The Meath Herald

McEvoy Calls for Immediate Action on Speeding Concerns

DÁITHÍ MCEVOY, SINN FÉIN candidate for local council in the Trim Local Electoral Area (LEA), is urgently calling for decisive action to address the escalating issue of speeding within our community. As concerns mountoverthesafetyofresid-

ents, particularly children, Dáithí McEvoy is demanding the implementation of effective traffic calming measures across Trim, Ballivor, and Kilbride.

Expressing deep concern over the removal of radar signs on Kildalkey Road,

Dáithí McEvoy highlights the alarming consequences of this decision, including a surge in speeding incidents and heightened risks to vulnerable road users. Despite querying the council through Johnny Guirke TD on April 30th regarding the rationale behind the removal of radar signs and receiving no response from Meath County Council.

Furthermore, McEvoy highlights the pressing need for additional measures to address speeding concerns on the Ballivor-Trim road. The safety of residents along this route must not be overlooked, and Dáithí McEvoy is determined to working tirelessly to ensure that their concerns are heard and addressed.

In addition to advocating for the reinstatement of radar signs on Kildalkey Road, Dáithí McEvoy has requested data from the speed monitor-

ing conducted by the Council in Ballivor following concerns raised by residents regarding dangerousspeedinginthevillage. Transparency and accountability are paramount in addressing these pressing issues, and Dáithí McEvoy is committed to ensuring that residents' voices are heard andtheirsafetyprioritized.

“I stand firm in my commitment to championing the safety and well-being of our community. Through collaborative efforts between local government, law enforcement, and community stakeholders” he commented. “I am determined to enact meaningful change and implement tangible solutions to ensure safer streets for all residents.”

“Together, we can make Trim, Ballivor, Kildalkey and Kilbride safer and more secure for generations to come.” McEvoyconcluded.

Corr Calls on Council to Purchase the Backlands for the Betterment of Kells & North Meath

CORMAC CORR, Independent candidate in the Kells LEA, is urging the Council to take decisive action for the advancement of Kells and North Meath by investing in the acquisition and development of the Backlands property.

As awareness surrounding the potential of the Backlands continues to grow, encompassing 33 acres in the heart of Kells, it is clear that this opportunity must not be overlooked.

The Backlands present the opportunity to cultivate numerous new amenities, housing developments, and vital infrastructure. By seizing this moment, the Council holds the power to positively transform not only Kells but also the surroundingarea.

Giventhescarcityofsites of comparable size within thetown’sboundaries,itis imperative that the Council acts swiftly and decisively. The acquisition and development of the Backlands represent a rare op-

portunity to meet the demands of our growing population while simultaneouslyrejuvenatingour community.

Independent Candidate Corr pledges his support for this proposal if elected on June 7th and urges all other candidates to likewise lend their support, emphasizing the potential to positively impact the present and future wellbeing of Kells and North Meath.

SeamusMcGeeisrunningforthe firsttimeinMeathCountyCouncil localelectionsonJune7.Seamus hasworkedasasalesagentforthepast 21yearsandisalsoaparttimefarmer. Hehasgainedawealthofknowledge andexperiencethroughthemany positionshehasheld.

Hehasbeenontheboardof ManagementofhislocalBallinlough NationalSchool,ChairmanofMeath IFA, NationalvicechairmanofIFA IndustrialandEnvironmental Committee,ChairmanandCurrent TreasurerofBallinloughGFCandis currentlychairmanofMeathLCDC overseeingtherolloutofover€4million ofLeaderfunding.

Itisthroughhisinvolvementat communitylevelthathehasreally broughthisexperiencetofruition.

Nowheremoreobviousthanthe impacthehashadatBallinloughGFC wherehehasdrawndownover€900kin grants totransformthegrounds.

Seamussays“Isupposewhenyou comefromafarmingbackgroundwhere moneyisalwaystightyouneedtobe resourcefulandthisappliesalsotoclubs andcommittees”.

“Thereislotsofhelpandfunding availableandIhavealreadymetmany groupstoadviseandhelpthemgetover theirfearofgrantapplications.Iwould lovetobeabletohelpmoreclubsand communitiesdevelopandimprovethe livesofpeoplelivinginNorth Meath.

Strongercommunitiesmakeforbetter andsafercommunitiesandgivepeoplea senseofbelonging.Iamproudtobe fromNorthMeathandIthinkahuge amountcouldbedonetoopenitupfor moretourism.Withamillionpeopleon ourdoorstepweareinaprimelocation toavailofdaytrippersandpassingtrade toshowoffourrichheritage.”

“Withaproperbusandrailservice everyonewouldbenefitfromthetourist tothecommuterandthishastobe prioritized.Weneedtotakecarsoffthe roadandmakecommutingmore pleasurablewhileimprovingthe environmentwealllivein.”

Seamusfinishedbysaying“Currently I’moutandaboutknockingondoors meetingandlisteningtoasmanypeople aspossible.““Pleasefeelfreetocontact meonemail:seamusmcgee1@gmail. comoronmobile0868630985.”

