09-02-2022 by Peter Kierans

DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Dundalk FC link up with Women’s Aid

Christina speaks about epilepsy

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Isabelle wins Rotary leadership award Page 9

Wednesday, 9th February, 2022. Vol. 15, Issue 6 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Loss of Barry shocks GAA community

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

By Paul Byrne

The Dundalk Young Irelands club and wider GAA community were left shocked and saddened this week following the untimely and unexpected passing of Barry McDermott on Sunday. Tributes have been pouring in from all over the local GAA community and further afield for Barry who was described as ‘the gold standard of GAA club chairman’ by fellow Young Irelander Adrian O’Donoghue. According to Adrian, Barry will be impossible to replace and his death has left everybody involved in the club in complete shock. “We received the terrible

news on Sunday morning that Barry had died suddenly following a heart attack and we were all shocked upon hearing the news. Barry was the driving force of our club, a great friend to many and we are thinking of his wife Tara and son Oisin right now. He was a massive personality and he set the standard for club chairman in this county. He was the gold standard without doubt. His selflessness for the club he loved was remarkable. Hours and hours of endless work behind the scenes to make our club the very best it could be and all this as well as running his very successful car driving school ‘El Passo’,” explained Adrian. Continued on Page 2

The late Barry McDermott.

“Chimney Corner” Ard Easmuinn Rd, Dundalk.

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Loss of Barry McDermott shocks GAA community Dundalk Leader 9th February 2022

From Page 1 “He came in as chairman nine years ago and the club were in a bad way. We had financial problems like many other clubs following the recession and Barry took on all those problems and did the jobs nobody wanted to do and it is because of his total focus and drive that the club is in such a good place now. The club has doubled in size over the last couple of years and again that is down to Barry who introduced a ladies senior team into the club which has been a huge success. “He has left such a huge legacy at the club in such a short amount of time and it would take five people to try and do the work he has done for this club over the years. He had this brilliant ability to inspire people and make them want to be better and he was able to talk to anybody whether they be seven or seventy. I played with Barry when we won the intermediate championship in 1996,” recalled Adrian.

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Barry McDermott with his wife Tara and son Oisin. “I can remember before that final we were nervous as we had lost two finals in previous years and somebody said to us to sing a song to lighten the mood. Barry stood up and sang Killing me Softly by the Fugees

and it just lightened the mood for everybody and we went out and won our first intermediate championship that day. That song has become the club’s anthem since then and whenever we are out celebrating as a club

or have a big game the team will always sing that song. “He was our goalkeeper, our treasurer, our chairman and most importantly our friend and he will be very badly missed around here,” he concluded.

A man appeared in court on Monday morning charged in connection with a dangerous driving incident in Dundalk which left two gardaí hospitalised over the weekend. Tw e n t y - y e a r - o l d Cormac Murphy, of St Killian’s Park, Whitecross, south Armagh, was arrested on Sunday morning in relation to the incident. Garda Daniel O’Connor gave evidence of arresting the accused at 6.19am yesterday and later charging him at 7pm with five counts of dangerous driving. The offences are alleged to have been committed at Crowe Street, Jocelyn Street, the Point Road, Barrack Street and Red Cow, Dundalk. Gardaí arrested the

twenty-year old male in relation to the incident of dangerous driving which occurred In Dundalk in the early hours of Sunday 6th February. Shortly after 4:00am, Gardaí encountered a vehicle travelling erratically on Park Street. The vehicle failed to stop when requested to do so by Gardaí. A managed containment operation ensued which came to a conclusion shortly before 4:30am at a roundabout in the townland of Redcow, Dundalk when the offending vehicle collided with an official Garda vehicle. Two members of An Garda Síochána, were brought to Our Lady of Lourdes Drogheda to be treated for their injuries.

