08-12-2021

DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Sweet gesture from Déaghlan

Fairies have landed in Pearse Park

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Tie Wrap Gang's charitable act Page 12

Wednesday, 8th December, 2021. Vol. 14, Issue 49 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Café owners vow to fight closure threat

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

By Paul Byrne

The owners of a coffee shop in Dundalk have vowed to fight a compliance order issued by the HSE which if granted in court could potentially see them forced to close their business for seven days.

Niall McGuinness and his partner Alicja Kolodziejczyk manage 3rd Place Coffee House in Dundalk at the Market Square and they were recently summonsed to attend Dundalk District Court for failing to comply with a compliance notice served last month. The duo are being prosecuted for failing to ask customers to show their COVID-19 vaccine certificate.

Niall and Alicija have made it clear that they intend to fight the case in court and with that in mind they started a GoFundMe page to support initial costs of the case. At the time of going to print the GoFundMe account had raised almost €20,000.

“Our customers health status is none of my business. Our café will never discriminate against our customers whatever the consequences.

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Storm Barra waves goodbye to the county after bringing strong winds and rain for most of yesterday. The above picture was taken at Gyles Quay yesterday by Peter Larkin from the Carlingford Lough and Cooley Peninsula facebook page.

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Café owners vow to fight closure threat Dundalk Leader 8th December 2021

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From Page 1 I intend to fight this all the way at the District Court and Higher Courts. It doesn’t matter

how many politicians and journalist endorse it or how many businesses enforce it, it will still be discrimination.

Wrong is wrong and we all have a moral and ethical duty to stand up and do what is right.

“We have set up a Go Fund Me to support our initial costs because in Ireland there are huge barriers to access to justice as there is no legal aid available for such test cases. I have started a GoFundMe which is limited at this point of time to the initial costs of this case,” stated Niall.

In Dundalk district court last Thursday Judge Brendan O’Reilly was asked by lawyers for the HSE to grant a cessation order on foot of a compliance notice dated the 5th November 2021 which had been served upon Niall McGuinness the owner of 3rd Place Coffee House.

The Cafe had recently been served with a compliance notice by a number of HSE compliance officers appointed under the Health Acts 1947-2021 (as amended) otherwise known as the Indoor Dining Legislation. The Cafe was resisting the application whilst the HSE were seeking to shut the Cafe down by way of a cessation order for seven days.

The HSE Environmental Officer, Ms. Mariesa Rushe gave evidence to the Court that she was of the view that the Indoor Dining Legislation was not being complied with at the Dundalk Cafe following checks she had conducted on a number of dates in early November. She gave evidence that the Cafe owners

felt that the legislation was discriminatory to his loyal customers who had supported him throughout the pandemic. Ms. Rushe formed the view that he was not complying following her conversation with Mr McGuiness.

The HSE Officer later referred to social media outlets which she had examined as part of her investigation when she discovered a ‘facebook post’ which recorded the fact that the Cafe would not be requesting proof of vaccination from their customers regardless of Government policy.

Ms. Rushe contended that the Cafe were not recording eligibility for entry (by requesting proof of immunity and proof of ID) on to the premises

and were allowing unvaccinated customers to enter the cafe premises (an indoor premises) to consume food and beverages.

Oisin Collins SC for the cafe owner cross examined Ms. Rushe and an issue arose as to the evidence which she had given to the court that the restaurant were allowing unvaccinated persons (or unpermitted persons) to enter the premises and that this was the mischief which the Compliance Notice was intended to remedy.

Following the HSE’s evidence to the Court, District Judge, Mr. Justice Brendan O Reilly adjourned the case until today (Wednesday) to fix a date for the hearing.

Alicja Kolodziejczyk and Niall McGuinness.

Sweet gesture by Déaghlan

Due to continued expansion we have the following two vacancies available

1. Sales Administration Assistant Flexible Working Hours

2. Experienced Tradesman/Kitchen Fitter Apply with CV to McCarthy Kitchens, Coes Road, Dundalk, Email david@mccarthykitchens.net or Call David on 042 93 403 73

Creative Ireland Louth 2022 Community Grant Fund The Creative Ireland Louth Community Grant Fund will provide support to local and community event organisers in the research, planning and delivery of creative projects within the community context such as workshops, projects, presentations or events. These creative projects can include music, literature, film, video, community arts, drama, dance, visual arts, architecture, archives and heritage.

Applications must include a contingency plan and solutions as to how the project can be delivered should you be faced with Covid-19 restrictions during the timeframe of the project.

There are two types of grant assistance available: 1. Up to €500 for projects in development for 2023.

2. Grants up to €5000 are available for projects that can be completed and delivered by 28th October 2022.

Application forms and information are available on www.createlouth.ie Applications by email only to creativeirelandlouth@gmail.com Applications must be received by Louth County Council

by Wednesday 12th January 2022 at 4pm County Hall, Millennium Centre, Dundalk, County Louth A91 KFW6 LOCALL 1890 202 303 w www.louthcoco.ie e info@louthcoco.ie Community Call Number 1800-805-817

Enterprising 14-yearold Déaghlan McGovern from Pearse Park is trying to brighten up Christmas for those less fortunate by distributing selection boxes, boxes of chocolates and Christmas treats to various causes and charities around town including elderly people who are living alone.

The big-hearted De La Salle second year student is gathering donations for a scout project (St Patrick’s 1st Louth Scouts where Déaghlan is a patrol leader) and he has created a gofundme page to try and raise funds to buy the gifts.

He will be distributing everything he collects the weekend before Christmas (Saturday 18th December) and he is hoping this project will be as successful as his previous venture when he delivered 365 Easter Eggs to elderly people in 2019.

According to Déaghlan

Deaghlan McGovern will distribute Christmas treats to local charities and the elderly next week.

he wants to bring a smile to people’s faces again after almost two years of Covid Social Restrictions. Many elderly residents of Carroll Mead and other residential care homes will have had very few visits and not seen

many people, so Déaghlan wants to remind them all that they are still thought about.

He set up a GoFundMe page to give family and friends in the UK and US the ability to donate & sup-

Remembrance Tree to return for Christmas The Rotary Club of Dundalk has unanimously decided to erect the Rememberance tree in the town centre in Earl Street from 18 to 24 December.The Rotarians believe that this year, more than ever, the tree should be errected because of the hardship

people have endured during the last 2 years through Covid-19.

Townspeople can attend at the tree at any time between 11am and 4.30 on the day of their choice to remember their loved ones who may be in hospital or have died during

the year or families and friends who are abroad in far away fields and cannot travel home. While at the tree they could use a mobile phone send a text message to their loved ones.

Visitors to the tree may make a voluntary

port. To date he has raised almost €500 on GoFundMe and has had over 300 Selection boxes delivered to the house, along with boxes of biscuits, sweets etc.

