23-11-2022

John leads Ireland to emotional victory

By Paul Byrne

TallansTown man John Brennan helped the Ireland soccer Transplant Team to an historic victory over the northern Irish Transplant team last saturday in the aUl complex in Clonshaugh, Dublin. It was an emotional day for all involved as Ireland played their first ever international match with all players thinking of the people who donated their organs ahead of the game.

John, who lives in Tallanstown with his wife Claire and their children lauren and shaun, was born with a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. John was diagnosed at the age of twelve with a defective gene in his heart which meant it didn’t stop growing. The talented soccer and Gaa player was told by doctors that he could no longer play sport and at the age of just twenty he was forced to stop playing with both na Piarsaigh and Glenmuir Utd.

By the time he received a heart transplant in 2018, his original heart had grown to twice the size it should have been.

Continued On Page 2

DkIT nurses support the homeless

Liam Reilly scholarship announced by DSM

Narrow Water Bridge moves to tender

FantaStiC FrOStiVaL! there was barely room to move in Dundalk town square last Friday evening as thousands came out to enjoy this year’s Frostival Festival. amy Broadhurst turned on the Christmas lights while the ‘Carnival of Light’ parade went down a storm with everybody present. Full story page 2. Pic Credit: Dundalk Bids.

Frostival puts Clinton visit in the shade!

More people turned out for this year’s Fros tival Winter Festival in Dundalk than for former US President Bill Clinton’s visit to the town, according to Dundalk Town Centre Manager Martin Mcel ligott.

exact numbers are still not known but the streets of Dundalk were thronged with thou sands of people when the popular two-day

event kicked off on Fri day, November 18.

“We are still digest ing it. It was fantastic. We were expecting around 5,000 people to attend but the num bers far exceeded that amount,” said Martin.

“It was a great sur prise. I think it was the perfect storm after Covid-19 and Christ mas is the biggest time of year and the weather itself helped too.

“Most of the markets were sold out on the first night and couldn’t re-stock for the follow ing day. It was an in credible festival.”

Dundalk BIDS or ganised Frostival in partnership with Dun dalk Credit Union. They were supported by Louth County Coun cil. The highlight of the festival, the Carnival of Light Parade, sig nalled the beginning of

the Christmas season. Starting at 7pm, this year’s Frostival Parade route weaved its way from Church Street to Park Street on a magi cal journey illuminat ing the town centre.

The procession was a winter fairy tale come to life with the Nut cracker prince spinning fire, a flying fairground horse, troupe of Danc ing Christmas Stars, the Sugar plum fairy,

John leads Ireland to victory

From Page 1

Since receiving his new heart John has been busy getting his coaching badges and just before Covid hit John was part of a group of players who decided to form a nation al team ahead of a World Cup that was due to take place in Italy in 2020.

Unfortunately Covid put a temporary halt to their plans but in recent months the side made up of players who have had heart transplants, lung transplants, liver trans

plants and kidney trans plants began training again in recent months under the guidance of John Brennan and Lar Brennan who approached the Irish Kidney Asso ciation to put themselves forward to coach the Irish side.

Training takes place every second week in Portlaoise which acts as a central hub for play ers who live all over the country. According to John the game on Saturday was a hugely emotional moment for both sets of players on the pitch and with that first historic game done and dusted the focus will now turn to next sum mers British Transplant Games in Coventry.

“Today was a very special day for all of us. It was so much more than just a football match for everybody. Saturday was a celebration of life and a celebration of the people who helped give us a second chance. Not everybody gets a second chance and many die waiting for a transplant so with that in mind we were all emotional be fore the match. Prior to the game we held a minutes silence for two former members of the Irish team, Shane ryan and Luke Doherty, who were sadly missed, and it also gave the players time to reflect on their own donors.

“We got together a couple of years ago with a dream of forming a team and representing our country playing the game we love. We have players of all ages from lads in their early twen ties to fellas in their fif ties. They are a great bunch of lads and it was a proud moment for me to be able to manage them in our first ever international game. We won the game on penal ties but as I said the re sult was secondary today. We will get back to train ing now soon and we are in the process of organis ing more games over the next few months as we prepare for the British Transplant Games which take place in Coventry next July. We’ve already had interest from the likes of France and Hol land looking to play us and we plan on traveling to Wales in February for a match all going well,” revealed John.

“It was an historic day and we look forward to creating many great memories over the com ing years,” he added.

There was a second local connection on Sat urday with Dundalk man Andrew Gallagher com ing on as a sub for the Irish team. Andrew had a liver transplant back in 2013 after his mother in law donated a kidney to him.

