18-11-2020

Average Bedrom Size 10.5 sq mtrs

carpets & interiors

Cash & Carry Laminate Deal

DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER St Mochtas ladies show caring side Page 9

5 Packs 8mm Laminate Underlay, 1 Door Bar

Only

€129

Unit 18, North Link Retail Park, Coes Road, Dundalk. Ph: 042 9328128

Journalist Paul releases new book Page 14

Fitzer calls for army at border Page 4

Wednesday, 18th November, 2020. Vol. 13, Issue 47 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

New dawn beckons for Bridge Street

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

By Tamara O’Connell

After years of false dawns and disappointment, traders in Bridge Street could finally be set for some good news with regards to long overdue funding for the area.

Local Senator John McGahon tabled a debate in the Seanad on securing Urban Regeneration Funding for Bridge Street and Linenhall Street with Minister Peter Burke while Louth County Council (LCC) has applied for millions of Euro in funding for the ambitious project.

The Fine Gael Senator told the Dundalk Leader that the regeneration would unlock “previously unimagined potential”.

Continued on Page 2

Skateboarders look for place to call home

Members of the Dundalk Skateboarding Community are looking for a skatepark to be built for them in Dundalk. A petition started by the group has already reached close to 1000 signatures. Photo Credit: Conor Sally. See Page 10 for full story.

Dundalk Leader 18th November 2020

2

New Dawn beckons for Bridge Street

Europa Take Away Earl Street

Full takeaway menu available including our Authentic Italian Style Pizza 12” with 3 Toppings of your choice €6

Takeaway Open From 12 Noon

Deliveries 6-11.50pm 7 Days

Tel 042 933 4498

From page 1 “The residential units would be above the shops, it would entice people to come back, and the streetscape would make it accessible,” said John.

“The retail outlets have huge potential when we see the funding that has gone into Clanbrassil Street.

“This is a big piece of the jigsaw to bring the Bridge Street/Linenhall Street area up to the same standard as other parts of town.”

He said the €5m revamp of the Clanbrassil Street area has transformed the centre of the town and similar investment is now needed for the northern end.

John added: “It might take two or even three funding applications because Louth County Council’s vision for the area is so big.

Joanne Lavelle.

“It will need substantial funding to get the ball rolling. Joan Martin, Frank Pentony and Catherine Duff are doing a huge amount of work on this project.

“Louth County Council sent in a massive amount of information in relation to the project in April of this year.”

The Minister for Local Government Peter

Burke said a decision on funding for the project would be made before the end of the year.

Joanne Lavelle from the Bridge Street & St Nicholas Quarter Traders Group was cautiously optimistic the North end of town could finally be in line for a funding boost. The group were left bitterly disappointed in 2018 when they missed out on funding under Project Ireland 2014 and had to watch on as Clanbrassil Street and the St Nicholas Quarter were upgraded last year while Bridge Street and Linenhall Street remained untouched. According to Joanne the signs are much more positive and she is hoping that traders in Bridge St. can get an early Christmas present with an official announcement for funding for the area.

“We are much more optimistic this time around because there seems to be a lot more joined up thinking in the plans and ideas which have been submitted to Minister Peter Burke.

There seems to be a real plan and a real vision for the area and the Minister is paying attention. This has been a long time coming and we have fought long and hard to get funding for an area which has been ignored for years. There are a lot of properties on the street which are derelict or have fallen into disrepair but with the right plan the potential for Bridge Street is huge. There is a massive opportunity for social amenities and more employment and I have to say hats off to John McGahon for putting this plan in front of the Minister and doing his

bit to help us. We have been let down before so we are not going to get ahead of ourselves but we are much more op-

timistic this time around and hopefully this is the beginning of a new era for Bridge Street,” stated Joanne.

County Councillors fail to pass budget for 2021 Monday’s Louth County Council meeting saw some tense exchanges between councillors as the budget for 2021 could not be agreed. The meeting saw councillors argue over an amendment

by Dundalk Fianna Fail councillor Conor Keelan which looked to change the split of discretionary funding between Dundalk, Drogheda and Ardee districts.

Currently there is a pot of €225,000 which has always been split equally between the three districts with the money given to

councillors to spend in their local communities on projects or to give funds to organisations in the area. At Monday’s meeting Cllr Keelan proposed an amendment to this section of the budget proposing that councillors in Ardee would have their annual discretionary budget cut by 38% leaving them with just over €46,500.

This would in turn increase the amounts given to both the Dundalk and Drogheda districts.

The reason given by Cllr Keelan for the amendment was the

fact that Ardee holds just six seats on the 29 strong council (Dundalk have 13 and Drogheda have 10). The amendment which would see Dundalk get the bulk of the funding was passed narrowly by 12 votes to eleven with one abstention. Five councillors were absent from the meeting.

The proceeding vote to pass the budget for 2021 resulted in a tie at 12 votes apiece. Councillors will meet again tomorrow evening to once again try and get the budget voted through.

Blackrock Tidy Towns welcome garda presence THE Chairman of Blackrock Tidy Town’s has welcomed the efforts of gardai who cracked down on latenight revellers over the weekend.

There was a drop in the numbers of people gathering along the seafront compared to the previous weekend, according to Blackrock Tidy Town’s Chairman John Horan.

“Fair play to the gardai for the checkpoints at either side of the village but I think the bad weather was

also a factor,” he said.

“There were people there but not as many as before. Compliments to the gardai for doing what they could to discourage drinking.

“Pubs are allowed to sell takeaway pints but it’s not legal to drink in a public place. The rubbish wasn’t as bad as last weekend but we’ve an ongoing problem with it.”

John added: “In particular, we have an issue with coffee cups and takeaways. Last week there was a problem

with pint containers and pizza boxes at the north end of the village.

“Nationally NPHET is concerned about gatherings outside. The guards can’t be everywhere and the majority of people getting COVID-19 are people aged under 45.”

Meanwhile, proposals to fine people gathering outdoors to drink alcohol was withdrawn by the cabinet yesterday afternoon. Members of government instead agreed to focus on enforcement of existing rules.

Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 Public Consultation The Draft Louth County Development Plan 20212027 has been on public display from Wednesday 14th October 2020. Submissions/observations can be made until 12pm (noon) on Wednesday 23rd December 2020.

Written submissions should be submitted to Forward Planning Unit, Development Plan Review, Louth County Council, Town Hall, Crowe Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth A91 W20C. Submissions by email should be sent to louthcdp@louthcoco.ie.

The Planning Team continue to be available for phone queries in relation to the Draft Plan, during normal opening hours, and are contactable on 042 9335457 or LoCall 1890202303. Alternatively, general queries can be emailed to devplanqueries@louthcoco.ie.

Taking account of the COVID-19 restrictions, ‘Virtual Planning Clinics’, via the online platform Zoom will be provided and will offer the general public an opportunity to discuss the development plan process or specific planning policy queries they may have in relation to the Draft County Development Plan.

