25-07-2012 by Peter Kierans

18,000 COPIES WEEKLY Seafest in Photos

Young Ireland’s Cic Saor

Page 12

Page 10

Music for the new generation Page 8

Wednesday, 25th July, 2012. Vol. 5, Issue 30 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth. Tel: 042 9320888. Fax: 042 9329676. Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com; advertising@dundalkleader.com

Dundalk takes action to ‘Save Our Club’ by Paul Byrne The Dundalk FC Community Trust relaunches tomorrow night in the Lilywhite Lounge in Oriel Park and prior to that meeting they have issued a rallying call for the people of Dundalk to come out and help make a difference. “We need to get the community back together and get them to believe in the club and the ownership again. We need them to support the team, support the team and feel like they’re a part of it again. We want to get people excited about Dundalk FC again.” Simon Blackmore is Chairman of Dundalk FC Community Trust and he is obviously very passionate about the club he has supported for over thirty years. A son of Dundalk FC leg-

€1.1 mIllion cut to County Council funds

Simon Blackmore Chairman of Dundalk FC Community Trust who will be present at the relaunch of the Trust in the Lilywhite Lounge on Thursday evening.

end Richie Blackmore, Simon and the rest of the Trust have recently officially expressed their interest in a takeover of Dundalk FC. Now is the right time for change insists Simon. “Over the last couple of

years Gerry Matthews has said he wants out and it’s clear that the club is in a pretty shambolic state at this stage. So we’ve been trying to put together a way for him to get out and for us, the fans, to take over the club.

“On Thursday night we are having a launch night for the Trust where we will hold a discussion on the future of Dundalk football Club and explain how a community owned football club model can work. Cont page 2

THERE will be more than €1.1 million worth of services cut from Co Louth by the government it was announced last week. The cuts amounts to 12.5% reduction in Government funding to the County. Louth County Council must now review their budgets and will present the plans detailing the cuts to the Council in September. Spokesperson for the Council, Paddy Donnelly, said that it was too early to indicate where the cuts might be made. Louth County Council took the same view as the County and City Managers Association’s position. The CCMA expressed their “disappointment that the level of Household Charge payments has resulted in local (Cont page 2)

€1.1m cut to services in County Louth Dundalk Leader 25th July 2012

Continued from Page 1

authorities funding being cut further.” The CCMA Chairman, Mr. Hubert Kearns said that “The level of the cuts can be reduced if those who have not yet paid the household

charge come forward and pay the charge as soon as possible. Early payment will also prevent further penalties accruing.” However spokesperson for the Department of Local Government said there were a number of factors taken

into consideration when deciding amounts to be cut. There were angry reactions to the announcement. Louth Fianna Fail TD Seamus Kirk accused Environment Minister Phil Hogan of punishing the Local Authorities for the chaos

he has created over the collection of the household charge. “This an extremely serious development that will cause enormous problems for Louth County Council. It is Minister Hogan’s fault, and not the fault of the

Council, that the collection of the household charge was woefully mismanaged from the start. “That Minister Hogan would even consider penalising local authorities for the chaos that he created is a disgrace. Not only is it deeply unfair, it

will lead to serious funding problems in city and county councils around the country He warned that the Council would not be able to meet its commitments to local communities in the face of such a significant cut. He added “Minister Hogan’s

bullish approach has already caused great confusion and distress to homeowners across the North East. Now people in Louth are learning that their local services are in the firing line as a result of the mess that the Minister himself made.”

Dundalk takes action to ‘Save Our Club’ Continued from Page 1 “What we need is for people to come along and hear what we have to say about community ownership.” explains Simon. “I think fan ownership is the way forward for league of Ireland football. Bohs, Cork, Shamrock Rovers are all owned by supporters. Foras Cork in particular have been very successful and they actually turned a profit this year.” he adds.

The Dundalk Community Trust are a group of supporters who do various things around the club like run the merchandising store, the sweet shop and the website etc. They regularly sponsor match days in Oriel Park and last year they contributed in or around €40,000 to the club. Currently the ‘Trust’ have roughly 25 members on their committee with a further 120 taking part in their patron scheme. They are a

fiercely passionate group of supporters but according to Simon their numbers need to be increased. “Owners come and go but fans are a constant and they deserve to have a say in how the club is run. It’s a necessity at this stage that somebody does step in because the club has stagnated so badly over the last few years. “There’s an appetite there for people to get involved which we seen last week with the Save our Club meeting

which attracted a great crowd. They’re doing great work at the moment organising a comedy gig in the Crowne Plaza on the 30th August and the ‘Project Dundalk’ live music concert on August 5th. “I’d be hopeful for the future of the club at this moment in time. Adversity tends to make people stronger. I was worried about a month ago when we weren’t getting crowds in and nobody seemed to care. Everybody seemed so apathetic but with

the Save our Club initiative that sort of focused people’s attention on the severity of the situation.” says Simon. “It’s going to be a long slog and a lot of hard work but if we pull together we can make this happen” The Dundalk FC Community Trust meeting will take place tomorrow evening at 8:30pm in the Lilywhite Lounge. All are urged to attend. The future of Dundalk FC is in your hands.

Wimbledon star’s local connections As Sheffield’s Jonny Marray and doubles partner Frederik Nielsen took part in the Wimbledon doubles tennis final, one family in Carlingford were on the edge of their seat as they cheered on their now famous relative. Marray, 31, is a nephew of Eilish and Brendan McKevitt from Carlingford and a first cousin of their children, Aoife Art and Glaisne. Speaking after Jonny’s incredible victory, which earned him the hefty sum of €160,000 (more than half his previous total career earnings), Eilish said: “We are so proud of Jonny. We couldn’t get tickets for the final as it was sold out so we watched it at home in Carlingford. When he won the final we went absolutely crazy. “My daughter said that if anybody had been passing the house they would have thought somebody was getting murdered. We just screamed the place down!” laughs Eilish ”I couldn’t actually watch the final set as I was just too nervous. Once it went two sets each I left the room and I only came back in when I heard the children yelling that

he’d won “It really is an incredible story as he’s 31 years old now which is quite old in tennis terms. He has suffered

with a sore shoulder for years and had to give up playing singles a couple of years back because of it” explains Eilish. According to Eilish,

Jonny was a regular visitor to Carlingford as a youngster. “Jonny would have got on well with my children and he spent many

summers over here when he was growing up” Despite not making it to Wimbledon the McKevitts got into the spirit of the famous

tennis championships by sipping Pimms and eating strawberries and cream as they watched Jonny capture an unlikely doubles title.

Celebrating his win in the men’s doubles

Jonny Marry on court at Wimbledon.

