11-07-2018

DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Ryan is on top of the world

Girl Guides boost skills

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Irish Dancers take to the stage Page 12

Wednesday, 11th July, 2018. Vol. 11, Issue 28 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

New athletics track to be built by 2020

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

By Paul Byrne

The dream of a state-ofthe-art athletics track for Dundalk moved a step closer when news that the facility could be up and running by 2020.

Fintan Reilly, the chairman of Dundalk Athletics Ground Ltd has expressed his delight following the news that design work will begin in the coming months on a new Municipal Athletics Facility which will be open to the public and managed by Louth County Council. The facility will be open to all and there will be provisions made to allow further developments in years to come.

The announcement was the result of a collaborative effort between Dundalk

Athletics Ground Ltd (an amalgamation of the six athletics clubs in Dundalk/ Blackrock), DkIT, Louth County Council and local politicians. The track will be built in the Muirhevnamor District Park with detailed designed works commencing over the summer months.

The project will consist of an eight-lane athletics grass track with associated facilities for use by athletics clubs and the general community.

Funding of €92,500 from the Sports Capital Grant has been secured towards the installation of the track and this will be used during phase 1 of the project.

There is still plenty of fundraising work to do for Dundalk Athletics Ground Ltd with €1.5m still to be Continued on Page 2

Sports stars shine on international stage

Patience Jumbo Gula and Israel Olatunde enjoyed success on the international stage when they represented Ireland at the European U-18 Championships in Hungary. Full story on page 2.

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Teenager arrested and charged with the murder of Cameron Reilly Dundalk Leader 11th July 2018

A teenager will appear once more before Judge John Coughlan in Drogheda District Court this Thursday via videolink from Cloverhill court.

Eighteen-year old Aaron Connolly from Willistown, Drumcar, appeared in Drogheda District court last Friday after he was arrested

and charged with the murder of Cameron Reilly at Shamrock Hill, Dunleer on Saturday 26th May. Eighteen-year old Cameron who was a first-year student in DkIT was found dead in a field on the outskirts of Dunleer early on Saturday morning on May 26 by a man out walking his

dog. Post-mortem results revealed that he had been strangled.

Detectives working on the case had focused their attention on a number of Cameron’s friends as they searched for clues as to why he was murdered. The first year business student had been out with a group of his

friends the night before he was found dead.

Aaron Connolly was originally arrested in June but released without charge as a file was sent to the DPP. Last Thursday evening Connolly was re-arrested and detained at Drogheda Garda station Detective Sergeant Feargal O’Toole of Drogheda

Garda Station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

He said Mr Connolly made no reply when the charge was put to him.

Judge John Coughlan remanded Mr Connolly in custody, to appear again by videolink in Cloverhill Court The late Cameron Reilly. on 12 July.

Local athletes shine on international stage In the week it was confirmed that Dundalk are finally going to get their own athletics track our athletes shone once again on the international stage

in Gyor Hungary.

Patience Jumbo Gula and Israel Olatunde performed with great credit with Jumbo Gula smashing the championship record in

the semi-finals of the 100m sprint. The St Gerard’s athlete who is still just 16 ran a time of 11.59 seconds as she stormed into the final of the 100m to add to her growing reputation. Unfortunately for Patience a poor start put paid to any medal hopes in the final as she finished strongly to finish just outside the medals in fifth.

Patience who went into the championships

Patience Jumbo Gula and Israel Olatunde

as the fastest girl in her year when she won a pic Festival in Hungaage group first came to bronze medal at the ry. Since then she has public prominence last European Youth Olym- established herself as one of the fastest under 18’s in Europe and went into these championships as one of the favourites.

Michael O’Connor, a coach in her club at St Gerard’s was thrilled us to this stage. We are this is only going to with Patience’s peronly at the beginning be a temporary thing. formances in Hungary.

“She was absolutely of a journey. There is This is only stage 1 of a lot of fundraising to the project which we fantastic and when she be done but the buy are about to embark broke the championship in by Louth County on. The end result record in the semi-final Council will make will see an eight-lane we were overjoyed. our dream a reality international standard Anthony Woods who within a relatively short tartan track put in but is chairman of the club timeframe. Thanks to that will be later on in organised an imprompall our committee and the development of tu gathering in the Malt their club members the project,” explained House were a number for being patient and Fintan. letting a long process “This good news take its course,” stated regarding the athletics Fintan. track couldn’t have The only murmers come at a better time of discontent to be really. Athletics is heard regarding the booming locally and new project have we have so many been in relation to the talented young runners A woman who pleaded guilty grass track with many who will be able to to careless driving and failing to people on social media improve by using this report an accident was fined a asking why a tartan facility. We’ve seen total of €1,000 at Dundalk Distrack wasn’t been used Patience Jumbo Gula instead. A tartan track and Israel Olatende trict Court.

Clodagh Kearney (41) of Bois a an all weather perform brilliantly lies, Bog Road, Dunleer, damsynthetic track surface at the U18 European made of polyurethane. Championships and we aged a car while trying to reHowever, Fintan was have Kate O’Connor verse into a parking space at quick to quell any doing great things in Park St, Dundalk, on September fears that the grass the heptathlon so there 13, 2015.

Insp Martin Beggy stated that track would be a long- really is a lot to be term plan for the new excited by and this new she was approach at the scene project. athletics track will only but left and went into a licensed “I’ve seen a lot of produce more top class premises. The Gardai were people giving out about athletes,” predicted called and spoke to the defendthe grass track but Fintan. ant some time later.

New athletics track in Dundalk From Page 1 money needed for this project but I’m confident we can get it done. The big stumbling block for us was getting this off the ground and I’m delighted that we’ve managed to do that.

“We have been a long time in discussions on getting a venue that best serves a top-class athletics facility as well as being delivered in a timely fashion. It shows when we work together it’s possible to get things done. We had six clubs getting together for a common purpose and we worked closely with Joan Martin and her team in Louth County Council who have been very supportive in recognizing that an athletics track for Dundalk is long overdue.

“I would also like to thank Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick for keeping this at the forefront of Louth County Councils agenda and his ongoing support and commitment to getting

of club members met up to watch Patience in the final and cheer her on. Unfortunately, she didn’t quite make it into the medals but she’s still very young and there will be plenty of big days ahead for her. She has so much potential and she is a credit to her coaches, Brian Murphy, Geraldine Finegan and her dad Paul.

There was also a fifth-place finish for sixteen-year old Israel Olatunde the St Mary’s student who recently won the national junior U20 championship. Israel recorded a personal best time of 10.77 in his first-round heat to qualify for the semi-finals but couldn’t match that run as he finished fifth to miss out on the finals. Israel is a member of Dun Dealgan athletics club and according to a club official his dedication to his sport is the reason he is doing so well.

“Israel has been with

the club for the last two years and has shown great dedication and maturity in his time with us. He is so relaxed and doesn’t get too phased if he wins or loses. He’s only just turned 16 so to run as well as he did in Hungary against athletes older than him is brilliant. He’s home this evening (Monday) from Hungary I believe but there won’t be much time for resting as he is off to the U20 World Championships in Finland on Wednesday.

“He’s a great lad and the whole club is very proud of him. He puts in so much work and he is part of a great group of eight athletes who can be found every Saturday morning out running in St Helena’s Park. I know all his clubmates were glued to the tv watching him in action. He has a bright future ahead of him,” predicted the Dun Dealgan club official.

Woman left the scene of accident

Insp Beggy told the court that the State was unable to proceed with a drink driving charge due to the fact that an hour had elapsed between the time of the accident and Gardai speaking to Ms Kearney.

Solicitor, Michelle Murphy, stated that the damage to the vehicle had been minor and that her client was unaware of it at the time. Compensation had since been paid.

Judge John Coughlan imposed €500 fines in respect of the careless driving and failing to report an accident.

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Dundalk Leader 11th July 2018

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Dundalk Leader 11th July 2018

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Ryan Doherty is feeling on top of the world

By Paul Byrne

Ryan Doherty was feeling on top of the world last weekend as he completed his arduous trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

The Ravensdale man took on the daunting challenge to try and raise some money to a cause very close to his

heart. All the money Ryan has raised from his Kilimanjaro adventure is going towards Cystic Fibrosis Ireland which aims to advance Cystic Fibrosis care in Ireland. According to Ryan he was inspired to take on the challenge by his young cousin who has the disease.

