19-07-2023

‘Stadium will be built’

Louth GAA chairman Peter Fitzpatrick remains confident ahead of crunch Croke Park meeting

By Paul Byrne

Louth GAA Chairman Peter Fitzpatrickinsisted that the new county stadium is still on track despite what seemed like a major setback over the weekend when the County board were ordered to postpone their formal stadium construction launch. The site for the new stadium which is just off the Inner Relief Road across from DkIt Sport has already been levelled and work on the building of the stadium was due to begin on Monday.

Speaking to the Dundalk Leader ahead of crunch talks with Croke Park officials yesterday evening, Fitzpatrick admitted that there had been worries from Croke Park regarding the stadium but he stated that he was confident that all of their concerns could be ironed out during the meeting which was scheduled to take place at 5pm yesterday evening at GAA headquarters.

“There has been a lot of noise and negativity over the last couple of days but I just want to say that this stadium will be built and I look forward to meeting Croke Park officials this evening to sort this out.

Continued on Page 2

tesco longwalk staff members with simon reenan field sales Manager national lottery and tesco longwalk Manager paul Mcguinness. the €2.4m winning lotto ticket was sold in the store.

Stadium will be built insists Fitzpatrick

From Page 1

“Myself and a delegation from the County Board will attend the meeting and this will be the first time that all the relevant people will be in the same room together. Questions will be asked and answered. Concerns will be put to bed and I’m very confident that we will have a positive outcome from the meeting. This meeting needed to take place and once we sort out these minor issues the building of our new stadium will

commence,” insisted Fitzpatrick.

“I did briefly resign on Sunday evening but I’m back fully on board now as Louth GAA Chairman and I am 100% committed to delivering this stadium for the people of Louth,” he added.

The long-touted plan to build a brand-new stadium in Dundalk for Louth GAA was dealt a damaging blow over the weekend as Croke Park officials demanded the Louth County Board to halt the project pending a reassessment of the

costs involved..

The fallout of that instruction from Croke Park saw Peter Fitzpatrick briefly resign as Chairman of the county board during a hastily arranged and reportedly heated emergency meeting in Darver on Sunday evening. He withdrew that resignation the following day as Louth GAA announced that he would lead a delegation to Croke Park yesterday afternoon.

The County Board under the chairmanship of Peter Fitzpatrick had invited the public to attend a formal launch of the commencement of the building of the stadium with the main contractor Ganson due to officially make a start on the project.

However, that launch was unceremoniously halted after officials from Croke Park directed the County Board to postpone the launch amid worries about the spiralling costs of the project.

A statement from the GAA confirmed that they had instructed Louth County Board not to proceed with the launch.

“Meetings of An Coiste Bainistíochta and Ard Chomhairle took place last night (July 14th) and today (July 15th) respectively. The following decisions were taken: It was agreed to instruct Coiste Contae an Lú not to proceed with the current plans for a new Stadium pending a reassessment.”

On Sunday evening a statement from Louth GAA confirmed that

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they had abided by that directive but insisted that the delay would be a short one.

“Following communication with the GAA over the weekend, the launch and commence-

ment of construction of our new stadium is postponed until early August”

Initially the costing for the 14,000 capacity stadium was quoted at in or around €12m but

that figure ballooned to €29m in the space of a couple of years with a negotiated price of €25m eventually agreed with the main contractor Ganson.

€14.8 million of

that figure was sourced from the governments Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) while roughly another €3.2m has been raised/will be raised by the Louth County board from

fundraising initiatives, selling seats in the new stadium and naming rights. It was hoped and expected that the shortfall would be made up by Croke Park as well as national grants but those hopes were dashed with headquarters expressing their concerns about the cost of the stadium.

Croke Park officials will no doubt ask questions of the Louth delegation about the €25m bill to fund the building of the stadium but Fitzpatrick insists that they have the answers to all the questions and that it remains full steam ahead for the stadium which is due to be completed in time for the Senior County Football final in September 2024.

Tesco longwalk Dundalk revealed as selling location for €2.4 million winning lotto ticket

DunDalk’S newest millionaire has made contact with the national lottery following their big lotto win over the weekend. The national lottery revealed on Monday that Saturday night’s lotto jackpot winning ticket was sold at the Tesco supermarket in the long Walk Shopping Centre in Dundalk, Co. louth.

The national lottery has confirmed that the Wee

County winner has made contact and arrangements are now being made for the €2.4 million winner to collect their life-changing prize.

