21-03-2024

DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Emer’s song of hope inspired by Ukraine Page 6

Poker Classic in memory of Ned Smyth Page 8

Susan releases her fifth book

Page 12

Thursday, 21st March, 2024. Vol. 17, Issue 12 • 9A, Crowe Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth Tel: 042 932 0888. | Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com; advertising@dundalkleader.com

An eyesore no more!

Park Street transformation begins with facelift of old Dunnes Stores building

By Tamara O’Connell THE former Dunnes Stores site on Park Street Dundalk, which has been lying vacant since its closure in 2009, is getting a much needed facelift as part of this year’s Facade project which is being run by the Dundalk BIDS office.

The Facades project has been responsible for the huge improvement in the appearance of buildings all over town with Clanbrassil Street and Church St. the main focus of attention over the last couple of years.

A splash of paint and some well thought out colour schemes have brought a vibrancy back to

old buildings in town and now Park St. is set to benefit from the innovative project which kicked off this week according to Town Centre Commercial manager, Martin McElligot.

“We have kicked off the 2024 Facades project with the beginnings of our transformation and a long term vision for Park Street,” explained Martin.

“The Dunnes stores building has became a huge reminder of how things can stagnate quickly for an area, but we are actively working with Louth County Council, letting agents and landlords across our district to help break this cycle.”

Continued On Page 2

A Grand Day Out for Paula!

Dundalk St Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal, Paula Gorham salutes the huge crowrds on Clanbrassil Stret alongside her grandchildren Holly and Killian Brennan.

Dundalk Leader 21st March 2024

2

Park Street transformation begins From Page 1 Big thanks to the incredible efforts of Damien McGeeney and his team for working through the wee hours to ensure maximum cleanliness and minimal disruption to the business community and the public.

Stage one complete now it’s over to stage 2 with our colour specialist Alison Duffy in Colourtrend Paints Dundalk colour specialist Alison Duffy has said there will be “no spoilers” about the plans to improve the façade of the old Dunnes Stores building on Park Street this year.

Alison has been working

AIKIDO

Easter Aikido Camp for Kids 6+ & Teenagers

BLACKROCK COMMUNITY CENTRE Mon 25 - Thurs 28/03 9am to 2pm Learn how to deal with conict, how to spin & go, how to fall, roll & get back on your feet!

087 368 2070 dundalk@louthmeathaikido.ie

with Martin McElligott is the Town Centre Commercial Manager with BIDS (Business Incentive District Scheme) on the Facades Project for over two years.

“We have been having a lot of fun with it. It’s very satisfying to improve the appearance of derelict, used or empty

buildings,” said she said.

Alison, who is from Oaklawns, is a colour specialist with the company, Colourtrend. She studied Fine Art and specialised in colour theory.

She lived and worked in England for 12 years before returning to live in Dundalk

place up and it can enhance beautiful features and architectural features on older buildings.

“I’m from town so it’s an added bonus to be working on this project. When you see the before and after photographs you can really appreciate what a massive difference it makes.”

She concluded: “You can’t put garish colours on old buildings. You have to pick a scheme that will compliment the adjacent buildings.

“For the people working on this project, it’s about longevity. We want to create a look and feel that will stand the test of time.”

Louth County Council visits Tourism Ireland in New York

REPRESENTATIVES of Louth County Council, visited New York last week for the St Patrick’s Day period and met with senior executives from Tourism Ireland last Friday (15th March) They were briefed on Tourism Ireland’s promotional programme in the United States for 2024, which is in full swing right now.

St Patrick’s Day offers a unique opportunity for Ireland and Irish tourism and Tourism Ireland in the United States is rolling out an extensive programme of trade, media and consumer activity to capitalise on Ireland’s heightened profile this week. The St Patrick’s Day Festival in Dublin is the hero attraction and Tourism Ireland will have renowned US travel broadcaster Gabe Saglie on the ground

Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Ardee Municipal; Ashling Scanlon, Tourism Ireland; Cllr Paula Butterly, Cathaoirleach Louth County Council; Sarah Hamilton, Tourism Ireland; Cllr Sean Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal; and Cllr Kevin Callan, Deputy Mayor of Drogheda.

Borough District, in the Tourism Ireland office in New York. with us in Dublin, livestreaming from the parade to 40 TV stations across the United States, reaching audiences of up to 50 million across CBS, FOX, ABC and NBC networks. Chefs Darina Allen, Catherine Fulvio and Noel Mc-

Meel will highlight our superb food scene with media in New York, Washington DC and Los Angeles.

Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s Head of North America, said: “We were delighted to meet with the rep-

The Dundalk Leader supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice of the Press Council.