Speaking on his re-

turn to Ireland a tired but pleased Ryan described the journey to the top of the highest peak in Africa as exhausting but extremely satisfying.

“I’ll tell you what. It was definitely harder than doing the Cooley mountains! It was a life experience which I found to be somewhat of a challenge. It was

mostly all uphill climbing to the camp and trying to adapt to my new surroundings and maintaining oxygen levels was the biggest challenge.

“I first noticed it at the main gate when i walked up a short steep hill and became almost breathless. Then it got tougher on day two as there were

for making it to 3750m.

“After we said our goodbyes to each other I knew it was all up to me to complete our journey for Cystic Fibrosis. As I got higher I got very bad sunburn and windburn to my face which resulted in swelling and blistering. By the time I hit Stella Point the first summit at 5685M I was completely exhausted. I had nothing left to give.

This was the point I was only meant to go to but I could see Uhuru Peak

which was another hour away and I just had to keep going. I had fiveminute break with some water and somehow found this miracle energy which helped me reach Uhuru Peak the highest possible point on Kilimanjaro at 5895M. “The whole experience was so tough and I was having a mental battle with myself and it was so hard not to turn back because my body became limp. I didn’t have the energy

to even hold myself up.

However, I knew I had a mission to complete for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, for my cousin Cathal, for Phil and her daughter and for everyone who supported me. I didn’t come to fail so it was definitely a mental battle but my positivity won the battle.

Having reached the top Ryan admit’s he was overcome with emotion and thankful that that altitude was relatively kind to him a fact he attributes to his time spent up the Ravensdale mountains!

“When I got to Uhuru Peak that’s when the tears started. It was just a pure feeling of euphoria and I was just so happy I made it.

“I passed about six people on the way to the summit on oxygen support and they were collapsed on the ground. I had to ignore them and focus on myself getting there and I did.

The altitude was kind to me and didn’t really have any effect on me which I surprised me.

I’m putting that down to my familiarity with the Ravensdale mountains,” laughed Ryan.

Sinn Fein Louth TD Gerry Adams has accused the government and the HSE of wasting huge sums of public money on the use of temporary agency staff in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda and Louth County Hospital.

Instead of tackling the very real issue of recruitment and retention of staff the government and HSE last year spent €13,688,000 of agency staff between the two Louth Hospitals.

Teachta Adams said: “In the last seven years the government has paid out over one and a half billion euros on agency staffing in our hospitals and community services.

“Last year the HSE spent €293 million or almost €1 million a day on costly agency and locum doctors, nurses,

and other staff in order to fill posts left vacant due to the recruitment and retention crisis.

“The figures for the two Louth hospitals make depressing reading. In 2017 Our Lady of Lourdes in Drogheda spent twelve and a half million euro on agency staff, including almost 6 million on doctors and dental agency staff and almost two and a half million on nursing staff.

“Louth County Hospital last year spent just over one million euro on agency staff, including 135,000 on doctors and dental staff and over half a million on nursing staff.

“This over dependence on the use of costly and more expensive agency staff is a direct result of the failure of the government to tackle the recruitment

and retention crisis that has escalated under its watch.

“Permanent staff properly employed can help bring stability to a health service in crisis.

“The over-reliance on agency staff means that there is perpetual uncertainty in the provision of essential health services.

“Health service staff and their unions have consistently reported working conditions, facilities, supports, training opportunities and pay as the cause of the recruitment and retention crisis, and until these issues are addressed the crisis will continue and these staggering sums of money will be wasted on agency staff at Our Lady of Lourdes and Louth County Hospital,” added Deputy Adams.

concerns for my climbing partner Phil who was feeling very sick.

The next morning there was no improvement in her health and the tough decision was made to send for rescue and take Phil off the mountain. It turned out she had altitude sickness which was devastating for her but she had my total respect

Ryan Doherty.

Louth hospitals spent €13m on agency staff

Dundalk Leader 11th July 2018

News

in Brief

Public Order Offences

A man who pleaded guilty to two public order offences had his case struck out at Dundalk District Court after he made a €200 donation to charity. Eoin Quigley (45) of 48 Claddagh Park, Tom Bellew Ave, Dundalk, admitted the offences which took place on Park St on December 20 last year.

Banned From Driving

Gerard Cotter (38) of 5 Mill Stream Apartments, Distillery Lane, Dundalk, was banned from driving for three years when he pleaded guilty to drink driving at Dundalk District Court. The defendant was stopped by Gardai at Park St on October 6 last year. The court was told that Mr Cotter had never been in trouble before. Judge John Coughlan imposed a €75 fine.

Traders asked to vote Call to conserve water on BIDS extension as warm spell continues Dundalk ratepayers are being asked to support Dundalk’s Business Investment Scheme (BIDS) through to 2023 by voting yes in the upcoming ballot.

Ballot papers have been sent out to the business ratepayers around the town asking if they approve the BIDS proposal to continue the scheme for another five years up to December 31, 2023. BIDS was set up with the aim of creating a welcoming and economically viable town centre environment. Collectively

about 1200 businesses are represented by BIDS which operates out of the TCCM building at the Market Square.

Bids work with retailers around the town to try and enhance the town centre by increasing footfall and trying to collectively improve its trading performance.

The BIDS scheme is financed by the ratepayers who contribute an additional 1.5% on their rates to help pay for the initiative. Dundalk became the first town in the country to successfully implement a BIDS

scheme in 2008 just after the economic crash hit Ireland.

BIDS have been involved in many initiatives around the town centre in recent years including the Santa Run and Frostival festivals.

They have also recently embarked on a Shop Front Floral Scheme to help improve the visual landscape of the town centre.

Martin McElligott is the current chairman of BIDS. The closing date for ballot papers to be returned is 12pm (noon) on Tuesday July 31.

water consumption levels nationally to assess demand for water with the National Water Conservation Order in place. At the same time, we are monitoring the continued fall in water levels in our sources.

“Following this analysis we will review if any additional measures will need to be put in place to further conserve water. Our objective is to balance service levels now with the risks of future failure.

“We have 81 water schemes at risk of drought and water restrictions are in place in a further 27 locations,” explained the company in a statement.

Speaking about the need for continued water conservation Irish Water’s Corporate Affairs Manager Kate Gannon said that

they welcome the co-operation of the public.

“We are really grateful for the measures that people have taken to conserve water so far and we hope that the National Water Conservation Order (hosepipe ban) will continue to make people more mindful of their responsibilities and the impact their water usage is having on their neighbours and communities.

“We know that the vast majority of people are supporting the ban, though we have reports of around 40 incidents of hosepipe usage in contravention of it and we again appeal to those people to comply with these essential minimum measures to safeguard our water supplies”, she added.

Stole fuel on three occasions

Admitted Theft

Bernadette Woods (49) of 305 Beechmount Drive, Dundalk, had a theft charge struck out after she paid €27 compensation at Dundalk District Court. The defendant pleaded guilty to the offence which took place at Earl St on July 13 last year.

Irish Water is appealing to everyone to conserve water as drought conditions continue across the country. The National Water Conservation Order came into effect today at 8am and is currently in place until midnight on July 31.

Due to depleting water levels in rivers, lakes and ground water sources which supply the water treatment plants, the scope of this Order is being kept under review.

It will take sustained rainfall over many weeks and even months to replenish raw water levels in rivers, lakes and groundwater sources and treated drinking water levels in our storage reservoirs.

Irish Water have stated that they will continue to analyse

Dancers from the McGee School of Irish Dance at the National Championships

A man who stole fuel valued at €55 on three separate occasions was given a nine-month suspended sentence at Dundalk District Court.

Thomas Preston (26) of 14 Doolargy Ave, Muirhevnamor,

Dundalk, admitted the offences which took place on December 16, 17 and 18, 2016, at Apple Green, Castlebellingham.

The defendant, who had seven previous convictions, was said to be living with his par-

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ents and had begun attending addiction services.

Judge John Coughlan told Mr Preston that the party was over and that he would serve the nine months if he as much as spat on the footpath.

Dundalk Leader 11th July 2018

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IALV group photo on the steps of the Basilique Notre Dame Du Rosaire in June of this year.

