Gardaí begin search in Kyran’s family home
By Paul Byrne
GARDAI in Dundalk began searching the former family home of Kyran Durnin as part of the investigation into his disappearance. Eight-year old Kyran was reported missing from his home in Drogheda, Co. Louth on 30th August but is presumed dead.
On Monday, acting under a District Court Order, gardaí took possession of a private house in Emer Terrace, Dundalk.
At a press conference outside Dundalk Garda Station yesterday morning Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern issued a public appeal for information on the disappearance of Kyran Durnin.
“Last Wednesday, 16th October 2024 An Garda Síochána issued a public appeal for information on the disappearance of Kyran Durnin, who would now be 8 years old and is missing, presumed dead.
Yesterday, Monday 21st October 2024, acting under a Search Warrant, Gardaí investigating the disappearance of Kyran Durnin took possession of a private house on Emer Terrace, Dundalk.
Commencing today, that house will be searched and be subject of technical and forensic examinations, as will the garden and adjoining open ground to that house.
Continued on Page 2
Dundalk Gaels players and supporters celebrate their Intermediate Football Championship victory over Hunterstown. Pic Credit- Ciaran Culligan.
Dundalk owner issues stadium ban following altercation
DUNDALK FC owner
John Temple has promised that the people who abused him and his family will never step foot inside Oriel Park again as long as he is owner.
Following the match against Derry City, Temple and a former owner of the club got involved in an argument before another individual allegedly struck the current Dundalk owner with a thump. John Temple also claims that his family were abused stating that his sister got hit in the face and his mother was pushed.
The criminal barrister says that seven people were involved in the incident and none of them will be allowed back to Oriel while he is in charge. The matter
has been reported to An Garda Siochana.
“I was on the pitch talking to the Derry staff after the game when I saw that our CEO Peter Halpin was getting dogs abuse in the stands beside the boardroom. I immediately went up to diffuse the situation and I was verbally and physically abused by several people. My mother was pushed. My sister was also struck. These people were out of control and they will never set foot inside Oriel Park again while I own the club,” claimed the Dundalk FC owner.
In an interview with local media on Monday, Temple questioned also the accounting practices during the Statsports/ Andy Connolly owner-
ship period between 2021 and 2023 claiming that there was a surplus of €1.7m in the bank account when they took over and a deficit of €1.5m when they left. He also confirmed that there is a bill of €200k owed to revenue as well as a number of other debts including money
owed to former players Stephen O’Donnell, Wilfred Zahibo and Louis Annesley.
He was however hopeful that the ‘mess’ he inherited can be cleaned up and he believes that Dundalk FC will be still an entity next season and able to take their place in the first division.
“It’s difficult to see how we got into this situation but I am certain we can turn this around” stated John. “The main thing is we have to become sustainable. Before, the club relied mainly on sponsorship to survive but we have to do it differently. We’ve seen the previous model doesn’t work. The Indoor pitches in the YDC will be operational this week and we are delighted to say we’ve had
a great take up of people who want to use them. They will be open from 7-10 every evening and we have had GAA and athletics clubs looking to use the pitches too,” he revealed.
“There’s been all sorts of rumours about players and staff not being paid and I want to put that to bed. When I came in I told the players we would be a week behind with regards to wages and they accepted that immediately. I have a great relationship with them and they are a great bunch.
“There will be cutbacks in the club obviously. We will not have any big away fan base coming to Oriel and attendances will drop so that shortfall will have to be made up elsewhere.
We have people on the payroll here who are doing similar jobs at other clubs for free. We have to look at ways to get the wagebill down to make the whole thing sustainable. The facts are that Peak 6 left €1.7m in the bank account for the consortium who bought the club off them in November 2021. Two years later that consortium sold the club to Brian Ainscough by which time there club had filed for losses of €1.5m. I have to do due diligence with this and send these figures to the Office of Corporate Enforcement. There are many questions that need answering,” claimed Temple.
“We are spending 3040% more than say Shels and look at the difference
between the clubs on the league table. We owe Revenue 200k, the gardaí are owed almost 50k. I’ve had to pay 16k for insurance in recent weeks, 7k for electricity, 6k for Dan Pike’s injury. The wage bill is 30k a week. We need money coming in as well. I’m not a millionaire and contrary to rumours I am not a front for anybody. I own 80% of the club and there are four investors who came in with Brian Ainscough who own the remaining 20%.
“We will be setting up our season tickets offer which will be launched this week and we hope that supporters can get on board with it. With the season tickets there will be advantages such as match programme,
finger food at games, money off club merchandise, gym membership etc.
“We have nine players under contract and we obviously need a new manager so there is a lot of work to be done. But I know how big this club is and I think we can turn it around. The supporters were magnificent the other night. We got relegated but the way the fans stayed and cheered the players gave me great hope for the future. There’s a hell of a lot of work to do but I’m willing to help and try and bring the good times back to this great club,” stated John.
Gardaí begin search in missing Kyran’s family home
Continued From Page 1
The purpose of these searches are to discover any evidence which might provide us with information as to Kyran’s current whereabouts or what has happened to Kyran.
The house is known to have been Kyran’s family home for a period of years up to May 2024.
I must emphasise that the current tenants of this house are not connected in anyway with Kyran or his disappearance.
An Garda Síochána can confirm that Kyran was a student in a local national school, here in Dundalk, up to approximately the end of the 2021/ 2022 primary school year.
Kyran was reported missing, along with his mother, to An Garda Síochána on the 30th August 2024, and as having been last seen on or about the 28th August 2024.
An Garda Síochána has identified the whereabouts of Kyran’s mother.
Despite extensive enquiries carried out by Gardaí to date, An Garda Síochána have been unable to either locate Kyran, identify any
information on his current whereabouts or any evidence that he is currently alive.
