15-02-12

18,000 COPIES WEEKLY Black Belt joy for sisters Page 8

Local boys star with Giants Page 6

Grandparents day in school Page 9

Gentleman Stephen went to help friend Wednesday 1st February, 2012. Vol. 5, Issue 5 . 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth.

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

By Paul Byrne

A man who went to help out a friend whose boat encountered engine trouble tragically lost his life last Sunday after his boat capsized.

Stephen Fergus (48) was found about a mile from shore, close to Dundalk lighthouse, shortly after 6pm. The married father-oftwo was a caretaker for Dundalk Town Council and worked in Country Hall.

Stephen had received a call asking for assistance from his friend whose boat had moored at the Blue Anchor in Bellurgan after encountering engine trouble.

It is thought Stephen set off in a small flat bottomed punt vessel shortly before 4pm to help out his friend.

Speaking after the accident a family member described Stephen as “a lovely gentle men” and said he would “always help

anybody who was in trouble as that was just his way” Shortly after 4pm Dundalk Sub Aqua Search and Rescue got a call through the gardai saying a boat had capsized and a man was in trouble. Two divers and a coxon were sent out to help but tragically Stephen had already died.

His body was located and was brought to the marina in Dundalk by Greenore and Kilkeel Coast Guard Units. There were harrowing scenes at the marina as Stephen’s family and friends had gathered to pay their last respects.

This is the second tragedy to hit the Fergus family after Stephen’s brother Paul was killed in an accident a number of years ago while working on his car in The late Stephen Fergus Cluan Enda.

Stephen is survived by his wife his mother Eileen brother, Kevin and two sisters, Lisa, daughters Erin and Amy, Kathleen and Maureen .

Mother angry over autism comments

By Niamh Kirk

Labour Senator Mary Moran has criticised a Dr Tony Humphreys article that appeared in the Irish Examiner. The article caused a wave of complaints when it was published last week and has since been removed from the Examiner’s website. The article was about research being conducted into high-achieving parents and the development of their children.

In the article Humphreys angered parents groups and professionals working in the sector by questioning whether autism was a scientific fact. He also described the development of research into ADHD distressing as he claimed there was an absence Continued on Page 2

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Dundalk Leader 15th February 2012

Council expresses concerns over toxic material dumping ICBs containing the toxic material.

Louth County Council Recently Louth Counhas again had to clean ty council expressed its up after the dumping of concerns about the inBy Niamh Kirk

crease in finds of ICBs in rural areas in the county.

While the funding for the clean-up operation is recuperated from the Department of Environment, it nonetheless puts strain on the local authority’s cash flow.

The council estimate that it costs approximately €1000 per tonne to process the toxic sludge, which is sent to Germany for treatment.

Last year the Louth County Council spent almost €1m euro clean-

ing up after criminals dumped 989 tonnes in 2011. The Council have had to spend approximately €80,000 euro in January alone, this cleanup operation alone will cost a further €7,000.

Some experts have

approximated that laundered diesel accounts for 12% of the market.

However the washed diesel causes catastrophic damage to car engines.

The issue has escalated to the degree that there have been calls to abandon ag-

Emer to formally take MEP seat Emer Costello has taken over the Labour MEP seat from Proinsias de Rossa.

Originally from Dundalk, Emer, is now a Dublin City Councilllor and former Lord Mayor. Ms Costello will be formally declared MEP for Dublin

at the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg this week. Her husband is Joe Costello, Minister for Overseas Development.

Emer has had a distinguished and varied career working in the areas of international co- opera-

tion, education and training.

She is expected to also put her name forward to chair the European Parliament delegation for relations with the Palestinian Legislative Council, which Mr De Rossa had chaired before his retirement.

Enjoying night out at Good Time Charlies

Shannen Murden, Shane Flanagan, Declan McGuckin and Barbara Leonard enjoying a night out at Good TimeCharlies at the weekend.

Mother angry over autism comments Continued from Page 1 of scientific basis for the condition.

Senator Moran released a statement in the wake of the article stating “I am deeply disappointed by the assertions made by Tony Humphreys that parents of children with autism are the cause of their children’s condition. As a parent of a child on the autistic spectrum, I would strongly disagree with the article’s unfounded opinion that autism is caused by parents who are emotionally distant from their children.

“Frankly I find it insulting to parents of

children with autism, who in my experience possess abounding patience and love for their children. In my own case I have four other children which would make the implications in the article completely void.

“I would hope Tony Humphreys will make a full apology for the hurt this article caused to parents of children with autism.”

Dr Humpherys later said that his comments had been mis-interpreted and stated that it was important to examine the family and community narrative when understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder.

ricultural diesel and for new mechanisms to be introduced to restrain the trade in the damaging material.

One of last year’s largest laundering finds was thought to have had the capability to make a profit of €100k per week.

The clean-up operation cost the tax payer by

way of clean-up operation but it is a loss to the revenue by millions of euro a year, one operation alone had the capacity to deny the revenue of €9million.

In this latest incident 175 ltrs of the toxic sludge were uncovered on the Toberona to Kilcurry road.

Dundalk Leader 15th February 2012

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Dundalk Leader 15th February 2012

Fined over hit and run A hit and run driver who was not insured and caused €3,795 worth of damage, was fined a total of €200 after he paid compensation.

The case against Rory McVeigh (37), 3, Bothar na Feirme, Dundalk was adjourned from October to last Wednesday’s sitting of Dundalk Court for the defendant to pay for the damage.

His solicitor Conor McGuill told that he had a bank draft to pay over to the injured party, and that the defend-

ant hadn’t come to the attention of the Gardai before or since.

The incident occurred on July 25 2010 year at Barrack Street when the defendant was driving a neighbour’s car.

He was summonsed on a total of six counts, four of which Judge Brennan struck out, and fined him €100 on the two others for not having a driving licence and failing to report the incident.

Eilish hopes to represent Ireland Dundalk’s Eilish Byrne is in line for a place in this year’s 2012 Paralympic Games after it was confirmed that that the Irish Para Equestrian team have secured a team place at the games for the first time.

Eilish is one of Ireland’s leading riders and has competed at Olympic, World and European level, including Norway (Europeans), Hartpury (World Championships), and Hong Kong (Paralympics). Just before the Hartpury outing in 2007 she competed at a qualifier in Vienna and was crowned champion.

As a result she will be fancied to gain a place on the Irish team for the event from August 30 to September 4.