If you would like to help Déaghlan spread some

donation and all such donations are distributed to various charitable organisations in the town.

As is well documented all charitable organisations suffered financially so they will welcome any assistance from Rotary.

Christmas cheer you can donate a selection box or other Christmas treats to number 23 Pearse Park. You can also visit his GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme. com/f/christmas-chocolatecharity.

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Shop & Deli Assistants Apply to Box No. 213 C/O The Dundalk Leader 63 Clanbrassil Street

Dundalk Leader 8th December 2021

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‘Cost of College’ student protest

Dundalk Leader 8th December 2021

A GROUP of Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) students travelled to Dublin to take part in the USI ‘Cost of College’ protest on Tuesday, November 23.

According to DkIT Student Union President Christopher (Chacho) O’Neill students wanted to raise awareness about college fees, the housing crisis and the cost of higher education.

The Dublin protest was one of three regional student protests organised by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI).

It took place on Molesworth Street in Dublin. Meanwhile, students protested in Cork and Galway on Monday and Wednesday.

The protests are part of the USI ‘Cost of College’ campaign, which involves two sub-campaigns high-

DkIT students travelled to Dublin recently to raise awarness about what they see as unfair costs associated with going to college. lighting key issues for students: An acute lack of student accommodation, and frustration about the €3,000 student contribution charge.

Through its ‘Cost of College’ campaign, the USI is calling on the Government to

abolish the €3,000 student contribution charge.

It is also calling for the SUSI grant system to be changed, to ensure that students are fairly assessed and that the income thresholds are increased.

The union is also asking for funding and a plan to develop more affordable, purpose-built student accommodation and rent controls, as well as legislation and other necessary action to retain student accommodation beds.

Dundalk Leader 8th December 2021

Carlingford Lough Heritage Trust awarded €10,000 Carlingford Lough Heritage Trust, Louth will receive €10,000 from the St. Patrick’s Festival X TikTok Creative Fund, for their project which will create a new cultural event that will bring people of all ages and backgrounds together in Carlingford. The project will also raise awareness of the significance of the Thosel building within the town, adding greater value to the building as a historical and archaeological monument.

The fund, which was designed to support and inspire creativity in Irish communities, will be distributed to ten community groups and charitable organisations.

This €10,000 project award will support the work of these local groups in developing and delivering creative responses to their own unique community challenges. A pop-up community choir, dance workshops, heritage projects and tours, and

From left back row, Lynn Grills (Treasurer of the Trust), Brendan McSherry (Louth County Council Heritage Officer), Patricia Morrissey (Director on The Board of Trust), Gerard Quinn (Secretary of the Trust), Gerry McAlinden (Chair on the Board of Trust), front row holding the disc are Geraldine Kieran (Community Development & Heritage Manager) & Seamus Murphy (Vice Chair on the board of Trust). arts and craft therapy sessions are just some of the projects which will be supported by the St. Patrick’s Festival x TikTok Creative Fund.

This creative investment forms the final part of the €500,000 commitment made by TikTok earlier this year to support St. Patrick’s Festival 2021. This took place over six days in March through SPF TV, a dedicated online TV

channel, and an historic partnership with Oireachtas TV which brought the Festival to 1.1 million homes in Ireland during lockdown. St. Patrick’s Festival 2021 was Ireland’s most significant digital festival to date, with more than 102 million global engagements.

The St. Patrick’s Festival team will now commence work with each of the ten selected com-

munity groups to realise their ambitious creative projects.

Carlingford Lough Heritage Trust has been at the heart of local development in Carlingford since 1991. One of the heritage buildings under the care of CLHT is the iconic Tholsel Gate, the Gate that has stood in silent witness at the entrance to the street and town to the changing world within. It is the only remaining gate of this walled medieval town.

Speaking about the funding, Gerry Mc Alinden, Chairperson of Carlingford Lough Heritage Trust said: “We are absolutely thrilled and delighted to be one of the ten recipients of St. Patrick’s Festival x TikTok Creative Fund for our Tholsel Gateway to Inclusion Project in Carlingford.

It will be a creative fusion of medieval history with modern day social media.”

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Dundalk Leader 8th December 2021

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Government need to ‘get a grip’ states O’Murchú L

The government needs to ‘get a grip’ and ‘take control’ of the Covid 19 situation after a ‘disastrous fortnight of mixed messages and u-turns’, says Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú.

The Dundalk deputy said parents and families had been ‘left scratching their heads’ over the government approach to dealing with Covid 19 in the run-up to Christmas.

He said: ‘The government has to show leadership and make decisions in a timely fashion, taking into account all the factors that they have been briefed on. Messages need to be crystal clear.

‘Politicians were getting updates from news media rather than from Minister Stephen Donnelly. I, and others, have asked last week for more en-

gagement with the Opposition.

‘Schools were given less than 24 hours notice of a decision to have children aged nine and over wear masks in the classroom, while the same government stopped contract tracing in the same schools in September.

‘I raised the schools issue with Minister Norma Foley at the Education Commit-

Progress your Career

tee on Thursday and highlighted to her the messaging problem.

She said there would be flexibility and common sense used, and I really hope this is the case.

‘I also highlighted the fact that children with hearing difficulties will be finding mask wearing extra tough as they are unable to lipread their teachers or peers.

Minister Foley said

this would be taken on board.

‘The government told people who were arriving into Ireland that they needed a PCR test from Friday morning, but this was delayed until Sunday, without passengers being aware.

‘The government said there would be no PUP for those who would be out of work in the hospitality sector, but then decided to extend it.

‘This is welcome, but this combined with necessary business supports for all those who will be impacted, is urgently needed.

‘It has been a disastrous fortnight for the people of this State, wondering from hour to hour what the government is going to do next’.

The Louth TD said the government has ‘short-term fixes from week to week’, but government could have been ‘more long term’ in their thinking.

He said: ‘Covid 19 is confounding everyone, that is accepted.

But the things that have worked before, the tried and tested mechanisms to beat it back, have been somehow forgotten by this

Ruairí Ó Murchú, TD. government.

‘Testing and tracing works, and it should be reinstated in schools.

PCR testing works, and there should not be the inordinate delays in getting an appointment.

‘Antigen testing works, and it should be free and accessible.

A Ventilation measures i work, and schoolsw should be funded to geti them. Promises thatt have been made by theS government, late in the day, on ventilationM need to be delivered. t ‘And, as we haveo seen from other coun-i tries, booster vaccina-f tions work, and thisa should be ramped up 1 as much as possible t in this State beforeI Christmas. a ‘We should be in as better position than wea are when it comes tos booster vaccinations’. w n e i n p I p s

Dundalk RFC raise €10,000 for Epilepsy Ireland

D O M l p

r

Dundalk RFC Senior Squad raised €10000 for Epilepsy Ireland in memory of former teammate Caolan ‘Meego’ Meegan who passed away in May 2020. The Dundalk squad and coaches played their final home game of the season on Saturday and were joined by Meego’s parents Julie and Patrick who presented the cheque to Epilepsy Ireland Fundraising Manager Stephen Lowry.

