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Maureen O Hara Homecoming

John V Farrelly, Maureen O' Hara and Shane McEntee at the Home Coming event

Congratulations to all involved in the Muarren O' Hara Homecoming event which brought a large crowd to the town and was enjoyed by all. Photos and Video to follow.

The Hollywood legend was returning to her father's hometown for the first time in over half a century, and generations of Kells folks turned out to greet the film star 60 years after John Ford's Oscar-winning movie made her world-famous. Her relatives from Meath were joined by cousins from across Europe and America, as well as her film fans, for the homecoming festival.

The 92-year old, who now lives in Glengarriff, Co Cork, spent most of her life in America, where she made over 80 movies, many with John Wayne.

Born in Ranelagh in Dublin, she was daughter of Charles Stuart Parnell Fitzsimons, who was a native of Bective Square in Kells, and his wife, Marguerita Lilburn from Dublin.

On Saturday, Maureen Fitzsimons - as she is known in Kells - began her day visiting the graveyard at Balrath, where her Tormay grandfather and family members are laid to rest, and enjoyed a lunch with relatives, courtesy of the Mallon family.

Then, in glorious sunshine, she was escorted to the town and Bective Square, in a minibus accompanied by her grandson, Conor, to unveil a bust of herself at the site of the Fitzsimons home at Bective Square, and to receive the Freedom of Kells. The piece was commissioned by the Maureen O'Hara Welcoming Committee and sponsored by Kells Town Council.

Kells Online Investigates

Survey

People have asked what the blue and white markings on our paths and streets are. These markings are part of a survey being carried out on pipe work and underground services for the council. We were disappointed to note that an English company was used rather than a local company for this work.

Man Hole Covers

We have received a number of complaints concerning the poorly fitting man hole covers outside the bank of Ireland which are causing excessive noise when driven over. The covers belong to the the NDP and not the local Council.

Sewerage Smells

Kells Online has continued to receive comments in relation to sewerage smells around Headfort Place and Farrell Street, if you have anything to report email info@kellsonline.ie

All Meath Bed Push

On Saturday 30th June members of 5th Meath Kells Scouts will be putting their backs into it as they raise money for the Cancer Ward of Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin in their initiative ‘Scouts helping others’.

To reach as many towns as possible there will be 2 beds; the first one will pass through Dunboyne, Dunshaughlin, Trim, Athboy, and the second will pass through Ratoath, Ashbourne, and Navan, with both beds will finishing up in Kells at approximately 4.30 pm that evening. The local Scout groups in each town and surrounding areas will be collecting in each town as the beds pass through and the Scouts are also offering local business’ the opportunity to sponsor the beds as they are pushed through the relevant town. If you or your business would like your name on the side of a bed please contact your local Scout Group who will provide further information.

Full details on Kells Online.ie

Local woman Bernadette Finnegan and family may have found themselves off track at the launch of this year`s An Post Meath Heritage Cycle Tour, but very much on course to complete the 11km Family spin.  The tour takes place on Sunday July 29th.
This year’s tour offers 4 different distances to choose from:

•11km Family Spin – this is a flat route which is suitable for all the family. Children under the age of 12yrs must be accompanied by an adult and possess some level of cycling experience.

•50km Tara Loop – this popular route has in parts been reversed in direction and includes an additional 10km this year. It is a relatively flat route with a moderate climb to the Hill of Tara.

•100km Royal Tour – route changed in parts, whilst the flatter aspects have remained the same. Participants would need a good level of cycling fitness.

•160km Royal Challenge – new route for 2012 brings cyclists to the east of the county and sees the introduction of Sliabh Breagh (known locally as Downeys Mountain). The route remains tough and challenging and is not for the faint hearted – cut off time applies on this route.

Full Details on Kells Online.ie

County Development Plan 2013-2019 Public Consultation Information Sessions

Meath County Council wishes to invite the general public to attend information sessions on the Draft Plan at the following location: Kells Town Council Tuesday 19th June, 2012 4 pm – 6 pm

Ugandan Ambassador hosted by Traidlinks

Lucy O’Reilly of the Kells & District Tourism Forum was recently invited to a reception hosted by Traidlinks for the Ugandan High Ambassador, Joan Rwabyomere, who was on a trade mission to develop agri and tourism partnerships.

As well as meeting representatives from the Department of Agriculture and Bord Bia, Ms Rwabyomere visited a number of Irish food companies, including Bewley’s, Batchelors and Country Crest; as well as making a visit to Bru na Boinne on Tuesday.

Traidlinks is a non-profit organisation that aims to foster business and enterprise links between Ireland and Uganda.

Sylvia Gavigan (Ugandan High Consul to Ireland), Lucy O’Reilly (Kells & District Tourism Forum), Joan Rwabyomere (Ugandan High Ambassador to UK & Ireland)

The visit of Ms Rwabyomere coincided with Africa week across Ireland.  She attended a conference at Trinity College on the theme of agriculture and trade, entitled Scaling Up Agriculture, addressed by Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney who outlined various agri-food initiatives being undertaken by Irish companies and agencies in East Africa.

For more about Traidlinks visit http://www.traidlinks.ie/

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