The ‘Virtual Planning Clinics’ via the online platform Zoom will take place on the following dates/times: Thursday 19th November Friday 20th November Tuesday 1st December Wednesday 2nd December Thursday 3rd December Friday 4th December

10.00am – 1.00pm 10.00am – 1.00pm 6.00pm – 8.00pm 6.00pm – 8.00pm 6.00pm – 8.00pm 10.00am – 1.00pm

To book a 20 minute appointment, please email devplanqueries@louthcoco.ie indicating your preferred time/date.

Full details of the Draft Plan and all accompanying documentation, along with presentations on the key issues, are available to view/download from the Louth County Council website at www.louthcoco.ie/draftdevplan.

County Hall, Millennium Centre, Dundalk, County Louth A91 KFW6 LOCALL 1890 202 303 w www.louthcoco.ie e info@louthcoco.ie

Dundalk Leader 18th November 2020

3

4

Dundalk Leader 18th November 2020

Fitzpatrick calls for army to be deployed along border Independent TD Peter Fitzpatrick has urged the government to consider deploying the army along the border to stop non-essential travel from the north to the south and vice versa. In response to Deputy Fitzpatrick, An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar stated categorically that this would not be happening.

“We need to protect our people and businesses. We have a serious issue at the moment. Everything the Tánaiste told me indicates that we need to do something across the Border. I come from Dundalk.

What will happen on Friday in the North if they start opening pubs and restaurants? People will travel from the South across the Border and vice versa. That will cause serious problems. We must do something about it,” stated Deputy Fitzpatrick speaking in the Dáil last Thursday.

“From Omeath to Cullaville, there are approximately 30 Border crossings.

It is impossible to put checkpoints along the Border to stop people crossing it. As an

Peter Fitzpatrick, TD.

ex-soldier of the 27th Battalion, I think it is about time we started to use the Army. There is a barracks in Dundalk with 450 soldiers. Why not deploy them in Border areas? Donegal is in a serious situation.

Louth, Cavan and Monaghan have done a fantastic job over the past three or four weeks.

Is that just going to be flushed down the toilet? We have to be realistic. I wish to see a united Ireland, but I do not wish to

see a united Ireland right now.

At the moment, my first priority is for the citizens of Ireland to be protected. The Government has to protect them.

“We are in a second lockdown. The way things are going, there will be a third lockdown. I know and the Tánaiste knows that we do not wish to see a third lockdown.

Prevention is the best cure.

We have an opportunity to do something. The Government should get the Army out to stop the southerners and the northerners crossing up and down the Border. There is no problem with people who have to travel, but I have seen this situation develop in recent months and I do not like it.

The situation is being abused.

The freedom to travel is being abused in Border areas such as Omeath and Carlingford by northerners who are coming down to the South. The number of Northern number plates I have seen is unreal. I ask the Tánaiste to do something to protect the citizens of Ireland, please,” concluded Peter.

In response to Deputy Fitzpatrick’s call for the army to be deployed along the border An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar stated categorically that this would not be happening.

“The Government is not giving any consideration to putting the Army on the Border between the North and the South. We struggled and fought too hard for too many decades to take all armies off the Border and we certainly do not want to be the jurisdiction that puts uniforms on the Border again,” insisted Vardakar.

“That is not something to which we are giving consideration. The point raised by the Deputy is a serious one. The situation in Northern Ireland is much more serious than the situation here. There is a very significant reservoir of infection in Northern Ireland and people travelling to and from Northern Ireland create a real risk. We need to enforce the 5 km rule, but that is best done by the Gardai rather than by military means,” concluded the former Taoiseach.

MOU to Extend Official Invite to President Elect, Joe Biden At the meeting of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Sinn Féin Councillor Edel Corrigan proposed that the crossborder body extend an official invite to the new President Elect of the USA, Joe Biden.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Corrigan said “I am pleased to say that my proposal has been accepted and the joint Chairs of the MOU will now write to Mr Biden’s office to congratulate him on his success and extend to him an invitation to meet with representatives of the MOU to

Cllr Edel Corrigan. inform him of the concerns representatives of the region have in regards to the effects of Brexit.”

“Given the President Elect’s family connection with my own constituency of Dun-

dalk-Carlingford and public statements that he has made relating to the effects of Brexit and his concern about any deal that would be contrary to the Good Friday Agreement, I feel that it is very ap-

propriate to do this.

“This MOU Committee is the first of its kind in Europe and we want to ensure he is aware of the appetite of the local community and local authorities for continued regional development on a cross border basis.”

The Memorandum of Understanding is a Strategic Alliance between Newry, Mourne & Down District Councils and Louth County Council which seek to support and promote the economic development and competitiveness of the region.

Got a Story?

We want to hear from you

Phone: 0429320888; Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com

Dundalk Leader 18th November 2020

Parents hopeful on Gaelcholáiste premises Expectations pinned on end of November Board meeting Parents fighting for the right for their children to be educated through Irish are hopeful that a request

by An Foras Pátrúnachta (AFP) to the Louth Meath Education Board, (LMETB) for short-term

temporary assistance will bear fruit.

AFP wrote to LMETB a couple of weeks ago to see if they would consider making part of the VTOS building in Chapel St available. This build-

ing used to accommodate VTOS students and Coláiste Lú pupils during 2013 – 18.

Currently only VTOS students, whose numbers have dropped this year by over 70%, are now using

the building. This means that the building is now being used for just c. 10% of the pupil no’s when compared to 3 years ago.

Parents understand that the AFP request will be discussed at an upcoming

LMETB Board meeting.

LMETB have a history of assisting start-up schools – they are currently providing temporary accommodation to Educate Together on their Bettystown VTOS campus.

Greenore Coast Guard Unit help in rescue mission Greenore Coast Guard Unit were part of a rescue operation on Saturday afternoon when two windsurfers were reported missing from Carlingford Lough. The Kilkeel Coast Rescue Team, Kilkeel RNLI, Rescue 116, Clogherhead RNLI and Greenore Coast Guard joined forces to begin a search and rescue mission for the pair at approximately 3pm on Saturday afternoon.

One of the windsurfers managed to make his own way to shore while the other was spotted by the Kilkeel CRT who directed Kilkeel RNLI to him. He was located assessed and brought into Kilkeel harbour where he was met by Kilkeel CRT and the rest of his group. No further assistance was required.

The incident was coordinated by the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre in Dublin and the Greenore Coast Guard.

Coastguard Operations Centre in Belfast.

If LMETB provide the help requested, 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

5

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.

Dundalk Leader 18th November 2020

6

Knights of Malta, Dundalk, Invalid Mass May 1960

who gave us the picture on the left which features a group from the Knights of Malta, Dundalk Invalid Mass from May 1960.

The picture was taken

by Declan Gibson.

Brendan to auction 112-year-old Christmas card for Polio Survivors Ireland

Local man Brendan Moore is trying to unravel the mystery of a 112-year old Christmas Card which was sent to an address in Dublin St. Dundalk from Cardigan Street in Liverpool during Christmas 1908.