Assisted pilgrims, pilgrims and volunteers from the Irish Association of Lourdes Volunteers (IALV) gather together for their group photograph during their inaugural pilgrimage to Lourdes in June this year. IALV has its foundations in Dundalk with committee members from north and south of the border.

Lourdes, celebrating 160 years since the apparitions of Our Lady to Bernadette Soubirous, welcomed this new group whose aim is provide care and support for assisted pilgrims from all over the island of Ireland.

Organised by a group of experienced, dedicated Lourdes workers from the four provinces of Ireland, the IALV group enjoyed six days at the beautiful shrine, despite experiencing more than their fair share of rain!

Chief Nurse and Pilgrimage Director, Dr Siobhan Rothwell, praised the commitment and generosity of not only the volunteer workers who gave tirelessly of their time and talents in the months running up to the pilgrimage, but also those who supported the association at home with donations of essential equipment and support of fund-raising events.

“This community effort enables the association to achieve its goals to provide a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience in Lourdes for those who need it most. We look forward to many more pilgrimages to Lourdes over the coming years in the services of others and hope for continued success, possible only with the enthusiasm and commitment of all concerned”.

Protest held to highlight issues at Louth Hospital Louth Sinn Féin held a protest outside the gates of Louth Hospital on Friday afternoon to highlight the deterioration of services.

Present were three Sinn Féin Councillors, Anne Campbell, Ruairí Ó Murchú and Pearse McGeough and members of the local Watters Brothers Cumann.

Cllr Anne Campbell who has been very vocal on extending the Minor Injuries Unit to treat over 5s instead of just over 14s said, “the MIU is an excellent resource for the Louth hospital to have but if they would extend the service to the over 5s, as we were promised by the Minister with great fanfare when he visited the Hospital over a year ago, that would alleviate a burden that currently falls on Drogheda Hospital. It is crazy to expect parents with under 14s to have to drive past the MIU in Dundalk and drive to Drogheda where they could wait for goodness knows how long, simply because of an age restriction.”

Another issue highlighted today at the protest was the length of time for X-Rays.

Cllr Pearse McGeough said “if you are sent for an X-ray it is

The protest at the Louth Hospital

usually for a good reason but as it stands at the minute, despite having eight whole time radiographers in the Louth Hospital, people are waiting up to 14 days depending on urgency while others are waiting 6 weeks for routine referrals.

This is unacceptable.”

Cllr Ruairí Ó Murchú commented on the waiting lists in Louth and called for the “optimisation of the surgical beds in Louth Hospital.

At the minute there is an 8 bed day ward at the hospital, we need to utilise these beds overnight and

have a 24hour short stay surgical ward. This would help tackle the spiralling waiting lists in Louth.

People in Louth deserve better.”

Commenting after the protest, Cllr Anne Campbell said “Myself and Sinn Féin will continue to campaign for the restoration of services at Louth Hospital. We will continue with these protests here in Dundalk and our TDs Gerry Adams and Imelda Munster will keep the pressure on in Dublin, until the hospital is being utilised to its full potential.”

1 Nature What is the name of the sugary fluid collected by bees and used to make honey?

2 The Bible The cup, or bowl, Jesus was said to have used at the Last Supper is known as ‘The Holy ‘what’?

3 Politics What is the name of the British Prime Minister’s country residence?

4 Movies Simba, Nala and Mufasa are all characters in which animated film?

5 Languages What is the official language of Iran?

6 Ice cream Neapolitan ice cream is typically made up of what flavours?

7 Ireland What river flows through Galway City?

8 Travel The first Aer Lingus flight went from Dublin to what British city?

9 Geography The River Seine empties into which body of water?

10 Phobias Chorophobia is the irrational fear of which activity?

Stinker What word for a collection of maps did Gerardus Mercator first coin in the 1540s, taking its from the name of a mythical King of Mauretania?

—this week’s answers— 1. Nectar 2. Grail 3. Chequers 4. The Lion King 5. Persian 6.

Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry 7. The Corrib 8. Bristol 9. The English Channel 10. Dancing. Stinker – Atlas, named after King Atlas of Mauretania

IALV pilgrimage to Lourdes

Dundalk Leader 11th July 2018

News

in Brief

Brass Band recital in the park

Dundalk Brass Band are holding a recital in St Helena Park on Sunday July 22.

The event will commence at 3pm and will last for approximately an hour.

The recital proved to be a big hit when it was staged last year.

It is aimed to make this free event a family fun day and all are invited to attend including, grandparents, parents and children.

Refreshments will be provided on the day.

Joes Lotto

There was no winner of the St Josephs GFC lotto jackpot of €2,600 with numbers drawn, 1, 15, 21, 22. The €50 winners were 1. The Birches c/o Patsy Culligan 2. Betty Ryan c/o Jackie Hanneffy 3. Peter McDonald c/o Aidan Gorham.

Golf Classic

The Sean O’Mahony’s Golf Classic will be held in Greenore Golf Club on Friday July 20.

Book your tee off time with Martin O’Brien on 0861554118.

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Kevin takes another important prize at Dundalk GC Eleven days after winning Leslie Walker’s Professional’s Prize and having his handicap lowered by two shots to 14, Kevin Redmond took another important prize last Wednesday when he won the Oriel Cup. This competition is the highlight of July’s Open Week and Redmond produced a four under 68 to take the title by one shot from Michael Carr (14).

Three pars over the first four

holes and three pars over the last four were the key to a steady round that saw Redmond shoot one double bogey along with seven pars, nine bogeys and a birdie four at the par five sixth.

Carr, who shot the only other score under 70, took the Category Two prize with John Neary (12) winning Category One and Jimmy O’Conner (20) winning Category Three while Neal MacKell (3) won the Gross Prize with a 77.

Open Week was another big success with strong entries in all competitions and thanks are extended to all those who sponsored the various completions and the members and visitors who participated each day.

The eight days of competition concluded on Sunday with an Open Singles competition which was won by another in-form player Fergal Sexton (10) coming out on top by one shot from

Seamus Bailey (12).

Bailey finished on 39pts and just edged out Conor Murphy (10), Danny Gallagher (13) and Joe Garvey (18) for second overall but there was the consolation for the trio of winning their respective categories. Conor Curran (2) had the best gross with 35pts.

Members are reminded that support is needed for the Barton Shield team when they face Corrstown on Friday, July 20, in

Mount Wolseley. A bus has been organised and bookings are now been taken in the Bar and Pro Shop. Seats are €10 return.

Thanks to all members for the continued support of Junior Golf through our recent US Open competition which attracted a large entry. After a closely fought contest we had three winners who tied on a score of +22. They were: Peter Reilly, Aaron Waite and Timothy Jewell.

The Deadly Wizard of Oz In a modern Irish retelling of the classic American tale, Dorothy is a moody, socialmedia addled teen in 21st Century Louth, when she suddenly finds herself transported to a magical land, where she befriends a Lion, a Scarecrow and a Tin-Man. In this interactive telling of the story, the audience are asked to help Dor-

othy on her journey through Oz, and follow the story as it unfolds around the beautiful grounds of Anaverna House, in Ravensdale.

An Táin Arts Centre Director, Paul Hayes stated: “The show is staged by our company in residence Quintessence and our annual trip out to Anaverna is one of the hightlights

of year”.

“The Deadly Wizard Of Oz” comes to Anaverna House in Ravensdale from Wednesday July 18 to Sunday July 22.

Tickets cost €15/€8. Booking can be done at the box office at An Táin Arts Centre on Crowe Street, Dundalk, over the phone on 042 9332332 or online at www.antain.ie

Efforts of local company recognised

Irish banana producer, Fyffes has been recognised for its role as the largest Fairtrade banana-buyer in Latin America and the Carribean.

At a Fairtrade InternaIrish Nationals Eva Nicole Loy and Rachel Lee World Qualifiers tional general assembly under-10.

held in Costa Rica, the Dublin and Dundalkbased importer received an award presented to it by CLAC, the Latin American & Caribbean Network of Fairtrade Small Producers and Workers, in recognition

of its commitment to buying bananas from many of the region’s small producers and plantations.

