BETTYSTOWN
Contact
Any news or items of interest contact Niamh at 086 3477283 or email [email protected]
Bettystown Tidy Towns
If you’d like to get involved message us on Facebook and Instagram @bettystown_tidytowns or come along and meet us in the village on Saturday mornings between 9am and 11am. Come rain or shine, we are out on Saturday mornings.
Big Beach Clean 2026
The Bettystown Clean Coasts Big Beach Clean 2026 takes place on Saturday, 19th September from 9am to 10.30am. Residents and visitors are invited to spend just 90 minutes helping to protect the local shoreline and support Ireland’s national coastal care efforts.
Bettystown Dune Action Training Day
There is a free Bettystown Dune Action training day on Friday, 25th September from 10.30 am to 3.30 pm. (lunch included) at Bettystown Library. Dunce Action is a free public training event funded by the Generation Green Fund. The programme is supporting 12 coastal communities across the island of Ireland that are experiencing accelerating dune erosion.
The one-day training course is designed to equip local groups with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to understand, monitor and restore their local dune systems. Sign up at Leave No Trace Ireland.
Community Employment
The East Meath Community Development Company is warmly welcoming local residents to apply for its new part-time job openings in Laytown and Bettystown. Through the supportive Community Employment programme, these rewarding positions are specially designed to help people who have been out of work for a while to confidently step back into the workforce.
The project is currently looking for friendly individuals to join their team in vital local roles, including General Garden Maintenance, Sportsground Maintenance, Sales Administration, and Sales Assistants. You do not need any prior experience to apply, as excellent, high-quality training is provided for every single role. It is a fantastic, paid opportunity to get active, learn practical new skills, and make a real difference right in the heart of your own neighbourhood.
If you are between 18 and 65 years old, currently receiving a Social Welfare payment, and eager to refresh your CV, the team would absolutely love to hear from you. Joining this local project is about much more than just a weekly income; it is a wonderful way to meet friendly new people, build your self-confidence, and receive gentle guidance as you upskill for the future. Taking the next step is completely stress-free, and you can easily start a casual conversation about the roles today. For more information or to apply, simply reach out for a friendly chat with the CE Supervisor, Cathy Kerrigan, by calling 085-164 0876 or by sending an email to [email protected].
East Meath Meals on Wheels
Hot Meals are delivered to your home between 12.30pm and 1.30pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of each week throughout the year, excluding bank holidays in the areas of Laytown, Bettystown, Mornington, Donacarney and Colpe. The charge is €5 per person per meal. If you would like to avail of this service or know of anyone who might benefit from this service, please contact us on 085-7570810.
St. Colmcille’s GAA
We have teams for all ages and at all division and new players are always very welcome irrespective of age, skill set or number of years away. For example, it is heartwarming and great to see so many players return to play adult level for the club after many years away, perhaps due to school, college, work, or travel.
Cilles Lotto – A massive thank you to all our Cilles Lotto supporters. Play online: https://cilles.clubifyapp.com/products
Cilles Athletic Club
Cilles Athletic Club is a running club in Bettystown /Laytown catering for all abilities and you can contact them by email at [email protected]
Training – 6-8 years Mondays 6.30-7.15pm; 9-11 years Monday/Wednesday 6.30-7.15pm; 12-20 years Monday/Wednesday 6.30-7.30pm; Adults Tuesday/Thursday 7.30-8.30pm.
LAYTOWN
Contact
Any news or items of interest contact Niamh at 086 3477283 or email [email protected]
Laytown Tidy Towns
Volunteers meet every Saturday morning at the car park outside the Coast Tavern from 10 am. to spruce up different areas of our village. There are a wide variety of jobs to be carried out around the village, so if you would like to join in, even occasionally, you would be more than welcome.
Laytown Races
The Laytown Races return on Thursday 10th September. Gates open at 2.30pm, and the first race starts around 4.30pm. Held on the County Meath strand, it is Europe’s only official beach horse racing event run under the rules of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board.
The excitement keeps rolling right into the weekend, so grab your swim gear and join the community on Saturday, September 12 at Laytown Beach for the “Dip for Jigsaw” charity swim, a fantastic chance to splash into the sea and support vital youth mental health services. With an increased Garda presence keeping our busy coastal crowds safe and sound, it is the perfect time to gather your friends, plan around the upcoming local road closures on September 15, and dive into the absolute best of our vibrant community spirit!
Laytown Beach parkrun
A free, timed 5k walk, jog, or run held on the beach every Saturday morning at 9:30 AM.
Community Employment
The East Meath Community Development Company is warmly welcoming local residents to apply for its new part-time job openings in Laytown and Bettystown and Julianstown. Through the supportive Community Employment programme, these rewarding positions are specially designed to help people who have been out of work for a while to confidently step back into the workforce.
The project is currently looking for friendly individuals to join their team in vital local roles, including General Garden Maintenance, Sportsground Maintenance, Sales Administration, and Sales Assistants. You do not need any prior experience to apply, as excellent, high-quality training is provided for every single role. It is a fantastic, paid opportunity to get active, learn practical new skills, and make a real difference right in the heart of your own neighborhood.
If you are between 18 and 65 years old, currently receiving a Social Welfare payment, and eager to refresh your CV, the team would absolutely love to hear from you. Joining this local project is about much more than just a weekly income; it is a wonderful way to meet friendly new people, build your self-confidence, and receive gentle guidance as you upskill for the future. Taking the next step is completely stress-free, and you can easily start a casual conversation about the roles today. For more information or to apply, simply reach out for a friendly chat with the CE Supervisor, Cathy Kerrigan, by calling 085-164 0876 or by sending an email to [email protected].