Helen McEntee TD

Meath Public Asked To Have Their Say On New Action Plan For Nature

Meath County Council is seeking your assistance with the preparation of a Biodiversity Action Plan. Following the launch of the 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan, all local authorities are required to have Biodiversity Action Plans inplacebytheendof2026.

With the appointment of a Biodiversity Officer, supported by the Heritage Council’s Biodiversity OfficerProgramme,Meath County Council are commencing this process andplantofinaliseaLocal Authority Biodiversity ActionPlanbyearly2025.

With the support of the Meath Biodiversity WorkingGroupandMeath Heritage Forum, Meath CountyCouncilwouldlike to hear your views on nature and your ideas on how we should be

Members of the public taking part in a birdwatching event with the local Birdwatch Meath Branch at the Boyne Estuary for World Wetlands Day 2024 (Image: Ben Malone)

addressing the biodiversitycrisisatalocal level.

BenMalone,Biodiversity Officer for Meath County Council,said,“Thisisyour opportunity to highlight the key issues affecting biodiversity in your

locality and assist in identifyingwhatweshould be aiming to achieve over the period of the Meath Biodiversity Action Plan 2025 – 2030.” “Everyone has a role to play in the protection and restoration of nature and it is

WORKING FOR THE PEOPLE

importantthatweplayour partinMeath,notonlyfor the benefit of nature, but for ourselves and future generations”.

Thereareseveralwaysto get involved, share your views or make a submission at this pre-

draft stage of the process.

In short, you can join the conversation by going along to one of the inperson or online information sessions arrangedbyMeathCounty Council, you can submit your views by post; or you can have your say in an onlinesurvey.

Theonlinesurveycanbe accessed by visiting the Meath County Council Consult Website: https:/

consult.meath.ie/en/ surveys.

Ifmembersofthepublic would like to get involved in the process by way of anyoftheaboveactivities, they should visit Meath County Council’s website for further information using the following link: https://bit.ly/MCCBiodiversityPlan. All submissions are due by 5.00pm on Monday, May27.

Ben Malone, Biodiversity Officer, Meath County Council

Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday: 8.00am - 5.00pm Closed on Sundays & Bank Holidays

CREDIT UNION AT THE HEART OF THE TRIM COMMUNITY SEEKING VOLUNTEERS

Drogheda Credit Union Trim Branch has been workingtosupportlocal projectsandorganisationsatthe heart of the community in Trim formanyyearsthroughitsCommunity Donation programme andcommittee.

The Community Committee members act as advocates for Trim, advising on donations for local groups and attending events representing the Credit Uniononoccasion.

Drogheda Credit Union passionatelysupportsTrim'sorganisations and charities, ensuring vital projects and services thrive forthebenefitofeveryone.

TheCommunityDonationprogrammeisanimportantassetto community groups within the local area. Some of the most recent donations were received by Scoil Mhuire Enterprise Week, Meath Womens Refuge and MeathRiverRescue.

The Credit Union has also recently started to work with or-

ganisations including Trim Autism Friendly Town and Trim SustainableCommunityProject.

“On behalf of the Trim Branch of Drogheda Credit Union, I wouldliketothankallthevolunteers and committee members who take part in these local groups for the greater benefit of our community. I look forward to working with you over the coming year.” said Suzanne Gilleece, Branch Manager, Trim Branch.

The Community Donation CommitteeismanagedbyGeraldineGilsenan,SuzanneGilleece, ColinStobie,JimBirdandCharlie Bloomer and Rebekah Butterly. They meet bi-monthly and arelookingforvolunteerstojoin thecommunitycommittee. Ifyouareinterestedinlearning more about volunteering with the Trim Branch of Drogheda Credit Union, please feel free to contact Suzanne Gilleece on 0419838496 or email info@droghedacu.ie

Organisations looking to avail of the Community Donations Programme can apply by emailing info@droghedacu.ie or drop inarequestdirectlytotheirlocal branch.

The Community Committee members act as advocates for Trim, advising on donations for local groups and attending events representing the Credit Union on occasion

Your Sinn Féin Team in the Kells Area

Suzanne Gilleecce, Drogheda Credit Union Trim Branch presenting a cheque to Shane Rennicks of Meath River Rescue

Suzanne Gilleece, Drogheda Credit Union Trim Branch presenting a cheque to Niamh and Imelda Fallon from Meath Womens Refuge

Bray Calls for Bus Lane on M3 Between Toll Plaza and Mulhuddart

Delays Have a Major Impact on Commuters Work Life Balance

FIANNAFÁILCOUNCIL-

ant authorities to develop a bus lane in the area between the Southern M3 TollPlazaandMulhuddart

“We have excellent express bus services from Kells, Athboy, Trim and Navan into Dublin every day which hundreds of commuters use on a daily basis. However, most weeks in the mornings there is a backlog of traffic ontheM3/N3intoDublin before the bus lane starts at Mulhuddart,” said Cllr Bray.

“As someone who commutes to Dublin for work on the bus two or three days each week, I have personalexperienceofthis and know of the frustration it causes commuters andotherbususers”

He continued “If the bus lane was extended from Mulhuddart towards the Southern toll plaza in Meath it would alleviate a lot of these delays that Meath commuters face on aweeklybasis.”

