16-02-2022 by Peter Kierans

DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Roche's Inclusion Project A Success Page 6

On Your Marks For Fitzer’s 5K

Fund-raiser In Memory Of Shane

Page 7

Page 8

Wednesday, 16th February, 2022. Vol. 15, Issue 7 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Friends raise funds to bring Colin home

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

By Paul Byrne

A fund-raiser launched to bring home a popular former Louth GAA senior footballer, who passed away earlier this month in Australia, has raised almost €30,000 in less than a week. Colin Quinn, a carpenter by trade, was just 40 when he died suddenly at his home in Melbourne on February 3rd. He had just returned from the gym and was found in his house by his partner Makayla. Colin was a supremely gifted footballer and won a Senior Championship with Stabannon Parnells in 1999 at the tender age of just 17 years old. He would go on to represent his county where he played in midfield

alongside his Stabannon Parnells teammate Ken Reilly. He moved to Australia in 2010 and settled in Melbourne where he lived with his Australian partner Makayla. When news of his passing was confirmed earlier this month his friends and family in Stabannon were left in shock including brothers Ian and Martin, sister Orla and his mother Rosaleen. Colin was pre-deceased by his father Sean. Shortly after his death friends and family in Stabannon launched a GoFundMe page to try and raise money to help with the costs of bringing Colin home. Continued on Page 2

A Rose For Rose!

Rose Myles receives a bouquet of flowers on Valentines Day. Residents of Dealgan House made bouquets and cards for each other over the weekend.

Dundalk Leader 16th February 2022

Friends raise funds to bring Colin home

From Page 1 Proceeds will be used for costs associated with Funeral Services in Ireland and Australia and associated costs to support the Quinn Family and Makayla which includes: Funeral service costs in Ireland and Australia; Repatriation costs; Flights/accommodation for Makayla and her mother to accompany Colin back home to Ireland; Flights and accommodation for Colins brother Ian and best friend Joe to Australia to attend the Australian service A close friend of Colin’s told the Dundalk Leader that the close knit community of

Stabannon are in shock but they are determined to do everything they can to brng Colin home and support his family during these difficult days. “He has left both a community of friends and family here in Ireland and in Australia absolutely heartbroken. “Colin was a fantastic man and was a hugely popular fellow. We are all thinking of his family and his partner Makayla who is originally from the Gold Coast. She was at the house when he collapsed and the money we are raising will help bring her and her mother over to Ire-

land. There is also a service in Australia shortly and we want to send his brother Ian and his best friend Joseph over to Australia for that. We are hoping to raise €20,000 and we have already been overwhelmed by the support we have received so far. It’s an awful time for everybody that knew Colin especially his family, and we want to do this to take some weight off their shoulders,” stated Colin’s friend. You can donate to this fundraiser by typing ‘Colin Quinn Fundraiser’ into the www.gofundme.com website. Colin Quinn and his partner Makayla.

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) Student President Christopher (Chacho) O’Neill has welcomed the news that Higher Education Minister Simon Harris is considering reducing the price of fees for third level education this year.

Mr Harris said he is considering reducing or eliminating the €3,000 annual contribution fee for third level education. “It’s about time that the government have looked at reducing/getting rid of the student contribution fee,” said Christopher.

“We as third level students in Ireland pay the highest fees in the EU. “It’s an absolute disgrace that nothing has been implemented to see that education is a right and not a privilege in this country, because at present, the contribution

Student Union welcomes Administrator potential cut to college fees needed for financial service company.

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fee is a massive barrier to higher education in Ireland.” Christopher added: “I’ve been a sabbatical officer now for three years, and have been involved in many national campaigns, such as #EducationForAll, #CostOfCollege &

#F*ckTheFees, where we have repeatedly asked the government to reduce the SCC. “I welcome the news that they are considering, although, I would love to see action from the government on the issue.”

Administrative Assistant National Tile Ltd is seeking an experienced & motivated self-starter to enhance their administration department. The right candidate must possess: Tommy Cotter exchanges Valentines Day cards with Maureen McCann in Dealgan House

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We want to hear from you Phone: 0429320888 Email: editorial@ dundalkleader.com

• At least 2 years’ experience in an office environment • Excellent administration skills • Proficient computer skills with a strong working knowledge of the MS Office suite • Excellent communication skills with good numeracy & literacy skills Duties will include taking calls, processing orders and basic book-keeping. This is a full-time position (Monday to Friday) and attracts a salary of €25,000 per annum. Applications including cover letter and CV to gpurcell@national-tile.com. Closing date for applications is Friday 4th March 2022. National Tile is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Dundalk Leader 16th February 2022

Peter Fitzpatrick asks for improved mental health services for children Dundalk Leader 16th February 2022

