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Five star Kate O’Connor claims World bronze

By Paul Byrne

DUNDALK’S Kate O’Connor made it FIVE consecutive medals on the global stage as she smashed the Irish Pentathlon record to claim bronze at the World Indoor Games in Torun, Poland. Kate added Bronze to last year’s haul where she won bronze at the European Indoors, silver at the World Indoors, gold at the World University Games and silver at the Tokyo World Championships.

Only two Irish athletes, Sonia O’Sullivan and Catherina McKiernan, have now won more individual global medals at senior championships.

The St Gerards AC athlete sealed bronze with an outstanding run in the 800m, run-

ning an indoor personal best of 2:10.26 to finish second in the race.

She finished the competition with 4839 points just behind reigning heptathlon World Champion Anna Hall (4860 points) and Dutch athlete Sofie Dokter who claimed gold with an impressive 4888 points.

Speaking after picking up the Bronze, the two-time World Indoor medallist said: “I came here with very high expectations and although I maybe didn’t meet them, I’m coming away a world bronze medallist and I really can’t complain with that. I think it’s probably a good thing that I am walking away thinking I could do a little better, but ultimately I’m delighted.

Continued on Page 2

Kate O’Connor picked up her fifth consecutive medal on the global stage as she finished third at the World Indoor Games in Poland. Pic Credit: Athletics Ireland.

Five star Kate O’Connor claims World bronze

From Page 1

After opening my season so well at the national championships, I really hoped to come here and do something extraordinary. I’ve had a couple of health issues since nationals and I wouldn’t say that training has gone 100%, so what I did today probably showed that. What’s amazing is that a sub-par day still gets me a medal

and I’m really excited to build on this for the outdoor season. My plan is to do the Commonwealth Games and European Championships. I’ll open at the Commonwealths, and then the Europeans are the main aim for me. I want to try and win gold. It’s going to be a tough competition, but if you don’t go in with the mindset to win gold, you’re never

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going to do it. I’m going to work really hard for the next four or five months and put myself in the position to win that gold.”

Kate’s father Michael, who is also one of her coaches and the recipient of the 2025 Coaching Achievement Award by World Athletics, was understandably full of pride for his daughter, stating that it was a privilege for him to travel the world with Kate and watch her deliver time and again on the world stage.

days before it started and she also had some issues with her achilles. So we had to manage that which isn’t ideal so close to the start of a major championships.

failed in her first two attempts.

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“It’s incredible what she is doing. She’s an absolute fierce competitor and it’s been an amazing journey over the last few years with Kate. She is taking on and beating brilliant

athletes who come from countries with far more funding than we have in Ireland. We were a bit nervous coming into these championships as her knee flared up a few

“I think you could see in her high jump that she was a bit tentative as that event in particular is hard on both the knee and achilles. But as I said before she’s a fierce competitor and she pulled out a great jump on her third attempt when she was under severe pressure having

John and Jamie’s Easter Coffee Morning

JOHN Morgan and his faithful dog Jamie will host an Easter Coffee Morning on Monday April 6th in St Gerards Hall, St Alphonsus Road (A91 F3FC behind St Josephs Redemptorist Church). All proceeds will go to Dogs for the Disabled and Louth Disability Cycling Club. Two organisations which are very close to John’s heart.

According to John he is forever indebted to the Dogs for the Disabled charity for giving him his beloved golden retriever called Jamie who he has had now for eight years. As well as being a friend to John, Jamie is trained to pick up things and give them to him and to raise the alarm should John become ill or have an accident.

“Jamie is just a wonderful companion and he is a fantastic dog. Everybody knows him around town as he’s always by my side whenever I am out and about. I take him everywhere with me. I’m actually going to a wedding today and Jamie is coming along with me. He’s actually in the dog groomers now getting all spruced up for the wedding,” laughs John.

“He was trained by Dogs for the Disabled and it costs a lot of money to teach dogs the skills that are needed to be an assistance dog so every year I have a fundraiser to try and raise a

few bob for them.

“I am also going to raise money for the Louth Disability Cycling Club who do fantastic work around town for both kids and adults. They meet every Tuesday morning at the Square here in Dundalk and offer people a spin in their bikes which are designed to carry people who have a disability. I’m in a wheelchair and I’ve been on the bikes numerous times and when I first went on one of them it was the first time I’d been on a bike since I was seven,” explains John.

“Both Paul Callan and Chairman Gary Shields are providing a wonderful service and that’s why I wanted to fundraise for them also this year. We will have a few bikes down at my coffee morning and a couple of service dogs so bring your kids if your coming down and there will be a scones and a few treats at the coffee morning as well as a raffle with some prizes to be won. All are welcome to come down and support two fantastic charities and I hope to see lots of people down in St Gerards Hall (located behind the Redemptorist Church) on Easter Monday,” concluded John.

John’s coffee morning will start in St Gerards Hall at 10am on Easter Monday. All welcome.

“This was the Pentathlon so this was a competition for Kate without probably her two best events which are the Javelin and the 200metres. I think Kate sees herself more as a Heptathlete but she loves all multi event competitions. She will have a wee rest now and then the hard work continues with both the Commonwealth Games and Europeans on later this year. We’ll be looking to finish the

year strongly and then I suppose the LA Olympics will be on our minds. They take place in 2028 which is not too far away really.

