26-09-2012 by Peter Kierans

18,000 COPIES WEEKLY Big day at Realt na Mara

Cycling glory for Eve

Awards for local students

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Wednesday, 26th September, 2012. Vol. 5, Issue 39 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth. Tel: 042 9320888. Fax: 042 9329676. Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com; advertising@dundalkleader.com

Louth facing house tax double whammy By Niamh Kirk

Louth County Council is to suffer a double whammy by being punished for the slow uptake in paying the controversial household charge. The local authority has stated that it needs the money to pay for essential services, but now will suffer further cuts to its funding for the final quarter of the year as a result of having among the worst compliance rates in the Household Charge collection. It is expected that Fine Gael Minister Phil Hogan could withhold more than half the Q4 funding to the local government depending on their performance in collecting the household charge. The councils who have

reached 65% of due payments will receive their full allocation but as the success rate lowers so too does government funding. Louth is among five counties who have struggled to reach the 60% mark, with 55.38% of those liable having paid. This is the second time this year that Minister Hogan has cut funds to Louth County Council which has already had more than €278k withheld from government funding for the third quarter of the year. The Local Government fund is a vital source of funding for the local authorities and any cut in this source of income will impact on the Local authority’s ability to balance the budget. It will also impact upon their ability to “deliver services as pro Continued on Page 15

Daniel presents €9k to Crumlin Hospital

Daniel O’Shaughnessy presents the cheque to Dr Angus O Marcaigh

By Niamh Kirk A Bellurgan man’s efforts to raise money for the ‘Fix Crumlin’ appeal has concluded with his son handing over a cheque for a staggering €8,754 to the

children’s hospital. Oliver O’Shaughnessy decided to raise money for the ‘Fix Crumlin’ hospital appeal after seeing at first hand the conditions that the staff are forced to work in. His son Daniel

suffers from a disease called severe aplastic anaemia which means his bone-marrow is unable to produce red and white blood cells. As a regular visitor to Crumlin, Continued on Page 15

Councillors differ over re-naming of Boyne Bridge 2

Dundalk Leader 26th September 2012

By Niamh Kirk

Perhaps not so much a battle but a row over the renaming of the cable bridge that

spans the Boyne has begun between stakeholders in Louth and Meath. Meath County Council have already voted to rename the

bridge after former president Mary Mc Aleese. But friction arose when they began making plans for the ceremony before Louth councillors or other stakeholders had a chance to debate the matter. The Mayor of Drogheda, Paul Bell, has said that there was no consultations and that those whom this might affect

Paul Bell, Mayor of Drogheda

should have been consulted prior to any plans being made, pointing to those in the tourist industry and business

community. However, Mr Bell says that the bridge has an impact on the county, there ought to have been

consultation. He said “The final insult is that my office was contacted by Meath County Council to see if I would be available to attend the renaming ceremony.” Outlining some of the reasons behind his objection he said that it would be unwise to single one person’s contribution to the peace process out as there were many political, religious and anonymous people

Joe Bothwell from Belmont House, Carlingford, at the National Lottery’s 25th Anniversary Prize Giveaway Draw in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham is pictured with draw hosts Jedward and Marty Whelan after winning €5,000

Louth Civil Defence training exercises

Louth Civil Defence are to host one of a series of Regional Training Exercises this Saturday September 29. The Louth members will be testing their skill against competitors from Cavan, Monaghan, Wicklow and Wexford over five team challenges including First aid, Firefighting, radio communication, search & rescue skills of the visiting teams. So if you go down to Ravensdale this weekend you might get a bit of a surprise as there will be a

number of different realistic challenges based on real life scenarios to test the participants skills. As hosts, Louth members must ensure the timely and professional execution of the event which will include feeding of the teams and officials on site during the day. Members of the public will have the opportunity to view the teams in action in Ravensdale between 11am and 5pm but should note that there will be very limited parking in the area.

Musician in court on dangerous driving charges

Musician, Peter Wilson – better known as Duke Special - appeared in Dundalk District Court on Wednesday last to face a charge of dangerous driving on the M1 motorway. Wilson, of Lomond Avenue, Belfast, faced the charges arising out of an incident on August 22 at Gibbstown. Judge Flann Brennan adjourned the case to December 12 following a request from defence solicitor, Eleanor Kelly. Ms Kelly also requested legal aid on behalf of her client who is self-employed and has three children. However, Judge Brennan refused, stating that he does not grant legal aid for driving offences.

who had made major contributions. He added that there were more than “4000 victims of the troubles and there is no structure named after them.” The bridge crosses the border between the town councils’ boundaries and it was thought that agreement between the two councils would need to be reached before it gets a new title. However, on RTE last

week a spokesperson for Minister Hogan said that the bridge was exclusively in Meath’s jurisdiction and it would be up to the Meath County Councillors to make the call. Last week Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan followed Enda Kenny by weighing in on the argument saying he too favoured naming it after former president Mary McAleese.

Dundalk Leader 26th September 2012

Local cyclists make mark in international events Two local cyclists are celebrating international success with Eve McCrystal part of a successful Irish team in Italy and Ultan Coyle winning a very challenging endurance race. Eve was part of the 12 strong Irish team that travelled to Brittany, France to take part in the European Police Cycling Championships from September 13 to 18. The first event was the ladies team time trial, a race against the clock and other European nations over a 32km course. Eve, a garda based in Ballybay, was part of this team and made a lot of the pace setting early on. The team was well

Eve McCrystal in action

drilled and rode fantastically to take the gold medal holding off the strong French and Italian challenge. The ladies had little time to rest on their laurels as next up was the 85km road race, where the organisers had managed to find plenty of hills. The Irish team was again to the forefront and great team work saw Ire-

land’s Sandra Fitzgerald take the win. Eve as well as playing a huge role in Sandra’s win also was part of the winning move and was just pipped for the bronze medal with a fine fourth place finish. All the more impressive as well as helping the winner and finishing in fourth place, Eve had to overcome a bike mechanical problem during the course of the race. Another Dundalk cyclist making waves internationally was Ultan Coyle. Ultan originally from Bellurgan and a former Cuchulainn CC rider, moved to London a number of years ago. He now rides with the prestigious Rapha Condor

team based in the city and recently won the UK National 24 Hour Time Trial. In this ultra endurance event cyclists must cover as much distance as possible in 24 hours, solo and without stopping for sleep. Their support crew helps them out with food and drinks. Over the course of the day Ultan covered a staggering 489 miles, giving him an eight mile winning margin. Coyle finished second in the event last year, held on the same course, but managed to add an additional 22 miles. On September 29/30 the club will the annual overnight trip. Details at dundalkcycling.com.

