ECHO
FREE Please Take One 26,200 Readers last Issue Ph: 01 8254434
E ne O E
Meath
Ta R e F as
ke
e
Pl
Issue 138 - August 2011
Contact Us On n
01 8254434
n
Tiger Cubs Class
lass C w e N
4 years - 6 Years 3.15 - 4.00 Tuesdays
Ratoath Community Ctr Children MUST be 4 years or older
Places Available TAEKWONDO, A Way Of Life
www.Tele.ie
meathecho@gmail.com
New Ashbourne South Meath Lotto Millionaire Two Festivals For File Photo
Ratoath Chamber of Commerce are delighted to be hosting another festival for the community & businesses of Ratoath this September. On September 10th, part of the main street will be transformed into a vibrant & buzzing hub of activity with an array of stalls, entertainment and festival fever. Businesses are ey being encourprizemon aged in to get involved by either selling n o w e to b
€2,000
raffle tickets from their base to help raise funds for the festival (for which there are some fantastic prizes!), hiring a stall to promote their business or helping to officially kick start the festivities on the Friday night. Chairperson for the festival committee, Bee Flanagan hopes to see businesses do their bit on the “Fiver Fridays”. ( Cont. Page 3 )
Ms h t a Tickets For the Book MeYour nt e l a Semi Final of t t o G ? u o Y e v a s ath’ MeH
Thursday 25th August 7.30 pm
Got Talent
Friday 26th August at 7.30 pm Friday 2nd August at 7.30pm
Tickets available from Audition Rounds The Box Office or online at now on: www.venuetheatre.ie
Friday 8th, 15thAdults€8 & 22nd July Venue theatre Ratoath Children €5 starts 7.30pm. Admission €5, children €3
meathsgottalent.com 01-6895600 in association with our 4 sponsors:
WP O’REILLY
&
A S S O C I AT E S
F I N A N C I A L S E RV I C E S
Music sponsored by Ratoath School of Music
There were great celebrations at National Lottery offices last week, as Ireland’s latest Lotto millionaire picked up her prize worth €1.3 million, which was a half share of last Saturday’s Lotto jackpot. The lucky €6 Quick Pick ticket was bought in Applegreen, the Rath, Ashbourne, Co. Meath on the day of the draw. The delighted lady from Co. Meath, who wishes to keep her win private, was watching the draw live on Saturday night when she realised her numbers were being called out. “I watched the draw live on Saturday night,” explained the lucky lady. “I was in complete shock when I realised I had won. I still am. We must have checked the ticket 100 times just to be certain I had won.” The lucky lady who is a regular Lotto player plans to continue playing the lottery: “I have already done Monday Million and Lotto this week. You’d never know, I might be coming back in here to collect another cheque.” Plans for the win include “Paying
off a few debts including the mortgage and some bank loans, going on a nice holiday and possibly upgrading the car.” National Lottery good causes benefit from all National Lottery draws, with one third of all sales (approx.) going to fund Beneficiary projects around the country, as designated by Government.
Hugh Maguire Ashbourne
National & International Award Winning Craft Butcher
Call In For Our Weekly Specials
2lbs Steak Mince Only €5.99 5 Pork Chops Only €5 10 Chicken Fillets Only €9.99 Quality & Value When You Need It
Since the National Lottery was launched, over €3.6 billion has been raised for good causes. This level of funding has made a significant difference to communities, projects and individuals in the areas of Youth, Sports, Recreation, Amenities, Health, Welfare, Arts, Culture, National Heritage and the Irish Language.
Regina
DOHERTY TD Office Hours Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm
Address: 2 Main Street, Ratoath, Co. Meath Tel: 01-8257204 Email: regina.doherty@oireachtas.ie
www.Tele.ie
02 Ghost Towns
Gordon Adamson Sub Editor
Bettystown flood prevention measures a welcome move says Hannigan.
Call 01 8254434 meathecho@gmail.com
ChunDoKwan Taekwondo Irealnd
A move to prevent flooding in flood prone housing estates in the Bettystown area, has been welcomed by Meath TD Dominic Hannigan.
To advertise in the Meath Echo, call 01 8254434 or email meathecho@gmail.com The Meath Echo, the best read column-based newspaper in the County.
Next Issue Details Printing: 16th Sept 2011 Advert deadline: 10am Wednesday 14th Sept 2011
Next Issue 17th Sept 2011
A fund of €22,500 has been allocated under the Flood Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, to relocate pipes at the Eastham Stream, Bettystown. “Some parts of the Eastham Road have had significant problems with flooding in recent years. From time to time residents have had to sandbag their driveways in an effort to keep water from the overflowing stream, out of their homes,” said Hannigan. The Office of Public Works had now given Meath County Council funding to remove and relocate parts of the Eastham stream’s pipework. “I understand the work will take about four weeks to complete and I would urge the council to make it a priority,” Deputy Hannigan concluded..
Students from ChungDoKwan Ireland during their training seminar in Portugal in July. (L-R) Kellie Walshe Ratoath, Master Joeo Correia - Portugal, Carly O’Neill- Ratoath, Adam Daly - Finglas, Matthew Short/Doyle Ratoath, Master Nuno Damaso - Portugal & Alan Mc Loughlin - Finglas.
The War Of The Baskets John Henderson
A sign has recently appeared in SuperValu Ratoath that says something along the lines of ‘We are missing 25 red baskets, please return’. For God’s sake people, I know times are hard but really is this what we’ve been reduced to, stealing red baskets from supermarkets. What are you using them for anyway? Are there children waking up on their birthdays and instead of the requested PS3 or iPhone find themselves unwrapping a red plastic shopping basket. I keep thinking I’m going to walk through the housing estate of Ratoath and see a group of forlorn children desperately trying to entertain themselves with a red shopping basket because their parents have had to sell their BMX’s to pay the mortgage. Since I saw that sign in SuperValu I must admit I have become quite obsessed with it. 25 baskets missing ... so
ECHO
Last week, Joe Doyle posted a picture on Facebook of a kid’s buggy-type car in the Riverwalk in Ratoath and asked did anyone know who owned it. The child’s toy had obvously been taken from a nearby housing estate and left in the Riverwalk. It got me to thinking about the amount of toys that are left out in people’s front gardens not only in the summer, but all year round. Bikes, cars, scooters and flickers are so sought after by children for Christmas and birthdays and once received, are left in the front garden. I was speaking to a garda friend who said that the thieft of children’s toys is on the increase and people should take care to either lock them away or bring them into the house. When I was first moved to Meath, I was at a resident’s meeting when one of those at the meeting stated that it was like living in North Belfast during the troubles when you had to check under your car before you moved it. In his case, he was referring to children’s toys being left behind his car in his garden. With any recession comes crime. May I suggest, for no other reason than that children’s toys are expensive, that you bring in your children’s toys or lock them away at night. It would be not be nice to see your child heartbroken if they discover that their birthday or Christmas present has been taken.
did 25 different people come to SuperValu and make off with a basket or did one person steal all 25 baskets and if so what in the name of God is he or she doing with them? Is this basket pilferer restricting his basket appropriation to SuperValu in Ratoath? It stands to reason that if he’s collecting baskets from one supermarket he’s more than likely doing the same in others. Who has a need for all these baskets? Maybe it’s the owner of another SuperValu. No not really, that is of course is just a joke. Let me make it clear that, neither the Meath Echo or any of its affiliates think that the owner of any other SuperValu is responsible for the theft of baskets. We know they didn’t do it because we hacked their phones. But this is a measure of my obsession with the baskets. It has me casting a suspicious eye over everyone I come in to contact with. Also I would urge the people at SuperValu to keep us informed. I don’t want that sign to remain at 25 missing baskets and then
be taken down. I want updates. I want to know how many are being returned and how many new ones are going missing. I want other supermarkets to get involved so we can have some sort of league table. Then we can set up a fantasy basket league. It’s a bit like the obsession I had a few years ago with those signs at the side of the roads that told you how many people from that county had died in the last couple of years. Man I was completely obsessed with them for a while. I’d be driving along and I’d see a sign saying, 64 people have died on the roads of Kildare in the last 2 years.’ And I’d think to myself, ‘not bad, not bad at all Kildare ... but you’ve got a lot of catching up to do if you want to get close to Offaly’s figure. They must be throwing themselves in front of trucks down there. And as for those Wacky Racers in Tipperary, come on Kildare ... you can do better.’ So that obviously was an unhealthy and, I realise, highly offensive obsession. Which is why I’m quite excited
about my new missing basket obsession. Think of the fun we could have if other supermarkets got involved and we set up a fantasy basket league. Think how much more fun going shopping would be. For once men would be delighted to go and do the big shop. The lovely ladies could put their feet up for an hour while all the men headed off to the supermarket and we’d meet up at the deli
counter and compare notes and swap baskets or supermarkets or whatever way it will work. I’m not sure, I haven’t worked out all the details yet. But whatever way it works it’s got to be more fun than the upcoming football season where we’ll just be watching Manchester City buying up the entire Arsenal squad in the ‘who’s got the biggest cheque book’ competition.
Deputy Dominic
HANNIGAN For Appointment Call 041-980 1801 e-mail info@dominichannigan.com website www.dominichannigan.com
To advertise phone: 01 8254434 or 086 33 555 60. The Meath Echo is the best read FREE Newspaper in County Meath. Sub Editor, Gordon Adamson. Proofing, Lynsey Dreaper. URL www.meathecho.ie email: MeathEcho@gmail.com
Call 01 8254434 meathecho@gmail.com
www.Tele.ie
Festivals For Meath From Front Page by having a “Festival Friday” and offering special festival packages to create an atmospheric start to the festivities. “This festival is for absolutely everybody, businesses, clubs, schools, patrons young & old and to give the people of Ratoath a chance to come together & celebrate their village while also giving a much needed boost to the local economy”, Bee told the Meath Echo. “If you would like to hire a stall on the day please let us know asap as there are only a handful left. You can contact us on info@ratoathchamber.ie or info@ officeservice.ie to book or for any queries you may have”, she added. For full information regarding the festival please visit our blog on www.ratoathchamber.ie Meanwhile, just down the road from Ratoath the organisers of the Dunshaughlin Harvest Festival (www.DunFest.com) have formally announced details of this dynamic inaugural event, which will take place from 18th – 25th September and coincides with the Solheim Cup at neighbouring Killeen Castle. The Dunshaughlin Harvest Festival will be a “fusion of food, folk and fun”, and is intended to demonstrate that Dunshaughlin is ‘the friendliest village in the world’. The packed and exciting festival programme includes a Craft & Heritage Village, an International Food Village and a Trade Village. There will be two separate FREE entertainment stages – from trad, rock and jazz to dance, drama and even celebrity cookery demonstrations with Kevin Dunden. Plenty of well known Irish artists will grace the stage including Don Baker and Brush Shields. There is a wide variety of cultural and heritage events spread throughout the week including a limited-capacity concert from award-winning multiplatinum artist Liam Lawton. An exhibition of especially released artefacts
from Ireland’s museums will also be open to the public. In addition, there will be several other cultural evenings and a number of local heritage tours including a fun midnight ghost tour. The bumper programme also includes drama, comedy, pub entertainment, a Guinness’s World record breaking attempt, street theatre, a carnival, traditional Village Games, an inflatable playzone and a full children’s programme. “The whole village has got behind this wonderful festival and have even produced a festival promotional video, which will be released on YouTube and on the festival website dunfest.com very soon.” Says Dave Robinson, the Festival Committee Chairman. According to Robinson, “the Dunshaughlin Harvest Festival is the first festival to be held in Dunshaughlin in more than 30 years: The opening of the M3 last year gave the residents an opportunity to revive village life. In recent months we have seen the opening of the Dunshaughlin Heritage Trail – and now the village has been Nominated to represent Meath in the Co-operation Ireland Pride of Place Awards. Through the competition, local people work together to create civic pride in their local community.” Mr. Robinson concludes: “We’re also organising a Gala Festival Fundraiser on Friday 15 July at the County Club offering 4 zones of entertainment plus dinner for only 10 euro.” The festival organisers are also now taking bookings for the festival Craft & Heritage Village, the Food Village and the Trade Village. For further information on these please contact the Festival Secretary, Patricia Lynch on 085 821 8908 or patriciaredlynch@ gmail.com
03
Meath students attend International
Youth Leadership Conference
Daniel Duffy, Navan of Syddan Foróige Club and Seamus Hogan, Duleek & Ratoath Senior Foróige Club. Two Meath students were among a group of nearly 300 young adults from across the world who attended the ‘Albert Schweitzer’s Leadership for Life’ (ASLFL) conference last week. The conference was run by Foróige, the National Youth Development Organisation and ICCUSA Foundation Inc. (Irish Chamber of Commerce, USA) at NUI Maynooth. Daniel Duffy (Navan) and Seamus Hogan (Duleek) secured a place for the week-long conference based on the strength of their written application supported by a nomination to attend from a youth
Back To School With
HOMEWORLD DISCOUNT STORE
Main Street, Ratoath
worker or volunteer leader from the county. The programme for the conference is based on Foróige’s youth leadership programme and is run in partnership with ICCUSA Foundation Inc). Students have been learning about the importance of community service, inter-culturalism and health and well-being, among others. The conference included lectures by eminent leaders in the business, health and community sectors as well as workshops on team building, critical thinking and communication skills and peer
discussions on matters of global importance. The Meath natives were chosen for their innate sense of justice, determination, passion and ability to lead and make positive changes in their own community. “The conference was amazing. I’ve learned so much and met teenagers from all over the world. It has really made me appreciate the many cultural differences and shared values that exist across the world“, said Seamus Hogan who participated in the conference last week.
