Meath South East News, Edition 18

600 ATTEND NAVAN’S FIRST EVER PRIDE PARADE

By Eoin Ryan

Hundreds attend Navan’s first ever pride parade to finish Navan Pride 2023 on a high after a week of LGBTQ events showing how the community can thrive in county Meath.

The parade was originally meant to start at the Solstice, but was changed to the Fair Green car park due to the increase in expected attendees and unexpected roadworks. There was a large crowd already out to see the parade trail across Navan, but some came out of local stores surprised by the long line of people walking down the street in pride colours.

An estimated 600 attended the parade with many others taking part in other events as part of the Navan Pride festival.

“Dublin is great for having 60,000 people, but it takes a lot more bravery to have 600 people marching around you, and shows that the local community is here to support the queer community,”

James Kearney of Labour LGBTQ+ said. “It shows the local community that LGBT people exist in their community, that they aren’t just an urban anomaly, that they are their friends, they are their family, and they are the people they walk around with, and do business

with every day of the week, and it just shows that they are people that belong here too and they should be accepted in all which ways they exist,” Kearney said.

The Navan pride festival took place between 26 June to 1st July which included events across Navan throughout the week. The Solstice art became home to acts such as Blue Jean and The Rocky Horror Show. The Central put on a Drag bingo night that Friday and the Royal Meath had a queer open mic night to add to the festival. The Navan Pride committee received a letter from President Michael D Higgins

Continued on page 2

Continued from page 1 in which he expressed his “warmest regards” for all who are attending the Navan pride festival.

“In a world often marked by division and inequality, events like Navan Pride Festival are a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of unity, principle, rights, and solidarity,” he said in the letter. Ireland’s pride month and subsequent pride festivals are not only

there to express solidarity with our LGBTQ+ community, but to also advocate for the rights of LGBTI+ persons across the globe.

“I recognise that, in some parts of the world, great strides have been made in recognising LGBTI+ rights, but in others, rights are under more pressure than ever before,” Tánaiste Micheál Martin said. “To those whose rights are

coming under attack, Ireland stands in solidarity with you.”

Despite this, Ireland has seen an increase in hate crimes over the past two years with latest figures showing there was a 29% increase in hate crimes last year, 22% of which were sexuality based. “In 2022 there were 582 crimes reported to the gardai which was up almost 30% on the previous year

and we know there are many more that go unreported,” Policy and research manager with LGBT Ireland Padraig Rice said.

Mr Rice told the Irish Sunday that he thinks “there is a legacy of homophobia still in Ireland,” despite a lot of progress being made such as the 2015 marriage referendum. “Homosexuality was criminalised by the State and it was a crime to be gay and that was only decriminalised in 1993 and I think that still impacts on mindsets and attitudes to some extent.

“People think the marriage equality referendum solved all the issues we face but unfortunately despite having won the right to walk down the aisle, many of us still look over our shoulders in the street.”

This is a growing issue across Europe and other parts of the world with last year being the most violent year for LGBTQ+ people in Europe in a decade. ILGAEurope, the leading LGBTQ+ equality organisation in Europe, said pervasive hate speech is leading to attacks and harassment against the LGBTQ+ community. It is

leading to members of the community feeling unsafe even in countries believed to be accepting.

Ireland and several other countries in Europe are seeing a further rise in transphobic speech with the report noting “hostile media reporting” on the topic. Ireland is seen to have increased barriers in healthcare for trans people and there are a dozen far-right groups targeting people due to their sexual orientation and gender identity.

TD Darren O’Rourke said this

was “A fantastic start,” and “really important for people to come out on the street, show their voice, show their support for the LGBTQ+ community and stand in solidarity with them, and show their love and support for them and I think that’s exactly what you had with Navan today in the parade.“

“There are those who want to cause division, who want to exclude people and I can say firmly, I believe what people want is inclusion, and diversity, and a richness in our communities and pride will continue to be at the very heart of that.”

HAMMERHEAD EXHIBITION OPENS AT NAVAN SOLSTICE ARTS CENTRE

By Eoin Ryan

Four Irish artists from the Hammerheads group exhibition which is currently on display at the Solstice arts centre in Navan. Marie Farrington, Sibyl Montague, Ní Fhlaibhín and Liliane Puthod are artists whose art predominantly explores diverse approaches to sculpture and expanded practice.

The Hammerhead exhibition artists have produced mostly news sculptures and site-specific installations featuring both handmade and industrial materials to match the galleries and courtyard spaces of Solstice. Their interest in a wide variety of materials is evident as this specific project includes wax, volcanic olivine sand, acidetched glass, cast ink, archaeological drafting film, steel, stone, bronze, found objects, consumer products, recycled fabric, medicinal healing plants and distilled lavender oil.

Lilaine Puthod’s use of industrial materials and handmade processes are a method of confronting archeological and commodified times through the subversive appropriation of objects. Her Hammerhead collection is based on revisited works which question the relationship between temporality, commodities and advertisement strategies. It manipulates scale, flow, and materials to a comical sense to emphasise underlying mass-production issues.

Marie Farrington presents site-specific works which responds directly to the

gallery. Her works reflect on the sculpture’s relationship to memory, imagehood and visibility exploring surfaces as a way to link the history and future of an object.

Sybil Montague combines textile, digital, vegetable, and ‘poor’ material sources by hacking and disassembling commodity goods and media. For Hammerheads, she exhibits recent works from her ‘blanket’ series, a collection of sculptural and patchwork assemblages made from used and found textiles. She also had a solo exhibition and film installation named Claí na Péiste (Worm’s Ditch) at the Temple Bar Gallery in Dublin. Laura Ní Fhlaibhín works with materials related to healing and nourishment, sifting stories, materials and traces associated with site, memory, myth, narratives of care and the casting of spells. Her work explores current

scientific research and tacit, inherited knowledge into the therapeutic potential of some medicinal plants in the treatment of dementia. For Hammerheads, her works are a series of plasitc medicinal boxes arranged in a spatial constellation of matter, containing plants, metals, oils, and water. The plant oils are circulated throughout the gallery.

