04-04-12

18,000 COPIES WEEKLY Louth Students speak out

The Patsy Kelly 5k run.

Stewart Agnew live this weekend

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Friend in a million donates his kidney

Wednesday 4th April, 2012. Vol. 5 Issue 14 . 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth.

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

By Paul Byrne

They say real friends show their worth in times of trouble and that was certainly the case when Brian Gaskin demonstrated true friendship by donating his kidney to Gerry Campbell back in 2010.

The two friends underwent one of Ireland’s first and very rare living kidney transplant operations involving a non-relative (not involving a family member to another). It was an act of kindness Gerry says he will always appreciate.

“I know Brian about fifteen years at this stage. The two of us used to drive lorries together and we would always meet up and have

a couple of pints pretty regularly. We became close friends over the years and it was an extraordinary gift he gave me when my kidney failed” says Gerry.

Gerry, who hails from Armagh but lives in Cedarwood Park, had gone to work as normal four years ago in his lorry and was lifting pallets from the trailer when he suddenly felt a pain and began to feel very weak.

“I remember waking up in a bed in Beaumont connected to all these tubes and a doctor telling me that my kidney had failed and I needed to start dialysis.

I was in hospital for eight weeks and probably lost Continued Page 2

A very worthy cause

COMMUNITIES in Dundalk are coming out in force to show their support for young Ellen Barron -McGee. The Louth branch of ‘Mumstown’ are holding a cake sale and raffle in the Marshes SC this Thursday April 5. All proceeds from which will go towards the ‘Baby Ellen Barron McGee’ fund.

Ellen has life threatening disease Mitochondrial Disorder which can only be treated in America using groundbreaking stem cell treatment.

Ellen started her treatment last Friday in America where doctors were delighted with how Ellen reacted to the treatment and are hoping to see some improvement in her condition. Cara and Ella Honey at the Ellen Barron-McGee Fund Benefit night

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Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012

Friends celebrate historic transplant two years on Continued from Page 1

in his car with his wife driving to Donegal for his holidays when he about three or four heard how bad my situstone” explains Gerry. ation was. He turned “Brian was actually the car around straight

Dundalk men Brian Gaskin with Gerry Campbell (a native of Armagh) who share a lifetime bond and friendship.

The two friends underwent one of Ireland’s first and very rare living kidney transplants operations involving a nonrelative (not involving a family member to another) Not wanting to see his friend ‘s health deteriorate further while undergoing gruelling dialysis treatment, Brian demonstrated true friendship by donating one of his kidneys to Gerry two years ago. The two men are supporting this week’s Organ Donor Awareness Week

away and told his wife he needed to see me before he went.

“I remember Brian coming into me and saying straight away that he would give me one of his kidneys. My son

Ciaran also offered to donate a kidney so both of them got tested to see if they were compatible” explains Gerry.

As it turned out, both Brian and Ciaran were a match but as Ciaran’s

blood vessels were smaller than Gerry’s, Brian was deemed a much more suitable candidate.

“We had to wait about a year to do the operation and I was travelling

three times a week up to the Northern Cross dialysis centre in Malahide which was tough” admits Gerry.

“We went in for the operation in August 2010 and Brian was out

Beware of bogus county council callers local authority warns.

As the deadline for payment and registration loomed, a number of reports surfaced of people calling from house to house claiming to be taking registrations and payments for the House Hold Charge.

Louth County Council confirmed that they had no staff assigned to conduct door to door collections of the charge.

“Householders who have callers seeking a payment in respect of the household charge

should ask for identification as all local authority staff carry official identification.

They should refuse to make any payment and advise the gardaí of the caller.

There was a large turn out on Saturday of people who had waited until the last minute to pay the controversial charge. A queue had formed before the Council offices had opened at 10.30 on Saturday morning. A steady flow of people continued through the day until the offices closed at 3pm.

I decided I didn’t

have much choice. I’m being bullied into handing over this money but I waited until the last minute to pay.

If they are going to take my money against my will I’m not going to make it that easy for them” said one disgruntled Dundalk resident.

It is estimated that just over 800,000 households of 1.6 million liable have registered for the charge.

Now that the date for payment and registration has passed those who have not paid will incur a 10% penalty per month as well as

1% interest.

The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011. provides for a number of offences that relate to a failure to declare liability and to pay.

It was suggested earlier this week that Councils that have yielded a higher return on payments will be rewarded as the allocation of funds may be directly related to the revenue raised.

It will take the Department of Local Government a number of weeks to cross reference the lists of those who have paid with

after three or four days.

My kidney didn’t work at first as there was a blockage which was very disappointing. But they opened me up again, put in a stent and everything has been working great ever since”.

Gerry who tragically lost his wife ten years ago to a brain tumour says he cherishes every day now and makes the most of the quality time he gets to spend with his little grandson Tadhg. None of which would have been possible without his great friend Brian.

“The doctors tell us it was a million to one chance of Brian being a match and for the operation being such a success. Well I have to say that Brian is a friend in a million. I do actually call him my half brother

now and I also refer to him as ‘The Spare Parts Department’! laughs Gerry.

“Because of Brian I won’t have to do dialysis anymore,” said Gerry of his friend.

“I don’t have to plan my life around a machine, and I lead a normal healthy life.” he added The two men are supporting this week’s Organ Donor Awareness Week which will continues until 7th April, by asking people to carry an organ donor card and buy a forget-me-not flower (the symbol of transplantation).

For organ donor cards freetext the word DONOR to 50050 or contact the Irish Kidney Association locall 1890 543639.

available databases like the Private Residential Tenancies Board and Non Principle Private Residence lists and Minister Phil Hogan

has also indicated that he will utilize utility bills in order to identify the householder liable for the increased €111 charge.

Beware of bogus callers—Council

Census reveals population growth The first part of results from Census 2011 were released last week showing how the County has changed in both expected and unexpected ways.

The population of the County has grown by little over 11,000 and women still out-number men by a small margin.

Some of the most significant social changes that have occurred in the past four years has been in relation to religion. Despite a great deal of challenges over the past few years and a perception that the church’s influence is waning the number of Roman Catholics in Co Louth has risen by 7.2 % since 2006 The number of people who declared they were church of Ireland (CoI) on census night also rose by 23.9%.

However, Louth had the sharpest fall in Presbyterian, Methodist and Wesleyan practitioners fell by similar number, approximately 71% fall since 2006.

The census however did not detail the over 6,000 people who ticked the ‘other’ box when filling out the census form. There has been a 48.6% increase in people who say they are not members of any of faiths listed. The numbers are not yet broken down but the high figure relects the need to recognise the diversity of religion in Ireland today.

It was not only he number of catholics the rose over the past four years. Atheists had the most significant rise in numbers with a 62.2% increase since the last census.

Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012

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Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012

News

in Brief Cricket Coaching

Cross border tourism

“This region would become a huge regional park and eventually could be upgraded to national park status. This is one of the best pieces of news this area has heard in a while.

“We will be able to cater for the natural resource based tourism attractions and thus both prolong stays and disperse benefits across the Ireland/ Northern Ireland border region. We have to utilise these advantages we have as an area. What other town has two million people in an 80km reach?” added Paddy.

Dundalk Chamber is part of a European Commission network called EURES.

Dundalk Chamber of Commerce in association with Eures Cross Border Partnership & the Business Support Unit of Louth Local Authorities organized a major Conference entitled “What is takes to succeed in the Tourism Sector” which took place last Wednesday in the Ballymascanlon House Hotel Dundalk.

Over 240 delegates from all over Ireland came to hear a line up of high profile national and international expert speakers.

One of the more significant presentations was made by Brendan McSheery, Louth Heritage Officer who spoke on ‘The role of heritage

Dundalk Cricket Club (DCC) have lured the services of one of Ireland’s leading cricketers. Celebrated cricketer Kevin O’Brien is to run a coaching course in DkIT Ray Carroll, Dr. Sheila Flanagan, Joe Lavery Dervla O Neil, Paddy Malone, Liz Kennedy Burke, Michael McCabe on Saturday April 14.

Kevin secured his place in driving the economic Dundalk Chamber presiin Irish sporting history development of a cross- dent Paddy Malone deas he emerged from Irescribed the announcement border area’’. land’s defeat of England as ‘hugely significant’ During Brendan Mcin the World Cup 2011 as “This funding which we Sheery’s address it was the leading run scorer. announced that funding are getting from INTERIn the same year he also of €1.5m would be made REG effectively means achieved the record for available from INTER- that we can now develop a the fastest century scored REG to develop geotour- geo-tourism area between in the history of the World ism between the Mourne, Mourne, Cooley and GulCup. Gullion and Cooley area. lion” explained Paddy.

