18-1-2012

18,000 COPIES WEEKLY MEP honour for Emer Page 2

Crowds turn out to see Cinderella Pages 14 & 21

Concern over safety at Square

Students impress at Young Scientist Page 8

Wednesday 18th January, 2012. Vol. 5, Issue 3. 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth.

Tel: 042 9320888 Fax: 042 9329676 Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com / advertising@dundalkleader.com

By Paul Byrne

A number of people around town with disabilities have expressed their dissatisfaction with the pedestrian crossings around the new Market Square in the centre of town.

The pedestrian crossings at Adelphi Mall and the crossing from Earl St to Clanbrassil St have been causing trouble with not all vehicles stopping at the crossings.

Mark Fitzsimons, his girlfriend Tracy Lee and Tracy’s father David attended a meeting with the town engineer Michael McGrath on Friday last regarding the dangers for people with disabilities around the square.

Mark, who is blind, has claimed that the new road layout is dangerous, particularly for those who are blind,

Gardai examine ‘death’ claim

Gardaí have confirmed that they are investigating incorrect information on the alleged ‘death’ of a local person which appeared in a media outlet.

The details of the ‘death’ were revealed, alongside other deaths, within the last few weeks but the person to whom the notice referred had not passed away.

The notice contained specific personal information and many substantial details were accurate enough for the person and their family to identify the subject Mark Fitzsimons, Tracy Lee and David Lee with Councillors Oliver Morgan of the notice. and Eamonn O’Boyle. Inset: Margaret Black. disabled, and the elderly, who as she tried to cross the road don’t seem to realise where the They grew concerned could struggle to safely cross at the Vodafone shop across pedestrian crossings are and and reported the matthe street. from the square. Only for her they’re just not stopping.” ex- ter to Gardaí who are treating the submission “My girlfriend Tracy had a Dad pulled the chair back she plained Mark. very seriously. near miss with a jeep last week would have been hit. Some cars Continued on Page 14

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Dundalk Leader 18th January 2012

Harp Brewery to close in July 2013 and Dundalk breweries in 2008 as part of a huge €650 million plan to overhaul its brewing here. They were originally scheduled to shut in 2012.

A super brewery in Leixlip, Co Kildare, on lands owned by the Guinness family had been planned but the eco-

By Paul Byrne

Drinks giant Diageo have confirmed that the Great Northern Brewery in Dundalk will shut its doors for the final time in July 2013 resulting in the loss of 55 jobs.

The closure will mark the end of a 115 year association with brewing in Dundalk dating back to 1897 when the Great Northern Railway Brewery first opened its gates in the town.

The move by Diageo to close breweries in Dundalk and Kilkenny follows their decision to invest to €153m in a brewing centre of excellence at St James’s Gate in Dublin.

As well as the 55 people employed in the Carrick Road plant a number of other workers, including sub contractors, will be affected by the closure.

President of the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, Paddy Malone described the announce-

The Great Northern Brewery will close in July 2013

ment as a very sad day for Dundalk.

“We have known this day was coming for a long time now but that doesn’t make it any easier to take. I feel very sorry for the people that will lose their jobs and for the contractors who will also be affected by this closure.

“Years ago the four pillars of Dundalk were engineering, tobacco, shoes and brewing and when the brewery closes

all those pillars will have crumbled. The economy of Dundalk has suffered greatly over the last number of years and we really need a complete re-generation ” explained Paddy.

“I’d be hoping that Enterprise Ireland and Diageo come up with some imaginative way of using the brewery. There are alternative things that could be made in the brewery using the existing facilities and I’d

hope somewhere down the line something could be done.” he added.

“Diageo have been a responsible employer from the point of view of letting their workers know in advance what was happening with the plant and I’d hope that they do right by all the workers affected with this announcement”, added Mr Malone.

Diageo had originally signalled its intention to close the Kilkenny

in February.

He will be replaced by current Dublin City councillor Emer Costello. Mrs Costello is married to Labour’s Joe Costello and is a sister of Paddy Malone (President of Dundalk’s Chamber of Commerce), as well as senator Mary Moran.

Emer served as Lord Mayor of Dublin in 2009 and 2010 and has since served as a councillor for the Northside of Dublin’s Inner City.

A graduate of UCD, Emer has worked in the areas of international co-operation, education and training.

She worked for ten years (until 2007) as Programme Manager of the Education Service, Léargas, the Irish

National Agency for European co-operation programmes in the field of education, training and youth.

Yesterday Emer paid tribute to her predecessor Proinsias De Rossa and expressed her excitement in taking up her new role.

“I wish to pay tribute to Proinsias de Rossa who has indicated that he is to stand down as MEP next month.

“Since 1999, the people of Dublin has been very well represented

by Proinsias, a man who has given a lifetime to public service as a TD, Minister and MEP.” said Emer “I was deeply honoured to have been elected in March 2009, by members of the La-

bour Party to go before the people of Dublin as first substitute in the 2009 European Election, and I am delighted to have the opportunity now, to succeed Proinsias as MEP”, she said.

“I am looking forward to taking up the challenge of serving the people of Dublin, and I believe that my experience as a City Councillor and particularly as former Lord Mayor of Dublin will be invaluable in representing Dubliners.”

Emer moves to Europe

By Paul Byrne

Dundalk’s Emer Costello will replace Proinsias De Rossa as MEP after he announced yesterday that he would be vacating his seat in February.

Mr De Rossa released a statement on Monday declaring his intention to leave his European post

Emer Costello will take over as MEP in February

nomic crash in late 2008 resulted in Diageo shelving that plan as profits fell sharply.

However, Thursday’s announcement by Diageo stating that they would instead expand their existing St James Gate plant has spelt the end of the famous old brewery on the Carrick Road.

Dundalk Leader 18th January 2012

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Search for Dundalk’s Pizza Apprentice inNews Brief Dundalk Leader 18th January 2012

Stole from fellow customer

Jane Byrne, Kerrie Campbell, Kate Whelan, Rachel Vernon, Jenny Gray from St Vincents who are taking part in the Pizza Apprentice competition

Dundalk students will test flair for cooking are putting their creative talents to the test with a novel competition organised by a local restaurant.

Participants from O Fiaich College, St Vincents, St Louis and St Marys will battle it out to become the Pizza Apprentice under the guidance of Eno Bar and Grill.

The participating schools are O’Fiaich, St Vincent’s, St Louis, and St Mary’s.

The teams have been working throughout the first term with their Home Economics teachers to develop their initial concept.

