ARD EASMUINN ROAD, DUNDALK. PHONE 042 935 7296. dunnesmonumental@gmail.com.
Traders to endure pain before the gain
By Paul Byrne
The news that Bridge Street is set to close for four months to facilitate the St. Nicholas Quarter regeneration works has been largely welcomed but some traders have expressed concerns about the effects the closure will have on their businesses.
Bridge St. will close from 8am Monday 12th August until 5pm Friday December 6th. The road will close from its junction with Patrick Street to its junction with the Castletown Road.
Joanne Lavelle from Michael Lavelle Estate Agents in Bridge Street is also part of the Bridge Street and St
Nicholas Quarter Traders Group and has been campaigning for years to have the street involved in regeneration works that have seen Clanbrassil Street and Church Street receive makeovers in recent years.
The group were left bitterly disappointed in 2018 when they missed out on funding under Project Ireland 2014 and had to watch on as Clanbrassil Street and the St Nicholas Quarter were upgraded while Bridge Street and Linenhall Street remained untouched. Now however, work is finally due to start in Bridge Street and according to Joanne this can only be described as great news. Continued on Page 2
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Kate realises Olympic dream
DUNDALK will be represented at this summer’s Olympic Games after it was confirmed that local heptathlete Kate O’Connor had secured her place on the Irish team.
Kate who competes in the Heptathlon will compete at her first Olympics just a year after competing in her first senior World Championships. Kate who is coached by her father Michael, has long held ambitions of competing on the biggest stages after traveling to London with her parents to watch the summer Olympics in London in 2012. She was only 11 years of age at the time but knew immediately that one day she wanted to be out there on the track performing under the brightest of lights on the biggest of stages.
O’Connor secured her spot at the Olympic Games via the points quota system and the Irish record holder will be looking to match or better her excellent performance in Budapest at the Worlds last year where she finished 13th. She is also a Commonwealth Games silver medalist having represented Northern Ireland at the games in 2022.
The Belfry Gardens native is a member of St Gerard’s AC in Dundalk and former St Vincent’s Secondary School student.
She narrowly missed out on making the Irish Olympic team in 2021 when they were held in Tokyo but since then has worked tirelessly to ensure there wouldn’t be disappointment this time around. Kate is the Irish
Heptathlon record holder with a points total of 6297 which she achieved in 2021 in Italy. She also obliterated the Irish indoor pentathlon record in Clermont last year with a score of 4,396 points. The 23 year old has been
in very good form in recent months and finished in second place in a competitive field at the Mehrkampf meeting in Germany back in May.
Day 1: 100m hurdles, high jump, shot putt and 200m.
Day 2: long jump, javelin and 800m.
The heptathlon (women) consists of three running events, two jumping events and two throwing events, all carried out over two days.
Traders have to endure pain before the gain
From Page 1
“It is good news obviously and very much needed as this part of town has been ignored for decades. The condition of the street is not good at all and regeneration works are essential. It’s a narrow street so unfortunately that means it will potentially be more disruptive than it was on Clanbrassil Street when that street was getting upgraded.
“There are going to be disruptions and traders here in Bridge St. will be effected so we are calling on the contractors to work with businesses and keep us informed with progress reports and weekly meetings. This will be a case of short term pain for long term gain and we are going to have to put up with whatever disruptions are coming our way,” stated Joanne.
“These works are not just going to af-
fect Bridge St, they will affect traders al over town. Remember, Linenhall St. feeds the entire high street of traffic so there is going to be gridlock in parts of town which is going to be frustrating for people. But as I said, these works are something we’ve been campaigning for for years and when it is done it will bring a whole new spark to this area. There is so much potential here and now we have a chance to finally unlock it.
“But again, I would ask that the council keep in touch with traders and keep us in the loop as the next few months are going to be frustrating for businesses down this end of town,” added Joanne.
