06-04-2020 by Peter Kierans

DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Louth Light Up Croke Park With Limerick Win Page 6

Slieve Foy Climb For MND Page 8

Barbara Keen On Making History Page 12

Almost 30k raised locally for MND

Wednesday, 6th April, 2022. Vol. 15, Issue 14 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

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

By Paul Byrne

Two separate fundraisers to help find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease have helped to raise almost €30,000 for the cause. Coláiste Rís schoolteacher Paula Lavin was delighted to see over 350 people climb Slieve Foy last weekend to help raise money for the Sean Woods and Roy Taylor climb for Research Motor Neurone appeal. Both men are well known locally and are living with MND. Paula who helped organise the fundraiser said that the two men were overwhelmed by the support they had received locally and thanked everybody who took part or donated to the cause. Meanwhile, Carlingford resident Seamus Gregory and his supporters helped raise over €7000 for Pieta House and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) through a hosted walk through the beautiful Cooley mountains last Saturday. The event was part of the national ‘Climb with Charlie’ series of walks organised by former RTE news reporter Charlie Bird who was diagnosed with MND last year. Full Story Page 8 Paula Lavin with Roy Taylor and Sean Woods during their Research Motor Neurone fundraiser.

Carrickarnon killer appeal fails Dundalk Leader 6th April 2022

A man who killed three people while travelling at 225km/h and making snapchat videos has failed in his efforts to have his nine year jail sentence reduced. Keith Lennon, from Dromintee in Armagh was given a nine year sentence after he pleaded guilty to three counts of manslaughter at Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court in February on 2021.

Lennon was driving a three litre Audi at 105km/h above the speed limit when he collided with another vehicle at Carrickarnon, on the Northbound carriageway of the N1 killing Armagh mother and son Mary Faxton (82) and Kevin Faxton (58). Bryan Magill (24) from Newry was a passenger in Lennon’s car and he also died

following the crash. Judge Martina Baxter who handed out a nine year sentence to Lennon described the collision as ‘horrific’ calling it one of the worst cases she had ever heard. As well as the nine year jail term she disqualified him from driving for twenty years. Last month it was revealed that Keith Lennon was to appeal

the severity of the sentence handed out to him. However that appeal was dismissed last Friday in the Court of Appeal by Court President Mr Justice George Birmingham who in an ex tempore judgement rejected Lennon’s bid for a reduced sentence. Dismissing the appeal Mr Justice Birmingham stated ‘Clearly this was a case where a substan-

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From left to right - John McCooey 200, Richard and Anne Duffy 200 each, Catriona McCaughey 50, and Harry Matthews, with visual aid guide Niall McEvoy, 100. Dundalk parkrun have achieved some impressive milestones over the past few weeks with the following completing 50 to 200 parkruns. John McCooey 200, Richard and Anne Duffy 200 each, Ca-

triona McCaughey 50, and Harry Matthews, with visual aid guide Niall McEvoy, 100 all acieved milestones. We look forward to seeing their milestone T-shirts soon, which will be worn with pride.

Harry Matthews, being visual impaired, was presented with an engraved medal by Run Director Brenda Hill, for his fantastic achievement. We thank all our amazing VI guides who have as-

sisted him weekly. Parkrun is a free, timed, 5km run, jog or walk and is held every Saturday at 9.30am. Dundalk parkrun is at DKIT sports grounds, beside the wind turbine.

Car seat safety checks in Louth this week

Parents and guardians who want reassurance that their child is safe while travelling in the car can attend Check It Fits - the child car seat checking service in Co Louth this week. The Road Safety Authority is behind the Check It Fits campaign, which is a free-of-charge service for parents and guard-

ians. The service takes between 10-15 minutes and runs from 10am – 5.30pm; it also offers parents and guardians reassurance that their child is safe while travelling in the car. It is important to use your child car seat correctly every single time during a car journey so parents should regularly check

Leaving Cert reforms welcomed by school principal By Tamara O’Connell

For more information or booking an appointment please PM or call me 085 255 7668 Barrett’s Lane, Ardee, Co. Louth

the fitting of your child car seat or get it rechecked at a Check It Fits service. The RSA Check It service is due to be at Smyths, M1 Retail Park Drogheda, Wednesday 6th April 10am to 5.30pm and: Lanneys’ Supervalu, Ardee on Thursday 7th April from 10am to 5.30pm.