“As a coach I’ve learned plenty too over the last couple of years and as well as coaching you are managing stuff to make sure Kate can concentrate on her athletics. I’m the luckiest man in the world. I get to go all over the world with my daughter and she makes me proud every single day,” concluded Michael.

Active Retirement

MONDAY 30th March: Alan- Tai Chi. Dundalk Active Retirement starts at 2”30pm in Carroll Mead Hall. All welcome.

Knights of Hibernia AGM

THE Knight of Hibernia, John Boyle O’Reilly, 30 Clanbrassil St, Dundalk will hold their Annual General Meeting on Sunday 29th of March at their offices on Clanbrassil Street at 12 noon sharp. All members are welcome.

Make A Wish Flag Day

MAKE A Wish Ireland are hosting their annual flag day in Dundalk and the surrounding areas on Friday, April 17th. We are looking for volunteers to help out on the day and if you feel you could spare a few hours please contact

Pilgrimages 2026

BUSES depart from The Old Magnet Cinema. For the first pilgrimage, please leave deposit of €50 in O’Connell Drapery Shop, Church Street, Dundalk. Lough Derg, Monday, 4th May. One Day Retreats offer a programme of prayer. Monday 4th May 2026. Admission fee €50, Bus fee depending on numbers. Enquiries: Laurena 0851833110.

Kate O’Connor and her father Michael after she won silver at last year’s Worlds.

John Morgan with his faithful dog Jamie.

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL VISITS

TOURISM IRELAND IN NEW YORK

REPRESENTATIVES

of Louth County Council, who are in New York this week for the Saint Patrick’s Day period, met with senior executives from Tourism Ireland on Monday

(16 March). They were briefed on Tourism Ireland’s promotional programme in the United States for 2026, which is in full swing right now.

Saint Patrick’s Day offers a unique oppor-

tunity for tourism to Ireland – with this time of year both attracting visitors to Ireland and being important for teeing up bookings for the season ahead through the heightened profile

created. Tourism Ireland in the United States undertook a major programme of media, travel trade and consumer promotions to capitalise on Ireland’s heightened profile around Saint Patrick’s Day.

Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s Head of North America, said: “We were delighted to meet with the representatives 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 Ireland – in terms of revenue and 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 included a major programme of media, travel trade and consumer promotions.

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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.”

Tourism Ireland amplified global St Patrick’s Day celebrations through strategic festival partnerships, reaching audiences across the world. Coverage of the New York parade was broadcasted to around 8

million, generating buzz for Irish culture and visitation. The live NBC broadcast of the New York parade featured pre-recorded segments with NBC producer Mike Mathis highlighting Ireland’s culture, heritage and scenery. Iconic locations around the world lit up green around St Patrick’s Day, including the Empire State Building in New York, and Tourism Ireland shared this moment of connection across its social and publicity channels.

Search for Shane stood down as body is found

A MISSING person investigation into a 38-year-old man from Newry was stood down last Thursday afternoon after the discovery of a body.

38-year-old Shane McEvoy was last seen on Friday 13th March near a Circle K petrol station in Ravensdale. He had earlier been spotted on CCTC earlier in the evening in a bar in Newry. There was concern for his whereabouts from friends and family members as a search and rescue operation got underway. However, a state-

ment from Gardaí last Thursday confirmed that the appeal had been stood down following the discovery of a body.

“Following the discovery of a body, the missing person appeal in respect of Shane McEvoy (38), who was reported missing from Dundalk, Co. Louth since Friday 13th March 2026 has been stood down,” read the statement.

The late Shane McEvoy.

David Conway, Chief Exec of LCC; David Wood, Tourism Ireland; Cllr. Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach; Ashling Scanlon and Ciaran Barry, both Tourism Ireland; Olivia McCormack, Senior Exec Officer of LCC; and Thomas McEvoy, Director of Services, LCC.

Gaelcholáiste Dhún Dealgan students reach two National Finals

STUDENTS from Gaelcholáiste Dhún Dealgan are celebrating an outstanding achievement after reaching the National Finals in both Drama and Enterprise competitions this term.

For the first time, the school entered the Féile Scoil Dramaíochta Dhún Dealgan with all 1st and 2nd Year students involved. The play, written by Múinteoir Máire with ideas from the students, received special recognition at Féile Dhún Dealgan with a prize for the newly written script.

The play explores the issue of people being too engrossed by their mobile phones. Teenagers accidentally bring Setanta back to life after dis-

covering an Ogham stone message, leading to a dramatic encounter with Morrigan, the Celtic goddess of war. Their success brought them to the Leinster Final and they are now among the final 12 schools from Leinster competing in the Féile Náisiúnta 2026 in Mullingar this April. Meanwhile, the school’s Business Studies classes also achieved success through the Student Enterprise Programme, developing Brioscaí Berto’s, Milseog Milse and Quapairí. Quapairí won Best Business in the Intermediate Category and will represent the school at the National Enterprise Finals in Mullingar this May.

“We have seen the students’ creativity and confidence grow because of the many extracurricular experiences they have been involved in. This is an amazing achievement and a testament to the hardworking students and teachers we have in Gaelcholáiste Dhún Dealgan,” said Príomhoide Tánaisteach Caoimhe.