Eilish was born with

in Brief

Beekeepers’ lecture

County Louth Beekeepers Association will host their monthly meeting on Thursday February 16 in the Teagasc Centre, Dublin Road, Dundalk, from 8pm to 10pm. The subject is “What Challenges Lie Ahead for my bees January to May” and will be given by Ben Harden.

Tea/coffee served during the question & answer session. Admission is free and bring a friend.

Volunteers wanted

The Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) needs your help this February.

The OCF is calling for more volunteers in Louth to help raise vital funds for its services on Friday and Saturday February 24 and 25. For more information on Lollipop Day and how to volunteer in Louth go to www.lollipopday.ie, call 086 1006550.

Drugs seizure Eilish Byrne is hoping to go to Paralympics

Spina Bifida. She started riding at the age of 12, first hacking out on the beach. She then progressed to show jumping, competing at Intermedi-

ate level with the Riding Club movement. She first became involved with Para Equestrian Ireland in 2000. She competes at Grade II level.

Variety show looking for talented volunteers

A ‘Variety Show’ will take place in Ravensdale Community Centre on Sunday March 11 at 3pm.

The organisesrs are on the look out for talented individuals, or groups, young and old, in any shape or form.

Jenny Spain, a member of The Ravensdale Community Centre Committee is appealing to the people of Ravensdale and surrounding areas to get in touch with her and volunteer themselves to participate in the show.

“The variety show which took place

last year in the Community Centre was a huge success and we are hoping to better it this year. We are hoping to get the people of Ravensdale singing, dancing, playing and laughing. We would love to see young and old, individuals, groups and families performing together to entertain the local community”, she said.

Jenny is also looking for volunteers to assist in the organising of the event, especially for the day of the show. If you want to perform in the show or are able to help out please contact Jenny on 089 437 8997.

DkIT student hopes he has recipe for success

A student from DkIT will be putting his culinary talents to the test when he takes part in the Knorr StudentChef of the Year final.

Barry Reilly, from Drogheda, will be one of eleven talented chefs from around the country who will be hoping to be crowned Best Student Chef in Ireland in the

News

cook-off in Cork IT on February 22.

The prize for the winner includes a specially commissioned perpetual trophy to commemorate the 15th year of the competition, a fantastic foodphotography experience with one of the UK’s most acclaimed food photographers, Gareth Morgans, and an evening

of gastronomic greatness in Heston Blumenthal’s multi-award winning The Fat Duck Restaurant.

This year’s judging panel is challenging students to create a starter and main course, taking inspiration from different regional cuisines around Ireland and using at least two Knorr products in the process.

A case where a 46-yearold man charged over the seizure by Gardai of alleged cannabis with an estimated value of €6,400 was put back for the DPP to give his directions.

Charges against Thomas Cassidy of 14, Clois Dalgan were adjourned to May 23 next at Dundalk Court on Wednesday last. Garda Inspector Leo McGinn said that the file in the matter had gone to the DPP. The offences are alleged to have taken place on October 6 last at Clois Dalgan and concern the alleged discovery of plants.

St Patrick’s fundraiser

St Patrick’s Parish will hold a fundraiser in The Lisdoo on Easter Sunday, April 8, at 8.30pm. Music is by Toronto Showband plus disco from 70s, 80s and 90s, with drinks promotion on the night. Admission is by ticket only which are available at 1€10.

Dundalk No Name Club

No Name Club, are holding a Mother & Children morning from 11am to 2pm on Wednesday February 15 in the Outcomers Hall, Roden Place, Dundalk. Proceeds go towards the No Name Club. Free entry. Tea, coffee, refreshments for Mums. Call Christina 085-2710881 if you need any info. Booking not necessary.

Dundalk Leader 15th February 2012

Bravado act led to court News

A 21-year-old Mid Louth man Tadhg Smith of Tullykeel, Ardee was fined €300 on a charge reduced from dangerous to careless driving at Dundalk Court on Wednesday last.

The case arose from the defendant’s driving at the Applegreen Services Station on the M1 at Whiterath, Dromiskin on October 7 last when his solicitor claimed he engaged in an “element of bravado and showing off.”

Garda Inspector Leo McGinn outlined that the defendant was seen driving into the Services Station and

a passenger alighted.

He was observed by a Garda rev the engine, and pulled off screeching the tyres. He took off at speed, driving round the petrol pumps. When the passenger left the forecourt he sped towards the roundabout.

Defence solicitor Conor Breen said there was no excuse for the defendant to be skidding off at petrol pumps. He apologised to the Gardai and the court.

The defendant admitted when stopped what he had done. There was nobody injured and he was fully insured and licensed.

in Brief

New chairman

Louth county VEC has voted a new chairman into the seat. At the February meeting Cllr.

Liam Reilly was elected as Chairperson for the forthcoming year, replacing Cllr. Anthony Donohoe. Cllr. Reilly currently teaches History and Business Studies in St. Mary’s College, Dundalk and has been a member of Co. Louth VEC since 2008.

James Mc Guirk, Christopher Coburn, Gavin Forde, Paul Broadhurst and Padraig Kearney enjoying a night out in Good Time Charlies.

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Dundalk Leader 15th February 2012

Dundalk boys become ‘giants’

By Laura Campbell

Two Dundalk boys David Sally and Artem Muskulidi who play for the Junior Belfast Giants U14 ice hockey team played their first away match to Kilmarnock on Saturday January 28 in Scotland.

There was a sense of pride amongst parents and supporters of the under-14 team as they entered the ice rink at Kilmarnock captained by local David Sally. For this first match the team had been given the opportunity to vote in their own captain and vicecaptains.

The under-14 team included captain David Sally and was joined by three members of the under-12 team which included net-minder Artem Muskulidi.

In what proved to be a very competitive game,

David Sally and Artem Muskulidi are part of the Belfast Giants squad

Kilmarnock just had the edge and came out with a 7-4 victory.

David Sally and Ben Murdoch, who received

injuries during the game, got some minor treatment and through their determination returned to the ice to play the game.

This was the Junior Belfast Giants first competitive match they had played and they did themselves proud.

Tributes paid as Leo earns a promotion

Newly-promoted Garda Superintendent Leo McGinn who is to move from Dundalk on promotion to Ballyshannon Co Donegal was warmly congratulated and sincere good wishes extended to him on Wednesday last.

Solicitor Frank McDonnell led glowing tributes to him at the local district court where he said he was the “prosecutorial face” of the court for many years, and referred to his long and distinguished service in Garda Siochana, which included a stint serving with the UN. He described him as a “tremendous servant of the court,” and praised his common sense and humanity and his sense of fair play.

He commented that the Superintendent, who takes up his new post on February 21, will be greatly

missed. He wished him all the best and hoped that he will return here some time in the future.

