22-03-2023

Really Terrible Explanation

Louth GAA supporters angry over apparent snub from national broadcaster

By Paul Byrne

Louth GAA chairman

Peter Fitzpatrick has demanded answers from RtE over what he calls a boycott of Louth football from the national broadcaster. The Louth senior football team are having a brilliant season under the guidance of Mickey harte and with just one round of league fixtures remaining (against Dublin this Sunday in Croke Park) in division 2 they have a chance to become the first side ever to win successive promotions from Division Four all the way up to Division one.

Despite this, Louth has not been featured at all this season on The Sunday Game which

show highlights of GAA matches each Sunday evening. Last Sunday the show’s presenter Joanne Cantwell told viewers told viewers that RtE were unable to send anybody to cover the Louth v Cork match as DEFY Páirc Mhuire in Ardee was unsuitable for RtÉ cameras. That claim was furiously denied by both Fitzpatrick as well as St Mary’s chairman Mickey Rooney.

“I simply cannot accept that explanation from RTE,” stated Fitzpatrick. “TG4 have already covered a game in Pairc Mhuire this season and they were nothing but complimentary about the facilities in Ardee and how well they were treated.

Page 2

Cathaoirleach

Louth County Council, Conor Keelan, leads the Louth Parade on St. Patrick’s Day in New York. last Friday.

REALLY TERRIbLE ExPLAnATIon

LOUTH GAELS FURIOUS OVER TV SNUB

Continued from Page 1

Mickey Rooney and his team do trojan work out there and it’s insulting to everybody at the club to say that the venue is unsuitable for TV cameras. There were journalists from Cork covering the game in Ardee on Sunday and they were very complimentary about the facilities in Ardee. It seems to me that RTE are being cheapskates here and trying to use Ardee as a scapegoat. I contacted RTE weeks ago looking for an explanation as to why we hadn’t featured and I was assured there was no issue. They said they were prioritising Dublin and Derry in the early rounds but that Louth would get a fair shake going forward. That hasn’t happened and we want to know why.

“Ardee has a limited capacity and it was a sell out so there were plenty of Louth supporters including elderly people who were unable to watch.

Cllr Corrigan Welcomes Positive Progression towards additional Louth Tourism Staffing

SINN FEIN Councillor Edel Corrigan at the March monthly council meeting thanked Director Tomas McEvoy and his team for the “vast amount of work being carried out in the Louth Strategic Economic Department.”

Cllr Corrigan said “it is evident from the monthly report that there is a vast amount of work being done by the department specifically on Tourism Development for the county.”

Cllr Corrigan queried as to whether there were any plans to move forward with appointing a full time Tourism Officer for County Louth to support all this great work and welcomed comments from the Chief Executive that additional staff in this department was being considered and proposals/ plans on how to support this position were being looked at.

Cllr Corrigan said “to have a full time dedicated Tourism Office for Louth would be a fantastic addition to Louth the Land of Legends. This county has so much to offer and a lot of exciting opportunities ahead with Brigid 1500 events, Visit Louth and Sea Louth experiences, Tain Trail, Carlingford, Boyne Valley and many more areas of interest in Louth.”

“It’s unfair that RTE can’t even show a couple of minutes highlights from the game especially given the fact we are doing so well and that we were told when we were in division three and four that RTE mainly concentrate on showing coverage from teams in division one and two. We are the only side in the top two tiers who haven’t been featured at all on the Sunday Game. As chairman I am here to speak up for the supporters and I’m looking for answers from RTE as to why they are ignoring us. What is their problem with us?,” asked Fitzpatrick.

Ardee St Mary’s chairman Mickey Rooney was similarly enraged with RTE’s comments about DEFY Pairc Mhuire stating that it was very unfair to point the blame at his club.

“RTE never approached us at all with regards to putting cameras in the ground. TG4 were here before and they were delighted with the facilities and how they were treated yet for some reason it’s not ok for RTE? I didn’t hear Joanne’s comments on Sunday night as I wasn’t watching the Sunday Game but I was told what she said afterwards and I was very disappointed. We are all volunteers here and we have got Pairc Mhuire in great shape and comments like that make us look bad. It sounds like a weak excuse to me and I hope that the Louth GAA board request answers from RTE as well as an apology,” stated Mickey.

RTE responded to the Dundalk Leader with a short statement on the matter.

“With so many games across football and hurling in the leagues it is simply not possible to be present with cameras at every game. Yesterday’s game featured on RTÉ radio and online and the key game against Dublin will feature next weekend.

DUNDALK STUDENTS COMPETE FOR TEXACO CHILDREN’S ART COMPETITION AWARDS

YOUNG ARTISTS who submitted entries to this year’s Texaco Children’s Art Competition, including a number from Co. Louth, are currently having their works evaluated as the judging process gets underway.

Pictured is adjudicator, Marie Connole admiring two of the entries received from Co. Louth this year – a work entitled ‘Starry Starry Night’ (left), and another entitled ‘Debt To The Collector’, both by pupils from CBS

Primary, Dundalk. Winners in the seven age categories, including one exclusively for artworks by young artists with special needs, will be announced in mid-April.

