30-03-2022

DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Amy helps Katie prepare for historic fight Page 2

Chloe and Alex skydive for mental health

Erin’s native trees webinar

Page 6

Page 8

James puts smile back on Zoe’s face

Wednesday, 30th March, 2022. Vol. 15, Issue 13 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Tel: 042 9320888. Fax: 042 9329676. Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com; advertising@dundalkleader.com

By Paul Byrne

THE mother of a five-year-old Dundalk girl said they had a “fantastic” time at the Ireland Vs Belgium game thanks to the kindness and generosity of Ireland star James McClean. The brilliant experience Zoe had at the Aviva was in stark contrast to the distress she was subjected to a week earlier when she was the subject of abuse at the Louth derby between her beloved Dundalk FC and Drogheda Utd. Lynda Bannon from Belfry Drive told the Dundalk Leader that her daughter, Zoe Murphy, was “so excited” at the game.

“James McClean reached out to us on Instagram after he heard of the abuse Zoe suffered at a recent League of Ireland game,” said Lynda.

Zoe was born with quadriplegia and developed cerebral palsy when she turned 21 months old.

One of her passions is supporting Dundalk FC and she is a regular visitor to Oriel Park. Last Friday week Zoe and her Mam Lynda travelled to Head in the Game Park for the Louth derby.

Continued on Page 2 Zoe with Ireland football star James McClean; inset: Zoe with her new jersey.

James puts smile back on Zoe’s face Dundalk Leader 30th March 2022

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From Page 1 At that game Dundalk superfan Zoe was delighted to be in Drogheda to cheer on her beloved team but things quickly turned sour when a drunk fuelled rant by a teenage Dundalk supporter left Zoe in tears. In a post on social media, Zoe’s mam Lynda explained what happened at the match.

“Zoe was delighted to get a spot by the rail-

ing to watch her boys play, Enjoying the singing and atmosphere, and also singing along.

Until a drunk teenager boy bumped into Zoe’s mum while she was holding Zoe. Mammy asked the boy to be careful because obviously Zoe can’t stand unaided and needed support. This boy then started shouting that Zoe had no right to be there and get her out the f***. Then the big-

gest blow was when the word R****d was thrown at us,” read the post.

Having heard about that horrible experience, Republic of Ireland and Wigan Athletic midfielder James

McClean got in contact with Zoe’s family.

“He offered us tickets for the game between Ireland and Belgium and also use of his designated corporate box,” said Lynda.

“We met James on

Friday, March 25 at the Castleknock Hotel and he presented Zoe with an Ireland jersey with his number on the back.

It was signed by all the Ireland team.

“Zoe was so excited.

She loves her football,

so she was delighted.

We had to go to Cork so Zoe could do four hours of physio on the Saturday.”

She added: “We had to fly back so that we could get back in time for the Ireland Vs

Amy helps Katie Taylor prepare for historic fight In a little over four weeks’ time Katie Taylor will defend her undisputed lightweight title against multipleweight world champion Amanda Serrano in what is being billed as the biggest fight in female boxing history.

The two women will fight at the mecca of boxing in Madison Square Garden, and this will be the very first time that two female fighters are headlining a combat sports event inside the iconic building.

This is a huge fight for Taylor and to help her get ready for the biggest night of her life she has called upon Dundalk’s finest Amy Broadhurst who flew out two weeks ago to work with the champion she has idolised since getting into the sport of boxing.

Amy, a nineteentime national champion as well as winner of multiple medals on the European and world stage celebrated her 25th birthday on St Patrick’s Day and spent her big day working hard in Ka-

Amy is helping Katie prepare for historic fight. tie’s adopted home in Connecticut helping the world lightweight champion get ready for the biggest night in women’s boxing history. The Muirhevnamór southpaw has been proudly showing off photos of the pair at work in Katie’s home gym and also put up a throwback picture of a meeting between the pair when Katie visited Amy’s school in Coláiste Rís ten years ago. According to Amy’s Dad Tony his daughter was absolutely ecstatic to get the call to travel to America to help Katie prepare for her fight with Serrano.