Entries sought for debating contest Debaters ranging in age from secondary school students to the active retired from across Louth and the northeast are being invited to take to the soapbox at Dundalk Library next month as part of a European debating competition.

The winners from the Dundalk competition on October 18 will receive an Apple iPad and a trip to Brussels along with the chance to represent their region in a national final at Farmleigh House with a first prize of €1,000. The topic for debate will be the

age-old issue of whether ‘Youth is wasted on the young’. Entries for the Dundalk soapbox competition on October 18 can be made through www.europedirect.ie or by calling to Dundalk Library.

News

in Brief

Nh Moninne Golf Outing

Naomh Moninne Hurling Club are holding their annual goalf outing on Saturday September 29 in Dundalk Golf Club from 9.30am to 1pm. Cost is €50 which includes three course meal and great prizes. Those interested in taking part can contact John Murphy at 087 2228274.

Blood Clinic

A blood transfusion clinic will be held in the Foy Centre, Carlingford, on Thursday September 27 from 5pm and 8.30pm and in the Fairways Hotel, Dundalk, on Monday October 1 from 5pm to 8.30pm. For further details, please contact John Healy, Area Organiser at our Ardee Regional Office, 041 – 685 9994.

Ticket outlet

The TLT has announced that Carroll’s Bookshop Park Street Dundalk is now an agent for ticket sales for performances and shows in the TLT. Tickets available in store or by phone on 0429334359.

Dundalk Leader 26th September 2012

Sarah’s creative spark helps land top award

Dundalk Leader 26th September 2012

By Paul Byrne

A Dundalk businesswoman has been recognised for her work in the creative sector in Dundalk by winning the title of ‘Employed business woman of the year’. Sarah Daly is Business Development Manager for Louth Craftmark & Creative Spark and was awarded her certificate at the Network Louth/Meath businesswomen of the year awards. Louth Craftmark is a not-for-profit company established to promote creative industries, in-

Sarah Daly

cluding craft, art and design businesses and practitioners, in County Louth. It works with Louth Craftmark Designers Network, to promote the

products and services of over 50 local designers and craftspeople. Creative Spark is an enterprise centre for the creative industries which is due to open next month. Speaking after her award Sarah said she was delighted with the award and was looking forward to the national finals which will be held next month. “Obviously it was nice to get the award for the work we do here in Louth Craftmark . Unfortunately I was on holidays when the certificates were presented so I couldn’t col-

lect my award in person but I have been nominated for the national businesswoman awards which will take place in Dublin on the 28th September in the D Hotel and I will be going up to that,” said Sarah. The Network Louth Business Women of the Year award is open to women who are self-employed for more than 3 years. The category is open to professional women who have their own practices, partnerships or any other industry trade or profession.

performed hers suffering a technical error however still performing with enough skill to score higher than the Netherlands, placing Monique

on the podium. Weapons divisions do not allow for a joint 3rd, so Monique earned herself a World Bronze Medal and official ranking of 3rd in the World. WAKO is the most prestigious organisation for Kickboxing in the World and to hold a top ranking position is a highly sought after title. MAS-F’s Monique will continue to train hard for the future in the Jocelyn Street club and has numerous national and international competitions coming up in the next 12 months.

Monique wins bronze Dundalk’s Monique Martin did herself and her town proud when she came home from the WAKO World Championships with a bronze medal. Monique was taking part in the WAKO World Kickboxing Championships representing Ireland in the older cadet Weapons division, an event that saw over 2,000 competitors from 54 countries. She took to the floor with two swords, the first female to compete at the event to do so. Monique was up

Monique on the podium

against former World and European Champions from Russia, USA and the Netherlands. Each performing their own weapon routine, Monique

Sold drugs to improve finances A local student who began selling drugs to improve his financial situation admitted a charge of possessing cannabis for the purpose of sale or supply at Dundalk District Court. Mark O’Hagan, 1 Albert Place, Bachelors Walk, Dundalk, was observed by Gardai with a backpack on November 25, 2001, but when he spotted the officers he turned away. When they saw him later that

day, they searched his backpack and found €25 worth of cannabis herb. More was found after he was brought to the Garda Station. When his home was searched, Gardai found a quantity of clear bags and weighing scales. Solictor, Frank McDonnell, explained that the 24-year-old, was as far removed from the archetypal drug dealer as is possible. He came from a good home and his parents were baffled by his in-

volvement with drugs. He described the defendant, who is a third year at DkIT, as showing remorse for his actions which were prompted by a desire to improve his financial situation. Mr McDonnell added that his client was very bright with prospects, and asked Judge Flann Brennan to defer penalty and recommendation until after a report. Judge Brennan agreed to put the matter back to December 12.

Library is buzzing with energy Louth County Libraries are buzzing with energy and looking forward to a busy few months ahead. There are lots of activities, workshops and events to suit all tastes taking place. Some of the events in Dundalk Library include: Gorgy Porgy Tot’s Corner, Parent & Toddler Group, beginning Thursday September. 27 at 11am and every Thur. Board Games Evening - last Thursday of every

month at 6.30pm. Storytelling for under 8s - beginning Saturday September 29 at 3pm and last Sat of every month. Children’s Bookclub beginning early October. Adult Knitting Club, beginning Tuesday October 2 10.30am and first Tuesday of very month. Kids Movie Morning, beginning Saturday October 13 at 11am and every Saturday. English Language

Classes, beginning Thursday October 4 at 6pm and every Thursday for 10 weeks. Grow It Yourself Workshops, Second Saturday of very month at 10.30am. Europe Direct Soapbox Competition, October 18 at 6.30pm. Positive Ageing Week runs from September 26 to October 6 and Dundalk Library will host the following events to coincide with this festi-

val: Dundalk FM 100 Radio Documentary Making Workshop, October 3 at 11am. Reflexology, October 5 at 11am ‘Write Your Own Story’ Workshop for Children and Grandparents, October 6 at 11am. For more information on any of these free events please contact Dundalk Library Tel: 042-9353190.

