19-06-2024

ARD EASMUINN ROAD, DUNDALK. PHONE 042 935 7296. dunnesmonumental@gmail.com.

Justine set for Traless as she is crowned Louth Rose

Dundalk, Co. Louth

Local chef hoping to reign in Spain

By Paul Byrne

LOCAL chef John Kenwright, who works in and owns the Townhouse Restaurant in Dundalk with his wife Sarah, has reached the last sixteen of the World Paella Day Cup which is held in Valencia, Spain each year.

Now John is looking for the people of Dundalk and beyond to help him reach the last eight of the competition which will book him a ticket to the finals in Valencia which will take place appropriately enough on September 20th which 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 and amazingly John is not only the only chef from Ireland in the last 20 but also the only European. The event brings together chefs, every year, from all over the world who seek to win the title of best paella maker.

The public will play an important role in the competition, as their votes will be crucial in choosing the finalists who will be eligible for the trophy and winning recognition as the best paella chef.

Continued on Page 2

Local chef John Kenwright is hoping to bring home the Paella Day Cup back to Dundalk in September. The finals take place in Valencia on September 20th.

Local chef hoping to reign in Spain

From Page 1

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 Left-

bank, 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. According to John he is very excited to have made the final twenty in the world but he would

love nothing more than to make it through to the final eight and get to travel to Valencia for the final stages of the competition.

“I’m the only Irish chef and indeed the only European chef left in the competition so I’m hoping people will get behind me and vote for me to help me reach the final eight. It’s a public vote so I’m relying on people to get me into that final eight,” explained John.

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

Ó

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 so it’s a case of wait and see now if I can get the votes before the deadline on June 23rd,”

added John. From June 10th to the 23rd, the public will be able to vote for their favorite chef and if John is successful he 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. You can help John get to Valencia by voting for him at the following link: vote.worldpaelladay.org/voteme/ 979264/716864157? lc=eng

Murchú seeks assurances for local workers as PayPal announce further job cuts

PAYPAL need to provide workers connected to their Irish operations with assurance that the latest round of job cuts will be the last, Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú has said.

The Dundalk TD was reacting to this morn-

Thank you to everyone that supported and trusted me. I deeply appreciate. I will continue to serve our community and ensure a safer, inclusive, equitable community for us all.

Please look out on my page for more inclusive information.

Congratulations to all of those who got elected. For those who stood down from their previous positions, thank you for all your hard work also!

We certainly fought it well! Please keep using your voice

and remember Together We Can Build A Thriving Community.

United We Stand. Together We Can.

Thank you once again may God bless you. Go raibh maith agat, Ese, Gracias, Dalu.

To reach out to me use: P: 0871460980

E: votesgatiroko@gmail.com

Your Girl, SeunGraceAtiroko, IndependentCandidate, DundalkSouth.

ing’s announcement that up to 85 redundancies are being sought by the payments giant, which comes on top of job cuts in February.

Deputy Ó Murchú said he had been speaking to the company this afternoon and was advised that there will be a 30-day consultation period with affected workers, with no redundancies taking effect before July 26, and the process being completed by August 9.

He said he understood that up to 85 positions would be affected, across a number of departments, and is part of a worldwide look at PayPal’s operations. Around half the jobs affected relate to workers connected with the Dundalk operation, while the other half is at the company’s Dublin site.

He said he hoped it

would be less than 85 and hoped the company would work to ensure it was ‘as low as possible’.

PayPal had told him it was part of a process by new leadership the firm to make it more ‘efficient and productive’ and while the company had reassured him that they remain committed to Ireland, stating it is a ‘critical hub for its operations’, he said ‘workers are very worried’.

Deputy Ó Murchú said: ‘People are very worried about what is happening, with significant redundancies being announced today, just four months after another announcement which saw other people losing their jobs.

‘This is a terrible blow for the affected workers and their families and I would hope that all arms of the State are used to assist them in finding new employ-

ment and carrying out a skills audit for those who are facing redundancy.