Independent TD Peter Fitzpatrick has called waiting times for primary care psychology treatment ‘truly shocking and unacceptable’. Deputy Fitzpatrick was speaking in the Dáil during the Health Bill where he voiced his concern at the challenges faced by the younger generation in particular with regards to mental health. “I have spoken many times in this House on mental health and in particular, the mental health of our younger generation. The younger generation of today faces many challenges and mental health is one of the main ones. I welcome this Bill and hope that by transferring certain functions to the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, it will improve the provision of mental health services to our younger generation. Unfortunately, statistics do not lie. The latest figures

show that more than 2,500 children and young people are waiting for CAMHS. “What is even more alarming is that almost 9,000 children are waiting for primary care psychology treatment. In addition, more than 1,500 adults are waiting on primary care psychology treatment from the HSE. These figures are truly shocking and unacceptable. In this day and age, we should not have any child or young adult waiting on mental health services because the dangers are just too great,” insisted Fitzpatrick. “I see at the first-hand the challenges faced by the younger generation in particular. I also see that mental health issues in this generation are getting worse. We cannot have a situation where we are constantly dealing with these issues too late. We need to address mental health issues at a very early age. We need to teach children in primary

school that mental health issues and challenges will occur in their lives and that there are ways and means to deal with them. Children must be taught how to deal with the many challenges that they will face in life. “Stress, anxiety, and fear among our younger generation are growing all the time and we must put systems and supports in place to enable them to deal with these challenges. The stigma attached to mental health issues must be removed. It is okay to say that you need help or that you cannot cope. These are not weak but strong actions to take. The younger generation must be supported in these challenging times. “I call on the Minister to acknowledge that we have a crisis on our hands and to commit to ensuring that proper and adequate funding and resources are allocated to mental health issues. It is disgraceful that only 5.2% of our annual

Peter Fitzpatrick, TD. health budget is allocated to mental health services when the WHO recommends a minimum of 14%. “This time last week I spoke to the Minister of State the Department of Health, Deputy Butler, and to staff in her Department about a very serious case involving a 14 year old girl in Dundalk. In fairness to them, they contacted the girl’s mother and they tried their best to help. The child

did see a psychologist and she spoke to CAMHS staff, including a social worker and the team leader. They are all trying their best but the child has said that she wants to commit suicide. At present, the child is at home with her mother and three other siblings but that is not the right place for her. I contacted the Department and explained that this child is banging her head against the wall and is looking for help. Are we going to keep passing the buck? This child is crying out for help. The psychiatrist told the child to come back in one week but her mother cannot take any more stress. She cannot take it any more. She has three other children at home and she is trying her best. “I was told that I must be very careful in what I say and do. The only place I seem to be able to say what I want to say is in the Chamber, thanks to parlia-

mentary privilege. If I go on my local radio station or to my local newspaper, it is me they will come after and, in fairness, I cannot put that on my family. Do I have to come in here every week and keep raising the same issues? I have the contact details of this child and I will pass them on to the Minister of State. I am not trying to pass the buck to anybody but the child is crying and is looking for help. Her parents are looking for help but everyone seems to be passing the buck and that is not fair. We are talking here about a 14 year old child. Her mother took her phone from her and she locks her in her room. When she went to check on her last week, her face was all cut. She is crying out for help. I asked the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, to help last week and I am asking the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, this week. “Do I have to ask the

Taoiseach next week? Do I have to ask the Tánaiste the week after that? I am not saying that this girl could commit suicide and could be dead next week but I am crying out for help here. If she goes to see professional people but they do not listen to her or to her mother, what is the point of that? When she went to see the psychiatrist, he did not even check if she had any marks on her body. He just asked her some questions. She said to him, “I don’t want to be here”, but then she said that she wanted to be helped. She is very conflicted. When I am finished speaking I will send the details that I sent to the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, last week to the Minister of State. I do not care who gets involved or what is involved. All I want to know is that we can help this girl. If we can save one life, it will be well worth it,” stated Deputy Fitzpatrick.

Dundalk Leader 16th February 2022

Almost €4.1m in grants for local sporting organisations

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SPORTING clubs and organisations across Louth are to receive just shy of €4.1m in the latest round of funding under the government’s Sports Capital and Equipment Programme. The full list of grants awarded to local organisations is listed below. ABAILE Autism Support - Louth & Meath Activity Trail for people with Disabilities - Multi-sport €30,860 Annaghminnon Rovers GFC Gym Equipment & Walking Track - Gaelic Games - 49,865 Ardee Celtic FC - Provision of automatic lawn mowers for pitches Soccer- 19,000 Ardee Golf Club - - Practice Range Re-location 2021 - Golf - 150,000 Ardee Rugby Football Club - upgrade of current facilities - Rugby 97,500 Ardee St Marys GFC - Vision Plan: Maximize Facility Availability to All - Gaelic Games - 34,000 Bellurgan United FC LTD - Artificial Pitch Surface Replacement Soccer - 71,000 Bellurgan Wheelers - Bellurgan Wheelers CC - Cycling - 10,728 Castletown Belles Football Club - Castletown Belles Fc Back To The Bainseach 2021 - Soccer - 43,300 Cooley Kickhams GAA - Cooley Kickhams - New Floodlights - Gaelic Games - 98,553 Darver Community Centre CLG Refurbishment of existing community sports hall - Multi-sport - 58,922