Cllr Bray went on to say “When there are no accidents or traffic jams the bus services from Meath make great time and they would continue to do so if there was a bus lane along thisstretch.

gin the process of starting this process with the TII, NTA, Department of Transport and other relevantauthorities.”

Cllr. Bray concluded by saying “If we want more people to leave their cars at home and take the bus, we need to make sure we haveafastandreliablebus service on our routes from Meath.”

Cllr. Bray tabled a motionattheAprilmeetingof Meath County Council seeking the council to engage with the other relev-

LOR in the Kells MD Mike Bray, has called for the extension of the bus lane on the M3 / N3 from the toll plaza in Meath towards Mulhuddart to reduce commute times for those gettingthebustoDublin.

“Thesedelayscanaddup to an hour to bus journeys from Meath meaning bus users are late for work, hospital appointments and other commitments.

“Thesedelayshaveamajor impact on commuter’s work-life balance and can also impact on their own career progression as they are now occurring more regularly.”

“There is ample space along the M3 and N3 verges to facilitate a bus lanesoitwouldnotimpact on the other lanes which cars and other vehicles use.”

“Most of the area in question is on the Meath side of the border so Meath County Council need take the lead and be-

“Having a bus lane on the M3 / N3 into Dublin would be a major step forward to creating a better service and improving the quality of life for commuters.”

St Colmcilles Credit Union At the Heart of an Expanding Community

Standing in the centre of town with a new look exterior and reception area St Colmcilles (Kells) Credit Unionisthefinancialinstitutionthatisan amenable community based hub that is not for profit and here to help its members. While St Colmcilles (Kells) Credit Union has all the online capabilities of otherlenderswhereitexcelsisinitssuperior, personal customer service and what itgivesbacktothelocalcommunity,reinvestinginthelocalityforthebettermentof everyone.

EXTENDED COMMON BOND: With the closure of Moynalty Credit Union St Colmcilles (Kells) Credit Union moved to extenditscommonbondtoincludemembers from Moynalty, Carlanstown, Kilbeg and Mullagh. This was to help provide a more convenient credit union service for members in those areas who may not be able to travel to their own credit union onceitwasnolongerinMoynaltyVillage.

Kells Credit Union can offer a full range of services to these members who can even have accounts with both their existing credit union and Kells Credit Union if they so wish and have the best of both worlds going forward. This also applies to

those who qualify through working in the common bond. St Colmcilles (Kells) Credit Union are always looking for new members from all across our common bond. All you need is ID, Proof of address andyourPPSnumber.Onjoiningyouwill receive a copy of our directory of services whichoutlinesallwehavetooffer.

To get started all you need to do is call 046-9240299tobookanappointment.

SERVICES: There are so many benefits to being a member of St Colmcilles (Kells) CreditUnionssuchasgreatloanratesand a safe place to save. Kells Credit Union now offer Cultivate Farming Loans at just 6.55% (6.75% apr) and have introduced Mortgages where you deal with the same advisorthewholewaythrough!

Kells Credit Union can help members who have numerous debts to consolidate thesedebtswithaswitcherloanandmake it into one affordable payment which givesthememberpeaceofmind.

St Colmcilles (Kells) Credit Union can offer loans to get you that new kitchen, that holiday of a lifetime or that new Car. You can even join and apply for a loan on the same day! This is also a credit union that can offer qualifying members insur-

ance on loans and savings free of charge where there’s no penalties or hidden expenses.

TakeadvantageofourForeignExchange member rates, Annual Dividend and Payzone bills service amongst many other membership benefits. Kells Credit Union also has a wonderful budget account where you can pay bills as and when they fallduewithlessworry.

WHEN YOU VISIT: When you come into KellsCreditUnionyouwillreceiveawarm welcomefromourtellers.

Our Loan Officers will give one to one friendly service and there will always be a copy of the Meath Herald to pick up, a competition running and a Newsletter available to show you all the things that aregoingon.

We just got

Our Common Bond has expanded

We are delighted to announce that our'Common Bond' (the geographic area in which you need to live, work or study to become a member) has recently been enlarged.

It now includes Moynalty, Carlanstown, Mullagh & surrounding areas.

The expansion means that more people can now join Kells Credit Union and benefit from the great services we offer.

To learn more: Tel: 046 924 0299 Web: www.kellscu.ie

You will be a member and part of the CreditUnionmovementsowhynotjoinif yournotamemberorpopinifyouare.

COMMUNITY: Asthebiggestcommunity organisation in the area Kells Credit Unionisattheheartofthelocalityandinvests in its growth and development. This is via donations to local charities such as Dementia Café, Moynalty Steam Run, Kells Local Heroes and Dads Cycle for Charity. KellsCreditUnionalsodonateto local clubs that are so important to the

communitysuchasStMichaelsGFC,Emmet Drumbaragh, Moynalty Athletics Club and Gaeil Colmcille. Kells Credit Union works hard to promote local businesses and support local events such as Hinterland.

