05-02-2020

DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Launch of Louth Enterprise Week

James aims for spot at Olympics

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Pages 10

De La Salle on stage for Class Act Pages 13 & 14

Wednesday, 5th February, 2020. Vol. 13, Issue 6 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Election candidates get ready for battle

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

By Paul Byrne

With just days to go until voters head to the ballot box all fifteen candidates in the Louth/East Meath constituency are knocking on their last few doors to try and convince voters to get behind them on February 8.

It’s been a short but hectic campaign thus far with plenty of miles clocked up and many promises issued by each of the candidates as they look for one of the five seats on offer in this constituency.

Sinn Fein’s duo of Imelda Munster and Ruairí O Mhurchú will be hoping the positive recent opinion polls will translate locally to give the party two of the five seats on offer. Both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail will also be hoping for double success al-

though most of the predictions from analysts and bookmakers suggest that this may prove a tall order for both.

Mark Dearey of the Green Party has been considered a dark horse by many analysts especially given the predicted Green Wave nationally for the upcoming election. Elsewhere Peter Fitzpatrick will be hoping the good publicity he received recently in relation to his efforts to get a GAA stadium up and running within two years can help push him over the line.

Fitzpatrick who is running an independent this time around having been elected twice under the Fine Gael banner was recently elected as chairman of Louth GAA. At the time of going to Continued on Page 2

Dundalk Schools bring robots to life at DkIT

Robots came to life at Dundalk Institute of Technology this week as more than 200 students and teachers showcased their Vex Robotics projects while competing in the VEX regional finals. See Page 6.

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Dundalk Leader 5th February 2020

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Faoi Gheasa taking part in the De La Salle Class Act

Election candidates get ready for the final hurdle From Page 1

newry road (beside applegreen)

press the five favourites to be elected locally according to Paddy Power bookmakers are Declan Breathnach, Imelda Munster, Ruairi O’Mhurchú, Ged Nash and Fergus O’Dowd.

However, while the first three mentioned are available at particularly

short odds (all available at 1/7) to be elected the last two seats seem to be well and truly up for grabs with Ged Nash (4/9), Fergus O’Dowd (4/7), Peter Fitzpatrick (Evens), Mark Dearey (Evens), John McGahon (15/8) and James Byrne (2/1) all in the running according to the latest odds. For

Gardaí in Dundalk have arrested three individuals in connection with burglaries carried out in the Blackrock area of Co Dublin last week.

The three men were arrested on the outskirts of Dundalk after abandoning their vehicle at Junction 18 (Dundalk North/Carlingford) of the M1 motorway following a pursuit from Junction 15 of the M50.

One Garda was also injured in the operation, which concluded close to the Doylesfort Road. Gardaí on patrol in Tallaght, observed a car acting in a suspicious manner. Following reports of a number of burglaries in the Blackrock area, Gardaí on night patrols, with the assistance of the Air Support Unit monitored traffic and carried out patrols of the area.

those who fancy a flutter at larger odds Renua’s Eamonn Sweeney is available at 22/1 while independent candidate Topanga Bird is 33/1.

There are also a number of sub-plots to be decided this weekend such as Declan Breathnach aiming to top the poll for a second consecutive election.

Also, it will be interesting to see if first time candidate John McGahon can emulate his uncle Brendan and claim a seat for Fine Gael. With just two days to go until the votes are cast there is still plenty to play for as the candidates make their final pitches to prospective voters.

Arrests after M50 chase

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Gardaí observed this vehicle again on the M50 at Junction 13 and a managed Garda pursuit ensued. Four occupants abandoned the offending vehicle on the M1 at junction 18 and fled on foot towards fields nearby. Three males, one aged in his 20s, another in his late teens and one male youth also in his late teens, were arrested a short distance away and are currently detained at Dundalk Garda Station.

A fourth occupant of the car is still being sought by Gardaí in connection with this incident. It’s believed the car involved in this incident is the subject of an unauthorised taking in the UK jurisdiction.

Dundalk Leader 5th February 2020

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Na Piarsaigh taking part in Páidi festival

Dundalk Leader 5th February 2020

Fergal Mallon, Thomas Moran, Kieran Murphy and Shane Ruddy from Na Piarsaigh GAA Club, with Kerry’s Tommy Walsh and Padraig Óg Ó Sé at the launch of the Páidi Ó Sé football tournament

NA Piarsiagh and Hunterstown Rovers will represent Louth in the 31st edition of the Lidl Comórtas Peile Páidi Ó Sé 2020, with 36 adult men’s and ladies club teams descending on the rugged Dingle Peninsula from February 21 to 23.

The clubs will line out in the intermediate men’s round robin competition against St. John’s of Sligo, Cavan’s Knockbride along with Mid-Kerry’s Listry and

West Kerry’s Castlegregory, which is managed by former Offaly senior manager and Kerry native Stephen Wallace.

The football festival was founded by Kerry iconic footballer Páidi Ó Sé and has attracted over 16,000 club players over 30 years. It has grown into a major international GAA event with senior, intermediate and junior adult club competitions as well as teams attending social events at Comórtas HQ,

Páidí Ó Sé’s pub in Ventry, Co. Kerry.

Comórtas Chairman Pádraig Óg Ó Sé said he was delighted to welcome Na Piarsaigh and Hunterstown Rovers who are newcomers to our tournament and wished both teams well.

“Páidi’s idea to expand the tournament beyond senior men’s teams back in 2009 was visionary and he would be proud to see new clubs getting involved year on year, all wanting

to experience all that is good about the GAA. We are pleased that the tournament continues to be one of the most talked about GAA events in the calendar and we wish all clubs a safe and enjoyable experience. The support of local host clubs is crucial in ensuring we can maintain such a high number of teams and we thank them for their cooperation and making fields available to us,” he stated.

Dundalk Leader 5th February 2020

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Dundalk Leader 5th February 2020

Schools bring robots to life at DkIT Robots sprang to life at Dundalk Institute of Technology this week as more than 200 students and teachers showcased their Vex Robotics projects while competing in the VEX regional finals.

For the second year in a row, 15 primary and secondary school teams from Louth, Meath Monaghan and Dublin competed in the VEX Robotics Challenge, which sees students designing and developing their own robots.

The VEX Robotics Challenge helps young people develop STEAM skills for life, according to DkIT Lecturer & Vex Robotics Coordinator, Shane Darcy, “The children impressed the judges immensely on the day, not only with their robotics skills but also their innovation, creativity, team work and presentation skills. As an Institute we’re always keen to promote the exciting side of STEAM subjects and we run an active outreach programme which aims to inspire students to become interested in computing,

Twins Gearoid and Sophie Watters from Scoil Mhuire N Gael at the Vex Robotics Regional Finals in DkIT

engineering and maths at an early stage. VEX Robotics is a perfect example of how STEAM can come to life through teamwork and a bit of healthy competition.”

