< Previous© March 2020 The Meath Coaster 50 defeated in the cup by Dunboyne, CNI atoned for that earlier defeat with a gritty, resilient victory at the MDL, Navan. Rang Russell and Rang Brennan At- tend Gaiety Theatre Rang Brennan and Rang Lennon attended the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin to see The Lieutenant of Inishmore as part of their drama course. Bus Transport for School Year 20-21 Details on how to apply for bus transport for the school year 2020-2021 are available online at buseireann.ie/schooltransport. First Year Boys Qualified for League Semi-final© March 2020 The Meath Coaster 51 A Personal Finance Story… T he following is a story of a couple with three children and how they came to review their finances. “My husband and I had put off any sort of review for numerous reasons. To be honest we didn’t really understand what was involved in a financial review, we had limited funds at the end of each month and didn’t really think about how we would fare financially if something insidious happened to either of us. We had a life assurance plan that will clear our mortgage if one of us dies and a small life assurance policy with some se- rious illness cover. We had discussed the importance of starting a pension (for both of us) but had just never gotten around to it. So before proceeding, we decided to get a financial review. For the review we filled out a budgeting form outlining our day to day expenses and including any other relevant informa- tion (like our mortgage and any savings or insurance plans we had). While our initial intentions were to focus primarily on what should go into the pen- sion pots, during the review we got a clear idea of areas we hadn’t considered. The budget showed us how much money we had each month after all our bills had been paid. We were also able to see a visual graph of our income/savings should myself or my partner die or were unable to work long term…which took us by surprise. We decided on the amounts to put towards our pensions and then asked our broker to 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 work on our other requirements to keep within a budget of €100 per month. We discussed multiple options to try cover our salary and assurance needs within that budget and he was then able to show how this solution would cover us on the same graph shown to us initially. After the meeting we felt the following queries (relevant to our situation) were addressed; • The length of time we would get a wage from our employer before they stop paying us should we be unable to work for a prolonged period. • The cost to protect our income. • The figure we could afford per month and the best way to utilise it. I certainly feel that we now have a better understanding of our finances. We have started to put the correct provisions in place for retirement while addressing ad- ditional protection needs. This has been like a medical check-up on our financial health.” Have a question? #justcallOran on 087 668 6624 or visit www.drumgoolebroker- age.ie. §© March 2020 The Meath Coaster 52 Drogheda Grammar School W ell done to all our 3 rd and 6 th years on recently completing their Mock exams. Another important step has con- cluded and allowed us all to review, im- prove and get ready for the final push. Well done to all the teachers and thanks for the guidance and feedback to help the students improve. on this great achievement. Also well done to all the girls’ hockey teams as each team has qualifed for the finals of the Meath and District League. Well done also to the first year and minor hockey team who have both qualified for the playoffs in their Leinster leagues. Congratulations are also in order to our 1 st and 2 nd year girls’ basketball team who are through to the quarter finals of the North East League. TY Judo and Awesome Walls Our TYs recently enjoyed a day at a Judo centre in Dublin. It was a very enjoyable day for all as they developed new skills while working together and having fun. Follwing their TY exams the year group also went on an excursion to Awesome walls in Dublin… some great climbing and it certainly brought them to new heights! Congratulations Congratulations to TY student Donal O’Byrne for making the National Final of the AILO National Final on Wednesday 11 th March. Out of 1036 students Donal was placed in the top 100 for solving lan- guage based problems. This represents a huge achievement for Donal and we couldn’t be prouder. BOI Money Smart Challenge Congratulations to three of our 5 th year Business students Bartosz Walkowiaka, Reuben Maher and Emmanuel Adeyemo. who are through to the national finals of the Bank of Ireland Money Smart Chal- lenge. A fantastic achievement by the three boys and best of luck to them in the national finals. Sport Achievements Our Minor hockey team won their Leinster Cup (Plate) match recently against Our Lady’s Terenure in a very exciting en- counter. Huge congratulations to the girls Girls’ basketball team in the finals of the North East League.© March 2020 The Meath Coaster 53© March 2020 The Meath Coaster 54 Heart Health nicanutrition@gmail.com I am sitting here writing this ar- ticle in the aftermath of Valen- tine’s Day with love-hearts still festooned in every public space. However, there is more to affairs of the heart than flowers, chocolates and romance. Heart disease, stroke and other circulatory diseases account for 1/3 of all deaths and 20% of all premature deaths in Ireland. As it is the biggest killer of women both in Ireland and internationally, we need to be- come familiar with all aspects of the heart. Beyond the age of 30 it is a good idea to ‘know our numbers’, meaning we should be getting things such as our cholesterol and blood pressure checked regularly. The good news is that, even if we current- ly have cholesterol or blood pressure at a less than ideal level, it doesn’t have to stay that way – it is estimated that up to 90% of heart disease and stroke is preventable through diet and lifestyle modification: Quit smoking –Smoking damages the arteries and is a key risk factor for heart