Meath News and Sport by MNS Meath

Meath News & Sport

Saturday, May 19th,Minors 2012 focus on Offaly

Saturday, 19th May, 2012 Vol 3 No. 20

Telephone: (046) 9072240

Fax: (046) 9027227

Email: sports@newsandsport.ie

Two Meath teams set for action Liam O’Rourke

€1.70

Saturday, 19th May, 2012

Vol 3 No. 20

Tel: 046 9072240

Fax: 046 9027227

Email: news@newsandsport.ie

sports@newsandsport.ie

advertising@newsandsport.ie

www.newsandsport.ie

Pilfering pensioner (73) held over burglaries Evan Short

A 73-year-old pensioner appeared in court yesterday (May 14) after a Garda pursuit resulted in the arrest of him and his accomplices following the burglary of a house outside Navan. A Garda patrol was passing a house in the area

around 4.30pm on Sunday (May 13) when they wit-

nessed two men leaving a house carrying a number of items before getting into a blue Ford Fiesta and driving off. The patrol then followed the vehicle for a distance before signalling them to stop. The occupants began throwing items from the car before they were brought to a halt

and arrested. The men, all with Tallaght addresses, were brought to Navan and Kells Garda stations and are expected to be charged with burglary offences. Two laptop computers and a handbag were recovered. One of the occupants was 15 years old, and was later released, while the

73-year-old man, named as Myles Connors, was charged alongside a 29year-old, also named Myles Connors. Both appeared in court in Ardee yesterday. They are also being charged in connection with a second burglary in

Contd. page 33

Cllr quits to ‘save life’ Evan Short

A RESPECTED Trim Town Councillor has said he has been forced to step down from his role over fears the job was killing him.

Donall O’Brien

Labour man Donall O’Brien – just 28 years old - said the stress of the job was taking its toll on his health and that had he not stepped down he feared ending up the same way as his councillor father Danny who passed away two years ago from similar symptoms. Speaking to the Meath News & Sport, Donall said he had no choice but to relinquish his seat – something he said he

would miss. “I got heart palpitations and went for medical tests and was told that I had heart and kidney problems and had to remove stress from my life. “It is the same thing happened my dad but he continued on and it killed him. I have to think of my health so I cannot continue.”

Contd. page 33

MEATH WILL have two teams in championship action on Saturday with the minor footballers and senior hurlers with no further ‘second’ chances on offer.

Saturday’s loss to Down doesn’t spell the end of Meath’s Ring Cup campaign. The Royals will have another crack at reaching the semi-final of the second tier championship when they face Kildare on Saturday. It will be the third competitive meeting this year between the sides with the Lilywhites prevailing on the two previous occasions. Manager Cillian Farrell will

won’t have the services of Sean Heavey following the Kildalkey man’s red-carding at Newry. A win would see Meath in semi-final action seven days later. Meath minor footballers will also be in action face Offaly in a Leinster MFC quarter-final tie at O’Connor Park, Tullamore. The countdown to Meath’s SFC opener against Wicklow on Sunday week in on and Royal

County fans got the chance to meet with some of their favourites at Pairc Tailteann on Friday night. Picture - Meath goalkeeper David Gallagher signs a jersey for supporter Malachy Fisher, Longwood, at Friday night's open night for the county senior football team at Pairc Tailteann (Pic by John Quirke).

ALSO INSIDE: INTERVIEW WITH IRISH NATIONAL WINNER ANDREW THORNTON 11

Meath News & Sport Sport

Saturday, May 19th, 2012

MEATH DEATHS DAPHNE REID

THE DEATH took place on May 5 of Daphne Reid (nee Smith), Lobinstown, She is survived by her husband John, sons John, Fergal and Ronan, brothers, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Her funeral took place from the Church of the Holy Cross, Lobinstown to Castletown KP Cemetery.

BILL RONAN

THE DEATH took place on May 5 at his Castle Hill, Slane residence of Bill (William) Ronan. He is survived by his wife Mary, sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, sisters, brother-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchild, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. His funeral took place from St Patrick's Church, Slane to St Erc's Cemetery.

LIAM RYAN

Kim Reilly, Nicholas Mulvaney and Ross Larkin at the opening day of the Trim Bulldogs season.

Taxi rank ruled out in Trim Evan Short

THE ESTABLISHMENT of a taxi rank in Trim has been ruled out by councillors who said they feared the impact it would have on local drivers.

The solution was mooted after Superintendent Mary Gormley said action had to be taken to deal with the issue of taxis and buses parking on double yellow lines and creating a traffic problem as they await pickups from local nightclubs and bars. She said that while she was willing to work with the drivers and councillors to find a solution, if none was found enforcement would be brought in by gardai. Cllr Vincent McHugh, who has worked in transport, said that he would have preferred to have discussed the options in a closed session with just coun-

cillors and the Superintendent present. She said she would be happy to engage in any forum as long as the problem was dealt with. “From a policing perspective we have issues. A number of buses are stopping in a particular area which are a problem because of road traffic incidents. We could, can and will take a no tolerance approach to this problem but I understand people have to earn a living.” She said she wouldn’t favour a rank as it concentrated people in one area which can lead to public order issues. “In my opinion a joint approach is needed.” The councillors agreed to look at having loading bays around the town designated as taxi ranks after hours, but the discussion will continue behind closed doors with representations being sought by local business owners and taxi firms. A taxi rank will not, however, be part of the solution as was unanimously agreed by the elected representatives.

THE DEATH took place at The Mater Hospital on May 8 of Liam Ryan, Killegland Rise, Ashbourne. He is survived by his children Camilla, Aoife and Neil, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother, sisters, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Cremation took place in Glasnevin.

MARY FARRELLY

THE DEATH took place on May 7 at Our lady's Hospital, Navan Hospital of Mary Farrelly, Phillipstown, Crossakiel, Kells. She is survived by her husband Sean, sons Raymond and John, daughters Catherine and Joanne, brothers, sisters, brothers-inlaw, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Her funeral took place from Ballinlough Church to the adjoining cemetery.

BRIDGET CARPENTER

THE DEATH took place on May 8 of Bridget (Baby) Carpenter, Church View, Kells. She is survived by her sisters Maureen, Angela and Josephine, brothers-inlaw Brendan and Michael, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Her funeral took place from St Colmcille's Church, Kells to St Colmcille's Cemtery.

JOHN HEGARTY

THE DEATH took place on May 9 of John Hegarty, Bog Road, Oristown and formerly of St Mary's Park, Navan. He is survived by his wife Margaret, son Ross, daughter Katie, parents Michael and Patsy, brothers, sisters, grandmother Lil, mother-in-law, brothers-inlaw, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. His funeral took place from St Catherine's Church, Oristown to Cannistown Cemetery.

DYMPNA LYNCH

THE DEATH took place on May 9 at her Avoca, lagore Road, Dunshaughlin home of Dympna Lynch (nee O’Dwyer). Predeceased by her husband Dick, she is survived by her sisters Mary, Pauline and Ann, brothers Michael and Jack, sister-in-law Kay, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Her funeral took place from St Patrick’s Church, Dunshaughlin to the Ward Cemetery, Co Dublin.

PATRICK MAHER

THE DEATH took place on May 9 at Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan of Patrick Maher, Boltown, Kilskyre, Kells. He is survived by his sister Lilly, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. His funeral took place from Kilskyre Church to the adjoining cemetery.

FRANK O'NEILL

THE DEATH took place on May 11 of Frank O'Neill, Robinstown, Kilskyre, Kells. He is survived by his wife Stella, children David, Catherine, Stephen and Andrew, son-in-law John, daughters-in-law Jane and Lisa, grandchildren, relatives and friends. His funeral took place from St Columba's Church, Kells to the adjoining churchyard.

ELLEN McHUGH

THE DEATH took place on May 12 at her Ballinvalley, Oldcastle home of Ellen McHugh (nee Scanlon). Predeceased by her husband Michael, she is survived by her sons Michael, Philip and Tommy, daughters Rosaleen, Anne, Dolores and Gabrielle, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, relatives and friends. Her funeral took place from St Brigid's Church, Oldcastle to the local cemetery.

MAE DALY

Beatrice and Tommy Connolly at the Beauparc Senior Citizens party in Walterstown GFC.

THE DEATH took place on May 13 of Mae Daly (nee Barrett), St Colmcille's Nursing Home, Kells and formerly of 'St Jude's', Maudlin Road, Kells. Predeceased by her husband Louie, she is survive by her daughter Therese, son-in-law Gerard, granddaughter Alannah, sister Kitty, cousin Matser, niece Kaye, relatives and friends. Her funeral took place from St Colmcille's Church, Kells to St Colmcille's Cemtery.

Garda helicopter used to trace missing driver Evan Short

THE GARDA helicopter was called in by Navan gardai in the early hours of Sunday morning (April 13) after a car was found in a ditch with no sign of the driver.

The car was discovered in a ditch around 3.10am at Nobberbeg, Nobber, by gardai and a unit from Meath Fire Brigade but no rescue was necessary as there was nobody in the vehicle. A search operation was then launched to try and find the driver, with the helicopter providing support. Later, a man who was described as being very drunk and

abusive presented himself to gardai, but denied any link to the vehicle. He was arrested for a breach of public order and will be charged at a later date. Anyone who witnessed the crash or can help identify who was driving the car can contact Navan Garda Station on 046 902 1445.

School run drivers warned over Fire Brigade parking

Meath News & Sport Sport

Saturday, May 19th, 2012

Tracey Moran, Alice O`Donnell and Kamila Kilijanek at Jamrock at Beggy’s bar Navan. Pic by Kieran Maguire.

Evan Short

PARENTS TAKING part in the daily school run in Trim have been warned the gardai will be taking a zero on their blocking of the gates of the fire station.

Trim Cathaoirleach Cllr James O’Shea told last week’s meeting of Trim Town Council that he had been approached by a member of the local fire service who raised the issue with him. “When the school run is taking place there is a small box at the entrance to the fire station and cars are parking here and blocking the fire vehicles. “This is a very serious matter because the firemen cannot get into the station.” Town Clerk Brian Murphy said he had raised the issue

before. “I have written to school principals about this to ask them to circulate letters asking parents to refrain from doing this.” Town Engineer Vincent Collins said that the box was very visible and anyone parking on it was breaking the law. Fianna Fail Councillor Ronan McKenna said that there were no excuses. “We have to make it clear that if you impinge on an emergency service you will pay the penalty.” The issue was subsequently raised with Superintendent Mary Gormley from Trim Garda Station who said she would monitor the situation. The Meath News & Sport understands that before a gate was installed at the entrance to the fire station illegal parking was a significant problem however since then there have not been as many issues. Meath Fire Service were unavailable for comment.

€10 MILLION FACTORY CLEARANCE SALE

Unbelievable

Across all stores - but only while stocks last MANY TILES SELLING

All 1st QUALITY TILES

HURRY! OFFERS ONLY

GUARANTEED WHILE STOCKS LAST O T K C O T S N SALE NOW ON I ALL Y A D O T E M O H E TAK NAVAN

BELOW COST bELOW

Mon to Sat 5.30pm 9.30am - Hols nk Ba & n Su pm 2pm - 5.30

Blackwater Retail Park, Navan (Next to Woodies) Ph: 046 9030 444

Stores Nationwide

www.rightpricetiles.ie

Meath News & Sport Sport

Saturday, May 19th, 2012

Meath County Council to act on abandoned horses NEW BYE laws are to be introduced by Meath County Council to deal with the growing problem of abandoned horses that are taking up an increasing amount of council funds.

According to the chairman of the special committee on the environment, Cllr Tommy Reilly, the new laws will improve the way in which horses are dealt with, speeding up the time in which they can be offered for rehoming. “Last year 153 horses were taken in by the county council, of which about 80 were reclaimed,” said Cllr Reilly. “The abuse of animals seems to be increasing and Meath is suffering as well because of our proximity to Dublin. It is exposing us to greater costs. “We have vets such as Ciaran O’Sullivan doing great work with these abandoned animals in rehabilitating them and we are confident that these new laws will improve this process.” Among the measures the new bye laws will introduce is reducing the amount of time a horse has to be unclaimed before it can qualify for rehoming to five days. “The quicker we can get this passed the better for the sake of the animals,” he added.

Cllr Tommy Reilly.

Hosptial campaign meets with HSE A DELEGATION from the Save Navan Hospital campaign met with the HSE on Thursday (April 10) reporting back that “excellent progress” was being made in the reintroduction of services.

Campaign Chairman and Sinn Fein TD Peadar Tóibín TD said that the meeting was part of planning interactions between the Save Navan Hospital Campaign and the HSE to monitor the reintroduction of surgery services. According to Deputy Tóibín the meeting heard that in the last few months three significant permanent senior positions had been filled in the hospital which helps embed surgery services in the hospital for the long term.

“This points to excellent progress,” he said. “It is worth reminding people that Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan is an excellent hospital with fantastic staff which we as a community should have full confidence in.” Despite this he said a number of concerns still had to be addressed. “We communicated very strongly that we have concerns in two areas, firstly that the respite for elderly citizens will be outsourced from Beaufort House, next to the Hospital to the private sector as from the start of June and secondly that there is no guarantee with regards the future of the A&E. “It is clear to the man and woman on the street that the HSE in general is under significant strain with regards cuts in funding. It is clear to us as a campaign that the HSE plans to close the A&E in Navan and move many of its future patients to Drogheda. This will not happen in the immediate future mainly because the facilities in Drogheda do not have the capacity” He also said downgrading plans had to be addressed. “I also communicated our fears with regards the government’s framework plans to downgrade hospitals such as Navan, Mallow, Bantry and Port Laoise. It has been reported by Dr Ruairí Hanley, the Sunday Business Post and others that the implementation of the plan has been withheld until after the Austerity Treaty referendum on May the 31st as the government are fearful that their plans to downgrade our health service if they were known would have a negative effect on the Yes vote. I believe that this is a particularly cynical route for the government to be taking.”

Sod turned on huge Navan park Evan Short

THE SOD was officially turned on the new Navan Town Park last week that will see a large amount of land straddling the River Blackwater turned into a civic green space.

The 68 acre park when finished will have football pitches, playgrounds and offer a focal point for Navan, with the first phase of the project already well underway. Navan town and area councillors joined County Manager Tom Dowling for the official sod turning which was performed by Mayor Anton McCabe. The park had an uncertain future up until just a few years ago when it was in danger of being shelved over claims of a lack of funds. However certain councillors never gave up on the project and were able to

secure funding that has seen work begin. Fianna Fail Cllr Shane Cassells, who attended the ceremony, said work was already progressing. “The turning of the sod was a fantastic day for the realisation of the park. One of the most amazing aspects of phase one is where the new 1.7km walkway meets the River Blackwater near the old Spicer’s Mill. “The park will give the people of Navan a tranquil setting to enjoy and there will be plenty of activities opening for young children as well.” Phase one is costing one million Euro and is expected to be open within the year. Concerns have been raised however that the integrity of the park could be threatened with plans for a road linking Windtown with the N2 being explored by council. This is expected to meet opposition from Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein in particular.

Tourist office opens in Slane A NEW tourist office has opened its doors in Slane that will provide information seven days a week during the summer months.

The office- that will be staffed by two Tus workers and a tourism information officer - has been established under the Renaissance scheme that is being introduced in a number of villages around Meath. The office is based on a similar scheme in Drogheda called ‘Local Heroes’ and they helped with the establishment of the Slane facility.

Welcoming the opening of the office, Slane Councillor Wayne Harding said it would fulfill a number of roles. “The local community will also be able to make use of the office as information on back to work schemes, local trades people and local events will be available. “The tourist information element is very welcome and much needed in promoting Slane's fantastic amenities. “I will be calling on Meath Tourism to assist this initiative in everyway possible as any community that achieves this in a voluntary capacity deserves all the help they can get,” he said.

Teacher and students from St Josephs Primary School Navan. Nathan Puyou, Miss Carrie Savage (Teacher), Victoria Pipaez, James Lewis, Carol Reilly (Navan Town Council), Brianne Lynch at the Navan Pride of Place Launch. Pic by Kieran Maguire.

Meath News & Sport Sport

Saturday, May 19th, 2012

Turning of the Sod Ceremony in Navan Town Park to mark the commencement of the works at Navan Town Park, Navan, Co Meath. Pictured are Mayor of Navan, Cllr Anton McCabe & Tom Dowling (Meath County Manager) and Members of Navan Town Council. Photo:Barry Cronin/www.barrycronin.com

Meath News & Sport Sport

Saturday, May 19th, 2012

Kells Pink Ribbon Walk returns for 2012 THE ANNUAL Kells Pink Ribbon Walk will begin with a bang this year thanks to the Celtic Tenors who will perform a concert in aid of breast cancer.

The Tenors will take to the stage in the Headfort Arms Hotel on June 9 to officially launch this year’s fundraising for the walk that takes place on September 5. 2012 marks the fourth year of the event that covers a 10km route around Girley Bog. The aim of the Pink Ribbon Walk is to raise much-needed funds for Action Breast Cancer; a programme of the Irish Cancer Society, while increasing breast cancer awareness and promoting exercise and a healthier lifestyle. Since the first Walk in 2009, the Kells Pink Ribbon Walk has attracted over 1,600 walkers, more than 100 volunteers and has raised a staggering €235,000 for Action Breast Cancer. This year, organisers are aiming to have over 600 walkers from both the local area and further afield. The date has been moved to a Sunday to accommodate those working and also to add a renewed emphasis on a ‘Family Day Out’. Another addition for 2012 is Moynalty Cycling Club who have come on board and will run two cycling events the day before the Walk. “Moynalty Cycling Club is

delighted to be associated with the 2012 Pink Ribbon Event,” says Club Chairperson Kieran Meegan. “The Club will host a ladies only cycling event in Kells on Saturday September 8th, with runs of various distances to suit all abilities. We also plan to organise a short family fun run around the town that will be suitable for all ages. The proceeds from the events will be presented to Action Breast Cancer and Meath Palliative Care. Moynalty Cycling Club holds various events over the year in aid of Meath Palliative Care - a local charity caring for people with terminal illnesses and their families.” Penny McGowan from Kells Prink Ribbon Walk said she wanted as many people to turn out as possible. “The Pink Ribbon committee are also delighted to have the continued support of our Walk Ambassadors, Bryan Dobson and Barbara McMahon, as well as our exciting new patrons of musical and comedy fame, The Nualas. The concert on June 9th promises to launch the 2012 Campaign with a bang!” For concert details and tickets, phone the Headfort Arms on 046 9240063. Tickets are also on sale in McEntee’s on Newmarket Street, Kells & District Chamber Office and Sonique Hair Salon – all in Kells - and in Specsavers and Ribbon Rouge Boutique in Navan.

comhairle chontae na mí meath county council

KNOCKHARLEY COMMUNITY GRANT SCHEME 2012 The The launch launch of of the the Knockharley Knockharley Community Community Grant Grant Scheme Scheme 2012 2012 will will take take place place at at

BALLYMAGARVEY VILLAGE On Wednesday 16th May at 5pm YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND The scheme aims to assist community / residents groups and sports associations with the development of environmental and recreational projects within the vicinity of the Greenstar Facility. Refreshments will be served. Children Children are are welcome welcome with with their their parents parents or or guardians. guardians. RSVP to Marion Tobin, Meath County Council at 046-9097402 or by email: mtobin@meathcoco.ie

Support urged for ‘Gathering 2013’ WHAT IS being hailed as the biggest ever tourist initiative ever to be held in Ireland will take place next year but a Meath TD has said that it’s success is determined on how much support it gets from ordinary people.

Ray Butler said that the economic recovery would be hastened by people Irish people reaching out to the 70 million strong global Irish family to encourage them to play a part in Ireland’s recovery. “Next year will see the biggest tourism event in Irish history taking place; a year long event celebrating Ireland and its people, here and abroad, and the bond that unites us together. The aim of the Gathering is to reach out to the Irish Diaspora and to bring 325,000 extra visitors home. “The Gathering will comprise a series of already well-established but enhanced festivals, such as the New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Festivals taking place. “For the initiative to be a success every community, every town and every village needs to get involved. By organis-

ing local family, school, cultural, sporting or musical gatherings and asking overseas friends and relatives to come home we can make 2013 not only a record year for tourism but for reconnecting Ireland and her people. “Businesses, clubs and local organisations are being called on to plan special events and to highlight what is great about each local community, acting as an incentive for people to visit. The Irish Diaspora will also play a critical role in enticing friends to join them in experiencing and celebrating everything Ireland has to offer.” Deputy Butler said that despite the difficulties currently being faced, Ireland has a great deal to be proud of. “The Government wants everyone to be part of The Gathering and to take pride in Ireland and in being Irish. Despite the fact that the economic road ahead is a long one, we still have much to be proud of. By reaching out to our friends and relatives overseas and asking them to pay us a visit next year, we each have a great opportunity to play our part in our Ireland’s recovery and in restoring our country to greatness.”

Caroline Woods and Alice Cassells at the Scurlogstown fundraiser in aid of Trim’s nw Folk Park.

Meath News & Sport

Saturday, May 19th, 2012

Meath News & Sport Sport

Saturday, May 19th, 2012

Boyne walking route plans move forward THE INAUGURAL meeting of the Gleann na Rí, Complete Boyne Walk Development Campaign took place last week with organisers confident they can get the tourist initiative off the ground.

Parking for free in Kells SHOPPERS VISITING Kells were given reason to cheer last week when the Town Council introduced free parking on Saturday afternoons between 12pm and 3pm. The ‘Keep it Kells’ scheme will run until August 25. Pictured at the launch L-R are Kevin Stewart, Kells Town Manager, Gerldaine Gaughran, President of Kells Chamber of Commerce, Cllr Brian Collins, Cathaoirleach Kells Town Council and Áine Bird, Kells Town Clerk.

The development campaign seeks the creation of a complete Boyne walk from source to estuary. It also seeks to create a similar river walk along the Blackwater from Navan through Kells and on to Oldcastle via Sliabh na gCaillí at Loughcrew. The meeting was held in the Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim on Thursday last and chaired by Meath West TD Peadar Toibin who said there was huge potential in the project. “Walking and cycling tourism offers tremendous opportunity for Meath. We have a phenomenal product on offer along the river. It is also one of the few sectors that are booming internationally

despite the down turn. “Currently much of the tourism that comes into the county does so as a day trip from a Dublin Hotel to visit Newgrange or Trim Castle. We need to get these people to enjoy multiple day stays in Meath.” He said the projects success would depend on local people getting behind the group. “A new committee has been elected and we are setting about talking to land owners with regards walking rights of way. However we need many more people to get involved in order to drive this project forward. “If you are a member of a heritage group, a tourism business or you are a local community activist I would ask you to call us on 087 2707985. Much work has already been undertaken and sections of the Boyne route are already paved. The project has the support of local and national tourism agencies. Another meeting of the campaign will be held within the next month.”

Meath News & Sport

Saturday, May 19th, 2012

Saturday, 10 Meath 10 MayMay 19th,19th, 20122012 Meath News News & & Sport Sport, Saturday,

Super Garden is all rooted in Meath Louise Walsh

THE RTE Super Garden show was all about Meath last week when it featured a local contestant taking on a Dunboyne garden. Designer Andy Booth had the job of transforming the Kelly family’s back garden into a space that was both an area for their 12 year old son Jordan to enjoy as well as containing a hint of Connemara! Martin and Sharon Kelly felt that "the garden should be an extra space that you can use all year round," and their son - a keen carpenter - just wanted somewhere he could store his tools. The family have roots in Connemara and also wanted the gar-

Blandine Rellier, Boo Vaughan and Christina Gonzalves pictured at Jamrock in Beggy’s Bar, Navan. (Pic by Kieran Maguire)

Warm wishes for Dean Robert Jones Evan Short

THE DEPARTURE of the Dean of Trim Cathedral Robert Jones will be a “awful loss” to the town of Trim it was claimed last week.