Dundalk Leader 25th July 2012

Life long supporters hope for Club’s survival “This club has given me so many great memories over the years. I’ve been going up to Oriel Park for almost 60 years now and I still get the same buzz today as I did back in the early days. Dundalk FC would lay a huge part in my life to be honest” Roy Mackin first went up to Oriel Park in 1954 with his father Jim to see Dundalk play St Patrick’s Athletic. He was immediately hooked. “The whole buzz and atmosphere of match day just really hit home straight away for me” says Roy. My father would have been a big fan and I suppose his enthusiasm passed on to me. The Mackin’s love for Dundalk FC is still going strong today with Roy’s sons Andrew, Robert, Wayne and Simon all season ticket holders. Andrew who now lives in Cork says a fourth generation of Mackin support has begun with his son Cian recently doing mas-

Andrew insists the club must be saved at all costs. “People of the town have to come down to Oriel Park and support their local club. We need to get behind the team and ensure that this great club is still here in years to come.” Andrew’s brother Wayne echoed these sentiments saying “We should be getting three or four thousand people up here. Great memories are created in Oriel Park. My earliest memory is sitting on top of Andrew, Roy and Wayne Mackin Dad’s shoulders watching the cot when Dundalk played FC. We’ve had some great Spurs game in the early 80’s. Cork. European nights over the Magic times. We need to get For Roy the club is much years. Games against Celtic, those days back.” he insists. more than just a game of Tottenham, FC Utrecht, PSV Roy who can still be found football on a Friday evening. and Ajax were wonderful oc- singing his heart out in the “I’ve made so many friends casions and we gave a few shed on a match night also through supporting this of those teams huge frights urged the people of the town to support their club. club. I come up to the Lily- over the years”. white Lounge every Sunday The Mackin’s support for the “Come down next Friday evening for a couple of pints club went above and beyond evening and give it a chance. with a gang we call ‘The Sun- the call of duty when they This is our club and we need day Night Club’. donated €1600 to the club to support them. The fans “Some of my best ever during the ‘Trevor Anderson’ have to save Dundalk FC. Dundalk FC forever” . memories involve Dundalk era.

New school building for St Mary’s College in 2015

FUNDING for the construction of a new school building at St Mary’s College Dundalk has been confirmed under the national €2.5bn Stimulus Package. The 900 student capacity school will be located right next to the current school building on land provided by the Marist Brothers. The project has been ear marked for 2015/2016 and will be delivered under a Public Private Partnership Programme which will see private sector bearing the initial costs. The funding for the stimulus package comes from four main sources, the sale of state assets, European Investment Bank, the National Pensions reserve and revenue from

public- private partnership. Earlier this year Minister Rurai Quinn’s announced that 56 national school building projects would be undertaken this year and as well as projects already in the pipelines, will see an influx of education services in the area. Co Louth will have 13 school building projects over the next three years as a part of the recent plans announced by the minister. Local TD’s and Minister’s welcomed the news. Fine Gael TD Peter Fitzpatrick said “It is my understanding that the school which currently houses St. Mary’s is in a considerable state of disrepair and that the cost of restorative works would be significant. A new build therefore makes finan-

cial sense as it will ensure that a building that is completely up to scratch is delivered for the students.” Former teacher, Senator Mary Moran welcomed the package “In the Education sector I am particularly pleased to see that St. Mary’s College in Dundalk has been awarded a completely new replacement school. It reinforces the commitment which Labour and this Government has to ensuring educational facilities match the needs of our 21st century school population. I am delighted that my efforts to secure this project for Dundalk have had a positive outcome. Procurement will commence on all the Education projects in 2013 on a rolling basis.”

Cllr Sharkey says Gaeltacht Bill is ‘undemocratic’ Sinn Fein County Councillor in Louth, Tomás Sharkey has described the decision to rush through the Gaeltacht Bill as ‘one of the most undemocratic acts of this government’s term so far’. Cllr Sharkey was speaking last Thursday after opposition members of the Dail staged a mass walkout in protest at the government’s han-

dling of the bill. The Minister of State at the Department of the Gaeltacht, Dinny McGinley, said that the need for change is critical as only one in four people in Gaeltacht areas are currently speaking Irish on a daily basis. However, many politicians on the opposition benches think the

bill is being rushed through the Dail without any proper discussion or debate. Critics of the bill say the legislation fails to protect the language or provide a positive and constructive strategy for future growth. According to Cllr Sharkey the new bill will also reduce democracy in the Gaeltacht areas.

“One of the major issues is the government’s plans to end directly elected Údarás na Gaeltachta election.” stressed Cllr Sharkey. “From now on County Councillors will be nominated to a reduced Údarás board which in effect reduces democracy in the Gaeltacht areas” he added. “There has been little or no con-

sultation with the Gaeltacht communities during this whole process and it’s disgusting how the government are trying to rush this bill through before the summer break. “I have to say that it’s very disappointing that the government seem to be working against us at a time when we are doing our bit to try and promote the language” con-

cluded the Sinn Fein councillor. Despite the mass walkout of opposition TD’s, which included Louth TD Gerry Adams, Dinny McGinley carried on and delivered the final stages of the bill, stating that he hoped he wouldn’t “ever experience anything like it again but I think it’s more a reflection on them than on us”.

Dundalk Leader 25th July 2012

Steam Engine Rally

Running on steam - the four day long trip will stop off in Cooley.

A steam engine rally which will take place in aid of ‘Tiny Life’ the premature baby charity will stop off in Cooley tomorrow night as part of its four day journey from Castlewellan to Lusk. Mickey Brannigan who is a member of Seaforde Vintage Club in Co. Down has joined forces with his friends in the Irish Steam Engine Owners Association and North Louth order Vintage Club to put on a four day extravaganza which will see six vintage engines travel through Omeath, Carlingford, Fitzpatricks,

Cooley and Ravensdale as well as Dundalk. Mickey will travel in his vintage engine called ‘The Star of the County Down’ which he built himself and is looking forward to raising some money for Tiny Life. ““Tiny Life is a charity very close to my heart. My youngest daughter as well as two grandchildren were born premature and this charity helps premature babies and offers their families much needed support and advice. We are delighted to be able to do our bit in raising awareness and funds for them.” explained

Mickey. “W will have six engines with us on the journey from north and south of the border and the plan is to stop off in Cooley on the 26th of July for a bit of a do in the hall. I understand there will be a band playing on the night and I’d like to thank the North Louth Border Vintage Club for organising the hall for us. Anybody who wishes to support Mickey and ‘Tiny Feet’ are welcome to go to Cooley Hall tomorrow night to enjoy a fun filled evening which will include music from ‘The Vibes’

Louth Economic Forum launched The Louth Economic Forum launched its Education and Training Report last week. The ten-point action plan was officially launched by Vice president of Global Operations with PayPal Louise Phelan at DkIT’s PJ Carroll Buildings. The report states that the main challenge is to meet the changing needs of businesses and industry in an informed and coordinated manner. I DkIT is identified as being of significant importance and the provision of education, training and research opportunities in the IT is to be developed. The task group hopes to see DkIT achieve

its longstanding ambition of being awarded University status by forging links with Dublin City University. Eight ‘Action Areas’ were identified in the report including a task group focused on education and training who will promote mutual support between the business and education sectors. Another areas that the task group will also keep people up to date on the developing educational and training needs within their profession and the promotion of life ling learning in the County. Another significant aspect of the action plan is the ambition to provide skills

L o u T provides the mechanism forY bringing the main educationfi and training providers andw industry and business sectorA y representatives in the countyR together to work collaborativelys to provide targeted and hight quality education and trainingc programmes that employersv want and employees need. Thiss could well be a first for Co.G w Louth on this scale”. It is hoped that the first steps P of setting up of the task groupY will occur quickly in order tor capitalize on the Governments‘ Action Pan for Jobs 2012. z

required for personal, social and economic developments to help people effectively respond to the changed circumstances and to improve their employability. To achieve this the task force will aim to see programmes and courses that will run in various flexible formats to accommodate different needs. Dr. Pádraig Kirk, CEO of the VEC, said that, “the Louth County Development Board, and its Louth Economic Forum under the Chairmanship of Mr. Padraic White, are to be congratulated on bringing It is one of six reports due to to fruition a very succinct and tangible plan. This plan be published ny LEF.

