Irish Made Suites Made to order pre-Christmas delivery!
Louis Phillipe Bedroom Range Available In White/Cherry/ Black
Rhianna Dining Chairs
â‚Ź75 each
Ebony, Cream, Brown, Black
Inspirations Irish Made Bedroom Furniture
Diego Flip-Top Dining Set Table & 4 Chairs
€685
Strathmoe Extension Dining Table & 4 Chairs
€550
York Solid Oak Extension Dining Set Table & 6 Chairs
€1299
Available in 2 sizes
Dinings Sets from €399
Dinings Chairs from €65
Rustic Oak 4ft Extending Dining Set
€865
Nov. 2012 Christmas Parties pages 16 - 18, Winter Motoring pages 23 - 25
It’s healthy to live in Meath By Louise Walsh
MEATH IS one of the healthiest counties to live in the country, according to the latest figures on the nations wellbeing. A total of 90.6pc of residents reported having very good/good health in the 2011 census - meaning Meath is joint winners of health alongside Dun-Laoghaire. The data compiled by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) also shows that Meath has the lowest rate of people with bad health in Ireland, at just 1.1pc. The Royal County has the second lowest rate of disability nationally with 10.7pc of its population coping with a disability. Four of Meath’s towns score in the top ten of the lowest rates of disability. 7.2pc of Ratoath’s population has a disability while that figure is 8pc in Ashbourne,
8.1pc in Enfield and 8.4pc in Dunboyne. Of a population of 184,135, a total of 19,669 reported having a disability. A total of 52,586 have an impairment including vision, hearing or physical limitations. That number is up by 62.9pc on the 7,593 who had a disability in the 2006 census. Very good health was recorded by 117,657 people in the county. Only 371 said they had very bad health and 1,693 had bad health. Meanwhile according to the statistics, there are 6,632 unpaid carers in the county - 1,351 of whom offer at least 43 hours unpaid help a week. Nationally, unpaid carers provided 327 million hours of care in 2011, two million of which were provided by children under 14 years of age.
TAX ASSIST ACCOUNTANTS:
The Vitamin Shop See pages 28 & 29
Giving Tax The Axe! - see page 2
amazing, affordable quality See page 35
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Kells Winter Lecture Series: Dr. Peter Harbison on “The High Crosses of Kells”
Ireland’s High Crosses are among the most eloguent legacies of our early Christian heritage. Carved from various stones, including sandstone, limestone and granite, not only are they a defining achievement of decorated Irish stonework, they also represent a major contribution to the sculptural art of medieval Europe. It is likely that many of the stone crosses were copied from even earlier crosses made of timber, or of wood covered in bronze. The Heritage Town of Kells has the finest collection of High Crosses on this island. For this and other reasons, the monastic site in Kells is ion the tentative list for consideration as a world heritage site. Kells and District Tourism Forum is delighted to announce that their next lecture in their Winter Lecture Series will be delivered by Dr. Peter Harbison, the internationally acknowledged specialist on our Irish High Crosses and on early Christian Ireland, on Sunday 25th November at 2pm outside the Church of Ireland church in Kells.
His lecture in front of the high crosses will explore and discuss the significance and purpose, from both a religious and educational stand point, of these ancient works by skilled craftsmen over a thousand years ago
Bon Jovi for Slane SLANE VILLAGERS got a bit of a shock when Bon Jovi came to town last week to announce the group as headliners for Slane 2013. The rumour mill had been pumping and while frontman Jon Bon Jovi was expected to fly into Slane Castle for the concert date launch - no-one dreamed he would pop into Boyle’s pub for a pint and a cuddle with a baby. Villagers flocked to the crossroads pub when they heard the news and while a pint of Guinness was planted in one hand, little baby Gleeson from Slane was planted in his other hand. The charismatic idol told media he was “so excited” to be playing the historic venue, which had always been “his goal.” He added that he had “said it 100 times, I wish I was Irish.” The concert on June 15th will be part of the ‘Because We Can’ tour which kicks off in Canada in February. Tickets will go on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets from Thursday, November 8 at a price of €79.50. Concert goers can expect to hear new songs from the rock band as well as classics like ‘Living on a Prayer,’ ‘ Always,’ ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’ and ‘It’s My Life’.
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New Restaurant For Navan
A super new restaurant has opened up in Navan town recently. Located on Railway Street, Saffron offers the finest Bengali and Indian food around. Saffron cook their food without using any flavourings or chemicals and only use the traditional method of cooking therefore adding flavour and succulence to their food. The interior is warm and welcoming and the service is professional. An added bonus is that Saffron do no charge for corkage so you can bring your favourite wine. Takeaway is also available. Saffron have ample room inside so is the ideal venue for any business looking for somewhere to hold their office Christmas party and as its central it is easy to get to and from. A visit to Saffron is a must and if early reports are anything to go by then you are in for a real treat to the palette indeed. Saffron can be contacted on 046 9074525 or 9075556 and you can also email them on navansaffron@ gmail.com
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Farmers will not weep over willow By Louise Walsh
A NEW €60m bio-energy project in Meath presents a “massive opportunity for farmers,” according to the company behind the plans. Alan Fox of Shamrock Renewable Fuels believes willow crops is the future for farming, providing a maintenance free yield and low-cost energy. The Kells-based company has just been given the go-ahead by An Bord Pleanala for the bio-energy plant which will provide up to 400 jobs during construction and operation phases. The development will manufacture briquettes and pellets from biomass and will include a combined heat and power plant (CHP) which will export surplus power to the national grid. Parent firm HDS has also recently signed a €10m contract with Connacht Gold to design and build energy facilities which will be installed early next year. The use of biomass will save Connacht Gold an estimated €3m in oil and gas costs. The co-op will also incentivise farmers in the west to grow willow. A total of 1,500 acres in Meath have already harvested willow and Shamrock Renewables expects this acreage to quadruple over the next five years - and quadruple again over a further five. According to Mr Fox: “Agri-co-ops are the largest consumers of imported energy and could be the smallest if they turned to producing and using biomass energy. “As part of our latest project, we’re offering to take the land from farmers on a long-term lease.” He explained that a crop takes three years to establish and then is harvested every two years. The virtually maintenance-free crop does not need replanting over the 30 year life cycle. With 35 years of experience in the business, Mr Fox started off as a one man show and now currently employs up to 75 people. The company has also just constructed a second factory at Kells to cope with increased demand - 70pc of which is export led. “Recession is an opportunity because people need to save money and our business is all about saving money.” However, the path to getting planning permission for the biomass project was arduous and Mr Fox had to invest €4.5m alone in the planning stages which necessitated detailed archaeological, environmental and other surveys. He stated: “The development of bio fuel is being encouraged by all governments but if I’d have known how hard it would be to get this project off the ground, I’d have had a serious rethink. There really needs to be a change of attitude on the subject of planning consents for industry. “Agriculture is very important but there’s a perception that if it’s not food, it’s not farming. We shouldn’t have a wasted acre anywhere in Ireland.”
Mr Fox explained that the cost to plant one acre of willow is about €1,100 but there are grants of up to 50pc available. Once the crop is established, there is a ten tonnes per acre yield at a net return of €250 per acre. You might say that in years to come, farmers may not be weeping over their willow!
Meath has 3rd highest number of travellers
Helpful Hints to assist you while “Driving Safely In The Dark”
By Louise Walsh
MEATH HAS the third highest number of Travellers in the country, outside of the city counties, according to the latest census figures. Only Offaly, Wexford and Mayo have a larger amount of Travellers, according to the results from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Out of 156,900 people in the Royal county, just over 5pc are described as White Irish Traveller. A total of 967 Travellers have settled here, the largest group of whom are between 0-4 years of age. (141). A further 125 are between 10-14 years old and the numbers dwindle after this age. There are only 17 Travellers between 60-64 years old while just one in Meath is aged over 85. In a breakdown, the figures show that most Travellers (617) live in Navan. There are 90 in Trim, 24 in Athboy, 22 in Dunboyne, 12 in Dunshaughlin and 13 in Laytown. The Census reveal that there are 29,495 Travellers living across the country, most of who are Catholic.
