15-12-2021

DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Rotary leadership award for Isabelle

Dundalk take over The Hague

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2022 set to be big year for Amy Page 17

Wednesday, 15th December, 2021. Vol. 14, Issue 50 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Cooley’s ocean heroes!

Tel: 042 9320888. Fax: 042 9329676. Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com; advertising@dundalkleader.com

By Paul Byrne

Seasons Greetings From All At See back page Over 50 Years In Business

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A community group in Cooley have been awarded with win an Ocean Hero Award in recognition of the trojan work they undertake throughout the year to keep their local coastlines free from rubbish.

Cooley Community Alert Peninsula Marine won the Group of the Year award for 2021 at the annual awards which recognise the contributions Clean Coast volunteers make towards cleaning up Ireland’s coastline.

Michael Muckian who is a founding member and current chairman of the Cooley Community Alert Peninsula Marine group was understandably thrilled following the announcement.

“Cooley Community Alert were formed 20 years ago as a community alert group on the Cooley Peninsula in and in 2018 expanded to set up our Marine litter project.

This expansion sees us cleaning the coastline from Bellurgan just north of Dundalk right through to Carlingford,” explained Michael.

“We’ve been doing this for a few years now and it is nice to get recognition for all the hard work our dedicated volunteers put in week in week out to try and keep our beautiful coastline free from rubbish.

Continued on Page 2

Gardaí on the hunt for missing Santa

A Dundalk pharmacist has filed a report with gardaí about the possible theft of a much-loved Santa decoration which has gone missing from his pharmacy. Full story on page 2.

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Dundalk Leader 15th December 2021

Gardaí on the hunt for missing Santa A DUNDALK pharmacist has filed a report with gardaí about the possible theft of a much-loved Santa decoration which has gone missing from his pharmacy.

The owner of Leavy’s Pharmacy is appealing for information on the whereabouts of the popular Santa decoration.

Dermot Leavy of Leavy’s pharmacy on Clanbrassil Street is asking for people to contact him with any relevant information relating to Dundalk’s first electrical Santa (pictured).

“He went missing in January 2015. We were

getting stuff cleared out to make sure it wasn’t a fire hazard and to get some building work done,” said Dermot.

“We had things wrapped up in boxes with ‘Do not throw out’ written on them including Santa.

Some people said it went to landfill by mistake.

“I find it hard to believe it went to landfill. My grandfather got it. It was the first electrical Santa in Dundalk and people have fond memories of it as children.”

Dermot added: “It had three suits made over the years by my aunt, Bernadette Mullen, and my

mother. He was like part of the family.

“A woman used to come home from America in November and she’d ask us to have it in the window for her return to Dundalk.

“I just can’t believe it would end up in landfill.

All of the staff felt the loss as if part of the family had gone or died but we haven’t given up hope.”

Dermot continued: “He’s not much use to the public if he’s just in someone’s house. We would be delighted if Dundalk’s second favourite Santa was returned to help keep the magic alive for the children of Dundalk.”

The decoration has been missing for almost seven years.

Cooley’s ocean heroes!

From Page 1 There are seven people on the committee and a lot more volunteers who give freely their own time to come out and fill bin bags full of rubbish from Bellurgan right up to Omeath. Unfortunately, the amount of rubbish that gets washed up on our beaches and coastlines is substantial and as well as all the plastics etc you also get drums of oil, lorry tyres and all sorts washed up.

“We meet up all year round but are at our busiest between March and November when we might meet up a couple of times a week. We fill lots and lots of bin bags full of rubbish each time and you would be amazed at how quickly the rubbish reappears after we gather it all up.

“Last year we reached out to a few environmental agencies and managed to secure a quad and a trailer for our group which makes it a lot easier to collect the full bin bags and take them off the beach.

Pre-covid we would separate the rubbish and recycle everything that

Members of the Cooley Peninsula Marine Project. could be recycled but with restrictions we are not able to do that right now.

“I want to give a big shout out to all our volunteers and helpers and the transition year students in Bush secondary who regularly help us out. We actually sponsor a number of transition year students who are taking part in the Gaisce Awards. We all love where we live and we do this because we want to maintain the natural beauty that surrounds us,” stated Michael.

Clean Coasts manager Sinead McCoy congratulated the award winners and the three dozen groups and individuals that were shortlisted.

“The Clean Coasts programme’s Ocean Hero Awards have been celebrating the incredible efforts of volunteers around the Irish Coastline since 2006,” she said.