Sheila Meehan, who owns and runs the popular Northend Bar on Bridge Street with her husband Paul, also welcomed the news that
work was due to begin but expressed concerns over the short term effects for the couples business.
“Obviously I am delighted that this is finally going to happen and it is long overdue but with that delight comes anxiety over what effect this will have on our business. The street will be closed for four months which will have a huge effect on our off sales in the early evening. We would have regular customers who would generally park up outside the pub and buy from the off license but we are going to miss all that and people will find other places in the meantime. With regards to deliveries of kegs and stock I have no idea what is going to happen. I assume some sort of arrangement will be made to assist us but nobody has been in touch with us yet so
I don’t know what will happen there. It’s going to be tough and we are going to have challenges but again I will say that we both know that this is a good thing for the area and of course we welcome it,” stated Sheila.
It was a similar story for the owner of Wiltons Takeaway on Bridge St who welcomed the news while expressing concerns for her business over the next few months.
“It’s going to be difficult. We are going to lose customers. The road being closed will mean it will be more difficult for our customers to get to us as they will have to park on a different street and walk over to Bridge St. People like convenience and I would guess many will go elsewhere. We were not informed that this was happening and I only read it on facebook
at the same time as everybody else. I know work on the street is needed but that doesn’t stop us worrying about the effects it will have on our business over the next few months,” she stated.
A statement from Louth County Council laid out the objectives of the upcoming works while ensuring that a liason officer will soon be appointed to meet with all residents and businesses affected in the area.
St Nicholas Quarter Regeneration Scheme seeks to continue the positive work delivered on Clanbrassil street and deliver on the following objectives:
To enhance the pedestrian and cycling experience
To reduce the dominance4 of vehicles
Realignment and resurfacing of carriageway
Create more crossing points to improve pedestrian safety Rationalise parking Introduce more street trees and greening of the area Glas Civil Engineering Ltd are the appointed contractor and a Liaison Officer will soon be appointed by them to meet with all residents and businesses affected in the area and details will be circulated. It is intended that there will be ongoing meetings with the community to ensure that they are fully informed of the phased works and accommodated as feasible during the road closure. It is intended to accommodate deliveries and church events through a manned road closure to manage vehicle movements during working hours and accommodation provision will be in place outside those hours.
Kate O’Connor will realise a lifelong dream later this month when she competes at the Paris Olympics.
An Tánaiste voices frustrations over progress made into investigation of death of Pte Seán Rooney
TÁNAISTE Michael Martin has voiced his frustrations with the progress made thus far into the death in Lebanon of Private Seán Rooney. The 24-year-old was stationed with the 27th Infantry Battalion at Aiken’s Barracks in Dundalk and was killed in an ambush in Lebanon in December 2022 while on active duty for his country on a UN peacekeeping mission. The unit’s armoured vehicle was ambushed as it drove north through Al-Aqbiya, a town controlled by the Iranian backed Hizbullah militant group.
Sean was born in Dundalk and attended Gaelscoil Dhún Dealgan and the Marist before moving to Donegal as a teenager. Local Sinn Fein TD Ruairí Ó Murchú asked a Parliamentary Question asking the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence ‘if he will provide an update on the progress being made in the investigation into the death in Lebanon of a UNIFIL soldier (details supplied). (Details Supplied) Private Sean Rooney
Responding to the Sinn Fein TD’s question, An Tánaiste Micheal Martin stated that ‘no stone would be left unturned to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice’.
The late Pte. Sean Rooney.
the absolute determination of the Irish Government in ensuring that those responsible for Private Rooney’s death are brought to justice. .
“I was very disappointed to learn at the most recent hearing on 7th June, that, once again, none of those indicted for the killing of Private Seán Rooney appeared in court at the hearing. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for 12 February 2025.
Dundalk Football Club Community Boot Room
THE launch of the new Dundalk FC Community Boot Room took place in the Youth Development Centre at Oriel Park on Friday afternoon.
