13-03-2024

By Tamara O’Connell

TWO local priests who were targeted by armed robbers are recovering after a terrifying ordeal in Kilcurry.

Kilcurry Parish Priest Fr Vinod Kurian and Fr Oliver Stanfield were at home at Kilcurry Parochial House on Saturday last when four men broke in that evening.

“It happened around 8.30pm. I came back to the house after saying mass in Fatima on the Castletown Road. Fr Oliver had just said mass in Faughart,” said Fr Vinod.

“We talked for a short time and

then I went to my room, while Fr Oliver put the collections in the safe.

“I heard someone running outside which was very unusual. Shortly afterwards a man appeared in my room with an axe.”

Fr Vinod added: “I opened my window and shouted for help. Nobody heard unfortunately. I took out my phone to call the guards.

“Then the man with the axe broke the locks on my bedroom door and came in. He asked me to throw my phone on the floor, which I did, and he took it.

Continued on Page 2

Alana Akenji, Ryan Murray, Setanta O’Connor, and Aoife Murphy enjoying World Book Day in Realt Na Mara last week. Pupils from the school dressed up as characters from their favourite books.

Voters overwhelmingly reject 39th and 40th amendments

VOTERS in Louth have overwhelmingly rejected both the 39th and 40th amendments to the Constitution in last Friday’s referendums. The vote in Louth largely followed the overall vote across the country which saw 73.9% of voters go against the proposed change to the constitution for the Care amendment while 67.69% voted no in the family referendum.

In Louth there was a slightly higher no vote in both proposed amendments with 77.1% voting to reject the care amendment (40th amendment) while 71.2% of people rejected the family referendum (39th amendment)

The vote took place across the country last Friday and counting got underway at the Redeemer Family Resource Centre in Dundalk on Saturday morning. It became clear early on that both amendments would be rejected by the people. Turnout in the Louth Constituency was officially 47.6%.

Terrifying ordeal for local priests during aggravated burglary

From Page 1

“He asked for the keys to the safe and I agreed. I saw Fr Oliver standing beside a man with a hammer.”

He continued: “They damaged the safe so they couldn’t open it. They made us sit on chairs in the hallway while they tried to open the safe.

“It took around 15 to 20 minutes but they managed to open the safe and then they took all of the money and sprayed us with bleach, maybe to kill the DNA.

“They threw my phone away at a nearby cross-roads but it was found and now gardai are

examining it for evidence.”

Fr Vinod concluded: “All of the parishioners know about what happened. The community have been very supportive.”

The four men had South Armagh accents, according to the priests. This is the second time that raiders have targeted Kilcurry Parochial House in recent years.

Local Gardaí have appealed for anybody with any information of the incident to contact them.

“Gardaí are investigating an aggravated burglary that occurred on the evening of Satur-

day 9th March 2024 in Dundalk, County Louth.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:15pm at a residence in the Kilcurry area. No persons were injured during the course of the incident.

The scene is preserved for technical examination and an investigation is continuing at Dundalk Garda Station.

Anyone with any information that can assist Gardaí with this investigation is asked to contact Dundalk Garda Station on 042 9388400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station,”.

Finishing touches to St Patrick’s Day parade

THE finishing touches are being added this week to the Dundalk St Patrick’s Day parade preparations, according to the voluntary organising committee.

With the parade taking place at 1pm from Patrick Street, the committee has been working hard to ensure that everything goes smoothly for the muchanticipated event.

The parade, which will feature soccer legend Paula Gorham as grand marshal, has the theme of ‘Green Dream’.

The committee, made up of chairperson Cllr. Conor Keelan, includes Cllr. Maeve Yore, Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú, Shane McBride, Dagan Fleming, Anne Campbell, David Minto and Maria O’Toole, say there has been a great response to the call-out for entrants.

Cllr. Keelan said the parade would not be possible without the

kind and generous sponsorship from companies and organisations.

He said: ‘We are extremely grateful for the sponsorship we have received from Hanley Energy, Digiweb, Dundalk Credit Union, Louth County Council and Parkwind.

