Five family members killed 25 years ago to be honoured by relatives at mini-marathon
By: Louise Walsh
"It'sonlyyearslaterthatyourealisethe levelofwhatwewentthrough,wewerejust onautopilotforsolong,"saidarelationof fivefamilymemberswhowerekilledina roadcrash25yearsago.
CatherineCurtis(neeWinters),hertenyearoldsonWayne,herfiveyearold daughterShauna,thechildren'sauntJamie andtheircousinGarry(bothaged14)were killedwhenthecarinwhichtheywere passengersin,collidedwithamilktankerat Swann'sCrossinCo.MonaghanonJuly 24th,2001.
Jamie,GarryandShaunadiedshortly afterwardswhileCatherineandWaynedied afterwardsfromtheirinjuries. Theonly occupantswhosurvivedwereCatherine's husbandTommyandtheirfour-month-old daughterChloe.
TheCurtisfamily,fromNobber,Co. Meathwerejustafterstoppingat Catherine'smother'shouseatLattonin Monaghan,ontheirwaytotheirholidaysin Bundoran,CoDonegal.
NowCatherine'ssisterChristinaWeldon andherdaughtersAbbie(25)andKatie(16) arepreparingtomarkthemilestone anniversaryofthecrashbyrunninginthe
VHIWomen'sMini-Marathoninaidofthe IrishRoadVictimsAssociation(IRVA). IRVAisthenationalcharityforroadcrash victimsinIrelandandprovidesfree informationandsupporttoallthose impactednationwide. Theyprovidefree bereavementcounsellingorgriefcoaching aswellaslegalguidancetohelpfamiliesand thoseseriouslyinjuredtonavigatethe complexprocessesthatfollowaserious incident.
Theirmonthlyonlinesupportgroups,led byaqualifiedfacilitator,offerasafeand understandingspaceforconnectionand healing.
"Youwakeupnowmanymorningsand hearofanotherdeathontheroadssowe wantedtodosomethingtoraiseawareness ofthedevastationthataroaddeathhason familiesandcommunitiesandwethought thiswouldalsocoincidewiththe25th anniversaryofCatherineandherfamily's death,"saidChristina.
"Therewasjustayearbetweenmyselfand Catherineandshewouldn'tstartnational schoolwithoutme,soIhadtogotoschool attheageofthreeandahalf,"shelaughed.
Contd on Page 4
Christina Weldon and daughters Abbie and Katie
Tóibín Highlights Navan to Dublin Rail Delay as Adare Station Fast-Tracked
Aontú Councillor Emer
Tóibín has expressed frustration following the announcement that construction has commenced on a €3 million temporary train station in Adare, Co. Limerick, to serve the 2027 Ryder Cup.
The project is expected to be completed within just six months, a sharp contrast to the proposed Navan–Dublin rail line, which remains mired in delays after decades of repeated feasibility studies and false starts.
The temporary Adare station is being fasttracked to support a oneweek international event, demonstrating that with political will, rail infrastructure can be delivered quickly and at relatively low cost.
Meanwhile, Navan the largest town in Ireland without a rail connection continues to face a projected timeline of 2036 at the earliest.
Speaking earlier, Cllr Tóibín said "The speed of
progress in Adare shows clearly what is possible when there is political urgency. While it is encouraging to see infrastructure delivered efficiently, it is deeply frustrating for the people of Meath, who have been campaigning for the Navan rail line for well over twenty years."
Cllr Tóibín continued "A temporary station can be
builtinsixmonths,yetthe train won't roll into Navan for another 10 years!”
"I have worked closely with the 'Meath on Track' campaign and met countless commuters facing daily round trips of three, four and even five hours to Dublin."
"Despite numerous studies and strategy updates, even the most basic steps such as public
consultation and preferred route selection continue to be delayed. Many residents bought homes decades ago based on the promise of a rail link that has yet to materialise."
"There has long been a practical proposal to utilise the Navan-toDrogheda line to connect to Dublin. The NTA dismissed that idea out of hand. The rapid repurposing of the Limerick-to-Foynes line for the Ryder Cup raises serious questions as to why similar, commonsense solutions are not being applied in Meath."
"The people of Navan deserve the same urgency as a major international event. We are not asking for temporary fixes, we need the permanent rail infrastructure that has been promised for generations. It is time for the government to match the speed seen in Adare with genuine commitment to the people of Meath."
concluded Cllr Tóibín
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Conted from P1
"She was my best friend. I met my own husband Dermot through Catherine and Tommy. "IwasinMonaghantownat lunch and saw the ambulances heading to the hospital. Ididnotknowwho was involved until I returned to my work and was told by a relative that I neededtogohome.
"Looking back, it was a horrendous time. It's only years later that you realise the level of what we went through. We were on autopilot for so long. Five young lives, all wiped out. It's hard to grieve for one, butfiveisincomprehensible.
"Family events and milestones in their lives are still really tough and you wonder all the time, what theywouldbelikenow."
There is now a roundaboutatSwann'scross but Catherine says 25 years ago, it was a notoriously dangerousjunction.
"Wearetakingpartinthis mini-marathon to remember our five angels andalsothosewhohelpedat the time including the firefighters, paramedics, doctors and nurses and the
communities in Latton, Co. Monaghan and in Nobber, Co.Meath.
"Each tragedy leaves memories for so many involved and we will be thinking of all those as we make our way around the 10km."
"The biggest thing I remember trying to understand days after the accident was looking at peoplejustcarryingonwith theirlives. Whydidnothing grind to a halt, why was everything continuing like nothinghadhappenedwhen
ourworldasweknewit,had just ended."
"It took me years to even start to get an understandingandlivewith the grief. How do you deal with five tragedies? Back then,therewasnoIRVAbut I know if it existed back then,Iwould'vefoundsome feelingtomynumbnessand helptofindawaythroughit better."
Anyonewhowouldliketo donate can do so by loggin gon to https://www. idonate.ie/fundraiser/ christinaweldon
McKee Tables Motion On Need For Safe Access Between Avourwen, Lagavooren Manor &
Rosevale
Local South Drogheda & East Meath Fianna Fáil Councillor, Stephen McKee, has tabled another Motion to Meath County Council callingforapermanent,safe and accessible pathway between the Avourwen, Lagavooren Manor and Rosevaleestates.
Cllr McKee stated "I have beenlobbyinghardforasafe pathway between these SouthDroghedaestatesfora period of time now. Meath County Council previously toldmethattheywouldlook at providing a formal route onceAvourweniscompleted and taken in charge by the Council. This simply isn’t goodenoughandneedstobe done as a priority. The Council should liaise with residents and Public Representatives to progress a plan of action immediately."
"Avourwenhasgrowninto a very large estate with hundreds of homes, and residents need and deserve proper walkable access to shops, services and schools
inthelocality.Thereverseis alsotrueinthatresidentsin Ard Ri, Rosevale and Lagavooren Manor need safe access to get to John’s Shop and Wolfe Tones GFC Club grounds. So, this is a win-win for all residents in the locality if done properly."
CllrMcKeewentontosay"I am working with local residents, my colleague Senator Alison Comyn and
the Council to ensure that this is done soon and in the right manner. I am conscious that reports of anti-social behaviour need to be addressed too as part oftheseworks," "Theaccessbetweenthese estatesisanestablishedone anditisimportantthatitis tidied up and made safe for thebenefitofallresidentsas soon as possible’ concluded McKee.
GET REWARDED FOR SPENDING TIME OUTDOORS
CivicDollarshasofficiallylaunched inCountyMeath,rewardingpeople forspendingtimeoutdoorsand beingactiveintheircommunity.The initiativeallowsindividualstoearnCivic Dollarsforoutdooractivityandaccess rewardsordonatethemtolocal communityandvoluntarygroups. Communitygroupscangetinvolvedby signinguptoreceivedonatedCivicDollars, whilerewardsincludefoodvouchers,as wellaspracticalsupportssuchasHR advice,socialmediasupportandaccessto volunteerdays.Individualscanusetheir dollarstoenterdrawsforMiMeath
Vouchers,MeathGAATopsandmore! CivicDollarsMeathisalsoseekingtolink withlocalbusinesses,offeringthema positivewaytosupportcommunity wellbeing,increaselocalvisibilityand demonstratesocialresponsibilitywithin Meath.