Gaelcholáiste Dhún Dealgan, situated on the Ramparts, opened in 2023 and currently caters for First to Third Year students, with Transition Year starting in September 2026. As the only Irish-medium secondary school within a 60-kilometre radius, it offers families in

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Dundalk and the surrounding areas a co-educational, multi-denominational Irishmedium education. There are places available in all year groups, including the new Transition Year pro-

gramme, where students can immerse themselves in Irish while enjoying a wide range of educational, cultural and extracurricular experiences. Families interested in joining the school are encouraged to contact the school for more information.

The school community is extremely proud of the students’ achievements and wishes them the very best in the National Finals.

Top: Gaelcholáiste Dhún Dealgan pupils at Féile Scoil Drámaíochta Dhún Dealgan. Leinster Finalists and winners of Best Newly Written Script. Left - Múinteoir Máire. Second from right – Múinteoir Caoimhe. RightMúinteoir Keely. Right: Winners2nd and 3rd Year students who won Best Business in the Intermediate Category at the Student Enterprise Awards at Fairways (L–R- Arden, Cáit and Shayne).

“The war against youth vaping has begun” — Deputy McGreehan

FIANNA Fáil TD

Erin McGreehan has welcomed the launch of a new youth vaping and nicotine prevention campaign led by the HSE, stating that “education is the first line of attack in the war against vaping.”

The campaign comes at a time when vaping among young people under the age of 18 has risen in recent years, with approximately one in five now reporting

that they vape.

The social media campaign, launched by HSE Tobacco Free Ireland alongside Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, aims to highlight the risks associated with youth vaping and nicotine use.

As part of the initiative, the HSE will collaborate with content creators to

spread awareness about the dangers of vaping and to explain its harmful effects on mental, physical and oral health.

Creators Kasey Campion, Jim Flanno, Zara Deasy, Daragh McGurn, Shauna Davitt, Ryan Mar, Sean Fitzgerald and Billykiss are participating in the campaign. Using a combination of organic and paid social

damage the developing brain, affecting memory, concentration, mood and impulse control, while also increasing the risk of future smoking.

“In the war against vaping, education is our most important tool. Children need to understand the impact vapes have on their bodies and the risks they pose to their development.

media, along with creator-led content, the campaign is tailored to how young people engage with digital platforms. Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Deputy McGreehan said: “Young people are particularly vulnerable to the harms of vaping. Nicotine can

“Vapes are designed to appeal to young people through bright colours and flavours, but education can expose the reality of the harm they cause.

“Public attitudes to cigarettes have changed significantly over time through education, and the same approach must now be applied to vaping.”

1—The Ireland soccer team play the Czech Republic tomorrow as they begin their bid to qualify for the World Cup this summer. How many World Cups have the Irish Senior Men’s team qualified for previously?

2—Which country’s currency is called the Zloty?

3—Name the odd one out. Trapezium, rhombus, rectangle and pentagon?

4—The Rio Grande is a river that runs through two countries. Can you name both?

5—How many GAA Clubs are located within the Dundalk Urban area?

Mount Everest lies on the border of Nepal and which country?

7—The letter V is contained in the name of only one county in Ireland. Can you name it?

8—Can you name the two Irish actors who starred in the movie ‘In Bruges’?

9—There is only one even Prime Number. What is it?

10—What was the country Iran mainly called by the Western world for thousands of years until 1935?

The Stinker—Who did Nelson Mandella succeed as President of South Africa in 1994?

—THIS WEEK’S ANSWERS— 1—Three. 1990, 1994 and 2002, 2—Poland, 3—

It has five sides. The other three are four sided. 4—USA and Mexico, 5—Six. Clan na

6—

Gael, Dundalk Gaels, Dundalk Young Irelands, Sean O’Mahonys, Na Piarsaigh/Blackrock CLG and

Dowdallshill GFC, 6—China, 7—Cavan, 8—Colin

Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, 9—2, 10—Persia. The Stinker: F.W de Klerk.

Erin McGreehan, TD.

Reinstatement of histopathology services welcomed

THE reinstatement of histopathology services for GP submitted specimens at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda has been welcomed by local patients and GPs. Last February a letter was sent from the Consultant Histopathologist and the Laboratory Manager in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda to all local GP’s confirming that the practice of local GP’s doing histological analysis on samples would cease. They cited capacity issues compounded by a staffing crisis within the pathology service for the change in policy.

The decision meant that GP’s in this area were no longer able to take a biopsy from a suspicious skin lesion, or remove (and curing) a cancer such as a basal cell cancer or a squamous cell cancer – the two most common skin cancers in Ireland.

Those without a medical card were forced to travel to Dublin to visit consultants, often paying €300 or more for the procedure plus costs.

a number of GPs in the area who are more than qualified to treat them.

“Not all GPs have this service or skillset, yet the small number of GPs in the region who do offer it take referrals from other GPs and this has been proven to speed up skin cancer diagnosis and treatment. This is more convenient for the patients, it is cheaper, and it takes the burden off hospital clinics and operating theatres,” stated Dr McKenna.

tention but taking away histopathology services is not the solution to these problems.

A public backlash led by local politicians including Cllr Shane McGuinness and Erin McGreehan TD and local GPs including Dr Sylvia McKenna saw pressure ramp up on the government to reverse that decision. Last Wednesday Dr Sylvia McKenna travelled to Dublin to present a briefing to the Dáil giving the reasons why Histopathology services needed to be restored. Five minutes before she was due

to give that presentation word filtered through that Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD had agreed to restore Histopathology services in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. According to Dr McKenna, a General Practitioner with advanced training and a special interest in medical dermatology, skin surgery, and aesthetic skin treatments who is based in the Fairways Centre, it was a victory for common sense.