‘In addition, we have received sponsorship from PayPal, Kaseya, Control Soft, Pro SEO Solutions, Sevens Taxis, Dundalk Bids, V&W Recycling, Pelican Promotions, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, Stage and Lighting and Lockup Records.

‘The parade and the events for families would not be possible without this sponsorship’ The closing date for registrations for the parade, which must be completed online, is March 13.

There will be a meeting for participants at the Dundalk Credit Union building (formerly Houstons) on Thursday March 14 at 7pm.

Following the parade, there will also be live music on a specially constructed stage at the Square, and a free family fun zone, after the parade, so that families

Fr Vinod Kurian.

can spend more time in the town after the main event.

And following on from last year’s successful trial of the ‘quiet zone’ in Dublin Street, which allowed people with sensory issues to enjoy the parade without the noise, the committee says it will make a return in 2024. 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.

Those who wish to enter the parade and register for access to the wheelchair viewing stand, can do so through the website at www.stpatricksdaydundalk.ie by filling out the simple online form before March 14.

Meanwhile the parade in Blackrock will begin at 1pm while the Ardee parade will begin to make its way through the town at 3pm.

Pet Shop Joys! Alan celebrates 30 years working in The Pet Centre

By Paul Byrne

THE Pet Centre in Dundalk was first established in the mid-1960’s and proudly declare themselves to be ‘Ireland’s Longest Established Pet Store & Grooming Salon’.

One of the reasons the shop has lasted so long is because of their helpful friendly staff and this week one of the longest serving staff members was celebrated as Alan Crosby marked thirty years working in the shop.

Alan, originally from Coxes Demesne, has always had a love for animals and as a kid he would often

venture down to Linenhall St. to look at the various birds and exotic animals on display. A keen lover of birds, Alan was just fifteen when he asked the owner of the Pet Centre if any jobs were going. A week later he returned and once again asked about the possibilities of a job and thanks to his persistence he was offered a part-time role to help around the shop for the summer.

Fast forward thirty years later and Alan is pretty much managing the shop and has become one of the faces of the Pet Centre always offering a friendly smile and useful advice

to customers. Alan’s two daughters Ella and Molly also now work in the shop and according to the Pet Centre owner Adrian O’Donohue, he felt it only right to acknowledge Alan’s thirty years working in the shop.

“Alan is an absolute star. He is from the old school of workers and he loves what he does and wants to help people. I would quite confidently say Alan hasn’t missed more than three days in the thirty years he has been with us. He is totally focused on the customer and will go out of his way to help. He’s always loved animals and he’s a

huge asset to our shop and we’re unbelievably lucky to have him.

“His two daughters, Ella and Molly, have been working in the shop with him for a number of years and they are fantastic as well. He absolutely hates any kind of spotlight being put on him and runs a mile whenever he has to get a picture taken so seeing an article about him in the paper will be his worst nightmare but we just wanted to acknowledge the job he has done in the Pet Centre for three decades now and hopefully he will be here for many more years to come,” stated Adrian.

New chapter for Nh Moninne

By Cian McKenna

NAOMH Moninne’s hard work was rewarded last Sunday afternoon as the Toberona based Hurling Club played an adult competitive match for the very first time on their brand new pitch. The club have worked tirelessly for over a decade to get to this point with a number of fundraisers enabling them to find a new home for themselves.

Their ‘Field Heroes’ fundraiser saw past and present members of the club donateanything from €5 up to €20 a month. There was an estimated 110 people donating every month for the club and altogether they raised €70-€80 thousand euro during this 10-year

spell. The remaining funds that the club needed were received from a national lottery grant.

Although Gaelic could be regarded as the more popular sport in Louth, Naoimh Moninne have trebled the number of kids playing hurling this year from last year. The club have been training in the De La Salle and Redeemer pitch with Mark Gahan, a teacher in Redeemer Primary school, and also a coach alongside John Murphy.