You can obtain a copy of the Code of Practice, or contact the Press Council, at 01-6489130; email info@presscouncil.ie.

The Dundalk Leader is a member of Free Media Ireland, a network of free newspaper publishers committed to supporting local journalism and delivering engaging content while providing highly effective print advertising with unparalleled circulations. Visit https://freemediaireland.ie to learn more.

The Dundalk Leader is printed at WEBPRINT, 2023 Bianconi Avenue, Citywest Business Campus, Naas Road, Dublin 24, D24 EH50.

Our paper is sourced from sustainable forests. The paper mills take great care to ensure the viability & sustainability of their forests. The forests that they plant act as massive carbon sinks that more than offset their carbon output. They are a carbon negative industry.

over five years ago.

“The Facades Project is fantastic. Buildings in town look and feel better after the work has been completed,” said Alison.

“Park Street is getting a much-needed facelift and work has started on the old Dunnes Stores building.

“I’m not saying what the colour will be. We don’t know when that phase of the project will be completed. It’s very weather dependent.”

Alison continued: “It’s the joy of Irish weather. We will be working on Park Street down to Francis Street.

“It helps to brighten the

SCOIL DHÚN DEALGAN ON ST PATRICK’S DAY—Class: naíonáin bheaga. Children from left to right: Jack, Noah, Bláithín, Ellie, Dakota, Cáit, Sadie, Callum, Jake and Reuben.

resentatives of Louth County Council and to have the opportunity to brief them about the extensive promotional programme we are undertaking in the United States this year. The US remains an extremely important market for

tourism to the island of Ireland – it’s our most important market in terms of revenue and our second-largest market in terms of visitor numbers. Visitors from the United States tend to stay longer, spend more and tour extensively

around our regions.

“Our St Patrick’s Day programme includes a major programme of trade, media and consumer activity. Our aim is to remind American holidaymakers that Ireland offers the warmest of welcomes and great fun, as well as wonderful scenery and heritage.

We are taking every opportunity to capitalise on Ireland’s heightened profile around this St Patrick’s Day period.”

This year, Tourism Ireland is rolling out an extensive programme of promotions in the United States, to increase the value of overseas tourism to the island of Ireland, supporting economies, communities and the environment, by inspiring potential US visitors about all that Ireland has to offer and by strengthening strategic partnerships.

Dundalk Leader 21st March 2024

3

Dundalk Leader 21st March 2024

4

Dunleer retained fire officer forced to retire

THE fate of a retained firefighter in Dunleer who is facing mandatory retirement within the next three months lies in the hands of the government, the Dáil has heard today.

The situation faced by Dunleer station officer John Molloy who will turn 62 on May 24 and would, without government intervention, have to retire under the existing legislation, was raised by Louth TD Ruairí Ó Murchú.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was asked by the Sinn Féin deputy earlier this week about the situation and the Fine Gael leader said the

government had agreed that they would bring forward legislation to raise the mandatory retirement age for uniformed service personnel to 62.

But Deputy Ó Murchú told the Dáil during a Topical Issue debate on the matter today (Thursday) that he fears that Mr Molloy would ‘fall between two stools’ and the government legislation would not be ready in time to halt his mandatory retirement.

The Dundalk TD highlighted how the fate of Mr Molloy, who is the only retained station officer in Dun-

leer, now rests in the hands of the government and pleaded with Minister Malcolm Noonan for an interim solution for the firefighter.

Mr Molloy, who has spent 18 years as a retained firefighter, having served 22 years in the Defence Forces before that, does not want to retire and is ‘more than fit enough’ to do the job, Deputy Ó Murchú said.

In addition, there was an added problem in that if Mr Molloy is forced to retire in May, there is no-one to replace him and it would have ‘huge implications’ for the fire service in Dunleer.

He said the crews cannot operate with less than five people and Mr Molloy’s retirement at this time would mean a loss of institutional knowledge and ‘vast experience’. Deputy Ó Murchú said he had also spoken to the responsible minister, Darragh O’Brien about the matter.

Minister Noonan said the government had previously used a circular issued to local authorities, who are in charge of the fire service, to raise the retirement age to 60 while legislation to that effect was being completed.

Deputy Ó Murchú said: ‘Surely it is not beyond the

power of government to do something similar or get a workaround for Mr Molloy?

We do not want him to fall between two stools where he must retire before the legislation is finalised for the sake of two or three months’.

Minister Noonan acknowledged that Mr Molloy’s ‘future is in limbo while the legislation is being drafted’ but undertook to get a timeline on when it might be ready and whether a circular in the interim would be enough to extend the firefighter’s retirement age beJohn Molloy. fore May 24’.