Dundalk Leader 26th September 2012

Break time is a whole lot better for pupils By Paul Byrne

Break time for children in Réalt na Mara school has just got a lot more entertaining with the unveiling of brand new playground markings which were completed over August in time for the new school year. According to school principal, Mary Hession, the playground markings will offer children the opportunity to be physically active during their school day as well as encouraging them to take part in active games that can help them develop both mentally and physically. “Our new playground markings include hopscotch, circuits, skipping zones as well as educational markings which include a numbers grid which can be used to make maths fun” explained Mrs Hession. “The aim of the playground markings scheme is to increase the level of school based activity and play as well as increasing

Shane, Sophie, Ian, Rosa and Sophie at the unveiling of the playground markings

the number of children who are active. “On behalf of the school I’d like to say a huge thank you to the parents association for raising the money to make this possible.” she added. Laura Slavin from the Réalt na Mara Parents Association said that she was very happy with the new playground markings whilst also stating how important fundraising was at the present time. “The Parents Association in Realt Na Mara organises events to raise vital funds for the pupils.

Positive input from parents is essential to the success of school life. With ever increasing school budget cuts, fundraising has never been so important. Our projects have included table quizzes, school photographs, Easter Cake sale, mini marathons and church gate collections to name just a few.” explained Laura. “The money raised from these projects has been reinvested in a variety of ways including a PA system for use in the school hall, two iPads for

use in the Autism Centre, purchase of school books for the literacy initiative, improvements to the school security system, by way of three new cameras and of course the new playground markings which you see the children enjoying here today” she added. The Parents association are always hoping to recruit members and/or helpers and have invited any parents of children attending Réalt na Mara to join them at their AGM on Monday October 22.

Positive Ageing Week events By Paul Byrne The community of Dundalk is ready to join in Ireland’s largest celebration of ageing with the official launch for ‘Positive Ageing Week’ taking place in the town centre next week. Senator Mary Moran together with County Manager Joan Martin will launch Positive Ageing Week in Dundalk on Monday October 1 at the TCCM Centre with a series of community based events planned between October 1 and 7 to celebrate the contribution that older people make in their communities. The launch will start at 6pm, all are welcome to attend and refreshments will be served. Anne Egan, chairperson for Age Action in Dundalk, says that the main aim of Positive Ageing Week is to recognise and celebrate the contribution that older people offer to the community. “We want people to recognise that older people can be used as a resource rather than a

RTE office moves RTE’s North East Regional Office is set to be moved onto the DkIT campus. There were concerns that RTE were planning on closing the regional office given its proximity to Dublin but it was announced last week that the staff would relocate to the centres of technology instead. The move is expected to help RTE save around €1 million per year. They hope that collaborations are on the horizon as they aim to ”place RTÉ at the centre of technological and educational innovation and link it to a future generation of media industry leaders”. A statement from RTE said “We will continue to seek opportunities for development in this area with other third-level institutions in these regions and others”. Over the next few weeks, joint working groups will be established between each IT and RTÉ to look at the range and potential of

burden on society. “Dundalk has been at the forefront of helping older people live more independently and places like the DKIT campus have done some marvellous work in fostering an age friendly environment here in Dundalk. “Denis Cummins in the college has provided us with a room to use for our very popular over 50s computer courses which we will be starting again on October 18. “It’s through the kindness of DkIT and our wonderful tutors who volunteer their time that something like this can take place.” explained Anne. This year’s Positive Ageing Week will include a whole host of events including an indoor bowls tournament

run by the Geraldines in Haggardstown on Monday evening as well as a quiz night in Kennedy’s bar on the Carrick Road on Thursday evening. The calendar of events will finish on Sunday October 7 with a festival day at Darver Castle with Gavin Duffy and Paddy Cole which has been organised by the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce and Louth County Forum. All these events are open to everybody with organisers hoping for an intergenerational celebration of the older community around Dundalk. For further details call Anne Egan at 0429321699. Anybody who is interested in entering a team for the quiz in Kennedy’s should call Eva at 0858895471.

News

in Brief Volunteer Centre

Louth Volunteer Centre is hosting an Intergenerational Volunteering Week from Monday October 1 to Sunday October 7. If you would like to participate by getting involved, contact 041 980 6900.

One Card Six Libraries

Louth County Libraries and DkIT have teamed up and have made a unique agreement to allow members to use each other’s facilities. The reciprocal agreement means members who have signed up for either library service can borrow books from the others which works out a six libraries for just one membership card.

Dundalk Leader 26th September 2012

Lotto’s 25th Anniversary Giveaway Draw

Martin Gerard Mackin from The Laurels, Dundalkat the National Lottery’s 25th Anniversary Prize Giveaway Draw in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham is pictured with draw hosts Jedward and Marty Whelan after winning a car valued at €35,000

Diageo workers head to Dáil By Paul Byrne

Workers from Diageo brewing plant in Dundalk have planned a trip to the Dáil this week to seek support from TDs in their campaign for a fair redundancy package from the company. Workers have continuously expressed their unhappiness at the redundancy package being offered by the brewing giants. They will be accompanied by Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams who met with workers recently to hear their concerns regarding the

terms of the redundancy deal currently on the table. Speaking after the resolution of the Lagan Brick workers dispute in County Cavan Adams said he hoped the workers in Diageo could find a similar resolution. “Diageo is a huge global company, enormously profitable, exploiting the sense of Irishness and Guinness around Arthur’s Day and yet here it is closing local breweries with the loss of jobs and skills built up over many generations. And yet they are denying the workers their very modest redundancy payments.” explained the

Co Louth TD “I have met the Dundalk workers and next week I will be hosting a visit to the Dáil for them during which they can brief Oireachtas members on the current situation and seek their support in their campaign for the just rights and entitlements from Diageo”, added the TD. Diageo announced last January that they would close down their brewery’s in Kilkenny and Dundalk with a €153 million development in Dublin planned to ensure the ‘continuing viability of brewing in Ireland’.

