17-0702024 by Peter Kierans

Anger from landowners in North Louth over proposed Greenway Route

By Paul Byrne

OBJECTORS to the proposed Dundalk Bay to Carlingford Greenway gathered outside County Hall in Dundalk on Monday to voice their anger over the proposed routes that they claim will have hugely negative affects on their lives. The proposed greenway will seek to connect with the existing Carlingford Lough Greenway, facilitating a continuous cross-border greenway from Dundalk in Co. Louth to Newry in County Down.

Close to 100 people stood outside County Hall carrying ‘No To Greenway’ signs as councillors and Louth County County officials attended the monthly meeting of Louth County Council. Matthew McGreehan a representative for Louth in the Irish Farmers Association was one of those objectors and he says there is anger in North Louth over the way they have been dealt with by those involved with the Greenway project.

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Large crowds gathered outside the County Hall to voice their objections to the proposed Dundalk Bay to Carlingford Greenway.

Anger from landowners over proposed Greenway Route

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“There is a huge amountsof anger up here and we won’t accept it,” stated Matthew. “ I’m delighted the way people have come out today and stuck up for themselves. There is no proposed route that won’t have a negative impact on landowners. There will be farms split in two and carved up. There will be mass intrusion on people’s land. There are no big landowners up here. Just mainly small family farms who don’t want to see their land split up. There are going to be privacy issues, crime issues, litter issues, issues with dogs attacking sheep and so much more.

“We feel very let down. We know what it’s going to be like because we already have people coming up to North Louth walking on private property and leaving litter behind them and we have pleaded with the local authority for help but have been ignored. We will not allow this Greenway to go ahead and have those problems

multiplied. We won’t accept it and I really can’t see a way that this project is going to go ahead,” stated Matthew.

Morgan Hart, a Senior Design Engineer with Roughan and O’Donovan, is the Project Liason Officer for the proposed Greenway and speaking to the Dundalk Leader yesterday he said the negative reaction received so far in some quarters was not unexpected and understandable.

“We’ve seen the negativity out there and it’s not unexpected. It is understandable that people are going to be angry when the greenway is planning on going through undisturbed countryside. People are rightly concerned about what that will mean for them if they are living close to one of the proposed routes. I will say however that the written responses we have received to date have been a lot more balanced and not nearly as negative as what we have been seeing and hearing over the last few days.

“I would say that we are still pretty early on in this process and we are at the stage now where we want to hear about objections to routes and reasons why people feel they will not work. We are reading every submission and looking at ways to improve the project and make sure we do it in the most respectful way possible. We want to keep people informed. As we get further on in the process the route will be more refined and I guess that as it gets more refined we will see less resistance when it becomes clear exactly what the final plan will consist of. That would be typical for most projects. The consultation period has been extended until 6th September and we encourage people to send in their submissions and comments about the project. Our objective is to complete this project. We have been asked to do that. It’s not for me or Roughan and O’Donovan to decide if this gets stopped or not. This is being led by Transport In-

frastructure Ireland who are working with local authorities across the country as part of the National Greenway Project,” explained Morgan.

Louth County Council issued a statement asking people to note that submissions can still be made up to September 6th outlining any objections or comments regarding the proposed Greenway.

“An in person public consultation was held at the Ballymascanlon Hotel on Wednesday 19th June between 3pm and 8pm with staff from Louth County Council, the TII and the consultants in attendance to answer questions and explain the process.

The public consultation was advertised on radio station LMFM, local newspapers including - The Argus, The Dundalk Democrat and the Drogheda Independent, on the Louth Consult Website and on social media.

“Nearly 200 people signed the attendance sheet on the day of the event with many

Decision granted to change use of former Dunnes Stores building in Park Street

LOUTH County Council have granted permission for the former Dunnes Stores building at Park Street to change from retail unit to a sports entertainment premises.

Earlier this year

GR8 Entertainment Ltd applied for planning permission which asked for: Permission for the following; 1) change of use from retail unit to sports entertainment premises with outdoor seating area on Park Street, 2) signage on front elevation on Park Street and side elevation on River Lane, 3) associated elevational changes, and all associated site development works.

That permission was granted last week and the path has been cleared for GR8 Entertainments to bring life back to the building which has been closed since 2009. Speaking to the Dundalk Leader earlier this year, Michael Gunne from REA Gunne explained what plans GR8 Entertainment had for their new venture in Park Street.

