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DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Elaine outlines childcare issues

Make Way Day takes place in Dundalk Page 4

DkIT induction day as students return Page 8

Page 6

Crisis in the taxi industry

Wednesday, 29th September, 2021. Vol. 14, Issue 39 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

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

By Paul Byrne

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The taxi industry in Dundalk is on its knees with a lack of drivers making it all but impossible to get a taxi over the weekend in particular. A local publican has told the Dundalk Leader that it is simply not possible for their customers to get a taxi on a Saturday evening after 11pm and since the pubs re-opened last month many bar owners are being forced to drive their patrons home themselves. A spokesperson for Seven’s Taxi’s in Dundalk confirmed that the industry is in crisis due to lack of

drivers saying that many of them have simply not come back after being off during the worst of the pandemic. “We would have had 35 cars prepandemic and we are down to about ten drivers now. Many of our older drivers don’t want to do nights anymore and they are happy enough getting their few hours during the day. As well as that there is simply no young people coming into the industry which means we are facing a crisis down the line when the current crop retire. It’s a huge problem around town at weekends Continued on Page 2

Ireland’s tallest mural unveiled

Ireland’s tallest mural which depicts the warrior God Lú with his wolfhound is 41 metres in height and took Australian artist Sam Bates (AKA Smug One) just ten days to complete. (Full Story Page 11).

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Crisis in the taxi industry Dundalk Leader 29th September 2021

Continued from page 1 with the pubs back open as you have every publican trying to empty his or her bar by 11.30 and ringing their local taxi rank all at the same time. We simply do not have the manpower to accommodate all these people and it doesn’t surprise me to hear that the publicans are having to do a few runs to leave their customers home. “We are advertising every week looking for drivers but nobody is interested in getting into the industry. You have a lot of drivers who don’t do nights anymore as

they consider it too dangerous especially in the wake of Martin Mulligan’s murder a few years ago. We are finding it very difficult to get drivers to work weekends and I can’t see that changing anytime soon. If anybody out there has their own car and wants a

job I would ask them to give us a call because there is a severe shortage of drivers in town right now. Similar sentiments were echoed by the owner of a second taxi operator in Dundalk who said that things have never been so bad in

the industry. “We are struggling like every other taxi operator around town to get drivers in and we lost a hell of a lot of men when the PUP payments came in in particular. They were getting more sitting at home than they would do driving the taxi so they were reluctant to come back,” he explained. “Unfortunately the powers that be have ensured that people have to jump through hops if they want a taxi license and right now it would take a person at least eighteen months to get that

license. They are making it too hard for people to pass the test and a taxi driver has to know the number of every single road be it big or small all over the county. There is no need to know the names of these roads religiously especially given the fact that everybody has access to satnav nowadays. “Our driver numbers have halved over the last eighteen months and it’s hard to see us ever getting back up to the numbers we were at prepandemic. We are in a crisis and I’m not sure what the solution is,” he added.

Woman with disabilities’ ten year wait for house transfer A Dundalk mother has pleaded with the local authorities to find suitable accommodation for her while stating that she has been on a housing transfer list for over ten years. Martina Hutchinson from Laurel Brook Gardens is completely paralysed down her left side and also has type two diabetes and glaucoma. She lives in a two storey four-bedroom house with her partner and son and is unable to use the

stairs. She can only walk very short distances and if going into town she can only do so with the aid of her wheelchair. According to Martina she has been asking for a house transfer for over ten years and is now at her wits end with the lack of progress being made regarding her request. “There are three of us in this big house and it is simply not suitable for us. My partner fell and broke his hip last year and he has problems with his kidneys so he is unable to use the stairs either and all we want is a wee threebedroom bungalow which would be much more suitable given our disabilities. I have given the local authority everything they have asked of me and have spent my own money going to the doctor to get letters

