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DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER

Wednesday, 22nd December, 2021. Vol. 14, Issue 51 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Locals provide festive cheer for charities

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

Seasons Greetings From All At

By Paul Byrne

The season of goodwill is upon us once more and the people of Dundalk have shown that the spirit of generosity is well and truly alive as they help out the homeless and local charities in our town. It’s been a tough couple of years for charities and everybody all over the world as COVID-19 continues to dominate the landscape but the generosity of people continues to shine through with multiple examples to be found around our town in recent weeks. From Sitar Indian restaurant in town who have pledged to open their takeaway area on Christmas Day (5pm-8pm) to

feed the homeless, vulnerable and elderly to the people in both Cooley and Dundalk who have slept out in recent weeks to raise money for the Peter McVerry Trust and the Simon Community we have seen the very best of our community. There were also some very generous cheque presentations from the aptly named ‘Friends in Need’ charity group who raised over €9000 for three local charities/organisations. The group consist of local volunteers who decided to pool their knowledge and time to help charities around Dundalk who have missed out on fundraising during the pandemic. Continued on Page 2

‘We’ve all been very good this year Santa!’

Santa made a surprise visit to the children at Cooley Community Play Group at Cooley Complex this week much to the children’s delight. Pic: Bernard O’Rourke

Locals provide festive cheer for charities Dundalk Leader 22nd December 2021

Continued from Page 1 They raised money for SNAP (Special Needs Active Parents) (€3400), Dundalk Dog Rescue (€2550) and Dundalk Young Irelands GFC (€3255) by running Pop-Up shops in

the Longwalk Shopping Centre over the past month. Maddie Carroll Morgan, one of the founders of ‘Friends in Need’ thanked everybody who supported the shop and promised that they would continue helping out local chari-

ties throughout 2022. “We’d like to thank everybody who donated goods to us as well as those who bought items

in our shop. They have helped us help three very worthwhile local organisations and we were delighted to hand

over three cheques last weekend. We are always looking for donations and we want to continue to help as many causes

as possible in the new year. You can drop off any items in O’Hanlon Boxing Club or contact any of our team and we

will open up our shop again in the new year. Any organisations that would like us to raise money for them should

get in touch. I’d like to take this opportunity to wish everybody in Dundalk a Happy Christmas,” stated Maddy.

Dundalk Dog Rescue accept a cheque from the €3,400 was raised for local group SNAP (Special Dundalk Young Ireland’s GFC were the first ben‘Friends in Need’ team for €2,550. The money Needs Active Parents) by Friends in Need who eficiaries of the Friends in Need initiative with a was raised via the groups Pop Up Shop. will continue to help charities in the new year. cheque for €3255 handed over to the group.

New restrictions a massive blow for the hospitality sector

the recent restrictions on the hospitality secDUNDALK publican tor has been “a massive Greg Gormley of Rus- blow for the industry”. Tighter restrictions sell’s Saloon has said aimed at curbing the spread of the Omicron variant came into force at midnight on Sunday last. Under the restrictions, hospitality and cultural venues including pubs, restaurants, cinemas and theatres must close by 8pm from Monday. “We have 12 to 15 staff looking for wages and a limited number of hours in the day,” said Greg. “It’s a small window for staff and they have to share very few hours. Publicans, staff and customers are very disappointed. “We are fearful of a total closure in January. Total closure would be detrimental to the business. Drinking habits could change forever.” Tony MacGuinness of By Tamara O’Connell

Market Bar, Clanbrassil Street said the restrictions have had “a very negative impact”. “There’s a lot of confusion surrounding the whole thing and it’s putting people off going out,” said Tony. “We are very disappointed that the hospitality sector is once again being hit. After two years, the government has nothing better to offer than lockdowns. “They need to come up with a long-term strategy and invest in the health service. They need to train extra staff and be proactive and set up a Department of Covid.” Tony added: “Our staff are suffering because they depend on their wages to pay their rent and to feed their families. “We have intelligent people in Ireland. They just need to come up with a range of actions to be taken.”

