Meath Chronicle Community & Sports Awards: Green Project of the Year
The Meath Chronicle Community and Sports Awards in partnership with Specsavers and Bective Stud take place this Thursday (21st May) and in this week's paper we celebrate the achievements of all our wonderful nominees.
Evolving from the Meath Sports Awards that started more than 20 years ago and which has seen some of the biggest names in Irish sport recognised and honoured in their home county, the event now combines a dedicated Community section aimed at recognising so many of our unsung heroes.
Among the accolades given out at the Darnley Lodge Hotel, Athboy ceremony on Thursday, will be awards for Community volunteers, groups, carers, schools and green projects while in our Sports section, outstanding achievement, young sports star, team of the year and of course, overall sportsperson will all be honoured as will our Hall of Fame recipient.
Read all about our local heroes in our special 28-page pullout.
Here are the nominees for the Green Project of the Year Award:
Biodiversity, education and wellbeing in Kiltale
Kiltale GAA Interactive Biodiversity
The Kiltale GAA Interactive Biodiversity Walkway has grown into one of the club’s most ambitious community projects, transforming the grounds into a vibrant space for biodiversity, education and wellbeing. The initiative emerged through Kiltale’s involvement in the GAA Green Club, following the successful securing of a Plan for Nature through Hares Corner – which is an initiative to help landowners, such as the GAA to make more space for nature through creation of habitats such as biodiversity walk. This ecological roadmap provides practical recommendations on how biodiversity could be enhanced across the club grounds and became the blueprint for the project and securing a grant from South Meath Solar.
What followed was a remarkable community effort. Club members, volunteers, local businesses and families came together to help shape the space, with over 80 adults and children taking part in volunteer days over a few weekends.
At the heart of the walkway is a unique sensory education area beneath five mature oak trees, designed as a peaceful space for team debriefs, wellbeing activities and educational events. Sustainability was central throughout, with reused materials incorporated into planting areas and over 120 metres of native hedging planted using natural, pesticide-free methods. With plans for further events and habitat enhancement, the project continues to grow as a lasting legacy for the community.
The impact is already being felt in Kiltale with one local woman joining the club after being inspired by a walk around the trail, while another described it as one of her favourite places to unwind after stressful days — feedback that reminds volunteers they have created something truly meaningful for the community.
Greener and more sustainable on and off the pitch
Meath GAA Climate Action and Sustainability
Meath GAA’s commitment to climate action and sustainability continues to gather momentum, with a growing number of clubs, volunteers and community partners embracing greener initiatives across the county.
What began as a single event attendance has since developed into one of the most progressive sustainability movements within the GAA. Aga Hutchison, founder of The Wizard of Creation and a key member of Meath GAA’s Climate Action and Sustainability Committee, said the journey started after attending a Green Club GAA event organised by Meath County Council.
Before long, the committee became involved in a county-wide reusable bottle campaign alongside Meath senior football manager Robbie Brennan and members of the county football panel. The group also helped introduce a solar-powered water station project at the Meath GAA Centre of Excellence in Dunganny, aimed at reducing single-use plastic waste during training and events.
The initiative has since expanded significantly, with projects focused on biodiversity, environmental awareness and sustainable community engagement. One of its standout successes was the “Play It Green” Community Climate Action Event in Dunganny, delivered in partnership with Meath County Council.
Meath GAA also made history by becoming the first county board in Ireland to establish a dedicated Climate Action and Sustainability Committee. The work has received recognition at both local and national level, with representatives invited to speak at sustainability events in Croke Park and the Newgrange Hotel.
Future plans include expanding renewable energy projects and developing inclusive community gardens and biodiversity initiatives through partnerships with organisations including ChangeX, SEAI, FreeTrees Ireland and Forager.
“We are all contributing to making Meath GAA greener and more sustainable on and off the pitch,” Hutchison said.
Conserving energy step by step
St Brigid's National School
St Brigid’s National School, Meath Hill has recently completed its latest two-year "Green Schools" journey, focusing heavily on the energy theme and energy conservation through a structured seven-step programme. Managed by a dedicated Green-School student committee, the school conducted comprehensive energy audits that led to the discovery of inefficient appliances, such as a continuously running water pump, which has since been resolved.
Over the course of the programme, healthy infrastructure improvements included a 2018 LED lighting upgrade and the April 2025 installation of solar panels by GenR8, which has substantially reduced electricity consumption. To maintain these gains, the school launched a "Switch Off" campaign featuring "Energy Vampire Hunters" who ensure lights and electronics are not left on standby mode.
Beyond energy, the school actively manages other environmental themes such as litter and waste including implementing a wormery for fruit peels, making its own compost and holding "Scores on the Doors" competitions for correct bin usage. Regular community litter-picks and organising a spring clean in the locality is also being undertaken.
With regards water, monitoring leaks is underway to conserve water usage and participate in the GLOBE River Ecosystem campaign. The school has also installed a new drinking water station, thanks to the local Meath Hill Group Water scheme and every student has their own reusable water bottle.
The school also promotes a parent-led weekly "Walking Bus," which contributed to the school winning the Green-School 2026 National Big Travel Challenge for the second time.
Community involvement in many projects mentioned is paramount and maintained through paperless communication, social media, "Energy Tuesday Tips," and local media features. The school’s commitment is encapsulated in their winning slogan: "Stop wasting energy and conserve fuel! We are coming out in force to tell you, to choose a renewable source!"