10-02-2021

DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Emer’s song for Ulster Orchestra Page 6

Show must go on at An Táin Page 6

Students caught in the crossfire

Louth pubs urged to join campaign Page 7

Wednesday, 10th February, 2021. Vol. 14, Issue 6 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth Tel: 042 9320888. Fax: 042 9329676. Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com; advertising@dundalkleader.com

By Tamara O’Connell

STUDENTS at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) are “annoyed” because they have not been issued their exam results due to industrial action at the third level college.

DkIT students were due to have their exam results issued on Thursday, February 4 but lecturers are under strict instructions from the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) not to issue the results.

According to DkIT Student Union (SU) President Taidgh Kavanagh students are now “caught in the cross-fire” between the TUI and DkIT President Michael Mulvey.

Continued on Page 2

Union calls for pandemic compensation for nurses

Representatives from the INMO speaking at yesterday’s Oireachtas health committee called for additional compensation for nursed who have worked through the pandemic. Healthcare workers in Northern Ireland and Scotland are set to receive a once-off £500 bonus for their work so far while in France, they are to be awarded a €1,500 bonus for their work.

The INMO lodged a claim in November for compensatory leave due to fatigue and overwork throughout 2020, which has not yet been responded to. The INMO also told the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health that decisions on worker safety have had “insufficient priority” .

Full Story Page 2

DkIT SU President Taidgh Kavanagh with DkIT President Dr Michael Mulvey.

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Students caught in crossfire as DkIT strike begins Dundalk Leader 10th February 2021

From Page 1 “TUI has instructed lecturers not to give out exam results until Michael Mulvey returns to the Workplace Relations Commission,” said Taidgh.

“The issue really affects final year students who need to know their results before doing their final exams.”

Taidgh added: “This is bringing a lot of uncertainty.

Students have lost jobs, family, friends and Erasmus opportunities this year because of Covid-19.

“Covid-19 is beyond our control but this situation is within our control. This issue can’t keep going like this. It needs to be sorted immediately.

“This has been a very tough year for students. This situation is avoidable and I’m asking for this issue to be resolved for the betterment of the student body.”

According to Kenneth Sloane, vice chair of Dundalk IT TUI, the industrial action was regrettably taken when it became apparent that the

DkIT executive were unwilling to honour commitments made to them in 2019.

“DkIT’s Executive signed an agreement in November 2019 that was lodged with The Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

“It committed the Institute Executive to immediate action on a number of issues including improving the functioning of Management Bodies and the commencement of talks with other Institutes of Technology with the view to swiftly identifying a preferred partner with whom to pursue Technological University status. To date the DkIT Executive has failed to honour the commitments made in this agreement,” explained Kenneth.

“While subsequent industrial action has forced some progress on the Technological University issue, senior Management bodies remain dysfunctional due to the DkIT President’s refusal to permit Senior Managers to

table items for discussion or permit the open discussion and recording of different opinions. Consequently major items of concern to Senior Managers have gone undiscussed and unaddressed and subsequently impacted negatively on DkIT strategic and operational functions.

“The TUI has engaged in lengthy negotiations with the DkIT Executive in a process facilitated by the WRC to develop an agreed Terms of Reference that would restore the functioning of Management bodies in accordance with good Governance best practice, however in December 2020 the WRC concluded that there was no basis to continue these discussions due to the DkIT Executive’s unwillingness to reach a compromise on these basic issues.

“Therefore regrettably the TUI has had to reimpose industrial action due to failure of management to fulfill its commitment made in the November 2019 agreement.

While we are keenly aware of the stress this may place

on students and staff who are facing a very challenging educational environment, the responsibility for this reimposition of industrial action is entirely due to the intransigence of the DkIT President’s office. The action has not disrupted the delivery of lessons and has been specifically calibrated to have a minimal impact on students day to day learning. The action can also be swiftly reversed should the DkIT Executive agree to return to talks at the WRC. The TUI has communicated to the DkIT Executive and the WRC our willingness to return to and continue talks.

We have not to date received a response from DkIT’s Executive indicating they are willing to return to negotiations. The current industrial action could be lifted swiftly should the DkIT’s Executive agree to return to talks.

Meanwhile a statement issued by DkIT insisted that theu are looking for a ‘swift and appropriate resolution’ to the industrial action taken by the TUI.

“Management within the Institute are currently seeking swift and appropriate resolution to industrial action by the Dundalk Branch of the TUI. The Institute will continue to endeavour, as it has done since notification of this industrial action was issued, to reach a suitable pathway forward that will recognise the rights and interests of the parties concerned.

All staff at DkIT remain committed to ensuring the continuation of teaching and learning and all other associated services at this challenging time. The welfare of students remains the utmost priority and every effort is being made to ensure further disruption can be avoided. It is highly regrettable that there has been a delay in some students receiving their winter examination results as result of this action. We are working with all parties to find prompt resolution and expect students to receive their results shortly and via the normal channels,” concluded the statement.

Union calls for pandemic compensation for nurses Representatives from the INMO speaking at yesterday’s Oireachtas health committee called for additional compensation for nursed who have worked through the pandemic.

Healthcare workers in Northern Ireland and Scotland are set to receive a once-off £500 bonus for their work so far while in France, they are to be awarded a €1,500 bonus for their work.

The INMO lodged a claim in November for compensatory leave due to fatigue and overwork throughout 2020, which has not yet been responded to. The INMO also told the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health that decisions on worker safety have had “insufficient priority” since the start of the pandemic. They also made the claim that healthcare workers’ safety has been at risk as a result, while students have been left with a bad experience of the

INMO President Karen McGowan.

Irish health service.

The INMO submission also called for improved social distancing in hospitals, mental health supports for the frontline, childcare provision, and mandatory health and safety inspections in workplaces with clusters or outbreaks of COVID. According to INMO President Karen McGowan a debt of gratitude is owed to frontline staff.

“Despite great risks, our colleagues across nursing and midwifery

have made an incredible contribution to the fight against COVID. It is a matter of simple justice that the debt of gratitude owed to frontline staff is recognised.”

INMO General Secretary, Phil Ní Sheaghdha, echoed those sentiments while outlining the many issues frontline workers have had to endure during the pandemic.

“This has been a long hard year for those who work in the health service. Time and time again, frontline health-

care staff have stepped up to provide care in extreme circumstances. It is beyond time that their efforts are recognised.

“We have lodged a claim for compensation for our members, given all they have sacrificed and contributed during this pandemic. We are still awaiting a response.

“Ever since the virus arrived on our shores, we have had to push for basic safety for frontline staff. We were forced to launch a public campaign simply to get facemasks. The government refused to classify COVID as an occupational injury until an EU directive forced their hand.

“Even basic issues like childcare for the largely female healthcare workforce were not dealt with when schools closed.

“It’s time for a clear message from government that our frontline nurses and midwives are truly valued.”

