22-02-2023

Blink and you’ll miss him! Sensational Israel breaks another

By Paul Byrne

Sprinting sensation israel Olatunde confirmed his status as the fastest man in ireland as he defended his national indoor 60 metres in a record time of 6.57 seconds. The former Marist student beat paul Hession’s longstanding irish record of 6.61 which had stood for sixteen years.

After the race the twenty year old UCD student, who is in his final year of studying Computer Science with Data Science, had a quick glance at the clock before launching into a wild celebration running back down the track in delight having realised he was now the proud owner of the irish record. Speaking after the race israel credited his coach Daniel Kilgallon for keeping him focused after his rocky start to the season.

“i just came out here to have some fun and give it my all. it’s been a bit of a rocky season so far but my coach just kept me focused and we knew the times would come. And championships are the best times to give the best performance, i’m so happy to do it in front of this crowd here, it’s awesome.” Continued

Sensational Israel breaks another Irish record

From Page 1

When asked what it meant to him to have broken Paul Hession’s national record Israel payed tribute to the now former record holder.

“It means the world, Paul is a class act, it’s just amazing to follow in his footsteps, and to push the boundaries even more means a lot to me. Hopefully that will continue for the next few years, and other guys will improve as well.

“We kind of just forget about times, just focused

on getting through each round, then getting the win. I knew if I produced my best anything could happen. As I said, I love championships, so to go to Istanbul with a national record, we’ll see what happens.”

That run from Olatunde couldn’t have been better timed with the Indoor European Championships in Istanbul just around the corner. Confidence will be high for Israel who cemented his growing reputation last season by breaking the national

100m record as well as finishing sixth in the European 100m final in Munich in August.

A winter of hard work along with his training partners in Tallaght AC under the watchful eye of his coach Daniel Kilgallon is reaping dividends now for the Dundalk man and he will now look ahead to a big year with the European Indoor Championships in Istanbul and the World Outdoor Championships in Budapest his two big targets for this year.

Birches Alzheimers support group returns

By Tamara O’Connell

THE Birches Day Centre Nurse Manager Olive Joyce is encouraging anyone who has a diagnosis of Alzheimers in their lives to attend its family support group in-person meeting.

The Dundalk Alzheimers Day Centre on the Dublin Road had a “very strong” family support group prior to Covid-19.

“Under Covid-19 the meetings were held virtually but we are now back to in-person meetings,” said Olive.

The new support group meetings are taking place on the last Thursday of each month in the Birches Day Centre, Priorland Road, Dundalk at 7pm.

“The aim of the group is to provide a support network where people have an understanding of the difficulties of the family carer,” said Olive.

“Only someone who has walked the same road can really understand how and what the family carer is dealing with.”

The support group has been running for 23 years this year.

“As we have encountered issues along the road; we’ve brought solutions. The meetings are the one place you can come and be yourself,” she said.

“It’s two hours for one night a month where you can come and be yourself. You

don’t have to talk but it’s a safe space.

“Some people in the group will be ahead of you or behind you on the road. There is information but that’s not the main aim.”

Olive continued: “Most people first come in with a wariness but they find that it’s a nonjudgmental space.

“It’s key to minding yourself; there is a hidden grief and over 66 per cent of carers tend to develop some health issues.

“Carers are not in constant crisis but it is constant wear and tear. Everyone has something to contribute and there is a tremendous amount of support.”

She added: “And it’s peer support which is very important as everybody understands where you are at.”

For more information contact Olive on 042 935 1388 or 085 8728667 for more details.

Olive Joyce.

Israel Olatunde heads to the Indoor European Championships in Istanbul in two weeks time in fine form.

Aleigha Gray, Eabha McCann, Anya Saoudi and chef Gerry Higgins at the back celebrate Pancake Tuesday in Castletown Girls School.

Rugile Erstikyte and Kendall Bird from Castletown Girls School on Pancake Tuesday.

L-R: back left Jennifer Lawrence and Maire O Rourke-Curran, Front left Diane McKeown and Kim O’Hare helped out on Pancake Tuesday in Castletown Girl’s National School.

Difficulties accessing mental health support for people with addictions Parade will showcase “the best of what Dundalk has to offer”

DIFFICUlTIES faced by people in louth in accessing mental health services, particularly when they are also battling addiction, were highlighted by Dundalk TD Ruairí Ó Murchú during a debate on Sinn Fein sponsored legislation. The Health (Amendment) (Dual Diagnosis: No Wrong Door) Bill 2021 was introduced by Sinn Féin TDs Mark Ward and Thomas Gould.