They were then given access to Eno’s trained in-house Pizzaiola

(Pizza chef) and the management team for a number of consultations, covering the pizza recipe itself, pricing, promotion, charity link-up, plus a unique behind-thescenes insight into the restaurant trade.

Each team has chosen a charity to which their pizza will be linked such that a proportion of the sale price of each of their pizzas sold will go to that charity.

Each team’s pizza will remain on the menu for 11 days, from Thursday to the following Sunday, with the competition running from January 12 to April 15.

The winning pizza will be based on a combination of (a) Sales, and

(b) Votes via the Eno’ Facebook page. The winning pizza will stay on the Eno’ menu until the end of the acadamic year 2012. In addition, the proceeds to the charity will continue to be made for that period.

The winning student team will be invited for a meal in Eno’, to include up to 4 nominated staff members from that school who it is felt contributed to the success of the project.

There are two additional prize categories – Best Marketing, and a prize for naming the competition which was awarded to St Louis school who devised the name “Eno’ Pizza Apprentice”.

Judge Flann Brennan advised a 43 year old woman’s solicitor that he “better get her here.”

This was after he heard how Grainne Kellett 50, Gort na Glaise, Blackrock stole an envelope containing a credit union book and other items from a bag that another customer put down in a shop in the village. The Judge proceeded with the case at Dundalk Court in Kellett’s absence, but adjourned it for two weeks on Wednesday last after Garda Inspector Leo McGinn outlined the facts and that she had convictions. The Inspector related that on March 23 last another woman was in the Home Bakery in Blackrock. She placed a shopping bag on the counter in which there was a credit union book, a paid ESB bill and a euro.

She left for a few minutes and returned and got some items in the shop.

Later she discovered the envelope missing. The Inspector said Gardai viewed CCTV footage and identified Kellett.

She admitted the offence when interviewed, but gave no clear reason for committing it.

Dundalk Leader 18th January 2012

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Rally planned to save St Joseph’s

Dundalk Leader 18th January 2012

There has been a ramping up of the effort to save St Josephs Hospital in Ardee this week with a support rally planned and the opening of a petition to save the hospital.

Health Minister James Reilly has said that in general The Community Nursing Sector is under review and the hospital is the subject of an assessment of services for older people in long stay residential care.

St Joseph’s Hospital in Ardee is a small 45 bedded hospital which specialises in the care of the elderly. Services available include Respite Care, Convalescent Care, Physiotherapy, and Occupational Therapy and

Alternative Therapies.

In a statement given to Peter Fitzpatrick TD he said it is clear that in the light of national financial constraints and HIQA regulations, some closures and or bed reductions will occur in Louth/Meath but this will be kept to a minimum.

He added that “when a decision is made in relation to future residential service provision throughout the Louth/Meath area, an intensive communication process with affected service users, the public, staff and unions will be put in place prior to moving ahead with any identified changes.”

However community leaders in Ardee are not

taking the threat of closure lying down, the online petition states “Our vulnerable older people are not strong enough to fight this closure themselves.”

Cllr Michael Farrelly commented “Nothing has been decided as yet and it is 50/50 but it we do nothing we will certainly lose it. If we act against it there’s a chance we n save it. Ardee is a great place, it’s a beautiful town with a rich history and we don’t want to see it go.”

The HSE has stated that it is committed to establishing ‘the environmental improvements required to ensure HIQA standards are met across all units in the Louth Area.’

However there is a

prevailing feeling that St Josephs will be closed by the HSE in the coming months.

“The residents there are the worst affected by this.

It’s not just a hospital, and it’s their home that they are talking about throwing them out of. Some of the people have been there for over ten years and it is where they live, it’s their home.”

The petition has amassed over 5,000 signatures to date and an online petition is now open on www.change.org/ petitions/save-st-josephshospital.

The protest against the closure takes place in Ardee on January 28 at 2.30 pm.

Polio Photo stirs up memories

A photo which was published in last week’s Dundalk Leader showing members of the Dundalk branch of the Paralysis Fellowship of Ireland stirred up some memories 39 years on with five out of the six people being identified.

The photograph which was taken in the Imperial Hotel in 1973 was sent in by Brendan Moore of the Post Polio Support Group in an effort to identify the

six people in the picture.

“Since I put the picture into the paper last Wednesday my mobile phone hasn’t stopped ringing. I even got a phone call from Birmingham in the UK. We’ve identified five of the six people in the photograph. The only one yet to be identified is the young lady standing to the far right.

“The reason we put the picture in is because we want to let

these people know that they can speak to us in confidence and we will tell them about the benefits they can avail of being a member of the Post Polio Support Group.” explained Brendan.

Brendan is grateful to Mrs Monica Sheehan a member of the Post Polio Support Group in Naas for loaning them the photo and to all the people who got in touch with him with information regarding the picture.

Wants home to complete studies Gardai are not opposed to a 22 year-old Romanian woman charged with brothel keeping in town returning to her country for two months.

Dundalk Court was asked on Wednesday to exempt Bianca Dumitrescu (22) from signing on twice weekly at a Garda Station between January 21 and March 24 to return home to complete her studies in social care.

Garda Inspector Leo McGinn said provided evidence was supplied the Gardai had no objection

to Miss Dumitrescu going home to attend college.

She and two other young Romanian women Luiza Hazaparu (19) and Elisabeta Lupu (19) are on bail on a charge of brothel keeping at their then address, O’Hare’s Mill, Nicholas Street, Dundalk on November 23 last.

Inspector McGinn told statements were available in the case but the view of the Director of Public Prosecutions has to be sought as to how the case will proceed. He applied for it to be adjourned to

April or May. The women’s legal representative asked that the three accused be allowed change to sign on twice a week at Kevin Street Garda Station in Dublin instead of Dundalk Station. They now resided at Clanbrassil Street in Dublin, he said.

Judge Flann Brennan acceded to this request, and said that an application to vary the terms to allow Miss Dumitrescu travel home could be made any Wednesday at the court. He adjourned the case to April 18.

Dundalk Leader 18th January 2012

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Young Scientists impress in Dublin

Dundalk Leader 18th January 2012

By Paul Byrne

Dundalk’s young scientists have returned to their schools after impressing judges at the annual BT Young Scientists and Technology exhibition in the RDS last week.

St Vincent’s Secondary school entered an impressive nine projects into the annual competition and all 18 students involved had a great four days at the exhibition.

