< Previous© September 2018 The Meath Coaster20Loreto Balbriggan; Excellence in EducationAs September comes around again Lo-reto Secondary School Balbriggan prepares itself for another busy year ahead. The school is persistently driv-ing forward in its efforts to improve and develop itself to ensure that the students receive the very best care and a positive and quality educational experience. teaching which is a constant in the school. Leaving Certificate students are a priority and there is great scope for high achievers who are encouraged and inspired by their teachers. There is a programme which fa-cilitates these students at junior level, as soon as they arrive in the school. The effectiveness of the teaching and ad-ditional programmes is evidenced in the fantastic leaving certificate results. The students achieve at a very high level with 20% achieving over 500 points this year and over 50% of those who sat the exam in the school reaching the 400 points grade. It goes without saying therefore that most of the students go onto third lev-el colleges. The special educational needs team is expanding its facilities, not only for the high achievers but also for those Musical recital in the atrium during film week Some very happy students on leaving certificate results day.Local students who were high achievers on results dayThe dynamic and dedicated staff ensure that this is the case. They are a motivated, committed group, consistently looking to improve their teaching and the learning experience for the students. They care for the pastoral needs of the students and the systems and structures in the school en-sure that this is prioritised. The welfare of the student comes first and everything else follows. The new Junior Cycle profile of achievement is a great platform for the dynamic learning and © September 2018 The Meath Coaster21that these students are given every oppor-tunity to reach their full potential. Beyond the classroom door there are ex-students who may have difficulties with the system. A dedicated team of teachers and regularly upgraded facilities ensure An Information Meeting for students beginning in First Year in September 2019 will be held on the following dates:Monday 10h September: Surnames A - LTuesday 11th September: Surnames M - Zat 7.30pm in the School HallAn application pack will be distributed at these meetings.The school will be open from 6.30 p.m.for a tour of the facilities.Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin Phone: 01 841 1594The senor A hockey team who reached the Leinster finalsresults day© September 2018 The Meath Coaster22tensive range of extra-curricular opportu-nities in a wide range of areas including sports, debating, drama, dance music and art. This big school with a big heart has robust pastoral systems in place, excellent teaching and learning opportunities and an extensive, mode rn campus with excel-lent facilities. The open evening will be held this year in the school on 11th and 12th September. All 6th class students are welcome. §Inter Loreto Athletics in Santry Stadium© September 2018 The Meath Coaster23Victim Support at CourtVictim Support at Court is ExpandingOne of Ireland’s leading victims’ char-ities is expanding its services to re-gional courts.Victim Support at Court (V-SAC) pro-vides court accompaniment services to victims of crime, their families and pros-ecution witnesses in the criminal justice system. The organisation is expanding its service into the Eastern and South-Eastern Circuit Court Districts.Regional Coordinator Niamh Lambert said: “V-SAC is the only charity in Ireland dedicated to supporting victims of crime at possibly the most difficult and traumatic time – when they have to go to court and face the person accused of doing harm to them or their loved one. Most people are unaware that they are entitled to free sup-port while they are attending court. We want to let people know that they are not alone and V-SAC is here to support them during their trial. Our service is commit-ted to making the court process less intim-idating for victims and witnesses, giving them a safe space where they can be apart from the general public and a listening ear if they need it.“During 2017, V-SAC provided court ac-companiment to over 1,200 individuals. This included homicide, rape and sexual assault cases, assaults, domestic violence and human trafficking. The cases were heard in the Central Criminal Court and in Circuit and District Courts. Demand for the service has grown year on year and that is why we are driving forward this expansion throughout Ireland,” she con-cluded.The organisation also supports victims in pre-trial visits, sentencing hearings, retri-als and appeals.V-SAC volunteers provide support in all criminal cases where a victim involved and are at the forefront of delivering a high quality court accompaniment ser-vice within the Irish judicial system. The organisation’s services are free and avail-able to