October News
Daily Local News in brief as it happens.
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Happy Halloween
Wishing Everyone a Happy Halloween.
Make it a special night to remember with a Halloween at Home and to stay in touch with neighbours, family and friends virtually.
Our thanks to Rafal Wojcicki photography for creating the Johnstown Halloween scene for our Facebook cover image.
Hold on to your broomsticks
Met Éireann issue a Status Yellow - Wind warning for all Ireland.
'Strong to gale force southerly winds will veer westerly. Some severe gusts are possible.'
Valid: 1am Saturday 31/10/2020 to 3pm Saturday 31/10/2020
Are you Prepared?
Apples feature in traditional Halloween games so make sure you have them ready.
See our Top 10 for a fun Halloween at Home.
Púca Festival Online
The World Premiere: Púca Festival lights the Samhain fires 8pm Saturday, 31st 📺 online via Facebook and YouTube
Visit their website www.pucafestival.com
Navan Motte
Every now and then a nugget of information appears on Social Media that enlightens us about our history.
Conor Murphy posted an interesting piece about the mound at Moatlands which is one of two in Navan. Perhaps this is a missed opportunity to promote our heritage.
Video Talent
Last week we were impressed with the talent of local resident, Rafal Wojcicki photography, bringing scenes of Star Wars to Navan's streets.
Check out how he's now taken it to the next level to animate the scenes.
If you have News, Reviews or suggestions for Articles and Local Guides then we'd love to hear from you.
Feature Tree Removed
The photo shows the tree at the Johnstown Roundabout in July which we reported as looking bare at a time when it should have been covered in leaves.
Today the dead tree was removed by the Council's Parks division.
Will it be replaced?
Electric Cars Stolen
Meath Crime Prevention report that Navan Gardai are investigating the theft of 3 electric cars last night between 5am and 6am.
Grey Hyundai Kona E 201MH##52 from Bailis Manor
White Hyundai 191D##70 from Clonmagadden Pk
White Kona E 191MH ##06 from Castleview, Athlumney.
If anyone saw any suspicious activity or can help to identify the suspects please call 046-9021445.
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Employment
County Meath Chamber are promoting companies looking for workers.
Fabulous Lights
Claremont Stadium Navan proudly show off their new track lighting.
Sleeping Rough
It's hard to believe that as we head into Winter Navan has need of an outreach program supporting those sleeping rough.
We accompanied Cllr Alan Lawes on Monday morning to provide a sleeping bag, food and hot drinks to one rough sleeper.
We understand that there are approximately 9 individuals sleeping rough in the locality. Alan Lawes is being supported by Inner City Helping Homeless and Johnstown Tidy Towns.
Donation Appeal
Whilst Covid severely curtailed this year's Tidy Towns competition the Johnstown volunteers have kept busy working with ICHH and Athboy's People Who Share Care Group to support families in need living within Navan. Over 600 hampers have been delivered by them since the Covid outbreak in March.
Their film clip calls on residents of Meath to donate non-perishable foods to keep the service running.
Navan drop off locations:
Stay Local
Level 5 restrictions includes working from home and staying within 5km. We've noticed several Garda check points checking and encouraging Navan residents to do just that.
We highlight a dozen things to see and do within 5km of Johnstown.
Popular Venue
Navan residents are making great use of local walks with The Ramparts Walk proving to be especially popular.
Whilst it was far busier then usual on Sunday it was good to observe everyone maintain social distancing along the linear path.
The Ramparts car park was however quickly overwhelmed so if you're planning to visit why not walk or cycle there instead.
Cycle Locally
Navan Cycling Initiative and Wild About Navan have created a map of cycle routes to promote the natural beauty and areas of biodiverse interest in Navan.
Local Clean Ups
We're all going to be seeing a lot of our local streets over the next few weeks so spend a bit of time looking after them.
Johnstown Tidy Towns appeal for families and individuals to take on some responsibility to keep Johnstown Litter Free during Level 5.
Residents can contact them for equipment and to drop off litter bags.
