“The political will and public support for this change is overwhelming. The case has been made, and made again. What is lacking is the political courage and administrative urgency from the Minister and the SEC”
Darren O’Rourke TD, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education and Youth, has called on the Minister for Education and the State Examinations Commission (SEC) to honour the Programme for Government commitment and deliver extra time for students with dyslexia and dyscalculia in the 2026 state examinations.
Speaking following a powerful presentation from Dyslexia Ireland at the Oireachtas Committee, Teachta O’Rourke said “We have heard a clear, compelling, and frankly, frustrating message from Dyslexia Ireland and from Sive O’Brien, the inspiring 5th year student who represents thousands of young people across the state. Their question is simple: “Why is extra time taking so much time?”
“It is an absolute scandal that, despite a 2009 recommendation from the SEC’s own Expert Advisory Group and a clear Programme for Government commitment, students are still being forced to sit their Junior and Leaving Certificate exams on an un-level playing field.”
“The assurances from the SEC that this is a matter of ‘when, not if’ are cold comfort for the students and families facing into the 2026 exams. To be told now of a new, lengthy research and consultation process is a kick in the teeth. This is a delay tactic, pure and simple.”
Teachta O’Rourke went on to say
“Extra time is a standard, reasonable accommodation. It is the norm across Europe and in our own third-level institutions. Denying it to students in
our state exams is a profound failure that puts them at a significant disadvantage during the most critical days of their educational lives.”
“The political will and public support for this change is overwhelming. The case has been made, and made again. What is lacking is the political courage and administrative urgency from the Minister and the SEC to simply get it done.”
He concluded by saying “I am calling directly on Minister McEntee and the State Examinations Commission to stop the delays, end the reviews, and confirm immediately that extra time will be a feature of the RACE scheme for the 2026 examinations. Our students have waited long enough. They need action, not more excuses.”
Darren O’Rourke TD, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education and Youth,
Families in Meath Can Benefit From Fuel AllowanceSenator Linda Nelson Murray
Eligible households in Meath are being encouraged to apply for the Fuel Allowance as the 2025/26 season has started, says Fine Gael Senator Linda Nelson Murray.
Fuel Allowance, which is a means-assessed payment, will be paid for 28 weeks to over 410,000 households across the State.
Thepaymentismadeatthe weekly rate of €33 or if preferred, by way of two payments of €462 each.
Senator Linda Nelson Murray commented “It plays a vital role in supporting hundreds of thousands of families around the country with their heating costs over the winter months.”
“Youdonotneedtoreapply for Fuel Allowance each year if your circumstances have not changed, and you continue to get the same social welfare payment.”
“The Fuel Allowance season will run for the next
The payment is made at the weekly rate of €33 or if preferred, by way of two payments of €462 each
28 weeks and will be available until April.”
Senator Nelson Murray continued “I would also like to acknowledge the work carried out by my colleague Heather Humphreys in her role as Social Protection Minister in increasing the
Fuel Allowance allocations for those in Meath” continued Senator Nelson Murray. She continued “Heather consistently champions measures to protect the most vulnerable and helping families,includingexpanding the fuel allowance and increasing eligibility so that more households in Meath could benefit, showing that she would make an excellent President of Ireland.
Theeasiestwaytoapplyfor the Fuel Allowance is through MyWelfare.ie.
“As the winter season begins, I will continue to work with Government to ensure that supports such as the Fuel Allowance are strengthened for people in Meath particularly due to rising energy costs, while it is also important to build on the strong foundation that Heather Humphreys put in place,” concluded Senator Nelson Murray.
Fine Gael Senator Linda Nelson Murray
Meath County Council Opens Loganstown Burial Ground in Trim
Meath County Council opened Loganstown Burial Ground in Trim with a special ceremony held in the Garden of Remembrance within the facility.