Dundalk Leader 8th December 2021

Lost Songs of the Border

By Tamara O’Connell

A DUNDALK woman is one of four people who have been helping local communities to rediscover the Lost Songs of the Border.

Ciara Hall from Meadow Grove has teamed up with three others to restore songs in the Irish language from the 1910s, 1920s and 1930s.

“If you go back to the 1950s and 1960s, when there were still a few Irish speakers in the area, North Louth had strong ties to Armagh and South Monaghan,” said Ciara.

“A lot of material was collected and donated to libraries. For example, a shopkeeper in Crossmaglen filled notebooks with songs, poems and phrases in Irish from local people who came into the shop.

“Two men from Dundalk – Peadar O’Dubhda and Henry Morris – collected a lot of things from local people.”

She added: “Separately, musicians col-

Dr Gearóid Trimble, Colleen Savage, Ciara Hall and Patricia McCrink from the ‘Lost Songs of the Border’ project. lected songs and wrote them down. Some of them are difficult to read.

“There is a wealth of material from this time period and it’s all in Irish. We have been working on restoring the written songs to tunes.

“The songs are usually unaccompanied.

We are in the first stage of the project. We are singing the songs but

haven’t recorded it yet.”

Ciara concluded: “We held a few workshops for people who wanted to learn how to sing the songs and there was great demand. The workshops were free.

They were sold out and there was a waiting list. We held the first workshop in August in Mullaghbane, then we had another one in Inniskeen and a third in

Dundalk last week in the Oriel Centre.

“It was very positive.

There was great enthusiasm and great acoustics. There was tremendous engagement and real enjoyment.”

The Lost Songs of the Border is a crossborder project. The songs cover topics are diverse as football and work. There are also lullabies and comic songs.

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Dundalk Leader 8th December 2021

St Oliver’s Community Hospital Christmas fundraising Draw

Volunteers will be selling lines for St Oliver’s Community Hospital this Friday around Dundalk.

The generosity of the people of Dundalk is being called upon again by the Friends of St Oliver’s Community Hospital in the next couple of weeks as they sell lines for their Christmas fundraising draw.

Lines for the draw, which will take place in St Oliver’s on Friday December 17, cost €2 each or three for €5. The winners will be contacted by phone.

There are a number of tempting hampers on offer as prizes in the draw including an incredible Christmas hamper.

Volunteers from the commit-

tee will be at the Clanbrassil Centre, Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, from 9am to 5pm on Friday December 10 and again at the same times, at the Long Walk Shopping Centre, on Thursday December 16.

Chairperson of the Friends of St Oliver’s, Anne Campbell, said: ‘We are very happy to be out in Dundalk again selling lines for the Christmas draw.

‘We rely totally on the funds raised through initiatives like the Christmas draw, which we were unable to run last year because of Covid 19.

‘We hope that the people of

Contact: Eugene: 086 6666306 Office: 048 30 849708

Dundalk, who have been incredibly generous to us in the past, will support us on the days we are selling lines.

‘Every single cent raised goes directly to providing comfort measures and items for those who call St Oliver’s their home.

‘As everyone knows, residents of nursing homes have been deeply and severely impacted by the pandemic over the last nearly two years and we continue, as a group, to support the residents in St Oliver’s in every way we can’.

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Dundalk Leader 8th December 2021

Pearse Park residents create the ‘Pumping Station Fairy Garden’

By Paul Byrne

Residents from Pearse Park and the surrounding areas have created an area that they have christened ‘The Pumping Station Fairy Garden’ to bring joy and cheer to all neighbours and those passing by.

The pumping station in Pearse Park is an old building belonging to Irish Water and is part of the main pump for the sewage system around Dundalk.

Although quite an important building, visually and smell wise the building didn’t do much for the area, so with that in mind several locals from Pearse Park decided a few months back to plant some flowers around the pumping station to try and brighten up the place.

This was funded by monetary donations from people living around and near the pumping station, and by ex-residents who grew up in the area and still pass by to visit family. A local resident and

Pumping Station Fairy Garden.

a family member of a local postal worker, then made some fairy doors and houses and thus the Fairy Garden was born!

Locals, helped by a couple of special fairies called “Sparky” & “Bolt” started to add fairy lights on the trees one by one for Christmas. Donations were made to also obtain a beautiful Christmas tree which has been placed in front of the pumping station.

Neighbours and locals are gathering this Saturday (11th December) to wish each other a happy Christmas and the Christmas tree, will have red message tags added, as remembrance tags, for names of deceased neighbours, family and friends, or a wish for the year ahead if preferred.

Anyone who cannot make it but would like a Red Tag added, please let the Fairy Queen know through the Facebook page (Pumping station fairy garden) and she will make arrangements. Fairies have now taken up residence in the area and the hope is that they will be happy in Pearse Park for a very long time.

Families are invited to attend the Pumping Station Fairy Garden this Saturday evening at 7pm. Anybody attending is asked to adhere by all Covid guidelines and regulations.

Santa and two of his elves will be in attendance to meet and greet the children and there will also be some festive music played throughout the evening.

Cuchulainn Cycling Club The latest round of the Leinster CX league took place in the Beautiful grounds of Belmont Demesne in Co. Wicklow. With vital points at stake and only two rounds of the league remaining, competition was always going to be tough.

Michael O’Rourke was the first club rider on the course in the Under 12 event and just narrowly missed out on a podium place with a 4th place finish. Aidan Delaney and Shane Meegan took to the line for the under 14 boys race and both were involved in the thick of the action. The Under 14 girl’s race was once again dominated by the Cuchulainn girls with Ffion Dolan taking the win from clubmate Holly McCaffrey and Grace O’Rourke in 4th just missing out on 3rd place due to a mechanical problem.

Callum McCaffrey led the way home for Cuchulainn in the Under 16 boys with a podium finish, followed not too far behind by AJ McAreavey. Rhiannon Dolan

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Michael O’Rourke taking part in Round 7 of the Leinster CX in Wicklow.

also managed to claim the runner up spot in the girl’s under 16 event.

A number of senior club riders took part in the senior events but unfortunately no prices were collected this week.

The mid week cyclocross league has almost reached it’s conclusion as riders start to scramble for points. Callum McCaffrey made maximum advantage of his handicap as he took the win, leading almost from the start. Connor Murphy was the next

rider home with Italian based Adam Gilsenan in third. Johnny McCabe continues to sit at the top of the leader board but with only a single round remaining his lead is far from secure.

