Hotel from 9.30am to 4pm on the 21st of March. It serves as an opportunity for not only employers to attract new apprenticeships but for students, parents and any-

one looking to upskill to explore their options. On the 1st March. there were 27281 apprentices nationally undertaking over 72 apprenticeships. This All-Ireland event is spearheaded by County Meath Chamber in partnership with Meath County Council, the Regional Skills and Training Centre, LMETB, SOLAS, National Apprenticeship Office, ETB's across Ireland, INTREO and various other stakeholders and over 60 companies as well as 30 educational providersfromtheregion Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr. Tommy Reilly said ‘As

Cathaoirleach, I fully endorse and welcome this year’s Apprenticeship Expo. This is a perfect ex-

ample of partnership in action. The Expo provides a wonderful opportunity for training and educa-

tionalproviderstoconnect with potential apprentices inthisregion’.

Andrew Magee from the Regional Skills and Training Centre said ‘LMETB areonceagaindelightedto work in partnership with Meath Chamber to support the 5th Apprenticeship Expo, the perfect opportunitiestoadvertisethe different options that are available and informs the next generation about the wide array of apprenticeshipprogramsavailable.”

“We can show how those age-oldprogramscansstill provide a worthwhile and rewarding career for people. Apprenticeship is for everyone. LMETB sincerely hope that for all, it’s not only an enjoyable day but the first step for on theirfuturecareerjourney. We look forward to meetingyouthere.”

TheApprenticeshipExpo has become a significant eventinourannualChamber calendar, a platform to showcase apprenticeship employment opportunity in the county and, in a time when staff shortages plague nearly every sector in Ireland, the Apprenticeship Expo is a commitment from County Meath Chamber to support local employers in finding and nurturing talent so that they can continue to grow their businesses and to thrive and strive in Meath’

stated Paula McCaul CEO of County Meath Chamber.

“Apprenticeshipistherecognised means by which people are trained to become craftspeople in Ireland. The combination of alternating phases of onthe-job and off-the-job training provides an opportunity to get a recognised qualification while at the same time gaining on-the-job experience. This is a superb event and not one to be missed” stated Michael Hughes President County Meath Chamber.

On the day, attendees can expect to visit over 90 exhibitors across several industries including Hairdressing, Accountancy firms, Insurance firms, Logistics, ICT, Biopharmachem and so much more. This will be a live interactive experience where you can speak directlytoemployers,current apprentices and program managers that can explain the apprenticeship journey in detail. Exhibitors will also have the chance to network with other apprenticeship providers in the Country, share contact details and collaborate on programs.

The Apprenticeship expo 2024 takes place in the Knightsbrook Hotel from 9.30am to 4pm on the 21st ofMarch.

TRANSPORT OPERATIONS & COMMERCIAL DRIVING APPRENTICESHIP

There has been an increase in apprenticeship programmes across every sector in recent years, and with the launch of the Transport Operations & Commercial Driving apprenticeship,thetransport sectorisnodifferent.

Industryheadshopethat this training programme will go some way towards changingtheperceptionof commercial driving as a profession, through creating awareness in schools by informing parents and career guidance counsellors of the varied driving roleswithinthefreightdistribution sector which offer rewarding and challenging career opportunities.

The programme started in September 2022 with 21 apprentices and Aidan Flynn, Chairperson of the Transport Operations & Commercial Driving Apprenticeship,saysitwill make a ‘huge difference to theindustry’.

“This new apprenticeship will serve to be the catalyst to attract young people and vitally more women, into our industry to support business growth,” he said. “The academic qualification offers validity and value to the professionofdrivingandit will support career progression opportunities withintheworkforce.”

“In addition, while the average size haulage business has just over five trucks, this programme can support succession planning, with sons or daughters gaining a business qualification whilst attaining their driving licence and supporting the legacy of their family business.”

