Around the Districts: Stamullen and Termonfeckin
STAMULLEN
In Memory
Sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Mrs Anne Ward, nee Behan, Julianstown, who recently passed away. Following the Funeral Mass at St. Mary`s Church of Ireland in Julianstown Anne was laid to rest in the adjoining Church of Ireland Graveyard.
M1 Link Road
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Transport and T.D. for East Meath, Darragh O` Rourke. Has welcomed a commitment from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), to `review its opposition to a Motorway Link-Road at Stamullen, despite Meath County Council`s support for the idea`. It is also understood that Transport Infrastructure Ireland has `successfully appealed proposals to An Bord Pleanála on a number of occasions`. The commitment was made to Deputy O` Rourke by Peter Walsh, CEO of Transport Infrastructure Ireland at a meeting of the Oireachtas Transport Committee almost two weeks ago.
Gormanston Camp
At the time of writing up these Stamullen Notes, Army Personnel at Gormanston were continuing to erect, at pace, several large Tent structures on the grounds of the Army Camp which will be used to, temporarily, house large numbers of Ukrainian Refugees that are now expected to arrive at Gormanston any day now; Let us hope these facilities are indeed `Temporary` for the welfare, physical & mental health and the safety of those who will arrive there; the vast majority of whom will be women and children.
Gormanston College
Initial ground works have already gotten underway at the Sports Field, known locally as the `Small Parks` off the Stamullen Road in Gormanston, which will see this large field and green-space area becoming the location for the new Secondary School at Gormanston; replacing the existing School, formerly that of Gormanston College, which is on the oppositye side of the Stamullen Road here.
Signs of Spring
The weather over the past couple of weeks has resembled something like late February or early March, rather than that of early to mid April; however, in the coming days and weeks the temperatures will inevitably begin to rise and, it is hoped that some nice weather will come our way. The rural parts of Stamullen parish are currently a hive of colourful activity of wildlife and breeding wild birds, the return of the green leaves on the hedgerows against the backdrop of the freshly ploughed fields and the singing of the birds as they nest amidst the new growth of vegetation and the lofty trees.Wild flowers & herbs are beginning to flourish and there are many honey bees around at the moment which is also a very welcome sign of regrowth at this particular time of the year. The majestic Buzzards may be seen gliding and soaring high up in the sky; the wild Irish hare is currently nursing its young leverets, while the vixen fox can be seen darting across the evening landscape as she hunts for food for herself and her offspring. The signs of spring can definitely be seen everywhere at the moment so: Shed the `ear-phones` and get yourself out amongst all that is our built and natural heritage; the rural landscape where all the sights & sounds of our wonderful countryside can be witnessed at its very best.
Sonairte Heritage Walk
Community Historian Brendan Matthews will present a History & Heritage Walk n talk through the magnificent grounds of Sonairte, the National Ecology Centre at the Ninch, Laytown this coming Sunday, April 24th beginning at the 18th century Courtyard at Sonairte at 2.30pm. The Walking Tour will last around 1 hour and Brendan will speak about the results of the recent Archaeological & Geophysical Survey that was carried out on the grounds of Sonairte adjacent to the ancient Hillfort, or Rath during the summer of 2021 and where some new and previously unidentified archaeological remains have been discovered as a direct result of this fascinating and significant Survey. The Tour will also take in the beautiful hidden trackways that run along the north bank of the River Nanny with some stunning views across the estuary of the River and the beauty of both the built & natural Heritage of the surrounding area. Hear the tales of how our Celtic Ancestors had settled in the vicinity, the Mythological Stories associated with the River Nanny and the arrival on the nearby shores of the Vikings during the 9th century and of how the land here was confiscated and re-distributed after the arrival of Oliver Cromwell and his New Model Army in the 17th century. There are a limited number of places available on this walk n talk Tour of Sonairte and Tickets must be booked in Advance. For more details, log onto the Sonairte Facebook Page at https://sonairte.ie/event/upcoming-history-walk-talk-2
TERMONFECKIN
Your news
Any news or interesting items welcome in this column. New deadline-please have all information with me by 8pm on Sunday evenings at nicholasduff66@gmail.com or contact or text 087-2486472.
