Wonder Woman!
Inspirational Collette completes 1000th marathon in
By Paul Byrne
BAY Estate resident Collette O’Hagan described Sunday’s Dublin City marathon as the most emotional and beautiful marathon she has ever completed. The 75 year old completed the 26 mile journey alongside her daughter Jacqueline while her other daughter Sarah and granddaughter Emily were at the finishing line to greet Collette.
She crossed the line in six hours 25 minutes which was well short of her best time but according to Collette, Sunday wasn’t about racing against the clock, instead it was about embracing all the love and support she experienced during the race through the Dublin City streets.
“ The support and love I received during the marathon on Sunday will stay with me forever. I was getting stopped by people looking for selfies and hugs and my daughter Jacqueline just said to me ‘forget about the clock’ just enjoy the experience. And that’s exactly what I did. I was very emotional at the finish line and I actually couldn’t speak at the end,” revealed Collette.
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An emotional Collette O’Hagan crosses the finishing line as she completes her 1000th marathon. Collette’s very first marathon was at the Dublin City marathon in 1990. Story continued on Page 2.
Dundalk FC account figures refuted
By Paul Byrne
“IF we left a deficit of €1.5m in the bank do you really think that the FAI would have given us a licence last November?” This was the question posed to the Dundalk Leader when this newspaper spoke to a person involved with the running of the club the club between 2021 and 2023. That consortium which consisted of Statsports founders
Alan Clarke and Sean O’Connor as well as Fastfix owner Andy Connolly took over the running of the club from Peak 6 in November 2021. Last week in a meeting with local media, current Dundalk FC owner John Temple stated that Peak 6 had left €1.7m in the Dundalk FC bank account when they sold the club to the Statsports/Andy Connolly consortium.
He also claimed there was a deficit of €1.5m in
the bank account when that consortium sold the club to Brian Ainscough last November. Speaking to the Dundalk Leader a figure involved in that consortium refuted those claims emphatically.
“Do you really think we would have gotten a license for the 2024 season if the debt in the club was that uncontrollable?,” he asked. “When we came in the club there was no manager and not many players.
Peak 6 left €870k in the bank with the majority of that money being used to pay off monies owed by the club. There were player bonuses to be paid out as well
as a host of legacy bills which had to be paid. I have no idea where this narrative that we were left with a pot of €1.7m
to do what we wanted with has come from.
“And the figure of €1.5m deficit in the bank account when we
left is equally ridiculous. When we left there were roughly around €200k worth of liabilities in the club. We put €250k of our money into the Dundalk FC bank account to cover those bills. We had no outstanding bill with the gardaí and that can be checked quite easily.
We also had a good relationship with PlayrFit who were the club’s official kit suppliers. We left money to pay them and I think it has been widely documented that they are currently owed a lot of money by Dundalk FC,” he stated.
“Listen, I will be the first to admit we made mistakes during our two
years at the club but to say we took money out of the club is completely untrue. When we came in to the club we had no manager, not many players and the club had just narrowly avoided relegation. When we left, we left a club who had qualified for Europe in our first season and missed out by the narrowest of margins in our second season. It wasn’t as if we handed Brian Ainscough a hospital pass,” he added.
The Dundalk Leader has learned that when Statsports/ Andy Connolly left the club, 80k was owed to PlayrFit. This bill was paid in full by Brian Ains-
cough shortly after he took control of the club.
Since then however, a debt of €120k has built up for gear supplied during the 2024 season. There was also an extra €50k gift of kit that PlayrFit supplied free of charge to the first team on the basis that they would get paid for the other gear which they weren’t.
Dundalk FC are due to receive a UEFA solidarity payment of €390k in 2025 which will prove most welcome to the club assuming they can navigate through the next few months under the stewardship of current owner John Temple.
Inspirational Collette completes 1000th marathon in Dublin
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“The crowds on the route were unbelievable and I had friends from the UK and further afield who I have made friends with through running join me on the day to run with me in my 1000th marathon. I came relatively late to running and my very first marathon was the Dublin City Marathon way back in 1990 so it was special to run the 1000th here as well.
“ I was kind of nervous in the weeks building up to it as there has been quite a bit of attention on the fact that I was about to complete my 1000th marathon in Dublin.
I was terrified of picking up an injury before the race and I didn’t want that to happen as I really wanted the 1000th marathon to be in Dublin. I
had an injury on my foot at the start of the year and I was worried about that at the time but I went to the foot clinic in Blackrock where Justin did a great job on me. He promised me I’d be back running within a few weeks and he was spot on.
“I am still in a wee bubble here to be honest and just thrilled with how the whole day went on Sunday. It was wonderful to have my two daughters and granddaughter with me at the finish line and later on we went to the Greenore Railway Bar in Dundalk where Declan really looked after us and we had a fantastic evening celebrating,”
Rather than put her feet up and reflect upon her fantastic achievement, Collette is already gearing up this weekend not just for her
1001st marathon but also her 1002nd and 1003rd!
“I fly off to off to England tomorrow (Thursday) and I will be running three marathons over the weekend. On Sunday I am running one for a very good friend of mine who is sick at the moment. She has been diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer so myself and a few friends are planning on dressing up as leprechauns and doing the marathon for charity.
“I absolutely love running and have no plans whatsoever to stop. As long as I can still put one foot in front of the other I will keep on going. Why stop now? I see 80 and 90 year olds completing marathons and they inspire me and I want to be that inspiration for somebody else,” stated Collette.
Monastery NS, Ardee had lots of fun dressing up for Halloween Assembly. They hosted an annual Sponsored Walk Raffle where three bicycles and lots of spot prizes were won by their boys and girls.