“Katie and her team reached out to Amy and asked would she travel over to Connecticut to spend a couple of weeks sparring and training and obviously Amy jumped at the chance.

Amy has always been a huge fan of Katie and looked upon her as an inspiration so to be asked by her to help her get ready for this massive fight was such a special moment for Amy. “Katie Taylor is the biggest star in women’s boxing and she literally could have picked any boxer in the world to help her in her training camp and she went for Amy.

From talking to Amy the work has been very hard and they’ve been doing loads and loads of rounds sparring but she has found it very rewarding and very educational. She has dreams of her own and to be able to share a ring with the worlds best female boxer is just invaluable. Katie has been so kind to Amy and she has told her if she ever wants to go professional she can stay over in the US with her and she will help her get her career up and running.

As I said this is an amazing opportunity for Amy and has the potential to open so many doors. Amy has dedicated her life to boxing and sacrificed so much and our family are just so happy to see her getting her rewards now. Unfortunately Amy is in action in Romania when the big fight takes place so she won’t be able to go to Madison Square Garden but she will be rooting for Katie and hoping she can get the job done,” stated Tony.

Belgium game.

“I thought she’d be tired, but she was in the best of form. It was lovely because she got to play with James’s three children who are similar ages to Zoe. “We are going to

frame the jersey. She’s a lot of framed jerseys from Dundalk FC so when she is on her treadmill she’s surrounded by her jerseys.”

Lynda concluded: “It’s another one to add to the collection.”

Sadness over passing of Joan Brady

The return of the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon after three years will be tinged with sadness this June following the news of Joan Brady’s passing. Joan’s name was synonymous with the women’s mini marathon having taking part in every race since the event began in 1983.

In total Joan ran 37 mini marathons as well as supporting the virtual events which took place during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

The octogenarian was well known locally for her good humour and generosity and over the years she has used her love of walking and jogging to raise money for numerous charities both locally and nationally. The Avenue Road resident and former advertising executive in the Dundalk Democrat will be missed by her many friends in the Dundalk Walkers and Joggers which she helped to set up years ago after seeing how popular it was during a working trip to New York.

The Dundalk Walkers and Joggers group helped Joan combine her love of both socialising and keeping fit and she will be sadly missed by all in that group and by everybody who knew her.

Dundalk Leader 30th March 2022

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Fitzpatrick thanks people of Louth for Ukrainian response

Dundalk Leader 30th March 2022

Speaking in the Dáil last week Peter Fitzpatrick TD thankd the people of Louth for all they are doing to help the people of Ukraine following the Russian invasion into their country.

“I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge publicly and thank the people of Louth for their efforts so far to help our Ukrainian friends at this desperate time. The amount of supplies, including foods, medicines and clothes, among others, that was donated by the people of Louth in recent weeks has been fantastic.

“My understanding is that at least 12 lorryloads of supplies have been donated from Dundalk alone. At times of great need, the people of our community always step up to the mark, as can be seen on this occasion as well,” noted the

Peter Fitzpatrick, TD. Independent TD. “The next challenge we face is how to house adequately the many thousands of Ukrainians who are arriving in Ireland. Despite us being in the middle of our own housing crisis, we are stepping up to the challenge. Many people in Louth, and in particular Dundalk, have registered their homes to house Ukrainian families. Scores of Ukrainians have come to my constituency office in recent weeks. They were collected at Dublin

Airport by members of their family and taken to Louth, in particular my hometown of Dundalk.

One family of four has taken in eight. Another family of four has taken in ten. We are talking about households with ten, 12 and 14 people living in them. I have contacted local authorities’ numerous times. I contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Justice and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Everyone is passing the buck from one to the other. All I hear from the Government is talk of the community. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Michael McGrath, spoke this morning on national radio. He mentioned that hundreds of millions will be spent.

Where are the hundreds of millions?” asked Fitz-

patrick.

“In fairness, all we are doing at the moment is putting severe pressure on local authorities. In Louth, for example, there are approximately 6,000 people on the council waiting list. The last thing we need is conflict between Ukrainians coming to this country and people who think they have a God-given right to get a house, which they probably all think. There is no point in the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Michael McGrath, having millions four or five months down the road.