There is also a hamper to raise money for Meals on Wheels and on social media Kells Credit Union promote several local events and activities. Kells Credit Union belongstotheareaandpromotesitinany wayitcan.

EVENTS: Kells Credit Union invests back in the community by way of a number of events. Last Christmas was the much anticipated visit of Santa, while the attendance at the St Patricks Day Parade day saw hundreds of bags of sweets given out. The Quarterly Cash Draw is available to watchonSocialMedia.

Thisalwaysgenerateslotsofinterestand winners throughout the year, giving away over twenty thousand euro in prizes over thepasttwelvemonths.

There are competitions for all occasions including Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Valentines, Halloween Hampers etc and you could be a winner too if you would like to join and if you’re a member don’t forget to enter for a chance to win these prizes.

“Bones” is keeping a close eye on the prize hamper for our Halloween Draw

Santa made his annual visit to St. Colmcilles Credit Union for Christmas

YOUNGMEMBERS: Kells Credit Union invests heavily in youth within our commonbond.TheSchoolsQuizintheSenior National School was a great night and congratulations again to our winners OristownandCarnaross.

The Credit Union Art Competition once again received so many wonderful entries from all the schools. The Savings Awareness Workshops took place in Cortown and Oristown National Schools last year anditishopedtovisitCarnarossandKells Parochial this year. Kells Credit Union attended the Eureka College Fair to tell them about our Student Loans and made a donation to St Ciarans Under 16s GAA shirts.

TheBacktoSchoolcompetitionsawone lucky winner get a school bag with all accessoriesforSeptemberandwatchoutfor the Junior Savers Week which will have a special incentive for young members this year. There is also a student bursary availableeveryyearfortwoluckywinners.

FOLLOW US: Kells Credit Union is on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep upwitheverythingthatishappening.

There is a wealth of information on the Website at ‘Kells Credit Union’ and our Newsletter is available in the office. There istheCUMobileAppwhereourmembers can do everything online if they wish but you also have the option of popping into ustooforthebestofbothworlds.

St Colmcilles Credit Union are here to helpandsupportitsmembersandarenot for profit. So please follow, join and take part if you are in our Common Bond for the best services, rates and community spiritintown!

County Meath's Path to Better Health and Wellbeing

SINCE SEPTEMBER

2023 Healthy Meath in collaboration with The Irish Pharmacy Union, Community Pharmacies and Roche Diagnostics have been delivering a Chronic Disease Risk Management Programme within communities acrossCountyMeath.

Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr. Tommy Reilly today launched the County Meath Chronic Disease Risk Management Pilot Report in the Ardboyne Hotel,Navan.

The project, delivered under Meath County Council's Healthy Meath programme, aims to raise awareness and educate the citizens of County Meath on risk factors for chronic disease. It also provides them with tools

toreducethesefactorsand elicit behaviour change through referral, personalised advice, and followup. 60 individuals living in Kells and Oldcastle participatedinthepilot. Thereporthighlightsthat health issues such as high blood pressure, obesity, and poor dietary habits were prevalent among some participants who received a health check. However, when individualswerecontacted4weeks after their health check, many reported improved lifestyle habits based on the personalised advice theyhadreceivedfromthe pharmacist at their health check.

Aisling O'Donnell, Healthy Ireland CoordinatorforMeath,said,‘'Inlate 2022, after an extensive research, stakeholder and

public consultation process, Healthy Meath identified chronic disease asakeyareaofconcernfor thepopulationofMeath.

Healthy Meath is thrilled to be working with Community Pharmacies in Meath to provide these health checks and remove barrierspeopleexperience to accessing personalised health information in our County.''

Head of Healthcare DevelopmentforRocheDiagnostics in Ireland, Len Marshall, said, "Roche is delighted to be part of this community-led health checkprogramme,andthe results demonstrate what can be achieved when you give people timely information to take control of their own health and the support to lead a healthier lifestyle.” He finished by

are Sinead McCoolHead of Professional Services Irish Pharmacy

Aisling O'Donnell, Healthy Ireland Coordinator, Lara MarinProfessional Services Pharmacist Irish Pharmacy Union, Sinead Murphy Healthcare Development Manager Roche Diagnostics.

saying “What Meath County Council has achieved is an exemplar of how community health strategies can be made moreaccessibletoindividuals by locating support in near-patient settings such as community pharmacies. There is no reason why initiatives like this could not be adopted by countycouncilsacrossIreland."

The pilot was a big success, and the project has been extended to Trim, Navan, Dunboyne, Dunshaughlin, Stamullen, and Duleek in 2024. The project is funded by Healthy Ireland and supported by the Department of Health. It is a collabora-

tive project between Healthy Meath at Meath County Council, the Irish Pharmacy Union, Roche Diagnostics, and CommunityPharmacies.

If you would like to learn more, please email the Healthy Ireland Coordinator for Meath at healthymeath@meathcoco.ie.

