08-03-2023

Ciaran’s call out forces dumpers to collect rubbish

By Paul Byrne

A proud Cornamucklagh man who called out dumpers on social media last month after he discovered bags of rubbish dumped near his home in the picturesque omeath village has revealed that the culprits have returned to the scene of the crime to take away the litter. Well known musician and Cornamucklagh

native Ciaran phillips threatened to “name and shame” those responsible for dumping up to twenty black bags of rubbish close to his home last month. He released a video on social media shortly after finding the bags and called out the culprits saying

“There is an epidemic of it going on here. Where I live is the most beautiful quiet spot, full of nature, and then some dirty divil comes along and does this,” said a visibly angry Ciaran on the video.

He warned those responsible that he would go through the bags with a fine tooth comb to find evidence of who had dumped the bags. Ciaran and a friend of his spent a couple of days going through the rubbish while transferring it into two separate tonne bags. Following the search through the bags Ciaran is confident he knows who the person who dumped the rubbish is.

Continued on Page 2

Coláiste Chú Chulainn student Lenny Nyoike was in Tromso, Norway, this week representing his school and his country at the European Youth Parliament. The 6th year student was one of six candidates chosen throughout Ireland. Full story page 11.

Dumpers forced to collect rubbish after call out

From Page 1

A few days after Ciaran had left the tonne bags of rubbish at the side of the road Ciaran returned to the scene of the crime to find the rubbish had disappeared. Given the fact he had contacted the council about the incident he assumed they had taken the rubbish away. However, as Ciaran explains there was a twist in the tale.

“There were two separate tonne bags which we pretty much filled from the twenty black bin bags that were dumped at the side of the road. I returned to the spot where

we left the bags on the Saturday morning after I initially found the rubbish and saw that they weren’t there anymore. I contacted the council asking if they had taking the rubbish away but they said they hadn’t so it was immediately clear to me that the people who dumped the rubbish were worried after my call out and returned in the dead of the night to collect the rubbish that they had dumped a few days earlier.

“Obviously, we are very happy that the rubbish is gone but it shouldn’t have happened in the first place and

the people who did it should be ashamed of themselves. We have a beautiful country here and these selfish people are hell bent on destroying it. We have to keep calling these people out and there has to be consequences for their selfish action,” stated Ciaran.

Louth County Council advised members of the public to always use a properly permitted waste collector to ensure that their waste doesn’t end up being dumped illegally.

“Louth County Council Litter team investigated the incident of illegal dumping at Cornamucklagh and unfor-

tunately found no evidence which would allow us to pursue a prosecution.

Litter Wardens continue to patrol the area.

“Louth County Council encourage all members of the public always use a properly permitted Waste Collector to ensure that your waste does not end up fly tipped in locations such as we have seen here.

A full list of permitted collectors is available at the National Waste Collection Permit Office www.NWCPO.ie ; if they are not on this list, please do not give them your waste.”

Contract signed for Mount Avenue Link Road

THe contract signing for the €7million Mount Avenue Link Road Scheme in Dundalk took place on Monday (6th March), a major milestone in upgrading the western road network in the County Louth town.

Chief executive of Louth County Council, Joan Martin signed the contract for the Mount Avenue Link Road Scheme, in the presence of Councillor Conor Keelan, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council and Councillor Kevin Meenan, Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District.

The successful contractor is Gibson Ireland JV, who were represented at the signing by Mr. John Gibson and Mr. Norman Lambe.

The construction contract is valued in excess of €7million and will involve the construction of a new road from Lis na Dara, on the Carrick Road, to the Mount Avenue Road, known locally as the “back of the wall”.

The new road will join the existing Mount Avenue Road northwest of the eSB Substation. From that point, the Mount Avenue Road will be widened and upgraded to Castletown Cross on the Castleblaney Road.

John Gibson, Gibsons Brothers Ireland JV, said:

“We are delighted to be working in conjunction with Louth County Council to deliver this

new and upgraded link road at Mount Avenue Dundalk. We are looking forward to being part of the team for this prestigious and important project and wish thank the local residents in advance for their cooperation and understanding during the construction period.

We aim to minimise the impact of the project during construction and although there will be some unavoidable disruption during construction, ultimately, we hope that the new link road will be of huge benefit to the people in the area and Dundalk town in general when completed”.

The cost of the works and land acquisition will be provided by Louth

County Council and the Department of Housing under the “Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund” (LIHAF).

When completed the works will facilitate the development of social and private housing in the area and improve facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

Chief executive of Louth County Council, Joan Martin said: “I am delighted to sign this contract today. The works at Mount Avenue have been a strategic objective of Louth County Council for many years. The works will open up lands for much needed housing development and will improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.”

some of the rubbish dumped.

ciaran Phillips.

kevin Meenan, cathaoirleach of dundalk Municipal district, catherine duff, director of services, louth county council, Frank Magee, senior executive engineer,, rachel Finnegan, staff officer,. Front: cllr conor keelan, cathaoirleach of louth county council, Joan Martin, chief executive, John gibson, gibsons ireland, norman lambe, gibsons.