Independent Councillor Phil Cantwell said Dean Robert Jones had left his mark on the town and wished him well on his new posting. “He made a true contribution to Trim and it is very sad to see him go. Cllr Ronan McKenna said his legacy

was secure. “Dean Jones arrived during a difficult time in Trim and he answered a calling. Since he arrived there has been a new school established and the cathedral has never looked better.” Cllr McKenna said that the Dean had worked hard in the community and his parishioners would be sad to see him go. Cathaoirleach James O’Shea said he echoed the comments. Dean Jones, who is originally from Carlow, is moving to St John’s Parish on Belfast’s Malone Road. He spent ten years in total in Trim.

den to reflect their heritage. Australian Andy Booth moved to Meath over a decade ago where he now lives with his family in a 'sustainable lifestyle.' He said: "My background is in conservation. My style is rustic. I like to make things from bits of stuff I have lying around, such as tyres and pipes. It gives things another life." Andy had five weeks and a budget of €5,500 to give the garden a makeover and his unique designs included a chicken run, a high-rise vegetable patch, a woodfire pizza oven and his "pride and joy," hottub. The innovative hot-tub was created from a cattle -trough which is heated through induction by a copper pipe and a fire. Andy stated: "I was able to sell

them a lifestyle. They can make pizza in the garden, grow their own vegetables in the garden and have a jacuzzi in their garden. The Kellys said they were "absolutely thrilled with the garden and the way it's turned out." Martin added: "I'm looking forward to coming home from work and having a beer in the jacuzzi or maybe even a pizza!." The garden in Dunboyne was open to 50 people, who booked their places on the Super Garden Facebook page, last Sunday. Tonight, Tuesday, May 15 is the turn of well-known Navan lad Benny Maguire who is tasked with transforming a Dublin garden into an Olympic-themed area. Tune in to RTE 1 at 7pm to see how the selfconfessed 'Jack of all trades' gets on.

Another drop in no. signing on Louise Walsh

THERE HAS been a third consecutive drop in the numbers signing on in the county, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

The new data shows 11,629 received benefits in April - down 93 on the number in March and a fall of 259 on April 2011. Last month a total of 7,364 males signed on which the amount of females on the dole queues amounted to 4,265. The falls were mirrored in Kells where the number signing on is now 2,125 - down from 2,157 in March. However, the latest figure is still slightly up on April 2011 when the figure was 2,086. In April last year there were 6,070 receiving benefits in Navan. That figure has fallen to 5,931 and this is also down by 7 on March 2012 data. Good news too in Trim where the number on the live register now stands at 3,573 - a drop of 54 on the previous month and by over 260 on the same period last year. Nationally the standardised unemployment rate in April was 14.4pc - unchanged from March. In seasonally adjusted terms, the total signing on was

436,000. The Live Register is not designed to measure unemployment. It includes part-time workers (those who work up to three days a week), seasonal and casual workers entitled to Jobseeker’s Benefit or Allowance.

NEWS IN BRIEF Pat's parade for Dunboyne

A MEETING has been called to organise Dunboyne's first-ever St Patrick's Day parade.

The initial gathering will be held in Dunboyne Castle Hotel next Monday, May 21 at 8pm and all are invited. Local Cllr Noel Leonard, who is behind the idea said: "I feel it is now time for Dunboyne to have its own St Patrick's Day parade. We are a growing town with so much to be proud of. "It would give us an opportunity to showcase our businesses and industrial life" He hopes to make the theme of the first parade 'Shop Local' and calls on all local residents and businesses in the area to join in the organisation.

Council act after auditor criticism Evan Short

A CRITICAL audit of Trim Town Council has seen a range of new measures introduced to improve the running of the body, according to the manager. Des Foley said the report from 2010 highlighted a number of shortcomings that were currently being addressed. He told councillors at last week’s monthly meeting that among the criticisms was the low rates collection rate (64 per cent) and weaknesses in financial control. However he said that since then “improvements had been made” including improved staff training to keep up to date with changing legislation and programmes to improve rates returns. Cllr Phil Cantwell said he thought a lack of transparency was a problem. “I have put in a number of freedom of information requests about different things and have been always left frustrated.” However the town manager said he wanted to convey that improvements have been introduced including plans for internal audits. Cllr Vincent McHugh said he was suspicious of auditors. “Auditors always have criticism because they have to have something at the end of the day to show they are in charge.” He described some of the auditor’s comments as “flippant.” “Trim Town Council does a good job – we are one of the best in the country,” he added. Fine Gael’s Gerry Reilly said attacking the auditor wasn’t right. “Auditors have a job to do and when they say there are weaknesses in financial control that is quite straightforward and I wouldn’t be condemning the auditor.” “We have always balanced our books,” countered Cllr McHugh. “That doesn’t mean we don’t carry out internal audits. I appreciate what the town manger says,” said Cllr Reilly. The town manager said that it would be wrong to

think everything was in a mess. “I would like to point out that the overall financial situation is good and

some of the problems were down to staff changes.” He said both Town Clerk Brian Murphy and

Saturday,May May19th, 19th,2012 2012 11 Meath NewsNews & Sport 11 Meath & Sport, Saturday,

himself had met with the auditor a number of times to discuss the improvements that were being introduced.

Meath gets the least lottery funds Louise Walsh

MEATH RECEIVED the least national lottery funding in the country last year, according to new figures.

Of the 26 counties, Meath came bottom of the list for the second year in a row - receiving the equivalent of just €1.51 per head of population. The funding which covers sports, youth education, environment, health and Irish language projects gave Meath a meagre windfall of just €278,670 in 2011. This is in stark contrast to Sligo which came out tops last year with a total allocation of €1.527m - or €23.35 per each person in the county.

It's also over half of what our wee neighbours in Louth received - at €723,000. The figures were revealed by the Irish Independent last week and divulged that Taoiseach Enda Kenny's home county of Mayo was the biggest winner of lotteryfunded capital sports grants last year. A surge in lotto grants to May by 70pc to €1.8 since he became Taoiseach has led to huge criticism and cynicism nationally. University College Cork economist Dr John Considine called for a cap on the amount of money going to each constituency to prevent favouritism. "The funding to each constituency should be no more than one and a half times the national average on a per capita basis," he said.

Harry Davidson who performed at the Pashli charity wax night in O’Briens, Johnstown.

Saturday, 12 Meath 12 MayMay 19th,19th, 20122012 Meath News News & & Sport Sport, Saturday,

Big turnout for Royal County 5k DESPITE TORRENTIAL rain, almost 500 brave participants took to the streets of Kells for the second Royal County 5k on the May bank holiday Monday.

In weather conditions that resembled winter, Shane Boyle from Dunshaughlin AC took the honours in a new course record of 16 mins 57 secs. Lucy D’Arcy put in a strong showing to be the first woman home in a time of 20 mins 10secs. Meath Local Sports

Partnership organised the event with assistance of St Brigids AC and were delighted with the turnout on a day when well known faces were to the fore in Fair City actress Sorcha Furlong and local TD Damien English, both of whom led the participants out along the route. Mary Murphy (Meath LSP) praised all those who participated in the 5k, in particular those who were completing in their first event. A lot of those participants had trained together in the locally organised Meet `n Train/ Learn to Run groups. Anyone interested in learning to run should

contact Meath LSP at 046 9067337. The nominated charity for this year’s event was the Special Hands Activity group, for children with disability. Thanks were extended to Kells Town Council, Kells Gardai, Civil Defence, MC Stephen Ball (Bohermeen AC) and volunteers who assisted on the day. There was also a special mention for the Headfort Arms Hotel, SuperValu Kells and Kells Swimming pool, all of whom provided much needed support on the day.

Doctor links condition with lack of vitamin D Louise Walsh

A NAVAN-based doctor is among researchers that believe there is a link between vitamin D deficiency and newly-diagnosed fibromyalgia.

Sekharipuram A. Ramakrishnan MD at Our Lady's Hospital reported the association at the annual meeting of the British Society for Rheumatology recently.

News shorts

Youth grant welcomed A €33,000 grant for Cushinstown Hall from waste company Indaver has been welcomed this week. The money is coming from a community fund set up by the company as part of its development outside Duleek. Cllr Tommy Reilly said the cash was well deserved for the “fantastic work that is done in the hall for the local youth.”

1000 full colour DL flyers PRINTED BOTH SIDES

ONLY €129

FReshprint, Kells, Co. Meath e: freshprint@me.com

Past studies examining the relationship between vitamin D levels and nonspecific musculoskeletal pain have been found to be conflicting. Mr Ramakrishan stated that "we do know that vitamin D deficiency is associated with muscle pain, which is why we did this observational study. "Ireland is not very sunny and (up to) 40pc of all Irish women are deficient in vitamin D. We postulate that these patients are staying indoors because of their pain and aren't inclined to go on holidays in sunny locations because of their disability."

Local TD Damien English at the start of the Royal County 5K in Kells.

Answers demanded on ‘printergate’ A MEATH TD has questioned why it is taking so long to publish the findings of a report into the use of printer cartridges by Dublin Sinn Fein Deputy Aengus O Snodiagh.

Fine Gael’s Ray Butler says he wants the report - that is investigating why the Sinn Fein man had claimed over €50,000 worth of printer cartridges from the Oireachtas over a two-year period in

between 2007 and 2008 - to be disclosed immediately. “It is three months since we learnt of Deputy O Snodaigh’s excessive use of printer cartridges came to light. Mr O Snodaigh got an incredible 488 print cartridges from Dáil supplies -- worth an average of €130 each. “The Houses of the Oireachtas rightly commenced an investigation into how a single TD could be allowed to claim cartridges amounting to over €50,000 of public money. However since then we have heard nothing. I would like the

Houses of the Oireachtas to confirm when the report will be published and I call on them to publish it without delay. “We cannot have a return to a situation where the system and public monies are being abused. If the Houses of the Oireachtas is serious about ethics and the conduct of members of this house and the use of public finances it should release this report to members of the Oireachtas without delay,” he added.

Meath News & Sport

Saturday, May 19th, 2012 13

Saturday, 14 Meath 14 MayMay 19th,19th, 20122012 Meath News News & & Sport Sport, Saturday,

Skryne native Paddy Pryle is a local businessman and community activisit. Heavily involved in recent years in the Shamrock Festival celebrations, he is also attached to the Navan2Navan group that plans to travel to Canada this summer, he went on the record this week. Where were you born? Drogheda

Where were you educated?

St Colmcille's NS, Skryne; and Community Dunshaughlin and Agricultural College, Athenry

College,

What is your happiest memory? When my children were born

What was your favourite childhood toy?

A wind-up train that just went around and around on a track

As a child, what did you hope to do when you grew up? A farmer

What is your favourite book? Michael Collins

What is your favourite quote?

"Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country" - JFK

What’s the first record you ever bought?

The Ugly Duckling, the B side was The Runaway Train

What’s you favourite band/singer? Stiff Little Figures and Liam Clancy

What’s your favourite film? Michael Collins

What’s your most treasured possession? Pamela, Cassie, Sean, Ross and Oisin Pryle

What was your first pet’s name? Spot the dog

What is your favourite food?

Chips from the Valley Cafe in Navan followed very closely by all chipper chips as well as Chinese

What’s your greatest fear? Heights

Where’s the furthest you have been from home? America

Given a million euro, what would you spend it on?

Patrick and Pamela Pryle. Pic by Kieran Maguire

What is your favourite drink?

I would not like the responsibility of spending it, that is way I do not do the lottery

Guinness

What was your first car?

Mary McAleese

Ford Escort Van

What’s your favourite thing about Meath? The Boyne Valley

What do you like least about Meath? How we are governed

Who’s the most famous person you have met?

Who is the person you most admire?

Michael Collins

Who would play you in a movie of your life?

Me? That would be a film not worth making

Which historical person would you most like to meet? Michael Collins or Nelson Mandela

What are your hopes for the future?

Full employment and no forced migration

What has been your biggest achievement?

Staying alive

How do you want to be remembered?

As a nice fellow but a desperate eejit

Saturday,May May19th, 19th,2012 2012 15 Meath NewsNews & Sport 15 Meath & Sport, Saturday,

News in brief Town wall festival is strengthened for 2012 Beach fees resume MEATH CO. Council has resumed its beach fees for parking over the summer season. The charge of €2.50 per day will apply to all vehicles wishing to park on Mornington and Bettystown beaches. The designated parking area is to the left side of the entrance area down as far as the signage permits with further space available on the right hand side when full. Parking tickets are available from the vending machines at the entrance to Bettystown beach and the ticket must be displayed and visible on the dashboard of each vehicle parked on the beach. Failure to have your ticket clearly displayed on the dashboard may lead to you receiving a Fixed Penalty Notice of €75 being in contravention of Meath County Council Foreshore Bylaws 2010.

Extension plans

THE HSE is planning to carry out extensions to health care units at Duleek and Dunshaughlin. Planning applications have been lodged with Meath Co. Council to extend carparks at both centres. It also hopes to undertake a single-storey extension at Duleek to comprise of an office, canteen and bigger waiting room.

NEW FUNDING sources have been secured for the Trim Wall Festival that will allow organisers to increase the number of activities for 2012.

Addressing councillors at last week’s monthly meeting Trim Town Clerk Brian Murphy said that with the new funding, more volunteers from within the ranks of the elected representatives were needed to “drive the event forward.”

“We are looking for volunteers to come onto a committee that will make it bigger and better,” he said. Cllr Ronan McKenna said that given the large number of festivals already in place in Trim, and the current commitments of councillors to these, representatives who are not already on committees should be given first refusal. “It is very important local representatives get involved.” Cathaoirleach James O’Shea praised the efforts of organiser Noel French.

“Last year Noel French and the Town Council put on a great show. It was a lovely day and I have no doubt it will go from strength to strength.” Last year’s activities included archery displays and a visit by actor and artist Sean Lawlor who played Mel Gibson’s father in Braveheart. There was a jousting display and historical tours for those who attended. Cllr Vincent McHugh from Fianna Fail and independent councillor Phil Cantwell both volunteered to join the committee.

Co. cars sales drop by 20pc Louise Walsh

CAR SALES in Meath in April dropped by 20pc on the previous month, according to the latest statistics from the CSO (Central Statistics Office)

A total of 371 cars were licensed in the county last month, a fall of 97 on the March figure of 468. Of the latest data, 245 cars were new and the remainder were second-hand. Meath’s favourite vehicle for the month was Volkswagen which accounted for 51 car licences (29 new). This was followed by Toyota at 33, Renault and

Ford (both 31), Audi (29) and Nissan at 28. Volkswagen seems to be top of the pops all round as it has been the best selling car in Meath for a number of months. The number of cars licensed in April 2011 was 477- again a significant fall. The national statistics show a decrease of 16pc in the number of new private cars licensed in April compared to the same period of 2011. There were 9,388 new cars licensed in April 2012 compared with 11,171 in April 2011. The results also show that diesel cars now account for 74.8pc of all car sales and the most popular choices nationwide were Volkswagen, Nissan, Toyota and Renault.

Majella and Willie Hodgins, Bohermeen who took Part in Autism Cycle in Bohermeen.

CoMe fAntAStiC COME AND THIS FANTASTIC CO ME AnD A ND try TRY tHiS T H IS F ANTA AS STIC

Master Buffet Ma ast as ster r buffet Bu B ufffet uff et

oriental restaurant Oriental European Restaurant O riental rien ntal & european Eu E urop rop pean R Rest estau st taurant urant

for fAbulouS CuiSine FABULOUS CUISINE F ABU ULOU US C UISINE

All ALLLL types AL ALL TYPES TYYPPES PES ES ofOF OF pArties PARTIES PAART PA RTTITIES RT IEES ES CATERED CCAT ATAATETTERED TEER ERRED REEEDD for! FOR! FOR FOR FO ORR!! CAtered

full FULL A-LA-CARTE MENU FU ULL A-lA-CArte ALA-CARTTE Menu MENU AvAilAble AAVAILABLE VAILABLE tAke-AwAy ServiCe TAKE-AWAY HOME DELIVERY SERVICE TAKEE-AAWAY & HoMe HOME Delivery DELIVE RY SE ERVICE

Lunch Lunch from 12..30-3.330pm 7 Day lunch 0pm €9.5500 per person. perrson. €9. 0RQGD\ 7KXUVGD\ 'LQQHU • Monday RQGD\ - Thursday 7KXUVGD\ Dinner persson. €10 per person. Friday, Saturday, Saturday, Sunday and Public P Holidays Friday, persoon. €12.50 per person.

BREWS Hill HILL NavaN. NAVAN. 54 Brews

Tel: 046-9027758 / 9027759 Reservations: 046-9027947 reservations:

Open 12.30pm - 3.30pm. Dinner: 5pm-11pm

EeAt EAT AT AT AAtT

MASTER M ASSTER BBUFFET UFFET MASter buffet Ffor TTHE FOR HE tHe PRICE PR RICE OF PriCe of A TAKE-AWAY TtAke-AwAy AKEK AWAY

OR LleSS! ESS! orR LESS! Co me and Come a nd check check us us out. o u t. OOur u r VValue alue isis FFantastic! a ntastic!

Saturday, 16 Meath 16 MayMay 19th,19th, 20122012 Meath News News & & Sport Sport, Saturday,

Strange laws Here's our fabulous collection of strange laws from the USA that can date back very far. Most of these laws remain in the books today, even if rarely enforced.

In Oklahoma, no baseball team can hit the ball over the fence or out of a ballpark.

BROTHERS & SISTERS The six kids pictured here live in the same street. Each kid is the brother or sister of one of the other kids. Can you match the first and second names of each kid with his or her brother or sister and the number of the house (22, 23, 24) where they live? Look at the picture and the clues and fill in the answer box where you can. Then read the clues again to find the answer.

1. Rebecca is driving her toy car and is next to her twin sister. They live at house number 24. 2. Josie is standing next to her brother. 3. Michael hurt his arm and he's wearing a sling. His surname isn't Jones and he doesn't live at number 22. 4. Ruth's surname is Jackson. Two kids have the surname Jacobs. 5. Simon doesn't live at number 23. 6. Greg is the tallest kid.

Caroline O’Connor with children Ruby and Frankie pictured at the opening day of Trim Bulldogs American football season.

Sudoku for kids If you’ve never tried it before then give it a go! It’s a simpler version than the adult Sudoku because it has only four blocks of four squares. All you have to do is fill in the blank boxes with numbers from 1 to 4. When you have completed this task no number can appear twice in the same row horizontally or vertically, or in each block of four boxes. Have fun!

To win a prize send your entries to: Kids Page, Meath News & Sport, Carnuff, Hayestown, Navan, Co. Meath.

Name: ....................................................... Address: .................................................... ................................................................ .......................................... Age: ..............

WORDSEARCH

MANIPULATION

From the word MANIPULATION pick out as many three and four letter words as possible. Then send your entries to: Kids Page, Meath News & Sport, Carnuff, Hayes, Navan, Co. Meath. Include your name, address and phone number with your entry.

Meath News & Sport, Saturday, May 19th, 2012

GAA legend to lead Navan-Tara walk FOR YEARS people have talked the talk about the historic Hill of Tara. Now it’s time to walk the walk to the legendary landmark and thereby help the needy in the current recession. Navan St. Vincent de Paul Society’s (SVP) fundraising walk to the fabled seat of Ireland’s High Kings on Sunday next will be led by renowned former Gaelic games commentator Micheal O Muircheartaigh. The 81-year-old Kerry native, regarded as a GAA institution, readily agreed to a request by Navan SVP to help boost its heavily committed resources. The event, which aims to provide a leisurely afternoon outing for

young and old, will also feature a complementary guided tour of Tara by local tour guide David McCabe. The free-of-charge exploration will be included in the entry fee for the occasion. However, sightseers who wish to make an additional voluntary contribution to the SVP may do so. The nine kilometre event gets under way at 2.30 p.m. at the local Ardboyne Hotel and, headed at the start by the local Foresters’ Band, will proceed to Tara via Cannistown and Bellinter. There will be comfort stops along the route, with water and fruit available. Each walker will receive a medal at the finish, where there will be music and free refreshments. Shuttle buses will bring participants back to the hotel. Entry costs, which include the tour, are: Individual (€25), family (€50), one adult and children (€35);

student (€10). Youngsters must be aged at least 10. Entry to the walk will be by ticket, sold in advance or on the day at the Ardboyne Hotel. They are now available from www.svp.ie/navan; Vincent’s shop, Brews Hill, Navan; Harten’s and Subway, Navan Shopping Centre; Johnstown Shopping Centre; Ardboyne Hotel reception; Tara Coffee Shop (Michael Maguire) or from any Navan SVP member. People are welcome to register and not walk if that is their choice. Further information is available from Jackie (0860593200) or Mary (0876791838). Navan SVP gives practical support to those experiencing poverty, temporary hardship and long term social exclusion.

New hand hygiene for Navan hospital Louise Walsh

NAVAN HOSPITAL is one of the first in the country to use a pioneering new hand-washing system aimed at tackling infection and improving hygiene. The e-training system has been developed by Trinity College spinoff company Glanta Ltd and forms

part of a new global hand hygiene campaign announced by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to reduce deaths from hospital acquired infections (HAIs) The system uses cutting-edge cameral and game technology to deliver effective, flexible hand hygiene training to healthcare workers. The WHO compares the number of people dying from preventable HAIs to a 747 aircraft full of passengers crashing every two days!. They

believe that 50pc of these infections could be prevented through better hand hygiene. When the system was trialled in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, hand hygiene rates per patient day increased by 156pc and compliance with technique increased by 703pc. The Mater Private in Dublin was the first hospital to take on the Surewash system and has been followed by Our Lady's Hospital in Navan and Our Lady of Lourdes in Drogheda.

Members of the Trim Library Junior Book Club, from left, back - Isabelle Molloy, Maeve Kelly, Gráinne Clarke, Roisin Hickey, Eoghan McGale; front - Hannah Lynch, Anna McGee and Roisin O’Rourke.

Trim readers vote for book of the year YOUNG READERS from Trim Library are representing Meath County Council Library Service at this year’s Children’s Books Ireland Book of the Year Awards. Trim Library Junior Book Clubs were estab-

lished eight years ago and the groups meet once a month. The older group are one of ten junior juries from around the country who have been selected to decide the winner of this year’s Children’s Choice Award. These junior juries were challenged to read, critique and debate titles from the shortlist of nine books. After much heated

discussion, the children voted for their favourite at lat week's book club. The Children’s Choice Award is decided solely by these juries and announced at the winners’ ceremony later this month. The junior juries were selected from school and library groups who have taken part in the CBI Awards Shadowing Scheme for two or more years. This year for the first time an author has books in both Irish and English included on the shortlist. Siobhán Parkinson, the former Laureate na nÓg, is short listed with her titles Bruised and Maitríoisce. Two of this year’s shortlist come from debut authors -Paula Leyden’s Butterfly Heart and Derek Keilty’s Will Gallows and the SnakeBellied Troll. Previous winners Oliver Jeffers, Roddy Doyle and Mark O’Sullivan return to the shortlist this year and there’s a first time nomination for Celine Kiernan. The nine short listed titles for the CBI Book of the Year Award 2012 are as follows: A Greyhound of a Girl (Roddy Doyle); Bruised (Siobhán Parkinson); Into the Grey (Celine Kiernan); Maitrioisce (Siobhán Parkinson); My Dad is ten yerars old: and it's pure weird (Mark O’Sullivan); Ó Chrann go Crann (Caitríona Hastings agus Andrew Whitson); Stuck (Oliver Jeffers); The Butterfly Heart (Paula Leyden); Twill Gallows and the Snake-Bellied Troll (Derek Keilty), The winners of the 2012 CBI Book of the Year Awards will be announced on the May 28.