Commenting, Fyffes Chairman, David McCann, said: “This is another recognition of

Fyffes’ commitment to maintaining fair trade and sustainable business practices, including supporting small producers who are important contributors to economic development in their communities.”

Dundalk Leader 11th July 2018

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DkIT make offer on Springboard courses

News

in Brief Escaped a conviction

A man who admitted taking €87 worth of groceries and alcohol from a shop escaped a conviction after he paid €200 in compensation to charity at Dundalk District Court.

Shane McDonagh (26) of Rossmakae, Knockbridge, Dundalk, pleaded guilty to the offence at Dunnes Stores, Ard Easmuinn, on February 21 this year.

Charity donation

Kevin McDowell (38) of 35 Emer Terrace, Castletown Road, Dundalk, was given the chance to avoid a conviction after he agreed to pay €300 to charity.

The defendant pleaded guilty to two public order charges at Dublin Road, Dundalk, on June 8 this year, and had his case adjourned to October 3 by Judge John Coughlan.

Got a Story?

We want to hear from you Phone: 042 932 0888 Email: editorial @dundalkleader.com

From left: Tiernan O’Shaughnessy, Ffion Dolan, Shane Meegan, Rhiannon Dolan, Grace O’Rourke & Michael O’Rourke.

Cuchulainn CC make a big impression Six riders from Cuchulainn Cycling Club competed in the Cycling Ulster Youth Festival at the Eikon Arena, on the site of the old Maze prison. Each of the riders had to take part in four events (two time trials, a mass start and an elimination race) all on a traffic free circuit. The weather was fantastic and the organisation was second to none.

Michael O’Rourke was the first rider in action and despite being one of the youngest riders in the Under 8 event he still managed to finish eighth overall.

Ffion Dolan and Grace O’Rourke competed in the Under 10 Girls race. Grace finished 6th overall and took a fine 4th place in the elimination race. Ffion Dolan was the

surprise of the weekend taking part in her first race taking the over-all honours following her win in the elimination race and second place in the mass start race.

Shane Meegan also made his competitive debut and was joined by Tiernan O’Shaughnessy in the Under 10 Boys event. In a very competitive event both boys were in the thick of the action in all events and benefited greatly from the experience.

Rhiannon Dolan took part in the Under 12 Girls event and was unlucky not to make the podium following her fourth place finish in two events.

Underage cycling continues every Monday 7-8pm over the summer, contact Karl on 087 2219810 for more info.

Dunleer’s White River Wheelers hosted both the Leinster & Louth Time Trial Championships on the link road from Dorians pub to Ardee and back, for a total of 16km. Lucan’s Conn McDunphy was the fastest on the night to take the Leinster crown, with Cuchulainn’s Liam Dolan claiming the silver medal. Dolan was also crowned Leinster Champion ahead of club mate Owen Martin and Drogheda’s Richard Becton in third.

In the ladies race Eve McCrystal, who was seventh fastest overall on the night, was champion of both Leinster and Louth. Eve will carry this form into the National Time Trial Championships this weekend in Sligo where she will be a safe bet for a medal. Louth sil-

ver and bronze went to Celine McPhilips and Claire Ludlow respectively.

Other racing over the weekend was Round 3 of the First Track Enduro Series, which was held in Rostrevor. Cuchulainn’s Brendan Fowley was runner up in the Master’s event and club mate Maedbh Baxter was the winner in the women’s event.

Finally Declan Rafferty travelled to his native county of Donegal to compete in the grueling Donegal Ultra. The 550km event covers just about every climb in the county with in excess of 6,000m vertical gain. Rafferty finished the event in just over 25 hours, having raced through the night, ably supported by his crew led by his wife.

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) will be running a suite of new upskilling courses for the academic year 2018-2019 as part of the new Springboard+ 2018 initiative recently announced

by Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton and Minister of State for Training, Skills and Innovation John Halligan.

As part of the initiative, DkIT is offering 124 places on a variety of part-time Springboard+ courses to applicants who qualify under the government scheme. This marks an increase on 80% compared to available Springboard places last year. The upskilling and reskilling courses are free for the unemployed and for homemakers while the employed can avail of a 90% discount across our suite of programmes.

DkIT is deeply committed to the provision of lifelong learning and upskilling opportunities for people living in the North Leinster and South Ulster region. DkIT Springboard+ courses are fully accredited and are available in NFQ Levels 6, 7 and 8. Courses include: Certificate in Digital Marketing and Digital Media Management; Diploma in Food and Agribusiness; Diploma in Food Supply Chain Operations; Higher Diploma in Science in Data Analytics; Certificate in Data Analytics for Business; Higher Diploma in 3D Computer Animation; Certificate in Applied Electrical Engineering; Certificate in Sound Design and Implementation for Interactive Media.

Nationwide, over 8,000 places will be available on Springboard+ courses over the coming academic year, including courses focused on emerging employment sectors, such as Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. More information on Springboard+ is available by contacting the Lifelong Learning Centre at DkIT (e. springboard@ dkit.ie t. +353 (0)42 9370290) or by visiting www.dkit.ie/springboard.

St Francis National School 5K

European award for local business

Local Dundalk pet product business Radio Systems PetSafe Europe Ltd (RSPEL) is one of the top three places to work in Europe, ranking 3rd in the 2018 Great Place to Work Best Workplaces in Europe awards – beating its 2017 ranking by six places.

The accolade from the esteemed Great Place to Work group follows on from RSPEL achieving 1st place in the Best Workplaces in Ireland 2018 list in February where 100 per cent of employees voted the company a great place to work.

Specialising in innovative companion pet and sport and hunting products, RSPEL offers comprehensive pet training, health and wellness, waste management and play product solutions through its leading PetSafe®Brand, and superior training and tracking products for professional trainers and hunters via its global SportDOG® Brand.

Since it first opened in Dundalk in 2012, business has flourished for RSPEL, growing by 25 per cent over the last three years and headcount has risen by 50 per cent. In the last year, RSPEL has built on its projects to foster great working practices and inspire and motivate its team. The company has introduced new programmes such as ‘Creative Thinking’ and ‘Office Improvement’ and established a bi-annual ‘Fantastic Five’ award initiative. Categories include ‘Einstein Idea’ which recognises great creativity and ‘Iron Man/ Woman’ which offers those with 12 months’ full attendance an extra three days of annual leave.

RSPEL has also introduced policies to help encourage better work/ life balance, offering employees both flexi-time and working from home.

It is also focused on employee wellness, having appointed a Wellness Champion who runs a programme that includes a plant-filled wellness room, regular talks from external motivational speakers, wellness breaks and voluntary annual employ- Petsafe 3rd best workplace in Europe. ee health check-ups.

On top of more traditional perks, as a pet-centric business RSPEL also offers perks to ensure employees have great relationships with their pet. These include being allowed to bring dogs into the office, eight hours’ ‘paw-rental’ leave to help new pets settle and three days’ paid pet bereavement leave. Additionally, RSPEL helps to cover the cost of pet care, including microchipping, insurance and health check-ups.

A key part of the RSPEL culture is giving back to the local community. As well as nurturing employees’ pets, RSPEL gives back to animals in the community and has an annual budget dedicated to supporting animal-related charities, including Dundalk Dog Rescue (DDR). The business has also recently formed a partnership with the charity RehabCare to help develop disadvantaged adults who have fewer employment opportunities.

David Verdon, General Manager at RSPEL said: “We’re delighted to have been recognised as a Great Place to Work in Europe for the second year running.”

served basis and a qualified physiotherapist will be on hand to guide participants through a post event stretching routine.

Dundalk parkrun event director, Michael Parks is extending a warm welcome to newcomers; “The community at Dundalk parkrun prides itself on being welcoming to all, so if you’ve never completed a parkrun before or have just let your parkrun habit slip, I’d encourage you to give it a go this weekend. Vhi will be providing an extra level of support to participants and volunteers so Saturday is a great opportunity to get active!

Just register at parkrun. ie and we’ll see you at the Dundalk Institute of Technology for what should be a fantastic morning.” parkrun in partnership with VHI supports local communities in organising free, weekly, timed 5k runs every

Comhairle Contae Lú Louth County Council

DUNDALK LOOKING GOOD 2018

Vhi set to host a special event at Dundalk parkrun

VHI ambassador and Olympian, David Gillick, is calling on walkers, joggers and runners to join him at the Dundalk parkrun on Saturday, 14th July in Dundalk Institute of Technology when VHI will host a special event to celebrate their partnership with parkrun Ireland. parkrun Ireland support local communities in organising free, weekly, timed 5k runs every Saturday at 9.30am.