Paul McGuinness, Store Manager at Tesco longwalk said: “I’m delighted to hear that one of our Tesco longwalk customers has won big over the weekend. news travelled quick that there might be a win-

ner in the area and there was a great atmosphere with people coming in to check their tickets, hoping to be louth’s newest mil-

lionaire! It’s a lifechanging amount, huge congrats to the winner!”

Saturday night’s lotto jackpot winner became the 21st national lottery millionaire of the year to date as well as the 8th lotto jackpot winner of 2023 after scooping the life-changing amount of €2,418,002.

nearly 30 cent in every €1 spent on all national

lottery games goes back to Good Causes in the areas of sport, youth, health, welfare, education, arts, heritage, and the Irish language. In total, more than €6 Billion has been raised for Good Causes since the national lottery was established 35 years ago. In 2021 alone, €304 million was raised for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland.

Ireland’s newest Lotto jackpot winner comes forward

Work on the new stadium was due to commence on Monday but has now been postponed.

Louth GAA have previously stated that they hope to see the stadium completed by September 2024. The cost of the project currently stands at €25m.

Local TDs go the extra mile for charity

Better facilities needed to grow soccer in Ireland

BeTTer facilities are needed in order to grow soccer in the State to the levels that it needs to be at, Sinn Féin’s ruairí Ó Murchú has told the Dáil during a debate about funding for football.

The motion, tabled by the Labour Party, received cross party support on the last sitting day before the recess. During his contribution, Deputy Ó Murchú confessed to playing ‘badly’ at a regular seven-a-side game at the Gaels facilities in Dundalk.

the large scale sport infrastructure fund and sports capital grants to be considered. An across-the board solution is needed. The likes of Woodview Celtic in Dundalk do not have grounds.

DunDalk PTSB staff had a helping hand from local politicians Peter Fitzpatrick and Ruairi O’Murchu to complete 100km on treadmill for charity on Friday last.

The volunteers completed 100km on a treadmill on Friday, July 14 from 10am to 4pm to raise money in aid of Irish Motor neurone Disease.

according to PTSB staff member Darren Watters from Bay Estate, approximately 30 people took part in the event.

“We were gifted a loan of two treadmills. One was from

Energie Fitness by Pierse Duffy and

treadmill is from nicola McCallaghan, an ex-staff member,” said Darren.

Owen Duffy, PTSB Territory Manager for Monaghan and north louth was one of the people who ran on the treadmill.

“It worked out to around 5km per half hour. There were also a few guys who did a bit of walking. It just depended on their level of fitness,” said Owen.

“PTSB staff suggested a

number of charities which were shortlisted then Head Office let the public choose the beneficiary.

“It’s great to get local support from politicians and from customers and members of the public. It’s all about giving back to the community. We would like to thank everyone for their support.”

Owen added that when the final figure is totted up, the donations will be matched by PTSB and given to Irish Motor neurone Disease.

He said: ‘On some level there is agreement across the board. We welcome the work the FAI has done. We know we need facilities from top to bottom. My county has two teams.

‘There is Drogheda United and there is also Dundalk FC, which I wish the best in its game against the Magpies in Gibraltar on Thursday. I hope we can have an element of a european run but who knows.

‘Oriel Park, United Park and many other grounds are not up to the standard they need to be, if we want soccer to be the industry it could be. There is a need to address the issues that have arisen for players since

Brexit. It has created difficulties in the context of making it with teams in england.

‘We need to put all those pieces together. There is real interest and the numbers are up with League of Ireland, but, even in terms of sustainability or getting television stations interested, it has to be about facilities.

‘We need local authorities,

Speaking afterwards, Deputy Ó Murchú said: ‘Facilities, such as those available in League of Ireland, matter. Stadia in the league are really important, and so are the facilities that are needed for underage teams to feed players into the League of Ireland as well as the benefit that comes from just playing football for fun.

‘There have been huge strides in getting more girls to play soccer and the Louth School Girls’ League has been instrumental in that.

‘There are huge numbers of girls and boys soccer teams, some with good facilities, some without and some doing extraordinary work with the clippings of tin. There needs to be a conversation between all the stakeholders, including the Department of Sport and local authorities, about how we move forward and secure the future of soccer’.

Ruairí O Murchú TD and Peter Fitzpatrick TD helped raise money for Irish Motor Neurone Disease.

Ruairí Ó Murchú.

the second

Dundalk Tidy Towns and louth County Council agree closer co-operation following litter survey

D U n DAL k Tidy Towns recently met with Louth County Council to discuss the results of IBAL AntiLitter League Survey results.