Kelly welcomes pedestrian crossing at Castletown Pharmacy CLLR Seán Kelly has welcomed the news that Louth County Council will invest €50,000 on a new pedestrian crossing at Castletown Pharmacy on the Castletown Road. Kelly first called for this in a motion before Dundalk Municipal District in February 2023.

At the time he spoke of the rationale behind this is the fact that

there is no other means for pedestrians to cross in close vicinity and there are a lot of children and elderly people on a frequent basis, therefore the lack of a pedestrian crossing is a significant safety concern.’

Kelly further commented ‘we have a real safety concern here for locals, at Castletown Pharmacy in particular where people are

crossing on a regular basis to visit the pharmacy and local doctors surgery, the nearest crossings to this location is further up the road at Castletown Girls school or the Ecco Road junction.

At the time the council responded saying it was not included in the road programme for 2023 but that the area engineer would investigate and locations

would be considered for future funding.

The council have now included this project under the 2024 round of funding.

Kelly said ‘its another great investment in the North end of town and shows that the Council is listening to the concerns of the people on the grounds. Works should be completed before the end of the summer thankfully’.

Back row from left to right Angela Carroll, Briege Fearon (Secretary), Teresa Flynn, Iris Farrell, Mary Brennan, Briege O’Shaughessy, Ann Goss and Carmel Plummer. Front row from left to right Teresa O’Neill (Treasurer) Anne Stacey Coburn (President) and Nora Malone.

Dundalk Leader 21st March 2024

5

6

Dundalk Leader 21st March 2024

Ukrainian women’s stories inspired RECRUITING FOR EVENING SHIFT Emer’s song of hope Temporary position, Fixed Term Contract.

Gernord Ltd, Carrickmacross., established since 1968, are part of a French based multinational operation, and are one of the largest PVC flooring & wall Covering manufacturers in Europe.

We invite applications for the following positions PRODUCTION OPERATORS: Required for effective and efficient running of the continuous manufacturing process, ensuring Quality plus Health & Safety levels are maintained to a high standard. Manufacturing experience ideally required. It is important that candidates can embrace ongoing change and engage in continuous improvement programmes, be flexible, versatile, have good communication and team building skills, plus good attendance is expected. Honesty, accountability, and a good working attitude is essential. Forklift licence is important, not essential, training is available.

NOTE: Fixed Evening shift, 40 hr /week, 4pm-12 mid-night €15.60/hr plus a 20% shift allowance. Vacancies immediate, as 4-6 weeks, training is required, if a new employee or even a previous employee.

Also require 1-2 operators to work Fixed Night shift, 40 hr /week, 12 midnight - 8am, €15.60/hr plus a 35% shift allowance.

..............................................................................................................................................................................

Please forward full CV details or complete application form, available at reception, and send to: FRANCIS DUFFY, General Manager, Gernord Ltd., Ballybay Rd, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, A81YD83.

0876893662. francis.duffy@gerflor.com.

By Tamara O’Connell A LOCAL composer and harpist has collaborated with Ukrainian refugees living in Dundalk on a musical project culminating in a new song called ‘Bright Star’.

Emer Kenny from St Mary’s Road, Dundalk was inspired to create the song after hearing the stories of Ukrainian women who sought refuge in the town following the outbreak of war.

“One of the women is from a place that has been badly damaged.

She told stories about the destruction of her hometown,” said Emer.

“We wanted to acknowledge the pain experienced by the women but they also wanted it to be a song of hope.

“It was a collaborative piece and it took a long time to complete. I did interviews and then I recorded the song in my home studio.”

She added: “John Murphy produced it and did programming and mixed it. I’m not very tech savvy.

“It’s a challenging song with lots of tempo and key changes. It’s a very difficult topic. Many of the migrants coming here had worthwhile lives –

Emer Kenny’s ‘Bright Star’ can be found on YouTube.

jobs and families – in Ukraine.

“It’s not an easy thing to do to decide to run away in your pyjamas in the middle of the night because it’s dangerous.”

Emer continued: “They didn’t do it lightly. It’s traumatic for them. They couldn’t live there at all.

“It’s serious stuff.

The chorus in the song is: ‘You are not alone Bright Star’. We wanted

the song to be hopeful.”

There is also a YouTube video to accompany the song. Anyone interested in viewing it can search for Emer Kenny on YouTube.

The video for ‘Bright Star’ features contemporary dancer Polina from Donetsk. Harpist Rosie Murphy, John and Emer’s daughter, is also shown performing in An Táin Theatre.

The YouTube video includes frontline

footage from Ukraine, filmed by the video director, Finn Boylan.

Emer previously worked on a musical project, which resulted in a musical work called ‘Ghosts’.