The VEX Robotics Challenge is a national programme for primary and secondary school level students and encourages them to work in teams to design, build and program a robot. Preparation with students has been tak-

ing place since September. DKIT held its first scrimmages in November of last year to prepare students for the competition phases.

A variety of North East Regional awards were presented to schools on the day.

These include: Judges Award: CBS Primary School Dundalk, while St Mary’s Parish Primary School was awarded the overall regional “Excellence Award”.

During the same week, DkIT also organised a VEX EDR Workshop for secondary school students from across the region.

The EDR Challenge is a more advanced robotics challenge for teens up to 18 years old. There were multiple categories that teams were competing for, and included among the winners were: Teamwork Champion Award: St Mary’s College Dundalk.

Dundalk Leader 5th February 2020

Vote Bird #1 Who am I

Since I’m asking you to honor me with your #1 vote on February 8, it’s only right that I introduce myself, say hello and tell you a something about Independent Candidate Topanga Bird.

I don’t live in Dundalk because of an accident of birth or marriage, I live here because I want to. I first discovered Dundalk some 30+ years ago when wonderful people here sheltered and soothed me after a terrifying incident involving a soldier, his bayonet and my Dublin rental car at the border during the troubles.

And I am a boomerang – a returned child of Irish emigrant parents.

So, why should you give me your vote?

Well, because I have more than a quarter-century of experience in government – in one form or other. I’ve been chief of staff of a Chicago City Council legislative committee, director of a City Council district services office, on the campaign staff of former Mayor Richard M. Daley, spent much of two decades protecting children from abuse, served on an executive committee of one of the Irish political parties from which I have since parted and worked as a labor union organizer and a community activist – all of this in Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Dublin and, now, Dundalk. Oh, and I’ve been a journalist, too.

And because all this life experience has given me the skills to recognise what is going right in the Dail, what is going wrong and the ability to make Irish government work for everyone, not just a selected few.

Learn more at www.nuaeite.com or contact me at nuaeite@gmail.com

Bird #1 is a vote for: l

Decentralising Irish government l Restoring town councils l Building ‘people-priced’ housing l Reopening Louth County Hospital’s emergency department l Tackling causes of crime

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Creating more childcare option l Intensifying drug-abuse treatment services l Expanding homeless services l Promoting Co. Louth producers and suppliers l Guaranteeing equal representation for all And more . . . . .

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Dundalk Leader 5th February 2020

Parental alienation is recognised Louth County Council is the fourth local authority in the country to recognise ‘parental alienation’ after Laois, Cavan and Donegal.

The condition, which arises almost exclusively in the context of a highly acrimonious breakup of a relationship between two parents who are in dispute over custody of children, has been included in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases, to come into effect at the beginning of 2022.

There’s no policy in Ireland on how to define, detect or resolve parental alienation. Broadly, it is where a child sides strongly with one parent and rejects the other parent without justifica-

tion and despite a previous loving relationship.

Cllr Thomas Sharkey proposed the motion at the January monthly meeting and Councillors Seán Kelly, Maeve Yore and John McGahon all spoke in favour of the motion.

A local support group ‘We Are Fathers’ has been set up to assist those affected. The chairperson of the group, who wishes to remain confidential in order to protect the identity of his children, commented: “I’m glad that Louth County Council has come out of support of this important issue affecting fathers and their access to children. But recognising how parental alienation could be at play in family dis-

putes would be a start, as early intervention is essential to prevent long-term effects for children who are turned against one parent. The perpetrator can be either the mother or the father, with both the children and the rejected parent being victims.

This campaign is about creating an awareness to enable the Irish Government to take action to address the abusive effects of Parental Alienation on Irish children, parents and wider society.”

For anyone interested in getting more information or if you are affected please contact wearefathersireland@gmail. com , call 0879933714 or our Facebook page /WeAreFathers.

Players from Dundalk Gaels and Sean O’Mahonys who took part in a great game of football in front of a large crowd on Sunday morning. Both teams seemed to be able to score points from anywhere on the field with scores coming from everywhere and the game finished 8-19 to 9-16, a draw match with both teams able to hold there head up very high as this is the way Gaelic Football should be played.

Dearey call to take action on climate 1 Clothing A Stetson is what type of clothing?

2 Weather Cross, Tail and Head are all types of which weather condition?

3 Measurement How many degrees in a full rotation?

4 Bible In the Bible, Daniel was thrown into a den with what animals?

5 Entertainment What actress won a BAFTA on Sunday for her performance as Judy Garland?

6 Sport Who defeated the San Francisco 49ers to win the Superbowl on Sunday?

7 Singing Who sings higher: a soprano or a

baritone?

8 Captials What is the capital of The Philippines?

9 Health Which childhood illness is also called varicella?

10 Collective A bind is a group of what?

Stinker What would a soldier put into his frog?

Green Party candidate Mark Dearey has called on politicians and leaders to stop “playing around with climate science” and “pretending that it will all be ok if we do next to nothing.”

“It’s dangerous drivel and our children deserve better than a planet that has over heated or towns that flood every year.

“Almost all parties agree that part of our response must include putting a cost on car-

bon even though I have heard candidates seek to deny it. Honesty is needed here. And if we are honest and just, then people will rise to the climate challenge,” he stated.

“Justice demands that carbon is driven out of our economy, but that the cost to individuals is returned to them as a dividend such as happens in Switzerland and now in Canada,” added Mr Dearey.

—this week’s answers— 1. A hat 2. Wind 3. 360 4. Lions 5. Renee Zellweger 6. Kansas City Chiefs 7. Soprano 8. Manila 9. Chicken Pox 10. Salmon. Stinker – A bayonet.

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Aimee Starkie who won €10,000 in the Dowdallshill GFC lotto is pictured receiving her cheque from Club Chairman Seamus Keelan

Dundalk Leader 5th February 2020

Making it happen for business in Louth

Louth County Council’s Local Enterprise Office, Local Enterprise Week takes place from Monday March 2 to Friday 6 and provides the opportunity for business owners, managers and anyone thinking of starting a business to join us for a host of free educational and networking events.

Louth County Council’s Local Enterprise Office (LEO) provides mentoring, training, advice, and grant aid all year round, enabling local business to grow and thrive. However, Local Enterprise Week provides business owners with an intenAt the launch of Louth’s Local Enterprise Week 2020 were Riona McCoy sive week of educational events to support and Thomas McEvoy of Louth County Council’s Local Enterprise Office them in their development. and Cathaoirleach of Louth Council Cllr Liam Reilly

Candidates asked to support LGBTI+ in General Election Outcomers and LGBT Ireland are inviting all General Election Candidates in the Louth Area to an Information event from 10am to 11am today (Wednesday February 5) in Outcomers, Coach house, 8 Roden Place, Dundalk, Co. Louth There is “much more to do” for LGBTI+ people said LGBT Ireland in their ”Recommendations & Priorities for Government” Strategy Document being circulated to all GE candidates 2020.

