< PreviousJanuary 2018 The Meath Coaster20Coláiste na hInseTickets are now on sale for Billy ElliotThe Musical (January 17-20), both on-line through eventbrite (link available on school website) and in school at lunch-time. Billy Elliot tells the story of one boy's attempt to triumph over all adversity and follow his dreams, against a backdrop of civil unrest during the National Min-ers' Strike. With a cast of over 70 talented students performing one of the West End's greatest ever musicals, this is a show not to be missed!Christmas in the ColáisteThere was a huge crowd in the school for the ever popu-lar Christmas in the Coláiste. There were performances from the school orchestra and choir, and a preview of some “Billy Eliott” numbers ahead of the musical in January. There were also performances from returning pupils, who came home for Christmas! Thank you to all involved and to all who attended.Rang Cunningham Enjoy Visit to Borzalino RestaurantRang Cunningham were given the opportu-nity to practise their Italian when they vis-ited the Borzalino restaurant in Drogheda. The students are currently learning Ital-ian, and were very grateful for the opportunity to speak it, and there were hand-somely rewarded for their prowess. They enjoyed a delicious, authen-tic Italian meal, January 2018 The Meath Coaster21and the Borzalino staff were impressed by their conversational ability. The students described the food as "buonissimo", and the prospect of a return visit prompted a chorus of "Si, prego!" Thanks very much to everyone at Borzalino restaurant for ac-comodating us.Huge Response to Saint Vincent de Paul Hamper AppealColáiste na hInse would like to thank all students, parents and members of the community who contributed to our annual Saint Vicent de Paul Hamper Appeal. Stu-dents donated non-perishable goods to be donated to the charity for distribution in the area. There was a huge response, high-lighting the generosity of all involved.were received by the director of the Insti-tute before the students completed a quiz and the winners received t-shirts. Students also had the opportunity to explore music, DVDs and books in Spanish in the library before we had a workshop with a teacher in the centre. Continued over....Idirbliain Dáltaí Visit the Instituto Cer-vantesSpanish Idirbliain students recently vis-ited the Instituto Cervantes in Dublin. We CNI Students Trained as Anti-Bullying AmbassadorsOn the 5th of December, 15 daltaí from various year groups travelled to Mount Sackville in Dublin to be trained as Anti Bullying Ambassadors for the Coláiste. This programme aims to encourage daltaí to change the attitudes, behaviours and culture of bullying by learning the skills needed to address the various different types of bullying. The day provided plenty of ideas to support the Coláiste’s approach and the students involved will spend the remainder of the year putting ideas into action and promoting their role’s as Anti Bullying Ambassadors.January 2018 The Meath Coaster22The CnI Handball TeamBasketballOur Under 16 were this month savour-ing their new status of league champions! Following last year’s disappointment in the final, the team showed remarkable resilience in bouncing back this year, fully committed to an intense training programme. Their team spirit has been in evidence throughout a dominant season, capped by a convincing 42-19 triumph against Coláiste Clavin. Congratulations to all involved!SoccerThe Senior Girls’ team had a fantastic win in the League Beating Marist Dundalk 5 - 0. Best for CNI were Aisling Bearney, Ro-byn McEvoy, Rebecca Gaffrey, Ellie Fer-guson and Katie Burdis. Goals came from Ferguson (3), Burdis and Gaffrey. The girls remain undefeated in the League.The Under 15 Boys’ team clinched a tight victory away to De la Salle Dundalk in a must-win league match. The win guaran-tees the team’s passage to the knock-out stages of the competition. The Under 17 team have reached their league semi-final, when they will travel to play §Corns, Callouses, Verrucae, Ingrown Toenails, nail surgery and other treatmentsState of the art Gaitscan analysis pressure plate used in the assessment of foot, back and leg pain.Orthotics prescribed to stabilise foot function and rehabilitationOpening hours 9.00-6.00Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: Saturday 10.00-1.00Niamh Tully, BSc (Hons) Pod. MCh.S. S.R.ChMain Street, Laytown, Tel: 041 9888492Chiropodist / Podiatrist(State registered)The Foot ClinicCall us on 041 9886545 for an appointment.Email: bettystowndental@gmail.comWeb: www.bettystowndental.ieTriton Road, Bettystown, Co. Meath (between Funtasia & Tesco)Extended PRSI Scheme Dental exam and clean only €15 for qualified patients. To check eligibility contact us on 0419886545Private, PRSI and Medical Card Patients WelcomeDr