Slane
CONTACT ME
Contact Sean on 087-6783729 or email swall32@gmail.com if you have an item for this column.
IRELAND’S FRIENDLIEST
What everyone around Slane knew for a long time was confirmed last week when the village was shortlisted for the title of Ireland’s Friendliest Place. Slane, along with Ennis, Waterford, Carrick-on-Shannon and Limerick are vying for the title and the winner will be announced at Retail Excellence awards gala black-tie event in Killarney in November.
Retail Excellence run the awards to drive standards and celebrate excellence in retail operations and town centres throughout the country. The news is a massive boost for the village, especially the business sector, and sends out a clear message to visitors - you will receive the friendliest of welcomes when you come to Slane.
SLANE FOLK FESTIVAL LAUNCH
Following on from the success launch of The Johnstons Folk Music Festival at the weekend the clock is now ticking towards the event itself which takes place in the village the weekend of September 14th.
This year the opening festival concert on Friday, 14th, will feature Kieran Goss, with special guest Annie Kinsella. Kieran is one of Ireland’s leading songwriters and performers and he has a huge fan base right across the globe. His live performances are a real musical treat and those attending his Slane concert won’t be disappointed.
Kieran will perform the opening half of the concert solo and will be joined on stage for the second half by harmony singer Annie Kinsella, herself a really talented performer in her own right. The Saturday evening concert will feature local artist Eugene Gallagher. Following in the footsteps of the Johnsons Folk Group Eugene has been performing since the age of 15 at local music venues as well as in the UK and Germany.
This will be his first Irish concert following his return from very successful tours in Canada where he performed to over 1500 at concerts in Alberta, Calgary, Vancouver and Banff. Both concerts will take place in St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Slane, commencing at 8pm. Concert tickets are available from the Hub/Tourist Office, 041 9824000 or email brescu@gmail.com The festival concludes on Sunday afternoon, September 16th, with an open air concert from 3pm in the Village Garden.
STRAW FESTIVAL
Rock Farm Slane will host their now annual Straw Festival on Sunday, September 30th, from 11am until 5pm. Goings-on include food and craft stalls, tree climbing, kayaking and e-bikes, organic farm walks, glamping and eco build tours. The launch of ‘Slane Orchard Community Project’ which is a local project connecting people through the planting of fruit trees in public places to aid the environmental impact of the shared community spaces in Slane takes place at 1.30pm.
Alex Conyngham will lead a tour around the farm taking in the free range hens, turkeys, geese, Dexter cows and Tamworth pigs at 2pm. Glamping tours will continue throughout the day. Admission is €5 per car and includes a donation to the Rett Syndrome Association of Ireland.
DANCE CLASSES
After a busy summer for the Robinson School of Irish Dance that included dancers from the class entertaining President Michael D Higgins at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, dancers representing Ireland at the Butinle in Stajar Festival in Italy and dancers performing for people all over the world at various venues in the area it is now time to resume classes. Classes in Slane take place in the Parochial Hall every Tuesday, at 4pm. If you would like to join the Robinson School of Irish Dancing contact the class by phone, message or email to lolorobinson@eircom.net. New pupils welcome, contact at 087 249 1185.
ADDICTEDTODANCE
Addictedtodance classes are back in Slane Youth Cafe and enrollment takes place this Friday, September 7th, 4.30 pm - 5.30pm. For four to 11-year-olds, with dance, singing, drama and much more. To book a place call Aisling on 085 7581047.
CANCER SUPPORT COLLECTION
Navan Road Club members continue their fundraising efforts for the ARC Cancer Support Centre, with a street collection in Ardee and Collon this Friday 7th and Saturday 8th September. The ARC centre cares for people with cancer, their families and friends regardless of where the live. Its also a voluntary organisation with its services free of charge. Over the past 15 years club members have raised over €200k for ARC with its cycling activities. For more info about the fundraiser you can contact 041-9824460
MUSIC IN BOYLES
Two-time Meteor award winner John Spillane will perform in Boyles of Slane, this Friday, September 7th, at 8pm. John Spillane is a musician, performer, recording artist and one of the most accomplished songwriters in Ireland today. Those who have covered his songs include Christy Moore, Sharon Shannon and Sean Keane. Tickets at €13 or €15 at the door. Then on Saturday, September 15th the very popular local group Coscán play in Boyles. The four piece Trad/ Contemporary band recently released their third album Firedance, themed around ancient sites and historical tales from Co Louth and Meath. It is sure to be a great night of music and craic.
