03-11-2022

DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Rotary Club send bikes to Gambia Page 2

Owen all set for charity cabaret

Katie opens up on ADHD diagnosis

Page 4

Page 6

Thursday, 3rd November, 2022. Vol. 15, Issue 44 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Halloween horror as man shot in home

Tel: 042 9320888. Fax: 042 9329676. Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com; advertising@dundalkleader.com

By Paul Byrne

Gardaí have renewed their appeal for witnesses to last Saturday evening’s shooting at Woodbury Gardens (off the Avenue Road) which saw a man taken to hospital after a number of shots were fired through his front window.

The man who was shot in the stomach was rushed to hospital with non life threatening injuries. His pet dog was killed during the incident. It is believed that the man’s neighbours came to his assistance while an ambulance made its way to the scene of the shooting.

A statement from the Gardaí appealed for any witnesses of the incident

to contact them in confidentiality.

“Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the Woodbury Gardens area of Dundalk between 7:30pm and 8:30pm are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Dundalk Garda Station on 042 9388400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”

Continued on Page 2

Ardee Monastery N.S Principal Jim McGee and his pupils had a fright-fully good time at their Halloween Assembly Fancy Dress Party last week.

Halloween horror as man shot in home Dundalk Leader 3rd November 2022

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Continued from Page 1 The shooting at Woodbury Gardens was condemned by Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú who spoke to neighbours and Gardaí at the scene shortly after the incident.

The Dundalk deputy said the ‘consensus is that the victim is a well-regarded and qui-

et man who had been living in the house for many years’.

He praised the efforts of neighbours who went to the man’s aid after the shooting and helped him before emergency services arrived.

Deputy Ó Murchú said he believed a car had parked close to a green area in the estate before two

men got out and fired a number of shots through the living room window where the man, who was in the house on his own,

was sitting.

Deputy Ó Murchú said: ‘This was a dreadful and frightening incident for the victim and for the

people who live in Woodbury Gardens.

People here are at a loss as to why something like this would happen on their nor-

mally quiet street.

‘It is a reckless and cowardly act which I utterly condemn. It is a sign of the times we are living in when

people feel they can go to someone’s house and fire in the window at them.

‘I wish the victim a full and speedy re-

covery and I would ask that anyone with information about this shooting brings it to the Gardaí straightaway’.

New era beckons for Dundalk FC as they clinch European qualification

Yesterday marked the tenth anniversary of what was dubbed as ‘The Great Escape’ as Michael Rafter scored twice at the RSC Showgrounds to help Dundalk FC win 4-2 on aggregate against Waterford in their Promotion/Relegation playoff.

Dundalk were second favourites going into the second leg having performed poorly at Oriel Park in a 2-2 draw but rafter’s heroics ensured Dundalk remained in the top flight and kickstarted what would become the most successful period in the club’s long and storied history.

Just days after that victory in the showgrounds Stephen Kenny was approached by Andy Connolly, Paul Brown and Ciaran Bond to take over Dundalk and the rest as they say is history. Kenny would enjoy a hugely successful six year spell with the Lilywhites guiding them to four League titles, two FAI Cups, two League Cups as well as a truly memorable European campaign in

The Shedside Army celebrated Dundalk FC’s return to European competition last Friday evening in Oriel Park/Casey’s Field as Stephen O’Donnell’s side beat Bohemians 2-1. Pic credit: Dundalk FC. 2016 which saw them beat Bate Borisov and become the first Irish side to pick up points in the Europa League Group stages.

Last Friday evening saw one of Stephen Kenny’s most trusted son’s lead Dundalk back into Europe following a 2-1 victory over Bohemians and in

many ways this felt like the beginning of a new era following years of chaos and mayhem during the Peak 6 era.

Stephen O’Donnell has restored calm and structure to the club and with shining young local talent like Ryan O’Kane delighting the Oriel Park faithful with his performances this

season the future looks bright for the Carrick Road outfit.

Stephen O’Donnell is a baby in terms of his managerial career but he has learned from the very best having been one of Stephen Kenny’s most important players during the Ireland managers six years at Dundalk and the Galwegian

will be hoping that last Friday evening’s victory over Bohemians which secured European football for the Lilywhites can mark the beginning of another successful spell for the 14 times Premier Division champions. Recently crowned champions Shamrock Rovers are the undisputed top dogs

in Irish football right now but O’Donnell and his Dundalk FC squad have the Tallaght men in their sights and will be hoping that a few additions to their squad during the off season as well as a fit and raring to go Pat Hoban can ensure that they will be in the mix for title honours in 2023.

Rotary Club send bikes to Gambia

Win a pair of tickets to:

Abba Forever Christmas Show at An Tain Arts Centre, Dundalk on Saturday 3rd December We have 2 pairs of tickets to giveaway

Simply answer the following question and send in your reply to ‘Abba Forever Competition’ to Dundalk Leader, 63 Clanbrassil St. First two correct entries drawn will be the winners.

Question: What country was the original Abba band from?

Answer:....................................................................................

Name:.......................................................................................

Contact Telephone Number:.....................................................

Dundalk Rotary Club collected 50 bicycles from Dundalk Garda station on Tuesday which will be sent to Gambia in Africa to help people living in remote areas without transport to travel to school or work.

Some bicycles were also donated by members of the public.

Dundalk Garda Station Property Officer Megan Under-

wood was on hand to give Dundalk Rotary Club members Seamus McDermott, Stephen Gunne and Frank McArdle a hand to load unclaimed bicycles from the station onto a waiting van.

