26-08-2020

DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Niall raises funds for palliative care Page 4

Dundalk set to announce new coach Page 2

History Maker

Paddy all set for school re-opening Page 8

Wednesday, 26th August, 2020. Vol. 13, Issue 35 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

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

By Paul Byrne

Louth Village golfer Brendan Lawlor will make history tomorrow at The Belfry golf course when he becomes the first ever disabled golfer to play in the European Tour.

Brendan will tee off at the ISPS Handa UK Championship alongside huge names like Lee Westwood as well as major winners Danny Willett and Martin Kaymar.

The 23-year-old was born with Ellis van-Creveld Syndrome, a rare bone growth disorder that leads to shorter limbs. He has been making waves on the local golf circuit for a number of years but his star has shone even brighter since joining the EDGA tour in 2017.

Brendan is currently number four in the ‘Official World Rankings for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD)’ and in recent seasons he has won the German Disabled Open and G-GOLF Knockout during the European Tour’s Belgian Knockout as well as a big win at the 36 hole EDGA Scottish Open in 2019.

Full Story on Page 2 Brendan Lawlor will make history tomorrow when he plays at The Belfry.

Turbulent week for Dundalk FC

By Paul Byrne It’s been a turbulent week up in Oriel Park with now former manager Vinny Perth departing the scene after a 3-0 loss to NK Celje in last week’s Champion’s League qualifier. Club owners Peak 6 wasted little time in telling Perth his time at the club was up with a club statement coming out less than 24 hours after that damaging defeat thanking Perth for his service to the club.

“We would like to thank Vinny for the hard work he has put in over the past seven-and-a-half years at Oriel Park. The success that he helped bring to the club as assistant manager and, subsequently, as head coach and manager, will never be forgotten.

Full Story Page 2

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History Maker Dundalk Leader 26th August 2020

By Paul Byrne

Louth Village golfer Brendan Lawlor will make history tomorrow at The Belfry golf course when he becomes the first ever disabled golfer to play in the European Tour. Brendan will tee off at the ISPS Handa UK Championship alongside huge names like Lee Westwood as well as major winners Danny Willett and Martin Kaymar.

The 23-year old was born with Ellis van-Creveld Syndrome, a rare bone growth disorder that leads to shorter limbs. He has been making waves on the local golf circuit for a number of years but his star has shone even brighter since joining the EDGA tour in 2017.

Brendan is currently number four in the ‘Official World Rank-

ings for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD)’ and in recent seasons he has won the German Disabled Open and G-GOLF Knockout during the European Tour’s Belgian Knockout as well as a big win at the 36 hole EDGA Scottish Open in 2019.

That form caught the eye of One Direction star Niall Horan’s fledgling golf management company and just under a year ago the talented Louth Village man signed a professional contract with Modest Golf.

Brendan has attracted a number of big sponsors over the past twelve months including American Golf and ISPS Handa and it was through his association with the latter that he received an invitation to the tournament with the Japanese company a huge supporter of

disabled golf. It is an exciting time for disability golf with the European Tour expected to announce plans for a full European Disability Tour by 2021.

There was more good news recently for Brendan when he was made an honorary member of Carton House which means that the 1100-acre Kildare course will become his new home for golf for the next twelve months.

Brendan will have access to two of Ireland’s finest championship golf courses, the classic parkland O’Meara and the inland links Montgomerie, as well as the professional driving range and leisure and dining facilities of this award-winning club.

The ISPS Handa UK Championship in the Belfry can be seen live on Sky Sports from Thursday to Sunday.

History maker: Brendan Lawlor.

Turbulent week for Dundalk FC

By Paul Byrne

It’s been a turbulent week up in Oriel Park with now former manager Vinny Perth departing the scene after a 3-0 loss to NK Celje in last week’s Champion’s League qualifier. Club owners Peak 6 wasted little time in telling Perth his time at the club was up with a club statement coming out less than 24 hours after that damaging defeat thanking Perth for his service to the club.

“We would like to thank Vinny for the hard work he has put in over the past seven-and-a-half years at Oriel Park. The success that he helped bring to the club as assistant manager and, subsequently, as head coach and manager, will never be forgotten and we wish him well for the future.” read the statement.

Vinny who joined the club in 2013 was an integral part of the club’s success working alongside Stephen Kenny as Dundalk enjoyed one of the most successful periods in their history.

When Kenny left Oriel Park in 2018 to take over the Irish U21’s Perth stepped up to become first team coach before leading Dundalk to a league, league cup and

Filippo Giovagnoli who arrived at Oriel Park yesterday morning ahead of an expected announcement by the club which will confirm his position as new first team manager.

President’s cup victories.

He was just a penalty shootout away from also winning the FAI Cup in what can only be described as a near flawless start to his managerial career.

However, since the league restarted in July Dundalk have been in poor form failing to win

any of their opening three games and that coupled with the club’s Champions League exit saw Perth shown the exit door by Peak 6.

