18-01=2023

Local nurses targeted by cruel car thieves

By Tamara O’Connell

The husband of a local nurse whose car was broken into while she worked a 12-hour shift is calling on the health Service executive (hSe) to “step up security”.

Jordan Dennis told the Dundalk Leader that his wife, Louise, a nurse in Our Lady of Lourdes hospital, Drogheda fears for her safety after the upsetting incident.

“She went into work last Friday starting at 8pm and was finishing up the following morning at 8am,” he said.

“When she got back to her car, she saw that the window had been smashed and the glove compartment was open.

“They had tried to pry the door open and ended up smashing the glass to break into the car. My wife is afraid to leave work by herself now.”

Jordan added: “Many staff have had to resort to leaving work in pairs now as it seems to be a frequent occurrence.

Continued on Page 2

Therese Gunning from BT Ireland presents the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2023 Biological and Ecological Sciences Category 2nd Place Senior Group Award to sixth year Coláiste Ris students Conall Mullins Shortt and TJ McDonnell. Full story page 6.

Local nurses targeted by cruel car thieves

From Page 1

“They are doing this in an effort to avoid any incidents. There is hospital security but it needs to be stepped up.

“Louise was quite upset when she finished her 12-hour shift. She wanted to go home but couldn’t.”

He continued: “Frontline

staff are dealing with all sorts of horrors. The staff should be able to go to their cars safely and come and go.

“They shouldn’t have to feel intimidated and vulnerable. There is also the potential for physical and sexual assault.

“I would like the HSE to provide better security for

staff. It might deter people from doing it or trying it again if they knew security had been increased.”

Gardaí have confirmed at least two car break-ins took place on Friday night. The vehicles are understood to have been parked in the hospital car park.

Residents are being listened to insists housing body

THe housing body that developed Halliday Mills apartment complex in Quay St. has strongly refuted claims by some residents that their ‘complaints have fallen on deaf ears’ following a troubled first year for the project.

The former Ard Dealgan apartment complex on Quay Street was completely refurbished at a cost of over €20m by Co-Operative Housing Ireland, an approved housing body that works closely with various stakeholders in the housing sector, including Local Authorities to provide high quality social-rented and home ownership co-operative homes across the country.

Just over a year ago the first tenants moved in to the 83 apartment complex but reports of anti-social behaviour as well as a fire last September which forced

residents to evacuate the building led to a number of complaints from residents to CHI with one resident who contacted the Dundalk Leader claiming those complaints had ‘fallen on deaf ears’. The resident who wished to remain anonymous claimed that the bins in the apartment complex were overflow-

ing leading to rats running around the courtyard where the bins are situated.

The resident also claimed that there was still soot in the hallways following the fire last September as well as mould forming on the hallway walls and apartments. There were also claims of the heat

system not working properly and costing too much money and also of fire alarms constantly going off in the building including on Christmas night and St Stephens Day morning.

However, in a statement sent to the Dundalk Leader this week, Co-Operative Housing Ireland insisted that

they have been listening to all complaints while being very proactive in stamping out the antisocial behaviour which plagued the complex at times in 2022.

“We are constantly looking to improve services to members, and this has included the introduction of a locked gate to the bin storage

and a call out from a pest control operator. There was no evidence of pests and bins are collected twice a week and inspected regularly.

“The fire alarm sounded 5 times between 29th September 2022 and the end of the year. Unfortunately this included an activation at 23h17 Christmas night and another on Stephen’s Day morning at 11:25am. These were not because of a fault in the system but due to the alarm being activated or sensors being tampered with.

“CHI has been very proactive in dealing with anti-social behaviour including installing additional CCTV cameras and issuing ‘Notice of Termination’ letters. A number of members have either had their tenancy terminated or have chosen to surrender it.

As a result, the development has become a more peaceful place

to live. In tandem with these actions our housing team, with members living in Halliday Mills have organised a number of community events, most recently a visit by Santa (see note below). With the support of CHI, members living in Halliday Mills are working to create a positive, sustainable, and flourishing community for themselves and their children. This is evidenced by Christmas and Halloween events.

“The fire system is monitored 24/7, support by our building services team, a professional ‘key holder’ service, and is maintained and managed by a national ‘flagship company’ with specific expertise in fire protection, detection, training, and consultancy. every alarm activation is responded to appropriately. To support members a fire safety and awareness work-

shop took place late last year and fire safety leaflets delivered to households.

“As with all developments – including new ones – there are ongoing repair needs which has included addressing minor dampness in corridors. Ventilation is key particularly during the winter months. It is important when drying clothes indoors that windows/vents are opened.

“The apartments have a BeR A2 rating and are extremely well insulated with highly efficient air-to-water heat pumps. To support members we produced a short video to assist them in operating the new technology: https://youtu.be/ neGqUyi2W8A. We are experiencing a global energy crisis which is impacting on everyone’s household costs,” concluded the statement from CHI.

Councillors seek answers to on-going water issues

LOUTH County Council is seeking answers to the water discolouration problem that has plagued Dundalk over the last two years.