Following enquiries to date Investigating Gardaí now believe that Kyran is missing, presumed dead.
A murder investigation has been commenced, under the direction of a Senior Investigation Officer (SIO)
based out of an incident room established at Drogheda Garda Station.
An Garda Síochána is liaising closely with other state agencies, including TUSLA, who are co-operating and assisting fully with this murder investigation.
I want to thank members of the
public who have contacted the Garda investigation team to date.
An Garda Síochána’s sole focus and primary concern, and that of the investigation team is Kyran. We want to discover where Kyran is. We want to discover what has happened to Kyran.
I continue to appeal to anyone who has any information in connection with the disappearance of Kyran to contact investigating Gardaí.
Do not rule out any information that you may have.
Please do not assume that the investigation team know the information that you may have.
Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, will be welcomed by the investigation team. This information will be treated in the strictest confidence.
You can contact the Garda Investigation Team at Drogheda Garda Station on 041 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or speak with any member of An Garda Síochána. Thank You.”
Ardee St Mary’s battled past Naomh Mairtin as well as Storm Ashley to earn their third Joe Ward cup in a row on Sunday, winning the Louth Senior Football Championships once more.
Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern outside Dundalk Garda station yesterday morning following a press conference.
John Temple.
SPOOKTACULAR BANK HOLIDAY OFFERS
THE HOME OF THE
Heineken 8L Blade Keg €40.00
Birra
€17.85
Budweiser Pint Cans
24x568ml €40.00
(ONLY €1.67 A PINT)
Carlsberg Pint Cans
24x568ml €27.49
18x330ml €17.99
(ONLY €1.15 A PINT)
Heineken Pint Cans
24x568ml €39.00
(ONLY €1.63 A PINT)
Guinness Draught Pint Cans
24x568ml €50.00
(ONLY €2.08 A PINT)
Brave Cyril thwarts attempted church robbery
THE bravery of 81-year-old Cyril Carter, who defended himself during an attempted robbery outside the Friary in Dundalk has been praised by Aontú leader Michael O’Dowd following the incident last Saturday evening. While collecting outside the Friary church, on behalf of Aontú, Mr. Carter was approached by a man who attempted to steal the donations. Instead of becoming a victim, Cyril, armed only with his walking stick, fought off the attacker, forcing him to flee the scene empty handed.
O’Dowd commented: “Cyril is made of stern stuff, and this incident clearly demonstrates that he is not an easy mark for anyone
with ill intent. His quick thinking and resilience in the face of danger not only safeguarded the collection but also sent a strong message to those who might seek to exploit vulnerable individuals. Cyril’s strength of character is truly commendable, and we are all incredibly proud of his actions.”
O’Dowd also expressed gratitude to the clergy at the Friary, who came out after hearing the commotion and ensured that there was no further threat to Cyril. “We are very grateful to the clergy for their swift intervention, which helped bring the situation to a safe conclusion,” he added. O’Dowd further em-
phasized the importance of safety for those participating in public collections:
“This incident also highlights the need for greater awareness around the safety of those collecting in public. Ensuring that collectors are not left alone , even for a short time ,can help reduce the risks they may face in situations like this. In this instance it was only for a moment as Cyril’s co collector had gone to get her car to drive both of them home.
Fr Benedict, a priest in the Friary, also praised Cyril for his actions.
“I was outside after mass greeting people and this man was harassing and badgering the
congregation. I told him to get away and he threatened me and my family,” explained Fr Benedict.
“We eventually got him to move on but when I went away to do something else he apparently returned and that was when he tried to steal the collection box from Cyril. Cyril showed great bravery in fending him off and thankfully he was unhurt in the incident. We have a wonderful community down here and it is a shame that people like this are intent on doing bad things to good people. We informed the Gardaí who are investigating,” concluded Fr Benedict.
letters to the editor
Praise for Biodiversity Week
Dear editor,
May I through the columns of your newspaper, congratulate the Louth County Council’s Climate Action team for the interesting and diverse events they organised to promote Biodiversity Week. It was a great effort by them to draw attention to the dangers of Global Warming and the importance of Biodiversity and getting young people involved.
Young people can play a major role in promoting Biodiversity by simply prevailing upon their
parents to clear out their garden sheds of all the containers of Insecticides and Herbicides. This would be a very good place to start. Explain to them that Insecticide kills all insects wherever it is sprayed.
The Manufacturers very carefully omit the word ‘kill’ from the user instructions. They prefer to use the phrase ‘This product controls garden pests’ which is a misnomer of course. Likewise with Herbicides, it does not control, it kills everything, and destroys a valuable food source
for any insects who may live nearby.
To get their parents to desist from this practice might not be easy, but even if only one young person succeeded it would be some reward for the Councils efforts.
Maybe the people who use these products are possibly just lazy gardeners, who never gave the subject much thought.
Yours sincerely, Pat McKenna, Feede, Mountpleasant.
The unstoppable Woodview Celtic U13 side clinched the treble last week for the second year running. The team were coached by Eamon O’Hagan. Gerard Matthews and Paul McArdle.
Michael O’Dowd, Aontú general election candidate, with 81-year-old Cyril Carter outside the Friary church.
North East Runners excel at Louth Championships
THERE was much anticipation leading into this year’s Louth Senior Cross Country Championships as to whether North East Runners A.C. men’s team could hold on to the title for the third consecutive year, with a strong challenge expected from Drogheda & District A.C. The ladies race was similarly eagerly awaited with the strongest field in a number of years at the front end.
