13-04-2023

Rain, Hail and Joe!

By Paul Byrne

Clanbrassil street and the square were a sea of stars and stripes on Wednesday as a large crowd welcomed the 46th President of the United states, Joe biden to town. The long anticipated visit was only confirmed last week after months of speculation and on Wednesday morning those who ventured into town were met with hundreds of gardaí who were patrolling the town ahead of the President’s visit.

The mammoth security operation ahead of the Presidential visit saw over 40 manholes checked and sealed as well as the removal of bins around the town. at the time of going to press, Clanbrassil street was deathly quiet with the roads closed to vehicles since Tuesday evening and gardaí restricting access to pedestrians on to the main street.

Continued on Page 2

Christine Larkin wa sone of thousands who braved the elements in Dundalk Town Centre to help welcome President Joe Biden to Market Square last night. More pics on page 2, 10 and 14.

Thousands pack town centre for President Biden’s visit

ClanbRassil street and the square were a sea of stars and stripes on Wednesday as a large crowd welcomed the 46th President of the United states, Joe biden to town. The long anticipated visit was only confirmed last week after months of speculation and on Wednesday morning those who ventured into town were met with hundreds of gardaí who were patrolling the town ahead

of the President’s visit.

The mammoth security operation ahead of the Presidential visit saw over 40 manholes checked and sealed as well as the removal of bins around the town. at the time of going to press, Clanbrassil street was deathly quiet with the roads closed to vehicles since Tuesday evening and gardaí restricting access to pedestrians on to the main street.

Plenty has changed

since the last time a sitting Us President last visited Dundalk but the same sense of excitement filled the air around town as President biden followed in the footsteps of bill Clinton who memorably visited Dundalk in December of 2000 when an estimated 60,000 people came out to see the then President.

Despite the wet and

windy weather there were huge crowds present once again for the latest visit of a Us President with Joe biden due to arrive in Dundalk at about 6pm yesterday evening. Earlier in the day he had visited Carlingford with a slight change of plan due to the bad weather meaning he travelled to Cooley by road instead of the Marine

One helicopter. The President was due to begin his visit of his ancestral home with a tour of King John’s castle in Carlingford before heading for Dundalk where he was due to have a walkabout down Clanbrassil street. after the walkabout the President was due to have dinner in the Windsor Restaurant in Dundalk.

MATTHEWS AUCTIONEERS

Matthews auctioneers on the 15th & 16th of april conduct the clearance auction for the property of ann Gormley, Granard, at their auction rooms in Kells

A well-known Huntswoman, hunting five days a week in her prime, Mrs. Gormley, originally from Dundalk, ran a successful jewellery and antiques shop in Granard, Longford for over fifty years. Having recently retired at the age of ninety, she has instructed Matthews Auctioneers of Kells to clear, by public auction, the entire contents of her shop and her private collection. Pieces range in age from 1760 to 2010 and auction estimates run from €10 to €10,000. Collecting since she was a child, Mrs. Gormley’s collection is a remarkable gathering of objects, reflecting her taste and interests over a lifetime. There are over 1,600 lots in the auction, all of which have been removed to the Kells auction premises for convenience of sale. The auction will be conducted over two days.

Day 1, SaTurDay 15th april: loTS 1 - 749 JE wEllEry & SilvEr

Day 2, SunDay 16th april: loTS 750 - 1,683 anTiquES & CollECTablES

Matthews auctioneers, Duke brothers building, 7 Market Street, Kells, Co Meath. a82 w4a6 Catalogue now online www.matthewsauctionrooms.com info.matthewsauctionrooms@gmail.com - 046 9240568.

The Auction Room will be open for public viewing: Thursday 13th April - 11am - 5pm Friday 14th April - 11am - 5pm Saturday 15th April - 11am - 2pm

Clanbrassil St. was a sea of flags and bunting ahead of the visit of President Joe Biden. Workers from Louth County Council and Dundalk BIDS team helped get the street looking great for his arrival.

President Joe Biden and Tanaiste Micheal Martin during the president’s tour of King John’s Castle in Carlingford.

Distant relatives of US President Joe Biden gather at Fitzpatrick’s Bar & Restaurant

lOCal councillor andrea McKevitt, a fifth cousin of the 46th Us President, was present at the gathering which was also attended by a number of locals.

“it’s all very exciting. We are anticipating an announcement of what he will do when he gets here,” said Cllr McKevitt.

Fourth cousin John Owen Finegan is originally from Willville, Carlingford but currently lives in newry with his wife, Daire.

“We met him (Joe biden) in lily Finnegans in 2016. He came along with his brother and sister and other members of the family,” said John Owen.