It was commissioned by the Derry Playhouse and their project partner Queen’s University, and was based on the testimonies of survivors of the ‘Troubles’.

letters to the editor Transport for disabled a major issue locally Dear editor,

get transport to Dublin hospi- elderly and less mobile comIt’s virtually impossible to source tals as all the bus service pro- munity members. Louth County disabled transport in the Dun- viders with wheelchair ramps Council have allocated up to dalk area. So if a person who are tied in to service HSE school five parking bays to the ‘Go Car’ requires a disability taxi- to go runs. Both the Irish Wheelchair company where you pay and to a hospital appointment etc Association and the Red Cross you go to hire a car. One idea they find all local taxi rank ser- in Dundalk haven’t got the driv- would be for the council to ask vices are contracted to the HSE ers to man their transport due one of these companies to pilot to transport pupils to schools so to work comittments . The local an accessible vehicle for hire out link hospital service does not of these bays. Maybe the incomthey are not available.

Bus Eireann have no facility on operate in the Dundalk area un- ing new CEO of LCC or newly their Dundalk to Dublin service til after 9am on certain days of elected councillors can take this idea on board. while Matthews Coaches also the week. only have services for just the I know of numerous occasions Yours sincerely, mobile members of our com- over the past number of years munity. Anybody in a wheel- when a barrier to transport has Brendan Moore, chair would find it very hard to disappointingly affected our Disability activist.

Dundalk Leader 21st March 2024

7

Dundalk Leader 21st March 2024

8

Dundalk Gun Club Ned Smyth Memorial host fundraiser for Poker Classic Lourdes trip “Some of the food on offer will include pheasant, duck, venison, and woodcock.

Members of Dundalk Gun Club shoot at a limited area around Faughart.

DUNDALK Gun Club are set to host a fundraiser at their upcoming annual meet up to raise money for an assisted pilgrim so they can go to Lourdes.

Patsy Halpenny from Bay Estate has been a member of Dundalk Gun Club for over 20 years and is helping to organise Patsy Halpenny. the fundraiser. prizes on the night.

“We are planning to We are selling lines hold a charity raffle at and tickets for the our annual meet-up event. Just contact any at Byrne’s Pub on Sat- member of Dundalk urday, March 23 from Gun Club.”

8.30pm,” said Patsy.

He added: “Or you

“We have around 70 members. You can come in as a junior but you need to have a relative who is over 18 and holds a qualified gun licence.”

Patsy concluded: “We have a monthly meeting on the first Thursday of every month at Byrne’s. We also rear pheasants for release from 16 or “We want to can buy tickets for the 17 weeks. raise money for the event at Byrne’s Pub “The season doesn’t Irish Association of on Hill Street. open until NovemLourdes Volunteers, “We will also have ber and lasts until so an assisted pilgrim food at it including a the end of January, can travel to Lourdes. sample of anything we so it’s around three “There will be spot have shot during the months.”

The late Ned Smyth. lover of card games and could often be found with pals in the Lisdoo enjoying friendly games with his many friends.

His death last April was met with great sadness and to honour his memory, friends of Ned have organised a Poker Classic in his name which will take lace in his old haunt, the Lisdoo on the 31st of March.

All funds raised at

the Ned Smyth Memorial Poker Classic will go towards Cara Cancer Support Centre. There will be valuable prizes on offer on the night as well as spot prizes and refreshments served.

Tickets cost €50 with Buy-Ins €5 and Top Ups €10. The format will be Five Card Draw. The event starts at 5:30pm and all are welcome to attend.

GOT A Phone: 0429320888 STORY?

WE WANT TO HEAR IT

Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com

1—What diseases are treated with the MMR vaccine?

2—What band had hits with the songs ‘Good Vibrations’‘God Only Knows’ and ‘Don’t Worry Baby’?

3—What connects the countries England, Spain, Brazil, France, Germany, Security Agency replaced what state security Italy, Argentina and organisation in 1991?

Uruguay?

9—The first ever Toy 4—What animal is featured on the logo for Show was aired. A car bomb went off outside Peugeot cars?

5—The letters K O H are Kays Tavern on Crowe fixed above the second Street and the Vietnam floor outside the building War ended with the Fall of Saignon. Name the of 30 Clanbrassil Street in Dundalk. What do the year?

10—Only one county letters KOH stand for? in Ireland contains the 6—Who was the letter V in its name.

Taoiseach of Ireland Which one? during World War 2?

The Stinker: What 7—Who presented last took place in the the popular quiz show Fifteen to One between Republic of Ireland in 1954, Northern Ireland 1988 and 2003 on in 1961 and England in Channel 4?

8—The Russian Federal 1964?