Pete Treanor’s

Weekly Quiz

Geography: The islands of Crete and Corfu belong to what country in Europe? Rock and Pop: Which British star is nicknamed the Peter Pan of pop? 20th Century History: Who did JFK succeed as president of the USA? Movies: What Irish Star starred in the classic thriller The Usual Suspects? Irish History: What organising committee was set up in Harty’s Bar in 1959 with an annual budget of £750? Pot Luck: Whose head appears on the valuable? ‘Penny Black’ postage stamp Business: Eindhoven in Holland is the base for what electronic and electrical giant? Motors: The Elite and

Dundalk Leader 26th September 2012

Company celebrates 50,000 forklifts

News

in Brief Killanny Playgroud

Killanny Playground Committee presents the official opening of the parish playground on Sunday October 7 from 2pm to 6pm. The committee will provide bouncy castles for all ages, BBQ and sweet shop on the day also, games, raffles and music. All proceeds of the day will be used to reduce the outstanding loan of €33,000. Entrance fee is €5 per adult and children are free.

the Elan are models by which British sports car manufacturer? Cartoons and comics: In what comic did Roy of The Rovers appear in 1954? Local History: Brocessa a slave girl was the mother of which famous native of County Louth? Stinker: James Henry Atkinson’s, Little Nipper of 1897 and Henry Stevens Maxim’s Hooker are the two main prototypes of what common household instrument?

Not a promotion

The father of Chris Joyce – the man whose recovery from a brain aneurysm baffled doctors – has pointed out that the family were not attempting to promote the actions of faith healers in the article.

Healing Mass

—this week’s answers— Local company, Cargotec Ireland (formerly Moffett Engineering) celebrated a significant milestone recently with the production of the 50,000th forklift truck from the production line. This represents another memorable achievement for the company which continues to be a huge success story and one of the town’s largest employers.

Family Tree Healing Mass in St. Patricks Church on Tuesday October 2 at 7.30. Rosary starts at 7.15. All welcome.

Relay for Life 2012 The 2012’ Relay for Life’ is almost upon us again as the organising committee put the finishing touches to what promises to be another inspiring event. Relay for Life is a community celebration which honours current and former cancer patients as well as their families, and friends. Teams of friends, neighbours, families, and colleagues get together in groups to take part in the event. All funds raised through sponsorship will go to the Irish Cancer Society to support their work in eliminating cancer as a major health problem and in improving the lives of those living with cancer. This year’s Relay for Life Dundalk will take place on Sunday October 7 at 9am until 9pm in the car park at The Marshes’ shopping centre and will include a slightly different format to previous years

according to Breda Lavelle who is on the organising committee. “In previous years we ran the event over a 24 hour period but because the event is so big now we struggled to find a building large enough to cater for the amount of teams who have entered”, she explained. “So this year we are running the event over 12 hours in the Marshes shopping centre and I’d like to thank Harry Traynor, manager of the Marshes for providing space for us. “We have 28 teams entered so far and we’d be hopeful to equal or even better last year’s total of €112,000. Many of the teams have been busy running events and fundraising over the last few months.” added Breda. “The Relay for Life is not just about raising money for the Irish Cancer Society. It’s also about raising awareness and helping

people catch the disease early”, concluded Breda. The Survivors’ Lap is an inspirational start to the event where cancer survivors of all ages are invited to begin the relay by walking the first lap of the course, cheered on by family, friends, and teams from the community. The Candle of Hope ceremony takes place later in the evening at approximately 8pm. Before the event everyone in the community is invited to dedicate a candle of hope to someone they know who has been touched by cancer. As the evening approaches, the candles are set around the track and lit by participants. It is during this time that the true meaning of relay really hits home. Like last year there will be plenty to see for the whole family, with stalls and entertainment for children promising to make it a fun day for all the family.

Shedder Danny Churchill (Left), John Evoy, CEO National Irish Men’s Sheds, Eva Beirne, Coordinator Men’s Sheds, Netwell Centre, Shedder Michael Boyle, Rob Kearney, David Kearney, Cllr. Martin Murnaghan and David Graham, International Fund for Ireland after the presentation of gifts at the official opening of the Louth Community Men’s Shed, Bush.

1. Greece; 2. Cliff Richard; 3. Dwight D. Eisenhower; 4. Gabriel Byrne; 5. Rose of Tralee; 6. Queen Victoria; 7. Phillips; 8. Lotus; 9. The Tiger; 10. St Brigid; Stinker: The Mousetrap.

Dundalk Leader 26th September 2012

Experience would have helped young driver A 21-year-old man might have found himself driving with more care had he been accompanied by an experienced driver, according to Judge Flann Brennan at Dundalk District Court. Gearoid Byrne, Harbour View, The Lynns, Annagassan, appeared in court following an accident on April 17, 2010, at Dromena Road, Castlebellingham. The court heard that Byrne was driving towards Castlebellingham when he crashed into a car that had pulled into the side of the road while the driver took a phonecall. A witness, driving in the oppo-

Special award for local angler Seirt Shults from Dundalk won a boat fishing competition last week and he also caught a fine specimen smoothound of 3.78 kilos meaning he will receive a special award for this from Inland Fisheries Ireland. The competition was the Rosslare small boats festival which attracted over 85 anglers, Seirt and his team on board the boat ‘Screaming Reels’ won this competition for the third time catching 24 different types of species of fish weighing 23.12 kilos.

site direction, saw the defendant crash after failing to brake in time before bouncing across the road and hitting the car being driven by the witness. Byrne had a provisional licence but was not accompanied by a driver with a full licence. Solicitor, Conor Breen, stated that his client was presented with a six foot gap to get through after rounding the corner as the car and the problem was compounded by an overgrown hedgerow. He pointed out that while he didn’t have a licence to enable him to drive on his own, his insurance company had stood by him.