The statement outlines that Ireland and the next government have much more to do for LGBTI+ people to achieve full equality and LGBT Ireland have documented a number of key issues that require

national and state attention highlighting the 2019 CSO Q1 Report where statistics show that LGBTI+ people experienced the “highest levels of discrimination”.

“The CSO statistics really highlight that much more needs to happen to achieve equality for all LGBTI+”, said Paula Fagan, CEO LGBT Ireland and speaking about the GE 2020 information event, adding, “this election has the potential to set the political agenda for the next decade and it is fundamentally important that all politicians and soon to be legislators be aware of the issues and then work to end this discrimination through national policies and essential legislation”.

Speaking at the launch, Head of Enterprise in Louth Thomas McEvoy explained that they look at business under three key headings: Pre-start, Start and Grow.

“We have designed the programme for 2020 to ensure that we provide valuable learning opportunities for businesses at each of these stages,” he stated.

Business advice clinics will take place in Ardee, Dunleer, and Omeath, providing business owners with expert advice from LEO mentors and advisors.

Anyone thinking of starting a business can sign up for a free ‘Getting Started: Could You Be Your Own Boss?” work-

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shop. This will take place in both Dundalk and Drogheda on Monday March 2 and Wednesday March 4.

A specially designed event for retailers called “Bricks & Clicks” will help retailers across the country navigate and respond to the changing trends in consumer behaviour.

Thursday evening sees Network Louth hosting their annual International Women’s Day event, entitled ‘Stepping Up and Driving Change’. Accountant, and founder of Empower The Family, Deborah Somorin will be the keynote speaker at this educational and networking event.

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News

in Brief Pop-Up Shop

A Pop up Charity Shop will open in Longwalk Shopping Centre Dundalk from February 10 to 15 in aid of St John Of God North East Services Community House. The funds raised will go towards the “New Vehicle Fund”. Please drop in. All donations welcome. Contact 0871133641/0876817909 for more information.

St Josephs Lotto

There was no winner of St Josephs GFC lotto jackpot of €10,300. The numbers drawn were 2, 6, 12, 26.

The €50 winners were as follows 1. Conal Smyth c/o Josie Smyth 2. Martin Crawley c/o Cluskeys 3.

Niall McCarron c/o Tony Doherty.

Dowdallshill Lotto

There was no winner of the Dowdallshill GFC lotto jackpot of €2,600 with numbers drawn, 5, 7, 8, 29. The €25 winners were, Michele Reel, Francie Tiernan, Aoife McGinn and Sean Duffy.

Dundalk Leader 5th February 2020

James hoping to earn Special Olympic spot 2015 Special Olympics hero James Meenan is hoping to add to his medal collection by qualifying for next year’s winter Special Olympics in Jamtland County, Sweden.

Five years ago at the Special Olympics in Los Angeles James made national headlines when he stormed clear of his rivals to win individual gold in the 100m.

The Greenacres athlete also won a bronze in the 200m sprint as well as helping Team Ireland to second place in the 4x100m relay event.

Since then James has hung up his track shoes and has switched his focus on the growing sport of Floorball which is a type of floor hockey with five players and a goalkeeper in each team. James currently plays with Newry City and his impressive form for the club has seen him called up for Ul-

James Meenan ster to play in a Special Olympics qualifying tournament in March.

According to James mother, Eileen her son is determined to make it to Sweden next year

as part of the Floorball team.

“James has put in a lot of hard work over the last few months and is looking forward to attending the quali-

fiers in March. He is determined to be on the plane for Sweden and he is loving playing floorball for Newry.

He trains every week up in Newry and then once a month they are brought to Belfast for more specialised training. He gave up the running a couple of years ago as he had enough and wanted to try out a new sport. I was kind of urging him to keep the running up but he didn’t want to which is fair enough and I’m glad that he has found a new passion,” stated Eileen.

“He is busy working in Vida Living who have been very good to him over the years and along with all the training he is doing he’s a busy young man. His dream is to make it to Sweden where he wants to try and win a fourth medal so hopefully the qualifiers in March go well for him,” she added.

Marshes Shopping Centre is hoping to ‘clean-up’ at a prestigious awards ceremony

Marshes housekeeping team, which has seen the Dundalk shopping centre reach the finals of the prestigious Kimberly Clarke Golden Service Awards 2020. The awards have become the most sought-after accolade in the cleaning industry. Front row (l-r): Krysztof Plenszler, Barbara Jablonska, Sonya Flynn and Sandra Mc Crave. Middle row: Centre Manager Seán Farrell, Operartions Manager Willie Dunne and Anna Podkulska. Back row: Vladimir Mihailov, Kyle McCormack, Roman Nowak and Laszlo Suli.

The Dundalk shopping centre is a finalist in the prestigious Kimberly Clarke Golden Service Awards 2020.

Momentum Support, which provides contract cleaning services at Marshes, has reached the final in the less than one million square foot category for its work at Marshes and centre manager Seán Farrell has paid tribute to the internal Marshes housekeeping team for their work in helping secure the coveted final spot.

Taking place every two years, the awards ceremony provides an opportunity for in-house cleaning teams and contract cleaners to showcase their excellence and set the benchmark for exceptional standards.

This year’s event takes place at the prestigious London Hilton in Mayfair, on Wednesday, March 4.

“Marshes takes its responsibilities to customers very seriously and believes its bright environment has helped shape its success,” says manager Seán Farrell “Momentum Support and our in house team have demonstrated wonderfully high standards in helping maintain Marshes and consistently improving the shopping experience for customers. We are delighted. To reach the finals is an absolutely fantastic achievement. It is also testament to everybody at Marshes and I thank all involved here for their strong support and commitment,” he said.

Dundalk Leader 5th February 2020

Louth musician is finalist for Locals urged to vote Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal Louth musician Donnchadh Mac Aodh will be amongst 15 flute players taking to the stage to compete in the final for the Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal in the Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork on Friday February 7, and the event will be broadcast live on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.

Donnchadh, 17, is from Dundalk, and plays flute, piano and harp. A member of Dundalk Comhaltas, he takes part in the Fleadh Donnchadh Mac Aodh will compete for Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal every year, and won the All-Ireland flute title in received bursaries from Dundalk. He is cur- in De La Salle College 2016 and 2019. He has CreateLouth and CCÉ rently a 5th year student in Dundalk. Donnchadh performs regularly at concerts, in particular at the international harp festival in Termonfeckin. He’s a member of several groups, Faoi Gheasa with his school, the group Mealltach for the Siansa Gael Linn competition, NósNua SOSAD Ireland have an exciting opportunity youth orchestra, and the Dundalk Comhaltas

for an energetic

General Manager to lead and manage our successful charity across all branches.

You will be responsible for delivering the charities aims, all aspects of our operational management and our future funding sustainability.

A full job description and person specification is available by application to sosadmanager@gmail.com, or from 30 Magdalene Street, Drogheda, Co Louth, telephone 041 9848754.