In addition to the normal Dundalk parkrun on Saturday, 14th July, David Gillick will be on hand to lead the warm-up for parkrun participants and offer support and encouragement to newcomers and seasoned parkrunners alike. Vhi will be helping participants refuel after their morning exercise and providing refreshments in the Vhi Relaxation Area at the finish line. Free massage balls will be given out on a first come first

9

Dundalk Leader 11th July 2018

Saturday morning at 90 venues all over Ireland, with around 10,000 people of every age and ability taking part each week. The events are organised by more than 1,000 volunteers every weekend from Bere Island to Ballina to Ballinteer. Over 190,000 registered participants have run more than 5 million kilometres at parkrun Ireland events since it started here in November 2012. Originally launched in the UK in 2004, parkrun is the single biggest participation running event globally with nearly three million registered participants and an average of 165,000 weekly participants.

To register for a parkrun near you visit www.parkrun.ie. New registrants should select their chosen event as their home location.

You will then receive a personal barcode which acts as your free entry to any parkrun event worldwide.

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Dundalk Leader 11th July 2018

Dundalk Leader 11th July 2018

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Dundalk Leader 11th July 2018

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House price in County Louth rise by 3.7 per cent

The price of the average three-bed semi in County Louth rose by rose by 3.7% to €210,000 between March and June, according to a national survey carried out by Real Estate Alliance.

Louth prices rose 7.7 % in the last 12 months, the REA Average House Price Survey found.

The REAAverage House Price Survey concentrates

on the actual sale price of Ireland’s typical stock home, the three-bed semi, giving an up-to-date picture of the second-hand property market in towns and cities countrywide to the close of last week.

“The market has slowed, with reduced viewings.

Sales are still happening, but not at the previous rate,” said Darina Collins of REA O’Brien Collins

in Drogheda, where average prices are €230,000 (+2.2% in Q2).

The survey also finds that the average time taken to sell a three-bed semi in Drogheda has increased from 6 to 8 weeks in the second quarter of 2018.

“Demand is good, but, first-time buyers prefer a new-build,” said Michael Gunne of REA Gunne Property in Dundalk,

Irish Water Safety Week

where the average threebed semi is now selling at €190,000, up 5.6% in three months.

The average semi-detached house nationally now costs €232,441, the Q2 REA Average House Price Survey has found – a rise of 1.5% on the Q1 2018 figure of €229,111.

Overall, the average house price across the country rose by 8% over

the past 12 months – indicating that the market is continuing to steady after an 11.3% overall rise in 2017.

The rate of increase in second-hand threebed semi-detached home prices in Dublin city and county was just 0.8% in the last three months, with prices falling slightly in one suburb.

After rising by 12.5%

in 2017, the average price of a second-hand semidetached house in the capital has increased by just €5,000 so far this year and now stands at €443,000.

The commuter counties continued their recent steady growth with a 1.7% increase in Q2, with the average house now selling for €246,278 – a rise of €4,000 on the first

three months of the year.

The country’s major cities outside Dublin recorded a combined Q2 rise of 1.5%, with an average three-bed semi costing €247,500.

The highest increases were seen in the rest of the country’s towns, which experienced a 2% rise in Q2 to an average of €153,094 – up €3,000 in 12 weeks.

Celebrations for VTOS Adult Learners

Learners, their families and staff from LMETB’s VTOS Programme gathered on Friday 22nd June in the Adult Further Education Centre in Chapel St to celebrate their efforts and achievements over the last year.

Learners from three courses- Return to Learning QQI Level 3, Leaving Certificate for Adults and Third Level Access Course QQI Level 5- were presented with Certificates of Attendance.

Dundalk Credit Union are very proud to sponsor this years Louth Some of the learners Irish Water Safety Summer Week in Gyles Quay starting on 16th will return to complete July - 21st July. a second year with the

VTOS students who completed Return to Learning QQI Level 3, Leaving Certificate for Adults and Third Level Access Course QQI Level 5 pictured with LMETB teachers and staff after being presented with their certificates in LMETB Dundalk.

VTOS programme cation or employment.

If you are over 21, whilst some are already planning their next steps and you, or your deinto further/higher edu- pendent spouse, are on a

social welfare payment (or signing for credits) for more than 6 months, then you may be eligible

to take part in a VTOS course.

In September, VTOS Dundalk will offer the following three fulltime, one year courses: Return to Learning QQI Level 3, Employment Skills QQI Level 4 and Leaving Certificate for Adults. For more information or to apply, please contact Sinéad by any of the following ways: telephone 042 9364627, email vtosdundalk@lmetb.ie,, or drop into the Adult Further Education Centre (Former ESB building), LMETB, Chapel St, Dundalk.

Irish Dancers at national competition

Dundalk Leader 11th July 2018

13

Family Notices

r -

PROPERTY/RENTALS

special services

special services

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

087 609 1906 www.louthber.ie eADVERTISE YOUR HOUSE Premises for rent or sale to 60,000 readers a week from €5. Telephone Dundalk Leader 042 93 -20888 One Bedroom apartment to rent in Dundalk Town Centre, fully furnished, g.f.s.h. Call 087 2928247

A VAN & DRIVER available for furniture removal, also single items, 3 piece suites, cookers, fridges, washing machines. Day & night Tel 086 870 4908 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE—Repairs, building plastering plumbing, painting, tiling, bathroom refurbishments, concreting, gardening, PVC facia and soffits, Over 20 yrs experience. References available. Tel Michael 085-858-8090 ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE to over 60,000 readers for only €5 per week up to 20 words Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888 BUILDING—McElroy UPVC products. For a competitive quote for all Home Improvements, extensions, sunrooms & conservatories. All PVC products supplies & fitted, fascia, soffit & guttering. We also have a complete range of PVC doors & windows.

Bathroom refurbishments completed in 5 days, painting, decorating, wall & floor tiling. All types of roof repairs. Contact anytime, on 087 260 2501 A-ALTERATIONS—For all your clothing alteration needs. Cuffs taken up or let down on Ladies & Gents Jackets €15, Zips in Coats €15, Curtains altered, Jeans patched. DryCleaning service. Tel 042-933 3380, Long Walk Shopping Centre, Dundalk WE CAN DISTRIBUTE your leaflets from €65 + vat per thousand Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888 DUNDALK BUREAU DE CHANGE—MoneyGram Money Transfer; Pay Household Bills; Payzone/Postpoint; Buy Stamps; Phone Top-ups; Prepaid Credit Cards; Sterling and Euro Cheques Available; Best Rates Guaranteed; No Commission. 8 Park St (Open 7 Days, 8am -11pm) & 4 Linenhall St (Open Mon-Sat). Call 042 933 9922/937 0101; www.dundalkbureaudechange. com—Accepting All Major Credit and Debit Cards.

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

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

Specializing in Re-Let & Spring Cleaning, Carpet & Upholstery cleaning. Fully insured.

For a free quotation contact Everkleen 042 9352717 / 087 6873188, www.everkleenservices.ie TILER AVAILABLE—Experienced local tiler to carry out all types of tile work - marble, granite, porcelain. Indoors and out. Call 087-387-8995 for free quote.

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

ACE GARDEN SERVICES—Tree topping, felling, hedge trimming, grass cutting & strimming. Rubbish Removals/Garage Clearance, House & Garden refuse. Permit holder. Contact Tom 085-102 6643 BUILDER & HOME MAINTAINENCE— Building, Woodwork, Painting, Plumbing, Tiling, Kitchen Refurbishments, Paving & Fencing. No job to big or too small. Tel. 087 295 2529 SUPERCLEAN—We clean Windows, Upvc Fascia & Soffit, Gutters, Algae Removal on all hard surfaces K-rend, Patio, Footpath etc., fully insured, for free quotation please call Superclean on 085 7087046 or 042 9370864

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 CHIROPODY in the comfort of your own home, complete treatment 30 euro (Dundalk area). Ms. Dara McCoy, Bsc. Podiatry, MCHs, HCPC reg. Tel; 04830 888882 or 0871924794.