Finishing touches being put to St Patrick’s Day Parade

The music and dance acts that will entertain families in Dundalk after the parade has ended have been announced by the voluntary committee who are putting the finishing touches to next week’s event.

The Dundalk St Patrick’s Day parade voluntary committee, which is made up of councillors

Conor Keelan and Maeve Yore, along with Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú, Shane McBride, Dagan Fleming, Maria O’Toole and Anne Campbell, said

they were delighted with the acts, which feature some of Dundalk’s best youth and musical talent.

The line-up includes Long Time Coming, the Dundalk Brass Band, the elite Star School of Performing Arts, Dance Kids Blues Brothers, McGee School of Dance and From The Top Theatre School. There will also be a DJ and the music stage will be located close to the Market Square.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, Cllr.

Keelan said: ‘There was a great reception to our call-out for musical acts to get in touch with us and we are really pleased to announce the final line-up this week.

‘We are very grateful to all the talented people who came forward to offer their groups to entertain people after the parade and we hope that families will stay in town after the parade and make an afternoon of it.

‘There will be lots for people to do. In addition to the live music, there

will also be a Pelican family fun zone along with takeaway food and hot drinks’.

The parade, which has the theme ‘Urban Green’ starts at 1pm, will follow the traditional route along Clanbrassil Street, around Crowe Street, Francis Street, Park Street and will finish at Tesco on Dublin Street.

There will be a ‘quiet parade’, where participants will be asked to switch off sounds and music, from Utopia on Dublin Street to the end line so that those with sensory issues can enjoy the parade.

In addition, there will

be a special viewing platform for wheelchair users and those wishing to use it must register through the links section on the website at stpatricksdaydundalk.ie.

The grand marshals will be sports stars Amy Broadhurst and Kate O’Connor.

The parade is sponsored by Louth County Council, and has also received funding from PayPal, Dundalk Credit Union, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, Oriel Windfarm, Digiweb,

SeO Solutions, Dundalk BIDS, BK Forklifts, Print Express, Pelican Promotions, Digital Screen Displays, Control Soft, V&W Recycling, Phoenix Waste, Sevens and Stage and Lighting. Those taking part in the parade are asked to send along a representative to the participants’ meeting at the AV theatre in the County Museum, Dundalk, on Thursday March 9 at 6.30pm to hear about the safety for the event and to ask questions.

O’Murchú highlights issues with autism assesment diagnosis

ISSueS with assessments for autism diagnoses were raised at the Oireachtas Autism Committee by Dundalk TD Ruairí Ó Murchú where he questioned what the perfect system of assessment would look like.

A panel of experts were before the committee last week including senior clinical psychologist Dr Louise Higgins from the Psychological Society of Ireland.

The Sinn Féin deputy questioned how the HSe autism assessments are needed because schools and other services need them and ‘therefore, there is not a family that does not want it done’.

He said: ‘We all know what the law states in relation to it. The preliminary team assessment, PTA, was entered into and it did not cut the mustard at all’.

He questioned the average time of 37 hours needed for the PTAs and wondered ‘what the perfect system of assessment should look like’.

Deputy Ó Murchú also asked about therapies and the lack of OTs, SLTs and

psychologists coming on stream. He said that while the government says workforce planning is kicking in, ‘even if that is the case, we are looking at four or five years where we do not have the capacity’ and asked whether it would be good to have therapists working in schools.

He also raised the issue of children with an autism diagnosis, who are also experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety and who are sent to the CAMHS only to be told they don’t fit the criteria for their help.

In response, Dr Higgins said: ‘Since we know autism is a spectrum that is present at all ages, all cognitive abilities and language abilities and with co-occurring conditions, and because of the level of diversity within the autism spectrum, we are clear it is not a one-size-fitsall approach for assessment, but also for supports.

‘However, there are key components to an assessment. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The preliminary team assessment had very few of

those good key elements.

‘There was no use of standardised measures so it was effectively a screening assessment that could not have met the criteria of doing what we know is best practice around giving a clear comprehensive assessment, identifying a child’s difficulties and differences, and planning out the supports.

Dr Higgins also said that the Disability Act needs to be reviewed and added: ‘We argue that assessment is an important part of understand-

ing an individual’s needs and identifying the appropriate supports. PTAs are suspended, thankfully, but we are trying to get back to where we were.

‘Assessments need to happen and we would want to be consulted so we do not have another situation of things having to be redone, wasting resources and children’s and families’ time. That is probably the most important thing we have to say around assessments’.

She agreed with Deputy Ó Murchú about supports for autistic children and teenagers who also have anxiety and other conditions.

She said: ‘Some will need the support of a CDNT and some of CAMHS, and some may need a combination of those.

‘There is an agreement in principle and a policy around shared care in the HSe but it often is not implemented or there is huge variation in its implementation. That needs to be in place because there are children and adolescents who will need both services’.

