04-01-2024

DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Local students ready for Young Scientists event Page 2

Mary Wallopers ring in the new year in style with Jools Page 6

Flooding issues brought up in Dáil Page 8

Thursday, 4th January, 2024. Vol. 17, Issue 1 • 9A, Crowe Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth Tel: 042 932 0888. | Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com; advertising@dundalkleader.com

2024 HAS LIFT OFF! Boost for traders as Dundalk ‘Shop Local’

By Tamara O’Connell A WHOPPING €2.5 million worth of Shop Local Gift Vouchers were sold in Dundalk last year, according to Dundalk Chamber of Commerce PRO, Paddy Malone.

It brings total sales to over €8 million since the scheme’s launch, an unbelievable amount in such a short period of time.

“We are half a million euro up on last year for various reasons including the fact that the economy is doing very well and there are new companies coming in,” said Paddy.

“In addition, there are a number of established indigenous companies expanding. Ten years ago a Department of Environment report was published citing Dundalk as the poorest of the gateway towns.

“Dundalk ranked the lowest, just behind Letterkenny. That is not the situation any more. There has been an upturn in the economy and Dundalk is getting the benefit.”

Paddy added: “Three years ago when Taoiseach Leo Varadkar visited Dundalk, I lobbied him at a public meeting in Rocksalt café in the town. Conor Hughes annual fundraiser on Blackrock beach raised a massive €15,435 for his Crosscause charity. Full Story Page 2.

Continued on Page 2

Boost for traders as Dundalk ‘Shop Local’ Dundalk Leader 4th January 2024

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From Page 1 “I asked him to set a €1,000 limit for employees to get vouchers from the employers and for it to be used twice a year, not just at Christmas. Footfall in the town is considerably up and there is also a knock-on effect known as the multiplier effect.

Traders in Dundalk had a good Christmas.”

He continued: “The town has been painted and there are lots of fantastic murals around the place now. It has given the town a new lease of life.

“It all adds to a general good feeling. It also helps that Ster-

ling is stable because when it falls, it affects us negatively.

“Things have definitely improved in Dundalk over the last ten years. Dundalk is seen as a great location by prospective employers because it’s located between Dublin and Belfast.”

Paddy concluded: “Bridge Street has also improved dramatically. 2023 was a good year. A lot of people have worked very hard to get the town to this point.”

Una McGoey President of Dundalk Chamber was also delighted to announce that sales of the Shop Local Gift Vouchers

will exceed an unbelievable record sales of €2 million worth of Shop Local Gift Vouchers in 2023.

“Dundalk Chamber started this initiative over 8 years ago and they have been a success unmatched elsewhere. This was a huge effort put in by the Chamber to help local retail and this voucher scheme has given local retailers and businesses a welcome boost,” she stated.

Una thanked the business community of Dundalk for getting behind this scheme and buying the vouchers for their staff this Christmas. Una men-

tioned “these sales would not have happened if it has not been for the good will of the business community who see the value in keeping money in the locality. Stopping the flow of money from the town has been our priority.” Una also thanked members of the public who bought the vouchers and kept it local this Christmas.

Una commented that “this initiative was set up to help keep money and protect local jobs within the local economy. The The ‘Shop Local’ vouchers scheme has amassed sales of over €8m since Chamber plan is to grow sales it was launched eight years ago. The scheme was brought in to stem the tide of shoppers heading up north every Christmas. even more in 2024!”

BT Young Scientists competition THE 2024 BT Young Scientists competition will see students from four local schools take part in the hugely popular event which first took place in 1965 in the Round Room of the Mansion House in Dublin and attracted 230 entries.

The competition has grown massively down through the years and is now held annually in the RDS where over 2000 projects are submitted each year. Those 2000 are screened by judges who select the best 550 projects for the competition which begins next Wednesday.

There are over 200 prizes to be won and a prize fund of €50,000 for BTYSTE 2024.