Martina Hutchinson with daughter Sarah. from them to say that I am disabled and unable to use the stairs. I have no feeling at all down my left-hand side and if I want to go into town my daughter Sarah has to push me in a wheelchair. “Ten years is a hell of a long time to be waiting on a transfer and I am

blue in the face ringing them up telling them of my circumstances and hearing them telling me that they are looking into it. I understand there is a waiting list and I know there is a housing shortage but to wait over ten years in my condition is just not acceptable,” stated Martina. “I’m not asking for much and I am wiling to be moved anywhere in town which is safe and on a bus route. We would be happy in a quiet wee area in a small bungalow and that’s all we want,” she added. Local TD Ruairí O’Murchú said he was aware of the case and that both he any local Sinn Fein councillor Kevin Meenan will be meeting with the highest levels of Louth County Council to discuss this and other housing issues locally.

“We all know that there is a huge issue with housing supply, maintenance and transfers. This is a major issue at the minute and is having an impact on multiple families locally. Myself and Kevin are due to have meetings with senior executives in Louth County Council over the next couple if weeks and we will be discussing these issues to see what can be done,” stated Ruairí. Meanwhile a statement from Paddy Donnelly, Director of Services in Louth County Council stated that while the facilitation of a transfer can take a period of time due to shortage of suitable accommodation it would be very unusual for some sort of offer of a transfer not to be made within ten years. “Louth County Council is desirous of assist-

ing Tenants who for medical reasons require a transfer to another property suitable for their needs. “The facilitation of a transfer, however, can take a period of time due in part to the nonavailability of suitable accommodation in the Tenant’s restricted area of choice. “It would be very unusual and in fact none are to hand where an individual case would not have had some alternative offer made within a period that would certainly be less than ten years. “The Council places great emphasis on the need for strictest confidentiality in respect of our clients and therefore the Council will not comment on the specifics of individual cases,” concluded the statement.

Event to remember Sean O’Rioda This Sunday marks the 50th centenary of the untimely death of Sean O’Rioda. To mark the occasion, a very special commemoration is being held in Urney graveyard and Forkhill next Sunday 3rd. Details are as follows. “A very special walk with stunning music will take place in Forkhill village to remember Sean O’Rioda and celebrate his music next Sunday 3rd October on the 50th anniversary of his death. Starting at 2pm at the Welcome inn, the walk through Hidden Forkhill,

with Music,Poetry and Song will recall O’Rioda’s connection with local poet, scholar and musician , Peadar O’ Doirnin. O’ Doirnin is best remembered for writing the lyrics to Sean O’Riada’s most famous song Mna na hEireann. During this 2 hour walk through Forkhill, visiting the areas associated with O’ Doirnin - his hedge school and Peace Park memorial among others- the walk will meander down country lanes, criss-crossing the border and rivers, echoing the journey to his final resting

place at the secluded graveyard of Urney. Here the visitor will hear haunting tunes of O’Riada and O’Doirnin, played by master fiddler Gerry O’Connor, well known in both local and international traditional musical circles. Upon return to Forkhill, Gerry O’Connor will join the local Comhaltas Ceoltoiri for an afternoon of music, poetry and song. An afternoon not to be missed... For further details and bookings contact The Welcome Inn FB. Inquiries also on 087-6479715 or 00447845406971.

An afternoon of music, poetry and song takes place this Sunday in memory of Sean O’Rioda.

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Dundalk Leader 29th September 2021

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Dundalk Leader 29th September 2021

Concerns over changes to close contact rules for kids By Tamara O’Connell

Louth Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) representative Adrian Kelly has said he “fully agrees” with the INTO for expressing concern about changes to close contact rules for children. From Monday, September 27, those aged 12 and under no longer have to be tested or stay at home if they are asymptomatic close contacts of a Covid case in school.

Automatic contact tracing will also be discontinued for them. “I fully agree with the INTO. There’s not enough data there to suggest it’s a safe time to postpone or put off testing close contacts,” said Adrian. “It’s difficult to know if the change will lead to

more cases of Covid-19 as the children won’t be tested. “The worry is that in a lot of cases, younger children don’t seem to suffer the effects like the older generation. but there are likely to be exceptions.” He added: “A number of principals have ex-

pressed concern because it’s difficult for school principals to manage at the moment. “There’s a lot of anxiety from the principals’ point of view. For me, it means how can you trace it, if you’re not going to test close contacts? “We are only three weeks back and I think it would be better to allow for more time so that the experts can get the data they need to back up what they are doing.”

