18,000 COPIES WEEKLY
Helen hopes to meet mum after 44 years Wednesday 14th March, 2012. Vol. 11, Issue 5 . 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth. Tel: 042 9320888 Fax: 042 9329676 Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com / advertising@dundalkleader.com
By Niamh Kirk
A woman who was discovered in a phone box in Dundalk as a baby 44 years ago has come forward to let her birth mother know that she is alive, happy and hoping to connect with her mother. Helen Ward was found as a new born by a truck driver who stopped to make a phone call; she was wrapped snugly in blankets and placed in a tarten basket with a warm bottle lying on the floor. And that is as much as Helen knows about the first few days of her life. Helen Ward was found by a lorry driver on the Marshes Road who stopped to make a phone call Last week, as she celebrated her 44rd birthday Helen Ward contacted
‘Liveline’ with Joe Duffy radio show to let her birthmother know that she was alive, happy and hoping to connect with her. The trucker contacted Dundalk Garda Station and Sgt Michael Conneally came to assist. He took the baby to Louth County Hospital where the nurses cared for her and named her Aileen Brenda and gave her the surname ‘Marsh’ after the area where she was found. She stayed in their care until she was moved to Co Meath where she remained for little over one year before being adopted by a loving family. Although Mrs Ward, now a mother of three, has had much support after calling the radio show, she has not Continued on Page 12
Busy young bees create history By Eunan Whyte Two young people are making strides in their chosen hobby after becoming the youngest in the county to pass the Preliminary Examination for beginners in Beekeeping. Jordan O’Neill from O’Hanlon Park and Siobhan Farrelly, from Dunleer, are quite possibly the youngest in Ireland to pass the exams which will ensure the tradition of beekeeping is continued. According to Tom Shaw of the Louth Beekeepers Association, the achievement of 13-year-old Jordan and 11-year-old Siobhan is an indication of the growing
Jordan O’Neill
Siobhan Farrelly
popularity of beekeeping. involved because gen“It is very unusual for erally the enthusiasts people so young to be Continued on Page 22
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Cllr Green calls for CCTV cameras in Hoeys Lane Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
ously consider installing CCTV cameras at Cllr Jennifer Green Hoey’s Lane due to an has urged Dundalk increase in assaults in Town Council to seri- the area. By Paul Byrne
Speaking at the monthly Dundalk Town Council meeting Cllr Green proposed a motion asking that this council look at implementing CCTV cameras on Hoey’s Lane around the vicinity of O’Fiaich College, DKIT, College Heights and Rockfield Court due to the high level of assaults and sexual assaults that
have happened in the area. Senior Executive Officer David Storey said that although the council would love to increase the amount of CCTV cameras around Dundalk, there were issues such as monitoring and cost. “It costs around €7,000 per pole to install these CCTV cameras. So
you’re looking at around €30,000 if you want to add four cameras.” he explained. “I will however speak to the Gardaí and representatives in DkIT to see if anything can be done” he stated. A number of CCTV cameras have been installed around Dundalk under the RAPID scheme
Well known local teacher, Eddie Rocks (who is a native of Blackrock in Dundalk) with the staff of Scoil Naomh Feichin, in Termonfeckin on his last day before his retirement
Another young life lost on Louth roads
Another young life has been lost on Louth roads following the death of Finbar Carroll of Ardtullymore, Carlingford, in the early hours of Sunday morning. Mr Carroll is understood to have been struck by a mini-bus as he was walking at The Liberties, Carlingford, at around 2.45am. The 27-year-old victim died at the scene and was removed to the Louth Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
Several passengers were on the bus at the time, but were not injured. The road was closed for a technical examination. Finbar was a son of Jim and Angela and brother of P.J. Removal will take place from his residence this morning (Wednesday) at 10.15am to St. James’ Church, Grange, arriving for funeral mass at 11am. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
which was launched in 2001 to direct state assistance to 25 disadvantaged areas in Ireland. Cox’s Demesne and Muirhevnamor were chosen for state aid in Dundalk. Cllr Green also asked if the Rockfield area could be included in the RAPID scheme to enhance the chances of CCTV cam-
eras being installed but was told by Mr Storey that these RAPID areas were quite specific and
he would need to make enquiries as to whether the scheme could be extended.
Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
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Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
Man left shoe after church burglary
Gardai who discovered a runner at the scene of a burglary of a church subsequently found the match at the home of an 18-year-old local man. Michael Murden 529, Ashling Park appeared
in custody at Dundalk Court on Wednesday after being remanded from Drogheda Court the previous Friday. He pleaded guilty to a burglary at the Church of God, Castletown Road on February 27 and sep-
arate offences of assault on a security guard two days later at the Marshes Shopping Centre, along with possession of herbal cannabis at his home the next day. He was sentenced to nine months in respect
of the church burglary, and concurrent three month terms in respect of the assault and drugs charges. Bail of self €500 and an independent surety of €500 were fixed for him to appeal.
Some consolation for Gallagher over tweet By Niamh Kirk It was a week of revelations regarding Sean Gallagher’s career-changing appearance on RTE’s Frontline final debate before the electorate took to the polls to elect the president. Early last week the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) hasdupheld a complaint from Sean Gallagher regarding the use of an unverified tweet during the last televised presidential debate. The BAI found that RTE had made no appropriate efforts to verify the source or accuracy of the tweet before Pat Kenny put it to Mr Gallagher on the Frontline programme. While the BAI findings were initially welcomed, controversy intensified over the weekend amid that RTE staff had encouraged an audience member into asking Sean Gallagher a more incendiary question. In an interview in the Sunday Independent Frontline audience member Pat McGuirk claimed that his question to the presidential hopeful was changed. Mr McGuirk
Sean Gallagher and his wife Trish on polling day
said it was changed by an RTE researcher to focus on Sean Gallagher’s history of job creation only moments before he was due to ask it. RTE have rejected this claim. A statement from Mr Gallagher called for a public inquiry into the affair. It stated “There are many unanswered questions about the programme. RTÉ boasted that the Frontline programme could be a “game changer”. It now seems that RTÉ’s production staff were working towards setting the agenda, rather than facilitating a debate between the audience and
the candidates.” “All records relating to the programme must be disclosed in a public arena, and every member of the production team must make him or herself available for questioning in the appropriate, independent, forum. RTÉ have a case to answer.” RTE has denied the claims and has said that it is “concerned and disappointed” by the claims and noted that Mr McGuirk had emailed the researcher two days after the debate expressing how happy he had been with his experience. However Mr Gallagher is reportedly seeking legal
advice after he was dealt a further blow when Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte rejected his call for a public inquiry into RTE’s actions on the night. The controversy was instigated during the debate when Pat Kenny tackled Sean Gallagher over a tweet the production team had been sent. Mr Kenny said “On the @Martin McGuinness4President Twitter account, Sinn Féin say they will produce the man who gave you a cheque for €5,000.” It later transpired the tweet did not come from an official Martin McGuinness account or any officially associated with Sinn Fein. Mr Gallagher was put under increased pressure to clarify his history with the Fianna Fail party and his failure to handle the questioning effectively was put down to the ‘nature of the tweet and the pressure in the studio by his then press manager Richard Moore. Fianna Fail has since publically criticised the BAI findings and joined Mr Gallagher’s call for a public inquiry. The Sean McIlvenna Celtic Supporters Club is bringing the European Cup to town on St Patrick’s Day in aid of the Baby Ellen McGee Fund. Those who wish to have their photograph taken with the cup are asked to make a donation to the fund. The cup will be in the Stag’s Head, Linenhall Street. Pictured are
Cathal
Mulholland,
Liam Cassidy, Paul McGee and Barry Gray.
