30-11-2022

Lighting Up The Darkness for Charity

Refugees welcome in Louth insists councillor

By Paul Byrne

Louth Sinn Fein Councillor Thomas Sharkey has insisted the “good people of County Louth are happy to offer refuge to people in need of it”.

The Councillor made his comments after a protest took place in Carlingford following the arrival of approximately 40 asylum seekers in the village.

“I’m disappointed at the hatred and misinformation that were spread on some parts of social media,” said Cllr Sharkey. The refugees are here and they need accommodation and the people of County Louth are happy to offer it.”

A protest was staged against the arrival of asylum seekers on Sunday, November 27 in the popular medieval village in North Louth.

According to the owners of Carlingford Adventure Centre, asylum seekers staying at the centre pose no threat to the safety of locals. A statement from Carlingford Adventure Centre apologised to local residents for a ‘lack of prior consultation’ while assuring locals that the refugees posed no danger to the community.

Continued on Page 2

meabh o’Connor, Enya Silkena and Tara o’Connor from St Gerard’s AC all enjoyed incredible success as they represented Team Ireland at the International Schools Pentathlon in Glasgow last weekend. Full story page 2.

Refugees welcome in Louth insists councillor

Continued from Page 1

“We have responded to a national request for emergency accommodation. We have offered our accommodation from September to February. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide assistance past February. We were not informed prior to ar rival who would avail of the accommodation so couldn’t communicate it publicly. Carlingford Adventure Centre has

welcomed four groups to date.

1. 1st Arrival 28 Wom en and children 7th Oc tober

2. 2nd Arrival One Sin gle women 12th October

3. 3rd Arrival three Families arrived from lo cal accommodation 22nd November.

4. 4th Arrival was 40 Males arrived on the 23rd of November.

We have advised the department go forward we will not accept any

Declan

HollywooD

Dentist

i wish to inform and thank all the patients who attended me during my 45 years at 6 Dublin Street, Dundalk that i have fully retired from Dentistry.

additional males. We are still offering our accom modation to Women and Children until Febru ary. We are operating as usual with school tours activity daytrips then we will revert to accommo dation Activity bookings as usual from March onwards. Carlingford Adventure Centre would like to apologise for lack of prior consultation to the local community and any distress this may have caused. This was

not our intention. We have been helping indi vidual Ukrainians leave their war-torn country since the start of the con flict and been welcom ing group arrivals since October, and they have been a pleasure to deal with and get to know in dividually.

I would like to assure the residents in Carling ford these refugees pose no danger to their com munity. They are here for a short stay over Christ

mas only in a controlled manner. They have come from terrible conditions. We have offered them a safe place to spend Christmas and some of the coldest months of the year. Our Guests are not at fault for the lack of prior communication we and the community re ceived.

I hope this announce ment helps to clarify the situation and allays any fears local residents may have. Again, Please ac

cept our apology for the lack of communication and prior information from the Department’” concluded the statement.

Meanwhile Louth Sinn Fein Councillor Antoin Watters said that “over the last number of days there has been a lot of anger and misinforma tion in relation to Car lingford”.

“As a local Council lor I have received nu merous calls, texts, and emails in relation to this

and I have made myself available to residents in Carlingford and the Cooley Peninsula,” said Cllr Watters.

“I have also tried to call back as many people as possible… It has been confirmed that the group will remain in Carling ford until the end of Feb ruary.

“These are the facts as I have them and I will continue to seek clarifica tion on this and keep you updated.”

international success for St gerard’s athletes

FoLLowing their superb performances at the Schools All-ireland Combined Events two weeks ago, three St ger ard’s AC athletes took their places in the ire land Team that travelled to Scotland at the week end to compete in the international Schools Pentathlon in glasgow.

Enya Silkena who at tends St Louis Second ary School and Tara o’Connor who attends St Vincent’s Second ary School both quali fied for the Ireland U16 girls team, thanks to their All-Ireland first and second place finish es a fortnight ago, while Meabh o’Connor, also of St Vincent’s earned her place on the ireland over 16 Girls team, fol lowing her second-place finish in the older cat egory at the national event.

The impressive Emir

ates Arena in glasgow was the venue for last Saturday’s international Schools Pentathlon, where the girls went head-to-head against the very best multi event athletes from ireland, Scotland, England and

Christmas Carol Services

wales. The pentath lon is made up of five events, incorporating running, jumping and throwing – 60m Hur dles, Long Jump, Shot Put, High Jump and 800m. Competitors bat tle it out for points, ac

cumulated over their performances in each of the five events. The range of athletic abil ity required to compete over multiple events on the international stage is a testament to just how talented and dedicated

these young athletes are to their sport. To have three athletes competing at this level from one club is nothing short of incredible.

In the U16 category, Tara o’Connor and Enya Silkena both had an unbelievable day of consistently high performances over all five events, with Tara declared the overall competition winner to claim gold for ireland and Enya joining her on the podium in 3rd place, taking Bronze for her country. By any stand ard, it is very special to have two local girls from the club on the po dium for their country. As if that wasn’t enough, Tara and Enya had more reason to celebrate as the ireland Team won the overall team com petition as well, taking home team gold medals for their efforts. Meabh

o’Connor battled it out in the older age catego ry, finishing strongly in 9th position overall in a tough field, an excellent result which helped the over 16s Ireland Team on their way to claim the team Silver medal overall.

A spokesperson for St gerard’s said, “we are incredibly proud of our talented young athletes, their dedicated parents and committed coaches. The future is so exciting. what the girls achieved in glasgow at the week end is the result of years of hard work and effort. They are superb ambas sadors for the club, their schools, County Louth and now ireland! They are inspirational to all the younger juvenile athletes in the club who look up to them at train ing, week in week out. it really is a joy to watch the future unfold.”

Competition Winners

The winners of a pair of tickets each from last week’s Competition to see Mike Denver in Concert at Carrickdale Hotel on Saturday January 7th are David Byrne, Susanne Dunne and Catriona McBride.

A COMMUNITy carol service will take place on Sunday 4th December at 7pm in Dundalk Presbyterian Church with the Commons Silver Band and the Dundalk Men’s Shed Choir. Everybody welcome.

6th December (Tuesday) in St Nicholas’ Church at 7pm by Redemp toris Mater Seminary.

11th December at 7pm in St Patrick’s Church. Join our parish choirs St Nicholas’ & St Patrick’s and Realt na Mara School Choir. A warm welcome to everyone to join us. Proceeds in aid of St Patricks Soup Kitchen/Food Parcels.

Sunday 18th December at 7pm in St Joseph’s Redemptorist Church

St. Nicholas Parish Church (the green church) is having the Annual Carols by Candlelight with the Dundalk Brass Band on Tuesday 20th December at 7.30pm.

Tara o’Connor (number 34) and Enya Silkena (number 36) on the po dium in the U16 pentathlon.

Celebrating 50 years of Credit union service

As part of Dundalk Credit Union’s re cent Awards Night, there was a surprise presen tation made to Tom D’Arcy, Director to honour fifty years of dedicated service to Dundalk Credit Union.