Team Ireland will be back training again in the coming weeks and if interested in joining the team they are always looking for new mem bers, if interested please contact John Brennan (086)3884850 or Lar Brennan (085)7222155 for more information.

giant snowflakes, huge golden baubles light up the street, rudolph prances and dances, a Snowman cycles in a sparkling snowstorm and Santa is high above the crowd on his magic bicycle.

“Well done to our commercial sponsor Dundalk Credit Union. They have a great team themselves and Louth

County Council also,” said Martin.

“We were very proud of local boxer Amy Broadhurst. It was a magical moment seeing her put the star on top of the Christmas tree.

“our aim is always bigger and better. We have a good familyfriendly event that peo ple have fallen in love with.”

John Brennan in the black Dundalk coat in the back row with members of the irish Soccer transplant team who beat northern ireland on penalties in their first ever international game which was played last Saturday.

the Carnival of Light parade was enjoyed by thousands last Friday evening.

Fitzpatrick welcomes motion looking for extension to selling alcohol outdoors ‘Retained firefighter model not working’

PeTer Fitzpatrick has backed a motion which seeks to ex tend legislation which allows for the sale and consumption of alcohol in outdoor seat ing areas. The law originally came into force as a temporary measure in July of 2021 to help businesses in towns and restaurants to make money during CoVID. earlier this year the law was extended for a further six months but that will come to an end at the end of this month.

Last week a motion was put forward in the Dáil asking for a further extension up to May 2023 and this was welcomed by Deputy Fitzpatrick.

“I welcome the motion, which seeks to extend sections 1 to 7, inclusive, and section 9 of the Civil Law (Miscellane ous Provisions) Act to allow for the sale or supply of liquor in outdoor seating areas for four to six months - from 1 De cember next to 31 May 2023.

“We can all recall why this arrangement was required. The Civil Law (Miscellane ous Provisions) Act, which came into force in July 2021, was in direct response to the issues streaming from Covid

restrictions, whereby those in the licensed trade, the tourism industry and people involved in businesses in towns and vil lages across the country had no way of making an income. The Government took the decision to introduce a stopgap meas ure while there were ongoing discussions about whether by-laws or primary legislation was needed. I supported what has been done and today I will support the motion to extend the provisions of this Act. There is an ongoing demand for the provision that allows businesses to provide outdoor dining services,” insisted Dep uty Fitzpatrick.

“I have spoken to numer

ous businesses in Dundalk that invested heavily in fitting kitchens and external seat ing areas in order they could survive during the lockdown. The Covid restrictions support scheme helped, but this was an expense they never intended nor expected to incur. Now they want a return on their investment, especially com ing into the busy Christmas period, which will likely see a ramping up of clientele in the context of outdoor dining and Christmas parties. The ex tension of this Act is required in order that they can offer to serve liquor in outdoor seating areas.

“Ireland is behind the times. outdoor eating and drinking is commonplace in europe. Ber lin and Brussels, for example, have outdoor dining through out the year. People like the option to sit outside in spite of the Irish weather, particularly as most facilities have imple mented heating systems and spacious sheltered areas to mitigate the effects of our cli mate.

“In some cases, however, footpaths have been made narrow and people with dis

abilities have not been able to pass or enter. It is essential that we do not impede people who have visual impairments or physical movement diffi culties.

“As I said, it is a stopgap. eighteen months is a long time. It is very important for the Government to put some thing out there at the moment. People like dining outside. I am a Pioneer and I really enjoy eating outside. I have no prob lem putting on an extra coat or scarf. The communication be tween people is far better. As I said, other european countries do it. I do not see any reason why we cannot do it.

“I welcome this and it is a step in the right direction. All of the businesses appreciate it. They have invested much money over the past two years because of the pandemic and this is money that they owe to their banks. It is an oppor tunity for them to come in to a busy Christmas and perhaps have a bit of outdoor dining and drinking. I support the mo tion to extend the Act, but I ask the Government to please put something more permanent in place,” urged Fitzpatrick.

THe importance of re tained fire fighters to the service in Louth was highlighted in Lein ster House last week by Deputy ruairí Ó Murchú who spoke on a motion tabled by Sinn Féin about the ‘crisis’ in the sector.

During the debate on the motion, which was attended by retained fire fighters from all over the State, the Dundalk TD said there was ‘ac ceptance that the model for retained firefighters is not working’ and that the issues with pay, con ditions, rostering and ‘the fact the job is not attractive must be dealt with’.