“Although 2021 has been challenging at times it has been an incredible year for Clean Coasts and our network has grown so much and shown an incredible amount of dedication and care for our beaches, coastline, marine life and oceans. We were delighted to have received so many inspirational nominations that show not only the true dedication of these coastal custodians, but also that their efforts don’t go unnoticed by the community.”

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Dundalk Leader 15th December 2021

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Dundalk Leader 15th December 2021

Isabelle wins Rotary Youth Leadership Competition

Paddy Williams, Stephen Gunne (President), Sean O’Hanrahan (all Dundalk Rotarians), Isabelle Jannsen, Billy Doyle (Dundalk Credit Union) and Gay Berkery (Dundalk Rotary Club).

Dundalk Grammar School student Isabelle Jannsen has been named as this year’s winner of the Dundalk Schools stage of the Rotary Youth Leadership competition.

She will now go forward to the regional final in January. The Rotary Youth Leadership competition commenced in 1992.

The competition is for secondary school students age 16 to 18 and

is open to male and female students.

24 winning students from all over Ireland are selected for their leadership qualities and are sent to Strasbourg to the Euro school day where fellow students from all over Europe sit in the parliament and debate topics of special interest.

Unfortunately, all is changed because of Covid and instead the

students from Ireland will not be travelling in 2022. However, Rotarians in Ireland will bring them on a twoday trip to Belfast in March where they will visit Stormont Parliament and they will also take them on a two day trip to Dublin in April where they will visit Dail Eireann.

In 1992 from day one Peter Quinn of the Imperial Hotel sponsored the competition

and did so until the Imperial Hotel was sold with his brother Oliver Quinn of Ballymascanlon House hotel picking up the baton of sponsorship.

Fifteen years ago Dundalk Credit Union also joined as sponsors for the competition.

The Dundalk Rotarians very much appreciate the two sponsors as without them the competition would not be in existence.

Dundalk Leader 15th December 2021

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Dundalk Leader 15th December 2021

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‘British government don’t care about Ireland’ The ‘madness’ of the British government over Brexit and its fallout, including a proposal for new border immigration laws, shows it ‘does not care at all about Ireland’, Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú has said.

The Dundalk deputy used some of his time in Leinster House last week highlighting how the fallout from Brexit continues to impact on Dundalk, the border area, and the State.

Deputy Ó Murchú said: ‘It would be very difficult to talk about this and the whole issue of Brexit without noting the utter madness of a British Government which, I think it is fair to say, does not care at all about Ireland. That is the only view we can take.

‘We have the absolute madness about new British immigration laws that might see nonIrish EU citizens living in the South needing to apply online for pretravel clearance to cross

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Ruairí Ó Murchú, TD. the Border.

‘This could be a matter of them crossing the Border to get to work and then crossing back.

They would be leaving from the South to then end up back in the South.

‘It is utterly unworkable and it once again shows how Britain in any of its determinations and negotiations concerning Brexit does not care in any way, shape or form about Ireland or the North. It only cares about that aspect as a pawn. This is an issue

that we must be solid and firm about.

‘I also brought this issue up recently with Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič. I refer to the impact this will have in future. The Irish protocol is the only show in town and there can be no return of a hard Border’.

He also used time during a debate on the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement to give his views on the current situation.

He said: ‘I heard a commentator in the past while talk about the feeling in Government circles being that there is a 50-50 chance of Article 16 being triggered. Nobody believes it will be triggered before Christmas. That is the saving grace.

‘Obviously, the behaviour of the British Government has been utterly ridiculous.

Obviously, this also gives succour to certain elements of political unionism that are, let us be

clear, probably in fear of the ongoing discussion in respect of Irish unity.

A huge number of people who would have probably previously fallen into that bracket of being unionists are at least having a discussion. The thing for an awful lot of people is Irish unity is a means of staying within the European Union and not being allied or wedded to the union with Britain and the madness of dealing with this Tory Government or whatever other Government might be thrown up by the British electorate.

That is where we are in respect of this matter.

‘It is fair to say that the Irish protocol was put in place to be a mitigation and to protect conditions on the island of Ireland, where it is no way acceptable for there to be a return of a hard border.

I live in Dundalk, not very far from the Border. We all know the history that goes with that and nobody can accept going backwards’.

