12-03-2025 by Peter Kierans

‘Dutch’ of class from superstar Kate

Dundalk athlete makes history in the Netherlands

By Paul Byrne

24-YEAR-OLD Kate O’Connor took a huge leap forward in her athletics career with a magnificent bronze medal winning performance at the European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn, The Netherlands.

The Belfry Gardens native and former St Vincent’s student had already introduced her talents to the world stage three years ago when she claimed silver for Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

But on a memorable Sunday for Irish athletics, O’Connor showed she has improved immeasurably over the last couple of years as she made his-

tory by becoming the first Irish athlete to win a senior multi-events medal.

The Pentathlon consists of five events and O’Connor managed to shatter her own Irish Pentathlon record with a total of 4781 points, achieving personal bests in four of the five events.

She began the competition running 8.31 in the 60m hurdles, before overcoming a sticky start in the high jump where she failed twice at 1.75m before clearing it on her final attempt. After that scare she went on to clear 1.84m which put her well and truly in the running for a medal. The third event saw her throw 14.32 metres in the shot put before yet another personal best of 6.27m in the Long Jump.

Continued on Page 2

Paddy Greene, QFA

Sinead McAvinney, QFA

A delighted Kate O’Connor celebrates her bronze medal with father and coach Michael O’Connor. Pic Credit: Athletics Ireland.

Dutch of class from superstar Kate

Continued From Page 1

That put her in fourth spot going into the final event which would be the 800 metres. O’Connor was up against it given the fact her rival for bronze, Britain’s Jade O’Dowda, had a faster PB in the event. Given the points difference between O’Dowda and O’Connor the Dundalk athlete knew she needed to beat her rival for bronze by about 2.4 seconds. A huge ask it seemed.

According to Kate’s dad Michael, who also coaches her alongside Tom Reynolds, the trio made a plan for that final event. That plan was ripped up by O’Connor half way through the race as she decided to go all out and just try and run as hard and fast as she could to secure bronze. Unbelievably she held off the chasing pack to win the 800 metres in 2:11.42 and now all eyes were on O’Dowda to see how many seconds behind O’Connor she finished. After a nervous wait, bronze was confirmed for the Dundalk athlete with O’Dowda officially finishing in 2:15.91, over four seconds behind O’Connor.

Speaking to reporters after-

vated her on to the world stage.

“The Commonwealth Games where Kate won silver was fantastic and we were overjoyed with that performance but this was on a different level altogether. Most of the best multi-event athletes Kate competes against are from Europe so these were some of the very best in the world that Kate was competing against and she showed she is good enough to be in that company.

the four events and I’m still not in the medal places. What do I have to do here?

REQUIRED

Please Email C.V. to: info@brenlo.ie or Tel 01 9125175

51 Dublin Street, Dundalk A91 F227 www.brenlo.ie

51 Dublin St, Dundalk. A91 F227 Tel: 01 912 5175 | www.brenlo.ie

We are actively looking for part-time/full-time home care staff in the Dundalk, Carlingford, The Cooley Peninsula and Omeath area for an immediate start.

Interested send in your CV to recruitment@hhci.ie or enquiries contact: 0877724202

wards, O’Connor admitted she was in shock at what had just taken place.

“It’s absolute madness, I can’t believe it,” said O’Connor. “I knew I’d need something special to get into the medals, so I just took it one event at a time. After the long jump, I was frustrated because I had already put in four world-class performances and was still outside the top three. But I de-

cided to give it everything.”

“I just thought, ‘feck it, I’m going to run as fast as I can and kick as hard as I can,’” O’Connor added. “With 220m to go, I said, ‘let’s go.’ I ran with all the guts I had, and it paid off.”

Meanwhile, Kate’s proud Dad Michael, praised his daughter for her exceptional performance which have ele-

“She is an exceptional athlete and she has been exceptional all year in training so we kind of knew that she may well have a big performance in her for these championships. We got off to a rocky start when she missed 1.75m twice in the high jump but after that she was unbelievable and myself and Tom (Tom Reynolds, Kate’s other coach) were just looking at each other in amazement as she kept on making PB’s. After the fourth event she actually went outside the stadium with us for a wee break and a bit of air and she was actually a bit down and there were a few tears. She was saying to us, I have done brilliantly in all of

Rachel to take part in Women’s Mini Marathon in memory of sister Kate

KNOCKBRIDGE native Rachel Keenan will take part in this year’s VHI Women’s Mini Marathon in memory of her sister Kate who tragically passed away just over a year ago following a road accident just a week after her 25th birthday. Kate who was a passenger in a van suffered fatal injuries when the vehicle crashed into a tree on the road at Carnalogue during Storm Isha.

Rachel is taking part in the mini marathon to try and raise funds for a charity very close to her heart with all proceeds going to the ‘Irish Road Victim Association’. According to Rachel the organisation will be close to their families hearts forever given the support they offered in the weeks and months following Kate’s tragic passing.

“This year I will be entering the Women’s Mini Marathon for the first time which I know Kate would find funny because I generally wouldn’t walk the length of myself,” laughs Rachel.

“Myself and about nineteen or twenty other people including my partner and Dad who will be both dressing up as women for the race will take part in the race this year in memory of Kate and to try and

raise money for the Irish Road Victims Association. They are a brilliant organisation who I know were brilliant for my Mam and Dad in the wake of our tragic loss.

“Kate was the 13th death on the roads of 2024 last January and by the end of the year there were 174 who had been killed in accidents on the roads. People need to be more aware on the roads and to take greater care while driving. A lot of these deaths are very preventable,” stated Rachel.

“Our lives will never be the same again since losing my beautiful beloved little sister to a RTA. This charity won’t change the lives of the family’s left behind to pick up their shattered lives & try piece them back together, nothing will change that, but any help

or funds do go a long way to supporting the families. It will be a bittersweet day for us in June when we take part in the Mini Marathon but we will make sure to do it with a smile on our faces to honour Kate’s memory. If anybody is able to support us and help support other families who have been affected by deaths on our roads then I have set up a GoFundMe page with al proceeds going to the Irish Road Victim Association’” stated Rachel.

Rachel’s GoFundMe Page has currently raised €1655 and if you want to donate you can do so at the following link https://www.gofundme.com/f/ jq62vv-irish-road-victims-association.

Volunteer drivers wanted

MEALS on Wheels Dundalk are currently seeking volunteer drivers for our service. The commitment would be for one hour three days a week. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday except on a bank holiday (Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday).

