05-03-2025 by Peter Kierans

Colleen’s Peppa Pig appeal for dearly departed Daragh

By Paul Byrne

DUNDALK mother of four, Colleen McNally, has launched an appeal to the makers of Peppa Pig to name Mummy Pig’s new baby after her son Daragh who sadly passed away from cancer in 2019. According to Colleen her eleven year old son Daragh was a massive fan of the show and could repeat every line of every show despite the fact he had very little conversational speech to the fact he had autism. Recently Colleen read that Mummy Pig is due to have a new baby in the hugely popular animated series Peppa Pig this summer and although she knows

it’s a longshot she has sent a letter to the show’s creators Hasbro asking if they would consider naming the baby after her precious son Daragh.

Daragh contracted an aggressive form of lymphoma in 2019 and died in November that year at just eleven years of age. According to Colleen she is well aware that her appeal is a longshot but she is hoping that if enough people share her post that it may just end up being seen by the right person. The letter has already been shared thousands of times and in it Colleen explains just how big a fan Daragh was of the show.

Continued on Page 2

Junior Infant pupils, Michelle and Iva, get ready to tuck into delicious pancakes made by the Parents Committe in Castletown Girls School yesterday morning.

Shop & Deli

Assistants Required

FULL-TIME & PART-TIME

For Dundalk Town Centre

Tel: 087 455 0191

SOCIAL DANCING

Every Thursday Night

UPSTAIRS IN THE LISDOO CONFERENCE CENTRE, DUNDALK

Dancing from 8.30pm to Live Music, Supper & Raffle Adm €10

This Thursday 6th March – Colin Harney

Thursday 13th March – Liam McLaughlin

Thursday 20th March – Michael Collins

Thursday 27th March – Magic Moments

New members welcome

All proceeds raised go to our school in Cameroon Enquiries 087 2523710

Colleen’s Peppa Pig appeal for dearly departed Daragh

From Page 1

“Dear Hasbro, I don’t know if you will ever read this. My name is Colleen mcNally. I’m from Ireland. My beautiful angel boy Daragh passed away in Nov 2019. Daragh was so special. He had Autism & he was Peppa Pigs biggest fan. He died at 11 years old after 5 weeks of cancer. We are eternally heartbroken. Our attic is now full of Daragh’s Peppa Pig toys. We own every Peppa Pig magazine up to Daragh’s untimely death. We have every Peppa Pig book. Even to this day, we buy Daragh a Peppa Pig toy or annual or book on his birthdays & anniversaries.

Before Daragh got sick (Oct 2019), we were planning to go to Paulton Park. All Daragh wanted to do was go on the balloon ride. Sadly we didn’t get to Paulton Park.

I set up my Instagram page, called Daragh’s Balloon ride. It was his love for Peppa & balloons that I called it this. I speak at length on my page about Daragh. At Daragh’s resting place, we got a balloon put in his headstone. Peppa always features out there. Even the number plates on the car that drove him to his resting place were Peppa. And a Peppa Pig blanket on his resting bed

I hear Mummy Pig is having a new baby in the Summer. Imagine Mummy Pig calling her new little baby pig Daragh. Or Dara Pig. This would be such an honour and it would mean so much to us a heartbroken family. It is a longshot, but if you could consider this in memory of Peppas number 1 fan. Our Daragh

Peppa Pig is a British animated television series created by

Daragh McNally with one of his favourite Peppa Pig books.

Neville Astley and Mark Baker. Produced by Hasbro Entertainment and Karrot Animation. The show follows Peppa, a female piglet, and her family, as well as her peers portrayed as other animals. The show first aired on 31 May 2004. The eighth season began broadcasting on 4 September

2023. Peppa Pig has been broadcast in over 180 countries. Recently producers of the show revealed that Mummy and Daddy Pig are expecting their third child this June. Colleen is hoping that the name of that third baby will be named in honour of her dearly departed son Daragh.

Revenue dismantle illegal cigarette factory in Ardee

ON Tuesday, as part of an intelligence-led operation and with the assistance of An Garda Síochána, Revenue officers searched a premises under warrant in Ardee, Co Louth and closed down an illicit commercial cigarette factory.

Approximately 8 tonnes of raw tobacco, all precursor components for the manufacture of cigarettes, and 660,000 illicit cigarettes, branded ‘NZ’, were discovered on-site. The retail value of the seized cigarettes is estimated to be over €595,000, with a potential loss to the Exchequer of almost €470,000.

The equipment at the production plant is believed to have had the capacity to produce up to 700,000 cigarettes per day, along with pre-processing and packaging facilities. Approximately €4,500 cash was also seized, and Revenue officers will seek a 3-month cash detention order in respect of same.

The operation was conducted with the assistance of the Louth Crime Unit and Regional Armed Support Unit of An Garda Síochána, and detector dog Toby. Revenue collaborated with other members of the Joint Agency Task Force (JATF) ahead of yesterday’s operation.

