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Shock as three family members found dead

By Paul Byrne

SHORTLY before 10am yesterday, in the small townland of Drumgowna, close to Stonetown and about fifteen minutes outside Dundalk, Gardaí received a call to attend at a domestic residence.

On arrival at the house, uniform Gardaí discovered Mark O’Connor (54), Louise O’Connor (56) and their son Evan O’Connor, (27) deceased. It is believed that all three people were violently attacked and sustained fatal injuries. A male in his 30’s was arrested shortly afterwards close to the scene and remains in custody at a Garda Station in Louth under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. The bodies were

found by a carer who had called to the house to collect Evan and bring him to a day care centre in Drogheda.

The O’Connor family are a very well-known and respected family locally. They were described as good neighbours and an integral part of the community in Drumgowna and wider area of Louth and Monaghan.

Mark was a regional manager for the National Advocacy Service which provides support for people with disabilities while Louise O’Connor was a qualified nurse, who taught English to Ukrainian people living in Ireland. She also volunteered in pet rescue centres. Their autistic son Evan lived with them in the rural townland of Drumgowna.

Continued on Page 2

ARREST MALE(30s) FOLLOWING HOMICIDE INCIDENT

Stand For Palestine

Shock as three family members found dead

From Page 1

Mark and Louise were founder parents of Drogheda ABACAS

Special School which delivers specialist autism education for children with complex needs aged between 3 and 18. Evan attended the school for fourteen years.

In a tribute to the O’Connors, Drogheda ABACAS said that ‘both Mark and Louise were passionate advocates for their son Evan and for all autistic people. Mark was a board member of Autism Support Louth and Meath and was a professional advocate for the rights of people with disabilities in his career.

Tributes were also paid by local running group ‘The North East Runners’ where Mark was a member.

“Mark joined our club in 2018 and quickly became a highly active and valued member competing across road, track and cross country with enthusiasm and dedication. His commitment to the sport was an inspiration to us all.”

Superintendent Andrew Watters made an appeal for information at Drogheda Garda station on Tuesday morning following the tragic events in Drumglowna on Monday.

“A Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to support the O’Connor family. An Garda Síochána will keep the family informed of the ongoing investigation and support them as they come to terms with this tragedy.

“I am appealing for privacy for the family at this time.

An Garda Síochána will also closely support the local community in the Drumgowna area over the coming days as they come to terms with the violent death of their neighbours.

“Shortly after Gardaí arrived at the house yesterday morning, other responding

Gardaí arrested a male (30s) nearby, in connection with this homicide incident.

“The male is currently detained at a Garda Station in the Louth area under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

“An Garda Síochána is today continuing an investigation into all of the circumstances of this family tragedy.

The scene remains subject of an ongoing forensic examination by the Garda National Technical Bureau and Divisional Search Team.

“The Offices of the Coroner and the State Pathologist have been notified. Yesterday

evening, the remains of the deceased were removed from the scene to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda and post-mortem examinations will commence today.

“An Incident Room has been established at Ardee Garda Station.

A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to oversee this investigation.

An Garda Síochána is not looking for any other person in connection with this homicide investigation.

“I am appealing to any person with any information on this incident to contact the Garda Investigation Team by calling

Commercial vacancy rates in Louth slightly above the national average

THE commercial vacancy rate in Louth is slightly above the national average with 14.9% of commercial units empty around the county. That’s according to a new GeoDirectory report which puts the national average at 14.6%. Empty units around Louth have more or less stayed the same over the past twelve months with the commercial vacancy rate increasing by just 0.1% over the past twelve months.

Drogheda had the highest commercial vacancy rates in outh with 19.3% of all units empty while Ardee had the lowest at 14.1%. The analysis, prepared by EY, found the national commercial vacancy rate reached a new high of 14.6% in June 2025, with a total of 30,800 commercial units classified as vacant across the State. In total, the commercial vacancy rate increased in 17 out of 26 counties surveyed.

Of the 80 main towns and urban areas surveyed by GeoDirectory nationally, Ballybofey, Co Donegal, registered the highest commercial vacancy rate at 33.7%, while Carrigaline

(5.1%) had the lowest vacancy rate.

Dara Keogh, CEO of GeoDirectory, said: “There are now 30,800 commercial units across the country currently vacant, a reminder that our commercial landscape as well as consumer behaviour is shifting.”

Annette Hughes, director at EY Economic Advisory, added: “Overall the commercial vacancy rate is continuing its upward trajectory at the same time as residential vacancy rates have reached historic lows.

“This trend highlights the significant challenges and market dynamics commercial businesses have faced in recent years, in spite of the strong overall economic performance of the Irish economy.”

uty said that the whole community is ‘utterly shocked’ by the news that three members of the same family were violently killed during an incident around 10am.

Deputy Ó Murchú said: “My first thoughts, and those of everyone else, are with the loved ones of this family who have been violently killed in their home. This is a truly shocking and appalling incident which has absolutely stunned the whole community all over County Louth.

Drogheda Garda Station at 041 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Phone Number on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Dundalk TD Ruairí Ó Murchú has expressed his shock at the news of the deaths of three people in Mid Louth this morning.

The Sinn Féin Dep-

“The fact that three members of one family seem to have died in dreadful and violent circumstances on a Monday morning in a quiet and rural area of Mid Louth is appalling.

“I would appeal for anyone with information to go the Gardaí immediately and ask that people do not speculate on this incident online or on social media,” added Ó Murchú.

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Gardaí set up a checkpoint close to the scene of the homicide incident. Pic Credit-RTE News.

Louth Local Sports Partnership

‘Sports Club’ Volunteer of the Year Awards 2025

LOUTH Local Sports Partnership is delighted to launch the 3rd Annual ‘Sports Club’ Volunteer of Year Awards 2025, to recognise and honour the huge community of volunteers across Co. Louth who give their time to provide sport and physical activity opportunities across the County.