Make Way Day takes place in Dundalk

Garda Kate Patterson, Garda Darragh Prior, Cllr Maeve Yore, wheelchair user John Morgan and his assistance dog, Jamie. Make Way Day was launched in Dundalk for the fifth year running in a bid to raise awareness about the difficulties facing wheelchair users when trying to get around town. Garda Kate Patterson, Garda Darragh Prior, Councillor Maeve Yore, and local wheelchair user John Morgan met outside the town hall on Crowe Street on Friday, September 24 to highlight the day. John, aged 57, from Siul na Mara on the Point Road was joined by his well-trained assistance dog, Jamie. John suffered a brain injury in 2012 and has

been in a wheelchair ever since. “The footpaths aren’t laid out right. I get bad jerks in my neck because of the footpaths,” said John. “People with disabilities have enough things to overcome. Footpaths are meant for wheelchairs and walking, not for bikes or e-scooters.” Cllr Yore said: “Make Way Day is about educating people and raising awareness about the difficulties that people with disabilities face. “We got great support from Chief Superintendent Mangan and the gardai. They have al-

ways supported accessibility. “We were the first county in Ireland to launch Make Way Day and now it’s gone national. It’s educating and informing people about the challenges faced by people with disabilities.” Cllr Yore added: “It’s tough enough being in a wheelchair without facing obstacles on the footpath too.” Garda Darragh Prior said: “We enforce the three ‘E’s – engage, explain and enforce. I’d ask people to please be aware of people with disabilities and in wheelchairs.”

Dundalk Leader 29th September 2021

Elaine outlines many issues facing childcare By Tamara O’Connell

The Chairperson of the Federation of Early Childhood Providers Elaine Dunne said childcare staff are “terrified” that there will be a Covid-19 outbreak due to the end of contact tracing. Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan announced that from Monday, September 27 contact tracing of close contacts in childcare facilities and

primary education and testing of asymptomatic close contacts in childcare facilities and primary education will no longer be necessary. “In the sector we’ve been chronically underfunded for many years and this has led to a staffing crisis,” said Elaine. “Problems facing the sector include low pay and the terms and conditions. A lot of staff members are

leaving and going to schools to work as Special Needs Assistants as both the wages and terms and conditions are better.” She added: “Staffing levels are going down dramatically and providers are walking away from services. The level of funding in the sector is far too low. “We were well looked after during Covid-19, but all the years of not being well

looked after have contributed to this current situation. “In the last two years 271 services have closed their doors. Providers are getting worn out and staff are getting worn out. “We have to keep in mind the rigid guidelines and now we are being asked to get rid of contact tracing and now staff are terrified there could be a Covid-19 outbreak.”

News G

in Brief St Joseph’s GFC Lotto

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Fundraiser for Defibrillators.

Elaine Dunne, Chairperson of the Federation of Early Childhood Providers.

Rebecca Storm in the TLT Theatre

With the entertainment industry finally getting back on its feet, the staff and production team here at The TLT in association with Spotlight Productions are thrilled to present to you, an evening of magical musical memories - Rebecca Storm ‘Back For Good’. Join Rebecca and friends on Sunday 17th October at 7:30pm on a musical journey from the streets of Liverpool and Dublin to the dizzy heights of Hollywood, Broadway, and the wonderful West End with a spectacular live stage show featuring her live band, singers, and dancers. We are delighted to also welcome Drogheda Male Voice Choir for a special guest performance. Tickets available from www.thetlt.ie / 041 9878560.

