Sean, Hugh and Johnny sign off from RRS after years of service

The Rural Social Scheme (RSS), managed by Westmeath Community Development, is encouraging eligible farmers and fishers across County Westmeath to consider joining the programme, which provides valuable supplementary income while supporting local communities.

The scheme is designed for low-income farmers and fishers who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments. Participants work with community organisations for 19.5 hours per week on a farmer- and fisher-friendly schedule, ensuring their activities can continue alongside participation in the scheme.

To qualify for the Rural Social Scheme, applicants must either be over 50 years of age and receiving a qualifying social welfare payment, or be over 25 years of age, receiving a qualifying social welfare payment, and have a herd number themselves or through a family member, including in-laws.

Participants receive their existing social welfare payment plus a weekly top-up of €32.50 in most cases. Those on reduced-rate payments may receive the minimum RSS payment of €286.50 per week. Additional benefits include PRSI contributions, which help towards qualifying for a contributory pension, as well as the social and community benefits of participation.

Westmeath Rural Social Scheme currently has a number of vacancies available across the county in a variety of sectors, including: retail, caretaking, cleaning, administration.

The positions offer an opportunity for eligible individuals to contribute to their local communities while benefiting from the supports provided through the scheme.

Successful applicants are offered a contract from their start date until the following 31 March and may be considered for further participation if they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Rural Social Scheme or discussing current vacancies is encouraged to contact the RSS supervisors:

Tony McCormack, tmccormack@westcd.ie, 044 934 8571; and Majella Boyhan, mboyhan@westcd.ie, 087 360 0983.

HUGH LEONARD

After 21 years on the Westmeath Rural Social Scheme, Hugh Leonard is retiring, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of dedication, hard work, and community spirit.

Throughout his years maintaining the cemeteries in Delvin and Fore, Hugh took immense pride in his work, ensuring they were always kept in immaculate condition, especially in preparation for the annual cemetery blessings. His commitment, reliability, and willingness to lend a helping hand whenever needed made him a valued colleague and friend to many.

Hugh is well known for his friendly nature, love of a good chat, and his expert reviews on the best equipment to buy. His knowledge, humour, and positive attitude will be greatly missed. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Fr Heeney and the Parish of Delvin for their support as a sponsoring group of the Rural Social Scheme. We greatly value the positive working relationship we have built together and look forward to continuing to work with you in the years ahead for the benefit of the local community.

On behalf of Westmeath Community Development and RSS Supervisors Majella Boyhan and Tony McCormack, we would like to sincerely thank Hugh for his outstanding service and wish him every happiness in his retirement. There is no doubt that he will keep himself busy in the years ahead.

Congratulations, Hugh, on your retirement. Thank you for your 21 years of service, commitment, friendship, and outstanding contribution to the Delvin and Fore communities. We wish you health, happiness, and many enjoyable years ahead in your well-earned retirement.

SEAN EGGINTON

Sean Egginton has retired after 19 years of dedicated service at Collinstown Pitch and Putt Club through the Westmeath Rural Social Scheme.

Throughout his years of service, Sean has been the definition of hard work and commitment. No matter what the weather brought, Sean was always there, ensuring that the pitch and putt grounds were kept immaculate and welcoming for everyone who visited.

Sean’s friendly smile, warm chat, and willingness to help anyone in need have made him a much-loved figure in the community. Whether it was maintaining the grounds at the club or lending a hand in preparing Fore Graveyard, Kilcumley Graveyard, and Kilpatrick Graveyard for Cemetery Sunday, Sean could always be relied on to get the job done with care and pride.

Over the 19 years, Sean has become a massive part of the community. His dedication, kindness, and work ethic have left a lasting impression on everyone who has had the pleasure of knowing him. He will certainly be missed by all who met him through his work at the pitch and putt club and throughout the wider community.

On behalf of Westmeath Community Development and RSS, supervisors Majella and Tony, we would like to sincerely thank Sean for his years of outstanding service and friendship. We wish him every happiness in his retirement.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Collinstown Pitch and Putt Club for their valued support as a sub-sponsor of the Rural Social Scheme over the years. We greatly appreciate the positive working relationship we have built together and look forward to continuing to work with the club in the years ahead for the benefit of the local community.

Knowing Sean, retirement will be anything but quiet; he will have plenty of jobs already lined up, along with more time to enjoy his passions for gardening and sport.

Thank you, Sean, for everything you have done. We wish you good health, happiness, and many enjoyable years ahead. Happy Retirement, Sean

JOHNNY WHITE

Johnny White, who has been a valued participant on the Rural Social Scheme for the

last eight years, has retired. Throughout his time with the scheme, Johnny has been an obliging, hardworking, and dedicated member of the community. His commitment to maintaining the grounds of Ringtown GAA and Whitehall Parish has been greatly appreciated by all who benefit from his efforts. Whether carrying out maintenance work or stopping for a friendly chat, Johnny has always brought enthusiasm, positivity, and a strong work ethic to everything he does.

On behalf of Westmeath Community Development RSS supervisors, Majella and Tony, we would like to sincerely thank Johnny for his years of service and dedication. We wish him every happiness, good health, and enjoyment in his retirement.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to Ringtown GAA and Whitehall Parish, our sub-sponsor groups, for their continued support and partnership with the Westmeath Rural Social Scheme.

Johnny, thank you for your hard work, friendship, and contribution to your community over the years.

May your retirement be filled with happiness, relaxation, and plenty of time for the chats you enjoy so much.

Best wishes on your retirement, Johnny and happy birthday.