Dundalk Leader 10th February 2021

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Dundalk Leader 10th February 2021

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McGreehan ‘disappointed’ at Mother and Baby Homes Report Chair’s decision to decline Oireachtas invite

Fianna Fáil Senator and Seanad Spokesperson on Children Erin McGreehan has expressed her disappointment that the Chair of the Commission of Investigation into the Mother and Baby Homes Report has declined to appear

before the Oireachtas Children’s Committee.

Senator McGreehan commented, “It is disappointing that Judge Yvonne Murphy will not come before us. I thought it would have been a positive opportunity to discuss the re-

many of our citizens and the trust the witnesses placed in the hands of the Commission, I feel that it would be positive for the survivors to know that the Oireachtas believes them, trusts them and wishes to do its very best for all

the women and adoptees.”

As far as the next step in the matter is concerned, Senator McGreehan added: “The Committee will issue another invite suggesting that Judge Murphy could provide an alternative date

in Jan / Feb. There is significant concern that if a decision is not made swiftly that it will not be logistically feasible to open a new Dundalk gaelcholáiste in Sept. 2021.

If Ministerial approval is swiftly forthcoming, it means that there will be places available for 25 – 30 children in Dundalk. This will be critical for Gaelscoil Dhún Dealgan 6th class pupils as the Co Dublin gaelcholáiste, (Glór na Mara, Balbriggan) currently attended by Dundalk children, reports that it is fully subscribed for 2021 with no space available for Dundalk children next year.

Anyone travelling for essential reasons across the border will not have to worry about being fined by Gardaí, according to Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú.

The Sinn Féin TD was commenting on the measures, which came into effect on Monday , which would see everyone in a vehicle, deemed to be engaged in nonessential cross-border travel, each being hit with a €100 fine.

Deputy Ó Murchú said: ‘Cross border fines show the need for an all Ireland response.

We need to sort problems with data sharing on international travellers and the government needs to engage to a greater degree with the Northern Executive and the British government to deliver all Ireland or two- island response to combat the pandemic.

Deputy Ó Murchú said: ‘Anyone who is travelling for essential reasons across the border has nothing to worry about. Gardaí will use their discretion, but they

port and ask questions as to the methodology, the phraseology of certain comments and the seemingly contradictory comments in the executive summary.

“I reiterate that given the importance of this report, the significance it has on so

and/or time to appear before the Committee, or an alternative member of the Commission, the Committee are awaiting a response.”

Senator McGreehan, who is a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on

Children, Disability, Equality and Integration, further stated that members will have the opportunity to discuss this matter in greater detail at the meeting on Tuesday when the item of correspondence is considered.

Sen. ErinMcGreehan.

‘All Ireland response Parents hopeful on Dundalk Gaelcholáiste needed to suppress virus’ opening in September

Former pupils from Colaiste Lú during one of many protests in 2019

Co. Louth parents fighting for the right for their children to be educated through Irish received a significant boost after the disappointment of the November refusal by LMETB to assist with providing a premises.

The proposed school patron, An Foras Pátrúnachta (AFP), sent out an update letter to parents that indicated a formal proposal from the Dept. of Education requiring Ministerial approval was likely to be imminent. A proposal initiated by the Department’s Forward Planning Section has not met any obstacles to date.

It is thought that approval from the Minister will be swiftly

forthcoming when presented.

AFP have agreed with Muirhevnamor Community Centre, subject to Dept. approval, to use the Centre facilities as a school on a temporary basis.

Once approved, it will enable them to source permanent facilities in the Dundalk area.

Parents are anxiously awaiting formal Departmental approval, to enable a potential enrolment process to start in order to determine numbers. Currently all 6th class pupils have places booked in English medium schools starting in Sept. 2021 and traditionally assessment tests and final confirmation of school places would take place

Ruairí Ó Murchú. will issue fines as a last resort. People should not engage in non-essential travel and should stay within the 5km zone.

‘We are going to be living with the need to suppress Covid-19 for a considerable time and the difficulties have been made even more real with the discovery and spread of new strains.

Travel restrictions and mandatory hotel quarantine should have happened at an earlier stage, but they have to happen now.

‘There have been ‘mixed messages’ from the government and these restrictions should have been introduced earlier. Along with pre departure, there should be arrival PCR testing along with mandatory hotel quarantine. There have been cases of people who continued to travel after fines were handed out at the airport, which means that fines alone are insufficient.

‘As Dr Tony Holohan told us at the Oireachtas Committee on Transport in November, there were periods last summer, when incidence numbers were much lower than now, where around a quarter of Covid-19 cases were linked to international travel.

He added that ‘very good progress’ has been made by the people of Louth, and around the State, in supressing the Covid-19 virus. He said: ‘A huge amount of work has been done to keep the numbers down, but the numbers are still higher in Louth, where

there is a 14-day incidence rate of 471, compared with the average in the State of 338.”

Deputy Ó Murchú is one of a number of European elected representatives who were due to engage in a virtual meeting with the EU’s health commissioner, Stella Kyriakides, on Monday.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Deputy Ó Murchú said he intended to raise the ‘huge ramifications’ from the EU difficulties with AstraZenaca, which led to the EU threatening to trigger Article 16 of the Irish Protocol.

He welcomed, however, the news that those aged over 70 are starting to get vaccinated next week, with a completion date of the middle of May. He said the decision not to use the AstraZenica vaccine in the older population was ‘due to a lack of trial data for older people before the vaccine was approved. This decision may change in the future’.

Be respectful of Dowdallshill Graveyard—Corrigan

Sinn Fein Councillor Edel Corrigan has noticed over the past number of weeks a “notable increase in the levels of unsuitable waste disposed of in Dowdall’s Hill graveyard skips by members of the public.”

Cllr Corrigan said “I would ask people to be mindful that Dowdall’s Hill is a place that peo-

ple visit to mourn their loved ones and it is a place that should be respected by all. There has been a lot of work done by council staff in the graveyard to maintain the upkeep and integrity of the area and I would urge others to do the same.”

Dowdall’s Hill graveyard provides skips on the premises

for visiting relatives and friends to dispose of waste when cleaning and maintaining the graves of their loved ones. According to Cllr Corrigan, while she was visiting the graveyard over the past number of weeks she has seen “everything from household appliances, soiled nappies, pet food, fast food

wrappers, empty alcohol cans and bottles and much more. What is worse, the waste doesn’t always remain inside the skips and is along the footpaths and walkways people use to get to the graves of loved ones.”

Cllr Corrigan is asking people “to stop dumping their household waste in the skips

in the graveyard. The skips provided are not for this purpose. Respect the graveyard and those who are visiting it.”

Cllr Corrigan added that works had recently started on the implementation of a traffic management system in the graveyard and is asking people to use the one-way system

now in place. “This has been designed to prevent the need to mount kerbs and cause blockages on the driveways and pathways. Hopefully in the coming year we will be able to proceed to the next stage of works in installing additional layby areas and the provision of additional parking facilities.”

Cllr Edel Corrigan.