The new initiative was set up to enable children and families without boots and equipment to take part in sporting activities by making use of donations made to the Community Boot Room.
“An initial indictment hearing of persons charged in connection with the incident took place on 14 July 2023, with further hearings taking place on 30 August 2023, 15 December 2023 and most recently on 07 June 2024.
“A central focus of my most recent visit to Lebanon (on 18-20 May last) was my meeting with the Lebanese Minister for Foreign Affairs and the legal representative of the Lebanese Minister for Defence. I left the Lebanese Minister and officials in no doubt with regard to
“Since the events of 14th December 2022, in which Private Seán Rooney was killed and a number of his colleagues from the 121st Battalion were injured, I have consistently expressed both my and the Government’s determination that all of the facts and circumstances of the incident are fully established and that no stone is left unturned to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Following the hearing, I have again stressed my unhappiness with the progress of the Trial to date and have made that very clear directly to both Lebanese authorities and to the UN. We continue to maintain close contact with them on this matter.
“I will continue to make strong representations in this matter with the Lebanese authorities and with the United Nations. Private Rooney’s family has been, and will continue to be, kept informed of developments as they happen.
“Separately, I understand that the investigation by An Garda Síochána for the purposes of preparing a report for the Coroner is complete, and the Defence Forces have supported this investigation. An inquest hearing into Private Rooney’s death is expected to take place shortly,” concluded An Tánaiste.
Speaking at the launch, Dundalk FC FSR Officer Aoife Burns explained the concept of the idea supported by Dundalk FC’s Community Sustainability Partner, Dundalk Credit Union, Dundalk Paint Store, The Toolbox and Louth Local Sports Partnership.
“From the community work that we do, we know that there are times, for various reasons, that families may not be able to purchase new boots or gear or there are times when boots are too small, too big, or get damaged while playing,” said Aoife.
“With rising costs, replacing boots or gear can be hugely expensive so we have launched this community initiative to try and assist families when they need new boots and gear that are not just for football.
“Initially, we have started with football and GAA boots and equipment but hope to branch out to other sports in the future through donations from the community.”
The Community Boot Room is located on the
underground floor of the Youth Development Centre at Oriel Park. The shelving in the room was made from recycled wood while the paint and painting accessories were donated by Dundalk Paint Store.
The Toolbox donated the screws, hooks and door lock and players and coaches offered all of the boots and gear while an army of volunteers donated their time to get this initiative over the line.
The Community Boot
Room will be open Monday to Friday from 9 am9pm by contacting one of the key holders that will be on the premises. If you would like to donate football boots or any sports equipment that is in good condition, you can contact aoife. burns@dundalkfc.com. Alternatively, you can drop them off at Dundalk Credit Union on Market Street or at Louth Local Sports Partnership at Dundalk Sports Centre in Muirhevnamor.
Pete Myles from The Toolbox (left) and Aidan McAlevey from Dundalk Paint Store (right) pictured with Cameron Elliott, Dundalk FC FSR Officer Aoife Burns and Daryl Horgan at the launch of the Community Boot Room in the YDC at Oriel Park.
Israel is still the fastest man in Ireland!
By Paul Byrne
DUNDALK sprinter Israel Olatunde cemented his status as the fastest man in Ireland at the National Championships in Santry last week where he won the 100m men’s senior title for the fourth year in succession.
The 23-year-old former Marist student still lives in Dundalk where his athletic talents were honed locally in Dún Dealgan AC under the guidance of his first coach, Gerry McArdle. Olatunde began strongly in his bid to make it four national titles in a row and despite a late surge from Bori Akinola, the Dundalk athlete showed great determi-
nation to hold on at the death, winning in a time of 10.27 seconds. Unfortunately, that time is not low enough to book him a place in the Irish team for the upcoming Paris Olympics but according to the Dundalk man he is pleased to be back on track following a frustrating 2023.
“Of course I was thrilled to win the national title for a fourth time in a row. I don’t think it’s been done before, not in recent times anyway, so that’s something I’m very proud of,” stated Israel.