Daire Finegan, John Owen’s wife said: “We never knew until Joe biden was Vice President and he sought out information about his heritage.

“When he found out his links to ireland he wanted to come to the homestead. it was very exciting.

“John had to get his passport checked and it was all top secret. The road was

closed off top and bottom.”

she added: “They had a great welcome and Joe walked in as if he always

frequented the place.

“He smiled from as soon as he walked in to the place until he left. He felt at home.”

Joe Biden’s fifth cousins Cerys Keenan, Cillian Keenan, Chloe McKevitt, baby Charlotte Keenan and Lisa McKevitt.

Joan Martin LCC Chief Executive and Councillor Andrea McKevitt.

Liverpool legends coming to town this weekend

LiveRPooL fans of a certain vintage won’t want to miss a chance to meet some of the greats of the club when Louth Legends take on Liverpool Legends in oriel Park this Saturday.

in recent weeks the great Peter Beardsley’s name was added to a star studded Liverpool team which includes Ray Houghton, John Aldridge, Steve McMahon, Jermaine Pennant, Mark Wright, Alan Kennedy and Jerzy Dudek. They are just the names of some of the legends who will arrive in Dundalk on

April 15th to take on the Louth Legends in a charity football match in oriel Park which will help raise money for two important local services.

The team’s will play for the Calvin Cup named in honour of Calvin Gray who lost his fight for life in September 2022 following a tragic accident in the town centre. Calvin was a massive Liverpool fan and the organisers have decided to honour his memory by naming the cup after him.

one of the organisers of the event, Gerry

o’Connor, says he hopes that Dundalk will come out and support the event and help raise funds for both the Autism unit in Realt na Mara and the Maria Goretti Foundation which is a respite centre in Lordship.

“our goal is to raise as much money as possible for two fantastic local Louth services that are both linked with autism. My son has autism and i know how difficult it can be to get the required supports needed for a child with ASD. Thankfully i am in a position to be able

to afford to pay for some of these services but i know that meeting these complex needs can put families under a lot of stress, emotionally and financially.

“By raising money for these services we hope it will enable them to further the success of many projects and programmes for children on the autism spectrum. As well as the match between Liverpool Legends and Louth Legends we are also offering a meet and greet with the players on the morning of the match in oriel Park. You will get a

chance to meet the legends of Liverpool and get a picture with them with tickets costing €20 for an adult and €10 for kids.

The final part of our fundraiser will be a Legends dinner which is taking place in the Carrickdale Hotel after the match. Dinner with the Legends is an evening of entertainment which will include having dinner with the legends as well as auctions of various memorabilia and raffles. Tickets for the dinner will cost €75 per person.

eamonn o’Hagan who is also helping to organise the event says that he is delighted with some of the names who have agreed to come to Dundalk for the charity game.

“We’ve been working hard on getting Liverpool legends to come over and we are delighted to confirm that Ray Houghton, John Aldridge, Steve McMahon, Jermaine Pennant Mark Wright and Alan Kennedy have all agreed to take part. We are working on getting another legend over the line and hopefully we

will be able t announce that shortly,” explained eamonn.

“on the Louth Legends side we have the likes of Brian Gartland, Gabriel Sava, Steve Williams, John Whyte, David Crawley, Shane Grimes, Nathan Murphy, David Ward, Fabio o’Brien, Sean Thornton and Killian Brennan togging out and the team will be managed by myself, Tom McNulty and Darius Kierans. it promises to be a great afternoon up in oriel and we are hoping that

the people will come out and support two very important local services, “stated eamonn.

Tickets for the match, which takes place on April 15th in oriel Park can be bought on eventbrite (Search for Liverpool Legends v Louth Legends on their website).

Tickets for the meet and greet which takes place before the match on April 15th between 12 and 1:30 can be purchased from Gino’s Diner on Clanbrassil St.

(Adult €20, Child €10)

For dinner tickets in the Carrickdale please contact 0872323641. Tickets cost €75 per person. All proceeds raised will go towards the Maria Goretti Foundation and the Realt na Mara early intervention Unit and Autism Centre.

ne WS in brief

Coffee Morning

We are delighted that this popular event is back again following a break due to the Pandemic. It will be held in the Presbyterian Church grounds, Jocelyn St, on the May Bank Holiday, May 1st, from 11 – 3pm. There will be stalls inside and out and refreshments with homebaked cakes served in the hall. Admission to the grounds is €2 per adult, children free. If you are interested in bringing a car, the gates close at 10.30am. Cost of a car is €15 and a van €20. Enquiries to 0872396776

e aster h amper Winner

one branch chairman JIm Mceneaney presents an easter hamper to Bridie Duffy, Marian Park, Dundalk. The hamper fundraiser helps support ex-Service Personnel in need of Assistance.