A man and two women, all aged in their 20s, the passengers of the offending vehicle were brought to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital as a precaution. Judge Eireann McKiernan remanded the accused on his own bond of €200 with an independent surety of €7,000, with €5,000 cash to be lodged, to the 23 March for the directions of the DPP. As part of the bail terms he must sign on daily at Dundalk Garda Station, remain intoxicant free, give an undertaking not to apply for any travel documents, provide a mobile phone number to gardaí on which he can be contacted at all times and attend his GP for medical attention.

Twenty-year old male charged in connection with dangerous driving

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Dundalk Leader 9th February 2022

Dundalk FC and Women’s Aid join forces to take a stand against domestic abuse Ann Larkin, manager of Women’s Aid in Dundalk, has welcomed the link up with Dundalk FC to raise awareness of domestic abuse and has called the link up a fantastic way to help educate and empower young men. Dundalk FC along with Women’s Aid, Dundalk will take part in a month-long campaign to raise awareness of issues around domestic abuse and there will also be a bucket collection outside Oriel Park on the 18th of February before the club’s first game of the season against Derry City. All proceeds will go to Women’s Aid. Players from both teams will wear t-shirts in the warm up with the women’s aid logo on it and there will be a social media campaign by the club in the five days leading up to the match. This campaign will celebrate female supporters, players and club members. According to Ann she was delighted to accept the offer to

join forces with Dundalk FC to help spread awareness of the devastating effects on families from domestic abuse. “Martin Connolly from Dundalk FC contacted me and invited me to have a chat with him which I was delighted to accept. I think this is an amazing opportunity for Women’s Aid to reach a wider audience and use the wide reach that a club like Dundalk FC has in our community. I know the club are back

in local hands now and they are very keen to strengthen connections in the community and I’m delighted that Martin and everybody up in Oriel Park picked us as the first community group they wanted to work alongside. “The club and the players have a big influence on many of the young men around our town and if they see their favourite players or the manager of the team speaking out against domestic abuse it is going to have a

positive effect. We want to educate these young men and try and empower them to speak up when they feel that their friends have said something out of line or something that is disrespectful to women. At the moment a lot of men would maybe feel uncomfortable calling this type of behaviour out but we need to change that and empower these men so that it is the people making the disrespectful remarks who end up feeling uncomfortable,” explained Ann. “The murder of Ashling Murphy in Tullamore has helped start a conversation nationwide about the way some men treat women and now we need to help educate and encourage societal change. I am very proud that Dundalk have chosen to try and help make that change and we would be more than happy to team up with any other sporting organisations around town to help spread that message,” concluded Ann.

NTA must reverse decision and give commuters a flexi tax-saver ticket

Fine Gael Senator John McGahon is calling for the National Transport Authority (NTA) to reverse its decision not to introduce a three-day tax-saver ticket for those planning to engage in a mix of remote and officebased working. The National Transport Authority has confirmed it is no longer considering a flexi tax-saver ticket and is now looking at other options. Senator McGahon, who is now calling on Minister Eamon Ryan to intervene, said, “I am extremely disappointed that the NTA is pulling the plug on introducing a flexi tax-saver ticket for commuters at the 11th hour. “The concept of the three-day tax-saver ticket is something for which I have advocated since my first week in the Seanad. For the last 18 months I have been in communication with the NTA who confirmed, at every stage, that it wanted to introduce such a ticket, and was working out

Senator John McGahon.

the technical aspects of implementing it. “At one stage, the Authority queried if this would require legislative change, and I enquired with Minister Paschal Donohoe and his officials who confirmed that no legislative change would be required. “At no stage did the NTA say this would not be feasible and in October 2021, it confirmed it had worked out the detail and would be introducing a flexi ticket at the end of Q1/start of Q2 2022. “I urge the NTA to reconsider the decision

they have taken this week. It is completely unacceptable and deeply unfair to thousands of commuters from around the country who are having to fork out money on monthly and annual tickets, when they may only be travelling to the office for two or three days a week. “We need a more innovative approach to ticketing to better serve the needs of commuters for whom the working week has changed utterly since Covid-19. More and more people are working from home and we need to reflect