Hazel O’Sullivan, a Dunshaughlin born artist, also exhibits Harvest Gold at the Solstice Arts Centre. O’Sullivans latest works take inspiration from an anachronistic collection of household situations. It evokes longing for a bygone era, encouraging viewer to think deeply on the emotional resonance of objects surrounding us and the ways in which nostalgia can shape or distort our relationship with our own identity.

SILVER SWANS AT SOLSTICE

ARTS CENTRE

The Silver Swans programme was designed by the Royal Academy of Dance specifically for those over 55. These classes will help improve mobility, posture, co-ordination and energy levels. Most importantly, they are fun, enjoyable, and bring about a sense of wellbeing. Classes are suitable for both beginners and experienced dancers and there are no age or physical restrictions in a Silver Swans ballet class. It is a safe learning environment where all abilities and all people are welcome. It is never too late to dance! Classes are held at Solstice Arts Centre every Wednesday morning with Michelle A.I.S.T.D, R.A.D. registered licensee of Silver Swans.

TARA MINES TEMPORARILY CLOSE, OVER 800 LAID OFF

By Eoin Ryan

Tara Mines is temporarily suspending work at the facility for an indefinite period, leaving over 800 workers laid off. Tara Mine’s owner Boliden said rising energy bills and a drop in the price of zinc are the two main reasons it was placed under ‘care and maintenance’. Boliden said there is an anticipated €100 million in losses from Tara mines due to these factors.

“We have not taken this decision lightly, but we believe this is the best course of action to safeguard the long-term future of the mine,” Boliden Tara Mines General Manager Gunnar Nystrom said. “We will continue to work constructively with all stakeholders to ensure the operation can re-open as soon as possible.”

The Navan mine will be seeing 650 layoffs due to this suspension, and an additional 160 layoffs by contract companies. Talks between unions, Boliden, and the government have

been ongoing but with almost no resolution in sight.The mine was closed temporarily several years ago with 140 retained, but the proposed figure for this suspension was 40 despite the mine now being twice as large.

“Unless we have some sort of political intervention, it’s difficult to see how the decision would be reversed,” Siptu divisional organiser at Tara Mines Adrian Kane said.

Tom Fitzgerald of Unite said he believed the management had been disingenuous in its dealings with the unions and they had zero intention of reconsidering its decision to temporarily close down the mine.

“They wanted to talk about their costs but when we asked about revenue and profits they said they couldn’t talk about that,” he said. Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said on reforms to the social welfare payments for Tara mine workers temporarily laid off. She has been working on introducing “pay related

benefit” in the next few weeks but this will not be introduced in time. “I have to get agreement from my Cabinet colleagues and I have to progress it and it will take legislation”, Humphreys said. “It’s important when workers who have worked all their lives suddenly find themselves out of a job, that they do not have that cliff edge drop in their income.”

Kane said on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland the Irish social protection model is out of line with European norms and “everybody’s back down to €220,” when laid off. “If people were facing the dole in Belgium, they’d be on 90% of what their average wage was. If they were in Denmark, it would be 80%. If it was the Netherlands [it would be] at 70%.”

“The situation at Tara Mines is deeply concerning, not least for the hundreds of families and businesses who are financially dependent on its survival,” Navan Mayor Cllr. Eddie Fennessy said. “The government have a huge responsibility in all of this. They need to step in

quickly or we could be faced with a long-term closure and mass unemployment at the mine. It would be unforgivable to stand idly by and allow that to happen.

“As we discuss the temporary layoff of 650 Tara Mines employees, it’s essential to remember that behind these numbers lie real people with mortgages, car loans, credit card bills, and ongoing medical treatment costs,” Cllr. Sarah Reilly said. “Furthermore, the ripple

effect on subcontractors and other local businesses is profound. It is impacting the entire community.”

The government suggested a package of supports for Boliden but Minister for Enterprise Simon Coveney said it was limited in what it could due to competition laws.

The closure is having a negative effect on hundreds of other jobs that rely on the mine staying operational and workers employed. It is also

expected to affect stores in Navan and other towns and villages in the local area.

In a statement, Boliden said: “We are engaged in a discussion process with the group of unions under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission, and will continue to engage constructively in that process over the coming days. In the context of this ongoing process, we have no further comment to make.”

CASTLETOWN TRAIL OPEN TO PUBLIC

By Matthew Patrick Sharkey

Cathaoirleach of Kells Municipal District Cllr. Eugene Cassidy, who was joined by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, officially opened the Castletown Trail.

The looped trail runs from the graveyard by the existing railway crossing to the Castletown end of the Greenway. Another section is located at the northern end of the Greenway to connect back to the village.

The Castletown Trail secured funding of €200,000 under the 2019 Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure scheme. A further €19,811 was allocated under the 2021 Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure scheme, which allowed the development of amenity areas, including planting, seating, fencing and a footfall counter to measure usage. “Infrastructure such as this is very necessary, and the investment has already realised a dividend,” Kells MD Cathaoirleach Cllr. Eugene Cassidy said

Members of the public can now use the existing car park at Castletown as the start and end point of their walk, run or cycle journey.