“The buzz word

on this new venture is Competitive Socialising’ while title may be a new term, it is certainly not a new concept. People were throwing darts in pubs as early as the

fifteenth century, and anyone who’s played a game of pool in a bar or taken part in a pub quiz knows that a bit of healthy competition makes for a great evening. But in the past few

years, the concept of competitive socialising has been revitalised, representing the biggest development to the leisure sector in many decades.

“It’s a straightfor-

ward idea: customers play a simple game in a buzzy venue with music, food, and drink. Most competitive socialising locations are large-format sites found near business districts, with a vibrant and Instagram-friendly decor designed to attract millennial and Gen Z customers,” explained Michael.

Louth County Council have granted permission for the former Dunnes Stores building to change from retail to entertainment.

Local chef through to World Paella Cup finals in Spain

RAVENSDALE chef

John Kenwright has qualified for the grand finals of the World Paella Day Cup, which will be held in Valencia in September.

John, who works in and owns the Townhouse Restaurant in Dundalk with his wife Sarah, reached the finals after receiving enough votes from the public to make it through to the last eight of the competition which will determine who is the best paella maker in the world.

The World Paella Day Cup is held in Valencia, Spain each year on September 20th which appropriately enough is International Paella Day.

The World Paella Day Cup first took place in 2021 and has been growing in popularity each year with chefs from all over the globe taking part. Spanish chefs do not take part in the event.

The event brings together chefs, every year, from all over the world, who seek to win the title

of best paella maker. John has over 20 years of experience in the kitchen and has worked with, and for, some of the best chefs in the country, in some of the country’s top restaurants; namely, Shanahans on the Green, Dublin, The Metropolitan, Letterkenny, The Nuremore Hotel, Carrickmacross, The Leftbank, Dundalk and The Merrion Hotel, Dublin.

Five years ago he and his wife Sarah decided to go

out on their own and opened the Townhouse on Jocelyn Street, which has become a firm favourite for cuisine lovers in Dundalk.

Speaking recently about the competition

John told the Dundalk Leader that he was excited to be in the running and in with a chance of lifting the trophy.

“I first heard about the competition maybe three months ago when a friend of mine, who I worked with in Shana-

han’s Restaurant, Robert Curley suggested I enter. He is also a chef and he took part in the first staging of the event in 2001.

“I said I’d give it a go and I had to enter a preliminary round online to show I could cook paella. They whittled down the numbers over the course of a month and last week I received an email to say I had made it into the final 20.

“I’ve got in contact with Brehon Brewhouse in Inniskeen. They are making a beautiful sour for me which will be infused with juniper berries, lemons and sloe gin. So I will be using that in my stock and bring a bit of home flavours to my dish. I’ll be using rabbit, pork and a bit of duck fat on the day if I manage to make the finals,” stated John. John will travel to Valencia for five days in September before battling it out with the seven other finalists on September 20th to see if he can win the competition outright.

Tributes paid to ‘wonderfully committed footballer’ Zara Murphy

ALL local games in the Louth School Girls League were postponed last weekend following the very sad news of the passing of thirteen year old Zara Murphy who fell ill while playing for Termonfeckin against her former club Glen Magic last Thursday. She was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in nearby Drogheda, but sadly passed away. The Louth School Girls League called off all games last weekend as mark of respect to Zara while a minute’s silence took place in Oriel Park before the game between Dundalk and Drogheda last Friday evening.

“The Louth School Girls League and the Football Association of Ireland are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of teenager Zara Murphy after she collapsed as she played for Termonfeckin Celtic FC against her former club Glen Magic FC on Thursday evening.

The thoughts and prayers of all involved with Irish football are with Zara’s parents Brian

and Angela, her brother Ben, extended family, her many friends and all now grieving her loss in the local community.

All games in the Louth School Girls League and the North East Football League, including all ladies’ fixtures, have been called off this weekend as a mark of respect to Zara, a dedicated sports

star across many disciplines.

A minute’s silence in honour of Zara’s memory will take place before tonight’s SSE Airtricity League Premier Division Louth derby between Dundalk and Drogheda United at Oriel Park.

“The first thoughts of all coming to terms with this tragedy are with Brian, Angela and Ben,” said Bróna Mackin, Children’s Officer with the Louth School Girls League. “Nobody can comprehend what the family are going through now and we are all heartbroken for them.

“Zara was a wonderfully committed footballer who loved the game. She had previously played for Glen Magic until her recent transfer to Termonfeckin Celtic and thus many of her fellow players will be so touched by this devastating news.

“As her League, we can only offer all our support to Zara’s family, to both clubs and to all affected by this shocking loss of one so young,” concluded the statement.