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Dundalk Leader 15th December 2021

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Christmas Mass Times for the Dun Dealgan �astoral �rea

ST PATRICK’S PARISH

Christmas Eve ST PATRICK’S CHURCH: 9pm ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCH 8pm Christmas Day ST PATRICK’S CHURCH: 9am, 11am & 1pm ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCH 8.30am, 10.30am & 12.30pm

ST JOSEPH’S PARISH

Christmas Eve 7pm & 12midnight Christmas Day 9.30am, 11am, & 12.30pm

HOLY REDEEMER PARISH

Christmas Eve 6pm & 9pm Christmas Day 10am & 11.30am

FRIARY CHURCH

Christmas Eve 7pm & 9.30pm Christmas Day 8am, 10am & 12noon

Wishing all our Parishioners a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year - Stay Safe

HOLY FAMILY PARISH

Christmas Eve 9pm Christmas Day 9am, 10.30am, & 12noon

THE MARISTS

Christmas Eve 8pm Christmas Day 7am & 10am

HAGGARDSTOWN/ BLACKROCK Penitential Service in St Fursey’s Monday 20th December at 7pm.

Christmas Eve ST OLIVER PLUNKETT 3pm & 6pm ST FURSEY’S 7.30pm Christmas Day ST OLIVER PLUNKETT – 10am & 12noon ST FURSEY’S 9am & 11am PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE NO SATURDAY EVENING MASS ON SATURDAY 25th DECEMBER. MASSES FOR SUNDAY 26th AS PER SUNDAY MASS TIME.

ALL SUBJECT TO COVID 19 RESTRICTIONS. NUMBERS IN OUR CHURCHES WILL BE GOVERNMENT. NUMBERS BASED ON LIMITED TO ITS CAPACITY AS DIRECTED BY THE FIRST COME FIRST SERVED. MASSES CAN ALSO BE VIEWED VIA OUR WEBCAM IN ST JOSEPH’S, ST PATRICK’S, HOLY FAMILY, HOLY REDEEMER, st oliver plunket's and St fursey's. ON BEHALF OF ALL THE PRIESTS WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING AT THIS DIFFICULT AND CHALLENGING TIME FOR ALL OF US.

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Dundalk take over The Hague!

Dundalk Leader 15th December 2021

Dundalk musician Rosie Murphy has spoken about her experience of playing the harp in The Hague for newly appointed ambassador, Brendan Rogers who grew up in Seatown.

The 21-year-old from St Mary’s Road is a former St Vincent’s Secondary School student and Wesley College student.

“I’m currently studying music in the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. I started last year, this is my second year now,” said Rosie.

The accomplished musician is the daughter of harpist, Emer Kenny.

Rosie began learning the harp when she was just nine-years-old.

“My mother taught me. I also study composition and enjoy composing my own music,” she said.

Rosie played the harp at the Irish Embassy in The Hague on Wednesday, December 8 for the new ambassador, Brendan Rogers, who is also from Dundalk.

“At the event, Brendan had to present his credentials from the President of Ireland to the King of the Netherlands,” she said.

“It made me really proud of where I come from. Brendan grew up in Seatown and I grew up on St Mary’s Road.

It was a really nice

Main pic: Rosie Murphy performing at The Hague; inset: Rosie pictured with Brendan Rogers.

ceremony.

“I got the gig in The Hague because I played in No 10 Downing Street earlier this month. It was a great experience.”

She added: “I got the Downing Street gig because I was involved in a project over the summer for mentorship.

“The programme was called ‘21 Artists

for the 21st Century’. I was mentored by Neil Martin and my compositions were chosen to be performed at No 10 Downing Street and St James’s Palace.”

Val Wynne Perpetual Shield winner

Paul Harmon LRPS, receiving the Val Wynne Perpetual Shield from Janet Mooney (nee Wynne) at the Cuchulainn Camera Club competition held recently. Paul is the first recipient of this prestigious award. Also in the photo is renowned photographic judge, Gabriel O’Shaughnessy MFIAP, FIPF, FRPS, EFIAP/b.

Dundalk Leader 15th December 2021

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Dundalk Leader 15th December 2021

€99,000 for Ravensdale walking route €99,000 will provide a safe walking route for families and tourists between Ravensdale Forest, Feede Mountain and the Carrickdale according to Senator John McGahon and Cllr.

John Reilly.

Senator McGahon and Cllr. Reilly were speaking after the announcement by Minister Heather Humphreys of €99,000 which will provide a 8.5 Kilometre walking loop from Ravensdale Forest to Feede Mountain and on to the Carrickdale. This funding will provide a cross border facility and open up access to a larger trail network within Coillte forests, the Tain way and Mountain Trails.