The underage league also provided some exciting racing with another impressive display from Rian McCrystal, storming his way through the entire field to take the win from league leader Eoin Davis followed by Ffion Dolan. The battle for the league win should be

decided on the last night as Darragh Murphy and Eoin Davis battle it out for overall honours.

The final podium place will also be a very competitive affair with five competitors still in contention.

Saturday December 4th will also decide the Louth cyclocross champions with racing due to start at 10am on The Bike Station course.

The racing should be exciting as many of the younger riders will be looking to upstage the older generation.

Dundalk Leader 8th December 2021

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Fitzpatrick tells Minister that DkIT is being left behind Independent TD Peter Fitzpatrick has asked Minister for Education Simon Harris for reassurances that DkIt will not be left behind in relation to the Technological University project.

Currently, DkIT and Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art and Design are the only two remaining Institute of Technology campuses remaining in the country with all other Institutes having already formed Technology University consortiums. The most recent of these has consortiums has seen Galway Mayo IT, Sligo IT and Letterkenny IT come together to form the Atlantic Technological University.

TUI members in the college have been highlighting the lack of urgency from DkIT President Michael Mulvey in entering the TU process for many years and have accused the institute of making ‘serious strategic errors’ which have resulted in the college being left behind.

Peter Fitzpatrick, TD. Earlier this year DkIT published a new vision statement outlining the road to achieving TU status but for many members of the TUI this publication was a case of too little too late. Local TD Peter Fitzpatrick echoed the TUI’s concerns while speaking on the issue in the Dáil this week.

“The technological university, TU, project has transformed higher

education across the State. With the recent announcements of the Technological University of the Shannon, the Technological University of the South East, and now the Atlantic Technological University, the national jigsaw, as the Minister has described it, is almost complete.

However, the glaringly absent piece of this jigsaw is the north-east,

and its sole higher education provider Dundalk Institute of Technology, DkIT. Four years ago, DkIT was a leading force in the TU project. What is the likely timeline by which the DkIT will take its rightful place in a once-in-a-generation, State-wide transformation of higher education?

What will the Minister say to the staff, students and prospective students, and their parents, that this key institution in my constituency will not continue to be left behind?,” asked Deputy Fitzpatrick to the Minister of Education, Simon Harris.

In response Deputy Harris assured the Louth TD that DkIT will not be left behind but admitted that he shared his former colleagues frustrations with regards to the lack of a bid from DkIT during the process of forming new Technological Universities.

“I thank Deputy Fitzpatrick for meeting me about this matter with

other Members from Louth. I assure him that the north east will not be left behind. I would have been delighted had I received an application from the north-east institute to become a technological university. I am sure the Deputy and I share that real and palpable frustration as to why when a number of other institutes of technology came together with other institute of technologies to put together their bid, none came from DkIT. That is a frustration we jointly share. Institutions need to apply to become a technological university.,” stated Minister Harris.

“At the outset, I wish to recognise sincerely the important contribution Dundalk Institute of Technology has and continues to make to Dundalk, Louth, the north east and the Border region since its establishment. In order to achieve further progress in realising the ambitions and

potential of the north east, I remain strongly committed to seeking to enable DkIT’s participation within a technological university agenda.

However, as I have said, it is very important to recognise that, consistent with the autonomy of all higher education institutions in the State and the law we passed in this House, it is a matter for the institution itself to determine its strategic direction. This discretion must, of course, be exercised in light of the legislative options available,” he explained.

“In specific terms, under section 38 of the Technological Universities Act 2018, an institute of technology and an established technological university may jointly apply to me, as Minister, for an order transferring the functions of the institute of technology to the technological university. I understand that Dundalk Institute of Technology is pursuing such a path. From

our previous meetings, the Deputy will know that I have provided specific funding through the Higher Education Authority, HEA, under the technological university transformation fund. I have also provided the expert advice of Dr. Ruaidhri Neavyn, who will work with the institute to get it where it needs to be in this regard.

“I assure the Deputy of my absolute commitment and determination to support Dundalk Institute of Technology on its journey and to work with the Deputy and other Oireachtas colleagues in Louth to make this happen. As a Border region, the area has great potential. We see that already but there is an opportunity to go much further and to harness that potential. I encourage everybody in the institute of technology to work on this matter, knowing that they have our full support on this strategic direction,” concluded the Minister.

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Dundalk Leader 8th December 2021

Win a €250 shop local prize

Your chance to win a €250 shop local voucher.

Be in with a chance to win a €250 Shop Local Prize by entering the #LookforLouth competition.

The team in the Local Enterprise Office Louth are giving away 3 prizes of €250 Shop Local Vouchers, one each for Dundalk, Ardee and Drogheda.

Thomas McEvoy of Louth’s Local Enterprise Office explains “We’re encouraging people to #LookForLouth this Christmas. We’ve got so many incredible small businesses, across the county, creating, producing and selling wonderful gifts. Small local businesses keep our towns and villages vibrant and employ thousands of local people so it’s really important to shop local. This Christmas, we’re inviting you to join in our #Lookfor-

Louth campaign by shopping local and searching local when shopping online.”

It’s simple to enter the competition to win a €250 prize.

“Find Local Enterprise Office Louth on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram and share the Look for Louth video. When you share it, tag your favourite local business, telling us why you love them and using the hashtag #LookforLouth in your post. You can enter as often as you wish, telling us all about the local businesses that you love shopping in.”

Thomas concludes “Winners will be announced on Thursday, 16th December, so get posting and best of luck!”

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Contamination in Greenmount Water Supply

Almost 4000 Irish Water customers are still unable to drink water from their taps following a ‘do not consume’ notice which was issued to residents last Wednesday.

The Greenmount Public Water Supply which serves areas including Annagassan, Castlebellingham and Dunleer was deemed not safe for consumption or the preparation of foods.

A statement from Irish Water said they served the notice to protect their customers while they look into the issue and ensure that the water is up to the required standards for drinking.

“Drinking Water Regulations are in place to ensure drinking water is to a standard to protect human health – either through direct or indirect consumption (washing / preparation of foodstuffs).

The issue is that disinfection processes at Greenmount WTP were disrupted due to a sudden deterioration in raw

water quality – the R. Dee is the source water used to produce drinking water for Greenmount PWS. Fortunately, our failsafe’s prevented water that had not been adequately disinfected enter the supply network.

Disinfection is important to ensure there is the required level of protection against harmful microbiological parameters such as E. coli.

Elevated Ammonia levels in the R. Dee was identified as the interferent that caused the

disruption to the disinfection processes.

The presence of Ammonia is potentially indicative of a potential pollution event and so there was potential that other compounds in the River Dee was by-passing treatments.

In order to swiftly ensure security of supply continued, we needed to allow water enter the network that had not been adequately disinfected.