Matthew Crinion B.D.S. (NUI) 2018The year to cultivate more time for yourself improve strength and flexibility and enjoy guided relaxation ?!? THEN YOGA MAY BE FOR YOU - Contact Elaine085-2529090 or www.yogagarden.ie Gift Vouchers Available : The Yoga GardenGlebe House DowthLocated in the heart of the Boyne Valley, Glebe House Dowth is an enchanting private venue for weddings and all kinds of family & business gatherings. Fully stocked bar available. Tel: 041 9836101 : TheGlebeHousewww.glebehousedowth.ieJanuary 2018 The Meath Coaster24News from JulianstownIt turned out to be a magical night in Julianstown on Tuesday 13th December when we had a very special visit from you know who! Santa, Mrs. Claus and their Elves arrived in force! The Crowds gathered outside to await Santa who just appeared from nowhere coming down through the village in Elf Stephen’s Vin-tage Red Tractor which glittered with twinkling lights. Cameras flashed and the children had such wonderful smiles on their faces when they saw who had arrived. Into the Lime Kiln all went! Santa & Mrs. Claus had a word with each child while Elf Colm took a photo of each group. It was such a lovely evening with a wonder-ful performance by the Mornington Gos-pel Choir. Mornington Mornington Gospel ChoirThe Lime Kiln’s mince pies and mulled wine went down a treat. Chef Robert keeps the recipe for the delicious, yummy mince pies a secret, but you will be able to buy them in the Lime Kiln’s Shop! Huge thanks to the John, Tom, and all the staff of the Lime Kiln, Julianstown Tidy Towns Group, all our volunteers and sponsors (Glenside Hotel, Blacks Garden Centre, J.H. McLoughlin Oils, JDCA committee members) and indeed the local commu-nity for making the night such a success.Whitecross N.S. Parents, Grandparents, Great Grandparents from Julianstown this is a message for you from Whitecross N.S. Can you help? This is just a short update on the school's European Erasmus Project which we are undertaking with 5 European Schools (in Norway, Bulgaria, Italy, Spain & Czech Republic) over two years from 2016-2018. The title of our Project is Past Genera-tions: New Innovations. The main aim of the project is to capture life in all the schools' local communities as it was as we adults, grandparents and ancestors lived it. Then share this information with the next generation; your children and their friends. We will then record in print, and other IT media, the results of our research. We already have quite a body of work, but I am sure there is more that you parents might be able to help us with:• Copies of old photographs relevant to past events, community, school etc.• Family trees.• Local stories or folk tales.• School Reports.• Old artifacts.• Old newspapers or books with local ar-ticles.• The List could go on.January 2018 The Meath Coaster25are litter free and if we get 95% or more council will give us €200/300 which goes towards something for our village. If you can spare an hour or two a week, please get in touch with us, or call to the garden any Saturday morning. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our Tús Workers, Michelle (Admin) and Carla who helps in the garden, Meath Co. Coun-cil, Christy Clare, Michael Gallagher and Johnny, our Councillors Eimear Fergus, Sharon Tolan, Sharon Keogan, tom Kelly and Wayne Harding for their support. The Julianstown & District Com-munity Association would like to wish all our readers a very Happy New Year agus Athbhliain faor mhaise daoibh.Happy New Year from Julianstown 2018Anything the children bring in will be either scanned or photographed and re-turned immediately. We will include it (if appropriate) in one aspect of the project. The main end product will be a booklet for use within the school to enhance all of our pupils' knowledge of their herit-age and local history. You may also like to e mail the information directly to us at whitecrossns@gmail.com Liam Burke, PrincipalDate for your DiaryThe A.G.M. of St. Patrick;s GAA Club will take place on Monday 22nd January, .JDCA NewsletterJulianstown & District Community As-sociation Newsletter is being delivered to all at the moment which will update on what the Julianstown & District Commu-nity Association are doing on your behalf for Julianstown and its residents. If you didn’t get a copy please send us an email at julianstowndca@gmail.com or mes-sage us on Face book at Julianstown tidy towns group Tidy TownsJulianstown Tidy Towns are looking for new volunteers to help keep our village looking good. We are a great team, who work well together and meet every Satur-day morning at 10.30 am until 1 pm ap-prox. We kick off the year with a mas-sive Spring Clean throughout the village; we enter the Meath County Council Anti Litter initia-tive which lasts for 8 weeks. Meath Co. Co. sends out in-spectors to make