< Previous© June 2020 The Meath Coaster 30 The View From The Kitchen Table, By Geraldine Hughes S lowly, slowly, the country is starting to edge back to some sort of normal- ity. I didn’t join the 5-mile-long queues outside the D.I.Y shops, but I wanted to. There is hardly an area in the house that won’t be unpainted or renewed in some way by the time I finally get back to work (4 th phase July 20 th -eyeroll!). I didn’t join the equally long queues for McDonalds but if my kids were small and I was trying to home-school, I would’ve welcomed the distraction of sitting in the car for an hour for a big Mac! Motivating yourself every day can be hard and a sense of purpose in life is crucial but since the last 20 years have flown by in a flurry of work, school, appointments and commitments, I never had to think of things to motivate me, I just had to get up and do! My approach is haphazard, some days are filed with creative pro- jects (some more successful than others!) some days I’m a domestic goddess, disinfect- ing the house with one hand, and knocking up a compli- cated dinner with the other. Other days I wander about in yesterday’s clothes and its every man for himself when it comes to food. This is the month I was to be in Croatia to meet friends, and its them I feel sorry for- having planned a five week spin around Europe coming from Australia, they have bald patches from the sheer stress of trying to get refunds from every hotel and flights that will no longer hap- pen. Spare a thought too for all of those couples who are left with the task of un- picking weddings planned for this month, although among the devastated would-be brides and grooms, there are bound to be a few breathing a sigh of relief and taking the opportunity to bolt for freedom. So, we make plans and the universe laughs, and I’d imagine most of us that had aspirations are re-arranging our lives in some form, the clean-up and road back to normality will take a while. Some peo- ple may take a different direction and for those of us that are idle for an extended period, in among the bouts of frantic ac- tivity and extreme laziness, I do wonder if I really want to go back to where I was before all of this.. With that in mind, I signed up for a free Coursera Course called The Science of Wellbeing with Yale! It’s an interesting one if you’re looking for something to keep you from slumping on the sofa watching ‘The Chase.’ It’s not too taxing, and if you’re older than about 25, you probably have figured a lot of it out anyway but it keeps the brain a bit busy, and who knew happiness is not just an emotion but can be re-packed as a science?! Most importantly for me (because I’m shallow like that), you can get a certifi- cate, which will show that I have studied what makes me happy, even though I mightn’t look it.. § 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 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 for SEPTEMBER 2020Email: bettystowndental@gmail.com Web: www.bettystowndental.ie Triton Road, Bettystown, Co. Meath (between Funtasia & Tesco) Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic the Chief Dental Officer (CD)) has restricted dental practice to emergency treatment only. In the case of a dental emergency please contact us through our usual number 041988645. To all our patients keep well and stay safe. From the dental team at Bettystown Dental Dr Matthew Crinion B.D.S. (NUI) Corns, Callouses, Verrucae, Ingrown Toenails, nail surgery and other treatments State of the art Gaitscan analysis pressure plate used in the assessment of foot, back and leg pain. Orthotics prescribed to stabilise foot function and rehabilitation Opening hours 9.00-6.00 Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: Saturday 10.00-1.00 Niamh Tully , BSc (Hons) Pod. MCh.S. S.R.Ch Main Street, Laytown, Tel: 041 9888492 Chiropodist / Podiatrist (State registered) The Foot Clinic DUNLEER County Louth Ireland Emergency Work Only Emergency Service Only© June 2020 The Meath Coaster 32 Sonairte D ear Friends, Sonairte is currently closed to the public due to COV- ID-19 restrictions. We look forward to opening our doors again as soon as the situation permits. We know times are hard for everyone at the moment. Rou- tines have changed, family and friends are missed, and unfortu- nately loved ones lost. We must stand together to defeat this, keep fighting and being safe. Please follow all instructions and advice being given, and continue to look out for each other. A New World We fell asleep in one world, and woke up in another. Suddenly Disney is out of magic, Paris is no longer romantic, New York doesn’t stand up anymore, the Chinese wall is no longer a fortress, and Mecca is empty. Hugs & kisses suddenly become weap- ons, and not visiting parents & friends becomes an act of love. Suddenly you realise that power, beauty & money are worthless, and can’t get you the oxygen you’re fighting for. The world continues its life and it is beautiful. It only puts humans in cages. I think it’s sending us a message: “You are not necessary. The air, earth, water and sky without you are fine. When you come back, remember that you are my guests. Not my masters. Rest In Peace We were all devastated by the recent un- timely death of Clare McEnany. She is a huge loss for those of us