Across five decades, Tom

has held a range of Board roles and Credit Union sec tor advisory roles, all con tributing hugely towards the sustainability and growth of Dundalk Credit Union and our member community. Bernadette Farrell, Chair of Dundalk

Credit Union commended Tom for his lasting commit ment to the Credit Union purpose and paid tribute to the constant guidance and support Tom has always given to his fellow Board members.

Lighting up the Darkness

THe Carolan family in Kilkerley are delighted to announce that after receiving sponsorship to cover the costs of lighting their house for Christmas, that this year will be their 3rd year to raise money for charity!

In 2020, they raised €4,303 for the Dundalk Simon Commu nity. Then in 2021, they raised €8,321.38 for The Rotunda Foundation and the NICU in our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.

Roisin & Robert are complete ly blown away to have fund raised this amount for these three organisations -“we would like to thank all who donated online, sent donations and donated to the buckets when they visited. it was such a joy for us to see the cars pulling up, and parents taking

photos with their children of the lights, and of our 6ft tall Santa at the gate.”

After the fundraiser in 2021, Roisin & Robert hadn’t planned on doing another fundraiserthey were hoping to take some time out, just to enjoy Christmas with their family, but in August when their dear friend isabelle passed away after a very tough fight with cancer, it seemed that they had no other option, but to raise money in isabelle’s memory. in consultation with isabelle’s husband Paul, the de cision was made to raise money for St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, where isabelle received most of her treatment.

The Carolan family under stand that with the cost of living crisis, that people have enough to

do with their money, but please donate whatever you can, no matter how little, it will make a difference to somebody.

Be sure to visit and see the lights in person. The Carolan family home is just 5 miles out side Dundalk- Cortial, Kilkerley, Dundalk A91 T671. Make sure and bring the kids and take pho tos. The lights will be on from 5pm each evening from Friday 2nd of December until the new year.

All proceeds will be donated to St.James’s Hospital Dublin. Click on the following link to donate: www.justgiving.com/ lightingupthedarkness2022

The Carolan Family would like to thank their sponsors with out their support, this fundraiser couldn’t happen.

new appeal for Louth properties to house Ukrainian people

LoUTH County Council is ap pealing to those who have unoc cupied properties to offer them as temporary homes for those flee ing war in Ukraine.

The call is part of a new gov ernment initiative, led by local authorities, to make use of un occupied houses, apartments or holiday homes to house Ukrain ian people and families.

A tax-free recognition payment of €800 per month is available for properties used to house those arriving from Ukraine. This pay ment rate applies from December 1st 2022.

More than 60,000 people have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine seeking safety and the vast ma jority need accommodation.

Under a new programme, Louth County Council will take offers of houses, apartments or holiday homes for temporary ac commodation, liaise with owners to assess suitability, and arrange for their use by Ukrainian people and families.

Property owners can offer

homes at offerahome.ie or by contacting the local authority in which the property is located.

Those who offer a property can expect to be contacted by the lo cal authority within 5 working days of making their offer and an assessment of the property will be carried out by the local authority shortly after. The assessment is to ensure the property is habitable and to get some details so it can be matched to the most appropri ate person or family.

Anybody who offers a proper ty will be able to check the status of their offer at any stage through the website offerahome.ie.

This is a call for stand-alone properties that are not occupied by others. Properties should be in liveable condition and, ideally, available for at least 6 months.

while rent will not be payable to those who offer properties, a tax-free recognition payment of €800 per month is available from the Department of Social Protection to those who offer ac commodation to Ukrainians.

Appealing to the people of Louth to offer unused properties, Yvonne o’Brien, Acting Director of Service, Ukrainian Humanitar ian Response said: “irish people have shown incredible support for the people of Ukraine. We know that people are very anx ious to help where they can so we’re appealing to anybody who has a house, apartment, or holi day home that they’re not using at the moment to consider offer ing it to those who need shelter and safety from war.

“we understand that it can be daunting to offer a property to someone you don’t know. That is why local authorities will work with you throughout the process and be there to offer support while your property is being used.

“if you have a property that will otherwise be empty this winter, please consider offering it for those who badly need a safe home for a while,” Yvonne o’Brien concluded. To offer a property or for more information, visit offerahome.ie.

Billy Doyle, CEo, Tom D’Arcy, Director, Bernadette Farrell, Chair, Dundalk Credit Union.

Tom D’Arcy, mary D’Arcy, lorraine moran, Director Dundalk Credit Union, Caroline D’Arcy Sheridan.

The magical light display at the Carolan residence in Kilkerley will help to raise money for charity.

Staff Education Awards Night

DUNDA lk

Credit Union was delighted to celebrate the aca demic achievements of so many of their team at their recent staff

Awards Night in DkIT. Members of the Board and management of Dundalk Credit Un ion were joined at the event by kevin John son, CEO of Credit

Union Development Association.

Families and col leagues cheered on over 35 team members of Dundalk Credit Union who took time

from their busy lives to study, take exams and then apply their new skill set back into their work, all for the benefit of our members. speaking at the

event, Billy Doyle, CEO said “I am so proud of each and eve ry person here tonight, to have studied outside of work is one thing, to add COVID into

the mix and moving to studying online makes everything more chal lenging, they are quite simply an inspiration to everyone gathered here this evening.”

Kevin Johnson CEo CUDA, Bernadette Farrell, Chair, Stephen Fealy, CFo, Billy Doyle, CEo, Dundalk Credit Union.

Kevin Johnson, Bernadette Farrell, Grainne Gorham, Billy Doyle.

Kevin Johnson, Bernadette Farrell, martin Hardy, Billy Doyle

Kevin Johnson, Bernadette Farrell, Sandra Hickey, Billy Doyle. Kevin Johnson, Bernadette Farrell, lorraine laverty, Billy Doyle.

Kevin Johnson, Bernadette Farrell, Frances molloy, Billy Doyle.

Kevin Johnson, Bernadette Farrell, lisa o’Brien, Billy Doyle. Dundalk Credit Union Staff.

Dundalk Credit Union Staff.

‘Sixteen Days of Action’ Women’s Aid Dundalk

iT’S that time of year when women’s Aid Dundalk partakes in the global campaign “16 Days of Action”, running from the 25th of november (interna tional Day for elimina tion of violence against women) to December 10th (Human Rights Day). The sixteen days happens once a year to raise awareness of Do mestic Abuse.

This year’s theme is “UNITe”.

Women’s Aid Dun dalk have been part of this global campaign for many years and this year we hope to “UNITe” the local community in respond ing to Domestic vio lence.

we have several awareness raising events happening dur ing the 16 days.

To begin, we are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with Dundalk FM and its morning show Town Talk. Each day before the show gets under

way, Town Talk have generously agreed to give us a brief moment of airtime for sixteen days to broadcast a fact, myth or statistic about Domestic Violence.

Women’s Aid Dun dalk also have three awareness raising days in DKIT at the end of november, a chance to meet with our support service staff and get in formation.

Local TD’s, Coun cillors and well-known local people from Dun dalk, were keen to help in any way they could, so during the 16 days they will be joining in our social media cam paign across all the so cials to voice their sup port and how you can

help and get involved.

Women’s Aid Dun dalk manager Ann Lar kin, will be giving a talk about the work we do on Monday morning December 5th at the oriel Centre for mem bers of the recently established women’s Shed.