sure our village and housing estates Liminal Yoga Step Into the LightJulianstown Parish RoomsWednesday morning class 10.30am – Course starts 17th JanuaryThursday evening class 7.30pm – Course starts 18th January6 week course €60 – suitable for beginners and intermediate levelContact Margaret – 0876948715January 2018 The Meath Coaster26Drogheda Grammar SchoolChristmas carol ServiceOur annual carol service was held on Thursday 14th December in the Presbyteri-an Church on Colpe Road. An evening of carols, readings and musical performanc-es was enjoyed by students, staff parents and friends. Many thanks to the school choir, orchestra, soloists and Ms Norris who put the musical programme together on the night. Also a special mention to Ms Joyce and the rest of the staff who served up the refreshments afterwards. Over 500 euro was raised on the night to help the homeless in Drogheda. Moore Hall Carol SingingThe school choir and musicians spent an afternoon entertaining the residents of Moore Hall just before Christmas.TY Trade FairEntrepreneurial and marketing skills were to the fore as the TY mini companies held their trade fair in the Old Gym just before Christmas. With a wide variety of prod-ucts and services available there was plen-ty to choose from. Thanks to Ms Carney for organising the successful event. Academic Scholar:Well done to Stefan Manek, class of 2017 who received an academic scholarship from UCD recently. Stefan received this award for his excellent Leaving Cert re-sults. We wish him the best in the future Drogheda Grammar School choir in actionJanuary 2018 The Meath Coaster27and are sure he will make us proud. German and Economics tripGerman, business and economic stu-dents enjoyed a trip to the Irish Central Bank, the National Gallery (German print maker exhibition), the Goethe Institute and the Christmas markets recently. The trip served to highlight the importance of German as a subject in demand for em-ployment, its links with business and the increasing demand for highly skilled lan-guage graduates. French TheatreAll French students were treated to a few hours of French theatre in the school in December. An annual event it allowed our students to see the language in ac-tion while having an entertaining morning watching the performance. HockeyThe junior girls have had some impressive results recently, finishing second in their Leinster league. One of the standout results was beating Loreto Dalkey. The u14 and 1st year teams have also been performing well and we have high hopes of seeing these players de-velop over the coming seasons. Camera ClubThe camera club held an exhibition of their work in the school foy-er, demonstrating their considerable talents and an eye for a good phot. It is planned to host a larger exhibition later in the year for the general public. RugbySadly the Junior rugby team narrowly lost to Salesian Celbridge in the Duff Cup. With a little more composure and game practice he result could have gone their way. However, it is encouraging and will stand them in good stead as they play their league semi-final after Christmas. The rugby department held a team bond-ing day for all junior players as we reached the mid-point of the season. BasketballThe school basketball teams travelled to Belfast to attend a series of matches be-tween American Colleges. As well as the exhibition matches they got to see a Higher Education -International Study event, with American Universities as well as Irish. And take part in a Fan Zone, with games, entertainment, and competitions. §Recent art exhibition in DGSJanuary 2018 The Meath Coaster28Council Update by Cllr Eimear FergusonWell here goes for 2018. I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy and Peaceful New Year. One year ends and another begins. Here’s to all who made New Year resolu-tions, may you all succeed and look back this time next year and say ‘Yes, I did all (or at least some of what) I hoped to achieved.’ Full Council 4th Dec, 2017 Local Community Development Commit-tee (LCDC) recommended that Laytown Village Enhancement Committee (LVEC) should be granted €64,500 under the RAPID Grant Programme 2017. This will go towards the creation of a community garden on the old library site in Laytown.It promises to be a great enhancement to the coastR150 Spine Road Site investigation contractor appointment is in progress, preparing and reviewing the CPO application. Just to let you know, your local Councillors will continue push-ing for this road to be delivered ASAP. Public LightingWe received a presentation on public light-ing and while there is no statutory duty for Council to provide public lighting, there is a duty to maintain the lighting which the Road Authority has provided on streets. If you notice any lights out of order, just take the number or note the location