Five men were arrested and are being detained in a Garda station in Co. Louth under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. They have since been charged and were due to appear before a sitting of Dundalk District Court yesterday morning at 10:30am. (Tuesday 4th March)

Investigations are ongoing.

This seizures is part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the shadow economy and the supply of illegal tobacco products. If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on the confidential free phone number 1800 295 295.

1—Who hosted the Oscars on Sunday night?

2—Can you name the only letter not used in any of the US state names?

3—In which year did the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbour?

4—What name links the moon and the village of Béal na Blath in County Cork?

5—How many pubs/bars are there on Clanbrassil Street in Dundalk?

6—In the biblical story how many loaves did Jesus use to feed the five thousand?

7—Which mythical creature is half man and half horse?

8—Who became Ireland’s first ever female Tánaiste in 1997?

9—What nationality was revolutionary Che Guevara? 10—On a standard computer keyboard what letter is furthest to the right? The Stinker: What are the names of the four time zones used in the continental United States?

ANSWERS

Detector dog Toby.

BEDS &

Colette will be Dundalk’s grand marshal

INSPIRATIONAL marathon runner, Colette O’Hagan, will be the grand marshal at the Dundalk St Patrick’s Day parade this year, it has been announced.

The 75-year-old grandmother completed her 1000th marathon in October last year and continues to clock up marathon runs on a regular basis.

The parade committee, which is chaired by Conor Keelan and includes Cllr. Maeve Yore, Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú, Shane McBride, Dagan Fleming, Anne Campbell, Hanna McDonnell, David Minto and Maria O’Toole, said they were delighted when Colette accepted

their invitation to lead the 2025 parade in Dundalk.

Mr Keelan said that Colette, who is supported by Dundalk Credit Union, is ‘an inspirational woman who is well-known for her charity work’.

He said: ‘There was only one choice for the grand marshal this year. Colette O’Hagan is an inspirational woman who continues to run and race into her seventies and shows no signs of slowing down. We were delighted when she said yes and we are really looking forward to working with her at the parade’.

Registration for the 2025 Dundalk St Patrick’s Day parade opened last week and the

response has been ‘really positive’, Mr Keelan said. Registration is through the website at www.stpatricksdaydundalk.ie and closes on March 13.

The parade, which takes place on Monday March 17, will start at 1pm, will feature many local community and business organisations showcasing the very best that the town has to offer.

There will also be live music and family entertainment after the parade, so that families can spend more time in the town after the main event.

And following on from the successful two years of the ‘quiet zone’ in Dublin Street, which allowed people with sen-

sory issues to enjoy the parade without the noise, the committee has announced it will make a return in 2025.

Also coming back is the very popular wheelchair access viewing stand which gave wheelchair users a safe and elevated place to see the parade in all its glory. This facility is limited in capacity and needs to be pre-booked through the website.

Mr Keelan said it is vital that people who are involved in community and sporting groups, as well as businesses, ‘come together to join in the parade’.

He said: ‘I hope everyone gets behind us to put Dundalk on the St Patrick’s Day map again. There was a huge level of community buy-in and support last year from a wide variety of groups, which we appreciated very much.

‘We are heartened by the

response from almost every community-based group in the area. We are very grateful for their support, their kindness and their brilliant joyful spirit which absolutely made the parade last year.

Any group or business organisation wishing to take part must register through the website.

‘There is a lot of work to do, but we hope with the support of the town, that we will be able to stage a wonderful parade this year’.

Donation to Clann Naofa Boxing Club

CLANN Naofa Boxing Academy would like to thank Redwood Extended Care Facility for their kind donation to the club this week. John Devlin from Redwood Extended Care Facility presented the cheque to Clann Naofa Boxing Academy coaches and High Five Buddy Coaches.

Clann Naofa Boxing Academy was established in 2004, providing boxing coaching to young people in the area for over 20 years. New members are welcome to attend and training takes place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings at 6:45 pm.

In May 2024, the club joined the IABA High Five Programme which

provides boxing training for young people with additional needs aged between 5 and 18 years old. All coaches are Garda-vetted, Children First and CARA Sport Inclusion Disability Inclusion compliant. For further information on Clann Naofa Boxing Academy activities please contact through the club’s social media platforms.

John Devlin from Redwood Extended Care Facility presented the cheque to Clann Naofa Boxing Academy coaches and High Five Buddy Coaches.

Marathon runner, Colette O’Hagan, will be the grand marshal at the Dundalk St Patrick’s Day parade this year.

Uisce Éireann say trial has proved effective in tackling discolouration in water

UISCE Éireann have met with Louth County Councillors to provide an update on the recently completed pilot study at Cavan Hill Water Treatment Plant, which trialled new filters to remove manganese from raw water.