‘There needs to be engagement at a governmental level about what is happening in PayPal and the company itself needs to reassure the remaining workforce of its commitment to them’.

John and Sarah Kenwright.

Louth GAA Stadium back on track

By Paul Byrne

LOUTH GAA received some good news last Tuesday evening when it was announced that the stadium development project which had stalled in recent months was back on track following negotiations with Croke Park delegates.

Louth GAA chairman Sean McClean headed the Louth GAA stadium committee at a specially convened meeting in Darver to give club delegates an update on the current state of play regarding the project.

McClean’s predecessor, Peter Fitzpatrick had made the construction of a brand new stadium for Louth GAA one of his top priorities when he became chairman in 2019. Within a year, planning permission had been granted for a stadium to be built on the Inner Relief Road in Dundalk.

Funds for the ambitious project still had to be raised though with costs for the proposed 14,000 capacity stadium rising all the time. An initial costing of just over €12m had almost doubled within a coupler of years of the plans been unveiled. However, Louth GAA were given a huge boost in October of 2022 thanks to a remarkable €14.8m windfall from the Government’s ‘Irish Immigrant Investor Programme’. The scheme saw 37 foreign investors agree to pledge €400,000 each to the greenfield development on the Inner Relief Road in exchange for Irish residency. Work was due to begin on the new stadium with a completion date of September this year mooted by Fitzpatrick but days before the bulldozers were due to get to work, Louth GAA were ordered by Croke Park officials not to proceed due to concerns over rising costs. Louth had pledged to pay for €18m of the €25m stadium cost and were looking to Croke Park as well as other funding avenues to make up the shortfall of €7m. Spiraling costs were however worrying Croke Park officials with the final bill rising from an initial €12m up to €29m and back down to €25m after cutbacks to the original plans.

The project has been halted since last July

with Louth GAA and Croke Park officials in talks to see how they could progress the project and ensure it could be done within the agreed budget. Then county chairman Peter Fitzpatrick resigned from his post following that order from Croke Park before sensationally making a u-turn just 24 hours later. Fitzpatrick led a delegation to Dublin to try and get Croke Park back on board.

Last December ,Fitzpatrick announced he wouldn’t seek a fifth year as Chairman after he was challenged for the chairman’s position by Seán McClean of Hunterstown Rovers. Over the past number of months talks have continued between Louth GAA and Croke Park and finally last Tuesday, Louth GAA supporters were giving the news they had been waiting for when it was confirmed that the stadium project was back on track. A statement from Louth GAA explained that the stadium will now be developed in two phases with a project manager having been already appointed. However, McClean warned that the stadium could not be built without imposing a levy on Louth GAA clubs which will amount to €300 per month for a period of 15 years. Clubs are already paying a levy to pay for Louth GAA’s facility in Darver which was due to end next year. However, McClean said this levy will have to continue to help make up the shortfall of the €23.5m project.

“Much debate and questions were being asked about the progress of our new stadium, and thankfully tonight Chairman Sean McClean had answers for County board delegates and club reps in PPFS Darver,” read a statement from Louth GAA.

“Joined by the Louth GAA Stadium Committee comprising of Tom

Dooley, Niall Erskine, John Horan, Justin Travers, Dermot Clarke, Aidan Berrill and Colm Holmes, Sean McClean explained the status of our stadium development..

“Croke Parks’ delegation to the group, former Uachtaran John Horan, Niall Erskine and Justin Travers have been meeting on a very regular basis with the Louth representatives and have now come up with a plan to get the stadium underway. The stadium will be developed over 2 phases. Phase 1 will consist of seated stand, floodlights, entrance and exits and playing pitch with phase 2 being the remainder.

“A project manager has been appointed and has already begun the process to find a design team who will be tasked with designing a stadium to fit our budget, while at the same not reducing capacity or changing design from previous plans,” read the statement.