Dundalk Coláiste Chú Chulainn principal Thomas Sharkey has welcomed the proposed changes to the Leaving Certificate. Reforms to the Leaving Certificate are being planned from 2024 onwards and will include spreading project work and exams over fifth and sixth year. “Junior Cycle reform has shown that students embrace regular and meaningful assessment,” said Thomas. “Taking 40 per cent of the Eng-

lish and Gaeilge exams in 5th Year supports students engage consistently with their studies.” Thomas added: “Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme will now be available to all students. “We welcome this. It means young people will be better prepared for their future careers. New subjects such as Climate Action & Sustainable Development are more relevant now than ever before. “As the newest and fastest growing school in the region, Coláiste Chú Chulainn staff are looking forward to this new innovation.”

tial custodial sentence was inevitable’. Noting that prior to the fatal collision ‘a powerful car was driven for long periods at very high speed’ he added that what had ‘set the case apart was the Snapchat videos

Lennon had been making on his phone while driving at 105km/h above the speed limit. “It is difficult to find the language to describe how reckless that was,” stated Judge Birmingham.

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Dundalk Leader 6th April 2022

Increase in Covid positive patients is causing huge stress on the healthcare system

Coronavirus is once again transmitting rapidly in communities and the HSE is urging people to continue to adhere to the public health advice as the rise in cases is placing huge stress on our healthcare services. Des O’Flynn, Chief Officer of Midlands Louth Meath Community Healthcare Organisation said: “The current rise in cases of COVID-19 reinforces the need for all of us to continue to adhere to the ID-19 should self-isolate until public health advice. Everyone 48 hours after symptoms have who has symptoms of COV- substantially or fully resolved.

Rise in cases reinforces the need for all of us to continue to adhere to the public health advice

I would also advise people to continue to manage risk for themselves and others who are more vulnerable, around them. You can do this by being fully vaccinated, wearing masks, physical distancing and avoiding crowds as well as maintaining basic hand and respiratory hygiene. I would urge anyone due a Covid 19 vaccine to come forward for vaccination.” Dr Augustine Pereira, Director of Public Health North East, says that the virus is still circulating and it’s impor-

tant than every person in the North East benefits from the protection that vaccination provides. Explaining the importance of seeking a booster as soon as possible, Dr Pereira said: “Because of the uptake in vaccines, we’re seeing a large degree of protection, a reduction in conversion of those high numbers of cases to those who become severely ill, as measured by hospitalisation or intensive care. Getting a booster brings your protection from serious illness and hospitalisa-

tion back up to 90% after two weeks.” However, because of high levels of transmission in the community, Covid-19 is continuing to have an impact on services, as we continue to manage and care for patients with Covid-19 across all healthcare settings – hospitals, primary and community care, nursing homes, day centres etc. Dr Pereira said: “Along with that, we have very significant numbers of HSE staff out with COVID – including

doctors, nurses, therapy staff and healthcare assistants – and that is impacting on care. A collective national response and the proven effectiveness of vaccines in protection against illness and saving lives has allowed the lifting of nearly all restrictions. With opening up of society in recent weeks, collectively we can turn the tide again by doing the basics please wear your mask appropriately, practice hand hygiene and come forward for your booster or primary vaccine and isolate if symptomatic.

Somewhere under the rainbow

Sean McLoughlin pictured at The Spirit Store. Picture credit: Caoimhghin O Caolain.

Dundalk Leader 6th April 2022

Chambers concerns over Nationality and Borders Bill

Dundalk Chamber will hold their annual cross border tourism conference today (Wednesday 6th) online. There is no fee for attendance. The conference will focus on the opportunities that the region offers and listen to best practices from other areas. However, there is a great concern that Brexit related issues will seriously curtail the potential of this area, both North and South. According to a chamber spokesperson the imminent Nationality and Borders Bill which is soon to become law will have a damaging effect on tourism in Ireland. “The Nationality and Borders Bill will shortly become law requiring any non-Irish or UK citizen to apply for a visa should they wish to travel North. This means that an EU citizen, e.g., French on holiday in the South will not be able to travel to the Mournes unless they complete a visa. This reduces the number of attractions available to a tourist visiting the island unless they apply and obtain a visa, “It also means that a sailing boat cannot travel from Carlingford/ Greenore to Warrenpoint if there is a Dutch person on board unless a paper application form is posted and delivered before departure. There is no facility to complete an online ap-

plication in this case. “We have been told that there will be no checks or scrutiny on the Border. Therefore, this is a piece of legislation which will not be enforced! This will not be understood by a German thinking of visiting Dublin and Belfast. If it is not going to be enforced, then do not pass the legislation. Laws should be introduced only with the expectancy that they will be enforced. “At this stage, the UK Government has said no to the obvious solution of a derogation for the island on the visa requirements, giving a win win for both parts of the island. “Will the British ever consider any part of Ireland when they legislate. We all know Brexit was a bad idea, but Brexit consistently creates barriers and dismantles all the good work on Strand 2 of the relationships on these islands, that between North and South. The Protocol is working on the ground, as businesses North and South will testify but that fact is being ignored. “There are also emerging problems, which the Chamber raised 5 years ago, on the taxation of people working and living in the different jurisdictions. The Belfast Agreement did address this in part, but Brexit has complicated the matter,” concluded the chamber.