Loganstown Burial Ground, funded by Meath County Council at a cost of €2.7 million, contains 2,400 single burial plots while the Garden of Remembrance has 460 urn burialplotsandColumbarium Walls with 160 niches for the internmentofurns.
For visitors, the burial ground also includes 100 carparking spaces containing disabled parking spaces, internal access roads and footpaths with public lighting, public benches, and public toilets with disability access facilities.
The opening was attended byFrPaulCrosbieandCanon John Clarke, who both provided blessings of the new burial ground, before Tom French, Local Studies Librarian at Meath County Council, recited a bespoke
poem for the occasion.
Executive Technician at Meath County Council, Irene Darcy,alsocontributedasong attheceremony.
Speaking at the opening, Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Cllr Wayne Harding said "I am pleased that every element of this burial ground was planned,
designed and built to provide the solemn and merited respect that the people who willbeburiedheredeserve.”
Chief Executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe said:"Asombrebutimportant example of Meath County Council's enduring commitment to provide the highest quality public service
to our citizens, the state-ofthe-art facilities within this new burial ground will provide the utmost comfort to families visiting their loved onesforyearstocome."
As part of the works at Loganstown Burial Ground, Local Road L-80171 was also upgraded, incorporating a footpathwithpubliclighting.
Works were also completed on widening the road and providing drainage for approximately 600 metres from the burial ground entrancetothejunctionofthe Navan to Trim R161 Regional Road.
Other associated works includes boundary fencing, landscaping, surface water
drainage and attenuation system, including ducting, piping, and other ancillary works.
A caretaker's office will also beprovidedwithinthefacility, to assist with the ongoing maintenance of the burial ground.
Attendees at the opening of Loganstown Burial Ground in Trim
Meath County Council Proud To Collaborate With Re-turn As Bin Surrounds To Boost
On-The-Go Recycling in Navan Town Centre
Re-turn, the administrator of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme, is continuing to expand its successful bin surrounds initiative across Ireland.
As part of the next stage of expansion, an additional 42 new bin surrounds have been installed in Navan Town Centre.
Clare, Cavan, Westmeath and Limerick will follow over thecomingmonthsasthebin surrounds programme continues to expand. This expansion builds on the successful rollout of bin surrounds in Dublin City Centre, Galway City Centre and Carlow Town. This initiative aims to make on-the-go recycling visible and accessible while reducinglitterandpreserving valuable recyclable materials.
Navan Municipal District AreaManagerandDirectorof Services at Meath County Council Martin Murray
commenting on the launch said “Meath County Council is pleased to collaborate with Re-turn in the launch of this vital on-the-go recycling initiative.”
“Our objective is to foster a cleaner and more sustainable community for all residents. I firmly believe that Meath is leadingthewayinadvocating for on-the-go recycling
Trim Kenpo Self Defence Studio
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practices and promoting a low-carbon future. This initiative is critical and will facilitate positive, sustainable, and impactful change.”
Dermot Mulligan, Chief Marketing Officer of Re-turn, said “Re-turn is delighted to collaborate with Meath County Council on this vital on-the-go recycling initiative. Our objective is to make recycling more visible, accessible, and convenient for the public, while also helping to reduce litter and preserve valuable materials.”
“With42newbinsurrounds now installed in Navan, following the roll out in Dublin, Galway and Carlow, with further rollouts planned across Clare, Cavan, Westmeath, and Limerick, we areproudtoseestrongpublic support for this programme.”
“Together with Meath County Council, we are building stronger recycling habits, creating a cleaner, more sustainable future for our communities.”
Research from Re-turn found that containers left on the bin surrounds were
Meath
collected on average within 16 minutes while a survey carriedoutbyRe-turnreveals that79%ofthepublicsupport on-the-go recycling schemes and would welcome a similar scheme in their local area. Thisnextphaseisbeingcofunded on an equal basis by Re-turn and participating local authorities, working together to deliver practical solutions that support cleaner streets, stronger recycling habits, lower landfill rates and a reduction in environmental pollution.