If you are interested in volunteering please contact 042 9332848 or email dlksocialservicecouncil@outlook.ie.

“We made a plan for the final event which was the 800m but pretty soon after the race started, Kate decided to throw that gameplan out the window and just go for it. And boy did she do just that. It was very emotional seeing her give it her all and win that final race to secure bronze. Such a proud moment. That was down to her. It was a piece of Kate O’Connor magic. She has that X-Factor that all top level athletes have and the exciting thing is we know that there is even more in the tank. We began a four year project which will take us to the Olympic games in 2028 and that is our goal now. We will continue to train hard but smart and mind Kate and ensure she is in the best possible condition for those games. The World Indoors are on in a couple of weeks in China and Kate has been selected to go to those so we’ll get those out of the way and then Kate can have a rest and soak in all that she has achieved,” stated Michael.

SENSORY ROOM

For some individuals, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), verbal and non-verbal communication is a challenge. Our sensory room is a calming space, a specially designed room which combines a range of stimuli to help individuals develop and engage their senses.

OPEN DAY

This Saturday, 14th March, 11am to 3pm ALL WELCOME

Enquiries Tel 01 9125175 www.brenlo.ie

51 Dublin Street, Dundalk A91 F227

51 Dublin St, Dundalk. A91 F227 Tel: 01 912 5175 | www.brenlo.ie

Rachel Keenan.

Kate O’Connor proudly shows off her bronze medal from the European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn.

Two people deported following cross border checkpoint

WORKING as part of the Joint Agency Task Force (JATF), Gardaí conducted a major multi-agency checkpoint on the N1/M1 in Dundalk last Thursday, 6th March.

The high-visibility operation involved close co-operation between An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), which also conducted a number of high-visibility vehicle checkpoints on the Northern Ireland side of the border.

The policing operation, with a focus on rural crime and human trafficking, was aimed at preventing and detecting criminality along the border and at preventing and disrupting the free movement of criminals based in the Republic and Northern Ireland.

There were four detections for

drug driving (tested positive for cocaine and cannabis) and other vehicles were seized for having no tax or insurance and other Road

Traffic Offences detected

The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) carried out immigration checks on ten buses and 2 persons were refused Leave to Land and will be deported from the country tonight.

The Department of Social Protection identified 16 people for whom they wish to carry out further enquiries.

Revenue Customs detected Marked Gas Oil being unlawfully used in six vehicles, one of which was seized.

The operation was led by Gardaí from the Louth/Cavan/Monaghan Division, assisted by the Garda

Air Support Unit, Armed Support Unit, Garda National Immigration Bureau and the Garda Human Trafficking Investigation Unit, alongside officials from Customs and the Department of Social Protection.

BRAND NEW GROUP

Muirhevnamor Community Centre

Muirhevnamor

Dundalk A91 W974

Mondays: 7:30pm

Contact: Ursula 087 9243044

Wellington Hall

St Mary’s Road

Dundalk A91 XH21

Tuesdays: 5:30pm & 7pm

Contact: Ursula 087 9243044

Ardee

St Mary’s GFC A92 K226

Tuesdays:

7:30am, 9:30am, 11.30am 5:30pm, 7pm

Contact: Lynne 087 9839776

Blackrock Community Centre

Sandy Lane A91 EDOF

Fridays: 7:30am & 9:30am

Contact: Lynne 087 9839776

The Garda operation also served as a Mandatory Intoxicating Testing (MIT) checkpoint and focussed on providing a highvisibility policing presence to help reduce road deaths.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland implemented a full traffic management plan to divert all traffic over a period of four hours off the N1 southbound at Junction 18 and onto a slip road where the checkpoint was in place.

Sergeant Declan Higgins of the

Louth Roads Policing Unit said:

“Under the JATF, we work closely with the PSNI and they have a similar checkpoint operation North of the border. What we’re trying to do is prevent criminals from using our road network. The checkpoint is also part of the road safety initiative of An Garda Síochána, we’re targeting drink and drug drivers and also people driving without insurance.

Chief Inspector Adam Corner of the PSNI said: “We are proud to be involved in this JATF operation with our colleagues in An Garda Síochána. We are utilising a number of PSNI resources in order to control the strategic road network to deny criminals the use of the road.

“Criminals are looking to exploit our border region and border communities and it’s through working with An Garda Síochána, sharing information, we will relentlessly pursue those looking to cause misery and those who look to commit crime in the border area.”

The 2015 Fresh Start Agreement established the formal mandate for a Cross Border Joint Agency Task Force with the aim of bringing a concerted and enhanced effort to tackle cross-jurisdictional organised crime.

The JATF is led by senior officers from An Garda Síochána, the PSNI and other key partner agencies, including Revenue Services on both sides of the border and the UK’s National Crime Agency.

The current six strategic priorities identified for the Cross Border JATF are:

Tobacco and Fuel smuggling; Synthetic Drugs; Human Trafficking; Rural Crime (with cross-border dimension); Financial Crime; Immigration.

The Cross Border Policing Strategy 2025-27 aims to build on the existing collaborative relationships between An Garda Síochána and the PSNI and represents a strengthened commitment towards enhanced law enforcement provision and intelligence sharing between both organisations.

Rowing the length of Ireland for Irish Cancer Society

BUOYED by the success of last year’s ‘2 million Mile Walk for Charity’ which raised €800 for the Cara Cancer Care Centre, the Perform Physiotherapy team embarked on a brand new grueling challenge recently which saw a six-member team row the equivalent length of Ireland (466kms) from a stationary rowing machine.

Perform Physiotherapy Administration Manager Alana Halpenny told the Dundalk Leader

that she and her colleagues wanted to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society as well as raising awareness for testicular cancer for this year’s challenge.

“Six of us decided to embark on the challenge which involved six of us rowing 2.8km each day for the entire month of February. So far we are delighted to say we have raised just over €1500 and we are leaving the GoFundMe page open in case anybody else wanted to donate to this bril-

liant cause. The six-member team from Perform Physiotherapy include Inesa Svaikauskaite, Robbie Callan, David Murphy, Aaron Roche, Alana Halpenny and Fiona Flynn who all work in Perform Physiotherapy If you would like to support the fundraiser you can do so at https://www.gofundme.com/f/ rowing-the-length-of-irelandfor-the-irish-cancer-society.

Inesa Svaikauskaite, Robbie Callan, David Murphy, Aaron Roche, Alana Halpenny, Fiona Flynn from Perform Physiotherapy.

