< Previous© March 2020 The Meath Coaster 10 look at the Cherry Trees which are in need attention. Some of them may need to be replaced and it is our intention to purchase mature trees over a 2/3-year period. They were planted sometime in the 1950s by lo- cal members of Muintir na Tíre and have given residents and passers by many years of pleasure. If you would like to donate towards this project, please contact 086 3477283. We also have plans to install outdoor table tennis and football for chil- dren and teenagers; for as you know there are no proper outdoor play facilities for our younger folk. Meath County Council Anti-Litter Initi- ative commences for the whole of March and we hope you will help to keep our vil- lage as litter free as possible, including all the housing estates. Last year all the hous- ing estates had an average of 95 out of 100 which was super good. Julianstown won a Gold Award so there is a lot to play for. Traffic in Julianstown Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but here are the facts as we know it. The plan for Traffic Calming is beginning to take shape. The plan will then have to go to An Bord Pléanala in May or June and subject to there being no objections to the propos- als work will not commence until 2021. Our Councillors are all in agreement that the work is badly needed, and the road fund now stands at €400,000. However, with the ever-increasing number of vehi- cles passing through our village and driv- ers getting more impatient with delays, I just hope that there are n0 serious acci- dents or fatalities! Pot Holes have been repaired at Hillcrest/ Old Laytown road, Ballygarth Road near Woods, Briarleas (at bad bend) and work will commence on Mosney Road shortly. The Council agrees that the Mosney Road is in a disgraceful state, but no funding is available at present. Perhaps our Council- lors should investigate this and also install footpaths on the Mosney Road. Pancake Morning – East Meath Hospice Association annual Pancake morning took place in City North Hotel on Tuesday Feb- ruary 25 th from 10 am to 12.30 pm. This is their major fundraiser and all funds will be spent locally to provide services for people who have a diagnosis of Cancer and provide free door to door transport to and from hospitals for appointments etc. The driving service can be contacted on 087 2100036 Julianstown & District Community As- sociation Committee Members are as fol- lows: Niamh Bn. Uí Loinsigh (Chair), Colm O’Donnell (Secretary) Aisling Monahan (Hon. Treasurer), Brendan Logue (PRO), Committee Mary Logue, Leo Monahan, Fred Logue, Jackie O’Shea, Eileen Mc- Cullough, Lenny Lenehan, Pat Kieran, Tom Hughes, Clare McEnaney. Admin- istration: Toby Akuazoku . Contact us on www.julianstowncommunity.com Drogheda Institute of Further Education Drogheda Institute of Further Education The Twenties, Drogheda, Co. Louth SERVICES, LEISURE AND TOURISM Beauty Therapy (Level 5) Complementary Holistic Therapies Advanced Beauty Therapy (Level 6) Hairdressing Junior Trade Hairdressing Senior Trade Barbering Tourism with Business Tourism with Airline Studies Gym & Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer Sports, Recreation & Exercise (Level 5) Sports Injury & Massage Therapy (Level 5) Sports, Recreation & Exercise (Level 6) Pre-University Physiotherapy (Level 6) Culinary Arts (Professional Cookery Level 5) Hospitality, Hotel, Bar & Restaurant Studies Advanced Culinary Arts (Professional Cookery Level 6) COMMUNITY AND HEALTHCARE Early Childhood Care & Education (Option available to repeat Leaving Cert Irish) Early Childhood Care & Education with Special Needs Early Childhood Care & Education (Level 6) Healthcare Assistant with Intellectual Disability Studies Advanced Health Studies Supervisory (Level 6) Pre-University Nursing Studies Applied Social Studies with Psychology Emergency Care Personnel (Pre-Paramedic, Fire & Ambulance) APPLIED SCIENCE Dental Nursing Pharmacy Assistant Pharmacy Technician Pre-University Science Food Science, Nutrition & Dietetics Animal Care (Level 5) Animal Science (Level 6) Horticulture and Garden Design DIFE DROGHEDA Institute of Further Education TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN Motor Vehicle Technology (Pre-Apprenticeship) Furniture Design & Manufacture Building Construction (Pre-Apprenticeship) Engineering Technology Multimedia with Photography