The group had asked for a meeting with the local authority following the recent IBAL survey which saw Dundalk drop to the bottom of the table this making it the worst littered town in Ireland according to

IBAL (Irish Business Against Litter). According to a statement from Dundalk Tidy Towns, there was broad agreement from Louth County Council to help improve the issue of littering in the town.

“We thank Louth County Council for their swift response to our request for a meeting and their cooperation in dealing with the results.

“In the hours after the release of the results, Dundalk Tidy Towns issued a response and promised to keep the people of Dundalk up to date.

“There was broad agreement at the meeting that Louth County Council will work closely with Dundalk Town BIDS and Dundalk Tidy Towns to improve the performance of Dundalk

in the survey.

“We agreed a number of actions as follows:

Dundalk Tidy Towns volunteers will collaborate with Louth County

Council outdoor staff to ensure that as much of the town is cleaned regularly as possible. This includes greater collaboration on weed and litter management.

Landowners containing clothing banks will be contacted to ensure that these are properly maintained or, if appro-

priate, removed. Louth County Council will undertake a survey of clothing banks across the town to ensure management.

Dundalk Tidy Towns will regularly patrol areas named on the survey to ensure they are clean.

Louth County Council will review areas known to be litter blackspots and deal with them appropriately.

Dundalk Tidy Towns will plant and maintain areas of the Longwalk once cleared by Louth County Council.

“Dundalk Tidy

Towns will continue to engage with Louth County Council on issues as they arise across Dundalk.

“Dundalk Tidy Towns will be launching a litter initiative inviting all local businesses to sign up in the near future. In the meantime, we ask them to be mindful of litter on or around their premises.

“Once again,we thank the wonderful volunteers and residents Associations across Dundalk who give their time to love where they live. We thank Louth County Council staff,

particularly outdoor staff and contractors who look after our town on a daily basis.

“We also thank Dundalk Town BIDS and Dundalk Chamber for their support and work for the town.

“We have been inundated with messages of support and encouragement from the people of Dundalk since the results were released.

“We greatly appreciate them and encourage everyone to play their part in keeping Dundalk a Tidy Town,” concluded the statement from Dundalk Tidy Towns.

Logan’s flying debut in Mondello

LOGAn Hoey, from Channnonrock made quite the impression when he made his motor racing debut at Mondello Park last weekend.

The Patrician High School student, along with his father Anthony, built a car for the Patch Tyre equipment Junior MInI Challenge in the weeks running up to the event, only finishing the car at the circuit the day before the race meeting.

Despite this, Logan was immediately on the pace, going second fastest in the Free Practice session before qualifying. In his first ever qualifying session, Logan took third place, before going one better, crossing the line in second at the end of the opening race. even more impressive was his pace. Despite his complete lack of experience, his fastest lap was just over half a second off that of race winner and championship leader Bobby-Joe McFall.

In the second race of the day, Logan, who only turned 14 last month managed to take the lead early on to the delight of his family and supporters. At the flag. the delighted Dundalk driver was second once again, and this time his fastest lap was a mere three tenths off the fastest.

The Louth area has a long history of producing some of the fastest drivers in the country, with Tommy Byrne famously being named as being faster then Senna, by eddie Jordan and Brian Hearty having won more races than anyone else in the history of Mondelllo Park. With the likes of kian O’Brien, who is a front runner in the Fiesta ST Championship, and now young Logan Hoey, it seems that this trend won’t end any time soon!

The Language of Trees

JOIn us in Dundalk library for a conversation with louth native, katie Holten, on Tuesday 25th July at 6:00pm as she discusses her latest book, “The language of Trees” calling it a love letter to our vanishing world. all are welcome and there is no booking required. This event will also be livestreamed via Crowdcast here: https://crowdcast.io/c/ svtmb1q7d5ps.

Thumbs up from Logan Hoey having taken second place in the Junior MINI Challenge at Mondello Park.

FunDInG of €7 million has been allocated to louth County Council to target vacancy and dereliction in the towns of Drogheda and Dundalk. The funding is provided by the Department of Housing, local Government and Heritage under the Call 3 uRDF funding stream.