Sinn Fein Councillor and Cathaoirleach of the Dundalk Municipal District Kevin Meenan and Fianna Fail Councillor Leas Cathaoirleach Sean Kelly tabled a joint notice of motion last week.

The members of the council backed the joint notice of motion tabled at a meeting held on Tuesday, January 10.

“Water discolouration has been a problem in Dundalk for the best part of two and

half years now,” said Cllr Kelly.

“It’s not getting any better. There are a lot of water notices being issued on a frequent basis. People are just sick and tired of it at this stage.”

Meanwhile, Louth County Council (LCC) has written to Irish Water seeking a site

visit to the Cavan Hill water treatment plant for members of the Dundalk Municipal District.

Councillors are asking for an outline of the issues relating to the frequent water notices over the last two years.

“We are public representatives for the town and Irish Water is a public entity. The whole thing is a shambles and has been from the get go,” said Cllr Kelly.

“Hopefully we will see some long-term solution. People with new babies are trying to wash bottles and there are elderly people who can’t get hold of bottled water at short notice.”

Cllr Kevin Meenan said: “Myself and Councillor Sean Kelly have been raising this issue. It’s ongoing the last couple of years.

“We have been given different explanations for the water discolouration. I’d like to say that the situation is not acceptable in this day and age.

“If you had relatives coming from America and Australia and gave them a pint of the discoloured water, they would think it’s a pint of Harp.”

He concluded: “It shouldn’t be happening and it shouldn’t be happening for so long.”

Halliday Mills apartment complex on Quay St.

Several cars were broken into during the early hours of Saturday morning in the hospital car park.

Cllr Sean Kelly.

Cllr Kevin Meenan.

Dundalk FC legend Joe Martin passes away

OnE of Dundalk FC’s most prolific strikers passed away on Monday aged 91. Joe Martin averaged better than a goal every two games scoring 109 goals in 212 appearances for the club between 1949 and 1960.

Joe, from Dublin St. in Dundalk, is currently fourth on the club’s all time leading goalscorer list and his exploits in the his starring role in the clubs FAI Cup campaign in 1952 where he scored five goals in the competition cemented his place in the club’s Hall of Fame.

Joe retired from the game he loved at the young age of 29 but has always passionately supported his local team lighting up many a league of Ireland away day with his famous sing songs. As well as working at Halliday Shoes and Dundalk Greyhound track, Joe was a born entertainer using his MC skills in the local entertain-

ment scene as well as helping countless local charities down through the years.

A statement on Dundalk’s Twitter account said: “We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of club legend Joe Martin. A prolific scorer who hit 109 goals in 212 appearances for the club between 1949 and 1960, ‘the local hope’ played an integral role in our 1952 FAI Cup win. RIP, Joe.”

A short poem about Joe’s performance in the 1952 final was sent into us by Paddy Malone. The author of the poem is unknown.

When the ball was centred and the whistle blew, Martin got excited and up the wing he flew.

He passed it to Maloney, Maloney put it through And that’s the way we won the cup in 1952

Kelly calls for action over continued localised flooding at Pearse Park

CLLr Seán Kelly raised concerns from residents about continuous localised flooding after heavy rain in the Pearse Park area at January’s meeting of Dundalk MD.

Cllr Kelly commented ‘since resurfacing works have taken place at Pearse Park last summer, there have been ongoing issues with flooding in the estate after heavy rain.

“This flooding is leaving footpaths impassable, and people are being prevented from leaving their homes unless they wade through the water. Irish Water have cleared the gullies on several occasions, but the issue still persists.

“I’m asking that the Operations section of the Council along with Water Services and Irish Water to visit the estate and carry out a full inspection to

Localised flooding in Pearse Park continues to be an issue.

ascertain the source of problem and rectify it as soon as possible. People should not be prevented from

leaving their homes or forced to walk on the centre of the road because of ongoing drainage issues’

The Council responded stating they would carry out the inspection as soon as possible.

The late Joe Martin.

Dundalk students impress at Young Scientists exhibition

DUNDALK schools enjoyed some excellent results at last week’s BT Young Scientist & Technology exhibition students from Coláiste Ris, Dundalk Grammar School, St Vincent’s and Coláiste Chú Chulainn all impressing judges at the annual event which returned to the RDS after a two year hiatus due to COVID-19.

Sixth year Coláiste Ris students Conall Mullins Shortt and TJ McDonnell came second in the Senior group category for Biological and ecological sciences. Teacher Kaya Kalyon congratulated the duo on their excellent result for their project which was titled ‘“Investigating

the Immunosurveilant Properties of erythrocyte-Bound-TollLike-Receptors”. Conall and TJ investigated if red blood cells were able to detect bacteria and communicate this to he immune system.

Meanwhile seasoned Dundalk Grammar School young scientist Solomon Doyle, who was entering the competition for a fifth time, did himself and his school proud by picking up two awards for his project based on an artificial intelligence tool for the classification of benign and malignant skin lesions in aid of early prognosis. Solomon won the Senior Individual and the Analog Technology awards for

his efforts as he impressed judges with his presentation.