Give Your Classes Or Courses The Kick They Need This September September is the time when the children go back to school, the nights draw in and people sign up for classes and courses. This September, The Meath Echo will run a four page Course and Classes in Meath centre page pull out. You can advertise from
as little as €25 + VAT for a 50mm X 50mm advert. Just email MeathEcho@Gmail.comfor further details before the 29th August. Bigger advert sizes can also be purchased. Remember, the Meath Echo is the BEST READ Newspaper in this area.
Selected Schools Bags €9.99 Selected Lunch Bags €3.99 Selected Pencil Cases €1.99 Buy the bundle for €15.00 Lever Arch Files from €1.99 A4 Ring Binders €1.49 Copies 88 page €0.29 Pencils HB €0.19 Pens Assorted colours €0.19 Hard cover Note Books from €1.89 Plastic Document walletfrom €0.79 and Many More fantastic Offers.
www.Tele.ie
04
Call 01 8254434 meathecho@gmail.com
15 SuperValu Own Brand Products top the Great Taste Awards list SuperValu’s Own Brand Range of products has come up trumps at the internationally renowned Great Taste Awards. Fifteen products from the SuperValu Own Brand range secured the prestigious international title, ten of which are supplied locally in Ireland by Irish Food Suppliers. The awards announcement signifies an independent endorsement in the quality, taste and great range available from SuperValu Own Brand. Not only is SuperValu’s Own Brand range 33% cheaper than similar branded goods, the Great Taste Awards mark a superb vote of confidence in the range. SuperValu’s Supreme Orange Blossom Honey, produced by Healy’s Honey which is located in Ballincollig, Co. Cork was awarded the highest accolade for taste and quality,
receiving a 3 star rating. Few products achieved this mark of quality; out of a record total of 7,482 entries, just 114 products were awarded 3 stars. The Orange Blossom Honey is also nominated for the Award for the Best Speciality from Ireland; the winners of which will be announced at Specialty & Fine Food Fair which will be held in London in September. Healys Honey is a family run business established in the late 1970’s by Patrick Healy, a keen beekeeper, cultivating his hobby into a successful award winning business. The family strives to continue the traditions and values initiated with quality and excellence remaining their primary focus. Speaking about the awards, Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, SuperValu, said: “We are incredibly proud that our
SuperValu Own Brand range has featured so prominently at the Great Taste Awards. To have 15 of our products receive stars, ranking from 1 to 3 is a tremendous achievement; it marks a huge vote of confidence in the quality and taste credentials of this range.” “SuperValu continue to recognise excellence, quality and innovation within the Irish food and beverage sector. As a business we are committed to supporting Irish as much as possible; we are incredibly proud of the fact that 75% of everything on our shelves is sourced or produced in Ireland. Recent research has shown that consumers want more Irish produce and want to support local in this difficult economic period. SuperValu is a business that prides itself on listening to what the Irish consumer wants and we are continuing to shape our
Ashbourne Credit Union Launches Student Loan-
own brand offer in response to the changing demands of the Irish public. Importantly we are doing this without compromising our support for Irish suppliers, brands and jobs. By being committed to supporting local and Irish we can fulfill our consumer requirements, offer great choice and value and help build and sustain vibrant local communities. No one can match SuperValu’s credentials when it comes to supporting Irish in addition to providing great value to our consumers,” he continued. The Great Taste Awards is widely regarded as the most trusted and recognised food and drink awards. Each food entered receives feedback from a panel of over 300 judges, helping food producers and suppliers constantly improve and refine their food offerings.
Leaving cert results are due out on the 17th August with first round offers expected to be made on the 23rd August. To link in with this, the Irish League of Credit Unions is launching a national marketing campaign for Student Loans and Ashbourne Credit Union is launching a special discounted student loan. This will be for a 2 month period only from the 22nd August to the 22nd October. The loans will be given at the very reasonable rate of 7.99% (typical apr). They will be available to either 2nd or 3rd level students but the student must be a member of the Ashbourne Credit Union to avail of it. You still have time to join. They will also, for the first time, be awarding 2 third level scholarships to the value of €750 each this autumn. Full details of all of the above, plus application forms, can be found on their website www.ashbournecu.ie Ashbourne Credit Union will also be having an Open Day on Saturday 20th August when you can call in and discuss any queries you might have be that in relation to loans, savings, nominations, insurance etc. Privacy and confidentiality will be assured.
ASHBOURNE CREDIT UNION
(serving Ashbourne, Ratoath & surrounding areas) Phone: 8351177 Fax 8353213 E-mail: info@ashbournecu.ie www.ashbournecu.ie
SAVE SAVE
Ashbourne House Hotel Tuesday’s 5.30pm & 7.30pm All Welcome Ph: Audrey 086 084 8189 01 656 9696 www.slimmingworld.ie
€9 €FREE 9
online support FREE online support
OPEN DAY Saturday 20thAugust 10.00 am - 2.00 pm
Credit union staff will be on hand to answer any queries you might have, in a private setting. We will also be launching our SPECIAL RATE STUDENT LOAN at
7.99%
(typical a.p.r.) commencing 22nd August
Refreshments will be served. All welcome
www.Tele.ie
06
ChungDoKwan Taekwondo - Ratoath Summer 2011 Annual Taekwondo Camp Meath
Annual Taekwondo Camp Meath. Bush Tucker Trials
Annual Taekwondo Camp Meath
Taekwondo Camp Meath. Bush Tucker Trials
Taekwondo Training Camp Portugal
Taekwondo Training Camp Portugal
Classes Ratoath Every Tuesday - Text 086 33 555 60 For Details.
Ashbourne New Town Centre (01) 8357775
Made To Measure Suits Speical Special Offer Only €399 Normally €699.99
.95
From 34”-54” Extra Long or Extra Short
Features Include: n Floating Horsehair Canvas n 1000’s of Different Detail Choices n 100’s of Different Cloths To Choose From n You Can Order Extra Trousers n We Can Call To Your Home Or Business To Measure You & Take Your Order
e v i s Mas
suit sale
REMUS UOMO ‘INTERVEIW’ SUIT WAS €299
NOW €159.95
BUY ANY CARL GROSS SPORTS JACKET AND GET A PAIR OF CARL GROSS TROUSERS FREE (RRP 85) WANSATLEESPD ERSON RT TIMEANY SHIRT PABUY RE AND JUMPER FROM OUR NEW COLLECTION AND BOURNE STO FOR OUR ASH AVE ILL HMISH LLY W GET A PAIR OF MASH JEANS OF YOUR CHOICE FREE (RRP E80) A E ID E T A ID CAND EAR RETAIL
IN MENSW SON EXPERIENCE RETIRED PER E R U T A M A TO WOULD SUIT H BY PHONE IT W E IR U Q EN 5 7333910 BRENDAN 08
OR IF THESE OFFERS DON’T APPEAL THEN BRING THIS VOUCHER AND RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR PURCHASE
(AppLies TO MeATH eCHO reADers OnLY AnD eXCLuDes sALe iTeMs nOT VALiD in COnJunCTiOn WiTH AnY OTHer OFFer T/C's AppLY)
Our New Ranges From Hilfiger, Superdry and Lyle & Scott Have Just Arrived. We stock best Brands including:
Opening HOurs Monday-saturday 9:30 - 6:00 late night Thursday & friday sunday 12:00 - 6:00
McGEEVER MENSWEAR Ashbourne New Town Centre (01) 8357775
www.Tele.ie
08
Call 01 8254434 meathecho@gmail.com
Domain First – Business Name Second Business Focus
Franco DeBonis The saying about buses is true. I hadn’t done any businessnaming projects in ages and then 3 came along together! I follow a very specific process when coming up with names for businesses that involves briefing with the client and then researching names that match the brief. Typically, the companies who come to us are start-ups, but they are what I call “Major Start-Ups”. In other words they have investment funding behind them and can afford to spend a few thousand coming up with a brand identity. But it doesn’t matter whether
you own a corporate business and you’re re-branding a product or you’re just starting a new small business; the process is the same. However, the cardinal sin of business or product naming is picking the name without checking the availability of the domain name. In our modern interconnected, online world, not having the domain name that relates accurately to your business or product name is a major issue. An example is a client who came to us with a name already chosen and wanted a logo and website. He had already registered the business name and so was none too happy when we informed him that the domain name for his business name was already registered! We then had to find an acceptable addition to the name, so “Widgets” (not the real name) became www. widgetsonline.ie. Not a good outcome because how many of his potential clients were just going to visit widgets.ie and
get very confused. The moral of the story is to come up with a list of potential names and then go check the availability of those names as domains. It doesn’t matter if it’s the best name in the world, if the domain is already taken then it’s probably better to move on (unless the additional word you add helps). For instance, let’s say you run a medical centre that delivers everything under one roof and you wanted to call your company “Total” (I know it’s a terrible name, just work with me here). You could use “totalmedical. ie” for your domain as “total” is a very generic word anyway and the addition of “medical” helps to more accurately define your business in the domain name. Just don’t make the domain name too long and don’t go for words that are hard to spell either. You also need to be sure you get the right domain suffix (the part after the “.” In your domain name). The one most
people know of is “.com”, but there are many more. Here is a short list with a little information on each:
.com The best known domain suffix. Very hard to find available domains as all the good ones were snapped up years ago. Also very U.S. oriented, so not so good if your main business is local to a country outside the US. .co.uk The same as .com, except this is pretty much dedicated to UK based companies. Similar suffix is .uk.com, which is relatively new. .ie Specifically Irish domain suffix. These domains cannot simply be purchased but must be approved and you must have a valid company registration number for most domains.
.co A relatively new domain suffix that was created to provide a more global (non-U.S. centric) domain option for people. .eu A European domain, which although global helps to identify you as a European business .org A domain suffix that identifies you as an organisation, such as educational establishments, charities and not-for-profit companies.
.net Kind of seen as the poor brother of the domain suffix family. Rather unkindly I feel, but it is true to say if .com and .eu domains are the Beverly Hills of domains, then .net is the Skid Row purely because of the calibre of websites that are typically found on .net domains.
case you should consider .dj) The moral of the story is don’t decide on a business or product name in a vacuum. Your VERY FIRST thought should be the domain! Franco De Bonis has worked in the field of sales and marketing promotion since 1990 and was most recently the global marketing manager for a major international technology company before setting up The DG Group in January 2007. The DG Group is dedicated to delivering all the marketing solutions any company may require. Whether it’s a website or leaflets and brochures, or even some product packaging; The DG Group will manage the whole project, providing sound guidance along the way.