“For myself and many other GPs this was a very important issue and the reasons for the cessation of histopathology services just didn’t make any real sense to any of us.

“That decision ended the possibility of a GP in this area taking a biopsy from a suspicious skin lesion, or removing (and curing) lower risk common cancers. We know higher risk cancers should not be treated locally but for these smaller procedures there are

“We didn’t accept the reasons given by the HSE for the cessation of these services as they just didn’t make sense. One of the reasons given for the cessation of histopathology services was staffing capacity issues which we couldn’t accept because the measures they brought in to replace the old system meant that all procedures would still have to be done by the lab anyway just a little later than before. I will say that it is true that Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital does have staffing issues within the lab that deserve at-

“We felt that the actions taken by the hospital contravened Sláinte Care principals. We fought hard to get this overturned and we needed help from our local politicians including Cllr Shane McGuinness who raised it in the North East Health Forum and Erin McGreehan TD who raised it in the Dáil. We were also crucially backed by the Primary Care Surgery Association of Ireland and Primary Care Dermatology Ireland who collectively have a membership of 700 GPs between them so that was important to have them back us,” explained Dr McKenna.

“We received the fantastic news that the decision had been reversed just five minutes before I was due to give a briefing on the subject in Leinster House. I’d like to thank Cllr McGuinness, Erin McGreehan, the Minister for Health and everybody who came together to reverse this decision.

At the end of the day the reinstatement of these services benefits the people of County Louth and that is what is most important,” stressed Dr McKenna.

Cllr Shane McGuinness who had campaigned for the reversal of the decision echoed Dr McKenna’s joy at the decision to reinstate the services.

“In relation to the Forum Meeting held in February this year, I raised a motion on a long running Histopathology services issue for GPsubmitted specimens which thankfully, are to be reinstated at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, marking the end of a yearlong disruption that had forced many patients to seek care outside the region of Louth.

“The hospital is expected to issue correspondence to GPs shortly, confirming that the service—used for analysing specimens such as skin biopsies—will once again be available.

“The motion was seconded by the chair of the

HSE Forum in February, and supported by Cllr Michelle Hall, but no response was given until the Doctors Primary care association brought it to Leinster House last week, and with the support of local Doctors and skin care specialists.

“Confirmation has been received late last week from Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and the office of An Taoiseach Micheál Martin that the service will return.

“In short, this was a great result after nine months of supporting the GP’s on this. But, it’s important to stress, what it shows is that being a part of a committee like the HSE Forum shows that County councillors can, with the hard work, will and determination, have the ability to bring meaningful and life changing topics to these committees which can reach the right outcomes to a very difficult scenario for potentially sick patients,” stated McGuinness.

McGee School of Irish Dance to take on the World in Chicago

THE McGee School of Irish Dance run by sisters Dervla and Nicola McGee will travel to Chicago this week to take part in the World Irish Dancing Championships which be-

gin this weekend. Dervla and Nicola held a Pre-Worlds celebration party in the Lisdoo Bar and Restaurant on Sunday where all seventeen dancers who are travelling to

Chicago attended. The school had a number of fundraisers to help pay for the trip including a Mega Draw and Bingo Singo and both Nicola and Dervla wanted to thank lo-

cal businesses and everybody who supported both events. They also thanked all of the parents and sponsors whose support have helped these children achieve their dreams.

There will be seventeen solo performances and one team (Mixed Ceili) from McGee School of Irish Dance dancers in Chicago this weekend. Good luck to them all!

Dr Kieran McCabe - GP Wicklow, and committee member of Primary Care Surgical Association (PCSA), Senator Alison Comyn, Dr Sylvia McKenna - GP in Dundalk, Erin McGreehan TD, Dr Niall Maguire - GP Navan and committee member of PCSA

Front: Catherine Carey, Laya Connolly, Katie Carolan, Cathair Corley, Doireann Mackin, Killian Ryan, Sarah Hand, Sophie McDonnell. Back: Nicola McGee, Chloe Whelan, Brendan Carolan, Ellie Cooney, Eamon Smith, Lily Shields, Oisin Weldon, Penny Moffett, Eva Nicole Loy, Jack Mulvey, Dervla McGee

Front: Katie Carolan, Sarah Hand, Sophie McDonell and Doireann Mackin. Back: Cathair Corley, Brendan Carolan, Jack Mulvey and Killian Ryan.

The World Irish Dancing Championships take place this weekend in Chicago.

Oisin Weldon, Killian Ryan and Cathair Corley.

The seventeen qualifiers from the McGee School of Irish Dance who travel to Chicago this week for the World Irish Dance Championships.

AGE FRIENDLY LOUTH HELPING OLDER PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTY

By Paul Byrne

AGE Friendly Louth Programme Manager, Sinead McVerry believes initiatives which have been rolled out by Louth County Council over the last number of years have made an active and impactful difference to older people living in County Louth.

Sinead has been with Louth County Council for 26 years, starting off as a library assistant in the library before moving into general service where she undertook a number of different roles including jobs in planning, corporate services, housing and community.