Dowdallshill G.F & A.C - Field Maintence & Gym Equipment Gaelic Games - 51,318 Dundalk & Carlingford Sailing Club - Extension to Club Facilities - Sailing - 150,000 Dundalk Gaels GFC Floodlighting and Ball Wall - Gaelic Games -150,000 Dundalk Schoolboys League Pitch repair, Lighting, Clubhouse Refurb & Equip - Soccer - 133,082 Glenmuir United F.C - Purchase of Pitch Machinery and Storage Soccer - 30,000 Glyde Rangers GFC - Main Pitch; Training Pitch and walkway lighting - Gaelic Games - 150,000 Haggardstown&Blackrock Community Centre Ltd. - Refurbishment, Expansion & Energy Upgrades Part 3 - Multi-sport - 30,000 Kilkerley Emmets GFC - Improvements to dressing rooms & gym expansion - Gaelic Games - 116,978 LANNLEIRE GFC - Lannleire - 2021 Works - Gaelic Games 105,252 Lannleire Pavilion - All weather Pitch at Lannleire Pavilion 80mx40m - Community Games - 112,510 LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL - Lourdes Stadium upgrade works Multi-sport - 107,258 ,714 Naomh Malachi - DISABLED ACCESS TOILETS & UPGRADE OF FACILITIES - Gaelic Games 20,000

Naomh Moninne Hurling Club - Hurling Pitch Development at Toberona, Dundalk - Gaelic Games 130,000 O Connells GFC - Upgrades to Pitchside walls, Machinery & Gym Equip - Gaelic Games - 66,671 Quay Celtic - Redesign facility to add two new dressing rooms - Soccer - 64,157 Rampart Celtic FC - 2020 Sports Capital Grant Application - Soccer - 14,000 Roche Emmets CLG - Roche Emmets All-Star Inclusion Project Gaelic Games - 150,000 Rock Celtic FC - Artificial All weather Surface Replacement Upgrade - Soccer - 75,007 Shamrocks Football Club - Procurement of Anti Vandal Cabin (Dressingroom) - Soccer - 28,500 Square United AFC - Sports Capital Grant 2020 - Soccer - 3,110 St Joseph’s GFC - Walking track associated fencing, Net and Dugouts - Gaelic Games - 64,803 St. Dominics Football Club (FC) - refurbishment of container dressing rooms - Soccer - 20,000 St. Kevins GAA - Refurbish Dressing Rooms, Ball Stop Nets & Mower - Gaelic Games - 150,000 Stabannon Parnells GFC - Stabannon Parnells Mower and Dugout Upgrade - Gaelic Games - 26,023 LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL Municipal Regional Athletics Facility Dundalk - 120,253

Roche Emmets All-Star Inclusion Project Roche Emmets were the beneficiaries of €150,00 from this year’s Sports Capital Grant and according to club chairman Alan O’Connell the money will be used to fund equipment, gear and a full-size playing pitch. The growth of the club in recent years has been impressive and they have also been leading the way in inclusiveness as is shown by the formation of their All-Star Inclusion Project which began two years ago. The project was born out of frustration from a local parent who was struggling to find sporting opportunities for her two autistic boys. Two years later there are now 28 children attending weekly training sessions at Roche with one-to-one coaching from local volunteers and club player. “We began the project two years ago to facilitate kids with additional needs in the community and it has really taken off. Because we were the first club in Co. Louth to do it, we have had kids from all

Roche All Star Inclusive Project.

over, come to join us for weekly sessions and I can honestly say it is the best thing we have ever done at the club. Olive Wall is a parent to two autistic boys and she spearheaded the operation. She has been the driving force for the project,” stated Alan. “We want everybody in the community to feel as though they are a part of our club.” he added. According to Olive the project came about due to a lack of opportunities for kids with additional needs in the community. “The idea came about due to my frustration of what I saw as a lack of sporting opportunities for

my two boys, Lewis (6) and Liam (5) who both have autism. There are three primary schools in our community but no autism unit so they were getting very little opportunity to be mixing in the local area with their peers. A GAA club is generally the main place for social interaction and given the fact that the nursery training is not always idea for kids with additional needs I asked Roche Emmets could they start a separate weekly training session for those kids. They were fully on board from the off and we have grown from having six at our first training session two

years ago to now having 28. Crucially, it is also free and that I think is a blessing for parents who tend to have to shell out money for the likes of occupational therapists and speech therapists quite regularly. “We’ve had kids as far as Clogherhead come to us and we welcome any kid from any area of Louth. We have a coach for each kid and they will have a personalised training programme specific to their needs. We have 24 brilliant volunteers who give freely their time every Saturday morning for these training sessions and it shows what a great club and great community we have here in Roche. We make it as fun as possible and last year we had a competition for the local primary schools to design a jersey for our group and with the help of sportswear company DEFY we now have fabulous jersey’s which the kids love. It’s a fantastic project and to see it going from strength to strength is fantastic,” added Olive.