He said local authori ties are under ‘severe pressure to be able to put a full quotient of firefighters into opera tion’.

Deputy Ó Murchú said: ‘In many cases local authorities cannot put forward a full com plement. That means we are dealing with fire fighters who are under severe pressure’. And he highlighted

a number of instances where fire fighters had battled blazes in Dun dalk and North Louth.

The Sinn Féin TD said: ‘The last time I went to visit a scene was close to my house in Dundalk, where fire fighters bravely fought the flames at a waste plant and brought the fire under control.

‘Councillor Antóin Watters and I spent a considerable amount of time with firefight ers who were fighting blazes on the Cooley Mountains. We all real ise the absolutely neces sary work that needs to be done.

‘People have talked about six 24-hour shifts, 144 hours per week, split by two days and then another six days of the same. That is just not doable in any way, shape or form.

‘Whether the Minister agrees with our motion and is going to follow through with the review process we are talking about or whether he is talking about an alterna tive, we know for cer tain we have a system that is ready to fail.

‘In County Louth, Deputy Imelda Munster and Councillor Joanna Byrne have been to the forefront in talking about the huge difficul ties in Drogheda.

‘From speaking to re tained firefighters from Carlingford to Droghe da, we know we do not have a system that is working and fit for pur pose.

‘We need action to happen as soon as pos sible. We do not particu larly care how the Min ister does it, but he must make it happen as soon as possible’.

Peter Fitzpatrick, tD.

ruairí Ó Murchú, tD.

Narrow Water Bridge Project moves to tender stage

TAoISeACH Micheál Martin T.D. announced on Friday that the Nar row Water Bridge project, a major crossborder initiative which will span the Newry river north of Carling ford Lough, linking the r173 near omeath in County Louth and the A2 near Warrenpoint in County Down, will proceed to tender for the construction phase of the project.

The project consists of a new cable-stayed bridge with a rolling bascule opening. The single carriageway road and bridge will be 600 metres in length and will have a 20 metre span opening section to facilitate the passage of marine traffic, including tall ships.

In July 2021, the Tao iseach announced €3 million in funding from the Shared Island Fund to advance this crossborder project, based on the current design of the bridge and existing planning permission.

Louth County Coun

artist’s impression of the new bridge.

cil is the lead project partner. A sub-group of the North-South Infra structure Group has been established to oversee the development of the project, co-chaired by Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Infrastructure.

By linking the Mourne Mountains with the Cooley Peninsula, the bridge will boost tourism and connectivity along the east Border region, acting as an enabler for other active travel initiatives in the area, such as the Carlingford-Newry Greenway and the proposed Warrenpoint-Newry Greenway.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin T.D. said: “I am delighted that the Nar row Water Bridge is now proceeding to tender stage. This is an important and symbolic project for the Northeast, directly connecting the Cooley Peninsula to coastal Co. Down, and a project with strong support from com munities on both sides of the border”.

“The project also brings signifi cant tourism and economic benefits

to the region. Along with improving North-South connectivity, the bridge will be at the heart of a range of crossborder greenways, active travel, rec reation and outdoor activity amenities planned for the Carlingford Lough area.

“Today’s announcement is an im portant next step in the delivery of this long-awaited project and another example of the Shared Island Fund in action”

Joan Martin, Chief executive, Louth County Council,said: “Louth County Council is extremely proud to play a leading role in such a vitally important initiative. The Narrow Wa ter Bridge is a true all-island project, with strong cross-party political sup port both North and South. It will open up new and exciting opportuni ties, with huge potential for the local and wider economy.

“I would like to thank the Taoi seach, as well as Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council, for their com mitment to this landmark project.”

DkIT nurses support

‘Save our Homeless’

A GroUP of fourth year mental health nurs es in Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) have decided to sup port “Save our Home less Dundalk” over the Christmas period.

According to one of the students, remi onakoya, the group understands that winter, especially Christmas is a hard time for a lot of people.

“However, it is espe cially difficult for the homeless. As part of our fundraiser, we are host ing a charity event in the Muirhevna Building in DkIT on Thursday, 24 November,” she said.

“It’s due to take place from 9am to12pm. Stu

dents and staff will have the opportunity to sign a Christmas card to a per son in need for a dona tion of just €2. “All are welcome

and small refreshments will be provided by the seven students hosting this event.”

A small donation from those who are un

able to attend would be hugely appreciated by the group and the vol unteers at “Save our Homeless Dundalk.”