Judge Flann Brennan endorsed fully his comments, remarking he was an exemplary prosecutor.

He continued “he clearly is a man appreciated by all and sundry,” and was a very fair man who, where he could, would say a word in favour of anybody accused before the court.

He added he very much appreciated all he had done and was “not a bit surprised at his promotion” which was “a very deserved achievement.”

Court Clerk Denise Clerkin said it was true “good things come to those who wait;” while Probation Officer Sheena Norton said “our loss is very much Ballyshannon’s gain.”

Replying Superintendent McGinn affirmed his affection for “this part of the country” and said he would look back with great fondness on his ten years in the courts. He said he enjoyed the learning, and thanked all the practitioners for educating him and for their tolerance.

He said he owed a great debt to Miss Clerkin and the court office staff for their cheery co-operation and help and professionalism, and also praised the probation service.

“It was very easy to work with them as well,” he remarked.

He thanked Judge Brennan for facilitating Gardai in their investigations at night and at the weekends.

He concluded “I will miss Dundalk. I have enjoyed my time here.”

Votes needed to SNAP up prize

By Niamh Kirk

Local support group for parents with special needs children, SNAP (Special Needs Active Parents have been shortlisted for the EBS national final of the Community Fund Competition.

The group are hoping to get the most votes to win the €10,000 prize.

SNAP have been highly active over the

past few months offering fantastic opportunities to families from reflexology and cookery classes to horse riding and art classes, all achieved through fundraising and donations during the past year.

This year SNAP hope to host music therapy classes but the group say that their long term ambition is to have their own premises

where all their activities can be centralised and families can gather and support each other.

They are encouraging everyone to visit the EBS website to vote for them and help them towards winning the top prize.

Maeve Yore from SNAP said “All you have to do is log onto ebs.ie website and go into community fund and vote for SNAP.”

News

in Brief Castletown ICA

Castletown ICA meet every Wednesday night in O’Hanlon Park hall at 8pm. Contact 087 130 335 for details.

Man Utd supporters

Those wishing to attend the Everton game in April are advised that a meeting takes place on Thursday February 16 at 8pm in McCourts Bar, Francis St. Tickets can be purchased at this meeting.

Dundalk Leader 15th February 2012

Rotary Club annual breakfast

The Dundalk Rotary Club annual ‘Shrove Tuesday Breakfast’ takes place next Tuesday February 21 in the Crowne Plaza Dundalk between 7.30am and 10.30 am.

The event which is in its 13th year will hope to emulate last year’s success when an impressive 300 people turned up to support local, national and international charities.

According to Dundalk Rotary

Club PRO Gay Berkery the event has consistently been supported by the people of Dundalk and he hopes this year will prove no different.

“We’ve always had fantastic support from the people of Dundalk and its surrounding areas and hopefully they’ll turn out in their numbers again this year” said Gay. “This is a great social occasion

and for €25 you’ll get your bacon, eggs, sausages, pudding, tomatoes, pancakes and tea or coffee. And more importantly all profits will go to local, national and international charities.” He added.

Tickets for the event are available from any Rotarian or alternatively you can pay €25 donation on the morning of the breakfast. For further details call Gay Berkery on 0872156622.

Revellers go back to the 80s The Rugby Club was alive with the sound of 80s classics as DJ Padraig Quigley kept the 200 strong revellers on the floor at the Back to the 80s fundraiser on Saturday night.

The theme was a 1980s school disco and to get into the swing of the night, the girls behind the event, Ursula Martin, Margaret Gamble, Sandra McCourt, Karen Coan and Jill Gallagher all dressed as nuns to keep order on all the fancy dressed “students” in attendance.

The organisers wish to extend their thanks to all who contributed to the event, including those who bought tickets, donated prizes for the draw

Sadhbh Dennedy, Patrick Gardiner and Louisa Kennedy

or sponsored the event, along with Tommy and the team from the Rugby Club.

The money is still be-

ing counted at the time of going to print but it looks really good with almost €6,000 collected so far.

All proceeds will go

to the Gary Kelly Centre, Friends of Carrick and Solas cancer support groups.

Tips on how to save energy

Większość z Nas przyjechała do Irlandii z nadzieją, że znajdzie tutaj prace. Rozpoczynając ’’przygodę’’ z Zieloną Wyspą nie myśleliliśmy o realizowaniu naszych zainteresowań czy pasji. .

Z czasem zadomowiliśmy się tu i pragnienia o wyrażeniu siebie poza The Society of Young the building. pracą powróciło, rozmawiamy z Cezarym Rojewskim, założycielem i wokalistą zespołu Episode 6; Czarek: Śpiewam od 17 roku życia. Byłem Surveyors in DkIT is A Passive house has założycielem i wokalista kilku zespołów w Polsce. hosting a free evening on a climate that can be Myślałem o własnej grupie tutaj od przyjazdu, mniej wiecej rok temu conservation of heating maintained without active przyłączyłem się do zespolu THE STRANGER (obecnie WILDEROSE) and energy in the home. heating and cooling Następnie z Arturem utworzyliśmy grupę LAST REVIVAL, który opuściłem w sierpniu 2011 roku. Po kolejnym rozstaniu postanowiłem The Society are opening systems.

This is achieved this information night założyć swój zespół. I w ten sposób powstał ‘EPISODE 6“.

Ewa: Skąd nazwa grupy? Jaki jest jego skład? up to the public and are through insulating the Czarek: Moim idolem muzycznym jest Ian Gilan (wokalista Deep Pur- welcoming anyone who is building envelope and ple). Na początku swojej kariery występował w zespole “EPISODE SIX. interested to come along retaining all internal Poza tym od początku tworzenia zespołu towarzyszyla nam, w różnych gains from the occupants, to the Nurses Building sytuacjach , cyfra 6 - tak powstała nazwa “EPISODE 6“.

Obecnie w zespole grają: PIOTR- saksofon, MACIEJ- gitara basowa, in DkIT on February 22 their activities, use of appliances and most LIBOR- perkusista, ŁUKASZ- gitara solowa, CZAREK- wokal, Wszyscy from 6pm to 9pm. członkowie maja przynajmniej kilkunastoletnie doświadczenie muzycThe meeting will focus importantly the sun. zne.

The key components of largely on Passivhaus or Ewa: Jaka muzykę gracie?

‘Passive Houses’. These a passive house include; Czarek: O granej przez nas muzyce zdecydowały upodobania muzycorientation, are house designed to southern zne członków zespołu: rock i blues. Dlatego połączyliśmy te dwa gatunki prevent energy loss. triple glazed windows, air muzyczne.