Deputy Ó Murchú said: ‘I remember that Derek Pepper of Shine spoke at an event lately to remember Harry Taaffe, who we lost. It was a Dundalk FC event and Harry had done a huge amount of work for them over many years.

‘We recall with sadness the loss of Harry. I remember something Derek had spoken about previously, which was the fact that we all have within us, within the brain, a hand grenade.

‘He said anything can be the trigger that releases this in relation to mental health issues. We all know the issues there are with drug addiction, drug abuse and the issues there have always been with alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction, especially in this country.

‘These can obviously be the means by which this grenade is released. Then it is a case, first of all, that the person is not going to get better unless there is a medical plan and gets the treatment

needed. Unfortunately, this can for many of them be a recurring problem over many years, so it does not help when we have services that are not trained, not resourced sufficiently and basically turn people away.

‘We all know that at times people are brought up to the accident and emergency department in Drogheda and sometimes, depending on whether a doctor does or does not sign a form, they may be brought to Crosslanes, which is the department of psychiatry in the town. Then we deal with the dual diagnosis question. There are really no winners with that and we have a huge amount of people with a considerable amount of issues that are never actually dealt with.

‘The particular issue that arises when this grenade is released can mean somebody has no right door to go to at that point in time. We obviously need to ensure the front-line services are dealt with

and that they are sufficiently resourced.

‘Beyond that, we must look at how we deal with the issue of hospitals, accident and emergency departments and emergency services’.

He highlighted how figures show how ‘utterly underrepresented’ louth is when it comes to mental health teams and all the services that are required.

And he welcomed the announcement of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs which has been set to start work in April.

Deputy Ó Murchú also highlighted the issue of the mental health liaison team at Our lady of lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, which operates during office hours and not beyond that.

He said: ‘It is a major failing because as we all know, when we are dealing with issues of psychosis and other such issues, and when gardaí and everyone else are dealing with them it is generally in the evening and night-time hours.

‘That is something that has to be addressed. There are probably sufficient resources to put that in place at this point in time and we just need an agreement. That obviously involves all the players, including the department of psychiatry, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Hospital Group and Our lady of lourdes Hospital’.

URBAN Green’ is the theme for this year’s St Patrick’s Day event in Dundalk, which the voluntary committee hopes is the ‘greenest and most eco-friendly ever’.

The committee, which is chaired by Cllr. Conor Keelan and includes as members Cllr. Maeve Yore, Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú, Shane McBride, Maria O’Toole, Dagan Fleming and Anne Campbell, said they are ‘delighted’ with the response received so far to the call for participants.

Cllr. Keelan said: ‘We have received a good response so far to the call for people to take part in the parade, and they are really backing the ‘Urban Green’ theme.

‘This year, we want to showcase the very best of what Dundalk has to offer, as well as promoting an environmental message’.

There will be a family fun zone at Market Square, along with live music after the parade is finished.

The parade, which is sponsored by louth County Council, and

which has also received funding from PayPal, Dundalk Credit Union, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, Oriel Windfarm, Digiweb, SEO Solutions, Dundalk BIDS, BK Forklifts, Print Express, Pelican Promotions, Digital Screen Displays and Stage and lighting, will take place at 1pm on St Patrick’s Day, starting from Patrick Street and finishing in Dublin Street.

This year, participants will be asked to switch off their sound effects as they move up Dublin Street so that those with sensory

difficulties can enjoy the parade without having to worry about the noise, Cllr. Keelan said.

He said the committee is also working on making sure that wheelchair users will be able to enjoy the parade from a special viewing platform.

He said: ‘It is important to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy the parade and when we received requests from parents whose children want to go to the parade but find it difficult with the music and sirens, we were more than happy to accommodate them by providing a section along the route where all the noise would be switched off.

‘In addition, we want to provide a viewing platform for those who use wheelchairs and we will be providing more details on this in the coming days’. Cllr. Keelan said there is still time for community, voluntary, social and sports groups, along with businesses, to take part and they should email: info@stpatricksdaydundalk.ie.

A S TORy?

Ruairi Ó Murchú, TD.

Fitzpatrick asks for end to forced retirement for defence forces personnel

INDEPENDENT TD, Peter Fitzpatrick has urged An Taoiseach to reconsider the current laws which make it compulsory for highly experienced defence forces personnel to retire on age grounds.