For the above reasons, and in the absence of test results, a conservative risk

assessment approach was taken and a DNC recommended – as opposed to a BWN. IW and LCC consulted and agreed this approach with the HSE and the consumers were advised in advance that the supply was under a DNC before water was released into the supply network.

In relation to live stock and animals, it is a good idea to avoid giving tap water to your pet while a DNC notice is in place. If in doubt you should consult your local vet.

Livestock - A Do Not Consume Notice is imposed to protect human health. If you have concerns regarding your animals’ drinking water, that is subject to a Do Not Consume Notice, then you should consult your local vet.,” read the statement.

Sinn Fein TD Ruairí Ó Murchú said the do not consume notice had affected ‘every aspect’ of life in the area, with individuals, businesses and farmers contacting him seeking updates. He

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said: ‘The notice on the Irish Water website has not been updated since December 1. There is no indication as to how long this is going to last and no specifics around what they are doing to try to sort it out.

‘Irish Water has been found wanting, once more, in relation to communicating with the wider public about what is happening.

‘I have been seeking, for the last number of months, a meeting with Irish Water’s asset management team to discuss the problems in Dundalk, where there is still sporadic discolouration and problems, and have yet to get a date for this meeting’.

Got a Story?

We want to hear from you Phone: 042 932 0888 Email: editorial @dundalkleader.com

Dundalk Leader 8th December 2021

12

Tie wrap gang raise €4,800 for six local charities

A group of Dundalk FC supporters who call themselves the ‘Tie Wrap Gang’ presented six local charities with cheques for €800 on Sunday in St Helena’s Park. The group of eighteen supporters volunteer their services and tidy Oriel Park ahead of each game which is where they got their name from.

The group were formed in September 2017 when a group of likeminded passionate Dundalk FC supporters decided to go down to an away game in Cork on the train. Unfortunately, there was a train strike that weekend, so they instead organised a bus and from that moment ‘The Tie Wrap Gang’ were born. Pre-Covid the group travelled to every away league and cup game as well as attending all home games in Oriel Park. On the bus journey’s they started to do a goal time competition and any profits made were kept until the

Rose McCartney and John Hennessy (centre) receive a cheque from Donal Sweeney and Gerry King from the Tie Wrap Gang.

Paul Brown gives a cheque to Mary Mulholland, Ann Newell and Iris McGuinness from the North Louth Hospice.

end of the year before giving some money to local charities.

Speaking at the cheque handover ceremony the Tie Wrap Gang Chairman Gerry

Curtis was keen to thank three anonymous donors who each gave a decent amount of money towards the funds raised by the group.

“We raise money

every year for local charities that are close to our hearts and we are delighted to be able to hand over six cheques today for €800 apiece,” stated Gerry. “The funds

we raised this year have been topped up by three people who wanted to make donations anonymously and we thank them very much for their generosity. It’s been a tough couple of year for everybody and especially those who rely on fundraising to keep their charities going and we are delighted to be able to help them out here today,” added Gerry.

The six organisations who received cheques for €800 were Cara Cancer Care Centre, Head in the Game (which is a movement set up by Irish football fans to raise awareness of the importance of mental health across the football community), Order of Malta, Dundalk, North Louth Hospice, Dundalk Brass Band and Meals on Wheels Dundalk. Representatives from all six organisations were present to accept the cheques and thank the Tie Wrap Gang for their generous donations.

Closure of Annagassan Credit Union discussed

Sinn Féin Councillor Pearse McGeough recently hosted a meeting with Connect Credit Union to discuss the closure their Annagassan branch and as part of Sinn Féin’s on-going meetings with Credit Unions.

Connect Credit Union currently has branches in Kilsaran, Blackrock and Clogherhead and boasts around 13,500 members.

Louth Sinn Fein TDs Imelda Munster and Ruairí Ó Murchú attended the meeting and pledged their support to Connect Credit Union as they attempt to develop their services while being hampered by restrictive rules and governance as they work under the Central Bank.

Imelda Munster TD said “We want to see Credit Unions become a mainstream financial provider of products such as loans and mortgages but they are restricted by rules that need updated and upgraded. A Credit Union should not be cat-

Cllr Pearse McGeough.

egorised as just another bank, Credit Unions are community based and are ‘the people’s bank’.”

A further concern expressed by Deputy Munster was “this is yet another service being taken out of rural Louth following on the heels of the closure of the Bank of Ireland in Dunleer, leaving Dunleer with no bank or financial institution.”

Ruairí Ó Murchú TD received reassurances that local people from Annagassan would remain on the Board of Connect Credit Union to ensure the personal aspect of financial de-

cisions and that local needs are met. “When a Credit Union closes or reduces its services there is always that fear among members that there will be a loss of touch with the community. I believe that Connect Credit Union share that fear and will work towards addressing it and ensuring that does not happen.”

He also noted that Annagassan lost its Post Office a number of years ago.

Deputy Ó Murchú also discussed their community strategy and was reassured that no community application from Annagassan had been refused and the Credit Union would continue to have that connection with the community in the area.

Cllr McGeough enquired about the disposal of the Credit Union building in Annagassan expressing a preference that it remain with the community.

Cllr McGeough later described the meeting as ‘positive’.

Tie Wrap Gang helping out local charities

Gerry Curtis (left) from the Tie Wra p Gang hands over a cheque to Dundalk Brass Band members Paul Callan, Harry Bellew, Damien Reid and Garrett Doyle.

Owen Fee gives cheque to Anna Brennan from Cara Cancer

Ciaran McIntyre, Aidan Larkin, Der ek Pepper, Stephen Todd from Hea d in the Game receiving a cheque from Tie Wrap Gang mem ber Alan Gray (last on right)

well from Order of Malta Shauneen Gray and David Cald l Duffy.

Dundalk receive a cheque from Pau

Tie Wrap Gang Chairman Gerry Curtis.

Closure of nightclubs confirmed Dundalk Leader 8th December 2021

Last night saw nightclubs around town and all over the country close their doors for the final time this year as new Covid regulations kicked in.

Nightclubs will have to close from December 7th to January 9th, while bars and restaurants must revert to rules which applied prior to the easing of restrictions on October 22nd.

That means a return to table service only ,1 metre between tables and a maxi-

mum of six adults per table.

However, closing time will remain at midnight.

There will be a maximum of 50 per cent capacity at entertainment, cultural, community and sporting events indoors, which must be fully seated. A number of events have been cancelled in the wake of the latest announcement of restrictions as coronavirus disrupts Christmas for a second year in a row.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin

said he was making the decision to introduce restrictions again to prevent a serious crisis arriving at our doorsteps down the road. He urged for everybody to face the challenge together and do their best to limit contacts and contain the spread of the virus.

Other measures announced this evening, include gatherings in homes will be restricted to four households.

13

A Covid Pass will be required for gyms and leisure centres as well as hotel bars and restaurants.