The bikes have been sent to Loughan House where they will be repaired by inmates and then transported to Gambia.

Dundalk Garda Station Property Oficer Megan Underwood with Dundalk Rotarians Frank McArdle, Stephen Gunne and Seamus McDermott.

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Owen returns for 30th anniversary charity cabaret Thirty-two years ago during the summer of 1990, Paddy Whyte asked well-known local businessman and entertainer Owen Gray to bring his hugely popular cabaret show to Greenore Golf Club for a fundraiser. The idea was to try and raise money for a new wheelchair accessible 25 seater Mercedes coach which would cost in the region of £45,000.

Owen put on shows every four or five weeks before putting on a big end of year show which would become the first of what would become a very popular annual charity event.

The evening proved to be a huge success and thanks in part to Owen’s fundraising evening the bus was purchased shortly afterwards.

The Owen Gray Christmas Cabaret show has since become a hugely popular fixture on the Dundalk social calendar and having not been held during Covid the show returns on Thursday 8th December for a very special 30th anniversary edition in the Crowne Plaza, Dundalk. The non-profit

Owen Gray. show has been supporting both local and national charities since that first outing in Greenore in 1990. Since then countless charities have benefitted from Owen Gray’s annual Christmas Cabaret including St John of Gods, Drumcar, Dundalk Branch of the Wheelchair Association, National Council for the Blind, Dundalk Parents and Friends of Drumcar, Lourdes Invalid Fund, Order of Malta, St Vincent de Paul, individual people needing help, sending aid to an orphan school in India as well as helping countless individuals over the years.

To this day Owen still

supports orphanages in India and Africa.

Owen has been putting shows on around Dundalk and further afield for many years and his cabaret show features some of the best talent around including comedians, singers and musicians. This year Owen will bring renowned comedian BIG to the stage as well as Paudie Breen who will sing the songs of the Rat Pack. The all live music show will also feature crowd favourites ‘Us’ who have performed at Owen’s shows for many years. This year will also see musical tribute acts to The Beatles and Joe Dolan as well as award winning Rockabilly band The MoonRockers and the very talented Jennifer Reynolds.

Owen has also been known to belt out a few tunes and the self confessed rocker says he is very much looking forward to the thirtieth anniversary celebrations of the popular charity show.

“The people of Dundalk have always been very supportive of the Christmas Cabaret and

thanks to their generosity we have managed to raise a lot of money for both local and national charities down through the years. We’ve had great fun doing this every year since 1990 and I am proud that we have always been a completely non-profit show with every cent going straight to charity,” explained Owen.

“Myself and my wife Kaye always enjoyed talent competitions so I came up with the idea of having a talent contest before the cabaret show which proved very popular and in effect meant that the audience were getting two shows in one.

“I love helping out charities or people who are in need and that came from my mother Kathleen Gray who was one of the most generous people I have ever known. We grew up not having a whole lot of money but I can remember myself and my sister being sent round to houses with clothes or food for those less fortunate than us. I always remember her putting a ten shil-

ling note into a pram whenever one of the neighbours had a new baby and I suppose her generosity and the way she helped those less fortunate rubbed off on me as well. We’ve had some great nights down through the years including our Christmas show in the Fairways in 2008 when we managed to raise over €70,000 which was phenomenal.

We had great support from Martin McCaughey that year and he sold maybe half of the tables for the event which helped bring in lots of

money as there were ten people at a table who all payed £100 a head.

“We raised £71,000 in total and spent £41,000 of that buying a 7 seater peole carrier for Drumcar and the remaining £30,000 was distributed amongst a number of charities locally. Most years we make between €10,000 and €20,000 for charities and as well as the cabaret we put on a hot buffet with dinner, dessert and tea or coffee.

I’ve been doing this for over thirty years now and I still love it and we look forward to entertaining

the people of Dundalk next month as well as raising money for local charities,” stated Owen.

“I have been lucky to have had some great sponsors down through the years and I thank every one of them for their support. I also want to thank Ian Coogan who was always a great supporter of the show,” he added.

Tickets for this year’s Owen Gray Christmas Cabaret Dine and Dance which includes a Super Hot Buffet cost €45.

There is a choice of two main courses (generous

portions). Pan Fried Breats of Chicken or Beef Stir Fry. Served with season potatoes or steamed rice, a selection of seasonal vegetables, salds and bread rolls, dessert and tea or coffee.

Booking is essential.

Booking and Tickets Crowne Plaza Hotel on 042-939 4900, OG Hotline 087-944 0042, Alan Gray, Goldstar Jewellers 042-933 9478 Owen Gray and the OG Show supporting local and national charities since 1990.

Derek Bell helps out Jaxon and Eva Bell at the Louth Library Science Festival at Dundalk library on Tuesday afternoon.

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Dundalk Leader 3rd November 2022

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Katie opens up on ADHD diagnosis

Dundalk Leader 3rd November 2022

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A Dundalk teacher who has an ADHD diagnosis has spoken about the condition in a bid to highlight ADHD Awareness Month.

Katie McDonnell from Priorland told the Dundalk Leader that she was diagnosed earlier this year.

According to the 26-year-old - who has been teaching in Lordship National School for three years – it is common for girls to get diagnosed later in life.

“In school I did quite well. I was bright and I worked well at being organised. It wasn’t until I started college that I thought I might have ADHD,” said Katie.