Local girl helps raise funds for ‘Share a dream’

Kind hearted Sarah Louise Kerley has done her bit for the ‘Share a Dream’ foundation by raising funds for the charitable organisation. Sarah-Louise’s sister Brooklyn has battled Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus since she was a young child and last year won a bravery award at the ‘Share a Dream National Children of Courage’ ceremony. As part of her prize Brooklyn was whisked off to EuroDisney in Paris courtesy of the Share a Dream founda-

Sarah Louise, Brooklyn and Nora Kerley, Dean Sheilds with Madeline and Eva Bait

tion. According to Sarah Louise, Brooklyn had a magical time at the popular Paris venue and the

experience inspired her “I saw how delighted to help raise money for Brooklyn was when the foundation to help ‘Share a Dream’ brought other sick children. her to Eurodisney last

A year and I thought IC would like to help outp the charity by raisinga some money for them.”w explained Sarah Louise. s “Obviously when i you’re organising these s things you always have a it in the back of your c head that nobody will show up but as you canh see here today we’ve had a great turn out andw people have really comea out and supported us. y After the success of Saturday’s charity foot-g ball match, Sarah-Louisec says she hopes to makew o it an annual event.

Local kids enjoy a summer of fun as youth projects get under way. The Redeemer Summer Youth Project has just nfinished its annual three dweek summer programme. Around 300 children and young people from the yRedeemer parish and the ysurrounding areas parhticipated in the workshops gclasses and activities. Many svolunteers, ‘The House’ sstaff and local community Gardai all helped make the whole programme a great psuccess. Pressure on the Sumer pYouth Project was greatly oreduced by the backing of s‘Secret Millionare’ John Fitzpatrick who visited Dun-

Dundalk Leader 25th July 2012

Secret millionaire returns to Dundalk

The legacy of Sean Fitzpatrick’s visit to Dundalk as the Secret MIllionare is still felt as his donation continues to help support summer youth projects.

dalk last year. His donation of €3k to the project was a significant help in keeping the cost of the project down for those participating. Something for which organisers are deeply grateful.

A spokesperson for the group said: “We would like to thank the local businesses, councillors and barristers & solicitors from the courthouse in Dundalk, Co. Louth VEC, Dun Dealgan School Com-

pletion Programme and Redeemer Parish priests who support us every year and without their kind donations we wouldn’t have the quality of service that we are able to provide.

New primary care centre for Louth By Niamh Kirk

A NEW Primary Care Centre for Co Louth will be developed as a tpart of the €2bn Stimulus Package gannounced by the Government last ”week. the primay care package will see those who suffer from chronic illnesses such as diabeties, asthma, e stroke and more be treated either at home or in the Primary care centre, reducing the need to visit l hospitals. e Primary care facilities like this will be opened in twenty locations earound Ireland over the next two years. f As a part of the programe for -government the access to health ecare based on need and not income was a priority and a key objective of the Primary Care Strategy is to

develop services in the community which will give people direct access to integrated, multi-disciplinary teams of general practitioners, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and other health care professionals. In a developed primary care system, up to 95% of people’s day-to-day health and social care needs can be met in the primary care setting. Fine Gael TD for Louth Peter Fitzpatrick said, “It will come as a great boost to the people of Louth that a new Primary Care Centre is planned for Drogheda North. The new centre will make a real difference to the way in which the people of Louth access health care services in the community.” ““Primary Care Centres, like

the new one to be provided in Drogheda North, will be the first point of contact for people who need to access health services in the years ahead. In a developed Primary Care system, as envisaged by the Government, up to 95% of people’s day-to-day health and social care needs can be provided in a community setting. “The new centre will make a substantial difference to the lives of people in Louth. As well as treating illness, the centre in Drogheda North will help people to care for themselves, such as those with a long-term illness, and it will also help to prevent serious illness from occurring in the first place by providing easily accessible health services in the community.”

240 hours community service for church burglary

Thomas Smyth (30) of Doolargy Avenue was sentenced to 240 hours community service in respect of a burglary at the Friary Church. It was one of a number of offences that he admitted at Dundalk Court last December and was put back for a report to see whether he was suitable to do community service in lieu of 12 months in jail. The burglary took place in the early hours of February 26th last year during which the office at the church was ransacked and the keys of the safe stolen. He was also charged with criminal damage on the same date to Dublin Street Post Office. Smyth was found in possession of a plastic bag and a hammer and green paint on it outside the Post Office. The door of the post office had green paint on it and indentations. He also admitted on May 18th last year a theft at the Imperial Hotel and on January 21 last year was found in possession of €20 of cannabis. Judge Brennan adjourned other charges against the defendant to November 21st.

News

in Brief Chamber of Commerce

Dundalk Chamber of Commerce is continuing its support of enterprising individuals in Dundalk who are in need of office space but may not yet be in a position to make the move on their own. The offices are located in the Finnabair Business Park on the and are being offered at a significantly reduced rate and support services included. mobexirl@gmail. com. Francis Murphy 0877671625.

Man Utd Supporters

The Dundalk Branch AGM will be held on Thursday July 26 at 8pm in McCourts Bar, Francis, St. Due to ticket allocation this season being solely based on membership numbers in the branch and the official closing date set by MUFC being Saturday July 31 all existing and new members must have paid in full by that date. Membership prices Adult €45 Jnr. € 35

Dundalk Leader 25th July 2012

Fitzpatrick welcomes Personal Insolvency Bill The news that the ‘Personal Insolvency Bill’ will be enacted by the end of the year has been enthusiastically welcomed by Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick. The proposed law allows people who have borrowed less than €20,000 and who have relatively few assets to apply for a particular type of debt forgiveness. Speaking in the Dail last

week Deputy Fitzpatrick spoke of the importance of the new legislation to the wider business community and said he would have no hesitation in commending it to the house. “I welcome the opportunity to discuss this legislation. As an elected Deputy for the past 18 months, I have dealt with personal queries from dis-

tressed constituents throughout the county “As a businessman, I have seen the devastation that bankruptcy can cause for people and their families.” he explained. “To fail in business is not a crime or a source of embarrassment, nor should it be a slur on one’s character. As in life, what is unforgivable is not

trying again. “In my constituency, I have seen fabulous examples of people overcoming great adversity to come back stronger in their business, personal and sporting lives. “Whether in life, business or sport, I never advocate lying down, but always encourage people to try again.” he added.

The Fine Gael TD went on to criticise current legislation describing it as ‘draconian’ and insisting that it only served to prevent people from returning to business and trying again. The proposed legislation passed the second stage in the Dáil, last night, without a vote. Next the Bill will move on to the Committee Stage.

Louth Music Generation Workshops The 2012 summer program has proven to be very popular as hundreds of children across the county have taken part in vocal and instrumental workshops. The Ready to Rock one day workshop generated a huge amount of interst and a second workshop in drumming, guitar and vocals is planned in Dunleer for Thursday July 26. Bush Post Primary will host a day of traditional music led by renowned fiddler Zoe Conway. Trad Together, is a oneday ensemble workshop for intermediate and advanced players aged 12 and over. Younger players over 7 can come along to Trad Time to learn new tunes on the whistle and try out the fiddle and flute. This will be followed by ‘Tune

Preparing for the Ready to Rock concert at O’Fiaich College, Dundalk with help from tutor James Mackin on drums.

Members of Louth Junior String Orchestra rehearsing at O’Fiaich College, Dundalk with help from tutor Clare Sweeney on cello.