Plenty of success in Montreal for local dancers

LoCAL irish dancers who travelled to Montreal last week for the irish Dancing World Championships returned home with slightly heavier bags as they returned with globes and medals galore after a hugely successful and exciting trip to Canada. Scoil Rince Móna Ní Rodaigh, McGee School of irish Dance and Scoil Rince Cos Ceol all sent dancers to the annual World Championships with many taking part in their first ever major championships.

Scoil Rince Móna Ní Rodaigh sent thirteen dancers in total to Montreal with twelve of them returning home with medals. Mona and her daughters Dearbhla and Ciara who teach in the

school were cheering on from the side of the stage and it was a particularly special moment for Mona when her grandson oisin Lennon picked up a globe for coming third in the world in the U18 men’s category. Caoilfhionn o’Reilly danced brilliantly as she placed 11th in the U11 section, no mean feat when you consider there were over 150 dancers in her category.

Amy Preston (26th), Ceallach Mackin (18th and World Medal Holder), Ciara Brennan (semi-finalist) and Layla Kieran (23rd) also enjoyed success in the girls section. Simon Clarke also medaled as he finished a very creditable 12th in the U16 category while in the U19 section Holy McA-

levey (semi-finalist) and Cliona Sheridan (finalist) did themselves and their teachers proud.

experiencd dancer orna Colton was a finalist in the U23 section to complete a fantastic championships for the Red Army. Speaking to the Dundalk Leader

yesterday Dearbhla Lennon praised everybody who travelled to Montreal for doing themselves and their teachers proud.

“We are all so unbelievably proud of every single dancer who competed in Montreal. To even get there is an achievement and they

should be really proud. it’s such an exciting time for a dancer to be able to experience all the excitement of a World Championships and i’m sure they have created memories that will last a lifetime. The amount of work that they put in is massive and getting ready for a world championships is just like a footballer getting ready for an All-ireland. The training has been ramping up over the past few months and hours and hours have gone in to ensure they gave the best account of themselves. it can be a terrifying place up on that stage but each and every one of the thirteen dancers stepped up to the mark and we are all so happy for them,” stated Dearbhla.

Meanwhile over at the McGee School of irish Dancing teachers Nicola and Dervla McGee were also delighted with the six dancers who travelled to the World Championships with all six acquitting themselves brilliantly.

“What a successful week we had at the World Championships 2023 in Montréal. We are so proud of how each and every one of our 6 competitors performed on the biggest stage of all. Special congratulations to our globe winner- U12 -3rd place Brendan Carolan and also to our final recall medalistsU14- Úna Mc Geough and U15- Penny Moffett and to our Day 2 medalist- U16 -Lily Shields. Well done also to Jack Mulvey and Jamie

o’Hagan (U12 Boys). We would like to wish Jamie a speedy recovery from his unfortunate injury.

“Congratulations also to all the Cosceol and Farragher-Mc Loughlin dancers. Thanks very much to everyone who supported us this week…it was a memorable week with a great bunch of people. We had four dancers there for the first time which was a great experience and an opportunity of a lifetime to dance on a world stage in Montreal. We are very grateful for all sponsors from local councillors and businesses and of course our wonderful dancers who worked very hard. We are very proud of how they all performed, “ stated Nicola.

Amy Preston (26th), Ceallach Mackin (18th and World Medal holder), Ciara Brennan (semifinalist) and Lyla Kieran (23rd) with Ciara and Dearbhla Lennon.

u12 3rd place winner, Brendan Carolan, with his globe.

orna Colton, finalist ladies u23 with Móna ní rodaigh.

Caoilfhionn o’reilly, u11- 11th place World Medal holder.

Simon Clarke, 12th u16.

oisin Lennon, 3rd in the World u18 men.

Dearbhla, oisin, Ciara and Mona celebrate.

holly McAlevey, (semi-finalist) and Cliona Sheridan, (finalist) u19 ladies.

McGee School of Irish Dance teachers and dancers.

Calls for more ‘social farmers’ in louth

No two days on a farm are the same and it’s an experience Louth farmers are being encouraged to share with others. Social Farming ireland provides people who use services with the opportunity for inclusion, increased self-esteem and better health, by taking part in day-to-day farm activities on a family farm.

Social Farming ireland are asking more farms in county Louth to get involved.

Farms in Carlingford and Dunleer are currently participating in the nationwide programme funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the CeDRA fund.