Currently in its 69th year, the Texaco Children’s Art Competition is the longest-running art sponsorship in Ireland. First held in 1955, it is hosted by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited – the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand.

Cllr Edel Corrigan

Rain fails to dampen spirits during parade

Rain did not dampen the spirits of the hundreds of people who marched in the Dundalk St Patrick’s Day parade, which was watched by thousands who braved the incessant rain to view more than 50 groups take part.

The first parade in four years was one of the largest ever, with a huge number of groups, businesses and organisations taking part under the theme Urban Green, which saw electric vehicles, velocycles, bikes and walkers to the fore.

Boxer Amy Broadhurst and athlete Kate O’Connor were the parade marshals and their enthusiasm was undeterred by the weather

All the groups, from the huge entry from Dundalk RFC, to the smallest, smiled their way through the downpour to give their community the very best spectacle.

There was a particularly poignant moment when members of the Defence Forces paused in front of the viewing stand in Clanbrassil Street to salute the grandparents of Private Sean Rooney, who was killed on duty for UNIFIL in Lebanon at the end of last year.

Rachel and Eugene Rooney carried a photo of their beloved grandson on the stand and were special guests of the Dundalk St Patrick’s Day parade committee.

Three awards were up for grabs for the parade entrants and the judges from the parade’s main sponsors, Louth County Council, Dundalk Credit Union and PayPal had a very difficult job deciding.

The Best Overall Entrant, sponsored by Louth County Council, went to Dance Kids Blues Brothers, while the Best Commercial Entrant, sponsored by PayPal was awarded to the electric vehicles of Blackstone Motors, and the Best Youth Entrant, sponsored by Dundalk Credit Union, was

given to McGee School of Dance.

There were many eye-catching moments in the parade, including the Louth County Council floats, designed and made by Louth-based artist, Uli Liebetrau.

Dundalk actor Alvaro Lucchesi was St Patrick on the first float, surrounded by huge handmade shamrocks, while Louth Rose Emma Barry defied the rain in the second float which featured oversized Spring flowers and garden creatures.

The Dundalk St Patrick’s Day parade voluntary committee, which is made up of councillors Conor Keelan and Maeve Yore, along with Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú, Shane McBride, Dagan Fleming, Maria O’Toole and Anne Campbell, said they were pleased with the turnout for the

parade.

Chairperson Cllr. Keelan said: ‘It was a huge undertaking for a small committee in a very short space of time, but we had a tremendous response from local groups and businesses who wanted to take part.

‘I think, from the numbers of participants, it was one of the biggest parades ever in Dundalk.

The committee wishes to thank all those who took part, who stood in the rain at the start line and then marched in the rain.

We wish to thank in particular the Defence Forces for their wonderful show of kindness to the Rooney family.

‘We also have to mention the incredible support received from Louth Civil Defence, who

were among the first to arrive on Friday morning and the last to go home.

‘In addition, those who volunteered to help us on the day through the Louth Volunteer Centre worked really hard in difficult conditions to ensure things went as smoothly as possible.

‘Thanks also to Regina O’Hare and the stewards from Oriel Park, and Dundalk Gardaí for their assistance. We want to thank the MCs Mickey Duffy and Marissa Lucchesi for their professionalism and entertaining commentary.

‘We also are very grateful to the parade sponsors Louth County Council, PayPal, Dundalk Credit Union, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, Oriel Windfarm, Digiweb, SEO Solutions, Dundalk BIDS, BK Forklifts, Print Express, Pelican Promotions, Digital Screen Displays, Control Soft, V&W Recycling, Phoenix Waste, Sevens and Stage and Lighting.

‘We have a lot of learning from this parade and we know we can improve things. Work is starting already this week on next year and we look forward to it getting even better’.

Cllr. Keelan said the committee was particularly grateful to the music groups who played at the Market Square after the parade, again despite the weather.

He said the committee was pleased with the way the family fun zone, which was free, was received by the public.

Cllr. Keelan also stated that the committee were delighted with the positive response to the wheelchair access platform which allowed wheelchair users to view the parade in comfort.

He said all participants adhered to the request to switch off lights, sounds and sirens for the final stretch of the parade to allow those with sensory issues to enjoy the experience.

Fitzpatrick yet to decide on eviction ban vote

By tamara o’Connell

LOUTH Independent

TD Peter Fitzpatrick has not yet fully decided on how he will vote in this evening’s eviction ban vote. TD’s will vote on the issue in the Dáil ater Sinn Féin tabled a motion aimed at putting pressure on the government nine days before the moratorium on evictions is due to expire on a phased basis.

Deputy Fitzpatrick told the Dundalk Leader that at the time of going to print he needed a bit more time to decide on

his stance.

“I don’t want to be forced to make a decision. I have to sit down with my staff and discuss it and I have to listen to my constituents,” he said.

“The eviction ban is due to end on 31 March 2023. I just need a wee bit of time to consider this very serious matter carefully.

“If people are evicted by their landlords where are they to go? There is nowhere to rent and there is no emergency accommodation.”

Deputy Fitzpatrick

added: “I’ve never seen things as bad. People are sleeping in their cars and coming in to me crying about their situation.

