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DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Sinead predicts busy tourist season Page 4

Ryan to climb Everest for DDR Page 10

Ó Murchú eases vaccine concerns

“Let’s win it for Charlie”

Page 13

Wednesday, 26th May, 2021. Vol. 14, Issue 21 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

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

By Paul Byrne

Fans vent fury as tensions mount

Friends and family of the late Charlie Murray will be paying close attention to the Champion Open Unraced Stake final in Kilkenny this Friday evening with the hope that a local greyhound named in his honour can bring home the €10K first prize. Charlie, from St Nicholas Avenue was a hugely popular figure and according to his friend and neighbour Mickey McEneaney, he was a real character and has been sadly missed since his passing in 2014. “Charlie was great fun to be around and he was always up for the craic. He used to enjoy going in to Bennetts Pub in Bridge St. for a pint and he was famous for his catchphrase ‘Get away from me’ which he used to shout in a good natured way to anybody who was near him. Dundalk FC fans protesting outside Oriel Park on Friday evening. Full story Page 2. Continued on Page 2

Fans vent fury as tensions mount Dundalk Leader 26th May 2021

The large banner outside Oriel Park last Friday evening said it all as a group of about 150 Dundalk FC fans sent a message to club chairman Bill Hulsizer with the words ‘We want our club back’. Dundalk are currently owned by US Investment firm Peak 6 who bought the club from local businessmen Paul Brown and Andy Connolly at the beginning of 2018. Mike Treacy was brought in as chairman but at the end of 2019 he announced he was stepping down with immediate effect with Peak 6 replacing him with Florida based Bill Hulsizer (father of Peak 6 founder and owner Matt Hulsizer). Over the past year many fans patience with the current chairman has been wearing thin with some accusing him of interfering in team affairs, employing unqualified coaches and offering club

Bill Hulsizer, Chairman, Dundalk FC. legends derisory contracts which saw the likes of Sean Gannon, Sean Hoare, John Mountney and Dane Massey leave for pastures new. Dundalk’s poor start to the season has only exacerbated supporters worries and the result was last Friday’s protest where fans called for the immediate removal of Hulsizer

as club chairman. One of the organisers of that protest was lifelong supporter Ben Connolly who revealed that there will be a second protest ahead of the Waterford game on the 11th of June if their concerns weren’t answered. “We are very happy with how the protest went last Friday evening. The main thing for us was to ensure it was a peaceful protest and we made that loud and clear to everyone who was attending. I have been going to Oriel Park since I was a kid in 2010 and it is heart-breaking to see how bad things have got over the last year or so. I can remember fans going around collecting money in buckets back in 2011 and 2012 to keep the club alive and I don’t want that to happen again,” stated Ben. “Myself and many supporters think it is very clear at this stage that Bill Hulsizer is

not fit for purpose to be chairman of our club and some of the decisions he has made over the past year have been baffling to say the least. “We are not asking for Peak 6 to leave but we are asking them to put in a chairman who can bring this club forward and get us back to where we need to be. Over the last year we have seen some of the best ever players this club leave this club due to Bill’s indecisiveness and as well as that we have lost so many brilliant volunteers and staff who have either left or were asked to leave. There is a disconnect between the club and its supporters and it needs to be fixed. We are fully behind the new supporters club which has been set up and to be honest in hindsight we should have did something about all of this sooner. “I think last year’s Europa

League qualification and FAI Cup win papered over the cracks somewhat but now it is up to us to continue our protest until the message is received by Bill Hulsizer. We will give it a bit of time to see what response we get from the club and the board and if our concerns aren’t listened to the plan is to have a second protest on the 11th of June ahead of the Waterford game. There is a toxic atmosphere in Oriel Park these days because of Bill and we won’t rest until we get our club back,” concluded Ben. Meanwhile it was a mixed few days on the pitch for Jim Magilton’s side with Friday evening’s excellent 2-1 victory over reigning champions Shamrock Rovers all but forgotten by Monday evening following an embarrassing 5-1 defeat against Bohemians in Dalymount Park.

Let’s win it for Charlie REQUIRED Full Time & Part Time

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Paul and Martin Sharkey with GETAWAYFROMME. From Page 1 “There is a local greyhound breeder and trainer from Kilcurry called Martin Sharkey and he would have been good pals with Charlie so a couple of years ago he decided to name one of his pups after Charlie’s famous catchphrase in honour of his pal. Martin owns the dog with Paul Sharkey and the two have them have a very high opinion of the dog. Last Friday evening GETAWAYFROMME finished 2nd in the semi-final of the Champion Open Unraced meeting in Kilkenny which was good

enough to see him qualify for this Friday’s final. It would be a great story if GETAWAYFROMME can do the business this Friday evening and win the race for Martin in Charlie’s memory,” stated Mickey. Speaking ahead of Friday’s final GETAWAY F R O M M E ’ s co-owner and trainer Martin Sharkey said his prized greyhound had every chance of success this Friday. “He finished like a train on Friday and if he can manage a good start this weekend he’ll be there or thereabouts. I would love to win the

race for Charlie as we go way back and were friends for years. I have known Charlie since the 60’s and we would have went to greyhound meetings together or for a pint in Bennetts and he was always great fun. He was a brilliant character and would always have a yarn to spin and when he passed away a few years ago I wanted to honour him by naming a good dog after him. We’ll go to Kilkenny on Friday evening all going well with the dog this week and hopefully we can win the race for our old friend Charlie,” stated Martin.

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Dundalk Leader 26th May 2021

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Dundalk Leader 26th May 2021

Kind-hearted Ciaran auctions jersey in aid of tragic Alan’s family Local footballer Ciaran O’Connor will auction his jersey this week to try and raise funds for the family of Alan Keely who tragically passed away earlier this month at the age of just 38. Alan was the son of Dundalk FC legend Dermot Keely who has both played for and managed the Lilywhites. Ciaran is currently playing with Glentoran in the Northern Irish Premiership which also happens to be a former club of Dermot who he signed for after his spell with Dundalk. The current Glens midfielder has offered to auction the jersey he wore in last year’s Sadler’s Peaky Blinders Irish Cup Final victory over Ballymena United. Glentoran won the cup final that night with Ciaran brilliantly setting up Robbie McDaid for a winner in extra-time. Speaking to Glentoran’s website Ciaran stated that he knew Alan and he wanted to do something to help out his family following his

was the least I could do for such a well-known and well-respected family. I know the great Glens support will rally behind Alan’s family with this auction. Dermot Keely expressed his gratitude towards Ciaran for his kind-hearted gesture saying it ‘spoke volumes of the man’. “I would like to say a sincere thank you to

Ciaran O’Connor for his magnificent gesture. Giving up your Cup Winners jersey is an unbelievable thing to do and speaks volumes of the man. All proceeds are going to the family of my deceased son Alan, who passed away suddenly 3 weeks ago at the age of 38. “I loved my time at the Glens and have wonderful memories of how they took me to their heart. I always felt part of the Glentoran family and still do to this day. I want to thank all the supporters for their many messages and calls during this difficult time and again to express my appreciation to Ciaran and Ian for making this possible”. Bids for the shirt – which will be framed by the club – start at £100. The auction was launched on Monday evening (24th May) and will close on Sunday 30th May. Details on how to bid are available to read on the Glentoran FC website.

COVID-19. “We are getting a tonne of enquiries about the Táin Trail Cycling Route which is a 365 miles route which runs from Rathcroghan in Co. Roscommon, to the

Cooley Peninsula in Co. Louth and back again. It is fully signposted with distinctive Brown Bull finger post signs, as well as pictorial maps located in key towns along the route. We are also getting a lot of queries about hiking in the area and I know personally from being on lots of these Failte Ireland zoom meetings that there are plenty of local businesses getting involved in those workshops to get advice for the upcoming tourist season and there is a lot of optimism around. “Obviously it will be a shorter holiday season than usual but we are expecting a very busy couple of months which is good news for all involved in local tourism,” stated Sinead.