Carnaross Quiz winners

Daisy is delighted to have been approved for a Cultivate Loan

Our Hinterland tickets competition

Savings Awareness workshop in Cortown

Back to college for Cultivate Loans training

Easter colouring competition

We have many fantastic artists in our local schools

Savings Awareness Slogan competition

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Internatioal Women’s Day

Pictured at the launch with Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Cllr. Tommy Reilly

Union,

CUPRA EVENT LAUNCH at WESTERN MOTORS

Nicholas Dunphy, Stephen Delehan, James McCormack, Robbie Matthews, Dillon Carroll, Vicky Halton, Pierre Boutin, Guglielmo Fadda, Khaled Soussi, Gaspar Alcaide, Simon McCormack, Soren Trenktrog & Marcelino Villalobos from CUPRA Spain

Adam, Liz & Simon McCormack

James McCormack, Miriam McCormack, Robbie Matthews, Soren Trenktrog, Liz McCormack, Gaspar Alcaide, Marcelino Villalobos & Simon McCormack

Paul Redmond, Ken Russell, Debbie McCarthy, Val Redmond, Grainne Russell, Brona Reilly, John Foley, Anthony McCarthy, Jill Foley & Paul Foley

DJ CUPRA

Shauna Fox & Ionel Novac

Noel & Michelle Reilly Team from Western Motors Galway Shauna Fox & Tyrone Delaney

Bernadette & Alan Moran & Tina & Derek Brady

CUPRA EVENT LAUNCH at WESTERN MOTORS

Team Western Motors

Robbie & Nicola Matthews Robbie Matthews, Francis Hoey, Dermot Maguire

Gerry Hardigan, Robert Murray & Eddie Phelan

Simon McCormack, Gaspar Alcaide & Guglielmo Fadda

Shauna Fox, Rianna Burke, Serena Macari & Majella Gillespie

Volkswagen Ireland – Sean Bean, Stuart McManus, William Lee, Mark McGrath, Gaspar Alcaide, Vicky Halton, Dillon Carroll, Barry Murray & Nicholas Dunphy

The Team from Harpers on the Quay

Hubert Murphy, Eddie Phelan & Michael Gerard

Andy Gates, Peter Kierans & Olan Walshe

Loretta Delaney, Tyrone Delaney & Gloria Delaney

Opel Unveils Stunning Next-Generation Grandland SUV

STYLISH AND DY-

NAMIC, spacious, and versatile, and powered by a fully electrified drivetrain portfolio, the stunning new Opel Grandland has been unveiled by the German carmaker, boasting a range of up to 700km (WLTP).

The newcomer brings to life many design features first seen on the Opel Experimental concept car, including a 3D Vizor with illuminated Blitz logo proudly sitting at the centre, and permanently illuminatedOPELlettering at the rear. The new Opel Grandland will make its way to Irish showrooms in late2024.

The next generation Grandland is the first Opel to benefit from the introduction of the new Stellantis STLA Medium BEVnative production platform. Thanks to the new architecture and its flat battery packaging allowing for up to 98 kWh, combined with a new-genera-

tion electric motor and heat pump, the new GrandlandElectriccandeliver a range of up to 700km (WLTP). At a public fast charging station, it only takes around 26 minutes to recharge to 80% of the battery capacity. Customers can also opt for a Grandland Plugin Hybrid with up to 85km emissions-free range (WLTP), or the Grandland Hybrid with 48-volt technology, both offering further exciting solutions that deliverondrivingpleasure while curbing consumptionandCO2emissions.

The impressive stance of the new Grandland becomesapparentatthevery firstglance.Thenewcomer is confident and robust, measuring 4650mm in length (+173mm compared to its predecessor), 1905mm in width (+64mm) and 1660mm in height (+19mm). Combined with up to 20" alloy wheelsandsportingatwotoned floating roof, con-

trast cladding, and sharp wheel-arch lines, it sits boldly at the top of Opel's SUVportfolio.

Grandeurisaddedbythe new Opel 3D Vizor brand face, combined with the illuminated Opel Blitz logo which is made even more prominent using Edge Light Technology. At the rear, a distinctive illuminatedlightingsignaturealso makes its production model debut. Fully in line with Opel's Greenovation approach to conserve all resources related to the automobile, the name of the car is no longer displayedbychromelettering , instead it is centrally embossedinthetailgate.

While the Grandland benefits from an electrified powertrain portfolio, it also delivers dynamic and comfortable driving pleasure, made possible by dampers with frequency selective damping technology. Depending on the road surface conditions and driving style, this

unique technology enables different damping characteristics for comfortable gliding, no matter the surface, on cobblestones or over a manhole cover.

The Grandland reacts even more immediately and directly to any command from the driver and,

as is typical for Opel, remains stable when braking, cornering and at high speedsonmotorways.

The Opel DNA is further emphasised by specific spring, anti-roll bar, steeringandESCtuning.

Thanks to its state-ofthe-art new platform, innovative new technolo-

gies, in combination with numerous design features first seen on the Opel Experimental concept car, the new Grandland sits comfortably at the helm of Opel's SUV portfolio, bringing a new level to Opel's ongoing electrification strategy. Contact NavanOpelfordetails.