The Eighth Boyne Walk THE EIGHTH annual Boyne Walk in aid of Temple Street Hospital was described as an “outstanding success” by organiser and Slane Cllr Wayne Harding. Nearly 100 people took party in the recent event and all money raised will this year to towards a hospital ward called ‘Top Flat’
By Lorne Devine - Lornas School Of Motoring Tel: 087 228 8060 E: devine.lorna@gmail.com www.lornasschoolofmotoring.com
With the winter months upon us, it is a good idea to refresh our memories regarding “driving safely in the dark”. Driving in the dark is much more hazardous than driving during daylight hours. Our eyesight functions much more efficiently during light hours. It is almost impossible to sustain 20/20 vision with artificial lighting. We are unable to see colors in the dark. Our perception decreases. Our fields of vision are greatly reduced. The hazard that is obvious in daylight, for example, pedestrians, cyclists, animals, road signs and road entrances are quite difficult to see in darkness. In addition to impaired vision, drivers also suffer from driver fatigue. Driver fatigue causes a lapse in concentration and delays driver’s reaction. In order to assist you with driving in the dark, I have compiled a number of helpful hints which will no doubt help you when you venture out in the car when darkness falls. • Inspect your vehicle headlights, tail lights, brake lights and signal lights, in advance of your journey. Ensure that they are in good working order, adjusted correctly and clean. • If you are tired before commencing your journey, it is best to allow somebody else to drive if possible. If this is not possible it is advisable to take a 15 minute nap before commencing your trip. • Never drink and drive. Drinking alcohol affects concentration levels and reaction times. It can also induce driver fatigue and cause confusion. • Avoid smoking while driving in the dark. Nicotine and carbon monoxide can have an adverse effect on your
vision at night. • Avoid using excessive heat, as this can induce driver fatigue. • Adjust rear view mirror, to reduce glare from cars behind. • Leave a longer distance between your car and the car ahead. It is a slower process, to see a hazard and react to it in the dark. • Frequent breaks allow you to rest your eyes and stretch your legs. This will allow you to continue safely on your journey. • Avoid using high beams in foggy conditions, as this reduces visibility.
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Sosad Cheque Presentation On Saturday 6th Oct there was a great sense of occasion when a presentation of €10,000 was made to SOSAD Ireland. SOSAD (Save Our Sons And Daughters) is an organisation that deals with suicide prevention and awareness. Gillian Wall and Brian Kelly owner of Boyne Valley Inn Slane, presented the cheque to Marie Johnson who is the Co-ordinator of the Navan office. Monies were raised through a number of different way which included some unusual methods of fund raising including Spinning in local shopping centres, Motorbike poker run, Annual cycle, Parachute jumping and also private donations. Brian Kelly who is a Director of SOSAD, would like to thank all those involved in helping make these events successful year on year. Brian, having been affected by suicide in 2008, has dedicated his time and energy to helping people who have been affected by suicide by raising awareness of what is a blight on every town in Ireland. The charity is non government funded and relies totally on donations. Brian says “Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem”. SOSAD Irelands mission is to help reduce the number of suicides through public awareness campaigns, and by helping those at risk, and those already bereaved. SOSAD Ireland is a free, private and confidential service who offer a 24 hour helpline which is which is available 365 days a year. Anyone wishing to get in touch with their local SOSAD branch can contact any of the following numbers: Drogheda office 041 9748754, Dundalk office 042 932731, Navan office 046 9031855, Cavan office 049 4326339, Kingscourt office 042 9668992.
Property Prices Fall At Slower Rate By Louise Walsh
HOUSE PRICES in Meath continue to fall, although at a slower rate than other counties in the commuter belt. The latest property report by daft.ie shows that the average asking price in Meath is now just €159,427. This is down 1.2pc on figures for the second quarter of the year and 16.2pc less than prices during the same period in 2011. The website found that buyers can now expect to pay €70,000 for a one-bed home in the county, €97,000 for two-bedrooms and €153,000 for the average three-bedroom family home. A four bedroom property will now set you back €216,000 while a spacious five bedroom development commands just €318,000. These prices are less than in Kildare where you can move into a one bedroom home for €106,000 but much more than in Cavan where a similar sized apartment is quoted as being in the region of €40,000. Prices in neighbouring counties of Louth and Kildare fell by 3.3pc and 1.6pc to prices of €145,039 and €172,741 for a three bedroom home respectively. However, prices have soared by 13.7pc -the highest in the country - in Monaghan with property going for €158,352. Since the peak in 2007, prices in Meath have fallen by 56.5pc. According to the report, asking prices nationally fell by 3.2pc in the third quarter of the 2012, compared to 2.6pc in the previous three months. The average asking price nationwide is now €167,000 compared to €366,000 at the height of the boom. Daft.ie states that “market conditions have improved somewhat in Leinster, with over 40pc of properties sold or sale agreed within four months now, compared to 30pc in late 2011. The total number of properties for sale in the province remains high but has fallen by more in the last 12 months (by 3,000 to under 13,000) than in the previous three years. The Daft report is now almost seven years old and has become the “definitive barometer” of the Irish residential property market, according to the company.
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Pets are for life… not just for Christmas! Written by Carly Dolan, Last Hope Animal Charity
The festive season is upon us and children worldwide are begging their parents for the latest and greatest toys on the shelf. Many of those toys will be broken or thrown away in the weeks and months following Christmas, replaced by the next consumer trend. But what happens if that toy is a living animal? Many people don’t realise just how many dogs, cats, puppies, kittens and rabbits become unwanted Christmas presents as children go back to school and families resume their busy lives. Animal Rescue Animal Rescues and Charities are often inundated with abandoned pets, stretching their already limited resources to the absolute maximum early in each New Year. For Last Hope Animal Charity, a Meath based not-for-profit organisation, the number of surrendered and stray animals increases every year. In 2011, they rescued 120 dogs and puppies, 90 kittens and cats and 28 rabbits, as well as ferrets, guinea pigs, a snake
and a sparrowhawk. In 2012 130 dogs and puppies have been rescued, along with 85 kittens and cats, 15 rabbits, 2 turtles, a ferret and a rooster. Should I make this animal part of my family? Adding a pet to your family is an exciting and rewarding choice, but it is a big decision involving lots of ongoing responsibility. It needs to be carefully considered. Ask yourself: what sort of house do I have? How big is my backyard? How often could I walk a dog / play with this cat or rabbit? Ask yourself those questions and then decide what temperament of dog would best suit your family, or would a cat or rabbit, which are more independent, better suit your lifestyle? Pets should not be purchased as a fashion accessory or a surprise gift. If you want to get a friend or family member a pet, discuss it with them first. The ongoing expense of any animal is much more than just the initial cost - food, vaccinations, worming, insurance and other vets fees
€24m for Johnstown as campus finally becomes a reality By Louise Walsh
THE JOHNSTOWN community can expect a windfall of €24m in their area, after the way was finally cleared for the educational campus last week. Navan-based Cllr Tommy Reilly expressed “heartfelt delight” after an appeal lodged with An Bord Pleanala against the plans was withdrawn. The appeal was submitted by a number of residents in the area who were concerned about traffic and safety issues that the massive education development might bring. Cllr Reilly said he was one of the first to “punch the air” after discovering that the new primary and post-primary schools would be now constructed in time for next September. The 1,000 pupil post-primary community school, Colaiste na Mi will comprise of 15 classrooms, a general purpose hall, offices and staff areas while a new two-storey St Stephen’s NS will include 32 classrooms, library and general purpose hall. Both schools will have ball parks and play areas and will be served by 106 carparking spaces. Cllr Reilly added: “the news by Labour Cllr Jenny McHugh that €24m is to be pumped into the construction and operation of the campus over the next five years is unbelievable. This is all good for the community in generating jobs, boosting the local employment and most importantly providing top class educational facilities for local students. The long daily trek by students and their parents through traffic-logged streets to schools miles away will be no more.” “I’ve been campaigning for this campus for over a decade and it will be one of the highlights of my years as a councillor to finally see it in operation and used by so many,” he concluded.