TodownloadtheappsimplyscantheQR codesinthepicture.Formoreinformation, contacthealthymeath@meathcoco.ie, mppn@meathcoco.ieorcall0469097400. ThisinitiativeissupportedbyMeath CountyCouncil,MeathPublicParticipation NetworkandtheHealthyIrelandFund, supportedbytheDepartmentofHealth.
Christina Weldon with Donna from IRVA
Drogheda Credit Union Launch Low Rate 3.3% Green Mortgage with Legal Rebate of up to €2000* until July 2026
OnThursday,7th May, Drogheda Credit Union held the officiallaunchofit’snewlow rate mortgage product. To celebrate the launch Drogheda Credit Union are offering a Legal Fee Rebate of up to €2000* helping to easethecostsforborrowers.
The competitive Green Mortgage offers lending of up to €500,000 with rates from 3.3%* (3.35% APR) designed to support first timebuyersandmovers.
Special Guest speaker at the event in Scholars TownhouseHotel,Drogheda was Sean Gallagher, Dragons Den investor, author and entrepreneur who delivered an insightful address to the group on innovation and sustainabilityinthehousing marketinIreland.
Speaking on behalf of Drogheda Credit Union, CEO,TomKielysaid“Thisis another proud moment for Drogheda Credit Union, being able to offer a mortgageproductthatrivals bigger financial institutions is significant. We look forward to helping many families and young people securehomeownership.”
The event brought together local businesses, industry representatives as well as Jack & Amy, who recently got their mortgage from Drogheda Credit Union. Jack and Amy discussed their experience tellingtheattendees“Thank
totheexpertiseofDrogheda CreditUnionteamwefound thewholeprocessextremely straight forward. Without them we would have been able to complete our dream home.”
To qualify for a Green Mortgage homes must meet energy efficiency standards, with a BER rating between A1–B3 for new homes, or B3+followingretrofitworks.
With loan amounts ranging from €50,000 to €500,000andflexibleterms of 5 to 35 years, the Green Mortgage is designed to make sustainable homeownership more accessible.
*3.30% (3.35% APR)* when Loan to Value is less than or equal to 80% (LTV ≤80% ). *3.40%(3.45% APR)*whenLoantoValueis less than or equal to 90% (LTV≤90%).
Rebateratesareasfollows €1,000between€200,000–€299,999; €1,500 between €300,000–€399,999; €2,000between€400,000–€500,000. Rebates will not exceedthelegalfeesactually incurred (valid solicitor invoicerequired),termsand conditionsapply.
For more information on Drogheda Credit Union’s GreenMortgageandforfull terms and conditions visit www.drogehdacu.ie or to organiseameetingwithone to one meeting with a financial advisor call 0419838496 or email loans@droghedacu.ie.
Two Meath secondary schoolshonoured at landmark #AndSheCycles Awards Ceremony
Two Meath secondary schoolswerehonouredwith more than 100 fellow student ambassadors from acrossIrelandatthelargest #andshecycles Awards Ceremony to date for their outstanding leadership in championing girls’ cycling in their schools and communities.
Students from Rathoath College and Dunshaughlin Community College with other schools form around the country to celebrate a remarkable year of leadership, creativity and actionaspartofthegrowing #andshecycles Ambassador Programme. Throughout
the school year, the ambassadors took part in workshops and training designedtoequipthemwith the tools, confidence and leadership skills needed to create real change in their schoolsandcommunities.
The ambassadors from Rathoath College led a range of activities to promote cycling among theirpeers,includingaquiz competition and poster competitionfor1stand2nd year students, alongside a school-wide awareness postercampaign. They also ran an “Anything But Drive” twoweek class tally challenge,
delivered awareness talks and presentations to junior classes, and shared regular socialmediaposts.
Students from Dunshaughlin Community College initiated a number of actions in their school, including a survey comparing boys’ and girls’ cycling habits, looking at both casual cycling and cycling to school, as well as a bike repair course with a Green-Schools Travel Officer covering puncture repair and drivetrain maintenance, with plans to explore using Return scheme funds for bike repairtools.
They also organised cycling quizzes and colouring competitions, created and displayed posterspromotingwomen’s cycling, and planned a community event featuring student-led bike repair workshopsandanupcycling art activity using old helmets.
This year’s ambassadors responded with energy and determination, promoting safecycling.
They hosted some great cycling events, and inspiring their peers to see cyclingasanaccessible,fun and empowering way to travel.
Suzanne Gileece and Brian Heffernan of Priority Insurances at the Green Mortgage event.
Pictured in Scholars at the Drogheda Credit Union Green Mortgage event were Andrew McBennett and Ronan Columb of Castlethorn and Trish White of Drogheda Credit Union.
Sean Gallagher pictured with Drogheda Credit Union staff at the Green Mortgage event.
Ambassadors from Dunshaughlin and Rathoath College were celebrated at the awards ceremony in Portlaoise
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Benefit of ‘free schoolbooks’ wiped out as families hit with €750 iPad bills – Darren O’Rourke TD
Calls from parents who are beside themselves as they simply don’t have the money to buy them.
SinnFéin spokesperson on Education and Youth, Darren O’Rourke TD, has criticised the Minister for Education’s head in the sand approach when it comes to the issue of digital devices in schools.
The Meath East TD said “The Minister for Education and Youth has announced this year’s funding for the free schoolbooks scheme, but she continues to ignore the growing problem of schools forcing parents to purchase extremely expensive digital devices for students.
“These iPads and tablets are costing up to €750 per child and parents are rightly furious about it. Every week I’m getting calls from parents who are beside themselves as they simply don’t have the money to buy them."
Teachta O'Rourke contineud by saying “The Minister blames the schools and says it’s their decision,whiletheschools blame the Minister and say it’s central government policy. Meanwhile parents are stuck in the middle and
landed with a massive bill with no way to pay it.
“Some schools are forcing parents to buy devices that cost up to €750, an astronomical figure during this cost-ofliving crisis. And if a
MEATH COUNTY COUNCIL PRIDE OF PLACE 2026
Meath County Council 2026 Pride of Place competition is now open. Applications are invited from Community Groups, Tidy Towns / Village Committees, Residents Associations and other voluntary groups.
The 2026 competition includes the following categories:
Towns & Villages Award: Large Towns, Small Towns, Villages, Townlands
Residential Areas Award: Housing Estates, Rural Residential Roadscape
Social Inclusion Award: Age Friendly, Travelling Community LGBTQ+, Youth, Minority Groups
Sports, Health & Wellbeing Award: Physical Health, Mental Health Community, Sports, Wellbeing
Culture and Heritage Award: Festivals, Art, Heritage, Culture Irish Language
Helping Hero & Volunteer of the Year Award: Junior Helping Hero, Adult Volunteer
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm FRIDAY 22 MAY 2026
Application forms and further details are available from the Community Department, Meath County Council, Buvinda House, Dublin Road, Navan, Co Meath, C15 Y291 or by email prideofplace@meathcoco.ie or online https://www.meath.ie
family has more than one child, this is then multiplied.
“This half-baked policy on digital devices has wiped out the benefit of the free schoolbooks scheme - an admirable scheme that was supposed tomoveusclosertoatruly free education system. Instead, parents are getting hit with higher bills than ever before for school materials.
“In addition to the cost element, we are seeing evidence from across Europe that this rush towards digital-first learning is being rolled back because of clear educational downsides.
“Some countries have found that over-reliance on screens harms concentration, reduces handwriting and basic literacy skills, and may not deliver better learning outcomes. If they are
These iPads and tablets are costing up to €750 per child and parents are rightly furious about it.
pause the current plans in this area and commission an independent review of the impact of digital learning on literacy, retention and equity, before issuing clear guidance to schools and parents.
moving back to books and copybooks, we should also ask why.
“I’m calling on Minister Hildegarde Naughton, to
Deputy O'Rourke concluded “The Minister needs to take her head out of the sand and deal with this issue urgently.”
Darren O'Rourke TD Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education and Youth
ROYALS CAN RULE OVER REBELS
MEATH - CORK 2026 FORMBOOK
NFL DIV 2
First Round
Meath 0-19, Derry 1-13; Cork 0-24, Cavan 2-17.