Pictured at the back of the group is school principal Jim McGee.
Maxi’s Law campaign gathers pace with meeting and Walk for Maxi
THE Maxi’s Law campaign held their first public event last Tuesday evening in front of a packed crowd in Clan na Gael Hall on the Ecco Road. The meeting saw the Maxi’s Law committee invite people in the Dundalk community as well as Louth candidates who are running in the upcoming General Election.
Each candidate has pledged to make Maxi’s Law a priority in the Dáil chambers should they be elected. The introduction of Maxi’s Law would ensure that “all persons, regardless of wealth or status, at-
tending an HSE facility seeking support with mental health issues will receive that support there and then, even where this requires referral to a private facility at state expense”.
Those present at the meeting heard numerous harrowing stories of failures in the system which have led to heartbreak and frustration for many families around Dundalk. The law is named after Mark ‘Maxi’ Kavanagh whose family say was failed by the HSE when he went looking for help shortly before taking his own life last month.
Chairman of the group, Padraic O’Rourke, insisted that the group will not be going anywhere until changes are made in the system to ensure everybody regardless of
status or wealth has access to a mental facility where they can speak to a trained counsellor.
“We are not going away. We are here for the long haul and my question for every general election candidate here tonight is, will you all pledge to endorse Maxi’s Law and take our fight into the Dáil with you if you get elected?
Candidates for the upcoming election including Senator John McGahon, Cllr. Paula Butterly, Ruairí Ó Murchú TD, Senator Erin McGreehan, Michael O’Dowd, Ryan McKeown and James Renaghan all attended the meeting with all pledging to support the law.
Dundalk man Brendan Ogle spoke of the pure luck he had when he started working at Dundalk Train
Dundalk’s
station where station master Brendan McQuaid advised him to join the VHI.
“I’m lucky in so much as when I startd working up the road in Dundalk Train Station a great man by the name of Brendan McQuaid, who was the station master at the time, advised me to sign up with the VHI. I found myself in a lot of trouble at one stage of my life when I was badly struggling with my mental health. I went up to the St John of God’s in Stillorgan and produced my VHI and they took me on. Had I not been on the VHI I probably wouldn’t have been seen. I got help there and it helped me a lot.
Maxi wasn’t as lucky as me. He didn’t have health insurance. And because of that he is no
longer with us today. This should not be the case. Every single person in this country deserves to be seen when they are struggling regardless of how much money they have. Why should I get seen and Maxi turned away just because I have a slip of paper?,” asked Brendan.
Maxi’s Law continued their campaign on Saturday when they hosted a walk from the Peace Garden at Fair Green up to the Market Square. The Peace Garden was a favourite spot of Maxi’s and during the emotional walk, hundreds gathered to demand urgent reform of what they describe as ‘Ireland’s broken health system’. Chants of ‘Enough is Enough’ could be heard as the crowd made their way towards Market Square.
Paul Callan was a finalist at this year’s Iarnród
Éireann Customer Experience awards
PAUL Callan was a finalist at this year’s Iarnród Éireann Customer Experience awards. The awards, now in the second year, took place at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin recently. The event recognises excellence in customer experience in all aspects of service that is provided to rail customers.
Workers were nominated by their peers and this year also featured a People’s Choice Award, where nominations came from customers.
The disability and accessibility category is one of the most important categories at the Customer Experience Award. Assisting those with additional needs is central to the company’s customer experience strategy. Permanent Way Worker, Paul was a finalist in this category.
Paul has had a highly positive impact on the lives of children with disabilities through his involvement in the innovative cycle mobility programme, run by the Variety Club of Ireland. The programme provides bicycles specifically designed for children with disabilities.
His support in these events has given the children an experience of joy and freedom. “Paul’s involvement in this programme is a testament to Paul’s dedication to empower the lives of others.” According to his nominator.
Speaking at the event. CEO of Iarnród Éireann,
Jim Meade Said: “One of Iarnród Éireann’s core values is, Customers at the Heart of our Business. All nominees and winners here today truly espouse that value and you should be very proud of the excellent way you serve our customers”
The Maxi’s Law Commitee held their first public meeting last Tuesday evening in the Clans Hall in front of a packed audience.
Jim Meade, CE of Iarnród Éireann presents Paul Callan with his award.
Calls to end ‘outdated’ biannual clock change
SEÁN Kelly, MEP for Ireland South and leader of the Fine Gael Delegaton in the European Parliament, has reiterated his call for the European Union to finally end the outdated practice of biannual clock changes. Having campaigned for nearly a decade on this issue, Mr. Kelly is pushing for the matter to be brought back onto the political agenda in the upcoming parliamentary term.
“I have been working for many years to see the end of this outdated practice,” Kelly said. “It is time to put an end to the biannual clock change, which has been proven to have negative effects on health, well-being, and safety. The practice is no longer fit for purpose in today’s world.”
Kelly is leading a new campaign in the European Parliament and highlighted the broad political support behind his initiative, with MEPs from every political group signing a joint letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling for action. “This is not a partisan issue,” he said. “There is widespread agreement across the political spectrum that the clock change needs to end. MEPs
from all groups have joined me in this call, showing that this is about
In the letter, Kelly and his colleagues pointed to the extensive public backing for the proposal.
“Citizens across Europe have spoken,” he said. “In 2018, a public consultation saw 84% of participants favour ending the clock change. This is a clear mandate from the people, and it is high time the European Commission acted on it.”