“Early CPR and access to a defibrillator are vital to achieve survival from Cardiac Arrest,” stated Lions Club President Pat Byrne. “Dundalk Lions hope to increase this survival rate by adding to the number of defibrillators R in public areas.” We thank C all who contribute to this fundraising.” https:// L www.gofundme.com/f/ defibulators-for-dundalk- C l lions.

G L p l c n t w P c S C

Dundalk Leader 29th September 2021

Growing Local Connections in Lordship

Roisin Cotter, Brian Kilboy, Joe Mulligan, Pat McKenna, Colin Savage, Eileen McGeown, Anne Coyle and Jeanette Morgan are helping grow connections in Lordship.

Local community group, Cooley Connect Well was delighted to support the Maria Goretti Respite Centre in Lordship recently with the planting of fruit trees and pollinator friendly plants for the centre’s garden. Cooley Connect Well has been running the Social Connections Project which is supported by EU’s PEACE IV Programme, Special EU Programmes Body SEUPB, LMETB and Louth County Council, since May

this year and was very happy to get involved with their local children’s respite centre as part of the Community Engagement aspect of the project. The Social Connections Project provided weekly organic growing classes for 30 participants in Cooley for 8 weeks over the summer, as well as 13 daytrips to private and community gardens and social farms in Counties Louth and Down. “The Maria Goretti Foundation does amazing work

in our community, and we are delighted to be able to help them develop their garden with these new trees and plants” commented Anne Coyle of the Cooley Connect Well committee. The new garden area at the centre is being developed by staff members Brian Kilboy and Colin Savage who both took part in the Social Connections Project. For more information on the project, go to the Cooley Connect Well Facebook Page.

Dundalk Leader 29th September 2021

Louth International DkIT welcomes students Film Festival at An Táin back to campus

Taking place on Saturday, 2nd October 2021 at An Táin Arts Centre Dundalk, the festival consists of a carefully curated features programme with postscreening Q&A’s from visiting directors, industry panel discussions, DkIT short films, and an international short film competition. Presented by The Louth Filmmakers Society, in association with DkIT, the Louth International Film Festival patrons include Dundalk native and Hollywood director, John Moore, as well as two-time Oscar nominated cinematographer, Seamus McGarvey, ASC, BSC . Louth International Film Festival is proud to present this year’s Feature Film County Lines, a moving coming of age drama focusing on a 14-year-old boy who is groomed into a drug smuggling criminal net-

Director John Moore is a patron of the Louth Film Festival. work. Written and Directed by Henry Blake this hard-hitting feature will screen after an introduction by Producer David Broder. Stevie a short animation will screen before County Lines with a short audio introduction. Stevie was produced by Rialto Youth Project young men’s group and Fiona Whelan. The Festival also has a huge selection of International, Irish and DKIT student short films. Louth International Guest Panellists 2021 Producer and Location Manager, David

Broder; has worked on Film and Tv Productions for over 25 years. Is work including BFG, Phantom Thread and Kings Speech. Director of Photography, Tim Fleming; an award-winning Cinematography known for his work on Once, The Stranger (TV House), Most Fertile Man in Ireland and Jimi: All Is by My Side. Director and Assistant Director, Hannah Quinn; has over 25 years’ experience in the TV and Film industry as an Assistant Director. She worked on various

films such as Martian and Children of Men. Writer and Director, Aislinn Clarke; is a Director and Writer known for The Devil’s Doorway and Childer. Actor and Writer, Laurence McKeown; Actor, Screen Writer and Playwriter know for writing and staring in H3. Moderated by Kenneth Sloane; Is a graduate of the London Film Academy, University of Leeds and DkIT. Currently he is a Lecturer of Dundalk I.T and has lectured in the areas of Film and Media Theory and Video Production. 2021 Awards & Prizes include; Best Short Fiction; Best Short; Best Documentary; the Seamus McGarvey Award for Best Cinematography; Best Student Film; and the Audience Choice Award. The festival is free to enter and all are welcome.