Second Year students Amy Byrne, Megan Crilly and Sarah Callan along with Transition Year students MarieChristina McManus and Chiara Mischo received a ‘highly commended’ for their projects entitled ‘to investigate how different factors effect’ red eye’ in photographs and ‘to evaluate the effectiveness of a combined woodchip & charcoal home-made filter in improving the quality of drinking water.

Rachael Bothwell received the Google trailblazer best individual female award for her project entitled ‘The use of gait analysis for detec-

Elizabeth Marcus and Sarah McAdam from St Vincent’s School with Kate Knights from Tellus Border

tion of musculo-skeletal disorders in show/pedigree/non-pedigree breeds of dog’. This award offers her the opportunity to visit any European Google research site of her choice.

Second year students Emily O’Reilly and Ciara Rafferty received third place in the junior group social & behavioural sciences category with their project entitled ‘what is the value of Dundalk’s

age friendly initiatives?’

Transition Year students Hannah Foley, Ellen O’ Connor and Sophie Stubbs-Mee received first place in the intermediate chemical, physical & mathematical sciences category with their project entitled ‘At what day of the Atkins diet does a false positive occur in a breathalyser test under current legislation.

De La Salle also im-

pressed with six projects in total making their way to Dublin for the four day exhibition. 11 students in total represented the Castletown Road school with Christopher O Hagan and Patrick Geoghegan receiving a Highly Recommended award for their work on Solar Disinfection of water.

Students from Colaiste Ris and the Bush Post Primary school also performed with credit.

Pictured at the European Commission stand at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition were Aaron Lally, Conor Durnin, John Smyth, Keenan Copas and Ciaran Lennon from St Mary’s College, Dundalk demonstrating the “glove box” which helps users to learn about the EU Joint Research Centre’s work on nuclear research. Glove boxes are normally used in nuclear facilities and laboratories for the handling and storage of radioactive material.

Concerns over man’s mental health Bail was refused again to a 27-year-old local man facing drugs and other charges with it stated there were concerns over the mental health of Anthony Mackin of 7 Hill Street, Dundalk. Gardai for the second successive week objected to him being released at the local court.

Judge Flann Brennan remanded Mackin for a further two weeks in custody and requested a psychiatrist report. He was told when the

defendant appeared before him the previous week that Mackin admitted he was strongly addicted to drugs.

Defence solicitor Dermot Lavery said that Mackin admitted the facts in relation to the charges before the court, which involved counts under the offensive weapons act and theft, burglary and possession of drugs.

Garda Inspector Leo McGinn, prosecuting, said the value of the

drugs was over €1,100 and this matter might have to be referred to the DPP for his direction. The result of the analysis of the drugs would be available within a week.

Mackin in renewing his bail application gave an undertaking to behave.

He said he had been in contact with Fr Peter McVerry and was prepared to undergo residential treatment. He had undergone three days of detox in Cloverhill.

Council use court orders to pursue rates

Dundalk Leader 18th January 2012

By Niamh Kirk

Initiatives to help businesses manage rate payments are proving successful according to Dundalk Town Council, but despite this, approximately 40 cases related to failure to pay rates have been referred to the Council Solicitor for legal action. The number represents only a small fraction of the some 39% of businesses that are failing to pay their annual rates, many of whom enter into alternative payment arrangements with the council.

Over the past number of years the council had made efforts to assist businesses that find themselves in difficulties when it comes to paying their rates including a blanket reduction of 3% introduced in 2010.

DTC are reporting a good uptake by customers on payment plans that are arranged to avoid any further legal action being taken against ratepayers. The council claim that every effort is made by the rates staff to assist in the setting up of payment plans to ease the burdens of paying of the rates in a single or split payment. However they state that a failure for a ratepayer to commit to what they gauge to be an acceptable payment plan will result in legal proceedings.

The accounts of the council undergo an annual audit by the Local Government Audit Service (LGAS), who are responsible for ensuring fiscal responsibility in Local Government. DTC are obliged to account for any failures to secure payments of rates and to out-

line what they have done to recover outstanding payments.

The council is tied by legislative process in this respect and if they deem a rate payers efforts to arrange an acceptable payment plan they initiate legal proceedings which begins with a six-day notice issued by the council, which is followed by a letter from the council solicitors, Daniel O’Connell & Son. If the rate payer does not pay or does not reach an agreement the case will be pursued.

When asked about the cost of taking local businesses to court the council spokesman David Storey replied that there was ‘no fixed charge as the amount charged to Dundalk Town Council varies - dependent on the length and type of action involved.”

Dancing raises €3,000

Paddy Malone President Dundalk Chamber of Commerce presenting Grace McArdle from the Rape Crisis Centre North East with a cheque for €3000 from proceeds raised at the Strictly Come Dancing organized by Dundalk Chamber in December.

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Dundalk Leader 18th January 2012 rne’s Paul By

on Paddy Malone

Paddy is passionate about his home town When speaking to Paddy Malone one thing becomes clear very quickly. The man is extremely passionate about his home town of Dundalk. Paddy who is the current President of the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce says he developed his love for the town through his parents.

“I have always felt strongly about this town and always will. Even when I left Dundalk to study and work in Dublin, I never stopped thinking about the town.” said Paddy.

“My father had a great love for Dundalk Football Team and was director of the club from 1955-1995.

My earliest memories would be going to Mass on a Sunday morning and then heading up to Oriel Park to watch a game.

“My Dad was a remarkable man in many ways and he had a huge passion for this area. He delivered a 50 metre outdoor swimming pool to Blackrock which was at the time the only 50 metre swimming pool in the country.

“He just had this drive to improve Dundalk and make his town better and that’s something which he has probably passed on to myself.” explains Paddy.

Paddy was born in Blackrock and eventually ended up studying accountancy in UCD were he received a BComm from UCD and trained at

Paddy Malone

Arthur Andersen and Co. which were the largest company in the world before it was taken down by the Enron scandal.

Eventually Paddy set up his own accountancy firm in Dublin and lived in the capital city for 15 years. But the pull of Dundalk was always strong and he would eventually return in 1996 when his father died.

“When my Dad died I moved back to Dundalk and amalgamated my business with his and moved into the same office he’d been in since 1950. I thought it was nice that the dynasty continued and our business is probably

while another sister Emer Costello was recently Lord Mayor of Dublin for two years. ” says Paddy.

“Since becoming President of the Chamber I’ve been extremely busy and that has only increased since Bill Tosh stepped down recently. But it’s a job I’m passionate about as I get the chance to help get this wonderful town back on its feet again.

“We need a big idea to land extra jobs and to transform the region.