Dundalk fans were still digesting the news of Perth’s departure when they were hit with another bombshell on Monday when it was reported that

the club had asked little known Italian Filippo Giovagnoli to take over the reins. Giovagnoli has previously been technical director of AC Milan’s Junior Camps but was most recently director of coaching at the Metropolitan Oval Academy in New York.

It is understood he

will be assisted by fellow Italian Giuseppe Rossi, who was also with him at the Metropolitan Oval Academy. The pair were reported to have arrived at Oriel Park yesterday morning where they met with staff and players ahead of the club’s next game this Sunday away to Cobh in the FAI Cup.

Dundalk Leader 26th August 2020

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Niall raises funds for Palliative Care

Dundalk Leader 26th August 2020

Blakely Close man Niall O’Hanrahan Niall O'Hanrahan and his father Pearse with Pat Brady of the Avenue Inn with the cheque for €2137.93 which was handed over a cheque raised from his beard shave in the Avenue Inn for Louth Palliative Care. for over €2000 to Louth Palliative Care last weekend having raised the money himself through lockdown.

Niall, who was hit by COVID-19 back in March was confined to his room for a number of days and whilst recuperating during lockdown he grew his beard.

Whilst resting up at home he decided to do something to help Louth Palliative Care who he knows from first-hand experience do so much great work in the area.

“I decided to do a beard shave to try raise much needed funds for the great team of people

within Louth palliative care who supported our family during tough times. My Mam, mother in law and uncle were all looked after wonderfully by the brilliant people involved in Louth Palliative Care and with organisations such as that one struggling to raise funds during lockdown I decided to start a gofundme page to try and raise money for them,” explains Niall.

“My uncle Kevin died from cancer during lockdown and right up until his death he was looked after brilliantly by the local palliative care team.I had to watch the mass online which was tough and that was probably what sparked the idea to try and raise

some money for them.

As well as raising money for them I wanted to also raise awareness of the great work they do and thanks to the generosity of the people of Dundalk I managed to raise €2134.97 from my beard shave which was done by my niece Rachel Keenan outside the Avenue Inn last month. I raised just over €1570 through the gofundme page and the rest was made up of donations which were collected by Pat Brady who is the owner of the Avenue Inn. “I’d like to thank all who donated and I was delighted to be able to hand over a cheque to our local palliative care team here in Louth,” stated Niall.

Fitzpatrick welcomes mental health funding for students Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick has welcomed the €5 million in student supports which was announced today.

This significant funding increase comes at a time of great urgency around student support and re-opening planning for the next academic year.

It reflects the original €2 million funding for student mental health and wellbeing allocated to higher education for 2020 along with a further €3 million as a response to COVID-19.

The funding will be used to: Recruit additional Student Counsellors; Recruit additional Assistant Psychologists; Implementation of the Framework for Consent in HEIs; Safe, Respectful, Supportive and Positive: Ending Sexual Harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions; Implementation of the soon to be published National Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework.

The HEA will be contacting higher education institutions in the coming week setting out individual allocations and the conditions attaching to the use of these funds in support of student services, student wellbeing and mental health.

Peter Fitzpatrick says “I am de-

Peter Fitzpatrick, TD.

lighted to hear the governments announcement today. Mental health is the number one health issue facing young people locally. It has only become more evident in recent times due to Covid 19 and I welcome any additional resources available to help combat this. It has been a difficult period for everyone and adapting to the “new normal” in a college setting (remote learning) has been challenging esp without contact with classmates.”

Dundalk Leader 26th August 2020

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New diversity campaign in DkIT

Dundalk Leader 6th August 2020

By Tamara O’Connell

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) is taking part in a new campaign to increase student diversity.

College Connect, a partnership between DkIT and three other Higher Education Institutions, is launching the campaign.

DkIT, DCU, AIT and MU are working together with community organisations and groups to reach underrepresented students and connect them to higher education courses.

The ‘It Can Be You’ campaign encourages people to take that first step towards higher education by directing them to information and resources that will help them begin their journey.

1—‘Bright Eyes’ by Art Garfunkel was used in the soundtrack to which 1978 animated film?

2—When referring to a cash machine, what does ‘ATM’ stand for?

3—Louth last won the All Ireland senior football championships in 1957. When did they first win it?

4—How many counties are in Ulster?

5—Who is the current World Snooker Champion?

6—Which European Country has the longest coastline?

7—A Beginners Guide to

The campaign will also promote stories of students who overcame difficult circumstances to enter higher education and now want to inspire others to do the same.

‘It Can Be You’ is expected to increase the number of students from a range of communities, including Irish Travellers, lone parents and students from one-parent families, young people who have been in care of the state, people with disabilities, protection applicants (such as refugees or asylum seekers), people with previous convictions, people from lower socio-economic groups, first-time mature students and further education award holders.

“Education changes lives,” said Anthony Burrowes, Com-

munity Connector for College Connect.

“There are many different factors involved for people to be able to make that first step towards higher education, and in developing student diversity as a whole.