“The Greenway begins in Blackwater Park, Navan and passes through the villages of Wilkinstown, Castletown Kilpatrick, Nobber and

Kilmainhamwood before eventually ending in Kingscourt,” Meath County Council Chief Executive

Fiona Lawless said. “The 30km project includes the 1.5km looped section at Nobber and another 1.4km section here at Castletown. We currently have 14km

of Greenway open to the public with the remaining 16km currently under construction.

We hope by the end of this year to have the full 30km open to the public, allowing greenway users to travel from Navan to Kingscourt.”

TRIM CASTLE: A SETTING SUITED TO THE BIG SCREEN

By Eoin Ryan

Trim castle, since its construction 800 years ago, has helped Trim town build itself up and gain a reputation as one of Meath’s most well-known tourist towns. A lot of the shops and buildings close to the castle’s vicinity will have a similar brick design as the town doubles down on its historical roots.

The castle was first constructed shortly after the arrival of the Anglo-Normans in 1172 by Hugh de Lacy over the course of 30 years. It was attacked shortly after this and rebuilt with stone and a curtain wall, a castle gate, moat, and stone keep, most of which was completed in 1220. The castle changed into different royal family’s hands over the next few hundred years before being seized as British royal property in the 15th century. Its role in the 1996 Braveheart movie as a location for many scenes in the film is also the reason for Trim’s notoriety and growth in tourism both local and from abroad. Not only did the movie give Trim the means to grow in fame, the funds garnered for allowing shooting at the castle helped a small village grow into the town it is today.

The castle is not the only location for tourists, however, as there are walks surrounding its walls and river with some leading into open fields for all to use. Parks and smaller

historical monuments are littered close by and even at other areas of Trim for people to discover. Even when not considering the inner Trim castle, Trim is a perfect location for anyone looking for a location to have a long, leisurely stroll with interesting pieces of mediaeval history, both big and small. What makes Trim castle unique among Ireland’s vast collection of mediaeval architecture is not just the fact it is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, its strange design is unlike others built at the time. It is the only Norman keep in Ireland with a cruciform shape in Ireland and the unique structure can be seen clearly from the outside. The lack of wooden flooring allows for all three floors to be viewed at once with small but noticeable details revealing the history behind every corner and crevice. For example, one of the second floor rooms had gaps built in a way to make it harder for arrows to get through and was in a scene in Braveheart. It was also where the mediaeval equivalent of a toilet was, shown by a rectangular hole going straight down.

The tour costs 5 for adults, 4 for seniors, and 3 for children with tours going hourly from 10am to 5pm seven days a week. Every other aspect is free, however, with only the actual castle requiring a paid ticket for. The

tour is almost necessary for those invested in Irish and mediaeval history as it goes into great depth about the castle’s past which in turn sheds light on what was occurring in Ireland as a whole. I would not recommend this trip for anyone with a mobility disability or difficulty walking, however, as the stairs are difficult for anyone to traverse due to it being designed as a way of slowing any attackers invading the castle.

Its outer gates can be seen from far off in the distance and its outer walls are something to be explored in themselves. Despite obvious ageing and parts lost to time, its walls and outer towers are still a site to behold

from both far off past its man-made moats and up close with small historical details littered across its perimeter. Trim is also home to many other sites such as Wellington monument, Maudlin’s cemetery, Newtown cathedral, and many others scattered across the town. An entire day can be spent touring every inch of Trim with its designation as a heritage town being well earned.

Visiting Trim castle alone is a good way to spend a few hours as there is plenty to see both in and around its castle gates. It may be more enjoyable, however, to journey across town and discover other historical locations and architecture littered across the town.

FLAG RAISING CEREMONY HELD IN BETTYSTOWN

Bettystown and Mornington Beaches have been awarded the Green Coast Award in recognition of excellent water quality and the efforts made by the local community to protect their natural, unspoilt environment.

Cathaoirleach of Laytown/Bettystown

Municipal District Cllr. Stephen McKee was recently joined by volunteers from the local community at a flag raising ceremony to mark this significant achievement. The aim of the Green Coast Award is to recognise beaches of high environmental quality. To achieve the

award, beaches must have excellent water quality and have effective and appropriate management to ensure the protection of the natural environment. The Green Coast Award is a symbol of environmental excellence and has been established to acknowledge, promote and protect the environment of our beaches. Cathaoirleach of Laytown/ Bettystown MD, Cllr. Stephen McKee said, “I am delighted to be here today in recognition of the huge effort that is afforded by local community groups, support agencies and statutory bodies in the ongoing provision of the safe and well-maintained coastal areas of Bettystown and Mornington”.

Continuing Cllr. McKee added “In the case of Bettystown and Mornington, the local community take a keen interest in the protection of the local environment. Some of the activities carried out by Bettystown Tidy Towns include coastal education sessions, marram grass planting days and litter picking with local schools, corporate organisations and local residents. Due to their efforts to

protect these pristine locations, we are able to celebrate these wonderful and relaxing beaches all year-round”. Speaking at the event Chief Executive of Meath County Council Fiona Lawless said “An important aspect in the achievement of this award is the involvement of the local volunteers who participate in community clean-ups and in cooperation with Meath County Council help manage our local beaches throughout the year.

I would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to Bettystown Tidy Towns, the local community and all the volunteers for all their efforts in ensuring our beaches meet the high standards required to be awarded the Green Coast for the 2023 bathing season”.

Meath County Council would like to ask all beach users this summer to continue to be responsible, follow guidelines, be aware of dog restrictions and to leave nothing behind on the beach except their footprints.

RESIDENTS URGED TO ENGAGE IN PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESSES FOR OLDCASTLE VILLAGE IMPROVEMENTS

Cllr Sarah Reilly is encouraging all residents to actively participate in the upcoming public consultation processes regarding the revitalization of Oldcastle Village.