Sean McClean then spoke finances and spoke of the backing we have from government bodies, the GAA (Central Council and Leinster Council) with the remainder being funded by Louth GAA through a number of fundraising initiatives.

Club delegates then questioned the committee on various issues and will now go back to their clubs to share all information. An atmosphere of immense positivity was shared with the top table and the stadium committee were commended for their efforts. It is believed that phase 1 will take up to fifteen months to complete. No starting date was announced on the night but it would seem that plans are firmly in place to ensure the stadium will finally be built.

Back L-R Tom Dooley, Niall Erskine, John Horan, Justin Travers and Colm Holmes. Front L-R Dermot Clarke, Sean McClean and Aidan Berrill.

Louth County Council staff discovered waste dumped in a wooded area of Aisling Park last week. The local authority have appealed to the public not to engage in illegal dumping.

Illegal dumping site discovered at Aisling Park

LOUTH County Council responded to a significant flytipping incident in Dundalk on 13th June 2024, where large quantities of waste had been illegally dumped close to a residential area.

Local authority staff discovered the waste dumped in a wooded area of Aisling Park, Dundalk, during a routine inspection.

Shopping trolleys, household items including furniture and other domestic waste were among the items discarded. The site is being inspected by Litter Wardens from Louth County

Council, and where possible evidence will be extracted from discarded waste which may be used to identify those responsible.

Louth County Council’s Environment Section actively respond to incidents of littering and illegal dumping and have investigated 582 cases of littering so far in 2024.

If a conviction is secured by the local authority through the courts a penalty of up to €3000 can be imposed as well as the costs of bringing the action to court under the polluter pays principle.

Louth County Council is ap-

pealing to the public not to engage in littering or illegal dumping and to always use the services of a registered waste collector when disposing of household waste. Larger household items can be disposed of at recycling centres in Dundalk and Drogheda.

If you see someone dumping illegally, report the matter to your local council who will investigate and take any necessary enforcement action.

Report littering directly to Louth County Council, who have a dedicated Customer Services line on 042 93 35457.

St Francis NS First Communicants

Two classes of 2nd class pupils from St Francis National School made their First Holy Communion at St Oliver Blackrock Church on Saturday May 25th. Following the mass the children and their families were welcomed to a reception in the School Hall, hosted by the Parents’ Association of St Francis. Photographs courtesy of Paula Kavanagh Photography.

Victory for the ‘Video Games Party’ and

the

‘Half Day Party’ in Dulargy N.S Election!

ELECTION fever hit Dulargy N.S. as 5th class organised their own mock election, led by their teacher, Ms. Mullen. The students created their own political parties, designed election posters, wrote manifestos and canvassed to students from 3rd to 6th class.

On their election day they worked as polling clerks and ensured each student who was voting had their polling card with them.

The count ensued the following day with plenty of maths at work figuring out the quota, valid poll and transfer votes.

The day ended with 2 candidates getting elected from the “Video Games Party” and the “Half Day Party” while the candidates from the “30 minutes Party” and “Sports Day League Party” were very gracious in defeat.

for

Two pupils at the ballot boxes in

5th class students in Dulargy N.S organised a snap election with new political parties created on the day under the watchful eye of class teacher Ms Mullen.

Pupils designed election posters and wrote manifestos to explain what their parties stood for.

The election saw victory for the ‘Half Day Party’ and the ‘Video Games Party’.

Students canvassed

votes in the school ahead of the election.

Dulargy N.S.

Starters orders for Bellewstown July Summer Festival

RACING is back on the hill of Crockfatha from Thursday July 4th to Saturday July 6th for Bellewstown’s annual summer festival promising three action-packed evenings of racing.

Racing gets underway on the Hill of Crockafotha on Thursday evening 4th July with a competitive flat card, featuring the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Filles Maiden of €25,000 for two-year-old horses. Bellewstown is also delighted to welcome Noel Smith & Sons Ford dealership as one of its new sponsors on Thursday for the Noel Smith & Sons Crockafatha QR Handicap as well as welcome back our longest sponsor, Seamus Mulvaney bookmakers.