Would you like to learn self defense, boost your confidence, improve your co-ordination, get fit as well? If the answer is YES! Why not pop in to our studio at Mill Street, Trim, for more information. It could change your life!
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Director of Services and Navan MD Area Manager at Meath County Council Martin Murray, Environmental Awareness Officer Bernadine Carry, Mayor of Navan Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons, Rob Smith at Future Street Group, and Chief Operating Officer at Re-turn Ciaran Hope.
A Super Night of Country Music Awaits in Kells
Michael English Live at the Headfort Arms – Thursday, 23rd October Countrymusicfansareinfora realtreatthisOctoberasoneof Ireland’sbiggeststars,Michael English,bringshisspectacular liveshowtotheHeadfortArms Hotel,Kells,onThursday,23rd October.
FINANCING A GREENER FUTURE WITH DROGHEDA CREDIT UNION
As energy efficiency and eco-friendly living become more important than ever, homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to shrink their carbon footprint and save on energy bills. At Drogheda Credit Union, we’re committed to helping our members make smart, sustainable choices. Drogheda Credit Union has put together some essential tips and insights to help you navigate the latest trends and make informed decisions on green upgrades for your home.
1. Research Energy Efficiency Upgrades – Every home is different, so it's important to tailor your green upgrades to your specific property. Popular upgrades include improving insulation, upgrading windows and doors, and installing renewable energy solutions.
2.Get A BER Rating - Before starting, assess your home’s needs with a Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment, which can help identify the most impactful improvements. SEAI recommends improving insulation first, as it can lead to immediate savings on heating costs.
3.Obtain Quotes For Intended Works - Once you have identified the upgrades needed, it's important to obtain multiple quotes for the work to ensure you're getting the best value. Engage with qualified, reputable contractors, ideally those registered with SEAI, to ensure that the work will meet the necessary energy standards.
4.Check SEAI Grants - Homeowners looking to finance green upgrades should explore the grants and
9838496
incentives available from SEAI.
5.Integrate Smart Technology - Smart home technology is a growing trend among Irish homeowners looking to monitor and reduce their energy consumption. From smart thermostats that control heating based on your schedule to smart lighting systems that reduce waste, integrating technology can optimise your home's energy efficiency.
6.Talk To Your Loan Advisor – Financing your home’s green upgrades doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Speak with a Drogheda Credit Union loan advisor early in the planning process. Drogheda Credit Union offers a Green Loan tailored for energy-efficient home improvements, helping you finance projects like insulation, solar panel installation, and heating system upgrades. Note: 60% of the project must be specifically related to green enhancements.
7. Factor In Extra Costs – When budgeting for green upgrades, it’s important to factor in extra or unforeseen costs
At Drogheda Credit Union, we’re here to make your green home journey simple and affordable. Our Green Home Loan from 5.9% offers competitive rates and flexible repayment options, designed to support you in creating a more energy-efficient, comfortable, and sustainable home. Whether you’re ready to get started or simply want to explore your options, our loans team is here to help. Visit droghedacu.ie/green-loan for more details, drop into one of our branches or apply online or through our mobile app today.
McKee Presents Beamore Road Petition To Council Officials Demanding Action
South Drogheda & East
Meath Fianna Fáil Councillor,StephenMcKee, presented at this week’s Council Area Meeting a petition from local residents demanding urgent road safety improvements on the BeamoreRoad.
Cllr McKee stated “I was happytopresentapetitionof more than 300 names to Meath County Council to demand meaningful action on the Beamore Road, Drogheda. The Petition represents a significant demonstrationofthelevelof anger and frustration in the community over the lack of action on improving road safetyalongthisroad.”
“I have been raising road safety issues at Beamore Cross and Mounthanover Junctionoveraperiodoftime now with Meath County Council and I am happy to leadthischargeonbehalfof
local people; indeed, I had a motion before our last Council meeting seeking urgent road safety measures all along theBeamoreRoad” continuedMcKee.