18 Meath News & Sport Sport

Saturday, May 19th, 2012

Meath births high and deaths low Louise Walsh

MEATH HAD one of the highest number of births and lowest number of deaths in Leinster last year, according to the latest figures by the CSO (Central Statistics Office). The data of vital statistics from the third quarter of 2011 showed there were 936 births (493 male and 443 female). Outside Dublin,this was the second highest number of births in Leinster, after Kildare (996) Meath also had the highest number of births in marriage in Leinster - again outside Dublin - with 73pc (682) of babies born to married parents. Of the 254 births outside marriage, 60 mums were under 25 while

ten were over 40 years of age. The main age group of 87 was between 25 and 29 years of age. There were 12 teenage mums in the county during that period. Most mums who gave birth in quarter three were between 30-34 years of age (346). There were 46 mothers over the age of 40. Sadly there were 178 deaths in the county. 101 of these were male. The rate of death per 1,000 population is 3.9 which is among the lowest rates in the country. Of those who died, 64 passed away from cancer, 54 died from heart and arteries disease and 16 deaths were attributed to respiratory illnesses. There was one infant death and one neonatal mortality. However, this figure was the second lowest in Leinster after Wexford which recorded no infant deaths. Nationally, there were 19,222

births during the third quarter of 2011 - 34pc of which were outside marriage. The statistics also revealed that nearly 40pc of all births were to first time mums while 34.3pc accounted for second-time mothers. There were 6,911 deaths registered during that time - the largest amount at 32.8pc were from diseases of the heart and arteries. A further 31.3pc died from cancer. The leading cause of death in that period varied widely by age group. Among young adults aged between 15-44, external causes of death including accidents, suicide and others ranked first. Cancers were the leading cause of death in the 45-74 age group while those over 75 years mainly died from diseases to the heart and arteries. The figures showed that the natural increase in the population (births minus deaths) was 12,311.

Danny and Eileen McGorty at the Strictly Come Dancing night in Dunderry. Pic by Kieran Maguire.

Possible garda merger is labelled a 'disaster' Meath Fianna Fail Senator Thomas Byrne has described the possible merger of Laytown and Ashbourne garda stations as a "disaster".

Senator Thomas Byrne and the Fianna Fail County Councillors in East and South Meath, Wayne Harding, Nick Killian and Noel Leonard have written to the chairman of the Meath Joint Policing Committee requesting an urgent meet-

ing to discuss the proposed amalgamation of the two garda districts. "The merger of the Laytown and Ashbourne Garda districts into one unit is a disaster for the people living in these communities," said Senator Byrne. "This is a very serious issue for the people of this area which stretches from Dunboyne on the Kildare border at Kilcock Bridge to the outskirts of Drogheda. They are all rightly worried that

their local community will be forgotten about. "To make matters worse, there has been a 40% increase in the number of burglaries in Co. Meath. This is bad news for local communities and now is not the time to spread our Gardaí services even thinner on the ground "I am deeply saddened that the Government has taken this short sighted decision. Laytown and Ashbourne are two of the most populous communities in the county and deserve a full

Cash injection announced for Trim swimming pool

TRIM’S SWIMMING pool will received a cash injection from the government to improve access for disabled people, it was revealed last week.

Sharon and Conor McKeever, Kilberry, at Family Day at the Races in Navan.

Garda district each. The two merged districts contain seven of the largest towns in the county’ "We are calling on Cllr. Gerry O’Connor, in his role as Cathaoirleach of the Joint Policing Committee, to accede to our request and call an urgent meeting to discuss this issue. The people need to know that their local public representatives are on their side and that the Joint Policing Committee can work for residents," he concluded.

€40,380 will go towards the Aura Leisure operated facility under the third round of grant applications from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport’s Disabled Access and Energy Upgrade scheme for Local Authority Pools. Trim Area Councillor Joe Fox said the money would go towards improving self sufficiency in running costs. "I was contacted today by Damien English TD with the good news that Trim swimming pool,

through Meath County Council, was approved for inclusion in the programme of funding to improve access for people with disabilities, as well as a green swimming pool initiative to make the pools across Ireland more energy efficient and less reliant on State support. "This round of funding brings the total awarded to Trim swimming pool to €76,500. This is excellent news indeed for the residents of Trim and the users of the pool. I am delighted that the pool can

continue to be able to improve access and facilities for people with disabilities and to become more energy efficient, and reduce their carbon footprint.” Under the grant scheme Kells swimming pool is also due to get €20,570. Meath West TD Ray Butler said backing such facilities had huge positives for the community. “Swimming pools and leisure centres act as a central hub in any town or village and the provision of more than €280,000 for Trim and Kells will have a huge impact locally. This funding is being provided on the basis that works

will be carried out by September this year. I look forward to seeing the improvements that are

being made, so that all people in Kells and Trim can enjoy their amenities to full effect.”

Ann-Marie Murray and Jacky Dunne Jamrock in Beggy’s bar, Navan. Pic by Kieran Maguire.

Saturday,May May19th, 19th,2012 2012 19 Meath NewsNews & Sport 19 Meath & Sport, Saturday,

Meath gardai shows low detection rates in assaults, thefts Louise Walsh

MEATH GARDAI had the lowest detection rate of assaults in the country in 2009, outside of Dublin, a new report has shown.

Anne Fitzpatrick and Michael Power picutred at a Beauparc Senior Citizens party in Walterstown GFC.

Colon test waiting lists longer in Navan Louise Walsh

PATIENTS HAVE a longer waiting time for colonoscopies at Navan hospital than many other facilities nationwide.

Latest figures from the HSE say target times of a maximum of 28 days were not met at Our Lady's Hospital in Navan or at Naas General, Louth County, Limerick Regional and Waterford Regional last February. A total of 25 outstanding patients have been since treated or addressed. A colonoscopy can detect bowel can-

cer and other conditions including ulcers, bleeding or intestine inflammation. The HSE described the performance as "unacceptable" in the light of pledges that all urgent cases would be examined within the 28-day time frame. Bowel cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed form of the disease among both men and women in Ireland an an estimated 2,279 new cases are diagnosed annually. A national bowel screening programme was originally promised from January but has been postponed until the autumn.

The Garda Recorded Crime Statistics 2006-2010 also revealed the county had the second lowest detection rates, outside Dublin, for assault in 2010 in the country after Kildare. According to the data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), there were 407 assaults reported in 2009. 246 of these, or 60.4pc were detected. The national average of detection was 66.4pc. Again in 2010, the detection rate was 63.9pc - falling short of the national average of 68.5pc. In that year, 251 of the 393 assaults were solved.

However the county had the highest rate in the Eastern region for solving robbery cases - and surpassed the national average by nearly 10pc. In 2009, 36 of the 59 cases of robbery were solved, making a detection rate of 61pc. The national average was 51.6pc. The following year, gardai detected 31 of the 50 cases which meant an average of 62pc. (national average was 53.9pc) The county also matched the national average for detection of burglary for both years which was in the region of 25pc. In 2009, there were 890 burglaries reported, 218 of these were solved. The following year, the number of burglaries fell to 863, 222 of which were detected. Meath gardai also reported one of the lowest detection rates in the country when it came to theft. It fell way short of the national figure of

40pc for both years, with results of 29pc and 25.6pc for 2009 and 2010 respectively. In 2009, there were 1,939 incidents of theft reported while this figure rose slightly to 1,952 the following year. The latest statistics is the fourth annual CSO report, featuring data recorded on the Garda PULSE (Police Using Leading Systems Effectively) and FCPS (Fixed Charge Penalty System) systems. In 2006, the CSO assumed responsibility for the publication of recorded crime statistics from An Garda Siochana. Prior to this, recorded crime statistics were published as part of the Crime Statistics section of Garda Annual Reports. The report stresses that information collated refers to reported crime only, adding that not all crime is brought to the attention of gardai.

Saturday, 20 Meath 20 MayMay 19th,19th, 20122012 Meath News News & & Sport Sport, Saturday,

Enfield couple kick-off new TV wedding show Louise Walsh

A MEATH couple last week kicked-off a new TV wedding series in which six brides and their fiances plan their big day DIY style.

The six part RTE show follows the couples who are closely mentored by Ireland's leading wedding designer Peter Kelly aka 'Franc.' Enfield residents Michael Foley and Emma Daniel both met two years ago in their teaching jobs at Piper's Hill College in Kildare. The series shows them planning all the finer details of their big day in just four months and with a budget of €15,000. Emma describes Michael as "a really good guy. He's always there for everyone and is a real support," while Michael says of Emma: "She makes me laugh and makes me happy." The couple want a vintage theme for the wedding which will have its reception at the Moyvalley Hotel in Enfield. After spending €250 each on internet bridesmaid dresses which were badly made, Franc warns couples planning their own wedding: "No matter what budget you have, look for personal service." In the show, Franc comes up with a host of ingenious ideas to help brides on a budget feel that they aren't budget brides. Michael and Emma virtually do all the wedding details themselves, including the favours for 200 guests in a candy cart, table decorations and even icing the wedding cake. Ahead of her wedding she said: "When I see something I like, I'm terrible for picking it up and somebody really needs to take me aside and just say stop." Franc also advised against a multitude of props, saying: The more props you buy, the more you have to fill them with flowers and candles. And that's another cost." However, all is well that ends well and the pair were able to celebrate the wedding of their dreams.

Franc's Top Ten Tips on How to Cut Down on Your Wedding Costs: 1. Trim Your Wedding Guest List

invitations, centerpieces, and other homemade inexpensive touches. Be sure to put out delicious snacks and have inspiring tunes on the ipod, so that your friends feel like they're at a party, not just part of an assembly line!

5. Wedding Dress

If finances don't allow you to purchase a designer wedding dress, consider charity shops. Shop for those pretty little wedding shoes in the summer, when white shoes are on the shelves of every shoe and department store, or you'll have to buy them in a bridal shop and pay their prices. Shop in the afternoon, your feet swell during the day and they'll also be swollen on your wedding day.

6. Wedding Band

To save money when you are hiring a wedding band for your evening's entertainment, look at hiring a scaled down version of the same band for the marriage ceremony, such as a trio of flute, guitar and vocals.

7. Favours

Instead of buying a trinket that will be tossed into a drawer, make a donation to a charity.

8. Wedding Cake

Buy a plain wedding cake and decorate it yourself with silk or fresh flowers.

9. Photographers

Hire a photographer that can give you your digital high resolution files, you can make as many copies of pictures from your wedding day as you want without having to order them from your photographer.

10. Remember

Remember when you are choosing those very special bridesmaids and groomsmen, you will have to dress each lady from hair and make up, dresses, accessories and heels and dress suits for the gentlemen, this can really add up so just keep this in mind!

Franc will be lending his expertise to Enfield couple Michael Foley and Emma Daniel.

Meath charity asks for stay of execution! Louise Walsh

A MEATH charity has asked planners for temporary retention of a building, which the courts have ordered to be knocked by July.

The Seed of Advancement college in Stamullen has applied for planning permission for "retention for a temporary period, while alternative site/facilities are arranged." The effective stay of execution is for an existing building and

further temporary approval is being sought for "alterations, comprising the provision of a barrel vault roof and cladding to the external walls, the construction of an extension comprising an entrance lobby and disabled accessible toilet." It is also seeking to make changes to the existing fire escape stairs, signage and for an installation of a waste-water treatment system. The man behind the project James Carey appeared before the Drogheda courts in recent months on planning regulation breaches and was told to remove the temporary buildings at the cen-

tre by July 12. He was also ordered to pay €5,600 in fines. He was taken to court by Meath Co. Council after he refused to tear down the illegal buildings on instruction by planning enforcement staff. A later retention application was turned down by planners due to lack of infrastructure between the centre and the village and problems with the waste water system. The case at that time was adjourned until July 12 when the judge said the final penalty would depend on how Mr Carey acted in the meantime.

Each time you add a name to your invitation list, you're increasing your budget significantly. It's not just the catering costs, but also the extra centrepieces, favors, rentals, etc.

2. Have your wedding on a weekday or a Sunday

There is less demand for these dates, so vendors will often be willing to give you a better rate. You will also save yourself an enormous amount of money if you get married during the off-season months of January, February, March and November

3. Decorations

With a creative florist, you can keep the cost of your wedding flowers down by not having flowers at all! We have designed weddings with just foliage and greenery. It's very cost effective as you get more décor for your money! To decorate the head table and save money buy vases, line them up and place the bouquets in them on the table and place votives in between. For religious weddings, consider having your wedding near a major holiday. The church will already be decorated, saving you lots of money on flowers. On other days, look for simplicity. A candlelit ceremony can be romantic, gorgeous, and inexpensive.

4. Do It Yourself

Throw a "pitch-in party," where you ask your friends to be a special part of your wedding by helping you assemble favors and make

At the Strictly Come Dancing fundraiser in Dunderry recently were from left, Tara Smyth, Rachael Duffy, Ciara Heussaf, Katie Duffy, Orlaith Daly and Niamh Keaveny. Pic by Kieran Maguire

Minors focus on Offaly

5 Saturday, 19th May, 2012 Vol 3 No. 20

Telephone: (046) 9072240

Fax: (046) 9027227

Email: sports@newsandsport.ie

Two Meath teams set for action Liam O’Rourke MEATH WILL have two teams in championship action on Saturday with the minor footballers and senior hurlers with no further ‘second’ chances on offer.

ALSO INSIDE: INTERVIEW WITH IRISH NATIONAL WINNER ANDREW THORNTON 11

Meath News & Sport, Saturday, May 19th, 2012

SPORT 02 Conlon on target

Skryne lose out B FLs DON/ ASHBOURNE ..…. 1-11 SKRYNE ……….…..….. 0-7 SKYRNE CASHED in their unbeaten B FL Division 1 start on Tuesday when losing at leaders Donaghmore/Ashbourne. A failure to capitalize on scoring chances left Skryne 0-4 to 1-3 in arrears at the break. The visitors were outscored by 0-3 to 0-8 thereafter. Skryne – P. McGoldrick; D. Brennan, J. Looby, D. Harrington; T. Farnan, J. Quinn (0-2), S. Cunningham; A. Tuite (0-1), A. O’Sullivan; D. Lynch, A. Carty (0-1), C. Byrne; J. Jordan (0-1), B. Smyth (0-1), R. McCabe (01). Subs – D. Carty for Cunningham, D McAvinney for Lynch, J. Conroy for Jordan. Dunderry ….............. 2-11 Nobber …….............. 1-10 Nobber endured their first defeat in the B FL Division 2 with this four-point setback at the hands of visitors Dunderry on Wednesday. James Halpin’s goal was central to Nobber’s 1-7 to 1-3 interval lead. Scoring contributions six other players couldn’t avert defeat for the home side. Nobber – B. McEntee; P. Olwill, P. Clarke, C. Halpin; P. McEntee, P. Meade, D. Hutchinson; N. Carty (0-1), B. Meade (0-2); J. Halpin (10), B. Kelly (0-3), P. Fox (01); K. Casserly (0-2), A. McEntee, R. Lambe (0-1). Subs – M. Owens for C. Halpin, P. O’Reilly for A. McEntee. Dunsany ….............…. 1-7 Ballivor ……............… 2-4 Substitute Chris Curtis struck two late points for Dunsany in this B FL Division 6 fixture on Tuesday of last week at Dunganny where Ballivor managed a late leveling score. Kevin Lawlor’s early goal got Dunsany off to a flying start but two similar Ballivor scores saw them lead at the break. Nathan Pleavin, Dara Harlin, Andrew Keena and Lawlor were prominent for Dunsany. Dunsany – C. Burke; M. Munnelly, G. Leddy, P. Keena; D. Hartin, G. Kilbane, E. Horan; J. Harlin, N. Cleary; N. Pleavin (0-2), J. Hackett (0-1), K. Lawlor (12); S. Doyle, A. Keena, G. Toher. Subs – C. Curtis (0-2), for Toher, B. Flaherty for Doyle, C. Smyth for Horan, M. Gorman for Hackett.

Women’s football Dee Rangers ….. 1-17 Simonstown ….… 1-7 A good second-half showing saw Dee Rangers run out decisive winners over Simonstown in this women’s Division 3 FL fixture on Wednesday of last week.

Members of the Meath under 14 camogie development squad who were in action at Pairc Tailteann earlier this month.

First loss for Dunboyne HLs KILMESSAN ….................….. 0-19 DUNBOYNE …….................… 1-11 HOSTS DUNBOYNE dropped their first points in the HL Division 1B when finishing five points short of Kilmessan on Monday of last week. Dunboyne were 0-5 to 0-10 in arrears at half-time. Mark Finley’s second-half goal couldn’t salvage anything for the home side on this occasion. Dunboyne – C. Kane; S. Moran, N. Watters, A. McWeeney; A. Watters, N. Hackett (0-5), D. Dunne; M. O’Grady, B. Watters; J. Watters (0-3), M. Reilly, S. Moran (0-1); M. Dunne (0-2), M. Finley (1-0), N. Smyth. Sub – P. Fagan for D. Dunne. Na Fianna ……..................... 1-11 O’Mahonys …….................… 0-14 Paddy Skehan’s late pointed free earned O’Mahonys a HL Division 1B draw with Na Fianna at a wet Baconstown on Tuesday of last week. Best served by Eoin Reilly, Mark Burke, Davy Reilly and Shane Burke, Na Fianna picked up their first point of

the campaign at the fourth attempt. O’Mahonys bossed the early exchanges but Eoin Reilly’s goal left Na Fianna just three points off the pace, 1-3 to 0-9, at the break. Good showings from Richie Hogan, Andrew Snow, Duggie and Brian Dillon leave O’Mahonys in third place in the table. Na Fianna – D. Reilly; M. Burke, N. Reilly, N. Burke; D. Lyons, D. Gleeson, J. Griffin; J. Nolan (0-1), M. Kelly; S. Burke (0-1), S. Griffin, E. Reilly (1-6); A. Burke (0-1), T. Healy, B. Slevin (0-1). Sub – B. Cullen (0-1). O’Mahonys – J. Burke; D. Cleere, R. Hogan, D. Hogan; S. Crosby, D. Moran, J. Walsh; D. Dillon (0-1), A. Snow (0-2); M. Usher, P. Skehan (0-8), N Ryan; M. Kelly, D. Quirke (0-1), B. Dillon (0-2). Sub – M. Sherlock for Quirke. Dunboyne ………………….……. 1-9 Donaghmore/Ashbourne …....….. 1-7 Dunboyne’s second string league side maintained their good showing in the HL Division 2B at Ashbourne on Wednesday night. An improved second-half showing did the trick for Dunboyne who trailed

Maeve O'Leary nets Camogie KILMESSAN …..… 1-10 DUNBOYNE …...…. 0-2 KILMESSAN MAINTAINED their winning the defence of their senior camogie crown at Dunboyne’s expense on Wednesday night. Maeve O’Leary’s goal capped a comfortable win for the holders who were well served by Ailbhe Lynch, Tracy King and Etaoin Doyle. Kilmessan – N. Sheridan; E. Doyle, Alison Lynch, C Ni Choileain; T. King, Ailbhe Lynch, M. E. Sheridan; A. Donnelly

(0-4), L. Irwin; M. Ni Choileain, S. Horan, A. McLoughlin (0-2); T. Murphy (0-3), N. Carroll, M. O’Leary. Kilmessan ….....… 2-4 Drumree ….....….. 0-3 Bouncing back from a heavy opening round defeat to demoted Kiltale, Kilmessan’s second team proved too good for promoted Drumree in this intermediate championship fixture on Tuesday of last week. Goals from Ann Gorman and Catherine O’Donoghue were central to this success while Kelly Gorman and Michelle Gorman also

impressed. Kilmessan – A. M. Martin; C. Grimes, C. Donoghue, M. Montague; B. Dennehy, E. Doyle, N. Lynch; T. Sheridan, M. Horan; L. McLoughlin, K. Gorman (0-2), C. O’Donoghue (1-0); A. Carroll, A. Gorman (1-2), K. Carroll. Fixtures: Tues, May 22 at Kilmessan – Kilmessan v Na Fianna, senior camogie championship, 7.30. Wed, May 23 at Kilmessan – Kilmessan v Boardsmill, intermediate camogie championship, 7.30.

by 0-3 to 1-3 at half-time. Dunboyne outscored the home side by 1-6 to 04 after the break with substitute Ciaran McKay getting the goal. Dunboyne – P. Brady; M. O’Connor, M. Dwyer, C. Hutton; B. Sweeney, C. Kane, F. O’Neill; D. Kane, R. Dunne (0-1); J. Croft, B. Watters (0-2), M. Reilly; S. McGrath, D. Buggle, J. O’Connor (0-3). Subs – C. Dolan for McGrath, A. McWeeney (0-2) for Reilly, D. Dunne for Kane, C. McKay (1-1) for Croft, L. Kane for Buggle.

Aoife Conlon was Dee Rangers top scorer with 1-7 while Lisa Young chipped in with five points. It was 0-5 each at halftime before Dee Rangers moved up a gear after the break Dee Rangers – A. Burke; M. McQuail, K. Martin, C. Kiernan; E. Rafferty, S. Halpenny, B. Rowe (0-1); S. Rowe, L. Young (0-5); A. Conlon (1-7), G. Conlon (01), E. Donoghue; R. Goodwin (0-1), M. Dardis (0-2), C. O’Connell.