The URDF is a flagship element of Project Ireland 2040 and call 3 is key action in the Government’s Vacant Homes action

Plan2023. The third call is specifically designed to address long term vacancy and dereliction across the country and encourage activation of vacant properties and to bring stock back into productive use. This initiative is also in support of objectives under the revised Housing for all and Town Centre First policy. Chief Executive of louth County Council, Ms. Joan Martin said “We

are delighted to receive the allocation of €7m from the uRDF, this will enable louth County Council to progress our work in activating vacant and derelict properties in Drogheda and Dundalk which are designated as regional growth centres. Bringing these properties back into residential use will add renewed vibrancy and vitality into our towns. This programme complements existing schemes already

in place to tackle vacancy and dereliction”.

The funding will provide for the acquisition of vacant/derelict properties which are either not on the market for sale or to which the market has not responded. It is intended that properties could be acquired by agreement or under the CPO process and then offered for private sale to individuals, who in return will commit to bringing the prop-

erty into use as a home. Proceeds from the sale of these properties will ensure a rolling long term programme of acquisitions and disposals is in place. The funding allocation is based on a list of properties provided by louth County Council that have been identified as long term vacant and/or derelict and which may be suitable for activation using the revolving fund.

Funding made available to target vacant and derelict houses Festival based on nature, creativity and heritage

A FeSTIvAL based on nature, creativity and heritage is due to take place in Cooley, Co Louth over the August bank holiday and heritage week which is running from August 12-20.

The Cooley Connect Well voluntary group are running the festival to promote wellness through connecting communities and people.

According to one of the festival organisers, Clodagh McGreehan, last year’s event was the first ever and it comprised of 11 events over eight days.

“This year’s festival is about community connection and aims to connect people across the generations,” said Clodagh.

“There will be different walks and open days. The gatherings will be small. At most there will be 15 people on the walks.

“There might be 15 to 20 people at the gardens’ events. There

will be basket making workshops; we found a wonderful basket maker who is facilitating three workshops.”

Clodagh added: “The basket maker will possible host more due to demand. We have had good support from people in relation to the festival.

“People are not charg-

ing what they normally charge; just a small bit so it’s subsidised. A lot of the events are free.

“We want to do more community engagement. The theme for the festival this year is living heritage which is the same theme for heritage week.”

This year, the number of events taking place

has doubled so there is an extensive programme of activities. The aim is to increase the participation of local people as well as people visiting the area during the month of August.

The organisers are grateful to have the support of a small grant from the tourism department of Louth

County Council. The grant has helped to cover insurance and help subsidise some events as well as voluntary contributions from many people.

Six events will be run over the August bank holiday and 16 during heritage week from August 12-20.

The theme of the

August bank holiday is Wells of Connection and it is being promoted as a wellbeing weekend. During Heritage Week from August 12-20, the theme of the week is Hooley Booley Cooley and it is a celebration of living heritage, and the traditions of booleying and living and walking on the mountains.

Go green with help from lEO louth

“The Green for Micro programme has been extended and is now available to companies of up to 50 employees” declares Grainne Mckeown of Local enterprise Office Louth. “This opens it up to a whole new range of local companies who can now access this really valuable free support.”

An initiative of the Local enterprise Offices, Green for Micro was launched back in 2021 to support companies in becoming more sustainable, reducing waste, improving efficiency and minimising their carbon footprint. It was originally open to companies of up to 10 employees, but owing to the programme’s success, it has now been extended to companies of up to

50 employees and includes the manufacturing and hospitality sectors.

“Taking part in Green for Micro is free of charge for Louth businesses. The programme gives local companies access to an industry expert on a one-to-one basis, to help design and implement a sustainability plan tailored to each individual company. Working with the green consultant shows business owners, across a variety of sectors, that small changes can have a big impact on the company and the environment” Grainne continues.

And the good news goes on. Grainne explains “Companies that complete Green for Micro, may also be eligible for our new energy ef-

ficiency Grant. This scheme aims to reduce the impact of enterprises on the environment, thereby increasing the agility and resilience of these businesses. Funding can assist with costs such as installation of energy meters, smart energy controls, lighting upgrades, replacement or upgrade of manufacturing, production or engineering equipment with more energy efficient systems, heat recovery, small wind or hydro installations etc. The grant supports investment in technologies and equipment identified in the Green for Micro process (or GreenStart report or SeAI energy Audit) with 50% of eligible costs, up to a maximum grant of €5,000.”

Grainne concludes “The

team at the Local enterprise Office Louth are committed to helping local businesses to go green, reduce their carbon footprint and drive efficiency. Call us on 042 9335457 or visit www.localenterprise.ie/ Louth/Financial-Supports/ Green-for-Micro to discover more about Green for Micro and to submit your application.”

