Cllr Joe Reilly chatting with violinist Julieanne Forrest prior to her performance at the launch of a creative programme for young people at Solstice last night. Photo: Barry Cronin

Reilly praised for role in creative partnership at Solstice

Tributes were paid to Cllr Joe Reilly at the launch of a new two-year creative investment by eCOMM Merchant Solutions in Solstice Arts Centre last night.

The investment, which will focus on developing creative arts opportunities for young people, was announced by Valerie Moran, Business Development Manager eCOMM, Belinda Quirke, Director, Solstice Arts Centre, and Jackie Maguire, chairperson of the arts centre board,  at Solstice on Tuesday evening last. 

Navan-based online payments firm eCOMM was founded in Navan in 2014 by Commons Road native Noel Moran and his wife Valerie, and now employs over 120 staff working with customers all over Europe.
“Earlier this year I received an email from Cllr Joe Reilly inviting me to a meeting,” Valerie Moran said at the launch.  “It is that meeting that set the footprint for our partnership with the Solstice and the reason why we are gathered here tonight to announce our partnership. For many of us here, the arts were part of our childhood, be it musical lessons or drama classes. It plays an important part in the education of our youth and it is with this in mind that eCOMM Merchant Solutions has partnered with the Solstice for the next two years to formulate a relationship with a common goal.”

She said the collective goal is to bring a sense of culture and belonging to the community and put our county on the national and world map by promoting and inspiring the young artist. 
“It is the business community and individual people like you and me that can choose to make a decision to help build the road to success for our future generations and our upcoming artists. This needs skill, funding, time and effort, and above all, the passion and commitment of those involved. It is that passion and commitment I identified when speaking to Cllr Joe Reilly at our initial meeting. It is Joe’s passion and commitment that has led to this investment in the local community and not for the first time he has put others before himself to ensure a better future for all and most importantly the youth and future of our community.”

Meath County council CEO and chairperson of the Solstice board, Jackie Maguire, said: “The board of Solstice is very grateful to eCOMM Merchant Solutions for this support, and look forward to planning a range of activities for young people here at the centre in both 2019 and 2020.  I would like to particularly thank Cllr Joe Reilly, my fellow board member, for his work in connecting eCOMM and Solstice.  Cllr Reilly has offered enormous personal support to the development of the centre over the years. His counsel as both a board member and public representative is held in high esteem by all.  It was a great pleasure to be able to celebrate with him at Solstice earlier in the year and pay tribute to over 20 years of service to the county.
“Joey, we thank you most sincerely for all you have done.”
Cllr Reilly, speaking at the event, said : “At Solstice, you will find creativity and ingenuity. It is a place of vitality and ideas; and it is a place where young people can come and explore their potential.  This is the place they will start their journey, and this is the place that will stand to them in the future. I would like to thank Noel and Valerie Moran for their continued investment in County Meath.”