Meath News & Sport, Saturday, May 19th, 2012

SPORT 03

Hurlers go Down but not yet out Ring Cup

DOWN .................... 2-23 MEATH .................. 1-19 Liam O’Rourke HAVING PROFITED from a stirring rally six days earlier, Meath hurlers were on the wrong side of 16-point turnaround in their second Ring Cup outing on Saturday at Newry where Down advanced to the semi-finals. Meath's year is not yet over, but they will have to revive themselves ahead of a quarterfinal clash with Kildare this Saturday. Cillian Farrell's men led by nine points 11 minutes into this thrilling contest. Though they were just two points off the pace after 66 minutes, there was a sense in the final quarter that Down would take the direct route to the semi-final. The seven-point margin was a tad harsh on Meath as Down's second goal came courtesy of the last action of the game, from a Paul Branniff 'penalty'. A bitterer pill to digest for Meath was the 27th minute red-carding of corner forward Sean Heavey (with Down fullback Michael Hughes receiving a similar sanction). Meath were unable to capitalize on the extra space in their full-forward line and in the second period a number of goal chances were passed up. The Royals’ rearguard struggled to keep pace with the Down front line, while the

home side's ability to take points from distance helped turn a seven point deficit after 41 minutes to hitting the front 1-17 to 1-16, for the first time, just after the midpoint of the half. With the breeze, and occasionly the sun, behind them, Down remained in front until the end tagging on 1-2 without reply after substitute Paddy Conneely closed the Meath account in the 66th minute. Needing a goal to take matters to extra-time, Stephen Clynch's effort from a free inside his own half to drop the sliotar into the danger area drifted left and wide. Then Colm O Mealoid lost possession close to the goal as the Down defence harried the Meath front line. The home side settled matters with a late point and goal. Just as in the NHL Division 2B final, Meath's fate was sealed by the concession of a late flurry of scores. Against Kildare two goals in quick succession did the damage. This time the momentum appeared

to be with Down from some way out and that was translated into a string of points. Shane McGann did his bit to keep Meath in contention when advancing to save from Mageean in the third quarter. In the follow-up Willie Mahady was deemed to have fouled the ball and Branniff's subsequent free left Down 1-12 to 1-15 in arrears. The first of Durnin's five points from play was the pick of Meath's early scores. Clynch showed some dexterity to dispossess Braniff before raising the visitors' sixth flag. Full-forward Noel Kirby was an aerial threat to the Down rearguard early on and placed James Kelly for the goal that made it 1-6 to 0-0. Down were just 1-6 to 1-11 off the pace at the break, even though Meath responded well to Conor Magean's 15th minute goal. In the second quarter two blocks by team captain Enda Keogh in quick succession prevented the Royals leaking another goal. Eight first-half wides indicate the openings created by Down in the first 35 minutes. After that early scoring barrage, Meath managed just five more points before the break. The pick of them from young wingback James Togher from inside his own 65. Meath led by double scores, 1-11 to 1-4, going into first-half stoppage time when Branniff (free) and Aaron O'Prey chipped a brace of points off the Down deficit. Though facing the strengthening breeze and occasional blasts of sunlight, Meath

Noel Kirby sent over eight points in Meath’s Ring Cup defeat to Down on Saturday in Newry. resumed with two fine Durnin points. When Kirby sent over a 41st minute free it was 1-14 to 1-7. They were outregistered by 0-5 to 1-16 from there to the end. Down - S. Keith; J. Smyth, M. Hughes, S. Ennis; F. Conway (0-2), C. Woods (0-1), M. Cunnningham; A. Savage (0-1), M. Ennis; P. Sheehan (0-

2), P. Branniff (1-8, 1-0 pen, 06 fs), A. O'Prey (0-2); D. Toner, M. Turley (0-2), C. Magean (11). Subs - C. Bailie (0-2) for Toner (33 mins), D. Hughes (01) for Magean (47 mins), D. Hobbs (0-1) for Sheehan (69 mins). Meath - S. McGann; C. Reilly, E. Fitzgerald, W. Mahady; J. Togher (0-1), D.

Healy, E. Keogh; S. Morris, S. Donoghue (0-1); J. Kelly (1-0), S. Clynch (0-2), C O Mealoid; S. Heavey (0-1), N. Kirby (0-8, 6fs), P. Durnin (0-5). Subs - P. Conneely (0-1) for Healy (48 mins), C. Fitzsimons for Donoghue (57 mins), D. Raleigh for Kelly (68 mins). Referee - E. Hassan (Derry).

Farrell bemoans spurned second half chances Liam O’Rourke CILLIAN FARRELL'S postmatch reaction offered an insight as to why Meath didn't book a Ring Cup semifinal spot on this occasion, without seeking solace in excuses. Even though Down were relegated in the league, they were operating at the next level above Meath. That fact was reflected in Farrell's key comments. "They were stronger in the tackle

and a little bit more dynamic. For a group of young lads, our hurling matched them for large periods. If we had knocked over some of those scoring chances in the second half, we would have been difficult to beat. "Even when they seemed to be out of the game, the one danger they did have was the ability to set up a bit of play between their half-back line and midfield. They were offering one another for short handpasses and then trying to thread the ball through (to the forwards). "We've been struggling with injuries. Stephen Clynch has been in bed with the 'flu all week. They looked to have a bit of conditioning behind

them over a couple of years. "With the wind they were always going to give themselves that platform. We addressed it half-time, we tried to go man-on-man at half-forward and midfield. They were just cropping up with extra men, overlapping, which gave them the platform to put in decent ball" Farrell assessed. The manager turned his thoughts to why Meath lost 'a fantastic game': "Our first 15 minutes were absolutely blistering. The soft goal that was gave away just kept them within touching distance. "With only five (points) in it at half time, they had a chance. We needed to keep the scoreboard ticking in the sec-

ond-half without conceding goals. I'd discount the penalty. The game was over at that stage. "In the second-half we had about three or four goal opportunities. There was at least one point scoring opportunity that fell short. Our of those five scoring opportunities, there of them resulted in scores at the other end of the field. So you have a six-point turnaround there." On the dismissal of Seanie Heavey, which the manager believed was 'harsh', he said: "He got struck with a hurl on the ground. It left us with a two-man full-forward line. It created a bit of space for Durnin." The fact that the sending-off ends

the Kildalkey man's inter-county year elicited an opinion on the way the second tier championship is run off. "You'd wonder about the development of hurling when they run off a competition in six weeks. The final is on on the first weekend in June and then intercounty hurling is over for these lads. "This competition should be started in June and played every second week and play the final of it in front of a high profile game in Croke Park". Looking ahead to next Saturday's clash with Kildare:" It's how we come out of this. We have to address the issue where it went wrong and put them right.

Meath News & Sport, Saturday, May 19th, 2012

SPORT 04

Five star Simonstown

Division 1 P Don/Ashbourne 6 St Patrick's 6 Skryne 6 Summerhill 5 Oldcastle 5 O'Mahonys 6 Wolfe Tones 6 Dunboyne 5 Dunshaughlin 5 Dul/Bellewstown 6 Blackhall Gaels 6 Castletown 6

FL Division 2 SIMONSTOWN ............ 5-13 SENESCHALSTOWN........0-10 SIMONSTOWN HIT visitors Seneschalstown for five second-half goals to claim outright leadership in the Division 2 FL on Saturday evening. Ahead by 0-8 to 0-6 at the break, Andrew Kearney netted the opening goal on the resumption. Shane Barry and former county star Hank Traynor each added a brace of goals as finished with 15 points to spare. Simonstown - R. Duffy; S. McGivney, E. Donoghue, R. O’Connor; C. Kenny, N. McMahon, M. O’Rourke; D. Gaffney, S. Tobin (0-2); M. McCabe (2-2), J. Lyons, S. Barry (0-5); P. McKeever (0-3), H Traynor (2-0), A. Kearney (1-1). Subs – P. Meade for Gaffney, C. Wickham for Kenny, M. Fitzpatrick for Traynor. Seneschalstown – R. Walsh; J. Byrne, A. Collins, G. Sheridan; C. Gleeson, C. Noonan, M. Carey; R. Ruddy, D. Sheridan; A. Gleeson, C. Macken, N. Groome; D. Hosie (0-1), B. Clarke (0-3), B. Sheridan (0-6). Subs – C. Cowley for C. Gleeson, J. Conlon for Macken. Nobber …...............… 0-12 Walterstown ….............. 1-8 Nobber moved into third place in the Division 2 FL with this minimum margin win at Walterstown on Saturday evening. After recent setbacks in league and championship outings, Nobber to the game to the hosts and led by 0-8 to 0-4 at the break. A Ruairi O’Dowd goal on the resumption revived Walterstown’s bid to avoid a fourth defeat in six league starts. However, Walterstown never managed to regain parity despite scoring contributions from Alban Crosbie, Mark McCormack and Robbie McDonnell. Nobber – C. O’Reilly; R. Shields, B. O’Reilly, A. O’Brien; P. Meade, G. Weldon, B. Meade; A. Farrell (0-1), G. Farrelly; J. Halpin, N. Farrell (0-2), P. McEntee (0-2); F. McEntee (0-2), J. Owens (0-4), D. Lambe (0-1). Subs – P. Weldon for Shields, K. Casserly for Halpin, B. Kelly for Lambe. Walterstown – K. Lydon; J. Geoghegan, D. Maguire, E. O’Mahony; P. Reynolds, D. Reynolds, C. McGrane; S. O’Keefe, J. Farrelly; M. McCormack (0-2), A. Crosbie (0-4), R. Barry (0-1); R. McDonnell (0-1), C. Madden, R. O’Dowd (1-0). Subs – D. Donnellan for Barry, C. Reynolds for McDonnell.

FL tables W 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 2 1 1 1

D 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

L 1 1 2 1 1 3 3 3 3 5 5 5

Pts 10 10 8 8 7 6 5 4 4 2 2 2

P 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

W 6 5 5 4 4 3 2 2 2 1 1 0

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0

L 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 4 5 6

Pts 12 10 10 8 8 6 5 4 4 3 2 0

Pts

6 6 6 6 5 4 5 6 4 6 5 6

6 4 4 4 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 0

0 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0

0 1 1 2 1 1 2 3 2 4 4 6

12 9 9 8 7 5 5 5 3 3 2 0

Pts

7 8 8 7 7 7 8 8 7 8 7 7 7 7 7 6

6 6 6 5 5 5 4 4 4 3 2 2 1 1 1 1

1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0

0 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

11 12 12 10 10 10 9 9 9 6 4 4 3 3 2 2

Division 2

Kerry senior football star Colm Cooper visited St. Patrick's Classical School, Navan on Friday to carry out medal presentations is pictured with Leinster Colleges Juvenile Football Championships' winning captains Breen Conlon (left) and Conor Nash. (Pic by John Quirke). Gaeil Colmcille …......… 5-11 Rathkenny ……….....….. 0-4 A brace of goals each from Martin Barrett and Danny McGovern glossed Gaeil Colmcille’s easy win over visitors Rathkenny in the Division 2 FL on Saturday evening. The scores were tied at 0-4 with about a third of the hour gone. McGovern’s opening goal left 1-5 to 0-4 at half-time. The Kells-men added 4-6 without reply in the second period to record their fourth win in league starts. Gaeil Colmcille – D. Drew; B. Tormey, S. Curran, B. Smith; M. Foley, S. Reddy, C. Keegan (0-3); G. Arkins, B. Farrelly (11); R. Flanagan K. Reilly (0-1), S. Mattimoe (0-3); M. Barrett (2-1), D. McGovern (2-1), A. Hickey (0-1). Kilmainham …..........…. 3-7 Dunderry ……...........…. 1-9 Kilmainham picked up their first Division 2 FL points in

dramatic fashion at Dunderry on Sunday. In arrears by five points early in the second-half, the only junior team in the division then hit Dunderry for three goals in quick succession. Gerard Morgan, Pat O’Sullivan and Michael Newman netted for Kilmainham who were 0-3 to 0-6 off the pace at the break. Kilmainham – K. Jordan; S. Newman, T. Lynch, J. Quigley; S. Morgan (0-1), H. Newman, M. Fallon; G. Morgan (1-2), D. Farnan; S. Mahon (0-1), M. Newman (1-2), P. Hennigan (01); D. Peppard, P. O’Sullivan (1-0), D. Butler. Subs – M. Mahon for Peppard, J. Mahon for Farnan. Trim ….................….. 2-14 St Michael’s ….............. 0-6 First-half goals from Eoin McGrath and Paul Gilsenan set Trim up for a facile home win over St Michael’s in the Division 2 FL on Saturday.

The town side led by 2-4 to 0-4 at half-time en route to posting their third win from six league starts. Ben Farrell and Kevin Cassidy were St Michael’s sole second-half scorers while this defeat leaves them isolated at the foot of the table. Trim – G. White; C. O’Flaherty, R. Brennan, M. Power; R. Fitzsimons (0-1), S. Farrell, D. Phelan; F. Murphy, J. Togher (0-4); S. Kennedy, M. Lowther (0-5), M. Gilsenan; D. McGee (0-1), E. McGrath (10), P. Gilsenan (1-3). St Michael’s – P. McCormack; P. Clarke, P. Rogers, S. Briody; S. Gaffney, J. Farrell, R. Briody; F. O’Reilly, B. Ryan; R. Cassidy, D. Reilly (0-1), D. Lynch (0-2); K. Cassidy (0-2), B. Farrell (01), P. O’Connell. Subs – J. Farrelly for D. Lynch, P. Murray for O’Connell, M. Dawson for Clarke.

Curraha pay the penalty FL Division 4 DRUMCONRATH ……..… 1-14 CURRAHA …………...… 0-15 DRUMCONRATH MOVED to the top of the Division 4 FL with this narrow win at promotion rivals Curraha early on Sunday afternoon. Leighton Irwin’s first-half goal (penalty) earned Drumconrath a lead that allowed them withstand a late Curraha rally. En route to posting their sixth win from seven league outings, the Drums led by 1-6 to 0-6 at half-time. Apart from Irwin’s tally of 1-5, good displays from Jamie Myles, Sean McMahon and Gavin Finnegan ensured

Drumconrath maintained their unbeaten league record. Drumconrath – S. Kane; D. Glass, O. Finnegan, K. McConnon; P. Tighe, S. Crosby (0-3), B. Hanratty; G. Finnegan (0-2), L. Irwin (1-5); P. Dunne, A. McEvoy, A. Byrne (0-2); C. Tighe (0-1), S. McMahon (0-1), J. Myles. Subs – J. Lynch for Hanratty, D. Myles for Dunne. Cortown ……............... 4-13 St Paul’s …….............… 1-7 Cortown improved their position near the Division 4 FL summit when finishing with 15 points to spare at St Paul’s on Saturday evening. Cortown’s fourth win in seven league outings was largely built on goals from Kevin McGuinness, Martin Henry, Glen Loughran and Declan

Coyne. Gary Coyne, Darragh O’Halloran, McGuinness and Loughran showed up best for Cortown. Cortown – J. McFadden; D. Flanagan, P. Kerrigan, M. Casserly; K. McGuinness, D. O’Halloran, D. Coyne; G. Coyne, R. Flanagan; J. Casserly, M. Henry, D. Wright; C. Kerrigan, B. Smith, G. Loughran. Subs – D. Coyne for Loughran, D. Clarke for R. Flanagan, T. Smith for J. Casserly, I. O’Halloran for Henry. Meath Hill …............…. 2-9 St Vincent’s …...........… 1-5 Second-half goals from Keith Ginnity and Mark Tully (penalty) sealed Meath Hill’s Division 4 FL home win over

Simonstown Nobber Seneschalstown Gaeil Colmcille Ballinlough Trim St Colmcille's Walterstown Dunderry Rathkenny Kilmainham St Michael's

Division 3 Na Fianna Bective Carnaross Ratoath Moynalvey Ballinabrackey Drumbaragh Clann na nGael Syddan St Ultan's Ballivor Kil/wood

Division 4 Drumconrath Curraha Clonard Moylagh Longwood Meath Hill St Brigid's St Vincent's Cortown St Mary's Dunsany Kilbride Moynalty Slane St Paul's Boardsmill

St Vincent’s on Sunday. The north county side were 0-0 to 1-2 in arrears early on but trimmed the deficit to the minimum, 0-4 to 1-2, by halftime. With good display from Michael Byrne, Tully and Ginnity, Meath Hill outscored St Vincent’s by 2-5 to 0-3 in the second-half. Meath Hill – C. Yorke; K. Crosby, A. Matthews, K. Parge; J. Yorke, B. Kieran, N. Tully; T. Boyle (0-1), K. Ginnity (1-1); M. Tully (1-4), M. Byrne, I. Malone (0-2); P. Smith (0-1), T. Rooney, S. McCabe. Subs – P. McGrath for N. Tully, P. Gorman for McCabe, S. Martin for Kiernan, R. McGrath for Rooney.

Dunsany ……..........…. 2-18 Moynalty …….........…… 0-5 Dunsany improved their position in the lower half of the Division 4 FL with an easy win over visitors Moynalty on Saturday. First-half goals from Mark Brennan and Danny Maguire set Dunsany up for their second win from seven league starts. Dunsany – N.Flynn;P. Maguire,C.Kenny,P. Burke;D. Clynch,P. O'Brien,E. Ferguson;E. Marsh,B. Faherty; A.Hogan, C. Keena,M. Brennan;D. Maguire,S. Stephens, D. O'Donoghue. Subs - S. Brennan for Faherty, R. Donnelly for Burke C. Smyth for O'Brien, J. Harlin for Keena, N. O'Donohue for Hogan.

Meath News & Sport, Saturday, May 19th, 2012

SPORT 05

Minors bid for semi-final spot MFL preview Liam O’Rourke THERE WILL be no safety net for either side when Meath face Offaly in the Leinster MFC quarterfinal at Tullamore on Saturday, 2.0.

Meath forward Eamon Wallace will be in action against Offaly in Saturday’s Leinster MFC quarterfinal. (Pic by John Quirke Photography).

Offaly hardly learned much from their 51-point opening round win over Kilkenny at Ballyragget. On the other hand Meath responded positively to their disappointing display in losing to Dublin in the Leinster MFL final to beat Longford in the chamionship opener. Last year the ‘scenic’ route paved the path to a provincial final defeat to Dublin before losing to eventual All-Ireland champions, Tipperary This time the outcome of that game at Pearse Park, Longford saw Meath take the direct route to the last eight. ‘A little done, much to do’ summed-up Meath manager Andy McEntee’s post-match reaction to the win in Longford. Barry Dardis’ penalty goal in the lead-in to half time was

pivotal to a 1-11 to 0-11 success on the second Saturday in April. A productive third quarter saw Meath turn a 1-4 to 0-6 interval advantage into a fivepoint lead (1-9 to 0-7) heading into the final 15 minutes. The highly promising Cillian O’Sullivan scored three points for the Royals in that spell. The Moynalvey teenager has made an impression in the local SFC in the past month. Many of his team mates were also involved in the local championship activity recently which isn’t the only event that has impacted on preparations for Saturday’s trip to Tullamore. Meath preparations for the trip to Tullamore have been interrupted activities on an off the field:

“About 12 of the lads are doing the Leaving Cert orals. So we have to be fair to them. It’s the same for the Offaly lads”, McEntee commented. Offaly operated in Group A of the Leinster MFL that included Westmeath, Wicklow and Dublin. A 3-6 to 1-12 draw with Dublin was the highlight of the campaign for the side that is now bolstered by members of the St Mary’s Edenderry, AllIreland Colleges winning side. O’Sullivan apart, good displays from Eamon Wallace, Shane McEntee, goalkeeper Robert Burlingham and team captain Padraig Harnan could go some way to securing a semi-spot for Meath. The manager is under no illusion about the challenge ahead, but believes that all things considered the players are ready for the task in hand. “It is a tough assignment. We’re looking forward to Saturday. The lads have put a lot of work into to it. They really have worked very hard”.

Ashbourne side defeat struggling Castletown FL Division 1 DONAGHMORE/ASHBOURNE …. 0-14 CASTLETOWN ………….......… 1-7 DONAGHMORE/ASHBOURNE had to work hard to see off visitors Castletown in the Division 1FL on Saturday evening. It was only in the latter stages that the senior outfit saw off their struggling opponents, who trailed by just a single point, 1-5 to 0-9, at halftime. Barry Smith’s goal left Castletown well in the hunt at half-time They managed just two points thereafter and remain at the foot of the table. Donaghmore/Ashbourne – A. Colgan; J. P. Casserly, C. McGill, E. Riordan; C. Ellis, M. Lynch, P. Gilligan (0-3); R. O’Connor, D. Morgan; C. Field (0-2), I. O’Donnell, S. Melia (0-1); J. Broderick (0-2), K. Lanigan (0-3), M. Devine (0-3). Sub – D. Murtagh for Field. Castletown – J. Ginnitty; J. Metry, N. Farrelly, J. Carry; S. Duffy, S. Farrelly (0-1), D. Finney; G. Farrelly, D. Ginnity (0-1); K. Smith, A. Smyth, T. Smith (0-3); B. Smith (1-0), D.

Cribbin, J. Finnerty (0-1). Subs – S. Hoey (0-1) for K. Smith, K. Ross for D. Ginnitty, R. Hoey for Finney, B. Carry for B. Smith, F. Hoey for Cribben. Dunboyne ……................................. 2-10 Summerhill ……............................... 1-10 Two Gary Watters goals set Dunboyne up for a Division 1 FL win over visitors Summerhill on Sunday. Dunboyne were 1-3 to 1-5 in arrears at the break. They outscored the ‘Hill by 1-7 to 0-5 thereafter and have five different scorers when recording their third win of the campaign. Adrian Kenny was Summerhill’s goalscorer. That scores in addition to flags raised by five of his team mates couldn’t avert the ‘Hill second league defeat. Dunboyne – J. O’Connor; C. Clarke, D. Sweeney, J. Meehan; G. Timoney, T. O’Connor, D. Clarke; G. Gallagher, S. McGarrell; B. Comer, G. Robinson (0-4), A. O’Connor (0-1); S. Moran (0-2), G. Watters (2-1), D. Lenihan (0-2). Subs – M. Convey for Comer, P. Curran for A. O’Connor. Summerhill – T. McDonnell; A. Lyons, C. Young, W. Ryan; E. O’Shea (0-2), M. Gorman, S. Husband; P. Comey, D. Dalton; D. Larkin (0-1), A. Kenny (1-0), R. Tallon; J. Ennis (0-1), B. Ennis (0-5), D. Dalton (0-1). Subs - Sub – K.

Lyons for J. Ennis. Navan O’Mahonys ….....................….. 1-14 Duleek/Bellewstown …......................... 3-6 A late scoring surge saw O’Mahonys overcome visitors Duleek/Bellewstown in the Division 1 FL on Sunday. Injury-time points from Darragh Maguire, Shane Gillespie and Jake Regan did the trick for the Brews Hill boys. Duleek/Bellewstown got in for a goal early on. Henry Finnegan netted just before the break when it was 1-4. It could have been worse for O’Mahonys but for two first-half saves from ‘keeper from Marcus Brennan O’Mahonys – M. Brennan; S. O’Toole, C. Reilly, I. Matthews; J. O’Reilly, S. Crosby, C. Lynn; D. Moran, P. Smyth (0-1); D. Murtagh (01), H. Finnegan (1-1), B. Dillon; S. Gillespie (02), J. Regan (0-5), G. O’Dowd (0-3). Subs – R. Lynn for C. Lynn, D. Maguire (0-1) for Murtagh, Murtagh for O’Toole. St Patrick’s ……................................ 2-11 Skryne …………..............................… 1-2 Skryne crashed to their second defeat in the Division 1 FL when losing to hosts St Patrick’s on Sunday. The Tara-men were 0-1 to 1-3 in arrears at half-time with Skryne’s sole scorer Paddy

O’Rourke pointing. His goal served merely to improve the complexion of the scoreline from Skryne’s perspective. Skryne – F. O’Rourke; T. McKeown, M. Mulvany, J. Looby; A. Carty, D. McGoldrick, J. Hegarty; P. O’Rourke (1-2), A. Tuite; D. Ryan, I. Davis, K. O’Reilly; R. McCabe, B. Smyth, M. Battersby. Subs – D. Morley for Davis, J. Quinn for O’Reilly. Wolfe Tones ….............................….. 1-17 Blackhall Gaels …...........................…. 0-8 Wolfe Tones finished with 12 points to spare over struggling Blackhall Gaels in the Division 1 FL at Batterstown on Saturday. Eanna Harrington’s goal was central to their 1-8 to 0-3 interval advantage. Shane Glynn, Niall McLoughlin, Darren McGrath and top scorer Alan Fox were best for the ‘Tones. Wolfe Tones – D. Nolan; R. Brady, C. McLoughlin, A. McKeever; N. McLoughlin (03), A. McKeown, D. Coleman (0-2); S. Glynn, G. Beggy; D. McGrath (0-2), A. Fox (0-7), P. Caffrey; P. Byrne (0-1), S. Sheppard (0-2), E. Harrington (1-0). Subs – S. Power for McKeever, J. McDermott for Byrne, T. Browne for Nolan.