April Conroy, Kathleen Campbell and Jessica Fergus won a National Disability Authority Award for their project which investigated the ‘effect of aging on balance’ while they were also Highly Commended by judges for their efforts.

Judges were also very impressed with the excellent presentation by Coláiste Chú Chulainn students Ayodeji Sofola and Breanna Winters who investigated if ‘Oxidation of Apples: Does the pH of an apple change as it ripens’.

Therese

the BT Young Scientist Technology Category 1st Place Senior Individual Award to Solomon Doyle, Dundalk Grammar School for the project ‘DermAI- Deep Neural Network Based Detection Tool for the Classification of Benign and Malignant Skin Lesions in Aid of Early Prognosis’.

Therese Gunning, Legal Director BT Ireland presents the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2023 Biological and Ecological Sciences Category 2nd Place Senior Group Award to Conall Mullins Shortt, TJ McDonnell, Colaiste Ris, for the project ‘ Investigating the Immunosurveillant properties of erythrocyte-bound toll-like receptors’

Ayodeji Sofola and Breanna Winters from Colaiste Chu Chulainn and their project ‘Oxidation of Apples: Does the pH of an apple change as it ripens’.

April Conroy, Kathleen Campbell and Jessica Fergus won a National Disability Authority Award for their project which investigated the ‘effect of aging on balance’ They were also Highly Commended.

Gunning, Legal Director BT Ireland presents

It’s time to show off at Showcase 2023

“LOUTH is home to some stunning creative industries, artists and makers whose creations are exported and enjoyed across the world. Showcase is Ireland’s creative expo and we’re thrilled to bring 5 emerging local makers to this year’s event.” explains Sarah Mallon of Local enterprise Office Louth.

Taking place at the RDS from 22-24th January, this trade event attracts top international retail buyers to sample Ireland’s finest creations.

Sarah continues “each year Louth County Council and the Local Enterprise Office use this event to showcase emerging creative businesses from Louth. It so important for buyers to experience products for themselves. They get to touch, smell and see the products and packaging and they can anticipate how their customers will respond. It is a huge opportunity for each of the makers and we are delighted to offer it to them.”

Our featured makers for 2023 are:

Created by Yvonne Mullen, LORe Natural Skincare, uses ethicallysourced sustainable ingredients and premium essential oils to create a beautiful skincare range. She combines traditional methods and ingredients with contemporary scientific knowledge to create her face creams, cleansers, face oil, body lotion bars, lip balms and soaps. Yvonne places a huge emphasis on sustainability and her packing is eco-friendly and recyclable. Discover more by visiting: lorenaturalskincare.ie Caroline Duffy, of Caroline Duffy Designs, is an artist and designer. With a passion for creating from nature and flowers, she combines her exuberant floral paintings with her signature feminine uplifting style. With a focus on the energizing, healing power that nature and colour have on well-being, Caroline’s collection includes a range of silk scarves and dresses, woven blankets, original art, prints and notebooks. View her collection on

carolineduffydesigns. com

Designer Sophie Hunter believes that we often overlook the beauty of nature that is all around us. So she has created a collection of real, pressed and framed botanicals and feathers, showcasing and celebrating natures works of art. She collects botanicals and flora from country and coastal walks around Ireland, while feathers are naturally shed. Be inspired by Sophie’s collection by visiting instagram.

com/sophiehunterdesign

Visual artist Caóilfhíonn Murphy O’Hanlon, of Cushla of Gullion, creates stunning wall art and home accessories. She uses naturally dyed wool and silk to create pieces that celebrate the myth, magic and rugged beauty of Irish landscapes. Her pieces hang in homes all over the world, using memories and nostalgia to evoke memories of home. Visit cushlaofgullion.com to see her work.

esker Fields, founded by Maria Morgan, is a range of natural skin-

care products inspired by nature and handmade with love. each product is made using natural ingredients and pure essential oils, creating a delightful sensory experience. esker Fields users report improvements in the appearance of their skin, easing of stress and anxiety, relief from muscle aches and better sleep. Visit eskerfields.ie to learn more.

In addition, other Louth designers exhibiting at Showcase this year include Garrett Mallon Jewellery, Sarah McKenna Ceramics, edmund McNulty Knitwear, Karen Lavelle of Soilse Candles and the team from Branigan Weavers.

Sarah Mallon of LeO Louth concludes “Buyers at Showcase are looking for unique, handcrafted, Irish products to sell to their customers all over the world. We are so proud of the local enterprises that are attending Showcase this year and hope that this event opens up new opportunities for them and their products.”

Tennis fundraiser for local charities

A CHrISTMAS Tournament fundraiser night held in Dundalk Tennis Badminton Squash Club in December.

A fun tournament was held, followed by a presentation

and a raffle. Through the efforts and generosity of club members, a fantastic €1,200 was raised ... All proceeds from the night were donated to local charities in Dundalk

- this year the charities that benefitted from our fundraiser were: St Patrick’s Soup Kitchen, Women’s Aid and St Vincent de Paul.