Now is the time to look after these people who are coming here. The last thing we want to do is put a wedge between the people on the council waiting list, who are waiting for their right to have their own house and the people of Ukraine.”

Dundalk Leader 30th March 2022

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Dundalk Leader 30th March 2022

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Covid Ceremony of Remembrance and Reflection

As part of the National programme to commemorate those lost in the pandemic and acknowledge those who worked through it, Local Authorities were asked to arrange appropriate Local Ceremonies.

Events were held in Dundalk & Drogheda to embrace the sentiments of the National Programme and to give the people of Louth the opportunity to mark this occasion in an appropriate and dignified manner.

The events involved a formal wreath laying ceremony at the Court House, Market Square, Dundalk and Fair Street, Drogheda at 11a.m. and 3p.m. respec-

tively. The ceremony gave an opportunity for all to reflect on the last two years and remember all those, that we had lost in that period. Equally all those, who contributed to the community, at our time of need were acknowledged.

On what was a cold but beautifully bright day, the ceremony organised by Louth County Council was attended by Councillors, local TPs, Senators, MEPs, representatives from An Garda Siochana, the Civil Defence, Louth Fire Services and the HSE. An open invitation was issued to any individual or group wishing to attend the ceremony.

At the simple respectful cer-

emony which commenced with the lowering of our National Flag, ‘Take Care’ a poem by An tUachtarán, Michael D Higgins was recited by local actors and a soloist beautifully sang Amazing Grace unaccompanied.

Wreaths presented by Louth Fire Service, were laid by the Cathaoirleach of the County initially, followed by the Cathaoirleach of each Municipal District, and finally by representatives for the HSE, to represent those lost and in recognition of the emergency services.

The ceremony ended with the raising of the flag and Amhrán na bhFiann.

A Covid Ceremony of Remembrance and Reflection was held in Dundalk and Drogheda.

Chloe and Alex’s skydive for mental health TWO young Louth women are preparing to skydive 10,000ft in aid of Mental Health Ireland on April 3.

Chloe Somers, aged 21, from Glenwood, Dundalk and her friend, Alex Farrell, aged 21, from Drogheda are both looking forward to the skydive.

“I always wanted to skydive. I’m doing it for Mental Health Ireland because of the pandemic. Since the pandemic started a lot of people have had experience with some mental health issues,” said Chloe.

The Healthcare Assistant added that during the pandemic she has seen people Alex Carroll and Chloe Somers. suffering really “Facilities for peo- issues are not really badly with suicidal ple with mental health good in the county. thoughts.

You have to be really bad to be seen,” she said.

“The skydive is taking place in Offaly.

We paid for the sky dive ourselves. It cost €300 per person.

“This way all of the money we raise will go directly to the charity. We are both very excited about getting closer to hitting our goal.”

She continued: “It feels amazing to do something positive for mental health as well as doing something you love.”

Fundraiser by Chloe Somers : Skydive April 3rd for mental health Ireland (gofundme.com).

Dundalk Leader 30th March 2022

Schools help reach the goal of €10k for Research Motor Neurone Paula Lavin is driving the event ‘climb the saddle of Slieve Foy with Seán Woods and Roy Taylor’ on April 2nd and her main goal from the start was to raise 10k.

Paula, a secondary school teacher at Coláiste Rís invited all secondary schools in Louth to participate in a fundraising day for Research Motor Neurone (RMN), with the goal of creating awareness around MND and raising funds for Research.

A massive 6k so far has been raised with more schools participating in the coming weeks.

Paula said that when she contacted management at schools, the response was fantastic and very supportive of the cause, for she explained that schools are the hubs of all communities and when communities come together, things happen. She asked schools to get their students and staff to do a Jersey day on March 15th. A club jersey of any kind was welcomed and for students and staff to donate on the day.

Clubs are the heart of all communities and it was a day for students and teachers to show off

Marist fundraiser for Roy MND. their club jerseys with pride and to have pride in their community and to show pride and respect for what we are doing here for two local men Seán Woods and Roy Taylor. As a whole school community we created awareness around MND whilst raising funds for Research Motor Neurone.

