May 2020 News
We aim to provide Daily Local News in brief.
We're frustrated with Social Media deciding WHAT we see, WHEN we see it, and WHO gets to see it.
Secondary School Graduations
The end of the school year brings Graduations but it's been the most unusual and memorable year for all students and parents. The schools have been creating virtual addresses which we'll add if they are made publically available. Many are publishing memory video's which you'll find in their links within our Navan Neighbourhood Schools Guide.
Beaufort College
Memory video in their Twitter account and Parent Facebook Page.
Image Source: @BeaufortCollege
Coláiste Na Mí
Live address from Principal Patrick Carr to 6th years on Graduation Day.
St. Patrick’s
"What a lovely song and a wonderful rendition from James Egan in a song written especially to say goodbye to his days in St Pat's."
Words from St. Patrick's Classical School Video Source: The Ivory Sessions
Men Talk
Check out these lads from Navan in this hilarious video to promote suicide awareness and prevention. By dropping their macho image they're encouraging Men to talk about their feelings.
Sosad Navan are here to talk and offer support (046) 907 7682
Image Source: BreakingNews.ie
Cancelled
With many people having their own personal 9 to 5 disrupted, or even cancelled, so too has this years musical by St. Mary's Musical Society SMMS, Due to run at the Solstice Arts Centre from 30th Sept to 4th Oct ticket holders are being informed.
Image Source: Solstice Arts Centre
Hot Pets
We're enjoying the sunny spell but your pets need to keep cool.
Walk when it's cooler, early morning or evening.
Touch tarmac with your hand and if it's too hot for your hand after several seconds it's too hot for you pet's feet.
Keep your pet hydrated with plenty of water and even add ice cubes to keep it cold.
Beds need to be in shade preferably with a cooling draught.
Dogs enjoy the fun & cool water so if it's suitable use a paddle pool.
Never leave a pet alone in a car, even overcast days can make them ovens.
Raise Awareness
On Friday May 29th An Garda Siochana, Meath, are asking you to wear something purple to raise awareness of Domestic Violence and to make a donation via GoFundMe page.
Help support Meath Women's Refuge & Support Services and Men's Aid Ireland.
Uniforms
Perhaps not at the forefront of our minds right now but new School Uniforms need to be ordered online from June to be ready for September.
Alternatively swap or sell locally online.
Great Fun
Navan Adventure Centre has reopened it's Football Golf for groups of 4. The well manicured 18 hole and smaller family course, next to Navan Racecourse, allows players to socially distance whilst taking in the exercise and fresh air. You can even take your own footballs.
Adventures Postponed
"Boyne Valley Activities to remain closed for the duration of 2020 Season."
Image Source: Facebook Page
Community Services Update
Meath County Council provide an update on Community Facilities and initiatives: Parks, Playgrounds, Tidy Towns, Pride of Place, and more.
Awareness
"Cycle Against Suicide have designed a unique event to create a deeper sense of empathy, promote an active lifestyle and highlight to people that they are not alone, there are options available."
Take to your bikes and take up the challenge.
Words and Image Source cycleagainstsuicide.com
Local Support
"Navan RFC are appealing for fundraising donations to keep our local club strong as we work through the phases until we touch down for a new season."
Please donate here or visit their website website
Words and Image Source navanrfc.ie
222 Years Ago
The Battle of Tara took place on May 26th 1798 and there are two memorials on the Hill to commemorate this event.
Note: Drones are banned from all OPW sites without obtaining prior permission.
Leaving Cert Calculated Grades
Students wishing to register for calculated grades must do so by Thursday evening via the online portal using PPS and Exam numbers.
Colin Downey Still Missing
UPDATE: 31st May Colin has been found Safe and Well.
Spring Clean
Delayed since April the annual Clean Up Day is now set for June 8th.
Register your interest for a cleaning pack.
Don't Burn
The weather is set to stay warm and hopefully sunny but be careful getting those tan lines.
Bee Time
By now your garden flowers should be attracting the local Bees with climbing roses, sage and wildflowers in bloom.