Sliding Robes—Kitchens & Joinery By Ikad Design.Sliding Robes, Custom Built, Unique to you from €995 Showrooms at Unit 4 Northlink Retail Park, Dundalk.

Phone 083 479 1923 Email david@ikaddesign.com Facebook Furniture & Slide Robes Direct Secure your Wheelie Bin with Mr. Binlockin, locks for Domestic & Industrial Bins. Stops others filling your bin, prevents interference from animals, secures your personnel recyclable documents, gets you prepared for and saves you money on pay by weight enquires Tel 042 9377611 PAINTER AND WALLPAPERING—Local man for painting and papering. Very reliable, neat and tidy work carried out.

Competitive rates. No job too small. Call 086-876-0272 Recently retired man available for Gardening, flowerbeds, general tidy up, also outdoor painting, including gates, fences etc. Private houses, landlords & residential associations. Reasonable rates.

Contact Jim 086-381-8184 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 Glass Act Window cleaning and Chimney Sweep (Domestic & Commercial). We also clean gutters, fascia etc. For free quotation call Patrick 086 8987808 Clayotic Summer Camps & Kids Parties! Clay-toy factory Age 5-11 Unplug your kids! Non-messy & air-drying FUN! Great value, sibling discount! 6 weeks 6 venues in Louth! Book Now—0871691065 info@ clayotic.ie Something for everyone!

DOG HOLIDAYS—Tallanstown area. Specialising small breeds, weekly/daily rates.

Caring dog owner, walked twice daily.

Booking a must, deposit on booking. Tel. 087 3441094.

UPVC Windows & Doors, best products, best workmanship, best prices. All Work Fully Guaranteed. For FREE quotation & advice call today. AMC Windows Contact Alan 0044 7900 880560 Or 048 3084 8759 (after 6pm) Carpentry & Joinery—Maintenance and repairs, fencing and decking, roofing, 1st & 2nd fix carpentry. No job too big or small. Contact Seandon Carpentry 087 2985110

-

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 I t20888. The Dundalk Leader. dDEALGAN FURNITURE Longwalk, Dundalk r(inside The Paint Store). For a wide range of -Bedroom & Dining room Furniture, Beds & ,Mattresses made to any size, always a sedlection of quality second-hand furniture on display. Suite Re-Upholstery and Furniture 2Repair Service. Tel Paddy 086 320 7383 -BEDS BEDS BEDS—For the largest serlection of beds in Dundalk at unbeatable prices, beds from €79. The Bed Store Unit e24 Northlink Retail Park, Dundalk Tel 042 932 0927 ,SECONDHAND LAWNMOWERS—Just Arrived, a Large Selection of Second Hand Lawnmowers, no reasonable offers refused, for more info contact Paddy at Dealgan Furniture Longwalk, Dundalk (inside The Paint Store). Tel Paddy 086 320 7383 FOR SALE—Raspberries, Blackcurrants & Gooseberries. Tel. Mary 042 9336662.

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.

SUMMER MATHS GRINDS—Leaving & Junior Certificate. All levels. Experienced tutor. Tel. 083 1969 431.

special services CHIMNEY & STOVE CLEANING—Tel Paul McArdle 042 933 2491 / 087 666 0094 Email tribalky@yahoo.com DUNDALK BUREAU DE CHANGE—Best Rates Guaranteed. No Commission. We Buy and Sell All Major Currencies; Electronic Bank Transfers; US and Australian Dollars.

8 Park St (Open 7 Days, 8am -11pm) & 4 Linenhall St (Open Mon-Sat) - Call 042 933-9922/937-0101; www.dundalkbureaudechange.com. Accepting All Major Credit and Debit Cards.

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

in memoriam

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). B.McA.

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.

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). A.D.

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). J.M.

novena

Restoration, Cleaning, Maintenance & Inscriptions Replace/Refresh Gravel Sealing of Old Graves with Concrete, Flowers & Wreaths All Work Personally Carried Out Contact Patrick

087-064 9653

Email: notforgottengraverestoration@gmail.com

Local Girl Guides boost their STEM skills at robotics camp

Local Girl Guides designed, built and programmed Lego robots at a summer camp run

by DCU LearnIT Lego and Eirgrid in Belturbet, Co Cavan.

The camp, which included many fun and challenging activities, helped the girls to develop skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The girls from Louth village and Kilkerley joined Girl Guides from Meath, Cavan and Monaghan to work in teams to conduct research projects relating to real-world challenges.

The camp was the result of a partnership between Irish Girl Guides, Prof Deirdre Butler of Dublin City University and LearnIT Lego that was developed in 2017.

Two similar camps situations vacant took place last year in SHAMANIC COUNSELLING/Shamanic Dublin and Cork.

Healing for 1-1 Consultation. Contact Peter During the week, 085 837 1708. FBK - Heaven Sent - Sha- teams researched and manic Healing Practice. analysed problems, tak-

Irish Girl Guides members from Louth village and Kilkerley who took part in the Lego robotics camp organised by Irish Girl Guides in partnership with EirGrid and DCU LearnIT Lego in Castle Saunderson Scout Centre, Belturbet

ing into account what ‘real’ scientists and experts had found out and then the girls developed their own innovative solutions.

The Guides also learned about women in STEM careers and heard first-hand stories of how others have overcome challenges.

Helen Concannon,

Chief Commissioner of Irish Girl Guides, said she was grateful to EirGrid and LearnIT Lego for enabling the next generation of girls and young women to experience STEM through a practical hands-on camp. “The theme of the camp was renewable energy and the girls were building wind tur-

bines and completing projects to address the energy crisis,” she said.

“All this is useful for everyday life as well as giving the girls a taste of careers in engineering, science and technology.

As an organisation, we always encourage our members to challenge stereotypes and dream big!”

Dundalk Leader 11th July 2018

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Visit the Art Hive at Blackrock Park you can enjoy afterwards on Blackrock beach. The workshop will end at 2pm. and you can then choose to return on whichever bus you prefer, with buses leaving Blackrock for Dundalk at 15:10, 16:25 and 17:25. Tickets €5 per person (excludes bus ticket) Children must be accompanied by a ticket holding adult at all times.

Booking https://antain. ticketsolve.com/ shows/873591393.

of biodiversity and pollination. Art being the fruit of our creativity.

Bus Ticket: Halpenny Travel, payable to the driver on the day: Adult Fare €2.50 and Child Fare €1.80 - each way This workshop starts in An Táin Arts Centre, and the group will then travel together to Blackrock Park. Wear comfortable outdoor clothes - ready for all weather! - and perhaps bring a picnic

An Tain Arts Centre will host a family workshop: The Art Hive at Blackrock park - An Táin Arts Centre and Blackrock Park on Saturday July 14 and 28 at 10.30am.

Take a family journey by bus to The Art Hive at Blackrock Park. Tour the park’s gardens. Learn how Blackrock Tidy Towns allows imagination to grow wild. Let’s become a hive of artists in nature.

Inspired by the science

PayPal hosts senior citizens

Pictured at the event is Laura Morgan Walsh, Senior Director of Global Seller Risk Operations, with PayPal volunteers and senior citizens.

PayPal recently hosted a group of senior citizens at its Dundalk offices. In association with Age Action Ireland, which promotes

innovation among the older population, 25 PayPal teammates volunteered to help the group learn more about computers and use

Roden Place, Dundalk

This week’s Live music Friday 13th July

Taxi

them effectively.

It was the first time that this gathering has been hosted onsite at PayPal’s Dundalk offices.

Friday 13th July

karaoke with jane

Saturday 14th July

Mojo

Sunday 15th July

Infinity

4.00pm (Beergarden)

Spin Off

10pm Monday 16th July

Kevin O'Sullivan

Saturday 14th July

live music with kopy kats

Students hear the Junior Achievement message

Students from Scoil Mhuire na nGael participating in the Junior Achievement programme

Sixth Class students from Realt na Mara National School and Scoil Mhuire na nGael situated in Bay Estate learned the value of a career in fields such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) by participating in the Junior Achievement ‘Our Universe’ programme delivered by volunteers from Louth County Council during the academic year.

