Dundalk Leader

DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Sold sign goes up on Derryhale Hotel Page 4

Turas launch new gambling counselling service Page 6

Dundalk FC announce stadium development plan

Page 10

Wednesday, 11th October, 2023. Vol. 16, Issue 41 • 9A, Crowe Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Gold Standards Tel: 042 932 0888. | Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com; advertising@dundalkleader.com

Dundalk and Blackrock celebrate as they retain gold medal at Super Valu Tidy Towns Competition

By Tamara O’Connell

All the hard work undertaken by both the Dundalk and Blackrock Tidy Towns Committees throughout the year was recognised at Friday’s SuperValu Tidy Towns Awards at Croke Park in Dublin as both towns retained their gold medals from last year.

Blackrock Tidy Towns was the winner of the SuperValu County Award for Louth and were just pipped in the Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town’ section by Abbeyleix who also won the overall prize.

Both John Horan (Chairperson of Blackrock Tidy Towns) and Helen Byrne (Chairper-

Ard Easmuinn Road, Dundalk.

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son of Dundalk Tidy Towns) expressed their delight at retaining their gold medals.

“The nerves get to you on the day of the ceremony. We don’t want to disappoint the town and all of the volunteers who helped out,” said Helen.

“It’s a great achievement as it’s a sign that we are doing things right. We are already looking ahead though and have had a committee meeting to plan for next year.

“From the time the competition starts we are keeping the place right for the project.

We have read the adjudicators’ report so we can do things better.”

Continued on Page 2

Historic first ever Louth Senior Championship ladies title for St Patrick’s—St Patrick’s won their first ever Louth Senior Ladies title on Sunday with a 2-11 to 2-7 victory over local rivals Cooley Kickhams in Dunleer on Sunday.

Goals from Aisling O’Doherty and Kate Flood either side of the break helped the Lordship side to victory. Eibhlin Rice and Ciara Boyle hit the net for Cooley to set up a tense finish but the Pats held out for the win to spark wild celebrations and no doubt a few hangovers on Monday morning around Lordship!

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Gold Standards

Dundalk Leader 11th October 2023

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From Page 1 Helen added: “We have eight committee members and good volunteers.

We are trying to make the area look safe.

“If an area is clean and tidy and well looked after people feel safe walking around. We are planning to ask the council to help us tackle the weeds around the place.

“Weeds are a big problem in the town and it’s back-breaking work trying to clear them. The council have machines that can clean weeds that would make the work a lot easier.”

According to Helen, the IBAL survey is judged “differently” to the Super Valu Tidy Towns competition.

“The council needs to pay more attention to IBAL. Some areas mentioned have already been in the report before,” she said.

“Dundalk has a large population and is very spread out. It’s not easy to keep the place looking clean.”

Meanwhile, Blackrock Tidy Towns Chairperson John Horan has said the committee is “very pleased” to have retained its title as Co Louth’s tidiest town in this year’s SuperValu Tidy Towns Awards.

The award ceremony took place in Croke Park on Friday last and

saw Blackrock beating Tallanstown, which came in second place, while Dromiskin was awarded third place.

Blackrock was also named as runner-up for the title of Ireland’s Tidiest Small Towns, being pipped by Abbeyleix.

“It’s amazing we got to such dizzying heights as there were 886 entrants to the competition,” said John.

“It’s fantastic to get to the top.

We’ve had a lot of support in the community from residents and local business owners.

“All of the businesses and premises made sure their gardens and boundaries were well maintained and looking well.”

He added: “We also had a lot of financial as well as material support.

This includes Haggardstown Garden Centre and the Community Employment Scheme.

“We also had help from various sporting organisations. Blackrock Tidy Towns’ Committee is due to celebrate its 30th anniversary soon.

“We first founded the committee Trena Tuite and Helen Byrne from Dundalk Tidy Towns. in October 1993 and we plan to mark the 30th anniversary at Blackrock Golf Club on October 19 at 8pm with a table quiz.”

John Horan, Brian Corr and Pat Rafferty representing Blackrock Tidy Towns at the awards for the National Tidy Towns Competition in Croke Park last Friday.

Coes Road, Dundalk Require

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John Horan, Brian Corr and Pat Rafferty representing Blackrock Tidy Towns at the awards for the National Tidy Towns Competition in Croke Park last Friday.

Dundalk Leader 11th October 2023

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Sold sign goes up outside Ó Murchú questions Derryhale Hotel childcare costs Dundalk Leader 11th October 2023

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Memories were stirred and tongues were wagging this week when a ‘Sold’ sign went up outside the site of the Derryhale Hotel on the Carrick Road. In its heyday the Derryhale Hotel was a thriving venue which hosted many memorable nights out for locals down through the years. It was also a popular meeting spot for fans of Dundalk FC who stopped at the hotel before and sometimes after a big match in Oriel.

The building which is listed was built at the

The Derryhale Hotel has been closed since 2007. beginning of the 20th century but first opened as a hotel 60 years ago in August of 1963. It has had various owners down through the years including the Sexton family and most recently the McCaugheys. The hotel sits on a two acre site and features 23 bedrooms and suites, a restaurant, two

bars, a conference room, executive meeting room and lifts to all floors.

The hotel closed in 2007 but with the recent news that the site has been sold alongside the fact that it is a listed building, hopes are high locally that the new owner has plans to restore the building to its former glory.