There are many, many other suffixes, but these would be the main ones to consider (unless you live in Djibouti, in which
agoY ytivarGitnA
AntiGravity Yoga
It’s challenging, it’s fun, it’s effective. AntiGravity® Aerial Yoga is a unique fusion technique, revolutionary in relieving compressed joints and aligning the body from head to toe. The AntiGravity Hammock acts as a soft trapeze and as a support while you master simple inversions and finally progress to more advanced poses. AntiGravity Yoga is a fitness regime designed to increase one’s overall health and physical agility while having fun and creating beauty. AntiGravity is an acrobatic performance company whose daily workout utilises the AntiGravity hammock. The technique was originally created for athletes and gymnasts and has since been modified and perfected for the everyday athlete. Incorporating components from dance, Pilates and calisthenics, AntiGravity has created a complete workout that is certain to get you in shape while realigning you from the compression of gravity. AntiGravity Yoga works to manipulate physics while staying lighthearted.
gniniarT lanosreP
Personal Training
Vitality Health & Fitness
Vitality Health is delighted to welcome ‘Fit For You” Personal Fitness Training and Weight Management Specialist - And World Body Building Champion, Noel McPharlin. Noel, who is based in new gym in our Studio Two, will be you personal trainer and will take you through a fitness routine to shape your body into the better looking you.
Using his years of experience on the world stage, Noel can help you manage you food intake and give helpful advise to you on the correct excercises to tone and sculpt your body. You can call Noel in Ratoath on the number below.
Ratoath Tara 01 825 XXXXXX 0872167611 Noel 0879193306
www.Tele.ie
10
Running In The Park
Call 01 8254434 meathecho@gmail.com
Athletics Ireland Family Fitness Festival at Farmleigh in the Phoenix Park took place on the July 31st and was an exciting day of fun events that also highlighted the importance of regular physical activity for both children and adults. The Athletics Ireland Family Fitness Festival was the perfect opportunity for the whole family to experience a variety of sporting activities in the beautiful surroundings of the Farmleigh Estate. The day began at 10am with the Family Mile Challenge, an event that welcomed Walkers, Joggers and Runners. The Family Mile Challenge was held within the grounds of Farmleigh, with the finish of the mile outside Farmleigh House.
Above: Bobby, 6 years, and his sister Emily Masterson, 3, from Oldcastle, Co. Meath, relax before the Athletics Ireland Family Fitness Festival at Farmleigh. Phoenix Park, Dublin. Picture credit: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE Right: Aoife McCormack, age 7, from Dunboyne, again at the Athletics Ireland Family Fitness Festival at Farmleigh. Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Aidan Forde Many of you will be taking advantage of the summer weather. You may be walking, running, or playing sport, shin pain can be one condition that may hamper this but can be treated easily.
What can the athlete do about shin splints? Rest to allow the injury to heal. Apply ice or cold therapy in the early stages, particularly when it is very painful. Cold therapy reduces pain and inflammation. Stretch the muscles of the lower leg. In particular the tibialis posterior is associated with shin splints. Wear shock-absorbing insoles in shoes. This helps reduce the shock on the lower leg. Maintain fitness with other non-weight bearing exercises such as swimming, cycling or running in water. Apply heat and use a heat re-
tainer or shin and calf support after the initial acute stage and particularly before training. This can provide support and compression to the lower leg helping to reduce the strain on the muscles. It will also retain the natural heat, which causes blood vessels to dilate and increases the flow of blood to the tissues. Visit a sports injury clinic for treatment and rehabilitation. What can a sports injury clinic or doctor do? Prescribe anti-inflammatory medication e.g. ibuprofen. Always consult a doctor before taking medication). Tape for support. - A taping worn all day will allow the shin to rest properly by taking the pressure off the muscle attachments. Analyse running style for over pronation and other biomechanical problems of the foot. Use sports massage techniques on the posterior deep muscle compartment but avoid the inflamed periostium. Operate Important Anti-inflammatory drugs along with rest and ice can help reduce inflammation, particularly in the early stages. However if the underlying causes such as tight muscles are not treated
through stretching and sports massage techniques then the likelihood of the injury returning is higher. Shin Splints FAQ’s I rest until I have no pain but every time I try to go back to training the pain just comes back again! Answer: This is a common complaint. One cause of recurring shin pain is failure to get the muscles of the lower leg in a good condition before returning to training. Tight, knotted calf muscles will increase the strain on the muscle attachments of the lower leg. Regular stretching and sports massage can help make the muscles supple
and more effective at absorbing the stresses placed on them. Another cause of recurring shin pain may be poor foot biomechanics. See a physical therapist for a biomechanical assessment if this is suspected Related Condition Over Pronation What is foot pronation? Pronation is the movement of the subtalar joint (between the talus and calcaneus) into: • Eversion (turning the sole outwards) • Dorsiflexion (pointing the toes upwards) and • Abduction (pointing the toes out to the side). When standing, pronation occurs as the foot rolls inwards and the arch of the foot flattens.
Pronation is a normal part of the gait cycle (walking/running), which helps to provide shock absorption at the foot. The opposite movement to pronation is supination. This is also a normal part of the gait cycle and can be excessive (oversupination) If you are suffering give the Fordeclinic a call. Littlepace Medical Centre, Clonee: 01 8225630 Energie Fitness Centre, Ashbourne: 0876032911 www.Fordeclinic.com Aidan Forde Bsc ph.th miapt
The Best Read Newspaper In Meath Happy V a
lentine’s
The Best Prices For Advertising In Meath Amazing Deals On Full, Half & Quarter Page Adverts. Ph: 01 8254434 email. MeathEcho@gmail.com www.meathecho.com
E CHO E
FRE se
Plea
Take
ase Tak
Day
An Ext ract Fro By Foo d Crit m The Rev ic Pao iew lo Tull io all this
Happy V
FREE Ple
All in
with effic meal, which e One FRE iency was of and pro was served a E Pleas fessiona counter quality I’d e Takjust ed in only befo lism, e On The Me thee FRESingapo re enre. ath of culi shredde lack E Ple narase It wasn’t Tak- elikeOn was novd duck with y clic hes plum el, skil e cate sau ful
e
On
alentine’
s Day
ce d cuis ne ine. Fin and very sop - it tic Ext An and ding such histiract exce � Fro By IrelFoo llen ��� m authenandd wou t Chi The ��� Critic �� Rev nese ��� ld Pao iew food self ��� be lo “Thi,s but ��� �� rem All Tull ��� in thefind inisall arka �� io ble besting mad ��� �� this Chinitese Makewas in it���� with mea ��� a tripall meal ide ��e�� l,outs �� effic whi I have thehad there thesoon �� ienc �� ch capinital mor was��� was Do y and , it’s e reall �� served of �� - 1st - 20th years. Our of We �� ay surp �� n 01 pro Need Pleas Restaa qua is wort fess �� June 2010 8254434 e Bookurant Will rise cou lity iona �� h it.” Bonter To . Your Be Close I’ddSay lism Seaso ok ned Table n meat only befo��� , No Wellin On �� For To Advertis just In Advan w All Other25thMo ��� Sing hecho@gm re? & 26th the ��� re ce To apo Dates enDecem Avoid ail.com re. e In The Counci ber. shredde lack of�� Dissa ItOver The culi Festiv was pointm Best Rea �� nary �� l Col e n’t d duc clic ��ent. d Free was k Rates From lect Fornov n Skyp with plum hes - like Newspap �� el, Va e us on skilful len sau Illegal er In cate andmeat cuisine. tin Coun Livedty hecho ce - it e’s very Mus We tic Mea ic Fin sop eke From and th on Vale exce , Call ding such nd histintine’sllen 7.30 01pm By Gord Ireland Dayt Chi825 on Adam 443auth 4 ennese Followi son self, but would be ng an update food velopm remarka of the unautho ents along in finding lin Area the N2 rised demade ble Council to the Dunsha it outs was all told the , ide the in itughMeath EchoCllr. Regina County the that it is Doherty has Mary Wallace cap Council mor Do We ital TD has, in breach to get serioustime for Meath months, e of a surprise with anybody about expressed very over the past Need Act, 2000. of the Plannin 12 FAS By GordBo the fact g and Develop To Say . that there serious concern are catered “There on Adam ok emnt Local Govern are remains Offices. Contact
Us On
Develop
ments
Ash
bour
Issue 121
01 83 5211
0
Ashbou
rne Adul Planned t Le For Sep arning Centre tember 2010 Now
More?
01 83
for in the a large ment offices son develop vacant funded number Ashbou ments by the in Ashbou The of unautho rne operatin Doherty rne Centredevelopment rised Meath County Irish taxpaye siad, “some g all along of the Adult r, Council there for offices continu while ternal will involve alteratio Learnin from the seven years of which the N2,” e to g preciate have been van. layout of private or more. that there the offices ns to the insector in rent tions to Whilst lowed Speakin the NaI apthere are is a legal process g to the floor level. Ashbourne with connecwe have some develop to be fol- Wallace Library Meath not even Echo, Deputy siad, at first Two very ments on yet, manage where no sense to “This makes Live Mus positive even d held absolute meeting me than 3 years. though they to serve a notice present s have ly over between MCC ic From financia what-so-ever, are there been on and FAS the l circums “This sends in for more continue 7.30pm officials Valentin tances that the the last last three to out complet sage to four tion from to fund renting meeting e’s Day all ely accomm we architec was facilitatweeks and the private for plannin the law-abiding the wrong mes- have high class sector while oda- architec t. A prelimin ed people g by in the correct which who apply County accomm we week t is expecte ary report from an find it funded odation manner, d at the the extreme plannin ly difficult some of idle in Ashbou by the taxpaye in the and which will identify end of g even on their associat rne”. Doherty r lying to secure Meath modific this own ed costs. County outs are ations Once no planninstated that even land.” sponded Council agreed , last it will then revised layto g permiss to carry though Meath out the there is with confirmDeputy Wallace week reion County alteratio be necessary places , concern ation that Council for some of ing Comme well s operatioan interagency ns and to put plans rcial Rates are actually these, opingadvanced in in develop n and maintenagreement the process are now collectfrom ments. the tre. “I am putting some of of Questio ance of for the brary as Ashbourne Civic of develthe cenan Adult “I am delighte down a these partners Offices/ Meeting n to the Manage Notice to seek hip arrangeLearning Centre Li- high quality d with the clarifica r for Junes Council the Library would beggar via a plans ment with governm bourne Service belief that tion on this matter. FAS and ent officesfor these ing rates The County and the s. we It would be tre when Adult Learnin in AshManage thus givingfrom unautho collect- firmed to rised develop r has Venue g Cenimprove fully developed Deputy then through Echothem validity complai Wallace also con- facilitie d interage ments, tional facilitie will nt with whilst late theAd ncy public provide will s for commu that addicourts.” will be s 05-10: pursuin be resolved Meath County Doherty identifie service Venue g Wallace to Ashbourne nity groups d once conclud Council requirem this commit . with citizens the ed.Events Lft ents of ”, said “These position ment in the honouring the Libraryspace and IT 11-07 year.” develop to tolerate of of Septem ments are we are 26/05/ Service the neglect ber of such a determi Wallace 2010and importa this and waste ned in Ashbou said that ahead conclud fine facility in 12:23 nt, as with positive she was ed. our town,” Page rne to Meath very 1 ly and It is County she my substanlook ing these Council annoyed will envisaged that offices tial the the propose be operatio to “virtual for allowpublic” d centre nal subject ly close and “I to conclud in September was to are Happy simply not fully commit ing agreeme 2010 in Days nts. FAS ted to the Friday 11th Echo a Ad 05-10: project. 8.30pm June Venue Events Studio in The Venue Lft 11-07 Theatre Ratoath 06/05/ 2010 Ratoat Hosted by h comed JOHN HENDER ian SON
For Va 52110 lentin e’s We eke
nd
Karl Sp Jarlath Regain an
ATO ATH CO
R
What are shin splints? Shin splints is the general name given to pain at the front of the lower leg. Shin splints is not a diagnosis in itself but a description of symptoms of which there could be a number of causes. The most common cause is inflammation of the periostium of the tibia (sheath surrounding the bone). Traction forces occur from the muscles of the lower leg on the periostium causing shin pain and inflammation. Symptoms of shin splints: Tenderness over the inside of the shin. Lower leg pain, which
goes after a period of rest but comes back when running starts again. Sometimes some swelling. Lumps and bumps may be felt when feeling the inside of the shinbone. Pain when the toes or foot are bent downwards. A redness over the inside of the shin. Shin Splints Treatment Treatment for shin splints is a simple as reducing pain and inflammation, identifying training and biomechanical problems, which may have helped cause the injury initially, restoring muscles to their original condition and gradually returning to training.