“There’s been a resurgence in Irish sprinting in recent years and these national races are not easy to win. I knew coming into
the race that there was a target on my back but I was determined to show up and get the job done. It made it even more special given the fact my family were in the crowd to cheer me on. I’ve been racing all over the world in recent years so it’s great to be racing back home in Ireland in front of my family,” he explained.
Although Israel failed to meet the qualifying standard to get to this summer’s Olympics he remains philosophical and determined to one day realise that dream.
“Yeah, obviously it’s disappointing but I’m not going to dwell on it. In this crazy sport
there are always going to be peaks and troughs. I was on such a high in 2022 (On 16 August 2022, Israel Olatunde broke Paul Hession’s 15-year-old 100m National Record as he ran a time of 10.17 seconds in the final of the European Championships in Munich, finishing 6th) but last year was a challenge and there were growing pains I had to navigate both physically and mentally. I feel now as if I am coming back to the form I know I’m capable of and I think the 10.27 I ran at the National’s was the fastest of my four wins in Santry.
“I’m still only 23 so I still should have a couple of chances to get to an Olympics hopefully. Right now I am going to keep focused and determined and concentrate on getting better. I still have to pinch myself sometimes that I actually do this for a living. Basically my job is to run in a straight line as quickly as I can! There are not many people who are privileged enough to live their dream and fortunately I am one of those people.
It’s the best job in the world and I know how lucky I am. I have the Cork City games and the Morton Games coming up so the plan is to get myself ready for those and try and get faster with every race,” he added.
??? QUIZ ???
1—Can you name the Wikileaks founder who landed back in Australia a free man last week after spending five years in a London prison?
2—What is the largest hinge joint in the human body?
3—Can you name the main character in the Wonder Years played by the actor Fred Savage (First and second name)?
4—Who composed the famous classical piece “The Four Seasons”?
5—John O’Mahony was born in Kilkenny in 1872 and was an Irish Sinn Fein politician and member of the first and second Dáil’s. What is his connection with Dundalk?
6—Which former Irish band originally called Póg mo Thoin (Irish for Kiss my arse) changed their name after complaints received by the BBC?
7—What does the Latin word ‘tempus’ mean in English?
8—Patty and Selma Bouvier were characters in what hugely popular American TV show?
9—Both Donegal and Kerry supporters will travel in droves to Croke Park this weekend for the All Ireland semi-finals. Which set of supporters have the longest distance to travel (assume Donegal supporter leaves from Letterkenny and Kerry
supporter leaves from Tralee) 10—Can you name the three US states that have just four letters?
The Stinker—The Green Party have had four leaders in the parties history. Can you name three of them?
Israel wins his fourth successive national title. Pic Credit: Athletics Ireland
Assange,
Arnold,
Vivaldi, 5—Local GAA club the Seán
are named after him.
Pogues,
Simpsons
were Marge’s sisters),
(304km compared to 238km),
Iowa and Ohio. The Stinker: Trevor Sargent, John Gormley, Eamonn Ryan and Roderick O’Gorman.
Annual Poc Fada competition fast approaching
THE annual All Ireland Poc Fada Competition takes place Monday 05th August next on Annaverna in the Cooley Mountains.
This year promises to be even better with the best of the 4 Province’s greatest hurlers and camogie players competing for the title of All Ireland Champion. Who will follow in the footsteps of Cú Chulainn and poc all before them?
The modern Poc Fada recreates the legendary journey of Cú Chulainn who as the 7-year-old boy Setanta decid-
ed he had waited long enough to become a member of the famous Red Branch Knights of Ulster. So he set off from his home in Dundalk for the Macra, the Red Branch Knights school in Ard Mhacha (Armagh), some 60km away. While crossing The Cooley Mountains Setanta hit his sliotar far ahead and ran forward to catch it on his hurley stick before it hit the ground.