Gardaí from the Immigration Bureau at the checkpoint.

County Hall turns purple in honour of International Women’s Day

THE County Hall was awash with the colour purple last week as members of Louth County Council staff celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD), which took place on March 8th.

This annual event provides an opportunity to recognise women’s contributions across various fields and to raise awareness about gender equality. International Women’s Day serves as a platform to highlight social, economic, cultural, and political achievements while advocating for women’s rights worldwide.

This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ reflects the need for continued progress in gender equality, with data from the World Economic Forum indicating that, at the

current rate of progress, full gender parity will not be reached until 2158—roughly five generations from now.

Aoibheann McLernon, Staff Wellbeing Officer at Louth County Council, said that the local authority used the week to celebrate the females that make up 41% of Louth County Council’s workforce.

“Last year, we used International Women’s Day to celebrate the talented women amongst our staff at Louth County Council. This year, we wanted to recognise the achievements of the incredible women who inspire us every day.

“Throughout the week, staff members used our Louth Speaker app to express gratitude to the women who make Louth

Noel’s history and poetry books have raised €36,500 for local charities

NOEL Sharkey pictured with Louth Co. Arts Council Officer Moyà Hodgers whose generous grant helped towards the cost of Noels latest poetry collection ‘The Windings of The Labyrinth’ helped to raise 640 euro for Haggardstown / Dublin Road Community Alert at a recent History slide show presentation in Geraldine’s G.F.C. Community Centre.

The total amount of monies now raised from Noel Sharkey’s history and poetry books and slide show presentations of old photographs now amounts to €36, 500.

Noel Sharkey and Moya Hodgers

A ROBIN FOR ROSALEEN

(In loving memory of my dear mother-in law Rosaleen Walker (1924-2016)

A fortune teller informed my wife

Shortly after you’d passed awayThat your soul would have eternal life

In the form of a robin who’d come to stay.

I inwardly treated such predictions

With a large grain of salt and disdain, Having no patience with such fictionsYet a robin has since come to remain

Feeding and living in our front garden

With her mate arriving each spring. Does such an occurrence ask for pardon

As I listen to both of them sing?

No! Such a belief is of course nonsense, That this robin I have come to know Could be any manifestation of your presenceYet I love to cling to the idea it is so. NOEL SHARKEY.

County Council a place where everyone feels valued and supported. On Thursday, we asked all of our female staff members to wear purple, which signifies justice and dignity, as well as loyalty to the cause.”

David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said: “International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the invaluable contributions that women make to the world and to reflect on the work still needed to achieve true equality. Louth County Council remains committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where women’s contributions are acknowledged and celebrated.”

Ó Murchú highlights ‘huge gaps’ in disability services in Louth

DUNDALK TD Ruairí Ó Murchú has welcomed a commitment from Taoiseach Micheál Martin that therapies will be made available for children in special schools in September, but highlighted the ‘huge gaps’ in disability services for families in Louth.

The Sinn Féin deputy questioned the Taoiseach in the Dáil last week after a response to a parliamentary question he submitted revealed how there are over 500 full-time unfilled positions in children’s disability teams around the state.

He said that even if all the positions were filled it was likely that more services would still be needed and he said that while the therapies for children in special schools are welcome, they need to be introduced into mainstream schools ‘as soon as possible’.

He said: ‘The Taoiseach has often said he believes in the school inclusion model. We require an holistic school inclusion model. When is that going to happen?’

In response, the Taoiseach said

a ‘therapy-based service is being worked on’.

The Taoiseach said: ‘We gave the green light for that and asked the Department of Education to prepare to, we hope, commence it this September, if we can get the Estimates right and so on.

‘I think we are going full on with a school-based therapy service, for special schools in the first instance’.

And While Deputy Ó Murchú said he welcomed that commit-

ment, he hoped these would be holistic therapies.

He said: ‘Some families are worried they will just be schoolbased and it is vital that teachers, SNAs and parents are all made aware of what best practice is. At times, even technological backup is absolutely vital and should not be left out. When do we move to school-based therapies being rolled out properly in the context of mainstream?

In response, the Taoiseach said: ‘Deputy Ó Murchú asked about school-based and holistic therapies. The initial phase would be special schools and that will take some time. I am hoping we can get it started this year.

‘Mainstream schools will be some time after that, but we will see what we can do. A lot will depend on the estimates, budgets, recruitment and so on. We will have to dramatically increase the number of therapists in our thirdlevel colleges as well. This has to be something that is planned and programmed for the long haul’.

Final preparations for St Patrick’s Day Parade

THE final preparations are being made for the Dundalk St Patrick’s Day parade which takes place on Monday March 17 from Patrick Street at 1pm.

The parade organisers are looking for volunteers to help marshal the event and have asked anyone who wants to get involved to contact them as soon as possible via their email address.

Inspirational marathon runner, Colette O’Hagan, will be the grand marshal for this year’s parade, which is sponsored by Dundalk Credit Union, Louth County Council, Hanley En-

ergy, Digiweb, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, Dundalk BIDS, Parkwind, Dundalk Stadium, KTF, Lavelles Estate Agents, Visit Louth, Leinster Environmental, Sevens Taxis, Docu Flow, Print Express, TSM, Servisource and Colour Code.

Registration for the 2025 Dundalk St Patrick’s Day parade opened last week and the response has been ‘really positive’, committee chairperson Conor Keelan said. Registration is through the website at www.stpatricksdaydundalk. ie and closes on March 12.

There will also be live music and family entertainment after the parade, so that families can spend more time in the town after the main event.

And following on from the successful two years of the ‘quiet zone’ in Dublin Street, which allowed people with sensory issues to enjoy the parade without the noise, the committee has announced it will make a return in 2025.

Also coming back is the very popular wheelchair access viewing stand which gave wheelchair users a safe and elevated place to see the parade in all its

glory. This facility is limited in capacity and needs to be pre-booked through the website.

And there will be a family fun zone and musical entertainment in the Market Square area from 2pm to 5pm for families to enjoy the atmosphere after the parade.

Any group or business organisation wishing to take part must register through the website.

Volunteers who wish to assist with the running of the parade are asked to email: stpatsdundalk@gmail.com

€1,070,535.44 outstanding in Dundalk District Court Office in unpaid fines since 2020

MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, a former barrister, has described the extraordinary amount of unpaid district court fines in Ireland as a slap in the face to the victims of their crimes. Her comments come as the Irish Courts service released figures to Ní Mhurchú, under the freedom of information act, which show that almost €45 million in unpaid district court fines are outstanding across Ireland’s district court system since 2020.