The negative impacts of clock changes on health are well documented. “Studies have shown that changing the clocks can disrupt sleep, increase the risk of heart attacks, and lead to more traffic accidents,” Kelly stated. “In addition, the energy-saving
argument that once supported this practice is outdated. In fact, we now know that changing the clocks could actually increase energy consumption during the winter months.”
Kelly is confident that with renewed momentum, progress can finally be made. “The European Parliament already passed a resolution in 2019 with overwhelming support, yet the matter has stalled. We need to move forward decisively in the next parliamentary term.”
Concluding, Kelly remarked, “Abolishing the clock change would simplify life for millions of people across Europe. It’s a practical and popular measure, and I am committed to seeing it through.”
Louth Tidy Towns asks for restrictions on election posters
LOUTH Tidy Towns Together, representing Tidy Towns groups in the county, is asking all candidates in the upcoming general election to voluntarily comply with their request not to erect posters within the 50km/h speed limits and at landscaped approaches to nineteen designated towns and villages in County Louth.
A spokesperson for the group explained “We are again seeking a voluntary commitment from candidates to avoid erecting posters in these designated areas, and feel that this limited restriction on where posters are erected is a reasonable compromise between the need for public engagement with the election process and the aesthetic and environmental considerations that concern our member groups.
We have been very pleased with the high level of compli-
ance with similar requests at all elections and referendums dating back to 2018, and we hope that everybody campaigning this time around will also comply with this voluntary code”.
The nineteen towns and villages involved are Annagassan, Ardee, Blackrock, Carlingford, Castlebellingham/Kilsa-
ran, Collon, Dromiskin, Dunleer, Grange, Haggardstown, Knockbridge, Louth Village, Monasterboice/Tenure, Omeath, Sandpit, Stabannon, Tallanstown and Termonfeckin.
In Dundalk the core area of Market Square, Clanbrassil Street and Earl Street is also included.
PE teachers host conference to promote inclusion in sports and education
EARLIER in June, three local teachers, Donna McParland, Rosaleen Carroll, and Helena O’Sullivan, were delighted to be selected to participate in the P.E.rfect train-thetrainer event in Elche, Spain as part of The P.E.rfect project. The P.E.rfect project, fund-
ed by the Erasmus+ program of the European Union, focuses on training physical education (P.E.) teachers to better include children with autism in school sports. The training course, held in Elche, Spain, from June 28 to July 1, 2024, gathered participants from seven
countries: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ireland, Spain, Poland, and North Macedonia.
The training provided both practical and theoretical guidance to P.E. teachers, coaches, and sports specialists, focusing on how to better include children
with autism in school sports. Participants engaged in hands-on practice and explored specially developed educational materials aimed at promoting inclusivity in P.E. lessons. Attendees discussed effective tools and strategies for inclusion,
reviewed a specially developed e-learning platform, and shared experiences to improve professional competencies. This initiative aims to foster better educational environments and social inclusion for children with autism.
Now, these three
Irish representatives, along with the project’s founder, will be hosting the P.E.rfect Conference at the Imperial Hotel in Dundalk on November 9th. This conference is open to everyone— teachers, parents, SNAs, or anyone with an interest in sport,
P.E., and promoting inclusion for all students, including those with autism. The event will offer practical ideas, resources, and strategies for fostering inclusivity in sports and education, with an opportunity to meet the project’s founder and
network with others in the field.
Refreshments will be provided, and attendance is free. To register, please visit: https:// forms.gle/CHJgg75oPocP7d829. Additional information may be obtained by emailing perfect.pe.
were recently selected to participate in the P.E.rfect train-the trainer event in Elche, Spain. The project focuses on training P.E teachers to better include kids with autism in school sports.
Local P.E teachers
Donna McParland, Rosaleen Carroll and Helena O’Sullivan
Réalt na Mara students enjoying the Halloween disco in the school.
Lukas O’Boyle and Alvin Su
Caoimhe N=McEvoy and Annie KIng.
Caoimhe McEvoy and Annie KIng.
Nancy Neacy, Sophie McGeough and Doireann Mackin.
Hallowe’en at Réalt na Mara!
Vigil held in Dundalk for Kyran Durnin McGreehan welcomes new Trauma Unit at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital
A VIGIL was held for missing schoolboy Kyran Durnin in Market Square, Dundalk on Monday evening. Kyran was reported missing along with his mother in August and while his mother has been located, Kyran is still missing.
Gardaí have stated that they suspect eight year old Kyran was killed up to two years ago and they have launched a murder investigation.
Kyren had been attending a school in Dundalk up until the end of senior infants in 2022.
Last week gardaí began a search at a house in Emer Terrace, Dundalk which was the former family home of Kyran’s up until May this year. The results of the search are not being released due to ‘operational purposes’.
On Monday evening, local people gathered at Market Square with some holding candles underneath a picture of Kyran which was being
displayed on the large advertising screen above Panama Coffee Shop.
Underneath the picture was the message ‘Where is wee Kyran?”
It is anticipated that other locations will be searched by the gardaí in the coming weeks.
Posting on social media, Brittany McEnteggart, who organised the vigil, said the purpose of the vigils were to ensure Kyran was kept at the forefront of the news.
“Tonight we had our second vigil, and had more media involved, as well as more local councillors which was amaz-
ing,” stated Brittany.
“We won’t stop holding these until your case is solved Kyran. Dundalk loves you. Thank you to each and everyone of you who came tonight, and lit a candle, and showed support near and far. Thank you to those who lit a candle if you couldn’t make it. Until next time. Keep a candle lit for little Kyran,” read the statement.