For the game on Sunday the pitch was in immaculate condition and there was party atmosphere with signs and flags flying high for Naomh Moninne. Those in attendance included players from the past, parents, juveniles

as well as representatives from Louth GAA County Board. The game couldn’t have gone much better for Naomh Moninne with the home side finishing the game strongly to defeat old rivals Knockbridge by 0-15 to 0-10 in the Colm Geary League

Next Friday on the 15th there is a table quiz in McGeogh’s bar starting at 9pm. During the night there will be plenty of spot prizes up for grabs and the club will be fundraising here along with a good night out for the club and its members. If there is any kids or adults interested in joining Naomh Moninne contact John Murphy at 087 222 8274.

Public housing meeting

SENATOR Erin McGreehan will host a public meeting to inform people in Louth of how to access various home ownership schemes and grants in Fairways Hotel on 14th March at 8pm.

Senator Mary Fitzpatrick, Fianna Fail’s Housing Spokesperson, will join Senator McGreehan to provide valuable information on the various housing schemes aimed at helping people to own a home. The meeting will focus on important initiatives such as the Help to Buy scheme, the Vacant Home Grant, and Energy Grants designed to support prospective

homeowners in Louth and beyond.

Senator McGreehan said: “Fianna Fail have focused on housing in this Government as an absolute priority. We have developed many schemes, acknowledging that people can be in very different circumstances and that because of this various schemes and supports are required to best help people.

“I want to educate and empower local people to take advantage of these government-backed schemes and grants that can make home ownership more achievable. The meeting will offer a platform

for attendees to learn more about the eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits of each scheme and grant. It will also provide an opportunity for participants to ask questions and seek guidance on how to navigate the housing market effectively.

“Our goal is to make the dream of owning a home a reality for more individuals and families in our community.”

All interested individuals, including prospective homebuyers, homeowners, and stakeholders in the housing sector, are encouraged to attend.

Alan Crosby began working in the Pet Centre thirty years ago.

Jude shares Logan’s artwork to his 30 million instagram followers

By Eoin McCoy

FIFTEEN-year old TY student Logan Carroll saw his phone blow up last week after posting an edit of Real Madrid Star Jude Bellingham, which went viral. Real Madrid star Bellingham, widely considered to be the best player in the world today, was obviously impressed with Logan’s design given the fact he put it on his instagram stories for his 27.9m followers to see.

The

TY student creates these magnificent edits by using photoshop. He began making these edits because he has always had an interest in design, communication graphics and football. He posted the graphic of Jude Bellingham on Thursday the 1st of March and within 6 hours he had received 12,000 notifications.

When he came home from school that Thursday he came into his house and was over the moon. “Excitement would be an understatement” said Logan’s Mam Orla, as she described how he felt coming home that day.

Over the next 3 days, the notifications on his phone soared to 26,000 and Logan began receiving contact from people as far away as

India looking to buy his work.

This shock was well earned as Logan has been working extremely hard producing these edits while he is not in school and has been doing them since he was 13 years old. He has gotten recognition by many famous League of Ireland footballers such as Dane Massey, Patrick Hoban and Ryan O’Kane.

Also, James Mclean, an Irish international player, has seen and liked his work. Logan does not only do football edits he has some edits of famous TikTok and YouTube stars that you can see on his account. If you have any ideas or are looking to buy some of his work, go to lcarrollgraphics on shopify.com or text his account on Instagram lcarrollgraphics.

Left: Logan (left) pictured with former Dundalk FC star Dane Massey.

Right: The image which was shared by Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham.

Pearse Park

History made at Joint Policing Forum Meeting

Warm tributes paid to local quiz legend Emmet Curran

By Paul Byrne

WARM tributes have been paid to Avenue Road man Emmet Curran who was widely regarded as the very best on the quiz circuit in Dundalk and further afield during the 80’s and 90’s.

HISTORY was made for what could be the last Joint Policing Forum Meeting for Dundalk Municipal Area where District Commander Norman Haslett and Chief Superintendent Lynn Corbett Newry Mourne and Down Division were in attendance.