Ciaran with his cup final shirt in front of Dermot’s image in the newly redecorated Glentoran Captain’s Lounge. tragic passing. “The Keely family is a well-known football family especially in my hometown of Dundalk. Alan’s dad Dermot was an excellent footballer and had a great football and managing career. I never knew Dermot personally, but I did know Alan. I had watched him numerous times in the League of Ireland and then he played lo-

cal football in Dundalk for a local team called Rangers. “My Dad was manager of Rangers at the time, and he was always a standout performer at that level. I loved watching him. With Alan’s dad playing for Glentoran for a while and me so happy at the club I thought it would be a great idea to auction my cup final winning jersey off. It

Sinead expecting a busy summer for local tourist industry As the country begins to re-open many families are starting to plan holidays this summer with the majority expected to stay in the country this year. According to Dundalk Tourist Officer Sinead Roche there have been plenty of enquiries to her office over the last number of weeks and she is expecting a busy couple of months ahead for local tourism. “There is definitely more of a buzz around lately especially since the government lifted restrictions on intercounty travel earlier this month. “We have had plenty of people ringing the tourist office enquiring about things to do locally with regards to festivals and events this summer and also looking for

Sinead Roche. accommodation. It is mainly Irish people ringing this year so far and we are not expecting too many overseas enquiries to be honest given everything that is happening in the world with regards to

Dundalk Leader 26th May 2021

Meego remembered on what would have been his 21st birthday

Last May Dundalk RFC senior rugby player Caolan Meegan passed away in his sleep at the tender age of 19. He had suffered from epilepsy and earlier this month his family came together to celebrate his life on the first anniversary of his passing whilst also raising awareness of epilepsy in young athletes. Last weekend Meego would have celebrated his 21st birthday and once again his former teammates and family gathered to remember him while also penning the following tribute. “Rugby provided Meego

and his Dundalk Millenium teammates with some of the best experiences of their lives. Sharing victories, feeling camaraderie and forming relationships are all things that those who have played rugby remember. The importance of these relationships and being part of a tight group is part of what makes it so difficult when tragedy strikes a team. The untimely death last May of Dundalk RFC Senior Player Caolan Meegan (Meego) is a sad reminder of how fleeting life can be. When a player dies it offers an opportunity for

teammates, coaches, parents, family and friends to come together in their grief. This was denied to Meego’s teammates due to lockdown restrictions making their loss so much more distressing and solitary. There was not the support of each other to mourn openly and to get back to some form of normality which for them would have involved them getting back to their previous selves on the rugby pitch. “It seemed only fitting that many of Meegos Dundalk RFC Millenium Teammates would join his adored parents

Patrick and Julie, his much loved brothers Stefan and Ryan and his extended family on the occasion this weekend of Meego’s 21st Birthday to celebrate his young life and to honour his friendship. This Team that we came to know at Mill Road affectionately as “ the Millenium babies”, all born in the Milllennium year in 2000, all of whom have always shared a special bond with each other and all who epitomised the ethos of family at Dundalk RFC, brothers who have always been there for each other through the good

Paddy welcomes funding for trade apprenticeships The news that almost €2m has been awarded to DkIT to expand its apprenticeship capacity in the North East has been welcomed by the chairperson of the Board of Governors in the college, Paddy Malone. The allocation was announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD on Monday and will ensure that more people can stay and study locally in the region while completing their trade apprenticeships. A total of €1,901,045 was allocated to the Electrical and Plumbing trades (Post September 2021 intake) and a further 50k for the Plumbing trade for this Septembers intake. According to Paddy the news was especially good as DkIT got the highest amount

Paddy Malone. percentage wise of any other college. “Minister Harris made the announcement earlier today while meeting with the Drogheda Chamber of Commerce and we ended up getting a very good chunk

of the pie which was worth €20m in total. We got more than any other college when you take the size of each institution into account so obviously we are delighted,” stated Paddy. “Minister Harris

acknowledged that DkIT is not currently in a consortium situation with regards to becoming a TU so he is determined to ensure that we are not left behind by giving us this large slice of the pie. This is a real vote of confidence in both the region and in DkIT. “We are grateful for the good work of the HEA and Dr Michael Mulvey and his team for helping to get this money and we will be using the Carroll Building on campus for the extra apprenticeship courses coming into the college,” added Paddy. As we rebuild our economy there will be a big demand for trades such as plumbers and electricians and this funding will allow more people to train in sectors that will provide them with good jobs,” he concluded.

times and in the times when they have been tested by what life has thrown at them. In the blink of an eye Meego was gone from them like a shooting star, taken from them way too soon. “They say a man’s friendships are the best measure of his worth. Meego surrounded himself with people who added value to his life. Meego’s teammates challenged him to be greater than he was the game before, they sprinkled magic on his existence just like he did on theirs,” read the message.

Meego’s teammates pictured with his adored Dad Paddy from left Flyn Kiernan, Iarla Carroll, David Murdock, Ronan Greene and Jack Connolly with the Meegan Family to celebrate him on his 21st Birthday this weekend.

World MS Day this Sunday World MS Day takes place this Sunday to raise awareness for people living with Multiple Sclerosis. In today’s current climate, the day takes on new importance as the 9,000 people in Ireland living with MS have faced various challenges throughout the pandemic.  The theme for World MS Day 2020-2022 is ‘connections’. The MS Connections campaign is all about building community connection, self-connection and connections to quality care.  Multiple Sclerosis Ireland is pleased to announce that World MS Day 2021 will take place Sunday, May 30th to raise awareness and support people living with MS, the most common debilitating neurological condition affecting young adults in Ireland. The theme of World MS Day this year is ‘connections’ and the campaign is about challenging social barriers and stigma that can leave people affected by MS feeling lonely and isolated, Building communities that support and nurture people af-

Sorcha Boyle. fected by MS, Promoting self-care and healthy living with MS, Lobbying decision-makers for better services and effective treatment for people with MS. It is an opportunity to advocate for better services, celebrate support networks and champion self-care.  Sorcha Boyle, Louth, Living With MS.  “Almost we soon as I was diagnosed, I made a conscious decision to find other people with MS. There is no MS in my family, I am the only person in a large extended family who

has it. My local branch in Louth have been fantastic and it is largely down to connecting with other people with MS in my area that I have been able to maintain a positive mindset towards living with multiple sclerosis. I am actively engaged with branch activities and am a committee member. Covid over the past year has meant that our traditional gettogethers and support meetings have been massively curtailed, but we are a resourceful bunch and have moved to online zoom coffee evenings and exercise sessions until such time as we are all able to come together again. On a personal level, I contracted covid during the second wave, in mid-October last year. I was very anxious, as I had started Ocrevus five months beforehand, in the midst of the first wave, and was worried that my immunosuppressed self would have little to fight it with. 2 weeks prior to my testing positive for covid, I had had the seasonal flu and pneumonia jabs, and I genuinely believe these jabs helped me to

avoid becoming seriously ill with covid. It is now 7 months since I had covid, I’ve had my second full dose of Ocrevus (two days ago!) and I also had my first covid vaccination in March, I will get my second and be fully vaccinated by mid June. Being able to connect online has been invaluable in these times but I am very much looking forward to seeing everyone again! I have found my tribe courtesy of MS and it’s going to be fantastic to see them all in person soon, covid has meant that I’ve also gotten to know people with MS from other parts of the country too. Vaccination is our way out of this, I urge you all to get vaccinated, there will be a time when we’ll look back on covid, and be awestruck at how it fundamentally changed the world. We can tell our grandchildren in the future how we all lived through a global pandemic! Happy World MS Day to you all, and I’m very much hoping we will get to have our national conference next year, and keep on making those connections!