As part of her role in Community Sinead took on the role of Age Friendly Programme Manager. Louth can be considered pioneers of Age Friendly initiatives given the fact that the very first Age Friendly Programme in Ireland was formed in Louth in 2008.Today every county in the country has an Age Friendly Programme with every one of them helping to make life better for anybody over the age of 55.

Derived from the World Health Organisations Global Age Friendly Framework, Age Friendly Ireland is a Local Government led service in Ireland, working with multiple national stakeholders to prepare Ireland’s infrastructure and services for the predicted rapid increase in our older population.

Age Friendly Ireland works directly with older people nationwide to ensure that their voice is heard and valued when it comes to decision making at both policy and operational levels through active consultation. The shared service centre, based in Meath County Council, coordinates 35 local Age Friendly programmes across each local authority area in Ireland.

According to Sinead the model of the Age Friendly Programme started in Louth and has been replicated across the country.

“Louth was the first County to get Age Friendly Accreditation, and the model that was devised here in Co. Louth has been replicated across all of Ireland now and that model consists of our Age Friendly Strategy and then we have our Age Friendly Alliance and our Older People’s Council.

“The Age Friendly Alliance consists of senior decision makers from the council, education providers and the HSE and they will meet every quarter and they will make collective decisions around delivering the strategy. Then we have our Older People’s Council and that’s a group of about 10-12 older people and they will meet every 6-8 weeks and they will discuss issues of interest, issues of concern which are of importance to older people in the county.

“So they will raise any issues they might have and we will try and deal with it collectively at the Older People’s Council and if we can’t deal with it there we would escalate it up to our Age Friendly Alliance and we have our senior decision makers in all our areas in the county and they will deal with the issue and if they can’t help then the final step is to escalate it up to Age Friendly Ireland.

“So to give an example, at the end of last year after that tragic car crash on the Ardee Road where five young people died, our Older People’s Council raised the whole issue of road safety concerns and we decided that this year we would do a road safety campaign and that led to us organising a road safety and community safety event which was attended by over twenty information providers including the Road Safety Authority, the Road Safety Officer here in Co. Louth, An Garda Siochána and lots of other groups who provide support and safety in the county.

“So that sort of thing gives the older people a voice which is very important,” explains Sinead.

Sinead and her team in Age Friendly Louth are currently developing a new Strategy which will aim to make County Louth the ideal place to grow old by promoting the health and social inclusion of older people.

According to Sinead, the strategy focuses on eight key pillars.

“We have eight tenets that we always look at when developing a new strategy and they include improving housing, transportation, public spaces, and social participation, social inclusion, safety and security, designed to enable independent living and ac-

tive community engagement.

In terms of developing this strategy we also looked at what it is we currently have on the ground and what it is that is needed.

“Loneliness has been identified as one of the major issues and there was a number of surveys that came out thee recently in relation to loneliness. We are actually exploring with the HSE at the moment in relation to a pilot scheme with farmers out in the Cooley Peninsula. We’re just looking at how we can develop a programme around that and get funding for it. We will be trying to identify farmers out in the Peninsula who maybe don’t see people, who work on their own and who maybe are not meeting many people on a daily basis. So the programme will address those issues of loneliness and social isolation,” explains Sinead.

“There is also a recognition now that people like to have a choice when it comes to retirement and we also know that lots of people when they get to retirement age are quite happy to walk away from work and move into that next stage of their life. But for those who would like to stay on working whether that’s on a part-time basis or whatever that is something that Age Friendly Ireland are working on this year. So when people do hit retirement age the plan is that there will be options available to them. That could be having them work as a mentor or do some training for new workers but something that means they are not forced to leave a job if they don’t want to.

Housing is one of the key tenets of our strategy and the Age Friendly Alliance will be delivering on our actions in relation to housing. I suppose in terms of Age Friendly Housing that will be something our Older People’s Council will be concerned about and interested in.

“We will also be looking at Right-Sizing as well. Rightsizing for older people involves voluntarily moving from a larger family home into more suitable, smaller, and manageable housing, often purpose-built, energyefficient, and age-friendly, to support independent living, improve quality of life, and reduce maintenance costs. We recently finished Connol-

ly’s Field development just beside Hill St. Bridge so that consists of 70 age friendly units all specifically designed for older people. When we talk about older people we are specifically talking about people over the age of 55,” explains Sinead.

With the ever changing landscape of technology and the advent of AI in recent years, Sinead says that Age Friendly Louth are doing lots to educate the older generation and make them more tech savvy and more aware of potential online scams.

“We had an AI awareness workshop in Drogheda last year and we are hoping to work with my colleagues in Louth Library Services this year in terms of doing more awareness raising around that. I know a lot of us are a bit scared or alarmed at the

thoughts of AI but we are already using it a lot even through our phones without even realising it a lot of the time. Like everybody else older people want to be made aware of both the opportunities and the challenges that come with AI.

“At the end of the day, getting old can be a scary prospect for some and the Age Friendly Programme’s aim is to make County Louth in particular a better place for people to grow old. We have an ageing population and we are all heading in that direction and hopefully we will all be experiencing that someday. And I suppose that is the whole point of our Age Friendly Programme. To make Louth a better place to grow older,” concluded Sinead.

ARDEE GARDEN CARE AND REPAIR PROJECT

THE Ardee Garden Care & Repair Project is an innovative community project which sees Ardee Tidy Towns, Dee Hub, An Garda Síochána, Louth County Council & Age Friendly Louth collaborate to provide free gardening services to older people living in Ardee a rural town in in Co Louth.