Office Administrator

ECC Group, a fast growing vibrant company based in Jenkinstown, Dundalk is seeking an Office Administrator on a full-time or part-time basis. This position will include l Working with the management to ensure the planning, coordination and completion of all regulatory obligations and administration requirements. l Build key relationships with clients, respond swiftly to client requests and manage client expectations. l General administration duties. l Managing emails, phone calls, correspondence and updating social media sites. l Managing van fleet, timesheets and equipment. l Must have an excellent knowledge of MS Office 365. l Competency in prioritising work with little supervision. l Making travel arrangements. l Organising training. l Assist with tender applications and other documentation. l General HR duties. Key Requirements: l Proven experience, minimum of 2-3 years as an office administrator, office assistance or relevant role. l Excellent business literacy and numeracy skills. l Driven with an excellent attention to detail. l A self-motivated team player. l Ability to multitask and handle various tasks simultaneously. l Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. l Excellent organizational, time management and leadership skills. l MS Office: 2 years (required) l Administration: 3 years (required) l 3rd level qualification in a related field is desirable but not necessary. l Fluency in English. Salary: Negotiable, based on experience and expertise

Reply to recruitment@eccgroup.ie

Dundalk Leader 22nd December 2021

Christmas Mass Times for the Dun Dealgan �astoral �rea

ST PATRICK’S PARISH

Christmas Eve ST PATRICK’S CHURCH: 9pm ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCH 8pm Christmas Day ST PATRICK’S CHURCH: 9am, 11am & 1pm ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCH 8.30am, 10.30am & 12.30pm

ST JOSEPH’S PARISH

Christmas Eve 7pm & 12midnight Christmas Day 9.30am, 11am, & 12.30pm

HOLY REDEEMER PARISH

Christmas Eve 6pm & 9pm Christmas Day 10am & 11.30am

FRIARY CHURCH

Christmas Eve 7pm & 9.30pm Christmas Day 8am, 10am & 12noon

HAGGARDSTOWN/ BLACKROCK Christmas Eve ST OLIVER PLUNKETT 3pm & 6pm ST FURSEY’S 7.30pm Christmas Day ST OLIVER PLUNKETT – 10am & 12noon ST FURSEY’S 9am & 11am PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE NO SATURDAY EVENING MASS ON SATURDAY 25th DECEMBER. MASSES FOR SUNDAY 26th AS PER SUNDAY MASS TIME.

Wishing all our Parishioners a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year - Stay Safe

HOLY FAMILY PARISH

Christmas Eve 9pm Christmas Day 9am, 10.30am, & 12noon

THE MARISTS

Christmas Eve 8pm Christmas Day 7am & 10am

ALL SUBJECT TO COVID 19 RESTRICTIONS. NUMBERS IN OUR CHURCHES WILL BE LIMITED TO ITS CAPACITY AS DIRECTED BY THE GOVERNMENT. NUMBERS BASED ON FIRST COME FIRST SERVED. MASSES CAN ALSO BE VIEWED VIA OUR WEBCAM IN ST JOSEPH’S, ST PATRICK’S, HOLY FAMILY, HOLY REDEEMER, st oliver plunket's and St fursey's. ON BEHALF OF ALL THE PRIESTS WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING AT THIS DIFFICULT AND CHALLENGING TIME FOR ALL OF US.