There will also be a gathering at An Tain on December 7th, with members of the com munity in a view to establishing a robust community forum, aim ing to explore and pro mote the community response to Domestic violence in Dundalk

A huge thank you for the very generous sup port of Digital Screen Displays who have

been and will continue throughout the 16 days, to advertising our serv ices, at no charge, on their three prominent screens situated at the Square, the Lisdoo and North Link Road. Help ing us getting our mes sage out to the commu nity to enable women to reach out and link into support. we are here to listen.

Domestic Violence doesn’t exist in isola tion it affects many facets of a woman and her children’s lives. it is an extremely com plex issue and has huge impact on both women and children.

Women’s Aid Dun dalk provides several services to support women and children. Crisis accommodation, 24hour helpline (042 9333244), court clinic, children’s supportive therapies, supervised access, 1-2-1 work, Advocacy, accompani ment, outreach, sup ported housing and a community crèche.

Fundraising appeal launched for Paul

THe friends and family of Paul Mefor, who was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease over ten years ago, have launched a goFundMe page to enable him to receive stem cell treatment in Switzerland. Paul, a 52-year old former journalist from ni geria, came to Ireland in 2002 and currently lives in wood view Park with his wife Yvonne and his four children.

According to Yvonne, a health care worker for the HSe, her husband has exhausted all avenues in ireland to try and slow down the progression of Parkinsons and is now hoping that a clinic in Switzerland can help him improve sufficiently

to enable him to enjoy activi ties with his kids again.

“it’s not easy for us to set up

this goFundMe page and ask people for money but we are at the point now where we feel

this is our last chance to give Paul some semblance of a nor mal life. Paul was a well known journalist and broadcaster in nigeria and worked with many TV stations including nTA, AiT, Voice of Africa and Voice of nigeria. we arrived in ire land over twenty years ago and Paul did his Masters in DCU before continuing to work in the media industry.

Just over ten years ago he was diagnosed with Parkin sons and gradually his health has deteriorated. we have tried various treatments in ireland but unfortunately none have worked and after much re search we have decided to try

a promising Stem Cell treat ment at the Swiss Medica XXi Century Medical Facility in Switzerland. Although the treatment looks promising it is also very expensive and that is why we have been forced to go down the fundraising route. It will cost about €40,000 and that is the target of our fund drive.

“our four kids are 20, 18, 15 and 10 and for the two young est kids, Paul has missed out on a lot of activities with them. it is our dream that this treat ment will help Paul and give him maybe another ten quality years where he can be a nor mal dad for his kids and play

with them and bring them to take part in their activities. The medication that he is currently on is hard on his system and he gets very bad cramps as it wears off. He is very stiff all the time and his quality of life is not very good right now. we would do anything to help that quality of life improve so with the help of god we will be able to raise enough money to send Paul to Switzerland,” explained Yvonne.

if you are able to help Paul you can contribute to his fun draiser at the following link https://gofund.me/0680692e or by searching Paul Mefor on the goFundMe page.

old Dundalk Society Lecture

ThE Old Dundalk Society is delighted to announce the second lecture in their 2022 Winter season of lectures. The Lecture is entitled ‘The Changing of the Guard’.

The Lecture tells the story of one hundred years of policing rural Ireland. The lecture takes place in the County Museum, Jocelyn Street, Dundalk, on Wednesday the 7th of December commencing at 8.00 pm sharp.

The Lecture will be presented by Brendan Mc Avinue who is a graduate of Maynooth’s Certificate Course in Local History. Brendan has conducted extensive research into the history of policing in Ireland and has pub lished and lectured extensively about his work.

The audience will be guaranteed a stimulating, and interesting lecture. Patrons are advised to come early, as there is limited ca pacity available at the lecture venue.

Refreshments served after lecture. Volun tary contributions at door.

1—Who were the first nation to officially be knocked out of the World Cup in Qatar?

2—What colour do you get when you mix yellow and red?

3—There are officially 195 countries in the world. Are most of these countries located in Africa, Asia or europe?

4—A roux is often added while cooking to help thicken sauces or soups. What are the main ingredients of this sauces?

5—only one gAA club in dundalk is named after a Saint. Can you name them?

6—Which actress starred in dangerous Minds, Scarface and grease 2?

7—Which County is bunratty Castle in?

8—on this day in 1979

which english band released a multi-million selling album called ‘The Wall’?

9—Four counties in ireland have nine letters. Can you name them?

10—Charles dickens wrote ‘A Tale of Two Cities’. What were the two cities?

The Stinker—What year did The late late Toy Show first appear on RTe?

—this week’s answers—

aomhn5— Moninne Hurling Club, 6—Michelle Pfeiffer, 7—Clare, 8—Pink Floyd, 9—Fermanagh, Westmeath, Roscommon, Waterford and Tipperary, ondonl10— and Paris. The Stinker: 1975.

1—Qatar, range,o2— 3—Africa (54). (There are 48 in Asia and 44 in urope),e 4—Flour and utter,b

Paul mefor.

Energy support scheme will ease the pressure on Louth businesses—Mcgreehan

FiAnnA Fáil Senator in Louth, Erin Mcgree han, has welcomed news that the Tem porary Business En ergy Support Scheme (TBESS) is open up for registration from today (November 26th) . The Scheme, which will be administered by the Revenue Commission ers, will assist business es with their electricity or natural gas (energy) costs during the winter months.

Businesses can sub mit claims from De cember 5. First pay ments from the TBESS will be available to business owners by the end of the year, once Finance Bill 2022 is enacted in December.

The TBESS will as sist qualifying busi nesses with their elec tricity or natural gas (energy) costs from 1 September 2022 to 28

February 2023. eli gible businesses can register for the TBESS, via the e-Registration facility in Revenue’s online Service (RoS), from today Saturday 26 November 2022.

A claim portal in re spect of TBESS will be available via the eRepayments system on RoS in early De cember. welcoming the opening of the scheme, Senator Mcgreehan said:

“The scheme will be vital for businesses and will ease the pressure that they face during

the winter period. Busi nesses that qualify will get up to 40% of the ad ditional costs they are facing, up to €10,000 per month until Febru ary.

“The high costs of energy are causing significant issues for businesses across the spectrum. Fianna Fáil has recognised this and has worked with our government partners to implement this support scheme for businesses that have experienced significant increases in their gas and electricity bills.

“Fianna Fáil is the party of small and me dium businesses, and we are committed to supporting those who create local jobs in this country throughout this inflationary period.”

Your business can make a claim under the scheme if it: is tax compliant; carries on a Case i trade or Case ii profession. This in cludes charities and approved sporting bod ies that carry on certain activities and has expe rienced a significant in crease of 50% or more in its electricity and/or natural gas average unit price.

“i would urge all eli gible businesses across Louth to apply for the scheme and if i can be of any assistance in the matter, please don’t hesitate to contact my office,” added Senator Mcgreehan.

‘Junk food companies targeting kids’—o’Murchú

JUNK food companies need to be ‘reined in’ by government because of the way they target young children with ads online, according to Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú.

The Louth TD raised the issue during the or der of Business in Lein ster House last week, after a campaign to ban junk food ads online was launched by the Irish Heart Foundation.

The Sinn Féin depu ty highlighted the ways the food companies are targeting kids.

He said: ‘Safefood research estimates one in 20 children on this island will die prema turely due to problems caused by being over weight.