“I studied special and inclusive education while at college and we explored the traits of ADHD in males and females.

“I hadn’t realised all of the traits. If I hadn’t studied it, I’m not sure I would have ever real-

Katie McDonnell. ised I had the condition.”

October is worldwide ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Awareness Month.

It is a time when individuals and advocacy groups raise awareness about the chronic condition.

ADHD is a neurological condition that creates a range of persistent symptoms such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour.

Adults with ADHD may find they have problems with: Organisation and time man-

agement; Following instructions; Focusing and completing tasks; Coping with stress; Feeling restless or impatient; Impulsiveness and risk taking; Some adults may also have issues with relationships or social interaction.

“The main areas affecting me were my disorganisation. I’ve had a problem with that since I was a child,” she said.

“Other traits include procrastination and clutter. Procrastination has been a huge problem for me since college as a lot of assignments would be due in the same week.

“There were countless nights when I would have to stay up late working on assignments. I’d also have difficulty listening especially in a group setting.”

Katie added: “I’m very hard on myself at times. I see a lot of these traits as negative. Last

1—Who was arrested on the 5th of November 1605 for attempting to blow up the House of Lords in London in what was known as the Gunpowder Plot?

2—What band released their first ever single entitled ’11 O’Clock Tick-Tock’ in May 1980?

3—Who was lead singer with the 1970s’ pop group Slade?

4—Which board game is played with teams of players trying to identify specific words from their teammates’ drawings?

5—Which actor starred in the films Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Sonic the Hedgehog, Me, Myself and Irene and Batman Forever?

year I decided I needed to do something about it.

“I approached my GP and talked about my history. I explained that it wasn’t something I experienced every now and then.

“I was referred to a psychologist. We spoke and I filled out assessments and a few months later I got a diagnosis.”

She continued: “I found I already had a lot of coping strategies for it. Simple things like laying out my belongings, list making and alarm reminders. It helps to keep me on track.

“A lot of people were surprised when I told them about my diagnosis. I hide it very well but it can be overwhelming to try and hide it.

“I have to say everyone who knows has been very supportive.

They are willing to listen and try to understand.”

6—You will find Oliver, Moninne, Maria, Brigid, Teresa, Joseph, Clement, Alphonsus, Michael, Gerard, Peter and Patrick all under the same roof in Dundalk.

Where?

7—Which pairing has the most counties? Leinster + Connaught or Ulster + Munster?

8—If a person has lockjaw, what bacterial infection do they have?

9—In music what does the term Allegro mean?

10—How many US states border Alaska?

The Stinker: Apart from all being colours what connects the words orange, silver and purple?

—this week’s answers— Answers: 1—Guy Fawkes, 2—U2, 3—Noddy Holder, 4—Pictionary, 5—Jim Carrey, 6—St Joseph’s Redemptorist Church. They are the names of the ten bells in the church, 7—Leinster (12) + Connaught (5) have the most with 17. Ulster (9) + Munster (6) has two less, 8—Tetanus, 9—Quick, 10—None.

Stinker: They are words that don’t rhyme with anything.

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Dundalk Leader 3rd November 2022

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Triple Gold for Dundalk FM Dundalk Leader 3rd November 2022

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Craol ( The Community Radio Forum of Ireland ) held their Annual Awards Night at their Feile Event in the Connacht Hotel, Galway on Thursday, 27th October.

Dundalk F.M Community Radio represented

by Sean Callaghan, Alan Byrne & Pat Hamilton were delighted when the Station scooped three “Gold Medals” on the night in a number of different categories in which 21 Full Time Stations and

14 Part Time Stations all forwarded high quality submissions to the independent judging panel.

Access & Inclusion Category (Gold Award : Jason Kelly Dundalk F.M.) Jason is a well established broadcaster who presents his own show “Drivetime“ Earlier in the year he participated at an Access & Inclusion Show at a seminar in Dublin and also created a video presentation in which he

highlighted the benefits that Volunteering with Dundalk F.M brought to him. A keen Dundalk F.C supporter, Jason thoroughly enjoys his time with Dundalk FM and is a valued member of Dundalk F.M Programme & Technical Committee.

Social Benefit Category: (Gold Award : Town Talk Dundalk F.M ) Over the years the Town Talk Team have presented an informative and lively morn-

ing Show highlighting the many local issues, reviewing local & national newspapers and keeping the Dundalk F.M listeners tuned in with many interesting guests. The flagship programme led by Marissa Luchessi and a strong team adhere to the core of Community Radio broadcasting in providing quality programmes with a strong emphasis on Social Benefit.

The programme has built up a strong local physical profile through

a series of regular outside broadcasts from various locations including Dundalk Simon Community, SJOG Venegas Centre, Men’s Shed, Election Counts, North Louth Hospice Shop, Outcomers, Creative Spark Community Hub, Birches Alzheimer’s Centre, Dundalk Alone, DKIT, LMETB, Bridge St Studios, Louth Volunteer Centre, Dundalk Women’s Aid, Rehabcare, Oriel Centre Dundalk Gaol and Aiken Barrack to name but a few. The programme also has a national profile and interacts with all the major NGOs and PR agencies.

Outstanding Award.

(Dundalk F.M Jason Kelly). Jason scooped one of the three Special

Jason Kelly.

Awards in this section.

