< Previous© September 2018 The Meath Coaster30Music Makers East Meath continues to benefit from the excellent music programmes open to children of all ages. Maria Sheil’s “Music Makers” has been bringing music making opportunities to our local communities for over eleven years and will continue its various age-appropriate music programmes in Sep-tember. Music Makers welcomes new children at the beginning of their musical path, giv-ing children a lifelong gift that continues to grow. With a Masters Degree in Community Music, Maria, who lives in Julianstown has developed a tailored programme that includes singing, percussion, drumming, bells, chimes, boom-whackers, rhythmic games, and story-telling through music. Baby/Toddler (3months to 3+yrs) classes are with the full participation of parents, grandparents or minders.Pre-Instrumental (4yrs to 8yrs) Later as the children grow, they attend “Big Music Makers” courses that continue singing, percussion, rhythm and musicality, but also introduces record er, leading to Roy-al Irish Academy of Music exams. There is a strong emphasis on making music to-gether in a joyful environment.September is a wonderful time to start on a new music education pathway. For further details contact Maria Sheil on 087 9330777 or mariamusicmakers@gmail.com §Bishop's VisitOn September 23rd at 10.30am in St. Mary’s Church of Ireland, Julianstown, we look forward to the visit of the Bishop of Meath and Kildare, the Most Revd. Pat Storey who will adminis-ter the rite of Confirmation. Nine young people will be confirmed and we hope that parishioners and friends will come along to support them as they take this impor-tant step in their journey of faith.Presbyterian Church Hall, Colpe - opposite Grance Rathwww.LittleMusicMakers.ie Maria Sheil (Masters Degree Community Music) 087 9330777MariaMusicMakers@gmail.comGroup Music Classes - 4yrs to 8yrs (Tues & Sat)“Mummy and Me”0 – 3years (Thurs & Sat)086/1733396086/3673406Mullenandsons1@gmail.comwww.Mullenandsons.ieAlan Mullen & Sons Builders LtdFifth Generation Irish BuildersFor All Your Building NeedsNew Builds - Extensions - Renovations At-tic Conversions Fully Insured and RegisteredTHELOGSHED.IE • 087 346 4420Clean chimneys help prevent a build up of carbon monoxide and chimney fires.We oer both traditional and power sweeping service ensuring smoke tests are carried out after each sweep and with a no mess guarantee.Contact us now to arrange an appointment.Do you need yourchimney cleaned?Price Promise GUARANTEEtel. 087 091 7990 info@bestpol.iewww.bestpol.ie-10% local discount with this leafletAll types of blinds manufactured at our premises to your own specification.© September 2018 The Meath Coaster32News From Julianstown & District Community AssociationBy Michelle Rourke & Niamh Bn. Uí LoinsighJulianstown in the Spotlight!IPB Pride of Place is an all-island com-petition that acknowledges the work that communities are doing all over the island of Ireland.Co-operation Ireland judges Eddie Sheehy and Tim Caffrey arrived in Julianstown on Wednesday 8th August, 2018 to assess how our Community and organizations all pull together to help each other and provide much needed services for Julianstown and the greater locality. Many thanks to all the organizations who gave up their time to tell the judges what they are doing every day for their com-munity and all these organizations are run by volunteers. To give you an idea of the services provided; here is a list of all those who were represented. We had Meals on Wheels, The Community Centre Commit-tee, Bowls, Mother and Toddler Group. Julianstown Amateur Drama Group, Sonairte The National Ecology Centre, Indigo Art, East Meath Hospice, Early Active Retirement Group, Julianstown Tidy Towns, Church of Ireland Parish Rooms Committee, East Meath Commu-nity Employment Scheme, Mosney Lan-guage Classes and East Meath First Re-sponder Unit. Thanks to Fergus O Dowd, T.D. Cllr’s Sharon Tolan and Eimear Ferguson who spoke very well about our little commu-nity and apologies from our absent Cllr’s who were unable to attend due to prior commitments. We had Fr. Declan Kelly and regrettably Rev. Katharine Poulton was unable to come, but we did have Roy Bowers who very ably stepped in to depu-tise for her.This was a great community led presen-tation and we hope that we impressed the judges. We then took the judges on a whirl wind tour of Julianstown in trans-port provided by McGinty bus hire and retired to The Lime Kiln who kindly sponsored Tea/Coffee and Scones for all. Thanks to Meath County Council for putting Julianstown forward for this All Ireland competition and to Karen Dal-ton, Community Officer for all her help. Also thanks to all the hard work which the Julianstown & District Community Association Committee Members did in bringing this about and in particular Clare McEnaney, Fred Logue, Jackie O’Shea, Anne Hanley, Mary Logue, Brendan Logue, Eileen McCullough, Aisling Mo-nahan, Tom Hughes, Larry Lenehan, Colm O’Donnell, Pat Kiernan, Emer Dol-phin and Niamh Bn. Ui Loinsigh. Results Tim Caffrey (Judge, Cllr. Eimear Fergusan, Cllr. Sharon Tolan, Jackie O’Shea, Niamh Bn. Uí Loinsigh, Fergus O’Dowd T, Eddie Sheehy (Judge) Eileen McCullough, Mary Logue.