Border Corridor Conference Sinn Féin President and Louth TD Gerry Adams has commended party activists from both sides of the border who held a conference in Ti Chulainn, in Mullaghbawn in south Armagh to discuss increasing co-operation along the border
corridor. The weekend conference was well attended by party activists and elected representatives from the border corridor area. The meeting examined the Derry experience; looked at regional
development and cross border integration; the expansion of broad band; and the memorandum of understanding between Newry and Mourne Council and Louth County Council which is the basis for greater co-operation.
Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
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Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
Another sensational night for Dundalk photographers A sensational eight Louth photographers have been recognised for their work at the recent Irish Photographic Federation (IPF) National Print and Projected Image Finals. Richard Hatch from Mid Louth Camera Club walked away with the top prize of ‘Best Overall Image’ for his image ‘A Bleak Dream’. Meanwhile other big winners from Louth were Brian Hopper of Dundalk photographic Society who won two awards in the ‘Colour and Monochrome Print’ sections with his images ‘Ciara in Motion’ and ‘Sweet Dreams ’and Des Clinton (Dundalk Photographic Society) who was placed first in the Digital Projected section with the image ‘Kids on Cart’. The judges also recog-
Tony McDonnell
Michelle McNally
Brian Hopper
nised the talents of Louth photography’s finest by awarding a judges medal to Brian Hopper for ‘Ciara in Motion’ and highly commending Arthur Carron’s ‘Diana’ (Dundalk Photographic Society) and Tony McDonnell’s ‘Horse Boy’ (Dundalk Photographic Society). Those competing in the intermediate categories
were not to out done however with Michelle Geoghegan of Dundalk Photographic Society placing first in the ‘Monochrome Print’ competition with ’Dancing with Daddy’, Linda Tierney of Tain also took first prize in the ‘Colour Print’ section with ‘Roses’ and Alex Corolium from Dundalk, came in second place for
his image ‘Accident’ in the same category. The event saw both professional and amateur photographers from all over Ireland entering the finals, following regional competitions around the country. Hundreds of photographers attended the competition and displayed their images at the Hyde Theatre in Athlone.
staff and 54% of students travel to DkIT by car. Of that percentage around 60% live within a 10 km radius of the College and could potentially walk, cycle or take public
transport to DkIT. In addition on Thursday March 15 Matthews Coach Hire are offering the first five DkIT students or staff who board the coach leaving Dublin at 7.30 am
and Drogheda at 8.20 am a free return ticket for that day only (Valid for travel on that day). A valid DKIT Student or Staff card must be presented and mention Green Walk Dundalk.
DkIT ‘car-free’ day tomorrow As part of Green Week the Green Flag Group in DkIT are asking people to not take the car to College on Thursday March 15. According to a recent DkIT travel survey 82% of
Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
St Patrick’s Day celebrations The Dundalk St Patrick’s Day committee has been working for the past few months to ensure that the celebrations are bigger and better than ever this year. The theme for the festival this year is “Land of Legends…and Full of Life”, which is based around The Irish Legend of the Tain. The Grand Marshals are going to be Queen Meabh and Cuchulainn. Sporting clubs, Dance groups, Traditional Irish bands, Marching bands and other local clubs and
News
in Brief
societies will take part in the parade which will start at 1pm on Saturday March 17 on Patrick Street. Dundalk is offering entertainment for all ages after the parade. Blue Grass band will perform on the square, followed by a Ceili and Set Dancing as well as Dundalk Brass band and a Polish Folk Group. The main sponsor of the parade, The Long Walk Shopping Centre will also provide some post-parade entertainment with the Northern Ireland Friendship Band playing
from 2:30pm. Family entertainment will also be provided with bouncy castles and amusements in the Demesne area. The annual St. Patrick’s Eve concert will take place in the Tain Theatre on Friday March 16 at 8pm sharp. The concert will include The Cuchulainn Singers, Irish Dancers, Traditional Music and a rare appearance from Stewart Agnew that is expected to enhance a great night’s entertainment. Last year, around 25,000 spectators lined the streets
of Dundalk to witness Dundalk’s St Patrick’s Day parade. Now, this year the plan is to make it even better and surpass the 25,000 spectator mark. As St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday this year and the bank holiday is the Monday free parking has been secured throughout the town on the day. The plan is to make it a memorable day for all the family to enjoy. For more information log on to: www.facebook. com/parade.dundalk
SpecSavers says ‘Thanks’
Murder appeal Gardaí have renewed their appeal for information about a double murder which took place in Ravensdale. The bodies of two men, believed to be from Dublin, were discovered inside a burning car at Ravensdale Forest on Wednesday night. They men had been shot in what is believed to be gang related incident. Anyone with information on the matter is asked to contact Dundalk Garda Station.
Staff at Dundalk Specsavers say thanks Specsavers Dundalk has been collecting old and unused glasses over the last few months to support the work carried out by Vi-
sion Aid Overseas (VAO). VAO’s mission is to help people who suffer from vision related disabilities in under-served areas, such
as countries like Ghana and Zambia. All donations big or small make a huge difference to people’s lives.
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Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
De La Salle school pick up on litter campaign LAST Wednesday the Colleges Litter Project went live with the De La Salle College Green Team undertaking to collect litter on the public streets around the college. The project is a joint venture with Dundalk Tidy Towns and the college. The co-operation of the college has been excellent and while it has taken 12 months to get to this stage we are very pleased to be up and running according to Joanne Hoyne teacher in charge and Willie Duffy, Chairman Dundalk Tidy Towns. “While collected litter is important the safety of the students was paramount and having requested a Risk Assessment from the Town Engineer we then set about organising the safety equipment required to ensure a safe working environment. These items include
News
in Brief
BayZone Charity Match
BayZone Youth Club are hosting its second annual Charity Soccer Match on Saturday March 31 in Oriel Park at 6.30pm. This year’s opposition will be provided by a team comprised jointly of members of the Dundalk Fire Service and members of An Garda Siochana. Admission is €5. Refreshments and Raffle on the Members of the De La Salle Green Team night. Please come along specially adopted traffic All of the colleges have and support your local club.
cones, signage warning of litter picking in progress, high quality visibility jackets, gloves, pickers etc. “As soon as we are all satisfied that everything is working as it should we will move on to the next school which is likely to be St. Mary’s College”, added Joanne.
bought into the project and with a fair wind all colleges should be up and running before the school year ends. All classes in the De La Salle are represented on the Litter Green Team and will operate at lunch time. It is expected that offenders will be identified very quickly and encouraged to cease.
dinner, race card and tableside betting. All funds raised go to the Dundalk and District Branch of MDI. For Tickets see local posters, Local Chairman: Terry Dullaghan 0851740945, Treasurer: Jerome Sheerin,
Beehive, Castletown Rd. or any branch member. Muscular Dystrophy is a collective term for a variety of neuromuscular conditions characterised by the progressive degeneration and weakening of muscles which can affect both adults
Dundalk Cursillo
Dundalk Cursillo are celebrating 25 years with an evening of Irish music and dance in Dowdallshill GFC clubrooms on Thursday March 15. Admission is €5 and refreshments will be served.
Night at the Dogs for Muscular Dystrophy The Dundalk & District Branch of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland are holding ‘A Night at the Dogs’ in Dundalk Stadium on Saturday April 28. Races start at 8pm and entry, including race card is €10, or €40 for four course
and children. There is no effective treatment or cure for this debilitating condition and International Research is ongoing to find a way of stopping the progressive weakening of muscle tissue.
Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
News
in Brief Nh Lorcan Parents Association
Scoil Naomh Lorcan Parents Association are holding their second Annual Coffee Morning in Rosa’s Cafe Omeath on Friday March 16 from 10am to Noon. Take a few minutes out to enjoy a cup of coffee and a few pastries. Parents (old and new), friends, Family, friends all are welcome.
