01-06-2022 by Peter Kierans

DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Guilty verdict in Lisa Smith trial

Dundalk celebrate World Africa Day

Cox’s Street Bingo brings out the crowds

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Local couple’s airport nightmare

Wednesday, 1st June, 2022. Vol. 15, Issue 22 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth Tel: 042 9320888. Fax: 042 9329676. Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com; advertising@dundalkleader.com

By Tamara O’Connell

A DUNDALK couple have described their recent experience at Dublin Airport as a “bit of a nightmare”. The couple who wish to remain anonymous told the Dundalk Leader that they were “shocked and stunned” when their flight was cancelled ten minutes before they were due to board the plane last weekend. “We were standing in line waiting to board the plane when there was an announcement that the flight had been cancelled,” he said. “We were told to go home. This was after three hours of queuing to check-in our bags and to get through security. “We were told to go back and collect our bags from the baggage area and to go home. We were also told that if you had bought duty free to return it.” The couple were due to fly to Salou in Spain on Sunday, May 29 at 5.45am. They had been in the airport since 1am after their son had driven them to Dublin Airport from Dundalk. “We were 36 hours without sleep in the finish up. After the announcement, nobody moved because Senan Campbell (age 6), a pupil at Monksland National School, Carlingford, is a winner in people were shocked and stunned,” he said. this year’s 68th Texaco Children’s Art Competition. He’s pictured with his picture entitled ‘My Uncle’s Dog’ and his sister Sadhbh, mum Emer and dad George. Continued on Page 2

Local couple’s airport nightmare Dundalk Leader 1st June 2022

Continued From Page 1 “Around 8.30am some people started receiving text messages from TUI with further updates saying the next flight would be 36 hours later on Monday, May 30 at 6.45pm. “We were afraid of what was going to happen. We’d no direct contact with TUI. We had booked the trip through O’Callaghan Travel in Dundalk.” He added: “We went home in the bus and the next day we went to O’Callaghan Travel agents and they were really good to deal with. “They helped me to arrange another antigen test

O’Murchú slams ‘appalling and extremely stressful’ scenes at Dublin airport Holidaymakers are facing ‘double misery’ between passport delays and the huge queues at Dublin Airport, according to Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú who is one of the TDs who wants the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) before the Oireachtas Transport Committee this week. The Sinn Féin TD said the scenes at Dublin Airport at the weekend were ‘appalling’ and ‘extremely stressful’ for passengers, particularly those with children and older relatives. He said the Transport Committee was ‘urgently seeking the appearance of the DAA at a hearing early this week’ following the ‘disgraceful scenes’ of thousands of people waiting to get through security, with many missing their flights. He said: ‘We need to find out what happened here and why and to ensure that this doesn’t happen again, particularly with the bank holiday weekend coming up’. In addition, Deputy Ó Murchú was one of a number of TDs who spoke about the ‘misery’ of delayed passports in Leinster House last week. During the debate, Deputy Ó Murchú said: ‘My constituency office is inundated with

Ruairi Ó Murchú, TD.

complaints from people who cannot get through to the passport service on the telephone lines or via the web chat facility. ‘They have given up on doing so and they are particularly perturbed that they cannot necessarily trust the tracker system. ‘They come to us for help but we cannot always through to the Oireachtas helpline. I acknowledge there is pressure on that service. ‘I requested that extra slots be afforded to us for dealing with constituents’ passport applications and I am very glad the Minister allowed that. However, it means the helpline will be choked up to an evergreater degree. ‘One member of my staff on her day off set aside considerably more time than it should take to make sure she phoned the Passport Office, accepting the situation that people are finding themselves in.

‘I do not need to repeat what has been said about guardian consent forms at Garda stations (for child applications). I am very glad there is interaction involving the Minister and the Gardaí. We need to reach a solution on that. ‘Sometimes we are told the Passport Office will ring (Garda stations) twice and sometimes we are told three times. We need to get clarity on that. That comes directly from the Passport Office. ‘I do not know what age we are in that this is being entered into a book. ‘Even in my constituency there have been issues with busy Garda stations. That is an issue I brought up specifically with the Gardaí directly. ‘There needs to be some sort of electronic tracking of that with information sent in by email or by a bespoke system because what we have does not make any sense whatsoever. ‘In Dundalk, we are absolutely inundated with Northern passport applications. We need a facility for Northern elected representatives because otherwise they are coming in through us. ‘In the long term, we need a passport office in Belfast. We need solutions as quickly as possible’.