For over 15 years Louth County Council have through its partnership with Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI), inspired and motivated thousands of students in the Louth region to be the best that they can be, while introducing them

to numerous career possibilities in areas such as; business and enterprise, science, technology, engineering and maths.

Each volunteer delivers a structured Junior Achievement programme over five weeks; the programmes promote work readiness, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and the value of studying STEM. Business volunteer, Pamela Dagg of Louth County Council has been delivering JAI science initiatives for a number of years and this year delivered the ‘Our Universe’ programme.

In fact Pamela started volunteering with Junior Achievement 13 years ago. Reflecting on her

experience, she explained that by introducing science in primary school, in a fun and hands-on way, the likelihood increases that more students will choose this subject at second level.

Each Junior Achievement volunteer is fully trained to deliver hands on learning experiences that empower students to make connections between what they learn in school and how it can be applied to the real world. Benedicta McArdle also delivered the Our Universe programme along with colleagues Anna Marie McKeown, Patrice Keenan and Brian Martin who delivered programmes to 3rd class, 4th class and 4th year students.

Dundalk Leader 11th July 2018

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Daithí travels from Dee to Dee

Dr Daithí Kearney

DkIT lecturer Dr Daithí Kearney travels this week from his home in Ardee on the River Dee to Aberdeen on Scottish Deeside to present at the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention (NAFCo).

The North Atlantic Fiddle Convention is a cultural exchange

and meeting place for artists, academics, and enthusiasts. At its heart is a convention that brings together scholars, practitioners, teachers and other stakeholders to share ideas, practices, research and knowledge about the field of

fiddle performance and related dance.

This year Daithí will present on South Armagh fiddle player Josephine Keegan.

Originally from Co. Kerry, Daithí first got to know Josephine when he moved to Co. Louth and quickly struck a friendship through occasional sessions in Newry.

They shared stories of her life in music which included many seminal recordings, international tours and a musical partnership with many leading players

in Irish traditional music including Sean Maguire and Joe Burke.

In 2012 Daithí produced a concert with the DkIT Traditional Music Ensemble dedicated to Josephine’s music and celebrating her career. Josephine became the first honorary member of the Ensemble and Daithí continued to promote awareness of Josephine’s role in Irish traditional music. She will feature at this year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in

Drogheda in a concert celebrating the fiddlers of Oriel.

At NAFCo, Daithí will also participate in a facilitated conversation with Catríona MacDonald, Senior Lecturer in Music at Newcastle University. This session will aim to interrogate the roles that performers and researchers often replicate in music and dance scholarship. Both Daithí and Catríona combine their roles as both performers and researchers and

will consider their shared interest in the influence of the music of Shetland in Norway and Ireland, as well as third-level traditional music education.

Indeed Daithí will return to Scotland later in July with Dr Adèle Commins with whom he recorded the album of new compositions A Louth Lilt last year.

For their performances at Speyfest, they will be joined by a number of students from DkIT with the support of Culture Ireland under the GB18 programme.

award winning 2004/05/06/07 & 08

Family Meal €24.95 Any 2 Starters, Any 2 Mains, 2 Rice & 1 Naan Bread

Set Meal €15

1 Starter, 1 Main Course, 1 Rice, 1 Naan & Can of Drink

Delivery in Dundalk & Blackrock - Home catering available!

Nicola McGee, Abby Dunne, Ellie Grant and Dervla McGee at the recent national competition.

Sandwiches & Sandwich Platters To Homes & Businesses Dundalk – Blackrock & Surrounds

Summer Days Picnic Days

Great Value Family Meals Call 042 935 7256 www.subwaymarshes.ie

Dundalk Leader 11th July 2018

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For a competitive quote for All Home Improvements, Extensions, Sunrooms & Conservatories.

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Dundalk Leader 11th July 2018

Skips

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Top Soil

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Dundalk Leader 11th July 2018

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recent deaths Agnes Casey (née Clinton), Tullydonnell, Togher, peacefully in Moorehall Lodge, Ardee, on Sunday July 8. Agnes, beloved wife of Joseph and loving mother of Eileen, Doreen and Adrian. Pre-deceased by her brothers Harry, Tony and her dear sister Angie. Sadly missed by her husband, son, daughters, sons-in-law Brendan and Glenn, Adrian’s fiancee Brigid, grandchildren Laura, Ryan and Ella, brother Michael, brothersin-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Rosemarie Jones (née Doherty (Oregon) Cloch Mór Cottages, Knocknagoran, Omeath, formerly Carndonagh, Co. Donegal, peacefully at Our Lady Of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, surrounded by her loving family on Sunday July 8. Very deeply regretted by her beloved husband Stephen, daughter Roisin, son Matthew, son-in-law Dermot, daughter-in-law Susan, grandchildren Adam and Daniel. Also by her mother Patricia, sisters Eleanor, Siobhan, Michelle and Fiona, brothers John Joe and Patrick, brothers-in-law, sistersin-law, uncle, aunts, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Dermot Lynch aged 62 years, Pearl River, Rockland County, New York State, USA, and formerly of Kaig’s Cross, Richardstown, Dromin, Dunleer, following a short illness on Friday July 6. Sadly missed by his sisters Verona and Margaret, brothers William and Declan, nieces, nephews, relatives and all his close friends who cared for him in New York.

Mary McArdle (née Leonard) St Bridget’s Terrace, Dundalk, and formerly of Tallanstown, peacefully in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital after being cared for in St. Oliver Plunkett Hospital on Friday July 6. Mary beloved wife of the late Patrick and dear mother of Cora and Ann-Frances, and nana of Mark, Andrew, Jack and John and great nana of Leah, Patrick, Ben, Harry and Emily and mother-inlaw of Derek Curley and John Mc Guinness. Deeply regretted by her daughters, grandsons, great grandchildren, sons-inlaw, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Patrick J (Paddy) Lyons Mountbagnal, Riverstown, Dundalk, peacefully, in Carlingford Nursing Home on Wednesday July 4. Predeceased by his broth-

ers Larry and Michael and sister Kitty. He will be sadly missed

by Yvonne, Patricia and Peter, Seán and Mary and Martina and Tony, Daniel and Warren and his many relatives, neighbours and friends.

Mary Moriarty (née Hanratty), Templeogue, Dublin and , formerly of Collon, peacefully, after a short illness, at St. James Hospital, on Wednesday July 4. Predeceased by her beloved husband Dan, sadly missed by her sister Dom (Declemente), brothers Liam, Paul and Pat, sisters-in-law Mary (O’Sullivan), Ann and Nora, brother-in-law Philip, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, her dear friend Paddy, extended family, relatives and friends.

Mary Woods (née Woods), 1 Gort Nua, Station Road, Castlebellingham, peacefully at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin on Wednesday July 4. Mary, beloved wife of Thomas and loving mother of Fintan, Garry, Patricia, Martin and Stephen. Sadly missed by her husband, sons, daughter, grandchildren Aaron, Keane, Kayden, Amie and Lorcan and great-grandchild Layla, brothers and sisters, Stephen’s partner Lisa, Patricia’s partner James, brothers-in-law, sistersin-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Bazie Finn (née Kierans), The Orchard, Rock Rd, Blackrock, The Orchard, Rock Rd, Blackrock, Dundalk, on Sunday July 1. Bazie beloved wife of the late Brian and dear mother of Anne and Bernice and loving granny of Brian, Francis, Ana and Mario and mother-in-law of Joaquín.

Deeply regretted by her daughters, grandchildren, son-in-law, sister Etta, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Brendan Rice Snr Bachelors Walk, Dundalk, peacefully in Saint Oliver Plunkett Hospital on Monday July 2. Predeceased by his wife Brigid (Dolly). Very deeply regretted by his loving family, daughter Linda O’Brien (Kilsaran), sons Declan (Manchester), Brendan, Denis, Joe (Newry), Aidan (Australia) and Peter (Liverpool), sister Maeve Gaughran, grandchildren, greatgrandchildern, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Driving without insurance A man who was convicted of driving without insurance was banned from the road for two years at Dundalk District Court. James

McDonagh (26) of 33 Maple Close, Dundalk, was stopped by Gardai at Garrybawn on October 23 last year but failed to produce documents.

Judge John Coughlan, who heard that the defendant had one previous conviction for dangerous driving, also imposed a €100 fine.