IFA & RSA issue road safety appeal as silage season starts With silage cutting season underway, the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are appealing to drivers of farming machinery and other road users to share the road safely. With national travel restrictions now lifted and traffic volumes increasing, the roads are getting much busier. There are more people out walking, cycling, and riding horses on the public road at this time of year, and these ac-

tivities have also become more popular during the current pandemic. Both organisations want farming contractors and other drivers to remember this and to always be on the lookout for such vulnerable road users. IFA President Tim Cullinan said “it’s going to be a busy time on farms in the coming weeks as farming contractors bring in silage around the country. Both the IFA and the RSA are renewing our annual appeal for motorists to be on

the lookout for tractors, trailers and other agricultural machinery exiting from fields and farmyards. We are also asking anyone driving farm machinery, especially on rural roads, to cut back on their speed, not to get distracted and understand that around every corner could be a neighbouring family or friend out for a walk, a cycle or maybe riding a horse. We all need to expect the unexpected because the road has become an ever-changing environ-

ment since the pandemic began.” Mr. Sam Waide, Chief Executive, RSA, “This is a very busy time of year for farmers. The number of tractors and trailers out using the roads will increase dramatically. I am asking all drivers to be on the lookout for tractors, trailers and other farm machinery on the road. If you are travelling behind farm machinery, please be patient and only overtake when it’s safe to do so. Farmers should be aware of traffic

building up behind them and keep left where possible and safe to do so to allow other vehicles pass safely. Travel restrictions have only recently lifted and drivers may very well be rusty because they haven’t driven much in recent months. It is important that drivers recognise this, pay extra attention to the road and always be on the lookout for other road users.” Drivers of agricultural vehicles are being reminded that they are subject to

all road traffic legislation. They are required to carry the appropriate licence and farm vehicles are required to be taxed, insured and must be roadworthy, including fully operational lights front and rear. Farmers are also being reminded of the following safety tips: Plan and prepare for all work with machinery. Always allow adequate time for the job. Always practice the SAFE STOP procedure. Reverse park safely, hand-

brake on, controls in neutral, lower all attachments, engine off and remove keys! Carry out regular checks and maintenance of all farm vehicles, particularly brakes. Never remove or modify guards in order to save time. Only use machines if you know how to use them safely and have received suitable training. Always drive at a safe speed and know your limits.

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Dundalk Leader 26th May 2021

HSE urge public to avoid gatherings to protect Leaving Cert students

The Public Health Department North East is urging people in Louth and Meath to limit their social contacts and avoid gatherings to protect Leaving Certificate students in the run-up to next month’s exams. The majority of COVID-19 cases in schools in the North East have been linked to cases outside the school environment. Social gatherings are unfortunately contributing to the spread of COVID-19 among children, young people and subsequently in

schools in the North East. Dr Augustine Pereira, Director of Public Health North East, said: “We need to protect our school environments from exposure to COVID-19, especially Leaving Cert students who plan to sit the examinations in the coming weeks.” “We don’t want to see students contract COVID-19, or be a close contact of an infected person, and not be able to sit the exams, which start on June 9. With just a few weeks remaining, we strongly encourage

students and their families to act responsibly and not to attend any social events/ parties which may increase their risk of catching or spreading COVID-19.” “We are concerned about settings where multiple households are coming together and undermining the importance of public health guidelines. We all collectively need to recommit to being cautious and vigilant of how our actions outside our household impacts others.” Dr Sean Denyer, Spe-

cialist in Public Health Medicine, who leads the Department’s Schools Teams, said: “We are aware of gatherings and birthday parties that are being organised. These gatherings have become super spreader events that have resulted in an increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases in the community. We understand how frustrating all this is for young people, who have done an incredible job so far, but are asking them to be really careful in the coming weeks

St Vincent’s students have the IT factor

At a time when Information Technology and computers are becoming a central part of our home lives as well as our work lives, St. Vincent’s School is leading the field and this term has seen them achieve great success in a number of areas. The school was chosen as one of the pioneers in Computer Science as a recognised Leaving Certificate subject. They recently attained the CESI (The Computers in Education Society of Ireland) Award which recognises the innovative work undertaken by St. Vincent’s School as part of a Phase 1 Leaving Certificate Computer Science School. Under the guidance of IT teacher Patrick O’Brien, Transition Year students Sarah Carey, Victory Joshua and Emily Swan were selected to represent St. Vincent’s in the Digital Champions national program.

to protect both themselves and their friends.” “We all need to work together to protect students during these times. We are stressing the importance of limiting your contacts with others outside of your household. Adhering to public health guidelines is key to keeping students safe,” he added. You can help protect your local school community by: Avoiding social gatherings, such as indoor meetings, birthday parties,

First Year students Rachel Gorman, Jessica Hoey, Shona Cavaroli, Freya McKenna and Anna Synott who took part in the AWS GetIT program. The School Digital Champion programme is a government initiative which aims to motivate, encourage and support schools in embracing digital technology. The programme involves second level students completing a project using their skills and technology to make a difference either to their school/home, the wider community or in a local business. First Year students were also working hard when two teams entered the newly launched

AWS (Amazon Web Services) GetIT program. The free program is specially designed to introduce more secondary school students aged 12 to 13 – particularly girls – to cloud computing and digital skills in order to inspire them to consider a career in technology. AWS GetIT invites teams from different schools to participate in an app-building competition to solve real issues faced by their school or community. Thirty eight schools

from Ireland and Northern Ireland were registered to take part – including schools in counties Dublin, Sligo, Down, Louth, Galway, Limerick, Mayo, Laois, and Roscommon and St.Vincent’s were among some of the successful applicants who made it to the semi-final. Anna Synott, Freya McKenna, Jessica Hoey, Rachel Gorman, Shona Cavaroli from 1 Connolly class developed the GoGreen App which aims to encourage young people in

their local community to become more environmentally friendly. The judges commended the girls on their presentation, noting the clarity and passion they showed for the topic, as well as their excellent data research. 1Mac Diarmada students Rachel Dania, Kate Daly, Sophie McGee, EllieMay Sharkey & Madeleine Cristal also took part in the initiative and Mr. O’Brien commended them on their hard work.

events in groups. Further social mixing outside the school environment increases the risk of transmission. Pupils and staff can be protected at school by a number of mitigation measures during break time, on the school bus, before and after school etc. These measures include face coverings where recommended, socially distancing, and frequent hand washing. If anyone in your household has symptoms consistent with COVID-19,

the individual should selfisolate and arrange a free COVID-19 test. You and other household members should stay at home until test results are known. Exercising this level of precaution could prevent an outbreak from occurring at your school or among friends and family. If you are contacted by Public Health North East, please follow all instructions and advice to best ensure the safety of everyone, and to minimise onward spread of any infection.

Paul fascinated by the world of bees A DUNDALK man who is a bee master has spoken about the fascinating world of bees to mark World Bee Day on Thursday, May 20. Co Louth Beekeepers’ Association Chairman Paul Boyle from The Laurels started beekeeping in 2007. “It was founded in 1910 on Crowe Street. Today, the association has approximately 120 members. “This year 72 beginners took part in an online course about bees. Prior to this year, the beginners’ course was held face-to-face. “We teach the basics about equipment and the occupants of the hive, diseases and what’s normal. We also teach swarm control and how to extract and prepare honey.” Paul added: “We are hobbyists. It’s very hard to be commercial in Ireland due to the weather. A lot of people get into it because of environmental awareness. “People want to save the bees. The other as-

Paul Boyle. pect to it is that it’s a skill, a craft and you can get something out of it. “I’m the first beekeeper in my family but I’ve always had an interest in nature and the environment.” He continued: “I saw an ad in the local newspaper for a course and five years later I qualified as a bee master. “I’m also an international honey judge – one of only ten in the world. I qualified in 2017 and

I sit on the Executive Council of the National Honey Show in the UK. “I’m the first ever Irish person to sit on the council. Beekeeping is fascinating. You learn new things every day. The most important thing is bees don’t read the book. Bees will manage themselves and we try and intervene to look after them.” For more information visit www.louthbeekeeping.com.