Closing date for applications is February 20th 2020.

ST. BRIGID’S

PRIMARY & SECONDARY SCHOOL ARD EASMUINN DUNDALK 042 9335238 www.stbrigidsschool.net

OPEN DAY thursday 6th february 10am - 2pm

Louth election candidate, Topanga Bird, has urged locals to make their voice heard by coming out to vote in the General Election on Saturday.

The independent candidate has promised to act on issues such as housing, health and crime, while also promising to help boost the local economy and deal with childcare concerns.

“If we want to solve the housing crisis, we need to build affordable housing and affordability is a function of net income and we in need ‘us-price’ housing, not that of ‘Dublinprice,” she stated.

“If we want to start

cation, low self-esteem and/or mental health problems, should be addressed.

‘If we want to bolster our local economies, we need to start in our town centres, village cores and if we want to lower the cost of child care, we need to pay providers what they deserve, increase the options of child care and lower the cost of insurance so they can operate efficiently,” continued Topanga.

‘We need to understand that foreign investment is drawn by the quality of the workforce and the quality of life Ireland can offer, not lowered tax rates,” Bird declared.

groups. He hopes to go on to complete a degree in music.

Peadar Ó Riada will present the Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal final live from the Rochestown Park Hotel from 7 pm to 10 pm. Esteemed musicians Michael Tubridy, Mary Bergin and Gary Hastings will have the difficult job of choosing the winner, and the criteria will include not only technical proficiency, but playing that demonstrates musicality and soul as well. The winner will take home the prestigious Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal, as well as €2500.

As part of the weekend events, there will be a musicians’ conference on Saturday morning in the hotel, and the Coirm Órdha concert with past winners including box player Keelan McGrath and harper Úna Ní Fh- Pictured at the launch of the election campaign for Ruairí Ó Murchú were lannagáin will take place Paddy Agnew, Conor Murphy MLA, Imelda Munster, Gerry Adams, Ruairí on Saturday night. Ó Murchú and Arthur Morgan

RCNE seeking helpline supporters Rape Crisis North East is offering you the opportunity to attend a Helpline Training Programme which will commence on Wednesday March 4 and finish on Thursday April 2nd.

The training is free and in return, RCNE will ask you to commit to four hours of your time per week to provide telephone counselling support to survivors of rape and sexual violence.

The training will take place at Cherrywood Counselling Centre, Great Northern Distillery Offices, Carrick Road, Dundalk with the 10 day workshops taking place over five eeks (two days per week Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am to 4pm).

solving the health care crisis, we first need to reopen Dundalk’s Louth County Hospital emergency department. “That will take the pressure off health care in Drogheda, which is now servicing everyone from the Northern Irish border to Meath and beyond.

Then we need to focus on providing local health care – urban and rural – and stop building multi-billion euro edifices in Dublin,” she added.

Ms Bird also pointed out that in order to stem the growing crime and drug abuse problem, areas such as lack of economic opportunity, lack of practical edu-

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RCNE Helpline Service is a “lifeline” for many victims of rape and sexual abuse who need to talk to someone who cares. All telephone volunteers are trained to listen, support and offer information and counselling support to callers who use the line.

If you would like to become a helpline volunteer, please contact Rape Crisis North East for a Helpline Application Form. Phone: 042 – 9339491 / 1800 21 21 22 or email info@rcne. ie. Alternatively, please visit www.rcne.ie and download an application form.

Closing date for accepting applications is Friday February 14. Applicants must be at least 25 years of age.

Vote No. 1

Bradley David A Christian Voice in Louth Constituency —Covering Louth & East Meath E: christiancandidatebradley2020@yahoo.com T: 087 344 3366 W: http://davidbradleyelection2020.simplesite.com David Bradley lives in Drogheda. He is 65 years of age and has been married to Lorna for thirty years.

They have on adult son and daughter, Brandon and Georgia. David recently retired as Pensions Fund Operations Manager in eir, where he worked for 36 years. The family have a burning passion for sharing the Message of the Cross. As a committed Christian he wishes to do his very best for the Louth Constituency in the 2020 Irish General Election - the highlight of his campaigning will focus on God’s Leadership of our country which the unelected government of the past four years has not acknowledged in its introduction of and encouragement of unbiblical laws.

David passionately believes that human life is sacred from the moment of conception and he condemns the actions by the public representatives of Ireland who believe they hove the right to decide at what stage a life has any value.

He believes that the two main political parties in Ireland really amount to one political party split in two and using Two different names, that each one while in power introduces unpopular charges, taxes and laws which are condemned by the opposition - but when the opposition party are next In government by a mandate or otherwise, these laws remain.

David strongly opposes the hated USC, the Property Tax, and most of all the brutally cruel Pension Levy (which still remains in spite of the government having accrued a surplus In taxation]/ three of the most unfair taxes that the hardworking people of Ireland have had To suffer Instead of being rewarded for all the sacrifices mode during the austerity years of the IMF invasion of our sovereignly - the result of the mortgaging of our country by the Cowen government a decision which was unspeakably insulting to our forefathers who had sacrificed their lives to give us the freedom we were now being forced to throw away.

If elected, David will fight unfairness every inch of the way for his constituents - especially where the hospital crisis is concerned. We have been subjected to a health minister who has made no inroads into reducing waiting lists or the trolley situation a disgrace which Is worse than one would see in a third world country.

“If you are suffering as a result of our country’s mistakes, please don’t give up - invite Jesus into your life as your Lord & Saviour today”

Dundalk Leader 5th February 2020

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Family Notices novena

novena

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). L.M. 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). E.M.

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.L. 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). S.B.

Family Notices

Muirhevnamor Local Training Initiative has been shortlisted for the AONTAS STAR Awards 2020 under the Sustainable Employment category.

The STAR Awards, which recognises the very best in adult learning in Ireland, is organised

by AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation, as part of the Adult Learners’ Festival 2020 taking place from 2nd to 6th March.

MLTI provides learners with a solid educational base from which they can develop increasingly sustainable employment opportunities as they progress. Learners,

aged 17-35 years, achieve QQI Major Award Level 3 in Employability Skills, Minor Awards at QQI Level 4 and further practical accredited employment related Certificates such as Forklift Driving, HACCP, Safepass and Manual Handling.

Congratulating the shortlisted projects, Niamh O’Reilly, CEO of AONTAS, said: “Adult learning brings people together, strengthens communities and enables people to reach their potential.

In a world of fast-paced change and increasing inequalities, we need a range of innovative educational opportunities that prepare

people for the future. Ireland is continually developing an inclusive further, adult and community education system that leaves no-one behind and the AONTAS STAR Awards duly recognises these high-quality adult learning projects. The STAR Awards ceremony shines a light on the unsung adult learning heroes across urban and rural communities the length and breadth of the Island.”

The STAR Awards ceremony will be hosted in The Law Society, Dublin on Monday, March 2.

Over 150 guests are expected to attend the awards ceremony, representing 22 shortlisted projects.