Earlier this year Brendan found the Christmas Card in a skip before tracing the address to Dublin Street, Dundalk to where the card was addressed to.

According to Brendan the card would have taken between four and six weeks to reach Dundalk from Liverpool at that time.

“More than likely the people delivering this card would dropped into the building now known as the Windsor Bar for a drink. The card itself probably took four to six weeks to reach its destination in Dundalk.

It would have left Liverpool in all probability on a steam ship and docked in Greenore Port.

The mail would have then been transferred on to a train to take it to Dundalk via the old Greenore

Thanks to Brian Ross

-Dundalk railway line. Then a royal mail postman as they were then known would have delivered the card to the address in Dublin St. The card itself has a lovely verse from Victorian times (which can be read in the picture

SciFest at St Vincent’s

accompanying this story) and was sent by a Mr and Mrs W. Llewellyn from Cardigan Street, Wavertree, Liverpool. I’ve been in touch with officials from Liverpool to try and find out a bit more about the couple who sent it and I’m hoping to find out a bit more about who it was sent to,” stated Brendan. The card survived two world wars, the 1916 rising and was posted prepartition when the royal mail delivered in Ireland.

“It’s a piece of old Dundalk history and I am going to try and use it to raise some funds for the Polio Survivors Ireland charity which I am involved in. The card is being put on the open market for anybody to purchase, perhaps a Dublin. St. business would be interested. There is no reserve price to it and all reasonable offers will be accepted. You can email your offers to mairead. matthews@gmail.com. Please include your contact details,” Erinn Leavy and Sophie McArdle qualify for SciFest national finals. added Brendan.

St. Vincent’s Science Department were celebrating recently as two of their students qualified for the SciFest 2020 National Final, which is due to take place this month.

Erinn Leavy and Sophie McArdle under the guidance of their teacher John White undertook an Analysis of Physiological and Running Metrics in 3K Cross Country in comparison to Track and Treadmill Running, including different running metrics such as heart rate, cadence and power over 3 kilometres.

As with many national and international competitions, this year’s SciFest Finals will be held virtually and the projects will be available online for the public to view.

Got a Story?

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

Dundalk Leader 18th November 2020

7

Petition to make Changing Places Toilet Facilities for people with disabilities A group representing people with disabilities and their families are calling on the public to get behind their #WeAllGottaGo campaign for access to adequate toilet facilities for all on World Toilet Day on Thursday 19th November.

Changing Places Ireland are raising awareness of the thousands of children and adults with disabilities who are restricted in where they can go and what they can do because they will not find a toilet with the equipment or space they need. They are asking members of the public to sign their online petition calling on the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make Changing Place Toilet Facilities mandatory in public buildings. Over 3,500 people have already signed their petition and you can add your signature here - https://my.uplift.ie/

petitions/make-changing-placestoilet-facilities-mandatory-in-public-buildings-1 “Imagine being in permanent lockdown. This is the reality for thousands of children and adults with disabilities in Ireland, like my daughter Sophia, who do not have access to toilet facilities with suitable equipment like hoists and changing benches. They often have to go through the indignity of being changed on the floor of a public toilet or stay isolated from their communities at home. We are calling on the Government to make Changing Place Toilet Facilities mandatory in public buildings,” commented Aaron Daly, parent of a child who needs a Changing Place and member of the Changing Places Ireland steering group.

Standard disabled accessible toilets do not meet the needs of all

DUNDALK folk group The Mary Wallopers did a duet with Dustin the Turkey on the second episode of The Den. The popular local band performed a medley of songs with Dustin. Brothers Charles and Andrew Hendy and Seán McKenna form the triad that is The Mary Wallopers.

Charles (27) and Andrew (25) are from Haggardstown and Seán (27) is from the Avenue Road.

“We were contacted by Dustin

and of course we said ‘Yes’. We used to watch The Den when we were younger and it was great,” said Charles.

“We never imagined we’d be on it but it’s one of the highlights of what we’re doing. Dustin is very funny. He saw us live before and enjoyed it.

“He made fun of Seán’s bodhran playing but we were very lucky because he was very nice and well behaved. Ray was very nice too and has the patience of a saint.”

people with complex disabilities.

Changing Places Toilet Facilities are different and provide extra equipment like a hoist and an adult sized changing bench. In Ireland, there are only 15 Changing Places Toilet Facilities. There are over 1500 in England and new legislation will make Changing Places Toilets mandatory in new public buildings from 2021. In Northern Ireland, there are approximately 40 and the NI Assembly is now following England and has committed to amending their building regulations.

Changing Places Ireland are calling on the Irish Government to follow the example of England and change Irish building regulations to make such toilets mandatory in public buildings. Without Changing Places Toilet Facilities available throughout the country

people with disabilities are denied a basic human right and continue to be excluded from everyday life.

“The aim of the Changing Places Ireland campaign is to promote the inclusion of Changing Places Toilet facilities in public places nationwide. Thousands of people need Changing Places Toilet facilities to enable them to get out and about and enjoy the day-today activities that many of us take for granted. We are calling on the Government to change the building regulations and support the opening of more Changing Places in communities all across Ireland,” commented Gillian Murphy, Enable Ireland Communications Manager and Changing Places Ireland Aaron Daly and his daughter Sophia supporting representative.

Visit www.changingplaces.ie Changing Places Ireland Campaign for World Toilet Day for more information.

19 November.

The Mary Wallopers Folk Group perform on “The Den” He added: “We started playing in McManus’s Pub four years ago and never intended for it to be a band.

Initially, we exchanged songs for pints but McManus’s gave us our first paid gig,” said Charles.

“We officially became a band three and a half years ago and really started pushing the Mary Wallopers on social media last November.”

The Mary Wallopers released their debut EP last year. See more at www.rte.ie/player.

The Mary Wallopers appearing on The Den with Dustin the Turkey.

Contact: Eugene: 086 6666306 Office: 048 30 849708

Junction 20 Exit off M1 272 Dublin Road, Newry

Co. Down. BT35 8RL

wholesalehomefuelsnewry@gmail.com

Mulitbuy and Value Deals in our Depot 40Kg/20kg Bags of Coal & Doubles Available for Cash & Carry

Premium Polish Coal Premium Polish Doubles Premium Calco Flame Wide Variety of Hayes Fuels Coal Hurry While Stocks Last!!!

CHEAPEST WHOLESALE KEROSENE PRICE – 30.9c

Dundalk Leader 18th November 2020

8

Dundalk St Gerard’s AC celebrate their News Gold Standard Training Award Winners in Brief

1—What district is Washington D.C in?

2—Which golfer won the US Masters Championship at Augusta on Sunday evening?

3—What is the name of the biggest technology company in South Korea?

4—In which children’s book did a spider called Charlotte and a pig called Wilbur appear?

5—What was the original name of the bar upstairs in the Old Shopping Centre on Dublin Street?

6—What is the highest mountain in Britain?

7—There are only three angels named in the bible, Michael and Lucifer are two, name the other?

8—From which

country did the United States purchase Alaska?