Charlotte Kelly, regional development officer with Social Farming ireland, Border Midlands Area region, says interest in social

farming is growing all the time. “We have over 125 farms taking part nationally and that is growing every month. in Louth, we have two great social farmers and a lot of participants interested in social farming and we would like to expand the number of farmers getting involved”.

Social farming also provides an opportunity to diversify the income earning capacity of a farm. According to Social Farming ireland, sources of funding and payment arrangements vary hugely but there are potential opportunities to make a level of income from social farming. Participants can choose to go to the farm from one to five days per week and a typical social farming day begins at about 10 in the morning with a cup

New defibrillator launch

THiS afternoon our group Co-ordinator’s and lead instructors Shane o’Hanlon and Niall Foley attended the launch of a new AeD (Automated external Defibrillator) at Dundalk Golf Club.

We are pleased to have donated a new Polycarbonate heated outdoor AeD Cabinet to house the newly purchased life saving defibrillator!!

Joining them were some of the 13 club members who recently passed their Cardiac First Response course in January, accredited with the Pre-Hospital emergency Care Council (PHeCC).

We look forward to working alongside Dundalk Golf Club in maintaining their Defibrillators and organising future events.

Many thanks to Dundalk Golf Club for using our services. North Louth Community First Responders Committee: Shane, Niall, Cora, Bernard and Nicole.

of tea, a chat, and a review of the day’s activities. every social farm and farmer is unique and offers

its own mix of activities and opportunities. equally, participants have an input into the activities they wish to

take part in on a given day. Activities vary from day to day and season to season and can be weather de-

pendent. Charlotte explains that Social Farming ireland works a lot with social care services, disability groups, local schools, and newly arrived asylum seekers and refugees who are looking to learn about life on an irish farm.

She says, “We offer family run farms as a place people can visit, work on and learn about. it’s a form of social support. You’re talking about people who maybe have felt isolated from society or cut off or who are vulnerable, or may have been out of work for a while. Social farming gives them an opportunity to meet new people. it’s a fun, active way of making a connection with someone in an outdoor setting.”

We would love to hear from farmers who can dedi-

cate one day per week to host disadvantaged people on their farm and offer varied activities and a unique opportunity to participants. People who access social farming range in age from 14 to older people in their 70s and 80s. Social farming has a broad appeal with strong demand in Louth and we’re looking to meet that interest!

The Social Farming ireland team provide all the training & mentoring to get you up and running and provide continued ongoing support for placements. More information available on socialfarmingireland. ie where you can complete a registration of your interest as a farmer or please call us on (071) 9641772.

IWA Dundalk are very proud of their easter window which was painted by staff member Katie Byrne.

IWA Dundalk are very proud of their easter window which was painted by staff member Katie Byrne.

Calls for more ‘social farmers’ in Louth.

Full public inquiry into Dealgan House needed ‘without further delay’

THe government must deliver a full public inquiry into the deaths of 22 people at Dealgan House Nursing Home in Dundalk ‘without further delay’, Louth TD Ruairí Ó Murchú has said as the third anniversary of the shocking tragedy approaches.

The Sinn Féin deputy said the easter weekend of April 11 and 12 2020, ‘when it became known at the highest levels of government and the HSe that a huge tragedy was unfolding in Dealgan continues to resonate with families who lost loved ones and the wider community in Dundalk’.

He said: ‘As we approach the third anniversary of these terrible deaths, i call again on the government to make good their promises, made nearly three years ago, to provide answers to the families of those who died in Dealgan House.

‘i have raised the need for a human rights-based public inquiry into Dealgan House with Taoiseach Leo varadkar a

number of times since he made the announcement in January that the government was looking at reviewing the State’s response to the Covid 19 pandemic.

‘i, and other TDs in Louth, have asked time and time again for Dealgan to be specifically included in any inquiry or review because of the scale of the tragedy that unfolded and the fact that it remains the only pri-

Attack on referee in Dundalk condemned

vate nursing home in the State where operational control was taken over by a hospital group.

‘i am in awe of the work that the families of those who died in Dealgan have done, through the grief of losing their loved ones, to try to find the answers to their questions using Freedom of information requests.

‘They continue to this very day, asking the questions, sifting through the responses. But they continue to rightly demand a mechanism to get all the answers to their questions as to how their loved ones died and why.

‘it is three years on from the scandal of what happened in Dealgan and the government cannot obfuscate any longer over the inquiry they have promised. They need to get the terms of reference, in consultation with the families, published and the inquiry needs to get underway this year.