Kelly welcomes gully cleaning programme in Dundalk

Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District, raised the issue of persistent localised flooding in several areas of Dundalk after heavy rain due to blocked gullies and drains.

Kelly referenced this was prevalent in Park Villas, Park Drive, Pearse Park, Fr Murray Park, Mount Avenue, Demesne Road, Marian Park amongst oth-

er areas in recent weeks.

Kelly commented ‘some of these gullies are completely blocked and causing several issues for local residents forcing them off footpaths and rendering driveways unusable. This is unacceptable and needs to be rectified, every time there is heavy rain we are receiving persistent calls from irate locals who cannot gain access to their homes.

‘In response, Paddy Connolly, senior engineer, indicated that he accepted this was an issue of concern and that a tendering process was underway to clean 3000 gullies in the Dundalk area.

Kelly welcomed this news and asked when it was hoped that this would be completed. It was confirmed that the works would be completed by the end of the year.

Dundalk TD Ruairí Ó Murchú has written to Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman and Disability Minister Anne Rabbitte about childcare issues in Dundalk after Sinn Féin tabled a motion on the costs of childcare in Leinster House last week.

Deputy Ó Murchú raised issues that were revealed to him by the Muirhevnamor Community Youth Project, Lios na nÓg in Muirhevnamor and the after-school project based at The House, Cox’s Demesne.

In relation to the community youth project, the Dundalk TD said: “I asked for the information so I will provide it as it was provided to me: ‘The Afterschool operates its service from 1.15pm to 6.15pm in normal times.

“Current numbers are 24, capacity is 27 but we can’t increase due to staffing issues and there are currently 14 on a waiting list.’’

He said the after-school service requires two part-time staff and currently relies on Community Employment schemes.

He said: “Obviously, that is not perfect from the project’s point of view or even that of those on CE, of which there is no uptake at the minute.

“The service states that ‘core funding restricts fee increases’,

Ruairí Ó Murchú. but the reality is that the costof-living crisis does too. Sometimes, for those who pay fees, this project would accept them being paid very slowly and not necessarily weekly or monthly”.

He said the two daily school collections from local schools at 1.15pm and 2.15pm is becoming inoperable as three or four members must be out at one time. “We need action on this”, he said.

Deputy Ó Murchú said Minister O’Gorman had visited The House, which is “in a better circumstance than most as they share the building with other projects, with admin and other costs shared.’

He said the capacity is 32, and

WE HAVE MOVED

the project is full, with a waiting list of 40. He said: “That is the reality of what this project could offer”.

The House also highlighted excessive paperwork and wondered if a service level agreement would not be a better way of accessing core funding.

Lios na nÓg told Deputy Ó Murchú there had been a “worrying increase of children with additional needs attending our service; ... a marked increase in physical, cognitive and behavioural issues along with diagnosed conditions”.

The service stated that the inclusion of all children and families is “coming with a serious impact to our staff as the needs of some children can predominate their time” and while the AIM programme is welcome they are “struggling with current allowances due to the increase in numbers of children accessing the programme”.

He said: “The services are capping numbers, they say, and the ratios will not work. This is probably a service that an awful lot of other crèches may not be offering”.

Deputy Ó Murchú wrote to Ministers O’Gorman and Rabbitte after the debate to highlight the specific issues the creches had raised with him.

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Dundalk Leader 11th October 2023

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Turas to launch new gambling counselling service

Dundalk Leader 11th October 2023

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Nikki Jordan from Turas.

Turas is launching its new gambling counselling service on October 17th from 11am to 1pm. The service will provide people who are over 18 with problem gambling. long-term one-to-one counselling by a counsellor who is experienced in working with gambling addiction.

Former Armagh county Senior men’s player Oisin McConville will share his own personal experience of gambling at the launch. The launch will take place across the road from Turas in Creative Spark Downtown,

43-44 Clanbrassil Street.

The launch is open to the public but RSVP is essential to info@turascounselling. ie. The aim of the launch is to highlight this new service and to encourage access for those that need it.

New research published today, October 5th, by the ESRI, indicates that the prevalence of problem gambling is far higher than previously expected with approximately 3% of the population in difficulty with it, at a very conservative estimate.

The first session of NABA Academy took place at DKIT Sport last Tuesday. Pictured above is the 10-12 age group. NABA Academy is being run by Aoife Lowth from Na Piarsaigh/Blackrock CLG.

Break-in at home of OAP foiled

Sinn Féin Councillor Pearse McGeough has called for vigilance after an attempted break in at the home of a senior citizen in Kilsaran was foiled.

Cllr McGeough said “the lady was at home and luckily her son happened to be there when they heard someone attempting to enter the house from the back. The lady’s son ran to the back door and seen two men wearing balaclavas who ran off, obviously expecting the lady to either not be at home or to be at home alone.”

With the darker evenings drawing in Cllr McGeough has called for people to be

vigilant and to keep an eye on your neighbours especially if they are older and vulnerable.

“This lady has been left shaken after a very frightening experience and it could have been a lot worse. This was not an isolated area and the use of balaclavas is sinister.

“Gardaí are investigating and hopefully these men will be apprehended and face due process.”

If you saw anything unusual around the Kilsaran/Castlebellingham area on Thursday 28th September between 7pm – 7.30pm or if you have any information please contact Cllr Pearse McGeough.