“The worst part is we with Smyth’s chemist so I could fly. Despite this, had not been away abroad there was a lot of confu- for three years. This was sion and anxiety. our first holiday in a long

five days. There will be compensation but we will not get those days back. We were very relieved to make the flight.” He concluded: “It’s beautiful over here and it’s great to be on holidays. We just wish it had been the full week.” She said: “It was a nightmare at the airport. The uncertainty of it and all of the confusion. However, O’Callaghan’s were fantastic to deal with. “We had been looking forward to this holiday so time and we lost two days much. We are glad we fiof annual leave. nally made it but it’s dis“Our holiday was cut appointing we missed out short from seven days to on two days.”

Lisa Smith found guilty of IS Membership

Former Irish soldier Lisa Smith has been found guilty of joining the socalled Islamic State group in Syria. She was acquitted of a second charge of financing terrorism by sending €800 to a man in May 2015 for the benefit of IS. The forty-year old from Dundalk wept as judge Tony Hunt delivered the guilty verdict which brought the nine week trial to a conclusion. The Muslim convert pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful terrorist group between October 28, 2015 and December 1, 2019. Judge Hunt said the prosecution had established beyond reasonable doubt that she travelled to Syria “with her eyes open” and pledged allegiance to the group, led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. On the second charge of financing terrorism, Judge Hunt said there was reasonable doubt that she intended the money to be used for humanitarian purposes rather than to fund terrorism. During the trial, prosecutors out-

Lisa Smith.

lined how Smith, who was a member of the Irish Defence Forces from 2001 to 2011, travelled to IS controlled territory in 2015 after converting to Islam in 2010. The court was told that she bought a one-way ticket from Dublin to Turkey, crossing the border into Syria which was mostly ruled by hard-line Islamists at the time.

As IS lost ground to a US-led coalition, Smith was forced to flee Syrian capital Raqqa before returning to Ireland. She was arrested on arrival at Dublin airport on December 1, 2019, with her young daughter. During the trial Smith’s lawyers argued that the prosecution had not shown that Ms Smith wanted to become a member of IS. Instead, they argued that she had travelled to Syria to become a dutiful wife and to make a new home. However, the judge did not accept that viewpoint stating that she had travelled to Syria with her eyes wide open as was proven by the fact she had conducted extensive research as well as watching propaganda videos which showed extreme and terrifying acts of violence. Three judges who adjudicated on the case deemed Lisa Smith guilty of Islamic State membership and granted her bail until a sentencing hearing on July 11.

Junior and Senior Infants in Gaelscoil Dhún Dealgan enjoying sports day in the school field on Monday morning. Sports Days have returned to most schools this year after being cancelled last year and the year before due to the pandemic.

Dundalk Leader 1st June 2022

Amy brings gold back to Coláiste Rís Dundalk Leader 1st June 2022

McGahon expresses relief following Not Guilty verdict Fine Gael Senator John McGahon expressed his relief last Friday after he was found not guilty of a charge of assault at Dundalk Circuit Court. The 31-year-old had pleaded not guilty to assaulting Breen White causing him harm outside the Rumhouse pub on Park Street almost four years ago. The court were told that the case arose from an incident on June 16th 2018 when Mr McGahon put his arm around Mr White’s wife as she and her husband were leaving the Rumhouse pub. A scuffle ensued with Mr Breen claiming that he had been left bleeding at the side of the footpath after being knocked to the ground where he was kicked and punched. Mr McGahon claimed he had acted only in self defence on the night in question. CCTV footage from the night was shown to the jury. After hearing four days worth of evidence from both sides the jury of four men and seven women (one juror was taken ill on Tuesday night) failed to reach a unanimous verdict after two and a half hours of deliberations. Judge Dara Hayes then told them he would accept a majority verdict and following a further four hours of deliberations a not guilt verdict was returned. After the verdict was returned Senator McGahon expressed his relief while thanking the jury for their ‘careful attention’ throughout the trial. “I’m extremely relieved and delighted to have been found not guilty. “I maintained my innocence throughout this process, and this has been proven. “I thank the jury for reaching this verdict having heard all evidence since Tuesday. I would like to thank them for their careful attention throughout. “I also want to thank my legal team of Hugh Hartnett SC, James McCullough BL with Conor MacGuill solicitors. “Since 2014, I have worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of Dundalk and Louth. There are a lot of issues which affect my constituents and that is my sole focus.”