Mr Breen pointed out that the unemployed metal fabricator is hoping to find work in the near future but would need his licence. Judge Brennan stated: “It is obvious from this case that the defendant should not have been driving without a qualified licence holder and they would have made sure he didn’t drive as carelessly.. This was a serious accident”. In relation to the licence offence, Byrne was convicted and fined €100 and was ordered to pay €120 witness expenses. Judge Brennan adjourned sentence on the careless driving charge for two weeks.

Dundalk Leader 26th September 2012

Over to you Should free travel for the over 65s be means tested?

Dundalk Leader 26th September 2012

News

in Brief Doreen McCartan

Paddy Oliver

It should most definitely not. We’ve been paying taxes our whole lives and rearing families so I think we’re entitled to free travel. It’s obscene to think they would means test it.

Personally I think it depends on how strict the means test is. I suppose unless you’re very rich you shouldn’t be deprived of it. I’d love to get it.

Mick Mandeville Yes, it should definitely be means tested. If you have money you should pay for it. It’s as simple as that. I don’t see the point in giving a free service to somebody who can afford it.

John Byrne

Sheila Peck

Anybody that deserves it should get it in my opinion. As long as the system is fair for everybody that’s all that matters.

I think that the better off people should be able to pay a contribution to the fare. That’s the way they do it in other countries so I think it would work here.

Household tax protest outside council meeting By Niamh Kirk

The Louth Campaign against the Water and Household Taxes (CAWHT ) staged a protest outside the Louth County Council Offices last week as the County Councillors attended the monthly meeting. The group called on the council to fight funding cuts to the local government. In a letter to the councillors outlined their frustration with the policy of “cutting the Local Government budget to pay bondholders” which they described as “completely unacceptable.” In the letter CAWHT criticised the payment of more than €600 million by the Government to unsecured bondholders of Anglo Irish

Protesters outside Louth County Council offices

Bank and the government’s pre election promise to pay ‘not one red cent’ to unsubordinated bondholders. They called on the government to either honour the pledge or seek a new mandate through elections.

They say that they will not accept any further cuts on the back of the “misguided policy” and warned that “the people of Louth are watching closely how each elected representative deals with this issue.”

As well as the coming under pressure from CAWHT the Local authorities have also been dealing with database issues when sending out warning letters to people regarding the Household Charge.

The Local authorities are sent an updated list from their LGMA weekly however people are still receiving warning letters despite already having paid the charge. Responding to complaints The Local Government Management Agency claimed that the backlog was cleared but that there were still 2,500 applications to be dealt with. A representative from the LGMA explained that there can be anomalies when “addresses registered in systems vary.” When this occurs they say it is up to the individual to contact them to ensure the database is correct. The LGMA also stated that the issues with the database will have no impact on the local authorities plans to take non payers to court.

56 new jobs for Dundalk

A pet products company is to create 56 new jobs in Dundalk. US multinational Radio Systems Corporation is setting up a new European Head Office in the town. The company specialises in the management of pet behaviour, offering pet training, containment, safety and lifestyle product solutions.

Choral Group This fun group of older men and women from Dundalk come together every week to sing a wide range of old and new songs. Musical instruments provide wonderful sounds. Irene Barr conducts the group every Monday in “The Parlour” of the Great Northern Haven, Barrack Street, Dundalk from 12 to 1pm. If you wish to join the choral group please contact Ann Marron at 042 9370360.

Barry Finnegan’s 30th Birthday Party

birthday on SatFinnegan. Barry celebrated his 30th Aoife, Hannah, Barry and Joanne urday night.

Rachel Murphy and Cuan O’Doherty.

Roisin McKenna and Barry Finnegan.

Walshe Rachel Bailey, Pearl and Killian

and Brian Savage. Eanan O’Doherty and Eamonn Toner.

Josephine and Hannah Finnegan.

Ferdia Hynes King and Cathal

Iain, Cathal and Maire Gallagher.

Hazel Finnegan.

Dundalk Leader 26th September 2012

Naughton Foundation awards for two St Marys students As a new college term begins, two dedicated students from Co. Louth have received word that their academic studies will be funded by scholarships from The Naughton Foundation. Jonathan Lynn and Conor McMenamin, who attended St Marys College, have been rewarded by the foundation that has supported Irish students in their desire to study science, engineering and technology at third level institutions in Ireland. The presentation of the 2012 scholarship awards will be made on Saturday September 22 in The Science Gallery, Trinity College, Dublin. Jonathan, who received a gold medal, has accepted a place at Trinity College Dublin to begin

his studies in engineering, while Conor, who was awarded a silver medal, will go on to study Computational Thinking at National University of Ireland, Maynooth. Minister for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn TD joined Dundalk-born Dr. Martin

Naughton, founding patron of The Naughton Foundation, and his wife Carmel Naughton in presenting the winning students with their awards at the ceremony this evening. The foundation donates a prize of €1,000 towards the school’s science laboratory.

Continued from Page 1 Oliver was moved to try and help the hospital raise some much needed funds to rebuild the crumbling building. In August he made a bed with the words ‘Fix Crumlin’ emblazoned on the front and set out from Fitzpatrick’s pub as he made his way across the Cooley mountains into Carlingford. Hundreds supported Ollie in his fundraising efforts and last week the final totals were totted up and the O’Shaughnessy family made their way to Crumlin to present the €8754 cheque to doctor Angus O

Marcaigh. Speaking after the cheque was handed over, a delighted Ollie thanked everybody for their support in reaching such a fantastic figure. “We would like to take this opportunity to thank every single person who helped with the event, took part in the event and donated to the event through the Frances Gribben Cancer Trust Fund. “We were overjoyed with the generosity and support both on the day, before and after the event. We thought we’d be doing well to raise two or three thousand euro so to

reach almost nine is fantastic. “Daniel presented the cheque to Dr Angus O Marcaigh on Monday in Crumlin Hospital and both the doctors and staff really appreciated everybody’s efforts and kindness and wanted to pass thanks to everyone involved.” explained Ollie. “This is a really worthwhile cause as the staff are working miracles up in Crumlin considering the conditions they are working in. They have been fantastic with Daniel and thankfully he has been doing really well over the last few months” added Ollie.