“We need to do more. There needs to be a Plan B because we need to think about the families and children who will be affected by this.

“Over the next week or two we will do what we can to protect these families because if evictions are put in place following the lifting of this ban, we will see the effects by 18 June 2023.”

Deputy Fitzpatrick continued: “There is time to do something.

I see these people on a daily basis. I’m a politician over 12 years and I’ve never seen it as bad.

“The other issue that we need to consider is the standard of accommodation that some people are in.

“People are desperate to put a roof over their head so some people are living in sub-standard accommodation with damp coming off the walls.”

He concluded: “It’s

wrong. There are solutions but there has to be the will there to resolve this issue. There are thousands of vacant properties in Ireland. That’s an area that could be looked at.

“I have to have a conscience when meeting my constituents. I’ve got to be able to look them in the eye and say truthfully that I am doing the best I can on their behalf.”

Meanwhile during Monday’s monthly Louth County Council meeting Sinn Féin Councillor Joanna

Byrne, successfully passed an emergency motion calling on the Government to extend the ban on evictions.

The motion received cross-party support with no opposition put forward from Councillors from Government parties within the chamber.

Cllr Byrne told the meeting; “We remain in the midst of a housing emergency with a consistent level of unprecedented homelessness reports. The decision of this Government to lift the ban on 31st March has created huge un-

certainty and insecurity amongst the 750,000 people who live in the private rented sector. Those who are facing eviction are distraught and understandably terrified and the big question is, where are they meant to go? The Government has no answers for these individuals and families, which means we as both a local authority and elected representatives of this County have no answers to tell the droves of people coming to us seeking advice and/or help.”

Peter Fitzpatrick TD.

Louth County Council visits Tourism Ireland in New York DkIT Composer Included in new Tunes Collection

R EPRESENTATIVES

of Louth County Council, who are in New York for the St Patrick’s Day period, met with senior executives from Tourism Ireland yesterday (Wednesday, 15 March).

They were briefed on Tourism Ireland’s promotional programme in the United States for 2023, which is in full swing right now.

This year, Tourism Ireland is rolling out an extensive programme of promotions in the United States, to rebuild overseas tourism to Ireland and to drive the return of revenue from American holidaymakers to prepandemic levels.

St Patrick’s Day offers a unique opportunity for Ireland and Irish tourism, so Tourism Ireland in the United States is rolling out an extensive programme of trade, media and consumer activity to capitalise on Ireland’s heightened profile around the St Patrick’s Day period.

Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s Head of North America, said:

“We were delighted to meet with the representatives of Louth County Council and to have the opportunity to brief them about the extensive promotional programme we are undertaking in the United States this year. Our new Fill your heart with Ireland campaign will

go live at the beginning of April. The campaign is about celebrating the different ways in which Ireland fills the hearts of our visitors and of locals – and inviting potential American holidaymakers to come and experience those for themselves.“Our St Patrick’s Day programme includes an extensive and targeted programme of trade, media

and consumer activity to rebuild overseas tourism this year. Our aim is to remind American holidaymakers that Ireland offers the warmest of welcomes and great fun, as well as wonderful scenery and heritage.

We are taking every opportunity to capitalise on Ireland’s heightened profile around this St Patrick’s Day period.”

DUNDALK Institute of Technology (DkIT) are extremely proud to report that Dr Adèle Commins, Head of Department of Creative Arts, Media and Music, had her work recently selected for inclusion in a new book of traditional music compositions published by Faber.

On International Women’s Day, Faber Music proudly announced a tune book like no other. ‘Folk Tunes from the Women’, which is to be released on 5 May 2023 and is a bumper book of over 150 contemporary tunes from 100 female composers from Britain and Ireland, brought together all from different areas, traditions and backgrounds.‘Folk Tunes from the Women’ has been curated by Northumbrian piper and fiddle player Kathryn Tickell. Tickell put a call out for tunes, and the composers came in their droves. From successful professional musicians with many compositions to their name, to those who may have only written one tune. All these composers answered the call to submit material for ‘Folk Tunes from the Women’. They all felt passionately that there was a real need for the book to exist, not only to make their own tunes more visible and accessible, but also to make it easier to learn and champion tunes from other women tune-writers.

Featuring a wide selection of Jigs, Hornpipes, Reels, Airs, Marches, Polkas, Waltzes, Mazurkas, the book also includes many tunes which don’t fall into a natural category.

The tunes are presented as melody lines with chord symbols, to make it the most useful book for teachers and players alike.

Musicologist Dr Adèle Commins, grew up in Louth, Adèle developed a deep love of local heritage and of traditional music under the influence of her teacher Rory Kennedy. Playing both piano and piano accordion, she began composing at a young age, with many of her tunes inspired by the people and places around

her, as well as her experiences of playing in local céilí bands. Her main research interests focus on nineteenth and twentieth century English and Irish music. She also holds an ALCM and LGSMD in piano performance, is Musical Director of two local church choirs, and a director of the Oriel Traditional Orchestra. As a performer she has toured internationally and has released an album of compositions entitled A Louth Lilt (2017) along with Dr Daithí Kearney. Her recent publications include contributions to An Píobaire (2022), Journal of Music, Health and Wellbeing (2021), AISHE-J (2021), How Popular Culture Travels: Cultural Exchanges Between Ireland and the USA, (2019), Éire-Ireland, the Journal of Irish Studies (2019) and the Journal of Music, Technology and Education (2019).