He cited a staff retention crisis and used the example of a 50 year old fit and healthy Private in the military who was forced to retire due to his age.

“The military is in the grip of a staffing retention crisis

following a mass exodus due to pay, pensions and conditions. last November, the then Minister for Defence, Deputy Coveney, secured an extension of service for sergeants who had joined on post-1994 contracts and were due to retire on age grounds.

“One of my constituents is a 50-year-old private who has served for almost 29 years, including on seven overseas trips. He is a highly trained individual with level

3 qualifications, but is being forced to retire. It is ludicrous to replace him and to train another qualified person when this man is fit, capable and eager to retain his role.

“Retaining these experienced personnel is a key enabler in strengthening the capability of our Defence Forces. What is going to happen when the ever-depleting backbone of the Defence Forces becomes so rare that they cannot pass

€2.8m in once-off

on their experience to new recruits?

“Since the extension of service was obtained for sergeants, the Department of Defence has been advocating for change, but the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform has been stalling on permitting this solution.

“I ask the Taoiseach to step in to ensure this happens. Is the Taoiseach aware that for the first time in more

than eight years, the number of personnel has fallen to below 8,000? This man is willing to work. He is medically fit. I ask the Taoiseach for action now.

An Taoiseach agreed with Fitzpatrick’s complaint but noted that there were complications to changing the law due tomatters linked with contracts.

“I have never been a particular fan of compulsory retirement ages. If somebody is fit and healthy and able

to continue in their work, by and large we should allow them to do so, in particular at a time when we are struggling to recruit and retain staff across the board. I know there are some particular complications in this matter linked to contracts and so on, and there is engagement between the Minister for Defence and the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform on it,” he explained.

Peter Fitzpatrick,

TD.

funding for louth’s voluntary

and community providers—Fergus

LOCAL Fine Gael TD, Fergus O’Dowd, has welcomed news that over €2.8m in one off funding will be delivered to voluntary and community providers in County Louth over the coming weeks.

In Budget 2023, government announced funding to assist various sectors with costs related to energy inflation, including €100 million targeted at a range of health funded bodies, the monies to-

day have been allocated from this “inflation fund”.

O’Dowd said “A total of 87 community and voluntary health and social care providers in Louth will receive payments over the coming

O’Dowd

weeks from the HSE ranging from €1,000 to €1.6m. “Recipients in Louth include €1.6m for Saint John of God Community Services, €227k for Praxis Care, €146k for the Rehab Group Community Support, €117 for the Irish Wheelchair Association and €57k for the Order of Malta Regional

Services in Drogheda. Our local Voluntary organisations play a vital role in protecting and caring for the most vulnerable in our society, they assist directly with people with disabilities, older people, those suffering from addiction, mental health problems and life-limiting illnesses.O’Dowd added

“The extortionate inflation we have seen over the last two years has led to our local frontlines community and voluntary services facing huge pressures.

“All eligible organisations will shortly receive a letter from the HSE confirming the amount that they will receive and the terms of the fund.”

??? QuIZ ???

1—Which Irish actor won best supporting actor at the baftas on Sunday evening?

2—Who hosted the TV gameshow The generation game between 1971 and 1977 and again between 1990 and 1995?

3—With his image commonly worn in pendants and displayed in cars, who is the patron saint of travellers?

4—The famous Hollywood sign originally had which four letters on the end?

5—Can you name the world renowned structural engineer who grew up in dundalk who

worked on the Sydney Opera House, louvre Pyramid and Centre Pompidou?

6—If there are two full moons in a calendar month what is the second full moon called?

7—Which Irish Taoiseach was in office when Ireland qualified for the 1990 World Cup in Italy?

8—With which band was Indian yoga guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi associated with?

9—Caviar is made of the pickled roe of which fish?

10—Athos, Porthos and Aramis formed which literary trio?

The Stinker—Can you put the continents in order from largest

to smallest. Continents being South America, north America, Antartica, Australia, Europe, Asia and Africa.

—answers—

Answers: 1—Barry Keoghan (The Banshees of Inisherin, 2—Bruce orsyth,f 3—Saint Christopher, 4—LAND, 5—Peter Rice, 6—Blue Moon, 7—Charles J Haughey, 8—The Beatles. He was the founder of Transcendental Meditation and became the group’s Spiritual Advisor. 9—Sturgeon, 10—The Three Musketeers. Stinker: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia.