Contact Noeleen

Telephone 042 9320888

Dundalk project shortlisted

On Wednesday January 15, Cooley Parish presented a cheque to Women’s Aid Dundalk for €8,230 from the recent fundraiser “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes”. Pictured is Meg O’Hanlon from the Pastoral Council presenting Ann Larkin from Women’s Aid Dundalk with the cheque. Fr Malachy thanked everyone who donated, participated and helped in any way.

PROPERTY/RENTALS

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.

ADVERTISE YOUR HOUSE Premises for rent or sale to 60,000 readers a week from €5.

Telephone Dundalk Leader 042 93 -20888.

ROOM FOR RENT—Room for rent in Lis Na Dara €130 P.W. (No Bills) Text—085-2405147.

WE CAN DISTRIBUTE your leaflets from €65 + vat per thousand Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888.

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 087387-8995 for free quote.

GRIMLEY’S DUBLIN ST. DUNDALK—TV aerials, satellite, Freeview & Saorview, new installations, sales & repairs. 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.

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.

SUPERCLEAN—Windows cleaning, Gutter cleaning, Power washing, Roof cleaning, Handyman service provided. For work info Google/Superclean Handyman Service. Contact—085 708 7046 or 042 937 0864.

MOBILE CHIROPODY in the comfort of your own home. Ms. Dara McCoy, Bsc. Podiatry, MCHs, HCPC reg. Tel—087 192 4794.

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 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.

Retired reliable local man with Safe Pass available for Painting & Decorating, Internal and External,30 years’ experience, also General Garden Maintenance and Garage Clearance. Keen prices. Tel 086 845 9472.

Roofing Repairs—Stoves supplied and fitted, fully insured, Hetas certified.

Contact Paul Englishby 087 6301914 or 041 98 94633.

Painting & Decorating—interior and exterior, over 10 years experience, no job too big or too small, for free quotations Tel Ian 087 415 8238. References available Coaching with Esther—Life and Executive Coach Tel 086 8972007 www.coachingwithesther.com Plasterer available—Professional tradesman, all plastering, repairs and small to medium size jobs, first class plastering, keen prices, free quotes Tel 087 352 5652

articles for sale BEDS & FURNITURE DIRECT—Beds, mattresses, wardrobes, chests, lockers, pine beds etc., also furniture removals call 086 870 4908 anytime.

SELL IT THROUGH A CLASSIFIED—Only €5 for one week up to 20 words. 042 93 20888. The Dundalk Leader.

DEALGAN FURNITURE Longwalk, Dundalk (inside The Paint Store). For a wide range of Bedroom & Dining room Furniture, Pictures & Mirrors, Beds & Mattresses made to any size, always a selection of quality second-hand furniture on display. Suite ReUpholstery and Furniture Repair Service. Tel Paddy 086 320 7383.

Attention Landlords—We supply furniture & Beds for any rental properties you have, Sofas from €299, Beds from €180, Bedroom Furniture Sets from €249 Call us today www.bedstore.ie, Coes Rd, Dundalk Tel 042 932 0927.

classes & courses Get fit the fun way and learn to dance, the Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot and Jive, now taking place in the Lisdoo, Dundalk Tuedsay’s from 8pm—10pm. The Barbican Centre, Drogheda Friday’s 8.15-10pm. Contact 086 357 3271 for further information.

DRUM LESSONS—Drum lessons including Bodhran, for adults & children, ages 8yrs upwards. One to one lessons. Contact 087414-4228.

special services CHIMNEY & STOVE CLEANING—Tel Paul McArdle 042 933 2491 / 087 666 0094 Email tribalky@yahoo.com.

PERFECT FIT ALTERATIONS—For all your sewing needs. Curtains, Hems, Zips & Repairs. 10% off for Slimming World members.

Castletown Road. Tel 042 932 7837.

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

LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE GIFT? Create a personalised newspaper page to celebrate a special occasion - birthday, anniversary, birth, sporting success etc. Contact 086 772 6324.

A VAN & DRIVER available for furniture removal, also single items, 3 piece suites, cookers, fridges, washing machines. Day & night Tel 086 870 4908.

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

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE—Repairs, building plastering plumbing, painting, tiling, bathroom refurbishments, concreting, gardening, PVC facia and soffits, Over 20 yrs experience. References available. Tel Michael 085-830-9878.

A-ALTERATIONS—For all your clothing alteration needs. Cuffs taken up or let down on Ladies & Gents Jackets €15, Zips in Coats €20, Curtains altered, Jeans patched. DryCleaning service. Tel 042-933 3380, Long Walk Shopping Centre, Dundalk.

special services

D a Drumbally Property Mainte-‘ nance—Carpentry & General Main-i tenance, rental maintenance, painting,W fencing, gardening. Enquires Tel Paul 087i 384 8528 or Pat 086 8165217 Email paul.a a drumballypm@gmail.com.

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

Qualified Carpenter available fora

Floors, Doors, Frames, Architraves, Skirtings, Stud Walls, Roofing & All Building Repairs.c No Job too big or too small. Call Mark 086m t 0895508.

PATIOS—All types of paving slabs laid, freea O quotations. Call Paul 086 331 8882.

e i Louth County Council—We BrendanA and Sonya Duffy intend to apply for permis-f sion for development consisting of 1) Thew Construction of a Granny Flat with the fol-i

planning notices

lowing accommodation living room, shower room and bedroom all at ground floor levelk for dependant relative, 2) Covered Walkwayw to the side of the existing dwelling house,p 3) Raising the height of the rear and sideP boundary walls and 4) all associated siteC development works at No. 76 ManydownC Close, Red Barns Road, Dundalk Co. Louth.w The planning application may be inspectedt or purchased at a fee not exceeding the rea-T sonable cost of making a copy, at the officesb of the planning authority during its publicT opening hours. A submission or observationa in relation to the application may be madeo in writing to the Planning Authority on pay-O ment of the prescribed fee, €20, within thes period of 5 weeks beginning on the date ofb receipt by the Authority of the applicationi and such submissions or observations willd be considered by the Planning Authority inh e making a decision on the application. The F Planning Authority may grant permission b subject to or without conditions, or may S refuse to grant permission t LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—I, David Galf lagher intend to apply for full permission, to a convert the ground floor garage to a study/ T office works include the installation of a d window and any ancillary work at 21 Elm s Park, Blackrock. This planning application o may be inspected or purchased at a fee not T 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.

ADVERTISE in our classifieds to over

60,000 readers from only€5 per week up to 20 words Dundalk Leader

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Dundalk Leader 5th February 2020

Colm and Enoch are Class Acts De La Salle College’s annual talent show ‘Class Act’ celebrated its 15th anniversary on Wednesday January 22 in An Táin Theatre. The audience were wowed as students from every year group took part in the packed show which featured fabulous first years, marvellous musicians, suave sixth years and energetic dancers.