In,’ which concludes on August 9 at Bush Postprimary School. On the day well-known guitarist John McIntyre will be leding two guitar ensemble workshops, one

support existing and new learners and will cater for a wide range of musical tastes, from classical to rock, pop and dance to traditional/folk and music technology from

for junior players and one for intermediate/advanced level players. Music Generation is Co Louth’s music service that aims to help children and young peo-

ple up to eighteen years of age access vocal and instrumental tuition. Over the next three years, Music Generation Louth will initiate a variety of new programs to

beginner through to advanced level. Programs will be open to children and young people aged up to 18 years of age and will be available as after-school activities at

Airborne survey’s final flight It became a regular sight in the skies over Co Louth but the Tellus Border Geological survey aircraft has made its final flight. It flew almost 60,000 kilometers as it conducted the survey to gather data that will help scientists better understand the soils, rocks, water and natural resources of Ireland’s border counties.

The airborne survey was part of the wider project which also included a ground survey focusing on soil, stream water and sediment sampling. A new phase of the project will begin shortly, whereby scientists at the Geological Surveys of Ireland and Northern Ireland will produce maps for a variety of end-users

including environmental managers, policy-makers, the agricultural sector and private industry. Maps and data will be freely available to all in 2013, culminating in a major end of project conference planned for October 2013. Ray Scanlon, Principal Geologist at the Geological Survey of Ireland said

that the completion of this stage of the project will greatly add to our understanding of the environment we live in: “We’re excited to begin processing the data collected from both the airborne and ground surveys, which will be combined with the information previously gathered in Northern Ireland to

provide a new and exciting take on the geology of this area.” “We would like to thank people in the border region for their support and interest during the airborne survey, as well as the Irish Aviation Authority and the Irish Farmers Association who greatly helped in the smooth progress of the project.”

Money stolen from filling 2,000 jobs to be created station was not recovered over next six years

Dundalk Court heard how a 33 year-old local man entered the office at a filling station and stole money. Robert Maguire of Saint Helena’s Park admitted the offence at the Maxol Station on the Castletown Road on March 13 last when he appeared in front of Judge Flan Brennan. The Judge was told the defendant had 53 previous convictions and

was currently serving an eight month sentence in Wheatfield prison. He sentenced him to a further eight months jail, dating from Wednesday last. His solicitor Conor McGuill said that the defendant was using drugs heavily. Since he entered custody he was availing of the facilities. Detective Garda Joe Ryan said that the stolen money was not recovered.

Dundalk IT’s Springboard Courses aims include placing its students at the forefront of employment opportunities and it has certainly achieved that with their focus of green energy courses. Last week the Government announced that over the next six years more than 2000 jobs would be created nationally in developing wind energy in Ireland. A certificate in Wind Energy is

offered through DkIT as a part of the initiative to provide unemployed people the opportunity to retrain and up-skill in sectors that are expanding and need people with the right skills to fill jobs. A spokesperson for Springbord said that she was interested in speaking to anyone who thinks that a Springboard course can equip them with the skills that will be needed to fill these jobs.

regional centers across the county. For more information on how to get involved visit www. musicgeneration .ie

News

in Brief Minority Groups

One of the County’s ongoing PEACE III projects has invited submission from professional and community based arts groups to run projects that promote inclusion and integration of minority groups in the county. The funding will facilitate arts professionals/ communities in using their talents, skills and resources to extend their working practices and activities to include the minority communities as a method of negating racism and sectarianism. There are two strands to the VEC’s Peace of Art Project; 1) An Integration Program and, 2) A Group Project. Under strand 2 of the project, submissions are particularly welcome from those groups that have not yet been able to avail of PEACE III funding. The VEC also welcomes proposals that have a cross border dimension. The funding available is limited to a maximum of €5,000 per proposal. The deadline for receipt of submissions is 4pm Friday 20 August.

Caught on CCTV damaging door

Dundalk Leader 25th July 2012

Call for safety audit on Blayney Road

Councillor Tomás Sharkey is calling on the National Roads Authority to carry out a Safety Audit on the Dundalk/ Castleblaney Road in Co Louth. The road is currently being upgraded but the local Sinn Féin councillor is concerned An 18-year-old youth, that three newly created who was caught on junctions do not have hard shoulders or right CCTV causing damage turning boxes. to a stationary shop, was Councillor Sharkey sentenced to six months says “I have campaigned since my first ever counjail for the offence. Conor Agnew of Fa- cil meeting in September the NRA to make sure I have written to Mr Fred tima Drive, Dundalk 2003 for the Castleblaney that no opportunity is lost Barry, CEO of the NRA Road to be made safer. is already serving a The current scheme is an to make the road as safe asking that a Safety Audit sentence from which improvement but I want as possible. That is why be carried out.” he is due for release next April, and had 36 convictions recorded against him Dundalk Court was tol Garda Inspector John Foudy said that CCTV showed the defendant acting suspiciously at The state was warned that the “con- before the court, he said. a stationary shop at sequences will be serious” if they The defendant faced eight existing Crowe Street on April do not have the Book of Evidence charges, four for the alleged possesst 1 last. He was pushing against the door of the ready in a week in a case involving sion of drugs, and a similar number for possession for the purpose of sale shop and picked up a €500,000 worth of drugs. The defence solicitor applied at or supply at Farm Road, Adamstown, rock. He ran into the Dundalk Court on Wednesday last Dunleer on October 25 st. grounds of Saint for the case to be struck out against Garda Inspector John Foudy, prosePatrick’s Cathedral and Christopher Agnew (25) Mullavalley, cuting, said that a very comprehensive was pursued and later Louth Village because of the inordiinvestigation was entailed with the nate delay in processing it. arrested. The alleged offences date back to drugs involved valued at €500,000. Solicitor Conor McGuill said the defend- October last year and the state had The book he was told would be ready ant very much regretted now brought two fresh charges. The in a week and asked for an adjournthe offence, and came to case was before the court since No- ment to this Wednesday which was court by arrangement. vember last and had been four times granted by Judge Flan Brennan.

Serious consequences if book of evidence not ready in €500,000 drugs case

Dundalk Leader 25th July 2012

Kochani; ponieważ mamy lato, najbliższe spotkanie w Shamrock Pub odbędzie się pod hasłem “hawajskie party”. Piasku nie będzie, z przyczyn technicznych - przepraszamy ;) Całośc zapasu została wykorzystana zimą zeszłego roku. Będzie za to cała masa innych atrakcji. Urządzimy sobie wakacyjny wieczór. Przebrani jak gdyby za oknem pubu była plaża i przepiękne słońce, a nie irlandzkie chmury, deszcz i wiatr (zatem wszelkie letnie sukienki, sloneczne kapelusze, spodniczki z trawy, wzorzyste, hawajskie koszule, a dla odwaznych stroje kapielowe - mile wiedziane). Atmosferę wewnątrz podgrzejemy sami słonecznymi piosenkami i jasnymi, od uśmiechów, buziami ;) Przygotowaliśmy muzykę klubową i regge oraz przeboje lata z radiem, zabawy i konkursy. Jak zwykle zabieramy z sobą ogromną dawkę pogodnego nastroju i poczucie humoru, a także sok malinowy, do piwka. 27 lipca, w ostatni piątek miesiąca, tradycyjnie startujemy o godzinie 20tej, a kończymy przed północą. Dzieci mogą zostac w pubie do 21.30 - 22.00. Gorąco zapraszamy! a naszej stałej ekipie: Tamarze, Tomkom, Malwinie, Ewie, Krzyskowi, Eugeniuszowi, Wojtkowi, Marcinowi przypominamy. Olo, brakowało nam Cię bardzo ostatnio i Twojego wałbrzyskiego poczucia humoru, podczas wspólnego oglądania Misia - miałeś byc gościem honorowym i opowiedziec o piciu z głownym bohaterem? Czekamy w piątek. Właśnie dziś pierwsze spotkanie ma Klub Młodej Mamy, z niecierpliwością czekamy na wieści, wszystkie dziewczyny, które chciałyby dowiedziec się bardziej szczegółowych informacji odsyłam do Moniki Domki 0857443314 lub Moniki Pawluczuk 0857033335 - inicjatorek klubu. Pozdrawiam - Agnieszka Boniewicz

