The street has a name at last...

Navan"s newest street is to be named after well-known Navan figure Paddy O"Brien, following the announcement of the results of Navan Town Centre"s 'The Street has no Name" competition. The shopping centre launched a competition several weeks ago to choose a name for the street linking Abbey Road and Kennedy Road. Members of the public presented a number of names and a shortlist of the most favored was presented to the judging panel. These names included Pierce Brosnana Parade/Street, Bond Street and variations of this; Andy Brennan Street/Way/Parade and variations of this after the late former Navan Town Councillor and Mayor; Paddy O"Brien Street/Way and Olympic Street/Way/Parade in recognition of the association with Special Olympics, the beneficiaries of the contest. The committee unanimously selected Paddy O"Brien Street as the winner. Paddy was born on Abbey Road, Navan, and has lived in Navan all his life. He is well-remembered travelling on his bike to all the matches around the town before he learned to drive at the ripe young age of 60. Paddy has been active in Navan O"Mahonys hurling and football club for over 60 years. He worked for the Post Office Service for 49 years and retired from the local postmaster"s job in 1995. He is also well regarded by a large number of Navan people for his dedication to the youth of Navan and his commitment to training, motivation and general leadership of young teens in the Navan club right up to this day. He is still active in his work for the youth and has recently been busy making a rounders" pitch for the youngsters at O"Mahonys. 'We are delighted here at Navan Town Centre that, in union with our customers, we are going to honor one of the bright names in our community in this significant way and hope that his continuing legacy of caring for others will continue with him for many years to come and that his example will be emulated by many more,' said Town Centre manager Pat Mullaney. Paddy was introduced to the large audience at the town centre on Father"s Day last Sunday and gave a heartwarming speech of gratitude to those who nominated his name for the competition. A total of €2,000 was raised for Meath Special Olympics as a result of the competition. The draw for the large number of prizes as part of the competition took place on Thursday. The top prize of €2,500 of Navan Town Centre vouchers went to Brian Shields, St Brigid"s Villas, Navan. More than 30 other vouchers and prizes sponsored by Navan Town Centre and its shops and outlets, were also won.