Dundalk Leader 10th February 2021

‘Childcare staff should be classed as frontline workers’

By Tamara O’Connell

THE manager of a Dundalk childcare facility has said she would like childcare workers to be classed as frontline workers for the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccines.

As it stands the Covid-19 vaccine priority rollout includes childcare and early years educators in group 11 out of 15.

According to The Holy Fam-

ily Community Creche Project Manager Irene Daly, the creche has been open since June 29 last year and all of this year.

“Staff are going to work every day to provide a service to other frontline workers; we should be classed also in the same category,” she said.

“Most of our employees have families and children at home that need to be home schooled and they feel they want to give back to society.”

Irene added: “It’s part of their DNA caring for the children. But we do it in the safest way possible by adhering to our own policies and being rigid in infection control and hygiene.

“We all need to work together to get through this pandemic.

It’s all about team work so if the Government could respect early years staff and give them the vaccine, this would give some comfort to staff.”

Vaccination of care home residents remains the priority THE vaccination of residents of long-term residential care facilities aged 65 and over and staff who care for them is the immediate priority for Midlands, Louth, Meath CHO, according to a statement issued by the HSE. “It is expected vaccinations will be complete for long-term residential care facilities by end of February 2021,” said a HSE spokesperson. “The second provisional Vaccine Allocation Group are frontline healthcare workers outside of

those outlined above. Front Line healthcare workers vaccinations are commencing next week.

“The vaccination programme is contingent on vaccine supply and it will take time for all frontline healthcare workers to be vaccinated.” He added: “The HSE must adhere to this Government policy in rolling out the vaccination programme.

“While we have not yet received any information in relation to the timeframe for the

vaccination of the over-70s, the HSE is doing everything that it can to reach everyone as quickly as possible and we hope that the vaccination of the over-70s will progress swiftly in line with the Government’s Provisional Vaccine Allocation Groups. “It is anticipated that vaccine supply will increase in the following months, allowing for more rapid vaccination of the priority groups and also facilitating expansion of the vaccination programme to additional population groups.”

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Dundalk Photographic Society Dundalk Photographic Society have been as productive as ever during lockdown with their members taking some wonderful shots locally.

The picture on the right of Cuchullains Castle was taken

by Barry Kiernan. See more photos on page 10.

Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk.

Ph: 042 93 57897

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Increase in rental prices in Louth

By Tamara O’Connell

RENTAL prices in Louth increased by 3.8 per cent in 2020, according to the latest rental price report from property website Daft.

The Daft.ie report shows that the average rent in Louth in the final three months of 2020 was €1,283.

In Meath rents increased by 3.8 per cent to €1,381, while in Monaghan rents jumped 1.9 per cent to €821 and in Cavan rents increased by 3.1 per cent to €784.

The national average monthly rent stood at €1,414 in the final quarter of 2020, up from a low

of €742 per month seen in late 2011.

In Dublin, rents fell 3.3. per cent during the year 2020, with rent declines concentrated in the second and fourth quarters of the year.

In the rest of the country, however, rents rose by 5.4 per cent on average during 2020.

Commenting on the report, Ronan Lyons, economist at Trinity College Dublin, said: “These latest figures should remove any lingering doubts about the importance of supply in lower rents.

“Outside Dublin, Covid-19 has led to a further worsening of supply conditions in the rental

market, with the number of homes coming on each month down 17 per cent on already low levels.

“While demand for rental homes outside the capital has fallen – with the rise in unemployment – it has not fallen as much as supply, pushing rents further upwards.”

He added: “Nonetheless, rents in the capital – and in Ireland’s other main cities – remain at twice their level a decade ago.

This underscores the importance of ensuring the construction of tens of thousands of new rental homes over the coming years, to help bring rents back down to affordable levels.”

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Dundalk Leader 10th February 2021

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Artists Assemble! 2021 Connect and Create at An Táin

It’s been a tough year for theatres around the country but for the team in An Táin Arts Centre it’s been a case of ‘The Show must go on’ as they have continued to come up with innovative and interesting ideas to bring art to the masses.

Arguably An Táin Arts Centre role has never been more important with people longing for

entertainment as they try and get through the third lockdown of the last eleven months. According to Paul Hayes, director and CEO of An Táin Arts Centre he and his team have strived to embrace the changed landscape and collectively use their heads to come up with new ideas to deliver art to the local community.

“We have had to com-

pletely change the way we have worked and although it has been tough one positive of the last year or so is that all of the restrictions have allowed us to work more closely with professional artists in the area.

Whereas previously we may have had schools in rehearsing or actors getting ready for shows or pantos we now have all this extra space which

is not being used and we used that last year to produce our OFF SITE program which was a major success with 89 events employing 130 artists locally.

“It was such an enjoyable experience and so well received we have decided to do something similar again and we are now launching our ARTISTS ASSEMBLE! 2021 | CONNECT AND

Emer’s song chosen for Ulster Orchestra album Dundalk musician Emer Kenny has had one of her songs chosen for an ambitious new album released by the Ulster Orchestra entitled ‘Our Songs, Our Place’. Composer and arranger Paul Campbell approached the Ulster Orchestra in April last year with the idea of releasing an album to create a musical response to the first COVID-19 lockdown.

That meeting led to the ‘Your Song Now’ project which invited songwriters to submit a song that spoke to their life and experience of the lockdown. In total 69 songs were submitted with judges choosing the best nine which included Emer’s beautiful title track from her 2019 album ‘Ghosts’.

That album was commissioned by the Derry Playhouse and Peace IV funding and inspired by as well as featuring spoken word contributions from six victims and survivors of the conflict in Northern Ireland and the border counties.

Originally from Bray, Emer has lived in Dundalk since 1999 and is a classically trained

Duke Special and Emer Kenny. harpist and composer, BMUS Hons, Trinity College of Music, London. She worked as a freelance harpist in London before securing an album deal with Polygram New York and a publishing deal with Warner Chappell London.

Her first album ‘Emer Kenny’ sold in excess of 50,000 copies and her music has been synced to major USA film releases, including Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘The Third Miracle’ Disney’s ‘Sacred Planet’ and various tv series and adverts.

According to Emer she was thrilled to be part of the project and delighted to get the opportunity to re-record her song with the Ulster Orchestra last

September.

“I was delighted to have my song ‘Ghosts’ chosen to be part of this project and it was amazing to be able to re-record the song with the Ulster Orchestra and Duke Special. I’m very happy with how it turned out and I’d like to thank all involved for putting the album together,” stated Emer.

The album ‘Ghosts’ was released by Emer just over a year ago and featured spoken word contributions from victims and survivors of the troubles including Stephen Travers of the Miami Showband and Dundalk woman Margaret English whose father Hugh Watters was killed when a loyalist

bomb exploded outside Kays Tavern in Crowe Street in 1975. According to Emer she really enjoyed the process of putting that album together whilst also feeling some pressure to get it right given the themes involved.