More than 450,000 people across Ireland volunteer in sports clubs on a weekly basis ensuring opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity are provided in every community. Without them there would be no teams coached, no pitches lined, no matches played or races run. They are there to support sporting clubs and communities from early morning to late at night without any expectation of

recognition or reward.

Louth Local Sports Partnership is hosting this Awards ceremony to recognise and honour these people. The awards ceremony will take place on Monday November 10th 2025, in the Carrickdale Hotel.

One volunteer from every club in Louth will be honoured at the awards ceremony.

Each sports club in Louth can select their club volunteer of the year from their club who they feel should be recognised and celebrated for their contribution to providing sport-

ing opportunities within their local community. The awards in 2024 recognised volunteers from 110 clubs across Louth.

Application forms can be requested via email by contacting Louth Local Sports Partnership at Louthlsp@ louthcoco.ie or by visiting the website: www.louthlsp. com. Closing date for nominations is Wednesday, 8th October, 2025, at 5pm. Graham Russell, Head of Sport, Louth County Council; Email: Graham.Russell@ louthcoco.ie; Phone: 042-9324318.

Hero’s welcome for returning Kate

WORLD Championship

Heptathlon silver medallist Kate O’Connor triumphantly returned from Tokyo to a hero’s return as friends, family and fans gathered at St Vincent’s Secondary School to meet and greet the newly crowned superstar of Irish athletics. Kate, returning to her old school, was greeted by Dundalk Brass Band amid huge cheers and applause from the large crowd in attendance.

The home - coming was organised amongst others by Kate’s athletic club, Dundalk St Gerard’s with Kate’s family including father Michael, mother Valerie and grandmother Madeleine all proudly watching on. Despite only arriving home from Tokyo earlier on in the day Kate spent plenty of time posing for pictures, signing autographs and doling out advice to aspiring young athletes who were hoping to one day follow in her footsteps.

Posting on social media, St Gerards AC spoke of their pride for Kate and all that she has achieved to date while also inspiring the next generation.

“As a club, we are beyond proud of Kate, and we were privileged to spend an evening in her company. She continues to inspire kids all over the country to try athletics, to try different events, to give the combined events a go. In true Kate style, she generously stayed back for

quite some time after the event, posing for highly sought after pictures and autographs, ensuring no child left disappointed. She’s pure class! Michael was kept busy too and certainly signed his fair share of posters and bits of paper on the evening too! Cllr. Robert Nash, Cathaoirleach of the Dundalk Municipal District presented Kate with a bouquet of flowers on behalf of Louth County Council. For now, we wish Kate

and Michael a pleasant and precious bit of wellearned downtime with the family, before they pick things up and go again in a few weeks’ time. We will always have the memories of last weekends’ world class performances, the joy we experienced in CBS Primary School on Saturday morning as we watched Kate PB her 800m to secure her World medal, and the lovely homecoming last night,” read the post.

Make Way Day takes place in Dundalk

MAKE Way Day was launched in Dundalk for the ninth year running in a bid to raise awareness about the difficulties facing wheelchair users when trying to get around town. The initiative is part of Disability Federation of Ireland’s national campaign.

Garda Kate Patterson, Garda Darragh Prior, Cllr. Maeve Yore, and local wheelchair user and disability rights campaigner John Morgan, met outside the town hall on Crowe Street on Friday, (September 26th) to highlight the day.

John, from Siul na Mara on the Point Road was joined by his welltrained assistance dog, Jamie. He explained the importance of Make Way Day and was delighted to report that things have been improving since the very first Make Way Day in 2017.

“The purpose of today is to make people aware of the difficulties facing wheelchair users and the visually impaired while

ited amount of disabled parking spots around the town or parking carelessly which causes blockages to wheelchair users.

“I’m here today with Cllr. Maeve Yore who has been a great advocate for the disabled in the council. This is our ninth year raising awareness for this issue and thankfully we are making progress,” concluded John.

walking around Dundalk. It’s not just wheelchair users that face problems either. People walking with buggies or prams also encounter difficulties getting around due to careless and illegal parking and we just want to tell people to be aware when they are parking and to make sure they are not potentially blocking anybody,” explained John.

“Thankfully things are getting better every year and the message is starting to sink in. Make Way

Day is an initiative from the Disability Federation of Ireland and Louth was the first place outside of Dublin to get on board with the idea.

“We see people parking in disabled bays all the time who don’t have a permit and they come out with the excuse that they are only parking there for a minute but that’s not good enough.

“People with disabilities have enough adversity to overcome without having to deal with people taking one of the lim-

Cllr. Yore said: “Make Way Day is about educating people and raising awareness about the difficulties that people with disabilities face.

“We have been getting great support from the Gardaí and we have the fabulous Community Garda Darragh Prior and Garda Kate Patterson here again with us today.

“Today is about educating and informing people about the challenges faced by people with disabilities. It’s tough enough being in a wheelchair without facing obstacles on the footpath too.”, stated Cllr Yore.

St. Vincent’s students Dearbhla Leavy, Aoife Curran and Aoife Sweeney and Principal Fiona Butler welcome world silver medalist and past pupil Kate O’Connor to her homecoming event.

John Morgan, Cllr. Maeve Yore, Garda Darragh Prior and Garda Kate Patterson.

McGuinness hits out at loss of green space in Blackrock housing estate

FIANNA Fáil council-

lor Shane McGuinness has hit out at legislators who have allowed the practice of developers selling on green space in new estates to other developers who then build more houses on that space. He pointed to a recent example in Stamanaran, Blackrock, a recently built estate which is now living with the reality of losing a large chunk of

their green open space.

According to Cllr. McGuinness, this has come about where the initial developer sold a part of their green area after completing the development a few years ago, and, went and got planning for three more houses during Covid, before selling the plot of open space to another developer. Currently legislation states that there must be a

minimum open space of not less than 10% of the entire area when developing an estate.

Cllr. McGuinness says he would like to see this raised to 15%.

“After being approached by a large number of residents in Stamanaran last year, I raised this at the time with the County Council planning section, and they had informed me that everything by the

developer was within regulation. I had looked at the statutory development plans which include objectives around public open space.