Art, Craft and Design (Portfolio Preparation) Art & Business (Level 6) Fashion Design (Portfolio Preparation) Advanced Certificate in Fashion Design (Level 6) NEW2020 NEW2020 NEW2020 NEW2020 NEW 2020 NEW 2020 NEW 2020 NEW2020 NEW2020 NEW2020 NEW2020 BUSINESS, IT AND HUMANITIES Pre-University Business with Accounting Office Administration with Medical Terminology Computing & Business Pre-University Computing, Networks & Software Systems Computer Support Specialist & Frontline Technician Games Development Advanced Business with International Trade (Level 6) Advanced Tourism & Business (Level 6) Pre-University Arts (Access to Primary & Secondary Teaching) Pre-University Law with Criminology Policing & Security Studies Digital Marketing, Enterprise and Social Media Round 1 Interviews Friday 13th March 2020 50 FULL TIME COURSES TEL: 041 98 37105 | EMAIL: dife@lmetb.ie | WEB: www.dife.ie NEW2020 NEW 2020 NEW2020 THE EDUCATION AWARDS 2020 ‘Best Further Education College’ Finalist APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN Apply directly through www.dife.ie 2020/2021© March 2020 The Meath Coaster 12 Barbara Cooney Deputy Principal receiving the award for Best Further Education Provider DIFE wins at Education Awards DIFE is 'Best Further Education Pro- vider' at the 'Education Awards 2020' Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE) is announced as the overall win- ner of the “Best Provider of Further Edu- cation in Ireland” award at the ‘Education Awards 2020’ gala awards ceremony in Dublin on 20 th February. This prestigious award, which is open to all providers of further education in Ireland (both within universities and the private sector), recog- nises excellence in the provision of fur- ther education over the past 12 months. The judging panel benchmark providers against a set of criteria including innova- tion, learning outcomes, infrastructure, teaching and research standards, student experience, employment statistics, alumni relations and development. Commenting, Principal of DIFE, Davy McDonnell, said: “Winning this award is great recognition of the hard work and dedication of our wonderful teaching staff in DIFE. Our ambition is to be the leading provider of further education in Ireland and our teachers work tirelessly each year to ensure the best educational experience and outcomes for our students”. DIFE’s Deputy Principal, Barbara Cooney, said: “Our experienced teachers, unrivalled range of educational courses, diverse stu- dent population and state of the art campus makes DIFE a unique environment for stu- dents to progress their education and take the next step towards their future careers. We are very proud to win this award as it acknowledges the collective effort of our teachers, students and staff.” About Drogheda Institute of Further Edu- cation (DIFE) DIFE is the leading provider of further ed- ucation in Ireland. Each year DIFE offers more than 50 full time further education courses to over 960 undergraduate and mature students within its state of the art campus in Drogheda, County Louth. DIFE is a dedicated Post Leaving Cert College, established in 2003 and is the largest provider of PLC courses in the North East Region providing Further Education courses to school leavers and adults returning to education. It offers a diverse range of fifty full time courses across the following disciplines Art, De- sign & Technology, Business Humanities & IT, Sports, Leisure & Tourism, Applied Science and Community & Healthcare. These full time courses allow students to progress to Higher Education and Em- ployment. All courses are fully accredited by QQI Level 5 and 6 and relevant profes- sional examining bodies. An increasing number of students are choosing to study a one year full time course in DIFE to allow them to upskill, gain relevant industry qualifications, pro- gress to higher education or an employ-© March 2020 The Meath Coaster 13 ment/apprenticeship. Work placement in every course allows students to make an informed career decision and develop ex- cellent collaboration with local employ- ers. Applications for 2020/2021 are cur- rently open, check out the college website at www.dife.ie to apply. The first round of interviews are on Friday 13 th March for full time courses beginning September 2020. Early applications are advisable to avoid disappointment. Darkness into Light comes to