SPANISH ROADS DON’T MELT – SO WHY DO OURS? Miracles do happen. Very rarely, the Irish rugby team win a series in Australia, or England’s footballers win a penalty shoot-out. Even more rarely, you get a summer heatwave in Ireland.

It is a wonder and we should all enjoy it while we can, but it does bring its own problems on the roads – not least of which is the problem of road surfaces actually melting in the heat.

A few years ago in the UK, a section of the M25 – London’s equivalent to the M50 – had to be closed because the surface was unsafe. Predictably it caused chaos. Closer to home, we have had reports into AA Roadwatch over the last couple of weeks of road surfaces becoming extremely dangerous, and some roads have had to close.

It may seem crazy that our roads can let us down like this. It has been hot of course but there are roads in warmer countries that get this all the time without disintegrating and motorists have been asking us how on earth it could happen.

It is a bit like the reverse of the problem that we had during the Storm Emma earlier in the year. Irish roads, especially secondary roads, took damage that is still not fully repaired.

Again, those low temperatures do not cause problems in Nor-

way so why here?

The answer is that roads are built within ‘normal’ design parameters that will vary from country to country. Ours have to deal with much more rainfall but much less heat than a road in Nevada for example.

We hit 32 degrees recently but it only gets that hot for a few days every 20 years if we are lucky. You can build roads that can cope with those temperatures using special polymers and binding agents in the top layer of tarmac but it is expensive.

It is not really possible or sensible to over-engineer a road to such an extent that huge cost is incurred making it proof against problems that might not arise more than two or three times in a century.

The road surface itself can be as much as 20 degrees hotter than the air temperature which is normally measured in the shade and above the ground. If you are curious you can have a look at the road temperatures map on the TII website. Their excellent system of thermal mapping was put in place with winter ice and gritting in mind, but we have seen temperatures nearing 50 degrees in the heatwave.

When it gets as hot as that the tar on a road will start to behave like molasses. As traffic uses it the road will start to develop ridges and ruts like a mud track. For the unsuspecting driver, this means that you can hit a bad patch without warning. Braking and steering will be affected, and for those on motorbikes it is extremely dangerous.

In some areas, roads have been treated with grit or gravel.

For the driver, the safety advice is something that we are all familiar with: slow down. Reducing speed and staying clear of the car in front is the only effective counter-measure, and any problem will be magnified if you are driving too fast.

Finally, another word of warning. In the Mediterranean heatwave of 2012, a huge forest fire took hold on the French/ Spanish border north of Barcelona. 32,000 acres were destroyed, four people died and 100 were injured. The hugely busy AP7 motorway was essentially destroyed.

It is suspected that the disaster could well have been caused by a driver flicking a cigarette from the car window.

With Ireland currently under a status red fire alert and our emergency services already dealing with fires across the country, now is the time to be extra cautious.

Dundalk Leader 11th July 2018

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7 seaters

Hill Street, Dublin Rd., Dundalk.

161 CITROEN C4 GRAND PICASSO 5DR 1.6HDi 34,700MLS............................................... €18,495 151 RENAULT G. SCENIC DYNAMIQUE TOM TOM 5DR 1.5DCi BLUE 15,500MLS................... €16,750 142 CITROEN DISPATCH COMBI 9 SEATER L1H1 2.OHDi SILVER 34,500MLS....................... €19,995

DIESEL MODELS

161 Peugeot 208 Access 5dr 1.6hdi silver 30,900mls............................................... €12,450 151 NISSAN QASHQAI ACCENTA 5DR 1.5DCi GREY 28,200MLS.......................................... €17,150 151 PEUGEOT 508 ACTIVE 4DR 1.6HDi WHITE 48,500MLS................................................ €14,850 151 PEUGEOT 3008 ACTIVE 5DR 1.6HDi BLACK 25,800MLS.............................................. €15,975 151 NISSAN QASHQAI ACCENTA SMART VISION 5DR 1.5DCi GREY 15,000MLS.................... €17,995 151 PEUGEOT 2008 ACTIVE 5DR 1.4HDi GREY 47,500MLS................................................ €12,950 141 VW PASSAT COMFORTLINE 4 DR 1.6 TDi BLACK 62,570MLS....................................... €14,495 2012 Peugeot 508 Active 4DR 1.6Hdi AUTOMATIC White 73,300Mls..............................€9,950 2012 PEUGEOT 3008 ACTIVE 5DR 1.6HDi 69,400MLS........................................................€9,950 2011 PEUGEOT 308SE 5DR 1.6HDi BLACK 59,200MLS........................................................€7,595 2010 PEUGEOT 308 SE 5DR 1.6HDi choice...............................................................From €4,850 2011 RENAULT MEGANE DYNAMIQUE 5DR 1.5DCi GOLD 87,200MLS...................................€6,750 2008 BMW 3 Series 318D ES 4DR 2.0 Silver 132,600MLS................................................€5,950

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petrol MODELS

161 PEUGEOT 2008 ACTIVE 5DR 1.2 AUTOMATIC GREY 33,900MLS................................... €14,995 161 PEUGEOT 208 ACCESS 5DR 1.2 GREY 33,500MLS....................................................... €11,650 161 PEUGEOT 108 ACTIVE 5DR 1.0 BLUEBERRY 22,000MLS............................................. €10,650 151 NISSAN NOTE ACCENTA PREMIUM 5DR 1.2 AUTOMATIC GREY 25,800MLS................... €13,695 151 PEUGEOT 2008 ACTIVE 1.2 WHITE 34,000MLS.......................................................... €13,950 151 OPEL ASTRA EXCITE 5DR 1.4 RED 12,500MLS........................................................... €13,800 151 Suzuki Swift SZ3 5DR 1.2 Grey 42,700Mls........................................................... €10,850 151 OPEL CORSA SXi 5DR 1.2 GREY 27,500MLS............................................................... €10,650 142 nissan juke acenta premium 5dr 1.2 blue 28,900mls....................................... €13,495 142 SUZUKI SPLASH SZ2 5DR 1.0 GREY 33,000.................................................................€8,250 141 AUDI A3 SE 5DR 1.2 TFSi BLACK 37,200MLS............................................................. €17,195 141 NISSAN MICRA VISIA 5DR 1.2 BLUE 36,500MLS..........................................................€8,875 131 Peugeot 208 Active 5Dr 1.2 Blue 37,200Mls.........................................................€9,450 131 PEUGEOT 208 ACCESS 3dr 1.0 WHITE 55,000mls.......................................................€8,650

commercials

171 PEUGEOT BOXER 335 L3 H2 2.2 HDi BLUE 17,400MLS................................... €18,250 INC VAT STRAIGHT DEAL PRICES QUOTED TRADE IN’S WELCOME - EVERYTHING CONSIDERED

PERFECT FOR THE FAMILY GETAWAY. PERFECT GETAWAY FROM THE FAMILY. THE NEW ŠKODA OCTAVIA

FROM €21,775

The ŠKODA OCTAVIA, is all the car you’ll ever need. With the largest boot in its class, 610 litres increasing to a massive 1,740 litres with the car seats folded down, it’s great for carting all the kids to their game or escaping to watch one.

The new ŠKODA OCTAVIA is available from €21,775 on the road and for a limited time with 0% PCP Finance or up to €3,500 Scrappage Allowance.

Available with 0% PCP Finance or up to €3,500 Scrappage Allowance

Western Motors, M1 Retail Park, Drogheda, Co Louth.

Tel: 041 989 8100 www.westernmotorsskoda.ie

www.skoda.ie

Typical Example: Octavia 1.6 TDI 115bhp OTRP €25,480. Deposit €7,586.24. 36 Monthly payments of €249 including fixed price service plan of €12.99 per month. Optional final payment €9,397.40. Total Hire Purchase Price €25,480. Total cost of credit €0. Minimum deposit 10%. This offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. ŠKODA Finance is a trading style of Volkswagen Bank GmbH Branch Ireland, authorised by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. 0% Finance is not available on Octavia 1.0TSI and 1.5TSI models. Available on cars ordered before 30th of June and registered before 31st July 2018. Picture for illustrative purposes only.

Co2 from 102- 153G/KM. Combined fuel consumption from 3.9-6.6/100km. Data based on 2016 figures.

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Dundalk Leader 11th July 2018