Louth light up Croke ParkC to win division three title f Louth’s Senior Footballers will go up to Division 2 next season as champions thanks to a scintillating second half performance. Liam Jackson’s brilliant goal helped the turn the tide in Louth’s favour as Mickey Harte’s side turned a half time deficit against Limerick into a five-point victory. Louth were well supported in Croke Park for the Division 3 final and confidence was high amongst the Wee County given the fact Harte’s side came into the game on a six match winning streak after recovering from a sluggish start to their league campaign with a draw and a loss in their opening two matches. That six-match winning streak began with victory over Limerick so with all that in mind there was a quiet confidence in the camp ahead as Louth looked to pick up their first piece of silverware since 2016 when they won the

Sinn A s f b b

i u p b b

The victorious Louth team celebrate in Croke Park following their division 3 final win against Limerick.

Division 4 final. Louth began the game well and led by a couple of points after the opening fifteen minutes but a strong end to the opening half saw Limerick edge clear and take a narrow 0-7 to 0-6 lead into half-time. Louth seemed to get stronger as the game went on and they de-

servedly hit the front midway through the second thanks to a brilliant Liam Jackson goal as the Ardee man collected a pass from Ciaran Byrne before turning on the afterburners and calmly slotting the ball past the Limerick keeper. Limerick had no answer to a rampant Louth

side after that with Mickey Harte’s men finishing in style adding further points through Tommy Durnin, Ciarán Byrne and team captain, Sam Mulroy to help seal a magnificent 1-14 to 0-12 victory. Louth: James Califf; Donal McKenny, Bevan Duffy, Dan Corcoran; Leonard Grey, Niall

Cooley climb for MND

r c f a

Sharkey, Conall McK-i eever; Tommy Durnin,h John Clutterbuck; Liam t Jackson, Sam Mulroy, T Craig Lennon; Ciarán Byrne, Ciaran Downey,a t Daire Nally. Subs: Tom Jacksonh for Lennon (25), EoghanB Callaghan for Grey (27), Conor Grimes for Nallye (59), Conor Early forv Clutterbuck (66). a

Dundalk Leader 6th April 2022

Cllr Watters asks council for plans to maintain Blue Flag beaches

Sinn Fein Councillor Antoin Watters has said he is not looking for dogs and horses to be banned from our blue flag beaches. “I have been chasing the Council for an update on how they plan to maintain the blue flag status at our beaches,” he said. “Depending on the reply from the Council I will be looking for a compromise for all parties involved.” LCC is considering a ban on dogs and horses from the county’s blue flag beaches. Three beaches situated at Port, Templetown and Clogherhead in Co Louth are Blue Flag beaches. The blue flag beaches provide a safe environment for locals and visitors alike to

Cllr Antoin Watters. enjoy swimming, water sports and a great day at the beach. LCC has previously stated that these

matters are under consideration adding that the local authority already has Foreshore Bye-laws in

place, which among other things, address the management of animals on the foreshore. A restriction on dogs and horses from blue flag beaches might be necessary for the retention of blue flag status in 2022. It is understood the restrictions will not be extended to guide and assistance dogs. A previous article in this newspaper on this subject ran with a headline of “Cllr Watters calls for ban on dogs and horses from blue flag beaches”. This was a mistake and didn’t accurately reflect Cllr Watters position. We apologise to Cllr Watters for the misleading headline.

€7,000 for Pieta House and the IMNDA Dundalk Leader 6th April 2022

A large crowd turned out for the Climb with Charlie fundraiser.

Louth man Seamus Gregory and his supporters have raised over €7,000 for Pieta House and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA). Seamus from Carlingford teamed up with Clodagh McKevitt of Anam Tours to host a walk in the Cooley mountains on Saturday April 2 as part of the Climb with Charlie series of walks.

“I was amazed and delighted with the response to this charity event. It was absolutely fantastic,” said Seamus. The event took place on Slieve Foy in Cooley at the same time as the former RTE journalist Charlie Bird climbed Croagh Patrick. Charlie, who was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), encouraged peo-

ple to climb in their local area. Seamus organised a climb locally as his sister’s husband, Eoin Larkin from Dromintee, had MND, and sadly died five years ago. “He was diagnosed at a very young age and fought a good battle with MND but it’s an awful illness,” said Seamus. “The mind is very alert even towards the end but the muscles don’t work