Viktoria Isakova, Sabrina Cruise and Grace McAlevey enjoying their pancakes in Castletown Girls School yesterday morning.

Lisa shares her story as Rare Disease Day approaches

By Tamara O’Connell

A DUNDAlK woman whose daughter has been diagnosed with a rare disease has spoken about the importance of marking World Rare Disease Day.

lisaMarie Hodgins, aged 41, from the Castletown Road has three children; Seanadh (13), Keelyrose, aged nine, and Riain, aged five.

“When Seanadh was born on the 30th April 2009 I had no idea anything was wrong. When

she was six months old she did a hearing test with the public nurse,” said lisaMarie.

“The health nurse was alarmed at the results. She organised an MRI when she was nine months old and she was just over a year old when she was diagnosed with a syndrome.

“She was diagnosed with 3p25 deletion syndrome. I was just 27-years-old at the time and walking blind.”

lisaMarie added: “The first thing I did was I googled the syn-

drome, which I shouldn’t have done as the results said that most kids diagnosed with this condition didn’t live past the age of three.”

Rare Ireland helps families with genetic counselling and subsidised therapies. Chromosome 3p syndrome is a rare chromosome abnormality that occurs when there is a missing copy of the genetic material located towards the end of the short arm (p) of chromosome 3.

“The charity, Rare Ireland Support Net-

work, is a lifeline. There are only about six children in the whole of the Republic with 3p syndrome,” said lisaMarie.

“A lot of children have heart problems and kidney problems. She never got epilepsy but she does have really low muscle tone.

“She’s in a wheelchair and has a hearing aid. Her eyesight is quite bad even with glasses. She didn’t start speaking until she was seven years old.”

She continued: “Her

jaw didn’t develop properly and she has Autism and ADHD but she is quite happy in her world.

“Rare Ireland and Family Carers Ireland have been good in terms of support. We’re not alone.

“I’ve got two girls with special needs but they go swimming and to the Cooley Kickhams All Stars every Saturday. It’s starting up again in the spring and they go to yoga through SNAP.”

Rare Disease Day is due to take place on February 28. Rare Ireland Family Support Network support over 1,600 children and young adults living with

a rare condition in Ireland. These children and young adults have very serious, often lifethreatening conditions.

“We are the only charity in Ireland set up to specifically help parents of children/adults living with a rare disease in Ireland,” said a

Rare Ireland spokesperson.

“We would like to raise awareness of our charity and let people know how we can help them.

“We are a volunteerled charity and we subsidise genetics counselling, speech therapy, Occupational therapy, Equine therapy, hospital gift boxes and more.”

The spokesperson added: “We have some upcoming events planned to celebrate Rare Disease Day, such as a sponsored swim in the sea in Waterford and Dublin, a nationwide chain of lights where buildings are lighting up, coffee mornings and more.”

Dundalk lions Club Poker Classic

At the launch of the Dundalk

DUNDAlK lions are pleased to announce the return of the Poker Classic Fundraiser on Sunday April 30th at the lisdoo Restaurant Newry Road Dundalk starting at 5pm.

According to Matt Pepper from the organising committee the lions Club are delighted to hold one of their main fundraisers again after an enforced break during Covid.

“Due to Covid Restrictions

Poker

this is the first Poker Fundraiser since 2019 and it is great to be back with a guaranteed first prize of €3000 and 7 follow up prizes”

Callan Quinn, who was recently named as the new Dundalk lions Club President, thanked everyone involved in the 25th Poker Classic event. He stated that the proceeds will allow Dundalk lions to continue to support the local community.

The tickets cost €80 and are available by contacting either Matt Pepper on 085 174 0221 or James Watters on 087 256 8895.

A light Meal is included. You may also have the opportunity to win a ticket in the Poker Satellites Games. Details of dates and venues will appear on Dundalk lions Social Media Facebook and Twitter.

Lions

Classic- James Watters, Catherine Doherty, President Callan Quinn and Matt Pepper..

Séanadh, Keelyrose and Ríain.

Celebrating enterprise success

“HOW wonderful it is to celebrate excellence, and we have so much to celebrate here in louth,” declares Riona McCoy, Acting Head of Enterprise at local Enterprise Office Louth.

The louth Enterprise Awards for 2023 take place on Friday, 10th March at The Monasterboice Inn, Drogheda. The business community, from right across louth, are invited to come along and enjoy this lunchtime celebration of excellence in enterprise.