“One of the real problems here is that there is a minimum open space of not less than 10% of the entire site area.

This I believe is much too low and needs to be raised to at least 15%.

This loss of green area on this site, will dimin-

ish recreational opportunities for young children and residents.

“This green area at the entrance to the estate is an integral part of the character and charm of the estate. Its development into residential housing would alter the aesthetic and social fabric of our neighbourhood, diminishing its appeal and sense of neighbourhood.

“At a time when the Local authority are putting so much work and effort, into active sporting and outdoor activity surveys and the Government is investing heavily in providing funding for sports and recreational facilities, we have a situation here where a so called Government initiative with an (infill project ) is taking such valuable space away from young children who live in an area where Green open space has unfortunately become extinct through poor planning and forward thinking.

“And also, where the life and sole of rural parishes throughout

our County are visibly wilting, with local shops closing, schools struggling to keep teachers because of a lack of numbers, births rates dropping, Sports clubs struggling and rural families not able to build on their own land, because of outdated ru-

ral planning laws.

“We have got to start thinking outside the box and protect our green areas and open spaces even in small villages like Blackrock and Haggardstown and the wider Dundalk South area.

The legislators in

this country need to be brave and make changes to these policies before our county and country ends up with a generation lost and no facilities and infrastructure for them like what we had when we were growing up,” concluded McGuinness.

Brendan Marmion, Darren O’Brien, Fr Brendan Callannan (St Joseph’s Redemptorists), Peter McKevitt and Liam Murphy. Brendan Marmion from the Lisdoo Social Dancing Club presents a pallet of ten litre buckets of paint to the Redemptoris Mater Seminary.

Picture showing all the children playing in the green area.

Machinery moving in and green area fenced off.

LOCAL LGBTQ FAMILIES

IN SARAH-JANE’S NEW BOOK

CREATIVE Spark Downtown was the venue for the launch of a new book called ‘Family Law’ by Sarah Jane Travers and her brother in law Ciarán Dunbar which explores LGBT+ families and their recognition and protection under the law. The free book which is available in Roe River Books and Outcomers Dundalk features candid pictures and stories of same sex couples and their children living across the North East including families from Louth, Meath and Cavan.

Sarah Jane from Oaklawns is married to Eileen Gamble and the couple have a son called Oscar. According to Sarah Jane she wanted to document what she described as ‘history makers’ and tell the stories of same sex couples and their kids living in Dundalk and across the North East.

“We had a great turnout at the launch on Monday evening in Creative Spark and we are thrilled that the book is finally out there. The book is called Family Law and features photographs of same sex couples and their kids in their own home as well as an interview with each family telling their story. The pictures are pretty candid and real and show what real families look like in their homes and not done in that perfect instagram type way.

“These families are the first generation of people that are being treated equally by the state and they are history makers. Myself and Ciarán wanted to document that and I’m pretty sure that hasn’t been done in Ireland or the UK so I’m delighted that the book is now out there telling stories of these families who are out there and proud in our communities.

“It also talks about the complicated legalities surrounding LGBTQI parents and although there has been a lot done there is still a way to go to ensure every family is treated the same.

“Irish law currently allows for some LGBTQI + parents to be jointly recognized as legal parents of their children, but legal recognition is dependent on a number of factors including the mode of conception of the child and, as a result, many LGBTQI + parent families cannot secure full legal recognition of their families.

“Some people ask why is it so important to be legally recognised and say ‘sure it’s only a piece of paper’ but without it, it makes life so much more dif-

ficult when it comes to making medical appointments for your kids, or school travel, social welfare etc. Ciarán, my brother in law, is a photographer and he couldn’t get over the fact that LGBTQI families have to jump through so many hoops. Between us we got to talking about documenting the local LGBTQI families in a book and Ciarán told me if I could get local families to agree to be photographed he would take them and I could tell their stories.

“I thought it would take us maybe six months but that was probably a bit naïve of me. As Ciarán said, there was a reason this had never been done before. We would generally go around to people’s houses on a Saturday or Sun-

day morning and just have a chat with them. Some stories were short, some were long and it was just nice to share these peoples stories and have this, I suppose, historical fact about social change in this country, documented.” stated Sarah Jane.

“We have to thank Outcomers Dundalk who sourced funding from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and thanks to that funding we were able to release this book free of charge. This wasn’t a commercial exercise and the book is available from Roe River Books and the local library and hopefully people will grab a copy and enjoy it,” concluded Sarah Jane.

Continuous call for Fair Deal shows signs of bearing fruit

FOLLOWING a parliamentary question by Deputy Butterly to Minister O’Donnell, and further discussions at the Ploughing Championships, Minister O’Donnell has confirmed that proposals for a new Statutory Homecare Scheme are progressing to Cabinet. This announcement has been welcomed by Deputy Butterly.

Deputy Butterly stated, “People have the right to stay in their homes as long as possible and receive a better quality of life by doing so. Too many are entering nursing homes prematurely because they have no other options.”

The Department of Health continues to work on delivering the Government’s commitment to establish a new Statutory Home-

care Scheme. This scheme is designed to enable older people and others with care needs to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

As a key Programme for Government commitment, the development of this Scheme reflects the Government’s recognition that home is the preferred care setting for many, and that appropriate supports must be in place to make this possible.

A necessary pre-condition for the statutory scheme is the regulation of home support services. The Department of Health is developing a regulatory framework to ensure all service users receive high-quality care. This framework will apply to all adult home support services, including those in the

disability sector. The framework includes: Primary legislation to license home support providers; Regulations setting minimum standards for providers; HIQA national standards for quality assurance.

The Health (Amendment) (Home Support Providers) Bill will establish a licensing

system under which operating without a license will be an offence. HIQA’s Chief Inspector for Social Services will monitor compliance, ensuring all services meet required standards.