The consultations, set to commence in July, will focus on two vital projects: The Square and The Fairgreen. This presents a unique opportunity for residents to voice their opinions and contribute to the future development of their beloved village.

The plans for The Fairgreen and The Square will be available for public viewing over a four-week period at Oldcastle Library, Kells Civic Offices, and Meath County Council’s online consultation platform, https://consult.meath.ie/. During this time, residents are invited to submit their valuable observations and suggestions to further enhance the proposed improvements. A further two-week period will be allowed for submissions.

Cllr Sarah Reilly expresses her enthusiasm for this transformative phase, stating, “It is an exciting time for the residents of Oldcastle. These public consultations provide an exceptional opportunity for

everyone to have their say and play an active role in shaping the future of the village.” Regarding the Fairgreen, Cllr Reilly emphasizes the positive impact it will have on recreational facilities in the village. She states, “Once these proposed works come to fruition, they will significantly enhance the recreational facilities, benefiting residents of all ages and providing a space for community gatherings and activities.”

Addressing the plans for The Square, Cllr Reilly emphasizes the benefits of improved pedestrian access and easier navigation for motorists. “Realizing the proposed works for The Square will make Oldcastle Village more pedestrian-friendly and facilitate better traffic flow, ensuring a safer and more efficient experience for both residents and visitors.”

Cllr Sarah Reilly urges all residents, community groups, and stakeholders to actively engage in the public consultation processes and make their voices heard. By participating in this crucial phase, the residents of Oldcastle will contribute to the long-term development and improvement of their vibrant village.

GET CHILDREN READING THIS SUMMER WITH MEATH LIBRARY SERVICE

EILEEN DUNNE DESCRIBES HER LONG CAREER DURING HINTERLAND FESTIVAL

By Eoin Ryan

Retired RTE news presenter Eileen Dunne and many other notable names took part as speakers at this year’s Hinterland event in Kells.

Meath Library Service is delighted to be running the Summer Stars Reading Programme 2023 from Monday, June 12 to Saturday, August 26. This free nationwide children’s reading programme takes place in all the public libraries and online each summer. Children throughout the county are invited to join the reading adventure and to enjoy the fun and pleasure of reading over their summer break.

Summer Stars is non-competitive and every child who signs up receives a reader’s registration pack and will be awarded a certificate of participation at the end of the programme. It’s all completely free!

This year we are introducing our Golden Ticket. Each child returning with books and their reader’s card for stamping will get a

Golden Ticket on their second and following visits. All the tickets will be entered into a fantastic prize draw on Thursday, August 31. There are two prize bundles for every library so a greater chance to win! Included in the prize bundles for younger and older children are Kindle Fires, reading buddies, books, games, book tokens and mini-craft sets. We will also have a lucky dip box for a surprise treat on the second and subsequent library visits, so keep on reading.

The more times you visit, pick up a read, get your reader’s card stamped, the more Golden Tickets you earn. Call into your nearest library and register from Monday, June 12. Registrations will continue throughout the summer. Further details of this and our Summer Events Programme can be found on our website www.meathlibraries.ie.

Eileen Dunne called her career “Long, fulfilling, exciting,” after speaking at Hinterland. “No two days were ever the same. You just didn’t know what was going to hit you when you walked in that door in the morning, but after 42 years i’ve had enough and it is time to move on”

years. I don’t think that will ever happen again. People are not going to be staying at jobs for that length of time. I’m just taking it a bit easy and doing nice events like this one and a few bits and pieces, but I don’t want to be too busy. I’m not going to take on anything full time or any major big project, because that defeats the purpose.”

Speaking on the changes in reporting since her career began, she said “It’s different now and she would not get her job now “because I didn’t go to journalism school and I went

journalism before you get inside the door.”

Dunne expressed a sense of betrayal regarding Ryan Tubridy’s RTE payment scandal, noting the lack of reporters in some areas due to a lack of funds and the pay cut RTE made in 2021.

Hinterland is an annual arts festival taking place in Kells with guest speakers that included Irish novelists Joseph O’Connor and John Boyne, poet Roger McGough, meteorologist Gerry Murphy and many others over between 22-25 June.

MEATH HIKE PART OF CONSULTANT’S HUGE CHALLENGE TO HONOUR LATE SISTER-IN-LAW

A hospital consultant aims to climb the highest peak in every county in Ireland in a week in memory of his sister-in-law.

Cork-based consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Richard Horgan, is training intensely for next month’s mammoth challenge, five years after the tragic death of his wife’s youngest sister, Orla Gosnell, 38. And he plans to sweep into Meath on day five to scale Carnbane East.The funds he raises for Cork University Maternity Hospital through CUH Charity will be used to create dedicated spaces for patients and staff – and a permanent reminder of the social care worker’s life.

Orla died in December 2018, five months after delivering her fifth child at CUMH. Richard’s ‘32 County Peaks in a Week’ challenge kicks off on July 16 with a minimum €10,000 target and the daunting task of scaling summits in four-five counties each day, concluding with 918m Galtymore on the Limerick/Tipperary border.

“Failure is not an option,” said

the determined Cork city dad-ofthree and avid hill walker, who conquered Africa’s highest peak, Kilimanjaro, in 2011. During the expedition, supported by a colleague, he will camp overnight at the base of his next peak and climb a combined altitude of 16,000m, almost twice that of Mount Everest. He hopes to be joined by Orla’s husband Robert and other family members on the final ascent on July 22.

Richard’s family was plunged into grief when his sister-in-law passed away. He was based in Dublin’s Rotunda Hospital at the time but was appointed to CUMH in early 2020. A long-held ambition to mark her life came to fruition earlier this year when - inspired by an idea from his nine-yearold son - he decided to grasp the 32-county peak challenge.