The Judging Panel had interviewed Jason earlier in the year and determined that his ability to get across the sense of achievement he experienced from just being a volunteer means to him. He spoke

highly of the sense of belonging he felt within the Station.The judges felt his disappointment and frustration at not being able to attend the Dundalk FM Studio during the pandemic yet he “upskilled” himself to broadcast online

at that time. This honesty and passion came across quite clearly and the judges felt it was a richly deserved award on the night. Jason expressed his delight over the live transmission via Zoom Link of the Awards.

Redemptorist Bells arrive back to Dundalk and all are welcome to view them SAINT Joseph’s Redemptorist Bells have arrived back to Dundalk, bright shining and refurbished, together with the two new additions ‘Oliver & Moninne’ The bells which have their own name, size and sound, will be on view to the public in St Josephs from Thursday morning and Fr Noel Kehoe is extending the invitation to everyone to come and see the bells before they are re-installed into the Belfry tower for the next 100 years or more.

The official ‘Blessing’ of the bells will take place following the 12.30pm mass next Sunday 6th No-

The bells will be blessed this Sunday following 12:30pm mass. vember and will be ed in early 2023.

The twelve bell part of the recording for a Nationwide fea- names: Oliver, Moture to be broadcast- ninne, Maria, Brig-

id, Teresa, Joseph, Clement, Alphonsus, Michael, Gerard, Peter & Patrick.

Dundalk Leader 3rd November 2022

Anne Mary’s a class act

By Lucy Brennan

St Louis student Anne Mary Toner did a very noble act for one of her classmates at the annual school talent show last week.

The girls had all spent weeks preparing for the school talent show with some of the students performing in groups while others sang solo.

During the show one of Anne Mary’s classmates got stage fright and forgot the words to her song during the middle of her performance. She was one of the last acts and as she had only decided to enter the talent show at the last minute she didn’t get as much practice as all the other girls would have done. According to Anne Mary’s foster mum Orla Crilly the pupil’s stagefright came about due to a production error on stage.

“The girl is a very good singer and she had planned to sing ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ by the band Keane but when the music to a different song started playing she was thrown off,” explained Orla.

“She then forgot the words and started to panic. That was when Anne Mary stood up and started to sing to get her to feel more comfortable with singing in front of everyone. Then the whole hall filled with students started to join in. When everyone had finished singing ‘Somewhere Only We Know’, Ruby came off stage and Annemary ran up to her to give her a hug.

“No one was surprised that Anne Mary got up and started to sing as she is very generous and empathic and would do anything to help someone out,” added Orla.

Pictured above is Anne Mary.

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Dundalk Leader 3rd November 2022

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Louth County Council hosts Louth in Bloom Awards Louth County Council Community Section hosted the annual ‘Louth in Bloom’ awards ceremony in Bellingham Castle on Monday evening 24th October 2022.

The awards which were described by one attendee as a ‘marvellous celebration’ allowed Louth County Council staff to actively engage with community reps, acknowledge and reward the great work that people undertake to beautify their communities and our county.

Cathaoirleach Conor Keelan opened the ceremony and was followed

by RTE’s Garden Designer; Mr. Peter Donegan. Mr. Donegan who has won many gardening awards over the years was guest speaker at the event and entertained all present with tales of his lifelong love of gardening.

Prizes were given out in seven categories including housing estates, best gardens, hospitality and business premises, best biodiversity award and a special environmentalist of the year award.

The overall county win-

Eugene O’Shaughnessy.

ners were announced by Louth County Council Cathaoirleach, Conor Keelan, who also announced a special Environmentalist of the year award for Joanne Redpath, Carlingford Tidy Towns.

Louth In Bloom was attended by Louth Council Council’s Chief Executive, Joan Martin, who praised the hard work undertaken by people around the town. “I really admire the many people throughout the county who work so hard to maintain and enhance their towns and villages and it is one of the reasons Louth do so well in the National Tidy Towns competition each year”.

Winners List Dundalk Municipal District The Estate prizes were given to out to the following small (Category A), medium (Category B) and large estates (Category C) Category A- 1st Carroll Meade, Dundalk, 2nd St. Oliver’s Park, Carlingford, 3rd Priorland Grove, Dundalk.

Category B- 1st Willow Grove, Dundalk 2nd Suil Na Mara, Dundalk, 3rd Pearse Park Residents Association, Dundalk.

Category C-1st Manydown Close, Dundalk, 2nd Lis Na Dara, Dundalk 3rd Ard Easmuinn, Dundalk.

Eugene O’Shaughnessy won first place in the Best Garden category for his striking and vibrant garden at “AVOCA”, St Alphonsus Villas, Dundalk. Other prize winning garden awards went to, John & Ann McMahon, Willowgrove, Dundalk and Thomas & Pauline Lanigan, Beechpark, Blackrock, in the Best Garden Category.

Best Presented Hospitality Award went to Darver Castle, Readypenny, Dundalk with their beautiful floral displays and

hanging baskets particularly impressing the judges. Quinn’s Funeral Home on Bridge Street won the Best Business Premises category. The Best Biodiversity project award went to the Pumping Station Fairy Garden, Mc Entee Ave/Pearse Park, Dundalk.

Best Garden “Avoca”, St Alphonsus Villas, Dundalk Overall County Winners Estates: Carroll Mead Dundalk, (Cat A- less than 50 Houses), Forest Grange Drogheda, (Cat B- 51-125 Houses) and Manydown Close, Dundalk (Cat C over 125 houses).