The Local enterprise Office (LeO) is a governmentfunded organization dedicated to providing support and resources to small and medium-sized enterprises across Ireland. LeO Louth offers a wide range of services including business advice, training, mentoring, and financial assistance to help businesses start, grow, and succeed.

Members of Cooley Connect Well enjoying last year’s Lughnasa Festival.

Caoimhe Carroll Ogam Aromatherapy

St Gerard’s Silkena and O’Connor selected by Team Ireland

Geraldine continues to smash records on the world stage

DUnDALk athlete Geraldine Finegan has returned triumphant from the World Tetra Decathlon event in Turnhout, Belgium and can now lay claim to being one of the fittest women in the world after dominating the Ultra Multi- event World Championships.

Geraldine (58), originally from Church Street in Dundalk, represented Ireland at the meeting and competed against athletes from all over the world including Canada, Finland South Africa and all over europe.

DUnDALk St Gerard’s AC

were this week delighted and proud to share the news that not just one, but TWO of its club athletes have been selected for the Ireland Team that will compete at the european Youth Olympic Festival (eYOF) later this month. Both enya Silkena and Tara O’Connor secured selection, based on reaching the qualifying standard in their respective events. Silkena will represent her country in the Heptathlon, while O’Connor will compete in the High Jump.

The Dundalk duo were among the forty-two athletes named by the Olympic Federation of Ireland, who will compete across five sports. The eYOF is a prestigious event that plays an important role in the overall development of athletes, as it mimics the

Olympic Games model, preparing athletes for the nuances of performing in a multi-sport environment. This year’s event will see forty-eight countries across europe participate in the event, with approximately 3,600 athletes competing.

The eYOF is the largest european multi-sport event for young athletes between the ages of 14 and 17 and generally occurs every two years. This year it takes place in Maribor, Slovenia and will run from the 23–29 of July. Of the 42 athletes selected, 22 of those were selected for Athletics. To have just one athlete from a local club meet the standard for selection would be incredible, but to have two is just extraordinary.

O’Connor and Silkena have put in enormous efforts honing

their craft over several years, achieving many successes on the County, Provincial, All Ireland and International stages along the way. Between them, they have broken and hold multiple juvenile athletics records. This latest achievement is a testament to their dedication and commitment to their sport. Their selection is very well deserved and is sure to provide them both with hugely valuable experience at another level, where they will battle it out with the best in europe. After a first taste of major multisport competition at the eYOF, many athletes have gone on to compete in the european Games and Olympic Games. The Irish team departs for Maribor on the 21st of July with competition starting on the 24th of July.

The women took part in 14 different track and field events over two days to find the fittest women in the world.

The opening day of the meeting saw temperatures soar to 33 degrees with competition taking place between 10 am and 6.20 pm daily. On Saturday 8th July the event began with Geraldine’s favourite event, the 100m hurdles, and the Dundalk athlete got off to a flyer by claiming the highest score of 1003 points.

This was the highest and best event from all the ages from 24 to 74yrs olds that were competing. The high jump was next which saw the north-east runner come first again earning her the highest point score of 955 points. The shot putt, 1500m, 400m hurdles and 200m all followed one after another.

Geraldine won gold in every event leading the first day on 4903

points leading all but a Belgian 24year old close on 4088 points after day one.

Day two started warm and sunny with the 100m sprint then long jump 400 m and the javelin throw. A new world age record broke in this event by two metres put Geraldine way ahead of her closest rival from Belgium, Gerda Andries.

This meant running the 800, 200m hurdles, discus and 3000m in cooler weather but a drenched track and Irish kit soaking wet. Full focus needed and two more

Dundalk Gaels Cúl Camp

successful wins in both the middle distance and the hurdle races. Geraldine threw the longest of all the masters throwers setting yet another World age group record in the discus throw putting to good use all she has learned from her new coach.

Geraldine wanted to finish with 400 points to make the massive breakthrough of 10,00 points. Only a few women have ever broke the 10,000 point barrier in multi events.

Geraldine stormed through the final event (3000m) with ease with 525 points smashing the highest score of all age categories with 10,125 points leaving Stephanie Brosens 8810 and Petra Bruggman 8090 in second and third for the local team of Belgium both 24 and 27 years half her age bowing to the older wiser more experienced Irish competitor.

Geraldine like everyone else has had her health issues and worries life isn’t an easy path but her message is don’t be afraid and face your fears head on then look your goal in the eye. The biggest fear one has is in your own mind. Win that battle to make the first step and it gets easier and easier. The choice is yours. Decide and results will follow.