Gardaí.

TJ realises dream as he releases debut album Dundalk Leader 11th October 2023

weren’t the same as they were beforehand. I decided to pick up a guitar from a local busker, Dean. This guitar was my starter, in hopes to succeed.

I started gradually learning chords, that could lead on to some songs. I remember the first song I fully learned on guitar was Perfect - Ed Sheeran.

I never sang, only in front of myself, if/when I had the chance. My confidence level would have never let me do those things. I was the person that would watch other people sing, and think to myself, “I wish I had the knowledge and the courage

Free Library Events

Teen Mental Health Talk with Dr. Sarah Cassidy: Join us in Dundalk Library today for our Healthy Ireland at Your Library event with Dr. Sarah Cassidy on Wednesday 11th October at 4:30pm.

The workshop is free and all are welcome to attend, there is no booking required.

The Crossborder Healthcare Directive: Europe Direct Clones will have an information stand in Dundalk Library on Friday 13th October at 11:00am. They will have information on the following queries: Are you on a waiting list for hospital care?

Do you have a European Health Insurance Card?

Would you like to access the Treatment Abroad Scheme? Find out everything you need to know at the information stand. Just drop in on the day, there is no booking required.

to do this.”

One day, I was watching a busker, and I went up to him and I asked him if I could play a song. He was hesitant, as he should be, but he let me do it anyway. To say I was horrible is an understatement (or so I thought I was), but I kept going, and going.

I would practice songs in my room, not realising I was gradually getting better and better, until one day I decided that I was gonna be the singer, and not the watcher. This was the first day of the rest of my life.

The first day I went out busking, I was nervous. As

TJ Murphy. everyone should be. But I kept going on and on, until I was confident that the people of Dundalk tolerated my music. I could see myself getting better now, and I loved it.

I then invested in a speaker, microphone, all

the works, in the hope that it would help me. It helped me a lot.

TJ, who goes to school in O’Fiach College, says the main inspiration for his songs comes from the town he lives in.

“The main inspirations for my songs would come off of this town. This town always has a story to tell, or a character to ask about.

As someone who grew up in Coxes, it was difficult enough attempting to write a song, but my first song that I wrote, that is also on the album, Cox’s Demesne, is based on the area where I grew up.” explains TJ.

One week to go before Dundalk Musical Society get ‘All Shook Up’

Dundalk Musical Society is proud to present for the first time in Dundalk the eagerly awaited ‘All Shook Up’.

The show will run from Wednesday 18th to Sunday 22nd of October at 7:30pm nightly. Cast and crew have been working extremely hard to get this show together, under the direction of our production

team Laura Kerr (director), Clare Donnelly (choreographer), Ronan Dennedy (musical director), Karyn Mc Cooey (chorus mistress) and Niall Mc Cooey (stage manager).

Get your tickets now. Tickets can be bought online at www. antain.ie, in person at the box office at An Táin Arts Centre or by phone on 0429332332.

“I found myself starting my music career when I started busking the streets of Dún Dealgan, and ever since then, I have never stopped. Within myself, I had gigs coming up in several pubs, Toales, Spirit Store, etc. I had gigs with Midweek Crisis, and I also did the El Pasopalooza music festival, run by the main man, Goosey “My biggest inspirations would be Osiris, imBau, all of the band, especially certain buskers, like Dean Reid, Davie, and Raza. I have wanted to put out an album for ages and it was a long process which broke

my heart at times but its finally done now and I can’t wait to release it. It will be called “The Audacity of a Broken Man” and will consist of ten original songs all written by myself. It will be out shortly and I will be playing some songs off it later this month when I play support to Jinx Lennon in the Spirit Store,” added TJ. TJ will be playing songs from his new album ‘The Audacity of a Broken Man’ on Friday October 27th in the Spirit Store where he will be supporting Jinx Lennon. For more info check out TJ Murphy on his various social channels.

??? QUIZ ???

1—What is the name of the RTE teletext service that was launched in 1987 and is due to be shut down forever tomorrow (12th October) 2—What is the name of the Rugby World Cup trophy?

3—The Electoral Commision has recommended an increase of TD’s for the next Dáil which would see 174 TD’s elected. How many TD’s are currently in Dáil Eireann?

4—Can you name a former Dundalk hotel that first opened its doors in August 1963?

5—What were the nicknames of the five ladies from the popular band The Spice Girls?

Stinker—Joseph Cyril Bamford 6—How many counties in invented what piece of building Leinster contain the letter W? 7—Despite directing films since machinery in 1945? the 1970’s, Steven Spielberg’s answers first Oscar for Best Director didn’t arrive until 1993. What film did he win the Oscar for?

8—A dog barks, cats meow, ducks quack. What sound do elephants make?

9—Can you name what is often referred to as ‘Germany’s Big Three’ in reference to the countries main car manufacturers.

10—Three countries in Europe begin with the letter A and have seven letters. Can you name them?