Dundalk Leader 22nd December 2021

Fitzpatrick wants private hospitals to help clear waiting times Louth TD Peter Fitzpatrick has expressed his worry of a crisis coming down the road in relation to incidences of cancer due to the ongoing COVID crisis. The independent TD was speaking in the Dáil this week and called on the government to do more to tackle the backlog of waiting lists and ensure private hospitals do their bit to help reduce waiting times. “As we all know, we had our first official case of Covid-19 in Ireland in February 2020, almost 22 months ago. It is fair to say that, since that date, we in this country and everyone throughout the world have endured a very difficult period. So many people have suffered and continue to suffer. The many thousands of people who have contracted Covid-19 and are still feeling the effects of long Covid continue to struggle with their dayto-day lives,” stated Deputy Fitzpatrick. “In the past, I have supported the efforts of the Government in tackling this crisis. Unlike others, there is no point in trying to make political gain from this situation, but the simple truth is that people have grown very weary and tired. The public messaging, especially in the past number of weeks, is very confusing and is adding to the frustration of people and the business community. The Omicron variant is the latest battle in this war against Covid. It remains to be seen how this will to affect us all moving forward. On the one hand, we have advice stating that this will be the worst variant to date, while other advice states that it is much milder than previous variants. All this advice is coming from what is termed “expert opinion”. I can understand why the public

Peter Fitzpatrick, TD. has grown tired and weary at this stage,” he noted. “I call on the Government to make its messaging much clearer. Surely, it is not hard to outline a plan, including what parameters are being used and what actions we need to take, to ensure that society remains open. Once society opens up again, the virus again takes hold. “Are we any better off than this time last year? Moving forward, my big fear is that we are facing a crisis in another area, namely, cancer. I am concerned about it because it is very important that cancer is detected at an early stage. I hope that I am wrong on this occasion, but I fear we are heading towards a real crisis with this issue. How many people have missed vital appointments, scans and check-ups as a result of Covid? How will this affect them in the future? The waiting lists are off the charts now. Who will get on top of this plan? People are very worried and concerned.

“I spoke earlier during the week in a debate on private health insurance and the fact that we need private hospitals to tackle the backlog and the waiting lists. Why is this not being openly discussed? During that debate, we discussed giving private health insurers additional scope for profit margins. We should be discussing how they can help the system reduce waiting lists. Some 46% of the population have health cover but what about the other 54% that do not? “My biggest disappointment during this crisis is the fact that, despite the additional millions of euro being invested in the health system, very few additional ICU beds were put into operation. We were all told that the main reason for the lockdown measures was to reduce the pressure on the health services, especially ICUs. It would be interesting to know how many additional and fully functioning ICU beds were created from the millions of euro in addi-

tional funding that was pumped into the health system. “I will once more reiterate the point that I will support the Government in these measures. It is very important that it tackles the virus, that clear measures are taken and that people know what is happening. I will not support continuous lockdowns because they have not worked in the past and will not work in the future. We need a plan to live with this situation. Society cannot be continually locked down. This is the equivalent of putting a small plaster on a gaping wound. It simply does not work. “The people of Ireland have sacrificed a lot over the past 22 months. A clap on the back is not good enough. As a father and grandfather, I would like to know that when my grandchildren go to school on a Monday morning they are protected. The amount of money we borrowed and have invested is not in the thousands, hundreds or millions but billions of euro. Have we moved any further in the past 22 months? It can be very frustrating and annoying. As I said in the Chamber two weeks ago, I am very annoyed that I can walk down a street in Dundalk or Drogheda and everybody seems to ask me what is going on. Nobody seems to know what is going on. I ask the Minister of State to be open and upfront. The Irish people can take it on the chin. I ask her to try to be honest and let us try to get the work done. As I said, I have supported this Government since the coalition came into office nearly two years ago and will continue to do so. It is a tough job, but we just need to make the right decisions and protect the citizens of Ireland,” pleaded Deputy Fitzpatrick.

Dundalk Leader 22nd December 2021

Cyclists raise €860 for Soup Kitchen fundraiser

Cyclists raise €860 for Soup Kitchen fundraiser. The “I Pedal for pudding” fundraiser was completed on Sunday the 12th December in aid of St.Patrick’s Soup Kitchen, Dundalk. The event was organised by the Garda cycling club and O.N.E. and supported by members of the Cuchulainn cycling club. The cycle started from Aiken Mil. Bks out to the Four Seasons

Hotel in Carlingford where the participants of the fundraiser received refreshments, which included Christmas pudding compliments of the Four Seasons Hotel. They then got back on their bicycles for the return cycle to Aiken Bks. for a well-earned curry. The cycle raised €860 for the soup kitchen which

will be presented in the near future. The organisers of the event would like to thank to Garda Sgt Eugene Collins and his colleagues and Military Police Cpl Mark Hughes for their assistance with traffic management. They also thanked everybody who took part in what was a very enjoyable event.