Geraldine wishes to thank those coaches supporters and athletes who helped her achieve this World title once again they know themselves who they are.

Geraldine Finegan.

Enya Silkena. Tara O’Connor.

Lily Rose Bradley Emmie O’Donoghue and Darcie Gartlan.

Holly Phelan and Elsa Rowley.

Thomas Matthews Lucy Granfield and Cian Walsh.

Aoibhe Holland Aoife Clarke and Brigh McEnteggart.

Iollann O’ Connell and Conall O Maoileoin.

James McGinnity Keegan McArdle Hollie Rogers and Dylan McElarney.

Family Notices

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). s.k.

property/rental S S pe C ial S ervi C e S

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. advertiSe yoUr hoUSe Premises for rent or sale to 55,000 readers a week from €5. Telephone Dundalk Leader 042 93 -20888.

skehan alison 4th ANNIverSArY adrian 10th 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, 21st July, at 6.15pm.

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

Miracle prayer

Miraculous prayer to the holy spirit

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.

Carpentry repair, maintenance. Woodwork, attic space, fencing, feature walls, floors, kitchen and wardrobe repairs, shops and office suspended ceilings, metal partitions, drylining Tel enda 085 1481212. Semi-retired painter available–Internal & external. 30 Years experience, also power washing services, etc. Tel Dermot 087 2993660.

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). a.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 c 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). h.c.

Service of remembrance at Dundalk Famine Graveyard

DunDalk Famine Graveyard association will be holding their annual Service of remembrance at Dundalk Famine Graveyard on the 6th august at 5pm. all welcome.

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). a.d.

novena to the sacred heart

Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted.

(Never known to fail). p.M. novena to the 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.s

Holy Spirit, you who makes me see everything and shows me the way to reach my ideal, you who gives me the divine gift to forgive and forget all the wrong that is done to me and you who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank you for everything, and affirm once more that I never want to be separated from you no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones… in your perpetual glory. Amen. To that end, and submitting to God’s holy will, I ask from you… (mention your favor). You must pray this prayer 3 consecutive days. After the 3rd day your wish shall be granted no matter how difficult It may be. Promise to publish the dialogue as your favour has been granted. h c

Miraculous prayer to the holy spirit

Holy Spirit, you who makes me see everything and shows me the way to reach my ideal, you who gives me the divine gift to forgive and forget all the wrong that is done to me and you who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank you for everything, and affirm once more that I never want to be separated from you no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones… in your perpetual glory. Amen. To that end, and submitting to God’s holy will, I ask from you… (mention your favor). You must pray this prayer 3 consecutive days. After the 3rd day your wish shall be granted no matter how difficult It may be. Promise to publish the dialogue as your favour has been granted. a.c.

attention l andlordS—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.

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.

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

hoUSe & apartment CleaninG ServiCe—Specializing in re-Let & Spring Cleaning, Carpet & Upholstery cleaning. Fully insured. For a free quotation contact everkleen 042 9352717 / 087 6873188, www.everkleenservices.ie <http://www. everkleenservices.ie>.

tiler available experienced local tiler to carry out all types of tile work - marble, granite, porcelain. Indoors and out. Call 087-387-8995 for free quote.

SC tilinG—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 085-840-7707.

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

bUildinG ServiCeS extensions, renovations, Sunrooms, Conservatories and All General Maintenance. P.V.C. Fascia, Soffit and Guttering products supplied and fitted. bathroom refurbishment, Painting, Decorating, Wall & Floor Tiling. All types of roof repairs & Maintenance. For free estimates Tel 087 260 2501.

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.

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

rooFinG repairS & StoveS—Stoves supplied and fitted, fully insured, Hetas certified. Contact Paul englishby 087 6301914 or 041 98 94633 and Mark on 087 1302040 for roofing enquiries.

Garden & hoUSe maintenanCe Strimming grass, hedge cutting, weeding, also garden clearance, concreting, patios, painting, power washing, gutter cleaning, window cleaning, fencing. Have all the equipment. Contact brian 086-109-7358. 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 .

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 9.305.30pm & 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.

bUilder & home maintainenCe building, Woodwork, Painting, Plumbing, Tiling, Kitchen refurbishments, Paving & Fencing. no job to big or too small. Tel. 087 295 2529.

podiatry/Chiropody treatment in the comfort of your own home. Ms. Dara McCoy, bsc. Podiatry, COrU registered 0871924794. poWer WaShinG of driveways/paving/ walls/patios. no job too big or small. Competitive rates. Call Will on 085 860 4048. ddS paintinG & Decorating Services. Dundalk area. Internal and external painting and wallpapering. Free estimates within 12 hours. 10 years experience. Tel David 085 7308777.