Along with benefitting the industry as a whole, this new apprenticeship, which is delivered by ATU Sligo, is also a great opportunity for both participants and employers and since its launch, it has attracted a greatdealofinterest.

“An apprenticeship is a way for both young people and adult learners to earn while they learn,” said Flynn. “The Transport Operations & Commercial Driving Apprenticeship is designed to deliver upon the industry need to attract more entrants to the profession of commercial driving, sow the seed for lifelong learning and support career progression opportunities for the apprentice through the attainment of a Level 6 Higher Certificate in Transport Services and CommercialDriving.”

“To avail of this ‘earn as you learn’ apprenticeship the apprentice must be in full time employment and the employer must be approved by ‘SOLAS’ as fit to train apprentices. There are many employers looking to recruit apprentices which is supported by an apprenticeship employer grantof€2,000perapprenticeperyear.”

With over 40,000 Irish registered Heavy Goods Vehicles, greater than 3.5 tonnes,ontheroadsinIreland, Flynn hopes that this new programme will also raise awareness of the important role commercial driversplayintoday’ssociety as they keep supply chains, across all sectors, open and flowing smoothly.

To this end, the new apprenticeship programme, which covers both practical work experience and online learning, is open to both the haulage and own account sector and covers a ‘significant variety of roles’includingworkingas a tipper driver for a construction company, delivering fuel to homes, national and international haulage, retail distribution, working in the waste management sector or eventheentertainmentindustry.

“One of the main objectives of any apprenticeship programme is to support a sustainable and skilled

workforce for employers and to support career progression opportunities for the apprentices,” he said.

“According to Road Safety Authority data, there are over 200,000 Heavy Goods Vehicle licences issued in Irelandandonly2%areissuedtowomeninbothC& CE category, this must change,” he said. “Another concernisthatover60%of HGV full licences holders are over the age of 50 – so the importance of training and education in shaping the image of driving as a

profession and attracting younger people into the profession cannot be understated.”

“The freight distribution and logistics sector is a vibrant exciting and hugely important sector to the Irish economy and there are manydifferentanddiverse driving jobs within national and international haulage distribution, retail andfoodservicesdistribution, waste management as well as driving for local authorities and or semi state organisations.

Driversareanessentialingredient of the Irish economy, and this apprenticeship will attract young people into an ageing

workforce as well as prove attractive to women who are tragically underrepresented in this role.” Flynn concluded.

The Transport Operations & Commercial Driving Apprenticeship provides the academic qualification and practical training and work experience that supports a vibrant and exciting career in the freight distribution and logistics sector. Apprentices will also receive expert driving lessons and training in advance of completing their C/CE driving test and attaining the Driver CPC qualification.

The academic award for this apprenticeship is a Higher Certificate (NFQ level 6) in Business in Transport Services and is the first qualification on the national framework of qualifications (NFQ) linked to the profession of commercial driving!

Benefits for Apprentices

✔ QQI Level 6 Award ‘Higher Certificate in Transport Operations & Commercial Driving’.

✔ Internationally recognised qualification.

✔ Earn as you Learn.

✔ Two year employment contract leading to permanent position.

✔ Gaining valuable on the job experience and workplace skills.

✔ Excellent Career Opportunities in the vibrant sector.

Minimum Entry Requirements

• Hold a Full ‘B’ Driver Licence.

• Be at least 18 years of age.

• Meet medical requirements for driving.

✔ Attracts new entrants into the business.

✔ Increases pool of qualified people within the business.

✔ Help with succession planning.

✔ The programme is built around work related experience and work specific projects.

✔ Apprenticeship State Grant for employers of apprentices €4,000 funding.

• Minimum entry requirements are a grade H7/O6 or above in five Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) subjects. A minimum of grade O6 must be obtained in English. A minimum of grade O6 or a B2 or above in Foundation level must be obtained in Mathematics.

• Holders of a QQI Level 5 or Level 6 (or equivalent) in cognate areas (eg business, logistics and distribution, supply chain management, etc.) can apply for entry onto year 1 of the programme.