Paula’s own school, Coláiste Rís raised €2500 in a few hours

and she gave great praise to her colleagues for getting on board, but most importantly she thanked the students for creating such a wonderful atmosphere and participating with huge respect and donating generously throughout the day. She also thanked Fintan Smyth at The Value Centre for his kindness and generosity in supporting the charity and the school tuck shop

and to Huckleberry’s ice cream, The Marshes for their kind donations.

Paula said a wonderful, emotional but powerful video was made and sent to all schools where Roy and Terance Taylor informed students about MND and where exactly their money was going and why into Research Motor Neurone.

Some schools put this video out on their social media platforms which got a huge response, creating awareness around MND. Paula says with pure heart, we have no idea what it is like for Seán, Roy or anyone living with MND, we don’t know what life is actually like for these people, what each day brings and what struggles they face on a daily basis, nor do we understand what it is like for their families who live with MND also. But what we do understand is, we can help on the ground to do our bit, we can bring a smile to MND warriors, and that is what schools did on March 15th and will continue to do over the coming weeks, coming together as a community and making a difference.

Drogheda Institute On-Campus Open Day Friday, 1st April 2022, 9.30am – 3.30pm Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE) is the largest Further Education and Training (FET) provider in the North East Region, providing a wide range of PLC & Pre-University courses to school leavers and adults returning to education. The college has established itself as one of the leading FE colleges in the country providing pathways to both higher education and employment. The college has been awarded Best Further Education Provider in Ireland in 2020 and 2021 by The Education Awards.

DIFE offers a diverse range of full-time courses with over 55 courses available at Level 5 and Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications across the following departments; Art, Design & Technology, Business Humanities & IT, Sports, Leisure & Tourism, Applied Science and Community & HealthCare DIFE’s experienced teachers, unrivalled range of educational courses, diverse student population and state of the art campus makes the college an unparalleled environment for students to progress their education and take the next step to their future careers. An increasing number of students are choosing to study

a one-year full time course in DIFE to enable them to upskill, gain relevant industry qualifications, work on obtaining progression scholarships, progress to further and higher education or as a pathway to direct employment.

All DIFE courses have excellent pathways to both Higher Education and/or employment.

DIFE graduates can progress to Higher Education with places reserved for FET learners in Universities and Institutes of Technology in Ireland, UK and in Europe. Many courses are also employment focused for those looking to gain industry recognised qualifications in a short course and progress directly to employment (childcare, healthcare, beauty therapy, hairdressing, pharmacy, animal care, dental nursing, health and fitness sectors etc).

New & Updated Courses in DIFE for 2022 All new courses having excellent progression links to employment and/or related degrees in Universities/IT’s here in Ireland, UK & Europe.

Level 5 Pre-University Teaching; Professional Make Up & Hairstyl-

ing; Pre-University PE Teaching & Sports Studies; Forensic Science & Criminology; Creative Media, Digital Video & Photography; Pre-University Arts with Journalism; Pre-University Animal & Agricultural Science; Digital Marketing & Computing Studies.

Level 6 Advanced Business & Computing Studies; Advanced Exercise & Sports Performance (NECF, accredited by UL); Advanced Health & Social Studies; Dental Nursing.

To apply for any of the courses visit the college website: www. dife.ie DIFE are delighted to announce an on campus Open Day on Friday, 1st April 2022 (9.30am - 3.30pm) for prospective students to discover what DIFE has to offer and the exciting opportunities available in Drogheda Institute of Further Education. Learners will be able to participate in campus tours to check out our state-of-the-art facilities, attend college presentations, chat to staff and current students, experience course demos, hear from our guidance team and enter competitions and giveaways on the day.

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Dundalk Leader 30th March 2022

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Louth house prices rise 3.1% in 3 months

The price of the average second-hand threebed semi in County Louth has risen by 3.1% to €252,500 in the last three months, according to a national survey by Real Estate Alliance.

