20-12-2017

DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER

Wednesday, 20th December, 2017. Vol. 10, Issue 51 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Traders vow to fight for upgrade

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

By Paul Byrne

TRADERS in Bridge Street have joined forces to let the council know that they refuse to be omitted from the proposed €4m upgrade of Clanbrassil Street and St Nicholas Quarter.

At the beginning of 2016 it was announced that Dundalk had received €2m which would go towards a regeneration project to rejuvenate an area stretching from ‘Market Square to the big bridge’. The total cost of the project was projected to be in the region of €4m with Louth County Council matching the EU’s contribution of €2m.

The scheme originally took in the entirety of Clanbrassil Street, Church Street, Linenhall Street and Bridge Street and included re-paving, road improvements, pedestrian crossings, new lights, an extension of CCTV as well as free wi-fi. At the announcement of the ambitious plans director of services Frank Pentony said the rejuvenation scheme would cover an area from Market Square to the big bridge (over the Castletown River) Full story on page 2

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6th and 3rd year home economics students from Bush Post Primary School along with their teacher Emma Slowey who prepared and organised a cake/hot chocolate sale on Wednesday the 6th of December. They raised €750 which they presented to Anne Dunne from Temple Street Childrens Hospital on Friday the 15th of December.

€40m in flood funding

By Paul Byrne

DUNDALK were one of the big winners in Monday’s announcement for flood defence funding. The town will receive €40m to help combat flooding which has been a regular problem in recent years. In total Louth will receive €79m in funding with €23m allocated to Carlingford/ Greenore and €16m to Drogheda.

The impact of flooding around Dundalk was witnessed first hand by Minister for State at the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief Sean Canny earlier this year having been invited down by Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick Full story on Page 17

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Dundalk Leader 20th December 2017

Bridge St traders fight to remain in upgrade plans

From page 1 with the idea behind the project to establish a new identity for the key gateway into Dundalk Town Centre.

However, last month at a County Council meeting, councillors were informed that

Bridge St would not be a part of the project due to a lack of funding. This represented a huge blow to traders in Bridge St. who believe that they have been neglected in recent years

by Louth County Council. In response a

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Bridge St traders pictured with Louth TD Peter Fitzpatrick

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new group was formed last week under the name of ‘Bridge Street Community Traders and Residents Regeneration Association’.

According to chairperson Joanne Lavelle from Michael Lavelle Estate Agents the group aim to talk to all the stakeholders involved in the regeneration scheme to try and ensure Bridge St. are not omitted from the scheme.

“We have formed an alliance here in Bridge St. to ensure we have a voice to represent our area. Our aim is simply to try and persuade council officials that we should not be left out of any plans to rejuve-

nate the centre of town.

We were originally in the plans for the rejuvenation scheme but last month we found out that we were no longer a part of it due to a lack of funding.

“We are only getting started but we have already held meetings with Joan Martin, Frank Pentony and Pat Finn and we have outlined our concerns to them. We told them that we cannot let the world leave us behind anymore. There is so much potential in Bridge St. and we feel that the council should be trying to unlock that potential rather than ignoring us and leaving things as they

are,” stated Joanne.

“We have so much retail opportunity down here as well as housing opportunities and community opportunities. We want to bring the street back to its former glories and we need help from Louth County Council to do that. We want to partner with them, not fight with them,” stressed Joanne. We have communicated our concerns to local councillors and we have had great support so far. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick has also voiced his support for what we are doing which is great to see.

“We have seen the plans which are already

at an advanced stage and they are very impressive but we want to ensure that we are a part of these plans. We know time is not our friend here and that is why we are intent on talking to council officials to try and persuade them to ensure Bridge St. is part of any plans to regenerate the centre of town. We are also meeting with ESB with regards to restructuring their networks down here. We cannot be left behind. As I said this street has so much potential and we need Louth County Council to be pro-active and help us to reinvigorate the area,” pleaded Joanne.

The local economy was handed another boost last week with the news that National Pen will create 250 new jobs in Dundalk.

The company has announced an expansion of its operations in town and as a result they will create the

jobs over the next five years.

The company has been in Dundalk since 1987 when it established its international headquarters and it has continued to prosper over the past three decades.

At present there are over 1,000 employed in the company locally.

National Pen Promotional Products markets and sells its products in 24 countries globally. The Dundalk operation alone sold more than 130 million personalised promotional products into its markets in 2016.

National Pen’s CEO Peter Kelly said: “It is with great pride that

we celebrate our 30 years anniversary in Dundalk. Over the past 10 years the company has grown significantly to now over 1000 employees.”

National Pen provide jobs boost

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Dundalk Leader 20th December 2017

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News

in Brief

Struck A Cow

A man who struck a cow while driving without insurance was fined €50 when he pleaded guilty to the offence at Dundalk District Court. Conor Connolly (23) of Roodstown, Ardee, is a second year apprentice with no previous convictions who has since taken out insurance. The incident occurred at Allardstown, Knockbridge on May 23 this year.

St Bride’s Lotto

The following numbers were drawn on Monday December 11 for the St Brides GFC lotto jackpot of €11,400 - 1, 3, 8, 19. There was no winner but the following Match 3 winners collect €40 each - Valerie Daly, Pat McKeown, Patrick Ward, Maggie & Lennon Hatrick, Kitty Sherry.

Red Cross Fundraising

Red Cross will raise funds through Bag Packing on Thursday December 21 at Tesco Extra from 9am to 7pm. The annual bucket collection on Friday December 22 from 9am to 6pm.

Grásta Christian School embrace technology Dundalk Leader 20th December 2017

The Dundalk based Grásta Christian School is proud to have been one of the first schools in Ireland and within Europe to use the Google CS-First Curriculum and the Scratch computer programming language to teach their pupils how computer systems are used in various real world industries.

Grásta Christian School started teaching foundational computer programming four years ago, where the fundamentals of computer analysis, design and programming were introduced using a curriculum provided by the Irish Computer Society.

Esther Pedro from Grásta Christian School

From this the children have continued to flourish developing impressive and diverse computer programmes. By

running a pilot with the Google CS-First curriculum which introduced concepts from industries, including Storyboarding,

Fashion, Music, Digital Art, Sport, Social Media and Animation, the children gained an opportunity to get insight into varying backgrounds and interests.

This year the school introduced Python programming to their curriculum via the Penjee platform. Penjee is a fun way to learn to Python code. The app is rigorous and serves as a great way to transition from drag and drop programming to hand coding.

Headteacher Catherine Lynch explained Python is a widely used high-level programming language for general-purpose pro-

gramming, which means it can be used to build just about anything.

“As our students create with Python, they learn to think creatively they also learn to work collaboratively and reason systematically. From phones to cars to medicine, technology touches every part of our lives. By learning to create and use technology at primary level, our pupils are being prepared to meet the challenges, not of today’s world, but of tomorrow’s,” she added.

IT Teacher Kieron Farrelly said thay the response to the new Python curriculum has been amazing.