Racing and fashion go hand in hand on Fri-

day evening. While the jockeys take up their reins on the track for the second day, the ‘Tankardstown House’ most stylish competition takes centre stage in the enclosure. The winner will receive a two-night VIP stay at Tankardstown House to the value of €2,400 with fantastic runner up prizes from ‘Ribbon Rouge’ clothing boutique, ‘Boyne House’ and the ‘Coach House Beauty Spa’.

The final day of the Summer Festival features is an all-jumps card with the evening feature race the €50,000 Bia Energy ‘Bellewstown’ Handicap Hurdle.

Bellewstown are also running a unique event this year with the creation of the Barney Curley D.A.F.A. Apprentice Series Bursary.

The Racecourse will be forever synonymous with Barney Curley who master-minded the most famous betting coup in the history of Irish racing with the successful execution of the Yellow Sam coup in 1975 and in advance of the 50th anniversary of this landmark event in 2025, the race series will allow jockeys who partake the chance to avail of a number of supportive programs as well as coaching to assist them as they start out in their careers.

This year Bellewstown will come close to offering €1 million in race sponsorship across their meetings in April, July, August and September and the committee would like to whole heartedly thank all of their sponsors.

Teachers make it back from hell

CBS Primary school teachers have completed their hellish fundraiser which saw them complete the notoriously difficult ‘Hell and Back’ course in Killruddery, Co. Wicklow. The course consists of either an 8km or 13km run with obstacles dotted all over the course as well of course as plenty of mud to make it even more of a challenge. The teachers decided to take on the challenge to try and raise funds tor an outdoor play space for their pupils.

According to Amy Curran,

one of the teachers who took part in the challenge, she and her fellow teachers are delighted with the response to their fundraiser and they thanked everybody who donated or helped.

“So we made it through with cuts and bruises to prove it! We stuck together as a team which got us through some tough obstacles such as the tire squeeze which we renamed the laminator! It became such a community event with some parents joining in on the action and with local

businesses supporting us also.

“A special thanks to Holland Hardware, Mo Chara, Vinegarmans, Brendan Marmion Decorating Centre, A Lynch Ltd Champion Milk, Terry Kelly, Don Keating and Donal McArdle Car Sales. A huge thank you to all who have donated so far. We haven’t got a full Tally as of yet as we have sponsorship cards yet to come in. But the go fund me is standing at €3,520. There is still a chance to donate as every penny will count!,” stated Amy.

CBS Teachers muddied but unbowed after completing the gruelling ‘Hell and Back’ challenge in Killruddery, Co. Wicklow.

Alan Delany Vice-Chairman, Bellewstown Racecourse; Tadhg Carolan Chief Executive Office Tankardstown House; Jack Gogarty, Chairman; Jockey Kyle Faukner.

Local pilgrims and volunteers visit Lourdes

THE annual pilgrimage to Lourdes by the local branch of the Irish Association of Lourdes Volunteers left for France last Monday morning with almost 100 people embarking on the five day trip to the French town which has become a shrine for Catholic pilgrims all over the world. The southwestern French town welcomes over 6 million pilgrims each year to worship at the site of Our Lady’s apparitions to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. Last year was the first

time the Irish Association of Lourdes Volunteers visited Lourdes since 2019 due to the Covid pandemic and this year the group flew to France with a group of 91 people including 24 assisted pilgrims, 45 volunteers, doctors and nurses, four family members to help with family members who are assisted pilgrims and eighteen regular pilgrims. Siobhan Rothwell is a committee member for the Irish Association of Lourdes Volunteers who helped co-ordinate the trip and she says that

the volunteers who give their time freely to help assisted pilgrims get just as much out of the trip as the pilgrims.