Ewa: Wiekszość Waszych utworów jest wykonywana w jezyku angiel- This robust approach to tightness, heat recovery skim? building design allows ventilation, cold bridge Czarek: Generalnie tak. Wynika to z tego, że chcemy grać dla Irland- the designer to minimise elimination and energy czykow w miejscowych pubach. W swoim repertuarze mamy także ut- the ‘Heating Demand’ of saving appliances. wory polskie. Są przeznaczone na typowo polskie imprezy.

Oczywiście mamy też autorskie utwory. Są one tworzone w wersji anglojęzycznej.

Autorem większości tekstów jestem ja. Nad muzyka pracuje cały zespół.

Ewa: Jak wyglądają wasze próby?

Czarek: każdy z członków zespołu pracuje zawodowo. Dlatego wszyscy razem spotykamy się tylko w soboty. Do prób przygotowujemy się w domu. Każdy poświęca na to tyle czasu ile chce i może.

Ewa: A konflikty? Kwestie sporne?. A może nigdy się nie spieracie?

Czarek: Oczywiście, że spory istnieją, ale maja one ‘twórczy“ charakter.

Bywaja ożywione dyskusje, przecież każdy z nas ma inny charakter, inaczej patrzy na różne sprawy. Kiedy za mocno ‘zgrzyta“ - świetnym rozjemcą okazuje się MACIEJ. On również dba o sprawy techniczne zespołu. Ja bardzo lubie scenę, nie boję się jej. Łukasz też nie ma problemów z tremą. PIOTR ze swym saksofonem stanowią jedność. LIBOR to wesoły, cichy chłopak, ale gdy siada do perkusji - zachodzi w nim przemiana.

Ewa: To fakt. Patrząc na Wasz koncert, ma się 100% pewności, że muzyka to Wasz żywioł.

Dundalk Sub Aqua Search and Recovery respondEPISODE 6 zagra 18 lutego w North End Bar, będą koncertować ing to the call out on Sunday to search for the late równiez.

Stephen Fergus

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Dundalk Leader 15th February 2012

Black belts for Blackrock sisters Blackrock sisters Shannon and Rachael Ní Dhonnachadha made some local Karate history when they had the honour of grading for their 1st Dan Blackbelts under eminent Karate master Sensei Yoshi Shinohara 9th Dan Shihan.

Sensei Shinohara flew in especially from London to perform the grading, this was a very special occasion indeed as it is the first time such an eminent high ranking Japanese Karate master has visited the Blackrock and Dundalk area.

The grading took place over an intensive four hour period where their technique and understanding of karate was put

Shannon and Rachael Ni Dhonnachadha with Sensei Yoshi Shinohara

under intense scrutiny.

Despite being both physically and mentally exhausted the girls trav-

elled to a karate competition in Dublin the following day and to the delight of their instructors

Shannon took Gold and Rachael took Silver in what were large Blackbelt sections.

rising to 500 in its high season. They specialise in providing businesses with imprinted pens and other promotional items.

The company is expanding from a building of 40,000 sq ft to one of 110,000 sq ft at the Xerox Technology Park, Dundalk with the move set to commence on April 1.

Building works are already underway and according to Peter Kelly, Senior Vice president of

National Pen, the move will help the company break into new markets.

“The European company’s mail order business has been expanding at a significant rate in recent years. The move to this larger facility will allow us to meet future demand and break into new markets. National Pen currently markets into 17 countries including Australia/New Zealand using 11 languages. “he

explained.

National Pen globally is one of the world’s largest and most successful producers of promotional products specialising in imprinted pens.

Head office is in San Diego California while the company has production facilities in Dundalk, Tennessee and Mexico, the company also has a European Marketing office in Bordeaux, France.

National Pen expansion

By Paul Byrne

In a move that goes against the grain of job losses and cutbacks, National Pen have announced that they plan on moving into a larger facility to cope with greater demand for their products.

National Pen Promotional Products Limited has been in Dundalk since 1987 and has a permanent headcount of 215

Tony Quinn Manager, Caroline Middleton; educogym Manager, Paul Dunne; educogym Trainer, Caitriona Ni Dhomhnaill and Karl Moore of Karls Kitchen Flavours, Dundalk FM

The Vote is on for Your Saint Patrick’s Day Grand Marshals The Dundalk St. Patrick’s Committee have teamed up with The Dundalk Leader to hold The X Factor Competition to vote for your Grand Marshals for this year’s parade.

The theme of this year’s Dundalk St. Patrick’s Day Parade is “Land of Legends…and Full of Life”. The parade will centre on the story of the Tain, with the Grand Marshals being Cuchulainn and Queen Medb. The selection of the Marshals will be made through

public vote and all nominations and voting can be made through The Dundalk Leader.

To nominate a candidate simply fill out the form provided in the paper and drop it into the Dundalk Leader, Clanbrassil Street.

All nominees must have a County Louth connection and the closing date for nominations is 10am Wednesday February 15. A list of the candidates will be published and voting will then take place the over the following two weeks.

The parade will take place on March 17 at 1pm, starting at Patrick Street and travelling onto Clanbrassil Street in the traditional manner.

The town is offering entertainment for all ages straight after the parade which will run from 2pm to 4pm on the Market Square and various other locations around the town.

For more information about the parade log onto www.facebook. com/parade.dundalk

Dundalk Leader 15th February 2012

Monastery NS celebrate Catholic Schools Week

Adam, Luke and Michael Rice with SVP cheque

Monastery National School Ardee joined in the celebrations to mark Catholic Schools’ Week with a school assembly on Monday, January 30.

At the assembly a cheque for €250 was presented to Michael Rice of the Ardee branch of St Vincent De Paul and another cheque for €250 was presented to teacher Kevin Keane rep-

Majella Sands visits Senior Infants

resenting the charity Concern.

This money was raised from a monster raffle held in the school over Christmas 2011 and from the proceeds of our Christmas Concert.

The gifts for the monster raffle were donated by parents of Junior Infants and Monastery NS is very grateful for their support.

On Wednesday, Febru-

ary 1, Monastery NS hosted a “Grandparents’ Day”.

Grandparents’ Mary Thorne, Majella Sands, Colm McDonnell, John McCrohan, Patricia Reid, Kevin Commins, Sheila Murphy and Kathleen Malone visited classes.

Stories were read, tales of their lives and old times in Ardee told and the role of faith in their lives was dis-

cussed. The boys had many questions and the day was enjoyed by all.