'This Year, Anything is Possible'
To see futuristic fighting machines in Navan is totally unexpected!
Johnstown resident Rafal Wojcicki has used his photography and computer graphic skills to bring Star Wars to the streets of Navan.
His concept images come with the timely message that we should not rely too heavily on technology alone to maintain a healthy lifestyle and mind.
View more scenes here on his website.
Outdoor Activities
Meath Local Sports Partnership has published their latest Ezine for Autumn / Winter 2020 and you'll be surprised at the variety of planned activities.
We especially like the idea of flying a kite that you can build yourself via a live online workshop.
Halloween Fancy Dress
Well done to the staff and students heading into school in fancy dress to mark the last day before mid term break.
You can check out photos on their social media pages in our Online School Guide.
Tennis Off
Following a directive from Tennis Ireland Navan Tennis Club is now closed.
Member Clubs have suspend all activities as they await Level 5 protocols from The Department of Sport Expert Group.
40th Anniversary
Gaelscoil Éanna celebrates 40 years in Navan.
Having started out with only 12 children in a dressing room in Páirc Tailteann the school relocated in 2002 and now hosts over 200 students in Primary and PreSchool next door to Beaufort College.
Support our Local Shops
Long term living with Covid will likely mean Government imposed restriction Levels opening & closing shops for month's to come.
If we don't buy locally then the shops will go out of business.
See our Very Local Shops and see if you can buy online.
Members of County Meath Chamber feature in their Local Navan Directory
Pumpkins raise €500+ for Charity
Due to the cancellation of their Pumpkin & Fun Family Halloween event the organisers at Navan Adventure Centre decided to giveaway their pumpkins on Wed 21st with donations going to Sosad Navan.
October 21st
Where does Navan's Traffic come from ?
A great commentary on Navan's Traffic Chaos has been published by Navan Cycling Initiative.
You might be surprised to know where the traffic comes from?
Read it here www.navancycling.ie/traffic-chaos
Halloween Camp
Community Sports Hub Navan announce a fun based halloween camp for children aged 5-12 years.
See more of their activities in our What's On listing.
Things to do within 5km
Recent travel restrictions mean that you need to know your 5km boundary and we highlight a dozen things to see and do within 5km of Johnstown.
Updated What's On Guide
In light of Level 5 restrictions we've updated the permitted activities listing.
If your group is not listed get in touch with us.
Halloween Events Cancelled
In Line with Level 5 restrictions all the following public attendance Halloween events have been cancelled and organisers are contacting those who've bought tickets.
Pumpkin & Fun Family Halloween at Navan Adventure Centre.
The Wicked Adventures at Tayto Park
Bee Tricked and Treated at Bee Wise
Spooky Halloween at the Museum at the Irish Military War Museum
Level 5
At midnight Wednesday Level 5's new restrictions come into effect.
Halloween At Home
We're all expecting the annual event to be quite different.
Find out how you could host a night in and still keep the spirit of the night alive.
Spring Colour.
Johnstown Tidy Towns are planting bulbs every Sunday until December to make Johnstown Bloom in Spring.
They invite any Family (household unit) or individuals who would like to participate to message them.
Burglary
Three people were arrested at 6am this morning for breaking into cars in both Athlumney Abbey and Athlumney Castle.
No details on what roads has been given yet
One resident is hoping that a wallet that was taken has been discarded in the estates so if it’s found can the page be contacted in the hopes of it being returned.
Rugby Off
The IRFU has suspended the Energia Community Series after the government removed exemptions for club championship games from their Level 3 restrictions.
This brings an end to games between Navan, Ashbourne, North Meath, Athboy and Ratoath.
The local provincial games were introduced to limit travel as an alternative to the All-Ireland League during Covid.
Clubs can now only conduct non-contact training in pods.
Pedestrian Lights ON
The pedestrian crossing lights on Metges Road opposite the Cois Glaisin Estate have finally been activated.
You will still need to drive very slowly over the crossing for fear of losing your exhaust or breaking the car's suspension.
Update: They appear to be testing them and the covers have gone back on.