Hosted by local Enterprise Office Louth and louth County Council, the Awards will recog-

nise louth’s Best Start Up and Best Established businesses, as well as excellence in Innovation and Sustainability. The

overall winner of the louth Enterprise Award 2023 will go forward to represent the county at the National Enterprise

Awards at The Mansion House, Dublin in June.

Riona continues “Our special guest speaker for this year‘s event will

be Seán O’Connor, cofounder of STATSports, the most powerful GPS tracker in sport. Providing data to elite teams across the world, the STATSports story is one of pure entrepreneurship, a drive for global success and consistent innovation to stay at the top. Seán will be in conversation with lMFM’s Gerry Kelly, who is hosting this year‘s event, and will talk about innovation, breaking into new markets, dealing with challenges and competition, and how to keep the right mindset to stay ahead in business.”

This awards lunch is

a great opportunity for networking and connecting with other business people. Attendance is free of charge, but places are strictly limited and early booking is recommended. Visit localEnterprise.ie/ l outh to book and to discover all the other local Enterprise Week events. Riona concludes “Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to network, learn, and be inspired by others in business. Book your place now and we look forward to seeing you at The Monasterboice Inn on Friday 10th March to celebrate business excellence in louth.”

€2,353,638 National Roads and Greenways funding

Senator Erin McGreehan has confirmed that €2,353,638 has been allocated to louth County Council for national roads and greenways in 2023. This Government funding is for local authorities through Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for national roads and

greenways in 2023.

The Department of Transport is providing €491m of Exchequer capital funds for national roads to local authorities which will see allocations for 34 major projects across the country.

Included in the funding is capital investment for protec-

tion, renewal and active travel, funding for new road construction and maintenance and funding for greenways.

Senator McGreehan said, “This funding is crucial for louth County Council to continue improving our national roads and greenways infrastruc-

ture. It will help ensure that our roads are safe, reliable and accessible for everyone who uses them. I am particularly delighted to see investment in active travel and greenways, which will encourage people to get out and explore our beautiful county on foot or by bike.”

“Improving our in-

frastructure not only benefits the local community, but it also attracts investment and tourism to the area. I am committed to working with local authorities and the government to secure more funding for our county and to deliver the best possible services and amenities for

all our residents.”

“I want to thank Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Department of Transport for their ongoing commitment to investing in our national roads and greenways, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this funding will have on louth.”

Sean O’Connor from STATSports Gerry Kelly will host the event.

DkIT Announce winner of the Peter Rice Engineering Award 2023

CAllUM Mulholland who is a graduate of the Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering has been announced as the winner of the Peter Rice

Award 2023 at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT).

The annual award ceremony, which is sponsored by Engineers Ireland Northeast

Region, honours the renowned Dundalkraised engineer, Peter Rice who worked for Ove Arup on major global projects such as the Centre Pompidou,

lloyd’s of london, the louvre Pyramid and Sydney Opera House.

The Peter Rice medal is awarded each year to the best level 7 Engineering student project at DkIT. It is an opportunity to showcase project work within the School of Engineering, with student posters and projects on display during the event. For the competition itself, three candidates from a range of Engineering disciplines presented their level 7 student projects to an audience of students, staff and a panel of judges from Engineers Ireland Northeast Region.

The 2023 finalists were Calum Mulholland, BEng in Mechanical Engineering, Bakhtawar Parhiar, BEng

in Electrical and Electronic Systems, and lee Dunne McConville, BEng in Civil Engineering. Following their presentations, each candidate was interviewed by the judging panel. The judging

panel consisted of Seán McCarthy, Breen Jackson, Darren Sheelan, and Eamon Dillane, all members of Engineers Ireland

The panel awarded this year’s Peter Rice Medal to Calum Mul-

holland for his project on the design and development of a powered sliding seat for a commercial vehicle.

The winning project was carried out in partnership with Combilift, Monaghan. The judges were impressed by the enthusiasm and engagement of all three competitors along with the insights and innovative thinking they highlighted in their presentations and interviews. While all three competitors were of a phenomenal quality, the judges felt that on the day Calum best demonstrated the innovative thinking and approach for which Peter Rice was famed.