Europe Car Rental Co. Opens In Navan By Louise Walsh
(including sudden illness and injury) as well as giving of your time and attention. Dogs need to be walked, and puppies need to be trained, rabbits need annual vaccinations as well trimming of nails and teeth, cats also need yearly vaccinations and regular check ups. Caring for an animal is time-consuming, but it is well worth it. Last Hope Animal Charity Last Hope has so many loving animals looking for a forever home – dogs, cats and rabbits, and if you think you can give them the kind of care they deserve, then our volunteers would love to introduce you to our beautiful animals and discuss what type would suit your circumstances best. At this time of year, when many people are celebrating, spare a little thought for the animals and volunteers of Last Hope. If you can spare some time to volunteer, a little money to donate or some space in your home / family to foster or adopt one of our animals then get in touch: Check us out on Facebook or online: www.lasthope.ie
Forgotten Treasures In The Attic?
The Kells People’s Resource Centre is delighted to announce the first ever ‘Forgotten Treasures - Antique Valuation Day’ taking place on Saturday the 24th of November. The centre calls on all people to have a peek in the attic, wardrobe or maybe you are already displaying your treasurer on a shelf. The day will feature a range of antique experts available to talk to you and give information about your piece. If you own a Steiff Classic 1920 Teddy or other toys, items of historic interest, memorabilia, books, painting, medals or old Kells lace, wrap it up safely and bring it to the Resource Centre to be valued or learn more about the history of your piece for only €15. If you do not have an item to bring, but have an interest in antiques and art, there will be plenty to do and see as a visitor. There will be an Art Display from the newly formed Kells arts group ‘Kellective’, there will be antiques on show and for sale, the children will get a chance to create their own heirloom and much, much more. Admission is €5. For more information or to get involved, please contact Kells People’s Resource Centre on 046 9247161. All monies raised will support the work of the Kells People’s Resource Centre. The day has kindly been sponsored by Usher Antiques, & Niall Mullen Auctioneers of the Late, Late, Show fame.
EUROPE’S LARGEST car rental company is set to open one of two new Irish branches in Meath. Europcar will create 50 jobs in the customer service, reservations, finance, fleet services and vehicle maintenance sectors of its business. These positions will be located in Navan as well as in Dublin, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Knock. Europcar also announced the opening of two branches in Navan and Galway and already have the Meath office up and running. These new offices will bring Europcar’s national footprint to nine locations. Colm Brady, Business Development Director of Europcar Ireland said: “Four per cent of all cars registered in 2012 to date have been registered by Europar which illustrates our scale and ambition for the Irish market.
Oldcastle Fire Services Compete Internationally By Louise Walsh
OLDCASTLE FIRE Services competed in the World Rescue Challenge in London in recent weeks. The team - who are Irish champions performed in front of 9,000 spectators against 31 teams from as far away as New Zealand, Ghana and Russia. The three-day challenge showcased skills in handling various road traffic accident scenarios. It was a massive achievement for such a rural brigade to go up against metropolitan services from major cities worldwide. The Oldcastle team consisted of Paul Colleran, Val Reilly , Dara Farrelly, Stephen Curran and John Heatherton.
From left: Pat Barron (Chairperson, Kells Peoples Resource Centre), Avril Gillic, Oliver Usher, Rose Williams (Treasurer, Kells Peoples Resource Centre)
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Its the time of year again when the office Christmas Party is being decided upon. The venue must be selected, the menu chosen and the party wear picked. People are beginning to get into Christmas mode and thoughts are turning to a great night of fun, dining and dancing. Venues are offering great Party Packages and most are offering overnight accommodation as part of the package so you won’t have far to go to rest your tired bones after the festivities are over with. Our guide to the best party nights available should help make things a bit easier as the top venues around are all here! Take your time to look through them and pick one that suits your taste, there is sure to be one here!
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The Zip Yard Has Everything Sewn Up
Meath’s newest and most modern recession busting business is now open in Navan. Situated on Trimage Street, The Zip Yard offers the best clothes/garment alterations service in the North east. The Zip Yard also excel with home furnishings, making/altering curtains, cushions, and roman blinds. In fact if it can fit under a sewing machine, The Zip Yard can do it! The business is quickly becoming a major hit with the people of Meath. Everyone is spending less money so the Zip Yard offers a perfect solution. Mend, remodel or adjust your existing wardrobe. Whilst offering a fresh, modern approach to a very traditional trade, The Zip Yard guarantees the highest standards of workmanship by employing highly experienced and talented seamstresses and tailors. The shop is fresh and welcoming with a modern seating area where customers can watch television and relax while we cater for their needs during our very convenient One Hour Service. There are also private fitting rooms which are wheelchair accessible, extensive in size and are fitted with full length mirrors where the seamstresses can fit you in complete privacy. The proprietor, Adrian Flannagan, originally from Skryne but now living in Navan has plenty of experience in business, having spent many years with leading multinationals O2 and BT. “I have been thrilled with the reaction so far. The store is like no other in this part of the country and I felt there was a niche in the market. The reaction form our customers to the way the shop is presented and their overall experience has been extremely positive”
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Ensuring everything is properly checked is vital to ensuring that your car runs smoothly this winter.
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Drive Safely This Winter! Winter is well and truly upon us and breakdowns are more common at this time of year. Road conditions can be challenging, especially when snow and ice strike. To ensure you don’t get caught out it is important that keep your car running properly and prevent any problems during the long dark winter nights. Battery and electrics The car battery is a main part of the engine and big demands are made of this important piece of the car. If you drive mainly dark rush-hour trips, the battery can give out eventually. Batteries have a certain life span and this is generally acknowledged to be 5 years. To ensure you don’t get stuck on the side of the road, replace the battery towards the end of its life. Below are some tips on how to help improve the battery performance. Try not to run electrical systems longer than is necessary. Don’t leave the car idle during the weekend, just turn the engine over to keep some energy running in the battery. Before starting up the car don’t have non essential elements like heaters etc on. If the engine wont start up then turn the key for 5 seconds and leave 30 seconds between attempts. Antifreeze If the engine gives a squealing noise when it is starting then this could be a sign that the water pump could be frozen – The cylinder block could be frozen too. Stop the engine immediately and allow to thaw out. This could take several days unless the car can be moved to a heated garage. Antifreeze costs very little, but a frozen and cracked engine block will cost hundreds of euro to repair. Most modern cars use long-life antifreeze - it’s important to use the right type and avoid mixing different types. Check your cars handbook or ask a dealer for advice.
Vision It is important that the windows are kept clear and visibility is good. Dazzle from a low winter sun can be a particular problem. Improve vision by making sure that the windscreen is clean both inside and out. Scratches, abrasion and chips on the outside can also worsen the dazzling effect of the sun. Greasy smears on the screen that don’t go with use of a normal screenwash will require a little elbow grease. Use air conditioning for faster demisting and to reduce condensation on cold windows. Check windscreen wipers and replace if necessary. Make sure that wipers are switched off in the park position when leaving the car, when there’s risk of freezing. If you don’t and the blades freeze to the screen, you could damage the blades or wiper motor when you turn the engine on. Visibility Make sure that all bulbs are working and that lenses are clean. When muck is on the road you might need to clean lights after every journey. Keep the number plates clean too, as you can be fined if they are dirty and illegible. Tyres It is recommended that a thread depth of at least 3mm is used for winter motoring, and certainly no less than 2mm. Don’t reduce tyre pressures to get more grip – it doesn’t work, and reduces stability. Consider changing to winter or all season tyres – these have a higher silica content in the tread which prevents it hardening at lower temperatures, and therefore gives better grip in cold wet conditions. Before you go Get up at least 10 minutes early to give you time to prepare the car. Don’t drive off like a tank-commander, with a tiny hole cleared in the windscreen. Clear all windows using a scraper and de-icer.