© September 2018 The Meath Coaster33will be announced on the 17th November, 2018.Julianstown & District Community As-sociation is committed to working for our community and if you would like to join the Julianstown & District Community Association please contact us @ www.ju-lianstowncommunity.com or Facebook – Julianstown Tidy Towns. Alternatively, if you have any issues that you would like highlighted or dealt with – we would love to hear from you.The Fleadh may have come to Drogheda, but The Lime Kiln rose to the occasion with their ‘Seomra Suíte’ and Hector just loved the ‘Fáilte to DRAWDA’ sign cre-ated by Shauna Browning. Flowers in the GardenA special word of thanks to Robert McLysaght for donating these lovely flo-ral displays. Bronze Age CemeteryAn amazing archeological find has poten-tially been made in Duleek, Co Meath, where it is thought that aerial surveys, aided by the dry-weather and drought-© September 2018 The Meath Coaster34like conditions in Ireland recently, have revealed a Bronze Age barrow cemetery and settlement.The discovery was made by Noel Mee-han of Copter View Aerial Productions, who says he has been conducting surveys of the area over the past two years in the hopes of making a find. His interest came after reading of previous research carried out in the area.Meehan has now contacted the National Monuments Service about the potential settlement and they will work to con-firm if they are, in fact, remains from the Bronze Age.Located just 6km from the Boyne Val-ley in a small townland in Meath, we’ve discovered and recorded what we believe to be a massive Bronze Age Cemetery & Settlement site.We have known about this location for the last two years and have been conducting aerial surveys at regular intervals captur-ing snippets of what lay beneath...“My discovery of this site was inspired by an excavation conducted between 1929 and 1936 by Adole Mahrs of an early Bronze Age cemetery at Keenoge, which is approximately 800 meters from the lo-cation of my findings,” Meehan told the Irish Independent. For the past two years, Meehan has con-ducted surveys of the Boolies Little and Keenoge Townland located just outside Duleek, until this week he finally pictured a site which appears to show nine enclo-sures throughout the fields.While the find is not yet confirmed, the circular features pictures appear to show barrows, a common prehistoric feature that has earth or stones creating a mound over a grave. The images also appear to show the features of a potential settlement beside the barrows.Meehan’s aerial photos have added to a list of summer archaeological finds in Ireland which is growing by the week, all with thanks to the rare, dry, Irish summer. The dry spell has revealed markings in the ground that would not normally be visible when fields and grasses aren’t suffering from a lack of rain.Meals on Wheels Meals-on-Wheels are looking for volun-teer drivers to help with delivering meals to senior citizens in the Stamullen and Julianstown areas on Monday, Wednesday and Friday every week. If you are inter-ested in helping, please contact MOW on 0867222068.§Assessment and Treatment provided for the following:• Dyspraxia • Hypermobility Syndrome• Physical Disabilities • lntellectual Disabilities • Autism Spectrum Disorders • Sensory Processing Dis-orders • Developmental Delay • ADD • Torticollis • Flat Head Syndrome • Delayed Walking • CPFor Occupational Therapy queriesMichelle Ni Ghráinne BSc. (Hons)Senior Occupational Therapist T. 087 973 8870michellenighrainneot@gmail.comFor Physiotherapy queriesShamsa Doyle BSc (Hons) Physio MlSCPSenior Physiotherapist T. 085 100 1741shamsaduffy@hotmail.comContact DetailsClinic appointments also available in BodyRight Physiotherapy Clinic, 27 Fair Street, DroghedaHome and School Visits availableCall 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) 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 ClinicThe Yoga Room @ SonairteThe Ninch, LaytownMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday10am-VinyasaLevel 1-2Michelle10am-HathaLevel 1-2Deborah10am-BeginnersMichelle10am-Level 1-2Deborah10am-Mixed LevelMichelle or Deborah9am-Power YogaMichelle or Deborah8pm-Mixed levelDeborah8pm-Beginners Michelle7.30pm-VinyasaMixed LevelDeborah7.30pm-Mixed levelMichelleNew classes will be added mid September, Early Morning 6am, Mens only classes Teens and Kids YogaClasses suitable for Beginners to Mixed Level. Vinyasa, Hatha and Power YogaPlease get in touch for more information: The Yoga Room at SonairteDeborah: 0868606282Michelle:0862670706© September 2018 The Meath Coaster36Banish The Blues Of Going Back To SchoolThe end of the school holidays can be a mixed time in many families. Some families (parents especially) welcome the return to some kind of structure and routine. Having children and teenagers in school can ease some childcare has-sles that might have been present over the summer. Some children and teenag-ers, too, can be really looking forward to getting back to school. Usually this is an anticipation of reconnecting with friends or having their days a little more focused and busy after some “boredom” during the holidays. However, for all of those children who look forward to getting back to school, there is an equivalent number of children dreading it. With most schools starting back, there will be some families where the distress and anxiety are reach-ing fever pitch as the date for resumption approaches. Naturally, if children or teen-agers are stressed at the thought of return-ing to school, you can be sure that their distress is leaching out into the rest of the family as they will be likely to be moody, cross, disruptive or obstructive.The anxiety factorAt the heart of their reluctance to go back to school is, usually, some form of anxi-ety. For many, it is a fear of the unknown as they move into a new classroom with a new teacher, or move into secondary school, or have to deal with new subjects or make new friends. For junior infant children it might be separation anxiety. Some will have anxiety about the work-load and the academic pressure that they face. For children with learning difficul-ties, or those in exam years, the pressure to perform may weigh heavily on them. Even the thought of the drudge of