Second Round
Meath 2-17,Cavan 1-18; Cork 1-17, Louth 1-12.
Third Round
Meath 1-20, Louth 0-22; Cork 3-15, Offaly 0-19.
Fourth Round
Cork 1-23, Meath 1-21.
Fifth Round
Meath 1-21, Kildare 0-10; Derry 1-31, Cork 0-14.
Sixth Round
Meath 3-24, Tyrone 2-22; Cork 1-31, Kildare 2-19.
Seventh Round
Meath 2-22, Offaly 0-18; Cork 0-22, Tyrone 0-19.
Final
Meath 1-22, Cork 2-17.
LEINSTER SFC
Quarter-final - Westmeath 4-18, Meath 0-25. MUNSTER SFC
Quarter-final – Cork 4-16, Limerick 1-16.
Semi-final – Cork 4-18, Tipperary 1-12
Final – Kerry 1-23, Cork 1-15
CONALL COLLIER
Meath manager Robbie Brennan will be looking for a winning start for the Royal County in the opening round of the All-Ireland SFC against Cork at Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday.
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Championship Recovery the Target
BY: CONALL COLLIER
Meath supporters will be making another journey to Cork this weekend hoping for a championship recovery to keep the Royal County flag flying as the All-Ireland SFC gets underway on Saturday 23rd May.
There was lots of expectation amongst those supporters that a Leinster SFC title could be on the agenda this year, but that was before a shock exit against neighbours Westmeath at O’Connor Park, Tullamore.
That was the first hurdle for Meath and they found that Westmeath posed too many questions only seven days after they recorded a highly-impressive 5-25 to 1-16 victory against Longford at Pearse Park.
Cork slumped to a disappointing defeat in the Munster SFC decider against Kerry in front of close to 33,000 spectators on Sunday 10th May and will be targeting another victory on home turf against the Royal County.
This will also be all about recovery for the Meath players, officials and supporters who would have had expectations of a Leinster SFC title at the outset following a NFL Div 2 final victory against Cork at Croke Park on Sunday 29th March.
Meath footballers now have an ideal opportunity to rectify that setback against Westmeath when they tackle Cork at Páirc Uí Rinn with a 5.30pm throw-in scheduled.
Aaron Lynch get his pass in despite the close attention of two Westmeath opponents. Pic: Gerry Shanahan
All-Ireland SFC Format Explained
BY: CONALL COLLIER
The GAA introduced a new format for the 2026 AllIreland SFC series similar to what was used for the Christy Ring Cup format from 2009 –2017.
For the 2026 All-Ireland SFC the eight provincial finalists were drawn against the other eight eligible teams to form a first round. That first round will be played this weekend (23rd / 24th May) and the following weekend (30th May).
The eight first round winners will be drawn against each other in Round 2A.
The four winners from 2A will progress directly to the AllIreland SFC quarter-finals.
The four losers from 2A will get another chance and will play the four winners from 2B.
The eight first round losers will be drawn against each other in Round 2B.
After the results from 2A and 2B are known, the four winners from 2B will play the four losers from 2A. These four winners will progress to the All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals and the four losers will exit the championship.
From a Meath perspective, if Meath defeat Cork they will play in Round 2A (winners round). If Meath lose to Cork they will play in Round 2B and must win to get back in.
All that will deliver the four quarter-finals when every game becomes a knock-out.
ALL-IRELAND SFC FIRST ROUND
(First named team home venue) Saturday 23rd May – Kerry v Donegal, 3pm; Cork v Meath, 5.30pm; Galway v Kildare, 7.30pm Sunday 24th May – Roscommon v Tyrone, 2pm
Saturday 30th May – Armagh v Derry; Dublin v Louth; Monaghan v Mayo; Westmeath v Cavan.
Meath Manager Robbie Brennan. Pic: Gerry Shanahan www.cyberimages.net
Meath Can Bounce Back from Leinster Disappointment
It is only two games to make it to an All-Ireland SFC quarterfinal, but it has to be all about the next game. Everyone wants to get to a final
BY: CONALL COLLIER
Following the draw for the new-look All-Ireland SFC where each team is guaranteed a minimum of two games, Meath’s NFL Div 2-winning captain Eoghan Frayne suggested that the players can bounce back from the disappointment of that Leinster SFC quarter-final exit against Westmeath.
“We had a few bumps in the road last year - Louth in the league and then Louth again in the Leinster SFC final and we responded well, so it is not new to us,” stated the Summerhill clubman.
“You kind of have to put the result behind you and then move on from it. All you can do is go back to working hard, to training, and not losing hope that it is the end of our season. And hopefully it is not. Hopefully we can pick ourselves up.
“You have to have your focus. Your focus has to be short-term. You need to be getting the best out of yourself and the best out of your team mates every training session,” he added.
The Meath captain accepted that Westmeath were “more up for it” than Meath in that Leinster SFC
quarter-final at O’Connor Park, Tullamore and that Meath “never got up to the pitch of the game.”
However, that is in the past and it’s the next game that counts and that will feature the Royal County against the Munster SFC finalists who will go into Saturday’s encounter on the back of a reversal against Kerry.
The concession of goals against Westmeath in that Leinster SFC quarter-final ultimately proved costly for the Royal County and that is an issue that will have to be addressed. Noticeably, the only teams Meath didn’t concede goals against in the NFL Div 2 campaign were against Louth, Kildare and Offaly
In the other four games and in the final against Cork, that Meath won, the Royal County conceded seven goals. Add that to the four conceded against Westmeath last month and it’s a total of 11 goals conceded in six outings.
“You never want to be conceding goals and most teams will be coached to not concede goals,” stated the Meath captain.
“It is something we must try and improve on if we are to go far in the competition. Obviously Westmeath did their homework and could see
how they could get at us. And they scored some savage goals.”
“Everyone has to take ownership in defence. It is not just your six defenders. Everyone has to do it. It is
a collective effort that everyone is tuned in and on the same page when we are defending. It is something we can improve on and can definitely go after in training.
Everyone has to take ownership in defence. It is not just your six defenders. Everyone has to do it
“We know we can compete with the top teams, we showed that last year, hopefully the loss (to Westmeath) will not define us and we will be able to get on with it. “Getting over the first game is the first target; just getting a win and a good performance.
“It is only two games to make it to an All-Ireland SFC quarter-final, but it has to be all about the next game. Everyone wants to get to a final. But for us it is about that next game,” he concluded.
That next game for Meath is on Saturday 23rd May against Cork, at Páirc Uí Rinn in what will be the fifth meeting between the teams since January 2025. The score at the moment is two wins apiece.
Meath captain Eoghan Frayne showing the scars of battle against Cork. Pic: Gerry Shanahan www.cyberimages.net
Meath and Cork set for another showdown
BY: CONALL COLLIER
There has always been a great rivalry between Meath and Cork and that has intensified over the last 16 months since that first outing for the then newlyinstalled manager Robbie Brennan in January 2025 with a visit to the impressive Páirc Uí Chaoimh for his first game in charge. Expectations of success were almost zero amongst Meath supporters on that last Saturday in January as they travelled more out of loyalty than hope and the result was almost predictable, a four-point Cork victory.
After that outing, the Meath manager commented "It's frustrating. When you look at the numbers, we conceded 11 scoreable frees and we missed 19 chances either short or wide, that's a big turnaround so there is huge frustration.
"Frustration is the biggest emotion because the numbers tell us that we had our opportunities. If you get those chances in this modern game you have to take them, but we didn't take them so we have to go and improve that.”
While survival in NFL Div 2 was the hope for most supporters, the Meath manager and his players had a slightly different script and a Leinster SFC final place was secured against Louth before a run to the last four of the All-Ireland SFC.
That all changed the expectations for 2026 and with silverware on the sideboard in the form of the NFL Div 2 trophy, there was huge disappointment with the Leinster SFC quarter-final exit to Westmeath who went on to win the Leisnter title.
However, now the focus will turn to the new-look All-Ireland SFC with a visit to Páirc Uí Rinn this weekend to tackle a Cork side that has had the benefit of some competitive action with a run to the Munster SFC decider where they disappointed against Kerry losing by eight points.
