< Previous© March 2019 The Meath Coaster30Park, Castle Grove, Aney View or St. Pat-rick’s Villas and would like to enter just visit the Meath Co. Co. webpage and fill up the form before the 1st. March. If you see any litter please bin it or better still if you see the culprits get them to bin it! Spring CleanAn Taisce National Spring Clean is going ahead in April and we have chosen Sat-urday 6th April for this. Volunteers will meet at the entrance to school at 10 a.m., where you can pick up litter pickers, bags, gloves and high vis jackets. Many thanks to Meath Co. Co. for providing us with a skip. Light Refreshments afterwards. This is a great opportunity to clean all the back roads around the village and if you see any fly tipping please ring the Envi-ronment Dept. of Meath Co. Co. East Meath Hospice and what they doDeath and dying affects each and every one of us. Every year, 29,000 people die in Ireland and up to 290,000 are newly bereaved. The Irish Hospice Foundation strives for the best care at end of life for these people and practical support for their loved ones. Pancake Morning The East Meath Hospice Association are holding their pancake morning in the City North Hotel on Tuesday 5th March from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. There will be the usual stalls and a raffle. Many thanks to the City North Hotel and also hope that as many people can con-tribute towards this very necessary and vital service for our loved ones. §. Oscar Checking out the Berginas© March 2019 The Meath Coaster31PLEASE PLEASEHELPKEEP OUR BEACH SAFE AND REPORT SPEEDING OR DANGEROUS DRIVING TO THE GARDAI041 9827074(WHY NOT ENTER THIS NUMBER IN YOUR MOBILE PHONE NOW)If possible try to take a photograph of the offending vehicle to show registration number and the driver, the Gardaí will take action.We, as beach users, must try to protect ourselves by reporting Dangerous Driving and Anti Social Behaviour to the Gardaí.This is the only way we can make our beach safe for all and be able to enjoy this wonderful natural amenity.This notice has been placed by concerned citizens of Laytown, Bettystown and Mornington.LAYTOWN BETTYSTOWN MORNINGTON LAYTOWN BETTYSTOWN MORNINGTONLAYTOWN BETTYSTOWN MORNINGTON MEATH'S GOLD COAST MEATH'S GOLD COAST MEATH'S GOLD COAST MORNINGTON LAYTOWN BETTYSTOWN Winter Sunrise by Caragh O'Carroll© March 2019 The Meath Coaster32Top Award for Julianstown Youth OrchestraCongratulations to the 62 members of the Julianstown Youth Orchestra on their recent success at the Irish Festival of Youth Orchestras in the National Con-cert Hall in Dublin. On the 9th February, the 62 members of the senior orchestra performed their own compositions from ‘Gesamkunstwerk’ – a suite of music and song composed by the players under the mentorship of composer Brian Irvine. The composers Eoin Brereton Hurley, Medb Brereton Hurley, Dominic Connor, Jen-nifer Sheil and Shane Quinn were inter-viewed on stage by RTE’s Sean Rocks and the performance was conducted by founder/director Fergus Sheil. The or-chestra were delighted to receive a stand-ing ovation from the audience and in addi-tion, this vibrant group of local musicians received an Achievement Award from the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras for their Gesamkunstwerk project. The orchestra continue to rehearse each Friday evening in Cólaiste na hInse and are currently preparing for their tour of Lisbon in June and their upcoming perfor-mance in the Solstice Theatre, Navan on Saturday 16th March. They will share the concert with the Dublin Youth Orchestra, also conducted by Fergus Sheil. As well as the Gesamtkunstwerk project, the or-chestra will also play Verdi’s Nabucco Overture. Tickets for this event are avail-able from Solstice Arts Centre in Navan.The junior section of the Julianstown Youth Orchestra, consisting of mainly pri-mary school children, is currently rehears-ing for their concert in May. This group of Senior section of JYO at NCH© March 2019 The Meath Coaster33over 40 members are working hard under the direction of Conductor Ailbhe Kirkan, to prepare new music pieces. They are looking forward to performing with an-other youth orchestra and are planning an open day in May.drums, cymbals and a glockenspiel as well as many other smaller percussion in-struments. Many