“Ghosts was a very rewarding project and one where the music seemed to take a life of its own and deviate to weird and wonderful places,” explained Emer. “I was so thankful for everybody who told me their stories from the conflict in Northern Ireland and of course there was pressure and a responsibility to get it right and hopefully I managed to do that. It’s fantastic that the song ‘Ghosts’ has got a new lease of life and I’m proud that it is now on this wonderful ‘Our Songs, Our Place’ album released by the Ulster Orchestra,” stated Emer.

Emer’s re-recorded version of ‘Ghosts’ can be streamed on Spotify on the album ‘Our songs, Our Place’. Her 2019 album ‘Ghosts’ can be found at www. emerkenny.bandcamp. com.

CREATE programme which we hope to get up and running soon,” explained Paul.

“If you have a creative idea that you would like to realise in 2021 answer our call!

We’re looking for brave new ideas that we can bring to life in 2021 and are particularly interested in hearing from artists and performers who we did not get a

chance to work with last year. You don’t need to send complete programmes, just ideas for now - we can feed into them, and maybe even partner you with other artists,” stated Paul.

Please send your initial thoughts to paul@ antain.ie to get the ball rolling.

Deadline: Wednesday the 24th of February at 5pm.

“A Day in Dundalk” Photography Open Call “A Day in Dundalk” is a photography project

by An Táin Arts Centre, which will capture a snapshot of daily life in Dundalk and the surrounding areas on Friday 19th of February 2021.

According to Paul Hayes, director of An Táin Arts Centre, the exhibition will be an important artefact in years to come of the strange times we are going through at the moment.

“Art is about capturing a moment in time and we feel it is important to capture and put on record the mundanity that many people are going through in their everyday lives at the moment. What we are going through now has become our norm and we want to archive that and have it on record,” explained Paul.

“We are inviting YOU to join us and take a photo which captures your life on the 19th of February, to be included in this photographic exhibition.

Whether you’re working, homeschooling the kids, enjoying the countryside, walking the dog or running errands in Dundalk town, we want you to

An Táin Arts Centre looking for pictures for new exhibition photograph something from your life on that day and send it to us.

Follow our camera club tips on social media.

“Join us on Friday 19th of February by taking a photo of your preferred subject,” noted Paul.

Email your picture to info@antain.ie with a description of the image or who appears in the photograph. Please put “A Day in Dundalk submission” in the subject line of the email.

At a time when uncertainty is prevalent and our daily lives are in a constant state of change

Councillors explore ways to honour Liam

The late Liam Reilly.

A Motion by Independent Councillor Maeve Yore and Sinn Fein Councillor Kevin Meenan was unanimously passed at Dundalk Municipal District February Meeting to explore ways to honour, recognise and commemorate the huge contribution Dundalk native and front man of Bagatelle made on the local, national and international musical scene.

Councillor Meenan said

Paul Hayes.

other musical icons have been remembered in their home towns like Dolores O’Riordan in Limerick and Joe Dolan in Mullingar and it is only right and appropriate that Dundalk recognises Liam.

“We are so Proud of Liam and we are looking for ideas and suggestions from the people of Dundalk and Liam’s legion of fans on how best to create a lasting legacy to Liam,” concluded Cllr Yore. Cllr Kevin Meenan.

Cllr Maeve Yore.

depending on the level of restrictions in place, An Táin Arts Centre want to capture a slice of life as we navigate the lifting and re-implementing of Covid-19 restrictions. The images will be curated into an online exhibition viewable on An Táin Arts Centre’s virtual gallery.

No photography experience is necessary, but to help you along we are collaborating with two local camera clubs to give some photography tips and inspiration, to help you capture the best image of your preferred subject. We will

be posting a tip from each camera club on our social media between now and the 19th of February. *Please be aware that as part of our terms and conditions by submitting a photograph you expressly give An Táin Arts Centre permission to use the image as part of the exhibition ‘A Day in Dundalk’ and as part of any marketing and / or promotional activity

by An Táin Arts Centre.

If you are submitting an image of children, please insure you have permission from their parent/ guardian.

Cooley Connect Well

Cooley Connect Well Community Group has acquired a fund for craft materials from Louth County Council. Craft packs, can be deposited in a local shop or posted to interested parties.

We have basic packs with embroidery treads for patterns, cross stitch appliqué, upcycling a tea towel, embroidering over a pattern.

Cooley Connect Well will commence a Zoom Class on Tuesday, February 16, at 10.30am. The Zoom Class will help provide needlework support and a social opportunity to drop in and out when needed. Commitment to zoom is not necessary to avail of the packs.

Contact 0833924117 or 0851833110 or email cooleyconnectwell@gmail.com

Louth publicans urged to join legal challenge of insurance companies Dundalk Leader 10th February 2021

By Tamara O’Connell

LOUTH pubs are being encouraged to join a legal challenge against insurance companies who have refused to pay out business claims.

Qualified solicitor and publican Brian Winters is calling on publicans in the Wee County to join the legal challenge by the Save Irish Pubs campaign.

“If you are a small publican in Louth you can upload your

policy on our website and plug into some of the best legal advice available,” said Brian.

“There are no hidden costs. The only charge is if you have a successful outcome.

I’m urging publicans to take the chance to have their policy interrogated.”

Brian welcomed the recent High Court ruling that FBD must pay out insurance to pubs forced to close because of Covid-19.

The ruling in the

landmark test case brought by four pubs — Sean’s Bar in Athlone, and Sinnotts, The Leopardstown Inn, and Lemon & Duke, all in Dublin — will benefit 1,300 publicans who have a public house insurance policy with FBD, which had claimed that the policy did not cover the Government’s move into national lockdown.

“The ruling is incredible. It’s a landmark decision but it’s not a great surprise,”

1—Which formerly popular social media site is returning this year having been declared bankrupt in 2013?

2—Which soap opera is older, Neighbours or Eastenders?

3—If you were celebrating your TIN wedding anniversary how many years would you have been married?

4—What is the capital of the Isle of Man? 5—In what decade did Dundalk gaol on the Carrickmacross Road formally close?

6—Which Tom Hanks film won best picture at the Oscars in 1995?

7—What is meant by the term ‘keening’?

8—Which major

tennis tournament is currently taking place?

9—According to the bible, who was first to see Jesus after his resurrection?

10—What is the only fruit that has seeds on the outside?

The Stinker—Name the only two parts of your body that never stop growing?

News

in Brief

It is pancake time again but unfortunately the Shrove Tuesday morning Rotary breakfast on 16th February will not be held this year due to the pandemic.

Had it gone ahead it would be celebrating its 22nd year but it has been postponed till next year 2022. We would to thank the hundreds of people who supported this Rotary charity over these years The breakfast has been a great social occasion for family, friends, colleagues and business associates. So in 2022 we will look forward to the complimentary morning paper, full Irish breakfast and, of course, the pancakes.

Historical Society If you have family buried in Kilwirra who have no headstone please phone 0851833110 with their names.

If you have any information re dance halls/meeting places in the Cooley Peninsula please phone 0851833110 with their location.