Jonathan Lynn and Conor McMenamin accept their awards from Martin Naugton and Minister Ruairi Quinn

Daniel presents €9k to Crumlin Hospital

W czwartek 13 września 2012 odbyło się Simulowe ognisko na pożegnanie lata. Nareszcie aura dopisała na tyle, że bez narażenia siebie i naszych Gości na przemoczenie mogliśmy spędzic wspólnie czas na świeżym powietrzu. To ognisko miało byc formą PODZIĘKOWANIA Wszystkim Wolentariuszom wspomagającym nas przez minione lata oraz zaprzyjaźnionemu Klubowi Młodych „Pajęczyna”, RAZ JESZCZE chcielibyśmy gorąco Wam podziękowac, nie tylko za odpowiedź na nasze zaproszenie i fantastyczne nastroje podczas spotkania, ale przede wszystkim za Wasze wsparcie i pomoc, bo bez Was żaden z dotychczasowych projektów Simul Polonia nie mógłby się odbyc. Pogodynka doniosła, że właśnie we wspomniany czwartek będzie słoneczni, a termometr pokaże 20 stopni... niestety jak to w Irlandii bywa, pogodynka minęła się z prawdą. Zaskoczyła nas iście jesienna aura, mimo, że dzień wcześniej było całkiem letnio na zewnątrz. Mimo wichury, z której frajdę mieli najmłodsi uczestnicy, próbując odfrunąc spod rodzicielskich skrzydeł na spadochronach czy może raczej lotniach z kurtek. My dorośli mamy jednak swoje sposoby na młodzież, jak tylko upiekły się pierwsze kiełbaski, małolaty wróciły do ogniska, a po ogniskowych przysmakach to raczej ciężko się lata, nawet podczas podmuchów słynnych irlandzkich wiatrów. Nasza stała ekipa gitarowa: Iwona, Krzysiek i Eugeniusz jak zwykle stanęli na wysokości zadania, bo jakie polskie ognisko mogłoby się odbyc bez piosenek do akompaniamentu gitar. Wielkie dzięki! Mamy nadzieję, że mimo wiatru bawiliście się równie dobrze jak my. Nasza organizacja postara się o więcej takich rodzinnych piknikowych imprez, już na wiosnę. Dziękujemy, że jesteście z nami!!! Już w najbliższy piątek 28 września spotykamy się w Shamrock Pub; tym razem podczas Polskiego Wieczoru Klubowego, z okazji zbliżającego się Dnia Chłopaka, oglądamy wspólnie Seksmisję. Gorąco Zapraszamy! Malwinka i Tomek – liczę na Was! Mam nadzieję, że po wakacjach znajdziecie dla nas nieco czasu, bo tęsknimy! Aleksander!!! Za Tobą też baaardzo tęsknimy, nie wiemy jak jest seksmisja od tyłu!

Double whammy facing council

From Page 1 vided for in the Budget for 2012, agreed in December 2011” said Paddy Donnelly, Louth County Council representative. At the September Louth County Council meeting it was agreed to allow management to secure a €5 million overdraft facility to assist with cash flow and ensure the continued delivery of vital key services. Ensuring that the council’s books are balanced come year’s end is a priority and Mr Donnelly said that “Management continue to monitor expenditure and the elected members will be kept advised of any reduction in services that will be necessary to ensure we end the year with a balanced budget.” Louth TD Peter Fitzpatrick acknowledged that a negative impact to services for those who had paid the charge was unfair and added that he would appeal to Minister Hogan to release the

funds to Louth County Council earlier. He also stressed that it was unfair that some people had paid the charge while others still had not, adding that non compliers would have to payup in the end. However he did accept that there are cases where people simply do not have the money to pay the charge and that something needs to be done for them. To tackle this he is hoping to see a change to the registration process. Currently you are unable to register for the charge unless you pay at the same time. But Deputy Fitzpatrick wants to see these people be allowed to register and come to other arrangements with respect to payment. He had been dealing with many people who simply can’t afford to pay the charge, which by now will have also accrued fines, and that some form of leniency for genuine cases needs to be considered.

Dundalk Leader 26th September 2012

Renowned percussionist and composer to visit VEC schools World renowned percussionist and composer, Brazilian Cyro Baptista, will undertake a number of his award winning music workshops at two Co. Louth VEC schools later this week. Cyro will visit Bush Post-primary School in Dundalk and St. Oliver’s Community College in Drogheda this Friday September 28 to perform his highly acclaimed ‘Rhythm Awareness’ workshops in the company of

the school’s music teachers and students. The workshops, organised by Music Generation Louth, run for one hour and Cyro will be accompanied by three musicians who perform with him across the world. Following his visit to Co. Louth Cyro heads back to the USA where he starts a nationwide tour which will take in the cities of Detroit, Chicago, Columbus and Stroudsburg in Pennsylvania, to name but a few.

Punk group ‘Choice’ to reform LONG-time followers of Dundalk’s music scene will be happy to hear that the locality’s contribution to the post-punk movement Choice have reformed. Not only that but their single ‘Always in Danger’ has

been featured on the recently launched compilation album Strange Passion - Explorations in Irish Post Punk, DIY and Electronic Music 1980-83. It’s a rarity when a once loved, long separated group reform and perform, but this goes further as this is an opportunity for those who embraced electronic music later to get a sense of the genesis of the music scene at a grass roots level. The group began as a four piece with Noel McCabe on drums but later reduced to a three piece, replacing the drums with a drum machine. The remaining members, are Ciaran Vernon (synths, guitars), Noel McCabe, Jaki McCarrick, and Brian McMahon. The band featured on RTE’s Youngline in 1981. Choice will be performing with Jinx Lennon at his concert in the Dundalk Gaol on October 8 . Jinx said that he is very excited to see the band perform. “they were very inspiring to local musicians like myself who saw them on Irish tv performing their songs and playing locally” he said.

The workshops are hands-on as Cyro gets students to develop their polyrhythmic abilities in a very fun and engaging way. The Brazilian composer gets students to clap, stomp and sing in different patterns that gradually get more intricate as the workshop progresses. Instruments are unnecessary as students just work with their hands, feet and voices and are sure to be tired by the end of the sessions.

Ruarc O’Hanlon with grandparents Oliver and Francis McKenna at Barry Finnegan’s 30th Birthday.