Over €22k raised for Research Motor Neurone Over 350 people turned out on Saturday April 2nd to support the Seán Woods and Roy Taylor climb for Research Motor Neurone. Paula Lavin who helped organise the event said, the two men and their families were overwhelmed by the turnout on what was an amazing day and one that will be cherished forever by many. “One could sense a wonderful occasion and a special day was had by all as the atmosphere was brilliant throughout, where people met old and new faces along the way. Large numbers

came out for they wanted to show their solidarity on the day to the cause and people themselves had their own personal story around MND,” stated Paula Paula invited the son of Roy Taylor, Terance to go onto all the buses before they departed, to thank the people and explain again to them why the money into Research. She said it was an emotional but important message sent out to all, for people have been so supportive and generous over the last few months. When it was all over, and

time to reflect with Seán, Roy and their families, Paula smiled and said, let’s do it all again next year and not just a once off climb, so she pledged that we will have a climb/walk again next year for Seán, Roy and all MND warriors, their family and friends and give all proceeds to Research Motor Neurone, for she said a cure will be got and we can all say we played our part in reaching that goal. The families of Seán and Roy were overwhelmed by the support and so grateful to the people near and

afar for their kindness and generosity over the last few months. To date over 22k has now been raised for RMN – Paula thanked again the young people in schools, for the final total from schools is expected to reach 10k for the charity alone whilst creating huge awareness around MND. After April 22nd, Paula will have a final total for the people, for the last event to create awareness and raise funds for the charity, will be a special night at Oriel Park April 22nd, where you can

read all about it on Dundalk FC social media platforms and thanked Martin Connolly for his wonderful support. Paula thanked the following for their kindness and help in supporting the climb on April 2nd, Maeve Yore, Lisa Mc Cabe and Jock Mc Ardle, the experienced guides on the day, the venue Carlingford Marina, Anchor Tours for free shuttle buses, Mc Kevitts for printing free Bips, Eamon McGinn Country Fresh for providing free fruit, Brian Berry for free water, bars and crisps, First

properly. It’s tough on everybody.” The climb was limited to 110 walkers for health and safety reasons, with places allocated on a first come, first served basis. Each walker was asked to pay €25 to register. All funds raised will go directly to Pieta House and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA). www.idonate. ie/carlingfordwalk.

Aid/Mountain Rescue Cover, Chris Connolly Louth Civil Defence Officer and Volunteers, Order of Malta, Paul Duffy and Volunteers, Garda Lisa Mc Cabe and Supt Charlie Armstrong, The Cresent Dundalk, Chimeg at RMN Trinity College for her daily support and guidance, and to the many people at Coláiste Rís who helped along the way, but her biggest thanks and praise was to the large crowds of people who came out on Saturday to support Seán, Roy and all MND warriors past and present.

News

in Brief Assault On Park Street

C -

Gardaí attended the scene of an incident of assault that occurred on the 3rd A April 2022 at 2.00am on H Park Street, Dundalk, where a man in his 30s was e suffered serious injuries o and was taken to hospital i for treatment. A man and l woman, both in 20s, fled the scene and were later P found and arrested. They were both conveyed to t Dundalk Garda Station. i They appeared before H Drogheda District Court on 7 Monday. Investigations are D ongoing. l

Sean and Roy’s Slieve Foy Climb for MND

Dundalk Leader 6th April 2022

Best dressed at TY Ball

Charley Millar - Ardee CS - Best Dressed female..

Business bootcamp for Louis trio

News

in Brief Easter Rising

Participants at the business bootcamp event including BT Young Scientists Business Bootcamp. Iman, Claudine and Jona Jack Clare CBS Dundalk. Best Dressed male.

Library Events

A Loving Relationship with Self Part 2 with Helen Corbett: In this virtual talk, Helen will explore the importance of getting to know our own story in reference to our past and how this has impacted on who we are now and how we live our lives today. Helen Corbett has worked in the area of Psychology and personal counselling for over thirty years. Her most recent training has been in Co-Creational Psychotherapy with Dr. Tony Humphreys. Takes place via Zoom on Thursday 7th April at 7pm. For further information contact Dundalk Library at Tel 042 9353190 or Email libraryhelpdesk@louthcoco.ie

Three St Louis students, Claudine Mulihano, Iman Shittu and Jona Garcia participated in the BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp recently where they experienced first-hand the world of technology, commercialisation and entrepreneurship. Thirty participants were hand-selected to join from the BT Young Scientist Competition last January. It was a four-day programme where the students worked in different teams to tackle a common goal.

The St Louis girls’ project - a renewable and electricity-free cooling for food refrigeration to combat world hunger - was chosen as one of the 6 main projects that all participants worked on. The students had to prepare presentations with their teams and present them to a panel of expert judges. The three girls were chosen because their project won the Science for Development Award at the BT Young Scientists competition this year.

During the four-day event, the girls met different guest speakers including past participants of the programme who went on to build their own successful businesses. They included Daniel Hobbs (CEO of Protex AI), Annie and Kate Madden (Founders of FenuHealth) and Shane Curran (CEO of Evervault). Student Jona Garcia explained: “We went there because of our love for science and technology but it opened our minds to the

business aspect of both. “The boot camp taught us how to expand our interest in science into a business that can help our country environmentally, socially and economically. “We made lifelong friends and made unforgettable memories. It was an experience of a lifetime.” The girls have yet to journey to Africa on a fully funded trip with their teacher Ms Orla Muldoon to see how their project could change the lives of people living there.

