Slane

CONTACT ME

Contact Sean on 087-6783729 or email swall32@gmail.com if you have an item for this column.

HERITAGE WEEK

An exhibition on Francis Ledwidge continues until August 27th at Brú na Bóinne Visitors Centre as part of Heritage Week. Admission is free and car parking is available. A number of events taking place locally to mark National Heritage Week includes: Hill of Slane Tours, Hill of Slane car park each day, 2–3pm. Discover what the beautiful Hill of Slane has to offer, breathtaking scenery and centuries of history, all waiting to be discovered; Talk on Edward Plunkett, 18th Baron Dunsany at Horice Plunkett Hall, Dunsany this Wednesday, August 23rd, 8–9pm.

Lord Dunsany, 1878-1957, was a prolific and acclaimed writer and dramatist, producing a large body of works over a 50 year period. After Francis Ledwidge was killed, while serving in the First World War, on the 31st July 1917, Lord Dunsany arranged for the publication of two further collections of his poetry. Lord Dunsany had many interests as well as running a large estate he was an accomplished chess player and pistol shooter and he saw active service in the Boer and First World Wars; Drawing lessons at Knowth this Thursday, from 2–4pm. Drogheda artist Richard Moore gives drawing lessons at Knowth. Meet in Brú na Bóinne centre at 1.30pm. This is an outdoor site so dress for the weather. All materials provided. Shuttle bus to site leaves Centre bus stop at 1.45pm;

Creatures of the night at Teach Raithneach Centre, Starinagh this Friday, 7.30–10.30pm. Join local Residents and Broomfield Mens Shed for a talk on barn owls and their habitats by John Lusby followed by a bat walk led by resident expert Dr Niamh Roche. This will be followed by refreshments in Teach Taithneach; Ireland’s native dog breeds day at the battle of the Boyne Visitors Centre, Oldbridge House this Sunday, August 27th, 2–4pm. Come and meet Ireland’s native dog breeds the Irish Wolfhound, along with the Irish Terrier, the Kerry Blue Terrier, the Irish Red and White Setter and more. Parade of the Irish Native Breeds accompanied by music. Admission to all events is free.

JOHNSTON MUSIC FESTIVAL

Top Irish performers Sean Keane and John Sheehan headline this years Johnstons Folk Music Festival which takes place in the village from September 1st to the third. This is the seventh year of the festival and undoubtably the strongest line up ever.

Sean Keane opens the festival on the Friday evening with a concert in St Patrick’s Church of Ireland, Slane. The Village Inn is the setting for an evening of contemporary folk and traditional music featuring Co Louth group Kern on Saturday evening. Then to close the festival legendary fiddle player from the Dubliners John Sheahan will perform in concert, also in St Patrick’s Church of Ireland. Tickets for the festival can be purchased from the Hub office, Slane, 041-9824000.

FAMILY FUN DAY

Meath Vintage Club is holding a family fun day this Sunday, August 27th, in Peter Berrill’s field Slane Road, Drogheda, starting at noon. Cars, tractors, etc, all welcome. All proceeds in aid of Tullyallen Carers.

ISPCC COURSE

The Louth/Meath branch of the ISPCC is recruiting for their Childline service and their next training course is due to start at the end of September. They recruit volunteers from all over the Louth and Meath area and are eager to add to their fantastic team. The first step in becoming a volunteer is to attend an information evening on one of a choice of evenings. This is an opportunity for people to come along and hear about the service, and what is involved in volunteering. They would also have a chance to hear from an already active volunteer. These are scheduled for Monday, August 28th, Tuesday 5th September and Thursday 14th September. All sessions will begin at 6.30pm, and anyone interested is invited to attend. They will be held at their office in Drogheda (Distillery House, Dyer Street, Drogheda). Anyone interested in attending one of the information evenings should contact Danielle on 0419809964 or dlambe@ispcc.ie to book a place.

BUILDING FUND DRAW

Slane GFC have launched their Building Fund Draw and tickets (€50) are presently on sale. First prize is a Honda quad bike or €4,000 cash, 2nd €2,500, 3rd €1,000, 4th and 5th €500. The fundraiser is to finance the construction of the new clubhouse. The draw takes place in the Black & White Thatched Inn (Dolly Mitchell’s) on Saturday, September 9th. There will also be lots of other fabulous prizes on the night.

THREE COUNTY CYCLE

Slane cyclist are invited to come along and take part in the annual Navan Road Club Three County Cycle that takes place on Saturday, September 2nd. The spin will start at The Village Inn in Slane at 10am and will take in the surrounding counties, with proceeds going to the ARC Cancer Support Centre. Along the way cyclist will place a wreath at the spot just outside Drumconrath where their good friend and cycling colleague Paul Healion tragically lost his life in a road accident. Thanks goes to Donoghues Bar in Woodtown for their support once again.

MONSTER BINGO

A monster bingo will be held in Rathkenny Community Centre this Wednesday, August 23rd at 8.30pm in aid of Rathkenny Hall Development. Big money prizes, all support greatly appreciated.

ANANDA CENTRE

A Mindful Movement Morning with Brenda and Rhode takes place in the Ananda Centre from 10am till 2pm this Saturday, August 26th. Suitable for all, €25. Further details from 085 1502378.

TABLE TENNIS

Slane Table Tennis Club meet in the parish hall every Saturday, 6–8pm, Further details from Eddie Smyth 086 8666672.

HERITAGE RUN/WALK

For the second year running Rossin Rovers will be hosting the 5k heritage run/walk this Saturday, August 26th. Set in the picturesque area of Newgrange, the Rossin Rovers 5k course will provide participants with a challenge and breathtaking scenery.

The route passes directly by the Newgrange passage tomb. Refreshments will be available afterwards in the nearby Dolly Mitchell’s. It is a chip/timed event managed by myrunresults.com and is open to runners/walkers and families of all abilities and fitness levels.

SLANE CASTLE RUN

St Patrick’s national school parents association have a 5K Slane Castle trail run/walk on Sunday, September 24th at 9.30am.