It will be a highly-emotional undertaking as he carries treasured memories of drama and singing enthusiast Orla with him.

“She was so dynamic, it was always about the solution rather than the problem with her,” he

recalls. “She was never one to leave things slide, she would ask about things and was never one to avoid sensitive conversations if something needed to be said – and I admire that. “She loved kids, was brilliant with them, loved being pregnant but always wanted to be involved and to know everything about her care. This lives on in her five fabulous kids.

“What has always been to the forefront in my work is the patient’s experience, the mother’s experience, even in bad outcomes and to make the experience as positive as we can. “When I walk into the maternity hospital, there are magnificent glass corridors and there’s an opportunity to install benches or seats, we have three floors to work with and could do it on all floors.

“It is simply somewhere patients, their partners and staff can go and sit, take a moment, have a chat, take a ‘phonecall, have those few minutes.” The new space will include a symbol specifically remembering Orla and her many journeys in CUMH.

COULD YOU HELP CHILDLINE LISTEN TO CHILDREN?

The Childline listening service is now recruiting volunteers for its office in Drogheda, which is dedicated to helping Ireland’s children. The service provided by ISPCC is always available to any child and young person across Ireland who would like to talk about any topic on their mind.

Childline’s 24/7 listening service is free and confidential and can be reached online or by phone. Volunteers with the service come from all walks of life and are united by one common purpose: to help ensure no child or young person in Ireland has to face their challenges alone. An excellent team spirit and sense of support prevails at Childline units throughout the country. Volunteers receive full training in advance of answering their first contact and ongoing support and upskilling thereafter. Childline regional supervisor Mary Nolan Durkan says: “Childline volunteers play a

vital role in helping to ensure there is always someone there to listen, support and empower children and young people in Ireland when they seek a listening ear. The Childline training course is a comprehensive course which equips volunteers with the skills to deliver a quality service to children.”

One of our volunteers Dee says that she never expected to get so much back from volunteering in her own life. “I have learned so many new skills and made friends from all walks of life. We are

all united with a common purpose: to make sure every child has somewhere they can turn.”

Another volunteer Liz says that although she was initially nervous at the thought of becoming a volunteer with Childline, she is delighted that she did it. “People always think that you’re dealing with the most neglected children of society but this is not necessarily the truth, so many children just need to talk. It tugs at my heartstrings that so many children need Childline.”

THIRD AGE SUMMERHILL WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS AT OPEN DAY

Third Age Summerhill celebrated 35 years of services for older people in Co Meath with an Open Day on Wednesday July 5. Visitors old and new were welcomed by Third Age CEO, Aine Brady, local administrators Rosemary Doyle and Maeve Carton and other staff members.

‘The Day was a chance for people to sample our programmes and meet members, volunteers and staff. We wanted to showcase our activities and recruit some members. The day was a great success and we were delighted to welcome some new people to Third Age and show them all we do’, said Rosemary Doyle.

Locally the A-Z of activities and services available weekly and regularly includes audiology, chaerobics, chiropody, counselling, drop in centre, library, line dancing, Men & Women’s Shed, reflexology, resource centre, yoga and

more. (Chaerobics is a chairbased workout to increase heart rate, burn calories and build muscle strength). On Open Day there were free consultations from chiropodist Terry Cooper and audiologist Peter Burke who hold regular clinics in Third Age. A reflexology taster from Maeve Carton also proved a popular draw. The Knitting Group who meet every week were busy at their craft, surrounded by beautiful baby garments.

The Third Age twice a year holiday is particularly appreciated, and a large group of members and friends take off soon for a five day break to Westport.

Lane Galvin the Meath Rose of Tralee paid a visit on Open Day and spoke to members about what it means to her to have been chosen to represent Meath. She posed for photographs with Third Age oldest members Noeleen Pearle and Tom Holmes as they planted a laburnum tree in the front garden

donated by Bernadette Lusk to commemorate loved members who died during the pandemic. What does Third Age mean to members?

‘It means they get out of the house, they have somewhere to go to and be welcomed. I don’t think it is always understood how isolated

peoples on their own can be. Often when we open up in the morning they are at the door waiting,’ said Rosemary Doyle. ‘We are

very glad to be here, and we look forward to welcoming those new members who discovered us this week’, she said.

WHAT ARE COUNCILLORS AND WHAT DO THEY DO?

By Gerry O’Connor

The role of locally elected representatives on Meath County Council has changed dramatically since the Reform of Local Government “Putting People First” was implemented in 2014. The six municipal districts replaced the five local electoral areas which previously existed. The meetings also became statutory. Based on increased population the full council went from 29 members to 40 members. In this article we look at the other roles that the councillor fulfils apart from the regular housing, passport, roads representations.

Full Council Meetings:

All 40 councillors attend the full council meetings which take place in the Council chamber in Buvinda House, Navan Meath County Councils corporate headquarters. The members attend either in-person or by Zoom as the meetings are hybrid in format. This is a statutory meeting which takes place usually on the first Monday of the month. There are 10 full council meetings annually with no meetings in January and August. All statutory business is conducted, discussed, and agreed at the meeting, motions are debated and agreed, the Chief Executive presents a formal update to the members and presentations from various groups are entertained.

Municipal District Meetings:

These are the local council meetings for each district. There are six Municipal Districts in Meath which are Navan, Trim, Kells, Ashbourne, Ratoath and Laytown/ Bettystown.

The Councillors deal with local issues, agree annual road work programmes, statutory issues and receive presentations from local and national groups. There are 11 municipal district meetings yearly taking place in person and on Zoom. This is a statutory meeting which takes place on the second Wednesday of each month.