• A mature candidate, over the age of 23, who does not hold qualifications as set out above, but who:

Has a minimum of two years’ experience working as a commercial driver. Is recommended by their employer.

Demonstrates the correct attitudes, behaviours and literacy skills.

Organising, co-ordinating, managing, and moving goods is what logistics and supply chains are all about.Theyinvolveplanning,implementing, and controlling the movement of products and information. Logisticsandsupplychainsareintegralto every industry in the world and operate around the clock facilitating international and domestic trade in all sectors of the economy.

throughout Ireland, representing manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, shipping, and freight forwarding sectors and 375 apprentices have been enrolled since the program was launched in 2018.

HOW DOES THE LOGISTICS APPRENTICESHIPWORK?

key strengths of this programme.

The Logistics Associate Apprenticeship is a Level 6

Throughout the apprenticeship journey, apprenticesacquiretheknowledge,skills, and competencies to carry out the core tasks and responsibilities within the logistics sector and upon completion of the program are fully equipped to progress intoprofessionalemployment.

in Logistics and is the first of the industry

TheLAAisatwo-yearprogrammeproviding academic education and practical onthe-jobtrainingacrossthelogisticsindus-

As part of the programme apprentices complete a work-based project in year 2,

programmes to be delivered by Technological University Dublin and Munster Technological University.

The industry offers a wide variety of career paths, including operational roles e.g.: picking orders in a warehouse or driving heavy goods vehicles, and management and supervisory roles primarily basedintheofficethatinvolvedeveloping and implementing logistics plans, analyses and optimisation of logistics frameworks.

In addition to competitive salaries, logistics and supply chain careers offer opportunities for advancement, and career growth as well as opportunities for internationaltravel.

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are vital for anyone looking to pursueacareerinthisvibrantandfast-paced industry.

The‘Earnasyoulearn’LogisticsAssociate Apprenticeship (LAA) offers career and education options for school leavers andmaturestudentswhopreferpaid,onthe-jobtrainingwhilestudyingforaqualification over a full-time college course. There are 120 companies registered with the programme that offer placements

tical work experience, and acquires the necessary qualifications while earning a salary.

WHAT ARE THE APPRENTICESHIP ENTRYREQUIREMENTS?

� H7/O6oraboveinfiveleavingcertific ate(orequivalent)subjects.Amin imumofgradeO6mustbeobtainedin English.AminimumofgradeO6ora B2oraboveinFoundationlevelmust beobtainedinmathematics

� HoldersofaQQILevel5orLevel6(or equivalent) in cognate areas

� Applicantsmayalsobeeligibletobe comeapprenticesviaRecognitionof PriorLearning

INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR THE APPRENTICESHIP?

The first step toward becoming an apprentice is to register your interest at www.laa.ie or to contact us by email: info@laa.ie

The Logistics Associate Apprenticeship is a Level 6 Higher Certificate in Logistics and is the first of the industry - led programmes to be delivered by Technological University Dublin and Munster Technological University.

tries. Apprentices enter a contract of 2 years duration, where they will work on a full-timebasiswithanemployerwhilebeing paid a salary and spend one day a week with MTU in Cork or TU Dublin for their academic studies. Successful completion of this program will lead to a QQI Level 6 Award on the NFQ - Higher CertificateinLogistics.

From that point, there are many routes ofprogressionintoLevel7andevenLevel 8-degree courses which is one of many

whichwillhelpthemtodeveloptheiranalytical and problem-solving skills, and which will also directly benefit the employing organisations. In addition to project work,the apprentices complete a variety of industry modules developed by theLAAconsortiumthroughoutprogram, which are thenassessed to achieve certification. For those seeking a career in this field, an apprenticeship is undoubtedly an attractive option. The apprentice gets an overview of the profession, gains prac-

Upon registering, you will receive an informationpackcontainingtipsonfinding job placement and a list of registered companies as well as email notifications of apprenticeship position openings. More information can be found at www. laa.ie

The Logistics Associate Apprenticeship is a

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•

•

•

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6 Higher Certificate in Logistics and is the first of the industry - led programmes to be delivered by Technological University Dublin and Munster Technological University.