Got a Story? We want to hear from you Ph: 042 932 0888 Email: editorial @dundalkleader.com
Polish group to take part in parade The Simul Polonia, a local organisation bringing together the Polish community in the area, has invited “Mlody Torun,” to take part in St. Patrick’s parade in Dundalk to contribute to the local community and introduce the beauty of Polish folklore to all inhabitants of Dundalk. The Simul Polonia Association was established in 2010 to promote integration and decrease isolation of Polish minority residing in Dundalk and the area. The professional Folk Group,”Mlody Torun,” was specially invited for this occasion. 45 group members, aged 12 to 45 years, wearing traditional costumes from Krakow area will sing and dance, accompanied by their own orchestra. After the
The local Polish community will take part in the St Patrick’s Day parade
parade, the group will perform at the Market Square. Agnieszka Boniewicz, the chairperson of Simul Polonia: said “We are more than delighted to
introduce Irish people to rich, Polish, cultural heritage; the beauty of our traditional dance and songs. This event will be another confirmation of the fact that Polish
and Irish people have so much in common.” On Sunday 18 March at 5pm, ‘Mlody Torun’ will perform during the Polish-Irish Mass that will take place in St Joseph’s Redemptorists Church. Late in the evening, at 8pm. Mlody Torun will also give a concert in An Tain Theatre, in Dundalk Town Hall, presenting folk dance, songs, and colourful costumes from various regions of Poland. The tickets for the concerts are only €10 per person and are available for purchase from in An Tain Theatre (Town Hall Building). For more information please visit The Simul Polonia website: www. dundalk.pl or contact Agnieszka Boniewicz: 085 728 67 36.
Interesting talk on shipwrecks Noted local maritime historian, Charley McCarthy, will recall three dramatic shipwrecks experienced by two Dundalk shipmasters, Captains Robert McClenahan senior and junior. During their time at sea over 100 years ago seafaring could have been considered a perilous occupation. Shipwrecks were worldwide and the major-
ity would have been linked to stormy weather. It was just good fortune that any seafarer who sailed on the ships that were victims of storms were either saved by their own actions or the assistance of those who set out to rescue them. The Captains McClenahan had the misfortune of experi-
encing such events a number of times in their careers, all brought on for the most part by extreme weather conditions. These events happened off the coasts of Co Louth, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Tory Island, Co Donegal. Just off the Co Louth coast there were a number of such disasters with the loss of many
lives of seamen and on some occasions, passengers travelling on such ill-fated ships. This talk will be very enlightening to any person with an interest in sea incidents or shipwrecks off the Co Louth coast. Refreshments served afterwards and voluntary contributions at the door.
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Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
SOSAD seek marathon volunteers Local suicide charity SOSAD are asking people to walk, run or jog for them in this year’s Women’s Mini Marathon. The charity is organising and paying for reg-
istration and transport to the event which takes places every year in Dublin. The Flora Women’s Mini Marathon is the biggest all women’s
event of its kind in the world. It has grown from almost 9,000 participants in 1093 to a staggering 40,057 women participating in 2011. SOSAD are asking
people to get signed up as soon as possible, the race has a limited number of entrant and confirmed that in the first week they have 77% more entries in than last year.
Man gets 12 months for ‘dreadful offence’ A 29-year-old Dundalk man was sentenced to the maximum term of 12 months that the district court can impose for a “dreadful offence” where he grabbed a 73 year-old woman’s handbag and knocked her to the ground in the process. Darren Kenneway with an address at the Simon Community, 63, Barrack Street lifted the handbag when the injured party placed it on a sill while opening the door of her home.
The 73-year-old injured her wrist as a result of the incident which Kenneway admitted and blamed on his drug addiction. His solicitor Dermot Lavery said that while in custody Kenneway was clear of drugs for five months. He came from a difficult and disadvantaged financial background. Garda Inspector Martin Beggy related that the offence occurred on October 5t last. The injured party while looking for her keys placed her handbag on the sill, and the
defendant grabbed the handbag. The injured party recovered from her wrist injury. The defendant had previous convictions, he added. Judge Flann Brennan said even if he were to disregard the defendant’s record and extend every leniency, it was an offence he was reluctant to deal with and one that deserved the maximum penalty. He fixed bail of self €500 and a surety of €500 for the defendant to appeal.
Cycling Ireland, the sports governing body, hosted a ladies training camp on Saturday last in Mullingar. The camp featured talks and demonstrations from a number of the country’s top coaches and also included a long training ride. The day attracted over 40 riders and such is the strength of Dundalk’s Cuchulainn CC that the club had the biggest participation of any one club with 10 Dundalk ladies present on the day. Photo: Some of the Cuchulainn CC Riders whom attend the Ladies Training Camp at Mullingar L-R Breda Dawe, Lisa Neary, Sarah Fagan, Michelle Dolan, Annette Dawe, Deirdre Armstrong (absent from photo Aishling Martin, Fiona Rogers, Suzy Mackin, Catriona Courtney).
News Shining Stars Pre-School
in Brief Separated Parents Group
The next Tuesday meeting of Parents Separated Support Group will take place on March 20 and April 3. Those wishing on attending the meetings should confirm their intentions with Val on 085 7303609.
Meetings are every second Tuesday, Cost €5 to include refreshments on arrival. From 7:30 till 9pm. At: Social Services Building, 15a Clanbrassil Street. Visit:www.parentsseparated.org for details.
celebrates Tree Week Shining stars preschool staff and pupils were determined to celebrate National tree week. During the week children took part in tree activities and arts and crafts, they concluded their week of celebration by planting a tree on the green in front of the pre-school at Cherrybrook at Ardee. The tree was planted with the aid of Ardee Town Council chairman Michael Farrelly and Cherrybrook residents committee members on Friday March 9. Shining Stars value the environment and believe
Shining stars pre-school staff and pupils concluded their week of celebration by planting a tree on the green in front of the pre-school at Cherrybrook at Ardee. The tree which was sponsored by Mc Mahon Landscapes Ardee was planted by staff and children with the aid of Ardee Town Council chairman Michael Farrelly.
that fostering positive life long care and appreattitudes towards this at ciation for the environa young age will lead to ment.
Work of SOSAD highlighted at annual general meeting
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Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
Paudie Owens with Chantelle, Alisha and Mairead Gover
Lions Club Jigs and Reels Twenty eight dancers are putting the finishing touches to their dance routines this week as they prepare themselves for the Dundalk Lions Club Jigs and Reels event in the Fairways Hotel which will take place on Sunday evening. The event is being held to fund the many charitable causes that the Lions take part in throughout the year and according to the Dundalk Lions chairman, Seamus Gormley it promises to be a night to remember. “The dancers have shown great commitment and have been in training since the 17th
of January” says Seamus. “The great thing about it is none of them had ever done any Irish dancing before so it was a whole new experience for everybody. The progress they’ve all made is fantastic and we are all very pleased with how it’s all shaping up” he enthused. Seamus says that the event will also be used to raise money for baby Ellen Barron McGee who needs funds to go to America for live saving stem cell treatment. “We will be having a raffle on the night and all the proceeds from that will go to the Ellen Barron McGee fund. We’d hope
to raise about €5000 for her and if the raffle doesn’t raise enough money we’ll put some from the show towards her fund.” Tickets are selling well for Sunday night’s big event but there are still a few left for anybody who is thinking of buying a gift for Mothers Day. Doors open at 7 with the show itself starting at 8pm. Tickets cost €20 and can be bought at the Fairways Hotel, Lisdoo bar and Restaurant, Brendan Marmions Paint shop or through Seamus Gormley on 0872566034.