9—In which sea would you find the Cayman Islands?

10—What country was Mother Teresa born in?

The Stinker—On average how many breaths does the human body take per day (To the nearest thousand)

—this week’s answers—

In May this year, when the weather was beautiful but training together was not possible due to COVID-19 restrictions, Dundalk St. Gerard’s AC launched its prestigious Gold Standard Training Award. The opportunity was open to all members of the club who were prepared to train to the best of their ability in accordance with a specified programme 3 times per week over 10 weeks.

The club felt it was not only a great way to stimulate physical and mental wellbeing during lockdown, but was also a perfect opportunity for the athletes to build a solid foundation in skills for a return to group training and competition.

A staggering 49 young athletes signed up for the Dundalk St Gerard’s AC challenge.

They learned, practiced, perfected and demonstrated a series of running drills and mobility exercises from a tailored

Cooley Connect

A six-week course via zoom will be facilitated by the Louth Volunteer Good Relations Programme.

Further details - please phone: 0851833110 0860461781 – 0833924117. Everybody welcome.

Historical Society Shay Casey with coaches George Maas and Jamie Wynne.

training programme and online video tutorials, with remote support from coaches and help from parents and guardians. St Gerard’s International star, Irish Heptathlete Kate O’Connor recorded an inspirational and motivational video, encouraging young club members to take part. Athletes were encouraged to learn the drills slowly and carefully, concentrating on technique and form. The feedback was hugely positive. Back gardens

and public areas within “proximity from home” guidelines became the training grounds for the summer months!

Earning the club’s Gold Standard Training Award was a great source of fun, achievement and pride for all of the young athletes who participated. Photos and video clips evidencing the drills and skills in practice were sent to the club and featured on the club’s Facebook page.

With the help of dedicated coaching volun-

teers and parents who have stepped up to help, the club has been able to resume training in small pods and groups throughout recent weeks, strictly adhering to COVID-19 guidelines at all times. While the current ongoing restrictions prevent the club from holding a formal celebration and award giving ceremony at this time, it was keen to fulfil its commitment of honouring the athletes for their special efforts during the summer.

Club Chair and Coach Sean Moran visited each of the groups’ training sessions recently and presented the beautiful Gold Standard Award Medals to each of the participants who took up and completed the challenge. The club hopes to build on the initiative beyond the lockdown and into the future. Earning the club’s Gold Standard Training Award is a big achievement for these young local athletes, each of whom should be very proud.

year for Irish business owners and these challenges continue to undermine SMEs, including those in the north-east of the country,” stated Christine Cullen, managing director of CRIF-visionnet (one of Ireland’s leading providers of credit risk and compliance data on businesses and individuals).

“As Minister Donohoe outlined in his recent budgetary speech, despite the ongoing nature of many of these challenges, the SME sector in Ireland has a crucial role to play in facilitating the recovery of the economy in a post COVID world.

“For this reason, it is particularly encouraging to see the start-up sector in counties including Louth, Meath and Cavan begin to rebound following what was a very difficult start to the year – where new company start-up registrations reached a five-year low.

“The growth in startups this quarter is a clear indication of the prospects and opportunities in an economy that is beginning to find its feet again. However, following the Government’s recent decision to move to Level 5 lockdown restrictions for a six-week period, many SMEs are now faced with further challenges and setbacks.

As a result, maintaining an environment that provides supports and promotes growth for the sector needs to be the priority.

“To date, the Government have been very proactive in creating and implementing supports for the SME sector in particular. In our last quarterly review, we spoke about the measures that were introduced under the July Stimulus Package, which were of huge benefit to industry.

“Since then, these supports have been further enhanced through the additional funding

If you have family buried in Kilwirra who have no headstone, please phone 0851833110 with their names. Cooley Genealogical and Historical Society. Can you locate any extinct mass paths in the peninsula.

Please ring - 0851833110.

Got a Story?

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

1—District of Columbia), 2—Dustin Johnson, 3—Samsung, 4—Charlotte’s Web, 5—Ashley Arms, 6— Ben Nevis, 7—Gabriel, 8—Russia, 9—Caribbean Sea, 10—Albania. The Stinker: 20,000

Birdsongs to be played on Business start-ups increase trains for Dundalk commuters

By Tamara O’Connell

By Tamara O’Connell

DUNDALK commuters will have the sounds of birdsong played to them at train stations for the next two weeks, Iarnród Éireann has said.

The project is set to run across the Dublin commuter belt - up to Dundalk, down to Greystones and incorporating Enfield and Portlaoise - and across the DART line, according to the company’s corporate communications manager Barry Kenny.

Iarnród Éireann’s train station PA systems will play the sound of birdsong between the hours of 8am and 9am. The sounds of birdsong and sounds of nature were captured by sound artist Christopher Steenson along the Royal Canal way in Dublin, which runs along a railway line, during the first lockdown earlier this year.

Mr Steenson approached Irish Rail to see if they would be interested in broadcasting the sounds.

Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Mr Kenny said it is calming and raises awareness of the type of bird life that we have in urban areas.

At the same time that birdsong

Clarke Station, Dundalk.

will be heard in Iarnród Éireann train stations, birdsong will also play on a website created especially for the project www.onchorus.com each day between 8am and 9am, for people who are still self-isolating or unable to travel.

The website will provide information about the project, as well as presenting a series of 35mm photographs created by Mr Steenson.

“Birdsong is something that is very dear to my heart,” said Ni-

all Hatch, Head of Development and Communications with BirdWatch Ireland.

“Throughout Covid-19 restrictions, it became even more important to me, as I know it did to people all across the country.

“Hearing the sound of the birds singing around my home, and especially the beauty of the dawn chorus, became a real source both of entertainment and of comfort to thousands of people, many of whom had never really paid it much heed before.”

LOUTH start-up figures have increased by 12 per cent over the past 12 months.

An additional 174 start-ups registered between July and September compared to 153 start-ups in Q3 of 2019.

In neighbouring Co Meath, there were 194 start-ups in Q3 in 2020 compared to 168 startups in Q3 in 2019, a percentage change of 13 per cent.

In Co Monaghan, the number of start-ups fell by 7 per cent from 58 in Q3 2019 to 54 in Q3 2020.

In Co Cavan, there was an increase of 17 per cent up from 54 in Q3 2019 to 65 in Q3 2020.

In total, 5,482 new companies registered nationwide in the three-month period, representing a 3 per cent year-on-year increase.

“2020 has been an extremely challenging

and measures outlined in Budget 2021.

“However, the future threat of Covid-19 and what these additional Level 5 restrictions could mean for businesses across all levels still remains a real concern. In order to ensure that we create the most sustainable environment for businesses to survive and thrive, the focus needs to be on collaboration between Government and industry.

“The ever-changing landscape of Covid-19 will continue to be unpredictable and the key to mitigating damage in the coming months will rely on an agile and adaptable approach by businesses and Government. The business community in the north-east, including those in Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan, should be recognised for their continued resilience, innovation, entrepreneurship and growth in Q3,” concluded Christine.