€1,070,535.44 of that relates to the Dundalk district court office.

Ní Mhurchú has called for the issue of unpaid district court fines to be included in the upcoming review of the criminal justice system which was promised in the 2025 Programme for Government.

According to Ní Mhurchú, “What does this say to the victims who have been impacted by crimes such as drink driving, assault, theft, and shop lifting. We are imposing fines that a percentage of criminals are choosing to ignore and it seems there is little we are doing about it. €45 million would fund a lot of domestic violence refuges, road safety campaigns and extra Garda on our streets. It is time for a get tough approach to those criminals who feel they are above the law. Our road deaths have been rising in Ireland for consecutive years. How can we expect any improvement in that scenario when those fined for traffic offences may choose not to pay the fine”

Ní Mhurchú argues that the Fines (Payment and Recovery) Act 2014, which came into force on the 11th of January 2016 is clearly not working when it comes to the recovery of most outstanding fines. The act provides for alternative orders to imprisonment in the event that a court imposed fine is not paid. The act allowed those convicted to pay fines in instalments, and introduced measures including attachment of earnings for unpaid fines, community service and the appointment of receivers to recover fines. Ní Mhurchú feels it is time to implement the measures set out in the 2014 act aggressively.

“Clearly, the courts service are not implementing the measures set out in the 2014 act. The act allows measures up to and including taking someone’s social welfare or salary to pay the fines due. Is this being done? The courts service will say it takes time to collect fines but over €2.2m is still owing from 2020 and over €5.5m is still owing from 2021!!”

Ní Mhurchú’s figures show that 133, 851 fines across the state have yet to be paid in full in our district court system.

Louth County Council staff celebrate International Women’s Day.

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú.

Stephen and Matt’s Oscar performance in An Táin

THE Importance of Being Wilde is a compelling documentary play by Dundalk man Stephen Burns on the life and extraordinary career of Oscar Wilde, one of the most flamboyant and brilliantly original Irishmen of all time.

Wilde who wrote such classics as The Importance of Being Earnest, An Ideal Husband and The Picture of Dorian Gray is well known for his sparkling wit and was lauded in London in the early 1890’s where he became one of the most popular and in-

fluential playwrights in London. However, he would later become vilified and was sent to jail for ‘gross indecency for homosexual acts’ spending two years in Reading jail before moving to France where he died a broken man in 1900.

Stephen Burns has been a huge fan of Oscar Wilde for many years and his play ‘The Importance of Being Wilde’ showcases the wit and humour of his hero while also introducing a brand new generation to the genius of the Dublin born playwright.

Stephen, who wrote the play thirty years ago has performed it to audiences all across Europe as well as the USA and he will now bring it back for his hometown audience as he and his friend Matt Murphy take to the An Táin Arts Centre stage later this month.

“I truly believe that Oscar Wilde was one of the greatest Irishmen of all time and I have been fascinated with him for as long as I can remember. I can remember watching the great the great Micheal MacLiammoir per-

form his famous Wilde show, The Importance of Being Oscar on stage when I was a teenager. That really ignited a passion in me and I have been a devoted fan of Wilde’s ever since. I wrote the play ‘The Importance of Being Wilde’ about thirty years ago and have been lucky enough to travel the world and perform it in many different countries across the globe.

“I wanted to write a play which was very accessible and make it enjoyable for people who knew the works of Wilde but also make it

Women’s Aid to host

One Billion Rising event

WOMEN’S Aid Dundalk are extending an invitation to each and every one of you to attend our annual One Billion Rising event, taking place on Wednesday March 19th 2025, at 10am at the Square.

We’re aiming to create a vibrant celebration of dance, uniting various local commu-

nity groups - which you are more than welcome to join in with. The dance routine itself features simple, easy-to-follow steps, starting promptly at 10:30am and lasting just the length of a single song. Following the dance we will have speakers lined up. If you’d like to learn more about the event and the sig-

Louth Enterprise Awards

Celebrating Outstanding Business Talent

LOCAL Enterprise Office Louth wrapped up Local Enterprise Week with the Louth Enterprise Awards at The Monasterboice Inn, Drogheda, celebrating business innovation and success.

Winners included Fierce Mild Brewing Ltd (Best Start-Up), a non-alcoholic beer brand rapidly expanding across Ireland and beyond; SafeShel (Innovation Award), creators of a lightweight, inflatable rescue shelter for emergency response; and moneysherpa (Best Established Business), Ireland’s first comprehensive home-buying service.

Moneysherpa’s Mark Coan will now represent Louth at the National Enterprise Awards in May at The Mansion House, Dublin.

Local Enterprise Office Louth continues to support businesses year-round. Learn more at LocalEnterprise.ie/Louth.

nificance behind it, I’ve included detailed information here for your reference. Additionally, you’ll find straightforward instructions for the dance steps enclosed, along with a video from one of our previous events to give you an idea of how it should look on the day.

Dundalk FM’s Town Talk

enjoyable for people who knew the name but didn’t really know anything about his work. The play is basically myself and my friend Matt Murphy on stage taking the audience through the highs and lows of Oscar’s extraordinary life. It includes all the wit and humour of Wilde and the two of us do extracts from his various works. I originally wrote a version of the play over thirty years ago but then completely re-wrote it a few years later. It starts with his death in Paris and is about 1 hour and forty min-

utes long. If you don’t know much about the works of Wilde I would like to think that this is a very nice introduction to some of his more popular works. I still get the same buzz performing on stage as I did when I first started and it is always lovely to perform in front of your home town audience.,” added Stephen.

The Importance of Being Wilde will take place on both the 26th & 27th March at 8pm

Tickets €16/14 (+€1.50 booking fee per ticket).

1—Who is older? St Patrick or St Brigid?

2—In the nursery rhyme where was Simple Simon going when he met the pieman?

3—Which County is sometimes referred to as ‘The Last County’

will also be broadcasting live from the event.

Should you have any questions or wish to discuss the event further, please don’t hesitate to reach out for more information you can get me at 042-9333245.

Please feel free to circulate this invitation to anyone who you feel would like to attend!

4—Which Irish actor born in 1920 went on to enjoy a long and highly successful career in America, and acquired the nickname “the Queen of Technicolor”.