John is through to the World Paella Cup final.

The late Zara Murphy.

Convicted garda killer Aaron Brady loses appeal

CONVICTED Garda killer Aaron Brady has lost his appeal on all grounds against his conviction for the capital murder of a garda. The 32-year old of New Road Crossmaglen Armagh was sentenced to a minimum of 40 years in prison in August of 2020 after being found guilty of the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohue at the Lordship Credit Union on 25th January 2013.

Brady was also sentenced to 14 years for

the robbery which is running concurrently with the life sentence.

Det Gda Donohoe was on a cash escort when he was ambushed by a five-man gang and shot dead with the gang fleeing with €7000 in cash.

Last Thursday the Court of Appeal rejected Aaron Brady’s 46 grounds of appeal argued by his lawyers during a sevenday hearing last October. Some of the issues Brady’s lawyers brought up during

the appeal were complaints about the admissibility of mobile phone and CCTV evidence, complaints about the trial taking place during the Covid-19 pandemic and complaints about the evidence issued by US witnesses via video link.

Brady had fled to America three months after the murder but in May 2017 with assis-

tance from ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in New York, were able to arrest Brady by citing an expired visa. He remained in ERO custody until he was removed from the United States and flown to Ireland before being arrested by Gardaí on his arrival.

He would be later tried at the Central Criminal Court and

convicted by a jury on a majority verdict.

During the trial, Brady told the court that he had been with his then girlfriend from 7:30pm until 3am on the night of the murder. Originally his then girlfriend backed up his alibi but she would later change her statement to say he wasn’t with her on the night in question. Mobile phone evidence

also linked Brady to other gang members.

Mr Justice John Edwards who was presiding over the appeal case said the threejudge court had dismissed Brady’s appeal against his conviction for the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe “having rejected all arguments”.

McGreehan: XL Bully dog ban will reduce horrific attacks

LOCAL Fianna Fáil Senator Erin McGreehan has said the ban on XL Bully dogs will reduce the number of horrific attacks on the public.

Last Friday the government announced a ban on XL Bully dogs to protect public safety following consultation with the Stakeholder Group on Dog Control and retired Deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey.

From October 1st 2024, new regulations will prohibit the importing, breeding, selling and rehoming of XL Bullies.

From February 1st 2025, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully without a ‘Certificate of Exemption’.

The move comes following a number of horrible attacks by XL Bullies including the death of a young woman, Nicole Morey, in Limerick.

Senator McGreehan said: “The ban on XL Bully dogs is hugely welcome. The Government has priortised tighter dog control measures due to an increase in horrific attacks. Limerick woman Nicole Morey died after being attacked outside her home by an XL Bully dog. These dogs are a

Senator Erin McGreehan.

public safety issue.

“This ban should reduce the frequency of these terrible attacks as it will make it illegal to breed, sell, import, rehome, exchange, gift or abandon XL Bully dogs.

“Without these new measures I fear there could be further fatal attacks by these dogs.”

She added that these new rules will bring Ireland’s dog control laws in line with Northern Ireland and the UK.

Over the period 1st October 2024 to 1st February 2025 all existing XL Bully owners will have

to apply for a Certificate of Exemption.

Certificates of Exemption will be issued subject to strict criteria, including a requirement for licensing, microchipping and neutering. Other possible criteria will be discussed with the Stakeholder Group on Dog Control put in place to advise on these issues.

After 1st February 2025, any owner not compliant with the new regulations will have their dog seized and euthanized.

Aaron Brady.

Oran Colgan’s marathon journey to Athens

LOUTH Village man Oran Colgan has completed the journey of a lifetime with the 22 year old reaching his final destination in Athens a day ahead of schedule. Oran pledged to cycle almost 2000 miles from his home in Louth Village to Athens to try

and raise money for the Irish Red Cross and help their efforts to provide support and relief to those impacted by the war in Gaza. His efforts have helped raise €7,344 (at time of going to press) for the Irish Red Cross.

Oran’s epic journey

began on the 12th of June and saw him cycle to Dublin Port where he got the ferry to Holyhead. From there he cycled to Dover before boarding another ferry to Calais where his journey across Europe began in earnest. Oran kept his followers updated

with regular videos which he posted on his social media accounts.

Oran gave himself thirty days to complete the trek and despite unseasonably poor weather with plenty of rain encountered as he cycled through mainland Europe he managed

to make it to Athens on the 11th of July to mark the end of his epic journey. Speaking to the Dundalk Leader yesterday Oran reflected on his journey saying that climbing the Alps in particular was a tough but rewarding part of his experience.

