Meathman's Diary: 'I'm happy to carry the rock that reminds the town of those lives, those stories, the legacy of the mine'

In case you're wondering, I'm fine.

I know there was a bit of a hullabaloo when I was unceremoniously removed from my circle of sanctuary on the Navan-Kells road to make way for this new junction and road coming across the Blackwater river but perhaps it was for the best. It was getting a bit crazy, truth be told.

For the 13 years, I was there I watched more and more traffic orbiting my little island of solitude, it was clear something needed to be done and I needed to be moved in the face of that progress.

I was positioned there in 2012 by the council, unveiled by Cllr Anton McCabe as a fitting tribute 'in recognition of all the people who have dedicated their lives to the mining industry in Navan'.

I was given the name 'On the Great Wide Open' by sculptor Patrick Barry. Others called me the 'Stone Carrying Man'.

Nobody took much notice me in all that time since I set down concrete roots near my spiritual home.

Now everyone wants to know where I'll rock up next. Unlike myself, the answer is not yet set in stone.

I've been open to some lovely offers of accommodation. The wonderful people of Elmview in Clogherboy offered me a space within their always immaculate green area while there was even a mischievious suggestion of pitching further out to Johnstown, a bit far though methinks.

I've kind of become used to the dizzying delights of roundabout life so there is a synergy about Andy Connolly and the big disc that bears the former Navan trade unionist's name at Mullaghboy that appeals. It just might need a bit of a tweak in terms of security and safety. Last thing I need is an out of control truck crashing across the green straight at me.

After all, I'm not altogether agile enough to get out of the way!

Or quite possibly, I could find a place of prominence back in the centre of town where more people could see me, maybe even stop and dwell a while. Anyway, it's out of may hands, (they're already full).

I know that local councillors are discussing my next move with plans to involve the workers in that decision making process which sounds a great idea.

The main thing is that I'm not forgotten and remain a visible reminder of the people working beneath our feet past and present.

Workers at Tara Mines have played a crucial role in the development and expansion of Navan over the past 50 years. I'm happy to carry the rock that reminds the town of those lives, those stories, that legacy. It's important that I'm seen.