The legislation is at an advanced stage. The General Scheme was approved by Government in May 2024 and published alongside the Regulatory Impact Analysis. Pre-legislative scrutiny by the Joint Committee for Health was completed in October 2024. The scheme is now with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for final drafting, ahead of its planned presentation to Cabinet this autumn.

Funding will be a key component of the new Statutory Scheme. Currently, home support services are fully exchequer funded for

those assessed by the HSE. The Department is examining sustainable funding models, informed by research from the ESRI and the European Observatory on Health Systems.

The ESRI’s Capacity Review, published in June 2025, includes regional projections up to 2040, which will help inform future service provision. No decisions on future funding options have been made, and further research is ongoing.

Deputy Butterly concluded, “This is a significant step forward in ensuring older people can remain at home with dignity and quality care. We look forward to seeing these proposals progress and the benefits they will bring to families across the country.”

Paula Butterly, TD.

Sarah-Jane Travers with a copy of her new book ‘Family Law’ which was launched in Creative Spark Downtown, Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, on Monday.

Dundalk Chamber presents budget submission to Louth Oireachtas members

DUNDALK Chamber of Commerce recently attended the Chambers Ireland, Pre Budget Briefing for Oireachtas members ahead of Budget 2026.

Speaking after the event, Dundalk Chamber CEO John McGahon said “We had the opportunity to engage with Louth Oireachtas members on our Budget Submission and our thanks to Deputies

Ruairi O’Murchu, Ged Nash and Senator Alison Comyn for their attendance on the day. We also met recently with Deputies Erin McGreehan and Paula Butterly on our submission.

Our principal concerns are in relation to the lack of infrastructure in many areas which reduces our competitiveness, We would see an opportunity to work creatively with the Shared Island Fund and our designa-

tion as a hub within the National Development Plan. Funds available, combined in an imaginative way have the potential to transform Dundalk and our hinterland, We strongly believe that the level of support to young family’s needs to be brought up to European standards, if we are to share the prosperity of the island. We would ask that there are policy measures which will address the viability of the Restaurant and tourist industry.

Dundalk Chamber PRO, Paddy Malone who was also in attendance said “We strongly believe in the removal of all impediments to cross border trade.

Dundalk and Newry Chambers have been engaged with this for many years working with InterTrade. But there is more to be done.

The principal issue is that of remote workers who live in the other jurisdiction from their employer and those that physically work in both jurisdictions. This area is impeding people taking up employment in the other jurisdiction. Dundalk Chamber ran a very successful seminar on this recently and will do so again

Despite Brexit there is a need to strengthen the All-Island economy. We have repeatedly called for the mutual recognition of the EIIS (the old BES)and equivalent schemes in the UK for businesses and individuals based on the island of Ireland. This would allow a Dundalk resident person to invest in a Newry company and vice versa. We recognise that this would require planning by Dublin, London and Stormont.

114 constituents sign open letter calling for investment in young people and youth work in Budget 2026

114 LOUTH constituents have signed an open letter calling for investment in young people and youth work in Budget 2026. The open letter has been penned by the National Youth Council of Ireland who have urged the government to support young people in the upcoming budget.

“OPEN LETTER:

“Dear Deputy Paula Butterly, Deputy Joanna Byrne, Deputy Erin McGreehan, Deputy Gerald Nash, Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú

“We are 114 of your constituents in Louth urging you to support the call for an increased investment of €21.3m in youth work in Budget 2026.

“You might think only young people care about youth work, but we are voters across all ages who believe in the value of youth work to our community. Nationally, this letter has been signed by:

461 people aged 18-24

327 people aged 25-34

523 people aged 35-44

945 people aged 45-54

725 people aged 55-64

644 people aged 65+

“Youth work supports mental health, builds confidence and life

skills, and creates safe offline spaces where young people are supported to grow and thrive.

“Right now, youth services are under real pressure. The cost of living, rising demand, and years of underfunding are making it harder to keep services running.

“That’s why we have added our names to this localised version of the National Youth Council of Ireland’s All Ages for Youth Work campaign, calling for increased investment of €21.3m in Budget 2026 to protect existing services, expand access, and fund safe, well-equipped spaces.

“As your constituents, we are asking you to support this call publicly, by raising this issue in the Dáil and with Minister McEntee as soon as possible, to ensure that we have the best chance at securing investment for youth work locally.

“With the right support, we can meet young people’s needs in Louth today and build stronger communities across Ireland for us all.

Signed, your constituents,” read the letter.

From left: John McGahon, Ruairi O’Murchu, TD, Margaret Considine, Paddy Malone and Hubert Murphy.

O Murchú highlights funding issues for addiction support service in Dundalk Spirit Store to feature in RTE’s “Seisiún”

THE Family Addiction Support Network (FASN), based in Dundalk, was one of a number of organisations before the Oireachtas Committee on Drugs Use last week where Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú highlighted the funding issues facing them and criticised the fact that these groups had been excluded from consultation on the next drugs strategy (NDS).

The committee heard how addiction support organisations around the State continue to battle for funding to stay in existence, despite the fact that their workload is increasing and also heard how the NDS would lack ‘lived experience from families or people who use drugs’.

FASN is an organisation based in Dundalk that covers counties Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan

and which offers help, guidance and assistance to the families of those who are in addiction, particularly drug addiction.

Deputy Ó Murchú said there had been a failing around sustainable funding and recalled how Gardaí in the Louth division had previously been deeply involved in fundraisers for FASN in

order to assist them to keep the doors open. He said they had faced closure a number of times in the past.

He said that former chief superintendent of An Garda Síochána in Louth, Christy Mangan, is still on the board of FASN. Deputy Ó Murchú told the committee how Gardaí recognise that the Family

Addiction Support Network is doing significant work. The organisation offers a service the Garda cannot offer in dealing with families who are going through an absolute disaster.

He said he was aware of the ‘excellent, necessary work’ that FASN in Dundalk was doing and highlighted how sometimes the people who find themselves under the cosh as regards drug debt and intimidation will make their approaches to this organisation.