Meanwhile, it has been reported in the Irish Independent that Tusla, the national child and family agency had lost information on the case of Kyran Durnin,
following the well documented cyber attack on Irish health service computer systems in May 2021. Although Tusla are prohibited from commenting on the details of individual cases a statement from the organisation acknowledged that mistakes had been made in the case of Kyren Durnin.
“It is important to note that when we receive allegations from a child – or from an adult reflecting on when they were a child – that we are obliged to carry out a complete assessment. We also accept that be-
cause of the nature and complexity of these situations, the systems and processes involved in doing this need to be extremely robust. In this case, it appears there were some failures and these are the subject of our internal review, the conclusions of which will be made public.
“Tusla regrets that this situation has arisen and deeply apologises for distress caused. It does not reflect the high standards that we hold ourselves to and we want to assure the public that we will take whatever steps are required to ensure that nothing like this happens again,” read the statement.
Anyone who has any information in connection with the disappearance of Kyran is asked to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Line on (1800) 666 111 or any Garda Station.
SENATOR Erin McGreehan has welcomed the announcement that funding has been allocated through Budget 2025 for a new Trauma Unit at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda (OLOL).
McGreehan said the new Trauma Unit will be established thanks to the funding which forms part of a €4 million allocation for the continued implementation of the National Trauma Strategy which aims to reduce the number of deaths and disabilities caused by major trauma.
She said: “I am delighted that funding has been allocated for the recruitment of staff for a new Trauma Unit at OLOL as part of the Central Trauma Network.
“This is excellent news for everybody in Louth and indeed the wider North East region.
“This Unit will significantly enhance the services that OLOL provides and the skills and expertise of
its staff will ensure that patients can access appropriate care here in Louth without needing to travel.
“This is hugely welcome and it will help to reduce the pressure on our hospitals.”
Senator Erin McGreehan.
A vigil was held in Market Square on Monday evening to help keep Kyren Durnin at th eforefront of people’s thoughts.
Ó Murchú addresses failures in mental health services in the Dáil
FAILURES in mental health services, that have prompted the Maxi’s Law campaign, as well as a message recorded on the answerphone at the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in Dundalk were raised in Leinster House last week by Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú.
The CAMHS situation was highlighted no less than three times by the Sinn Féin TD last week, with Taoiseach Simon Harris undertaking to contact the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Mary Butler, to see if it can be resolved.
Speaking about the Maxi’s Law campaign, during a debate
on health insurance, Deputy Ó Murchú said: ‘I visited Clan na Gael’s GAA club where there was a group called Maxi’s Law, which is named after Mark ‘Maxi’ Kavanagh, who was very well known in Dundalk and who died by suicide.
‘The group raised the issue of mental health services and spoke about the need for equality of access and highlighted examples where, because they had cover with VHI or another provider, they were able to access St. John of God’s, or other services, which were not available to others, and the obstacles as regards dual diagnosis and so on’.
He said there is inadequate
staffing in Louth-Meath mental health services and Crosslanes is due a ten-bed extension, which, along with resources, ‘is absolutely required’.
Deputy Ó Murchú said: ‘We do not have a decent means of assessment, which needs to be sorted between Crosslanes and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.
And he said that the message on the answerphone at CAMHS Dundalk, which was recorded on October 15, stated the service ‘is experiencing a crisis in administration because the number of its administrators has been cut’.
He said: ‘There is only one person working, for three days
a week, and calls are answered only between 10 a.m. and noon on Mondays and Fridays. The message goes on to say clinicians will try to continue with their appointments and will answer the door for appointments, but that is all.
‘While they are trying to do that, they believe that certain functions will be compromised. We have a huge issue and it needs to be addressed’.
In response to the situation with CAMHS, An Taoiseach said: ‘I will ask the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health to see if that issue can be resolved and to revert to the Deputy directly’.
Three Dundalk schools show solidarity with Grammar over GAA ban
THE Grammar School’s campaign to allow students participate in Gaelic games gathered pace this week with a show of solidarity from three other secondary schools in Dundalk. Students from St Mary’s College, St Vincent’s Secondary School and the De La Salle College signed petitions supporting the campaign which has seen students stage three separate protests outside the school gates this year.
Students in the school are not allowed to participate in Gaelic games due to a decision made by the school board.
Alex McArdle, the chairman of St Mary’s College student council, organised a petition among the Sixth-Year classes of his school in support of the Grammar students who want to play GAA.
He then contacted all other student councils across the secondary schools of Dundalk and asked them to do
the same. Three other schools agreed to take part: St. Louis Secondary School, St. Vincent Secondary School, and the De Le Salle College. Over the course of the past week, they put together petitions in their schools and gathered almost 300 signatures from Sixth-Year students in total. A joint statement from the four student councils stated that it was a fundamental right to play Gaelic games at school.
“Sixth-Year students from four local secondary schools have united in a show of solidarity with the Grammar School students advocating for their right to play GAA.
“Over the past week, students from St. Mary’s College, St. Vincent’s Secondary School, St. Louis Secondary School, and De La Salle College have signed petitions supporting the campaign to allow Grammar students to participate in Gaelic games. This effort was led by the student councils and leaders from each school.
“As Irish students, we have a fundamental right to play our Gaelic games, which are a cornerstone of our culture and identity. It is unjust for any school to deprive its students of such an important part of our heritage. Our unequivocal support is with the students of the Gram-
mar who are fighting to take part in our national sport.” - Alex Mc Ardle, Chairman of St. Mary’s College Student Council.
“Nearly three hundred Sixth-Year students have endorsed this petition. All young people in Dundalk are encouraged to stand with the Grammar students and support them in any way they can,” concluded the statement.