Tickets
€15 - limited
John Henderson
M E DY C L U B
to 100 UPCO - Box Office: M I NG R AT JU LY 01-68 3 , S EP O AT H C O 95600 M ED Y T 3, OCT 1 , NO C LUB NI G V 5, HTS: DEC 3…
specia l
BBQ offer PACK
4 BBQ 4 Pepp Sausages, 4 10 Chicered Steaks, 4Pork Ribs, ken Port Steak Burg ions ers,
20 All AL For Only L for
€
only
DESIGN 087 2351208
Physical Thearpist
GERRY OWENS
Shin Pain?
Su mm er
Ca mp H pp y 20 10 Day s Book No w €65 per week 4 week s:
Com mu at the nity childcare he
art of Ratoath ratoath Commu Main St., Ratoath nity Centre Tel: 01-6895, Co. Meath. 600.
5-9 July 12-16 July 19-23 July 26-30 July
Ages Arts 4-10 Fashio & Crafts – Theme n Shows – Talent d Weeks – Song Compe For bookin & Dance titions – Films Tel: 01-6g form contac – Music t Deirdr Email:
8956
info@r
00 Ext. e 206
atoath
cc.ie
12:20
Page
1
you’re ready Call 01 8254434 meathecho@gmail.com
www.Tele.ie
11
Ask yourself these questions to see if you’re ready to start a weight-loss program.
Your Red and Green Weight Loss Switches!......Part 2 Adrian Deane Writes
Red (bad) Green (good) our and weight-loss success switchesdepends are aon simplified your readiway to ness helptoyou take understand on the challenge.you These questions help how lose weight.canRed you judge whether now is the switches stop fat being burned bestcause time to your Green weightand fatstart storage. loss program. switches allow access to fat • Are you motivated to make and help prevent fat storage. long-term lifestyle changes In the article eating I focussed on thatlast require healthy the foods key things that turn on the and exercising more? red Be switches. Now let’syou focus honest. Knowing need changes yourkey life on to themake positive andinthe and you feeling updo to the challenge things can to turn on twoswitches: different things. the are green
Y
• Do you currently have distractions in your life that 1. Eating little and often is sumay prevent you from comperbmitting for turning on weight-loss the green to your switches and You keeping red program? may the set yourswitches This ifalone self up off. for failure you’recan distracted by other major events transform your weight loss. marital Tryinto your eat 4 life, to 5 such timesasdaily at job stress, 3 toproblems, 4 hour intervals andillness neveror financial your exceed 400 worries. calories Give (ladies) life a chance to calm down beor 500 calories (men) at any fore you start. given meal. • Do you truly believe that slow2. er Fibre is fantastic the is better? Losingforweight at a relatively slow pace has proved safe, healthy and effective over the long term. You should aim for a weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds a week. • Are you realistic about your weight-loss goal? Remember, losing as little as 10 to 20 pounds can improve your health if you’re overweight or obese. Ask your doctor how much weight you can safely lose. • Do you have family and friends to support your weight-loss efforts? It certainly helps to have someone in your corner. If you don’t have someone you can rely on, consider joining a weight-loss support group. • Do you believe that you can change your eating habits? Sounds easy to do in theory, but in practice, it’s often difficult. It’s hard to cast aside established behaviors.
• Are you willing to become more physically active? Increasing your level of physical activity is essential to losing weight and keeping it off. • Do you have time to keep records of your food intake and physical activity? Keeping records increases your chance of success. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how helpful it is to track your progress. • Are you willing to look at past successes and failures in weight loss and other areas of your life? Learn from the past about what motivates you. Keep working to resolve barriers that might prevent success. green switches, look at how • Do you view aso healthy-weight much fibre you gettingexpeand program as are a positive weight aimrience? for 25g Lose per day. Thebecause averwant andinnot because ageyou intake of to fibre only 10g you think it’s expected by othdaily. Fibre is found mainly in ers. wholegrain cereals, grains and • Have you resolved any eating breads, fruits,orvegetables and disorders other emotional nutsissues and seeds. that make it difficult 3. Water on thea healthy green for youturns to achieve switches, don’t weight? so If you haveforget a tento binge, purge, starve yourdency 1L daily per 100lbs you or overexert when you exerweigh! cise, or if (cardio) you’re depressed 4. Aerobic exerciseor anxious, you may need profesis vital to turn on the green sional help. switches. • Do you believe that a healthy weight is a lifelong commitment? Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is a lifelong process. There’s no going back to your old behaviors. Are you ready to make a permanent change? If you answered yes to all of these questions, you’re ready to make the lifestyle changes neces-
sary for permanent weight loss. If you answered no to one or more of these questions, you may not be ready. And that’s OK. Explore what’s holding you back and face those obstacles. In some cases it may be a simple matter of timing. For instance, you may need to resolve other problems in your life. In other cases, you may need to work on related issues - such as your feelings toward weight loss or your willingness to commit to permanent changes. You may be able to make these changes alone, or you may feel you need additional help. Educating yourself about the process of successful weight 5.loss Toning turns on theis green and maintenance a start. For example, more about switches and learn especially in the dietary changes stubborn fat areas if younecessary select for losingfor weight. a dietitian exercises thoseSee areas. Try or enroll in a behavioral-based to do toning exercise for all the program - a program that can major muscle groups. help you change the behaviors 6.that Minerals especially can interfere with calciweight um, magnesium and zincyou’re are loss, such as eating when vital for orhaving stressed bored. your green If you’re forof weight loss switches on.ready Many us are but in fearthese you’llespecially become discourlow magaged quickly, think the nesium and zinc andtoward they befuture. As you become more come even more important if physically active and make diyou are exercising. etary changes, you’ll feel better 7.and A one fruit only And day can haveday more energy. rather than thinking of weight loss as a short-term drudgery, view it as an enjoyable lifestyle change that persists indefinitely. If you would like more information on a weight loss programme, please see advert or call Adrian on 086 2598867 or visit www. leaneryou.ie
Anne O’Loughlin
Member of ICHP MIHCA & MAA MT Dip. Hyp Adv. Dip
Hypnotherapy Psycotherapy Hypno - Analysis E.F.T. Chakra Energy Healing Holistic Counselling - Relaxation Deep Tissue Massage Energy Medicine & Theta Healing
Ashbourne Town Town Centre Tel: 01 4544181 / 087 2516687 ( Confidentially Assured )
ChungDoKwan Ireland Is An Amature Martial Art
really kick start the process of turning on green switches and turning off your red switches. Contact us for instructions! 8. Your liver is the major detox organ of the body and a balancer of the body’s environment and so has a big influence on your green and red switches. Keep you liver strong and healthy by using a milk thistle supplement on a regular basis.
wine from other alcohols in their minds but the metabolic effects are arguably more destructive for some people. I hope you can see from this article and the last one some of the things that have been undermining your weight loss and possibly wiping out your diet and exercise efforts. It is all about getting the balance
right and tipping it in the right direction to see some movement on the scales. If you would like more information or would like to book a free consultation call me today on 086 259 8867 or visit www.system10weightloss.com you will not get a better plan tailored to your body type and individual needs
And some more things that turn on your red switches…….. 1. Constipation is one of the most destructive metabolism problems of all and intoxicates the whole body from head to toe, turning on all your red switches! 2. Stress turns on your red switches especially in your stomach area, giving the beer belly appearance. You can’t avoid stress but you need to start taking control of it! 3. Wine turns on your red switches so be careful! For some reason people separate
Providing the following services: • Physical Therapy • Sports Injury • Sports Massage • Pre/Post Event Massage • Deep Tissue Massage • Onsite Corporate Massage
CLINIC NOW OPEN IN DONAGHMORE / ASHBOURNE GAA CLUB Contact Danny on 087 1213605 or dannykeane@newbody.ie for an appointment
www.newbody.ie
12
www.Tele.ie
Call 01 8254434 meathecho@gmail.com
TAEKWONDO
NEW TERM NEW BEGINNERS CLASSES All Classes On Tuesday In The Ratoath Community Centre, opps. The Post Office. Taekwondo is one of the most systematic and scientific Korean traditional martial arts, that teaches more than physical fighting skills. It is a discipline that shows ways of enhancing our spirit and life through training our body and mind. Today, it has become a global sport that has gained an international reputation, and stands among the official games in the Olympics.
Taekwondo pursues harmonious growth and improvements of life through its unique activities. This is why one could say Taekwondo is a way of life. To ultimately enable ourselves to lead more valuable lives, we would do well by finding the guiding principles deeply hidden in Taekwondo. In our Chugdokwan Taekwondo, we believe that Taekwondo is for eve-
ryone. Our youngest member is 4 years of age while our more senior members are in their mid 60’s. You are invited to come along and have a go. On your first class, you will not need to fill in any forms and you won’t have to pay anything and the first class is free.
Call 01 8254434 meathecho@gmail.com
www.Tele.ie
RATOATH
13
All Classes Only Have A Limited Number Of Places Available. They Will Be Allociated On A First Come First Served Bases. Thereafter, A Waiting List Will Be Inplace.
Age Time When 4 - 6 years
3.15 - 4.00pm
Tuesdays
7 - 11 years
4.00 - 5.15pm
Tuesdays
12- 16 years
5.15 - 6.30pm
Tuesdays
17 & Adults 7.30 - 9.00pm Tuesdays
0 0 0 , €2 ney o in prizem to be won
M h s
t a Me t n e l a t t Go ? u o Y e v a H ! R E V
O w o Audition Rounds N e r s A l a s n n i o F i t i i d m now on: u e A S e e h h T T Y r A o D F Friday 8th, 15th & 22nd July O e T m t i a T e s ’ S r ItVenuektheatre u Ratoath o Y o o B starts 7.30pm. Admission €5, children €3 meathsgottalent.com 01-6895600 in association with our 4 sponsors:
WP O’REILLY
& A S S O C I AT E S
F I N A N C I A L S E RV I C E S
Music sponsored by Ratoath School of Music
Call 01 8254434 meathecho@gmail.com
www.Tele.ie
15
The Secret To A Successful Life
WHAT WILL BEE
BY BEE FLANAGAN
about feelings of happiness and fulfilment. Knowing that you alone are accountable and responsible for how you feel about you and about the people around you, empowers you to deal with many of life’s ups and downs. Learning to accept yourself releases the expectations you may have with others, the expectations
that others are responsible for making you feel loved and happy. Putting the emphasis on your own relationship with yourself allows you to learn to love and accept others for who they are. Think of the many relationships you have in your life at the moment. What are these relationships like, how do they make you
feel? Taking time out to look at your own relationship will help you to build loving, lasting and fulfilling relationships with others. Investing time, energy and love into you will help you to attract the same into your life. When you start to increase your own self love and acceptance you can then learn to put that into the re-
Summer Kick-About
Kids & Coaches At the FAI Summer Soccer School in Kentstown Rovers this summer.