Norwegians Visit New Age Friendly Homes in Athboy

A GROUP OF 20 DELE-

GATES from the Western Region of Norway visited Meath County Council on April 26. The purpose of theirstudytriptoIrelandis to learn about age friendly developments.

Ireland is the first countryintheworldtohavefull affiliation to the World Health Organisation’s Global Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities, with an active Age Friendly Programme ineachofthe31Irishlocal authorities. This work is supportedatnationallevel with Meath County Council hosting the national shared service centre for AgeFriendlyIreland.

Age Friendly strategies help to put plans and services in place to meet the needs of the growing ageing population, with a particular focus on age friendlyenvironments.

By 2051, it is estimated there will be 1.6 million people aged 65+ living in Ireland.

The Norwegian group’s visit was organised by the Centre for an Age-friendly Norway, on the recommendation of the County Governor of Vestland. DelegatescomprisedHeadsof Services for Housing and Social services, Directors of Education and Housing, Senior Advisors, an Assistant County Doctor and representatives of the CountyGovernor’soffice.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Tommy Reilly welcomed the visitors to Meath

CountyCouncilheadquarters, Buvinda House, where they heard presen-

French Fights For Fairies

NoelFrench LocalHistorian

COUNCILLOR NOEL

FRENCH has asked that Meath County Council to call on the Department of Agriculture to ensure the suspension of imports of hawthorn plants due to the potential risk of importing the fireblight disease and ensure that only Irish Provenance/Irish Origin hawthorn are planted under the ACRES hedgerow planting scheme. Imports of hawthorn are putting native hawthorn trees and hedges at risk.

Fireblight is a bacterial disease whose common hosts include Hawthorn, Cotoneaster, apple, pear, and rowan. It cannot be treated and affected trees must be destroyed.

Fireblight is known to enter through latent infections on imported plants and is suited to our temperate climate, being widespread in Northern Ireland and confirmed by the Department of Agriculture, FoodandtheMarineinseventeen outbreaks across elevencountiesin2023.

Ireland is still managing thefalloutfromashdieback, whichwasmostlikelyintroduced through imports fromEUMemberStates.We must not make the same mistake with the present dangerposedbyFireblight.

TheHawthornbushisalso known as the White Thorn andMaybush.Itiscommon to see it grown in a closely planted row as a hedge or

screen. It is the ideal candidate for this, as young hawthorn plants grow strongly with many thorny branches and side-shoots. This quickly forms a thicket, which makes for a virtually stock-proofhedge.

The hawthorn comes into flower from May to June with five-petalled white flowers, which unfortunately have an unpleasant smell to some. Up close the flowers have a faint scent of rotting meat, this allows pollination of the flowers by flies rather than the bees whicharenotactiveinearly spring,itsbloomingtime.

By hanging a branch from the May bush outside the entrance to the house the inhabitants were protected from evil during the followingyear.

The Hawthorn is generally associated with the fairies and the tree is not to be damaged during the rest of the year. To this very day,

Age Friendly Homes Programme.

Van Dijk Architects described their design concept for the age friendly housing development in Athboy. This was followed by a site visit to the Yellow FordAgeFriendlyHousing development on the Kildalkey road, Athboy. This soon-to-be-completed development comprises 28 units, designed for older people.

The units have Universal Design and Age Friendly features, including wetrooms and low maintenance landscaping. The development includes ground floor and single storeyunits.

centrally located to the town.AgeFriendlyconsiderations for the site included site location and proximitytoamenitiesand services in Athboy town, places to sit and have a rest, spaces designed to promote activity and social interaction, and age friendly surface and footpaths.

Athboy Town has undergone public realm works recently to upgrade footpaths, seating and the park, and it completed an AgeFriendlyTownprocess in2019.

tations about the Age Friendly Ireland shared service office, the Healthy

All units have own door access and access to private amenity space at ground floor level (includingapartments).Cunninghams Contractors facilitated the site visit and answered questions on the development.

The site is located on the Kildalkey Road, Athboy,

Lars-Marius Ulfrstad, one of the visiting Norwegian delegation said “With the increase in our older demographic, we must build affordable, innovative and accessible homes for our older generation, withwraparoundservices. We are delighted to be hereinIrelandvisitingand learning about new housing solutions with social spaces.” Mr Ulfrstad concluded.

there are still farmers who plough a wide circle around lone hawthorn trees, avoiding all contact between tilling implement and root, forfearofoffendingthefairies that supposedly inhabit the tree. Branches may not be taken into the house. A branch of the mountain ash or rowan tree was sometimes substituted for hawthorn.

The May bush was recordedasbeingatalmostevery doorinpartsofMeathinthe early nineteenth century. Flowerpetalswerestrewnin frontofthedoorwayofeach house to prevent the entry of fairies. Similarly sprigs of

hawthorn or rowan were placedoverthebyredoorto prevent milk thieving by witchesorfairies.

There were hawthorn trees atSt.John’sWellin Warrenstown and at St. Colmcille’s Well in Kells. Rags or votive offerings are still to be seen at St. Kieran’s Well, Carnaross. At Batterstown on the Trim-Dublin road a whitethornbushontheside of the road marked the burial site of some of the menof1798.