Deputy Ó Murchú wanted to know what can be done in interim. He asked Dr Higgins: ‘When can we have a straight conversation with parents on what we can offer them that is not absolutely failing their kids, which it is at this point in time?

Dr Higgins said: ‘The key issue is not to compromise and result in bad practice, which is what PTAs were.

‘We would be in agreement that if families apply for an AON under the Disability Act, they should get it done in a comprehensive way in line with best practice and intervention and supports should be individualised for the young person’.

Another expert, Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland, AOTI, chief executive officer, Odhrán Allen, said: ‘A forum should be created to include those responsible for design, operations and budgets, representatives of the professional bodies and clinicians who are on the ground. Why do we not create such a forum sooner rather than later?’

ruairí Ó Murchú, Td.

Pros and cons of Transition Year

by Jessica Moran

TRANSITION year is a one-year program that is designed to help students transition from the three years of junior cycle gradually into the senior cycle. Multiple schools in Dundalk offer Transition Year such as St Vincent’s Secondary School, Dundalk Grammar School, Bush Post Primary.

The program was introduced in the year 1974 but wasn’t mainstream or popular until around 1994. And ever since its introduction into the curriculum it’s received both good and bad feedback, but arguably more positive feedback. It has many good things about it and I’m going to be talking about the good and bad of TY, as I’ve experienced myself as a student.

The first reason why you should consider Transition Year is to develop yourself and personal skills. exam years can quickly drift into a treadmill of class-

(Bush Post Primary TY Student)

Social dancing in The Lisdoo

LOCAL businessman Brendan Marmion has announced the latest guests for his always popular ‘Social Dancing’ evening in the Lisdoo which takes place on Thursday nights.

The event takes place upstairs in the Lisdoo Bar and Restaurant from 8:30pm until 11pm with different band each week. Admission is just €10 and this includes a light supper. All proceeds raised goes towards St Gabriels College in Bafmeng, Cameroon which Brendan has supported for many years. The school is run by Dundalk priest Fr Brian Byrne who hails from the Carrick Road. The school has grown from very humble beginnings and now has over 1000 kids receiving education which will help them break the cycle of poverty and help kids help themselves and their families.

Upcoming events for March and April are as follows:

es, study, and sleep. It doesn’t leave much room for hobbies, sport, for social action or for anything that develops you as a person rather than just as a brain.

Transition year gives you an opportunity to mature which is important for development.

The second reason

Additional needs running club a success

A LOCAL woman who helped to set up a running club for children with additional needs for six weeks has promised to do it again.

Mellissa McCoy from Lordship told the Dundalk Leader that the running club, which was arranged through St Patrick’s GFC, was “good craic”.

“Everybody enjoyed it and we will definitely do it again. I’m not a parent of a child with additional needs but I am involved with Glenmore Athletics Club,” she said.

“I saw in Glenmore how well it went and knew it could be replicated in St Pat’s. I knew it would go well in the GAA.”

The club is called The Pat’s All Stars six-week indoor programme. It is an inclusive group for children and young people with additional needs.

It took place from January 19 to February 23 2023 from 7pm to 7.45pm in the Pat’s Clubrooms. Over 20 children aged five to 18 years old participated in the programme.

The children enjoyed taking part in activities such as rounders, bean-bag tossing, running drills, rocket launching, balance beam walking, table tennis and much more.

Mellissa acted as the club’s co-ordinator and was assisted by Clare Duffy, Margaret Purcell, emma Mcenaney, Colm holmes, and Stephen O’Connor.

Volunteers from Glemore AC also helped to support the project, alongside Louth Local Authorities and Councillor Andrea McKevitt.

why you should consider Transition Year is it can be educational in a more practical way with activities such as work experience and workshops. Work experience is important for students as it can give them a better sense of what working life could be like for them. It also gives a

better sense on what students would like to do in future career-wise.

Transition Year overall has many benefits and it’s only fair that everyone has an equal shot at it so that everyone can be included, and nobody’s left out you’d hope. But the downside to transition year is the

fact that you must pay anywhere between 200300 euro to secure a placement depending on the school. Making Transition year quite costly which in turn makes it more inaccessible to families who maybe struggling financially. So, although TY has plenty of benefits

it isn’t easy to access for everyone. Transition year is a good opportunity to get to know your peers around you and get to know what exactly you want to do but I think an important question we need to ask, is, is the money worth the experience you’re getting?

16th March: Checkers. 23rd March: Showbud. 30th March: Liam and Maria Mannering. 6th April: Michael and Philomena O’Brien.

got a story?

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Phone: 0429320888

email: editorial@dundalkleader.com

Transition Year students from the Bush Post Primary on a recent visit to the National Gallery of Ireland.