of the players own their instruments, but the Julianstown Youth Orchestra, also has an instrument rental policy particularly for some of the more expensive and less common instruments. Parents and potential players are welcome to come to Cólaiste na hInse any Friday evening from 6.30-8.30pm or Saturday morning from 8.50-10.15am to observe the senior and junior rehearsals respec-tively. Committee members are always on hand to provide information and answer any questions. It could be the beginning of a long musical journey for a player who would like to develop musical skills and make new friends with a shared interest. www.jyo.ie Photographs taken by John Soffe at the National Concert Hall. §Jenny Shiel receiving the Achievement award on behalf of JYOInterview at NCHThe Julianstown Youth Orchestra is cur-rently recruiting new members to both senior and junior orchestras. Potential players should be taking formal les-sons in their chosen instrument and the Julianstown Youth Orchestra facilitates tuition in a wide range of instruments. There are a wide range of instruments to choose from in the orchestra. The string section has violins, violas, cellos and dou-ble basses. The wind and brass sections can have flutes, piccolo, oboes, clarinets, bass clarinet, trumpets, French horns, trombones and bassoons. There is also a very exciting percussion section complete with timpani drums, bass drums, snare 085 2057786e: preidcrashrepairs@gmail.comMill Road, MorningtonPanel beating Spray painting Private & Insurance workAll work guaranteed© March 2019 The Meath Coaster34Please mention The Meath Coaster when replying to advertisementsThe View From The Kitchen Table, By Geraldine HughesThe view from the kitchen table is a lit-tle drab at the moment – the garden is a bit of a soggy mess and its too early to go out and cheer it up so I’ve been turning my attention indoors, which at this time of the year means its spring cleaning. If that opening line sounds like a paragraph from Housekeeping monthly, I apologise. Housekeeping is just a thing I do to stop the house falling down around my ears and to keep the place half daycent in case a visitor drops in unexpectedly – in truth they never do – they text instead the same as I do. However there is something about Spring and renewal that makes me want to clean up or at least throw things out. This year I’m being egged on by Marie Kon-dos show about tidying up (or ditching stuff!)and there is something oddly satis-fying about seeing your hangers clanking around the wardrobe (maybe that you feel justified having a shopping spree to fill them back up).But this year it’s the kitchen that’s getting Kondo’d. I have no idea why certain things live in certain presses in the kitchen but there is little rhyme or reason to it in mine. Over the years it just happened.I have vegeta-ble oil that lives with small electrical items - toaster, sandwich maker, food mixer – that sort of stuff, which by any logic should be joined Oasis Childcare Centre Mornington Co. Meath Crèche Montessori Playgroup After School Telephone 9888135 + Purpose Built + Fully Insured + HSE Inspected + Fire Certified + Intercom Entry + Large Safety Tiled Playground + Large Car Park + Easy Drop Off and Collection + Small Groups + Dedicated Staff + 7:30am to 6:30pm ONE CHILD! ONE LIFE! ONE PRE-SCHOOL EXPERIENCE Limited places remain for our ECCE and PLAYSCHOOL classes for SEPTEMBER 2019. Book now to ensure that your precious child gets the highest quality & happiest pre-school experience possible! East Meath’s Leading Childcare Provider since 2005 by the electric knife and the Juicer, but they live in the press with the ots. The pot press is an actual nightmare. If I need any-thing that’s stored at the back of it. I have to tie a rope to my feet and get one of the kids to haul me back out when I’m done. Same story with the corner press on the other side. There could be people living in the back of it for all I know. Then there is the press of Bad Humour. This is where I store all those plastic containers that I buy occasionally, any reusable take away containers and water bottles. The problem is that all of these containers fit neatly into each other as sets but as life would have it, lids get lost tubs go missing, and what you’re left with don’t fit into each