Did you know that some local trees are pollinator friendly too? Down at the Athlumney Riverside see if you can spot Willow, Hawthorn and Horse Chestnut.
Tea @ 3
A new national initiative to encourage weekly check-ins with neighbours at 3pm every Saturday.
It takes place from your doorstep, in separate gardens, over the phone or across a video call.
Add in street Bingo, a Quiz or isolated garden challenges like fancy dress or sports. Use your imagination to, reach out to our neighbours and support our communities!
Water Mains Burst
The burst occurred on the water main supplying water to Navan, on the Proudstown Road R162 ref MEA00017283. Flower Hill being sealed off on Friday perhaps to accommodate works to repair the burst water mains which has affected Navan.
A second planned Valve Repair Works in the Athlumney area adds to brief outages ref MEA00017315
Windy
Batten down the hatches we're in form some blustery weather with a Yellow weather warning in place.
Mental Fitness
We saw earlier this week that RTE Nationwide visited Michael Gibson to talk about The Lemonade Kart.
Whilst we host a Mental Health Supports Guide the Lemonade Kart provides a place where you can improve your mental fitness through various different ways.
Who's not keeping their distance?
This week it's noticeable how many teenage groups of more than 4 are meeting up around Johnstown. Most, not all, but the majority are not keeping their 2m social distance.
They might be your children who will come home to share their space with you too.
You might want to remind them of what it means if this goes terribly wrong.
Cutting it Fine
Most, if not all, of the Estate Lawns are being mowed after a break of several weeks. The question now is how long are you willing to let it grow between cuts to promote wildlife?
Car Crime
We don't have Spiderman or any other superhero so it's up to all of us to be the eye's and ears on the street. If you see something suspicious report it to the Garda, then inform your neighbourhood watch or Estate Group who can alert the entire neighbourhood quickly.
Thieves have no concern for Social Distancing or Property.
Be Alert.
Garden Time
With the fine weather and Garden Centres reopen it's time to enjoy your garden.
This new booklet is extremely good with practical step by step actions to create something healthy, helpful and beautiful.
Image Source: Meath County Council
Council Update
For the latest information about Meath County Council Services visit Here
Image Source: Meath County Council
Golf
Some of our local Golf Clubs may well now be reopen for members. If it's within you 5km range you might be lucky enough to get some time on the green.
Coffee Break
Easy B&C Cafe has reopened for take away coffee Monday to Saturday 10am-2pm
Opticians
Bennett Optical in the Johnstown Shopping Centre is now open Monday to Friday 11am-3pm
Tennis
Our local Navan Tennis Club players can return to the courts from today but there are new restrictions, see details on their Facebook page.
Heritage
Interesting article bringing Armchair Archaeology from Discover Boyne Valley and whilst we can't visit Fourknocks anytime soon it's one to note for the future.
Read their article HERE
Garden Supplies
Many of the Garden Centres have reopened with new shopping experiences.
Phase 1 Openings
Monday May 18th sees the following reopening with Social distancing measures in place:
hardware stores
builders merchants and those providing essential supplies and tools for gardening
farming and agriculture; garden centres and farmers markets
Opticians/Optometrists/Outlets providing hearing test services, selling hearing aids and appliances
retailers involved in the sale, supply and repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles and related facilities (for example, tyre sales and repairs)
office products and services; electrical, IT and phone sales, repair and maintenance services for home. This does not include homeware stores
Purple Day
An Garda Siochana, Meath, are hosting a “Go Purple Day” in order to create Domestic Violence Awareness on the 29th of May 2020.
Wear something purple on the day and to make a donation going to Meath Women's Refuge & Support Services and Men's Aid Ireland.
You can donate to the following GoFundMe page Gf.me/u/xz4h2x
Hold Firm
The HSE are running the #HoldFirm campaign about motivating and inspiring people to keep up the actions that help us stay safe and protect each other.
Phase 1
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced that from Monday 18th May everyone should Stay at home, except:
to go to work if your workplace is open and you can’t work from home’
to shop for items you need;
to exercise within 5 km of home;
for medical reasons or to care for others;
to meet friends or family outdoors, in groups of no more than four.