Dundalk Leader 16th February 2022

Fitzer’s 5k returns this month By Bea Gonnelly

On February 26th, the long awaited Fitzer’s Annual 5k Run/ Walk will take place at the Marshes shopping centre. Sponsored by Toolfix and organised by Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick, this year’s run promises to be one of the best and is an occasion not to be missed. All Funds will be going towards RehabCare Dundalk Centre and the Maria Goretti Foundation. The Maria Goretti Foundation is a registered charity and is committed to the support of children with disabilities. The Centre at Lordship currently operates under the auspices of the HSE and is currently managed by Rehab Care. The foundation provides residential respite to 80 families who have children with any Neurodivergence, Learning Difficulty or physical disability between the ages of 6-18. The Rehab Care Resource Centre in Dundalk provide a day service to adults with

From left: Grace Fitzpatrick, Peter Fitzpatrick TD, Sean Farrell, Manager Marshes Shopping Centre, Deirdre Quinn and Kevin Doherty of Maria Goretti Children’s Respite and Jim Gonnelly, North-East Runners. those same difficulties. This also marks the 10th renewal Fitzers has held, with previous years planned but cancelled due to Covid-19. The renewal of this event will not only bring hope in otherwise uncertain times, but also will help return us to a sense of normality we had before the pandemic. Beginning at 11am sharp, the race begins at the Marshes Shopping Centre Ramparts, following along down the Avenue Road and continuing around town, finishing back at the Marshes. Online Registration is available, as

well as on day sign-ups. Registration costs €15 per person, and there will be refreshments available, as well as free t-shirts for the event. The Race will be timed using tokens given to each participant upon arrival. “Following on from last year’s successful event I am delighted to once again organise this fun family event which will raise money to enhance two local services for people with disabilities,” stated Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick when asked about the event. “No matter what your fitness level, I would encourage everyone to talk

part, whether they want to walk, jog or run it.” he concluded. Location: Marshes Shopping Centre Registry: Online, On day Registry. Registration day on 12th Feb 2-5pm Charities: RehabCare Dundalk Centre, Maria Goretti Children’s Respite Entrance Fee: €15 How many 5K runs have taken place? – After missing previous years due to the impact of Covid 19, The revival of this event in 2022 also marks the 10th run to take place. Money raised in pre-

vious years from the run have helped with the construction of several sensory rooms as well as a garden at the Maria Goretti Respite Centre. Route: Race Start: Marshes Ramparts. Race End: Marshes Central, near bus stop. Maria Goretti Foundation Info: The Maria Goretti Foundation is a registered charity and is committed to the support of children with disabilities. The centre at Lordship, Co. Louth is currently a purpose built six bed-roomed facility that operates under the auspices of the HSE and is currently managed by Rehab Care. The Maria Goretti Children’s Respite provides residential respite to 80 families who have children with Autism, Learning Disability or a Physical Disability between the ages of 6-18. The RehabCare Resource Centres in Dundalk provide a day service to adults with Autism, Learning Disability or a Physical Disability.

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Dundalk Leader 16th February 2022

Friends of Shane organise fundraiser in his memory THE family and friends of a Dundalk teenager who died from Covid-19 are organising a charity event in his memory on Saturday, February 19. Shane Brady, aged 19, from Barton Park died on Monday October 18, 2021 in the Mater Hospital Dublin. Shane is survived by his parents Tony and Olivia and his sister, Niamh. According to his cousin, Charlene Hughes, Shane spent nearly eight weeks in hospital after he caught Covid-19 and had to be put into a medically-induced coma. “We have fantastic spot prizes on the night including a pair of boxing gloves and a signed jersey by Kellie Harrington,” said Charlene. “Out of something so sad, something like this has come. There has been a great sense of community spirit surrounding the

Kellie Harrington. (Inset: Shane Brady).