Man facing long time in Mountjoy

A man who pleaded to two public order charges was told that he would end up on Mountjoy the next time he was drunk and disorderly.

Conor Ellis (25) of 3 Villas One, Muirhevnamor, Dundalk, admitted a charge of threatening and abusive behaviour at Drive 1, Muirhevnamor, on November 24 this year, and intoxication at Glenmore Park, Muirhevnamor, on August 17 last.

Solicitor, Peter Lavery, stated that on one occasion his client was drunk but hasn’t had a drink since. On the second occasion he was in a dispute with people on the street and used bad language.

He added that his client was working as a fisherman up to six months ago and was now seeking work as a forklift driver.

The defendant paid €100 to court and was ordered to pay a further €200 by February 3. Judge Coughlan warned: “The next time you are drunk and disorderly you will end up in Mountjoy for a long time”.

Ard Dealgan nightmare is coming to an end Families could be accommodated in the Ard Deaglan complex as early as next year after it was revealed that work has already started on the building.

Following a request for an update at the monthly

Council meeting, Cllr Anne Campbell welcomed the news that contractors are already on site at Ard Dealgan and work is beginning to bring the complex up to a standard where it will provide much-needed accom-

modation for 68 families.

“The expected time-frame is between 12 and 14 months.

I understand the work will be done on a phased basis and it’s conceivable that people from the housing list could be in their new homes

for Christmas next year.”

Ard Dealgan has been a magnet for anti-social behaviour since it was built and subsequently abandoned due to health and safety concerns in 2009.

Nearby residents have

been under siege as anti-social elements were attracted to the complex and have witnessed fire crews dealing with numerous fires at the Quay Street complex.

Councillor Anne Campbell said she would continue

to monitor the progress and has called on the Project to ensure there is adequate security on site for the duration of these works. “We want everything to go according to plan. No more obstacles or hold ups.”

Dundalk Leader 20th December 2017

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Dundalk Leader 20th December 2017

Success for the Netwell initiative at tech awards

Netwell CASALA team and Alone Team with Minister Helen McEntee TD, Minister for European Affairs in May 2017.

NetwellCASALA, the Research Centre for Ageing at Dundalk Institute of Technology, successfully partnered with ALONE Ireland last year to win the Social Innovation ThinkTech Awards with their innovative codesigned technology platform, to support older people to age at home.

The ALONE platform has received further accolade by being

named winner of the inaugural Freedom Tech Award at the Assistive Technology conference in Dublin.

The platform represents a significant step towards harnessing technology to support everyday living for older people. It is operated through mobile apps and home sensors. The apps ask daily questions about health and wellbeing with answers being

recorded on a tablet by the older person or their care network (family, friends, carers, volunteer befrienders etc.). The combined answers form a unique pattern and a change from this can trigger an intervention. Home sensors can also detect if the older resident has got up and moved about from room to room today which can also trigger an intervention if this is not the case.

Death Notices Eugene Quigley Mounthamilton Close, Carrick Road, Dundalk, suddenly in the Mater Private Hospital on Sunday December 17. Eugene much loved husband of Phil (née McKeever) and dear father of Aoife and Aidan, brother of Ann McQuillan, Noel and Sandra, father-in-law of James Murray, Aidan’s girlfriend Paula.

Deeply regretted by his wife, son, daughter, brother, sisters, son-in-law, brothersin-law, sisters-in-law, uncle, aunts, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Paddy (Mucka) Byrne 280 Beechmount Drive, Dundalk, suddenly, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital on Friday December 15.

Paddy, beloved husband of Nora (née Quinn) and loving dad of Patrick, Dominic, Thomas, Ailish and Michelle. Paddy will be sadly missed by his loving wife, sons, daughters, son in-law John, grandchildren Conor, Kaitlyn and Amelia, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family relatives, neighbours and friends.

Tom Breen Irish Grange, Carlingford, and formerly Downpatrick, suddenly but peacefully at his residence. Tom, predeceased by his parents Thomas and Annie, brothers Harley and Damien, sisters Philomena, Madeline and Angela, Very deeply regretted and sadly missed by his loving brother Michael (Belfast), sisters Anne Finnegan (Carlingford) and Emer (Spain), brother-in-law Eamon, sister-in-law Eileen, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, relatives, wonderful friends and neighbours.

Derek Grimes Windmill Court and late of The Point Road, Dundalk, peacefully in St Ann’s Ward, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin on Friday December 15. Predeceased by his parents Paddy and Briege (née Flynn), Derek will be sadly missed by his loving cousins, wonderful friends and extended family, neighbours and the entire Quay

community.

Rosaleen Tiernan (née Finnegan) Old Muirhevna, Dublin Road, Dundalk, peacefully, at home on Friday December 15. Beloved wife of the late Seamus, dear mother of Declan, Colin and the late Baby Gerard and sister of the late Tom, Seán and PJ. She will be sadly missed by her loving sons, daughter-in-law Philippa, grandchildren Finn, Daniel and Patrick, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Mairéad Dooley (née McGeough) Drumgur, Corcreaghy, Dundalk, peacefully, in Kingsway Nursing Home, Dunmurry on Tuesday December 12. Beloved wife of the late Michael, much loved mother of Majella, Michael, Tony, Veronica and Una and dear sister of Paddy, Kathleen, Jim, Julia, Agnes and the late Tommy, Peter, Edward and Minnie. She will be sadly missed by her sorrowing daughters, sons, sons-inlaw Kieran, Stephen and Karl, daughtersin-law Helen and Catherine, grandchildren Hannah, Thomas, Emma, Sean, Sarah, Lily May, Ruth and Patrick, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Terry Matthews St Mary’s Villas, Kilsaran on Wednesday December 13. Terry, beloved son of Esther (née Bannon) and the late Pat. Sadly missed by his mother, brother Paul, sisters Rita (English), Patricia (Morss), Margaret (McGrory), brothers-inlaw, Kieran, Nigel and Sean, nieces, Lisa, Catherine and Laura, nephew Aaron, neighbours, relatives and friends.

Patsy Ross St Alphonsus Villas, Dundalk, peacefully in Moorehall Lodge Nursing Home, Drogheda on Wednesday December 13. Prececeased by his parents Archie and Kathleen, brother Freddie. Very deeply regretted by his loving family, brothers Brian, Jim, Alan and Joe, sisters Marie Hughes, Geraldine Mc Namee and Eliza-

beth Kearney, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives, wonderful neighbours and friends.