anyone who has been a victim of crime and are due to attend court.V-SAC has a permanent presence in the Criminal Court of Justice in Dublin and in Tallaght District Court.If you would like support while you are attending court check out their website http://www.vsac.ie or contact them on info@vasc.ie or 085-860-7739.Notes to Editors· During 2017, V-SAC provided court accompaniment to over 1,200 victims of crime, their families and witnesses. The cases involved 35 homicides, 123 rape/sexual assault cases, 48 assault cases, 76 domestic violence cases and 62 other tri-als (including human trafficking, criminal damage, theft, etc.) in the Central Crimi-nal Court, Circuit and District Courts. We also supported victims in 57 pre-trial vis-its, 65 sentencing hearings, and 10 retrials and 8 appeals.· The charity is funded annually by the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime within the Department of Justice· For further information or interview re-quests, please contact Niamh Lambert, Regional Coordinator on 085-860-7739© September 2018 The Meath Coaster24Hello again from all of us here at Sonairte!This beautiful sunny weather has had the Sonairte Team and Volunteers working flat out. Visitors have been pour-ing in on Sundays, and the Garden Pro-duce is flying out on Fridays. New volunteers always very welcome, contact hello@sonairte.ie or phone 041-9827572 (Weds-Fri)You can follow our progress on www.sonairte.ie and on Facebook (Sonairte) and Instagram (Sonarite.ie). Sonairte will continue with our education-al programmes and courses. We are also continuing with our supply of fresh sea-sonal organic vegetables and fruit to local restaurants.Sonairte Veg Box SchemeBoxes contain a mix of the seasonal pro-duce currently available from Sonairte's organic garden. Just choose how much you want (€10, 15, 20, 30 etc.), contact us here, and your box will be waiting for you!We currently have Carrots, Squash, Peas, Courgettes, Kale, Apples, Berries etcPlease order by Wednesday @ 4pm Email “hello@sonairte.ie” and collection will be on Friday or Sunday between 1 – 4.30 pm. Thanks!We will shortly be introducing a CSA scheme Community Supported Agricul-ture. CSAs are an amazing opportunity to get kids involved in their “food chain”Open Friday 12–5pm. Sunday 1-5pm.Local Raw Honey AvailableGet GardeningJust in time for your Au-tumn planting’s. 2m raised bed complete with biodegradable mulch, fleece & plant labels. To plan your rotation 4 x €100 or €30 each.We are delighted to say that this year’s Heritage Day even surpassed our own expectations, despite the biggest event in Ireland happening on our doorstop “THE FLEADH”A big thank you to all who helped make the day a big success: Zaneta for her FOR-AGING WALK, Pat Wogan for BRING-ING HIS HONEY BEES, Dominic Gryson for his FOLKLORE ON IRISH TREES, Jeanne Sampier for her WILD BEE PRESENTATION Rita O’Sullivan for BIRD WATCHING. Also, a big thank you to our Local Musi-cians who provided music on the day: Pe-ter, Stephen, Albane and our own Larry. §SONAIRTEChara holding a queen bumble bee. Chara is the youngest daughter of Michelle the New Yoga instructor at Sonairte © September 2018 The Meath Coaster25Now enrolling for our Autumn term 2018 Classes recommencing week of Monday 10th September in all Venues.For details on classes in your area call Jane on 086 4113301jojinglesnortheast@gmail.com www.jojingles.ie/northeastTuesday (9.30,10.30 11.30am & Saturday’s (9.30,10.30 11.30am & 12.30) Barlow House, Narrow West Street Drogheda Monday’s (9.30,10.30 & 11.30am)Drogheda Presbyterian Church, Colpe, opposite Grange Rath. Ireland Regional Franchisee of the Year 2014McCormack-Fay Academy of Irish DancingClasses for children re-commenceMon 10th Sept Scoil Oilibhéir Naofa (Bettystown): 2.45 - 4.15pmWed 12th Sept: Parochial Hall (Laytown) : 3.30 - 5pmClasses to suit both boys & girls ( 3 yrs +) - All levels catered for.Super fun, terrific way to gain confidence & great way to meet new friends.Full-time qualified Irish dance Teachers & Adjudicators – Garda Vetted.All-Ireland & World Irish dance champions in both Solo & Team competitions.Dancers from this school represents Ireland at many dance festivals. Thurs 13th Sept: NEW Adult Ceili Class - Scoil Oilibhéir Naofa (B’town): 7.30- 8.30pmFor more information, contact Fergal: 086-3854222 / irishdance2011@hotmail.com© September 2018 The Meath Coaster26The Stamullen Roundup By Grace TierneyBy the time you read this parents of school-going children will have waved off their young learners after the long summer break. Hopefully the road works on the Cockhill Road right outside the primary school and three housing es-tates will have concluded in time and total traffic chaos on school mornings has been avoided. The glam final will take place in City North Hotel and tickets, which sold like the pro-verbial hot cakes last time, are €25 each. If you want to volunteer as a dancer or long to watch those who take up the challenge con-tact Gráinne at 087-6395245 or send a mes-sage to the club’s facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/StamullenFC/ ).If not, remember that more than 2km of the water main on the road, which had a habit of bursting at different points annually for more than a decade, has been upgraded. Per-haps the village will have seen the last of the outages.Of course, we’re not free of disruptions just yet with the M1 motorway resurfacing run-ning from now until the 20th of October be-tween junctions five and seven. Although at least this is taking place from 9.30p.m. until 5.30a.m. to minimise issues.Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the ballroom Stamullen Football Club are slipping on their high heels again. The date for your diary is the 9th of February 2019. Congratulations to Shenick Veterinary Cen-tre whose new premises is now complete. They’re also changing to full-time opening hours from the 3rd of September so you can get their help for your pets from 10a.m. until 7.30p.m..The Daily Bread Café has also done a lovely job on the exterior of their premises. Well done and smart move on bringing Maud’s ice cream to the village in time for one of the best summers in ages.Stamullen has always been known for its cycle team, but St. Mary’s Baton Twirlers are taking a new angle on it on the 15th of September. Their spinathon will take place outside Centra in the village from 10a.m. to 7p.m. and they’d love your support.Got Stamullen news? Send it to Grace (087-9074145) or grace@meathcoaster.com late August blooms in the village© September 2018 The Meath Coaster27F. Watson & Son LtdFuneral Directors Complete Funeral ServiceLAYTOWN, CO. MEATH Tel: 086 0275440 • 041 98382279 DYER STREET, DROGHEDAwww.droghedafunerals.ieServing the Entire East Meath Area and Drogheda since 1921041 98 444 98 041 98 111 98086 838 4444www.eastcoastcabs.comEAST COAST CABSEAST COAST CABS SERVICING MEATH COAST & DROGHEDA REGIONS CABS - 4, 6 & 8 SEATERSNEW RANGE OF MINI-VANSCOACHES - 16, 24, 36 & 54 SEATERS AVAILABLE© September 2018 The Meath Coaster28SPANISH FOR BEGINNERSThis is a beginner course for those who have little or no Spanish. It is designed to help you learn basic phrases and vocabulary. At the end of the course you will be able to understand and communicate with locals while on holidays, introduce yourself, ask for directions, order drinks and request your bill. You will learn about social customs and most importantly have some fun learning a new language. Course duration: 8 weeks Fee : €95 Tutor: Rosario Lynch Time: 6.00pm- 7.30pm Wednesdays evenings.Starts: Wednesday 26th September 2018SPANISH FOR IMPROVERSThis is a beginner’s course level 3, a follow on course for those who already have some Spanish. With the emphasis on conversational skills, this course helps students to achieve a level of Spanish that will enable them to communicate with locals when travelling in Spanish speaking countries. Course duration : 8 weeks Fee: €110 Tutor: Rosario LynchTime: 7.30pm- 9.30pm Wednesday evenings. Starts: Wednesday 26th September 2018CONVERSATIONAL IRISH- AN INTRODUCTION:Learn conversational Gaeilge from an experienced Irish Speaker.Course duration : 8 weeks Fee: €95 Tutor: Neil McEvoyTime: 7pm – 8.30pm Wednesdays evenings.Starts: Wednesday 26th September 2018ARTS, CRAFTS & HOBBIESCOOKING FOR HEALTHY LIVING: In this course you will learn how to prepare and cook nutritious, easy and quick meals for all the family to enjoy. You will also learn how to make easy and delicious homemade desserts. You will receive recipes for these dishes that won’t take all night to prepare. Our focus in this course is on quick and easy cooking and baking.Each week you will need to bring your own ingredients, 2 tea towels, a dish cloth and a suitable container/lunchbox to bring home what you make.You will be told which ingredients to bring a week in advance of each class.Course duration: 8 weeks Fee: €100 Tutor: TBCTime: 7pm-9pm Wednesday evenings. Starts: Wednesday 26th September 2018BEGINNER/ INTERMEDIATE MAKE-UP COURSE Learn all the tricks of the trade with this beginner/intermediate 8 week makeup course. Whether you’re a complete novice or want to improve your skills, we’ve got you covered. From skin prep to smokey eye, we’ll be breaking it down to ensure you can achieve the perfect makeup look.What is needed:Full brush set with basic essential for make-up. Tutor will allow use of their own materials also. Course duration: 8 weeks Fee: €95 Tutor: Becca CumminsTime: 7pm-9pm Starts: Wednesday 26th September 2018LANGUAGESWednesday 19th September 7pm – 9pmOnline Enrolment Available NowContact: Director of Adult Education Email: adulteducationcni@lmetb.ielmetb.ieLAYTOWN/BETTYSTOWNNIGHT CLASSESAUTUMN 2018www.meathnightclasses.ieor Contact Coláiste na hInse www.colaistenahinse.ie ( and follow the links)Email: adulteducationcni@lmetb.ie orENROLMENT AND CLASS VENUE Coláiste na hInse, Laytown-Bettystown, Co. Meath.Please