We have commissioned the McArdle report and I’m convinced this is the way forward. We have to work with Newry and re-energise this region.

We have to turn the border which is currently a negative into a positive” stresses Paddy. about the oldest still Away from work and running today on politics, Paddy is a huge Clanbrassil St. Politics has always played Dundalk FC and Everton supporter and goes to a huge part in Paddy’s Oriel Park for every game. life and he has been a He is also a keen swimmer member of Fine Gael and was a pretty handy since the first day he water polo player back in started in UCD. Indeed his younger days. it was politics that first introduced Paddy to the But it is the town of lady that would become Dundalk where his true passion lies and he holds his wife.

“I actually met my wife at a burning desire to get a by-election in Donegal the town back on its feet.

“We need our politicians back in 1980. We are to listen to us and give us both very interested in help we require in getting politics and even today Dundalk back on its feet it is one of the main things in my life. Politics again.

“There is a long road is in the blood for most ahead but as another of the Malone family president said recently ‘Is actually. My sister is the Feidir linn’”. senator Mary Moran

Dundalk mourns the death of auctioneer Philip Gunne Philip Gunne, one of the leading auctioneers in the North East has died suddenly while on holiday in Florida.

Philip who was a major force in property in Dundalk for over 40 years was 68 when he passed away. He is survived by his wife Maura, son Michael and his mother Bernie, as well as sisters Dara (Smyth), Bernie (Connolly), Rosemarie (Connolly) and Alva

(Flannelly).

Phillip was well known around the town of Dundalk and his death came as a shock too many. Brian Carroll of Sherry and Fitzgerald expressed his sympathies to the Gunne family and said he was ‘shocked and saddened’ to hear the news.

“We were all very shocked and extremely saddened to have heard about the death of Phillip” said Brian. He has

been the driving force in the property game for over 40 years in Dundalk and he’ll be sadly missed.”

President of the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce Paddy Malone also expressed his sympathies to the Gunne family.

“I was extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Phillip Gunne.

He’s a business man I’ve known all my life and I’ve always said that the

Philip Gunne

Gunne’s ran one hell of a business.”

Meanwhile, Jimmy Cumiskey said: “Ireland has lost a good kind man in the passing of Philip.

May he rest in peace.

Dundalk Leader 18th January 2012

Dundalk’s fight against litter continues

Gerard Kerley, from Toberona, Dundalk was the lucky winner of the €20,000 Dream Kitchen competition, an eight week instore promotion held via mainstream electrical retailers and local independents all over Ireland.

Entry to the competition was open to all consumers, with the purchase of any Whirlpool appliance in one of the participating retailers in Ireland. The winner was drawn at Whirlpool’s Irish HQ in Dublin.

The father of five, bought his Whirlpool appliance in BC Electrical Limited in Dundalk from sales representative Gena Waring who won a €3,000 holiday.

Pictured are Paul Walsh, Davina O’Carrol (both Whirlpool), Gerard Kerley (Winner), Helena Ryan (Whirlpool), Charlie McShane (Owner BC), Terry Plunkett (Kube Kitchens), Derek Lahart (Whirlpool)

Dundalk received the thumbs up in the Irish Businesses Against Litter (IBAL) 2011 results announcement earlier this week. Of the 53 towns surveyed in Ireland Dundalk came in 29th, a jump of four places since the first round results came out in August.

Dundalk is now one of few town who have received the overall recognition of being ‘Clean to European Norms’ for five year running The Dundalk Grammar School, the Carrickmacross approach road as well as residential areas on the Dublin Road all received a Grade A from the adjudicators with DkIT receiving a particularly kind commendation.

Other areas in Dundalk received Grade B status but nowhere was considered to be blackspot.

The Railway Station was let down by the litter in the car park however it is not managed by Irish Rail but by a separate company – Irish Car Parks – who IBAL say should be held responsible.

The surveyors also commented that the approach roads from the North, Dublin, and Castleblayney were not clean to European Norms.

Most of the towns surveyed in Ireland received a clean bill of health in the latest survey however IBAL warned that one of the factors that contributed to increased lit-

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ter and unsightliness. Clanbrassil Street was another area to receive criticism.

“The casualness of a few took away from an otherwise very well presented site - , some people have left food related litter on a bench, which had a litter bin right beside it.”

Dundalk recurring criticism was littering, particularly in relation to fast food related wrapping IBAL was not solely concerned with litter and warned that the economic downturn has led to specific litter problems, with the rise in vacant commercial properties, alongside ghost estates and derelict sites, an increasing issue.

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Dundalk Leader 18th January 2012

Dundalk Leader 18th January 2012

Museum’s Olympic exhibition

Louth County Museum is looking for the assistance of the public for their Olympic Exhibition which is set to open on June 6.

The exhibition will come in conjunction with the Olympic Flame travelling into the Republic just north of Dundalk. and aims to celebrate the achievements of the Irish athletes in the Games, but in particular will focus on athletes from Louth.

Brian Walsh, curator of Louth County Museum detailed some of the county successes particularly at the 1908 games where Henry J Brown won silver in men’s hockey, Beatrice Hill-Lowe from Ardee won bronze and Drogheda’s John McCann won silver in Polo. There was also a 6th place finish for a Louth man in the Shooting section of the games.

“For one county three medals and a top six finish is no mean feat. We

Beatrice Hill-Lowe, a native of Ardee who won bronze at the 1908 Olympics

are going to pull together all the memories and memorabilia from the games and hope the public will get involved” said Brian.

In particular the museum would like to get its hands on a rare video footage of Irish Hammer Throwers in the lead up to the 1936 games in Berlin. Maurice Coyle was the man who brought the film to the museum’s attention.

“He contacted us in the

tail end of last year when we said we were looking for a local involvement and told us that his father had represented Ireland in the 1948 Olympics. We were talking about one thing and another and mentioned that Hitler had sent over film crew. People had heard the story but there was no hard evidence for it.”

However, the museum was in luck and found what they needed to be assured that the film crew

sent by Adolf Hitler had occurred. Mr Coyle had a letter from his uncle, Ted Coyle, which made reference not only to the film crew but also to Leni Riefenstahl a famous German propagandist filmmaker and actress.

Anyone with memorabilia, information or anecdotes is asked to contact Brian Walsh or Anita Barrett, at 042 9327056 or by emailing the Museum at olympics@dundalkmuseum.ie

Woman was speeding in car park

A 24-year-old female motorist, who was reported for speeding round the car park of the Lidl supermarket on the Avenue Road, had a plea to a reduced driving charge accepted.