TD says ambulance service underresourced and under-appreciated Ray houghton latest addition to Liverpool Legends squad

INDePeNDeNT TD Peter Fitzpatrick has called on the government to pay ambulance staff what they deserve to prevent th eongoing issues of retaining staff in the sector. He said the ambulance service was under resourced and under appreciated and noted that pay and conditions were so bad that the sector is losing in the region of ten staff per month.

“New figures from the HSE reveal that the National Ambulance Service is not meeting the response time targets for emergencies throughout the country. While it is outrageous that 62 ambulances dispatched in County Louth to deal with lifethreatening emergencies in 2022 took more than an hour to arrive at the scene, I commend the tireless work of front-line paramedics and operational staff for dealing with increased demand and limited resources. These timelines are not a reflection of the work put in by NAS staff but of a service that is under-resourced and under-appreciated.

The longest waiting time for a non-cardiac life-threatening incident in Louth in 2022 was four hours and 50 minutes, with the volume of work given as the reason for the lengthy delay. On the back of such figures, the HSE has confirmed there is a significant gap between demand and capacity.

“Recruitment and retention issues related to recognition, pay, resources, working hours and poor working conditions, which I have raised numerous times regarding service providers such as gardaí and military staff, now apply to our National Ambulance Service providers. NASRA warns that the service is under significant strain, with pay and conditions so poor that it losing in the region of ten staff per month. Is it any wonder that under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005, the paramedic profession is not even recognised as a profession? On top of this, paramedics do not even get recognition from the largest employer of paramedics within the State, the HSe. This lack of recognition limits career progression, negatively affects retention, restricts alternative pathways of care and, in the case of HSe employees, limits access to health and social care professional education opportunities within the HSe. As a result, the retention of employees within the field of paramedicine generally and within the NAS specifically is an area that needs to be addressed. Since 2019, the National Ambulance Service College brought in 472 staff who commenced training under the three-year paramedic studies programme. Of these, 55 dropped out. That amounts to

fewer than 160 recruits a year. With the NAS estimating a requirement of more than 3,000 paramedics within the next four years to meet its workforce plan targets, these numbers of recruits are abysmal. Yet, this is a familiar tale.

“The reality is that if recruitment targets are not met and demand continues to rise, performance will continue to decline and people will die. Patients have unquestionably suffered harm due to ambulance delays. Clinical outcomes are being put in jeopardy as a result of these delays, and this is the real way that this needs to be evaluated. The appropriate measures and steps need to be taken to protect lives.

“Overall, we need to overhaul the delivery of the pre-hospital emergency care services, having better training for staff in schools and childcare facilities and an expanded role for paramedics, helping to reduce the numbers of patients attending emergency departments in the first instance. However, to succeed we need to consider the career recognition of paramedics, the recruitment and retention issues, and the training issues of paramedics and the community. We need to act now before patients die,” warned Fitzpatrick.

RAY Houghton will be one of a host of Liverpool Legends who will arrive in Dundalk on April 15th to take on the Louth Legends in a charity football match in Oriel Park which will help raise money for two important local services.

The team’s will play for the Calvin Cup named in honour of Calvin Gray who lost his fight for life in September 2022 following a tragic accident in the town centre. Calvin was a massive Liverpool fan and the organisers have decided to honour his memory by naming the cup after him.

One of the organisers of the event, Gerry O’Connor, says he hopes that Dundalk will come out and support the event and help raise funds for both the Autism unit in Realt na Mara and the Maria Goretti Foundation which is a respite centre in Lordship.

“Our goal is to raise as much money as possible for two fantastic local Louth services that are both linked with autism. My son has autism and I know how difficult it can be to get the required supports needed for a child with ASD.

“By raising money for these services we hope it will enable them to further the success of many projects and programmes for children on the autism spectrum. As well as the match be-

tween Liverpool Legends and Louth Legends we are also offering a meet and greet with the players on the morning of the match in Oriel Park. You will get a chance to meet the legends of Liverpool and get a picture with them with tickets costing €20 for an adult and €10 for kids.

The final part of our fundraiser will be a Legends dinner which is taking place in the Carrickdale Hotel after the match. Dinner with the Legends is an evening of entertainment which will include having dinner with the legends as well as auctions of various memorabilia and raffles. Tickets for the dinner will cost €75 per person.

eamonn O’Hagan who is also helping to organise the event says that he is delighted with some of the names who have agreed to come to Dundalk for the charity game.

“We’ve been working hard on getting Liverpool legends to come over and we are delighted to confirm that Ray Houghton, John Aldridge, Steve McMahon, Jermaine Pennant Mark Wright and Alan Kennedy have all agreed to take part.

“On the Louth Legends side we have the likes of Brian Gartland, Gabriel Sava, Steve Williams, John Whyte, David Crawley, Shane Grimes, Nathan Murphy, David Ward, Fabio

O’Brien, Sean Thornton and Killian Brennan togging out and the team will be managed by myself, Tom McNulty and Darius Kierans, “stated eamonn.

Tickets for the match, which takes place on April 15th in Oriel Park can be bought on eventbrite (Search for Liverpool Legends v Louth Legends on their website).