DCC is due to begin indoor training but have moved venue in DkIT and are welcoming anyone who wants to get involved His solicitor Roger McGinley said and said he knew the law and wanted A 22-year-old man turned up at from novice upwards.

Man demanded a lift home

Castletown ICA

Castletown ICA meet every Wednesday night in O’Hanlon Park hall at 8pm. New membes welcome. Ph 087 1303355.

Got a Story?

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Phone: 0429320888 Email: editorial @dundalkleader.com

the Garda Station demanding a lift home and a struggle ensued in which he hit a Garda. The Garda had to use his baton to restrain Seamus Lambe, who also was prosecuted at Dundalk Court for public order offences on a different date.

Lambe, 50 Cluan Enda was also charged with separate driving offences relating to a car that he bought for €350 and wrote it off on the date in question.

He was put back to be assessed for community service, the Judge adjourning to May 9 to receive a report before making a decision.

all the offences were committed when Lambe was intoxicated. He was off drink for some months and doing his best to get his act together. He didn’t have a car now.

Mr McGinley said what happened on the occasion of the offences at the Garda Station was a friend he was drinking with earlier had been arrested. Lambe unwisely went to the station in the quest of his friend.

Garda Inspector Martin Beggy related that Lambe rang the hatch at the Garda Station on July 14 last. The Garda who answered offered to ring a taxi. The defendant used expletives,

the Gardai to leave him home.

He was directed to and didn’t leave.

Garda Darren Duffy had to intervene and a struggle ensued.

Inspector Beggy said a month previously Lambe was found very intoxicated at Park Street and used expletives to Gardai and members of the public.

He said that the driving offences related to June 20 2010. Lambe was stopped at Mullacrew and arrested for drink driving. He had no insurance or driving licence.

Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012

Gael Colaiste plans gather pace News

in Brief Easter Parade

Republican Sinn Fein’s annual Easter commemoration will be held at 2pm on Easter Sunday.

Parading from gates of St Patricks to Republican Plot.

Divine Mercy Mass

Mass and Chaplet in honor of Divine Mercy will be held on Sunday April 15 in the Holy Family Church Dundalk at 3pm.

Eucharistic Congress

By Niamh Kirk

Dundalk is set to open its first Gael Colaiste as Louth County VEC confirmed that they are on target to commence registration later this year. The first year of students in the school will be at the start of the academic year in 2013.

Chairperson of the implementation team and CEO of the VEC, Dr. Pádraig Kirk, said that, “the implementation team have been working tirelessly behind the scenes over the last number of months and have now reached a point where it is possible to declare a start-up date. This is a watershed moment in the establishment of the new centre and will be welcome news for the parents of prospective pupils”.

The team is making progress in number of areas and are in the advanced stages of identifying people to sit on the centre’s board of management and the selection

of the school’s name, as well as the draft prospectus. They are also working on the schools logo, student uniform and the junior cycle curriculum.

“Most recently the implementation team has turned its attention to developing a number of key policies including an admissions policy and a code of behaviour” the CEO said.

The team also wants to convene a core parents’ support group and is calling on interested parents to contact the VEC directly to register their interest and get involved. It is planned that a dedicated website will be launched shortly also.

Dr Kirk hopes to be able to release more details of the school soon. He said “The VEC is close to identifying a startup location and once this is possible all of the details will be released”. The VEC are keeping the public updated on developments via regular press releases, public meetings and via its website - www. louthvec.ie.

Dundalk Cursillo are holding a pilgrimage to the 50th International Eucharistic Congress, Dublin on Wednesday June 13. Bus will leave St Patrick’s, Dundalk at 7.30am and fare of €50 includes entry fee to Congress events and meal voucher. Events include Mass, Solemn Eucharistic Procession, Talks, Youth Events and much more.

For bookings or more info contact Steven at 087- Front Row (l-r) Harry Traynor Marshes Shopping Centre, Paul Johnston Dundalk F.C, Holly Dance, Steve Williams and Brendan Gallagher all Prometric with Paddy Malone 2030855.

Dundalk Chamber and Jana van Bramer Prometic at the back.

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Councillors clash over charge The Government’s handling of the much maligned household charge has been described as ‘cack handed’ and ‘a total cock up’ by councillors at the monthly town council meeting.

Cllr Sean Bellew said that although he would be paying the household charge he was appalled with the way that the Government had handled its introduction.

“The trouble with this charge is the way it has been introduced and the cack handed way it has been dealt with. The big problem with the charge is that forever more the very name household tax will have

a bad name just like the poll tax had in England.” he stated.

Cllr Conor Keelan went a step further saying that the charge had been administered by ‘one of the most arrogant ministers in government history’. He continued by saying that Minister Hogan was a close personal friend of the Taoiseach and because of this he was unlikely to get a slap on the wrist for his ham fisted efforts in introducing the charge.

Cllr Eamonn O’Boyle hit back saying the reason we were forced to pay this household charge was because of the damage inflicted by the previous government.

“We have been landed in this situation by the previous government so it’s a bit rich for some councillors to be bad mouthing the current regime” he stated.

Although the majority of councillors were against the household charge most of those present admitted they would be paying it. However Cllr Harry Todd said he wouldn’t be paying it as it was an unfair and unjust tax.

“I won’t be paying it. I’m not telling other people to pay or not to pay but I definitely won’t be paying it” he said.

Success for Martial Arts School The Martial Arts School of Fitness kicked off their competitions this year at what has been officially recognised as, the World’s Largest Open Kickboxing tournament, The Irish Open. With over 2,300 competitors from different ends of the earth, this is ranked among the most prestigious tournaments in the world.

This competition has to be run over 3 consecutive days to ensure everyone gets to compete.

MAS-F took a small selection of 5 students ranging from seven years to adult. In the under 12 sparring section, two students took to the mats. Frank Mc Grory, the youngest competitor and Tomás Flanagan.

Assistant Instructor Fidelma Martin entered the black belt senior ladies division while in the forms and weapons division,

Darren O’Donogh, Current Irish Champion went in against some of the highest ranked juniors in the world.

In the weapons division for girls, Monique Martin 14yrs and current Irish Champion entered both the Under 17yrs and the adult section of +17yrs On the Sunday Monique went up against it again in the Over 17yrs, and this time succeeded in attaining a bronze medal .

MAS-F have successfully managed to bring home a podium position from this prestigious tournament each year since beginning to attend it, over five years ago. Each year, the level of competition rises and challenges the students to their full potential. Chief Instructor Wayne Rutherford is consistently amazed at the perseverance and true determination the students.

Wayne Rutherford and Monique Martin Darren O’Donogh, Frank McGrory. Fidelma Martin

Investment of €22m in Dundalk Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012

By Paul Byrne

A total of €22,360,000 will be spent between 2012 and 2014 as part of Dundalk Town Council’s ‘Three Year Capital Programme’ which was announced at the March monthly meeting.

Town clerk Frank Pentony presented the three year programme to councillors while explaining that the majority of the spending would be fund-

ed by grants and levies. €8.5m will be spent on the regeneration works in Cox’s Demesne while almost €2m will be spent on community projects such as the refurbishment of Dundalk Sports Centre and the continued refurbishment of the Market Square.

Work on the development of Clark’s Forest Park which had originally been approved in 2005 will now not take place until 2014 at the earliest.

Despite failing in their bid for a €20m smarter travel fund work will continue on a cycle lane network and smarter travel initiatives in Dundalk with €500,000 being spent on various projects over the next three years.

Of the €22,360,000 that will be spent over the next three years €14,170,000 will be funded from grants with €5,440,000 coming from levies.

Winners: Realt na Mara football team who recently won the primary schools blitz.

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The Pasty Kelly 5k Run

Aileen Carrie with winner Mark Hoey and Brendan and David Sharkey. Mark completed the race in just over 15 mins

Peter Fitzpatrick TD, Ann his wife

and his son Stephen

Feidhlim Kelly -3rd, Mark Hoey -1st, Thomas Moran -2nd

y McArdle Jim Callan, Ray Lawrence and Benn

eer Catriona McCarthey and Lorna McAl

Patrick Nganga and Paul Finn

Julie McGrath - awarded 1st place

Ciara Louise Finan, Lucy Maguire and

Finan

Jim Donnelly and Danelle Acapokski Race winner Mark Hoey and Jim .

Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012

Locals to attend canonisation

A local woman is one of a group of people travelling to America this summer to honour a relative who is destined to be declared a saint.

Vera Kelleher’s ancestor, Bridget Shields, was the grandmother of Fr Solanus Casey who was declared “Venerable” by Pope John Paul II in 1995.

The Shields family in North Louth and South Armagh related to Fr Solanus and Vera is hoping that many of those will take part in the trip this coming June.