Teacher Brian Halpin compéred as local musician Aaron Matthews, Helena Mullins and musician Helen O’Dowda had the unenviable task of judging the competition.

All three judges were former participants and winners of the prestigious ‘Class Act’ title.

‘Defenestration’ kicked off the show with a silky smooth performance of Peach Pit’s ‘Sweet FA’. The Conway brothers, Christopher & Conor were up next with a toe tapping trad tune.

They were followed by 6th Year Pierce Travers who performed a wonderful rendition of ‘Rocking Chair’ by Oasis. This engaging song was then followed by 1st year martial artist Joseph Graham. His daring bow staff routine had the audience on the edge their seats. Next Ferdia McDonnell’s beautifully relaxing Spanish guitar provided the audience with a perfect contrast to Joseph’s adrenalin filled routine.

Then came 5th Year Padraig Grennan with his sleek & confident cover of Take That’s ‘Rule The World’. Reece Mc

Cluskey (vocals) 6th Year and Liam McEneaney (Guitar) TY followed with a captivating & energetic performance of Hozier’s “From Eden”. They were followed by TY students Barry Caldwell and Sean Gartlan.

Their performance of ‘Bruises’ by Lewis Capaldi was enchanting.

6th Year memory man Steve Kamtchou came next with an incredible feat. He named 165 of the world’s flags in three minutes & thirty seconds, an unofficial world record! Next came Davies Ojo and band (Denis Otabor, Joseph & Sam Badejo) who closed a slick first half of the show with a dynamic and smooth medley of ‘Session 32’

by Summer Walker and ‘Finesse’ by Bruno Mars.

De La Salle super group Faoi Gheasa and Spleodar opened the second half of the show with a ‘tradtastic’ mash up that had the spellbound audience dancing in their seats. Next came 6th Years Kingori Ndungu and Reece McCloskey. Their rendition of ‘Parkstone Drive’ by Russ was both energetic and original. Next came 1st Year boyband ‘Anonymous’ (JackMcLoughlin, Richard Franciso, Sean McCusker, Cathal Corcoran, Shay Lawlor & Dailare Akinuoye) who stole the hearts of their adoring fans with an effervescent edition of ‘If I Can’t Have You’

by Shawn Mendes.

Then came 6th year duo

Colm Bellew and Enoch Elewa

Colm Bellew & Enoch Elewa. Their beautiful and soul soothing performance of ‘Keep Your Head Up’ by Ben Howard touched the hearts & minds of the crowd.

Next up were mysterious dance group Anonymous. Their dynamic ‘Tik-Tok’ routines wowed the young audience who theorised about the identities of the masked dancers deep into the night.

Then came Sam Badejo and Conor Conway.

Their beautiful adaptation of José Gonzalez’s ‘Heartbeats’ transported the audience to distant and fun-filled summer nights. Then, came a truly special moment in the night.

Efe Omorede’s beautiful spoken word recital to the accompaniment of Donnchadh Hughes’ piano composition brought the audience to an attentive hush. It was an enthralling and thoroughly engaging piece on the environment that will live long in the audience’s memories.

Last but by no means least came ‘Oisín & The Snowflakes’ (Oisín Dixon, Colm Bellew, Oisín Conroy, Timothy Ogobamidele and Ben Walsh). Their ‘Lip Sync’ version of ‘Let it Go’ from Disney’s ‘Frozen’ had the audience shaking with laughter.

As the judges deliberated, the packed audience were treated to a very special performance by guest act Zara Woods.

She sang ‘If The World Was Ending’ together with Davies & Band. It

was the perfect ending to an amazing night.

After a difficult deliberation the judges awarded joint third place to Faoi Gheasa, Spleodar, and Defenestration. Second place went to Efe Omorede and Donnchadh Hughes, while first prize went to Colm Bellew and Enoch Elewa.

13

Efe Omorede and Donnchadh Hughes

NOTICE OF POLL

CONSTITUENCY OF LOUTH

Take Notice that, pursuant to a writ issued to me by the Clerk of Dáil Éireann, I will take a poll on 8th February 2020 between the hours of 7.00 a.m. and 10.00 p.m. to elect 5 member[s] of the Dáil for this constituency.

The names and descriptions of the candidates standing nominated and of their proposers (if any), and the order in which they will appear on the ballot paper, are set out hereunder.

Returning Officer: Mairead Ahern

Date: 22nd January 2020

14

Dundalk Leader 5th February 2020

Chance for local musicians to shine

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McGeough’s Bar Restaurant, Tapas & Cocktails

Local musicians are being given the opportunity to showcase their music on local radio following the launch of ‘All Out Local’ in association with LMFM’s Clár Smidiríní.

The programme that promotes new Irish music, is looking for a brand new local song to be our song of the month, beginning in February and local musicians are invited to submit their songs.

If your song is chosen, it will be included on the main LMFM playlist, meaning your song will be played at least six times every day, for an entire month.

And with eleven months left in 2020, that means there’s the opportunity for 11 different

local acts to feature.

As well as this, you will also be invited to the LMFM studios for a live performance and interview on Clár Smidiríní with Claire Regan to tell the story behind the song.

Speaking about the new initiative, Clár Smidiríní presenter Claire Regan said the idea developed from the fact that there is so much new talent coming out of Ireland and even more so out of the North-East.

“A lot of these bands and acts aren’t heard on mainstream daytime radio, but All Out Local provides the opportunity to change that.

“On grassroots level locally

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Pictured at the De La Salle Class Act show

across the North-East, we’re seeing that there is an audience there to support original Irish music. There seems to be a return to a demand for original acts in our pubs and venues and it’s really positive to see. All Out Local provides the platform for these original acts and their music to be introduced to a wider audience in the form of our listeners,” she added.

To apply, simply send an mp3 file or downloadable link to your song, as well as a brief bio, including where in the North-East you’re from, as well as upcoming gig information, to claire.regan@lmfm.ie.

Dundalk Leader 5th February 2020

The Bodhran

Mike Denver and guests at Carrickdale Hotel

Mike Denver will take to the stage at the Carrickdale Hotel on Saturday 8 for what promises to be a very special night.

Mike, affectionately known as the ‘Galway Boy’, is at the height of his powers and this year celebrates 15 years on the entertainment scene.

Mike’s meteoric rise in popularity over the past while culminated with him been voted “Entertainer of the Year 2016’ together with No 1 album of the Year ‘Cut Loose’ at

the ACMA Awards in RTE. Backed by a band comprising Ireland’s top musicians Mike presents a two and a half high energy show which features all his hits including ‘Tommy K’,’Wasn’t that a Party’,’Galway Girl’, “Blown Away’, plus ‘hits’ from the 60s and 70s.

Special guests include Philomena Begley and Brendan Shine.

Tickets on sale at hotel reception, on Ticketmaster.ie., or pay at the door.