The SOSAD annual general meeting was held in the Westcourt Hotel Drogheda on Thursday March 8, at which the important work of the charity was once again highlighted. As well as outlining the financial reports the chairman and secretary of the charity reported on the activities of SOSAD in 2011, while Gerry Simpson reported on some upcoming plans for 2012. The demand for specialised and professional services is continuing to grow and the evidence suggests that SOSAD is making a hugely positive contribution to the communities in The North East. SOSAD took 1087 emergency calls from people in great distress in 2011 compared to 452 the year before. This is approximately 20 a
week over the whole of 2011. Volunteers also took 203 calls from people looking for bereavement support following a suicide. That’s a total of 1290 calls last year. 349 people used SOSAD’s free counselling services in 2011 and availed of a massive 4239 hours of counselling. 3340 of these hours were to treat people at risk from suicide or were depressed and 899 hours were for people who needed suicide bereavement counselling. SOSAD volunteers also spent 271 hours providing care, support and advice to families and groups who had lost someone close to suicide and provided for 48 bereavement group hours. Everyone in SOSAD is acutely aware of how important suicide awareness talks are, especially to
schools and colleges. They are, more importantly, crucial in preventing suicide now and well into the future. This is why SOSAD volunteers spent 230 hours giving these talks to students, youth clubs and mental health awareness clubs amongst others. Over 120 counsellors volunteered with SOSAD last year and took over 4000 hours in free one to one counselling sessions last year. Almost every client was placed in counselling within one week of contacting SOSAD and it is these counselling sessions that help people deal with the issues that have them in difficulty and only by dealing with these issues can people become safe from suicide or learn to live with their depression or cope with the loss of someone close.
Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
Young at Heart Saint Patrick’s Day celebration By Paul Byrne
The Dundalk Young at Heart club are holding a special St Patrick’s Day celebration party in the drop in centre in Muirhevnamor today. The Young at Heart club has been running for over 25 years and has been of great benefit to the senior citizens of the town. As well as the St Patrick’s Day celebrations there will also be a glass raised to Paddy Duggan who is 90 years young today. Ann Mor-
rissey who is co-ordinating the event said there would be plenty of entertainment to keep those in attendance entertained. “It should be a great day here at the drop in centre on St Patrick’s Day” enthused Ann. We’ll be having a sing-song and there will be spot prizes for shopping vouchers and things like that. We meet here every Wednesday between 2.30 and 4 and there is always something going on. “We’ll have tea and sandwiches and just chat for a couple of hours.
Helen seeks mum after 44 years
from page 1 yet had contact from her birth mother, but is hoping to satisfy her curiosity. “For me it is a positive story, I was adopted and I have had a very happy life and I was very well cared for” she said. “I don’t want her to think that what she did was wrong. Who knows the turmoil she must have gone through. “I really feel for her I wouldn’t like to have to do that. It must have needed extreme measures to do what she did.” Although he investigation at the time yielded no results the truck driver who found Helen contacted her last week. “He told me had noticed a car in the area but it pulled off just as he arrived. He was gobsmacked and didn’t really think much of it at the time. But that may not have had anything to do with it.
“She knew that she was putting me somewhere safe as the phone box was frequently used and near a Garda station and a hospital. A lot of care was taken when she was leaving me.” Helen said that she took the step to call Liveline because she did not want to have any regrets. “I thought if I don’t even make a call or do something about it now I might not get the chance. As an adopted person it was something that I would like to find out. “I’m a bit nervy about it. I’m just an ordinary mum and I’m proud of what I am. “I don’t want to invade people lives though. If she does not want to come forward I will respect that, if she chooses to come, I’ll respect that too.” “I don’t want to hurt anyone abuot like many adopted people you can’t help but wonder.”
There is also bingo here and there’s always a lovely atmosphere in the place. “As we all get older we gradually lose those who are close to us and a club like this is a great outlet for people to get out of the house for a couple of hours and sit down and just talk.” Said Ann. The Young at Heart club is located at the drop in centre in Muirhevnamor but caters for the elderly from all around town. The St Patrick’s Day festivities will kick off at 3.15 today.
Pete Treanor’s
Weekly Quiz
Music What wood is used in making piano keys? Space What in outer space are Phobos and Delmos? Local For many years the Ginnity family ran a grocery shop and public house in what Co Louth village? Literature A boy called Jim Hawkins is the hero of what seafaring adventure story? Current Affairs In 2011, Hosni Mubarak was deposed as President of what African country? Nature What type of creature is a Red Admiral? Cartoons & Comics Who is the skipper of The Black Pig? Money
The Lira is the unit of currency in what country? Movies In the comedy, Wayne’s World, what is Wayne’s surname? Sport Who is the only African to have reached the final of the World Professional Snooker Championship? This Week’s Stinker Which 1955 hit record tells of a three-yearold child murdering an animal?
—this week’s answers— 1.Ebony 2. Moons of Mars 3. Dromiskin 4. Treasure Island 5. Egypt 6. Butterfly 7. Captain Pugwash 8 Turkey 9. Campbell 10. Perrie Mans. Stinker – The Ballad of Davy Crockett. This week’s quiz is dedicated to the late Brian Ives. A great quiz player, and greater gentleman. PT
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Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
Dundalk Credit Union Cash Winners
Billy Doyle Manager of Dundalk Credit Union with cash winners in the Dundalk Credit Union cash draw. Pictured from left: Ann Whitmarsh €2,500 Dinah McArdle €5,000 Gerard McDonald €2,500 Valda Flynn €2,500.
VEC recalls contribution of 22 former staff At its most recent meeting, Co. Louth VEC paid tribute to 22 former staff members who retired prior to the end of February 2012. All of the 22 had opted to retire during either mid-tolate 2011 or early 2012. According to Dr. Pádraig Kirk, CEO of the VEC, the Government’s early retirement scheme had a bearing on the final number of retirements, but he stated that it was not the only contributory factor. The CEO confirmed that a number of those staff members who had retired had reached retirement age prior to the February 29 deadline. The Government’s early retirement scheme allowed those civil and public servants who retired on or before the end of February 2012 to retain pension payment levels based on pre-salary pay cut scales. The CEO informed the committee that the retirements had affected all sectors of the VEC workforce including management and teaching staff, as well as administration staff, caretaking staff and ancillary staff.
It had also affected all of its schools and centres for education across the county. Among those who retired that held management positions include, Bríd Rocks, former Principal of Scoil Uí Mhuirí in Dunleer, Patrick Daly, former Deputy Principal at O’Fiaich College in Dundalk, Ann O’Hare, Coordinator of the VECs VTOS programme in Dundalk and Helen Keogh, National Coordinator of VTOS who had been on secondment to the Department of Education and Skills from the VEC since 1992. VEC teaching staff members who have retired include Pauline Mooney, Joan McKenna, Edward Dolan, Patrick McQuaile, Josephine Byrne, Mona O’Farrell, Thomas Healy, Patrick Kilboy, Margaret Hirrell and Marie McGuirk. Retired administration staff include Marie Keelan, Rosaleen Hough and Christina Molloy, while retired caretaking and ancillary staff include Michael O’Brien, Christina Murphy, Patricia Charity and Noel Mulholland.
Launch of Louth App
The hidden historical gems of Co Louth feature in a new free iPhone application - Louth Hidden History, launched this week by Louth environmentalist and President of the Tree Council of Ireland Eanna Ni Lamhna. The new iPhone App, Louth Hidden History, was officially launched by Louth environmentalist, Eanna Ni Lamhna. The Louth Hidden History app allows visitors to the region browse the Land of Legends’ historical attractions complete with footage from each site of interest. The App segments the county into four geographic areas - Ardee, Carlingford, Drogheda and Dundalk - with details of specific sites of historical interest.
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Twice gave fingers to Gardai A 23-year-old Dundalk man twice stuck his fingers up at passing Gardai and was threatening and aggressive towards them when they approached him. Christian Fergus of 28, Hyde Park apologised to Gardai through his solicitor Conor McGuill and given the benefit of
the probation act. He was summonsed on two counts under the Public Order Act for being intoxicated and threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour. Inspector Martin Beggy said on February 19 Gardai Reilly and Buckley were on patrol at Rampart Lane and saw Fergus stick his fingers up
when they were passing. He repeated the gesture when they passed again shortly after. He was attempting to gain entry to a night club. Mr. Mcguill said the defendant was clearly very drunk and was left outside by the security staff of the night club.