Answers: 1—Aertel, 2—Webb Ellis Trophy, 3—160, 4—Derryhale Hotel on the Carrick Road, 5—Ginger, Sporty, Posh, Scary and Baby.6—Four (Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow and Carlow), 7— Schindler’s List, 8—Trumpet, 9—Volkswagen Group, Mercedes Benz Group and BMW. 10—Andorra, Albania and Austria. Stinker: JCB Digger (JCB were his initials)

Anybody who regularly walks through town will most probably have heard TJ Murphy belting out a tune or two on the streets of Dundalk. The 16-year-old musician from Cox’s Demesne has learned his craft by busking on the streets where he has learned plenty and met like-minded souls who have helped him on his journey in music.

The arrival of COVID was the catalyst for a then thirteen year old TJ to buy a guitar and find something to do to help relieve the boredom of lockdown.

“Three years ago, we were in lockdown. Things

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Siobhan speaks about life as a foster carer

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By Tamara O’Connell A LOUTH woman has spoken about her experience as a foster carer of twins in a bid to advocate for fostering.

Siobhan Murphy, aged 49, lives in Tinure, Monasterboice with her husband, Mark, and their biological nineyear-old twins, and two-year-old twins who they have fostered.

“Mark and I married in our late 30s but I always wanted a big family. We had twins ourselves, a boy and a girl,” said Siobhan.

“We decided to foster and went

Dundalk Leader 11th October 2023

through a private agency. We were approved within two weeks. The twins we foster are a boy and a girl born to a 27-year-old mother in 2021. They were premature and we took them to our home from hospital.”

Siobhan added: “My children were really interested in the twins because they were twins themselves. They are no longer the babies of the house.

“The toddler twins have been put into long term care now. We assume der what the future is going to hold for they will stay here which would be them but we go along with what we are great. Fostering is bitter sweet. I won- told to do.”

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, assesses, recruits and trains foster families according to the needs of the area.

According to Tusla, across Ireland some 4,124 Tusla foster carers have 5,450 foster children. Tusla also places children with foster families who have been recruited and trained by non-statutory agencies.

According to Green Party TD Patrick Costello, private placements are not geographically tied and can be spread across the country. Figures given by Tusla in response to a Parliamentary

Question showed in 13 per cent of Tusla foster placements the child was placed outside of their local area, compared to 75 per cent of private foster placements.

Deputy Costello, who is a former child protection social worker, believes this leads to greater disruption and trauma for children entering care through change of school, dislocation from families, sports clubs and the young person’s friends and networks of support.

St. Louis Open Day

6th Years Nandi Mafa, Maryam Moyo, Michaela Stokes and Cara McLoughlan guiding the tours on Open Day.

6th Years Lucy Robinson and Erin Gardner on tour duty at St Louis Open Evening.

Dara Mee, Sheila Boylan, Jennifer Maddy and Marie Meehan.

6th Years Neasa Farrell and Megan Reilly leading a tour on St Louis Open Evening.

Enjoying the atmosphere in the Sensory Room L to R Caragh Kirk, Ms Ciara O Meara, Guidance Councillor, Michaela Georgieva, Ms Amy Flynn, Eve Gilmore, Ms Joanne Mallon and Niamh McCann.

6th Years Neasa Farrell and Megan Reilly leading a Music teacher Elaine Byrne with 3rd Year students Emer Douglas and Eimear Conroy. tour on St Louis Open Evening.

Dundalk Leader 11th October 2023

Michal Dudewicz, Keegan Lavery, Oisín Coull and Ciarán Houston with the school’s newest addition, Illana the dog.

Garda station without patrol car for six weeks states Reilly

Louth councillor John Reilly was shocked to discover that two rural Garda stations close to the border in Co. Louth have been without a patrol car for the last six weeks.

The Dundalk/Carlingford councillor called into Hackballscoss Garda station last Saturday morning as he was on a visit to the station to ask for assistance with an issue in the local area.

“I was shocked to hear that the station has currently no patrol car which it currently shares with Dromad Garda station in the Ravensdale

area of North Co Louth,” explained Cllr. Reilly.

“At present both Stations are ringing Dundalk HQ Garda Station for a lend of a vehicle on a daily basis.

This is a completely unacceptable situation for the security of the local community. Both stations are very close to the border and are covering a large rural area in the north Louth area,” he added.

Cllr Reilly has informed the minister for Justices Helen McEtee TD of the situation and is waiting on a reply.

Gardaí were at the scene of a fatal road traffic collision that occurred on the M1 Motorway, Dundalk, Co. Louth in the early hours of Sunday 8th October.

At approximately 2.45am Gardaí were alerted to a road traffic collision at Junction 16 southbound on the M1 motorway. A male pedestrian, aged in his 40s, was fatally injured when struck by a vehicle.

The male driver, aged in his early 50s, and his three passengers (aged 50s and 40s) were attended to by ambulance personnel at the scene for non-life threatening injuries.

The road has since reopened following a technical examination.

Gardaí in Dundalk are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.Any road users who were travelling on the M1 on Sunday morning between 2.30am and 3.00am, and who may have camera footage (including dash-cam), is asked to make this available to Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Dundalk Garda Station on 042 938 8400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

A man was taken to hospital after he was stabbed outside a premises on River Lane in the early hours of Saturday morning. Gardaí said that they are investigating an assault that occurred on the 7th October 2023

at a retail premises in Dundalk Co. Louth at approximately 3am.

A man in his 20s was injured and taken to Our Lady of Lourdes for treatment. No arrests have been made. Investigations are ongoing.