These prizes are awarded across all five categories and age groups, including the overall

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BT Young Scientist & Technologist of the Year Award, worth €7,500, which will see the winners go on to represent Ireland at the prestigious European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS), which takes place in the European City of Science 2024 - Katowice, Poland.

Dundalk will be represented by pupils from four schools including four groups from St Vincent’s, one from the Grammar, one from Coláiste Rís and one from Coláiste Chú Chulainn.

St Vincent’s students Julia Van Coller and Dearbhla Rooney project is titled ‘Liar! Liar!

Pants on Fire! An investigation to see if people conceal their true feelings about immigration using a polygraph test’.

Which is in the Social and Behavioural Sciences section.

Ayodeji Sofola and Breanna Winters from Coláiste Chú Chulainn took part in last year’s event

Eimear Fennessy, Nicole Keogh and Sarah McDonnell’s project aims to establish ‘Do homing pigeons respond to different coloured bird feed?’ in the Biological and Ecological section.

Dearbhla McKenna, Erin Roe and Erin Finegan will attempt ‘to create an improved

St Stephen’s Day Fundraiser is launched on Blackrock beach

CONOR Hughes continued his longstanding tradition of creating hugely enjoyable fundraisers on Blackrock Beach on St Stephen’s Day with a space themed event last Tuesday morning. The fundraiser was a major success raising a whopping €15,435 (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 sometimes comical events every St Stephen’s Day from Charlie Chaplin lookalikes to frolicking penguins to stacks of pianos 50 foot high. This year he chose space as the central theme for the day with a massive space rocket the main attraction on the beach as Conor walked around the beach dressed as an astronaut.

The Crosscause Charity founded by Conor has projects ongoing in Ghana and Romania and organisers of last week’s event want to thank everybody who supported them on the day including sponsors, volunteers and the people who turned up and donated.

artificial version of the “helicopter seed” produced by the acer pseudoplatanus’ in the Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences section.

Moya O’Neill Jane McGee and Mia Gogarty have entered the Health and Wel Being Section and they are Testing which kind of

chocolate has the most detrimental effect on your singing voice. All the St Vincent’s students taking part are TY students and are under the guidance of science teacher Mr John White.

Meanwhile Grammar school sixth year student Solomon Doyle under the guidance of science teacher Shane Lynch will bid a fond farewell to the competition he has entered every year since joining the school. Solomon picked up two awards for his project based on an artificial intelligence tool for the classification of benign and malignant skin lesions in aid of early prognosis last year and he will continue on that theme this year with a project titled DermAI: Novel Approach to the Mitigation of Algorithmic Bias within CNN Based Skin Lesion Classification.

Coláiste Rís will be represented by Fionnuala Johnston, Ryan McLoughlin Smith and Luke Matthews whose project is titled “To Investigate Noise Pollution and Cheaper Ways to Integrate Sound Proofing Methods into already Existing Buildings” Last but not least Coláiste Chú Chulainn’s Lorcán Garvin will represent his school with a project to determine ‘Which beach sand in Co. Louth has the most microplastics?’ He gathered samples from six local beaches and will present hisfindings next week.

The 2024 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition is taking place between Wednesday January 10th and Saturday January 13th in the RDS Dublin.

Good luck to all the local entrants.

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St. Louis nuns to bid farewell to Dundalk

Dundalk Leader 4th January 2024

ST LOUIS Secondary School will say goodbye to the last remaining nuns in the school who are set to depart Dundalk next month. A special celebratory mass will take place to recognise the Order’s contribution to Dundalk as well as lunch and entertainment in the Carrickdale.

The mass will take place on January 27th in St Joseph’s Church in Castletown at 2pm and any past pupils, parents or retired staff are invited to visit the secondary school in Castletown between midday and 1:30pm on the 27th of January. A message from the board of management at St Louis Secondary school confirmed the departure of the nuns and invited any past pupils or friends of the school to come and bid a fond farewell to the nuns on the 27th of January.