East Meath. D arkness into light will hold its first even in Bettystown on May 9 th 2020. Starting in Bettystown Square and finish- ing in time for the sunrise over Bettystown Beach. In 2009, in the Phoenix Park in Dublin, 400 people set-off on the inaugural Dark- ness into Light 5km walk to raise funds for Pieta. From small beginnings, the movement has grown year on year and in 2018 over 200,000 people took part in 150 locations, in 16 countries across 5 continents. Each year the walk provides an opportunity for people to connect with their local com- munity and to show their support for those who have been bereaved by suicide. Since Darkness Into Light began, our ded- icated supporters have helped us raise al- most €20 million, which has enabled us to keep our doors and our 24/7 helpline open for people in crisis, free of charge. Since 2012, when our first international event took place in London, our international charity partners have benefited from an investment of €3 million in local mental health support services. "Darkness Into Light is more than a fund- raiser, it's an effective intervention” Walk with us, talk with us, so that together we can create a world where suicide, self- harm and stigma have been replaced by hope, self-care and acceptance. Visit DarknessIntoLight.ie for more infor- mation on how to register.© March 2020 The Meath Coaster 14 Réalt Na Mara GNS Credit Union Quiz Winners and the hosts Gaelscoil an Bhradáin Feasa. There were 2 age groups - The Budding Masters (3 rd /4 th class) and the Masters (5 th /6 th ). We entered two teams of 8. Sofia, Magdalena, Olivia, Zoey, Sophia, Caitlin, Elizaveta and Lucy represented us in the Budding Masters category. Anora, Dan- ielle, Katie, Laoibhse, Kim, Abbie, Ka- rinova and Emma did us proud in the Mas- ter’s category. The girls played brilliantly and enjoyed the day. Thanks to Nuala who helped out on the day. Well done everyone! Well done to the under 13 team who were runners up, coming one point behind the overall winners. Anora, Caoimhe, Dania and Emma. Maith sibh! Well done to the Under 11 team who came third in the Credit Union Quiz. Jennifer, Rana, Lucy and Lily. An mhaith ar fad a chailíní. Ficheall Sa Ghaelscoil On Tuesday 4 th February, a group of 16 children attended a one day friendly and fun chess tournament in Gaelscoil an Bhradáin Feasa. The day was organised by Ficheall. Ficheall is a network of primary school teachers in Ireland who promote the playing of chess in schools for the so- cial, cognitive and mental-fitness benefits it has for students. Tournaments were or- ganised all over Ireland and we took part in the non-competitive day against local pupils from Donore N.S, Aston Village, St Oliver’s Scoil Naomh Cholmcille, St. Joseph’s CBS, The Old Borough School Robots Arrive in Donacarney The children in 4 th class got to meet the Ozobots, who came to visit Réalt na Mara GNS all the way from DCU! Sarah and Jason led an expertly organised and in- formed lesson about how to code and pro- gramme these mini robots.© March 2020 The Meath Coaster 15 After the introduction, the children got to experiment with their individual robots, and became familiar with their functions. Then, they made some simple routes with the special markers for the Ozobots to fol- low. As the lesson proceeded, Sarah and Jason gave some great tips and tricks on how to make the routes more interesting. The girls themselves also got very crea- tive and exercised fantastic problem solv- ing skills to make sure the Ozobots got to the end of their coded road safely! A very enjoyable and informative lesson was had, where the girls certainly got their coding, programming and science skills sparked for the future. Catholic Schools Week Catholic Schools Week took place in the school last week The theme this year was “Living in Harmony with God’s Creation” and each day had a different focus. It was a week where we celebrated the Catholic identity of our school. Teachers marked the days in their own way in the classrooms and we came to- gether for some prayer time as a whole school. We had an opening assembly on Monday and on Wednesday the Grand- parents from 3 rd Class enjoyed listening to prayers and singing. Children in 3 rd Class to Sixth Class made St Brigids crosses with the guidance of Ms. Ann Hannan another of our grandpar- ents. We finished the week off by celebrating mass