On Thursday, February 2, Monastery NS celebrated Candlemas Mass with the girls from Scoil Mhuire na Trócaire. Families of the children were in attendance and the Mass was celebrated by Parish Priest Fr Peter Murphy.

Herr enjoyed time on DTC

By Paul Byrne

Ollan Herr who recently vacated his seat on the Dundalk Town Council has admitted he would have liked to have stayed on longer, while also indicating that he might stand for election in the future.

Ollan became a Town Councillor for Dundalk central in March 2010 upon the appointment of Mark Dearey to the Senate but resigned his seat last month when Dearey confirmed that he intended to return to the council once his co-

option is approved by members of the local authority.

Ollan, a former CBS and DKIT student acknowledged that Mark Dearey had a mandate to sit on Dundalk Town Council but that he enjoyed his time.

“Sitting on Dundalk Town Council was an honour and an education for me and I really appreciated my time there” he said.

“I found all my fellow councillors and the executive an absolute pleasure to work with at all times.

When I asked for the impossible, I

was treated with courtesy and respect.

“Obviously I would have liked to have stayed on longer because I feel I have unfinished business with regards to waste management issues in the town and I would have liked to have pushed on with Dundalk’s excellent recycling facilities and improved them even further.

“But maybe I’ll put myself forward at some point in the future and in the meantime I would like to wish Mark all the best and I’m sure he’ll do a good job in there.

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Pete Treanor’s

Dundalk Leader 15th February 2012

Weekly Quiz

Travel KLM is the national airline of what country?

Movies A boy called Kevin McAllister is the central character in what comedy?

Local Which garage on the Castletown Road were agents for NSU motors?

Politics Who, as Minister for Health, was responsible for the smoking ban in public places?

Showbiz Joe Dolan was a native of what town?

Books Which American writer referred to golf as “A good walk spoiled”?

Sweets Which confectionary company produced the ‘Two and Two’ chocolate bar?

Television Who played the title role in the legal drama series ‘Kavanagh QC’?

Folk Music Who recorded ‘The Four Green Fields’?

Geography In what EU country are the cities of Graz and Salzburg?

This Week’s Stinker Besides creating Guinness Light, Mark Hely-Hutchinson was the only man to do what in National Hunt Racing?

—this week’s answers—

St Pat’s strictly come dancing

By Laura Campbell

Volunteers sign up for “Shave or Dye”

By Aoife Rafferty

Local businessmen in town have come together and organised a charity drive to benefit the Irish Cancer Society.

The shave or dye charity event is on Saturday 18th at 9pm in the Barley Corn, Lurgankeel, Kilcurry.

The eleven participants are all joining together in the shave or dye event in aid of the Irish can-

cer society.

Eleven local members of the town; Shane Mc Guinness, Ian Duffy, Brendan Murphy, Gerard O’ Hare, Fergal Mc Keever, Micheal Breen, Raymond Coburn, Colm McDonald, Tony Webb, Colm O’Neill and Tommy Rafferty are all taking part by getting their hair shaved or dyed.

Two local hairdressers in town, the Hair Shop (Williamson Mall)

and Oasis Barber shop are helping this charity drive by dying the participants’ hair on Wednesday night and then on Saturday they are getting their hair shaved off.

Cancer affects one in three people in Ireland. The latest data indicates that there were over 29,000 new cases of cancer diagnosed in 2010 and this figure is estimated to rise to 43,000 by the year 2020.

St Patricks GFC Complex, Lordship was full of glitz and glamour as they hosted their version of “Strictly Come Dancing” on Saturday February 4.

Over 1000 people attended the event where 13 couples took to the stage and it was clear from their standard of dancing that a lot of work and commitment had been put in over the past three months.

From all over the community the couples on the night were Declan McGlynn and Julie Kirk Carolan, Sean Ryan and Grace Clarke, Shaun McElroy and Irene Cumiskey, Mark Traynor and Emma Marmion, Neil Armstrong and Mary Murphy, Shane O’Shaughnessy and Grainne Smyth, Mícheál McGuiness and Nicola Connor, Niall and Regina Keenan, Pat Finnegan and Regina Byrne, Tommy O’Connor and Aoibhin Conway, Aidan Cranny and Michelle Sheelan, Jody Keenan and Aileen Zamboglou, Tommy McCann and Alison Duffy.

They all had their eyes on the prize but the couple that walked away with it on the night was Sean Ryan and Grace Clarke. They performed a Charleston dance and looked amazing on the night.

The judges of the competition were St. Patricks and Louth player Paddy Keenan, local Irish Dancing star Dearbhla Lennon and choreographer Lynn Jackson,

Got a Story?

We want to hear from you Phone: 0429320888 Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com

1. Netherlands 2. Home Alone 3. Hanratty Motors 4.

Micheal Martin 5. Mullingar 6. Mark Twain 7. Urney 8.

John Thaw 9. Tommy Makem 10. Austria. This Week’s Stinker: The only jockey to fall off Arkle in a race.

Protest against proposed household/water taxes

Dundalk Leader 15th February 2012

The Campaign Against Household and Water Taxes held a public launch meeting on Wednesday 8 February in the Fairways Hotel.

Over 100 local residents were in attendance with chair for the meeting, Gareth Weldon, a local activist, setting the tone for the night by outlining the wider attacks that the Government had introduced and how this campaign gave ordinary people the chance to take things into their own hands

and say ‘enough is enough’.

Speaker on the night, Joe Higgins TD, outlined details of a campaign that has seen huge meetings take place across the country, from Donegal to Dingle, of thousands of ordinary people who are determined to build a campaign of mass non-payment.

The mood at the meeting was one of huge determination to kick start the campaign locally and ensure that mass non-payment of

this unfair tax is built for through door to door knocking and having local meeting across Dundalk and the rest of Mid / North Louth.

An activist meeting is to take place on Thursday 16 February in the town centre. It was agreed at the end of the meeting by attendees that this would focus on bringing the campaign back into the local communities by organising local meetings across Dundalk and Mid / North Louth.

Annemarie McKenna who played on behalf of her mother Margaret O’Donnell from old Golf Link Road, Blackrock, Dundalk, Co Louth has won €40,700 on last Saturday’s National Lottery Winning Streak TV Game show held in RTE. Pictured at the presentation of winning cheques were from left: Marty Whelan, game show host, Margaret O’Donnell, winner, Annemarie McKenna, participant , Declan Harrington, Head of Finance at The National Lottery, Geri Maye, game show host and Michael Boyle. The National Lottery Ticket selling agent from Post Office, Dublin Street, Dundalk.