The following story comes from a school child from Wilkinstown in the 1930s: “Thereisalittlewhite-thorn bush growing in a field be-

hind our house. A Leipreachan is to be seen sitting under this bush on certainnightsoftheyear.He is dressed in a white breechesandagreenjacket, andaredcap. He is usually seen picking the leaves off the bush and putting them into a jar whichheholdsinhishand.

Certain people have tried to catch him, but when they would think that they had himhewoulddisappear. It is said that if he was caught, he would give you the leaves in the can, and when you would look into the can it would be full of money.

Learning From The Mock Exam Experience -

WITHIN the first couple of weeks of your return after your Christmas holidays, teachers began speaking about exam papers, exam solutions, timetables, revision and more especially about the upcoming Junior/Leaving Certificate mock examinations.

The mock examinations are always a source of anxiety for students, as it is always an exam they feel under prepared for, no matter what revision has beendone.

We need to keep the mocks in perspective and look back on them as a learning experience, where mistakes were made that hopefullywon’tberepeated in June - taking the learningsandmovingon.

Prior to the start of the mocks, students had endlessquestionsaboutthe whole process.Questions like: Has the quality of my study been good so far? HowwillImatchupagainst my friends? What will my gradesbelike?WillIbeable to manage my time properly for each paper? Am I doing the correct level? How am I supposed to complete an exam paper if we haven’t finished the course?Whatwillhappenif Ifailasubjectinthemocks? Are the mocks harder than theactualstateexam?Allof these are normal questions tohave.

Looking back now, these questions will help you understand how to better approach exam papers and inform you what areas you

need to focus on now to be successfulineachsubject. MocksvsStateExams

As useful as the mocks are, it is important to understand that there are some fundamental differences between the mock and the state exams. Herearesomeobservations for you to think about acrossallyoursubjects:

• Youmorethanlikelyhave not covered the full course in your subjects, so consequently may not have beenabletoattemptthefull paper competently. This is notunusual.

• You probably have had minimal exposure to past examquestions,soyoumay notbefullyfamiliarwiththe style,wording,andlayoutof theexamquestionsoneach paper.

• Youmorethanlikelyhave not sat a full exam paper in each subject previously. You and your parents need to have realistic expectations about the mocksasaresult.

• In general, the mock exam papers tend to be quite testing in relation to the actual standard of the stateexampaperslater.

• The difference in the knowledge and vocabulary you will have at ‘mock’ and ‘exam’timearepolesapart.

• The mocks will show up deficiencies and gaps in your subject knowledge. Your experience and

confidencewillbesomuch betterwhenthestateexams comealong.

• You will have a much better understanding of how the marking scheme operates on all your papers byJunetime.

• Your result in the mocks will provide an incentive to put in extra revision, especially if you are nowherenearthegradeyou require. From this point of view, the mocks should be viewedasanopportunityto find out which are your so called‘weaker’subjectsand topics.

• The timing of the mocks doesn’t tend to be ideal for students, as they can come very quickly after the Christmas break. Knuckle down, remembering you still have several months to improve grades in all your subjects and further learn yourcourse.

• Think of the mocks as playing a league match in the winter as you prepare for the championship later in the summer. As Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) folk will quickly tell you: “It’s the championship that matters”.

Lessons Learned from YourMocks

Whenyourmockpapersare assessed,thecorrectorswill also give you some written feedback on them. However, the best feedback gained will be the

experience of having sat down and attempted each paper under exam conditions.

It is difficult to replicate that level of pressure at home,nomatterhowmuch you try. After you receive your mock exam paper back, complete the followingactionsinrelation totheexperience:

1. Bringyourexampaperto your subject teacher and ask them to give their view on where you can improve and pick up marks in the future.

2. Record the written and oralfeedbackfromboththe examinerandyourteacher.

3. Act on this feedback to learn from your mistakes, so as not to repeat them againlater.

4. Have a think about what angle each question on the paperwasaskedfrom.

5. Consider how well you did with the timing on the paper.

6. Make a note of topics that came up which you hadn’tyetcoveredinclass.

7. Make a note of why you lost specific marks in certainareas.

8. Notedownanythingthat stands out for you from the marking scheme. Each teacher will have a copy of this,sofeelfreetoaskthem tohaveaquicklookatit.

9. Makeanoteofsubtopics thatyouperformedbadlyin and add these to your upcoming lifestyle study timetable.

10. Make a note of what youdidwell,sothatyoucan retain these positives in June.

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Summer Gardening Tips

These gardening tips will help your plants survive the summer months, any time you’re facing a drought or a long spell ofhotweather.Likeourother vegan garden tips, they are simple, straightforward, and easy to put into practice.

Fertilize well: Helping your plantsthriveisoftenacaseof proper planning, placement, and soil fertility.