The most important relationship you will ever have is the one you have with yourself. How you relate to you will determine how you relate to others in your life, both personally and professionally. Treating yourself with unconditional love, with respect and with kindness enables you to show the same to others and to receive the same in return. Understanding that everything begins with you will help you with your relationship with yourself and with others. Learning to love you unconditionally means accepting yourself in every way. Loving yourself through all your successes and your challenges and being able to forgive yourself will bring
lationships which are important to you in your everyday life. You interact on a daily basis with many different individuals in all areas of your life, which mean some relationships have different priorities in your life. Realising the important relationships in your life could make a huge difference to how you show your love to others. Prioritise your time and energy into your close fulfilling relationships; invest your love where you know it is returned unconditionally. True acceptance for who you are will help you to accept, without expectation, the important relationships in your life. You can change who you are, how you behave and how you relate to others, however you cannot change how others relate and behave towards you. The only person you can change is yourself. If you are happy as you are and have accepted yourself then all will work out with your relationships, both personally and professionally. Showing love and compassion in every interaction with others brings
an element of contentment to life. Seeing the goodness in others and in yourself helps you to live more successfully on a daily basis. Learning to understand that fundamentally everyone wants to love and be loved for who they are, increases the acceptance of others. This week take a look at your relationship with yourself. Look at how you treat yourself, look at how you love yourself. Look at the words and thoughts you use for yourself and for others. Become conscious of how you behave with yourself and with others and then bring about the changes required to improve your relationships across all areas of your life. Remember, it is ok to love and accept yourself for who you are right now and if you want to bring about changes, do so in a loving empowering way. If you would like to discuss anything written in this article or you would like a personal numerology life direction reading, please call me on 086 8094924 or email me at whatwillbewithbee@eircom.net
www.Tele.ie
16
Call 01 8254434 meathecho@gmail.com
Civil Partnership and Certain Rights & Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 By Pat Gleeson The Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 came into operation with effect from the 1st January 2011 creating the largest overhaul of Irish Succession law in recent times. The Act introduces novel rights and obligations on civil partners and cohabitants respectively by providing a framework for a Civil Partnership Registration Scheme, a Cohabitants Scheme, and Cohabitation Agreements. The Civil Partnership Registration Scheme creates a provision for persons of the same sex to become civil partners. Once registered, civil partners are then subject to automatic succession law rights on the death of each other, similar to those of married persons and similarly limiting their testamentary freedom. Under the Act, a civil partnership can be ended in one of three ways, namely by death, by grant of a decree of nullity or grant of decree of dissolution. The Act is an attempt to place spouses and civil partners on an equal footing for the purposes of Irish succession law. These
rights exist once the parties are in a valid civil partnership at the date of death. The application can be brought by any person who, in the opinion of the Court, has sufficient interest in the matter and can be brought on the death of either civil partner within the permitted six month time frame. The orders available are dependent on the manner in which the relationship ended. Where there has been a dissolution of a civil partnership, either party can, on the death of the other, bring an application for provision to be made for the surviving former civil partner from the estate of the deceased civil partner. Similarly to a marriage, a will is revoked by a subsequent entry into a civil partnership, unless the will was made in contemplation of entry into that civil partnership. Additionally, as is the situation in divorce, there is no provision under the Act for a will to be automatically revoked on dissolution of the civil partnership. The Qualified Cohabitants Redress Scheme is a novel concept in Irish law and governs
persons of the same or opposite sex, living in an intimate relationship, where the parties are not married or in a civil partnership with one another. The Act does not confer automatic rights upon the co-habiting couple; rather the Act allows the qualified cohabitant to apply for provision to be made for them by their former partner or from their estate. An application under the Act must be brought within the permitted time frame of the relationship ending apart from certain limited circumstances. Applicants must fulfill the requisite time periods for cohabitation. The relevant time periods are dependent on whether there are children of the relationship. Cohabitants who have resided together for 5 years but do not have children fall within the provisions of the Act. However, the time period falls if there are children of the relationship. The court may make any order for provision for the applicant that the court considers appropriate having regard to the rights of any other person having an interest in the matter.
The Act further provides the possibility for couples to enter into Cohabitation Agreements, thereby permitting co-habiting couples to regulate their own affairs, creating the possibility of “opting-out” of the cohabitant scheme introduced by the Act. A cohabitants agreement may provide that neither cohabitants may apply for an order for redress or an order for provision from the estate of his or her cohabitant. The Act provides that orders for redress can only be made after the date of commencement of the act, although the period of cohabitation prior to the commencement of the Act will be taken into account. Applications must be instituted within two years from the date on which the relationship between the cohabitants ends, whether by death or otherwise. If you are affected and require more information, contact Gleeson & Associates, Solicitors, The Standhouse, Ratoath, Co. Meath. Telephone number 01-8254310 or email info@gleesonsolicitors. com. First Consultation FREE
Know Your Rights Know Your Rights Question I cannot find my passport but I will need it next month. How do I replace it? Answer You cannot replace your old passport. You will have to apply for a new one. To apply for a new passport, you must complete application form APS 1. You will find these forms at every Garda station and at any post office that displays the “Service Plus” logo. You must give the circumstances of the loss of your passport in Section 6 of the form. The completed form must be witnessed and countersigned by a member of the Garda Síochána who must also sign and stamp Section 6. You must include four recent identical photographs of yourself with the application. The photographs must conform to the Passport Office photograph guidelines which are available online at passport.ie . Two of these should be signed on the back by the garda who witnessed the application form. The garda should also write the form number shown in Section 9 of the application form on those two photographs. You also need to include the following with your application: • Your birth certificate • Your marriage certificate, if appropriate • Evidence of your entitlement to Irish citizenship, where applicable • A form of photo-identification, such as your driving licence, work ID, student card, social club membership, passport from another country • Documentary evidence to show use of your name, such as payslips, records of unemployment or disability payment, bank statement, college registration • Evidence of residency at the application address, such as utility bills, official correspondence from public or private sector • The appropriate fee You are encouraged to use An Post’s Passport Express service which aims to deliver passports within 10 working days. You will pay a fee of €88.50 for a standard 10-year passport using Passport Express which includes postage to and from the Passport Office. If you go direct to the Passport Office or use ordinary or registered post the passport fee is €95.
Question
Question
We have just returned from a package holiday in Spain. Unfortunately our accommodation was poor and not as described in the brochure. How do I make a complaint and get our money back? Answer The Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act 1995 gives you a certain level of protection if your package holiday is not satisfactory. Also, you should have been given a copy of your holiday contract’s terms and conditions. This will outline how to make a complaint.
I’m hoping to go to college this year. Can I get a maintenance grant? Answer A new single Student Grant Scheme has been introduced for courses starting in autumn 2011. The new scheme replaces the four main support schemes for students, such as the Higher Education Grants Scheme. Student grants are divided into two classes – maintenance grants and fee grants. A maintenance grant is a contribution towards the student’s living costs. To qualify for a maintenance grant, you must fulfil the conditions of the scheme as regards nationality, residence and means. Disadvantaged students can qualify for a special rate of maintenance grant.
A package holiday is defined as a pre-arranged holiday that is sold at an inclusive price and covers a period of at least 24 hours or overnight accommodation, and is made up of a combination of at least two of the following: • Transport • Accommodation • Other tourist services or activities that account for a significant proportion of the package, such as golf You are entitled to compensation if you suffer financial loss as a result of relying on the information given to you about your package holiday. You can also claim compensation if you are disappointed with the quality of the holiday. If the brochure was inaccurate, or things go wrong during the holiday itself, you should make a complaint to the local tour representative or operator. If you return from your holiday and your complaint has not been resolved, you must lodge a complaint in writing with the tour operator within 28 days. If you are not satisfied with the response, you can take your complaint to the Small Claims Court providing your claim is for €2,000 or less. Most package holiday contracts state that claims above this limit may be pursued through arbitration.
A fee grant can cover all or part of the tuition fee (if any), the student contribution and the cost of essential field trips. If you qualify for a maintenance grant you qualify for a fee grant. If you do not qualify for a maintenance grant due to the residence condition, you may still qualify for a fee grant. The means test for a student grant in 2011/2012 is based on your family’s income for the previous full tax year (2010). Some social welfare payments are excluded from ‘reckonable income’ for the purposes of the means test. Changes in grant rates become effective in January at the beginning of the financial year. If you live 45 kilometres (24 under previous schemes) or less from the college you will attend, you will be paid an adjacent rate of maintenance grant. Otherwise a higher non-adjacent rate will apply. You apply for a student grant to the local authority or vocational education committee (VEC) in the area where you live. If you plan to attend a Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) course or institute of technology, apply to your VEC. Otherwise apply to your local authority. The closing date for applications is 31 August 2011. You can apply online to a number of local authorities and VECs at the studentfinance.ie website. Alternatively, you can download the application form. Application forms are also available from your local authority or VEC
Further information on anything contained in Know Your Rights, contact the Citizens Information Centre Ashbourne on 01 8351806 or online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, Lo-call 1890 777 121.
www.Tele.ie
Call 01 8254434 meathecho@gmail.com
What’s Up Doc? Ask Me!
By Doctor Gott DEAR DR. GOTT: I have had a burning sensation in the upper part of my left arm for about five or six years. It came and went for a while, and sometimes months passed without it happening. Recently the sensation has worsened, and I experience it daily. I have noticed that the burning is similar to that of heartburn but hotter (I have had a lot of heartburn lately). The arm burning lasts only a second or two and feels as if someone has lit a match in my arm and quickly blown it out. I have also started to have a slight tingling
in my left hand and fingers. I have been to two doctors for it, but they are at a loss as to what is causing it. Neither one referred me to a specialist. I have not had any injuries to my arm, shoulder or hand. I do have some arthritis pain in my hand and fingers. Other than vitamins, the only medicine I take is Xalatan for glaucoma. I had the burning long before I found out I had glaucoma. Aside from occasional hot flashes and the glaucoma, I am pretty healthy. I am a 51-year-old black female, premenopausal, 121 pounds and 5 feet 6 inches. Can you please help? DEAR READER: My first thought on reading your letter is nerve impingement, likely from your spine. The nerves of the spinal cord that run through the vertebrae of your neck can often lead to arm tingling, burning and weakness. It can vary from mild to severe, and the sensations may come and go or become chronic. Typically as the impingement worsens, the
pain or weakness worsens, and each episode lasts longer or becomes persistent. Over time, if left untreated, permanent damage may result. Another possibility is your Xalatan. Chest pain, angina, and muscle/joint and back pain are known side effects. Chest pain can often be confused with heartburn and can radiate to the arm. But I think this is unlikely in your case. Heart problems can also result in chest, arm and hand pain. This commonly occurs on the left side and can resemble a muscle ache or heartburn. If you have a strong family or personal history of heart trouble, particularly if combined with hypertension and/or high cholesterol, this may be a possibility. The most likely cause is coming from your neck or back. You already have arthritis in your hands, so you may also have it in your spine as well. Arthritis, aging, and/or degenerative changes to the spine can easily explain your symptoms.
Return to your physician to discuss this possibility and request further testing, such as an X-ray, CT scan or MRI. Blood work should also be ordered if you haven’t had any recently. Depending on the results of your blood work and imaging tests, seeing a neurologist (nerve and brain specialist), orthopedist (bone and joint specialist) or cardiologist (heart specialist) may be beneficial to determine the cause of you burning arm and to provide appropriate treatment. DEAR DR. GOTT: I recently read an article on the Internet regarding the healing powers of asparagus. It is supposed to really be a super cancer-killer. Have you heard anything about this, or is it more Internet hype? It seems to me that if it is all it is said to be, the AMA or FDA would be endorsing it, wouldn’t they? DEAR READER: Asparagus contains a protein known as histone, believed to be active in controlling cell growth. This may be the connection to which you refer. It is high in folate and vitamins K and C, and may provide the digestive
17 tract with unique health benefits. It is purported to fight depression, lower cholesterol, contain antifungal and antiviral qualities, prevent kidney stones and bladder and urinary tract infections, reduce high blood pressure, treat toothaches, increase the success rate of chemotherapy, and contain anticancer agents — particularly in relation to the lungs. In one circulating email, The Cancer News Journal was said to have printed an article in December 1979; however, to date, the article and its biochemist author have not been found. The email goes on to say the article discussed the miraculous tales of serious bouts of cancer being overcome by asparagus therapy. That was enough to catch readers’ attention: http:// www.snopes.com/medical/disease/asparagus.asp. Asparagus is high in glutathione, an antioxidant purported to defend the body against viruses, certain forms of cancer and to boost immune cells. The National Cancer Institute indicates that “… antioxidants may slow or possibly prevent the development of cancer. However, information from recent clinical trials is
less clear. In recent years, largescale, randomized clinical trials reached inconsistent conclusions.” Johns Hopkins’ Kimmel Cancer Center has stated that poor diet and obesity associated with that poor diet are risk factors for the development of cancer. “However, there is no evidence that certain foods alter the environment of an existing cancer at the cellular level, and cause it to either die or grow.” This leads me to believe the jury is out on this decision and much more research is vital before conclusions can be reached. For almost every health concern, eating a wellbalanced diet, exercising, controlling one’s consumption of products that contain alcohol and quitting smoking are the foundation for maintaining a healthy body. Speak with an oncologist or a naturopath regarding this alternative therapy. From my perspective, asparagus is a healthful food, and it can do no harm to consume it. Should it cure cancer, you will know you aren’t a victim of Internet hype but are on the cutting edge of history in the making.
The Legends Ride Again
Ratoath
School’s Back
Now Booking For Communions, Comfirmations & Mother’s Day Celebrate The Re-Opening
Join us Over This St.Patrick’s Festival Of The Schools With An Wishing You A Great St.Patrick’s Day.
End Of Summer Night Out Earlybird Special At MIX, Ratoath.
Earlybird Special Only
Appetizer + Main Course + Ice Cream (or Tea or Coffee)
ONL Y+ Ice €15 Appetizer + Main Course Cream Choose from our à la carte menu Choose From La Carte Menu Only €4 Extra for Fillet BeefA (Main Course)
€15
Only €4 extra for Fillet Beef ( Main Course ) Only €6 Extra For Fish (Main Course) Only €6 extra for Fillet Fish ( Main Course )
Rice Or Chips Are Included Rice or Chips Are Included.