Recently-crowned World Champion Amy Broadhurst returned to her alma mater last week to talk to students and encouraging them to be the best that they can be. Teacher Paula Lavin said it was a huge honour for the school to welcome Amy back to the school. “It was a huge day for the school as we were delighted to welcome Amy back to the school after 10 years as IBA World Light welterweight champion. Amy received a massive welcome and spoke so openly and honestly to the whole school about her own school days, encouraging everyone to aspire to be the best they can,” stated Paula. Paula also spoke on behalf of the school community where she talked about Amy meeting her idol Katie Taylor ten years earlier when the boxing superstar paid a surprise visit to Colaiste Rís. She said that Amy is now making her own success and noted that Katie Taylor asked for Amy to come spar her

Above: Amy with her parents Sheila and Tony and Coláiste Rís teacher Paula Lavin; right: Amy and Dearbhla Tinnelly. leading to Taylor’s major fight against Amanda Serrano in Maddison Square Garden. Paula spoke about the fact that Amy has been consistent throughout the years

in her training, in her lifestyle choices, in her dedication to the sport and as a result success is at her door, to which she truly deserves. Paula went on to say that her parents Tony

and Sheila must also be acknowledged for their time and dedication to Amy over the years and they too are very much part of this success story. Amy spent over

an hour meeting and greeting students and staff, where she left a lasting impression on many, in particular Dearbhla Tinnelly who had recently won a European Gold medal.

Fionnuala Flynn who is the longest serving member in Coláiste Rís of over 42 years came up on stage to present a gift to Amy which read ‘Our World Champion, Amy’.

Louth County Council & Culture Connect host first ever World Africa Day Event

Louth County Council in partnership with Culture Connect hosted the first ever event to celebrate World Africa Day in Dundalk on Wednesday 25th May. Africa Day, which fell on Wednesday, 25th May, celebrates the richness of African cultures and the contribution of people of African descent to Irish life. Africa Day celebrations are organised by

Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs in partnership with African embassies in Ireland and local authorities around the country. Held at the Friary Youth Club Centre in Dundalk the launch event featured an exhibition of African traditional clothing, food tasting, music and guest speakers from the African community. Opening the event Flora Okobi of

Culture Connect remarked at how important it was to recognise the work of Irish Aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the role that the African community has to play within Ireland today. Guest speaker, Dr Colletta Dalikeni also talked about the strong African relationship in Ireland. Dr Dalikeni, a lecturer in DKIT, reenforced the importance of

cross cultural work and how respect and inclusivity is vital in today’s world. Finally Dr. Medua Okonkwo relayed stories of how Africans have contributed to Ireland in the past number of years. Music was supplied on the day by Ines Khai, along with Congo music from Dan Apo and Nigeria Music from Vivienne Wilcox. We also had a theatre performance

from the African Centre in Dundalk. There was a fine display of African Art and Clothing and the event was finished off with a range of West African food from African Kitchen & Spice, with specialities from several different African regions. A second event, a Family Fun Day is to be held on Sunday 29th May in St Peters Parish Hall in Drogheda

and will include more food tasting, music, a fashion show and hair styling workshops. This year sees Ireland’s largest-ever Africa Day programme, with events being held nationwide. Minister for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy TD, said: “Ireland has been enriched in so many ways by the presence of a vibrant Af-

rican community. Ireland’s arts, culture, business, community development, sport and so much more have been strengthened by people of African origin or descent. Africa Day is about recognising that contribution and celebrating the culture and potential of the continent as a whole.” Visit www.AfricaDay.ie & www.createlouth.ie/events.