other, or stack neatly. Inevitably, when you open this press for any reason, everything cascades out and skitters all over the floor and you end up in bad humour trying to catch them all – hence the name! In Truth, there is lots of stuff I could ditch- Martini glass-es, wine decanters,a gazzil-ion espresso cups (they are cute though..), egg cups, I could probably fill a small van with stuff I own but don’t use – like the really ugly vase I got as a wedding present, we’re convinced that no one would’ve given it to us unless it was hide-ously expensive. So I have a lot of sorting to get through just as soon as I find that rope… §BG PAINTING & DECORATINGInterIor & exterIor25 YEARS EXPERIENCE REFERENCES AVAILABLEFREE CONSULTATIONS & ESTIMATESWALLPAPER ALSO AVAILABLEContact Brian 086 7308449Call Nicky - 041 9887128 087 7734344 A Local BusinessCosmic Cleanwww.cosmicclean.ieT&Cs & Minimum Charge appliesMAJOR DISCOUNTS for Multiple RoomsRug Collection & Delivery Service AvailableProfessional Carpet & Upholstery CleaningSPECIAL OFFER!Noel SavageElectrical Services20 Years Experience • Security LightingFuseboard Upgrades • Rewires, Extra Sockets • Lights, Fully Insured and RegisteredNo Job Too SmallBettystown, Co. MeathMobile: 086 2518898Moloney Boiler MaintenanceBarry Moloney - Heating Engineer• Oil Boilers Services and Repairs• Aga Cookers• Central Heating Power Flush• Installation of Central Heating Filters• All Aspects of Heating & Plumbing - Commercial / ResidentialFree Quotations, All Work GuaranteedMobile: 087 3337488barry@moloneyboilermaintenance.ie Bettystown AlterationsWedding Alterations and Evening WearPremises located behind the offices in McDonough Caravan Park on Triton Road (Opposite Tesco) Phone: 086 775 3 776Tues - Sat 10am - 5pm Lunch 1:30pm - 2:30pm Close Tue 2pmClothing Alterations•Wedding/Evening Wear • Leather/Suede Repairs •CurtainsSame Day ServiceStamullenOur Montessori staff are qualified, dedicated to providing kind, warm, tentative and a satisfying learning experience to each child 086 2162872 lamhabeagaanmhi@gmail.comTusla inspected (part time place)Opening Times:9am ·12pmWe offer ECCE From 2 Years & 8 months, Ample Car Parking GAA Clubhouse Classes Available InPiano, Keyboard, Ukuele, Guitar - Classical, Acoustic, Bass And Electric, Violin - Traditional / Classical, Viola, Tin Whistle, Piano Accordion, Drums, Singing - Voice Coaching - Classical And Musical Theatre Junior & Leaving Cert Music.Lessons Based In Drogheda Grammar School, Mornington Road, Drogheda. Established Since 1990.Toccata House Music School, Drogheda.Autism Friendly Piano classes now available on Fridays with fully qualified teacherPrivate one to one classes also availableTel Olive On 087 2603079 For DetailsTREE & GARDEN SERVICES Trees Lopped, Topped and FelledComplete removal including Stump and Root Grinding. Free Estimates, Fully Insured, Long ExperienceLocal Tree CareContact Jim 085 1234610-042 6030099No Job Too Big or Too SmallSpecial OAP RatesHEDGE TRIMMING & SHAPING. All Greenery chipped on site Driveway, Patio, Power-washed, Gutter cleaningHOUSEHOLD SERVICESPlease mention The Meath Coaster when replying to advertisements© March 2019 The Meath Coaster36Drumgoole Financial Services is regulated by The Central Bank of Irelandoran@drumgoolebrokerage.iewww.drumgoolebrokerage.ieYou’ve worked for your money, make sure your money is working for you!Although I believe commissions will remain part of the process on one level, I have been working on a new fi-nancial planning service which I will be offering to new clients over the coming months. Many existing clients have found this a very useful and concise tool in set-ting out a clear plan for their future. I be-lieve this is a prudent exercise, wanting to know how our future will look and getting the most from our money.Do you ever imagine what you would like to do in retirement or when your mortgage is paid off or even to retire earlier than you thought?Some questions and comments I regularly hear when I meet people for the first time are: • I know I should save into a pension, but can you explain why it’s better than sav-ing into a savings plan? • What will my pension pay me at retire-ment? • I am self-employed, can I protect my income if I am unable to work due to illness or injury? • I have pensions from a previous em-ployment, can I get access to them on any level or what can I do with them?