Religious Ceremonies
As usual a lot of preparation went into ensuring the Easter Ceremonies brought home the true message of our Lord’s Passion and Resurrection. Compliments are certainly due to Fr. Paul, Deacon Pat Butterly and all who participated in the Ceremonies. Details of all weekly and weekend Masses and other religious ceremonies are in the Parish Bulletin and on the facebook page. Eucharistic Adoration from the Church of the Immaculate Conception is on Monday evenings from 7 to 8pm. Adoration is also from the Oratory on Fridays from 11am to 6pm but this is via the internet only. The wearing of masks, use of sanitizers and respecting safe distances is still strongly encouraged in our Churches.
Planning Refusals
There is anger and frustration being expressed over planning refusals in Baltray. There are reports of some people wishing to build being turned down on numerous occasions. It appears the reason has to do with concerns over flooding. As we know there is one road into Baltray but this road has been flooded on occasions. There has been much work done in relation to flood prevention measures but the reason now being cited for refusing permission is that there is no emergency access to Baltray. The County Council says there needs to be a second road into Baltray. One now wonders how this might happen and what the Council intends to do on this issue? There will be a Opening Public Consultation Day on the Drogheda and Baltray Flood Relief Scheme in Drogheda Library on Tuesday April 26th from 3pm to 7pm. This is open to residents, businesses and any interested parties. This could be an opportunity to express concerns over planning refusals.
An-Grianan
For any information on different courses and events, contact 041-9822119 or 041-9822478, the An-Grianan website or email admin@an-grianan.ie Private and corporate functions can also be accepted including Weddings and Civil Ceremonies. An-Grianan is offering Midweek Breaks by the Sea from May 10th to May 12th and June 14th to 16th. The annual Garden Party is from June 24th to 26th. The Cookery School is offering a mid week course from May 10th to 12th covering “One Pot Wonders and Terrific Tray Bakes and from June 14th to 16th–Good Mood Food Made Easy, this is a mid week course. The Irish Harp Festival takes place from June 30th to July 2nd. July 22nd to 24th is Best Friends Weekend with lots of great activities. A Family Fun Package is being offered from August 16th – 18th. Garden Centre Opening Hours are Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sundays from 1pm-5pm. Meanwhile ICA Guilds nationwide have been working on a piece of Quilted Art which has a tree design. Guilds have contributed leaves to the artwork which will be hung on a wall in An-Grianan soon. It is a beautiful feature and can be viewed on the An-Grianan facebook page.
Book on Seapoint
I see reports of a new book on Seapoint just published. The book has the title “Seapoint – Strand” and it includes 52 photographs from the last 10 years with texts in German and English. The book was compiled by Gabrielle Alioth, can’t say the name is familiar but said to be living locally. Talk about the book is very positive, anything that highlights the beauty of our local beach has to be. It is on sale at €25 and can be ordered from the publisher at https://caracol-verlag.ch/books/seapoint-strand/ or from the author at gabrielle@alioth.me It can also be purchased on PayPal.
St. Fechin’s GAA
The U15 Hurlers enjoyed a victory against East Cavan Gaels in the Tain Og Hurling League. The Senior Ladies had a huge win over St. Brides in Group B of the Winter League Cup. St Fechin’s were well represented on the Louth Hurling Team which was victorious over Lancashire in the Lory Meagher Cup. The U9 and U7 Boys both attended recent Blitz’s hosted by the Dreadnots and Naomh Martin. The U17 Boys continue to make their mark with 3 wins out of 3 and the U16 Girls were also successful in their recent game against Ardee St. Mary’s. The weekend was a busy affair for the Louth Ladies team who faced Laois and the Senior Men’s team were in action against the Geraldines. The St. Fechin’s Dinner Dance and Medal Presentation takes place in the Community Centre at Pairc Naomh Feichin on April 29th. Tickets which are limited cost €40 and include a 4 Course Dinner, full bar and DJ. St. Fechin’s are organising a Half Marathon which will take place on Sunday July 17th. It costs €40 to enter which includes a t-shirt, race number posted, finishers medal and refreshments. Anyone interested can register at MyRunResults.com Sponsorship is also being sought and if anyone is interested in doing so, please contact stfechinsfundraising@gmail.com or Peter at 083-8796370.