what has become the new working norm. “The Government is committed to encouraging the use of public transport as part of our fight against climate change. Commuters who only need a ticket for part of the week will simply not be motivated to use public transport due to the money they would have to waste on a full ticket. I am now seeking an urgent meeting with the NTA and the Minister for Transport, Climate, Environment & Communications Eamon Ryan. This needs to be resolved and some sort of flexi ticket system needs to be introduced for commuters as soon as possible. “They say never waste a good crisis but if the NTA fails to reverse this decision it will be wasting the opportunity presented by the pandemic to give commuters more flexibility and value for money, and encourage better use of public transport,” Senator McGahon concluded.

Dundalk Leader 9th February 2022

HSE Excellence Award to Public Health Department, North East

Displaying the Excellence Award Certificate to Public Health Department is Dr Bernadette O’Keefe and her colleagues from Public Health North East.

The HSE Excellence Award Certificate to Public Health Departments for the Health Services response to COVID-19 took place on Zoom last week.

In presenting the excellence Award Dr Colm Henry, HSE’s Chief Clinical Officer, acknowledged that “Hundreds of hardworking staff in every region,

including doctors, nurses, surveillance teams, contact tracers and administrative staff, have played a unique role throughout the COVID-19 pandemic”.

Dundalk Leader 9th February 2022

Christina talks about living with epilepsy DUNDALK woman Christina O’Boyle has spoken about living with epilepsy in the run up to International Epilepsy Day. International Epilepsy Day – a major day for epilepsy awareness across the globe - is due to take place on Monday, February 14. Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behaviour, sensations and sometimes loss of awareness, according to the Mayo Clinic. Christina, a motherof-three from Ard Easmuinn told the Dundalk Leader that she had her first epilepsy seizure in 2009 when she was 58-years-old. “I had asthma and when I felt unwell, I put it down to my asthma. The first time I had a seizure I was preparing the

Christina O’Boyle. evening meal and I just dropped to the floor,” she said. “I hadn’t eaten all day and I just collapsed suddenly and unexpectedly. I thought it was an asthma attack. “When I regained consciousness my son and husband lifted me off the floor. When I was told what happened I was shocked.” Christina explained that she underwent a series of tests at a hospital but she was discharged without a diagnosis. She didn’t receive a

diagnosis of epilepsy until March 2010 while on holidays in Spain after she experienced a second seizure. “I fell from the chair I was sitting on directly on to the floor. An ambulance was called and I spent four days in ICU and I was informed by a neurologist that I had epilepsy,” said Christina. “It was scary. I realise now if a person is feeling unwell and has an underlying condition, don’t assume it’s that. It could be anything.” She added: “Life hasn’t changed an awful lot since my diagnosis. I love music and I still play the piano-accordion with Scale Force and Oriel Traditional Orchestra. “I just have to be well organised. When I was first diagnosed it affected my confidence. I was worried I’d have a seizure but as time went on gradually my confidence increased.

“I always carry emergency medication and I wear an epi alert bracelet. I do my best to make sure I don’t get over tired too. “Some people are uncomfortable and unsure as to how best to assist someone having a seizure. I’d advise members of the public not to restrain a person having a seizure.” Christina continued: “If you are a witness then time the seizure and if it lasts longer than five minutes, call an ambulance. When the seizure is over, place the person on their side. “When they come to just reassure them. Tell them they have had a seizure and that they will be okay. It should be taught at schools, colleges and workplaces. “I want the public to know that it is a manageable condition. It’s important to create awareness and to de-stigmatise epilepsy.”

LMETB Open Day this Friday The Louth and Meath Education and Training Board is hosting an Open Day on Friday, February 11 from 10am

to 1pm in Chapel Street, Dundalk. Are you considering a return to education full-time or part-time? The Open Day

will give you the chance to pop in and see what courses are on offer, and to ask any questions you may have.