Tickets for the meet and greet which takes place before the match on April 15th between 12 and 1:30 can be purchased from Gino’s Diner on Clanbrassil St. (Adult €20, Child €10)

For dinner tickets in the Carrickdale please contact 0872323641. Tickets cost €75 per person. All proceeds raised will go towards the Maria Goretti Foundation and the Realt na Mara early Intervention unit and Autism Centre.

As part of the fundraiser organisers will also be bringing the Premier League trophy, european Cup and FA Cup to Dundalk on Saturday 25th March. They will be in the Marshes Shopping Centre between 12pm and 6pm on Saturday 25th March and everybody is welcome to come down to get a pucture taken with the trophies. There will be face painting and other fun activities on the day and all are welcome.

on Wednesday, 22nd of February 2023, deputy commissioner shawna coxon presented scott Medal 1st class commendations to garda damien Welby and garda alan lynch. Both members displayed bravery, courage and resolve in arresting an armed suspect in dundalk on the 3rd of January, 2018.

Knight of hibernia AGM

JOHN Boyle O’Reilly Society, 30 Clanbrassil St., Dundalk. The annual General Meeting to be held on Sunday 12th March 2023 at our offices on Clanbrassil St., at 12 noon sharp.

Counselling Services

TuRAS Counselling Services are a Dundalkbased not for profit organisation who offer a range of free confidential supports to people at all stages of addiction. Based at 59 Clanbrassil Street they work with people from across the North east region who present at different stages of the addiction cycle.

Turas will host a free ‘Transformational Recovery Programme’ starting on March 13th which will take place on Monday’s and Tuesdays from 10-3:30pm for fifteen weeks.

This service is provided free of charge to recovering substance misusers within the North east area who fulfil the above criteria. For further information email info@turascounselling.ie or call 0429338221 or 0429338224.

1—Can you name the debut album by Limerick band the Cranberries which launched the group to stardom thirty years ago this week?

2—Which American state is known as the Golden State?

3—Australian Steve Irwin was better known by what name?

4—What does the internet slang term YOLO stand for?

5—When Thin Lizzie were an up and coming band they played in The Afton Club in Dundalk. Where was the Afton Club situated?

6—In 2020, which man became the first artist to reach the top 5 of the UK album chart in eight consecutive decades?

7—When it began in 1995, Amazon only sold what?

8—Who managed The Beatles from 1962 until his death in 1967?

9—The umbilicus is the scientific name for which part of the human body?

10—Not counting Russia or Turkey which country has the biggest population in Europe? The Stinker: In English, which country’s name comes first alphabetically?

—this week’s answers—

2—California,

Only Live Once,

1—Everybody else is doing it so why can’t we?

3—Crocodile Hunter, 4—You

5—The Ramparts, 6—Cliff Richard, 7—Books, 8—Brian Epstein, 9—Belly button, 10—Germany. Stinker: Afghanistan.

North Louth First Responders launch fundraising appeal

By Tamara O’Connell

NORTH Louth Community

First Responders have launched a fundraising appeal on the website GoFundMe.com

The volunteer group is PHeCC trained and approved by the National Ambulance Service (NAS) to attend emergency call outs in our community in line with NAS policies and procedures.

“I set up the group in June 2022. There are 26 members who all live within a 12km radius of Dundalk town,” said Shane O’Hanlon.

Originally from the Avenue Road, Shane is a paramedic who lives in Kilcurry. He said he knew through his work the difference First Responders can make in a crisis situation.

“Cardiac First Responders help start the chain of survival

with early Access, CPR and defibrillation prior to ambulance arrival to a scene,” he said.

“every second counts. For every minute passed without effective CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), your chances of survival decrease by 10 per cent.”

In Dundalk town and the wider community, the North Louth Community First Responders respond to cardiac arrest, stroke, choking, and chest pains within a 12km radius 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The group also provides training and demonstrations on performing CPR, managing chest pains, managing a choking incident, identifying a stroke, and acting FAST and using a defibrillator for schools, community clubs, organisations, local businesses, and the wider community.

Funding is required to continue this project and purchase defibrillators and the equipment needed to sustain the group’s voluntary work.

equipment includes:

Defibrillators and maintenance costs, high-vis vests for our volunteers, training, and safety equipment such as CPR mannequins and training Aed’s, Audio Visual equipment for teaching in our community, signage for advertisement.

North Louth Community First Responders also purchase defibrillators and place on the front of local businesses for public access and use 24/7.

For more information or to donate please visit Fundraiser by Shane O’Hanlon : North Louth Community First Responders (gofundme.com)

Success for IWA bocce teams

THe local branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association where celebrating this week after their bocce team finished first in the regional bocce finals held in Muirhevnamor Sports Centre.