Independent Councillor Maeve Yore and other Councillors along with Chief Supt Alan McGovern welcomed them to Dundalk, with Cllr Yore stating “Never in my lifetime did I think I would see PSNI Officers in Dundalk Chamber and I welcome you both - the success of any organisation is working together, communication, collaboration, respect and trust - we lost two brave men here from Louth Garda division and I acknowledge the co-operation with those murder enquiries” She said we have to build on that collaboration and deal with Northern Ireland’s historic legacy issues, there will never be true and lasting peace until justice is served on murderers from all sides, Dundalk families are still seeking answers to atrocities committed and action and ownership is needed”.

Emmet won countless quizzes both locally and nationally down through the years but his crowning moment came in 1989 when he was declared RTE Know Your Sport champion after a fantastic performance in the final. Know Your Sport was a notoriously difficult quiz hosted by George Hamilton and Jimmy McGee and for his victory Emmet and his wife Pat won a trip to New York City.

Emmet, originally from Ballintemple in County Cork, worked in engineering and would later become Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Louth County Council. He was a keen sportsman in his youth and played rugby, soccer and GAA for the likes of College Corinthians AFC and Ringmahon Rovers. Later on he would become a valued member of Dundalk Tennis Club.

As good as he was on the sports field it was on the quiz scene that Emmet really made his name with his razor sharp

The late Emmet Curran.

mind making him a much sought after team member on the ultra competitive quiz scene in the 80’s and 90’s. According to another local quiz legend, Peter Treanor, Emmet was the best without question.

“Many claimed to be the best but in my mind and many others nobody was as good as Emmet. I competed in quizzes against the brilliant Mick O’Brien in the 70’s and Pat Boland in the 80’s and they were great but when Emmet appeared on the scene he was in a different league. He was on a brilliant team with Andy Carolan, Jim Murphy and Paddy Prenderville who won five Childline All-Ireland tournaments and of course he was the Know Your Sport overall winner and he won countless quizzes locally and across the country down through the years. He just had an unbelievable ability to retain informa-

tion and he was so humble with it. A real gentleman who never boasted about his many achievements on the quiz scene,” explained Pete.

Andy Carolan who travelled the country with Emmet along with Jim Murphy and Paddy Prenderville fondly remembers a very warm, friendly and brilliant man who he says he will miss dearly.

“We won five All-Ireland Childline quizzes together and we had a great time on the road entering quizzes all over the country. Emmet was a fabulous character who was extremely modest. He was very knowledgeable on all subjects but especially sport and classical music as well as being brilliant at the quirky odds and end questions you sometimes get in quizzes. We all got on very well together and I remember those days with great fondness. I was very sad to hear of Emmet’s passing and I will miss my old friend dearly,” stated Andy.

Emmet is very deeply regretted by his loving family, his wife Pat (née Kenny) daughters Neasa and Déirdre, grandchildren Theo and Jonah, brother Fr. Roddy, sister Mary Curtin, sons in law Eoin and Conor, nephews and nieces, extended family, relatives and friends.

1—Which film won Best Picture at Sunday night’s Oscar ceremony?

2—Can you write the year 2024 in Roman numerals?

3—Which country lost the most soldiers in World War II?

4—Hypertension is the medical name for what common ailment?

5—Can you name the cinema which was located in the Old Shopping Centre between 1975 and 1989?

6—Gerontology is the study of what?

7—Newspeak was the official language of Oceania on which George Orwell novel?

8—Dublin has borders with three counties.

Can you name them?

9—What is the official national anthem of the United States?

10—Ingvar Kamprad Elmtaryd Agunnaryd was the founder of which well known company?

The Stinker: What are the largest land mammals in Ireland?

—THIS WEEK’S ANSWERS—

(Initials of his name). The Stinker: Deer

8.7 million soldiers, 4—High Blood Pressure, 5— Casino. It opened in December 1975 showing The Towering Inferno and The Godfather 2 on it’s opening weekend in business, 6—Old age, elderly, the aged etc, 7—1984, 8—Meath, Kildare and Wicklow. 9—The Star Spangled Banner, 10—IKEA

1—Oppenheimer, 2—MMXXIV, 3—Soviet Union

World Book Day in Réalt na Mara

Sarah Connors, Amelia O’Carroll and Preston Enright.