Dundalk Leader 18th November 2020

St Mochtas ladies show their caring side St Mochta’s Ladies GAA team have shown they are just as impressive off the pitch as they are on it after coming up with an idea to help out those in need in their local community.

The team have been busy during lockdown delivering care packages to elderly people in the Louth Village community.

St Mochta’s Ladies GAA Captain Niamh Kirk told the Dundalk Leader that a group of volunteers delivered packages to the over 65s and people living alone.

“We gathered a list of names from people in the Monday Club and from relatives and grannys and grandads on the team,” said Niamh, ‘We did one previously where we dropped off a token, an Easter Egg, but with the recent lockdown we thought people would need a pick-me-up.”

The care packages contained a box of chocolates, tin biscuits, a box of tea bags, a scratch card and a little prayer.

The initiative saw 77 homes

St Mochtas Ladies. Caitlin Curley and Laura McDonnell. and 104 people benefit and was sponsored by CTI Business Solutions.

“People were delighted.

We’ve been seeing a lot of messages of thanks on Facebook from relatives of the recipients,” said Niamh.

“We’ve also received one

letter. It put a smile on their faces and brightened their day and that’s what we set out to achieve.

“It’s a small gesture to let them know they are still valued. They were delighted with a chat through the window or across the gate.”

9

Dundalk Leader 18th November 2020

10

Skatepark community looking for a new home The local skateboard community are in the process of putting a draft plan together to present to Louth County Council which they hope will result in them getting a concrete skatepark somewhere in town. The group have started petition looking for 1000 signatures to help them achieve their goal and at the time of writing there were almost 900 signatures received.

Since COVID restrictions were first brought in during March local skateboarders have started to use one of the corners of Market Square but according to Eibhlin Ryan a mother of one of the skateboarders this is not viable long term as it is too close to the road and also has risks with regards to groups of people drinking at the square

The local skateboard and bmx community are looking for a home to call their own in Dundalk.

during evening time.

“We are currently drawing up a letter and a proposal booklet as well as a statistical study which will be given to the local authority with a view to asking them to provide us with a concrete skatepark. I am from Blackrock and my daughter is a keen skateboarder and I my-

self have been skateboarding ten years having taking it up in my thirties.

“There is an ever-growing community of skateboarders and BMX riders around Dundalk and unfortunately we have nowhere to go.

Recently a lot of them have been seen skating at Market Square but this is not ideal as

that area is close to the road and there tends to be groups of people drinking in gangs around the square which could potentially be an issue. We know skaters are not always welcomed in these open spaces by the wider community but we feel we have nowhere else to go “I drive my daughter to

Belfast and to Bushy Park in Dublin and there is also a skateboard park in Drogheda which we sometimes go to.

We are paying €25 to €30 to go to these places and we feel it’s about time a town the size of Dundalk should have a space which can be used by the skateboarding community. There is a plas-

tic park in Marian Park here in Dundalk but to be honest that is useless and pretty dangerous as the wheels on a skateboard need a hard surface like concrete to grip. I don’t know who signed off on that area in Marian Park but it is not fit for purpose,” stated Eibhlin.

We the local skateboarding community would be extremely grateful for any support given to have such a facility made available here in Dundalk. This would mean a safer controlled environment for our youth to avail of without having to travel outside of our town.

Now with the resurgence associated with skateboarding, it is imperative that we provide a suitable location for our skateboarding community to avail of.

“Having a skate park would not only benefit the local kids in the town but it would also bring in people from all over Leinster and beyond who would want to try out a new place to use their boards. Skate Parks have also been proven to reduce anti-social behaviour.

We are delighted so far with the response to the petition we put up and we are hopeful that we will reach our target of 1000 signatures soon. We are hopeful that the council will listen to us and provide us with a space and we will keep pushing this issue until we make some progress,” promised Eibhlin. The petition can be viewed at https:// www.change.org/p/dundalktown-council-louth-localauthority-dundalk-needs-aconcrete-skatepark.

RCNE launches their Fundraising Campaign Rape Crisis North East (RCNE) today launches their Text the word CRISIS to 50300 fundraising campaign in an attempt to raise much needed funds to support survivors of Rape and Sexual Violence.

Andrea who was awarded an honorary MBE for her contribution to music and charity in 2005 ardently agreed to take part in this unique fundraising campaign to help support child and adult survivors of Rape and Sexual Violence within Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Cavan.

Andrea quoted, “As a women from the North East, I am very aware of the devastating impact

Andrea Corr. that Covid-19 is having on Rape Crisis North East Charity. I feel the need now more than ever to speak out and ask the good people from Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Cavan for Help”.

“HELP THEM HELP SURVIVORS” quoted Andrea by texting the

word CRISIS to 50300 to donate €4”.

Grace McArdle, Manager of Rape Crisis North East described RCNE Charity as “a unique and specialised counselling, advocacy, information and support service for women, men, boys and girls who have experienced any form of sexual violence and or sexual abuse”.

Established in 1996 RCNE provides a range of intervention supports to survivors of sexual violence within Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Cavan. Based in Dundalk and with services in Drogheda, Co. Louth and Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan; supports

available include a freephone confidential helpline, advocacy, information, educational outreach, accompaniment to medical services, the courts and the Gardaí, face to face counselling and crisis intervention.

“RCNE is the only specialist service available to those who have been traumatised by Rape, Child Sexual Abuse, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Assault within the entire North East Region of Ireland”, quoted Grace McArdle.

Andrea highlighted “As a proud Dundalk woman, I am honoured to support this organisa-

tion”.

“The need for financial support couldn’t be more urgent” quoted Grace McArdle, Manager of RCNE. “Rape Crisis North East are in a Crisis Situation. The impact of the COVID 19 pandemic means that we are facing increased demand for our services from vulnerable people in need of unparalleled support. Survivors of Rape and Sexual Violence are more in need of our services now than ever before and it is of critical importance that RCNE, an Essential Service, is able to support our clients in these challenging and unprecedented times. Unfortu-

nately we are unable to hold any public fundraising events this year and we are expecting to have to cancel all fundraising plans for 2021.

2,816 contacts were made to our helpline between 1st March 2020 – 1st November 2020 an increase of over 500 calls from the same period the previous year.

Our waiting list has increased significantly, and we urgently need more counsellors and helpline volunteers to provide the required support to all our crisis clients.

While the true effects of Covid-19 on RCNE and the wider sector will not be known for some

time, it is clear that the crisis has already had a large toll on our organisation where fundraising is concerned”.

We are appealing to you, to help us through our crisis. If you have the capacity to support us financially, we would be truly grateful. You can donate by Texting CRISIS TO 50300 to donate €4 or you can donate online through PayPal or Stripe at www. rcne.ie. All donations no matter how small will be very much appreciated.

We are very aware that the pandemic is impacting every sector of society at the moment and people are struggling financially and

emotionally. Our appeal is going out on social media so we would greatly appreciate if you could share the video wherever possible, via Facebook and Instagram on the pages of sports clubs, organisations, companies, factories, art centres, forums, friends and families across Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan.