Marcella Ní Conluain, Carl Moy, Anne Marie Eaton, Romina Rivadeneira and Síle Holland (Members of the Tennis Club Committee)

Maria Morgan, Esker Fields, Caóilfíonn Murphy O’Hanlon, Cushla of Gullion, Designer Caroline Duffy, Designer Sophie Hunter, Yvonne Mullen, LORE Natural Skincare and Sarah Mallon, LE0.

ORIeL Windfarm is holding another series of public consultation events in January and February to seek the views of local stakeholders in relation to the project, in advance of a planning application being submitted later this year.

Oriel Windfarm was granted a Maritime Area Consent (MAC) by the Minister for the environment, Climate and Communications, eamon Ryan TD in late December. A MAC is a new type of formal consent that must be granted by the Irish government before an offshore windfarm can apply for planning permission to An Bord Pleanála.

The offshore wind farm project, which is being developed by Belgian green energy company Parkwind and eSB, is to be located off the coast of Co Louth, to the east of Dundalk Bay.

The proposed wind farm will have a generation capacity of up to 375 megawatts (MW), which is enough electricity to

Dundalk railway heritage society

D UNDALK railway heritage society will present the Des Casey Memorial Lecture: Dundalk’s Railway Heritage by Charles P Friel. Venue: Oriel Centre, Carrick Road Dundalk. on Sat 21st Jan at 3pm.

The lecture will be an illustrated presentation featuring photographs of local railway interest some of which are being shown for the first time.

Charles Friel is a noted historian on Irish Railways, is a member of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland and has presented lectures on Irish railways in Ireland and in the uk

Des Casey was a founding member of the Dundalk Railway Heritage Society and served as chairman and Hon President for many years. Des made a major contribution to the operation of the society. He sadly passed away in August of 2022. This lecture is a tribute to Des’s memory

For further information contact:Seamus Murphy, Mobile: 085 156 3273 e-mail seamusmurphy1947@yahoo.co.uk

Public consultations will take place through January and February in advance of a planning application.

power about 300,000 homes.

Garrett Connell, Parkwind Country Manager, said:

“The project has been designed to fit within available electricity transmission infrastructure and will connect into existing power lines near Ardee, via a new underground cable from the shore. This will enable a significant reduction in Ireland’s carbon emissions and our reliance on imported fossil fuels, in an efficient way.”

During January and February, Oriel will hold a combination of in-person and virtual events.

The details of the various events are as follows:

Date event Location Venue

Jan 11 Virtual exhibition Opens Online www.orielwindfarm.ie

Jan 19 Public webinar Online www.orielwindfarm.ie

Jan 24-25

Public Consultation Dundalk DKIT – Carrolls Building

Jan 31 Public Consultation Ardee

Brian Muldoon & Sons

Oriel Windfarm to hold further public consultation Commemoration event

Feb 1 Public Consultation Kilkeel Kilmorey Arms Hotel

Feb 20 Virtual exhibition Closes Online www.orielwindfarm.ie

All public consultation events will open at 3pm and final entry to venues will be at 8.30pm. experts from Parkwind, eSB, and their environmental consultants will be on hand to answer questions in relation to the project.

CúChulainn Archers aim for a successful 2023 CúChulainn Archers

CúCHULAINN Archers and DKIT started off the New Year with the 3rd leg of their Winter Series taking place in the DKIT Sports Arena on 7th January.

Archers came from all over the country to take part, from Cork to Antrim, from Dublin to Galway and all counties in between! CúChulainn and DKIT did well in the competition with:Adria Quinn taking Gold in Women’s Compound and Neil Keeble, (Gold), enda Murray (Silver) and Alex Finn (Bronze) making it a clean sweep of the Men’s Barebow.

AnneMarie Murray took Silver in Women’s Barebow with RoseAnne O’Donnell taking Bronze. Brendan Forde came 4th in Men’s Recurve with Sean Murphy coming in in 7th. Éamonn Rogers came in in 6th place in Men’s

Compound, with Fiachra Judge in 11th followed by Shay Barry, Kevin Donnelly and John Keenan.

The Leader Board is now changing from Leg to Leg, with interest increasing from as each competition

comes along! Next Leg - the second last - will be held on Sat. 28th January. CúChulainn Archers run beginner courses throughout the year. enquiries to cuchulainnarchers@hotmail.com.

AN event to remember the deaths of three men exactly 100 years ago was held at the site of their executions last week, with Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú giving an oration at Dundalk Gaol.

Thomas McKeown, Thomas Murray and John McNulty were commemorated at the event to mark their executions, by a six-man firing squad at Dundalk Gaol on January 13 1923.

Deputy Ó Murchú was joined by councillors Kevin Meenan, edel Corrigan, Antóin Watters and Pearse McGeough, and the descendants of the executed men ahead of a wreath-laying ceremony at the Republican plot in St Patrick’s Cemetery.

In his oration, Deputy Ó Murchú said all three men had attended Mass the morning of their executions, and were given the Last Rites by three ‘brave’ priests who defied a ban by the Catholic Church on any sacraments being given to those being executed.