The Easter ceremonies will take place on Easter Sunday 17th April. Mass will take place for the deceased members at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dundalk at 9am. Assemble at the car park in St Patrick’s cemetery at 10:30am. Slow march to Republican plot led by Dundalk Brass Band. Laying of the wreath. Decade of the rosary in Irish. Reading of the 1916 proclamation. Lowering of the flags and last post. Ceremony concludes with playing of the national anthem. All are welcome.

Prayer Group Meeting

No problem is so big. No failure is permanent, and no enemy so powerful that Jesus can’t give you the victory. Jesus speaks today, just as he did to his followers so long ago. “Be sure of this: I am with you always” Encountering Christ, every Sunday, St Mary’s Church, Knockbridge 2pm-4pm. Praise, worship, testimony, and holy mass, followed by tea/coffee. All welcome. People helping people. Find and follow Jesus.

Dundalk Leader 6th April 2022

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Ukrainian Accomodation Louth County Council outline plans to house Ukrainian refugees

Louth County Council have outlined what they plan to do to help house incoming Ukrainian refugees over the coming weeks and months. Sixteen Ukrainian refugees have already been accommodated at a former Franciscan Friary in Drogheda while council staff are also currently preparing the Sports Centre in Muirhevnamor as an emergency rest centre. “Louth County Council continue to support the Ukrainian refugee crisis managed by the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) through the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) and the County and City Management Association (CCMA). “The Council have now accommodated sixteen refugees in the former Franciscan Friary on Laurence Street in Drogheda - a property recently acquired by the Council. “Staff from the housing section made ready the facility following a request from IPAS and have supported the newest residents in Louth to settle into their surroundings. “Further requests for emergency beds are anticipated over the coming days and in preparation for this Council Staff are preparing the sports centre as an emergency rest centre and expect to support up to fifty refugees. “Technical teams from the housing department continue to investigate options to utilise other council and privately owned properties in readiness for further requests for assistance that may arise in the coming weeks,” conclude the statement from the local authority.

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Well-known Louth heritage sites, including the Old Gaol, Dundalk, St Joseph’s Church and Foresters Hall (Dundalk Credit Union building) are amongst those in Louth awarded funding to conserve notable historic structures under the Historic Structures Fund 2022. The sites have been awarded funding for diverse reasons including essential repairs to the bell tower at St Joseph’s and conservation repairs to the Old Gaol building. A total of €4m was awarded nationwide through the Historic Structures Fund, administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in partnership with the 31 Local Authorities. The announcement follows that of €4m in funding under the Department’s other built heritage grant scheme, the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, earlier this month. In addition to supporting owners and custodians of historic and protected structures to safeguard

and maintain their properties, this funding will also provide a welcome boost to conservation professionals and tradespeople, including in specialist heritage roles such as thatching and stone work. Following on from the successful introduction of the Historic Shopfront Stream last year, the HSF has again made funding available for a range of shopfronts including bars and pubs which operate in buildings of historical significance Through grants of between €15,000 and €200,000, the HSF assists owners of heritage structures – including those on the local authorities’ Record of Protected Structures and those in Architectural Conservation Areas – to meet their obligations to care for their properties. The scheme provides assistance to a wide range of heritage structures – this year’s HSF includes awards to historic bridges, castles, churches, mills, libraries, shopfronts, and an old forge, as well as to private houses.

Dundalk Leader 6th April 2022

Barbara keen on making history Simon Women’s Local historian Barbara O’Flaherty has joined forces with a number of likeminded historians all over the country with the aim of sharing knowledge as well as interesting local stories which they hope one day will result in a network of historians in every county. There are also talks of perhaps releasing a book down the line containing interesting historical stories from all thirty two counties. Barbara, who grew up on St Mary’s Road in the centre of town, is well known locally as a former journalist and a fountain of knowledge of the history of Dundalk and has enjoyed reaching out to likeminded historians across Ireland. “It’s been really interesting getting to know historians from other counties and getting to hear their stories of the history of their towns and villages while sharing my knowledge of Dundalk and it’s surrounding areas to them. It would be lovely to eventually have a network of historians from every county and maybe start up a website or publish a book containing all the knowledge we are gathering from our meetings together. When I was a child I was fascinated when I was told about all the brilliant local legends such as Fionn MacCumhaill and the rich history of Dundalk,” stated Barbara. “Whenever I deliver a lecture locally I can always guarantee

Barbara O’Flaherty.