Louth County Council serve up a treat for table tennis fans

LOUTH County Council is planning to place outdoor table tennis tables in selected locations after backing a motion put forward by Sinn Fein Cllr Thomas Sharkey. The following motion was put forward by the Colaiste Chu Chulainn principal: “This council is proud of the provision of public open spaces and notes the importance of these facilities. “Louth County Council will place outdoor table tennis tables in se-

lected locations as a pilot to encourage physical activity.” Thomas told Dundalk Leader that there was “a bit of curiosity about the motion” and “unanimous support” for it. “The council committed to putting it into the council’s play policy. That’s crucial because we need to fill the gaps in Louth,” he said. “Public parks have swings and slides for the tots but it’s important we have facilities for all

age groups. “Cllr Maeve Yore said it’s accessible for people with wheelchairs as table tennis is a wheelchair adaptable activity.” Thomas added: “My awareness of this issue came through Covid. The schools had to find a way to have physical education with minimal contact. “Badminton, athletics and other fitness suite activities suited but we found the students loved table tennis.

“Mr Simon Nicks is our head of PE. He’s also the Northern Ireland U19 soccer coach, he introduced the school to table tennis tournaments and it became so popular that our ten tables weren’t enough for all those who wanted to play.” He continued: “So we had to expand outdoors. We used government grants and LMETB procurement procedures to acquire four concrete ta- Toma Peradinovic, Fifth year and Connor Maddy, Fifth year playing outdoor table tennis at bles with metal nets.” Colaiste Chu Chulainn.

Dundalk Leader 26th May 2021

Co Louth Volunteering Framework launched Last Friday Minister Joe O’Brien of the Department of Rural and Community Development completed National Volunteering Week 2021 activities here in Louth by launching the County Louth Volunteering Framework 2020 - 2023. Volunteering and the work of volunteers has been shown to be essential to our communities over the past year but is something that will need to be nurtured and supported as we emerge from COVID-19. This Framework document, the first of its kind at County level in Ireland, will shape policy and resourcing in relation to volunteering in Louth in the coming years. It recognises and values the contribution of volunteers; seeks to expand the demographics of volunteering; supports those who support volunteers and aims to help make it easier for people in Louth to access voluntary activity. Speaking at the virtual launch event, Minster O’Brien stated; “‘For a small county Louth has really punched above its weight with the launch of this vision for volun-

Minister Joe O’Brien.

teering in the county and it is leading the way nationally in terms of what other counties could be doing. It’s a credit to all involved and real evidence of what can be achieved with true collaborative working. Volunteering makes a huge contribution to our quality of life, and the health of our volunteers and our communities. It provides opportunities for all age groups to involve themselves, consciously and actively, in their own development and in the development of society. Involvement in Community initiatives empowers people and provides them with the opportunity and framework to make a difference in the locality in which they live. That’s

what makes volunteers so important; it’s a win win for all concerned, for the individual and the greater community here in Louth who will be strengthened by this new Framework. I would like to congratulate all of those who collaborated on the development of the Framework and wish you well as you move forward with its implementation”. The delivery of the Framework will be overseen by an Implementation Group appointed by Louth Local Community Development Committee (LCDC). Joan Martin, Chair of Louth LCDC noted “If nothing else the past year has proven the value of volunteers and volunteering to our communities. Here in Louth we have a vibrant volunteering community, as seen in the response to the COVID 19 crisis, however we also recognise that this is something that needs to be nurtured and supported. As the Chair of Louth Local Community Development Committee and Chief Executive of Louth County Council I am proud that we are the first County

Cllr Yore praises Louth Volunteer Centre

Kayleigh Mulligan (Louth Volunteer Centre), Cllr Maeve Yore and Triona Faapito (Louth Sports Partnership.

Independent Councillor Maeve Yore is delighted that Louth has lead the way during National Volunteering Week by being the first in Ireland to launch the County Louth Volunteering Framework 2020-2023. Councillor Yore feels it will help locally and nationally to embed volunteering into our daily lives. This Volunteering Framework will shape local resourcing and policy and will give an integrated approach to promote and support our volunteers from diverse backgrounds. “As a lifelong Volunteer and former Board Member of Louth Volunteer Centre I know the positive impact volunteering has and It’s

worth noting Louth Volunteers have played a pivotal and vital role during this Covid pandemic with over 70 voluntary organisations with hundreds of volunteers across Louth answering their communities call” she said. I feel this Framework which is strongly aligned to the National Volunteering Strategy 2021-2025 can only enhance and build on the safe, effective, expert volunteer standards needed moving forward. I commend Louth Volunteer Centre’s vibrant, dynamic staff lead by Gráinne Berrill, Louth Community Development Committee and Louth Leader Partnership for their collaborative work on this project.”

to deliver a Volunteering Framework and to recognise the value of volunteering at County level in this way.” The Framework was informed by an in-depth consultation process involving over 350 people across Louth. Louth Volunteer Centre secured funding the LEADER Rural Development Programme to appoint BluZebra as consultants

to undertake this process. Ciarán Reid, CEO of Louth LEADER Partnership remarked at the launch “This framework is actually a national achievement and a milestone for our County. It appreciates that there is a place for all citizens in our society to participate at community level. We are very pleased to be associated with it and look forward to working

with Louth Volunteer Centre and Louth Local Community Development Committee in supporting the implementation of the Volunteering Framework” Gráinne Berrill, Louth Volunteer Centre Manager noted “People from all walks of life, ages and backgrounds volunteer. They are quietly making a difference to all our lives. In Louth

Volunteer Centre our vision is that our community will be enriched by the benefits of volunteering. This Framework recognises, supports and formalises the volunteering ecosystem and conditions required to empower people to volunteer and to feel the inherent enriching benefits of volunteering. It is really exciting to be the first County in Ireland

to develop such a model and we can’t wait to get stuck into achieving it’s outcomes!” To request a copy of the County Louth Volunteering Framework, or if you would like to find out anything relating to volunteering in Louth, contact Louth Volunteer Centre at 0419809008, info@volunteerlouth.ie or www. volunteerlouth.ie.

Dundalk Leader 26th May 2021

Ryan to climb Everest for Dundalk Dog Rescue A LOCAL man who is planning to climb Island Peak in the Himalayas later this year in aid of Dundalk Dog Rescue has said he is determined to complete the challenge. Ryan Doherty from Ravensdale has been busy preparing for the 24-day trek in October by hiking in the Wicklow Mountains. “I did a 40km hike last Saturday in around 8 hours 45 minutes. It was tough as I’m used to hiking for four to five hours around the Cooley Mountains and the Mournes,” said Ryan.

“I’m doing the climb because I’m trying to raise funds for Dundalk Dog Rescue and to raise awareness about puppy farming. “Young puppies from puppy farms can be sold between €1,000 and €3,000 and puppy smuggling is now the third-largest form of illegal smuggling, after drug and gun smuggling.” Ryan added: “I will go to Everest Base Camp and from there to Island Peak. I decided not to attempt to reach the summit of Mount Everest because it’s quite dangerous.”

“A lot of people die trying to climb Everest and I’m only 27. I still have plenty of living to do. I’ll leave it to the professionals for now.” Two climbers from the United States and Switzerland died on Mount Everest recently, the first fatalities of this year’s season. On average, around five climbers die every year on the world’s highest peak. “Island Peak is 6,189m or 20,305ft. It’s not going to be easy. It’s going to be tough as it’s one of the most extreme challenges,” he said.

Niamh Kelly Ozturk took this beautiful sunrise picture from her house in Blackrock at 5.30am two weeks ago at sunrise.