15

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pink ladies night in aid of cara care Music by The Stormers from 9pm

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Dundalk Leader 5th February 2020

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CLASSIFIED

Eileen Ryan (née Murtagh), Lower Point Road, Dundalk, peacefully in Dealgan House Nursing Home on Saturday February 1. Predeceased by her husband Paddy and daughter Patricia. She will be sadly missed by her loving family, son Alan, daughters Eibhlin, Georgina, Lisa, Majella. step-daughters Moria, Bernie, Clare, Maria and Siobhan, brother Paddy, sisters Kathleen, Barbara and Carmel, sister in-law Sr. Clare Ryan, sons in-law, daughter in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, extended family relatives, neighbours and friends.

Teresa Farrelly (née Pentony), De La Salle Crescent, Ardee, and formerly of Harestown, Monasterboice, peacefully at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda on Sunday February 1. Deeply regretted by her loving family, husband Paddy, daughters Ann (Mooney) and Laura, sons Noel (Dunleer) and Derek, sister Mary McGeough, brothers Larry, Tommy, Gerard, Fintan and Declan, son-in-law Aidan, daughter-in-law Crissie, grandchildren Darren, Andrew, David, Lee and Donna, greatgrandchildren Megan and Arron, nephews, neices, relatives, neighbours, friends and newfound friends in Moorehall Lodge.

Gerard (Gerry) Jones Philipstown, Hackballscross, Dundalk, peacefully in St Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown surrounded by his loving family on Thursday January 30. Gerard, predeceased by his beloved wife Mary (nèe Quigley), brother Petie and sister Annie. Much loved father of Seamus, Enda and David. Deeply regretted by daughter-in-law Sineád, grandchildren Michaela, Cathal and Oisín; sadly missed by his sister-inlaw Bella Jones, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Mary Monaghan (née Corrigan), Cherrybrook, Ardee, and Moorehall Lodge Ardee. peacefully at Moorehall Lodge, Ardee, on Thursday January 30. Mary predeceased by her husband Mick will be sadly missed by her loving family, daughters Sandra and Doreen, sons Mark and Mike, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, sister Margaret, brother Bernard, sister-in-law Mary, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Mary Gaskin (née Rice), Bellurgan Point, Dundalk, peacefully, at home, surrounded by her family on Thursday January 30. Predeceased by her husband Pat, brothers Barney and Joe and sister Vera. She will be sadly missed by her loving daughter Pauline, sons Brian, Tony, David, Alan, Kieran and Patrick, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, 14 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, relatives and friends.

Jim McCarthy Colchester, England and late of Swinford, Co. Mayo and Omeath, peacefully, at Colchester General Hospital on Saturday January 11. Very deeply regretted by his beloved wife Rosaleen (née McGuinness). Also by the Duffy family (Swinford), the Lewis family (Dublin) and all his nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Peader Cassidy Barronstown, Hackballscross, and Castleblayney, peacefully, at his resi-

dence on Tuesday January 28.

Peader, predeceased by his wife Phyllis. Deeply regretted and remembered with love by his family, his daughter Brigid (Duffy), son Declan (Dave), son-in-law Martin, daughter-in-law Catriona, his cherished granddaughters Tara and Megan, brothers Patsy and Teddy, sisters-in-law Kathleen and Mary, brothers-in-law Michael and Colm, nieces, nephews, extended family, relatives and many friends.

Thomas (Tommy) Mulholland Gorteen, Inniskeen, peacefully at home, reposing at his residence on Monday January 27.

Tommy beloved son of the late Felix and Mary Mulholland Thornfield, sadly missed by daughters Tara, Niamh and their mother Alice. Dear brother of Roisin, Eithne, Anjo, Mary, Dermot, Mairead and Eilish. Predeceased by brothers Paddy and Felix, Fondly remembered by all his relatives and friends.

Mariusz Zmuda Hyde Park, Dundalk, eacefully, in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda on Saturday January 25. Predeceased in September by his brother Zbigniew. He will be sadly missed by his parents Frank and Barbara, daughters Sylwia, Magdalena and Natalia, sister Aga, son-in-law Dominik, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Seamus (Shamie) White Jr Pinewood Grove and formerly of Cherryvale, Bay Estate, Dundalk, suddenly at his residence on Monday January 27. Predeceased by his mother Rita (née Coburn). He will be sadly missed by his loving dad Seamus, brother Michael, sisters Isobel and Mary, brothers-in-law Joe O’Hare and Aidan Dullaghan, sister-in-law Rita, nieces Natasha, Amy, Niamh and Justine, nephews Darren and James, grandnephews Noah and Will, uncle and aunts, cousins, extended family, relatives, friends and neighbours.

Brendan Farrelly Annagassan, and late of Skerries, peacefully in Our Lady of Lourdes hospital Drogheda, surrounded by his loving family on Sunday January 26.

Sadly missed by his loving wife and best friend Caroline, adored children Nikki, Jodie, Louise, Christopher, Kelly and Shannon, grandchildren Ben, Matt, Sarah, Lucy, Ava, Sophie, Isabelle, Pippa and Lexie, sister Marie, nieces, nephews, relatives, extended family and a large circle of friends.

Raimondas Gstautas Glenwood, Dublin Road, Dundalk, on Saturday January 25. Son of Ona, husband of Tatjana, father of Simas and Kamile and brother of Iloma. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends in Dundalk and his native Lithuania.

Michael McGrory Sea Road, Castlebellingham, peacefully at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, in his 87th year, on Sunday January 26. Michael, beloved husband of the late Carmel (née Richardson). Predeceased by his parents George and Margaret, brothers Frank, George, Tommy and Paddy, sisters Lilly, Maureen, Sheila and Anne, cousins Tommy and Patsy Kierans. Sadly missed by his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, neighbours, relatives and friends.

Dundalk Leader 5th February 2020

18

Locals travel to take part in national childcare protest Thousands of childcare workers will descend upon Dublin today to hold a protest over what they are calling a pay crisis in the sector. The demonstration has been organised by the Early Years Alliance which is an umbrella group consisting of the Association of Childhood Professionals, the Federation of Early Childhood Providers, the National Community Childcare Forum, the National Childhood Network, Seas Suas and SIPTU. The group claim that there is a genuine crisis in the sector with more than 60% of Early Years educators earning less than the living wage of €12.30 per hour. They also state that many childcare workers are trapped in precarious contracts, forced to work part-time when they want to make a full-time living from their work.

These claims are echoed by Aoife Dunleavy from the Playroom Project in Dundalk which is a child support service in Mullaharlin run by the Women’s Aid in Dundalk. According to Aoife the Playroom Project will close its doors today (Wednesday) to

enable staff to join the protest in Dublin.

“For years now we feel we have been undervalued and overworked and it is a fact that we are amongst the lowest paid sector of economy. Everybody who works in the childcare sector has to be fully qualified and most are qualified to at least level six with some coming in with degrees. Despite this most are lucky to be earning €12 an hour with no real pathway for progression in their careers.