And the Q1 REA Average House Price Index

has shown that 68% of sales in the county are to first-time buyers.

Prices in Drogheda rose by €5,000 to €265,000, an increase of 1.9%, with 75% of sales to first-time buyers.

“We are seeing a

Temporary Closure of Road Section 75 Roads Act, 1993 (Roads Regulations 1994) Louth County Council hereby gives notice of its intention to close; Cluain Na Mara, Knocknagoran in Omeath to vehicular traffic to facilitate the completion of the new Wastewater Treatment Plant and Pumping Station as part of the Omeath Sewerage Scheme.

The extent of the road closure will be from the junction with Main Street along its extent to its junction with Shore Road/Station Road. The works involve constructing all associated infrastructure for the New Wastewater Treatment Plant and Pumping Station.

The road closure will be completed in sections along its extent, for a duration not more than three weeks combined in the period from 7.00am on Monday 9th May to 6:30pm on Friday 1st July 2022.

Local access will be maintained at all times.

Diversions for traffic will be via Main St. and Shore Rd. Any person who wishes to object to any of the closures should lodge an objection in writing (envelope clearly marked “Road Closure objection”) to the undersigned not later than 4 pm on Wednesday 06th April 2022.

buoyant new homes market in Drogheda, with a number of competing schemes,” said Darina Collins of REA O’Brien Collins, Drogheda.

Dundalk prices saw an increase of €10,000 to €240,000 this quarter, a rise of 4.4%, with first-time buyers representing 60% of sales.

“The market is currently impacted by the limited supply of houses available,” said Michael Gunne of REA Gunne Property, Dundalk.

The REA Average House Price Survey concentrates

on the actual sale price of Ireland’s typical stock home, the three-bed semi, giving an accurate picture of the second-hand property market in towns and cities countrywide.

Nationally, house prices are

Senator Erin McGreehan has organised a Mile Crainn na hEireann Webinar which is due to take place on Monday, April 4 at 7pm.

The webinar is open to members of public who are interested in native Irish trees and the environment.

“The concept of my initiative is on the face of it to enhance our environment.

We all know that planting trees makes a positive im-

pact to the environment, however, my hobby or grá is with the heritage behind our native Irish trees,” said Erin.

“We need a sustainable future and trees are at the centre of this. This initiative encourages people to grow native Irish trees.

“It was these trees that originally grew on this land, and it was these trees that supported and protected our first settlers.”

30th March 2022.

Station Road, Knocknagoran in Omeath to vehicular traffic to facilitate the completion of the new Wastewater Treatment Plant and Pumping Station as part of the Omeath Sewerage Scheme.

The extent of the road closure will be from the junction with Main Street along its extent to its junction with Shore Road/Cluain Na Mara. The works involve constructing all associated infrastructure for the New Wastewater Treatment Plant and Pumping Station.

The road closure will be completed in sections along its extent, for a duration not more than one week combined in the period from 7.00am on Monday 9th May to 6:30pm on Friday 17th June 2022.

Local access will be maintained at all times.

Diversions for traffic will be via Main St., Clocha Tra and Shore Rd. Any person who wishes to object to any of the closures should lodge an objection in writing (envelope clearly marked “Road Closure objection”) to the undersigned not later than 4 pm on Wednesday 06th April 2022.

Mr. William Walsh, Senior Executive Officer, Operations, Louth County Council.

30th March 2022.

County Hall, Millennium Centre, Dundalk, County Louth A91 KFW6 t 042 9335457 w www.louthcoco.ie e info@louthcoco.ie Community Call Number 042 9335457 View Alerts at www.mapalerter.ie/louth

1—Who won best actor at this year’s Oscar awards?

2—RTE2 was founded in 1978. Between 1988 and 2004 the channel changed its name to what before reverting back to RTE2?

3—What flavour is associated with the soft drink 7 Up? 4—What is the name of the very tall fictional butler who was manservant to The Addams Family?

5—Giovanni Trapatonni resigned as Ireland soccer manager, Nelson Mandela died and Pope Benedict unexpectedly announced his resignation. Name the year.