‘We cannot be recalling the fourth anniversary looking for the same thing’.

GARDAí are investigating an alleged assault of a referee at a soccer match in Dundalk last Thursday evening. The referee was refereeing a match in Muirhevnamór between Bay Utd and Sporting Ballyjamesduff in the North east Football League when he was allegedly kicked in the chest by a player from Sporting BJD. The game was subsequently abandoned with five minutes of the match remaining. A video of the incident has been shared widely over the past week.

The official attended hospital on Friday due to injuries sustained in the incident. Mr William Long, President of the irish Soccer Referees Society, condemned the assault on the referee who is a member of the local branch of his organisation.

Mr. Long stated: “First of all my thoughts and that of Society are with the referee concerned and his family. This is a shocking and appalling attack on someone who went out last night, giv-

ing up his free time to ensure a game of football was played. The referee, who is a valued and long-standing member of our Louth Branch, has attended hospital today for treatment of his injuries. We wish him a speedy recovery from this outrageous ordeal.”

Mr. Long added: “i know that the league and the FAi are fully investigating the matter and I have every confidence that the matter will be dealt with appropriately in due course.”

“Unfortunately, assaults and abuse of referees remains an ever present concern of Society and our members across the country. We are working hand-inhand with the refereeing department of the FAi for some time now on various campaigns to reduce attacks on match officials.”

“This latest incident shows that, sadly, the ‘respect for the referee’ campaigns are not getting through to everyone participating in the game that we all love and care about,” said Mr. Long.

A statement from Sporting BJD expressed heir disappointment at what had transpired and promised to co-operate fully with any investigation that will be held.

“All at Sporting BJD FC is extremely disappointed at last night actions vs Bay FC. An investigation is underway and we will do everything in our power to cooperate this matter with the North east Football League. The club will handle this situation with the upmost seriousness, and action will be taken by our club. The club will be making no further comments at this time,” concluded the statement.

one of those potential investigations will be held by the North east Football League, who confirmed they were aware of he incident.

The President Comes To Town

The N.e.F.L Committee have been made aware of the abandonment of Thursday nights Division 1 league match between Bay FC and Sporting BJD after 85 mins. The scoreline at the time of abandonment was 1-0 in favour of Bay. Following anticipated receipt of reports on the match the NeFL Committee shall conduct an investigation in accordance with rules governing same.

Gardaí confirmed they are investigating an assault that occurred at approximately 9.40pm on Thursday night at Muirhevanamor, Dundalk. No arrests have been made.

Cake Sale

CaKE sale in aid of north louth Hospice takes place this weekend in the Friary House, after 6.15pm on sat 15th & on sun 16th following 19am & q2 masses. anybody who us willing to support us by baking items or in any way please contact Catherine, 086 3993452.

ruairí Ó Murchú.

Family Notices

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted.

(Never known to fail) E.H.

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted.

(Never known to fail) A.M.

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted.

(Never known to fail) J.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 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted.

(Never known to fail) N.S.

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted.

(Never known to fail) P.B.

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted.

(Never known to fail) J.K.

P ro P erty/rentals s P ecial services

ST. GERARD MAJELLA

NOVENA PRAyER

Almighty God, from his boyhood years you blessed St. Gerard with generosity of soul, and led him to do your will in heroic ways. By your grace he lived his brief life in intense love for you and for those in need. Hear his prayers now for us and for all poor souls in trouble.

St. Gerard, friend of sinners, friend of the poor, friend of mothers and children, it is our joy and consolation to come to your novena to remember the goodness of your life, your burning sense of God your tender love for Our Lord and his mother, Mary, your kindness and care for everyone in need. Pray for us now in our time of need. Pray for us in our sickness. Pray for us in our confusion and despair. Pray for us in our struggle with life and its mysteries. Remember especially those who long for children and mothers about to give birth. Remember those who have wandered from the practice of the faith and need the grace of reconciliation. Remember all of us poor sinners in our particular needs. Amen. F.K.

Castle Players return with “Say Cheese”

THe Castle Players are back in An Tain Arts Centre after a three-year absence due to Covid. on their last appearance they staged John B. Keane’s classic drama Sive. This time it’s Bernard Farrell’s classic social farce Say Cheese.

When Say Cheese was first produced in the Abbey Theatre in 1987, the run had to be extended because of public demand. Likewise when the Castle Players staged it in the Dominican Hall in 2002, they also had to extend the run because of public demand.

Say Cheese is a hilarious comedy about a cheese company who ran a competition to find Ireland’s “Happiest Married Couple” The winners were Bridie and valentine Fagan (irene Barr and Paul Casey).