The local newspaper in Dundalk described the executions as ‘a terrible spectacle’. It was reported that the ex-

ecutions were ‘dreadful’ and ‘the people were shocked beyond description’. It was also noted that all three were captured, charged, tried, found guilty and executed within days of arrested.

In his final letter to his family, Mr McKeown, who was from Piedmont, Lordship, said there was ‘nothing troubling’ him after he had his confession heard.

Mr McKeown was arrested at the family farm at Piedmont on January 4 1923 and charged with having a revolver and 100 rounds of ammunition.

Deputy Ó Murchú said: ‘His family had a very different version and in a letter, Thomas McKeown’s brother said that he was murdered on a lie because he did not have a revolver and 100 rounds of ammunition.

Thomas Murray, Deputy Ó Murchú said, was from Whitecross in Co Armagh, but lived in Navan. He, along with John McNulty from Belleeks, Co Armagh, was arrested at Hackballscross for possession of revolvers and ammunition on January 9 1923 and four days later they were executed.

Gold for Adria Quinn in womens compound Alex Finn (Bronze), Neil Keeble (Gold) and Enda Murray (Silver) in men’s barebow.

There was a large turnout for he 100th anniversary commemoration of Thomas McKeown, Thomas Murray and John McNulty at the site of their execution at Dundalk Gaol.

Laura in the running for prestigious national award

LOCAL athlete Laura O’Driscoll has been recognised for her excellent results

in 2022 with a nomination for ‘Woman of the Year’ in the www. outsider.ie annual

awards. Laura, from Cooley, is well known in local running circles for possessing an iron will and is a veteran in ultra-running and endurance competitions.

The 40-year old took home two prestigious mountain running wins in 2022 despite nursing an ankle injury for much of the year. Laura took home the ArI Solo national Adventure race Series and Cape Wrath Ultra in Scotland which is an eight day 400km foot race with an 11,200, cumulative ascent. Speaking to outsider. ie Laura spoke about the Cape Wrath Ultra race while also speaking about her love for adventure racing.

“I think I still have a bit of PTSD from that race! I absolutely love adventure racing. It enables me to experience parts of the world, doing the activities I enjoy, in the company of some of the most inspiring and enthusiastic kickass individuals out there,” she says.

For me, it’s almost like breathing, and the motivation comes from the love of just being out there and feeling alive,” stated Laura who combines her race schedule with her day jobs as a qualified yoga instructor, run coach and designer’.

“I love the buzz at the events. Seeing the variety of people out there, all shapes and sizes, all ages, challenging yet enjoying themselves, these people motivate me too.”

Once her ankle fully heals, Laura is planning on taking on the Transgrancanaria and Transalpine later this year as well as a Mountain Leader course with her husband Johnny. You can vote for Laura at the following link:

https://outsider. ie/outsider-awards/ woman-of-theyear-2022/

Laura O’Driscoll is scaling the heights in endurance running.

Price of average three bed semi in Louth expected to rise by 4% over next year

THe price of the average three-bed semi in County Louth is expected to rise by 4% in the next 12 months, according to a survey by Real estate Alliance.

Three-bed semidetached homes in the county now cost an average of €260,000, up 6% on the December 2021 average of €245,000, but were static in the past three months, the ReA Average House Price Index shows.

The survey concentrates on the actual sale price of Ireland’s typical stock home, the threebed semi, giving an upto-date picture of the second-hand property market in towns and cities countrywide.

First time buyers made up 70% of the market in Q4, with 50% of buyers coming from outside the county.

“There is a general slowdown in market

demand and increased caution on foot of an uncertain economic outlook.”

The average price in Dundalk in the final quarter of 2022 is unchanged at €240,000, with time taken to sell at four weeks.

The actual selling price of a three-bedroomed semi-detached house across the country rose by 0.36% over the past three months to €291,667 – representing an annual increase of 8%.

However, house prices in Dublin have fallen slightly by -0.34% in the same period, as mortgage interest rate rises and cost of living increases stem the stream of potential homeowners.

ReA agents throughout the country expect prices to rise by just under 3% on average in the next 12 months.

Family Notices

NOVENA NOVENA

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

P ro P erty / rentals s P ecial services

CONLON Elizabeth

19th AnniversAry

in loving memory of our mother, elizabeth (Lizzie) Conlon, late of 18 Hughes Park, whose 19th anniversary occurs January 22nd.

We wish that we could see you sitting on your chair, We wish that we could go back home and find you waiting there. But if memories keep us close, we are never far apart, you are always on our minds and forever in our hearts.

Will those who think of her today, a little prayer to Jesus say. so sadly missed and remembered by your loving Family

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.R.

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

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

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

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

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.McE.

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

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

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. for rent—Large Spacious Beauty Room to Let. Available from 1st February. Ready to work from imediately. Fully equipped with brand new equipment. Freshly painted. Over a busy Hair Salon in Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk. Advantage of existing clientele. For further queries please call 087 3606252.

aDvertise your house Premises for rent or sale to 55,000 readers a week from €5. Telephone Dundalk Leader 042 93 -20888.

garDen Maintenance—Hedge and Tree Cutting Services. Power Washing. Garden Tidy Up. Call Colin 085 1726520.