Meath News & Sport, Saturday, May 19th, 2012

SPORT 06

SPORT 07

Meathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s senior football players meet and greet their fans

Tom Walsh signing his autograph for Olivia and Jim Sherlock, Navan.

Laura Duggan and Derek Duggan from Dunboyne.

Ciaran Lenihan signs autographs for young fans at Pairc Tailteann

Michelle Finnegan (Left) and Edel Reilly from Bohermeen.

Children waiting to get on to the pitch to meet the players.

Hugh McCarthy, Dunshaughlin and Patricia Savage, Johnstown.

Seamus McEnaney signing autographs.

Brianna Rowan has her jersey signed by Graham Reilly

Meath News & Sport, Saturday, May 19th, 2012

SPORT 08 GAA results/fixtures RESULTS R in g C u p – Down 2-23, Meath 1-19. J F C C – Simonstown 29, Duleek/Bellewstown 2-8. J F C D – Donaghmore/Ashbourne 4-11, Drumbaragh 0-7; Carnaross 1-11, St Vincent’s 0-9. A F L s: Division 1 – Donaghmore/Ashbourne 014, Castletown 1-7; Wolfe Tones 1-17, Blackhall Gaels 1-8; O’Mahonys 1-14, Duleek/Bellewstown 3-6; St Patrick’s 2-11, Skryne 1-2. Divis ion 2 – Gaeil Colmcille 5-11, Rathkenny 0-4; Nobber 0-12, Walterstown 1-8; Kilmainham 3-7, Dunderry 1-9; Simonstown 5-13, Seneschalstown 0-10; St Colmcille’s 1-9, Ballinlough 1-6; Trim 2-14, St Michael’s 0-6. Division 3 – Bective 210, St Ultan’s 0-8; Na Fianna 1-18, Clann na nGael 3-3; St Ultan’s 1-13, Ballivor 1-9; Ratoath 1-9, Kilmainhamwood 2-3; Carnaross 0-9, Ballinabrackey 0-6; Bective 2-8, Syddan 0-12. Division 4 – Clonard 411, St Brigid’s 2-7; Cortown 4-13, St Paul’s 1-7; Dunsany 2-18, Moynalty 0-5; Drumconrath 1-14, Curraha 0-15; Meath Hill 2-9, St Vincent’s 1-5; St Mary’s 215, Moylagh 1-3. B F L s : Di v i s i o n 1 – Donaghmore/Ashbourne 111, Skryne 0-7. Division 2 – Dunderry 211, Nobber 1-10. Division 3 – Castletown 1-12, Cortown 0-13. Division 6 – Dunsany 17, Ballivor 2-4; Ratoath 1-8, Kilbride 0-7. H L s: Divis ion 1B – Kilmessan 0-19, Dunboyne 1-11; Na Fianna 1-11, O’Mahonys 0-14. Division 2B – Ratoath 116, Wolfe Tones 1-12; Dunboyne 1-9, Donaghmore/Ashbourne 17. FIXTURES TUESDAY

B F L Divis ion 4 – v Clann na Carnaross nGael, 7.30, J. Farrelly. H L Division 3A – Kilmessan v Killyon, 7.15, P. Foy. WEDNESDAY B F L s : O’Mahonys v Summerhill, 7.30, P Neiis. Division 4 – St Michael’s v St Vincent’s, 8.0. H L s a t 7.15: Division 1B – Kiltale v Dunderry, R. Garry. Division 2A – Gaeil Colmcille v Clann na nGael, P. Gannon. Division 2B – Boardsmill v Kilmessan, G. Martyn THURSDAY Division 1 F L a t 8.0 – Oldcastle v Dunshaughlin, P. Neilis. FRIDAY Division 3 a t 7.30 – Moynalvey v Drumbaragh. B F L s: Divis ion 1 – Simonstown v Duleek/Bellewstown, D. Smyth. B FL Division 3 – Ballinabrackey v Simonstown, J. Plunkett. Division 6 – Nobber v Moynalty, 7.30, D. Smyth. H L s a t 7.15: Division 1A – Boardsmill v Killyon, D. Smyth. Division 1B – O’Mahonys v Dunderry, P. Gannon; Kilmessan v Na Fianna, S. Masterson. Division 2A – Longwood v Blackhall Gaels, M. Quinn; Gaeil Colmcille v Kildalkey, G. Martyn. Division 2B – Dunboyne v Wolfe Tones, tbc. Division 3B – Clann na nGael v Kiltale, A. Hoey. SATURDAY At VT BA – Meath v Kildare, Ring Cup quarterfinal, extra time if necessary. At Tu lla m or e – Offaly v Meath, Leinster MFC quarter-final, 2.0, extra time if necessary. B F L s a t 7.0: Division 4 – Bective v Dunshaughlin,M. Griffin; Donaghmore/Ashbourne v Kilmainhamwood, D. Forde; Bective v St Ultan’s, M. Ryan. Division 6 – Seneschals-

town v St Brigid’s, T. Lorton; Ratoath v Dunsany, P. Clarke; Summerhill v Kilbride, R. O’Connor; Ballivor v Trim, M. Ennis. H L Division 3A Rathmolyon v Trim, 2.0, T. Healy. SUNDAY At P a ir c Ta ilt ea n n – Louth v Westmeath, Leinster SFC, 3.30. A F L s a t 3.0: Division 3 – Ballinabracey v Syddan, J. Plunkett; Drumconrath v Meath Hill , S. O’Connor; Division 3 FL – Ballinabrackey v Syddan, 7.0, J. Plunkett. Division 4 – Drumconrath v Meath Hill, 3.0, S. O’Connor. H L s : Divis ion 1A – Rathmolyon v Drumree, 11.30, tbc; Kildalkey v Trim, 6.0, G. Keoghan. Division 1B – Kiltale v Dunboyne, 6.0, R. Morris. Division 2A – Kilskyre v Clann na nGael, 11.30, C. Ferguson. Division 2B – Ratoath v Kilmesssan, 11.30, J. Burke; Boardsmill v Donaghmore/Ashbourne, 6.0, M. McDonagh. Division 3A – St Patrick’s v Kilmessan, 6.0, R. Garry; Killyon v Drumree, 6.0, A. Hoey. Division 3B – Ratoath v Na Fianna, 1.0, C. Flynn; Moylagh v O’Mahonys, P. Foy. TUESDAY B F L Division 5 – Curraha v Ballinlough, 7.30, R. Garry. FRI, MAY 25 B F L Division 4 – Dunshaughlin v St Michael’s, 7.30, M. Ryan. MF COMMITTEE M F L Division 5 fin a l – St Michael’s 4-14, Ballivor 4-9, after extra time. M F L s : Divis ion 1 – Dunboyne/Kilbride 2-14, Simonstown 0-7; Ratoath 512, Na Fianna 0-7; Donaghmore/Ashbourne 2-9, O’Mahonys 0-7. Division 2 sem i-fin a l – Jenkinstown Gaels 0-12, Summerhill 1-7; Skryne 1-

11, Trim 0-11. Division 3 sem i-fin a ls – Dunderry 1-11, St Vincent’s/Curraha 1-9; Clann na nGael 2-12, Clonard 0-12. Division 4 sem i-fin a l – St Cuthbert’s 2-10, Rathkenny 0-11.

Division 6 s em i-fin a l r ep la y – Ballinabrackey 210, Nobber 2-6. Un d er 16 F L s: Division 1 – Simonstown 3-8, Dunboyne/Kilbride 0-10. Division 2 – Skryne 3-9, St Vincent’s/Curraha 1-5. Division 5 – Bru na Boinne

2-8, Nobber 0-9. Divis ion 2 p la y-off – Skryne 3-13, Ballivor/Longwood 3-2. R eser ve – Dunshaughlin 5-10, Simonstown 1-6; Donaghmore/Ashbourne 29, Simonstown 2-8.

Friday night in clubhouse, 8.30. KILLYON Monday, June 4 - golf classic, Rathcore, team of four €200 includes meal, for timesheet call 087 0700580. Votes of sympathy were passed with the Tyrrell, Connolly and Raleigh families. ST ULTAN’S Friday, May 18 – poker classic, The Silver Tankard, 8.0, €25 to buy in.

Sunday, May 27 - annual five-mile sponsored walk starting from Toddy Harding Park, 11.0. More infomation at www.slanegfc.com or Siobhan at 086 3399832, Michelle at 087 2858963 or Anna at 086 2393160. Saturday, June 9 - family fun day, Toddy Harding Park, all welcome. Scrap metal collection still ongoing. Anyone with suitable items for collection can contact Jimmy Carroll at 086 2548299, Peter Mooney at 087 6809145 or Brian Wogan at 086 3665904. Shop Local Initiative is in operation. More information at www.slanegfc.com

GAA notes CASTLETOWN Friday, May 11 - blotto numbers - 7,11, 21, 23. No jackpot winner. Friday, May 18 – a night at the dogs, E30, depart Castletown 6.0, contact Denise Farrelly at 087 7934997. DULEEK/BELLEWSTOWN Every Saturday, coaching for boys and girls aged 4-6, 11.0 - 12.0. New members welcome. For more information about fun and games in a friendly atmosphere contact Joey Joyce at 086 8572511. Bingo every Friday night in the clubhouse on the Navan Road, Duleek, 8.30 DUNBOYNE Bingo continues every

SLANE Blotto, numbers drawn 7,12, 15, 17, jackpot not won. Sharon Lynch, Gerry Carolan, Gerry Berrill, Helen Wogan each won €20. This week's jackpot €2,700.

Brian McKeown (left) and Dean Egan from Trim have their jerseys signed by Seamus Kenny at a Meath Senior footballers open day in Pairc Tailteann.

Meath News & Sport, Saturday, May 19th, 2012

SPORT 09

Carnaross take the spoils

Na Fianna cruise FL Division 3 NA FIANNA …...........… 1-18 CLANN NA NGAEL …....… 3-3 NA FIANNA were more convincing winners Clann na nGael in the Division 3 FL on Sunday at Athboy than the scoreline suggests. The south county side had their sixth win from six league outings secured before Clann na nGael got in for two late goals. Conor Downey’s goal eased Na Fianna to a 1-8 to 0-0 interval advantage. Good displays from John O’Lone, Sean Griffin and Dean Barrett also ensured a good result for Na Fianna. Na Fianna – S. Geraghty; J. O’Lone, C. Cosgrave, D. Gleeson; J. Baldwin, S. Griffin, M. Farley (0-1); T. Cosgrave, B. Queeney (0-1); C. Downey (1-3), M. Foley, D. Barrett (04); D. McDonagh (0-3), D. McDonagh (0-3), D. Downey (0-2), P. Hogan (0-2). Bective …................…. 2-8 Syddan …..............…. 0-12 Visitors Bective repelled a late Syddan rally to take the Division 3 FL points on Saturday evening. Brian Cantwell and Marty Mulhall were the goalscorers as Bective moved into second place in the table. Mulhall scooped scoring honours with 1-3 while it was 1-4 to 0-4 at the break. Bective – S. Breslin; C. Barry, G. Brennan, J. Grant (01); J. Brennan, G. Cahill, C. Roche; M. O’Brien, C. Reilly; P. McCabe, P. Treacy (0-1), P. Lyness; B. Cantwell (1-1), M. Mulhall (1-3), J. Fagan (0-1).

Sub – R. Russell (0-1). Carnaross ……........... 0-10 Ballinabrackey …........… 0-5 Carnaross moved into third place in the Division 3 FL with this double scores win over visitors Ballinabrackey on Sunday. The sides shared four scores early on before Carnaross moved 0-6 to 0-4 clear by half-time. Carnaross conceded just one score after the the change of ends while late points from Niall McDonnell and John L. McGee confirmed the outcome. Carnaross – C. Comaskey; T. Nugent, P. Nugent, J. Plunkett; I. Donoghue, C. Brogan, C. Gillic; B. Comaskey, J. Ward; J. Carpenter (0-1), J. L. McGee (0-4), S. Casserly (0-2); L. Brogan, C. Allen (0-1), N. McDonnell (0-2). St Ultan’s …............…. 1-13 Ballivor ……...........….. 1-9 A strong first-half showing capped by a Cian Rennicks goal provided the platform for St Ultan’s over Ballivor at on Saturday at Bohermeen where they registered their first win in the Division 3 FL. St Ultan’s made the early running and went on to lead by 1-8 to 0-4 at the break. That seven-point interval lead cushioned them against a Ballivor rally. St Ultan’s – R. Daly; S. Herward, C. Timmons, J. Bennett; G. Rennicks (0-2), B. Brady, R. Dolan; P. Murray (02), K. Lynch (0-1); S. Mulroe, C. Travers (0-1), D. McLoughlin; T. Smith (0-1), C. Rennicks (1-4), C. Rogers. Sus – R. Breslin (0-1).

Narrow victory for Navan side JFC C SIMONSTOWN …….....… 2-9 DULEEK/BELLEWSTOWN .. 2-8 SIMONSTOWN MAINTAINED their unbeaten start in JFC C at Rathkenny on Wednesday evening of last week when seeing off a Duleek/Bellewstown rally by the narrowest margin. Goals from Keith Brady and Keith Boland earned the ‘Gaels a four-point interval advantage, 2-3 to 0-5. Good displays from Gary McDonagh, Robbie Quinn, Brian McDermott and the goalscorers secured the points for Simonstown. Goals from Robbie Clarke and Alan O’Brien, the final two scores of the game, couldn’t salvage even a second draw of the competition for

Duleek/Bellewstown. Simonstown – J. O’Dwyer; M. Fitzpatrick, A. Meade, K. Mitchell; R. Quinn, B. Clarke, P. Kearney; G. McDonagh (03), G. Cooke; K. Boland (1-0), C. O’Reilly, B. McDermott (02); F. Carragher (0-1), D. Gormley (0-1), K. Brady (1-1). Sub – M. Sweeney (0-1) for Carragher. Duleek/Bellewstown – F. Connor; G. Martin, K. Reilly, J. Joyce; R. Cooney, S. Kennedy, E. Morris; S. Walsh, R. Clarke (1-0); R. Hamilton (0-2), T. Andrews (0-4), C. McGroggan; G. Reilly, S. Curley, A. Reilly. Subs – S. Crosby (0-2) for Joyce, J. Heavey for Morris, A. O’Brien (1-0) for G. Reilly, D. Arnold for Curley.

JFC D CARNAROSS ….. 1-11 ST VINCENT’S ...... 0-9 CARNAROSS FINISHED with five points to spare over St Vincent’s in this JFC D fixture at Rathkenny on Saturday.

Kerry senior football star Colm Cooper attended a medal presentation ceremony in St Patrick's Classical School, Navan on Friday. He is pictured above with principal Colm O'Rourke and vice principal Harry McGarry. (Photo -John Quirke)

Defeat for Summerhill MFLs JENKINSTOWN GAELS ... 0-12 SUMMERHILL …………... 1-7 A NARROW loss to neighbours Jenkinstown Gaels was Summerhill’s lot in this closely contested MFL Division 2 semi-final on Monday of last week. Summerhill were 0-3 to 0-7 in arrears at the break. Gary Ryan’s goal halved the interval deficit but still left the ‘Hill off the pace at the finish. Summerhill – S. Ryan; C. O’Reilly, J. Regan, E. McDonnell; S. McNally, H. Hatton, P. Troy; E. Ryan, C. Gillespie (0-1); E. Jennings, K. Ryan, B. Dardis (0-4); G. Ryan (1-0), R. Kelly, J. Payne (0-1). Subs – D. Myles for McDonnell, J. Fox (0-1), C. Gormley for Ryan. Dunderry ……….....…… 1-11 St Vincent’s/Curraha ……. 1-9 St Vincent’s/Curraha were undone by a Dunderry secondhalf rally in this MFL Division 3 semi-final on Monday of last week. The east county side opened on the front foot and courtesy of a David Toner goal were 1-6 to 0-3 ahead at the interval. St Vincent’s/Curraha could only manage three points thereafter as Dunderry secured a final date with Clann na nGael. St Vincent’s/Curraha – C. White; D. McDermott, C. Joyce, A. Coyle; J. Harford, E. McGovern (0-1), E. Hand; D.

Toner (1-3), M. Crawley; S. O’Hanrahan (0-1), S. O’Brien (0-1), S. Hogan; J. Mangan, D. Battersby (0-3), C. Andrews. Subs – R. O’Sullivan for Andrews, N. Moriarity for Mangan. Wolfe Tones ………....... 5-11 Seneschalstown ….....…. 5-4 Seneschalstown lost out to Wolfe Tones in the MFL Division 4 semi-final on Tuesday of last week. Goals from Niall Lyons, James Meade, Ross Howard, Hugh Maguire and Eoghan

Noonan couldn’t secure a final meeting for Seneschalstown with St Cuthbert’s. Seneschalstown were four points in arrears at the break and couldn’t eat into the deficit after the change of ends. Seneschalstown – P. Brady; D. Geraghty, M. Fox; B. Lynch, N. McCabe, D. McLoughlin; E. Sheridan, N. Lyons (1-0); R. Conneely, R. Howard (1-0), H. Maguire (1-2); E. Noonan (10), J. Meade (1-2). Subs – D. Keogh for Conneely, D. O’Reilly for E. Meade.

St Michael's take title MFL Division 5 final ST MICHAEL’S ……...…. 4-14 BALLIVOR ………….……. 4-9 (after extra time) ST MICHAEL’S overcame Ballivor after extra time in a thrilling MFL Division 5 final at Martry on Monday of last week. Peter O’Connell’s extra time goal was the pivotal goal to the outcome while team captain Ronan Lynch completed his 0-6 tally with a point from a penalty. Lynch picked up an ankle injury early on, but returned after treatment. O’Connell’s first goal left the Carlanstown/Kilbeg side

four points off the pace at the break, 1-4 to 3-2. Second-half goals from Ben Tobin and Adam O’Brien looked to have tilted the title St Michael’s way. However they needed a pointed free from their team captain for force extra time after Ballivor scrambled a late goal. St Michael’s – A. Kernan; C. Drew, D. Murphy; T. O’Brien, M. Halpin, L. Morris; J. Moran, J. Reilly (0-1); J. O’Brien, R. Lynch (0-6), G. Dolan; B. Farrell, P. O’Connell (2-6). Subs – B. Tobin (1-1) for Lynch, A. O’Brien (1-0) for Morris, L. Moran for O’Brien, D. Moran for A. O’Brien.

Rory O’Connor's early goal from a penalty was crucial to their 1-5 to 0-7 halftime lead. Carnaross ‘keeper Shane McNiffe saved a St Vincent’s penalty in the second-half. The Cavan-border outfit finished strongly to secure victory. Carnaross – S. McNiffe; T. Plunkett, T. Shortt, P. Carpenter; C. Yore, P. Farrelly, L. Brogan; S. Dawson, R. O’Connor (1-4); S. McGrath (0-2), O. Murphy (0-2), P. Dillon (01); E. Gillic, S. Carroll, T. Skelly. Subs – B. O’Connor (0-2) for Yore, R. McNiffe for Skelly, P. Caulfield for Carroll, N. Smith for Dillon. Don/Ashbourne .….... 4-11 Drumbaragh …..…..… 0-7 Goals from Michael Doherty (two), David Carey and substitute Sean Kent put added gloss to Donaghmore/Ashbourne’s easy JFC D win over Drumbaragh at Bective on Sunday. Donaghmore/Ashbourne led by 2-4 to 0-2 at half-time and doubled that advantage after the break. Donaghmore/Ashbourne – M. Davis; P. Finglas, E. Caffrey, A. Brady; M. McCabe, S. Benville, S. Robinson; T. Bruton (0-1), T. Draper (0-2); S. Howard, D. Carey (1-3), S. Breslin (0-3); M. Doherty (2-1), S. Smith, P. William. Subs – S. Kent (1-0) for Howard, T. O’Connor (0-1) for Williams, M. Byrne for Carey, K. Gore for McCabe.

Meath News & Sport, Saturday, May 19th, 2012

SPORT100 SPORT

Mandaean can deliver in Dante for Dettori WITH CAMELOT oddson with most firms and impressive Chester winner Astrology joining Imperial Monarch towards the summit of the market last week, it seems that the Investec Derby trophy is already perched proudly on Aidan O’Brien’s mantelpiece down in Ballydoyle. But we may finally have a genuine Derby contender that isn’t trained by O’Brien after the Betfred Dante Stakes at York on Thursday. Bonfire heads the market after missing an engagement at Chester due to the soggy surface but it’s MANDAEAN that interests me. We’ve already seen the French form hold up very strongly with French Fifteen chasing home Camelot in the 2,000 Guineas and both major prizes staying at home at Longchamp last Sunday. Mandaean was the best of the juveniles in France last year and won the Grand Criterion at Saint-Cloud in impressive fashion on his final start for Andre Fabre. He can since joined Mohammed Al Zarooni’s allconquered British base and the vibes coming from Newmarket suggest that the son of Manduro has been progressing very well over the winter. Indeed, his piece of work on the Rowley Mile at the end of April

had everyone buzzing. Mandaean worked with two other horses from Al Zarooni’s stable and travelled supremely well before quickened up past his stablemates in the manner of a very decent animal. Immediately after the gallop Al Zarooni pencilled in the Dante saying: “Mandaean needed the gallop and will be aimed at the Dante at York now. If he proves good enough there, then the plan is to go for the Derby.” Al Zarooni’s string has been firing on all cylinders since the start of the season and conditions should be perfect at York on Thursday. He’s a horse with a high cruising speed and his action suggests he needs some cut in the ground, something he is guaranteed to get and something his opponents could resent. Mandaean is already a Group 1 winner, unlike most of the field, and the long home straight in York is suit to suit his big galloping style. Far too much has been read into Bonfire unlucky effort in France last season. There is no doubting he probably would have won with a clear passage but that wasn’t the greatest race in the world and he is far too short for just a maiden winner. Indeed, the filly that finished third to him at Salisbury didn’t exactly frank the form last week at Chester when only third. Mandaean should be favourite and expect the 7-2 current being offered by Paddy Power to be gobbled up over the next few days. This is a horse going places and 16-1 for

the Derby is superb value as well. There are plenty of interesting races over the three days on the Knavesmire and the Group 2 Duke Of York Stakes tomorrow (Wednesday) looks set to be a cracking contest. The Richard Fahey-trained Mayson has been all the rage following two victories against inferior opposition and he has yet to tackle genuine Group 1 performers, something he will get tomorrow. There was no more unlucky sprinter last term than BATED BREATH who was beaten by Dream Ahead in the July Cup at Newmarket and then lost out by a nostril to the same rival back at Haydock. He was third in three Group 1s and Roger Charlton believes he will be even better this year. James Doyle has made a promising start to his new role as head jockey for Charlton and this can really kickstart the employment. He’s a horse with bundles of pace and, provided fitness is on his side, he can fend off the rest of the field in the final furlong. Bated Breath could just be the top sprinter in the business this year with Dream Ahead gone to stud. Ladbrokes are way bigger than any other firm about Bated Breath in tomorrow’s contest and the 7-1 is worth a wager. LAST WEEK On The Fringe delivered in style at Punchestown on Tuesday, following on from the victory of Camelot in the previous week’s Qipco 2,000 Guineas. We’re on a roll.