“College Connect is the bridge that recognises these needs, developing community partnerships that are rooted in the beliefs of transformational education.”

He added: “You might be facing challenges accessing the right information, but we’ll show you the resources available to help empower you.

“No matter what your circumstances are, get in touch with us today at collegeconnect.ie to begin your journey.”

Bravery was the name of the debut album released by which Dundalk singer this year?

8—Who is the current Minister for Health?

9—On which mountain did God give Moses the ‘Ten Commandments’?

10—In what city would you find the Guggenheim Museum Stinker—Which famous American comedian said “It’s amazing that the amount of news that happens in the world every day always just exactly fits the newspaper.”

—this week’s answers— 1—Watership Down, 2—Automated Teller Machine, 3—1910, 4—9, 5—Ronnie O’Sullivan, 6—Norway (58,133km), 7—David Keenan, 8—Stephen Donnelly, 9—Mount Sinai, 10—New York Stinker: Jerry Seinfeld.

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Dundalk Leader 26th August 2020

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Dundalk Leader 26th August 2020

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Statement from family members of those who died in Dealgan House

By Tamara O'Connell

Some families whose relatives died at Dealgan House Nursing Home are renewing calls for a public inquiry into what happened at the nursing home during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the families, a new report into how the sector dealt with the Covid-19 pandemic has left their questions unanswered.

Dealgan House Nursing Home in Dundalk was one of the worst affected in the country the majority of the 23 residents who died at the facility earlier in the year are thought to have contracted the virus.

Their comments come fol-

lowing a report by the Nursing Home Expert Panel into how the sector responded to the crisis.

The group is now asking the Minister for Health to provide them with a forum to have their specific questions asked and answered.

The statement from families whose loved ones died during the Covid-19 outbreak in Dealgan House Nursing Home, was written in the report from the Nursing Home Expert Panel Review Group ‘We welcome the publication of the report by the expert review group and we appreciate their work.

‘The report contains a number of important recommendations including integrated infection

control and quick access to critical supplies for nursing homes.

‘In addition, we welcome the recommendations for rapid testing and results in Covid-19 cases, along with testing for all patients prior to admission.

‘We also welcome in particular the need for nursing homes to have a clear back-up plan in the case of staff and management absences as well as clearer communication plans and protocols.

‘We acknowledge that ‘the task of the panel is looking forward to protect the vulnerable population into the near future’ and while we agree wholeheartedly with that, there is an absolute need for the near past to be examined as well.

‘We still have no answers as

to what happened to our loved ones at Dealgan House Nursing Home.

‘It is clear from the report that there were serious deficiencies in the links between private nursing homes and HSE infrastructure on a local and national basis.

‘This is certainly evident in what we have learned through Freedom of Information requests made to various State agencies – there was no formal connection between the nursing home and the HSE structures, so, when the crisis hit, the owners of Dealgan House had to resort to writing directly to the Minister for Health and the Chief Medical Officer seeking help.

‘We feel that there was a dis-

parity between what was happening in Dealgan, particularly at the start of April, and what we were being told by those in charge.

‘Each of us have individual concerns about the care that was given to our loved ones and so many questions remain about who in authority knew what, and when, and what did they do about it.

‘We also have myriad questions as to the procedures and protocols followed, not only by the management at the home, but also by the HSE, HIQA and the Department of Health.

‘Despite the receipt of a large amount of documentation from the FoI requests, we have still not been able to ascertain how and

why the RCSI Hospital Group came to take operational control at Dealgan House on April 17.

This nursing home was the only one in the State where a hospital group assumed operational control and we want to know why.

‘We are publicly calling on Health Minister Stephen Donnelly and the government to provide us with a forum to have these specific questions asked and answered.

‘We believe that nothing short of a public inquiry will provide the answers that we desperately need in order to ensure that nothing like this ever happens to others in nursing homes and to make sure that the stark lessons that need to be learned are done so as quickly as possible’.

O’Murchú responds to Community effort needed nursing home report for school’s reopening One of the politicians backing calls for a public inquiry from families whose loved ones died in Dealgan Nursing Home in Dundalk during the pandemic has reiterated his support of their demand following the publication of the Covid-19 Nursing Home Expert Panel Report.

The report, which made 86 recommendations, was welcomed by Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú.

Deputy Ó Murchú said the report ‘laid out the overall context for the devastation that was the tragic result of an inadequate system.

‘The system failed to properly clinically oversee nursing homes and there was a chronic lack of communication infrastructure between the HSE, the Department of Health and homes.

‘There can’t be the same reliance on the private sector to look after older people.

‘It is absolutely vital that poor practice and dysfunction in nursing homes are arrested straight away and there is a commitment and adherence to the very best procedures, and this is clear from the report.

‘The report contains no answers, however, for the families of those who died from Covid-19 in Dealgan House and I continue to support them in their quest for a public inquiry into what has happened here.

‘It is the only way they are going to get answers as to what took place. A public inquiry is the only correct

Ruairí Ó Murchú, TD. means of ascertaining, assessing and addressing some of the serious issues raised in the expert panel report such as infection control and staffing levels.