“I’d like to mention that the climb through the alps was definitely the toughest thing I’ve ever had to do yet was the most rewarding. The views along the way and the climbs I had to face to get there were a definite once in a lifetime experience.

I’ll just stick to the

Mourne mountains next time!

“A real surprise on the journey was the weather. I was unfortunate enough to see it all. From wind and hail going through England, very heavy rain in Belgium and Germany, severe thunderstorms in the alps and Italy to extreme heat in the Balkans. It’s really amazing to think that I started the cycle having to wrap myself up warm every night and by the end it was almost too warm to sleep in the tent,” concluded Oran.

1—Donald Trump was the victim of an assassination attempt last weekend. What state did the assassination attempt take place in?

2—The classic children’s television series featuring a bear from Peru is titled what?

3—Who had a number one hit in Ireland for seven weeks in 1996 with the song ‘Aon Focail, Eile’

4—Which famous American tourist attraction that welcomes roughly 16 million visitors each year opened on this day in 1955?

5—The Blackrock Outdoor Swimming Pool opened in 1962 but what decade did it close?

6—What is the real name of The Edge from the band U2?

7—Which five colours make up the Olympic rings?

8—Rule 27 was a controversial rule in GAA between 1905 to 1971 that prohibited what?

9—Jackie Kennedy who later became Jackie Onassis following the assassination of her husband was born in July 1929. What was her maiden name?

10—Which city beginning with ‘L’ is the third largest city in France? Stinker—Who was the first ever female Tánaiste in Ireland?

Oran Colgan poses in front of the Acropolis in Athens.

INDEPENDENT TD Pe-

ter Fitzpatrick has called on the Tánaiste Micheál Martin to liase with the Minister for Transport to ensure adequate funding is provided to the RSA towards enforcement and towards research and education campaigns to reduce dangerous driving. Fitzpatrick said that he couldn’t remember when he was last stopped at a checkpoint and that gardaí needed to get back out on the road to help curb dangerous driving on our roads.

“As recently as five years ago, Ireland was being celebrated within the EU for road safety following a reduction in fatalities of over 40% yet this week Ireland’s road death toll hit 100 people, meaning the overall number is now 14% higher than last year and we are just over halfway through the year. The year 2024 is on course to prove the most lethal for traffic fatalities in 15 years.

“In my constituency alone, in the last week there was a three car accident at Bellurgan petrol station and an accident just before exit 17 northbound where a car and

caravan hit each other causing significant damage. This is causing a lot of tragedy in local communities.

The three main challenges are speeding and drink and drug driving. This is a massive challenge of our time. Since 2019, people aged between 16 and 25 have represented 20% of all road deaths despite making up only 12% of the population. This trend is sadly continuing in 2024.

“Will the Tánaiste liaise with the Minister for Transport to ensure adequate funding is provided to the RSA towards enforcement and towards research and education campaigns to reduce dangerous driving? For example, in 2006, the random checkpoints came in and it put the fear of God into everybody. It worked. We need to put more initiatives in place. Every life lost on the roads is a tragedy. Our roads are not safe.

I ask the Tánaiste to please listen. Our footpaths are not safe. You cannot even go on a footpath now because of e-scooters and bicycles. Our loved ones are passing away. These are things that can be prevented. On behaviour,

Fitzpatrick pleads for further funding to help reduce dangerous driving Great start for reigning Rallycross champ Logan

REIGNING Irish Junior Rallycross Champion Logan Hoey (15), made a great start to the Irish ICCR Junior Mini championship at Mondello Park last weekend.

Logan qualified on Pole position for round 1 of the championship, which was held on Mondello’s longer international layout, ahead of the reigning Mini champion Bobby-Joe McFall.

The 16 car grid was met with heavy rain ahead of the start, which made track conditions extremely difficult. However this didn’t phase young Logan who made an excellent start, and went on to take the win with fastest lap.

For race two Logan again started from Pole position, and again he made an excellent start to take the lead which he held until three quarter distance when a gear selection problem dropped him to second. He put on a valiant charge in trying to take the win, but had to settle for second position. He did have the consolation of setting the fastest lap of the race on the final lap to establish a new track record.