To win, their daughter Heather, who cannot pronounce her R’s (Siobhan Rankin) had to collect 150 cheese wrappers.

heather and Mr Bradshaw.

The celebration party is taking place in the Metropole Hotel, Dublin. The hotel manager Mr L’estrange (Gerry Callan) is none too pleased, as he thinks they are from the lower echelons of society. But his trainee Julie (Melissa Casey) is enjoying every minute of it and dreaming of her own wedding some day in the future.

Their bestman Rory (Brian Halpin) has arrived from Australia, always admired by Bridie, but he may let some skeletons out of the cup-

board. The bridesmaid Goldie (Adrienne Whelan), a raving beauty, has arrived from Scotland, where she works with a lot of wild animals.

Their son Ray (Adi Carolan) has flown in from Canada. He sent home three Christmas cards in eleven years and his spelling leaves a lot to be desired. Then there is the priest who married them, Fr Shaughnessy (David Lennon), who does not want to be seen on the video as he has a secret.

The video cinema-

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tographers, Miss Moore and her sister Patrica (Yvonne Shields and Yvonne Laurence), are two spinsters, who never took the plunge themselves, according to Mr Bradshaw (Niall McCann). Mr Bradshaw is the director of sales at Celtic Cheese, the sponsors of the event. The play is co-directed by Nigel Clinton and Pat McKenna.

The production team which makes it all happen include Siobhan owens, Debbie McKenna, Kayleigh McCabe, Mary Gilsenan, odelle Coogan, David McKenna, Hilary Barr, David M Kiely, Wally Dunne. it all takes place in An Tain Arts Centre from Wednesday April 19th to Saturday 22nd. Tickets €16.00 (€12.00 Wednesday) plus a booking fee of €1.50 per ticket.

Tickets can be booked on line at; antain.ie or by phoning the Box Office 042 933 2332.

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 workmarble, granite, porcelain. Indoors and out. Call 087-387-8995 for free quote.

GriMley ’s dublin st dundalK Televisions, TV aerials, satellite, Freeview & Saorview, new installations, sales, service & repairs. Free estimates 042 935 4343. dundalK Garden services—Tree topping, felling, hedge trimming, grass cutting & strimming. Rubbish Removals/ Garage clearance, House & Garden refuse. Permit holder. Contact Ben 085-840-7707.

Podiatry/c hiro P ody treatment in the comfort of your own home. Ms. Dara McCoy, Bsc. Podiatry 0871924794.

Painter available—Keen rates, no job too small! Call 086 3848079. Plasterin G s ervice available Free quotations. Contact David 085 7829910 or Gavin 086 3799285. c ar P et and uP holstery cleaning. Home and Office contract cleaning. Over 10 years’ experience. RTM Cleaning Services contact Robbie 087 3817618. dds Paintin G & Decorating Services. Dundalk area. Internal and external painting and wallpapering. Free estimates within 12 hours. 10 years experience. Tel David 085 7308777.

Gardenin G—Lawns cut, hedges cut, trees trimmed and topped. Telephone Tom 087 2296441.

r eflexolo G y—Feeling stressed, tired, fed up and need an energy boost for the spring... try a reflexology treatment and reap the benefits. Contract Rosemarie 087 2058644.

s e M i-retired M an available for Painting (Internal & External). 30 Years experience, also power washing services, etc. Tel Dermot 087 2993660. n on- s ur G ical hu M an hair replacement system. Undetectable for those wishing to boost confidence and regain that younger look. Phone Dundalk 083 064 5859.

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

r oofin G r e Pairs & s toves—Stoves supplied and fitted, fully insured, Hetas certified. Contact Paul Englishby 087 6301914 or 041 98 94633 and Mark on 087 1302040 for roofing enquiries.

Garden & house Maintenance

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

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

f ifi’s a lterations—Longwalk S.C. (formerly A-Alterations) Tel 083 011 8728. Zips, hems, clothes taken in or let out, also Dry Cleaning Service. Open Mon—Fri

9.30—5.30pm & Sat 10-2pm.

watch rePairs—Mechanical/ Quartz (battery) and Vintage. In our own workshop. Most brands: Cartier, Longines, Omega, Revue, Raymond Weil, Seiko, Citizen & more, also Jewellery repairs. Goldstar Jewellers, Demesne Shopping Centre Dundalk Tel. 042 93 39478.

Power washinG—Get ready for Spring/Summer. Power washing of driveways/paving/walls. Competitive rates. Call Will on 085 8604048.

builder & hoMe Maintainence Building, Woodwork, Painting, Plumbing, Tiling, Kitchen Refurbishments, Paving & Fencing. No job to big or too small. Tel. 087 295 2529.

