Rainbow bench to take Pride of place in Blackwater Park

Meath Co Council will provide a rainbow bench in Blackwater Park in Navan which will be launched as part of the Navan Pride Festival this summer.

At a meeting of Navan Municipal Council last week, Mayor Cllr Eddie Fennessy called on the council to create a rainbow coloured bench for the park.

He said last year's Navan Pride Festival was a huge success.

"I expect it to grow and grow over the coming years. An unveiling ceremony during this year’s festival would be the icing on the cake for me and I'm sure the event organisers will be very happy too.

"I'd like to pay tribute to the local Pride Committee. I've worked with many committees over the years and I have to say, this is the strongest, the most imaginative and the most capable group I've ever had the pleasure of assisting in Navan."

He thanked the council and his colleagues for approving the request.

The Navan Pride Festival will take place between 8th and 13th of July this year.

Paddy Lawlor of the Navan Pride Festival said he was very happy the council had approved Cllr Fennessy's motion.

"Navan Pride was a huge success last year and this decision is a glowing approval of that success. Meath Co Council is embracing the LGBTI community. I would like to thank them for their support, they are also supporting us financially this year.

"On a personal note, I grew up in Silverlawn and I am glad this bench will be provided so close to my original home. The work of Navan pride is paying off. Young people not sure about their sexuality can now see acceptance in the community. A number of rainbow flags are flying around the town and it is great to see."