Karen Campbell, a fast food industry employee of 53, Drive One,

Muirhevnamor paid €250 to the Poor Box and was given the benefit of the probation act at Dundalk Court on Wednesday last.

Barrister Mary Jane McFerran said that the defendant was fully co-operative with the Gardai. She had learned a lesson and such an

incident wouldn’t happen again.

Inspector Leo McGinn related that a report was made of a car being driven dangerously in the supermarket car park on March 15 last.

There was nobody inconvenienced or no accident, he said.

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Pete Treanor’s

Weekly Quiz

Ancient History The town of Pompeii was destroyed by a volcanic eruption from what mountain in 79AD? Religion Known for his love of nature and animals, who is the patron saint of ecology?

Children’s Books In the Just William books, what is the name of William’s gang?

Song and Dance Who was nicknamed ‘The Temptress of Tiger Bay’?

Sport In what Leinster town is O’Moore Park, a major GAA stadium?

Newspapers Which London daily paper is nicknamed ‘The Thunderer’?

Nature The drug ‘digitalis’ is obtained from what common flower?

Local

What former garage on the Newry Road held the agency for DKW cars in the 1960s.

Rock and Pop Tom Bailey, Joe Leeway and Alannah Currie made up what London based 1980s group?

20th Century Which country’s leader was born Josip Broz in 1892?

The Stinker Mr Hooper’s was the first recorded death on what worldwide popular programme?

—this week’s answers—

Concern over safety at Square Dundalk Leader 18th January 2012

Continued from Page 1

Margaret Black, who is in a wheelchair, also had a near miss last week when she tried to cross the road from Clanbrassil St to Earl St. She has also called on the council to make the markings clearer for motorists who don’t seem to realise the area is a pedestrian crossing.

“I was crossing the road with my sister

onto Earl St thinking the cars would stop but they drove right through the crossing and very nearly hit me.

I really hope something can be done about this situation before somebody really gets hurt”, said Margaret.

Speaking after the meeting with town engineer Michael McGrath, Mark Fitzsimons declared himself happy with how it went.

“I think the meeting

went pretty well and the town engineer seemed to listen to our concerns and take them on board.

“For me, I think the council should have consulted various disability groups around the town during the planning process and get our input into how to make the area safe.

“I’d like to thank all the councillors who have listened to our concerns and especially

Cllr’s O’Boyle, Todd and Morgan who attended the meeting with us today.

“It’s obvious that people are confused with the present markings and all the town council have done is make vulnerable people more vulnerable”, he added.

Town engineer Catherine Duff stated that the town council were aware of the confusion surrounding the pedestrian crossings at Vo-

dafone and Earl St and that the council hoped to have it rectified by the end of the month.

“There is a belisha beacon pedestrian crossing coming in soon and we are just waiting for the large orange bulbs to be delivered.

“We expect to receive the bulbs in the next week or so and we’ll have a fully functioning Beacon crossing by the end of January” she explained.

News

in Brief

Dundalk Youth Theatre

Dundalk Youth Theatre drama workshops new term starts, next Saturday January 21 in the old Black Box at DkIT. Sessions are from 2pm to 4pm every Saturday until April 21.

Call Pat McKenna at 042 9371660, after 6.00pm, or email; dundalkyouththeatre@ gmail.com. Alternatively, just come along to the Black Box next Saturday.

Duo aim to reignite local band scene

By Paul Byrne

Postal Events is the name of the new venture by Steven Short and Donal McGuinness which aims to kickstart Dundalk’s band scene back into action.

According to Dundalk native Steven, the main aim of Postal Events will be to raise the profile of local Louth musical talent both within the County and also throughout the rest of Ireland.

“Myself and Donal have been working on this project for quite a while now and we’re both excited that it is almost up and running. Obviously we’re a bit

Donal McGuinness and Steven Short

nervous as anybody would be when starting up a new venture but we’ve done a lot of research into this and we’re hopeful we can make it work” explained Steven.

“Basically our goal is to run events featuring local bands and hopefully encourage a sense of identity within the local community.

“Eventually Postal Events plans to expand out, with the ultimate goal of offering stages throughout the country to various musicians from Louth, bringing the unique sound of Louth to the rest of Ireland.” he added.

“I would have been in the music scene going out to gigs and all that a lot when I was younger and I suppose I miss the fun and excitement of the vibrant scene that was around town back then.

Hopefully myself and Donal can get things going again and give the local musicians a platform to show off their talents”, continued Steven.

Postal Events will hold their first gig in the Spirit Store on Thursday January 26 in an event which will see the DkIT Guitar Consort take to the stage with support on the night coming from up and coming local band Luka Novic.

1. Vesuvius 2. Francis of Assisi 3. The Outlaws 4.

Shirley Bassey 5. Portlaoise 6. The Times 7 Fox Gloves 8. Grant Motors 9. Thompson Twins 10. Marshal Tito of Yugoslavia. Stinker – Sesame Street.

Cinderella at Dundalk Town Hall

Mary Lynch, Peter Martin, Oliver

s Drumcar Cahill and Lyndsey Duff, St Mary

Rachel Gorman dressed up to go and see Cinderella

Cian and Aobha Copas

Tamara Keenan and Alanna Duffy

Leanne Gaynor and Fionnuala Begley

aret Fiona Gonnelly, P.J. Reilly and Marg

Jason Breen and Jack Mc Mahon

Mulholland

Tadhg, Eleanor and Leah Mc Eearney with Molly Gallagher

Dundalk Leader 18th January 2012

News

in Brief

Disturbance at Simon Community A man “turned” on Gardai after they removed him from the local Simon community.

The Gardai were called to a disturbance where David Boland with an address at the premises at Barrack Street refused to leave.

The Gardai succeeded in getting him outside of the building on September 24 last, but he turned on them, Inspector Leo McGinn told Dundalk Court.

The defendant had a considerable amount of drink. He had 53 previous convictions, nearly all for public order offences.

Solicitor Frank McDonnell said the defendant was getting counselling.

Judge Flann Brennan said he would impose either four months jail or 100 hours community service. He adjourned the case to February 8 to receive a report on whether he was suitable for community service.

Woman pleads not guilty to charges over fatal crash

The aunt of two children who were killed in a road accident in 2009 went on trial last week accused of dangerous driving causing their deaths. Vera Murden (40) Fatima Court, Dundalk, Co Louth appeared in Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court last Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to charges of dangerous driving causing the deaths of sister and brother, Jenna Murden (4) and Jayden Murden (1).