“Fr Solanus is revered in America for all the work he did during his lifetime as a priest. It is a great honour for those of us who are related to him and I am very much looking forward to visiting Detroit in the summer”, explained Vera.

The seven night trip departs on June 19 and also includes visits to Chicago, Notre Dame University and Ohio.

Fr Solanus was born, Barney Ca-

Blue Sky match sponsors Fintan Hanratty (left), Patricia Brennan and, at the front, Conall Cunningham are pictured receiving a presentation from Fintan Nelson, Dundalk FC Commercial Manager, as recognition of their match sponsorship.

Venerable Solanus Casey OFM

sey, in 1870 to Irish immigrant parents, Bernard and Ellen Murphy. He was brought up in Wisconsin before joining the Capuchin Order where he spent 53 years.

Although he didn’t reach a lofty position in the priesthood, he was known for his generosity, sense of humour and compassion. He spent much of his day at the St Bonaven-

ture Monastery in Detroit praying with people who needed help and comfort.

When he died in 1957 thousands of people passed through the house to pay respects to Fr Solanus. By the time he was declared “Venerable” by Pope John Paul II in 1995, thousands of people had offered testimony that he had transformed their lives.

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Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012

Call for review of Smart Travel Scheme Dundalk’s failure to receive government funding for the “smarter travel” initiative caused Cllr Sean Bellew to call on Dundalk Town Council to review their policy towards the scheme.

Cllr Bellew questioned whether the cycle lanes would make any difference to the people of Dundalk’s travelling habits.

“We’re looking at a situation where we will be left with cycling lanes that are not joined up” argued Cllr Bellew.

“We were presented with a presentation for smarter travel that said 1% of people were cycling in 2010 and 12 months later it was exactly the same.. So I feel we should ask ourselves, do we have the

money for this project and can we afford it?”

Cllr Mark Deary agreed that the project would be a waste of money if not completed but urged not to judge the network until it was finished.

“You cannot judge this project until it is finished. It would be crazy to row back on what is a very important the development.”

Left lying in middle of road Dundalk Court heard that a seriously injured passenger was left lying in the middle of the road after a BMW overturned in the very early hours of the morning.

When a Garda arrived at Toberona Road, Damien Lee was lapsing in and out of consciousness and was taken by ambulance.

Mr Lee told Gardai in a statement days after the accident that Darren Taggart (32) with an address given at Lennon Melia Terrace was driving the BMW on Octo-

ber 30 2010, but he said in evidence at Dundalk Court on Wednesday he wasn’t sure who was driving.

Taggart was charged with failing to give information to the Gardai about the accident, but Judge William Hamill dismissed the charge as there was no evidence that such a demand was made of him.

Garda Ciara Mannion said that Lee was in shock when she arrived at the accident and was not able to tell what happened. Whoever was

with him went and left him lying in the middle of the road.

She took a statement on November 4 from Mr Lee in which he named Mr Taggart as the driver.

She tried and failed to contact him, and from enquiries ascertained his last known address was at Lennon Melia Terrace, which she went to and was informed he was up the north.

She served the summonses on the defendant’s sister. The registered owner had an address in Belfast.

News

in Brief Separated Parents’ Group

The next meetings of Parents Separated Support Group will take place on Tuesday April 3rd and 17th.

Those wishing on attending the meetings should confirm their intentions with Val on 085 7303609.

Meetings are every second Tuesday at 7.30om until 9pm in Social Services Building, 15a Clanbrassil Street. Cost €5 to include refreshments on arrival.

Visit www.parentsseparated.org for details.

Young innovators ‘speak out’

Students from Colaiste Ris and Bush PP featured prominently among the social innovation projects that were presented in Drogheda last week at Young Social Innovators’ North Leinster ‘Speak Out’ event of 2012.

Throughout the month of March, Young Social Innovators (YSI) have hosted 11 regional ‘Speak Out’ events, where up to 5,000 young people advocated on issues affecting communities throughout Ireland, such as mental health, community facilities, ageism, inclusion, education, obesity, the environment, as well as issues affecting the developing world.

These ‘Speak Out’ events will culminate in a national showcase event – celebrating the work of the hundreds of social innovation projects taking place around the country – which will take place in Dublin on May 9.

At the ‘Speak Out’ in Drogheda, over 500 students from schools across the North Leinster region presented their social innovation initiatives. One quarter of the projects focused on creating better awareness of mental health

Participants from Bush Post Primary School, Dundalk, L to R; Caitriona O’Reilly, Niamh O’Connor and Ruth O’Hanlon.

Participants from Colaiste Ris, Dun Dealgan (Dundalk), L to R; Paul Kelly, Jordan Donegan, Neill Mulholland and Dean Mulligan.

problems amongst young people, including a project to raise awareness on community services for depression

and a number of projects on body image.

A number of other projects related to helping the developing world

including one project on promoting Fair Trade products in the local community.

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Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012

DKIT Student Union election results

Benny Traynor casts his vote

By Aislinn McCooey

The long awaited DKIT Students Union elections took place last Thursday 29th March under a beaming sun.

After an anxious wait David Branagan was elected Student Union president and Brendan (Benny) Traynor was elected in as Vice President.

Mr Branagan was voted in with 77% of the vote

earning 761 votes out of the 1397 votes cast. 762 more votes than those received by his sole competitor David McQuaid. Mr Branagan is a 23 year old event management graduate from Skerries Co. Dublin and has been DKITSU vice president for the last two years with special responsibility for student Welfare and Entertainment.

While Mr Traynor a 22 year

old 4th year Business Student from Dundalk was elected to the position of Students Union Vice President with 54% of the vote. Having received 228 more votes than his leading competitor Niamh Barrett.

This year there were 4,000 students eligible to vote with two candidates for Students Union President and Three for vice president.

DkIT take a step closer to university status The strategy to be employed by Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) in its quest to attain university status is set to be discussed at the forthcoming meeting of Co. Louth VEC. With the publication last year of the Hunt Report, the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030, the future landscape of higher education in Ireland is set to change significantly.

Following the publication of the strategy the Higher Education Authority (HEA) have published

criteria for the re-designation of institutes of technology as technological universities, as well as mergers and clusters between existing higher education institutions.

DkIT will be making a submission to the HEA by the end of July this year in which it must identify its distinctive mission within higher education in Ireland, its strategy for collaboration including clusters and mergers, and its future plans for engagement with its broader region.

Louth County CEO Dr. Kirk said that, “Co. Louth VEC and DkIT are inextricably linked in the region and given developments currently afoot in the higher education sector the VEC is keen to make a full and comprehensive contribution to the debate.

The VEC has always been a supporter of the work of DkIT and at this juncture more than ever it is important that DkIT is aware that the VEC is fully supportive of its efforts to attain university status”.

Rockmarshall windfarm refused planning permission The proposed five turbine wind farm at Rockmarshall in Ravendale has been refused planning permission by Louth County Council.

Over 116 submissions and objections were made by people to the planning authority on the proposed windfarm. Many were petitions contained long

list of those stating their opposition to the five wind turbines on the mountain.

Among the virtues of the windfarm was that it was to be an important source of renewable energy for the County. The company said that no other site in the County offered equal or better condi-

tions for commercial wind energy. The farm had the potential to provide clean energy for the equivalent of 7,000 homes for the next 25 years.

Gaelectric Developments Ltd notes the decision of Louth County Council in respect of its proposed wind energy development at Rock-

marshall, Co Louth.

Gaelectric is considering the reasons given for the decision and will be making no further comment at this time.

As an observer of the application Cllr Mark Dearey commented that despite his passionate support for renewable energy this project was not appropriate.

Mother stealing for children has case adjourned again Judge William Hamill further adjourned on Wednesday last a case of a Latvian mother of five Guna Levcenkova of 366, Beechmount Drive who was alleged to have engaged in stealing for her children.

The Judge had put back shop lifting charges against her a fortnight prior to hear from a Child Care Manager regarding her position.

He heard on Wednesday from a Health Service solicitor who outlined the service’s involvement with the family. She agreed that the court was not misled about the defendant’s income, and said there was no evidence the children suffered.

She said it was not the service’s function to provide monetary assistance, but practical assistance

including ensuring she received a medical card. There was an application which was refused, and it was still open for the defendant to appeal.

She pointed out that the service was not a party to the proceedings before the court.

Defence solicitor Sean T O’Reilly said the defendant’s financial circumstances were exactly the same.

She was in receipt of absolutely no state aid. Social workers called to her house the previous evening.

He said she had fears that “the powers that be will remove her children from her” if she didn’t receive state aid.

He also explained a claim that was made the last day that a television was in every room. These were provided by the defendant’s

landlord, he said He expressed her thanks for the generosity of the people of Dundalk on learning of her plight.