David Casey St Nicolas Avenue, Dundalk, suddenly at Louth County Hospital on Monday December 11. David will be sadly missed by his wife Elaine (née Slammon), daughter Chloe, sons David and Cathal, parents Pat and Jean, brothers Paddy and Tomás, sister Amanda, Gerry and Kathleen Connolly, brothers and sisters in-law, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, mother and father in-law Winfred and Kevin, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Annie McArdle (née Fitzgerald) Cluan Enda, Dundalk, in her 101st year, peacefully, in Carlingford Nursing Home on Tuesday December 12. Annie, predeceased by her husband Owen. Very deeply regretted and sadly missed by her loving family, sons Peadar and Sean, brother Mick Fitzgerald, sisters Teresa Hearty and Frances Cullen, daughters in-law Theresa and Geraldine, seven grandchildren, 18 greatgrandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson, nephews, nieces, extended family relatives, wonderful friends and neighbours.

Elizabeth (Lil) Bellew (née Halligan) Dunleer, in her 101st year, peacefully at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda on Monday December 11. Lil, beloved wife of the late Tom and loving mother of Paddy, Anne (Murphy) and Eunice (Bellew-Molloy). Sadly missed by her son, daughters, sons-in-law Pat and Ciaran, daughter-inlaw Marita, grandchildren Emma, Claire, Ciarán, Ruth, Eimear, Allen, Orlaith, greatgrandchildren Carmen, Sarah, Abigail, Daniel and Rachel, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Dundalk Leader 20th December 2017

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Young entrepreneurs announced

Louth’s best young entrepreneurs have been announced this week at the County Final of Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) competition. Run by the Local Enterprise Offices, IBYE is supported by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and Enterprise Ireland. Now in its 4th year, this year attracted almost 1,500 applications nationwide.

Thomas McEvoy, Head of Enterprise in Louth explained: “The search to find Ireland’s best young entrepreneur began in August and we were delighted with the ncalibre of entries. After a very successful Enterprise Day, Bootcamp rand County Final, it’s kgreat to know that the rfuture of enterprise and d n -

IBYE county winners with Head of Enterprise Thomas McEvoy, Chief Executive Joan Martin and Cathoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Colm Markey.

job creation in Louth is bright.”

There was joy for Nikki Reddy, aged 34 of Celtic Adventures in Clogherhead who was named winner of the Best Established Business award. She was joined by Stephen Mulligan, of Fighting Fit in Dundalk, who took the

runner up title in this category.

The Best Start Up category was a particularly hard-fought contest.

Evelyn Garland (23), of Simply Fit Food in Ardee was named winner.

The competition was so hard fought in this category that the judges had to award

two runners up prizes.

John Sullivan of Loud Fades in Drogheda and Leanne Muckian of the Dundalk Study Academy shared the runner up title.

Many innovative new business concepts emerged in the Best Business Idea category.

The winner was Co-

lin Marry (34), of The Bacon Tour at Marry’s Pig Farm, just outside Drogheda while Riverstown native of Activitour, scooped the runner up title.

Evelyn Garland of Simply Fit Food was named the Overall Winner of IBYE for Louth.

Her award was accepted on her behalf by her parents and she and her business partner Luke tuned in to the live stream all the way from south east Asia.

The adjudicators in this year’s competition were Sarah Daly of Creative Spark, Breanndan Casey of The Mill Enterprise Hub and Thomas McEvoy, Head of Enterprise in Louth.

The awards were presented by Cathaoirleach Cllr. Colm Markey.

Drove from checkpoint at speed

r dA man who was described as having yno reason to avoid a checkpoint was fined €200 at Dundalk District Court.

Niall Kane (23) of Gudderstown, Ardee, drove away at speed from the checkpoint at Martin’s Cross, New-

townfane, on December 9 last year.

Solicitor Frank McDonnell stated that his client was not under the influence nor had he committed any traffic offences.

He stated that the agricultural

mechanic, who faced five dangerous driving charges, was in court with his parents.

Judge John Coughlan stated that he would reduce one charge to careless driving and strike out the remainder.

Christmas Car & Cash Draw

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Cash Draw Winners in the Dundalk Credit Union Christmas Draw with John Fee, Majella Toner Downey, Frances Molloy and Kim Shields of Dundalk Credit Union.

John Fee, Compliance and IT Manager, Dundalk Credit Union presents a €2500 cheque to Kenny Sullivan in the Dundalk Credit Union Christmas Car & Cash Draw.

Majella Toner Downey Business Development Executive Dundalk Credit Union, presents a €5000 cheque to Cora Hanratty-Kampes in the Dundalk Credit Union Christmas Car & Cash Draw.

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Billy Doyle CEO of Dundalk Credit Union, presents a €5000 cheque to Gerard Duffy in the Dundalk Credit Union Christmas Car & Cash Draw.

Frances Molloy, Dundalk Credit Union, presents a €2500 cheque to Orla O’Neill in the Dundalk Credit Union Christmas Car & Cash Draw.

Majella Toner Downey, Business Development Executive Dundalk Credit Union, presenting the keys of a new Ford Focus to Dara Traynor with Brendan Keenan, Byrne & Maguire.

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Dundalk Leader 20th December 2017

DLS students travel to Germany A group of 29 De La Salle Collee students and their teachers Ms Mulroy, Mr McKeon, Mr Halpin and Ms Delaney recently travelled to Germany on a school tour.

The busy, yet educational and fun-filled itinerary, enabled the group to fit as much as possible into their fourday stay and gave the students a wonderful opportunity to experience Germany’s culture, language and breath-taking scenery.

The trip began in Colgone and also featured a cruise on the Rhine from St Goarshausen to Ruedesheim.

The three hour cruise gave everyone ample opportunity to relax and admire the surrounding scenery.

The boys were also

De La Salle students during their trip to Germany

taken to the ‘Opel Arena’ in Mainz to see FSV Mainz 05 play Eintracht Frankfurt.

Day three was possibly one of main highlights for the students as they got to spend the entire day in Phantasialand. This is one of Europe’s finest theme parks where you can enjoy many attractions such as

the Waterfall Ride, the Bob Sleigh, the Black Mamba, the Mono Rail and the Cine 2000.

On day four there was a visit to the picturesque town of Cochem and its beautiful Reichsburg Castle which is well equipped with Renaissance and Baroque furniture. Situated on an outstanding hill more

than 100 metres above the River Moselle, the castle is a popular tourist attraction.

The last port of call was the ‘Nurburgring’ and include a glimpse behind the curtains of Formula 1, the historic Grand-Prix -Paddock, the Pit Lane, Media Centre and the VIP Terrace.

Taking mother-in-law to hospital A man who was driving his mother-in-law to hospital after she had broken her arm was banned from the road for four years after admitting to having no insurance on the day in question.

George Donegan (36) of 5 Bellewsbridge Place, Castletown Road, Dundalk, was also fined €20 as a result of the incident on November 5 this year at Marian Park.

After hearing that Mr

Donegan, who had a total of 15 previous convictions, was being treated for depression and starting a course to prevent self harm, Judge John Coughlan stated that he was not fit for prison.

Dundalk Leader 20th December 2017

Christmas Trade Fair held at Dundalk Grammar School

The Grammar School event management team with Michael Gaynor

Annual Peter Rice Awards

The annual Peter Rice medal competition took place on 13 December 2017 in the School of Engineering in Dundalk Institute of Technology.