Best Garden: Ann Humphries, Old Farmhouse, Duffs Farm, Termonfeckin Best Business: Larry Hand & Sons, Dunleer Best Biodiversity Project: Geraldine & Kevin Lynch, Pollbrock, Stabannon Best Hospitality Premises: Darver Castle, Readypenny, Dundalk Environmentalist of the year Award: Joanne Redpath

From Local to National Recognition, Louth Tidy Town and Community Groups keep Louth blooming Following on from last week’s highly successful Louth in Bloom competition awards hosted by Louth County Council, Louth County Council’s Chief Executive Joan Martin was delighted to attend the National SuperValu Tidy Town awards on Friday last to see local groups further rewarded for their efforts.

The National SuperValu Tidy Towns Awards saw several local Louth Tidy Towns groups praised for their hard work throughout the year.

The County First winner (winning the highest marks for Louth) and a Gold Medal Winner was Blackrock, earning an impressive 360 marks, just 6 marks below the National Tidy Towns Overall Winner.

The County Second and also a Gold Medal Winner was Dundalk with 353 marks, with Drogheda following very closely behind, being County Third and

Blackrock Tidy Towns Committee members (above) and Dundalk Tidy Towns Committee members (right) were in attendance at the National SuperValu Tidy Yowns Awards. also a Gold Medal Winner on 352 marks.

Earning a Silver Medal and 348 marks is Ardee, ensuring a medal place for each Municipal District Area.

Four Louth towns earned Bronze Medals: Knockbridge, Dromiskin, Carlingford and Tallanstown, with Tallanstown also proudly

scooping up the Endeavour Award. The Endeavour Award is awarded to the Louth entrant that made the biggest percentage improvement in the previous year’s score.

The Chief Executive Joan Martin offers “Congratulations to all Louth groups who participated in the National Super-

Valu Tidy Towns competition, especially to our medal winners. We have fantastic community groups in our little County who together with the outdoor workers of Louth County Council do exemplary work to keep our county beautiful.”

Halloween at Castletown Girls School

Drive Virtual Driving Academy celebrate one year on the road

Dundalk Leader 3rd November 2022

Drive Virtual Driving Academy are celebrating their first birthday this weekend and to help mark the occasion everybody has been invited to attend their studio in Williamson’s Mall. The celebrations will take place this Saturday, November 5th starting at 10am and there will be free demos all day as well as prizes to be won in store.

Local Formula Vee racer Aimee Woods will also be in attendance with the Drive/ Shake Bills car and members of the public ocan get their picture taken alongside the car.

-According to Drive Viretual Driving Academy rowner Paul Brady he is pleased at the progress made during his first year in business. y “We are delighted to ybe celebrating our first birthday here in Dundalk and we want to thank the local community for their support to date,” stated Paul.

“The biggest challenge for us was that we were the first and only virtual drive academy in Ireland and we had to get people to under-

Aimee will bring her Formula Vee car to Williamsons Mall on Saturday. stand the benefits of virtual driving. We have been very busy forming relationships with community groups in Dundalk, Drogheda, Navan and Kells and we have a great relationship with the National Learning Network here in town.

We work with people with learning disabilities teaching them how to drive and we also work with young offenders and teach them about the dangers of joyriding and risk training. We have also been working with Transition Year students here in Dundalk in the Marist and Coláiste Chú Chulainn and helping them get comfortable driving

a car in a safe environment.

“In the next year we hope to gain accreditation from the Road Safety Authority and through that we hope our lessons will be included in the mandatory 12 needed before sitting a driving test. In France they have to sit 20 lessons before doing a test and ten of those are allowed to be done on a virtual machine like the one we use. We have support from local TD Ruairi O’Murchú and Senator John McGahon and we are looking at getting cross party support in the new year to try and accelerate the process of getting ac-

credited,“ explained Paul.

“There are obvious benefits to the environment in people doing a portion of their lessons virtually and we feel this is a far less stressful way to aid young drivers so we are hopeful that the government will work with us to allow our lessons become recognised as part of the twelve mandatory lessons needed to sit a test,” he added.

Drive virtual Driving Academy uses sophisticated car simulators to teach people of all ages to drive allowing members of the public to learn how to drive without the need for a car.

St Joseph’s N.S celebrate opening of new special class

The new Willow Class was opened at St Josephs N.S last Wednesday. Family and friends of pupils from the new class were in attendance to celebrate the opening.

On Wednesday October 26th St. Joseph’s N.S celebrated the opening of our special class Willow.

The school were delighted to welcome family and friends of

the pupils from the Willow class to plant a Willow tree and visit the pupil’s class to experience some of the lovely activities they participate in each day.

It was a lovely opportunity

to celebrate the beginning of their educational journey in St.Joseph’s N.S. Teachers in the school look forward to many happy years ahead as they watch these boys grow and flourish.

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Dundalk Leader 3rd November 2022

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Dundalk Leader 3rd November 2022

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Dundalk First Responders looking for volunteers

We are looking for new members to join our Community First Responder Group and train to respond to local Emergencies such as Cardiac Arrest, Chest Pain, Stroke and Choking.

No experience required as our PHECC qualified instructors will train you to the highest standard and members will receive PHECC Cardiac First Responder certification.

If you live in the general area of Dundalk, come along to our recruitment night, have a go at doing CPR, and sign up as a member or to attend a FREECPR & AED course which is certified by the Irish Heart Foundation.