5—Which world famous actor payed a visit to the Harp Brewery in Dundalk in 1966?

6—Which hugely popular American TV show set in West Virginia (that ran from 1972 to 1981) had an end sequence that featured the family saying goodnight to one another before going to bed for the night.

7—What type of animal is a Kerry Blue?

8—How many spots are there in total on a pair of dice?

9—In the TV series what colour is Homer Simpson’s car?

10—Prior to the introduction of the Euro, what was the currency of The Netherlands?

The Stinker: Which computer is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest-selling single computer model of all time ?

The Stinker: Commodore 64. ANSWERS

4—Maureen O’Hara, 5—Sean Connery, 6—The Waltons, 7—Dog, 8—42, 9—Pink, 10—Guilder.

3—County Wicklow was the last of the traditional counties of Ireland to be shired in 1606 from land previously part of counties Dublin and Carlow.

1—St Patrick. He was born in 387 while St Brigid was born in 451. 2—He was going to the fair,

Oscar Wilde.

LEO Louth Team at the recent Louth Enterprise Awards which were held at teh Monasterboice Inn in Drogheda to celebrate outstanding business talent across the county.

Louth Enterprise Award Winners - Group Photo. An Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr. Kevin Callan was on hand to present the awards to the winners.

Artist Sarah McKenna.

Garrett Mallon and Peter Larkin. Aoife Finegan and Avril Millar.

FAMILY NOTICES

IN MEMORIAM IN MEMORIAM NOVENA

CURLEY

Sylvester 30th ANNIVERSARY

In loving memory of Sylvester Curley, late of 69 Castletown Road, Dundalk, who died 10th March 1995.

In loving memory of my husband Sylvester from your loving wife Jean. Missing you always. Time cannot heal the heartache, Or stop the falling tears, Or take away the memories, Of the one we loved so dear.

Dad

Thank you Dad for the years we shared, The love you gave and the way you cared, You left a space no one will ever fill, We miss you Dad and always will.

—Loved and remembered every day by your daughter Maria, Aaron, Grandchildren Ali, Hannah, Bryson and Harlow.

Dad

In loving memory of my Dad Sylvester.

—Love from your daughter Grace and Granddaughter Ava.

Dad

In loving memory of my Dad Sylvester.

—From your son Paul.

Dad

Of all the precious gifts in life, Gifts both great and small, To have you as our father/ granda, Was our greatest gift of all.

—Loved and remembered every day by your daughter Claire, Grandchild Demileigh and Family.

Dad

You held my hand when I was small, You caught me when I fell, You are the hero of my childhood,

And every time I think of you, My Heart still fills with pride, Though I will always miss you Dad, I know you’re always by my side.

—Love and miss you loads Diane, Fra, Sophie, Calvin, Evan and Cruz.

Dad

Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and always dear.

—Love Stephanie and Grandchildren Lucas, Sienna, Leon and Matilda.

Dad

In loving memory of my Dad Sylvester.

—From your loving daughter Victoria and grandchildren, Amelia, Colleen and Caitlin.

BROWNE

Ian

Sixth Anniversary of my dear son, Ian which occurs on Friday the 14th March, 2025.

My Son

I can’t believe it’s six long years

Since I’ve seen you Ian, my Son Everyday is a struggle without you And I can’t wait until my day is done.

You are in my thoughts everyday And that’s how it will always be You may be up in heaven now

But you will always be with me.

If only I could have the chance

To see your face once more

Or to hear your voice for one final time

Just like it was before.

The day that heaven calls me

Will be a relief from all this pain

I will run to you Son, with open arms

I can’t wait to see you again.

—Loved and missed every single day by your heart broken Mam, Forever 25. xxxxx.

Grandson

I often sit and think about

The years that have passed by And of the happiness and joy

That was shared by you and I.

I think of all the laughter

The smiles and all the fun

And before I even know it

My tears have once again begun. For although it brings me comfort

To walk down memory lane It reminds me how without you Life will never be the same.

—Always loved and never forgotten by your Da Fra and Olivia. xxx.

Nephew/Cousin

May the winds of Heaven whisper Softly in your ear

How much we love and miss you Ian

And wish you were still here.

—Loved and remembered everyday by Auntie Niamh, Paul, Deane, Aoibheann, Sean and Liam. xxxxxx.

Nephew/Cousin

Sometimes life feels empty

Nothing can take your place

We wish we could still hear your voice Ian

And see your smiling face.

—Missing you so much Ian, from Auntie Milanda, cousins Patrick, Grace, Naomi, Mandy and Nathan. xxxxxx.

Nephew /Cousin

Those we love don’t go away, Ian still walks beside us everyday, Unseen, unheard but alway’s near Still loved, still missed, on this sixth year.

—Loved and remembered everyday by Uncle Alan and Fionn. xxxx. Anniversary Mass for Ian will be held on Friday 14th March at 10am in St Joseph’s Church, Fatima.

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).

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

LEGAL NOTICES

AN CHUIRT CHUARDA

THE CIRCUIT COURT EASTERN CIRCUIT COUNTY OF LOUTH

In The Matter Of: Section 2(1) and 6 of the Licensing (Ireland) Act 1902 Notice Of Application

Patrick Johnston as Nominee (Applicant)

TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant

Patrick Johnston as nominee of Hollier’s Limited of Ghan Road, Carlingford, Louth, intends to apply to this Honourable Court sitting at Dundalk in the County of Louth at the sitting thereof on the 08 Apr 2025 at10:30 and that this application be taken in its order in the Court list for a Certificate entitling and enabling the Applicant toreceive a Publican’s Licence (7-Day Ordinary) for the sale of intoxicating liquor by retail for consumption on and off the premises known as The Fjord Bar and situate at Newry Street, Carlingford, Louth which said premises are more particularly described upon the drawings and plans accompanying this Application.

AND TAKE NOTICE that this premises known as The Fjord Bar has been lawfully licenced within the period of five years immediately preceding this Application.

Dated this 10th day of March 2025.

Signed: Hollier’s Limited (Applicant).

To the Garda Superintendent, at LCM.

LouthNorth.CE@Garda.ie, Dundalk Garda Station, The Crescent, Dundalk, Louth, A92DK46

To the Fire Officer, at fireoff@louthcoco.ie, Louth Fire Brigade, Dundalk, Louth

To the Health Service Executive Official, at louth. peho@hse.ie

To the Garda Superintendent, at LCM.