—THIS WEEK’S ANSWERS— 1—Mumps, Measles, Rubella, 2—The Beach Boys, 3—They are the only countries to have won the FIFA Men’s World Cup in soccer, 4—Lion, 5—Knights of Hibernia. 6—Eamon De Valera, 7—William G Stewart, 8—KGB, 9—1975, 10—Cavan. Stinker: Execution by hanging.

year.

By Tamara O’Connell

THE Ned Smyth Memorial Poker Classic in aid of Cara Cancer Suport Centre will take place on Sunday 31st March 2024 at 5:30pm. Ned Smyth was a hugely popular player on the local poker scene and served as a Garda in Dromad until his retirement in 1987.

Born in Cavan he originally joined the gardaí in 1953 and was part of the security detail for President John F Kennedy’s visit to Limerick in 1963.

He would later be stationed in Dromad Garda Station and settle in Mill Street, Dundalk where he became a very popular character in the local community. As well as volunteering for local charitable organisations, Ned was a huge

St Patrick’s Day Parade in Dundalk

Triplets Denys, Davyd and Danylo Shmun.

Kevina McCutcheon and Theodore Nugent

Aysel O’Reilly and Sophie Byrne

enjoying the parade.

Dundalk Gaels marching at the para

de.

Sam Byrne marching with his Gaels teammates.

Patrick Brady at the Dundalk Parade on Sunday.

Dundalk Leader 21st March 2024

9

Dundalk Leader 21st March 2024

10

Blinds

CCTV/Alarms

Flooring

E R I N WO O D Wood floor fitting & sanding services

Specialists in herringbone Over 30 years’ experience Dust free service Tel Arthur 085 1229291

Forklifts

Doors

Gardening

Conservatories/Windows/Sunrooms Flooring

Drain Cleaning/Septic Tanks Phone: 086 849 8882 Email: info@adcdrains.ie - www.adcdrains.ie

• Septic Tank Cleaning • Drain Cleaning • CCTV Drain Surveys • High Pressure Water Jetting • Drain Repairs

Meadow View Landscaping Trees, Hedging & Grass Cutting. Power Washing and General Garden Maintenance.

Serving the people in Dundalk for 26 years.

Contact Ken 087 9548114

Dundalk Leader 21st March 2024

Gardening & Steam Cleaning

Wheelie Bins

11

NEWS

in Brief

Anniversary Table Quiz

Gardens Cleaned & Cleared Tree Felling Trees & hedges cut High Quality Turf Grass

Weed free instant lawn Steam Cleaning Roofs Old roofs restored to new Driveways All driveways restored to new and sealed

WELCOMING all quizzers to our special Anniversary Table Quiz in Dundalk Library on Tuesday 26th March at 2:00pm. We are celebrating 30 years of the opening of Dundalk Library in Roden Place and invite everyone to come along for the Library Quiz. All welcome, no booking required and refreshments will be provided.

Re-sanding with silica paving sand Gutters We jet and form wash gutters outside and inside

Bracelet Found

A BRACELET was found on Saturday 10th February around the corner from Smyths chemist close to Redemptorist church on St. Alphonsus road. If you think it might be yours please contact 0863727810 with a description of the bracelet.

ALL TYPES OF STONE, GRAVE/CHIPPINGS & RAILWAY SLEEPERS Professional and Reliable Service, Free estimates, All work guaranteed, All green waste removed and recycled, Fully insured Call Sean on

Medjugorje Pilgrimage

PILGRIMAGE to Medjugorje from August 27th to September 3rd, 2024 – 8 days. Cost circa €300 euros which includes bed/ breakfast plus full itineray. There are also optional excursions.

For further details: please phone laurena at 0851833110

087 349 5477 Email: info@allseasonsroofcleaners.ie

Kitchens & Bedrooms

Windows

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

Kitchens Bedroom Units Sliderobes & Feature walls TV Units

fergalmarrykitchens@gmail.com / 087 276 5866

Plumbing

SINESS TOWN IN BU WN For a free no obligation quotation KEEP YOUR TO BUSINESS IN Callsave: 1850 774455 KEEP YOUR Tel. 042 9333513 Web: www.senatorwindows.ie Email. senatordundalk@gmail.com Or Visit our Showrooms on Ard Easmuinn Road, Dundalk.

OPENING HOURS Mon-Fri 9- 5 & Sat 10-2

After hours by appointment

Is it time to upgrade or replace your Velux Windows?

Cycle for Sarah

SETANTA Triathlon Club and Cuchulainn Cycling Club are hosting the Cycle for Sarah, a 55km leisure cycle in Dundalk on Sunday 24th March, starting at 10AM The cycle route is from Dundalk to Carlingford and back on a very flat terrain. There will be a coffee stop in Carlingford and food will be served at the finish in DKIT Sport, Dundalk.

