DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Bronagh helps refugees in Croatia Page 6
Students take to the stage Pages 8, 12 & 14
Catherine makes black belt history Page 4
Wednesday, 27th January, 2016. Vol. 9, Issue 4 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth.
Delight at U-turn on Down Syndrome cuts Tel: 042 9320888. Fax: 042 9329676. Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com; advertising@dundalkleader.com
By Paul Byrne
Parents of Down Syndrome children in Louth were celebrating this week as the HSE announced that they have reversed their decision to cut grant funding for an early intervention programme. A total of 53 children would have been adversely affected by the cuts which were vigorously fought against by Down Syndrome Louth/Meath as well as parents of children affected by the cut. Conal Kelleher one of the parents involved in the campaign against the cuts was understandably delighted when he heard the news on Thursday evening that the HSE had reversed their controversial decision. “I actually couldn’t believe how quickly it happened in the end. Full story on Page 6
Conor jumps at chance to work in Ramsay restaurant By Paul Byrne
A local chef is enjoying the opportunity of a lifetime as he spends this week working in the pressure cooker environment that is Gordon Ramsay’s flagship restaurant in central London. Ardee man Conor Halpenny who works in the Tankardstown House in Rathkenny earned his chance to work in the three time michelin star restaurant. Full Story Page 2. Conor Halpenny with girlfriend Molly Gaynor.