Student Representatives: Alex Mc Ardle, St. Mary’s College; Annie Ojo, St. Vincent’s Secondary School; Calum Boyle, De La Salle College; Gemima Ngubeni, St. Louis Secondary School.
Expansion will greatly enhance connectivity between two largest cities on the Island
Enterprise services between Dublin’s Connolly Station and the new Belfast Grand Central Station began this week thanks to funding of €25m provided from the Shared Island Fund and Department of Transport. The hourly service represents the most significant expansion of services on the route in over a quarter of a century.
Fifteen services will operate in each direction between Dublin and Belfast from Mondays to Saturdays, up from eight each way previously, and eight each way on Sundays (up from six each way previously). This increased level of service will offer more choice and flexibility for customers between the two cities and for those that travel to/from interim stations.
The enhanced connectivity is set to bring many benefits for business, retail and tourism, help tackle the climate emergency and provide a boost to the thriving all-island economy.
Minister for Transport, Éamon Ryan TD said: “I am delighted to see the introduction of an hourly-frequency rail service on the Dublin-Belfast line, which has been a priority for both jurisdictions on the island, and a goal that both Iarnród Éireann and Translink have
been working hard to deliver over the last year.
The new hourly-frequency represents a doubling of the service and significantly enhances sustainable transport connectivity between the two largest cities on the island. This will help people along the line to choose the train more often, and will strengthen both economic and social connections right along the corridor. This is the start of our all island rail transformation.”
Northern Ireland Minister for Infrastructure John O’Dowd MLA said “An expanded and improved rail network offers opportunities to drive jobs and growth, stimulate development and regeneration and boost access to services and education. It will also help decarbonise transport and encourage behavioural shift to public transport.
The introduction of the hourly Enterprise service between Belfast and Dublin will be another huge boost for public transport, the economy and it will improve linkages not only between the two cities but connections along the entire north south rail corridor. I am keen that we continue to be ambitious around our rail network and look forward to a future where people across this island,
in particular those in rural areas, have greater access to rail travel.”
Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, Jim Meade said: “This is the biggest expansion in the Enterprise service since the existing service and trains were launched in 1997. It highlights the strategic importance of the two cities and demonstrates the excellent partnership we have with Translink in operating this vital service.
“We are grateful to the Minister for Transport and his Government colleagues for the crucial support under the Shared Island Fund which has allowed this expansion to be delivered. The future is bright for the Enterprise with a project underway to provide new rolling stock for the service by the end of this decade.”
Chris Conway, Chief Executive of Translink said: “An hourly Enterprise service is a massive boost for people, communities, and the environment and represents a tremendous opportunity for economic growth. We welcome the funding provided by the Government of Ireland, under the Shared Island initiative, and the close cooperation with Iarnród Éireann, which has allowed this expansion to be delivered.
1—Can you name the vice President picks for both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump?
2—How many squares are there on a chess board?
3—In what year did Elvis Presley die?
4—What is a marsupial?
5—Which street in Dundalk would you find the Commercial Club?
8—What is the name of the biggest selling newspaper in France?
9—If Florida is nicknamed the “Sunshine State”, and California is the “Golden State”, what is New York state’s nickname?
10—Which Irish province has the longest coastline?
6—What does PRSI stand for 7—Farranfore Airport is in which county?
Paul Taaffe holds a picture of his brother Harry at Maxi’s Walk on Saturday.
Gerry Curtis and Michael Stanley hand over a cheque for €2,600 to the North Louth Hospice. The money was raised on Sunday night at the annual Poker Classic in Lisdoo. The always popular Poker Classic has been raising money for local charities for the past 11 years. l Photo: Michael Stanley, Ann Newe, Gerry Curtis and Mary White.
Hourly
Stinker:
woman holding aloft
FAMILY NOTICES
IN MEMORIAM NOVENA IN MEMORIAM
FLOOD
Paul and Briege Flood 23rd and 10th ANNIVERSARIES
In loving memory of Paul and Briege Flood, late of Ladywell Terrace, whose anniversaries occur round this time. No special dates are needed, For us to think of you, Memories of you come our way, In every single day, —Still missed, always remembered by your loving family.
ROGERS
Wayne 1st ANNIVERSARY
In memory of Wayne, whose first anniversary occurs on 6th of November.
DAD
You left this world too early, We didn’t get to say goodbye, We pray to you each night, And ask that you sit by our side. As life goes on without you, You send us little signs, We know your always by our side,
And you are forever in our hearts.
—Missing you always and forever, Tiarnan, Donnachadh and your princess Realtein. X.
WAYNE
Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day, Unseen, unheard but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.
—Always loved and missed, your Mam; sisters Sharon, Sandra, Donna and all your nieces and nephews. XX.
NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART
Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours. This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). A.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 three days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). M.R.
St Francis NS pupils raise €4,240 for Dundalk Simon Community with sponsored sleepout
PUPILS from the two 4th classes, Spideoga and Smólaigh, at St Francis NS Blackrock held a sponsored ‘Sleep Out’ at the end of September, in aid of the Dundalk Simon Community, raising €4,240 which they presented to the charity today.
Having studied the topic of homelessness, and from an informative visit from Yvonne from Dundalk Simon Community, the children learned about the different types of homelessness, it’s impact and how it is a huge problem across Ireland and in our own community. The children particularly focused on the person behind the homeless person and how it could happen to any one of us. They learned about the supports available and the wonderful and life-changing work charity organisations such as The Dundalk Simon Community provide and how we can support them.
