Concern over Blackrock development
By Paul Byrne
FIANNA Fáil councillor Shane McGuinness has outlined his ‘grave’ concerns over a proposed housing devlopment at a large site off the Blackrock Road, via Bothar Maol which is a narow lane off the Dundalk to Blackrock Road. McGuinness has cited a lack of infrastructure in the area which he says does not lend itself to a high density development such as the one proposed by Marina Quarter Ltd, a subsidiary of Glenveagh Homes.
In 2019 Louth Co Council granted that company planning permisiion for a 483 house development which was subject to 24 conditions. In November 23 a new application was lodged for 503 homes but this was refused by Louth County Council twelve months ago and that decision was upheld by An Bord Pleanala following an appeal
by the developers.
Following that refusal, the developers went back to their original plans (which had been granted planning permission in 2019) to build 483 homes and in November they issued a commencement notice to Louth County Council stating that work would begin on December 11th. However, in a further muddying of the waters the land which the developers are hoping to build the houses on was re-zoned in November following a submission from Cllr. Shane McGuinness.
Now McGuinness has asked the question whether the developers are complying with the 24 conditions attached to the original planning permission and he has welcomed the fact that Louth County Council have been in contact with the developers to ask that exact question.
Contiinued on Page 2
Conor Hughes sitting on top of his ‘Big Fish’ installation on St Stephen’s Day as part of his traditional annual fundraiser. Full Story page 2.
Councillor outlines grave concerns over Blackrock development
From Page 1
“Louth County Council are corresponding directly with Glenveagh on the requirements for compliance with the conditions from a 2019 grant of planning which Glenveagh are working off at present. They have written a warning letter to the developer/owner of the site regarding noncompliance of conditions and that they will now be afforded time to respond to this letter as per the provisions of the planning legislation,” explained McGuinness.
“The council have also said that all planning compliance documentation will be uploaded to the online planning system for public view, as it is received and then processed.
“While this is all going on, and since the councillors have moved
to rezone this land back to strategic reserve, the date for adopting the new Local area plan into the county development plan will be pending and will not come into effect until possibly well into February 25.
“By this time, the 2019 grant of planning will have run out (it is due to run out on January 15th 2025) and the land will be dezoned and a significant amount of progress on the completion of the 2019 grant will possibly
not be sufficient to continue the development. And the developer may have to resubmit a further planning application to continue.
“As a local councillor to the area of the site, I had grave concerns about the impact this high-density development would have on an ever-growing community where I believe the pattern of design and the landscape requires low density housing and would set an undesirable precedent for other similar developments within this area and would be contrary, I believe, to proper planning.
“The whole lack of infrastructure in every way just does not lend itself to a high-density housing and as Uisce Eireann has highlighted themselves, they just do not have the investment and systems
to achieve the levels of water and waste water capacity at present. This I believe is 4 to 5 years down the line.
“We have a housing crisis that needs fixing and as ambitious as the Government may be, the next Housing Minister needs to do something different. He or she needs to face our housing crisis as an emergency. That it will be a whole of Government approach. We may have to bend the rules, or we just will not reach our targets.
“You have seen how we were able to house over 100,000 people from000 the war in Ukraine, at short notice, and when we had to deal with Covid 19, we did it and did it well. But now’s the time for someone in high office to be very brave and make the really big decisions on housing.
To form an infrastructural department, separate from housing, and invest heavily in it to design and create the proper infrastructure to go hand in hand with the houses we need in a strategic and pragmatic way where we think about the next 50 years and not just think about the next 2 or 3.
“Irish water has taken in a consultancy company called EY who have reported major catastrophic issues down the line where we need high levels off infrastructural investment, or we face mass outages and problems all over the system which will have a devastating effect on our economic and social concerns which would lead to pressures on society.
“Many of the problems in health, immigration, environmental and Homelessness hasn’t
been helped by throwing money at them. The root cause of many of these issues I believe could be housing, and its lack of infrastructure that is now the main concern to hitting the targets we need. Louth County Council confirmed that they had sent a warning letter to Glenveagh Homes.
“Louth County Council can confirm that a warning letter was issued on the 19/12/24 in respect of this matter . Glenveagh Homes have up until the 28/01/25 to make written representations in respect of this correspondence i.e. 4 weeks + an additional 9 days to account for the Christmas period. No response has been received to date,” read the statement from Louth County Council.
St Stephen’s Day Fundraiser raises almost €14,000 for Crosscause
CONOR Hughes continued his longstanding tradition of creating hugely enjoyable fundraisers on Blackrock Beach on St Stephen’s Day with a ‘Big Fish’ themed event last
Conor has been raising money for his Crosscause Charity which supports projects in Romania, Ghana and Ukraine.
Thursday morning. The fundraiser was a major success raising a whopping €13,800 so far) to help support the charities projects in Ghana.
The annual event has become a much loved family tradition for many and helps raise money for Crosscause which is a charity started by Conor to help provide homes, schooling and healthcare to vulnerable children in Eastern Europe and Ghana.
Charity organiser Conor Hughes is renowned for organising spectacular and some-
changed countless lives in Ghana, Romania, and Ukraine, and we couldn’t do it without you.”
Crosscause has a proud history of delivering impactful aid, from building schools in rural Ghana to providing
critical supplies to vulnerable communities in Ukraine. Funds raised from the “Big Fish” event will directly support these life-changing projects, ensuring they continue to grow and thrive.