This event is organised annually by the School of Engineering and is run in conjunction with and sponsored by Engineers Ireland North East Region.

Peter Rice, who was born in Dundalk, worked for Ove Arup on projects such as Centre Pompidou, Lloyd’s of London, the Louvre Pyramid and Sydney Opera House and is considered to be one of Ireland’s most outstanding engineers.

The Peter Rice medal commemorates his life and work and the award is made annually to the best Level 7 Engineering and Construction student project in Dundalk Institute of Technology.

Mark Kearney receives the 2017 Peter Rice medal.

The event is also used to showcase project work within the School of Engineering, with student posters and projects on display during the event. For the competition itself, three candidates from a range of Engineering disciplines presented their Level 7 student projects to an audience of students, staff and a panel of judges

from Engineers Ireland North East Region.

The finalists were Abdulaziz Abu Hassn representing Civil Engineering who presented his work on slope stability on the Jeddah Highway in Saudi Arabia; Mark Kearney representing Electrical and Electronic Systems who presented his work on the design of an electronic calculator; and James McEneaney representing Mechanical Engineering who presented his work on the development of a carcycle.

Following the presentations, each candidate was interviewed by the judging panel who decided to award this year’s Peter Rice Medal to Mark Kearney from Electrical and Electronic Systems for his project on the design of an electronic calculator.

This year’s Christmas Enterprise Trade Fair generated a wonderful atmosphere at Dundalk Grammar School, with the Finamore Hall packed with over 70 stalls, the biggest number ever at this annual event. The Fair was thoroughly and efficiently organised by this year’s TY Events Management Team, Relevent, led by Rudie Sweetnam, while the TY Hospitality Team, The Hive Cafe, managed

by Patrick Mulroy, provided the refreshments, with their bakery team coming up with a wide variety of delicious home-bakes.

The judging team of four was chaired by Michael Gaynor, President Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, and it was no mean feat getting round to judge the huge number of stalls. The three other judges were Ciara Byrne and Claire Marron, RecruitmentPlus Dundalk, and Sandra Boyle,

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Business Relationship Manager AIB Bank Dundalk.

Festive music and song was provided by Junior School students, conducted by Pamela O’Connor-Moneley. The real stars of the day were the young entrepreneurs of 1st and 2nd Year, and Transition Year, complemented by a number of groups in 3rd and 5th Year, some of whom were social enterprises encompassing charities.

Dundalk Leader 20th December 2017

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Magical Christmas concert as Monastery NS News

1 Names Who is the Patron Saint of Children?

2 Panto Buttons is a character in which pantomime?

3 Star signs People born on December 25 have which astrological sign?

4 First Christmas What pacific island nation will be the first country to celebrate Christmas?

5 Reindeer Name Santa’s nine reindeer?

6 Music In what year was BandAid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ first released?

7 Local What GAA Club has taken part in a Christmas Morning Run to visit hospital patients for over 50 years?

8 Film Bankrupt businessman

George Bailey played by James Stewart features in what uplifting Christmas film?

9 Books Who wrote ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’?

10 Twelve Days In the song The Twelve Days of Christmas, ‘...my true love brought to me nine...’ what?

Stinker Who sang ‘Walking in the Air’ in the animation film, ‘The Snowman’?

—this week’s answers—

Christmas time is a magical time for the pupils of Monastery National School. On December 8 Canon Peter Murphy blessed the School Crib at the front of the school while the annual Christmas Concert was also held.

The first act of the concert opened with Monastery NS School Choir’s lively singing of Reach for the Stars.

They will also be appearing at the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland’s Peace Proms in Belfast on February 25 next.

This was followed by the stars of the show, Ms Corr’s and Ms McKeown’s Junior Infants who performed The Day before Christmas. Ms McCreanor’s and Ms McCabe’s Senior Infants appeared on stage dressed up as beautiful presents and then performed in Under the Christmas Tree.

The second act saw a wonderful modern take of the nativity with first to sixth classes

in Brief Clark’s Factories

60 years of the HallidaysClarks shoe factories in Dundalk, will be the subject of a Radio Documentary to be broadcast on LMFM over the Christmas period. The programme will also address one of the biggest controversies the town has ever experienced, - the divisive sale of the Athletic Grounds to make way for the new Clarks factories in 1959.

‘The Shoemakers’, which is presented and produced

by Colm Corrigan, airs on Wednesday afternoon December 27, at 1.15pm.

Christmas Mass Participants in the Monstery NS Christmas concert

performing The Magical Christmas Jigsaw.

All of the classes acted and sung their way through the real story of Christmas.

The lighting with its many special effects was operated capably by former pupil Nathan Leavy and backstage was slickly managed

by Mr McCreanor and

5th and 6th class boys.

Principal Mr Jim McGee thanked musical director Mrs Valerie Browne and Mr Roddy McCoy for organising the senior show.

He also thanked all the Monastery NS staff who constructed the stage, decorated the school, sold the tickets and prepared our boys

for a wonderful show.

Mr Mc Gee also thanked Monastery National School’s Parents’ Association for assisting with ticket collection and the raffle.

He also mentioned local Ardee businesses for continuing to support the raffle at our annual Christmas Con-

cert and he requested that parents support local businesses by shopping locally at Christmas time.

And finally he thanked his whole staff and pupils for their creativity and tremendous work that adds to the long standing tradition of theatre and music at Monastery NS, Ardee.

1. St Nicholas 2. Cinderella 3. Capricorn 4. Tonga 5. Rudolph, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen 6. 1984 7.

Dowdallshill 8. It’s a Wonderful Life 9. Dr Seuss 10. Ladies Dancing. Stinker - Peter Autey. The song was made famous by Aled Jones when he was chosen to record a version for a TV advert as Autey’s voice had broken.

St Vincent’s School Trade Fair

All families are invited to participate in a Children’s Christmas Mass on Sunday December 24 at 7pm in St. Laurence’s Church, Omeath. This Christmas Eve Mass is being specially prepared for children and their families to celebrate Jesus’ birth.

Historical Society

If you have information regarding bygone Christmas traditions in the peninsula, phone 0851833110.

Dundalk Leader 20th December 2017

News

in Brief

Rotary Remembrance Tree

In keeping with their continuing support for both International and Local Community based projects, the Rotary Club of Dundalk are again opening their Remembrance Tree on Earl Street through to Christmas Eve on Sunday December 24.

The Remembrance Tree offers members of the public the opportunity of treasuring the memories of special people in their lives by attaching a personal ribbon of remembrance and having it placed on the tree in a colourful garland.

Memories evoke a range of human emotions which can be expressed for loved ones who have passed away or in hospital, victims of abuse, homeless, and immigrants unable to return to their families There is no charge or cost associated with creating and attaching remembrance ribbons but voluntary contributions are invited from members of the public with all funds raised going to locally based voluntary organisations and charities and designated International humanitarian projects.