‘The biggest junk food brands are design ing online games for young children to pro mote their products.

‘Research in Britain shows children aged under 16 years there

ruairí Ó murchú.

are exposed to 15.1 bil lion online junk ads per year.

‘nearly three out of four people want a ban on the marketing of unhealthy foods to children.

‘when will the gov ernment act and pub lish the public health obesity Bill promised

Garda youth Awards

in the programme for government? we need an online ban on the marketing of unhealthy food, a 9 p.m. water shed and a ban on un healthy food and drinks advertising on Stateowned infrastructure and transport.

‘The government needs to rein in the junk

food brands’.

In response, Health Minister Stephen Don nelly said: ‘i thank the Deputy. I agree with many of the sentiments he has put forward.

‘we are tackling it in various ways. one is a very significant increase in funding for Healthy Ireland to en courage healthy eating, healthy habits and sup ports for parents raising their children and form ing good habits.

‘The Deputy raises a programme for gov ernment issue that is being looked at, and that we are exploring, about going further and bringing in curbs on some of the targeting of children for some of these foods, which are obviously very high in certain fats, salts and sugars, which we know are contributing to obesity in ireland which we are tackling and are very open to doing more on it’.

Senator Erin mcGreehan.

Chief Superintendent Alan mcGovern presents award to the Cable Extension Proj ect, Ardee. morgan ruddy, Bryan Finlay, Kaitlyn murphy and Adam murthagh.

The Drogheda order of malta Ambulance Corps. were recognised for their contributions to their community.

Chloe Kelly accepts her award from Chief Superintendent Alan mcGovern.

Christopher Gilson accepts award from Chief Superintendent Alan mcGovern.

Chief Superintendent Alan mcGovern presents the award to Pauline maguire.

Chief Superintendent Alan mcGovern presents the award to megan Smith.

St Vincent de Paul appeal for donations

iT is difficult to ask people to think of others when so many are them selves experiencing great difficulties in their lives.

The awful pandemic that has been with us on and off since March, 2020 has now been followed by the worst cost of living crisis in a generation.

Each in their own way has pre sented all of us with challenges that we never thought that we would en counter in our lifetimes.

Christmas, a time for family, a time for joy and reflection on the true meaning of this great feast will be difficult for many families.

Yet there are many amongst us who are determined that Christmas will be as normal as possible this year.

People like those in the organi sation that i am again privileged to head in Dundalk, the St. Vincent de Paul Society who are determined that no family in need will go without this Christmas.

That no child will be deprived of waking on Christmas morning to ex perience the joy of seeing a toy at the bottom of their bed.

That no one living alone and feel ing forgotten will not enjoy the com fort of a box of chocolates, or a glass of wine.

For all of those reasons the dedi cated people who willingly bring so many skills to the work of the SVP in Dundalk have been working be hind the scenes to ensure that we can bring as much help as possible this Christmas.

Since the pandemic invaded our

lives in 2020 the Society realised that it would not be safe to distribute food parcels as in previous years, so we had to replace those parcels with a variety of vouchers, all of which have been purchased locally.

Schools, firms, office staff and individuals who in the past donated large amounts of food to our appeal have, in the last two years, gener ously helped us out with the donation of vouchers.

People like a wonderful mum, ellis o’Hagan from Bellurgan who for the last three years raised almost €10,000 in her toy appeal in mem ory of her son, Danann Pearse who died in his sleep in 2018, aged just 3 weeks.

People like the staff of firms such as PayPal whose multinational work force filled a large corner of their canteen with a spectacular array of food and toys, but who for the last few years have donated thousands in purchasing the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce ‘shop local’ vouchers thereby giving a major boost to local firms.

Then there is the staff of one small firm who never seek any recogni tion for their generosity for making it a special time for one family in the locality by looking after all their Christmas needs - and i mean every thing - to make it a Christmas to re member for one family.

They do so in a spirit of humility and generosity that is very humbling and inspiring to all working with the SVP in town.

To encounter this level of kind ness and consideration for others, not just at Christmas but throughout the year is deeply gratifying for in total 80 volunteers work in the eleven Conferences in the Dundalk area, stretching from omeath to Kilkerley to Dromiskin.

it has been a great source of inspi ration to me over the last six years that i have worked as Area President to see the dedication of our volun teers who throughout the pandemic, and at great personal risk to their own health on many occasions, attended meetings, stood with collection box es outside churches and distributed help to those in need.

People like Dundalk born Richie McEnteggart and his wife, Bridie who have given a lifetime of service to St. Malachy’s Conference spend ing endless hours for more Christ mases that they can remember work ing in cold warehouses packing food parcels.

Richie and Bridie this year retired from active service with their Con ference and while they never sought recognition deserve to be acknowl

edged for their loyalty, dedication and kindness.

Thankfully the awful pandemic that took so many lives in our area spared SVP volunteers, and in thanks giving for that, and in remembrance of former volunteers a special Mass was celebrated last week in ozaman House in Jocelyn Street by Rev. Ryan Holovlasky, C.Ss.R., St. Joseph’s.

The pandemic presented many physical challenges for us all in en deavouring to keep safe, but now we are facing a new crisis caused by the soaring cost of energy, food and the ordinary essentials of living.

we in SVP are seeing this almost every day, and unfortunately we an ticipated that calls for our help which reached 1,627 in the north-east re gion in october, a 23% increase on the previous month and a 39% in crease on october, 2021, will only continue to soar.

For some months now and because of the increase in the cost of energy and food we have realised that the level of support that we previously gave families was not adequate, and due to the influence of women serv ing in the very Conferences, we have had to almost double the level of sup port that we are giving families.

our initial spend on vouchers for Christmas this year, supplied by lo cal butchers and poultry shops which last year was €14,000 has been in creased this year to €39,000 not just to meet the increased demand, but to ensure that no Christmas table is empty this year.

we could not provide this level of help without the generosity of many in Dundalk, firms, schools, individu als and organisations, for we now believe that our expenditure for this year will be in excess of €400,000 an increase of 25% on last year.

However, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the increased government help in social welfare payments and energy supports, and to recognise the help that energy companies are extending to many of the families that the SVP helps.

All of this extra support has light ened the burden, but there are many in our community who just cannot cope.

we in the SVP do all we can, but we can only do so with the continued support of all of you, and for that may i offer my sincere thanks on behalf of all the people that we help.

“we are asking people to please donate whatever they can spare at ei ther a local collection, online or over the phone to help people.

ways to donate: Collection: at all Masses in Dun dalk this week-end, December, 3rd and 4th

online: svp.ie and nominate your local area

By phone: 0818 176 176 (RoI) or 028 9075 0161 (NI) and nominate your local area

By post: to SVP, Po Box 1234, Dublin 1, cheques made payable to ‘Society of St. Vincent de Paul’ or direct to a regional office, addresses can be found on www.svp.ie.

Santa Arrives At The m arshes

Christmas Fayre

The annual Christmas Fayre will take place this Sunday (december 4th) between 10:30am and 4:30pm in the imperial Hotel, dundalk.

There will be craft stalls, skincare, perfume, clothing, handbags, dog treats, crystals, jewellery, sweet treats, Christmas items and lots more.