While today’s competitors cannot fully recreate Setanta’s mythical feats, they do compete over the same
Cooley mountains as Setanta once passed. The 5 km Senior Hurling and 2.5 km Senior Camogie and Under 16 courses do provide ample opportunity to practice poc’s, as on average the Senior Hurling takes 50 pocs to win.
The modern All-Ireland Poc Fada dates back to 1960 when six boys from Dundalk (Mal Begley, Peter Crilly, Sean Mc Aeney, Jerome Mc Donagh, Peter Myles and first ever winner Damien Callan) under the watchful eye of An tAthair Pól Mac Shean, took part in the very
Louth County Council launch campaign to keep vape waste off local beaches
LOUTH County Council are supporting the European Recycling Platform (ERP) campaign to keep Irish beaches and waterways free of vape waste.
The call was sounded following IBAL’s survey of coasts and inland waterways which highlighted that disposable vapes were noted as a litter type for the first time. Vape waste was encountered in one out of seven visits, making them even more prevalent on beaches than on streets.
With the arrival of summer, ERP Ireland is calling on those enjoying Louth’s waterways and coasts to dispose of vapes correctly by bringing them to any retail outlet that sells vapes when purchasing a new one or disposing of them in the WEEE/Battery area at Civic Amenity Sites. ERP Ireland also offers free recycling of these devices through its battery collection network.
Louth County Council are appealing to the public to properly dispose of all vape waste. Vaping products contain electronic components and lithium-ion batteries and require safe disposal when they become waste. When damaged, short-circuited, or overheated, these batteries can catch fire and present a risk to the health and safety of waste collection workers and others. Vapes also contain a complex mixture of critical raw materials such as cobalt, nickel and manganese, which can be re-used.
ERP Ireland commissioned a nationally representative survey, carried out by Coyne Research amongst 1,000 adults aged 18+ years, which revealed that one in three adults in Ireland are unaware of where to dispose of vapes. While this figure represents an improvement on last year’s results (two in three adults were unaware of where to dispose of vapes), it shows public awareness is growing of the need to recycle vape products.
first Poc Fada. The first AllIreland Poc Fada took place the following year in 1961. First sponsored by Martin Donnelly over 25 years ago the MD Sports myclubshop. ie All-Ireland Poc Fada Finals represent one of the longestrunning sponsorships within the GAA & Camogie Association.
Everyone is very welcome to Annaverna on Bank Holiday Monday, so why not make your way to the mountain for 10am and make sure to bring the kids who can meet our hurling heroes.
Louth County Council are supporting the ERP campaign to keep Irish beaches and waterways free of vape waste.
The study revealed that those who vape, are much more likely to be aware that they contain batteries at 92%. There was also a 15% increase in the number of vapers who know vapes can be disposed of at a recycling centre. Despite this, one in three current vapers incorrectly believe that vapes can be disposed of in the general refuse bin and one in five stated they would dispose of vapes in their domestic recycling bin.
Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and at the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, Ossian Smyth, TD said: “I am delighted that ERP and Clean Coasts are tackling the very prevalent issue of vape litter ahead of the summer months. It is clear that discarded vapes have been increasingly present in our communities and there is lack of awareness among the public on proper vape disposal. Correctly recycling vapes can help to move us closer towards a circular economy that reduces Ireland’s carbon impact and protects our natural resources and environment.”
Sinead McCoy, Development Director, An Taisce speaking of
the Clean Coasts programme support of this campaign said: “Our mission at Clean Coasts is to engage communities in protecting and preserving our beautiful coastlines. Vape waste has become a significant litter issue on our beaches, affecting both the environment and marine life. We are thrilled to partner with ERP Ireland to raise awareness and promote proper disposal methods for vapes. By working together, we can help ensure that our beaches remain clean and safe for everyone to enjoy. We urge the public to take responsibility and recycle vapes properly, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable environment.”