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Dundalk Leader 15th February 2012

Local fighters impress The New Year got off to a successful start for local Cobra Kan enthusiasts as fighters took part in the New Year Open held in Tallaght.

Peter and Rebecca Lambe Fagan competed in the under 11 and under 9 novice sections where both fought fantastically on the way to the finals as they took home the silver tittles.

Erin O’Connelly fought in the under 9 tall section and fought with huge passion, bringing home the bronze.

For well experienced fighters Megan Rogers, Sean O’Hare and Patrick Mulligan it proved to be a successful and enjoyable day, Megan competed in the advanced – 17 green, blue and purple section she fought a tough range of fighters and secured the bronze in the semi finals.

Sean O’Hare competed in the Advanced -15 green, blue and purple section, Sean cannot be faulted in his fights on the day and secured the

Louth rent prices drop County Louth has suffered the largest drop year-on-year in rental prices among Dublin’s commuter counties it emerged last week. The asking price has dropped a further 1.6% in the final three months of 2011, down now to an average of €664 per month.

Overall prices have fallen by just over 30% since their 2007 peak but are still significantly lower than the national average of €821. However according to property website daft.ie this is an indicator that rental process re now stabilising.

The number of properties available to rent nationwide at the start of 2012 is at its low-

est level in three and a half years. The number of properties available to rent nationwide has fallen by 5.7%. This is primarily driven by Dublin, where there are almost 1,000 fewer proper-

ties available to rent now than a year ago, but where prices have seen a small increase.

Against this backdrop of rent stabilisation, house prices continue to fall. Even the most optimistic property forecasts for 2012 private residential sales are not yet predicted to bottom out.

A report from the property website states ‘One might expect that rents and prices would move together - and that was certainly the case between 2007 and 2009.

However, housing bubbles involve prices getting out of line with underlying rents, so a necessary part of the correction when a bubble ends is that rents stabilise or increase, while house asking prices fall further.’

Innovative local company Matthews Tours was among a number of Failte Ireland Boyne Valley champions helping to promote the area on behalf of Tourism Ireland at the massive Benelux Holiday Show in Utrecht recently.

The fair is the major holiday industry showcase attraction for

the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg region with over 250,000 people visiting over six days.

“Major inroads have been made into what is a huge tourism market for Ireland,” said Colm Murphy from Matthews Tours, who are a Boyne Valley Champion partner of Failte Ire-

land.

“Over 170,000 Dutch tourists visit our shores every year, but they mainly go south and west from Dublin. If we can persuade even one tenth of those to visit the area on Dublin’s doorstep, then we will have earned a major victory for the local economy”, he added.

By Niamh Kirk

Matthews Tours helps tourism Cobra Kan fighters enjoy their success

gold in the final.

Patrick Mulligan competed in the advanced -17 green, blue and purple section, Patrick fought with a huge range

13

Dundalk Leader 15th February 2012

of skills and experience.

For Martina Goss it was an equally successful day Martina made her way to the final were she secured the silver title.

News

in Brief Separated parents

The next Tuesday meeting of the Parents Separated Support Group will take place on February 21.

Those wishing on attending the meetings should confirm their intentions with Val on 085 7303609.

Meetings are every second Tuesday, donations in lieu of set charge for attendance from 7:30 until 9:00pm, at: Social Services Building, 15a Clanbrassil Street.

Visit website at :www. parentsseparated.org for details.

Open Day

Ardee Educate Together National School, Dundalk Road, Ardee are having an Open Night in school building on Tuesday February 28 between 7pm and 8pm.

For further details phone 0416853774.

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Older people to share their views at Active Retirement AGM

Delegates from Active Retirement Associations throughout Co. Louth will travel to Meath next Wednesday, 15th February, to attend the annual general meeting (AGM) of Active Retirement Ireland’s South-East Region. The meeting will take place at 10am in Arboyne Hotel, Dublin Road, Navan, Co. Meath.

Active Retirement Ireland is the national representative body for 534 Active Retirement Associations, with a total membership of over 22,500 people.

Representatives of Active Retirement Associations from counties Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan will attend Tuesday’s meeting.

There are eight Active Retirement Associations in Louth: Ardee ARA; Cooley ARA; Drogheda ARA; Dundalk ARA; Faughart Social Group ARA; LannLeire & District ARA; Omeath & District ARA; and The People’s Club Aclint ARA. The meeting will be addressed by Maureen Kavanagh, Chief Executive of Active Retirement Ireland, as well as Tom O’Mahony, President of the organisation.

Speaking in advance, Maureen Kavanagh, said: “This AGM gives us an opportunity to consult with our members in the North-East, and to hear about the concerns of older people in Louth and surrounding areas. Cutbacks to primary healthcare services, transport schemes and benefits packages are having a serious impact on older people’s quality of life, and many are concerned about how they will cope if there are further cutbacks in the future.

“At Tuesday’s meeting, we will ask all those in attendance to share their views on the issues causing most concern. At national level, Active Retirement Ireland will then work to highlight these issues with the relevant politicians and policymakers.”

Further information about Active Retirement Ireland is available at: www.activeirl.ie.

News

in Brief

Dundalk Leader 15th February 2012 rne’s Paul By

at the time I didn’t know you could get paid for it so it’s only in the late 90s that I went into it full time.

“Obviously it’s a lot quieter now than it was four or five years ago but it’s hard work and you have to look at it in more detail now. The facts are that the banks aren’t lending but i don’t mind hard work it keeps me focused.” he adds.

Jimmy, who recently turned 50 is the chairman for this year’s St Patricks Day parade and he is confident the event will be a huge success.

“It promises to be a big parade this year. We have more participants than last year. Our target is to involve the community more so this year.

“I anticipate between 25-30,000 people into the Euro Auctions, coming into Dundalk Cumiskey Real Estates on that Saturday to and Cumiskey Auctions see the parade. All in so I have added a few all shopkeepers and strings to the bow over publicans, the tills the years.” he explains. should ring big time “I probably always on that day.” enthuses did mortgages for Jimmy. people when I had “There’s a very, very an accountant and strong committee. We bookkeeping service. meet every Thursday That was part of the for a half an hour so all work you did then but in all it’s a group effort.

on Jimmy y ke Cumis

JImmy is very keen to give something back Well known Dundalk businessman Jimmy Cumiskey winces at the memory of his gruelling trek up Mount Kilimanjaro back in September 2006.

“I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro along with nine others for charity.

If you asked me would I do it again I’d definitely have to say no. It took us 14 days to climb and it was extremely tough.