• I think I have mortgage cover, but I do not know what it does, can you explain it to me?• Should I pay more towards my mort-gage and if so, what change will it have on my term and interest payments?• I don’t understand how a life assurance policy payment affects me if my partner dies. • What is the difference between Leaving Service Options and Retirement Op-tions?As places for March are in demand, I am keeping five spaces free for any Meath Coaster readers who would like to avail of this service for a one-off fee of €200. This involves a simple 3-step process:1. You will receive a link to a budget plan-ner where you fill in your personal and financial details. This is a comprehen-sive budget and will take up to an hour to complete.2. You submit the planner and I review and prepare recommendations and advice.3. We meet to discuss the results of your budget, your priorities and how you can better manage your money from a sav-ings / pension / life assurance perspec-tive.Following this, you decide what step to take next. Either way this process will at the very least be an education to anybody who has no current strategy for retirement or savings needs.Contact Oran on 087 668 6624 for more information or visit www.drumgoolebro-kerage.ie. §© March 2019 The Meath Coaster37Mammy Day CareCrèche, Montessori & AfterschoolFull and part-time careECCE Free pre-school yearsAffordable childcare schemeAfter-school careLarge outdoor play area3 months to 12 years of age catered forStamullen, Co. MeathE: info@mammydaycare.com T: 01 690 5333/086 8286927Tusla inspected (part time place)Rural SettingGormanstonOpening Times:9am ·12pmWe offer ECCE From 2 Years and 8 monthsOur Montessori staff are qualified, dedicated to providing kind, warm, tentative and a satisfying learning experience to each child 086 2162872 lamhabeagaanmhi@gmail.comENGLISH GRINDS Leaving/Junior Cert/ PrimaryReading Difficulties. All Levels(Dyslexia, Anxiety. Fear)Also for NON-NATIVE SPEAKERS Laytown. Tel. 0838448209Anam Cara TherapyHere for you.www.onlinetherapist.ieMary “Em” RyanCounsellor/PsychotherapistSound Healeranamcaratherapy@pm.me083.859.9551The Village Hotel, Wellness SuiteEastham Road, Bettystown, MeathCOMPUTER PROBLEM?Contact Oliver 041.988.7526 087.797.0740iPhones Smartphones RepairLaptop/Desktop Repair & Upgrades041 98 444 98 041 98 111 98086 838 4444www.eastcoastcabs.com(FORMERLY SULLIVAN CABS)EAST COAST CABS SERVICING MEATH COAST & DROGHEDA REGIONS CABS - 4, 6 & 8 SEATERSMINIBUSES AND COACHES - 16, 24, 36 & 54 SEATERS AVAILABLESafeguard your DataFollowing on from the article "Safeguard your Data" in last month's Coaster, a reader has written to say the major tech companies such as Apple, Google, Microsoft et al advise customers to run the account security checkup function they operate and de-ploy multi factor authentication. This stop attacks due to 'credential stuffing' or other breaches of recycled passwords. Multi Factor Authentication is available on virtually every platform from Apple, Gmail to Facebook and is the best security advice one can give. In addition, most major tech companies have geo-diverse data warehousing even for consumer mail.© March 2019 The Meath Coaster38Brain AwarenessBrain awareness week runs from March 11th to 18th so in honour of this, I’d like to dedicate this month’s article to discussing how we can support this vital organ.Although many of the intricate workings of the brain are still not fully understood, research shows that there are ways in which we can support our mental / brain health through diet and lifestyle in-tervention.Stay hydrated – losing as little as 1.5% body fluids can adversely affect cognition and the ability to think clearly, leading to symptoms such as headaches, foggy brain and forgetfulness. Try drink 1.5-2ltr still filtered water/day. Eat more vegetables – particularly green, leafy vegetables. Research shows that the inclusion of 3+ portions of dark green, leafy vegetables in the diet per day can slow mental decline by up to 40%! Include sources of good quality protein in your diet at every mealtime(e.g. meat, fish, eggs, lentils, nuts, seeds, etc). Pro-tein is made up of building blocks called amino acids and these are the foundation for