James Burgess, Country General Manager, ERP Ireland said: “ERP is encouraging positive change in vape recycling behaviour, especially during the summer months. The research has shown that the majority of vapers are aware that vapes contain batteries, but that knowledge is not translating into a positive recycling action. We urge current vapers or those who are visiting or cleaning beaches to dispose of vapes correctly,” he stated.
Kings Church family fun day
KING’S Church Dundalk organised a family fun day last Sunday week at St Helena Park to promote a more inclusive space in our community.
According to organisers “The fun day was to bring the church and the community together. To share the love of Christ, reach out for souls, build love and unity in our community and to share with the needy where we all dine together, connect with each other and engage with the
youth in the different level using evangelism in a fun outreach way for our families coming together to have fun in our beautiful community space. While spreading the goodness of Jesus in our inclusive community.
Highlights of the day: games with prizes, face painting, music, varieties of foods e.g barbecue beef, fish, plantain, etc,” Look out for Kings Church, Dundalk for more information.
Free Library Event
Summer Stars: Join us in Dundalk Library on Saturday 13th July at 3:00pm as we celebrate Summer Stars with a fantastic afternoon of stories. Suitable for children aged 3-8 years, there is no booking required but all children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event.
“Reflection And Motivation”
The gathering of “reflection and motivation” which has been rescheduled from Saturday 29th June will now take place next Saturday, July 13th, at Market Square, Dundalk, outside the courthouse, at 3pm to express solidarity with all victims of violence. There will be some speakers on the day to share their own stories of living with violence.
The people of Dundalk are urged to come out on the day to show their support for those who are impacted by violence either domestically or in public. All are encouraged to wear purple and bring their own candles and banners along to the event.
Open Garden For
Louth Hospice
It is that time of year again when Gerard and Carmel McHugh open their prizewinning garden as a fundraiser for North Louth Hospice. Drumcask, Priorland Road, Dundalk (A91 R6E8) is home to an eclectic collection of plants which are only gradually revealed as you journey around the garden. Gerard and Carmel have been opening up their garden to the public to raise money for the Louth Hospice for a number of years and last year the pair raised €1300 thanks to the generosity of those in attendance. The open day is Saturday July 13th, 2-5pm.
Gladys Osagie, Seun Grace Atiroko, Pastor Michael Ogobamidele and Pastor Damilola Ogobamidele at the King’s Church Family Fun Day.
Cross Cooley Challenge raises €66,636 to be split evenly between Maria Goretti Foundation and North Louth Hospice. Pictured are organisers of the Cross Cooley Challenge along with representatives from Maria Goretti and the North Louth Hospice.
Louth GAA’s Fra Kieran with Louth’s re presentative Darren Geoghegan who recently won the Louth Poc Fada Final.
Macardles brewing history goes online
DUNDALK Institute of Technology is proud to announce the launch of a new innovative project, ‘Digitising Dundalk’s Brewing Heritage’ which aims to preserve and honour the fascinating history of the Macardle Moore Brewery, a major landmark in Dundalk’s rich heritage.
With over 160 years of history behind it, the Macardle Moore Brewery is still a beloved symbol of Dundalk’s past times. In order to maintain that this important aspect of Dundalk’s history is available for future generations, the project aims to develop digital assets of all salvaged artefacts and documents from there.
This Creative Media project under the supervision of Dr Daithí Kearney and Dr Adèle Commins is in collaboration with the Macardles Historical Society and will focus on resources gathered by Jason McGee PRO, the Louth County
Archive and the Guinness Archive. In addition to safeguarding priceless artefacts and historical records, this project will hopefully improve Dundalk’s contribution to Louth’s tourism, integrating itself with the already affluent brewing history of the area.
Daithí Kearney, CoDirector of the Creative Arts Research Centre at DkIT, emphasizes the
importance of this partnership:
“The materials related to Macardles are inspiring, and the opportunity to develop a collaborative project with the Macardles Historical Society is an example of how research at DkIT can engage with our local community, benefiting everybody.”