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Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
Mother’s Day Celebrations
The history of Mother’s Day is centuries old and the earliest Mother’s Day celebrations can be traced back to the spring celebrations of ancient Greece in honour of Rhea the Mother of the Gods. The Celts too used the day as a means of honouring their own Goddesses most especially Brigid Goddess of Spring Áine Goddess of Fertility and Buí Goddess
of the Earth. However it was During the 1600s, that the idea of day especially for Mothers really caught on. The early Christians in England cel-
ebrated a day to honour Mary, the mother of Christ. By a religious order the holiday was later expanded in its scope to include all mothers, and named as the
Mothering Sunday. Celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent the 40 day period leading up to Easter “Mothering Sunday” honoured the mothers
of England. During this time many of the England’s poor worked as servants for the wealthy. As most jobs were located far from their homes the servants would live at the
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Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
houses of their employers having very little time for themselves. On Mothering Sunday however the servants would not only have the day off but were actively encouraged to return home and spend the day with their mothers. A special cake called the mothering cake made with the dried fruits and exotic spices was often brought home by the daughters to provide a festive touch. As Christianity spread throughout Europe the celebration changed from being centred on actual mothers
to one of honouring the “Mother Church” the spiritual power that in those days everybody believed gave them life and protected them from harm. People were however reluctant to give up their traditional family day together. So over time the church festival blended with the Mothering Sunday celebration . Eventually a compromise was reached and people began honouring their mothers as well as the church finally this led to the modern celebration which we all celebrate today.
There are many ways to treat the special mother in your life on Mothers’ Day and here are a few ideas. Decorate the House. Festively decorate the house after she
goes to bed. Balloons, streamers and a big bouquet of flowers on the dining room table will be sure to surprise her. Pick her Wildflowers. You’ll earn points for spontaneity,
while providing a fresh, natural, bouquet that will last for days. Cook for her. Plan ahead to prepare a delicious dinner on Mother’s Day. Choose a recipe you know she’ll love, buy the fresh
ingredients to create something new and original. Consider a dish that pulls from the flavors of her favorite types of food Free Time. If she wants uninterrupted relaxation, then make it happen.
Let her know that you will take care of the kids, handle all meals and field the phone calls. Breakfast in Bed. Make sure you have everything ready the day before – the tray, the coffee and
the fixings for her favorite breakfast. Let her know that today she can stay in bed and enjoy breakfast as long as she wants or search through the advertisements on these pages to find that perfect gift.
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Over to you Question: What does St Patrick’s Day mean to you?
Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
Mary Kelly
Paul O’Hanlon
To be honest it’s lost all It’s a great day out where meaning to me over the everybody should be years. I don’t really celebrate celebrating what it is to it anymore. be Irish. I’m really looking forward to it this year as I’ll be over in London watching the rugby.
International Women’s Day
Louth County Council was criticised this week by Sinn Fein following their failure to address a motion at February’s monthly meeting that prevented an official celebration on International Women’s Day. Cllr Edel Corrigan had put forward a motion to the Council to recognise and facilitate a celebration of the day annually. Cllr Corrigan said ‘I was extremely disappointed that my motion was not addressed prior to International Women’s Day this year. I had put forward this motion as I was hoping a neutral forum could be establishing to bring Women together to mark this occasion. In County Louth we are lucky to have such a wealth of many different communities and
organisations, that by bringing people together we can learn from one another’s experiences and knowledge as well as celebrating achievements. I can only hope that the motion will put forward at the next County Council meeting and will have the support of all fellow councillors.’ Labour Senator Mary Moran attended a photoshoot on the day along with Ireland’s other female Senators and TD’s on her way to the Senade debates where she wished everybody there a happy international women’s day. The Louth County Enterprise board marked the day with the ‘Making a Difference’ seminar where Mairead Mc Guinness MEP shared their formula for success.
Barragh Mulligan St Patrick’s Day is all about music, craic and being Irish. It’s really as simple as that. I’ll be playing music with my band in a pub in Omeath on Saturday night so I’m looking forward to it all.
Fiona Mackin The day should be about more than just drinking. It should be about being patriotic and enjoying all things Irish. I’ll head up to the parade and meet up with friends on Saturday.
Esther Cooney St Patrick’s Day to me is all about the parade. I enjoy watching all the floats and I love all the colour that’s associated with the day.
Jacklie Moran Dept of Social Protection, Ronan Dennedy Louth Co. Enterprise Board, Oliver Tully Chairman Louth County Council and Peter Fitzpatrick T.D. at the Eures Louth Jobs & Advice Fair organized by Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, Louth County Enterprise Board and Louth Local Authorities.
W piątek 2 marca 2012 pnownie spotkaliśmy się w Shamrock Pub, na 15tym już Polskim Wieczorze Klubowym. Mimo, że nasz polski wieczór odbył się tydzień później niż zwykle, wyjątkowo w pierwszy, zamiast w ostatni, piątek miesiąca Goście nie zawiedli. Byli i stali bywalcy, dało się także zauważyć sporo nowych twarzy. Na pewno „magnesem” tej piątkowej nocy był zespół „EPISODE 6”, założony przez Piotra (saksofon) i Czarka (wokal) późnym latem zeszłego roku. Wykonawcy z tej grupy zadbali o oprawę muzyczną i rockowe brzmienie wieczoru; ponownie mogliśmy usłyszeć ich w składzie: Czarek i Piotr, oraz Maciej (gitara basowa), Łukasz (gitara solowa) i Libor (perkusja). Chłopcy nie zawiedli swoich fanów – a ów grono jest już spore i wciąż rośnie. Ich profesjonalizm znów dał o sobie znać. Utwory przez nich prezentowane, jak i cały koncert został przyjęty z wielkim entuzjazmem. Wiele z nich było wykonywanych wspólnie. Wielką popularnością cieszyły się piosenki polskie. Nie zabrakło jednak przebojów anglojęzycznych. Wszyscy bawili się świtnie, o czym mogą świadczyć kolejne bisy. Proszono także o popisy solowe, np. swoje mistrzostwo zaprezentował saksofonista Piotr. Wspólna zabawa trwala do późnych godzin. Czas szybko mijał w miłej atmosferze. Wszyscy mamy nadzieje, że nie był to ostatni wieczór z polską muzyką ‘’na żywo’’. Wierzymy , że inne zespoły zechcą uswietnić swoją obecnością nasze Polskie Wieczory Klubowe. Teraz skupiamy się na zaprezentowaniu nas, poloni tu mieszkałej, podczas parady Św. Patryka, z pomocą Zespołu Pieśni i Tańca „Młody Toruń” a do Shamrocka na kolejny wieczór klubowy wracamy TRADYCYJNIE 30 marca, tym razem Cezary przygotuje dla nas playlistę, więc mamy nadzieję na rockowe brzmienie.
Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
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News
in Brief Information on Eczema
McCabe’s Pharmacy in Lis Na Dara, Dundalk is hosting a Childhood Eczema Skincare event on March 23 with advice and information from a skincare expert with Ovelle, the Dundalk based skincare specialists. Those interested can visit McCabe’s Pharmacy in Lis Na Dara Medical Centre for advice and information between 11.30am and 1pm. The ‘Childhood Eczema Skincare’ event will feature a talk by the visiting skincare expert on how best to treat childhood eczema as well as the distribution of samples of the Ovelle skincare range designed specifically for children. Advice and literature on how to look after your child’s skin will also be made available to customers.
Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012 Ireland Wadokai Karate-Do Remnei (IWKR) held their second Squad Training Session of 2012 in the Blackrock Community Centre on March 9. All ages and grades attended the training, as it is hoped that many of its members will be selected to represent Ireland at the European Championships over the next few years. 2011 was the first year where a team from Ireland competed at the European Championships in Germany, and this year Sensei Tommy Marrett is putting a very strong team together to compete at the European Championships which will be held later in the year in Austria. Some members of IWKR are as young as 4 years of age and are already showing an excellent understanding of not only the basic principals needed to become not only National Champions but also world class contenders in their field. Also present was Sensei Eamon Yore who put all members through their paces in Kumite (fighting), Sensei Tommy Marrett also had the opportunity to instruct members in Kata (form). IWKR will be holding their Annual International Karate Championships on the 24th March in Ardee where teams from not only all over Ireland will attend but from England, Scotland, and Wales and further afield.
Increase on live register in Louth By Niamh Kirk
Recent figures released by the CSO show a steady increase in the number of people on the live register in Co Louth over the past six months. Over 17,000 people were on social welfare last month in the county. There has been marginal increases in the number of men on the live register however the number of women saw the sharpWe want to hear est increase following the national from you trend with the number jumping Ph: 042 932 0888 from 6,055 to 6, 239 of the time Email: editorial period. @dundalkleader.com While cuts to community em-
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ployment were delayed, most of the county’s 29 CE schemes have a finish date in the next few months. CE schemes in the county provide employment for over 740 people and 44 supervisors. The government plan to cut almost half a million from the county CE budget. The schemes which include Mid Louth Community Employment and the Redeemer Development group are credited with making invaluable improvements within their community and contribute and support local economies. Jobsbridge, the stimulus package which was promised in the
Programme for Government just over one year ago has only 43 internship positions for the entire county. The Government invested €200m in the four year jobs intitiative which was funded by an increase in the levy on private pensions. Nationally there has been a moderate decrease in the number on the live register, 3,500 aprox. However many out the decrease down to emigration. Ireland is currently seeing the highest emigration figures since 1995. A further 75,000 people are predicted to emigrate from Ireland in the next 12 months.
Get fit, both on and off the track
Formula Karting, Newry have joined forces with Felda Health, Fitness and Spa, situated on the Dublin Road, Blackrock. This partnership has come as part of a north and south initiative by the two companies to encourage people to visit venues both sides of the border and avail of the fantastic facilities on offer. With both firm’s ideally located in Newry and Blackrock, they are offering a fantastic discount on each membership package. Felda’s Sales and Marketing Manager Ciaran O’Connor spoke of the new business friendship and said “The team at Felda are very excited with the launch of this new offer. With Formula Karting being the largest indoor racing track in Europe and Felda Health, Fitness and Spa the best in their field, we find this makes sense to join the two prestigious companies and work together to be the best”.
Paul Johnston (DFC General Manager) presenting Seamus Keenan (Anchor Tours) with the match sponsorship trophy after he sponsored Dundalk’s game against St Patrick’s Athletic. Also in photo is Fintan Nelson (DFC Commercial Manager)
Series of car break-ins A 28-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a spate of break-ins and thefts from cars on the same night in a local housing estate was sentenced to concurrent terms of seven months in jail at the local court. Jevgenij Zambrickij of no fixed abode also admitted other offences, including on a different date trying to enter a house in a nearby estate. His solicitor told that the defendant’s life spiralled out of control and he became involved in a life of crime in the last two year with taking heroin. He was in custody since the offences on December 3 last, which was taken into consideration by Judge Flann Brennan.
Garda Inspector Martin Beggy said the detection of the car offences on December 3 last at Old Muirhevna followed a report that an individual was observed in a garden. Gardai carried out a search and came across Zambrickij at another house in the estate. He had a number of items of property, and also had a hand injury and was taken to hospital. The Inspector continued that a short time later a number of break-ins to vehicles were discovered. Among the items the defendant had was a packet of tissues, Sony car radio, and a sat-nav. The defendant also had a screw driver in his possession for which he had no explanation.
Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
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Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
Green and Blue at Spirit Store for St Patrick’s Day By Niamh Kirk The Spirit Store is flying both greens and blues this St Patrick’s Day. The venue on Quay revelries include a celebration of the Blues with the Brian Meakin Band and local guitarist Bobby Robertson. Brian Meakin band infuse a large degree of rock with their blues and draw on such legends of the crafts as
Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. As a blues guitarist Brian has few equals, beginning at the age of 15 he thought himself to emulate his idols but soon developed a sound and style of his own. He had performed in many line-ups but eventually struck out on his own. The band started out as a three piece but recently added that talented Terry
Meakin on Hammond Organ. The venue will be embracing the green on Sunday night as they move their Sunday Trad session upstairs in to the main performance area. The St Patrick’s Weekend Traditional Concert will see Philip Hickey (Accordian), Fiona Flynn (Concertina), Pat Dunne (Banjo) and some very special guests recreate the mu-
Bernie and Kevin Lloyd, Ashley Byrne and Declan Lloyd Michaela Byrne’s 21st Birthday Party at Oriel Park
sic of our heritage. In a venue renowned for amplifying the energy and spirit of the performers there it stands to be a special St Patricks celebration.
Charity Night for SOSAD
A charity night in aid of SOSAD will be held in Ridleys Bar on Friday March 16. The night will include, Who’s Eddie, an auction and raffle. Event begins at 9pm and admission is €10.
Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
Michaela Byrne (centre) pictured with her grandparents Brendan and Mary Byrne at her 21st Birthday Party in Oriel Park Lounge.
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Transition Year Students’ Triathlon Transition year students in Co. Louth are currently gearing up for the first ever Transition Year Triathlon which will take place on Tuesday the March 20. Louth PE Teachers Network, An Garda Síochána, Louth Local Sports Partnership and St. Mary’s Drumcar have teamed up to organise the event. The event takes place in St. Marys, Drumcar and will consist of 200m indoor swim (12 lengths of pool), 9km cycle and 3km run. Over 250 students from 12 secondary schools will be taking part in this year’s triathlon which will be an annual event. It is a participation based event and schools/students are being offered the opportunity to participate as either an individual or part of a three person team. There will be an overall prize for the winning school. Schools that register for the event have been allocated a Community Policing contact by An Garda Síochána who will work with the school on cycle safety training prior to the event.
PREMISES TO RENT/FOR SALE ATTENTION: BER’s now required for Better Energy Home Grants. For BER certification at affordable prices contact Robert Mulholland 087 6091906.www.louthber.ie Advertise your House/ Premises for rent or sale to 60,000 readers each week from €5 Telephone Dundalk Leader 042 9320888 House to rent Woodbury Gardens. Walk to town. Enclosed back garden. Would suit small family. €145 weekly. 0877618887 THREE BEDROOM house to let in Laurel Grove, Greenacres, Dundalk. Furnished. Oil fired central heating & fireplace. All mod cons. 083-1171888. DOUBLE ROOM TO RENT to professional person. To share with one other person. Marian Park area. Rent covers all bills. All mod cons. Parking available. Very secure. 085-1318838 ARTICLES / ITEMS FOR SALE BEDS & FURNITURE DIRECT. Beds, mattresses, wardrobes, chests, lockers, pine beds etc., also furniture removals call 086 8704908 anytime. Bed & Mattress Sale, beds from €99, mattress from €69. Massive range on show (free delivery) The Bed & Sofa Store, Northlink Retail Park, Dundalk 042 9320927 COLLON FURNITURE – Probably the most interesting shop in the North East. Arriving regularly: container loads of quality Dutch furniture. A wonderland of household furniture including leather & fabric suites, dressing tables, kitchen tables and chairs, pictures, mirrors, bedroom furniture. Open 364 days a year- you’ll pick up a bargain at Main Street, Collon. Tel 041-98 26484. The only Dutch furniture shop in the North East. Sell it through a classified, only €5 for one week up to 20 words, Phone Dundalk Leader 042 9320888 Beds for Sale. Totally heavy solid pine beds. Brand new, super strong, rock solid bases, lifetime guarantee. Good deep super memory foam mattresses included. Everything brand new. Can deliver. €89. 086-8208303 Dealgan Furniture (formerly Sofaland) Longwalk, Dundalk (inside The Paint Store), for a wide range of New & Used Bedroom, Dining room and Kitchen furniture. Suite reupholstery and furniture fixing service available Tel 042-9329111
Forced way into house where husband was
Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
A 34-year-old woman who believed her husband was being unfaithful and went to a house and forced her way in faced a charge of trespass. Ashling Brady 56, Cooley Park, Dundalk admitted the offence on January 30 last year at Blackgate, Ravensdale. Flann Brennan said he was satisfied it was a case he should apply the probation act after initially expressing reservations over three others accompanying her to the house Her solicitor Dermot Lavery told his client’s suspicions were confirmed and her marriage was
now ended. He explained to Dundalk Court her intention was to confront her husband and express her anger. Charges of assault and trespass against three co-defendants were adjourned to June 13. They were stated to be contesting the charges. Garda Inspector Martin Beggy said that Brady discovered her husband was in another house. She went there with others. She forced her way past the owner into the house to confront her husband who was upstairs. She had to be forcibly removed and was in a scuffle in the house with her husband. She had a clear record.