He said there is a need to look at sustainable funding and there needs to be a wider conversation on it and that the Department of Health needs to reconsider its position about excluding the family addiction support networks from inputting their experience into the NDS.

“SEISIÚN” presented by Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, is back for a second season on RTE, the third episode of which will be broadcast on Friday Oct 10TH 8PM on RTE1 and centres around the iconic Spirit Store in Dundalk.

Much of the focus of the series is to highlight the fact that our iconic independently run venues, cherished so they are, are still under constant threat of becoming extinct in the ever changing landscape of Ireland’s nightlife scene. Establishments such as Spirit Store and the Roisin Dubh for years have fostered and nurtured the talents of young musicians, who go on to take to the world stage, but still

Order of Malta Dundalk Cadets Awards Ceremony.

return to their beloved local venues whenever they can, all too aware that, as Gugai McNamara of the Róisín Dubh put it, “There are no big bands that didn’t start out as small bands!”

The series premiere features some seasoned favourites, the likes of which include “Bell X1”, “Sharon Shannon” and Galway native “Mary Coughlan”, but equally, we’re showcasing some of Ireland’s newest talent from Punk powerhouse “Gurriers” in our Spirtstore episode, to the soulfull wall of sound that is “The Kates” in Clonakilty’s Debarras episode, who hot of the heels of a string of successful festival dates, credit their initial

success to the small venues that nurtured them in their early days.

Speaking about the venue’s reputation for bringing the most talented musicians from Ireland and further afield to Dundalk, Derek Turner of The Spirit Store stated:

“We’re only custodians of the music in this wonderful part of Louth. The musicians and performers who have passed through the place are just too many to mention but we hope to be in a position to continue to operate as meeting place for the best of music and the arts while serving the community and our patrons.”

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú with, left, Gwen McKenna and Cindy Barry from FASN.

The Gurriers at a recent show in the Spirit Store.

Clara McQuillan receiving the Jimmy Callan memorial cup for Senior Cadet of the year from Dickie Callan.

Malachy McQuillan receiving the McMahon Perpetual Shield for Junior Cadet of the Year from Garry McMahon.

Michael O’Sullivan receiving the Bridie Boland Memorial Shield for Long Service Award from Brenda Tinnelly.

Dundalk Order of Malta Cadets pictured with their leaders at last Monday’s awards ceremony.

Dundalk Order of Malta Cadets pictured with members of the unit.

FAMILY NOTICES

IN MEMORIAM

CONLON

Matthew 9th ANNIVERSARY

In loving memory of Matthew (Mala) Conlon, late of Upper Faughart, Dundalk, whose 9th anniversary occurs on 8th October. You never said I’m leaving, You never said goodbye, You were gone before we knew it, And only God knew why. A million times we needed you, A million times we cried, If love alone could have saved you, You never would have died. In life we loved you dearly, In death we love you still, In our hearts we hold a place, That only you can fill.

—From Briege and family. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated at 11am on Sunday, 5th October, in St. Patrick’s Church, Dundalk.

GERAGHTY

Catherine (Kitty) 52nd ANNIVERSARY

In loving memory of my dear Mam, Catherine (Kitty), late of Dowdallshill and Cuchullain Terrace, who died 5th October, 1973. My memories of you are special, They will never fade away, I keep them safe within my heart, And forever they will stay. Rest in peace Mam.

—Dearly missed by Ann and family.

JUDE GIBBS Blackrock, Dundalk 3rd ANNIVERSARY

In Loving memory of Jude, whose 3rd Anniversary occurs on Sunday 5th October 2025.

Son

The depth of my Love for you is far greater than anyone knows.

I keep it wrapped up in my heart until the day we are together again.

With Love forever Mam xxx

When a light is as bright, as the one you shone, There’s no such thing as truly gone.

When a smile is as precious as the one you wore, You nestle in our hearts forevermore.

When one so loved, is taken too soon, The love that is left could outshine the moon.

NOVENA IN MEMORIAM

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours. This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). P.M.

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

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ATTENTION LANDLORDS—We supply furniture & Beds for any rental properties you have. Beds from €180, Bedroom Furniture Sets from €249 Call us today www. bedstore.ie, Coes Rd, Dundalk Tel 042 932 0927.

PROFESSIONAL GENTLEMAN seeking to rent 2/3-bedroom accommodation in Dundalk, Carlingford, Blackrock, Castlebellingham areas, HAP approved with excellent references, All enquiries please contact 083 0098695.

CHIMNEY & STOVE CLEANING—10kg bags of Beech and Olive (hardwood) for sale. Tel Paul McArdle 087 6660094 / 042 9332491 Email:tribalky@yahoo.com.

CHIMNEY CLEANER—The Clean sweep, clean & tidy, no dust. Brush & Vac. Also gutter cleaning. Contact - Cathal 087225-9799.

ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE to over 60,000 readers for only €5 per week up to 20 words Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888.

WE CAN DISTRIBUTE your leaflets from €75 + vat per thousand Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888.

GRIMLEY’S DUBLIN ST. DUNDALK— Televisions, TV aerials, satellite, Freeview & Saorview, new installations, sales, service & repairs. Free estimates 042 935 4343.

DUNDALK GARDEN SERVICES—Tree topping, felling, hedge trimming, grass cutting & strimming. Rubbish Removals/Garage clearance, House & Garden refuse. Permit holder. Contact Ben 085840-7707.

Cherised Jude, you were here for so little time, but the hole that you left grows ever wide.

Loved and missed more each passing day, by your heartbroken Mam, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, little Penny and your great Friend James. Xxx

Anniversary mass for Jude will take place in The Holy Family Parish church on Saturday 4th October at 7pm.

SPECIAL SERVICES

FIFI’S ALTERATIONS—Longwalk S.C. (formerly A-Alterations) Tel 083 011 8728. Zips, hems, clothes taken in or let out, also Dry Cleaning Service. Open Mon - Fri 9.30 - 5.30pm & Sat 10-2pm.