There will also be a raffle on the day with a range of amazing prizes.

All proceeds in aid of Save our Homeless, dundalk. For further information contact alishamcelvaney@ hotmail.com.

Prayer in Candlelight

Welcome to those aged between 18 & 40yrs, To a Relaxed Time of Peace and Quiet Prayer, in Candlelight, with the Music of “TAiZe”.

Friday 2nd deCeMbeR 8pm – 9pm, followed by Tea/Coffee.“bethany” 34 Point Road, dundalk A91 WoC9.

At the arrival of Santa at the marshes. Pic: Fintan Clarke.

Saoirse roddy(4) from Kilcurry. Pic: Fintan Clarke.

At the arrival of Santa at the marshes. Pic: Fintan Clarke.

rose Brennan, realt na mara, Hollie Kiernan from King scourt and Sadhbh Kelleher, Dundalk. Pic: Fintan Clarke.

Callie Faughey nolan(5) from Glenwood, lara(7) and Zayn mcFall(3) from Blackrock. Pic: Fintan Clarke.

Santa arrives at the marshes.Pic: Fintan Clarke.

Woodview Celtic’s dream of finding a new home moves a step closer

WooDVIeW Celtic have long had a burn ing ambition to find their own home and that dream came a step closer to reality last week when Minister for Sport Jack Chambers held what club officials described as a ’very pro ductive meeting’ with committee members.

woodview Celtic are one of Dundalk’s youngest football clubs having been established in 1990 and are the only club in town without a pitch to call their own.

Currently the club have to pay a weekly fee to hire out the council’s All weather pitch at Muirhevnamor but over the last twelve months the club have priori tised getting a pitch of their own. According to woodview Celtic coach eamonn o’Hagan, those hopes received a big boost last week when Minister for Sport Jack Chambers agreed to meet club officials with a view to helping them find a new home.

“i have to say that the Minister seems like a re

ally nice guy. He’s only been in the job a couple of years but from what i can see he is getting plenty done and dur ing our meeting with him he gave us quite a few doors to open in terms of getting funding. we now have a much clearer idea of how to start the process of finding a new home and everybody at woodview Celtic is willing to put their shoulder to the wheel to ensure this will happen sooner rather than later,” promised Eamonn.

“we have a thriving club here at Woodview with around 150 kids be tween the ages of 6 and 16 training with us. We have former Dundalk FC player Shane grimes helping us coach the kids and we have produced some excellent players including Stephen McMullen who recently moved to

Fleetwood Town in League one in England. i have to commend our local councillor Seán Kelly who delivered on his promise to bring the Minister to Dundalk to meet us and it’s great to have him on our side as we begin this journey. we know there is a lot of work ahead of us but we have a great committee here and everybody is willing to do their bit to find a home for all these kids in our club. we have never received a sports capital grant before so we are currently exploring that option and hoping that we can be successful when the recipients are announced in February. This is a very exciting time for the club and all go ing well we will finally have a new home to call our own in the foresee able future,” stated Eamonn.

Woodview Celtic met minister for Sport Jack Chambers last week.

national Pyjama Day

Mental health centre for kids officially opens in Dundalk

A SPECiALiST cen tre which offers mental health care for younger people was officially opened in Dundalk by Minister for Health Mary Butler yesterday morning.

The Child and Ado lescent Mental Health Service will offer spe cialist care to people under 18 who are strug gling with their mental health and is located in earl House on earl St. north Louth Child & Adolescent Men tal Health Services (CAMHS) is a specialist service for people under the age of 18 with mental health difficulties. The service offers assess ment and treatment to young people and their families, who have been identified by their GP or another senior clini cian, to be experiencing a mental health disorder

that is having a moder ate to severe impact on their quality of life and requires the input of a multi-disciplinary team.

Fianna Fáil Sena tor Erin Mcgreehan welcomed the official

opening of north Louth CAMHS.

“i’m delighted to see the official opening of North Louth CAMHS at earl House in Dundalk.

“it’s a pleasure to have my colleague Min

ister Butler here who i must thank for her work and support for CAMHs in Louth.

“it’s important to highlight that children can now avail of thera pies locally in Dundalk

at earl House were un til recently, they had to travel to Drogheda in what can be very dis tressing situations for families and young peo ple.

“Supporting the CAMHS teams locally is a priority for me. we need to ensure that greater resources and capacity are added to ensure that all who re quire services can avail of them.

“i look forward to working with Minister Butler further on this and thank her for her support.

“The CAMHs teams at earl House provide a brilliant service. i want to thank the interdis ciplinary team for the work they do and we owe them huge grati tude as they help young people through very dis tressing situations.”

CúChulainn Archers compete in Irish Open

Fifteen members of Cú Chulainn Archers set off to the national Basketball Arena last Saturday week to compete in the irish in door open Archery Cham pionships 2022.

The format was a 60 ar row qualification followed by knockout Head to Head competition. Most of Cú Chulainn archers fought on to the quarter finals in their categories with one being knocked out in the Bronze medal match.

of the others, neil Keb ble took gold in the Senior Men’s Barebow category, RoseAnne o’Donnell took gold in the Barebow Category, Shona Judge got the Silver medal in

the woman’s Senior Com pound category, Claudia Heinze took Silver in the Masters women Barebow category, Adria Quinn took Bronze in the wom en’s Senior Compound category and Fiachra Judge took Bronze in the Compound Masters Men category.

This comes to a total for the club of 2 gold, 2 Sil ver and 2 Bronze medals! A good result indeed and congratulations to our two new irish open Champi ons! CúChulainn Archers meets weekly and runs be ginner courses throughout the year. Enquiries to cu chulainnarchers@hotmail. com.

Dunleer town centre first masterplan—Public Consultation event

LOUTh County Council is in viting members of the public to a drop–in consultation event on Friday 2nd December to give their views and comments on how they would like to see Dunleer Town Centre develop into the future.

Locals are encouraged to come along to Market house in Dunleer between 9.30am

-5.30pm to meet with Consult ants Building Design Partner ship Ltd (BDP), who have been appointed by Louth County Council, to prepare a masterplan for Dunleer Town Centre.

Dunleer is one of 26 towns nationally, one in each county, which has been awarded fund ing to develop a town centre masterplan under the Gov

ernment’s Town Centre First Policy, which aims to tackle va cancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres creating towns that function as ‘viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to live, work and visit’.

The non-statutory masterp lan will create a vision and set out specific objectives and in

terventions to help re-imagine and revitalise the town centre. When completed, the plan will be used to seek funding and at tract investment into the town.

Louth County Council is seeking input on the current issues facing the community. All aspects will be considered from retail offering, commu nity services and facilities,

public/recreational space, new employment opportunities, re use of vacant properties, tack ling dereliction, heritage/tour ism potential and movement around the town – walking, traffic and parking.

Dunleer Town Development Team want to ensure that all local knowledge and potential ideas from the community is

captured and reflected in the objectives and interventions of the masterplan

As part of our public consul tation process, Louth County Council will also be conducting an online survey for the pur poses of gathering valuable in formation and feedback from you the public in the coming weeks.

Members of the public can donate directly to national Pyjama Day 2022 at this link: https://www.earlychildhoodireland.ie/pyjama-day/

Shona Judge, Silver medal, roseAnne o’Donnell, Gold medal and Adria Quinn, Bronze medal, Piper mc learnon (3) and Jake o’ Connor (3).