Thank you for all your support, your patience and your understanding.

Stay safe and we look forward to the day when we live in a society that is Covid-Free!

To access our services – freephone confidential helpline 1800 21 21 22. www.rcne.ie.

St Gerard’s AC Gold Standard Awards

Chloe Cheshire.

Aideen Cumiskey.

Cara Miele.

Anna and James Duffy.

11

Dundalk Leader 18th November 2020

Family Notices novena

novena

PROPERTY/RENTALS

special services

special services

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.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). D.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). P.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). D.T.

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.

HOUSE FOR RENT—Fully furnished house to rent, Cederwood Area. To Rent or Let. Contact—087-122-2835.

TO LET—Long Term 3 Bedroom end house, Gas C/H + Garrage. Ashbrook.

Dundalk Contack 0044-783-164-7738.

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.

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

FORTUNE TELLER—Available for appointment, private or group bookings.

Tel. Alison 042 933 5102 or 087-6751229.

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.

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 Englishby 087 6301914 or 041 98 94633.

Painting & Decorating—interior and exterior, over 10 years experience, no job too big or too small, for free quotations Tel Ian 087 415 8238. References available.

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

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

Tel. 087 295 2529.

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

Dundalk Paint Store—Longwalk Tel 042 938 6948 Eircode A91T2HE Stockists of All Leading Brands, Full selection of Radiators Covers. Home Delivery Service.

VOLUNTEER DRIVER—Available to transport Cancer patients to and from Hospital/Clinic. Highly experienced in this care. Reference available. Fuel contribution requested. Tel Carmel 00447923-192799.

Family Notices Contact Noeleen

Telephone 042 9320888

“Chimney Corner” Ard Easmuinn Rd, Dundalk.

Tel: 042 935 7296 Email: dunnesmonumental@gmail.com

Extensive Range of Quality Headstones Large Selection of Designs and Grave Accessories

Decisive action needed to tackle driving test backlog

Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú has called for Minister Eamon Ryan to take decisive action to tackle the massive driving test backlog in Louth.

His comments come as the Road Safety Authority (RSA) confirmed to the party’s transport spokesperson, Darren O’Rourke, that there are now over 3,000 learner drivers waiting for a test in Dundalk and over 90,000 people waiting across the state.

The Louth TD said: ‘The RSA has confirmed to Deputy O’Rourke that there are now 93,791 people waiting for a driving test, with some constituents telling me they will be forced to wait well into 2021 for a test date.

‘This issue has been deteriorating all year. Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has failed to take decisive action to tackle the growing backlog.

‘In fact, the number of people

Deputy Ruairi O’Murchú

waiting for a test has increased by 70% since June of this year.

‘With public transport down to 25% capacity and sharing of lifts now not feasible due to Covid 19, this is causing massive problems for people who

need a licence to get to work.

‘It’s a huge issue for people in rural Ireland, where public transport simply isn’t an option.

‘The problem is particularly bad in our own county, with 1,740 learner drivers waiting just to get an appointment for a test in the centre in Dundalk.

‘In addition, the driver theory test has been suspended until early December, causing further delays for those needing to learn to drive.

‘There is a clear need for additional driving instructors and testers. Likewise, longer opening hours and weekend tests would go some way to address the lengthening backlog.

‘The Minister needs to urgently consult with instructors, testers and their unions to find a way forward to accelerate the number of tests that can be carried out safely over the coming months’.

articles for sale 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.

FOR SALE—Gent’s bike, perfect condition, €100. Also, child’s play table & chairs, new in box, €30. Dundalk, Tel. 086 878 6814.

FIRELOGS FOR SALE—One tonne bags €60 or two tonne bags €110. Free Delivery. Tel. 087 9510149.

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 087-2259799.

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

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

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

motors for sale FOR SALE—2012 black Renault CLIO 1.22cc., NCT tested February 2022. Taxed until December 2020. Low mileage 150,000 kms. Telephone: 086 167 2603.

Dundalk Leader 18th November 2020

12

Blinds

Conservatories/Windows/Sunrooms

Fuel

Flooring

Gardening

Forklifts

CCTV

CCTV Systems l Automated Gates l Access Control l Burglar Alarms l

Sales and installation Residential, Commercial and Agricultural PSA and NSAI Certified Unit 7/8 Butterly Business Park, Coes Road, Dundalk 042 9352785 also 16/17 North Quay Drogheda 041 Business 9877077 info@ctibusinesssolutions.com Solutions www.ctibusinesssolutions.com

SELL IT THROUGH A

CLASSIFIED

Dundalk Leader 18th November 2020

Gardening

Wheelie Bins

Dundalk, Co. Louth

Wheel Bin Collections

Domestic & Commercial Waste, Recycle, Organic & Glass Collections ALL A REA COVER S ED

Phone Gerry 087-9396212 or 086 -7737879

Also Domestic & Commercial 042-932 2594 Skip hire: 3-40 cubic yards Call or email info@aceenvironmental.ie Visit us @ www.aceenvironmental.ie or email us @ info@aceenvironmental.ie NWCPO-12-06461-04

Established in 1995

Metals

Plumbing

13

Dundalk-born professor to head vaccine task force Louth TD Ruairí Ó Murchú has welcomed the announcement of a government vaccine task force headed by Dundalkborn Professor Brian MacCraith.

The task force was first revealed on Tuesday following questioning from Deputy Ó Murchú to Taoiseach Michéal Martin.

The Sinn Féin TD said: ‘I welcome the reports that the European Commission is close to signing a contract with Pfizer and BioNTech, this is the fourth vaccine contract, and we know that a number of phase three vaccine trials are ongoing.

‘We must engage in discussions on an all-Ireland response to vaccination and the capacity to administer vaccines. People must receive vaccines based on need and not just based on economics.

‘I welcome the confirmation from the Taoiseach that the Government has been part of the European Commission approach in the pre-purchase of vaccines, affirming Pfizer and BioNTech as one of the partnerships in which a contract is being explored and very close to conclusion.

‘Other vaccines are being worked on by Sanofi, Janssen and Oxford-AstraZeneca.

‘The establishment of task force to be headed by Dundalk Prof. Brian MacCraith, former

Professor Brian McCraith.

President of Dublin City University is significant.

‘This task force will lead the logistics operation required for both the physical procurement of the vaccine and the establishment of distribution networks for vaccine administration.

‘While we must continue in our efforts on fighting the pandemic with proactive public health measures and investment in testing, tracing, isolating. This task force representative of people with key roles will ensure we not only purchase the vaccines but are able to distribute them to the population.

‘I welcome this announcement and wish to extend my best wishes to Professor MacCraith’.