“Something urgently needs tobedoneastherearesimply too many accidents
happening. The wholeBeamoreRoad from ColpetoPlatinneedstobea priority for road safety measuresasitisveryunsafe.”
CllrMcKeehasconsistently made several formal representations to Meath County Council in recent
months.Hehasdescribedthe junction as having a long history of accidents and called for measures such as better signage, improved road markings, and traffic managementchanges.
He has also raised the option of closing the upper
link road at the junction (L56131-0), which was previously proposed but not implemented after public objectionsin2022.
Meath County Council confirmed to Cllr McKee recently that the L-16111/L56131 junction is one of 26 locations identified under a national Network Safety
Analysis for potential lowcostsafetyimprovements.
CllrMcKeeconcludedthat he has also been told that measures will very soon be put in place at Beamore Cross.
“The sooner, the better” said McKee, while adding, “I will continue to keep the pressureon.”
Cllr Stephen McKee with the Beamore Road Petition at Meath County Council offices.
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EurekaNow Enrolling Following Open Night Success
EurekaSecondarySchoolhostedtheirannualOpenNightonWednesday,24th September lastandtheeventofferedprospectivestudentsandtheirfamiliestheopportunitytoexplore theschool’sfacilities,meetteachersandstaff,andlearnmoreabouttheprogrammesand extra-curricularactivitiesthatmakeEurekaauniqueandexcitinglearningenvironment.
Annual Ceremony To Remember The Deceased Of Dunshaughlin Workhouse
A ceremony remembering those who died in Dunshaughlin workhouse is held each year in the old cemetery. It is usually in the month of September or October and it was held recently.
The Irish Poor Laws were a series of Acts of Parliament intended to address social instability due to widespread and persistent poverty in Ireland. The Poor Law system wasintroducedintoIrelandin 1838.
The same system as existed in England was introduced to Ireland although they had different economies. Meath was divided up into five Poor Law Unions and a workhouse forthereliefofthepoorwasto be erected in each union. The ratepayers elected a board of guardians who erected and controlledtheworkhouse.
The Dunshaughlin Board of Guardiansmetweeklyusually
on a Monday or Tuesday . The board was elected annually but there were few changes over the first ten years. At the meetingreportswerereceived from the treasurer, the Master and the medical officer. The first task of the Board was to erectaworkhouse.
The Dunshaughlin Workhouse was erected in 1840-41 on a five acre site on the Dublin road south of the village. Designed by George Wilkinson the building was based on one of his standard plans to accommodate 400 inmates and cost nearly six thousand pounds including fittings. The workhouse received its first admissions, ‘two destitute persons, a man and a woman,’ on 17 May 1841.
Workhouses were made as uncomfortable as possible to deter people from entering them. The aged, sick, disabled andchildrenwereregardedas the deserving poor but the able-bodied were regarded as deservingofpunishment.
On arrival families were divided and men, women and children were housed in separate living quarters. Anyone who wished to enter the workhouse had to go through a means test and give upalltheirlands.
The work house was a dreaded institution, people would rather die than enter theworkhouse.
Thefirstinmateswerefedon breadandmilkuntilmealand
potatoes were procured. Adults got two meals a day eachaccompaniedbyapintof buttermilk. For breakfast adults received seven ounces ofoatmealandfordinnerfour pounds of potatoes. Children weregivenhalfthequantityof adults but were also given a supper.
There was no variety in the diet, it was the same day after day. Clothes and shoes were supplied to inmates. Waistcoatswereonlysupplied to‘agedandinfirmpaupers.’
Inmates could not smoke or drink. They had to be up each morning at six and in bed at eightintheevening.Acatholic chaplain was employed to tender to the needs of the inmates.
A Protestant Chaplain was alsoappointedatathirdofthe salaryofthecatholicchaplain.
There were very few Protestantinmates.