DMC GARDEN maintenance services. Hedge, shrub trimming, shaping or removal. Large lawns mowed ride on mower strimming weeding beds, weedkilling, moss removal, control demolition, removal of old sheds fencing etc and more. All works to a very high standard at keen rates. Free quote 0877019178.

MAN WITH A VAN—Hedges, tree topping, painting, facia & Soffit, patios, concreting, garage clear-outs, outside taps. Call Kevin for a free & honest quote 0894016728.

PAINTING SERVICES AVAILABLE— Interior and exterior plus Wallpapering, also sprayed and hand painted kitchens, all work carried out by professional trades men. Tel Brian 087 7558506.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE—Repairs, building, plumbing, painting, roof repairs, tiling, bathroom refurbishments, plastering, gardening, power washing, PVC facia and soffits, Over 20 yrs experience. References available. Whatsapp or Tel 085-7623758 for quotation.

ALL-IN-ONE property maintenance, painting & decorating, general building maintenance carried out, domestic or commercial, gutter cleaning, dust free sanding, no job too big or too small, quality but affordable, contact Ian 0874158238.

ALL SEASONS Gardening Services. Gardens cleaned and cleared, tree felling, hedge cutting, stone, gravel, chippings. Steam cleaning roofs & driveways. Roof repairs. Local, professional, fully insured Tel Sean 087 349 5477.

DIAMOND SHARPENING SERVICE— Sharpening scissors, dog & equestrian blades, chef and household knives. Fast turnaround, Dundalk. Call/Text 085 130 6646 or find us on Facebook @DiamondSharpeningService.

GET FIT the fun way and learn to dance, the Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot and Jive, now taking place in the Lisdoo, Dundalk Tuesday’s from 8pm - 10pm, no partner required. First wedding dance lessons and private lessons also available. Contact 086 357 3271 for further information.

DRUM LESSONS INCLUDING

BODHRAN—For adults & children aged 8 years upwards. One to one lessons. Phone 087 414 4228.

LINE DANCING—Beginners classes on every Tuesday night at 7pm starting 9th September in Dowdallshill GAA Hall, Newry Rd. Phone 087 2618773.

ENHANCE YOUR communication parenting and relationship skills with courses beginning late September. For details phone Maisie 087 2100620.

ARE YOU an Introvert or Extrovert, Thinker, Feeler, Leader, Helper, Achiever, Peacemaker? Discover your personality type through courses beginning late September. For details phone Maisie 087 2100620.

SITUATIONS VACANT

CLEANER REQUIRED for general house cleaning on a regular bases in Ravensdale/Mountpleasant area, goo rates, own transport necessary Tel 086 6062740.

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—I, David Lambe, intend to apply for Permission Consequent on the grant of Outline Permission under Louth County Council planning ref. no. 2360199 and An Bord Pleanala Ref No. ABP-318008-23 for development at Knocknagoran, Omeath, Co. Louth. The development will consist of—Permission consequent for a dwelling house and associated site development works. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Louth County Council, Town Hall, Crowe Street, Dundalk, from 9. 30 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed—P. Herr & Associates, Block 4, Third Floor, Quayside Business Park, Mill Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth. A91 KA9R. Tel. 042-9330019. Email info@pherr.ie.

FORTUNE TELLER—Available for appointment, private or group bookings. Tel. Alison 042 933 5102 or 087-6751229.

ROOF LEAKS MASTER—We repair all types of roof: tile, slate, bangor blues. Repair torch on roofs, scrape & clean, chimneys & chimney pots, chimney bird guards, gutter facia & soffits. All work guaranteed, 25 years experience. Tel. 086 8184827.

CARPENTRY & JOINERY—Maintenance and repairs, roofing, 1st & 2nd fix carpentry, sash window repairs. No job too big or small. Contact Seandon Carpentry 087 298 5110.

MOBILE HOME TRANSPORT—Transported throughout 32 Counties. Contact Eugene 086-607-1702.

CARPET & OVEN CLEANING—Carpet, upholstery & specialist oven cleaning available. Call MVI Cleaning Dundalk on 042 94 21300 or visit www.mvicleaning.

ie.

TAKE THE HASSLE OUT of your garden. I do it all. Grass cutting, Hedge Cutting, Weeding, Strimming, Power washing, Gutter Cleaning, Fence Painting, General DIY, Flat Pack Assembly, Removals. Contact Catriona 087 3172109.

ROOFING AND BUILDING contractor available. Repairs and new builds. Fully insured. Contact Mark Carney on 087 1302040 for enquiries.

TREE SERVICES—Tree surgery, stump grinding, wood chipping & pruning. Conifer hedge reduction and ash die back removal. Fully Insured & Certified. Contact Chambers on 087 2750825. Email rchambers2008@yahoo.ie.

PLUMBER AVAILABLE—Bathroom renovations, Oil Boiler fitting and servicing, Attic Tanks and cylinder replacements. Can also install inside and outside taps etc etc. No Job too small. Contact Paul on 086 8897989.

CHARA COUNSELLING—20 years’ experience, currently taking appointments. Supporting you with emotional intelligence for relationship issues, your mental health, grief, all addictions & past traumas. For a strictly private consultation call Martin today on 083 3402766.

CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING—Trusted for over 30 years. Expert care, sparkling results. Call Patrick on 0872492325 or visit www.carpetcleaningservices.ie.

GAS BOILER SERVICE & Repairs, RGI registered, 20 years’ experience. Contact Brendan, Northeast Gas Services, Tel 086 3919890.

WILL’S GARDEN SERVICES—Power washing, grass cutting & strimming, gardens cleaned & cleared, hedge cutting, painting, van removals/deliveries. Call Will 0858604048.

SEEKING OLD FURNITURE—New York company looking for old country furniture, Old Kitchen dressers, Old presses, Old chest of drawers, Old kitchen tables, Old Enamel signs, Old Creamery cans, Old Shop counters. Contents of houses. Must be old. No Time Wasters. Contact Roger 085 1481222.