The ladies 6km race was underway first, with extremely wet conditions to contend with on the 1500m Bellurgan Park loop. A breakaway group of the pre-race favourites of Kelly Breen (NER A.C.), Neasa Reilly (Dunleer A.C.), Maedhbh Eakin (Dunleer A.C) and Niamh Brady of St. Peters A.C. quickly formed. They were followed out by Karen Costello and Nicola Welsh (Dunleer A.C.), and Caoimhe Lynch and Claire Smyth (NER A.C.).
The lead pack stayed together for the first two laps of the four lap race, until Neasa Reilly put in a surge to pull away from the others with Maedhbh Eakin fighting to maintain contact, while Kelly Breen and Niamh Brady contested for the bronze medal over the next two laps. Reilly came home a comfortable winner over her Dunleer teammate Eakin in second, with Niamh Brady securing third spot over Breen (4th) and Costello (6th). Caoimhe Lynch had a fantastic last lap and finishing kick to edge ahead of Nicola Welsh - but it was to prove not enough to deny the Dunleer ladies the team title with a confident team performance. Claire Smyth and Rachel McArdle were the remaining scorers for the North East Runners ladies as they finished second overall, with Clíodhna Hyland, Anita Bolton and AnnMarie Mulholland the other
runners for the Dundalk-based club on the day.
It was then on to men’s race with another group of four making a breakaway in the opening lap - Christopher Keenan and Liam Mulligan (D&D A.C), Danny Nugent (Ace A.C.) and Declan Toal (NER A.C).
With Toal spotting over 30 years to his younger compatriots this was impressive, and gutsy, running. There was a close team battle in pursuit of this group as a mix of North East Runners A.C and Drogheda & District A.C vied for position over the next 5 laps. Christopher Keenan proved to be the strongest runner on the day, coming home 20 seconds clear of Liam Mulligan in second.
A fast finishing Declan Toal was denied the bronze medal by Ace’s Nugent, however there was consolation as his NER teammates Donnchadh MacAodha (5th), Rory Mulholland (6th), Peter McGuinness (10th), Liam Fergus (12th) and Oisin Hughes (13th) bunched together to secure the team title by a close margin of 5 points over Drogheda & District.
Other finishers for NER on the day were Keith Geoghegan (16th), Jim Gonnelly (22nd), Sean Carroll (24th), Richard Murphy(25th), Seamus Falls (26th). The depth in the North East Runners squad has been a defining feature of their running in recent years, and so it proved once more as they saw off a strong Drogheda team which included the first two finishers in the race.
If you’re interested in competing or simply improving your running, training with North East Runners A.C continues Tuesday evenings meeting in St. Helena’s Park at 6:15pm for beginners and 7:00pm for advanced runners.
Declan Toal.
Kelly Breen.
Liam Fergus.
North East Runners Womens Team.
Dundalk Grammar School GAA row continues
DUNDALK Grammar School students continued their fight for the right to play Gaelic Football in the school with a third protest outside the school gates last Friday afternoon. The School’s Board of Management have told students that Gaelic Football is not on the school’s sports curriculum and therefore cannot be played by students.
The students claim that they have the full support of over 400 students in the school as well as 90% of teachers, the Parents and Teachers Association and parents in their quest to get Gaelic Football back on the school’s sport curriculum. Gaelic Football had previously been played in the school but has not been an option for students for a number of years. Last Friday around 30 senior students
- both boys and girls, stood outside the school gates with placards and posters demanding permission from the school
Planning permission for 500 homes refused due to lack of sewerage facilities
PLANNING permission for over 500 homes near Dundalk was refused because Uisce Éireann was not able to provide an effective wastewater treatment system, it has been revealed by Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú.
The application, by Marina Quarter Limited, for 502 homes at the Blackrock Road, Haggardstown, was refused by An Bord Pleanala because of concerns about the ‘existing deficiency in the capacity of sewerage facilities’ at the Coe’s Road pumping station which, Uisce Éireann said, would not be fixed until 2027.
In its decision to refuse permission in June, An Bord Pleanala said: ‘Having regard to …… correspondence from Uisce Eireann, the Board was not satisfied a sufficiently developed commitment and specific timeframe has been provided that demonstrates the proposed development would have access to an effective wastewater treatment system.
grave concerns about a number of network pumping stations and wastewater treatment issues’ and reminded the Taoiseach how there were ‘huge problems’ in Dundalk and North Louth this time last year.
He said: ‘There have been heavy rains recently causing major worry. There are questions in regard to capacity’.
He said he had spoken about infrastructural deficits and said Louth Oireachtas members are due to meet with Uisce Éireann this week.
board to play GAA. Ruairí Ó Murchú TD and Senator Erin McGreehan were also present with both politicians addressing the students and giving their support to the ongoing campaign.
According to a source connected to the school the Board of Governors met on Thursday evening (17 October) to discuss the issue. They then sent a message to the teachers on Friday afternoon, via the acting Headmaster. That message said that the Board would meet any staff member who has a view on sports and extra curricular activities in the school.
A month ago, the board sent a letter to two teachers, asking them to withdraw the Grammar School team from the Len-
non Cup (informing them that they were not insured as Gaelic football has not been sanctioned in the school). At the end of this letter, they said that they remained open to dialogue and expressed a wish to finding an amicable outcome. They said they were inviting teachers to arrange meetings. However, over the course of the last month, teachers’ efforts to meet with the Board to discuss the ban on Gaelic football have been ignored. Requests from the GAA County Board Manager Seán McClean and the GAA President Jarlath Burns to meet with the Board, have also been ignored. The students have pledge dto continue their protest until a resolution is found.
Councillor welcomes positive feedback from council of draft plans for Haggardstown
FIANNA Fáil councillor Shane McGuinness has welcomed positive feedback from acting Chief Executive of Louth County Council, Joe McGuinness, of submissions he has made for the Draft Dundalk Local Area Plan.
better options for transport to work and schools,” read his submission.