‘Families, and indeed the owners of the nursing home, have repeatedly stated they are looking for answers as to how so many people died at this facility.

‘Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has now got this report on his desk, along with last month’s report from HIQA on Covid-19 in nursing homes.

‘We await the publication of the HIQA inspection at Dealgan Nursing Home and when it is published, Minister Donnelly will have everything he and his predecessor said they needed in order to make a determination about a public inquiry.

‘There needs to be urgent and complete reform of how

we look after older people, with far more choice given to those who need care.

‘Rather than the almost inevitable journey to a nursing home, many older people should be able to be cared for in their own homes, with better quality of life for them.

‘With the publication of this report, the government has been told in stark terms: the current system is failing older people and their families, with devastating consequences.

‘We need a clear pathway outlined by government on how these recommendations will be implemented, particularly the most urgent ones protecting nursing home residents from further Covid-19 outbreaks.

‘One of the most important is, of course, fit for purpose testing, tracing and isolating’.

Parents will have to play their part to help ensure a safe re-opening of schools next week according to Paddy Martin, headmaster of St Mochtas National School in Louth Village.

Both primary and secondary schools are due to re-open next week having been closed since March when Ireland went into lockdown. Principals and teachers have been busy all throughout the summer getting the schools ready for re-opening and ensuring the buildings are safe for children to return. According to Paddy although there has been plenty of work done to get the school ready for re-opening there is still plenty to do down the road to ensure everybody remains safe and the virus doesn’t spread further.

“We have been very busy over the last few months getting the school ready for the children’s return next week. We’ve had a massive clearout and the rooms are now very minimalistic.

We’ve cleared out old cupboards and furniture as we needed the space to

Paddy Martin. make sure all the tables were at a safe distance from each other. We’ve split some classes and 28 children is the most we will have in any one class. One thing lockdown has done is give us a chance to give the school a good cleaning and I have to say the place has never looked better,” explained Paddy. “We have six classroom teachers and two S.N.A’s here in Louth Village and we’ve all been in constant communication since lockdown via zoom or group texts.

“We have received government guidelines but to be honest many of them are a bit vague and

kind of leave it up to us to decide on certain issues. For example they don’t tell us that teachers have to wear facemasks but they say we can if we want to. Personally, I think it’s going to be difficult for a teacher to teach with a facemask on but obviously I have no problem if any of our teachers would prefer to do that.

“To re-open safely we are going to need help from the community and every parent needs to realise they cannot send their child into us if they are showing any symptoms of COVID at all. I know there can be a tendency for some parents to send a child in

to school if they have a wee temperature as they don’t have any alternative childcare options but that can’t happen from here on in. This is a very contagious virus and we have to work together to ensure it doesn’t get into the school.

“I do think that substitute teachers could be a big issue down the line in schools across the country as there simply won’t be enough of them to cover teachers who are sick. Previously if a teacher had a wee temperature or felt a bit of a cold they would still come in to school but that won’t be allowed to happen anymore and substitute teachers are going to be needed. This whole pandemic has shone a light on the general underfunding problems that schools have endured for years.

“There have been huge funding issues in the education sector since I started and well before and the many problems have been sorted out by teachers who have been doing their best to paper over the cracks,” stated Paddy.

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Community clean-up in Toberona

Dundalk Leader 26th August 2020

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Russell Brindle cutting the lawns as his fellow residents help with the clean up in the Oldbridge estate, Toberona.

Residents of Oldbridge, Toberona were busy last week as they gathered to clean up the estate and raise the profile of the area in a positive way. Oldbridge has been the target of anti-social behaviour in recent years but the vast majority of the community are determined to get together and wipe those issues out.

Russell Brindle who is a resident in Oldbridge is looking forward to a rejuvenation in the area and to bringing a bit more positivity around the estate.

“We had a community House here in Toberona up until about 2011 where we were able to organise Foroige groups and things to keep the kids busy. However, when the crash came the house was taken off us and we had no base. The estate became somewhat of a magnet for anti-social behaviour and this wasn’t helped by the council leaving houses in the estate empty and derelict.

We have a football pitch up here which has been destroyed and it’s brought a lot of negative focus on

the area. We as a community decided that we wanted to raise the profile of the area in a positive way and that starts with a cleanup which will involve tidying the grass areas, using walls for murals to brighten up the place and generally giving the place a bit of a facelift. We have already been given plants and flowers by a benefactor and the idea is to work as a community to brighten up the place and make it a better estate to live in for all of us,” explained Russell.

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Dundalk Leader 26th August 2020

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Texaco Children’s Art Competition

Five talented Dundalk artists, all winners in the annual Texaco Children’s Art Competition, are to have their artworks showcased at an exhibition of 30 winning paintings from the past 15 years of the Competition in Highlanes Gallery, Drogheda.