New Generation Skoda Kodiaq Prices Revealed

WIDELY PRAISED as the model that made Škoda a true global player, the Kodiaq has been one of the Czech brands most successful models with more than 850,000 sales worldwide.

Škoda unveiled their secondgenerationKodiaq, in Berlin last October. The new model promises to pick up where the original left off, with a powerful

new look, innovative features and even more practicality.Physically,thenew Kodiaq is even bigger and more imposing. It has grown by 61mm in length and now stretches to 4,758mm. Boot volume has increased by up to 75 litresoveritspredecessor.

Meanwhile, the Kodiaq’s aerodynamics have also been improved, with a newdragcoefficientofjust

0.282. From the outside, the new generation Kodiaq demonstrates its new Modern Solid design language with a protruding grille that can be ordered with 14 light elements forming a striking light strip between the LED headlamps. A revised Škoda logo sits atop the reshaped bonnet while, shiny chrome makes way for Unique

Dark Chrome matt surrounds. LED Matrix headlights and rear LED dynamic indicators will feature as standard on the majorityofmodels.

NEW 13” INFOTAINMENTDISPLAY

Inside, a new 13” infotainment display takes centre stage and provides the driver with essential information, navigation and infotainment. Škoda Smart Dials feature for the firsttimeinaŠkoda.These three, intuitive multifunctional controls are positioned below the infotainment display for ease of access and feature small colourscreendisplays.

Measuring 32mm in diameter, Smart Dials are functional and physical, providing the driver with instant access to essential functions such as climate control without having to delve into multiple menus onatouchscreen.

iVoffersasystemoutputof 150 kW (204 hp) and an all-electric range of more than100kilometresonthe WLTP cycle. Meanwhile, mild-hybrid technology comes in the entry-level 1.5 TSI with 110 kW (150 hp).

DIESELENGINES

Today,dieselenginesaccount for 96% of Irish Kodiaq sales and this trend is likelytocontinue.Thenew Kodiaq is available with two 2.0 TDI diesels, with 110 kW (150 hp) and 142 kW (193 hp), the later mated to a 4x4 all-wheeldrive transmission. Diesel versions of the Kodiaq are HVO (Hydrated Vegetable Oil)ready.

Used in combination with diesel fuel or exclusively, HVO fuel has the ability to reduce CO2 emissionsbyupto90%

In addition, the automatic transmission gear selector has been repositioned to the steering column, creating more space in the centre console. All the practicalities of the seven seat configurations have been retained fromtheoutgoingmodel.

POWERTRAINS

John Donegan, Brand Director, Škoda Ireland commented “The Kodiaq firstwentonsaleinIreland in 2017 and became an instant success, finding 11,500happyhomesovera six-yearsalesperiod.”

“It received a light cosmetic facelift in 2021 and even outsold the Octavia model the following year.

Concerning powertrains, thesecond-generationKodiaq showcases a versatile range of modern and highly efficient engines, including petrol, diesel and hybrid options. For thefirsttime,theKodiaqis availablewithhybridtechnology.

The plug-in hybrid powertrain for the Kodiaq

The Kodiaq has always remained in high demand and, even with the new model on the horizon, there are very few unallocated current generation Kodiaqs available for immediate purchase. Therefore, I would advise interested customers to discuss the next generation Kodiaqwiththeirlocaldealer at their earliest convenience.”

Irish Debut for New Opel Astra Electric at Nevo Ev Show

THE NEW OPEL ASTRA ELECTRIC celebrated its Irish debut on Saturday 17th February as it took pride of place on the Opel stand at the NEVO EV Show,inDublin’sRDS.