Africa Day celebrations took place last Wednesday in the Friary Youth Moya Hodgers Louth Arts Officer, Flora Okobi The event celebrated the richness of African culture and the contribution Club Centre in Dundalk. Culture Connect & Cllr Maeve Yore of people of African descent to Irish life.

Full House for Coxes Street bingo

Dundalk Leader 1st June 2022

Another Dundalk athlete on his way to World Championships Well-known local sprinter, David O’Hare is on his way to Czech Republic for the 6th Athletics Down Syndrome World Championships end of June. David, a club member of Glenmore AC out in the Cooley, has been a pioneer in athletics - being the first Irish athlete to participate at an international event in Italy 2021. Earlier this year David’s club was the host of a Come & Try day, where David participated and excelled. After these successes, David went on to run the 100m at the Louth Track and Field Championships, making him the first athlete with Down syndrome to achieve an official time at a mainstream event. Focusing on Triathlon (long jump, shot put, 100m) David is now preparing to compete in Nymburk, Czech Republic. David’s mum, Caroline said how incredible the support for David has been and thanking all, who supports

David O’Hare. him again this time around. Ireland will have two athletes participating, David is delighted to have Fergus Cosgrove from Navan AC joining him, after Fergus achieved his official times at Dunboyne AC last Saturday. Both athletes are members of the Warrior Wolves, from Down syndrome Louth Meath branch. With all this ability going

around Dundalk might just be the ideal town to grow and nurture one’s sport talent. The Down Syndrome World Championships, 6th Athletics, 4th Table Tennis and 1st Tennis 2022, a multisport event, takes place in Nymburk, Czech Republic, from 19-26 June - hosting teams with athletes with Down syndrome from 12 countries in 3 sports.

Local communities around the country came up with all sorts of inventive ways to keep themselves entertained during the pandemic. One such community is Cedarwood Park in Coxes Demesne who enjoyed regular outdoor street bingo events during the pandemic. The idea for street bingo came from Cedarwood Park resident Amy Rose O’Connor who saw how much her granny Rosie McGee was missing going to her regular bingo night in the Redeemer Community Hall. According to Amy Rose her granny and many of her friends were feeling isolated and at a loss when covid restrictions meant they could no longer go to bingo so she decided to take matters into her own hands by organising a game of street bingo with local residents sitting in their gardens alongside members of their own

Amy Rose O’Connor and her Nana Rosie McGee.

household. “I just felt really bad for my nan and her friends who love going to the bingo so I sourced some bingo books online and an electronic number machine. Gerard ‘Geezer’ McGee is a well-known local DJ and he supplies the mic

and speakers and calls out the numbers while residents sit in their gardens and play,” explains Amy Rose. “It’s mainly people from the Cedarwood area of Coxes and the idea has really taken off. We did it quite regularly during the pandemic

but I revived it today (Sunday) again for the first time in a while as my nan hurt her back and is unable to get to bingo. We put the word out over the last couple of weeks that the street bingo was returning and we’ve had a great response. All money from the sale of bingo books goes straight into a prize fund with all money going back to residents who are lucky enough to win on the day. “We have also been doing Music Bingo which is something a bit different which basically has song name son the bingo book rather than numbers. We play a snippet of a song and you mark that song off your book if you have it. It’s been a great success and there is a real sense of community especially when the weather is nice with everybody sitting out in their garden and enjoying the craic,” added Amy Rose.

Dundalk Leader 1st June 2022

Free concert featuring world-renowned band Téada J

Members of world renowned traditional band Téada.