Senator McGahon said “The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme is part of the Government’s Project Ireland

Cllr. John Reilly and Senator John McGahon at Ravensdale Forest.

2040 Rural Regeneration and Development programme, and provides funding for the development, promotion and maintenance of outdoor amenities such as trails, walkways, cycleways, and blueways.

Our investment in outdoor recreation facilities and infra-

structure also pays a significant economic dividend.

Whether its tourists or people on staycations, thousands make walking, hiking, cycling and other outdoor pursuits an important part of their stay.

Cllr. Reilly said “Throughout the Covid period,Ravensdale has seen a huge in-

crease in families and hill walkers using the area. The provision of an 8.5 kilometre loop will provide a safe and enjoyable walking route for people of all ages. This is really important funding for Ravensdale as it links up a number of walking routes making the wider area more accessible.

A diamond ring is not just for Christmas . . . . . . see her smile every day

Aidan Brennan Jewellers Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk. Phone 042 933 0502.

Dundalk Leader 15th December 2021

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Dundalk Leader 15th December 2021

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Friday 17th 08.30-20.00 Saturday 18th 08.30-18.00 Sunday 19th 12.00-18.00 Monday 20th 08.30-18.00 Tuesday 21st 08.30-18.00 Wednesday 22nd 08.30-20.00 Thursday 23rd 08.00-20.00 Christmas Eve 08.00-18.00

Christmas Day Closed St. Stephen’s Day Closed MONDAY 27th Closed Tuesday 28th 08.30-18.00 Wednesday 29th 08.30-18.00 Thursday 30th 08.30-18.00 New Year's Eve 08.00-18.00 New Year’s Day Closed Sunday 2nd Closed

€100,000 Funding Announced for Dunleer Master Plan Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, announced €2.6 million in funding to deliver the first ever Town Centre First Plans, which will be key to securing the sustainable future of towns centres throughout the country.

As part of the initiative, local authorities will be provided with €100,000 to support the development of a unique master plan for a town in its county.

Louth County Council was successful in its bid to secure funding for Dunleer, one of 26 towns nationwide to be granted funding. Each local authority will now work closely with local community groups, retailers and the other members of the Town Teams in devising and delivering on the objec-

Joan Martin. tives of their respective masterplans. This initiative is a key part of Our Rural Future – the Government’s ambitious five-year strategy designed to reimagine and revitalise Rural Ireland. It is also linked to the Government’s ‘Housing for All’ strat-

egy and the forthcoming ‘Town Centre First Policy’, which will be announced in the coming weeks. It is envisaged that the Plans will cover the importance of “place-making”, town centre living, the social and economic purpose of the town, and

respond to emerging opportunities such as those linked to remote working, climate action and digitalisation.

Welcoming the announcement Chief Executive of Louth County Council, Joan Martin said “I am delighted with the announcement of funding for the development of a master plan for Dunleer. The community in Dunleer has a long history of engagement and working in partnership with the Council to maintain and improve the town centre and this funding will allow us to develop a plan for the future of the town with all stakeholders contributing. Ensuring that town centres are sustained into the future and are attractive places to live in, visit and do business in is a key priority for the Council”.

Dundalk Leader 15th December 2021

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Dundalk Leader 15th December 2021

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C

Family Notices in memoriam

BRABAZON In loving memory of Jane and Christopher, late of O’Hanlon Park, Dundalk.

Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day.

—From The Flynn and Brabazon Families.

Anniversary Mass this Sunday, 19th December, at 10.30am in St. Nicholas’ Church.

novena

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). M.T.

novena

novena

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). E.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). L.M. NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). P.M.

NOVENA TO THE saint maartha O St. Martha, I resort to thee and to thy petition and faith, I offer up to thee this light which I shall burn every Tuesday for nine Tuesdays. Comfort me in all my difficulties through the great favour thou didst enjoy when Our Saviour lodged in thy house. I beseech thee to have definite pity in regard to the favour I ask (Mention favour). Intercede for my family that we may always be provided for in all our necessities. I ask thee St. Martha to overcome the dragon which thou didst cast at thy feet. One Our Father and three Hail Marys, and a Glory Be Amen; and a lighted candle every Tuesday and the above prayer made known with the intentions of spreading devotion to St. Martha. This miraculous Saint grants everything before the Tuesdays are ended. No matter how difficult. E.D.

Gig cancellations a slap in the face for the Mary Wallopers The Mary Wallopers bandmates Andrew and Charles Hendy are recovering after being diagnosed with Covid-19.

The brothers from Haggardstown are members of a popular local folk group which has had to cancel a number of planned gigs.