If you would like to

donate please visit the group’s Gofundme page Fundraiser by remi on akoya : Help the home less this Christmas! (go fundme.com)

Migrants Centre hosts 2022 Jobs Fair in partnership with Louth Local Development

CULTUr Migrants Cen tre hosted a Jobs Fair, in partnership with Louth Local Development at Fairways Hotel in Dun dalk on Wednesday 16 November 2022.

This year’s annual event was headlined by 24 local corporate em ployers, 11 agencies as well as education and so cial welfare information groups.

over 180 job seekers attended the event and many left with job offers, revamped CVs and inter view skills and a better understanding of local opportunities.

The program also fea tured human resource ex perts who took job seekers through a CV preparation clinic as part of a series of 2 workshops on gain ing successful interview skills.

Commenting on the side-lines of the event, the

Cultur Migrants Centre Project Manager, Ms Tinu Achioya said that, “The Jobs Fair was instrumen tal in consolidating ex isting relationships with potential employers and ignited new ones.

I hope that our event becomes the most soughtafter platform for migrants looking for employment opportunities throughout the republic of Ireland’’.

The goal of the Jobs Fair is to provide net working opportunities withpotential employers and create conditions for migrant job seekers to obtain knowledge of cur rent labour market needs in the Louth, Monaghan, and Meath areas.

event attendee Michael Adebayo, expressed his gratitude and said, ‘’The event gave me an op

portunity as a migrant to engage with employers to get an insight in the job application process. We learnt a lot from engaging employers first hand on what they look for espe cially the interview skills workshop was very ben eficial for me’’.

The Jobs Fair is a great place to pick up people who are genuinely look ing for work and we got

many CVs from jobseek ers’’.

For over 18 years, Cul tur has been at the fore front, empowering and working together with ethnic minorities to act as agents of positive change through support from partners as diverse as our beneficiaries.

The Cultur Migrants Centre annual Job Fair actively seeks to elimi natebarriers preventing people from applying for jobs including coaching in the application process and communicating in terview questions/discus sion points for candidate preparation.

Cultur hopes to simpli fy a process which is bur densome to immigrants and enables them to ef fectively contribute to Ireland’s society, culture, and economy by directly connecting jobseekers and employers.

Back row: Cormac Boyle, CJ Corentin, Farrell assoua; front: holly Carroll, remi Onakoya, eimear Gray and niamh Donnelly.

a big crowd attended the Jobs Fair in the Fairways hotel in Dundalk.

Disability Louth AGM—One Voice For All

DISABILITY Louth invite all members of the public

interest

December

6th at 10.30am at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. This is an exciting time

for the group as they hold their first in-person AGM in 3 years.

disAbility Louth was formed in 2018 and is the only Co. Louth voluntarily run charity, by persons with a disABILITY or carers of persons with a disability to promote for equality and rights for those with a disability in the county. This year the focus will be on ‘The Cost of Living’ with guest speakers Sean Brosnan from MABS and Helen Grant from employability Louth along with well know motivational speaker Nicola Connolly Byrne from Duleek. Nicola was such a success at the 2020 AGM over zoom that they have asked her to come along and deliver a presentation in person.

Throughout the pandemic disAbility Louth have managed to keep their meetings and a number of activities on the go through zoom, however having their AGM in 2022 in person in the Crowne Plaza will certainly be something

to look forward to.

Along with the regular AGM business and guest speakers, a presentation will also be given by group treasurer Annette Monaghan on the ‘Breaking The Mould’ project which along with other activities has been funded by Louth County Council’s ‘Disability Participation and Awareness Fund’. If you are part of a disability group and have ideas for future projects under disAbility Louth’s project they would be delighted to hear about it on the day.

The AGM will be held on Tuesday December 6th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dublin road Dundalk with guest speakers and registration at 10.30am. Lunch will be provided. Booking essential. To book contact disabilitylouth@gmail. com. For more information on the group: https://www. disabilitylouth.ie/. FB and Twitter. If you are inerested in joining contact disabilitylouthch @gmail.com.

n e WS in Brief

Carol Service

A community carol service will take place on Sunday 4th Decem ber at 7pm in Dundalk Presbyterian Church with the Commons Sil ver Band and the Dun dalk Men’s Shed Choir. Everybody welcome.

St nicholas’ holy hour

First Sunday of the Month, St Nicholas’ Church, Dundalk. The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy. Come and receive God’s Bless ing. Holy Hour, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Confes sions, Anointing of the sick.

G Ot a StO ry?

