€25,000 in 25th year: Rehab"s 'Admiral" contest goes from strength to strength

Kentstown man Laurence Kinsella was last week crowned Admiral of the Boyne at a ceremony in Navan"s Ardboyne Hotel, attended by up to 120 guests. First established as a fundraising venture by Rehab in 1984, the 'Admiral" event recognises the fundraising achievements of local people for Rehab services. The four nominees this year were Dara Englishby from Athboy, Pat Fogarty, Navan; Marie Murphy, Dunboyne, and eventual winner Laurence Kinsella. Chairman of the organising committee, Michael Smyth, said this year"s event has raised €25,000 and he thanked all the participants and their helpers for their tremendous efforts over recent months. Rehab area organiser Ciaran Macken remarked: 'The Admiral of the Boyne celebrates its 25th year this year and, during that time, over 100 people from all parts of the county have taken part. Thanks to their efforts, over €500,000 has been raised, resulting in the expansion of services to people with disabilities across the county.' He thanked everyone involved in supporting the work of Rehab in Meath. Two other presentations were made on the night - to Michael Smyth, Nobber, and Michael Regan, Trim - in recognition of their outstanding work for Rehab over many years. Rehab is a not-for-profit organisation working to support those with disabilities and others who are marginalised. In Meath, it provides services for 218 people with disabilities through its divisions, National Learning Network and RehabCare. National Learning Network provides training in partnership with Fas and the HSE for 68 learners out of work through accident, illness or disability at its two centres in Navan. RehabCare provides resource centres in Navan and Dunboyne which provide support to 105 people in areas such as personal and social development, independent living skills, community integration and part-time work. In Navan, there is also a residential respite service for over 40 children with a physical or sensory disability, intellectual disability or autism. Rehab Enterprises in Navan provides packaging, logistics and transport to companies in the Meath area and employs 18 people.