The Head of School of Engineering, Dr Breda Brennan and the Chairperson of the En-

gineers Ireland Northeast Region, Mr Pat McCormick thanked all the competitors and the judges for their participation and engagement and highlighted the ongoing need for engineering professionals in the Irish economy. The demand in industry both locally and nationally continues to offer a wealth of employment opportunity for graduates of the Institute’s Engineering programmes. The ongoing engagement of Combilift with the Institute’s School of Engineering clearly shows the strong alliances between industry and education in the region. Congratulations to all who took part in the competition.

living Well Programme

ARE you or is someone you know living with a long-term health condition?

If so, then you may be interested to find out more about the HSE funded living Well Programme.

living Well is a free, online 6–week group self-management programme for adults with long-term health conditions. A long-term health condition is one, which can be treated and managed but usually not cured. Examples include asthma, COPD, diabetes, stroke, multiple sclerosis, heart conditions, arthritis, Crohn’s

Dundalk Railway Heritage Society

A.G.M.

DUNDAlK Railway Heritage Society will hold their Annual General meeting at 3pm on Saturday 25th February at the Oriel Centre, St Dominics Place, Carrick Road, Dundalk. All members are invited to attend.

Disease and many more.

The living Well programme supports people to develop the skills and confidence to live well with their health condition. It may also be a support for those living with longCOVID.

Self-management is what a person with a long-term health condition does every day. They manage their life with their health condition(s).

This may include making choices to improve health such as becoming more active, eating more healthily and stopping smoking. It may

also include tasks such as taking medication(s) monitoring symptoms communicating with your healthcare professionals and coping with the emotional aspects of the condition.

living Well runs online for six weeks. There is one workshop each week lasting 2.5 hours

Two trained leaders run the workshops. At least one of the leaders lives with a long-term health condition

Each programme has a maximum of 12 participants.

People taking part in the workshops may or may

not have the same health condition(s)

The workshops are delivered in a relaxed and friendly way.

living Well is for adults aged 18 years and over. It is suitable for those living with one or more long-term health conditions caring for someone with a long-term health condition.

If you would like more information on the living Well programme in your area, Contact Aine 041 6850676/087 1140371 or Joanne 087 4308735 / 041 6860710 or www.hse.ie/livingwell.

Dundalk Library poetry reading group

THE next meeting of the poetry reading group is at 11am on Friday 3rd March. All welcome. Have you got an interest in read-

ing, listening to, or discussing poetry? Come along to our new poetry reading group and meet some fellow poetry enthusiasts.

You might have only one line of a favourite poem you learnt at school floating around in your head but bring it along and hopefully

somebody will be able to fill in the blanks. Email: libraryhelpdesk@louthcoco.ie or call 0429353190 for more information.

Dr Breda Brennan, Pat McCormick, Competitors: Calum Mulholland, Bakhtawar Parhiar, Darragh Harnet. Judges: Seán McCarthy, Breen Jackson, Darren Sheelan, Eamon Dillane and Maryellen Kelledy.

Callum Mulholland.

Cllr Maria Doyle to step down

COUNCIllOR Maria Doyle has announced her intention to step down from her position as louth County Councillor. The Fine Gael councillor took her seat on the council twelve years ago when she was co-opted onto Dundalk Town Council in July of 2011 replacing Jim D’Arcy who took up his new role in the Senate.

Over the past twelve years Maria has completed two successful election campaigns retaining her seat in 2014 and 2019. Announcing her decision to step down the soon to be former councillor described the last twelve years as an incredible experience while thanking everybody for their support and kindness.

“After almost 12 years as a public representative, I’ve decided the time is right to step down. It’s been an incredible experience and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with so many wonderful individuals and groups in our community since 2011.

Thank you all so much for your support and kindness over the years. I’ll be staying on for a period of time until my successor is appointed,”

“I attended my final Louth County Council meeting yesterday (Monday) and I told my fellow councillors from all parties that I regarded them as friends and colleagues and that I’d miss them.

“I always said that we are just

louth County Council announce new library and community space for Dunleer

lOUTH County Council recently purchased the former Bank of Ireland building in Dunleer for the provision of a new Council library and community space. The purchase was funded under the Building Acquisition Measure of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

minding the seat and I felt that now was the perfect time to say goodbye. I had already decided I wasn’t going to stand for re-election next year so by stepping down now it gives my replacement the chance to get used to things and learn how local government works.

I loved my time as a councillor and I would recommend it to anybody. I will stil be a member of the Fine Gael party and I will be here to ffer support and advice if needed to whoever replaces me. I feel privileged to have been able to work on the council for the people of louth and I leave with many fond memories,” concluded Maria.