The Pandemic Unemployment Payment will reopen next week to applicants who lose their jobs as a result of these restrictions.

A Commercial Rates Waiver for businesses in the hospitality and live entertainment sector has been confirmed for the first quarter of 2022.

An Táin Panto cancelled

THE Box Office Team at An Tain Arts Centre has announced the cancellation of the ‘Cinderalla’ Pantomime by Dundalk Musical Society.

In an email sent to customers on Saturday last, the Box Office Team at An Tain wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that we wish to advise our customers of the cancellation of the ‘Cinderella’ Pantomime by Dundalk Musical Society.

Rock Celtic U16 squad held a season fundraiser for Dundalk Special Olympics club and collected €400 to donate to the “Refunds will be club. The club is delighted and proud of these young players who are so supportive of our special athletes. processed automati-

cally for customers who booked their tickets online. If you booked directly through the box office or over the telephone, a member of the An Tain Box Office Team will contact you in due course to arrange a refund. “We’d like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful team at Dundalk Musical Society who have worked so hard up to this point and did not reach this decision easily.”

The Box Office Team continued: “We’d also like to thank our customers for their understanding during these uncertain times.

“If you are struggling to contact us on our box office telephone number, we appreciate your patience, as we are dealing with a high volume of queries.

“You can also email info@antain.ie and a member of our team will respond to your query as soon as we can.”

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Dundalk Chamber in association with AIB Bank held a very successful webinar with the Chief Economist of AIB Bank Oliver Mangan on the topic of the Irish Economy on activity rebounds and challenges ahead.

Oliver who has worked as an economist in financial markets since 1990, first for Davy Stockbrokers and then AIB Treasury also specialises in macro-economic forecasting and analysis of interest rate and currency markets. He worked for the Australian Central Bank in Sydney and started his career as an economist in the Irish Civil Service. He holds a master’s degree in Economic Science from UCD. In this presentation Oliver discussed the impact of Covid, the rapid recovery of the world’s economies and what the future might look like .He outlined the bank’s expectations regarding interest and currency rates over the next two to three years.

He also addressed a number of queries raised by our members.

He discussed the Northern Ireland Protocol and indicated that if the UK Government did trigger Article 16 after Christmas that the EU response would have to be proportionate.

He indicated that he expected the sterling euro rate to settle in the range 83-87. Paddy Malone indicated that we in Dundalk could live with that, but what would be difficult would be a dramatic movement such as after the Brexit vote. Oliver was quite certain that he had no expectation of that occurring.

He also indicated that AIB was open for business and would welcome any business that would need to move because of other banks withdrawing from the Irish market.

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1—In the film industry what does CGI stand for?

2—Lord Snooty was a fictional character in which comic?

3—What popular name is given to the secret military base near Roswell, New Mexico, which is associated with UFO sightings?

4—What name is given to the type of cosmetic surgery that removes fat from the human body?

5—What date associated with travelling to Dublin to do your Christmas shopping is unofficially known as ‘Farmers Day’?

6—Where in Dundalk would you find ‘Byrne’s Folly’?

7—The Nou Camp in Barcelona is the largest sports stadium in Europe and Wembley

in London is the second largest. In which city would you find the third largest?

8—Who wrote the poem ‘The Lake Isle of Innisfree’?

9—Which spirit is used to make a margarita?

10—What is the largest gland in the human body?

The Stinker—Where is the oldest city in Ireland?

—this week’s answers— 1—Computer Generated Imagery, 2—The Beano, 3—Area 51, 4—Liposuction, 5—Today.

8th December, 6—It is the tower at the site of Cuchulainn’s Castle in Castletown, 7—Dublin, Croke Park, 8—W.B Yeats, 9—Tequila, 10—The liver. The Stinker: Waterford. Founded by the Vikings in 914.

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A decade of making an impact Dundalk Leader 8th December 2021

16

For over ten years, members of RehabCare Dundalk have made a substantial impact as valued employees in many businesses across the community. Members of the service recently spoke about their experience of employment and what the support from RehabCare means to them.

Noreen from Dundalk says, ‘I work in Centra in Greenacres on Mondays and Thursdays. I’ve been there 10 years and mostly I stack shelves in the shop. I like working. It means a lot to me. I would like to keep learning new things in my job, I would like to learn to use the till. The staff and the team I work with are really nice and I’d like to thank them for everything they’ve given me. When I’m not working, I go to RehabCare.

We have lots to do there. I like everything!’

Darren attended National Learning Network and, when he finished his course, he began attending RehabCare. Darren says, ‘I have a lot of friends here in Dundalk. I’m a big Dundalk FC

fan. I have a job in the Longwalk Shopping Centre, for a day a week, I do the maintenance and cleaning there and I enjoy it. RehabCare actually helped me get the job I have now. Stephen, my key worker, he helped me get the job, he put in a good word for me. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have that job. It feels great to be working, and I know it’s hard to find jobs sometimes. I am there 10 and a half years. It gets you out of the house, it keeps you going. I think it would be boring to not have the job and it’s good to be earning money, it gives me a choice. I have money to get what I want. I get to talk to people. I like my job. They are pleased with me there; they’re always ringing me for me to come in. I’d like to say thanks to them for taking me on, and keep me working here.’

Darren says, ‘In NLN, I learned about using the computer, woodwork, cookery, job-seeking. In RehabCare, the staff here are great, they’re all very straight-forward people. I do my pro-

grammes, day trips, social trips as well; the social side too is great for me. They’re very good people - they’re my friends.’

Gerry has been attending RehabCare for over 30 years, and relishes his employment at local pub The Spirit Store.

He says, ‘I was doing the odd work, here and there.

Then Stephen in RehabCare got me a good job. I love working, it passes the time.

I think people should be in support of employment for all people, I think everyone should have a chance. We should be treated with respect and dignity. Everyone should be treated equal, fair and square. No one should be pushed aside.’

‘The staff in my job are very good to me. Having my own money is important for me. I’d like to thank Mark and all the staff in my job.

I’m 60 years of age, and when I came to RehabCare, I was 22. In RehabCare, we do dramas and I hope we do more in the future. I played Elvis in one of the dramas.

If RehabCare wasn’t here, I don’t know what it would

Joe from RehabCare Dundalk an employee of Flanagans Mace

be like, it would be boring.

It’s a good job that RehabCare is here. I’ve met so many people over the years, and it’s thanks to my friends here in Rehab.’

Joe, a member of RehabCare, has worked in Flanagan’s Mace on the Dublin Road for over 10 years. Pat Flanagan says that having Joe as an employee has created great morale among the team. Pat says, ‘Stephen from RehabCare approached us about a job for Joe and it has been really good. Joe is witty and light hearted, and he really looks forward to coming to work.