Discolouration issues affecting the Cavan Hill supply, which supplies Dundalk and surrounding areas, are typically experienced as rising temperatures over the summer months are associated with increased levels of manganese in raw water which result in instances of discoloration. Brown water coming out of people’s taps was an all too common complaint around the county last summer as householders demanded a fix to put an end to the problem once and for all.

Uisce Éireann stated that they were prioritising works to address the intermittent water

discolouration and had undertaken works both at the water treatment plant and in the network to manage the issue. In tandem with network flushing, a pilot study began in September 2024 which involved commissioning a new purposebuilt containerised unit at the treatment plant to trial new filters which remove manganese from treated water. The results of the trial showed that the filters were effective in significantly reducing

manganese levels in the water, and the design of a project to upgrade the water treatment plant with these new filters is underway.

James O’Hagan, Uisce Éireann’s Water Network Operations Manager, said “The increase in water temperatures during the summer months leads to intermittent instances of discolouration on the Cavan Hill water network. Last year our team rolled out a 16-week targeted

flushing programme, completed in June 2024, which proved effective in reducing instances of discolouration. The pilot project commenced in September 2024 to find an enduring solution.”

Following the pilot, an upgrade project is now being designed. Commissioning of the new filters will require upgrades to residual processes in the water treatment plant. To progress with this project, statutory consents such as environmental assessments and planning permission may be required.

James continued

“While the design and planning of the Cavan Hill Water Treatment Plant upgrade project is ongoing, we will take a proactive approach to minimising incidences of seasonal discolouration by scheduling flushing programmes when ambient temperatures are forecast to rise.”

51 Dublin St, Dundalk, Co Louth. A91 F227.

Tel: 01 912 5175 | www.brenlo.ie

Registration to take part in St Patrick’s Day Parade is open

REGISTRATION for the 2025 Dundalk St Patrick’s Day parade opens today and the organisers are hoping for the same incredible community buy-in that was evident last year.

The event, which takes place on Monday March 17, will start at 1pm, will feature many local community and business organisations showcasing the very best that the town has to offer.

There will also be live music and family entertainment after the parade, so that families can spend more time in the town after the main event.

And following on from the successful two years of the ‘quiet zone’ in Dublin Street, which allowed people with sensory issues to enjoy the parade without the noise, the committee has announced it will make a return in 2025.

Also coming back is the very popular wheelchair access viewing stand which gave wheelchair users a safe and elevated place to see the parade in all its glory.

The committee is chaired by Conor Keelan and includes Cllr. Maeve Yore, Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú, Shane McBride, Dagan Fleming, Anne Campbell, Hanna McDonnell, David Minto and Maria O’Toole.

Mr Keelan said it is vital that people who are involved in community and sporting groups, as well as businesses, ‘come together to join in the parade’.

‘We are heartened by the response from almost every community-based group in the area. We are very grateful for their support, their kindness and their brilliant joyful spirit

which absolutely made the parade last year.

‘There is a lot of work to do, but we hope with the support of the town, that we will be able to stage a wonderful parade this year’.

Anyone wishing to take part in the parade, or to help out in any way, should check out the website at www.stpatricksdaydundalk.ie

Any group or business organisation wishing to take place must register through the website.

For more details about the Dundalk St. Patrick’s Day Parade, please contact: Anne Campbell 042 9328859.

Supervised Access between parents and their children

We believe it is essential in the development of children that where possible they can grow up enjoying a positive relationship with both of their parents, even when they don’t live together. We provide a safe place for children of separated parents to meet with one or both parents with qualified and trained staff who are fully Garda Vetted.

Access Room

Our Access Room is a bright spacious area with family table & chairs, TV, sofa, toys, and all necessary facilities for a family to reconnect comfortably together.

Sensory Room

For some individuals, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), verbal and non-verbal communication is a challenge. Our sensory room is a calming space, a specially designed room which combines a range of stimuli to help individuals develop and engage their senses. Our room has lights, colours, sounds, sensory soft play resources and aromas, all used within a safe environment that allows the person using it to explore and interact without risk. For those who struggle processing environmental stimuli, our sensory room is that safe and comfortable space, ideal for exploring their senses.

Caring for children in the community

We facilitate short term respite for parents/families allowing them a much-needed break to recharge, focus on other family members and engage in personal activities.

Our facility has an Access Room, Sensory Room, Kitchen facilities, Toilets, and Office. Our rooms are fully monitored by CCTV for safeguarding.

Cavan Hill Water Treatment Plant.

Registration for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is now open.

Suretank creating 80 new jobs in Louth

SURETANK, the leading provider of modular and tank solutions for global infrastructure, pharma, marine and energy companies, today announces that it is creating 80 new jobs in Louth by year-end 2025. The new jobs come on the back of an ambitious diversification strategy and will help the Louth company to reach revenues of €75M by yearend 2025 – up from €50M in 2024. From its own facilities, Suretank custom-designs, engineers, manufactures and ships modular and tank solutions for its highly regulated and sustainability-conscious global customer base.