Alex Keating, Oran McCabe-Allen, Sam Dullaghan, and James Neacy.

Kyla Clifford, Robyn Lee, Rosie McCullins and Scarlett Coburn.

Tom Clarke, Sami Momin, Annabelle Bogan and Fiadh Crawley.

Sean Levins, Chisom Nnagi and Luca Havlat.

Anna Duffy, Eve Brady and Edie O’ Shaughnessy, 2nd class.

Back LCC Director of Services Thomas McEvoy, Cllr’s Nash,Reilly, Yore, Meenan, Keelan, Butler. Front row, Chief Supt Alan McGovern Louth, Cavan, Monaghan Division, Supt Charlie Armstrong, District Commander PSNI Norman Haslett, Chief Supt Lynn Corbett

FAMILY NOTICES

IN MEMORIAM NOVENA

SHIELDS

Mary (Molly) 37th ANNIVERSARY

In memory of Molly, formerly Castle Hill, Carlingford, whose anniversary occurs on 23rd March.

Deep are the memories

So precious they stay

No passing of time

Can take them away.

They bring a smile, sometimes a tear

But always a wish, that you were still here.

No special day is needed

For us to think of you

For you were someone special

And we thought the world of you.

—Always loved and remembered by your daughters Roisin and Anne, son Brendan, sons-inlaw, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass this Saturday, 16th March, in St. Micheal’s Church, Carlingford, at 7.30pm.

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). M.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 three days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). M.T.

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). A.D.

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 three days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). A.D.

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

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

An afternoon of tea and dance in Knockbridge

LOCAL Knockbridge ladies; Dolores McNally and Mary McArdle are hosting an afternoon tea dance in Knockbridge Community Centre on the Bank Holiday Monday, 18th March 2024, to raise funds for N.E.C.R.E.T (North East Cancer Research & Education Trust) / Drogheda Oncology, a cause very close to both women, who have both availed of these services.

The mission of N.E.C.R.E.T. is to improve both the treatment and outcome of those people affected by cancer. Both Dolores and Mary cannot speak highly enough of the services provided by N.E.C.R.E.T. and Drogheda Oncology. They have witnessed first hand, the dedication and care provided by the services and medical teams and are grateful to be able to give something back to

the organisation and have a bit of fun while doing so.

The tea dance will be held on the bank holiday Monday 18th March in Knockbridge Community Centre between 3-6pm. There will be good food, craic and music by Brian Mohan and friends, so don’t forget your dancing shoes, and we will

provide the hats. There will be a raffle on the day with some fantastic spot prizes up for grabs. Tickets are €15 and can be bought by contacting 085-1446825 or 0872395203.

The ladies are extremely grateful to the local clubs and organisations who have been so supportive in the lead up to this event.

If you are unable to make the tea dance and still want to make a contribution, donations and sponsorships are very much appreciated. It will be a great opportunity to catch up with friends, enjoy some nice homebaking while dancing along to the wonderful tunes all while raising funds for a very worthy cause.

ARTICLES FOR SALE SPECIAL SERVICES SPECIAL SERVICES

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.

QUANTITY OF READY MADE wooden fencing with ace of spades design on top for sale, enquires Tel 087 2788573.

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

ROOM TO RENT in Dundalk near train station, comes with WiFi/ TV/ your own bathroom laundry facilities on site. Secured location key pad entry to property no utility bills. We have a house policy and security process standard that a candidate must agree to. We accept ARP payments. Text only first to 0872227599.

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 087-225-9799.

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 087387-8995 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Please note, we do not repair Clocks.

BUILDER & HOME MAINTAINENCE—

Building, Woodwork, Painting, Plumbing, Tiling, Kitchen Refurbishments, Paving & Fencing. No job to big or too small. Tel. 087

295 2529Power washing/Garden Services - all garden tidy ups, lawns, hedges, pathways, Gutters, shed/garage/garden rubble removal. Call Will’s Services 0858604048.

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

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 and Roofing Services. Complete renovations carried out. Contact Mark 086 0895508.