The IWA sent two teams to the event which sees teams from Dublin, Meath, Navan, Drogheda, Cavan and Ardee compete and both teams made the last four of the competition with Fodad Olawale and Zain Muhamad making it all the way to the semifinals before they were narrowly defeated by Drogheda. Revenge was exacted for them by

Michelle McDonagh,

who

in the final to pick up their first ever final win in the competition.

The achievement was

all the more impressive given the fact the IWA only started practicing bocce just over a year ago. under the watchful eye of their coach Val Smyth the Bocce players have taken to

the game like ducks to water and last week they made all the hard work count by storming through their five games to lift the trophy for the first time.

niall Foley assistant coordinator. shane o’Hanlon coordinator- Founder.

Fohad Oladele, Michelle McDonagh, Anne Marie McDonagh, Val Smyth (coach), Holly Cooney and Zain Muhamad.

Ann Marie McDonagh and Holly Cooney

beat Drogheda 5-4c

LAST Thursday saw students and teachers from all over County Louth arrive at The Fairways Hotel in Dundalk for the annual Student enterprise Awards. Back in person for the first time since COVID-19, the place was buzzing with energy, excitement and entrepreneurial spirit.

Over 1,170 students from 19 schools across the county participated in this year’s Student enterprise Programme. A collaboration between Local Enterprise Office Louth and local schools, the programme is delivered by Fionnuala Rogers, Francis Verling, and Colm Finnegan. During the programme, students learned how to create a business idea, then start and grow their own business. The highpoint is the county final where students get to present their businesses and future potential to a panel of expert judges.

The Senior category was won by Just Tap, with team members Callum Moore, eoin Carpenter and Sam Sweeney. Students of St. Mary’s College, Dundalk, they are supported by their teachers Aoife Tyrrell, Jack Mceneaney and Ryan McVicar.

Acting Head of enter-

st Mary’s college dundalk, senior Winners.

prise at Local enterprise Office Louth, Riona McCoy explains “The team in Just Tap used the latest in Near Frequency Communications technology to create smart keyrings. These channel customers to their social media profiles, contact information, or any webpage. This makes it a convenient digital and sustainable alternative to traditional business cards and printed materials. This is a product with great potential for future development and demonstrates a brilliant understanding of both technology and consumer behaviour. Louth, are delighted that Just Tap will represent Louth at the Student enterprise Finals in May.”

Runner-up in the Senior category was won by Barn With It. A clever, creative and sustainable enterprise created by Laura McKevitt of Dundalk Grammar School, with support from her teacher Sharon Browne. Strawsome, the creation of Jack Ivers and James Lavery, supported by their teacher Sharon Browne from Dundalk Grammar School, took first place in the Junior category. They impressed the judges with their homegrown, cut to length, bamboo straws that are sold in a sustainable pack, including a straw cleaner. Winner of the runner-up prize in the Junior category was Oisin’s Turkeys. Founded by Oisin

Hand of Scoil ui Mhuiri Post Primary School, Dunleer, Oisin was supported by his teacher Martina Farrell.

Dearbhla McArdle of St. Vincent’s Secondary School in Dundalk was named winner of the My entrepreneurial Journey Award. Supported by her teacher eimear McCreesh, Dearbhla chronicled what life would be like as a successful entrepreneur in the future and judges were deeply impressed by her writing and she will also proceed to the national competition.

The Junior and Intermediate categories were judged by Lavina McGahon and Graham O’Rourke, while Ronan

Dennedy, Sarah Daly and Claire Cunningham judged the Senior category.

Winners of the Senior, Intermediate and Junior categories will, along with the winner of the My entrepreneurial Journey, will now represent Louth in the Student enterprise Awards national final at Croke Park on May 5th.

Special congratulations also to teacher eimear McCreesh of St. Vincent’s Secondary School, Dundalk who received the enterprise educators Award.

There were also a number of category award winners, recognising the expertise and skills demonstrated by the young entrepreneurs.

The Social Media & Marketing Award was won by QuikScent with team members Adam Sharkey, James Shields, Albert Johnston, Tiernan Hynes, Cillian McCann and their teacher Micheal Carron from Bush Post Primary School.

The Social enterprise Award went to Secondary Success with team members Anna Hickey, Laura Hennessy, Shane Gorman, Laidhan Geraghty and Mischa Rooney with teacher Alan Magee from Ardee Community

School.

Celebrating Louth’s teen entrepreneurs Michael is Dundalk Brass Band’s

Caitlin Carroll and ellie Litchfield won the Well-Being Award with their enterprise, Mind Over Journal. Supported by their teacher Dearbhla McGrane, they are pupils at St. Louis Secondary School, Dundalk.

Wonderful Designs

@ St. Brigid’s, scooped the Sustainability Award. Their entrepreneurial team are Mollie Conway, Patrick Marron, Benny Casey, Gabe Morrissey and Amy Hoey with their teachers Olive Byrne and eimear Marron from St. Brigid’s, Dundalk.

Simply Shore Designs won the Best Creative Business Award. Team members Tara White and Megan Halpenny were supported by their teacher Michael Carron from Bush Post Primary School.