They are Jessica McCartney, a 13-years old pupil at St. Bridget’s School in 2012; Déaghlan McGovern (7) from St. Malachy’s Boys’ National

School (2016); Bella Reynolds (6) from Scoil Dairbhre (2018); Marie-Christina McManus from St. Peter’s National School (2008) and Juliette Morrison from St. Vincent’s Secondary School, who will have two winning works exhibited (from 2007 and 2011).

The official opening, to which the winning artists have been invited, will take place at 11am on Saturday, 5th September.

Following this, the exhibition will remain open to the public each day from Wednesday to Saturday from 11am to 4pm (closed 1pm-1.30pm) until Saturday, 31st October. Admission is free.

Recognised as one of the leading galleries of its kind in Ireland, further information in relation to Highlanes Gallery is available at www.highlanes.ie or by contacting 041-9803311.

Help-to-buy scheme figures A county-by-county breakdown of claims for the help-to-buy scheme shows Louth had 623 approved claims, according to the latest Revenue figures.

Neighbouring county Meath had the second biggest share of approved claims (2,350) after Dublin which had the largest share (5,769), amounting to near-

ly 30 per cent.

Monaghan had 176 approved claims and Cavan had 168 approved claims, The Revenue figures show that, up until the end of June, Revenue had received 42,072 help-tobuy applications, of which 19,478 have been approved.

The number of house-

holds availing of the scheme has been significantly higher than expected.

Original costings suggested that the scheme would cost €130 million in total but, by June of this year, the value of approved and pending applications was more than twice that figure – at €289 million.

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Works By Five Dundalk Texaco Children’s Art Competition Winners To Feature At Highlanes Gallery Exhibition

Juliette Morrison

Underage members of Dundalk’s Cuchulainn Cycling Club who competed in the National Youth Championships in Waterford, on Sunday Last. L-R Eoin Holmes, Callum McCaffrey, Holly McCaffrey, Rhiannon Dolan and Ffion Folan.

McGreehan calls for progression on Narrow Water Bridge project Fianna Fáil Senator Erin McGreehan has called on the government to progress the Narrow Water Bridge project.

She commented, “In the Programme for Government there is a clear commitment to the Narrow Water Bridge. A new bridge is badly needed by communities both sides of the border.

“I know from my time on Louth County Council the

Narrow Water Bridge is a shovel ready project and Louth County Council have put a lot of work and financial resources into getting it to this point.

“I welcome the commitments in the Programme for Government and from the Taoiseach to work on cross-border projects, including with the Northern Ireland Executive to deliver cross-border infrastructure initiatives. The Narrow Wa-

Déaghlan McGovern

Jessica McCartney

Juliette Morrison

Bella Reynolds

ter Bridge is a key infrastructure project which should see progress made.

“I have continuously called for a cross border economic strategy to benefit particularly the border region and also a cross-border tourism strategy which is very important. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Government to progress this project,” concluded Senator McGreehan.

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Dundalk Leader 26th August 2020

Family Notices novena

novena

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

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

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

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

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

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

Family Notices Contact Noeleen

Telephone 042 9320888

“Chimney Corner” Ard Easmuinn Rd, Dundalk.

Tel: 042 935 7296 Email: dunnesmonumental@gmail.com

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Regional Skills Forum During these difficult, challenging and uncertain times it is essential that businesses in our region take advantage of the supports that are available to them. One such service is the North East Regional Skills Forum (NERSF), which was set up as part of the National Skills Strategy by the Department of Education and Skills.

The core objectives are to promote collaboration between employers and the education and training providers, identity skills needs, provide solutions and ensure that there is better utilisation of our resources in the North East.

Ray Murphy, Regional Skills Manager for the North East, explains ‘having worked in the private sector for over 20 years and also in Training and Education for over 12 years, the one essential requirement for successful companies is continuous staff development.

This is more apparent now with the ever changing world we live in and the pace of change.

The good news is that many of the skills, training and educational opportunities that are available are either free of charge or heavily subsidised.

The forums strength lies in the active collaboration and timely response of the members, who comprise of Industry, Training and Education providers, Government Departments and Business and Enterprise Agencies.

Ray adds, ‘engaging, supporting and providing advice and guidance to employers in our region around skills and difficult to fill vacancies is not only essential to help provide solutions, but also gather data, information and intelligence that can help shape future course provision in our region. Courses need to address employer’s needs now and into the future, whether driven by the environment, digitisation, remote working or new technologies’.

One such response is EXPLORE, a Regional Skills programme initiative in collaboration with the local Education and Training Boards. This FREE programme helps address Enterprise Development and Ireland’s low level of participation in lifelong learning, particularly targeting persons over 35 years of age, addresses the lack of digital skills while improving adaptability, productivity and improved health and wellbeing

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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.

WINDOW CLEANING—Gutter & facia cleaning carried out by professional, fully trained and insured staff. Affordable rates. Domestic & Commercial. Call our office for a free quotation. Everkleen 042 935 2717 or 086 829 3585. www.everkleenservices.ie.