6—What connects the surnames Loughran, McGeough, Kelly and McArdle in Dundalk?

7—The orange river is

the longest river in which country?

8—Which American magazine in 2006 announced via Twitter on April Fools Day that they would no longer be publishing photographs of naked animals?

9—The World Health Organization declared which disease eradicated in 1980?

10—On which island did Napolean spend the last days of his life?

The Stinker: On a dartboard, what number is directly opposite No. 1?

—this week’s answers— 1—Will Smith, 2—Network 2, 3—Lemon and Lime, 4—Lurch, 5—2013, 6—Surnames of well-known barmen/women around Dundalk town. (Railway Bar, Windsor, Jockeys and McArdles) 7—South Africa, 8—National Geographic, 9—Smallpox, 10—St Helena. The Stinker: 19.

Louth County Council hereby gives notice of its intention to close;

Dublin is fast approaching the €500,000 mark, with actual selling prices rising by 2.2% since the new year, to an average of €481,250.

Commuter counties saw prices increase 4.47% – a jump of €13,000 to €305,000 – and double the rate of increase seen in the capital.

In the rest of the country, where prices rose 3.4% to €196,569, the survey found that one in every three buyers were from outside the county as new working conditions enable a rethink on home bases.

Mile Crainn na hEireann Webinar

Mr. William Walsh, Senior Executive Officer, Operations, Louth County Council.

Temporary Closure of Road Section 75 Roads Act, 1993 (Roads Regulations 1994)

increasing at an average of almost €100 a day as the market shows no signs of slowing up in the early months of 2022, the survey has found.

Average house prices rose by 3.16% nationally in the first three months of year,

matching the 1% a month increases experienced during the Celtic Tiger days.

And illustrating the two-tier nature of the market, 59% of all purchasers were first-time buyers, that figure rising to 76% in Dublin as people with mortgage approval scramble to get on the housing ladder.

The price of a three-bedroomed semi-detached house across the country rose by almost €9,000 over the past three months to €278,500 – representing an annual increase of over 14%.

The average three bed in

Erin added: “This ‘growing’ initiative will highlight the beauty of our natural indigenous heritage.

“I really want to educate and create awareness of the importance of respecting our ecological history.”

The project also aims to embrace the folklore that surrounds these trees. Ireland has the lowest forest cover of all European countries, according to Teagasc.

Land cover here is 11%

while over 40% of all land in the other EU Member States is wooded.

“Government policy is to bring the national forest cover to 17% but that is a long way from where we need to be,” said Erin.

Anyone who is interested in taking part in the webinar can contact Senator Erin McGreehan by sending an email to erin.mcgreehan@oireachtas.ie and she will send you a link to it.

Sen. Erin McGreehan.

Skate4SOSAD fundraiser returns Dundalk Leader 30th March 2022

News

in Brief

Knockbridge Prayer Group Meeting No problem is so big. No failure is permanent, and no enemy so powerful that Jesus can’t give you the victory. Jesus speaks today, just as he did to his followers so long ago. “Be sure of this: I am with you always” Encountering Christ, every Sunday, St Mary’s Church, Knockbridge 2pm-4pm. Praise, worship, testimony, and holy mass, followed by tea/coffee. All welcome.

People helping people.

Find and follow Jesus.

By Tamara O’Connell

SOSAD Ireland is calling all skateboarders, roller skaters and rollers of all kinds to participate in a fundraiser called #Skate4SOSAD. #Skate4SOSAD is in its second year and SOSAD Ireland is inviting everyone to get

involved and grow and show your skills.

Nineteen-year-old skater Shaun Guiden said: “I started skating nine years ago when I was in 5th class.

“I saw some lads doing it and thought this is cool and I never stopped going. It’s a relax and de-stress.

“Some people have nice way to get out and

the gym but I have my skateboard. I’m also really happy to be able to help raise money for charity.”

He added: “Unfortunately, I’ve had friends who struggled with mental health issues and they have passed away.

“This is a fantastic

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cause and I’d encourage everyone to get involved. Last year we aimed to raise €1,000 and we ended up raising over €2,000.” Grow and show your skills, whether you’re an amateur or an enthusiast SOSAD Ireland would love you to get involved and we mean rollers of

all kinds - scooters, flickers and bikes.