This week Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) reopened its doors and welcomed 1st and 2nd year student groups for induction, with all students being back on campus from Monday 27th of September. This year’s induction days included 2nd year students whose college experience to date has been exclusively online. They may have completed first year but have little knowledge of the campus, or their fellow classmates. The new students were delighted to be on campus, and the cohort included over 50 students from the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Three of the Czech students, Lenka Vrancikova, Kate Kricenska and Magdalenna Vavrova were happy to be in Dundalk: “We are very excited to be here and have been made very welcome in Dundalk. We have been here for 5 days so far and we love it so far!” Speaking during her

DkIT Induction Day. induction, Hayley Roddy, Event Management student from Ravensdale and a former pupil of St Vincent’s Secondary School, added: “It’s great to come and see the campus and was good to meet my classmates. I am looking forward to starting the course.” On the 15th of June the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS), published A Safe Return To OnSite Further And Higher Education And Research (Safe Return Plan). The plan was inclusively formed and is endorsed by public health authorities. The safe reopening of all higher education institutes is underpinned by three primary pillars:

Higher education has been nominated as an ‘essential service’ by government. There is an overwhelming desire from students for a return to on campus learning and research activity The majority, if not all adults, including college students have been offered the opportunity to be fully vaccinated. DkIT President, Michael Mulvey, said: “The students are at the beating heart of any Institution, and we are delighted to welcome them back on campus. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff who have worked tirelessly to prepare DkIT for reopening. We have put in place all the measures advised by

public health to make the return to campus safe and sustainable for all our students, staff, and wider community. We will continue to be vigilant and in constant communication with the public health specialists with the priority being the health, safety and wellbeing of all our Institute community. I believe our strength in this new phase of the pandemic will be personal and well as institutional responsibility. I wish all our students, but especially the students who have had no on-campus experience, a healthy, fulfilling, academic year at DkIT.” Meanwhile college students who have not yet received their Covid-19 vaccine are invited to attend a walkin vaccination clinic at the Fairways Hotel this week. The walk in clinics will operate between 1pm and 7pm today (Wed 29th) and tomorrow (30th). Students seeking a vaccine are asked to bring photo ID, PPS number, email address and their Eircode. They are also asked to register beforehand.

Induction Day in DkIT

Patrick McGeary, Clogherhead studying Business & Management & Oisín Dunne, Drogheda, studying Business & Technology

Aimee Kirwan, Drogheda & Caitlin Grant, Kilkeel. Both are studying the BSc in Veterinary Nursing

dalk & Martyna Teterycz, Hayley Roddy, Ravensdale, Dun agement. Drogheda. Both studying Event Man

ki, Lusk. Nayla Sadiq, Aisha Yahya, Dundalk. Zainab Sara ying Science, Nayla is Dundalk. Aisha & Zainib are stud studying Pharma Science.

Lenka Vrancikova, Kate Kricenska and Magdalenna Vavrova from the Czech Republic, all living in Dundalk.

Brother and sister Carlos & Mary-Angela Kayode from Ardee studying the BSc (Hons) in Science with Environmental Bioscience.

Dundalk Leader 29th September 2021

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Dundalk Leader 29th September 2021

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Dundalk Leader 29th September 2021

Martin overwhelmed with response to mural

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The tallest mural in Ireland is now officially in Dundalk.

QUIZ 1—Cape Canaveral is in which US state? 2—Daniel Day Lewis won best actor at the Oscars in 1990 for which Jim Sheridan directed movie? 3—What is the title of the first James Bond film? 4—When did Dublin celebrate the Millennium of its birth? 5—Which breaded chicken is named after a capital city? 6—What significant facility in Dundalk was opened on the 3rd of July 1959 at a cost of £500,000? 7—What county is the education and training college for An Garda Siochana situatied? 8—Which popular film song begins with the words “Now I’m the king of the swingers”? 9—What is the hardest substance in the human body? 10—What is the well known French term for ‘Fat Tuesday’? The Stinker—Who was given the nickname ‘Old blood and guts’?

answers 1/ Florida, 2/ My Left Foot, 3/ Dr No., 4/ 1988 , 5/ Chicken Kiev, 6/ The Louth Hospital on the Dublin Road, 7/ Tipperary (Templemore), 8/ I wanna be like you (The Monkey Song) from The Jungle Book, 9/ Tooth enamel, 10/ Mardi Gras. The Stinker: General George Patton.