Judge Hamill said he was trying to ascertain whether the Health Board knew something about the defendant’s circumstances that was not known to Gardai and the probation Service.

His concerns were regarding her financial circumstances and any knock-on effect on her children.

Mr. O’Reilly said the defendant had an appeal pending for social welfare payment. With other matters in respect of the defendant at the court on May 16 the Judge adjourned the case to that date and to receive an updated probation report.

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Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012

Launch of €30m Sports Capital Fund The Minister of state for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring TD launched the €30m Sports Capital Fund on Wednesday 28th March.

This year the Grant will be open to more clubs than before with the rules on landownership being re-

laxed. In previous years all applicants were required to own land or to hold it on long lease, now these clubs will be able to apply for grants of up to €25,000 in order to upgrade facilities.

The deadline for online applications and those made in Irish (plus a hard

copy of the signed application form and all supporting documentation) is 5pm on Friday 1st June, while Paper applications (and all supporting documents) must be in by 5pm on Friday 11th May. Louth Local Sports Partnership is holding an

information workshop on Monday 16th April in the Grove House, Dunleer from 7-9pm. The workshop is free and will be run by Anne-Marie Maher Sports and Leisure Officer from Laois County Council. Ms Maher has helped over 100 clubs to successfully apply for sports capital funding. Application forms and information on how to apply can be found online at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie Call Louth Local Sports Partnership on (042) 9324318.

€500,000 Drugs

Christopher Agnew, Mullavalley, Louth who is charged in connection with drugs worth €500,000, was further remanded to May 23rd.

Judge William Hamill decided not to accept jurisdiction of the case when he was told the estimated value of the drugs at Wednesday’s sitting of Dundalk Court.

Agnew (24) faces a total of eight counts for possession of the drugs, and possession for the purpose of sale or supply at Farm Road, Adamstown, Dunleer on October 25 last.

Inspector Martin Beggy told that the file in the case was with the DPP, and sought a further adjournment.

Minister for older people visits the Netwell centre The Minister for Older People Kathleen Lynch visited the ground breaking CASALA and Netwell centres in DkIT last week. The project has established Dundalk as a pioneering agefriendly community. It has placed the area at the forefront of age friendly technologies and communities.

The Minister had the opportunity to visit one of the most outstanding achievements of the project, the living lab where business can test and develop age friendly products using a virtual 3D representation of the environment the client will be living in.

The centre of excellence for aging research praised the Local authorities in making Louth the first age friendly county.

The local authorities will work even more closely with the project in order to ensure the third stage of the project that will see the further development of services in the wider community, making Dundalk a completely age friendly town.

The Minister was highly impressed with the ethos of both Netwell and CASALA. The refreshing part of this is that the client are truly placed at the centre of services at all times, the needs of the person is placed above what is most convenient for the service provider.

After her inspection of the exemplary work being done in DkIT Minister Lynch visited the Great Northern Haven, where much of the work done in the college is

Minister for OlderPeople Kathleen Lynch with CASALA Director Rodd Bond

Minister Lynch met with the residents of the Great Northern Haven on her visit

put into practice. After a tour of the apartments and hearing from the residents of the haven The Minister was keen to express her complements for the project and its leaders.

The Minister said “Isn’t this the ideal place to grow old? This is exactly how people should be able to live out the rest of your days. People are very content here. This is

what we should be doing across the whole country and I imagine it to be the template that should be rolled out across the world” “For me, it is that the Haven allows me to manage on my own. I am not in some institution where they tell you when to get up and when to go to bed. I’m a grown man and don’t need a bed time, I’ll go when I want

to” said one contented resident.

“I couldn’t say enough good about it. For me the security of the Haven is brilliant it has given me a new lease of life, I feel like I’m back in my teenage years. I am learning about all the new technologies, my children are so proud of me” said resident of the Haven Roisin O’Conner.

Cura looking for counsellors Cura, the crisis pregnancy support service is currently recruiting new counsellors to work on a voluntary basis in their centers in both Dundalk and Drogheda.

The group provide for a range of support services for unplanned pregnancies They offer a range of support including free pregnancy testing, unplanned pregnancy counselling, post abortion counselling and they offer support for the family. Cura also run school awareness programmes .

Cura Dundalk say they are currently witnessing a concerning change in change in attitudes to unplanned pregnancy in the past

few months. Charlotte Kearney an officer with Cura said “For many a pregnancy might not have been a crisis a year ago, but people are worried that they won’t have a job next week, people are panicking over how they can afford to care for the child.”

Cura still see a demand for their support. Although the stigma of being an unwed mother is now gone, many women face new worries over their pregnancy. “Sometimes it is fear that their boss will find out and it will affect their job, sometimes it is the father of the child of the woman parents who want help working out how to cope”.

“Counselling is really about lis-

tening while someone comes to a decision that they feel comfortable with. Cura is about taking the panic out of the situation.

“Even today we have women who visit us in fear and panic but walk out feeling a bit lighter and better able to handle whatever choice they have made. Over the years the attitudes to unplanned pregnancy has changes and that it a god thing -there was a terrible sadness about it years ago.”

“Going online for this type of support is quite isolating– you see the words but you can’t interpret the feelings. Cura is about being given the space and time to come to the right choice for them.”

Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012

News “I couldn’t have done it without

in Brief the support of my wife and family” Easter at The Longwalk

This Easter at Longwalk Shopping Centre is set to be a fantastic day for all the family. On Saturday April 7 Longwalk Shopping Centre will host an Easter fun day for everyone to enjoy. From 1 to 4pm there will be an Easter Art workshop with great Easter Eggs as prizes.

Day Care Centre

Have you a family member suffering with Alzheimer Disease? The support group for families and carers is held in “The Birches” Priorland Road Dundalk on Tuesday April 3 at 7pm. All are welcome.

Blackrock Festival

A small group of positive thinking blackrock village residents and traders have come together in the hope of holding a two day summer festival in the village. They would like to invite a representative from any local community association club or group to come along to a meeting on Monday April 2 at 7.30pm at Cafe Aqua, Blackrock.

The idea is that this be a community based weekend and they look foreword to some great ideas.

Car Boot Sale

The Irish Heart Foundation are holding car boot sale on Sunday April 15 in St Patricks GFC, Lordship, on Sunday April 15 and every third Sunday for the summer from 10.30am to 3pm. Lots of stalls. Call 087 255 9405 or 087 6479715.

“I first got involved with Dundalk when I played for the youth team as a goalkeeper” recalls Des Casey, currently the longest serving FAI officer. ”I played with the youth team and the B team but never played with the first team. Joe Martin used say to me that I wasn’t a bad goalkeeper but I wasn’t a very good one either” he laughs.

“I was with the supporters club in the early 50’s and then in 1963 I got elected to the board and that was the launch-pad I suppose to the rest of my football career” he says.

And what an impressive career it was that Des Casey enjoyed. He has been involved in football at all levels, from his playing days locally up to 1957, through to acting as Chairman of Dundalk Supporters Club 1958-68, being elected to the board in 1963 and Dundalk FC Secretary 1969-73, League of Ireland Hon. Treasurer 1973-94, Honorary Secretary of the FAI from 1991-2003, FAI Vice President 1982-84 and also FAI President from 1984-1986.

Des also made his mark in Europe as a member of the UEFA Youth Committee, UEFA Executive Committee and Chairman of the Youths Committee 1994-2000 before eventually reaching the lofty heights of UEFA Vice-President, a role he stood down from in 2002.

It was during his term as FAI president that Des would make a decision which

rne’s Paul By

on Des Casey

Des Casey

would act as the spark for the glory days Ireland enjoyed in the late 80s and early 90s.

“We had reached rock bottom in 1985 following a game against Denmark in which we were beaten 4-1” recalls Des. Eoin Hand was the manager at the time and I felt very sorry for him because he was a decent man but we knew we needed a change.

“Myself and Dr Tony O’Neil had interviewed about 15 people altogether for the

job. I knew the secretary of Newcastle Utd at the time and he told me that Jack Charlton was a straight up kind of guy who could very well suit the role as Ireland manager.

“Tony and I met him in Manchester and he knew all of our players and he couldn’t understand why we hadn’t qualified. We knew immediately he was the man and it worked out very well for us as we had ten great years with Jack” says Des.

Des spent two years as Vice- President of UEFA between 2000 and 2002 stepping down after two years despite not being obligated to do so.

“I was 70 in 2002 and I just felt that you should make way for younger people to come in. I’d had a long career and I thought that if you don’t put down a marker you’d be at risk of staying too long.”

“They really were great days and I’ve been lucky enough to have attended seven World Cups and countless European Cup finals and European Championships.