“We will be bidding a fond farewell to our St. Louis sisters in early February 2024, as they relocate to St. Louis Rathmines,

Dublin. This will see the closure of the Dún Lughaidh convent, Castletown Road, after seventy four years of service in Dundalk.

“We are inviting any past pupil, retired staff member or friend of St. Louis to join us for an afternoon of celebration, gratitude, grace and…. sadly, farewell!

“See details attached of the event on January 27th and if you would like to attend, please RSVP by Wednesday, January 15th to the following email ad-

dress: dunlughaidh@stlouisirl. ie,” concluded the message.

The Sisters of St Louis set up the Louis convent in 1949 and a year later they opened an all girls secondary school. Having started out with just sixteen pupils the school has grown substantially over the past 70+ years and now boasts state of the art facilities to cater for over 700 students and 60+ staff.

The Sisters of St Louis (SSL) is a Roman Catholic Religious order of nuns of nuns whose origins trace back to Juilly, France in 1842. The order was involved in the establishment of several schools across Ireland but have gradually withdrawn from involvement in these schools. Le Cheile Schools Trust currently run the school and the four remaining nuns in the convent will say their goodbyes later this month before moving to the St Louis convent in Rathmines Dublin in February.

Barry’s campaign to help the next generation of cyclists

By Tamara O’Connell

LOCAL man Barry Rogers has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for young cyclo-cross enthusiasts.

Over ten years ago Barry joined the popular Dundalk cycling club Cu Chulainn and a few years later he got involved with cyclo-cross.

“My daughter, who was eightyears-old at the time, joined the kids cyclo-cross club. It became a passion and I follow it everywhere,” said Barry.

“There is a course near McCrystals in Bellurgan. I don’t take part but I organise what I can and help all different clubs.

“There are two cyclo-cross clubs in Co Louth; there are the Bellurgan Wheelers and Cu Chulainn.”

Barry added: “It’s brilliant for the children as it’s off road and sealed and safe. If the children fall, they fall in muck so there are far fewer injuries than road racing.

“The races start for U6s, U8s, U10s, U12s, U14s, U16s. There are Juniors, Elites and so on up to 70-year-olds.

“Louth currently has a world champion in the 60-year-old category. Dundalk man Johnny McCabe has just won the world championships called the Masters 60 in Hamburg, Germany.”

He continued: “He’s a member of Cu Chulainn Cycling

Barry Rogers (sitting) helps Conor Murphy get his tyres ready for a race.

Club and is the most amazing athlete. He is a sporting legend.

“I’ve launched the GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for youth training and to set up courses for the summer.

“Cyclo-cross is a winter sport.

We want to get young people competing in Belgium and Holland, which are the homes of cyclo-cross.”

Barry concluded: “Over

Christmas, we had a young fella from Clogherhead, Conor Murphy, who ranked highly in a recent event. He ranked 7th in world cup racing and 25th in another category. He started from the back in 92nd position, so he did very well.”

For more information or to donate please visit Fundraiser by Barry Rogers : Irish cyclo-cross support fund (gofundme.com).

Dundalk Leader 4th January 2024

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The Mary Wallopers ring in New Year with Jools Holland on Hootenanny

Dundalk Leader 4th January 2024

DUNDALK band The Mary Wallopers had “great craic” appearing on the BBC2 television show Jools Holland’s annual Hootenanny.

The Mary Wallopers band member Andrew Hendy told the Dundalk Leader that the band was originally going to Dundalk band The Mary Wallopers stole the show at the annual Jools Holand Hootenanny with perform two songs. an energetic performance which included a tribute to recently deceased Shane McGowan.

The Avenue Road man said: Pogues memebr Spider Stacy joined teh band to help them perform ‘Streams of Whiskey’.

“We were asked to do a third song, Streams of Whiskey, as a tribute to the late Shane McGowan from The Pogues.