Windows

Full Range of Colours • Extensive Range of Designs • Irish Made Fully Certified • 'A' Rated Security Windows & Doors

All our products are as standard

Senator Windows Dundalk

Opening Hours Mon-Fri 9- 5 & Sat 10-2

After hours by appointment

siness Town in Bu wn Keep Your To in s Busines Keep Your For a free no obligation quotation Callsave: 1850 774455 Tel. 042 9333513 Fax. 042 9333514 Web: www.senatorwindows.ie Email. senatordundalk@gmail.com Or Visit our Showrooms on Ard Easmuinn Road, Dundalk.

Calvin McCourt with coach Peadar Grant at the St Gerard’s AC Gold Standard Training Awards.

Dundalk Leader 18th November 2020

14

Increased incidence of Paul’s new book chronicles 57 years domestic violence very in local and national journalism worrying—McGreehan

Fianna Fáil Senator Erin McGreehan has raised concerns relating to the new incidents of domestic violence that have been reported during the coronavirus pandemic.

According to a report from Safe Ireland, nearly 3500 women and 600 children contacted a domestic violence service for the first time during the first 6 months of Covid 19. This is 19 new women and 3 new children each day.

Senator McGreehan commented, “The numbers that have been reported by Safe Ireland are frightening and shed light on a concerning level of unseen abuse in Ireland.

“The Programme for Government includes a commitment

Cllr Erin McGreehan. to conducting an audit on how responsibility for domestic sexual and gender-based violence is segmented across different government agencies.

The report is due in the first half of next year. I am calling on either the Minister for Justice or the Minister for Children to come and update the house on the progress of this report so far.

“There is currently no single minister re-

sponsible for domestic violence, which is a situation that causes untold difficulties for NGOs and service providers. The resources available are also a problem there is currently not enough refuge capacity to support women in need of it.

“We need to work on an all-encompassing plan for prevention and protection,” concluded Senator McGreehan.

A Drogheda-born man with strong Dundalk connections is about to release a new book which will detail his 57 year long career at the coalface of local and national journalism.

Paul Murphy whose parents are from Dundalk (Bridget Travers Murphy Bridge Street, father James from Haggardstown) says the book deals with a number of local topics including the gun battle at Dungooley North Louth, the Dundalk bombing and the attack on Dundalk Garda Station.

He started his career under the editorship of George O’Gorman in the Drogheda Independent in 1963 and since then his career has moved from local to national journalism and back again. At various stages over half a century he worked as a reporter with the DI, freelanced with the

Paul releases new book later this month.

Irish Press Group (now defunct), RTE, The Irish Times, the Daily Mirror, the Drogheda Leader, was on the staff of the Irish Independent/ Evening Herald/Sunday Independent for 19 years as a news reporter (and also Industrial Correspondent), was editor of the Drogheda Independent for 16 years, and now freelances with the Meath Chronicle newspaper.

The book – entitled Get There First: A Reporter’s Life – follows the trajectory of his career from the “hot metal” days of a provin-

cial newspaper, where his “beat” included the “meat and drink” of the local reporter – writing about births, deaths and marriages and everything in between – then moving to a national paper covering the four counties of Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan. The outbreak of the Troubles in Northern Ireland marked a seminal moment in his career when he witnessed some of the horrors of the conflict and its effect on communities and individuals over a 40-year period. Echoes of that conflict came into stark

recent deaths Darren Brennan Rathneety, ed husband of Sheila, much daughters, brother Tommy, Bridie Lynch NewtownKnockbridge, Co Louth, tragi- loved father of Aaron, Vincent, sister Anna, brother in-law balregan, peacefully, at her cally, 5th November 2020. Dar- Teresita, Jolene, Suzanne and Ben, sister in-law Liz, nephew residence surrounded by her ren, much loved son of Noel Debbie. A devoted grandfather and nieces David, Jennie and loving family. Beloved wife of and Irene and dear brother of to thirteen grandchildren. Will Katie, relatives, great friends, Patrick (Paddy) and devoted Marie and Ciara. Darren will be be sadly missed by his brother neighbours and colleagues in mother of Bríd, Paddy, Kensadly missed by his heartbro- Kevin and sisters Marie and DKIT. neth, Eamon and Amanda, ken parents, sisters, brother- Patricia. Predeceased by his Philip Lambe Mary Street sister of Kathleen Bolton and in-law Emmett, uncles, aunts, father Pete, mother May, his South, Dundalk. Peacefully Eddie and Gerard Murphy. relatives and many friends. brother Pete and brother-in- in Our Lady of Lourdes, Hos- Predeceased by her brother Franco Santro Italy and for- law Micky. R.I.P pital. 12th November 2020. Patsy and parents Patrick and merly of Park Street, Dundalk. Jason Mulligan Church Philip beloved son of the late Bridget. Bridie will be sadly Peacefully, in Italy, 9th Novem- View, Dromiskin, Co. Louth. Bernard and Mary partner of missed by her husband, sons, ber 2020. Franco, beloved hus- Suddenly, at home, 10th No- the late Agnes and brother of daughters, daughters-in-law band of the late Sandra (née vember 2020. Jason, beloved Maureen, Sheila, Kathleen, Bri- Doris and Karen, sons-in-law Malocca) and father of the son of Gus and Eileen, dear an, Gerard, Aidan, Fiona and Declan Rogers and Ciaran Rice, late Robereto. Franco will be brother of Tracey, Raymond the late Eileen and nephew grandchildren Sarah, David, sadly missed by his brothers- and Denyce and uncle of of Alice. Philip will be sadly Mark, Niamh, Stephen, Conor, in-laws Tony and Jan, sisters- Debbie, Cian, Martin, Adam, missed by his brothers, sisters, Patrick, Aaron, Aoife and Rián. in-law Anne and Ann Malocca Sophie, Sam and Cliodhna. brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, Also by her sisters-in-law nephews David, Antonia and Jason will be sadly missed aunt, nephews, nieces, grandMarie, Bernie and Rosaleen.

Sandro, niece Nicky, relatives by his heartbroken parents, nephews, grandniece, relaDiarmuid Ó Cathasaigh and friends. brother, sisters, nephews, tives and friends.

(Howth, Co. Dublin, and forPatsy Rodney Rogers Ad- nieces, brothers-in-law Francis Joseph (Joe) McCONNON merly of Mullacrew, Co. Louth) amstown, Drumcar, Louth. and Kevin, relatives and many Bronx, New York and formerly Peacefully, at his residence. friends.