Conor Hughes, who has spearheaded the charity’s efforts for over two decades, expressed his gratitude to the community for their enduring support:
“Every year, the people of Blackrock and beyond show extraordinary generosity. The ‘Big Fish’ event isn’t just about fundraising; it’s a celebration of the spirit of giving and unity that defines our village. Your contributions have
times comical events every St Stephen’s Day from Charlie Chaplin lookalikes to frolicking penguins to stacks of pianos 50 foot high. This year ‘s theme was ‘Big Fish, which saw Conor perched atop a ‘Big Fish’ installation on the beach on St Stephen’s Day. The event featured a thrilling mix of activities designed to engage all ages, including live entertainment, hot food and drinks and an array of sea side fun for all ages. The festivities managed to raise funds for Crosscause’s ongoing initiatives, which focus on education, healthcare, and community development in regions where support is most needed.
Cllr Shane McGuinness.
Local TD spitting feathers as wallet is stolen
SINN Féin TDs Ruairí Ó Murchú and Joanna Byrne made an impact on the opening sitting of the Dáil with the Drogheda deputy giving her maiden speech and her Dundalk counterpart rescuing his wallet from an eager seagull.
The pair made the journey to Leinster House from Louth on December 18 to join 174 recently-elected TDs for the first sitting following the November 29 election.
Deputy Byrne said she was honoured and proud to second a Sinn Féin motion that called for party leader Mary Lou McDonald to be selected as Taoiseach and in the first
ten seconds, put the case for Drogheda to be a city on the agenda.
In her maiden speech, the Drogheda TD said: ‘It is a great honour and privilege for me to be here to give my maiden speech representing the people of Louth and my home town of Drogheda, the largest town in the country, which is a city by population, a city at heart and a city in all but name.
‘With my Drogheda colleagues here in this Chamber, we will endeavour to make that happen.
I stand here in the middle of an expanded Sinn Féin parliamentary team of 39 TDs, the
largest number in a century. We are a mix of youth and experience, men and proud women, all with a common objective, hunger and desire to work for the people of Ireland in every corner of Ireland and in every townland, village, town, city and city-to-be.
‘We were elected as a result of a campaign of hope and positive change and our task, and my task now, is to ensure from today, day one, that we do our utmost to deliver that’.
Deputy Ó Murchú received much media coverage after a seagull grabbed his wallet and tried to fly away with it after he left it down on a seat outside
Leinster House before getting his picture taken.
A moment after the seagull swooped, Deputy Ó Murchú chased the bird and it dropped the wallet.
But he also had a serious message on the day that Verona Murphy was elected as Ceann Comhairle.
He said: ‘I was elected to speak up for the people of Louth and our team of 39 TDs has returned more determined than ever to represent those who voted for real progress and for a better future.
‘They wanted a major shift in direction from the government. While many people voted for change, it is likely that we will not have the numbers to form a new government.
‘There is no reason to believe that having caused a housing crisis and made it worse, having sustained a crisis in health,
having failed to deliver for working people, that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are in a position to straighten matters out.
‘But there is hope. Sinn Féin is now a significant force in po-
The McKevitt family from Dundalk enjoying the gorgeous lights and illuminations in our gorgeous town just before Christmas.
litical life. We are determined to work with others elected to this Dáil to build and strengthen the alternative to perpetual Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael government’.
Sinn Fein TD’s Ruairí O Murchu and Joanna Byrne at teh opening sitting of the new Dáil.
Committee formed with intention to reignite Dowdallshill GFC
2024 WAS a difficult year for the second oldest GAA club in the county. Last July Dowdallshill formally pulled out of the Louth Division 3b Football League citing difficulties in fielding a team which resulted in conceding three walkovers during their league campaign. The club hadn’t won a competitive match in two years and then chairman Colm Corrigan described the club at being at a critical juncture.
In September a vote took place asking 21 Dowdallshill members to agree to a merger which would see Dowdallshill join forces with Dundalk Gaels. 75% of the members needed to be in agreement for the vote to pass but when seven of
the 21 voted no to a merger those plans were scuppered. In the wake of that vote a committee has been set up in Dowdallshill with the aim of reigniting the club and recruiting new players to ensure that the club can grow and at the very least fulfil all of its fixtures next season.
Speaking to the Dundalk Leader former Dowdallshill player and committee member Dermot Smith said that the club are appealing for new players to join the club to ensure the club can thrive going forward.
“Dowdallshill is a fantastic club and it’s generally considered to have the finest ground in the County. There is so much potential here and we do not want to see this great club die.
Seven of us came together in August just after the club pulled out of the league and we sat down and asked what was the best way for the club to become competitive again. We want to find ways to reignite the club and build it up again. We have a long and proud tradition and it’s not that long ago we were regularly competing in and winning Louth Junior Championships.
Unfortunately we do not
have a great catchment area out here in Dowdallshill with no schools nearby and down through the years we have been dependent on people coming into the area like fireman and gardaí etc. Myself and six other former players have formed a committee and we are launching a recruitment drive for anybody in the community who would like to join a team environment and play competitive football in 2025.
More accolades for Eve as Paralympian cyclists win Team of the Year
KATIE-George Dunlevy, Ireland’s most decorated Irish Paralympic athlete, and her pilots
Linda Kelly and Eve McCrystal claimed the ‘Team of the Year Award’ at The Irish Times Sport Ireland Sportswoman of the Year Awards 2024 which took place in Dublin recently. The trio won the Award for their outstanding achievements at the Paralympics and World Championships in 2024.
Jenkinstown native Eve McCrystal played a key role in an amazing year for the team as they picked up five Paralympic and World Championship medals.