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Dundalk Leader 9th February 2022

More needs to be done to curb the cost of living—O’Murchú

The government needs to ‘step up and help mitigate the pain’ of the cost of living, according to Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú who told the Dáil last week that the €100 payment off electric bills next month ‘just won’t cut it’. The Dundalk TD was speaking during a debate on the Electrical Cost Emergency Measures Bill on Thursday. He said that while ‘everyone accepts there is an absolute crisis here in the cost of living’ and the ‘government does not have full control over it’, more needs to be done to ‘mitigate the pain’.

Deputy Ó Murchú said: ‘We are also hampered in this State because we are living with some of our primary sins in the cost of housing, rentals in particular, and childcare. ‘Until we address them, we will not be dealing some of the vast issues we have with poverty and the pain that people are going through. ‘We have some sort of solution here with the €100 and many people will be very glad to get it. ‘We have to allow that this will not cut it and that there may be a need for a further amount at a later

Ruairí Ó Murchú. stage. This is about mitigating the pain that is out there. ‘This is no different from what happened

during the Covid-19 pandemic period, which is about the State stepping up to the mark. We have to give full facility to be able to deliver that. ‘I accept that there are difficulties in targeting this and aiming it at those who need it. That is an issue we need to deal with in the systems, including database systems, at later stages and times so that we will have those options open to us’. The government, he said, should be looking at not adding to carbon tax. He said: ‘We need to look at home heating, fuel, excise and

VAT and to really say that we cannot afford to add any increases in carbon tax. ‘We need to have a conversation with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. There needs to be a discretionary fund. ‘We are all reliant on community organisations such as the Society of St Vincent de Paul, the Simon Community and Save Our Homeless Dundalk, where there are many people doing great work. ‘It is not, however, enough as the State needs to step up to the mark and it needs to offer whatever mitigations it can’.

New garda uniforms

Shirts and ties have been ditched in favour of polo shirts, waterproof jackets and operational trousers as the Garda uniform got a major overhaul this week. Over the next number of weeks this new operational uniform will be delivered to over 13,000 uniform members of An Garda Síochána of Garda, Sergeant and Inspector rank across every Garda Region, Division, District and in excess of 560 Garda stations nationwide. The new uniform has been described by An Garda Síochána as contemporary, and incorporates elements such as durability, protection and functionality. A key finding of the internal Garda Cultural Audit 2018 was a desire from front-line Gardaí for a new, practical operational uniform. Over 6,500 members of An Garda Síochána contributed to the findings of the Cultural Audit. The new Garda Uniform is also a key recommendation outlined in the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland Report, ‘A Police Service For Our Future’.

At a later date, the Garda Commissioner will announce a formal ‘golive’ date when this new uniform will become the operational uniform for daily duties, currently expected to be in March 2022. As An Garda Síochána approaches the 100th anniversary of its establishment, this is only the third time in that century that a formal upgrade of the Garda uniform has taken place. The new uniform will consist of: Two tone Soft Shell Jacket; Two Tone Waterproof Jacket; Garda Blue Polo Shirt; Operational Trousers; Practical Base layers.

QUIZ 1—Can you name the Cavan golfer who became the first Irish golfer ever to win on the US ladies golf tour last weekend? 2—What is sometimes called the ‘male hormone’? 3—What was the name given to the hurricane that struck New Orleans in August 2005? 4—What element is identified as K on the periodic table? 5—What name is given to the group of animals which are equally comfortable on land as in the water? 6—In the classic TV show, ‘Grizzly Adams’, what was the name of Grizzly Adam’s bear? 7—Dundalk was at one time the shoe capital of Ireland with at one stage five shoe factories operational in the town. Can you name three of them?