Men wanted as volunteers

Dundalk Leader 26th September 2012

In Memoriam Announcements , Anniversaries, Birthday Remembrances, Thanksgivings & Acknowledgements. Novena Dearest Heart of Jesus in the past I asked you for many favours. This time I ask for this special favour (Mention it) Take it dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). B.W Oh most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine,splendour of heaven, blessed Mother of the son of God. Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity. Oh star of the sea, hlep me and show me you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of heaven and earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity. There is none that can withstand your power. Oh show me here that you are my Mother. Oh Mary conceived without sin pray for us that have recourse to thee. Say this prayer for three consecutive days, publish immediately and your favour will be granted. B.W

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 4 Bedroom house to let in Ard Na Mara, Blackrock, furnished or unfurnished Tel 087 4186079. Wanted: 2/3 Bedroom House to rent. Dundalk area. Preferably a low cost as tenants will provide a high standard of maintenance inside and out. Call Anita 086-2023812 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

The Nestling Group are actively requesting and encouraging retired Novena men or men with time on their hands to conPrayer to St. Joseph of Cupertino for success in tact them with a view to Examinations home visits in Dundalk. O St. Joseph of Cupertino who by your prayer This home visit for obtained from God to be asked one hour a week may inat your examination, the only preposition you volve a chat, reading the knew. Grant that I may like you succeed in the newspaper, discussing (here mention the name of examination) exam. sport and sharing inforIn return I promise to make you known and mation on local services cause you to be invoked. and events. O St. Joseph of Cupertino pray for me The volunteer will O Holy Ghost enlighten me link the older person Our Lady of Good studies pray for me with all the Nestling soSacred Heart of Jesus, Seat of divine wisdom, cial activities e.g. weekenlighten me. ly social groups, day Remember when you succeed in the exams then trips, the choral group you should thank St.Joseph in the newspaper or the Good Morning i.e. promise to publish on granting of the prayer. Louth Phone service. It is the personal aspect of the home visit that has positive effects on both the older person and the volunteer. The quality of life and wellbeing for the older person and volunteer is greatly improved. There is an identified need for men to visit older men in the community and if you are Our weekly Deadline is 4pm Fridays interested please conprior to Wednesday publication, contact tact Ann Marron 042 Niamh or Noeleen for further information. 9370360 or Pat Kerins Tel 042 9320888 042 9370361.

pine beds. Brand new, super strong, rock solid bases, lifetime guarantee. Good deep super memory foam mattresses included. Everything brand new. Can deliver. €89. 086820-8303 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 ALSATION FOR SALE: A dog called Sandy. Very good guard dog and beautiful bet. One and a half year old. Oner going away. Tel 0429351981. Mob 086-8212056 CLASSES, COURSES & LESSONS Beginner Guitar Lessons. Adults and Children catered for. Dunleer / Togher area. Reasonable rates. Weeknights and weekend lessons. Contact Neil on 086-3818196 Beginner guitar lessons only €8 per lesson. Begin a lifelong hobby .Weekdays/Evenings and weekends. Can provide guitar if needed. Call Roy 086-2052108 M e ditation / R e la x ation Classes in Dundalk. For everyone, including beginners. Special classes for healing and pregnant women. Phone Mary. 087-6342800. Facebook: Dundalk Meditation Class. Line Dancing 8 week new beginners course commencing Wednesday 19th September Lisdoo Arms 8pm Special Course Price €50. Phone 087-8506576 YOGA CLASSES Thursday @ 4pm - 55+ group. Thursday @ 8pm - beginners and improvers. Free trial. 8 Roden Plce, Dundalk. Phone 085-

Kevin O’Rafferty, Bill Doherty and Tom McEvoy

We are now taking Family Notices.

7347133. yogawell@gmail.com ANGEL NIGHT: Learn how the angels can help improve your daily life. Relaxation, meditation, relaxation and healing circle. Six week course commencing 4th Oct 7.30 - 9pm. Phone 087-2107116 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 Tel Tom 0863961206 Chimney & Stove Cleaning, Inspection & Repair Tel Paul McArdle 042-9332491 or 0876660094. Email tribalky@yahoo.com 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 8am-11pm) & 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 8am-11pm) & 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 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 & 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 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 Chimney Cleaning Service Dust Free. Brush & VAC. Reasonable

rates. Call Tommy. 0871869164 Eamonn Cooney Satellite, T.V Aerial, Saorview, Freeview, Freesat etc. Sales/Service/Repairs. Phone 087 2671809 042 9331348 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 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 and 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 All types of tile work, marble, granite, porcelain. Indoors and outdoors. 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 Handyman Services: For all your domestic jobs. Painting/Decorating/Flooring/Building/Plastering etc. Phone Brian 0872952529 or 0429384621 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 the home PVC Fascia, soffit, all types of guttering & roof repairs. Flatroofs garden fencing. 15 years experience. Call Richie 086-4028291 Playpals Childcare 43 Dublin Road, Dundalk. Places now available. Drop-in, day care, after school. FETAC Level 5. Contact Maria 0861043570 or Susan 087-7530315 A-GRADEFLOORING.COM All types of wood flooring, fitted, sanded, stained and refinished. Free estimates. Call Paul 086-8049625 SPECIAL EVENT Photography. Christenings, birthdays. anniversaries, after weddings. Photos printed on the spot. Best prices in Ireland. Small call out charge to include first photo free. Tel. David - 0044 7802643477(N.I.) www.denorrtonphotography.co.uk Free Free Free! Quality Furniture taken away free of charge Tel Eamonn 087 1329147. Woman available for ironing, cleaning, babysitting in Dundalk area. Flexible. €8 per hour. Cotnadt 0894323686

Dundalk Leader 26th September 2012

Appliances

Builder

Bathrooms

Carpet Cleaning

Blinds

Electrical

Gardening

Conservatories/Windows/Sunrooms

Gravel, Patios & Paving Driveways

Forklifts

Plumbing

Early to bed and early to rise itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not worth a damm if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t advertise