Adèle will perform at a variety of events this summer including an appearance at the Celtic music festival Speyfest in Scotland, where she will also facilitate workshops. Two other Louth composers are included amongst the 100 international women composers, fiddle players Zoe Conway and Róisín Ward Morrow.

St Patrick’s Day at the Marshes

Cllr Kevin Meenan, Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District; Cllr Michelle Hall, Mayor of Drogheda Borough District; Thomas McEvoy, Louth County Council; Cllr Conor Keelan, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council; Cllr Paula Butterly, Cathaoirleach of Ardee Municipal District; Ashling Scanlon, Tourism Ireland; Joe McGuinness, Louth County Council; and Jeffrey Yau, Tourism Ireland, in the Tourism Ireland office in New York.

Dr Adèle Commins.

Old Dundalk Society Launch New Website

ThE old Dundalk Society founded in october 1964 is delighted to announce the launch of their new Website www.olddundalksociety.ie

The Society is the foremost historical society in Dundalk with an unparalleled record of promoting local history in the Dundalk area over the last 59 years.

The Society upholds the original objectives of its founding fathers and continues to pursue a range of projects to protect and preserve our local heritage, and its precious artefacts. The Society organises several lectures at the Louth County Museum Jocelyn Street Dundalk during the winter and spring seasons. The popularity of the lecture season ensures a full house attendance on every occasion.

The Society’s annual summer outing (open to members and non-members) is the highlight of the societies calendar, visiting historic sites and monuments throughout the country. The society is currently actively engaging with local schools in the town promoting an interest in local history to the next generation.

It is also undertaking a project with local stakeholders to produce an application (APP) which will enable the general public to access information regarding the graves in St Patricks Cemetery Dundalk where over 25,000 of former residents of Dundalk and its surrounds are interned. The Society also looks forward to utilising the full facilities of the website to communicate old Dundalk Societies events and news to its membership and the general public.

Peter McArdle, Memory of the Tracks

By Bea Gonnolly

TODAY marks what would have been the 94th birthday of one of the best ever athletes to emerge from these parts.

On June 24th, 1985, Peter McArdle died in Van Cortlandt Park, New York City. Born and raised in Blackrock, Peter was known for his unyielding determination and his desire to run. Peter founded the Blackrock Athletics club, Fort Creigh A.C., and would often lap the track at the old dog track in Blackrock on the sandy lane. This is where the recreational center and Rock Celtic now stand. During his time in Ireland, from 1951 to 1956 he won 12 national championships from varying distances of 1 mile to 6 miles.

He worked for the Great Northern Railway during the early part of his running career. Unfortunately, due to tense circumstances at the time regarding Irish Politics and the Irish athletics scene, Peter was forced to emi-

grate for a more permanent job across the seas to New York in 1956. There, he met his wife Barbara and the couple would have four children.

McArdle went on to work as a mechanic for the New York bus company and later he became an American citizen. Peter is said to have reached his peak at age 34, winning the 10,000-meter race at the Pan American Games in Rio De Janeiro with a time of 29.30.

He would then set his sights on making the Olympic team for America

having become a citizen. Unfortunately, McArdle was not chosen for the 1960 10,000-meter race Olympic team, placing fourth in trials. However, next time would be different.

While he would fail to make the 10,000-meter team, placing 6th in the trial race, he was selected for the American marathon team for the Tokyo Olympics of 1964 after winning the trial marathon.

Peter would finish with a time of two hours and twenty-three minutes.

This placed him 23rd in the marathon race.

Peter’s daughter Maeve Vinci spoke fondly of her late father.

“Because he died so young, I can never picture him as an old man.” “The time around the Olympics always brings back a lot of emotions, especially with the last one in Tokyo... makes me wonder what he would have thought of it all, he would probably have tried to get out there to it.” “He always made them (other athletes) feel like they were his best friends”

Following his death in Van Cortlandt Park, A memorial was erected in Peter’s honor, and today is the end point of the McArdle Memorial Cross-Country race.

Peter McArdle was probably the best middle-long distance athlete Ireland has ever had. His achievements and times during his career in Ireland were world class and if he ran for Ireland, he would be one of, if not the best, athletes Ireland has ever produced.

1—How many Six Nation grand slams have the Irish senior rugby team won in total?

2—Usually, Black Forest gateau is made with which fruit as a filling?

3—In animation terminology what does the abbreviation CGI stand for?

4—What do the capitals of Mexico, Panama and Luxembourg have in common?

5—Where in Dundalk would you find an area known locally as ‘The Clump’?

6—How many pieces of silver did Judas Iscariot receive in exchange for betraying Jesus?

7—A Portuguese man o’war is what sort of animal?

8—Sid Vicious was the bass player in which band?

9—Alphabetically which is the second sign of the zodiac?

10—Which county was Irish tv series Glenroe set in?