Dun J Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in Zimbabwe, and Rainforest (Bodhrá) f Craobh Dhún Dealgan will host World Music Festival in Borneo. Special guests include theh a concert featuring Téada with In 2014, the band performed to legendary Séamus Begley Westn guest artistes Seamus Begley 40,000 people during an ex- Kerry (vocals / button accordion)w and Samantha Harvey in An Táin tensive 7-week tour of Japan / and i Arts Centre Dundalk on Friday Taiwan, and continues to have Samantha Harvey (Keyboards/a night June 10th commencing at a strong touring presence in the dance) 8:00. Local musicians will also United States, where Téada has For anyone in Louth and sur-a perform at the concert and the toured actively since 2001. rounding areas with an interestw In the past couple of weeks the in traditional music this is an op-( good news is that the admission band released their new album portunity not to be missed. is free. a Téada are a traditional band on the Gael Linn label, featuring c Admission is FREE but tickets f with a truly worldwide reach, an exciting vocal collaboration must be booked in advance. t They have appeared as a fre- with Hollywood actor & singer Ticket can be booked by call-2 quent headliner at major music John C. Reilly in addition to the festivals throughout the US, band’s customary reenergising of ing to An Táin Arts Centre int the Town Hall, Crowe Streetl Canada, Mexico, Europe, Af- rare tunes from the tradition. or on line https://antain-ticketss Band members include rica, Russia, the Middle East and v Oisin Mac Diarmada Sligo, antainie/shows/873627430. Australia. Highlights include a This event is funded by the Lo-w 30,000-capacity stadium concert (Fiddle), Paul Finn Laois, (butcal Live Performance Program-s in Brittany, along with perform- ton accordion), Damien Stenson Sligo, (flute), ming Scheme and supported byt ances at Penang World Music Festival in Malaysia, Edmonton Seán McElwain Monaghan, (gui- the Department of Tourism, Cul-d ture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport andh Folk Festival in Canada, Harare tar and bouzouki) and Tristan Rosenstock, Dublin Media. International Festival of the Arts d b c t m m i g f m d Local poet Seán Brannigan wrote the following Heeding Connolly’s call a b poem for his late cousin Eugene Smyth who passed You flew the Starry Plough i away just over a year ago. His sister Mary delivered And grew handsome, and humorous. f a very moving eulogy at Eugene’s funeral, finishing Then, hearing Marie sing a

Poetry Corner

by describing him as a “child of the Fair Green” Proposed your wedding vows. which inspired Sean to put pen to paper and write Family years up in the Park, the below verse. Friends of the Lower End, St. Nicholas’s and Pete Deans Sacred music, a liquid lunch, “Ray Brannigan got a ten to one, I’ll be home a wee bit late Marie, my Queen”. Love and humour, the magic of marriage A daughter and son The hopscotch girls and football boys Cherished supreme. Still live in memory Your legacy, old decency Although no longer seen. Learned in the school of streets Our swimming pool, the river, Castletown, Linenhall Bursting tar bubbles with our toes, Lively Meeting-House-Lane Young, free, climbing trees, Chestnuts, pitch’n’toss, marble games Sloppy Joes and scraped knees, Joys of our too swift youth, Eugene The delicacy of jam and bread, And the playground for all teams Those short trouser days Eugene. Our very own Field of Dreams. Your Mary called you well Your Mary called you well A Child of the Fair Green. A Child of the Fair Green. The hungry forties shaped your mind,

A Child of the Fair Green

Dundalk Leader 1st June 2022

Joan features in Art of M Exhibition

Dunleer native Joan Jordan is one of twelve featured artists who have contributed original artworks from living with Multiple Sclerosis in Ireland to raise public awareness of the disease The 12 artworks created by people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are now on display at the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute from Thursday 26 May to Wednesday 1 June 2022 (today). They feature paintings, digital illustrations, freestanding sculptures and creative video content, the artists will be using their chosen format to illustrate the symptoms of their disease and the impact it has on their life. The 12 works of art on display were shortlisted by a panel of judges and chosen for their ability to impactfully depict the many symptoms of MS, many of which are invisible and unknown to the general public such as fatigue, vision impairment, depression and difficulties with memory and thinking. The exhibition will feature paintings, digital illustrations, freestanding sculptures and creative video con-

Joan Jordan. tent all of which aim to help the viewer better understand what it is like to live with MS day to day. The exhibition was officially opened by Senator Erin McGreehan for Louth and East Meath and spokesperson on Children, Disability, Equality and Integration. Speaking at the launch, Senator McGreehan said “It is my pleasure to attend the official opening of The Art of MS – Symptoms Under the Spotlight exhibition. The artists have done a fantastic job of portraying how they live with the varying symptoms of MS on a daily basis. Showcasing the artwork in the main foyer of Trinity Biomedical Sciences