“This group have been going to Lourdes since 2018 and the dedication our volunteers show is amazing. They pay their own way and take time off work to come and help and I know from talking to them that they get a lot out of the trips also. The sick and elderly wouldn’t be able to come to Lourdes if it weren’t for our loyal volunteers and they provide such a vital

service. We were delighted this year to bring five youth workers with us and it is brilliant for them to see a side of life that they might not be used to away from their home comforts. The trip, I hope, was of real benefit to them and of course we need new blood in the organisation to keep us vibrant and strong.

“I’ve been going to Lourdes for over forty years now since I was 9 years old and I still find it to be such a beautiful special place. A typical day would see us get up early around 7am

with the volunteers helping to get the assisted pilgrims washed and dressed and ready for the day. We attend the beautiful torchlight event and the grotto for prayer. We will attend the Blessing of the Sick and the Blessed Sacrament as well.

Away from the praying we will go to the Lake of Lourdes for a picnic and some singing and just enjoy the outdoors in a lovely peaceful spot.

All our workers are garda vetted and we have skilled doc-

tors and nurses with us as well as volunteers who help us with the elderly and those not able to walk. It takes a lot of work from the committee to organise this every year but it is worth it when you see the joy it brings to the pilgrims. We travel every year, typically in June and we will generally go for five days. If anybody would like to volunteer or find out more about our group they can contact me on 0870516324,” stated Siobhan.

Justine McGuirk announced as the 2024 Louth Rose

JUSTINE McGuirk has been proudly selected as the 2024 Louth Rose following a thrilling selection process that took place last Saturday at The Gateway Hotel, Dundalk. The event saw nine local entrants from Drogheda, Ardee, Collon, and Dundalk participate for the coveted title. The day was filled with plenty of fun with individual interviews in the morning, group interviews in the afternoon, and culminated in live stage interviews that evening. The judging panel on the day consisted of Mark Irwin 2013 Internation Rose of Tralee Escort, Karol Ann Kenna 2008 Louth Rose and Natalie Kelly founder of the Drogheda Dolls.

Hosted by Ollie Turner from Galway Bay FM, the night was a spectacular celebration of local talent and community spirit. The event was supported by Cathal on sound and light, stunning floral arrangements from Blooms Florist Dundalk, makeup on the night was by Emily from EOB Make Up, hair styling by Clodagh’s Hair & Beauty, and the whole night was captured by the amazing photographers Robert and Ross from Sky Lark Fotos. Justine McGuirk, a resident of Ardee originally from the vibrant town of Drogheda is a proud graduate of DKIT with a Bachelor’s (Hons) in Health and Physical Education. During her studies, Justine discovered her passion for working with people with disabilities and has since been a dedicated

advocate for their rights and abilities. She currently works as a day service supervisor, creating meaningful activities for those she supports.

Justine’s positive and bubbly personality,

coupled with her commitment to making a difference, perfectly embodies the spirit of the Rose of Tralee. Sponsored by Voices of the Boyne and Illuminated Skin, Ardee, she will represent Louth at the International Rose of Tralee Festival in Kerry from August 16th to 20th. Along with her fellow 2024 Roses, Justine will embark on a tour across Ireland, visiting various counties and attractions before arriving to

Tralee.

Justine reflects on the past few days “I am truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support I’ve received since being selected to represent Louth at this year’s Rose of Tralee festival. The encouragement and kindness from my friends, family, and community have been incredibly heartwarming. Every moment of the selection process has been a joy, and that’s thanks to the amazing Louth Centre Coordinator Clodagh, Emma Barry the 2022 Louth Rose, and the eight other incredible ladies who were up for selection. I am privileged to have been selected to represent us as a group and I hope to make you all proud.” The selection night also featured a charity raffle that raised nearly €1,000 for local charities chosen by the Rose entrants. The proceeds will benefit Drogheda Dolls House, Northeast Cancer Research & Education Trust, Maria Goretti Children’s Respite Centre, and Drogheda Women’s and Children’s Refuge.