in the East Meath area which was already trying to come to grips with the earlier passing of another great community stalwart, Emir Dolphin. They deserve our eternal grati- tude. Our Garden Even though the world is slowing down, everything is still growing. Our garden is busy growing and been well looked after. Meaning we will have plenty of fresh pro- duce soon, for our vegetable boxes. Online Store We are opening a limited online shop for all your ecofriendly needs. Including our popular raised beds, and no time like the present to start growing your own produce. All orders and deliveries will follow the covid-19 restrictions, including limited 085 2057786 e: preidcrashrepairs@gmail.com Mill Road, Mornington Panel be ating Spray painting Emergency Work Only All work guaranteed Lessons Based In Drogheda Grammar School, Mornington Road, Drogheda. Toccata House Music School, Drogheda. Junior and Leaving Certificate Music and Musicianship Associated Board and Riam Theory. Join our School Choir for free Closed in Drogheda Grammar Lessons in piano, keyboard, guitar - electric, acoustic, bass and classical, ukulele, piano accordion, flute, clarinet, saxophone, recorder, tin whistle, violin, cello, viola, drums, Voice coaching - classical and musical theatre, For Information call Olive 087 2603079, Facebook or email toccatahouse@ gmail.com Established Since 1990. ZOOM LESSONS ON LINE NOW AVAILABLE. delivery area and non-contact delivery. For more information, please follow us on Facebook or www.sonairte.com Who are we? For anyone new to the area and wondering what is “Sonairte”? We are a visitor experience which promotes a love of the outdoors, organic produce, eco-awareness and sustainable livening. It is open to individuals and families. We are also taking bookings for organized groups. Our walled garden is producing tasty, or- ganic produce. It is a place like no other and has something for everyone. Stroll the walled organic gar- den, explore the nature trail, have a picnic and visit our Shop & Cafe. § 086/1733396 086/1733397 Mullenandsons1@gmail.com www.Mullenandsons.ie Alan Mullen & Sons Builders Ltd Fifth Generation Irish Builders For All Your Building Needs Fully Insured and Registered© June 2020 The Meath Coaster 34 Calling Food Entrepreneurs New Online Programme Open To Meath Food Entrepreneurs A n innovative new online food pro- gramme, from the Local Enterprise Offices, which is open to entrepreneurs across the Boyne Valley is set to boost the number of Irish food start-ups. The Digi- tal School of Food is the first of its kind in Europe and gives food entrepreneurs expert advice and guidance, from their home, office or kitchen. The new Digital School of Food was pi- loted in the Dublin region in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia. Following the successful pilot, it is now available to those with an idea for a food business in Meath, run by the Local En- terprise Office. The online programme is an e-learning initiative that brings produc- ers from idea right through to start-up and grow stages. The programme will give food entrepre- neurs an education in planning a prod- uct journey and route to market, through thinking about finance and how to grow sales, right up to expanding the business. It includes support from experts in the field as each course has a real producer who contributes tips and advice through- out. The programme includes contribu- tions from trade buyers in Supervalu, Musgraves and Spar along with Domini Kemp of ITSA Food Group and food pro- ducers who have been through the system. Entrepreneurs who complete the Digital School of Food are then primed to move on to take part in Food Starter programme offered by the Local Enterprise Offices and subsequently Food Academy, which gives producers the opportunity to get their product on retail shelves. Local Enterprise Office Meath have sup- ported several successful food businesses in the region including well known food businesses such as What’s for Pudding, Finnegans Farm, Durnin’s Fruit and Veg and Pigspit.ie through programmes such as the Food Starter and Food Academy Programme. The Meath and Louth LEOs, along with their respective County Coun- cils also support the highly successful Boyne Valley Flavours group, which won a major award at the World Food Travel Association in London last year along with many members winning category awards at the annual Blas na hEireann awards Heather Humphreys, T.D., Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, commenting on the new programme, said: “We have a proud heritage of producing world-class food in Ireland. Now, more than ever, it is vital that we support our food firms and particularly budding en- trepreneurs with ambitions to start a new business. As needs have evolved, these programmes have evolved and the online Digital School of Food is a testament to that. Aspiring food producers can now begin their journey from their own home. The Local Enterprise Offices continue to innovate in the way that they are deliv- ering programmes and this is extremely significant now. They are playing a key role in helping our small businesses in this challenging economic climate and they will be to the fore as small companies rise up in the coming weeks and months.” Irish food is renowned the world over