Katie George Dunlevy became the most successful Irish paralympian of all time when she won a gold and silver with new pilot Kelly as well as a silver with longtime partner McCrystal before going on to win two gold at the World Championships in Zurich with Kelly.
For a group of athletes to achieve what this trio did in ordinary circumstances would be remarkable. The fact that Dunlevy and her pilots achieved these results in a year in which they suffered a litany of setbacks including multiple crashes, injuries and illnesses is barely believable.
In early May, Dunlevy and Kelly crashed during a World Cup race in Belgium, Dunlevy left badly bruised and with an injured hand, but Kelly sustained a concussion that ruled her out of action for a spell.
Eve McCrystal then stepped in to pilot Dunlevy in another World Cup race in Italy 10 days later. They also crashed, but with Paralympic qualifying points at stake, the pair got back on their bike and managed a fourth-place
finish despite Dunlevy being in agony. It was only later when she was X-rayed that she learned she had broken her collarbone.
Lying on her hospital bed, Dunlevy, who’s based in Crawley in the UK, put any thoughts that she wouldn’t be able to participate in Paris out of her head. She then flew back to Dublin, had her operation and six days later was back on her bike, albeit using just one arm.
Her success with Kelly this year has been remarkable, and Dunlevy paid tribute to the Wexford woman’s contribution to a medal-laden year. But there was a poignancy to her teaming up again with her long-time partner McCrystal, a Garda based in Ar-
dee, for the B3,000m individual pursuit in Paris. It was McCrystal’s last Paralympics, so it was to be their final race together after a glittering decade of success.
“We have so many amazing memories. My first medal was with Eve in 2014 and my first Paralympic medal was with her in 2016. We had our challenging times, cycling is such a tough sport and tandem racing adds more challenges. But it’s an amazing sport – having a Paralympic athlete, a disabled athlete, racing and training with able-bodied athlete is something really special. It was a great end to our partnership and to the time we’ve had together.”
“We have a fantastic ground and fantastic facilities including a gym, bar and hall and we would love for some players to come and join us and breath some new life into the club. The club is a real hub of the local community and we cannot let it die,” insisted Dermot.”
“We have somewhere between 15 and 18 players and we are looking to get some more in with maybe a mix of young and old. Maybe there are guys around town in their 30’s who have drifted away from football and would like another crack at a bit of football. We want to be competitive again and turn the fortunes of the club around. Look at Wolfe Tones. They were the whipping boys in Louth football
for years and in 2024 they turned it around and won a Junior Championship. It can be done. What happened to us last season was a real wake up call and made us realise we have to do something to get the club back to where we want to be.
“There is huge potential if we can just start the ball rolling and gain some momentum. There are lots of developments planned for this area in the coming years which will obviously bring in more people to the area and help us gain more numbers. It’s going to take a lot of work but we believe if we can get the right management team in and a few more bodies we can become competitive again and start rebuilding. But
first things first we need more bodies in the door. If anybody wants to join a friendly club and help make Dowdallshill become competitive again please contact Ciarán O’Callaghan on 0879796291.
“It’s the start of the year and maybe there are a few lads about town looking to get fit this year and join a team. Hopefully they will consider us. We have until the middle of January to issue notice of transfers so if somebody is registered to another GAA club they would need to contact us within the next week or so. As I said before we want to build this great club up and that starts by getting more bodies in the door,” concluded Dermot.
Councillor urges people to consider alternative options to ease pressure on Our Lady of Lourdes hospital
SINN Féin Councillor Debbie McCole has urged people to consider ‘alternative care options’ if possible to ease the pressure on Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.
Cllr McCole who is also a paramedic said “I am witnessing at first hand the significant pressure on the Emergency department (ED) that the Hospital in Drogheda is experiencing. The staff is continuing to provide exceptional care to those in urgent need but with the high volume of patients, minor cases are facing significant delays.”
The HSE warned that
we are in the mid of the ‘flu season’ and have advised that additional Daytime GP expended clinics will be available from 27th December
and are asking that people check if their own GP is participating in this arrangement.
Cllr McCole who was co-opted on to the council recently to replace Joanna Byrne TD, advised “If you have a mild illness or nonurgent conditions then please consider visiting your GP, your local pharmacist or out of hours services. This will free up valuable space in the ED for those who require immediate and urgent care and if you fall into that category then please go to the ED.”
As a paramedic, Cllr McCole said “It’s im-
portant to note that the National Ambulance Service is facing similar challenges. Please reserve emergency ambulance calls for critical situations. Arriving at the hospital by ambulance does not guarantee faster treatment. All patients are triaged based on the severity of their condition regardless of how they arrive.
“By utilising alternative care options where possible and reserving ambulances for emergencies we can help reduce the strain on our emergency services. In the meantime please stay safe and healthy over the holidays.”
1—Which song was Christmas number 1 in the UK in 2024 forty years after it was originally released?
2—Which city hosted the Olympic games 2024?
3—Which Irish broadcaster started a new show on Virgin Radio in London on January 2?
4—What is the nickname of Mark Labbett in the quiz show, The Chase?
5—Not including interim coaches, how many head coaches/managers did Dundalk FC have during 2024?
6—What were the names of the two disagreeable old men in the Muppets?
7—Who was President of Ireland in 1991?
8—What colour is the
central band of the German flag?
9—How many seconds are there in half an hour?
10—If bovine is a term relating to cattle what is used when speaking about pigs?
The Stinker: Switzerland shares its borders with five countries. Can you name them?
Eve McCrystal ended 2024 with another trophy for her collection.