The main aim of the service is to assist older people with small gardening projects including grass cutting, garden tidying , weeding and hedge cutting. This community-driven initiative aims to assist those in need by offering essential garden care at no cost.

The need for a garden care and repair service in Mid Louth was identified by Louth OPC member Mary Dunne in 2023 as an urgent requirement in this rural part of Co Louth.

Age Friendly Programme

Manager Sinead McVerry and OPC Chairperson Joe Grogan agreed to lead out on the project and to carry out a scoping exercise with local community groups in Ardee.

Following scoping exercise they identified they would require a number of community partners to help deliver the project. They identified they would need a partner to administer the scheme on the ground locally in Ardee and they would require another partner to carry out the

actual gardening services.

DEE Hub were identified as a potential administration partner, They are a not for profit community resource hub established in Ardee and have a proven track record in administering projects locally .

Ardee Tidy Towns agreed they would provide free gardening services to older and vulnerable people. That could be somebody in hospital who can’t cut the grass or somebody with mobility issues or some sort of a vulnerability. In 2024, the first year of the scheme there were 16 people on the books who were being assisted in their gardens and last year that number grew to 26.

The service provides garden tidying, grass cutting and hedge cutting to older and vulnerable people in Ardee town area.

It’s thought to be the first

of its kind in Ireland, and last February the project won the Best Green Sustainable Initiative award for Louth County Council at the Community and Council Awards, organised by the Local Authority Members Association (LAMA). It was also shortlisted for the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards. The initiative is aimed at older people over 65 years of age and those who are considered vulnerable adults . The project at present covers older people and vulnerable adults living within the municipal boundary of Ardee town only.

However, this year the service will expand to Dunleer following a recent service agreement between Age Friendly Louth and Dunleer Tidy Towns.

Sinead McVerry, Programme Manager for Age Friendly Louth.

Ardee Garden Care and Repair will expand into Dunleer this year.

By Paul Byrne

THE first Age Friendly programme in Ireland was established in Co Louth in 2008.

Part of that programme saw the introduction of the Older People’s Forum but that was replaced in 2023 by a new body called the Older People’s Council.

The Older People’s Council is a key structure of the local Age Friendly Programme where older people who are part of the council discuss issues of interest and concern to older people in County Louth. The OPC brings issues and areas of concerns to the Age Friendly Alliance, and it informs and influences the decision-making process in the Age Friendly Programme.

Indeed it was the older people from Co Louth who helped devise and develop the age friendly programme in the county that has now been rolled out to all 31 Local authorities in Ireland.

Dunleer man, Joe Grogan has been the Chairman of the Older People’s Council for the past three years and he says he enjoys

Older People’s Council plays an important role says Joe AGE FRIENDLY LOUTH’S BUSY YEAR IN 2025

LAST year was a busy year for Age Friendly Louth with a number of initiatives launched locally. These included the OPC members attending a successful AI Awareness Event in Drogheda, promoting digital inclusion in conjunction with TU Dublin.

Age Friendly Louth were successful in securing funding of €10,000 to run phase 2 of the Challenging Ageism Drama Project which promotes positive ageing through the creative arts.

The Age Friendly Louth team participated in a Disability Awareness Event and represented Louth at the Age Friendly Sports Day in Blanchardstown, supporting active ageing and inclusion.

The Louth Age Friendly team

the role and feels that the OPC are an important body to ensure things are improved for older people around County Louth.

“The main aim of the Older People’s Council is to bring issues and areas of concern to the Age Friendly Alliance and we try and influence and inform the decisions that are made in the Age Friendly Programme. We are the voices on the ground that inform the Age Friendly Strategies that are designed to make life easier for older people in Louth.

“We meet up every 4-6 weeks and we chat and give our views on things that are working around the county and things that we feel could be improved. We talk about a number of different topics such as, how safe we feel in the town, housing, loneliness and many other things. We collate information and suggestions and we pass them on to Age Friendly Louth who work with us to put those suggestions into practice.

“One thing that we are looking at right now is trying to get more digital hubs around the county. We want to ensure that older adults have access to and can effec-

aided by the community team in LCC helped with the delivery of over 300 Christmas gift bags to isolated older people across the county. Age Friendly Louth also arranged talks in Dundalk and Drogheda libraries in conjunction with Healthy Louth and Healthy Libraries

Recently, Cramden Tech in conjunction with Louth Library Service gave a series of AI digital media literacy talks focussing on older people, identifying misinformation and fake news in four of the five libraries. These interactive workshops explored how AI is shaping our present and future, while equipping participants with critical media and digital literacy skills.

As part of the Skills for Life programme, Louth Library service partnered with Adapt Age

tively use digital technology to participate in the digital age.

“We want to promote digital literacy and to enable older individuals to access the internet, email and popular apps as well as being able to communicate with friends and family. We also campaign for older people and ask why some older people are forced to retire at 60 or 65 even though they are in good health and might not want to leave their job. People are in general a lot healthier nowadays and living longer and it doesn’t make much sense to me that we are getting rid of highly skilled and highly experienced men and women in jobs who still have a lot more to offer.