St. Fechin’s Lotto
There was no jackpot winner. The numbers drawn were 4, 13, 15 and 22. The €100 winner was Nancy Galavan. €20 winners were Aidan Greene, Helena Kirwan, Andrea Teelan, Gerard Mulroy and David Beirth. The Lotto this week is worth €1,300. Thanks as always to Madden’s Centra for their very valued sponsorship and to all who support the Lotto. Tickets are available in the Post Office, at the clubhouse gate or online on the online lotto app.
St. Fechin’s Community Centre
Manual Handling Classes with Brendan are held weekly on Saturday afternoons from 12.30pm to 4.30pm. Lingotot Classes with Elena are taught weekly on Fridays to primary students from 5pm to 6pm. Please contact Elena on 08- 9615771 for the booking system details. More language classes will be added in the near future to meet demand. Belly Dancing classes will now commence after Easter. A fun way to keep fit, healthy and active. A new Women’s Weights Class with Sara commences on April 22nd. There are many health benefits from the workout such as increasing body strength and mobility and improving bone density. Slimmers World with Paula began on April 19th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. These classes will be weekly to assist your slimming process. An additional class will be added to meet demand in the future. Linda holds Yoga classes on Monday mornings from 11am to 12noon, Wednesday evenings from 7:30pm to 8:30pm and Saturday mornings from 10:30am to 12noon. Louise, a Yoga Practitioner, holds a morning Yoga Class from 9:30am to 10:30am and an evening Yoga class from 7:30pm until 8:30pm. Fit Kids and Fit Teens Hip Hop Dance Classes with Jacinta and her team are on Wednesdays at 4:30pm for children aged from 4 years to 7 years and at 5:30pm for children aged from 7 years to 16 years. Dance Teacher and Instructor Áine holds an Adult Dance Class in the hall in St. Fechins Building every Wednesday evening from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. It is all about moving and getting into the rhythm of the music as well as being a fun way to exercise and meet others in a class. More classes will be coming soon to St. Fechins GAA Community Centre. If you wish to join or host a class, please contact Mary on 089-2610475 for details. Mary will be delighted to show you around the high technology building and all the facilities it has to offer.
Spring Clean at Boyne Estuary
Drogheda Tidy Towns is organising a Spring Clean-Up of the Boyne Estuary at Baltray on Sunday April 24th from 10.30am to 1pm as part of National Spring Clean. If you are interested in helping out, the meeting point is Queensboro Car Park. Volunteers are asked to wear wellies, old shoes and old clothes.
Termonfeckin Credit Union
Termonfeckin Credit Union is open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10am to 1pm and Fridays from 3pm to 7pm. You can also apply online for loans or membership at www.termonfeckincu.ie
Termonfeckin Macra na Feirme
New members welcome as always. If you are interested in learning more about Termonfeckin Macra, simply like and contact the Macra Tearmann Feichin facebook page or contact Eamonn on 086-2014735.
Seapoint Pitch & Putt
The Club held an 18 Gross competition over the Easter weekend. Members are advised to keep an eye on the noticeboard as closing dates for competitions are imminent.
Termonfeckin Celtic F.C.
Termonfeckin Celtic held a very successful 3 day Easter Camp from Tuesday last week. All who took part had a great time and there was positive feedback from parents. TCFC hopes that everyone enjoyed their few days of football fun which also had a few coaches challenges thrown in to keep them on their toes. The Camp would not have been possible without Head Coach Ciaran O’Brien along with Brendan, Rian, Jordan, Tadgh, Aaron and Paddy. Great work from all involved. The Club wishes all the players a Great Easter and enjoy the Easter eggs. If you are interested in becoming a player, or if you would like to hire the Astro Pitch please email Termonfeckinfc@gmail.com for more information.
Tredagh Boxing Academy
Contact 087-9944799 for details of any events at Tredagh Boxing Academy which is based at An-Grianan. All new members very welcome. Boxercise Classes are on Tuesdays from 6.50pm to 7.50pm and on Thursdays from 8pm to 9pm.