Complete 30 days of Skate4SOSAD, be it a long-distance spin, perfecting a new trick or just a ten-minute mess about.

Check out the hashtag on Instagram to see the amazing content from last year where

the participants superseded their €1,000 goal in three days and ended up raising a huge €2,210 in a month.

This year we are going to organise a Skate Jam competition to celebrate the amazing skate community and their passion for mental health.

Chamber host reception for retiring Frank Pentony

Got a Story?

We want to hear from you Phone: 042 932 0888 Email: editorial @dundalkleader.com Frankie Watters; Paddy Malone; Sean Farrell President; Frank Pentony and Michael Gaynor.

Dundalk Chamber hosted a reception to thank Frank Pentony, on the occasion of his retirement for his many years of service to both Louth County Council and the now defunct Dundalk Town Council.

Frank has been a part of Dundalk Town Council/Louth County Council since 1989 holding various positions over the years including finance officer, town clerk and since 2009 Director of Services.

According to a statement from Dundalk Chamber they always found Frank accessible and they wished him all the best in

retirement.

“The Chamber always found Frank accessible and engaged with us in a positive manner, even if we did not always agree.

Frank’s positive contribution to the town and County will become more obvious with time and his encyclopedia knowledge of all things Louth will still be available,” read the statement.

Frank was presented with the Chamber’s poster of the town and a Dundalk FC jersey which chamber PRO Paddy Malone said he can wear at United Park.

Dundalk Leader 30th March 2022

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Dundalk Leader 30th March 2022

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Family Notices novena

novena

novena

Novena To The Sacred Heart Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine.

Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). P.M.

Novena To The Sacred Heart Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine.

Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). K.K.

Novena To The Sacred Heart Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine.

Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). D.McD.

Novena To The Sacred Heart Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine.

Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). S.D.

Novena To The Sacred Heart Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine.

Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). S.K.

Cllr Antoin Watters. ty’s blue flag beaches.

Three beaches situated at Port, Templetown and Clogherhead in Co Louth are Blue Flag beaches.

The blue flag beaches provide a safe environment for locals and visitors alike to enjoy swimming, water

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ATTENTION—For B.E.R. CERTIFICATION of properties being offered for sale or rent, contact Robert Mulholland, BER assessor.

087 609 1906 www.louthber.ie.

Double Rooms available to rent in Dundalk. 5 minutes from train station, private parking Tel 086 0838163.

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

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Qualified Carpenter 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.

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Zips, hems, clothes taken in or let out, also Dry Cleaning Service. Open Mon - Wed 9.30 - 5.30pm, Thur & Fri 9.30 - 6pm & Sat 10-2pm.

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Painting & Decorating No job too big or small. Also general handyman services. Tel Ian 087 4158238.

Sewing Classes—Become confident as you grow your sewing skills. No experience needed. Monday evenings 5.307.30pm at Muirhevnamor Community Centre. Private classes can be arranged on request. Contact Elizabeth 087 2649221 Whatsapp.

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

SC Tiling—Professional Tiler, Specialises in full bathroom refits. Top Class Work Guaranteed. Call Shane 0861075080.

A Van & Driver available for furniture removal, also single items, cookers, fridges, washing machines, etc. Day & Night Tel 086 8704908.

GRASS CUTTING services, Dundalk and surrounding areas. Contact Michael 087 1477 067.

FIONA’S Healings & Blessings— Contact 0044-7706-281-942.

Local Power Washing—No job too big or too small. Patios, Driveways, walls, etc Contact James 087 4464960 for free quotation.

Plasterer available—All work carried out Tel 083 4664871.

articles for sale

Cllr Watters calls for ban on dogs and horses from blue flag beaches

Sinn Fein Councillor Antoin Watters is seeking more information from Louth County Council (LCC) about a possible ban on dogs and horses from the county’s blue flag beaches.

Cllr Watters said: “As of today (Monday, March 21) I am still waiting for the Council to revert on this.