The Stinker—What part of the human anatomy shares its name with a punctuation mark? —this week’s answers—

1—Four (1948, 2009, 2018 and 2023), 2—Cherry, 3—Computer Generated Imagery, 4—Their name is exactly the same as the country, 5—Ard Easmuinn, 6—30, 7—Jellyfish, 8—The Sex Pistols, 9—Aries, 10—Wicklow. The Stinker: Colon.

St Patrick’s Day Parade

The late Peter McArdle

Daniel and Oisin Conway with Odhran Mullen

Isla Casey and James McEnerny.

Aysel O’Reilly and Sophie Byrne march with the Dundalk Gaels.

Scarlett, Helen, Noreen and Whitney McGinley.

Helen, Sean and Whitney McGinley.

Charlie Irwin’s skydive for charity

A LEAVInG Certificate student from Dundalk is fundraising to do a charity skydive for Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland (YSPI).

Charlie Irwin, aged 18, from the Demesne Road, Dundalk believes their work with schools across the country to be of “great importance”.

“I did a skydive for my 18th birthday with the Irish Parachute Club in Co offaly. It was a good experience,” said Charlie.

“A skydive is something worth doing even though I was definitely

a bit nervous the first time around.

“I had to do a tandem jump the first time and the next skydive I do will also probably be a tandem dive as you have to do a lot of training to dive solo.”

Charlie added: “I found out about Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland more than a month ago. I was tagged in a post and saw the work that they are doing.

“I think it’s a great charity and they are doing very good work so I’d love to be able to help them fund

their work.”

For more information about YSPI, you can view their website and the work they do via https://yspi.ie/

The page where donations can be viewed can be found on https://skydive.yspi.ie/ charlieirwin05

When Charlie has raised at least €600 (across multiple platforms) he plans to send all of the proceeds to YSPI.

he will then take part in the charity skydive and will post an update of that also on Instagram @charlieirwin05. If you would

Louth Craftmark Designers Network launch their exhibition “Greater Than >”

LOUTH Craftmark is pleased to announce their forthcoming group exhibition Greater Than>. The exhibition will be on display in The Basement Gallery, An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk. The renowned visual arts collective is delighted to officially open their show on Wednesday 29th March at 7pm, all welcome to attend.

The free exhibition will run from Thursday 30th March until Saturday 15th April, with opening hours from 11am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

Louth Craftmark is widely recognised as one of the largest, and most respected visual arts collectives in Ireland. The exhibition will feature 29 members from the extensive Louth Craftmark Designers Network, with a broad range of artistic disciplines on show including ceramics, glass, jewellery, painting, print, mixed media, textiles, and sculpture.

Founded in 2006, Louth Craftmark is a collective of talented Northeast based professional artists, designers, and craftspeople, who have come together to promote and support

each other. The Louth Craftmark network has grown exponentially in recent years, now standing at 68 members in total.

The title Greater Than > is open to interpretation by each of the artists exhibiting. The various themes being explored include inequality, gender, and school days gone by. Each artist will be taking their own inspiration from the theme to create a dedicated piece of art.

Ceramicist Gillian Callan from Louth Craftmark has commented, “Building on from our very successful Connective 22 Exhibition, and the fantastic Winter Weekender events last year, it gives us great joy to present our Greater Than > Exhibition in the Basement Gallery, in An Táin Arts Centre this March. Our

like to support Charlieand the YSPI, you can make a donation on his Gofundme.com page Fundraiser by Charlie Irwin: YSPI Charity Skydive (gofundme.com).

members have been working tirelessly on brand new work, which they are very excited to exhibit to the public. I want to encourage anyone with an interest in art to come and see the beautiful pieces that we have on display, all of which have been created by visual artists in the northeast of Ireland.”

Paul Hayes, Director, An Táin Arts Centre has said, “It’s wonderful to welcome back Louth Craftmark to our Basement Gallery for the first time since the pandemic. We have hosted them a number of times before and they always deliver a selection of work that is of the highest quality and standard and are a wonderful showcase for local craft.” For further information please visit: www.louthcraftmark. com

Charlie Irwin just before his skydive.

Gillian Callan, Ceramic Jar.

The 2023 Dundalk 10K race, hosted by DkIT Daffodil Day this Friday 24th March

DunDALk Institute of Technology (DkIT) are excited to host the annual Dundalk 10k race. This event will take place on Wednesday the 19th of April at 7pm at DkIT Sport.

Although labelled as the “Dundalk 10k”, there is once again an option to take part in the 5k version. If you wish to participate in either the 10k or 5k event, you also have the choice of either running, walking or jogging the distance.

The course for the event is known for being one of the flattest surfaces in Ireland with a course record of 29:45 held by Yared Deresse of Carrick Aces. The event will start outside DkIT Sport and end at the exact same spot. on your route, you will be able to enjoy the sites on DkIT Campus as well as the blackrock Road.

The DkIT 10K will take place next month.

once again, “Dundalk 10k” is so proud to have many businesses sponsor this event.

This year the occasion is sponsored by Servisource Recruitment, Recruit Island, Fyffes, Dundalk Retail Park, Dundalk Credit union, Intact Software, ControlSoft, halpin Sports Sponsorship, RockSalt Café and Dundalk In-

stitute of Technology.