Councillors in line for an income increase Elected councillors in Co. Louth will receive increased pay, renewed motor travel rates and extra expense payments along with their colleagues in municipal districts around the country.

The increases are being introduced to reflect the extra work being carried out by the members since the Local Government Act was reformed in 2014 which reduced the number of councillors nationally from 1627 to 949.

Louth County Council received a circular from the Department of Housing Planning and Local Government last month informing them that payment of allowances and expenses incurred by councillors had been revised in line with Local Gov-

ernment Regulations.

The new allowance created for members is worth €1000 per annum and reflects the extra work being done by elected members and will be available from the beginning of 2018.

If councillors wish to claim for this for 2017 they will receive €500.

A new vouched annual expenses allowance is being introduced as an alternative option to the existing fixed annual rate for miscellaneous expenses.

Members may choose to continue to claim the fixed annual rate on an unvouched basis (ie not provide evidence of where the money has been spent) or opt for the new vouched allow-

ance (where they would need to produce evidence as to where the €5000 was spent).

Both of these new increases were amended on November 10 but they can be applied retrospectively to July 1, 2017.

A new vouched accommodation overnight rate is also being introduced to apply where elected members are required to stay overnight in Co. Dublin up to a limit of the standard overnight rate plus the cost for meals.

The annual travel rate for the annual expenses allowance will also be revised with effect from January 1st 2018 so as to align it with the general travel rates set by the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform.

11

BYRNE'S LATE NIGHT PHARMACY CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS

SUN 24th...................................................... 9-4 MON 25th.......................................... CLOSED TUES 26th................................................... 11-2 WEDS 27th................................................... 9-6 THURS 28th.................................................. 9-6 FRI 29th........................................................ 9-6 SAT 30th....................................................... 9-6 SUN 31ST.................................................... 11-1 MON 1st............................................. CLOSED TUES 2nd........ NORMAL HOURS 9-9 ONWARDS

The staff of Byrne's Late Night Pharmacy would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year

Byrne's Late Night Pharmacy, 1-3 Church Street, Dundalk.

Ph: 042 9334214 Winners at the Cuchulainn Credit Union Art Competition

Free parking in front of Green Church

A diamond ring is not just for Christmas . . . . . . see her smile every day

Aidan Brennan Jewellers Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk. Phone 042 933 0502.

Dundalk Leader 20th December 2017

12

News Louth Sportswomen

in Brief recognised at RTE Sports Awards O’Mahony’s Walk

Sean O’Mahony’s are organising a Family Fun Walk, down the Navvy Bank on St Stephen’s morning at 11am, starting at the Sean O’Mahony’s pitch. Everyone welcome, even dogs, but they must be on a lead.

St Joseph’s GFC Lotto

No winner. Numbers drawn: 3, 11, 13, 30. €50 winners 1. Mark & Julie c/o Fagan’s 2. Julie Reily c/o Paddy Bell 3. Liam Reilly c/o Jim Hoey.

Sub-Aqua Collection

Dundalk Sub Aqua Search and Rescue are holding their annual bucket collection on December 30.

Irish Heart Foundation

The annual walk for the Irish Heart Foundation takes place on Wednesday December 27 at 11.30am from the Lumpers pub, Ravensdale. Suitable for families. Stout footwear and rain gear are recommended. Contact Venora on O87 6479715.

Awards double for Dundalk station

By Paul Byrne

Two of Louth’s most talented sportswomen were recognised by the national broadcaster last week with both Gina Akpe Moses and Eve McCrystal earning nominations in the RTE Sports Awards.

18-year old Gina announced herself on the world stage during the summer as she produced an incredible performance in Grosseto, Italy to become the European Athletic U20 100metre sprint champion. Moses powered through the final 50 metres to overtake her rivals winning in a time of 11.71. The former St Vincent’s student joined St Gerard’s A.C at the age of seven before moving to Blackrock A.C in her teens. The talented sprinter has now made the move to England where she trains in Birmingham as she looks to continue improving.

Gina’s achievements in 2017 were enough to earn her a nomination in the RTE Sports Awards in the new category of ‘RTE Sport Young Sportsperson of the Year’ award. Unfortunately, Gina lost out to Sligo swimmer Mona McSharry who claimed gold in the world junior swimming championships in Indianapolis. There was some consolation for Moses however as she was named the U20 Athlete of the Year at the Irish Life Health National Athletics Awards.

Meanwhile local Olympic champion Eve McCrystal was also recognised at the RTE Sports Awards as she along with her cycling partner KatieGeorge Dunlevy were shortlisted for the RTE Sportsperson of the Year. The duo are the golden girls of Irish cycling having won both a world championship and Paralympic gold earlier this year.

Unfortunately the duo weren’t successful this time around with James McClean coming out on top of the public vote. However, that can’t take away from what has been a magnificent year for both Eve and Katie.

Above: Brendan Connolly receiving his award Right: Shane Bannon with his award Iarnród Éireann’s Customer Service Award winners for 2017 have been announced, with staff in Dundalk winning two of the categories, including Overall Customer Service Person of the Year.

The overall winner was

Brendan Connolly, while the on-board winner was Shane Bannon.

Overall winner Brendan Connolly, Clarke Station, Dundalk was nominated for his pride, enthusiasm and professionalism in customer service delivery daily, but

also for the bravery and compassion he showed in reacting to a very serious incident of on-board selfharm.

Shane Bannon, a Locomotive Driver based in Dundalk won Best On-Board Customer Service. As well

as being helpful and courteous at all times, Shane has on numerous occasions literally gone the extra mile and has been known to drop customers home in bad weather or who have missed their stop at the end of his shift.

Dundalk Leader 20th December 2017

13

A Celebration of Youth Theatre in Louth

The three Youth Theatres in Louth Dundalk Youth Theatre, Droichead Youth Theatre, and M.A.D. Youth Theatre (Dundalk), recently came together for a celebration of Youth Theatre in Co. Louth. The weekendlong residential took place over the weekend of the 3rd to the 5th of November, and over thirty young people and eight leaders took part in a wide range of drama, movement, and puppetry activities at Tí Chulainn, outside Mullaghban.

The Residential Weekend was

funded by CreateLouth, the arts service of Louth County Council, with support from the Arts Council.

Similar gatherings have been organised for the past seven years, and this was the third residential weekend, building on previous successful residential weekends held in Newgrange Lodge, outside Drogheda, and the Adventure Centre in Carlingford Youth theatres are a unique youth work practice, which engage young people as active partici-

pants in theatre. Rarely working from a script, youth theatres meet as a group, usually every week, and require commitment and an inquisitive mind on behalf of the members, all of whom are aged between 12 and 18 years old. The adult leaders are a key part of the success of youth theatres, providing facilitation, leadership, and mentoring skills.

During the weekend residential, two of Ireland’s finest professional practitioners facilitated a series

of workshops and master classes.

Anna Simpson is currently the Artistic Director of Quintessence Theatre, the Company in Residence at AnTáin Arts Centre, Dundalk. Her process focuses on the actor and utilising their collective bodies as a visual and creative tool, fusing choreography, mime and text.