that of the many questions that be asked in the Q&A that follows are more or less inevitable. One will be was Cuchulainn real? The second will be how old is Dundalk. Well to address the first question the answer is yes there is such a plethora of information, stories, legends and other material to prove his existence that I feel pretty confident in saying yes he did. The second question is harder to answer. The Book of Invasions tells us that the first settlers of this island were the Nememites followers of King Nemen who hailed from the part of the World we would now call Turkey. “It is known that like the famous Spartans many cultures of that time employed a triune monarch structure where one King always stayed at home, one led the army and one searched for new lands to plunder for gold or more often slave labour. Many historians have theorised that Nemen may have come from that tradi-

tion and that it was on one of these expeditions that he discovered Ireland. However it happened we do know that when he landed here the King ordered a survey of the land and one of the areas identified as suitable for colonisation was in the North East of the country with a wide harbour, many rivers and an active volcano. The reason this last comment so telling is that there were very few active volcanoes in Ireland and even fewer in this area. Indeed Gullion was named by the Celts meaning after Bolga their God of lightning meaning that on their arrival many centuries later it was still active or at least kicking so given all these clues it is possible to hazard a good guess that this is the area the Nemenites not only visited but indeed settled making them the first residents of the area. “However other Historians have argued that a more reliable way to date any town is to look at the structures surrounding it. If indeed we take that approach then paradoxically we arrive at roughly the same time line. Dundalk is surrounded by many large Dolmens, standing stones and other memories of our ancient past it is however the oldest building of all that gives us our most concrete clue. Newgrange is approximately five and half thousand years old making it millennia older than even the oldest of the Pyramids. There is no doubt that to build such a structure without power tools or even

decent shovels requires a peaceful, well ordered and above all large population for as the building continued so to did the work of planting,harvesting and feeding the people. It also required an eye watering knowledge of Astronomy, Mathematics, Geometry and Engineering skills acquired over generations of studying and the passing on and adding to until a skill set sufficient for the task is developed. Given the average life span and the infant mortality rate of that era most Historians agree that it would it would have taken several centuries maybe even a millennia for that critical mass of people to be met. Adding all these clues together we come to a figure not far short of six or seven thousand years. “It is of course hard to believe that the ground beneath our feet as we walk through our town could indeed be that ancient. Of course until somebody invents a time machine and travels back to find out for sure just when the first settler planted the first seed in the first plot in town all any Historian can do, no matter how enthusiastic is follow the clues and hope that they lead him or her to the truth. Personally, I’m in the seven thousand years camp I sincerely believe it to be an accurate calculation of the age of Dundalk and in future when the question is asked it is the answer that I will be giving” concluded Barbara.

Aid Community Employment Project

Simon Women’s Aid Project (SWAP) is a collaborative initiative between a number of significant social care and local development organizations, starting in 1995, to form one of the largest and most successful Community Employment projects in the Dundalk area. SWAP is made up of the following Sponsor Groups..... Cara Cancer Support Centre, Dundalk Chamber, Dundalk Counselling Centre, Irish Wheelchair Association, R.C.N.E., Turas Counselling Services (incl Family Addiction Support Network), Simon Community and Women’s Aid. Within these 8 Sponsor Groups we have participants involved in a variety of roles, these include Administration, Care Assistant Support Workers, Cleaning Assistants, Cooks, Shop Assistants and Support Workers. Employed for a year as a participant, there is the opportunity to gain a further year, with your Sponsor Group, when you engage in training.

All of this looks great on a C.V. and helps you gain full time employment. When employed on a CE Scheme, you work 19.5 hours each week (times agreed between you and your Sub Sponsor). You must be between the age of 21 and 65 and in receipt of a payment from the Department of Social Protection, for one year or more. Over the years a number of our participants have gone on to gain full time employment in their chosen field. If you are interested in finding out more with regards to the different vacancies we have, contact Paul or Yvonne in our office on 042 9328823 for more info. Our email address is swapdundalk@gmail. com. Check out JobsIreland.ie for info on positions available in your locality. Why not ‘like’ our Simon Women’s Aid Project Facebook page and keep up to date with our current vacancies.

Roy and Sean’s Climb for MND Research

Th i a O c i S m s d L w fi w

o s s i a a h N fi f r b a d h w o

h s fi

Dundalk Leader 6th April 2022

Family Notices novena

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). D.W.