Dundalk Leader 26th September 2012

Sliding Wardrobes

Skips

Top Soil

Waste Collection

Carlinn Hall issue raised by Moran By Niamh Kirk

The plight of two families living in one of the area’s largest ghost estates came up in the Seanad last week when Senator Mary Moran championed the cause of the two families. She detailed their experiences to fellow Louth representative Fergus O’Dowd who also went on to describe the living conditions in the estate as unacceptable and that the situation needed to be addressed urgently. The Labour senator raised the issue on Friday and asked what could be done to help the two families who have been paying their mortgages and keeping up their side of the original bargain for the past four years. Last week both families – the Humstons and the Sallys - were without heat as they appealed to the receivers and NAMA to fix the heating as a matter of urgency. One of the properties is attached to an uninsulated house and two years ago temperatures in the house dropped so low that parts of the carpet froze solid. After seeing the conditions the families lived under she described the situation as totally unacceptable for the people who have put their life’s work into these homes to have to live like that. NAMA responded to queries from the Minister by stating that the receiver Farrell Grant Sparks –

Glenn Humston and David Sally at Carlinn Hall

who have no charge of the family homes - were in control of the development and they had been advised that remediation work on the site had been completed in February this year. He suggested that a meeting between the parties be arranged to identify what further work is to be done. In responding to Senator Moran’s question “what can be done” Minister O’Dowd referred to last year’s the Report on Unfinished Housing Developments where a schedule for tackling ghost estates was laid out. The ambition was to deal with the worst estates first and work has begun on Category 4 sites but not in Carlinn Hall. However Senator Moran said she was disappointed with the answer she got and that they just want NAMA or the receiver or someone to talk to them. She said that the situation was totally unsatisfactory and that something had to be done urgently.

Podracer launch album

Rock –punk three piece Podracer launch their album “Parking Cars and Pumping Gas” this Saturday night September 29 in the Castle Bar (Corbett’s) The band have already harvested a well deserved reputation for energetic and invigorating live performances and this night promises to be something special. They have support on the night from Souls.

Skips

Windows

Nicola Stokes, daughter of Margaret and the late Michael Stokes, from Ath Leathan, Dundalk, and Gavin McArdle, son of Helen and Thomas McArdle, Boyle O’Reilly Terrace, pictured at their wedding in Lanzarote in August

Local familes boosted by adoption deal By Niamh Kirk

Local Fine Gael TD Peter Fitzpatrick has welcomed the resumption of adoptions between Ireland and Vietnam as the historic Administrative Agreement on inter-country adoption with Vietnam was signed by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald. The agreement was also signed by the Vietnamese Minister for Justice, Ha Hung Cuong, on behalf of the Vietnamese Central Authority, and Dr Geoffrey Shannon Chair of the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) at the AAI headquarters. He said “Local families in Louth/East Meath and others

across the country who have waited patiently for developments on this matter will be hugely relieved. Minister Fitzgerald has engaged with the Vietnamese government at both a political and diplomatic level over the past year in order to reach this successful conclusion, with meetings in Dublin, London and Vietnam.” “The signing will open the way for the resumption of adoptions between Ireland and Vietnam. Furthermore, the AAI will now be able to use their experience of developing this Administrative Agreement in the development of relationships with other countries who are signatories to the Hague Convention”, added Deputy Fitzpatrick.

Dundalk Leader 26th September 2012

VOLVO V40 CROSS Volvo has just announced details of their new V40 Cross Country. In 1997 Volvo introduced the V70 Cross Country and now look to replicate their success with the smaller V40, you will still get all the rugged styling and all-wheel drive (model depen-

dent) but in a compact package. There are a number of engine options, both petrol and diesel – with all-wheel drive being standard with the petrol fivecylinder 2.5-litre T5 engine which also features Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold. The five-

cylinder 2.5-litre T5 engine develops 254 hp and 400 Nm of torque, including 40 Nm over-boost delivered during acceleration. It comes with automatic transmission and acceleration from 0-100kph/60 mph takes 6.0 seconds. Fuel consumption is 34 mpg (EU

Early to bed and early to rise it’s not worth a damm if you don’t advertise

Combined). There is also the T4 petrol, a 1.6-litre GTDi engine with 180 horsepower and maximum torque of 270 Nm, including 30 Nm over-boost. Fuel consumption is 5.5L/100k - 51mpg and the CO2 emissions are 129 g/km. On diesel front there is a fivecylinder 2.0-litre D4 turbo-diesel which delivers 177 hp and has torque of 400 Nm across a wide rpm range. Acceleration from 0-100kph/60 mph takes 7.9 seconds with the automatic gearbox (8.2 sec with manual). Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 4.4l/100k - 64mpg (117 g/km) with a manual gearbox and 5.2l/100k 54mpg (137 g/km)

with the automatic (EU Combined). In addition there is the 2.0-litre D3 producing 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque. Both turbodiesels are available with a six-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual gearbox. There is also a D2 version of the V40 Cross Country which has CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km. According to Volvo you should 3.8l/100k - 74mpg on the combined fuel cycle. The 1.6-litre diesel engine delivers 115 hp and 285 Nm of torque, including 15Nm overboost. All petrol and diesel engine versions have start/ stop and braking energy regeneration, no matter whether they are fitted with a manual or automatic gearbox.

Dundalk Leader 26th September 2012

NEW KIA CARENS

Kia have been working hard to produce cars that people want to buy and can afford to buy – and the all-new Carens which is to debut at the Paris Motor Show next week looks no exception. It is completely new from the ground up and according to Kia, the new Carens is designed and engi-

neered to meet the needs of modern families. Built on an all-new platform, it delivers stylish, spacious practicality, with sleek aerodynamics, a cab-forward design, long wheelbase and up to seven seats. “The new Carens builds on the family-friendly versatility and functionality of its pre-

decessor, and features more athletic and visually dynamic design,” says HyoungKeun Lee, Vice Chairman and CEO, Kia Motors Corporation. “This marks a dramatic shift forward for our MPV contender and brings the model in line with Kia’s distinctive current design direction.” Appealing to families with an

active lifestyle who don’t want to compromise between style and practicality, Kia is confident that the all-new thirdgeneration Carens will attract a new group of consumers to Kia showrooms around the world. We will let you have more information on the allnew Kia Carens as we receive it.

Dundalk Leader 26th September 2012