Bobby nowlan (4), Blake Connolly (4) and Emily mc mahon (4).

Jack Campbell (4), Piper mc learnon (3) and Emily rogers (4).

The Child and Adolescent mental Health Service is in Earl House on Earl St.

Getting published is a dream come true for Val

By Tamara O’Connell

A LoCAL writer has recently published a children’s book called ‘Revenge of Queen Rose’ – the second book in a fantasy series for ages 8 to 12.

originally from Blackrock, Valerie Murphy writes under the pen name Valinora Troy and currently lives in Dunleer.

“The name of the series is The Lucky Diamond. Last year, I published The Lucky Diamond, the first in an exciting new children’s fantasy series,” said Valinora.

“Since then. i have visited schools, given readings, and hosted writing classes for young writers for Louth County Libraries.”

Valinora has an MA in Creative writing, specialising in Children & Young Adult. In 2021 she was a panellist for

Valinora Troy with her new book.

children’s speculative fiction category in the Cybils awards.

Book one, The Lucky Diamond was a semi-finalist in this year’s Book Blog gers novel of the Year Award (BBnYA).

The Lucky Dia mond and Revenge of Queen Rose are both recommended by Lov

eReading4Kids and LoveReading4Schools, UK premier book rec ommendation sites.

The covers of both books by artist Eliza beth eckstein were fi nalists in The wishing Shelf Cover Awards.

“i started writing when I was about sixyears-old. My mother, geri Valentine, was

a writer too,” said Valinora.

“i was encouraged by my mother to write. i write for eight to 12-year-olds maybe because i never grew up. i like to write about adventure and excite ment.

“i’m currently work ing on the third book of the series. The working

title is ‘The great For est’ and i’m hoping it will be published next year.”

She added: “getting published is a dream i have had for a long time. it’s wonderful to see my books on book shelves. it’s a long-held dream fulfilled in recent years.”

The Lucky Diamond and Revenge of Queen Rose are available in Roe River Books in Park Street, Dundalk.

it can also be bought in any BookHaven branch in Dublin, as in the usual online outlets (Amazon, Barnes & noble, etc) and upon request from most bookshops.

A signed copy of Valinora’s new book can be bought through the author’s website, and please check her website for further up dates on stockists. You can find her at https:// valinoratroy.com.

Louth County Council Firefighters recognised

LoUTH County Coun cil Fire Services Per sonnel were delighted to attend a long service awards ceremony at Knightsbrook Trim Co. Meath recently in rec ognition of their ongo ing commitment to the Emergency Services.

The event organized by the National Di rectorate for Fire and Emergency Manage ment was a major occa sion which saw strong attendance from fire service members from all over the country. over 270 fire service attendees were noted.

Cyclist rushed to hospital after being knocked over by ‘heartless’ driver

A CYCLiST was rushed to hos pital on Sunday afternoon after he was knocked over by a mo torist on the Castletown Road at approximately 3pm. Shockingly the driver of the Volkswagen car videoed the incident and laughed as he purposely knocked the cy clist off his bicycle.

As the car approached the bi cycle the driver could be heard saying “Know how heartless i am? See him on the bike? Look,

look,” After knocking the cyclist over, he continues driving and laughing before saying: “LoL! LoL!”

The shocking video has been shared thousands of times on social media. The cyclist was taken to our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda follow ing the incident, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Gardaí confirmed on Monday afternoon that they are

investigating the incident.

“Gardaí are investigating a road traffic collision involving a car and a bicycle that occurred at approximately 3pm on Sun day, 27th November 2022 on the Castletown Road in Dundalk, County Louth”.

The cyclist was taken to our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda for treatment of nonlife-threatening injury. Enquir ies are ongoing.

A charity darts night in the northend Bar in Bridge Street fea turing Devon Pe tersen took place last Sunday night the 20th no vember. organ iser of the event Peter mcGuin ness, raised over €2100 with all proceeds going to the redeemer Boys School Play ground Fund.

Louth County Council Chief Fire officer ea mon woulfe.

Louth County Coun cil Fire Station offic ers Michael Donnelly and Mark McElearney each received an award recognising 30 years and over of dedication to the Fire Emergency Service.

20 year awards were presented to Louth County Station offic ers Anthony Byrne and Paul Kelly, Sub offic ers Ian Coyle, Dylan Kiely and Sean Ley den and Fire Fighters Michael Dawe, Alan

Fealy and Martin Mc gee.

The awards cer emony was especially poignant for Louth County Council Fire Services, as Samantha McBride accepted a 30 year award on behalf of her late husband Station officer Shane McBride who recently died on 25th September 2022.

Pictured Back row left to right: Station officer Paul Kelly, Sub officer Ian Coyle, Fire Fighter Michael Dawe, Sub officer Sean Leyden, Station officer Mark

McElearney, Station officer Anthony Byrne, Fire Fighter Alan Fealy Front row left to right:

Sub officer Dylan Kiely, Samantha Mc Bride (wife of Shane McBride RiP), Cathao irleach Conor Keelan, CFo Eamon woulfe, Station officer Michael Donnelly

Missing from photo – Firefighter Martin Mcgee who unfortu nately could not attend but had the award ac cepted on his behalf by Chief Fire officer ea mon woulfe.

Garda youth Awards

louth County Council Fire Service attended a long service awards ceremony at Knighsbrook, Trim, Co. meath recently in recognition of their ongoing commitment to the emergency services.

Cathaoirleach of Meath County Coun cil Cllr nick Killian

opened the ceremony with the Director of the national Fire Service

Keith Leonard present ing the awards. The event was attended by

the Cathaoirleach of Louth County Coun cil Conor Keelan and

Amy Hoey accepts her award from Chief Superintendent Alan mcGovern.

Award winner Eoghan mcCabe joined the local Gardaí for a group photo after the awards.

Chief Superintendent Alan mcGovern presents the award to Adam murtagh.

Andrea Duffy accepts her award from Chief Superintendent Alan mcGovern.

Chief Superintendent mcGovern pres ents award to Eoghan mcCabe who raised €27,000 for charity with his tractor run.

Chief Superintendent Alan mcGovern presents the award to Clodagh o’mahony from the Cox’s Demense Project.

Look for local this Christmas

“iT really doesn’t matter who you’re buying for, everything you need is on your doorstep in the towns and villages of Louth. And this Christ mas we’d love you to Look for Local, Look for Louth” explained Sarah Mallon of Lo cal enterprise office Louth as and retailers from all over the county launched this year‘s Christmas campaign.

Lelia Doolan from Drogheda’s Design gallery outlined “Shop ping local when choos ing Christmas gifts for loved ones, really does make a big difference. it keeps our towns and villages bright and vi brant. it helps to create and protect local jobs and gives you a sense of connection to your com munity.”

Sarah McKenna of Bridge Street Studios in Dundalk continued “while shopping is an important part of pre paring for Christmas, we all know that Christ mas is actually really all about people. nothing beats the warm, wel coming smile and chat when you drop in to a local shop or the chance

meeting with friends downtown.”