The Mary Wallopers trio is also comprised of 27-year-old Sean McKenna from the Avenue Road, Dundalk.

“It was a bit rough the first few days but I’m hopefully over the worst of it now. I’m still a bit groggy from it,” said Andrew.

“We have to isolate until the 16th of December so it’s not too bad. It was disappointing because we had to cancel two Belfast gigs due to Covid-19.

“We had a big tour planned and had just done two gigs of the tour when we heard about the restrictions that were brought in for the entertainment sector.”

He added: “We were on our way back from a gig in Limerick and

Mary Wallopers.

were passing Dunleer on the M1 when we got the news.

“We were really disappointed. It was impossible to do the gigs at 50 per cent capacity. There were three gigs in Vicar Street, three in Cork and one in Dundalk in the Town Hall and they all had to be cancelled.

“We hadn’t done gigs for two years and we bought a lot of merchandise to sell at the shows.

We felt like we were back on track and in the swing of things again.”

Andrew concluded: “In 2019, we did 153 gigs. We took every opportunity possible to do a gig. We were constantly trying to do every gig we could.

“We are going to do another live stream on the 17th of December

on our YouTube Channel. It will be like our version of the Toy Show and should last for around one hour and 40 minutes.

“We are trying to get the most enjoyment out of it. Hopefully, we will get to play the Irish gigs in March or April 2022.

“We are doing a UK tour at the end of January. We have seven dates in the UK. Hopefully that goes ahead.”

Meanwhile, The Mary Wallopers have planned to a ‘merch market’ on December 18 in a Dublin pub called ‘The Grand Social’ on Liffey Street Lower.

The event is called the ‘One Stop Band Shop’ and will see The Mary Wallopers and other bands selling their merchandise to eager fans.

PROPERTY/RENTALS

special services

ATTENTION—For B.E.R. CERTIFICATION of properties being offered for sale or rent, contact Robert Mulholland, BER assessor. 087 609 1906 www.louthber.ie.

Wanted to buy—Commercial Yard with or without workshop/building 086 2754936.

ADVERTISE YOUR HOUSE Premises for rent or sale to over 50,000 readers a week from €5. Telephone Dundalk Leader 042 93 -20888.

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

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. 086 818 4827.

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.

Roofing Repairs—Stoves supplied and fitted, fully insured, Hetas certified. Contact Paul Englishby 087 6301914 or 041 98 94633.

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.

Coaching with Esther—Life and Executive Coach Tel 086 8972007 www.coachingwithesther.com.

Qualified Carpenter available for Floors, Doors, Frames, Architraves, Skirtings, Stud Walls, Roofing & All Building Repairs.

No Job too big or too small. Call Mark 086 089 5508.

Fifi’s Alterations—Longwalk S.C. (formerly A-Alterations) Tel 083 0118728.

Zips, hems, clothes taken in or let out, also Dry Cleaning Service. Open Mon - Wed 9.30 - 5.30pm, Thur & Fri 9.30 - 6pm & Sat 102pm.

J. King Plumbing—Heating & Property Maintenance Tel 086 6086327 or 042 9377775.

FORTUNE TELLER—Available for appointment, private or group bookings. Tel. Alison 042 933 5102 or 087-67-51229.

articles for sale 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.

CD Logs—Kiln Dried Ash/Oak & Birch, Weekly Deliveries to Dundalk & surrounding areas. Newry Co. Down Mob 00 44 77 6040 3254 or 048 30269632 www.cdlogs.com.

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

The Dundalk Leader.

WHITE RADIATOR COVER—White radiator cover for sale. 172cm x 19cm x 82cm. Never used, still in box. Contact 083-1161-297.

2 Fireside chairs for sale. Grey fabric.

Tel. 042 9352962 (between 2-7pm).

GOLF CLUBS & Trolley. Best offer over €100.

Also, kitchen table & 4 chairs—best offer accepted. Tel. 086 828 6428.

special services

legal notices AN CHUIRT DUICHE THE DISTRICT COURT District Court Area of Dundalk District No. 6 LIAM BOYLE - APPLICANT (as Nominee of Blue Diamond Sports No. 2 Limited) To: The District Court Clerk, District Court Office, Courthouse, Dundalk; The Superintendent, An Garda Siochana, The Crescent, Dundalk; The Secretary, Louth County Council, County Hall, Millennium Centre, Dundalk; The Chief Fire Officer, Louth County Council, County Hall, St. Alphonsus Road, Dundalk.