HOUSE & APARTMENT CLEANING Service. Specializing in Re-Let & Spring Cleaning, Carpet & Upholstery cleaning.

Fully insured. For a free quotation contact Everkleen 042 9352717 / 087 6873188, www.everkleenservices.ie.

TILER AVAILABLE—Experienced local tiler to carry out all types of tile work marble, granite, porcelain. Indoors and out. Call 087-387-8995 for free quote.

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

DUNDALK GARDEN SERVICES—Tree topping, felling, hedge trimming, grass cutting & strimming. Rubbish removals/Garage clearance, House & Garden refuse. Permit holder. Contact Ben 085840-7707.

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

GARDEN & HOUSE MAINTENANCE— Strimming grass, hedge cutting, weeding, also garden clearance, concreting, patios, painting, power washing, gutter cleaning, window cleaning, fencing.

Have all the equipment. Contact Brian 086-109-7358.

Building Services—Extensions, Renovations, Sunrooms, Conservatories and All General Maintenance. P.V.C. Fascia, Soffit and Guttering products supplied and fitted. Bathroom Refurbishment, Painting, Decorating, Wall & Floor Tiling. All types of Roof Repairs & Maintenance. For free estimates Tel 087 260 2501.

MOBILE CHIROPODY in the comfort of your own home. Ms. Dara McCoy, Bsc. Podiatry, MCHs, HCPC reg. Tel 087 192 4794.

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.

Painting & Decorating—interior and exterior, over 10 years experience, no job too big or too small, for free quotations Tel Ian 087 415 8238. References available.

Coaching with Esther—Life and Executive Coach Tel 086 8972007 www. coachingwithesther.com.

BUILDER & HOME MAINTAINENCE— Building, Woodwork, Painting, Plumbing, Tiling, Kitchen Refurbishments, Paving & Fencing. No job to big or too small. Tel. 087 295 2529.

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.

RESIDENTIAL PROJECT—A new house, alterations or an extension to an existing house. We assist with Design, Permissions, Contractors, and Completion.

Telephone 083 482 8155. Email officebridges@mac.com.

Bookkeeper available for Invoicing, Receipt Processing, Bank Reconciliations, Tax/Vat, Payroll & ROS. Over 10 years accounts experience with SAGE, Xero, etc.

Fully qualified, ICB certified, AAT accredited. Contact Adrian 086 0855640.

articles for sale 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.

special services CHIMNEY & STOVE CLEANING—Tel Paul McArdle 042 933 2491 / 087 666 0094 Email tribalky@yahoo.com.

PERFECT FIT ALTERATIONS—For all your sewing needs. Curtains, Hems, Zips & Repairs. 10% off for Slimming World members. Castletown Road. Tel 042 932 7837.

CHIMNEY CLEANER—The Clean sweep, clean & tidy, no dust. Brush & Vac. Also gutter cleaning. Contact - Cathal 087225-9799.

ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE to over 60,000 readers for only €5 per week up to 20 words Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE—Repairs, building plastering plumbing, painting, tiling, bathroom refurbishments, concreting, gardening, PVC facia and soffits, Over 20 yrs experience. References available. Tel Michael 085-830-9878.

A-ALTERATIONS—For all your clothing alteration needs. ‘Hems on school trousers €4.95.’Cuffs taken up or let down on.

Ladies & Gents Jackets €15, Zips in Coats €20, Curtains altered, Jeans patched. DryCleaning service. Tel 042-933 3380, Long Walk Shopping Centre, Dundalk.

WE CAN DISTRIBUTE your leaflets from €65 + vat per thousand Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888.

Ray Murphy.

in the workplace.

Justin Lawless, CEO Intact Software & NERSF Chairperson says ‘with such a diverse range of free and funded courses now available through apprenticeships, traineeships, undergraduate, postgraduate studies, online, part-time and blended options, it is imperative that businesses should engage to see how the NERSF can help with their staff development and skill needs.

For more info contact Mr. Ray Murphy at raymurphy@regionalskills.ie or through www.regionalskills.ie/regions/northeast.

Dundalk Leader 26th August 2020

12

Blinds

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Fuel

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Conservatories/Windows/Sunrooms Gardening

Forklifts

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THROUGH A

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Dundalk Leader 26th August 2020

Gardening

13

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Dundalk, Co. Louth

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Also Domestic & Commercial Kieran on 042-932 2594 Skip hire: 3-40 cubic yards Call or email info@aceenvironmental.ie Visit us @ www.aceenvironmental.ie or email us @ info@aceenvironmental.ie NWCPO-12-06461-04

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Windows

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Dundalk Leader 26th August 2020

14

Staycations likely to stay with us beyond this summer While the country is currently in peak Staycation season, recent research has indicated that the preference to holiday at home could remain long after this year’s holiday season has come to an end.

According to recent research carried out by AA Ireland, 49.15% of over 6,000 people survey by the organisation stated that they are very likely to holiday in Ireland and avoid any overseas travel until 2021 at the earliest, even to countries that appear on the Government’s “Green List.” In addition, a further 23.88% of respondents stated they were somewhat likely to avoid overseas travel for at least the rest of this year, with just 5.27% stating they were very unlikely to holiday solely at home.