The Innovative Dundalk Young Ireland Club Committee are thinking on their feet with a view towards eliminating their Bank Loan and raising some much needed money for the club. The “Cic Saor Competition” was launched last Saturday morning in the club grounds with the help of

Minister to inspect cycle lanes Minister for Transport Alan Kelly will visit Dundalk in order to inspect the progress of Dundalk’s Cycle Lanes this September following recommended changes to the project by a National Transport Authority Engineer. An Engineer conducted an inspection on July 13 which resulted in a number of issues being raised including the difficulty of Fire engines accessing the area, the location of the traffic signal pole, loading area for local business, parking, line markings and the over all efficiency of the junction. Town Engineer Catherine Duff wrote to the local Councilors to inform them that following the review their consultants have been requested to redraw the junctions layout with the recommendation included. The cycle lanes have been the subject of heavy debate as residents groups, Cycling enthusiasts, Senators, Council-

Senator Mary Moran.

lors and online review groups weighing in on discussion by calling for some changes to be made. Senator Mary Moran was following up on a number of queries by local residents and road users as to the design work of the cycle lanes when she requested that the Department of Transport get involved. She said “Nothing was going to change with these cycle lanes before I asked Minister

Kelly to get involved. I am delighted that he accepted my request to come and see the cycle lanes in the first place and that he has committed to coming back to the town to ensure the matters are resolved. The people of Dundalk have been left in a desperate situation and I am delighted to use my role as Senator to see this improve. “Having raised the issue in the Seanad I met with Minister Alan Kelly and invited him to

come and see for himself what the issues were, and I commend him for taking the time to view all the works and to speak with local residents and business owners.” Following the inspection the Minister appointed an engineer to identify the extent of the problems. Senator Moran said that among the changes proposed is the removal of the red markings on the Jocelyn/Chapel Street Junction. A further review of the Stapleton Place, Chapel Street and Seatown cycle lanes will also happen in the near future. Senator Moran added “I have been keeping Minister Kelly fully informed of progress to date and he has undertaken to come on another visit to Dundalk in September to see what progress has been made. I have also asked for details on how much the recommended changes will cost and who will be responsible for carrying out the recommended work

Festival of Lights

Market Square role as a hub of business and cultural activity in Dundalk is set to continue throughout winter as the Chamber of Commerce and Town Centre Commercial Managers Office has announced the inaugural Festival of Lights. The festival will feature music from local bands, street theatre, workshops, and choirs and of course, light. Retailers are being asked to extend their operating hours and to contribute to the festival in any way they can. The festivities will kick off on Friday 16 November with the Festival of Lights Parade.

Dundalk Young Ireland’s Cic Saor GAA stars, Paddy Keenan, Joe Sheridan and Oisin McConville. The all Ireland Cic Saor championships will take place on the 8th September with the Young Ireland’s confident the event will attract a fantastic core of enthusiastic competitors. The premise of the com-

petition is pretty simple. Basically it is a free taking / point scoring competition, played out over six elimination rounds after which a new all Ireland free taking champion will be crowned. The eventual winner will also receive an estimated €10,000 in Prize money,

with the total prize fund been an estimated €30,000. Anyone 18 years and older is accepted, male or female, with an entry fee of €66. The Dundalk Young Irelands G.F.C Committee hope that this will become an annual event and hope people from all over the country will take part. Club secretary

Pat Hamilton is hopeful that the competition will capture the public’s imagination. “We’re hopeful that people will come out and support us with this project. It’s something different and there’s a fantastic cash prize available for the winner. We’ll be promoting the event over the next month or

so and hopefully people will come down and the fact that it is a randome draw means that ordinary people will be able to test themselves against some of the best GAA players in the country” explained Pat. Dundalk Young Irelands G.F.C is the longest established G.A.A Club in Co.

Louth, having its origins in 1884, the year the G.A.A itself was founded. The Club has an exalted past which includes representing Louth in the very first All Ireland Series ,losing out narrowly to Limerick Commercials in the very first GAA All Ireland Club Final.

Oisin McConville, Adrian McGinn, Paddy Keenan, Joe Sheridan.

Paddy Keenan, Aaron Rogers, Pat Hamilton, Oisin Mc Conville, Joe Sheridan

Members of Dundalk Young Ireland’s with Paddy Keenan, Joe Sheridan, Oisin McConville.

Aaron Rogers, Joe Sheridan, Paddy Keenan, Oisin McConville, Shane O’Connor Paddy Keenan, Aaron Rogers, Pat Hamilton, Oisin McConville, Joe Sheridan

Dundalk Leader 25th July 2012

There was a great turnout for the Protect Rockmarshall Mountain fun walk last weekens as around 400 people from the community gathered to support the project. The fun walk was organised to raise funds to make up the short fall in costs for specialist consultation submission to Louth County Council and An Bord Pleanala objecting to the construction of five wind turbines on the Mountain. Some of the more experienced

walkers climbed up to the corrie lake and continued the short distance to the top of Slievenaglogh from where they enjoyed stunning views over Dundalk Bay and the Cooley Peninsula. The less adventurous travelled along parts of the Annaloughan Loop walk, stopping regularly to enjoy the beautiful vistas. Both walks took place in areas where Gaelectric Developments Ltd. are planning to build a wind

farm which if developed will have a major impact on the community in the area. A spokesperson for the group said that they were delighted with the success of the event which raised much needed funds towards the cost of paying their specialist consultants for their submissions. The organisers said they would like to thank everyone who participated in the walk and the many more who made a donation.

Dundalk Leader 25th July 2012

Seatown Open Air Festival

Home Improvements McCabe enjoy Seafest. ala Smith, Fiona Gogarty, Amanda Natalie Griffin, Margaret Daly, Pam

Lorannae McKevitt, Frances Watters

Jane Fitzsimons and Craig Hanratty

When it comes to maintaining a home, it seems there is always something to do. And with all the rain we’ve been having this ‘summer’ now is probably a good time to get through those little jobs around the house which you’ve been putting off all year.

Owning a house comes with plenty of perks, such as the ability to paint the walls any colour you want. But not everyone sees this type of task as very fun, though the result is usually pleasing.

Painting can be time-consuming and difficult, not to mention dangerous if you have to get up high on a ladder. For this reason, hiring a handyman may be a great idea. Consider the reasons to do so, and then decide if the advantages are worth the money to you.

Keith Cunningham and AnnMarie George

est. , Patricia Duffy and Maurice at Seaf Alex, Maria Clarke, Breige Duffy

Hazel Murphy and Caoimhe Connelly Louise Gilsenan, Claire Boylan and Annie Boylan

Lea McGee, Kelly Hughes and Sarah Wakrim

Gavin Watters and Sam Reilly

DIY is well and good if you know what you are doing but sometimes this practice can prove a false economy with AA home insurance reporting that one in 10 DIY projects go wrong and could end up costing more than €100 to rectify. There are many reasons to consider qualified tradesmen ahead of doing the job yourself. For one, qualified tradesmen are accustomed to dealing with the job at hand - as

Dundalk Leader 25th July 2012

specialists they will work on similar tasks on a daily basis and so should be able to complete the job in a timely manner and with less disruption to you. Similarly, professionals also have access to the correct tools and materials. Attempting to buy and use this equipment yourself could be expensive and risky. In fact, it is illegal for an unqualified person to undertake work on electrical wiring or gas installations - so in many cases it is essential to employ a tradesman. So take some time to go through a list of jobs around your house that need doing. Whether it be plumbing, electrics, painting or even getting your window washed this is the time to get your house back in tip-top condition. Until next summer anyway!