AND TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN TAKE NOTE that the above named Applicant of 8 Park Street, Dundalk, County Louth, as Nominee of Blue Diamond Sports No. 2 Limited will apply to the District Court sitting at Dundalk on the 111h day of January 2022 at 10.30 a.m. for a Certificate under Section 15 of the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1956, authorising the issue of a Licence permitting Gaming at an Amusement Hall or Funfare, namely Brannigans Gaming situate at Number 8, Park Street, Dundalk in the said Court area.

The number and kind of games proposed to be carried on are as follows: 110 Gaming Machines.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that the Applicant will rely on the following matters in support of his Application.

1.—The Applicant is not disqualified by Section 8 of the said Act from the promotion of Gaming under Section 6 or 7 thereof.

2.—Forms of entertainment other than Gaming are also to be provided, to wit, 5 Video Games.

Dated this 10th day of December 2021 Brian Berrills & Company, Solicitors, 18 Francis Street, Dundalk, County Louth.

CHIMNEY & STOVE CLEANING—Tel Paul McArdle 042 933 2491 / 087 666 0094 Email tribalky@yahoo.com <mailto:tribalky@yahoo.com>.

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.

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.

Building Services—Extensions, Renovations, Sunrooms, Conservatories and All General Maintenance. P.V.C. Fascia, Soffit and Guttering products supplied and fitted.

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Dundalk Leader 15th December 2021

Christmas Performances at Ardee School

It was a case of lights, camera, action in Scoil Mhuire na Trócaire this week when all classes recorded Christmas performances to share with their family and friends.

“This is a really special time of year, and it’s so important for the children that we’re still doing Christmas performances” said their principal, Mrs Deirdre Sweeney. “It’s been another unprecedented year for everybody and another tough year with lockdowns, isolating and closures, but here at Scoil Mhuire na Trócaire the show

must go on! We have so much talent to showcase and nothing will stop us doing that - not even Covid! We can’t do our usual class plays performed to a packed school hall but we can still perform and record outdoors. There were Christmas raps, poems, dances, instrumental performances and of course all the classic Christmas songs. The performances were interspersed with lots of Christmas jokes which the children loved.”

One of the highlights was their charming Junior Infants

Nativity Play “Whoops a Daisy Angel” - the delightful story of a disorganised but lovable angel who is chosen to show the way to Bethlehem. The traditional Nativity play has become a bit of an endangered species in schools due to ongoing Covid restrictions but where there’s a will there’s a way! The youngest pupils in the school practised and practised in recent weeks under the guidance of their teacher Mrs Kim Rust and assistant Elaine Devlin.

They had the traditional cast of angels, shepherds, kings, Mary

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and Joseph and of course the narrators as well as some very cute, dancing snowflakes. The talented Junior Infants performed their charming play on the school stage and whilst they hadn’t a live audience their performance will absolutely charm their families when they view the recording.

Rumour has it that the pupils in Scoil Mhuire na Trócaire are so good that a certain Mr Claus in a red suit is due to swing by later this week with gifts for all the classes. Well done to all at Scoil Mhuire na Trócaire!

Pupils from St Mhuire record their Christmas performances.

Get a head start on 2022!

As Christmas and New Year approach, it’s a great time of year for SMEs to look ahead and plan for success. Louth’s Local Enterprise Office provides supports to help you grow your business and are here to help.

Thomas McEvoy, Louth County Council’s Head of Enterprise explains “The Local Enterprise Office is your first port of call for all types of business supports. For example, for small businesses looking to reduce energy usage and improve sustainability, check out our Green for Micro programme. This gives you access to a sustainability The above picture was taking by Blackrock man John Hennessy last Tuesday afternoon as Storm consultant who will work with you to create a sustainability acBarra arrived in the village.

tion plan, tailored to your business.”

He continues “If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s the importance of good processes and being able to work from anywhere. Your Local Enterprise Office can offer supports to help digitalise your business, using technology to help improve efficiency.”

“Getting your finances right is important, no matter what stage of business you are at. We provide experts who can help with financial planning and funding applications for your business.

In addition, Local Enterprise Office Louth can provide grant aid to certain types of businesses.”

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“Think beyond borders by focusing on how to sell your product or service into international markets. The opportunities to sell internationally have transformed dramatically over the last few years. Talk to one of our team about the internationalisation supports available to help you break into overseas markets.”

“These are just a selection of the supports available but we also offer traditional supports such as mentoring, training, Brexit Clinics, and Start Your Own Business programmes. In addition, we provide specialist supports for the food, craft and retail sectors.