Meath haven’t had a competitive outing since that defeat by Westmeath and apart from training, there was a challenge game against Mayo in Ashbourne a fortnight ago.
However, there a safety net in the All-Ireland SFC as each team, win or lose in the first round, is guaranteed a minimum of two games under the revised format.
The eight first round losers will be drawn to play four preliminary quarter-finals with the four winners advancing and the four losers exiting the 2026 Championship.
LAST FOUR MEETINGS
In the last four meetings between Meath and Cork, each side has won twice with the Munster men winning at home and Meath winning at Páirc Tailteann in the 2025 All-Ireland series and winning the 2026 NFL Div 2 final at Croke
Park.
A look at the statistics from each of those games is listed below.
2025
SATURDAY 25th JANUARY
Robbie Brennan’s first game in charge of the Royal County brought him to Páirc Uí Chaoimh where Cork made a winning start to the NFL Div 2 campaign with a 2-19 to 0-21 victory after it was level (0-11 apiece) at the interval.
Cork - Micheal A Martin; Maurice Shanley, Daniel O'Mahony, Neil
Lordon; Brian O'Driscoll (0-6 one free, one two-point free), Rory Maguire, Matty Taylor (1-0); Sean Walsh, Colm O'Callaghan; Paul Walsh (0-1), Sean Powter, Eoghan McSweeney; Mark Cronin (0-7 five frees, one two-point free), Chris Og Jones (1-4), Sean McDonnell. SubsPatrick Doyle for Martin, Cathail O'Mahony (0-1) for McDonnell both 51m, Darragh Cashman for Powter 61m, Eanna Desmond for S Walsh 65m, Tommy Walsh McSweeney 71m.
Billy
Adam O'Neill, Donal Keogan; Eoin Harkin (0-2), Seán Coffey, Ciarán Caulfield; Jack Flynn (0-1), Bryan Menton; Keith Curtis, Eoghan Frayne (0-1), Jack Kinlough; Jordan Morris (0-4), Mathew Costello (0-10 five frees, one two-point free), Shane Walsh (0-2). Subs - Brian O'Halloran for O'Neill 50 mins, Conor Duke for Curtis 54m, James Conlon for Walsh 55m, Ronan Jones for Frayne and Sean Rafferty for Caulfield both 60m.
Meath -
Hogan (0-1); Seamus Lavin,
Jordan Morris in action for Meath in the NFA Div2 final against Cork. Pic: Gerry Shanahan www.cyberimages.net
Best Wishes To Meath GAA
CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEWS THE MEATH HERALD
SATURDAY 24th MAY
Meath made the best possible start to the 2025 All-Ireland SFC series at Pairc Tailteann on Saturday 24th May where they recorded a 1-13 to 0-12 victory against a well-regarded Cork tea
Boosted by the return of Jordan Morris from injury, Meath were ahead by 1-5 to 0-5 at the interval and it was Morris who rifled to the net for the Royal County close to the interval.
Meath remained in the ascendancy in the second-half and matched the men from the Rebel County score-for-score before pushing on with late points from James Conlon and Mathew Costello sealing the victory.
Meath - Billy Hogan (0-1); Séamus Lavin, Seán Rafferty, Ronan Ryan; Donal Keogan, Seán Coffey (0-1), Ciarán Caulfield; Jack Flynn, Bryan Menton; Conor Duke, Ruairí Kinsella, Jordan Morris (1-1); Mathew Costello (0-5), James Conlon (0-2), Eoghan Frayne (0-3).
Subs - Adam O’Neill for Coffey and Keith Curtis for Frayne both 46 mins, Cathal Hickey for Duke 50m, Shane Walsh for Conlon 68m, James McEntee for Kinsella 73m.
Cork - Mícheál Aodh Martin; Seán Meehan, Daniel O’Mahony, Maurice Shanley; Seán Powter, Brian O’Driscoll, Matty Taylor (0-1); Ian Maguire, Colm O’Callaghan (02); Paul Walsh, Eoghan McSweeney, Mark Cronin (0-4); Seán McDonnell, Cathail O’Mahony, Chris Óg Jones (0-4).
Subs - Ruairi Deane (0-1) for Powter and Rory Maguire for McSweeney both 51 mins, Eanna O’Hanlon for C O’Mahony 58m,
Conor Cahalane for Walsh 65m, Luke Fahy for Taylor 68m, Hugh O’Connor for Cronin 74m.
2026
SUNDAY 22nd FEBRUARY
Meath lost out narrowly (1-21 to 123) against hosts Cork who had 14
players for the final 12 minutes, but still prevailed by two points in front of 6,223 spectators in a top-of-thetable encounter at Páirc Uí Rinn.
Cork - Micheal A Martin; Maurice Shanley, Daniel O'Mahony, Tommy Walsh; Mattie Taylor, Sean Meehan, Luke Fahy (0-1); Colm O'Callaghan (0-1), Ian Maguire (0-1); Paul Walsh, Mark Cronin (0-5 two twopointers), Sean McDonnell (0-3); Chris Og Jones (1-4), Dara Sheedy (0-4), Steven Sherlock (0-4 one twopointer, one free, one '45').SubsRuairi Deane for Walsh 54m, Sean Walsh for Sheedy 62m, Rory Maguire for Taylor 66m, David Buckley for O'Callaghan 67m, Kevin O'Donovan for Meehan 71m. Meath - Sean Brennan (0-2 twopoint free); Seamus Lavin, Ronan Ryan, Brian O'Halloran; Donal Keogan, Sean Coffey (0-1), Ciaran Caulfield (0-1); Bryan Menton, Cian McBride; Conor Duke, Ruairi Kinsella (0-3), Jack Flynn (0-3); Jordan Morris (0-4 one free), Eoghan Frayne (1-3 one twopointer), Aaron Lynch (0-2).SubsAdam O'Neill for McBride 34m, Jack O'Connor (0-2) for Duke half-time, James Conlon for Lynch 47m, Jason Scully for Ryan 60m.
SUNDAY 29th MARCH
There was a first piece of silverware for Meath senior football team manager Robbie Brennan on when
the Royal County finished the National Football League Div 2 campaign following an absorbing 122 to 2-17 victory against Cork in a thrilling final at Croke Park.
Meath - Sean Brennan (0-3 one two-point free, one '45'); Seamus Lavin, Sean Rafferty, Brian O’Halloran; Donal Keogan, Sean Coffey, Ciaran Caulfield (0-1); Bryan Menton, Jack Flynn; Jack O'Connor (1-2 one two-pointer), Ruairi Kinsella (0-5 two twopointers), Cian McBride; Jordan Morris (0-3 one free), Eoghan Frayne (0-3 frees), Aaron Lynch (01).Subs -James Conlon (0-4) for Lynch 42m, Ronan Ryan for Lavin 47m, Cathal Hickey for McBride 53m, Killian Smyth for O'Halloran 57m, Oisin Martin for O'Connor 67m.
Cork - Patrick Doyle; Maurice Shanley, Daniel O'Mahony, Sean Meehan; Brian O'Driscoll, Tommy Walsh, Luke Fahy; Colm O'Callaghan (0-2), Ian Maguire; Paul Walsh (0-2), Mark Cronin (01), Sean McDonnell; Chris Og Jones (1-3), Dara Sheedy, Steven Sherlock (0-9 one two-pointer, one free). Subs- Brian Hurley (1-0) for Sheedy 44m, Kevin O'Donovan for Shanley 53m, Ruairi Deane for McDonnell 57m, Sean Walsh for Cronin 61m, Rory Maguire for Fahy 64m.
FIRST ROUND
Meath 2-11, Wicklow 1-12
Meath Herald Stats - Footballers Journey so far
Meath - Finn Moore; Oran Smullen, Gerry Dwane, Shane Gibney; Killian Smyth (1-0), John O'Regan, Ross Ryan; Conor Gray (0-2 two-pointer),Charlie O'Connor; Daithi McGowan, Rian McConnell, Oisin Martin (0-2); Gary Breslin, Diarmuid Moriarty (1-4 two frees), Niall Finnerty (0-3 one two-pointer). Subs - Ciaran McCarrick for Smullen 29 mins, Sean Emmanuel for Gray and Darragh Campion for Breslin both half-time, Mark Coffey for Finnerty 46m, Conor Ennis for Ryan 55m.