Why is Dundalk Football Club so important to you?

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Those cycle lanes Dear Editor, Over a period of six decades I have cycled, driven, driven a car and buses through Dundalk with ease. The work that has taken place in Stapleton Place, Jocelyn Street and Chapel Street makes that more difficult. Yours, John McGuinness, Blackrock.

Vincent Sharkey

Harry Martin

You need a football club in your town. I come down to Oriel and there’s a real sense of community around here. This is our club and we should support them.

Dundalk FC is a huge part of my life. I’m going up 40 years now. My Dad Jimmy, myself and my son Alfie never miss match. Dundalk FC til’ we die.

1 Books Which 19th Century novel features a Cheshire Cat and a March Hare? 2 Europe The Algarve is a holiday resort in what Country? 3 Nature What name is given to the tail of a Fox ? 4. Politics What position does William Hague hold in the UK government? 5 Ireland Which County is nicknamed the Shortgrass County? 6 Money How many old pennies were there in a guinea? 7 Pop music Who was the only pop star

Pete Treanor’s

Weekly Quiz

to be born on the island of Zanzibar? 8 Local In what Dundalk street was the old Pinny factory? 9 Comedy What was Spike Milligan’s real first name? 10 Sport Jack Charlton’s last game in charge of the Republic of Ireland was played one what ground? This Week’s Stinker What sports reporter was

Gerry Adams urges investment in schools for a second language Louth TD Gerry Adams has blamed the need for Paypal to employ around 500 people from overseas in its new facility on inadequate spending on language training by the Government. He described the news as a “damning indictment of the government’s lack of adequate investment in modern language teaching in schools and a failure to plan for future inward investment which depends on a workforce with the necessary modern language skills.” Deputy Adams questioned the validity of the heavy promotion of the Paypal opening their call centre in the area as a positive story saying that “Up to 1000 jobs in Dundalk was heavily promoted by the government as a success story. Minister Richard Bruton claimed that he was ‘determined to ensure that thousands more families around the country will get news like this over the coming years’. “However, it is now clear that the reality is different and that despite support from the IDA the full benefits of this investment have not been realised for the families of Dundalk or the greater Louth/Meath area. He went on to say that it is neces-

We’ve been here since we were kids. It’s our local club. We’ve been blessed with success over the years but now that we’re at a low ebb it shouldn’t mean people stop supporting their team. We need the fans to come back and do their bit for this great club.

that an educational system can provide the opportunities for a second language at a young age. He noted that Paypal’s requirement for people with a working knowledge of a second language and their inability to fill the positions from within Ireland has highlighted the need for the government to address the area of early language learning. He said. “At the same time as Paypal made its announcement, the government’s lack of a modern language strategy was evident in its decision to scrap the Modern Languages in Primary Schools Initiative. That initiative was focused on developing a positive attitude towards language learning. Paypal hvery clearly stated its requirement for around 500 employees with a working knowledge of a second language. That our education system could not provide these employees and that Paypal had to go overseas to fill these jobs is a disgrace. “The failure to prioritise modern language teaching and the scrapping of the Modern Languages Initiative was short-sighted and potentially damaging to the future prospects of attracting skilled, mul-

Andrew McKee I just love this football club. Morning, noon and night I’m thinking about the Lilywhites. I know we will survive. We are fighters in this town.

Eamonn O’Callaghan

Jim Atkins

Colm Hoey

Dundalk FC is everything to me. I’ve made so many great friends over the years through the club and had so many great nights thanks to them. We’ve been with the club through the good times and we’ll stick with them through these bad times.

I’m born and bred in Dundalk and I’ve had an on-off love affair with the club over the years. It would be an awful shame to see it go. Hopefully something can be done to save the club.

I’ve been supporting Dundalk for nearly forty years at this stage. I’d love to see all the old Dundalk supporters come back and rally around the club to ensure its survival. This old ground has seen some great nights over the years.

immediately on the scene when Nelson’s Column was blown up ?

—ANSWERS—

Question:

Colin, Ollie and Keith

1, Alice in Woderland; 2, Portugal; 3, Brush; 4, Foreign Secretary; 5, Kildare; 6, 252; 7, Freddie Mercury; 8, Mary Street North; 9, Terrence; 10, Anfeild; Stinker: Jimmy McGee.

Over to you

Dundalk Leader 25th July 2012

TWO McDonalds employees were awarded the City & Guild qualifications last week at a ceremony that took place in the Law Society of Ireland, Blackhall Place. Every year since 2009 the fast food chain has some of their employees accredited with the internationally recognised City & Guild Qualifications. From left: Mike Dowe, Group Board Director, International (City &Guilds), Brid Healy, Regional Manager Europe (City & Guilds), Alison Hodgson, HR Director McDonald’s Restaurants of Ireland, Marcin Molak McDonald’s Drogheda employee, Mike Ruding, Owner/ Operator McDonald’s Drogheda, Adrian Crean, MD McDonald’s Restaurants of Ireland.

Border Chambers and Councils meet MEP

Representatives from both Newry and Dundalk Chambers along with representatives from Louth County Council and Newry and Mourne District Council this week met the MEP for Louth and Ireland East, Mairead McGuinness, as part of their initiative to further develop economic links and build growth and jobs in the region. The delegation summarised meetings held earlier this month with Ministers Bruton and Costello. Mairead concurred with Minster Bruton in that she considers the best way forward for the joint group is to build on the Memorandum of Understanding and to approach Brussels on that basis. McGuinness offered to facilitate a fact finding visit to Brussels and to assist them in building on the Memorandum of Under-

News

in Brief

Young Irelands Lotto There was no winner of this weeks Dundalk Young Irelands GFC Lotto draw (Week 10 17/07/2012), which had a jackpot of €11,650. The numbers drawn were 8, 21, 26 & 29. Next weeks Jackpot will be €11,800 and tickets can be purchased from committee members.

Juvenile Training What is your child doing this summer? Dundalk Young Irelands GFC U-7 to U-13 training takes place every Monday evening at 7pm in Pairc Eire Og. For more information contact John Laverty 086-8558614, 086-8558614.

Martin Patterson, Cathal Austin, Edel O’Mahony, Paddy Malone, Mairead McGuinness MEP, Harry Traynor and Michael Curran.

standing (MOU), she said, “to see two border regions with such strong working relationships striving in such a positive fashion for their

mutual interest” would certainly be of interest in Brussels She was impressed with the work the Memorandum of Understand-

ing had already delivered on,I ncluding securing significant funding for Geo Tourism project and Low Carbon Business Network.

Young Irelands Lotto St Patrick’s GFC lotto draw had no outright winner this last week. the number drawn were 7,13, 25, 27. There were two match three winner. The jackpot for the coming week is €8k.

Dundalk Leader 25th July 2012

Admitted handling stolen property Two men stopped in a vehicle near town containing scrap mental taken from a premises in Newry, admitted handling the stolen property. Hugh Maguire (25) and Stephen Maguire (22) with addresses at Woodland Park, Inner Relief Road and Maple Close, Avenue Road were each put back for reports to see if they were suitable to do community service. Judge Flan Brennan said he was prepared to order Hugh Maguire to do 200 hours and his co-defendant 150 and adjourned the charge against both men to November 21. Both men handed over a sum of €200 each as compensation. The value of the scrap was stated to be €150. Garda David Pettit said that he stopped the vehicle in which there were three men at Newtownbalregan on February 18th last. Both were stated to have previous convictions.