1,301 fewer households on social housing waiting list in Louth compared to first annual assessment conducted in 2016

Joan Martin, LCC. support as of 17 November 2021, down 2,633 (4.3%) from 61,880 households on 2 November 2020. This figure is a reduction of 32,353 (35.3%) since 2016. The Minister also published the social housing statistics for Quarter 4 2021. Nationally, a total of 4,010 social homes were delivered in Quarter 4, including 2,053 new build social homes, 810 acquisitions and 1,147 homes delivered through leasing programmes. Overall in 2021, a total of 9,183 new social homes were delivered, an increase of 17% on

2020 figures. This total includes 5,202 new build homes (an increase of 2.6% on 2020), 1,270 acquisitions and 2,711 homes delivered through leasing programmes. The Minister welcomed the publication of the data, noting that for a fifth consecutive year the overall number on local authority waiting lists continued to decrease. He also welcomed the fact that 9,183 social housing solutions were found for people despite the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Commenting on the figures, Minister O’Brien said: “These results are evidence that Government investment in social housing supports is working for Louth. Nationally, over 23,300 households had their housing needs met in 2021 despite the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on delivery. It’s important to remember

special services

ATTENTION—For B.E.R. CERTIFICATION of properties being offered for sale or rent, contact Robert Mulholland, BER assessor. 087 609 1906 www.louthber.ie. Double Rooms available to rent in Dundalk. 5 minutes from train station, private parking Tel 086 0838163. ADVERTISE YOUR HOUSE Premises for rent or sale to 55,000 readers a week from €5. Telephone Dundalk Leader 042 93 -20888.

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. Building Services—Extensions, Renovations, Sunrooms, Conservatories and All General Maintenance. P.V.C. Fascia, Soffit and Guttering products supplied and fitted. Bathroom Refurbishment, Painting, Decorating, Wall & Floor Tiling. All types of Roof Repairs & Maintenance. For free estimates Tel 087 260 2501. 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. 086 818 4827. 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. CARPET & OVEN CLEANING—Carpet, upholstery & specialist oven cleaning available. Call MVI Cleaning Dundalk on 042 94 21300 or visit www.mvicleaning. ie. Roofing Repairs & Stoves—Stoves supplied and fitted, fully insured, Hetas certified. Contact Paul Englishby 087 6301914 or 041 98 94633 and Mark on 087 1302040 for roofing enquiries. GARDEN & HOUSE MAINTENANCE— Strimming grass, hedge cutting, weeding, also garden clearance, concreting, patios, painting, power washing, gutter cleaning, window cleaning, fencing. Have all the equipment. Contact Brian 086-109-7358. Coaching with Esther—Life and Executive Coach Tel 086 8972007 www. coachingwithesther.com. Qualified Carpenter available for Floors, Doors, Frames, Architraves, Skirtings, Stud Walls, Roofing & All Building Repairs. No Job too big or too small. Call Mark 086 089 5508.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE—Repairs, building, plumbing, painting, roof repairs, tiling, bathroom refurbishments, concreting, gardening, power washing, PVC facia and soffits, Over 20 yrs experience. References available. Tel 085-762-3758. 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 - Wed 9.30 - 5.30pm, Thur & Fri 9.30 - 6pm & Sat 10 - 2pm. J. King Plumbing—Heating & Property Maintenance Tel 086 6086327 or 042 9377775. WATCH REPAIRS—Mechanical/Quartz (battery) and Vintage. In our own workshop. Most brands: Cartier, Longines, Omega, Revue, Raymond Weil, Seiko, Citizen & more, also Jewellery repairs. Goldstar Jewellers, Demesne Shopping Centre Dundalk Tel. 042 93 39478. All-in-one!—Home and property maintenance and improvements. Painting, decorating, general household maintenance, exterior cleaning, power washing, gutters, dust free sanding, No job to big or small, quality but affordable service. contact Ian 0874158238. Retired reliable local man available for Painting & Decorating, Internal and External,30 years’ experience, also grass cutting, strimming. General Garden Maintenance and Garage Clearance, Contract Gardening considered. Keen prices. Tel 086 845 9472. SC Tiling—Professional Tiler, Specialises in full bathroom refits. Top Class Work Guaranteed Call Shane 086 107 5080. A Van & Driver available for furniture removal, also single items, cookers, fridges, washing machines, etc. Day & Night Tel 086 870 4908. GRASS CUTTING services, Dundalk and surrounding areas. Contact Michael 087 1477 067. Local Power Washing—No job too big or too small. Patios, Driveways, walls, etc Contact James 087 4464960 for free quotation. Plasterer available—All work carried out Tel 083 4664871. Gardening, lawns cut, hedges cut, trees trimmed and topped. Telephone Tom 087 2296441.

articles for sale 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. CD Logs—Kiln Dried Ash/Oak & Birch, Weekly Deliveries to Dundalk & surrounding areas. Newry Co. Down Mob 00 44 77 6040 3254 or 048 30269632 www.cdlogs. com. SELL IT THROUGH A CLASSIFIED—Only €5 for one week up to 20 words. 042 93 20888. The Dundalk Leader.

classes and courses

Louth halves number of households on social housing waiting lists in five years The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien, T.D, has welcomed figures published in the 2021 Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA) which show a substantial reduction of 50% in the Louth social housing waiting list since the first annual assessment was conducted in 2016. The 2021 Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA) shows 1,299 households in Louth were assessed as being qualified for, and in need of, social housing support as of 17 November 2021. This figure is down 25 (2%) from 1,324 households recorded on 2 November 2020. This figure also represents a total decrease of 1,301 (50%) households since 2016 when annual recording of the SSHA began. Nationally, 59,247 households were assessed as being qualified for social housing