Michael Conlon.

whole event.” The fundraiser for Shane’s parents, Tony and Olivia, is due to take place in Clan na Gael on February 19. Shane studied computer science at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) as programming and gam-

he was transferred to The Mater. “Shane had been quite ill and the doctors thought it would be best if he was place in a medically induced coma.” For eight weeks Shane was on a ventilator. On Monday October 18, 2021

ing were his big passions. “Unfortunately, Shane contracted COVID-19 in August. He immediately became quite ill with the virus,” said Charlene. “He was rushed to Our Lady of Lourdes hospital in Drogheda by ambulance but he was too ill, therefore

his parents received a phone call at 5.40am to quickly get to The Mater. Unfortunately, Shane lost his fight and passed away. Great friends of the family Denise Hughes from Beechmount Drive and Matt English from O’Hanlon Park, started to

organise the benefit night to cover some, if not all the funeral costs. “Originally, the night was to be on January 29th but due to lockdown restrictions it was changed to February 19th,” said Charlene. The Clan na Gaels have graciously donated the use of the hall; local DJ Karl Collins is going to be playing on the night with both Mullens and Milanos providing light refreshments on the night. There are some fantastic spot prizes to be won. There are vouchers for local restaurants, local beauticians, local hairdressers, smart watches, toys, hampers and even a voucher for a Dublin City centre 4-star hotel with breakfast and dinner for two on a night of your choice. “We are also holding an auction on the night. Olympic Gold medallist Kellie

Harrington, who won the gold for Ireland in Tokyo 2020 has graciously donated a rare signed official Olympic jersey from her personal collection,” said Charlene. “Another Olympian, Commonwealth Champion, European Champion, who has won in no other than Madison Square Gardens and who this past few years has fought and won in what he calls “his own back garden” - Falls Park Féile, Michael Conlon has generously donated a signed pair of his own boxing gloves. “These are two unbelievable pieces, of not only Irish history, but also great memorabilia to own.” The entrance fee on the night is €5. The organisers would like to send out a huge thank you, to everybody who bought tickets and donated towards the event.

Irish European Olympiad of Experimental Science Congratulations to 5th year student Sarah McGovern, who continues a strong tradition of achievement in STEM subjects in St Vincent’s. Sarah has been awarded a Round 2 bronze medal in the Biology section of the Irish European Olympiad of Experimental Science. She was one of 230 students from across Ireland who took part in Round 1 and one of forty to qualify for Round 2. Round 2 consisted of a three hour test and Sarah came in the top 6 and was awarded a bronze medal. Sarah has now been invited to take part in a practical training and assessment session in DCU during February midterm. This is a fantastic achievement in such a prestigious competition. The entire school community and her science teacher, Ms. Clodagh Cassin, congratulates Sarah on this amazing achievement. The European Olympiad of Experimental Science (EOES) is an annual science Olympiad for young people from the European Union. In bringing together gifted students, the EOES competition challenges and

Sarah McGovern.

stimulates these students to expand their talents and to promote their future careers as scientists. We wish Sarah well as she competes to be selected for the three-student team who will represent Ireland in the EOES

Dundalk Leader 16th February 2022

Family Notices novena

novena

Novena To The Sacred Heart Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). K.K. 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). C.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). M.J. 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.S.

Our Weekly Deadline For Family Notices is 4pm Fridays prior to Wednesday Publication. Contact Noeleen for further information. Tel 042 9320888

Launch of Local Enterprise Week “It’s been another year of rapid change for local business. Adapting to that change is essential for business success and Local Enterprise Week can show you how!” So said Louth County Council’s Head of Enterprise Thomas McEvoy this week, as he launched LEO Louth’s Local Enterprise Week programme. This busy programme of free online events will run from 7-11th March. “Adaptability is crucial for business success. This theme underpins our programme of events for 2022. You will find events on driving efficiency and eliminating waste as well as events on increasing digitalisation and automation in your business. You will discover supports available for funding your business and responding to new business opportunities. We also have sector specific events for retail and food on offer.”

Thomas McEvoy launches Local Enterprise Week Louth. He continued “Sustainability is also another hot topic for business. We will showcase ways to improve sustainability in businesses in all sectors and outline the supports available when you are ready to get started.” “We are delighted to once again partner with local organisations to run events during Local Enterprise Week. On Wednesday, 9th March Dundalk Chamber will host a cross border event examining the

challenges of a postBrexit trading environment. On Thursday 10th March, Drogheda Chamber will host a lunchtime seminar on saving time and money by improving business processes.” To mark International Women’s Day, which falls during Local Enterprise Week, Network Louth will welcome Olympic gold medallist Eve McCrystal. In this interview with LMFM’s Sinead Brassil, Eve will talk about developing a

winning mindset in life and business. Business owners can also access free business advice clinics throughout the week. “Being online for Local Enterprise Week 2022 has, once again, opened up a great opportunity for local entrepreneurs. In addition to our own events, you can choose to join any of the national Spotlight Events, hosted by our colleagues in other Local Enterprise Offices. You will find the full line-up of Spotlight events in our brochure.” Thomas concludes, “We invite you to take time to review the schedule and book in for the free events that you and your business need. Local Enterprise Week is designed to support you and your business and we look forward to seeing business owners throughout the week. Visit LocalEnterprise.ie/Louth to see the full program of events and book your free places.”

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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. SHOP FOR LEASE—Castletown Road. Suitable for wide variety of uses. Off street parking. Tel. 086 056 6194. ADVERTISE YOUR HOUSE Premises for rent or sale to 55,000 readers a week from €5. Telephone Dundalk Leader 042 93 -20888.