disease, stroke and circulatory diseases. Exercise most days of the week – Ex- ercise improves circulation, lowers blood pressure and conditions the muscles to use oxygen more effectively. Maintain a healthy weight – this reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both of which are risk factors for developing heart disease. Learn to manage your stress levels – Chronic stress in particular is a risk factor for heart disease. Find time for enjoyment. Consider participat- ing in yoga or Pilates, both of which are proven methods of de- stressing. Adopt a “heart-healthy” diet – The following are simple ways to eat your way to a healthier heart: • Where possible, eliminate trans-fats as they are linked to numerous health con- ditions, including heart disease. These are man-made/artificial fats found in foods such as cakes, biscuits, fast food and margarines. • Reduce saturated fats, particularly from animal sources. • Reduce salt intake which affects blood- pressure. Add herbs and spices to food instead of salt. Beware high salt foods such as processed meats and dried soups/sauces in particular. • Increase soluble fibre (found in oats, pulses, fruit & veg)which has been shown to lower levels of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol. • Eat more oily fish (e.g. salmon, trout, herring and mackerel) which is a good source of heart-friendly, anti-inflamma- tory Omega 3 fat. • Eat more fruit and vegetables. These are a great source of antioxidants and fibre which help reduce ‘bad’ LDL choles- terol. • Opt to grill, bake, steam, boil or poach foods. Vegetables are best lightly steamed to retain their nutrient content. Anna Ryan, Dip. NT, DC, MNTOI, BAI, BA www.nicanutrition.ie nicanutrition@gmail.com© March 2020 The Meath Coaster 55 New Aldi Laytown P ictured here are some local residents enjoying the opening of the new Aldi in Laytown on Thursday 6 th February Staff member Anna O'Mahony and customer Carlie O'Brien. Tom Doorley with customer Toni Leech. Customer Earl Coyle at the opening Customers Aualeena and Patrick Lynch. Customers Fiona di Porzio, Sofia di Porzio and Carmel Saul. Customer Liane O'Brien and staff member Andrea Caroll. First customer Jack Keaveney receives vouchers from manager Tommy McCoy.© March 2020 The Meath Coaster 56 Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club Captains’ Drive In 2020 T he annual Captains’ Drive In on Sat- urday, February 15 th last, heralded the start of the 2020 golfing year at Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club. In spite of very unpleasant weather, a large crowd of members and guests turned out to support the incoming club captains. This year the Men’s Captain is Gerry Wickham while the Ladies Captain is Ann Bellew. The junior golfers at the club are represented by Callum O’Byrne and Chloe Hall who have been selected as Junior Captains. On a wet and windy day everyone was in- vited to join the Captains at an informal reception at 3.30pm in the clubhouse. For- tunately there was a break in the clouds around 4pm and the Drive In took place from a sheltered spot on the 3 rd fairway. Following four impressive drives from the incoming Captains, everyone then returned to the clubhouse for an excel- lent sit-down dinner, refreshments and entertainment. Thankfully the inclement weather did nothing to spoil this special day for the golf club and local community. Gerry Wickham (Men’s Captain) & Ann Bellew (Ladies Captain) L&B Golf Club 2020 Junior Captains Callum O’Byrne & Chloe Hall Some of the members & friends who attended the Captains’ Drive In© March 2020 The Meath Coaster 57 F ebruary in all its wet and windy glory couldn’t keep the folk here at Cilles AC inside and away from indulging in their love of running. Alan Mulligan fought the gale ridden hills of Trim to run the Trim AC annual ten-mile race in just over 70 mins. Eloise Cowie, Regan Buckley, Sharon Agnew Rothwell, Dar- ren Corcoran and Bridget O’Brien were hot on his heels finishing the windy race in very respectable times as did Chelsea O’Brien. Chelsea ran an amazing race crossing the finish line smiling as she en- joyed the accomplishment of running her first ever ten-mile race. Ian Casey complete the Donadea 50k race in a great time of 4:52:20 race just as storm Ciara was making her presence known. Our man Ian certainly wasn’t deterred by a little breeze and a wee bit of drizzle! Barcelona was inundated by the Cilles or- ange when thirty members travelled to the city for Valentines weekend to compete in the half marathon on Sunday the 16 th . This spectacular race has become an an- nual event in the CIlles AC calendar with members already looking at booking ac- commodation for next year!! Despite reports of mild dehydration there were some great times achieved over the distance with special mentions to Donal Harrington, Shay Clarke, Derek Butler, Olivia Cranny Bennett, Louise Mulligan, Nicole Ludden and Dawn Daly. Needless to say, the celebrations afterwards were legendary and well deserved! Roll on next year! § Cilles Athletic Club www.cillesac.ie www.facebook.com/CillesAC© March 2020 The Meath Coaster 58 Laytown United SFC www.laytownunitedsfc.com / www.facebook.com/LaytownUnitedSFC F ollowing on from the success of last year, and due to popular demand, We are delighted to announce that our EASTER CAMP will return, 7 th , 8 th and 9 th of April 2020 for 3 days of Football Fun for All boys and girls age 5-12 YEARS. COST IS €30 Per child, family Discounts available. Plus each child will receive an Easter egg!! © March 2020 The Meath Coaster 59 To book your place please text Liam 087 417 4371 Our academy runs each Saturday from 11am sharp, on our main pitch in Seaf- ield. New players are welcome, boys and girls age 4-7 years. We are actively seek- ing to recruit players born in 2013, these children will join our current 2013 acad- emy Players to form next seasons under 8 team. For more information please call Jimmy on 087 761 4926. A big thank you to our u8, u15s and u16s sponsors for this season Breslin Manu- facturing Ltd, Morris Ventilation and Burkes Pharmacy §Next >