“We had to get that tribute song together very quickly so we worked hard on it to be ready for the Hootenanny on time.

“On the show itself, we tore into the Prosecco and let it rip.

It was great craic I have to say.

We all enjoyed it.”

The Mary Wallopers also performed two songs from their latest album, Irish Rock n Roll, which was released in October 2023.

“We played ‘Holy Ground’ and ‘Bould O’Donoghue’. We are doing a tour of the UK in March and America in April.

Then we are doing a tour of Australia in May 2024,” said Andrew.

“In between, we will also be doing loads of gigs. Travelling is extremely tiring but touring is all I want to do.

“Before we were wellknown, we were touring 90 per cent of the time as well. We were always gigging” He added: “When you are travelling and performing, the logistics are mad but it’s great to be on the road and playing as a band.

“I’m back home in Dundalk now and it’s mental being able to walk over to your wardrobe and get your clothes instead of living out of a bag.

“It’s good to be home. We have no gigs until March now so we are going to use this time to get our ducks in a row.”

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CARRICKDALE HOTEL Tel 042-9380900

architecture in the 1—Which American politican will be 100 on country.

6—Which town, defined October 1, 2024? as a suburb of Dublin, 2—In which year did has a name that sounds the UK vote to leave like a collection of a the EU in a summer certain type of weapon? referendum?

7—How many counties 3—In 2001 US are in Ulster? businessman Dennis 8—What is the most Tito paid a reported widely spoken language $20m to travel to in South America? where?

4—In 2008 which motor 9—What two colours company launched the is the alternate check pattern in the sponge of first mass production a Battenberg cake? lithium-ion battery 10—What is the biggest electric car? town in County Down?

5—Which Dundalk The Stinker: The first building constructed four numbers that stay between 1813 and the same when written 1818, is considered upside down are 0, 1, 8, as one of the most and 11 - what’s the next important examples one? of Greek revival

Mark O’Neill, C.E.O of Dundalk Soup Kitchen, receiving a cheque from Louth Ógra Shinn Féin for €513. The money was raised through a Christmas raffle. Cillian Sheehan, Mark O’Neill, Alex McArdle, Fína Mulholland.

Got a Story?

We want to hear from you Phone: 0429320888 Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com

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Flooding issues brought up in Dáil Dundalk Leader 4th January 2024

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RECENT flooding in North Louth and the infrastructure needed to mitigate similar events in future was raised in the final week of the Dáil before Christmas by Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú.

The Dundalk deputy was speaking during a debate on the Appropriation Bill which dealt with capital expenditure by the government and highlighted a number of ongoing projects in Louth.

Deputy Ó Murchú said: ‘It goes without saying that we need to ensure there is funding for the Narrow Water Bridge A5 project, which is needed not only for infrastructural connectivity but also from a safety point of view. We must make sure the State steps up to the mark.

‘Not for the first time, I raise the huge issues with drainage schemes and wastewater schemes, particularly in Dundalk.

‘We now have a drainage

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú and Cllr Antóin Watters inspect some of the damage caused by flooding after recent storms in the North of the county.

Louth. Last night, (Decemplan or, at least, plans for a Dundalk in the past while.

‘We know there are flood- ber 11) there was flooding drainage plan. We have seen the issues with flooding in ing issues in north County in Glenmore, Tullagh and

Omeath. The OPW and Louth County Council must ensure all mitigations and assessments are done as quickly as possible.

‘Antóin Watters would not forgive me if I did not bring that up.

He also brought attention to two major road projects that are stalled at the moment.

He said: ‘The N2 project between Castleblayney, Carrickmacross and Ardee is moribund at this stage because insufficient moneys have been released.

‘That needs to be addressed. In the case of the N53 Dundalk to Castleblayney project, the CPOs are live but the council is waiting for approval from TII. ‘Funding needs to be approved by TII to ensure work is started as soon as possible.