Louth’s Acting Head of enterprise Riona McCoy concludes, “We wish our 4 finalists the very best of luck as they represent Louth in Croke Park at the national finals on 5th May. Follow the competition using #Studententerprise on social media and discover more by visiting www. Studententerprise.ie”

new musical director

IT is with great pleasure we are able to announce our new musical director will be Micheal Gaskin, he returns to were he started his musical journey and we are delighted to have him back, Micheal would also like to invite any of his past pupils looking to continue or start there musical journey again to come along to our rehearsals which take place every Tuesday evening from 7.30 at our bandroom just off Jocelyn street, pm us if you need more info #musicforeveryone.

celebrating louth’s teen entrepreneurs

Michael Gaskin, Dundalk Brass Band’s new musical director.

scoil ui Mhuire, dunleer - runner up Junior category.

dundalk grammar school - Junior Winner 2.

5. enterprise educator award - eimear Mccreesh.

dundalk grammar school - runner up senior category.

st. Vincents dundalk - My entrepreneurial Journey award.

Ó Fiaich College girl’s gaelic football

Lenny represents Ireland at european Youth Parliament

COLáISTe Chú Chulainn 6th year student Lenny Nyoike was in Tromso, Norway last week representing Ireland at the european Youth Parliament.

The european Youth Parliament is one of europe’s largest youth platforms for civic education, intercultural encounters, and the exchange of ideas – run by young people, for young people. Its mission is to inspire and empower a young generation of informed, open-minded, responsible, and active citizens that shape society and drive impact.

Ó FIAICh College are delighted to partner with LIDL Ireland and to acknowledge their support of the Girl’s Gaelic Junior football team. The team were presented with their new jersey’s, kindly provided by LIDL Ireland, by teacher and coach Ms. Carla Rowe. Ms. Rowe is a Science and Biology teacher in Ó Fiaich but is probably better known as the Dublin Senior Ladies

Football Captain. As a LIDL ambassador for the Serious Support Schools Programme she knows only too well how important it is to keep young girls involved in sport.

This very generous support and sponsorship by LIDL Ireland has proven to be a real boost for the girl’s football team and will hopefully get them off to a winning start next season.

Lenny, from the Armagh Road in Dundalk, got involved through his Politics and Society teacher Mr Slowey and entered the Leinster selection process last year which consisted of a five day course working on a motion to protect journalist rights. Lenny had to present his case to a mock assembly and he impressed the judges sufficiently to get through the rigorous process and go forward to the nationals. According to Lenny he really enjoyed the whole process and was shocked when he was chosen to go forward to the national finals.

“Only three students from County Louth were chosen to go forward to the nationals and I was delighted but shocked to be one of them. Most of us were

16 or 17 and I think that is a wonderful thing as it shows that my generation are willing to shape the future of the country. We travelled to Cork for the Nationals and there were 400 students in the room debating various motions in conditions identical to a regular european Parliament Conference. My committee dealt with a motion asking if youth voting age should be reduced to 16. It was a very interesting debate and we got to meet Micheal Martin who was An Taoiseach at the time.

“After the conference in Cork we were left in suspense knowing that only six of us would be chosen to go

to Tromso. Towards the end of last summer I received an email saying I was one of the chosen six people which absolutely left me stunned. I was at the square in Dundalk when the email came through and I froze! I couldn’t believe it. I’m the type of person who always thinks I can do more so I was surprised I was considered good enough to be chosen to go to Tromos for the european Youth Parliament. I’ve always been interested in politics and being a part of the decision making process which is why I served on the Student Council in my school in various leadership positions.

If there is a problem regarding how something is run I like to put my word in and try and improve things rather than sit back and complain about it. That sort of stuff doesn’t seem like work to me. I am by nature an introvert but I love making things better and making ideas a reality. I will be doing my Leaving Cert later this year and after that I will probably do a course in the field of Law, Politics or Psychology. I head to Tromso this week for the european Youth Parliament and I am so excited. It’s the chance of a lifetime and I’m going to make sure I enjoy it,” stated Lenny.

lenny nyoike represented ireland at the european youth Parliament in Tromso.

dublin senior ladies Football captain carla rowe who is also a teacher in o’Fiach college, presents players from o’Fiach college girls gaelic team with their new sponsored jerseys provided by lidl.

Family Notices

in memoriAm noVenA in memoriAm

For although it brings me comfort, to walk down memory lane, it reminds me how without you, life will never be the same. always loved and never forgotten by your Da Fra and olivia. xxx.

P

ro PE r T y/r E n TA l S SPEC i A l SE r V i CES

NoVENa To ThE

saCrED hEarT

broWNE

Ian 4th anniversary

in loving memory of my beautiful son, ian, whose 4th anniversary occurs on 14th march. the days seem a little darker, since we have been apart, the light has somehow faded, Within my broken heart.

When i see a rainbow, With the colours shining through, i see a bridge up to heaven, that will lead me back to you, ian.