Strategic Policy Committees (SPC): SPCs advise the Council on policy matters and every Meath County Councillor must serve on this committee. Meath County Council has four SPCs:

1. Planning, Economic Development and Enterprise

2. European Affairs, Climate Action, Environment and Emergency Services,

3. Transportation and Housing

4. Community and Cultural Development

These are chaired by a councillor and include councillors and sectoral/community group representatives. The sectoral/ community representatives are drawn from the membership of the Meath PPN (Public Participation Network).

Corporate Policy Group (CPG):

The CPG provides a forum for policy issues outside the remit of individual SPCs, which can be discussed and agreed for submission to the full Council. The chairpersons of the SPCs together with the chairperson of the

Council form a CPG. This group links the work of the SPCs together. It provides a forum where policy decisions affecting Meath can be agreed for submission to the full Council. All municipal districts are represented on the CPG including the chairpersons of the SPCs. The Corporate Policy Group consists of the Cathaoirleach, the Chairpersons of the Strategic Policy Committees (all of whom are councillors) and the Chief Executive. The CPG usually meets before the monthly Council meeting.

Protocol Committee:

The Protocol Committee provides a forum to manage the standing orders of the council, agree and approve conferences and training for councillors, discuss and agree civic receptions, and make recommendations to the full council. The protocol committee consists of the Cathaoirleach, and five elected members.

The Protocol Committee meets before the monthly Council meeting.

Joint policing Committee (JPC):

The purpose of a JPC is to provide a forum where a Local Authority and Senior Gardaí, responsible for policing the area, along with Oireachtas Members and community interests can consult, discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the area to contribute to the improved safety and quality of life of the community.

Strategic Approach: In accordance with national JPC guidelines the focus of the JPC’s work is “strategic” rather than “operational”. The JPC is required to develop a six-year Strategic Plan linked appropriately with the Local and Economic Community Plan for the area. Meath JPC adopted its new Strategic Work Plan 2021–2026 in February 2022.

Following the adoption of the 6-year Strategic Plan 2021 - 2026 the JPC Members identified the following key strategic priorities.

1. Communication and promotion of greater awareness of the role of the Joint Policing Committee

2. Promotion of Safe Communities in Meath particularly in rural areas.

3. Crime Prevention

4. Road Safety

5. Public Safety

6. Protecting and engaging our Youth

The strategic priorities reflect the concerns of the JPC and the broader community and encompass the 6 key themes. The JPC oversee the implementation and delivery of the strategic objectives as outlined in the strategic plan. Under each objective, key actions have been identified and have been assigned to a lead agency and a number of objectives will be delivered in a collaborative partnership approach by a number of the stakeholders The JPC is formed by 10 Oireachtas Public Representatives, 15 Meath County Council Members, 2 An Garda Síochána, 7 Community Sector and 3 Meath

County Council Officials.

Regional Health Forum:

The Fora make representations to the HSE on the range and operation of health and personal social services in their area, and the HSE in turn provides administrative services to the Forum. One of the functions of the HSE’s Regional Offices is to ensure that appropriate administrative support is provided for the operation of the Regional Health Fora.

The functional area of the Regional Health Forum - Dublin Northeast covers Dublin City Council north of the river Liffey and the administrative areas of the county councils of Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan.

Meath County Council nominates five members to the health Forum.

Audit Committee:

The Audit Committee plays an independent role in advising the Council on financial reporting processes, internal control, risk management and audit matters as part of a systematic review of the control environment and governance arrangements of the local authority.

● The statutory functions of audit committees are to review financial and budgetary reporting practices and procedures within the local authority that has established it;

● Foster the development of best practice in the performance by the local authority of its internal audit function;

● Review any audited financial statement, auditor’s report or auditor’s special report in relation to the local authority and assess any actions taken within that authority by its chief executive in response to such a statement or report and to report to that authority on its findings; to assess and promote efficiency and value for money with respect to the local authority’s performance of its functions; and to review systems that are operated by the local authority for the management of risks.

The Audit Committee in Meath County Council has 5 members, 3 external and 2 sitting councillors.

East Border Region:

A local authority led cross border organisation serving a population of just under 1 million people, spanning six Local Authorities, along the east coast of Ireland and N.Ireland. Six Thematic Working Groups comprising relevant Council officials, elected members and key stakeholders as appropriate are responsible for identifying, developing and implementing cross border projects across a range of sectors. This ensures a need based, “bottom-up” approach, resulting in the development of genuine cross border projects. The Thematic Working Groups are as follows: Economic Development and Regeneration, Tourism, Biodiversity, Energy, Climate Action and Social Inclusion.

Meath County Council nominates five members to the EBR.

Meath Local Sports Partnership (LSP): Meath LSP, established by Sport Ireland in

2002, is one of 29 Local Sports Partnerships in Ireland structured and managed at County level to respond to local needs and to support local sport and physical activity. Meath LSP operates within the context of the National Sports Policy 2018 – 2027 and under the aegis of Sport Ireland. Sport Ireland, through its network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships, helps people to get active and remove barriers to sports and physical activity.

Meath County Council nominates one Councillor to MLSP.

Louth Meath Educational Training Board: Louth & Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) is the largest education and training provider in Louth and Meath, providing a broad range of education and training services to over 30,000 students and learners on an annual basis.

LMETB manage 20 post-primary schools and colleges, 4 Community National Schools, LMETB are responsible for an extensive range of Adult Services throughout both counties, including Adult Learning Services, Community Education, Back to Education Initiative and Adult Guidance, 3 Colleges of Further Education, 8 Youthreach Centres,3 VTOS Centres, Regional Skills Training Centre, Dundalk and The Advanced Manufacturing and Training Centre of Excellence.

Meath County Council nominates 6 Councillors to LMETB.