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—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. 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. PROPERTY MAINTENANCE—Repairs, building, plumbing, painting, roof repairs, tiling, bathroom refurbishments, concreting, gardening, power washing, PVC facia and soffits, Over 20 yrs experience. References available. Tel 085-762-3758. 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. Local Power Washing—No job too big or too small. Patios, Driveways, walls, etc Contact James 086 8930086 or 089 9615606 for free quotation.

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. BIRTHDAY Cakes €29—Personalised, Themed & your wording. Cakes for any occasions, including Wedding Cakes. “Your Photo” toppers just €6 extra. Tel 087 3228790 Omeath. Painting & Decorating—No job too big or small. Also general handyman services. Tel Ian 087 4158238. Sewing Classes—Become confident as you grow your sewing skills. No experience needed. Monday evenings 5.50-7.30pm at Muirhevnamor Community Centre. Private classes can be arranged on request. Contact Elizabeth 087 2649221 Whatsapp. CHILD MINDER AVAILABLE—Experienced, reliable & flexible. Weekdays, weekends & evenings. Contact 083 817 6544.

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. Charcoal painting of two old ladies, copy of a Connors by Belfast artist Kieran McGoran €350, also, painting of Nerines by Cecil Barrrow €120 Tel 085 1072048. SELL IT THROUGH A CLASSIFIED—Only €5 for one week up to 20 words. 042 93 20888. The Dundalk Leader.

special services CHIMNEY & STOVE CLEANING—Tel Paul McArdle 042 933 2491/087 666 0094 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. WE CAN DISTRIBUTE your leaflets from €75 + vat per thousand Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888. WINDOW CLEANING—Gutter & facia cleaning carried out by professional, fully trained and insured staff. Affordable rates. Domestic & Commercial. Call our office for a free quotation. Everkleen 042 935 2717 or 086 829 3585. www.everkleenservices.ie <http://www.everkleenservices.ie>. HOUSE & APARTMENT CLEANING Service. Specializing in Re-Let & Spring Cleaning, Carpet & Upholstery cleaning. Fully insured. For a free quotation contact Everkleen 042 9352717 / 087 6873188, www.everkleenservices.ie <http://www.everkleenservices.ie>. TILER AVAILABLE—Experienced local tiler to carry out all types of tile work - marble, granite, porcelain. Indoors and out. Call 087-387-8995 for free quote. GRIMLEY’S DUBLIN ST. DUNDALK— Televisions, TV aerials, satellite, Freeview & Saorview, new installations, sales, service & repairs. Free estimates 042 935 4343. DUNDALK GARDEN SERVICES—Tree topping, felling, hedge trimming, grass cutting & strimming. RUBBISH REMOVALS—Garage clearance, House & Garden refuse. Permit holder. Contact—Ben 085-840-7707. FORTUNE TELLER—Available for appointment, private or group bookings. Tel. Alison 042 933 5102 or 087-67-51229. Building Services—Extensions, Renovations, Sunrooms, Conservatories and All General Maintenance. P.V.C. Fascia, Soffit and Guttering products supplied and fitted. Bathroom Refurbishment, Painting, Decorating, Wall & Floor Tiling. All types of Roof Repairs & Maintenance. For free estimates Tel 087 260 2501.

tuition MATHS GRINDS—Leaving and junior certificate. All levels. One on one tuition with an experienced tutor. Phone/text 083 094 1872.

planning

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We, Creative Spark, intend to apply for retention permission for development at this site. Creative Spark, Clontygora Drive, Muirhevnamor, Dundalk, Co. Louth A91 HF77. The development will consist of: 1 No. prefabricated Kingspan shed (6 x 9m x 5m high) located with existing car park and all associated site development works. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ADVERTISE in our classifieds to over 50,000 readers from only €5 per week up to 20 words Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888

Dundalk Leader 16th February 2022

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Dundalk Leader 16th February 2022

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St Louis collect Trinity award for innovative approach to teaching

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Cora Rice, Dara Mee and Michelle Dolan with their Trinity award.

St Louis is delighted to have secured the Trinity College Dublin 21st Century School of Distinction Award for the fourth consecutive time. The most recent accolade was the only of its kind awarded to a Leinster school and recognises the focused energy involved in maximising the learning experience for all our students. This title recognises innovative approaches to Teaching and Learning. Winning schools demonstrate excellence in several core areas, including technologically rich teaching methodologies, strong mentoring programmes, robust leadership development and crucially, impressive progression to Third Level. The Guidance Department, led by Dara Mee, was presented with the Trinity School of Distinction Banner following the School of Distinction conference in Trinity. The annual event provides a wealth of educational expertise and career development resources. Dara Mee is delighted with the award ‘We are excited to bring this experience back to our wonderful students and assist them in maximising precious potential.’ Valuable mentoring, tuition and professional links with Trinity mean that conversations around third level begin early in St Louis. Second years are looking forward to their visit to the