Similarly, the research found that 42.80% of those surveyed described themselves as very unlikely to travel abroad until such a time as a successful

YEAR MAKE

2017 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2016 2016 2018 2017 2017 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2019 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2019 2017 2017 2017 2018 2016 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2018 2018 2019 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018

AUDI AUDI BMW CITROEN CITROEN FIAT FORD FORD FORD HYUNDAI HYUNDAI HYUNDAI HYUNDAI HYUNDAI HYUNDAI HYUNDAI HYUNDAI HYUNDAI KIA KIA MAZDA MAZDA NISSAN NISSAN NISSAN OPEL OPEL OPEL PEUGEOT RENAULT RENAULT RENAULT RENAULT RENAULT RENAULT RENAULT SEAT SEAT SKODA SKODA SKODA SKODA TOYOTA VW VW VOLVO VOLVO

treatment or vaccination against COVID-19 had been identified, with 25.16% describing themselves as somewhat unlikely to travel abroad in the absence of a vaccine or readily available treatment.

“COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on our day-to-day working lives, with many of us now still either fully or partially working from home. However, it appears that there could equally be a longer-term impact on our holiday plans over the coming years. Understandably there is a clear reluctance to travel abroad at the moment, even to countries on the Government’s Green List, but it does appear that the holiday at home phenomenon will not be confined to a single travel season,” Conor Faughnan, AA Director of Consumer Affairs stated. “A by-product of this is we are seeing significantly busier roads around Irish tourist hotspots than we would normally see and an increase in stayca-

MODEL

A4 A3 1 SERIES C3 AIRCROSS C4 CACTUS 500X FIESTA FIESTA FOCUS I10 I30 I10 I30 I40 I10 KONA TUSCON TUSCON PICANTO CEED 6 2 QASHQAI QASHQAI MICRA ASTRA ASTRA ASTRA 3008 CAPTUR CAPTUR MEGANE TOURER KADJAR CLIO CLIO KADJAR ARONA ATECA SUPERB FABIA COMBI FABIA OCTAVIA C-HR PASSAT GOLF V40 S60

tion related breakdowns.”

“With many people now driving across Ireland with family to take a short holiday, it’s important that motorists exercise an additional level of precaution, particularly when driving on roads that they may be less familiar with. The past months have seen a significant increase in the number of people cycling and walking on a regular basis and motorists must do their part to help keep these vulnerable road users safe.”

The survey also found that changes in personal circumstances and not just a fear of contracting the virus was a likely factor in people’s decision to holiday at home more often in the coming years. 22.73% of those surveyed at the AA described themselves as more likely to holiday within Ireland over the next few years due to changes in their or their family’s financial situation, with a further 23.63% stating they were somewhat likely to do so.

SPEC / FUEL

COLOUR

MILES

PRICE

2.0 TDI ULTRA SE SALOON 1.6 TDI SE 116D SPORT AUTO 1.6 HDI BLUE FEEL 1.6 HDI FEEL ED 1.6 DIESEL MTJ POPSTAR 1.2 PETROL ZETEC 1.2 PETROL ZETEC 1.5 TDCI TITANIUM 1.1 PETROL DELUXE 1.6 CRDI DELUXE 1.0 PETROL DELUXE 1.4 PETROL DELUXE 1.7 CRDI EXECUTIVE 1.0 PETROL CLASSIC 1.0 PETROL EXECUTIVE 1.6 CRDI COMFORT + 1.6 CRDI EXECUTIVE 1.0 PETROL TX 1.5 DIESEL EX SAM 2.2 EXECUTIVE SE 1.5 PETROL EXEC 1.5 DCI SV 1.5DCI SV 1.0 PETROL XE 1.6 DIESEL SC 1.6 DIESEL SC 1.6 DIESEL SC 1.2 PETROL ACTIVE 1.0 TCE INTENSE 1.5 DCI AUTO DYNA NAV 1.5 DCI DYNAM NAV 1.5 DCI S NAV 1.0 PETROL DYNAM NAV 1.0 PETROL DYNAM NAV 1.3 PETROL TCE PLAY 1.6 TDI SE 1.6 TDI SE 1.6 TDI AMBITION 1.0 MPI AMBITION 1.0 PETROL ACTIVE 1.6 TDI AMBITION 1.2 PETROL LUNA 1.6 TL 120BHP 1.6TDCI HL 2.0 DIESEL D2 MOMENTUM 2.0 D2 SE AUTO

SILVER GREY BLACK WHITE GREY RED WHITE WHITE WHITE BLACK BEIGE WHITE SILVER BLUE RED GREY WHITE BROWN YELLOW RED GREY GREY RED BLUE BLUE GREY GREY BLUE BROWN SILVER RED BLACK BLUE RED GREY GREEN GREY GREY GREY BLUE GREY GREY GREY GREY WHITE BLUE SILVER