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Dundalk BIDS Manager Martin McElligott has said he is “overwhelmed” with the positive response to the completion of the country’s tallest mural on the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The Crowne Plaza Hotel is the tenth tallest building in Ireland. The mural, which depicts the warrior god Lú, the namesake of Co Louth, is 41 metres in height. It has been painted by the internationally renowned artist Sam Bates, also known as “Smug One”. “We had a few different walls earmarked for this mural but it was such a big mural, three weeks prior to the project we were working with the Crowne Plaza on other issues and the Crowne was very keen to get involved so they decided to give us the south facing wall,” said Martin. “Around two weeks later we got the go ahead and we decided to put it to the artist and give him a choice. He decided that it had to be ‘the biggie’, as he said. “The success of the project is down to a load of positive people who made it happen. Dundalk has mural fever at the moment.” He added: “The whole team played a vital role. Eve-

ryone believes in the project. First and foremost, it’s to promote Dundalk. “We squared away two weeks for the painting of the mural but in the end, it took ten to 11 days to complete. “Smug, the artist, is the number one out there. There’s no-one to compare him to. I’m overwhelmed with the positive response the mural has got so far.” Martin continued: “The whole town is overwhelmed. Everyone is still pinching themselves passing it every day in the car. “We are trying to change the perception of Dundalk, not just from the outside but inside Dundalk also. “It’s not just about the art, it’s about Dundalk. We have a massive creative community here that needs to be highlighted and that feeds into a positive town.” Plans are afoot for another mural in Dundalk which is due to commence on October 3. The painting is a tribute piece to Thomas J Coulter, a famous botanist who went to school in town. The mural will be located on Francis Street. Work is also underway on a book about the Seek Festival and Dundalk’s murals and the artists who created them.

Dundalk Leader 29th September 2021

Family Notices in memoriam

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). I.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). R.P. 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). L.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). M.McG. 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). C.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). H.L.

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). M.C. 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). J.W. PRAYER TO SAINT PADRE PIO O God, you grace saint Pio of Pietrelcina, Capuchin priest, The privilege of participating in a unique way in the passion of your son. Grant me, through his intercession, that which I ardently desire, and above all grant me the grace of living in conformity with the death of Jesus, to arrive at the glory of the resurrection. Glory be to the father (three times). E.K.

Stalking bill progresses in the Seanad—McGreehan A Fianna Fáil bill to make stalking a standalone offence in Irish law has progressed to second stage in the Seanad. The bill, Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person (Amendment) (Stalking) Bill, was cosigned by Louth Fianna Fáil Senator Erin McGreehan. The Bill seeks to introduce a standalone offence of ‘stalking’ into lrish law by providing for a specific offence of stalking characterised by ‘repeated, unwanted behaviour that occurs as a result of fixation or obsession and causes alarm, distress or harm

Senator Erin McGreehan.

to the victim and to provide for related matters.’ Commentating on the Bill, Senator McGreehan said, “On Wednesday, during Fianna Fáil private members time in the Seanad, the Fianna Fáil group moved the Non-Fatal

Offences Against the Person (Amendment) (Stalking) Bill to second stage. “The crime of stalking has a very severe and long-lasting impact on the victim long after the situation has ended. The current harassment laws do not adequately

cover the seriousness of the crime of stalking or the impact on the victim. “We must listen to victims and take their lead in framing the law in this area. Fianna Fáil has worked closely with Una Ring and Eve McDowell, the co-founders of Stalking Ireland, to bring this legislation to the Seanad. “By introducing this new law and making stalking a criminal offence we are sending a strong message to any future stalker of the seriousness of the crime and the penalty that will ensue.”