THIS WEEK’S ADVICE Betfred Dante Stakes (York, Thursday) Mandaean 4pts win 7-2 with Paddy Power Duke Of York Stakes (York, Wednesday) Bated Breath 2pts win 7-1 with Ladbrokes

Castletown trainer Noel Meade enjoyed a Downpatrick success with Griesenau and Paul Carberry aboard on Friday evening.

Cool Carberry rides Downpatrick double David Jennings PAUL CARBERRY parachuted to the summit of the new jump jockeys championship for a brief spell over the weekend following a 26-1 double at Downpatrick on Friday evening which displayed the canny tactician in the best possible light. “It’s great when it works,” said Castletown trainer Noel Meade with that customary grin which arrives after a cool Carberry ride comes off. This time it was on 6-4 favourite Griesenau in the 2m5f maiden hurdle. After making the running on his previous two starts, Griesenau was ridden with more restraint on this occasion and the new tactics paid off as he squeezed through Moyas Charm and Tango Moll inside the final furlong and went on to score cheekily. “He is a bit of a worrier and he ran on his nerves the last day at Kilbeggan so we wanted to switch him off today. Paul took his time but I’d say there was plenty in the tank,” added Meade. Local trainer Colin McBratney was also full of praise for Carberry after he guided Nodelay to victory in the 2m2f mares’ hurdle. A sevenmonth absence didn’t stop the 10-1 shot from registering her third career success and she put some higher rated rival firmly in their place. “Paul gave her a great ride,” said McBratney. “I knew she would run well. She is a good filly. She is a lot stronger this year and she made them look ordinary enough here today.” Gillian Callaghan is a name that is popping up more frequently as the weeks go by and the promising Meath trainer registered her sixth victory from just nine stable representatives in the last year when Tough Mark lived up to his name in the 2m2f handicap hurdle at Downpatrick. “Anything that could go wrong did go wrong

but he still won,” laughed Callaghan after the 9-2 shot obliged by a head. She was referring to the incidents that occurred inside the final 2f as first Tough Mark was hampered by the fall of Kai Li and then he was short of room on the inside rail when trying to make his challenge after the last. “Davy (Condon) gave him a peach of a ride to get up and he’s a hardy little horse. That is my first winner at Downpatrick,” added the in-form trainer. Moynalvey-based Tony Martin returned to form with a bang at Killarney on Sunday as he took the opening two races at the popular Kerry track with Shamkhal and Dara Tango. Shamkhal was previously trained in France by Alain de Royer-Dupre and was bought for €20,000 at the Arqana Deauville Autumn Mixed Sale in November of last year by current connections. He drifted out to 5-1 on course but still won under a fine ride from Ruby Walsh. Martin and Walsh then completed an opening race double as they took division one of the Ross Golf Club Maiden Hurdle with the 6-4 favourite Dara Tango. Ridden in a similar fashion to Shamkhal in the opener, Walsh produce his mount at the last and stayed on best on the run-in scoring by a more comfortable length and a half this time round. “I have no immediate plans for him now. It’s great that it worked out. You couldn’t have better owners. It’s great for Aidan Shiels and Daniel Harnett (who also owns Dunguib) who bought the horse before Christmas,” said winning trainer Martin afterwards. Meanwhile Bohermeen native Johnny Murtagh looks to have a live chance of winning the Investec Oaks at Epsom next month after the William Hagges-trained Vow justified strong support in the Betfred Oaks Trail at Lingfield on Saturday. Vow, sent off the 11-10 favourite, overcame greenness to run out an ultimately impressive winner of the competitive contest and is now as short as 5-1 with Coral for the fillies’ classic.

Meath News & Sport, Saturday, May 19th, 2012

SPORT110 SPORT

National hero is living the dream David Jennings THE DREAM was perilously close to becoming a nightmare. Andrew Thornton was just 14 years of age when a crashing fall during a pony race down in Dingle left him lying motionless in intensive care. A ruptured spleen, pancreas and liver; a broken wrist and a collection of his teeth scattered on the course, it should have left a permanent mental scar too. “It’s funny,” says Thornton. “You’d think it would have soured me but, to be honest, I just couldn’t wait to get back on a horse again when I woke up.” He was riddled with the bug and no amount of advice and ‘I told you sos’ from his mother Colette or father Kieran could cure the disease. He was destined for the saddle. It all began when Thornton was just a toddler. Once he had mastered walking, the next mission was horse riding it seems. “Ever since I could walk or talk, I was always up on horses,” he explains. “My dad was working in a local yard on a Saturday and I used to go with him every so often and I suppose that’s where it all started.” School work suffered too. His early years were spent in Robinstown NS and then it was onto Beaufort College, but education was never really a priority. It was more of a hindrance than a help in fact. “I lasted about two years in the tech,” he laughs. “I never liked it. I had no interest in anything to do with school and I would do anything to try and get out of going. I gave some of my teachers an awful hard time.” Once he recovered from that horror fall in Dingle, it was back to the saddle, ignoring the wishes of his concerned parents. After riding out in a couple of local yards for a few years, he decided to needed to head across the water to further his career and Howard Johnson came calling. Johnson had a number to top-class performers at the time, including Inglis Drever who won the World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival on three separate occasions. But opportunities were scarce on

the track as Graham Lee and Alan Dempsey were ahead of him in the pecking order. “Howard was a unique character and it’s a pity what has happened to him (banned from racing for four years following a BHA inquiry into charges relating to horse welfare and administering prohibited substances to horses in his care). “I was riding some topclass horses in the yard but any horses that Graham couldn’t ride, Alan did so I only got to ride a handful really. I enjoyed my time there and I learnt a lot but it was time to move on and I needed to come back home.” When he returned, Thornton found a friend in Arondo. Omagh-based Mervyn Torrens got him to ride the German-bred gelding in a handicap hurdle at Wexford in July 2008. It was the start of a blossoming relationship. A canny front-running ride saw Arondo score by nine lengths. He went on to win twice more that year and, on both occasions, Thornton earned rave reviews for his judgement of pace from the front. “I have a lot to thank Arondo for. I took out my license again when Mervyn called and I just clicked with the horse. He won three races in a couple of months and everything really took off from there. I went on to ride 22 winners that season. Everything went great and I was getting plenty of rides for small trainers.” But with the recession kicking in, the small trainers were getting smaller. The top professionals were mopping up most rides and Thornton had to keep his head down and kept working. Local trainers stayed loyal.

Pat Martin in particular kept faith in him and the Navan trainer always had a job for his neighbour. “The local trainers around Navan were fantastic. Pat Martin in particular was great. To be honest, without Pat backing me things would have been very hard. He gave me plenty of rides and I was riding out a couple of days a week with him as well.” But it was last season when Thornton really shot into the spotlight. Riding with supreme confidence, he was in demand from numerous trainers, including Kells-based Tom Gibney who had a diamond waiting to be polished in his small yard. Lion Na Bearnai hadn’t looked anything out of the ordinary in 27 racecourse starts, winning just once in a handicap chase at Punchestown last May. But that all changed in the Grade 2 Ten Up Novice Chase over a stamina-sapping three miles at Navan on February 19. Sent off an unconsidered 50-1 shot, Lion Na Bearnai put some well-touted rivals in their place and battled on bravely to beat Four Commanders. It was time to start dreaming. “After he had finished second at Fairyhouse on New Year’s Day, Tom always had it in his0 head to try and go for the National. We knew that he would need to finish maybe first or second at Navan to go up enough in the weights to get into the National but to actually go and win the race was something special. “It was a decent race too. Berties Dream, who had won at the Cheltenham Festival before was in it and Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown Stud had plenty of runners. Four Commanders, who we beat, went on to finish second in the four-miler at Cheltenham and started favourite for the National so it was a good race. A very good race. On the day people thought it was just a fluke but we knew it wasn’t. “In fairness to Tom, I’m sure there were plenty of top jockeys ringing him looking for the ride in the National but he left me on him which was great. I can remember going down to school him the week before the National and he felt even better

Andrew Thornton raises the trophy after winning the Irish Grand National on the Thomas Gibney trained Lion Na Bearnai. (Photo: David Mullen/John Quirke Photography) than he did before Navan so I knew we might be onto something.” He was right and, on Easter Monday, Thornton and Lion Na Bearnai entered the Irish horse racing annals with a display of immense courage. They can never be removed. “But you need a lot of luck in the National and everything went great. He jumped super and travelled great and the only moment of worry was after passing the stands on the final circuit when he was squeezed out for a bit of room on the final circuit. “I suppose I realised it when I crossed the line. I was filled up with so much emotion and I just couldn’t believe that it had actually happened. This is the stuff you dream of all your life and it was actually happening to me. I owe so much thanks to Tom (Gibney) for leaving me on the horse. He could have so easily gone for someone bigger.”

Bobbyjo and Numbersixvalverde both went on to taste Aintree glory the year after they won the Irish National and Lion Na Bearnai could bid to follow in their hoof prints next April. “It would be the icing on the cake if he was to win the Aintree National and that will be his aim next season. I’ve never ridden around the track but I walked it before and I remember thinking at the time that I was glad I was just walking it and not riding it. Some of those fences are absolutely huge. I know they say the chair is the biggest one but there are plenty of others too. “The one thing that Lion Na Bearnai has in his favour is that he’s very clever. He doesn’t do anything stupid. My main concern would be the other 39 runners in the race. The way he won and jumped at Fairyhouse would suggest that he’s tailormade for Aintree.”

Thornton is one of a select few jockeys that ride both on the Flat and over jumps so plenty of opportunities have come his way in the last 12 months. “I can get down to 8st 7lb stripped and Dundalk keeping going all year around has been a big help. I have picked up three, four or even five rides on some Friday nights and it’s great going there when you have some good chances. “My agent Rory Tierney from Kinsale has been brilliant too. The minute the entries are out, he’s the first person on the phone and he’s been very good to me. He’s a great guy.” Thornton is not getting carried away though. He’s been through the good times and the bad. But for now, he can spend the summer dreaming of Aintree and more Grand National glory. The nightmares are long gone.

Meath News & Sport, Saturday, May 19th, 2012

SPORT120 SPORT MDL results/fixtures RESULTS Nivea for M en P r em ier Division – Carrick 2, Duleek 0. Nivea for M en P r em ier Sp or t swea r Division /O ’Neills Division 1, pr om ot ion/r elegat ion p la y-off – Albion 1, Kentstown 1. F it zsim on s C u p fin a l – Kingscourt 1, Kells Celtic 0. R eser ve C u p sem i-fin a l – Woodview 5, Albion 1. P r em ier R eser ve – Duleek 1, Parkvilla 1; Drogheda Town OFF Rock Celtic; Ardee Celtic 0, Woodview 1; Carrick 0, Duleek 4; Drogheda Town 2, Rock Celtic 5. FIXTURES FRIDAY (7.15) R eser ve C up final, e. t . a nd p en s – Kingscourt 2nds v

Woodview, Carrick, P. Burns snr. SUNDAY Tully Bookm a ker s Cha llenge Cu p fina l, e. t . a nd p en s – Quay Celtic v Woodview Celtic, Oriel Park, 6.15, D. Dullaghan. G er r y Reilly Cup semi-final, e. t . a nd pens – Slane 2nds v Carrick 2nds, 3.0, C. Byrne. O ’Neills Spor t s L ein st er J unior Cu p fin a l, e. t . a nd pen s – Duleek v St Kevin’s Boys, Whitehall (Home Farm), 3.0. SAT, MAY 26 G er r y Reilly Cup fin al, e. t . and pens – Carrick 2nds or Slane 2nds v Duleek 2nds, 6.0, Bellurgan (provisional), X. Coyle.

'Villa's treble dream dies Division PARKVILLA ……….................. 1 KENTSTOWN ……................... 1 (aet, Kentstown won on pens) PARKVILLA UNDER 16’s bid for a league, cup and shield treble came unstuck in the latter decider as Kentstown took the honours on penalties. The Navan-side started well with Darragh Campion heading home from Tadhg Ratty’s corner. Having passed up a number of chances to increase their advantage, Parkvilla were pegged back to parity. Another Ratty effort struck the Kentstown crossbar in extra time. Parkvilla – R. Tracey, C. Ivers, A. Williamson, D. Campion, H. Staunton, D. Hand, J. Murray, F. Rogers, T. Ratty, C. Brennan, F. Devlin. Subs – S. Hughes for Rogers, R. Gibney for Ivers J. Reddy for Hand, R. Griffiths for Devlin. Parkvilla …………............…... 4 Kingscourt Harps …..............… 1 Parkvilla outscored Kingscourt Harps in the NECSL Under 15 Premier Shield final at the MDL Grounds on Friday night. Danny Doggett’s headed goal set Parkvilla on their way and Darren Kavanagh doubled their advantage and it was 2-0 at the break. Cillian Duffy completed a fine move for Parkvilla’s third goal before Kavanagh doubled his tally with a chipped effort. Kingscourt Harps pulled one back near the end but the best efforts of Eoghan Prior, Mike O’Reilly,

Sean Lally-Starrs and Craig Dixon ensured Parkvilla prevailed. Parkvilla – E. Prior, W. James, D. Doggett, M. Dolan, M. O’Reilly, C. Dixon, C. Duffy, S. Lally-Starrs, C. O’Hanlon, D. Kavanagh, K. Crocock. Subs – C. Lawless for Prior, N. Kearney for Duffy, L. Power for James, C. Fitzsimons for O’Hanlon. Skryne/Tara …….................…. 4 Kells/Blackwater …...............… 3 (after extra time) The concession of the only goal in extra time consigned Kells/Blackwater to a narrow defeat to Skryne/Tara in the NECSL Under 14 Major Shield final at Claremount Stadium on Tuesday of last week. Kells/Blackwater found themselves 0-2 in arrears at half-time. Conor Byrne pulled a goal back shortly after the restart. Midway through the half, Eden McKay levelled matters, but Skryne/Tara regained the lead moments later. With time running out Cormac Mattimoe fired home the equaliser that took the game to extra time. Despite the efforts of Conor Fleming, Jonathan Browne, Mattimoe and McKay, Kells/Blackwater had to settle for the runners-up spot. Kells/Blackwater – R. Gartland, D. Shipp, J. Browne, T. Akinrogbe, C. Fleming, M. Galligan-Edwards, C. Byrne, C. Mattimoe, B. Byrne, A. Condren, E. McKay. Subs – J. Finnegan for Shipp, P. Mooney for A. Condren.

MDL aims for full-sized all-weather pitch MEATH COULD have its first full-sized all-weather pitch if a joint application from the MDL and the NECSL for a sports capital grant is successful.

If the application to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is successful, the synthetic pitch will be laid is due course at the MDL grounds. “The granting of the maximum assistance is vital for this facility”, added a spokesman for the MDL.

MEATH & DISTRICT LEAGUE TABLES PREMIER DIVISION P W D L F A PTS Woodview Trim Celtic Carrick Rovers Rock Celtic Bellurgan Utd Quay Celtic Clones Town Duleek Dromin Utd Albion Rovers Marsh Celtic Square Utd

DIVISION 2 P W D L F A PTS Boyne Harps 22 Black Bull F.C. 22 Newtown Utd 22 Chord Celtic 22 Robinstown 22 Kells Celtic 22 Johnstown 22 Glaslough 22 Kells-B/water 22 Athboy Celtic 22 Abbey Celtic 22 Skryne/Tara 22

19 18 13 11 12 11 6 6 6 8 4 1

2 4 3 5 2 1 5 5 2 0 3 2

1 0 6 6 8 10 11 11 14 14 15 19

63 86 57 51 36 46 44 38 31 37 33 31

DIVISION 4 P W D L F

20 19 36 37 42 55 45 52 55 52 65 75

59 58 42 38 38 34 23 23 23 21 15 5

Lourdes Celtic 16 10 3 3 45 31 33 Rathkenny

16 7 5 4 33 28 26

Kilmessan

16 7 5 4 30 29 26

Dynamo

16 7 4 5 27 23 25

Boyne

16 6 6 4 29 27 24

Boyne Valley

16 5 6 5 29 23 21

Glen Abbey

16 1 4 11 20 40 7

Balrath

16 0 2 14 12 45 2

Carlingford

0 0 0

20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20

15 15 13 8 7 7 7 6 6 6 2

3 2 3 2 2 5 6 6 6 7 5 8 2 11 4 10 4 10 1 13 0 18

58 62 43 52 41 28 53 38 31 34 11

25 48 32 48 23 41 43 30 33 27 34 26 51 23 50 22 52 22 51 19 57 6

3 3 4 6 6 7 5 7 7 4 3 3

2 3 5 3 7 7 9 9 10 12 18 18

P W D L

74 52 50 69 27 45 50 22 30 37 19 28

32 23 35 35 35 44 46 29 41 71 34 78

54 51 43 42 33 31 29 25 25 22 6 6

Monday, May 7 – four person team event – 1, O. Callaghan (17), T. O’Connell (19), K. Flynn (11), D. Keogh (6) 91 pts; 2, E. Maxwell (21), D. Kickham (18), S. Morrison (18), S. Shanahan (22) 90 pts; 3, M. Keane (18), M. Scott (20), P. Scott (19), T. Curran (25) 88 pts. Wednesday, singles stableford – 1, D. O’Loughlin (6) 40 pts; 2, N. Leonard (22) Corballis 39 pts; 3, J. Keane (19) 38 pts. Thursday, seniors open – 1, J. Kennedy (23) 36 pts OL9; 2, V. Reddin

22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22

14 14 12 9 9 7 9 8 6 6 9 1

6 6 4 8 5 7 4 3 4 3 3 3

2 2 6 5 8 8 9 11 12 13 10 18

83 68 65 44 38 44 42 47 20 35 46 17

36 31 34 29 37 45 48 59 36 67 48 79

51 48 40 32 32 28 28 27 21 21 20 6

DIVISION 3B F

A PTS

P W D L

A PTS

Oldcastle Utd 16 12 3 1 50 21 39

Boca Rovers

16 11 2 3 57 17 35

Kingscourt

16 10 4 2 50 19 36

The Well F.C. 16 11 2 3 58 19 35

Bailieboro

16 10 6 0 42 16 35

Bohermeen

16 10 4 2 34 16 34

Electro Celtic 16 8 3 5 44 41 27

Park Celtic

16 6

Fordrew Rovers16 7 3 6 44 38 24

3 7 17 43 21

Rossin Rovers 16 4 4 8 20 39 16

Castle Villa

16 4 2 10 30 57 14

Trim Town

Bjd Celtic

16 2 5 9 24 38 11

16 4 3 9 22 38 15

Donore Rovers 16 4 1 11 16 26 13

Virginia Celtic 16 2 5 9 15 32 11

M4-Enfield

Bmc Utd

16 0 1 15 10 48 1

PREMIER RESERVE P W D L F A PTS Woodview Duleek Parkvilla Trim Celtic Ardee Celtic Rock Celtic Carrick Rovers Navan Cosmos Bellurgan Utd Drogheda Marsh Celtic

20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20

14 13 10 10 9 7 7 6 6 5 2

2 4 4 4 3 5 4 7 5 3 1

4 3 6 6 8 8 9 7 9 12 17

50 47 46 34 31 35 36 31 23 33 10

28 28 34 40 27 31 37 37 43 54 17

44 43 34 34 30 26 25 25 23 18 7

16 1 1 14 24 61 4 A RESERVE 1

P W D L F Quay Celtic

A PTS

18 17 0 1 71 22 51

Dromin Utd

18 14 0 4 59 31 42

Kingscourt

18 14 0 4 56 21 39

Omp Utd

19 9 3 7 44 33 30

Kentstown

19 6 6 7 29 41 27

Albion Rovers 18 5 5 8 35 53 20 Longwood

18 5 2 11 21 43 17

Robinstown

18 4 2 12 20 55 14

Square Utd

18 3 3 12 33 51 12

Navan Town

18 3 1 14 19 37 10

C RESERVE

B RESERVE P W D L F A PTS

P W D L F A PTS

Bailieboro Celtic 18 13 4 1 69 21 43

Trim Town

16 12 2 2 47 18 38

Oldcastle Utd

18 12 5 1 51 25 41

Black Bull F.C.

16 12 2 2 44 17 38

Bmc Utd

18 7 6 5 28 27 27

Enfield Celtic

16 9 3 4 47 32 30

Ardee Celtic 3rd 18 6 6 6 39 41 24 Carrick Rovers

18 5 9 4 35 41 24

Rock Celtic 3rd 18 6 5 7 34 35 23

Knightsbrook

16 6 5 5 30 29 23

Johnstown 3rd

16 6 3 7 26 42 21

Kilmessan

16 5 3 8 25 37 18

18 3 7 8 31 41 16

Boyne Valley

16 5 3 8 26 39 18

Kingscourt Harps 18 4 3 11 24 50 15

Omp Utd 3rd

16 3 3 10 22 42 12

Bjd Celtic

M4-Enfield Utd 16 1 2 13 11 22 5

Fordrew Rovers 18 5 6 7 44 50 21 Virginia Celtic

18 2 3 13 30 54 9

Golf results BLACK BUSH

Navan Cosmos Omp Utd Kentstown Drogheda Ardee Celtic Knightsbrook Longwood Muirhevnamor Slane Wdrs Torro Utd Cavan Town Navan Town

Enfield Celtic 16 12 0 4 38 26 36

A RESERVE 2 P W D L F A PTS Boca Rovers Slane Wdrs Newtown Utd Johnstown Torro Utd Bohermeen Abbey Celtic Athboy Celtic Electro Celtic Chord Celtic Rossin Rovers

17 16 13 13 9 8 8 6 5 6 1 1

DIVISION 3A

A PTS

Laurence's Inn 16 10 3 3 37 16 33

22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22

DIVISION 1 P W D L F A PTS

Soccer short (11) 36 pts. Saturday, singles stableford – 1, W. McCarthy (13) 39 pts; 2, L. Bellew (13) 38 pts OL9; 3, A. Fahy (21) 38 pts OL9.

WOMEN BLACK BUSH Saturday, 18 holes singles strokeplay – 1, E. McDermott (32) 72 nett; 2, T. Kilcline (31) 75 nett; 3, P. McNamara (33) 77 nett.

CO MEATH Thursday, 18 holes singles strokeplay, winner – B. Dargan (19) 71 OL9.

KELLS BLACKWATER Thursday, June 7 – AGM, Blackwater Suite, Headfort Arms Hotel, 8.0. Motions and nominations to be sent to Patrick Matthews, 128 The Glebe, Kells or patrickmatthews06@eircom.net on or before May 31.

Meath News & Sport Sport

Saturday, May 19th, 2012 33

Pilfering pensioner (73) held over burglaries Contd. from page 1 Rathmaidon, Slane that took place on the same day. Meanwhile there were a number of burglaries reported across the county over the weekend. On Saturday (May 12) a house at Dunmoe was broken into sometime between 8.30am and 7pm. The thieves entered through a rear window but nothing was reported to have been taken. On the same day between 3.30pm and 4.30pm a house at Donaghpatrick was broken into, again via a rear window. The house was ransacked with jewellery

and cash taken. Houses in the Slane area were also subjected to attacks over the weekend. On Saturday a quantity of cash was taken from a house at Creewood after being broken into sometime between 9.15am and 7pm, while a Beauparc residence had its rear door forced and jewellery stolen after three rooms were ransacked. Anyone who can help in tracking those responsible can contact detectives at 046 902 1445.

