News Review of the Year: May - August

One of the most talked-about local stories this summer came from Nobber-Kilbeg, where parishioners rallied to retain their much-loved parish priest, Father Liam Malone. In what became a notable example of community action, a petition signed by residents appears to have prompted Bishop Tom Deenihan to reverse a clerical change that would have seen Father Malone transferred to another parish.

The story unfolded in late spring when news broke that Father Malone, who had been appointed parish priest in Nobber-Kilbeg in 2018 after serving as curate in Kells, would be moved to Duleek. The announcement immediately sparked concern among parishioners, who described him as an integral part of community life. One resident said: “Everyone is very upset. Father Liam is so settled here, and he has great time for everyone, young and old. He has such a great way about him, and slotted in so well to the community. He brought people back into the church and going to mass, which is not an easy task. Moving him is like ripping the heart out of the community.”

Petitions were quickly launched in both Nobber and neighbouring Carlanstown, gathering hundreds of signatures, with copies placed in local shops and businesses. A public meeting had been scheduled in the village hall to discuss the transfers, but it was cancelled after news of the Bishop’s U-turn reached the community. Meanwhile, a separate campaign in Kells to retain Father David Bradley concluded with him being reassigned to nearby Clonmellon parish following Father Sean Garland retirement after over 40 years as parish priest. The change marked the end of a period of uncertainty in Kells, while also maintaining continuity in Nobber-Kilbeg following the reversal on Father Malone’s move.

JUNE

In June, the village of Slane and the wider Meath community came together to mourn the passing of Lord Henry Mount Charles, the 8th Marquess Conyngham. His funeral at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland was attended by family, friends, local dignitaries, and national figures, reflecting the impact he had both locally and internationally.

The service, presided over by Canon John Clarke, included tributes from his daughter Tamara, son Alex, and lifelong friend Nick Koumarianos. Tamara remembered her father as determined and spirited, saying he “fought for so long to stay at the party, and all we can do now is party on in his memory.” David Keenan performed “The Parting Glass,” while Eamon Walsh from Mayo piped Lord Henry’s remains into the church, adding to the deeply moving ceremony. The combination of music, heartfelt words, and the sense of community created an atmosphere that celebrated not just a life, but a legacy that touched many.

Alex Mount Charles spoke about his father’s upbringing “in an upstairs-downstairs kind of world,” where he was shaped by the people who ran the estate, notably Mary Browne, and the generations of staff who became part of his extended family. He reflected on Lord Henry’s struggle with his Anglo-Irish identity, noting that his studies at Harvard helped him embrace his place in Ireland’s story and encouraged him to bring a modern perspective to preserving the family estate while respecting tradition.

Lord Henry’s contributions went far beyond his family and estate. He was a trailblazer for music in Ireland, launching the first Slane Castle concert in 1981 amid political tensions. These events not only introduced generations to world-class acts but also safeguarded the estate financially. His entrepreneurial spirit extended to ventures such as Slane Whiskey, and he was widely admired for facing illness with courage and humour.

Friends and colleagues remembered him as charismatic, resilient, and unafraid of challenges. Nick Koumarianos described him as “one hell of a cool dude” tall, handsome, titled, and ever-ready to take on adversity. His ability to bring people together, his love of music, and his deep commitment to his heritage left an enduring mark on Slane, Meath, and the wider cultural landscape. As one mourner reflected, Lord Henry Mount Charles was truly “some man for one man,” and his loss will be felt far beyond the village he called home.

JULY

Staying in Slane: in July, decades of campaigning finally paid off for the village when the long‑awaited Slane Bypass received formal approval. Authorities granted planning permission, recognising that the narrow bridge over the Boyne had long been a notorious accident blackspot the sharp descent and tight structure having been the scene of at least 23 fatal accidents over the years.

The approved plan delivers a 3.5 km dual‑carriageway bypass to reroute the N2 around the village. It includes a new 258‑metre bridge over the River Boyne, three roundabouts, realignment of 1.4 km of the existing N51, and a combined footway/cycleway. Public‑realm enhancements within Slane village will reconfigure the junction at The Square, improve traffic flows, add off‑street parking, and provide safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists. The scheme also proposes a pedestrian/cyclist bridge to link the village to the Boyne Canal towpath and integrate with the future Boyne Greenway.

Local reaction was immediate: campaigners described the moment as “ecstatic”, and local councillor Wayne Harding said the news was “the best day for the village” and would make the journey to school much safer for children. Minister Thomas Byrne paid tribute to decades of community campaigning, calling the approval a major breakthrough for safety, living standards and regional connectivity.

Many residents, parents, local businesses and volunteers welcomed the decision as the end of a long struggle — relieved that heavy traffic and dangerous HGVs would finally be diverted away from Slane’s historic centre. For people who have lived with grief, loss and lingering fear on that bridge for years, the bypass offered more than a new road it offered hope of a safer, more peaceful future.

Yet by late August, that optimism had been shaken. A local landowner filed a judicial review challenging the bypass approval, dealing a heavy blow to supporters. The legal challenge argues the planning decision did not properly assess environmental and hydrological risks especially given the proximity to the UNESCO‑protected heritage zone at Brú na Bóinne. The case is scheduled to be heard in January 2026, putting the project timeline in limbo and leaving many in Slane worried about further delays.

AUGUST

In mid‑August, just days before the new school year was due to begin, 13 children in the Bohermeen area were told they no longer qualified for school‑bus transport despite many having used the same route in previous years. The refusal, which affected pupils bound for St Ultan’s National School, left parents furious and scrambling for last‑minute alternatives.

Parents many working full‑time or on shift patterns described being “blindsided.” One mother said her son had previously been collected right outside their gate, despite the family living 5.6 km from the school. She added that other schools flagged as “closer” offer no transport, ruling them out. Another parent appealed the decision to Bus Éireann, accusing the process of being “unfair and without transparency,” and warned it could force some families to give up their jobs just to manage school runs.

The sudden change in eligibility came amid wider turmoil in the county’s school‑transport network. Just a day after the Bohermeen story broke, dozens of other families across Meath including in Ballivor, Kentstown and Navan reported last‑minute cancellations or postponements of bus services, even after tickets had been issued. Parents described the overall situation as a “state‑wide transport crisis.”

Local politicians and campaigners responded with criticism.

The failure to implement recommendations from the 2024 review of the School Transport Scheme, including expanded eligibility criteria, was cited as a key reason why children were denied seats this year. Some families and representatives warned that insecure transport arrangements threaten not just convenience, but children’s access to education, with working parents and shift‑workers particularly vulnerable.

Several councillors called for urgent intervention from the Department of Education, with one describing the Bohermeen situation as “completely unacceptable” and “a wake‑up call” for the national school‑bus system.

Community groups offered temporary car-pooling solutions and sought to liaise directly with Bus Éireann to prevent further disruption. For the families affected, the crisis highlighted the fragility of transport arrangements and the high stakes for children, working parents, and the wider community.