If you or your business would like to support Justine on her journey as the Louth Rose or should you wish to invite her to attend an event, please contact Clodagh Murray at the Louth Rose Centre by email at louthrosecentre@roseoftralee.ie or via the official Louth Rose social media pages. We wish Justine all the very best on her journey to Tralee and know she will do the wee county proud!

Justine pictured with Emma Barry 2022 Louth Rose. Photo Credit: Sky Lark Fotos.

FAMILY NOTICES

IN MEMORIAM NOVENA

CONLON 18th ANNIVERSARY

In loving memory of our dear nephew Jason, late of Dublin and Dundalk, whose anniversary occurs on 25th June. We hold you close within our hearts, And there you shall remain, To walk with us throughout our lives, Until we meet again. —Sadly missed and never forgotten by the Conlon family.

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

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

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

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

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

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

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

Dundalk

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

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

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

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

Free health roadshow in Marshes today and tomorrow

THE Irish Cancer Society’s ‘Your Health Matters’ Roadshow will be in The Marshes, Dundalk, Co Louth from 9am-6pm on Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th of June, free of charge.

Members of the public are invited to come along for free to speak with our specialist cancer nurses to ask any questions they may have and seek support and advice. Pop down and have a chat with one of our nurses - no booking is required, just walk in. Available at the Roadshow are free blood pressure checks, body mass index (BMI) and carbon monoxide (CO) readings and information on cancer prevention, screening, and ways to help spot the early signs of cancer. A referral for a GP can also be arranged

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.

BOSCH LAWNMOWER with box and steel blades for sale. In excellent condition. Phone 0862185264.

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

ACCOMMODATION REQUIRED either with a family or in a separate house/ apartment for a Ukranian lady and her child. €800.00 of rent will be tax free. Nice lady, no bad habits, very neat and tidy. Please phone 087 6480845.

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 087-225-9799.

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 085840-7707.

FORTUNE TELLER—Available for appointment, private or group bookings. Tel. Alison 042 933 5102 or 087-6751229.

where further help is required.

The Roadshow will be located in The Marshes, Dundalk, Co Louth, between Boots and Sketchers.

Early detection and diagnosis of cancer is essential to improve health outcomes. When cancer is diagnosed early, it can improve the quality of life of those living

with cancer, increase survival and reduce the severity of treatment. Many patients find it difficult to or do not attend GP visits even when they are experiencing potential cancer symptoms.

The ‘Your Health Matters’ Roadshow initiative seeks to change this by promoting positive lifestyle changes, increasing awareness of cancer symptoms, and improving medical care-seeking behaviour for the early signs of cancer.

In 2023, the roadshow travelled to 28 different locations around the country. To date, over 42,200 people have learned about the importance of early detection, and almost 3,600 people have received health checks at Irish Cancer Society ‘Your Health Matters’ roadshows.

GARDEN MAINTENANCE—Hedge cutting, Lawn cutting, Powerwashing, fencing. Slabs laid. Contact Brian 086109-7358.

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.

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. Please note, we do not repair Clocks.

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—

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.

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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.

ANAM CARA HEALING— Holistic company providing Psychic Tarot Reading, Reiki, Crystal Therapy and Aromatherapy. Phone for appointments 0864591226 or visit www.anamcarahealing.ie”.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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CARPENTER— Fully qualified available for all aspects of carpentry. Tv units, paneling, doors or floors call James on 0871833091.

LOCAL PAINTERS & DECORATORS

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QUALIFIED MUSIC TEACHER offering music lessons in the Dundalk /Blackrock area in my home. Half hour private session at €20. Covering Piano Keyboard Guitar Singing and theory and practical leaving cert music if you are interested call Jacqui 0858780292.

LABOURER REQUIRED for a refurbishment job in Dundalk. Also a kitchen fitter required to fit a kitchen in Dundalk. Please contact 00447933 162305.