Sarah was an integral and loved member of both clubs and she tragically passed away while competing at the Alp D’huez triathlon in July 2023. Cyclists who would like to take part are asked to register on https://eventmaster.ie/event/VVpdhERTwv There will be a limited number of registrations taken on the day, but we want to estimate numbers as best as possible, so please register on the link beforehand.

If you can’t make it on 24th March and would like to make a donation to the Kevin Bell fund, you can do so here https:// kbrtrust.com/donations. Further details: www.facebook.com/ Setantatriclub1 and www.facebook.com/dundalkcycling.

Family Carers Ireland

ALL family carers are very welcome to our next support group meeting on Wednesday March 27th in Dundalk Library at 10:30am.

The group will offer a safe place for a family carer to take a break from caring. Grab a cuppa and biscuit and chat with other family carers as well as offer a space to view or share your support in a non judgemental environment.

It will give you a chance to learn about supports with Family Carers Ireland Organisation and other external agencies and find out about how you can avail of discounted hotel breaks, discounts to theatre/shows, discounts for petrol and lots more.

Contact Louth Support Group on 041 9719518 or on their 24 hour support line on 1800240707.

Measles MMR Vaccine

Printers

THE HSE has announced details of an MMR catch-up campaign to protect against measles due to a rise in cases of the disease in the UK and Europe.

The campaign focuses on delivering the MMR vaccine to key groups, who may have missed their vaccines in the past: Children; Young adults and Health and care workers.

How to get your vaccine: MMR vaccines are available free of charge from GPs to all groups, but primarily to those under 18 years, and from HSE community clinics for everyone eligible who is aged 5 years and over. A list of Vaccination Clinics is available here: https://www2.hse.ie/services/mmr-vaccine/ vaccination-clinics.

To book an appointment, visit: https://www2.hse.ie/services/mmr-vaccine/book-an-appointment.

Some walk-in appointments are also available.

Additionally, the HSE will also provide targeted clinics for specific groups including students and young people in education settings, underserved groups including refugees, applicants seeking protection and other minority groups.

Dundalk Leader 21st March 2024

12

FAMILY NOTICES NOVENA

NOVENA

THANKSGIVING

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 three 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 three days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). M.T. 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 three 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 three days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). T.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 three days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). L.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 three days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). P.R.

PRAYER TO ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do you, O Prince of heavenly host, by the divine power, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who prowl about the world, Seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen. S.K.

OUR WEEKLY DEADLINE For FAMILY NOTICES is 4pm Fridays prior to Wednesday Publication.

Contact LORNA for further information.

Tel 042 9320888

Susan to release fifth book next week

By Tamara O’Connell A DUNDALK writer has launched her fifth book called ‘The She Team Does Lockdown!’ in Roe River Books this week.

Susan McGovern from Mount Avenue launched the children’s book, which is a sequel, on Tuesday, (March 19) The mother-of-one worked as a science teacher for the majority of her adult life until she retired early.

“My first children’s book is called ‘The She Team’. It’s based on my grandchildren and some pets we owned. The animals each have superpowers,” said Susan.

“I have three grandchildren and the children in the stories are loosely based on their personalities.

“Two of the animals in both books are now deceased. Snake, the cat, and another cat called Ebi. It was old age. At the moment, we have three rescue animals, one dog and two cats.”

Susan McGovern.

Susan added: “When I married my husband, Padraig, he was a huge animal lover and I’ve become one too.

“I didn’t start writing until

I retired. In total, I’ve written five books now. I self-published the first three and the children’s books have been published by Austin McAuley.

“I got the inspiration for writing the children’s books when my husband and I were heading away for a time and had to leave the animals with a minder.”

She continued: “I was wondering what are they thinking or saying to one another now.

I came to writing late but I’ve always had a good imagination.

“I’m working on two books at the moment. They are both a bit stuck but one of them is the third instalment to the children’s series. It’s called ‘The She Team Plus One’.”

Susan’s first self-published book was a factual book called ‘Care and Prevention of Urinary problems in Cats’.

Her second book is a novel called ‘Vanished’, and the third book is a collection of short stories about people with Alzheimer’s and their families.

ARTICLES FOR SALE

SPECIAL SERVICES

SPECIAL SERVICES

ATTENTION LANDLORD—We supply furniture & Beds for any rental properties you have.

Beds from €180, Bedroom Furniture Sets from €249 Call us today www.bedstore.ie, Coes Rd, Dundalk Tel 042 932 0927.

NAVY LEATHER SUITE—2 + 1 Seater, free to take away, Dundalk Tel 042 9331748 before 1pm.