Use a cigarette lighter to warm a key for a frozen lock. Don’t breathe on the lock, as the moisture will condense and freeze. Plan routes to favour major roads which are more likely to have been cleared and gritted. Put safety before punctuality when the bad weather closes in. Allow extra time for winter journeys but be prepared for the inevitability of being late for work due to unexpected delay. Driving in snow and ice Easy manoeuvring is the key to safe driving - stopping distances are up to 10 times longer in ice and snow. Make sure your shoes do not have now on them as this can cause them to slip from the pedals. Pull away in second gear, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin. Up hill - avoid having to stop part way up by waiting until it is clear of other cars or by leaving plenty of room to the car in front. Keep a constant speed, choosing the most suitable gear well in advance to avoid having to change down on the hill. Down hill - reduce your speed before the hill, use a low gear and try to avoid using the brakes. Leave as much room as possible between you and the car in front. If you have to use brakes then apply them gently. Release the brakes and de-clutch if the car skids. Automatic transmission - under normal driving conditions (motorways, etc) it’s best to select ‘Drive’ and let the gearbox do the work throughout the full gear range. In slippery, snowy conditions it’s best to select ‘2’, which limits the gear changes and also makes you less reliant on the brakes. Some autos have a ‘Winter’ mode which locks out first gear to reduce the risk of wheel spin. Check the handbook. These are just a few tips to help use the road more safely this winter. There is also some good advice on websites like The AA and The RSA. Drive Safely!!
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www.meathherald.com / The Meath Herald November 2012 Page 27
Page 28 November 2012 The Meath Herald / www.meathherald.com
To Advertise 087 316 7013 / 087 606 4930 or email: paul@meathherald.com
Special Offer Buy Whey Protein Complex 100% and get 250g Creatine Monohydrate Powder FREE!
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Post-exercise nutrition can improve the quality and the rate of recovery after a bout of serious exercise, such as a one hour swimming practice, a weight training session, or a longer run. Signs of poor recovery include fatigue, poor workouts, prolonged muscle soreness, lack of increased strength, and lack of increased muscle mass. Research has shown that nutrition ingested right after working out, and up to two hours later can drastically improve one’s recovery time. From a physiological perspective, muscle fibers are made of protein and increase in size if the protein is synthesized. Exercise increases the breakdown in muscle protein while decreasing protein synthesis. It also depletes glycogen, which is what the muscles use for energy. Glycogen consists of glucose molecules. Finally, insulin levels are frequently reduced after exercise. Insulin is a hormone that enables the muscle cell to absorb glucose, to build glycogen, and amino acids used to build muscle protein, while decreasing the breakdown of muscle protein during the post-exercise period. The goal of post-exercise nutrition is to replenish the glycogen stores and to encourage protein synthesis. Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of glucose, the molecule used to build glycogen. By ingesting carbohydrates, you rapidly replenish your glycogen stores. This is important because consistently low glycogen
stores lead to a breakdown of muscle protein and a loss of muscle mass. Carbohydrates increase the body’s insulin concentration. Insulin is essential for glycogen and protein synthesis. Carbohydrates also promote the release of growth hormone, which promotes protein synthesis, which in turn leads to increased muscle mass. Finally, carbohydrates decrease cortisol concentration. Cortisol, also known as a “stress hormone,” is released in response to both physical and psychological stress. During a workout, cortisol levels are increased, causing muscle protein to break down. Several studies have shown that adding protein to a carbohydrate mix will significantly enhance the release of insulin compared to carbohydrate alone. The type of protein most quickly absorbed is whey hydrosylate. Adding amino acids to the protein increases their availability to be used as building blocks. The most important essential amino acid in a recovery drink is leucine, because it works synergistically with insulin to maximize protein synthesis. The optimal post-recovery nutrition would be a drink consisting of carbohydrates and protein. The optimal form of carbohydrate for the recovery drink is glucose and glucose polymers (several glucose molecules), such as maltodextrin. The ideal protein is a protein hydrosylate, such as whey hydrosylate. The protein should also contain all of the essential amino acids, and in particular leucine
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Page 30 November 2012 The Meath Herald / www.meathherald.com
Wanna get fit for Christmas in time for your Christmas Party. Then why not trim your costs as well as your waistline with 1 months’ Club Active Membership for only €39.99*. So join now and one of our staff members, who are all trained fitness instructors, will tailor make a fitness programme for you, free of charge, to help you reach your goal. Since Club Active opened its door in August 2010 we have been continuously upgrading our gym to give our Members a premium better value service whilst staying at the forefront of fitness in Navan. And this year is no exception. By listening to our Members we took to expanding our building to include 2 new state-of-the-art studios, extending our Ladies Only area to now also include a circuit workout area just for women and adding new classes such as TRX, Kids Active and Pilates. Our NEW TRX Suspension Training, born in the Navy
To Advertise 087 316 7013 / 087 606 4930 or email: paul@meathherald.com
SEALs, exercise develops strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously. It is the original, best-in-class workout system that delivers a fast, effective total-body workout for people of all fitness levels. These classes are divided into 3 categories: Womens TRX, Beginners TRX and Club or Group TRX. Kids Active is the new fun-tastic way for kids aged 5 to 11yrs to get fit in a fun environment by professional instructors. It incorporates the fundamental movements of Agility, Balance and Co-ordination, vital for children’s physical development. And remember you don’t have to be a member to take part in any of our classes. So if you’re not a member and are interested in any of our classes give us call. So whether you are interested in shaping up in time for Christmas or want to take part in our fitness classes we want to hear from you. Call us on 0469011222 or go to ClubACtive. ie to check out our classes timetable. *Offer expiry 31st Dec 2012.
Scan here to let us know what classes you are interested in and we’ll give you a call
Halloween At
Some of our clients
Albina Popovciuc
Andrew Crowe & Meghan Reilly
Carol Barrett - Fancy Dress Winner
Cathal Reilly
Elva Smith & Lisa Sommerfield
Jolita Aukstakojiene & Laura Kozeniauskiene
Laura Kozeniauskiene & David Craughan
Miriam Monaghan
Olivia Carroll
Pauline Rattigan, David The Club Active Staff Guildea & Mary Markey
Pick The Perfect Bridal Dress
By STEVIE DEE WEDDING DJ AND WEDDING PLANNER.(WWW.DJSTEVIEDEE.IE) Tel: 086 250 4212 Congratulations you’re getting married! This month i am going to go through the all important wedding dress. In all the excitement and stress of planning your wedding over the next few months, one of the most important things you will purchase is your wedding gown. The first thing you should do before actually heading to the bridal shop is get an idea about which style of wedding gown you prefer. You will need to get familiar with wedding gown terminology and styles. Here are some general guidelines to help you get started on the road to wedding day bliss. Silhouette A-line The A-line or princess dress has no marked waist and the vertical seams flow from the shoulders down to a flared skirt, creating a “A” shape. If you carry your weight in the middle, this silhouette is a nice choice. Ball gown These gowns normally quite formal, reminding you of Cinderella. The bodice is fitted with a very full skirt. Ball gowns can be long-sleeved, sleeveless or anywhere in between. The full skirt of a ball gown can hide large hips and thighs. Empire Empire gowns have a raised waistline that starts right under the bust, flowing to a skirt that skims over the hips then flairs slightly to the floor. This romantic silhouette is flattering to most body types and is particularly flattering to small breasted women. Mermaid As the name indicates, the mermaid dress (pictured above) is contoured against the body then the gown flows out beginning around the knees. This is the sexiest of the styles. If you confident in your body, a mermaid dress can show off your curves. Sheath The sheath or column dress has a slim shape that follows close to the line of the body. The straight design doesn’t allow for many body flaws. The long lines of a sheath gown can elongate the look of your body. Therefore this type of dress can work well for short brides. Length • Street length - Hem falls just past the knee. • Intermission (or Tea) length - Hem falls between the knees and ankle. • Ballet length - Hem falls just to the ankles. • Floor Length - Hem barely touches the floor on all sides. Sleeves • 3/4 sleeves - End between the elbow and wrist. • Bell - Long sleeves, flare out toward the wrist creating a bell shape.