QUARTER-FINAL
Offaly 2-13 Meath 0-15
Meath - Billy Hogan; Ciaran McCarrick, Ger Dwane, Shane Gibney; Killian Smyth, John O’Regan, James McEntee; Daithi McGowan (0-6 three frees, one two-point free), Bryan Menton; Cillian O’Sullivan, Oisin Martin (02 two-pointer), Jack O’Connor; Niall Finnerty (0-2), Diarmuid Moriarty (0-4 one two-point free), Darragh Campion. Subs - Rian Stafford (0-1) for Campion 39 mins, Conor Ennis for O'Sullivan and Oran Mulvany for McEntee both 48m, Michael Gavin for Dwan 56m, Jack Swan for Gibney 59m.
Duke, Ruairi Kinsella, Seán Coffey; Jordan Morris (0-3 one twopointer), Eoghan Frayne (0-1), Mathew Costello (0-3 one twopoin free, one free). Subs – Cian McBride for Duke 48 mins, James Conlon (0-1) for O’Neill 52m, Jack O’Connor for Frayne 60m, Jason Scully for Kinsella 65m, Ronan Ryan for O'Halloran 68m.
SECOND ROUND
Meath 2-17, Cavan 1-18
FIRST ROUND
Meath 0-19, Derry 1-13
Meath -Seán Brennan (0-2 one two-point free); Seamus Lavin, Seán Rafferty, Brian O'Halloran; Donal Keogan, Ciarán Caulfield (0-1), Adam O'Neill; Bryan Menton (0-1), Jack Flynn (0-7 two two-pointers, one ‘45’) Conor
Meath - Seán Brennan; Seamus, Lavin, Sean Rafferty, Brian O'Halloran; Donal Keogan, Sean Coffey (0-1), Ciarán Caulfield (01); Bryan Menton, Jack Flynn (0-2 two-pointer); Cian McBride, Ruairi Kinsella (1-2), Mathew Costello (0-2); Jordan Morris (1-4 penalty goal), Conor Duke (0-1), Eoghan Frayne (0-1). Subs –James Conlon (0-3) for Duke halftime, James Scully for Frayne 52 mins, Jack O’Connor for Costello
59m, Oisin Martin for Kinsella 68m.
THIRD ROUND
Meath 1-20, Louth 0-22
Meath - Sean Brennan; Seamus Lavin, Sean Rafferty, Brian O'Halloran; Donal Keogan, Sean Coffey, Ciaran Caulfield; Bryan Menton (0-1), Jack Flynn (0-3 one two-pointer); Cian McBride, Ruairi Kinsella (1-3 one twopointer), Mathew Costello (0-3 one two-pointer); Jordan Morris (0-6 one two-pointer), Aaron Lynch (0-2), Eoghan Frayne (0-1).
FOURTH ROUND
Cork 1-23, Meath 1-21
Meath - Seán Brennan (0-2 twopoint free); Ronan Ryan, Seamus Lavin, Brian O’Halloran; Donal Keogan, Seán Coffey (0-1), Ciarán Caulfield (0-1); Bryan Menton, Jack Flynn (0-3); Cian McBride,
Ruairí Kinsella (0-3), Conor Duke; Jordan Morris (0-4 one free), Aaron Lynch (0-2), Eoghan Frayne (1-3). Subs - Adam O’Neill for McBride 34 mins, Jack O’Connor (0-2) for Duke half-time, James Conlon for Lynch 48m, Jason Scully for Ryan 59m.
FIFTH ROUND
Meath 1-21, Kildare 0-10 . Meath - Seán Brennan (0-5 two two-point frees, one ‘45’); Seamus Lavin, Sean Rafferty, Brian O’Halloran; Donal Keogan, Seán Coffey, Ciaran Caulfield; Bryan Menton, Jack Flynn (0-1); Jack O’Connor (0-4), Ruairí Kinsella (02), Adam O’Neill; Jordan Morris (1-5), Eoghan Frayne (0-1), Aaron Lynch (0-1). Subs - Oisín Martin for O’Connor 44 mins, Cian McBride for O’Neill 48m, Keith Curtis (0-1) for Lynch 53m, Charlie O’Connor (0-1 temp for Menton) 53m, Jason Scully for Kinsella 64m, Jamie Murphy for Frayne 66m.
SIXTH ROUND
Meath 3-24 , Tyrone 2-22
Meath - Seán Brennan (0-2 one two-point free); Seán Rafferty, Seamus Lavin, Brian O'Halloran; Donal Keogan, Seán Coffey (0-1), Ciarán Caulfield (0-1); Bryan Menton (0-1), Jack Flynn; Jack O'Connor (1-8 four two-pointers), Ruairí Kinsella (0-5 two twopointers), Adam O'Neill; Jordan Morris (0-1 free), Eoghan Frayne (0-4 one two-pointer), Aaron Lynch (2-1). Subs: Charlie O'Connor for O'Neill 50 mins, Cathal Hickey for Jack O'Connor and Keith Curtis for Lynch both 54m, James Conlon for Frayne 58m, Jason Scully for Flynn 67m
SEVENTH ROUND
Meath 2-22 , Offaly 0-18
Meath - Seán Brennan (0-2 twopoint free); Seamus Lavin, Seán Rafferty, Brian O’Halloran; Donal Keogan (0-2), Seán Coffey (0-1), Ciarán Caulfield (0-1); Bryan
Menton (1-0), Cian McBride (0-1); Jack O’Connor, Ruairí Kinsella (01), Jack Flynn; Jordan Morris (1-6 penalty goal, one free), Eoghan Frayne (0-2), Aaron Lynch (0-3). Subs - Cathal Hickey for O’Connor 48 mins, James Conlon (0-2) for Lynch 51m, Conor Duke for Flynn 56m, Jason Scully (0-1) for Menton and Killian Smyth for Caulfield both 60m.
Meath 1-22, Cork 2-17
Meath - Sean Brennan (0-3 one two-point free, one ‘45’); Seamus Lavin, Sean Rafferty, Brian O’Halloran; Donal Keogan, Sean Coffey, Ciaran Caulfield (0-1); Bryan Menton, Jack Flynn; Jack O'Connor (1-2 one two-pointer), Ruairi Kinsella (0-5 two twopointers), Cian McBride; Jordan Morris (0-3), Eoghan Frayne (0-3), Aaron Lynch (0-1).
Subs – James Conlon (0-4) for Lynch 42 mins, Ronan Ryan for Lavin 45m, Cathal Hickey for McBride 50m, Killian Smith for O’Halloran 52m, Oisin Martin for O’Connor 60m.
Westmeath 4-18, Meath 0-25
Meath - Sean Brennan; Seamus Lavin, Sean Rafferty, Brian O'Halloran; Donal Keogan, Sean Coffey, Ciaran Caulfield; Jack Flynn (0-3 one two-pointer), Bryan Menton (0-1); Jack O'Connor (0-2), Ruairi Kinsella (06 two two-pointers), Cian McBride; Jordan Morris (0-3 two frees), Eoghan Frayne (0-4 one two-pointer), Aaron Lynch (0-2).
Subs - James Conlon (0-4) for Lynch 36 mins, Killian Smyth for O’Halloran and Cathal Hickey for McBride both 51m, Conor Duke for O'Connor 56m, Keith Curtis for Frayne 59m.
Bryan Menton in action for Meath against Westmeath in the Leinster SFC. Pic: Gerry Shanahan www.cyberimages.net
Cork will welcome Meath on the back of two final defeats
BY: CONALL COLLIER
Appearing in a first Munster final in five years, for Cork this was a disappointing eight-point defeat
Cork will go into Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC opener against Meath at Páirc Uí Rinn on the back of a second final defeat in the space of seven weeks – lost to Kerry in the Munster SFC decider and Meath in the NFL Div 2 final.
For Cork, appearing in a first Munster final in five years, this was a disappointing eightpoint defeat by Kerry as the Kingdom made it a sixth title-in-a-row in front of 32,691 supporters at Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney just 13 days ago.
From a Meath perspective, this was a second successive final defeat in the space of seven weeks after Cork failed to negotiate the Royal County in the NFL Div 2 decider at Croke Park at the end of March.