He enjoys it, and it’s good for ourselves and RehabCare to have that partnership in the community. Joe has a good rapport with the team, he’s been here 10 years, probably one of our longest employees. He knows what to do, he gets stuck in. He contributes to the workforce and to our morale, and I know my customers appreciate it too.’

Andrew Brodigan, of Brodigan’s Londis on Quay Street, has employed Alan, a member of RehabCare, for

over a decade. Andrew says, ‘We try and do as much in the community as we can.

Alan fits in with the team really well. He helps out in the kitchen, the floor, with deliveries. He’s a huge asset to the shop. He’s very important to the customers and they know him so well.’

Alan says he enjoys his work and gets stuck in with all the daily tasks. He says, ‘It doesn’t matter what I’m doing in the shop, it’s just great to be here. I like coming in.’

Other members working ten years or more with the same company are Una McNamee, an employee of Centra; Maria Pepper working in Hanlon Machinery; Margaret Feehan, working in Moran Motors; Niall Connor who works in Dundalk Credit Union; Jim Corrigan working in Applegreen, and Michael Quilty, an employee of Moorehall Lodge. The staff of RehabCare Dundalk would like to say a sincere thank you to all the employers that have worked in partnership with RehabCare and its members over the years.

Noreen from RehabCare Dundalk an employee of Centra Greenacres for over 10 years.

Ig & The Imaginaries 11th & 12th December at 1pm & 3pm

Join us in the main theatre of An Táin Arts Centre for a delightful new show presented through shadow & silhouette theatre. A wintery, filmic adventure with dramatic narration and original music that is sure to mesmerise and set your imaginations running wild!

Presented through shadow & silhouette theatre, these performers will manipulate puppets, stencils, lights, costumes and whatever else they can find, behind a cinema sized screen. *Suitable for ages 8+ Produced by An Táin Arts Centre & Supported by the Arts Council of Ireland Tickets €7 / €30 Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 kids OR 1 adult + 3 kids) (plus €1.50 booking fee per ticket) ‘Ig & The Imaginaries’ is on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th December at 1pm and 3pm.

Tickets are €7 each or €30 for a family of four, plus €1.50 booking fee per ticket. You can purchase tickets at An Táin Arts Centre’s Box office on Crowe Street, over the phone on 042 9332332 or online at www.antain.ie.

Got a Story?

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

Darren from RehabCare Dundalk an employee for over 10 years of Longwalk Shopping Centre.

Andrew Brodigan (right) of Brodigans Londis receiving a certificate from RehabCare to acknowledge the 10 year employment of RehabCare member Alan (left)

Dundalk Leader 8th December 2021

17

Family Notices novena

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). P.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). J.K. 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). J.C.

Prayer To The Holy Spirit Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads, so that I can attain my goal, you who gave me the divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me and that in all instances of my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things as you confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you even in spite of all material illusion. I wish to be with you in eternal Glory. Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine.

K.McN. PRAYER TO SAINT PADRE PIO O God, you grace saint Pio of Pietrelcina, Capuchin priest, The privilege of participating in a unique way in the passion of your son. Grant me, through his intercession, that which I ardently desire, and above all grant me the grace of living in conformity with the death of Jesus, to arrive at the glory of the resurrection. Glory be to the father… (three times). E.K.

St. Gerard Majella Novena Prayer Almighty God, from his boyhood years you blessed St. Gerard with generosity of soul, and led him to do your will in heroic ways. By your grace he lived his brief life in intense love for youand for those in need.

Hear his prayers now for us and for all poor souls in trouble. St. Gerard, friend of sinners, friend of the poor, friend of mothers and children, it is our joy and consolation to come to your novena to remember the goodness of your life, your burning sense of God your tender love for Our Lord and his mother, Mary, your kindness and care for everyone in need. Pray for us now in our time of need. Pray for us in our sickness. Pray for us in our confusion and despair. Pray for us in our struggle with life and its mysteries. Remember especially those who long for children and mothers about to give birth. Remember those who have wandered from the practice of the faith and need the grace of reconciliation. Remember all of us poor sinners in our particular needs. Amen. F.K.

Senator Erin McGreehan. or any woman, who is walking down the street.

“This past April we

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Calls for public sexual harassment to become a criminal offence Fianna Fáil Senator Erin McGreehan is reiterating her calls for catcalling and other forms of public sexual harassment to become a criminal offence. The Louth Senator is repeating her calls following reports that public sexual harassment could become a criminal offence in England and Wales.

Senator McGreehan commented, “Sexual harassment in public spaces, be it on the street or on public transport, are an everyday occurrence for women and girls.

Unsolicited shouting, whether that be socalled compliments, whistling or whatever the case may be, can be very intimidating to a young woman,

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France and Belgium have done this before and I think we have a big problem here in Ireland.”

Senator McGreehan added, “We need awareness. We need to challenge the norms and be able to stand up and call out this behaviour. When we do, however, we also need other people to say they will call it out with us. We need awareness and education, and we need to legislate.”

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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.

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18

Dundalk Leader 8th December 2021

Dundalk Gaels AGM News Nissan Leaf e+ rates maximum Last Tuesday, for the second year in a row Dundalk Gaels held their club AGM virtually via Zoom. The usual stories and craic that you would hear in any clubhouse before these events as friends and club mates come together to discuss the previous twelve months and plan for the next was once again happening on computers, tablets or phones before those logged in where asked to mute their devices so Chairman Daniel Watters could begin his opening address “It has been a difficult year for many in our club and in our community. I would like us all to remember those who we lost during the year” said Watters.

He continued “ I would like to thank all members, mentors, players, parents/guardians and administrators who helped with the running of the club throughout the year in particularly trying circumstances.

The clubhouse was effectively out of bounds for the majority of the year, fundraising was curtailed, opportunities to gather as a club were limited, however there were many positives, particularly every Thursday and Friday night since the club reopened the pitch was awash with girls and boys decked out in blue and white. This is thanks to our numerous underage mentors. Personally, thank you to all the committee for their support over the last year, and no doubt I will need it all again in the coming year. Thank you to all those who do work behind the scenes that many of us aren’t even aware of, without you our club would be in a poorer place. Particular thanks to Clodagh who has now served well over double digits as Secretary, and was also heavily involved in the successful Louth GAA house draw”.

Clodagh Culligan starting her twelveth campaign as Secretary “Firstly and most importantly we remember all those within our club who lost loved ones since our last AGM. 2021 has continued to be a challenging year for Ireland as a society and indeed for us all within Dundalk Gaels. We hope and pray that 2022 will be a much more positive year as we begin to try

Daniel Watters, Dundalk Gaels, Chairman. and live with Covid-19 and its impact on how we operate as a society” began Culligan.

“Gaelic games like all other aspects of society were once again impacted by the pandemic. To start with our adult men’s team – the club appointed Malcolm McDonnell as manager for the 2021 season. The team started the league fantastically but unfortunately the decision to remove promotion and relegation from the league resulted in momentum being lost and the league becoming a stop start affair which was very disappointing for the players and management team. We found ourselves in a relegation battle to retain our senior championship start and we did this by beating the O’Connells.