“To put it in perspective our own Slieve Foy is 550m so Island Peak is 11 times the size of Slieve Foy. “The goal is to raise €20,035, the height of Island Peak. I will make it, there’s no doubt there. I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro before.” Ryan has set up a Gofundme page in a bid to reach his fundraising goal for Dundalk Dog Rescue. To find out more information or to donate visit 20305 Bloody Paws to Everest on gofundme. com. Ryan Doherty on Mount Kilimanjaro.

McGreehan welcomes €1,694,000 to refurbish and re-let 115 local authority homes

Fianna Fáil Louth Senator Erin McGreehan has welcomed €1,694,000 in funding to help refurbish and relet 115 local authority homes in the county this year. Building on the success of last year’s record investment in the voids programme, Senator McGreehan’s party colleague, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, has today announced another voids programme

for 2021 which will see his Department provide funding for the refurbishment and re-letting of approx. 3,000 social homes this year. All 31 Local Authorities have made applications under the scheme which will see them undertake remediation works in order to bring much needed local authority owned vacant stock back to productive use. Under the scheme the Department will cover the cost

of up to €11,000 per property for the refurbishment of standard vacant properties. Recognising that a small number of homes which are vacant do require significant investment to bring them back into use local authorities can recoup an average of €50,000 per property for up to 10% of their vacant stock. Senator McGreehan commented, “The refurbishment and re-letting of vacant so-

cial housing stock is a vitally important project. The programme will also lead to an added economic benefit with further employment generated for local builders, carpenters, painters, plumbers, electricians etc. “I urge the local authority to refurbish and re-let their homes to those on the social housing waiting list and those experiencing homelessness as soon as possible.”

Dundalk FC fans vent their anger at club’s owners

Dundalk Leader 26th May 2021

Return of the Tidy Towns competition will be a boost to communities

The return of the Supervalu Tidy Towns Competition will be a huge boost to communities across County Louth, a Fine Gael Senator has said. Senator John McGahon confirmed that 21 Tidy Town Groups in County Louth have now been awarded grants of up to €1,000 under the Tidy Towns Fund announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD. Senator McGahon said, “The return of the Supervalu Tidy Towns Competition will be a huge boost to communities across County Louth many of whom have kept up the great work throughout the pandemic to keep their neighbourhoods

clean, despite the cancellation of the competition due to Covid. “21 Tidy Town Groups in County Louth have now been awarded grants of up to €1,000 under the Tidy Towns Fund announced by my colleague the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD. “The 2021 competition will take place in the same format as previous years, with the overall winners due to be announced before the end of the year. However special arrangements have been put in place to allow the competition to go ahead safely, with a specific emphasis on electronic entry and remote adjudication of each town’s entry.

Bin Bungees

If you are troubled with bin lids flying open in windy weather, Blackrock Tidy towns may be able to help you. On Saturday next, May 29th at 12 noon, the group will give out Bin Bungees to anyone concerned with litter escaping from their rubbish bins. The Bin Bungees will be given out by committee members from the Blackrock Tidy Towns van parked near the Sundial monument on the Promenade. Supplies are limited, so the Bin Bungees will be given out on a ‘ first come first served’ basis.

“The health and safety of volunteers is a priority and groups should continue to adhere to public health guidelines as they have done so remarkably well since the onset of the Pandemic. “The organisers acknowledge that volunteers have not been able to deliver on all of the plans that they may have had for their towns, and the competition adjudicators will be mindful of this fact when assessing entries. “To reward the continued efforts of volunteers throughout the pandemic, Minister Humphreys has introduced a new award category aimed at groups that have continued to serve and look after their communities despite the difficulties posed by Covid-19.

“There is also a special new prize for young people, which was committed to under Our Rural Future – ¬the Government’s ambitious new strategy for Rural Ireland. “I encourage everyone who cares about their community in County Louth to get involved in the competition. This year’s closing date is Friday 2nd July 2021 with results expected to be announced in Q4 of this year. “You can check out TidyTowns.ie for all the information you need. Entry forms will be emailed to all registered groups and can also be obtained from the TidyTowns Unit in the Department of Rural and Community Development (Phone: 076

100 6912) or by emailing tidytowns@drcd.gov.ie ,” Senator McGahon concluded. Launching the 2021 Supervalu Tidy Towns Competition, Minister Humphreys said: “Missing out on the competition last year was very disappointing for everyone associated with TidyTowns. That’s why I am delighted to announce that this iconic competition is back. “As we look ahead to an outdoor Summer and staycations, we want our local towns and villages right across the country to be attractive, welcoming places. The trojan work carried out by our local Tidy Towns volunteers will be central to achieving that. My message is clear - Tidy

Towns is back this year and it is bigger, better and more important than ever. “I value the role my Department plays in this competition. I want to also commend the competition sponsor, SuperValu, for their continuing support and enthusiasm in raising awareness of the competition. Now in their 30th year of sponsorship, through their nationwide network of retailers, SuperValu have helped the competition to become the best known sustainable and environmental initiative in Ireland. “Finally, I want to encourage all groups to continue to adhere to the public health advice and I wish all the volunteers the very best in this year’s competition.”

Local authorities must identify official bathing areas yearly LOCAL authorities must identify official bathing areas in their area every year so that they can be monitored for safety, water quality and their level of use. To help with this process, Louth County Council is asking people who swim at beaches, lakes and rivers to tell them if they think they should maintain existing designated bathing waters designations or give a new official bathing area des-

ignation to areas that are commonly used for swimming, but not identified at the moment. Under European and Irish law, Irish local authorities must identify bathing waters each year so that these areas can be monitored to ensure they meet stringent microbiological water quality standards. In some cases, the official bathing areas are also the

areas where local authorities focus their resources providing lifeguards during the summer season. These laws also require that the local authority prepares detailed descriptions or profiles for each of the identified bathing water sites that describe not just the bathing area but also areas in the surface waters catchment area that could be a source of pollution. The profiles include an

assessment the risk of pollution and what action would be taken if pollution occurs. If you are a regular swimmer and want to help your Council decide which bathing areas should be classified as such, it might be helpful to consider the following: How your swimming area has been used up to now; How many people use the site; What facilities exist at

the site and how accessible it is; Any safety issues. If you wish to propose your favourite beach/river etc as a new bathing water site or comment on an existing site please contact e n v i ro n m e n t a l c o m p l i ance@louthcoco.ie Closing date for submissions to Louth County Council is 17 June 2021. For further information please contact environmentalcompliance@louthcoco.ie.

Dundalk Leader 26th May 2021

Cllr McGeough: Wanton destruction in Castlebellingham must cease

1—What famous Irish cream first developed in 1931 announced last week that they are relocating their manufacturing plant to Bulgaria? 2—Can you name Dundalk band ‘The Corrs’ in order from youngest to oldest? 3—Who became the oldest ever winner of a golf Major last weekend when he won the USPGA Championship? 4—Why were Italian band Maneskin in the headlines this week? 5—Who was the first billion-dollar author, earning one billion US dollars (or their currency equivalent) from their books and related merchandise?

6—Who was the first (and currently only) US President to serve or be elected for three terms? 7—The name of which food or drug is derived from the Latin word meaning ‘loosening’? 8—What is the stage name of Anna Mae Bullock? 9—What is the name of the Spanish sausage that is seasoned with smoked paprika? 10—Which nickname was given to an establishment in the US that sold alcohol during the prohibition era? The Stinker—Where is the lowest point on the earth’s surface?