Trinity campus in May while the Maths department collaborates with Trinity’s Access Maths initiative, and students are benefitting from online learning opportunities. St Louis is also one of only three schools in the country to be awarded this special recognition of endeavour. The judges at Trinity were impressed by the rich college going culture, school wide initiatives to create confidence and self-awareness and the aspiration embedded in the relationships and ethos of the school. Principal Michelle Dolan commented: “We are excited to have been recognised in this way and to avail of the wealth of educational expertise and inspiration from Trinity for a fourth year. Our incoming first years will benefit next year from a comprehensive programme of events and activities. Our teaching staff continues to work tirelessly to create, engage and maximize our students’ individual potential. We are so grateful to Dara Mee for her pursuit of this opportunity which enhances the lives of all our students. It is an onerous task to apply each year, but the benefits are enormous. Last September the number of our students who applied for, and received their chosen spots in Trinity, were far higher than before - this is down to the increased access to the university, and we look forward to that continuing in the future.”

News

in Brief

Adult Dancing At Lisdoo Arms

Adult Dancing is back at The Lisdoo Arms, this Thursday 17th February, dancing from 8.30-11pm with live music by Glenshane Country, all proceeds to Fr Brian Byrne – Cameroon School.

St Joseph’s GFC Lotto

No winner. Numbers drawn: 12,16,18,27 The €30 winners were 1. Gus & Eileen c/o Ollie Corrigan 2. Fiona Sharkey c/o Kieran Sharkey 3. Sheila Phillips, Online 4. Catriona Sweeney, Online 5. Madge Reilly c/o Jim Hoey.

Dundalk Leader 16th February 2022

Dundalk councillor wants water Around 1 in 10 motorists admit taking mains supply in Faughart/Kilcurry risk of driving the ‘morning after’ Fine Gael councillor John Reilly is exploring the possibility of extending the mains water supply to Faughart and Kilcurry. Since Cllr Reilly has been co-opted onto Louth County Council last year he states that the lack of a mains water supply in Faughart and Kilcurry is one issue that keeps cropping up amongst his constituents. According to John the reason there isn’t a mains water supply in the area is down to a failed water scheme dating back to the 1970’s. “The main reason there is no mains water supply in this area dates back to a failed water scheme from the 1970s and the lack of political will on behalf of the Dundalk Council at the time,” stated John. “As many of you know, Dundalk in the 1970s had a poor water supply and had two thriving breweries with a large demand for water. The consensus was that the supply of water simply wasn’t there. “The water scheme from this time was to take a supply of water from the Dungooley river with the construction of an appropriate pumping house to supply this area. It was felt at this time that this would take up too much of the water flowing into

QUIZ 1—The Rams won the American Football Superbowl on Sunday. What city are the Rams from? 2—What is the capital city of Ethiopia? 3—What country was St Valentine from? 4—Which is the longest distance. 100km or 70 miles? 5—Cork is the largest county by area in Ireland. Where is the second largest county? 6—Why are the names Andrew Thomas Moore and Edward Henry McArdle synonymous with Dundalk? 7—Who recently broke an Oscars record when he became the first person to be nominated for Best Director award in six different decades? 8—Name the only country in South America where Portuguese is the official language? 9—What is the meaning of ‘CC’ with reference to emails? 10—If you read the last two letters of the top row of a computer keyboard backwords, it spells which river? Stinker—What links the names May Day, Domino Derval, Honey Ryder and Miss Taro?

answers

Cllr John Reilly. the Castletown river and subsequently did not go ahead. Cllr Reilly has been making continual efforts over the last few months to extend the mains water supply to the Faughart and Kilcurry area, with Ravensdale being the next area to be considered. He has been having discussions with Irish Water and Louth County Council and as it currently stands, Irish Water is prepared to extend the mains water supply but only through the establishment of a group water scheme. Reilly has said that the setting up of a water scheme is by no means easy but certainly not impossible. It will require the formation of a limited company and members of a board to administer and apply to central government for grants under the

guidance of the national federation of group water schemes. Cllr Reilly has said that as a public representative for the Faughart Kilcurry area, he would be ‘lacking’ in his duties if he did not address this problem. He has said that on a weekly basis he is being asked for grant forms for new wells, most due to poor supply of water or contamination in the existing well. Reilly has said that his first step in this journey is to carry out a survey of the demands for a mains water supply. A leaflet will be sent out with a return post card provided and will require the households details and if they are interested in the group water scheme. The information will be used only for calculating the demand for a mains water supply and Irish Water are suggesting approximately 60% of households would be needed in order to go ahead. Reilly has said that this is only the very first step on the road to getting a mains water supply and it is a matter for each individual household to assess whether this is a priority for them. Cllr Reilly has assured that ‘If the demand is there, I will be a strong voice on Louth County Council fighting for this issue that has been denied since 1974’.