Nominated Councillors as part of their role on the training board are appointed by LMETB to serve on School Boards of Management

Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA):

Meath is part of the Eastern and Midlands Region, one of three planning regions that were created in 2015. In each region there is a Regional Assembly, with the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly comprising 38 Councillors nominated by the 12 constituent local authorities within the region. The main roles of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly are to prepare, adopt and implement a Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) for the region. It also ensures consistency with RSES in relation to the Local Economic and Community Plans of the 12 constituent Local Authorities and supports implementation of EU operational programmes and co-ordinate certain EU projects.

Meath County Council nominates three members to the Regional Assembly.

Other committees that councillors are appointed to:

The Local Community Development Committee, Teagasc, AILG-The Association of Irish Local government, Boyne Valley Tourism Board, Meath Arts Centre, Meath Heritage, Meath Age Friendly, LAMA-The Local Authority Members Association, and the Northeast Drug Forum.

Cllr Gerry O’Connor is a member of the Transportation SPC, the Audit Committee, East Boarder Region, Meath Local Sports Partnership, The Protocol Committee, LMETB and Ratoath Municipal District. He has served twelve years as a County Councillor.

SPECIAL AWARD FOR MEATH SCHOOL WHERE ALL STUDENTS ARE CPR TRAINED

A Meath school where all the students have been trained to give lifesaving CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) has received a special recognition award from the Irish Heart Foundation.

St Joseph’s Mercy Secondary School, Navan, was given the award as part of the national charity’s CPR 4 Schools programme, which recognise schools, teachers and students for remarkable efforts in CPR promotion and training. The Irish Heart Foundation is creating a generation of life savers by training post-primary school students around the country to perform CPR and respond in a cardiac emergency.

They are also taught how to use an AED (defibrillator) and respond when someone is

choking. Around 86% of postprimary schools in Ireland are now in CPR. Katherine Scott, Acting Children and Young People Programme Manager with the Irish Heart Foundation, said: “We are delighted to award St Joseph’s Mercy Secondary their CPR 4 Schools Award in recognition of their dedication in providing lifesaving CPR training to their students and staff.

“Over 70% of cardiac arrests happen in a domestic setting. We know schools are an ideal place to educate young people in CPR and reduce the incidences of death from cardiac arrest.

“All schools have done tremendous work in creating awareness and taking the fear out of lifesaving. “CPR is a lifesaving skill that everyone can learn, and this

programme is available to every post primary school in Ireland, equipping young people with the skills and confidence to perform it.

“We would like to train more post-primary schools and are encouraging teachers to attend our free training courses.” So far, 2,499 teachers in 627 post-primary schools around the country have taken part in the CPR 4 Schools programme and learned how to deliver CPR, giving the programme a reach of over 350,000 postprimary students.

These schools have been recognised for taking the programme into the heart of their schools and giving students the opportunity to learn the vital lifesaving skill. All post-primary school teachers are encouraged to attend the free training.

NEW WALKWAY UNVEILED IN DUNBOYNE

By Sorcha Mcgroarty

A new linear walkway was opened on June 7th this year by the minister of state for sport and physical education, Thomas Byrne. €2 million was allocated to fund the project using the department’s Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund, (LSSIF). The walkway unveiled links Rooske Road with Main Street/Maynooth Road, while also connecting to the playing pitches and existing public park.

The playing fields along with the all weather pitches are expected for completion later this year. Speaking at the opening, Minister Thomas Byrne said “I’m thrilled to open this new walkway

in Dunboyne which is a superb addition to the community. It is heartening to see how popular the new facility already is amongst walkers, joggers and cyclists.” The walkway is intended to provide more options for pedestrians and cyclists to access the local area. Outdoor exercise equipment can also be found along the walkway.

In attendance at the opening ceremony were Meath County Council Chief Executive Fiona Lawless, Minister Thomas Byrne TD, Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Cllr. Nick Killian with Minister Helen McEntee TD, and Cathaoirleach of Ratoath MD Cllr. Gillian Toole.

The CPR 4 Schools programme is easy to run, is designed to embed within the school curriculum and takes one hour to train a class.

RORY O’CONNOR DISCUSSES MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLES IN ATHBOY

By Eoin Ryan

Rory O’Connor from Rory’s stories spoke of his past struggles growing up and how he coped with mental health struggles during a talk promoting mental health services for young people in Athboy.

Rory O’Connor was a guest speaker in partnership with Cllr. David Gilroy, Jigsaw Meath, Clann na Ngael GAA club and the Feel Good project in the Darnley hotel, Athboy. Before starting his talk, he was gifted a game by youth advocates from Involve Youth Project, a Traveller specific Youth Project, that helps young people deal with mental health issues. Rory told the

audience that at an early age, Rory struggled in class due to undiagnosed dyslexia, thinking he was just stupider than everyone else, and started to misbehave because of it. He “Spent a lot of time facing the wall in school” as punishment, drew a smile on the wall to pass the time. “I just believed I was stupid.”

During his mid 20s, Rory built a gambling addiction and in 2013, he “hit rock bottom” mentally. Despite having a wife and child, his mood was completely reliant on football to the point that his local team losing led to a deep depression. Gambling became his only source of dopamine with his addiction growing so bad he gambled

away the last €200 in his bank account.