The children were travelling in a car driven by Ms Murden along with three other children including their brother John (10). The sons of the accused, as well as the children’s eight year old cousin were

also in the car when it left the road and crashed into the wall of the former Dixons Bar at Maxwell’s Row. The crash happened before 4pm on January 31 2009. Prosecution told Judge Michael O’Shea that the case was sad and tragic and that the question was whether Vera Murden’s driving was dangerous.

On the opening day of the trial the court heard evidence from a number of witnesses who were among the first on the scene. A Garda witness, Sean O’Callaghan said that there had been no babyseats or booster seats to secure the children in the car at the time while a second Garda witness,

Theresa Heakin added that there had been no damage to the cars seatbelts.

The trial continued for a second day when the court heard evidence from the defence who argued that a fault could have caused the car to lose control. Sgt Walsh was informed that Hyundai, the manufacturer of the SUV which the accused was driving, was unable to power up the vehicle to inspect its units for faults.

Hyundai said to do so would constitute a fire hazard and noted that if any fault was found was likely to have been caused by the crash. The trial continues in Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court.

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Dundalk Leader 18th January 2012

Dundalk Leader 18th January 2012

Dundalk take on Reservoir Dogs generate a thrilling and intense production of the film.

Anyone with lingering memoDundalk film and theatre ries of the Derryhale might lovers are in for a treat this remember a similar production February when a group of taking place 16 years ago, with local actors, performers and one member of the original videographers bring Quentin Tarantino landmark movie Res- cast, Peter Hoey, now directing and stepping back into his ervoir Dogs to the stage. original role as Nice Guy Eddie.

This year marks the 20th anWith life imitating art the cast niversary of the film’s release of the stage production didn’t and the unique performance know each other until they met should interest with anyone with even a passing interest in to begin preparations for the popular culture and mixed me- show.

All well known Dundalk dia as the cast move between personalities, the cast neatly pre-recorded video and live fit the movies iconic characaction to bring this thriller to ters. “The Boss” Joe Cabot role the stage. is played by Stephen Clarke Some scenes from the movie who has been involved in have been filmed by local filmmaker Fiona Thomson and local drama for many years as VT Director Alan Thomson, aka well as Fergus Cullen, Gerry Mr White, adding an extended Cluskey, Ken McCaffery, Glenn Humpston, Derek Mulholland, local element to the modern American classic. The VT scenes Dundalk Musical Society PRO Paudie Breen in a dramatically are seamlessly blended with live on-stage performances to different role than his recent

By Niamh Kirk

portrayal of the ugly sister in Cinderella.

The soundtrack to Reservoir Dogs is almost as famous and acclaimed as the film itself, re-establishing George Baker Selection’s Little Green Bag and Steely Wheel’s, Stuck in the Middle as modern classics.

Eugene O’Hanlon is charged with the task of warming up the audience with covers of the songs from fabled radio show K Billy’s Super Sounds of the 70s which helped make the movie Pat Kelly helps wife Briege cut her 50th birthday cake at the weekend. so memorable.

Evil Presidentes ‘Band of DJ’s’ will be keeping the crowd entertained after the show.

Due to overwhelming demand for the first night billed, Reservoir Dogs has added an extra night on Friday February 10. The cast and crew promise a night of “diamond-stealing, cop-torturing, foul-mouthed, gut-bleeding, gun-toting gangster action”.

Maxwell for Spirit Store

Riding the wave of success Irish comedian Andrew Maxwell is making his way to Dundalk for a rare performance in the Spirit Store. Fresh from successful performances at London’s Apollo Theatre and his nomination for Best Comedy Show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Maxwell will be visiting the North East in Early February as a part of a short national tour.

He sharpened his wit over a number of seasons on RTE’s The Panel and since has spent much of the past few months in the UK appearing on shows like Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Mock the Week and Celebrity Juice.

A true master of his craft Maxwell has taken time to explore the potential of comedy having filmed a pilot show called Conflict Resolution with the BBC NI which focused on comedy as a way of crossing cultural, social and religious borders.

Andrew Maxwell is to perform in the Spirit Store on Tuesday February 7.

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18

Over to you Do you agree with the new homeowners self defence law which has just been brought in?

Dundalk Leader 18th January 2012

Martin Farrelly

Mickey McShane

Paddy Clarke

Thomas Myles

I definitely would agree with it. It’s about time that they changed the law. It should have been done years ago in fairness.

Oh yes I’d be all in favour of that change in the law. Every person should have the right to defend their own home.

I would be in favour of it alright.

These burglars are out robbing shops and houses all over the place and they have no fear.

At least this new law gives us a chance to defend ourselves.

I’d be in favour of it within reason. I don’t think you should be able to kill a man who breaks into your home but I do think you have the right to defend yourself and your family.

I agree with it of course. Everybody should have the right to defend themselves and their home.

Speeding car had stolen boiler

A speeding car which evaded attempts by the crew of an unmarked patrol crew to stop it was carrying a stolen boiler, Dundalk Court heard.

The car mounted a footpath to try to get away as a Garda car You can contact the Dundalk Leader at: was placed across the 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk. road to block its path Phone 0429320888; Fax 0429329676 after the vehicle was E-mail (Ads) advertising@dundalkleader.com observed speeding at (News) editorial@dundalkleader.com Beechmount Drive on January 28 last year.

Managing Director: Peter Kierans The unmarked patrol Advertising Consultants: Paul Myles/Niamh crew continued to chase Moran Alan Boyle (39) 247, CeEditor: Eunan Whyte darwood Park and saw Newsroom: Niamh Kirk/Paul Byrne a large copper cylinder Production: Stephen Dullaghan in the back of the vehiAccounts/Administration: Noeleen Heneghan cle.

PREMISES TO RENT/FOR SALE ATTENTION: BER’s now required for Better Energy Home Grants. For BER certification at affordable prices contact Robert Mulholland 087 6091906. www.louthber.ie Advertise your House/ Premises for rent or sale to 60,000 readers each week from €5 Telephone Dundalk Leader 042 9320888 RENT FREE Commercial Premises Available. Town centre location, would suit clothing alterations, ironing service or similar. Tel: 087 3568226.