and let me know. Or, it can be reported to the Lights Dept., Meath CoCo.Municipal District 14th Dec, 2017Seafield UpdateThe basic design is being done at the mo-ment for the lands at Seafield. All in-terested stakeholders are to be con-tacted and involved in the consulta-tion. It is hoped that the initial plan will be ready for February and then go out to public consulta-tion. As there was a motion be-ing tabled that St Colmcilles GFC be allocated €235,000 of the €700,000 capital funds for Seafield project it was taken during the update. It was pointed out that, as there is no community space provided by the Coun-cil following all the residential planning permission granted now and in previous years, St Colmcilles are the club who have been providing a very valuable commu-nity programme in the locality and should be helped achieve their plan for their de-velopment of changing rooms, showers and toilets and a meeting room which can be used by some groups in the vicin-ity. The Council said that the monies are for Meath County Council projects only and there is no capital community grant scheme in the current capital program.Civic Space at Bettystown BeachThere were 7 architectural submissions made which were to be shortlisted to 5 before Christmas. These 5 are to be asked to tender for the project and the most suit-able architect will be chosen for this. It is hoped that the successful applicant will be in place by end of March 2018. There was an investigation carried out on the existing buildings and it was concluded that they were in very poor condition. As it is not a protected structure, it was suggested that they be demolished and removed and start with a clear site. I, once again, asked that January 2018 The Meath Coaster29the new design could be sympathetic to what has been there for so many years on the front and side façade. But, in the end, it will be down what is best for the area and the building. The new building works expect to be complete by end of 2019.The idea of OFF BEACH PARKING is still high on the agenda, we just have to find al-ternative parking… Easy, peasy. I wish!!We also had a presentation of the results of the Public consultation and observations by the public to the Draft Beach Manage-ment Plan. These will be highlighted and taken into consideration when the consult-ants are drawing up the final draft. Beamore Cross SafetyThe safety of Beamore Cross was raised, once again, when a motion was tabled. As I use this road so often, during the sum-mer I met with the area engineer and the Road Safety Officer on site. Following on from that meeting, the road has been re-lined and new signs erected. Both have been quite effective on the approach road from Drogheda. It still remains that there is an issue with the speed and vol-ume on the main Colpe to Platin Road at the junction. Alternative speed measures have been suggested as has a small/mini roundabout or staggered junction. There is a huge problem with the volume of traf-fic turning to Drogheda at busy times and the difficulty for motorists coming off the Cooperhill Road. I’m not sure if a stag-gered junction would work as well as a mini roundabout for the volume but we’ll leave that to the experts. Suffice to say a solution, for the users of this junction, can’t come quickly enough. Footpaths servicing National SchoolsMeath County Council has made a number of applications for funding but was unsuc-cessful. They will be applying for funding again in 2018 for priority projects. Some other issues brought to the attention of the area engineerThe muck and dirt on the Eastham Road The speed on the Ministown Road Parking at Relish and the entrance in Brookside estateReplacing the rubbish bin on the Golf Links RoadIn other newsPublic Partnership Networks (PPN) – 30km Speed Limits in Estates. Additional local est ates which are to have speed limits installed, in conjunction with Joint Policing Committee, are :Ballygarth Manor, JulianstownBrookside, Bettystown,Mornington Manor, MorningtonIf you wish to have your estate ncluded, just let me know and we’ll get the wheel s in motion to have it done. Either that, or email Transport@meathcoco.ie or write to Transport Department, Meath County Council, Navan, Co Meath.Festive LightsIt does most people’s hearts good to see the festive lights and trees in our area and I was delighted to allocate money from my discretionary fund to the provision of these each year. Big shout out and well done to the groups who give their time for others enjoyment and pleasure. If anyone would like to get involved in the commu-nity groups you’d be more than welcome.Let’s see what 2018 brings to us all and the Meath Coast. I hope it is good to all of us. If you should need to contact me I can be reached on eimear.ferguson@members.meathcoco.ie or 0864068270Next >