8—If you add the sides of a pentagon, heptagon and octagon what number will you get? 9—In what year was ‘Gone With the Wind’ released? 10—Louth is the smallest county by area in Ireland but what is the second smallest? The Stinker—Bumbling Inspector Clousseau was often attacked by his manservant when entering his home, what was the manservant’s name?

answers 1—Leona Maguire, 2—Testosterone, 3—Katrina, 4—Potassium, 5—Amphibian, 6—Ben, 7—Hallidays, Clark’s, Rawsons, Connolly’s and Weyenberg. 8—20, 9—1939, 10—Carlow. The Stinker—Cato.

Dundalk Leader 9th February 2022

Family Notices novena

novena

Novena To The Sacred Heart Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). A.D. 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.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). K.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). S.P.

Our Weekly Deadline For Family Notices is 4pm Fridays prior to Wednesday Publication. Contact Noeleen for further information. Tel 042 9320888

Isabelle wins Rotary Youth Leadership Award

Stephen Fealy (Dundalk Credit Union), Stephen Gunne (Rotary Club President), Jonathan Graham (Principal, Grammar School), Isabelle Janssen, Sean O’Hanrahan (Rotary Club), Alan Norton (Grammar), Gay Berkery (Rotary Club). Rotary Club of Dundalk is delighted to announce that Dundalk Grammar School student Isabelle Janssen was one of two winners in the Local Regional Final of the Rotary Youth Leadership competition. Isabelle who lives in Annagassan, formerly of the Netherlands, will now join 14 other winners from regional finals all over Ireland in Belfast for two days on Sunday, March 6 and Monday, March 7. The winners will have an introduction session, dinner, a visit to the Titanic exhibition and Stormont where they will

meet officials and MLAs. They will then travel by bus to a Dublin hotel where on Tuesday, March 8 they will visit Dáil Eireann, and visit to European Parliament Liaison office in Mount Street and have lunch with officials. They will then have a debating session on Youth Leadership topics before returning home. They will have a leadership debate on March 31 and April 1 in the historic Masonic Hall in Molesworth Street in Dublin and will meet the Minister for Education, Norma Foley, and some members of the

European parliament. Then a feedback session for finalists from an independent panel before departure for home. The President of Dundalk Rotary Club Stephen Gunne and Dundalk Rotary Club Youth Co-ordinator Sean O’Hanrahan would like to congratulate Isabelle on her wonderful achievements; and her Career Guidance Counsellor teacher Alan Norton. Gay Berkery, Dundalk Rotary Club PRO wishes to thank Dundalk Credit Union and Ballymascanlon House Hotel for their continued sponsorship.

PROPERTY/RENTALS

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special services CHIMNEY & STOVE CLEANING—Tel Paul McArdle 042 933 2491 / 087 666 0094 Email tribalky@yahoo.com <mailto:tribalky@ yahoo.com>. CHIMNEY CLEANER—The Clean sweep, clean & tidy, no dust. Brush & Vac. Also gutter cleaning. Contact - Cathal 087-2259799. ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE to over 60,000 readers for only €5 per week up to 20 words Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888. WE CAN DISTRIBUTE your leaflets from €75 + vat per thousand Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888. WINDOW CLEANING—Gutter & facia cleaning carried out by professional, fully trained and insured staff. Affordable rates. Domestic & Commercial. Call our office for a free quotation. Everkleen 042 935 2717 or 086 829 3585. www.everkleenservices.ie <http://www.everkleenservices.ie>. HOUSE & APARTMENT CLEANING Service. Specializing in Re-Let & Spring Cleaning, Carpet & Upholstery cleaning. Fully insured. For a free quotation contact Everkleen 042 9352717 / 087 6873188, www.everkleenservices.ie <http://www.everkleenservices.ie>. TILER AVAILABLE—Experienced local tiler to carry out all types of tile work - marble, granite, porcelain. Indoors and out. Call 087-387-8995 for free quote. GRIMLEY’S DUBLIN ST. DUNDALK— Televisions, TV aerials, satellite, Freeview & Saorview, new installations, sales, service & repairs. Free estimates 042 935 4343. DUNDALK GARDEN SERVICES—Tree topping, felling, hedge trimming, grass cutting & strimming. Rubbish Removals/Garage clearance, House & Garden refuse. Permit holder. Contact Ben 085-840-7707. FORTUNE TELLER—Available for appointment, private or group bookings. Tel. Alison 042 933 5102 or 087-67-51229. ROOF LEAKS MASTER—We repair all types of roof/tile, slate, bangor blues. Repair torch on roofs, scrape & clean, chimneys & chimney pots, chimney bird guards, gutter facia & soffits. All work guaranteed, 25 years experience. Tel. 086 818 4827.