see each class description for cost, duration, dates and times, etc.PREFERABLY NO CASH ACCEPTEDCLASSES START Wednesday 26th & Thursday 27th September 2018ENROLMENT EVENINGENROL ONLINE @© September 2018 The Meath Coaster29FITNESSFUNCTIONAL FITNESSThis class aims to improve cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, weight loss and body toning. These classes are suitable for all ability levels from beginners to the advanced. Course duration: 8 weeks Fee: €65 Tutor: TBCTime: 7pm-8pm Wednesday EveningsStarts: Wednesday 26th September 2018PILATES INTELLIGENT EXERCISE- PROFOUND RESULTS! The Pilates system emphasizes the balanced development of the body through core strength, flexibility and awareness. Modifications are a key element to every exercise, making it possible for people of all age groups and levels of ability to take part and progress at your own individual pace. All in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.Beginners Stott Pilates: Time 7.00-8.00pm Fee: €65 Tutor: Geradine MooneyStarts: Wednesday 26th September 2018Intermediate Stott Pilates: Time 8.00-9.00pm Fee: €65 Tutor: Geradine MooneyCourse duration: 8 weeksStarts: Wednesday 26th September 2018COUCH TO 5K:Couch to 5K, is a fantastic program that’s been designed to get just about anyone from the couch to running 5 km or 30 minutes non- stop in just 9 weeks.Course Duration: 9 weeks Fee: €55 Tutor: TBCTime: 7pm-8pm Wednesday EveningsStarts: Wednesday 26th September 2018 BRIDGE FOR ENTHUSIASTS AND IMPROVERS Bridge is the KING of card games, it can be enjoyed by anyone, at any age, at any standard. Come enjoy the game with others and learn a new hobby. This course is led by a very experienced tutor who will teach you the tricks of the trade. Come along to challenge yourself and have fun. This course is designed for those who have already some experience playing bridge. Would not be suitable for beginners. Course duration: 8 weeks Fee: €80 Tutor: Aidan Hodgers Time: 7pm-9pm Wednesday evenings. Starts: Wednesday 26th September 2018CREATIVE WRITING Have you decided this is the year you’ll see your name in print, on the cover of a novel or in the form of a memoir, short story or essay? Tutor Ross Campbell is offering creative writing classes that will help you put a shape to your story and give you the building blocks to fulfil your dreams. Classes are relaxed and informal. Writers will receive helpful feedback on their writing from the class. Tips too on how to get your writing published. Short assignments will be given out to do each week.Beginners Course and Improvers courses both available. Please contact for further details. Course duration: 8 weeks Fee: €75 Tutor: Ross Campbell Time: 7pm-8.30pm Wednesday evenings. Starts: Wednesday 26th September 2018PHOTOGRAPHY: DIGITAL BEGINNERS This course will focus on camera craftsmanship, composition, an introduction to genres of photography, an introduction to digital editing. You must have your own basic camera to take part in this course. Course duration: 8 weeks Fee: €110 Tutor: Adrian Parkinson Time: 7pm-9pm Wednesday Evenings Starts: Wednesday 26th September 2018LEAVING CERT MATHS HIGHER LEVELIntensive revision course for all candidates sitting the Leaving Certificate Higher Level Maths Examination in June 2019 with focus on examinations questions. This course will focus on Maths Paper 1/2.Course duration: 8weeks Fee: €90 Tutor: TBCTime: 4.30-6.30pm Thursday evenings.Starts: Thursday 27th September 2018 LEAVING CERT MATHS ORDINARY LEVELIntensive revision course for all candidates sitting the Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level Maths Examination in June 2019 with focus on examinations questions.Course duration: 8weeks Fee: €90 Tutor: TBCTime: 4.30-6.30pm Thursday evenings.Starts: Thursday 27th September 2018LEAVING CERT BIOLOGY HIGHER LEVELIntensive revision course for all candidates sitting the Leaving Certificate Higher Level Biology Examination in June 2019 with focus on examinations questions.Course duration: 8 weeks Fee: €90 Tutor: TBCTime: 4.30-6.30pm Wednesday evenings.Starts: Wednesday 26th September 2018LEAVING CERT COURSESYOGAVinyasa (breathing synchronised movement) flow yoga has both mental and physical benefits. Physically, sweat expels toxins and re-energies your body. Mentally, the synchronised breathing relaxes your mind and helps to release any blocked energy throughout your body. Beginners/Improvers This class is open to those new to yoga or with some experience. Course duration: 8 weeks Fee: €65 Tutor: Noel FeeneyTime: 7pm-8pm Wednesday eveningsStarts: Wednesday 26th September 2018Note: Please bring a towel, water and exercise mat.Improvers/Intermediate: This class will challenge the student on a deeper level, introducing more challenging postures. Course duration: 8 weeks Fee: €65 Tutor: Noel FeeneyTime: 8pm-9pm Wednesday EveningsStarts: Wednesday 26th September 2018Note: Please bring a towel, water and exercise mat.Next >