With first deliveries arriving in Opel Dealerships nationwide, the new Astra Electric, offering up to 418km on a full charge, is available in three trimsSC, Elegance, and GS, and will retail from €39,598 includingapplicablegrants.

The Astra is now fully electric for the first time in its long success story, sporting a lively character thanks to a top speed of 170kmh, and a low kerb weight of 1,679kg. The electric motor delivers 115kW/156hp and a powerful 270Nm of max-

imum torque available from the first touch of the accelerator pedal, ensuringbriskstarts.Depending onpreferences,AstraElectric drivers can choose between three driving modes: Eco, Normal and Sport. Energy is stored in a compact 54kWh lithiumion battery, which offers efficient packaging, low weight, exemplary range and short charging times. The five-door hatch requires just 14.8 kWh of electricity per 100 kilometres (WLTP), thanks in parttotheheatpump,and its regenerative braking systemensuresthatenergy can be recovered while driving. Indeed, the Opel Astra Electric secured third position amongst 94

passenger cars in the recent ADAC Eco Test 2023 which evaluates vehicles from well to wheel. It scored 103 out of a possible 110 points to take a podium position, achieving the best five-star rating from the ADAC German AutomobileClub.

The Astra Electric can be charged to 80% of the battery capacity in under 30 minutes at a 100kW DC fast charging station and it is equipped as standard with a three-phase 11kW onboard charger for a wall boxathome.

The battery is located in the underbody, so no space for passengers or luggage is lost. Even with the rear seats up, the Astra Electric offers 352 litres of luggage space in the boot,

NEW OPEL

ThenewOpelAstraElectricwhichmadeit’sIrishdebutattheNevoEVshowinthe RDS,Dublinrecently

and with the seats folded, capacity increases to up to 1,268 litres. The low position of the battery also lowers the car’s centre of gravity, so that the Astra Electric has a solid stance on the road and the driver can take a sporty seating position.

Torsional stiffness has also been increased by 31% compared to the alreadyoutstandingvalues of other Astra model vari-

ants. A high level of standardequipmentonthelevel one SC trim includes a 10” colour touchscreen with wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto, USB connectivity, a 10” digital driver instrument cluster, 18”alloywheels,lanekeep assist, pedestrian detection with automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition with intelligent speed adaptation, driver attention alert, six

airbags, cruise control and speed limiter, keyless entry, electronic climate control, auto headlamps, rain sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, jet black Alcantara / leather-effect seat trim, electric parking brake and hillassist.

Tobookatestdriveinthe new Opel Astra Electric, contact Navan Opel, Liscarton, Kells Road, Navan. Tel0469023456

Novel Easter Egg Hunt Ideas

WITH CHOICE - A HOME FOR ALL SEASONS

Have you run out of newideasforyour Easter Egg hunt this year? It's not easy ensuring its novel every year, weknowyourdilemma.

So to make it as exciting and fun as possible for the kids, we have put together some novel ideas for your Easter Egg hunt this Easter Sunday.

EasterBunnyTracks

Surely there could be nothing more adorable thanthekidswakingupon Eastermorningtofindthat the Easter Bunny has left them a personalized note and a few bunny tracks pointingtheminthedirectionofthehiddeneggs.

These cute printables make setting up the

bunny-track hunt a breeze.

Haveitindoors

If the Irish weather is spoiling your hunt, you can turn a cold or rainy Easter day into an adventure when you tell your kids they’re going to hunt for all their eggs inside the house.

To make the indoor egg hunt even more unique, tryhidingtheeggsinatrail or with clues leading to one giant Easter basket.

GardenofEasterEggs

If they're too little to hunt too far outside, you can make your own Easter egg garden that “grows” eggs instead.

Placing Easter egg flowers in the grass with sweets or chocs inside will make it easy for even the littlest ones to find their treats.