In 2016, 90% of Suretank’s customers operated in the offshore oil and gas industry. Since then,

spurred by a global crash in oil and gas prices and utilising its core engineering competencies and expertise, Suretank has diversified its operations. It is now servicing a wider pool of industries, with customers operating in offshore wind and other renewables, data centres, pharma, recycling and electricity grids. They span 23 countries, across five continents.

The new jobs represent a significant investment from Suretank in its people and will bring the company to a team of more than 300. Suretank will hire in the areas of sales and marketing, engineering, quality assurance, operations and finance. The expanded team will provide the resources necessary to

service new industries and increase capacity.

The roles will be based in Suretank’s Dunleer headquarters, as well as its manufacturing facilities, all in Co. Louth. The facilities enable Suretank to build customer solutions entirely offsite before shipping and retrofitting them. This ensures greater health and safety standards for customers and the ability to meet the most stringent certifications by building in controlled environments.

Martin Winters, managing director, Suretank, said: “This has been an exciting time for our business. We have an incredibly experienced, high-performance in-house team that includes more than 100

Little Ash Game Club donation to St John of God North East Services

Little Ash game club vice chairman Larry Muckian presents a gift of €560 to Staff nurse Hannah Muckian of St John of God Northeast Services that was raised at the clubs ‘Game Meat Meal Night’ which was held recently in the Camelot bar Dundalk. This is the annual end of season function where a local charity is chosen by the club committee to benefit from the money raised on the night.

Louth student honoured

as accounting

graduate

LOUTH student, Aoife Valentine from Dundalk, was honoured as Accounting Technicians Ireland conferred membership to graduates at Titanic, Belfast.

School-leavers, those changing career, or looking to get back to work can avail of Accounting Technicians Ireland’s (ATI) recognised and respected qualifications, which open the door to a rewarding career in accounting.

Qualifications combine profession-

al exams and assessments with practical work experience.

ATI delivers its programmes via a network of partner colleges all over the island of Ireland, and online, and its syllabus is tailored to suit students in both jurisdictions.

Students can study full-time, parttime, online and as apprentices.

Graduates were conferred across the Accounting Technician Higher Level Apprenticeship and the Diploma for Accounting Technicians.

engineers, welders and electricians. They are the backbone to our strong reputation for excellence and innovation. It is thanks to their industry-leading expertise that we were able to ensure we meet the highest levels of certification and regulation in every industry, anywhere in the world. As a result, we always deliver on our commitments and this has enabled us to scale so seamlessly into more industries.

“Thanks to the success of our diversification strategy, we will now continue to grow our team. Our further investment in Louth will help us to meet customer demand, while also preparing for the rapid growth in operations and revenues that lies ahead.”

Louth Mavericks Women to fly the Flag this season

IN December, the Louth Mavericks American Football Club took a big step forward by launching a Women’s Flag Football Team. It was a leap into something new, but there’s been no looking back since. In just a few months, the team has grown into a strong, competitive group with a mix of experienced flag players, multi-sport athletes, and newcomers who are picking up the game fast.

Flag football is a sport that grabs your attention from the first snap. It’s fast-paced, strategic, and built on teamwork. Unlike traditional American football, it’s non-contact, but that doesn’t make it any less intense.

The Mavericks’ women’s team has already built an identity— competitive, driven, and committed to improving every week.

One of the biggest strengths of this squad is the diversity of athletic backgrounds. Some players have competed in flag football before in the women’s and mixed leagues, while others bring experience from sports like MMA, Gaelic football, soccer, rugby, and even hurling.

From the very first practice,

the energy has been incredible. Players are pushing themselves, learning the game, and bringing a competitive edge to every session. The craic is unreal, the energy is electric, and the excitement of building something is contagious.

The goal for the 2025 season is clear: progress. The team isn’t just training for fun. They want to compete. This year, the focus is on developing skills, building chemistry, and gaining experience in tournaments. The ultimate goal? Competing in the Claddagh League in 2025.

The Claddagh League launched in 2024 as Ireland’s first

dedicated women’s flag football league. The Mavericks plan to be a part of it and make their presence known. With the talent and dedication already on display in training, they have every reason to believe they’ll be ready to compete when the time comes.

The Mavericks plan to take part in tournaments throughout the year, measuring their progress, learning from each game, and refining their approach. These matches will be key in setting the standard for what the team expects from itself going forward.

If you’re in the Louth area and looking for something new,

“Roads are obstacle courses for vehicles’—Cllr McGeough

SINN Féin Councillor Pearse McGeough has described the roads around Townspark Road, Coole and Glack areas just outside Ardee, as ‘obstacle courses for vehicles.’

Following complaints from residents, Cllr McGeough visited the area and was appalled at the state of the roads. He said “they are crumbling and have huge cracks in them where the subsidence has lifted the surface. At one point I was able to put my hand right into the crack and could feel just empty space below the surface.”