neurotransmitters(signals to/from our brain)Include more essential fatty acids (EFAs), particularly omega 3 in your diet – omega 3 EFAs are found in food sources such as oily fish, nuts and seeds and have been shown to boost alertness and improve brain function. In later life, a diet rich in omega 3 EFAs may reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and poor memory.Choose complex carbohy-drates over simple ones – complex carbohydrates such as whole grains are a good source of B-vitamins which are impor-tant for memory and cognitive ability.Lifestyle factors shown to adversely affect brain health include:• Smoking – if you wish to quit smok-ing, research shows that success rates are greater with external support. Find a support system which works for you.• Lack of exercise – apart from improv-ing our mood and general circulation, exercise helps lower blood pressure and control blood sugar levels• High blood pressure and cholesterol – speak to your GP if you have both high blood pressure and cholesterol levels as these are also risk factors for heart dis-ease and stroke• Poorly-controlled blood sugar levels – the first step to controlling blood sugar levels is to understand where your sugar is coming from. Read food labels care-fully and choose low-sugar foods where possible (i.e. containing 5g or less of sugar per 100g of the food)• Lack of sleep – it is recommended we get between 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Less than this may lead to symp-toms such as low mood, poor concentra-tion and a lack of ability to think clearly.Anna Ryan, Dip. NT, DC, MNTOI, BAI, BAwww.nicanutrition.ienicanutrition@gmail.com© March 2019 The Meath Coaster39The Final Curtain Shakespeare Said, ‘The World’s a Stage and each must play their part ‘It has many acts and actors. The curtain falls, the show has ended. Then the curtain rises again, and a new act begins. When the curtain falls, behind the scenes, the actors, directors, and choreographers are busy preparing and planning their new show. This is how it has been for me over the last few years. While I continued to write for the Meath Coaster, the curtain had closed on areas of my life. I spent this time pre-paring for my new life, my new act, and now the time has come, to let the curtain fall on my writing, in order to choreo-graph my new show. For this reason, THIS is my last article for the foreseeable future with the Meath Coaster. It is with a heavy heart that I announce this, as I have loved writing for the Coast-er, giving advice and tips to readers on mental health issues, and how psychother-apy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can assist with your recovery. A move in 2014, followed by the tragic death of my daughter Alison took its toll on my life, my health and my future. Los-ing your child rips you apart. it does not get easier, you just learn to live with it. Some days the waves of emotion are so intense you cannot breathe let alone talk. Support to a Mother in grief is minimal as most people just don’t understand the never-ending hole you feel in your body. A space that noth-ing can fill. While ‘nursing’ myself to re-covery I found my mission to empower people with my Ar-ticles quite difficult as I my-self was disempowered by the tragedy that hit myself and my girls with the death of my beautiful daughter, and their beautiful sister, Alison. In her memory, I have plans, that will ben-efit many more people, in a different way. For now, it’s time to put down the pen and focus on my own healing and health and these future plans. I have been on auto pi-lot for 4. years supporting my two daugh-ters through their devastation and grief. There is no time limit on grief.Many friendships have been made via the Meath Coaster and the Editor has been so patient with my delays with sometimes even meeting the print deadlines, offering friendly reminders and little extensions of time. :)The show goes on with different twists and turns scripts and actors. I am so look-ing forward to it. I have enjoyed writing for the Coaster and thank you all for read-ing my articles. Perhaps I shall be writing here again soon, when my plans begin to flourish for the benefit of the East Meath Area. Much Love and Light to All. Bernice Mc Kenna Psychotherapy bernicemckenna@hotmail.com Next >