“I brought my wife Mary with me to many of the tournaments I was involved in as a member of the UEFA Youth Committee and I’d have to say that I couldn’t have done it all without the support of my wife and family” added Des. Since Des retired in 2002 he has enjoyed spending more time with his family and can still be seen attending Dundalk’s home matches with his grandson. “I could write a book about all the wonderful experiences I’ve had over the years but I’m too lazy to get started on it”, laughs Des.

Plans for Easter commemoration Sinn Fein is planning a series of commemorations in County Louth over the coming Easter weekend.

As well as commemorative assemblies there will be wreath laying ceremonies. On Saturday April 7 a wreath laying ceremony at the Watters Brothers Memorial

at Quay Street will take place at noon and later in the day at 2 pm the 4th Northern Division Memorial in Knockbridge.

A commemoration will take place on Sunday in Dundalk at the Market Square at 2.30pm. From there the assembled will march to

the Republican Plot in the Dowdallshill Cemetery where Sean Crowe TD will speak.

Sinn Fein says they ‘encourage everyone, young and old to wear an Easter Lily to honour Irelands Patriot dead.’

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Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012

Jennifer to give violin recital Jennifer Murphy, from Ballymascanlon, Dundalk will give a violin recital in Carlingford Heritage Centre on Sunday April 15 at 4pm.

Now in her fourth year of study for a degree in music performance at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, Jennifer is well known to audiences in both Dundalk and Drogheda where she performs on a regular basis with both the Setanta Choir and St. Peter’s Male Voice Choir.

She gave her first public performance at the age of 12 and has continued to delight audiences ever since.

Her playing has been described as: ‘’Passionate and engaging, imaginative and daring…full of fantasy, displaying a technical brilliance that had the audience in thrall’’.

The varied and exciting programme in Carlingford will include Brahms Sonata no. 1 for violin and piano, Poeme by Chausson, Waxman’s Carmen Fantasy along with other works.

On this occasion Jennifer will be

Jennifer Murphy to perform a recital at Carlingford Heritage Centre

joined by Yunhee Choi on Piano.

Yunhee, born in Seoul, South Korea, has also studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London where she graduated with a Masters in Music and Music Performance. She is now based in Lon-

don and enjoys a busy career as a performer and teacher.

This promises to be a wonderful Sunday afternoon concert and one not to be missed. Tickets are €10 (€8 concessions) and will be available at the door.

Agressive begging outside church People leaving the town’s cathedral were put in fear by the aggressive begging of man who appeared before Dundalk Court on Wednesday last.

The Court heard that Simon Maguire (42) of Woodland Park banged on

the windows of cars asking for money.

He admitted the theft of a bottle of whiskey from Lidl Avenue Road and public order offences on two other dates in December last.

His solicitor Peter Lav-

ery said all the offences occurred and his 70 previous convictions resulted from Maguire being under the influence of drink.

But he hadn’t drunk for three months which was the first time he had known him sober. His brother also

had come to his aid and was helping him.

Judge William Hamill acceded to his request to have him assessed to do community service. The Judge adjourned the charges to April 25 to obtain a report.

Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012

News

in Brief Parents Support Group

Our next Tuesday meetings shall take place on April 3rd & 17th.

Those wishing on attending the meetings should confirm their intentions with Val on 085 7303609.

Meetings are every second Tuesday, Cost €5.00 to include refreshments on arrival.

From 7:30 till 9:00pm. At: Social Services Building, 15a Clanbrassil Street.

Visit our website at :www. parentsseparated.org for details.

St Patrick’s Fundraiser

Mountpleasant AC’s annual 5k

Local athletes have an opportunity to fine tune their preparation for next month’s Dundalk half marathon and 10K road race by taking part in Mountpleasant Athletic Club’s annual 5K race which will take place on Easter Monday.

Over €1000 in prizes and the Sean Craven Perpetual Trophy is up for grabs in the ever popular road race which is named

Got a Story?

Phone: 0429320888 Email: editorial @dundalkleader.com

Due to the races taking place along the Old Newry Road, stewards will be co-ordinating the traffic flow. People attending are asked to park their cars etc along one side of the road as directed by the stewards and minimise disruption.

Club Chairman John Kenwright said that the Club is looking forward to another successful event. “We have been very

lucky in that we have growing numbers of athletes participating each year and we expect this Easter Monday to be no different.

“All our athletes and supporters are looking forward to a great day” Further information on the Mountpleasant’s Annual 5k Run this Easter Monday contact John Kenwright 086 1953766.

Cuchulainn Cycling Club Tour of Carlingford 2012

St Patricks Parish are holding a fundraiser in the Lisdoo on Easter Sunday night, April 8, at 8.30pm.

Music is by Toronto

By Aislinn McCooey Showband plus disco.

Admission is by ticket Irish Cricket Star Kevin only priced at €10.

O’Brien is to hold a coaching

We want to hear from you

after one of Mountpleasant’s greatest stalwarts.

This is the third year that the road race has been held from the Clubrooms in Mountpleasant and numbers participating have been increasing each year.

Juvenile races will take place from 12noon with the 5k Run taking place at 1pm. Childrens entry fee is €2 and the adults entry fee is €12.

Anyone for cricket? session with the Dundalk Cricket Club in the MPC hall in Dundalk Institute of Technology on Saturday April 14th from 10am until 1pm.

This is an excellent opportunity for cricketers both young and old to learn from an

expert. If you are interested in booking a place contact Derek Turner at Derek@spiritstore. ie or on 087 2627893.

Kevin is famous for helping Ireland claim victory in the 2011 Cricket World Cup against England. He is also famous for holding the record for the fastest century ever scored in World Cup history.

Found with drugs

A 27-year-old man who sought to raise money he was short for a family event by buying and selling drugs, was sentenced to 175 hours community service.

Niall Kelly of 156, Cedarwood Park admitted four counts, two for possession and two for sale and supply of cocaine and cannabis with a

total value of over €2,400. The drugs were found by Gardai at the defendant’s home on January 20 last year.

The circumstances were heard at Dundalk Court on February 15 last, and the case was put back to Wednesday last to see if he was suitable to do community service in lieu of eight months jail.

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DKIT students run fundraiser

By Aislinn McCooey

A group of philanthropically minded final year DKIT students have dedicated themselves over the last few weeks to raising funds for St Michael’s House a Dublin based charity which helps children and adults with intellectual disabilities from 170 centres in the greater Dublin area and Navan Co Meath and provide services such as employment support, respite, residential and independent living and also specialised Alzheimer services.

The students led by fourth year Jane O’Brien (Drogheda) as part of their final year project have decided to go to the Aviva stadium in Dublin next Saturday 7th April in time for the Leinster v Cardiff match. The students will be selling Butler’s chocolate truffle eggs for two euro. The students will also have two life-size cut outs of cartoon rugby players and for a small donation fans can place their heads at the stand and transform into a rugby star.

The group have also already held a charity auction in the DKIT student bar selling off members of the Gaelic football team in aid of the charity which they raised almost €200.

On the project Ms O’Brien said “we are delighted that as part of our final project in college we can help raise much needed funds for such a brilliant charity. St Michael’s House do such great work for people with intellectual disabilities.”

Fire damages historic graveyard

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Dundalk Tidy Town’s committee has vowed to continue with the refurbishment of the Castletown Graveyard after a fire last week destroyed almost one third of it. the refurbishment began only a few weeks ago with Dundalk Tidy Towns in conjunction TUS. They had already begun the challenge of clearing all the rubbish, overgrown weeds, grasses

Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012

and ivy when the fire began on Wednesday of last week.

The fire was spotted in the early afternoon before the Fire brigade before the Fire Service successfully put out the blaze, approximately one third of the graveyard was destroyed.

Disappointed but undeterred the committee is planning to continue the clear up.

Castletown Graveyeard after a fire that destroyed one third of it last week.

Man was boisterous in town carpark A 20-year-old man who engaged in what his solicitor described as boisterous behaviour on the way home from a night club was convicted and fined €200 at Dundalk Court on Wednesday last.

Kestas Jonusas of Patrick Street was summonsed on two counts under the public order act for being intoxicated and

Patsy Kelly 5k Run

David Myles and Bob Doheny

Dermot Kieran, Liam Fergus and John Clarke

Thomas Moran finishing second

Bernie and Pat Cunningham

place Feidhlim Kelly finishing in thrid

Suzanne Peelo, Saidbh Peelo and Emer Mc Shane.

threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour at Boyd’s car park on September 10 last.

Solicitor Sean T O’Reilly said that the defendant was with a group of friends and foolishly got involved in this behaviour.

Garda King said that the group were intoxicated and became abusive and threatening.

Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012

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Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012

Thin-Lizzy tribute band A “Thin Lizzy” tribute like nothing you have heard before. A Band featuring a line up to die for, hallmarked for performing Thin Lizzys classic Live and Dangerous album with all the energy and enthusiasm of the original.

The attraction of “Johnny Fox” of Thin Az Lizzy heritage, should inspire any ardent Lizzy fan. These guys are no strangers to the Irish music circuit.

The group are seasoned in their ability to reproduce note for note perfection in the live arena.

Phil Edgar from Belfast with all the talent and flair of a young “Gary Moore”, the Gem from Antrims “Tizz Lizzy”. Already a established performer at the annual “vibe for Philo” noted for his exquisite melodic style and sweet tone that is matchless.

Eamonn Ferris, the jewel from Co. Derry with the most significant job of all on the drum, laying down the groove and swing effortlessly in the style of the one and only “Brian Downey” Live and Dangerous is a live double play LP recorded in Philidephia, London and Toronto in 1977 during the bands tours over two albums Johnny the Fox and Bad Reputtion. It was also the last album to feature Brian Robertson, who went on to form Wild Horses with ex-Rainbow bassist Jimmy Bain.

Live and Dangerous - A tribute act like no other.

Vantastival-music festival By: Aislinn McCooey This year’s Vantastival festival is gearing up to be a good one with acts such as Cathy Davey, God is an Astronaut, Ham Sandwich and the Original Rudeboys set to perform.

The festival has a real local feel to it as it features six acts who are all from the area or have members that hail from the area including Jinx Lennon, The Trampz and RedTwelve.

This will be the festivals third year and it takes place in Bellurgan park from the 4th to the 6th of May and will feature three stages and over 70 music acts, scheduled kids activities and festival traders. The festival has a family friendly atmosphere with children under 14 getting free entry.

It is €89 for a three day camping ticket with a day ticket costing €40. Also on the day of the festival a special full weekend ticket for 13-17 year olds will be available for €30 (note minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian 21 years old or over) There is no extra charge to bring your camper van on site but if you do not have a van there is also a dedicated tent only campsite. Also in another attempt to be recession friendly the event is bring your own beer, with only one on site pub which will be run by the Spirit Store and patrons should be aware that no glass bottles will be permitted on site.

Festival organisers also try to minimise the environmental impact the festival has on the local environment.

Festival goers are asked to recycle as much waste as possible on site and take all non recyclable waste home.

There will also be a penalty for those seen to be disposing of cigarette butts in a irresponsible way, those guilty will have to do thirty minutes ‘community service’ or spend the same amount of time in a sin bin with wet seats in the middle of the site. This is to ‘name and shame offenders so that they don’t do it again.

Tickets can be purchased and more information on the festival can be found on www.vantastival.com. Alternatively tickets can be purchased on lastminute.com, the Spirit Store, The Setanta guesthouse in Ardee, Soundcellar ion Nassau St Dublin or from Xtravision stores nationwide.

The University of Ulster Choir performing at Christmas this year.

St Patricks Cathedrial will be the location of dramatic and moving performance this April 13.

Drawn by the county’s interest in contemporary and 20th Century music the University of Ulster (UU) Choir will perform a number of scared and inspirational corals.

Under the direction of the gifted Dr Shaun Ryan the choir has gained an impressive reputation its distinctive and dramatic performances presented in beautiful ecclesiastical

settings. The choir have particular skill of tapping into the raw emotions of the audience and moving them to the point of tears.

The choir is delighted to be joined

by Gail Evans (piano) in performances of Morten Lauridsen’s sumptuous Lux Aeterna. Also included in the programme are works by Howard Goodall and Eric Whitacre.

The 70 strong choir is comprised of students from the University of Ulster but a UU students, staff,

and choral singers from the wider community. With a wide ranging membership crossing class, creed and generations, the University of Ulster Choir’s existence has been instrumental in forging strong relationships both within and between the university and its wider community - ultimately enriching, immeasurably, the cultural life of the first ever designated UK City of Culture 2013.

Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012

Stewart Agnew to play live show at The Store

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Strictly Come Dancing

Due to the huge success of the Strictly Come Dancing in December – Dundalk Chamber of Commerce have decided to put on another show at the end of May. Already there are 23 couples of ladies Look How the Stars Turn On was Stewart Agnew is to bring his released at the same time received booked in and just need one more gent to acclaimed live show to the Spirit take part. rave reviews. This being his third Store this Saturday Night. The The event will be on Friday May 25 in the singer songwriter is fully emerged album Stewart has honed his live Fairways Hotel Dundalk. Dance Lessons will show into a rich and uplifting from a self imposed performstart on Tuesday April 14 and will be two ance exile with a treasure trove of performance. nights a week . Times will be flexible and will tracks from his most recent album His lovingly created songs are last for 2 hours.

Hello Bright Spark. The album was crafted with care and delivered The cost of entry is €200.00 and this covers released in September last year to with honest heart-felt emotion. all dance lessons. You may get a company or Seeing a performer at home-town much acclaim and secured itself family and friends to sponsor you. gig is always a treat, particularly as album of the week and was For information call Jean or I on Tel: 042 when it involves Agnew’s abunstreamed on Hotpress’s website.

9336343 or email brenda@dundalk.ie. dant talent.

The first single from the album

The ever-popular Stewart Agnew

Bands unite for worthy cause A number of Dundalk bands have gotten together to raise funds for Temple Street Children’s Hospital. Boy Light’s Fire, Manifesto, Collision and Camouflage are all performing in the Spirit Store on Wednesday April 11.

The charity event was organised by Steven O’ Leary and Gerard McHugh and promises to be a fantastic night with a full bill of the areas emerging talents.

Last year Manifesto released their single “Pending’ and donated the profits to the Children’s hospital. The three-piece ensemble are back again to help raise more funds.

Andy Cronin from Manifesto said “ We thought it’d be cool to help them out again, people should go because its only a fiver in and its a great cause!

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Question: The recent census showed 82,600 people speak Irish every day.

Are you one of them?

Pete Treanor’s

Weekly Quiz

Jane McKinley I still have a little Irish but I definitely wouldn’t speak it every day. I think it’s nice to be able to speak at least a few words

Amy Wallace

Jimmy Murphy

Sarah-Louise Brennan

I think it’s good learning it at school and it’s probably important that we try and keep our national language but outside school I wouldn’t speak it too much.

I’d understand it to an extent but I wouldn’t be fanatical about it. I’d speak it myself very rarely but if it’s on the telly I’d be able to understand some of what they are saying.

I wouldn’t be speaking it at home or with my friends or anything like that. I suppose I’d only speak it when I am in school really.

Cuchulainn cyclists continue their winning ways Cuchulainn Cycling Club rider Michael Barry continued his good start to the season with a 10th place in the prestigious Ben McKenna Memorial held in Balbriggan on Sunday last.

The race was a solo victory for Adam Armstrong of Ards, with Barry coming home in the chasing group. Barry is in his first season with Cuchulainn, being based in the Barracks in Dundalk.

His fellow Rás bound teammate Ray O`Shuagnessy was also riding in the same race, which covered 120km in and around the hills of north county Dublin, & was active throughout.

The club also had a top finish in

the support race with Sean Loughran taking 4th place in the bunch finish of the A3 race. In the A4 race converted mountain bikers Gary Shiels and Declan McCabe continued to hone their road skills will solid displays.

Over 30 members of the club took part in the Tour of Carlingford on Sunday last. This 80km event was organised by Slieve Gullion Wheelers and followed a path from Silverbridge to Newry, Carlingford and through Dundalk.

The leisure group were using this ride as preparation for bigger summer events such as the Wicklow 200 and the club trip to the Alps this August, where the riders will be tack-

ling climbs that the Tour de France passed over less than a month before. A few places remain on this trip and those interested should go to www.dundalkcycling.com for further details.

The Summer Cycling League will be starting on Thursday April 12th.

Since it’s reincarnation, this will be the 10th running of the league.

The mix of road races, time trials and hill climbs means that there is something for everyone and the handicap system ensures that newcomers are able to race against the more experienced members. Riders looking to participate should go to www.dundalkcycliong.com to signup.

Patrick Rogan It’s all gone at this stage. I learned it years and years ago in school but sure once you leave school you tend to stop speaking it and naturally you lose whatever you have.

“Comic book journalism”

By Aislinn McCooey

The Dundalk Youth Centre (formerly Appletree) on Roden Place is running an eight week journalism, photography and art workshop beginning on Tuesday 17th April.

The workshops are for young people aged between 13 and 17 years and are free of charge although booking is recommended as there is a maximum of nine places available.

Those who take part will learn how to properly conduct an interview from a local journalist and will then go out in groups of three to interview someone in the area that they find interesting using digital recorders and cameras and transform it in to a comic book back at the Centre.