The first Master Mister Ball was criticised by the Board of Guardians and removed from office. About 1841 the Master wascensoredforhisneglectin nottellingtheBoardaboutthe ‘improper conduct which had gone on in the house’ – a porter had formed a relationship with a nurse in the infirmary. In 1847 a nursetender was dismissed because she was intoxicated and unable to attend to her work.
In November 1842 secret meetings between the schoolmaster and schoolmistress were discouraged. In 1847 the inmates refused to clean the toilets and the Master was forced to employ an outsider todothejob.
Congrats, You’ve Started A New Job But There Is A Pressure Attached To It, Can You Walk The Walk
TheonsetoftheFaminesaw a huge increase in those seeking relief from starvation. The workhouse was able to cope until the winter of 1846. When admissions began to exceed the In 1847 as a result of demand for entry to the workhouse additional accommodation was leased from Sir William Dillon of Lismullen. A fever hospital to cater for sixty inmates was erected to the north of the workhouse and then sleeping galleries erected to cater for an additional one hundred people.
By the end of the 1840s more than 900 people were being cared for by the workhouse, more than twice the number originally planned for. Many were also being offered outdoor relief, outside the workhouse. The
poor diet and cramped conditions led to disease spreadingquickly.
Typhus and cholera epidemics swept through the workhouse. A special cholera doctor was employed in late 1849. A graveyard was developed at the rear of the workhouse. Approximately half the inmates in the workhouse system in Meath were children and one fifth wereorphans.
Following the Famine the numbers in the workhouse declinedandatthestartofthe twentieth century there were rarely more than twenty residents. In the early part of the twentieth century the buildingservedasamaternity hospitalforthelocality.
During the First World War the building was used to accommodate Belgian refugees, some of whom died and were buried in the workhouse graveyard. In 1920-21 the workhouse was used as a barracks for the BlackandTans.
With the foundation of the new state the workhouse system was abolished. A new vocational school opened in the workhouse in the 1933 and served the community until1951. The workhouse subsequently became a courthouse and following World War II a factory. Today the front part of the workhouse is a private residence.
This expectation can weigh heavily on newcomers, who may feel the need to perform perfectly from day one. The pressure to justify why they were chosen over other candidates can lead to selfdoubt, heightened stress, and the fear of making mistakes. In addition, adjusting to a new team dynamic, workplace culture, and unfamiliar systems can intensify these feelings.
Starting a new job is an exciting milestone, but it often comes with significant pressures.Formany,theinitial challenge lies in adapting quickly to a new environment while trying to prove that the skills and qualities highlighted in the CV and interview process are not only accurate but deliverable in practice. Employers, having invested time in reviewing applications and conducting interviews, enter this stage with high expectations. They anticipate that new employees will seamlessly integrate, contribute fresh perspectives, and quickly demonstrate value.
Ontheemployer’sside,there isoftenanassumptionthatthe skills and experience presented on a CV will immediately translate into results. While this is understandable, it may overlook the natural adjustment period most employees require. The reality is that thriving in a new role dependsnotonlyonindividual competence but also on the support and onboarding processprovided. Ultimately, the key to navigating these pressures is balance. New employees should approach the role with confidence and a willingness to learn, while employers
should foster patience and realistic expectations. Together, this creates a foundation for long-term success rather than short-term performanceanxiety.
If you’re looking for a new challenge or if you’re seeking yournextqualityhire,giveusa call,we’dbehappytohelp.
If you are looking to recruit quality candidates contact Marsh Mackey on 046 902 8205 or log on to www.marshmackey.com
Noel French Local Historian
Donna Farrell - Director Marsh Mackey
Opel Presents Three World Premieres At The IAA Mobility 2025
Opel presented three exciting world premieres at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich.
The striking Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept and the new Opel Mokka GSE, Opel's most powerful all-electric road car to date, took pride of place alongside the Opel Grandland Electric AWD, the German brand's first allelectric model with all-wheel drive.