The only thing stopping him from taking his own life was his cousin who committed suicide and the support group his wider family built because of it. This was around the time he started doing sketches related to GAA and started Rory’s stories. In 2016, he left his job and wrote a book the next year despite struggling with dyslexia. His main motivation was that he wanted “something in my mind to say ‘I’m not stupid.” He has written and published two more books since then and is now doing talks discussing his story and promoting mental health services. Orlagh

SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDERVERSE REVIEW

In 2018, Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse revolutionised the animation industry and let studios realise that audiences are willing to accept more surrealistic animated features. The Oscar win (ending a long reign of Disney/Pixar dominance in the category) signalled that Into the Spiderverse was special. When not one but two sequels were announced, the question arose: was Into the Spiderverse merely a flash in the pan, or was it the beginning of a new great animated franchise? The more we learnt and saw, I was intrigued but also slightly apprehensive. Into the Spiderverse worked so well because it used the multiverse to enhance Miles’ story, it didn’t use it as a crutch. I was worried that in all the talk about multiverses, variants and cameos, we’d lose sight of Miles’ emotional arc but thankfully the movie never loses focus. This is still firmly a Miles Morales story which is so important. Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse is a marvel. It is the best looking animated film I’ve ever seen: what they do here with clashing animation styles is absolutely incredible (Vulture, Spot and Spider-Punk in particular). Every world and Spider-Variant look so unique yet blend together so well, all of which culminates in the much advertised chase scene.

Much like Into the Spiderverse, this understands the appeal of Spider-Man to such a fantastic extent. The twist with Miles’ spider just reinforces that, the idea he was a mistake or an accident is so inspiring. If Into the Spiderverse taught us that anyone can wear the suit, Across the Spidercers interrogates that question even further. Miles’ existence and status as Spider-Man is called into question here, much like it is in real life. There are some people who simply don’t believe Miles Morales should be SpiderMan. Spider-Man has to follow certain canon events and has to fit a certain mould, any deviation from which angers them. Miles’ decision to embrace his identity despite what others say is what makes him relatable.

Gwen’s struggle to come out to her father as Spider-Woman is what makes her relatable. We may not have been in these exact situations, but there have been times where we’ve been scared to reveal a part of ourselves out of fear of rejection, or been told we’re not good enough. These universal themes are why the story of Spider-Man has been told so many times, and perhaps it has never been told better than it is here. It is hard to sing Across the Spiderverse’s praises enough. it’s incredible and the cliffhanger is perhaps the most hyped I’ve been in a theatre in years. If every superhero movie was of the same quality, I don’t think we’d be having any discussions about ‘superhero fatigue’. What we have is a mediocre/bad movie fatigue, not a superhero one. People will come to see truly great stories, and Across the Spiderverse is a truly great film.

Lally of the Meath women’s GAA team also spoke on her experiences dealing with mental health issues for both herself and others around her. Lally talked of comments made by people online or behind player’s their back and the effects it can have on them, saying people should be more aware of the effect their words can have on others.

She also mentioned how she would smack a hundred balls against the Cumann na nGael club wall to deal with her frustrations. This was the first of such talks that she has taken part in.

Jigsaw Meath is a non-profit organisation with the goal of improving the mental health

of young people in Ireland. One of their current goals is to achieve better mental health outcomes for young people through a variety of means such as talks and

support sevices. The Feel Good Project’s Bringing goal is to bring free mental health and wellbeing programmes for all ages to communities in Duleek & Stamullen.

HOPE FOR TRIM AFTER BEATING BHULF TON BY 9 POINTS

By Finn Mahon

Trim came out victorious winning by 3-15 to 2-9 against Bhulf Ton in a fine performance as they now look forward to the Championship in the coming weeks.

In the concluding game of the Division 1A football league, both teams’ faiths had been settled as Trim were already relegated while Bhulf Ton were staying up. All in all, it was a game of pride, especially for the boys in red, who looked to end their poor campaign with a win at home. The visitors got the ball rolling quickly as they struck first with a free and shortly after had a huge goal chance squandered, by their full forward as he stuck it narrowly wide. This all came from a turnover high up the pitch which happened again minutes later as they stuck over another free to give themselves an early two point lead.

Trim fought back instantly as cornerback Eoghan Ryan found himself in an unnatural forward position, as he slotted home from close range. This all came after some delightful play from Trim. Bhulf Ton responded with another point of their own which was cancelled by Trim’s midfielder Rob Burke from play and then captain, Alan Douglas, increasing the lead to two, mid-way through the first half. Trim scored another goal soon after, when some phenomenal quick build up play led to their captain scoring twice in quick succession as he slapped the ball into an empty net. Tom Carmody further boosted Trim’s lead to six as he blasted over from 25 yards out.

Bhulf Ton didn’t give in as they got two points of their own as they looked to narrow

the lead as much as possible before half time. Their keeper unfortunately took a poor kickout which fell straight into the hands of Conor Quigley, and kicked onto and over the bar to give Trim a four point lead going into the break. The second half started exactly as the first as Bhulf Ton’s number 15 beat two players before sticking it over from the right hand side. Tom Carmody followed in his opponent’s footsteps as he too scored an impressive point but on his weaker foot.

From the resulting goal kick, Conor Quigley once again read the keeper’s decision and rose high to catch the ball, ran forward and consequently won a penalty for his team. The keeper made up for his mistake by saving Alan Douglas’ shot, which went out for a 45, converted by James Toher. The Bhulf Ton keeper was by far their best player as again he made a wonderful one on one save to stop a certain goal. In the following phase, the away side scored a penalty after Trim had protested for a goal kick moments before.

They didn’t stop there as they grabbed another goal when their full forward ran straight down the middle and sent the keeper to his knees for an open goal. This was to be the end of their run, however, as Trim went on a 8 point run, where Mikey Cole shone as he scored 1-1 during this spell. He scored a great point on his weak foot as well as an easy tap in for a goal after some intricate play from the home team. He was denied a second goal too, when the keeper made another heroic save.

As the referee blew for full time, Trim came out nine points ahead as they stay prepared for the Championship ahead of them.