• Cap - Rounded sleeves, just covering shoulders. • Fitted point - Long, fitted sleeves that come to a point over the hand. • Juliet - Long, fitted sleeves with puffy shoulders. • Long sleeves - Extend to the wrist and are normally form-fitting. • Off-the-shoulder Sleeves - Cover the upper part of the arm but leave the tops of shoulders exposed. • Poet - Long sleeves, fitted to the elbow then flared. • Pouf - Short sleeves, gathered to create a puffy look. • Short sleeves - About the length of T-shirt sleeves. • Sleeveless - Strapless with no sleeves. • Spaghetti - Thin spaghetti straps with no sleeves. Neckline • Bateau - Close to straight across from the tip of the shoulder. Gives plenty of coverage. • Halter - Wraps around the back of the neck to create deep armholes. Often also a backless style, which is very sexy. • High - Covers most of the neck. Creates a formal, somewhat stiff look. • Jewel - Similar to that of a T-shirt. Creates a bustier look. • Off-The-Shoulder - As the name indicates, the top of the shoulders are bare. Showcases your collarbone and shoulders. • Portrait - A very wide scoop from the tip of one shoulder to the tip of the other. • Scoop - Classic U-shaped neckline. Can be cut low for a sexier look. • Square - Squared neckline, often associated with empire gowns. • Strapless - Normally straight across. Not recommended for women with small busts. • Sweetheart - Shaped like the top half of a heart. Emphasizes the cleavage. • V-Neck - Dips in the front into a V-shape. Can be very deep. Bodice The bodice refers to the portion of the dress between the neckline and skirt. • Corset - A form fitting bodice with boning and lace-up closures. • Halter - Sleeveless bodice that wraps around you neck, normally backless. • Midriff - Fits very closely around the mid-section, accentuating your waist. • Surplice - Sections of fabric cross wrap in the front or back. • Tank - Sleeveless with wide armholes like tank top. Train • Sweep - 8” to 12” in length, just a few inches longer than the gown.
• Court - Extends about 3 feet from the waist. • Chapel - Extends about 4 feet from the waist. • Cathedral - Extends about 6 to 9 feet from the waist. • Royal - Extends more than 9 feet from the waist. Veil • Birdcage - Falls right below the chin, usually attached to a headpiece. • Flyaway - Falls to the shoulder. • Blusher - Worn over your face, about 28” long. • Elbow - Falls to the elbow or waist. • Fingertip - Falls to the finger tips or just below the waist. • Ballet - Falls to the ankles. • Chapel - Falls slightly longer than floor length. • Cathedral - 9 feet or longer. Selecting your wedding Dress Spend some time researching on wedding websites and looking through bridal magazines to get an idea of what type of gowns you like before making an appointment at the bridal shop. Choose two or three salons in your area in order to find the best one for you. If you find the gowns are out of your price range, the customer service is poor, or just don’t get a good vibe from the salon, it’s time to move on. Your bridal gown may be one of your biggest wedding purchases. Therefore, you should take your time and make sure you are totally satisfied before making your final choice. Bring your sister, mother or girlfriends with you while shopping for your wedding dress. They’ll be able to help you get in and out of the gowns (some gowns are very heavy!), and of course, give their opinion on your selections. Wedding gowns for your body type Every wedding gown isn’t for every bride. The key is to find a gown that flatters your figure, while downplaying the areas that aren’t so perfect. Whether you are short, tall, thin or curvy, you can still be a beautiful bride. We went to Alfred Angelo head designer Michael Shettel for tips on how to find the perfect wedding gown for your body type. Alfred Angelo really believes the bride is a variety of people, and we consider the all encompassing “American” woman when designing. From different body shapes, heights, backgrounds and sizes. We design a variety of styles, but ultimately want to highlight and accentuate a woman’s body so she feels her best on her big day. We want to make all childhood dress up fantasies a reality, no matter what size and shape the bride has grown into. “Keep and open mind when shopping for your dream dress”
To Advertise 087 316 7013 / 087 606 4930 or email: paul@meathherald.com
www.meathherald.com / The Meath Herald November 2012 Page 31
Navan Theatre Group Present The Beauty Queen of Leenane Kids Cottage Preschool and P/T Daycare Welcomes You! Kids Cottage is a beautifully restored Thatched Cottage which was renovated 8 yrs ago and is now a purpose built childcare facility with full planning permission, including private parking and a spacous play ground with padded outdoor tiles and our very own vegetable patch, safely within the confines of a secure gated complex here at Moathill Manor. We are fully insured, HSE notified and both ECCE and CETS approved. My name is Eithne Henderson. I started my journey in childcare 20yrs ago with a general foundation course in childcare and then trained as a Nursery Nurse full time receiving my diploma in 1995. More recently in 2004 I trained and worked as an ABA tutor in Stepping Stones ABA school for children with autism in Kilcloon, Co. Meath. I am a mother of 4 and am only too aware of the individuality and ability of each child being very diverse which I apply to my work and understanding of every child in my care. I have owned and run Kids Cottage Preschool since 2007, firstly in Tara Court and now in this beautiful setting at Moathill Manor . All children are unique and are respected
individually at Kids Cottage, given equal oppertunities to achieve their potential in every aspect of their development. Chidren of every ability and creed are welcome in my school and all staff are aware of this ethos and practice social inclusion in their daily work. I have adopted some teaching methods for both our daycare and preschool rooms favoured in ABA tutoring which can be applied to all children in every learning situation. The first of these is known as errorless teaching whereby if a child answers incorrectly we offer the correct answer or model the correct skill within 2 seconds, repeat the question immediatley and prompt answer again if necassary then fade the prompt until the child masters this new skill or answer. We avoid words such as “No “ or “wrong” as the child does not sense they have failed, however they have learned the new target skill effectivley with lots of positive reinforcement hence improving self esteem. All of the lessons and activities at Kids Cottage are in compliance with the Aistear Curriculum.
Bective GFC & Cannistown National School host “Strictly Come Dancing” Preparations are in full swing for the Bective GFC and Cannistown National School “Strictly Come Dancing”. The dancers are dusting off their sequins and tightening their comerbunds in anticipation of tripping the light fantastic at the Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim on Friday the 30th November next. 17 brave couples will be taking to the dance floor to raise funds for the school’s building programme and for further development of club facilities which will be of enormous benefit to the entire local community. Under the professional instruction of Alicia Grills Grant, who has produced many successful shows, these mainly “social”dancers are learning to cha cha, to jive, to tango and to samba like the stars. Our inside contacts report amazing progress and some previously untapped ability. Competition for who will make it to the dance off is intensifying as the big night draws closer and pre-voting is well under way with a number of the lady teachers taking an early lead! It’s expected that the celebrity judges will have a difficult task in crowning the Lord and Lady of the dance from such an abundance of talent!
No More Butts!
Artist Noreen Kearney presenting the u14 award to Tommy Muldoon and Karl Brillo in the local Dunshaughlin Tidy Towns art competition entitled “No More Butts” Thursday the 25th of October. The students had to create a poster with a catchy slogan and a pic to go with that slogan around the No More Butts theme.