It is an absolute necessity’.

DE LA DIP RAISES ALMOST €5,000 FOR ST VINCENT DE PAUL—De La Dip Fundraiser for SVP! Congratulations to Ms McAdam and the students and staff who participated in the De La Dip Fundraiser. The students presented Kevin Mulligan and Helen Grant, St Vincent de Paul with a cheque for €4,922 . Well done on a fantastic achievement!

Intel Miniscientist Regional Finals Success Faughart

WE WANT TO HEAR IT GOT A Phone: 0429320888 STORY? Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com

Eoghan McCusker, Aaron McCusker and Grace Norman Duff from Faughart CNS emerged as winners in the Intel Miniscientist Regional Finals held at TU Dublin for their project on creating Virtual and Augmented Reality Games to raise awareness of the SDGs in a fun and effective way.

This achievement speaks volumes about the school’s emphasis on fostering scientific curiosity and critical thinking skills among its students.

Dundalk Leader 4th January 2024

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Dundalk Leader 4th January 2024

FAMILY NOTICES IN MEMORIAM

BOYLE Madge 8th ANNIVERSARY In loving memory of my wife Madge, late of Emer Terrace, Dundalk, who died on 12th January 2016.

January comes with sad regret, It brings a day I will never forget, You closed your eyes without goodbye, But memories of you will never die.

—Sadly missed by your loving husband John, relatives and friends.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday, 7th January, at 12noon in St. Nicholas Church, Dundalk.

CALLAN Gillie 5th ANNIVERSARY In loving memory of Gillie Callan, late of 103 Pearse Park, Dundalk, who died on 5th January 2019.

You did so many things for us, Your heart was kind and true, And when we needed someone, We could always count on you.

Although we will always miss you, We know you are not alone, For you are watching over us, From a place you now call home.

Silent memories keep you near, As time unfolds another year, Out of our lives you may be gone, But In our hearts you still live on.

—Always loved and remembered by your son Willie, daughter-in-law Marian and family.

CALLAN 5th ANNIVERSARY In loving memory of my beloved mother, Gillie, who died on 3rd January, 2021.

Our Lady of Lourdes pray for her.

I know you’re up in Heaven, And looking down on me, And when I look up at the stars, I know that’s where you’ll be.

Even though I miss you, You’re not too far away, Because my heart is full of memories, And there they’ll always stay.

—Sadly missed, loved and never forgotten by Seamus.

CALLAN GILLIE MOTHER Sometimes my life feels empty, Nothing can take your place, I just wish I could hear your gentle voice, And see your smiling face.

You were a mother in a million, We loved till the very end, We have lost two very precious things, Our mother and our best friend.

—Loved and missed always by your daughter Phyllis, grandchildren and great grandchildren

IN MEMORIAM

McALESTER John ‘Maxi’ 1st ANNIVERSARY First anniversary of my husband ‘Maxi’ Sean McAlester, 9th January, late of Oakland Park R.I.P. Where do I start, 54 years of my life I spent with you, we had good times and bad ones, but we got through it.

You were my strength when we lost Andrew and Caroline, but the Family are my strength now.

Lorcan keeps me going, and Max. You will never know how much I miss you and love you.

I could never see my life without you.

But God had other plans for you.

I will miss you to my last breath.

Until we meet again, always remembered, you were my rock and best friend.

—Love you always, your wife Angela. XXX. 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 daughter-in-law Fiona.

DAD I know you can hear me way up in Heaven, Because we talk through our hearts, Dear daddy in Heaven I miss you every day, And I know you miss me too.

No matter how old I get or how long you’re gone, I hear you daddy up in Heaven, Through the love in my heart.

—Always remembered and loved from son Sean and daughter-inlaw Mags.

DAD I miss you more than I can say, I will have you in my heart as long as I live.

—Love from your son Mark and Family.

DAD A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands at rest, It broke our hearts to see you go, God only takes the best.

