Local pharmacist named as Athboy Person of Year

Athboy pharmacist Padraic Staunton has been named the Athboy Community Person of the Year. The award has been revived by the St Patrick's Day Parade committee. Mr Staunton has been very involved in the sporting, community and business life of the town over many years. He was involved in the formation of the local rugby club and in the cultural group, Éigse Uí Ghramhnaigh. Mr Staunton was instrumental in bringing the Leinster Fleadh Cheoil to Athboy some years back and, though his pharmacy business, is also a prominent member of the retailers' association. He is also overseeing the local involvement in the renovation of the old stables in the town for the Diarmuid Gavin television show. Meanwhile, a big volunteer effort to regenerate the Athboy stables site takes place this weekend, Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd April. The community hopes to turn the site into a striking space, where they will set up a farmers' market and hold social events. The volunteer weekend is being filmed as part of the RTÉ One series 'Dirty Old Towns' - a campaign led by TV horticulturalist, Diarmuid Gavin, to empower communities to get out and take on projects that enhance their town. The Athboy Stables are an important historical part of Athboy. They were owned by the Dyas family, who also owned Aintree Grand National winner, 'Manifesto'. Community leaders are still very keen to hear from more people who would like to set up a stall at the new market or who could contribute in any way. There will be plenty of work for volunteers to get their hands dirty on Saturday. And there will be more work, celebrations, music and face-painting on Sunday. All ages are very welcome. Skilled tradespeople and Fás students are particularly encouraged to lend their services on the weekend, as there will be lots of skilled jobs to do, too. All volunteers are requested to meet at the Athboy Stables site on Saturday and are welcome to join at any stage over the weekend. They should be appropriately dressed for manual work in old clothes that they don't mind being spoiled, raingear and durable footwear.