MAN IN A VAN—House moves, furniture delivery/removal, yard/garage clearances, recycling & rubbish removal. Call Will on 085 860 4048 for a competitive quote.

ROOFING AND BUILDING contractor available. Repairs and new builds. Fully insured.

Contact Mark Carney on 087 1302040 for enquiries.

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.

FIFI’S ALTERATIONS—Longwalk S.C. (formerly A-Alterations) Tel 083 011 8728.

Zips, hems, clothes taken in or let out, also Dry Cleaning Service. Open Mon - Fri 9.30 5.30pm & Sat 10-2pm.

WATCH REPAIRS—Mechanical/Quartz (battery) and Vintage. In our own workshop.

Most brands: Cartier, Longines, Omega, Revue, Raymond Weil, Seiko, Citizen & more, also Jewellery repairs. Goldstar Jewellers, Demesne Shopping Centre Dundalk Tel. 042 93 39478. Please note, we do not repair Clocks.

BUILDER & HOME MAINTAINENCE—Building, Woodwork, Painting, Plumbing, Tiling, Kitchen Refurbishments, Paving & Fencing.

No job to big or too small. Tel. 087 295 2529.

POWER WASHING/Garden Services - all garden tidy ups, lawns, hedges, pathways, Gutters, shed/garage/garden rubble removal. Call Will’s Services 0858604048.

GW PAINTING AND DECORATING—No job too small, keen rates, Dundalk & surrounding areas, estimates free. Phone 086 3848079.

CARPENTRY/BUILDING SERVICES—Over 20 years experience. No job too big or too small. Available services—Doors, Frames, Floors, Skirting, Architraves, Walls, Built in Units, Fencing/Gates, Plaster boarding and Roofing Services. Complete renovations carried out. Contact Mark 086 0895508.

MAN WITH A VAN—Hedges, tree topping, painting, facia & Soffit, patios, concreting, garage clear-outs, outside taps. Call Kevin for a free & honest quote 089-4016728.

ALL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE services carried out. Roof repairs, Plumbing, Painting & Decorating, Wall & Floor tiling, All outdoor work, Paving & Fencing, Power washing. Call Gerry your local man 087 6461556 or 042 9327241 after 6pm.

PLASTERER AVAILABLE—Professional tradesman available for first class plastering repairs etc both inside and outside. Keen prices, free quotes. Small Jobs only. Contact 087 3525652.

PAINTING SERVICES available, interior and exterior. Also available for Power washing, Garage, House and Garden clearance. Furniture removals. Tel Brian 087 7558506.

CHARA COUNSELLING—20 years’ experience, currently taking appointments. Supporting you with emotional intelligence for relationship issues, your mental health, grief, all addictions & past traumas. For a strictly private consultation call Martin today on 083 3402766.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE—Repairs, building, plumbing, painting, roof repairs, tiling, bathroom refurbishments, plastering, gardening, power washing, PVC facia and soffits, Over 20 yrs experience. References available. Whatsapp or Tel 085-762-3758 for quotation.

LOCAL POWER WASHING—No job too big or too small. Patios, driveways, walls, also grass cutting, gutter cleaning and furniture removals, recycling or rubbish removals. Contact James 087 4464960 for free quotation.

LOCAL PAINTERS & DECORATORS AVAILABLE—All types of painting & decorating done to the highest of standards, no job to big or to small, we also do shops/offices and can work out of hours to avoid any disruption or inconvenience to the day to day running of your business,call 0851588667, or get us on Facebook @ Budget painters Decorators.

LAWNS CUT—Hedges cut and gutters cleaned Tel Tom 087 2296441.

FULLY QUALIFIED carpenter available for all aspects of carpentry. Tv units, paneling, doors or floors call James on. 0871833091.

MEADOW VIEW LANDSCAPING—Trees, Hedging & Grass Cut. Power Washing and General Garden Maintenance. Serving the people in Dundalk for 26 years. Contact Ken 087 9548114.

ACCOMMODATION ROOM TO RENT in Dundalk near train station, comes with WiFi/ TV/ your own bathroom laundry facilities on site. Secured location key pad entry to property no utility bills. We have a house policy and security process standard that a candidate must agree to. We accept ARP payments. Text only first to 0872227599.

HOLIDAY HOME TO RENT in Dingle, Co. Kerry. We have a 3-bedroom apartment right in the center of Dingle that can cater for 6 persons. Email us for more details at info@ innisfreehouse.ie.

ACCOMMODATION WANTED BEDROOM/FLAT or Apartment required to rent under the ARP government support €800 per month in Dundalk Town Centre.

Neat, reliable and hardworking person. Tel 089 4425414

SPECIAL SERVICES CHIMNEY & STOVE CLEANING—Tel Paul McArdle 042 933 2491 / 087 666 0094.