The children did themselves and their school proud by challenging themselves to experience
what it is like to sleep rough in order to raise awareness on the topic of homelessness and to raise vital funds for Dundalk Simon Community. Before settling down outside for the night, the children investigated where would be the best place to sleep, the most suitable and accessible materials to create shelters from and how to optimise these materials in order to keep as warm, dry and comfortable as possible. Speaking after the event, deputy principal and class teacher, Elaine O’Rourke said, “We have held this event for the last four years and it is always a fun and positive learning experience that the pupils take on with reverence and an understanding of all we have to be thankful for. We are aware that we, as a society, cannot ignore the problem of homelessness. We acknowledge how our contribution, however small, can help make change for the better.”
In total, 58 children took part and those unable to attend the
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ONE BEDROOM Annex suitable for professional person. Lower Avenue Road area. Contact 0879054274.
HOME TO RENT in Dundalk Phone 087 2788573.
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 087-225-9799.
GRIMLEY’S DUBLIN ST. DUNDALK— Televisions, TV aerials, satellite, Freeview & Saorview, new installations, sales, service & repairs. Free estimates 042 935 4343.
DUNDALK GARDEN SERVICES—Tree topping, felling, hedge trimming, grass cutting & strimming. Rubbish Removals/ Garage clearance, House & Garden refuse. Permit holder. Contact Ben 085-840-7707.
FORTUNE TELLER - Available for appointment, private or group bookings. Tel. Alison 042 933 5102 or 087-67-51229.
ROOF LEAKS MASTER—We repair all types of roof—tile, slate, bangor blues. Repair torch on roofs, scrape & clean, chimneys & chimney pots, chimney bird guards, gutter facia & soffits. All work guaranteed, 25 years experience. Tel. 086 8184827.
CARPENTRY & JOINERY maintenance and repairs, roofing, 1st & 2nd fix carpentry, sash window repairs. No job too big or small. Contact Seandon Carpentry 087 298 5110.
CARPET & OVEN CLEANING—Carpet, upholstery & specialist oven cleaning available. Call MVI Cleaning Dundalk on 042 94 21300 or visit www.mvicleaning.ie.
ROOFING AND BUILDING contractor available. Repairs and new builds. Fully insured. Contact Mark Carney on 087 1302040 for enquiries.
sleepout at the school participated from home instead, by giving up their comfortable bed and sleeping on the floor. They were supervised by the class teachers, Elaine O’Rourke and Cíarán Ward, Special Needs Assistant Suzanne O’Hare and the school principal, Oreena Lawless.
Mrs O’Rourke went on to thank Yvonne from The Dundalk Simon Community for coming in to speak with the children. “The information Yvonne presented and her sharing of experiences added reality and greater depth to our study on Homelessness.” She also wished to acknowledge the support of the Dundalk Lions Club, along with the parents and the and the Board of Management of St Francis NS for supporting the fundraiser and allowing them to use the school premises and facilities for the event. Finally, she said “A special thank to School Principal, Oreena Lawless and SNA Suzanne for giving of their time to join us at the overnight sleepout”.
MOBILE HOME TRANSPORT—Transported throughout 32 Counties. Contact Eugene 086-607-1702.
ALL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE—
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GW PAINTING AND DECORATING— No job too small, keen rates, Dundalk & surrounding areas, estimates free. Phone 086 3848079.
WASHING MACHINE Tumble Dryer and Fridge Freezer parts & repairs, all makes & models, also Bosch washing machines for sale from €120 Tel Brian 087 7558506 or James 085 4811226.
CHARA COUNSELLING—20 years’ experience, currently taking appointments. Supporting you with emotional intelligence for relationship issues, your mental health, grief, all addictions & past traumas. For a strictly private consultation call Martin today on 083 3402766.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE—Repairs, building, plumbing, painting, roof repairs, tiling, bathroom refurbishments, plastering, gardening, power washing, PVC facia and soffits, Over 20 yrs experience. References available. Whatsapp or Tel 085-762-3758 for quotation.
JAMES PRESSURE WASHER—We specialise in all garden work, no job too big or two small. We do Grass cutting, Hedge cutting, Power washing. Free quote today please call James on 08744649690 / or 0862086141.
TREE SERVICES—Tree surgery, stump grinding, wood chipping & pruning. Conifer hedge reduction and ash die back removal. Fully Insured & Certified. Contact Chambers on 087 2750825 Email rchambers2008@yahoo.ie.
GOLDEN OLDIES? Call the Nostalgia Line for Karaoke and singing for birthdays, anniversaries, parties etc. Call Nicky on 0874128526.
ASBESTOS REMOVAL Services - Roof Tiles, Cement Sheets, Pipes, etc, 15 years’ experience. ND Asbestos Removal Tel 085 2380012 Email 1ndabestosremoval@ gmail.com.
FIFI’S ALTERATIONS Longwalk S.C. (formerly A-Alterations) Tel 083 011 8728. Zips, hems, clothes taken in or let out, also Dry Cleaning Service. Open Mon - Fri 9.305.30pm & Sat 10-2pm.
TAKE THE HASSLE OUT of your garden. I do it all. Grass cutting, strimming, hedge cutting, weeding, fencing, wall painting, power washing, gutter cleaning and general DIY. Tel Catriona 087 3172109.
BUILDER & HOME MAINTAINENCE— Building, Woodwork, Painting, Plumbing, Tiling, Kitchen Refurbishments, Paving & Fencing. No job to big or too small. Tel. 087 295 2529.
CARPENTRY/BUILDING Services—Over 20 years experience. No job too big or too small. Available services: Doors, Frames, Floors, Skirting, Architraves, Walls, Built in Units, Fencing/Gates, Plaster boarding and Roofing Services. Complete renovations carried out. Contact Mark 086 0895508.