Jack Rogers is an actor and facilitator, and used his skills in Puppetry and Puppet-making, to create a wonderfully imaginative narrative which brought the participants

puppets to life.

“The three youth theatres in Louth are great examples of young people learning new skills, gaining fresh experiences, and at the same time, setting their own agendas within their own youth theatre.

For them to come together was both enjoyable and stimulating, and it was also a great opportunity to learn from two brilliant and innovative theatre practitioners”, said Brian Harten, County Arts Officer.

Thursday 21st December - LIVE MUSIC WITH -

booze brothers Friday 22nd December - christmas karaoke WITH -

jane Saturday 23rd December - LIVE MUSIC WITH -

asbury gents St Stephen’s Day 26th December - LIVE MUSIC WITH -

back up Friday 29th December - karaoke WITH -

jane Saturday 30th December - LIVE MUSIC WITH -

tom jonesy St.Vincent’s Principal Deirdre Matthews pictured with past pupils Emma McArdle, Sarah Englishby, Shannon O’Hanlon and Aine Reilly who were each awarded a DCU entrance scholarship.

The four students each achieved over 550 points in their Leaving Certificate earlier this year. Sarah is continuing her studies in PE and Maths while the three others are studying Actuarial Mathematics. They join 73 other former St. Vincent’s students who are currently attending Dublin City University.

NEW YEAR’S EVE - LIVE MUSIC WITH -

ONE VISION

Wishing all our Customers a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year

Dundalk Leader 20th December 2017

14

DkIT’s Nursing and midwifery scholarship winners announced

DkIT-Servisource Nursing & Midwifery Scholarship 2017winners receiving awards

Europa

Restaurant & Take Away Earl Street

Three third year DkIT nursing students each received €1,500 to support their nursing studies with a scholarship award provided by Servisource DkIT Students, Roisin Lavery, BSc (Hons) in Psychiatric Nursing, Ciara Murtagh, BSc (Hons) in General Nursing and Linda Mahon, BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing this week received the DkIT-Servisource

Scholarship which was launched in 2016. At a ceremony this week, the students were presented with a cheque for €1,500 from Aileen McCann, Permanent Recruitment Manager, Servisource, which will support them as they the complete their nursing degrees at DkIT. The scholarship programme is aimed at providing additional motivation and resources to nursing and midwifery students as

they enter the third year of their degree, a critical point in their undergraduate studies. As part of the assessment process, students were asked to submit a 2,000 word scholarship assignment in which they reflected on their clinical experience to date and demonstrated their understanding of the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses & Midwives in Ireland.

The Dance Kids are back once more with their Christmas show ‘Sparkles’ which takes place on the December 29 and 30 at 6.30pm in An Tàin Arts Centre.

‘Sparkles’ is jam packed full

of all your Christmas favourites as well as an excerpt from the hugely popular ‘Oliver’.

The talented dancers will also be performing to many favourites such as Little Mix, Frozen and West Side Story to name

just a few that are guaranteed to have audiences of every age dancing and singing along in their seats.

Book your tickets today at An Tàin Arts Centre box office on 042 9332332.

Dance Kids proudly present ‘Sparkles’

Hot Lunch 12-3pm Daily Special €6 Boiled Ham Breast of Chicken Pork Chop Liver Served with Potatoes & 2 Veg Authentic Italian Style Pizza 12” with 3 Toppings of your choice €6 Eat in or Take Out Deliveries 6-11.50pm 7 Days

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Wishing all Our Customers & Friends A Happy & Peaceful Christmas

award winning 2004/05/06/07 & 08 Wishing All our Customers & Friends a Happy and Peaceful Christmas

Family Meal Any 2 Starters, Any 2 Mains, 2 Rice & 1 Naan Bread €22.95 1 Starter, 1 Main Course, Set Meal 1 Rice, 1 Naan & Can of Drink €15 Delivery in Dundalk & Blackrock - Home catering available!

Dundalk Leader 20th December 2017

Conor Hughes’ St Stephen’s Day fundraiser

By Paul Byrne

The annual Crosscause fundraiser on Blackrock beach has been a St Stephen’s Day tradition for over 25 years now and once again plenty of laughs are promised as Conor Hughes and friends produce a

madcap diary of events which are designed to entertain young and old.

Conor’s charity Crosscause has been helping the people of Romania, Moldova and Ghana for over ten years and his St Stephen’s Day get together is the charity’s

main fundraiser each year. Over the years Conor has dressed up as Charlie Chaplin, a bee, Thierry Henry’s hand as well as hosting his own version of The Gathering (which he labelled The Scattering) all in an effort to raise money for

Available at: Carroll’s Bookshop, Park Street, Dundalk 042 9334359; The Sound Shop Drogheda 041 9831078; The TLT Tel: 041 9878560; The D Hotel Tel: 041 9877700; Also available online at www.thetlt.ie

upcoming gigs:Robert C Kelly presents Beauty And the Beast Drogheda's first professional pantomime

15th-23rd Dec €19, €24, €84

The Moscow Ballet presents Romeo and Juliet Thurs 8th March €40/€25

Pat Shortt REMEMBERING JOE Sat 10th March €28 DOLAN JOE 10TH SHOW Legend of ANNIVERSARY AS IT Luke Kelly 27th Dec €30 WAS

Keith Barry

Sun 18th €20

Rock N Roll The Three Amigo’s Paradise Thurs 22nd March €27 9th Jan €30 Ben Neil Delamare Portsmouth 19th Jan €23 Sun 1st April – €30 High Kings Bagatelle 20th Jan €25 Trevor Smith Sat 14th April - €25 Simon & & Friends in Garfunkel low Places 6th Jan €30

27th Jan €24

Fri 18th May - €25

28th Jan €30

Tina Turner “Simply The Best”

Charlie Landsborough

Sat 19th May €25

Reeling in the Denver Showband years Mike 23rd March €31 3rd Feb €25

tommy fleming

Ultimate Eagles

smokie

Jake Carter

17th Feb €30 24th Feb €30

24th March €26 7th April €20

Crosscause. Last year’s Fr Ted themed event was a huge success with over €7000 raised which went towards the charity’s project in Ghana.

This year’s event has an air of mystery surrounding it with Conor choosing to keep the theme of the event under wraps until St Stephen’s Day. “We’ve been doing this for many years now and it’s always been a great morning’s craic.

This year we have plenty of fun in store for everybody who comes down to Blackrock beach and although I’m not going to give the theme of this year’s Ciaran Phillips, Conor Hughes and Colm Rogan at the Crosscause fundraiser. fundraiser away I will say that there will be music involved and I plan on hitting some high notes.

“Once again this year we are fundraising for our project in Ghana where we hope to open up an eye clinic in the new year. We received a donation of three eye telescopes which have already been shipped off to Ghana and we are almost ready to open up the clinic,” explained Conor.