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

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 <http://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 <http://www.everkleenservices.ie>.

TILER AVAILABLE—Experienced local tiler to carry out all types of tile work - marble, granite, porcelain. Indoors and out. Call 087387-8995 for free quote.

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

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

Contact Ben 085-840-7707.

FORTUNE TELLER—Available for appointment, private or group bookings. Tel. Alison 042 933 5102 or 087-67-51229.

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 8184827.

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 086607-1702.

CARPET & OVEN CLEANING—Carpet, upholstery & specialist oven cleaning available.

Call MVI Cleaning Dundalk on 042 94 21300 or visit www.mvicleaning.ie.

CLASSES & COURSES GET FIT the fun way and learn to dance, the Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot and Jive, now taking place in the Lisdoo, Dundalk Tuesday’s from 8pm - 10pm, no partner required. First wedding dance lessons and private lessons also available. Contact 086 357 3271 for further information.

DRUM LESSONS INCLUDING BODHRAN— For adults & children aged 8 years upwards.

One to one lessons. Phone 087 414 4228.

WEEKLY SEWING CLASSES on-going at Northlink Retail Park, you can join in any time, for enquiries please call or WhatsApp Elizabeth on 0872649221 or visit www.djkcreations.com.

FRENCH GRINDS AVAILABLE for Junior and Leaving cert, All levels. Individual and small group options. Tel 086 8723340.

PREPARE FOR YOUR LEAVING Cert French or Spanish oral. 1.5 hour intensive class. Contact sophiep@gcdd.ie.

EASTER AIKIDO CAMP for kids 6+ & Teenagers Blackrock Community Centre Mon 25 - Th 28/03 9am to 2pm Learn how to deal with conflict, how to spin & go, how to fall, roll & get back on your feet! 0873682070 dundalk@louthmeathaikido.ie.

SITUATIONS VACANT HELP WANTED on sea boat, couple of days per week depending on sea weather. No time wasters please. Must have some sort of experience being on a boat. Please email 53somethingnew@gmail.com.

SITUATIONS WANTED LADY AVAILABLE for Housework, Blackrock area only Tel 086 3502686.

PLANNING NOTICES LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We Sierramill Ltd have submitted significant further information in relation to planning application reference number 2360317 @ East and Adjacent to Dundalk Retail Park, Inner Relief Road, Dundalk, Co.Louth. Significant information includes alteration to internal site boundaries and overall boundary outline, revised road marking layout and updated storm calculations, flood risk report and Appropriate Assessment (NIS) Screening Report. This Significant Further Information has been furnished to the planning authority and is available for inspection or purchase 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 Significant Further Information may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20, not later than 5 weeks after the date of receipt of this newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority.

Dundalk Leader 21st March 2024 CUCHULAINN CAMERA CLUB – PSA AWARDS 2023/24 Amy McArdle receiving her PSA Honorable Mention Award from Declan Gernon LIPF, for her image “Santas Letter”.

CUCHULAINN CAMERA CLUB – PSA AWARDS 2023/24 Robert Duffy receiving his PSA Merit Award from Declan Gernon LIPF, for his image “The Conscripts Wife”.

HILL STREET, DUBLIN RD., DUNDALK.

042 9331515/086 2559201

CUCHULAINN CAMERA CLUB – PSA AWARDS 2023/24 Sandra Bowman receiving her PSA Honorable Mention Award from Declan Gernon LIPF, for her image “No Parking”.

CUCHULAINN CAMERA CLUB – PSA AWARDS 2023/24 Declan Gernon LIPF receiving his PSA Honorable Mention Award from Freddie McArdle AIPF, for his image “Niamh 2”.

CAR ROOF BOXES, ROOF BARS, WIND VISORS ETC.

POWER WASHERS

SEALEY & TENG TOOLS, TOOLBOXES, SOCKET SETS, YUASA BATTERIES, BATTERY CHARGERS, CAR MATS, SEAT COVERS, ETC. Car Gift Packs & Gift Vouchers Available

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

Poetry Corner

Poem by Jessica Moran, Bush Post Primary School Great pearls of bravery glance up at me.

Begging me to leave, beckoning my call.

Shining, glistening, The sound of them grotesque, The truth ushering me, My notion of familiar, unraveling, “Home is where the heart is” Shining, glistening, The urge to look away, careful, careful Soft tender voices whispering in myhead, in my brain, meshing its matter Whispering like a little girl, wise beyond her years.

Leans in, sharing a secret. In my head.

13

Thanks to one of our readers who sent in this unusual picture of a couple of ducks strolling through the Longwalk Shopping Centre carpark.

14

Dundalk Leader 21st March 2024