“Local retailers have worked hard all year to create and curate a wonder ful selection of gifts in our stores and on our websites. Check out the LEo Louth Shop Local directory on www. localenterprise.ie/louth to discover the variety of stores across the county. or just take a look around your local town or village to see what’s on of fer. You’ll be amazed by the choice” said Thomas Kearney of Ardee based KearneysClick.com

“when you choose to buy from a lo cally owned business, every euro you spend is worth six euros to the local community because that money stays local. So, whether you’re shopping online or in person, the choices you make this Christmas really do matter”

owner of the Amici Flower and Gift store in Dunleer Marcella McRory declared “You’ll feel great when you Look for Louth, knowing that you’re keeping small businesses trading. if you think about it, lo cal businesses employ your friends, neighbours, cousins, brothers, sisters, parents, and wider community. Your support makes that possible.”

wayne Macken from LEo Louth concluded “Don’t miss your chance to win a €250 Shop Local voucher in our #LookforLouth Christmas com petition, launching on 2nd December. Visit www.localenterprise.ie/louth or follow us on social media for de tails!”

Pictured left to right are: Sarah mallon, local Enterprise office louth; Thomas Kearney, KearneysClick.com, Ardee; Sarah mcKenna, Bridge Street, Studios, Dundalk; marcella mcrory, Amici Flower and Gift Shop, Dunleer; lelia Doolan, The Design Gallery, Drogheda; Eavan Brady, Coast & Co, Greenore; Wayne macken, local Enterprise office louth.

explains eavan Brady of Coast & Co. in greenore.

DOLLARD Joseph

In loving memory of Joseph Dollard, late of 93, o’hanlon park, Dundalk, who died 28th November, 2008, aged 86 years.

Rest in peace.

DOLLARD MARY (kitty)

In loving memory of Mary Dollard, late of 93, o’hanlon park, Dundalk, who died 12th January, 2020, aged 94 years.

Rest in peace.

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.C.

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

attention for B.e r certificAtion of properties being offered for sale or rent, contact robert mulholland, Ber assessor. 087 609 1906 www.louthber.ie.

d ou B le Roo M or ensuite room required by a working professional. longterm in the Dundalk area. tel 083 4073192. €800.00 P e R M ont H 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 garden ing, working part time, and willing to help with housework. needs accommodation as present landlady is emigrating. tel 087 6480845.

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. 086 818 4827.

Ca RP ent R y & Joine R y maintenance and repairs, roofing, 1st & 2nd fix carpentry, sash window repairs. no job too big or small. contact seandon carpentry 087 298 5110.

MoBile HoMe tRansPoRt transport ed throughout 32 counties. contact eugene 086-607-1702.

Con C e R t Ha RP ist available for wed dings. church & reception catered for. Also piano, flute and harp lessons available. please contact susan at 0873744895.

Podiat R y/C H i R o P ody treatment in the comfort of your own home. ms. Dara mccoy, Bsc. podiatry 0871924794.

Man availa B le F o R k a R aoke in pubs, also covers all parties and entertainment. Also available for car valeting, has all the equipment. tel francis 085 1353703.

DOLLARD elIzAbeth

In loving memory of elizabeth Dollard, late of 23, parnell park, Dundalk, who died 14th March, 1965, aged 74 years. Rest in peace.

DOLLARD geRARD

In loving memory of gerard Dollard, late of 93, o’hanlon park, Dundalk, who died 8th November, 2000, aged 58 years.

Rest in peace.

DOLLARD peteR

In loving memory of peter Dollard, late of 23, parnell park, Dundalk, who died 6th March, 1967.

Rest in peace.

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). T.S.

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

attention l andlo R ds—We supply furniture & Beds for any rental properties you have. Beds from €180, Bedroom furni ture sets from €249 call us today www.bed store.ie, coes rd, Dundalk tel 042 932 0927.

C d lo G s 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.

2 s eate R s o Fa for sale, light cream, looks like leather, as new, very comfortable, good bargain price tel 087 9632067.

CaRPet & oven CleaninG carpet, upholstery & specialist oven cleaning avail able. call mvi cleaning Dundalk on 042 94 21300 or visit www.mvicleaning.ie.

Roo F in G Re Pai R s & s toves stoves supplied and fitted, fully insured, hetas cer tified. contact paul englishby 087 6301914 or 041 98 94633 and mark on 087 1302040 for roofing enquiries.

GaRden & House MaintenanCe strimming grass, hedge cutting, weeding, also garden clearance, concreting, patios, painting, power washing, gutter cleaning, window cleaning, fencing. have all the equipment. contact Brian 086-109-7358.

Po W e R Was H in G & gardening, lawns cut, hedges cut, trees trimmed and topped. Also firewood cut up for winter months. tele phone tom 087 2296441.

P R o F essional dR ylinin G—Dropped ceiling, tape & Joints also all insulation services. Dundalk tel 089-2488819 or 0894189199.

Rou GH GR azin G for winter months re quired. contact 087 2662558.

CALLAN Joseph

In loving memory of Joseph Callan, late of 103, o’hanlon park, Dundalk, who died 19th March, 1955, aged 54 years.

Rest in peace.

DOLLARD Joe

In loving memory of Joe Dollard, late of 58, Market street, Dundalk, who died 10th November, 2011, aged 62 years.

Rest in peace.

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

2F t 7in CH s anta on rocking horse for sale €75, 5ft singing santa Bear €100 and calvin klein man’s wrist watch (still in box—never worn) €100 tel 042 9352885.

CoaCH in G W it H e st H e R life and ex ecutive coach tel 086 8972007 www.coach ingwithesther.com.

q uali F ied Ca RP ente R 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.

House Cleane R R equi R ed—Dundalk area, 1 day a week, contact 087 2462282. Housekee P e R R equi R ed for light house work 1 day a week. louth village, Dundalk tel 086 8459472.

HAMILL ChRIstINA

In loving memory of Christina hamill (nee Dollard) late of 93, o hanlon park, Dundalk who died on the 13th Dec, 2021. May she Rest In peace.

CALLAN ChRIstINA

In loving memory of Christina Callan, late of 103, o’hanlon park, Dundalk, who died 15th June, 1969, aged 68 years.

Rest in peace.

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). T.M.

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.

WindoW CleaninG gutter & facia cleaning carried out by professional, fully trained and insured staff. Affordable rates. Domestic & commercial. call our office for a free quotation. everkleen 042 935 2717 or 086 829 3585. www.everkleenservices.ie <http://www.everkleenservices.ie>.

House & aPaRtMent CleaninG service. specializing in re-let & spring cleaning, carpet & upholstery cleaning. fully insured. for a free quotation contact everkleen 042 9352717 / 087 6873188, www.everkleen services.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, tv aerials, satellite, freeview & saorview, new installations, sales, service & repairs. free estimates 042 935 4343.

PRoPeRty MaintenanCe repairs, building, plumbing, painting, roof repairs, tiling, bathroom refurbishments, concret ing, plastering, gardening, power washing, pvc facia and soffits, over 20 yrs experience. references available. tel michael on 085762-3758.

Fi F i’s a lte R ations longwalk s c (formerly A-Alterations) tel 083 011 8728.

zips, hems, clothes taken in or let out, also Dry cleaning service. open mon - fri 9.305.30pm & sat 10-2pm.