McGuinness also welcomed positive feedback for his submission which asked for land to be rezoned as a Green Space Area which would allow for the building of a new secondary school, primary school, community centre and playing pitches. According to McGuinness 8 hectares will potentially be zoned for the above developments.
Water capacity in Dundalk, and the fact that Louth County Council has put Irish Water on notice about their ‘grave concerns’ about a number of pumping stations were highlighted to Taoiseach Simon Harris by Deputy Ó Murchú.
He pointed out how local media had reported how Louth County Council has put Uisce Éireann on notice ‘regarding
‘The Board noted in the correspondence from Uisce Eireann that the wastewater connection ……. ‘would add flows to the Coes Road pumping station which does not have the capacity for the development’. Furthermore, Uisce Eireann estimated this capacity upgrade to be completed by 2027’.
Deputy Ó Murchú said: ‘We also need to make sure we have the capacity to deliver the necessary housing, as well as the industrial units and so on that we are very glad to have in Dundalk. This issue needs to be addressed. We cannot rely on not having heavy rains into the future’.
In response, the Taoiseach said: ‘Deputy Ó Murchú raised Uisce Éireann, specifically a pumping station and wastewater treatment issues in Dundalk and north Louth, the impact they are having and the fact that there are plans in place. I will seek an update for him from Uisce Éireann about the speedy delivery of them’.
Dundalk and District Dart League
WEEK two of the Heineken sponsored Dundalk and District Dart League saw Corbetts Craicheads good start to Pool A continue as their captain Robbie Murphy put in a Man Of The Match performance in their teams 5-1 win over Punters Athletic with Barney Carolan playing a starring role for the Punters team in successive weeks. Also in Pool A John Lambe of the Commercial won the final game to secure a draw for his team against Uncle Kevin’s.
Meanwhile in Pool B, The Big House Eagles team are flying along with a second successive 5-1 win, this time over The Bodhran Hawks with Daniel Dunn getting the man of the match award for the winners and Cian O”Rourke being best for the Hawks.
Meanwhile Marianne Gartland could be forcing the Committee to reword the scorecards as the man of the match award doesn’t apply to her but she put in a stand out performance with
a 112 finish on the way to helping her team, Callans Cobras, to a 4-2 over Bodhran Bandits. Week 2 Results : The Bodhran 5 Clans 1; Punters Athletic 1 Corbetts Craicheads 5; Uncle Toms Cabin 4 Callans HBX 2; The Commercial 3 Uncle Kevin’s 3; Uisce Beatha BYE; Big House Eagles 5 Bodhran Hawks 1; The Phoenix 1 Punters Mix 5; Uncle Toms 3 Commercial Classics 3; Damh O’Thuaidh BYE.
The Draft Dundalk Local Area Plan 2024-2030 provides a detailed planning guidance and policy objectives, at a local level, in relation to the development strategy for Dundalk. Submissions were sent in which focused on issues including population and economic growth, delivery of housing and community facilities, regeneration of vacant and under-utilised lands, potential impacts of climate change, environmental protection and investment in transportation and water service infrastructure.
Cllr. McGuinness who is also chairman of Haggardstown Tidy Towns, welcomed positive feedback for his submission which called for a new bus route going through Haggardstown from West to East to cater for the recent population explosion in the area.
“With Haggardstown getting so built up, there is a real need
1—Can you name the member of boyband One Direction who died last week after falling from a third floor hotel balcony in Argentina?
2—A red flag with a black doubleheaded eagle in the centre is the flag for which European country?
3—What year was the movie Titanic released?
4—Can you name the two actors who starred together in the movies: The Godfather Part 2, Heat, Righteous Kill and The Irishman?
for a bus route to go through Haggardstown from West to East. I suggest a start point is the Bus stop at Junction 16 which is there and follow route past garden Centre and along Mullagharlin road/ Marlbog Road and turn up by western relief road and past Dun Doogan and out at the Greengates shop and through Blackrock into Dundalk.
This would bring in a massive area where at present, there is no transport system.
It would also alleviate parking issues in Blackrock where people working there have
5—Can you name the legendary Dundalk Heavyweight Boxer who was born in 1873 in a small thatched cottage in Hill Street?
6—How many English football m anagers have won the English Premier League in soccer?
7—Can you name the Warner Brothers/Loony Tunes animated character, a sworn enemy of Bugs Bunny whose catchphrase was ‘Shhh. Be vewy vewy quiet, I’m hunting wabbits”
8—Which town is furthest west in Ireland: Tuam or Tralee?
9—Which actor has played the role of James Bond (in official James Bond movies) most times?
10—In the animated series The
“I am asking the council to commit to at least a further 15 acres to allow for all weather pitches, sports ground and open space as we all know the benefits of this for everyone’s mental health and wellbeing. I am delighted that the acting Chief Executive has responded favourably to my submissions in his report and we will be working hard over the next 12-18 months to ensure we get this work completed. We have a growing population in Haggardstown and it is vital for the people in this area that we have sufficient amenities and bus routes to cater for everybody,” stated McGuinness.
Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú.
Cllr Shane McGuinness.
Simpsons what is the name of the Simpsons family dog? Stinker: How many Presidents Of Ireland has there been in total?
1—Liam Payne, 2—Albania, 3—1997, 4—Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, 5—Tom Sharkey, 6—Zero, 7—Elmer Fudd, 8— Tralee, 9—Roger Moore (Seven times) Sean Connery has six (he also played James Bond in Never Say Never Again but that was not an official James Bond movie), 10—Santa’s Little Helper. Stinker: Nine (Hyde, O’Kelly, DeValera, Childers, O’Dálaigh, Hillery, Robinson, McAleese and Higgins).