The championship now moves to Anglesey in Wales for rounds 3 & 4 of the championship on August 3rd, with Logan heading the standings.

when the Tánaiste and I were children - we are roughly the same age - we could go out our front doors and play a bit of football on the streets. Those days are long gone. There is no respect any more. We have to get enforcement and sanctions. The Garda plays a big part in that. I have lived in the Dundalk area for the past number of years. I do not know when I was last stopped at a checkpoint. I am lucky enough in that I do not drink, and I pay tax on my car and do not have a problem, but it seems enforcement has completely

and utterly stopped. It is totally and utterly wrong. We need action. Children are going out at night-time. We all hope that they come home and there will not be a knock on the door with police coming to say something has happened to them. Prevention is the best cure. A lot of money is being invested at present in the roads, which have improved. However, we need to do something about drugs, speed and drink. The Garda has to play a big part in that. It is up to the Government and the Minister to get it done. I ask the Tánaiste to please help and stop all these young people dying.

Responding to Deputy Fitzpatrick, An Tánaiste accused him of looking at the issue through rose tinted glasses noting that a lot more people were killed on our roads when he was growing up despite the fact there were way less cars back then. He did acknowledge however that more work needed to be done to continue to bring down the number of deaths on our roads.

“Behaviour is at the centre of this. The Deputy refer-

enced an earlier era, although we sometimes look back with rose-tinted glasses at the seventies and so on. More people were killed on our roads then, when there were far fewer cars, than today, which speaks to that era and its lack of proactive safety measures. That is why what we did in the late nineties and early 2000s in particular, when Noel Dempsey was Minister, had impact. We need to rediscover that.

“There is a drugs issue. Deputy Chambers, when he was Minister of State at the Department of Transport, moved on that as regards mandatory drug testing. That is increasingly happening in parallel with alcohol, which is as prevalent an issue now as it was in earlier eras, and is impacting on road safety. All levels, including human behaviour, An Garda Síochána, strengthening the legislation on limits, and the national road safety camera framework and so forth, are required to get these numbers down. We will continue to work on that. I thank the Deputy for raising the issue,” concluded the Tánaiste.

Logan Hoey en route to an opening day win at the Junior Mini Championship at Mondello.

Peter Fitzpatrick, TD.

Kate O’Connor (right)who will represent Ireland (and Dundalk!) at the Olympic Games in Paris later this month meets Bláthnaid O’Hare at the Mini Athletics Dundalk class which are run by Niall Fergus. Kate will bring the Mini Athletics flag with her to Paris for inspiration.

Louth County Council invites submissions on Local Property Tax

LOUTH County Council would like to hear your views on any proposal to increase or decrease the rate of Local Property Tax in the county. The Local Property Tax is an annual tax charged on all residential properties and the local authority may vary the basic rate of the Local Property Tax within its own area by a maximum of 15%. This means that Louth County Council can either increase or decrease the rate of Local Property Tax in County Louth for 2025 by 15% of the

basic rate. The money collected under the Local Property Tax contributes towards the cost of providing a range of local authority services including, but not limited to, libraries, public lighting, road maintenance, housing services, fire services, supporting community initiatives, dealing with illegal dumping and littering, beach management and tourism development initiatives.

If the Local Property Tax rate is increased, the Council will have improved capacity to

deliver services for 2025. On the other hand, if the rate is reduced, this will limit the range and extent of services and supports that the Council can provide in 2025.

Louth County Council is currently welcoming written submissions from the public regarding the potential effects – on individuals, businesses and local authority services - of varying the basic rate of Local Property Tax. Submissions may be sent to Local Property Tax, Finance Section, Louth

County Council, County Hall, Millennium Centre, Dundalk, Co Louth or emailed to lptsection@louthcoco.ie and must be received no later than Friday, 16th August 2024.

The Chief Executive of Louth County Council will prepare a summary of the written submissions received and the elected members will consider this information at the Council meeting in September before making a decision on any variation of the Local Property Tax rate for 2025.

Visit by the County Kildare Archaeological Society to Faughart Graveyard and St Brigid’s Shrine

KILDARE Archaeological Society paid a visit to St Brigid’s Shrine in Faughart recently and their members were hugely impressed with the appearance and presentation of the shrine. Below is a letter on behalf of the Kildare Archaeological Society to those volunteers who look after the shrine.

“Despite the many important early Christian links between the two regions, the first recorded visit of the County Kildare Archaeological Society, founded in 1891, to Faughart the birthplace of St. Brigid, only happened a few weeks ago.

“Brigid 1500 was the catalyst for the trip.

Approx 30 members of our society visited Faughart Graveyard, St. Brigid’s Shrine. For some, this was their very first visit to the area, for others, a return after perhaps many decades since an initial visit.