WatCH RePaiRs mechanical/Quartz (battery) and vintage. in our own workshop. most brands: cartier, longines, omega, re vue, raymond Weil, seiko, citizen & more, also Jewellery repairs. goldstar Jewellers, Demesne shopping centre Dundalk tel. 042 93 39478.

a ll-in-one! home and property main tenance and improvements. painting, deco rating, general household maintenance, exterior cleaning, power washing, gutters, dust free sanding, no job to big or small, quality but affordable service contact ian 0874158238.

Get F it the fun way and learn to dance, the Waltz, Quickstep, foxtrot and Jive, now tak ing place in the lisdoo, Dundalk tuesday’s from 8pm—10pm, no partner required. newly Wed first dance lessons and private lessons also available. contact 086 357 3271 for further information.

F R en CH G R inds availa B le for Junior and leaving cert, All levels. individual and small group options. tel 086 8723340.

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.D.

dundalk GaRden seRviCes tree top ping, felling, hedge trimming, grass cutting & strimming. rubbish removals—garage clearance, house & garden refuse. permit holder. contact Ben 085-840-7707.

F o R tune telle R—Available for ap pointment, private or group bookings. tel. Alison 042 933 5102 or 087-67-51229.

Buildin G s e R vi C es extensions, reno vations, sunrooms, conservatories and All general maintenance. p v c fascia, soffit and guttering products supplied and fitted. Bathroom refurbishment, painting, Deco rating, Wall & floor tiling. All types of roof repairs & maintenance. for free estimates tel 087 260 2501.

Plaste R in G s e R vi C e availa B le free quotations. contact David 085 7829910 or gavin 086 3799285.

a ll ty P es o F G a R denin G work com pleted. reseeding lawns, tree trimming and fence erecting. compost/top soil and farmyard manure supplied. All materials removed. contact 087 2662558.

BuildeR & HoMe MaintainenCe Building, Woodwork, painting, plumbing, tiling, kitchen refurbishments, paving & fencing. no job to big or too small. tel. 087 295 2529.

d o you F eel ove RWH el M ed but want to declutter any room in your home, or downsizing or staging your house for sale? if so contact shelly@stepintoaction.ie or phone 086 8878054.

loutH County CounCil—We mWAc property ltd have submitted significant further information in relation to planning application reference number 22/406 @ seafield road, Blackrock, co. louth. this planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the rea sonable cost of making a copy, at the of fices 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 applica tion and on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00.

loutH County CounCil—We mWAc property ltd have submitted significant fur ther information in relation to planning ap plication reference number 22/405 @ rath mount, Blackrock, co. louth. 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 rela tion to the application may be made to the Authority in writing within a period of 5 weeks from the date of receipt by the Au thority of the application and on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00.

G R een F ields 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 accommodation, bus and ticket. contact Anthony on 085 1204994.

PR o P e R ty/R entals s P e C ial se R vi C es

C lasses and Cou R ses

P lannin G noti C es

GR azin G s P e C ial noti C es

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Creative Spark Downtown

Hub Christmas Market

CREATiVE Spark Downtown Hub on 42/43 Clanbrassil Street Dundalk is host ing a Christmas market on the 2nd to the 4th of December. You are cordially invited to the launch on Friday 2nd at 4pm until 9pm, with light refreshments of mince pies and mulled wine.

The market will fea ture a collection of lo cal artists, ranging from a variety of disciplines in glass, sculpture, painting, caricatures, print, jewellery, mixed media, textiles, and ce ramics. A creative col lection for the perfect Christmas gifts.

The list of artists who will be attending are as follows; Aruana Roncada, Jack Allen, Claire Reilly Fine Art Design, Paula Kavan agh Photography, Jen nie Richie, wolf and shadow, Jodie Allen, Lisa Doyle, Tracy Fry, Bridge Street Studios, Lore natural Skincare

Also attending will be Bridge Street Studios a thriving hub of art, design and craft in Dundalk, Co. Louth. The studio houses nine artists with a wide range of high-quality art and craftwork made in the studios, including sculpture, textiles, felt, printmaking, ceramics and painting.

“we are delighted to bring a se lection of art and craft to the Down

town Hub, where you can meet the makers, purchase Christmas gifts and arrange to commission unique pieces of work.”

Christmas opening hours will be: Friday 2nd December 4pm-9pm (launch night with mulled wine) Saturday 3rd December from 12pm - 6pm Sunday 4th December from 12pm - 5pm.

Louth Age Friendly County

ARE you interested in joining Co Louth’s older People’s Forum/ Council? Louth older People’s Forum/ Council is looking for new members and is inviting all Co. Louth residents aged 55 and upwards to join. The Forum/ Council provides a platform for older people to take a more active role in their communities and to have their voices heard on rele vant issues both within Co Louth and nationally.

The Forum/Council meets regularly and issues raised are followed up with various stake holders on the Age Friendly Al liance including Louth County Council, the HSe, An Garda Sío chána, transport providers and lo cal voluntary organisations.

Membership of the Louth older People’s Forum/Council is inclusive and is open to all Co Louth residents aged 55 and upwards, to reflect the views of all older people throughout the county. Everybody will be made to feel welcome!

If you would like to find out more about Louth older People’s Forum/Council why not come along to our open Day on Mon day 5th December 2022 from 11.00 am – 2.30 pm and meet our new Age Friendly Program Man ager and the Age Friendly Team.

Free transport to and from the event will be available from

Drogheda and Ardee town cen tres and a hot lunch is included.

Booking for the open Day is required and you can reserve your place by contacting the Age Friendly Team at 042 9324284 or contact laura.mccarragher@ louthcoco.ie

what is Louth older People’s Forum/Council?

Louth older People’s Forum/ Council is a voluntary communi ty group made up of individuals and representatives of older peo ple’s groups in Co. Louth. it aims to improve the quality of life for older people in Louth.

Louth older People’s Forum/ Council will aim to ensure the voice of older people is repre sented at the relevant structures in Co. Louth.

Louth older People’s Forum/ Council will aim to raise issues of concern for older people in the county with local and national decision makers.

Louth older People’s Forum/ Council will provide regular up dates by email which will include news, events of interest and in formation about relevant services available.

Members of Louth older People’s Forum/Council sit on the Age Friendly Alliance along with decision makers of statutory agencies and local service pro viders. Members also sit on the

national network of older Peo ples Councils.

Louth Age Friendly Pro gramme Manager Sinead McVer ry advised Following on from our very successful Autumn Medley of Creativity in which over 150 older people from all over Co Louth took part in a selection of new creative experiences in the Ardee Parish Centre in Septem ber, there is a great interest and desire on the part of older people after the pandemic to get back out into the community and to get in volved in community initiatives.

Sinead McVerry further added getting involved with the older People’s Forum/Council is one way in which older people can play an active role in their com munity whilst at the same time meeting new people, developing new skills and building existing skills, and enjoying the social as pect of the Forum/Council.

if you are over 55 and living in Co Louth and interested in joining or would like more infor mation about Louth’s older Peo ple’s Forum/Council please come along to our open day on 5th De cember 2022 to the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dundalk from 11.00am –2.30pm. Booking is essential. Reserve your place by 30th November Tel 042 9324284 or email laura.mccarragher@louth coco.ie.

Claire reilly Fine Art & Design.