The eagerly awaited show has captured the imagination of the area and is being enthusiastically supported through dancer sponsorship and programme advertising by many Navan businesses and it’s main sponsors Hunky Dory Crisps and Tayto Theme Park, Lir Chocolates and Prepaid Financial Services Limited. The tickets are selling fast and are on sale at €25 from the school (046 902977 )and the club and progress can be followed on Facebook. Once the serious business of “strictly”dancing is over, the whole ballroom is invited to relive their Saturday Night Fever, Fame or even their Dirty Dancing days to the music of Twister until the early hours.
NAVAN THEATRE GROUP is delighted to present Martin McDonagh’s The Beauty Queen of Leenane directed by Nigel Ryan. This is regarded as McDonagh’s most insightful work and uncovers with searing honesty the all too human story of two women unable to break free from each other. This is a darkly comic and cruelly humorous story that has the audience both sympathetic and shocked as they enter the lives of Mag and Maureen Folan, a mother and daughter who live in the mountains of Connemara. The mother’s fear of abandonment and her daughter’s longing for a new life are at the core of the drama. When Mag interferes in Maureen’s first and possibly final chance of a loving relationship, it sets in motion a chain of events that lead to a terrifying end. Navan Theatre Group is a community based drama group. We are committed to encouraging and developing drama and theatre and really appreciate the level of support we have received from audiences down through the years. We look forward to presenting this award winning play by Martin McDonagh and invite you to join us to see this much acclaimed Irish drama performed locally. This year’s director, Nigel, is well known as a teacher in Navan and is familiar to audiences through his performances in many lead roles with the group over the years. Cast members: Mary Tuite as Mag Folan, Ciara Cassoni as Maureen Folan, Robert Clarke as Pato Dooley and Maurice Walsh as Ray Dooley. This play not suitable for children.
Mary Tuite as Mag Folan and Maurice Walsh as Ray Dooley
Dates: Wednesday 21st to Saturday 24th November 2012 8.00pm Solstice Arts Centre, Navan. Tickets €16/€14. Tel: 046 909 2300 www.solsticeartscentre.ie www.navantheatregroup.ie
Amberwood Range At Flowerhill Furniture
Flowerhill Furniture showcased their Amberwood range at the recent Ideal Homes Exhibition in the RDS , Dublin , coming away the the award for “ Best Décor” for their stand. Introduced in 2012 The Amberwood range of handpainted kitchen and dining room furniture has gone from strength to strength, with orders coming in from all over Ireland. This award winning furniture includes dressers, cabinets, bookcases, showcases and dining sets in a wide variety of environmentally friendly colours and finishes. Furthermore, all pieces can be made to measure with nationwide delivery available. Amberwood, produced in regular, distressed or an antique finish, is hand-painted in a onecolour or two-colour finish, with up to 30 shades to choose from. To complement this beautifully crafted furniture, designed with a little more than a nod of nostalgia, Flowerhill Furniture stocks a popular range of vintage-inspired kitchen and homeware accessories. These country-style products, functional but beautiful, have character and are readily adoptive to most home styles. The range is unique to Flowerhill Furniture, where its rustic look, combined with a fresh and stylish approach to today’s customer demands, can be readily appreciated. The knowledgeable and experienced staff are ideally equipped to afford the best possible service and advice to qualityseeking shoppers.
Page 32 November 2012 The Meath Herald / www.meathherald.com
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Legendary Rock Band Stepaside Reform Band toured with Dire Straits and Jerry Lee Lewis New album “Straitjacket” released on iTunes
One of Ireland’s best ever Rock bands, STEPASIDE, have recently reformed and have just released a brand new album entitled STRAITJACKET, which is now available on iTunes. This is the band’s first recording since their highly acclaimed 1979 album “Sit Down and Relapse”and is a fascinating mix of unreleased studio recordings, old favourites, enhanced demos and a live cut. Included also is a new re-working of their anthem ‘The Last Resort’ which features the late, great Ronnie Drew in 2003. The band have numerous videos/audios from that era on You Tube,including classics such as “The Last Resort”, “Always Love You” “The Yellow Chair”, “Zelda”and “One in Every Town” on RTE. The Dublin band had Irish rock legends Phil Lynott & some of The Boomtown Rats regularly attending their gigs with Philo joining them on stage to sing “Rosalie”(see pic). Stepaside regularly packed out the old Sportsman’s Inn (now Kiely’s), The Baggot Inn & The Mississippi Rooms in Bray and toured with world famous legends, Jerry Lee Lewis and Dire Straits, who jammed with the band at Dublin’s National Stadium! Stepaside had top English Glam Rock group,The Rubettes,sing backing vocals on “Always loved You”which was later covered by Joe Dolan. In 1980 Stepaside were the backing band for Johnny Logan as he toured Europe after winning Eurovision with “What’s another Year” while Johnny’s
WIN STEPASIDE’S BRAND NEW ALBUM “STRAITJACKET” Answer simple question on The Meath Herald’s Facebook page!
Stepaside tour Europe with Jerry Lee Lewis
Sit down and Relapse LP by Stepaside
older brother, Mick O’ Hagan, played bass guitar and fronted Stepaside for a while. Following the sad passing of their close friend and band member, Paul Ashford, in January 2011,the band are back with Phil Fitzgerald, an awesome new frontman.Phil is well known as a terrific lead vocalist on the Rock and Blues circuit in Dublin, fronting Cornerstone, a six piece band for many years.However “Fitzer” is equally well known in football circles,having signed for Arsenal FC as a youth,when he shared digs with Ireland legends Frank Stapleton and John Devine in 1975! Phil was an outstanding midfielder in the League of Ireland and played for Dundalk, Shelbourne and Ray Treacy’s Drogheda Utd. If you are one of the thousands of Dublin people who followed Stepaside in the 80s,why not take a nostalgic look down memory lane of the 70s and 80s by seeing the band live in Kiely’s (The Sportsman’s Inn) Dublin in November and December. Check the band’s Facebook page or e-mail stepaside2012@gmail.com for latest details . The band consist of original members Brendan Bonass, Barry Crossen and Kevin Strong and two new Stepasiders- introducing Phil Fitzgerald on lead vocals and guitar and John Kearns on bass (ex-Don Baker Band, Bree Harris and Red Peters).
Phil Lynott on stage with Stepaside
Stepaside 2012 with Phil Fitzgerald fronting the band in place of the late great Paul Ashford RIP
Stepaside’s new 2012 album STRAITJACKET
Ronnnie Drew & Paul Ashford rerecording The Last Resort in 2003
Stepaside’s Paul Ashford & Deke O’Brien with Bob Geldof
Brendan Bonass in studio
Phil and Brenny from Stepaside at Kiely’s Oct 2012
Trim Band “Run From The Cure” Set To Release Awesome EP
A band whose name was inspired by a documentary on a cure for Cancer,will shortly release a four track EP, entitled “A Tale of Greed”.The four piece band include Matty Kearns on lead vocals and guitar,James McKiernan on bass guitar, Paul Daly on drums and Tosh Ludlow on keyboards.The band have great potential as I saw in their recent gig in Jack’s Porterhouse bar in Kells.The EP was produced in Cavan’s Beast Studios and produced by Johno Leader from The Radioactive Grandmas, with mastering done by King Modo. Matty Kearns is currently attending the highly acclaimed Ballyfermot Rock school which had the likes of Damien Dempsey and Wallis Bird amongst its past pupils. For the past four summers,Matty and James have been the main driving force behind the regular live gigs at The Back Alley at Lynch’s Motor Bar in Trim. The first song on the EP is entitled “ A Tale of Greed & Destruction”, an impressive song to introduce the band’s unique sound. The You Tube video of the song was filmed at the Back Alley venue in Trim and epitomises the band’s all round quality. “Again” is a song that grows on me with every play. Matty’s vocals carry the song “Bed” towards a catchy crescendo with excellent harmonies from James’ backing vocals .The last song “ So, to Free Your Mind” really highlights the band’s range of melodies.Catch them live while they still have no cover charge!