MAN WITH A VAN—Hedges, tree topping, painting, facia & Soffit, patios, concreting, garage clear-outs, outside taps. Call Kevin for a free & honest quote 089-4016728.

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.

PLASTERER AVAILABLE—Professional tradesman available for first class plastering repairs etc both inside and outside. Keen prices, free quotes. Small Jobs only. Contact 087 3525652.

PAINTING SERVICES AVAILABLE—Interior and exterior. Also available for Power washing, Garage, House and Garden clearance. Furniture removals. Tel Brian 087 7558506.

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 087 4464960 for free quotation.

CHARA COUNSELLING—20 years’ experience, currently taking appointments. Supporting you with emotional intelligence for relationship issues, your mental health, grief, all addictions & past traumas. For a strictly private consultation call Martin today on 083 3402766.

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 085-762-3758 for quotation.

FAITH & SPIRITUAL HEALING available for skin conditions, asthma, chest problems, sinuses and general wellbeing. Further information Call Faith on 087 7188450.

LOCAL PAINTERS & DECORATORS AVAIL-

ABLE All types of painting & decorating done to the highest of standards, no job to big or to small, we also do shops/offices and can work out of hours to avoid any disruption or inconvenience to the day to day running of your business,call 0851588667, or get us on Facebook @ Budget painters Decorators.

LAWNS CUT—Hedges cut and gutters cleaned Tel Tom 087 2296441.

FULLY QUALIFIED CARPENTER available for all aspects of carpentry. Tv units, paneling, doors or floors call James on 0871833091.

MEADOW VIEW LANDSCAPING—Grass, Trees & Hedging Cut. Power Washing and General Garden Maintenance. Serving the people in Dundalk for 26 years. Contact Ken 087 9548114.

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.

WEEKLY SEWING CLASSES on-going at Northlink Retail Park, you can join in any time, for enquiries please call or WhatsApp Elizabeth on 0872649221 or visit www.djkcreations.com.

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

PREPARE FOR YOUR LEAVING CERT French or Spanish oral. 1.5 hour intensive class. Contact sophiep@gcdd.ie.

ROSEN METHOD MOVEMENT—Introductory/taster series. Move with Joy and Ease to good music. Blackrock Community Centre, Sandy Lane Thursday mornings 11:30 to 12:30pm, Friday evenings 7 to 8pm Saturday Afternoons 2:30 to 3:30pm. Five weekly Classes €25, starting Thursday 21st March, all welcome. To register phone or message Catherine MacGuinness at 087-125-2230 www.rosenmethod.ie Facebook: CatherineMacGuinnessRosenMethod.

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. Please email 52somethingnew@gmail.com.

An Afternoon Tea in Knockbridge Community Centre will help raise funds for N.E.C.R.E.T this Bank Holiday Monday.

NEWS in Brief

Bracelet Found

Windows

9333513

Web:

Mon-Fri 9- 5 & Sat 10-2 After

A bracelet was found on Saturday 10th February around the corner from Smyths chemist close to Redemptorist church on St. Alphonsus road. Please contact 0863727810 with a description of the bracelet.

Alzheimer Café

Join us in Dundalk Library on Tuesday 19th March at 11:00am12:30pm for a relaxing morning of advice, music, tea and a chat! We will have two speakers at our monthly meeting of the Alzheimer Café this March. Susan McGovern will relay her firsthand experiences of supporting family members who lived with Alzheimer’s and Chris Stewart will focus on technology available for people with little or no vision. A representative from The Alzheimer Society of Ireland will also be available on the day, offering expert, relevant advice and will answer any questions or concerns you may have.

For further information, please contact Dundalk Library on 0429353190 or libraryhelpdesk@ louthcoco.ie.

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje, August 27th to September 3rd, 2024. Cost cicra 300 euro (you book your own fare). It includes bed, breakfast and evening meal plus full itinerary. There are optional excursions. Laurena – 0851833110.