—Love from son Michael, Nora and Grandkids.

DAD A year has gone by and I still miss you more than I can possibly say.

I will never forget you Dad. R.I.P. —Love you very much, from your son Darren and Grace.

IN MEMORIAM McALESTER Brother Its only small but means a lot, Just to say I’ve never forgot.

—Always remembered by Thomas.

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 grandchild Patrick.

Grandad Your smile alone warmed our hearts, Your laugh was like music to hear, I would give absolutely anything to have you well and stand near.

And every time I think of you, My heart still fills with pride, Though I’ll always miss you Granda, I know you’re by my side.

—We love and miss you so much, love from Maxine and Leanne.

Brother-In-Law Maxi Sean Thinking of you on your first year away from home.

—From Decko and Family. Anniversary mass in The Redeemer on Sunday, 7th January, at 11.30am.

McCRAVE Eamonn 14th 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 6th January, 2024, at 6.30pm in The Redemptorist Church.

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). M.T.

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CHIMNEY CLEANER—The Clean sweep, clean & tidy, no dust. Brush & Vac. Also gutter cleaning. Contact Cathal 087-225-9799.

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WE CAN DISTRIBUTE your leaflets from €75 + vat per thousand Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888.

WINDOW CLEANING—Gutter & facia cleaning carried out by professional, fully trained and insured staff. Affordable rates. Domestic & Commercial. Call our office for a free quotation. Everkleen 042 935 2717 or 086 829 3585. www.everkleenservices.ie <http:// www.everkleenservices.ie>.

HOUSE & APARTMENT CLEANING Service. Specializing in Re-Let & Spring Cleaning, Carpet & Upholstery cleaning. Fully insured. For a free quotation contact Everkleen 042 9352717 / 087 6873188, www.everkleenservices.ie <http://www.everkleenservices.ie>.

TILER AVAILABLE—Experienced local tiler to carry out all types of tile work marble, granite, porcelain. Indoors and out. Call 087-387-8995 for free quote.

PROFESSIONAL TILER available for all types of tiling, Specialising in full bathroom refits. Over 25 years’ experience, Top Class Work Guaranteed Call Shane—086 107 5080.

GRIMLEY’S DUBLIN ST. DUNDALK— Televisions, TV aerials, satellite, Freeview & Saorview, new installations, sales, service & repairs. Free estimates 042 935 4343.

DUNDALK GARDEN SERVICES—Tree topping, felling, hedge trimming, grass cutting & strimming. Rubbish Removals/Garage clearance, House & Garden refuse. Permit holder. Contact—Ben 085-840-7707.

FORTUNE TELLER—Available for appointment, private or group bookings.

Tel. Alison 042 933 5102 or 087-6751229.

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.

MOBILE HOME TRANSPORT—Transported throughout 32 Counties. Contact Eugene 086-607-1702.

PERSONAL EASY-GOING country lad, mid 50s with GSOH seeks like-minded female companion late 40s/mid 50s with no ties. For walks/talks and to share the simple things in life. Tel 0868220403.

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.

10 CLASSES AIKIDO beginner course starts Monday 8th January in Blackrock Community Centre. Classes Monday & Wednesday - 6.30-8pm. Turn BLACK BELT in 5 years. Inquiry - 087 368 20 70.

SEWING CLASSES ongoing at Northlink retail park, Monday to Friday, you can join in any time, for enquiries please call or WhatsApp Elizabeth on 0872649221 or visit www.djk-creations.com.

FRENCH GRINDS AVAILABLE for Junior and Leaving cert, All levels. Individual and small group options. Tel 086 8723340.

AIKIDO FOR KIDS—new 10 weeks beginner course starting 10th January in Blackrock Community Centre.

Classes Wednesday—5.30-6.30pm.

Inquiry—087 368 20 70.

FRENCH/SPANISH GRINDS available in Dundalk. Experienced examiner and teacher. Email—sophiep@gcdd.ie.