Goldenegghunt

Those adventurous little pirateswillgetakickoutof this Easter egg treasure hunt. After all, who can

resist buried treasure? Especially if that means a one-of-a-kind golden egg left behind by the Easter Bunny.

Energyfuelledhunt

So, if your kids have been begging for Easter eggs all day long, why not make them work for it? Hide sports-themed Easter eggs that contain an active instruction along with an egg.

Kids then must do 10 press ups or run a lap around the yard before they can move on to the nextegg.Plus,they'llprobably sleep very well after thisoneandburnoffsome of the calories from eating them.

Letter&Wordhunt

Learningcanbefun,right?

Younger kids who are just figuring out how to spell and read will enjoy hunting for Easter eggs that each contain a letter to spell out a hidden message. Kids can work together to find the letter-

Men’s Sheds Are Good for the Body and the Mind

‘What we do in the men’s sheds is good for the body and the mind’, says Kevin Macken, Chairman of the Slane and District Men’s Shed.

‘Our big project right now is building a field kitchen for the Meath River Rescue. Their volunteersgooutinallweathers andrisklifeandlimbtodo searches and other activitiesontheRiverBoyne.We wanted to do something for them and we came up with the idea of a dedicated field kitchen which will allow the rescuers to make hot drinks and food as well as store and keep foodanddrinkswarm.’

‘But apart from special projects like this, we organise a wide range of ac-

tivitiesformenwithabitof time on their hands. We organise exercise classes, walking groups, indoor games, woodwork and metalwork activities, to nameafew’.

‘With the LMETB we put on a number of courses each year including cookery, mindfulness, photography, digital skills, pottery, painting, computer courses, and others. We’ve had tremendous support from the Louth Meath Education and Training Board’,Kevinsays.

Slane and District Men’s Shed started up in its own buildings in September 2019. The shed is open fromtentofour,fivedaysa week. It has dedicated woodwork and metalwork

filled eggs and put together an Easter message toearnaprize.

Childguidedhunt

Any child who loves to pullafastoneontheirparents will be thrilled to oversee an Easter egg hunt. Ask the children to hide a basket of eggs around the garden, then, youhavetofindthem.

As for any eggs you don't find within a certain time limit, say, 10-15 minutes?

The kids get to keep those forthemselves.WinWin!!

ScavengerEggHunt

This one's for the little older kids who are looking for a little challenge: Make over your traditional Easter egg hunt using a scavengerhuntchecklist.

You can task kids with finding a variety of different objects hidden around the garden (like two blue eggs, three yellow eggs, two chocolate eggs and a

chocolate Easter bunny) before time is up. Glow-in-the-dark eveninghunt

This may require a little patience,butit'sworththe wait.

Ifyoucangetyourkidsto holdoffontheirEasteregg hunt for most of the day, rewardthemwithahuntto find glow-in-the-dark eggs.

WE HOPE EVERYONE HAS A GREAT EASTER

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.

areas, a computer room, fittedkitchenandseparate canteen, an exercise room with aerobic machines, and a general-purpose recreational area that hosts training courses, physical exercise classes, cards, music lessons, musical evenings, and games suchaspoolandbowls.

Kevin says that the takeup on these courses and other Shed activities shows that ‘you can teach an old dog new tricks’, and that life does not end with retirement.

‘TheShedisawelcoming place for men to just hang out and chat or to learn and practice new skills’, he says. ‘We’ve a very strong emphasis on activities, both indoor and outdoor

and one of our plans is to develop an outdoor bowls areaintheFrenchstyle’.

This year, the Shed is partnering with Age ActionIrelandtoprovideone to one tutoring sessions in how to make effective use of smartphones, laptops and other devices. Participants will have their own tutorforonetotwohoursa weekforfiveweeks,beginninginApril.

‘When men reach a certain age and especially whentheyareretired,they canbeverystuckforthings to do and this can cause lonelinessanddepression.

Men’s sheds provide a healthy and engaging socialoutlet,Kevinsays.’