Beechmount Drive, Dundalk, – 14th November, 2020, in the Sadly missed by his loving Brian Morris The Square, Louth. Suddenly, at home, tender care of his family, after wife Margaret, daughters Pa- Blackrock, Co. Louth and on Tuesday, 10th November a short illness. Deeply regrettricia, Regina, Dolores and formerly of Rathgar, Dublin, 2020. Beloved husband of Ka- ted by his loving wife Áine, his Orla, sons George and Des- Thursday, 12th November tie. Predeceased by his parents daughter Aoife, sons Rónán mond, sons-in-law, daughters- 2020. Brian died, peacefully, Owen and Mary and nieces Ol- and Naoise and their families, in-law, grandchildren, great- surrounded by his loving wyn and Freya Cunningham. his sisters Bernadette (Rudgrandchildren, sister-in-law, family at Our Lady of Lourdes He will be sadly missed by dy) and Mary (Böck), brother nephews, nieces, relatives and Hospital, Drogheda. Beloved his sorrowing wife, heartbro- Michael, extended Lalor and friends. husband of Roz (née Brady) ken sisters Aine (Long Island, O’Donoghue families, neighVincent Mulligan 38 Bal- and wonderful father of Anna- USA) and Breige Cunning- bours and a large circle of lynamona Rd, Dromintee, belle and Penny. Predeceased ham, brothers Patrick, Eoin friends. Diarmuid is pre-deArmagh / Louth (Formerly of by his parents Mairead and Dr. (Perth, Australia) and Damian, ceased by Máiréad, his parents Marsh Road Bellurgan). Peace- Tommy Morris, sisters Cecily brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, Patrick and Angela and his sisfully, at home, surrounded by and Mary Rose, Brian will nephews, nieces, relatives and ters Kathleen (Waters) and Sr. his loving family. Dearly belov- be sadly missed by his wife, many many friends.

Pamela.

relief when Murphy reported on the searches for the bodies of some of the Disappeared in bogs in Meath from 2013 onwards.

The book, which is self-published, ranges over the many stories that Paul Murphy covered over the years – his unsuccessful attempt to interview author Brendan Behan, the finding by himself and another man of an abandoned baby in a phone box in Laurence Street (and how he reappeared 48 years later), the Drogheda storm over the 50th anniversary of the 1916 commemoration, the Garda raid on a Good Friday shebeen, agitation over land allocation in Meath to migrant farmers, how Navan became the new Klondyke, the visit of Pope John Paul II to Ireland, President Hillery’s visit to India in the 1970s, a local politician in hot water, the murder

of an Irish Senator, the Herrema siege, the murder of a Garda, slaughter in Talbot Street, and how a Bonanza came to Drogheda. He looks at the industrial troubles of the 1970s, the Miami Showband murders, the Dundalk bombing and the Garda station attack, how he ended up on the sharp end of a gun on two occasions, the birth of quads in Dunleer, the scandals among highranking people engaged in sex crimes, reports of gunfire at a GAA match in Navan, and how he ended up being an intermediary in a siege on a CIE bus.

The book Get there first: A Reporter’s Life (printed by Anglo Printers, Drogheda) will be available later this month. Orders can be placed by emailing the author through Paypal (€20 + €10p&p Ireland). Paul’s email address is pmdrogheda@ eircom.net.

Picture From The Past

A picture of the late Charles McDowell (left) from Marion Park with one of his army colleagues. The picture was left in by his son Paddy McDowell.

Dundalk Leader 18th November 2020

Hill Street, Dublin Rd., Dundalk.

YEAR MAKE

042 9331515/086 2559201

For All Car Parts & Accessories Headlamps, Panels, Bumpers & Grills

For All Your Winter Motoring Needs Anti-Freeze, Coolant, De-Icer Etc.

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

2017 2017 2018 2019 2016 2017 2017 2017 2017 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2017 2018 2017 2017 2019 2017 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2018 2018 2019 2018 2018 2018

MODEL

AUDI A4 BMW X1 BMW 1 SERIES DACIA STEPWAY HYUNDAI I10 HYUNDAI I30 HYUNDAI I30 HYUNDAI I30 HYUNDAI I30 HYUNDAI I10 HYUNDAI I40 HYUNDAI I10 HYUNDAI I10 HYUNDAI KONA HYUNDAI TUCSON HYUNDAI TUCSON MAZDA 6 MAZDA 2 MERCEDES BENZ C220 NISSAN QASHQUI NISSAN QASHQUI OPEL ASTRA RENAULT CAPTUR RENAULT CLIO RENAULT CAPTUR RENAULT CAPTUR RENAULT KADJAR SEAT MII SEAT IBIZA SEAT ARONA SEAT ATECA SKODA OCTAVIA SKODA SUPERB SKODA FABIA VOLKSWAGEN POLO VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VOLVO S60

15

SPEC/FUEL

COLOUR MILES

2.0 TDI ULTRA SE Diesel SILVER 2.0 sDrive Auto Diesel WHITE 116D SE Diesel SILVER 1.0 PETROL ALTERNATIVE Petrol BLUE 1.0 PETROL DELUXE Petrol RED 1.6 CRDI DELUXE Diesel WHITE 1.6 CRDI DELUXE Diesel WHITE 1.6 CRDI DELUXE Diesel WHITE 1.6 CRDI CLASSIC Diesel WHITE 1.0 PETROL DELUXE Petrol SILVER 1.7 CRDI EXECUTIVE Diesel BLUE 1.0 PETROL CLASSIC Petrol BLUE 1.0 PETROL DELUXE Petrol BLUE 1.0 PETROL EXECUTIVE Petrol GREY 1.6 CRDI COMFORT PLUS Diesel WHITE 1.6 CRDI EXECUTIVE Diesel BEIGE 2.2 EXECUTIVE SE Diesel GREY 1.5 PETROL EXECUTIVE Petrol GREY 2.2 DIESEL SE EXECUTIVE EDITION Diesel BLACK 1.6 DCI SV PREMIUM 4WD Diesel BLUE 1.3 PETROL SV Petrol BLUE 1.6 DIESEL SC Diesel GREY 1.5 DCI DYNAMIQUE NAV AUTO Diesel WHITE 1.0 PETROL DYNAMIQUE NAV Petrol RED 1.0 PETROL ICONIC Petrol BLACK 1.5 DCI ICONIC Diesel RED 1.3 PETROL TCE PLAY Petrol GREEN 1.0 PETROL SE Petrol WHITE 1.0 MP SE Petrol BLACK 1.6 TDI SE Diesel GREY 1.6 TDI SE Diesel GREY 1.6 TDI AMBITION Diesel GREY 1.6 TDI AMBITION Diesel GREY 1.0 PETROL AMBITION Petrol GREY 1.0 PETROL TRENDLINE Petrol RED 1.6 TDCI HIGHLINE Diesel WHITE 2.0 D2 SE AUTO Diesel SILVER

PRICE

98000 €20,990 122000 €23,990 71000 €20,990 2000 €14,250 65000 €8,990 46000 €14,750 36000 €14,750 49000 €14,750 48000 €14,250 62000 €10,990 70000 €20,990 26000 €11,990 25000 €12,990 40000 €20,990 50000 €25,990 26,000 €28,450 110,000 €16,990 40,000 €13,990 47,000 €25,990 106,000 €18,990 41,000 €22,990 72,000 €13,500 85,000 €17,990 28,000 €13,990 47,000 €16,990 33,000 €17,990 23,000 €21,990 22,000 €10,990 18,000 €14,990 31,000 €18,990 24,000 €23,990 60,000 €17,990 69,000 €19,990 26,000 €13,990 48,000 €13,990 103,000 €19,990 78,000 €22,990

16

Dundalk Leader 18th November 2020