Wind-assisted Cork fared well in the opening half and enjoyed a 0-13 to 0-10 advantage but they only managed three scores after the resumption with the goal arriving from Brian O’Driscoll on the hour.
That got them back into the game as it reduced Kerry’s lead to three points (1-14 to 117), but the All-Ireland champions eased clear again in the final 10 minutes for a comfortable 1-23 to 1-15 margin of victory.
Kerry outscored Cork by 0-6 to 0-1 in the final 10 minutes and also won the second half by 11 points (1-13 to 1-2).
Cork - Patrick Doyle; Muarice Shanley, Daniel O’Mahony, Sean Meehan; Brian O’Driscoll (12), Tommy Walsh, Luke Fahy; Colm O'Callaghan (0-1), Ian Maguire; Paul Walsh, Sean McDonnell (0-2), Ruairí Deane; Mark Cronin (0-5), Chris Óg Jones (0-2), Steven Sherlock (0-2). Subs - Sean Brady for Meehan 47 mins, Conor Corbett for Deane 49m, David Buckley (0-1) for P Walsh 59m, Sean Walsh for McDonnell 63m, Rory Maguire for Brady 65m.
Ladies All-Ireland SFC Group 4
BY: CONALL COLLIER
Meath manager Wayne Freeman and his selectors will be looking forward to the All-Ireland SFC campaign and targeting an improvement in form after defeats in the Leinster SFC by Kildare and Dublin.
The All-Ireland SFC will comprise four groups of three teams each.
The action is scheduled to begin with the first round on Saturday 6th or Sunday 7th June with Meath likely to play Galway in the opening game of Group 4 that weekend.
The third team in Group 4 will be the runner-up from the Ulster SFC final which is scheduled for 23rd / 24th May (this weekend) between Tyrone and Armagh.
The second round in Group 4 will be played on weekend 13th / 14th June and the final round on 20th / 21st June.
The top two teams from each group will progress to the AllIreland SFC quarter-finals on weekend 4th / 5th July, semi-final scheduled for Saturday 18th July and the final on Sunday 2nd August.
Relegation play-offs Saturday 4th July and Saturday 11th July.
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Meath senior ladies players and officials. Pic: Courtey Meath LFGA
Meath Set for All-Ireland Camogie Championship
BY: CONALL COLLIER
The 2026 Glen Dimplex AllIreland Camogie Championships were launched last week at Croke Park.
The championships will see teams compete in the Senior, Intermediate, Premier Junior and Junior.
Meath will compete in the Intermediate Championship as one of eight teams vying for the title and a place in the senior grade for 2027.
Two groups of four will see Meath face Westmeath, Carlow and Laois in Group 2 while Group 1 will feature Kerry, Down, Derry and Antrim (see fixtures below).
Meath will approach the qualifying phase with confidence in their own ability to top the Group at the expense of Westmeath, Laois and Carlow.
Meath will begin the campaign at home against Westmeath on the weekend of 23rd/24th May before away trips to Laois (6th / 7th June) and Carlow (13th / 14th June).
FIXTURES SCHEDULE
SUNDAY 24th MAY
Group 1 - Kerry v Down; Derry v Antrim
Group 2 – Meath v Westmeath; Laois v Carlow
SATURDAY 6th JUNE
Group 1 - Antrim v Kerry; Down v Derry
Group 2 – Laois v Meath; Westmeath v Carlow.
SAT 13th/SUN 14th JUNE
Group 1 - Kerry v Derry; Down v Antrim.
Group 2 – Carlow v Meath; Westmeath v Laois.
SAT 4th / SUN 5th JULY
Quarter Finals / Relegation PlayOffs
Goals Could Pave Way to Minor Title for Meath
BY: CONALL COLLIER
Some eight months after he was appointed Meath minor football manager, Trevor Giles will send his team out to contest the Leinster MFC decider at O’Moore Park, Portlaoise on Friday (22nd May) evening, 7.35pm.
A remarkable and commendable achievement as Meath lost the opening two games against Louth and Kildare and revived their faltering prospects with an emphatic third round 622 to 0-7 victory at O’Moore Park in mid-April against Laois.
The goal-salvo was provided by a brace apiece from Conn Brennan (St Ultan’s) and Harry McGuirk (Navan O’Mahonys) and one each by Cormac Walsh (Trim) and Thomas McKeever (Wolfe Tones),
That paved the way to a preliminary quarter-final a fortnight later at Aughrim where another goal-fest delivered a 5-10 to 0-3 victory against hosts Wicklow who had qualified for that stage with wins against Kilkenny, Carlow and Wexford.
Milo Stafford (Kilmainhamwood) claimed three goals against Wicklow with Brennan and Cormac McKenna (Wolfe Tones) also finding the net.
Seven days later and another five-goal salvo brought a 5-16 to 0-9 victory against Offaly in Tullamore where Liam O’Donoghue (St Colmcille’s) Brennan, Tomás Proudfoot (St Ultan’s) and substitutes Dara Loughran (Cortown) and Harris Moffat (Skryne) scored the goals. There was no easing of the schedule and on Tuesday 12th May, Meath sixth championship outing in seven weeks, produced an impressive 2-14 to 2-8 victory against Dublin at Parnell Park where goals from a Stafford penalty and McKenna boosted Meath to a 2-4 to 1-3 interval advantage.
Dublin recovered in the second-half to lead by 2-7 to 2-6 with nine minutes remaining before Meath finished with a flourish to claim a final ticket against a Kildare side that has played one game less, avoiding the preliminary quarter-final. Goals could be the key to unlocking the title and in that department, Meath has scored 21
in six outings compared to nine for Kildare in five games.
MEATH PANEL: Cormac Fitzsimons, Ben Browne, Carl Cummins, Tomás Proudfoot, John Killoran, Niall Smyth, Harry McGuirk, Liam O’Donoghue, Niall Rogan, Tomas Clarke, Dillon Glynn, Oisin Farrelly, Caolan Comey, Dara Loughran, Leo Kavanagh, Harris Moffat, Harry Keating, Thomas McKeever, Milo Stafford, Tomás Dillon, Cormac Walsh, Alex Keane, Conn Brennan, Cormac McKenna.
MEATH v KILDARE 7th APRIL
TEAMS & SCORERS
Meath - Cormac Fitzsimons; Ben Browne, Tomas Clarke, Niall Rogan; Liam O’Donoghue, Harry McGuirk, Niall Smyth; Alex Keane, Tomas Proudfoot; Cormac McKenna, Tomas Dillon (0-1), Conn Brennan (1-1); Cormac Walsh (0-1), Milo Stafford (0-5), Dara Loughran (0-1). Subs usedJohn Killoran (0-2), Conor McTigue, Harris Moffat, Caolan Comey, Harry Keating.
Kildare - Joe Crotty; Eoin Markey, Ryan Crawford, Liam Mescal (01); Fionn Lawlor, Oisin McAfee, Luke Shanahan; Charlie Doran, Paidi Ryan (0-1); Jamie Flood, Aodhan Bergin, Eoghan Lyons (02); Jack Reilly (0-4), Greg Kelly (05), Logan Tennyson (1-3). Subs used - Aidan Tobin, Gaeroid Clare, Dylan Daniels, Eoghan Lyons Jack Doran.
PATHS TO FINAL
First round (24th / 25th March)Louth 0-14, Meath 2-7; Kildare 115, Laois 0-9.
Second round (7th April)Kildare 1-16, Meath 1-11. Third round (14th April) – Meath 6-22, Laois 0-7; Louth 1-14, Kildare 1-12.
Preliminary quarter-final (28th April) – Meath 5-10, Wicklow 0-3. Quarter-finals (5th May) – Meath 5-16, Offaly 0-9; Kildare 5-15, Westmeath 0-12.
Semi-finals (12th May) - Meath 214, Dublin 2-8; Kildare 1-11, Louth 0-10.FINAL
Friday 22nd May - Meath v Kildare, O’Moore Park, 7.35pm.
Meath Minor Manager Trevor Giles. Pic: Gerry Shanahan www.cyberimages.net
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Opel Frontera Fuels Growth
The all-newOpelFrontera, launched in Ireland just ahead of the 261registration plate, has fuelled strong passenger cargrowthforOpelIreland of +31.9% in the first quarterof2026.