Marian Park Residents Committee hand over a cheque to the Dundalk Branch of the Irish Red Cross.
Cllr Debbie McCole.
Paddy’s latest novel explores love and friendships
DUNDALK author Paddy Carroll has released his third novel entitled ‘The Drifting Moments’. The book is a sequel to his very well received “Borrikeen- Unmasking Patrick Kavanagh” which was released in 2014. That book was billed as ‘an imaginative blend of fact and fiction, telling the absorbing story of the life and times of Patrick Kavanagh. In Borikeen, Kavanagh was given a fictional son called Maca by Paddy and it is Maca whose story is told in this sequel to Borrikeen.
The Drifting Moments which is published by
Choice Publishing is a novel filled with astute and witty insights into human behaviour and motivations, written in a distinctive, lively prose, the drifting moments captured in vivid set pieces, offering the reader a very human perspective on life’s ups and downs. Paddy, a retired lawyer is from Dundalk and had been casually working on this book for a number of years before knuckling down during Covid before polishing it over the last year. According to Paddy it is a sequel to his much acclaimed book Borrikeen- Unmasking Patrick
Kavanagh but it can be read as a standalone book without having to read it’s predecessor.
The story moves between Belfast and America in the 1950s and 1960s, a time of change and upheaval. Our wistful hero, Stephen MacAlindon known as Maca, is a boy of unknown parentage brought up by his loving adoptive parents.
Maca is intelligent and ambitious but has a wild streak which makes him kick against the traces in the conservative Catholic community he lives in. He gets to a prestigious Catholic
McGreehan welcomes Dundalk Primary Care
announcement
LOUTH TD Erin McGreehan has welcomed confirmation from the Department of Health that the HSE anticipates construction works will begin on the Dundalk Primary Care Centre in February 2025.
McGreehan said the Primary Care Centre is a much needed service for the county and it will significantly enhance the quality of care available to the people of Louth.
She said: “I am delighted to have received confirmation from the Department of Health that the HSE anticipates construction works will begin on the Dundalk Primary Care Centre in February 2025.
“The Primary Care Centre in
Dundalk is an extremely important project.
“I have consistently called for increased investment in health services in our county to tackle the increased demand on local services due to increases in population.
“This update that the Department expect construction to begin in February is welcome and it follows on from my previous engagement with the Minister for Health where I I stressed to him the Centre’s importance for Dundalk and indeed all of Louth.
“I hope that the project moves forward smoothly and I will do all I can to support it.”
Marist students Diarmuid and Raivis recognised for joint top marks in Ireland
annual En-
grammar school and is doing well, but a reckless act results in him being sent to an industrial school “for the reform of delinquent boys”.
He has a hard time there but his tenacity and intelligence enable him to get a scholarship to Queen’s University and the chance of a degree. Given the opportunity to go to Boston, young Maca takes it and using his Belfast connections gets a job in an investment bank. All those qualities – intelligence, daring, drive and ambition – that got him into trouble in Belfast enable him to thrive in America. He rises in the bank and soon gets a promotion to the Stock Exchange floor in New York, a chance he is eager to take because it gets him away
from Boston and a failed love affair. Freed from the oppressive cultural environment of his youth, religious and political, Maca on discovering the American way gains the confidence to find and express his true self.
In New York he finds his niche and a woman who loves him. He settles in and even becomes an American citizen. However, he cannot escape Belfast and news from there, like the death of his father, calling him back.
Maca resists until loyalty to a friend gets him into trouble too big to gloss over as attempts to cover his
friend’s mistake lead to ever increasing losses for the bank that cannot be hidden forever. Reluctantly Maca goes back to Belfast and picks up the threads of his old existence, just as unrest in the city is about to come to a head with violent consequences.
This much praised release is a wonderful insight into the time, told in an entertaining way
The book is available in Roe River Books in Dundalk as well as Carroll’s Hallmark in the Marshes Shopping Centre.
Vandalism at County Louth park condemned
LOUTH County Council has condemned the vandalism of the public playground at St. Helena Park in Dundalk, Co. Louth, overnight on 20th December 2024.
Technology
Association
Diarmuid and Raivis on their achievement.
The park, which had only reopened a week ago following a €480,000 refurbishment, was extensively damaged by vandals.
Over 80% of the new play equipment was defaced by graffiti, which was also discovered on macadam surface and the soft play surface areas.
The park was unfortunately closed throughout the day on 20th December to facilitate repair works and the removal of graffiti markings. It was reopened later in the day, but will need further deep cleaning in the new year.
Louth County Council have been working to upgrade playgrounds across the county over the last few months, with a focus on providing imaginative, inclusive play for children of all ages and abilities.
Works at St. Helena saw the
installation of a range of disabled user play equipment, and includes a wide range of play units across the site such as a trampoline, zip lines, braille and sign language play units, all on a supersoft composite woodchip.
Joe McGuinness, Temporary Chief Executive, Louth County Council, said: “It is extremely disappointing that this playground has been subject to such vandalism. It was reopened only a matter of days ago, and the council were de-
lighted to showcase the work which has been done to improve the play experience for all. We condemn the damage caused, and the disruption to families and children who have been enjoying the new facilities at the park.”
The vandalism has been reported to An Garda Siochana, and an investigation is underway. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Dundalk Gardai on 042 9388400 or Louth County Council on 042 93 35457.