We want to hear from you

Phone: 042 932 0888 Email: editorial @dundalkleader.com

1—The World Cup final will be played in the capital city of Qatar. What is the capital city called?

2—The record for longest stay at number one in the Irish charts is 18 weeks. This happened in 1994. Can you name the song?

3—Fred Jones, Velma Dinkley and Daphne Blake were characters in which children’s TV programme?

4—Who launched the Cultural Revolution in China between 1966 and 1976?

5—Which Irish actor starred in movies such as ‘The Crying Game’ The Butcher Boy’ and ‘V for Vendetta’?

6—Dubliner Philomena Poole and Limerick

man Conn Murray both held what positions in County Louth?

7—What’s Homer Simpson’s fathers first name?

8—In the USA this vegetable is known as Zucchini. What is it called in Ireland?

9—The postcode for Dublin City Centre is D1. What is the postcode for the area which includes Phibsborough, Drumcondra, Cabra and Stoneybatter?

10—In which 1995 film does farmer Arthur Hoggett say “That’ll do, pig. That’ll do.”?

the Stinker—The vast body of water that covers 71% of the earth is generally divided into five oceans. Can you name the five?

—this week’s answers—

Atlantic, Indian, Arctic and Antartic aka Southern.

(Abe), 8—Courgette, 9—D7, 10—Babe. Stinker: Pacific,

Executive and is currently held by Joan Martin), 7—Abraham

of Louth County Council (Position is now known as Chief

4—Chairman Mao, 5—Stephen Rea, 6—County Manager

1—Doha, 2—Riverdance by Bill Whelan, 3—Scooby Doo,

Win tickets to MiKe denveR & Guests at

CaRRiCKdale Hotel

SaturDay January 7th 8pm

Tickets at Hotel Reception Tel 042-9380900 and Ticketmaster.ie to be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets (3 pairs on offer) just answer the following question: Name oNe of the guests with mike DeNver at CarriCkDale? answer: Name: Contact tel Number: Replies to ‘Mike Denver Competition’ Dundalk Leader, 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk. First 3 correct answers to be drawn will win a pair of tickets

with an

in disability matters to their AGM on Tuesday

IN MEMORIAM NOVENA IN MEMORIAM

NOvENA TO ThE

SACRED hEART

PR o PERT y/RE n Tals s PEC ial s ER vi CE s

CAPRAZ

Adil Robert

14th AnniverSAry

in loving memory of Adil robert, late of 52 Grange Drive, muirhevnamor, whose anniver sary occurs around this time.

SON

We are sending a dove to heaven, With a parcel on its wings, be careful when you open it, it’s full of beautiful things. inside are a million kisses, Wrapped in a million hugs, To say how much we miss you, All our love.

—Sadly missed by mam, Dad, robert, sisters and nieces.

CAPRAZ

Adil

never more than a thought away, loved and remembered every day.

loved by your Aunties Anne, barbara, Jackie, uncles, cousins and family.

DOYLE Jennifer

1st AnniverSAry

you never failed to do your best, your heart was true and tender, you worked hard for all you loved, And left us to remember. in tears we watched you sinking, We watched you fade away, And though our hearts were breaking, We knew you could not stay. you left behind some broken hearts, That loved you most sincere, We always shall and always will, Hold your memory near. missed and loved your mam and Dad, brothers, sister-inlaw, nieces and nephew.

DOYLE Jennifer

As each day dawns we think of you, As each night falls we pray for you, And in between, no matter where, Deep in our hearts you will always be there.

loved so much, your favourite cuz Geraldine, Annette and liam, all the girls and the babies.

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 Fa ther sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (never known to fail) F.D.

NOvENA TO ThE

SACRED hEART

Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past i asked you for many favours This time, i ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Fa ther 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.D.

NOvENA TO ThE SACRED hEART

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

Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council opens Book of Condolence for Vicky Phelan

CATHAoIrLeACH of Louth County Council opens Book of Condo lence for Vicky Phelan

A Book of Condo lence in honour of Vicky Phelan has opened in County Hall Dundalk, by the signing of same by the Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Councillor Conor Kee lan in the presence of the Chief executive Joan Martin.

Speaking at the open ing, the Chief executive Joan Martin said, ‘Vicky Phelan was an incredible woman who despite a terrible diagnosis man aged to keep going and inspire many others throughout the country and beyond. Her legacy will live on long, long after her. My heartfelt sympathies go out to her family and friends’.