PAT THE PAINTER—Indoor & outdoor decorating. Wallpapering, Power Washing, Picture, Mirror and Curtain Pole Hanging, Painting Kitchen Units & Furniture, DIY. Free quotations Email patthepainter1@ gmail.com Mob 087 2951047.

FABSOFT—Carpet / upholstery & leather suite cleaning by professionals. Soft chemical steam cleaning. Eco friendly and ultra hygienic. Call 0874752809; Email fabsoft77@gmail.com.

OLDER PEOPLE NEED YOUR HELP— Can you spare one hour a week to visit or phone an Older Person ? Volunteers are needed in your area. If so, please contact ALONE 0818 222 024 or Fiona 086 1366539 or email fiona.boyle@alone.ie.

SITUATIONS

QUALIFIED CARER with over 20 years experience available for full time caring including weekends. Phone 089 4083699.

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We, Darren Mulligan & Niamh O’Connor, intend to apply for Full Planning Permission for a dwelling house and associated works at Racecourse Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Louth County Council from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing within a period of 5 weeks from the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00.

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—I, Ruth Hughes, intend to apply for Full Planning Permission for a dwelling house and associated works at Racecourse Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Louth County Council from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing within a period of 5 weeks from the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00.

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We, Donal & Caroline Carroll, intend to apply for Permission for development at The Rock Road, Haggardstown, Blackrock, Dundalk, Co. Louth. The development will consist of—Permission for a block boundary wall and associated site development works. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Louth County Council, Town Hall, Crowe Street, Dundalk, from 9. 30 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed—P. Herr & Associates, Block 4, Third Floor, Quayside Business Park, Mill Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth. A91 KA9R. Tel. 042-9330019. Email info@pherr.ie.

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—I, Martin Fox, intend to apply for Full Planning Permission for Demolition of existing vacant dwelling at 50 Quay Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth and construction of 3no. 2 Bedroom Apartment units. Full permission to include for bin and cycle storage to rear and all associated site development works. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Louth County Council from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing within a period of 5 weeks from the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00.

Almost 600 volunteers in Louth remove an estimated 3.4 tonnes of litter during Big Beach Clean 2025

AN estimated 60 tonnes of marine litter was removed from Ireland’s coastline this past weekend, as thousands of dedicated volunteers across the country rallied for An Taisce’s Clean Coasts Programme’s Annual Big Beach Clean.

Taking place from the 19th to 21st of September, over 520 clean-ups engaging almost 11,000 volunteers took place nationwide, ultimately removing over 60 tonnes of litter from Irelands coastal and inland waterways. That’s the equivalent of approximately 9 elephants! While a few groups had to postpone clean-ups due to poor weather conditions, the majority still took place, demonstrating the strong commitment of communities across the country.

The Big Beach Clean 2025 illustrated the incredible efforts and commitment of volunteers across Ireland in caring for our marine environment. Once again kindly supported by Kia Ireland, who provided clean-ups kits and supplies to the thousands of volunteers throughout the country who registered their clean-up actions.

In County Louth nearly 600 volunteers from over 80 groups removed an estimated 3.4 tonnes of marine litter with clean-ups taking place

at Kia Ireland said, “Kia Ireland was delighted to support the Big Beach Clean again for 2025 and to witness the commitment and hard work of Clean Coasts staff and volunteers throughout the country. Their work is truly inspiring, with many of them out every week, come rain or shine, making a huge difference to Irish beaches, and for that we want to say a huge thank you.”

1 Who failed to get on the ballot for this year’s Presidential Election in Ireland after securing two short of the required 20 nominations from TDs and Senators?

2 What was Princess Diana’s maiden name?

3 In which war did the Battle of the Somme take place?

4 Who was Jack Charlton’s assistant manager during two World Cups and a European Championship?

5 Can you name the athletics club where recent world championship silver medallist Kate O’Connor trained during her formative years?

in various locations across the county.

Among them, Cooley Peninsula Community Alert, Louth Volunteer Centre again, Cooley Kickhams and Rathcor National School and Rice and Roddy Motors joined for a Big Beach Clean at Templetown beach. The joint effort of all of these dedicated groups saw a many bags of litter and other larger items removed from the beach.

Reports suggest that approximately 80% of marine litter comes from land-based activities and litter dropped in towns and cities ends up in our seas and oceans. This year, with support from An Taisce’s National Spring Clean

programme, volunteers from inland counties were also strongly encouraged to join the call to action, no matter how far they are from the coast. Getting involved in the Big Beach Clean has been a way for volunteers from non-coastal counties to help prevent litter entering our waterways, with over half of non-coastal counties having a higher registration rate in 2025 than in 2024.

Clean Coasts’ Big Beach Clean is an annual call to action that runs as part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), operated internationally by Ocean Conservancy. Each year Big Beach Clean volunteers are invited to take

part in this worldwide citizen science project. By recoding quantities and categories of litter found and filling in Clean Coasts’ Marine Litter Data Cards to share with Ocean Conservancy this initiative not only helps to keep litter out of our waterways but also helps to inform policies and actions surrounding litter through citizen science data collection.

Clean Coasts Campaigns such as #BinTheButt and #BreakUpWithPlastic were borne out of previous years’ Big Beach Clean data. In 2024, the top three items recorded during the Big Beach Clean weekend were fishing related waste, cigarette butts and plastic pieces. The 2025 Irish Busi-

nesses Against Litter (IBAL) marine litter report indicated a 50% increase in the number of beaches and inland waterways achieving a ‘clean’ rating. The report credits this significant improvement to the dedicated work of Clean Coasts groups and local volunteers. The 2025 survey also identified cigarette butts, sweet wrappers, and fast-food packaging as the most frequently encountered litter items across surveyed areas.