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

b uil D ing s ervices—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.

Professional Drylining—Dropped Ceiling, Tape & Joints also all Insulation Services. Dundalk Tel 089-2488819 or 089-4189199.

Painter available—Keen rates, no job too small! Call 086 3848079.

Plastering s ervice available Free quotations. Contact David 085 7829910 or Gavin 086 3799285.

Kevin McMahon e lectrical—Dundalk, small household jobs, safe electrical approved Tel 087 2548221 after 5pm.

court appearance for attempted robbery

Gardaí investigating an attempted robbery and alleged assault of a woman which took place on McSwiney Street in Dundalk, Co.Louth on 13th, January 2023, have charged a man. The man, aged in his 30s, is set to appear before Drogheda District Court this morning, Monday, 16th January 2023.

faughart festival

Launch Brigid of Faughart Festival 2023 by Cllr John Reilly, Louth County Council in Louth County Library, Roden Place, Dundalk Thursday 19th January at 6.15pm. For full Festival Details please see www. brigidoffaughart.ie and follow us on Facebook/ brigidoffaughart. RSVP: Roisin Cotter on rcotterdlk@gmail.com.

Local bus service temporarily suspended due to anti-social behaviour

A LOCAL bus service operating between Dundalk and Drogheda had to be temporarily suspended last Saturday afternoon due to antisocial behaviour. The incident took place on Bus Éireann’s 168 service in Clogherhead Village. Gardaí confirmed that they are currently investigating the alleged assault with enquiries ongoing.

‘Gardaí are investigating an alleged assault that is reported to have occurred at approximately 4:10pm on Saturday 14th January 2023 in Clogherhead, County Louth. No injuries were reported. enquiries are ongoing into this matter.’

The incident happened just days after Dublin Bus services to west Tallaght were suspended after reports of 35 incidents in December alone, including violence, attacks, vandalism, threats with

knives, and a female driver terrorised by a huge mob.

Bus drivers told Dublin Bus management it is not tenable for them to “risk life and limb, driving buses into estates in west Tallaght, to be attacked and assaulted”.

A statement from Bus Eireann confirmed that an incident occurred in Clogherhead Village on Saturday.

Regrettably, there was an incident of anti-social behaviour on Saturday afternoon on Route 168 at Clogherhead Village. All of our vehicles have a direct link to a central control room, which reported

the incident to An Garda Síochána. Passengers were accommodated on the next service and the rest of our services operated as normal and were not suspended.

Bus Éireann does not tolerate any act of aggressive or abusive behaviour towards our employees, customers or property. We continue to invest significantly to deliver our commitment to provide a safe and secure environment for all our employees and customers who use our services, and customer satisfaction surveys show that 96% of passengers feel safe on board our services.

attention l an D lor D s—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.

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

sell it through a classifieD—Only €5 for one week up to 20 words. 042 93 20888. The Dundalk Leader.

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. 083 1520255.

c ar P entry & 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.

local Power washing—No job too big or too small. Patios, driveways, walls, also grass cutting & gutter cleaning. Contact James 089 9705466 for free quotation.

g reenfiel D s Music tours—Invite you to join for our 1 nights stays to see the cream of Irish Folk and Ballads. Price includes accommodation, bus and ticket. Contact Anthony on 085 1204994.

l a D y with g ift of Healing for Skin conditions, Eczema, Psoriasis, Chest problems, Asthma. 3 consecutive visits needed. For appointment please phone 087 7188450.

chiMney & stove cleaning—Tel Paul McArdle 042 933 2491 / 087 666 0094. chiMney cleaner—The Clean sweep, clean & tidy, no dust. Brush & Vac. Also gutter cleaning. Contact - Cathal 087-2259799.

aDvertise your service to over 60,000 readers for only €5 per week up to 20 words Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888.

we can Distribute your leaflets from €75 + vat per thousand Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888.

winDow cleaning—Gutter & facia cleaning carried out by professional, fully trained and insured staff. Affordable rates. Domestic & Commercial. Call our office for a free quotation. Everkleen 042 935 2717 or 086 829 3585. www.everkleenservices. ie <http://www.everkleenservices.ie>.

house & aPartMent cleaning Service. Specializing in Re-Let & Spring Cleaning, Carpet & Upholstery cleaning. Fully insured. For a free quotation contact Everkleen 042 9352717 / 087 6873188, www.everkleenservices.ie <http://www. everkleenservices.ie>. tiler available—Experienced local tiler to carry out all types of tile workmarble, granite, porcelain. Indoors and out. Call 087-387-8995 for free quote. sc t iling—Professional Tiler, Specialises in full bathroom refits. Top Class Work Guaranteed Call Shane :086 107 5080.

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 085-8407707.

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

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

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

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

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

a ll-in-one!—Home and property maintenance and improvements. Painting, decorating, general household maintenance, exterior cleaning, power washing, gutters, dust free sanding, No job to big or small, quality but affordable service contact Ian 0874158238.