An Cathaoirleach

Conor Keelan added, ‘It is my honour to open this Book of Condolence for Vicky Phelan who stood as an ambas sador for all that is fair and good. I hope the book will give the people of Louth an opportunity to pay their re spects and express just some of the great admiration every person I have met since her passing has conveyed to me’.

A hard copy book will be available

for signing at County Hall Dundalk, Ardee Library & The Tholsel Droghe da for one week from the 18th No vember 2022.

To assist those who may otherwise not be able to attend in person, an on line book of condolences is also opened here Book of Condolence -Vicky Phelan | Louth County Coun cil’s online Consultation Portal (louthcoco.ie).

aTTEnTion For b e r. CertiFiCAtiON of properties being offered for sale or rent, con tact robert mulholland, ber assessor. 087 609 1906 www.louthber.ie.

d oubl E Roo M or ensuite room required by a working professional. longterm in the Dun dalk area. tel 083 4073192.

€800.00 PER M on TH available from the irish government for someone who will rent a room to a ukrainian refugee, mature, quiet educated lady. Non drinker, non smoker with no pets or bad habits. loves gardening, working part time, and willing to help with housework. Needs accommodation as present landlady is emigrating. tel 087 6480845.

Hous E f o R s al E Drive 1 muirhevna mor—3 bed terrace tel 083 1161297.

aTTE n T ion l andlo R ds—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.

C d logs—Kiln Dried Ash/Oak & birch, Weekly Deliveries to Dundalk & surrounding areas. Newry Co. Down mob 00 44 77 6040 3254 or 048 30269632 www.cdlogs.com. 3 sE aTER s ofa + recliner Chair, grey fabric with charcoal trims, excellent condition €150, also 3 door wardrobe €30 tel 085 8663040.

bR oTHER E l ECTR i C sewing machine never used €100 o.n.o.. 5ft singing santa bear €110 o.n.o.Calvin Klein mans wrist watch, still boxed, never worn €100.Vintage doll’s pram with large doll must be seen €150 o.n.o. santa on rocking horse €80 o.n.o. tel 042 9352885.

CH i M n E y & s Tov E C l E aning tel Paul mcArdle 042 933 2491 / 087 666 0094.

CH i M n E y C l E an ER—the Clean sweep, clean & tidy, no dust. brush & Vac. Also gutter cleaning. Contact - Cathal 087-225-9799. WindoW ClEaning Gutter & facia clean ing carried out by professional, fully trained and insured staff. Affordable rates. Domestic & Commercial. Call our office for a free quo tation. 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, Car pet & upholstery cleaning. Fully insured. For a free quotation contact everkleen 042 9352717 / 087 6873188, www.everkleenservices.ie <http://www.everkleenservices.ie>.

TilER availablE—experienced local tiler to carry out all types of tile work - marble, granite, porcelain. indoors and out. Call 087387-8995 for free quote.

gRiMlEy’s dublin sT. dundalk televisions, t V aerials, satellite, Freeview & saorview, new installations, sales, service & repairs. Free estimates 042 935 4343. dundalk gaRdEn sERviCEs tree top ping, felling, hedge trimming, grass cutting & strimming. rubbish removals/Garage clear ance, House & Garden refuse. Permit holder. Contact:ben 085-840-7707.

fo RT un E TE ll ER—Available for appoint ment, private or group bookings. tel. Alison 042 933 5102 or 087-67-51229.

b uilding sER vi CE s—extensions, reno vations, sunrooms, Conservatories and All General maintenance. P.V.C. Fascia, soffit and Guttering products supplied and fitted. bath room refurbishment, Painting, Decorating, Wall & Floor tiling. All types of roof repairs & maintenance. For free estimates tel 087 260 2501.

MobilE HoME TRansPoRT—transported throughout 32 Counties. Contact:eugene 086607-1702.

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 & sof fits. All work guaranteed, 25 years experience. tel. 086 818 4827.

Ca RPE 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.

CaRPET & ovEn ClEaning Carpet, up holstery & specialist oven cleaning available.

Call mVi Cleaning Dundalk on 042 94 21300 or visit www.mvicleaning.ie.

Roofing R EPai R s & sTov E s—stoves supplied and fitted, fully insured, Hetas certi fied. Contact Paul englishby 087 6301914 or 041 98 94633 and mark on 087 1302040 for roofing enquiries.

gaRdEn & HousE MainTEnanCE—strim ming grass, hedge cutting, weeding, also garden clearance, concreting, patios, paint ing, power washing, gutter cleaning, window cleaning, fencing. Have all the equipment. Contact brian 086-109-7358.