Dundalk Leader 22nd December 2021

BYRNE'S LATE No St Patrick’s Day parade in 2022 NIGHT PHARMACY CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS

FRI 24th......................................................9-6 SAT. 25th................................................. CLOSED SUN. 26th................................................. 11-4 MON. 27th.............................................. CLOSED TUES. 28th..................................................9-6 WED. 29th...................................................9-6 THURS. 30th...............................................9-6 FRI. 31st......................................................9-6 SAT. 1st................................................... CLOSED SUN. 2nd................................................... 11-1 NORMAL HOURS 9-9 FROM MON. 3rd ONWARDS

There will be no parade for St Patrick’s Day in Dundalk in 2022, the organising committee has announced this week. The committee, which is made up of Dundalk public representatives, business representatives and volunteers, made the decision following an online meeting on Tuesday. Chairperson of the Dundalk St Patrick’s Day committee, Cllr. Conor Keelan, said the members had ‘weighed everything up’ and had

‘come to the decision very reluctantly’. Cllr. Keelan said: ‘We had met earlier in the autumn when the Covid 19 numbers were stabilising and when everyone was planning outdoor events. We were discussing the details for the parade in 2022. ‘However, over the last few weeks, it has become clear that we are in a very precarious position when it comes to Covid 19, particularly with the expected surge of Omicron. ‘As people know,

Cllr Conor Keelan.

the St Patrick’s Day parade doesn’t happen overnight and it takes months of planning. One of the key elements of it, which makes it possible, is funding from businesses and corporations.

‘We were not in a position to go to businesses and ask them for sponsorship for a parade that may not take place. We cannot run the risk of the parade not happening. ‘We have seen this week how quickly things can change; how quickly restrictions can be put in place. It was weighing up these realities that made us come to this disappointing decision’. However, the committee, which released a very well-received short

video for St Patrick’s Day this year, starring Alvaro Lucchesi, said they are ‘actively working on putting together something online that will exceed 2021’s offering’. Cllr. Keelan said: ‘Despite the fact that there will not be a parade in Dundalk in 2022, the committee is more focused than ever on delivering an unforgettable multimedia feature that we hope will surprise and delight people in Dundalk, and around the world’.

Blackrock Tidy Towns offer Christmas tree recycling service

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

Blackrock Tidy Towns are providing a Christmas Tree Recycling/Shredding service again this year. Residents are invited to bring their tree to the Community Centre on Sandy Lane Blackrock on SATURDAY 8th JANUARY from 11.00am to 3.00pm.

Pelican Promotions will again partner with Tidy Towns to offer their assistance in this worthwhile service and will organise kerbside collection, within a 3 mile radius of Blackrock, for those unable to bring their tree.

Byrne's Late Night Pharmacy, 1-3 Church Street, Dundalk. Ph: 042 9334214 Blackrock Tidy Towns will recycle your Christmas Tree.

Details of registration for this service will be posted on Blackrock Tidy Towns Facebook page. The Tree Shredding is a Sustainability Initiative which means that trees aren’t going to landfill and the material is used as a mulch in the adjacent Blackrock Park. The numbers of trees recycled has grown each year from 200 in 2017 to 350 in 2020.