Sunday Lunch Special Main Course + Vanilla Ice Cream
ONLY €10 Add A Starter For Only €3
Racing legends Charlie Swan, Adrian Maguire and Norman Williamson are among those who have agreed to go head to head in a special race at the Bellewstown meeting on 18th August. The “Legends” race is part of a campaign to build a statue to the great Arkle in his home town of Ashbourne in Co. Meath. Jockeys competing in the race will include former Cheltenham, Grand National and Aintree winners as well as champion jockeys and local legends. As well as the above mentioned, famous names such as Conor O Dwyer, Martin Lynch, Adrian Maguire, Joe
Byrne, Norman Williamson, Robbie Hennessy, Jason Titley, Gerry Dowd, and Arthur Moore have agreed to take part, subject to a medical examination. Also riding is Dermot Mc Loughlin whose late father, Liam, was the first jockey to ever ride a winner on Arkle. Each rider in the race is being asked to collect sponsorship from friends and business contacts in aid of the fundraising for the statue. “The Turf Club and Horseracing Ireland have been extremely helpful in the organisation of the race which we hope will become
an annual highlight of the Bellewstown meeting,” said Lynsey Dreaper of the Arkle Memorial Statue Committee. “This year’s race is in aid of the Arkle statue fund and we envisage it becoming a fundraiser for local charities in future years after Arkle and Pat Taaffe have been placed proudly on their plinth in Ashbourne.”
The race will be sponsored by Foley’s Antiques - they have a great collection of Arkle memorabilia, including his saddle, and will there on the day with their display. Visit www.foleys.ie for more info.
Solstice Arts Centre welcomes the Abbey Theatre on their inaugural visit to the centre Solstice Arts Centre welcomes the Abbey Theatre on their inaugural visit to the centre Solstice Arts Centre welcomes Ireland’s National Theatre, the Abbey Theatre on their first visit to Solstice with their award winning play ‘B for Baby’ on Tuesday 30th and Wednesday 31st August. Meath audiences will recognize one of the central actors as Louis Lovett, who plays Dieter Langer the German filmmaker in the RTE comedy series ‘Killinaskully’.
Written by Carmel Winters, ‘B for Baby’ is a sharp-witted new play that tenderly touches the taboo and invites you to rediscover the joy of make-believe. Mrs C wants a baby not a Christmas tree. B wants a real hairdressers’ scissors and a wife. D wants a snow globe and ‘a big head of dirty auld curls’. All of them want their own place in the world. And if they can’t find it, they’ll create one of their own. Audiences are invited to join B and D in the care home where
they are residents, and where Mrs C is a carer, in their special journey towards happiness. Presented by the world famous Abbey Theatre, ‘B for Baby’ was originally commissioned by Theatre Lovett and premiered at the Abbey Theatre in 2010. B for Baby also won The Irish Times Theatre Award for Best New Play in 2010. Tickets are €18 full price and €15 concessions and are available from Solstice Box Office on 046 909 2300 or online at www.solsticeartscentre.ie
18
Call 01 8254434 meathecho@gmail.com
On The Road
Back in May 2010 I wrote about the Skoda Yeti and started by saying “I Love it”. Nothing has changed and this time Skoda has given me the Greenline version to tempt/ tease me. Greenline is Skoda’s name for the fuel efficient and carbon reducing models across their range. Greenline models feature Start-Stop System, Recommended Gear Feature, Modified Aerodynamics, Lower Rolling Resistance Tyres and Brake Energy Regeneration. All very modern and technically brilliant to deliver the low fuel use to
By David Walshe
Skoda Yeti - 1.6 TDi, 105bhp, Greenline warrant the Greenline name/ badge. All the above combine to deliver a Band A car for tax purposes - the lowest. Standard items on the Greenline versions is Remote Central Locking, Front & Rear Electric Windows, ESP (electronic stability program), Cornering Front Fog Lights, Bluetooth hands free phone connection with voice activation, 3-Spoke Multi-function Leather Steering Wheel, Front Armrest with storage area, Light Assistant, Rear Parking Sensors, 16” Moon Alloy Wheels, Rain
Sensing Wipers, Auto Dimming interior rear view mirror, Folding Table on middle Back Rest, Cruise Control and 7 Airbags including curtain and a driver’s knee airbag. That’s some specification for which Skoda will charge you €26,235 which is very competitive. The Yeti, as far as I can make out, is nearly universally loved. The overused expression “fine car” is very apt for the Yeti. It is one of those cars that fits the bill of most buyers. It’ll serve families, sporty types, retired types, women
drivers, male drivers - a sort of a modern day Golf if you like. Ok, not as broad an appeal as the Golf but you get the drift. It’s extremely well screwed and welded together. It has a long-lasting feel about it. It has pretty unique looks too that are not unflattering. It has incredible versatility and flexibility and with their VarioFlex seats there is a seating combination for just about every motoring and load carrying requirement. It is super comfy and quiet and has real driver appeal. I relished any reason to drive
it. Be it a long or a short trip the Yeti was a nice car to undertake the trip in. The high seating position is equally desirable and has all sorts of benefits - especially for your back. It feels unburstable and capable of anything the roads will throw at it. A 4wd Greenline version would be a world beater but probably not achievable - just yet. Issues with the Yeti? Only one, but it is a big one. For in or around the same money you can get hold of Kia’s eco equivalent version (ECOdynamics) of the Sportage.
I for one would hate to have to choose as both have huge pluses in their favour and to use a horseracing expression I’d have to call it a dead heat. If you put a gun to my head and forced me to choose I’d pick the Sportage. Both of these cars are at the top of my list in the €25k to €30k bracket and they should be at the top of yours too. Full details www.skoda.ie Feedback echomotors@gmail. com
Call 01 8254434 meathecho@gmail.com
www.Tele.ie
19
Mercedes C Class Saloon and Estate – CDI Blue Efficiency Issue 103
01 - 13 September 2009
The Meath Echo
21
echofeatures
Peugeot 308 Ecomatique 1.6HDI 110bhp ECHO M
The point in driving it is to being tested. Sometimes the an- electronic controlled manual ticipation is exciting and some- gearbox or whatever description accurately record the experience times it’s covered in trepidation describes what’s purported to be from an unbiased perspective, (OK, strong word). Some cars an automatic gearbox to you and which is what I’ll do now. Looks, however, cannot be don’t float my boat and I wish I me, which I was not too fond could be left with the current car of when I tested one before. As changed by a drive and to my By David Walshe a bit longer. That’s exactly what you can imagine I wasn’t exactly eye the 308 is not a looker. The happened me when I was test filled with glee. This was so un- rear looks like it could shed a few driving the 200bhp VW Scirocco. fair in prejudging a car before pounds and looks unfinished, hen I test cars I usually The next car for testing was the I’ve even driven it. After all, if I rushed and - I won’t use the word start anticipating the Peugeot 308 Ecomatique. It only know what a car is going to be ugly - unattractive. The front, next one to be tested packed 110 bhp and was fitted like before I drive it, what’s the whilst similar to the 207, is not halfway during the current car consumption here. Its predecessor with a semi automatic gearbox, pointasinan driving it? that MB As Slim Shady would say, fuel that should specified option and as outsuccessful of. Nevertheless, for the – both petrol engines. the 307, I’d have to say, is better best possible position. “Guess who’s back”? Merc is add to its appeal. This outcome are the masters at. How’s this for smalllooking premium for an estate I Mercedes-Benz sales manager but neither of them are Not a lot to note in a new back. Not that they have ever is helped by a CD rating of 0.26 a list:- Agility Control; Atten- opt for it every time. Allen said that beauty contest entrants, let aloneCiaran car you’d agree. But‘thanks what Itodid that thisappearance was the best, really been away it’s just that (which the manufacturers claim tion Assist; Distronic; Pre-Safe; The winners. steering wheel controls are its write morewas attractive Looking overthe my dials notes Iare notedandI arepeat best, ride position of the year with the C Class they kind of is a benchmark in its category), Neck-Pro and Thermotronic. excellent too and very the competitive that a) on the interior, Peugeot so far. The French seem to have lost their way. It was never as an ECO start/stop function There’s more “onic’s” in here rich didn’t simplicity. LED lights are in terms of price and specificabother to fit the suit hook mastered comfort better than good as it should have been which is fitted as standard on than at an Onyx mine. Neck- at the as expected butcar, look onfront the right side of the an at-tions, the we rest expect and thisthat wassales easilyofmy tention to detail thatCscores this year. I when compared to its main ri- manual and automatic versions Pro is new to me and this is so much classier on the Class.fourthemost new comfortable C-Class willtest grow from faults! b) the gearbox in automat-one-fifth undertook two long journeys vals from Audi and BMW. It and fuel-efficient 7G-Tronic au- where the headrest moves closto one-third of total in ic mode is a joke and at no stage it and the 1.6l diesel engine had had an aged image too. That’s tomatic transmission. er to your head in anticipation Prices from €35,055 for the sa- Mercedes-Benz sales in Ireland did I like driving it in that mode more than enough power for the not necessarily bad as they are I got to drive both the saloon of a crash. An excellent feature. loonusing and €37,445 for wheel the estate thereby us and to retain the steering paddlesandtrip makinghelp cruising overtakor the floor shift to change gear ing effortless. But man, the comthe ones with the money but it and the estate. Both were CDI The engines in both were Rolls and c) there was a very adjust- fort. Bumps eliminated, no wind didn’t appeal to those who had diesel, Blue Efficiency models Royce adequate. They won’t win able steering wheel to ensure the or road noise and adhesion to the
W
the “I wish” or “I want” requirement. This is no longer the case. The C Class is now an option for all those wanting a good looking, sporty executive car. MB has given the C Class “a comprehensive modernisation” Fancy term for a facelift but the description is fitting. They have done an excellent job and the looks are very scaled down S Class mixed with the E Class looks for a very tasty MB Shandy. Shandy is an endearing term remember with sales of Rock Shandy as good as Orange and Lemon. Which is the sales expectation for this C Class helped enormously by offering the car at the price of the old model which you may recall was substantially lower than the previous model. The C Class has really tumbled in price over the last few, short years and is now an in or around €40k bargain. For this price you also get an estimated 31% reduction in
in Tax Band B / €156pA. This always amazes me and is a testament to the promotion of low carbon emitting cars by the manufacturers and the government. I suspect the winds of change will arrive in the next budget. Driving both models is an MB idiosyncratic affair. You get a sense of over-engineering and that the mechanicals under you can cope with the bumps and dips as well as any inclines that present themselves. You are cushioned from the outside world and have enough comfort items inside the cabin to create your ideal interior ambiance. Both were automatics that allowed you to concentrate and enjoy the driving experience. Inside it’s quite with little from the outside allowed inside to disturb you. You also have a myriad of safety features that prevent you from yourself. Some standard and some to be
many races but will deliver as much as you or I might need. They are sensible. You can of course go wild and get an AMG version with a 6208cc engine. I wish I had the €98k for starters to get one, the estate of course. Speaking of which, I had to deliver a bicycle for repair that required the lowering of the rear seats. In most cars I’ve driven this requires the removal of the load compartment cover. Not so in the C Class estate. It folds forwards with the rear seats which amazed me as this should always have been the case. The large area freed up was more than enough to swallow the bicycle. Both had a wide assortment of features but the one I always enjoy is the cruise control / speed limiting stalk. The MB way of doing this is the best and I wish it was copied more. The saloon was spacious and the boot had as good an opening as any others to get stuff in
www.ashmerc.com
road that made me feel very saf and secure. I’d love if all cars fel this way and made me feel thi way. I didn’t record the fuel con sumption but this Ecomatiqu version was parsimonious in it consumption of diesel. The Ecomatique label denote frugality, achieved predomi nantly by the gearbox. It works and more importantly, not at th expense of anything. By that mean it felt like any other diese I’ve driven eliminating the feel ing that something was omitted The gearbox in auto mode is sup posed to adjust to your driving style. Mine must be terrible be cause given ample time to adjus it didn’t and I used the manua shift all the time. The Ecomatique claims to b 12% more fuel efficient than th equivalent manual version which has got to be some kind of first fo a car with an “automatic” gear box. Only recently a similar ca broke the world record for fue economy averaging 2.2l/100km (that’s 126mpg in old money no less when they circumnavi gated the UK (5,954kms) and used two full tanks of diesel. I’m sure the driving technique didn’ make for a pleasurable trip bu the achievement is incredible. I cements positionthea our strong Peugeot’s position within the leading low CO2 Company luxury segment.’ in Europe for the third year run ning. In Germany the 308 wa of with the Gold If the MBwinner persist the Steering above Award Quality. That’s then theyfor may well end up som doachievement considering th ing a “Take That” and be ‘Back home brands it was up against forAfter Good” driving it I can see why. An old expression has been re-learned by me, “Never Judg Full details www.mercedes.ie a Book by its Cover” or slightly revised for cars, “Never Judge a Feedback Car beforeechomotors@gmail. Driving it”.