But the real point of it all was the money we made for charities around Dundalk.” recalls Jimmy.

Jenkinstown native Jimmy has been running his European Mortgages business in Park Street for 15 years now and although times have been tough in recent years he says he’s willing to work harder to ensure his business survives.

“I’ve been here at European Mortgages for the last 15 years. It has branched out a bit

It involves member of the urban council, TCCM office, chamber and students from DkIT. I’d be very confident it would be one of the best parades to date.”

Jimmy was also a former chairman for the Dundalk Tidy Towns committee and he feels that he has an obligation to help out his hometown of Dundalk.

“I think Dundalk and North Louth has been good to me. I earn my livelihood from here and have done for the last 25 years. And I always feel and I believe that somebody should give something back to the community.

I always have done be it the local youth club 30 odd years ago, be it for the local football club or the tidy towns the chamber or the hospice.”explains Jimmy “I think it’s probably your civic duty to give something back to a community that has been good for you. This town has supported me over the last number of years and still does albeit in tough times and I believe it is important that I give something back.”

Night out in Good Time Charlies

Kicked doors of a nightclub An 18 year-old youth was seen kicking at doors and windows of a Park Street night club.

He was abusive towards staff and turned Eddie Mc Clearnon, Sharon Mc Gee and Maria Mc Clearnon his ire on Gardai when they arrived at Mr Ridleys after 1am on January 27 last, Dundalk Court heard. Niall Mackin, unemployed of 8, Patrick Tierney Crescent, Castletown Road faced counts of being intoxicated and engaging in threatening, insulting and abusive behaviour.

McDowell Enda Cox and Mairead Connolly David Coyle and Bridget Judge Flann Brennan decided not to record a conviction as he had never come to Garda attention before.

He found the facts proven.

Lorna Mackin and Keith Forde

Anthony Duffy and Mark McGahon

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We want to hear from you

Phone: 0429320888 Email: editorial @dundalkleader.com

Shane Flanagan, Anthony Duffy and Mama Dou

Cathy Smart, Darren McArdle and Michelle McCartney

Dundalk Leader 15th February 2012

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Dundalk Leader 15th February 2012

Music competitions in Ardee The Bohemian Centre, Ardee, will resound with some excellent music making on this coming Sunday February 19 when the Annual Solo and Ensemble competitions organised by the North Eastern Region of the Irish Association

of Brass and Concert Bands take place.

These competitions are hosted by Ardee Concert Band and are open to members of six bands in the area, Drogheda Brass Band, Lourdes Brass Band, Navan Silver Band, Mullingar Town

Band, St. Mary’s Brass and Reed Band, Kingscourt and Ardee Concert Band.

These competitions are divided into under 18 years sections and Open sections so everyone is competing at their own level. Admission is free.

Joanne and Andrew Brodigan with sons Ciaran and Jack at Andrew’s 40th in Brubakers

PJ Gallagher to perform in Spirit Store

Following a series of hilarious shows, the Spirit Store is quickly becoming a notable name on the comedy circuit. This week’s announcement from the venue on the Quay can only serve to cement its place as a must-stop-shop for touring comedians.

Last week the venue added Naked Camera’s PJ Gallagher to the bill. The Dublin born comedian has played in sold out venues throughout Ireland and at some of the world’s biggest festivals including the Carlsberg Comedy, Kilkenny Cat Laughs and regularly the Electric Picnic.

As well as taking to the road on tours, PJ has been a permanent fixture on RTE Two since 2005 when Naked Camera earned it slot. Gallagher has earned himself a cult following with his cringe-inducing characters like the ‘dodgy jumper man’, the incompetent Mr Fix and Jake Stephens. It’s not just the characters that get the laughs as Gallagher exposes the hilarity in the embarrassment of unsuspecting passers-by. PJ has been working on his new six-part series Meet Your Neighbours. Set in a Dublin suburb, PJ plays a host of colourful characters who make up a close-knit community.

He will be taking his show ‘Raging’ to the Spirit Store on March 30.

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Dundalk Leader 15th February 2012

Leap Night benefit concert

A Leap Night benefit concert in aid of St Nicholas Church will be held on Wednesday February 29 at 8pm in St Nicholas Church, Bridge St, Sundalk.

The concert will feature, local singer/songwriter Stewart Agnew, David Martin of the Three Tenors, Emer Kenny (Harp), Jillian Saunders (piano) and local poet Kathleen Maddy.

A CD of all the artists will be available on the night priced at €10.

Tickets are €15 and are available from Belles Tearooms Blackrock;Brenan Marmion, Bachelor’s Walk; Bridge St Post Office; Carrolls Books Shop, Park St; McCormick Butchers, Church St; Stairway to Heaven, Church St; The Beehive, Castletown Rd; Dundalk Parocial House and the Spirit Store, or online at www.writtenireland. com.

Ardee Concert Band’s busy schedule

By Aoife Rafferty After a successful day of performing at the ‘Save St. Josephs Hospital Campaign’ protest march held in Ardee on January 28, the Ardee concert band are quite busy in the upcoming weeks.

Starting off with March 4, the band will launch the ‘National Tree Week’ which is organised by The Tree Council of Ireland and the Ardee Tidy Towns

Committee. President Michael D Higgins will officially launch it by planting a tree.

This will also be the president’s first official visit to the town.

On March 11, Ardee concert band plan on doing a joint workshop with the Britannia concert band from Derry. Both bands will break into small groups for some intensive tutoring.

Afterwards the bands will combine to

perform together.

On St Patrick’s Day the band will be performing twice. They will perform at the Noon Mass for deceased members and then later in the afternoon the band will lead the parade through the town at 3pm.

On March 24 and 25 the annual church gate collection is held. Also on Sunday March 25, 80 younger members are going on a trip to Quasar &

bowling in Blanchardstown.

The main event is the national band championship which are on in the Cork school of music on April 14 and 15. Both the senior and youth band are intending to compete.

As per usual the weekly bingo in the Bohemian centre, Ardee, is still ongoing every Sunday at 8pm.

In the upcoming weeks the Ardee concert band are sure of a busy time.

Lucky winners

Thomas and Valerie Lennon at Andrew Brodigan’s surprise 40th at Brubakers on Friday night

Maureen and John Brodigan

Gerry O’Callaghan and Aga Raab

Aoife claims Bush Factor title

By Laura Campbell St Patricks GFC complex, Lordship was full of talent on Thursday February 9 as Bush Post Primary School presented Bush Factor. The talent competition organised by six Transition Year students was a quick sell out and people very keen to see the performances.