Driving over the roads in the area

Cllr McGeough said “it was like an obstacle course, weaving in and out

and around the worst of the potholes and trying to avoid the road edges where they dropped a few feet on either side. I wouldn’t like to have been driving those roads at night time.”

Cllr McGeough raised the issue at this month’s Municipal meeting and has now asked Louth County Council to visit the area and to carry out a safety assessment with a view to repairing the road and introducing weight restrictions in the meantime.

Concluding, Cllr McGeough said “the roads around Coole, Glack and Townspark are in a worrying state. I have never seen roads as bad. The issues need to be addressed immediately.”

this is the perfect opportunity. Whether you’re a former athlete, a current competitor in another sport, or someone looking for a fun and challenging way to stay active, flag football is for you. It’s easy to learn, exciting to play, and a great way to meet new people.

The Mavericks train on Sundays at DKIT Sport, and there’s still plenty of time to join. You don’t need any prior experience—just a pair of football boots, a gumshield, and a willingness to learn. The coaches and players are committed to helping new members get up to speed quickly, and the welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to fit in. If you want to keep up with the team, follow the Louth Mavericks on Facebook and Instagram for news, game updates, and recruitment opportunities. And if you’re curious about playing, don’t hesitate to reach out—the team is always open to new players. The club are also reaching out to local businesses to sponsor and partner with them in any capacity to help keep the momentum going. Contact the Louth Mavericks on Facebook or Instagram for further information.

Dymphna Conlon, People & Organisation Development (P&OD) Manager; John Moran, CFO; and Martin Winters, Managing Director, Suretank.

Cllr. Pearse McGeough.

Paul, Aoife and Carol Valentine from Dundalk at the Accounting Technicians Ireland graduations at the Titanic Centre, Belfast. Pic- Fintan Clarke.

Back (l to r): Cathy Simms, Nita Whelan, Sharon McKeever, Kate McKeever, Front: Amy O’Ceallaigh, Rachel Henry, Nathalia Coellar.

FAMILY NOTICES

IN MEMORIAM NOVENA

HEARTY

Theresa

1st ANNIVERSARY

In loving memory of Theresa Hearty, late of Anne Street, Dundalk, whose 1st anniversary occurs on Saturday, 8th March.

—Sadly missed and always loved by your daughters and sons.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, 8th March, at 6.30 in St. Joseph’s Redemptorist Church.

KIERAN

Emma

31st ANNIVERSARY

In loving memory of my dear mother Emma, who died on 3rd March, 1994, late of 19 Emer Terrace; and also whose birthday occurs on 10th of March. R.I.P. No matter how life changes, No matter what we do,

A special place within our hearts, Is always there for you.

You never said ‘Goodbye’ to us, Perhaps it’s just as well, For how could we have said ‘Goodbye’, To someone we all loved so well.

—Always remembered and sadly missed by your loving daughter Marian, Catherine and Stephen. xxx.

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). S.L.

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). M.D.

Fortunes and Misfortunes

SPACERS Drama Group is back in action at the beginning of April. this year the group will perform “Fortunes and misfortunes” a comedy written by by Jimmy Keary. The play opens The Cosy Corner cafe where Daisy Fortune (Maeve Montgomery), a long suffering waitress, dreams of a better life. Between her recent pilgrimage to Lourdes, her respect for the timid Fr. McCabe (Ciarán Cassidy) and her faith in the Lotto, Daisy is sure her prayers will soon be answered. In the meantime she must put up with her exacting boss, cafe owner Gloria Hart (Joanne Dalton) and her mouthy co-worker Gina Berry (Denise Tighe). Things take a turn for the worst when her work-shy son Nathan (Mark Matthews) visits the cafe.Meanwhile, local school principal Bill Delaney (Gerry

CHIMNEY & STOVE CLEANING—Also gutter cleaning. Tel Paul McArdle 087 6660094 / 042 9332491

Email:tribalky@yahoo.com.

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

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 085-8407707.

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 9.30-5.30pm & Sat 10-2pm.

WILL’S GARDENING SERVICES—Power and pressure washing, hedge cutting, strimmimg, gutter cleaning, house and furniture removals. Tel 089 9531751.

LOCAL POWER WASHING—No job too big or too small. Patios, driveways, walls, also grass cutting, gutter cleaning and furniture removals, recycling or rubbish removals. Contact James 0862086141 for free quotation.

MAN WITH A VAN—Hedges, tree topping, painting, facia & Soffit, patios, concreting, garage clearouts, outside taps. Call Kevin for a free & honest quote 089-4016728.

Brennan) has troubles of his own. Ever since his social-climbing wife Oonagh (Joan Wilson) joined a local writers’ group and befriended poet Hilary Swan (Patricia Reynolds), Bill feels she has changed. Bill himself has attracted the attention of newly single Wanda Hunt (Karen Maguire), the mother of one of his pupils. When famous poet Aubrey Peacock (Jack Montgomery) agrees to conduct a Poetry Workshop with the group, petty rivalries come to the surface ensuring an event that will not be forgotten! ‘Fortunes and Misfortunes’ is directed by Eimear Boyle.