A strong plant can better withstand the stress of high heatanddryweather.So,fertilize the soil well before planting using organic compost and other sustainable stock-free fertilizers. You can also give your plants a boost with liquid fertilizers (like water soluble seaweed powder) a couple of weeks after planting, or in times of stress. General tip: While liquid fertilizers are great, it is best not to overuse them. Liquid fertilizers (even organic)feedplantsdirectlyin-

stead of supporting the soil food web.

The soil food web (simply put) is the network that makes nutrients (already in the soil) available to your plants. It is important to protect and nourish this system with organic matter whenever possible, to ensure long-term soil fertility.

Choose perennials: Heat resistant crops or plants with an extensive root system. Many annuals have shallow rootsystemsthatdryouteasily in the heat of summer. By choosing plants with a hardier root system (biennials (produce for two years), perennials, heat resistant crops, etc.) you’ll start your summer garden off on the right foot.

Pros of heat resistance crops: Less watering = less money spent on water and less work during the heat.

Pros of planting perennials or biennials: You will be investing in the future of your garden instead of planting for one growing season at a time.

Createamoat: When planting from starts: Create a

small dirt moat around each plant (slightly larger than the drip line, where the leaves reach out to). This channels water towards the roots when the plant is watered or when it rains. This is a particularly good idea if you are working with compacted or sun-baked soil.

When direct planting from seeds: Dig a small channel 12 inches deeper than the recommended depth for the type of seeds you are planting.

Sprinkle the seeds in the channel and cover with the appropriate amount of soil making sure there are still ridges (of soil) on either side of the seeds, to channel water downwards.

Use shade cloth: Shade cloth can be essential during thesummermonths.Youcan use it to protect young fragile seedlings/starts or give larger, more established plants a break from the heat.

Shade cloth is available at many garden, home and department stores. There are different grades of “shade” available, depending on the intensity of the sun you are

Shannen Carroll is Movin On

WHILE the 25-year-old fromDuleek may not have won the coveted title of Ireland’sGlórTíreCountry Music Champion 2024, Shannen put in a strong performance of the Country classic, ‘I’m MovingOn’.

“It was originally recorded and performed by Hank Snow, but there’s been a load of versions over the decades by

famous Country artists,” said Shannen. “The version that I heard and fell in love with was Miranda Lambert’s version.”

She continued “I love how upbeat and feelgood it is. It’s about driving a truck and moving on. I love how it’s from a female perspective, rather than a male perspective, it really spices things up. It’s so fun

to sing and Miranda Lambert is so cool, I really lookuptoherasanartist.”

For Glór Tíre, now in its 20th season, Shannen was mentored by leading Irish Country musician, Johnny Brady.

Throughout the series, Shannen has undoubtedly won many new fans and will also be looking to build on her newly raised profile.

attempting to partially block out.

At the same garden supply stores you should also be able to find metal hoops (semi circles) that can be placed over your garden beds to prevent the shade cloth from touching or damaging plants.

Mulch: When it comes to retaining fertility and moisture in your soil, mulch is on your side. Mulch can attract slugs and other gastropods, but it alsoprotectsthesoilfromUV

light, as well as the heat of the sun and compaction, while helping the soil to retain nutrients and moisture.

Different mulches: You can use grass, hay, newspaper, weed mat and cardboard as mulch. General tip: Exposed soil is never a “great” thing. There are times you need to work the soil or leave soil exposed to the elements (starting a new seed bed etc.), but whenever possible keep your dirt covered with mulches or ground covers. The worms,

organic matter and microorganisms in your soil will thank you.

Use water catchments to save rainwater: Even if you use mulch, shade cloth and/or plant heat resistant crops at some point you’ll probablyhavetowater.So,to save money and other valuable resources, use a water catchment to collect water when it rains. This will give you a free water reserve to useinthegardensduringdry periods.

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Unveiling Bias: How It Sneaks into Job Interviews and Strategies for Interviewers to Counteract It

Job interviews, pivotal moments in career paths, are unfortunately not immune to the influence of bias. Unchecked, these biases can unfairly impact candidate evaluations, hindering the quest for diverse and talented teams. Understanding the ways bias creeps in is the first step towards creating equitableandinclusivehiringpractices.

One prevalent bias is the similarity attraction effect, where interviewers gravitatetowardscandidateswhoremind them of themselves. To mitigate this, interview panels should be diverse, representing varied backgrounds and perspectives. This en-

sures a more holistic assessment of candidatesbasedonskillsandqualificationsratherthansuperficialsimilarities.

Then there's the halo effect, where one positive trait overshadows all other aspects of a candidate. Interviewers can combat this by focusing onspecificjob-relatedcompetencies andusingstructuredinterviewquestions that remain consistent across allapplicants.

Confirmation bias, the tendency to seek out information that confirms preconceptions, can be challenged through objective evaluation criteria and avoiding leading questions. Additionally, anchoring bias, the incli-

nation to heavily weigh initial information, can be lessened by conducting multiple rounds of interviews or assessing candidates through blind evaluations.

By employing these strategies, interviewers can uphold fairness and objectivity, ensuring that the best candidate for the job is selected based on their skills, experiences, and potential, rather than the unconscious biases that often sneak intotheinterviewroom.

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