Dundalk Leader 25th July 2012

School principal’s retirement Cooley must bid farewell to one of its senior community leaders as Teresa McKevitt, Principle of Bush post primary is set to retire at the end of August. Teresa who began her career as a teacher in 1974 in St Michaels in Omeath, joined Bush in 1984 following the closure of Omeath’s secondary school. She took on the role of special duties teacher in 1986 and later was later promoted to the post of Assistant Principal with special responsibility for Adult Education. In 2005 Teresa became Deputy Principal at the school replacing the then Deputy Kevin Conroy and in 2006 Teresa took over the reigns as Principal. Speaking at a recent meeting of Dundalk VEC Dr Padriag Kirk outlined Teresa’s considerable achievements

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 a week from €€5 Telephone Dundalk Leader 042 9320888 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. 086-820-8303 Dealgan Furniture Longwalk, Dundalk (inside The Paint Store), for a wide range of New & Used Bedroom, Dining room and Kitchen furniture, great deals on Beds & Mattresses. Water proof mattresses in stock. Suite reupholstery and furniture fixing service available Tel 042-9329111 Free personalised number plate with all bookings up to 31 August 2012. A2B Limousines & Wedding Cars. Darver, Co. Louth. Tel 0429379333. Mob 0878056127 www.a2blimousines.ie

Teresa McKevitt

and contributions she has made to both the Cooley area and the VEC. The school will see many changes in the coming year as it has also been approved for n extension by the Department of Education. He said “Teresa McKevitt was the consummate Principal; she was held in the highest regard by

FREESAT RECEIVER & DISH Supplied & Fitted €140 Combo HD Box for Freest & Saorview. Supplied & Fitted. €230. Call 0877005535 CLASSES, COURSES & LESSONS Beginner Guitar Lessons. Adults and Children catered for. Dunleer / Togher area. Reasonable rates. Weeknights and weekend lessons. Contact Neil on 0863818196 Beginner guitar lessons only €8 per lesson. School-goers: Begin a lifelong hobby during your summer holidays! Weekdays/Evenings and weekends. Can provide guitar if needed. Call Roy 0862052108 Crafty Kids, Art Summer School at Bridge Street Studios July 23rd - 27th 9:30 to 2:30 each day. €110. For children 6-12years to develop skills, explore art techniques and have fun! drawing, painting, printing, ceramics, textiles and theatre. For further information contact info@ sarahmckenna.com or 0863499195. Louth School of Motoring R.S.A. 35830 E.D.T 12 Mandatory Lessons. Test Preparation. 10 years experience. Contact Ciaran. 086-2565257 Guitar lessons available Beginners to advanced. Phone Liam 0879732454 Personal Motivational Coach Available for one to one or group sessions. Fully qualified. For appointment call Kate 0872056990 SPECIAL SERVICES HUGHIE MCELROY BUILDER All types of building work carried out. *House Maintenance & Renovations*Extensions, Conservatories & Sunrooms. Painting & Decorating*All PVC products supplied & fitted – we have a complete range of PVC Windows and Doors in various colours*Wall & Floor Tiling* Large & Small jobs*Free estimates.TEL:087 2602501. GERRY’S UPHOLSTERY SERVICE Suites/ Antique furniture repaired and re-covered. Better than new. 0860800788 HOUSE MAINTENANCE All types. Renovations/Extensions/Facia/Soffet Guttering Garden Fencing and Patios. Estimates free

students, staff and the school community alike and successfully implemented many key developments at the school during her tenure. She will be greatly missed by all of us”. The Committee, and the CEO, congratulated her for her outstanding achievements at the school and wished her well in her retirement.

Tel Tom 0863961206 Dundalk Bureau de Change – Best rates guaranteed – No commission – We buy and sell all major currencies – Electronic Bank Transfers – sterling and euro cheques – 8 Park St. (open 7 days 8am11pm) & 4 Linenhall St (open Mon-Sat) – call 042 9339922/9370101 –www.dundalkbureaudechange.com – accepting all major Credit and Debit cards. Dundalk Bureau de Change – Western Union money transfer – pay over 140 different bills – payzone/postpoint – stamps – pre-paid credit cards – phone top-ups – best rates guaranteed – no commission - 8 Park St. (open 7 days 8am11pm) & 4 Linenhall St. (open Mon-Sat) – call 042 9339922/9370101 –www.dundalkbureaudechange.com – accepting all major credit & debit cards PERFECT FIT ALTERATIONS - For all your sewing needs. For your convenience NOW OPEN on Avenue Road. 10% off for Slimming World members. Castletown Road: Tel: 042 9327837. Avenue Road: Tel: 042 9352348 HOUSEHOLD INSURANCE CLAIMS. All types of household insurance claims, fire damage, flood damage, water damage, shower leaks, break-ins, call our Insurance Helpline today for a free consultation, Locall 1890 247 911 or mobile 087 6487466 Looking for a unique gift? Create a personalised newspaper page to celebrate a special occasion - birthday, anniversary, birth, sporting success etc. Contact 086 3238328 www.frontpagenews.ie A VAN AND DRIVER available for furniture removal, also single items, 3 piece suites, cookers, fridges, washing machines. Day & night Tel 086 8704908 Fully Qualified Mechanic available for MOT, servicing & Mechanical repairs. Renault specialist Tel Declan 0044 7749488859 MICHAEL’S PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Repairs, building plastering plumbing, painting, tiling, concreting, patios, gardening, PVC facia and soffits, window cleaning. Over 20 yrs experience. References available. Tel 0867350357

Family Notices

In Memoriam Announcements , Anniversaries, Birthday Remembrances, Thanksgivings & Acknowledgements.

We are now taking Family Notices. Our weekly Deadline is 4pm Fridays prior to Wednesday publication, contact Niamh or Noeleen for further information. Tel 042 9320888

Advertise your 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 EAMONN COONEY, Satellite, T.V Aerial, Saorview, Freeview, Freesat etc. Sales/ Service/Repairs. Phone 087 2671809 042 9331348 Chimney Cleaning Service Dust Free. Brush & VAC. Reasonable rates. Call Tommy. 0871869164 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 CARPENTER AVAILABLE 25 years experience. All interior, exterior, including kitchens, decking, doors, floors, flat-packs etc. No job too small. Keenest prices. Quality finish assured. Call Des for free quotation 087-6180150 CHIMNEY CLEANING, INSPECTION & REPAIR. Tel Paul McArdle 042-9332491 or 0876660094. Email tribalky@yahoo.com 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 TILER AVAILABLE More than ten years experience. No job too big or small. Attention to detail guaranteed. Call 0876563705 for no obligation free quote. 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 DUNDALK COMPUTER REPAIR CENTRE We fix p.c.s, laptops, tablets, ipads, iphones and smartphones. No fix, no fee!