“As with many of this trips, a few preliminary visits were required to fine tune the logistics for the day, with everything from time scales, personnel access, coach parking, refreshments etc needing to be defined. The key to what was such a successful trip was the willingness and welcoming attitude of the members of the County Louth Archaeological and Historical Society to support every single aspect of our requirements. On the day of the actual trip, we were further supported by the President of CLAHS, Jean Young.

“So much for the background to the trip, but a key takeaway from the day was the astonishment, amazement, and admiration expressed by one and all at the appearance and presentation of St. Brigid’s Shrine and its surroundings.

“At every turn we were enthralled at the quality of the actual religious structures and monuments everywhere on display at the shrine, and the planting, landscaping and access routes on this extensive sacred place was truly exceptional.

“The importance of the Quinn family’s generosity in making access to the site available in the first instance was mentioned, but the fact that everything done to maintain and upgrade and constantly oversee the site was totally voluntary and always had been.

“We were not prepared to witness such an example of complete community respect, commitment and enduring adherence to honouring St. Brigid as we saw on that trip.

“Lest there be any doubt in anyone’s mind that this shrine was presented in such a quality fashion because of the warm sunny day of our visit, I was most anxious to reassure my companions that on the two previous scoping visits earlier in the year – both days of relentless wind and rain – the shrine and its surroundings looked as pristine then as it did a few weeks ago.

“What I would wish to happen is that the people who continuously dedicate their time energies and resources in maintaining this Brigid’s Shrine would not only be well aware that their efforts are truly appreciated by everyone who visits the area, but that the members of the County Kildare Archaeological Society left the area feeling that the love and respect that we share in our Brigid tradition is totally underpinned and protected for eternity by the exceptional community from which she came,” concluded the letter.

Eamonn lifts Inaugural Alan Quigley Shield

THERE seems to be a quiet resurgence in Darts gathering a bit of momentum in a wee part of Bridge Street.

After a number of years away from the sport, the Northend Bars 2nd division team, Damh O Thuaidh, won their league this year in a very close final against the Clans.

Recently the Northend Bar hosted the first running of the Alan Quigley Perpetual Shield. Alan sadly passed away 10 years ago this year. Alan was well known on the local darts scene and among the teams he had played darts for over the years were teams from the

Bridge Inn, Commercial Club and the Stags Head.

In his final season throwing darts he was untouchable at the oche and was a major part in the Stags Green winning the 1st division league that season.

Friday last saw 31 players throwing in the hope to be the 1st recipients of the Shield.

It was a mixture of seasoned campaigners and former team mates of Alan’s to novice dart throwers and some members of the Quigley family who all wanted to win.

With the format of the competition being Double In –Double Out it was a challenge

to a lot of lads as it was a change to the standard format.

From the start, a number of well known faces from the local scene and further afar set a marker for others to try to follow.

180’s were being hit by John Donnelly and Ray Harte with Ray also hitting a 146 checkout. A few players belied their inexperience in Open Darts Competitions and proved that they’re no pushover, players such as Eugene Coburn, Jack Curley & Ciaran Markey showed that they’re more than capable of mixing it with the best about.

Man (60’s) dies following two car collision in Annagassan

A MAN in his 60s has died and a woman has been seriously injured following a two-car collision in Annagassan on Sunday morning. The collision occurred just before 9am on the R166 at The Lynns, Annagassan. The driver of one of the cars, a man in his 60’s, was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was removed to Our Lady of Lourdes hospital in Drogheda for a postmortem examination.

A lady in the second car who was in her 40’s was airlifted from the scene and taken to the Mater hospital in Dub-

lin. Her condition was described as serious.

The driver of the second car, a woman in her 40s, was airlifted from the scene and taken to the Mater Hospital in Dublin, where she is being treated for serious injuries.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses, particularly any road users who were travelling in the area and who may have camera footage, including dashcam, to contact Ardee Garda Station on 041 685 3222, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

Blessings of the Graves in Dowdallshill

THE annual Blessing of the Graves takes place this weekend in Dowdallshill and organisers have given information for all who plan to attend.

The ceremony will take place this Sunday at 3pm. Main Gates will be closed from 10am Sunday morning. Special Vehicle Access for Blue Badge holders from 12.30pm to 2pm only. Ceremony begins @ 3pm sharp.

Please bring holy water & wear suitable footwear and clothing depending on weather conditions.

Please follow the instructions of the Gardai & Safety steward volunteers on the day.

James Quigley nearly caused a major shock by narrowly losing 2-1 to seasoned campaigner Darren Kerley.