Institute is such as great idea, bringing together innovation, creativity and real life experiences for all to see. Joan was diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting MS in 2010 at the age of 36 following an MRI scan. Her experiences with MS have inspired her to try and show the invisible symptoms of the disease through her art. “I had been experiencing unexplained symptoms since my early 20s. I wanted to make the shift from these symptoms being presented in a physiological manner to a more tactile one. The backdrop is of pop-art style images of my 35 brain lesions. The interactive skeleton

demonstrates how my symptoms feel in practical terms,” stated Joan. ”I didn’t want to stand on the side-lines, cheering researchers on. I wanted to get involved. I followed the EUPATI Patient Expert course and have never looked back. My proudest moment was working on a level setting on a paper on recruitment for Randomised Control Trials https://priorityresearch. ie/ “I want to help make life better for the 9,000 Irish people living with MS and to use my experience in I.T, my participation in a clinical trial, my communication skills, my time living abroad and most importantly- knowing what it is like to live with an illness for which there is currently no cure to help find one. I believe that the patient has an important role to play in this challenge and strive to ensure patient-centricity is at the core of health care. Through my art, I am showing how my MS symptoms are often invisible, yet very impactful on my life,” she explained.

Dundalk Leader 1st June 2022

Family Notices PROPERTY/RENTALS

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in memoriam

classes and courses DRUM LESSONS INCLUDING BODHRAN— For adults & children aged 8years upwards. One to one lessons. Phone 087 414 4228. Guitar lessons available for Adults & Children. One to one with Covid precautions, beginners welcome. Phone Gerry on 087 6941075. Get fit the fun way and learn to dance, the Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot and Jive, now taking place in the Lisdoo, Dundalk Tuesday’s from 8pm - 10pm, no partner required. Newly Wed’s first dance lessons and private lessons also available. Contact 086 357 3271 for further information. Sewing Classes—Become confident as you grow your sewing skills. No experience needed. Monday evenings 5.30-7.30pm at Muirhevnamor Community Centre. Private classes can be arranged on request. Contact Elizabeth 087 2649221 Whatsapp.

PUPS FOR SALE FOR SALE—2 miniature female Jack Russell pups for sale, 8 weeks old Tel 086 0844663.

PLANNING NOTICES LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—I Eugene Devlin intend to apply for permission for development at this site on the Castletown Road, Dundalk, Co.Louth. The development will consist of the construction of a 3 storey apartment block consisting of 4no. 2-bedroom ground floor apartments and 4 no. 3-bedroom duplex apartments; a separate 2 storey apartment block consisting of 2no. 2-bedroom ground floor apartments with 2no. 2-bedroom first floor apartment above and a final 3 storey apartment block consisting of 2no. 2-bedroom ground floor apartments and 2no. 3-bedroom duplex apartments all with associated site development works to include for 21nr car parking spaces, Bin Storage, public and communal open space which are to service the proposed developments with private amenity spaces to service individual apartments. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We Fiona and Michael O’Murchu intend to apply for Full Planning Permission for a single storey side extension and detached garage at 8 Elm Park, Blackrock, Co. Louth. Development to include demolition of existing detached garage and all 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.

MURRAY Kevin (Victor) 11th Anniversary In loving memory of our dear brother Kevin (Victor) Murray, late of Fr. Murray Park, whose anniversary occurs on 4th June. Brother Today is full of memories, Of a brother I laid to rest, And every single one of them, Is filled with happiness. For you are someone special, Always such a joy to know, And there was so much pain, When it was time to let you go. That’s why this special message, Is sent to Heaven above, For the angels to take care of you, And give you all my love. —Love and miss you so much, your sister, Jackie; brotherin-law, Melo and nephews Sean, Christopher and Jason XXX. BROTHER Kevin (Victor) Murray Today is such a painful day, Full of sadness and grief for me, I mourn the moment that you left, Recalling how life used to be. You were someone very special, Who left your mark on so many lives, Things just haven’t been the same, Since we said goodbye. The bond we shared will never end, Even though we are apart, I find comfort in the memories, Deep within my heart. This heartfelt message is for you, I miss you more than words can say, The world lost someone precious, On the day you went away. —Love and miss you everyday from your sister, Anita; partner, Gus and godson, Aaron.