All these businesses are local to Dundalk so what better way to have an event in the town that is sponsored by the town. After the race there will be refreshments provided in the Sports Arena at DkIT Sport.

This event is raising funds for charities and a large proportion of

all money raised will be donated to a chosen charity. This year the Institute are very proud to support their DkIT colleague Sonia hoey who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer.

To register or find out more, visit https:// dundalk10k.com.

DAFFoDIL Day 2023 is due to take place on Friday, 24 March. You can support Daffodil Day with your school, college or in your workplace, or maybe you’d like to host your own event with friends and family in your community.

You can sell Daffodil Pins in your business, or volunteer to join the Irish Cancer Society with bucket collections in your area.

Maybe you would like to join hundreds of people in Ireland and take on our steps challenge and hit 12,000 steps a day?

or if being online is more your thing you can set up a

virtual collection, or even join our heroes from home online gaming challenge.

Check out the Irish Cancer Society’s fundraising ideas for more information and inspi-

ration. For more information visit www.cancer.ie/daffodilday

Alternatively call 0818-10 20 30 or email fundraising@ irishcancer.ie.

Couch To 50k cycling

C UCHULAINN Cycling Club are running an introduction to group cycling

This is aimed at those who would like to get into cycling but don’t know where to start.

Those taking part build up slowly to 50k over a number of weeks. The goal is to take part in the Tour of Louth on June 4th. There will be an introductory talk on

Tuesday, March 28th in Kilcurry Resource Centre, beginning at 7:30pm.

Subjects covered will include what to wear when cycling, looking after your bike, what

St Patrick’s Day Parade

to eat when cycling, weather and road conditions and how to cycle in groups. The cycles begin on Tuesday, April 4th leaving Felda gym at 6:30pm.

St Brigid’s Pipe Band Dundalk led the march.

St Dominics FC also took part in the parade.

Redeemer Athletic Club were at the parade on Friday afternoon.

The rain failed to dampen the spirits of the Dundalk Gaels.

Aoife Casey, Carath McFadden and Isla Casey.

DkIT host a trip down memory lane

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) were absolutely delighted, and heart warmed to host a trip down memory lane for some of the ex-employees of PJ Carrolls.

The Institute acquired the PJ Carrolls building back in 2002 and has been utilising it for educational purposes since.

The building or cigarette manufacturing plant as it was purpose built for, has been in Dundalk for over 50 years and was opened in 1970. This iconic building and stand out piece of architectural design has a lot of deep connections to hundreds of retirees in Dundalk and the PJ Carrolls organisation was a huge part of the fabric of the town and its history.

Niall McCooey, Lecturer in Electrical Trades in DkIT (And previous ex-employee of Carrolls) said “The tour of PJ Carroll’s came about due to the present renovation of the last part of the old factory, which was primarily the “Leaf Preparation area”. I happened to be talking to an ex-employee (Ken Ram-

sey) and informed him of the current renovation that was happening, at which he expressed an interest to see how DkIT had changed the factory. This then expanded into a general interest by ex-employees, some of whom had never seen any of the internal changes that the Institute has made”.

The ex-employees who attended the tour consisted of management, engineers, trades and general operatives. They were extremely interested in seeing the old part of the factory before it was renovated, and this tour brought back a flood of happy memo-

ries. As they moved into the previously renovated section, they all had lively conversation as to where exactly they were in relation to the factory layout. They all enjoyed looking at the displayed framed photos of the old factory, but some expressed a pity that there weren’t more recent factory photos included. They really enjoyed the fact that there were so many windows and skylights added, as it made the space seem larger.

The engineers had an in-depth conversation in relation to how the roof was jacked up to create the two-story office pods.

The tour was facilitated by Niall McCooey and Padraig Mc Keown who currently both work as lectures in the Electrical Trades sections of DkIT, both also served their time (4 years) in the PJ Carroll’s factory.

Niall & Padraig would like to offer a special thanks to Gerard Galligan (Head of Electrical and Motor Mechanic Trades Section) for arranging the tour, and to catering for providing the tea, coffee and pastries which everyone enjoyed along with the numerous chats after their walk around.

The ex-employees who visited on the day included Liam Mc Callion, Gerry Hamilton, Gerry Kearley, Jacinta Duffy, Ann King, Antoinette Bennett, Jimmy Mc Geogh, Colm Mc Keown, John Murphy, Rosemary Mc Namee, Patricia Mc Gailey, Ann Mc Parland, Ken Ramsey, Pauric King, Mickey Morgan, Veronica Sheeling, Maureen, Harry Morgan, Artie Mc Manus, Paddy Mc Mahon and Jim Mc Ardle.

RECRUITING FOR EVENING SHIFT

Temporary posiTion, Fixed Term ConTraCT.