in the hall on Friday with Fr, Joseph and the whole school. It was a special oc- casion and a fitting way to end Catholic Schools Week. The PA provided teas and coffees for parents and grandparents alike, we are most grateful to Eimear and the team for their support. § Donacarney Girls with two wins under their belts in the Cooney Cup© March 2020 The Meath Coaster 16 The Cove at Maydenhayes T hey say the best wine should be saved till last and in the beautiful, serene Maydenhayes Development in Bettystown, this has certainly been the case. Prospective house hunters can pre- pare to be wowed by the exquisite new show house opening this weekend and it’s definitely a case of forget the wine and crack open the champagne, since this large new house is stunningly good value and also a serious contender for anyone working in the City (as are the 3 and 4 bed semi-detached houses and showhouses in the other part of the development of which there are still a few available). The Cove at Maydenhayes is a private enclave of six detached houses each with a south westerly aspect to the rear. The stained glass in the front door sets the tone for a chique new house that manages to combine the cosy feeling of home with being comfortable, modern and on trend. This spacious home has five comfortably sized bedrooms and family bathroom, generous ensuites, walk in wardrobes, an unusually spacious landing at first floor level, and not surprisingly, comes A rated with underfloor heating and high-quality sanitary fittings. The front door opens into a charming and stylish entrance hallway filled with a happy and homely personality that perme- ates the whole house. The hall leads into a wonderful airy, spacious and light filled living and dining, kitchen area which is in part thanks to the high ceilings at this level. Patio doors lead out into a lovely garden currently patiently waiting for the long evenings so the barbeque can be fired up following the daily trip after work and school to the local beach. There is also a good-sized boot/laundry room kitted out with plenty of storage for buckets and spades…, and also a guest cloakroom. But what really makes this house sing is the surprise that awaits at second floor level. This floor has been laid out to ac- commodate a bedroom with ample room for a sitting area, an ensuite, a walk-in wardrobe, a separate study and a land- ing area (not to forget the little snug in the dormer window for a sneaky peak at the sea). It is easy to see that there are other possibilities for this large space and the developers will be happy to work with prospective purchasers who have other uses in mind that don’t require structural or planning/building regulation changes. This is a true gem of a house just wait- ing to be called home. Happy Days at Maydenhayes – Make the Move! Only 40 minutes from Dublin City Cen- tre, 30 minutes from Swords and Dublin Airport. Maydenhayes is also readily ac- cessible to the bright shopping centres at Southgate, Scotch Hall and Drogheda itself, as well as being convenient to the many important business and industrial parks located along this great new thor- oughfare all the way north to Belfast and south as far as Wexford. All show houses at Maydenhayes are on view each Saturday and Sunday between 2pm and 4pm and on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 12pm and 4pm, or by private appointment. Enquiries to: Pivotal Construction Lim- ited (01) 4732473 Knight Frank New Homes (01) 6342466 or Sherry Properties (041) 9841149THE COVE MAYDENHAYES 6 EXCLUSIVE 5 BED DETACHED NOW RELEASED LIMITED NUMBER OF 3, 4 AND 5 BED SEMI-DETACHED HOUSES STILL AVAILABLE FOR SALE SHOWHOUSE OPEN VIEWING TIMES SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS 2-4PM WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS 12-4PM OR BY APPOINTMENT PIVOTAL CONSTRUCTION 01 4732473 / ANNE@PIVOTALCONSTRUCTION.IE KNIGHT FRANK 01 6342466 / SHERRY PROPERTY 041 9841149© March 2020 The Meath Coaster 18 Council Update By Cllr. Tom Behan Continued over.... Memorial Garden in Laytown I was delighted to secure ad- ditional funding for the me- morial garden in Laytown. As a member of the Laytown Village Enhancement program we had secured funding previously which saw the instal- lation of a new walkway, solar bin and picnic benches along with bollards and a planted area. During the construction of the new Aldi in