Ciaran Markey, playing in his 1st Open Competition, beat a few more fancied players on his way to the semi-final but was unlucky to cone up against Eamonn Rogan in the semi-final.

Stephen Shields, a former team mate of Alan Quigley,

had to beat several experienced players in getting to the Final.

In the Final, Eamonn Rogan raced into a 2-0 lead but Stephen Shields dug deep to half the deficit, big scores were a regular occurrence over the competition and there was plenty hit in the Final.

Stephen was unlucky not to take the game to the deciding leg and Eamonn hit the win-

Maple Close celebrate 25th anniversary with summer street party

MAPLE Close residents took to the streets recently to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the estate just off the Avenue Road. Organisers thanked Councillor Kevin Meenan, Colin O’Connor of Proper restaurants for supplying the burgers for our Barbeques, Damien McCreesh of McCreeshs shop for donating food for our party, DJ Tom Gaskin for providing the music and for everyone for coming out on the day to make it such a memorable day for the thriving community of Maple Close.

ning double to secure a 3-1 win. There was great celebrations after the Final and two of Alan’s relations, Frankie & James presented Eamonn with the Shield.

The organisers would like to thank everyone who helped make the night a great success. Keep an eye on the Northend Bars Facebook page for more upcoming Dart Events.

Frankie Quigley, Eamonn Rogan & James Quigley with the inaugral Alan Quigley shield.

Finalists Eamonn Rogan & Stephen Shields. Eamonn won a close final to lift the shield.

FAMILY NOTICES

KELLY

Damien

Damien Kelly late of Aisling Park, Dundalk whose birthday is on 19th July.

—Sadly missed by his daughters Kayla and Shannon, father Harry, brother Patrick and step-mother Patricia. Gone, but not forgotten. Rest in Peace.

BROWNE

In loving memory of Eileen and James Browne whose Anniversaries occur on the 19th and 22nd July.

—Sadly missed by your loving Family.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday, 21st July, in St. Nicholas Church, at 10.30am.

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.

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

5th ANNIVERSARY Adrian 11th ANNIVERSARY

In loving memory of Adrian and Alison, late of Greenacres, Dundalk.

Every parting is a form of death, As every reunion is a type of heaven, A brother and sister reunited in death, Whose memory continues to be cherished daily, By those left behind.

Adrian’s and Alison’s Remembrance Mass will be celebrated in the Friary Church on Friday, 19th July, at 6.15pm.

—Always loved and remembered by your loving Mam and Dad, Darren, Emma, Amanda, Chris and Karyn.

Louth Ladies beat Carlow to book Croke Park final date

LOUTH .................. 2-11

CARLOW ............... 0-11

A BRILLIANT finish from Louth saw them power into the All-Ireland Junior Championship final where they will face Fermanagh in Croke Park on the 4th of August. As the game entered its final quarter Louth found themselves a point down but an outstanding final fifteen minutes from the Wee County saw them surge towards the finish line as they outscored Carlow by 1-5 to 0-1 to book their place in the final. Louth began the game well and took an early lead courtesy of a point from captain Aine Breen but Carlow then took control of proceedings by scoring three unanswered points. Kate Flood has scored many important goals for Louth down through the years and she showed her predatory instincts once again as she reacted quickest to poke home

The Louth Ladies team will face Fermanagh on August 4th in Croke Park for a chance to win the All Ireland Junior Championship.

a loose ball for the first goal of the game. That put Louth a point clear but they would go in at the break a point down after two late scores from Carlow.

A brilliant point from Niamh Rice drew the sides level once again before Rachel Sawyer put Carlow ahead once more as the game entered it’s final quarter. A goal at this stage of the game was always going to be massive and it went Louth’s way as captain Aine Breen finished off

a superb attacking move from Louth to put the girls in red in the ascendency. Suddenly, Carlow were looking tired as Louth won the majority of ball around the middle of the pitch scoring four points without reply to seal an impressive victory and book a day out in Croke Park for their loyal band of traveling supporters. Louth will now play Fermanagh who they beat in 2019 to win the same competition.

Scorers—Louth: K Flood 1-3 (0-3f), N Rice 0-5, A Breen 1-1, A Russell 0-2.

LOUTH: R Lambe Fagan; A Whyte, E Murray, E Hand; L Byrne, A Breen, C Nolan; A Halligan, E Byrne; M Rooney, A Russell, S Matthews; N Rice, K Flood, C McDonald. Subs: L White for Matthews (39), H Lambe Sally for McDonald (42), C O’Reilly for Whyte (44), R O’Connor Leonard for Rooney (59), C Boyle for Murray (60).