The play will take place in Saint Malachy’s Hall, Anne Street for 3 nights: Thursday 3rd, Friday 4th and Saturday 5th April at 8pm. Tickets are €15 and can be arranged by ringing Amy at 086 2268606.

TREE SERVICES—Tree surgery, stump grinding, wood chipping & pruning. Conifer hedge reduction and ash die back removal. Fully Insured & Certified. Contact Chambers on 087 2750825 Email rchambers2008@yahoo.ie.

COMPUTER REPAIRS—IT Solutions, Cybersecurity, Network Services and Website Development.—Secure, Reliable and affordable. Call Liam at ELYK IT Dundalk. 083 4835981.

EXPERIENCED reliable man available for lawn cutting, hedge cutting, gutters cleaned and powerwashing. Phone 0872296441.

HEDGE CUTTING—Tree pruning, shrub & tree planting, general garden maintenance and Power/ Patio washing Tel 087 0951030.

NEED A RELIABLE HANDYMAN? Offering affordable, interior and exterior services for homeowners. From small repairs, home maintenance and home improvements. I’m here to help. Call or text today for assistance. 0830463321.

PLANNING NOTICES

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We, Jennifer and Seth Keil, intend to apply for permission for development at this site at Philibenstown, Ardee, Co. Louth. The development will include changes to that approved under application 2460016 and will consist of the demolition of the existing sunroom and the erection of a single storey extension to the existing dwelling, internal and external alterations to the existing dwelling and garage and a new wastewater treatment system and polishing filter together with all associated site development works. 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. Signed—Paul McMahon, McMahon McBennett - Chartered Architectural Consultants | Certified Passive House Designers - 0879970027 / info@mcmahonmcbennett.com.

ALL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE—Carpentry, Doors & Floors. Roof repairs, Plumbing, Wall & Floor tiling, All outdoor work, Paving & Fencing, Power washing. Call Robert on 083 0777666.

WILL’S SERVICES for all mini moves, yard cleans, gutters, gardens, power washing and recycling removal. Contact Will on 085 8604048.

PAINTING AND DECORATING—No job too small, keen rates, Dundalk & surrounding areas, estimates free. Phone 086 3848079.

PAINTING SERVICES available, interior and exterior plus Wallpapering, also sprayed and hand painted kitchens, all work carried out by professional trades men. Tel Brian 087 7558506.

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 085-762-3758 for quotation.

TAKE THE HASSLE OUT of your garden. I do it all. Grass cutting, Hedge Cutting, Weeding, Strimming, Power washing, Gutter Cleaning, Fence Painting, General DIY, Flat Pack Assembly, Removals. Contact Catriona 087 3172109.

DMC GARDEN maintenance services. Hedge, shrub trimming, shaping or removal. Large lawns mowed ride on mower strimming weeding beds, weedkilling, moss removal, control demolition, removal of old sheds fencing etc and more. All works to a very high standard at keen rates. Free quote 0877019178.

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We, Cheeky Dodos Play Café Ltd., intend to apply for permission for change of use from retail to cafe and play area at existing retail Unit No 19 at Long Walk Shopping Centre, Long Walk, Dundalk, Co. Louth, A91 DC94. 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 9.30 am to 4.30 pm 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.

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—I Dominic Pilbeam intend to apply for Retention permission for development consisting of the construction of a side extension to an existing dwelling, comprising of a bedroom, dressing area and en-suite and all associated site development works at No. 4 Knock Shee, Blackrock, Dundalk, Co. Louth. 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—Significant Further Information. I, Paula Tiernan, have submitted significant further information in connection with my application for a mixed development consisting of demolition of an existing single storey office building; construction of a 6 storey mixed use building, comprising of 2 no. commercial units (retail/office) at ground floor level (Level 0) and 24 no. apartments over 5 storeys above, 18 No. 1 beds and 6 No. 2 beds; (Upper Floors Levels 1-4 consist of 4 No. 1 beds and 1 No. 2 bed apartments, floor level 5 consists of 2 No. 1 bed & 2 No. 2 bed apartments), bin storage, cycle parking, pedestrian & vehicular entrances, car parking, site lighting, foul and surface water drainage, revised site boundary details and all associated site development works at Francis Street, Townparks, Dundalk, Co. Louth, A91FKW9. (Planning Reference Number 2460702). The Significant further information includes—Revised plans, sections and elevations. Revised site plans. Confirmations relating to the Fire Tender / Bin Lorry access. Transport mobility management plan. Uisce Éireann Confirmation of feasibility. Revised brick details. The further information 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 2 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the further information, 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. C/o Bernard Dowdall - MRIAI - Architect—Carrickedmond, Kilcurry, Dundalk, Co. Louth. Tel. (042) 9429558; (087) 6657148; E-mail - bernard@dowdallarchitect.ie. LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We MWAC Ireland Ltd intend to apply for Full planning permission for Extensions and alterations of existing protected structure reference number D042 at No.2 Demesne Terrace, Carrickmacross Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth, A91 D7P6. Alterations and extensions to include 2 storey extension to rear of existing protected structure 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.