“Most of the workers do not work in the summertime and have to sign on the live register for those few months which leads to huge levels of frustration in the sector.

“Since 2016 there has also been the introduction of a number of new government schemes such as the ECCE which has piled so much more paper-work on top of workers who were already struggling to fit in existing paperwork within their 39 hour week.

“It is a huge responsibility to take care of somebody else’s children and it is one that all childcare workers takes very

seriously. Our issue is not with the work but we do feel that the state has an obligation to fund us accordingly,” stated Aoife.

“It has been years of frustration for us as we have seen cuts in childcare services but for the first time in a long time I am beginning to get a little hopeful with the election coming up and seemingly the issue of childcare is high on all the parties agendas.

“We hope that all these parties follow through on their promises and don’t disappear after the election is over.

“We will be closing the Playroom Project this Wednesday (today) which is something nobody wants to do as we do not want to let parents down but we feel that this is a very important issue and we feel we need to stand up for ourselves so we will be joining our colleagues around the country for Wednesday’s protest,” noted Aoife.

The Early Years Alliance protest will assemble at Parnell Square, Dublin 1, on Wednesday 5th February at 11.30 a.m.

The protest march will conclude in Merrion Square, Dublin 2.

YEAR MAKE 2018 2015 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2015 2017 2017 2017 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2017 2017 2018 2018 2017 2017 2018 2017 2017 2017 2018 2017 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2017 2018 2018 2018

MODEL

DACIA SANDERO FORD FIESTA FORD FIESTA FORD FOCUS FORD FOCUS FORD FOCUS FORD FOCUS FORD FOCUS FORD FOCUS FORD KUGA HYUNDAI I40 HYUNDAI I30 HYUNDAI I30 HYUNDAI I40 HYUNDAI I10 HYUNDAI I30 HYUNDAI KONA HYUNDAI TUCSON KIA PICANTO KIA CEED MAZDA 2 MERCEDES A180D MERCEDES A180D NISSAN MICRA NISSAN JUKE NISSAN QASHQUI NISSAN XTRAIL NISSAN QASHQUI OPEL CORSA OPEL ASTRA OPEL ASTRA PEUGEOT 3008 RENAULT KADJAR RENAULT Megane RENAULT CLIO RENAULT CAPTUR RENAULT CAPTUR RENAULT CAPTUR RENAULT KADJAR SEAT IBIZA SKODA FABIA SKODA OCTAVIA TOYOTA AVENSIS VW GOLF VW GOLF VOLVO V40

SPEC

FUEL

1.0 PETROL ALTERNATIVE 1.25 ZETEC 1.25 ZETEC 1.0 PETROL ECOBOOST STYLE 1.5 TDCI STYLE 1.5 TDCI STYLE 1.5 TDCI STYLE 1.5 TDCI STYLE 1.5 TDCI STYLE 1.5 TDCI TITANIUM TOURER AUTO EXEC + 1.6 CRDI DELUXE 1.6 CRDI DELUXE 1.7 CRDI EXECUTIVE 1.0 PETROL DELUXE 1.4 PETROL CLASSIC 1.0 PETROL EXECUTIVE 1.7 CRDI EXECUTIVE 1.0 PETROL TX 1.4 crdi EX SAM 1.5 PETROL EXECUTIVE 1.5 DIESEL SPORT 1.5 DIESEL SPORT 1.0 SV 1.2 PETROL SV 1.6 DIESEL SV 1.6 DIESEL XE 7S 1.6 DSL SV 1.4 PETROL SC 1.6 DIESEL SC 1.6 DIESEL SC 1.6 HDI ACTIVE 1.5 DYNAMIQUE NAV 1.5 DCI DYNAM NAV 1.2 DYNAMIQUE NAV 1.0 TCE DYN NAV 1.5 DCI DYNAM NAV 1.5 DCI DYNAM NAV 1.5 DYNAMIQUE NAV 1.0 MPI SE 1.0 MPI AMBITION 1.6 TDI AMBITION 1.6 AURA 1.6 TDI COMFORTLINE 1.6 TDI COMFORTLINE 2.0 DIESEL D2 MOMENTUM

Petrol GREY Petrol BLACK Petrol SILVER Petrol SILVER Diesel SILVER Diesel GREY Diesel GREY Diesel WHITE Diesel WHITE Diesel SILVER Diesel NAVY Diesel BLACK Diesel RED Diesel WHITE Petrol RED Petrol RED Petrol BLUE Diesel BROWN Petrol YELLOW Diesel WHITE Petrol SILVER Diesel SILVER Diesel SILVER Petrol RED Petrol BLACK Diesel GREY Diesel BLUE Diesel BLUE Petrol WHITE Diesel WHITE Diesel GREY Diesel GREY Diesel SILVER Diesel RUBY Petrol WHITE Petrol SILVER Diesel BLACK Diesel RED Diesel RED Petrol BLACK Petrol SILVER Diesel GREY Diesel GREY Diesel RED Diesel WHITE Diesel BLUE

Childcare staff who are supporting the national protest in Dublin

Women’s Aid launch election manifesto Women’s Aid Dundalk today said that it was extremely concerning that candidates and political parties have not, to date, paid any significant attention to the crisis of violence against women in County Louth in General Election 2020.

Launching #NoMoreExcuses2020, a National Manifesto for a Safe Ireland for All, Services Manager, Ann Larkin said that it was difficult to understand how such an enormous issue, affecting so many women and children, could continue to be side-lined from political conversation.

Despite the political inertia, research carried out

by Behaviour & Attitudes in 2019 indicates that seven out of 10 people would be influenced in the

way they would vote if a politician was to speak out against domestic violence.

In their lifetime, at least one in three women in Ireland will experience abuse by a male partner.

Domestic homicides have outpaced gangland murders by almost two to one in the last three years.

In 2018, over 1,600 children lived in a refuge with their mothers. In the same year, there were 3,256 unmet requests for refuge because the services were full – that’s an average of 9 requests that had to be refused every day.

For Women’s Aid Dundalk that reads, 41 women and 47 children lived in refuge and 303 requests for refuge couldn’t be met.

Driving Licence service should be made available at new Dundalk facility Dundalk Councillor Seán Kelly has called on the National Driving Licence Service to set up a part time office at the new RSA Driving Test Centre on the Newry Road with immediate effect.

Kelly commented that it’s a 45km from the centre of town to the NDLS offices in Southgate Shopping Centre which is south of Drogheda.

“It’s unfair expecting people to make this journey when we have a brand-new facility on the

Newry Road since September 2019 which could make space available on a part time basis for those applying for licences in Dundalk, the surrounding areas and the Cooley Peninsula.

“Both entities have a close working relationship and therefore it makes sense to pass your test and apply for your license in the one location. I hope they see the common sense in this approach and act accordingly,” added Cllr Kelly.

Hill Street, Dublin Rd., Dundalk.

042 9331515/086 2559201

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Dundalk Leader 5th February 2020

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Dundalk Leader 5th February 2020