The Dundalk Youth Centre’s artist in residence Sophie Coyle will run the workshop and at the end of the workshop the best story will get printed in the paper.

For more information or to book a place on the workshop, call (042) 9329532.

Politics Who was the first Roman Catholic President of the USA? Ireland Yeats Country is mainly centered in what Irish County?

History American hero, Davy Crockett, died at what siege?

Folk Songs Who was the captain of The Irish Rover?

Celebrity What is the name of Madonna’s daughter?

Geography What is the capital of Ukraine?

Literature Which great American writer is nicknamed ‘Papa’?

Local What type of business was carried out

by John O’Dowd,

—this week’s answers—

Free wi-fi for library users and students Library members in Louth can now access the internet free-ofcharge using a new Wi-Fi zone in the town centre. The area covered by the free Wi-Fi system provided

by Dundalk Town Council in partnership with Louth County Libraries and Dundalk Institute of Technology includes Market Sq; Crowe St; Earl St and parts of Long Walk and Clanbrassil Street.

The move to create the Wi-Fi zone follows a major investment programme supported by the European Regional Development Fund in Market Square that is helping restore some of the town centre’s vibrancy.

Launching the new Wi-Fi zone today (March 29), Cllr Marianne Butler, Chairperson, Dundalk Town Council, said: “This is another im-

portant step in our drive to make the centre of Dundalk as accessible as possible across all measures to locals and visitors alike.

“I would now encourage local businesses to let their customers know about this facility and also to use the opportunity to promote their offering to customers who may be browsing the web while in the town centre.

“We have seen a really encouraging increase in footfall in the town centre since the Market Square work was completed and that’s something we’re very keen as a local authority to build on over the spring and summer months when the town is really at its best.

“As a member of the Governing Body at Dundalk Institute of Technology, I am particularly

pleased that students of the Institute through their free membership of Louth County Libraries will be able to access this free Wi-Fi service.

“It cannot be underestimated how important DKIT is to the town in terms of attracting new businesses as we have seen recently with Paypal and Prometric and indeed supporting existing businesses.

“I welcome Age Action Ireland’s involvement as I know they are involved in ongoing work to get more silver surfers online.”

Further information about membership of Louth County Libraries and the new Dundalk Wi-Fi Zone is available from the library in RoElenor Lawlor, Niamh Hoey and Aoife McNally den Place, Dundalk which can be reached on 042-9353190.

Dundalk Town Council Chairperson Marianne Butler launching free Wi-Fi for library members.

Paul Byrne and Harry Barry, amongst others, in the 1960s and 70s.

Books and Movies What did Mary Poppins use to fly around?

Fashion Which fashion house uses a polo player as its logo?

Stinker In the TV series, Minder, who did Arthur Daly refer to as “Wassername, Mrs Finchley”?

1. John F Kennedy 2. Sligo 3. The Alamo 4.

Mick McCann 5. Lourdes 6. Kiev 7. Ernest Hemmingway 8. Bookmakers 9. Her umberella 10. Ralph Lauren. Stinker – Margaret Thatcher.

Over to you

Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012

Thomas Matthewes & Ann Matthewes (LOPF) and Maurice O’Neill (Age Action)

News

in Brief

Easter at the Longwalk

This Easter at Longwalk Shopping Centre is set to be a fantastic day for all the family. On Saturday April 7 Longwalk Shopping Centre will host an Easter fun day for everyone to enjoy. From 1 to 4pm there will be an Easter Art workshop with great Easter Eggs as prizes.

It’s A Knockout

A novel and fun idea based on the popular TV show from the 1980’s, “It’s a Knockout” is coming to Omeath. The event will take place over the May Bank Holiday weekend, Saturday and Sunday May 5 and 6 in the Omeath Sports Fields, Chapel Hill.

There is €2000 in prize money up for grabs. In addition to this you have the opportunity to raise funds for your chosen club/charity/organisation.

Each team consists of 10 players costing €25 per player and the main aim of this event is to raise money for Charities. Contact Cáitlín 087 9489174, Mattie 087 9917373, Ciaran 087 4105773.

Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012

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Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012

Patsy Kelly 5k charity run The inaugural Patsy Kelly 5K run proved to be a huge success with over 500 runners, joggers and walkers taking part on what proved to be a perfect spring evening.

The event which was put together by Clan na Gael GAA club and North East Runners was organised as a tribute to well known ‘Clan’ Patsy Kelly, an avid road runner who

tragically passed away in 2010 whilst out jogging.

The route started at the top of the Ecco Road turning right onto the Castletown road under the bridge then right again through Fr. Murray Park and O’ Hanlon Park into Ice House Hill up the Harp hill turning right onto the Carrickmacross Road and right again down the Ecco Road be-

Family Notices

In Memoriam Announcements , Anniversaries, Birthday Remembrances, Thanksgivings & Acknowledgements.

donating the proceeds to such a great cause. My husband Carl was a Clans man and he is dead ten years tomorrow so I ran the 5K as a tribute to him Birthday as well.” added Mary.

Anniversary One of the event organRemembrance isers Paul Gray thanked everybody for their participation and hoped that the race would become an annual event.

“I’d like to thank the Kelly family and everybody who helped in organising this event. We had 60 stewards volunteering and we couldn’t have done it without them.

Most importantly I’d like to thank each and every person who turned up and Myers (Aidan) live on. Remember I sincerely hope we will Birthday Remem- the laughs and the see everybody back here Fox sary of Marie Fox berance for Aidan jokes that we shared. next year.”

(Tommy & Marie) who’s anniversary Myers,11 Farndreg, Remember too that I In loving memory occurs on 11th April. Dundalk who’s birth- always cared. day occurs on Sunof Tommy Fox Always loved and who’s 28th anniver- Both loved and day 8th April. sary occurs on 2nd dearly missed, Remember me now remembered by April. from the Entire that I am gone. Let Mam, Dad,and all my memory always the family.

And 12th anniver- Fox family.

Darren Shevlin of Crossbeigh Knockbridge was sentenced to 75 hours community service as a result of throwing a cup of water over a Garda and a member of the public.

It was imposed as an alternative to three months in jail. The incident took place outside a restaurant Our weekly Deadline is 4pm Fridays prior to Wednesday at Park Street on February 28 last. He became publication, contact Niamh or Noeleen for further information. aggressive when spoken to by a Garda, and at one stage swallowed a sim card, but it was stated he Tel 042 9320888 apologised for his conduct.

fore finishing at the Clan na Gael Clubrooms. All proceeds from the event were donated to the local Simon Community with whom Patsy did some volunteer work. Mary McGahon who works in the Simon Community in Barrack St took part in the 5K and expressed her gratitude to the organisers for donating all proceeds to the shelter.

“Everybody has the right to a home and the Simon community in Dundalk plays a vital role in putting a roof over people’s heads. We have twenty five beds and half a dozen long term residents.

“I’d like to thank the organisers for putting on such a great race and

Man threw cup of water over Garda

We are now taking Family Notices.

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Precision Pianos, Northlink Retail Park, Dundalk, Co Louth. 0429332200 www.

precisionpianos.com CLASSES, COURSES & LESSONS CELTIC SCHOOL OF MOTORING. ADI approved driving instructor, dual controlled car, test routes covered, nervous pupils welcome. Motorcycle lessons also available. Contact Frank 089 425 8215 or 042 93 26148. www.celticschoolofmotoring.com Beginner Guitar Lessons. Adults and Children catered for. Dunleer / Togher area. Reasonable rates. Weeknights and weekend lessons. Contact Neil on 086-3818196 Beginner guitar lessons only €8 per lesson. Weekdays/Evenings and weekends. Can provide guitar if needed.

Call Roy 086-2052108 MONDAY MEDITATION AND RELAXATION 7.30-9.30PM Any age/ability, complements any treatment you’re receiving.

Awaken your own healing energy. Tuesday Yoga & Meditation, Friday Pregnancy yoga, also private yoga sessions. Yoga Fox Studio 087 9765153 Handbuilt Mug Making @ Bridge Street Studios, Thurs 7.30pm - 9.30pm, 4 weekly classes 19 April - 10 May. Express yourself in clay and produce a set of your very own drinking vessels! Fee €80. To book call Sarah 086-3499195 Creative Clay for Kids 8 weekly classes for 9-12 years at Bridge Street Studios. Have fun in this 8 week set of an hour and a half long ceramics classes.

Thurs 4pm - 5.30pm. Starting 19th April 2012. Fee €110. Call Sarah 086-3499195 Creative Kids 8 weekly art classes for 5-12 year olds at Bridge Street Studios.