MAN WITH A VAN—Hedges, tree topping, painting, facia & Soffit, patios, concreting, garage clear-outs, outside taps. Call Kevin for a free & honest quote 0894016728.
WEEKLY SEWING CLASSES on-going at Northlink Retail Park, you can join in any time, for enquiries please call or WhatsApp Elizabeth on 0872649221 or visit www.djkcreations.com.
FRENCH GRINDS available for Junior and Leaving cert, All levels. Individual and small group options. Tel 086 8723340.
EASY-GOING country lad, mid 50s with GSOH seeks like-minded female companion late 40s/mid 50s with no ties. For walks/talks and to share the simple things in life. Tel 0868220403.
FULL-TIME NANNY wanted in Blackrock for easygoing 13 month old. Start midJanuary. Experience essential. Email CV to hiringblackrocknanny@gmail.com or Text 089 6119692.
DMC GARDEN maintenance services. Weekly/fortnightly lawn mowing services available. Hedge, shrub trimming and shaping. Weeding, spraying, strimming. Full garden clean up and all waste removed. Free quote. Keen rates. Please contact 087 7019178.
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CLASSES & COURSES
GET FIT the fun way and learn to dance, the Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot and Jive, now taking place in the Lisdoo, Dundalk Tuesday’s from 8pm - 10pm, no partner required. First wedding dance lessons and private lessons also available. Contact 086 357 3271 for further information.
DRUM LESSONS INCLUDING BODHRAN—For adults & children aged 8 years upwards. One to one lessons. Phone 087 414 4228.
LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—I, Paula Tiernan, intend to apply for planning permission for a Mixed Development consisting of Demolition of an Existing Single Storey Office Building; Construction of a 6 Storey Mixed Use Building, comprising of 2no. commercial units (retail / office) at ground floor level (Level 0) and 24no. apartments over 5 storeys above, 18 No. 1 Beds and 6 No. 2 beds; (Upper Floors Levels 1-4 consist of 4 No. 1 Beds and 1 No. 2 Bed apartments, Floor Level 5 Consists of 2 No. 1 Bed & 2 No. 2 Bed apartments), Bin Storage, Cycle Parking, Pedestrian & Vehicular Entrances, Car Parking, Site Lighting, Foul and Surface Water Drainage, revised Site Boundary Details and All Associated Site Development Works at Francis Street, Townparks, Dundalk, County Louth. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
C/o Bernard Dowdall - MRIAI - Architect— Carrickedmond, Kilcurry, Dundalk, Co. Louth. Tel. (042) 9429558; (087) 6657148; E-mail - bernard@dowdallarchitects.ie. LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—I, Ceala Powell, intend to apply for full planning permission for refurbishment of & extensions to existing vernacular building to provide dwelling, to include wastewater treatment system and all associated site development works at Carrickarnon, 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 relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing within a period of 5 weeks from the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00.
Pupils from St Francis National School in Blackrock raised €4,240 for the Simon Community recently.
Wheelie Bins
Book launch at the Spirit Store for a new conversation
ALL are invited to The Spirit Store at Dundalk Quay on Wednesday, the 6th of November, to share in an intimate evening of poetry and storytelling with local couple, Michael and Catrina McDermott, who will be launching their new book there, starting at 7.30pm. And is the town’s hospitable harbour hostelry not the right warm, welcoming place from which to launch a book whose hope is that the positive new conversation which Ireland needs will begin here in Dundalk on the night? the couple suggests.
A Twist in The Tale of The Devil / VolteFace is a double sided two-books-in-one offering consisting of a collection of thoughtful, easy to relate to poetry on one side, and a fictional Vatican story on the other. With the inclusion of
additional poems by the couple’s granddaughter Renee, they promise the potential reader a substantial and uplifting read, taking in, as the volume does, a gripping philosophical drama story and modern, thought provoking Irish poetry at its best.
A Twist in The Tale
of The Devil, by Catrina, is a very different Vatican story from what one might expect in that it airs and reflects the flipside of generally held Irish and global cultural opinion and offers thinking which isn’t heard every day. This intriguing tale tells of a supreme effort made
over a seven year period by the church’s financial director to persuade his religious organisation to accept what the cardinal recognises as evolved, twenty-first century Irish thinking.
Michael follows up his successful first book, To Ride A Poem, with his second entitled Volte-Face, a new collection of poems which consider a wide range of topics and are written in the language of love to stimulate the imagination and raise the spirits of all who read and connect with them.
Renee, who is studying Psychology at college, shares superb samples of her poetic promise to come.
A Twist in The Tale of The Devil / VolteFace is available now at Rowe River Books, Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk and at Crilly’s Londis shop in Ravensdale.
Louth County Council issue advice on using pay parking meters
LOUTH County Council is advising the public to exercise vigilance when using pay parking machines, following reports of bogus QR codes discovered on parking meters in other parts of the country. In Louth, pay parking machines managed by Louth County Council offer users a number of different ways to pay for a parking session. This includes cash, along with credit and debit card, and remotely through an app which can be downloaded to smartphones.
The local authority have engaged the company ‘APCOA Parking’ to provide a convenient remote system of pay parking through the APCOA Connect app. Rather than using pay and display machines, APCOA Connect allows you to pay for your parking securely by credit or debit card via your mobile phone. The easiest way to pay remotely is to download the APCOA app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
The council is advising mo-
torists not to scan any QR codes or barcodes that may appear on parking meters, as there is a potential that these may be linked to fraudulent websites. Instead users are encouraged to download the APCOA Connect app directly to their phone and make necessary payments through the app. Anyone who discovers a QR code on a pay parking machine in Louth is asked to report it to Louth County Council at 042 9335457 or email info@louthcoco.ie.