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). E.M. Novena To The Sacred Heart Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). M.S. Novena To The Sacred Heart Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). D.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). A.D. 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). S.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). T.S.

Dundalk Young Ireland’s Ronan Maguire, from the U11s boys team, shows off the teams new set of jerseys which have been kindly sponsored by Oxygen Environmental.

Dundalk Leader 1st June 2022

Carlingford Heritage Centre April - June 2022 Carlingford Heritage Centre is delighted to announce the third in a series of concerts in April, May and June as part of Louth County Council’s ‘Louth Live Performance Programme’. It is indeed a pleasure to present some world class artists to our audience in Carlingford and environs, revelling in the joy of live performance again after such a long Covid-enforced silence. The heritage centre are delighted to present Sibéal Ni Chasaide on 5th June from

4-5pm. Sibéal will will be accompanied by Mike Nielsen, guitar; Nathalie Ní Chasaide, piano; and Ódhran O Casaide, fiddle. Sibéal Ní Chasaide’s unique vocal qualities and singing style command attention wherever she appears. She grew up in an environment that was immersed in all things Irish – Irish music, the Irish language, and Irish culture. Part of this background included the singing of traditional Irish songs and she became a supremely skilled exponent of the

sean-nós tradition, a distinctive singing style whose origins are lost in antiquity. A singer like no other with a remarkable versatility in capturing mood and tonal quality, her vocal technique with its rich overlay of sean-nós, makes her singing style immediately recognisable and unmistakable. She has perfected this style to produce “spine tingling”, “evocative and powerful” performances. These are some of the qualities which propelled her to national

Sophie keen on ‘Breaking the glass ceiling’

A Dundalk student has scooped a €500 prize for innovative build entry in the 2022 Generation Apprenticeship competition O’Fiaich College student Sophie Maguire won the €500 runnerup prize in the build category of the popular competition. The National Apprenticeship Office announced the winners last week of the youthled competition, which highlights creativity, sustainability and innovation as part of a Generation Apprenticeship secondary schools competition. Organised by the National Apprenticeship Office, and supported by Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris TD, this year’s contest invited learners to explore the opportunities that exist through apprenticeship and how they can combine future careers with their commitment to green values and sustainable futures. Sophie Maguire of O’Fiaich College, was selected by a panel of industry experts to receive a €500 runner up cash prize in the coveted ‘build’ category. Her work will feature in an outdoor poster and advertising campaign later this year promoting 65 apprenticeship opportunities now available. Sophie Maguire, recipient of the runner-up prize said: “I am delighted to se-

Sophie Maguire from O’Fiach College. cure runner-up in a national competition. The core message I wanted to communicate is tackling climate change and promoting gender equality. To create my letter A I used materials destined for landfill which I retrieved from a building site near my school. I also found waste material in many of my classrooms. I hope Generation Apprenticeship will help more girls like me achieve success in what is still seen by many as jobs for the boys! I included ladders on my sculpture to show that progress is being made and to promote the gender bursary which employers can avail of. I hope to see more women ‘Breaking the Glass ceiling’ in carpentry, the career I wish

to pursue.” Dr Mary-Liz Trant, Director National Apprenticeship Office said: “Huge congratulations and thanks to all the teams who entered the competition and to the judges for their invaluable support. The commitment of students, teachers and tutors provides optimism and a sense of a brighter future. Together they bring fresh ideas, creativity, passion and an exceptional understanding of the role played by apprenticeship industries in Ireland. Apprenticeship is expanding and we are creating a single, deeply integrated, and collaborative apprenticeship system that fits businesses of all sizes and careers of all types.”

fame at the age of 17 during the Irish government’s centenary commemoration of the 1916 Easter Rising – the rebellion that paved the way for Irish independence. Sibéal stole the show in a star-studded, televised concert in Dublin with her emotional rendition of the song Mise Éire (I Am Ireland), which is featured in the TV documentary ‘1916’.