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.

ROOM AVAILABLE to rent in large home from 11th April, may suit student. Carrick Road, Dundalk area. Tel 087 9536395. FLAT TO RENT in Dundalk Phone 087 2788573.

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. LINE DANCING CLASSES every Tuesday night in Dowdallshill GAA Hall, beginners at 7pm also Seatown Hall Wednesday morning at 10am, for enquiries Phone 087 2618773.

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

Joanne Dalton as Gloria. Mark Matthews as Nathan. Patricia Reynolds as Hilary. Maeve Montgomery as Daisy.

Structural alignment to maintain good health and wellbeing within the body.

Unlike most other therapies, who focus their treatment on the symptoms, our unique approach finds and treats the underlying misalignments, which are the root cause of many symptoms and conditions throughout the body.

Treatments for: Back & Neck Pain; Muscular & Joint Pain; Digestive Issues; Fibromyalgia; Nerve Entrapment, etc. www.thebodyalignmentclinic.com

Dundalk Active Retirement Meeting

For a free no obligation

Callsave: 1850 774455

Tel. 042 9333513

Web: www.senatorwindows.ie Email. senatordundalk@gmail.com

Or Visit our Showrooms on Ard Easmuinn Road, Dundalk.

9- 5 & Sat 10-2

After hours by appointment

DUNDALK Active Retirement will hold a meeting at the Lisdoo next Monday, March 10th at 1pm. €10 per person which is payable at the front counter upon entry. There will be no club on the 17th March due to the St Patrick’s Day Bank Holiday.

Taize Gathering

WELCOME to join us this Lent, to “Prayer Around The Cross”, in candlelight, with the music of Taize on Friday 7th March 8pm – 9pm, followed by Tea/Coffee. “Bethany”, 34 Point Road, Dundalk. A91 WOC 9 Tel. 042-9331602

Pop-up Gaeltacht

AS part of Seachtain na Gaeilge which is taking place between the 1st and 17th March there will be a Pop Up Gaeltacht I nDún Dealgan on tráthnóna dé hAoine 7ú Márta at 8:30pm (Friday evening the 7th of March at 8:30pm)

Caint, comhra agus an chraic! The event takes place in Russell’s Saloon, Park Street and all are welcome. (Eircode A91 H210).

Dundalk’s Women’s Shed

DUNDALK Women’s Shed invites you along to our Monday meet ups. We offer interesting talks by local speakers, therapies and exercise. Talks include general interest and useful information on history of our town. We meet every Monday morning at 10am and organise outings locally and in the region.

Women’s Shed Programme for March: March 10 Niamh Shaw; March 17 - No Shed; March 24 Coffee morning; March 31 Credit Union.

Monday mornings at 10am Wellington Hall, St Mary’s Road, Dundalk. email womensheddundalk@gmail.com or message Dundalk Women’s Shed on their facebook page for more info.

Upcoming Pilgrimages

GARABANDAL Pilgrimage: March 24th to March 28th, 2025 (5 days). Pilgrimage: Fully booked out.

Knock Pilgrimage: Ireland this jubilee year – June 22, 2025. In January of this year, the sacred heart crusade of love and hope commenced with the papal blessing of four pilgrim sacred heart statues on the 8th January 2025 in Rome. During this jubilee year of hope, the launching of a renewed and revitalised rally encourages all to explore a relationship with the sacred heart of Jesus. Heart speaking to heart, a fresh personal encounter with Christ. Hence the sacred heart crusade of love and hope for the people of our nation at this crucial time in history.

The blessed pilgrim sacred heart of Jesus statues will travel to Ireland’s international Eucharistic and Marian Shrine in Knock, Mayo, culminating in the celebration of holy mass in the Basilica and the re-consecration of Ireland to the sacred heart of Jesus.

This very special, once-in-lifetime event will provide an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the special gifts and charisms of Paray-le-monial in their Diocese.

For those who wish to travel to above event, bus will be arranged. Venue: Knock Shrine Basilica; Time: 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.; Chief celebrant: Archbishop Eamon Martin; Speakers: Father Bernard Guckian, SJ, Father John S. Hogan.

For full day’s programme and details, please phone laurena: 0851833110

40th Anniversary Naju Shrine: South Korea June 26th – one week. 420 euro per person for hotel accommodation and meals. Pilgrims are required to book their own flights on above pilgrimage. Enquiries: Laurena 0851833110.