As highlighted by louth County Council Chief Executive Joan Martin, louth County Council is committed to the development of its library service, evidenced by recent, considerable investments to ensure the library service meets the strategic objectives as per the louth library Service Development Programme 2020-2025, a key focus of which is ‘Improving access, use and visibility of the public library and establishing it as the goto place for a range of sustainable, integrated public services’.

louth County Council recognises the need

to develop the public library service in Dunleer to meet the needs of the growing community. The acquisition of this building on the main street allows for the placing of a public facility in the heart of the community.

This works in tangent with the Dunleer Masterplan, which is currently being developed under the Town Centre

First Policy, which promotes re-using existing town assets, tackling vacancy and dereliction, breathing new life into Dunleer town centre. A new and improved library space will offer better access to digital hardware and software and support increased community engagement with more space and opportunities for school visits, story time, talks,

book clubs and the many other services offered by louth library Service.

louth library Service has recently been awarded library of Sanctuary status and this new community space will contribute to libraries continuing to strengthen and support communities by providing dynamic, inclusive and responsive library

services.

Amanda Branigan, Acting County librarian added that a responsive library can support rural communities to address the current challenges faced, provide supports for economic recovery, and aid the revitalisation and regeneration of towns and villages to improve community development and quality of life.

Paddy Donnelly Director of Services, Amanda Brannigan A/Co Librarian, Joan Martin CE, Linda Larrigan Senior Executive Librarian and Muriel Sheils Branch Librarian Dunleer.

Cllr Maria Doyle.

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) r.D.

NoVeNA to the SACreD heArt

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.

MArMIoN

Mary and James

19th & 53rd AnniversAries

in loving memory of Mary Marmion, Moorland, Dundalk, who died 28th of February 2004, and her husband James Marmion who died on 27th February 1970. Those you love don’t go away, They walk beside you every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, still very dear.

—Always remembered by her son Brendan; daughter-in-law Joan; grand-daughters Lisa, emma, Gillian and Lyndsay. Anniversary Mass in st. nicholas’ Church, on sunday, 26th February, at 10.30am.

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.

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.p.

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.h.

prAyerS to St rItA

Prayers and Thanksgiving to saint rita (Patron saint of the impossible) for all favours granted. r.

Oscar nominated films to be shown in An Táin Arts Centre

CElEBRATE Irish cinema with a special screening of two hugely successful homegrown films, An Cailín Ciúin & The Banshees of Inisherin, nominated for the 2023 Oscars on Saturday 4th March at 6pm and 8pm!

The first Irish-language feature film to be nominated for the International Feature Film category of the Oscars, An Cailín Ciúin, wonderfully recreates the feel of a country home in 1980s Ireland.

Adapted from Claire Keegan’s acclaimed short story, Foster, this film is a genuine, deeply felt portrait of the bonds that sustain us.

Nominated for an incredible nine Oscars,the star studded The Banshees of Inisherin, set on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland, follows lifelong friends Padraic (ColinFarrell) and Colm (Brendan-

Gleeson), who find themselves at an impasse when Colm unexpectedly puts an end to their friendship.

And you can get that cinema feeling with freshly popped popcorn served from our vintage popcorn cart in

our foyer, exclusively for this event.

An Cailín Ciúin & The Banshees of Inisherin screen at An Táin Arts Centre on Saturday 4th March at 6pm and 8pm consecutively. Tickets €8.50 each plus €1.50 booking

PROPERT y/RE n TALS SPECIAL SER v ICES

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.

dO ub LE b E d ROOMS to let in wellequipped, large home in Dundalk, may suit professionals. Private parking Tel 089 2430287.

AdvERTISE yOuR HOuSE Premises for rent or sale to 55,000 readers a week from €5. Telephone Dundalk Leader 042 93 -20888.

ATTE n TIO n L A nd 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.

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nORME nd E Electric Cooker for sale. four Ringed. Never Used. €350 O.N.O. Call 0862788551.

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 087-2259799.

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>.

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

b u IL d I ng S ER v ICES—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.

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.

R OOFI ng R EPAIRS & S TO v ES—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.

PROPERT y 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 LTERATIO n S—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.

POwER wASHIng Get ready for Spring/ Summer. Power washing of driveways/ paving/walls. Competitive rates. Call Will on 085 8604048.

buILdER & HOME MAInTAInEnCE

R ETIRE d RELIA b LE local man available for Painting & Decorating, Internal and External,30 years’ experience, also grass cutting, strimming. General Garden Maintenance and Garage Clearance, Contract Gardening considered. Keen prices. Tel 086 845 9472.