PREMISES WANTED WANTED: 3 Bedroom house/apt, Dundalk - Max 30km. Clean, tidy, working female with good finances. €400€480 per month. 0857686935 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

Kitty Cryan

new. Can deliver. €89. 086-820-8303 Dealgan Furniture (formerly Sofaland) Longwalk, Dundalk (inside The Paint Store), for a wide range of New & Used Bedroom, Dining room and Kitchen furniture. Suite reupholstery and furniture fixing service available Tel 042-9329111 12 place setting dishwasher for sale, 2 years old and in perfect working order, no reasonable offers refused Tel 087 9165242 DISABLED PERSON’S neo-electric scooter for sale. Only used a couple of times. Was €1800. Selling for €1100. 0876537434 CLASSES, COURSES & LESSONS Guitar Lessons Available Beginners Welcome – Contact Gerry Larkin 0871684260 CELTIC SCHOOL OF MOTORING. ADI approved driving instructor, dual controlled car, test routes covered, nervous pupils welcome. Motorcycle lessons also available. Contact Frank 089 425 8215 or 042 93 26148. www. celticschoolofmotoring.com Beginner Guitar Lessons. Adults and Children catered for. Dunleer / Togher area. Reasonable rates. Weeknights and weekend lessons. Contact Neil on 086-3818196 YOGA/MEDITATION Strengthen, tone, detox, de-stress. Beginners Mon. Intermediates Tues. 7.30-9.30pm. Six weeks €100. Also pregnancy, kids & private sessions. Yoga-Fox Studio. Call 087-9765153 Beginner guitar lessons only €8 per lesson. Weekdays/Evenings. Can provide guitar if needed. Call Roy 0862052108 ACCOUNTING: Leaving Cert Honours Accounting Grinds available. Grinds complete with typed questions, answers, notes, study guides & exam tips.

Tel. 0872545359 YOGA CLASSES. Free Trial. Monday 12 noon - Over 55’s class. Thursday 6pm

- Beginners. 7.15pm - General Classes. 8 Roden Place, Dundalk. Tel 0857347133.

IRISH GRINDS available now from a fluent Irish teacher. Leaving/Junior/ Mocks exmas catered for at reasonable prices.Contact 0871301429 SPECIAL SERVICES HUGHIE MCELROY BUILDER All types of building work carried out. *House Maintenance & Renovations*Painting & Decorating*All PVC products supplied & fitted*Wall & Floor Tiling* Power washing of driveways & houses*Large & Small jobs*Free estimates.TEL:087 2602501.

GERRY’S UPHOLSTERY SERVICE Suites/Antique furniture repaired and re-covered. Better than new.

0860800788 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 HOUSEHOLD INSURANCE CLAIMS. All types of household insurance claims, fire damage, flood damage,

Eventually he came to a halt and was arrested for dangerous driving, Garda Inspector Leo McGinn said.

Enquires revealed that the cylinder was taken from a house in the Castle Ross estate. It cost €3,000 to repair the damage to the house.

The Inspector said that the defendant had a lengthy list of convictions.

Solicitor Frank McDonnell said the defendant was endeavouring to turn his life round, and had moved to live out of town. The cylinder was stolen by others known to the court.

water damage, shower leaks, break-ins, call our Insurance Helpline today for a free consultation, Lo-call 1890 247 911 or mobile 087 6487466 Chimney Cleaning, Inspection & Repair. Tel: Paul McArdle 042-9332491or 087-666-0094. Email tribalky@ yahoo.com Telephone Problems, Wires everywhere? Ring John (ex-Eircom) for all your needs, no job too small Tel 085 1234003 anytime.

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 Computer callout service. Day, evening & weekend hours. Experienced and professional. Dundalk & Blackrock and surrounding areas. Call Oisín now on 086-8778361.

Fully Qualified Mechanic available for MOT, servicing & Mechanical repairs. Renault specialist Tel Declan 0044 7749488859 A1 INSULATION All types of house maintenance. Renovations/Extensions/ Facia/Soffet Guttering Garden Fencing and Patios. Estimates free Tel Tom 0863961206 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 Aerial, Satellite – TV, Freeview Freesat professional installations, repairs etc.

Phone Eamonn Cooney 087-267-1809, 7 Distillery Lane.

Weddings 2012 Special at Peter Hughes Photography, Professional

Judge Flann Brennan sentenced the defendant Got a Story? to do 200 hours commu- We want to hear from you nity service in lieu of ten Phone: 0429320888 Email: editorial months in jail.

Wedding Photography, full coverage of wedding and 26 page picture story book album total price €750 phone 042 9333732 mob 087 2561161 LAPTOP COMPUTER REPAIRS. Internet Set Ups, Broadband Set Ups, Security, Anti Virus Removals, Business & Home Networking. Collect & Return Service. Tel 042 9323419 Mob 087 6244151 GremlinBusters Computer Services, FREE fault diagnosis, no-fix/ no-fee, collect and return, experienced professional technicians, for very cheap service and repair rates call Paul on 086 885 7350 Wedding Photography. All day coverage, DVD with pictures €350. www.elmotions.com Tel: 086-4036942 Wall Paper Hanger available.

Reasonable rates, excellent work.

Phone: Tom 087-632-8292 Carpenter available. 25 years exp. All interior, exterior including kitchens, decking, doors, floors, etc. No job too small. Keenest prices. Quality finish assured. Call Des for free quote: 087-6180150 CHIMNEY CLEANING SERVICE Dust Free Brush and Vac Reasonable rates.

Phone Tommy 0871869164 McALOON UPHOLSTERY. All furniture recovered as new. 3 piece suites, dining chairs etc. Cushions & springs replaced. Tel: 087 2305941 / 041 9842974.

Window Cleaning, office cleaning, domestic cleaning. EVERKLEEN. 0429352717 CLEANEST & KEENEST Have your carpet or suite of furniture cleaned at keenest prices . Also guttering, fascia boards, power hosing. Call Damien 0868469559 or 0879319243 RENT FREE Commercial Premises Available. Town centre location, would suit clothing alterations, ironing service or similar. Tel: 087 3568226.

CHILDRENS ENTERTAINMENT

@dundalkleader.com

Magician and Balloon Modeller available for all parties. Contact Odenni. 042-9372455 or 0872473342.

WORK WANTED RESPITE CARE WORKER - Need an experienced respite care worker?

Flexible hours. Dundalk area. References available. Garda clearance.

0870955462.