—this week’s answers— 1—Bebo, 2—Eastenders (First aired in February 1985.

Neighbours came out later that same year), 3—10, 4—Douglas, 5—1930’s (1931), 6—Forrest Gump, 7—When women family members would cry and wail over a relative who had died, 8—Australian Open, 9—Mary Magdalen, 10—Strawberries The Stinker: Ears and nose.

Dundalk Rotary Club

Got a Story?

We want to hear from you

Phone: 0429320888; Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com

he said.

“With the support of Irish Distillers / Pernod Ricard, and on foot of this seminal judgement we will now be pursuing these claims vigorously. We have in excess 1,800 publicans already signed up.”

He added: “The key messages we want to communicate to publicans is that no matter what you have been told in the past about the fact

you have no claim, get your policy into us for review.

“Secondly, this will not cost you anything in time or in money. Our legal team will review the policy and if there is the basis for a test case, we will manage the process on your behalf through the Save Irish Pubs initiative.”

For more information visit www.

Brian Winters from the Save our Pub campaign saveirishpubs.ie.

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Dundalk Leader 10th February 2021

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Last week may have signified the beginning of spring but with temperatures set to remain close to freezing and reports of snow arriving locally later on this week it’s important that people beat the chill by stocking up on heating fuels to keep their houses warm.

Houses can be heated in a variety of different ways depending on the age of the building or preference of the home-owner.

Most modern houses have oilfired central heating systems while apartments tend to be heated by electric storage heaters. In recent years stoves have made a big comeback and are a very popular method of heating homes while many people insist that there is simply no substitute for a blazing open fire on a cold evening.

Coal is the most popular fuel for open fires, though many people will use logs and briquettes, with many local heating agents selling purpose made logs and briquettes for stoves also. Fuel

merchants have increasingly switched to smokeless fuel in recent years, which apart from being better for the environment, leave less soot residue in the chimney and less ash and debris in the fireplace.

Oil-fired central heating has risen considerably in prominence over the last decade and is the way most modern homes are likely to be heated. Most new housing developments in recent years would have been built with oil burning central heating systems as standard. For convenience and hassle-free comfort it is a system that most household-

ers would recommend. Unlike solid fuel fires, every room will be heated to the same temperature by oil, and the system can be timed to optimise both energy and fuel consumption.

Home heating oil is also selling at its cheapest in a couple of decades and supplier demand is running particularly high in recent years as customers opt to fill their tanks.

Whatever the method you use for heating your home make sure you are well stocked up this month with freezing temperatures and snow forecast over the next number of weeks.

Dundalk Leader 10th February 2021

Drive-In Fuel Depot

Beat the Carbon Tax

Colombian Coal 40kg €15 113 Concession Road, Cullaville Smokeless Glo Therm (just 15 minutes from Dundalk) 40Kg €15 Premium Coal 40Kg €13 Doubles Open Monday – Saturday 40Kg €13 8.30am – 9pm Singles Home Heating Oil 40Kg €11 Hardwood Logs €3.50 or 3 Bags for €10 FloGas €25 Bowsers available Kindle Sticks 20 Ltr Drums For Sale €3 per Bag

40.9c Per Ltr

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Dundalk Leader 10th February 2021

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St Louis Green Schools Committee keep busy

Rhiannon Dolan.

Although school has moved online it hasn’t stopped the work of the Green Schools Committee in St Louis Dundalk. They have several projects in the pipeline at present. Recently, two students in the school, Rhiannon Dolan and Eman Derouiche Travel applied to take part in the #andshecycles Green Schools Ambassador Programme. Both girls were delighted to have been successful in their applications, as it was an arduous process, and they will now take part in and engage the whole school in an exciting project which will focus on sustainable travel for the future.

Across Ireland, data shows

that just one in every 250 teenage girls cycle to school every day.

The #andshecycles campaign was developed to explore, understand and address barriers to cycling for teenage girls. Emerging from the #andshecycles research, it is clear that cycling for girls is not nearly as accessible as cycling for boys.

The #andshecycles Ambassador Programme is a unique development of this campaign with a focus on addressing the teenage cycling gender gap. This will be achieved through building and supporting student leaders to take action to enable and empower teenage girls to cycle to school.

The girls are planning to in-

volve students in activities pertaining to the campaign. Last year Rhiannon also organised a Bike Skills course for any student who wanted to get involved - she organised the loan of bikes and helmets for students last year who attended the workshop.

‘It is wonderful to see the girls taking the initiative into their own hands and getting so involved in all things green,’ said Green School Co-Ordinator Joanne Mallon. ‘ Ms Rice and I can encourage and enthuse but until young people start taking on the responsibility themselves change will not be effective. It is really inspiring to see the girls finding campaigns

they feel strongly about and being proactive in getting involved.’

In other news the Green Schools Committee also applied for a Bike Shelter and they were successful in that too so a shiny new bike shelter will be on its way when society opens up again.

Principal Michelle Dolan was delighted with the news. ‘We actively engage in teaching our girls the skills to be dynamic citizens of society so it is heartwarming to see this come to fruition thanks to the work of Eman and Rhiannon. I look forward to seeing the change they can bring about in our school community in the next Eman Derouiche.

12 months.’

TUI still pushing for normal Leaving Cert in June

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has reiterated its support for holding the 2021 Leaving Certificate examinations, including second components such as orals, practicals and projects.

The union does not believe that a system of calculated grades or similar will reduce stress and anxiety in the school community and has expressed concerns about the lack of data on which teachers’ estimated marks could be based compared to last year’s process.

In addition, the union has said it has significant concerns about the feasibility of offering students a choice between calculated grades and a written examination. Clearly, teaching and preparing a class split into those seeking a calcu-

lated grade and those preparing to do a Leaving Certificate examination would be extremely challenging in the time remaining.

TUI has also stated that external moderation in any system is essential in ensuring consistency and public trust.

Speaking today, TUI President Martin Marjoram said: ‘We fully acknowledge the high levels of stress and anxiety in school communities, especially among those students who are due to take the state examinations this year.

“However, we are concerned that a premature decision could be made without full exploration of feasible options.

We believe there are enormous dif-

ficulties attached to the proposal that the class of 2021 be offered a choice in terms how they wish to be assessed, and we are reiterating our strong view that the fairest, most equitable option remains the holding of suitably modified and adapted Leaving Certificate examinations, which must take account of the second components of assessment such as orals, practical and project work.

Clearly, there will be ongoing challenges in the current climate, but students and teachers have consistently demonstrated creativity and ingenuity since school buildings initially closed last March. This is a time for flexibility.

Further consideration could be given to extending the breadth of topics covered

in papers or adjusting marking schemes, and any other reasonable measures that might ease stress and anxiety among the class of 2021 should not be ruled out.

For all its flaws, the Leaving Certificate continues to enjoy significant public trust, and in addition to the written examination, second components of assessment such as orals, practicals and projects ensure that learners of all types have their full range of abilities and competencies assessed.