Apprentice Ireland judge Brian Purcell pictured with nurse Mary Kieran from Ardee Co. Louth, at a ceremony in the offices of the Irish Cancer Society to mark her graduation from the Graduate Diploma in Cancer Nursing at UCD, Ireland’s longest established specialist course in cancer nursing. The Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day takes place on Friday 23rd March 2011.
Busy young bees create history Continued from Page 1
siasts are middle aged and older. However, it is great to have people so young taking up beekeeping as it will ensure that the art is handed down the
generations. It proves that you are never too young to take up beekeeping. “There has been a huge uptake in beekeeping in recent times and we have been overwhelmed by the interest”, he explained.
Tom pointed out that training courses are being run in two centres in the county and paid tribute to the efforts of Sr Catherine Duffy in the Convent of Mercy in Ardee who is behind the training.
No St Patrick’s Day trips for councillors There will be no foreign St Patrick’s Day trips for Louth County councillors this year as the local authority continue to cut down on non-essential expenses. In previous years town councillors and county councillors were sent to New York to represent Dundalk at the New York St Patrick’s Day parade with the aim of publicising and promoting Dundalk to
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American companies. In 2010 Martin Bellew and Jim D’Arcy were sent to represent Dundalk while last year only Liam Reilly made the trip. Speaking about the lack of representation this year Louth Senior Executive Officer Paddy Donnelly said the decision not to send any members of the council to New York this year was purely a financial one.
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“Although there are obvious benefits in sending councillors on these trips we simply cannot afford it this year” said Paddy. “These trips are designed to give our councillors a chance to meet with Irish American business groups and promote Dundalk as a place to invest and do business. “Unfortunately the funds aren’t there
Tel Tom 0863961206 Advertiseyour service to over 60,000 readers for only €5 per week up to 20 words Phone Dundalk Leader 042 9320888 We can distribute your leaflets from €65 + vat per thousand Phone Dundalk Leader 042 9320888 Aerial, Satellite – TV, Freeview Freesat professional installations, repairs etc. Phone Eamonn Cooney 087-267-1809, 7 Distillery Lane. Weddings 2012 Special at Peter Hughes Photography, Professional Wedding Photography, full coverage of wedding and 26 page picture story book album total price €750 phone 042 9333732 mob 087 2561161 GremlinBusters Computer Services, FREE fault diagnosis, no-fix/no-fee, collect and return, experienced professional technicians, for very cheap service and repair rates call Paul on 086 885 7350 Wedding Photography. All day coverage, DVD with pictures €350. www.elmotions.com Tel: 086-4036942 Carpenter available. 25 years exp. All interior, exterior including kitchens, decking, doors, floors, etc. No job too small. Keenest prices. Quality finish assured. Call Des for free quote: 087-6180150 CHIMNEY CLEANING SERVICE Dust Free Brush and Vac Reasonable rates. Phone Tommy 0871869164 McALOON UPHOLSTERY. All furniture recovered as new. 3 piece suites, dining chairs etc. Cushions & springs replaced. Tel: 087 2305941 / 041 9842974. Window Cleaning, gutter & facia cleaning carried out by professional, fully trained and insured staff. Affordable rates. Call our office for a free quoatation. EVERKLEEN 0429352717 or 0868293585. CLEANEST & KEENEST Have your windows, carpet or suite of furniture cleaned at keenest prices . Also guttering, fascia boards, power hosing. Call Damien 0868469559 or 0879319243 ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC Dundalk & Carrickmacross. Acute & Chronic Pain, Stress & Anxiety plus Fertility Treatment. Ideal gift idea. Vouchers available. Ph 086-4008189 www.acupuncture4health.ie VIDEO BOOTH FOR WEDDINGS AND PARTIES.20% DISCOUNT ON ALL BOOTHS. Wedding chair covers 1.75 Fairylight backdrop 180 Paula 087 9194111 www.wow-
this year to do that and we have to be mindful of the fact we are in a recession” he explained. Although the majority of local authorities have followed Louth’s lead in not sending any councillors abroad a few who have continued such as Clare, Wicklow, Cork, Carlow, Clare, Wexford, Roscommon, Leitrim, Meath and Westmeath.
weddings.ie G & M Print. A3 poster prints €1 each. 100 A3 posters €85. 100 full colour business cards €30. 5000 A5 B/W flyers €99 Docket books, envelopes, stickers, memoriam cards, invitations. Contact 086 3006102/0416852821 www.gmprint.ie All prices subject to vat TILER AVAILABLE For all your tiling jobs. No job too big or small. Discount for multiple rooms. Free quotations. Call Cormac 0876563705 Michael’s property maintenance - Repairs, building, plastering, plumbing, painting, tiling, concreting, patios, gardening & PVC facia& soffits. Over 20 years experience. Refrerences available. HANDYMAN 365 - Is your to do list out of control? Contact Patrick 087-1679650 for all your home & office maintenance. TV - FREEVIEW, Freesat - professional installations. Digiboxes, Saorview combi-boxes, SKY-PLUS H.D. Upgrades. Contact Martin 086-3919528. Competitive prices. Royal Thai Massage now open @ Dunleer. 1 hour €50. Phone 086-2317049 or 087-1707844 Damp proofing, leak detection, solar ventilation, chemical damp-proofing, all types of leaks. Specialist equipment. Wall mounted solar panels heat and dry your home. Aqua-solve. 087-2664224 A1 CHIMNEY CLEANING service. Very clean professional work guaranteed. Have your chimney cleaned twice a year! 0871839952 GATES, RAILINGS & MORE Cheaper than any other competitor. Free quotations. Call Gerard 085-7121107 10c Digital Print All day, every day. In the Print Shop, Bureau de Change, Clanbrassil St, Dundalk. Old photos restored, copied and enlarged in the Photo & Gift Shop & Bureau de Change 74 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk. LOST AND FOUND LOST Key ring with key, two medals, two loyalty cards. (Tesco/McArdle Meats) One small glass photo keyring with photographs either side. Phone 087-7630006. Old shopping centre. CHILDRENS ENTERTAINMENT Magician and Balloon Modeller available for all parties. Contact Odenni. 0429372455 or 087-2473342. CARS/VANS/BIKES FOR SALE
2007 Volkswagen Caddy Van 1.9tdi, 90k. DOE 12 months. Clean. Service up to date. €6,500 ono. Louth. 0863818196 FOR SALE 02 Volkswagon Polo NCT May 13. Excellent condition. €1950 O.N.O Phone 087-2268616 BEAUTIFUL MOTOR CYCLE 06LH Suzuki GN. Learner Legal. 125CC. Black. 20,000km. Call 087-9747512. ARTICLES WANTED Garage gates - 8ft wide. 7ft high. Up and over type or similar considered. 0429352065 PLANNING NOTICES DUNDALK TOWN COUNCIL Planning Permission and Retention Permission is sought for Development. The development consists of Planning Permission for additional signage and all associated site works and Retention Permission for subdivision of existing retail unit currently known as Perfect Fit Alterations and new shopfront and all associated signage and site works at Castletown Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth. The planning application may be inspected or purchased on payment of a specified fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, at Dundalk Town Council, Planning Authority, Planning Section, Crowe Street, between 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday – Friday. A submission or observation may be made to the authority in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee €20 within 5 weeks of the date of receipt of the application by the authority. Signed Townparks Services Ltd. DUNDALK TOWN COUNCIL Planning Permission is sought for new boundary wall to the front of existing dwellinghouse and all associated site works at Byrne’s Lane, Dowdallshill Dundalk, Co. Louth. The planning application may be inspected or purchased on payment of a specified fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, at Dundalk Town Council, Planning Authority, Planning Section, Crowe Street, between 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday – Friday. A submission or observation may be made to the authority in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee €20 within 5 weeks of the date of receipt of the application by the authority. Signed: Maeve Hickey.