The three newcomers were presented at the Opel press conference at the Opel booth B20, in Hall B3 of the IAA Summit.Thereafter,thelatest Opel concept car and the upcoming battery-electric production vehicles as well as the Opel Mokka GSE Rally also attracted attention at the Open Space, booth OP340, onOdeonsplatzinthemiddle of Munich.
The Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept car gives a preview of upcoming all-electric GSE models, and
underlines Opel's commitment to the small car segment. It can be experienced by anyone on Gran Turismo 7, from this autumn. With its extraordinary design, a system output of 588kW (800hp), 800 Newton meters of torque, acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 2.0 seconds
and a top speed of 320km/h, the Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo represents the epitome of Opel's highperformance GSE sub-brand.
The Mokka GSE Rally entered the big stage for the first time in early summer at the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup "powered by GSE". With 207kW (280hp) of peak
power, 345 Newton metres of torque and sophisticated motorsport technology, the Mokka GSE Rally is a unique all-electric rally car.
Just as powerful as its motorsport counterpart with 207kW(280hp)thenewOpel Mokka GSE will bring motorsport energy to the road. With immediate torque
of 345 Newton meters, the Mokka GSE accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.9 seconds, and with a top speed of 200km/h, it will soonbethefastestall-electric Opel.
The Mokka GSE has a Torsen multi-plate limitedslip differential as well as a chassis with specially designed axles and new double hydraulic dampers. All high-voltage components oftheproductionMokkaGSE come from the Mokka GSE Rally. The steering system, suspension and brakes have also been designed to be particularly sporty and optimised with Opel's experience from electric rallying.
Opel celebrated a third public premiere in Munich withthenewOpelGrandland Electric AWD. The performancevaluesspeakfor themselves, it has a system outputof239kW(325hp)and a maximum torque of 509 Newton metres.
In just 6.1 seconds, the allwheel-drive vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100km/h. In the Ultimate variant, the Grandland Electric AWD can cover up to 489km (WLTP) between charging stops.
Further trim levels with a range of up to 501km (provisional value) will follow this year. Drivers can choose from four driving modes 'Normal', 'Eco', 'Sport' and '4WD'.
The chassis of the batteryelectric top model has Frequency Selective Damping technology as standard.
Depending on the situation, road conditions and driving style, it enables different damping characteristics for comfortableglidingaswellas for a sporty, ambitious driving style with more direct road contact.
For further information contact your local dealer, Navan Opel (046) 9023456.
NEW OPEL GRANDLAND
The striking Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo premiered on the Opel stand at the IAA Mobility 2025, in Munich.
For any exam youdobetweennow andJune,youneedtogiveityourfull attention,rememberingalsothatyou canonlydoyourbest.Studentsthat aregoodwithtimingandfocuscan pickupwaymoremarksthanthey expectintests;sotheseareskillsyou shouldworkon.
Revision Maths Tuition Blitz’s are upcoming in the next two weeks (3rd and 6th Years). Drop me a line or get more details via the link below: ACE Maths Classes: acesolutionbooks.com/ace-maths-tuition
More details about Joe as a Maths Tutor for 3rd, 5th or 6th Year 2025 and his Award winning ACE Maths Solution Books can be found via the links below. FB: facebook.com/JoeMcCormackEducationalExpert/
Having consulted with my family and friends and considered what modest role I can play in addressing the many challenges currently facing the country, I am pleased to announce my intention to run for President of Ireland.
In keeping with the recent practice of candidates playing fast and loose with the restrictions and conventions of the office of Uachtarán na hÉireann, I haven’t bothered talking to localcouncilsorknockingon the doors of Leinster House with a sponsorship form.
To borrow a phrase from Descartes, I think therefore I am… a candidate. My name won’t be printed on the actual ballot, however if you could kindly write it in at the top, I think through strength of numbers that should suffice.
Mycommitmenttoyou,my cherished subjects, covers the wide expanse of Irish life.