Dundalk Grammar School students continued their protest last Friday afternoon. They are asking the school’s Board of Management to allow Gaelic Football be played in the school.
Catherine MacGuinness—A Life Less Ordinary
FROM Seatown Place to Nigeria to California and back home again.
Catherine Mac Guinness has lived life to the fullest through her near eight decades on this planet.
From the loneliness of St. Louis Convent novitiate, in Monaghan, to nursing in Belfast as the Troubles began, before a wonderfully fulfilling time as a nurse in Africa where she quickly understood the dire need for preventive health care and health education which she developed in a programme which would ultimately save many children’s lives in Nigeria. One of seven children Catherine was the daughter of Dr. Anthony and Elizabeth Mac Guinness and grew up in Seatown Place, Dundalk.
A curious, rather serious child, Catherine learned about responsibility early, given she was the second eldest of seven and the first of six girls. Her love of music was developed from an early age from her mother Betty, who also encouraged her to learn the Cello, and from Mr. Michael Van Dessel (a well known Belgian Musician, Organist, Composer) who lived across the road.
Beginning Ballet dancing lessons at the age of 9 or so (from a teacher who travelled down from Dublin) was a transformative time for Catherine as she learned to move more freely in her body and to experience the sheer joy of dancing to music.
According to Catherine, it was through accompanying her Dad on home visits to sick people in and around town, often to places of extreme poverty and overcrowding, that influenced the choices she made in later life.
“I used to love accompanying him on his home visits to sick people in the high ways and by ways, sometimes to places where the more fortunate lived, but more often to places of extreme poverty and overcrowding. As I waited in the car for him during such visits, I recall seeing children dressed in what I would have called then, rags, and very often wearing no shoes, and yet all playing so happily in, and with their makeshift toys.
“They would press their little noses against the car window curiously looking in at me. So, at an early age I be-
gan to become aware of, and to wonder about the gap between the well-to-do and the poor in society. I imagine all this had an influence on the choices I made later in life, especially around my decision to work as a nurse and midwife in West Africa. As I continue with my story I want to thank the Leader for inviting me to share one of the most important events of my life, my time in West Africa” states Catherine.
“Upon my arrival in Ghana in 1974, which was a dream come true, I was placed in a rural hospital, in Maase-Offinso. in the Central Region. I soon became aware that I was ill prepared for this new culture and tropical situation. I had no knowledge of the language nor of tropical medicine. I was asked to support the nurses clinically, and with their nursing care. This gave me a wonderful opportunity to inculturate and to learn so much from the nurses, patients and their families. I was the only white nurse among them. They were my teachers for the following 2 years, and I learned much more than I could ever have given them.
“Difficult as it was for me to feel needed, or, that I was contributing in some significant way, it was an opportunity to immerse myself as best I could at the time, to learn about the people’s customs and beliefs, to develop a working knowledge of the language, and to grow in my appreciation and respect for them as a gifted, talented, creative, and colourful people with a rich culture. They were so in tune with nature, the earth, who counted the months of the year at each full moon”.
“Very early on I became aware of the urgent need for preventive health care and health education. It was in Ghana that the seeds of my future work were sown. I used to visualize myself going out the hospital gate to work with the people in the villages, wishing that I had the language, the skills required and all that it took. I wasn’t ready then for the challenge. That would take time.
“I was then moved to Western Nigeria to spend 2 years
in Ondo State in a densely populated town, Owo, in Yoruba Land, where I mostly cared for mothers, babies, and children. Two years later I found myself in Northern Nigeria, as an assistant to the matron in a well established rural hospital in Zonkwa, Kaduna State.
“All these changes and various invaluable rich experiences, which required adaptation to new cultures and languages, greatly prepared me for what was to follow later. I learned about Tropical Diseases at grass root level and to grow in my awareness of the need for Primary Health Care. Patients came to hospitals from far and wide with illnesses that were advanced and could have been prevented. The mortality rate was high both in hospitals, and everywhere around’.
Following all those years, Catherine took time to train as a Public Health Nurse in Dublin and to do a short course with UNICEF in London. She was now ready to move into her future work in Primary Health Care. This work began in the villages all around Oka-Akoko, in Ondo state, Western Nigeria. She was able to put in place a health programme that would give the local people the information they needed to keep themselves, especially the babies and children, free from the local health problems that were causing serious illnesses and deaths.
“At different times Nigerian St Louis sisters, Catherine, Agnes and Brigid joined me, all nurses, who were wonderfully supportive, creative, and gifted people. They each spoke the native language, Yoruba, and understood the people’s customs and culture. Our programme could not have developed without them. Our aim was also to teach and train Village Health Workers, and to reduce the high infant and child mortality rate”.
“We began by doing listening surveys in the villages to find out from the people themselves what were their most serious health problems. Top of the list in each village we visited they told us: ”Babies and children are
dying from vomiting and diarrhoea due to the dirty water in the area”. Their second main problem was malnutrition, which they described as: “children with swollen bellies”.
“We began by addressing their first problem, and by asking the women how they were preparing clean water in their homes. They told us that they lined up their buckets of water collected from local streams and that the bucket standing the longest time on the floor was the cleanest water, as all the dirt had time to fall to the bottom. Building on what good they were already doing, and on UNICEF ‘s scientific, appropriate and “keep it simple” guidelines, we began showing the mothers a practical, easy way to prepare at home “salt and sugar water” (oral rehydration fluid) that proved to be life-saving.
“To do so safely only what was needed was a clean coco cola bottle to measure the clean water; a clean bottle cap to measure out 1 cap-full of salt and 9 cap-fulls of sugar; and a clean bowl for mixing the measured water, salt and sugar.