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Dundalk Leader 9th February 2022

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Dundalk Leader 9th February 2022

Metals

Skips

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St Vincent’s was delighted to welcome the Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris to the school this week. He spoke to 6th year students about changes to the CAO and pathways to further education. Students were also able to participate in a very engaging Q&A with Minister Harris.

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Minister Simon Harris visits St Vincent’s Secondary school

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BUY IT THROUGH A CLASSIFIED

A Loving Relationship with Self with Helen Corbett: The global pandemic has brought many to reflect on the quality of the lives they are living and on the quality of their relationships. In this virtual talk, Helen will explore how a loving relationship with self underpins the quality of our lived lives and our relationships and that it is possible to come to an easeful and joyful place in life. Helen Corbett has a background in Psychology and Co-Creational Psychotherapy. She currently works with groups and does one to one counselling. This talk takes place via Zoom on Thursday 10th February at 7pm. Booking is essential, Tel 042 9353190 or Email libraryhelpdesk@ louthcoco.ie to reserve a place.

St Finian’s School Lotto

St Finians School in Dunleer have launched a lotto as a means of fundraising in the school. Jackpot increases weekly up to €2000. First draw 10th February 2022. Join now by going to the link www.ourfundraiser .ie/org/ stfiniansdillonstown

Our Lady of Lourdes Triduum

Triduum to Our Lady of Lourdes will take place in the Friary Church, Anne. St. Dundalk on Wednesday 9th, Thursday 10th and Friday 11th at 10am and 6:15pm each day. Anointing of the sick will take place on Friday at both masses with Fr Luuk Jansen. For more information go to www.friary.ie

Minister Visits St Vincent’s

Set Dancing Classes

Set dancing classes will take place every Tuesday in Clan Na Gael Hall in Dundalk at 8:30pm. Classes are for all ages and beginners are welcome. For further details call 0872217494.

Got a Story? We want to hear from you Phone: 0429320888 Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com

Dundalk Leader 9th February 2022

Louth Mavericks 2022 season to begin in March

After losing 2 season’s to the Covid-19 pandemic the Louth Mavericks American Football Club are finally returning to the gridiron to play in their first league game since June 2019. The Mavericks will be playing in the AFI Division 2 this season with the goal of rebuilding the club postcovid and winning promotion to regain their status as a Division 1 team next year. The Mavs will be kicking off their season by reigniting their local rivalry with the Meath Bulldogs who they haven’t faced off against since 2016, the game will take place in Athboy RFC on March 13th at 1PM. They then play their first home game at the Dundalk RFC against the Antrim Jets on April 3rd at 2PM and supporters are welcome & encouraged to come down and cheer them on. This is followed by

away trips to Belfast & Malahide to take on the NI Razorbacks (April 24th) & North Dublin Pirates (May 1st) before returning home to face the Causeway Giants (May 22nd) and reacquainting themselves with the Bulldogs (June 12th).The Playoffs will take place on July 17th