DIARMUID Kelly and Raivis Krumins, two students of St. Mary’s College, were recently honoured on receiving joint top marks in Ireland in Higher Level Technology in Leaving Certificate 2024. Both young men, and their teachers Mr. Jamie Duffy & Mr. Daniel Murphy, were recognised at the
gineering
Teachers’
Awards, hosted this year at Atlantic Technological University Sligo. Principal Mr. Alan Craven was also in attendance and commended
Jamie Duffy, Diarmuid Kelly, Raivis Krumins, Daniel Murphy.
Cllr asks for future of Carlingford Ferry to be safeguarded
AT the December meeting of Louth County Council, Cllr John Reilly tabled a motion calling for measures to be explored to safeguard the future of the Carlingford Lough Ferry. The ferry commenced operation in August 2017 following the completion of a multi-agency land and marine approval process in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. Carlingford Lough ferries represent a private investment of over 10 million euros.
The company operates a 44-car capacity vessel and a 20-car capacity reserve vessel. The capital infrastruc-
ture at both Greenore and Greencastle is of the highest standard.
Since the Carlingford ferry was launched, it has carried 250 thousand vehicles and 675 thousand passengers across the lough. In the summer of 2020, the Company launched Carlingford lough cruises with live music on board. This has been an incredible success.
Unfortunately, the ferry was hit with some terrible setbacks in its early years of trading; the uncertainty surrounding the Brexit issue caused enormous problems for the ferry company, which resulted in the
Louth Centre calls for Volunteers
LOUTH Volunteer Centre is proud to announce three new inclusive projects that aim to support newcomers to our county, including International Protection Accommodation Services applicants and Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. These initiatives are designed to promote social inclusion, encourage cultural exchange, and help participants integrate in a meaningful way.
These innovative projects ensure new arrivals to our local towns, villages and rural communities are welcomed as an integral part of life in Louth. Run in collaboration with the Irish Red Cross and the Louth Local Area Integration Team, they will foster connections, build friendships, and create a more inclusive community for all.
We are seeking open-minded, empathetic volunteers to join these transformative projects. Training, support, and enriching experiences await all volunteers.
1. Community Orientation & Befriending Programme
This six-week programme pairs each volunteers with a participant, helping them navigate their new environment, build confidence, and integrate into the local community.
Role: Volunteer Befriender— To meet for 1-2 hours once weekly with their allocated participant to explore local area and share practical tips. Volunteers will receive befriending training and ongoing support from the Louth Volunteer Centre team.
Weekly activities would include meeting up, take a local walk and share a coffee & chat, and introduce participants to
useful local resources e.g. library
. They will also join all participants and other volunteers for a social group activity e.g. lunch, fostering teamwork and connection.
Volunteers gain valuable experience in mentorship, cultural exchange, and community integration., while participants will build confidence, gain independence, and feel a greater sense of belonging.
2. Community Café Located at the Irish Red Cross Hall in Dundalk, this weekly pop-up café provides a warm and welcoming space for social interaction, cultural exchange, and informal English practice.
Role: Café Befriender (Community Volunteer)—To attend cafe sessions for 2-3 hours weekly, engage warmly with participants, creating a friendly, inclusive atmosphere, encouraging conversations and support informal English language practice. Volunteers will receive training in cultural sensitivity and communication.
Volunteers enjoy the opportunity to develop cross-cultural communication skills and build meaningful connections. The participants can form new friendships, feel welcome, and improve language skills in a relaxed setting.
3. Conversational English Classes Will attend a session once weekly and help participants build confidence in their English skills, tailored to everyday needs. Volunteers will receive training from Fáilte Isteach.
Role: Conversational English Support Volunteer—These vol-
unteers will lead small-group sessions focusing on practical, everyday conversational English. This can be adapted to participants’ language levels and interests and they can collaborate with other volunteers and coordinators to share resources and ideas.
The volunteer gains rewarding experience in teaching, crosscultural engagement. In turn, the participant improve their ability to engage in social and community settings, building confidence and independence.
Kayleigh Mulligan, Manager of Louth Volunteer Centre, explains further: “Already in 2024, 55% of new volunteer registrations in Louth are non-Irish, who generously give their time, skills, and expertise to support our local charities, voluntary groups and community events across the county. An amazing 66 nationalities are represented in this diverse group in Louth.
Many of these people are newcomers who have faced challenges we cannot begin to imagine, and yet when they arrive here, one of their first aims is to help others. We know from chatting with people in our community that many Louth locals would like to reach out and support to them in return but don’t know where to start.
These three new volunteer roles afford established members of our communities the opportunity to reach out in a meaningful way, in a supportive environment and enable individuals to become true and valued members of our community. Genuine integration often starts with a chat, a walk, a cup of tea or other simple interactions.”
For further information contact info@volunteerlouth.ie or call 042 9392934 or log onto our website www.volunteerlouth.ie
Join us in making Louth a more welcoming place.
loss of bookings from tour companies in the UK. Further unforeseen and uncontrollable events like COVID-19 and the Ukraine War caused fuel prices to rise 30 per cent.
Cllr. Reilly believes that the ferry plays an important part in the tourist business in the Cooley peninsula. Cllr Reilly claims that the ferry acts as a springboard opening up the Cooley Peninsula and allowing daytrippers to explore the beautiful Mourne mountains of County Down and link across with the natural attractions of the Cooley peninsula.
The marketing of tourism on a cross-border basis in becoming a very real possibility going forward as the success of Ireland’s ancient East may be soon extended into Northern Ireland.
Cllr Reilly has asked for a tendering process to be put in place by Louth County Council and this would be set up for a specific period and be reviewed after the narrow water bridge is completed. A similar ferry is in operation from Green Castle in Co Donegal to Magilligan Point in Co Derry.