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gAR d E n I ng—Lawns cut, hedges cut, trees trimmed and topped. Telephone Tom 087 2296441.

dd S PAI n TI ng & dECORATI ng Dundalk. Internal & External painting & Wallpapering. free estimates within 12 hours. 10 years’ experience. Tel David 085 730 8777

gREE n FIEL d S Mu SIC TO u RS—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.

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F RE n CH gRI nd S AvAILA b LE 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.

fee per ticket) or get to book both films for €15 (plus €1.50 booking fee per ticket).

You can purchase tickets at our Box Office on Crowe Street, over the phone on 0429332332 or online at www.antain.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 T ILI ng—Professional Tiler, Specialises in full bathroom refits. Top Class Work Guaranteed. Call Shane 086 107 5080. gRIMLEy’S dubLIn ST. dundALk Televisions, T v 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.

C ARPE n TR y & jOI n ER y—Maintenance and repairs, roofing, 1st & 2nd fix carpentry, sash window repairs. No job too big or small. Contact Seandon Carpentry 087 298 5110.

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

P O d IATR y/C HIROPO dy treatment in the comfort of your own home. Ms. Dara McCoy, Bsc. Podiatry 0871924794.

LOCAL P O w ER wASHI ng—No job too big or too small. Patios, driveways, walls, also grass cutting & gutter cleaning. Contact James 089 9705466 for free quotation.

PAI n TER AvAILA b LE—Keen rates, no job too small! Call 086 3848079.

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C ARPET A nd uPHOLSTER y cleaning. Home and Office contract cleaning. Over 10 years’ experience. RTM Cleaning Services contact Robbie 087 3817618.

gAR d E n ER wA n TE d once a month. Cut grass, trim and shape tress and bushes, tidy and maintain flower beds, occasionally some digging of flower beds required. Must have own transport and have their own garden equipment and take grass cuttings and branches away with them. Town centre, Dundalk Phone 085 1003426.

Catherine Clinch plays Cait in An Cailin Ciúin.

Oscar nominated Colin Farrell stars in The Banshees of Inisherin.

Take part in The Big Dander Charity Walk

By Tamara O’Connell

PEOPLE in Dundalk and the surrounding areas are being encouraged to take part in a charity walk called The Big Dander 2023.

The three-day walking event aims to raise funds and awareness for Lighthouse, a Belfastbased charity set up to assist mental health issues.

Lighthouse is an organisation committed to the prevention of suicide and self-harm; the promotion of positive mental health; and the provision of support services to families who have been bereaved due to suicide.

“This year our 60 plus miles route will take us from just north of Dundalk in Co Louth to Newcastle, Co Down,” said The Big Dander 2023 organiser, Brian Elwood.

“The walk will depart from the Circle K garage on the R173 at 9.30am on Saturday, 1 July and will finish at the Slieve

brian Elwood.

Donard Hotel in Newcastle.

“Anyone can go along and turn up on the day and they will get a T-shirt and wristband. You don’t have to do the complete walk”

He added: “My wife, Trudi, meets people at the five or six mile markers in her car and will drive you back to where your car is parked.

“There will also be a buddy system in place this year so noone walks alone. If you must walk on your own, you can play The Big Dander playlist on Spotify to keep you company.

“It’s eclectic music suitable for all ages. It’s all upbeat songs. We will also do a Wee Doddle for the last mile.”

Brian continued: “We are encouraging people to join us for the last mile and they can bring along their kids and prams or buggies.

“If anyone would like to donate to support this cause, they can do so via our GoFundMe page or send an email to thebigdander@gmail.com.”

Fundraiser by Brian Elwood: The Big Dander 2023 (gofundme.com).

Dundalk Sub Aqua Club trainees prepare for dive

THE Dundalk Sub Aqua Search and Rescue trainee divers were out again early on Sunday morning morning in Carlingford

lough, continuing with their snorkeling exercises, in preparation for their first dive in March. Bit of fun was added to the

training session as the trainees were asked to jump from Haulbowline lighthouse. All were eager to join in.

Dundalk Sub Aqua Club Trainees enjoyed a fun training session in Carlingford this week.

The trainees were diving off Haulbowline lighthouse in Carlingford. The trainees are preparing for their first dive next month.