WEDDING EVENING
Tankardstown House host ‘An Autumnal Wedding Evening’ on Tuesday, September 18th, from 6 - 8pm. The perfect opportunity to view our wonderful property and begin planning this wonderful journey together. Savour bubbly and canapés, whilst absorbing the wonderful ambience of the 18th Century Manor House in all its glory; leading down to the Orangery, beautifully set for a wedding, complete with florals and candelabras depicting a true sense of romance. Embrace the understated elegance of the parkland surrounding Tankardstown House, the walled gardens and courtyards, creating the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos.
Share your thoughts or questions with our wedding team in relation to your special day. By invitation only. Please email weddings@tankardstown.ie to be added to our guest list.
YOGA WITH BRENDA
Yoga for the Autumn - classes commence on Monday, October 8th, and continue every Monday for six weeks. Hatha beginners/ improvers from 6pm - 7.15pm and Hatha mixed level from 7.45pm - 9pm. Cost is €60. A
seven week programme commences on Tuesday, October 9th, - Hatha beginners/improvers from 9.45am - 11am. Cost is €70. There is also a seven week programme commencing on Thursday, October 11th - Restorative Yoga suitable for all from 7.30pm - 8.45pm. Cost is €70. Full details from Ananda Centre, Slane at 085 1502378.
SINCERE SYMPATHY
The sincere sympathy of Broomfield and District Residents Association and the Community of Broomfield and District is extended to the Crosby and extended Crosby Family on the passing of Gerard Crosby RIP, (brother of Ronan Crosby), Carrickmacross recently. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time for you
BEST WISHES
The best wishes of the Association and Community is extended to all who are hospitalised or ill at this time. We wish you a speedy recovery.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Oisin Weldon, Collon and Pat Dunne, Broomfield who took part in Quest 24, a new adventure race which was run last weekend for the first time. The disciplines covered were running, cycling and kayaking. The race took place around the ring of Kerry starting and finishing in Sneem. Those taking part in the 24 hour event had to cover all disciplines within the 24 hours. Both Oisin & Pat finished together in 17 hours 38 mins which placed them in the first 10 to complete the event, a fantastic achievement in one of Ireland’s toughest endurance events. Comhghairdeas aris!
TIR NA N-OG ACTIVE RETIREMENT
The next Tir na n-Og Active Retirement Social Evening in Teach Raithneach will take place on Friday 7th September 2018, starting at 6.00 pm. All over 55’s welcome. Come along, meet old and new friends and neighbours, and participate in the activities. Refreshments served.
ADULT CRAFT CLUB
The Craft Club returns on Tuesday 11th Sept. at 10.30 am. A place to meet other Crafters and have a chat and a cuppa. New Members welcome. Contact Teresa on 086 3212986.
FARRELLY SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCING
The Farrelly School of Irish Dancing resume classes in Step and Ceili Dancing in Teach Raithneach on Tuesday 11th September 2018. Class begins at 6.00 pm and concludes at 7.30 pm. New Members, boys and girls are welcome at any time. Please contact Grainne on 086 3707227 or Olive on 086 3502157 for further information.
BRICKX CLUB
The Brickx Club starts back on Thursday 13th Sept at 5 pm. Suitable for boys and girls that love to get creative with Lego. Contact Teresa on 098 3212986.
WORLD CLEAN-UP DAY
World Clean-Up Day takes place on Saturday 15th September 2018. The theme this year is, ‘Lets Clean the World in One Day’. How about making an impact locally?
SET DANCING
Set Dancing Classes resume in Teach Raithneach on Monday 17th September 2018, starting at 8.30 pm. Classes run until 10.30 pm, and refreshments are served. New members always welcome. You do not need to have any prior dancing experience of any kind to participate. Contact Gerard on 087 2729154 for information.
YOGA CLASSES
Yoga Classes resume in Teach Raithneach on Wednesday 19th September 2018 and will run for 10 weeks. Contact Grainne on 086 8046781 for details.
BODHRAN CLASS
Would you like to learn how to play the Bodhran? If there is enough interest, and there is some already, a class can be arranged. Contact Gerard on 087 2729154.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Broomfield & District Residents Association is currently circulating a Questionnaire throughout the District aimed at ascertaining the views of Community Members on a number of issues. Your co-operation and views would be greatly appreciated.
BROOMFIELD & DISTRICT WALKING GROUP
Contact Josie on 086 4458108 for details.
ANY CHILDREN INTERESTED!
Knitting for children. Any Boys or Girls like to learn to knit, crochet or sew, aged 7 plus. Date and time to be decided. Contact Teresa on 086 3212986.
TEACH RAITHNEACH BOOKING
To discuss options or to book Teach Raithneach, contact Alice on 087-9360018