—this week’s answers—

Sinn Féin Councillor Pearse McGeough has hit out at vandals that have destroyed a children’s playground and broke down trees in Castlebellingham over the past week. Cllr McGeough described the vandalism as “an attack on the community in Castlebellingham. The playground is used by children up to the age of about 12 years so it is a facility for the younger people in our community. These people came into the playground and systematically set about destroying it even going as far as ripping up the surface which must have taken some effort along with damaging some of the play equipment. “I have informed the Council of the repairs needed and they have done some initial repairs but as with everything else, these repairs will come out of the taxpayers pockets. It is you and me that will pay and

News

in Brief

Water Meter Installation

Irish Water wish to advise that due to a meter installation in Castletown, Dundalk customers in Newtownbalregan, Tateetra Castletown Road, Mill Road and surrounding areas may experience low pressure and/or water outages for short periods on Wednesday, 26th May 2021 and Thursday, 27th May 2021 between 9am and 6pm each day. Please note that as this work is resource and network dependent it may change at short notice.

Library Events

Cllr Pearse McGeough has hit out at vandals that have destroyed a children’s playground. not those responsible because they contribute nothing to our community or society. They will always be a burden rather than an asset to any community.” Cllr McGeough was subsequently informed of the destruction and uprooting of shrubs at

Bellingham Green in the village on Sunday which appears to have happened in the afternoon between 2pm-5pm. Again Cllr McGeough hit out saying “the residents of Bellingham Green take pride in their area and always have the place

looking nice and put a lot of work into achieving that. Then young delinquents come along and they just can’t leave anything alone, they have to destroy what isn’t theirs. They hate to see anything nice or something that people have taken pride in be-

cause that’s the type of people they are. “If anyone seen who was responsible for this act or the destruction of the playground, please do not hesitate to call the Gardaí and report it. This wanton destruction in the village must cease.”

Holistic Gardening with Bumblebee Farm – Thursday 27th of May at 3pm. Join Bumblebee Farm for a holistic approach to gardening that protects ourselves and our wildlife Learn how to connect with nature through planting with Mags from Bumblebee Farm who is dedicated to promoting soil regeneration and biodiversity, she is also passionate about protecting our struggling pollinators, especially bumblebees. To book email libraryhelpdesk@louthcoco.ie.

Answers: 1—Sudocream; 2—Andrea (47), Caroline (48), Sharon (51) and Jim (56); 3—Phil Mickleson (50 years of age); 4—They won the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday evening; 5—J.K Rowling (author of Harry Potter books); 6—Franklin D Roosevelt; 7—Laxative; 8—Tina Turner; 9—Chorizo; 10—Speakeasy; The Stinker— The Dead Sea. Shoreline or the surface of the Dead Sea lies 423 metres, 1,388 ft. below sea level.

recent deaths John SHIELDS St. Nicholas’ es, relatives, neighbours ters, brother Harry, sister Courtney, daughter-in-law the Ardee Bread Company daughters Shirley, Lor- surrounded by her famAvenue, Dundalk, Louth and friends. Rosemary, sons in-law Joe, Isabelle, nephews, nieces, and Millmount Home Help raine, Yvonne and Debbie, ily. Predeceased by her / Oldcastle, Meath. Unex- Terence Carey Cherry Kevin and Barry, daughter relatives, and friends Service, Dublin 9. Phyllis will his thirteen grandchildren, husband John. She will be pectedly at his residence Orchard, Dublin / Dun- in-law Elaine, grandchildren Maeve Caffrey (née Mc- be sadly missed and fondly three great-grandchildren, sadly missed by her loving in Oldcastle. Predeceased dalk, Louth. Suddenly at Ciarán, Seán, David, Conor, Cooey), Howth, Dublin / remembered by her loving nieces, nephews, relatives, son Sean, daughter Catherby his dad Hughie. He will home. Son of the late Eve Jamie, Liam, Aaron, Méabh Sutton, Dublin /Dunbin daughter Rosemary, son- neighbours and many ine, sister Ursula (England), be sadly missed by his and Brendan Carey, Sadly, and Mary, brother in-law, House, Knockbridge, Dun- in-law Eamonn, grandsons friends. daughter in-law Gina, son loving mother Mary (née missed by his loving family, sisters in-law, nephews, dalk, Louth. Peacefully at Che, Liam and Christian, Gerard (Gerry) Boylan in-law Paul, grandchildren O’Hanlon), sons Aaron and brothers Patrick, Brendan nieces, extended family, Brymore Nursing Home, cousins, nieces, nephews, Drumcar, Louth. Peacefully Mobhí and Naoise, brothers Joshua, daughters Rebec- and Eoin, sister Orla, nieces, neighbours and friends. Howth. Beloved wife of the extended family, friends at Our Lady of Lourdes Hos- and sisters in-law, nephews, ca and Hannah and their nephews, relatives, neigh- David McKEEVER Dundalk, late Thomas O. Caffrey and and neighbours. pital. Gerard (Gerry), pre-de- nieces, extended family mother Karen, brothers bours and friends. Louth. Unexpectedly, in loving mother of Norann, Paul McCague Marian ceased by his parents Molly relatives, neighbours and Georgie and Hughie, sisters Stephanie Oda (née Caf- Melbourne. Beloved Dad Tom, Art and Aileen. Very Park, Dundalk, Louth. Sud- and Benny, sisters Rita and friends. Ann, Katie, Margaret and frey), Connecticut and for- to Kayla and Bridie, son sadly missed by her family, denly, at home, surrounded Nora, brothers Paddy and Amelia BRADLEY (née LenMary, brothers and sisters merly of Corstown, Togher, of Noel and Mary (Dawe- sons-in-law Peter Dawson, by his family. Pre-deceased Terry. Sadly missed by his non), Lower Point Road, in-law, nephews, nieces, Louth. Beloved wife of the stown, Ravensdale) and Jose Alfredo Navarrete, by his beloved father Fran- sister Maeve, brothers John, Dundalk, Louth. Peacefully uncles, extended family, late Kaz and loving mother brother of Rose, James, daughter-in-law Pauline cie & fiancée Colette, cher- Bernard, Tommy, Kevin at her home. Predeceased neighbours and friends. of Jason. Predeceased by Noel and the late Wee Noel. Walsh, her grandson Cian ished son of Breda and and Michael, sisters in law, by her husband Jimmy, Morgan Redmond St. Pe- her mother Rosaleen, father He will be sadly missed by and granddaughter Rachel, loving brother of Luceille, nephews, nieces, residents son Jim, parents Owen ter’s Nursing Home, Castle- Tommy, sister Margo and his sorrowing daughters, nieces, nephews, extended Marcella, Mark & Alan. Paul and staff of St. Mary’s Drum- and Rose. She will be very bellingham, Louth. Peace- brother Maurice. Greatly parents, sister, brothers, family, neighbours and will be sadly missed and car and extended family. sadly missed by her lovfully at Our Lady of Lourdes loved and sadly missed by nephews and nieces Cian, friends. remembered with love by Anne McKee (née Conachy), ing daughters Anne and Hospital, Drogheda. Sadly her son, partner Neil, sister James, Aoife, Emily, Gareth, Rita O’Shea (née Sherry), his mother, sisters, broth- Dunleer, Louth. Peace- Geraldine, daughter in-law missed by his loving family. Olive, brothers Val, Robert Stephen and Shannon, un- Hale Street, Ardee, Louth. ers, brother-in-law Patrick, fully in the wonderful care Geraldine, extended family Bernadette Carney (née and Eddie, brothers-in-law, cles, aunts, cousins, rela- She will be sadly missed by nephews Dylan, Dean, of the staff at Moorehall relatives, neighbours and Flanagan), Dunleer, Louth. sisters-in-law, Uncle Oliver, tives and friends. her husband Jimmy, daugh- Patrick & Thomas, nieces Lodge, Ardee. Anne, be- wonderful friends. Peacefully after a short ill- Aunt Nora, nephews, niec- Maura O’DOWD (née ter Anna, son James, grand- Michaela, Anna, Eileen, Jes- loved wife of the late Jack. Andrew James (Jimmy) ness, at Our Lady of Lour- es, relatives and her many Sheridan) “Glenarm” Dub- son Charlie, and son-in-law sica, Emer, Saoirse, Niamh & Predeceased by her father THOMPSON, Park View, des Hospital, Drogheda. friends in the USA and Ire- lin Road., Dundalk, Louth. Carlo and by her family in Lucy, grandnieces Maddi- Thomas, mother Martha Cloghogue and formerly Bernadette, beloved wife land. Peacefully in Our Lady Ireland, brothers John and son, Aubery & Skylar, auntie (née Heaney) and brothers Glenmore Park, Dundalk, of Gerry and loving mother Fra O’REILLY Ardee Ter- of Lourdes Hospital. 21st Paddy, sisters Breda, Cathe- Katleen, extended family, Joe and Sean. Sadly missed Louth. Beloved son of the of Stephen and Geffrey. race, Ardee Road, Dundalk, May 2021. Maura much rine, Teresa, Bernie Pauline, neighbours, friends and by by her brother Colm, sister late James and Elizabeth, Predeceased by her broth- Louth. Peacefully in the loved wife of Michael, dear Joan and Geraldine and all who knew and loved Greta (Wallace), sisters-in- dad of Charlene and the late ers Tom, Oliver, Denis and love and tender care of mother of Gerry, Brenda, sister in law, brothers in him. law Bridie, Patsy and Peggy, Andrew James and brother Patrick, sisters Kathleen, the Louth County Hospital. Ann, devoted granny of law and all her nieces and Gerry Connolly Ross- brother-in-law Michael, of Kathy, Colin, Derek, CaroBreda, Mary, Peggy and Predeceased by his parents Kate, Ava, Darragh, Ross, nephews. lough, Dundalk, Louth / nephews, nieces, grand- line, Angela, Sharon and Nancy. Sadly missed by her Gerry and Jo (late of Kil- Tess, Arianne, Roan and Ita (Phyllis) Meade White- Louth Village, Louth. Peace- nephews, grandnieces, the late Patrick and Roy. husband, sons, daughter- curry). Beloved husband of Juliette and sister of late hall, Dublin / Ardee, Louth. fully surrounded by his lov- relatives, neighbours and He will be sadly missed by in-law Bronagh, grandchil- Bernadette (née McKevitt) Paddy. Maura will be sadly eacefully in hospital in Der- ing family at Our Lady of friends. his sorrowing daughter, dren Lily-Rose, Conor and and loving dad of Eamonn, missed by her husband, ry City. Predeceased by her Lourdes Hospital, Droghe- Maureen HANRATTY sisters, brothers, sisters-inAlanna, brother Joey, sister Fiona, Sheila and Aileen, son, daughters, grandchil- husband William (Willie) da. Deeply regretted and (née Usher), Walterstown, law, brothers-in-law, aunts, Gretta, brothers-in-law, sis- He will be sadly missed by dren, brother, sons-in-law Meade, parents Ita and John sadly missed by his wife Castlebellingham, Louth. uncles, nephews, nieces, ters-in-law, nephews, niec- his loving wife, son, daugh- Brendan O’Connor, Hugh and sister Anna. Was late of Mary, sons Ian and Garry, Peacefully at her home, relatives and friends.