Dundalk Leader 22nd December 2021

Dundalk DkIT GOAL Mile returns this Christmas Irish humanitarian aid agency GOAL is launching this year’s hugely popular Christmas fundraiser, the GOAL Mile, for people across Ireland and abroad, with registration now open at www. goalmile.org. The annual event sees people across the country gather over the Christmas holidays to run, jog or walk a mile in support of vulnerable communities across 14 countries where GOAL works in Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. Started first in 1977, this year’s GOAL Mile is supported by AIB in the first of an exciting new three year partnership, announced just last month. This year marks the first time that both in-person and virtual GOAL Miles are taking place following the move online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, over 170 GOAL Miles were organised across Ireland, with approxi-

DkIT will host the GOAL Mile for the seventh time this Christmas. mately 50,000 people raising over €250,000 in 2019. Sarah Mc Eneaney, GOAL Mile organiser, sees the annual event as an important Christmas tradition. “It is so fantastic to return to our in person event Christmas morning at 10am but we also have the virtual option for anyone who can’t attend. Everyone is welcome to run or walk their mile and to donate what they can to this worthy cause. There is always a wonderful atmosphere at the Goal Mile with everyone dressed up in their festive jumpers, santa hats and costumes. Every year we see a variety of

runners, walkers, dog walkers, kids on their new bikes etc. Join us this year if you haven’t done so before and make it one of your Christmas traditions.“ GOAL’s Director of Fundraising and Marketing, Eamon Sharkey, sees the option of physical or virtual GOAL Miles as an opportunity to connect even more people with their communities, the Irish diaspora and GOAL’s work this Christmas. “We are so excited to re-connect with people in-person this Christmas. “Of course, there are many people around the world who still can’t be at home or take

part in physical events this Christmas. That is why we are delighted to also be encouraging virtual GOAL Miles again. Last year people from every corner of the world took part to make it a global event, and we would love to see that become a part of the longstanding tradition of the GOAL Mile.” There is a donation bucket on the morning but to make a donation via contactless payment you can go to https:// goal-mile-2021.raisely. com/dundalk-dkitgoal-mile To register for the virtual GOAL Mile please visit: www.goalmile.org.

At Longwalk Shopping Centre

#ShopEarly #ShopLocal

www.longwalksc.com

Dundalk Leader 22nd December 2021

Family Notices in memoriam

COBURN In loving memory of our dear parents, Brendan and Marie Coburn and also our sister Bernadette Breen, late of St Mary's Road, Dundalk. RIP. We your family miss you, That's plain to see, We wanted so much to keep ye, But God willed it not to be. Now you are in God's keeping, You suffer no more pain, So, dear God, take care of them, Until we meet again. Will those who think of them today, A little prayer to Jesus say. —Always remembered, especially at this time of the year, by your loving family. Happy Christmas. X.

novena

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

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). K.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). O.T.

Eve and Katie win team of the year at RTE Sports Awards Jenkinstown native Eve McCrystal and her Paralympic cycling partner Katie George Dunlevy received an early Christmas present last weekend when they were named as the RTÉ Sport Team of the Year on Saturday evening. The dynamic duo enjoyed a brilliant year on their bike, winning two gold medals and a silver at last summer’s Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. The pair have enjoyed huge acclaim nationwide for their efforts in Tokyo which saw them claim gold in the road Time Trial before repeating that success with a tactical triumph in the road race. They also won silver at the Izu Velodrome in the Women’s B 3000m Individual Pursuit. These three medals have been added to their impressive haul of Paralympic medals that were already in their possession following

Katie George Dunlevy and Eve McCrystal pick up the team of the year award at the RTE Sports Awards. gold and silver medal displays in Rio 2016. The duo have enjoyed staggering success since teaming up at the 2014 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships in Greenville, South Carolina and between the worlds and the Paralympics they have won a total of seventeen medals with nine

of those gold. Eve, who acts as the pilot for registered blind cyclist KatieGeorge Dunlevy, had hinted before these games that Tokyo would be their last together, but it remains to be seen if she can be convinced to give it one more go in Paris in three years’ time. Following the presentation

of the award Eve took to social media to express her delight. “That was unexpected! Thank you RTE sport for the Team of The Year Award. To win this award is so special for us and for our whole team. I am privileged to be surrounded and work with phenomenal athletes who inspire me every single day. I am delighted that Para Sport has been given the recognition it deserves. I hope this award will inspire athletes of all abilities and disabilities and help drive cycling forward. We have so much potential to be the best in the World,” stated Eve. “Well done to all nominees. Every team was as deserving as us. Huge congratulations to @blackmorerachael RTÉ Sportsperson of the year,” added Eve.