SITUATIONS VACANT NOW RECRUITING Usborne Books at home and school business start up pack. Special offers €45. Call Samantha McGahon 0862577564 RENT FREE Commercial Premises Available. Town centre location, would suit clothing alterations, ironing service or similar. Tel: 087 3568226.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY RENT FREE Commercial Premises Available. Town centre location, would suit clothing alterations, ironing service or similar. Tel: 087 3568226. planning notice Dundalk Town Council We Ulster Bank Ireland Ltd intend to apply for demolition of existing shop (Rice’s Bridge Stores) and associated dwelling, all debris to be removed from site and all disturbed ground to be made good and finished level to existing ground with granular fill material compacted in layers, together with all ancillary site development works at Rice’s Bridge Stores, Castletown Road, Dundalk County 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 Dundalk Town Council from 9.00am to 5.00pm 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

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Dundalk Leader 18th January 2012

Appliances

Blinds

Blinds

Bathrooms

Builder

Couriers

Book-Keeping

Builder

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Dundalk Leader 18th January 2012

Conservatories/Windows/Sunrooms

Garden Sheds

Locksmiths

Electrical

Home Insurance & Claims

Sliding Wardrobes

Fuel

Locksmiths

House Maintainance

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Dundalk Leader 18th January 2012

Cinderella at Dundalk Town Hall

Skips

Mary King (centre) with grandchildren Eoghan Mc Cabe, Sarah, Niamh, Ciaran and Jack King and Paidi Mc Cabe

with Florence Carroll Rachel and Blaithnaid Brennan

Windows

Rachel Gorman dressed up to go and

Back: Karen Mc Crave, Helen Gray and Theresa Mc Crave.

Front: Sorcha and Hannah Gray

and Jackson Coyle Muireann Harmon with Lorelei, Max

Ciara Casey, Taylor Coyle and Michael and Sharon Casey

Leah and Adam Daly

see Cinderella

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Dundalk Leader 18th January 2012

V8 LANDCRUISER

Toyota have announced details of their new top of the range Land Cruiser V8.

The V8 Land Cruiser is powered by a 4,461cc turbo diesel engine which produces 286 bhp and can deliver 650Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,800rpm.

The diesel V8 engine meets Euro 5 emissions standards

The Land Cruiser’s exterior has been tweaked for 2012 to add LED lighting technology with

the incorporation of LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights and LED indicators in the door mirrors. The mirrors also incorporate the side view cameras, which compliment the forward and reverse cameras to give the driver near 360 degree low down vision, which is benenfical off road, reversing and linking up to trailers.

Interior wise emphasis has been placed on quality with better ergonomics – the front seats

gain cool air and seat heaters whilst the dashboard has been given a complete makeover. The driver’s instrument binnacle has white Optitron dials that are backlit with blue illumination and a large, colour TFT multi-information display.

Off Road technology now includes Crawl Control with Turn Assist, a system which has been developed so that it can help drivers execute very tight turns without having to re-

verse mid-bend. Operating at speeds below 6mph (10km/h), it reacts to the driver’s steering inputs, braking the rear wheel on the same side of the vehicle as the direction of turn. The wheel braking force automatically increases with the steering angle, reducing the vehicle’s turning radius.

Plus there Multi-terrain Select (MTS) which automatically modifies the throttle, braking and traction control

to suit off-road conditions and deliver the best possible traction and vehicle control.

MTS offers a choice of five terrain modes: Mud and Sand; Loose Rock; Mogul; Rock; and Dirt and Rock. The new Multi-terrain Monitor automatically displays a view of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings on the multi-information screen.

If you need to know where you are going the Toyota Land Cruiser V8 will use Toyota’s Touch Pro system which covers the multimedia functions and pan-European satellite navigation systems. The system incorporates a double tuner DAB/DAB+/DMB digital radio, making it compatible with the advanced TPEG (Transport Protocol Expert Group) traffic information system, which has a much greater information capacity than the TMC-RDS analogue system. Toyota Touch Pro can also read DVD audio and video files.

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE

The Range Rover Evoque has added more awards to its portfolio, taking the total to 53 since its recent launch in September 2011

Recent honours bestowed on the Evoque came from Britain’s 4x4 Magazine, which proclaimed the Evoque its 4x4 of the Year, and this was swiftly followed by the Car of the Year title from the Czech Republic, and Best SUV from the Brazilian automotive news agency Auto Press, taking to 15 the number of different countries to recognise the smallest, lightest and most efficient Range Rover ever produced.

Evoque’s halfcentury tally includes notable titles such as Car of the

Year in the UK AutoExpress New Car Honours, Scottish Car of the Year, US Motor Trend’s SUV of the Year, BBC Top Gear’s Car of the Year, Car and Driver Spain Car of the Year, the Design Trophy from l’Automobile in France and a host of honours from Chinese organisations and publications.

For Land Rover global brand director John Edwards, keeping up with the awards is proving a welcome headache: “The speed with which the honours are being collected by the Evoque is breathtaking, as is their global nature. It is a fantastic achievement for all connected with the Evoque project and a great endorsement for the product.

“In addition

to these formal titles, the Evoque is daily emerging on top in motoring magazine group tests around the globe, and is winning thousands of admiring new owners. We have now received in excess of 40,000 orders for Evoque, and what is particularly heartening is that many of those have come from customers new to the brand.”

The most recent honour comes from 4x4 Magazine, who commented that there was universal agreement among the judges “that the new Evoque points the way to what future 4x4s will be like, and in some respects that alone makes it a worthy winner.”

4x4 Magazine also awarded Evoque top honours in its Premium Plus class.

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Dundalk Leader 18th January 2012

AUDI A6 ALLROAD

This is the new, third generation Audi A6 allroad quattro that is expected to go on sale later.

The new Audi A6 allroad quattro is 4.94 metres long, 1.90 metres wide and 1.47 metres tall and 6 cm taller than the current A6 Avant.

And although the Audi A6 allroad quattro, is not designed as hard core off roader, the quattro system of-

fers permanent fourwheel drive and the air suspension can raise the car through 35 mm at the push button (there is an extra 10mm for extreme use) - stainless steel guards protect the under body at the front and rear. There is also hill descent assist which is particularly helpful on icy and snow covered back roads by limiting the decent to a safe 6 – 12 mph under the control of the car.

Initially the Audi A6 allroad quattro will be able with three engines, all 3.0 litre units with stop/start technology – coupled to seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission

The sole petrol engine produces 310 PS / 440 Nm and is backed up with a super charger which will propel the A6 allroad quattro from 0-62 mph in 5.9 seconds and then all

the way up to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Audi quotes a combined fuel economy figure of 31.7mpg.

Thetwodiesel engines are variants of the 3.0 TDI and produce either 204 PS/450Nm or 245 PS/580Nm. According to Audi the lower output version achieves a combined economy figure of 46.3mpg, corresponding to 159 g CO2/km.

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Dundalk Leader 18th January 2012