Matty Kearns lead vocalist & guitarist with RUN FROM THE CURE
To Advertise 087 316 7013 / 087 606 4930 or email: paul@meathherald.com
www.meathherald.com / The Meath Herald November 2012 Page 33
Irish Red Cross Navan Branch Irish Red Cross Navan Branch played host to the world known authority on severe burns
treatment and prevention, Mr Patrick Bourke. Mr Bourke held a lecture in St Annes hall last Monday the 24th to a packed audience of First Aid responders from a number of organisations including, The Irish Redcross, The Order of Malta, The Civil Defence, Tara Mines rescue team and HSE.
The content of the course was designed to prepare the First Aiders for every eventuality they might
have to encounter in their respective roles as responders in the case of Fire or Blast emergencies. Mr Patrick Bourke has conducted such course world wide in his capacity as a member of the severe
burns foundation and with the support of www.waterjelsupplies.net Westaid First aid and Ambulance supplies ( www.westaid.ie) run by Mr Harry Knott and Mrs Mary Knott displayed the large number of Burns dressings available among other first aid supplies necessary in the treatment of injuries.
This was a great opportunity for First Aiders to ask questions about the new products on the market
and to see how suitable they might be for their needs. Navan branch of the Irish Red Cross was very
fortunate to receive a donation from Mr Harry Knott and Mrs Mary Knott of Westaid of a Telefunken
AED. ( www.telefunkenaed.net ) An AED or (Automated External Defibrillator) is a vital piece of life
Emma Condren (Unit Officer Navan Branch of Irish Red Cross) recieves a donation from Harry Knott (Westaid of a Telefunken AED. (www.telefunkenaed.net )
saving equipment for any responder to a cardiac arrest.
Navan unit of the Irish Red Cross has recently set up a bicycle unit as part of their First Aid,
Ambulance and Responder unit. This piece of equipment will be carried on the bike so the responder will have all the necessary equipment to treat a seriously ill patient. The First Aid responders in Navan unit of the Irish Red Cross have first hand knowledge of how important this piece of equipment can be as they attended a Cardiac Arrest at an Event in Monaghan last year where the AED was used
successfully to deliver life saving shocks to a patient who, as a result of the use of an AED and a properly trained First Aiders, survived a Cardiac Arrest.
If you would like any information on First Aid Cover or Training etc please contact Emma Condren,
Unit Officer, Navan Branch of Irish Red Cross on 087-2181814 . Navan Red Cross would like to take
this time to Thank the staff from Westaid for their ongoing support. Westaid First aid & Ambulance
supplies, Cloonfad, Ballyhaunis, Co Roscommon. Ph: 00353 94 9646335 Fax: 00353 94 9646817, Mobile 086 8168666.
Patrick Bourke (Severe Burns Life Foundation), Liam Perry(Irish Red Cross Navan Branch), Emma Condren (Unit Officer Irish Red Cross Navan Branch), Mary and Harry Knott (Westaid First aid & Ambulance supplies)
Probes into Boyne possible Sandy doesn’t put the wind up Kells students pollution at co. site
By Louise Walsh
By Louise Walsh
TWO SEPARATE investigations have been launched into possible pollution of bio hazard waste into the river Boyne from a pumping station operated by Meath Co. Council. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) have confirmed they are carrying out investigations after receiving complaints from the Navan and District Anglers. Inland Fisheries Ireland was also notified of the matter. The club claim that overflow pipes are pumping waste into the Boyne outside Navan at Blackcastle and the banks of the Boyne have become littered with hazardous items including sanitary towels, condoms, incontinence towels, colostomy bags, hypodermic syringes and nappies. They say that they raised the matter with Navan town council earlier this year but claim no remedial action was taken. Members believe that the waste is being washed down stream to the World Heritage site of Bru na Boinne. A club spokesperson said: “The problem has become extremely prevalent in recent months. The pumping station obviously can’t handle the sewerage demands from the area and is overflowing often. “Meath Co. Council has to stop this pollution of one of the most important and historic rivers in the country,” he added. Navan and District Anglers are hoping to improve fish stocks in the Boyne by introducing 400 tonnes of salmon spawning gravel. The NPWS said that “an official of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht visited the site” and that “ongoing liaising with the relevant agencies and monitoring by the NPWS will continue in this matter.” The EPA said it was “investigating a complaint about pollution of the river Boyne.” However Meath Co. Council say it is “not aware of any ongoing investigation by them (EPA and the NPWS) into the recent complaint”. In a statement it said it was aware of the “complaint relating to a discharge from the overflow at Blackcastle Pumping Station, which occurred during the recent very heavy rainfall. This is normal and permissible as, at such times, the flows are very high and hence the overflow discharges are very dilute. In addition, the overflow discharges are screened.” It says it explained the designed overflows to the agencies, adding, “the EPA, the NPWS and indeed Meath Co. Council all have responsibilities in terms of protecting our rivers and the life they sustain and this is a responsibility we all take with the utmost seriousness.” Local Cllr Joe Reilly dismissed the council’s reason as “weak,” saying: “the pollution of our rivers and public water supply at any level is unacceptable. It’s a weal reason because of the evidence of material floating along the Boyne. If changes or upgrades are required, Meath Co. Council has to apply for the appropriate funding immediately.”
SUPERSTORM SANDY failed to put the wind up Kells students who keep cheerful, despite being stranded in New York during the weather alert. Thirteen Eureka students, parents, teachers and principal Caroline O’Reilly finally made it home . The group had flown to New York to take part in the world finals of the Empire Mock Courtroom Trials but found themselves grounded when their return flight was cancelled because of the Frankenstorm. Hallowe’en didn’t prove as scary as Sandy as the group finally secured a flight home, having been initially told they would have to remain in New York until November 9.
Art Workshop At
As part of National Recreation Week, an Art Workshop was held at Kells People’s Resource Centre on Saturday 27th October, 2012. A series of art and craft workshops took place throughout the day, with over 40 children taking part in different workshops. The purpose of the workshops was to introduce young people to arts and crafts as a means of expressing themselves and for recreation. There was ample opportunity for the young people to try out different activities and express themselves through arts. Each workshop was facilitated by a local artist and supported by dedicated volunteers. Local artist Mark Smith facilitated local children in creating Mexican masks. The artistic talent and imagination of the young people and the quality of their creations impressed both parents and facilitators. Patrick Morris demonstrated the art of wood carving. Dublin based artist, Noel Cleary, held a workshop on plaster cast handmoulds which proved very popular. Daniel Batta demonstrated how to create model figures to the enthusiastic young people. To complete the day, Sinead McGanley from the Zen Zone Wellness Centre, Kilmessan, gave a Tai Chi demonstration which was enjoyed by all ages. This was a free event and was funded by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and supported by Meath County Council.