Clean Coasts welcomed the support of Kia Ireland and enjoyed meeting with dealerships across the country who also got involved in clean ups in their area. Cathal Kealey, Head of Marketing and PR

Bronagh Moore, An Taisce, Clean Coasts Programme Manager said; “We’re delighted once again to see so many volunteers and community groups across the country take part in the Big Beach Clean. Recent surveys show that our beaches are becoming cleaner and that’s in no small part down to the dedicated volunteers who clean our beaches, waterways, towns and villages throughout the year. Together we are making a tangible difference in keeping our beaches clean and in protecting our marine life. We thank each and every one of them for their contribution as well as the local councils that support them. We woauld encourage everyone to stay involved and keep active in their local Clean Coasts Group and in their communities.”

Quay Celtic host Clancy Cup

6 Which provence in Ireland is biggest by area?

7 The Appliance of Science is the slogan for which electronics company?

8 Rooster Cogburn is the name of John Wayne’s character who first appeared in what movie?

9 Who assassinated John Lennon?

10 Who was the creator/ author of Winnie the Pooh? The Stinker Australia contains six states. Can you name them all?

1—Maria Steen, 2—Spencer, 3—World War 1, 4—Maurice Setters, 5—St Gerard’s

Members of the Cooley Peninsula Community Alert team who removed marine litter from Templetown Beach.

Cooley Peninsula Community Alert members removed an estimated 3.4 tonnes of litter in total through various clean ups across Louth.

AC, 6— Munster (24,684 km². Just ahead of Ulster which is 22,067 km²),

7—Zanussi, 8—True Grit, 9— Mark Chapman, 10—A.A Milne. Stinker: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania.

Castletown Belles Tara Callaghan scoring in the girls U10 Clancy cup final against Rock Celtic.

Quay Celtic’s Paul Black presents the girls U10 Clancy Cup to Castletown Belles captain Meabh Byrne

Glenmuir Utd’s Saerlaith Warring and Farah Marks of Quay Celtic tussle for possession.

Shamrocks Pater Murtagh celebrates scoring in the Boys U10 Clancy cup final.

Ann Kieran presenting the Sean Kieran plate to Bellurgan U11 captain Ollie Daly

Castletown Belles winners of the girls U10 Clancy Cup. Pic Credit all pics: Ciaran Culligan.

Wheelie Bins

Repairs

Sixth Annual Co Louth Schools Volunteering Conference

FASN Annual 5K Fun Run Returns

LOUTH Volunteer Centre is calling on local community and voluntary organisations to join them at the Sixth Annual County Louth Schools Volunteering Conference to showcase opportunities for young people.

Taking place at the Fairways Hotel, Dundalk, on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th October 2025 from 9:30am–12:30pm, the event will bring together over 850 secondary school students from across the county to discover how they can get involved in volunteering.

At the heart of the conference is the Volunteer Fair, designed to connect young people with organisations that need their time, energy, and fresh perspectives.

Students will meet a wide variety of local community and voluntary groups, hear from guest speakers including Localise, Gaisce – The President’s Award, Leargas, and Dundalk Institute

NEWS in Brief

CROS Collective

of Technology (DKIT), and enjoy a special talk and performance from local musician Mike Mc Nicholas, aka ‘Geansai’. Local volunteer-involving organisations (VIOs) are invited to take part in the Volunteer Fair, where they can meet students directly, promote their volunteer roles, and inspire the next generation to get involved. This is a unique

The CROS collective are hosting another event ‘glór’, in collaboration with Lebanese, London based poet Riwa Saab. The event will take place in Mo Chara on Wednesday 1st of October. It is a spoken word and music event with free entry and a suggested donation on the door for aid for 3 families in Gaza. ‘glór- voice / sound / tone. A transcendent evening of music and poetry, across languages, temporalities, textures and sounds. Poetry that holds the world against its shadow. Looks it in the eye. Compels its beauty.

Confronts its truths. glór presents several acts that enmesh poetry and music together, seeing what arises in the dialogue between instruments like the harp and the spoken word. Free to attend. Suggested donations at the door go towards aid for families in Gaza.’

Women’s Shed

Monday 6th October: Kavneet Kainth. Bollywood dance workshop. Monday 13th October: Jim Kerley (Old Dundalk Society). Jim has created a free online searchable database record of St Patrick’s Cemetery Dowdallshill, Dundalk which was launched in 2024. Phone 087 0009890 for further info. All women over 18 welcome. Tea and coffee provided Music Of Taize

All are welcome to “Prayer Around The Cross”, in candlelight. Friday, 3rd October, 8pm -9pm. “Bethany” 34 Point Road, Dundalk A91W0C 9.

Polio Survivors

Polio Survivors Ireland are holding an open meeting on Tuesday 21st October at 2pm to 4pm in the Longwalk Community Room, Longwalk Shopping Centre Dundalk. All members of the public, medical professionals, carers, students from DKIT/DIFE are welcome to attend. Volunteers urgently required to assist with the group for a number of hours per year. There are over 40 survivors of the last Polio outbreak living throughout Louth.

chance to showcase your organisation’s impact and recruit enthusiastic young volunteers.

“This conference is about sparking the volunteering journey for young people in County Louth,” said Kayleigh Mulligan, Manager at Louth Volunteer Centre.

“We’re delighted to see such a strong response from schools, organisations, and our guest

speakers, all coming together to show students the value of giving back to their local community.”

Research shows that young people who volunteer are 50% more likely to feel connected to their community, while also developing teamwork, leadership, and communication skills that benefit them in education and future careers.

THE Family Addiction Support Network (FASN), is delighted to announce the return of its annual 5K Fun Run on Sunday, 12th October, 2025, at 12 noon in Dundalk.

This important community event, sponsored by Dundalk Credit Union and businesses across the North East raises vital funds to help FASN continue its work supporting families across Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath who are affected by a loved one’s addiction.

FASN is a peer-led, traumainformed organisation that provides a lifeline to families across Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, and Meath. Through a 24/7 helpline, peer support groups, counselling, education programmes, and crisis interventions, FASN helps families move from despair to strength — ensuring they know they are not alone, and that recovery and resilience are possible.

Speaking about the event, FASN representatives said: Registration opens from 10:30 am at Dominican Friary Hall, A91 XW2T). Date: Sunday, 12th October 2025. Time: 12 noon.