‘We’d love to hear from anyonewho’sinterestedin

what we do. If anyone wants to know more they cancallusat0866003636 or email slanmensshed@gmail.com

Slane Men’s Shed visit Slane Distillery

Dermot Caldwell, Kevin Macken and Thomas Woodwardworkingonthefieldkitchen

Spring Hopes

with Sinead Burke

I’M SURE, youknowwhat it’s like. As soon as there is anextra10minutesofdaylight in the evening, just enoughtoseeoutthewindow when you get home from work, you can’t help yourself.

The black mirror of glass abovethesink,stoppedreflecting a tired woman in herfortiesscrubbingapan and instead cleared to a bright and unforgiving portal to a picture of destructionoutside.

Where once Mr Burke and I enjoyed an alfresco drink as recently as 6 months ago, lay a wasteland of death and despair. In fact, if some tortured film student wanted to conjure up an atmospheric hopeless location in which to shoot his, after thebattleofFlandersWW1 epic, our garden would be available at a very reasonablerate.

I put on the wellies, steadiedmyselfandlikean American President visiting some unfortunates in Alabama after a hurricane had swept through their trailer park, bravely went forthtoinspectthescene.

Itwasn’tgood.Theheadcount of surviving plants andshrubswasworryingly low. I’m no Charlie Dimock, but even I could see all the pruning and chicken manure fertilizer in the world was never going to revive the hydrangeas.

Several unidentified plants were looking fairly shook but struggling on fair play to them. Unfortunately,Icouldn’tevenfind the fuchsia. Weirdly, the roses were thriving, however I stuck them over the septic tank, and you know whattheysayaboutroses.

Happier news was the bug hotel was still trading, thoughweareinthemidst of housing crisis so perhaps not that surprising. Thesheddidn’tmakeit.

After taking a final look around the carnage and determinedtodojusticeto those that fell during the battle of winter, I took myself off to the garden centre.

Butlads,can’tplantsand flowers be very dear? I’ve always wanted a Wisteria tree, but they’re €30 and both kids have recently grown out of their school tracksuits.

So, I ended up at the clearanceshelf.Thebotanical equivalent of the abandoned dog’s shelter. Rows and rows of injured and unloved unidentifiable shoots, leaves and twigs sticking up from cracked plastic pots. All a bit shellshocked by where they ended up in life, but courageously looking for a second chance and by the look of most of them, a drop of water. I filled the trolly. €1 each, you can’t arguewiththat.

As I’m a firm believer in the value of good role models, I’ve placed my littlepatientsinsightofthe few plants that did make it through the winter. If you can’t see it, you can’t be it. They have me worn out to tell you the truth, between thefeedingandtheworrying, it’s like having babies backinthehouse.

But I’m hopeful. I don’t have a clue what they are, but at least they won’t need new school track suits.

Hoor, an Exhibition of Poetry and Illustration

MEATH COUNTY COUNCIL ARTS OFFICe is pleased to present Hoor, an Exhibition of poetry and illustration, featuring the work of Belfast poet Jim McElroy,winneroftheMCC Cultural Services Francis Ledwidge Poetry Award 2020 and winner of the International Book and Pamphlet award 2021, and Kells born, Berlin based illustrator Ann Kiernan, Moira Gemmill Illustrator of the Year2020andAI40selected winner2021.

Juxtaposing Kiernan’s vibrant illustrations with the powerful writing from McElroy, this exhibition Hoor promises to supply an array of aesthetic and lin-

guistic delights to excite the senses.

Ann Kiernan was a student at Eureka Secondary School,Kells,Co.Meathbefore studying classical animation in Ballyfermot Senior College, Dublin. She is a graduate of the University of Hertfordshire, UK with a Masters in Illustration.

Annhasreceivedmanyinternational awards for her editorial illustrations. In 2022 along with the RTE Investigatesteamshewonthe Social Justice Award for her work on Domestic Abuse: A YearinCrisis.