9am to 10pm. 7 days a week! Call Gerard 04293-28301 and 085-1286436 PLASTERER AVAILABLE Save yourself money. Get the right tradesman. First class plastering at affordable prices. No job too small. Safe pass Reg. Special rates for OAPs. Free quotes. 087-3525652. HANDYMAN SERVICES For all your domestic jobs. Painting/Decorating/Flooring/Building/Plastering etc. Phone Brian 0872952529 8 Seater Limousine only *€100 per hour, perfect for birthday parties, surprises, the races, etc., *Dundalk area. A2B Limousines & Wedding Cars, Darver Co. Louth Tel 042 9379333 Mob 087 8056127 www. a2blimousines.ie Daly’s Gas & Oil Services Boiler services/breakdowns. For all your plumbing needs. RGI Certified. 087-3133681. Outside tap €50 supplied & fitted. R LEVINS HOME MAINTENANCE All types of work carried out about the house. Painting, Wall & Floor tiling, damp solutions, drylining. Outside teh home PVC Fascia, soffit, all types of guttering & roof repairs. Flatroots garden fencing. 15 years experience. Call Richie 086-4028291 Windows & Doors Repairs All types of repairs on PVC, Aluminium windows and doors. Glazings repaired. Door locks and cylinders. Contact 087-7617614 PAINTING & DECORATING Wallpapering, paint effects. Specialising in hand painted kitchens. 25 years experience. Keen rates. 087-9157880 SITUATIONS VACANT/WANTED Registered childminder has vacancies for toddlers & older children. Every facility available. Mt. Avenue, Carrick Road Area. 0879536395 Consultants urgently wanted to join our team at Neal’s Yard Organic Products. We offer flexible hours to suit you with free support & training given. 087-2871047 ANIMALS PUPS FOR SALE Golden Labradors. €260. Purebred. Wormed & Vaccinated. Mother from Czech Republic. Father from Ireland. Call Bernd 086-157979. Ideal family pet.

planning DUNDALK TOWN COUNCIL We, Brookwood Taverns Ltd., intend to apply for planning permission for alterations to 2nd floor smoking area at Ridleys Premises, 91 Park Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth incorporating changes to layout and front elevation and removal of part of roof (c/o McGahon Architects Ltd, 19 Jocelyn Street, Dundalk, 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 the Planning Authority at Dundalk Town Council, Town Hall, Crowe Street, Dundalk during its public opening hours Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm. 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. LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL, We Chevron (Ireland) Atlantic Limited intend to apply for Permission for Retention of: 1) the demolition of shop building, canopy and signage; 2) decommissioning and removal of underground tanks and other forecourt installations; 3) erection of front boundary fence, at Texaco Southend Service Station, Dublin Road (Opp. Dundalk Institute of Technology), Dundalk, 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

Dundalk Leader 25th July 2012

Nuala Kennedy is coming home Dundalk’s very own Nuala Kennedy is coming home to launch her brand new album in the Spirit Store on August 5 A celebrated traditional Irish musician and internationally acclaimed flute player and singer, Nuala has been touted as “spellbinding” and “a delight,” by the Irish Times. Accompanied by the spirited interplay between Mike Bryan’s guitar and Ian Macleod’s mandolin and supported by the tasteful percussion of Donald Hays, tracks on Noble Stranger intimately connect Kennedy’s own interests in traditional music and her progressive composition style. Kennedy has

recently been calling New York City a home-away-from-home, absorbing and contributing to the City’s growing neo-folk scene. “Spending time in America has given me a greater appreciation of my own traditional musical heritage, and this renewed appreciation is reflected in the choices of some of the older material on the album. instrument and it strongly influenced the direction of the arrangements.” explains Nuala. Kennedy was raised playing and singing traditional music in Dundalk before her undoubted talent eventually burst on to the world stage.

Her first two solo albums, The New Shoes and Tune In, were released through Nashvillebased roots music company Compass Records Group and were universally well received. She has performed and recorded with Will Oldham (Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy), Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub), Norwegian musicians Frode Haltli and Vegar Vårdal as well as the late Canadian composer Oliver Schroer. “Noble Stranger’ will be launched on Friday August 5 on what should be a glorious homecoming from the very talented Nuala Kennedy. Nuala Kennedy.

Sensational Summer fun at Seafest

Enjoying the Seafest on Sunday night.

By Paul Byrne There was a real buzz of excitement down in Seatown last weekend as the area was transformed into an outdoor venue for live music, market stalls, barbeques as the annual Seafest extravaganza took place. After the success of last year’s event, organisers were hopeful of a great turnout and that’s exactly what they got as revellers lined the Seatown streets . And thankfully there was a respite from weeks of heavy

downpours with many of the locals making the most of the sunshine. Popular local cover band ‘The New Originals’ entertained the masses on Saturday night while Sunday witnessed the much anticipated return of Bagatelle as well as Woo Doo Rhythm (formerly Thin as Lizzy). One of the event organisers, Darren Kerley, declared himself delighted with how the event panned out. “There was a great buzz around the place

over the weekend and everybody seemed to be in great form which was nice.” to see” said the Century Bar owner. “There’s a couple of things we can improve on to make it even better next year and we’ll talk about that as Seafest 2013 approaches. But I’d just like to thank everyone who helped make this event possible and helped create such a fantastic festival atmosphere” added Darren.

Dundalk Leader 25th July 2012

Sounds of Song and Summer The Market Square will soon be filled with the sounds of song and summer as Dundalk Town Council has announced a series of lunchtime concerts in the heart of Dundalk. Each Friday form July 27 to the end of August Music Round the Square will feature some of the areas finest musicians and ensembles. The Market Square has already seen its potential as a location for large concerts at the Tain Summer Festival but these concerts will stike a different note as people gather and relax with friends at lunchtime. A statement from Dundalk Town Council Arts office described it as a ‘great curtain raiser for the weekend. “:

The first artist featured is 16-year-old singer songwriter Keenan Copas, who already has a solid local following. He is set to release his first single this month. Having engaged in his craft from an early age, Keenan’s songs are a heartfelt and honest representation of his young life. His style is a mixture of folk, rock with elements as diverse as 60’s pop and 80’s disco. He has been compared to artists such as Paolo Nutini, Jack Johnson and Matt Corby. The season will include concerts by Tara Moran, The Magic Flutes, and Ceoltóiri Lú All concerts start at 1.00 pm every Friday, beginning on Friday July 27, last concert Friday August 24.

Grainne Duffy stands Test of Time This Friday July 27 sees Castleblayney singer songwriter Grainne Duffy take to the stage in the Spirit Store as she showcases that wonderfully distinctive husky soulful voice. A voice which The Sunday Times last year described as ‘the spiritual heir to Rory Gallagher, an Irish blues singer of real integrity’ A unique talent and a raw and edgy performer, Grainne released her album ‘Test of Time’ last year to much critical acclaim. Inspired by artists as diverse as Aretha Franklin, Linda Rondstat and Bonnie Raitt, Grainne toured her debut album around Europe where she played in front of enthusiastic crowds. Alongside appearing at many of

Grainne Duffy ‘The spiritual heir to Rory Gallagher’ Appearing at the Sprirt Store July 27

Ireland’s leading festivals Grainne was also approached by the BBC to record a track ‘Get Here…’ for their T.V. promotion campaign in George Martin’s Air Studio in London, which was then aired over the summer on BBC 1 and BBC 2. She also was asked to take part in R.T.E’s highly acclaimed Other Voices music programme along with Eric Bibb, Christy Moore, Duke Special, Elbow, Lisa Hannigan, Mick Flannery, Billy Bragg and many more. The future looks bright for Grainne Duffy so make sure to catch her wonderful mix of blues rock and soul in the wonderfully intimate surroundings of the Spirit Store while you still can.

Dundalk Leader 25th July 2012 Driveways

Appliances

Forklifts

Builder

Blinds

Electrical

Carpet Cleaning

Gardening

Conservatories/Windows/Sunrooms

Builder Dog Grooming

Dundalk Leader 25th July 2012 Gravel, Patios & Paving

Sliding Wardrobes

Waste Collection

Skips

Windows

Plumbing

Tree Surgeon

Skips Sliding Wardrobes

Top Soil

Dundalk Leader 25th July 2012