& 31st and Louth Mavericks will hope to be involved but nothing is guaranteed in football and, as Al Pacino said, “On any given Sunday you’re gonna win or you’re gonna lose.” Speaking after the schedule release Louth Mavericks President Aidan Carr said “We

are extremely excited to have American Football back after a 2 year absence. We are currently in a rebuild year and are actively recruiting and welcome anyone over the age of 18 to come down and give American Football a try. The Louth Mavericks continue to prepare for the season training biweekly on Thursday evenings in DKIT Sport at 7pm and on Saturday mornings on the DKIT Outdoor pitches at 10am. They are always looking for new members and no previous experience is required; it is a great way to keep fit and try a new sport in 2022. So, get in touch with them on social media where they are @LouthMavericks or just show up to a training session, you will be welcomed with open arms and you’ll soon know what it means to be a Maverick. #BewareTheBull

The Dundalk Lions Club send their appreciation to Aisling Carthy from Fighting Fit, Personal Training Studio,, for her generous donation. “Our thanks to all the Fighting Fit members who attended Aisling’s Karma Yoga, every Sunday, and raised €1000. Aisling says she is “delighted to see the money go towards such important work” Pat Byrne, President Dundalk Lions “This is an excellent fundraiser for us and contributes to the costs of our recent Food Voucher Appeal “

Blackrock Tidy Towns finally got their hands on the physical award for their recent Gold medal success in the National Tidy Towns competition. Retaining its Gold Medal status in the competition, Blackrock Tidy Towns have now achieved a total of six gold medals in the Tidy Towns competition. The effort of all who contributed to the achievement of this significant award must be acknowledged. Thanks to our committee, volunteers, sponsors, local authority, the Fane CE scheme and all residents and traders who present their properties so well. Here’s hoping 2022 will be at least as good. Blackrock Tidy Towns have a core committee which meets monthly and take responsibility for the presentation, appearance, and develop-

ment of the village for the following 12 months on behalf of the entire Blackrock community. There are also have a large group of Tidy Towns volunteers who undertake litter control, maintenance of flower and shrub beds, and other community and development work around the village. The Fane Community Employment Scheme is

Hill Street, Dublin Rd., Dundalk.

042 9331515/086 2559201

Witness appeal for cable theft in Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath

An Garda Síochána is appealing for information from the public arising from the theft of telephone cable in the Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath areas in recent months. In the past six months there have been 66 incidents of cable theft nationwide. The vast majority of these have occurred in the Cavan / Monaghan, Louth and Meath Garda divisions. These cables are likely being targeted for copper contained within the cable itself. The theft has not only resulted in significant loss to the affected telephone provider – in these cases Eir - but has also greatly impacted the

Blackrock TT finally get their hands on gold medal

public by way of telephone and internet service outages. These thefts have to date been primarily occurring in rural locations and when these cables are removed it can take two to three days in some cases to restore phone and internet services to affected households. This crime has a detrimental effect on older more vulnerable individuals living in rural communities as the loss of a phone service can significantly impact on their ability to access emergency services, medical alarm services and other supports. To date more than 1,500 households have had their services dis-

rupted due to thefts of this nature nationwide. An Garda Síochána is today issuing an appeal to the public for assistance and is asking for vigilance in relation to this type of theft. Sgt Michael Duffy, Crime Prevention Office for Cavan/ Monaghan Division said, “An Garda Síochána wish to advise that works on telephone cables do not take place during the hours of darkness and that if the public notice activity on telephone cables at night they should treat this as unusual and make contact with their local Garda Station or call 999”.

a mainstay of the groups activities in Blackrock. Personnel from the scheme undertake daily litter patrols of all public roads, streets and beaches in the village, as well as keeping all our grassed and landscaped areas under control. We also receive assistance from personnel from the Probation Service, as well as from many local organisations.

In the 2021 National TT competition Blackrock was named Louth’s Tidiest Town and received a Gold Medal winner – its 6th to date. Blackrock is currently in joint third place in the competition, only two points behind the overall winner Ennis. The village also holds the title of Louth’s tidiest town in the annual “Louth Looking Good” competition.

Dundalk Leader 9th February 2022