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

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. Newly Wed first dance lessons and private lessons also available. Contact 086 357 3271 for further information. f rench Grinds available for Junior and Leaving cert, All levels. Individual and small group options. Tel 086 8723340. druM lessons includinG bodhran—For adults & children aged 8 years upwards. One to one lessons. Phone 087 414 4228.

NOVENA NOVENA NOVENA

Dundalk Lions Club Poker Classic returns

DUNDALK Lions have announced the return of their always popular Poker Classic Fundraiser on Sunday 30th April at the Lisdoo Restaurant, Newry Road, Dundalk starting at 5pm. Launching the fundraiser, Matt Pepper, of the organising committee said:

“Due to Covid Restrictions this is the first Poker Fundraiser since 2019 and it is great to be back with a guaranteed first prize of €3000 and 7 follow up prizes”

“Thank you to everyone involved in the 25th Poker Classic event. The proceeds will allow Dundalk Lions to

continue to support the local community”

The Tickets at €80 can be bought by contacting either Matt Pepper on: 085 174 0221 or James Watters on: 087 256 8895. A Light Meal is included.

The Dundalk Lions Club have also kindly given the Dundalk Leader one ticket (worth

Got a Story?

€80) to give away in a competition to one of our readers. To be in with a chance of winning the ticket simply answer the following question.

What year was the Dundalk Lions Club established? a/ 1977, B/ 1979 or C/ 1981. ClueThis was also the year that elvis Presley died.

To be in with a chance of winning the ticket for the upcoming Poker Classic in the Lisdoo Bar and Restaurant simply email your answer to editorial@dundalkleader.com. You can also text your answer to 0879476331. Good luck to all.

Pictured, John Doherty and Patrick harrison from faughart Community Group with “The Bruce Boulder” which was donated and erected in faughart Graveyard earlier this week by The ulster Scots Society, Belfast. It is to commemorate The Battle of faughart 1318, in which the last ‘high King’ of Ireland, edward Bruce, was killed. edward was the brother of the King of Scotland robert Bruce and some of his remains (he was hung and quartered) are buried in faughart Graveyard. There will be an official unveiling of the boulder in the near future and it is hoped to have a direct descendent of Bruce’s in attendance. faughart graveyard also has the ruins of a medieval church and St. Brigid’s holy Well. It is also thought to be the birthplace of St.Brigid. The graveyard also has the best view of Dundalk and has amazing 360 degree views of our locality both north and South.

1/ What is the Sunday before Easter called?

2/ In which African country is the continents northernmost point?

3/ Carlito Brigante, Frank Serpico and Lefty Ruggiero are all characters played in film by which A-List actor?

4/ In what decade did a human being last walk on the moon?

5/ The Bartender pub on Park Street has gone through a couple of name changes down through the years. Can you name two previous names for the pub?

6/ The name of which county in Ireland means ‘Eógan’s land’ in Irish?

7/ Can you name the three capital cities in Europe beginning with the letter R?

8/ Oology is the study

of what?

9/ In internet slang what does the abbreviation tl;dr mean?

10/ Can you name the five Irish counties that end in the letter H. Stinker: What “G” instrument is technically a metallophone because its set of tuned keys are made of metal plates or tubes rather than the wood of a xylophone?

—this week’s answers—

The President Comes To Town

1/ Palm Sunday, 2/ Tunisia, 3/ Al Pacino, 4/ 1970’s (Apollo 17 in 1972), 5/ The Beerkeeper and The Seanchaí or The Congo Bar/ Cecil’s Bar 6/ Tyrone (Tír Eógain), 7/ Rome, Riga and Reykjavik,

8/ Birds eggs, 9/ Too long; didn’t read, 10/ Louth, Meath, Fwrmanagh, Westmeath and Armagh. The Stinker: Glockenspiel.

‘ b ruce b oulder’ commemorates b attle of faughart

Chamber Cross Border Tourism Conference a huge success

DUNDALK Chamber held their first in person Cross Border Tourism Conference in the beautiful surroundings of the Four Seasons Carlingford on the 29th March. The event had been moved on line due to covid restrictions for the past 3 years so it was great to have all attendees under the one roof.

With over 200 booked in the event was a resounding success.

The event was sponsored by Louth Local Development , Louth County Council, Local Enterprise Office Louth , Newry Chamber and The Marshes Shopping Centre.

The event brought experts together from various Tourism projects around ireland and the UK so that tourism providers could replicate it in their own business. There were practical tips and workshops on how to improve your tourism business so as to increase sales and boost attendance figures at their attraction!