Fatal Road Traffic Collision on M1 Motorway

Gardaí investigate assault in Dundalk

Réalt Na Mara welcome Community Dog Illana to school 9

This September we welcomed Illana to our school. Illana is a five year old black lab/retriever community dog trained by the Irish Guide Dogs, Cork. She is such a wonderful and valuable addition to our school and is doing lots of activities with our students that include grooming sessions and fetch and retrieve games. She also loves to go for walks with different classes when they go to visit the lo-

cal park. Illana works closely with our three school dog handlers Mrs Clune, Mrs Shields and Mr Byrne.

Sincere thanks to Eimear from the Irish Guide Dogs for all her help and support throughout the journey to date. We are delighted to have been chosen to give Illana her new home in Réalt Na Mara and look forward to sharing lots of great times with her in the years ahead.

Dundalk FC announce stadium development plans Dundalk Leader 11th October 2023

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Dundalk FC fans haven’t had a whole lot to cheer about in recent months but the club gave supporters a boost on Monday when they outlined a pathway to develop Oriel Park into a modern Category 3 stadium with scope to upgrade it to a category 4 stadium later down the road (Only category 4 stadiums are allowed to host European ties past the early rounds).

In 2022, Dundalk FC formed a Development Group to examine all options and seek expert advice on the future of Oriel Park.

Since then, the Development Group, which consists of Simon Blackmore, Stephen Neary, Martin Connolly, Colm Murphy, Bernard Freeman and Gerry King, have held multiple meetings with local and national representatives, the FAI, and potential partners to put forward a pathway to ensure that Oriel Park is capable of meeting the demands of both the senior and academy teams.

A review which involved sounding out supporters opinions

An artists impression of a re-developed Oriel Park. recommended remaining at Oriel Park due to its proximity to the town centre, the availability of adequate space for redevelopment and, of course, the fact that Oriel Park is the club’s home. Also, the costs of moving to a new site were prohibitive.

A statement from the club confirmed that they are initially planning to build a category three stadium.

“Given that the club’s main aim is to provide

quality facilities for players and supporters on a weekly basis, the Development Group decided to aim for a Category 3 stadium while attempting to meet as many of the Category 4 criteria as reasonably possible given the high costs involved. A staged approach can be taken to make further ongoing improvements.

Current and Future Needs The high-level scope for the redevelopment

of Oriel Park is based on the following needs: 1: Playing and Training Facilities Dundalk FC first installed a synthetic pitch in 2005. This has enabled the club to facilitate training and playing for the first team and the underage teams. Currently, the club has six academy teams and the club is planning to expand to allow for a senior women’s team within three years.

From a football

perspective, the Development Group, and every coach and footballer in our club, agree that it is preferable to install a grass pitTor to protect any new grass surface on the main Oriel Park pitch, the club would need to acquire at least three new pitches to facilitate training sessions and matches for all of our teams.

2: Floodlights The existing floodlights in Oriel Park were erected in 1967 and use halogen bulbs.

These bulbs are extremely expensive to run, are energy intensive and provide unsatisfactory light to the playing field.

The floodlights need to be replaced with modern LED floodlights both for economic and environmental reasons.

3. Spectator Facilities Discussions held by the Development Group on supporter facilities have been focused on the development of a 6,000-capacity stadium with suitable facilities for all categories of supporters (away fans, people with disabilities, family groups and sponsors).

Discussions have advised that a phased development would be the most sensible approach to achieving these ambitions.

4. Other Facilities New dressing rooms, referees’ rooms, media facilities, doping rooms, meeting rooms, offices etc are needed to accommodate our players, staff and guests.

5. Community Facilities

Dundalk FC has always prided itself on the place it holds within our community, the club intends to build on, and strengthen, these ties. All discussions on redevelopment have been focused on providing additional space and facilities for use by community groups.

Local Area Plan Consultation In the last number of months, the Development Group have held productive and encouraging meetings with our local authority, local political representatives, and the FAI. These talks have been wide-ranging and all aspects of the future needs of the club have been discussed.

As part of these discussions, the club made a submission in June 2023 to Louth County Council Local Area Plan Consultation. This LAP submission can be viewed here.

Funding is currently being sought to allow the club to appoint a consultant to prepare a final strategic plan for the redevelopment of Oriel Park. This plan will allow the club to approach funding agencies and stakeholders with a plan for the future.

Sports Capital Grant The Development Group, with the assistance of the FAI and Louth County Council, have also made an application for Sports Capital Grant funding. The focus of this application is to deal with the most immediate issues that face Oriel Park. These are the

pitch and the floodlights.

A series of site visits and meetings have taken place with pitch specialists Clive Richardson Ltd. Other discussions have been held with other parties in relation to securing alternative training and playing facilities for our academy teams.

The results of these discussions concluded that the installation of a grass pitch is not viable at this current time. Therefore, funding has been sought to install the highest specification of synthetic surface available that will use a new cork-based infill, rather than the black rubber that has been the norm since 2005.

This pitch will hopefully allow the club to bridge the time gap until new additional playing and training facilities are available.

The second part of the application involved the retirement of the existing floodlight system and replacement with modern LED floodlights. This submission was made to the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media on September 8th, 2023.

Next Steps The Development Group awaits a response to our application and is hoping to schedule further meetings with the owners of Dundalk FC in the near future,” concluded the statement.