Dundalk Leader 26th May 2021

Family Notices novena

novena

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

The Prayer to St Jude

MEDJUGORJE MESSAGE 25th April 2021

PROPERTY/RENTALS

special services

planning notice

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

O most holy apostle, Saint Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honoureth and invoketh thee universally, as the patron of hopeless cases, and of things almost despaired of. 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 was almost despaired of. Come to mine assistance in this great need, that I may receive the consolation and succor of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly (here make your request) and that I may praise God with thee and all the elect throughout eternity. I promise thee, O Blessed Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favour, to always honour thee as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to thee. Amen. D.W.

“Dear children! Today I am calling you to witness your faith in the colors of spring. May this be a faith of hope and courage. May your faith, little children, not waver in any situation, not even in this time of trial. Go courageously with the risen Christ towards Heaven, which is your goal. I am accompanying you on this way of holiness and am placing all of you in my Immaculate Heart. Thank you for having responded to my call.”

ATTENTION—For B.E.R. Certification of properties being offered for sale or rent, contact Robert Mulholland, BER assessor. 087 609 1906 www.louthber.ie. ADVERTISE YOUR HOUSE Premises for rent or sale to 60,000 readers a week from €5. Telephone Dundalk Leader 042 93 -20888.

ROOF LEAKS MASTER—We repair all types of roof/tile, slate, bangor blues. Repair torch on roofs, scrape & clean, chimneys & chimney pots, chimney bird guards, gutter facia & soffits. All work guaranteed, 25 years experience. Tel. 086 818 4827. Carpentry & Joinery maintenance and repairs, roofing, 1st & 2nd fix carpentry, sash window repairs. No job too big or small. Contact Seandon Carpentry 087 298 5110. MOBILE HOME TRANSPORT—Transported throughout 32 Counties. Contact Eugene 086-607-1702. CARPET & OVEN CLEANING—Carpet, upholstery & specialist oven cleaning available. Call MVI Cleaning Dundalk on 042 94 21300 or visit www.mvicleaning.ie. Retired reliable local man with Safe Pass available for Painting & Decorating, Internal and External,30 years’ experience, also grass cutting, strimming. General Garden Maintenance and Garage Clearance. Keen prices. Tel 086 845 9472. Roofing Repairs—Stoves supplied and fitted, fully insured, Hetas certified. Contact Paul Englishby 087 6301914 or 041 98 94633. 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. PROPERTY MAINTENANCE—Repairs, building, plumbing, painting, roof repairs, tiling, bathroom refurbishments, concreting, gardening, power washing, PVC facia and soffits, Over 20 yrs experience. References available. Tel 085-830-9878. 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. VOLUNTEER DRIVER—Available to transport Cancer patients to and from Hospital/ Clinic. Highly experienced in this care. Reference available. Fuel contribution requested. Tel Carmel 0044-7923-192799. BUILDER & HOME MAINTAINENCE— Building, Woodwork, Painting, Plumbing, Tiling, Kitchen Refurbishments, Paving & Fencing. No job to big or too small. Tel. 087 295 2529. GARDENS—All types of small gardens done by experience man. Price won’t cost the earth. Contact 085-145-9582. Power Washing Service Available—Driveways, Patios, Walls, etc., No job to big or small. For free quotation Tel James 086 8930086. GARDEN SERVICES—Lawn & hedge cutting in and around Dundalk. Keen prices. Tel. 087 1477067. WATCH REPAIRS—Mechanical/Quartz (battery) and Vintage. In our own workshop. Most brands: Cartier, Longines, Omega, Revue, Raymond Weil, Seiko, Citizen & more. Goldstar Jewellers, Demesne Shopping Centre Dundalk Tel. 042 93 39478.

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—I Gavin Hearty intend to apply for Planning Permission at 61- 62 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, A91 F82H. The development will consist of a change of use of the first floor and the second floor of the above building from office and storage space to 2no. Residential Units, comprising of a Two Bed Apartment at First Floor (73.8 sqm) with a rear balcony of 7 sqm and a Two Bed Apartment at Second Floor Level (86.08sqm) with a rear balcony of 8 sqm to include replacement of front elevation windows and modifications to 2 no. rear elevation windows to form new balcony doors. 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.

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

Family Notices

The Sinn Féin TD says he has been contacted by a number of people in this age cohort who, having registered their desire to get a vaccine, are still waiting to hear back from the HSE, in some cases more than three weeks later.

Deputy Ó Murchú has moved to reassure them, following his contact with the HSE Ruairí Ó Murchú over the weekend. He said: ‘We have uine concerns about been contacted by falling between the a number of people cracks in the vaccine who have raised gen- registration system.