laytown the garden had been subject to some damage due to the demolition of the existing fence and the new wall going up. We were delighted to receive additional funding from Aldi and Elite Landscaping to restore the garden to its former glory. Elite Landscaping who carried out the work planted new plants along the bedding area and carried out some additional landscaping. As the cur- rent chairman of Laytown Village en- hancement I would like to encourage any- one interested in joining our group to get in touch, new members are always wel- come, we have lots of exciting projects in the pipeline and would encourage anyone interested to get involved. Alverno Court Refurbishment Project Residents of Alverno recently saw the completion of the footpaths in the area which has seen a dramatic improve- ment to the area. The refurbishment of Alverno Court is advancing to a stage where it is nearly shovel ready. Since elected last May I have contin- ued to push for these works to be pri- oritised. A summary of the works to be carried out, which also includes some works in Alverno Heights are as follows; • External and internal refurbishment of 28 existing dwellings (25 of these are in Alverno Court and 3 in Alverno Heights) • Construction of extensions to 12 of these dwellings (All in Alverno Court) • Demolition of 2 existing dwellings and construction of 2 replacement dwellings (Both in Alverno Heights). Bike Storage for Laytown Train Station There have been a number of issues aris- ing at Laytown Train Station owing to the lack of secure storage facilities for bikes at the station. It is a reasonable request for commuters who cycle to the station be given adequate facilities to ensure their property remains safe. I have continued to make representations to Iarnród Éireann to that effect. I am delighted to confirm that the station manager has committed to installing a bike shelter in Laytown. I have been assured by Iarnród Éireann that these works will be carried out in the com- ing weeks. Schedule of Municipal works At last month’s municipal meeting the lo- cal councillors adopted the schedule for municipal works for the local electoral area. This year sees a significant increase in funding which will see the advance-© March 2020 The Meath Coaster 19 COMMUNITY GRANT SCHEME 2020 Applications are invited from Community Groups, Tidy Towns/Village Committees, Residents Associations and other organisations, to assist with actions and projects being undertaken in their local area for the Meath County Council Community Grant Scheme 2020. The range of grant categories available under the Community Grant Scheme 2020 are: • Residents Association • Tidy Towns • Equality and Social Inclusion • Ashbourne 2020 Commemorative Grant Further details and application forms can be obtained from The Community Department, Meath County Council, Buvinda House, Dublin Road, Navan, Co. Meath C15 Y291 or by email communitygrants@meathcoco.ie or alternatively from our website: www.meath.ie/council/council-services/community/community-grants-and- initiatives The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5p.m. Friday, 6 th March, 2020 COMMUNITY AMENITY PROJECT SCHEME 2020 Applications are invited from Communities within the County and registered with the Public Participation Network (PPN) for the development of sporting, recreational, environmental, amenity, heritage and cultural facilities.. The Community Amenity Project Scheme is a capital grant scheme which is administered by Meath County Council subject to availability of funding. The scheme provides financial assistance to Communities within the County and registered with the Public Participation Network (PPN) for the development of sporting, recreational, environmental, amenity, heritage and cultural facilities. The minimum project application is €10,000 with a maximum project application of €100,000 per Municipal District per annum. Further details and application forms can be obtained from The Community Department, Meath County Council, Buvinda House, Dublin Road, Navan, Co. Meath C15 Y291 or by email communitygrants@meathcoco.ie or alternatively from our website: www.meath.ie/council/council-services/community/community- grants-and-initiatives The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5pm Friday, 6 th March, 2020 • Recreation and Sport • Festivals & Events • Burial Ground Next >