Firstly, skinny jeans. Upon my accession to the highest seat in Ireland, all men over the age of 21 will be banned from wearing them.
This is an important issue we have all been too polite about up until now, but I am the candidate who is not afraid to call this out. Unless you are Lenny Kravitz, which you are not, they are inappropriate and impractical for any grown adult male. You look ridiculous, you are embarrassing your family and more grievously, your children.
Turning to the arts, I like all music, except didgeridoos. Some blame The Hot House Flowers; others lay the root cause at Kila.
Either way, whoever thought importing this low haunting and powerful symbol of the Aboriginal people to street corners in Dublin and Galway was a good idea needs to have a long hard look at themselves. This instrument is traditionally used in rituals for healing by the First Nations peoples of Australia. Not by a young lad from Navan who spent three months drinking in Sydney and came home with illadvised dreadlocks.
Any Irish person found to be in possession of or having
access to this instrument after I move into the park will be looking at a lengthy custodial sentence in a Gaeltacht area.
There are many problems facing us in the country at present. I don’t have all the answers. But I know who does. My most radical changewillbetheshakingup of local government.
From day one of my reign, I will be replacing all county councillors with mothers aged 45 and over. Government powers will be devolved, and woe betide any Ministers who drag their heel providing the funding for what these women need in their areas.
Young lads will be summoned home from building sites across the globe by their mothers to build houses for their cousins and manners will be put on hospital waiting lists. Mam’s only have so many hours in the day, and they won’t have it said they wasted them.
Top 5 Halloween 2025 Events In Meath
MynameisHelenLeddy,MD of Back Office Marketing, I provide marketing services for the hospitality and tourism industry.
This month we are talking about Halloween! Just as the kids are settling back into the school routine our thoughts are turning to the midterm breakandwhatexactlythereis for them to look forward to in October.
This year, the Mid-term break will run from Monday 27th October 2025 to Friday 31st. There is plenty happening in County Meath for Halloween- even for those with no kids! The annual Spirits of Meath Halloween festival is a great place to start to plan activities for the Halloweenbreak.
Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for regular
updates on events and accommodationdeals.
Here are my top 5 events for Halloween2025inMeath.
PúcaFestival: In my opinion, this year has one of the best line ups for The Pucá festival! All age groups are catered for and ticket prices are not extortionate! Running from October30th toNovember2nd in Trim and Athboy! Tickets are on sale now on www. pucafestival.com
Farmaphobia: Thatoneevent that you know you must go to just because its Halloween. CauseyFarmalwaysputonan amazing show for Halloween with freaky dolls, crazy clowns and a random farmer chasing you through a field of corn withachainsaw!
Ican’twaitforthisone.Their family friendly Pooka Spooka will also be running over the
month of October. Navan Adventure Centre Pumpkin Festival: This is always a great day out for the family over the Halloween break. They cater for a wide age group so everyone can participate in pumpkin carving,zombielasertag,mini golf and so much more. They usually sell out in advance so getbookingasap!
Samhain Food Festival: Say thewordfoodfestivalandIam there. The Samhain food festival is now in its 7th year and its always an amazing weekend of stories, workshops, demonstrations, and plenty of amazing food. Find out more about the festival held this year from the 6th to the 9th of November on wwwboynevalleyflavours.ie
LúFestivalofLight: Technically not in County Meath, but after witnessing it lastyear,everyoneshouldvisit thisyear.Thefestivalrunsfrom 24thto27thofOctober.
A chairde go leor, for a future unfettered by illadvised fashion choices, for streets liberated from young lads with musical notions, and for communities and towns run as well as your mother’s home, vote early and vote often for President Burke. In the Meath Herald we offer a wide distribution throughout the towns of Navan, Kells, Trim, Athboy, Oldcastle, Slane, Duleek and their surrounds. Quality Advert Design together with most competitive adverting rates around makes The Meath Herald the first choice for promoting your business. For Information contact Paul on 087 3167013 or email: paul@meathherald.com
Several destinations around the town will be luminated with light shows throughout the evening. Find out more on theirwebsite!