St. Louis Open Day

Roisin Caraher, Katie Reilly, Mia McD

ermott, Erin Finnegan and Sarah

On tour at Open Evening in St Louis were Kodi Myles, Rachel McKay and Sarah Guinan.

Richardson.

Home Economics teacher Ms Aisl ing McGinn with visitors to the Hom e Ec room with 1st Year student Kaiya Nulty.

Tina Galligan and Julieanne Law

rence.

Teacher Orla Drumgoole with Alison Matthews.

Minister Chambers witnesses parking chaos at Bush

Dundalk Leader 11th October 2023

Councillor Andrea Mc Kevitt and Senator Erin Mc Greehan were delighted to welcome Minister of State at the Department of Transport to the Cooley Peninsula this week.

Both have long been advocating for safety measures to be implemented along the R173, there are many hotspots along this stretch of road, starting at Bellurgan National School, where there is a service station and then Bellurgan F.C., moving along we come to the built up area of Lordship which has St Patricks GFC GAA Grounds, with Rampark NS, and several housing developments, along with a chapel, graveyard and takeaway at the South of the village.

As we travel in the direction of Carlingford, we come to Bush Post Primary School, where Minister Chambers

Sen. Erin Greehan and Minister Jack Chambers. stopped off on his trip, to the Bush junction were see first hand and hear of all discussed with the the daily chaos at home Dublin West Minister. time faced by parents, Chambers could see how students and teachers. worrying the situation is The entire cross roads at at Bush and has advised the Bush is a huge cause that his Department will for concern when school review the Cooley Secis out. Minister Cham- ondary School under the bers, got to witness first Safe Routes To School. how serious the problem Rogan’s cross at is when he visited on Grange and Cooley hall Friday at home time and were also highlighted chatted to vice principal to the Minister on his Rosanna Hart. The re- visit, as junctions of conquirement for extra park- cern, where motorists ing spaces, an additional often feel ‘’like sitting bus service and safety ducks’’. measures to be impleThere are huge volmented on the R173 at umes of traffic on this

regional road and McKevitt personally believes ‘’ this regional road, sees a huge volume of motorway traffic, and is simply unable to cope with the speed of vehicles on the road’’.

McGreehan indicated “there are so many small mitigation measures that can be put in place that would make a huge difference’’ The Peninsula based Councillor, along with Senator Erin McGreehan raised all these concerning issues with the Minister on his visit and expressed the frustration of so many within the community.

Both politicians welcomed the commitment from the Minister to review the situation under safe routes to school and are hopeful that a solution can be met once and for all that is in the best interests of the entire community.

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Dundalk Leader 11th October 2023

12

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Boiler Services

Flooring

Conservatories/Windows/Sunrooms

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Dundalk Leader 11th October 2023

Gardening

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Dundalk Leader 11th October 2023

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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). L.S. 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.O’N. 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). B.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). P.L. Miraculous Prayer to the Holy Spirit Holy Spirit, you who makes me see everything and shows me the way to reach my ideal, you who gives me the divine gift to forgive and forget all the wrong that is done to me and you who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank you for everything, and affirm once more that I never want to be separated from you no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones… in your perpetual glory. Amen. To that end, and submitting to God’s holy will, I ask from you… (mention your favor). You must pray this prayer 3 consecutive days. After the 3rd day your wish shall be granted no matter how difficult It may be.

Promise to publish the dialogue as your favour has been granted.

M.S.

Our Weekly Deadline For Family Notices is 4pm Fridays prior to Wednesday Publication.

Contact Lorna for further information.

Tel 042 9320888

Jinx Lennon is back in the Spirit Store soon. pressive switching from acoustic guitar, bass and bass drum and beats during his set as well as a tape machine dialogue going on between songs to keep the show (and the audience) on its tiptoes.

Jinx has been writing and recording music since 1980. The Pearse Park native was a member of a number of local bands including Novena Babes, Silver Seeds, Zen

special services

special services

ATTENTION—For B.E.R. CERTIFICATION of properties being offered for sale or rent, contact Robert Mulholland, BER assessor.

087 609 1906 www.louthber.ie.

Room to rent—Avenue Road, Dundalk Tel 085 1471789.

ADVERTISE YOUR HOUSE Premises for rent or sale to 55,000 readers a week from €5.

Telephone Dundalk Leader 042 93 -20888.

MOBILE HOME TRANSPORT—Transported throughout 32 Counties. Contact Eugene 086-607-1702.

CARPET & OVEN CLEANING—Carpet, upholstery & specialist oven cleaning available. Call MVI Cleaning Dundalk on 042 94 21300 or visit www.mvicleaning.ie.

Roofing and Building contractor available. Repairs and new builds.

Fully insured. Contact Mark Carney on 087 1302040 for enquiries.

GARDEN & HOUSE MAINTENANCE— Strimming grass, hedge cutting, weeding, also garden clearance, concreting, patios, painting, power washing, gutter cleaning, window cleaning, fencing. Have all the equipment. Contact Brian 086-109-7358.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE—Repairs, building, plumbing, painting, roof repairs, tiling, bathroom refurbishments, concreting, plastering, gardening, power washing, PVC facia and soffits, Over 20 yrs experience. References available. Tel Michael on 085-762-3758 .

Fifi’s Alterations—Longwalk S.C. (formerly A-Alterations) Tel 083 011 8728.