“I do think that things are definitely improving and the fact that we now have a dedicated Minister for Older People in the Government shows that we are been taking seriously and being listened to. We just want to support positive ageing and give older people a voice in Louth and I think it is very important to have an Older Person’s Council in the County,” stated Joe.

Friendly to host a Think In focussing on AI. The Workshop was facilitated by The Adapt Age Friendly AI Programme who strive to make AI accessible and relevant to older adults. The team discussed how AI can be integrated into our daily lives but also the risks associated with it.

Libraries throughout Louth hosted Digital Hubs in conjunction with the LMETB in early 2025 offering clinic style dropin sessions for older people to ask questions about their smart phones, iPads and digital devices. This proved very popular and we hope to offer this again in 2026.

Borrowbox is the libraries app/online platform for accessing ebooks, audiobooks and eNewspapers. There are regu-

larly advertised Borrow-box clinics in all libraries to help people learn how to use the digital services on offer. These often focus on older groups who may need to develop their digital skills.

Louth Library Service hosted a series of ‘Skills for Life’ events in partnership with MABS- the Money Advice and Budgeting Service focus on staying online and avoiding scams. Louth Library Service also teamed up

with the Department of Social Protection and Intreo to bring free Employment Support sessions, including a CV and Interview Skills Workshop. This was aimed at people from all ages hoping to get back into work.

Joe Grogan, Chairman of the Older People’s Council with Age Friendly Louth, Programme Manager, Sinead McVerry.

FAMILY NOTICES

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). R.B.

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

Saint Jude, glorious Apostle, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor has caused thee to be forgotten by many, but the Church honours and invokes thee universally as the patron of hopeless cases – of matters despaired off. Pray for me who am so miserable, make use, I implore thee, of that particular privilege accorded to thee, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolations and succour of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations and sufferings, particularly (here make your request) and that I may bless God with thee and all the Elect throughout eternity. I promise thee O blessed Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favour, and I will never cease to honour thee as my special and powerful patron and do all in my power to encourage devotion to thee. Amen. St Jude pray for us. And for all who invoke thy aid St Jude, help of the hopeless, aid me in my distress. Pray for us that we may be admitted into the Company of the blessed, to rejoice in the presence of God forever.

D.W.

DULLAGHAN

Gerry

2nd ANNIVERSARY

Second Anniversary occurs on the 31st of March, of Gerry, late of Marian Park. No one knows the heartache, Of what your parting cost, But God in all His glory, Has gained what we have lost.

Will those who think of Dad today, A little prayer to Jesus say. —Gerry is so sadly missed and loved by his children Catherine, Rosemary and Martin; Martin’s partner Aoife; grandchildren Shane, Gerard, Cian, Jakey and Emma; Gerry’s son-inlaw Paul; brothers and sister; sisters-in-law, cousins and extended family. Gerry’s Anniversary Mass is on Tuesday 31st March, at 10am in St. Patrick’s.

MARTIN

Geraldine and Brendan Joint Anniversary Mass for Geraldine and Brendan Martin, late of Mount Ave, Dundalk. It will be celebrated on 29th March, at 12.30 in the Redemptorist Church. —Always in our hearts from your loving family, sons Barry, Paul and Ciáran, daughters-in-law Philomena and Áine and grandchildren Laura and Séan.

Wheelie Bins

NOVENA NOVENA NOVENA NOVENA NOVENA IN MEMORIAM

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We, Gareth & Debbie, Mok intend to apply for Permission for development at 10 Sandy Grove, Blackrock, Co. Louth, A91 RK79. The development will consist of—1. Demolition of an attached domestic outbuilding 2. Extensions and alterations to the side and front of the existing dwelling 3.Alterations to existing elevations and 4.associated site development works. 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, Town Hall, Crowe Street, Dundalk, from 9. 30 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee €20.00 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. Signed—P. Herr & Associates, Block 4, Third Floor, Quayside Business Park, Mill Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth. A91 KA9R. Tel. 042-9330019. E-mail info@pherr.ie.

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—I, Siobhan Coll, intend to apply for Permission for development at 136 Waterville Crescent, Dundalk, Co. Louth, A91 Y60V. The development will consist of—1. Extension and alterations to an existing dwelling house, 2. Change of part of the rear boundary from a 1.8m high timber fence to a 1.8m high block wall and 3. associated site development works. 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, Town Hall, Crowe Street, Dundalk, from 9. 30 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee €20.00 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. Signed—P. Herr & Associates, Block 4, Third Floor, Quayside Business Park, Mill Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth. A91 KA9R. Tel. 042-9330019. E-mail info@pherr.ie. LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We, Tanola Ltd, intend to apply for retention permission for alterations to light industrial/showroom/warehouse building as previously granted under Planning Ref. No. 19/792, including alterations and reduction of footprint, reduction in building height and elevational changes at Coes Road, Dundalk, 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 9.30 am to 4.30 pm 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.

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We Laurel Hill Contracts Ltd intend to apply for Full planning permission for Amendments to previously granted planning reference number 22174 at ‘The Orchard’, Dromiskin, Co. Louth. Full permission includes removal of previously granted apartment building containing 6 apartments and replacement of same with 5 number dwelling houses (2 pairs of Semi-detached and 1 Detached dwelling unit). Permission also includes for internal road layout modifications, minor alteration to position of previously granted dwellings and all associated amendments to site development works. 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.