Twelve talented acts made it to the final on Thursday evening.

There was a hip hop dance group, break-dancers, rappers, a band and singers. All acts put in amazing performances and it was very hard to decide the winner. Twelve year old singer, Aoife McGowan, won the competition with a mind-blowing performance of ‘Don’t Stop Believing’. Aoife, who reached the third round of Britain’s Got Talent, said “I can’t believe it to be honest, I didn’t expect this to happen, I only did it for fun”.

Second place went to the band

The Procrastinators and joint third place went to singers Caitlin Ni Chonboirne and Alex Wakrim.

The judges were singer/songwriter Stewart Agnew, teacher and TY co-ordinator Martina O’Connor and singer/songwriter Simon O’Driscoll. Each judge gave positive and encouraging comments to all the acts.

The audience enjoyed an incredible performance from 16 year old singer and judge Simon O’Driscoll who performed three songs. Simon who is new

at judging said “The show was absolutely brilliant. I couldn’t get over the standard of talent between singing, dancing and rapping, it was outstanding”.

Teacher and helper of organising the event, Kim Lynch said “Bush Factor encapsulates everything that is good about Bush; talent, ambition, drive and determination”.

The show hosted by Darren Marks and Aidan Faughey was a huge success and all the money raised is been given to Make a Wish foundation.

The winners of the tickets to the Brendan Grace concert in The Dundalk Leader were Aija Martin & Siobhan Hamill. We have another to pairs of tickets to be won in this weeks competition.

18

Over to you Do you think GAA managers should get paid?

Dundalk Leader 15th February 2012

Mick Mandaville

Willie Dillon

The days of the GAA being an amateur sport are long gone at this stage. Managers should definitely get paid for the time and effort they put in. I’m still not too sure about footballers though.

Of course they should get paid. The role of a manager is a lot more intense than it used to be. They deserve a few quid.

I still don’t think footballers should get paid though. We should keep the game amateur.

Martin Myles

Well I play hurling myself so I know firsthand the commitment and efforts that the players and backroom staff put in to the game. If the GAA go down the route of paying managers then it’s only fair that the players get paid as well. Even let the players get their hurley or jersey sponsored to generate a few quid for the player.

Brian Agnew

Gerry Mooney

Some of them are worth the money, some are not. If they are getting results then they deserve to be paid and if they win nothing they should get nothing.

It’s a tough one but I think they should get a few quid and the players should be getting paid as well. At the end of the day it’s the players that keep the show on the road. Without them there is no GAA.

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Thomas Markey Cumann successful meeting A very well attended annual general meeting of the Thomas Markey Cumann Fianna Fail was held in the Fairways Hotel on Monday January 30.

Chairman Peter McKevitt opened the meeting by thanking

members for their continued support for the party throughout 2011. Many issues were raised including the issue of St. Oliver’s Nursing Home here in Dundalk.

All members called for

Fianna Fail to address the issue in the Dail with the Minister for Health as a matter of urgency.

The following members were elected to the Officer Board.

Hon Presidents Tom Carroll, Tom Clarke, Chair, Peter

McKevitt, Secretary Margaret Lambe, Joint Treasurers Deirdre Gerlitz and Carmel Logan, Ogra Office James Clarke, Delegates to the Comhairle Ceantair John Temple, Margaret Lambe, Peter McKevitt.

Pat and John Lennon at Andrew Brodigan’s 40th Birthday Party

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Fully Qualified Mechanic available for MOT, servicing & Mechanical repairs. Renault specialist Tel Declan 0044 7749488859 HOUSE MAINTENANCE All types.

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 087267-1809, 7 Distillery Lane.

Weddings 2012 Special at Peter Hughes Photography, Professional Wedding Photography, full coverage of wedding and 26 page picture story book album total price €750 phone 042 9333732 mob 087 2561161

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Dundalk Leader 15th February 2012

Appliances

Book-Keeping

Builder

Bathrooms

Blinds

Cleaning

Builder

Blinds

Conservatories/Windows/Sunrooms

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Dundalk Leader 15th February 2012

Driving School

Couriers

Home Insurance & Claims

Sliding Wardrobes

Locksmiths Skips

Electrical

Garden Sheds

Sliding Wardrobes

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Dundalk Leader 15th February 2012

Andrew Brodigan’s 40th in Brubakers Tyres

Mary Rice, Mairead Nixon and Amy Leonard

osz and Antoinette Murphy, Beata Dziad

Alison Harmon

Emma, Rebecca, Catriona and Abigail O’Sullivan

Regina O’Keefe Bernie Kehoe, Amy Leonard and

Kevin Mullholland and Conor Darcy

Windows Michael Reid, Jimmy Tour and Niall Callery

Anne Darcy and Emma Kieran Brothers and sisters, Trish McGuinness, Andrew Brodigan, Catriona O’Sullivan,and Ian and Gary Brodigan

Ciaran and Jack Brodigan

Gary Brodigan, Paul Moore and Fergal Collins

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Dundalk Leader 15th February 2012

MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

The All-New Generation Mitsubishi Outlander Crossover should be arriving here late 2012.

At launch, there will be a choice between two engines - 2.0 MIVEC petrol or 2.2 MIVEC Clean Diesel.

Depending on market, model, engine and specifications, Auto Stop & Go will be available, as well as an all-new 6-speed automatic gearbox. Both engines can be specified with either 2 or 4-wheel drive.

Equipment wise the specs and options look promising with Forward Collision Mitigation system, Lane Departure Warning system, Active Cruise Control and Super-HiD “Wide Vision� xenon head-

lamps.

In 2013 Mitsubishi are planning to add an EV-based Plug-In Hybrid powertrain for the Outlander, which will push emissions down to around 50 g/km.

Dundalk Leader 15th February 2012

NEW FIAT PANDA The new 5-door Fiat Panda has just been launched with three engines: two petrol - 1.2-litre petrol (69 bhp), 0.9-litre TwinAir (85bhp) and a turbodiesel 1.3-litre MultiJet (75bhp).

The entry model receives elec-

tric windows, central locking, power steering, four airbags and body colour bumpers. Options include ESP, roof rails and black pastel paint.

The next model adds remote central locking, air conditioning, roof rails and a better audio system.

The top of the range model adds heated electric mirrors, 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, body coloured mirrors and door handles, and side mouldings.

There is a long list of options which lets you specify a choice of 10 exterior colours and 6 interior/ dashboard combinations. In addition, you can add a Low Speed Collision Mitigation system capable of automatically activating emergency braking at speeds less than 18.6mph.

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Dundalk Leader 15th February 2012