Clothing Appeal
Update 25/10 - please hold on to your clothes until Level 5 is over.
As the winter weather approaches we're appealing for you to donate clothing to support the homeless.
Old clothes, blankets & sleeping bags, in any state, are wanted together with NEW 'Socks and Jocks' too!
If you want to know what happens with your donations we tagged along last year to see for ourselves. Read More
Donations can be made to Alan Lawes 0851757216 or drop off at 15 Boyne View, Johnstown.
Lights of Support
Together with many landmark buildings across the world Buvinda House became part of the "Wave of Light 2020" to mark Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day and in support of bereaved parents, their families & friends.
Gaelic on Pause
ALL Club activity has been suspended at Walterstown GFC, including training, with immediate effect due to the worrying rise in Covid-19 cases in the county.
Updated Hours
Meath County Council announce that from today the Planning Department Public Counter opening hours will be from 9.00am to 1.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Garda Public Attitudes Survey 2019
An Garda Síochána announce
- Over 90% of people trust in An Garda Síochána
- Less than 20% of people perceive local crime as ‘serious’ or ‘very serious’
- Satisfaction level of 80% with Garda service to local communities
- Majority of people viewing An Garda Síochána as community-focused, modern and progressive, well-managed and effective in tackling crime.
For more information visit http://garda.ie/!VIQJLZ.
Halloween Safety
Have you decided to have a 'Stay Inside Halloween'? Perhaps you're pre arranging for your children to 'safely' call on specific homes.
Whatever you decide we hope everyone takes on board the advice about the annual dangers at Halloween in their Facebook Video
Sports Inclusion and Disability Awareness Webinar.
Meath Local Sports Partnership in conjunction with Cavan Sports Partnership are to host a FREE webinar aimed at people who are interested in taking the first step in making their activities inclusive.
📺 Wednesday October 21st
7:00pm-8:30pm
Via Zoom
Free
To Register contact Terry on tdonegan@meathcoco.ie
Community Space Public Meeting
Opportunity for any clubs from Johnstown to talk about a place for everyone to use as a community space.
👫 October 20th
12pm
Meeting OUTSIDE Johnstown Boxing Club at the Athlumney Centre, Metges Rd.
Walterstown GAA Update
Training for U12s up to adult level suspended until further notice.
Bee Tricked and Treated
Outdoor socially distanced event at the Bee Wise Nature Trail where you’ll meet witches, ghosts, ghouls, skeletons and receive some spooky goodies from their cauldrons.
👫 Oct 25,27,29 & 31st
10am to 2pm
€10 per person. Under 1s are free.
Booking and prepayment are essential, Direct message or email (paddy@beewise.ie)
New Projects
Getting to grips with their 2021 flower plans the Tidy Towns team test out planting methods opposite the shopping centre.
A project involving all Johnstown will be revealed in a series of activities over the next 8 weeks.
Follow their Facebook Page for events and to get involved.
Wild Fence
Bailis Downs Residents pitched in to sow wildflower seeds along the fence line with Bothar Sion.
It's a triple win to add pollinator friendly flower display, create a litter barrier and stop the Council from spraying any more weed killer here.
It'll also look fantastic next summer.
Seed Bank
18 flower heads from the Athlumney Hall Wall have created 100's of seeds which will now be dried and used next year.
A trail through Johnstown is planned perhaps with over one hundred sunflowers should stir some interest in increasing the flowers in the neighbourhood,
In with the New
Athlumney Hall residents helped create a new feature to replace the Sunflower Wall. Hopefully it will brighten the day for those caught in the morning traffic next Spring.
Details to be revealed in the coming days of how you can help to add colour to Johnstown.
Clean Up
Navan gets a bad reputation for litter after being reported to be 31st in the league according to the survey by business group Irish Business Against Litter.
Fortunately Johnstown is doing well thanks to it's Volunteers. The Litter Hotspots are going to be next weekend's targets:
Birch Estate - shrubs near the School Campus
Maple Estate - facing the shopping centre
Elm Estate - near the roundabout.