Full details available at www. peugeot.ie
Call 01 8254434 meathecho@gmail.com
20
Work hard, On The Ball
Brendan Boylan Richard Forrestal recently wrote a piece in the Irish Independent cataloguing Ruby Walsh’s litany of injuries in recent years. The general gist of the column was a pondering as to how many more serious knocks – like the one which saw him sustain a crushed vertebrae in Kilarney – his body will be able to take. Now read on... For a brief period, midway through the second half of their team’s fourth clash with Kildare in 11 months, all of Meath began to dream. What was always possible but highly improbable looked like it actually might happen. Those of us that had weighed in at 9/4 began to wonder would we collect. Having rebuffed Johnny Doyle’s fourth minute penalty and – mainly through the shooting excellence of an again on form Cian Ward – curtailed the Lilywhite lead to two points with wind advantage still to come after the break, the unlikely looked as if it might actually happen. That was even though the visitors had accounted for the opening score of the second period. In every game, each team will experience a spell of dominance. It’s what you do with your supremacy when you have it that really counts. And it is at that juncture that what might have seemed a curious reference to Ruby Walsh’s latest injury comes into play. Meath made decent use of their time on top, no more than that though. Mainly through the accuracy of Ward – and, it must be said, the best score of the entire match from Shane O’Rourke – the managed to haul themselves back to parity entering the final few furlongs of the contest. In times past, devouring such circumstances was the staple diet of Meath footballers. 1991 must be regarded as the best year in the GAA’s history. It will be primarily recalled, of course, for the epic saga between Meath and Dublin. A snapshot of another segment of that season, however, encapsulates the drastic and deeply saddening change that has befell football in the Royal County in the last half decade or so. Derek Duggan harpooned the Meath defence in that first half 20 years ago as the side also backboned by the likes of Enon Gavin and John Newton and Eamon McManus and Tony McManus and Paul Earley held a seemingly unassailable 1-08 to 0-04 half time advantage.
Difference being, the Meath team of the day simply didn’t know when they were beaten. They had the belief, ability, knowhow and men to dig themselves out of almost any grave situation. The latter two components are undoubtedly the most important. That day, Gerry McEntee came on and gave the best display this writer bore witness to in the all too short a time the Nobber legend was seen in action in the flesh. Thereafter, the Meath old guard kicked into overdrive. Despite the Connacht side still holding sway entering the dying embers of the occasion, McEntee, O’Rourke, Stafford and Flynn somehow dragged their team back from the abyss to pull off an amazing 0-15 to 1-11 win. Nobody would have had the audacity to bet against them pulling it off either. Fast forward to 2011. The last quarter on a wet and dreary night in Pairc Tailteann. Junior O’Rourke has just sent over a monstrous equaliser. In his father’s heyday, there’d only be one outcome. In real time though, four gilt edged chances to hit the front were unforgivably spurned. Had the residents got their noses in front, it is very likely the lilies would have wilted. Things are different now though. It was almost as if Meath didn’t know how to kill the game off. The famed lethal finish wasn’t there. Instead, there seemed to be as much hesitation and panic as there was rain around Brews Hill. Wrong options were repeatedly being taken. Composure seemed non existent and things were lacking a degree of leadership on the field too. Which brings Ruby Walsh into our story one final time. His latest unwanted meeting with the ground will necessitate him to miss yet another significant portion of the season. The Galway Festival has already had to be passed over and although the jockey’s own stated ambition is to be back in time for the Listowel Harvest Festival, even that could be a close run thing. Of course, all these happenings have knock on effects too. With Walsh out and – at the time of typing Paul Townend still to return – no matter what amount of quality of horses Willie Mullins or anyone else for that matter has at their disposal – any team will be weaker without men of the star quality of those mentioned above. Put simply, one crashing fall can drive an entire operation over the parapet for longer than there may be available for recovery. Why, you may ask, was the Racing matter mentioned in the midst of a commentary on Meath’s exit from the Championship? Well here you go. Meath’s ambitions suffered every bit as catastrophic a blow as those belonging to anyone depending on the services of Walsh or Townend when Graham Geraghty came crashing down
– and with it his entire inter county season – as he ruptured an Achilles tendon in the course of a club game the week after he had justified his shock recall to the county set up only to have that justification denied to him by the ineptitude of the officialdom on duty on June 5th. Once he was ruled out, his loss stuck out like a sore thumb. Yes, he was a very strong influence in the dressing room and understandably inspirational to the younger players. On the foot of these developments he needs to be added to the Senior management team – regardless of his stated desire to play again in the Olympic year – and also appointed to manage the county U-21 team immediately. However, it was without question that what was a great impact he had around the team could have been an even more extraordinary one on the pitch. The last quarter against Kildare was crying out for Geraghty or somebody of that ilk. We’ll get back to some curiosities that cropped up later on, but for now, it is impossible not to ponder how things might have turned out had the legend been on the pitch in those closing stages. Repeatedly, those that were there panicked and took wrong options when in possession. Frankly, because once Seamus Kenny was forced off injured, there was a distinct lack of leadership among those clad in green and gold when it came to killing off the game. Or more to the point, having the instinct to and knowing how to. As was said earlier, once they had battled their way back to parity, four decent chances to go in front were sadly and most unusually wasted. Had Geraghty been around, either by his influence or his own action surely some of them would have been converted. Mind you, those on the sidelines were responsible for a succession of needless errors too. Let it be made abundantly clear at this point that this writer has always been in favour of Seamus McEnaney as Meath manager and I feel very strongly – as do more eminent folks than myself – that he should be reappointed immediately. To do anything else would be nothing short of a farce. What has been most disappointing has been a very obvious lack of backing for the Monaghan man in some quarters. Instead of getting behind ‘Team Banty’, there were times when it appeared every possible obstacle was put in the man’s way. Even down to what was never the way in these parts – a challenge being needlessly and rather childishly walked away from instead of being met, head on, for the greater good of the bigger picture. To compound all of the above, the
play hard,
new re-
gime has been dogged by bad luck, almost from the off. Go back to the first round of National League against Laois last February. Joe Sheridan was hauled down for what should have been a blatant penalty, nothing given. Meath ended up losing the game by a goal. Had things been done as they should have, Meath would have almost certainly have got something from the game and if that transpired, what was admittedly a disappointing league campaign may not have been depicted in the glum and bleak fashion it was by some. Bigger blows, however, were shipped much closer to home. It cannot be said the decision to recall Geraghty backfired. In 11 minutes on the field against Kildare, he justified the faith ‘Banty’ and all right and fair thinking people had in him. Sadly, the move to bring him back never got to reach its full fruition owing to that wretched injury. The injury heartache didn’t end there either. Bryan Menton was arguably our best player in that ill-fated first Championship clash of the year with Kieran McGeeney’s side but his season was destroyed by a broken wrist sustained in training shortly afterwards. His loss might have been wrongly underestimated by many but what were ultimately two fatal blows to Meath’s 2011 ambitions occurred at opposite ends of their final night on stage. What was most galling, though, was the gut feeling that the blow which rendered Ciaran Lenihan’s evening over was no accident. To put it bluntly, the Kildare player involved made absolutely no attempt to evade the oncoming Skryne player who had the momentum. It sits even less com-
fortably, too, that the red headed defender’s assailant wasn’t even cautioned for the vile ‘tackle’ when cards are being tossed around like confetti in other places every week of the year. As bad as losing Lenihan was, when skipper Seamus Kenny followed him into the treatment room entering the last quarter, it was a like a light switch being turned off on the Meath team. The Simonstown player seems to be look good wine, getting better with age. Some would question his repeated deployment in the forward line over the past year or so but the value of it was in fact best illustrated when he wasn’t there in the closing moments of his team’s seasonal swansong. Kenny is like a Dyson hoover when it comes to gathering up second phase possession in the midfield sector. Not noted as a prolific scorer, he had already flashed over two excellent left footed points before being forced off. His loss was most profoundly felt in another way however. And it was when Kenny went off that the errors made on the sideline were shown up very starkly. When Lenihan went off injured, Kenny was posted to half back. Now, the player is equally at home at either end of the field, but, there are times when things have to be done a little bit differently. When Meath were really at their zenith between 1986 and 1991, their battles with Dublin were the stuff of legend. There wasn’t a weak link on either team. Threats lay everywhere. The Dublin half back line of the day – comprised of Paul Curran, Keith Barr and Eamon Heery – was the best I have seen to date. All three were capable of raiding forward and scoring too. Thus, among the primary duties of the Meath wing forwards at the time was to keep their direct opponents pinned back. Kildare’s Emmet Bolton is a cut from the old cloth in terms of half backs. The Eadestown man gets forward and is usually good for at least one score in every game. Kenny would have been the ideal man to negate Bolton’s influence. That said, even when the captain had departed, the Meath management used the resources at their disposal very badly. Graham Reilly’s best attributes as a footballer are his speed and, in particular, his ability to run at defenders and take scores at speed. With that in mind, seeing the St Colmcille’s clubman stationary in an unusual full forward berth made absolutely no sense. Reilly’s misplacing was made all the worse by the ill-informed decision to detail Stephen Bray to shadow Bolton.
Apart from the fact that it seemed bizarre to move one of the best scoring forwards in the country further away from goal, Reilly’s previous experience as a half back would surely have seen him better placed to keep tabs on Bolton than Bray. Reilly’s confidence seems to have dipped at an alarming level compared to the sparkling form which saw him receive an All Star nomination in 2010. Being repeatedly taken off would hardly help that situation either. Often in a case like that, a spell in the half back line could be exactly what the player requires. Having decided to substitute him though, it is regrettable to say that the best option wasn’t even utilised when replacing him. Quite likely due to confidence issues as well, Brian Farrell has failed to make the impact he is undoubtedly capable of in a Meath jersey for some time now. Added to that, given the running game which Kildare persist with, a more versatile player like Mark O’Sullivan or Peadar Byrne or even veteran Anthony Moyles may have been more effective than Farrell who is at his happiest and most efficient when close to goal. Mention of Moyles takes our story to a sad juncture on a personal level. Inevitably, with another Championship season drawing to a close, speculation is already rife regarding the inter county futures of the likes of Moyles and Nigel Crawford and Brendan Murphy. It would be earnestly hoped that all three would hang in there for at least one more year. If, as should happen, Seamus McEnaney is re-appointed, that Meath dressing room will need experienced voices and heads therein. Crawford’s case was particularly upsetting from a personal perspective. My friend and fellow clubman has given sterling service to Meath for 13 years since being drafted into the panel as an unknown 19-year-old by Sean Boylan in 1998. It’s hard to know what has been harder to stomach over the years, the fact he has never got a percentage of the credit he has deserved for the service he has given or, even worse, the quantity of flack and downright abuse the player has been subjected to from his own ‘supporters’. Some of it from quarters that should know better too. If the Kildare game in Navan does prove to be his last time to don green, it was a very sad way for him to bow out. Not only in terms of Meath losing, but also because it was something of an insult to a great player to leave him sitting on the bench for the entire 70 plus minutes. Surely it wouldn’t have hurt to give the man ten minutes. Besides, with the game still in the melting pot, Crawford may have been able to add something that may have been able to swing the tie Meath’s way and may indeed have been more effective than
Call 01 8254434 meathecho@gmail.com
www.Tele.ie
21
and party hard!