78 % of all Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrests occur at home. For every minute without CPR, the chances of survival decrease by 10%.

Recruitment Night Tuesday November 8th 2022 St.Gerard’s Hall, St Joseph’s Redemptorist Church, St Alphonsus Road, Dundalk, A91 F3FC 19:00-21:00. northlouthcfr@gmail.com; Phone: 083-048 4245, 085-712 1834; mailto: northlouthcfr@gmail.com.

Kitchens Bedroom Units Sliderobes & Feature walls TV Units

Plumbing

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For a free no obligation quotation Callsave: 1850 774455 Tel. 042 9333513 Fax. 042 9333514 Web: www.senatorwindows.ie Email. senatordundalk@gmail.com Or Visit our Showrooms on Ard Easmuinn Road, Dundalk.

The Old Dundalk Society is delighted to announce the commencement of their Winter Lecture series. The first lecture entitled ‘Housing and Living Conditions in Dundalk 1900-1960’ will take place on Wednesday 9th of November 2022 at 8.00 pm at the Louth County Museum Dundalk. At the dawning of the twentieth century Dundalk was facing a housing crisis.

‘Many people lived in overcrowded and insanitary conditions in courts opening on to the main thoroughfare’. Using maps, graphs, and tables this presentation will plot these developments. Contemporary sources, and oral history testimony will lend understanding to the impetus for change, the environment and community spirit prevailing in condemned areas, and the resistance encountered throughout the process.

The presentation will be given by local man, with long family ties to the community, Dr. Charles Flynn B.A., PhD. Charles (Charlie) obtained his degree in Music and History as a mature student at N.U.I Maynooth. Later he was granted a PhD. for his thesis Dundalk 1900-1960 - An Oral History. Charlie has addressed the Royal Irish Academy, and various other institutes throughout Ireland, and international oral history gatherings in Rome, Italy and Cambridge University, England.

Due to the limited capacity of the venue, attendees are advised to come early. Refreshments served after lecture. Voluntary contributions at door.

County Louth Beekeepers Annual Honey Show returns

The County Louth Beekeepers Association are pleased to announce the resumption of the Annual Honey Show on Saturday the 12th November to be held in the Teagasc Centre, Dublin road Dundalk, starting at 9:30 am. Further details are on the LBKA website.

The last honey show was held in 2019 and although there has been tremendous progress treating Covid the committee recommend that participants wear masks. Our own International Honey Judge, Paul Boyle will be judging the quality of our entries.

Got a Story?

We want to hear from you Phone: 0429320888 Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com

Dundalk Leader 3rd November 2022

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Family Notices ACKNOWLEDGMENT

NOVENA

novena

McCRORY The family of the late Jimmy McCrory of Aisling Park, Dundalk, Co. Louth who sadly passed away on 6th September 2022 wish to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and kindness shown to us following our sad loss. Our heartfelt thanks go to our many friends and neighbours who visited our home and who offered us their care and support during this very difficult time, and for the many mass/sympathy cards we received as well as the many messages we received online and on social media. We would also like to acknowledge our sincere thanks to Shevlin’s Funereal Directors for their guidance and assistance. Also to Father Maciej Zacharek and to Father Paddy Rushe we would like to thank them for their spiritual help and consolation they gave us. As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude, and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

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 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted.

(Never known to fail). M.C. 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 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted.

(Never known to fail). P.C. 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 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted.

(Never known to fail). M.K.

Novena To ST MARTHA O St Martha I resort to thee and to thy petition and faith, I offer up to thee this light which I shall burn every Tuesday for nine Tuesdays. Comfort me in all my difficulties thro the great favour thou didst enjoy when our saviour lodged in thy house. I beseech thee to have divine pity in regard to the favour I ask (mention favour). Intercode for my family that we may always be provided for in all our necessities. I ask thee St Martha to overcome the dragon which thou didst cast at thy feet. One Our Father and three Hail Marys and a lighted candle every Tuesday and the above prayer made known with the intentions of spreading devotion to St Martha. This miraculous saint grants everything before the Tuesdays are ended. No matter how difficult. ED

Anger in the Avenue as thieves steal rose bushes

Residents of St Nicholas Avenue in Dundalk have been devastated by a vandalism attack for the second year running.

Committee members woke up last week to find that a number of rose bushes had been stolen from the green just across from Dixons funeral home. Earlier this year the St Nicholas Avenue Residents Committee purchased 60 Rose bushes and planted them out in newly created boxes which were built by residents. Between the wood and the roses it cost the residents along with donations from the local Councillors about €1000.

Chairman of the St Nicholas Avenue Residents Committee Mickey McEneaney said it was very disheartening and ex-

Some members of the St Nicholas Avenue Residents Association Committee pictured with the rose bushes before the incident took place.

tremely frustrating to see their hard work attacked in this way.

“We have put a lot of hard work into getting the rose bushes planted and we also built new wooden boxes to plant them in as the old ones were starting to rot. We have been getting lots of compliments from passers by about the roses since we put them down and it’s shocking that somebody or some people think that it’s ok to come here and steal twelve rose bushes

from us. We don’t know if they took them home for themselves of threw them away but either way it’s terrible that people think that this is ok to do.