View Phase 1 of Ireland's Roadmap coming into place on Monday 18 May
Free Puzzles
We've made a few example puzzles using local knowledge but the really beauty is that you can make up your own online and share them with friends and family for FREE.
Support
Families are struggling to put food on their plates. You can help by donating to one of the Food Banks providing support to local people. The Johnstown Tidy Towns Covid19 Support Group make deliveries every Saturday to over 20 homes across Navan and those supplies come from YOUR donations.
See Donation Details Here
Take a Walk
Who would have thought Metges Road could host some colour.
All these flowers are between Bailis Downs and the Kentstown Road on a very long stretch of verge that had previously been decimated with weedkiller. The plants are certainly few and far between at the moment but there's hope we'll have more when lockdown restrictions eventually allow Johnstown Tidy Towns to continue their plans.
Pleasant Surprise
In a few days time there will be a swathe of 'daisy' type flowers on the verge in Spire View. An unexpected and welcome change in amongst the otherwise bland grass.
Update 14th May; Unfortunately the verges were mowed to reveal just more monotonous grass.
The Long and Short of it
Delighted to see someone decide to manicure just a small section of the field opposite Kilcarn Bridge whilst leaving the vast majority of it to grow long.
Not Impressed
The area around the steps between Spire View and Johnstown Village have again accumulated more litter with beer bottles, cans and wrappers.
During the health emergency this litter is now a biological hazard and Johnstown Tidy Towns are not able to assist since they are not an essential service.
Trees Down
Update 13th May: It would appear that a cluster of trees were felled on the old Johnstown Road opposite the Cois Glaisin Estate for reasons of safety or to make a new entrance.
Fitting Tribute
"As most of you know we lost a beautiful young man in our community before Xmas last.His name was Evan Fitzgerald. Well Evan we haven't forgot you,nor will we. Over the weekend myself,Olivia and young Jack ran 100k for all our young people we have lost to suicide, while raising a few bob for pieta. Thanks to my neighbours and friends for getting involved, 300 in the bucket to date. Together we can smash youth suicide."
Source: Facebook Post
May Edition
This month we focus on the Wild Side of Johnstown, Food Aid, Mental Health Support and a few Puzzles to test your Local knowledge.
We've updates on previous articles and if you subscribe to our email notification you'll get direct links to the latest news, reviews and local guides.
Out today via our Home Page
Open Mic
Another impressive show of talent this time from Stevie Darragh and brought to you via The Solstice Arts Centre Open Mic performances showing how Meath is being creative.
See more on their Website
Source: Facebook Page
Leaving Cert
What type of reaction did you get after the Minister announced on Friday that the Leaving Cert this year will be awarded by 'Calculated Grades'.
Pride of Place
Meath County Council announced that this year's Pride of Place initiative will not take place due to the Covid-19 health emergency.
Limited Opening
Blackwater Park reopens May 12th but only for the over 70's or those with Medical Conditions & their carers next Monday to Friday from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
Quiet Sunrise
Darkness Into Light Event Organisers ask you to still get up 5:30am Saturday May 9th and see the sunrise from your own gardens as a mark of solidarity to the cause.
Make a donation to Pieta House here www.DarknessIntoLight.ie
Little Things Matter
It's nice to be surprised especially when they bring a smile to young faces as they discover them. We spotted this recycled bird / squirrel feeder on the Athlumney Riverside Trail.
Perhaps next time we'll find wind chimes or fairy house doors.
Lottery Win
Congratulations to whoever bought the winning Euromillions ticket from DayToday in the Johnstown Shopping Centre.
What would you do with the €500,000.
Parent Support
Meath County Library invited Counsellor Psychotherapist Linda Breathnach (TherapyandTraining.ie) and Play Therapist Melissa Moore (My Space Play Therapy and Relax Kids -Melissa) to discuss the Challenges of Parenting during challenging times and address current concerns that parents may have.