Page 34 November 2012 The Meath Herald / www.meathherald.com
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Interview with Gary Rogers (Sligo Rovers)
Bohermeen Man Wins League Medal & Is Named Ireland’s Top Goalkeeper Sligo Rovers & Shamrock Rovers Keen On Signing Popular Meath Man Gary Rogers wrapped up another successful season in the Premier Division of the Airtricity League,by winning his first League Championship medal and being chosen on the PFAI Team of the year. The 31 year old has been the outstanding goalkeeper in Ireland in recent years and was previously called up to the Ireland U-21s by Don Givens. Gary also lined out with Meath GAA teams at U-14,U-16,minor, junior and senior levels. The 6’3” goalkeeper previously spent five seasons with Drogheda Utd, where he won an FAI Cup medal in 2005. “Gaz” spent two seasons with Jeff Kenna’s Galway Utd and three with St.Pat’s, where he played a crucial part in the Dublin side’s amazing European adventures. Congratulations on a marvellous season with Sligo Rovers,winning your first League medal and also making the Premier Division Team of the year. It’s been hectic this past while with celebrations in three locations, Sligo,Tubbercurry and Riverstown. The Sligo people certainly know how how to party and made up for the long wait since they last won the league back in 1977! You first started out playing with your local clubs in the Bohermeen area. I played with Boyerstown Utd aged 10 and Bohermeen Celtic at U-14 & U-16 level and later Fordrew U-18s.When I was in the Community School in Kells,I was persuaded to play soccer by Paul “Thruppence” Clarke,who kept ringing me up to play! You’ve been so consistent this season and over the last three or four seasons. Yes I am very happy with my form.I think I’ve been playing at my best in the last few years.I’ve really been enjoying my football with St.Pat’s and Sligo and was delighted to make the PFAI team of the year. How do you look back on your five seasons with Drogheda United? I have fond memories of my time with Drogheda.They will always be my local club and I’m delighted to see them doing so well again.It’s a great football club and I still have many friends from my time there. You’ve stayed good friends with Fabio (Drogheda Utd)after all these years. Yes he was at my wedding last year and I was at his a few years ago but we go back a long time from the time we first played with Drogheda.It’s great to see him still playing and doing so well again with Drogheda. You’ve played Gaelic Football with Meath at almost every single level! Yes I was always an outfield player in Gaelic Football.I played mainly as a forward though always as a goalkeeper in soccer. You were part of an excellent St.Pat’s team that did very well in Europe. Yes in my first season we knocked out Valetta from Malta in the first round,then got through to the third round after beating Russian Premier League team Krylia Sovetov before being eliminated by Steau Bucharest (Romania) in the RDS.Last season we knocked out IBV(Iceland) and then a Kazakstan team after a nightmare of a journey, before eventually going out to a top Ukrainian side, FC Karpaty Lviv.
Gary playing with Meath GAA’s senior team v Kildare in 2007
Gary Rogers celebrates winning the league with Ross Gaynor
Which of those games is the most memorable for you? They are all memorable in different ways but probably knocking out the Premier League team from Russia would stand out as an outstanding achievement for the club as the standard of their League is ranked so much higher than ours. Over the years you’ve played under some of the best managers in the League Yes I’ve had some great managers,Dermot Keeley,Harry McCue,Paul Doolin,Tony Cousins,Jeff Kenna,Pete Mahon and Ian Baraclough.I think Ian has done a brilliant job this season especially as he was completely new to the league and didn’t know any of the players beforehand. You stay down in Sligo some of the time Yes it depends on the schedule of games.I drive down with Mark Quigley and sometimes stay over,depending on what days we are playing.One of the directors has arranged accommodation for all of the players so it’s very well organised.We spend a lot of time together in Sligo and this has really helped build the team spirit in the club.Most of the squad stay in an area called Riverstown, now known as Roverstown! It must be so exciting for Sligo fans to see you win the league after 35 years! The whole town is buzzing,in fact our support comes from the whole North West,Sligo, Mayo, Leitrim,Roscommon and Donegal.It reminds me of the way that Meath people love their GAA football team.There is a great sense of community in the club.There are so many volunteers with everybody wanting to play a part It must mean an awful lot to yourself also,having lost out with many teams over the years. Yes I’ve played for lots of clubs and have lost out in four FAI Cup semi-finals and a Setanta Cup final, but to finally get over the finish line and win a league medal is really special at this stage of my career. Does your wife have any interest in football? Yes Linda comes from a GAA background in Navan(Simonstown) and has been a great support over the years.We are married almost two years but we’d been going out for over 10 years, since I was with Drogheda.My parents have always been a huge support also. Sligo Rovers have been slower than most to re-sign players for next season. I will be sitting down with the club this week but I’ve also been approached by a number of other clubs. I will weigh everything up and then make my decision for next year. What advice would you have for young goalkeepers looking to progress to a higher level The first thing I’d say is that goalkeeping coaching is such a crucial part of a keeper’s development.A lot of people will have the raw talent but unless you are coached in the right ways,it won’t make the difference though a good attitude will go a long way.Goalkeeping training is the hardest type you can do, even harder than what we did with the Meath GAA team. If you don’t work hard,you won’t do well!
Gary Rogers with Ireland legend Packie Bonner Ireland’s safest pair of hands, Gary with Airtricity Trophy
Gary with his dad Dessie after winning All-Ireland Junior title with Meath in 2003
Gary Rogers punches clear much to the relief of his teammates
In 2012 Drogheda Utd. Finish Runners Up In League Win EA Sports Cup and are back in Europe next season! Drogheda Utd finished an amazing season by beating League Champions Sligo Rovers 2-1 in their penultimate game and hammering Bohemians 4-1 at Dalymount Park in their last game.For the team that many tipped as relegation candidates,to finish only four points beind Champions, Sligo Rovers,beat Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght to win the EA Sports Cup and also qualify for Europe,is testament to the leadership of manager Mick Cooke and his assistant Robbie Horgan ( who lives with his family in Robinstown,Co.Meath) MICK COOKE “We never really envisaged that things would turn out as well as they have. At the start of the season, realistically my hope was for us to be comfortable in mid-table and hopefully put a decent run together in one of the cups.This is what every underdog team strives for. Some of the pundits were tipping us for relegation but I never once thought we would have a relegation battle on our hands.I think that the majority of the squad have proven that they can step up to the plate so we will be keeping most of this season’s squad.We need to bring in a few experienced players also.On the other hand I am sure that there are players who will want to move on when they didn’t get to play regular football this season. ROBBIE HORGAN “It has been a fantastic season Looking back,there were lots of reasons why the team did so much better this season compared to last. Having a good pre-season when we trained for seven weeks,having all the squad together before the season started,the weekend trip to Galway when all the players bonded together, bringing in a fitness coach, the training facilites and improving the gym in Mosney, food after training, the competition for places,the medical and physio back up and the excellent attitude of the players.We are a parttime club with a full-time professional mentality and that makes all the difference!”
Celebrations in Tallaght
Gaelscoil na Ríthe Dunshaughlin’s Rang 3 with Drogheda players before Sligo game
Drogheda Utd’s Manager Mick Cooke (left) and Assistant Manager Robbie Horgan
Navan Cosmos U-13s with Drogheda Utd players
Gaelscoil na Ríthe pupils Ciarán & Aoife Ní Casaide meet Man City’s Mario Balotelli at ManchesterAirport
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www.meathherald.com / The Meath Herald November 2012 Page 35
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Navan Ladies Welcome Ciaran Ruddock
Navan ladies had the honour of welcoming Leinster Academy Player Ciaran Ruddock, who’s dad won the grand slam with Wales in 2005 and brother of Rhys Ruddock has been captaining Leinster in the first few weeks of the RaboDirect PRO12 and made his international debut for Ireland last summer. Ciaran took a break from his busy rugby schedule to come down to the club last Friday night to run a clinic alongside the ladies coach Jeff Murrells. It turned out to be a fantastic session with Ciaran bringing some practical key skills in a fun and informative way. The ladies team in Navan is growing from strength to strength and always on the lookout for new members, after winning the AIL division 2 all Ireland in 2011 the ladies team lost some key players and have started from scratch this season. So now the focus is on developing the team again and giving the team a more social focus. The team hopes to travel to Whales this Easter on tour where they will get a taste of international rugby. If you are interested in trying a new sport with a strong focus on development and fun then check us out on Facebook Navan Ladies RFC or call our captain Fiona Mallen (087) 7721272.
Page 36 November 2012 The Meath Herald / www.meathherald.com
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