Spire View Steps
Shopping Centre Shrubs
The Gap between Birch and Millbrook Estates.
Report any other locations to Johnstown Tidy Towns
Exchange your UK Driving Licence
An Garda Síochána reminds holders of UK driving licences that from midnight Dec 31st 2020 they will become invalid for residents.
Don't be caught out and possibly require a driving test when you can book an appointment online to exchange them at the local Trim Office.
See An Garda Síochána's facebook posting for more information.
Looking Trim
Now that the hedge cutting season is underway Athlumney Wood got a much needed trim.
New Timetable
Community Sports Hub Navan have issued their Oct/Nov schedule of activities where St Stephen's NS and Johnstown People's Park feature outdoor activities.
Back on the Path
Since their creation in the 90's it's a surprise that all the main greens never had paths installed from the outset.
The Chestnut and Elm section of Johnstown Woods Estate follows Maple and Bailis Downs with a new footpath linking residents to Metges Road.
Covid Level 3
From Midnight Tonight and for the next 3 weeks all the Rep of Ireland is at Level 3 to suppress the virus.
View the RTE Level Infographic for a quick summary or visit www.gov.ie for a comprehensive review of the restrictions.
GAA
Issues with maintaining social distancing post match has resulted in all GAA Club games at all levels suspended with immediate effect and until further notice and Club Social Centres and bars are also to close.
Training will continue to be permitted as per the guidelines outlined for the relevant levels in the Government's National Framework for Living with Covid 19 and relevant guidelines in the Six Counties.
Bags 2 School
👫 October 7th
8am -10am
Colaiste Na Mi PA will collect clothes to raise funds and a 10% donation to LauraLynn House.
Bagged clothing can be left at the side of the old building near the Campus Entry.
Children's Book Festival
📺 October 1st - 25th
Online Events, Competitions and the opportunity to Meet Authors.
The County Meath Careers Expo 2020
Throughout October and Open to ALL & FREE of Charge – Registration Essential via their Facebook Page and Website.
Following on from the success of last year’s careers expo (and in line with Covid-19 Guidelines) the 2020 County Meath Careers Expo which will be Online and Interactive for the month of October showcasing Job, Skills & Training Opportunities with the option to ‘Click & Connect’ directly with Employers to Apply for the job of your dreams.
Click Here for More Information
Alongside the month long advertisement and promotion of job vacancies we will also stream a LIVE, weekly webinar series with advice and tips on Apprenticeships, Remote Working, Interview Skills & Training Opportunities in the North East. The Weekly Webinar Series is Open to ALL and FREE to attend but Registration is Essential REGISTER HERE (ZOOM links will be sent to you in advance of the webinars).
WEEKLY WEBINAR SERIES
· Wed 7th Oct,12 noon - Focus on Apprenticeships – Understanding the Pathways & Incentives
· Wed 14th Oct, 12 noon - Focus on Remote Working – Is it Here to Stay & Advice for SME’s
· Wed 21st Oct, 12 noon - Focus on Interviews & Starting a New Jobs during COVID – Tips & Advice for Virtual Interviews & Remote On-boarding
· Wed 28th Oct, 12 noon - Focus on Training & Up-skilling Opportunities – Preparing for the Future.
“Whether you’re a job seeker, job switcher or new to the jobs market this month long expo is for you!”
The following companies are HIRING! (with many more coming on board in the days ahead)
Wellman International
Indaver Ireland
Prepaid Financial Services
Dromone Engineering
CalX Instrumentation
Knightsbrook Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
Geoghegans Navan
The Cross Guns Gastro Pub
Caffrey International
O'Neill Consultant Engineering Services
Hogans Farm
Daniel Technologies
Hexafly
Cinnamon Gardens
Bridgeman Ecosystems
Larry & Nora's Navan
Healthcare Training Solutions, College of Further Education
Tallans Solicitors
Drunins Fruit & Veg
The Round O Navan
The Newgrange Hotel
Irish Country Meats
“After the success of last year, we couldn’t countenance dropping the event, despite the current challenges. Our original plan was to host the event in the Ardboyne on 1st October but so much has changed since then. COVID-19 is impacting all sectors of the economy. Many businesses have been forced to let staff go, while others are in the more fortunate position of seeking to recruit.