LouthNorth.CE@Garda.ie, Dundalk Garda Station, The Crescent, Dundalk, Louth, A92 DK46

To the Fire Officer, at fireoff@louthcoco.ie, Louth Fire Brigade, Dundalk, Louth

To the Health Service Executive Official, at louth. peho@hse.ie.

MOTORS FOR SALE

2013 FIAT 500—12,570 Klms, new tyres, new battery, hands free phone kit. Genuine reason for sale, great condition. €6,000 ono.

PROPERTY/RENTALS

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. FLAT TO RENT in Dundalk Phone 087 2788573.

CHIMNEY & STOVE CLEANING—Also gutter cleaning. Tel Paul McArdle 087 6660094 / 042 9332491 Email: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.

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.

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.

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 9.305.30pm & Sat 10-2pm.

WILL’S GARDENING SERVICES—Power and pressure washing, hedge cutting, strimmimg, gutter cleaning, house and furniture removals. Tel 089 9531751.

LOCAL POWER WASHING—No job too big or too small. Patios, driveways, walls, also grass cutting, gutter cleaning and furniture removals, recycling or rubbish removals. Contact James 0862086141 for free quotation.

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.

ALL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE—Carpentry, Doors & Floors. Roof repairs, Plumbing, Wall & Floor tiling, All outdoor work, Paving & Fencing, Power washing. Call Robert on 083 0777666.

WILL’S SERVICES for all mini moves, yard cleans, gutters, gardens, power washing and recycling removal. Contact Will on 085 8604048.

PAINTING AND DECORATING—No job too small, keen rates, Dundalk & surrounding areas, estimates free. Phone 086 3848079.

PAINTING SERVICES AVAILABLE—Interior and exterior plus Wallpapering, also sprayed and hand painted kitchens, all work carried out by professional trades men. Tel Brian 087 7558506.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE—Repairs, building, plumbing, painting, roof repairs, tiling, bathroom refurbishments, plastering, gardening, power washing, PVC facia and soffits, Over 20 yrs experience. References available. Whatsapp or Tel 085-7623758 for quotation.

TAKE THE HASSLE OUT of your garden. I do it all. Grass cutting, Hedge Cutting, Weeding, Strimming, Power washing, Gutter Cleaning, Fence Painting, General DIY, Flat Pack Assembly, Removals. Contact Catriona 087 3172109.

DMC GARDEN maintenance services. Hedge, shrub trimming, shaping or removal. Large lawns mowed ride on mower strimming weeding beds, weedkilling, moss removal, control demolition, removal of old sheds fencing etc and more. All works to a very high standard at keen rates. Free quote 0877019178.

TREE SERVICES—Tree surgery, stump grinding, wood chipping & pruning. Conifer hedge reduction and ash die back removal. Fully Insured & Certified. Contact Chambers on 087 2750825 Email—rchambers2008@ yahoo.ie.

COMPUTER REPAIRS—IT Solutions, Cybersecurity, Network Services and Website Development Secure, Reliable and affordable. Call Liam at ELYK IT Dundalk. 083 4835981.

EXPERIENCED RELIABLE MAN available for lawn cutting, hedge cutting, gutters cleaned and power-washing. Phone 0872296441.

HEDGE CUTTING—Tree pruning, shrub & tree planting, general garden maintenance and Power/Patio washing Tel 087 0951030.

NEED A RELIABLE HANDYMAN? Offering affordable, interior and exterior services for homeowners. From small repairs, home maintenance and home improvements. I’m here to help. Call or text today for assistance. 0830463321.

THERAPY IN DUNDALK—Struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction or just need to talk? Call Kristine at 0830230066. Sessions from €40–€60.

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 CLASSES every Tuesday night in Dowdallshill GAA Hall, beginners at 7pm also Seatown Hall Wednesday morning at 10am, for enquiries Phone 087 2618773.

FRENCH GRINDS available for Junior and Leaving cert, All levels. Individual and small group options. Tel 086 8723340.

MATURE STUDENT looking for part-time work in Dundalk. Experience in Administration, Cleaning & Cooking, etc. Tel 089 4190578.

EXPERIENCED LADY available for cleaning, child minding or to mind elderly person. Dundalk area Tel 089 9787420.

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We Katie Horigan and Joseph Flynn intend to apply for Permission Consequent on grant of outline planning permission reference number 211016 for a replacement dwelling house, detached garage and waste treatment system and all associated site development works at Gudderstown, Ardee, Co. Louth. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Louth County Council from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing within a period of 5 weeks from the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00.

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We Glebe Botanical Ltd intend to apply for Full Planning Permission for amendments to previously granted under planning reference 2360458 at Former McCabes Garage, The Glebe, Ardee, Co. Louth, A92 YW40. Alterations and extensions to include single-storey extension to the children’s activity centre at the north-east elevation of the building on site. Amendments to consist of reallocation of car parking spaces, electric charging points and associated infrastructure in compliance with Section 7.6.2 and Section 13.16.9 of the Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027. Alterations to foul and storm drainage layout and associated site development works to the north-east area of the site. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Louth County Council from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing within a period of 5 weeks from the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00.

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We Cuach Ltd intend to apply for Retention and Completion of dwellings previously approved including Retention of alterations to internal layout and external finishes previously granted under 17791 together with Permission for conversion of attic space into habitable living accommodation at 2 and 3 Clos Fergus, Saltown, Dundalk, Co. Louth. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Louth County Council from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing within a period of 5 weeks from the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00.

Gaelcholáiste Dhún Dealgan wins top prize at Youth Film Festival

STUDENTS from

Gaelcholáiste Dhún Deal-

gan were thrilled to take home the top prize in the Junior category for Best Short Film at the recent First Cut Youth Film Festival in Cork. The festival, which has been running for the past sixteen years, included a special competition titled Athrú Amháin / One Change, encouraging young filmmakers to explore climate change and solutions as Gaeilge through a 1-2 minute short film.

The students began working on this crosscurricular project last November, incorporating their knowledge from Science, CSPE, Mathematics and Home Economics.

“This was a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase what they had learned in an engaging and creative way,” explained Deputy Principal Caoimhe.