“In our demos every detail of this preparation was shown, including hand washing, the washing of everything used, the measuring out of the salt, sugar and water, the mixing of all together in the bowl, and finally adding them to the coco cola bottle
. The mothers at our village health meetings very quickly learned how to prepare this for their children.
“Of course when we began our work in the villages the people had some questions for us, and an important one was: “why would you give water to drink when a child was passing out so much water in diarrhoea and vomiting?” I had to think hard about how best to visually answer.
“So, finding a plastic bag, I drew a picture of a child on it and filled it with water. I then cut a small hole on the bottom of the bag . As the bag emptied they could see the bag, with the picture of the child’s body, collapse. The second part of this visual was to show that as the water
passed out from the bottom, and as I continued to pour water slowly into the top of the plastic bag and child’s body stayed full of water
“This simple demo helped the people learn the importance of giving fluids when there is diarrhoea and vomiting and that the body can hold “salt and sugar water”. We taught all this though a native song which they enjoyed singing. Everything we taught through song, dance, drama, or story-telling was later taught to the Village Health Workers, who were chosen by the people of the villages to be trained by us.
“Sometime later at a meeting with the Elders, they informed us about their disappointment that we were not building a hospital and giving employment in the area. Answering all their questions we explained that we had set up a Health Centre which was adequately equipped to treat the most serious problems in the area, and that also we were training Village Health Workers from different villages. In concluding the meeting I asked the group of elders a very important question: “Have you noticed any change for the better since we arrived? There was a long pause until the oldest among them broke the silence.
“These were his exact words: “We are noticing that we are not being wakened at night with women crying because of babies and children dying”.
“This was the best and truest evaluation that we could possibly receive giving us hope and encouragement knowing that our work was making a difference,” recalls Catherine.
Following 15 years in Nigeria, Catherine developed serious Malaria, so, the time had come for her to leave the tropics with a certain peace of mind that the trained Village Health Workers would continue the work. Her departure was met with sadness and in a speech at her farewell party her contribution to improving healthcare during her 18 years in West Africa was recognised.
“Look around at the happy Children’s Ward. Those many
hours of morning rounds in the Children’s Ward with Catherine, she was the one who inspired nurses. She was the one who taught our nurses that they must listen to their patients. Above all, she was always there for the crippled people in the village, the poor parentless children, the blind and the handicapped. We will really miss our dear sister Catherine because of the magnificent help she gave freely to these type of people regardless of colour, race or status. Oh, God bless her please”.
Catherine’s next chapter in life began with a Sabatical year in California. studying Culture and Creation Spirituality.
“This transitional year was like a breath of fresh air. It gave me what I needed to move forward in my life. It was during this year that I discovered Rosen Method through an Irish Jesuit priest”.
She took to life in California like a duck to water. After receiving the necessary requirements, she settled in the San Francisco Bay Area working as a hospice nurse while studying and training in Rosen Method and other body therapies. Rosen Method has two components with separate trainings - Rosen Method Bodywork and Rosen Method Movement.
Catherine is a practitioner and teacher in each modality.
Following 26 wonderful years in California, Catherine returned back home to where it all started and moved to live in Blackrock. Upon her arrival her passion and greatest desire from the beginning was to share and to teach Rosen Method in Ireland where it is quite unknown.
“In 2023 I participated at an International Rosen Method Congress in Serajevo. Practitioners from 26 different countries were represented – Many from Europe, including the UK, Norway, France, and Israel. Others came from the Americas, Canada, and as far east as Russia. Australia was also represented. This experience fueled my enthusiasm and desire to make this beautiful, healing work known here in this part of the world”.
Rosen Method Bodywork is a unique form of somatic approach which addresses the holding back of ourselves that we learned and do in life, and the holding back of feelings in the body very often from previous traumas. This bodycentred therapy, performed on a massage table, is a form of very gentle touch, used together with verbal communication, which assists people to become aware of what they are feeling and holding in their bodies - physically and emotionally. When tension in the body is contacted by a skilled practitioner, in a safe space and without judgement, it can soften, relax deeply, and breathe easier as it lets go of stress, pain, or whatever the body is holding. Experiences, feelings, and long held memories can arise. We follow and stay with what comes up and with what is happening for the client in the present moment.
“When I put my Rosen hands on someone during a session, I allow them to touch the whole person physically and emotionally. This allows the person to relax into themselves, to feel themselves from the inside, to experience their own truth, and to open to new possibilities for themselves. Sometimes a greater awareness of what is important in their life may arise. Following a session many people report an increased self-confidence and vitality, and a sense of coming home to oneself.
A quote from Marion Rosen says it all: “Through listening to the truth of the body, it is possible to discover what we can do, who we can be, what we can experience, how we can love”.
“I’ve had rich and varied life experiences, for which I am truly grateful, full of ups and downs, with difficulties and challenges, my own version of what we all experience. Rosen Method has given me the opportunity to find myself as a person, to heal, to grow, and to be open to greater possibilities for myself, for others, and for my life.” concluded Catherine
Catherine (right) with Rosen friends at a Rosen Method Global conference in Serajevo, Bosnia in 203.
A 2-year-old child who is not yet walking because of poor diet.
A village health meeting.
FAMILY NOTICES
MARK ‘MAXI’ KAVANAGH
From The Kavanagh and McAlester Family
Mark’s family would like to thank the wonderful friends and neighbours for calling to the funeral home and also those who called to his mother’s home with food, those who sent Mass cards, messages on Facebook and offered condolences. A special word of thanks to the doctors and nurses in ICU in Drogheda for all your help.