and we enjoy an enviable reputation for high quality food production. Indeed, the Boyne Valley region has really been placed on the world map from a food tourism per-© June 2020 The Meath Coaster 35 spective. Featured last year in the Nation- al Geographic as “one of the world’s food hotspots”. It is important that we continue to cultivate new food entrepreneurs and start-ups, particularly during these chal- lenging times. The Digital School of Food is an excellent first step for anyone with an idea to establish a food produc- tion business. It will help them mold that idea to bring it to the next stage. This is particularly significant now, with many potential entrepreneurs at home, they can access this programme from anywhere. Starting a food business can be straight- forward but growing it can be challeng- ing. The Local Enterprise Offices are there to support those who take the programme. Following completion, participants can move on to more advanced programmes such as Food Starter and Food Academy, as well as further supports such as man- agement development and assistance in raising funding for their small business. The Digital School of Food is a game changer for food entrepreneurs and will enable aspiring entrepreneurs to learn best practice in setting up a food business. The Digital School of Food is the latest support established for food entrepreneurs in Ireland by the Local Enterprise Offices, following on from Food Academy and Food Starter. For more information on the Digital School of Food go to www. DigitalSchoolofFood.ie About the Local Enterprise Offices The 31 Local Enterprise Offices, which are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland, are located in local authorities nationwide. The Lo- cal Enterprise Offices play a key role in fostering start-ups and business growth locally, offering a range of financial and mentoring supports to new businesses and existing small businesses that want to grow. In 2017, Local Enterprise Office client companies created over 3,600 new jobs across the country. They run several programmes throughout the year to en- courage entrepreneurship including Local Enterprise Week, Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE), National Women’s Enterprise Day, the National Enterprise Awards and the Student Enterprise Pro- gramme. ( www.localenterprise.ie ) Local Enterprise Offices & Covid-19 Response The network of Local Enterprise Offices have a suite of supports to help small businesses during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. These include the Business Continuity Voucher, which gives busi- nesses sector specific consultancy for their company to plan to deal with and recover from the current market issues. The Trading Online Voucher helps com- panies to get their business online and establish a way of selling their products to a wider network. The scheme has also been expanded to allow companies apply for a second Trading Online Voucher if they have previously received one. Local Enterprise Offices are also providing free business planning and mentoring to all small businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. More information on all the supports can be found on www.localen- terprise.ie/response LEO Meath Buvinda House Navan Co. Meath Tel: 086-8259450 Email: lorna.cooney@meathcoco.ie © June 2020 The Meath Coaster 36 Please mention The Meath Coaster when replying to advertisements Life Assurance Pensions Income Protection Investments Financial Planning Drumgoole Financial Services is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland Oran Drumgoole QFA Phone 087 668 6624 Office 041 981 2080 oran@drumgoolebrokerage.ie www.drumgoolebrokerage.ie Opportunity knocks.… R ecently a client who has a Mortgage Protection policy through my agen- cy, missed a direct debit for his premium. This can happen for any number of rea- sons and is easily rectified. In this scenar- io there are usually two options; pay the outstanding premium or take out a new policy. So, I gave him a quick call to let him know but just before I phoned, I checked my system to see if there was a better al- ternative available. I did a quick review and I was able to of- fer his family more cover and additional benefits at a reduced price. The main reason for this is because at dif- ferent times major life assurance compa- nies will add benefits to policies and have special offers available to me as a broker that I can then pass on to my clients. This is particularly beneficial for clients of mine who have initially taken out their Mortgage Protection policy through a bank or went directly to a life assurance company. Quite often when I review poli- cies that clients have taken with these companies, I can offer them more value for their money. It is a very straight-forward process to ap- ply for Mortgage Protection. I email an editable PDF application to the client and when I receive the completed application form back, I upload it to a system which sends the client a link to complete a digital signature. This is as simple as typing in your name and is a secure way of signing your application. This digital application tool has been in the pipeline for some time, but social re- strictions over recent months has pushed companies to make this option available now. So, although