PRO Jason McGee has expressed his enthusiasm for the project:
“As founder member of the Macardles Historical Society, I am delighted to see this digitisation project kick off with the support of DkIT. We have hundreds of documents that have never been seen before by the public, with some dating right back to the foundation of the company in 1863, and we will be adding them to the Macardles website.
“The Macardles Brewery holds a special place in the industrial heritage of Dundalk, and the brand was known around the world in its heyday. In the same week as Diageo turns the sod on a new €200 million carbon neutral brewery in Kildare, I think it’s fitting that we also look back on one of the oldest and best breweries we have ever had in Ireland.”
This initiative is part of the CREATE – DkIT Summer Undergraduate Research Programme (SURP), funded by the
European Regional Development Fund through the HEA’s TURISE programme. It supports undergraduate students to develop short term research projects supervised by DkIT researchers and linked to local enterprise.
Kelley O’Hanlon, a third-year Digital Marketing and Public Relations student at DkIT, is also part of the project team, contributing to the project’s development and her academic development. Students that take part in this initiative contribute to significant community participation and cultural preservation while also gaining invaluable experience.
While Kelley is currently working on materials already in collections, if anybody wants to get in touch about the project or contribute materials, contact Jason McGee of the Macardles Historical Society at info@macardles.ie.
Share your input: The future of volunteering in Louth
LOUTH Volunteer Centre are calling for members of the community to help shape the future of volunteering in County Louth, and they need your invaluable input!
Whether you are a volunteer, a volunteer manager or you don’t volunteer at all, Louth Volunteer Centre would love to have you engaged in the process.
On Thursday 18th July, sessions are being arranged in Drogheda, Dundalk and Ardee where attendees will meet with other volunteers, local organisations, and researchers. Your feedback is crucial as we gather insights on volunteering, share stories on how volunteering has impacted you, and discuss what can be done to encourage more people to get involved in volunteering.
Please find information and booking at www.volunteerlouth.ie or email info@volunteerlouth.ie.
This research report, being developed as part of the County Louth Volunteering Framework, will be a key part
of shaping and influencing policy making in Louth into the future. Your perspectives will directly influence our research and future initiatives.
The County Louth Volunteering Framework, published in 2021, was informed by an in depth consultation process involving over 350 people across Louth. This Framework document is the first of its kind at County level in Ireland. It recognises and values the contribution of volunteers; seeks to expand the demographics of volunteering; supports those who support volunteers and aims
St. Brigid’s Debutants Ball
to help make it easier for people in Louth to access voluntary activity.
Work commenced on the delivery of the 68 recommendations contained in the framework in 2022 and will continue until 2024. You can view more details and view the document on www.volunteerlouth.ie
The Framework is owned by the Louth Community Development Committee and is currently being delivered by a group of stakeholders from across various sectors in County Louth. This implementation group is led by a secretariat consisting of members from Louth Volunteer Centre, Louth County Council, Louth Local Development Company and Louth PPN.
The development of a piece of research on the impact of volunteering in Co. Louth, including analysis of gaps in volunteering, is a recommendation from the Framework and is being funded and delivered by Louth Volunteer Centre and supported by the implementation group.
Dr Daithí Kearney, Jason Lee and Kelley O’Hanlon are delighted to launch the project.
Minister Joe O’Brien.
FAMILY NOTICES
NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART
Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail).
L.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 three days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail).
D.R. NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART
Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail).
G.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 three days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). G.K.
PRAYER TO ST MARTIN
ST. MARTIN (Study Prayer)
Gentle Saint Martin, During Your Lifetime You Looked After The Needs Of All Creation Both Mankind And Animals. Look After My Needs Now For I’m Worried About My Examinations. Grant By Your Prayers I May Answer The Questions I Know And Answer Correctly. If There Are Questions Set That I Could Not Answer, Guide And Enlighten My Mind So That I Should Study Them Between Now And The Examinations. Under Your Guidance And That Of The Holy Spirit I Know I Cannot Fail So Please Come To My Assistance. In Return I Promise To Make Your Own Name Better Known And Better Loved. Amen. K.S.