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We, Yaqeen Islamic Community Centre Ltd., intend to apply for permission for a change of use from retail warehouse to community facility/place of worship at Long Walk, Dundalk, Co. Louth, A91 T2HE. 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 9.30 am to 4.30 pm 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.

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—I, Paul McArdle, intend to apply for planning permission for alterations to a previously granted planning permission reference number 2460150 (Alterations and extensions to my existing dwelling comprising of single storey extensions to the front / side and rear, internal alterations and all associated site development works) currently under construction, the alteration will comprise of alterations to the as granted elevations with particular reference to the proposed new flat roof; which will be changed to a pitch roof to match the existing / original roof and all site development works at Newtownbalregan, Dundalk, Co. Louth, A91 Y045. 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.

PERSON REQUIRED for help with weekly light housework. Flexible days and times available. Dundalk area. Preferably 2 hours twice a week. Please contact 087 9974770.

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.

HOUSE TO LET—2 Bed Terraced House In Carlingford available to rent immediately. Kitchen/Diner, Sitting Room, Downstairs Toilet. Can be furnished or Unfurnished. Contact TBC.

CHIMNEY & STOVE CLEANING—Tel Paul McArdle 087 6660094 / 042 9332491 Email:tribalky@yahoo.com.

CHIMNEY CLEANER—The Clean sweep, clean & tidy, no dust. Brush & Vac. Also gutter cleaning. Contact - Cathal 087-2259799.

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.

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.

TAKE THE HASSLE OUT of your garden. I do it all. Grass cutting, Hedge Cutting, Weeding, Strimming, Power washing, Gutter Cleaning, Fence Painting, General DIY, Flat Pack Assembly, Removals. Contact Catriona 087 3172109.

ROOFING AND BUILDING contractor available. Repairs and new builds. Fully insured. Contact Mark Carney on 087 1302040 for enquiries.

TREE SERVICES—Tree surgery, stump grinding, wood chipping & pruning. Conifer hedge reduction and ash die back removal. Fully Insured & Certified. Contact Chambers on 087 2750825 Email rchambers2008@ yahoo.ie.

EXPERIENCED CARPENTER AVAILABLE—Free quotes available. Services include Doors, Locks, Flooring, Skirting, Damp and Leak Repairs, Architraves, Built in Units, Roofing, Fencing, Side gates, Partician Walls and Plasterboarding. Any small Jobs also included. Contact Mark 083 4162364.

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.

PAINTING SERVICES AVAILABLE—Interior and exterior plus Wallpapering, also sprayed and hand painted kitchens, all work carried out by professional trades men. Tel Brian 087 7558506.

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.

KEVIN McMAHON Electrical Dundalk, small household jobs, safe electrical approved Tel 087 2548221 after 5pm.

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.

HEDGE CUTTING—Tree pruning, general garden maintenance & clearance, power washing & gutter cleaning. Lawns cut large and small in Darver and surrounding areas. Contact 087 2296441.

ALL-IN-ONE property maintenance, painting & decorating, general building maintenance carried out, domestic or commercial, gutter cleaning, dust free sanding, no job too big or too small, quality but affordable, contact Ian 0874158238.

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.

REIKI VISIONS—Tera Mia Reiki and Seichem Master. Book your treatment today. Call or Whatsapp Sean on 087 4580129.

CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING— Trusted for over 30 years. Expert care, sparkling results. Call Patrick on 0872492325 or visit www.carpetcleaningservices.ie.

PAT THE PAINTER—Indoor & outdoor decorating. Wallpapering, Power Washing, Picture, Mirror and Curtain Pole Hanging, Painting Kitchen Units & Furniture, DIY. Free quotations Email patthepainter1@gmail. com Mob 087 2951047.

DMC GARDEN Maintenance services. Hedges, shrub trimming, shaping or removal. Large lawns mowed ride on mower, strimming, weeding beds, moss removal, demolition and removal of old sheds, fencing etc and more. All works to a very high standard at keen rates. For free quote please call 087 7019178.

PLUMBER AVAILABLE—Bathroom renovations, Oil Boiler fitting and servicing, Attic Tanks and cylinder replacements. Can also install inside and outside taps etc etc. No Job too small. Contact Paul on 086 8897989.

ALL-SEASONS Gardening Services. Gardens cleaned and cleared, tree felling, hedge cutting, stone, gravel, chippings. Steam cleaning roofs & driveways. Roof repairs. Local, professional, fully insured. Tel Sean 087 349 5477.

KINGFISHER INDEPENDENT PAINTER & Decorator, Interior & Exterior Painting, wallpapering. Clean, punctual & professional, fully insured, over 30 years’ experience Tel 083 838 0846.

CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY Cleaning services. Keen Rates. Contact Michael 086 8603089.

LOCAL PAINTING SERVICES—Interior & Exterior Painting. Kitchen Cabinet & Furniture Painting – Renew your Kitchen with a fresh look. Domestic/ Commercial & Industrial. For a professional, reliable service Tel 085 7280503.

POWER WASHING—All your power washing needs patios, walls, work yards, driveways, domestic and commercial including Schools/creches, no job too big or too small. Telephone Ian 087 4158238.

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.

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

WEEKLY BEGINNER Sewing Classes starting 15th April, in Jocelyn Street, Dundalk, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact Blathnaid 086 0312003.

GUITAR LESSONS available, beginners to intermediate, all ages welcome. Dundalk area Tel 083 1572608.