Indeed,thenewFrontera compact SUV has struck a chord with customers across Ireland, evidenced byits859registrations,and placingthemodelinthetop twenty best-selling models (No. 17) in Ireland this year.
ThestrongOpelFrontera performance has thus culminated in a combined passenger car and light commercialvehicleshareof 3.5%yeartodate,returning the German brand to the overall top ten sales chart in2026.
Available in three trims and in five-seat or sevenseat guise, the capacious newcomer to the Opel stable boasts a striking, rugged design, packaged in a range of bright new colours and powered by efficient petrol hybrid and all-electricdrivetrains.
It retails from €24,606 inclusive of grants for the
Rugged, spacious and ultra-modern, the all-new Opel Frontera retails from €24,606 inclusive of grants and has entered the Top Twenty sales charts in Ireland in 2026.
all-electric version, or from €27,995 for the efficient petrol hybrid powertrain, representing excellent valueforfamilymotorists.
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With the launch of new Frontera in late 2025, together with the new Mokka SUV and new Grandland SUV, both launched in 2025, Opel boasts one of the freshest SUVlineupsonthemarket.
Navigatingemployerexpectationand employeeperceptionhasbecomeone ofthebiggestchallengesinthemodern workplace.
Employersexpectproductivity, accountability,adaptability,andstrong performancefromtheirstaff,while employeesincreasinglyexpect flexibility,recognition,career development,andahealthywork-life balance.Thesuccessofany organisationdependsonhow effectivelythesetwoperspectivesare aligned.
Communicationiscentralto managingexpectationsand
perceptions.Employersmustclearly outlinejobroles,performance standards,andorganisationalgoals fromthebeginning.Atthesametime, employeesneedopportunitiesto expressconcerns,providefeedback, anddiscusscareerambitions.
Opencommunicationreduces misunderstandingsandbuildstrust betweenmanagementandstaff. We believeyearlyappraisalshelpachieve thisasit’saplatformforallpartiesto discussallaspectsofthejob/worketc.
Transparencyalsoplaysan importantrole.Employeesaremore likelytofeelvaluedwhendecisions regardingpromotions,pay,hybrid working,orworkloadareexplained fairlyandhonestly.
Whencommunicationisunclear, employeesmaydevelopnegative perceptionsaboutleadership,evenif employerintentionsarepositive.This canleadtodisengagement,low morale,andincreasedstaffturnover. Flexibilityhasbecomeanotherkey factorinbalancingexpectationsand perceptions.Manyemployeesnow valueflexibleworkingarrangementsas highlyassalary.Employerswhoadapt tochangingworkforceexpectations oftenbenefitfromstrongerretention, improvedmorale,andincreased productivity.However,employees
mustalsorecognisetheoperational needsandperformancestandards requiredforbusinesssuccess. Strongleadershipisessentialin bridgingthegapbetweenemployer expectationandemployeeperception. Managerswholisten,support development,andrecognise achievementscreateamorepositive workplaceculture.Ultimately, organisationsthatbalancebusiness objectiveswithemployeewellbeingare morelikelytobuildmotivatedteams, improveperformance,andachieve long-termsuccess. Itisnotalways easyanddoesrequireworkfrom employersandemployeesbutiskeyto retentionofqualitystaff. Ifyou’relookingforworkorbuilding yourteam,pleasegiveusacall.
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WHAT IS THE BEST STRATEGY FOR TACKLING BOTH MATHS EXAM PAPERS2026?
Just the LC Maths exam papers, I would spend 5 minutes at the start of the exam picking two of your favourite short questions.
This will get you on task and also settle the nerves. You will make this five minutes back on a question you are good at, and so it will end up time well spent.
Remember, you don’t have to do the questions in order, and I wouldn’t even look at the long questions until I have these two short questions complete.
Follow the simple time budget plan that have created at both higher and ordinary level (Follow the order below):
The Best Strategy for Leaving Cert 2026 Maths Exams
1. Read & select your two favourite short and one favourite long question carefully - (5 mins)
2. Attempt these two short questions – (15 mins each for short – 30 marks each)
3. Alternate between long and short questions - (25 mins each for each long – 50 marks each)
4. Be sure you have completed five short and three long questions - (5 x 15mins) + (3 x 25mins)
5. Stick to 15 & 25 minutes. Use any extra time at the end to double check, recalculate & tidy.
Total Time 2026 (Both for Paper 1 and 2) = 150 mins (2.5 hours per paper) [Higher & Ordinary Level]
Leaving the long questions until the end is risky in my opinion, as you may not get them done. Personally I wouldn’t take on extra questions – Just do five short and three long questions well. Read each question twice highlighting and underlining the key words and numbers with your red or green pen. Highlight the key words. Think what those words
might trigger from a Maths point of view. e.g. The word ‘indefinitely’ in a pattern indicates to use the sum to infinity formula. Be very clear and what you are being asked to find before commencing.
Marking and Timing on the LC Maths Exam Papers 2026
50 markers [LONG Qs] - spend at most 25 minutes per Q [2026 Only].
30 markers [SHORT Qs] - spend at most 15 minutes per Q. [2026 Only]. Stick rigidly to time.
I have noticed that the first parts of most questions are carrying 10 marks, so it is really Important to make a big effort to attempt them really well.
I was giving an exam recently and my student submitted her work by email. She explained how she ran out of time on Q1. I was delighted. She had stuck to the time and moved on. Often you need the first part of each question for attempt further parts.
You will not know how many marks each question part is worth,
hence stick to 15:25 budget for short: long.
I would say it is easy get the first 60% of any question part but more difficult to get the last few percent. Trying to get that last few percent can cost you between five and ten minutes and may not be worth it. This could mean that you don’t get to even see the last question on the paper i.e. there is a knock on effect. Stick to your time budget plan at all levels.
It is better to know a little about loads of topics than an in-depth knowledge of one topic. Algebra is the exception to this and really worth learning in-depth for all levels. Algebra is the language of Maths and effectively appears inside every question. Also…
• Incorrect answer and no workings out = No Marks
• Incorrect answer with a step in the right direction = Some Marks
• SHOW YOUR WORKINGS OUT CLEARLY IN A STEP BY STEP FORMAT
• Show exactly what you are thinking on the page. i.e. Write it down clearly. If you think you should multiply/divide/ subtract/add and aren’t sure, show it on the page anyway.
• Take risks, don’t hold back and go for it. Never be afraid of being wrong!
Have you a child studying 3rd or 6th Year Higher Maths?
Our Final Revision Blitz’s are taking place over the next few weeks. Enrol your interest via the below link and I will email you full details.
Joe. (086) 4076495
Tried to kill Mussolini one hundred years ago
One hundred years ago in 1926 the sister of the second Lord Ashbourne tried to kill the Italian dictator, Benito Mussolini.
Violet Albina Gibson, who was mentally disturbed, shot Mussolini in front of the Campidoglio in Rome in April 1926. Violet had strong and different religious views. She was particularly fascinated with the process Mussolini had put in place of assassination of his opponents.
Mussolini was Prime Minister of Italy having seized power in 1922. Mussolini had just finished a speech on the wonders of modern medicine when he was shot. A shot from her revolver succeeded in grazing Il Duce’s nose before the gun jammed and Violet was
quickly overpowered. Just before the gun went off Mussolini leaned back to acknowledge the band playing the Fascist official tune and this saved his life. He was most surprised that a woman had tried to kill him. In order to avoid a diplomatic incident, her trial was quickly expedited, Violet was declared insane, and was sent back to a mental hospital in England.
For twenty-nine years she never left the grounds of the hospital in Northampton. Mussolini was captured when the Allies invaded Italy in 1945 and executed. Violet remained in the mental hospital and when she died in 1956 no one attended her funeral.
Mary McGrath from Meath acted as a companion/nurse for Violet in Rome. I cannot trace where in Meath Mary came from nor have I been able to find any family. Violet dismissed Mary shortly before she shot Mussolini. McGrath returned to Meath with Violet’s presents of a Roman teapot and two teacups.
