New Trim bridge to be named 'Boann Bridge'

'Boann Bridge' is the name that has been chosen for the new pedestrian bridge linking Trim Castle and the Porchfields in Trim.

Boann, Goddess of the Boyne, was a figure in Celtic Mythology and from whom the river's name is derived.

The name Boann was put forward by a fifth class pupil in the local Scoil Naomh Padraig.

It was revealed at a meeting of Trim Municipal District Council this afternoon with the official opening of the bridge due to take place on 18th December.

Cllr Paul O'Rourke suggested that the pupil from Scoil Naomh Padraig who suggested the name and his class should be invited to the opening and this was agreed.

The steel truss bridge was installed in September and opened to the public on the first day of the Púca Festival re-establishing an important link between the town centre and the Porchfields. It replaces the previous wooden 'Millennium Bridge' structure which failed in 2022 and was removed.

The naming of the bridge had referred to Meath County Council's civic commemoration committee with a recommendation from councillors that it should be named after a female.

Cathaoirleach Noel French remarked that the name 'Boann' was a female name, and they had looked for it to be named after a female person.

"Maybe the next time we get a naming opportunity, we might go for a female again because we have a lot of balancing up to do," he added.

"Boann is a fitting name, the river derives its name from Boann and the story is a legendary story that fits in well," he said.

Director of Services Des Foley complimented everybody associated with construction of new bridge including the council's technical staff, contractors and design team.

"It was very fitting it was open for the Púca festival and it connected the town very well with the market area and big top."

Mr Foley added that there was an opportunity in the opening of the new bridge to reflect on how the oldest bridge in Trim is also located in Trim. how is also home to the oldest bridge in Ireland.

Cllr Joe Fox described the bridge as a vital piece of infrastructure and said there were positive comments about it during the Púca Festival.

He commented that the old bridge had been there 800 years yet the new bridge had already been replaced twice.