Cllr quits to save life Contd. from page 1

long standing member of Trim Town Council but had stepped down just before his death because of health issues. Donall went on to win his seat but now he has had to step down less than two years later. The former councillor said he would miss the role greatly. “There was never a time when I wasn’t interested in politics. I will be sitting at home getting itchy feet and it is a shame how it has happened but I hope in a few years if everything works out that I

can come back.” Addressing his fellow councillors who united to wish him well he said that the role was town councillor was something he was “honoured” to have been elected to and he had accepted it with “great humility.” Cathaoirleach James O’Shea said he would be missed. “Donall is young and intelligent and will be a hard act to follow on the council. It is a sign of his popularity that all the councillors and officials agreed to officially honour him,” he said.

The overall winner of the recent Norman Pratt Run was Jim Miller with his Triumph TR4A.

New pedestrian lighting for Johnstown THE INSTALLATION of a public lighting system on the walkway from Athlumney Castle to Athlumney Abbey has been welcomed by residents from both estates. Speaking this week, The Johnstown Athlumney Community Council said they hoped the illumi-

nation would go some way to dealing with a rise in anti social behaviour that had been reported in the vicinity. JACC Chairperson Antoinette Faye said it proved how successful residents associations could be. "This area in winter is particularly dangerous with youths hanging out at the tree's drinking, shouting and terrorising residents of both estates. Women jogging through it

have been attacked at night and a lot of the young teenage girls attending Loretta School use this walk through going to and from school. “We would like to thank Navan town Council and Cllr Joe Reilly for all their hard work over the last number of years in getting these lights installed. With the community working together, Johnstown is now a safer place to live,” she said.

34 Meath News & Sport Sport

Saturday, May 19th, 2012

Vincent and Carmel Cowley at the Dunderry Fair. Paula Bolton Lee and Niamh Reynolds in their new dreesses which thye had especially made for the Dunderry fair.

Charlie Boylan, Tommy Feeney and Catherine Boylan.

Moya Knox and Padhraic Stephens.

Jim Ward and Gus Martyn involved in a chat at the Dunderry fair

Meath News & Sport Sport

Saturday, May 19th, 2012 35

Harry, Conor and Fergal Bowman and their friend Niall Darcey

Conor Wall at Dunderry Fair.

Sandra Mullen, Carl James and Bobby

Darragh Swaine with one of his pets at the Dunderry fair

Olive Martyn (Bo Peep) at the Dunderry fair recently

36 Meath News & Sport

Saturday, May 19th, 2012

Nobber Parish Pastoral Council members Ian Primrose Chairman and Ann McGivney at their stand at the Fair raising money for the St John the Baptist Church Nobber refurbishment fund.

Peggy Keogan, Bernie Gaffney and Collette McConnell selling Nobber Fair Day mugs.

Pictured at the Sheep Shearing are Todd Halpin from Nobber and Owen Donaghy from Forkhill in Armagh.

Anthony Smith, Dean Calnan and David McCabe, all from Nobber at the Nobber Fair. David is home from the US when he attended the Fair.

Members of Drumconrath Crafts Group displaying their wares at the Fair; Annette Lynch, Ann Saul, Pam Cunningham, Adrienne Meade and Imelda Griffin.

John Maguire from Nobber at his stall selling wooden items including kennels, cat boxes and bird tables.

At the Vintage Tractor and Car Show are Pat and Maureen McGarry from Callow, Frenchpark, Co Roscommon Singer Declan Nerney who judged the Vintage Show, and James Carolan of Nobber Vintage Club. Pat won Best Motorbike at the vintage show that was on display behind the primary school.

2011 Queen of the Fair Lisa Clarke from Nobber and Edel Halpin from Nobber, who was the 2010 Queen.

Meath News & Sport

Saturday, May 19th, 2012 37

Huge crowds expected at sixth Nobber Fair Day on Sunday

Huge crowds are expected to flock to the sixth Nobber Fair Day which takes place on Sunday, May 20th and promises to be a fun-filled day for all the family. A big attraction is sure to be country singer Declan Nerney who will perform with his band on the main street in the village. Nobber Vintage Club members are busy preparing for this year's event and roads into the village will be closed from 9am till 7pm. For the second time, the Fair will include a vintage tractor and classic cars display which will be located in the field behind Nobber Primary School. The display is organised by the club and anyone wishing to book a place in it can ring club mem-

ber James Carolan on 087 2527086. All vintage cars and tractors must be on the display site, which will be located in the field behind Nobber Primary School, by 11.30am - entrance will be from the Kingscourt and the Navan Roads. The best turned out car and tractor on the day will be judged by Declan Nerney, who himself is a vintage tractor enthusiast. All animals and stalls must be booked prior to the event. Stalls for the Nobber Fair Day must be booked by ringing Club members - Dermot McCormack at 087 237 9158, Christopher Duffy at 087 686 2284, for vintage contact James on 087-2527086 and for animals call Gerry on 0872937553 or you can email nobbervintageclub@gmail.

Best wishes & every success to the Nobber Fair Day from

Luxury Executive Coach & Minibus Hire

Luxury Executive Coaches from 14 - 55 Seats NOBBER, CO. MEATH

046 - 9052336 087 - 2527086

com with any enquiries. Each year it’s an early start for the hard working Nobber Vintage Club committee members who organise pens and enclosures for the many different animals and various items that go on display throughout the village. Over the last number of years there have been many animals on display at the event, including the complete spectrum of farmyard animals and fowl with old fashioned breeds like bronze turkeys, geese, Rhode Island Red Hens, bantams, horses and foals, donkeys and foals, sheep, cattle attracting much attention. Once again, as with previous years there’ll be one enormous bull whose weight visitors will be

invited to guess! A prize will be given for the most accurate guess. All the displays and events will be highlighted on the day by Nobber Fair MC Dudley Farrell. This year, as in previous years there will be an extensive, colourful array of children’s amusements that will be kept busy all day long. Over the last four events there have been craft workers at the fair such as the Newgrange Willow weavers and a Spinning Wheel operator. Horse Shoeing will also be demonstrated. Eamonn

Meade, from Nobber, who is the Sheep Chairman of Meath IFA will demonstrate sheep shearing. People can participate in the sheep shearing throughout the day and Eamonn states that sheep will be on display showing the quality and the brreds of sheep that’s available around this ancient village. Wool spinning will also be demonstrated to show how it is used in making of garments. Attractions this year will include go kart racing, a ducking chair run by Meath Macra Na Feirme, a penalty

shoot out competition, skittles and many more to be confirmed. During the day, as with the previous Fairs, visitors can sample a delicious tasting of spit roasted pig cooked by Gavin Minifie from Nobber. ‘The Queen of the Fair’ competition will once again be held. Dudley Farrell, MC will interview the contestants and officiate when last year’s Queen, Lisa Clarke, passes on the tiara. A Dog Show/Trials will be held in the Nobber Primary School football pitch,

where Tom Shiels, Secretary of Castletown and Nobber Gun Club and Chairman of Meath Regional Game Council, will demonstrate the skills of working dogs, including labradors and springer spaniels. He will demonstrate dogs’ skills in obedience, steady to shot and retrieving. A Tug-O-War competition will be held in the football pitch of the Primary School. Archery will also be demonstrated. This promises to be a great day out for all the family.

38 Meath News & Sport

Saturday, May 19th, 2012

SHELBOURNE PARK GREYHOUND STADIUM Racing Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday night

This Saturday night, 19th May

Final Of The Larry Dunne Open 525 Winner €10,000

Swift Marath

Skywalker Pu

Droopys Cain

Flandys Ryan

uzz

Bling Bling B

Sparta Maest

MID-WEEK RESTAURANT from only €28.99pp PACKAGES

(Includes admission, racecard, 3 course dinner in Dobbins Grandstand Restaurant)

SIS TOP DOG DEAL

(Includes admission, racecard, hotdog & chips, pint of beer or glass of wine)

only €10.00pp

Variety of Summer Barbecue Packages available to suit all budgets Call 1890 269 969 or book online at www.igb.ie www.facebook.com/shelbourne-park

Meath News & Sport Sport

Saturday, May 19th, 2012 39

More acts announced for Slane festival IRISH TRAD legends Mick Maloney and Tommy Sands are the latest musicians to confirm their attendance at this month’s Johnstons Folk Music Festival in Slane.

The festival takes place over May 25, 26 and 27 and Mick and Tommy will join together on Saturday afternoon to host a festival workshop on Irish music. The afternoon events take place at the Slane Credit Union starting at 1pm and running until 4pm where Irish music, song and dance will be discussed. Mick and Tommy will talk on what has happened to Irish music in the 40 years since the Johnstons broke up. The discussion is expected to bring some pretty unique perspectives on the history of the last half century of Irish music from the point of view of performers rather than academics. They will also be accompanied by Tyrone man Declan Forde who is renowned for his monologues. After the talk Mick will play a few tunes on the tenor banjo joining in with local musicians who will also be playing on the festival afternoon. This is a free event and everyone is welcome to attend. The festival kicks off on Friday evening (May 25) in Boyles of Slane with acclaimed folk singer Niamh Parsons in concert. Following the Saturday afternoon events in the Village the festival moved to the Tommy Leddy Theatre in Drogheda on Saturday evening where the legendary Sands family from County Down take to the stage at 8pm. This will be the first concert of their upcoming Irish tour having just completed a 15 date sell out tour of Germany. The festival closes on Sunday, May 27 in the Festival Concert Hall in Slane at 8pm featuring Elizabeth, Rebecca and Sarah Jane Johnston and friends. Tickets for all events can be purchased at the Hub office, Slane. Telephone 041 982 4000.

The launch of the Maureen O’Hara weekend took place in Kells last week.

Rededication of Nobber Church

Denis Finegan

HUNDREDS OF people turned out at the weekend to St John the Baptist Church in Nobber to celebrate its rededication.

The ceremony was carried out by the Bishop of Meath Michael Smith and Fr Seamus Houlihan, Parish Priest, Nobber. Fr Paddy Smith and Fr Joe Gleeson assisted. Padraic Lewis, parishioner and Minister of the Eucharist, spoke at the beginning of the opening ceremony giving some background details on the work of the Nobber Parish Pastoral Council over the last two years including how they had consulted with the parishioners on development. “We admire Fr Seamus for his dedication to the work of restoration, with the worry of having the church ready in time for confirmation, and with the added care of looking after another parish as well. “From the start there was nothing but wholehearted co-operation from the entire parish as shown by the excellent responses to the recent fun hunt and scrap metal collections.” Commenting on the community spirit in Nobber, Bishop Michael Smith thanked the parish “for the support you have given Fr Seamus and the work that has certainly enhanced this church greatly.” He welcomed Father Joe Gleeson, nephew of Father William Gleeson, who was Parish Priest in Nobber at the time of his death in 1975. Ian Primrose, Chairman of the Nobber Parish Pastoral Council gave a word of thanks at the conclusion

Bridget Gillick celebrated her 97th Birthday on Sunday when she attended the ceremony iin Nobber. She is pictured with John Ryan and Fr Seamus Houlihan.

Meath gears up for Volunteering Week Two clean-up operations will be hosted in Meath as part of National Volunteering Week which runs from May 14 to 20.

Fr Joe Gleeson, Bishop Michael Smith and Fr Seamus Houlihan, PP Nobber at Sunday’s ceremony at the St John the Baptist Church.

Following five successful National Day of Volunteering campaigns, this year the campaign is being expanded to seven days, making it easier for volunteers, organisations and companies to get involved. The flagship national project for the event is a National Inland Waterways Clean up, with local events organised in each area.

Locally, there will be river clean-ups in Trim on Tuesday, May 15 at 1.30pm with everyone meeting at the local Garda Station. Later that evening another session will take part in conjunction with Trim Tidy Towns from 7pm. In Navan, Meath River Rescue, assisted by Meath Youth Federation) will lead a clean up at Navan Ramparts from 1.30pm on Wednesday, May 18 after meeting at public car park at Spicers at 1.30pm. All Volunteers are welcome to these and other projects advertised on www.volunteer.ie

Manager of the Meath Volunteer Centre, Stephen Cousins said that a recent survey showed a growing particpiation in volunteering in Ireland. He encouraged as many people as possible get involved in National Volunteering Week: “If it’s only for a minute, an hour, or a day – volunteering is a wonderful way to connect with your community, meet new people and make a real difference. For further information, contact Stephen Cousins, Meath Volunteer Centre on 046-928 0790.

Saturday, 40 Meath 40 MayMay 19th,19th, 20122012 Meath News News & & Sport Sport, Saturday,

NOBBER

denisfinegan@hotmail.com NOTES

TWIN PEAKS CHALLENGE

NOBBER GFC is holding a Twin Peaks Challenge on Saturday, May 19 at the Lough an Leagh near Kingscourt and at Loughcrew in Oldcastle. There are three cycles being held. The first is a 100km cycle that starts at 11.30am and will test the cyclists’ strength on the hills of Lough on Leigh in Cavan and Loughcrew in Oldcastle. The second route is a 50km cycle beginning at 12pm at the Lough an Leaghs. The third cycle is a 10km Family Cycle starting at 12.30pm, for parents and their families. Entry fee is €20 and registration is at Nobber Community Hall on Saturday morning, May 19.

NOBBER FAIR

NOBBER VINTAGE Club is busy preparing for the 6th annual Nobber Fair on Sunday 20th May. For the second year in a row, the Fair will include a performance from Country singer Declan Nerney and his band. He and his band will perform from 3pm on the main street in the village. Other music in Nobber on the day of the Fair includes the band Simply Acoustic, who will play in Keogans from 5pm. The band Fader will play in Dee Local later on. The Fair starts at 12pm and runs till 7pm and roads into the village will be closed from 9am till 7pm. For the third time, the Fair will include a Vintage Tractor and Classic Cars Display which will be located in the field behind Nobber Primary School. The display is organised by the Club and anyone wishing to book a place in it can ring Club member James Carolan on 087 2527086. All vintage cars and tractors must be on the display site, by 11.30am. Entrance will be from the Kingscourt and the Navan Roads. At last year's event the best turned-out car and tractor on the day was judged by Declan Nerney, who himself is a vintage tractor enthusiast. All animals and stalls must be booked prior to the event. Stalls for the day must be booked by ringing Club members Chairman Dermot McCormack 087 237 9158, or Vice Chairman Christopher Duffy on 087 686 2284. Places for animals must be booked by ringing Club member Gerry McCormack on 087 293 7553. Stalls must be erected along the main street by 10.30am. As in previous years Nobber Vintage Club will donate money, proceeds from the Fair, to charities and local organisations. The Club formed in 2006 and it includes current officers - Chairman, Dermot McCormack; Vice Chairman, Christopher Duffy; Secretary, Darren Kellett; assistant secretary, John Paul Cassidy; treasurer, Jo-Ann Duffy; assistant treasurer, John Joe Calnan; safety officer, Tony Cassidy; PRO, Shane Cranny.

HEAD SHAVE

A total of 3,500 has been raised by students and teachers in O’Carolan College, Nobber through a Head Shave and Dye event in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. It was recently held as part of the Today FM Shave or Dye 2012 initiative which benefits the Irish Cancer Society and its projects including Action Breast Cancer, Action Prostate Cancer and Cancer Research Ireland. Teacher Ms Caroline Canny and 5th year students Tomás Hanratty from Carrickleck, Emma Kelly from Kilmainhamwood, Michael Curran from Gibbstown and Edel Byrne from Navan were the organisers of the event. A total of 30 students from 5th year as well as Transition year pupils participated in the event which was held in the school gym.

Students from O’Carolan College who recently took part in the Shave or Dye event in the school included - Dean Moran, Michael Curran, Adam Sheppard, Robert O'Reilly, Stephen Shields, Dylan McGivern, Gary Dolan, Stephen Crosby, Shauna Maguire, Ian Malone, Brugach O’Finnegan, Ross Blaney, Jamie Reilly, Daniel Murphy, Daniel Glynn, Lee Connelly, James Murtagh, John O’Brien, Liam Callan, Daire Boland, Aaron Luais, Sean Gargan, Thomas O’Sullivan, Shane McFadden, Katie Bennett and Maria Bennett One of the teachers, Annicke O'Gadhra - a French teacher in the school had her head shaved. Teachers that helped out include Ms Caroline Canny, Mr Brian Goggins Principal and Ms Kay Coghlan, who recently retired as vice principal. The total amount raised is €3,500 and the school thanks everyone who took part and helped out in raising the money.

REFERENDUM MEETING

BARRY FINNEGAN, from Kingscourt who was involved in the Campaign against the EU Constitution, which called for a No vote throughout both Lisbon Treaty referendums in 2008 and 2009 and was also involved in the campaign opposing a yes vote in the 2001 and 2002 Nice Treaty referendums, is calling for a No Vote in the EU Treaty referendum on 31st May. Barry Finnegan from Kingscourt, is lecturer in Journalism and Communications at Griffith College Dublin, spoke at a meeting in Kells Resource Centre last Wednesday, May 9 organised by The Workers Party which called for a No vote, alongside Michael Donnelly lecturer in Politics at NUI Galway and Sean Garland, who lives in Kentstown and is National Treasurer of the Workers Party. Mr Finnegan said: “We don’t have an economic crisis, we have a banking crisis. This treaty is designed to make it illegal for governments to borrow money; there is no intention of this treaty solving the banking crisis, or illegalising their reckless gambling practices.” He explained that Irish government debt is mostly made up of the private debts of the private banks and that this is the root of the crisis: “Back in September 2008 when Fianna Fáil took it upon themselves to claim that the Irish people and our children and grandchildren would pay all the debts of these banks, not only were they compromised by being personal friends of the leaders of the banks, but the banks lied about the state of their books.” “Additionally, people voted for Fine Gael and Labour because before the last election they promised they would not continue the immoral practice of paying off the banks’ debts. On all these grounds therefore, the majority of Irish government debt is immoral and illegitimate. Even if we had a booming economy for 20 years we would still never be able to pay off these gambling debts.”

Anne McMahon, Leanne Geraghty and Sharron McMahon pictured at the opening day of Trim Bulldogs American football season.

athboynotes@gmail.com

ATHBOY

NOTES CLANN na NGAEL MINI-TRIATHLON

The CnaG mini-triathlon takes place on Sunday, May 27 consisting of a 750m swim, 15km cycle and 5km run (or form a team and do a leg each. For more information e-mail clannnangaelladies@gmail.com or contact Fiona on 0879453758. The entry fee is €20 pp, €40 per team.

ATHBOY STABLES FARMERS MARKET

THE ATHBOY Stables Farmers Market is changing to the first Sunday of each month with music, childrens activities and other events running from 11 am to 5pm. The organisers would like to thank everyone for their custom. For fundraising bookings, please contact Padraic Staunton or John Smith.

BAPTISMAL MEETING

THE NEXT baptismal meeting for parents who wish to have their babies baptised takes place on Wednesday, June 6 in the Old Darnley Lodge Hotel at 8pm. Bookings for baptisms will be taken at this meeting.

ST VINCENT de PAUL

THE VDeP helpline phone number is 0876941776. All calls to this number will be treated

with confidence.

the

strictest

ATHBOY MACRA

LOOKING FOR a resolution that's easy to keep? Aged between 17 and 35? Athboy Macra offers a range of activities from debating to light entertainment, community involvement to drama. Call on 086-4093422 or visit facebook.com/AthboyMacra for information and the latest news.

PARISH NOTES

CEMETERY SUNDAYS will take place in Rathmore on June 17 at 3pm, in Athboy on June 24 at Hill of Ward on Friday, June 22 at 7.30pm and at Abbey Cemetery on Friday, August 10 at 7.30pm.

SUBMITTING NOTES

ANYONE INTERESTED in submitting notes, articles or photos for inclusion in the News and Sport Athboy Notes section are asked to e-mail details to athboynotes@gmail.com or text/call 086-3809287. The weekly deadline for the following weeks issue is Wednesday evenings. These can take the form of reports, reviews, notices, greetings or anything you think would be of local interest.

SYMPATHY EXTENDED

MICHAEL SMYTH from Nobber, who is former Chairman of Nobber Fianna Fail Cumann and Nobber Comhairle Ceantair, would like to extend sympathy to the family and friends of Chris Cassidy, Kilmahamwood, who passed away recently after a short illness. Michael says that Chris was a big loss to Fianna Fail and the local organisation and states that it was a pleasure to serve with Chris in the local Fianna Fail organisation. He will be sadly missed, added Michael. Chris was a member of Fianna Fail in North Meath and at the time of his passing was the Chairman of the North East Meath Comhairle Ceantair and Meath Comhairle Dail Ceantair.

Anthony Reilly and Rose McDonnell pictured at George O’Driscoll’s 60th birthday and retirement party from ESB in Copper and Spices, Navan.

Saturday,May May19th, 19th,2012 2012 41 Meath NewsNews & Sport 41 Meath & Sport, Saturday,

DUNBOYNE NOTES COMMUNION

CONGRATULATIONS TO the students of Gaelscoil Thulach na nOg who made their First Holy Communion last weekend. Best of luck to the students of KIlbride and Dunboyne national schools who will make their First Holy Communion on May 19 and 26.

DARA NEWS

THE DUNBOYNE Active Retirement Association are preparing for the Summerhill tea dance today, Tuesday, May 15. Other events on their diary include an Active Retirement National Activities Day at Navan Racecourse on Wednesday, May 23. Anyone wishing to go to the Navan races can contact Maura on 086-3057528. The day will cost €25 which includes transport, lunch etc.

BEREAVED

SINCERE SYMPATHY is extended to the family of John Curran, Beechdale and to Philip Gargan, Clonee Village on the death of his mother Brigid Gargan, Moynalty.

CHARITY SHOP

VINCENT'S CHARITY Shop is open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thurs- day, Friday & Saturday at 10 am. To contact St. Vincent de Paul, Ph: 0860246170.

BAPTISMS

CONGRATULATIONS TO the parents and families of the following children who were baptised recently: Cian Brady, Avondale Square; Senan Campion, Millfarm; Hannah O’Beirne, Lutterell Hall; Max O’Reilly, Dunboyne Castle; Roisín Little, Beechdale; Dylan Corrigan, Summerseat Court; Kyal Larkin, St. Patrick’s Park; Liam McElroy, Summerseat Court; Caleb Montgomery, Beechdale; Tyler

Connolly, Kilbreena; Milana McDonnell, Ard Cluain; Mylo Kearns, Dunboyne Castle; Jack Power, Beechdale; Hazel Corr, Priestown; Amy Tiernan, Millfarm.

DEVOTIONS

CEMETERY SUNDAY is on Sunday, 1st July in Rooske Cemetery at 7 pm, Blessing of the graves in Loughsallagh at 5 pm, and in Old St. Peter’s at 6 pm. Kilbride Cemetery Sunday is also on 1st July. Mass at 10 am in the Church, followed by Devotions in Cemetery. COMMUNITY GAMES WELL DONE to the swimmers who represented Dunboyne in Meath swimming finals recently, including medal winners Abbie Thoma, Cliona Colvin and Alison Walsh. Congratulations also to the U10 Gaelic team who won silver medals at County Blitz.

BRANCH OUT

THE DUNBOYNE Flower & Garden Club holds its monthly meetings in the Dunboyne Community Centre. New members are always welcome. The yearly subscription is €30. Alternatively the meetings are open to non-members who pay a visitor's charge of €5 on the night. If you live in the area and have an interest in flowers whether in the house or the garden please join us for an enjoyable evening.