“The Council believe the existing Bye Laws will cover same.

We have requested and warned that this must not affect our Blue Flag Status.”

LCC is considering a ban on dogs and horses from the coun-

PROPERTY/RENTALS

sports and a great day at the beach.

LCC has previously stated that these matters are under consideration adding that the local authority already has Foreshore Bye-laws in place, which among other things, address the management of animals on the foreshore.

A restriction on dogs and horses from blue flag beaches might be necessary for the retention of blue flag status in 2022.

It is understood the restrictions will not be extended to guide and assistance dogs.

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Fully insured. For a free quotation contact Everkleen 042 9352717 / 087 6873188, www.everkleenservices.ie <http://www. everkleenservices.ie>.

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

GRIMLEY’S DUBLIN ST. DUNDALK— Televisions, TV aerials, satellite, Freeview & Saorview, new installations, sales, service & repairs. Free estimates 042 935 4343.

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Dundalk Leader 30th March 2022

“Social media companies must improve cyber security” Cyber security and health were on the agenda at the latest Conference on the Future of Europe in Strasbourg at the weekend, which was attended by Dundalk TD Ruairí Ó Murchú.

The Sinn Féin deputy, who is a member of the Oireachtas EU Affairs Committee said that outside expert witnesses should be brought in on both matters so that working groups are better informed about these issues and policies are better formed.

On the matter of cyber and hybrid security, Deputy Ó Murchú said there was a recognition of the threat to cyber security from AI (Artificial Intelligence) and there should be a greater focus on social media companies.

He said he welcomed the conference’s ‘holistic’ view of health across

Ruairí O’Murchú and Maroš Šefčovič. the union, but said drugs, and their impact on communities, also should be examined.

Deputy Ó Murchú said: ‘We are all aware of drug addiction and the pandemic of crime, violence and intimidation that it brings to our communities.

‘I think an EU re-

sponse to the issue is necessary. In relation to an EU right to health, we have shown we can co-operate but we will have to put our money where our mouths are and that does mean we will have to look at fiscal constraints.

‘If we are talking about health in a holis-

tic sense, I think we are going to have to be imaginative. In the case of Ireland, we want to facilitate and play our part in the refugee crisis. We have a housing crisis, so we need to be imaginative and that means financially as well’.

Energy and fuel need to be added to the health agenda, he said. ‘There needs to be mitigations at a European level. We need to look at the ability to reduce the VAT rate and also, to look at block buys’.

He also pointed out to conference chairperson Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič that ‘almost everyone’ at the conference would need an electronic visa to travel from South to North in Ireland, ‘if the British government gets its way’ which ‘highlights the ongoing madness of Brexit, the solution to which is Irish unity’.

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Hill Street, Dublin Rd., Dundalk.

042 9331515/086 2559201

Dundalk RFC girls

U18 Girls Team. Back-Sophia Murdock, Maire Daly, Lila O’Molloy, Sophie Woulfe, Aeyla Orr, Brea Corrigan, Bronagh Hughes, Elsie Cavaroli. Front- Ciara Graham, Aimee Collins, Aoife Purcell, Nicola Campbell, Aoife Bermingham.

Dundalk RFC U18 Girls Who A how Ed Representative Honours zenith Selevtion For The Leinster Rugby Northeast Elite U18 Girls Squad From Left Sophia Murdock, Jennifer McElroy, Lila O’Molloy, Aoife Purcell and Sophie Woulfe.

Car Roof Boxes, Roof Bars, Wind Visors etc.

POWER WASHERS The Six Dundalk RFC Girls Who Started Rugby as Minis Spanning a 14 Year Playing Partnership From Left Sophia Murdock, Jennifer McElroy, Sophie Woulfe, Aoife Purcell, Bronagh Hughes and Aoife Bermingham.

Toolboxes, Socket Sets, yuasa batteries, Battery Chargers, Car Jacks, Space Heaters, etc.

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T. 042 9331555/9331006 The Ramparts, Dundalk (formerly Martin's Garage)

Dundalk Leader 30th March 2022

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Dundalk Leader 30th March 2022