Dundalk Leader 15th December 2021

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Dundalk Leader 15th December 2021

Commonwealth games on Amy’s radar

Dundalk boxer Amy Broadhurst made her return to competitive action in style over the weekend as she was crowned Ulster Elite Champion at 60kg. The Muirhevnamór southpaw stopped Christine Gargan in the second round to claim the title on Saturday evening at the Girdwood Community Hub in Belfast.

Amy was back in the ring after two frustrating years out of action but is all set for a very busy 2022 with the European Championships, Worlds and Commonwealth games all set to take place next year. The 24-yearold is eligible to represent Northern Ireland at next year’s Commonwealth Games due to the fact her dad Tony was born in England.

Last year she transferred from Dealgan Boxing Club to Rostrevor in Newry in a move which would help her meet the criteria for selection for the Northern Irish team. Having won the Ulster Elite 60kg title last weekend it would seem all but certain that Broadhurst will be on the plane to Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games next year.

Speaking after her win Amy thanked everybody for their support while stating she was looking forward to a busy 2022.

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Sheila, Amy (newly crowned Ulster Elite Champion) and Tony Broadhurst.

“After two long years out of the ring it feels good to be back! Delighted to have got the win to become Ulster Elite Champion 2021. One step closer to the Commonwealth Games & also a good start to what’s go-

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ing to be a VERY busy 2022! Thank you to everyone for the support,” stated the newly crowned champion.

Amy’s father and coach Tony was more than happy with his daughter’s performance noting that although she has been inactive competitively for two years, she has got plenty of training in over the past year in particular at the high-performance unit in Abbotstown.

“Amy was a bit nervous getting back to competitive action but I didn’t mind that as a few nerves can be good,” noted Tony. “She was excited as well of course and after the win she was buzzing and had her sights immediately on a busy 2022. She’s been doing great in sparring and was a regular sparring partner for Kellie Harrington while she was preparing for the Olympics last summer. In fact Kellie asked if Amy could be her very last spar in Tokyo before her first fight which shows how highly she rates her.

“It’s been tough for Amy with all the cancellations since the pandemic began but we are hopeful that 2022 is going to be a big year for us and we can’t wait to see what the new year brings,” concluded Tony.

Kelly dismayed by ongoing traffic lights problems lights in Dundalk within the next year or two but what can be done in the meantime to alleviate the problem, as regards the lights on Carrick Road. We are being told it is jamming when someone hits the request button, surely this can be amended or fixed to prevent this from happening.

“We are seeing tailbacks in both directions at all times of the day now and there is noth-

ing more frustrating than sitting at a set of red lights and no pedestrians using them. I know my colleague Cllr Maria Doyle has also consistently raised this issue and has highlighted the delays it is causing to residents who live along the Carrick Road. The traffic is bad enough without this occurring.

“As regards the lights on the Castletown road, its the sequenc-

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A 49-year-old tradition continues with The Rotary Club of Dundalk continuing the delivery of dinners on Christmas day.This year a total of over 30 dinners will be delivered. The catering company D’Lish has kindly volunteered to cook the dinners as part of their Christmas contribution to society.

The meals will be de-

livered by Rotarians and friends to the homes of recipents most of whom are living alone but would be unable to cook the dinner.

The Club President, Stephen Gunne and members wish to thank Alan Joynt of D’Lish for their generous offer.

It is interesting to note that the Rotary Club delivered the first Christ-

mas dinners in 1972 and have been doing so ever since_- almost half a century!!

The dinners were cooked in the homes of rotarians and friends of Rotarians and delivered to recipients.

The number of meals varied from as low as 15 to a high of 65. This tradition is continuing in this most unusual year.

Principal welcomes Covid-19 funding for schools Coláiste Chú Chulainn principal Thomas Sharkey has welcomed this week’s announcement that €62 million in funding will be allocated to schools to help combat Covid-19.

Earlier this week, Minister for Education Norma Foley announced grants totalling €62m for prima-

ry, special education, and post-primary schools.

Primary schools are set to benefit from a 50 per cent boost in funding to €45m in the annual minor works grant.

Meanwhile, post-primary schools, who don’t normally receive minor works grants, are to share a one-off

€17m fund.

“The funding may be utilised for a number of measures in schools including the purchase of furniture and ICT equipment, HEPA filters, outdoor works, floor coverings etc,” said Thomas.

“Earlier this term, schools were issued with air quality monitors.