Sibéal has gone on to perform in London, New York, Toronto and Sydney, is a regular on national television, recorded her debut release at Abbey Road Studios in London and has a major recording contract with Universal Records. “I hope people will hear my voice and see that sean-nós singing is very much alive. I want

to communicate that to people in Ireland and the rest of the world.” Keep an eye out for upcoming announcements for our final concert in June! https://carlingfordheritagecentre. com/. All concerts will be free but please note that numbers are limited due to space and safety. Bookings will be made online on a ‘first-come Sibéal Ní Chasaide. first-served’ basis.

Dundalk Leader 1st June 2022

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Nothing has Changed Everything has Changed Dundalk Leader 1st June 2022

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Louth Contemporary Music Society is delighted and relieved to be back with its midsummer festival after a three-year gap. “Nothing has Changed. Everything has Changed” – that’s the title. Nothing has changed: we’re still here, aren’t we? But everything has changed. Our relationships have been tested. We’ve seen more of life’s fragility. Art can help – especially new art, that has lived through these experiences with us. With a great lineup of world-renowned composers and soloists, from Ireland and beyond, the festival opens on Friday 17 June at St Nicholas Church of Ireland in Dundalk. There’s a repeat performance there of Linda Caitlin Smith’s “Meadow” for three string players. LCMS put out a recording in 2020 of this miraculous wander through green pastures of harmony, and it’s become

Soprano Juliet Fraser specialises in contemporary classical music. an international hit. Also catching up with music from lockdown, there’ll be a chance to hear Sam Perkin’s “Flow” live. This is similarly for string trio, and similarly a piece whose LCMS recording has been making waves. On the same programme are new works by Irish composer Andrew Synnott and by one of the

foremost composers in England and internationally, Gavin Bryars, whose music always comes from off-centre to take you by surprise. Among the ace performers are the outstanding Irish string quartet, the Esposito, ace flautist Silvija Scerbaviciute and the breathtaking soprano Juliet Fraser. The next day’s events start at lunchtime, in St

QUIZ 1—Which US city is known as ‘The Big Easy’? 2—Jessica Fletcher is the main character in which TV series? 3—What is the modern name of ancient Mesopotamia? 4—Fr Tim Deveraux and Sergeant Roche were characters in which Irish tv programme? 5—Who shot Billy the Kid? 6—Where in Dundalk would you find the oldest menswear clothes shop still in business? 7—The Green Party have had three national leaders in the party’s history. Can you name them? 8—Which is the third letter of the Greek alphabet? 9—Broccoli belongs to what family of plants? 10—What is the angle between the hands of a clock at 1 o’clock? The Stinker—Ireland is one of only three EU countries who drive on the left. Name one of the other two.

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Nicholas Church of Ireland, Australian singer Mitch Riley and French pianist Vanessa Wagner pull in at 1 p.m. for their acclaimed performance of “O Mensch!” You just have to witness this wild and intimate portrait of Nietzsche by the leading French composer of today, Pascal Dusapin. There’s bass in the early afternoon at 3pm

at the Spirit Store, where the stunning Icelandic improviser Bára Gísladóttir takes the stage with Skúli Sverrisson. Be prepared for electricity and heat. But it doesn’t end there. in the chapel of St Vincent’s School, Dundalk, there will be an absorbing delve into slow sound and interference patterns by Catherine Lamb, scored for string bass and quarter tone bass flute The festival closes that evening at the same venue with voices: the Vox Clamantis choir of Estonia, singing Arvo Pärt’s LCMS commission “The Deer’s Cry”, music by the younger Estonian composer Helena Tulve, Lou Harrison’s ecstatic “Mass for St. Cecilia’s Day” and a new work, “Storm in Devon”, by Siobhán Cleary. www.louthcms. org. Funded by the Arts Council and Create Louth. Tourism Louth. RTÉ Supporting the Arts.

Dundalk Leader 1st June 2022