Dundalk Dog Rescue

Dundalk Dog Rescue is set to host a “ Walk in the Park” in St Helena’s Park in Dundalk on Friday, March 15 at 4.30pm. The event promises to be an opportunity for participants to take their beloved pooches for a walk, a rummage, a run, and numerous pets. Participants are being encourage to grab the lead or harness and join the ‘Walk in the Park’ for a couple of hours of canine carnival.

Dundalk Dog Rescue works seven days a week, 365 days a year, to rescue lost and abandoned dogs due to be euthanised in local pounds and find them loving homes.

The charity’s mission is to save the lives of dogs on the “put to sleep” lists in pounds, to help rehabilitate and re-home them, and to promote responsible dog ownership.

All money raised from the ‘Walk in the Park’ 2024 event will go towards ensuring that the work of Dundalk Dog Rescue can continue.

If anyone would like to donate to this cause, please go online and visit the following page: Fundraiser by Brian Dunne: A Walk in the Park 2024 (gofundme.com).

Cycle for Sarah will raise funds for Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust

SETANTA Triathlon Club and Cuchulainn Cycling Club are hosting the Cycle for Sarah, a 55km leisure cycle in Dundalk on Sunday 24th March, starting at 10AM The cycle route is from Dundalk to Carlingford and back on a very flat terrain. There will be a coffee stop in Carlingford and food will be served at the finish in DKIT Sport, Dundalk.

Sarah was an integral and loved member of both clubs and she tragically passed away while competing at the Alp D’huez triathlon in July 2023.

We are inviting anyone who fancies a leisure cycle to join us to remember Sarah and raise funds for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, which supports grieving families faced with losing a loved one abroad.

KBRT have repatriated 1752 loved ones to their families in Ireland from countries worldwide such as Australia, Argentina, South Korea, USA, Canada, Ecuador, Cambodia, India, Uganda to name just a few. The

Trust repatriates approximately 20-25 loved ones back to Ireland per month.

The Trust operates on a 32 counties basis supporting families from all communities regardless of creed, colour or circumstances of death. More details on www.kbrtrust.com

The costs of repatriation can

be up to GBP20,000 or €24,000 depending on the circumstances of the death, local charges and hospital release costs. The Trust receives no funding from either government north or south.

Cyclists who would like to take part are asked to register on https://eventmaster.ie/event/VVpdhERTwv There will be a limited number of registrations taken on the day, but we want to estimate numbers as best as possible, so please register on the link beforehand.

If you can’t make it on 24th March and would like to make a donation to the Kevin Bell fund, you can do so here https://kbrtrust.com/donations/

We would like to notify motorists that there will be a large group of cyclists on the Dundalk to Carlingford route from 10AM to 2PM and thank them for their patience.

Further details - www.facebook.com/Setantatriclub1 and www.facebook.com/dundalkcycling.

RECRUITING FOR EVENING SHIFT

Temporary posiTion, Fixed Term ConTraCT.

Gernord Ltd, Carrickmacross., established since 1968, are part of a French based multinational operation, and are one of the largest PVC flooring & wall Covering manufacturers in Europe.

We invite applications for the following positions

PRODUCTION OPERATORS: Required for effective and efficient running of the continuous manufacturing process, ensuring Quality plus Health & Safety levels are maintained to a high standard. Manufacturing experience ideally required. It is important that candidates can embrace ongoing change and engage in continuous improvement programmes, be flexible, versatile, have good communication and team building skills, plus good attendance is expected. Honesty, accountability, and a good working attitude is essential. Forklift licence is important, not essential, training is available.

NOTE: Fixed Evening shift, 40 hr /week, 4pm-12 mid-night €15.60/hr plus a 20% shift allowance. Vacancies immediate, as 4-6 weeks, training is required, if a new employee or even a previous employee.

Also require 1-2 operators to work Fixed Night shift, 40 hr /week, 12 midnight - 8am, €15.60/hr plus a 35% shift allowance.

Please forward full CV details or complete application form, available at reception, and send to: FRANCIS DUFFY, General Manager, Gernord Ltd., Ballybay Rd, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, A81YD83. 0876893662. francis.duffy@gerflor.com.

Wheelie Bins

The late Sarah Fagan.

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