PROPERTY/RENTALS

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. Wanted to buy—Commercial Yard with or without workshop/building 086 2754936. ADVERTISE YOUR HOUSE Premises for rent or sale to 60,000 readers a week from €5. Telephone Dundalk Leader 042 93 -20888.

Building Services—Extensions, Renovations, Sunrooms, Conservatories and All General Maintenance. P.V.C. Fascia, Soffit and Guttering products supplied and fitted. Bathroom Refurbishment, Painting, Decorating, Wall & Floor Tiling. All types of Roof Repairs & Maintenance. For free estimates Tel 087 260 2501. BUILDER & HOME MAINTAINENCE— Building, Woodwork, Painting, Plumbing, Tiling, Kitchen Refurbishments, Paving & Fencing. No job to big or too small. Tel. 087 295 2529. 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. MOBILE HOME TRANSPORT—Transported throughout 32 Counties. Contact Eugene 086-607-1702. CARPET & OVEN CLEANING—Carpet, upholstery & specialist oven cleaning available. Call MVI Cleaning Dundalk on 042 94 21300 or visit www.mvicleaning.ie. Roofing Repairs—Stoves supplied and fitted, fully insured, Hetas certified. Contact Paul Englishby 087 6301914 or 041 98 94633. 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. Coaching with Esther—Life and Executive Coach Tel 086 8972007 www.coachingwithesther.com. Qualified Carpenter available for Floors, Doors, Frames, Architraves, Skirtings, Stud Walls, Roofing & All Building Repairs. No Job too big or too small. Call Mark 086 089 5508. Fifi’s Alterations—Longwalk S.C. (formerly A-Alterations) Tel 083 0118728. Zips, hems, clothes taken in or let out, also Dry Cleaning Service. Open Mon - Wed 9.30 - 5.30pm, Thur & Fri 9.30 - 6pm & Sat 10 2pm. J. King Plumbing—Heating & Property Maintenance Tel 086 6086327 or 042 9377775.

WEDDING CAKES—Cakes for all occasions: Christmas, Anniversaries, Christenings, Birthdays, Confirmations/Communions, etc. All made by Chef, reasonable prices Tel 087 3228790.

articles for sale Attention Landlords—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. CD Logs—Kiln Dried Ash/Oak & Birch, Weekly Deliveries to Dundalk & surrounding areas. Newry Co. Down Mob 00 44 77 6040 3254 or 048 30269632 www.cdlogs.com. SELL IT THROUGH A CLASSIFIED—Only €5 for one week up to 20 words. 042 93 20888. The Dundalk Leader. WHITE RADIATOR COVER—White radiator cover for sale. 172cm x 19cm x 82cm. Never used, still in box. Contact 083-1161-297. Brother sewing machine—Never used €100.. O.N.O., Remington men’s hair cutting set never used €20… O.N.O. Binoculars in own case never used €15 …O.N.O. Contact 042-93-52885. TWO FIRESIDE CHAIRS For Sale. Tel. 042 935 2962 (between 2-7pm).

special services CHIMNEY & STOVE CLEANING—Tel Paul McArdle 042 933 2491 / 087 666 0094 Email tribalky@yahoo.com <mailto:tribalky@yahoo.com>. CHIMNEY CLEANER—The Clean sweep, clean & tidy, no dust. Brush & Vac. Also gutter cleaning. Contact - Cathal 087-225-9799. ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE to over 60,000 readers for only €5 per week up to 20 words Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888. WE CAN DISTRIBUTE your leaflets from €75 + vat per thousand Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888. WINDOW CLEANING—Gutter & facia cleaning carried out by professional, fully trained and insured staff. Affordable rates. Domestic & Commercial. Call our office for a free quotation. Everkleen 042 935 2717 or 086 829 3585. www.everkleenservices.ie <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. 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.