home-work or study might be enough to make them want to avoid school. Other children will be dreading the social mix of their class, or their year, either because they have struggled to make friends, have been bullied, or have been edged out, of their previous group of friends.There are many parents who are fear-ful about how well (or badly) their chil-dren will cope with school, or aspects of school. When children have already had some kind of difficulty, either social, ac-ademic or behavioural, we too might be expecting the worst when school resumes next week. So, if we are to help our chil-dren to get back to school, to cope with it, and even thrive there, our starting point may be to reflect on, and deal with, our own emotions. We need to fully under-stand how the circumstances of our chil-dren’s education to date, affects us too.Parental concernsSometimes there are practical things that we parents can do, to reassure ourselves about how school will go for our chil-dren. Perhaps it is in our own interests to go into the school, right at the start of the year to meet teachers, year-heads or prin-cipals. We can lay out our worries and see what supports the school may have for our child. Even just familiarising ourselves with the physical layout of the school, the personalities of the teachers, or the nature of the subjects, can help to ease our own anxieties. Typically, it is newness and un-predictability that raise our anxiety and so familiarity and predictability can work wonders to reduce it, too.Assuming then, that we are doing our best to regulate our own anxieties, we can then turn our attention to supporting and help-ing our children and teenagers to deal with theirs. The single biggest thing we can do for our children is to listen to them care-fully and openly, and to show them that we © September 2018 The Meath Coaster37can understand their view of school. Even if we don’t agree with their assessment of the issues they believe they face, we still demonstrate that we can see the issues from their point of view. Empathy is the word we use to describe being able to see things from someone else’s perspective. It is a really powerful and supportive way to engage with children. Too often, we par-ents rush into problem solving, trying to reassure our children that the issues can be sorted out, or that they have no need to worry. Rarely does this help since our chil-dren can be reluctant to believe us. How-ever, if we have shown that we really do understand the issue that our child faces, they may be more willing to accept our ad-vice, guidance or reassurance. So, invest-ing more time in trying to understand the problem at the start, can mean our efforts to help fix it might be more effective.PracticalitiesIf the issues are academic, there are lots of practical things we can do. Sometimes a formal assessment is warranted, to get a better, more comprehensive, picture of the nature of the difficulties that our child faces. Specific learning difficulties, like dyslexia, can be hard to spot, but can of-ten dramatically impact our child’s self-esteem since they may have compared themselves negatively to others in their class, even coming to believe that they are stupid. The organisational difficulties associated with dyspraxia (DCD) some-times makes secondary school in particu-lar a challenge as students try to negotiate timetables, lockers, moving classrooms, bringing home the right books for home-work and so on. These are all issues that can be supported, by keeping close con-tact with the school, and leaning on the additional resources and learning supports that they can provide. Behavioural issues too will require lots of contact with the school. Forming good working relation-ships with teachers, vice-principals and principals can often lead to quicker reso-lution of problems, or greater patience on the part of the school.Taking sidesIt is important that, as a parent, you make sure your child or teenager sees that you are aligned with them. That alignment doesn’t have to be to the exclusion of be-ing able to see a school’s perspective, but your son or daughter will want to know that you are, essentially, on their side. Social anxieties can often be the hardest issues to deal with. They are usually the ones that we can most sympathise with, as we too may have had our social diffi-culties in our youth. Sometimes we can feel a bit paralysed, as a parent, because we are re-traumatised by seeing the dif-ficulty our child now faces.However, so-cial difficulties usually require a double-edged approach to resolving them. On the one hand our child might need specific friendship building skills, or assertiveness skills, or strategies to deal with bullying. They may benefit from confidence or self-esteem building. But, irrespective of the cause of the dread, stress or the anxiety that our children may feel, they need us to be understanding, warm and comfort-ing. They may also need us to be steadfast and resolute about the long-term benefits of education and our unwillingness to let them run away from whatever problem they feel they are facing.In those cases where the problem can’t be solved, at least our children will know that we appreciate and recognise the struggle they have. At the very least a problem shared might be a problem halved, giv-ing them enough heart to head back into school for another academic year. §• Free Parking• Free Medication Packing• Free blood pressure testing• Free Medical Advice and Support• Open 7 days a week• Open late nightsPure Pharmacy, Southgate SC, Drogheda, Co. LouthTel: 041-981 7281Pharmacist: Sinead Carty MPSIITS TIME FOR CHANGE* call us today and start saving now!100%IRISHOWNED*valid prescription requiredTHEPRICEThe only difference isNext >