During the investigation McGrath returned to Rome to give a statement about Violet and to visit her former mistress in prison. Violet’s brother, the second Lord Ashbourne, was one of the organisers of the Howth gun running and subscribed part of the
funds necessary to purchase the arms and ammunition. All the subscribers to the fund, with the exception of Minnie Ryan, were Protestants of Anglo-Irish stock.
The second Lord Ashbourne, William Gibson, was born in 1868,
the eldest son of first Baron Ashbourne. The first Lord Ashbourne was one of the leading lawyers in Ireland before he embarked on his political career.
Most famously associated with land reform in Ireland, in
particular the 1885 Ashbourne Land Act, which created a fund providing long-term loans to tenant farmers seeking to buy their farms from landlords, he served as Lord Chancellor for twenty years. On his appointment as Lord Chancellor Gibson was raised to the peerage as Lord Ashbourne of Ashbourne, Co. Meath.
The first Lord Ashbourne was a member of the Conservative Party and a devoted Unionist. When he died he left the bulk of his fortune to his second son, Edward Gibson, leaving William only a small bequest as William was a fervent Irish cultural revivalist, a prominent member of the Gaelic League. William was received into the Catholic Church while studying law at Oxford University. He had become interested in the Irish language while at Trinity College and became president of the Gaelic League in London. He was a familiar figure in London, where he wore a distinctive kilt and cloak, pinned at the shoulder with a large brooch.
He insisted in speaking Irish, even in the House of Lords, and rather than speak English to those who did not speak Irish, he would converse in French.
Violet Albina Gibson shot Mussolini in front of the Campidoglio in Rome in April 1926
Noel French Local Historian
Showbiz Adjacent Navan Midsummer Festival
We wouldn’t be regular attendeesofthe
Met Ball. In fact, the closestourfamilyhaveever come to stardom was leaving in requests to Radio Carousel, when it was based in Navan ShoppingCentre.
However,inrecentyears, things have changed.
As celebrity scandals hit the news, unusual new presenters are announced for shows or famous relationships hit the rocks amidshockingrevelations, our family greet these headlines with equal measuresofsmugnessand absolutediscretion.
This is because, and we don’tliketobragaboutit, andyoucertainlywouldn’t thinkittolookatus,butwe arenowshowbizadjacent.
Asatelevisionwriter,the middle sister doesn’t appear on the screen, however her name regularly pops up in the
credits. Thus, offering assurance to our mother, by way of a weekly broadcastedwelfarecheck, her second child is indeed in paid employment in London, and not sleeping in an English doorway. The deep-rooted fear of everyIrishmotherwhohas offspringlivingabroadand engaging in work from which they were far from beingreared.
Asidefromputtingaroof over her head, her chosen profession has benefited the family in two seismic ways.Firstly,ifyoulookat anyoftheaudienceshotsof British comedy or chat shows, there’s a high chance you will see a selectionofourshinyfaces, clapping and grinning away, delighted with the freenightout.
The second and most important boon has undoubtedly been that we get to hear what famous peoplearereallylike.
It’s like having our own secret sleeper cell in the glamorous world of celebrities. While I go to war with piles of family laundry and try to parent through closed bedroom doors,ourtinseltowndeep throat sends dispatches back to family headquarters
Important information such as who was being a completedoseinthegreen roomlastweek,thatyoung one out of that thing is actually sound and the mostcherishedintelligence ofall,eyewitnessaccounts ofwho’shadwhatdoneto theirfaces.
Occasionally, the red velvetcurtainofexclusivity falls,andthesetwoworlds collide. This generally takes the form of Mam tellingallwhenshereturns homefromaweekendvisit. Theglitteraticanbreathea sigh of relief though. Any secrets she has been privy to remain safe as most of the time she doesn’t recognise anyone she’s beenoutcarousingwith.
After one very long anecdote centred on a lovely fella whose people were from Limerick and surehecouldn’thavebeen nicertoherallevening,we followed the clues and realised the mother had been out partying with JimmyCarr.
For the time being the secrets of showbiz land remainsealed.Thatisuntil I finally get through the washing. Then tonight Mathew, I will be breaching the razzmatazz barriers and publishing a fullreport.
My name is Helen Leddy, MD of Back Office Marketing. We provide marketing services for small to medium sized businesses in Ireland specialising in the hospitality and tourism industry. This month we are talking about the new Navan Midsummer Festivaltakingplacefrom the18th tothe21st ofJune.
A Celtic celebration in honour of the arrival of the summer solstice. The longest day of the year. Rooted in ancient Celtic traditions, midsummer was historically a time when people gathered to honour the sun, nature, fertility, and the turning of the seasons with fires, feasting, dance, and ritual.
The heart of Navan will bebustlingwithactivityas the eagerly anticipated Navan Midsummer Festival takes place, promising a vibrant celebration of music, culture, family entertainment and community spirit. The festival is proudly supported by Meath CountyCouncilandBoyne ValleyTourism.
Taking place across the townoverthemidsummer weekend, this year’s
festival is expected to drawthousandsofvisitors fromacrossCountyMeath and beyond, cementing Navan’s growing reputation as one of the region’s most exciting cultural destinations, and asadestinationwhereour Celtic traditions come alive!
TheFestivalwillfeature an expanded line-up of live music performances, an artisan food and craft market, street entertainment, familyfriendly activities and local creative showcasesallwithCelticelementsto honour this time of the year. From traditional Irish music sessions to contemporary acts, there will be something for everygenerationtoenjoy.
Families can look forward to a packed schedule of daytime entertainment, including children’s workshops, outdoor games, face painting and interactive performances throughout the town centre. Evening events are set to transform Navan into a lively festival hub, with music and entertainment continuing late into the night.
As anticipation builds, organisers are encouraging residents to getinvolved,supportlocal events and help give visitors a warm Meath midsummerwelcome. For a full list of events, visit the website by logging on to www. discoverboynevalley.ie/
Johnstown Residents Urged to Engage with Consultation on Proposed Dunville Community Park
SinnFéin TD for Meath West, Johnny Guirke, alongside Peace Commissioner Diego Keegan, is encouraging residentsofJohnstownand thewiderNavanareatotake part in the public consultation on the proposed development of DunvilleCommunityPark.
Teachta Guirke commented “Residents of Johnstown have waited decades for meaningful investment in recreational facilities for children, families, and the wider community. The proposed plans from Meath County Council, which include a café, public toilets, play areas,asensorygarden,a5a-side pitch, a 3x3 basketball court and other
amenities, are a very welcomestepforward.
thought that has gone into thisproposal,itisessential that the final plan fully reflects the needs of a growingcommunity.Thatis why I am strongly encouraging residents to engage with the consultation process, make their voices heard, and submittheirviewstoMeath CountyCouncil.”
withfacilitiessuchasa5-aside pitch and a 3x3 basketballcourtwouldhave been unheard of. The inclusion of a café and a sensory garden is particularly positive, as it ensures that children with additional needs are also catered for and can meaningfully enjoy the space.
“This is a positive and ambitiousplanthathasthe potentialtotransformlocal amenities and create a vibrant, inclusive space for peopleofallages.Itreflects realprogressforJohnstown
anddemonstrateswhatcan be achieved when investment is directed towardscommunityneeds.
For advertising and editorial information contact: Paul on 087 3167013 or email: paul@meathherald.com
“People in Johnstown havewaitedlongenoughfor proper recreational infrastructure. Although I acknowledge the level of
Peace Commissioner Diego Keegan said “I broadly welcome the proposed Dunville Community Park plan brought forward by Meath County Council. It offers a rangeofamenitiesthatwill servetheneedsofmanyin thelocalarea.
“Assomeonewhogrewup closetothearea,theideaof apublicparkinJohnstown
“If this development is approved,Iamconfidentit willbewidelywelcomedby the local community. At present, Johnstown lacks a dedicated public park, and this proposal represents an importantfirststeptowards addressing that gap, particularlygiventhearea’s rapidly growing population and future infrastructure needs.
People in Johnstown have waited long enough for proper recreational infrastructure.
Keenanconcludedbysaying
“I fully support Johnny Guirke TD in encouraging residentstoengagewiththe consultation process. It is essentialthatthefinalplan reflectstheviewsandneeds of the community it is intendedtoserve.”
Sinead Burke
Meath West TD Johnny Guirke
Diego Keenan Peace Commissioner