A return to calculated grades would pose extreme logistical and educational difficulties, given both the substantial amount of the school year remaining and, as a result of disruption to in-school learning both last year and this year, the

serious and justified concerns among teachers around a much smaller range of data on which to base estimated marks.

While TUI members engaged with the calculated grades process owing to the national health emergency last year, their trust was breached when class rank order information was released in a manner that showed complete disregard for vulnerable students and their families.

We must also caution against cynical interests attempting to use current difficulties to permanently undermine or abolish the Leaving Certificate. All that should be considered at present are feasible solutions to the current situation.

We will continue to work proactively with all stakeholders on these matters.’

Dundalk Photographic Society

James Mathews - Dundalk Central.

Saint Helena Fog by Simon Mullen.

The Redemptorists by Sean Kenny.

Fog on the Quays by Ger Lyons.

St Helenas Park by Marie Agnew.

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Dundalk Leader 10th February 2021

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). M.K. 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). T.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.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). S.M.

or genuinely seeking work and they will not be required to sign on the Live Register.

Recipients are exempt from participating in Activation unless they choose to engage and can also participate in a course of education while retaining their full payment entitlement.

MinisterHumphreys said: “For many people, due to their contract of employment, retiring at the age of 65 is their only option.

“These are people who have been working all their lives and,

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.

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

Telephone Dundalk Leader 042 93 -20888.

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.

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.

A-Alterations—For all your clothing alteration needs and Dry-Cleaning service.

Due to Covid -19 restrictions we will reopen on Friday 5th March 2021, sorry for any inconvenience and we look forward to see you in March.

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.

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 grass cutting, strimming. General Garden Maintenance and Garage Clearance. Keen prices. Tel 086 845 9472.

Roofing Repairs—Stoves supplied and fitted, fully insured, Hetas certified. Contact Paul 087 6301914 or 041 98 94633.

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. Mark 086 089 5508.

VOLUNTEER DRIVER—Available to transport Cancer patients to and from Hospital/ Clinic. Highly experienced in this care. Reference available. Fuel contribution requested.

Tel Carmel 0044-7923-192799.

articles for sale

Family Notices Contact Noeleen

Telephone 042 9320888

New benefit for people aged between 65 and 66

The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, has announced the introduction of Benefit Payment for 65 year olds.

The payment is for people aged between 65 and 66 years who are no longer engaged in employment or selfemployment. Eligibility for the payment is determined by a person’s PRSI contributions.

Recipients of the payment are not required to be available for full-time work or genuinely seeking work and do not need to sign on The rate of payment is €203 per week (same rate as Jobseeker’s Benefit) with an increase for dependants, if eligible.

A person in receipt of this payment will not be required to be available for full-time work

PROPERTY/RENTALS

for many, finding new employment can be difficult.

“As Minister I want to be able to provide them with some certainty and peace of mind.

“That’s why I’m rolling out the ‘Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds’ which reflects a key commitment in the Programme for Government.

“There is now no situation whereby somebody has to ‘sign on’ or go on the Live Register: “This is a specific payment targeted at

people in the year leading up to when they reach pension age.

“There are various other issues in relation to the State Pension that are being examined by the independent Commission on Pensions, which is due to make recommendations to me in the summer.

“In the meantime, I’m pleased to give clarity today to those aged 65 or approaching the age of 65 and I’m encouraging people to apply for this payment via www.MyWelfare.ie.”

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.

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

The Dundalk Leader.

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.

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

CHIMNEY CLEANER—The Clean sweep, clean & tidy, no dust. Brush & Vac. Also gutter cleaning. Contact Cathal 087-225-9799.

ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE to over 60,000 readers for only €5 per week up to 20 words 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.

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

planning

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We Dundalk PR Limited, t/a Imperial Hotel intend to apply for retention permission, Dundalk PR Limited, t/a Imperial Hotel are applying for retention permission for works to the rear of the hotel. The works include removal of existing timber fence and two sets of double doors.

Replacement of same with new high-level timber fence to the goods inwards area & lower level non-permanent fixed fence boxes to the venue entrance incorporating floral & hedging trims as well as feature lighting.

A new timber canopy immediately over the entrance with signage, all fixed above unchanged steps and wheelchair accessible ramp. Installation of a timber boundary fence to both car parks incorporating three security barriers Imperial Hotel, Park Street, Dundalk, Co Louth, A91 ND6P. 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.

Dundalk Leader 10th February 2021

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Padraig McGinn Ballynamoney, Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim/Castleblayney,Monaghan/ Dundalk, Louth. At Sligo University Hospital. Predeceased by his wife Angela, sisters Fidelma, Nuala and Maura, brothers Niall and Macartan. Deeply regretted and sadly missed by his loving son Pat (Dublin), daughters Mary (Dundalk) and Ann (London), sons-in-law David and Alan, Pat’s partner Mary, grandchildren Triumph, Tallon, Savannah, Matthew and Jack, brothers-in-law Eamonn (Castleblaney), Aidan and sister-in-law Kate (Galway), nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and his many friends.

Eileen McGEE (née McCartney), Balriggan, Kilcurry, Dundalk, Louth. Peacefully, in the gentle care of the staff of St. Oliver Plunkett Nursing Home.

Beloved wife of the late Paddy, daughter of the late Thomas and Rose and dear mother of Seán, Paul, Jim and the late Tom and Padraig. She was also predeceased by her sisters Peggy, Maura and Rose. She will be sadly missed by her sorrowing sons, daughters-in-law Pauline, Pat, Maria and Niamh, grandchildren Daniel, Rory, Jenny, Fergus, Cathy, Andrew, Tara, Ruth, Jane, Aoife and Cian, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, neighbours, relatives and friends.

Gerry MATHEWS Legion Avenue, Dundalk, Louth. Peacefully, in the gentle care of the staff of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. Beloved husband of May, son of the late William and Teresa and dear dad of Stephen, Brian, Karen, Elaine and the late David. He will be sadly missed by his sorrowing wife, sons, daughters, daughters-in-law Donna and Teri, Karen’s partner Michael, grandchildren Kelly May, Jude, Emily, Aaron, Daniel and Benjamin, brother Lenny, sister Noreen (D’Arcy), sister-inlaw Eileen, brother-in-law Pat, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

GianFranco FORNACIAI Oriel Terrace, Dundalk, Louth.

Peacefully, at home. Beloved husband of the late Bernadette (Betty) and dear father of Marco, Giovanni, Marina and Sara.

Predeceased by his sister Gemma. He will be sadly missed

by his sorrowing sons, daughters, daughter-in-law Hilda, sons-in-law Erik and Dermot, grandchildren Oísín, Giovanni, Aoife, Gianluca, Matteo, Bella and Aria, brother-in-law Alan, sisters-in-law Rosaleen and Roisin, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

James (Jimmy) McMahon Kilsaran, Louth. The death has occurred, in his 84th year, of James (Jimmy) McMahon, Greenmount, Kilsaran and late of Ballygowan, Ardee and Manfieldstown, Castlebellingham, peacefully at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.