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

Po D iatry/c hiro P o D y treatment in the comfort of your own home. Ms. Dara McCoy, Bsc. Podiatry 0871924794.

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

f rench g rin D s available for Junior and Leaving cert, All levels. Individual and small group options. Tel 086 8723340.

DruM lessons incluDing boDhran—For adults & children aged 8 years upwards. One to one lessons. Phone 087 414 4228.

b eginners s ewing c lasses at DJK Creations Unit 3D Northlink Retail Park, Coe’s Road, Dundalk. Learn in a conducive and comfortable environment. For more information call/whatsapp 087 2649221 or visit www.djk-creations.com for more options.

n ew M orning yoga c lasses For beginners/improvers, commencing Tuesday 7th February 10am in Dundealgan Athletics Club, Seatown. €65 for 6 weeks for further info contact Jackie 087 6217359.

Person wante D for work on small boat on a daily bases for general fishing, Cooley area, for enquires please email:53somethingnew@gmail.com. s ewing/fashion Design Tutor wanted. To apply for position please call Elizabeth on 087 2649221 or email your CV to info@ djk-creations.com

Lots to celebrate at Dundalk Women’s Shed ‘Dental service is on its knees’—Fitzpatrick

AFTeR a hugely successful Christmas event, the Dundalk Women’s Shed welcomed everyone back last Monday (9th of January). Women in the Dundalk area have been enjoying the emergence of the Dundalk Women’s Shed since last September at their regular Monday morning meet up in the Oriel Centre (Old Gaol) from 10am to 11.30am. each Monday women have arrived to enjoy a series of talks and activities, but mostly just to have the social interaction and the craic!

Although the first meeting of the Shed was only last September the group already boast a membership of over 150 members. The Dundalk Women’s Shed initiative which was spearheaded by Dara MacGabhann, the Community Development Officer, Louth Local Development, was established through an obvious emerging need within the Dundalk area. Women were expressing a need in their lives for more social interaction, gaining new skills and acquiring information on welfare, health issues and events happening in their area. Under the guidance of Louth Local Development a

Women’s Shed enjoy Christmas night out.

steering committee for the Women’s Shed has been established and already huge strides have been made to ensure the inclusion of all women over 18 years who live within the Dundalk area. The last session of the year was filled with merriment, dancing and singing along to guest artists The Castlebellingham Ukulele Group, exchanging Kris Kindle grifts and of course lots of beautiful home baking brought by the members to share.

2023 already promises to be equally as

engaging with a jam packed schedule already in place. This will start off on the 9th of January with a presentation from the Louth Local Sports Partnership with the intention of starting a Dundalk Women’s Shed Walking group. Danny McCormick, the Social Prescribing Officer with Louth Local Development will also be dropping in to explain what the term Social Prescribing is all about and to give some background to the Louth initiative.

Other forthcoming activities to look for-

ward to at the Dundalk Women’s Shed include Brigisds Cross Making, Valentine Crafts, Basic First Aid and a presentation from a Physic Tarot Reader.

The Dundalk Women’s Shed meet every Monday morning in the Oriel Centre, Dundalk Gaol . each session has a recommended fee of €3 per week. The steering group come up with a schedule of events and are open to suggestions from other members. The support for the Shed in the area has been phenomenal with local and national agencies stepping forward. Particular thanks to Louth Local Development who established the initiative and continue to provide invaluable support, Dundalk Credit Union for their generous donations in 2022, LMeTB and the Local Sports Partnership for their offer of courses in 2023.

If you are interested in being part of Dundalk Women’s Shed come along on Mondays in January and February to the Oriel Centre, Dundalk A91HD70 at 10am. For more information contact Dundalk Women’s Shed at womenssheddundalk@ gmail.com.

Local Sub Aqua Search and Rescue unit attend search for missing Howth man

INDePeNDeNT TD Peter Fitzpatrick has called for immediate access improvements to dental care citing unaffordability and unavailability as massive problems in the sector. He pointed to a drastic fall in the number of dentists claiming reimbursements through the Dental Treatment Services Scheme since 2020 which has led to many people not being able to afford to pay for a dentist.

To address the mounting dental health crisis, the Regional Group which includes Deputy Fitzpatrick have published a Dáil motion which will be debated on Thursday (19th January) calling for immediate access improvements to dental care.

“Our health service is in crisis,” stated Deputy Fitzpatrick. “Delayed dental treatment, due to the collapse of the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) is compounding chronic illness.

“The bottom line is that dental services should be affordable and available. Unfortunately, it is neither. We must improve access to dental care in an equitable and sustainable manner for all, across all income groups”

“Most oral health conditions are largely preventable and can be treated in their early stages, however, oral diseases are becoming more common due to deficient

services and share risk factors with chronic disease such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

“every week we are contracted by constituents in Louth and east-Meath who, despite having a medical card, cannot get dental care”, said Fitzpatrick. The reason being that there is an almost 25% fall in the number of dentists claiming reimbursement through the Dental Treatment Services Scheme since December 2020. With dentists withdrawing from the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS), these people cannot afford to pay for a dentist, especially amid this cost-ofliving crisis.