“We’ve had this happen to us before and to be honest we are at the point of saying to ourselves is it worth the effort? Why should we put all this hard work in to make our community look its best when you have people out there looking to ruin your good work? It’s

not fair and the people that are doing this are robbing money from the residents. We paid the guts of €1000 for the rose bush display with help from donations from local councillors. We also had Willie Dixon who is 87 years old cut the wood for the boxes and his hard work is being destroyed by these thieves who think it is ok to come into our community and rob our belongings.

This has been another major blow, especially after last year’s attack,” says Liam Galligan who discovered the damage on Sunday morning. An awful lot of work has gone into to this estate. The local committee works very hard and it is a shame that we have to deal with this,” stated Mickey.

PROPERTY/RENTALS

special services

special services

ATTENTION—For B.E.R. CERTIFICATION of properties being offered for sale or rent, contact Robert Mulholland, BER assessor.

087 609 1906 www.louthber.ie.

Rooms to let in a luxurious house. Dundalk area. Phone 089 2430287.

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.

Roofing Repairs & Stoves—Stoves supplied and fitted, fully insured, Hetas certified. Contact Paul Englishby 087 6301914 or 041 98 94633 and Mark on 087 1302040 for roofing enquiries.

GARDEN & HOUSE MAINTENANCE— Strimming grass, hedge cutting, weeding, also garden clearance, concreting, patios, painting, power washing, gutter cleaning, window cleaning, fencing. Have all the equipment. Contact Brian 086-109-7358.

Coaching with Esther—Life and Executive Coach Tel 086 8972007 www. coachingwithesther.com.

Qualified Carpenter available for Floors, Doors, Frames, Architraves, Skirtings, Stud Walls, Roofing & All Building Repairs. No Job too big or too small. Call Mark 086 089 5508.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE—Repairs, building, plumbing, painting, roof repairs, tiling, bathroom refurbishments, concreting, plastering, gardening, power washing, PVC facia and soffits, Over 20 yrs experience. References available. Tel Michael on 085-762-3758.

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.

WATCH REPAIRS—Mechanical/Quartz (battery) and Vintage. In our own workshop. Most brands: Cartier, Longines, Omega, Revue, Raymond Weil, Seiko, Citizen & more, also Jewellery repairs. Goldstar Jewellers, Demesne Shopping Centre Dundalk Tel. 042 93 39478.

All-in-one!—Home and property maintenance and improvements. Painting, decorating, general household maintenance, exterior cleaning, power washing, gutters, dust free sanding, No job to big or small, quality but affordable service contact Ian 0874158238.

Plastering Service available— Free quotations. Contact David 085 7829910 or Gavin 086 3799285.

BUILDER & HOME MAINTAINENCE— Building, Woodwork, Painting, Plumbing, Tiling, Kitchen Refurbishments, Paving & Fencing. No job to big or too small. Tel. 087 295 2529.

Greenfields Music Tours—Invite you to join for our 1 nights stays to see the cream of Irish Folk and Ballads. Price includes accommodation, bus and ticket.

Contact Anthony on 085 1204994.

Do you feel overwhelmed but want to declutter any room in your home, or downsizing or staging your house for sale?

If so Contact shelly@stepintoaction.ie or phone 086 8878054.

Concert Harpist available for weddings. Church & reception catered for. Also Piano, Flute and Harp lessons available.

Please contact Susan at 0873744895.

Daryl’s School of Motoring Dundalk. Accredited & RSA approved driving instructor with 20 years’ experience. Categories B & BE licence. Tel 087 7516978 or check us out on FB & Instagram.

Painter available—Keen rates, no job too small! Call 086 3848079.

Tree Surgery/Removal—Hedge Cutting and Pruning and general garden maintenance. Fully insured Tel Mike 087 1125640.

Headstone Cleaning and Grave Restoration, decorative stone /top soil replaced, headstone lettering renewed.

Contact Francis 085 7228326.

All Weather Roof & Driveway Cleaning, roofs cleaned and sealed, we also clean patios, tarmacadam etc Tel Michael 085 7601999. www.allweatherroofcleaners.ie.

articles for sale 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.

CD Logs—Kiln Dried Ash/Oak & Birch, Weekly Deliveries to Dundalk & surrounding areas. Newry Co. Down Mob 00 44 77 6040 3254 or 048 30269632 www.cdlogs. com.

Hedging Plants for sale—Grizelenia €1.50 & €2.50 each, Laurels €1.50 each & Viburnum €2.50 each Tel 087 0689521.

SPECIAL services CHIMNEY & STOVE CLEANING—Tel Paul McArdle 042 933 2491 / 087 666 0094.

CHIMNEY CLEANER—The Clean sweep, clean & tidy, no dust. Brush & Vac. Also gutter cleaning. Contact - Cathal 087-2259799.

WINDOW CLEANING—Gutter & facia cleaning carried out by professional, fully trained and insured staff. Affordable rates.

Domestic & Commercial. Call our office for a free quotation. Everkleen 042 935 2717 or 086 829 3585. www.everkleenservices. ie.

HOUSE & APARTMENT CLEANING Service. Specializing in Re-Let & Spring Cleaning, Carpet & Upholstery cleaning.

Fully insured. For a free quotation contact Everkleen 042 9352717 / 087 6873188, www.everkleenservices.ie.

TILER AVAILABLE—Experienced local tiler to carry out all types of tile work marble, granite, porcelain. Indoors and out. Call 087-387-8995 for free quote.

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 085-840-7707.

FORTUNE TELLER—Available for appointment, private or group bookings. Tel. Alison 042 933 5102 or 087-67-51229.