tuition

MATHS GRINDS—Leaving and junior certificate. All levels. One on one tuition with an experienced tutor. Phone/text 083 094 1872. Primary School Tuition—Qualified primary school teacher. 8 years experience. 3rd to 6th class. Homework support/revision available in the Dundalk/Blackrock area. Contact Linda 0862559732. Enjoy Learning how to drive with Streets Ahead Driving School’s Fresh & Modern teaching approach. Gift Vouchers Available Contact 0876797208.

planning

Louth County Council—I, Paula Tiernan, intend to apply for retention planning permission for the erection of a glazed balcony to the rear of my existing dwelling & boundary treatments with full permission sought for new site entrance arrangement including entrance pier with sliding gate and all associated site development works at Wavecrest Drive, Blackrock, Co. Louth. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. C/o Bernard Dowdall - MRIAI - Architect, Carrickedmond, Kilcurry, Dundalk, Co. Louth. Tel. (042) 9429558; (087) 6657148; E-mail - bernard@ dowdallarchitects.ie.

ADVERTISE in our classifieds

to over 50,000 readers from only €5 per week up to 20 words Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888

Dundalk Leader 22nd December 2021

Irish author Michael Harding to take part in An Táin Arts Centre Online Book Club

A monthly online book club in association with Roe River Books and Louth County Libraries. Pull up a cosy chair and a warm drink for An Táin Arts Centre’s first online Book Club of the New Year on Thursday 13th January at 8pm! Join us on Zoom for a Q&A with author Michael Harding about his newest work ‘A Cloud Where the Birds Rise’. From the beauty of the dawn of a new day, to the pain and love in goodbyes, to the shared lives and deaths of neighbours, and the sweeping landscape of Ireland, A Cloud Where the Birds Rise is a celebration of what it means to love, and live with hope in the beauty of the ordinary, everyday. Mary Claire Cowley, Audience Development Manager at An Táin Arts Centre says

The ever-popular Michael Harding. “We are thrilled to be welcoming Michael Harding for a Q&A with our online book club members. The book club has been going strong for the past year and a half and Q&A’s have been a wonderful way for our readers to engage with the authors.”

Previous authors to attend the An Táin Arts Centre book club include Pulitzer winning Jennifer Egan, Hilary Fannin, R.L Cassidy, Austin Duffy, Liz Nugent and Nicola Cassidy. This Q&A is part of First Fortnight Festival which challenges

mental health prejudice through arts and cultural action. This book club is aimed at adults, is free to attend and takes place over zoom. All you need is a computer or mobile device with a microphone and camera. Registration is required to participate. Members are encouraged to contact their local library, which is now open, to obtain a copy of the book, or contact Roe River books. Visit www.antain.ie to register and become a member of the book club and take part in this exciting author Q&A. This is a free event presented by An Táin Arts Centre. If you’ve enjoyed your time, a donation will help us to continue supporting artists and presenting creative projects in the community. SUPPORT US

Dundalk Leader 22nd December 2021

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Dundalk Leader 22nd December 2021

Irish cancer society urgently looking for volunteer drivers in Louth

Plumbing

The Irish Cancer Society is in urgent need of Volunteer Drivers to provide transport for cancer patients to and from their hospital chemotherapy treatments. Last year, the Irish Cancer Society Volunteer Driver Service provided 157 journeys for cancer patients in Louth and just under 12,000 journeys throughout Ireland. While there is a need to recruit Volunteer Drivers nationwide as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the expansion of the service, the impact has been particularly felt in some areas facing volunteer shortages. The Volunteer Driver Service helps to ease the strain of travel on cancer patients, who often find it hard to get to hospital because of transportation costs or they might not be feeling well enough to drive themselves because of their treatment. Volunteers need to be available for two

