Julianstown In Clover!

Meath County Council Arts Office and Julianstown Community Garden will unveil 'Julianstown Rough Clover', an original sculpture by Rory Breslin, on Sunday next, 6th May, at 5pm. The unveiling will be presided over by the cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Eoin Holmes, in the community garden. The inspiration for the sculpture comes from the elusive and scarce plant triofolium scabrum or rough clover that has been sighted at Julianstown Bridge. The Julianstown Rough Clover will be indicative of Irish flora and will act as a beacon, reminding the public, both local and visitor of the importance if the natural heritage of Jullianstown. The Julianstown and District Community Association are very active and ambitious community group working on village enhancement projects, National Tidy Towns and Meath County Council Pride of Place. The garden is a focus for many community activities such as a 'Street Feast' event, summer barbecue and Halloween activities. A Mad Hatter's Tea Party is planned for the opening of Julianstown Rough Clover with children's face painting, Punch and Judy shows, music, entertainnment and refreshments from 1pm. Julianstown Community Garden is a wonderful display of community initiative with native trees, colour themed beds, vegetable patches and now the sculpture piece. Rory Breslin studied art at the National College of Arts and Design. He initially worked in stone workshops in Wicklow, before visiting and working in France, Czech Republic, Italy and Slovakia. He returned to Ireland where he co-founded the Head Sculpture Gallery in Temple Bar, Dublin. He lectured in sculpture in the National College of Arts and Design in Dublin and has done specialised work for a number of film companies. He has had numerous solo inter-linked drawing and sculptural exhibitions and has executed a large body of public commissions. He is currently living in the West of Ireland. Julianstown Rough Clover was funded by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. The money was allocated under the East Meath South Louth and Drogheda Water Supply Scheme. Earlier in the week, the Julianstown and District Community Association (JDCA) is hosting a public meeting tomorrow (Thursday 3rd May) in the City North Hotel, Gormanston, at 7.30pm. The meeting will celebrate the achievement of a number of the actions of the Julianstown Village Design Statement, including the publication of a new Heritage booklet about 16 historic sites in and around the village which was funded by Meath Partnership. 'Dragon's Den' judge Gavin Duffy will be launching both the Heritage booklet and the recently completed Conservation Management Plan of the Old Mill site, which was carried out in 2011 and funded by the Heritage Council. The evening, open to all, will also be an opportunity to consult with the community about ideas for developing a tourism initiative in Julianstown in line with the vision and goals of the Village Design Statement. The JDCA is being assisted by a tourism expert to develop a tourism project and the initiative is being supported by Meath Partnership and Meath County Council.