Watch Video Here
5km
Are you going to remain as you are even though from today:
People can now travel up to 5 kilometres from their home to exercise.
Those who are cocooning can leave their homes for exercise so long as they avoid all contact with other people.
Leave Only Footprints
As a regular walker along the Athlumney Riverside Path it fills me with despair to see glass bottles abandoned alongside the river, stray sweet wrappers & crisp packets amongst the trees.
A full bag was removed today but PLEASE take your litter home with you.
Well Said
Sometimes words capture thoughts perfectly and a posting we first saw shared by Claremont Stadium Navan expresses how we're not going back to 'normal'.
Click to Read"For a few weeks now I have heard people saying “ I just can’t wait for things to be back to normal.” I may have said that a few times myself. 😊
But as I’ve thought about our current situation I have realised how much I don’t want things to go back to exactly the way they were. 🤔
Here are a few of my reasons...
❤️ I hope that the next time a friend grabs me and pulls me in for a hug, I actually take the time to appreciate the gift of their presence and embrace.
🧡 I hope that when school resumes and you are dropping your kids off, you take the time to thank the staff for the amazing gift that they give to your family.
💛 I hope that the next time I’m sitting in a crowded restaurant I take the time to look around at the smiling faces, loud voices and be more appreciative of the gift of community.
💚 I hope that when I am at the supermarket that I take a moment to acknowledge the necessities of life and the amazing people who work so hard to keep us supplied.
💙 I hope that I never again take for granted the ability to hop in the car and visit a friend, go to the beach, a restaurant or a movie, etc.
So, truth is, I don’t want things to return to the way they once were. 💜 I hope and pray that we take the lessons and challenges of the past few weeks and create a new normal.
My goal is to appreciate more, love harder, and truly appreciate the daily abundance of blessings that were so easily overlooked just a few weeks ago. If someone tells you they love you, take it to heart! "
Source: Facebook Page
Family Safety
In the months to come many more will experience a Covid impacted shopping or work experience. Special family occasions such as Births, Birthdays, Anniversaries and Funerals will also happen but please don't increase the latter by compromising safety.
Be safe
Be inventive
Be creative
Keep your distance
Wash your hands
and most importantly don't mess it up for everyone's sake.
Urban Nature
We've all rediscovered our local walks around the estates, through the IDA or down to the Kilcarn Bridge.
We're delighted to discover Wild About Navan - a new Urban Nature Conservation Project which we ask readers to take a look at in the hope that we can all help look after our environment.
Take part in their online survey bit.ly/2VNjE6F and follow them on Social Media.
Binge Watch or Ration?
The Covid emergency is having an effect on your TV shows. You might want to consider reducing your viewing habits since new episodes, series and movies might be a very long time in coming.
In This Together
The Government has produced a comprehensive information guide with lots of advice.
New Normality
The recent roadmap for our return to some form of normality and life with the presence of Covid19 does not make the virus any less dangerous. It remains highly contagious and potentially lethal.
Social distancing and increased regular hygiene measures is the new normal until either the virus burns itself out or a vaccine is found and delivered.
Regular Deliveries
The lockdown and lost income through job losses has increased the need for families to ask for food hampers.
Fortunately volunteers like the Johnstown Tidy Towns Covid19 Support Service are available to help deliver these and food donations are always welcome.
Volunteer to help one of several local groups supporting the wider community during the Covid 19 emergency.
Crazy Hair
We are guaranteed long queues at Hairdressers when they potentially reopen in late Summer/Autumn.
Children won't be back in school in the months to come so perhaps let them take advantage and have fun with their own ideas for crazy haircuts, styles and colours.
Open Mic
The Solstice Arts Centre has received some amazing performances for their Open Mic performances to show how Meath is being creative.
See more on their Website
Image Source: Facebook Page
Extension
Restrictions will be extended until 18 May.
They have produced a clear Roadmap for reopening society and business but it is open to change depending on how we behave in controlling this outbreak.
Holiday @ Home
Hopefully we're all going to be staying at home over the long weekend.
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