Under the guidance of Múinteoir Ryan, a Visual Art teacher with a passion

for filmmaking, the students took charge of every aspect of production— from scriptwriting and set design to acting, animation, filming and editing. Their short film examined the impact of food miles on climate change and highlighted a simple solution: choosing locally sourced Irish food. By investigating the carbon footprint of two popular dishes—fresh fruit salad and beef stew—they dem-

onstrated the importance of buying Irish and looking for the Bord Bia Quality Mark when shopping. Special thanks to Conradh na Gaeilge Dhún Dealgan who supported this project. Their hard work and creativity was recognised with the Micheál Ó Loinsigh Memorial Irish Language Youth Filmmaker Award, marking a proud moment for the students and teachers.

Gaelcholáiste Dhún Dealgan, Dundalk’s newest school and the only Irish-medium post-primary school in Louth, is located in Robin House, The Ramparts. It currently has First and Second Year students. Everyone is welcome, it is not a requirement that a child attends a Gaelscoil. For more information or to register a sixth-class student, contact eolas@ gcdd.ie.

Assisted living scheme officially launched at ceremony in Dundalk

LOUTH County Council

Cathaoirleach Cllr Kevin Callan has officially opened Coulter Close, a new assisted living development in Dundalk.

Cllr Callan was joined by residents of the development and their family members at the launch event, as well as invited guests from Tuath Housing and project partners, Louth County Council, Inclusion Louth, St John of God’s Community Services, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Health Service Executive.

Inclusion Louth initiated the project on the Armagh Road, which saw Tuath Housing Association partner with Louth County Council to deliver this seven-home long-term assisted living residential development, meeting local housing needs. These homes are being allocated to older persons and individuals with disabilities on the local authority housing waiting list.

A welcome address was delivered by Patricia Goan, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Tuath, the organisation which oversaw the direct build of these homes. Mary Connolly, Committee Member, Inclusion Louth, then spoke on the organisation’s role in the project at the event. Kevin Madigan, CEO of St John of God’s Community Services, also shared a few words. Resident Mary McAlester also spoke, expressing her gratitude for her new home.

Intellectual Disability Services from St John of God’s Communi-

ty Service occupy one of the units in Coulter Close, an initiative which was funded through the HSE. A blessing of their unit was also conducted during the event. The units, constructed by CJ Callan and designed by O’Brien Finucane Architects are all at ground level with garden and common area access, designed to prioritise accessibility, independence and community interaction.

These homes were made possible through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Capital Assistance Scheme which funds housing for priority groups such as older persons, people with disabilities and individuals experiencing homelessness; land provided by Louth County Council and funding for care provision through the HSE.

Welcome to Mama Bears, your one-stop baby shop! Discover our adorable range of prams, travel systems, car seats, toys, books, and more to make parenting a breeze. From cozy high chairs to safe baby swings and changing units — we have everything your little bear needs! Come visit us today for the best in baby gear!

Open Monday to Saturday 10.30am to 5.30pm Savings

GCDD recieving top prize in the Junior Category .

Cathaoirleach Kevin Callan speaks at the opening of Coulter Close.

The ribbbon is cut at the official opening of Coulter Close.

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We also sell & deliver Wood Chip & Fire Logs in ton bags - deliveries arranged Tel Adrian 085 765 8830

For a free no obligation quotation Callsave: 1850 774455 Tel. 042 9333513 Web: www.senatorwindows.ie Email. senatordundalk@gmail.com Or Visit our Showrooms on Ard Easmuinn Road, Dundalk.

Mon-Fri 9- 5 & Sat 10-2 After hours by appointment

Dundalk Women’s Shed

DUNDALK Women’s Shed invites you along to our Monday meet ups. We offer interesting talks by local speakers, therapies and exercise. Talks include general interest and useful information on history of our town. We meet every Monday morning at 10am and organise outings locally and in the region. Women’s Shed Programme for March:March 17 - No Shed; March 24 Coffee morning; March 31 Credit Union. Monday mornings at 10am Wellington Hall, St Mary’s Road, Dundalk. email womensheddundalk@gmail.com or message Dundalk Women’s Shed on their facebook page for more info.

Dunleer Tidy Towns AGM

THE Dunleer Tidy Towns will hold their Annual Tidy Towns AGM at 7.30pm Thursday 20th March 2025 in the Market House. Main Street, Dunleer. We have covered a lot of ground since last year and this will all be listed out at our Annual General Meeting on 20th March. We will also outline our plan for this year. As usual we are looking for volunteers for the Tidy Towns at the meeting. We look forward to seeing you there. You can drop us a line by e mail if you are interested info@ dunleertidytowns.ie

Dynamites Basketball Club

DYNAMITES Basketball Club Dundalk, played Blackwater Steelers of Monaghan, in the final U16 boys game of the BNI Basketball Northern Ireland League on Wednesday night in St. Macartans College, Monaghan. In a packed hall, the game got underway, with supporters from each side ready to watch and support their teams, in what became a thrilling match. As Dynamites had won their first league game at home against Steelers, by 8 points, Steelers had a deficit to make up. In the first quarter of the game, things were not looking good, as the Steelers went 19pts to 8pts ahead, which caught Dynamites by complete surprise.

Going into the second quarter, Dynamites got going, with great court leadership from Adam Byrne. He set up some fabulous scores to pull Dynamites back into the game, through Sean Corrigan, Finn Hand and Aaron Marra. With James Murray, Fionn Reilly and Jamie O’Flanagan bringing great defensive qualities, Steelers were now being pushed back using great teamwork and discipline. The half time score had Steelers finishing 5pts ahead, 34pts v 28pts, with Dynamites winning this quarter 15pts to 20pts.

All to play for, and into the 3rd quarter! This was now a nervous time for both sets of supporters, and the tension in the hall was rewarded with magnificent basketball played by two very competitive teams. Steelers were beginning to fade slightly, while Dynamites were showing more structured plays, and gaining points in the process. Sean Corrigan was finding more space under Steelers basket, while Jamie O’ Flanagan was winning rebound after rebound.

The score at the end of the third quarter was 49pts v 40pts … and Steelers now with a one-point advantage.

Boom not gloom was the mood going into the final quarter. Irish Academy players, Sean Corrigan and Aaron Marra between them scored 13 big points, while James Murray, on four fouls, keeping Blackwater Steelers’ best player at bay. With 17 seconds remaining, Steelers were 6 points ahead and needed 3pts to win the title, but Boom went the Dynamites and held off to win the Basketball Northern Ireland U16 Boys Championship by 2pts Final score Blackwater Steelers 59 v 53 Dynamites

Upcoming Pilgrimages

KNOCK Pilgrimage—Ireland this jubilee year – June 22, 2025. In January of this year, the sacred heart crusade of love and hope commenced with the papal blessing of four pilgrim sacred heart statues on the 8th January 2025 in Rome. During this jubilee year of hope, the launching of a renewed and revitalised rally encourages all to explore a relationship with the sacred heart of Jesus. Heart speaking to heart, a fresh personal encounter with Christ. Hence the sacred heart crusade of love and hope for the people of our nation at this crucial time in history.