I may not be able to meet face-to-face, the option to complete an application has become a much easier process! Wishing good health to all Meath Coaster readers. Have a question? #justcallOran on 087 668 6624 or visit www.drumgoolebroker- age.ie. § Star of the Sea Conference serving Laytown/Bettystown/ Donacarney/Mornington For assistance ring 1800 677 777 Urgent Appeal If you wish to make a financial contribu- tion in these difficult times please ring 087 2542408 to talk to a conference memberBG PAINTING & DECORATING InterIor & exterIor 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE REFERENCES AVAILABLE FREE CONSULTATIONS & ESTIMATES WALLPAPER ALSO AVAILABLE Contact Brian 086 7308449 Moloney Boiler Maintenance Barry 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 / Residential Free Quotations, All Work Guaranteed Mobile: 087 3337488 barry@moloneyboilermaintenance.ie Please mention The Meath Coaster when replying to advertisements Elite Gas Heating 089 4472863 elitegasheating@gmail.com www.elitegasheating.ie • gas boilers replaced • gas boilers serviced • cylinders replaced & full installation • gas hob installed Noel Savage Electrical Services 20 Years Experience • Security Lighting Fuseboard Upgrades • Rewires, Extra Sockets • Lights, Fully Insured and Registered No Job Too Small Bettystown, Co. Meath Mobile: 086 2518898 Interior and exterior • High quality service Reasonable prices • Free Estimates Quality painting with a personal touch PH. 086-1624110 Email: deanlaheen@yahoo.co.uk Facebook: Dean Laheen Painting and Decorating Dean Laheen Painting & Decorating Virtual Assistant Online support for your business • Administration• PA Services • Customer Service• Credit Control • Expense Management• HR Support Services Include: Tailor made packages. Hourly rates available. Contact Susan on 087 3111 560 @susanbourke.com E:susan@susanbourke.com COMPUTER PROBLEM? Contact Oliver 041.988.7526 087.797.0740 iPhones Smartphones Repair Laptop/Desktop Repair & Upgrades All Services Subject to Covid-19 LimitationsEmergency Service Only for All Advertisers Anam Cara Therapy Here for you. www.onlinetherapist.ie Mary “Em” Ryan Counsellor/Holistic Psychotherapist Shamanic Sound Healer anamcaratherapy@pm.me 083.859.9551 Offering online counselling City North office reopening from 20 July 2020. © June 2020 The Meath Coaster 38 Success for DIFE Students Delight for DIFE Art and Fashion stu- dents with NCAD offers D IFE is thrilled that 36 students from Art Group B and Fashion who ap- plied to NCAD were successful in one or more of their chosen disciplines with the highest score of 882.5. This is the high- est number of students applying to NCAD who have been offered places. This high- lights the success of the progression route from PLC through QQI, to 3 rd Level. There was shock and excitement in the air last week for these students when NCAD emails started coming in offering college places! The Art Group B and Fashion students have also been successful applying to TU Dublin, LSAD, CIT, Belfast School of Art, Camberwell School of Art in London and we are awaiting results from IADT. Nearly all results have been received at this stage with some students sitting with 3 or more options to choose from. Every college applied to this year has deemed DIFE students successful at the portfolio stage of application. The teachers on these courses, Joanne Nolan and Joan Kennedy, are extremely proud of each and every student. It proves that with hard work and determination each student can produce a portfolio of work that represents them in- dividually and is successful at the calibre that the 3 rd Level Institutes expect. DIFE would like to thank each of the 3 rd Level Institutes of Art and Design for the fantastic grades and feedback that they have given the students. The students are currently submitting final work for QQI assessments in DIFE and these grades will determine whether they secure these col- lege offers. Most 3 rd Level colleges of Art require a minimum of 5 Distinctions in a full QQI Award. Once grades are secured the next big challenge for them is choos- ing the course that best suits them! Of course this academic year is ending very differently for the Class of 2020 with students finishing off their college work remotely. © June 2020 The Meath Coaster 39 Teacher Joanne Nolan remarked ‘Won- derful friendships were formed and hope- fully will grow as the students start the next exciting chapter in their lives. We are immensely proud of what they have achieved this year and during these un- precedented times as they continued to engage with us remotely from home. It has been difficult and challenging at times but they managed to get to the finish line and this only highlights their determina- tion to succeed and press forward. We would like to take this opportunity to wish each student every success in their future careers and look forward to following their progression into 3 rd Level wherever and whenever that may be'. DIFE was voted ‘Best Further Education provider’ at the Education Awards 2020. Applications for 2020/2021 courses are currently open and students can apply to any of our 50 full time courses through www.dife.ie Well done to Pawel Kuberski (12) who made this very powerful art work in rela- tion to Covid-19.Next >