Attention Landlords—We supply furniture & Beds for any rental properties you have, Sofas from €299, Beds from €180, Bedroom Furniture Sets from €249 Call us today www.bedstore.ie, Coes Rd, Dundalk Tel 042 932 0927. SELL IT THROUGH A CLASSIFIED—Only €5 for one week up to 20 words. 042 93 20888. The Dundalk Leader.

articles wanted Treadmill wanted in good working order, can collect. Tel 086 1673158.

special services

CHIMNEY & STOVE CLEANING—Tel Paul McArdle 042 933 2491 / 087 666 0094 Email tribalky@yahoo.com. CHIMNEY CLEANER—The Clean sweep, clean & tidy, no dust. Brush & Vac. Also gutter cleaning. Contact Cathal 087-225-9799. 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 €65 + 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. HOUSE & APARTMENT CLEANING Service. who were the same Specializing in Re-Let & Spring Cleaning, age, and younger, had Carpet & Upholstery cleaning. Fully insured. been. For a free quotation contact Everkleen 042 ‘I have this week- 9352717 / 087 6873188, www.everkleenend contacted the services.ie. HSE and I have been TILER AVAILABLE—Experienced local tiler assured that anyone to carry out all types of tile work - marble, who is 50 and 69 will granite, porcelain. Indoors and out. Call 087be dealt with and get 387-8995 for free quote. an appointment for a GRIMLEY’S DUBLIN ST. DUNDALK— vaccine by the end of Televisions, TV aerials, satellite, Freeview & Saorview, new installations, sales, service & this week. repairs. Free estimates 042 935 4343. ‘There may be DUNDALK GARDEN SERVICES—Tree topsome people in Louth ping, felling, hedge trimming, grass cutting who could be facili- & strimming. Rubbish Removals/Garage tated at the overflow clearance, House & Garden refuse. Permit capacity in the Helix holder. Contact Ben 085-840-7707. in Dublin. FORTUNE TELLER—Available for appoint‘It’s possible that ment, private or group bookings. Tel. Alison 042 933 5102 or 087-67-51229. they may be called there, but we will Building Services—Extensions, Renovations, Sunrooms, Conservatories and All maintain communiGeneral Maintenance. P.V.C. Fascia, Soffit cation with the HSE and Guttering products supplied and fitted. and if there is any- Bathroom Refurbishment, Painting, Decoone who has still not rating, Wall & Floor Tiling. All types of Roof been given a date for Repairs & Maintenance. For free estimates ‘They had regis- their vaccine by the Tel 087 260 2501. tered for the vaccine end of this week, then MOBILE CHIROPODY in the comfort of your but had not been I would ask them to own home. Ms. Dara McCoy, Bsc. Podiatry, called, while others contact my office’. MCHs, HCPC reg. Tel 087 192 4794.

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O’Murchú eases vaccine concerns Dundalk TD Ruairí Ó Murchú says those in Louth aged between 50 and 69, and who have not yet been given a date for their Covid-19 vaccine, will be contacted by the end of the week.

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situations vacant Window Fitters wanted—Must have experience, own van and tools. County Louth Tel 086 2642282.

planning notice

Louth County Council—Significant Further Information. I, Samantha Fegan, have submitted significant further information in connection with my application for Construction of a three storey mixed use building comprising of 2no. local shops (retail) to the ground floor, 1no two bedroom apartment and 1no. one bedroom apartment to the first floor, 1no two bedroom apartment and 1no. one bedroom apartment to the second floor (4no. in total) car and cycle parking, bin storage and all associated site development works at Former Bridges Store, Castletown Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth. (Planning Ref. No. 20/900). The Significant further information includes: Replacing the 2No. Local Shops (Retail) at the ground floor level with 2No. Apartments (1no two bedroom apartment and 1no. one bedroom). Raising the ground floor level of the proposed apartment block. Revised Site Plan including raising the site levels, constructed of stepped & ramped access, revised lighting layout, Revised Landscaping arrangement and all associated site development works. Revised Elevations Details: Revised Bin Store arrangement; Revised Cycle Parking Provision; Revised Flood Risk Assessment; Revised Soakaway designs. The further information 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 2 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the further information, 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.

Dundalk Leader 26th May 2021

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Dundalk Leader 26th May 2021

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Dundalk Leader 26th May 2021

McGreehan seeks update on Narrow Water Bridge project Louth Fianna Fáil Senator Erin McGreehan has sought an update on the Narrow Water Bridge project during a Seanad debate on Monday. Senator McGreehan raised the issue along with her Seanad colleague Senator John McGahon. Senator McGreehan commented, “The Narrow Water Bridge, to me, as a local, is a project that has been talked about for so long. It is a symbol of the future and of what can be. It is aspirational, but with the shared island fund, that aspiration has become a possibility. “It is shovel-ready. Louth County Council has done incredible work over recent years on this. We need action. It is supported and spoken about by An Taoiseach

Artist’s impression of the bridge. at every opportunity. Nichola Mallon, Minister for Infrastructure in the North, is also an incredible sponsor of the project. It is important for reasons of morale, tourism and sustainable and active living.” In a response to Senator McGreehan, Minister of State Malcolm Noonan outlined that the proposal for the Narrow Water bridge has to be considered in light of developments with respect to the Newry southern relief road

since 2016. That road would provide an alternative route for strategic traffic that avoids Newry city centre and links to the eastern seaboard key transport corridor, the A1-N1 from Belfast to Dublin he said. Minister Noonan added that the overall assessment of the case for the Narrow Water bridge, including in the context of the development of a wider tourism initiative for the region, is not at a stage where it is a clearly defined and a

costed scheme. Senator McGreehan responded to the Minister to say that “The Narrow Water bridge project is about a lot more than a bridge; it is about dreaming and looking to the future. There is so much tourism potential in terms of the creation of this product. There is already a bridge and planning for widening it. The Minister of State’s remarks are disingenuous because there is a bridge and a plan that is shovel-ready.”

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New five-piece Tapestry to celebrate the Táin Bó Cuailnge

An Táin Arts Centre are delighted to announce that work has begun on The Táin Tapestry an inter-county community, visual arts project where 5 tapestries / banners will be created to celebrate the Táin Bó Cuailnge. Funded by Creative Ireland and produced by An Táin Arts Centre, each tapestry will depict a scene from the great epic that relates to each of the five counties that the Táin March Festival march through every year, namely Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath, Meath and Louth. Louth-based Sophie Coyle is the lead artist on the project and will work with a project

facilitator in each county who will guide a group of community sewers in creating each tapestry. When placed together the five tapestries will portray the overall story of the Táin, while each piece will also stand alone as an individual artwork to be enjoyed. Once completed, each Tapestry will be brought together for the launch of the Táin March Festival 2022 and then each piece will be housed on public display within each County. The project was the idea of Mary Claire Cowley Audience Development Manager at An Táin Arts Centre and Mel

O’Loan from the Táin March Festival. Mary Claire says about the project “In these times where we are being asked to stay apart, this is an opportunity for us as counties bound by the ties of the Táin to come together in this collaborative, historical celebration of our identity and culture through traditional craft.” For further information on the project contact An Táin Arts Centre 042 9332332 or visit www.antain.ie and anyone resident in any of the five counties who are interested in taking part in the sewing of the Tapestry are urged to email info@antain.ie for further information.

Funding application for roadworks

Louth County Council invite applications from Local Community Groups for consideration under the Community Involvement Scheme 2022 and 2023 for road-works on local public roads subject to adequate funding being made available. Louth County Council proposes to base the scheme on a local contribution rate of 15% of the

eligible cost of the works. A list of suitable schemes will then be assessed and submitted to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport for 85% match funding. These funding levels are subject to confirmation by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Application forms and further

details can be obtained by contacting the Operations Section of Louth County Council. Telephone 042-9324266/0860679012 or email majella.nyland@louthcoco.ie. Application forms are also available on www. louthcoco.ie. The closing date for the submission of applications is Friday 25th June, 2021.

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Dundalk Leader 26th May 2021