TRAINING

AGEING WITH Confidence Training - a self-development programme for people over 55 will start in Dunshaughlin Community Centre today, Tuesday, May 15 from 10am to 12.30pm. The free eight week session will help to explore how to age in a positive way and maintain good health and well-being. For info contact Sarah from Meath Partnership on 046 9280

790.

NEW MEMBERS

THE DUNBOYNE Badminton Club meets each Tuesday and Thursday in the community centre from 8-11pm New members are more than welcome to come along.

CHARITY SHOW

CHILDREN FROM the Norma Breen Theatre School along with celebrity guests will perform in the Draiocht Theatre, Blanchardstown on Sunday, May 27 in aid of the Laura Lynn Foundation (children's hospice). If anyone would like to make a donation, please contact Norma; 0857712095 or Michelle McDaid; 0879973150

RACE

KILBRIDE GFC will hold its annual road race this year on Tuesday, June 12 so all are urged to start training.

BARBECUE

THERE WILL be a barbecue at Rathcore golf club on Friday, June 17.

RAFFLE

KILBRIDE G.F.C. are holding a Monster Draw for a nine day trip to the Euro Championships in Poland. Tickets at €50each, limited to 200, are on sale now, from any committee member or www.kilbridgfc.com.

RECTORY

THERE WILL be a teenage service at the Church of Ireland Rectory, Dunboyne on Thursday, June 23 at 7.30pm

SPIRITED

DUNBOYNE MOTOR Club have announced that this year's Spirit of Dunboyne festival will take place over the weekend of September 22 and 23.

END OF TERM

ST PETER'S Church of Ireland end of term services will take place on Tuesday, June 28 at 10.30 and

Keith Horan with son Logan Horan Forde at the opening day of Trim Bulldogs American football season. 11.15am.

COUNTRY NIGHTS

THE POPULAR Country and Western nights continue in Dunboyne Castle this Friday, May 18 with Brendan Shine. The night starts with a DJ from 9pm with the main act on stage by 11pm.

PILGRIMAGE

THE MEATH Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place this year from 12-17 September, led by Bishop Michael Smith. Fare €699 inclusive of 5 nights full board, taxes and travel insurance. Book with: Pilgrimage Abroad, 69 Upper O’Connell St, Dublin 1. Ph: 6359300.

more details.

DUBLIN SUMMER LEAGUE

BEST OF luck to the male members of the Dunboyne Tennis Club who are currently taking part in the Dublin Summer League. Over the next month, they will play teams from Skerries, Clontarf, Castleknock, Sutton, Ratoath and Stackallen.

QUIZ NIGHT

DUNBOYNE LADIES GAA team will hold a quiz night this Friday, May 18th in St Peter's GAA Club on the Rooske Road from 9pm. Teams of four are €40 and all are welcome.

CYCLE4LIFE

Anne O’Connor and Marion Hurley pictured at George O’Driscoll’s 60th birthday party in Copper & Spices Navan.

DUNBYNE CYCLING Club with the support of DID Electrical plan to host the Cycle4Life tour on May 19th 2012. Through their combined efforts we plan to purchase vital equipment for Temple Street ICU. The day will also feature a French market, DJ and live music as well as a kids skills programme and a superb carnival atmosphere. There will be three cycles on the day to cover kids and families, an intermediate distance of 65km and the more experienced cyclists will complete a 143km route. Find Cycle4Life.ie on facebook for

Ned Lynch pictured at a Scurlogstown fundraiser in aid of Trim’s new folk park.

Saturday,May May19th, 19th,2012 2012 43 Meath NewsNews & Sport 43 Meath & Sport, Saturday,

A trip to Wales is just what the Doctor ordered

MY FRIEND and I are taking a trip to Cardiff next month and it is our first visit to Wales. We’re interested in sampling the nightlife and seeing as much as we can while we are there. Can you recommend some of the must-see sites for first-time visitors and where would be a good central place to stay? Cardiff is a wonderful choice of city for a first visit to Wales. There is plenty to see and do and it offers a perfect balance between all things traditional and contemporary. The city has undergone a fascinating journey and has progressed from a small settlement to the world's busiest port and then to the modern city it is today. Now regarded as one of the liveliest and most cosmopolitan destinations in Wales, you won’t be disappointed with what it has to offer. Within the city centre you’ll find a wealth of popular attractions, culture and entertainment. Whatever your taste, you’ll find everything from abseiling to whiskey tasting, historic castles to water sports, all waiting to be experienced and

explored. As this is your first visit to Cardiff, why not let someone else take the lead? Taking a guided tour can reduce the leg-work needed for your sightseeing experience and having a guide who knows their subject can really make a difference, giving you an insight to local history, culture, language and legends. Tours can be specific to Cardiff city or you can go further afield to focus on wildlife, ghostly goings-on or Welsh culture. Cardiff Bay is home to the new BBC Wales studios and is the filming location for Doctor Who and Casualty. The Doctor Who Experience opens this summer and is a mustsee for any fan. It offers a multi-sensory experience packed with amazing spe-

cial effects and exclusive filming with Matt Smith. You'll also be able to join the Doctor on an interactive journey that takes you on a spectacular adventure through time and space. Cardiff is a capital for shopping and was recently named the sixth best shopping destination in the UK. With a combination of designer brands, high street names as well as more individual and independent shops, there's something for everyone. When you’ve had your fill of retail therapy, there are plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars to stop and relax in. With a growing reputation for fine dining, visitors will be spoilt for choice from local Welsh to

international flavours. You'll find a lively entertainment scene in and around Cardiff, featuring opera, ballet, musicals, and live music from world-class acts. Across the city, there are a range of theatres, galleries, museums and live music venues. From the traditional to modern, from seating thousands to cosy intimate spaces, Cardiff will satisfy every taste. Going out in Cardiff has never been better, with a huge choice of pubs and bars, from traditional pubs, funky bars and great nightclubs which all give Cardiff a social scene that is world renowned. You can hang out by the waterside in Cardiff Bar or sip a

cocktail and partake in a little people watching on Mill Lane. Where to Stay: The St David's Hotel & Spa (*****) Prices start from 109 per room per night on Hotels.com *Prices are subject to availability at the time of booking This stunning five-star hotel is overlooking Cardiff Bay and just a short distance from Techniquest, Wales Millennium Centre and The Doctor Who Exhibition. Relax and unwind in the hotel health club which includes a spa, indoor pool and sauna. Temptus, the hotel restaurant has a menu suitable

Cardiff Castle

Life-changing movies Review of The Forced Redundancy Film Club by Brian Finnegan

Anne Gildea

CONTEMPORARY DUBLIN, five characters: Katherine, the sleek, groomed, high-flying career girl, in control of all she surveys, or is she?

Lisa, the frazzled mother-of-three whose troubles with her unruly eldest and always away husband seem insurmountable, or are they? Jamie, the sexy hunk who’s proclivity to stray, rather than face deep issues within his long term same-sex relationship, look set to doom him, but will it? Martin, the easy going, booze-hound, who has his father’s business as a fall back, but will he follow in his father’s dysfunctional footsteps? And Alice, shy, nerdy, socially inept, she hopes to

unlock the secret of her past, but will it free her into a brighter future? They worked together, shock redundancy would have split them apart but for a light-hearted, spur of the moment pact: To meet once a month to share favourite films. Whatever the harshening realities of their respective lives, they keep their date with classics such as When Harry met Sally, The Wizard of Oz, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Casablanca – their cross-interpretations reflecting issues in their own lives, the conversational flux familiar to anyone who has done similar with a book club. First-time novelist Brian Finnegan performs an impressive feat, weaving five detailed narratives together into a seamless, pageturning whole. There were so many cliff-hanging moments that I had to fight naughty-reader urges to flip on to find out if my various ‘oh no, don’t do that’, ‘don’t let that happen’ pleas would be answered. Hats off to the writing though, I didn’t. The prose is snap-along, the touch light even as heavy issues are broached, most evocatively for this reader in the descriptions of Lisa’s

distress in dealing with her troubled young son. The proof of the pudding for me is that days after finishing the book, I find myself mulling over the characters. And wondering are there any real-life Martins out there… Ostensibly having little in common, the fabulous five learn from and lean on each other, interconnecting in ways they couldn’t have expected. The message one might say is that in straitened times we need each other. ‘Remember no man is a failure who has friends,’ reads the opening quote from ‘It’s a wonderful life.’ Ultimately it’s about the redemptive power of love. And it’s not giving too much away to say that yes, there are happy endings. A wonderful, big-hearted, highly-recommended delight of a book, now all I want is the film of The Forced Redundancy Film Club. For lots more book reviews and to keep up-to-date with the latest literary news, become a member of the Bord Gáis Energy online book club bordgaisenergybookclub.ie where you’ll find great recommendations for hours of entertainment in a good book!

for every taste and offers guests the option to dine on the terrace. Hilton Cardiff (****) Prices start from 84 per room per night on Hotels.com * Prices are subject to availability at the time of booking The four-star Hilton Cardiff is in the centre of Cardiff city and is renowned for its conservatory style Razzi Restaurant which showcases the best of Welsh cuisine. The hotel’s Livingwell Health Club features a heated indoor pool, gym, spa, steam room and sauna. For an evening of cocktails, beer or wine a visit to the Steam Bar is a must and

By Kate Hopcraft the perfect way to relax after a day of sightseeing. Park Plaza Cardiff (****) Prices start from 96 per room per night on Hotels.com * Prices are subject to availability at the time of booking The Park Plaza is within walking distance of Cardiff Castle, the Millennium Stadium and the National Museum of Wales. Guests can enjoy a meal in the award-winning Laguna Kitchen Restaurant and Bar. The hotel spa provides a massage services as well as facials, manicures, pedicures and a wide assortment of beauty treatments. Relax and unwind after a day of exploring in the hotel indoor pool, spa and steam room. For more information and travel tips on planning your holiday visit www.hotels.com or call 1800 55 3338 to wake up happy on your holiday!

44 Meath News & Sport

Saturday, May 19th, 2012

Driven kids ‘don’t know neighbourhoods Revisions to BMW X1 BMW has revised its X1 entry size crossover, with new style detailing inside and out and a range of even more frugal engines, writes Brian Byrne. External changes include new headlights, less plastic on the side borders, and changes to paintwork that Crash Repairs • 24 Hour Recovery • Servicing

are designed to enhance the overall look. Inside there are small changes to the trim and styling, with higher quality materials. All rear-drive X1s now have sub-130g/km emissiions, with the 2.0d Efficient Dynamics now down to 119g/km.

Power outputs range from 143-218hp and all but one variant offer acceleration to 100km/h in less than 10 seconds. RHD versions are due to go on sale in mid-summer. The car was originally launched 30 months ago.

FINNEGAN MOTORS

Contact: John Finnegan 24 Hr. Recovery incl. Cars, Vans, Tractors, Forklifts & Machinery.

INA JAM

Ardbraccan, Navan, Co. Meath.

Ireland Assist

Tel: 046 - 9022317 Mob: 087 - 2532574

Mondial

Children who are regularly or mostly driven to school don't have the same relationship with their neighborhoods as those who walk or cycle, writes Brian Byrne. This is one conclusion from a study in the US which also found that children in neighbourhoods with heavy traffic have a much more negative attitude to the area where they live than do those in areas with light traffic exposure. Researcher Bruce Appleyard asked 9/10 yearolds to draw maps of their neighborhoods in the different suburban areas. He found that those with what he calls 'a windshield perspective' couldn't accurately draw how streets in their community connected, while the walking or cycling youngsters produced

very accurate drawings. Those in the heavy traffic areas also produced much more 'negative' drawings, highlighted by 'danger' col-

ours and details, whereas the kids who knew their locality showed elements like trees and parks. Other research includes

a poll that showed only 18 percent of US children walk or cycle to school now, compared to 71 percent of their parents.

There’s an app for... checking your driving? A ‘rate my driving’ app is under development by a US telephone company which could help parents keep an eye on their teenagers’ driving habits, writes Brian Byrne.

The system could also be used to check if a particular driving incident was related to phone use or other distraction. The actual work on what could become a smart-

phone app is being done by researchers in Israel on behalf of telcomms giant AT&T. The system analyses data both from the phone’s GPS and the various computerised sen-

sors built into the car. It is suggested that it could also be used over time to check if elderly drivers’ motoring safety is deteriorating.

To advertise here Please call:

046-9072240 or Email: advertising@newsandsport.ie

Meath News & Sport

Jaguar XF 2.2 is refined and frugal

Brian Byrne. "Why do they do that?" my first time in the Jaguar XF passenger wondered when I switched on the ignition and the airvents opened with an electric swish. I had to confess that I didn't know. But like the circular autobox selector that rises out of the centre console at the same time, both are different to anything else in the competitive world of prestige motoring. In fairness, Jaguar's engineers rarely do anything simply to provide visual eccentricity. So there's probably a good technical reason. If I find out, I'll let you know. Meantime, a longish time with this latest XF, powered by a 2.2 diesel instead of the 3.0 and 5.0 motors with which the model was first launched, led me very quickly to a conclusion that this could well be a much more desirable car than the Merc E-Class and BMW 5-Series against which it is pitched. Right, I don't think either of those brands are unduly worried about Jaguar. Where they are essentially massmarket prestige carmakers, Jaguar remains a relatively small numbers manufacturer, and uses a luxury sporting heritage as its main selling point. This is a stylistically revised version of the car that was first launched in 2008 and very quickly achieved positive reviews (and sales) despite the limitations of only having larger engines. New visual details include sleeker headlights, slightly more sophisticated front looks, a larger 'leaper' on the boot lid, and some more minor bits and bobs.

If they have made any significant changes to the interior, they are subtle enough for me not to have noticed them. Fact is, the inside of the XF was top-drawer right from the beginning, and the don't fix it if it ain't broke rule applies. Arguably more than any other prestige brand, Jaguar has always offered true luxury along with its sporting ethos. And with the XF this is absolutely the case. The beige leather in the review car provided a bright ambience, the alumimium elements in the dash looked class instead of brash. The wood details were nicely subdued, while the centre-dash multipurpose panel was elegant as well as comprehensive, and didn’t take much learning. That it is a touch-panel added to the attraction for me, much less distracting than manipulating knobs and buttons on the centre console. If I were to list all the goodies, we’d run out of space here pretty quickly. Just to say that there are enough. I’ll mention the reversing camera because they are becoming very common now, and I find them very reassuring in a backup. Not that one should rely on them, but they are among the more practical of the electronic safety devices now appearing in many cars. One reason for taking out the revised XF was the 2.2 diesel engine introduced late last year and which I was very impressed with at the international introduction. A version of the same capacity engine that has been doing so well for the Land Rover Freelander, it is in this application a most refined motor indeed. Matched to the 8-speed

automatic, it is also seriously frugal, and this big car had no trouble returning 6L/100km over my time with it. For tax purposes it is in Band C. As for performance, well it’s good enough. This is not a power version of the car, and in truth there’s very little need or opportunity these days for high power. A good test of a car is if you have to struggle a little bit to get a really good driving position. In the matter of the XF, there’s no difficulty at all, everything seems to just fall to hand. Designers sometimes can have a keen ergonomics sense, it seems. And the overall accommodation is good too. Something about the shape makes the XF seem smaller than it actually is. You only realise just how big it is when you park it in a typical underground space and see how much the tail sticks out. A pair of rear pasengers have ample space and comfort, and three won’t feel squeezed. That length means a good long boot too, though the opening is rather small—I wasn’t able to fit an old Phillips 20” TV in for transit to recycling. Golf clubs will be no problem. Overall, the XF has that subtle sense of Jaguar, where an owner gets to feel quite smugly satisfied being in something a bit apart from the premium herd. Not for everybody, but there are numbers out there who want that difference. Prices start at €45,735, rolling up to €63,530 for the top-end 2.2, and to €116,390 for the thundering all-out XFR version.

Saturday, May 19th, 2012 45

46 Meath News & Sport

Saturday, May 19th, 2012

Meath News & Sport

Saturday, May 19th, 2012 47

GATES

Gates, Railings, Sheds

Made to order. Contact Sean Cassidy, Kilbeg, Kells also at Newgrange, Drogheda.

Tel: 087-4148304

spanish holiday

apartment

sewing

repairs

2 Bedroom Apartment to rent in La Zenia Costa Blanca. Convenient to Beaches, Shops, Bars and Restaurants. Closest airports: Murcia and Alicante. 1 Week â&#x201A;Ź260 2 Weeks â&#x201A;Ź460 Contact: 086-3773700

carpentry Maintenance Service 30 Years Experience

Special on Built in Wardrobes Kitchen, Floors & Doors All Carpentry Work

Free Quotations Phone Noel Callery on 087-2571606 or 086-1500189

BE SEEN... ...Everyone reads the

48 Meath News & Sport

Saturday, May 19th, 2012

HAIRDRESSERS

CRECHES

Find Us On Facebook

RUGRATS’

ACADEMY PRESCHOOL MONTESSORI & AFTER SCHOOL • Preschool • Montessori • (ECCE) Free Child Places Available • Children 2- 5years • Breakfast Club Est. 2004 • After School • Summer Camps

La Biosthertique Hair Proucts Van-T Organic Tan & Tanning Products He-Shi Tanning Retail Products

• Highly Qualified Staff • Purpose Built Facilities • Secure Outdoor Play Area • Open Monday - Friday SWAN LANE, DUBLIN ROAD, NAVAN, CO. MEATH

T: 046 - 9028593 M: 086 - 3825090 E: barbaramacken@hotmail.com

BLINDS

LANDSCAPING PRODUCTS

DENTISTS

• Free Quotation • Free Measuring • Free Fitting

Dr. David Murnaghan B.D.S., M.J.D.F., R.C.S. Eng.

Transform your garden with our large range of Decorative Pebbles, Paving, Screened Topsoil & Bark Mulch T: 046 - 9022976 M: 086 - 8650887 • 086 - 8538242

Call Dominic Ringlestown, Kilmessan, Co. Meath

Roller, Vertical Venetian & Velux Blinds

Evenings & Saturdays by Appointment

Mob: 086 - 8094271 Tel/Fax: 046 - 9025011

AGENTS FOR Velux, Fakro, Roto & Keylite Roof Blinds

1st Floor, Boyne House, Church Hill, Navan, Co. Meath

Phone: 046 - 9028683

COMMONS RD., NAVAN, CO. MEATH

Email: alan@landscapingsupplies.ie

www.landscapingsupplies.ie

E: boynedental@gmail.com

E: dominic.ringparkblinds@gmail.com

BOUNCING CASTLES

Bouncing Castles • Combi Castles & Super Slides. Ideal for Parties, Communions, Confirmations & any other Special Occasion Face Painting & Childrens Entertainment FULLY INSURED Special Midweek Offers Available

086 - 8934535 or 085 - 7159014 E: royalcountycastles@hotmail.com

BUILDING SUPPLIES

FLORISTS

LOCKSMITHS Old Navan Road Dunboyne, Co. Meath

T: 01 - 8255966 M: 087 - 6620622

Delivery Service Available

• Domestic Locksmith Specialists • Locks Fitted & Repaired AUTO LOCKSMITH • Emergency Lock Opening SPECIALISTS • Keys Made & Programmed On-Site • Specialists in Japanese Import Cars (24Hr. Service) • Damage Free Car Opining • High Security Keys Cut & Programmed • Fully Mobile Units in all Areas

20 LUDLOW STREET NAVAN, CO. MEATH

T: 046 - 9021026

E: dunboynelocksmith@gmail.com W: www.autolockandhouse.com

GARAGES

SATELLITE DISHES Call Now For

LTD

BUILDING SUPPLIES

• Timber • Cement • Plaster • Insulation • Sand & Gravel • Slates • PVC Fascia & Soffit • Plumbing • Drainage • Silicone’s • Screws & Fixings • Tiling Accessories • Decorating Accessories DERRY RD.,SLANE CO. MEATH • Full fitting service available on all products

• Quotations available on request • Delivery service available

(Beside Filling Station)

Tel/Fax: 041 - 9820022

E: info@slanehardware.com W: www.slanehardware.com

CRECHES

Sales Installation & Repair

Sales • Service • Parts

• All Routine & Maintenance Repairs on all makes of Cars & Commercials • DOE Preparation • Recovery Service

CARRIAGE RD NAVAN CO. MEATH

Tel: 046 - 9023033 Mob: 087 - 1324601 / 1324598 E: carriageroadcommercials@eircom.net

Academy Square, Navan, Co. Meath. Linda Russell

Tel: 046 - 9075722 Mob: 086 - 1730654 E m a i l : i n f o @ k i d d y a c a d e m y. i e We b : w w w. k i d d y a c a d e m y. i e

• Glass & Glazing • Double Glazing • Laminated Safety Glazing • Toughened Glass • Fire Rated Glass • Sandblasted Design • Stained Glass • Mirrors Designed & Bevelled • Leaded Lights • Glass Table Tops • Restoration & Storm Glazing • Shelves • Brilliant Cut Design • Glass Splash Backs

24/7 Emergency Call Out - Board Up Service

086 - 6060555 E: info@crystalglazing.ie W: www.crystalglazing.ie

All work insured & carried out to the highest industry standards

M: 085 - 8254001 T: 046 - 9034752

E: ronanmryan@hotmail.com

STOVES

GLASS & GLAZING HOTELS SCHOOLS HOSPITALS FACTORIES

No More Bills - Free to Air - Box, Dish & Installation Over 100 Channels inc. BBC’s • UTV • Channel 4 • Film 4 • Sky News • Kids • Music etc. Get prepared for KILTALE, DUNSANY, CO. MEATH Digital Switchover with SAORVIEW ie: RTE1 • NET2 • TV3 • TG4 etc.

ALL AREAS COVERED

• Stoves • Tiles & Blinds • Wooden Floors • Radiator Covers • Sliding Mirror Wardrobes MARKET STREET, TRIM

T: 046 - 9436702 M: 086 - 8034790 E: ecohomesolutions.ie FULL FITTING SERVICE ON ALL OF THE ABOVE

Meath News & Sport

Saturday, May 19th, 2012 49

50 Meath News & Sport

Saturday, May 19th, 2012

bar

open 7 days a week food served every day premier sport venue with 18 ft large screen

for more information go to www.welovedandelion.com follow us on facebook and twitter

Dandelion sports bar ad.indd 1

23/06/2011 18:09:47

Meath News & Sport

Dublin Roses in Navan

TAG YOUR PHOTOS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

The Dublin Rose of Tralee contestants who were in the Solar supporting Casey and Kayleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dream Appeal picture with Ryan Thomas form Corrie.

Arlene Wright from Kells pictured with Ryan Thomas.

Ryan Thomas and Tracey Fitzgerald.

Saturday, May 19th, 2012 51

May17:30 19th,Page 2012 52 News & 262x330_Layout Sport Saturday, 07351 Meath - DS Dual Race Advert 1 11/05/2012 1

DUAL HORSE & GRE YHOUND MEETING

- Friday 18th May Next Meeting:

THURSDAY 12TH JULY Featuring

Boylesports.com Dual Race Day & Marshes Shopping Centre Best Dressed Lady €5,000 voucher for Best Dressed Lady To register for ‘Best Dressed’ visit: www.dundalkstadium.com Greyhound racing takes place on Friday and Saturday every week from 8pm For reservations or information please contact us atDundalk Stadium, Racecourse Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Telephone: +353 (0) 42 9334438 email: bookings@dundalkstadium.com n website: www.dundalkstadium.com