SITUATIONS WANTED RETIRED and reliable person seeks light part-time work. Full clean driving licence. 0863141719.

SITUATIONS VACANT HOUSE CLEANER NEEDED—In Dundalk. General cleaning of House. 3 bedroom house. Contact 0873419480.

PLANNING NOTICES LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We Kilcarrick Properties Limited, intend to apply for permission at Blackrock Village Centre, Blackrock, Co. Louth for the construction of a rendered block wall to replace the timber fence which will be used to house the existing bin bay area 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.

Dundalk Leader 4th January 2024

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Dundalk Leader 4th January 2024

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Antiques & Collectables

Conservatories/Windows/Sunrooms

Forklifts

CCTV/Alarms

Fuel

Need Cash?

We Buy Gold, Silver, GAA & War Medals 86 CLANBRASSIL STREET, DUNDALK TELEPHONE 085 191 7815

OPEN 10.30am – 5pm MONDAY TO SATURDAY

Blinds

Drain Cleaning/Septic Tanks Phone: 086 849 8882 Email: info@adcdrains.ie - www.adcdrains.ie

Gardening

• Septic Tank Cleaning • Drain Cleaning • CCTV Drain Surveys • High Pressure Water Jetting • Drain Repairs

Flooring

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Dundalk Leader 4th January 2024

JOIN us in the New Year for a wonderful children’s storytime on Friday 5th January at 3:30pm. All welcome, there is no booking required. All children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event.

Windows

Kitchens & Bedrooms

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SINESS TOWN IN BU WN KEEP YOUR TO BUSINESS IN KEEP YOUR For a free no obligation quotation Callsave: 1850 774455 Tel. 042 9333513 Fax. 042 9333514 Web: www.senatorwindows.ie Email. senatordundalk@gmail.com Or Visit our Showrooms on Ard Easmuinn Road, Dundalk.

Skips

FIANNA Fáil Senator in Louth and Seanad Spokesperson on Children, Disability, Equality and Integration, Erin McGreehan, has welcomed Cabinet approval of Committee Stage Amendments to the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2022. The approval includes new provisions in respect of the regulation of international surrogacy agreements and the recognition of certain past surrogacy arrangements.

It is intended that the finalised approved legislative provisions relating to international surrogacy will be included in the Bill at the next stage, Committee Stage, as well as measures to allow the possibility for retrospective recognition of parentage in respect of domestic and international surrogacy arrangements.

Texaco Support for Sport

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 fourth year, the annual initiative has already seen funding of €385,000 distributed to clubs across the 26 counties, of which €15,000 has come to Co. Louth with successful applicants Ardee St. Mary’s GFC (2021), Ace Athletic Club, Drogheda (2022) and Cooley Kickhams Gaelic Football Club, Carlingford (2023) receiving €5,000 in each case.

Further information can be viewed at www.TexacoSupportforSport.com

New Dunleer Library

DUNDALK, CO. LOUTH

- SKIP HIRE - SKIP HIRE -

LOCAL Fine Gael TD, Fergus O’Dowd, has welcomed an update he has received from Minister Heather Humphreys that the new Dunleer Library is expected to open by Q2/Q3 in 2024.

“The former Bank of Ireland building was purchased under the Building Acquisition Measure of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for the provision of library services and a multi-purpose community space in Dunleer.

O’Dowd said “I’m delighted to see that construction is expected to start early in the new year, the council also estimated that the project will be substantially completed in the latter half of Quarter 2 2024 with the much anticipated library expected to open soon afterwards.

“This is an issue I have been campaigning on alongside my colleagues Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Paula Butterly, and Cathaoirleach of the Ardee Municipal District, Cllr Doloes Minogue, since early in 2022 as it was quite clear that the current building could not cater for the ever expanding demand on services.

“This is great news for Dunleer and surrounds and will benefit many future generations in the community.”