some of those that were introduced. On a more personal and local level, were that dreary night in Pairc Tailteann to end up being Nigel’s farewell to the green, it will leave something of a void as he was the only St Peter’s, Dunboyne player on the panel this year. Of course, a void is also an opening. Hopefully it won’t be too long until there are multiple representatives of the black and amber in the green and gold. As it is however, St Peter’s players have been representing club and county with distinction of late. Not only in terms of Cathal Finn and Shane McEntee with the Meath Minor footballers, but Conor O’Shea, Ger Murphy and Fergal O’Neill who are involved with the county U-21 Hurling and the club’s six representatives with the county Senior Camogie team, both of which have achieved note-
gained on the pitch but also when it comes to making friendships that will last a lifetime. I know from talking to some of the parents of the kids involved that they were bowled over by the welcome they received and the hospitality afforded to them by their host club, Kilimordaly. It is things like that which make the GAA one big family and make it great. Hopefully links were forged with the Galway club that will last eternally. To this end, it is indeed pleasing, encouraging and to be applauded that plans are afoot for host club and guests to meet again in the very near future. Dunboyne’s success at this level could hardly have been more timely either. Every club needs to have players coming through constantly as the age profile of their adult teams increases. County teams are no different. Indeed, Meath U-21 Hurling boss Mick
be the emergence of exciting young talents like Ciaran Lenihan and Bryan Menton and Mark O’Sullivan and Paddy Gilsenan. Allied to this, Shane McAnarney has solidified his position at centre back and Shane O’Rourke has finally been put in his best and most effective position in midfield. In short, the nucleus of a good, relatively young team is already in place. It has been said many times on these pages in recent times, but no apologies will be made for stating what is right, obvious and needed. And what is needed in Meath football at the moment is continuity and stability. Even the players would admit as much. Of course, Seamus McEnaney’s future ultimately lies with club delegates. Let’s just hope they do the right thing. If they don’t, and the county is plunged into further farce and chaos, they will only
worthy results of late. The most significant of all, however, was the fact that during the last weekend in June St Peter’s U-13 hurlers represented the club and county with distinction in the All Ireland Feile Na nGael in Galway. It is known only too well that it might have raised a few eyebrows that there was no mention of the lads achievements in our last issue but that was purely because print deadlines had to be met, no other reason. To represent ones county at any time is a fantastic achievement and honour. It is a testament to everyone within the St Peter’s Club – and in this case Des Rooney, his fellow mentors, players, their parents and everyone else involved – to see the players from the club competing so consistently and doing so well. In Galway, the team did extremely well and were very unlucky not to progress even further. They should, however, be extremely proud of their achievements. Everyone within the club is and the same I’m sure goes for the whole of the county. Playing in, or being involved with a team in, a tournament like Feile is a life changing experience. Not only in terms of experience
Cole recently highlighted the problems facing the small ball code in the county as talented dual players are swayed towards going with the county football teams. Although maybe Conal Keaney might have started a trend going the other way! Of course, the player drain which Cole alluded to is not something which is confined to Meath. However, on the evidence of recent events out west, the future of Dunboyne and Meath hurling would appear to be safe and very bright in the hands of these talented and dedicated young men and their mentors. Hope and expectation would be that they will go on to achieve success and distinction in green and gold in the years ahead as they already have in black and amber. Let us return to the path from which we momentarily strayed. For the degree of disappointment there will understandably be at how the season ended up for the county senior footballers, it must be pointed out that – despite what many people might like to think – there were quite a few positives to be taken from Meath senior football season as well. Principal among which would
have themselves to blame. To move on, the love for all thins agricultural in this seat will be very well known be regular devotees of these offerings. Getting out and observing all the farming goings on locally is a longed for and adored form of therapy for yours truly. That is what makes this an extremely special and exciting time of year. When the action is very close to home, it is even more especial and enjoyable. The weather in the week between Meath’s games against Kildare was the best of the year so far and the first that was conducive to getting out and seeing a bit of action. It was great – as it always is – to get out with the Clarke family and the way the weather went was actually symbolic of how football matters were going to pan out as well during that haymaking week. A special pair of meadows were under particular scrutiny. They were mowed the morning after the Galway game, got a great week to mature on the ground and got baled up just before the weather turned decidedly worse. Sporting matters went along a very similar line unfortunately. A few hours after the hay was cut, the Meath lady footballers scored
an unforgettable, monumental and historic victory over outgoing All Ireland Champions Dublin. They did so in typical Meath/Dublin fashion too, thanks to a heroic last gasp point from substitute Ger Doherty. Now, one can only assume the very experienced St Ultan’s player was carrying an injury, because it was a major surprise not to see her start the Leinster Final against Laois. The classy forward did make an outstanding contribution when introduced however, posting three points as Paula Cunningham’s charges seemed to have secured a famous victory when leading by 1-10 to 1-07 with time evaporating rapidly. However, having seen the county’s male footballers ambitions washed away in the rain the night before, lightening did indeed strike twice, well partially at least. And it is impossible not to feel that malfunctioning officialdom again played a horrid part in a Meath teams undoing. To the best of my knowledge, there were no serious injuries sustained in the game and even though timing matters are taken out of the referees hands thanks to the countdown clock which should also be in use in the men’s game, where ten – yes ten – minutes of injury time could be mustered from is nigh on impossible to fathom but equally cannot be argued with. What is sickening is that such a happening seems typical of the cursed luck that seems to befall all Meath teams. What can and should be vehemently questioned, however, is what a Carlow referee was doing refereeing a match involving Laois when a portion of one county runs into the other. Such a situation is difficult to understand and stomach churning to think of in equal measure. Not to mention that Meath had two players sin binned and no cards were shown in the opposite direction. Anyway, unlike their male counterparts, at the time of typing, the ladies still have the opportunity to make further progress via the Qualifier system. The problem, however, is how exactly do the players and their management team lift themselves after such a devastating and heartbreaking conclusion to their last outing? Perhaps it is just a trait in the occupant of this seat, but, the tendency has always been to try and pull whatever positives possible from any given situation. With that in mind, Meath can take great heart from their display. They gave it their all which is all anyone can do and they were undone by circumstances outside of their control and, no doubt, will be out to put the record straight when they return to action. Their captain, Grainne Nulty – pictured above - who is a member of the extended Clarke family mentioned earlier – was selected as Player of the Match that disap-
pointing day in Carlow. Scant consolation, I know, but with herself and others like Irene Munnelly, Katie O’Brien, Shauna Bennett, Mary Sheridan, Vivienne McCormack and Ger Doherty in their ranks, the womanpower is most definitely there to turn things around. The gap of a few weeks between their heartbreaking last outing and when they return to action will also be a help. Obviously, the hope would be that they would be able to pick themselves up and kick on from their current standpoint. Regardless of how the rest of the season pans out though, the year would have to be regarded as a successful one for this Meath team. They closed the gap on queenpins Dublin in the National League, ended up getting promoted with them to Div. 1 despite losing the Div. 2 Final to their arch rivals. That disappointment will have been put behind them following their epic Championship victory over the two shades of blue. Hope and expectation would be that they will put this latest disappointment behind them and actually come back stronger from it. In fact, the feeling would be that the best may yet be to come from this Meath team. On a day when hearts were being broken in certain places, they were being greatly uplifted in a more sedate setting. Mind you, there was nothing sedate about the outpouring of emotion at the venue or event in question. The sporting action being referred to was, of course, Darren Clarke’s capturing of the Open Championship at Royal St George’s on the same day as Meath hearts were broken for the second time in less than 24 hours. Minds were automatically cast back to similarly dreary weather at a golf course on the outskirts of Dublin and even closer to Meath. Maybe the emotion then was even stronger then, though it was impossible not to feel that the two occasions were somehow fundamentally linked. It hardly seems like five years ago that the eyes of a large part of the world were focussed near Straffan for the Ryder Cup. As ever, two extremely strong teams were selected to represent Europe and the United States. The presence of one name on that European team meant more than any other though. There are times when happenings in life transcend any sporting event. Yet, sport can be a very important source of comfort and healing at the worst of times. Indeed, no matter what the code, there are times when
sport feels and unites like one big family. We think of the outpouring of grief and support following the tragic death of Michaela McAreavey – daughter of Tyrone football manager Mickey Harte – last January. Similar sentiments were very much on the go around the time of that Ryder Cup at the K Club following the death of Darren’s wife, Heather, from breast cancer in the run up to the event. Thus, all of the sporting wanted things to go well for Darren. Fate seemed determined to keep him a central figure too. Captain of the day, Ian Woosnam, chose Clarke to hit the first drive on the first hole that first day and it was ultimately his excellence on the 16th on the final day that secured the spoils for Europe. You’d have to assume that it was something of a delayed reaction to Heather’s passing, but, the popular Dungannon man’s form dipped to such an alarming degree that it was rumoured at one stage that he even considered walking away from the sport. Frankly, however, doing such a thing would not be in the man’s makeup. On the contrary, the manner in which he kept plugging away just served to prove the inspirational figure he is and surely there was never a more deserved or acclaimed victory in Golf. Iconic figures are what drives a sport and inherently boosts its popularity. Golf lost a major one in Seve Ballesteros but maybe, just maybe, Clarke will be the man to fill that void, albeit in a different way. Once the atrocious conditions made it something of a throwback to all those years ago and something of a war of attrition few would have betted against it becoming a third Irish Major win in 13 months. To my mind, the following motto would sum Clarke up perfectly: work hard, play hard, and party hard! All three were in evidence during his glorious week too. Having worked hard to build up what was ultimately a winning lead, he endured some tough times as Phil Mickelson came charging at him but worked hard to stave off the left handed American’s challenge and, by God, once he had the job done you can be pretty sure he partied hard too! In doing so, he endured that the current party that is the Irish Golf scene keeps on rolling. Long may it continue. As for Clarke himself, gut feeling says the best may yet be ahead of him! FOGRA: Sincere sympathy is extended to the Donnelly family, Fairyhouse Road, Ratoath.
2
Computer
Repairs
Business & Home Serivce Ph: 01 8240029 Mob: 086 8542879 Phoenix Computing Professional Help Available To Load Skip If Required 2
1
Est 2002 work Guaranteed
Alu Fab Fed up trying to maintain your old concrete window sills? Then why not have a new aluminum sill fitted over your old ones. These can be powdered coated in any colour to suit .
Maintenance Free
Contact Vincent On
087 6523370
Roycon
086 051 3136 01 825 4322
roycroftplumbingltd@hotmail.com
Fully Qualified Gas Engineer Gas and Oil Boiler Service â‚Ź70 SEAI Grant approved installer for heating upgrade work
Free consultation on SEAI Grants All makes of Boilers repaired All heating and plumbing work carried out to the highest standard RGII Registered
SEAI Registered
Garden Swings Single Swing Double Swing Treble Swing For Sale Or Hire Delivered & Assembled Also Baby Swings and Slides For Sale
01 835 4146 087 940 1825
For Best Deals In Advertising
Call 01 8254434
Express Denture Repair Service Collected from and Delivered Back to Your Door
Fast Friendly Same Day Service
WE HAVE ONE PRICE FOR ALL REPAIRS
Family Run Business with 30 Years Experience Contact Deirdre on 086 409 5275 FIND
US ON
Mobile 086 409 5275 E.mail: thedentureambulance@yahoo.com.
CHEF required to asst head chef in an upmarket restaurant. Must have minimum of 4 years experience in Asian and Oriental cuisine. If no suitable Irish/EEA citizen apply, it is the intention of the employer to apply to the Dept of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation for work permit to employ a non EE national Contact 087 7433418.
Ace Drains
We clear n Blocked drains n Sinks Showers n Urinels n Dishwashers n Okeway Tanks We Service all makes of sewerage pumps. Also CCTV Surveying of drains, shimleys & pipes. All work is carried out to the highest standard n NO CALL OUT CHARGE n 24/7 Service
Call Brian on 087 2497233 Office 01 8356633
Property Care & Repair
n Cleaning Service n Window Cleaning n Gutter Gleaning n Chimney Cleaning n Garden Cleaning n Power Washing Decking Washing and repainting n Repairs n Roof repairs n Plumbing repairs n Drains repaired WE CAN FIX ANY PROPERTY PROBLEM SOLUTIONS FOR ALL YOUR PROPERTY PROBLEMS
085 16 999 24
Buy 4 Business Card Size Adverts For Only â‚Ź105 + VAT
2
THE DENTURE AMBULANCE
skldfnalksjdflasjkdfklajsdlkfjaslkdjfl
Page 24 June 2011 The Meath Herald
To Advertise 087 316 7013 or email: meathheraldads@gmail.co