Meath Chronicle Community & Sports Awards:Community Group 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 Community Group of the Year Awards:

Making a positive difference for families across the community

Trim Autism Friendly Town

The Trim Autism Friendly Town (TAFT) voluntary committee has been active for almost three years now. It was setup in response to a growing demand within the Trim community for increased awareness, understanding and support around autism and neurodiversity. Its goal is to help the town become a more inclusive and accessible place for autistic people and their families, who often face barriers accessing local amenities safely and comfortably.

TAFT is currently working with autism charity AsIAm to achieve national accreditation as an Autism Friendly Town within the next year. Through collaboration with local businesses, schools, community groups, and event organisers, TAFT has already introduced a range of initiatives that are making a positive difference for autistic people and their families across the community.

Its work includes providing autism awareness training and support for local businesses, supporting schools through staff training and issuing Glimmer Awards during Autism Celebration Month. It is also involved in hosting inclusive family-friendly events at Halloween, Christmas, and St Patrick’s Day. It has also created sensory and quiet spaces at major public events such as the Royal Meath Show and Dunderry Fair, while working with Púca Festival organisers to improve accessibility for all attendees.

In addition, TAFT organises inclusive community walks, coffee mornings, and regularly share information about local supports and resources through social media. As a fully voluntary group, TAFT relies on donations, fundraising, grants, and strong local support. Its future plans include expanding free training, parent support events, accessible activities, and resources for neurodivergent teens and adults, while continuing to strengthen Trim’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive community.

Building and nurturing connection

Slane Men's Shed

As part of Slane Community Forum activities, the need for support for older men aged 65 plus was recognised. In Ireland it is estimated that 20 per cent of this age group lives alone and they are often the unseen, hard to reach group that frequently suffer with substantial loneliness and have social needs that are not being met. Slane and District Men’s Shed (SDMS) was set up in 2019 to provide a social outlet for this group of men in the area. It covers a catchment area of 10 parishes from Lobinstown to Skryne with a total population of circa 800 over 65-year olds. At present there is a membership of 65, which increases by about 10 members a year.

SDMS is based in Slane Industrial Estate in a combination of refurbished and new builds totalling 6,000 sq ft. The Men’s Shed is a large multi-purpose community facility containing several fully equipped work, learning, and recreation areas. It includes a professional-standard woodwork shop with industrial machinery such as lathes, saws, drills, sanders, and dust extraction systems, alongside a fully equipped metalwork shop featuring welders, a milling machine, plasma cutter, metal lathe, and fabrication equipment. There is also a computer room with high-spec products. Recreational spaces include a large social room with projector, piano, sound system, pool table, table tennis, indoor bowls, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and an accessible toilet and shower facilities.

Additional specialist areas include pottery and kiln rooms, jewellery and fine metal workspaces, and picture framing equipment. A commercial-grade kitchen, tea room, and small gym with cardio equipment further support community activities, wellbeing, training, and social inclusion at the Shed.

Very importantly, SDMS uses members’ skills to support the wider community while building confidence and self-esteem for members. Projects include accessibility ramps, restoration work, community safety initiatives, fundraising, school projects, environmental supports, St Patrick’s Day parade contributions, and providing facilities and assistance to local charities, sports clubs, historical societies, and community groups.

Bringing older residents together for music, entertainment and dancing

Athboy Elderfest

Athboy Elderfest took place for the third year running in April 2026. The event organised by Athboy Inclusion Team (ÁIT) - a community organisation set up to provide inclusive events in Athboy - is a community social event aimed mainly at older people in the Athboy area. The event focuses on bringing older residents together for music, entertainment, dancing, food and community connection. It is a very positive local celebration organised by a committee of eight people who fundraise to make the event possible.

According to country music star and committee member Matt Leavy, Athboy Elderfest is growing in popularity each year with 2026 being the “biggest yet.” The flagship event consists of live music and performances, social dancing, inclusion and wellbeing activities for senior citizens. It requires support from local groups and sponsors to make it a success such as Le Chéile Credit Union and Meath County Council. Fundraising activities are run through the year with Matt Leavy being central to this, when he organised a dance in advance of the big day to raise money for Elderfest.

Athboy Inclusion Team (AIT), which was formed in 2019 focuses on inclusion, accessibility, and community participation — especially for people with additional needs and groups who may feel socially isolated. Its mission is “to create a place where everyone can celebrate community together.” It has worked on inclusive community events, supporting people with disabilities or additional needs, encouraging accessibility in local activities, reducing isolation among older people and promoting integration within the wider Athboy community.

ÁIT has also supported community outreach projects, including nursing home visits and integration activities for Ukrainian families living in the area. It has also taken part in local civic discussions, including raising accessibility concerns about proposed community developments in Athboy.