full week days each month, have a roadworthy car, a valid driving license, insurance and NCT. The service is completely free for patients, and volunteers receive money from the Irish Cancer Society to pay for their fuel costs, road tolls and an allowance for food while waiting for the patient. Irish Cancer Society Director of Services Donal Buggy said: “Now more than ever in Louth we urgently need to recruit more Volunteer Drivers so we can continue to provide this incredibly important service to anyone who might need it. We are encouraging anyone who may meet the requirements to volunteer and get in touch with us.” Irish Cancer Society Volunteer Driver Brian Sweeney lives in Blackrock and has been a driver for the ICS since 2019. According to Brian he finds the job very rewarding and is happy to do his

bit for his local community. “I retired from work in 2018 and a few months after that I saw an advert from the Irish Cancer Society looking for drivers. I got in touch and after going through the application process I began driving and have been doing it regularly for the past two years or so,” explained Brian. “You need to be available for at least two full days a month and you get provided with a list showing the patients that need to be driven to various hospitals. I bring patients to Our Lady of Lourdes in Drogheda, Beaumont, the Mater, Cavan and Blanchardstown. These patients might be living on their own or have no car or maybe they simply are not fit to drive. These people depend on others to give them a dig out and I find it very satisfying to be in a position to help out. It’s nice to be able to give something back. You get to know the patient

pretty quickly and sometimes they like to talk and sometimes they don’t. If they bring up their ailments I will happily listen to them and sometimes people just want to have the craic and have a laugh on the way up to the hospital. If they are quiet I will leave them be as sometimes people just want to be left alone. I always make sure I am at least ten minutes early when I get to their house and when we get to the hospital I will give them my mobile number and ask them to call me when they are ready. “I would hate to think people going through cancer would have to get a bus to Dublin and hopefully with this latest appeal more drivers around Louth will put themselves forward and help out. It’s a very important service and as I said I’m proud that I am able to do my bit to help people who are struggling with their health,” stated Brian.

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Dundalk Brass Band receive donation from Dundalk Lions. l-r: Steve Morgan, (band member). Arthur Goring, (band member). Pat Byrne, (President, Dundalk Lions). Peader Breen, (Chairman, Dundalk Brass Band) Harry Bellew, (Bandmaster, Dundalk Brass Band).

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Friends of St Oliver’s Community Hospital Christmas Draw results

The friends of St Oliver’s Community Hospital had an absolutely incredible response to their annual draw and the committee wishes to thank all those who bought lines and the volunteers who sold them. The committee also wish to thank Dundalk Credit Union for their incredibly generous donation of €1,000 to the Friends of St Oliver’s Community Hospital which will go a long way to assisting residents at the nursing home in the coming year. First prize Christmas hamper: Brendan McManus; second prize Turkey and Ham voucher: Ann Flynn; third prize drinks hamper: Kevin Butler; fourth prize fruit hamper: Pat Hoey; fifth prize pamper hamper: Gavin Gray.

QUIZ 1.—Where did the Christmas tree originate from? 2.—Which former President of the United States makes a cameo in Home Alone 2? 3.—If you are born on Christmas Day, what is your star sign? 4.—What new tradition for the month of December was invented by American mother and daughter duo Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell in 2005?

5.—What year did almost 5000 ‘Santa’s’ gather in Dundalk to attempt to break the world record for most people to take part in a Santa Run? 6.—In which year was Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas is You’ first released? 7.—What ornaments do elves have on their shoes? 8.—Name any eight of Santa’s nine reindeers 9.—Who wrote the novel ‘A

Christmas Carol’? 10.—What holiday drink is made with milk, egg and sugar? The Stinker—Why was the grinch so mean?

answers

1/ Germany, 2/ Donald Trump, 3/ Capricorn, 4/ Elf on the shelf, 5/ 2013, 6/ 1994, 7/ Bells, 8/ Rudolph, Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, Dasher, Prancer, Vixen, Dancer, and Donner, 9/ Charles Dickens, 10/ eggnog. The Stinker: His heart was two sizes too small.

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Dundalk Leader 22nd December 2021

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Dundalk Leader 22nd December 2021