Zips, hems, clothes taken in or let out, also Dry Cleaning Service. Open Mon - Fri 9.30 5.30pm & Sat 10 - 2pm.

WATCH REPAIRS—Mechanical/Quartz (battery) and Vintage. In our own workshop.

Most brands: Cartier, Longines, Omega, Revue, Raymond Weil, Seiko, Citizen & more, also Jewellery repairs. Goldstar Jewellers, Demesne Shopping Centre Dundalk Tel. 042 93 39478.

BUILDER & HOME MAINTAINENCE— Building, Woodwork, Painting, Plumbing, Tiling, Kitchen Refurbishments, Paving & Fencing. No job to big or too small. Tel. 087 295 2529.

Carpentry/Building Services— Over 20 years experience. No job too big or too small. Available services: Doors, Frames, Floors, Skirting, Architraves, Walls, Built in Units. Fencing/Gates, Plaster boarding, Tiling and Roofing Services. Complete renovations carried out. Contact Mark 086 0895508.

Power washing of driveways/paving/ walls/patios. No job too big or small. Competitive rates. Call Will on 085 860 4048.

DDS Painting & Decorating Services.

Dundalk area. Internal and external painting and wallpapering. Free estimates within 12 hours. 10 years experience. Tel David 085 7308777.

Will’s Garden Services—Lawn cutting, edges, hedges, strimming, rubbish & recycle removal, garage/house/yard clearances. Call Will on 085 860 4048.

Man with a Van—Hedges, tree topping, painting, facia & Soffit, patios, concreting, garage clear-outs, outside taps.

Call Kevin for a free & honest quote 0894016728.

Painting & Decorating—Interior & Exterior, Spray Painting & Hand Painted Kitchens, etc. All work carried out by professional Trades Men. Call Brian 087 7558506.

Grass-cutting in and around the Dundalk area. Experienced and reliable. Contact Michael on 0871477067.

Man in a Van—House moves, furniture delivery/removal, yard/garage clearances, recycling & rubbish removal. Call Will on 085 860 4048 for a competitive quote.

Christmas Craft Fair—3rd December Fairways Hotel, Dundalk To book a table send an email to xmasfairs123@gmail. com.

All property maintenance services carried out. Roof repairs, Plumbing, Painting & Decorating, Wall & Floor tiling, All outdoor work, Paving & Fencing, Power washing. Call Gerry your local man 087 6461556 or 042 9327241 after 6pm.

Carpentry—Repair, maintenance.

Woodwork, attic space, fencing, feature walls, floors, kitchen and wardrobe repairs, shops and office suspended ceilings, metal partitions, drylining Tel Enda 085 1481212.

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

SC Tiling : Professional Tiler, Specialises in full bathroom refits. Top Class Work Guaranteed Call Shane : 086 107 5080

articles for sale

Jinx ready to uplift the Spirit Store like a border James Brown!

Punk folk singer Jinx Lennon recently uplifted the weekenders at this year’s Electric Picnic and the recent all day Sunday fundraiser in Toales to raise funds for the North Louth Hospice and now he brings his latest show ‘You have to make your own mind up don’t be a sheep’ to the Spirit Store on Friday October 27th.

This year saw the release of Celtic style guitar LP ‘’Walk Lightly When The Jug is Full’’ a departure from the garage rock and sampled beats of previous works like ‘’Border Schizo Fffolk Songs for the Fuc**d”.

Now the new show moves towards more testifying and uplifting themes like a border James Brown here to inspire the audience in the strange mad world we live in.

Jinx sings about the struggle to retain sanity and integrity in 21st century Ireland and brings enough humour and humility to keep things from getting too op-

PROPERTY/RENTALS

Emeralds, Sneaky Pete And The Ostrich and has performed throughout Ireland, U.K, Europe and the U.S. Christy Moore is a fan of Jinx and has described his songs as having ‘’the best lyrics in Ireland’’.

Jinx is now working on finishing the next record which has a working title ‘’Curl Up and Die and Get on with it’’.

Special guests include

up and coming Dundalk singer TJ Murphy who is stepping up to the mark with his take on the local songsmith with works like “Redeemer Boy” and ‘’Cox’s Desmesne’’ has been steadily making a name for himself.

He will be playing songs from his upcoming album at the show.

Lorcan Lyons is from Thurles Tipperary. A quiet self effacing singer in person, his songs evoke the grandeur of John Martyn but transferred to the plains of Tipp accent wise. He is best experienced live but his latest album ‘’Gadderings’’ is a good place to start .

Tickets are €15 from www.spiritstore.ie or buy them at the Spirit Store venue www.instagram.com/ jinxlennon w w w. t w i t t e r. c o m / FREESTATENOVA www.jinxlennon.com You tube channel www.youtube.com/@ jinxlennonfreestatenova1895/videos

Attention Landlords—We supply furniture & Beds for any rental properties you have. Beds from €180, Bedroom Furniture Sets from €249 Call us today www. bedstore.ie, Coes Rd, Dundalk Tel 042 932 0927.

Unwanted gift—Men’s aftershave ‘Creed’, unopened, value 265 sterling, willing to sell for 90 Euro. Tel 089 2259755.