The blessed pilgrim sacred heart of Jesus statues will travel to Ireland’s international eucharistic and Marian Shrine in Knock, Mayo, culminating in the celebration of holy mass in the Basilica and the re-consecration of Ireland to the sacred heart of Jesus.

This very special, once-in-lifetime event will provide an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the special gifts and charisms of Paray-le-monial in their Diocese.

For those who wish to travel to above event, bus will be arranged. Venue: Knock Shrine Basilica; Time: 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.; Chief celebrant: Archbishop Eamon Martin; Speakers: Father Bernard Guckian, sj., Father John S. Hogan. For full day’s programme and details, please phone laurena: 0851833110.

40th Anniversary Naju Shrine, South Korea June 26th – one week. 420 euro per person for hotel accommodation and meals. Pilgrims are required to book their own flights on above pilgrimage. Enquiries: Laurena 0851833110.

Medjugorje: September 22nd to September 27th, 2025 - (6 days). sharing 280 euro – single room 340 euro. Fare includes bed, breakfast, transport to and from split airport. Pilgrims are required to book their own flight on above pilgrimage which varies from 60-100 euro at the moment. Enquiries: laurena 0851833110.

North East Musical and Dramatic Society bringing Calendar Girls to the stage

THE North East Musical and Dramatic Society are bringing the heartwarming and hilarious Calendar Girls to the stage next month while the production will also help raise money for three local cancer support charities.

Calendar Girls is based on true events and was made into a major movie starring Helen Mirren in 2003. It later became both a play and a musical and has been delighting audiences around the world for over 20 years?

This heartwarming, inspiring tale is based on a true story of a group of middle-aged Yorkshire women who produced a nude calendar nude calendar to raise money for Leukaemia Research (subsequently Blood Cancer UK) under the auspices of the Women’s Institutes in April 1999 after the husband of one of their members dies from cancer. With every ticket sold, Calendar Girls will not only light up the stage with laughter and love but also help raise vital funds for cancer support charities. As well as raising money for local cancer charities via proceeds from the show the North East Musical and Dramatic Society will also raise funds via a specially produced calendar which will be on sale during

The cast of Calender Girls will take to the Iontas stage next month.

each night of the show.

According to Dundalk native, Mandy Cumiskey, the North East Musical and Dramatic Society is only up and running a couple of years but already has attracted plenty of local talent across the North East.

“We started off in 2022 during Covid which probably wasn’t ideal,” laughs Mandy. “We were originally supposed to put on our first show in An Táin Arts Centre in Dundalk but Covid put paid to that and when we eventually got the go ahead to proceed with the show An Táin wasn’t available so we moved to the Iontas Theatre in Castleblayney. We have a great group of people involved and we are always looking for more, especially men as the majority are women,” explained Mandy.

“We put on the Wedding Singer last No-

vember and that went really well and after that we were straight into rehearsals for Calendar Girls. I am taking part in this show and it will be my first time back on stage in 14 years. The music for the show was written by Gary Barlow and it really is a fantastic production. It’s a real feel good show and is very funny. Our director is Brian Gilligan who is very experienced having worked on the X Factor and played Scar in the Lion King which toured UK and Ireland.

“€1 from every ticket sold will go towards three local cancer support charities which are Cara Cancer Care Centre, Carrickmacross Cancer Society and Crocus Cancer Support Centre in Monaghan. We will also have calendars on sale each night of the production with proceeds going to those three charities as

well,” added Mandy.

The show takes place at Iontas Theatre in Castleblayney onWednesday 2nd April to Saturday, 5th April, 2025. Tickets can be purchased here: https://iontascastleblayney.ticketsolve. com/.../117366074...

The cast for the show includes: Annie -Carol McCourt, Chris -Louise Steele, Coral - Lisa Buckley , Jessie -Mags Kirk Carrick, Celia - Claire Malone, Ruth - Sheena Duffy, Marie - Pauline Clarke, John - Peter Phillips, Rod - Ian Roundtree Lawrence - Adam Pentony, Colin - Paul Kiernan, Denis - Brendan Parsons, Danny - Karl Parge, Jenny - Hannah Mullen, Tommo -Zac McCormick, Miss Wilson (tea) - Marie McSorley, Miss Wilson (coffee) - Roma Mullen, Brenda Hulse -Mandy Cumiskey , Lady Cravenshire - Orla McAllister

Unity Through Sport: The Garda and Migrants Football Championship

Next Friday in Oriel Park at 3:30pm

THIS event aims to celebrate the beauty of diversity within our community in Co. Louth, fostering an inclusive and integrated environment for all. To create a friendly, inclusive space. To promote positive interactions in the community and to encourage the community, especially new communities and intercultural or migrant communities to have a positive perception of the Garda as friendly, fun, and ready to protect and serve our community. and promote intercultural space connectivity in the community.

Event Details: Date: March 14th 2025; Time: 3:30 p.m. Location: Dundalk Oriel Park. This special tournament will feature our dedicated Garda team competing alongside mem-

bers of the migrant and intercultural communities. Together, we will create a vibrant atmosphere that promotes friendship, understanding, and community engagement.

The football match is not just a game; it’s an opportunity for all of us to connect, share experiences, and reinforce the idea that our Gardai are approachable friends, dedicated to protecting our community and ensuring everyone feels safe and valued. In addition to the match, we will celebrate our diverse cultures through a showcase of traditional foods, music, and cultural performances from various backgrounds. We invite everyone to come and enjoy the festivities, support your teams, and embrace the spirit of unity.

Join us in making this event a true reflection of our community’s strength and diversity! Together, we can foster connections that will create lasting bonds among all residents, regardless of background.

Please RSVP to ensure we can accommodate everyone. future starsparentgroup@gmail.com

Let’s come together, kick off some fun, and build a stronger, more inclusive Community!

Warm regards, Garda Police; Future Stars Parent Group; Women Intercultural Network (WIN InSpo); Louth African Support Group (LASG); Louth County Council LAIT; Cultur Migrant Center; Somalia Community SICAD.

We look forward to seeing you there.