To Dundalk Football Club for all your help with the funeral at the chapel and also managers, players and staff for helping carry Mark out of the chapel. To The Shed Side Army, his beloved friends, boys, words can’t express what you done, we will never forget that display, turning to go to the chapel. To all Dundalk fans who turned up in Oriel Park for his last journey - you made that unforgettable.
To Fr. Mark for celebrating the Mass and to Gerard and Annette Quinn for the dignified and respectful care.
As it would have been impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgment as an expression of our deepest gratitude.
Mark’s Months Mind Mass will take place this Sunday, 27th October, at 11.30am, in Redeemer Church.
BYRNE 18th ANNIVERSARY
In loving memory of Kitty, a devoted wife and mother, late of Ard Easmuinn, Dundalk, who died November 2nd, 2006. Although we’ll always miss you, We know we’re not alone, For you are watching over us, From a place you now call home. —Sadly missed by loving husband Seamus and son Feargal. Anniversary Mass on Friday 1st November at 10am in the Church of the Holy Redeemer.
CLARKE Karen 4th ANNIVERSARY
In loving memory of Karen Clarke, late of Mullach Allainn, Newry, who died 23rd October 2020.
God looked around His Garden, And saw an empty space, He then looked down upon earth, And saw your tired face. He put His arms around you, And lifted you to rest, God’s garden must be beautiful, He only takes the best. God knew you were in pain, And a cure was not to be, So He closed your weary eyelids, And whispered come to me. With tearful eyes we watched you, And saw you slip away, Although we loved you dearly, We knew you could not stay. It broke our hearts to lose you, But you did not go alone, For part of us went with you, The day God called you home. —Always loved and missed. Mam, Dad and family. XXX.
McENEANEY Peadar and Teresa ANNIVERSARY
Remembering Peadar and Teresa (Terry) McEneaney whose anniversaries occur around this time. A silent thought, A quiet prayer, For two special people in God’s care.
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 three days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail).
P.M.
NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART
Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail).
M.M.E.
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 three days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail).
B.M.
ATTENTION LANDLORDS—We supply furniture & Beds for any rental properties you have. Beds from €180, Bedroom Furniture Sets from €249 Call us today www. bedstore.ie, Coes Rd, Dundalk Tel 042 932 0927.
SELF-CONTAINED one bedroom flat for rent. Located just off exit 14. Private parking. Convenient to Dundalk or Drogheda. Please contact 087 6193435.
HOME TO RENT in Dundalk Phone 087 2788573.
UNIT AVAILABLE TO RENT—Castletown area, with overhead storage & parking. Reasonable rent, enquires Tel 087 2489646.
ONE BEDROOM ANNEX suitable for professional person. Lower Avenue Road area. Contact 0879054274.
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.
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.
ROOF LEAKS MASTER—We repair all types of roof\tile, slate, bangor blues. Repair torch on roofs, scrape & clean, chimneys & chimney pots, chimney bird guards, gutter facia & soffits. All work guaranteed, 25 years experience. Tel. 086 8184827.
CARPENTRY & JOINERY—Maintenance and repairs, roofing, 1st & 2nd fix carpentry, sash window repairs. No job too big or small. Contact Seandon Carpentry 087 298 5110.
MOBILE HOME TRANSPORT—Transported throughout 32 Counties. Contact Eugene 086-607-1702.
CARPET & OVEN CLEANING—Carpet, upholstery & specialist oven cleaning available. Call MVI Cleaning Dundalk on 042 94 21300 or visit www.mvicleaning. ie.
ROOFING AND BUILDING contractor available. Repairs and new builds. Fully insured. Contact Mark Carney on 087 1302040 for enquiries.
FIFI’S ALTERATIONS—Longwalk S.C. (formerly A-Alterations) Tel 083 011 8728. Zips, hems, clothes taken in or let out, also Dry Cleaning Service. Open Mon - Fri 9.30 - 5.30pm & Sat 10 - 2pm.
TAKE THE HASSLE out of your garden. I do it all. Grass cutting, strimming, hedge cutting, weeding, fencing, wall painting, power washing, gutter cleaning and general DIY. Tel Catriona 087 3172109.
BUILDER & HOME MAINTAINENCE—
Building, Woodwork, Painting, Plumbing, Tiling, Kitchen Refurbishments, Paving & Fencing. No job to big or too small. Tel. 087 295 2529.
Carpentry/Building Services—Over 20 years experience. No job too big or too small. Available services—Doors, Frames, Floors, Skirting, Architraves, Walls, Built in Units, Fencing/Gates, Plaster boarding and Roofing Services. Complete renovations carried out. Contact Mark 086 0895508.
MAN WITH A VAN—Hedges, tree topping, painting, facia & Soffit, patios, concreting, garage clear-outs, outside taps. Call Kevin for a free & honest quote 0894016728.
ALL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE—
Carpentry, Doors & Floors. Roof repairs, Plumbing, Wall & Floor tiling, All outdoor work, Paving & Fencing, Power washing. Call Robert on 083 0777666.
GW PAINTING AND DECORATING—No job too small, keen rates, Dundalk & surrounding areas, estimates free. Phone 086 3848079.
WASHING MACHINE Tumble Dryer and Fridge Freezer parts & repairs, all makes & models, also Bosch washing machines for sale from €120 Tel Brian 087 7558506 or James 085 4811226.
CHARA COUNSELLING—20 years’ experience, currently taking appointments. Supporting you with emotional intelligence for relationship issues, your mental health, grief, all addictions & past traumas. For a strictly private consultation call Martin today on 083 3402766.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE—Repairs, building, plumbing, painting, roof repairs, tiling, bathroom refurbishments, plastering, gardening, power washing, PVC facia and soffits, Over 20 yrs experience. References available. Whatsapp or Tel 085-7623758 for quotation.