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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. WANTED—Secure shed wanted to rent to house small vintage tractor, radius of 5 miles from Louth Village. Tel 086 8459472. ADVERTISE YOUR HOUSE Premises for rent or sale to 60,000 readers a week from €5. Telephone Dundalk Leader 042 93 -20888.

CARPET & OVEN CLEANING—Carpet, upholstery & specialist oven cleaning available. Call MVI Cleaning Dundalk on 042 94 21300 or visit www.mvicleaning.ie. Roofing Repairs—Stoves supplied and fitted, fully insured, Hetas certified. Contact Paul Englishby 087 6301914 or 041 98 94633. GARDEN & HOUSE MAINTENANCE—Strimming grass, hedge cutting, weeding, also garden clearance, concreting, patios, painting, power washing, gutter cleaning, window cleaning, fencing. Have all the equipment. Contact Brian 086-109-7358. 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. GARDEN SERVICES—Lawn & hedge cutting in and around Dundalk. Keen prices. Tel. 087 147 7067. Secure your Wheelie Bin with Mr. Binlockin, locks for Domestic & Industrial Bins. Stops others filling your bin, prevents interference from animals, secures your personnel recyclable documents, gets you prepared for and saves you money on pay by weight enquires Tel 042 9377611. 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. CHIMNEY CLEANER—Brush and vacuum. The original clean sweep. Ph Billy 087 644 8230. J. King Plumbing—Heating and Property Maintenance Tel 086 6086327 or 042 9377775. Plastering Service available, free quotations. Contact David 085 7829910 or Gavin 086 3799285. Parenting with Maisie—10 week parenting programme online via ZOOM beginning late September. For details please call Maisie McGuinness 087 2100620.

Local Power Washing—No job too big or too small. Patios, Driveways, walls, etc Contact James 086 8930086 or 089 9615606 for free quotation. ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES 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. CHIMNEY CLEANING—Finnegan Chimney Cleaning. Certified & insured. Power sweeping, cctv inspection, smoke test, nest & creosote removal. Call Emmet 086 864 6287. WASHING MACHINES & DRYERS REPAIRED. All makes & models. Call out charge €30. We also sell reconditioned machines. Call Brian 087 755 8506. WEDDING CAKES—Cakes for all occasions: Christmas, Anniversaries, Christenings, Birthdays, Confirmations/Communions, etc. All made by Chef, reasonable prices Tel 087 3228790. GARDENING, LANDSCAPING—(flower beds, hedging, leaves clean up) & OUTDOOR PAINTING (decking, fences, gates). Dundalk & District. Tel. 086 3818184. Fifi’s Alterations—Longwalk S.C. (formerly A-Alterations) Tel 083 0118728. Zips, hems, clothes taken in or let out, also Dry Cleaning Service. Open Mon - Wed 9.30 5.30pm, Thur & Fri 9.30 - 6pm & Sat 10-2pm.

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. SMALL FRIDGE For Sale. Tel. 9332450. 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. CHIMNEY CLEANER—The Clean sweep, clean & tidy, no dust. Brush & Vac. Also gutter cleaning. Contact - Cathal 087-225-9799. ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE to over 60,000 readers for only €5 per week up to 20 words Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888. WE CAN DISTRIBUTE your leaflets from €75 + vat per thousand Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888. WINDOW CLEANING—Gutter & facia cleaning carried out by professional, fully trained and insured staff. Affordable rates. Domestic & Commercial. Call our office for a free quotation. Everkleen 042 935 2717 or 086 829 3585. www.everkleenservices.ie. 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 087387-8995 for free quote. GRIMLEY’S DUBLIN ST. DUNDALK— Televisions, TV aerials, satellite, Freeview & Saorview, new installations, sales, service & repairs. Free estimates 042 935 4343. DUNDALK GARDEN SERVICES—Tree topping, felling, hedge trimming, grass cutting & strimming. Rubbish Removals/Garage clearance, House & Garden refuse. Permit holder. Contact Ben 085-840-7707. FORTUNE TELLER—Available for appointment, private or group bookings. Tel. Alison 042 933 5102 or 087-67-51229. 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. 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 086607-1702.

tuition

MATHS GRINDS—Leaving and junior certificate. All levels. One on one tuition with an experienced tutor. Phone/text 083 094 1872.

planning

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—I Paul Clarke intend to apply for permission at Gibstown, Ardee Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth for a new single storey dwellinghouse, Septic tank and percolation area, new site entrance and associated site development works. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Louth County Council 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.