Countdown is on for Dundalk sports clubs
FORMER Irish rugby international, Donncha O’Callaghan has issued a call to sports clubs in Dundalk reminding members that the countdown is on to the 31st January closing date by which applications for a €5,000 award under the Texaco Support for Sport initiative must be made.
Noting the benefit to be gained by the award, the popular broadcaster and adjudicator confirmed that “entry is open to all clubs irrespective of sporting discipline, size, membership, age, cultural appeal, or gender, including those whose application
may have been unsuccessful previously.”
Now in its fifth year, the annual initiative has already seen funding of over €500,000 distributed to clubs across the 26 counties, of which €20,000 has come to Co. Louth with successful applicants Ardee St. Mary’s GFC (2021), Ace Athletic Club, Drogheda (2022), Cooley Kickhams Gaelic Football Club, Carlingford (2023) and Naomh Máirtín CPG (2024) receiving €5,000 in each case. Further information can be viewed at www.TexacoSupportforSport.com.
Glenmore AC offer healthy active programme
GLENMORE AC begin the new year with their Annual Operation Bush4mation to offer the community an active healthy month long programme and it Starts Monday 6th January 2025. Early bird of €40 has been extended for anyone who registers online before December 28th, €55 thereafter.
There are 12 activities per week, the latest addition to the programme is the use of activator pole walking on Saturday afternoons.
The classes promise to be the very best, varying from dancing, food sessions, yoga, woman’s health, mental health, health & beauty to running & walking sessions - to name just a few!
A great variety for all to enjoy! What a great way to start 2025. The schedule is available on line and get planning
your classes. participants must be over 16yrs old to participate, but no upper age limit. They are especially appealing to those who may not be regular active people.
This is your chance to get started. Beginner classes which will be encouraging for all . While it’s a fundraiser for the club its prime function is to kickstart all with a well organised plan for the month . The leaders are club members and also local class leaders so it’s an ideal opportunity to get a taster for these classes.
Location: Bush Post Primary School Price: €40 early bird How: book online and view our Facebook page Any questions please contact +353 (89) 470 7457. https://eventmaster.ie/event/o7zMik3tLm/qrcode.
Dundalk teenage racing driver continues to impress
DUNDALK teenage racing driver
Logan Hoey (15), continues to impress both on and off track this year. After clinching the 2023/24 Irish Junior rallycross championship in June, he returned to the ICCR Junior mini championship where he was the early championship leader, but some mid season setbacks in the form of mechanical issues and incidents which were no fault of his, blunted his championship challenge, but he bounced back in the final races to finish runner up in the champion-
ship, one place better than 2023. In mid November at Mondello Park he started the defence of his Junior rallycross championship, with a crushing display by winning every heat, semi final and final over two days to claim 10 wins out of 10 to take the championship lead into next year, when the championship resumes in mid February.
Logan was again nominated for the prestigious Motorsport Ireland young driver of the year award, and he becomes the
youngest ever to be selected in the final 8 young racing drivers in Ireland.
After a very successful first two years in motorsport, Logan will once again challenge for the ICCR Junior mini championship next year with races at Mondello Park and Kirkistown (Co. Down), but all this depends on sponsorship which is much needed.
Logan would like to thank his sponsors from this year FPS - Fire Protection Specialists and Duprint.
Logan receiving his Junior Rallycross Championship trophy at the Motorsport Ireland gala awards event in Dublin last week.
Carlingford Lough Ferry commenced operations in 2017.
Louth Volunteer Centre haver announced three new inclusive projects that aim to support newcomers in Louth.
For a free no obligation quotation
Callsave: 1850 774455 Tel. 042 9333513 Web: www.senatorwindows.ie Email. senatordundalk@gmail.com Or Visit our Showrooms on Ard Easmuinn Road, Dundalk. OPENING HOURS
Mon-Fri 9- 5 & Sat 10-2 After hours by appointment
KEEP YOUR TOWN IN BUSINESS KEEP YOUR BUSINESS IN TOWN
De La Salle students take the plunge for charity
WELL done to the 65 students who travelled to Carlingford on Monday 16th of December to take the plunge into very cold waters for St Vincent de Paul. For some sixth years it was their last time taking part and of course there were lots of enthusiastic first years making their debut!
Staff members Mr Cian
O Naraigh, Mr Aidan Mc Guinness and Ms Kirsty O Hare braved the cold waters to ensure the safety of the lads!
The school wish to thank Elizabeth Kenny and Rachel McEvoy from the Parents Council (pictured) for providing much needed hot chocolate and biscuits and also Anchor Tours for providing the buses free of charge.
A grand total of €3,858 was raised by the students from the event which is organised by Ms Cara McAdam each year. All money raised goes to the local branch of the St Vincent de Paul.
Pilgrimage
to Garabandal
FARE includes: transport to and from Dublin Aiport, accommodation in garabandal, bed, breakfast and evening meal, full itinerary plus optional excursions. Air flight to be arranged by individal pilgrims privately or through a travel agent. Garabandal will be extremely busy in 2025. Therefore, bookings will be taken in 2024.
Enquiries: Art: 0879420709 - Laurena : 0851833110.
Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Walsingham, North Norfolk, England: For nearly 1,000 years people have been going to Walsingham to worship God and honour His mother, Mary. Pilgrimage will take place in May, 2025. Please phone 0851833110.