Gernord Ltd, Carrickmacross., established since 1968, are part of a French based multinational operation, and are one of the largest PVC flooring & wall Covering manufacturers in Europe. we

invite applications for the following positions

Production oPErAtorS: Required for effective and efficient running of the continuous manufacturing process, ensuring Quality plus Health & Safety levels are maintained to a high standard. Manufacturing experience ideally required. It is important that candidates can embrace ongoing change and engage in continuous improvement programmes, be flexible, versatile, have good communication and team building skills, plus good attendance is expected. Honesty, accountability, and a good working attitude is essential. Forklift licence is important, not essential, training is available.

notE: Fixed Evening shift, 40 hr /week, 4pm-12 mid-night €15/hr plus a 20% shift allowance. Vacancies immediate, as 4-6 weeks, training is required, if a new employee. If worked here before then refresher for 1-2 weeks, before, shift starts beginning of May. Also require 1-2 operators to work Fixed Night shift, 40 hr /week, 12 midnight - 8am, €15/ hr plus a 35% shift allowance.

Please forward full CV details or complete application form, available at reception, and send to:

FRANCIS DUFFY, General Manager, Gernord Ltd., Ballybay Rd, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, A81YD83. 0876893662. francis.duffy@gerflor.com.

Former PJ Carrolls workers catch up on old times.

Former PJ Carroll workers enjoyed a trip down memory lane.

Ex employees were given a tour of the old part of the factory before it is renovated.

Former PJ Carrolls employees who enjoyed a tour of their old workplace recently.

Family Notices

IN MEMORIAM NOVENA IN MEMORIAM

NoVeNa to the SaCreD heart

PR o PERT y/RE n TA l S SPEC i A l SERV i CES

ShieLDS

Mary (Molly)

36th anniversary

in loving memory of Mary, formerly castle hill, carlingford, whose anniversary occurs on 23rd March.

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) N.a

NoVeNa to the SaCreD heart

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.

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.

PAinTinG Interior and exterior painting. Competitive rates. Call Will on 085 8604048.

Mc MahoN Seamus & Michael

13th & 2nd anniversary

Formerly of Greenacres, Dundalk in loving memory of seamus whose 13th anniversary occurred 21st March and Michael’s 2nd anniversary occurs on the 6th april. anniversary Mass this saturday 25th March at 6.30pm in redemptorist church.

Deep are the memories, so precious they stay, no passing of time, can take them away. They bring a smile, sometimes a tear, But always a wish, That you were still here. no special day is needed, for us to think of you, for you were someone special, and we thought the world of you. always loved and remembered by your daughters roisin & anne, son Brendan, sons-inlaw, daughter-in-law, Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren.

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.b

NoVeNa to the SaCreD heart

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

One Billion Rising in Oriel Park for Women’s Aid

ATTE n T ion lA n D lo RDS—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 087-2259799.

ADVERTiSE yoUR SERViCE to over 60,000 readers for only €5 per week up to 20 words Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888.

WE CAn DiSTRiBUTE your leaflets from €75 + vat per thousand Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888.

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

hoUSE & APARTmEnT ClEAninG Service. Specializing in Re-Let & Spring Cleaning, Carpet & Upholstery cleaning. Fully insured. For a free quotation contact Everkleen 042 9352717 / 087 6873188, www.everkleenservices.ie <http://www. everkleenservices.ie>.

TilER AVAilABlE—Experienced local tiler to carry out all types of tile workmarble, granite, porcelain. Indoors and out. Call 087-387-8995 for free quote.

C ARPE n TR y & Join 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.

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 E fl E xolo G y—feeling stressed, tired, fed up and need an energy boost for the spring... try a reflexology treatment and reap the benefits. Contract Rosemarie 087 2058644.

S E mi- RET i RED m A n available for Painting (Internal & External) 30 Years experience, also power washing services, etc, Tel Dermot 087 2993660.

E AS y- G oin G country lad, mid 50s with GSOH seeks like-minded female companion late 40s/mid 50s with no ties. For walks/talks and to share the simple things in life. Tel—0868220403.

Women’s Aid have invited people to join them on Sunday in Oriel Park for their annual One Billion Rising event which sends a message to break the chain of violence against women.

WoMEn’S Aid Dundalk are hosting our very exciting annual event, one billion Rising, on the 26th of March, and we would love to have as many people as possible joining us!

This international campaign is the biggest mass action to end violence against women in human history. The campaign, which launched on Valentine’s Day 2012, began as a call to action based on the staggering statistic that 1

in 3 women on the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. With the world population at 7 billion, this adds up to more than onE bILLIon WoMEn AnD GIRLS.

It has been such a successful event each year in Dundalk and Women’s Aid Dundalk hopes this year will have another great turnout.

To participate in this event all you need to do is learn a very simple dance routine and

join us in oriel Park to unite us in this powerful campaign to ‘’break the chain’’.

You can register for this event free of charge on Eventbrite. For groups, please register the amount of individual people attending. Light snacks and refreshments available on the day. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Dundalk FC and PayPal for their generous support for this event.

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.

B U il D in G S ERV i CES—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. PoWER WAShinG Get ready for Spring/ Summer. Power washing of driveways/ paving/walls. Competitive rates. Call Will on 085 8604048.

Roofin G R EPA i RS & S To VES—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 AlTERAT ion 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 9.30 - 5.30pm & Sat 10-2pm.

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

BUilDER & homE mAinTAinEnCE

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

Po D i ATR y/Chi R o P o D y treatment in the comfort of your own home. Ms. Dara McCoy, Bsc. Podiatry 0871924794.

lo CA l Po WER WAS hin G—No job too big or too small. Patios, driveways, walls, also grass cutting & gutter cleaning. Contact James 089 9705466 for free quotation.