Sonairte Eco Centre
Sonairte Eco Centre Sonairte Eco Centre in Laytown has opened its historic walled garden for the seasonal apple picking harvest, available Friday through Sunday from 9.30am to 5pm. Visitors can harvest certified organic eating and cooking apples for €20 per bag using equipment provided at the on-site Ecoshop, with no advance booking required.
Laytown United FC
Laytown United Academy is open to new players from four years of age. (Born 2019-2020). The perfect place to learn, play, and make new friends. Contact Nicola on 089 2097405 or Lorraine on 086 8692296 to join a parents’ information group.
We are looking to add talented and committed players born in 2013 to our competitive squad for the upcoming NERL season. If your child loves football, is eager to develop their skills, and is ready to challenge themselves in a competitive environment, we would love to hear from you! Expressions of Interest are now being accepted. To find out more or register your interest, contact Rob on 087 942 3197.
Eastern Gaels GAC
Eastern Gaels are recruiting for new members, both adult and juvenile. Contact: Mick Molloy 087 1618876
Men’s Shed
Meath Coast Men’s Shed meets every Tuesday and Friday in the grounds of St. Colmcilles GAA on the Piltown road. For more details contact James 0872706456 or Eoin 0860649447.
MORNINGTON
Contact
Any news or items of interest contact Niamh at 086 3477283 or email [email protected]
Mornington Tidy Towns
We need Mornington looking good, with our recent projects showcasing the absolute best of local collaboration and community pride. We would love you to join us on this community journey. Just come along any Saturday morning to Harrys for 10 am to volunteer your time. Equipment will be supplied. Love where you live.
Mornington Tidy Towns is hosting an exciting community Table Quiz Night on Friday, 11th September at 8pm at The Village Hotel. Gather your cleverest neighbours, friends, and family for a fantastic night out that directly supports keeping the local village clean, vibrant, and green.
New Bus Shelters for Donacarney
Two new bus shelters will be installed over the coming weeks on Garra Road, Donacarney (near Castle Glen) and a further two new bus stops will be installed on Donacarney School Road, between the old community centre and the school.
Pump Station at the Dunes in Mornington
Construction work is set to begin on a new pump station at The Dunes in Mornington to address and mitigate ongoing local flooding issues.
Star of the Sea Mornington
RIP: Please pray for Christy Mulligan, brother of Mary O’Dwyer and Willie Woods, Bellewstown who died during the week.
We are delighted that the new statue of Our Lady has arrived. Over the next few weeks, the base will be prepared, and the statue will then be placed in the centre of the car park, in front of the church, as a special place of prayer and devotion, asking Our Blessed Mother’s protection over our church and our community, and her loving intercession for all those in need.
Active Retirement Association
East Meath Active Retirement Association resumes on Thursday 17th September from 2pm in St. Mary’s Julianstown.
STAMULLEN
In Memory
Sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Joseph (Joe) Boshell, late of Sarsfieldstown Julianstown, who passed away on Saturday August 29th last. Following his funeral Mass which was held at Saint Mary`s Catholic Church in Julianstown, Joe`s remains were laid to Rest in Moorechurch Graveyard on Tuesday September 1st last.
Sympathy is also extended to the family and friends of Anthony (Tony) Fanthorpe, late of Ardcath who passed away on Monday August 31st last. Following his funeral Mass which was held at Saint Mary`s Church in Ardcath, Tony`s remains were laid to Rest in Ardcath Graveyard.
Sympathy is also extended to the family and friends of Dympna Flynn née McLoughlin, late of the Rudder Bellewstown and formerly of Congress Avenue in Drogheda who passed away on Monday August 31st last. Following her funeral Mass which was held at the Chapel of Saint Therese in Bellewstown, Dympna`s remains were laid to Rest in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Duleek on Friday September 4th last.
Sympathy is also extended to Sheila Lindsay née Kavanagh, late of Mannanstown Ardcath who sadly passed away on August 27th last. Following a funeral Ceremony Sheila`s remains were Cremated at dardistown Crematorium in North Dublin on Thursday September 3rd last.
Boyne Valley Trails Festival
A reminder that the annual Boyne Valley Trails September Festival begins on Saturday 12th September and will run until Sunday 20th Join us for guided hill-walking and mountain hikes, history town trails, Nordic walking classes, myths and legends trails, boating and paddleboarding, food tours, guided meditation sessions, forest sound baths, foraging trails and so much more. This festival is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the ancient and inviting Boyne Valley and experience the history, nature, wildness and beauty of this stunning area.
Community Historian Brendan Matthews will host three events during the week-long festival including a specially curated guided history presentation at St.Patrick`s old Graveyard in Stamullen village with its wonderful medieval church and chapel ruins and associated monuments. Brendan will also present a history & heritage walk n talk along the coastal route between Laytown and Mosney and also a guided tour and presentation of the magnetic Fourknocks five-thousand-year-old Fourknocks Passage Tomb. For details of all the events and/or to book tickets log onto the Boyne Valley Trails Website at https://boynevalleytrails.ie/september-festival/
Know Your Parish
The 15th Viscount Gormanston, Jenico Edward Joseph Preston was born at Gormanston Castle on July 1st 1879. He became a Deputy Lieutenant for County Meath and he also served as a Captain in the Royal Irish Fusiliers during the First World War. He passed away at Gormanston Castle on November 1st in 1925. He was the last Viscount Gormanston to be laid to Rest in the Gormanston/Preston Burial Vault at St. Christopher’s in Stamullen Village.
His son, Jenico William Preston was killed in the Battle of France during the Second World War and he was listed as ‘missing in action” and his body was never recovered for burial. His only son and heir, Jenico Nicholas Dudley Preston, the 17th Viscount Gormanston resides in London today and he has visited his ancestral Preston Burial Vault within the ruins of the family Chapel of St.Christopher’s in Stamullen village on a number of occasions over the years.