There were five key speakers at the event including and the event was chaired by Kieran Swail of the Southern Regional College with

Brendan McSherry Heritage Officer with Louth County Council chairing the question and answer session at the end.

Frank o’Brien, Chair of Louth Leader Partnership restated the Company’s position in supporting the event.

Collette Moss of Louth County Council outlined the Council’s commitment to events and Trails such as The Festival of Lights, The Tain Trail, Sea Louth, and a planned St Brigid’s Festival. Collette also acknowledged the work of the Louth enterprise Office in supporting micro businesses.

oonagh Messette from the Celtic Routes Project outlined how the

project has evolved with the creation of a diverse range of digital assets such as Celtic Connections which is a “compendium of experiences to connect visitors to the Celtic Spirit.”

Wayne Denner introduced new concepts of “return on relationships” and “human-centered marketing” and demonstrated the application of ChatGPT to tourism. ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence chatbot that allows humanlike conversations.

Frazer Coupland from Lochaber Chamber of Commerce discussed how the Chamber’s “outdoor Capital of the UK” brand evolved and the challenges and op-

portunities of managing visitors and peak times and in the shoulder season.

Brendan McSherry, Heritage Officer with Louth County Council thanked the organizing committee, the sponsors, the presenters, and Kieran Swail, from Southern Regional College for facilitating the Conference. Brendan concluded that the common thread of the Conference was the importance of people, community, and relationships

There was an opportunity for attendees to network at the breaks and during lunch and visit the 30 trade stands on the day.

Jinx’s ‘Walk lightly’ tour

JiNx Lennon starts his Walk Lightly tour to promote the new album Walk Lightly When The Jug is Full which is a kerry saying The new album ‘’Walk Lightly When the Jug is Full’’ is a full on assault course through the world of celtic open tuned guitar with punk folk attitude especially with the lyrics which deal with teenage pregnancies, the incel community, police brutality, noisy terraced house living and features instrumentals for the first time.

it was recorded with Chris Barry in Aiflionn studios Drumcondra and features David Keenan,Sean Fitzgerald from Dublin band The Deadlians, Armagh Rhymers singer Annie June Callaghan and Chris Barry on bass.

Jinx sings songs about the times we live in ireland, social issues and the struggle to retain sanity and integrity in the 21st century. The show aims to be uplifting experience for the audience because its honest, sometimes scary, funny and personal.

Jinx has been writing and recording music since 1980. He has no less than thirteen acclaimed album releases and has supported The Fall and toured with John Cooper Clarke. His life as an artist was documented by RTe 1 as part of the Arts/Lives series in 2007.

Playwright/actor Liz Fitzgib-

bon included Jinx Lennon songs like ‘’Bruised Banana’’ in her play ‘’Kicking All The boxes’’ which appeared in the Dublin Fringe Festival 2018 and vault Festival London 2019. ‘’Forgive the Cnts’’ was included in Conor o Toole’s movie ‘’Bicycle Thieves: Pumped Up’’ in 2021. Last year during 2022 he was featured as part of the TG4 documentary series Cumasc: Seisiuin Sa Black Gate co-writing songs with the Mary Wallopers for the featured episode.

The new album is out on April 14th to coincide with the first date on the nationwide tour The Duncairn Centre in Belfast. You can pre order the album on LP, CD, or download on Jinx Lennon at jinxlennon1.bandcamp.com or local record shop Classified Records from 14th April. Get the tickets

for the Spirit Store show from www.spiritstore.ie

THe WALK LiGHTLY ToUR

Duncairn, Belfast, Friday 14th April.

Classified Records, Dundalk, Saturday 15 April.

Workman’s Club (Cellars) Friday 22 April.

Pharmacia, Limerick 28 April.

Fred Zeppelins, Cork Friday 5 May.

Thurles, Hickeys 6th May. Spirit Store, Friday 12 May.

Levi’s Corner Bar, Ballydehob, Saturday 13 May.

Kane’s Ballyferriter, Sunday 14 May.

Galway Mechanics institute, 9 June.

Night and Day Festival, Sunday 25 June.

Jiving Classes

JiviNG classes begin next Wednesday (19th April) at 8pm in St Geraldines GFC hall in Haggardstown. The classes are a great way to keep fit and you don’t need a partner to enjoy them. The main emphasis of the classes is to ensure that people have fun in a social environment where they can enjoy themselves and meet new people under the tutelage of a great teacher. Contact Declan on 0877557163.

The Cross Border Tourism Conference was a huge success.

Jinx Lennon.