Predeceased by his mother Annie and father Jimmy, sister Mary, brother Larry and partner Lucy. Sadly missed by his step-daughter Fiona and her partner Michael, sister-in-law Carmel, Lucy’s family Don, Eric, Joey, Declan, Austin and Elanor, nieces, nephew, relatives, neighbour Richard and good friend David.

Teresa (Tess) McGRANE Ballagan, Greenore, Louth. Peacefully, at home, in the care of her loving family, in her 99th year. Predeceased by her parents Patrick and Teresa (née Kearney), brothers and sisters Ronan, Kitty, Stephen, Paddy, Mary, Jane, Dan, Julia, Anne, Margaret and Peter, who died in infancy and her partner Jake.

She will be sadly missed by her sorrowing nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Patrick (Paddy) Gorman Ballybailie, Ardee, Louth. Peacefully at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. Sadly missed by his family and relatives, the Brennan family, Staff and Patients of St. Joseph’s Nursing Home, Ardee and all his neighbours and friends.

IRIS O’BRIEN (née Morgan) (Windmill Court, Dundalk, Co. Louth and formerly of Brookville Park, Blackrock, Co. Dublin) – February 3rd 2021 (peacefully) in the wonderful care of the staff at Moorehall Lodge Nursing Home, Drogheda. Iris; dearly beloved wife of the late Peter, and loving greatgrandmother of the late baby Jack, much loved mother of Billy. Sadly missed by her loving son, daughter-in-law Carol,

grandchildren Kathy, Mamie Predeceased by her husband and Rachel, great-grandchil- Danny, sister of the late Jim, dren Kate, Zara, Kelly and Peter, Tony, Mick, Kitty and Anna. sisters Jo and Breege, brothers Lila will be sadly missed by her Ben and Dan, extended family loving family Anthony, Mary, and friends.

James, Kerrie and Antoinette, Marion Campbell (nee Cal- nieces, nephews, relatives, lely), Tuites Lane, Blackrock, Co. neighbours and friends.

Louth and formerly of ‘Olma’, Margaret RAFFERTY (née Mc Howth Road, Dublin 5. Peace- Shane), Doylesfort Road, Dunfully, in Our Lady of Lourdes dalk, Louth. Peacefully in the Hospital, 4th February 2021. love and tender care of Sunhill Marion, much loved daugh- Nursing Home, Termonfeckin. ter of the late Oliver and Mary Predeceased by her husband Callely, loving mother of CaroPat, parents Owen and Mary-Ellyn and Nikki, devoted nanny len, brother Hugh, sisters Anna Marzo of Ryan, Callum, Lily and Bridie, niece Aine, Margaand Pippa and sister of John, ret will be sadly missed by her Ivor and Eimear. Marion will be loving family, nieces Elaine Mc sadly missed by her heartbroken daughters, grandchildren, Grath, Miriam Feeley (USA), sons-in-law Gavin and Míchéal, nephew Hugh Clarke (Australbrothers, sister, nephews, niec- ia), grandnieces and nephews, great-grandnieces and nephes, relatives and friends.

Margaret Nulty (née Carry), ews extended family relatives, Hurlestone, Ardee, Co. Louth. neighbours and friends.

5th February 2021. Peacefully Kathleen ELMORE (née Mcand surrounded by her family Creave), North Commons, Carat Our Lady of Lourdes Hospi- lingford, Louth. Peacefully at tal, Drogheda. Margaret; pre- Our Lady Of Lourdes Hospital, deceased by her husband Joe, Drogheda. Predeceased by will be sadly missed her loving her beloved husband Peadar, family Anne, Joseph, Elizabeth, parents Michael and CatherMargaret and Angela, grand- ine McCreave, sister Mary and children Roseann, John-Paul, brothers Kevin and Paddy. Very Carol, Alan, Serena, Louise, Sa- deeply regretted by her daughrah, Conor, Fiona, Ciaran, Áine ters Irene and Catriona, sonsand Aaron, great-grandchildren in-law Tony and Pat, grandchilJake, Óisin, Eoin, Oliver, Cillian, dren Niall, Daragh, Ava, Noel Conor, Michael and Holly, her and Lucy, sisters-in-law Bridget sisters Rosie, Kathleen, Mary, McCarragher, Kathleen Timlin Sheila and Bridie, brothers Pad- and Bridget Elmore, brothersdy and Thomas, daughter-in- in-law Frank Elmore and Tony law Ann, sons-in-law Ray, John, Timlin and all her nephews, Joe and PJ, nieces, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours extended family, good friend and friends.

Geraldine Ward and good Cecilia Dunne (neé McKevitt), neighbours.

Back Lane, Carlingford. PeaceMairead KEELAN Belfry Cresfully at home in the presence of cent, Dundalk, Louth. Peaceher family. Loving wife of Comfully at Blackrock Abbey Nursdt. Liam Dunne and mother of ing Home. Predeceased by her Helen, Eoin and Colm. Predeparents Dermot and Margaret (Jophie), brother Donal. Deeply ceased by her beloved daughand sincerely regretted by her ter Una. Cecilia will be sadly sister Maura, brothers Seamus, missed by her loving husband, Kevin and Ronan, sister-in-law daughter, sons, daughters-inAnn, nephews, nieces, extend- law Una and Jane, son-in-law ed family relatives, friends and Larry, grandchildren, David, Ceire, Colm, Aoife, Michael, Joe, neighbours.

Gert (Lila) Harrington (née Rebecca, Annie, Cecilia, Conor Loughran), Avenue Road, Dun- and Cassie, great-grandchildalk, formerly Clermont Park, dren Ronan, Liam, Neve and Haggardstown and Surrey, Josh, sister Bernadette and England, February 5th, 2021. husband Pat Noonan, (Seattle) Peacefully, with her family by brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law her side, in the gentle care of and her many nieces, nephews, the staff of Blackrock Abbey. relatives and friends.

Got a Story?

We want to hear from you

Phone: 0429320888; Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com

Dundalk Leader 10th February 2021

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Brendan urges vulnerable customers to sign up to energy supplies register Brendan Moore from Polio Survivors Ireland has urged any vulnerable members of the community to contact their energy suppliers (gas, electricity, water etc) and get themselves put on the ‘Vulnerable customer register’. Energy suppliers and Irish Water are required to provide customers with a free and easy way to register as a vulnerable customer. You should contact your supplier to discuss how you can register as a vulnerable customer. According to Brendan many vulnerable people in the community especially those

Brendan Moore. using medical equipment should make sure they are signed up to the register.

“All energy suppliers who supply energy to your home are committed to treating customers both fairly and equally and as well as that they have to provide special services for their customers who are depending on home electrical

equipment (medical) or other special requirements,” explained Brendan.

“That is why the energy regulator has informed companies who supply gas, electricity and water to your home develop a priority support and special services register for customers who would prefer to have some of their services adapted to their needs. Special services register are for customers who are particularly vulnerable to disconnection during the winter months and particularly during the pandemic as many are cocooning.