FIFI’S ALTERATIONS—Longwalk

S.C. (formerly A-Alterations) Tel 083 011 8728. Zips, hems, clothes taken in or let out, also Dry Cleaning Service. Open Mon—Fri 9.30—5.30pm & Sat 10-2pm.

TAKE THE HASSLE OUT of your garden. I do it all. Grass cutting, strimming, hedge cutting, weeding, fencing, wall painting, power washing, gutter cleaning and general DIY. Tel Catriona 087 3172109.

CHIMNEY & STOVE CLEANING—Tel Paul McArdle 042 933 2491 / 087 666 0094.

CHIMNEY CLEANER—The Clean sweep, clean & tidy, no dust. Brush & Vac. Also gutter cleaning. ContactCathal 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.

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 08767-51229.

ROOF LEAKS MASTER—We repair all types of roof/tile, slate, bangor blues. Repair torch on roofs, scrape & clean, chimneys & chimney pots, chimney bird guards, gutter facia & soffits. All work guaranteed, 25 years experience. Tel. 086 8184827.

CARPENTRY & JOINERY—Maintenance and repairs, roofing, 1st & 2nd fix carpentry, sash window repairs. No job too big or small. Contact Seandon Carpentry 087 298 5110.

MOBILE HOME TRANSPORT— Transported throughout 32 Counties. Contact Eugene 086-607-1702.

CARPET & OVEN CLEANING—Carpet, upholstery & specialist oven cleaning available. Call MVI Cleaning Dundalk on 042 94 21300 or visit www.mvicleaning.ie.

GARDENS/POWER WASHING—

One stop garden service, large & small lawn cutting, strimming, hedges, tidy-ups, power washing, clearances. Contact Will’s Services 085-860-4048.

ROOFING AND BUILDING contractor available. Repairs and new builds. Fully insured. Contact Mark Carney on 087 1302040 for enquiries.

GARDEN MAINTENANCE—Hedge cutting, Lawn cutting, Powerwashing, fencing. Slabs laid. Contact Brian 086-109-7358.

SIMON’S GARDENS—Grass cutting & general gardening services contact Simon 086 3004930.

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

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

PAINTING AND DECORATING—

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

CARPENTRY/BUILDING SERVICES—Over 20 years experience. No job too big or too small. Available services: Doors, Frames, Floors, Skirting, Architraves, Walls, Built in Units, Fencing/Gates, Plaster boarding and Roofing Services. Complete renovations carried out. Contact Mark 086 0895508.

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

ALL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE services carried out. Roof repairs, Plumbing, Painting & Decorating, Wall & Floor tiling, All outdoor work, Paving & Fencing, Power washing. Call Gerry your local man 087 6461556 or 042 9327241 after 6pm.

PAINTING SERVICES available, interior and exterior, sprayed and hand painted kitchens, all work carried out by professional trades men Also available for Power washing. Tel Brian 087 7558506.

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

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

LOCAL PAINTERS & DECORATORS

AVAILABLE All types of painting & decorating done to the highest of standards, no job to big or to small, we also do shops/offices and can work out of hours to avoid any disruption or inconvenience to the day to day running of your business,call 085 1588667, or get us on Facebook @ Budget painters Decorators.

CLINIC AVAILABLE to help with the following conditions and general wellbeing, skin conditions, migraine, asthma, chest and ear problems, sinuses, etc. Further information call Faith on 087 7188450.

DAMIEN’S PRESSURE WASHING available now. No job too big or too small. Also does rubbish removal. Contact 0874464960.

APPLIANCE REPAIRS for washing machines, dryers, fridges, etc, also general property maintenance and cleaning Tel 089 4730074 or www. best4you.ie.

GET FIT the fun way and learn to dance, the Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot and Jive, now taking place in the Lisdoo, Dundalk Tuesday’s from 8pm - 10pm, no partner required. First wedding dance lessons and private lessons also available. Contact 086 357 3271 for further information.

DRUM LESSONS INCLUDING BODHRAN. For adults & children aged 8 years upwards. One to one lessons. Phone 087 414 4228.

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

KIDS AND TEENS SEWING Summer Camp running all through July at djkcreations Coes Road. Contact 087 2649221 for booking.

EASY-GOING country lad, mid 50s with GSOH seeks like-minded female companion late 40s/mid 50s with no ties. For walks/talks and to share the simple things in life. Tel 0868220403. PART-TIME

required for Dundalk Town Centre licenced premises, experience not essential, may suit student. Tel 086 0644412.