CoaCH ing W i TH Es THER life and ex ecutive Coach tel 086 8972007 www.coach ingwithesther.com.

q ualifi E d Ca RPE n TER available for Floors, Doors, Frames, Architraves, skirtings, stud Walls, roofing & All building repairs. No Job too big or too small. Call mark 086 089 5508.

PRoPERT y MainTEnanCE repairs, build ing, plumbing, painting, roof repairs, tiling, bathroom refurbishments, concreting, plas tering, gardening, power washing, PVC facia and soffits, Over 20 yrs experience. references available. tel michael on 085-762-3758.

f ifi’s a lTER aT ions—longwalk s.C. (formerly A-Alterations) tel 083 011 8728.

Zips, hems, clothes taken in or let out, also Dry Cleaning service. Open mon - Fri 9.305.30pm & sat 10-2pm.

WaTCH REPai R s mechanical/Quartz (battery) and Vintage. in our own workshop. most brands: Cartier, longines, Omega, re vue, raymond Weil, seiko, Citizen & more, also Jewellery repairs. Goldstar Jewellers, Demesne shopping Centre Dundalk tel. 042 93 39478.

a ll-in-on E!—Home and property mainte nance and improvements. Painting, decorat ing, general household maintenance, exterior cleaning, power washing, gutters, dust free sanding, No job to big or small, quality but af fordable service contact ian 0874158238.

Plas TER ing sER vi CE available, free quo tations. Contact David 085 7829910 or Gavin 086 3799285.

a ll T y PE s of ga R d E ning work complet ed. reseeding lawns, tree trimming and fence erecting. Compost/top soil and farmyard ma nure supplied. All materials removed. Contact 087 2662558.

buildER & HoME MainTainEnCE build ing, Woodwork, Painting, Plumbing, tiling, Kitchen refurbishments, Paving & Fencing. No job to big or too small. tel. 087 295 2529.

d o you f EE l ov ERWHE l ME d but want to declutter any room in your home, or downsiz ing or staging your house for sale? if so Con tact shelly@stepintoaction.ie or phone 086 8878054.

Con CERT Ha RP is T available for weddings. Church & reception catered for. Also Piano, Flute and Harp lessons available. Please con tact susan at 0873744895.

T REE s u R g ER y/R EM oval—Hedge Cut ting and Pruning and general garden mainte nance. Fully insured tel mike 087 1125640.

a ll W E aTHER Roof & Driveway Cleaning, roofs cleaned and sealed, we also clean pati os, tarmacadam etc tel michael 085 7601999. www.allweatherroofcleaners.ie.

PodiaTR y/C H i R o P ody treatment in the comfort of your own home. ms. Dara mcCoy, bsc. Podiatry 0871924794.

Man availabl E for Karaoke in Pubs, also covers all parties and entertainment. Also available for Car Valeting, has all the equip ment. tel Francis 085 1353703.

Po WER Was H ing & Gardening, lawns cut, hedges cut, trees trimmed and topped. Also firewood cut up for winter months. telephone tom 087 2296441.

i n TER i M aCCoun Ts s ER vi CE s for the building industry also, final accounts and ten ders. Call 087 9218855.

landsCaPing Flower beds tided up, out door cleaning, patios, footpaths, walls, gener al property maintenance, exterior painting of fences, gates, walls, etc and decking cleaned. Dundalk & District. tel. Jim 086 3818184.

P R of E ssional dR ylining—Dropped Ceiling, tape & Joints also all insulation ser vices. tel 089-2488819 or 089-4189199.

Roug H g R azing for winter months re quired. Contact 087 2662558.

sECRETa R y RE qui RE d for office work for a small business, part time 2/3 days per week, approx. 15/20 hrs in the Dundalk area. Please email CV to bazpk21@hotmail.com.

Hous E Cl E an ER RE qui RE d—Dundalk area, one day a week. Contact 087 2462282.