20 Wood pallets available to pick up free of charge, Greenacres, Dundalk Tel 089 2456581.

SELL IT THROUGH A CLASSIFIED—Only €5 for one week up to 20 words. 042 93 20888. The Dundalk Leader.

special services CHIMNEY & STOVE CLEANING—Tel Paul McArdle 042 933 2491 / 087 666 0094.

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 8184827.

Carpentry & Joinery—Maintenance and repairs, roofing, 1st & 2nd fix carpentry, sash window repairs. No job too big or small. Contact Seandon Carpentry 087 298 5110.

personal Easy-going country lad, mid 50s with GSOH seeks like-minded female companion late 40s/mid 50s with no ties. For walks/ talks and to share the simple things in life.

Tel 0868220403.

classes & courses Get fit the fun way and learn to dance, the Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot and Jive, now taking place in the Lisdoo, Dundalk Tuesday’s from 8pm - 10pm, no partner required. First wedding dance lessons and private lessons also available. Contact 086 357 3271 for further information.

DRUM LESSONS INCLUDING BODHRAN—For adults & children aged 8 years upwards. One to one lessons. Phone 087 414 4228.

Line Dancing continues Tuesdays at 7pm in Dowdallshill GAA Hall, Newry Rd. Also Seatown Boys club every Wednesday at 10am, for enquiries Phone 087 2618773.

Sewing classes on-going at Northlink retail park, Monday to Friday, for enquiries please call or WhatsApp Elizabeth on 0872649221 or visit www.djk-creations. com.

situations vacant Experienced Childminder available. Full or Part Time. Please contact 087 6919523.

Retired person available for light work, preferably driving, full clean driving licence Tel 086 3141719.

situations wanted Help wanted on sea boat couple of days per week depending on sea weather.

No time wasters please. Must have some sort of experience being on a boat. Contact 53somethingnew@gmail.com.

ADVERTISE in our classifieds to over 60,000 readers from only €5 per week up to 20 words 042 932 0888

Dundalk Leader 11th October 2023

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Ó Murchú receives update on investigation into Private Sean Rooney’s death

A year after the tragic death of Private Sean Rooney in Lebanon a court hearing will take place for those charged in connection with the Dundalk man’s death.

Sinn Fein TD Ruairí O Murchú received information about the court hearing this week from the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence.

The Louth TD submitted a Parliamentary Question on the matter asking about the current status of the investigation into Private Rooney’s death.

“Since the events of 14th December 2022, in which Private Seán Rooney was killed and a number of his colleagues from the 121st Battalion injured, I have consistently expressed my 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.

“On 26 January, I visited Lebanon and met with my Lebanese counterparts - the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Defence. I impressed upon them the need to ensure that the Lebanese investigation was as thorough and complete as possible. In March, the Ceann Comhairle

Hill Street, Dublin Rd., Dundalk.

042 9331515/086 2559201

Private Sean Rooney was killed last December in Lebanon. visited Lebanon and met with the Lebanese Minister for Defence and the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament.

“Last month, I met the Lebanese Minister for Foreign Affairs in New York at the UN General Assembly and I again raised the matter of the Lebanese criminal investigation.

“Through the Embassy in Cairo and the Consulate in Beirut, the Irish Government has maintained close diplomatic contact with the Lebanese authorities in relation to the progress of the Lebanese criminal investigation.

“An initial indictment hearing of persons charged in connection with the incident of 14 December, took place on 14 July with a further hearing taking place on

30 August. The next court hearing is scheduled for 15 December 2023. Representatives from the Embassy in Cairo and the Consulate in Beirut have attended all hearings to date. In addition, my Department has engaged a Lebanese legal firm to represent the interests and concerns of the Irish Government at the court hearings.

“Given that this matter is now before the Lebanese judicial system, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time. However, I can assure the House that my Department, the Embassy in Cairo, the Consulate in Beirut and I will continue to monitor developments very closely.

“In addition to the criminal investigation,

a number of other investigations were initiated following Private Rooney’s killing. An Garda Síochána is conducting its own investigation, pursuant to the provisions of the Coroners Act 1962 (as amended), for the purposes of preparing a report for the Coroner.

“The United Nations also undertook a Board of Inquiry, which has now been concluded.

As this is an internal report of the United Nations, it may not be shared with third parties or made public in any form, either in whole or in part. “Consequently, the final report of the Board of Inquiry will not be published. It has, however, been shared with Ireland for official use only,” stated O Murchú.

Kelly raises concern about speed around Fatima Graveyard after crash

Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District, raised concerns at the October meeting in relation to speed in the vicinity of Fatima graveyard. A crash had taken place that afternoon in which the driver fled the scene.

Kelly commented ‘We have seen a persistent problem with speed of vehicles in this area.

In particular cars approaching from Brid A Chrinn via Castletown Cottages and also from Toberona are using excessive speed. The crash on Tuesday afternoon severely damaged

fore hundreds of pupils from both De La Salle and St Louis would of been in the area. This also an extremely busy route for locals who use it as a walking route. We are lucky to have avoided a more serious injury or worse. Something needs to be done to address the excessive speed in area and give locals peace of mind. We need the council in conjunction with the Cllr Sean Kelly.

Gardai to act here.’

In response the Council ofthe wall at the church, which has happened several times ficials undertook to look at the area and see what measures previously.

If happened just an hour be- could be undertaken.

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Dundalk Leader 11th October 2023