Ledwidge volunteers deserve great credit

AS the year comes to an end, I have to give enormous credit to the people behind the centenary year of Slane poet Francis Ledwidge.

There was much talk last year of what should be done and what could be organised, but once Meath CC came on board with the crew from the Ledwidge Museum, we were up and running.

Ledwidge was, and is, one of Ireland’s greatest ever poets and when you look at his work and see some of the senseless stuff students study for Junior and Leaving Certificates, it makes you wonder who puts these exams together.

We should be heralding Francis Ledwidge as a national icon but at least for this year, the Ledwidge committee and the council put him on the map.

The events throughout the year were special and I have to say the commemoration at the cottage and the unveiling of the statue in Slane were my two highlights.

Ciaran Dunlevy’s image of the poet in the centre of Slane is now a focal point to celebrate the poet in the years ahead (pictured).

So, Rosemary Yore - you did the business and Francis would be proud. All the years of keeping those doors open at Janeville have been well worth it now.

Long may you keep the gentle Poet of the Blackbird in our hearts.