61250 50625 35625 43750 51779 30625 31250 40625 46250 34375 67500 25625 32500 43750 15000 25000 16250 19375 23125 32500 68750 25000 51875 50000 13750 51875 45000 37500 26250 20000 51250 42500 50000 20625 18750 14375 19375 15000 28125 33750 16250 37500 38125 37531 62500 36250 48750

€20990 €20990 €21990 €15990 €16990 €17990 €10990 €10750 €16990 €9990 €13990 €10990 €15990 €20990 €11990 €20990 €26990 €28990 €9990 €16990 €16990 €13990 €19990 €19990 €14990 €13500 €13500 €13500 €23990 €12990 €17990 €16990 €19990 €13990 €13990 €23990 €19990 €25990 €22990 €11990 €13990 €19990 €20990 €21990 €21450 €20990 €23990

New Renault ZOE is July’s #1 Electric Car in Ireland

Blackstone Motors Dundalk brings forward VAT reduction giving customers €1,000 VATBACK on Renault ZOE in August New Renault ZOE Z.E. 50 has topped the podium as Ireland’s number one electric car for July with 14.5% market share.

It’s easy to see why - the stylish and practical New ZOE is Ireland’s most affordable electric car from just €26,990 saving customers a minimum of €9,000 compared to other long-range electric cars (after VRT relief and SEAI grant) with a 395km range, thanks to a more powerful 52kWh battery. This is a car that will take you anywhere you need to go.

Hill Street, Dublin Rd., Dundalk.

Renault’s New ZOE has been going down a storm throughout Europe in 2020. Although the overall market was down, New ZOE racked up a 50% sales increase in the first half of the year.

The resulting 37,540 units put New ZOE in a commanding lead in the electric car market.

ZOE has replicated its European performance here by coming in as Ireland’s favourite electric car for July.

New ZOE can also avail of fast 50kW Direct Current (DC) charging for the first time - 50 kW fast charging can add around 145km of range in as little as half an hour. ZOE remains the only car with standard 22kWh AC charg-

042 9331515/086 2559201

ing capability through the Chameleon Charger™ - making ZOE by far the most suitable electric car for Ireland’s public charging network.

Blackstone Motors Dundalk is bringing forward September’s 2% VAT reduction and giving customers €1,000 VATBACK on all New Renault ZOE models ordered in August. Customers can also avail of ultra-low car finance of 2% APR with Renault Bank, saving over €2,000 in interest compared to high street banks, and get a real 3-month payment deferral on August orders. Why wait until September? www.blackstonemotors.ie | Tel 042 93 31111.

Dundalk Leader 26th August 2020

15

Get €1,000 VATBACK. We want to give you the VATBACK in August.

New Renault ZOE

Save today with:

€1,000 VATBACK + 2% APR Why wait until September?

Model shown: Zoe GT Line R135 Z.E. 50 RRP €31,990. Finance example ZOE Play R110 Z.E.50. RRP €26,990. Deposit €11,286. Term 48 monthly payments of €339. APR 2.00%. Total cost of credit €642 inc fee of €75. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Payment deferral available on request. First payment will be taken 90 days after activation of finance agreement. Subject to lending criteria.

Terms and conditions apply. See Renault.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made]. Renault Bank is a trading name of RCI Banque Branch Ireland and is authorised and regulated by the French banking authority and supervised by the Central Bank for conduct of business purposes.

BLACKSTONE MOTORS DUNDALK BLACKSTONE MOTORS DROGHEDA Book a test drive Dundalk Retail Park, Inner Relief Road, Dundalk Newgrange Business Park, Donore Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth Tel 042 93 31111 www.blackstonemotors.ie Tel 041 9831100 www.blackstonemotors.ie

Get

€750 VATBACK Why wait until September?

From €149 per month At Dacia, we want to give you the VATBACK in August.

The Dacia Duster with €750 VATBACK + 3 Months Deferred Payments.

Blackstone Motors Dundalk Dundalk Retail Park, Inner Relief Road, Dundalk Tel 042 93 31111 www.blackstonemotors.ie

Blackstone Motors Drogheda Newgrange Business Park, Donore Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth Tel 041 9831100 www.blackstonemotors.ie

Model Shown: Dacia Duster Prestige TCe 130. RRP €22,840. Finance example Duster Essential TCe 100. RRP €18,240. Deposit €6,275. Term 36 monthly payments of €149. APR 4.9%. Total cost of credit €1,463 inc fee of €75. Optional final payment €7,989. Excess mileage plus excess wear and tear charges may apply upon return of vehicle. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Payment deferral available on request. First payment will be taken 90 days after activation of finance agreement. Subject to lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply. Offer exclusive to Dacia Bank. See Dacia.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made]. Dacia Bank is a trading name of RCI Banque Branch Ireland and is authorised and regulated by the French banking authority and supervised by the Central Bank for conduct of business purposes. Offer available at Dacia participating dealers.

You do the maths

16

Dundalk Leader 26th August 2020