Best wishes to the players and management in 2022”.

“2021 saw an adult team of ladies return in blue and white for the first time since the mid 90’s with Niall Lambert and a team of selectors taking charge. They did incredibly well to reach the junior championship final in their first year and have laid the foundations for another great campaign in 2022. Our junior mens team only finished their season last week after reaching the league semi-finals. They had a great championship campaign and were incredibly unlucky losing to the Geraldines after extra time. Huge thanks to Ciaran Murray, his team and all the players who represented us at junior level”.

“At underage level there is no doubt we had an incredible year with all the work that has been done in recent years really starting to bear fruit. Our under 17 boys had a year to remember winning their championship after a fantastic final victory over the Newtown Blues in Dunleer – an incredibly proud day for those

players, coaches, parents and us all as a club.

Lots of those players will line out again this year at u17 which is fantastic and our u15’s also had an incredible year being bet in the semifinal of their championship so a lot of talent is no doubt making its way through the ranks. Again our girls represented the club with pride and distinction in their second year of existence. Our u14’s had a fantastic championship win and it was an incredible occasion to see the joy they experienced following their victory as well as their families – some who were new to the Gaels. Our u15 girls also deserve mention for reaching the Feile final and being so unlucky not to seal victory on the day” said Culligan She continued “The importance of community was once again evident during 2021 and as mentioned I know parents in the community were incredibly appreciative of the hard work of coaches this year ensuring children continued to have an outlet during the pandemic. A huge thanks to Ciaran Culligan who has been coaching in the Friary girls and boys school twice a week this year.

The importance of linking in with our schools and community cannot be understated and is something we must continue to work on as a club to ensure inclusion for all within our community”.

Dundalk Gaels Committee 2022 Chairman - Danny Watters Vice Chairman - Niall Morgan Secretary - Clodagh Culligan Vice Secretary - Sadhbh Lambert Treasurer - Alan Martin PRO - Ciaran Culligan Childrens officer - Noel Connolly and Elaine Hearty Irish Langauge officer - Pat McCann Committee - Walter Lambert, Niall Lambert,Stephen Faulkner, Anthony McSorley, Laura Connolly, Dick O’Callaghan, Joe Carroll, Daire O’Callaghan, Ronan Shields, Peter Fee, PJ Loughran, Brian McDonnell, Fr Keenan, Tony McBride, Ciaran Boyle, Paul Lynch, Sean McCann, David McComish.

Honorary members Tony Coleman and Peter McGahon.

in Brief

Red Cross Bucket Appeal

The local branch of the Red Cross will hold their annual bucket appeal fundraiser on Saturday 18th December. They will be collecting in various locations all over town. Please give what you can to a very worthwhile cause.

St Joseph’s GFC Lotto

No winner. Numbers: 3, 4, 13, 19. Holiday Draw Ticket winners: 1. Dillon Sharkey c/o Kieran Sharkey. 2. Joe Cluskey c/o Cluskey’s Bar. 3.

Tony & Owen Gorham c/o Gerry Gorham. 4.Costello Family c/o Declan Costello.

5. Gerry Kinahan c/o Self.

6. Aidan Gorham c/o Self.

7, Aoibhean Lynch, Online.

8. Tommy McGuinness c/o Kevin Kerr.

We are having a draw for 3 x €5,000 Holiday Vouchers on 19/12/2021. Tickets are €20 each, online at www. thejoesdraw.com or from any club member.

Louth Library Service

Moo Music Virtual Workshop: A fun interactive music session for children age 0-5 years and their parents or grandparents.

Sing, dance, play learn and have fun for Family Time at your Library. Takes place on Wednesday 8th December at 10am via Zoom. Places are limited, booking is essential.

“Elf on the Shelf”Interactive Zoom Music Workshop: Fun interactive “Elf on the Shelf” themed Christmas Workshop. The workshop will immerse children in the world of music and spirit of Christmas. Sessions take place Saturday 11th December at 11am, 1pm & 3pm via Zoom.

Places limited, booking is essential.

Nutcracker Christmas Decoration Video Workshop: Make your own Christmas nutcracker decoration with Clayotic. Kit and video link will be provided. Craft kits are limited so booking is essential. To book please email libraryhelpdesk@louthcoco.ie with your child’s name & local branch. A Family Time at your Library event.

Winter Solstice in the Boyne Valley: Step into the ancient world and celebrate the winter solstice with Anthony Murphy from Mythical Ireland. In this online talk, Anthony will focus on the goddess Bóinn and her connection with the Newgrange monument, the Brú na Bóinne complex and the Boyne River. Takes place Tuesday 21st December at 7pm, booking is essential.

For further information or to book an event Tel : 042 9353190 or Email:libraryhelpdesk@ louthcoco.ie

five stars in Green NCAP

Nissan LEAF e+ has passed the comprehensive Green NCAP assessment securing the maximum five-star rating from the independent testing body.

Established to promote the development of cars that are clean, energy-efficient and kind to the environment, the industry-leading Green NCAP initiative awarded the LEAF e+ a string of exceptional scores across its three testing parameters, reinforcing the model’s extensive sustainability credentials.

Put through its paces in real-world and laboratory tests according to thorough clean air, greenhouse gas and energy efficiency standards, the zero-emission LEAF e+ achieved a perfect rating in the first two assessments.

Underscoring the intelligent design of the fully electric 62kWh powertrain, the LEAF e+ secured 9.9/10 for its impressive energy efficiency performance, with Green NCAP

The Nissan Leaf e+.

highlighting its innovative e-Pedal with regenerative energy technology.

Marco Fioravanti, Region Vice President, Product Planning, Nissan AMIEO, said: “Since the model’s launch as the first mass-market electric vehicle in 2010, the Nissan LEAF has made sustainable, zero-emission mobility an attainable reality for hundreds of thousands of customers around the world.” Dave Moss, Region Senior Vice President, Research & De-

velopment, Nissan AMIEO added: “The maximum five-star rating for the LEAF e+ awarded

by Green NCAP is a powerful testament to the quality of the product, and the extensive expertise that Nissan has gained throughout a pioneering decade of innovation in electrification. I want to thank the whole Research & Development team which made this achievement possible.”

As the culmination of 10 years of development for the LEAF, the LEAF e+ offers customers a comprehensive blend of efficient electric power and intelligent driver assistance technologies.

The model’s 62kWh powertrain yields up to 385km of range under the WLTP combined cycle, while the innovative e-Pedal allows drivers to accelerate, decelerate and stop using one pedal – maximising efficiency on the move.

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Dundalk Leader 8th December 2021

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Dundalk Leader 8th December 2021