NBI connects first premises in Dundalk under the National Broadband Plan National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the new future-proofed, high-speed Fibre-to-the-Home network under the National Broadband Plan (NBP) on behalf of the Government, has announced that the first premises in Dundalk, have been successfully connected. Up to 8,675 premises in County Louth are included in the State’s Intervention Area, which will see NBI deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms and schools. As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, the County will receive €33 million of Government investment under the NBP. As a wholesale network operator, NBI does not sell fibre broadband directly to end users, rather it enables services from a range of broadband providers or Retail Service Providers (RSPs). As a wholesale provider, NBI will make the new Fibre-to-theHome network available to all RSPs operating in the Intervention Area. Some 50 RSPs have already signed up to sell services on the NBI network and 34 are certified as ready to start providing connections as of today. To see the retail broadband providers that are currently licensed to sell on the NBI™ network, visit NBI.ie/buy Peter Hendrick, Chief Executive Officer of National Broadband Ireland, said: “National Broadband Ireland is delighted to be able to say that we have now commenced our

According to a recent AA Ireland survey of 5,304 motorists, around 1 in 10 respondents admitted that in the past year they have driven the day after a night out while possibly still over the legal blood-alcohol limit. In the survey of AA customers, respondents were also asked if they have travelled with someone who they believed was over the limit in the past year. 3% said they have, while 16% ‘weren’t sure‘ if the person was over the limit or not. “Many people associate drinkdriving with this idea that someone goes on a night out, drinks alcohol and then drives home. But, people might get up for work early the next morning and think they are okay to drive a vehicle, when they more than likely are not. They are not aware of the dangers posed by driving the next day while still over the limit,” says Anna Cullen from AA Ireland. “Everyone breaks down alcohol differently and the time to bring you back under the legal blood alcohol limit will vary. Nothing will help you process the alcohol faster, only time. Our advice is simple: if you feel hungover, do not get behind the wheel. Wait or use alterna-

Hill Street, Dublin Rd., Dundalk.

tive transport,” adds Cullen. Drink-driving offences Recent figures from An Gardaí Síochána show that, during the period from 26th November 2021 until 4th January 2022, there were 914 driving while intoxicated arrests on Irish roads. 1 in 5 of these arrests occurred between 6am and 1pm. 15,759 breath tests were carried out, 5,681 checkpoints were performed and a total of 35 drink and drug driving arrests occurred on New Year’s Day. 12 of these arrests occurred between 6am and 1pm. “The figures provided by An Gardaí Síochána are concerning. It is scary to think that people still choose to drink or take drugs and drive, ultimately putting themselves and other road users at serious risk. We hope that 2022 will be a safer year, and that people will adhere to the road safety advice,” says Cullen. Publishing details online of drivers disqualified by the courts There were previous proposals by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to publish details online of drivers disqualified by the courts. This was originally suggested to discourage potential road traffic offenders and re-

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first connections in Dundalk, County Louth, which will enable users to experience the life-changing benefits that high-speed broadband provides. This is a key milestone for this intervention area.” Ruairí Ó Murchú, Sinn Féin T.D., Louth said: “I welcome today’s milestone of the first connected NBP premises in the Dundalk area. This is a key development that will enable more homes and small businesses to operate online efficiently and ensuring people have access to fit-for-purpose broadband. We need to guarantee that the NBP rollout is carried out as quickly as possible so that more communities, homes, schools and businesses in Dundalk, Louth and across the state have access to high-speed fibre broadband. The government must also ensure interim broadband connection solutions are offered to people who may be waiting a number of years on the rollout, while everything is done to avoid delays and accelerate the rollout.”

duce re-offending, by making the list publicly available. In AA Ireland’s survey, motorists were asked if they supported the introduction of a live register naming those found guilty of drink-driving offences. 42% ‘strongly supported’ the introduction, while 34% ‘somewhat supported’ it. 19% did not support, while 5% ‘absolutely’ did not support. When asked if it would affect their driving behaviour, 69% said naming and shaming would not because they ‘never drink and drive anyway’, 19% say it would affect their driving behaviour and 12% said ‘maybe‘. Further research was undertaken by the RSA to test the feasibility and potential effectiveness of this approach. According to the agency, there was minimal evidence to support the introduction of a register of all disqualified drivers. Despite this, the agency said there may be merit in considering such a register for commercial vehicle drivers specifically, which could be accessed by employers. A specific action has been developed in the new government Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 on this. By AAIreland.

1—Los Angeles, 2—Addis Ababa, 3—Italy, 4—70 miles (Roughly 112kms), 5—Galway, 6—They became partners in 1863 to form the famous McArdle Moore Brewery in the town. 7—Steven Spielberg, 8—Brazil, 9—Carbon Copy, 10—Po. The Stinker: They were all Bond Girls.

Dundalk Leader 16th February 2022