We are also launching our new fundraiser on St Stephen’s Day where we will be asking people to sign up to Crosscause and donate €10 a month to help us with our various projects.

We will have plenty of info on the day of the fundraiser showing people where their money is going and the various projects we have got up and running over the last twelve months,” explained Conor.

The Crosscause fundraiser will begin at 11am on St Stephen’s morning and go on until dark. If anybody would like to volunteer or help out the fundraiser in any way they can contact Conor on 0879674829.

15

Dundalk Leader 20th December 2017

16

Energy/Renewables

Accountants

Blinds

Gardening

Heating

Forklifts Fuel

Computers Business Solutions

Plumbing

Printer Scrappage Deal

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Ful Of l Rang I All nks Fo e Prin r ters

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Conservatories/Windows/Sunrooms

Skips

Dundalk Leader 20th December 2017

Skips

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Established in 1995

Windows

Dundalk Injury Unit continues to treat significant numbers of patients

Dundalk Injury Unit is one of 11 Injury Units now in place across the country. It is open seven days a week from 9am to 8pm and can treat patients aged 14 years and over for a wide variety of injuries such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains ,strains, and minor burns.

Last year over 11,500 patients attended Dundalk Injury Unit. The latest available data shows almost 9,500 patients were treated in the unit by the end of October.

“We know from feedback received that patients who use our Injury Units generally have a very positive experience, according to Dr Gerry McCarthy, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, and Clinical Lead of the National Emergency Medicine Programme. “But we really want to make sure that everyone knows just what our Injury Units do and the efficient and high quality care they will receive when they attend.”

Injury Units can treat patients with broken bones, dislocations, sprains, strains, wounds, scalds and minor burns that are unlikely to need overnight admission to hospital. Staff members take x-rays, reduce joint dislocations, apply plaster casts and treat wounds by stitches or other means. They provide swift access to tests and x-rays and some have rapid access to physiotherapy services.

They are staffed by Consultant led teams

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of doctors, advanced nurse practitioners, nurses, radiographers and physiotherapists. Patients can go directly to the Unit Clodagh Malone Most Improved Female or be referred by a GP. Dr McCarthy added, “Many Injury Units are reporting fast turnaround times for seeing and treating patients. In many cases the average time reported is between 1 and 2 hours and sometimes less so patients can save themselves long waiting times by attending Injury Units instead of Emergency Departments when it is appropriate to do so.”

Explaining that each Unit is linked to a Hub Emergency Department in an acute hospital, Dr McCarthy added, “If a patient in an Injury Unit needs to be Dale Copas - Most Improved Male. admitted to hospital they will be referred directly to a linked hospital, in exactly the same way as if they had attended the Hub Emergency Department. Our Units provide the same level of expertise and service as Emergency Departments, for the appropriate group of patients but they are not designed to treat serious head, back or neck injuries, abdominal (stomach) pain, medical illnesses or mental health problems.

“They do not treat children under the age of five, because of the special requirements of young children attending Group 4 Winner. hospital, with some having a higher age threshold. “

Louth to benefit from €40m in flood funds DUNDALK were one of the big winners in Monday’s announcement for flood defence funding. The town will receive €40m to help combat flooding which has been a regular problem in recent years.

In total Louth will receive €79m in funding with €23m allocated to Carlingford/Greenore and €16m to Drogheda.

The impact of flooding around Dundalk was witnessed first hand by Minister for State at the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief Sean Canny earlier this year having been invited down by Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick and Fine Gael councillor Maria Doyle.

He met with residents of Mounthamilton on the Ardee Road who had experienced flood damage in their homes on several occasions in recent years.

The constant flooding

17

in various areas around town has not only caused damage to properties and roads but has also had the knock-on effect for businesses and homeowners of rising insurance costs.

A Draft Flood Risk Management Plan for Dundalk was drawn up where it was suggested that €40m would be required to help build flood defences around town.

Following Deputy Canney’s visit ministers signed off on the Catchment Flood Risk Assesment and Management Study (CFRAMS) with Flood Relief Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran and Finance Minister Paschal O’Donohoe working together to prioritise locations where the money would be best spent.

Following the announcement of the funding for Louth Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick expressed his

delighte with the news.

“I am obviously delighted with today’s announcement that Louth is to re- Leisure Cyclist - Martin Yore & Tony Ricardson. ceive €79m in funding for flood defences.

“I was especially happy to hear that Dundalk is the big winner as they are set to receive €40m. €16m has been allocated to Drogheda with a further 423m allocated to Carlingford/ Greenore.

“On a personal note I am delighted with this announcement, I have been working closely with Special Presentation - Philip Kerley.

Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran and Minister Paschal O’Donohue having seen first hand the destruction flooding has caused families in my local area,” stated Peter.

The money is due to be allocated early in 2018 with work expected to begin on flood defences around Dundalk shortly afterwards.

Veronica Leiva - Spirit Award.

Dundalk Leader 20th December 2017

18

Family Notices 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 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—Spacious 4 bed house for rent. Fully furnished. Available from 17th Dec. €1200 Per Month. For viewing Contact 087-97-800-56.

LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE GIFT? Create a personalised newspaper page to celebrate a special occasion - birthday, anniversary, birth, sporting success etc. Contact 086 772 6324 A VAN & DRIVER available for furniture removal, also single items, 3 piece suites, cookers, fridges, washing machines. Day & night Tel 086 870 4908 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 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—Wishing all our customers a very Happy Xmas & a Peaceful New Year. 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. Dry-Cleaning 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 CLEANEST & KEENEST—Carpet & upholstery, full external cleaning service, algae removal, soft washing, power washing, fascia & gutters cleaning. Steam clean if necessary. Call Damien McGeeney 086 8469 559 or 087 9319 243 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.

RING-A-DRINK—Northend Bar 933 7229 drinks delivery service daily 5pm-10pm prompt and efficient service All major cards accepted.

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 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.

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.

GERRY’S UPHOLSTERY SERVICE—Suites/ Antique furniture repaired and re-covered.

Better than new. 086-080-0788.

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 9356694 MAN WITH VAN—Collections & deliveries, junk collection & removal. House clearance to single items. Contact 087-951-8166 Mobile Chiropodist/Podiatrist. Treatment available in the comfort of your home €30. Ms. Dara McCoy Bsc. Podiatry, S.o.Ch.p HCPC registered.Tel 0871924794 04830888882.

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

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

DEALGAN FURNITURE Longwalk, Dundalk (inside The Paint Store). For a wide range of Bedroom & Dining room Furniture, Beds & Mattresses made to any size, always a selection of quality second-hand furniture on display. Suite Re-Upholstery and Furniture Repair Service. Tel Paddy 086 320 7383 BEDS BEDS BEDS—For the largest selection of beds in Dundalk at unbeatable prices, beds from €79. The Bed Store Unit 24 Northlink Retail Park, Dundalk Tel 042 932 0927

classes & courses Get fit the fun way and learn to dance, the Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot and Jive. Classes now taking place in the Lisdoo, Tuesday 8-10pm. Wednesday in the NFL Hall, Newry 7 – 9 pm. The Barbican Centre, Drogheda Friday’s 8-10pm. Contact 086 357 3271 for further information.