PROPERTY/RENTALS

that most residential construction was halted for a 13-week period from January to April. “We must not, and will not, lose sight of the fact that there are still 1,299 households in Louth who are relying on us for the provision of housing support. Housing for All, which was launched six months ago, sets us on a pathway to delivering 90,000 new social homes between now and the end of 2030. This year we will be investing more than €4bn to deliver 11,820 new social homes in 2022, including 9,000 new build social homes. “As with all Department’s, we are watching the situation in Ukraine closely. The Russian invasion is having significant impacts on all sectors of society and our goal is to provide shelter and accommodation for those fleeing war while protecting to the greatest extent possible,”.

DRUM LESSONS INCLUDING BODHRAN—For adults & children aged 8years upwards. One to one lessons. Phone 087 414 4228. Sewing Classes—Become confident as you grow your sewing skills. No experience needed. Monday evenings 5.307.30pm at Muirhevnamor Community Centre. Private classes can be arranged on request. Contact Elizabeth 087 2649221 Whatsapp.

special services CHIMNEY & STOVE CLEANING— Tel Paul McArdle 042 933 2491 / 087 666 0094 Email tribalky@yahoo.com <mailto:tribalky@yahoo.com>. 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. 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. FORTUNE TELLER—Available for appointment, private or group bookings. Tel. Alison 042 933 5102 or 087-67-51229. WE CAN DISTRIBUTE your leaflets from €75 + vat per thousand Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888.

ADVERTISE in our classifieds to over 50,000 readers from only €5 per week up to 20 words Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888

Olu hopes new book will inspire people A writer living in Ardee has published a fictional book called ‘Still Alive’ which aims to encourage readers to stay positive in the face of adversity. Originally from Nigeria, Olu Akinola is a 49-year-old father-oftwo who has been living in Sliabh Breegh, Ardee for the past three years. “I’m a single parent. I’ve an 18-year-old son called Olamide who has Autism and I’ve a 16-year-old girl called Debbie,” said Olu. “I’m my son’s carer so it was hard to find the time to write the book but I used the

Olu Akinola. time when my children were in school to write it. “ According to Olu, he started writing the book in 2011; it’s a fic-

tional story based on true events. “I want people to read the book and for it to inspire them to stay positive in the face

of challenging circumstances,” he said. “It’s a story about a security guy who made a mistake and was wrongly convicted and sent to prison. “Despite facing a lot of negativity he still stayed positive in jail. My children really encouraged me to write this book.” Olu’s book ‘Still Alive’ is on sale now through Choice Publishing Book Store via www.choicepublishing.ie. It’s also available on Amazon.co.uk and other leading bookshops. It is also available as an e Book.

Hill Street, Dublin Rd., Dundalk.

042 9331515/086 2559201

Special visitor to Coláiste Chú Chulainn

The ASD Unit in Colaiste Chú Chulainn had a very special springtime visitor last week.

??? QUIZ ??? What are those pubs called now? 6—What is the four letter word in Italian cuisine for a meat based sauce? 7—Nurse Ratched was a character in which 1962 book and film of the same name which was released in 1975? 8—Busan and Incheon are the second and third most populated cities in which Asian country? 9—Which E is the more common name of the typically brown/orange secretion known as cerumen? 10—Which New York born Irish

actress was raised in County Carlow? The Stinker—The following is the opening line from which 1991 Hollywood film? “Three billion human lives ended on August 29, 1997.”

answers

“Three billion human lives ended on August 29, 1997.” 1—Limerick, 2—Santiago, 3—E, 4—1999, 5. The Bartender, The Punters and Kennedys, 6—Ragu, 7—One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, 8—South Korea,9—Earwax 10—Saoirse Ronan. The Stinker: Terminator 2: Judgement Day.

1—Who did Louth beat in the Division Three football final at Croke Park on Saturday? 2—What is the capital of Chile? 3—Which is the only vowel not used as the first letter in a US State? 4—Gay Byrne presented his last ever Late Late Show, US Senate acquits President Bill Clinton on two articles of impeachment in relation to the Monica Lewinsky scandal, Westlife release their debut album which goes straight to number 1. Name the year. 5—The Seanchai, Gormleys and The Railway Bar were all well known pubs in Dundalk.

Car Roof Boxes, Roof Bars, Wind Visors etc.

POWER WASHERS Toolboxes, Socket Sets, yuasa batteries, Battery Chargers, Car Jacks, Space Heaters, etc.

Car Gift Packs & Gift Vouchers Available

T. 042 9331555/9331006 The Ramparts, Dundalk (formerly Martin's Garage)

Dundalk Leader 6th April 2022