All the events above and more will be listed on the Spirits of Meath website over thecomingweeks.
Be sure to support local this Halloween and enjoy everything our amazing Countyhastooffer!
Dunboyne College of Further Education Journalism Students
Navan Racing Festival - All You Need To Know
By: Darragh Martin
TheNavanRacingFestivalisaneventthatspans over two days at Navan Racecourse, which rounds people from across the country to come visit the area. We can expect a buzz around the local area and some very exciting and high standardracing.
The event which takes place on 15th and 16th November, hosts The Bar One Racing Fortria Chase as well as The Lismullen Hurdle as they takeforefrontatcentrestageonSaturdaythe15th November,theyarefollowedupbytheTroytown ChaseonSundaythe16th whichcanonlyleadto moreexcitementaroundthetownfortheevent.
Thereisamplepublictransporttoandfromthe eventwiththeBus,179routeisrunning24hours when it comes to getting to the racecourse, however three shuttle buses will be running throughout the days, first pickup will be at 10am attheArdboyneHotelinJohnstown,followedby Fairgreen, Foxes Pub and the Round O in Blackcastle.Carparkingattheracecourseisalso freefortheweekendforthosethatare travelling bycar.
Early bird tickets are on sale now on their website,at€15andchildrenandOAPsgofree.
Theraceentrieswillbeannouncedonthe22nd of October, a day both the fans and the bookies willbelookingforwardto.
Farmaphobia: Conjouring Up A Great Night Out
Púca Festival – Four Nights
Of Myth, Music And Mischief
By: Lily Kelly
The streets of Trim and Athboy are preparing once more to host the iconic Púca Festival.
Thefestivalwhichbegan to celebrate Meath’s historic link to Halloween, with Halloween first starting in Meath, and the tradition of Samhain, will run over four days, beginning on October 30th, and continuing into Halloween night, and ending on November 2nd
The events are all day, including workshops and tours, outlining the myths and history surrounding Ireland’s history with this time of year.
Continuing on into the night, musical acts and artistic performances will brighten the evening with circus acts and fire performances. Attendees can enjoy the headlining acts including ‘The Two Johnnies’, ‘Blindboy’, and many more which have been revealed on the Púca Festival website.
It is also worth noting that some events are free, while others are ticketed, and othersmayalsobe18+soitis important to check accordingly to avoid disappointment. Tickets can be purchased on pucafestival.com or any major ticketing vendors.
Festival goers should be aware that there are official coaches to and from the festival which can be purchased from the Púca Festival website. All times and prices and departure or pickup locations will be available online.
Local residents and those wanting to drive through Trim on these four dates should be mindful of traffic delays. Information on road closures will be available on thePúcaFestivalwebsiteand any local news sites.
All general information on the festival including maps, line-ups, and more are available on the various Púca social media pages.
By: Liam Grogan
For those that love a good fright, local scare fan favourite Farmaphobia will return this year, running from October 3rd to November 1st
The usually calm and quiet Causey Farm will be transformed into an un-dead nightmare, with six attractions to get your horror fill.
From creepy clowns to a zombie morgue, fans have
more than enough to sink their teeth into. The event will run from 6pm to 10pm every night. During this period time delays are to be expected on the L6836 between Fordstown and Drewstown.
The event is strictly 13+, and all 13-16 year old's must be accompanied on site by an adult.
The adult does not have to enter any of the attractions nor by a ticket, unless they wish to attend the event.
With 72% of tickets being sold already, as per the events website at time of writing, it’s sure to be a terrifying month at Causey Farm.
Tickets range from €29 on quiet nights to €36 on peak nights.
The events social media pages post fun and informative videos about the event, tickets, and even a close look at some of the attractions and scarers. An event not to be missed.
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