EASY BEGINNER GUITAR—Course for adults staring in The Spiritstore, Jan. 22nd on Mon. nights. 10 wk course (E10 per lesson). Relaxed friendly atmosphere with experienced teacher. Christmas vouchers available for presents. Learn songs by Thin Lizzy, Beatles, U2, Rolling Stones, Elvis & many more. Contact Marcus 087 2186127 for details.

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 9339922/937-0101; 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 ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE to over 60,000 readers for only €5 per week up to 20 words Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888

novena

novena

novena

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine.

Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). L.M. NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine.

Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). J.F.

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). C.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). F.R.

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine.

Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). M.M. NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine.

Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). J.S.

Dundalk Men’s Shed help Maria Goretti Foundation

motors for sale FOR SALE—2006 Opel Astra 1.4GTC E2,250 o.n.o. Full service history, taxed March ’18, nct June’18. Perfect working order. Tel 086 605 0159.

situations vacant Window Fitters required for Niall Connolly Windows, must have experience, own van and tools, Tel 086 264 2282 or email niallconnollywindows@gmail.com

planning LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We, K. Lawless & U. Kirk, intend to apply for Permission for Retention and Planning Permission for the following items—Permission for Retention of design changes resulting in a reduced floor area to dwelling-house as granted permission reference no.12280 along with Planning Permission for a single story extension to the side and rear of the property along with all associated site development works at Rock Road, Blackrock, Co. Louth. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Louth County Council from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing within a period of 5 weeks from the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00. Signed: Paraic Mc Kevitt MRIAI (Agent acting on behalf of the above).

Paula Dowdall, Mari Goretti Fundation, Lordship, left, accepts a cheque for €2,370 from Matt Keating treasurer Dundalk Men’s Shed. Also pictured are, left to right: Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick, Brian Byrne chairman and Chris Griffin Dundalk Men’s Shed.

Dundalk Men’s Shed have put their considerable skills to good use and presented the Maria Goretti Foundation with a very useful Christmas present. On Sunday last, Paula Dowdall, daughter of the late John Hanlon, Hanlon Transport, who founded the Maria Goretti Fundation at Lordship, Dundalk, received a cheque for €2,370 from the shed members.

The money was raised from the raffle of a magnificently handcrafted rocking horse made by

Chris Griffin, John Brown, Gene Rice, Joe McCrink and Fintan McQuaid.

The winner of the raffle which took place at Bargain House, Coe’s Road, Dundalk, was Mary McGeown, Kilkerley, Dundalk.

Paula Dowdall thanked the men’s shed for the generous donation.

The Maria Goretti Foundation opened in September 2014 and provides residential respite care for children with disabilities and

is currently helping 80 families.

The team of men who made the rocking horse decided to donate some of the raffle proceeds to this worthy cause.

They were greatly helped by Ramona from Lawless’s Barbers, Park Street, where the horse was on display for several weeks, and

by Laura McCullins, proprietor of Bargain House, Coe’s Road.

Orna Wiseman, manager, Bargain House and Chloe McCullins, attended the raffle draw.

A man who pleaded guilty to reversing on the hard shoulder of a motorway to avoid a checkpoint was fined €500.

Judge John Coughlan re-

marked that Adrian Marc (37) with an address at 30 Carroll Village, Dundalk, “must be mad to reverse on a motorway”, as he also im-

posed a fine of €200 for non display of tax disc.

The incident occurred a 10.30am on February 17 this year.

Reversed back on to motorway

Dundalk Leader 20th December 2017

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Aa warns of drink-driving dangers ahead of Christmas

Motorists are being warned of the dangers posed by drink-driving ahead of the Christmas season, with AA Ireland stating that the effects of alcohol on driving can linger on long after a night out.

A recent AA Car Insurance survey of over 6,000 motorists found that 1 in 5 people have, on at least one occasion in the past year, driving on the morning after a night out while unsure of if they were within the legally permissible blood alcohol limit. 12.45% of those surveyed that they had driven the morning after the night before on one occasion despite being unsure of whether or not they were over the limit, while a further 8.12% admitted to doing this on up to five occasions.

“Over the Christmas season we all deserve and most certainly will be enjoying the time off with friends and family but, where alcohol is

concerned, the laws do not change just because it’s the holiday season. If you have been drinking it’s of vital importance that you don’t get behind the wheel of a car until it is safe for you to do so,” Conor Faughnan, AA Director of Consumer Affairs warned. “While the majority of us would never think of drinking and driving on the same night, we often forget that alcohol can continue to impact on your

Hill Street, Dublin Rd., Dundalk.

042 9331515/086 2559201

concentration, reaction times and driving ability into the following day, depending on how much you have consumed.”

“Everyone wants to have an enjoyable Christmas so for the sake of all road users, whether they drive, walk or cycle, if you have been drinking stay away from your car and do your part to make the roads safer.

If you are nursing a hangover stay in, watch a movie,

eat chocolate, do whatever it takes to comfort yourself just don’t get behind the wheel” The AA Car Insurance survey also found that within the past 2 years, over 1 in 10 Irish people have been a passenger in a car where they suspected or knew that the driver was over the legal blood alcohol limit on at least one occasion.

5.19% of respondents

stated they had found themselves in such a situation once within the past 24 months, while 4.56% admitted it had happened up to 5 times. Meanwhile, over a fifth of those surveyed admitted they had been a passenger in a car where the driver was severely hungover within the past two years.

“Drink-driving is by no means confined to a specific time of the year, but with so much going on over the Christmas period we do unfortunately see a spike in such behaviour this time of year,” Faughnan added. “Even if you are only a passenger in a car you have a responsibility to ensure the driver behaves legally. For your own safety you shouldn’t get into a car where the driver’s ability may be compromised but for the sake of all road users you should do what you can to ensure they don’t drive any further.”

CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS FRIDAY 22ND DEC.........................................OPEN 9AM-5PM SATURDAY 23rd DEC.....................................OPEN 9AM-4PM CHRISTMAS EVE..................................................... CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY.................................................... CLOSED ST STEPHENS DAY.................................................. CLOSED WEDNESDAY 27th DEC........................................... CLOSED THURSDAY 28th DEC....................................OPEN 9AM-5PM FRIDAY 29th DEC............................................OPEN 9AM-5PM SATURDAY 30th DEC....................................OPEN 9AM-2PM NEW YEARS EVE..................................................... CLOSED NEW YEARS DAY.................................................... CLOSED TUESDAY 2nd JAN..........................................OPEN 9AM-6PM WEDNESDAY 3rd JAN...................................OPEN 9AM-6PM

Wishing All Our Customers A Happy Christmas

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Dundalk Leader 20th December 2017