Apparitions: Our Lady of Saragossa - 40 AD; Our Lady of Walsingham 1061 AD; Our Lady of Mount Carmel 1251 AD; Black Madonna 1382 AD; Our Lady of Guadalupe 1531 AD; Our Lady of Siluva 1608 AD; Our Lady of La Salette 1846 AD; Our Lady of Lourdes 1858 AD; Our Lady of
Knock 1879 AD.
Cara Mc Adam presenting the cheque to SVP Dundalk. A grand total of €3,858 was raised by the students from the event.
De La Salle students braved the cold waters for charity.
All money raised went to the local branch of St Vincent de Paul.
Kirsty OHare(SNA) and Cian O Naraigh (Acting Deputy Principal)
Elizabeth Kenny and Rachel McAvoy Parents Council
FAMILY NOTICES
BIRTHDAY
GIBBS (JUDE) 25th Birthday
Remembering my beloved son Jude whose 25th Birthday occurs on 3rd January 2025.
I’ll forever cherish this Day you were born And smile at just the thought, I hope you know the magnitude Of joy your Life here brought.
Your Birthday brings back memories of laughter and of tears, of all the celebrations held Throughout your precious 22 years.
On holidays and Birthdays It’s so hard to be apart, Like every Day that falls between Your memory and Love fills my heart.
Happy Birthday Jude
Loved beyond words, missed beyond measure. Mam xx
IN MEMORIAM
CALLAN
Gillie 6th ANNIVERSARY
In loving memory of Gillie, late of 103 Pearse Park, Dundalk, who died on 5th January, 2019.
We think about you always, We talk about you still, You have never been forgotten, And you never will. We hold you close within our hearts, And there you shall remain, To walk and guide us through our lives, Until we meet again.
Will those who think of Gillie today, A little prayer to Jesus say —Always loved and remembered by your son Willie, daughter-in-law Marion and grandchildren.
IN MEMORIAM
McALESTER
John ‘Maxi’ 2nd ANNIVERSARY
Second anniversary of my husband ‘Maxi’ Sean McAlester, late of Oakland Park, R.I.P., who died 9th January, 2022.
A special day, another day, Another year a silent tear,
A little prayer to keep in touch, With the one we miss and love so much.
—Sadly missed by your wife Angela, sons, family and grandchildren.
DAD
How do we write on paper, The feelings deep inside, The heartache and the emptiness, When a Dad you loved has died.
The heartache feels the same,
As I live from day to day, When the family meet and you’re not there, The feel of loneliness is hard to bear.
I laugh, I smile, I play my part, But behind my smiles lies a broken heart, You are wonderful to think of, But so hard to be without.
—Missing you loads Dad from your son Gerard and daughterin-law Fiona.
GRANDAD
Each of us in our own way,
Have lovely memories of you today, No longer in our lives for us to share, But in our hearts you will forever be there.
Miss you Grandad.
—From grandkids Joseph, Gemma, Charlene, Rachel, Jordan and great-grandchildren Patrick and Theo.
Anniversary Mass in the Redeemer Church, on Thursday, 9th January, at 10am.
IN MEMORIAM
McCRAVE Eamonn 15th Anniversary
In loving memory of Eamonn, whose death occurred on 6th January. Of all the gifts in life, However great or small, To have you as a brother, Was the greatest gift of all.
So many people loved you, Which makes us feel so proud,
You were a special person, Who stood out in a crowd.
We miss your sense of humour, The glimmer in your eyes, The little things you used to do, That brought happiness and pride.
—From your sister Mary.
EAMONN
Will those who think of Eamonn today, A little prayer to Jesus say.
—From your sister Lorraine, John, David and Niamh.
EAMONN
God in heaven up above, Look after Eamonn with all your love He left a place no one could fill, We love you Eamonn and always will.
—From your sister Jennifer, Sean and Holly.
Anniversary Mass will be held on Saturday, 4th January, 2025, at 6.30pm in The Redemptorist Church.
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 three days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). M.T.
ARTICLES WANTED
OLD DUNDALK & Louth Memorabilia wanted. Books, Medals, 1916 items, PJ Carroll & Brewery items, also associated Louth GAA items. Tel 087 7683547.
MOTORS FOR SALE
FOR SALE—2011 Ford Focus, 1.6 diesel for sale €3,900, full service, tax & nct’d till next year, blue, low mileage only 130km Tel 085 1353703.
PROPERTY/RENTALS
ATTENTION LANDLORDS—We supply furniture & Beds for any rental properties you have. Beds from €180, Bedroom Furniture Sets from €249 Call us today www. bedstore.ie, Coes Rd, Dundalk Tel 042 932 0927.
TWO STAND-ALONE Workshop/Industrial Units to let on Newry Rd., Dundalk. 3 phase, 45ft x 30ft approx., secure parking, would suit many purposes including small machinery sales & repairs, retail, engineering, storage, etc. Enquires Tel 087 2071796.
PROFESSIONAL WORKER looking to rent apartment or house in Dundalk town Centre, please text or Whatsapp Martin 083 8894363.
SPECIAL SERVICES
CHIMNEY & STOVE CLEANING—Tel Paul McArdle 042 933 2491 / 087 666 0094.
CHIMNEY CLEANER—The Clean sweep, clean & tidy, no dust. Brush & Vac. Also gutter cleaning. Contact Cathal 087-2259799.
ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE to over 60,000 readers for only €5 per week up to 20 words Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888.
WE CAN DISTRIBUTE your leaflets from €75 + vat per thousand Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888.
GRIMLEY’S DUBLIN ST. DUNDALK— Televisions, TV aerials, satellite, Freeview & Saorview, new installations, sales, service & repairs. Free estimates 042 935 4343.