Classes will include drawing, painting, print, fabric and clay modelling! Sat 11.30am - 12.30pm. Starting 14th April 2012. Fee €75. Call Sarah 086-3499195 SPECIAL SERVICES HUGHIE MCELROY BUILDER All types of building work carried out. *House Maintenance & Renovations*Painting & Decorating*All PVC products supplied & fitted*Wall & Floor Tiling* Power washing of driveways & houses*Large & Small

jobs*Free estimates.TEL:087 2602501.

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A VAN AND DRIVER available for furniture removal, also single items, 3 piece suites, cookers, fridges, washing machines. Day & night Tel 086 8704908 Computer callout service. Day, evening & weekend hours. Experienced and professional. Dundalk & Blackrock and surrounding areas. Call Oisín now on 086-8778361.

Fully Qualified Mechanic available for MOT, servicing & Mechanical repairs. Renault specialist Tel Declan 0044 7749488859 HOUSE MAINTENANCE All types. Renovations/Extensions/Facia/Soffet Guttering Garden Fencing and Patios. Estimates free Tel Tom 0863961206 Advertise your service to over 60,000 readers for only €5 per week up to 20 words Phone Dundalk Leader 042 9320888 We can distribute your leaflets from €65 + vat per thousand Phone Dundalk Leader 042 9320888 Aerial, Satellite – TV, Freeview Freesat professional installations, repairs etc.

Phone Eamonn Cooney 087-267-1809, 7 Distillery Lane.

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Phone Tommy 0871869164 Window Cleaning, gutter & facia

cleaning carried out by professional, fully trained and insured staff. Affordable rates. Call our office for a free quoatation.

EVERKLEEN 0429352717 or 0868293585.

CLEANEST & KEENEST Have your windows, carpet or suite of furniture cleaned at keenest prices . Also guttering, fascia boards, power hosing. Call Damien 0868469559 or 0879319243 ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC Dundalk & Carrickmacross. Acute & Chronic Pain, Stress & Anxiety plus Fertility Treatment.

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100 A3 posters €85. 100 full colour business cards €30. 5000 A5 B/W flyers €99 Docket books, envelopes, stickers, memoriam cards, invitations. Contact 086 3006102/0416852821 www.gmprint.ie All prices subject to vat FULLY QUALIFIED TILER For all your tiling jobs, inside and out. No job too big or small. Discount for multiple rooms. Free quotations. Comes highly recommended. Call 0876563705 Michael’s property maintenance - Repairs, building, plastering, plumbing, painting, tiling, concreting, patios, gardening & PVC facia & soffits.

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SPECIAL NOTICES The Lilac Room Special Aromatherapy Back Massage, Facial and brow shape. One hour thirty minutes, €35. Full body massage including face, hands and reflexology foot massage one hour thirty minutes €45. For apt please phone 0879871212

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Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012

Appliances

Boiler Services

Blinds

Builder

Blinds

Conservatories/Windows/Sunrooms

Builder

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Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012

Couriers

Gardening

Heating

Locksmiths

Electrical

Gardening

Gravel

Patios & Paving

Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012

Sliding Wardrobes

Skips

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Fitzpatrick raises issue of sheep worrying in Dail

A recent spate of incidents involving dogs worrying sheep in Cooley has been brought to the attention of the Dail by Peter Fitzpatrick TD. He asked the Minister of the Environment Phil Hogan to consider banning dogs from the peninsula region to protect both sheep and walkers in the area.

“Recently some harrowing and shocking accounts of sheep worrying in the Cooley peninsula, County Louth, have come to my attention.

The problem is nearing epidemic proportions and causing great strain among the farming community in the area.” explained Mr Fitzpatrick.

“On behalf of the besieged farming community of north Louth, I am asking the Minister to ban the practice of taking dogs, other than local sheep farmers’ dogs, out on the Cooley Peninsula.

Banning dogs there would be a win-win for both parties and would reduce the fatalities of both sheep and dogs.

“Dogs, other than local sheep farmers’ dogs, should be banned from the Cooley Mountains. We do not want to stop people enjoying these amenities but we do want to prevent the terrible damage caused by dogs to livestock.” he added.

Responding on behalf of Minister Hogan, Fergal Dowd TD said that there was already legislation in place for this matter but assured Deputy Fitzpatrick that the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government met with IFA representatives recently to raise awareness of the issue.

“I will continue to highlight the issue of dog control in the prevention of attacks on livestock. I share their views and my Department will continue to examine ways of raising this with dog owners, some of whom may be totally unaware of these problems and, indeed, the possibility that their pet might be involved in such attacks.” insisted Deputy O’Dowd.

Sliding Wardrobes Top Soil

Local pupil Conor Begley, a 2nd year student at Coláiste Rís Secondary school Dundalk, has scooped up the top prize in the environmental section of the National agricultural competition “Green Dragon.”

Skips

Windows Peter and Stephen Fitzpatrick complete the Patsy Kelly 5k run.

Alan Duffy, Conor Duffy and Sean Clarke.

Court heard man was in car crash A 20 year-old Mid-Louth man charged with criminal offences at the church and school in Dromiskin didn’t appear in court.

But it transpired the reason was that Patrick Byrne of 32, Father Finn Park; Louth Village was in a car crash that morning and admitted to hospital.

Judge William Hamill ad-

journed the case to this Wednesday’s sitting of Dundalk Court and remanded him on continuing bail.

Byrne is charged with burglary and criminal damage offences at St Peter’s School and also criminal damage at the village’s church on the same date on August 1 last.

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Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012

HYUNDAI i30

Hyundai have just announced details of the new generation Hyundai i30.

At the launch there will be four engines to choose from - engines (two petrol and two diesels) with five power outputs ranging from 90 to 128ps and four trim levels - Classic, Active, Style and Style Nav.

B l u e Drive technologies help the diesel i30 1.6 CRDi (110ps) achieve 97g/km of COâ‚‚,

which is 18g/ km less than the outgoing model.

Where the 128ps 1.6-litre turbo diesel returns combined economy and emission figures of 74.3 mpg and 100 g/km.

The new generation i30 is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor which in turn means more interior space and headroom. The boot space has been increased by 11% with the seats up (378 litres) and 5% with them down.

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Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012

VOLVO V40 Volvo have revealed the all-new Volvo V40. This is an important car to Volvo and they hope to sell 90,000 of the compact V40’s in the

first year, with 85% of these cars being sold in Europe.

According to Volvo this is the first new model that is fully developed according to

their humancentric, Designed Around You strategy.

Charged with an outstanding set of high-tech features it definitely will give it’s toughest

competitors a headache. The engine range spans everything from Volvo Car Corporation’s first diesel with CO2 emissions of just 94 g/km to the turbocharged T5 petrol engine with 254 hp and acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds. All engine versions feature start-stop and braking energy regeneration, no matter whether they are fitted with a manual or automatic gearbox.

The allnew Volvo V40 will feature a safety and driver support package, including Volvo’s Pedestrian Detection system with Full Auto Brake and several other new features.

Among the new features are a world-first pedestrian airbag, Lane Keeping Aid with auto steering, and an automatic Park Assist Pilot that makes parallel parking easy.

The City Safety lowspeed collision avoidance system has been further developed and it now operates at speeds up to 31 mph (currently 19mph on other models).

1ST FOR OPEL ASTRA

The Opel Astra is the vehicle with the fewest defects according to the results of the “DEKRA Used Car Report 2012”.

With an index of 96.9 percent, the Opel Astra achieved the top result of all tested cars in the category “best individual ranking”. This success gives Opel its third victory in three successive years. In the previous two years, Opel already had two winners – the Corsa (2010) and the Insignia

(2011).

This time the Opel Insignia was narrowly beaten by the Astra and comes second in the “best individual car” ranking. However, the Insignia scored a fault index of 96.0, giving it the best result in the mid-size segment. Competitor models were beaten by a considerable margin.

“The fact that our brand has the best car in the DEKRA report for three years in a row is further proof of the high quality of

our vehicles,” said Alain Visser, Opel/ Vauxhall Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales Europe. ”We are committed to delivering reliability, one of our core values at Opel.”

D E K R A generates its annual used car report by conducting precise assessments in eight vehicle classes and three kilometer reading ranges. The report is based on data from 15 million inspections made on 230 different

models.

DEKRA only considers typical faults associated with used cars such as corrosion of the exhaust system play in the suspension so that an accurate judgment about the longevity and durability of the vehicles can be made. Defects that are mainly associated with servicing such as the usual wear and tear on tires or windscreen wiper blades are not taken into account.

DEKRA is one of the world’s leading organizations in terms of expertise in the areas of safety, quality and the environment.

The company has 24,000 employees and is active in more than 50 countries.

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Dundalk Leader 4th April 2012