Will’S Garden ServiCeS—Lawn cutting, edges, hedges, strimming, rubbish & recycle removal, garage/house/yard clearances. Call Will on 085 860 4048.

man With a van—Hedges, tree topping, painting, facia & Soffit, patios, concreting, garage clear-outs, outside taps. Call Kevin for a free & honest quote 0894016728.

paintinG & deCoratinG—Interior & exterior, Spray Painting & Hand Painted Kitchens, etc. All work carried out by professional Trades Men. Call brian 087 7558506. GraSS-CUttinG in and around the Dundalk area. experienced and reliable. Contact Michael on 0871477067.

man in a van—House moves, furniture delivery/removal, yard/garage clearances, recycling & rubbish removal. Call Will on 085 860 4048 for a competitive quote.

aa Flat rooF repairS—All flat roofing repairs carried out by experienced felt roofer. Call 087 2607558.

G W paintinG and Decorating. Keen rates. estimates free. Phone 086 3848079. loC al Carpenter/Joiner available, 20 years’ experience, Floors, Skirting, Panelling, Kitchens, Wardrobes, Internal & external Doors, etc. Tel Sean 083 0344035. loC al poWer WaShinG no job too big or too small. Patios, driveways, walls, also grass cutting & gutter cleaning. Contact James 087 4464960 for free quotation. briCk pavinG—Cobble Locking, natural Stone Patios, Decking, Concreting, also General Patio Maintenance. no job too small Tel 087 6344596.

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.

part time/relieF driver required, full licence, must be over 25, HGV licence is not required. Tel 087 2564616.

loUth CoUnty CoUnCil—We Aidan and Leisa Harnett intend to apply for Full Planning Permission for a single storey rear kitchen extension at 35 bay estate, Dundalk, Co. Louth. Development to include new front boundary wall and revisions to parking space and all associated site development works. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Louth County Council from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing within a period of 5 weeks from the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00.

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Sophie Cumiskey Eva Grills and Cliodhna O’Neill during ‘Dancing With OuR Stars’ perfromed by the Dance Kids

Dundalk Gaels Flag Day

THe Dundalk Gaels GFC and LGFA Club based in the heart of Dundalk town is planning to host its annual flag day on Saturday, August 5. It is an important fundraiser for the club. For more information please visit dundalkgaels.com.

Splash out for rape Crisis ne

On 29th July 2023, a pier to pier swim will take place in Carlingford in aid of rape Crisis north east Clg. The swim will happen at 9am to coincide with full tide and will be co-ordinated by Harry Jordan of Carlingford Swimmers. Leading this swim will be four members of the Grainne ni Mhaille relay team who swam from Templetown Beach in Co. Louth to rockall Light in Skerries, a distance of 44 klms.

We are hoping to make a big splash with loads of swimmers taking to the water to raise awareness of our service and to generate funds for a deposit to buy a new building and expand our HQ and service in Dundalk. The swim will be from St. John’s Pier to the South Pier in Carlingford and Hot House Sauna (mobile sauna) will be on hand to raise the temperature should the waters prove chilly. There will be a commemorative medal for each participant and a Go Fund Me page has been set up for anyone who wishes to donate https://gofund. me/84fff562

To reassure potential participants, our swim will be approx. 150 metres and will take ten to fifteen minutes. Swimmers will be counted in the water at St. John’s Pier and counted out of the water at the South Pier. There will be health and safety boats on hand and flotation devices are recommended as backup for inexperienced swimmers.

Harry Jordan was approached to ask for advice in running a charity swim for rape Crisis north east Clg and within a few days he had formed a Committee of Jenn Fitzgerald, Fiona O’neill, Aisling Burke and Deirdre Jordan. Harry is passionate about open water swimming and formed the Carlingford Swimmers 6 years ago, he himself has been swimming about half a million metres in the sea each year and swears by the benefits. The team in rape Crisis north east Clg are so grateful for the trojan work done by everyone on this Committee to make our fundraiser a success.

rape Crisis north east provides a specialised counselling, advocacy and support service to all survivors of rape and sexual abuse in the north east of Ireland including Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan and surrounding areas. We are currently fundraising to purchase a new building with enough space to expand our service and base in Dundalk. Our waiting list is unacceptable and it is imperative that we find a premises suitable for our needs. We need a young person’s room designed to ease the process of disclosure and enough counselling rooms to expand. We are currently expanding our outreach in Drogheda in collaboration with Drogheda Women and Children’s refuge Centre Clg and setting up a new service in Co. Meath in collaboration with Meath Women’s Aid refuge and Support Service along with our existing outreach in Castleblayney.