PA in TER AVA il AB l E—Keen rates, no job too small! Call 086 3848079.

Pl ASTER in G S ERV i CE AVA il AB l E Free quotations. Contact David 085 7829910 or Gavin 086 3799285.

C ARPET A n D U P hol STER y cleaning. Home and Office contract cleaning. Over 10 years’ experience. RTM Cleaning Services contact Robbie 087 3817618.

DDS PA in T in G & Decorating Services. Dundalk area. Internal and external painting and wallpapering. Free estimates within 12 hours. 10 years experience. Tel David 085 7308777.

G ARDE nin G—Lawns cut, hedges cut, trees trimmed and topped. Telephone Tom 087 2296441.

C R o SS P E n—Gold, lost in Dundalk on 16th March. Reward offered if found. Please call 042 9320888.

G ET fi T the fun way and learn to dance, the Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot and Jive, now taking place in the Lisdoo, Dundalk Tuesday’s from 8pm—10pm, no partner required. Newly Wed first dance lessons and private lessons also available. Contact 086 357 3271 for further information. fRE n C h G R in DS available for Junior and Leaving cert, All levels. Individual and small group options. Tel 086 8723340. DRUm lESSonS inClUDinG

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

lo UT h Co U n T y Co U n C il—We, the Board of Management of Colaiste Ghlor Na Mara, intend to apply for Permission for development at Robin House, Rampart Road, Dundalk, Co Louth A91 XC59. The development will consist of erection of 120m of 1.5m high 3D v-mesh green fencing set over existing 800mm boundary wall along Rampart Road (Northern Boundary) with 1m. pedestrian access gates. Also, 56m of 2.4m high 3D v- mesh green fencing along western boundary (off Rampart Road) with 7m wide vehicle access gates and 1.2m pedestrian access gate and 1m access gate. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the office of Louth County Council, Town Hall, Crowe Street, Dundalk during its public opening hours (9.30am to 4.30pm Mon. to Fri. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Planning Authority of the application.

Signed—Michael Hetherton Arch & Eng. Services Ltd, Cogan Street, Oldcastle, Co Meath. 049 8542911.

Cuchulainn Archers compete in Dublin

THE WOLFSHEAD and Millennium Indoor

Open Archery Competition took place on Saturday in the National Indoor Arena, Dublin.

Competing for CúChulainn Archers were Adria Quinn, Amy McLoughlin, Alan Convery, Robert Hall, Neil Keeble and RoseAnne O’Donnell.

The competition consisted of 60 arrows at 25metres and 60 arrows at 18metres. There was quite an air of excitement at it as this combination of distances is rarely shot, so there was a possibility of Irish Records to be set and/ or broken on the day, and the club took some home!

Robert Hall, Compound Men came third, taking home a Bronze medal, with Alan Convery taking 5th place.

In Compound Women, Amy McLoughlin came third, taking home a Bronze medal with Adria Quinn taking 5th place.

Neil Keeble came 1st in Men’s Barebow taking home the Gold medal and two Irish Records, one for his 30 arrow score at 25metres and the other for his 60 arrow score at 25 metres. Congratulations, Neil, well done!

RoseAnne

O’Donnell, shooting two age categories higher than her own, came 4th in Senior Women Barebow, with a score that broke four

sets of Irish Records:25m x 30 arrows in Junior Lady’s Barebow, 25m x 30 arrows in Cadet Lady’s Barebow and 25m x 60 arrows in Junior Lady’s Barebow and 25m x 60 arrows in Cadet Lady’s Barebow! Congratulations to RoseAnne and well done!

This was the final

competition in the Indoor Season - and what a competition it was for CúChulainn members with one Gold medal, two Bronze medals and a total of 6 Irish Records! All archers are now looking forward to the Outdoor Season, and the challenges it brings!

CúChulainn Archers runs beginner courses throughout the year. All enquiries to cuchulainnarchers@hotmail.com

Dundalk, Drogheda & Dunboyne Collaborate on Celebrating International Women’s Day

TO CELEBRATE International Women’s Day, the three further education colleges from Louth Meath ETB joined together to host a spectacular evening. Held in the Barbican Theatre in Drogheda, students from each of the three colleges worked together to create a montage of poetry and artwork which created a powerful opening to the event. Following this was the debut of a one woman play Truth, Love or Promise by Nuala Mc Keever. This brand new comedy drama, was written and performed by Nuala Mc Keever and directed by Dan Gordan.

Alan Convery and Amy McLoughlin

L-R Conor Rafferty, Denis Leonard, Sadie Ward Mc Dermott, Padraig Mc Govern

Lineup of archers at the competition

The event was opened by LMETB’s Director of Further Education, Sadie Ward Mc Dermott and attended by LMETB’s Chief Executive, Martin O’Brien. Doc-

tor Anita Byrne from DkIT, delivered an insightful speech highlighting the importance of celebrating the strength and resilience of women in our society today. Students and

staff from all three further education colleges both contributed to and collaborated in the important celebration of International Women’s Day 2023.