We currently have close to 30 businesses members recruiting and we are proud to collaborate with key stakeholders in support of their endeavours. As always, our primary objective in Meath Chamber is to support business, right across the county of Meath, so we have taken the decision to roll out this event and look forward to connect job seeker with employers and showcasing Co. Meath Jobs, Skills & Training Opportunities in the month ahead.”
Source: Paula McCaul CEO, County Meath Chamber.
Is Halloween Dead this Year?
It's coming up and it's going to be a night in which all Communities will have to change their behaviour if we are to suppress the spread of the Covid Virus.
Have you decided how you will be celebrating a Socially Distant and Safer Halloween.
Tell us what you'll be doing.
Will you be decorating outside your home?
Will you actually be answering the door on the night to callers?
Will you be putting out signs to turn away visitors?
If you are accepting visitors how will you do so safely?
Have you formed 'Trick or Treat' pods to visit pre agreed neighbours?
Whatever you decide be safe and don't leave it until the last minute to work out how you will be dealing with the annual event.
In Case it's Loud
With a month to go we typically expect Fireworks even though they're antisocial and illegal.
Last year we caught up with Julie Homes, Animal Behaviour Therapist, to see if there's anything owners can do to calm their dogs.
What to Do with Leaves?
They've been falling for a few days but soon the ground will be covered in golden brown and red leaves.
The leaves will eventually break down but there's more chance they'll turn into a soggy slippery mess and find their way to block up the street rainwater gullies?
Why not arrange with your neighbours now to help collect them in the coming weeks for the organic bins.
If you have space they're great to add to your compost bin provided you've got a supply of green waste to add too.
Time to Collect the Seeds.
If you grew sunflowers and have let them develop it's now time to collect the seeds and dry them.
You can toast and eat them, crush them up for the bird feeders or save the seeds to plant more next year.
Johnstown Tidy Towns are keen to see how many seeds they can save for another Sunflower Wall and hopefully produce a sunflower trail through Johnstown.
Fundraising Stroll
👫 October 11th
12pm - 3pm
10 Mile walk from the Ramparts, Navan to BroadBoyne Bridge, Stackallen and back in memory of Cllr Joe Reilly and raising funds for Meath Springboard Family Support Services.
The money raised will be used by Meath Springboard Family Support Services. to make an all weather play area, so that children visiting their parents can play outside with them in almost all weathers.
Zoom Biodiversity Workshop
📺 October 10th
10am -12pm
'The purpose of this workshop is to give attendees the tools to put the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan into practice.
Places are limited, so booking is necessary.'
Help turn the world pink for Breast Cancer
Virtual Great Pink Run
📺 October 17th -18th
Covid may have cancelled many events but Cancer doesn't care and therefore the 10th anniversary run, jog, walk or cycle, is Virtual.
Help run the circumference of the globe for Breast Cancer and Register now www.greatpinkrun.ie
Outdoor Exercise
Sport Ireland Published it's Policy on Sport and Physical Activity in the Outdoors.
Halloween Events
Unlike any other year we're not sure how neighbourhoods will react to 'Trick or Treat' to your doorstep.
Tell us if there's more 'Outside'.
Share YOUR News
Get in touch if you have something to share with our Community
Recent Articles
Johnstown Set To Bloom with Colour
A plan to inject colour through planting by Johnstown Tidy Towns.
Halloween at Home
The annual event will soon be upon us.
We share our Top 10 ideas on how to safely enjoy it.
Maths Help
Mathematics is everywhere so we asked Joe McCormac for some Maths advice for parents.
Cycle Route Guide
Great work by Navan Cycling Initiative to create a Cycle Lane and Route Map for the Navan Area. It's come just in time for Students to avoid the school peak time traffic.
If you have News, Reviews or suggestions for Articles and Local Guides then we'd love to hear from you.
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