LOCAL POWER WASHING—No job too big or too small. Patios, driveways, walls, also grass cutting, gutter cleaning and furniture removals, recycling or rubbish removals. Contact James 0862086141 for free quotation.
TREE SERVICES—Tree surgery, stump grinding, wood chipping & pruning. Conifer hedge reduction and ash die back removal. Fully Insured & Certified. Contact Chambers on 087 2750825 Email rchambers2008@yahoo.ie.
GOLDEN OLDIES? Call the Nostalgia Line for Karaoke and singing for birthdays, anniversaries, parties etc. Call Nicky on 0874128526.
ASBESTOS REMOVAL SERVICES—Roof Tiles, Cement Sheets, Pipes, etc, 15 years’ experience. ND Asbestos Removal Tel 085 2380012 Email 1ndabestosremoval@ gmail.com.
DMC GARDEN MAINTENANCE SERVICES—Weekly/fortnightly lawn mowing services available. Hedge, shrub trimming and shaping. Weeding, spraying, strimming. Full garden clean up and all waste removed. Free quote. Keen rates. Please contact 087 7019178.
WILLS GARDENING SERVICES for pressure washing, hedge cutting, grass cutting and gutter cleaning. We cover all areas. Contact Will on 0899672202.
SELL IT THROUGH A CLASSIFIED—Only €5 for one week up to 20 words. 042 93 20888. The Dundalk Leader.
GET FIT the fun way and learn to dance, the Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot and Jive, now taking place in the Lisdoo, Dundalk Tuesday’s from 8pm - 10pm, no partner required. First wedding dance lessons and private lessons also available. Contact 086 357 3271 for further information.
DRUM LESSONS INCLUDING BODHRAN—For adults & children aged 8 years upwards. One to one lessons. Phone 087 414 4228.
WEEKLY SEWING CLASSES on-going at Northlink Retail Park, you can join in any time, for enquiries please call or WhatsApp Elizabeth on 0872649221 or visit www. djk-creations.com.
FRENCH GRINDS AVAILABLE for Junior and Leaving cert, All levels. Individual and small group options. Tel 086 8723340.
EASY-GOING 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.
FULL-TIME NANNY WANTED in Blackrock for easygoing 13 month old. Start mid-January. Experience essential. Email CV to hiringblackrocknanny@gmail.com or Text 089 6119692.
LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We Women’s Aid Dundalk intend to apply for Retention Permission of temporary prefabricated pre-school buildings and retention permission of a permanent storage shed At St. Monicas, The Long Avenue, Dundalk, Co. Louth. Retention permission to include all associated site development works. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Louth County Council from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing within a period of 5 weeks from the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00.
LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—I Dominic Philbeam intend to apply for Retention permission for development consisting of the construction of a side extension to an existing dwelling, comprising of a bedroom, dressing area and en-suite and all associated site development works at No. 4 Knock Shee, Blackrock, Dundalk, Co. Louth. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
NEWS in Brief
Hallowe’en Storytime
Spooky season is finally upon us and there’s no better way to gear up for Hallowe’en then joining all the ghosts and ghouls in Dundalk Library for a spooktacular storytime, for ages 2-7 years, on Thursday 31st October at 3:00pm. We would love to see your best and scariest fancy dress outfits fit to frighten even the meanest of librarians! The event is free, and all are welcome to attend. All children must be supervised.
Historical Society
A lecture will take place this Thursday (24th) at 8p.m. by Dundalk, native, Dr Elaine Murphy, Associate Professor of Maritime and Naval History at the University of Plymouth. The title The Civil Wars of the 1640s in Louth reflects her research interests including early modern maritime history, the British Civil Wars of the 1640s and 1650s, and the writings and speeches of Oliver Cromwell. She will discuss the events of the 1640s Civil Wars in Louth, including Cromwell and Drogheda but also adding more North Louth focus and related military and maritime activities. The talk takes place at the Gateway Hotel (formerly Crowne Plaza).
Tánaiste’s Tribute
My deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Michael Reade, a broadcaster who made an incredible contribution to the people of Louth and Meath. A firm but fair interviewer, Michael’s show on LMFM was essential radio for more than two decades on the issues that mattered most to his listeners. I always enjoyed my interviews with Michael and appreciated his courtesy and respect. He faced his final days with typical courage and dignity. Michael’s passing is a great loss for public service broadcasting.
A Big Thank-you
Cuchulainn Community Group in the Castletown District would like to send their appreciation to the town council in relation to the erection of the bollards on the Bellewsbridge Road. “We thank Louth County Council for the erection of the bollards on the Bellewsbridge Road which have made a huge difference to the traffic chaos we faced as residents in the mornings at school times before they were put up. “We would like to see a continuation of these bollards down to the church if possible,” stated a spokesperson for the group.
“Up The Hill”
The Old Dundalk Society are pleased to announce as part of our Autumn Lecture Series, a lecture entitled “Up The Hill” presented by local historian Frank O’ Callaghan, a former resident of Dowdallshill. The Lecture will take place in the Town Hall, Crowe Street Dundalk on Thursday 24th October 2024 commencing at 8.00pm sharp.
The lecture will present the history of the townland of Dowdallshill, Dundalk and will include, maps tracing the development of the area through the ages, the establishment of the Dundalk and Dowdallshill Race Course in 1889, the construction of St. Patrick’s Graveyard from 1891 and the early history of the Dundalk and Dowdallshill Coursing Club which was established in 1916. The lecture will also recount the history of Dowdallshill Gaelic Football Club established in 1886 which is one of the oldest Gaelic Football clubs in Ireland, and the establishment of their successful Athletic Club in the 1960’s. Free event with contribution at the door.