Hous E k EEPER required for light house work 1 day a week. louth Village, tel 086 8459472.

gET 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.

fRE n CH gR inds availabl E for Junior and leaving cert. All levels. individual and small group options. tel 086 8723340.

gREE nfi E lds Musi C Tou R s invite you to join for our 1 nights stays to see the cream of irish Folk and ballads. Price includes accom modation, bus and ticket. Contact Anthony on 085 1204994.

louTH CounT y CounCil i, sean Kilroy, intend to apply for permission for a develop ment at unit 2, butterly business Park, Coes road, Dundalk, County louth A91 F5De the development will consist of change of use from existing retail/industrial warehousing to a gymnasium/fitness facility including the installation of male & female facility rooms/ toilets & showers, reception, coffee and relax ing area utilizing existing ground floor, instal lation of a mezzanine area including a mas sage therapy room, development to include all other ancillary site works. 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 the public opening hours of 9:30 - 16:30 monday to Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks, begin ning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and such submissions or ob servations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the ap plication. the Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

s PEC ial s ER vi CE s

a RT i C l E s fo R sal E

Opening of Book in County hall. Cathaoirleach Conor keelan and Chief executive Joan Martin.

Louth Craftmark Winter Weekender

LoUTH Craftmark is delighted to announce their forthcoming Win ter Weekender will be taking place from Thurs day 24th to Sunday 27th November. The Winter Weekender will feature a calendar of exciting in-person and virtual events brought to you by a selection of mem bers from the extensive Louth Craftmark De signers Network.

The Winter Weekend er will feature a variety of artistic disciplines in cluding ceramics, glass, jewellery, painting, print, mixed media, tex tiles, and sculpture, so there will be something for everyone’s taste!

There will be a broad range of one-off events taking place over the course of the Winter Weekender, including Pop-up shops, open stu dios, Meet the Maker events, talks, live and virtual demonstrations, exhibitions, workshops, and lots of special of fers and discounts. It’s

promised to be a fantas tic weekend full of visu al art and craft that you won’t want to miss!

Founded in 2006, Louth Craftmark De signers Network is a collective of talented northeast based profes sional 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 stand ing at 68 members in to tal. After returning this year with their very suc cessful Summer Fair in

the St Nicolas Quarter, Dundalk, and the Con nective 22 exhibition in Millmount, Drogheda, Louth Craftmark are delighted to be coming together once again to showcase their Winter Weekender just in time for the Christmas sea son.

With the increase in the cost of living, people may be looking for more meaningful and budget conscious gifts for their loved ones this Christ mas. It is so important to seek out our local busi nesses to keep our com munities thriving, whilst

also bearing in mind sustainability and being kind to the environment.

Ceramicist Sarah McKenna has comment ed, “We are delighted to be able to come together once again to showcase the wealth of talented makers in the northeast with our forthcom ing Winter Weekender. The Louth Craftmark Designers Network is going from strength to strength, with our driv ing force being the pro motion and support of each of our members’ work. We would encour age people to look closer to home for Christmas gifts this year and if pos sible, to Shop Local, and Buy Irish.”

Many of the artists also create bespoke and commissioned work, so if customers would like to gift that someone special an original piece of art this Christmas, the Winter Weekender would be the perfect time to enquire about this service.

Dundalk School of Music announces ‘Liam reilly Scholarship’

DUNDALK School of Music (DSM) is pleased to announce the creation of a new scholarship to support upcoming musicians and vocalists, in honour of the late Liam reillysinger/songwriter, re nowned frontman of Bagatelle, and proud Dundalk man.

The annual scholar ship, kindly donated by Liam’s family, will cover a full year’s tui tion for one aspiring musician chosen from students applying to or returning to DSM.

“Liam was a good friend of DSM and very much admired their work. He visited the School frequently and was generous in shar ing his experience and expertise,” said Liam’s sister evelyn. “He was grateful for the encour agement he received from his earliest music teachers when he was just starting out.

In recognition of Liam’s great interest in the School, and in the spirit of supporting the next generation of mu

sicians, we are delight ed to make this small gesture in his name.”

“It’s a huge honour for us to be associated with Liam reilly, who was such a big name in the music business for so many years. With a long list of hit songs, he is an artist who re ally put Dundalk on the map internationally,” said Patricia Duffy,

founder and director of DSM.

“He took a keen in terest in our students here and would remark when he noticed some one with a spark of very special potential. We don’t know where the next great musician will come from, and this scholarship will help to encourage and inspire our students as

they develop their tal ent.

”Now in its 14th year, Dundalk School of Music has been serving the people of Co. Louth as a vibrant, welcoming place for budding musicians of all ages, offering pro fessional one-to-one tuition in a wide range of instruments across many genres.

Cherry Orchard trees at Mcentee av. by J. Cartwright.

Patricia Duffy, founder and direc tor of Dundalk School of Music. the late Liam reilly.

Olivia Byrne and Sam Byrne.

Darren Duffy with his children Caelan and Jack Duffy.

indre Valaityte, Laurynas Spak austas and adam Spakaustas.