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Available in all sizes From 3 Cubic Yard to 40 Cubic Yard Call 042-932 2594 or email info@aceenvironmental.ie

ALSO WHEELIE BIN COLLECTIONS Sign Up On-Line at www.aceenvironmental.ie Or Phone Office: 042-932 2594

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Children’s Storytelling

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Established in 1995

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McGahon urges Rail fare reduction

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IRISH Rail should reduce their passenger fares and increase services with 41 new railcars coming into service, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator John McGahon, a regular passenger on Iarnród Éireann services, said in 2019, the Fine Gael led Government ordered 41 new railcars. The new railcars are due to enter service on the Commuter and Intercity network throughout December and January and brings Irish Rail’s fleet to 275 railcars.

The 41 single new carriages will make existing trains longer (5 car will become 6 car).

“This is a great development, but we now need to see the benefit passed onto hard pressed passengers,” Senator McGahon said.

“With increased capacity, passengers should either see fares reduced or an increase in services – preferably both - but Irish Rail need to examine all options,” the Louth based commuter said.

“This represents an investment of €150m by the Government in commuters and making sure they get to their location on time and in comfort.

“I commuted to Dublin from Dundalk for over ten years and I still get the train regularly. One of the common complaints made by commuters over those ten years, is that they pay full price for a ticket, only to be standing for the vast majority of their journey.

“Nobody wants to be stuck in traffic every single day, so the alternative is to invest heavily in public transport and provide people with multiple model transport options,” Senator McGahon concluded.

Ardee Municipal District Civic Awards 2023

Dundalk Leader 4th January 2024

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THE 2023 Ardee Municipal District Civic Awards took place recently on the 18th of December 2023 in the foyer of Ardee Civic Offices. The awards which are set by legislation under Section 74 of the Local Government Act 2001, as a reserved function, and reinforced by the Local Government Reform Act, 2014, Section 131 A(1)(b) allows Municipal Districts to hold and grant Municipal Awards annually to local individuals or groups.

Following a nomination and consideration process; awards are granted to inspirational persons or groups, or those who achieve outstanding goals, demonstrate

unwavering service to the community, and/or who represent the community nationally or internationally. In short to people who help or inspire others and/or who make Ardee and the wider midLouth a great place to live.

The Ardee Municipal District which serves the whole of MidLouth has the following Councillors: Cllr Dolores Minogue Cathaoirleach; Cllr John Sheridan – Leas-Chathaoirleach; Cllr Paula Butterly; Cllr Bernie Conlon; Cllr Pearse McGeough; Cllr Jim Tenanty.

All Councillors came together to nominate and unanimously

agree 12 worthy recipients for the 2023 Ardee Municipal Civic Awards.

Chief Executive of Louth County Council, Ms. Joan Martin, spoke of the gravitas of the award process, and how those nominees present should be proud of their achievements and community effort, congratulating them on being nominated for an award.

The Meeting Administrator of Louth County Council Gráinne Tuomey then called each of the nominees forward to be presented with their awards by Ardee MD Cathaoirleach Cllr Dolores Minogue.

The recipients of the Ardee Civic Awards which took place in the foyer of Ardee Civic offices.

Alan and Mags Murphy receive award from Anne Marie Ford receives her award from ArArdee MD Cathaoirleach Dolores Minogue. dee MD Cathaoirleach Dolores Minogue.

Glyde Rangers GAA receive their award from Ardee MD Cathaoirleach Dolores Minogue. The Tallanstown reached the final of the Junior Leinster Football Championships.

Bernie and Paddy Sherry receive award from Seamus Farrelly and Noel Rooney both reArdee MD Cathaoirleach Dolores Minogue. ceived awards at the Ardee MD Civic Awards.

HILL STREET, DUBLIN RD., DUNDALK.

042 9331515/086 2559201

Dundalk Leader 4th January 2024

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Dundalk Leader 4th January 2024