Louth benefits from school building programme By Niamh Kirk
Co Louth will have 13 school building projects over the next three years as a part of the recent plans announced by Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn. Two brand new schools will be founded in the Dundalk area as a part of the provisions for Ireland’s growing student population as well as some new school buildings and extensions to existing schools. A new school that will hold 1000 second level pupils is due to be built and completed by 2014. No site for the school has yet been decided. CEO of Co. Louth VEC, Dr. Pádraig Kirk, has said that it is critical that the site for the new post-primary school earmarked for Dundalk is given full and detailed consideration before its location is finalised. Co. Louth VEC is making an application to the Department to become patron of the new school and have been active in engaging with the public in recent months to spell out its vision. Another school in Ballymakenny will also be built by 2013. In addition to the new schools a number of existing schools will get new school buildings. According to the Department of Education Ardee’s Educate Together will move from its current building to a new purpose built facility. St Francis’ School in Blackrock, which currently operates largely from prefabs will also have a new school building by the end of the year. St Mary’s second level school,
otherwise known as The Marist, will also have a new building dedicated to technology and sciences. It will be situated on their existing site in Dundalk town. Meanwhile Ardee Community School will have its current building extended. A number of primary schools in the area are also due to have their current school building extended. St Joseph’s National School, Scoil Ui Mhuire, and the CBS Primary will all benefit from larger campuses in the next few years. Four more building projects are taking place in the Drogheda area. All the school building projects are due to be completed by 2016. Peter Fitzpatrick TD was the first to welcome the news locally stating “These projects will not only have a huge impact on the teachers, pupils and local communities, across Louth/East Meath that benefit from new and improved school facilities, they will also give a significant boost in terms of job creation.” Recent figures released by the Central Stastics Office show the highest number of births registered in any quarter since 1960. They predict an additional 30,850 primary school pupils requiring school places between now and 2014. Total enrolment in primary schools is expected to grow from 509,650 pupils in the current school year to 554,700 pupils in 2018. At second level, an additional 24,900 pupils will need places between now and 2017 with a further 40,800 places needed between 2017 and 2024.
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Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
Michaela Byrne’s 21st Party
sen by him for learning purposes. The pieces were a march called Punchinello, an Irish Blessing and a piece named Eire by Melanie Donahue. The members of Ardee came together again on Sunday morning to do some more work on the test piece for the national championships with the tutors with the additional expertise of James McCafferty of the Garda Band. On Sunday afternoon it was the turn of the Youth Band to have workshops. “This was a wonderful opportunity for the younger members” said Fiona Reilly PRO “they all enjoyed their afternoon and gained a lot from it”. All in all it was a great success”.
in Brief Castletown ICA
Castletown ICA meet every Wednesday night in O’Hanlon Park hall at 8pm. New members are welcome. Contact 087 1303355.
SOSAD Charity Night A charity night in aid of SOSAD will be held in Ridleys Bar on Friday March 16. The night will include, Who’s Eddie, an auction and raffle. Michaela (second from left) with her family, Dean, Caroline, Lorna, Ashley and David Byrne. Michaela celebrated her 21st birthday in the Lillywhite Lounge in Oriel Park on Saturday night
Event begins at 9pm and admission is €10.
CD of Local Artists A new CD featuring local singers Stewart Agnew and David Martin, with contributions by Dundalk poet Kathleen Maddy has been released with proceeds of the sale going to St Patrick’s Parish, Dundalk. The CD is a true collaboration if Dundalk’s best. The performers are local people with enormous talent. The tracks were even mastered at Probeat Studios here in Dundalk.
James Byrne and Rachel Gover
Sam and Ingrid Mc Alester
Priced at €10, the CD is available in Stairway To Heaven, Carrolls Bookshop, or on-line at www. writteninireland.com. Ingrid Mc Alester, Michaela Byrne
rty Crystal Eve McAlester, Kimberly Goga Alester
and Sam Mc Alester
and Natasha Mc
Chris Smyth, Ashley Byrne and Declan Lloyd
Return for Trial Gerard Rogan (30) 5, Crescent One, Muirhevnamor who is charged with assault causing harm and the production of an article in the course of a fight/dispute, was sent forward for trial to the Circuit Court starting on April 17.
Musical memories Saturday March 10 was a momentous day for Ardee Concert Band when they hosted an intense musical workshop and were delighted to be joined by their guests for the day, the Britannia Concert Band from Derry. After some welcoming speeches from Austin Nevin chairman of Ardee and from Colin Laird, chairman of Britannia, the workshop began with sectional master classes given by professional tutors Brendan Breslin of the Garda Band. Alice Nolan and David Collins of the RTE Symphony Orchestra. After lunch the two bands formed together for the afternoon under the baton of Brendan performing the three pieces that were cho-
News
and Brendan Byrne, Laura Mc Gahon
Mary Byrne
He was remanded at the local district court on his own bail of €1,000, subject to conditions that he resides at his address and stay out of Slieve Foy Park. He is alleged to have committed the offences on April 30 last. He was assigned solicitor Conor McGuill and one counsel to represent him at the trial.
Life in the Spirit Life in the Spirit seminar on Wednesday March 14 in St Nicholas Church Dundalk at 7.30pm. Rosary will start at 7.15pm followed by Holy Mass. Guest speaker this week will Fr Ronnie Mitchell. Rachel Riordan, Naomi Killeen, Michaela Byrne, Aine Dollard and Mairead Gover
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Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
Appliances
Blinds
Conservatories/Windows/Sunrooms
Boiler Services
Couriers
Blinds
Builder
Cleaning
Electrical
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Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
Sliding Wardrobes
Gardening
Gravel
Skips
Sliding Wardrobes Top Soil
Locksmiths
Skips
Windows
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Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
Renault Vans Number 1 in Louth
Renault recorded a fantastic double in County Louth for the months of January and February with Renault vans the best selling brand. Renault finished the two months with a total market share in Louth of 34% and this is nearly three
times the Renault national share of 12%. “We have the best retail offers for cars and vans in the market at the moment” commented Donal Waters, Sales Director of Blackstone Renault Drogheda. “With the Renault Trade-in Booster all customers get a trade-in allowance plus a booster allowance of €2000 and with Renault Finance offering 4.9% APR it would be fair to say that we are able to package some great deals for our customers”. “Our van sales have grown dramatically over the past year. 1 in every 3 new vans sold in Louth is now a Renault and we
know the 5 year unlimited mileage warranty on our van range is playing a huge part in proving the quality of the range is second to none”
The future is bright with Renault launching the Fluence ZE the fully electric version of the highly successful Renault Fluence this month along
with the new Renault Scenic range. To get more information on all offers available from Renault contact Blackstone Renault Drogheda.
Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012
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Dundalk Leader 14th March 2012