Medjugorje: September 22nd to September 27th, 2025 - (6 days). sharing 280 euro – single room 340 euro. Fare includes bed, breakfast, transport to and from split airport. Pilgrims are required to book their own flight on above pilgrimage which varies from 60-100 euro at the moment. Enquiries: laurena 0851833110.

CAR MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS

THE average age of a car at scrappage is around 14 years, while the average age of vehicles on the

road is closer to eight years. But, there are some simple steps you can take to maintain value and

give your car the best chance of reaching its golden years.

Regular servicing is vital to

keep your car in tip-top condition and prolong its life.

STICK TO THE SERVICE SCHEDULE

Service intervals are based on time or miles driven – once a year or every 10,000 miles, for example.

Check the handbook to find out when your car is due a service and what work is required.

Many modern cars have warning lights on the dashboard to alert you when maintenance is needed, too.

You should budget for a ‘minor’ service once a year and a ‘major’ service every two or three years.

A minor service includes changing the oil and oil filter, and replacing other fluids if necessary.

Depending on the car and mileage, a major service may also cover replacement of the air filter, spark plugs and timingbelt.

The number of tasks included in even a minor service is numerous, but all should include checks for oil and fluid leaks, tyre pressures and condition, excessive exhaust emissions, brake wear, and the correct operation of the steering, gearbox, clutch, suspension, lights, wipers and horn.

It sounds basic but keeping on top of your car’s servicing is the best thing you can do to get the most out of your car and to maintain reliability. The investment in an annual service will save you pounds on repair bills and potentially avoid a stressful breakdown.

HAVE YOUR TYRES CHECKED

Tyres are arguably your car’s most important safety feature and it’s no exaggeration to say that checking them regularly – about once a week – could save your life.

Under-inflated tyres will also increase fuel consumption, so keep them topped up to the recommended pressures listed in your car’s handbook to save money.

Remember, tyre pressures may be different for the front and rear tyres. Some experts suggest rotating your tyres (i.e. swapping the fronts to the rear, and vice versa) in order to even-out wear and prolong tyre life.

However, in the interests of safety, we recommend using the leastworn tyres on the back axle, as loss of front grip (understeer) is much easier to manage than a rear-end slide (oversteer).

Check the level of tread on your tyres regularly – the legal minimum is 1.6mm but you should think about changing them when they are between 2mm and 3mm – as the less tread you have, the less effective the tyre becomes. And don’t forget to check tyre pressure too, and look out for signs of wear or damage which could result in a blow-out.

DRIVE SMOOTHLY

Driving with ‘mechanical sympathy’ is something you should practise at all times.

That means using the controls of your car while understanding how it works.

Doing so will reduce component wear and you’ll make your fuel go further. Simple things like using the steering wheel, gearbox and pedals smoothly are key, along with looking well ahead to reduce the need for sudden braking.

The more aggressive you are on the pedals the higher your fuel and repair bills are likely to be. Driving smoothly is kinder to your car and the environment, plus

CAR MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS

accelerating and decelerating in a controlled manner and anticipating the road ahead will save you pounds on your fuel bill.

That said, if you never rev your engine fully, carbon deposits can build up and foul the valves, intake manifold and other parts, reducing efficiency and potentially causing a misfire.

You should therefore allow your engine to rev to the redline at least once every few hundred miles – but only when the oil is warm and you’re on a quiet road. Diesel cars may also have problems with clogged diesel particulate filters (DPFs), which are designed to trap harmful exhaust emissions. A longer motorway

run once a month will help clear them. HAVE YOUR CAR CLEANED REGULARLY

We all know people who never wash their car (and perhaps you’re one of them!), but keeping your car clean isn’t about vanity: it can significantly extend your car’s life, too.

Grit gets into moving parts and the chassis, leading to accelerated wear and corrosion. Bird droppings can play havoc with paintwork, and winter road salt is especially corrosive.

Automated car washes have stiff brushes that may leave fine scratches – plus they miss bits, too so having your car hand washed is usually much more thorough.

A yearly polish will provide a layer of protection and prevent rust from spreading.

It’s also important to keep the inside of your car clean with a microfibre cloth and to remove any

dirt and crumbs from floor mats.

It sounds obvious but keeping your car clean and the bodywork sound will help maintain its condition and keep its value when it comes to selling and trading up to a new vehicle.

KEEP THE WEIGHT DOWN

Motor manufacturers are constantly looking at ways to reduce the weight of their vehicles to increase the miles per gallon and to meet the emissions requirements.

So it makes a lot of sense for you to keep the weight carried by your car to a minimum wherever possible.

Carrying extra weight is a sure-fire way to dent your car’s fuel economy. You’ll also put additional wear-and-tear on your tyres, brakes and suspension. A practical solution is simply to remove any unnecessary objects from the car.

Start with the door pockets and glovebox, then look under the seats for any stray toys or drink bottles.

Moving on to the boot, clear out everything you don’t need. Just remember to leave the toolkit, jack and locking wheel nut key in case of emergencies.