Cllr Watters Welcomes Progress on Proposed Ravensdale Footpath

SInn Féin Councillor Antóin Watters has welcomed progress on the proposed footpath in ravensdale from Blackgate to Annaverna. The news follows a positive meeting with the Active Travel Department in Louth County Council in early January.

The Active Travel team have confirmed they are currently carrying out further investigation of the Blackgate footpath proposal with the aim of submitting an application to the national Transport Authority (NTA) for 2024 funding.

Cllr Watters said “the footpath has been a long running issue for me and I have been pursuing potential funding opportunities for a number of years now. In June 2021 I submitted a petition on behalf of the local residents who are eager to see progress on the footpath following years of campaigning. Since then I have also met with Louth County Council Engineers on site on various occasions to try and progress the project.

“The proposed footpath is a necessary and vital piece of infrastructure in the ravensdale area and would provide a safe route for residents to the national School, Church and Community Centre. It is great that we now have a potential funding route and I thank Louth County Council for their assistance with this.”

Cllr Watters concluded, “I will continue to liaise with the Active Travel team on the progress of this project and I have also advised that the inclusion of a footpath from Jordan’s corner to Crilly’s shop could be assessed and included in the same application. Hopefully I will have further updates to share on this project soon.”

“On top of this, most community healthcare dentists are at full capacity and unable to take on new patients. The public dental service is on its knees. For this reason, the DTSS needs to be reviewed and reformed without further delay with full stakeholder consultation.

“The delays in dental care are affecting those in most need, especially, children and people with disabilities. More than 13,000 children are awaiting orthodontic treatment. Many children do not get their first dental check until secondary school children, while more and more adults with disabilities are facing delays in accessing dental surgery under general anaesthetic,” explained Fitzpatrick.

Deputy Fitzpatrick and the Regional Group Members state there are many solutions available to the Government, but they need to be initiated immediately.

Fitzpatrick and his colleagues in the regional group are calling for the reformation of the Dental Tax Relief scheme (Med 2). An increase in the tax relief will assist those struggling with increasing bills by expanding access to treatments and reliefs available.

Immediate reform is also required for work permit schemes for dentists and dental nurses.

1—Which ‘C is an official count or survey, often of a population?

2—In its own language which European country is known as Hellas?

3—Which online word game exploded in January 2022, even though its creator Josh Wardle, initially made it only for him and his partner to play?

4—Which alcoholic rice wine is the national beverage of Japan?

5—Who won the Green Party’s first ever seat in Louth County Council in 2009?

6—Which comedy did the following quote come from ‘I am serious. And don’t call me Shirley.”

7—The name of which Charles Dickens novel is also the stage name of a famous American magician?

8—The aerial attack

by Japan that led to America joining World War II was on which Hawaiian Port?

9—Groucho, Chico, Gummo and Zeppo were four of the Marx brothers. Can you name the fifth?

10—Which new wave band had a 1979 hit with Video Killed the Radio Star?

The Stinker—If somebody suffers from hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia what are they afraid of?

—this week’s answers—

10—The Buggles. The Stinker: Long words.

Copperfield, 8—Pearl Harbour, 9—Harpo,

5—Mark Deary, 6—Airplane, 7—David

1—Census, 2—Greece, 3—Wordle, 4—Sake,

Peter Fitzpatrick, TD.

Divers attached to Dundalk Sub Aqua Search and Rescue unit travelled to Howth in North. Co. Dublin last weekend to join in the search for a man that has been missing from last Monday (9th January). Two of the local unit’s boats were involved in the search. Dundalk Sub Aqua Search and Rescue unit concentrated their search in the Balscadden beach area of Howth. A number of divers entered the water several times,while the second boat maintained a surface search just beyond the entrance to Howth Harbour. Nothing of significance was discovered. However, the local search and rescue unit remain on standby, and should the circumstances change they will return to the site to rejoin the search.

Dundalk Stadium Racecourse

fundraiser will help fund local SOSAD branch

JOIN us, SOSAD Ireland (Save Our Sons and Daughters), on Saturday, February 4th 2023, the first St. Bridget’s Bank Holiday weekend at Dundalk Racecourse for a fun filled night of live racing, intertrack and music.

entry fee is €20 and your ticket includes: Admission; Chance to win a cash prize of €1000!; Race Card; Donation to SOSAD Ireland.

each admission ticket includes a unique number combination. If your unique combination matches the finishing order of the feature race you have won €1000!

Your ticket will give you the chance to be at the races, but also to help fund SOSAD, a volunteer led, selffunding charity that offers support and services free-of-charge to

anyone who is struggling with their mental health. Since 2007, SOSAD has worked to raise awareness and help prevent suicide in Ireland. SOSAD offers support and services for people who are strug-

gling with suicidal ideation, self-harming, depression, bereavement, stress, and anxiety or who just need to talk.

SOSAD has six offices based in Cavan, Louth, Laois, Meath and Monaghan.

Get your ticket online today at www. sosadireland.ie/ greyhound-race-night or in any of our offices.

For further information contact: stephanie@sosadireland.ie.