Hill Street, Dublin Rd., Dundalk.

042 9331515/086 2559201

“This applies to the following: Deaf or hard of hearing, customers aged 66 years or over who live alone or live with others over 66, blind or partially sighted, people with mobility issues, language difficulties, speech impairment, mental health difficulties,” he added.

Please note that you have to apply to your energy/water supplier to be included on this register. As it could be subject in some cases to request a medical certificate your energy suppliers will need to advise you of the process involved.

Connect Credit Union included in the Covid-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme Connect Credit Union have been included in the Covid-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme which supports small and medium Irish businesses that have been impacted by Covid-19. The scheme, made available by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and operated by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland provides support for businesses who have experienced an adverse impact as a result of Covid-19.

Commenting on its inclusion in the scheme, Norman McDonnell, CEO, Connect Credit Union said: “At Connect Credit Union, we understand how important local business are to the economy and the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on them. With the Covid-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme in place at Connect Credit Union, local businesses will be able to come to us and we can work with them to get the best funding supports available. Loans from €10,000 up to €200,000 are available from Connect Credit Union as part of this scheme. This product is one of many planned for 2021 as part of our continued strategic growth across all our branches within County Louth.

The past year has been an extremely challenging one for businesses and there are still many challenges ahead. Securing access to credit is now even more important for businesses and through this scheme, Connect Credit Union will be in a position

YEAR MAKE

Naomi O’Donoghue from Connect Credit Union. to help provide local businesses SMEs, farmers and fishing secwith the access and supports they tors and the ongoing support for need to get back trading. Connect our rural communities which will Credit Union is at the heart of our continue to be well served by communities and we recognise Connect Credit Union.

The scheme is aimed at supthe importance of local businesses and how important this porting local businesses that have been impacted by Covid-19. Busischeme will be to them”.

On commenting on the Covid nesses will be required to declare Guarantee Scheme, the Tánaiste that their turnover or projected and Minister for Enterprise, Trade turnover has been reduced by and Employment, Leo Varadkar 15% as a result of COVID-19.

Under the scheme, Connect TD, said “Credit Unions are at the very centre of communities Credit Union are offering loans across the country. They have an for up to 5.5 years with an APR excellent reputation in their local of 3.76%. The scheme will be areas and understand the needs of available until the end June 2021. their customers. Their inclusion The Credit Union have branches will help further diversify the op- in Blackrock, Kilsaran, Annagastions available to small business san and Clogherhead.

The COVID-19 Credit Guarunder this Scheme.”

Connect Credit Union has un- antee Scheme operates under rivalled local knowledge, and is the €2bn State Aid Temporary ideally placed to support the re- Framework introduced in recovery by providing finance to sponse to the pandemic.

Interested parties can find furlocal businesses. At this time of economic disruption, access to ther information on the Connect finance is critical to ensuring the Credit Union COVID Credit ongoing viability of businesses, Guarantee Scheme www.conincluding those in the agri-food, nectcu.ie.

MODEL

2017 AUDI A4 2017 BMW X1 2018 BMW 1 SERIES 2019 DACIA SANDERO 2019 DACIA SANDERO 2018 FIAT TIPO 2018 HYUNDAI I30 2018 HYUNDAI I30 2018 HYUNDAI I30 2018 HYUNDAI I40 2018 HYUNDAI TUSCON 2019 HYUNDAI I10 2019 HYUNDAI I10 2019 HYUNDAI KONA 2019 HYUNDAI TUSCON 2019 HYUNDAI TUSCON 2018 NISSAN XTRAIL 2019 NISSAN QASHQAI 2018 NISSAN QASHQAI 2019 OPEL CORSA 2016 PEUGEOT 208 2019 PEUGEOT 208 2019 PEUGEOT 3008 2019 PEUGEOT 5008 2018 RENAULT CLIO 2018 RENAULT KADJAR 2019 RENAULT CLIO 2019 RENAULT CAPTUR 2019 RENAULT KADJAR 2019 SEAT MII 2018 SKODA FABIA 2018 SKODA OCTAVIA 2018 SKODA SUPERB 2018 SKODA SUPERB 2019 SKODA FABIA 2019 SKODA OCTAVIA 2019 TOYOTA COROLLA 2018 VW PASSAT 2018 VOLVO S60

SPEC/FUEL

COLOUR

2.0 TDI ULTRA SE SILVER 2.0 s drive auto WHITE 116 D SE SILVER 1.0 PETROL ALTERNATIVE WHITE 1.0 PETROL ALTERNATIVE BLUE 1.3 MJ DIESEL EASY MODEL RED 1.4 PETROL DELUXE RED 1.4 PETROL DELUXE BEIGE 1.6 CRDI DELUXE BLUE 1.7 CRDI EXECUTIVE BLUE 1.7 CRDI AUTO SE GREY 1.0 PETROL CLASSIC BLUE 1.0 PETROL DELUXE WHITE 1.0 PETROL EXECUTIVE GREY 1.6 CRDI COMFORT PLUS WHITE 1.6 CRDI EXECUTIVE BEIGE 1.6 DCI SV MOONROOF SILVER 1.3 PETROL SV BLUE 1.5 DCI SV SILVER 1.4 PETROL 120 YEARS MODEL SILVER 1.2 PETROL ACCESS BLACK 1.2 PETROL ACTIVE GREY 1.2 PETROL ACTIVE GREY 1.5 HDI ACTIVE 7 SEATER GREY 1.2 PETROL DYNA NAV WHITE 1.5 DIESEL DYNA NAV AUTO BLACK 1.0 PETROL DYNA NAV BLUE 1.0 PETROL ICONIC BLUE 1.3 PETROL TCE PLAY GREEN 1.0 PETROL SE WHITE 1.0 PETROL AMBITION SILVER 1.6 DIESEL AMBITION GREY 1.6 TDI AMBITION GREY 1.6 TDI AMBITION BLACK 1.0 PETROL ACTIVE GREY 1.0 TSI PETROL AMBITION BLUE 1.2 PETROL H/B LUNA GREY 1.6 TDI TRENDLINE BROWN 2.0 D2 SE AUTO SILVER

MILES

PRICE

61250 76250 48750 14375 4375 43125 46250 39375 51250 43750 49375 16250 23750 25000 31250 16250 50000 25625 28125 15625 37500 20625 16250 31875 31250 53750 35625 22500 14375 13750 32500 59375 55625 47500 16250 22500 18750 56250 48750

€20990 €23990 €19990 €10990 €11750 €12990 €14990 €14990 €16450 €18990 €25990 €11990 €12450 €20990 €25990 €27990 €22990 €22490 €22990 €12990 €9990 €12990 €24750 €29750 €11450 €18990 €12990 €15800 €19990 €10990 €10990 €15990 €19990 €19990 €12250 €19990 €20990 €18990 €21990

Dundalk Leader 10th February 2021

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Dundalk Leader 10th February 2021