ADVERTISE in our classifieds

to over 60,000 readers from only €5 per week up to 20 words Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888

Dundalk Leader 29th September 2021

‘Time for truth’ rally held at Market Square Dundalk was one of a number of areas around Ireland which staged a ‘Time for Truth’ rally to protest against the British proposal to introduce a statute of limitations, an amnesty for British state forces during the conflict. As part of a National Day of Action, a half hour protest was held at Market Square, which was attended by Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú and the families of the 1975 Dundalk bombing. Other protests were held in Louth, at Ballymascanlon, Drogheda and Ardee, at the same time. The Sinn Féin TD said: ‘The message is that it is not OK for the British government to introduce an amnesty which would mean the British government not admitting to the truth about the dirty war it ran in Ireland and the impact it had on families who lost loved ones and

Time for Truth rally took place in Market Square last weekend. The event was attended by local Sinn Fein TD Ruairí O’Murchú.

the communities that were impacted. ‘I want to thank the families from the Dundalk bombing at Kay’s Tavern on December 19 1975. We also need to remember other people who lost their lives in this area, including Seamus Ludlow. ‘We have had a huge amount of actions throughout the period

known as the Troubles by British state forces and their proxies, in the form of Loyalists. ‘At no time have families received the justice they deserved; at no time have they received the truth. ‘We will continue to seek the truth and justice because that’s what these families demand and that is what these

families need and that’s the only thing that will be good enough. ‘That is the message to the Irish government – that it needs to maintain the pressure. It’s a message to the British government, under Boris Johnson, that we will not accept immunity for British state actors and those who were their puppeteers’.

Dundalk Men’s Shed celebrates ten years

Hill Street, Dublin Rd., Dundalk.

042 9331515/086 2559201

Eve Beirne, National Volunteer Co-Ordinator Peader Breen and Eamon Cosgrove receive presents Peter Gray with a Citizenship cert at their Fitness Guru certs from Eve Beirne, Nathe 10th anniversary celebrations in Dundalk. tional Volunteer Co-ordinator for Men’s Sheds By Tamara O’Connell

Dundalk Men’s Shed marked its 10th anniversary last week with a small celebration in the shed to mark the occasion. There was an Oscar Ceremony, hosted by vice chairman Owen Hanratty, and some light entertainment. It was an enjoyable lighthearted event with a wonderful turnout of members. Many people who hadn’t made it back yet, were there, as well as visitors and people who wanted to join. And messages of congratulations and good luck came from other sheds in the county. Chairman Peter O’Neill thanked everyone for com-

ing and thanked especially the members who have returned to the shed after lockdown and have helped keep everything going so well. ‘Without the great teamwork that prevails at the shed, we would never manage,’ Peter said. Eva Beirne, National Organiser with the Irish Men’s Shed Association, who played a key role in the setting up of the shed back in 2011, presented the ‘awards’ and wished everyone the best of luck. Owen Hanratty hosted a very imaginative Oscar show, and Tom Conachy provided music. The choir sang a few songs, the chairman gave a turn on the harmonica and Owen and Sean

Browne played the pipes. The session finished with Sean playing a beautiful lament on the pipes in memory of all shedders to have passed on. The shed has been gradually getting back to normal, as Government restrictions are lifted, and the building itself has been refurbished. There are over 400 hundred sheds throughout the country and these facilities are used by over 10,000 people each week. Dundalk was one of the first to be set up in the country. Dundalk Men’s Shed is based at Seatown Dundalk. Anyone who wishes to join or find out more about it can drop in or call 042-932 76 52.

Dundalk Leader 29th September 2021