Building Services—Extensions, Renovations, Sunrooms, Conservatories and All General Maintenance. P.V.C. Fascia, Soffit and Guttering products supplied and fitted. Bathroom Refurbishment, Painting, Decorating, Wall & Floor Tiling. All types of Roof Repairs & Maintenance. For free estimates Tel 087 260 2501.

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. 086 818 4827.

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

special notices

Lady with Gift of Healing for Skin conditions, Eczema, Psoriasis, Chest problems, Asthma. 3 consecutive visits needed. For appointment please phone 087 7188450.

classes and courses

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

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. Newly Wed first dance lessons and private lessons also available. Contact 086 357 3271 for further information.

French Grinds available—Telephone: 086 8723340.

planning

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We, Alan Haughey, Michael Shields and Eoin Murdock intend to apply for permission at Grange Close, Muirhevna Mor, Dundalk, Co. Louth A91 TC97 for the demolition of the existing commercial unit and the construction of a two storey residential unit made up of 2 x one bedroom apartments and 4 x two bedroom apartments (6 apartments in total), secure bin storage, bicycle storage, new boundary treatments including associated hard and soft landscaping, connection to the existing mains sewer, new on site surface water attenuation system, associated carparking 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 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—AKBER RETAIL SAR LTD intend to apply for planning permission, for Shopfront Signage & Retail Off Licence subsidiary to main Retail use at Retail Shop Unit A91CC97 St Alphonsus Rd 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.

Jinx returns to rock the Spirit Store

Dundalk Leader 3rd November 2022

Jinx Lenon returns to the Spirit Store on Nevomber 26th for his “Stand Up To Self Hate And Vaporise Dread” autumn tour.

The show is a mixture of two minute garage rock anthems, folk music done in a punk rock style, performance art, bass drum, a sampling beat machine and off the wall rants recorded onto tapes cassettes.

Jinx has been a regular performer at the Spirit Store down through the years and he says he is pleased to be back performing at the venue which celebrates its 23rd anniversary as a music venue this year.

“This is the 23rd anniversary of the Spirit Store as a renowned music venue and I played my first show there in November/ December 1999 when

Jinx Lennon. it was much smaller so it’s great to recognise that the venue and many other local musicians including myself have been keeping the good side out down at Georges Quay since then. This year I released album number twelve PET RENT which is a heavy punk drumbeat journey into

the north east local hinterland with sampled voices from local politicians Peter Fitzpatrick and Jim Wells, Joe Dolan, current rappers Westside Gunn, The God Fahim, the Peter Robinson Court Case Riot at Clanbrassil and Church St in 1986, Sonic Youth and The Osmonds amongst oth-

ers,” explained Jinx.

“I will be playing onstage with local performance artist Sara Jane Hopkins also known as Baby Nits who will play her own set of D.I.Y electronic beats with visuals before joining me onstage with Chris Barry on guitar who also plays with Myles Manley.

Chris produced Junior Brothers first album ‘’Pull The Right Rope’’ and local heroes the Mary Wallopers new album. Special guest is West Cork act These Are Atoms a proponent of the Irish underground music scene who brings the listener inside his head with his brilliant edgy tunes,” added Jinx.

Tickets for the show are 15 Euro available to buy at www.spiritstore.ie or on the door at the Spirit Store on the night .

CúChulainn Archers hit the mark in Greenhills

15

Hill Street, Dublin Rd., Dundalk.

042 9331515/086 2559201

for all Your winter motORing needs Anti-Freexe, Coolant, Batteries, De-Icer etc.

POWER WASHERS Sealey & teng tools, Toolboxes, Socket Sets, yuasa batteries, Battery Chargers, etc.

Car Gift Packs & Gift Vouchers Available Front row, left to right: Christy Banks, Claudia Heinze, Siobhán Keeble. Back row, left to right: Éamonn Rogers, Neil Keeble, Kevin Donnelly.

Six members of CúChulainn Archers travelled to Greenhills Archery Club to compete in their 40th Anniversary Shoot last weekend.

Greenhills is renowned for hosting really well run competitions and this one was no different! With plenty of competition, CúChulainn members all fought on through the Head to Head’s to the medal matches with very good results.

The results were as follows:Claudia Heinze, Woman’s Master’s Barebow, Gold; Christy Banks, Men’s Master’s Com-

pound, Gold; Éamonn Rogers, Senior Men’s Compound, Silver; Neil Kebble, Senior Men’s Barebow, Silver; Siobhán Kebble, Senior Women’s Barebow, Silver; Kevin Donnelly, Senior Men’s Compound, Bronze. A great result for the club!

This weekend saw three of the same archers travel to Muckamore Company of Archers to compete in a Portsmouth Round.

This competition is slightly different to the norm, with the archers competing at a distance of 20 yards, with the compound archers aiming at a 30cm 3 spot tar-

get face and the barebow archers aiming at a 60cm target face.

Competing for CúChulainn were Kevin Donnelly, Compound, Neil Keeble and Siobhan Keeble Barebow.

All three shot Personal Best scores, with both Kevin and Neil taking home Gold and Siobhan taking home the Silver medal!

Another great result for the club.

CúChulainn Archers, who meet every week in Ardee, run beginner courses throughout the year. All enquiries to cuchulain narchers@hotmail.com.

T. 042 9331555/9331006 The Ramparts, Dundalk (formerly Martin's Garage)

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Dundalk Leader 3rd November 2022