SPECIAL SERVICES
DUNDALK GARDEN SERVICES—Tree topping, felling, hedge trimming, grass cutting & strimming. Rubbish Removals/ Garage clearance, House & Garden refuse. Permit holder. Contact Ben 085-840-7707.
FORTUNE TELLER—Available for appointment, private or group bookings. Tel. Alison 042 933 5102 or 087-67-51229.
ROOF LEAKS MASTER—We repair all types of roof/tile, slate, bangor blues. Repair torch on roofs, scrape & clean, chimneys & chimney pots, chimney bird guards, gutter facia & soffits. All work guaranteed, 25 years experience. Tel. 086 8184827.
CARPENTRY & JOINERY—Maintenance and repairs, roofing, 1st & 2nd fix carpentry, sash window repairs. No job too big or small. Contact Seandon Carpentry 087 298 5110.
CARPET & OVEN CLEANING—Carpet, upholstery & specialist oven cleaning available. Call MVI Cleaning Dundalk on 042 94 21300 or visit www.mvicleaning.ie.
ROOFING AND BUILDING contractor available. Repairs and new builds. Fully insured. Contact Mark Carney on 087 1302040 for enquiries.
FIFI’S ALTERATIONS—Longwalk S.C. (formerly A-Alterations) Tel 083 011 8728.
Zips, hems, clothes taken in or let out, also Dry Cleaning Service. Open Mon - Fri 9.305.30pm & Sat 10-2pm.
BUILDER & HOME MAINTAINENCE—
Building, Woodwork, Painting, Plumbing, Tiling, Kitchen Refurbishments, Paving & Fencing. No job to big or too small. Tel. 087 295 2529.
MAN WITH A VAN—Hedges, tree topping, painting, facia & Soffit, patios, concreting, garage clear-outs, outside taps. Call Kevin for a free & honest quote 0894016728.
ALL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE—
Carpentry, Doors & Floors. Roof repairs, Plumbing, Wall & Floor tiling, All outdoor work, Paving & Fencing, Power washing. Call Robert on 083 0777666.
MOBILE HOME TRANSPORT—Transported throughout 32 Counties. Contact Eugene 086-607-1702.
PAINTING AND DECORATING—No job too small, keen rates, Dundalk & surrounding areas, estimates free. Phone 086 3848079.
WASHING MACHINES and Dryers repaired Phone 087 7558506.
CHARA COUNSELLING—20 years’ experience, currently taking appointments. Supporting you with emotional intelligence for relationship issues, your mental health, grief, all addictions & past traumas. For a strictly private consultation call Martin today on 083 3402766.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE—Repairs, building, plumbing, painting, roof repairs, tiling, bathroom refurbishments, plastering, gardening, power washing, PVC facia and soffits, Over 20 yrs experience. References available. Whatsapp or Tel 085-7623758 for quotation.
GOLDEN OLDIES? Call the Nostalgia Line for Karaoke and singing for birthdays, anniversaries, parties etc. Call Nicky on 0874128526.
LADY AVAILABLE for Housework, Blackrock area Tel 086 3502686.
CLASSES & COURSES
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. First wedding dance lessons and private lessons also available. Contact 086 357 3271 for further information.
DRUM LESSONS INCLUDING BODHRAN—For adults & children aged 8 years upwards. One to one lessons. Phone 087 414 4228.
WEEKLY SEWING CLASSES on-going at Northlink Retail Park, you can join in any time, for enquiries please call or WhatsApp Elizabeth on 0872649221 or visit www.djk-creations.com
Big win for Grammar School girls in Analytics TY Program
ON Monday, December 16th four Dundalk Grammar School students claimed top prize in Accenture’s Girls in Analytics TY program. Imogen Dawson, Grace Gleason, Isabel Jensma, and Arianna McArdle presented their work on Investigating Gender Parity at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The group found that although there was gender parity at an overall level among athletes, discrepancies occurred both in athletes’ gender at national levels and in the gender of coaches. Their project and presentation claimed top prize in the competition. All in DGS are very proud of the groups hard work and
achievement!
This initiative was established in 2023 by three female data scientists working within the Data and AI team at Accenture. The team were inspired by research* which suggested that the relative shortage of females studying analytical degrees in colleges is not due to lack of interest or talent, but rather primarily due to a lack of confidence in their own abilities.
According to a 2018 Survey* by Accenture, almost two-thirds (62%) of older girls (ages 14+) said they regretted not having studied Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics (STEM) subjects for longer. Among those who regret their decision, approximately one-third (31%) said that STEM subjects are more relevant than they realized, and approximately the same number (30%) said that studying STEM subjects would have broadened their career options. This competition aims to give girls at secondary school level a glimpse into a career in analytics, break down perceived barriers to this kind of career for females, and provide them with the confidence to pursue STEM subjects/university degrees.
NOVENA
An Tain Photographic Group hosts the Eugene Quigley Memorial Cup
Ailish Sands comes 3rd in the Eugene Quigley Memorial Cup seen here with her image being presented by the Judge on the night Richie Hatch from Mid Louth Camera Club and Phil Quigley.
John McCourt comes 2nd in the Eugene Quigley Memorial Cup seen here with his image being presented by Richie Hatch and Phil Quigley.
Sabina Gorham wins 1st place in the 7th Anniversary of the Eugene Quigley Memorial Cup which was presented by Phil Quigley.
Sabina Gorham wins 1st Place in the Eugene Quigley Memorial Cup, with her winning image been presented by Richie Hatch and Phil Quigley.