Coláiste Chú Chulainn have utilised these to assess the air quality across our large campus.

“Our newly built school is well ventilated and the air quality is excellent. The opportunities offered by this week’s financial allocation will be assessed and a decision will be made in due course.”

ing that is the issue here. The lights do not take account of traffic travelling at peak times and we have situations where the traffic is backed up to the Castletown Girls School. Again needless frustration being caused to motorists and compelled further this month with additional Christmas traffic. A common sense approach would stop it,” stated Cllr Kelly.

1—Who won the F1 World Championship in Abu Dhabi on Sunday last?

2—What name is given to a 5c coin in the U.S? 3—What was the most popular female name in Ireland in 1911 according to the census of that year?

4—In darts, what is the lowest score not possible to score with one dart?

5—Who was the youngest member of The Beatles?

6—Which gas makes up most of the Earth’s atmosphere?

7—How many secondary schools are in Dundalk town?

8—Which actor is the only one born in Australia? Hugh Jackman, Nicole

Kidman and Russell Crowe?

9—Genuphobia is the fear of what part of the body?

10—In the popular children’s nursery rhyme what is Wednesday’s child full of?

The Stinker—An artificially intelligent electronic computer module known as Knight Industries Two Thousand was used in which popular TV programme?

—this week’s answers— 1—Max Verstappen, 2—Nickel, 3—Mary, 4—23, 5—George Harrison, 6—Nitrogen, 7—Eight-De La Salle, St Louis, St Vincents, St Mary’s College, Coláiste Chú Chulainn, Coláiste Rís, O’Fiach College and Dundalk Grammar School, 8—Hugh Jackman, 9—The knees 10—Woe. The Stinker: Knight Rider (KITT)

Cllr Seán Kelly once again raised the issue with dysfunctional traffic lights at Tuesday’s meeting of Dundalk MD and in particular the lights at the Castletown Road/Ecco Road junction and the pedestrian lights at the Train Station on the Carrick Road.

Kelly commented ‘we have been told there will be a substantial investment in the traffic

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Dundalk Leader 15th December 2021

Scoil Mhuire Ardee Christmas Play

Winter road safety tips – AA Ireland

Driving in winter is more challenging than at any other time, as weather conditions can change drastically over the course of a day. The combination of changing weather, reduced daylight and risk of fatigue during the pre and post-work commute, can lead to an increase in incidents on Irish roads during winter. A few small changes to your driving behaviour can go a long way towards keeping our roads safe. However, if you do experience a winter breakdown, remember that the AA is there to help – AA Membership is available online.

While fatigue is an issue for drivers all year round, winter brings greater risk as we do most of our driving in darkness. If you fell fatigued the best option is to pull in somewhere safe and take a 10 to 15 minute break, ideally getting a coffee if you have the option to do so.

Often we encounter motorists driving around with only a small gap cleared in their windscreen – don’t be one of these

people. Only begin your commute when the windscreen is fully clear, using a scraper and de-icer if necessary.

In winter your car may take a little longer to get started in the morning – so plan ahead and get up at least 10 minutes early to give time to prepare the car. Remember to prioritise your own safety and that of other road users ahead of punctuality – especially if the weather worsens. Allow extra time for journeys, particularly early in the morning or late at night and accept you may run late on occasion due to unexpected delays.

We’re likely to encounter snow, high winds, heavy rainfall and every kind of weather condition in between. The best advice is to slow down and use gentle manoeuvres to stay safe and to adapt your driving to the weather. For example, stopping distances are 10 times longer in ice and snow. If driving on snowy/icy roads, remember to use a low gear for uphill and leave plenty of space between you and the car in front. If driving downhill,. reduce speed before you

reach the hill, use a low gear and avoid sudden braking.

Have the right footwear for driving. During the day, your shoes could become wet from rain or snow, causing feet to slip off the pedals. Have a pair of flat shoes in your car for driving. It could go a long way towards staying safe.

While pedestrian and cyclist numbers may drop during the winter it’s important to remain on the lookout for them while driving and allow extra space when overtaking. For example, during high winds a cyclist or pedestrian could easily be blown off course so exercising additional caution is vital. Similarly, you are more likely to encounter a broken down car during the course of your driving over the coming months. While there are some things you can do to avoid your own car breaking down, if the road ahead is partially blocked by a breakdown slow down, only overtake when it is safe to do so, and use your hazard warning lights to alert cars behind you to the obstruction.

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Dundalk Leader 15th December 2021

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Dundalk Leader 15th December 2021