Old Dundalk Society was established in 1964 and is very much to the forefront of promoting the importance of local history. The Society hold regular events throughout the year. Check out www.olddundalksociety.ie for a list of upcoming events.
Coral Services First Hallowe’en Party
Members of the Old Dundalk Society Committee at their 60th Anniversary celebrations at the Louth County Musuem.The
Bristol competition success for Hybrid Martial Arts students
HYBRID Martial Arts in Bridge St. run a nonprofit martial arts club and recently they sent four competitors to Bristol Open with great results. The four competitors put in some fantastic performances in the competition which took place in Bath University from the 18th-20th of October.
There were some really high level entries at this event but the four talented Hybrid Martial Arts students took it in their stride, learning and growing as competitors over the weekend.
Between them they took home two gold, (Claire Dougan, Dylan Hayes), one silver (Niall Gregory) and three bronze ( Logan Lambert, Niall Gregory). All fighters did themselves proud at this event and indeed all events this year by putting in huge effort and commitment in training. The club look forward to some more new challenges next year, and more growth for the team. New students always welcome.
Gregory, Claire Dougan.
Dundalk and District Darts League Week Three
WEEK three of the Heineken sponsored Dundalk and District Dart League saw 3 out of the 8 fixtures finish in a draw which shows how competitive each Pool of teams is.
Uisce Beatha raced into a 3-0 lead against Punters Athletic but after Paddy Lyttle & Paudie Larkin had reduced the deficit it was left to Barney Carolan to try and secure the draw and Barney’s experience helped him to get the win and secure a point for his team.
Witness Appeal
Cian O’Rourke had a 100 checkout in the last match between Bodhran Hawks & Callans Cobras, Cian won 2-0 in the Final game to secure a point for his team, Bodhran Hawks. Elsewhere, there were standout performances by Stephen Shields (Big House Eagles), Aidan Thompson (Punters Mix), Ciaran Traynor (Commercial) & Colm Flanagan (Uncle Toms Cabin) as their respective teams all won on the night.
No darts on next Thursday night, 31st October, but the league resumes the following week.
Results: Uisce Beatha 3 Punters Athletic 3; Clans 2 The Commercial 4; Callans 0 The Bodhran 6; Uncle Kevin’s 2 uncle toms 4; Corbetts Craicheads BYE; Punters Mix 4 Damh O’Thuaidh 2; Commercial Classics 0 Big House Eagles 4; Bodhran Hawks 3 Callans 3; Bodhran Bandits 3 Uncle Toms 3; The Phoenix Bye.
Hallowe’en Fun
GARDAÍ are appealing for witnesses to a road incident which occurred on Tom Bellew Avenue in Dundalk, Co. Louth yesterday, Friday 25th October.
A woman (20s) who was travelling on an escooter was discovered with serious injuries on the road. The incident is believed to have occurred at around 9.30pm. The woman was removed from the scene to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda to be treated for injuries believed to be serious. The scene currently remains preserved for examination.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward. Any road users or pedestrians who were in the area between 9.15pm and 9.45pm and may have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make it available.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Dundalk Garda Station on (042) 9388400, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Garabandal Pilgrimage
MONDAY, 11th to Friday, November 15th. Fare includes full board, three meals daily, transfer to and from airport and services of a tour guide. Single room supplement €460, sharing €350. Air fare has to be booked separately by pilgrims or through a travel agent. Further details: please phone laurena 0851833110.
Pumpkin Festival
THE Blackrock Pumpkin Festival takes place this Friday, 1st November in the village. 12:30pm6:30pm- Pumpkin Display. Bring your pumpkin to the Sundial and line the promenade to recreate Blackrock’s largest pumpkin displays. Prizes for best carved pumpkins! 7pm-The Black Walk. Starting at the lower carpark, fancy dress walk to the beach (kids and adults) for scary surprises. 8pm: Colllect your pumpkins to take home. The event has been organised by Blackrock Social Group.
MONASTERY NS, Ardee had lots of fun dressing up for Halloween Assembly. They hosted an annual Sponsored Walk Raffle where three bicycles and lots of spot prizes were won by their boys and girls. They also had prizes for Halloween competitions and pupil of the year nominations for the months of September and October. The boys and girls had a great time with lots of fun activities and prizes.
The Great War
ON behalf of Haggardstown/Dublin Road Community Alert Group, local historian Noel Sharkey will present a 70 minute slide-show of photographs and detail the lives of many of the parishioners of Haggardstown parish who served in the British forces in the Great War of 1914-’18. A set of war memorabilia will also be on display for audience members to view and examine.
Noel’s latest poetry collection ‘The Windiings Of The Labyrinth’ will be presented to all attendees as will a rare 1854 Griffith’s Valuation map of Haggardstown parish and eight pages of lists of all land and property holders in the parish at that time.
Digital Help Hubs
LOUTH County Council Library Service are rolling out drop-in ‘Digital Help Hubs’ in collaboration with LMETB to provide digital literacy support.
Members of the public are invited to bring along their own device whether it is a phone, laptop or tablet and avail of one-to-one tutor support in using their device and supporting digital literacy needs.
This service is free and confidential with no booking required. Visit the Digital Help Hub at the following library branches to get support from a dedicated tutor who is ready to help: Dundalk Library (042-9353190): Every Monday from 2pm – 5pm Ardee Library (041-6859023): Every Wednesday 2pm – 4pm.
Logan Lambert and Dylan Hayes. Missing from picture Niall