“We are so looking forward to this event” said Grace McArdle, Manager of rape Crisis north east. “It will be an amazing way to start a Saturday in July and hopefully we will see lots of swimmers making a big splash for our service”

For Further Information Please Contact Jennifer on 042 9339491 or office@rcne.ie. rCne Helpline number is 1800 21 21 22.

??? QuIZ ???

1—Who won their second major tennis title on Sunday after defeating reigning champion novak

Djokovic in a thrilling final at Wimbledon?

2—Can you name the four nautical terms used for the front, back, left and right sides on a ship?

3—One of the b eatles biggest hits was called Hey Jude. Who did Paul McCartney write the song about?

4—Which word can be placed before bottle, bell and bird?

5—What day was traditionally Market Day in Dundalk at the start of the last century

6—Which Welsh poet insisted that we do not go gently into the night?

7—Can you name the four types of teeth humans possess?

8—What was Che Guevara’s nationality?

9—What do the words brunette, cliché, fiancé and gazette have in common?

10—What is the only US state to begin with the letter P? the Stinker—Four british cities have underground r ail systems. Can you name them?

5—Monday, 6—Dylan Thomas, 7—Molars, Pre-Molars, Canines and Incisors, 8—Argentinian, 9—They are all nglishe words with French origins, 10—Pennsylvania. Stinker: London, Glasgow, Liverpool and ewcastle.n —answers—

3—Paul wrote the song for John Lennon’s son Julian when John was about to divorce his first wife Cynthia, lue,b4—

1—Carlos Alcaraz, b2— ow and Stern, Port and Starboard.

DkIT Academy puts local athletes through their paces

D U n DAL k Institute of Technology (DkIT) were delighted to recently host their inaugural High-Performance Academy which was a huge success.

This unique multisports camp for teenage athletes enabled students to step into the shoes of a sports scholarship student and take a walk through the support network that is available to elite/Highperformance sports scholarship students at DkIT.

The DkIT Sports and Societies Team enjoyed welcoming 17 athletes from various sporting disciplines such as Drogheda Swimming club, Dundalk rugby Club, Louth u14 GAA, Stabannon Parnells, St. Fechins Camogie and LGFA and Dundalk Young Irelanders GAA.

The sports staff at DkIT were thrilled to share their expertise in the areas of skill development and sports related fitness. They called on local experts Sharon Courtney (All-star winner and Louth GAA nutritionist), Sarah Fagan (LGFA player and PhD student) and Ciarán Sloane (Louth GAA Strength and conditioning coach) to share their knowledge and experiences in the areas of

Seventeen local athletes from various sports joined the academy.

nutrition, strength and conditioning, recovery and lifestyle balance for athletes.

All participants had a fun three days with Camper of The Week who was Alex Pepper from Inniskeen stating “I learned so much from all of the coaches and met a lot of new friends. I think we will all take what we

learned this week into our sporting careers going forward”.

The organising committee were delighted with the success of the camp and Dr Bronagh McGrane said “it was great to see so many athletes from Louth and surrounding areas come together to develop, learn and get the opportunity to sample the

brilliant facilities here at DkIT. The best part for me was seeing them make new friends and share their own knowledge with each other as well as learning from the experts. This HighPerformance Academy will most definitely become a stalwart of the DkIT Sports Calendar. We can’t wait to host it again!”

new social club for north Louth branch of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland

THE north louth branch of the alzheimer Society of Ireland has announced plans for a new social club It’s being seen as a stepping stone for a client and their family before coming into The Birches Day Care Centre.

a family member is being invited to take them along to the Saturday Morning Social Club where they can stay to

have a cup of tea and a chat with members of The Birches team and volunteers who will be in a position to deal with any concerns or questions the client or family member might have.

after their cuppa there will be social activities like music and a quiz. The Saturday Morning Social Club will be launched this weekend (July

21st) and moving forward will take place on the third Saturday of the month from 11am to 1pm.

The branch is also taking the opportunity to remind those whose loved ones have alzheimer’s Disease or another form of dementia that their monthly support group continues on the last Thursday of the month at 7.30pm.

Athletes take part in the High Performance Academy.