PRAYER TO ST BRIGID
SAINT BRIGID
Everything that Brigid would ask of the Lord was granted her at once. For this was her desire: to satisfy the poor, to expel every hardship, to spare every miserable man. Now there never hath been anyone more bashful or more modest or more gentle or more humble or more discerning or more harmonious than Brigid. In the sight of other people she never washed her hands or her feet or her head. She never looked at the face of man. She never spoke without blushing. She was abstemious, innocent, prayerful, patient: she was glad in God’s commandments: she was firm, humble, forgiving, loving: she was a consecrated casket for keeping Christ’s body and His blood; she was a temple of God. Her heart and her mind were a throne of rest for the Holy Ghost. She was single-hearted (towards God): she was compassionate towards the wretched; she was splendid in miracles and marvels: wherefore her name among created things is Dove among birds, Vine among trees, Sun among stars….She is the prophetess of Christ: she is the Queen of the South: she is the Mary of Gael. St. Brigid Please Pray For Us. S.K.
Dundalk set to bid a final farewell to Owen
TRIBUTES have been paid to hugely popular local businessman and entertainer Owen ‘OG’ Gray who passed away suddenly on Sunday evening. Owen was a watchmaker, jeweller and a born entertainer who has been supporting local and national charities via his much loved annual ‘OG Cabaret Show’ which he has been running since 1990.
Owen established Goldstar jewellers in the Demesne in 1986 and ran the shop with his son Alan with the duo boasting over 70 years between them in the jewellery trade. But it was music that was Owen’s real passion and shining a light on local talent which he did via The OG Talent Show which gave local artists the chance to be heard.
The late Owen Gray.
Paudie Breen was one of those local talents who blossomed under Owen’s guidance and the Muirhevnamór man who is one of the most talented stage actors to come out of Dundalk played a glowing tribute to the man he was proud to call a friend.
“I first met Owen in 1993, when my aunt Fiona Jeffers became part of the OG show. That Christmas I got
a guitar from Santa and when asked by my Guitar teacher, the late Owenie Kelly, what music I wanted to learn to play, I replied “OG Music”.
“Ten years later I would go on to win The OG Talent and become part of the Cabaret show myself. Owen worked tirelessly for charity and there are so many kind deeds he did for people privately and quietly. As a young person anxious for a platform to perform, the OG Show was the perfect place, Owen nurtured and advised and gave myself and so many peers the opportunity to be heard and to fine tune our craft.
“He has made an enormous contribution to the live music scene across the North East and will be missed by so many but especially
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by his family who he adored and by those of us who were fortunate enough to call him a friend,” concluded Paudie.
Owen was a huge music fan and adored many artists particularly from the 1950’s and 1960’s era. His last post on social media came last Saturday a day before his death where he sent out a clip of one of his favourite singers, Nat King Cole, singing the classic song ‘Smile’ which includes the lyrics: “Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile If you just smile’.
And that is how many will remember Owen. The born entertainer whose face was almost permanently etched with a smile.
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Congolese community in Dundalk independence anniversary celebrations
THE event was hosted by the Congolese living in Dundalk and county Louth in collaboration with the culture connect organization that is operating in Louth region.
The event took place at Geraldine GAA hall Haggardstown on Saturday 29th June 2024.
Apo Ndendani aka Dan the Chairman of the Congolese community made a presentation on the Democratic republic of Congo.
The audience comprised a mixture of members of different Africans countries, Irish citizens and other nationalities
included east europeen.
The members of the Congolese community as well as Africans and Irish people recognized that the part of the Irish history has a connect to the Congo where Irish lives were lost in the UN mission in Katanga at the east of Congo in 1960.