How can i look to the future, When you are in my past, the memories i will treasure, Until i breathe my last.

i know when my time is over, i’ll no longer be in pain, then i can climb that rainbow, and we will meet again, son. —Forever loved and missed everyday by your heart-broken mam xxxx.

anniversary mass will be held on tuesday, 14th march, at 10am in st Joseph’s church, Fatima.

GraNDsoN

i often sit and think about, the years that have passed by, and of the happiness and joy, that was shared by you and i i think of all the laughter, the smiles and all the fun, and before i even know it, my tears have once again begun.

NEPhEW/CousIN may the winds of Heaven whisper, softly in your ear, How much we love and miss you, ian, and wish you were still here. loved and remembered everyday by auntie niamh, Paul, Deane, aoibheann, sean and liam. xxxxxx.

NEPhEW/CousIN sometimes life feels empty, nothing can take your place, We wish we could still hear your voice, ian, and see your smiling face. missing you so much ian, from auntie milanda, cousins Patrick, grace, naomi, mandy and nathan. xxxxxx.

NEPhEW/CousIN those we love don’t go away, ian still walks beside us everyday, Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed, on this 4th year.

loved and remembered every day by Uncle alan and Fionn. xxxx.

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) C.M.

NoVENa To ThE

saCrED hEarT

Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past i asked you for many favours this time, i ask for this special favour (mention it). take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. amen. say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (never known to fail). M.T.

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) C.r.

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) L.F.

From Tea to the Track for athletes with Down syndrome

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.

Do U bl E bED roo M available to rent, Dundalk Town Centre, private parking. Tel 086 8482148.

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CD log S—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.

n or ME n DE El ECT ri C Cook E r for sale. Four Ringed. Never Used. €350 O.N.O. Call 0862788551.

SEll iT ThroUgh A ClASSifiED—Only €5 for one week up to 20 words. 042 93 20888. The Dundalk Leader.

kU boTA 3 C ylin DE r diesel tractor mower for sale, fully serviced, engine reconditioned, €2,000 spent on parts. €3,800 o.n.o. Tel 087 0951030.

2004 f or D f o CUS Ghia for sale. 1.6L petrol, good body and engine. €600. 0872110464.

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r oofing rEPA ir S & S To VES—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.

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PowEr wAShing—Get ready for Spring/ Summer. Power washing of driveways/paving/walls. Competitive rates. Call Will on 085 8604048.

bUilDEr & hoME MAinTAinEnCE

Some of the athletes who met up in the Food House ahead of the Come and Try day. The Come and Try day is on the 21st of May at Glenmore AC track behind Bush Post Primary School.

ThIS past week, our athletes met up ahead of this year’s Come & Try day.

We had an afternoon Tea at our friends, McAteers fromThe Foodhouse.

Glenmore AC, Chairperson Kenneth McBride and committee member Melissa joined

the athletes for tea and had a great chat about the upcoming event.

Some new athletes were very excited by the prospects of participating.

The Come & Try day is on the 21st May 2023, at Glenmore AC track behind Bush

Post Primary in Cooley. This will be the second of its kind for athletes with Down Syndrome. It is our hope that Dundalk’s community will get behind this local initiative and support our efforts in hosting this event.

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.

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RTM Cleaning Services contact Robbie 087 3817618.

PA in T ing & Decorating Services. Dundalk area. Internal and external painting and wallpapering. Free estimates within 12 hours. 10 years experience. Tel David 085 7308777.

gA r DE ning—Lawns cut, hedges cut, trees trimmed and topped. Telephone Tom 087 2296441.

PAinTing—Interior and exterior painting. Competitive rates. Call Will on 085 8604048.

lAnDSCAPing—Flower beds tided up, outdoor cleaning, patios, footpaths, walls, general property maintenance, exterior painting of fences, gates, walls, etc and decking cleaned. Dundalk & District. Tel. Jim 086 3818184.

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b ri C kl Ay E r S AVA il A bl E for garages, extensions and garden walls. Tel— 00447585 541350.

loUTh CoUnT y CoUnCil—We MWAC Ireland Ltd intend to apply for Full planning permission for a housing development of 3 dwellings in a mix of 1no. 5 bedroom detached and 2no. 2 bedroom semi-detached units @ Rathmount, Blackrock, Co. Louth. Full Permission to include alteration to existing site entrance 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.

wO rl D BOO k DAy

arturs Vanickins, Vasco Bacquot, rokas Visniaukas, and cameron enright (realt na Mara).

caolan Mccrink, ronald Begley, doireann Mackin and sophie Mcgeough. (realt na Mara)

Ben gilligan, Jake Winters, ahnaf younus, and Johnny Quinn. (realt na Mara)

emily rose Harkin, Holly Halpin, oisin coull and Jan galica. (realt na Mara)

omer awyadel, aidan Quinn, Brian Fuller and leo alexander korcevscis. (realt na Mara)