Shehasmadeillustrations for clients such as The Washington Post; Politico

Best Easter Activities in County Meath

MY NAME IS HELEN LEDDY, MD of Back Office Marketing. I provide marketing services for the hospitality andtourismindustry.This month we are talking about Easter and the best activities in the County to enjoyovertheschoolholidays and long weekend! Remember to support local as much as you caneven if its just grabbing a coffee or an ice-cream in your local hospitality business. Here are my top activitiesthisEaster.

1. Elmgrove Flower Farm: Put down the Easter Eggs and get the entire family out to Elmgrove Flower Farm this Easter Sunday to pick your own Daffodils! Book a one-hour slot for €5 per person and enjoy a great dayoutonthefarm.

There is a coffee truck and pizza truck onsite

also! The farm is based in Gormanston.

2. Go for a walk or cycle on the new Boyne Valley toLakelandsGreenway Park up at Park Beo at Doughty’sMaceinWilkinstown this Easter Sunday andenjoyadayoutonthe Greenway. Feel good bikes are there every Sunday renting out their range of top-quality bikes and electric bikes from only €7.50. Discover the trail towards Navan or Castletown and treat yourself to a coffee, icecream,sandwich,orsweet treat on your return at Doughty’s!

3. Easter Egg Hunt at Red Mountain Open Farm: This Treasure Hunt is exclusively on Saturday the30thofMarch,Sunday the 31st of March and Mondaythe1stofApril.

The Treasure hunt runs all day, and every child gets a prize! Red Mountain Open Farm is based inDonore.

4. Easter Egg Hunt at Beewise: What could be better this Easter than a Easter Egg Hunt around BeeWiseNatureTrail.

Hidden around their 5-

acre site will be lots of chocolate treats for you to find.

There is even an extra bonus of some hidden dinosaur eggs (maximum one per family allowed), one of which will contain a Golden ticket to win a Hamper.

5. LoughcrewGardens

The Easter Bunny is comingtoLoughcrewGardens on Sunday 31st of March andMonday1st ofApril.

Visit him in our Millhouse, located at the end of the 9th century, award winning garden. There is free entry into see the Easter Bunny with every gardenpass.Nopre-booking required, pay on arrival in the café. €8 for adultsand€4forchildren.

Make sure to get out exploring our beautiful County this Easter- and lets all hope that the weatherisonourside!

You can find out more about Back Office Marketing on our website. www. backofficems.ie.

We can also be contacted by email on info@backofficems.ie or by calling0872368445.

CHAT NEXT MONTH

Europe; RTE; BETA festival, Dublin; & the Science Gallery, Trinity College, Dublin tonamebutafew.Herillustrations range in versatility depending on the medium used, from atmospheric broodinginkstovibrantand bold gouache painted illustrationsbutsheplaceshuge importance on emotion in eachpiece.

Multi-award-winning poet Jim McElroy grew up on the family farm in the Mournes, County Down. Irish Times book critic, Martina Evans, described his writingasa‘fiercelyvisceral voice’. His work has been published by The Irish Times, Honest Ulsterman, Bridport Anthology 2019,

Happen’, Skylight 47, Abridged, Fly on the Wall Press,CapArtsNewWriter’s Anthology.

'Hoor' became the lead poem in his chapbook ‘We Are The Weather’,which won the International Book

and Pamphlet Award 2021 withPoetryBusiness.Inthis we can see how 'Hoor' took roots and grew a series of rural-themedpoems.

Featuring a series of 8 illustrated works commissioned by Meath County Arts Office in celebration of the poem which receivedthe Francis Led-

and Tourism Cultural Hub from8th March2024andwill remainuntil31st May2024. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Arts Office at artsoffice@meathcoco.ie or 0469097000.

Poetry Ireland Review, Poetry Ireland Introductions eBook‘IncredibleThingsdo

widge Award in 2020, Hoor will be on display at Toradh Gallery 2, Kells Courthouse