Step Inside the Outside

By International storyteller and bestselling writer Steve Lally

ON Wednesday the 5th of June and Thursday the 6th of June 2024 ‘Encore Productions’, the theatre company in residence at An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk put on a fantastic play entitled ‘The Beckett List’.

The play chronicled the life of the late, great Samuel Beckett beginning with his birth in Dublin in 1906.

‘The Beckett List’ then takes us on a surreal and existential journey from his quiet beginnings through the turmoil of war, obscurity and heartache up until the publication of his masterpiece ‘Waiting for Godot’, and as they say, the rest is history…

Alongside key events from his biography, this show brought to life characters from a wide range of Beckett’s plays. We waited a while with the tramps Vladimir and Estragon for the elusive Godot. We Played the ‘Endgame’ with Clov and Hamm. Up to our necks in sand we endured ‘Happy Days’ with Winnie and Willie, snuggled down in the bins with Nag and Nell and listened at last to the tapes of our past with old man Krapp.

Weaved through this beautiful tapestry of theatre were references to the work of many of the great poets, artists and writers of the time. I have been a fan of Samuel Beckett since I was introduced to his work by my late father, who also introduced me to the work of Oscar Wilde, W. B. Yeats and T.S. Eliot. It really struck a chord when I saw the beautiful relationship between Beckett and his father played by Jamie Linden and David Coyle, it would be fair to say I became quite emotional.

Beckett’s work is often demanding, challenging and esoteric, yet this cast of people who are often

seen as on the fringes of society, did powerful justice to his work.

I am sure that Beckett himself would have been both proud and impressed by their production. Beckett championed the outsider and gave voice to those who are often disregarded by society. There was a purity, honesty, integrity and authenticity in this play that transcended all popular belief of what it is to live with a disability.

Dolores McKeever’s portrayal of Hamm from ‘Endgame’ was outstanding and Paddy Durnin did a brilliant job as the founder of the Dadaist movement Marcel Duchamp. Rodger Zyro’s enthusiastic performance as the existential philosopher Jean Paul Sartre was electrifying. Lead man Jamie Linden did a magnificent portrayal of Beckett himself.

All of the performances were excellent, capturing Beckett’s bittersweet world of tragedy and humour along with breathtaking visuals,

props and music from Leonard Cohen, Schubert to the Beatles.

One of my all time favourite movies is ‘Adam and Paul’ (2004), a tragic tale of two homeless men set in a Beckettian dystopia of modern Dublin. My point being that Beckett’s work has and still continues to influence many popular and subcultures. In fact ‘Father Ted’ owes a lot to the work of Beckett.

Supported by ‘RehabCare’ and ‘Arts Council of Ireland’, Encore Productions have produced many great plays such as ‘Mother Courage’ in 2019, ‘Aesop’ in 2021, ‘A Midsummer’s Night Dream’ in 2022 and ‘The Visit’ in 2023.

Encore’s actors all attend RehabCare Services in Dundalk. In May 2023 the collaboration between RehabCare and An Tain Arts Centre won a top award at the Irish Health Care Centre Awards.

Some of the actors were new to the stage, while others have more than 20 years of acting experience.

‘The Beckett List’ was directed by Sandy Sneddon, who did a fantastic job and I hope to collaborate with him and the ‘Community Company in Residence’ in the near future. It was so good, I went both nights to see the show and would happily go again if it was on, but the good news is there will be a matinee on Tuesday 10th September 2024 at 11:00 am at An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk.

This show is a must for all Beckett and theatre fans and I can’t recommend it enough.

“Words are the clothes thoughts wear.”

—Samuel Beckett.

The show will return on September 10th for a matinee performance at an Táin Arts Centre in Dundalk.

Local writer Steve Lally was blown away by the quality of the performances in ‘The Beckett List’.

‘The Beckett List’ in An Táin.

FINAL WEEK